| 中国哲学书电子化计划 | |
| 简体字版 |
《蔡夫人隔屏听密语，刘皇叔跃马过檀溪》 |
| 1 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 却说曹操于金光处，掘出一铜雀，问荀攸曰：“此何兆也？”攸曰：“昔舜母梦玉雀入怀而生舜。今得铜雀，亦吉祥之兆也。”操大喜，遂命作高台以庆之。乃即日破土断木，烧瓦磨砖，筑铜雀台于漳河上之上。约计一年而工毕。少子曹植进曰：“若建层台，必立三座：中间高者，名为铜雀；左边一座，名为玉龙；右边一座，名为金凤。更作两条飞桥，横空而上，乃为壮观。”操曰：“吾儿所言甚善。他日台成，足可娱吾老矣！”原来曹操有五子，惟植性敏慧，善文章，曹操平日最爱之。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
The diggers at the spot whence the golden light proceeded presently unearthed a bronze bird. Looking at it, Cao Cao turned to his companion, saying, "What is the portent?" "You will remember that the mother of the praiseworthy King Shun dreamed of a jade bird before his birth, so certainly it is a felicitous omen," said Xun You. Cao Cao was very pleased, and he ordered forthwith the building of a lofty tower to celebrate the find, and they began to dig foundations and cut timber, to burn tiles and to smooth bricks for the Bronze Bird Tower on the banks of the River Zhang. Cao Cao set a year for the building. His younger son, Cao Zhi, said, "If you build a terraced tower, you should add two others, one on each side. The center tower as the tallest should be called the Bronze Bird Tower. The side towers named Jade Dragon Tower and Golden Phoenix Tower. Then connect these by flying bridges and the effect will be noble." "My son, your words are very good; and by and bye when the building is complete, I can solace my old age therein." Cao Cao had five sons, but this one Cao Zhi was the most clever and his essays were particularly elegant. His father was very fond of him. | |
| 2 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 于是留曹植与曹丕在邺郡造台，使张燕守北寨。操将所得袁绍之兵，共五六十万，班师回许都，大封功臣；又表赠郭嘉为贞侯，养其子奕于府中。复聚众谋士商议，欲南征刘表。荀彧曰：“大军方北征而回，未可复动。且待半年，养精蓄锐，刘表、孙权，可一鼓而下也。”操从之，遂分兵屯田，以候调用。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Seeing that the young man took an interest in the building, Cao Cao left him with his elder brother Cao Pi at Yejun to superintend the work, while he led a half-a-million army that had recently been captured from the Yuans back to Capital Xuchang. When he arrived, he distributed rewards liberally and memorialized the Throne obtaining the title of the Pure Lord for the late Guo Jia. And he took Guo Jia's son, Guo Ye, to be brought up in his own family. Next Cao Cao began to consider the reduction of Liu Biao's power. Xun You said, "The Grand Army has only just returned from the north and needs rest. Wait half a year that the soldiers may recover from the fatigue of the campaign, and both Liu Biao and Sun Quan will fall at the first roll of the drums." Presently Cao Cao approved of this plan. To enrich his troops, he assigned certain lands to them to till while they rested. | |
| 3 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 却说玄德自到荆州，刘表待之甚厚。一日，正相聚饮酒，忽报降将张武、陈孙在江夏掠人民，共谋造反。表惊曰：“二贼又反，为祸不小！”玄德曰：“不须兄长忧虑，备请往讨之。”表大喜，即点三万军，与玄德前去。玄德领命即行，不一日，来到江夏。张武、陈孙引兵来迎。玄德与关、张、赵云出马在门旗下。望见张武所骑之马，极其雄骏。玄德曰：“此必千里马也。” |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
In Jingzhou, Liu Biao had been very generous to Liu Bei ever since he had come as a fugitive seeking shelter. One day at a banquet there came news that two generals, Zhang Wu and Chen Sun, who had tendered their submission, had suddenly begun plundering the people in Jiangxia. They evidently meant rebellion. "If they really rebel, it will cause a lot of trouble," said Liu Biao, rather dismayed. "Do not let that trouble you. I will go and settle it," said Liu Bei. Pleased with this proposal, Liu Biao told off thirty thousand troops and placed them under his friend, and the army marched as soon as the orders were issued. In a short time it reached the scene, and the two malcontents came out to fight. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Zilong took their stand beneath the great banner and looked over at the enemy. Zhang Wu was riding a handsome prancing horse, and Liu Bei said, "He certainly has a fine steed." | |
| 4 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 言未毕，赵云挺枪出，径冲彼阵。张武纵马来迎，不三合，被赵云一枪刺落马下，随手扯住辔头，牵马回阵。陈孙见了，随赶来夺。张飞大喝一声，挺矛直出，将陈孙刺死。众皆溃散。玄德招安馀党，平复江夏诸县，班师而回。表出郭迎接入城，设宴庆功。酒至半酣，表曰：“吾弟如此雄才，荆州有倚赖也。但忧南越不时来寇；张鲁、孙权皆足为虑。”玄德曰：“弟有三将，足可委用：使张飞巡南越之境；云长拒固子城，以镇张鲁；赵云拒三江，以当孙权；何足虑哉？” |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
As he spoke, Zhao Zilong galloped out with his spear set and dashed toward the enemy. Zhang Wu came out to meet him, but the combat was very brief for Zhang Wu was soon killed by a spear thrust. Thereupon Zhao Zilong laid a hand upon the bridle of the fallen man's horse to lead it back to his own side. The slain rebel's companion Chen Sun at once rode after Zhao Zilong, whereupon Zhang Fei uttered a loud shout and rode out to meet him. With one thrust Zhang Fei slew the rebel. Their followers now scattered, and Liu Bei speedily restored order in Jiangxia and returned to Jingzhou City. Liu Biao, grateful for this service, rode out to the boundary to welcome the victors. They reentered the city and grand banquets were instituted, at which they emptied great goblets in congratulations over the victory. At one of these banquets the Imperial Protector said, "With such heroism as my brother has shown, Jingzhou has one upon whom to rely. But a source of sorrow is the borders with the lands of Yue, Wu, and Shu, from which a raid may come at any time. Zhang Lu of Shu and Sun Quan of Yue and Wu are to be feared." "But I have three bold generals," said Liu Bei, "quite equal to any task you can set them. Send Zhang Fei to keep ward on the southern border of Yue, Guan Yu to guard the city of Guzi against Zhang Lu in the west, and Zhao Zilong holding the Three Gorges will protect you from Sun Quan. Why need you grieve?" | |
| 5 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 表喜，欲从其言。蔡瑁告其姊蔡夫人曰：“刘备遣三将居外，而自居荆州，久必为患。”蔡夫人乃夜对刘表曰：“我闻荆州人多与刘备往来，不可不防之。今容其居住城中，无益，不若遣使他往。”表曰：“玄德仁人也。”蔡氏曰：“只恐他人不似汝心。” |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
The scheme appealed strongly to the Imperial Protector, but Cai Mao did not approve. So he spoke to his sister, Liu Biao's wife, saying, "Liu Bei is putting his troops in such commanding positions all round the region. That is the danger." Lady Cai, thus influenced by her brother, undertook to remonstrate, and that night began by saying to Liu Biao, "Some in the Jingzhou army seem to have a great liking for Liu Bei. They are always coming and going. You ought to take precautions. I do not think you should let Liu Bei stay in the city. Why not send him on some mission?" "Liu Bei is a good man," replied the Imperial Protector. "I think others differ from you," said the lady. | |
| 6 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 表沈吟不答。次日出城，见玄德所乘之马极骏，问之，知是张武之马，表赞不已。玄德遂将此马送与刘表。表大喜，骑回城中。蒯越见而问之。表曰：“此玄德所送也。”越曰：“昔先兄蒯良，最善相马；越亦颇晓。此马眼下有泪槽，额边生白点，名为的卢，骑则妨主。张武为此马而亡。主公不可乘之。” |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Liu Biao said nothing but muttered to himself. Soon after he went out of the city to see Liu Bei and noticed he was riding a very handsome horse. They told him it was a prize taken from the recently conquered rebels; and as he praised it very warmly, Liu Bei presented it to him. Liu Biao was delighted and rode it back to the city. Kuai Yue saw it and asked where it had come from. The Imperial Protector told him it was a gift from Liu Bei. Kuai Yue said, "My passed-away brother, Kuai Liang, knew horses very well, and I am not a bad judge. This horse has tear-tracks running down from its eyes and a white blaze on its forehead. It is called a Dilu horse, and it is a danger to his master. That is why Zhang Wu was killed. I advise you not to ride it." | |
| 7 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 表听其言。次日请玄德饮宴，因言曰：“昨承惠良马，深感厚意。但贤弟不时征进，可以用之。敬当送还。”玄德起谢。表又曰：“贤弟久居此间，恐废武事。襄阳属邑新野县，颇有钱粮。弟可引本部军马于本县屯扎，何如？” |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Liu Biao began to think. Soon after he asked Liu Bei to a banquet and in the course of it said, "You kindly presented me with a horse lately, and I am most grateful. But you may need it on some of your expeditions and, if you do not mind, I would like to return it." Liu Bei rose and thanked him. The Imperial Protector continued, "You have been here a long time, and I fear I am spoiling your career as a warrior. Now Xinye in Xiangyang is no poverty-stricken town. How would you like to garrison it with your own troops?" | |
| 8 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 玄德领诺。次日，谢别刘表，引本部军马迳往新野。方出城门，只见一人在马前长揖曰：“公所骑马，不可乘也。”玄德视之，乃荆州幕宾伊藉，字机伯，山阳人也。玄德忙下马问之。籍曰：“昨闻蒯异度对刘荆州云：‘此马名的卢，乘则妨主。’因此还公，公岂可复乘之？”玄德曰：“深感先生见爱。但凡人死生有命，岂马所能妨哉！”籍深服其高见，自此常与玄德往来。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Liu Bei naturally took the offer as a command and set out as soon as he could, taking leave of the Imperial Protector the next day. And so he took up his quarters in Xinye. When he left Jingzhou City, he noticed in the gate a person making him emphatic salutations, and the man presently said, "You should not ride that horse." Liu Bei looked at the man and recognized in the speaker one of the secretaries of Liu Biao named Yi Ji, a native of Shanyang. So Liu Bei hastily dismounted and asked why. Yi Ji replied, "Yesterday I heard that Kuai Yue told the Imperial Protector that that horse was a Dilu horse and brought disaster to its owner. That is why it was returned to you. How can you mount it again?" "I am deeply touched by your affection," replied Liu Bei, "but a person's life is governed by fate, and what a horse can interfere with that?" Yi Ji admitted his superior view, and thereafter he kept in touch with Liu Bei wherever he went. | |
| 9 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 玄德自到新野，军民皆喜，政治一新。建安十二年春，甘夫人生刘禅。是夜有白鹤一只，飞来县衙屋上，高鸣四十馀声，望西飞去。临分娩时，异香满室。甘夫人尝夜梦仰吞北斗，故乳名阿斗。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
The arrival of Liu Bei in Xinye was a matter of rejoicing to all the inhabitants, and the whole administration was reformed. In the spring of the twelfth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 207), Liu Bei's wife, Lady Gan, gave birth to a son who was named Liu Shan. The night of his birth a crane settled on the roof of the house, screeched some forty times and then flew away westward. Just at the time of birth a miraculous incense filled the chamber. Lady Gan one night had dreamed that she was looking up at the sky, and the constellation of the Great Bear had fallen down her throat. And she conceived soon after. | |
| 10 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 此时曹操正统兵北征。玄德乃往荆州，说刘表曰：“今曹操北征，许昌空虚，若以荆、襄之众，乘间袭之，大事可就也。”表曰：“吾坐据荆州足矣，岂可别图？”玄德默然。表邀入后堂饮酒。酒至半酣，表忽然长叹。玄德曰：“兄长何故长叹？”表曰：“吾有心事，未易明言。”玄德再欲问时，蔡夫人出立屏后。刘表乃垂头不语。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
While Cao Cao was absent from the capital on his northern expedition, Liu Bei went to Liu Biao and said to him, "Why do you not take this opportunity to march against the capital? An empire might follow from that." "I am well placed here," was the reply. "Why should I attempt other things?" Liu Bei said no more. Then the Imperial Protector invited him into the private apartments to drink. While they were so engaged, Liu Biao suddenly began to sigh despondently. "O brother, why do you sigh thus?" asked Liu Bei. "I have a secret sorrow that is difficult to speak about," said Liu Biao. Liu Bei was on the point of asking what it was when Lady Cai came and stood behind the screen, whereat Liu Biao hung his head and became silent. | |
| 11 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 须臾席散，玄德自归新野。至是年冬，闻曹操自柳城回，玄德甚叹表之不用其言。忽一日，刘表遣使至，请玄德赴荆州相会。玄德随使而往，刘表接著，叙礼毕，请入后堂饮宴；因谓玄德曰：“近闻曹操提兵回许都，势日强盛，必有吞并荆、襄之心，昔日悔不听贤弟之言，失此好机会！”玄德曰：“今天下分裂，干戈日起，机会岂有尽乎？若能应之于后，未足为恨也。”表曰：“吾弟之言甚当。”相与对饮。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Before long host and guest bade each other farewell, and Liu Bei went back to his own place at Xinye. That winter they heard that Cao Cao had returned from Liucheng, and Liu Bei sighed when he reflected that his friend had paid no heed to his advice. Unexpectedly a messenger came from the capital city with a request that Liu Bei would go thither to consult with the Imperial Protector. So he started at once with the messenger to Jingzhou City. He was received very kindly, and when the salutations were over, the two men went into the private quarters at the rear to dine. Presently Liu Biao said, "Cao Cao has returned, and he is stronger than ever. I am afraid he means to absorb this region. I am sorry I did not follow your advice for I have missed an opportunity." "In this period of disruption, with strife on every side, one cannot pretend that there will be no more opportunities. If you only take what that offers, there will be nothing to regret." "What you say, brother, is quite to the point," replied Liu Biao. They drank on for a time. | |
| 12 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 酒酣，表忽潸然下泪。玄德问其故。表曰：“吾有心事，前者欲诉与贤弟，未得其便。”玄德曰：“兄长有何难决之事？倘有用弟之处，弟虽死不辞。”表曰：“前妻陈氏所生长子琦，为人虽贤，而柔懦不足立大事；后妻蔡氏所生少子琮，颇聪明。吾欲废长立幼，恐碍于礼法；欲立长子，争奈蔡氏族中，皆掌军务，后必生乱：因此委决不下。”玄德曰：“自古废长立幼，取乱之道。若忧蔡氏权重，可徐徐削之，不可溺爱而立少子也。”表默然。原来蔡夫人素疑玄德，凡遇玄德与表叙论，必来窃听；是时正在屏风后，闻玄德此言，心甚恨之。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Presently Liu Bei noticed that his host was weeping, and when he asked the cause of these tears, Liu Biao replied, "It is that secret sorrow I spoke of to you before. I wished to tell you, but there was no opportunity that day." "O brother, what difficulty have you, and can I assist you? I am entirely at your service." "My first wife, of the Chen family, bore me a son Liu Qi, my eldest. He grew up virtuous but weakly and unfitted to succeed me in my office. Later I took a wife of the Cai family, who bore me a son named Liu Zong, fairly intelligent. If I pass over the elder in favor of the younger, there is the breach of the rule of primogeniture. But if I follow law and custom, there are the intrigues of the Cai family and clan to be reckoned with. Further, the army is in the hollow of their hands. There will be trouble, and I cannot decide what to do." Liu Bei said, "All experience proves that to set aside the elder for the younger is to take the way of confusion. If you fear the power of the Cai faction, then gradually reduce its power and influence, but do not let doting affection lead you into making the younger your heir." Liu Biao pondered silent. But Lady Cai had had a suspicion why her lord had summoned Liu Bei and what was the subject of discussion, so she had determined to listen secretly. She was behind the screen when the matter was talked over, and she conceived deep resentment against Liu Bei for what he had said. | |
| 13 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 玄德自知语失，遂起身如厕。因见己身髀肉复生，亦不觉潸然流泪。少顷复入席。表见玄德有泪容，怪问之。玄德长叹曰：“备往常身不离鞍，髀肉皆散；今久不骑，髀里肉生。日月蹉跎，老将至矣，而功业不建，是以悲耳！”表曰：“吾闻贤弟在许昌，与曹操青梅煮酒，共论英雄；贤弟尽举当世名士，操皆不许，而独曰：‘天下英雄，惟使君与操耳。’以曹操之权力，犹不敢居吾弟之先，何虑功业不建乎？”玄德乘著酒兴，失口答曰：“备若有基本，天下碌碌之辈，诚不足虑也。”表闻言默然。玄德自知失语，托醉而起，归馆舍安歇，后人有诗赞玄德曰： |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
On his side, Liu Bei felt that his advice had fallen upon a forbidden subject, and he arose and walked across the room. As he did so he noticed that he was getting heavy and stiff, and a furtive tear stole down his cheek as he thought of the past. When he returned and sat down, his host noticed the traces of weeping and asked the cause of his sorrow. "In the past I was always in the saddle, and I was slender and lithe. Now it is so long since I rode that I am getting stout, and the days and months are slipping by —-wasted. I shall have old age on me in no time, and I have accomplished nothing. So I am sad." "I have heard a story that when you were at Xuchang at the season of green plums, you and Cao Cao were discussing heroes. You mentioned this name and that to him as humans of parts, and he rejected everyone of them. Finally he said that you and he were the only two persons of real worth in the whole empire. If he with all his power and authority did not dare to place himself in front of you, I do not think you need grieve about having accomplished nothing." At this flattering speech Liu Bei, as wine was getting the better of him and in a half maudlin manner, replied, "If I only had a starting point, then I would not be afraid of anyone in a world full of fools." His host said no more and the guest, feeling that he had slipped up in speech, rose as if drunk, took leave, and staggered out saying he must return to his lodging to recover. The episode has been celebrated in a poem: | |
| 曹公屈指从头数，天下英雄独使君。髀肉复生犹感叹，争教寰宇不三分？ | ||
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When with crooking fingers counting, Cao Cao reckoned up the forceful Humans of real determination, Only two he found; and one was Liu Bei. But by inaction He had grown both fat and slothful; Yet the months and years in passing Fretted him with nought accomplished. | ||
| 14 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 却说刘表闻玄德语，口虽不言，心怀不乐，别了玄德，退入内宅。蔡夫人曰：“适间我于屏后听得刘备之言，甚轻觑人，足见其有吞并荆州之意。今若不除，必为后患。”表不答，但摇头而已。蔡氏乃密召蔡瑁入，商议此事。瑁曰：“请先就馆舍杀之，然后告知主公。”蔡氏然其言。瑁出，便连夜点军。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Though Liu Biao kept silence when he heard the words of Liu Bei, yet he felt the more uneasy. After the departure of his guest, he retired into the inner quarters where he met his wife. Lady Cai said, "I happened to be behind the screen just now and so heard the words of Liu Bei. They betray scant regard for other people and mean that he would take your territory if he could. If you do not remove him, it will go ill with you." Her husband made no reply, but only shook his head. Then Lady Cai took counsel with her kinsman Cai Mao, who said, "Let me go to the guest-house and slay him forthwith, and we can report what we have done." His sister consented and he went out, and that night told off a party of soldiers to do the foul deed. | |
| 15 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 却说玄德在馆舍中秉烛而坐，三更以后，方欲就寝。忽一人叩门而入，视之乃伊籍也。原来伊籍探知蔡瑁欲害玄德，特夤夜来报。当下伊籍将蔡瑁之谋，报知玄德，催促玄德速速起身。玄德曰：“未辞景升，如何便去？”籍曰：“公若辞，必遭蔡瑁之害矣。” |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Now Liu Bei sat in his lodging by the light of a single candle till about the third watch, when he prepared to retire to bed. He was startled by a knock at his door and in came Yi Ji, who had heard of the plot against his new master and had come in the darkness to warn him. He related the details of the plot and urged speedy departure. "I have not said farewell to my host. How can I go away?" said Liu Bei. "If you go to bid him farewell, you will fall a victim to the Cai faction," said Yi Ji. | |
| 16 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 玄德乃谢别伊籍，急唤从者，一齐上马。不待天明，星夜奔回新野。比及蔡瑁领军到馆舍时，玄德已去远矣。瑁悔恨无及，乃写诗一首于壁间，迳入见表曰：“刘备有反叛之意，题反诗于壁上，不辞而去矣。”表不信，亲诣馆舍观之，果有诗四句。诗曰： |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
So Liu Bei said a hasty good-bye to his friend, called up his escort, and they all mounted and rode away by the light of the stars toward Xinye. Soon after they had left the soldiers arrived at the guest-house, but their intended victim was already well on his way. Naturally the failure of the plot chagrined the treacherous Cai Mao, but he took the occasion to scribble some calumnious verses on one of the partitions. Then he went to see Liu Biao to whom he said, "Liu Bei has treacherous intentions, as can be seen from some lines written on the wall. And his hurried departure is suspicious." Liu Biao felt doubtful, but he went to the guest-house and there on the wall he read this poem: | |
| 数年徒守困，空对旧山川。龙岂池中物，乘雷欲上天！ | ||
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Too long, far too long I have dreamed life away, Gazing at scenery day after day. A dragon can never be kept in a pond, He should ride on the thunder to heaven and beyond. | ||
| 17 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 刘表见诗大怒，拔剑言曰：“誓杀此无义之徒！”行数步，猛省曰：“吾与玄德相处许多时，不曾见他作诗，此必外人离间之计也。”遂回步入馆舍，用剑尖削去此诗，弃剑上马。蔡瑁请曰：“军士已点齐，可就往新野擒刘备。”表曰：“未可造次，容徐图之。” |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Greatly angered by what he read, Liu Biao drew his sword and swore to slay the writer. But before he had gone many paces, his anger had already died down, and he said to himself, "I have seen much of the man, but have never known him write verses. This is the handiwork of someone who wishes to sow discord between us." So saying, he turned back and with the point of his sword scraped away the poem. Then, putting up his sword, he mounted and rode home. By and bye Cai Mao reminded him, saying, "The soldiers are awaiting your orders to go to Xinye and arrest Liu Bei." 'There is no hurry," he replied. | |
| 18 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 蔡瑁见表迟疑不决，乃暗与蔡夫人商议，即日大会众官于襄阳，就彼处谋之。次日，瑁禀表曰：“近年丰熟，合聚众官于襄阳，以示抚慰之意。请主公一行。”表曰：“吾近日气疾作，实不能行。可令二子为主待客。”瑁曰：“公子年幼，恐失于礼节。”表曰：“可往新野请玄德待客。”瑁暗喜正中其计，便差人请玄德赴襄阳。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Cai Mao saw his brother-in-law's hesitation and again sought his sister. She said, "Soon there is to be the great gathering at Xiangyang, and we can arrange something for that day." Next day Cai Mao petitioned the Imperial Protector, saying, "We have had several fruitful harvests recently. I pray you, Sir, attend the Full Harvest Festival at Xiangyang. It would be an encouragement to the people." "I have been feeling my old trouble lately. I certainly cannot go," replied he, "but my two sons can go to represent me and to receive the guests." "They are full young," replied Cai Mao. "They may make some mistakes." "Then go to Xinye and request Liu Bei to receive the guests," said Liu Biao. Nothing could have pleased Cai Mao more, for this would bring Liu Bei within reach of his plot. Without loss of time he sent to Liu Bei requesting him to go to preside at the Festival. | |
| 19 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 却说玄德奔回新野，自知失言取祸，未对众人言之。忽使者至，请赴襄阳。孙乾曰：“昨见主公匆匆而回，意甚不乐。愚意度之，在荆州必有事故。今忽请赴会，不可轻往。”玄德方将前项事诉与诸人。云长曰：“兄自疑心语失。刘荆州并无嗔责之意。外人之言，未可轻信。襄阳离此不远，若不去，则荆州反生疑矣。”玄德曰：“云长之言是也。”张飞曰：“筵无好筵，会无好会，不如休去。”赵云曰：“某将马步军三百人同往，可保主公无事。”玄德曰：“如此甚好。” |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
It has been said that Liu Bei made the best of his way home to Xinye. He felt that he had offended by that slip in speech, but determined to keep silence about it and attempt no explanation. So he discussed it with nobody. Then came the message asking him to preside at the Festival, and he needed counsel. Sun Qian said, "You have seemed worried and preoccupied lately, and I think something untoward happened at Jingzhou. You should consider well before you accept this invitation." Thereupon Liu Bei told his confidants the whole story. Guan Yu said, "You yourself think your speech offended the Imperial Protector, but he said nothing to show displeasure. You need pay no attention to the babble of outsiders like Yi Ji. Xiangyang is quite near and, if you do not go, Liu Biao will begin to suspect something really is wrong." "You speak well," said Liu Bei. | |
| 20 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 遂与赵云即日赴襄阳。蔡瑁出郭迎接，意甚谦谨。随后刘琦、刘琮二子，引一班文武官僚出迎。玄德见二公子俱在，并不疑忌。是日请玄德于馆舍暂歇。赵云引三百军围绕保护。云披甲挂剑，行坐不离左右。刘琦告玄德曰：“父亲气疾作，不能行动，特请叔父待客，抚劝各处守牧之官。”玄德曰：“吾本不敢当此，既有兄命，不敢不从。” |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Said Zhang Fei, "Banquets are no good; gatherings are no better. It is best not to go." "Let me take three hundred horse and foot as escort: There will be no trouble then," said Zhao Zilong. "That is the best course," said Liu Bei. They soon set out for the gathering place, and Cai Mao met them at the boundary and was most affable and courteous. Soon arrived the Imperial Protector's sons at the head of a great company of officers, civil and military. Their appearance put Liu Bei more at ease. He was conducted to the guest-house, and Zhao Zilong posted his men so as to guard it completely, while he himself, armed, remained close to his chief. Liu Qi said to Liu Bei, "My father is feeling unwell and could not come, wherefore he begs you, Uncle Liu Bei, to preside at the various ceremonies and give encouragement to the officers who administer the region." "Really I am unfit for such responsibilities," said Liu Bei. "But my brother's command must be obeyed." | |
| 21 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 次日，人报九郡四十二州官员，俱已到齐。蔡瑁预请蒯越计议曰：“刘备世之枭雄，久留于此，后必为害；可就今日除之。”越曰：“恐失士民之望。”瑁曰：“吾已密领刘荆州言语在此。”越曰：“既如此，可预作准备。”瑁曰：“东门岘山大路，已使吾弟蔡和引军守把；南门外己使蔡中守把；北门外已使蔡勋守把。止有西门不必守把──前有檀溪阻隔，虽数万之众，不易过也。”越曰：“吾见赵云行坐不离玄德，恐难下手。”瑁曰：“吾伏五百军在城内准备。”越曰：“可使文聘、王威二人另设一席于外厅，以侍武将。先请住赵云，然后可行事。” |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Next day it was reported that the officials from forty-two counties of nine territories of Jingzhou had all arrived. Then Cai Mao said to Kuai Yue, "This Liu Bei is the villain of the age and if left alive will certainly work harm to us. He must be got rid of now." "I fear you would forfeit everybody's favor if you harmed him," replied Kuai Yue. "I have already secretly spoken in these terms to the Imperial Protector," said Cai Mao, "and I have his word here." "So it may be regarded as settled. Then we can prepare." Cai Mao added, "My brothers are ready. Cai He is posted on the road to the Xian Hills from the east gate; Cai Zhong and Cai Xun are on the north and south roads. No guard is needed on the west as the Tan Torrent is quite safeguard enough. Even with legions, Liu Bei could not get over that." Kuai Yue replied, "I notice that Zhao Zilong never leaves him. I feel sure he expects some attack." "I have placed five hundred men in ambush in the city." "We will tell Wen Ping and Wang Wei to invite all the military officers to a banquet at one of the pavilions outside the city, and Zhao Zilong will be among them. Then will be our opportunity." | |
| 22 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 瑁从其言。当日杀牛宰马，大张筵席。玄德乘的卢马至州衙，命牵入后园擐系。众官皆至堂中。玄德主席，二公子两边分坐，其馀各依次而坐。赵云带剑立于玄德之侧。文聘、王威入请赵云赴席。云推辞不去。玄德令云就席，云勉强应命而出。蔡瑁在外收拾得铁桶相似，将玄德带来三百军，都遣归馆舍，只待半酣，号起下手。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Cai Mao thought this a good device for getting Zhao Zilong out of the way. Now oxen and horses had been slaughtered and a grand banquet prepared. Liu Bei rode to the residence on the horse of ill omen, and when he arrived, the steed was led into the back part of the enclosure and tethered there. Soon the guests arrived, and Liu Bei took his place as master of the feast, with the two sons of the Imperial Protector, one on each side. The guests were all arranged in order of rank. Zhao Zilong stood near his lord sword in hand as a faithful henchman should do. Then Wen Ping and Wang Wei came to invite Zhao Zilong to the banquet they had prepared for the military officers. But he declined. However, Liu Bei told him to go, and, after some demur, he went. Then Cai Mao perfected his final arrangements, placing his people surrounding the place like a ring of iron. The three hundred guards that formed the escort of Liu Bei were sent away to the guest-house. All were ready and awaiting the signal. | |
| 23 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 酒至三巡，伊籍起把盏，至玄德前，以目视玄德，低声谓曰：“请更衣。”玄德会意，即起如厕。伊籍把盏毕，疾入后园，接著玄德，附耳报曰：“蔡瑁设计害君，城外东、南、北三处，皆有军马守把。惟西门可走，公宜急逃！”玄德大惊，急解的卢马，开后园门牵出，飞身上马，不顾从者，匹马望西门而走。门吏问之，玄德不答，加鞭而出。门吏当之不住，飞报蔡瑁。瑁即上马，引五百军随后追赶。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
At the third course, Yi Ji took a goblet of wine in his hands and approached Liu Bei, at the same time giving him a meaningful look. Then in a low voice he said, "Make an excuse to get away." Liu Bei understood and presently rose and went to the inner chamber, and then he went to the backyard. There he found Yi Ji, who had gone thither after presenting the cup of wine. Yi Ji then told him, saying, "Cai Mao plots to kill you, and all the roads have been guarded except that to the west. My lord, you must lose no time to depart." Liu Bei was quite taken aback. However, he got hold of the Dilu horse, opened the door of the garden, and led it out. Then he took a flying leap into the saddle and galloped off without waiting for the escort. He made for the west gate. At the gate the wardens wanted to question him, but he only whipped up his steed and rode through. The guards at the gate ran off to report to Cai Mao, who quickly went in pursuit with five hundred soldiers. | |
| 24 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 却说玄德撞出西门，行无数里，前有大溪，拦住去路。那檀溪阔数丈，水通襄江，其波甚紧。玄德到溪边，见不可渡，勒马再回，遥望城西尘头大起，追兵将至。玄德曰：“今番死矣！”遂回马到溪边。回头看时，追兵已近。玄德著慌，纵马下溪。行不数步，马前蹄忽陷，浸湿衣袍。玄德乃加鞭大呼曰：“的卢！的卢！今日妨吾！”言毕，那马忽从水中涌身而起，一跃三丈，飞上西岸。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
As has been said Liu Bei burst out at the west gate. Before he had gone far, there rolled before him a river barring the way. It was the Tan Torrent, many score spans in width, which pours its waters into the River Xiang. Its current was very swift. Liu Bei reached the bank and saw the river was unfordable. So he turned his horse and rode back. Then, not far off, he saw a cloud of dust and knew that his pursuers were therein. He thought that it was all over. However, he turned again toward the swift river, and seeing the soldiers now quite near, plunged into the stream. A few paces, and he felt the horse's fore legs floundering in front, while the water rose over the skirt of his robe. Then he plied the whip furiously, crying, "Dilu, Dilu, why betray me?" Whereupon the good steed suddenly reared up out of the water and, with one tremendous leap, was on the western bank. | |
| 25 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 玄德如从云雾中起。后来苏学士有古风一篇，单咏刘玄德跃马檀溪事。诗曰： |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: | Liu Bei felt as if he had come out of the clouds. In after years the famous court official, Su Dongpo, wrote a poem on this leap over the Tan Torrent: | |
| 26 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 老去花残春日暮，宦游偶至檀溪路；停驺遥望独徘徊，眼前零落飘红絮。暗想咸阳火德衰，龙争虎斗交相持。襄阳会上王孙饮，坐中玄德身将危。逃生独出西门道，背后追兵复将到。一川烟水涨檀溪，急叱征骑往前跳。马蹄踏碎青玻璃，天风响处金鞭挥。耳畔但闻千骑走，波中忽见双龙飞。西川独霸真英主，坐下龙驹两相遇。檀溪溪水自东流，龙驹英主今何处？临流三叹心欲酸，斜阳寂寂照空山。三分鼎足浑如梦，踪迹空留在世间。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
I'm growing old, the leaves are sere, My sun slopes westward, soon will sink, And I recall that yesteryear I wandered by Tan River brink. Irresolute, anon I paused, Anon advanced, and gazed around, I marked the autumn's reddened leaves, And watched them eddying to the ground. I thought of all the mighty deeds Of him who set the House of Han On high, and all the struggles since, The battlefields, the blood that ran. I saw the nobles gathered round The board, set in the Banquet Hall; Amid them, one, above whose head There hung a sword about to fall. I saw him quit that festive throng And westward ride, a lonely way; I saw a squadron follow swift, Intent the fugitive to slay. I saw him reach the River Tan, Whose swirling current rushes by; Adown the bank he galloped fast, "Now leap, my steed!" I heard him cry. His steed's hoofs churn the swollen stream; What chills he that the waves run high? He hears the sound of clashing steel, Of thundering squadrons coming nigh. And upward from the foaming waves I saw two peerless beings soar; One was a destined western king, And him another dragon bore. The Tan still rolls from east to west. Its roaring torrent never dry. Those dragons twain, ah! Where are they? Yes, where? But there is no reply. The setting sun, in dark relief Against the glowing western sky. Throws out the everlasting hills While, saddened, here I stand and sigh. Humans died to found the kingdoms three, Which now as misty dreams remain. Of greatest deeds the traces oft Are faint that fleeting years retain. | |
| 27 | 蔡夫人隔... : | 玄德跃过溪西，顾望东岸，蔡瑁已引军赶到溪边，大叫：“使君何故逃席而去？”玄德曰：“吾与汝无雠，何故欲相害？”瑁曰：“吾并无此心，使君休听人言。”玄德见瑁手将拈弓取箭，乃急拨马望西南而去。瑁谓左右曰：“是何神助也！”方欲收军回城，只见西门内赵云引三百军赶来。正是：跃去龙驹能救主，追来虎将欲诛雠。未知蔡瑁性命如何，且看下文分解。 |
| Behind The Screen, Lady...: |
Thus Liu Bei crossed the rolling river. Then he turned and looked back at the other bank which his pursuers had just gained. "Why did you run sway from the feast?" called out Cai Mao. "Why did you wish to harm a person who has done you no injury?" replied Liu Bei. "I have never thought of such a thing. Do not listen to what people say to you." But Liu Bei saw that his enemy was fitting an arrow to his bowstring, so he whipped up his steed and rode away southwest. "What spirits aided him?" said Cai Mao to his followers. Then Cai Mao turned to go back to the city, but in the gate he saw Zhao Zilong coming out at the head of his company of guards. By wondrous leap the dragon steed his rider's life could save, Now follows him, on vengeance bent, his master's henchman brave. The next chapters will tell what fate befell the traitor. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch34