| 中国哲学书电子化计划 | |
| 简体字版 |
《袁公路大起七军，曹孟德会合三将》 |
| 1 | 袁公路大... : | 却说袁术在淮南，地广粮多，又有孙策所质玉玺，遂思僭称帝号；大会群下议曰：“昔汉高祖不过泗上一亭长，而有天下；今历年四百，气数已尽，海内鼎沸。吾家四世三公，百姓所归；吾欲应天顺人，正位九五，尔众人以为如何？”主簿阎象曰：“不可。昔周后稷积德累功，至于文王，三分天下有其二，犹以服事殷。明公家世虽贵，未若有周之盛；汉室虽微，未若殷纣之暴也。此事决不可行。”术怒曰：“吾袁姓出于陈。陈乃大舜之后。以土承火，正应其运。又谶云：“代汉者，当涂高也。”吾字公路，正应其谶。又有传国玉玺，若不为君，背天道也。吾意已决，多言者斩！” |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
The south of River Huai was very fruitful, and Yuan Shu, as governor of such a large territory, was very influential. He was not a little puffed up. The possession of the Imperial Hereditary Seal, pledged by Sun Ce, added to his pride. And he seriously thought of assuming the full style. As a preliminary he assembled all his officers and addressed them thus: "The Supreme Ancestor, the Founder of Han Dynasty, was only a very minor official, and yet he became ruler of the empire. The dynasty has endured four centuries, and its measure of fortune has run out. It no longer possesses authority; the cauldron is on the point of boiling over. My family has held the highest offices of state for four generations and is universally respected. Wherefore I wish, in response to the will of Heaven and the desire of the people, to assume the Imperial Dignity. What think ye of the proposal, my officers?" Secretary Yan Xiang rose in opposition at once, saying, "You may not do this. King Wen, the Ancestor of the Zhou, was of distinguished virtue and held many offices. Till the last years of Shang Dynasty, he had two thirds of the empire. Still he served and was loyal to the ruling house. Your house is honorable, but it is not so glorious as that of Zhou. The Hans may be reduced, but they are not so abominably cruel as those of the Shang Dynasty that they are to be overthrown. Indeed this should not be done." Yuan Shu did not hear this with pleasure. Said he, "We Yuans came from the Chen family, the same ancestry with King Shun. By the rule of interpreting the signs of fate, the day has come when earth (Chen) receives fire (Liu). Beside there is an oracle saying, 'One who replaces the Hans must wade through deep mire.' My name means 'the high road.' It fits exactly. Further than this, I possess the Imperial Hereditary Seal and must become lord of all, or I turn from Heaven's own way. Finally, I have made up my mind, so if anyone says too much, that person will simply suffer death." | |
| 2 | 袁公路大... : | 遂建号仲氏，立台省等官，乘龙凤辇，祀南北郊，立冯方女为后，立子为东宫。因命使催取吕布之女为东宫妃。却闻布已将韩胤解赴许都，为曹操所斩，乃大怒；遂拜张勋为大将军，统领大军二十馀万，分七路征徐州：第一路大将张勋居中，第二路上将桥蕤居左，第三路上将陈纪居右，第四路副将雷薄居左，第五路副将陈兰居右，第六路降将韩暹居左，第七路降将杨奉居右。各领部下健将，尅日起行。命兖州刺史金尚为太尉，监运七路钱粮。尚不从，术杀之，以纪灵为七路都救应使。术自引军三万，使李丰、梁刚、乐就为催进使，接应七路之兵。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Yuan Shu arrogated himself the insignia of royalty and assigned Second Glory the reign title. He set up officials with titles only given by an emperor, and rode in a chariot decorated with the dragon and phoenix, and offered sacrifices after the manner of an emperor in the north and south suburbs. Also he appointed the daughter of Feng Fang his Empress and his son Heir Apparent, and he pressed for the early wedding of Lu Bu's daughter with his son so that the Palace entourage might be complete. But when Yuan Shu heard of the fate of his marriage ambassador, Han Yin, who was sent to the capital and was executed, Yuan Shu was very angry and began at once to plan for revenge. He made Zhang Xun his Grand Commander and gave Zhang Xun the command of more than two hundred thousand soldiers with the instruction to invade Xuzhou. The army consisted of seven divisions under seven commanders: Zhang Xun led the Center Army; Qiao Rui, the First Left Army; Lei Bo, the Second Left Army; Han Xian, the Third Left Army; Chen Ji, First Right Army; Chen Lan, Second Right Army; and Yang Feng, the Third Right Army. Each commander was instructed to make a certain town his objective. The Imperial Protector of Yangzhou, Jin Shang, was ordered to superintend the commissariat, but he declined the office. And so Yuan Shu put Jin Shang to death. Ji Ling was in command of the reserves to help wherever he was required. Yuan Shu led thirty thousand troops, and he appointed three generals, Li Feng, Liang Gang, and Yue Jiu, to go up and down and coordinate the grand march. | |
| 3 | 袁公路大... : | 吕布使人探听得张勋一军从大路迳取徐州，桥蕤一军取小沛，陈纪一军取沂都，雷薄一军取琅琊，陈兰一军取碣石，韩暹一军取下邳，杨奉一军取浚山，七路军马，日行五十里，于路劫掠将来，乃急召众谋士商议，陈宫与陈圭父子俱至。陈宫曰：“徐州之祸，乃陈圭父子所招；媚朝廷以求爵禄，今日移祸于将军，可斩二人之头献袁术，其军自退。” |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Lu Bu found out from his scouts that his own Xuzhou City was the objective of Zhang Xun; the other towns to be first attacked being Xiaopei, Yidu, Langye, Jieshi, Xiapi, and Junshan. The invading armies were marching twenty miles a day, and plundering the countryside as they advanced. Lu Bu summoned his advisers to a council to which came Chen Gong, Chen Deng, and Chen Gui. When all had assembled, Chen Gong said, "This misfortune that has come to us is due to the two Chens, who fawned upon the central government in order to obtain ranks and appointments. Now remove the evil by putting these two to death and sending their heads to Yuan Shu. Then he will retire and leave us in peace." | |
| 4 | 袁公路大... : | 布听其言，即命擒下陈圭、陈登。陈登大笑曰：“何如是之懦也？吾观七路之兵，如七堆腐草，何足介意！”布曰：“汝若有计破敌，免汝死罪。”陈登曰：“将军若用愚夫之言，徐州可保无虞。”布曰：“试言之。”登曰：“术兵虽众，皆乌合之师，素不亲信；我以正兵守之，出奇兵胜之，无不成功。更有一计，不止保安徐州，并可生擒袁术。”布曰：“计将安出？”登曰：“韩暹、杨奉乃汉旧臣，因惧曹操而走，无家可依，暂归袁术；术必轻之，彼亦不乐为术用。若凭尺书结为内应，更连刘备为外合，必擒袁术矣。”布曰：“汝须亲到韩暹、杨奉处下书。”陈登允诺。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Lu Bu acquiesced and had the two arrested. But the son, Chen Deng, only laughed, saying, "What is this anxiety about? These seven armies are no more to me than so many heaps of rotting straw. They are not worth thinking about." "If you can show us how to overcome them, I will spare your life," said Lu Bu. "General, if you will listen to poor me, the region will be perfectly safe." "Let us hear what you have to say." "Yuan Shu's troops are numerous but they are only a flock of crows; they are not an army under a leader. There is no mutual confidence. I can keep them at bay with the ordinary guards of the place and could overcome them by some unsuspected stratagem. If I should fail, I have another plan by which I can not only protect the region but capture our enemy." "Let us have it." Chen Deng said, "Han Xian and Yang Feng, two of the leaders of our enemies, are old servants of the Han Dynasty who fled from fear of Cao Cao and, being homeless, sought refuge with Yuan Shu. He despises them, and they are dissatisfied with his service. A little letter from the court will secure their help as our allies, and with Liu Bei to help us on the outside, we can certainly overcome Yuan Shu." "You shall take the letters yourself," said Lu Bu. Chen Deng agreed. | |
| 5 | 袁公路大... : | 布乃发表上许都，并致书与豫州，然后令陈登引数骑，先于下邳道上候韩暹。暹引兵至，下寨毕，登入见。暹问曰：“汝乃吕布之人，来此何干？”登笑曰：“某为大汉公卿，何谓吕布之人？若将军，向为汉臣，今乃为叛贼之臣，使昔日关中保驾之功，化为乌有，窃为将军不取也。且袁术性最多疑，将军后必为其所害。今不早图，悔之无及。”暹叹曰：“吾欲归汉，恨无门耳。”登乃出布书。暹览书毕曰：“吾已知之。公先回。吾与杨将军反戈击之。但看火起为号，温侯以兵相应可也。” |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
A memorial detailing his intentions was sent to the capital, letters to Yuzhou to Liu Bei, and finally Chen Deng was sent, with a small escort, to wait for Han Xian on the road to Xiapi. When Han Xian's army had halted and pitched camp, Chen Deng went to see Han Xian who said, "What are you here for? You belong to Lu Bu." "I am an official of the court of the great Hans. Why do you call me a Lu Bu's man? If you, General, hitherto a minister of state, now serve a traitor, you will nullify the grand services you rendered in protecting the Emperor in the flight from Changan. Beside, the suspicious Yuan Shu will assuredly do you some harm, and you will regret not having taken this opportunity to work against him." Han Xian sighed, saying, "I would return to my allegiance if there should be any opportunity." Thereupon Chen Deng gave him Lu Bu's letter asking for cooperation. Han Xian read it and said, "Yes, I know. You may return to your master and say General Yang Feng and I will turn our weapons and smite Yuan Shu. Look out for a signal flare, and let your master come to our aid." | |
| 6 | 袁公路大... : | 登辞暹，急回报吕布。布乃分兵五路：高顺引一军进小沛，敌桥蕤；陈宫引一军进沂都，敌陈纪；张辽、臧霸引一军出琅琊，敌雷薄；宋宪、魏续引一军出碣石，敌陈兰；吕布自引一军，出大道，敌张勋。各领军一万，馀者守城。吕布出城三十里下寨。张勋军到，料敌吕布不过，且退二十里屯住，待四下兵接应。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
As soon as Chen Deng had got back and reported his success, Lu Bu divided his troops into five divisions, each of ten thousand, and sent them to five threatened towns to meet his enemies. Gao Shun led one army to Xiaopei against Qiao Rui; Chen Gong to Yidu against Chen Ji; Zhang Liao and Zang Ba to Langye against Lei Bo; Song Xian and Wei Xu to Jieshi against Chen Lan. Lu Bu himself led against the main body under Zhang Xun, leaving a small guard in Xuzhou City. Lu Bu camped ten miles from the walls. When the enemy came up, Zhang Xun thought Lu Bu too strong to attack with the force he had, so he retired seven miles to await reinforcements. | |
| 7 | 袁公路大... : | 是夜二更时分，韩暹、杨奉，分兵到处放火，接应吕家军入寨。勋军大乱。吕布乘势掩杀，张勋败走。吕布赶到天明，正撞著纪灵接应。两军相迎，恰待交锋，韩暹、杨奉两路杀来。纪灵大败而走，吕布引兵追杀，山后一彪军到。门旗开处，只见一队军马，打龙凤日月旗旛，四斗五方旌帜，金瓜银斧，黄銊白旄，黄罗销金伞盖之下，袁术身披金甲，腕悬两刀，立于阵前，大骂吕布：“背主家奴！” |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
That night, in the second watch, Han Xian and Yang Feng arrived, and soon the flare was lighted as arranged. Lu Bu's troops were admitted to the camp and caused great confusion. Then Lu Bu gave a full attack, and Zhang Xun was routed and fled. Lu Bu pursued till daylight, when he fell in with one of the other bodies led by Ji Ling. Both sides faced each other; but at the very beginning of the engagement Yang Feng and Han Xian also attacked, and Ji Ling was forced to fly. Lu Bu went in pursuit but soon another force came out from the rear of some hills. These looked very imposing. As the ranks opened Lu Bu saw a leader's guard with flags bearing dragons and phoenixes and representations of the sun and moon, the stars in the four groups of the Great Bear Constellation, the five directions of the Earth, golden gourds, silver axes, yellow halberds, white yaks' tails, all imperial emblems. And beneath a yellow silken parasol sat Yuan Shu on horseback, clad in silver mail with a sword handle showing at each wrist. Standing out in front of the array, Yuan Shu railed at his opponent calling him traitor and bastard. | |
| 8 | 袁公路大... : | 布怒，挺戟向前。术将李丰挺枪来迎；战不三合，被布刺伤其手，丰弃枪而走。吕布麾兵冲杀，术军大乱。吕布引军从后追赶，抢夺马匹衣甲无数。袁术引著败军，走不上数里，山背后一彪军出，截住去路。当先一将，乃关云长也。大叫：“反贼！还不受死！”袁术慌走，馀众四散奔逃，被云长大杀了一阵。袁术收拾败军，奔回淮南去了。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Lu Bu said nothing but rode forward ready for battle, and Li Feng, one of Yuan Shu's leaders, advanced to take the challenge. They met, but at the third bout, Li Feng was wounded in the hand, whereupon his spear fell to the ground, and he fled. Lu Bu waved on the advance, and his men prevailed. The other side fled, leaving much spoil, clothing, mail, and horses. Yuan Shu's defeated troops had not gone far when a strong army, led by Guan Yu, appeared barring his way. "Traitor! Why have they not slain you?" cried Guan Yu. Whereat Yuan Shu fled in great trepidation, and his army melted into fugitives in all directions. The new army fell upon them with great slaughter. Yuan Shu and the remnant of his army retreated into the below regions of River Huai. | |
| 9 | 袁公路大... : | 吕布得胜，邀请云长并杨奉、韩暹等一行人马到徐州，大排筵宴款待。军士都有犒赏。次日，云长辞归。布保韩暹为沂都牧。杨奉为琅琊牧，商议欲留二人在徐州。陈圭曰：“不可。韩、杨二人据山东。不出一年，则山东城郭皆属将军也。”布然之，遂送二将暂于沂都、琅琊二处屯札，以候恩命。陈登私问父曰：“何不留二人在徐州，为杀吕布之根？”圭曰：“倘二人协助吕布，是反为虎添爪牙也。”登乃服父之高见。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Victory being now secure, Lu Bu, in company with Guan Yu, Yang Feng, and Han Xian returned to Xuzhou, where there were banquets and feasting and rewards for the soldiers and generals of five divisions. These over, Guan Yu took his leave and returned to Yuzhou, while Han Xian was appointed Governor of Yidu, and Yang Feng Governor of Langye. There had been a question of keeping these two in Xuzhou City, but Chen Gui opposed it, saying, "Let them hold those places in Huashan Mountains, which will be all yours within a year." So Han Xian and Yang Feng were sent to these two cities in the meantime to await orders. "Why not retain them here?" asked Chen Deng secretly of his father. "They would be a basis for our conspiracy against Lu Bu." "But if they helped him, on the other hand, we should lengthen the tiger's claws and teeth," said Chen Gui. So Chen Deng could only approve of his father's precautions. | |
| 10 | 袁公路大... : | 却说袁术败回淮南，遣人往江东问孙策借兵报雠。策怒曰：“汝赖吾玉玺，僭称帝号，背反汉室，大逆不道！吾方欲加兵问罪，岂肯反助叛贼乎？”遂作书以绝之。使者赍书回见袁术，术看毕，怒曰：“黄口孺子，何敢乃尔！吾先伐之！”长史杨大将力谏方止。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Yuan Shu returned home burning to avenge his defeat, so he sent to the South Land to ask a loan of troops from Sun Ce. But Sun Ce said, "On the strength of holding the State Seal, he secretly calls himself emperor and rebels against the Hans. I would rather punish such a renegade than help him." So Sun Ce rejected. The letter refusing help added to Yuan Shu's anger. "What next from this callow youth?" cried Yuan Shu. "I will smite him before I deal with the others." But his adviser, Yang Dajiang, dissuaded him from this course. | |
| 11 | 袁公路大... : | 却说孙策自发书后，防袁术兵来，点军守住江口。忽曹操使至，拜策为会稽太守，令起兵征讨袁术。策乃商议，便欲起兵。长史张昭曰：“术虽新败，兵多粮足，未可轻敌；不如遗书曹操，劝他南征，吾为后应。两军相援，术军必败。万一有失，亦望操救援。”策从其言，遣使以此意达曹操。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Having refused help to his powerful rival, Sun Ce thought it wise to take measures for his own safety. So he stationed an army at Jiangkou. Soon after came a messenger from Cao Cao bearing Sun Ce's appointment as Governor of Kuaiji with orders to raise an army and reduce Yuan Shu. Sun Ce was inclined to carry out these orders, but he called a council at which Zhang Zhao opposed this course. Said he, "Although recently defeated, Yuan Shu has large army and ample supplies. He is not to be attacked lightly. You had better write to Cao Cao persuading him to attack the South of River Huai and we will be auxiliaries. Between the two armies, Yuan Shu must certainly be defeated. If by the remotest chance we lose, we have Cao Cao to come to our rescue." This plan was adopted, and a messenger was sent to lay it before Cao Cao. | |
| 12 | 袁公路大... : | 却说曹操至许都，思慕典韦，立祀祭之；封其子典满为中郎，收养在府。忽报孙策遣使致书。操览书毕，又有人报袁术乏粮，劫掠陈留，欲乘虚攻之。遂兴兵南征，令曹仁守许都，其馀皆从征，马步兵十七万，粮食辎重千馀车；一面先发人会合孙策与刘备、吕布。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
In the meantime, after the defeat at River Yu, Cao Cao had reached Xuchang where his first thought was to institute sacrifices to his beloved lost leader, Dian Wei. He conferred rank upon his son Dian Man and took him into his own palace to be cared for. Presently arrived Sun Ce's messenger with letters, and next came a report that Yuan Shu, being short of food, had made a raid on Chenliu. Cao Cao thought the moment opportune, so he issued orders for the south expedition, leaving Cao Ren to hold the capital. The army marched, horse and foot, one hundred seventy thousand, with commissariat wagons of food to the number of over a thousand. Messages were sent to summon Sun Ce, Liu Bei, and Lu Bu. | |
| 13 | 袁公路大... : | 兵至豫章界上，玄德早引兵来迎，操命请入营。相见毕，玄德献上首级二颗。操惊曰：“此是何人首级？”玄德曰：“此韩暹、杨奉之首级也。”操曰：“何以得之？”玄德曰：“吕布令二人权住沂都、琅琊两县，不意二人纵兵掠民，人人嗟怨；因此备乃设一宴，诈请议事；饮酒间，掷盏为号，使关、张二弟杀之，尽降其众。今特来请罪。”操曰：“君为国家除害，正是大功，何言罪也？” |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Liu Bei was the first to welcome the grand army at his Yuzhou borders, and he was called in to the Prime Minister's tent. After the usual salutations, two human heads were produced by Liu Bei. "Whose are these?" asked Cao Cao in surprise. "The heads of Han Xian and Yang Feng." "Why did this happen?" "They were sent to control Yidu and Langye, but they allowed their soldiers to plunder the people. Bitter complaints arose, so I invited them to a banquet and my brothers dispatched them when I gave the signal by dropping a cup. Their armies gave in at once. Now I have to apologize for my fault." "You have removed an evil, which is a grand service: Why talk of a fault?" | |
| 14 | 袁公路大... : | 遂厚劳玄德，合兵到徐州界。吕布出迎、操善言抚慰，封为左将军，许于还都之时，换给印绶。布大喜。操即分吕布一军在左，玄德一军在右，自统大军居中，令夏侯敦、于禁为先锋。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
And Cao Cao praised Liu Bei's action. When the joint army reached Lu Bu's Xuzhou borders, he came to meet it. Cao Cao spoke graciously to him and conferred upon him the title of General of the Left Army, promising him an official seal as soon as he returned to the capital. Lu Bu was very pleased. Then the three armies were made into one force, Cao Cao being in the center, Lu Bu to the left wing, and Liu Bei to the right wing. Xiahou Dun and Yu Jin were Leaders of the Van. | |
| 15 | 袁公路大... : | 袁术知曹兵至，令大将桥蕤引兵五万作先锋。两军会于寿春界口。桥蕤当先出马，与夏侯敦战不三合，被夏侯敦搠死。术军大败，奔走回城。忽报孙策发船攻江边西面，吕布引兵攻东面，刘备、关、张引兵攻南面，操自引兵十七万攻北面。术大惊，急聚众文武商议。杨大将曰：“寿春水旱连年，人皆缺食；今又动兵扰民，民既生怨，兵至难以拒敌。不如留军在寿春，不必与战。待彼粮尽，必然生变。陛下且统御林军渡淮；一者就熟，二者暂避其锐。” |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
On Yuan Shu's side, General Qiao Rui with fifty thousand troops was appointed Van Leader. The armies met on the confines of the city of Shouchun. Qiao Rui and Xiahou Dun rode out and opened battle. But Qiao Rui fell in the third bout, and his troops fled into the city. Then came news that Sun Ce's fleet was near and would attack on the west. The other three land corps took each one face —-Cao Cao on the north, Lu Bu on the east, and Liu Bei on the south. The city of Shouchun was in a parlous state. At this juncture Yuan Shu summoned his officers. Yang Dajiang explained the case, "Shouchun has suffered from drought for several years, and the people are on the verge of famine. Sending an army would add to the distress and anger the people, and victory would be uncertain. I advise not to send any more soldiers there, but to hold on till the besiegers are conquered by lack of supplies. Meanwhile, Your Highness, with regiment of guards, will move over to the other side of River Huai, which is quite ready, and we shall also escape the enemy's ferocity." | |
| 16 | 袁公路大... : | 术用其言，留李丰、乐就、梁刚、陈纪四人，分兵十万，坚守寿春；其馀将卒，并库藏金玉宝贝，尽数收拾过淮去了。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: | So due arrangements was made. One hundred thousand troops under Li Feng, Yue Jiu, Liang Gang, and Chen Ji were appointed to guard Shouchun. Then a general move was made to the other side of the River Huai. Not only the remained army went over, but all the accumulated wealth of the Yuan family, gold and silver, jewels and precious stones, were moved also. | |
| 17 | 袁公路大... : | 却说曹兵十七万，日费粮食浩大，诸郡及荒旱，接济不及；操催军速战，李丰等闭门不出。操军相拒月馀，粮食将尽，致书于孙策，借得粮米十万斛，不敷支散。管粮官任峻，部下仓官王垕，入禀操曰：“兵多粮少，当如之何？”操曰：“可将小斛散之，权且救一时之急。”垕曰：“兵士倘怨，如何？”操曰：“吾自有策。” |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Cao Cao's army of one hundred seventy thousand needed daily a considerable quantity of food; and as the country around had been famine-stricken for several years, nothing could be got there. So he tried to hasten the military operations and capture the city. On the other hand, the defenders knew the value of delay and simply held on. After a month's vigorous siege, the fall of Shouchun seemed as far off as it was at first, and supplies were very short. Letters were sent to Sun Ce who sent a hundred thousand carts of grain. When the usual distribution became impossible, the Chief of the Commissariat, Ren Jun, and the Controller of the Granaries, Wang Hou, presented a statement asking what was to be done. "Serve out with a smaller measure," said Cao Cao. "That will save us for a time." "But if the soldiers murmur, what then?" "I shall have another device." | |
| 18 | 袁公路大... : | 垕依命，以小斛分散：操暗使人各寨探听，无不嗟怨，皆言丞相欺众。操乃密召王垕入曰：“吾欲问汝借一物，以压众心，汝必勿吝。”垕曰：“承相欲用何物？”操曰：“欲借汝头以示众耳。”垕大惊曰：“其实无罪。”操曰：“吾亦知汝无罪；但不杀汝，军心变矣。汝死后，汝妻子吾自养之，汝勿虑也。”垕再欲言时，操早呼刀斧手推出门外，一刀斩讫，悬头高竿，出榜晓示曰：“王垕故行小斛，盗窃官粮，谨按军法。”于是众怨始解。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
As ordered the controller issued grain in a short measure. Cao Cao sent secretly to find out how the army took this; and when he found that complaints were general and the soldiers were saying that the Prime Minister was fooling them, he sent a secret summons to the controller. When Wang Hou came, Cao Cao said, "I want to ask you to lend me something to pacify the soldiers with. You must not refuse." "What does the Prime Minister wish?" "I want the loan of your head to expose to the soldiery." "But I have done nothing wrong!" exclaimed the unhappy man. "I know that, but if I do not put you to death, there will be a mutiny. After you are gone, your wife and children shall be my care. So you need not grieve on their account." Wang Hou was about to remonstrate further, but Cao Cao gave a signal. The executioners hustled Wang Hou out, and he was beheaded. His head was exposed on a tall pole, and a notice said: "In accordance with military law, Wang Hou had been put to death for peculation and the use of a short measure in issuing grain." This appeased the discontent. | |
| 19 | 袁公路大... : | 次日，操传令各营将领：“如三日内不并力破城，皆斩！”操亲至城下，督诸军搬土运石，填壕塞堑，城上矢石如雨，有两员裨将畏避而回，操掣剑亲斩于城下，遂自下马接土填坑。于是大小将士，无不向前，军威大振。城上抵敌不住。曹兵争先上城，斩关落锁，大队拥入。李丰、陈纪、乐就、梁刚都被生擒。操令皆斩于市。焚烧伪造宫室殿宇，一应犯禁之物。寿春城中，收掠一空。商议欲进兵渡淮，追赶袁术。荀彧谏曰：“年来荒旱，粮食艰难，若更进兵，劳军损民，未必有利；不若暂回许都，待来春麦熟，军粮足备，方可图之。” |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Next followed a general order threatening death to all commanders if the city was not taken within three days. Cao Cao in person went up to the very walls to superintend the work of filling up the moat. The defenders kept up constant showers of stones and arrows. Two inferior officers, who left their stations in fear, were slain by Cao Cao himself. Thereafter he went on foot to work with his soldiers and to see that work went on continuously and no one dared be a laggard. Thus encouraged, the army became invincible, and no defense could withstand their onslaught. In a very short time the walls were scaled, the gates battered in, and the besiegers were in possession. The officers of the garrison —-Li Feng, Yue Jiu, Liang Gang, and Chen Ji —-were captured alive and were executed in the market place. All the paraphernalia of imperial state were burned, and the whole city wrecked. When the question of crossing the river in pursuit of Yuan Shu came up, Xun Yu opposed it, saying, "The country has suffered from short crops for years, and we should be unable to get grain. An advance would weary the army, harm the people, and possibly end in disaster. I advise a return to the capital to wait there till the spring wheat shall have been harvested and we have plenty of food." | |
| 20 | 袁公路大... : | 操踌躇未决。忽报马到，报说：“张绣依托刘表，复肆猖獗；南阳诸县复反；曹洪拒敌不住，连输数阵，今特来告急。”操乃驰书与孙策，令其跨江布阵，以为刘表疑兵，使不敢妄动；自己即日班师，别议征张绣之事。临行，令玄德仍屯兵小沛，与吕布结为兄弟，互相救助，再无相侵。吕布引兵自回徐州。操密谓玄德曰：“吾令汝屯兵小沛，是‘掘坑待虎’之计也。公但与陈圭父子商议，勿致有失。某当为公外援。”话毕而别。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Cao Cao hesitated. Before he had made up his mind, there came an urgent message: "Zhang Xiu, with the support of Liu Biao, was ravaging the country all round. There were rebellions in Nanyang and Jiangling, and Cao Hong could not cope with it. Cao Hong had been worsted already in several engagements and was in sore straits." Cao Cao at once wrote to Sun Ce to command the Great River so as to prevent any move on the part of Liu Biao, while he prepared his army to go to deal with Zhang Xiu. Before marching Cao Cao directed Liu Bei to station at Xiaopei, as he and Lu Bu being as brothers might help each other. When Lu Bu had left for Xuzhou, Cao Cao said secretly to Liu Bei, "I am leaving you at Xiaopei to dig a 'pitfall for the tiger.' You will only take advice from Chen Deng and Chen Gui, and there can be no mishap. You will find so-and-so your ally when needed." | |
| 21 | 袁公路大... : | 却说曹操引军回许都，人报段煨杀了李傕，伍习杀了郭泛，将头来献。段煨并将李傕合族老小二百馀口活解入许都。操令分于各门处斩，传首号令，人民称快。天子升殿，会集文武，作太平筵宴。封段煨为荡寇将军，伍习为殄虞将军，各引兵镇守长安。二人谢恩而去。操即奏张绣作乱，当兴兵伐之。天子乃亲排銮驾，送操出师，时建安三年夏四月也。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
So Cao Cao marched to Xuchang where he heard that Duan Wei had slain Li Jue and Wu Xi killed Guo Si, and they presented the heads of these two. Beside the whole clan of Li Jue, more than two hundred, had been arrested and brought to the capital. They were all put to death at various gates and their heads exposed as warning. The people cheered the end of those two rebels. In the Emperor's palace a large number of officials were assembled at a peace banquet. The Emperor rewarded the two successful leaders, Duan Wei with the title of General Who Destroys Rebellion and Wu Xi General Who Wrecks Villainy, and sent to guard Changan. They came to audience to express their gratitude and marched away. Then Cao Cao sent in a memorial that Zhang Xiu was in rebellion, and an army must be sent against him. The Emperor in person arranged the chariot and escorted Cao Cao out of the city when he went to take command of the expedition. It was the summer, the fourth month of the third year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 198). | |
| 22 | 袁公路大... : | 操留荀彧在许都，调遣兵将，自统大军进发。行军之次，见一路麦已熟。民因兵至，逃避在外，不敢刈麦。操使人远近遍谕村人父老，及各处守境官吏曰：“吾奉天子明诏，出兵讨逆，与民除害。方今麦熟之时，不得已而起兵，大小将校，凡过麦田，但有践踏者，并皆斩首。军法甚严，尔民勿得惊疑。”百姓闻谕，无不欢喜称颂，望尘遮道而拜。官军经过麦田，皆下马以手扶麦，递相传送而过，并不敢践踏。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Xun Yu was in chief military command in Xuchang. The army marched away. In the course of the march they passed through a wheat region, and the grain was ready for harvesting but the peasants had fled for fear, and the corn was uncut. Cao Cao sent proclamations to all villages and towns: "I am sent on the expedition by command of the Emperor to capture a rebel and save the people. I cannot avoid moving in the harvest season; but if anyone trample down the corn, he shall be put to death. Military law is strict without exception, and the people need fear no damage." The people were very pleased and lined the road, wishing success to the expedition. When the soldiers passed wheat fields, they dismounted and pushed aside the stalks so that none were trampled down. | |
| 23 | 袁公路大... : | 操乘马正行，忽田中惊起一鸠，那马眼生，窜入麦中，践坏了一大块麦田。操随呼行军主簿，拟议自己践麦之罪。主簿曰：“丞相岂可议罪？”操曰：“吾自制法，吾自犯之，何以服众？”即掣所佩之剑欲自刎。众急救住。郭嘉曰：“古者春秋之义，法不加于尊。丞相总统大军，岂可自戕？”操沉吟良久，乃曰：“既春秋有法不加于尊之义，吾姑免死。”乃以剑割自己之发，掷于地曰：“割发权代首。”使人以发传示三军曰：“丞相践麦，本当斩首号令，今割发以代。”于是三军悚然，无不懔遵军令。后人有诗论之曰： |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
One day, when Cao Cao was riding through the fields, a dove suddenly got up, startling the horse so that it swerved into the standing grain, and a large patch was trampled down. Cao Cao at once called the Provost Marshal and bade him decree the sentence for the crime of trampling down corn. "How can I deal with your crime?" asked the Provost Marshal. "I made the rule, and I have broken it. Can I otherwise satisfy public opinion?" Cao Cao laid hold of the sword by his side and made to take his own life. All hastened to prevent him. Guo Jia said, "In ancient days, the days of the Spring and Autumn history, the laws were not applied to those of the most important. You are the supreme leader of a mighty army and must not wound yourself." Cao Cao pondered for a long time. At last he said, "Since there exists the reason just quoted, I may perhaps escape the death penalty." Then with his sword he cut off his hair and threw it on the ground, saying, "I cut off the hair as touching the head." Then he sent messengers to exhibit the hair throughout the whole army, saying, "The Prime Minister, having trodden down some corn, ought to have lost his head by the terms of the order; now here is his hair cut off as an attack on the head." This deed was a stimulus to discipline all through the army so that not a person dared be disobedient. A poet wrote: | |
| 十万貔貅十万心，一人号令众难禁。拔刀割发权为首，方见曹瞒诈术深。 | ||
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A myriad soldiers march along and all are brave and bold, And their myriad inclinations by one leader are controlled. That crafty leader shore his locks when forfeit was his head, O full of guile were thou, Cao Cao, as everyone has said. | ||
| 24 | 袁公路大... : | 却说张绣知操引兵来，急发书报刘表，使为后应；一面与雷叙、张先二将领兵出城迎敌。两阵对圆，张绣出马，指操骂曰：“汝乃假仁义无廉耻之人，与禽兽何异！”操大怒，令许褚出马，绣令张先接战。只三合，许褚斩张先于马下，绣军大败。操引军赶至南阳城下。绣入城，闭门不出。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
On the first news of the approach of Cao Cao with an army, Zhang Xiu wrote to Liu Biao for help. Then Zhang Xiu led out his troops, with his two generals, Lei Xu and Zhang Xian. When the array was complete Zhang Xiu took his station in front and pointing at Cao Cao railed at him, saying, "O false and pretended supporter of benevolence and justice! O shameless one! You are just a beast of the forest, and absolutely devoid of humanity." This annoyed Cao Cao who sent out Xu Chu against the insulter. Zhang Xian came to meet him and fell in the third bout. Thence Zhang Xiu's troops fled and were pursued to the very walls of Nanyang, only managing to get within just before the pursuit came up. The city was then closely besieged. | |
| 25 | 袁公路大... : | 操围城攻打，见城壕甚阔，水势又深，急难近城，乃令军士运土填濠；又用土布袋并柴薪草把相杂于城边作梯凳；又立云梯窥望城中。操自骑马绕城观之。如此三日，操传令教军士于西门角上，堆积柴薪，会集诸将，就那里上城。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
Seeing the moat was so wide and deep that approach to the wall would be difficult, Cao Cao's commanders began to fill up the ditch with earth. Then with sand bags, brushwood, and bundles of grass they built a great mound near the wall and on this erected steps so that they could look over into the city. Cao Cao rode round the city closely inspecting the defenses. Three days later he issued an order to make a mound of earth and brushwood at the northwest corner, as he would mount the walls at that point. | |
| 26 | 袁公路大... : | 城中贾诩见如此光景，便谓张绣曰：“某已知曹操之意矣；今可将计就计而行。”正是：“强中自有强中手，用诈还逢识诈人。”不知其计若何，且看下文分解。 |
| Yuan Shu Marches Out...: |
He was observed from within the city by Jia Xu. Jia Xu went to Zhang Xiu and said, "I know what Cao Cao intends, and I can defeat him by a countermove." Even amongst the very foremost There is one who leads the way; Someone sees through your devices, Be as crafty as ye may. What the counter-move was will be told in the next chapter. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch17