| Chinese Text Project | |
| Simplified Chinese version |
《三江口曹操折兵，群英会蒋干中计 - At The Three Gorges, Cao Cao Loses Soldiers; In The Gathering Of Heroes, Jiang Gan Is Trapped》 |
| 1 | 三江口曹... : | 却说周瑜闻诸葛瑾之言，转恨孔明，存心欲谋杀之。次日点齐军将，入辞孙权。权曰：“卿先行，孤即起兵继后。”瑜辞出，与程普，鲁肃，领兵起行，便邀孔明同往。孔明欣然从之，一同登舟，驾起帆樯，迤逦望夏口而进。离三江口五六十里，船依次第歇定。周瑜在中央下寨，岸上依西山结营，周围屯住。孔明只在一叶小舟内安身。 |
| At The Three Gorges,...: |
Zhou Yu was very annoyed by the words of Zhuge Jin, and a fierce hatred for Zhuge Liang took root in his heart. He nourished a secret resolve to make away with Zhuge Liang. He continued his preparations for war, and when the troops were all mustered and ready, he went in for a farewell interview with his lord. "You go on first, Noble Sir," said Sun Quan. "I will then march to support you." Zhou Yu took his leave and then, with Cheng Pu and Lu Su, marched out with the army. He invited Zhuge Liang to accompany the expedition, and when Zhuge Liang cheerfully accepted, the four embarked in the same ship. They set sail, and the fleet made for Xiakou. About twenty miles from Three Gorges the fleet anchored near the shore, and Zhou Yu built a stockade on the bank near the middle of their line with the Western Hills as a support. Other camps were made near his. Zhuge Liang, however, took up his quarters in a small ship. | |
| 2 | 三江口曹... : | 周瑜分拨已定，使人请孔明议事。孔明至中军帐，叙礼毕。瑜曰：“昔曹操兵少，袁绍兵多，而操反胜绍者，因用许攸之谋，先断乌巢之粮也。今操兵八十三万，我兵只五六万，安能拒之？亦必须先断操之粮，然后可破。我已探知操军粮草，俱屯于聚铁山。先生久居汉上，熟知地理。敢烦先生与关，张，子龙，辈－吾亦助兵千人－星夜往聚铁山断操粮道。彼此各为主人之事，幸勿推调。” |
| At The Three Gorges,...: |
When the camp dispositions were complete, Zhou Yu sent to request Zhuge Liang to come and give him advice. Zhuge Liang came. After the salutations were ended, Zhou Yu said, "Cao Cao, though he had fewer troops than Yuan Shao, nevertheless overcame Yuan Shao because he followed the advice given by Xun You to destroy Yuan Shao's supplies at Wuchao. Now Cao Cao has over eight hundred thousand troops while I have but fifty or sixty thousand. In order to defeat him, his supplies must be destroyed first. I have found out that the main depot is at the Iron Pile Mountains. As you have lived hereabout, you know the topography quite well, and I wish to entrust the task of cutting off supplies to you and your colleagues Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Zilong. I will assist you with a thousand soldiers. I wish you to start without delay. In this way we can best serve our masters." | |
| 3 | 三江口曹... : | 孔明暗思：“此因说我不动，设计害我。我若推调，必为所笑。不如应之，别有计议。”乃欣然领诺。瑜大喜。孔明辞出。鲁肃密谓瑜曰：“公使孔明劫粮，是何意见？”瑜曰：“吾欲杀孔明，恐惹人笑，故借曹操之手杀之，以绝后患耳。” |
| At The Three Gorges,...: |
Zhuge Liang saw through this at once. He thought to himself, "This is a ruse in revenge for my not having been persuaded to enter the service of the South Land. If I refuse, I shall be laughed at. So I will do as he asks and trust to find some means of deliverance from the evil he intends." Therefore Zhuge Liang accepted the task with alacrity, much to the joy of Zhou Yu. After the leader of the expedition had taken his leave, Lu Su went to Zhou Yu secretly and said, "Why have you set him this task?" "Because I wish to compass his death without appearing ridiculous. I hope to get him killed by the hand of Cao Cao and prevent his doing further mischief." | |
| 4 | 三江口曹... : | 肃闻言，乃往见孔明，看他知也不知。只见孔明略无难色，整点军马要行。肃不忍，以言挑之曰：“先生此去可成功否？”孔明笑曰：“吾水战，步战，马战，车战，各尽其妙，何愁功绩不成？非比江东，公与周郎辈止一能也。”肃曰：“吾与公瑾何谓一能？”孔明曰：“吾闻江南小儿谣言云：“伏路把关饶子敬，临江水战有周郎。”公等于陆地但能伏路把关；周公瑾但堪水战，不能陆战耳。” |
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Lu Su left and went to see Zhuge Liang to find out if he suspected anything. Lu Su found him looking quite unconcerned and getting the soldiers ready to march. Unable to let Zhuge Liang go without a warning, however, Lu Su put a tentative question, "Do you think this expedition will succeed?" Zhuge Liang laughingly replied, "I am an adept at all sorts of fighting, with foot, horse, and chariots on land and marines on the water. There is no doubt of my success. I am not like you and your friend, only capable in one direction." "What do you mean by our being capable only in one direction?" said Lu Su. "I have heard the street children in your country singing: "To lay an ambush, hold a pass, Lu Su is the man to choose; But when you on the water fight, Zhou Yu is the man to use. "You are only fit for ambushes and guarding passes on land, just as Zhou Yu only understands fighting on the water," said Zhuge Liang. | |
| 5 | 三江口曹... : | 肃乃以此言告知周瑜。瑜怒曰：“何欺我不能陆战耶！不用他去！我自引一万马军，往聚铁山断操粮道。”肃又将此言告孔明。孔明笑曰：“公瑾令吾断粮者，实欲使曹操杀吾耳。吾故以片言戏之，公瑾便容纳不下。目今用人之际，只愿吴侯与刘使君同心，则功可成；如各相谋害，大事休矣。操贼多谋，他平生惯断人粮道，今如何不以重兵提备？公瑾若去，必为所擒。今只当先决水战，挫动北军锐气，别寻妙计破之。望子敬善言，以告公瑾为幸。” |
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Lu Su carried this story to Zhou Yu, which only incensed him the more against Zhuge Liang. "How dare he flout me, saying I cannot fight a land battle? I will not let him go. I will go myself with ten thousand troops and cut off Cao Cao's supplies." Lu Su went back and told this to Zhuge Liang, who smiled and said, "Zhou Yu only wanted me to go on this expedition because he wanted Cao Cao to kill me. And so I teased him a little. But he cannot bear that. Now is the critical moment, and Marquis Sun Quan and my master must act in harmony if we are to succeed. If each one tries to harm the other, the whole scheme will fail. Cao Cao is no fool, and it is he who usually attack enemies through cutting off their supplies. Do you not think Cao Cao has already taken double precautions against any surprise of his own depot? If Zhou Yu tries, he will be taken prisoner. What he ought to do is to bring about a decisive naval battle, whereby to dishearten the northern soldiers, and then find some other means to defeat them utterly. If you could persuade him what his best course was, it would be well." | |
| 6 | 三江口曹... : | 鲁肃遂连夜回见周瑜，备述孔明之言。瑜摇首顿足曰：“此人见识，胜吾十倍，今不除之，后必为我国之祸！”肃曰：“今用人之际，望以国家为重。且待破曹之后，图之未晚。”瑜然其说。 |
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Without loss of time, Lu Su went to Zhou Yu to relate what Zhuge Liang had told him. Zhou Yu shook his head when he heard it and beat the ground with his foot, saying, "This man is far too clever. He beats me ten to one. He will have to be done away with, or the South Land will suffer." Said Lu Su, "This is the moment to use people. You must think of the country's good first of all. When once Cao Cao is defeated, you may do as you please." Zhou Yu had to confess the reasonableness of this. | |
| 7 | 三江口曹... : | 却说玄德分付刘琦守江夏，自领众将引兵往夏口。遥望江南岸旗旛隐隐，戈戟重重，料是东吴已动兵矣。乃尽移江夏之兵，至樊口屯扎。玄德聚众曰：“孔明一去东吴，杳无音信，不知事体何如。谁人可去探听虚实回报？”糜竺曰：“竺愿往。” |
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Liu Bei had ordered his nephew Liu Qi to hold Jiangxia, while he and the bulk of the army returned to Xiakou. Thence he saw the opposite bank thick with banners and flags and glittering with every kind of arms and armors. He knew then that the expedition from the South Land had started. So he moved all his force from Jiangxia to Fankou. Then he assembled his officers and said to them, "Zhuge Liang went to Wu some time ago, and no word has come from him, so I know not how the business stands. Will anyone volunteer to go to find out?" "I will go," said Mi Zhu. | |
| 8 | 三江口曹... : | 玄德乃备羊酒礼物，令糜竺至东吴，以犒军为名，探听虚实。竺领命，驾小舟顺流而下，迳至周瑜大寨前。军士入报周瑜，瑜召入。竺再拜，致玄德相敬之意，献上酒礼。瑜受讫，设宴款待糜竺。竺曰：“孔明在此已久，今愿与同回。”瑜曰：“孔明方与我同谋破曹，岂可便去？吾亦欲见刘豫州，共议良策；奈身统大军，不可暂离。若豫州肯枉驾来临，深慰所望。” |
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So presents were prepared and gifts of flesh and wine, and Mi Zhu prepared to journey to the South Land on the pretext of offering a congratulatory feast to the army. He set out in a small ship and went down river. He stopped opposite the camp, and the soldiers reported his arrival to Zhou Yu, who ordered him to be brought in. Mi Zhu bowed low and expressed the respect which Liu Bei had for Zhou Yu and offered the various gifts. The ceremony of reception was followed by a banquet in honor of the guest. Mi Zhu said, "Zhuge Liang has been here a long time, and I desire that he may return with me." "Zhuge Liang is making plans with me, and I could not let him return," said Zhou Yu. "I also wish to see Liu Bei that we may make joint plans. But when one is at the head of a great army, one cannot get away even for a moment. If your master would only come here, it would be very gracious on his part." | |
| 9 | 三江口曹... : | 竺应诺，拜辞而回。肃问瑜曰：“公欲见玄德，有何计议？”瑜曰：“玄德世之枭雄，不可不除。吾今乘机诱至杀之，实为国家除一后患。”鲁肃再三劝谏，瑜只不听，遂传密令：“如玄德至，先埋伏刀斧手五十人于壁衣中，看我掷杯为号，便出下手。” |
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Mi Zhu agreed that Liu Bei might come and presently took his leave. Then Lu Su asked Zhou Yu, "What is your reason for desiring Liu Bei to come?" "Liu Bei is the one bold and dangerous man and must be removed. I am taking this opportunity to persuade him to come. When he shall be slain, a great danger will cease to threaten our interests." Lu Su tried to dissuade him from this scheme, but Zhou Yu was deaf to all Lu Su said. Zhou Yu even issued orders: "Arrange half a hundred executioners to be ready to hide within the lining of the tent if Liu Bei decides to come; and when I drop a cup, that will be a signal for them to fall on and slay him." | |
| 10 | 三江口曹... : | 却说糜竺回见玄德，具言周瑜欲请主公到彼面会，别有商护。玄德便教收拾快船一只，只今便行。云长谏曰：“周瑜多谋之士，又无孔明书信，恐其中有诈，不可轻去。”玄德曰：“我今结东吴以共破曹操，周郎欲见我，我若不往，非同盟之意。两相猜忌，事不谐矣。”云长曰：“兄长若坚意要去，弟愿同往。”张飞曰：“我也跟去。”玄德曰：“只云长随我去。翼德与子龙守寨，简雍固守鄂县。我去便回。” |
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Mi Zhu returned and told Liu Bei that his presence was desired by Zhou Yu. Suspecting nothing, Liu Bei at once ordered them to prepare a fast vessel to take him without loss of time. Guan Yu was opposed to his going, saying, "Zhou Yu is artful and treacherous, and there is no news from Zhuge Liang. Pray think more carefully." Liu Bei replied, "I have joined my forces to theirs in this attack on our common enemy. If Zhou Yu wishes to see me and I refuse to go, it is a betrayal. Nothing will succeed if both sides nourish suspicions." "If you have finally decided to go, then will I go with you," said Guan Yu. "And I also," cried Zhang Fei. But Liu Bei said, "Let Guan Yu come with me while you and Zhao Zilong keep guard. Jian Yong will hold Exian. I shall not be away long." | |
| 11 | 三江口曹... : | 分付毕，即与云长乘小舟，并从者二十馀人，飞棹赴江东。玄德观看江东艨艟战舰，旌旗甲兵，左右分布整齐，心中甚喜。军士飞报周瑜：“刘豫州来了。”瑜问：“带多少船只来？”军士答曰：“只有一只船，二十馀从人。”瑜笑曰：“此人命合休笑！”乃命刀斧手，先埋伏定，然后出寨迎接。 |
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So leaving these orders, Liu Bei embarked with Guan Yu on a small boat. The escort did not exceed twenty. The light craft traveled very quickly down the river. Liu Bei rejoiced greatly at the sight of the war vessels in tiers by the bank, the soldiers in their breastplates, and all the pomp and panoply of war. All was in excellent order. As soon as he arrived, the guards ran to tell Zhou Yu. "How many ships has he?" asked Zhou Yu. They replied, "Only one; and the escort is only about a score." "His fate is sealed," said Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu sent for the executioners and placed them in hiding between the outer and inner tents, and when all was arranged for the assassination he contemplated, he went out to receive his visitor. | |
| 12 | 三江口曹... : | 玄德引云长等二十馀人，直到中军帐，叙礼毕。瑜请玄德上坐。玄德曰：“将军名传天下，备不才，何烦将军重礼？”乃分宾主而坐，周瑜设宴相待。 |
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Liu Bei came with his brother and escort into the midst of the army to the Admiral's tent. After the salutations, Zhou Yu wished Liu Bei to take the upper seat, but he declined saying, "General, you are famous throughout all the empire, while I am a nobody. Do not overwhelm me with too great deference." So they took the positions of simple friends, and refreshments were brought in. | |
| 13 | 三江口曹... : | 且说孔明偶来江边，闻说玄德来此与都督相会，吃了一惊，急入中军帐窃看动静。只见周瑜面有杀气，两边壁衣中密排刀斧手。孔明大惊曰：“似此如之奈何！”回视玄德，谈笑自若；却见玄德背后一人，按剑而立，乃云长也。孔明喜曰：“吾主无危矣。”遂不复入，仍回身至江边等候。 |
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Now by chance Zhuge Liang came on shore and heard that his master had arrived and was with the Commander-in-Chief. The news gave Zhuge Liang a great shock, and he said to himself, "What is to be done now?" He made his way to the reception tent and stole a look therein. He saw murder written on Zhou Yu's countenance and noted the assassins hidden within the walls of the tent. Then he got a look at Liu Bei, who was laughing and talking quite unconcernedly. But when he noticed the redoubtable figure of Guan Yu near his master's side, he became quite calm and contented. "My lord faces no danger," said Zhuge Liang, and he went away to the river bank to await the end of the interview. | |
| 14 | 三江口曹... : | 周瑜与玄德饮宴，酒行数巡，瑜起身把盏，猛见云长按剑立于玄德背后，忙问何人？玄德曰：“吾弟关云长也。”瑜惊曰：“非向日斩颜良，文丑，者乎？”玄德曰：“然也。”瑜大惊，汗流浃背，便斟酒与云长把盏。 |
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Meanwhile the banquet of welcome proceeded. After the wine had gone around several times, Zhou Yu picked up a cup to give the signal agreed upon. But at that moment Zhou Yu saw so fierce a look upon the face of the trusty henchman who stood, sword in hand, behind his guest, that Zhou Yu hesitated and hastily asked who he was. "That is my brother, Guan Yu," replied Liu Bei. Zhou Yu, quite startled, said, "Is he the slayer of Yan Liang and Wen Chou?" "Exactly; he it is," replied Liu Bei. The sweat of fear broke out all over Zhou Yu's body and trickled down his back. Then he poured out a cup of wine and presented it to Guan Yu. | |
| 15 | 三江口曹... : | 少顷，鲁肃入。玄德曰：“孔明何在？烦子敬请来一会。”瑜曰：“且待破了曹操，与孔明相会未迟。”玄德不敢再言。云长以目视玄德，玄德会意，即起身辞瑜曰：“备暂告别。即日破敌收功之后，专当叩贺。”瑜亦不留，送出辕门。 |
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Just then Lu Su came in, and Liu Bei said to him, "Where is Zhuge Liang? I would trouble you to ask him to come." "Wait till we have defeated Cao Cao," said Zhou Yu, "then you shall see him." Liu Bei dared not repeat his request, but Guan Yu gave him a meaningful look which Liu Bei understood and rose, saying, "I would take leave now. I will come again to congratulate you when the enemy has been defeated and your success shall be complete." Zhou Yu did not press him to remain, but escorted him to the great gates of the camp. | |
| 16 | 三江口曹... : | 玄德别了周瑜，与云长等来至江边，只见孔明已在舟中。玄德大喜。孔明曰：“主公知今日之危乎？”玄德愕然曰：“不知也。”孔明曰：“若无云长，主公几为周瑜所害矣。”玄德方才省悟，便请孔明同回樊口。孔明曰：“亮虽居虎口，安如泰山。今主公但收拾船只军马候用，以十一月二十甲子日后为期，可令子龙驾小舟来南岸边等候。切勿有误。” |
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Liu Bei left. When he reached the river bank, they found Zhuge Liang awaiting them in their boat. Liu Bei was exceedingly pleased, but Zhuge Liang said, "Sir, do you know in how great danger you were today?" Suddenly sobered, Liu Bei said, "No, I did not think of danger." "If Guan Yu had not been there, you would have been killed," said Zhuge Liang. Liu Bei, after a moment's reflection, saw that it was true. He begged Zhuge Liang to return with him to Fankou, but Zhuge Liang refused. "I am quite safe," said Zhuge Liang. "Although I am living in the tiger's mouth, I am as steady as the Taishan Mountains. Now, my lord, return and prepare your ships and soldiers. On the twentieth day of the eleventh month, send Zhao Zilong with a small ship to the south bank to wait for me. Be sure there is no miscarriage." | |
| 17 | 三江口曹... : | 玄德问其意。孔明曰：“但看东南风起，亮必还矣。”玄德再欲问时，孔明催促玄德作速开船。言讫自回。玄德与云长及从人开船，行不数里，忽见上流头放下五六十只船来。船头上一员大将，横矛而立，乃张飞也。因恐玄德有失，云长独力难支，特来接应。于是三人一同回寨，不在话下。 |
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"What are your intentions?" said Liu Bei. "When the southeast wind begins, I shall return." Liu Bei would have questioned him further, but Zhuge Liang pressed him to go. So the boat started up river again, while Zhuge Liang returned to his temporary lodging. The boat had not proceeded far when appeared a small fleet of fifty ships sweeping down with the current, and in the prow of the leading vessel stood a tall figure armed with a spear. Guan Yu was ready to fight. But when they were near, they recognized that was Zhang Fei, who had come down fearing lest his brother might be in some difficulty from which the strong arm of Guan Yu might even be insufficient to rescue him. The three brothers thus returned together. | |
| 18 | 三江口曹... : | 却说周瑜送了玄德，回至寨中，鲁肃入问曰：“公既诱玄德至此，为何又不下手？”瑜曰：“关云长，世之虎将也，与玄德行坐相随，吾若下手，他必来害我。” |
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After Zhou Yu, having escorted Liu Bei to the gate of his camp, had returned to his quarters, Lu Su soon came to see him. "Then you had cajoled Liu Bei into coming, why did you not carry out your plan?" asked Lu Su. "Because of that Guan Yu. He is a very tiger, and he never left his brother for a moment. If anything had been attempted, he would certainly have had my life." | |
| 19 | 三江口曹... : | 肃愕然。忽报曹操遣使送书至，瑜唤入。使者呈上书看时，封面上判云：“汉大丞相付周都督开拆。”瑜大怒，更不开看，将书扯碎，掷于地上，喝斩来使。肃曰：“两国相争，不斩来使。”瑜曰：“斩使以示威。”遂斩使者，将首级付从人持回。随令甘宁为先锋，韩当为左翼，蒋钦为右翼，瑜自部领诸将接应。来日四更造饭，五更开船，鸣鼓呐喊而进。 |
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Lu Su knew that Zhou Yu spoke the truth. Then suddenly they announced a messenger with a letter from Cao Cao. Zhou Yu ordered them to bring him in and took the letter. But when he saw the superscription The First Minister of Han to Commander-in-Chief Zhou Yu, he fell into a frenzy of rage, tore the letter to fragments, and threw them on the ground. "To death with this fellow!" cried he. "When two countries are at war, their emissaries are not slain," said Lu Su. "Messengers are slain to show one's dignity and independence," replied Zhou Yu. The unhappy bearer of the letter was decapitated, and his head sent back to Cao Cao by the hands of his escort. Zhou Yu then decided to move. The van under Gan Ning was to advance, supported by two wings led by Han Dang and Jiang Qin. Zhou Yu would lead the center body in support. The next morning the early meal was eaten in the fourth watch, and the ships got under way in the fifth with a great beating of drums. | |
| 20 | 三江口曹... : | 却说曹操知周瑜毁书斩使，大怒，便唤蔡瑁，张允，等一班荆州降将为前部。操自为后军，催督战船，到三江口。早见东吴船只，蔽江而来。为首一员大将，坐在船头上大呼曰：“吾乃甘宁也！谁敢来与我决战？”蔡瑁令弟蔡埙前进。两船将近，甘宁拈弓搭箭，望蔡埙射来，应弦而倒。宁遂驱船大进，万弩齐发，曹军不能抵当。右边蒋钦，左边韩当，直冲入曹军队中。曹军大半是青徐之兵，素不习水战，大江面上，战船一摆，早立脚不住。甘宁等三路战船，纵横水面。周瑜又催船助战。曹军中箭著炮者，不计其数。从巳时直杀到未时，周瑜虽得利，只恐寡不敌众，遂下令鸣金收住船只。 |
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Cao Cao was greatly angered when he heard that his letter had been torn to fragments, and he resolved to attack forthwith. His advance was led by the Supreme Admiral Cai Mao, the Vice-Admiral Zhang Yun, and others of the Jingzhou officers who had joined his side. Cao Cao went as hastily as possible to the meeting of the three rivers and saw the ships of the South Land sailing up. In the bow of the foremost ship from the south stood a fine figure of a warrior, who cried, "I am Gan Ning. I challenge anyone to combat!" Cai Mao sent his young brother, Cai Xun, to accept the challenge. But as Cai Xun's ship approached, Gan Ning shot an arrow and Cai Xun fell. Gan Ning pressed forward, his crossbowmen keeping up a heavy discharge which Cao Cao's troops could not stand. The wings of Han Dang from the left and Jiang Qin from the right also joined in. Cao Cao's soldiers, being mostly from the dry plains of the north, did not know how to fight effectually on water, and the southern ships had the battle all their own way. The slaughter was very great. However, after a contest lasting till afternoon, Zhou Yu thought it more prudent, in view of the superior numbers of his enemy, not to risk further the advantage he had gained. So he beat the gongs as the signal to cease battle and recall the ships. | |
| 21 | 三江口曹... : | 曹军败回，操登旱寨，再整军士，唤蔡瑁，张允，责之曰：“东吴兵少，反为所败，是汝等不用心耳！”蔡瑁曰：“荆州水军，久不操练；青徐之军，又素不习水战；故尔致败。今当先立水寨，令青徐军在中，荆州军在外，每日教习精熟，方可用之。”操曰：“汝既为水军都督，可以便宜从事，何必禀我？”于是张，蔡，二人，自去训练水军。沿江一带分二十四座水门，以大船居于外为城郭，小船居于内，可通往来。至晚点上灯火，照得天心水面通红。旱寨三百馀里，烟火不绝。 |
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Cao Cao was worsted, but his ships returned to the bank, where a camp was made and order was restored. Cao Cao sent for his defeated leaders and reproached them, saying, "You did not do your best. You let an inferior force overcome you." Cai Mao defended himself, saying, "The Jingzhou marines have not been exercised for a long time, and the others have never been trained for naval warfare at all. A naval camp must be instituted, the northern soldiers trained, and the Jingzhou force drilled. When they have been made efficient, they will win victories." "You are the Supreme Admiral. If you know what should be done, why have you not done it?" said Cao Cao. "What is the use of telling me this?" So Cai Mao and Zhang Yun organized a naval camp on the river bank. They established twenty-four "Water Gates," with the large ships outside as a sort of rampart, and under their protection the smaller ships went to and fro freely. At night when the lanterns and torches were lit, the very sky was illuminated, and the water shone red with the glare. On land the smoke of the camp fires could be traced for one hundred mile without a break. | |
| 22 | 三江口曹... : | 却说周瑜得胜回寨，犒赏三军，一面差人到吴侯处报捷。当夜瑜登高观望，只见西边火光接天。左右告曰：“此皆北军灯火之光也。”瑜亦心惊。 |
| At The Three Gorges,...: | Zhou Yu returned to camp and feasted his victorious fighting force. A messenger bore the joyful tidings of victory to his master Sun Quan. When night fell, Zhou Yu went up to the summit of one of the hills and looked out over the long line of bright lights stretching toward the west, showing the extent of the enemy's camp. He said nothing, but a great fear came in upon him. | |
| 23 | 三江口曹... : | 次日，瑜欲亲往探看曹军水寨，乃命收拾楼船一只，带著鼓乐，随行健将数员，各带强弓硬弩，一齐上船迤逦前进。至操寨边，瑜命下了钉石，楼船上鼓乐齐奏。瑜暗窥他水寨，大惊曰：“此深得水军之妙也！”问：“水军都督是谁？”左右曰：“蔡瑁，张允。”瑜思曰：“二人久居江东，谙习水战，吾必设计先除此二人，然后可以破曹。” |
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Next day Zhou Yu decided that he would go in person to find out the strength of the enemy. So he bade them prepare a small squadron which he manned with strong, hardy men armed with powerful bows and stiff crossbows. He also placed musicians on each ship. They set sail and started up the stream. When they got opposite Cao Cao's camp, the heavy stones that served as anchors were dropped, and the music was played while Zhou Yu scanned the enemy's naval camp. What he saw gave him no satisfaction, for everything was most admirable. He said, "How well and correctly built is that naval base! Anyone knows the names of those in command?" "They are Cai Mao and Zhang Yun," said his officers. "They have lived in the south a long time," said Zhou Yu, "and are thoroughly experienced in naval warfare. I must find some means of removing them before I can effect anything." | |
| 24 | 三江口曹... : | 正窥看间，早有曹军飞报曹操，说周瑜偷看吾寨，操命纵船擒捉。瑜见水寨中旗号动，急教收起钉石，两边四下一齐轮转橹棹，望江面上如飞而去。比及曹寨中船出时，周瑜的楼船，已离了十数里远，追之不及，回报曹操。 |
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Meanwhile on shore the sentinels had told Cao Cao that the enemy craft were spying upon them, and Cao Cao ordered out some ships to capture the spies. Zhou Yu saw the commotion of the commanding flags on shore and hastily gave the order to unmoor and sail down stream. The squadron at once got under way and scattered; to and fro went the oars, and each ship seemed to fly. Before Cao Cao's ships could get out after them, they were all far away. Cao Cao's ships took up the chase but soon saw pursuit was useless. They returned and reported their failure. | |
| 25 | 三江口曹... : | 操问众将曰：“昨日输了一阵，挫动锐气，今又被他深窥吾寨。吾当作何计破之？”言未毕，忽帐下一人出曰：“某自幼与周郎同窗交契，愿凭三寸不烂之舌，往江东说此人来降。”曹操大喜，视之，乃九江人：姓蒋，名干，字子翼，见为帐下幕宾。操问曰：“子翼与周公瑾相厚乎？”干曰：“丞相放心。干到江左，必要成功。”操问：“要将何物去？”干曰：“只消一童随往，二仆驾舟，其馀不用。”操甚喜，置酒与蒋干送行。干葛巾布袍，驾一只小舟，迳到周瑜寨中，命传报：“故人蒋干相访。” |
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Again Cao Cao found fault with his officers and said, "The other day you lost a battle, and the soldiers were greatly dispirited. Now the enemy have spied out our camp. What can be done?" In eager response to his question one stepped out, saying, "When I was a youth, Zhou Yu and I were fellow students and pledged friends. My three-inch tongue is still good, and I will go over and persuade him to surrender." Cao Cao, rejoiced to find so speedy a solution, looked at the speaker. It was Jiang Gan of Jiujiang, one of the counseling staff in the camp. "Are you a good friend of Zhou Yu?" said Cao Cao. "Rest content, O Prime Minister," replied Jiang Gan. "If I only get on the other side of the river, I shall succeed." "What preparations are necessary?" asked Cao Cao. "Just a youth as my servant and a couple of rowers. Nothing else." Cao Cao offered him wine, wished him success, and sent him on his way. Clad in a simple linen robe and seated in his little craft, the messenger reached Zhou Yu's camp and bade the guards say that an old friend Jiang Gan wished to see him. | |
| 26 | 三江口曹... : | 周瑜正在帐中议事，闻干至，笑谓诸将曰：“说客至矣！”遂与众将附耳低言：“如此如此。”众皆应命而去。 |
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The commander was in his tent at a council when the message came, and he laughed as he said to those about him, "A persuader is coming." Then he whispered certain instructions in the ear of each one of them, and they went out to await his arrival. Zhou Yu received his friend in full ceremonial garb. A crowd of officers in rich silken robes were about him. | |
| 27 | 三江口曹... : | 瑜整衣冠，引从者数百，皆锦衣花帽，前后簇拥而出。蒋干引一青衣小童，昂然而来，瑜拜迎之。干曰：“公瑾别来无恙！”瑜曰：“子翼良苦。远涉江湖，为曹氏作说客耶？”干愕然曰：“吾久别足下，特来叙旧，奈何疑我作说客也？”瑜笑曰：“吾虽不及师嚝之聪，闻弦歌而知雅意。”干曰：“足下待故人如此，便请告退。”瑜笑而挽其臂曰：“吾但恐兄为曹氏作说客耳。既无此心，何速去也？”遂同入帐。叙礼毕，坐定，即传令悉召江左英杰与子翼相见。 |
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The guest appeared, his sole attendant a lad dressed in a simple blue gown. Jiang Gan bore himself proudly as he advanced, and Zhou Yu made a low obeisance. "You have been well I hope since last we met," said Jiang Gan. "You have wandered far and suffered much in this task of emissary in Cao Cao's cause," said Zhou Yu. "I have not seen you for a very long time," said the envoy much taken aback, "and I came to visit you for the sake of old times. Why do you call me an emissary for the Cao Cao's cause?" "Though I am not so profound a musician as Shi Kuang of old, yet I can comprehend the thought behind the music," replied Zhou Yu. "As you choose to treat your old friend like this, I think I will take my leave," said Jiang Gan. Zhou Yu laughed again, and taking Jiang Gan by the arm, said, "Well, I feared you might be coming on his behalf to try to persuade me. But if this is not your intention, you need not go away so hastily." So they two entered the tent. When they had exchanged salutes and were seated as friends, Zhou Yu bade them call his officers that he might introduce them. | |
| 28 | 三江口曹... : | 须臾，文官武将，各穿锦衣；帐下偏裨将校，都披银铠；分两行而入。瑜都教相见毕，就列于两傍而坐，大张筵席，奏军中得胜之乐，轮换行酒。瑜告众官曰：“此吾同窗契友也，虽从江北到此，却不是曹家说客；公等勿疑。”遂解佩剑付太史慈曰：“公可佩我剑作监酒。今日宴饮，但叙朋友交情；如有提起曹操与东吴军旅之事者，即斩之！” |
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They soon appeared civil and military officials, all dressed in their best. The military officers were clad in glittering silver armor and the staff looked very imposing as they stood ranged in two lines. The visitor was introduced to them all. Presently a banquet was spread, and while they feasted, the musicians played songs of victory and the wine circulated merrily. Under the mellowing influence, Zhou Yu's reserve seemed to thaw and he said, "Jiang Gan is an old fellow student of mine, and we are pledged friends. Though he has arrived here from the north, he is no artful pleader so you need not be afraid of him." Then Zhou Yu took off the commanding sword which he wore as Commander-in-Chief and handed it to Taishi Ci, saying, "You take this and wear it for the day as master of the feast. This day we meet only as friends and speak only of friendship, and if anyone shall begin a discussion of the questions at issue between Cao Cao and the South Land, just slay him." | |
| 29 | 三江口曹... : | 太史慈应诺，按剑坐于席上。蒋干惊愕，不敢多言。周瑜曰：“吾自领军以来，滴酒不饮；今日见了故人，又无疑忌，当饮一醉。”说罢，大笑畅饮，座上觥筹交错。饮至半酣，瑜携干手，同步出帐外。左右军士，皆全装贯带，持戈执戟而立。瑜曰：“吾之军士，颇雄壮否？”干曰：“真熊虎之士也。” |
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Taishi Ci took the sword and seated himself in his place. Jiang Gan was not a little overcome, but he said no word. Zhou Yu said, "Since I assumed command, I have tasted no drop of wine; but today as an old friend is present and there is no reason to fear him, I am going to drink freely." So saying he quaffed a huge goblet and laughed loudly. The rhinoceros cups went swiftly round from guest to guest till all were half drunk. Then Zhou Yu, laying hold of the guest's hand, led him outside the tent. The guards who stood around all braced themselves up and seized their shinning weapons. "Do you not think my soldiers a fine lot of fellows?" said Zhou Yu. "Strong as bears and bold as tigers," replied Jiang Gan. | |
| 30 | 三江口曹... : | 瑜又引干到帐后一望，粮草堆积如山。瑜曰：“吾之粮草，颇足备否？”干曰：“兵精粮足，名不虚传。”瑜佯醉大笑曰：“想周瑜与子翼同学时，不曾望有今日。”干曰：“以吾兄高才，实不为过。”瑜执干手曰：“大丈夫处世，遇知己之主，外托君臣之义，内结骨肉之恩，言必行，计必从，祸福共之，假使苏奏，张仪，陆贾，郦生，复出，口似悬河，舌如利刃，安能动我心哉！” |
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Then Zhou Yu led him to the rear of the tent whence he saw the grain and forage piled up in mountainous heaps. "Do you not think I have a fairly good store of grain and forage?" "Your troops are brave and your supplies ample: The empire's gossip is not baseless, indeed." Zhou Yu pretended to be quite intoxicated and went on, "When you and I were students together, we never looked forward to a day like this, did we?" "For a genius like you, it is nothing extraordinary," said the guest. Zhou Yu again seized his hand, and they sat down. "A man of the time, I have found a proper lord to serve. In his service, we rely upon the right feeling between minister and prince outside, and at home we are firm in the kindly feeling of relatives. He listens to my words and follows my plans. We share the same good or evil fortune. Even when the great old persuaders like Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Lu Jia, and Li Yiji lived again, even when their words poured forth like a rushing river, their tongues were as a sharp sword, it is impossible to move such as I am!" | |
| 31 | 三江口曹... : | 言罢大笑。蒋干面如土色。瑜复携干入帐，会诸将再饮；因指诸将曰：“此皆江东之英杰。今日此会，可名‘群英会’。”饮至天晚，点上灯烛，瑜自起舞剑作歌。歌曰：丈夫处世兮立功名；立功名兮慰平生。慰平生兮吾将醉；吾将醉兮发狂吟！ |
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Zhou Yu burst into a loud laugh as he finished, and Jiang Gan's face had become clay-colored. Zhou Yu then led his guest back into the tent, and again they fell to drinking. Presently Zhou Yu pointed to the others at table and said, "These are all the best and bravest of the land of the south. One might call this the 'Gathering of Heroes.'" They drank on till daylight failed and continued after lamps had been lit. Zhou Yu even gave an exhibition of sword play and sang this song: When a man is in the world, O, He ought to do his best. And when he's done his best, O. He ought to have his rest. And when I have my rest, O, I'll quaff my wine with zest. And when I'm drunk as drunk can be, O, I'll sing the madman's litany. | |
| 32 | 三江口曹... : | 歌罢，满座欢笑。至夜深，干辞曰：“不胜酒力矣。”瑜命撤席，诸将辞出。瑜曰：“久不与子翼同榻，今宵抵足而眠。”于是佯作大醉之状，携干入帐共寝。瑜和衣卧倒，呕吐狼藉。蒋干如何睡得著？伏枕听时，军中鼓打二更，起视残灯尚明。看周瑜时，鼻息如雷。干见帐内桌上，堆著一卷文书，乃起床偷视之，却都是往来书信。内有一封，上写“蔡瑁张允谨封”。干大惊，暗读之。书略曰：“某等降曹，非图仕禄，迫于势耳。今已赚北军困于寨中，但得其便，即将操贼之首，献于麾下。早晚人到，便有关报。幸勿见疑。先此敬覆。” |
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A burst of applause greeted the song. By this time it was getting late, and the guest begged to be excused. "The wine is too much for me," said Jiang Gan. His host bade them clear the table. As all the others left, Zhou Yu said, "It has been many a day since I shared a couch with my friend, but we will do so tonight." Putting on the appearance of irresponsible intoxication, he led Jiang Gan into the tent and they went to bed. Zhou Yu simply fell, all dressed as he was, and lay there emitting uncouth grunts and groans, so that to the guest sleep was impossible. Jiang Gan lay and listened to the various camp noises without and his host's thunderous snores within. About the second watch he rose and looked at his friend by the dim light of the small lamp. He also saw on the table a heap of papers, and coming out and looking at them furtively, he saw they were letters. Among them he saw one marked as coming from Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, Cao Cao's Supreme Admiral and Vice-Admiral. He read it and this is what it said: "We surrendered to Cao Cao, not for the sake of pay but under stress of circumstances. Now we have been able to hold these northern soldiers into this naval camp but, as soon as occasion offers, we mean to have the rebel's head to offer as a sacrifice to your banner. From time to time there will be reports as occasions serve, but you may trust us. This is our humble reply to your letter." | |
| 33 | 三江口曹... : | 干思曰：“原来蔡瑁，张允，结连东吴！……”遂将书暗藏于衣内。再欲检看他书时，床上周瑜翻身，干急灭灯就寝。瑜口内含糊曰：“子翼，我数日之内，教你看曹贼之首！”干勉强应之。瑜又曰：“子翼，且住！……教你看曹贼之首！……”及干问之，瑜又睡著。 |
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"Those two were connected with the South Land in the beginning," thought Jiang Gan, so he secreted the letter in his dress and began to examine the others. But at that moment Zhou Yu turned over, and so Jiang Gan hastily blew out the light and went to his couch. Zhou Yu was muttering as he lay there as if dreaming, saying, "Friend, I am going to let you see Cao Cao's head in a day or two." Jiang Gan hastily made some reply to load on his host to say more. Then came, "Wait a few days; you will see Cao Cao's head. The old wretch!" Jiang Gan tried to question him as to what he meant, but Zhou Yu was fast asleep and seemed to hear nothing. | |
| 34 | 三江口曹... : | 干伏于床上，将近四更，只听得有人入帐唤曰：“都督醒否？”周瑜梦中做忽觉之状，故问那人曰：“床上睡著何人？”答曰：“都督请子翼同寝，何故忘却？”瑜懊悔曰：“吾平日未尝饮醉。昨日醉后失事，不知可曾说甚言语？”那人曰：“江北有人到此。”瑜喝：“低声！”便唤：“子翼。”蒋干只装睡著。瑜潜出帐。干窃听之，只闻有人在外曰：“张蔡二都督道：‘急切不得下手。’……”后面言语颇低，听不真实。 |
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Jiang Gan lay there on his couch wide awake till the fourth watch was beating. Then someone came in, saying, "General, are you awake?" At that moment as if suddenly awakened from the deepest slumber, Zhou Yu started up and said, "Who is this on the couch?" The voice replied, "Do you not remember, General? You asked your old friend to stay the night with you. It is he, of course." "I drank too much last night," said Zhou Yu in a regretful tone, "and I forgot. I seldom indulge to excess and am not used to it. Perhaps I said many things I ought not." The voice went on, "A man has arrived from the north." "Speak lower," said Zhou Yu, and turning toward the sleeper, he called him by name. But Jiang Gan affected to be sound asleep and made no sign. Zhou Yu crept out of the tent, while Jiang Gan listened with all his ears. He heard the man say, "Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, the two commanders, said that they cannot execute the plan in a hurry." But listening as he did with straining ears, he could not make out what followed. | |
| 35 | 三江口曹... : | 少顷，瑜入帐，又唤：“子翼。”蒋干只是不应，蒙头假睡。瑜亦解衣就寝。干寻思：“周瑜是个精细人，天门寻书不见，必然害我。……”睡至五更，干起唤周瑜，瑜却睡著。干戴上巾帻，潜步出帐，唤了小童，迳出辕门。军士问：“先生那里去？”干曰：“吾在此恐误都督事，权且告别。”军士亦不阻当。 |
| At The Three Gorges,...: |
Soon after Zhou Yu reentered and again called out his companion's name. But no reply came, for Jiang Gan was pretending to be in the deepest slumber and to hear nothing. Then Zhou Yu undressed and went to bed. As Jiang Gan lay awake, he remembered that Zhou Yu was known to be meticulously careful in affairs, and if in the morning Zhou Yu found that a letter had disappeared, he would certainly slay the offender. So Jiang Gan lay there till near daylight and then called out to his host. Getting no reply, he rose, dressed, and stole out of the tent. Then he called his servant and made for the camp gate. "Whither are you going, Sir?" said the watchmen at the gate. "I fear I am in the way here," replied Jiang Gan, "and so I have taken leave of the Commander-in-Chief for a time. So do not stop me." | |
| 36 | 三江口曹... : | 干下船，飞棹回见曹操。操问：“子翼干事若何？”干曰：“周瑜雅量高致，非言词所能动也。”操怒曰：“事又不济，反为所笑！”干曰：“虽不能说周瑜，却与丞相打听得一件事。乞退左右。”干取出书信，将上项事逐一说与曹操。操大怒曰：“二贼如此无礼耶！”即便唤蔡瑁，张允，到帐下。操曰：“我欲使汝二人进兵。”瑁曰：“军尚未曾练熟，不可轻进。”操怒曰：“军若练熟，吾首级献于周郎矣！”蔡，张二人不知其意，惊慌不能回答，操喝武士推出斩之。须臾，献头帐下，操方省悟曰：“吾中计矣！”后人有诗叹曰：曹操奸雄不可当，一时诡计中周郎。蔡张卖主求生计，谁料今朝剑下亡！ |
| At The Three Gorges,...: |
He found his way to the river bank and reembarked. Then, with flying oars, he hastened back to Cao Cao's camp. When he arrived, Cao Cao asked at once how he had sped, and he had to acknowledge failure. "Zhou Yu is very clever and perfectly high-minded," said Jiang Gan. "Nothing that I could say moved him in the least." "Your failure makes me look ridiculous," said Cao Cao. "Well, if I did not win over Zhou Yu, I found out something for you. Send away these people, and I will tell you," said Jiang Gan. The servants were dismissed, and then Jiang Gan produced the letter he had stolen from Zhou Yu's tent. He gave it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was very angry and sent for Cai Mao and Zhang Yun at once. As soon as they appeared, he said, "I want you two to attack." Cai Mao replied, "But the soldiers are not yet sufficiently trained." "The soldiers will be well enough trained when you have sent my head to Zhou Yu, eh?" Both commanders were dumb-founded, having not the least idea what this meant. They remained silent for they had nothing to say. Cao Cao bade the executioners lead them away to instant death. In a short time their heads were produced. By this time Cao Cao had thought over the matter, and it dawned upon him that he had been tricked. A poem says: No one could stand against Cao Cao, Of sin he had full share, But Zhou Yu was more treacherous, And caught him in a snare. Two commanders to save their lives, Betrayed a former lord, Soon after, as was very met. Both fell beneath the sword. | |
| 37 | 三江口曹... : | 众将见杀了蔡，张二人，入问其故。操虽心知中计，却不肯认错，乃谓众将曰：“二人怠慢军法，吾故斩之。”众皆嗟呀不已。操于众将内选毛玠，于禁，为水军都督，以代蔡，张二人之职。 |
| At The Three Gorges,...: |
The death of these two naval commanders caused much consternation in the camp, and all their colleagues asked the reason for their sudden execution. Though Cao Cao knew they had been victimized, he would not acknowledge it. So he said, "These two had been remiss, and so had been put to death." The others were aghast, but nothing could be done. Two other officers, Mao Jie and Yu Jin, were put in command of the naval camp. | |
| 38 | 三江口曹... : | 细作探知，报过江东。周瑜大喜曰：“吾所患者，此二人耳。今既剿除，吾无忧矣。”肃曰：“都督用兵如此，何愁曹贼不破乎！”瑜曰：“吾料诸将不知此计，独有诸葛亮识见胜我，想此谋亦不能瞒也。子敬试以言挑之，看他知也不知，便当回报。”正是：还将反间成功事，去试从旁冷眼人。未知肃去问孔明还是如何，且看下文分解。 |
| At The Three Gorges,...: |
Spies took the news to Zhou Yu, who was delighted at the success of his ruse. "Those two Cai Mao and Zhang Yun were my only source of anxiety," said he. "Now they are gone: I am quite happy." Lu Su said, "General, if you can continue like this, you need not fear Cao Cao." "I do not think any of them saw my game," said Zhou Yu, "except Zhuge Liang. He beats me, and I do not think this ruse was hidden from him. You go and sound him. See if he knew." Zhou Yu's treacherous plot succeeded well, Dissension sown, his rivals fell. Drunk with success was he, but sought To know what cynic Zhuge Liang thought. What passed between Lu Su and Zhuge Liang will next be related. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch45