| 中国哲学书电子化计划 | |
| 简体字版 |
《祢正平裸衣骂贼，吉太医下毒遭刑》 |
| 1 | 祢正平裸... : | 却说曹操欲斩刘岱、王忠。孔融谏曰：“二人本非刘备敌手，若斩之，恐失将士之心。”操乃免其死，黜罢爵禄，欲自起兵伐玄德。孔融曰：“方今隆冬盛寒，未可动兵；待来春未为晚也。可先使人招安张绣、刘表，然后再图徐州。”操然其言，先遣刘晔往说张绣。晔至襄城，先见贾诩，陈说曹公盛德。诩乃留晔于家中。 |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
At the close of the last chapter the two unsuccessful leaders, Liu Dai and Wang Zhong, were in danger of death. However, Kong Rong remonstrated with Cao Cao, saying, "You knew these two were no match for Liu Bei, and if you put them to death because they failed, you will lose the hearts of your people." Wherefore the death sentence was not executed, but they were deprived of rank and status. Cao Cao next proposed to lead an army himself to attack Liu Bei, but Kong Rong advised, "The weather is too inclement. We must wait the return of spring. In the interval, we better use the time to arrange peace with Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao, before launching an expedition against Xuzhou." Wherefore Liu Ye was sent to Zhang Xiu and in due time reached Xiangyang. He first had an interview with Jia Xu, Zhang Xiu's adviser, whereat he dwelt upon Cao Cao's virtues so that Jia Xu was impressed. Jia Xu kept Liu Ye as a guest and undertook to smooth his way. | |
| 2 | 祢正平裸... : | 次日来见张绣，说曹公遣刘晔招安之事。正议间，忽报袁绍有使至。绣命入。使者呈上书信。绣览之，亦是招安之意。诩问来使曰：“近日兴兵破曹操，胜负如何？”使曰：“隆冬寒月，权且罢兵。今以将军与荆州刘表俱有国士之风，故来相请耳。”诩大笑曰：“汝可回见本初，道：‘汝兄弟尚不能容，何能容天下国士乎！”’ |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
Soon after Liu Ye saw Zhang Xiu and spoke of the advantages of coming to terms with Cao Cao. While the discussion was in progress, a messenger from Yuan Shao was announced, and he was called in. He presented letters and, when they also proposed terms of peace, Jia Xu asked what their success had been lately against Cao Cao. "The war had ceased for the moment on account of the winter," replied the messenger. "As you, General, and Liu Biao are both well reputed officers of the state, I have been sent to request your help." Jia Xu laughed, "You can return to your master and say that as he could not brook rivalry of his brother, he certainly would be sorely put to it with that of all the officers of the state." | |
| 3 | 祢正平裸... : | 当面扯碎书，叱退来使。张绣曰：“方今袁强曹弱；今毁书叱使，袁绍若至，当如之何？”诩曰：“不如去从曹操。”绣曰：“吾先与操有雠，安得相容？”诩曰：“从操其便有三：夫曹公奉天子明诏，征伐天下，其宜从一也；绍强盛，我以少从之，必不以我为重，操虽弱，得我必喜，其宜从二也；曹公王霸之志，必释私怨，以明德于四海，其宜从三也。愿将军无疑焉。” |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
The letter was torn into fragments before the messenger's face, and he was angrily bidden be gone. "But his master, Yuan Shao, is stronger than Cao Cao," protested Zhang Xiu. "You have torn up his letter and are dismissing his man. What shall we say about such an insult should Yuan Shao come?" "Better join hands with Cao Cao," said Jia Xu. "But there is still between us an unavenged enmity. We could not suffer each other." Jia Xu said, "There are three advantages in joining hands with Cao Cao. First, he has a command from the Emperor to restore peace. Second, as Yuan Shao is so strong, our little help to him will be despised, while we shall loom large and be well treated by Cao Cao. Third, Cao Cao is going to be Chief of the Feudal Lords, and he will ignore all private feuds in order to show his magnanimity to all the world. I hope, General, you will see these things clearly and hesitate no longer." | |
| 4 | 祢正平裸... : | 绣从其言，请刘晔相见。晔盛称操德，且曰：“丞相若记旧怨，安肯使某来结好将军乎？”绣大喜，即同贾诩等赴许都投降。绣见操，拜于阶下。操忙扶起，执其手曰：“有小过失，勿记于心。”遂封绣为扬武将军，封贾诩为执金吾使。操即命绣作书招安刘表。贾诩进曰：“刘景升好结纳名流，今必得一有文名之士往说之，方可降耳。”操问荀攸曰：“谁人可去？”攸曰：“孔文举可当其任。” |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
Zhang Xiu, now convinced, became more reasonable and recalled Liu Ye, who, at the interview, extolled the many virtues of his master. "If the Prime Minister had any thought of the old quarrel, he would hardly have sent me to make friendly engagements, would he?" said Liu Ye at the last. So Zhang Xiu and his adviser proceeded to the capital where formal submission was made. At the interview Zhang Xiu bowed low at the steps, but Cao Cao, hastening forward, took him by the hand and raised him, saying, "Forget that little fault of mine, I pray you, General!" Zhang Xiu received the title of General Who Possesses Prowess, and Jia Xu was appointed Counselor. Cao Cao then directed his secretaries to draft letters inviting the support of Liu Biao. Jia Xu said, "Liu Biao loves to have to do with famous people. If some famous scholar should be sent to him, he would submit forthwith." So Cao Cao inquired of Xun You who was the best person to go as a messenger, and he recommended Kong Rong. | |
| 5 | 祢正平裸... : | 操然之。攸出见孔融曰：“丞相欲得一有文名之士，以备行人之选。公可当此任否？”融曰：“吾友祢衡，字正平，其才十倍于我。此人宜在帝左右，不但可备行人而已。我当荐之天子。”于是遂上表奏帝。其文曰： |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
Cao Cao agreed and sent Xun You to speak with this officer. Xun You went to Kong Rong, saying, "A scholar of reputation is required to aid as a messenger of state. Can you undertake this task?" Kong Rong replied, "I have a certain friend, Mi Heng, whose talents are ten times mine. He ought to be constantly at the court of the Emperor and not merely be sent as a state messenger. I will recommend him to the Emperor." So Kong Rong wrote the following memorial: | |
| 6 | 祢正平裸... : | 臣闻洪水横流，帝思俾刈；旁求四方，以招贤俊。昔世宗继统，将弘基业；畴咨熙载，群士响臻。陛下睿圣，纂承基绪，遭遇厄运，劳谦日昃；维岳降神，异人并出。窃见处士平原祢衡：年二十四，字正平，淑质贞亮，英才卓荦；初涉艺文，升堂睹奥。目所一见，辄诵之口；耳所暂闻，不忘于心。性与道合，思若有神。弘羊潜计，安世默识，以衡准之，诚不足怪。忠果正直，志怀霜雪；见善若惊，嫉恶若雠。任座抗行，史鱼厉节，殆无以过也。鸷鸟累百，不如一鹗。使衡立朝，必有可观，飞辩聘词，溢气坌涌；解疑释结，临敌有馀。 |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
"In ancient days, when the great waters were abroad, the emperor pondered over their regulation and he sought out people of talent from all directions. In old time, when Emperor Wu of the Hans desired to enlarge his borders, crowds of scholars responded to his call. "Intelligent and holy, Your Majesty ascended the throne. You have fallen upon evil days, but have been diligent, modest, and untiring in your efforts. Now the great mountains have sent forth spirits, and people of genius appear. "I, your humble servant, know of a certain simple scholar, Mi Heng by name, of Pingyuan, a young man of twenty-four. His moral character is excellent, his talents eminent. As a youth he took a high place in study and penetrated the most secret arcane of learning. What he glanced at he could repeat, what he heard once he never forgot. He is naturally high principled, and his thoughts are divine. Sang Hongyang's mental calculations and Zhang Anshi's memorial feats compared with Mi Heng's powers are no longer wonderful. Loyal, sincere, correct, and straight-forward, his ambition is unsullied. He regards the good with trembling respect; he detests the evil with uncompromising hatred. Ren Zuo in unflinching candor, Shi Yu in severe rectitude, never surpassed him. "Hundreds of hawks are not worth one osprey. If Mi Heng be given a court appointment, notable results must follow. Ready in debate, rapid in utterance, his overwhelming intelligence wells up in profusion. In the solution of doubts and the unraveling of difficulties he has no peer. | |
| 7 | 祢正平裸... : | 昔贾谊求试属国，诡系单于；终军欲以长缨，牵制劲越；弱冠慷慨，前世美之；近日路粹，严象亦用异才擢拜台郎：衡宜与为比。如龙跃天衢，振翼云汉，扬声紫微，垂光虹霓，足以昭近署之多士，增四门之穆穆。钧天广乐，必奇丽之观；帝室王居，必蓄非常之宝。若衡等辈，不可多得。激楚、阳阿，至妙之容，掌伎者之所贪；飞兔、騕里，绝足奔放，良、乐之所急也。臣等区区，敢不以闻？升下笃慎取士，必须效试。乞令衡以褐衣召见。如无可观采，臣等受面欺之罪。” |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
"In former days of Han, Jia Yi begged to be sent on trial to a vassal state for the control of the Xiongnu tribespeople; Zhong Jun offered to bring back the Prince of Nanyue to do homage to the emperor. The generous conduct of these youths has been much admired. "In our day Lu Cui and Yan Xiang, remarkable for their talents, have been appointed among the secretaries. And Mi Heng is no less capable. Should he be got, then all possibilities may be realized: The dragon may curvet through the celestial streets and soar along the Milky Way; fame will extend to the poles of the universe and hang in the firmament with rainbow glory. He would be the glory of all the present Ministers and enhance the majesty of the Palace itself. The Music will acquire new beauties, and the Palace will contain an excellent treasure. People like Mi Heng are but few. As in the recitation of 'Ji Chu Songs' and the singing of 'Yang E Poems', the most skillful performers are sought; and such fleet horses as 'Fei Tu Broncos' and 'Yao Niao Mustangs' were looked for by the famous judges of horses, Wang Liang and Bo Le. "So I, the humble one, dare not conceal this man. Your Majesty is careful in the selection of servants and should try him. Let him be summoned as he is, simply clad in his serge dress; and should he not appear worthy, then may I be punished for the fault of deception." | |
| 8 | 祢正平裸... : | 帝览表，以付曹操。操遂使人召衡至。礼毕，操不命坐。祢衡仰天叹曰：“天地虽阔，何无一人也！”操曰：“吾手下有数十人，皆当世英雄，何谓无人？”衡曰：“愿闻。”操曰：“荀彧，荀攸，郭嘉，程昱，机深智远，虽萧何，陈平不及也。张辽，许褚，乐进，李典，勇不可当，虽岑彭，马武不及也。吕虔，满宠，为从事；于禁，徐晃，为先锋。夏侯敦，天下奇才；曹子孝，世间福将。安得无人？”衡笑曰：“公言差矣。此等人物，吾尽识之：荀彧可使吊丧问疾，荀攸可使看坟守墓，程昱可使关门闭户，郭嘉可使白词念赋，张辽可使击鼓鸣金，许褚可使牧牛放马，乐进可使取状读诏，李典可使传书送檄，吕虔可使磨刀铸剑，满宠可使饮酒食糟，于禁可使负版筑墙，徐晃可使屠猪杀狗。夏侯敦称为‘完体将军’，曹子孝呼为‘要钱太守’。其馀皆是衣架！饭囊！酒桶！肉袋耳！”操怒曰：“汝有何能？”衡曰：“天文地理，无一不通；三教九流，无一不晓；上可以致君为尧、舜，下可以配德于孔、颜。岂与俗子共论乎！”时止有张辽在侧，掣剑欲斩之。操曰：“吾正少一鼓吏；早晚朝贺宴享，可令祢衡充此职。”衡不推辞，应声而去。辽曰：“此人出言不逊，何不杀之？”操曰：“此人素有虚名，远近所闻。今日杀之，天下必谓我不能容物，彼自以为能，故令为鼓吏以辱之。” |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
The Emperor read the memorial and passed it to his Prime Minister, who duly summoned Mi Heng. He came, but after his formal salutations were over, he was left standing and not invited to sit down. Looking up to heaven, Mi Heng sighed deeply, saying, "Wide as is the universe, it cannot produce the person." "Under my orders are scores of people whom the world call heroes. What do you mean by saying there is not the person," said Cao Cao. "I should be glad to hear who they are," said Mi Heng. "Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, and Cheng Yu are all people of profound skill and long views, superior to Xiao He and Chen Ping. Zhang Liao, Xu Chu, Li Dian, and Yue Jing are bravest of the brave, better than Cen Peng and Ma Wu. Lu Qian and Man Chong are my secretaries; Yu Jin and Xu Huang are my van leaders; Xiahou Dun is one of the world's marvels, Cao Ren is the most successful leader of the age. Now say you there are not the people?" "Sir, you are quite mistaken," said Mi Heng with a smile. "I know all these things you call people. Xun Yu is qualified to pose at a funeral or ask after a sick man; Xun You is fit to be a tomb guardian; Cheng Yu might be sent to shut doors and bolt windows; and Guo Jia is a reciter of poems; Zhang Liao might beat drums and clang gongs; Xu Chu might lead cattle to pasture; Yue Jing would make a fair reader of elegy; Li Dian could carry dispatches and notices; Lu Qian would be a fair armorer; Man Chong could be sent to drink wine and eat brewers' grains; Yu Jin might be of use to carry planks and build walls; Xu Huang might be employed to kill pigs and slay dogs; Xiahou Dun should be styled 'Whole Body General,' and Cao Ren should be called 'Money-grubbing Governor.' As for the remainder, they are mere clothes shelves, rice sacks, wine vases, flesh bags." "And what special gifts have you?" said Cao Cao angrily. "I know everything in heaven above and the earth beneath. I am conversant with the Three Religions and the Nine Systems of Philosophy. I could make my prince the rival of Kings Yao and Shun, and I myself could compare in virtue with Confucius and Mencius. Can I discuss on even terms with common people?" Now Zhang Liao was present, and he raised his sword to strike down the impudent visitor who spoke thus to his master, but Cao Cao said, "I want another drummer boy to play on occasions of congratulation in the court. I will confer this office upon him." Instead of indignantly declining this, Mi Heng accepted the position and went out. "He spoke very impertinently," said Zhang Liao. "Why did you not put him to death?" "He has something of a reputation; empty, but people have heard of him and so, if I put him to death, they would say I was intolerant. As he thinks he has ability, I have made him a drummer to mortify him." | |
| 9 | 祢正平裸... : | 来日，操于省厅上大宴宾客，今鼓使挝鼓。旧吏云：“挝鼓必换新衣。”衡穿旧衣而入，遂击鼓为“渔阳三挝”，音节殊妙，渊渊有金石声。坐客听之，莫不慷慨流涕。左右喝曰：“何不更衣！”衡当面脱下旧破衣服，裸体而立，浑身尽露。坐客皆掩面。衡乃徐徐著裤，颜色不变。 |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
Soon after Cao Cao instituted a banquet in the capital at which the guests were many. The drums were to be played, and the old drummers were ordered to wear new clothes. But the new drummer Mi Heng took his place with the other musicians clad in old and worn garments. The piece chosen was the "Tolling of Yuyang," and from the earliest taps on the drum the effect was exquisite, profound as the notes from metal and stone. The performance stirred deeply the emotions of every guest; some even shed tears. Seeing all eyes turned on the shabby performer, the attendants said, "Why did you not put on your new uniform?" Mi Heng turned to them, slipped off his frayed and torn robe and stood there in full view, naked as he was born. The assembled guests covered their faces. Then the drummer composedly drew on his nether garments. | |
| 10 | 祢正平裸... : | 操叱曰：“庙堂之上，何太无礼？”衡曰：“欺君罔上乃谓无礼。吾露父母之形，以显清白之体耳！”操曰：“汝为清白，谁为污浊？”衡曰：“汝不识贤愚，是眼浊也；不读诗书，是口浊也；不纳忠言，是耳浊也；不通古今，是身浊也；不容诸侯，是腹浊也；常怀篡逆，是心浊也！吾乃天下名士，用为鼓吏，是犹阳货轻仲尼、臧仓毁孟子耳！欲成霸王之业，而如此轻人耶？” |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
"Why do you behave so rudely at court?" said Cao Cao. "To flout one's prince and insult one's superiors is the real rudeness," cried Mi Heng. "I bare my natural body as an emblem of my purity." "So you are pure! And who is foul?" "You do not distinguish between the wise and the foolish, which is to have foul vision. You have never read the Odes or the Histories, which is to have foul speech. You are deaf to honest words, which is to have foul ears. You are unable to reconcile antiquity with today, which is to be foul without. You cannot tolerate the vassals, which is to be foul within. You harbor thoughts of rebellion, which is to have a foul heart. I am one of the most famous scholars in the empire, and you make me a drummer boy, that is as Yang Huo belittling Confucius or Zang Cang vilifying Mencius. You desire to be chief and arbitrator of the great nobles, yet you treat me thus!" | |
| 11 | 祢正平裸... : | 时孔融在坐，恐操杀衡，乃从容进曰：“祢衡罪同胥靡，不足发明王之梦。”操指衡而言曰：“令汝往荆州为使。如刘表来降，便用汝作公卿。”衡不肯往。操备马三匹，令二人扶挟而行；却教手下文武，整酒于东门外送之。荀彧曰：“如祢衡来，不可起身。”衡至。下马入见，众皆端坐。衡放声大哭。荀彧问曰：“何为而哭？”衡曰：“行于死柩之中，如何不哭？”众皆曰：“吾等是死尸，汝乃无头狂鬼耳！”衡曰：“吾乃汉朝之臣，不作曹瞒之党，安得无头？”众欲杀之。苟彧急止之曰：“量鼠雀之辈，何足污刀！”衡曰：“吾乃鼠雀，尚有人性；汝等只可谓之蜾虫！”众恨而散。 |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
Now Kong Rong who had recommended Mi Heng for employment was among the guests, and he feared for the life of his friend. Wherefore he tried to calm the storm. "Mi Heng is only guilty of a misdemeanor," said Kong Rong. "He is not a man likely to disturb your dreams like Fu Yue, Illustrious Sir." Pointing to Mi Heng, the Prime Minister said, "I will send you to Jingzhou as my messenger; and if Liu Biao surrenders to me, I will give you a post at court." But Mi Heng was unwilling to go. So Cao Cao bade two of his men prepare three horses, and they set Mi Heng on the middle one and dragged him along the road between them. It is also related that a great number of officers of all ranks assembled at the East Gate to see the messenger start. Xun Yu said, "When Mi Heng comes, we will not rise to salute him." So when Mi Heng came, dismounted, and entered the waiting room, they all sat stiff and silent. Mi Heng uttered a loud cry. "What is that for?" said Xun Yu. "Should not one cry out when one enters a coffin?" said Mi Heng. "We may be corpses," shouted they altogether, "but you are a wandering headless ghost." "I am a minister of Han and not a partisan of Cao Cao's," cried Mi Heng. "You cannot say I have no head." They were angry enough to kill him, but Xun Yu checked them, saying, "He is a paltry fellow. It is not worth soiling your blades with his blood." "I am paltry, and yet I have the soul of a man, and you are mere worms," said Mi Heng. They went their ways, all very angry. | |
| 12 | 祢正平裸... : | 衡至荆州，见刘表毕，虽颂德，实讥讽。表不喜，令去江夏见黄祖。或问表曰：“祢衡戏谑主公，何不杀之？”表曰：“祢衡数辱曹操，操不杀者，恐失人望；故令作使于我，欲借我手杀之，使我受害贤之名也。吾今遣去见黄祖，使曹操知我有识。”众皆称善。 |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
Mi Heng went on his journey and presently reached Jingzhou, where he saw Liu Biao. After that, under pretense of extolling Liu Biao's virtue, he lampooned Liu Biao who was annoyed and sent him to Jiangxia to see Huang Zu. "Why did you not put the fellow to death for lampooning you?" said one to Liu Biao. "You see he shamed Cao Cao, but Cao Cao did not kill him as Cao Cao feared to lose popular favor. So Cao Cao sent him to me, thinking to borrow my hand to slay him and so suffer the loss of my good name. I have sent him on to Huang Zu to let Cao Cao see that I understood." Liu Biao's clever caution met with general praise. | |
| 13 | 祢正平裸... : | 时袁绍亦遣使至。表问众谋士曰：“袁本初又遣使来，曹孟德又差祢衡在此，当从何便？”从事中郎将韩嵩进曰：“今两雄相持，将军若欲有为，乘此破敌可也。如其不然，将择其善者而从之。今曹操善能用兵，贤俊多归，其势必先取袁绍，然后移兵向江东，恐将军不能御；莫若举荆州以附操，操必重待将军矣。”表曰：“汝且去许都，观其动静，再作商议。”嵩曰：“君臣各有定分。嵩今事将军，虽赴汤蹈火，一唯所命。将军若能上顺天子，下从曹公，使嵩可也；如持疑未定，嵩到京师，天子赐嵩一官，则嵩为天子之臣，不得复为将军死矣。”表曰：“汝且先往观之。吾别有主意。” |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
At that time a messenger from Yuan Shao was also there with certain proposals for an alliance, and it was necessary to decide which aide to espouse. All the advisers came together to consider the question. Then Commander Han Song said, "As you have now two offers, you can please yourself and choose your own way to destroy your enemies; for if one refuses, you can follow the other. Now Cao Cao is an able general and has many capable officers in his train. It looks as though he may destroy Yuan Shao and then move his armies across the river. I fear, my lord, you would be unable then to withstand him. That being so, it would be wise to support Cao Cao, who will treat you with respect." Liu Biao replied, "You go to the capital and see how things tend. That will help me to decide." Han Song said, "The positions of master and servant are clearly defined. Now I am your man prepared to go all lengths for you and obey you to the last, whether in serving the Emperor or in following Cao Cao. But lest there should be any doubt you must remember that if the Emperor gives me any office, then I shall become his servant and shall not be ready to face death for you." "You go and find out what you can. I have ideas in my mind." | |
| 14 | 祢正平裸... : | 嵩辞表，到许都见操。操遂拜嵩为侍中，领零陵太守。荀彧曰：“韩嵩来观动静，未有微功，重加此职。祢衡又无音耗，丞相遣而不问，何也？”操曰：“祢衡辱吾太甚，故借刘表手杀之，何必再问？”遂遣韩嵩回荆州说刘表。嵩回见表，称颂朝廷盛德，劝表遣子入侍。表大怒曰：“汝怀二心耶！”欲斩之。嵩大叫曰：“将军负嵩，嵩不负将军！”蒯良曰：“嵩未去之前，先有此言矣。”刘表遂赦之。 |
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So Han Song took his leave and went to the capital, where he saw Cao Cao. Cao Cao gave him rank and made him Governor of Lingling. Adviser Xun Yu remonstrated, saying, "This man came to spy out how things were moving. He has done nothing to deserve reward, and yet you give him an office like this. There were no such suspicious rumors connected with poor Mi Heng, and yet you sent him off and would never test his power." "Mi Heng shamed me too deeply before all the world. I am going to borrow Liu Biao's hand to remove him. And you need say no more," said Cao Cao. Then Cao Cao sent Han Song back to his former master to tell him what had happened. Han Song came and was full of praise for the virtues of the court and was keen on persuading Liu Biao to espouse that side. Then Liu Biao suddenly turned angry, charged him with treachery, put him in prison, and threatened him with death. "You turn your back on me," cried Han Song. "I did not betray you." Kuai Liang remarked, "Han Song had foretold this possibility before he left. It is only what he expected." Liu Biao, who was just and reasonable, went no further. | |
| 15 | 祢正平裸... : | 人报黄祖斩了祢衡，表问其故。对曰：“黄祖与祢衡共饮，皆醉。祖问衡曰：‘君在许都有何人物？’衡曰：‘大儿孔文举，小儿杨德祖：除此二人，别无人物。’祖曰：‘似我何如？’衡曰：‘汝似庙中之神，虽受祭祀，恨无灵验！’祖大怒曰：‘汝以我为土木偶人耶！’遂斩之。衡至死骂不绝口。”刘表闻衡死，亦嗟呀不已，令葬于鹦鹉洲边。后人有诗叹曰： |
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Presently came the news that Mi Heng had been put to death by Huang Zu on account of a quarrel begun over the wine cups. Both being worse for liquor they had begun to discuss the worth of people. "You were in Xuchang," said Huang Zu. "Who was there of worth?" "The big boy was Kong Rong and the little one Yang Xiu. There was no one else to count." "What am I like?" said Huang Zu. "You are like a god in a temple: You sit still and receive sacrifice, but the lack of intelligence is pitiful." "Do you regard me as a mere image?" cried Huang Zu, angrily. So Huang Zu put the impudent speaker to death. Even at the very point of death, Mi Heng never ceased his railing and abuse. "Alas!" sighed Liu Biao when he heard Mi Heng's fate. Then Liu Biao had the victim honorably interred near Yingwu, on Parrot Island. And a later poet wrote of Mi Heng: | |
| 黄祖才非长者俦，祢衡丧首此江头。今来鹦鹉洲边过，惟有无情碧水流。 | ||
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Huang Zu could brook no rival; at his word Mi Heng met death, beneath the cruel sword. His grave on Parrot Isle may yet be seen, The river flowing past it, coldly green. | ||
| 16 | 祢正平裸... : | 却说曹操知祢衡受害，笑曰：“腐儒舌剑，反自杀矣！”因不见刘表来降，便欲兴兵问罪。荀彧谏曰：“袁绍未平，刘备未灭，而欲用兵江汉，是犹舍心腹而顾手足也。可先灭袁绍，后灭刘备，江汉可一扫而平矣。”操从之。 |
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Cao Cao heard of the young man's death with pleasure. "The putrid bookworm has just cut himself up with his own sharp tongue," said he. As there was no sign of Liu Biao coming to join him, Cao Cao began to think of coercion. Xun Yu dissuaded him from this course. Said he, "Yuan Shao is not subjugated; Liu Bei is not destroyed. To attack Liu Biao would be to neglect the vital to care for the immaterial. Destroy the two chief enemies first, and the Han River is yours at one blow." And Cao Cao took the advice. | |
| 17 | 祢正平裸... : | 且说董承自刘玄德去后，日夜与王子服等商议，无计可施。建安五年，元旦朝贺，见曹操骄横愈甚，感愤成疾。帝知国舅染病，令随朝太医前去医治。此医乃洛阳人：姓吉，名太，字称平，人皆呼为吉平，当时名医也。平到董承府用药调治，旦夕不离；常见董承长吁短叹，不敢动问。 |
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After the departure of Liu Bei, Dong Cheng and his fellow conspirators did nothing else day or night but try to evolve plans for the destruction of Cao Cao. But they could see no chance to attack. At the new year audience Cao Cao was odiously arrogant and overweening, and the chief conspirator's disgust was so intense that he fell ill. Hearing of the State Uncle's indisposition, the Emperor sent the Court Physician to see him. The Court Physician at this time was a native of Luoyang, named Ji Ping. A very famous physician, Ji Ping devoted himself wholly to the treatment of his court patient. Living in Dong Cheng's palace and seeing Dong Cheng at all times, Ji Ping soon found that some secret grief was sorely troubling him. But Ji Ping dared not ask questions. | |
| 18 | 祢正平裸... : | 时值元宵，吉平辞去，承留住，二人共饮。饮至更馀，承觉困倦，就和衣而睡。忽报王子服等四人至，承出接入。服曰：“大事谐矣！”承曰：“愿闻其说。”服曰：“刘表结连袁绍，起兵五十万，共分十路杀来。马腾结连韩遂，起西凉军七十二万，从北杀来。曹操尽起许昌兵马，分头迎敌，城中空虚。若聚五家僮仆，可得千馀人。乘今夜府中大宴，庆赏元宵，将府围住，突入杀之。不可失此机会！” |
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One evening of the full moon festival, when the physician was just taking his leave, Dong Cheng kept him, and the two men had supper together. They eat talking for some time, and Dong Cheng by and by dropped off to sleep dressed as he was. Presently Wang Zifu and the others were announced. As they were coming in, Wang Zifu cried, "Our business is settled!" "I should be glad to hear how," said Dong Cheng. "Liu Biao has joined Yuan Shao, and five hundred thousand troops in fifty legions are on their way here by different routes. More than this, Ma Teng and Han Sui are coming from the northwest with seven hundred thousand Xiliang troops. Cao Cao has moved every soldier outside Xuchang to meet the combined armies. There is a great banquet in his palace tonight. If we get together our young men and servants, we can muster more than a thousand, and we can surround the palace, while Cao Cao is at the banquet, and finish him off. We must not miss this." | |
| 19 | 祢正平裸... : | 承大喜，随即唤家奴各人收拾兵器，自己披挂绰枪上马，约会都在内门前相会，同时进兵。夜至二鼓，众兵皆到。董承手提宝剑，徒步直入，见操设宴后堂，大叫：“操贼休走！”一剑剁去，随手而倒。霎时觉来，乃南柯一梦，口中犹骂操贼不止。吉平向前叫曰：“汝欲害曹公乎？”承惊惧不能答。吉平曰：“国舅休慌。某虽医人，未尝忘汉。某连日见国舅嗟叹，不敢动问。恰才梦中之言，已见真情。幸勿相瞒。倘有用某之处，虽灭九族，亦无后悔。”承掩面而哭曰：“只恐汝非真心！” |
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Dong Cheng was more than delighted. He called his servants and armed them, put on his own armor and mounted his horse. The conspirators met, as they had arranged, just at the inner gate of the Prime Minister's palace. It was the first watch. The small army marched straight in, Dong Cheng leading with his treasured sword drawn. His intended victim was at table in one of the private rooms. Dong Cheng rushed in, crying, "Cao Cao, you rebel, stay!" and dashed at Cao Cao who fell at the first blow. And just then he woke up and found it was all a dream, but his mouth was still full of curses. "Do you really wish to destroy Cao Cao?" said Ji Ping, going forward to his half awakened patient. This brought Dong Cheng to his senses. He stopped, terror stricken, and made no reply. "Do not be frightened, O Uncle," said the doctor. "Although I am a physician, I am also a man, and I never forget my emperor. You have seemed sad for many days, but I have never ventured to ask the reason. Now you have shown it in your dream, and I know your real feelings. If I can be of any use, I will help. Nothing can daunt me." Dong Cheng covered his face and wept. "I fear you may not be true to me," cried he. | |
| 20 | 祢正平裸... : | 平遂咬下一指为誓。承乃取出衣带诏，令平视之；且曰：“今之谋望不成者，乃刘玄德、马腾各自去了，无计可施，因此感而成疾。”平曰：“不消诸公用心。操贼性命，只在某手中。”承问其故。平曰：“操常患头风，痛入骨髓；才一举发，便召某医治。如早晚有召，只用一服毒药，必然死矣，何必举刀兵乎？”承曰：“若得如此，救汉朝社稷者，皆赖君也！” |
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Ji Ping at once bit off a finger as a pledge of his faith. And then his host and patient brought forth the decree he had received in the girdle. "I am afraid our schemes will come to nought," said Dong Cheng. "Liu Bei and Ma Teng are gone, and there is nothing we can do. That was the real reason I fell ill." "It is not worth troubling you gentlemen with, for Cao Cao's life lies in these hands of mine," said Ji Ping. "How can that be?" "Because he is often ill with deep-seated pain in his head. When this comes on, he sends for me. When next he calls me, I only have to give him one dose and he will certainly die. We do not want any weapons." "If only you could do it! You would be the savior of the dynasty. It depends upon you." | |
| 21 | 祢正平裸... : | 时吉平辞归。承心中暗喜，步入后堂，忽见家奴秦庆童同侍妾云英在暗处私语。承大怒，唤左右捉下，欲杀之。夫人劝免其死，各人仗四十，将庆童锁于冷房。庆童怀恨，夤夜将铁锁扭断，跳墙而出，迳入曹操府中，告有机密事。操唤入密室问之。庆童云：“王子服，吴子兰，种辑，吴硕，马腾五人在家主府中商议机密，必然是谋丞相。家主将出白绢一段，不知写著甚的。近日吉平咬指为誓，我也曾见。” |
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Then Ji Ping went away leaving his late patient a happy man. Dong Cheng strolled into the garden and there he saw one of his servants, Qin Qington, whispering with one of the concubines, Yun Ying, in a dark corner. This annoyed him, and he called his attendants to seize them. He would have put them to death but for the intervention of his wife. At her request he spared their lives, but both were beaten forty canes, and the lad was thrown into a dungeon. Sulky at this treatment, Qin Qington broke out of the cell in the night, climbed over the wall, and went straight to Cao Cao's palace, where he betrayed the conspiracy. Cao Cao at once had him taken into a secret chamber and questioned him. Qin Qington gave the names of the conspirators, saying, "Wang Zifu, Wu Zilan, Chong Ji, Wu Shi, Ma Teng, and my master have been meeting secretly. My master has a roll of white silk, with writing on it, but I do not know what it means. Yesterday, Ji Ping bit off one of his fingers as a pledge of fidelity. I saw that." | |
| 22 | 祢正平裸... : | 曹操藏匿庆童于府中，董承只道逃往他方向去了，也不追寻。次日，曹操诈患头风，召吉平用药。平自思曰：“此贼合休！”暗藏毒药入府。操卧于床上，令平下药。平曰：“此病可一服即愈。”教取药罐，当面煎之。药已半乾，平已暗下毒药，亲自送上。操知有毒，故意迟延不服。平曰：“乘热服之，少汗即愈。”操起曰：“汝既读儒书，必知礼义。‘君有疾饮药，臣先尝之；父有疾饮药，子先尝之。’汝为我心腹之人，何不先尝而后进？”平曰：“药以治病，何用人尝？” |
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Qin Qington was kept in a secret part of the palace, while his late master, Dong Cheng, only knowing that he had run away, took no special means to find him. Soon after this Cao Cao feigned a headache and sent for Ji Ping as usual. "The rebel is done for," thought Ji Ping, and he made a secret package of poison which he took with him to the palace of the Prime Minister. He found Cao Cao in bed. The patient bade the doctor prepare a potion for him. "One draught will cure this disease," said Ji Ping. He bade them bring him a pot, and he prepared the potion in the room. When it had simmered for some time and was half finished, the poison was added, and soon after the physician presented the draught. Cao Cao, knowing it was poisoned, made excuses and would not swallow it. "You should take it hot," said the doctor. "Then there will be a gentle perspiration, and you will be better." "You are a scholar," said Cao Cao, sitting up, "and know what is the correct thing to do. When the master is ill and takes drugs, the attendant first tastes them; when a man is ill, his son first tastes the medicine. You are my confidant and should drink first. Then I will swallow the remainder." "Medicine is to treat disease. What is the use of anyone's tasting it?" said Ji Ping. | |
| 23 | 祢正平裸... : | 平知事已泄，纵步向前，扯住操耳而灌之。操推药泼地，砖皆迸裂。操未及言，左右已将吉平执下。操曰：“吾岂有疾，特试汝耳！汝果有害我之心！”遂唤二十个精壮狱卒，执平至后园拷问。操坐于亭上，将吉平缚倒于地。吉平面不改容，略无惧怯。操笑曰：“量汝是个医人，安敢下毒害我？必有人唆使你来。你说出那人，我便饶你。”平叱之曰：“汝乃欺君罔上之贼，天下皆欲杀汝，岂独我乎！”操再三磨问。平怒曰：“我自欲杀汝，安有人使我来？今事不成，惟死而已！”操怒，教狱卒痛打。打到两个时辰，皮开肉裂，血流满阶。操恐打死，无可对证，今狱卒揪去静处，权且将息。传令次日设宴，请众大臣饮酒。惟董承托病不来。王子服等皆恐操生疑，只得俱至。操于后堂设席。酒行数巡，曰：“筵中无可为乐，我有一人，可为众官醒酒。”教二十个狱卒：“与吾牵来！” |
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But he guessed now the conspiracy had been discovered, so he dashed forward, seized Cao Cao by the ear, and tried to pour the potion down his throat. Cao Cao pushed it away, and it spilt. The bricks upon which it fell were split asunder. Before Cao Cao could speak, his servants had already seized the assailant. Said Cao Cao, "I am not ill. I only wanted to test you. So you really thought to poison me!" He sent for a score of sturdy gaolers who carried off the prisoner to the inner apartments to be interrogated. Cao Cao took his seat in a pavilion, and the hapless physician, tightly bound, was thrown to the ground before him. The prisoner maintained a bold front. Cao Cao said, "I thought you were a physician. How dared you try to poison me? Someone incited you to this crime. If you tell me, I will pardon you." "You are a rebel. You flout your Prince and injure your betters. The whole empire wishes to kill you. Do you think I am the only one?" Cao Cao again and again pressed the prisoner to tell what he knew, but he only replied that no one had sent him and it was his own desire. "I have failed, and I can but die," added Ji Ping. Cao Cao angrily bade the gaolers give him a severe beating, and they dogged him for two watches. His skin hung in tatters, the flesh was battered, and the blood from his wounds ran down the steps. Then fearing he might die and his evidence be lost, Cao Cao bade them cease and remove him. They took him off to a quiet place where he might recover somewhat. Having issued orders to prepare a banquet for next day, Cao Cao invited all the courtiers thereto. Dong Cheng was the only one who excused himself, saying he was unwell. The other conspirators dared not stay away as they felt they would be suspected. Tables were laid in the private apartments, and after several courses the host said, "There is not much to amuse us today, but I have a man to show you that will sober you." "Bring him in!" Cao Cao said, turning to the gaolers. | |
| 24 | 祢正平裸... : | 须臾，只见一长枷钉著吉平，拖至阶下。操曰：“众官不知：此人连结恶党，欲反背朝廷，谋害曹某；今日天败，请听口词。”操教先打一顿，昏绝于地，以水喷面。吉平苏醒，睁目切齿而骂曰：“操贼！不杀我，更待何时？”操曰：“同谋者先有六人，与汝共七人耶？”平只是大骂。王子服等四人面面相觑，如坐针毡。操教一面打，一面喷。平并无求饶之意。操见不招，且教牵去。 |
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The hapless Ji Ping appeared, securely fastened in a wooden collar. He was placed where all could see him. "You officials do not know that this man is connected with a gang of evil doers who desire to overturn the government and even injure me. However, Heaven has defeated their plans, but I desire that you should hear his evidence." Then Cao Cao ordered the gaolers to beat their prisoner. They did so till Ji Ping lay unconscious, when they revived him by spraying water over his face. As soon as he came to, he glared at his oppressor and ground his teeth. "Cao Cao, you rebel! What are you waiting for? Why not kill me?" cried Ji Ping. Cao Cao replied, "The conspirators were only six at first; you made the seventh. Is that true?" Here the prisoner broke in with more abuse, while Wang Zifu and the other three conspirators exchanged glances, looking as though they were sitting on a rug full of needles. Cao Cao continued his torture of the prisoner, beating him into unconsciousness and reviving him with cold water, the victim disdaining to ask mercy. Finally Cao Cao realized he would incriminate none of his accomplices, and so he told the gaolers to remove Ji Ping. | |
| 25 | 祢正平裸... : | 众官席散，操只留王子服等四人夜宴。四人魂不附体，只得留待。操曰：“本不相留，争奈有事相问。汝四人不知与董承商议何事？”子服曰：“并未商议甚事。”操曰：“白绢中写著何事？”子服等皆隐讳，操唤出庆童对证。子服曰：“汝于何处见来？”庆童曰：“你回避了众人，六人在一处画字，如何赖得？”子服曰：“此贼与国舅侍妾通奸，被责诬主，不可听也。”操曰：“吉平下毒，非董承所使而谁？”子服等皆言不知。操曰：“今晚自首，尚犹可恕；若待事发，其实难容！” |
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At the close of the banquet, when the guests were dispersing, four of them, the four conspirators, were invited to remain behind to supper. They were terrified so that their souls seemed no longer to inhabit their bodies, but there was no saying nay to the invitation. Presently Cao Cao said, "Still there is something I want to speak about, so I have asked you to stay for a time longer. I do not know what you four have been arranging with Dong Cheng." "Nothing at all," said Wang Zifu. "And what is written on the white silk?" asked Cao Cao. They all said they knew nothing about it. Then Cao Cao ordered the runaway servant to be brought in. As soon as Qin Qington came, Wang Zifu said, "Well, what have you seen and where?" Qin Qington replied, "You five very carefully chose retired places to talk in, and you secretly signed a white roll. You cannot deny that." Wang Zifu replied, "This miserable creature was punished for misbehavior with one of Uncle Dong Cheng's maids, and now because of that he slanders his master. You must not listen to him." "Ji Ping tried to pour poison down my throat. Who told him to do that if it was not Dong Cheng?" said Cao Cao. They all said they knew nothing about who it was. "So far," said Cao Cao, "matters are only beginning, and there is a chance of forgiveness. But if the thing grows, it will be difficult not to take notice of it." | |
| 26 | 祢正平裸... : | 子服等皆言并无此事。操叱左右将四人拏住监禁。次日，带领众人迳投董承家探病。承只得出迎。操曰：“缘何夜来不赴宴？”承曰：“微疾未痊，不敢轻出。”操曰：“此是忧国家病耳。”承愕然。操曰：“国舅知吉平事乎？”承曰：“不知。”操冷笑曰：“国舅如何不知？”唤左右：“牵来与国舅起病。”承举措无地。 |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
The whole four vigorously denied that any plot existed. However Cao Cao called up his henchmen, and the four men were put into confinement. Next day Cao Cao with a large following went to the State Uncle's palace to ask after his health. Dong Cheng came out to receive his visitor, who at once said, "Why did you not come last night?" "I am not quite well yet and have to be very careful about going out," replied Dong Cheng. "One might say you were suffering from national sorrow, eh?" said Cao Cao. Dong Cheng started. Cao Cao continued, "Have you heard of the Ji Ping affair?" "No. What is it?" Cao Cao smiled coldly, saying, "How can it be you do not know?" He turned to his attendants and told them to bring in the prisoner, while he went on talking to his host about national illness. Dong Cheng was much put about and knew not what to do. | |
| 27 | 祢正平裸... : | 须臾，二十狱卒推吉平至阶下。吉平大骂：“曹操逆贼！”操指谓承曰：“此人曾攀下王子服等四人，吾已拏下廷尉。尚有一人，未曾捉获。”因问平曰：“谁使汝来药我？可速招出！”平曰：“天使我来杀逆贼！”操怒教打。身上无容刑之处。承在座观之，心如刀割。操又问平曰：“你原有十指，今如何只有九指？”平曰：“嚼以为誓，誓杀国贼！”操教取刀来，就阶下截去其九指，曰：“一发截了，教你为誓！”平曰：“尚有口可以吞贼，有舌可以骂贼！”操令割其舌。平曰：“且勿动手。吾今刑不过，只得供招。可释吾缚。”操曰：“释之何碍？”遂命解其缚。平起身望阙拜曰：“臣不能为国家除贼？乃天数也！”拜毕，撞阶而死。操令分其肢体号令。时建安五年正月也。史官有诗曰： |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
Soon the gaolers led in the physician to the steps of the hall. At once the bound man began to rail at Cao Cao as rebel and traitor. "This man," said Cao Cao, pointing to Ji Ping, "has implicated Wang Zifu and three others, all of whom are now under arrest. There is one more whom I have not caught yet." "Who sent you to poison me?" continued Cao Cao, turning toward the physician. "Quick, tell me!" "Heaven sent me to slay a traitor!" Cao Cao angrily ordered them to beat Ji Ping again, but there was no part of his body that could be beaten. Dong Cheng sat looking at him, his heart feeling as if transfixed with a dagger. "You were born with ten fingers. How is it you have now only nine?" Ji Ping replied, "I bit off one as a pledge when I swore to slay a traitor." Cao Cao told them to bring a knife, and they lopped off his other nine fingers. "Now they are all off. That will teach you to make pledges." "Still I have a mouth that can swallow a traitor and a tongue that can curse him," said Ji Ping. Cao Cao told them to cut out his tongue. Ji Ping said, "Do not. I cannot endure any more punishment, I shall have to speak out. Loosen my bonds." "Loose them. There is no reason why not," said Cao Cao. They loosed him. As soon as he was free, Ji Ping stood up, turned his face toward the Emperor's palace and bowed, saying, "It is Heaven's will that thy servant has been unable to remove the evil." Then he turned and smashed his head into the steps and died. His body was quartered and exposed. This happened in the first month of the fifth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 200), and a certain historian wrote a poem: | |
| 汉朝无起色，医国有称平。立誓除奸党，捐躯报圣明。极刑词愈烈，惨死气如生。十指淋漓处，千秋仰异名。 | ||
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There lived in Han a simple physician. No warrior, yet brave Enough to risk his very life His Emperor to save. Alas! He failed; but lasting fame Is his; he feared not death; He cursed the traitorous Prime Minister Unto his latest breath. | ||
| 28 | 祢正平裸... : | 操见吉平已死，教左右牵过秦庆童至面前。操曰：“国舅认得此人否？”承大怒曰：“逃奴在此！即当诛之！”操曰：“他首告谋反，今来对证，谁敢诛之？”承曰：“丞相何故听逃奴一面之说？”操曰：“王子服等吾已擒下，皆招证明白，汝尚抵赖乎？”即唤左右拏下，命从人直入董承卧房内，搜出衣带诏并义状。操看了，笑曰：“鼠辈安敢如此！”遂命：“将董承全家良贱，尽皆监禁，休教走脱一个。”操回府以诏状示众谋士商议，要废献帝，更立新君。正是：数行丹诏成虚望，一纸盟书惹祸殃。未知献帝性命如何，且看下文分解。 |
| Mi Heng Slips His...: |
Seeing his victim had passed beyond the realm of punishment, Cao Cao had Qin Qington led in. "Do you know this man, Uncle?" "Yes," cried Dong Cheng. "So the runaway servant is here. He ought to be put to death!" "He just told me of your treachery. He is my witness," said Cao Cao. "Who would dare kill him?" "How can you, the First Minister of State, heed the unsupported tale of an absconding servant?" "But I have Wang Zifu and the others in prison," said Cao Cao. "And how can you rebut their evidence?" He then called in the remainder of his followers and ordered them to search Dong Cheng's bedroom. They did so and found the decree that had been given him in the girdle and the pledge signed by the conspirators. "You mean rat!" cried Cao Cao. "You dared do this?" He gave orders to arrest the whole household without exception. Then he returned to his palace with the incriminating documents and called all his advisers together to discuss the dethronement of the Emperor and the setting up of a successor. Many decrees, blood written, have issued, accomplishing nothing, One inscribed pledge was fraught with mountains of sorrow. The reader who wishes to know the fate of the Emperor must read the next chapter. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch23