| 中国哲学书电子化计划 | |
| 简体字版 |
《斩蔡阳兄弟释疑，会古城主臣聚义》 |
| 1 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 却说关公同孙乾保二嫂向汝南进发，不想夏侯敦领二百馀骑，从后追来。孙乾保车仗前行。关公回身勒马按刀问曰：“汝来赶我，有失丞相大度。”夏侯敦曰：“丞相无明文传报，汝于路杀人，又斩吾部将，无礼太甚！我特来擒你，献与丞相发落！” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Sun Qian had joined Guan Yu in escorting the two ladies, and they were on the road to Runan when Xiahou Dun suddenly determined to pursue. So with a couple of hundred horse, Xiahou Dun set out. When Xiahou Dun was seen approaching, Guan Yu bade Sun Qian go ahead with the carriage while he remained to deal with the pursuers. When they were near enough, Guan Yu said, "In coming after me thus you do not reinforce the magnanimity of your master!" Replied Xiahou Dun, "The Prime Minister has sent no definite instructions. You have caused the death of several people, among them one of my commanders, and so I have come to capture you! You have behaved most grossly. The Prime Minister will decide." | |
| 2 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 言讫，便拍马挺枪欲斗。只见后面一骑飞来，大叫“不可与云长交战！”关公按辔不动。来使于怀中取出公文，谓夏侯敦曰：“丞相敬爱关将军忠义，恐于路关隘拦截，故遣某持赍公文，遍行诸处。”敦曰：“关某于路，杀把关将士，丞相知否？”来使曰：“此却未知。”敦曰：“我只活捉他去见丞相，待丞相自放他。”关公怒曰：“吾岂惧汝耶！”拍马持刀，直取夏侯敦。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Thereupon Xiahou Dun dashed forward with his spear ready to thrust. But at that moment a rider came up behind him at full gallop, crying, "You must not fight with Guan Yu!" Guan Yu stayed his steed at once and waited. The messenger came up, drew from his bosom an official letter, and said to Xiahou Dun, "The Prime Minister loves General Guan Yu for his loyalty and honor, and fearing lest Guan Yu might be stopped at the various passes, he sent me with this letter to show when necessary at any point on the road." "But this Guan Yu has slain several commanders of the passes. Does the Prime Minister know that?" said Xiahou Dun. The messenger said these things were unknown. "Then," said Xiahou Dun, "I will arrest him and take him to the Prime Minister, who may set him free or not as he wills." "Do you think I fear anything you can do?" said Guan Yu getting wrathful. And he rode forward. Xiahou Dun, nothing loth, set his spear and prepared for battle. | |
| 3 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 敦挺枪来迎。两马相交，战不十合，忽又一骑飞至，大叫“二将军少歇！”敦停枪问来使曰：“丞相叫擒关某乎？”使者曰：“非也。丞相恐守关诸将阻挡关将军，故又差某驰公文来放行。”敦曰：“丞相知其于路杀人否？”使者曰：“未知。”敦曰：“既未知其杀人，不可放去。”指挥手下军士，将关公围住。关公大怒，舞刀迎战。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
They met and had reached the tenth encounter when a second horseman came up at full speed, crying, "Generals, wait a little!" Xiahou Dun stayed his hand and asked the messenger, saying, "Am I to arrest him?" "No," replied the messenger. "Fearing lest he should have difficulties at the passes, the Prime Minister has sent me with a dispatch to say he is to be released." "Did the Prime Minister know that he had slain several commanders on the way?" "He did not know!" "Since he was ignorant of that, I may not let this Guan Yu go," and Xiahou Dun gave the signal to his men to close in round Guan Yu. But Guan Yu flourished his sword and made to attack them. | |
| 4 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 两个正欲交锋，阵后一人飞马而来，大叫：“云长，元让，休得争战！”众视之，乃张辽也。二人各勒住马。张辽近前言曰：“奉丞相钧旨：因闻知云长斩关杀将，恐于路有阻，特差我传谕各处关隘，任便放行。”敦曰：“秦琪是蔡阳之甥。他将秦琪托付我处，今被关某所杀，怎肯干休？”辽曰：“我见蔡将军，自有分解。既丞相大度，教放云长去，公等不可废丞相之意。”夏侯敦只得将军马约退。辽曰：“云长今欲何往？”关公曰：“闻兄长又不在袁绍处，吾今将遍天下寻之。”辽曰：“既未知玄德下落，且再回见丞相，若何？”关公笑曰：“安有是理！文远回见丞相，幸为我谢罪。”说毕，与张辽拱手而别。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
A fight was again imminent, when a third rider appeared, who cried, "Guan Yu, give way and do not fight!" The speaker was Zhang Liao. Both combatants made no further move but awaited his arrival. Zhang Liao said, "I bring the Prime Minister's order that since he has heard that Guan Yu has slain certain commanders on the way, he fears that some will hinder his passage. Wherefore he has sent me to deliver his command at each gate that Guan Yu is to be suffered to pass freely." Xiahou Dun said, "Qin Qi was the son of Cai Yang's sister, and he was confided to my especial care. Now this Guan Yu has killed him, and how can I refrain?" "When I see his uncle Cai Yang, I will explain. But now the main point is that you have the Prime Minister's orders to let Guan Yu pass and you may not despise his wish." So the only thing for Xiahou Dun to do was to retire, and he did. "Whither are you going?" then said Zhang Liao to Guan Yu. "I fear my brother is no longer with Yuan Shao, and now I am going to find him wherever he is." "As you do not know where to go, why not return to the Prime Minister?" "Where is the sense of that?" said Guan Yu with a smile. "But, Zhang Liao, you return, and try to arrange pardon for my faults." With this Guan Yu saluted Zhang Liao and took his leave. | |
| 5 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 于是张辽与夏侯敦领兵自回。关公赶上车仗，与孙乾说知此事。二人并马而行。行了数日，忽值大雨滂沱，行装尽湿。遥望山冈边有一所庄院，关公引著车仗，到彼借宿。庄内一老人出迎。关公具言来意。老人曰：“某姓郭，名常，世居于此。久闻大名，幸得瞻拜。”遂宰羊置酒相待，请二夫人于后堂暂歇。郭常陪关公，孙乾于草堂饮酒。一边烘焙行李，一边喂养马匹。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Zhang Liao retired and joined Xiahou Dun. Guan Yu quickly regained the carriage, and as they went along side by side he told Sun Qian what had happened. Several days later a heavy rain storm came on which soaked everything. Looking about for protection they noticed a farm under the shelter of a precipice and took their way thither. An old man came out to them, to whom they told their story. When they had finished, the old fellow said, "My name is Guo Chang, and I have lived here many years. I am very pleased to greet the man whom I have known so long by reputation." Guo Chang quickly killed a sheep for their refreshment and brought out wine for the two men. The two ladies were entertained in the inner apartments. And while they refreshed themselves, their baggage was put out to dry and their steeds were fed. | |
| 6 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 至黄昏时候，忽见一少年，引数人入庄，迳上草堂。郭常唤曰：“吾儿来拜将军。”因谓关公曰：“此愚男也。”关公问何来。常曰：“射猎方回。”少年见过关公，即下堂去了。常流涕言曰：“老夫耕读传家，止生此子，不务本业，惟以游猎为事。是家门不幸也！”关公曰：“方今乱世，若武艺精熟，亦可以取功名，何云不幸？”常曰：“他若肯习武艺，便是有志之人；今专务游荡，无所不为，老夫所以忧耳！” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
As the day closed in, they saw several youths come along, and their host said, "My son is come to pay his respects." "This is my humble son," said Guo Chang, presenting a lad to Guan Yu. "What has he been doing?" asked Guan Yu. "He has just come in from hunting." The young fellow went out. The old man continued, "All my family have been farmers or scholars. He is my only son, and instead of following in the footsteps of his ancestors he cares for nothing but gadding about and hunting, unhappily." "Why unhappily?" said Guan Yu. "In these days of disorder a good soldier can make a name for himself." "If he would only learn the military arts, that would be something of a career. But he is nothing but a vagabond and does everything he should not. He is a grief to me." | |
| 7 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 关公亦为叹息。至更深，郭常辞出。关公与孙乾方欲就寝，忽闻后院马嘶人叫。关公急唤从人，却都不应，乃与孙乾提剑往视之。只见郭常之子倒在地上叫唤，从人正与庄客厮打。公问其故。从人曰：“此人来盗赤兔马，被马踢倒。我等闻叫唤之声，起来巡看，庄客们反来厮闹。”公怒曰：“鼠贼焉敢盗吾马！” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Guan Yu sighed in sympathy. The old gentleman stayed till a late hour; and when he took his leave, his two guests began to prepare for rest. Suddenly outside there arose a great hubbub, men shouting and horses neighing. Guan Yu called to his people; but as no one answered, he and Sun Qian drew their swords and went into the stable yard. There they found their host's son on the ground shouting to his followers to fight. Guan Yu asked what it was all about, and his guards told him, "The young fellow had tried to steal Red Hare, but had been badly kicked. We heard shouting and went to see what it meant when his men had set on us." Guan Yu was very wrathful. "You mean thieves! Would you steal my horse?" cried he. | |
| 8 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 恰待发作，郭常奔至告曰：“不肖子为此歹事，罪合万死！奈老妻最怜爱此子，乞将军仁慈宽恕！”关公曰：“此子果然不肖，适才老翁所言，真知子莫若父也。我看翁面，且姑恕之。”遂分付从人看好了马，喝散庄客，与孙乾回草堂歇息。次日，郭常夫妇出拜于堂前，谢曰：“犬子冒渎虎威，深感将军恩恕。”关公令将唤出，我以正言教之。常曰：“他于四更时分，又引数个无赖之徒，不知何处去了。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
But before he could do anything, his host came running out, saying, "It was not with my consent that my son did this evil thing. I know he is very guilty and deserves death. But his mother loves him tenderly, and I pray you be generous and pardon him!" "Really he is unworthy of his father," said Guan Yu. " What you told me shows he is a degenerate. For your sake I pardon him." Then Guan Yu told his own people to keep a better lookout, sent the people about their business and, in company with Sun Qian, went away to rest. Next morning both the host and hostess were up betimes waiting to thank Guan Yu for forgiving their son's mad freak. "My son has insulted your tiger dignity, I know, and I am deeply affected by your kindness in not punishing him," said the old man. "Bring him here and I will talk to him," said Guan Yu. "He went out before daylight with a lot of his fellow rogues, and I know not where he is." | |
| 9 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 关公谢别郭常，奉二嫂上车，出了庄院，与孙乾并马，护著车仗，取山路而行。不及三十里，只见山背后拥出百馀人，为首两骑马。前面那人，头裹黄巾，身穿战袍；后面乃郭常之子也。黄巾者曰：“我乃天公将军张角部将也！来者快留下赤兔马，放你过去！”关公大笑曰：“无知狂贼！汝既从张角为盗，亦知刘，关，张兄弟三人名字否？”黄巾者曰：“我只闻赤面长髯者名关云长，却未识其面。汝何人也？” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
So Guan Yu bade them farewell, got the ladies into their carriage, and they moved out of the farmyard. Guan Yu and Sun Qian riding abreast as escort. They took the road toward the hills. Before they had gone far, they saw a large party of men, led by a couple of riders, pouring down one of the gullies. One of the riders wore a yellow turban and a battle robe. The other was Guo Chang's son. The wearer of the turban called out, saying, "I am one of the commanders of Zhang Jue the Lord of Heaven. Whoever you may be, leave that horse you are riding for me. You may then go free!" Guan Yu greeted the speech with a hearty laugh. "O you mad ignoramus! If you had ever been with Zhang Jue as a bandit, you would have learned to know Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, the three brothers." "I have heard of the ruddy long beard called Guan Yu, but I have never seen him. Who may you be?" | |
| 10 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 公乃停刀立马，解开须囊，出长髯令视之。其人滚鞍下马，脑揪郭常之子拜献于马前。关公问其姓名。告曰：“某姓裴，名元绍。自张角死后，一向无主，啸聚山林，权于此处藏伏。今早这厮来报：有一客人，骑一匹千里马，在我家投宿。特邀某来劫夺此马。不想却遇将军。”郭常之子拜伏乞命。关公曰：“吾看汝父之面，饶你性命！” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Guan Yu then laid aside his sword, stopped his horse, and drew off the bag that covered his beard thus showing its magnificence. The turban wearer immediately slipped out of the saddle, laid an angry hand on his companion, and they both bowed low in front of Guan Yu's steed. "Who are you?" asked Guan Yu. "I am Pei Yuanshao. After the death of Zhang Jue, I was left forlorn; and I got together a few others like myself, and we took refuge in the forests. This morning early this fellow came to tell us that a guest at his father's farm had a valuable horse and proposed to me to steal it. I did not think I should meet you, General." The wretched Guo Chang's son implored that his life might be spared, and Guan Yu pardoned him for his father's sake. | |
| 11 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 郭子抱头鼠窜而去。公谓元绍曰：“汝不识吾面，何以知吾名？”元绍曰：“离此二十里有一卧牛山。山上有一关西人，姓周，名仓，两臂有千斤之力。面孔虬髯，形容甚伟。原在黄巾张宝部下为将，张宝死，啸聚山林。他多曾与某说将军盛名，恨无门路相见。”关公曰：“绿林中非豪杰托足之处。公等今后可各去邪归正，勿自陷其身。”元绍拜谢。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Then Guo's son covered his face and crept away. "You did not recognize me. How then did you know my name?" asked Guan Yu. Pei Yuanshao replied, "Not far from here is a mountain called the Sleeping Bull, where lives a certain Zhou Cang, a very powerful man who came from the west. He has a stiff curly beard and looks very handsome. He also was a commander in the rebel army, who took to the forest when his leader perished. He has told me a lot about you, but I have never had the happiness of seeing you." Said Guan Yu, "Under the green wood trees is no place for a hero's foot. You had better abandon this depraved life and return to the path of virtue. Do not work out your own destruction." | |
| 12 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 正说话间，遥望一彪人马来到。元绍曰：“此必周仓也。”关公乃立马待之。果见一人，黑面长身，持枪乘马，引众而至；见了关公，惊喜曰：“此关将军也！”疾忙下马俯，伏道傍曰：“周仓参拜。”关公曰：“壮士何处曾识关某来？”仓曰：“旧随黄巾张宝时，曾识尊颜；恨失身贼党，不得相随。今日幸得拜见。愿将军不弃，收为步卒，早晚执鞭随镫，死亦甘心！”公见其意甚诚，乃谓曰：“汝若随我，汝手下人伴若何？”仓曰：“愿从则俱从；不愿从者，听之可也。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
As they were talking, a troop of horsemen appeared in the distance. They belonged to Zhou Cang, as Pei Yuanshao said, and Guan Yu waited for them to approach. The leader was very dark complexioned, tall, and armed with a spear. As soon as he drew near enough to see, he exclaimed joyfully, "This is General Guan Yu!" In a moment he had slipped out of the saddle and was on his knees by the roadside. "Zhou Cang renders obeisance," said he. Said Guan Yu, "O Warrior, where have you known me?" "I was one of the Yellow Scarves, and I saw you then. My one regret was that I could not join you. Now that my good fortune has brought me here, I hope you will not reject me. Let me be one of your foot soldiers to be always near you to carry your whip and run by your stirrup. I will cheerfully die for you." As he seemed thoroughly in earnest, Guan Yu said, "But if you follow me, what of your companions?" "They may do as they please: Follow me or go their ways." | |
| 13 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 于是众人皆曰：“愿从。”关公乃下马至车前禀问二嫂。甘夫人曰：“叔叔自离许都，于路独行至此，历过多少艰难，未尝要军马相随；前廖化欲相投，叔既却之，今何独容周仓之众耶？我辈女流浅见，叔自斟酌。”公曰：“嫂嫂之言是也。”遂谓周仓曰：“非关某寡情，奈二夫人不从。汝等且回山中，待我寻见兄长，必来相招。”周仓顿首告曰：“仓乃一粗莽之夫，失身为盗；今遇将军，如重见天日，岂忍复错过？若以众人相随为不便，可令其尽跟裴元绍去。仓只身步行，跟随将军，虽万里不辞也！”关公再以此言告二嫂。甘夫人曰：“一二人相从，无妨于事。”公乃令周仓拨人伴随裴元绍去。元绍曰：“我亦愿随关将军。”周仓曰：“汝若去时，人伴皆散；且当权时统领。我随关将军去，但有住扎处，便来取你。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Thereupon they all shouted, "We will follow!" Guan Yu dismounted and went to ask the ladies what they thought of this. Lady Gan replied, "Brother-in-law, you have traveled thus far alone and without fighters; you have safely passed many dangers and never wanted their assistance. You refused the service of Liao Hua, why then suffer this crowd? But this is only a my view and you must decide." "What you say, sister-in-law, is to the point." Therefore returning to Zhou Cang, he said, "It is not that I am lacking in gratitude, but my sisters-in-law do not care for a large following. Wherefore return to the mountains till I shall have found my brother, when I will surely call you." Zhou Cang replied, "I am only a rough uncouth fellow, wasting his life as a brigand. Meeting you, General, is like seeing the full sun in the skies, and I feel that I can never bear to miss you again. As it might be inconvenient for all my people to follow you, I will bid my companion lead them away, but I will come and follow you on foot wherever you go." Guan Yu again asked his sisters-in-law what they thought of this. Lady Gan said one or two made no difference, and so Guan Yu consented. But Pei Yuanshao was not satisfied with this arrangement and said he wished also to follow. Zhou Cang said, "If you do not stay with the band, they will disperse and be lost. You must take command for the moment and let me accompany General Guan Yu. As soon as he has a fixed abode, I will come to fetch you." | |
| 14 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 元绍怏怏而别。周仓跟著关公，往汝南进发。行了数日，遥见一座山城。公问土人：“此何处也？”土人曰：“此名古城。数月前有一将军，姓张，名飞，引数十骑到此，将县官逐去，占住古城，招军买马，积草屯粮。今聚有三五千人马，四远无人敢敌。”关公喜曰：“吾弟自徐州失散，一向不知下落，谁想却在此！”乃令孙乾先入城通报，教来迎接二嫂。却说张飞在芒砀山中，住了月馀，因出外探听玄德消息，偶过古城，入县借粮；县官不肯，飞怒，因就逐去县官，夺了县印，占住城池，权且安身。当日孙乾领关公命，入城见飞。施礼毕，具言：“玄德离了袁绍处，投汝南去了。今云长直从许都送二位夫人至此，请将军出迎。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Somewhat discontentedly Pei Yuanshao accepted the situation and marched off, while his one-time colleague joined the train of Guan Yu, and they went toward Runan. They traveled quickly for some days, and then they saw a city on a hill. The natives told them, "This city is called Gucheng. A few months before a warrior suddenly appeared, drove out the magistrate, and took possession. Then he has begun to recruit soldiers, bought up horses, and laid in stores. The warrior's name is Zhang Fei. Now he has a large force, and no one in the neighborhood dare face him." "To think that I should find my brother like this!" said Guan Yu, delighted. "I have had never a word of him, nor knew I where he was since Xuzhou fell." So Guan Yu dispatched Sun Qian into the city to tell its new commander to come out to meet him and provide for their sisters-in-law. Now, after being separated from his brothers, Zhang Fei had gone to the Mangdang Hills, where he had remained a month or so while he sent far and near for tidings of Liu Bei. Then as he happened to pass Gucheng, he had sent in to borrow some grain, but had been refused. In revenge, he had driven away the magistrate and taken possession of the city. He found the place well suited to his needs at the moment. As directed by Guan Yu, Sun Qian entered the city and, after the usual ceremonies, told Zhang Fei the news, "Liu Bei has left Yuan Shao and gone to Runan; and Guan Yu, with your sisters-in-law, is at the gates. He wishes you to go out and receive them." | |
| 15 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 张飞听罢，更不回言，随即披挂持丈八矛上马，引一千馀人，迳出北城门。孙乾惊讶，又不敢问，只得随出城来。关公望见张飞到来，喜不自胜；付刀与周仓接了，拍马来迎。只见张飞圆睁环眼，倒竖虎须，吼声如雷，挥矛向关公便搠。关公大惊，连忙闪过，便叫：“贤弟何故如此？岂忘了桃园结义耶？”飞喝曰：“你既无义，有何面目来与我相见！”关公曰：“我如何无义？”飞曰：“你背了兄长，降了曹操，封侯赐爵。今又来赚我！我今与你并个死活！”关公曰：“你原来不知，我也难说。现放著二位嫂嫂在此，贤弟请自问。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Zhang Fei listened without a word till he came to the request to go out to meet his brother. At that point he called for his armor and, when he had put it on, laid hold of his long serpent halberd, mounted, and rode out with a large company at his back. Sun Qian was too astonished to ask what this meant and simply followed. Guan Yu was very glad when he saw his brother coming, put up his weapons and, with Zhou Cang at his back, rode toward him at full speed. But as Guan Yu approached, he saw all the signs of fierce anger on Zhang Fei's face, and Zhang Fei roared as he shook his spear, threatening Guan Yu. Guan Yu was entirely taken aback and called out anxiously, "Brother, what does this mean? Is the Peach Garden Pledge quite forgotten?" "What impudence is this that you come to see me since your disgraceful behavior?" shouted Zhang Fei. "What disgraceful behavior has been mine?" said Guan Yu. "You have betrayed your brother; you have surrendered to Cao Cao; and you have received title and office at his hands. And now you are come to exploit me. One of us shall die!" Guan Yu said, "Really you do not understand, and it is hard for me to explain. But ask the two ladies here, worthy brother, and they will tell you." | |
| 16 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 二夫人听得，揭帘而呼曰：“三叔何故如此？”飞曰：“嫂嫂住著。且看我杀了负义的人，然后请嫂嫂入城。”甘夫人曰：“二叔因不知你等下落，故暂时栖身曹氏。今知你哥哥在汝南，特不避险阻，送我们们到此。三叔休错见了。”糜夫人曰：“二叔向在许都，原出于无奈。”飞曰：“嫂嫂休要被他瞒过了！忠臣宁死而不辱。大丈夫岂有事二主之理！”关公曰：“贤弟休屈了我。”孙乾曰：“云长特来寻将军。”飞喝曰：“如何你也胡说！他那里有好心！必是来捉我！”关公曰：“我若捉你，须带军马来。”飞把手指曰：“兀的不是军马来也！” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
At this the ladies lifted the curtain of the carriage and called out: "Brother, why is this?" Zhang Fei said, "Wait a while, sisters, and see me slay this traitor. After that I will conduct you into the city." Said Lady Gan, "Since he knew not where you were, our brother took shelter with Cao Cao. And since he knew that his elder brother was at Runan, he has braved every danger to escort us thus far on the road. Pray take a correct view of his conduct." Lady Mi also chimed in, "When your brother went to Xuchang, no other course was open to him." "Sisters, do not let him deceive you to the truth. Real loyalty prefers death to dishonor. No good person can serve two masters." Guan Yu said, "Brother, cease to wrench me I pray you." Sun Qian said, "Guan Yu came expressly to seek you." "How much more nonsense will you talk?" roared Zhang Fei. "How can he be true-hearted? He came to capture me, I say." "Had I come to capture you, I should have come with troops and horses," said Guan Yu. "And are there not troops and horses?" said Zhang Fei pointing to a point behind Guan Yu. | |
| 17 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 关公回顾，果见尘埃起处，一彪人马来到。风吹旗号，正是曹军。张飞大怒曰：“今还敢支吾么？”挺丈八蛇矛便搠将来。关公急止之曰：“贤弟且住，你看我斩此来将，以表我真心。”飞曰：“你果有真心，我这里三通鼓罢，便要你斩来将！”关公应诺。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Guan Yu turned, and there he saw a cloud of dust rising as though a squadron of horse was coming. And soon they were near enough, and from their trumpets and banners they showed themselves to be of Cao Cao's army. "Now will you try to cajole me further?" cried Zhang Fei in a rage. He set his serpent halberd and was just coming on when Guan Yu said, "Brother, wait a while. See me slay the leader of these that I may prove myself no traitor." "Well, if you are really true, prove it by slaying that leader, whoever he may be, before I have finished three rolls of the drum." Zhang Fei's condition was accepted. | |
| 18 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 须臾，曹军至。为首一将，乃是蔡阳，挺刀纵马大喝曰：“你杀吾外甥秦琪，却原来逃在此！吾奉丞相命，特来拿你！”关公更不打话，举刀便砍。张飞亲自擂鼓。只见一通鼓未尽，关公刀起处，蔡阳头已落地。众军士俱走。关公活捉执认旗的小卒过来，问取来由。小卒告说：“蔡阳闻将军杀了他外甥，十分忿怒，要来河北与将军交战。丞相不肯，因差他往汝南攻刘辟。不想在这里遇著将军。”关公闻言，教去张飞前告说其事。飞将关公在许都时事细问小卒；小卒从头至尾，说了一遍，飞方才信。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Soon the attacking force was near enough to make out the leader to be Cai Yang. Sword in hand Cai Yang rode at full speed, crying, "So I have found you, slayer of my nephew! I have a command to capture you and will execute it." Guan Yu made no reply. Raising his sword ready to strike, he moved out and the drums began to beat. Before a roll could be completed the fight was over, and Cai Yang's head had rolled on the ground. His force scattered and fled. Guan Yu, however, captured the young ensign bearer and questioned him. The youth said, "The fact is the Prime Minister had not given an order. Incensed at the loss of his nephew, Cai Yang wished to cross the river to pursue and attack you, General, although the Prime Minister refused permission. To satisfy him, the Prime Minister had sent Cai Yang to attack Runan, and the meeting at this place is entirely an accident." Guan Yu bade him repeat this story to his brother. Zhang Fei also questioned him concerning all that had happened in the capital, and the recital of the whole story satisfied Zhang Fei of the fidelity of Guan Yu. | |
| 19 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 正说间，忽城中军士来报：“城南门外有十数骑来的甚紧，不知是甚人。”张飞心中疑虑，便转出南门看时，果见十数骑轻弓短箭而来。见了张飞，滚鞍下马。视之，乃糜竺，糜芳也。飞亦下马相见。竺曰：“自徐州失散，我兄弟二人逃难回乡。使人远近打听，知云长降了曹操，主公在于河北；又闻简雍亦投河北去了。只不知将军在此。昨于路上遇见一夥客人说：有一姓张的将军，如此模样，今据古城。我兄弟度量必是将军，故来寻访。幸得相见！”飞曰：“云长兄与孙乾送二嫂方到，已知哥哥下落。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Just then messengers came from the city to Zhang Fei to say: "Some scores of horsemen has arrived at the south gate. They seem in a great hurry but no one know them." Zhang Fei, with still a lingering doubt in his mind, went to look at the newcomers and there saw some forty mounted archers with light bows and short arrows. Hastily dismounting to see them better, he found they were Mi Zhu and Mi Fang. Quickly slipping out of the saddle, they came up and Mi Zhu said, "After the dispersal at Xuzhou when we lost sight of you, we returned to our village whence we sent all around for news of you. We heard that Guan Yu had surrendered to Cao Cao and our lord was in the North of Yellow River with Yuan Shao. The one of whom we could hear nothing was yourself. But yesterday, while on our way, we fell in with some travelers who told us a certain General Zhang Fei, of such and such an appearance, had suddenly occupied Gucheng, and we felt it must be you. So we came to inquire, and we happily fell in with you here." Zhang Fei replied, "Guan Yu and Sun Qian are here, and my two sisters are with them. They had heard where my elder brother was." | |
| 20 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 二糜大喜，同来见关公，并参见二夫人。飞遂迎请二嫂入城。至衙中坐定，二夫人诉说关公历过之事，张飞方才大哭，参拜云长。二糜亦俱伤感。张飞亦自诉别后之事，一面设宴贺喜。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: | This news added to the joy of the two newcomers who went to see Guan Yu and the women, and then they all entered the city. When the ladies had settled down a little, they related the whole story of the adventures on the road at which Zhang Fei was overcome with remorse and bowed before his brother bitterly weeping. Mi Zhu and Mi Fang were greatly affected. Then Zhang Fei related what had happened to him. A day was spent in banquets, | |
| 21 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 次日，张飞欲与关公同赴汝南见玄德。关公曰：“贤弟可保护二嫂，暂住此城，待我与孙乾先去探听兄长消息。”飞允诺。关公与孙乾引数骑奔汝南来。刘辟，龚都，接著，关公便问：皇叔何在？刘辟曰：“皇叔到此住了数日，为见军少，复往河北袁本初处商议去了。”关公怏怏不乐。孙乾曰：“不必忧虑。再苦一番驱驰，仍往河北去报知皇叔，同至古城便了。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Next day Zhang Fei wished his newly found brother to go with him to Runan to see their elder brother Liu Bei. But Guan Yu said, "No. you take care of the ladies here while Sun Qian and I go to get news." So Guan Yu and Sun Qian with a small escort set out. When they reached Runan, they were received by Liu Pi. "Liu Bei is no longer in the city. After waiting some days, he has come to the conclusion that the soldiers are too few, and has gone back to Yuan Shao to consult with him," said Liu Pi. Guan Yu was greatly disappointed, and Sun Qian did his best to console him, saying, "Do not be sorrowful. It only means the trouble of another journey into the North of Yellow River to tell Uncle Liu Bei, and then we can all meet at Gucheng." So spoke Sun Qian. | |
| 22 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 关公依言，辞了刘辟，龚都，回至古城，与张飞说知此事。张飞便欲同至河北。关公曰：“有此一城，便是我等安身之处，未可轻弃。我还与孙乾同往袁绍处，寻见兄长，来此相会。贤弟可坚守此城。”飞曰：“兄斩他颜良，文丑，如何去得？”关公曰：“不妨。我到彼当见机而行。”遂唤周仓问曰：“卧牛山裴元绍处，共有多少人马？”仓曰：“约有四五百。”关公曰：“我今抄近路去寻兄长。汝可往卧牛山招此一枝人马，从大路上接来。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Guan Yu accepted it. They took leave of Liu Pi and returned to Gucheng where they related what had happened. Zhang Fei wanted to go with them into the North of Yellow River, but Guan Yu opposed this, saying, "Seeing you have this city, it makes a rallying point for us and a resting place. We must not abandon it lightly. Sun Qian and I will go; and while sway we look to you to keep the city safe." "How can you go after killing the two generals, Yan Liang and Wen Chou?" "That will not stop me. And after I am there, I can act according to circumstances." Then Guan Yu summoned Zhou Cang and asked him, saying, "How many followers are there with Pei Yuanshao at Sleeping Bull Mountain?" "I should think four or five hundred." "Now," said Guan Yu, "I am going to take the shortest road to find my brother. Can you go to summon your army and lead them along the high road to assist me?" | |
| 23 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 仓领命而去。关公与孙乾只带二十馀骑投河北来。将至界首，乾曰：“将军未可轻入，只在此间暂歇。待某先入见皇叔，别作商议。”关公依言，先打发孙乾去了。遥望前村有一所庄院，便与从人到彼投宿。庄内一老翁携杖而出，与关公施礼。公具以实告。老翁曰：“某亦姓关，名定。久闻大名，幸得瞻谒。”遂命二子出见，款留关公，并从人俱留于庄内。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
With instructions to bring up this force, Zhou Cang left, while Guan Yu and Sun Qian and their small escort went off to the north. When they drew near the boundary, Sun Qian said, "You must be careful how you go over. You ought to stop here while I go in, see Uncle Liu Bei, and take the necessary steps." Seeing the wisdom of this, Guan Yu stopped there and sent his companion in advance. He and his followers going up to a nearby farm as an abiding place. When they got to the farm, out came a venerable man leaning on a staff. After exchanging salutes, Guan Yu told the old man all about himself. "My family name is also Guan, my personal name being Ding," said the old man. "I know your reputation, and I am very happy to meet you." Guan Ding sent for his two sons to come and make their bow. He put up Guan Yu in his house and provided for his escort in the farm buildings. | |
| 24 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 且说孙乾匹马入冀州见玄德，具言前事。玄德曰：“简雍亦在此间，可暗请来同议。”少顷，简雍至，与孙乾相见毕，共议脱身之计。雍曰：“主公明日见袁绍，只说要往荆州，说刘表共破曹操，便可乘机而去。”玄德曰：“此计大妙！但公能随我去否？”雍曰：“某亦自有脱身之计。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
In the meantime Sun Qian had made his way to Jizhou City and told Liu Bei the whole story. Liu Bei said, "Jian Yong is also here. We will send for him secretly to talk over this matter." They did so; and when the usual salutes had been exchanged, they three began to consider the means of getting away. "My lord," said Jian Yong, "you see Yuan Shao personally and say you wish to go to Jingzhou to see Liu Biao about a scheme for the destruction of Cao Cao. That will give an excuse." "That seems best," said Liu Bei, "but will you go with me?" "I have another plan to extricate myself," said Jian Yong. | |
| 25 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 商议已定。次日，玄德入见袁绍，告曰：“刘景升镇守荆襄九郡，兵精粮足，宜与相约，共攻曹操。”绍曰：“吾尝遣使约之，奈彼未肯相从。”玄德曰：“此人是备同宗，备往说，必无推阻。”绍曰：“若得刘表，胜刘辟多矣。”遂命玄德行。绍又曰：“近闻关云长已离了曹操，欲来河北；吾当杀之，以雪颜良，文丑，之恨！”玄德曰：“明公前欲用之，吾故召之。今何又欲杀之耶？且颜良、文丑比之二鹿耳，云长乃一虎也。失二鹿而得一虎，何恨之有？”绍笑曰：“吾固爱之，故戏言耳。公可再使人召之，令其速来。”玄德曰：“即遣孙乾往召之可也。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Having settled their plans, Liu Bei soon went in to see his protector and suggested, "Liu Biao is strong and well posted. His help should be sought against our enemy." "I have sent messengers repeatedly to ask his help," said Yuan Shao, "but he is unwilling." "As he and I are of the same family, he will not refuse me if I go and ask him," said Liu Bei. "Certainly he is worth much more than Liu Pi. You shall go." "I have just heard," Yuan Shao continued, "that Guan Yu has left Cao Cao and wants to come here. If he does, I will put him to death out of revenge for my two beloved generals —-Yan Liang and Wen Chou." "Illustrious Sir, you wished to employ him and so I sent for him. Now you threaten to put him to death. The two men he slew were but deer compared with such a tiger as he is. When you exchange a couple of deer for a tiger, you need not complain of the bargain." "Really I like him," said Yuan Shao. "I was only joking. You can send another messenger for him and tell him to come soon." "May I send Sun Qian for him?" | |
| 26 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 绍大喜从之。玄德出，简雍进曰：“玄德此去，必不回矣。某愿与偕往；一则同说刘表，二则监住玄德。”绍然其言，便命简雍与玄德同行。郭图谏绍曰：“刘备前去说刘辟，未见成事；今又使与简雍同往荆州，必不返矣。”绍曰：“汝勿多疑，简雍自有见识。”郭图嗟呀而出。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
"Certainly." After Liu Bei had gone, Jian Yong came in and said to Yuan Shao, "If Liu Bei goes, he will not come back. I had better go to speak to Liu Biao. And I can keep a watch on Liu Bei." Yuan Shao agreed and issued orders for both to go. On the subject of the mission, Guo Tu came in to his chief to dissuade him. Said Guo Tu, "Liu Bei went to speak to Liu Pi, but he accomplished nothing. Now you are sending Jian Yong with him, and I am sure neither will ever return." "Do not be too suspicious," said Yuan Shao. "Jian Yong is clever enough." That was the end of the interview. | |
| 27 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 却说玄德先命孙乾出城，问报关公；一面与简雍辞了袁绍，上马出城。行至界首，孙乾接著，同往关定庄上。关公迎门接拜，执手啼哭不止。关定领二子拜于草堂之前。玄德问其姓名。关公曰：“此人与弟同姓，有二子：长子关宁，学文；次子关平，学武。”关定曰：“今愚意欲遣次子跟随关将军，未识肯容纳否？”玄德曰：“年几何矣？”定曰：“十八岁矣。”玄德曰：“既蒙长者厚意，吾弟尚未有子，今即以贤郎为子，若何？”关定大喜，便命关平拜关公为父，呼玄德为伯父。玄德恐袁绍追之，急收拾起行。关平随著关公，一齐起身。关定送了一程自回。关公教取路往卧牛山来。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Forthwith Liu Bei sent Sun Qian back to Guan Yu and then, with Jian Yong, took leave of Yuan Shao and rode out of the city, As soon as they reached the border line, they met Sun Qian and all three rode off to Guan Ding's farm to meet Guan Yu. He came out to welcome them, bowed and then seized his brother's hands while tears streamed down his face. Presently the two sons of their host came to bow to the visitors. Liu Bei asked their names. "These are of the same name as myself," said Guan Yu. "The sons are Guan Neng, who is a student, and Guan Ping, who is to be a soldier." "I have been thinking of sending the younger in your train, General," said old Guan Ding, "Would you take him?" "What is his age?" said Liu Bei. "He is eighteen." Liu Bei said, "Since, O Senior, you are so kind, I venture to suggest that your son should be adopted by my brother, who has no son of his own. What think you of that?" Guan Ding was perfectly willing, so he called Guan Ping and bade him make a son's obeisance to Guan Yu and to style Liu Bei "Uncle." Then it was time to get on their way lest they should be pursued, and with Guan Yu went Guan Ping. Guan Ding and Guan Ning escorted them a long distance and then returned. The party took the road to Sleeping Bull Mountain. | |
| 28 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 正行间，忽见周仓引数十人带伤而来。关公引他见了玄德。问其何故受伤，仓曰：“某未至卧牛山之前，先有一将单骑而来，与裴元绍交锋，只一合，刺死裴元绍，尽数招降人伴，占住山寨。仓到彼招诱人伴时，止有这几个过来，馀者俱惧怕，不敢擅离。仓不忿，与那将交战，被他连胜数次，身中三枪；因此来报主公。”玄德曰：“此人怎生模样？姓甚名谁？”仓曰：“极其雄壮，不知姓名。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Before they had gone very far, they met Zhou Cang with a small party. He was wounded. He was introduced to Liu Bei who asked him how it was. He replied, "Before I reached the hill, a certain warrior all alone, had fought with my friend Pei Yuanshao and killed him. Then many of our troops surrendered to him, and he occupied our old camp. When I reached it, I tried to allure the soldiers back to my side but only succeeded with a few. The others were too afraid. I got angry and engaged the interloper, who however worsted me time after time and wounded me thrice." "Who is the warrior? What does he look like?" asked Liu Bei. "All I know he is a doughty fighter, I do not know his name." | |
| 29 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 于是关公纵马当先，玄德在后，迳投卧牛山来。周仓在山下叫骂，只见那将全副披挂，持枪骤马，引众下山。玄德早挥鞭出马大叫曰：“来者莫非子龙否？”那将见了玄德，滚鞍下马，拜伏道旁。原来果然是赵子龙。玄德，关公，俱下马相见，问其何由至此。云曰：“云自别使君，不想公孙瓒不听人言，以致兵败自焚。袁绍屡次招云。云想绍亦非用人之人，因此未往。后欲至徐州投使君，又闻徐州失守，云长已归曹操，使君又在袁绍处。云几番欲来相投，只恐袁绍见怪。四海飘零，无容身之地。前偶过此处，适遇裴元绍下山来欲夺吾马，云因杀之，借此安身。近闻翼德在古城，欲往投之，未知真实。今幸得遇使君！” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Thereafter they advanced toward the hill with Guan Yu in front and Liu Bei in rear. When they drew near, Zhou Cang began to abuse his enemy, who soon appeared, mailed and armed, coming down the hill like a tornado. Suddenly Liu Bei rode out waving his whip and shouting, "O Zhao Zilong, I am here to look for you!" Indeed the rider was Zhao Zilong. He instantly slipped out of the saddle and bowed by the roadside. Liu Bei dismounted to talk with him and ask how he came to be there. "When I left you, I had no idea that Gongsun Zan was a man who would listen to no reason. The result was disaster, and he perished in the flames. Yuan Shao invited me to him several times, but I thought too little of him to go. Then I wanted to go to Xuzhou to you, but you had lost that place, and Guan Yu had gone over to Cao Cao, and you had joined Yuan Shao. Several times I thought of coming to you, but I feared Yuan Shao. So I drifted from one place to another with nowhere to rest till I happened to come this way, and Pei Yuanshao tried to steal my horse. So I slew him and took possession of his camp. I heard Zhang Fei was in Gucheng but thought it might be only a rumor. And so the days have passed till this happy meeting." | |
| 30 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 玄德大喜，诉说从前之事。关公亦诉前事。玄德曰：“吾初见子龙，便有留恋不舍之情。今幸得相遇！”云曰：“云奔走四方，择主而事，未有如使君者。今得相随，大称平生。虽肝脑涂地，无恨矣。” |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Liu Bei told Zhao Zilong all that had happened to him since they parted, and so did Guan Yu. Said Liu Bei, "The first time I saw you, I felt drawn to you and did not want to part from you. I am very happy to meet you again." "In all my wanderings, trying to find a lord worth serving, I have seen no one like you. Now I have reached your side, that is enough for all my life. I care not what may happen to me." | |
| 31 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 当日就烧毁山寨，率领人众，尽随玄德前赴古城。张飞，糜竺，糜芳，迎接入城，各相拜诉。二夫人具言云长之事，玄德感叹不已。于是杀牛宰马，先拜谢天地，然后遍劳诸军。玄德见兄弟重聚，将佐无缺，又新得了赵云，关公又得了关平，周仓，二人，欢喜无限，连饮数日。后人有诗赞之曰： |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Next they burned the camp on Sleeping Bull Mountain, after which they all took the road back to Gucheng where they were welcomed. They exchanged the stories of their several adventures, and the two ladies related the valiant deeds of Guan Yu whereat Liu Bei was too affected to speak. Then they performed a great sacrifice to Heaven and Earth with the slaughter of a bull and a horse. The soldiers also were recompensed for their toils. Liu Bei surveyed the conditions around him and found therein much to rejoice at. His two brothers were restored to his side and none of his helpers were missing. Moreover he had gained Zhao Zilong, and Guan Yu had acquired an adopted son Guan Ping. Another commander had joined his ranks in the person of Zhou Cang. There was every occasion for feasting and gratification. | |
| 当时手足似瓜分，信断音稀杳不闻。今日君臣重聚义，正如龙虎会风云。时玄德，关，张，赵云，孙乾，简雍，糜竺，糜芳，关平，周仓，统领马步军校共四五千人。玄德欲弃了古城去守汝南，恰好刘辟，龚都，差人来请。于是遂起军往汝南驻扎，招军买马，徐图征进，不在话下。 | ||
|
Scattered wide were the brothers, none knew another's retreat, Joyfully now they foregather, dragon and tigers meet. At this time the forces under the command of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Zilong, Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang numbered four or five thousand soldiers. Liu Bei was in favor of leaving Gucheng and occupying Runan, and just then Liu Pi and Gong Du, the commanders of that city, sent to invite him to go there. So they went. There they devoted all their efforts to strengthen their army, both horse and foot. | ||
| 32 | 斩蔡阳兄... : | 且说袁绍见玄德不回，大怒，欲起兵伐之。郭图曰：“刘备不足虑。曹操乃劲敌也，不可不除。刘表虽据荆州，不足为强。江东孙伯符威镇三江，地连六郡，谋臣武士极多，可使人结之，共攻曹操。”绍从其言，即修书遣陈震为使，来会孙策。正是：只因河北英雄去，引出江东豪杰来。未知其事如何，且看下文分解。 |
| Putting Cai Yang To...: |
Yuan Shao was much annoyed when Liu Bei did not return and at first was for sending a force after him. However Guo Tu dissuaded him. "Liu Bei needs cause you no anxiety. Cao Cao is your one enemy and must be destroyed. Even Liu Biao, though strongly posted on River Han, is none too terrible. There is Sun Ce on the southeast of the Great River, strong, feared, with wide domain of six territories, a large army, and able counselors and leaders; you should make an alliance there against Cao Cao." Guo Tu won his chief to his view and wrote to Sun Ce, sending the letter by Chen Zhen. Just as one warrior leaves the north, Another from the east comes forth. Future chapters will reveal the outcome of these dispositions. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch28