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-> -> -> Cao Cao Makes Flood In Xiapi; Lu Bu Perishes At The White Gate Tower

《下邳城曹操鏖兵，白门楼吕布殒命 - Cao Cao Makes Flood In Xiapi; Lu Bu Perishes At The White Gate Tower》

1 下邳城曹... :
却说高顺引张辽击关公寨，吕布自击张飞寨，关、张各出迎战，玄德引兵两路接应。吕布分军从背后杀来，关，张两军皆溃，玄德引数十骑奔回沛城。吕布赶来，玄德急唤城上军士放下吊桥。吕布随后也到。城上欲待放箭，又恐射了玄德。被吕布乘势杀入城门，把门将士，抵敌不住，都四散奔避。吕布招军入城。玄德见势已急，到家不及，只得弃了妻小，穿城而过，走出西门，匹马逃难。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
As was stated before, Gao Shun and Zhang Liao together went to smite Guan Yu, while Lu Bu attacked Zhang Fei. Both brothers went out to give battle, while Liu Bei force was held in reserve. But then Lu Bu suddenly attacked both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei from the rear, and the brothers were forced to flee. Liu Bei with a few score of horsemen rushed back to Xiaopei. As he approached the gate with Lu Bu pressing him close, he shouted to the soldiers on the wall to lower the drawbridge. Lu Bu was so close behind that the archers on the wall feared to shoot lest they should wound their lord, and so Lu Bu got into the gate. The gate guards could not force him back so they scattered in all directions. Lu Bu led his force into the city.
Liu Bei saw the position was too desperate for him to reach his residence, and he must abandon all his family. So he hastened through the city and left by the west gate out at which he and his scanty following fled for very life.

2 下邳城曹... :
吕布赶到玄德家中，糜竺出迎，告布曰：“吾闻大丈夫不废人之妻子。今与将军争天下者，曹公耳。玄德常念辕门射戟之恩，不敢背将军也。今不得已而投曹公，惟将军怜之。”布曰：“吾与玄德旧交，岂忍害他妻子？”便令糜竺引玄德妻小，去徐州安置。布自引军投山东兖州境上，留高顺、张辽守小沛。此时孙乾已逃出城外。关、张二人亦各自收得些人马，往山中住札。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
When Lu Bu reached the residence, he was met by Mi Zhu who said, "The hero does not destroy a person's family. Your rival for the empire is Cao Cao, and my master, always mindful of the good turn you did him at the Archery Feast, would not be ungrateful. But he could not help going to Cao Cao, and I think you will pity him."
Lu Bu replied, "We two are old friends. How could I bear to harm his wives and children?"
Whereupon he sent the family to Xuzhou with Mi Zhu to take care of them. Next Lu Bu led his army into Huashan Mountains to Yanzhou, leaving Gao Shun and Zhang Liao to guard Xiaopei.
During these troubles Sun Qian had also fled out of the city. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, each with a handful of soldiers, had got away to the hills.

3 下邳城曹... :
且说玄德匹马逃难，正行间，背后一人赶至，视之乃孙乾也。玄德曰：“吾今两弟不知存亡，妻小失散，为之奈何？”孙乾曰：“不若且投曹操，以图后计。”玄德依言，寻小路投许都。途次绝粮，尝往村中求食。但到处，闻刘豫州，皆争进饮食。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
As Liu Bei with his few horsemen was making the best of their way from the scene of his defeat, he heard someone coming up behind him. When he got closer the person proved to be Sun Qian.
"Alas! I know not the fate of my brothers, whether they be alive or dead, and my wife and children are lost to me! What can I do?" said Liu Bei.
Sun Qian replied, "I see nothing better than getting away to Cao Cao, whence we may be able to plan our future moves."
Liu Bei had no better plan to propose, and the two men directed their way to Xuchang, choosing by-roads rather than highways. When their small supplies ran out, they entered a village to beg. But when the people of any place heard that Liu Bei of Yuzhou was the man who needed help, they vied with each other in offering all that was required.

4 下邳城曹... :
一日，到一家投宿，其家一少年出拜，问其姓名，乃猎户刘安也。当下刘安闻豫州牧至，欲寻野味供食，一时不能得，乃杀其妻以食之。玄德曰：“此何肉也？”安曰：“乃狼肉也。”玄德不疑，乃饱食了一顿，天晚就宿。至晓将去，往后院取马，忽见一妇人杀于厨下，臂上肉已都割去。玄德惊问，方知昨夜食者，乃其妻之肉也。玄德不胜伤感。洒泪上马。刘安告玄德曰：“本欲相随使君，因老母在堂，未敢远行。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
One day they sought shelter at a house whence a youth came out and made a low obeisance. They asked his name and he gave it as Liu An, of a well known family of hunters. Hearing who the visitor was, the hunter wished to lay before him a dish of game, but though he sought for a long time, nothing could be found for the table. So Liu An came home, killed his wife and prepared a portion for his guest.
While eating Liu Bei asked, "What flesh is it?"
Liu An told him: "Wolf."
Liu Bei knew no better and ate his fill. Next day at daylight, just as Liu Bei was leaving, he went to the stables in the rear to get his horse and passing through the kitchen; he saw the dead body of a woman lying on the table. The flesh of one arm had been cut away. Quite startled he asked what this meant, and then he knew what he had eaten the night before. He was deeply sorry at this proof of his host's regard and the tears rained down as he mounted his steed at the gate.
"I wish I could go with you," said Liu An, "but as my mother still lives, I cannot go so far from home."

5 下邳城曹... :
玄德称谢而别，取路出梁城。忽见尘头蔽日，一彪大军来到。玄德知是曹操之军，同孙乾迳至中军旗下，与曹操相见，具说失沛城，散二弟，陷妻小之事。操亦为之下泪。又说刘安杀妻为食之事，操乃令孙乾以金百两往赐之。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Liu Bei thanked him and went his way. The party took the road by Liangcheng, and as they were going out, they saw not far off a thick cloud of dust. When the troop came nearer, they found the troops were of Cao Cao's army, and with them they traveled to the main camp where they found Cao Cao himself. Cao Cao shed tears at the sad story of Liu Bei's distress, the loss of the city, his brothers and wives and children. When Liu Bei told him of the hunter who had sacrificed his wife to feed them, Cao Cao sent the hunter a present of a hundred ounces of silver as a reward.

6 下邳城曹... :
军行至济北，夏侯渊等迎接入寨，备言兄夏侯敦损其一目，卧病未痊。操临卧处视之，令先回许都调理；一面使人打探吕布现在何处。采马回报云：“吕布与陈宫，臧霸结连泰山贼寇，共攻兖州诸郡。”操即令曹仁引三千兵打沛城。操亲提大军，与玄德来战吕布。前至山东，路近萧关，正遇泰山寇孙观，吴敦，尹礼，昌豨，领兵三万馀拦去路。操令许褚迎战，四将一齐出马。许褚奋力死战，四将抵敌不住，各自败走。操乘势掩杀，追至萧关，探马飞报吕布。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
The march then was continued to Jibei, where Xiahou Yuan welcomed them. They heard that his brother Xiahou Dun was still ill from the wound he had received in the eye. Cao Cao went to the sick man's bedside to see him and had him removed to Xuchang for skilled treatment.
Presently scouts, sent out particularly for tidings of Lu Bu, returned, saying, "Lu Bu has allied himself with the bandits in the east, and they are attacking Yanzhou."
At this Cao Cao dispatched Cao Ren with three thousand soldiers to take Xiaopei, while he, in conjunction with Liu Bei, moved against Lu Bu.
They went east. As they reached the Mangdang Hills near Xiao Pass, they met the a band of thirty thousand Taishan Mountains brigands barring their road. The chieftains of the bandits were Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and Chang Xi who rode out with their spears set. However, Xu Chu plunged into the battle and easily beat them back and chased them right up to the pass. The scouts told Lu Bu.

7 下邳城曹... :
时布已回徐州，欲同陈登往救小沛，令陈圭守徐州，陈登临行，圭谓之曰：“昔曹公曾言东方事尽付与汝。今布将败，可便图之。”登曰：“外面之事，儿自为之；倘布败回，父亲便请糜竺一同守城，休放布入，儿自布脱身之计。”圭曰：“布妻小在，此心腹颇多，为之奈何？”登曰：“儿亦有计了。”乃入见吕布曰：“徐州四面受敌，操必力攻，我当先思退步。可将钱粮移于下邳，倘徐州被围，下邳有粮可救。主公盍早为计！”布曰：“元龙之言甚善。吾当并妻小移去。”遂令宋宪，魏续保护妻小与钱粮移屯下邳；一面自引军与陈登住救萧关。到半路，登曰：“容某先到关探曹兵虚实，主公方可行。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lu Bu was then in Xuzhou, whither he had gone to start an expedition to save Xiaopei. He left the protection of Xuzhou to Chen Gui and set out with Chen Deng.
As Chen Deng was starting, Chen Gui said to him, "Remember the words of Cao Cao, that the business of the east is in our hands. Now is our moment, for Lu Bu is about to suffer defeat."
"Father, I can look after the outside. But when Lu Bu returns beaten, you must arrange with Mi Zhu to keep him out of the city. I shall find a means of escape," said Chen Deng.
"His family is here, and he has many friends. How about them?"
"I also have a scheme to settle them."
Then Chen Deng went to see Lu Bu, to whom he said, "Xuzhou is surrounded, and this city will be fiercely attacked. We ought to provide for possible retreat, and I advise storing grain and money in Xiapi. We could retreat there if the day went adversely. Why not see about this in good time?"
"Your words are indeed wise. I will also send my wives and little ones thither," said Lu Bu.
The family left under escort of Wei Xu and Song Xian, and with them was sent much grain and treasures and coins.
And then the soldiers marched to the relief of the pass. About half way there Chen Deng said, "Let me go first to reconnoiter so that you, my lord, may advance with confidence."

8 下邳城曹... :
布许之，登乃先到关上。陈宫等接见。登曰：“温侯深怪公等不肯向前，要来责罚。”宫曰：“今曹兵势大，未可轻敌。吾等紧守关隘，可劝主公深保沛城，乃为上策。”陈登唯唯。至晚上关而望，见曹兵直逼关下，乃乘夜连写三封书，拴在箭上，射下关去。次日辞了陈宫，飞马来见吕布曰：“关上孙观等皆欲献关，某已留下陈宫守把，将军可于黄昏时杀去救应。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Thus Chen Deng parted company with his chief and preceded him to the pass where he was received by Chen Gong.
Chen Deng said, "The General greatly wonders why you do not advance. He is going to inquire into it."
"The enemy is in great force, and we cannot be too careful," said Chen Gong. "We are holding the pass, and you should persuade our master to take steps to guard Xiaopei."
Chen Deng said, "Your words are true."
That evening he went up to the heights from which he could see Cao Cao's army, which was quite close to the pass. Then he wrote three notes, tied them to arrows, and shot them into Cao Cao's camp.
Next day he left and hastened back to Lu Bu and said, "Those bandits are about to give up the pass to the enemy, but I have left Chen Gong to hold it. You had better make an attack tonight and hold him."

9 下邳城曹... :
布曰：“非公则此关休矣。”便教陈登飞骑先至关，约陈宫为内应，举火为号。登迳往报宫曰：“曹兵已抄小路到关内，恐徐州有失。公等宜急回。”宫遂引众弃关而走。登就关上放起火来。吕布乘黑杀至，陈宫军和吕布军在黑暗里自相掩杀。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
"Had it not been for you, the pass would have been lost," said Lu Bu.
Then he sent Chen Deng back to arrange a fire signal with Chen Gong for simultaneous action.
So Chen Deng returned to Chen Gong to whom he said, "Cao Cao's troops have found a secret way through the pass, and I fear Xuzhou is already lost. You ought to go back at once."
At this the pass was abandoned, and Chen Gong began to retreat. Then Chen Deng gave the prearranged signal.
Lu Bu saw the fire and advanced in the darkness to the relief of the pass. Presently he met Chen Gong's army; and as neither recognized the other in the darkness, a fierce battle ensued. Nor was the trick discovered till daylight came.

10 下邳城曹... :
曹兵望见号火，一齐杀到，乘势攻击。孙观等各自四散逃避去了。吕布直杀到天明，方知是计；急与陈宫回徐州。到得城边叫门时，城上乱箭射下。糜竺在敌楼上喝曰：“汝夺吾主城池，今当仍还吾主，汝不得复入此城也。”布大怒曰：“陈圭何在？”竺曰：“吾已杀之矣。”布回顾宫曰：“陈登安在？”宫曰：“将军尚执迷而问此佞贼乎？”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
While these things were going on, Cao Cao had noted the signal and advanced as fast as possible. The bandits, who alone remained to hold the pass, were easily driven out and scattered in all directions.
When daylight came and the trick was discovered, Lu Bu and Chen Gong set off together for Xuzhou. But when they arrived and summoned the gate, instead of opening the doors, the guards on the wall saluted them with a thick flight of arrows.
At the same time Mi Zhu appeared on the defense tower and shouted, "You stole our master's city, and now we are going to give it back to him. You will not enter here again!"
"Where is Chen Gui?" cried Lu Bu, angrily.
"We have slain him!" was the reply.
"Where is Chen Deng?" said Lu Bu turning to Chen Gong.
"Do you still hold to your delusion, General, that you ask where this specious rogue is?"

11 下邳城曹... :
布令遍寻军中，却只不见。宫劝布急投小沛，布从之。行至半路，只见一彪军骤至，视之乃高顺，张辽也。布问之，答曰：“陈登来报说主公被围，今某等急来救解。”宫曰：“此又佞贼之计也。”布怒曰：“吾必杀此贼！”急驱马至小沛。只见城上尽插曹兵旗号。原来曹操已令曹仁袭了城池，引军守把。吕布于城下大骂陈登。登在城上指布骂曰：“吾乃汉臣，安肯事汝反贼耶！”布大怒。正待攻城，忽听背后喊声大起，一队人马来到。当先一将乃是张飞。高顺出马迎敌，不能取胜。布亲自接战。正斗间，阵外喊声复起，曹操亲统大军冲杀前来。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lu Bu bade them search through all the ranks, but Chen Deng was not to be found. Then they decided to go to Xiaopei. But ere they had got half way there, suddenly appeared the troops under the command of Gao Shun and Zhang Liao.
They said, "Chen Deng came to us saying you, General, was surrounded and wanted help, so we came at once."
"Another trick of that false rogue!" said Lu Bu. "Surely he shall die for this."
They went with all speed to Xiaopei, only to see as they drew near, the ensigns of the enemy displayed all along the walls, for the city had been taken by Cao Ren.
While Lu Bu stood at the foot of the rampart reviling the traitor, Chen Deng himself appeared on the wall and pointing to Lu Bu cried, "Did you think that I, a minister of the dynasty, would serve a rebel like you?"
Lu Bu in his wrath was about to make a desperate attack, but suddenly a great noise was heard, and an army came up behind him. It was led by no other than Zhang Fei. Gao Shun went to engage him, but he had no chance of success. Lu Bu then joined in the fray. Then another army appeared, and the leader this time was Cao Cao himself, and his army rushed to the attack.

12 下邳城曹... :
布料难抵敌，引军东走。曹兵随后追赶。吕布走得人困马乏。忽大闪出一彪军拦住去路，为道一将，立马横刀，大喝：“吕布休走！关云长在此！”吕布慌忙接战。背后张飞赶来。布无心恋战，与陈宫等杀开条路，迳奔下邳。侯成引兵接应去了。关、张相见，各洒泪言失散之事。云长曰：“我在海州路上住扎，探得消息，故来至此。”张飞曰：“弟在芒砀山住了这几时，今日幸得相遇。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Seeing that he had no hope of victory, Lu Bu went away toward the east, with Cao Cao in pursuit. Lu Bu's army marched till they were worn out.
Then appeared a new force under Guan Yu. Holding his sword ready to strike, Guan Yu called out, "Do not flee, O Lu Bu! Guan Yu is waiting for you."
Lu Bu joined battle. He was flurried and scarcely knew what was happening. And soon Zhang Fei came up once more. By desperate efforts Lu Bu and his troops cut an alley through the press and got free. After this they started for Xiapi as fast as they could travel, and Hou Cheng helped to keep the pursuers at bay and welcomed them into the city.
So the two brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, were together again after their separation. Both shed tears of joy as they told each other what they had seen and suffered.
"I was on the Haizhou Road when I heard of you," said Guan Yu. "I lost no time in starting."
"And I had been camped in the Mangdang Hills for a long time. It is happiness to be together again."

13 下邳城曹... :
两个叙话毕，一同引兵来见玄德，哭拜于地。玄德悲喜交集，引二人见曹操，便随操入徐州。糜竺接见，具言家属无恙，玄德甚喜。陈圭父子亦来参拜曹操。操设一大宴，犒劳诸将。操自居中，使陈圭居左、玄德居右。其馀将士，各依次坐。宴罢，操嘉陈圭父子之功，加封十县禄，授登为伏波将军。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
So they talked. Then they marched off together to find their elder brother, and made their salutations with tears. In Liu Bei's heart, sadness and joy intermingled. Next they were presented to Cao Cao, and with him they went into the captured Xuzhou City.
Mi Zhu soon came with the welcome news of the safety of the family. And Chen Gui and Chen Deng came to present their salutations. A grand banquet was prepared for the officers at which Cao Cao presided as host, and Chen Gui and Liu Bei occupied the seats of honor to his right and left. At the close of the banquet, Cao Cao paid the two Chens the highest compliments on their success and rewarded them with the revenues of ten counties beside giving the son the title of General Who Quells the Waves.

14 下邳城曹... :
且说曹操得了徐州，心中大喜，商议起兵攻下邳。程昱曰：“布今止有下邳一城，若逼之太急，必死战而投袁术矣。布与术合，其势难攻。今可使能事者守住淮南径路，内防吕布，外当袁术。况今山东尚有臧霸、孙观之徒未曾归顺，防之亦不可忽也。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Cao Cao was very pleased with his success and at once began to scheme for the taking of Xiapi, the sole place now left to Lu Bu, where he had taken refuge.
Cheng Yu said the course was inadvisable.
"If Lu Bu be pressed too hard, he may get clear by a desperate effort and throw himself into the arms of our especial enemy, Yuan Shu. These two as allies would be difficult to overcome. Rather send a capable man to guard the South of River Huai, one able to secure you against Lu Bu on one hand and to hold Yuan Shu on the other. Moreover the bandits are in Huashan Mountains and still our enemies. They must be watched."

15 下邳城曹... :
操曰：“吾自当山东诸路。其淮南径路请玄德当之。”玄德曰：“丞相将令，安敢有违？”次日，玄德留糜竺、简雍在徐州，带孙乾，关，张引军往守淮南径路。曹操自引兵攻下邳。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Cao Cao replied, "I can keep the whole of Huashan Mountains, and I will request Liu Bei to take the south."
"Could I dare withstand your command?" said Liu Bei.
So forthwith Liu Bei, leaving Mi Zhu and Jian Yong at Xuzhou, went south, taking in his train Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Sun Qian. And Cao Cao led his army to Xiapi.

16 下邳城曹... :
且说吕布在下邳，自恃粮食足备，且有泗水之险，安心坐守，何保无虞。陈宫曰：“今操兵方来，可乘其寨栅未定，以逸击劳，无不胜者。”布曰：“吾方屡败，不可轻出。待其来攻而后击之，皆落泗水矣。”遂不听陈宫之言。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lu Bu felt very secure in his refuge. He had good store of grain, and he had the protection of River Si, so he sat quiet, satisfied that he could maintain his defense. So he allowed Cao Cao's army to approach without molestation.
"You ought to attack Cao Cao's army as they come up, before they have time to make camps and defenses. They will only have a fatigued army to oppose to your fresh troops, and you will certainly defeat them."
So said Chen Gong, but Lu Bu replied, "I have suffered too many defeats lately to take any risk. Wait till they actually attack, and you will see them floating away on the waters." So Lu Bu neglected the confidant's advice.

17 下邳城曹... :
过数日，曹兵下寨已定。操统众将至城下，大叫吕布答话。布上城而立。操谓布曰：“闻奉先又欲结婚袁术，吾故领兵至此。夫术有反逆大非，而公有讨董卓之功，今何自弃其前功而从逆贼耶？倘城池一破，悔之晚矣！若早来降，共扶王室，当不失封侯之位。”布曰：“丞相且退，尚容商议。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lu Bu waited till the enemy had settled into their camp. This done, the attackers advanced against the city. From the foot of the wall, Cao Cao called to Lu Bu to listen while he spoke. Lu Bu ascended to the wall where he stood.
Cao Cao addressed him, saying, "When I heard that your family and that of Yuan Shu were likely to be united by marriage, I sent an army against you. Yuan Shu was guilty of treason, while you had to your credit on the destruction of Dong Zhuo. For what reason have you sacrificed all your merits to throw in your lot with a rebel? It will be over late to regret when this city shall have fallen. But if you surrender and help me to support the ruling house, you shall not lose your rank."
Lu Bu replied, "If the Prime Minister will retire, we may be able to discuss the matter."

18 下邳城曹... :
陈宫在布侧大骂曹操奸贼，一箭射中其麾盖。操指宫恨曰：“吾誓杀汝！”遂引兵攻城。宫谓布曰：“曹操远来，势不能久。将军可以步骑出屯于外，宫将馀众闭守于内。操若攻将军，宫引兵击其背；若来攻城，将军为救于后。不过旬日，操军食尽，可一鼓而破，此乃掎角之势也。”布曰：“公言极是。”遂归府收拾戎装。时方冬寨，分付从人多带绵衣。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
But Chen Gong, standing near his master, began to rail at Cao Cao for a rebel and shot an arrow that struck his plumed helmet.
"My oath, but I will slay you at least!" cried Cao Cao, pointing his finger at Chen Gong.
Then the attack on the walls began.
"They have come from far and cannot maintain this for long," said Chen Gong. "General, go out with your horse and foot and take up a position outside, leaving me to maintain the defense with the remainder of our troops. If he engages you, I will come out and strike at his rear ranks; if he attacks the city, you can come to our aid. In ten days their stores will fail, and we can beat them off. This will place them between the ox-horns."
"The advice seems good," said Lu Bu.
Lu Bu went back to his palace and prepared his weapons. As it was the depth of winter, he made his army take plenty of wadded clothing to keep them warm.

19 下邳城曹... :
布妻严氏闻之，出问曰：“君欲何往？”布告以陈宫之谋。严氏曰：“君委全城，捐妻子，孤军远出，倘一旦有变，妾岂得为将军之妻乎？”布踌躇未决，三日不出。宫入见曰：“操军四面围城，若不早出，必受其困。”布曰：“吾思远出不如坚守。”宫曰：“近闻操军粮少，遣人往许都去取，早晚将至。将军可引精兵往断其粮道。此计大妙。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lady Yan, Lu Bu's wife, heard of it and came to ask whither he was going. He told her of Chen Gong's plan.
She said, "My lord, you are leaving an undamaged city, abandoning your wife and little ones, and going with a paltry force. Should any untoward event happen, will your handmaid and her lord ever meet again?"
Lu Bu hesitated and for three days made no move.
Then Chen Gong came to see him again and said, "The enemy are all round the city; and unless you go out soon, you will be quite hemmed in."
"I am thinking it would be better to maintain a stubborn defense," said Lu Bu.
"Our enemies are short of food and have sent for supplies to Xuchang. These will soon arrive, and you should go out with some veterans and intercept the convoy. That loss would be a heavy blow."

20 下邳城曹... :
布然其言，复入内对严氏说知此事。严氏泣曰：“将军若出，陈宫，高顺，安能坚守城池？倘有差失，悔无及矣！妾昔在长安，已为将军所弃，幸赖庞舒私藏妾身，再得与将军相聚；孰佑知今又弃妾而去乎？将军前程万里，请勿以妾为念！”言罢痛哭。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lu Bu agreed and went in to tell his wife the new plan.
She wept saying, "If you go, do you think Chen Gong and others equal to the defense of the city? Should anything go wrong, you would be very sorry. You abandoned me at Changan, and it was only through the fortunate kindness of Pang Shu that I was hidden from our enemies and rejoined you. Who would have thought you would leave me again? But go, go your way as far as you wish, and do not mind your wife."
And she wept bitterly.

21 下邳城曹... :
布闻言愁闷不决，入告貂蝉。貂蝉曰：“将军与妾作主，勿轻骑自出。”布曰：“汝无忧虑。吾有画戟，赤兔马，谁敢近我？”乃出谓陈宫曰：“操军粮至者，诈也。操多诡计，吾未敢动。”宫出叹曰：“吾等死无葬身之地矣！”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lu Bu very sadly went to take leave of Diao Chan who said, "You are my lord and my life. You must not be careless and ride out alone."
"You need not fear. With my mighty trident halberd and Red Hare, who dare come near me?"
He went out. But when he met Chen Gong, he said, "That story about supplies for Cao Cao is all false, one of his many ruses. I am not going to stir."
Chen Gong sighed. He felt all was lost.
"We shall die, and no one shall know our burial place," said he.

22 下邳城曹... :
布于是终日不出，只同严氏，貂蝉饮酒解闷。谋士许汜，王楷入见布，进计曰：“今袁术在淮南，声势大振。将军旧曾与彼约婚，今何不仍求之？彼兵若至，内外夹攻，操不难破也。”布从其计，即日修书，就著二人前去。许汜曰：“须得一军引路冲出方好。”布令张辽，郝萌两个引兵一千，送出隘口。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Thereupon Lu Bu remained in his own quarters with his ladies, drinking freely to dissipate his sorrows.
Two of his advisers, Xu Si and Wang Kai, went in and proposed, "Yuan Shu in the South of River Huai is very powerful. Why not write to him to renew the marriage alliance? Yuan Shu can hardly refuse to rescue the affianced bride of his son."
So Lu Bu wrote and bade these two take the letter.
Xu Si said, "You ought to send a strong escort with us to force a way through."
So Lu Bu told off one thousand troops and two of his generals, Zhang Liao and He Meng, to conduct his messenger beyond the pass.

23 下邳城曹... :
是夜二更，张辽在前，郝萌在后，保著许汜，王楷杀出城去。抹过玄德寨，众将追赶不及，已出隘口。郝萌将五百人，跟许汜，王楷而去。张辽引一半军回来，到隘口时，云长拦住。未及交锋，高顺引兵出城救应，接入城中去了。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
They started that same night at the second watch, Zhang Liao leading and He Meng bringing up the rear. They got out of the city, crept past Liu Bei's camp, and got beyond the danger zone. Then half the escort went on, and Zhang Liao led the remainder back toward the city. At the pass he found Guan Yu waiting. However, at that moment Gao Shun came to his help, and they all returned and reentered the gates.

24 下邳城曹... :
且说许汜，王楷至寿春，拜见袁术，呈上书信。术曰：“前者杀吾使命，赖我姹姻，今又来相问，何也？”汜曰：“此为曲奸计所误：愿明公详之。”术曰：“汝主不因曹兵困急，岂肯以女许我？”楷曰：“明公今不相救，恐唇亡齿寒，亦非明公之福也。”术曰：“奉先反覆无信，可先送女，然后发兵。”许汜，王楷只得拜辞，和郝萌回来。到亡德寨边，汜曰：“日间不可过。夜半吾二人先行，郝将军断后。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
The two messengers presently reached Shouchun, saw Yuan Shu, and presented the letter.
"How is this?" said Yuan Shu. "Formerly he slew my messenger and repudiated the marriage. Now he sends to ask for it."
"It is all due to the vile plans of that monster Cao Cao. If pray you, Illustrious Sir, consider it carefully," replied Xu Si.
"But if your master was not hemmed in by his enemy and in imminent danger, he would never have thought of renewing this proposal of marriage."
The messengers said, "You may decide not to help him, but the teeth are cold when the lips are gone. It will not make for your happiness and comfort."
Said Yuan Shu, "Lu Bu is unreliable. Tell him that I will send soldiers after the girl has arrived here."
This was final, and the two messengers took leave and headed back to Xiapi.
When the party reached Liu Bei's camp, Xu Si decided, "We must wait the night falls, and Wang Kai and I will try to get through in the darkness. The escort of He Meng remaining behind to protect our rear."

25 下邳城曹... :
商量停当。夜过玄德寨，许汜，王楷先过去了。郝萌正行之次，张飞出寨拦路。郝萌交马只一合，被张飞生擒过去，五百人马尽被杀散。张飞解郝萌来见玄德，玄德押往大寨见曹操。郝萌备说求救许婚一事。操大怒，斩郝萌于军门，使人传谕各寨，小心防守，如有走透吕布及彼军士者，依军法处治。各寨悚然。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
They tried that very night, and the two messengers crept across without discovery. But the escort found themselves faced by Zhang Fei. He Meng tried to fight but was captured in the very first bout, and the five hundred troops of his half company were either killed or they fled.
The prisoner was taken to Liu Bei, who forwarded him to the main camp. There he told the story of the marriage and the scheme to save the city. Cao Cao was angry and ordered the execution of He Meng at the main gate.
Then Cao Cao sent orders to each camp to exercise the greatest diligence with threats of rigorous punishment of the officers of any corps that permitted any communication between the besieged and the outer world.
Every soldier felt mightily afraid.

26 下邳城曹... :
玄德回营，分付关、张曰：“我等正当淮南冲要之处。二弟切宜小心在意，勿犯曹公军令。”飞曰：“捉了一员贼将，曹操不见有甚褒赏，却反来諕吓，何也？”玄德曰：“非也：曹操统领多军，不以军令，何能服人？弟勿犯之。”关，张应诺而退。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Liu Bei returned to camp and cautioned his brothers, saying, "We are in the most important place with regard to the South of River Huai, and you must be very careful not to allow any breach of this command."
Zhang Fei was inclined to grumble, saying, "We have just captured one of the enemy's leaders, and there is no word of praise or reward for us: Nothing but new orders and threats. What do you make of that?"
"You are wrong to complain," said Liu Bei. "These are orders of the Commander-in-Chief, and what would happen were there no orders? Do not disobey them, brother."
They promised obedience and withdrew.

27 下邳城曹... :
且说许汜，王楷，回见吕布，具言袁术先欲得妇，然后起兵救援。布曰：“如何送去？”汜曰：“今郝萌被获，操必知我情，预作准备。若非将军亲自护送，谁能突出重围？”布曰：“今日便送去，如何？”汜曰：“今日乃凶神值日，不可去。明日大利，宜用戌亥时。”布命张辽，高顺引三千军马，安排小车一辆：“我亲送至二百里外，却使你两个送去。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
In the meantime Xu Si and Wang Kai had got back to Lu Bu and told him what Yuan Shu had said, that if the girl came the soldiers should go.
"But how can she be sent?" said Lu Bu.
Xu Si said, "That is the difficulty. He Meng's capture means that Cao Cao knows the whole plan of getting help from the South of River Huai. I do not see how anyone but you yourself could hope to get through the close siege."
"Suppose we tried, today?" said Lu Bu.
"This is an ill-omened day. You must not try today. Tomorrow is a very lucky day, especially in the evening, for any military action."
Then Lu Bu ordered Zhang Liao and Gao Shun, "Get ready three thousand troops for the venture, and prepare a light carriage. I will lead the first seventy miles, thence you can escort the bride-elect the remainder of the way to her new home."

28 下邳城曹... :
次夜二更时分，吕布将女以绵缠身，用甲包里，负于背上，提戟上马。放开城门，布当先出城，张辽，高顺跟著。将次到玄德寨前，一声鼓响，关，张二人拦住去路，大叫：“休走！”布无心恋战，只顾夺路而行。玄德自引一军杀来，两军混战。吕布虽勇，终是缚一女在身上，只恐有伤，不敢冲突重围。后面徐晃、许褚皆杀来，众军皆大叫曰：“不要走了吕布！”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Next evening toward the second watch, Lu Bu wrapped up his daughter in soft wadded garments, bound her about with a mailed coat, and took her on his back. Then with his mighty trident halberd in hand, he mounted Red Hare and rode at the head of the cavalcade out of the city gate. Zhang Liao and Gao Shun followed.
In this order they approached Liu Bei's camp. The drums at once beat the alarm, and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei barred the way.
"Stop!" they shouted.
Lu Bu had no desire to fight; all he wished was to get through, so he made for a side road. Liu Bei came in pursuit and the two parties engaged. Brave as he might be, Lu Bu was almost helpless now that he was hampered by a girl on his shoulders, whom he was desperately anxious to preserve from hurt. Beside other parties came up all shouting and attacking.

29 下邳城曹... :
布见军来太急，只得仍退入城。玄德收军，徐晃等各归寨，端的不曾走透一个。吕布回到城中，心中忧闷，只是饮酒。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lu Bu had no alternative but to give up his project and return into the city of Xiapi. He reached his palace very sad at heart. The besiegers returned to camp well pleased that no one had got beyond their lines. Lu Bu found consolation in the wine cup.

30 下邳城曹... :
却说曹操攻城，两月不下，忽报：“河内太守张扬出兵东市，欲救吕布；部将杨丑杀之，欲将头献丞相，欲被张扬心腹将眭固所杀，反投大城去了。”操闻报，即遣史涣追斩眭固。因聚众将曰：“张扬虽幸自灭，然北有袁绍之忧，东有表、绣之患，下邳久围不克。吾欲舍布还都，暂且息战，何如？”荀攸急止曰：“不可，吕布屡败，锐气已堕。军以将为主，将衰则军无战心。彼陈宫虽有谋而迟，今布之气未复，宫之谋未定，作速政之，布可擒也。”郭嘉曰：“某有一计，下邳城可立破，胜于二十万师。”荀彧曰：“莫非决沂、泗之水乎？”嘉笑曰：“正是此意。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
The siege had gone on for two months, and still the city stood. Then they heard that Zhang Yang, Governor of Henei, had been inclined to come to the help of Lu Bu. But one of his subordinates, Yang Chou, had assassinated him and was bringing his head as an offering to Cao Cao, when Yang Chou had also been slain by Kui Gu, one of the Governor's adherents. Kui Gu had then led the force to Daicheng.
In the camp of the besiegers, there now arose much murmuring. Cao Cao sent Shi Huan to intercept and kill Kui Gu.
Then he called a counsel, saying, "Though Zhang Yang, who meant to hurt us, is happily no more, yet we are threatened on the north by Yuan Shao, and on the west Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu are a menace. Here we meet with no success against the city of Xiapi. We are for leaving Lu Bu to his fate and returning home. What do you think?"
Among them Xun You fought against the idea, saying, "You must not act like this. Lu Bu has lost much, and his spirit is broken. The spirit of the leader expresses that of his army; and when the leader fails, his soldiers do not fight. Chen Gong is clever, but nothing is done. Lu Bu broken, Chen Gong without decision, it only needs a sharp attack, and we shall succeed."
"I have a plan to propose," said Guo Jia, "a plan to overcome the city at once. It is better than two hundred thousand troops."
"I suppose you mean drowning the city by River Si and River Yi," said Xun Yu.
"That is it," said Guo Jia, smiling.

31 下邳城曹... :
操大喜。即令军士决两河之水。曹兵皆居高原，坐视水淹下邳。下邳一城，只剩得东门无水；其馀各门，都被水淹。众军飞报吕布。布曰：“吾有亦免马，渡水如平地，又何惧哉！”乃日与妻妾痛饮美酒。因酒色过伤，形容销减。一旦取镜自照，惊曰：“吾被酒色伤矣！自今日始，当戒之。”遂下令城中，但有饮酒皆斩。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Cao Cao accepted the suggestion with joy and set his troops to cut the banks of River Yi and River Si, and moved his army to the high ground whence they watched the drowning out of Xiapi. Only the east gate remained clear of water.
The besieged soldiers hastened to their leader.
Lu Bu said, "Why should I fear? My good horse can go as well through the water as over the land."
And he again returned to the wine cup for consolation, drinking deeply with his wife and concubine.
The continual drinking bouts told at last, and Lu Bu began to look dissipated. Seeing himself in a mirror one day, he was startled at the change and said to himself, "I am injuring myself with wine. No more from this day forward!"
He then issued an order that no one should drink wine under penalty of death.

32 下邳城曹... :
却说侯成有马十五匹，被后槽人盗去，欲献与玄德。侯成知觉，追杀后槽人，将马夺回；诸将与侯成作贺。侯成酿得五六斛酒，欲与诸将会饮；恐吕布见罪，乃先以酒五瓶诣布府，禀曰：“托将军虎威，追得失马。众将皆来作贺，酿得些酒，未敢擅饮，特先奉上微意。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Now one of his generals, Hou Cheng, lost fifteen horses, stolen by one of his subordinates, Hou Cao, who intended to resell them to Liu Bei. Hou Cheng found out where the horses were, went out after them, and recovered them after killing Hou Cao. And Hou Cheng's colleagues congratulated him on his success. To celebrate the occasion, Hou Cheng brewed a few barrels of wine to be drunk at the feast.
But thinking his chief might find him in fault, Hou Cheng sent the bottles of wine to Lu Bu's palace with a petition explaining, "By your virtue of warlike renown, I have recovered my horses; and as my comrades come with their congratulations, I brew some bottles of wine, first to offer Your Lordship and second to ask your permission to have a little wine at the feast."

33 下邳城曹... :
布大怒曰：“吾方禁酒，汝却酿酒会饮，莫非同谋伐我乎？”命推出斩之。宋宪，魏续等诸将俱入告饶。布曰：“故犯吾令，理合斩首。今看众将面，且打一百！”众将又哀告，打了五十背花，然后放归。众将无不丧气。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lu Bu took it very angrily, saying, "When I have forbidden all wine, you brew some and begin to give feasts: You are simply defying me!"
Whereupon he ordered the officer to instant execution. However, Song Xian, Wei Xu, and other officers came in and interceded, and after a time Lu Bu softened.
"You ought to lose your head for this disobedience. But for the sake of your colleagues, the punishment shall be reduced to a hundred strokes."
They tried to beg him off this, but only succeeded in reducing the number of blows to one half.
When the sentence had been carried out and Hou Cheng was permitted to return home, his colleagues came sadly to console him.

34 下邳城曹... :
宋宪，魏续至侯成家探视，侯成泣曰：“非公等则吾死矣！”宪曰：“布只恋妻子，视吾等如草芥。”续曰：“军围城下，水绕壕边，吾等死无日矣！”宪曰：“布无仁无义，我等弃之而走，何如？”续曰：“非丈夫也。不若擒布献曹公。”侯成曰：“我因追马受责，而布所倚恃者，赤免马也。汝二人果能献门擒布，吾当先盗马去见曹公。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
"Had it not been for you, I should have been put to death," said Hou Cheng.
Song Xian replied, "All Lu Bu cares for is his family. There is no pity for anyone else. We are no more than the weeds by the roadside."
Wei Xu said, "The city is besieged; the water is drowning us out. There will not be much more of this, for we may die any day."
"He is a beast, with neither a sense of humanity nor of right. Let us leave him," said Song Xian.
"He is not worth fighting for. The best we could do would be to seize him and hand him over to Cao Cao," said Wei Xu.
"I was punished because I got my horses back again, yet all he trusts in is his own Red Hare. If you two will betray the gate and seize Lu Bu, I will steal the horse and go out to Cao Cao's camp."

35 下邳城曹... :
三人商议定了。是夜侯成暗至马院，盗了那匹赤免马，飞奔东门来。魏续便开门放出，却佯作追赶之状。侯成到曹操寨，献上马匹，备言宋宪、魏续插白旗为号，准备献门。曹操闻此信，便押榜数十张射入城去。其榜曰：
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
They settled how to carry out the plot, and that very night Hou Cheng sneaked into the stables and got Red Hare away. He hastened to the east gate which was opened to let him through. The guard made a pretense of pursuing him but only a pretense.
Hou Cheng reached the besiegers' camp, presented the horse and told Cao Cao what had been arranged. They would show a white flag and open the gates to his army. Hearing this Cao Cao had a few notifications written out, which were attached to arrows and shot over the walls. This is one of them:
大将军曹，特奉明诏，征伐吕布。如有抗拒大军者，破城之日，满门诛戳。上至将校，下至庶民，有能擒吕布来献，或献其首级者，重加官赏。为此榜谕，各宜知悉。
"Regent Marshal Cao Cao has received a command from the Emperor to destroy Lu Bu. Those who interfere with the operations of his grand army, whatever their rank, shall be put to death in the gate on the day that the city shall be captured. Should anyone capture Lu Bu or bring his head, he shall be well rewarded. Let all take note of this."

36 下邳城曹... :
次日平明，城外喊声震地。吕布大惊，提戟上城，各门点视，责骂魏续走透侯成，失了战马，欲待治罪。城下曹兵望见城上白旗，竭力攻城，布只得亲自抵敌。从平明直打到日中，曹兵稍退。布少憩门楼，不觉睡著在椅上。宋宪赶退左右，先盗其画戟，便与魏续一齐动手，将吕布绳缠索绑，紧紧缚住。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Next day at daylight a tremendous hubbub was heard without the city and Lu Bu, halberd in hand, hasted to the wall to see what it meant. As he went from gate to gate inspecting the defenses and guards, he censured Wei Xu for letting Hou Cheng escape and get away with his horse. Lu Bu threatened to punish Wei Xu. But just then the besiegers began a fierce attack as the white flag had just appeared, and Lu Bu had to turn all his energies to defense. The assault lasted till noon, when the attacking force drew off for a time.
Lu Bu was taking a rest in the tower and fell asleep in his chair. Song Xian sent away Lu Bu's attendants. When they had gone, he stole Lu Bu's weapon, the trident halberd in which he trusted. Then Song Xian and Wei Xu fell upon Lu Bu together and before he was well awake had bound him with cords, trussing him so that he could not move.

37 下邳城曹... :
布从睡梦中惊醒，急唤左右，却都被二人杀散，把白旗一招，曹兵齐至城下。魏续大叫：“已生擒吕布矣！”夏侯渊尚未信。宋宪在掷下吕布画戟来，大开城门，曹兵一拥而入。高顺，张辽在西门，水围难出。为曹兵所擒。陈宫奔至南门，为徐晃所获。
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lu Bu shouted for his guards, but they were driven off by the two traitor generals and could not come near. Then a white flag was shown, and the besiegers again approached the city.
The traitors shouted out, "Lu Bu has been captured alive!"
But Xiahou Yuan could hardly believe it till they threw down the famous halberd. The gates were flung open, and the enemy entered the city. Gao Shun and Zhang Liao, who were at the opposite gate, were surrounded and cut off by the water and helpless. They were captured. Chen Gong made a dash to the south gate but was also taken by Xu Huang.

38 下邳城曹... :
曹操入城，即传令退了所决之水，出榜安民；一面与玄德同坐白门楼上，关，张侍立于侧，提过擒获一干人来。吕布虽然长大，却被绳索困作一团。布叫曰：“缚太急，乞缓之！”操曰：“缚虎不得不急。”布见侯成，魏续[陈怡妏1]，宋宪，皆立于侧，乃谓之曰：“我待诸将不薄，汝等何忍背反？”宪曰：“听妻妾言，不听将计，何谓不薄？”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Presently Cao Cao entered and at once gave orders to turn the streams back into their usual courses. He put out proclamations to sooth the people.
Cao Cao and Liu Bei, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei behind, seated themselves side by side in the White Gate Tower. The captives were brought before them. Lu Bu looked a pitiable object. Although a very tall man, he was tied up in a veritable ball.
"The bonds are very tight," cried he, "I beseech you to loosen them!"
"Binding a tiger must bind tight, of course," replied Cao Cao.
Seeing Hou Cheng, Song Xian, and Wei Xu standing there looking pleased at their success, Lu Bu said, "I treated you all well enough: How could you turn against me?"
Said Song Xian, "You listened to the words of your women, but rejected the advice of your generals. Was not that mean?"

39 下邳城曹... :
布默然。须臾，众拥高顺至。操问曰：“汝有何言？”顺不答。操怒命斩之。徐晃解陈宫至。操曰：“公台别来无恙？”宫曰：“汝心术不正，吾故弃汝！”操曰：“吾心不正，公又奈何独事吕布？”宫曰：“布虽无谋，不似你诡诈奸险。”操曰：“公自谓足智多谋，今竟何如？”宫顾吕布曰：“恨此人不从吾言！若从吾言，未必被擒也。”操曰：“今日之事当如何？”宫大声曰：“今日有死而已！”操曰：“公如是，奈公之老母妻子何？”宫曰：“吾闻以孝治天下者，不害人之亲；施仁政于天下者，不绝人之祀。老母妻子之存亡，亦在于明公耳。吾身既被擒，请即就戮，并无挂念。”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Lu Bu was silent. Then Gao Shun was brought forward.
"What have you to say?" asked Cao Cao.
Gao Shun sulkily held his tongue. He was ordered out to execution.
Next Chen Gong was led in.
"I hope you have been well since we last saw each other, Chen Gong?" said Cao Cao.
"Your ways were crooked, and so I left you," said Chen Gong.
"You say I was crooked; and what of your serving Lu Bu?"
"Though he was a fool, he did not resemble you in deceit and wickedness."
"You say you are able enough and clever, but what about your position today?"
Turning toward Lu Bu, Chen Gong said, "This man would not follow my advice. Had he done so, he would not now be a captive."
"What think you ought to be done about this day's work?" said Cao Cao.
"There is death for me today, and that is the end!" said Chen Gong undauntedly.
"Very well for you; but what of your mother and wife and children?"
"It is said that one who rules with due regard to filial piety does not harm a person's family; one who would show benevolence does not cut off the sacrifices at a person's tomb. My mother and wife and children are in your hands. But since I am your prisoner, I pray you slay me quickly and not to try to harrow my feelings."

40 下邳城曹... :
操有留恋之意。宫径步下楼，左右牵之不住。操起身泣而送之。宫并不回顾。操谓从者曰：“即送公台老母妻子回许都养老。怠慢者斩。”宫闻言，亦不开口，伸颈就刑。众皆下泪。操以棺椁盛其尸，葬于许都。后人有诗叹之曰：
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
Cao Cao's heart still leaned toward mercy, but Chen Gong turned and walked away, repulsing the attendants who would stop him. Cao Cao rose from his place and walked with Chen Gong, the tears falling from his eyes. Chen Gong never looked at him.
Turning to his guards Cao Cao said, "Let his mother and family be taken to Xuchang and looked after immediately. Any postponement will be punished!"
The condemned man heard him but uttered no word. He stretched out his neck for the blow. Tears sprang to the eyes of all present. His remains were honorably coffined and buried in Xuchang.
A poem pitying Chen Gong's fate says:
生死无二志，丈夫何壮哉！不从金石论，空负栋梁材。
Neither hope of life nor fear of death moved him.
How brave was he, a hero indeed!
But his lord heeded not his words,
Wherefore in vain possessed he great talents.
辅主真堪敬，辞亲实可哀。白门身死日，谁肯似公台！
Nevertheless, in that he stood by his master.
To parting with wife and mother,
He merits our pity and profound respect.
Who would resemble Chen Gong
That day he died at the White Gate Tower?

41 下邳城曹... :
方操送宫下楼时，布告玄德曰：“公为坐上客，布为阶下囚，何不发一言而相宽乎？”玄德点头。及操上楼来，布叫曰：“明公所患，不过于布。布今已服矣。公为大将，布副之，天下不难定也。”操回顾玄德曰：“何如？”玄德答曰：“公不见丁建阳、董卓之事乎？”布目视玄德曰：“是儿最无信者！”操令牵下楼缢之。布回顾玄德曰：“大耳儿！不记辕门射戟时耶？”忽一人大叫曰：“吕布匹夫！死则死耳，何惧之有！”众视之，乃刀斧手拥张辽至。操令将吕布缢死，然后枭首。后人有诗叹曰：
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
While Cao Cao sadly escorted Chen Gong on the way to death, Lu Bu appealed to Liu Bei, "Noble Sir, you sit there an honored guest while poor I lie bound at your feet. Will you not utter one word to alleviate my lot?"
Liu Bei nodded.
As Cao Cao returned to his place, Lu Bu called out, "Your only trouble, Illustrious Sir, is myself, and I am on your side now. You take the lead, I will help you, and together the world is at our feet."
"What do you think?" said Cao Cao turning to Liu Bei.
"You are willing to forget the episodes of Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo?"
"Truly the lout is not to be trusted!" said Lu Bu, looking at Liu Bei.
"Strangle and expose!" ordered Cao Cao.
As he was led away, Lu Bu turned once more to Liu Bei, "You long-eared lout, you forget now the service I rendered you that day at my camp gate, when my arrow hit the mark!"
Just then someone shouted, "Lu Bu, O fool! Death is but death, and why are you scared at it?"
Everyone turned to look: The guards were hustling Zhang Liao to the place of judgment. Cao Cao ordered Lu Bu's execution.
A poet has written upon the death of Lu Bu:
洪水滔滔淹下邳，当年吕布受擒时：空如赤免马千里，漫有方天戟一枝。
The flood spreads wide, the city drowns,
Its lord is captive. Nought avails
His courser's speed or halberd's thrust.
缚虎望宽今太懦，养鹰休饱昔无疑。恋妻不纳陈宫谏，枉骂无恩大耳儿。
The tiger erstwhile fierce, now whines
For mercy. Cao Cao had meted him
Full well, a falcon flown at will
And hungry kept. Poor fool! He let
Chen Gong's advice be overborne
By harem tattle; vainly now
He rails against the Long-Ears' faith.
又有诗论玄德曰：伤人饿虎缚休宽，董卓，丁原血未乾。玄德既知能啖父，争如留取害曹瞒？
And another poem says:
Round is the hungry tiger, eater of men, for whom is no pity,
Since the blood of his victims is fresh and not yet dry.
Liu Bei spoke no word in favor of Lu Bu,
To whom even a father's life was not sacred.

42 下邳城曹... :
却说武士拥张辽至。操指辽曰：“这人好生面善。”辽曰：“濮阳城中曾相遇，如何忘却？”操笑曰：“你原来也记得！”辽曰：“只是可惜！”操曰：“可惜甚的？”辽曰：“可惜当日火不大，不曾烧死你这国贼！”操大怒曰：“败将安敢辱吾！”拔剑在手，亲自来杀张辽。辽全无惧色，引颈待杀。曹操背后一人攀住臂膊，一人诡于面前，说道：“丞相且莫动手！”
Cao Cao Makes Flood...:
It was recorded earlier that the executioners were hustling Zhang Liao forward.
Pointing to him from above, Cao Cao said, "He has a familiar face."
"You were not likely to forget me: You saw me before in Puyang," said Zhang Liao.
"O, so you remember me, eh?"
"Yes. More is the pity."
"Pity for what?"
"That the fire that day was not fierce enough to burn you up, rebel that you are!"
Cao Cao began to get angry.
"How dare you insult me?" cried he and lifted his sword to kill the bold speaker.
The undaunted Zhang Liao never changed color, but stretched out his neck for the blow. Then a man behind Cao Cao caught his arm, and in front of him another dropped on his knees, saying, "O Prime Minister, I pray thee stay thy hand!"
正是：乞哀吕布无人救，骂贼张辽反得生。毕竟救张辽的是谁，且看下文分解。
Lu Bu whining was not spared,
Railing Zhang Liao far better fared.
Who was it that saved Zhang Liao? The next chapter will show.

URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch19