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-> -> -> 曹操仓亭破本初,玄德荆州依刘表

《曹操仓亭破本初,玄德荆州依刘表》

1 曹操仓亭... :
却说曹操乘袁绍之败,整顿军马,迤逦追袭。袁绍幅巾单衣,引八百馀骑,奔至黎阳北岸,大将蒋义渠出寨迎接。绍以前事诉与义渠,义渠乃招谕离散之众。众闻绍在,又皆蚁聚,军势复振,议还冀州。军行之次,夜宿荒山。绍于帐中闻远远有哭声,遂私往听之。却是败军相聚,诉说丧兄失弟,弃伴亡亲之苦,各各捶胸大哭;皆曰:“若听田丰之言,我等怎遭此祸!”绍大悔曰:“吾不听田丰之言,兵败将亡,今回去,有何面目见之耶!”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Cao Cao lost no time in taking advantage of Yuan Shao's flight, but smote hard at the retreating army. Yuan Shao without helmet or proper dress, and with few followers, crossed hastily to the north bank at Liyang. He was met by one of his generals, Jiang Yiqu, who took him in and comforted him and listened to the tale of misfortunes. Next Jiang Yiqu called in the scattered remnants of the army, and when the soldiers heard that their old lord was alive they swarmed to him like ants, so that Yuan Shao quickly became strong enough to attempt the march to Jizhou. Soon the army set out and at night halted at Huang Hills.
That evening, sitting in his tent, Yuan Shao seemed to hear a far off sound of lamentation. He crept out quietly to listen and found it was his own soldiers telling each other tales of woe. This one lamented an elder brother lost, that one grieved for his younger brother abandoned, a third mourned a companion missing, a fourth, a relative cut off. And each beat his breast and wept.
And all said, "Had he but listened to Tian Feng, we had not met this disaster!"
Yuan Shao, very remorseful, said, "I did not hearken unto Tian Feng, and now my soldiers have been beaten and I was nearly lost. How can I return and look him in the face?"

2 曹操仓亭... :
次日,上马正行间,逢纪引军来接。绍对逢纪曰:“吾不听田丰之言,致有此败。吾今归去,羞见此人。”逢纪因谮曰:“丰在狱中闻主公兵败,抚掌大笑曰:‘固不出吾之料!’”袁绍大怒曰:“竖儒怎敢笑我!我必杀之!”遂命使者赍宝剑先往冀州狱中杀田丰。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Next day the march was resumed, and Yuan Shao met Peng Ji with reinforcements, to whom he said, "I disregarded Tian Feng's advice and have brought myself to defeat. Now shall I be greatly ashamed to look him in the face."
This tribute to Tian Feng's prescience roused the jealousy of Peng Ji, who replied, "Yes. When he heard the news of your defeat, though he was a prisoner, he clapped his hands for joy and said, 'Indeed, just as I foretold!'"
"How dare he laugh at me, the blockhead? Assuredly he shall die!" said Yuan Shao.
Whereupon Yuan Shao wrote a letter and sent therewith a sword to slay the prisoner.

3 曹操仓亭... :
却说田丰在狱中。一日,狱吏来见丰曰:“与别驾贺喜。”丰曰:“何喜可贺?”狱吏曰:“袁将军大败而回,君必见重矣。”丰笑曰:“吾今死矣!”狱吏问曰:“人皆为君喜,君何言死也?”丰曰:“袁将军外宽而内忌,不念忠诚。若胜而喜,犹能赦我;今战败则羞,吾不望生矣。”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Meanwhile Tian Feng's gaoler came to him one day, saying, "Above all humans I felicitate you."
"What is the joyful occasion and why felicitate?" said Tian Feng.
The gaoler replied, "Imperial Protector Yuan Shao has been defeated and is on his way back. He will treat you with redoubled respect."
"Now am I a dead man!" said Tian Feng.
"Why say you that, Sir, when all people give you joy?"
"The Imperial Protector appears liberal, but he is jealous and forgetful of honest advice. Had he been victorious, he might have pardoned me. Now that he has been defeated and put to shame, I may not hope to live."

4 曹操仓亭... :
狱吏未信。忽使者赍剑至,传袁绍命,欲取田丰之首,狱吏方惊。丰曰:“吾固知必死也。”狱吏皆流泪。丰曰:“大丈夫生于天地间,不识其主而事之,是无智也!今日受死,夫何足惜!”乃自刎于狱中。后人有诗曰:
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
But the gaoler did not believe Tian Feng. Before long came the letter and the sword with the fatal order.
The gaoler was dismayed, but the victim said, "I knew all too well that I should have to die."
The gaoler wept.
Tian Feng said, "An able person born into this world who does not recognize and serve the right lord is ignorant. Today I die, but I am not deserving of pity."
Whereupon he cut his throat in the prison.
昨朝沮授军中死,今日田丰狱内亡。河北栋梁皆折断,本初焉不丧家邦?
Ju Shou but yesterday was killed,
Tian Feng ends his life his fate fulfilled;
The Yellow River's main beams break one by one,
Mourn ye that Yuan House! Its day is done.

5 曹操仓亭... :
田丰既死,闻者皆为叹惜。袁绍回冀州,心烦意乱,不理政事。其妻刘氏劝立后嗣。绍所生三子,长子袁谭字显忠,出守青州,次子袁熙字显奕,出守幽州,三子袁尚字显甫,是绍后妻刘氏所出,生得形貌俊伟,绍甚爱之,因此留在身边。自官渡兵败之后,刘氏劝立尚为后嗣。绍乃与审配、逢纪、辛评、郭图四人商议。原来审、逢二人,向辅袁尚;辛、郭二人,向辅袁谭。四人各为其主。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Thus died Tian Feng, pitied of all who heard of his fate.
When Yuan Shao came home in Jizhou, he was with troubled mind and distorted thoughts. He could not attend to the business of government and became so ill that his second wife, who came of the Liu family and had replaced the first wife after her death, besought him to make his last dispositions.
Now three sons had been born to Yuan Shao: Yuan Tan the eldest, who was the Commander of Qingzhou; Yuan Xi, who ruled over Youzhou; and Yuan Shang, borne to him by Lady Liu. This youngest son was very handsome and noble looking, and his father's favorite. So he was kept at home.
After the defeat at Guandu, the lad's mother was constantly urging that her son should be named as successor, and Yuan Shao called together four of his counselors to consider this matter. These four happened to be divided in their sympathies: Shen Pei and Peng Ji being in favor of the youngest son, and Xin Ping and Guo Tu supporters of the eldest.

6 曹操仓亭... :
当下袁绍谓四人曰:“今外患未息,内事不可不早定,吾将议立后嗣。长子谭,为人性刚好杀;次子熙,为人柔懦难成;三子尚,有英雄之表,礼贤敬士,吾欲立之。公等之意若何?”郭图曰:“三子之中,谭为长,今又居外;主公若废长立幼,此乱萌也。目下军威稍挫,敌兵压境,岂可复使父子兄弟自相争乱耶?主公且理会拒敌之策,立嗣之事,再容后议。”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
When they met to consult, Yuan Shao said, "As there is nought but war and trouble outside our borders, it is necessary that tranquillity within be early provided for, and I wish to appoint my successor. My eldest son is hard and cruel, my second is mild and unfit. The third has the outward form of a hero, appreciates the wise, and is courteous to his subordinates. I wish him to succeed, but I wish that you tell me your opinions."
Guo Tu said, "Yuan Tan is your first born, and he is in a position of authority beyond your control. If you pass over the eldest in favor of the youngest, you sow the seeds of turbulence. The prestige of the army has been somewhat lowered and enemies are on our border. Should you add to our weakness by making strife between father and son, elder and younger brothers? Rather consider how the enemy may be repulsed and turn to the question of the heirship later."

7 曹操仓亭... :
袁绍踌躇未决。忽报袁熙引兵六万,自幽州来,袁谭引兵五万,自青州来,外甥高干亦引兵五万,自并州来,各至冀州助战。绍喜,再整人马,来战曹操。时操引得胜之兵,陈列于河上,有土人箪食壶浆以迎之。操见父老数人,须发尽白,乃命入帐中赐坐,问之曰:“老丈多少年纪?”答曰:“皆近百岁矣。”操曰:“吾军士惊扰汝乡,吾甚不安。”父老曰:“桓帝时,有黄星见于楚、宋之分,辽东人殷馗善观天文,夜宿于此,对老汉等言:‘黄星见于乾象,正照此间。后五十年,当有真人起于梁、沛之间。’今以年计之,整整五十年。袁本初重敛于民,民皆怨之。丞相兴仁义之师,吊民伐罪,官渡一战,破袁绍百万之众,正应当时殷馗之言,兆民可望太平矣。”操笑曰:“何敢当老丈所言?”遂取酒食绢帛赐老人而遣之。号令三军:如有下乡杀人家鸡犬者,如杀人之罪。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Then the natural hesitation of Yuan Shao asserted itself, and he could not make up his mind. Soon came news that his sons Yuan Tan was coming from Qingzhou with sixty thousand troops, Yuan Xi coming from Youzhou with fifty thousand troops, and his nephew Gao Gan coming from Bingzhou with fifty thousand troops to help him, and he turned his attention to preparations for fighting Cao Cao.
When Cao Cao drew up his victorious army on the banks of Yellow River, the aged natives brought an offering of food and sauce to bid him welcome. Their venerable and hoary appearances led Cao Cao to treat them with the highest respect.
He invited them to be seated and said to them, "Venerable Sirs, what may be your age?"
"We are nearly a hundred," replied the old villagers.
"I should be very sorry if my army had disturbed your village," said Cao Cao.
One of them said, "In the days of the Emperor Huan a yellow star was seen over by way of the ancient states of Chu and Song in the southwest. Yin Kui of Liaodong, who was learned in astrology, happened to be passing the night here, and he told us that the star foretold the arrival in these parts, fifty years hence, of a true and honest man here in the Yellow River. Lo! That is exactly fifty years ago. Now Yuan Shao is very hard on the people and they hate him. You, Sir, having raised this army in the cause of humanity and righteousness, out of pity for the people and to punish crimes, and having destroyed the hordes of Yuan Shao at Guandu, just fulfill the prophecy of Yin Kui. The millions of the land may look now for tranquillity."
"How dare I presume that I am he?" said Cao Cao with a smile.
Wine was served and refreshments brought in, and the old gentlemen were sent away with presents of silk stuffs. And an order was issued to the army that if anyone killed so much as a fowl or a dog belonging to the villagers, he should be punished as for murder.

8 曹操仓亭... :
于是军民震服。操亦心中暗喜人报袁绍聚四州之兵,得二三十万,前至仓亭下寨。操提兵前进,下寨已定。次日,两军相对,各布成阵势。操引诸将出阵,绍亦引三子一甥及文官武将出到阵前。操曰:“本初计穷力尽,何尚不思投降?直待刀临项上,悔无及矣!”绍大怒,回顾众将曰:“谁敢出马?”袁尚欲于父前逞能,便舞双刀,挥马出阵,来往奔驰。操指问众将曰:“此何人?”有识者答曰:“此袁绍三子袁尚也。”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
And the soldiers obeyed with fear and trembling while Cao Cao rejoiced in his heart.
It was told Cao Cao that the total army from the four regions under the Yuan family amounted to two hundred thirty thousand soldiers and they were camped at Cangting. Cao Cao then advanced nearer to them and made a strong camp.
Next day the two armies were arrayed over against each other. On one side Cao Cao rode to the front surrounded by his commanders, and on the other appeared Yuan Shao supported by his three sons, his nephew, and his leaders.
Cao Cao spoke first, "Yuan Shao, your schemes are poor, your strength is exhausted, why still refuse to think of surrender? Are you waiting till the sword shall be upon your neck? Then it will be too late."
Yuan Shao turned to those about him, saying, "Who dares go out?"
His son Yuan Shang was anxious to exhibit his prowess in the presence of his father, so he flourished his pair of swords and rode forth.
Cao Cao pointed him out to his officers and asked, "Anyone knows him?"
"He is the youngest son of Yuan Shao," was the reply.

9 曹操仓亭... :
言未毕,一将挺枪早出。操视之,乃徐晃部将史涣也。两骑相交,不三合,尚拨马刺斜而走。史涣赶来,袁尚拈弓搭箭,翻身背射,正中史涣左目,坠马而死。袁绍见子得胜,挥鞭一指,大队人马,拥将过来混战。大杀一场,各鸣金收军还寨。操与诸将商议破绍之策。程昱献“十面埋伏”之计,劝操退军于河上,伏兵十队,诱绍追至河上;我军无退路,必将死战,可胜绍矣。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Before they had finished speaking, from their own side rode out Shi Huan, armed with a spear. The two champions fought a little while and suddenly Yuan Shang whipped up his horse, made a feint and fled. His opponent followed. Yuan Shang took his bow, fitted an arrow, turned in his saddle, and shot at Shi Huan, wounding him in the left eye. Shi Huan fell from the saddle and died on the spot.
Yuan Shao seeing his son thus get the better of his opponent, gave the signal for attack, and the whole army thundered forward. The onslaught was heavy, but presently the gongs on both sides sounded the retire and the battle ceased.
When he had returned to camp, Cao Cao took counsel to find a plan to overcome Yuan Shao. Then Cheng Yu proposed the plan of the "Ten Ambushes" and persuaded Cao Cao to retire upon the river, placing troops in ambush as he went. Thus would Yuan Shao be inveigled into pursuit as far as the river, when Cao Cao's army would be forced to make a desperate stand or be driven into the water.

10 曹操仓亭... :
操然其计。左右各分五队:左一队夏侯敦、二队张辽、三队李典、四队乐进、五队夏侯渊;右一队曹洪、二队张合、三队徐晃、四队于禁、五队高览。中军许褚为先锋。次日,十队先进,埋伏左右已定。至半夜,操令许褚引兵前进,伪作劫寨之势。袁绍五寨人马,一齐俱起。许褚回军便走。袁绍引军赶来,喊声不绝;比及天明,赶至河上,曹军无去路。操大呼曰:“前无去路,诸军何不死战?”众军回身奋力向前。许褚飞马当先,力斩十数将。袁军大乱。袁绍退军急回,背后曹军赶来。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Cao Cao accepted this suggestion and told off ten companies of five thousand soldiers each to lie in ten ambush on two sides of the road of retreat. The arrangement of the ambushes were thus: On the left, first company under Xiahou Dun; second company, Zhang Liao; third company, Li Dian; fourth company, Yue Jing; fifth company, Xiahou Yuan; on the right, first company was under Cao Hong; second company, Zhang He; third company, Xu Huang; fourth company, Yu Jin; fifth company, Gao Lan. Xu Chu commanded the advanced front.
Next day the ten companies started first and placed themselves right and left as ordered. In the night Cao Cao ordered the advanced front to feign an attack on the camp, which roused all the enemy in all their camps. This done, Xu Chu retreated and Yuan Shao's army came in pursuit. The roar of battle went on without cessation, and at dawn Cao Cao's army rested on the river and could retreat no farther.
Then Cao Cao shouted, "There is no road in front, so all must fight or die."
The retreating army turned about and advanced vigorously. Xu Chu simply flew to the front, smote and killed ten generals and threw Yuan Shao's army into confusion. They tried to turn and march back, but Cao Cao was close behind.

11 曹操仓亭... :
正行间,一声鼓响,左边夏侯渊、右边高览,两军冲出。袁绍聚三子一甥,死冲血路奔走。又行不到十里,左边乐进、右边于禁杀出,杀得袁军尸横遍野,血流成渠。又行不到数里,左边李典、右边徐晃,两军截杀一阵。袁绍父子胆丧心惊,奔入旧寨,令三军造饭。方欲待食,左边张辽、右边张合,迳来冲寨。绍慌上马,前奔仓亭;人马困乏,欲待歇息,后面曹操大军赶来,袁绍舍命而走。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Then the drums of the enemy were heard, and right and left there appeared two ambush companies of Gao Lan and Xiahou Yuan. Yuan Shao collected about him his three sons and his nephew, and they were enabled to cut an alley out and flee. Three miles further on they fell into another ambush of Yue Jing and Yu Jin, and here many troops of Yuan Shao were lost so that their corpses lay over the countryside and the blood filled the water courses. Another three miles and they met the third pair of Li Dian and Xu Huang barring their road.
Here they lost heart and bolted for an old camp of their own that was near, and bade their men prepare a meal. But just as the food was ready to eat, down came Zhang Liao and Zhang He and burst into the camp.
Yuan Shao mounted and fled as far as Cangting, when he was tired and his steed spent. But there was no rest, for Cao Cao came in close pursuit. It seemed now a race for life.

12 曹操仓亭... :
正行之间,左边曹洪、右边夏侯敦,挡住去路。绍大呼曰:“若不决死战,必为所擒矣!”奋力冲突,得脱重围。袁熙、高干皆被箭伤。军马死亡殆尽。绍抱三子痛哭一场,不觉昏倒。众人急救,绍口吐鲜血不止,叹曰:“吾自历战数十场,不意今日狼狈至此!此天丧吾也!汝等各回本州,誓与曹贼一决雌雄!”便教辛评、郭图火急随袁谭前往青州整顿,恐曹操犯境;令袁熙仍回幽州,高干仍回并州,各去收拾人马,以备调用。袁绍引袁尚等入冀州养病,令尚与审配、逢纪暂掌军事。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
But presently Yuan Shao found his onward course again blocked by Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong, and he groaned aloud.
"If we do not make most desperate efforts, we are all captives!" said he.
And they plunged forward. His second son Yuan Xi and his nephew Gao Gan were wounded by arrows, and most of his soldiers were dead or had disappeared. He gathered his sons into his arms and wept bitterly. Then he fell into a swoon. He was picked up, but his mouth was full of blood which ran forth in a bright scarlet stream.
He sighed, saying, "Many battles have I fought, and little did I think to be driven to this. Heaven is afflicting me. You had better return each to his own territory and swear to fight this Cao Cao to the end."
Then Yuan Shao bade Xin Ping and Guo Tu as quickly as possible follow Yuan Tan to Qingzhou and prepare to give battle to Cao Cao lest he should invade. Yuan Xi was told to go to Youzhou and Gao Gan to Bingzhou.
So each started to prepare armies and horses for repulsing Cao Cao. Yuan Shao with his youngest son Yuan Shang and the remnant of his officers went away to Jizhou, and military operations were suspended for a time.

13 曹操仓亭... :
却说曹操自仓亭大胜,重赏三军,令人探察冀州虚实。细作回报:“绍卧病在。袁尚、审配紧守城池。袁谭、袁熙、高干皆回本州。”众皆劝操急攻之。操曰:“冀州粮食极广,审配又有机谋,未可急拔。见今禾稼在田,恐废民业,姑待秋成后取之未晚。”正议间,忽荀彧有书到,报说:“刘备在汝南得刘辟、龚都数万之众。闻丞相提军出征河北,乃令刘辟守汝南,备亲自引兵乘虚来攻许昌。丞相可速回军御之。”操大惊,留曹洪屯兵河上,虚张声势。操自提大兵往汝南来迎刘备。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Meanwhile Cao Cao was distributing rewards to his army for the late victory, and his spies were scouting all about Jizhou. He soon learned that Yuan Shao was ill, and that the youngest son Yuan Shang and Shen Pei were in command of the city, while his brothers and cousin had returned each to his own. Cao Cao's advisers were in favor of a speedy attack.
But he objected, saying, "Jizhou is large and well supplied. Shen Pei is an able strategist. And it behooves me to be careful. I would rather wait till the autumn when the crops have been gathered in so that the people will not suffer."
While the attack was being talked over there came letters from Xun Yu:
"Liu Bei was strengthening himself at Runan with the force of Liu Pi and Gong Du and, when he heard that you was attacking Jizhou, he said he would take the opportunity to march on the capital. Wherefore you, Sir, should hasten homeward to defend Xuchang."
This news disconcerted Cao Cao. He left Cao Hong in command on the river bank, with orders to maintain the appearance of strength there, while he led the main part of his army to meet the threatened attack from Runan.

14 曹操仓亭... :
却说玄德与关、张、赵云等,引兵欲袭许都。行近穰山地面,正遇曹兵杀来,玄德便于穰山下寨。军分三队:云长屯兵于东南角上,张飞屯兵于西南角上,玄德与赵云于正南立寨。曹操兵至,玄德鼓噪而出。操布成阵势,叫玄德打话。玄德出马于门旗下。操以鞭指骂曰:“吾待汝为上宾,汝何背义忘恩?”玄德曰:“汝托名汉相,实为国贼!吾乃汉室宗亲,奉天子密诏,来讨反贼!”遂于马上朗诵衣带诏。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Meanwhile Liu Bei, his brothers, and the leaders, having gone forth with the intention of attacking the capital, had reached a point near the Rang Mountains when Cao Cao came upon them. So Liu Bei camped by the hills and divided his army into three, sending Guan Yu and Zhang Fei with ten thousand troops each to entrench themselves southeast and southwest respectively of the main body, which he and Zhao Zilong commanded.
When Cao Cao came near, Liu Bei beat his drums and went out to where Cao Cao had already arrayed his army.
Cao Cao called Liu Bei to a parley, and when the latter appeared under his great standard, Cao Cao pointed his whip at him and railed, saying, "I treated you as a guest of the highest consideration. Why then do you turn your back on righteousness and forget kindness?"
Liu Bei replied, "Under the name of Prime Minister you are really a rebel. I am a direct descendant of the family, and I have a secret decree from the Throne to take such offenders as you."
As he said these words, he produced and recited the decree which is known as the "Girdle Mandate."

15 曹操仓亭... :
操大怒,教许褚出战。玄德背后赵云,挺枪出马。二将相交,三十合不分胜负。忽然喊声大震,东南角上,云长冲突而来;西南角上,张飞引军冲突而来。三处一齐掩杀。曹军远来疲困,不能抵当,大败而走。玄德得胜回营。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Cao Cao grew very angry and ordered Xu Chu to go out to battle. As Liu Bei's champion, out rode Zhao Zilong with spear ready to thrust. The two warriors exchanged thirty bouts without advantage to either. Then there arose an earth-rending shout and up came the two brothers, Guan Yu from the southeast and Zhang Fei from the southwest. The three armies then began a great attack, which proved too much for Cao Cao's troops, fatigued by a long march, and they were worsted and fled. Liu Bei having scored this victory returned to camp.

16 曹操仓亭... :
次日,又使赵云搦战。操兵旬日不出。玄德再使张飞搦战,操兵亦不出。玄德愈疑。忽报龚都运粮至,被曹军围住,玄德急令张飞去救。忽又报夏侯敦引军抄背后迳取汝南,玄德大惊曰:“若如此,吾前后受敌,无所归矣!”急遣云长救之。两军皆去。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Next day he sent out Zhao Zilong again to challenge the enemy, but it was not accepted and Cao Cao's army remained ten days without movement. Then Zhang Fei offered a challenge which also was not accepted. And Liu Bei began to feel anxious.
Then unexpectedly came news that the enemy had stopped a train of supplies brought by Gong Du, and at once Zhang Fei went to the rescue. Worse still was the news that followed, that an army led by Xiahou Dun had got in behind to attack Runan.
Quite dismayed, Liu Bei said, "If this be true, I have enemies in front and rear and have no place to go."
He then sent Guan Yu to try to recover the city and thus both his brothers were absent from his side.

17 曹操仓亭... :
不一日,飞马来报夏侯敦已打破汝南,刘辟弃城而走,云长现今被围。玄德大惊。又报张飞去救龚都,也被围住了。玄德急欲回兵,又恐操兵后袭。忽报寨外许褚搦战,玄德不敢出马。候至天明,教军士饱餐,步军先起,马军后随,寨中虚传更点。玄德等离寨约行数里,转过土山,火把齐明,山头上大呼曰:“休教走了刘备!丞相在此专等!”玄德慌寻路走。赵云曰:“主公勿忧,但跟某来。”赵云挺枪跃马,杀开条路,玄德掣双股剑后随。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
One day later a horseman rode up to say that Runan had fallen, its defender Liu Pi had fled, and Guan Yu was surrounded. To make the matters worse, the news came that Zhang Fei, who had gone to rescue Gong Du, was in like case. Liu Bei tried to withdraw his troops, fearing all the time an attack from Cao Cao. Suddenly the sentinels came in, saying: "Xu Chu is at the camp gate offering a challenge."
Liu Bei did not allow his army to go out. They waited till dawn, and then Liu Bei bade the soldiers get a good meal and be ready to start. When ready the foot went out first, the horsemen next, leaving a few troops in the camp to beat the watches and maintain an appearance of occupation.
After traveling some miles, they passed some mounds. Suddenly torches blazed out, and on the summit stood one who shouted, "Do not let Liu Bei run away! I, the Prime Minister, am here awaiting you!"
Liu Bei dashed along the first clear road he saw.
Zhao Zilong said, "Fear not, my lord, only follow me!"
And setting his spear, Zhao Zilong galloped in front opening an alley as he went. Liu Bei gripped his double swords and followed close.

18 曹操仓亭... :
正战间,许褚追至,与赵云力战。背后于禁、李典又到。玄德见势危,落荒而走。听得背后喊声渐远,玄德望深山僻路,单马逃生。捱到天明,侧首一彪军冲出。玄德大惊,视之,乃刘辟引败军千馀骑,护送玄德家小前来;孙乾、简雍、糜芳亦至,诉说:“夏侯敦军势甚锐,因此弃城而走。曹兵赶来,幸得云长当住,因此得脱。玄德曰:“不知云长今在何处?”刘辟曰:“将军且行,却再理会。”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
As they were winning through, Xu Chu came in pursuit and engaged Zhao Zilong, and two other companies led by Yu Jin and Li Dian bore down as well. Seeing the situation so desperate, Liu Bei plunged into the wilds and fled. Gradually the sounds of battle became fainter and died away while he went deeper and deeper into the hills, a single horseman fleeing for his life. He kept on his way till daybreak, when a company suddenly appeared beside the road. Liu Bei saw these men with terror at first, but was presently relieved to find they were led by the friendly Liu Pi. They were a company of his defeated army escorting the family of their chief. With them also were Sun Qian, Jian Yong, and Mi Fang.
They told him, "The attack on Runan was too strong to be resisted, and so we were compelled to abandon the defense, and the enemy followed, and only Guan Yu's timely arrival saved us from destruction."
"I do not know where my brother is," said Liu Bei.
"All will come right if you will push on," said Liu Pi.

19 曹操仓亭... :
行到数里,一棒鼓响,前面拥出一彪人马。当先大将,乃是张合,大叫:“刘备快下马受降!”玄德方欲退后,只见山头上红旗麾动,一军从山坞内拥出,为首大将,乃高览也。玄德两头无路,仰天大呼曰:“天何使我受此窘极耶!事势至此,不如就死!”欲拔剑自刎。刘辟急止之曰:“容某死战,夺路救君。”言讫,便来与高览交锋。战不三合,被高览一刀砍于马下。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
They pushed on. Before they had gone far, the beating of drums was heard and suddenly appeared Zhang He with a thousand soldiers.
Zhang He cried, "Liu Bei, quickly dismount and surrender!"
Liu Bei was about to retire when he saw a red flag waving from a rampart on the hills and down came rushing another body of troops under Gao Lan.
Thus checked in front and his retreat cut off, Liu Bei looked up to Heaven and cried, "O Heaven, why am I brought to this state of misery? Nothing is left me now but death!"
And he drew his sword to slay himself.
But Liu Pi stayed his hand, saying, "Let me try to fight a way out and save you. Death is nothing to me!"
As he spoke Gao Lan's force was on the point of engaging his. The two leaders met and in the third bout Liu Pi was cut down.

20 曹操仓亭... :
玄德正慌,方欲自战,高览后军忽然自乱,一将冲阵而来,枪起处,高览翻身落马。视之,乃赵云也。玄德大喜。云纵马挺枪,杀散后队,又来前军独战张合。合与云战三十馀合,拨马败走。云乘势冲杀,却被合兵守住山隘,路窄不得出。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Liu Bei at once rushed up to fight, but just then there was sudden confusion in the rear ranks of the opponents, and a warrior dashed up and thrust at Gao Lan with his spear. Gao Lan fell from his steed. The newcomer was Zhao Zilong.
His arrival was most opportune. He urged forward his steed thrusting right and left, and the enemy's ranks broke and scattered. Then the first force under Zhang He came into the fight, and the leader and Zhao Zilong fought thirty or more bouts. However, this proved enough, for Zhang He turned his horse away recognizing that he was worsted. Zhao Zilong vigorously attacked, but was forced into a narrow space in the hills where he was hemmed in.

21 曹操仓亭... :
正夺路间,只见云长、关平、周仓引三百军到。两下夹攻,杀退张合。各出隘口,占住山险下寨。玄德使云长寻觅张飞。原来张飞去救龚都,龚都已被夏侯渊所杀。飞奋力杀退夏侯渊,迤逦赶去,却被乐进引军围住。云长路逢败军,寻踪而去,杀退乐进,与飞同回见玄德。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
While seeking for some outlet, they saw Guan Yu, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang, with three hundred men, coming along. Soon Zhang He was driven off, and then Liu Bei's troops came out of the narrow defile and occupied a strong position among the hills where they made a camp.
Liu Bei sent Guan Yu for news of the missing brother. Zhang Fei had been attacked by Xiahou Yuan who had killed Gong Du, but Zhang Fei had vigorously resisted, beaten him off, and followed him up. Then Yue Jing had come along and surrounded Zhang Fei.
In this pass he was found by Guan Yu, who had heard of his plight from some of his scattered soldiers met on the way. Now they drove off the enemy. The two brothers returned.

22 曹操仓亭... :
人报曹军大队赶来,玄德教孙乾等保护老小先行。玄德与关、张、赵云在后,且战且走。操见玄德去远,收军不赶。玄德败军不满一千,狼狈而奔。前至一江,唤土人问之,乃汉江也。玄德权且安营。土人知玄德,奉献羊酒,乃聚饮于沙滩之上。玄德叹曰诸:“诸君皆有王佐之才,不幸跟随刘备。备之命窘,累及诸君。今日身无立锥,诚恐有误诸君。君等何不弃备而投明主,以取功名乎?”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Soon they heard of the approach of a large body of Cao Cao's army. Liu Bei then bade Sun Qian guard his family and sent him on ahead, while he and the others kept off the enemy, sometimes giving battle and anon marching. Seeing that Liu Bei had retired too far, Cao Cao let him go and left the pursuit.
When Liu Bei collected his army, he found they numbered only a thousand, and this halting and broken force marched as fast as possible to the west. Coming to a river they asked the natives its name and were told it was the Han River, and near it Liu Bei made a temporary camp. When the local people found out who was in the camp, they presented meat and wine.
A feast was given upon a sandy bank of the Han River.
After they had drunk awhile, Liu Bei addressed his faithful followers, saying, "All you, Fair Sirs, have talents fitting you to be advisers to a monarch, but your destiny has led you to follow poor me. My fate is distressful and full of misery. Today I have not a spot to call my own, and I am indeed leading you astray. Therefore I say you should abandon me and go to some illustrious lord where you may be able to become famous."

23 曹操仓亭... :
众皆掩面而哭。云长曰:“兄言差矣。昔日高祖与项羽争天下,数败于羽,后九里山一战成功,而开四百年基业。胜负兵家之常,何可自隳其志?”孙乾曰:“成败有时,不必伤心。此离荆州不远。刘景升坐镇九州,兵强粮足,更且与公皆汉室宗亲,何不往投之?”玄德曰:“但恐不容耳。”乾曰:“某愿先往说之,使景升出境而迎主公。”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
At these words they all covered their faces and wept.
Guan Yu said, "Brother, you are wrong to speak thus. When the great Founder of Han contended with Xiang Yu, he was defeated many times, but he won at the Nine-Mile Mountains and that achievement was the foundation of a dynasty that endured for four centuries. Victory and defeat are but ordinary events in a soldier's career, and why should you give up?"
"Success and failure both have their seasons," said Sun Qian, "and we are not to grieve. Jingzhou, which your illustrious relative, Liu Biao, commands, is a rich and prosperous country. Liu Biao is of your house, why not go to him?"
"Only that I fear he may not receive me," said Liu Bei.
"Then let me go and prepare the way. I will make Liu Biao come out to his borders to welcome you."

24 曹操仓亭... :
玄德大喜,便令孙乾星夜往荆州。到郡入见刘表。礼毕,刘表问曰:“公从玄德,何故至此?”乾曰:“刘使君天下英雄,虽兵微将寡,而志欲匡扶社稷。汝南刘辟、龚都素无亲故,亦以死报之。明公与使君,同为汉室之胄;今使君新败,欲往江东投孙仲谋。乾谏言曰:‘不可背亲而向书疏。荆州刘将军礼贤下士,士归之如水之投东,何况同宗乎?’因此使君特使乾先来拜白,惟明公命之。”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
So with his lord's approval, Sun Qian set off immediately and hastened to Jingzhou. When the ceremonies of greeting were over, Liu Biao asked the reason of the visit.
Said Sun Qian, "The princely Liu Bei is one of the heroes of the day, although just at the moment he may lack soldiers and leaders. His mind is set upon restoring the dynasty to its pristine glory, and at Runan the two commanders, Liu Pi and Gong Du, though bound to him by no ties, were content to die for the sake of his ideals. You, Illustrious Sir, like Liu Bei, are a scion of the imperial stock. Now the Princely One has recently suffered defeat and thinks of seeking a home in the east with Sun Quan. I have ventured to dissuade him, saying that he should not turn from a relative and go to a mere acquaintance; telling him that you, Sir, are well known as courteous to the wise and condescending to scholars, so that they flock to you as the waters flow to the east sea, and that certainly you would show kindness to one of the same ancestry. Wherefore he has sent me to explain matters and request your commands."

25 曹操仓亭... :
表大喜曰:“玄德,吾弟也。久欲相会,而不可得。今肯惠顾,实为幸甚。”蔡瑁谮曰:“不可。刘备先从吕布,后事曹操,近投袁绍,皆不克终,足可见其为人。今若纳之,曹操必加兵于我,枉动干戈;不如斩孙乾之首,以献曹操,操必重待主公也。”孙乾正色曰:“乾非惧死之人也。刘使君忠心为国,非曹操、袁绍、吕布等比。前此相从,不得已也。今闻刘将军汉朝苗裔,谊切同宗,故千里相投。尔何献谗而妒贤如此耶!”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
"He is my brother," said Liu Biao, "and I have long desired to see him, but no opportunity has occurred. I should be very happy if he would come."
Cai Mao, who was sitting by, here broke in, "No, no! Liu Bei first followed Lu Bu, then he served Cao Cao, and next he joined himself to Yuan Shao. And he stayed with none of these, so that you can see what manner of man he is. If he comes here, Cao Cao will assuredly come against us and fight. Better cut off this messenger's head and send it as an offering to Cao Cao, who would reward you well for the service."
Sun Qian sat unmoved while this harangue was pronounced, saying at the end, "I am not afraid of death. Liu Bei, the Princely One, is true and loyal to the state and so out of sympathy with Lu Bu, or Cao Cao, or Yuan Shao. It is true he followed these three, but there was no help for it. Now he knows your chief is a member of the family, so that both are of the same ancestry, and that is why he has come far to join him. How can you slander a good man like that?"

26 曹操仓亭... :
刘表闻言,乃叱蔡瑁曰:“吾主意已定,汝勿多言。”蔡瑁惭恨而出。刘表遂命孙乾先往报玄德,一面亲自出郭三十里迎接。玄德见表,执礼甚恭。表亦相待甚厚。玄德引关、张等拜见刘表,表遂与玄德同入荆州,分拨院宅居住。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Liu Biao bade Cai Mao be silent and said, "I have decided, and you need say no more."
Whereat Cai Mao sulkily left the audience chamber.
Then Sun Qian was told to return with the news that Liu Bei would be welcome, and Imperial Protector Liu Biao went ten miles beyond the city to meet his guest.
When Liu Bei arrived, he behaved to his host with the utmost politeness and was warmly welcomed in return. Then Liu Bei introduced his two sworn brothers and friends and they entered Jingzhou City where Liu Bei finally was lodged in the Imperial Protector's own residence.

27 曹操仓亭... :
却说曹操探知玄德已往荆州,投奔刘表,便欲引兵攻之。程昱曰:“袁绍未除,而遽攻荆、襄,倘袁绍从北而起,胜负未可知矣。不如还兵许都,养军蓄锐,待来年春暖,然后引兵先破袁绍,后取荆、襄。南北之利,一举可收也。”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
As soon as Cao Cao knew whither his enemy had gone, he wished to attack Liu Biao, but Cheng Yu advised against any attempt so long as Yuan Shao, the dangerous enemy, was left with power to inflict damage.
He said, "My lord should return to the capital to refresh the soldiers so that they may be ready for a north and south campaign in the mild spring weather."

28 曹操仓亭... :
操然其言,遂提兵回许都。至建安八年,春正月,操复商议兴兵。先差夏侯敦、满宠镇守汝南,以拒刘表;留曹仁、荀彧守许都;亲统大军前赴官渡屯扎。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
Cao Cao accepted his advice and set out for the capital. In the first month of the eighth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 203), Cao Cao once again began to think of war, and sent to garrison Runan as a precaution against Liu Biao. Then, after arranging for the safety of the capital, he marched a large army to Guandu, the camp of the year before, and aimed at Jizhou.

29 曹操仓亭... :
且说袁绍自旧岁感冒吐血症候,今方稍愈,商议欲攻许都。审配谏曰:“旧岁官渡、仓亭之败,军心未振,尚当深沟高垒,以养军民之力。”
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
As to Yuan Shao, who had been suffering from blood-spitting but was now in better health, he began to think of measures against Xuchang, but Shen Pei dissuaded him, saying, "You are not yet recovered from the fatigues of last year. It would be better to make your position impregnable and set to improving the army."

30 曹操仓亭... :
正议间,忽报曹操进兵官渡,来攻冀州。绍曰:“若候兵临城下,将至河边,然后拒敌,事已迟矣。吾当自领大军出迎。”袁尚曰:“父亲病体未痊,不可远征。儿愿提兵前去迎敌。”绍许之,遂使人往青州取袁谭,幽州取袁熙,并州取高干,四路同破曹操。正是:才向汝南鸣战鼓,又从冀北动征鼙。未知胜负如何,且看下文分解。
Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan...:
When the news of Cao Cao's approach arrived, Yuan Shao said, "If we allow the foe to get close to the city before we march to the river, we shall have missed our opportunity. I must go out to repel this army."
Here his son Yuan Shang interposed, "Father, you are not sufficiently recovered for a campaign and should not go so far. Let me lead the army against this enemy."
Yuan Shao consented, and he sent to Qingzhou and Youzhou and Bingzhou to call upon his other two sons and his nephew to attack Cao Cao at the same time as his own army.
Against Runan they beat the drum,
And from Jizhou the armies come.
To whom the victory will be seen in the next chapter.

URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch31