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| Simplified Chinese version |
《刘皇叔北海救孔融，吕温侯濮阳破曹操 - Liu Bei Rescues Kong Rong At Beihai; Lu Bu Defeats Cao Cao Near Puyang》 |
| 1 | 刘皇叔北... : | 却说献计之人，乃东海朐县人：姓糜，名竺，字子仲。此人家世富豪。尝往洛阳买卖，乘车而回，路遇一美妇人，来求同载，竺乃下车步行，让车与妇人坐。妇人请竺同载。竺上车端坐，目不邪视。行及数里，妇人辞去；临别对竺曰：“我乃南方火德星君也，奉上帝敕，往烧汝家。感君相待以礼，故明告君。君可速归，搬出财物。吾当夜来。”言讫不见。竺大惊，飞奔到家，将家中所有，疾忙搬出。是晚果然厨中火起，尽烧其屋。竺因此广舍家财，济贫拔苦。后陶谦聘为别驾从事。当日献计曰：“某愿亲往北海郡，求孔融起兵救援；更得一人往青州田楷处求救：若二处军马齐来，操必退兵矣。” |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
It was one Mi Zhu who said he knew how to defeat Cao Cao utterly. Mi Zhu came of a wealthy family of merchants in Donghai and trading in Luoyang. One day traveling homeward from that city in a carriage, he met an exquisitely beautiful lady trudging along the road, who asked him to let her ride. He stopped and yielded his place to her. She invited him to share the seat with her. He mounted, but sat rigidly upright, never even glancing in her direction. They traveled thus for some miles when she thanked him and alighted. Just as she left she said, "I am the Goddess of Fire from the Southern Land. I am on my way to execute a decree of the Supreme God to burn your dwelling, but your extreme courtesy has so deeply touched me that I now warn you. Hasten homeward, remove your valuables, for I must arrive tonight." Thereupon she disappeared. Mi Zhu hastily finished his journey and, as soon as he arrived, moved everything out of his house. Sure enough that night a fire started in the kitchen and involved the whole house. After this he devoted his wealth to relieving the poor and comforting the afflicted. Tao Qian gave him the magistracy office he then held. The plan Mi Zhu proposed was this: "I will go to Beihai and beg Governor Kong Rong to help. Another should go to Qingzhou on a similar mission to get the help from Imperial Protector Tian Kai. If the armies of these two places march on Cao Cao, he will certainly retire." | |
| 2 | 刘皇叔北... : | 谦从之，遂写书二封，问帐下谁人敢去青州求救。一人应声愿往。众视之，乃广陵人：姓陈，名登，字元龙。陶谦先打发陈元龙往青州去讫，然后命糜竺赍书赴北海，自己率众守城，以备攻击。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: | Tao Qian accepted the plan and wrote two letters. He asked for a volunteer to go to Qingzhou, and a certain Chen Deng of Guangling offered himself and, after he had left, Mi Zhu was formally entrusted with the mission to the north. Meanwhile Tao Qian and his generals would hold the city as they could. | |
| 3 | 刘皇叔北... : | 却说北海孔融，字文举，鲁国曲阜人也；孔子二十世孙，泰山都尉孔宙之子。自小聪明。年十岁时，往谒河南尹李膺，阍人难之，融曰：“我系李相通家。”及入见，膺问曰：“汝祖与吾祖何亲？”融曰：“昔孔子曾问礼于老子，融与君岂非累世通家？”膺大奇之。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Kong Rong was a native of Qufu in the old state of Lu. He was one of the twentieth generation in descent from the great Teacher Confucius (Kong Fuzi). Kong Rong had been noted as a very intelligent lad, somewhat precocious. When ten years old he had gone to see Li Ying, the Governor of Henan, but the doorkeeper demurred to letting him in. But when Kong Rong said, "I am Minister Li Ying's intimate friend," he was admitted. Li Ying asked Kong Rong what relations had existed between their families that might justify the term intimate. The boy replied, "Of old my ancestor Confucius questioned your ancestor, the Daoist sage Laozi, concerning ceremonies. So our families have known each other for many generations." Li Ying was astonished at the boy's ready wit. | |
| 4 | 刘皇叔北... : | 少顷，太中大夫陈炜至。膺指融曰：“此奇童也。”炜曰：“小时聪明，大时未必聪明。”融即应声曰：“如君所言，幼时必聪明者。”炜等皆笑曰：“此子长成，必当代之伟器也。”自此得名。后为中郎将，累迁北海太守。极好宾客，常曰：“座上客常满，樽中酒不空：吾之愿也。”在北海六年，甚得民心。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Presently High Minister Chen Wei visited, to whom Li Ying told the story of his youthful guest. "He is a wonder, this boy," said Li Ying, pointing to Kong Rong. Chen Wei replied, "It does not follow that a clever boy grows up into a clever man." The lad took him up at once, saying, "By what you say, Sir, you were certainly one of the clever boys." The Minister and the Governor all laughed, saying, "The boy is going to be a noble vessel." Thus from boyhood Kong Rong was famous. As a man he rose to be an Imperial Commander and was sent as Governor to Beihai, where he was renowned for hospitality. He used to quote the lines: "Let the rooms be full of friends, And the cups be full of wine. That is what I like." After six years at Beihai the people were devoted to him. | |
| 5 | 刘皇叔北... : | 当日正与客坐，人报徐州糜竺至。融请入见，问其来意，竺出陶谦书，言：“曹操攻围甚急，望明公垂救。”融曰：“吾与陶恭祖交厚，子仲又亲到此，如何不去。只是曹孟德与我无雠，当先遣人送书解和。如其不从，然后起兵。”竺曰：“曹操倚仗兵威，决不肯和。”融教一面点兵，一面差人送书。正商议间，忽报黄巾贼党管亥部领群寇数万杀奔前来。孔融大惊，急点本部人马，出城与贼迎战。管亥出马曰：“吾知北海粮广，可借一万石，即便退兵；不然，打破城池老幼不留！”孔融叱曰：“吾乃大汉之臣，守大汉之地，岂有粮米与贼耶！”管亥大怒，拍马舞刀，直取孔融。融将宗宝挺枪出马；战不数合，被管亥一刀，砍宗宝于马下。孔融兵大乱，奔入城中。管亥分兵四面围城，孔融心中郁闷。糜竺怀愁，更不待言。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
The day that Mi Zhu arrived, Kong Rong was, as usual, seated among his guests, and the messenger was ushered in without delay. In reply to a question about the reason of the visit, Mi Zhu presented Tao Qian's letter which said that Cao Cao was pressing on Xuzhou City and the Imperial Protector prayed for help. Then said Kong Rong, "Your master and I are good friends, and your presence here constrains me to go to his aid. However, I have no quarrel with Cao Cao either, so I will first write to him to try to make peace. If he refuses my offer, then I must set the army in motion." "Cao Cao will not listen to proposals of peace: He is too certain of his strength," said Mi Zhu. Kong Rong wrote his letter and also gave orders to muster his troops. Just at this moment happened another rising of the Yellow Scarves, ten thousand of them, and the ruffians began to rob and murder at Beihai. It was necessary to deal with them first, and Kong Rong led his army outside the city. The rebel leader, Guan Hai, rode out to the front, saying, "I know this county is fruitful and can well spare ten thousand carts of grain. Give me that and we retire; refuse, and we will batter down the city walls and destroy every soul!" Kong Rong shouted back, "I am a servant of the great Hans, entrusted with the safety of their land. Think you I will feed rebels?" Guan Hai whipped his steed, whirled his sword around his head, and rode forward. Zong Bao, one of Kong Rong's generals, set his spear and rode out to give battle, but after a very few bouts Zong Bao was cut down. Soon the soldiers fell into panic and rushed pell-mell into the city for protection. The rebels then laid siege to the city on all sides. Kong Rong was very down-hearted; and Mi Zhu, who now saw no hope for the success of his mission, was grieved beyond words. | |
| 6 | 刘皇叔北... : | 次日，孔融登城遥望，贼势浩大，倍添忧恼。忽见城外一人挺枪跃马杀入贼阵，左冲右突，如入无人之境，直到城下大叫：“开门！”孔融不识其人，不敢开门。贼众赶到河边，那人回身连搠十数人下马，贼众倒退，融急命开门引入。其人下马弃枪，迳到城上，拜见孔融。融问其姓名对曰：“某东莱黄县人也：覆姓太史，名慈，字子义。老母重蒙恩顾。某昨自辽东回家省亲，知贼寇城，老母说：‘屡受府君深恩，汝当往救。’某故单马而来。”孔融大喜。原来孔融与太史慈，虽未识面，却晓得他是个英雄。因他远出，有老母住在离城二十里之外，融常使人遣以粟帛；母感融德，故特使慈来救。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
The sight from the city wall was exceeding sad, for the rebels were there in enormous numbers. One day standing on the wall, Kong Rong saw afar a man armed with a spear riding hard in among the Yellow Scarves and scattering them before him like chaff before the wind. Before long the man had reached the foot of the wall and called out, "Open the gate!" But the defenders would not open to an unknown man, and in the delay a crowd of rebels gathered round the rider along the edge of the moat. Suddenly wheeling about, the warrior dashed in among them and bowled over a dozen at which the others fell back. At this Kong Rong ordered the wardens to open the gates and let the stranger enter. As soon as he was inside, he dismounted, laid aside his spear, ascended the wall, and made humble obeisance to the Governor. "My name is Taishi Ci, and I am from the county of Laihuang. I only returned home yesterday from the north to see my mother, and then I heard that your city was in danger from a rebel attack. My mother said you had been very kind to her and told me I should try to help. So I set out all alone, and here I am." This was cheering. Kong Rong already knew Taishi Ci by reputation as a valiant fighting man, although they two had never met. The son being far away from his home, Kong Rong had taken his mother, who dwelt a few miles from the city, under his especial protection and saw that she did not suffer from want. This had won the old lady's heart and she had sent her son to show her gratitude. | |
| 7 | 刘皇叔北... : | 当下孔融重待太史慈，赠与衣甲鞍马。慈曰：“某愿借精兵一千，出城杀贼。”融曰：“君虽英勇，然贼势甚盛，不可轻出。”慈曰：“老母感君厚德，特遣慈来；如不能解围，慈亦无颜见母矣。愿决一死战。”融曰：“吾闻刘玄德乃当世英雄，若请得他来相救此围自解；只无人可使耳。”慈曰：“府君修书，某当急往。”融喜，修书付慈。慈擐甲上马，腰带弓矢，手时铁枪，饱食严装，城门开处，一骑飞出。近河，贼将率众来战，慈连搠死数人，透围而出。管亥知有人出城，料必是请救兵的，便自引数百骑赶来，八面围定。慈倚住枪，拈弓搭箭，八面射之，无不应弦落马。贼众不敢来追。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Kong Rong showed his appreciation by treating his guest with the greatest respect, making him presents of clothing and armor, saddles and horses. Presently said Taishi Ci, "Give me a thousand soldiers, and I will go out and drive off these fellows." "You are a bold warrior, but they are very numerous. It is a serious matter to go out among them," said Kong Rong. "My mother sent me because of your goodness to her. How shall I be able to look her in the face if I do not raise the siege? I would prefer to conquer or perish." "I have heard Liu Bei is one of the heroes in the world. If we could get his help, there would be no doubt of the result. But there is no one to send." "I will go as soon as I have received your letter!" So Kong Rong wrote letters and gave them to his helper. Taishi Ci put on his armor, mounted his steed, attached his bow and quiver to his girdle, took his spear in his hand, tied his packed haversack firmly to his saddle bow, and rode out at the city gate. He went quite alone. Along the moat a large party of the besiegers were gathered, and they came to intercept the solitary rider. But Taishi Ci dashed in among them and cut down several and so finally fought his way through. Guan Hai, hearing that a rider had left the city, guessed what his errand would be and followed Taishi Ci with a party of horsemen. Guan Hai spread them out so that the messenger rider was entirely surrounded. Then Taishi Ci laid aside his spear, took his bow, adjusted his arrows one by one and shot all round him. And as a rider fell from his steed with every twang of Taishi Ci's bowstring, the pursuers dared not close in. | |
| 8 | 刘皇叔北... : | 太史慈得脱，星夜投平原来见刘玄德。施礼罢，具言孔北海被围求救之事，呈上书札。玄德看毕，问慈曰：“足下何人？”慈曰：“某太史慈，东海之鄙人也。与孔融亲非骨肉，比非乡党，特以气谊相投，有分忧共患之意。今管亥暴乱，北海被围，孤穷无告，危在旦夕。闻君仁义素著，能救人危急，故特令某冒锋突围，前来求救。”玄德敛容答曰：“孔北海知世间有刘备耶？”乃同云长、翼德点精兵三千，往北海郡进发。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Thus he got clear away and rode in hot haste to Liu Bei. Taishi Ci reached Pingyuan, and after greeting his host in proper form he told how Kong Rong was surrounded and had sent him for help. Then he presented the letter which Liu Bei read. "And who are you?" asked Liu Bei. "I am Taishi Ci, a fellow from Laihuang. I am not related by ties of kin to Kong Rong, nor even by ties of neighborhood, but I am by the bonds of sentiment and I share his sorrows and misfortunes. The Yellow Scarves have invested his city, and he is distressed with none to turn to, and destruction is very near. You are known as humane, righteous, and eager to help the distressed. Therefore at his command I have braved all dangers and fought my way through his enemies to pray you save him." Liu Bei smiled and sighed, saying, "And does he know there is a Liu Bei in this world?" So Liu Bei, together with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, told off three thousand troops and set out to help raise the siege. | |
| 9 | 刘皇叔北... : | 管亥望见救军来到，亲自引兵迎敌；因见玄德兵少，不以为意。玄德与关、张、太史慈立马阵前，管亥忿怒直出。太史慈却待向前，云长早出，直取管亥。两马相交，众军大喊；量管亥怎敌得云长，数十合之间，青龙刀起，劈管亥于马下。太史慈，张飞，两骑齐出，双枪并举，杀入贼阵。玄德驱兵掩杀。城上孔融望见太史慈与关、张赶杀贼众，如虎入羊群，纵横莫当，便驱兵出城。两下夹攻，大败群贼，降者无数，馀党溃散。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
When the rebel leader Guan Hai saw these new forces arriving, he led out his army to fight them, thinking he could easily dispose of so small a force. The brothers and Taishi Ci with them sat on their horses in the forefront of their array. Guan Hai hastened forward. Taishi Ci was ready to fight, but Guan Yu had opened the combat. He rode forth and the two steeds met. The soldiers set up a great noise. After a few bouts Guan Yu's green-dragon saber rose and fell, and with the stroke fell the rebel leader. This was the signal for Zhang Fei and Taishi Ci to take a share, and they advanced side by side. With their spears ready they dashed in, and Liu Bei urged forward his force. The besieged Governor saw his doughty rescuers laying low the rebels as tigers among a flock of sheep. None could withstand them, and he then sent out his own troops to join in the battle so that the rebels were between two armies. The rebels' force was completely broken and many troops surrendered, while the remainder scattered in all directions. | |
| 10 | 刘皇叔北... : | 孔融迎接玄德入城，叙礼毕，大设筵宴庆贺。又引糜竺出见玄德，具言张闓杀曹嵩之事：“今曹操纵兵大掠，围住徐州，特来求救。”玄德曰：“陶恭祖乃仁人君子，不意受此无辜之冤。”孔融曰：“公乃汉室宗亲，今曹操残害百姓，倚强欺弱，何不与融同往救之？”玄德曰：“备非敢推辞，奈兵微将寡，恐难轻动。”孔融曰：“融之欲救陶恭祖，虽因旧谊，亦为大义。公岂独无仗义之心耶？”玄德曰：“既如此，请文举先行，容备去公孙瓒处，借三五千人马，随后便来。”融曰：“公切勿失信。”玄德曰：“公以备为何如人也？圣人云：‘自古皆有死，人无信不立。’刘备借得军，或借不得军，必然亲至。” |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
The victors were welcomed into the city, and as soon as possible a banquet was prepared in their honor. Mi Zhu was presented to Liu Bei. Mi Zhu related the story of the murder of Cao Song by Zhang Kai, Cao Cao's vengeful attack on Xuzhou, and his coming to beg for assistance. Liu Bei said, "Imperial Protector Tao Qian is a kindly man of high character, and it is a pity that he should suffer this wrong for no fault of his own." "You are a scion of the imperial family," said Governor Kong Rong, "and this Cao Cao is injuring the people, a strong man abusing his strength. Why not go with me to rescue the sufferers?" "I dare not refuse, but my force is weak and I must act cautiously," said Liu Bei. "Though my desire to help arises from an old friendship, yet it is a righteous act as well. I do not think your heart is not inclined toward the right," said Kong Rong. Liu Bei said, "This being so, you go first and give me time to see Gongsun Zan from whom I may borrow more troops and horses. I will come anon." "You surely will not break your promise?" said the Governor. "What manner of man think you that I am?" said Liu Bei. "The Sage said, 'Death is common to all; the person without truth cannot maintain the self.' Whether I get the troops or not, certainly I shall come myself." | |
| 11 | 刘皇叔北... : | 孔融应允；教糜竺先回徐州去报，融便收拾起程。太史慈拜谢曰：“慈奉母命前来相助，今幸无虞。有扬州刺史刘繇，与慈同郡，有书来唤，不敢不去。容图再见。”融以金帛相酬，慈不肯受而归。其母见之，喜曰：“我喜汝有以报北海也！”遂遣慈往扬州去了。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
So the plan was agreed to. Mi Zhu set out to return forthwith while Kong Rong prepared for his expedition. Taishi Ci took his leave, saying, "My mother bade me come to your aid, and now happily you are safe. Letters have come from my fellow townsman, Liu Yao, Imperial Protector of Yangzhou, calling me thither and I must go. I will see you again." Kong Rong pressed rewards upon Taishi Ci, but he would accept nothing and departed. When his mother saw him, she was pleased at his success, saying, "I rejoice that you have been able to prove your gratitude!" After this he departed for Yangzhou. | |
| 12 | 刘皇叔北... : | 不说孔融起兵。且说玄德离北海来见公孙瓒，且说欲救徐州之事。瓒曰：“曹操与君无雠，何苦替人出力？”玄德曰：“备已许人，不敢失信。”瓒曰：“我借与君马步军二千。”玄德曰：“更望借赵子龙一行。”瓒许之。玄德遂与关、张引本部三千人为前部，子龙引二千人随后，往徐州来。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Liu Bei went away to his friend Gongsun Zan and laid before Gongsun Zan his design to help Xuzhou. "Cao Cao and you are not enemies. Why do you spend yourself for the sake of another?" said Gongsun Zan. "I have promised," Liu Bei replied, "and dare not break faith." "I will lend you two thousand horse and foot," said Gongsun Zan. "Also, I wish to have the services of Zhao Zilong," said Liu Bei. Gongsun Zan agreed to this also. They marched away, Liu Bei's own troops being in the front, and Zhao Zilong, with the borrowed troops, being in rear. | |
| 13 | 刘皇叔北... : | 却说糜竺回报陶谦，言北海又请得刘玄德来助；陈元龙也回报青州田楷欣然领兵来救；陶谦心安。原来孔融、田楷两路军马，惧怕曹兵势猛，远远依山下寨，未敢轻进。曹操见两路军到，亦分了军势，不敢向前攻城。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
In due course Mi Zhu returned saying that Kong Rong had also obtained the services of Liu Bei. The other messenger, Chen Deng, came back and reported that Tian Kai would also bring help. Then was Tao Qian's heart set at ease. But both the leaders, though they had promised aid, greatly dreaded their antagonist and camped among the hills at a great distance, fearful of coming too close to Cao Cao's quarters. Cao Cao knew of their coming and divided his army into parts to meet them, so postponing the attack on the city itself. | |
| 14 | 刘皇叔北... : | 却说刘玄德军到，见孔融。融曰：“曹兵势大，操又善于用兵，未可轻战。且观其动静，然后进兵。”玄德曰：“但恐城中无粮，难以久持。备令云长、子龙领军四千，在公部下相助；备与张飞奔曹营，迳投徐州去见陶使君商议。”融大喜，会合田楷，为犄角之势；云长、子龙领兵两边接应。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Presently Liu Bei came up and went to see Kong Rong, who said, "The enemy is very powerful, and Cao Cao handles his army skillfully. We must be cautious. Let us make most careful observations before we strike a blow." "What I fear is famine in the city," said Liu Bei. "They cannot hold out very long. I will put my troops with yours under your command, while I with Zhang Fei make a dash through to see Tao Qian and consult with him." Kong Rong approved of this, so he and Tian Kai took up positions on the ox-horn formation, with Guan Yu and Zhao Zilong on either side to support them. | |
| 15 | 刘皇叔北... : | 是日玄德、张飞引一千人马杀入曹兵寨边。正行之间，寨内一声鼓响，马军步军，如潮似浪，拥将出来。当头一员大将乃是于禁，勒马大叫：“何处狂徒！往那里去！”张飞见了，更不打话，直取于禁。两马相交，战到数合，玄德掣双股剑麾兵大进，于禁败走。张飞当前追杀，直到徐州城下。城上望见红旗白字，大书“平原刘玄德”陶谦急令开门。玄德入城，陶谦接著，共到府衙。礼毕，设宴相待，一面劳军。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
When Liu Bei and Zhang Fei leading one thousand troops made their dash to get through Cao Cao's army, they got as far as the flank of his camp when there arose a great beating of drums, and horse and foot rolled out like billows on the ocean. The leader was Yu Jin. Yu Jin checked his steed and called out, "You mad men from somewhere, where are you going?" Zhang Fei heard Yu Jin but deigned no reply. He only rode straight to attack the speaker. After they had fought a few bouts, Liu Bei waved his double swords as signal for his troops to come on, and they drove Yu Jin before them. Zhang Fei led the pursuit and in this way they reached the city wall. From the city wall, the besieged saw a huge banner embroidered in white Liu Bei of Pingyuan, and the Imperial Protector bade them open the gate for the rescuers to enter. Liu Bei was made very welcome, conducted to the residency, and a banquet prepared in his honor. The soldiers also were feasted. | |
| 16 | 刘皇叔北... : | 陶谦见玄德仪表轩昂，语言豁达，心中大喜，便命糜竺取徐州牌印，让与玄德。玄德愕然曰：“公何意也？”谦曰：“今天下扰乱，王纲不振，公乃汉室宗亲，正宜力扶社稷。老夫年迈无能，情愿将徐州相让。公勿推辞。谦当自写表文，申奏朝廷。”玄德离席再拜曰：“刘备虽汉朝苗裔，功微德薄，为平原相犹恐不称职；今为大义，故来相助；公出此言，莫非疑刘备有吞并之心耶？若举此念，皇天不佑！”谦曰：“此老夫之实情也。”再三相让，玄德那里肯受。糜竺进曰：“今兵临城下，且当商议退敌之策。待事平之日，再当相让可也。”玄德曰：“备当遗书于曹操，劝令解和。操若不从，厮杀未迟。”于是传檄三寨，且按兵不动；遣人赍书以达曹操。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Tao Qian was delighted with Liu Bei, admiring his high-spirited appearance and clear speech. Tao Qian bade Mi Zhu offer Liu Bei the seal and insignia of the protectorship office. But Liu Bei shrank back startled. "What does this mean?" said Liu Bei. Tao Qian said, "There is trouble on every side, and the kingly rule is no longer maintained. You, Sir, are a member of the family and eminently fitted to support them and their prerogatives. I am verging on senility, and I wish to retire in your favor. I pray you not to decline, and I will report my action to the court." Liu Bei started up from his seat and bowed before his host, saying, "Scion of the family I may be, but my merit is small and my virtue meager. I doubt my fitness even for my present post, and only a feeling of doing right sent me to your assistance. To hear such speech makes me doubt. Surely you think I came with greed in my heart. May God help me no more if I cherished such a thought!" "It is a poor old man's real sentiment," said Tao Qian. Time after time Tao Qian renewed his offer to entrust the region of Xuzhou to Liu Bei, but Liu Bei kept refusing. In the midst of this came Mi Zhu, saying, "The enemies had reached the wall, and something must be done to drive them off. The present matter could await a more tranquil time." Said Liu Bei, "I ought to write to Cao Cao to press him to raise the siege. If he refuses, we will attack forthwith." Orders were sent to the camps outside to remain quiescent till the letter could reach Cao Cao. | |
| 17 | 刘皇叔北... : | 却说曹操正在军中，与诸将议事，人报徐州有战书到。操拆而观之，乃刘备书也。书略曰：“备自关外得拜君颜，嗣后天各一方，不及趋侍。向者，尊父曹侯，实因张闓不仁，以致被害，非陶恭祖之罪也。目今黄巾遗孽，扰乱于外；董卓馀党，盘踞于内。愿明公先朝廷之急，而后私雠；撤徐州之兵，以救国难：则徐州幸甚，天下幸甚！” |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
It happened that Cao Cao was holding a council when a messenger with a war letter was announced. The letter was brought in and handed to him and, when he had opened and looked at it, he found it was from Liu Bei. This is the letter, very nearly: "Since meeting you outside the pass, fate has assigned us to different quarters of the world, and I have not been able to pay my respects to you. Touching the death of your noble father, it was owing to the vicious nature of Zhang Kai and due to no fault of Tao Qian. Now while the remnant of the Yellow Scarves is disturbing the lands, and Dong Zhuo's partisans have the upper hand in the capital, I wish that you, Illustrious Sir, would regard the critical position of the court rather than your personal grievances, and so divert your forces from the attack on Xuzhou to the rescue of the state. Such would be for the happiness of this city and the whole empire." | |
| 18 | 刘皇叔北... : | 曹操看书，大骂：“刘备何人，敢以书来劝我！且中间有讥讽之意！”命斩来使，一面竭力攻城。郭嘉谏曰：“刘备远来救援，先礼后兵，主公当用好言答之，以慢备心；然后进兵攻城，城可破也。”操从其言，款留来使，候发回书。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Cao Cao gave vent to a torrent of abuse: "Who is this Liu Bei that he dares write and exhort me? Beside, he means to be satirical." Cao Cao issued orders to put the bearer of the letter to death and to press on the siege. But Guo Jia remonstrated, saying, "Liu Bei has come from afar to help Tao Qian, and he is trying the effect of politeness before resorting to arms. I pray you, my lord, reply with fair words that his heart may be lulled with a feeling of safety. Then attack with vigor and the city will fall." Cao Cao found this advice good, so he spared the messenger, telling him to wait to carry back his reply. | |
| 19 | 刘皇叔北... : | 正商议间，忽流星马飞报“祸事！”。操问其故，报说吕布已袭破兖州，进据濮阳。原来吕布自遭李、郭之乱，逃出武关，去投袁术；术怪吕布反覆不定，拒而不纳。投袁绍，绍纳之，与布共破张燕于常山；布自以为得志，傲慢袁绍手下将士。绍欲杀之，布乃去投张扬，扬纳之。时庞舒在长安城中，私藏吕布妻小，送还吕布。李傕、郭汜知之，遂斩庞舒，写书与张扬，教杀吕布；布因弃张扬去投张邈。恰好张邈弟张超引陈宫来见张邈。宫说邈曰：“今天下分崩，英雄并起，君以千里之众，而反受制于人，不亦鄙乎！今曹操征东，兖州空虚，而吕布乃当世勇士，若与之共取兖州，伯业可图也。”张邈大喜，便令吕布袭破兖州，随据濮阳。止有鄄城，东阿，范县三处，被荀彧、程昱设计死守得全，其馀俱破。曹仁屡战，皆不能胜，特此告急。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
While this was going on, a horseman came with news of misfortune: "Lu Bu has invaded Yanzhou, now holding Puyang. The three counties left —-Juancheng, Fanxia, and Dongjun —-are under severe attacks!" When Li Jue and Guo Si, the two partisans of Dong Zhuo, succeeded in their attack on the capital, Lu Bu had fled to Yuan Shu. However, Yuan Shu looked askance at him for his instability and refused to receive him. Then Lu Bu went to try Yuan Shao, who was a brother of Yuan Shu. Yuan Shao accepted the warrior and made use of him in an attack upon Zhang Yan in Changshan. But Lu Bu's success filled him with pride, and his arrogant demeanor so annoyed the other commanders that Yuan Shao was on the point of putting him to death. To escape this Lu Bu had gone away to Zhang Yang, Governor of Shangdang, who accepted his services. About this time Pang Shu, who had been hiding and protecting Lu Bu's family in Changan since his disappearance, restored them to him. This deed angered Li Jue and Guo Si so that they put Pang Shu to death and wrote to Lu Bu's protector to serve him the same. To escape this Lu Bu once again had to flee and this time joined himself to Zhang Miao, the Governor of Chenliu. Lu Bu arrived just as Zhang Miao's brother, Zhang Chao, was introducing Chen Gong. Chen Gong said to Zhang Miao, "The rupture of the empire has begun, and warlords are seizing what they can. It is strange that you, with all the advantages of population and provisions you enjoy, do not strike for independence. Cao Cao has gone on an expedition against the east, leaving his own territory defenseless. Lu Bu is one of the warriors of the day. If you and he together attacked and got Yanzhou, you could then proceed to the dominion." Zhang Miao was pleased and resolved to try. He ordered an attack, and soon Lu Bu was in possession of Yanzhou and its neighborhood, all but three small counties of Juancheng, Fanxia, and Dongjun, which were vigorously and desperately defended by Xun Yu and Cheng Yu in concert. Cao Cao's cousin, Cao Ren, had fought many battles but was repeatedly defeated, and the messenger with the evil tidings had come from him asking prompt help. | |
| 20 | 刘皇叔北... : | 操闻报大惊曰：“兖州有失，使吾无家可归矣，不可不亟图之！”郭嘉曰：“主公正好卖个人情与刘备，退军去复兖州。”操然之，即时答书与刘备，拔寨退兵。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Cao Cao was greatly disturbed by this and said, "If my own region be lost, I have no home to return to! I must do something at once." "The best thing would be to become friends with Liu Bei at any cost and return to Yanzhou," said Guo Jia. Then Cao Cao wrote to Liu Bei, gave the letter to the waiting messenger and broke camp. | |
| 21 | 刘皇叔北... : | 且说来使回徐州，入城见陶谦，呈上书札，言曹兵已退。谦大喜，差人请孔融，田楷，云长，子龙等赴城大会。饮宴既毕，谦延玄德于上座，拱手对众曰：“老夫年迈，二子不才，不堪国家重任。刘公乃帝室之胄，德广才高，可领徐州。老夫情愿乞闲养病。”玄德曰：“孔文举令备来救徐州，为义也；今无端据而有之，天下将以备为无义人矣。”糜竺曰：“今汉室陵迟，海宇颠覆，树功立业，正在此时。徐州殷富，户口百万，刘使君领此，不可辞也。”玄德曰：“此事决不敢应命。”陈登曰：“陶府君多病，不能视事，明公勿辞。”玄德曰：“袁公路四世三公，海内所归，近在寿春，何不以州让之？”孔融曰：“袁公路冢中枯骨，何足挂齿！今日之事，天与不取，悔不可追。” |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
The news that the enemy had left was very gratifying to Tao Qian, who then invited his various defenders into Xuzhou City and prepared banquets and feasts in token of his gratitude. At one of these, when the feasting was over, he proceeded with his wish of retirement in favor of Liu Bei. Placing Liu Bei in the seat of highest honor, Tao Qian bowed before him and then addressed the assembly, "I am old and feeble, and my two sons lack the ability to hold so important an office as this. The noble Liu Bei is a descendant of the imperial house. He is of lofty virtue and great talent. Let him then take over the rule of this region, and only too willingly I shall retire to have leisure to nurse my health." Liu Bei replied, "I came at the request of Governor Kong Rong, because it was the right thing to do. Xuzhou is saved; but if I take it, surely the world will say I am a wicked man." Mi Zhu said, "You may not refuse. The House of Han is falling, their realm is crumbling, and now is the time for doughty deeds and signal services. This is a fertile region, well populated and rich, and you are the man to rule over it." "But I cannot accept," said Liu Bei. "Imperial Protector Tao Qian is a great sufferer," said Chen Deng, "and cannot see to matters. You may not decline, Sir." Said Liu Bei, "Yuan Shu belongs to a family of rulers, who have held the highest offices of state four times in three generations. The multitude people respects him. Why not invite him to this task?" "Because Yuan Shu is a drying skeleton in a dark tomb: Not worth talking about. This opportunity is a gift from Heaven, and you will never cease to regret its loss," said Kong Rong. | |
| 22 | 刘皇叔北... : | 玄德坚执不肯。陶谦泣下曰：“君若舍我而去，我死不瞑目矣！”云长曰：“既承陶公相让，兄且权领州事。”张飞曰：“又不是我强要他的州郡；他好意相让，何必苦苦推辞？”玄德曰：“汝等欲陷我于不义耶？”陶谦推让再三，玄德只是不受。陶谦曰：“如玄德必不肯从，此间近邑，名小沛，足可屯军。请玄德暂驻军此邑，以保徐州，何如？”众皆劝玄德留小沛，玄德从之。陶谦劳军已毕，赵云辞去，玄德执手挥泪而别。孔融、田楷亦各相别，引军自回。玄德与关、张引本部军来至小沛，修葺城垣，抚谕居民。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
But still Liu Bei obstinately refused. Tao Qian besought him with tears, saying, "I shall die if you leave me, and there will be none to close my eyes." "Brother, you should accept the offer thus made," said Guan Yu. "Why so much fuss?" said Zhang Fei. "We have not taken the place. It is he who wishes to give it to you." "You all persuade me to do what is wrong," said Liu Bei. Seeing he could not persuade Liu Bei, Tao Qian then said, "As you are set in determination, perhaps you will consent to encamp at Xiaopei. It is only a little town, but thence you can keep watch and ward over the region." They all with one voice prayed Liu Bei to consent, so he gave in. The feast of victory being now ended, the time came to say farewell. When Zhao Zilong took his leave, Liu Bei held his hands alternately while dashing away the falling tears. Kong Rong and Tian Kai went home to their own places. When Liu Bei and his brothers took up their abode in Xiaopei, they first repaired the defenses, and then they put out proclamations in order to calm the inhabitants. | |
| 23 | 刘皇叔北... : | 却说曹操回军，曹仁接著，言吕布势大，更有陈宫为辅，兖州、濮阳已失，其鄄城，东阿，范县三处，赖荀彧、程昱二人设计相连，死守城郭。操曰：“吾料吕布有勇无谋，不足虑也。”教且安营下寨，再作商议。吕布知曹操回兵，已过滕县，召副将薛兰、李封曰：“吾欲用汝二人久矣。汝可引军一万，坚守兖州。吾亲自率兵，前去破曹。” |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
In the meantime Cao Cao had marched toward his own region (AD 194). Cao Ren met and told him, "Lu Bu is very powerful, and he has Chen Gong as Adviser. Yanzhou is as good as lost, with the exception of three counties which Xun Yu and Cheng Yu are vigorously defending together." Cao Cao said, "I own that Lu Bu is a bold fighter but nothing more: He has no craft. So we need not fear him seriously." Then he gave orders to make a strong camp till they could think out some victorious plan. Lu Bu, knowing of Cao Cao's return, called two of his subordinate generals, Xue Lan and Li Fang, to him and assigned to them the task of holding the city of Yanzhou, saying, "I have long waited for opportunity to employ your skill. Now I give you ten thousand soldiers, and you are to hold the city while I go forth to attack Cao Cao." | |
| 24 | 刘皇叔北... : | 二人应诺。陈宫急入见曰：“将军弃兖州，欲何往乎？”布曰：“吾欲屯兵濮阳，以成鼎足之势。”宫曰：“差矣。薛兰必守兖州不住。此去正南一百八十里，泰山路险，可伏精兵万人在彼。曹兵闻失兖州，必然倍道而进，待其过半，一击可擒也。”布曰：“吾屯濮阳，别有良谋，汝岂知之！”遂不用陈宫之言，而用薛兰守兖州而行。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
The two accepted. But Chen Gong, the strategist, came in hastily, saying, "General, you are going away. Whither?" "I am going to camp my troops at Puyang, to establish an ox-horn vantage." "You are making a mistake," said Chen Gong. "The two you have chosen to defend this city are unequal to the task. For this expedition remember that about sixty miles due south, on the treacherous road to the Taishan Mountains, is a very advantageous position where you should place your best men in ambush. Cao Cao will hasten homeward by double marches when he hears what has happened. If you strike when half his troops have gone past this point, you may seize him." Said Lu Bu, "I am going to occupy Puyang and see what develops. How can you guess my big plan?" So Lu Bu left Xue Lan in command at Yanzhou and went away. | |
| 25 | 刘皇叔北... : | 曹操兵行至泰山险路，郭嘉曰：“且不可进：恐此处有伏兵。”曹操笑曰：“吕布无谋之辈，故教薛兰守兖州，自往濮阳；安得此处有埋伏耶？”教曹仁领一军围兖州，吾进兵濮阳，速攻吕布。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Now when Cao Cao approached the dangerous part of the road near the Taishan Mountains, Guo Jia warned him, saying, "Do not advance hastily, my lord. There is doubtless an ambush." But Cao Cao laughed, saying, "We know all Lu Bu's dispositions. Xue Lan is keeping the city, while Lu Bu is massing his troops at Puyang. Do you think Lu Bu has laid an ambush? I shall tell Cao Ren to besiege Yanzhou, and I shall go to Puyang." | |
| 26 | 刘皇叔北... : | 陈宫闻曹兵至近，乃献计曰：“今曹兵远来疲困，利在速战，不可养成气力。”布曰：“吾匹马纵横天下，何愁曹操！待其下寨，吾自擒之。” |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
In Puyang, when Chen Gong heard of the enemy's approach, he spoke, saying, "The enemy will be fatigued with long marches, so attack quickly before they have time to recover." Lu Bu replied, "I, a single horseman, am afraid of none. I come and go as I will. Think you I fear this Cao Cao? Let him settle his camp; I will take him after that." | |
| 27 | 刘皇叔北... : | 却说曹操兵近濮阳，下住寨脚。次日引众将出，陈兵于野。操立马于门旗下，遥望吕布兵到。阵圆处，吕布当先出马，两边排开八员健将：第一个雁门马邑人：张，名辽，字文远；第二个泰山华阴人：姓臧，名霸，字宣高；两将又各引六员健将：郝萌，曹性，成廉，魏续，宋宪，侯成。布军五万，鼓声大震。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Now Cao Cao neared Puyang, and he made a camp. The next day he led out his commanders, and they arrayed their armies in open country. Cao Cao took up his station on horseback between the two standards, watching while his opponents arrived and formed up in a circular area. Lu Bu was in front, followed by eight of his generals, all strong men: Zhang Liao of Mayi, backed by Hao Meng, Cao Xing, and Cheng Lian; Zang Ba of Huaying, backed by Wei Xu, Song Xian, and Hou Cheng. They led an army of fifty thousand in total. The drums began their thunderous roll. | |
| 28 | 刘皇叔北... : | 操指吕布而言曰：“吾与汝自来无雠，何得夺吾州郡？”布曰：“汉家城池，诸人有分，偏尔合得？”便叫臧霸出马搦战。曹军内乐进出迎。两马相交，双枪齐举。战到三十馀合，胜负不分。夏侯敦拍马便出助战，吕布阵上，张辽截住厮杀。恼得吕布性起，挺戟骤马，冲出阵来，夏侯敦、乐进皆走。吕布掩杀，曹军大败，退三四十里。布自收军。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Cao Cao, pointing to his opponent, said, "You and I had no quarrel, why then did you invade my land?" "The cities of Han are the possession of all. What is your special claim?" said Lu Bu. So saying, Lu Bu ordered Zang Ba to ride forth and challenge. From Cao Cao's side the challenge was accepted by Yue Jing. The two steeds approached each other; two spears were lifted both together, and they exchanged near thirty blows with no advantage to either. Then Xiahou Dun rode out to help his colleague and, in reply, out went Zhang Liao from Lu Bu's side. And they four fought. Then fierce anger seized upon Lu Bu. Setting his trident halberd, he urged his Red Hare forward to where the fight was waging. Seeing him approach, Xiahou Dun and Yue Jing both fled, but Lu Bu pressed on after them, and Cao Cao's army lost the day. Retiring ten miles, they made a new camp. Lu Bu called in and mustered his troops. | |
| 29 | 刘皇叔北... : | 曹操输了一阵，回寨与诸将商议。于禁曰：“某今日上山观望，濮阳之西，吕布有一寨，约无多军。今夜彼将谓我军败走，必不准备，可引兵击之；若得寨，布军必惧：此为上策。”操从其言，带曹洪，李典，毛玠，吕虔，于禁，典韦六将，选马步二万人，连夜从小路进发。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
The day having gone against him, Cao Cao called a council, and Yu Jin said, "From the hill tops today I saw a camp of our enemies on the west of Puyang. They were but few men therein, and tonight after today's victory, it will not be defended. Let us attack; and if we can take the camp, we shall strike fear into the heart of Lu Bu. This is our best plan." Cao Cao thought so too. He and six of his generals —-Cao Hong, Li Dian, Mao Jie, Lu Qian, Yu Jin, and Dian Wei —-and twenty thousand horse and foot left that night by a secret road for the camp. | |
| 30 | 刘皇叔北... : | 却说吕布于寨中劳军。陈宫曰：“西寨是个要紧去处，倘或曹操袭之，奈何？”布曰：“他今日输了一阵，如何敢来？”宫曰：“曹操是极能用兵之人，须防他攻我不备。”布乃拨高顺并魏续、侯成引兵往守西寨。却说曹操于黄昏时分，引军至西寨，四面突入。寨兵不能抵挡，四散奔走，曹操夺了寨。将及四更，高顺方引军到，杀将入来。曹操自引军马来迎，正逢高顺，三军混战。将及天明，正西鼓声大震，人报吕布自引军来了。操弃寨而走。背后高顺，魏续，侯成赶来，当头吕布亲自引军来到。于禁，乐进，双战吕布不住，操望北而行。山后一彪军出：左有张辽，右有臧霸。操使吕虔、曹洪战之，不利，操望西而走。忽又喊声大震，一彪军至：郝萌，曹性，成廉，宋宪四将拦住去路。众将死战，操当先冲阵。梆子响处，箭如骤雨射将来。操不能前进，无计可脱，大叫：“谁人救我！” |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
In his camp Lu Bu was rejoicing for that day's victory, when Chen Gong reminded him, saying, "The western camp is importance point, and it might be attacked." But Lu Bu replied, "The enemy will not dare approach after today's defeat." "Cao Cao is a very able commander," replied Chen Gong. "You must keep a good lookout for him lest he attack our weak spot." So arrangements were made for defense. Generals Gao Shun, Wei Xu, and Hou Cheng were ordered to march there. At dusk Cao Cao reached the camp and began an immediate attack on all four sides. The defenders could not hold him off. They ran in all directions, and the camp was captured. Near the fourth watch, when the defending party came, Cao Cao sallied forth to meet them and met Gao Shun. Another battle then began and waged till dawn. About that time a rolling of drums was heard in the west, and they told Cao Cao that Lu Bu himself was at hand. Thereupon Cao Cao abandoned the attack and fled. Gao Shun, Wei Xu, and Hou Cheng pursued him, while Lu Bu blocked his escape route. Cao Cao's two generals, Yu Jin and Yue Jing, attacked Lu Bu's troops but could not break them. Cao Cao went away north. But from behind some hills came out Zhang Liao and Zang Ba to attack. Lu Qian and Cao Hong were sent to stop the attackers, but Lu Qian and Cao Hong were both defeated. Cao Cao sought safety in the west. Here again his retreat was met by Lu Bu's four generals, Hao Meng, Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, and Song Xian. The fight became desperate. Cao Cao dashed at the enemy's array. The din was terrible. Arrows fell like pelting rain upon them, and they could make no headway. Cao Cao was desperate and cried out in fear, "Who can save me?" | |
| 31 | 刘皇叔北... : | 马军队里，一将踊出：乃典韦也。手挺双铁戟，大叫：“主公勿忧！”飞身下马，插住双戟，取短戟十数枝，挟在手中，顾从人曰：“贼来十步乃呼我！”遂放开脚步，冒箭前行。布军数十骑追至，从人大叫：“十步矣！”韦曰：“五步乃呼我！”从人又曰：“五步矣！”韦乃飞戟刺之，一戟一人坠马，并无虚发，立杀十数人。众皆奔走。韦复飞身上马，挺一双大铁戟，冲杀入去。郝、曹、成、宋四将不能抵挡，各自逃去。典韦杀散敌军，救出曹操，众将随后也到，寻路归寨。 |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
Then from the crush dashed out Dian Wei with his double spears, crying, "Fear not, my lord!" Dian Wei leapt from his steed, put aside his double spears, and laid hold of a handful of battle-axes. Turning to his followers he said, "When the ruffians are at ten paces, call out to me." Then he set off with mighty strides, plunging forward, careless of the flying arrows. Lu Bu's horsemen followed, and when they got near, Dian Wei's followers shouted, "Ten paces!" "Five, then call!" shouted back Dian Wei, and went on. Presently, "Five paces!" Then Dian Wei spun round and flung the battle-axes. With every fling a man fell from the saddle and never a battle-ax missed. Having thus slain ten or so the remainder fled, and Dian Wei quickly remounted his steed, set his twin spears and rushed again into the fight with a vigor that none could withstand. One by one his opponents yielded, and he was able to lead Cao Cao safely out of the press of battle. Cao Cao and his commanders went to their camp. | |
| 32 | 刘皇叔北... : | 看看天色傍晚，背后喊声起处，吕布骤马提戟赶来，大叫：“操贼休走！”此时人困马乏，大家面面相觑，各欲逃生。正是： |
| Liu Bei Rescues Kong...: |
But as evening fell, the noise of pursuit fell on their ears, and soon appeared Lu Bu himself. "Cao Cao, you rebel, do not flee!" shouted Lu Bu as he approached with his halberd ready for a thrust. All stopped and looked in each others' faces: The soldiers were weary, their steeds spent. Fear smote them, and they looked around for some place of refuge. | |
| 虽能暂把重围脱，只怕难当劲敌追。不知曹操性命如何，且听下文分解。 | ||
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You may lead your lord safely out of the press, But what if the enemy follow? We cannot say here what Cao Cao's fate was, but the next chapter will relate. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch11