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| Simplified Chinese version |
《太史慈酣斗小霸王，孙伯符大战严白虎 - Taishi Ci Fights With The Young Overlord; Sun Ce Cuts Short The White Tiger King》 |
| 1 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说张飞拔剑要自刎，玄德向前抱住，夺剑掷地曰：“古人云：‘兄弟如手足，妻子如衣服。衣服破，尚可缝；手足断，安可续？’吾三人桃园结义，不求同生，但愿同死。今虽失了城池家小，安忍教兄弟中道而亡？况城池本非吾有；家眷虽被陷，吕布必不谋害，尚可设计救之。贤弟一时之误，何至遽欲捐生耶！”说罢大哭。关、张俱感泣。 |
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In the last chapter it was recorded that Zhang Fei was about to end his life with his own weapon in Xuyi. But Liu Bei rushed forward and caught Zhang Fei in his arms, snatched away the sword, and threw it on the earth. Liu Bei said, "The ancient had a saying: 'Brothers are as hands and feet; wives and children are as clothing. You may mend your torn dress, but who can reattach a lost limb?' We three, by the Oath of the Peach Garden, swore to seek the same death day. The city is lost, it is true, and my wives and little ones, but I could not bear that we should die ere our course be run. Beside, Xuzhou was not really ours, and Lu Bu will not harm my family but will rather seek to preserve them. You made a mistake, worthy brother, but is it the one deserving of death?" And Liu Bei wept. His brothers were much affected, and their tears fell in sympathy. | |
| 2 | 太史慈酣... : | 且说袁术知吕布袭了徐州，星夜差人至吕布处，许以粮五万斛，马五百匹，金银一万两，彩缎一千疋，使夹攻刘备。布喜，令高顺领兵五万袭玄德之后。玄德闻得此信，乘阴雨撤兵，弃盱眙而走，思欲东取广陵。比及高顺军来，玄德已去。高顺与纪灵相见，就索所许之物。灵曰：“公且回军，容某见主公计之。”高顺乃别纪灵回军，见吕布具述纪灵语。 |
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As soon as the news of Lu Bu's successful seizure of his protector's region reached Yuan Shu, Yuan Shu sent promises of valuable presents to Lu Bu to induce him to join in a further attack on Liu Bei. The presents are said to have been fifty thousand carts of grain, five hundred horses, ten thousand ounces of gold and silver, and a thousand rolls of colored silk. Lu Bu swallowed the bait and ordered Gao Shun to lead forth fifty thousand troops. But Liu Bei heard of the threatened attack, so he made inclement weather an excuse to moved his few soldiers out of Xuyi for Guangling, before the attacking force came up. However, Gao Shun demanded the promised reward through Ji Ling, who put Gao Shun off, saying, "My lord has gone away. I will settle this as soon as I can see him and get his decision." With this answer Gao Shun returned to Lu Bu, who could not decide what to do. | |
| 3 | 太史慈酣... : | 布正在迟疑，忽有袁术书至。书意云：“高顺虽来，而刘备未除；且待捉了刘备，那时方以所许之物相送。”布怒骂袁术失信，欲起兵伐之。陈宫曰：“不可。术据寿春，兵多粮广，不可轻敌。不如请玄德还屯小沛，使为我羽翼。他日令玄德为先锋，那时先取袁术，后取袁绍，可纵横天下矣。”布听其言，令人赍书迎玄德回。 |
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Then came a letter from Yuan Shu: "Although Gao Shun had gone to attack Liu Bei, yet Liu Bei had not been destroyed, and no reward could be given till he was actually taken." Lu Bu railed at what he called the breach of faith and was inclined to attack Yuan Shu himself. However, his adviser, Chen Gong, opposed this course, saying, "You should not. Yuan Shu is in possession of Shouchun and has a large army, well supplied. You are no match for him. Rather ask Liu Bei to take up his quarters at Xiaopei as one of your wings and, when the time comes, let him lead the attack, both south and north. Then Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao will fall before you, and you will be very powerful." Finding this advice good, Lu Bu sent letters to Liu Bei asking him to return. | |
| 4 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说玄德引兵东取广陵，被袁术劫寨，折兵大半；回来正遇吕布之使，呈上书札，玄德大喜。关、张曰：“吕布乃无义之人，不可信也。”玄德曰：“彼既以好情待我，奈何疑之？”遂来到徐州。布恐玄德疑惑，先令人送还家眷。甘、糜二夫人见玄德，具说吕布令兵把定宅门，禁诸人不得入；又常使侍妾送物，未尝有缺。玄德谓关、张曰：“我知吕布必不害我家眷也。”乃入城谢吕布。张飞恨吕布，不肯随往，先奉二嫂往小沛去了。 |
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After the flight of Liu Bei, Yuan Shu attacked Guangling and reduced Liu Bei's force by half. When the messenger from Lu Bu came, Liu Bei read the letter. He was quite content with the offer, but his brothers were not inclined to trust Lu Bu. "Such a dishonorable man must have a motive," said Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. "Since he treats me kindly, I cannot but trust him," replied Liu Bei. So Liu Bei went back to Xuzhou. Lu Bu, fearing that Liu Bei might doubt his sincerity, restored Liu Bei's family; and when Lady Gan and Lady Mi saw their lord, they told him that they had been kindly treated and guarded by soldiers against any intrusion, and provisions had never been wanting. "I knew he would not harm my family," said Liu Bei to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. However, Zhang Fei was not pleased and would not accompany his brothers into the city when they went to express their thanks. He went to escort the two ladies to Xiaopei. | |
| 5 | 太史慈酣... : | 玄德入见吕布拜谢。吕布曰：“我非欲夺城；因令弟张飞在此恃酒杀人，恐有失事，故来守之耳。”玄德曰：“备欲让兄久矣。”布假意仍让玄德。玄德力辞，还屯小沛住。关、张心中不平。玄德曰：“屈身守分，以待天时，不可与命争也。”吕布令人送粮米缎疋。自此两家和好，不在话下。 |
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At the interview Lu Bu said, "I did not wish to take the city, but your brother behaved very badly, drinking and flogging the soldiers, and I came to guard it lest some evil should befall." "But I had long wished to yield it to you," said Liu Bei. Thereupon Lu Bu wished to retire in favor of Liu Bei who, however, would not hear of it. Liu Bei returned and took up his quarters in Xiaopei, but his two brothers would not take the situation kindly and were very discontented. Said Liu Bei, "One must bow to one's lot. It is the will of Heaven, and one cannot struggle against fate." Lu Bu sent presents of food and stuffs, and peace reigned between the two houses. | |
| 6 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说袁术大宴将士于寿春。人报孙策征庐江太守陆康，得胜而回。术唤策至，策拜于堂下。问劳已毕，便令侍坐饮宴。原来孙策自父丧之后，退居江南，礼贤下士，后因陶谦与策母舅丹阳太守吴璟不和，策乃移母并家属居于曲阿，自己却投袁术。术甚爱之，常叹曰：“使术有子如孙郎，死复何恨！”因使为怀义校尉，引兵攻泾县，太师祖郎得胜。术见策勇，复使攻陆康，今又得胜而回。 |
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In Shouchun, Yuan Shu prepared a great banquet for his soldiers when it was announced that Sun Ce had subdued Lu Gang, the Governor of Lujiang. Yuan Shu summoned the victor, who made obeisance at the foot of the hall of audience. Yuan Shu, sitting in state, asked for details of the campaign and then invited Sun Ce to the banquet. After the unhappy death of his father Sun Jian, Sun Ce had returned to the lower region of the Great River, where he had devoted himself to peaceful ends, inviting to his side good people and able scholars. Afterwards, when a quarrel broke out between his mother's brother, Governor Wu Jing of Dangyang, and the late Imperial Protector of Xuzhou, Tao Qian, Sun Ce removed his mother with all the family to Que, he himself taking service under Yuan Shu, who admired and loved him greatly. "If I had a son like Sun Ce," said Yuan Shu, "I should die without regret." Yuan Shu appointed Sun Ce Commander and sent him on various expeditions, all of which were successful. A banquet was held to celebrate his victory over Lu Kang. | |
| 7 | 太史慈酣... : | 当日筵散，策归营寨。见术席间相待之礼甚傲，心中郁闷，乃步月于中庭。因思父孙坚如此英雄，我今沦落至，此不觉于声大哭。忽见一人自外而入，大笑曰：“伯符何故如此？尊父在日，多曾用我。君若有不决之事，何不问我，乃自哭耶？”策视之，乃丹阳故鄣人：姓朱，名治，字君理；孙坚旧从事官也。策收泪而延之坐曰：“策所哭者，恨不能继父之志耳。”治曰：“君何不告袁公路，借兵往江东，假名救吴璟，实图大业，而乃久困于人之下乎？” |
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Sun Ce returned to his camp very bitter over the arrogant and patronizing airs of his patron. Instead of retiring to his tent, Sun Ce walked up and down by the light of the moon. "Here am I, a mere nobody, and yet my father was such a hero!" And he cried out and wept in spite of himself. Then suddenly appeared one who said, laughing loudly, "What is this, Sun Ce? While your noble father enjoyed the light of the sun, he made free use of me. If his son has any difficulty to resolve, why does he not refer it to me also instead of weeping here alone?" Looking at the speaker Sun Ce saw it was Zhu Zhi, a native of Dangyang, who had been in Sun Jian's service. Sun Ce then ceased weeping, and they two sat down. "I was weeping from regret at being unable to continue my father's work," said Sun Ce. "Why stay here bound to the service of a master? The Governor of Dangyang is in distress. Why not get command of an army under the pretense of an expedition to relieve Wu Jing? Escape the shadow of Yuan Shu and take control of Dangyang, then you can accomplish great things." | |
| 8 | 太史慈酣... : | 正商议间，一人忽入曰：“公等所谋，吾已知之。吾手下有精壮百人，暂助伯符一臂之力。”策视其人，乃袁术谋士，汝南细阳人：姓吕，名范，字子衡。策大喜，延坐共议。吕范曰：“只怕袁公路不肯借兵。”策曰：“吾有亡父留下传国玉玺，以为质当。”范曰：“公路欲得此久矣！以此相质，必肯发兵。” |
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While these two were talking, another man suddenly entered, saying, "I know what you two are planning, Noble Sirs. Under my hand is a band of one hundred bold fellows ready to help Sun Ce in whatever he wishes to do." The speaker was one of Yuan Shu's advisers named Lu Fan, from Runan. They three then sat and discussed schemes. "The one fear is that Yuan Shu will refuse to give you the troops," said Lu Fan. "I still have the Imperial Hereditary Seal that my father left me: That should be good security." "Yuan Shu earnestly desires that jewel," said Zhu Zhi. "He will certainly lend you troops on that pledge." | |
| 9 | 太史慈酣... : | 三人计议已定。次日，策入见袁术，哭拜曰：“父雠不能报，今母舅吴璟，又为扬州刺史刘繇所逼；策老母家小，皆在曲阿，必将被害；策敢借雄兵数千，渡江救难省亲。恐明公不信，有亡父遗下玉玺，权为质当。”术闻有玉玺，取而视之，大喜曰：“吾非要你玉玺，今且权留在此。我借兵三千、马五百匹与你。平定之后，可速回来。你职位卑微，难掌大权。我表你为折冲校尉殄寇将军，克日领兵便行。” |
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The three talked over their plans, gradually settling the details. Not many days after Sun Ce obtained an interview with his patron. Assuming the appearance of deep grief Sun Ce said, "I have been unable to avenge my father. Now the Imperial Protector of Yangzhou, Liu Yao, is opposing my mother's brother, and my mother and her family are in danger in Que. Wherefore I would borrow a few thousands of fighting men to rescue them. As perhaps, Illustrious Sir, you may lack confidence in me, I am willing to deposit the Imperial Hereditary Seal, left me by my late father, as a pledge." "Let me see it if you have it," said Yuan Shu. "I do not want the jewel really, but you may as well leave it with me. I will lend you three thousand troops and five hundred horses. Return as soon as peace can be made. As your rank is hardly sufficient for such powers, I will memorialize to obtain for you higher rank with the title of General Who Exterminates Brigands, and you can soon start." | |
| 10 | 太史慈酣... : | 策拜谢，遂引军马，带领朱治，吕范，旧将程普，黄盖，韩当等，择日起兵。行至历阳，见一军到。当先一人：姿质风流，仪容秀丽；见了孙策，下马便拜。策视其人，乃庐江舒城人：姓周，名瑜，字公瑾。原来孙坚讨董卓之时，移家舒城，瑜与孙策同年，交情甚密，因结为昆仲。策长瑜两月，瑜以兄事策。瑜叔周尚，为丹阳太守，今往省亲，到此与策相遇。 |
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Sun Ce thanked his patron most humbly and soon put the army in motion, taking with him his two new advisers and his father's generals —-Zhu Zhi, Lu Fan, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and others. When Sun Ce reached Linyang, he saw a body of troops in front of him, at their head a dashing leader of handsome and refined mien. As soon as this commander saw Sun Ce, he dismounted and made obeisance. It was Zhou Yu from Shucheng. When Sun Jian was opposing the tyrant Dong Zhuo, he moved his family to Shucheng where the Zhou family had lived. And as Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were of the same age all but two months, they became exceedingly good friends and sworn brothers, Sun Ce being the elder in virtue of his two months' seniority. Zhou Yu was on his way to visit Sun Ce's uncle, Governor Wu Jing of Dangyang, when the happy meeting took place. | |
| 11 | 太史慈酣... : | 策见瑜大喜，诉以衷情。瑜曰：“某愿施犬马之力，共图大事。”策喜曰：“吾得公瑾，大事谐矣。”便令与朱治，吕范等相见。瑜谓策曰：“吾兄欲济大事，亦知江东有二张乎？”策曰：“何为‘二张’？”瑜曰：“一人乃彭城张昭，字子布；一人乃广陵张紘，字子纲：二人皆有经天纬地之才，因避乱隐居于此。吾兄何不聘之？”策喜，即便令人赍礼往聘，俱辞不至。策乃亲到其家，与语大悦，力聘之，二人许允。策遂拜张昭为长史，兼抚军中郎将；张紘为参谋正议校尉；商议攻击刘繇。 |
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Naturally Sun Ce confided his projects and inmost ideas to his friend, who at once said, "I shall put my whole life and energy to serve you to reach that grand goal." "Now that you have come, the design is as good as accomplished," said Sun Ce. Zhou Yu was introduced to Zhu Zhi and Lu Fan. Zhou Yu said, "Do you know of the two Zhangs of Guangling? They would be most useful people in working out your schemes." "Who are they, the two Zhangs?" said Sun Ce. "They are men of transcendent genius who are living near here for the sake of tranquillity in these turbulent times. Their names are Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong. Why not invite them to help you, brother?" Sun Ce lost no time in sending letters and gifts, but they both declined. Then he visited them in person, was greatly pleased with their speech and by dint of large gifts and much persuasion, got them to promise to join him. Sun Ce appointed them both Counselors and Generals. The plan of the attack upon Yangzhou Region was the next matter for discussion. | |
| 12 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说刘繇字正礼，东莱牟平人也，亦是汉室宗亲，太尉刘宠之侄，兖州刺史刘岱之弟；旧为扬州刺史，屯于寿春，被袁术赶过江东，故来曲阿。当下闻孙策兵至，急聚众将商议。部将张英曰：“某领一军屯于牛渚，纵有百万之兵，亦不能近。”言未毕，帐下一人高叫曰：“某愿为前部先锋。”众视之，乃东莱黄县人太史慈也。慈自解了北海之围后，便来见刘繇，繇留于帐下。当日听得孙策来到，愿为前部先锋。繇曰：“你年尚轻，未可为大将，只在吾左右听命。”太史慈不喜而退。 |
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The Imperial Protector, Liu Yao, was of Donglai, a scion of the imperial family and brother of the Imperial Protector of Yanzhou, Liu Dai. Liu Yao had long ruled in Yangzhou and headquartered in Shouchun. But Yuan Shu had forced him to flee to the southeast of the Great River. He retired to Que and now was battling with Wu Jing in Linyang. Hearing of the meditated attack on him, Liu Yao summoned his generals to take counsel. Said General Zhang Ying, "I will take an army and entrench at Niuzhu. No army can get past that, whatever its strength." Zhang Ying was interrupted by another who shouted, "And let me lead the van!" All eyes turned to this man. It was Taishi Ci who, after helping Kong Rong raise the siege of Beihai, had come to serve Liu Yao. Hearing him offer to undertake the hazardous post of van leader, Liu Yao said, "But you are still young and not yet equal to such a charge. Rather stay by my side and await my orders." Taishi Ci withdrew in disappointment. | |
| 13 | 太史慈酣... : | 张英领兵至牛渚，积粮十万于邸阁。孙策引兵到，张英出迎。两军会于牛渚滩上。孙策出马，张英大骂，黄盖便出与张英战。不数合，忽然张英军中大乱，报说寨中有人放火。张英急回军，孙策引军前来，乘势掩杀。张英弃了牛渚，望深山而逃。 |
| Taishi Ci Fights With...: | Soon Zhang Ying led his army to Niuzhu, where the stores of grain located. When Sun Ce approached, Zhang Ying went to meet him, and the two armies faced each other above the Bullock Rapid. Zhang Ying roundly abused his opponent, and Huang Gai rode out to attack him. But before the combat had proceeded far, there arose an alarm of fire in Zhang Ying's camp. Zhang Ying turned back, and then Sun Ce advanced in full force, compelling the enemy to abandon their possession. The defeated general fled to the hills. | |
| 14 | 太史慈酣... : | 原来那寨后放火的，乃是两员健将：一人乃九江寿春人，姓蒋，名钦，字公奕；一人乃九江下蔡人，姓周，名泰，字幼平。二人皆遭世乱，聚人在扬子江中，劫掠为生；久闻孙策为江东豪杰，能招贤纳士，故特引其党三百馀人，前来相投。策大喜，用为车前校尉，收得牛渚邸阁粮食、军器，并降卒四千馀人，遂进兵神亭。 |
| Taishi Ci Fights With...: | Now the incendiaries who had brought about this result were two, named Jiang Qin from Shouchun and Zhou Tai from Jiujiang, who in these turbulent times had got together a band of kindred spirits and lived by plundering the country along the Great River. They knew Sun Ce by reputation as a man who treated able people very liberally and wished to join him. So they came with their band, three hundred strong, and helped him in this way as an introduction. Sun Ce welcomed them and gave the leaders rank. After taking possession of the stores of all kinds abandoned by the runaways, and enlisting four thousand of those who surrendered into his own ranks, Sun Ce moved forward to attack Shenting. | |
| 15 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说张英败回见刘繇，繇怒欲斩之。谋士笮融，薛礼劝免，使屯兵零陵城拒敌。繇自领兵于神亭岭南下营，孙策于岭北下营。策问土人曰：“近山有汉光武庙否？”土人曰：“有庙在岭上。”策曰：“吾夜梦光武召我相见，当往祈之。”长史张昭曰：“不可：岭南乃刘繇寨，倘有伏兵，奈何？”策曰：“神人佑我，吾何惧焉？”遂披挂绰枪上马，引程普，黄盖，韩当，蒋钦，周泰等共十三骑，出寨上岭，到庙焚香。下马参拜已毕，策向前跪祝曰：“若孙策能于江东立业，复兴故父之基，即当重修庙宇，四时祭祀。” |
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After his defeat Zhang Ying returned to his master and told his misfortune. Liu Yao was going to punish his failure by death, but listened to his advisers, who asked for mercy for the unfortunate man, and sent him to command the garrison in Lingling. Liu Yao himself set out to meet the invaders. He camped south of the Sacred Hills. Sun Ce camped on the opposite side of the hills. Sun Ce inquired the natives, "Is there a temple of Liu Xiu the Founder of Latter Han in the vicinity?" They said, "There is a temple to the south on the summit of the hills." "I dreamed last night that Liu Xiu called me, so I will go and pray there," said Sun Ce. But Counselor Zhang Zhao advised, "My lord, you should not go as the enemy is on the other side, and you may fall into an ambush." "The spirit will help me: What need I fear?" So Sun Ce put on his armor, took his spear and mounted, taking with him twelve of his commanders as an escort. They rode up the hills, dismounted, burned incense, and they all bowed in the shrine. Then Sun Ce knelt and made a vow, saying, "If I, Sun Ce, succeed in my task and restore the authority of my late father, then will I restore this temple and order sacrifices at the four seasons." | |
| 16 | 太史慈酣... : | 祝毕，出庙上马，回顾众将曰：“吾欲过岭，探看刘繇寨栅。”诸将皆以为不可。策不从，遂同上岭，南望村林。早有伏路小军飞报刘繇。繇曰：“此必是孙策诱敌之计，不可追之。”太史慈踊跃曰：“此时不捉孙策，更待何时？”遂不候刘繇将令，竟自披挂上马，绰枪出营，大叫曰：“有胆气者，都跟我来！”诸将不动。惟有一小将曰：“太史慈真猛将也！吾可助之！”拍马同行。众将皆笑。 |
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When they had remounted, Sun Ce said, "I am going to ride along the ridge and reconnoiter the enemy's position." His commanders begged him to refrain, but he was obstinate, and they rode there together, noting the villages below. A soldier of the other side going along a bye road quickly reported the presence of horsemen on the ridge, and Liu Yao said, "It is certainly Sun Ce trying to inveigle us to battle. But do not go out." Taishi Ci jumped up, saying, "What better chance to capture him?" So, without orders he armed himself and rode through the camp, crying, "If there be any valiant men among you, follow me!" No one moved save a low-ranking commander who said, "He is a brave man, and I will go with him." So he also went. The others only laughed at the pair. | |
| 17 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说孙策看了半晌，方始回马。正行过岭，只听得岭上叫：“孙策休走！”策回头视之，见两匹马飞下岭来。策将十三骑一齐摆开。策横枪立马于岭下待之。太史慈高叫曰：“那个是孙策？”策曰：“你是何人？”答曰：“我便是东莱太史慈也，特来捉孙策！”策笑曰：“只我便是。你两个一齐来并我一个，我不惧你！我若怕你，非孙伯符也！”慈曰：“你便众人都来，我亦不怕！”纵马横枪，直取孙策。策挺枪来迎。两马相交，战五十合，不分胜负，程普等暗暗称奇。 |
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Now having seen all he wished, Sun Ce thought it time to return and wheeled round his horse. But when he was going over the summit, someone shouted, "Stay, Sun Ce!" Sun Ce turned. Two horsemen were coming at full speed down the next hill. Sun Ce halted and drew up his little escort right and left, he himself with his spear ready. "Which is Sun Ce?" shouted Taishi Ci. "Who are you?" was the reply. "I, Taishi Ci of Laihuang, come to take him prisoner!" "Then I am he!" said Sun Ce, laughing. "Come both of you together. I am not afraid of you. If I were, I should not be Sun Ce!" "You and all your crowd come on, and I will not blench!" cried Taishi Ci putting his horse at a gallop and setting his spear. Sun Ce braced himself for the shock, and the battle began. Fifty bouts were fought and still neither combatant had the advantage. Sun Ce's commanders whispered to each other their admiration and amazement. | |
| 18 | 太史慈酣... : | 慈见孙策枪法无半点儿渗漏，乃佯输诈败，引孙策赶来。慈却不由旧路上岭，竟转过山背后。策赶到，大喝曰：“走的不算好汉！”慈心中自忖：“这厮有十二从人，我只一个，便活捉了他，也被众人夺去。再引一程，教这厮没寻处，方好下手。”于是且战且走。策那里肯舍，一直赶到平川之地。慈兜回马再战，又到五十合。策一枪搠去，慈闪过，挟住枪；慈也一枪搠去，策亦闪过，挟住枪。两个用力只一拖，都滚下马来。马不知走的那里去了。两个弃了枪，揪住厮打，战袍扯得粉碎。策手快，掣了太史慈背上的短戟，慈亦掣了策头上的兜鍪。策把戟来刺慈，慈把兜鍪遮架。 |
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Taishi Ci saw that the spearmanship of his opponent showed no weak point whereby he could gain the advantage, so he decided to resort to guile. Feigning defeat he would lead Sun Ce to pursue. Taishi Ci however did not retire along the road by which he had come, but took a path leading around the hill instead of over it. His antagonist followed, shouting, "He who retreats is no worthy soldier!" But Taishi Ci thought within himself, "He has twelve others at his back and I only one. If I capture him, the others will retake him. I will inveigle him into some secret spot and then try." So flying and fighting by turns he led Sun Ce, an eager pursuer, down to the plain. Here Taishi Ci suddenly wheeled about and attacked. Again they exchanged half a hundred bouts, without result. Then Sun Ce made a fierce thrust, which his opponent evaded by gripping the spear under his arm, while he himself did the same with his opponent's spear. Neither was wounded but each exerting his utmost strength to pull the other out of the saddle, and they both came to the ground. Their steeds galloped off they knew not whither, while the two men, each dropping his spear, began a hand to hand struggle. Soon their fighting robes were in tatters. Sun Ce gripped the short lance that Taishi Ci carried at his back, while Taishi Ci tore off Sun Ce's helmet. Sun Ce tried to stab with the short lance but Taishi Ci fended off the blow with the helmet as a shield. | |
| 19 | 太史慈酣... : | 忽然喊声后起，乃刘繇接应军到来，约有千馀。策正慌急，程普等十二骑亦冲到，策与慈方才放手。慈于军中讨了一匹马，取了枪，上马复来。孙策的马，却是程普收得，策亦取枪上马。刘繇一千馀军，和程普等十二骑混战，逶迤杀到神亭岭下。喊声起处，周瑜领军来到。刘繇自引大军杀下岭来。时近黄昏，风雨暴至，两下各自收军。 |
| Taishi Ci Fights With...: | Then arose a great shouting. Liu Yao had come up with a thousand soldiers. Sun Ce seemed now in sore straits. His twelve followers came up, and each combatant let go his hold. Taishi Ci quickly found another steed, seized a spear, and mounted. Sun Ce, whose horse had been caught by Cheng Pu, also mounted, and a confused battle began between the handful of men on one side and a whole thousand troops on the other. It swayed and drifted down the hill side. However, soon Zhou Yu leading his troops came to the rescue, and as evening drew on a tempest put an end to the fight. Both sides drew off and returned to camp. | |
| 20 | 太史慈酣... : | 次日，孙策引军到刘繇营前，刘繇引军出迎。两阵圆处，孙策把枪挑太史慈的小戟于阵前，令军士大叫曰：“太史慈若不是走的快，已被刺死了！”太史慈亦将孙策兜鍪挑于阵前，也令军士大叫曰：“孙策头已在此！” |
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Next day Sun Ce led his army to the front of Liu Yao's camp, and the challenge was accepted. The armies were drawn up. Sun Ce hung the short lance he had seized from Taishi Ci at the end of his spear, waved it in front of the line of battle, and ordered his soldiers to shout, "If the owner of this had not fled, he would have been stabbed to death!" On the other side they hung out Sun Ce's helmet, and the soldiers shouted back, "Sun Ce's head is here already!" | |
| 21 | 太史慈酣... : | 两军呐喊，这边夸胜，那边道强。太史慈出马，要与孙策决个胜负，策遂欲出。程普曰：“不须主公劳力，某自擒之。”程普出到阵前，太史慈曰：“你非我之敌手，只教孙策出马来！”程普大怒，挺枪直取太史慈。两马相交，战到三十合，刘繇急鸣金收军。太史慈曰：“我正要捉拿贼将，何故收军？”刘繇曰：“人报周瑜领军袭取曲阿，有庐江松滋人陈武，字子烈，接应周瑜入去。吾家基业已失，不可久留。速往秣陵，会薛礼，笮融军马，急来接应。” |
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Both sides thus yelled defiance at each other, one side boasting, the other bragging. Then Taishi Ci rode out challenging Sun Ce to a duel to the death, and Sun Ce would have accepted. But Cheng Pu said, "My lord should not trouble himself. I will take him." And Cheng Pu rode forth. "You are no antagonist for me," said Taishi Ci. "Tell your master to come out!" This incensed Cheng Pu, who rode at his opponent, and they two fought thirty bouts. The duel was stopped by the gongs of Liu Yao. "Why did you sound the retreat?" said Taishi Ci. "I was just going to capture the wretch." "Because I have just heard that Que has been captured. Zhou Yu led a surprise force thither, and Chen Wu was in league with him to betray the city. We have no home now. I will hasten to Moling to get the help of Xue Li and Ze Rong to retake the city." | |
| 22 | 太史慈酣... : | 太史慈跟著刘繇退军，孙策不赶，收住人马。长史张昭曰：“彼军被周瑜袭取曲阿，无恋战之心，今夜正好劫营。”孙策然之，当夜分军五路，长驱大进。刘繇军兵大败，众皆四纷五落。太史慈独力难当，引十数骑连夜投泾县去了。 |
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The army retired, Taishi Ci with it, without being pursued. On the other side Zhang Zhao said to Sun Ce, "Zhou Yu's attack is the cause of this move; they are in no mood to fight. A night raid on their camp would finish them." The army was divided into five divisions for the night surprise and hastened toward the camp where they scored a victory. Their opponents scattered in all directions. Taishi Ci alone made a determined stand, and as he could not withstand a whole army, he fled with ten horsemen to Jingxian. | |
| 23 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说孙策又得陈武为辅：其人身长七尺，面黄睛赤，形容古怪。策甚敬爱之，拜为校尉，使作先锋，攻薛礼。武引十数骑突入阵去，斩首级五十馀颗。薛礼闭门不敢出。 |
| Taishi Ci Fights With...: | Now Sun Ce acquired a new adherent in the person of Chen Wu. He was a fighter of seven-span height, sallow of complexion and red eye, an odd looking man. But Sun Ce held him in high esteem, appointed him Commander, and put him in the van of the attack on Xue Li. As Van Leader, Chen Wu and a dozen horsemen made a dash into the enemy's formation, where they slew half a hundred men. So Xue Li would not fight but remained within his defenses. | |
| 24 | 太史慈酣... : | 策正攻城，忽有人报刘繇会合笮融去取牛渚。孙策大怒，自提大军竟奔牛渚。刘繇，笮融二人出马迎敌。孙策曰：“吾今到此，你如何不降？”刘繇背后一人挺枪出马，乃部将于糜也；与策战不三合，被策生擒过去，拨马回阵。繇将樊能，见捉了于糜，挺枪来赶。那枪刚搠到策后心，策阵上军士大叫：“背后有人暗萛！”策回头，忽见樊能马到，乃大喝一声，声如巨雷。樊能惊骇，倒翻身撞下马来，破头而死。策到门旗下将于糜丢下，已被挟死。一霎时挟死一将，喝死一将；自此，人皆呼孙策为“小霸王”。 |
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When Sun Ce was attacking the city, a spy came in with the news that Liu Yao and Ze Rong had gone to attack Niuzhu, which made Sun Ce move thither in haste. His two opponents were ready for battle. "I am here!" said Sun Ce, "You had better give in!" A general came out from behind Liu Yao to accept the challenge. It was Yu Mi. But in the third bout Sun Ce made him prisoner and carried him off to the other side. Seeing his colleague thus captured, Fan Neng rode out to the rescue and got quite close. But just as he was going to thrust, all Sun Ce's soldiers shouted, "There is a man behind you going to strike secretly!" At this Sun Ce turned and shouted so thunderously loud that Fan Neng fell out of his saddle from mere fright. He split his skull and died. When Sun Ce reached his standard, he threw his prisoner to the ground. And Yu Mi was also dead, crushed to death between the arm and the body of his captor. So in a few moments Sun Ce had disposed of two enemies, one crushed to death and one frightened to death. Thereafter Sun Ce was called the Young Overlord. | |
| 25 | 太史慈酣... : | 当日刘繇兵大败，人马大半降策。策斩首万馀。刘繇与笮融走豫章投刘表去了。孙策还兵复攻秣陵，亲到城壕边，招谕薛礼投降。城上暗放一冷箭，正中孙策左腿，翻身落马。众将急救起，还营拔箭，以金疮药傅之。策令军中诈称主将中箭身死。军中举哀，拔寨齐起。 |
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Liu Yao had a defeat. The greater portion of his force surrendered, and the number of those slain exceeded ten thousand. Liu Yao himself fled to Yuzhang and sought safety with Liu Biao, Imperial Protector of Jingzhou. An attack on Moling was the next move. As soon as Sun Ce arrived at the moat, he summoned Commander Xue Li to surrender. Someone let fly a furtive arrow from the wall which wounded Sun Ce in the left thigh so severely that he fell from his steed. Hastily his officers picked up their wounded chief and returned to the camp where the arrow was pulled out and the wound dressed with the medicines suitable for injuries by metals. By Sun Ce's command the story was spread abroad that the hurt had been fatal, and all the soldiers set up cries of lamentation. The camp was broken up. | |
| 26 | 太史慈酣... : | 薛礼听知孙策已死，连夜起城内之军，与骁将张英，陈横杀出城来追之。忽然伏兵四起，孙策当先出马，高声大叫曰：“孙郎在此！”众军皆惊，尽弃枪刀，拜于地下。策令休杀一人。张英拨马回走，被陈武一枪刺死。陈横被蒋钦一箭射死。薛礼死于乱军中。策入秣陵，安辑居民；移兵至泾县来捉太史慈。 |
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Xue Li, Zhang Ying, and Chen Heng made a night sortie but fell into a carefully prepared ambush. Presently Sun Ce himself appeared on horseback, shouting: "Sun Ce is here still!" His sudden appearance created such a panic that the soldiers dropped their weapons and fell on their faces. Sun Ce gave orders not to kill them. But their leaders fell: Zhang Ying from Chen Wu's spear thrust as he turned to run away; Chen Heng was killed by Jiang Qin's arrow; and Commander Xue Li was slain in the turbulence. Thus Sun Ce got possession of Moling. Having calmed the people, he sent his soldiers away to Jingxian, where Taishi Ci was in command. | |
| 27 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说太史慈招得精壮二千馀人，并所部兵，正要来与刘繇报雠。孙策与周瑜商议活捉太史慈之计。瑜令三面攻县，只留东门放走；离城二十五里，三路各伏一军，太史慈到那里，人马困乏，必然被擒。原来太史慈所招军大半是山野之民，不谙纪律。泾县城头，苦不甚高。夜孙策命陈武短衣持刀，首先爬上城放火。太史慈见城上火起，上马投东门走，背后孙策引军赶来。 |
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Taishi Ci had assembled two thousand recruits in addition to his own troops for the purpose of avenging his master. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu on the other hand consulted how to capture him alive. Zhou Yu planned, "Attack the city on three sides, leaving the east gate free for flight. Some distance off an ambush shall be prepared, when Taishi Ci, his men fatigued and horses spent, shall fall an easy victim." The latest recruits under Taishi Ci's banner were mostly hillmen and unaccustomed to discipline. Beside, the walls of the city were pitiably low. One night Sun Ce ordered Chen Wu to strip off his long dress, leave his arms save a dagger, clamber up the ramparts, and set fire to the city. Seeing the flames spreading, Taishi Ci made for the east gate and, as soon as he got outside, Sun Ce followed in pursuit. The pursuit was maintained for some fifteen miles when the pursuers stopped. | |
| 28 | 太史慈酣... : | 太史慈正走，后军赶至三十里，却不赶了。太史慈走了五十里，人困马乏，芦苇之中，喊声忽起。慈急待走，两下里绊马索齐来，将马绊翻了，生擒太史慈，解投大寨。策知解到太史慈，亲自出营喝散士卒，自释其缚，将自己锦袍衣之，请入寨中，谓曰：“吾知子义真丈夫也。刘繇蠢辈，不能用为大将，以致此败。” |
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Taishi Ci went on as long as possible, finally halting to rest in a spot surrounded by reeds. Suddenly a tremendous shouting arose. Taishi Ci was just starting when tripping ropes arose all round, his horse was thrown and he found himself a prisoner. Taishi Ci was taken back to camp. As soon as Sun Ce heard the news, he himself rode out to order the guards to leave the prisoner, whose bonds he loosened with his own hands. Then he took off his own embroidered robe and put it on the captive. They entered the camp together. "I knew you were a real hero," said Sun Ce. "That worm Liu Yao had no use for such as you, and so he got beaten." | |
| 29 | 太史慈酣... : | 慈见策待之甚厚，遂请降。策执慈手笑曰：“神亭相战之时，若公获我，还相害否？”慈笑曰：“未可知也。”策大笑，请入帐，邀之上坐，设宴款待。慈曰：“刘君新破，士卒离心，某欲自往收拾馀众，以助明公，不识能相信否？”策起谢曰：“此诚策所愿也。今与公约：明日日中，望公来还。”慈应诺而去。诸将曰：“太史慈此去必不来矣。”策曰：“子义乃信义之士，必不背我。”众皆未信。 |
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Taishi Ci, overcome by this kindness and good treatment, then formally surrendered. Sun Ce seized his hand and said, laughing, "If you had taken me at that fight we had near the shrine, would you have killed me?" "Who can say?" said Taishi Ci smiling. Sun Ce laughed also and they entered his tent, where Taishi Ci was placed in the seat of honor at a banquet. Taishi Ci said, "Can you trust me so far as to let me go to muster as many as I can of the soldiers of my late master? Under the smart of this defeat they will turn against him, and they would be a great help to you." "Exactly what I most desire. I will make an agreement with you that at midday tomorrow you will return." Taishi Ci agreed and went off. All the generals said he would never return. "He is trustworthy and will not break his word," said the chief. None of the officers believed he would come back. | |
| 30 | 太史慈酣... : | 次日，立竿于营门以候日影。恰将日中，太史慈引一千馀众到寨。孙策大喜。众皆服策之知人。于是孙策聚数万之众，下江东，安民恤众，投者无数。江东之民，皆呼策为孙郎。但闻孙郎兵至，皆丧胆而走。及策军到，并不许一人掳掠，鸡犬不惊，人民皆悦，赍牛酒到寨劳军。策以金帛答之，欢声遍野。其刘繇旧军愿从军者听从，不愿为军者给赏归农。江南之民，无不仰颂。由是兵势大盛。策乃迎母叔诸弟俱归曲阿，使弟孙权与周泰守宣城。策领兵南取吴郡。 |
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But the next day they set up a bamboo rod in the gate of the camp, and just as the shadow marked noon Taishi Ci returned, bringing with him about a thousand troops. Sun Ce was pleased, and his officers had to confess that he had rightly judged his man. Sun Ce thus marched his army to the South Land, and his enemies fled or surrendered before his force. He had now several legions and the southeast of the Great River was his. He improved the conditions of the people and maintained order so that his adherents and supporters daily increased. He was called Sun Ce the Bright. When Sun Ce's army approached, the people used to flee in terror; but when it had arrived and they saw that no one was permitted to loot and not the least attempt was made on their houses, they rejoiced and presented the soldiers with oxen and wine, for which they were in turn duly rewarded. Gladness filled the country side. The soldiers who had followed Liu Yao were kindly treated. Those who wished to join Sun Ce's army did so; those who preferred not to be soldiers were sent home with presents. And thus Sun Ce won the respect and praise of everyone and became very powerful. Sun Ce then settled his mother and the remainder of the family in Que, setting his brother, Sun Quan, and Zhou Tai over the city of Xuancheng. Then he headed an expedition to the south to reduce Wujun. | |
| 31 | 太史慈酣... : | 时有严白虎，自称东吴德王据吴郡，遣部将守住乌程、嘉兴。当日白虎闻策兵至，令弟严舆出兵，会于枫桥。舆横刀立马于桥上。有人报入中军，策便欲出。张紘谏曰：“夫主将乃三军之所系命，不宜轻敌小寇。愿将军自重。”策谢曰：“先生之言如金石；但恐不亲冒矢石，则将士不用命耳。”遂遣韩当出马。 |
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At that time there was a certain Yan Baihu, or the White Tiger, who styled himself King of East Wu and ruled over Wujun. His armies stationed at Wucheng and Jiaxing. Hearing of Sun Ce's approach, Yan Baihu sent his brother, Yan Yu, with an army against Sun Ce, and they met at Maple Bridge. Yan Yu, sword in hand, took his stand on the bridge, and this was reported to Sun Ce, who prepared to accept the challenge. Zhang Hong tried to dissuade him, saying, "For as much as my lord's fate is bound up with that of the army, he should not risk a conflict with a mere robber. I wish that you should remember your own value." "Your words, O Wise One, are as gold and precious stones, but I fear that my soldiers will not carry out my commands unless I myself share their dangers." However, Sun Ce sent forth Han Dang to take up the challenge. | |
| 32 | 太史慈酣... : | 比及韩当到桥上时，蒋钦，陈武早驾小舟从河岸边杀过桥来，乱箭射倒岸上军，二人飞身上岸砍杀，严舆退走。韩当引军直杀到阊门下，贼退入城里去了。策分兵水陆并进，围住吴城。一困三日，无人出战。策引众军到阊门外招谕，城上一员裨将，左手托定护梁，右手指著城下大骂。太史慈就马上拈弓取箭，顾军将曰：“看我射中这厮左手！” |
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Just as Han Dang reached the bridge, Jiang Qin and Chen Wu, who had dropped down the river in a small boat, passed under the bridge. Though the arrows fell in clouds on the bank, the two men rushed up and fiercely attacked Yan Yu as he stood on the bridge. Yan Yu fled and Han Dang went in pursuit. But Yan Yu smote up to the west gate of the city into which he entered. Sun Ce laid siege to Wujun both by land and water. For three days no one came out to offer battle. Then at the head of his army, Sun Ce came to the west gate and summoned the warden. An officer of inconsiderable rank came out and stood with one hand resting on a beam while with the other he gave point to his abuse of those below. Quickly Taishi Ci's hands sought his bow and an arrow was on the string. "See me hit that fellow's hand," said he, turning to his companions. | |
| 33 | 太史慈酣... : | 说声未绝，弓弦响处，果然射个正中，把那将的左手射透，反牢钉在护梁上。城上城下见者，无不喝采。 |
| Taishi Ci Fights With...: | Even as the sound of his voice died away, the bowstring twanged, the arrow sped and lodged in the beam, firmly pinning thereto the officer's hand. Both sides, those on the wall and those below it, marveled and acclaimed at such marksmanship. | |
| 34 | 太史慈酣... : | 众人救这人下城。白虎大惊曰：“彼军有如此人，安能敌乎！”遂商量求和。次日，使严舆出城，来见孙策。策请舆入帐饮酒。酒酣，问舆曰：“令兄意欲如何？”舆曰：“欲与将军平分江东。”策大怒曰：“鼠辈安敢与吾相等！”命斩严舆。舆拔剑起身，策飞剑砍之，应手而倒，割下首级，令送入城中。白虎料敌不过，弃城而走。 |
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The wounded man was taken away. When Yan Baihu the White Tiger heard of the exploit, he said, "How can we hope to withstand an army with such leaders as this in it?" And his thoughts turned toward a peace. He sent his brother Yan Yu out to see Sun Ce, who received him civilly, invited him into the tent, and set wine before him. "And what does your brother propose?" said Sun Ce. "He is willing to share this region with you," was the reply. "The rat! How dare he put himself on a level with me?" cried Sun Ce. Sun Ce commanded to put the messenger to death. Yan Yu started up and drew his sword; but out flew Sun Ce's blade, and the unhappy messenger fell to the ground. His head was hacked off and sent into the city to his brother. This had its effect. Yan Baihu saw resistance was hopeless, so he abandoned Wujun and fled. | |
| 35 | 太史慈酣... : | 策进兵追袭，黄盖攻取嘉兴，太史慈攻取乌程，数州皆平。白虎奔馀杭，于路劫掠，被土人凌操领乡人杀败，望会稽而走。凌操父子二人来接孙策，策使为从征校尉，遂同引兵渡江。严白虎聚寇，分布于西津渡口。程普与战，复大败之，连夜赶到会稽。 |
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Sun Ce pressed the attack. Huang Gai captured Jiaxing, and Taishi Ci took Wucheng. Several other southern cities were fallen. The territory was quickly subdued. Yan Baihu rushed off toward Yuhang in the east, plundering on all sides, till a band of villagers under the leadership of one Ling Cao checked his career of robbery there. Yan Baihu then fled toward Kuaiji. Ling Cao and his son then went to meet Sun Ce, who took them into his service, and appointed them Commanders as a reward for their service, and the joint forces crossed the Great River. The White Tiger, Yan Baihu, gathered his scattered forces and took up a position at Western Ford, but Cheng Pu attacked him there and scattered the defenders, chasing them as far as Kuaiji. | |
| 36 | 太史慈酣... : | 会稽太守王朗，欲引兵救白虎。忽一人出曰：“不可。孙策用仁义之师，白虎乃暴虐之众，还宜擒白虎以献孙策。”朗视之，乃会稽馀姚人：姓虞，名翻，字仲翔，见为郡吏。朗怒叱之，翻长叹而出。朗遂引兵会合白虎，同陈兵于山阴之野。两阵对圆，孙策出马，谓王朗曰：“吾兴仁义之兵，来安浙江，汝何故助贼？”朗骂曰：“汝贪心不足？既得吴郡，而又强并吾界！今日特与严氏报雠！” |
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The Governor of the place, Wang Lang, was on Yan Baihu's side and inclined to support him actively. But, when Wang Lang proposed this, one of his officers stood forth, saying, "No! No! Sun Ce as a leader is humane and upright, while the White Tiger is a savage ruffian. Rather capture him and offer his person as a peace offering to Sun Ce." The Governor turned angrily toward the speaker, who was an official named Yu Fan from Kuaiji, and bade him be silent. Yu Fan withdrew sighing deeply. And the Governor went to the help of the White Tiger with whom he joined forces at Shanyin. Sun Ce came up. When both sides were arrayed, Sun Ce rode out and addressed Wang Lang, saying, "Mine is an army of good soldiers, and my aim is to restore peace to this region, but you give your support to a rebel!" Wang Lang replied, "Your greed is insatiable. Having got possession of Wujun, you want also my territory. I shall revenge for the Yans!" | |
| 37 | 太史慈酣... : | 孙策大怒，正待交战，太史慈早出。王朗拍马舞刀，与慈战。不数合朗将周昕，杀出助战；孙策阵中黄盖，飞马接住周昕交锋。两下鼓声大震，互相鏖战。忽王朗阵后先乱，一彪军从背后抄来。朗大惊，急回马来迎：原来是周瑜与程普引军刺斜杀来，前后来攻。王朗寡不敌众，与白虎，周昕，杀条血路，走入城中；拽起吊桥，坚闭城门。 |
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This response greatly angered Sun Ce. Just as battle was to be joined, Taishi Ci advanced and Wang Lang came toward him waving a sword. Before they had exchanged many passes, Zhou Xin dashed out to help Wang Lang. Thereupon Huang Gai rode out to make the sides more equal. These latter two were just engaging when the drums rolled on both sides, and a general battle began. Suddenly confusion was caused in the rear of Wang Lang's army by the sudden onslaught of a small army. Wang Lang galloped off to see the attackers were Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu. Then an attack was made on his flank, so that he was in a hopeless position, and he and Yan Baihu and Zhou Xin, fighting desperately to cut an alley out, only just managed to reach the shelter of the city. The drawbridges were raised, the gates closed, and preparations made to sustain a siege. | |
| 38 | 太史慈酣... : | 孙策大军乘势赶到城下，分布众军，四门攻打。王朗在城中见孙策攻城甚急，欲再出兵决一死战。严白虎曰：“孙策兵势甚大，足下只宜深沟高垒，坚壁勿出。不消一月，彼军粮尽，自然退走。那时乘虚掩之，可不战而破也。”朗依其议，乃固守会稽城而不出。 |
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Sun Ce followed right up to the walls and then divided his troops so as to attack all four gates. Seeing that the city was being fiercely attacked, Wang Lang was for making a sortie, but Yan Baihu opposed this as hopeless against so strong a force outside. "We can only strengthen our position and remain behind the shelter of the ramparts until hunger forces the besiegers to retire," said Yan Baihu. Wang Lang agreed, and the siege went on. | |
| 39 | 太史慈酣... : | 孙策一连攻了数日，不能成功，乃与众将计议。孙静曰：“王朗负固守城，难可卒拔；会稽钱粮，大半屯于查渎；其地离此数十里，莫若以兵先据其内：所谓攻其无备，出其不意也。”策大喜曰：“叔父妙用，足破贼人矣！”即下令于各门燃火，虚张旗号，设为疑兵，连夜撤围南去。周瑜进曰：“主公大兵一起，王朗必然出城来赶，可用奇兵胜之。”策曰：“吾今准备了，取城只在今夜。”遂令军马起行。 |
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For several days a vigorous attack was maintained, but with little success. In a council, Sun Jing, who was the uncle of Sun Ce, said, "Since they are holding the city with such resolution, it will be difficult to dislodge them. But the bulk of their supplies is stored at Chadu, distant only some ten miles. Our best plan is to seize this place, thus attacking where the enemy is unprepared, and doing what they do not expect." Sun Ce approved, saying, "My uncle's plan is admirable and will crush the rebels." So he issued orders to kindle watch fires at all the gates, and leave the flags standing to maintain the appearance of soldiers in position while the expedition went south. Zhou Yu came to utter a warning, "When you, my lord, go away, the besieged will surely come out and follow you. We might prepare a surprise for them." Sun Ce replied, "My preparations are complete, and the city will be captured tonight." So the army set out. | |
| 40 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说王朗闻报孙策军马退去，自引众人来敌楼上观望；见城下烟火并起，旌旗不杂，心下迟疑。周昕曰：“孙策走矣，特设此计以疑我耳。可出兵袭之。”严白虎曰：“孙策此去，莫非要去查渎。我令部兵与周将军追之。”朗曰：“查渎是我屯粮之所，正须堤防。汝引兵先行，吾随后接应。”白虎与周昕领五千兵出城追赶。将近初更，离城二十馀里，忽密林里一鼓响，火把齐明。白虎大惊，便勒马回走。一将当先拦住，火光中视之，乃孙策也。周昕舞刀来迎，被策一枪刺死。馀众皆降。白虎杀条血路，望馀杭而走。 |
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Wang Lang heard that the besiegers had gone, and he went up to the tower to reconnoiter. He saw the fires blazing, the smoke rising, and the pennons fluttering in the breeze as usual and hesitated. Zhou Xin said, "He has gone and this is only a strategy. Let us go out and smite them." Yan Baihu said, "If he has gone, it is to attack Chadu. Let us pursue." "The place is our base of supply," said Wang Lang, "and must be defended. You two lead the way, and I will follow with reserves." So Yan Baihu and Zhou Xin went forth with five thousand soldiers and drew near their enemy about the first watch, at seven miles from the city. The road led through dense forest. Then suddenly the drums beat and lighted torches sprang up on all sides. Yan Baihu was frightened, turned his horse and started to retreat. At once a leader appeared in front in whom, by the glare of the torches, he recognized Sun Ce. Zhou Xin made a rush at him but fell under Sun Ce's spear. The men surrendered. However, Yan Baihu managed to cut his way out and fled to Yuhang. | |
| 41 | 太史慈酣... : | 王朗听知前军已败，不敢入城，引部下奔逃海隅去了。孙策复回大军，乘势取了城池，安定人民。不隔一日，只见一人将著严白虎首级来孙策军前投献。策视其人：身长八尺，面方口阔。问其姓名，乃会稽馀姚人：姓董，名袭，字元代。策喜，命为别部司马。自是东路皆平，令叔孙静守之，令朱治为吴郡太守，收军回江东。 |
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Wang Lang soon heard of the loss and, not daring to return to the city, fled in all haste to the coastal regions. And so Sun Ce got possession of the city of Kuaiji. Having restored order, a few days later a man came bringing the head of the White Tiger as an offering to Sun Ce. This man was a native of the county. He was of eight-span height, with a square face and wide mouth. He was named Dong Xi. Sun Ce appointed him Commander. After this, peace reigned in all the southeast. Sun Ce placed his uncle Sun Jing in command of the city and made Zhu Zhi Governor of Wujun. Then Sun Ce returned to his own place, south of the Great River. | |
| 42 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说孙权与周泰守宣城，忽山贼窃发，四面杀至。时值更深，不及抵敌，泰抱权上马。贼用刀来砍。泰赤体步行，提刀杀贼，砍杀十馀人。随后一贼跃马挺枪直取周泰，被泰扯住枪，拖下马来，夺了枪马，杀条血路，救出孙权。馀贼远遁。周泰身被十二枪，金疮发胀，命在须臾。 |
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While Sun Ce was absent, a band of brigands suddenly attacked Xuancheng, left in the care of his brother Sun Quan and the leader Zhou Tai. As the onslaught was made on all sides at once, and in the night, the brigands got the upper hand. Zhou Tai took the youth in his arms and mounted a horse; but when the robbers came on with swords to attack him, he dismounted, and though without mail, met the robbers on foot and slew them as they came up. Then came a horseman armed with a spear, but Zhou Tai laid hold of his spear and pulled him to the earth. Next Zhou Tai mounted the robber's horse, and thrusting this way and that with the spear fought his way out. So Sun Quan was preserved, but his savior had received more than a dozen wounds. However, the bandits went away. These wounds being due to metal would not heal but swelled enormously, and the brave soldier's life hung in the balance. | |
| 43 | 太史慈酣... : | 策闻之大惊。帐下董袭曰：“某曾与海寇相持，身遭数枪，得会稽一个贤郡吏虞翻荐一医者，半月而愈。”策曰：“虞翻莫非虞仲翔乎？”袭曰：“然。”策曰：“此贤士也，我当用之。”乃令张昭与董袭同往聘请虞翻。翻至，策优礼相待，拜为功曹，因言及求医之意。翻曰：“此人乃沛国谯郡人：姓华，名佗，字元化。真当世之神医也。当引之来见。” |
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Sun Ce returned and was deeply grieved. Then Dong Xi said, "Once in an engagement with some coastal pirates, I received many spear wounds, but a certain wise man named Yu Fan recommended a surgeon who cured me in half a month." "Surely this must be Yu Fan of Kuaiji," replied Sun Ce. "That is he; he is so called." "Yes, truly a wise man. I would employ him." So Sun Ce sent two officers to invite Yu Fan, and he came at once. He was treated in most friendly fashion and appointed an official forthwith. Then the question of treating the wounded man was brought up. "The surgeon is one Hua Tuo from Qiao, who has perfectly marvelous medicine skill. I will get him to come," said Yu Fan. | |
| 44 | 太史慈酣... : | 不一日引至。策见其人：童颜鹤发，飘然有出世之姿；乃待为上宾，请视周泰疮。佗曰：“此易事耳。”投之以药，一月而愈。策大喜，厚谢华佗。遂进兵杀除山贼。江南皆平。孙策分拨将士，守把各处隘口；一面写表申奏朝廷；一面结交曹操；一面使人致书与袁术取玉玺。 |
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Shortly the famous Hua Tuo arrived, a man with the complexion of a youth and a snowy beard. He looked more like a saint who had passed the gates of this life. He was treated very warmly and taken to see the sick general's wounds. "The case is not difficult," said the surgeon. And he prepared certain drugs that healed the wounds within a month. Sun Ce suitably acknowledged his care and skill, and he was allowed to leave with rich rewards. Next Sun Ce attacked the brigands and destroyed them, so restoring complete tranquillity to the South Land. After this he set garrisons at all the strategic points in the old state of Wu, and this done, memorialized what he had achieved to the Throne. He came to an understanding with Cao Cao and sent letters to Yuan Shu demanding the return of the Imperial Hereditary Seal he had left in pledge. | |
| 45 | 太史慈酣... : | 却说袁术暗有称帝之心，乃回书推托不还；急聚长史杨大将，都督张勋，纪灵，桥蕤，上将雷薄，陈兰，等三十馀人，商议曰：“孙策借我军马起事，今日尽得江东地面，乃不思报本，而反来索玺，殊为无礼。当以何策图之？”长史杨大将曰：“孙策据长江之险，兵精粮广，未可图也。今当先伐刘备，以报前日无故相攻之恨，然后图取孙策未迟。某献一计，使备即日就擒。”正是： |
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But Yuan Shu, secretly cherishing the most ambitious designs, wrote excuses and did not return the state jewel. In his own place Yuan Shu hastily summoned about thirty of his officers to a council. Among them were Adviser Yang Dajiang and Generals Zhang Xun, Ji Ling, Qiao Rui, Lei Bo, and Chen Lan. Yuan Shu said, "Sun Ce borrowed an army from me and set out on an expedition which has made him master of the South Land. Now he says nothing of repayment but demands the token of his pledge. Truly he is a boor, and what steps can I take to destroy him?" Yang Dajiang replied, "You cannot do any thing against him, for he is too strongly placed, the Great River as the shield. You must first remove Liu Bei in revenge for having attacked you without cause, and then you may think about Sun Ce. I have a scheme to put the former into your hands in a very short time." | |
| 不去江东图虎豹，却来徐郡斗蛟龙。不知其计若何，且看下文分解。 | ||
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Yuan Shu went not to destroy the tiger, but instead Against a dragon forth his army led. The means Yang Dajiang employed will be made plain in the next chapter. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch15