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-> -> -> On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge Liang Sacrifices To The Winds; At Three Gorges, Zhou Yu Liberates The Fire

《七星坛诸葛祭风，三江口周瑜纵火 - On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge Liang Sacrifices To The Winds; At Three Gorges, Zhou Yu Liberates The Fire》

1 七星坛诸... :
却说周瑜立于山顶，观望良久，忽然望后而倒，口吐鲜血，不省人事。左右救回帐中。诸将皆来动问，尽皆愕然，相顾曰：“江北百万之众，虎踞鲸吞。不料都督如此，倘曹兵一至，，如之奈何？”慌忙差人申报吴侯，一面求医调治。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
In the last chapter Zhou Yu was seized with sudden illness as he watched the fleets of his enemy. He was borne to his tent, and his officers came in multitudes to inquire after him.
They looked at each other, saying, "What a pity our general should be taken ill, when Cao Cao's legions threaten so terribly! What would happen if Cao Cao attacked?"
Messengers with the evil tidings were sent to Sun Quan, while the physicians did their best for the invalid.

2 七星坛诸... :
却说鲁肃见周瑜卧病，心中忧闷，来见孔明，言周瑜猝病之事。孔明曰：“公以为何如！”肃曰：“此乃曹操之福，江东之祸也。”孔明笑曰：“公瑾之病，亮亦能医。”肃曰：“诚如此，则国家幸甚！”即请孔明同去看病。肃先入见周瑜。瑜以被蒙头而卧。肃曰：“都督病势若何？”周瑜曰：“心腹搅痛，时复昏迷。”肃曰：“曾服何药饵？”瑜曰：“心中呕逆，药不能下。”肃曰：“适来去望孔明，言能医都督之病。现在帐外，烦来医治，何如？”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Lu Su was particularly sad at the illness of his patron and went to see Zhuge Liang to talk it over.
"What do you make of it?" said Zhuge Liang.
"Good luck for Cao Cao; bad for us," said Lu Su.
"I could cure him," said Zhuge Liang laughing.
"If you could, Wu would be very fortunate," said Lu Su.
Lu Su prayed Zhuge Liang to go to see the sick man. They went, and Lu Su entered first. Zhou Yu lay in bed, his head covered by a quilt.
"How are you, General?" said Lu Su.
"My heart pains me. Every now and again I feel faint and dizzy."
"Have you taken any remedies?"
"My gorge rises at the thought. I could not."
"I saw Zhuge Liang just now, and he says he could heal you. He is just outside, and I will call him if you like."

3 七星坛诸... :
瑜命请入，教左右扶起，坐于床上。孔明曰：“连不晤君颜，何期贵体不安！”瑜曰：“‘人有旦夕祸福’，岂能自保？”孔明笑曰：“‘天有不测风云’，人又岂能料乎？”瑜闻失色，乃作呻吟之声。孔明曰：“都督心中似觉烦积否？”瑜曰：“然。”孔明曰：“必须用凉药以解之。”瑜曰：“已服凉药，全然无效。”孔明曰：“须先理其气；气若顺，则呼吸之间，自然痊可。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
"Ask him to come in."
Zhou Yu bade his servants help him to a sitting position, and Zhuge Liang entered.
"I have not seen you for days," said Zhuge Liang. "How could I guess that you were unwell?"
"How can anyone feel secure? We are constantly the playthings of luck, good or bad."
"Yes. Heaven's winds and clouds are not to be measured. No one can reckon their comings and goings, can they?"
Zhou Yu turned pale and a low groan escaped him, while his visitor went on, "You feel depressed, do you not? As though troubles were piling up in your heart?"
"That is exactly how I feel," said Zhou Yu.
"You need cooling medicine to dissipate this sense of oppression."
"I have taken a cooling draught, but it has done no good."
"You must get the humors into good order before the drugs will have any effect."

4 七星坛诸... :
瑜料孔明必知其意，乃以言挑之曰：“欲得顺气，当服何药？”孔明笑曰：“亮有一方，便教都督气顺。”瑜曰：“愿先生赐教。”孔明索纸笔，屏退左右，密书十六字曰：“欲破曹公，宜用火攻；万事俱备，只欠东风。”写毕，递与周瑜曰：“此都督病源也。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Zhou Yu began to think Zhuge Liang knew what was really the matter and resolved to test him.
"What should be taken to produce a favorable temper?" said Zhou Yu.
"I know one means of producing a favorable temper," replied Zhuge Liang.
"I wish you would tell me."
Zhuge Liang got out writing materials, sent away the servants, and then wrote a few words:
"To defeat Cao Cao
You have to use fire;
All are in your wish,
But wind from the east."
This he gave to the sick general, saying, "That is the origin of your illness.

5 七星坛诸... :
瑜见了大惊，暗思：“孔明真神人也！早已知我心事！只索以实情告之。”乃笑曰：“先生已知我病源，将用何药治之？事在危急，望即赐教。”孔明曰：“亮虽不才，曾遇异人，传授奇门遁甲天书，可以呼风唤雨。都督若要东南风时，可于南屏山建一台，名曰‘七星坛’。高九尺，作三层，用一百二十人，手执旗旛围绕。亮于台上作法，借三日三夜东南大风，助都督用兵，何如？”瑜曰：“休道三日三夜，只一夜大风，大事可成矣。只是事在目前，不可迟缓。”孔明曰：“十一月二十日甲子祭风，至二十二日丙寅风息，如何？”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Zhou Yu read the words with great surprise, and it confirmed his secret opinion that Zhuge Liang really was rather more than human. He decided that the only course was to be open and tell him all.
So he said, "Since you know the cause of the disease, what do you recommend as treatment? The need of a remedy is very urgent."
"I have no great talent," said Zhuge Liang, "but I have had to do with humans of no ordinary gifts from whom I have received certain magical books called 'Concealing Method'. I can call the winds and summon the rains. Since you need a southeast breeze, General, you must build an altar on the Southern Hills, the Altar of the Seven Stars. It must be nine spans high, with three steps, surrounded by a guard of one hundred and twenty humans bearing flags. On this altar I will work a spell to procure a strong southeast gale for three days and three nights. Do you approve?"
"Never mind three whole days," said Zhou Yu. "One day of strong wind will serve my purpose. But it must be done at once and without delay."
"I will sacrifice for a wind for three days from the twentieth day of the moon. Will that suit you?"

6 七星坛诸... :
瑜闻言大喜，矍然而起。便传令差五百精壮军士，往南屏山筑坛；拨一百二十人，执旗守坛，听候使令。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Zhou Yu was delighted and hastily rose from his couch to give the necessary orders. He commanded that five hundred men should be sent to the mountains to build the altar, and he told off the guard of one hundred and twenty to bear the flags and be at the orders of Zhuge Liang.

7 七星坛诸... :
孔明辞别出帐，与鲁肃上马，来南屏山相度地势，令军士取东南方赤土筑坛。方圆二十四丈，每一层高三尺，共是九尺。下一层插二十八宿旗：东方七面青旗，按角，亢，氐，房，心，尾，箕，布苍龙之形；北方七面皂旗，按斗，牛，女，虚，危，室，壁，作玄武之势：西方七面白旗，按奎，娄，胄，昴，毕，觜，参，踞白虎之威；南方七面红旗，按井，鬼，柳，星，张，翼，轸，成朱雀之状。第二层周围黄旗六十四面，按六十四卦，分八位而立。上一层用四人，各人戴束发冠，穿皂罗袍，凤衣博带，朱履方裾，前左立一人，手执长竿，竿尖上用鸡羽为葆，以招风信；前右立一人，手执长竿，竿上系七星号带，以表风色；后左立一人，捧宝剑；后右立一人，捧香炉。坛下二十四人，各持旌旗，宝盖，大戟，长戈，黄旄，白銊，朱旛，皂县，环绕四面。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Zhuge Liang took his leave, went forth, and rode off with Lu Su to the mountains where they measured out the ground. He bade the soldiers build the altar of red earth from the southeast quarter. It was two hundred and forty spans in circuit, square in shape, and of three tiers, each of three spans, in all nine spans high.
On the lowest tier he placed the flags of the twenty-eight "houses" of the heavens and four constellations: On the east seven, with blue flags; on the north seven, with black flags; on the west seven, with white flags; and on the south seven, with red flags.
Around the second tier he placed sixty-four yellow flags, corresponding to the number of the diagrams of the Book of Divination, in eight groups of eight.
Four men were stationed on the highest platform, each wearing a Daoist headdress and a black silk robe embroidered with the phoenix and confined with wide sashes. They wore scarlet boots and square-cut skirts. On the left front stood a man supporting a tall pole bearing at its top a plume of light feathers to show by their least movement the wind's first breathing. On the right front was a man holding a tall pole whereon was a flag with the symbol of the seven stars to show the direction and force of the wind. On the left rear stood a man with a sword, and on the right rear a man with a censer.
Below the altar were forty-four men holding flags, umbrellas, spears, lances, yellow banners, white axes, red banderoles, and black ensigns. And these were spaced about the altar.

8 七星坛诸... :
孔明于十一月二十日甲子吉辰，沐浴斋戒，身披道衣，跣足散发，来到坛前，分付鲁肃曰：“子敬自往军中相助公瑾调兵。倘亮所祈无应，不可有怪。”鲁肃别去。孔明嘱付守坛将士：“不许擅离方。不许交头接耳。不许失口乱言。不许失惊打怪。如违令者斩。”众皆领命。孔明缓步登坛，观瞻方位已定，焚香于炉，注水于盂，仰天暗祝。下坛入帐中少歇，令军士更替吃饭。孔明一日上坛三次，下坛三次，──却不见有东南风。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
On the appointed day Zhuge Liang, having chosen a propitious moment, bathed his body and purified himself. Then he robed himself as a Daoist, loosened his locks, and approached the altar.
He bade Lu Su retire, saying, "Return to the camp and assist the General in setting out his forces. Should my prayers avail not, do not wonder."
So Lu Su left him. Then Zhuge Liang commanded the guards on no account to absent themselves, to maintain strict silence, and to be reverent. Death would be the penalty of disobedience.
Next, with solemn steps he ascended the altar, faced the proper quarter, lighted the incense, and sprinkled the water in the basins. This done he gazed into the heavens and prayed silently. The prayer ended he descended and returned to his tent. After a brief rest he allowed the soldiers by turns to go away to eat.
Thrice that day he ascended the altar and thrice descended, but there was no sign of the wind.

9 七星坛诸... :
且说周瑜请程普，鲁肃一班军官，在帐中伺侯，只等东南风起，便调兵出；一面关报孙权接应。黄盖已自准备火船二十只，船头密布大钉；船内装载芦苇乾柴，灌以鱼油，上铺硫黄焰硝引火之物，各用青布油单遮盖；船头上插青龙牙旗，船尾各系走舸。在帐下听侯，只等周瑜号令。甘宁，阚泽窝盘蔡和，蔡中，在外寨中，每日饮酒，不放一卒登岸。周围尽是东吴军马，把得水泄不通。只等帐上号令下来。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
During that time, Zhou Yu, with Cheng Pu and Lu Su and other military officials on duty, sat waiting in the tent till the wished-for wind should blow and the attack could be launched. Messengers were also sent to Sun Quan to prepare to support the forward movement.
Huang Gai had his fire ships ready, twenty of them. The fore parts of the ships were thickly studded with large nails, and they were loaded with dry reeds, wood soaked in fish oil, and covered with sulfur, saltpeter, and other inflammables. The ships were covered in with black oiled cloth. In the prow of each was a black dragon flag with indentations. A fighting ship was attached to the stern of each to propel it forward. All were ready and awaited orders to move.
Meanwhile Cao Cao's two spies, Cai He and Cai Zhong, were being guarded carefully in an outer camp far from the river bank and daily entertained with feasting. They were not allowed to know of the preparations. The watch was so close that not a trickle of information reached the prisoners.

10 七星坛诸... :
周瑜正在帐中坐议，探子来报：“吴侯船只离寨八十五里停泊，只等都督好音。”瑜即差鲁肃遍告各部下官兵将士：“俱各收拾船只军器帆橹等物。号令一出，时刻休违。倘有违误，即按军法。”众兵将得令，一个个磨拳擦掌，准备厮杀。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Presently, while Zhou Yu was anxiously awaiting in his tent for the desired wind, a messenger came to say that Sun Quan had anchored at a place thirty miles from the camp, where he awaited news from the Commander-in-Chief.
Lu Su was sent to warn all the various commanders to be ready, the ships and their weapons, sails and oars, all for instant use, and to impress upon them the penalties of being caught unprepared. The soldiers were indeed ready for the fight and yearning for the fray.

11 七星坛诸... :
是日看看近夜，天色清明，微风不动。瑜谓鲁肃曰：“孔明之言谬矣。隆冬之时，怎得东南风乎？”肃曰：“吾料孔明必不谬谈。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
But the sky remained obstinately clear, and as night drew nigh no breath of air stirred.
"We have been cajoled," said Zhou Yu. "Indeed what possibility is there of a southeast wind in midwinter?"
"Zhuge Liang would not use vain and deceitful words," replied Lu Su.

12 七星坛诸... :
将近三更时分，忽听风声响，旗旛转动。瑜出帐看时时，旗脚竟飘西北，霎时间东南风大起。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Towards the third watch, the sound of a movement arose in the air. Soon the flags fluttered out. And when the Commander-in-Chief went out to make sure, he saw they were flowing toward the northwest. In a very short time the southeast wind was in full force.

13 七星坛诸... :
瑜骇然曰：“此人有夺天地造化之法，鬼神不测之术！若留此人，乃东吴祸根也。及早杀却，免生他日之忧。”急唤帐前护军校尉丁奉，徐盛二将：“各带一百人。徐盛从江内去，丁奉从旱路去，都到南屏山七星坛前。休问长短，拏住诸葛亮便行斩首，将首级来请功。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Zhou Yu was, however, frightened at the power of the man whose help he had invoked.
He said, "Really the man has power over the heavens and authority over the earth. His methods are incalculable, beyond the ken of god or devil. He cannot be allowed to live to be a danger to our land of the south. We must slay him soon to fend off later evils."
So Zhou Yu resolved to commit a crime to remove his dangerous rival.
He called two of the generals of his guard, Ding Feng and Xu Sheng, and said to them, "Each of you take a party of one hundred troops, one along the river, the other along the road, to the altar on the mountains. As soon as you get there, without asking questions or giving reasons, you are to seize and behead Zhuge Liang. Rich reward will be given when you bring his head back."

14 七星坛诸... :
二将领命，徐盛下船，一百刀斧手，荡开棹桨；丁奉上马，一百弓拏手，各跨征驹，往南屏山来。于路正迎著东南风起。后人有诗曰：七星坛上卧龙登，一夜东风江水腾，不是孔明施妙计，周郎安得逞才能？
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Xu Sheng and Ding Feng went off on their errand, the former leading dagger and ax-men going as fast as oars could propel them along the river, the latter at the head of archers and bowmen on horseback. The southeast wind buffeted them as they went on their way.
High was raised the Seven Stars Altar,
On it prayed the Sleeping Dragon
For an eastern wind, and straightway
Blew the wind. Had not the wizard
Exercised his mighty magic
Nought had Zhou Yu's skill availed.

15 七星坛诸... :
丁奉马军先到，见坛上执旗将士，当风而立。丁奉下马提剑上坛，不见孔明，慌问守坛将士。答曰：“恰才下坛去了。”丁奉忙下坛寻时，徐盛船已到。二人聚于江边。小卒报曰：“昨晚一只快船停在前滩口，适间却见孔明披发下船。那船望上水去了。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Ding Feng first arrived. He saw the guards with their flags, dropped off his steed, and marched to the altar, sword in hand. But he found no Zhuge Liang. When he asked the guards, they told him, saying, "He has just gone down."
Ding Feng ran down the hill to search. There he met his fellow Xu Sheng, and they joined forces.
Presently a simple soldier told them, saying, "The evening before a small, fast boat anchored there near a sand spit, and Zhuge Liang was seen to go on board. Then the boat went up river."

16 七星坛诸... :
丁奉，徐盛，便分水陆两路追袭。徐盛教拽起满帆，抢风而使。遥望前船不远，徐盛在船头高声大叫：“军师休去！都督有请！”只见孔明立于船尾大笑曰：“上覆都督：好好用兵。诸葛亮暂回夏口，异日再容相见。”徐盛曰：“请暂少住。有紧话说。”孔明曰：“吾已料定都督不能容我，必来加害，预先教赵子龙来相接。将军不必追赶！”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
So Xu Sheng and Ding Feng divided their party into two, one to go by water, the other by land.
Xu Sheng bade his boatmen put on all sail and take every advantage of the wind. Before very long he saw the fugitive's boat ahead, and when near enough, stood in the prow of his own and shouted, "Do not flee, O Instructor of the Army! The General requests your presence."
Zhuge Liang, who was seated in the stern of his boat, just laughed aloud, saying, "Return and tell the General to make good use of his soldiers. Tell him I am going up river for a spell and will see him again another day."
"Pray wait a little while," cried Xu Sheng. "I have something most important to tell you!"
"I knew all about it, that Zhou Yu would not let me go and that he wanted to kill me. That is why Zhao Zilong was waiting for me. You had better not approach nearer."

17 七星坛诸... :
徐盛见前船无篷，只顾赶去。看看至近，赵云拈弓搭箭，立于船尾大叫曰：“吾乃常山赵子龙也！奉令特来接军师。你如何来追赶？本待一箭射死你来，显得失了两家和气教你知我手段！”言迄，箭到处，射断徐盛船上篷索。那篷堕落下水，其船便横。赵云却教自己船上拽起满帆，乘顺风而去。其船如飞，追之不及。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Seeing the other ship had no sail, Xu Sheng thought he would assuredly come up with it and so maintained the pursuit.
Then when he got too close, Zhao Zilong fitted an arrow to the bowstring and, standing up in the stern of his boat, cried, "You know who I am, and I came expressly to escort the Directing Instructor. Why are you pursuing him? One arrow would kill you, only that would cause a breach of the peace between two houses. I will shoot and just give you a specimen of my skill."
With that he shot, and the arrow whizzed overhead cutting the rope that held up the sail. Down came the sail trailing in the water and the boat swung round. Then Zhao Zilong's boat hoisted its sail, and the fair wind speedily carried it out of sight.

18 七星坛诸... :
岸上丁奉唤徐盛船近岸，言曰：“诸葛亮神机妙算，人不可及。更兼赵云有万夫不当之勇。汝知他当阳长阪时否？吾等只索回报便了。”于是二人回见周瑜，言孔明预先约赵云迎接去了。周瑜大惊曰：“此人如此多谋，使我晓夜不安矣！”鲁肃曰：“且待破曹之后，却再图之。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
On the bank stood Ding Feng. He bade his comrade come to the shore and said, "Zhuge Liang is too clever for anyone; and Zhao Zilong is bravest of the brave. You remember what he did at Dangyang, at the Long Slope Bridge. All we can do is to return and report."
So they returned to camp and told their master about the preparations that Zhuge Liang had made to ensure safety. Zhou Yu was indeed puzzled at the depth of his rival's insight.
"I shall have no peace day or night while he lives," said Zhou Yu.
"At least wait till Cao Cao is done with," said Lu Su.

19 七星坛诸... :
瑜从其言，唤集诸将听令。先教甘宁带了蔡中并降卒沿南岸而走：“只打北军旗号，直取乌林地面，正当曹操屯粮之所。深入军中，举火为号。只留下蔡和一人在帐下，我有用处。”第二唤太史慈分付：“你可领三千兵，直奔黄州地界，断曹操合淝接应之兵，就逼曹兵，放火为处。只看红旗，便是吴侯接应兵到。”这两队兵最远先发。第三唤吕蒙领三千兵去乌林接应，甘宁焚烧曹操寨栅。第四唤凌统领三千兵，直接彝陵界首，只看乌林火起，以兵应之。第五唤董袭领三千兵，直取汉阳；从汉川杀奔曹操寨中，看白旗接应。第六唤潘璋领三千兵，尽打白旗往汉阳接应董袭。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
And Zhou Yu knew Lu Su spoke wisely.
Having summoned the leaders to receive orders, first Zhou Yu gave orders to Gan Ning: "Take with you the false deserter Cai Zhong and his soldiers, and go along the south bank, showing the flags of Cao Cao, till you reach the Black Forest just opposite the enemy's main store of grain and forage. Then you are to penetrate as deeply as possible into the enemy's lines and light a torch as a signal. Cai He is to be kept in camp for another purpose."
The next order was: "Taishi Ci is to lead two thousand troops as quickly as possible to Huangzhou and cut the enemy's communications with Hefei. When near the enemy, he is to give a signal. If he sees a red flag, he will know that our lord, Sun Quan, is at hand with reinforcements."
Gan Ning and Taishi Ci had the farthest to go and started first.
Then Lu Meng was sent into the Black Forest with three thousand troops as a support to Gan Ning who was ordered to set fire to Cao Cao's depot. A fourth party of three thousand troops was led by Ling Tong to the borders of Yiling and attack as soon as the signal from the forest was seen. A fifth party of three thousand under Dong Xi went to Hanyang to fall upon the enemy along the River Han. Their signal was a white flag; and a sixth division of three thousand commanded by Pan Zhang would support them.

20 七星坛诸... :
六队军马各自分路去了。却令黄盖安排火船，使小卒驰书约曹操令夜来降。一面拨战船四只，随于黄盖船后接应。第一队领兵军官韩当，第二队领兵军官周泰，第三队领兵军官蒋钦，第四队领兵军官陈武：四队各引战船三百只，前面各摆列火船二十只。周瑜自与程普在大艨艟上督战，徐盛，丁奉为左右护卫，只留鲁肃共阚泽及众谋士守寨。程普见周瑜调军有法，甚相敬服。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
When these six parties had gone off. Huang Gai got ready his fire ships and sent a soldier with a note to tell Cao Cao that he was coming over that evening. Four naval squadrons were told off to support Huang Gai.
The four squadrons, each of three hundred ships, were placed under four commanders: Han Dang, Zhou Tai, Jiang Qin, and Chen Wu. Twenty fire ships preceded each fleet. Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu went on board one of the large ships to direct the battle. Their guards were Ding Feng and Xu Sheng. Lu Su, Kan Ze, and the advisers were left to guard the camp. Cheng Pu was greatly impressed with Zhou Yu's ordering of the grand attack.

21 七星坛诸... :
却说孙权差使命持兵符至，说已差陆逊为先锋，直抵蔪黄地面进兵，吴侯自为后应。瑜又差人西山放火，南屏山举旗号。各各准备停当，只等黄昏举动。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Then came a messenger bearing a mandate from Sun Quan making Lu Xun Leader of the Van. He was ordered to go to Qichun. Sun Quan himself would support Lu Xun. Zhou Yu also sent two command units, one to the Western Hills to make fire signals, and the other to the Southern Hills to hoist flags.
So all being prepared they waited for dusk.

22 七星坛诸... :
话分两头：且说刘玄德在夏口专候孔明回来，忽见一队船到，乃是公子刘琦自探听消息。玄德请上敌楼坐定，说：“东南风起多时，子龙去接孔明，至今不见到，吾心甚忧。”小校遥指樊口港上：“一帆风送扁舟来到，必军师也。”玄德与刘琦下楼迎接。须臾到，孔明，子龙登岸。玄德大喜。问候毕，孔明曰：“且无暇告诉别事。前者所约军马战船，皆已办否？”玄德曰：“收拾久矣，只候军师调用。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Liu Bei was at Xiakou anxiously awaiting the return of his adviser. Then appeared a fleet, led by Liu Qi, who had come to find out how matters were progressing.
Liu Bei sent to call him to the battle tower and said, "The southeast wind had begun to blow, and that Zhao Zilong had gone to meet Zhuge Liang."
Not long after a single sail was seen coming up before the wind, and Liu Bei knew it was Zhuge Liang, the Directing Instructor of the Army. So Liu Bei and Liu Qi went down to meet the boat. Soon the vessel reached the shore, and Zhuge Liang and Zhao Zilong disembarked.
Liu Bei was very glad, and after they had inquired after each other's well-being, Zhuge Liang said, "There is no time to tell of any other things now. Are the soldiers and ships ready?"
"They have long been ready," replied Liu Bei. "They only await you to direct how they are to be used."

23 七星坛诸... :
孔明便与玄德，刘琦升帐坐定，谓赵云曰：“子龙可带三千军马，渡江迳取乌林小路，拣树木芦苇密处埋伏。今夜四更已后，曹操必然从那条路奔走。等他军马过。就半中间放起火来。虽然不杀他尽绝，也杀一半。”云曰：“乌林有两条路：一条通南郡，一条取荆州。不知向那条路来？”孔明曰：“南郡势迫，曹操不敢往，必来荆州，然后大军投许昌而去。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
The three then went to the tent and took their seats. Zhuge Liang at once began to issue orders: "Zhao Zilong, with three thousand troops is to cross the river and go to the Black Forest by the minor road. He will choose a dense jungle and prepare an ambush. Tonight, after the fourth watch, Cao Cao will hurry along that way. When half his troops have passed, the jungle is to be fired. Cao Cao will not be wholly destroyed but many will perish."
"There are two roads," said Zhao Zilong. "One leads to the southern regions and the other to Jingzhou. I do not know by which he will come."
"The south road is too dangerous. Cao Cao will certainly pass along the Jingzhou road, so that he may get away to Xuchang."

24 七星坛诸... :
云领计去了。又唤张飞曰：“翼德可领三千兵渡江，截断彝陵这条路，去葫芦谷口埋伏。曹操不敢走南彝陵，必望北彝陵去。来日雨过，必然来埋锅造饭。只看烟起，便就山边放起火来。虽然不捉得曹操，翼德这场功料也不小。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Then Zhao Zilong went away.
Next Zhuge Liang said to Zhang Fei, "You will take three thousand troops over the river to cut the road to Yiling. You will ambush in the Hulu Valley. Cao Cao, not daring to go to South Yiling, will go to North Yiling. Tomorrow, after the rain, he will halt to refresh his troops. As soon as the smoke is seen to rise from their cooking fires, you will fire the hill side. You will not capture Cao Cao, but you will render excellent service."

25 七星坛诸... :
飞领计去了。又唤糜竺，糜芳，刘封三人，各驾船只。绕江剿擒败军，夺取器械。三人领计去了。孔明起身，谓公子刘琦曰：“武昌一望之地，最为紧要。公子便请回。率领所部之兵，陈于岸口。操一败必有逃来者，就而擒之，却不可轻离城郭。”刘琦便辞玄德，孔明去了。孔明谓玄德曰：“主公可于樊口屯只，凭高而望，坐看今夜周郎成大功也。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
So Zhang Fei left. Next was called Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, and Liu Feng. They were to take command of three squadrons and go along the river to collect beaten soldiers and their weapons.
The three left. Then Zhuge Liang said to Liu Qi, "The country around Wuchang is very important, and I wish you to take command of your own troops and station them at strategic points. Cao Cao, being defeated, will flee thither, and you will capture him. But you are not to leave the city without the best of reasons."
And Liu Qi took leave.
Then Zhuge Liang said to Liu Bei, "I wish you to remain quietly and calmly in Fankou, in a high tower, to watch Zhou Yu work out his great scheme this night."

26 七星坛诸... :
时云长在侧，孔明全然不睬。云长忍耐不住，乃高声曰：“关某自随兄长征战多年来，未尝落后。今日逢大敌，军师却不委用，此是何意？”孔明笑曰：“云长勿怪！某本欲烦足下把一个最紧要的隘口，怎奈有些远碍处，不敢教去。”云长曰：“有何违碍？愿即见谕。”孔明曰：“昔日曹操待足下甚厚，足下当有以报之。今日操兵败，必走华容道。若令足下去时，必然放他过去。因此不敢教去。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
All this time Guan Yu has been silently waiting his turn, but Zhuge Liang said no word to him.
When Guan Yu could bear this no longer, he cried, "Since I first followed my brother to battle many years ago, I have never been left behind. Now that great things are afoot, is there no work for me? What is meant by it?"
"You should not be surprised. I wanted you for service at a most important point, only that there was a something standing in the way that prevented me from sending you," said Zhuge Liang.
"What could stand in the way? I wish you would tell me."
"You see Cao Cao was once very kind to you, and you cannot help feeling grateful. Now when his soldiers have been beaten, he will have to flee along the Huarong Road. If I sent you to guard it, you would have to let him pass. So I will not send you."

27 七星坛诸... :
云长曰：“军师好多心！当日曹操果是重待某，某已斩颜良，诛文丑，解白马之围，报过他了。今日撞见，岂肯轻放！”孔明曰：“倘若放了时，却如何？”云长曰：“愿依军法。”孔明曰：“如此，立下军令状。”云长便与了军令状。云长曰：“若曹操不从那条路上来，如何？”孔明曰：“我亦与你军今状。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
"You are most considerate, Instructor. But though it is true that he treated me well, yet I slew two of his most redoubtable opponents, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, by way of repayment, beside raising a siege. If I happened upon him on this occasion, I should hardly let him go."
"But what if you did?"
"You could deal with me by military rules."
"Then put that in writing."
So Guan Yu wrote a formal undertaking and gave the document to Zhuge Liang.
"What happens if Cao Cao does not pass that way?" said Guan Yu.
"I will give you a written engagement that he will pass."

28 七星坛诸... :
云长大喜，孔明曰：“云长可于华容小路高山之处，堆积柴草，放起一把火烟，引曹操来。”云长曰：“曹操望见烟，知有埋伏，如何肯来？”孔明笑曰：“岂不闻兵法虚虚实实之论？操虽能用兵，只此可以瞒过他也。他见烟起，将谓虚张声势，必然投这条路来。将军休得容情。”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Then Zhuge Liang continued, "On the hills by the Huarong Valley, you are to raise a heap of wood and grass to make a great column of smoke and mislead Cao Cao into coming."
"If Cao Cao sees a smoke, he will suspect an ambush and will not come," said Guan Yu.
"You are very simple," said Zhuge Liang. "Do you not know more of war's ruses than that? Cao Cao is an able leader, but you can deceive him this time. When he sees the smoke, he will take it as a subterfuge and risk going that way. But do not let your kindness of heart rule your conduct."

29 七星坛诸... :
云长领了将令，引关平，周仓并五百校刀手，投华容道埋伏去了。玄德曰：“吾弟义气深重，若曹操果然投华容道去时，只恐端的放了。”孔明曰：“亮夜观乾象，操贼未合身亡。留这人情，，教云长做了，亦是美事。”玄德曰：“先生神算，世所罕及！”孔明遂与玄德往樊口看周瑜用兵，留孙乾，简雍守城。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Thus was his duty assigned Guan Yu, and he left, taking his adopted son Guan Ping, his general Zhou Cang, and five hundred swordsmen.
Said Liu Bei, "His sense of rectitude is very profound. I fear if Cao Cao should come that way, my brother will let him pass."
"I have consulted the stars lately, and the rebel Cao Cao is not fated to come to his end yet. I have purposely designed this manifestation of kindly feeling for Guan Yu to accomplish and so act handsomely."
"Indeed there are few such far-seeing humans as you are," said Liu Bei.
The two then went to Fankou whence they might watch Zhou Yu's evolutions. Sun Qian and Jian Yong were left on guard of Xiakou.

30 七星坛诸... :
却说曹操在大寨中，与众将商议，只等黄盖消息。当日东南风起甚紧，程昱入告曹操曰：“今日东南风起，宜预堤防。”操笑曰：“冬至一阳生，来复之时，安得无东南风？何足为怪？”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Cao Cao was in his great camp in conference with his advisers and awaiting the arrival of Huang Gai. The southeast wind was very strong that day, and Cheng Yu was insisting on the necessity for precaution.
But Cao Cao laughed, saying, "The Winter Solstice depends upon the sun and nothing else. There is sure to be a southeast wind at some one or other of its recurrences. I see nothing to wonder at."

31 七星坛诸... :
军士忽报江东一只小船来到，说有黄盖密书，操急唤入，其人呈上书。书中诉说：“周瑜关防严紧，因此无计脱身。今有鄱阳湖新运到粮，周瑜差盖巡哨，已有方便。好歹杀江东名将，献首来降。只在今晚三更，船上插青龙牙旗者，即粮船也。”操大喜，遂与众将来到水寨中大船上，观望黄盖船到。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Just then they announced the arrival of a small boat from the other shore with a letter from Huang Gai. The bearer of the letter was brought in and presented it. Cao Cao read it:
"Zhou Yu has kept such strict watch that there has been no chance of escape. But now some grain is coming down river, and I, Huang Gai, have been named as Escort Commander which will give me the opportunity I desire. I will slay one of the known generals and bring his head as an offering when I come. This evening at the third watch, if boats are seen with dragon toothed flags, they will be the grain boats."
This letter delighted Cao Cao who, with his officers, went to the naval camp and boarded a great ship to watch for the arrival of Huang Gai.

32 七星坛诸... :
且说江东，天色向晚，周瑜唤出蔡和，令军士缚倒，和叫：“无罪！”瑜曰：“汝是何等人，敢来诈降！吾今缺少福物祭旗，愿借你首级。和抵赖不过，大叫曰：“汝家阚泽，甘宁，亦曾与谋！”瑜曰：“此乃吾之所使也。”蔡和悔之无及。瑜令捉至江边皂纛旗下，奠酒烧纸，一刀斩了蔡和，用血祭旗毕，便令开船。黄盖在第三只火船上，独披掩心甲，手提利刃，旗上大书“先锋黄盖”。盖乘一天顺风，望赤壁进发。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
In the South Land, when evening fell, Zhou Yu sent for Cai He and bade the soldiers bind him.
The unhappy man protested, saying, "I have committed no crime!"
But Zhou Yu said, "What sort of a fellow are you, think you, to come and pretend to desert to my side? I need a small sacrifice for my flag, and your head will serve my purpose. So I am going to use it."
Cai He being at the end of his tether unable to deny the charge suddenly cried, "Two of your own side, Kan Ze and Gan Ning, are also in the plot!"
"Under my directions!" said Zhou Yu.
Cai He was exceedingly repentant and sad, but Zhou Yu bade them take Cai He to the river bank where the black standard had been set up and there, after the pouring of a libation and the burning of paper, Cai He was beheaded, his blood being a sacrifice to the flag.
This ceremony over, the ships started, and Huang Gai took his place on the third ship. He merely wore breast armor and carried a keen blade. On his flag were written four large characters Van Leader Huang Gai. With a fair wind his fleet sailed toward the Red Cliffs.

33 七星坛诸... :
是时东风大作，波浪汹涌。操在中军遥望隔江，看看月上照耀江水，如万道金蛇，翻波戏浪。操迎风大笑，自以为得志。忽一军指说：“江南隐隐一簇帆幔，使风而来。”操凭高望之，报称：“皆插青龙牙旗。内中有大旗，上书先锋黄盖名字。”操笑曰：“公覆来降，此天助我也！”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
The wind was strong and the waves ran high. Cao Cao in the midst of the central squadron eagerly scanned the river which rolled down under the bright moon like a silver serpent writhing in innumerable folds. Letting the wind blow full in his face, Cao Cao laughed aloud for he was now to obtain his desire.
Then a soldier pointing to the river said, "The whole south is one mass of sails, and they are coming up on the wind."
Cao Cao went to a higher point and gazed at the sails intently, and his officers told him that the flags were black and dragon shaped, and indented, and among them there flew one very large banner on which was a name Huang Gai.
"That is my friend, the deserter!" said he joyfully. "Heaven is on my side today."

34 七星坛诸... :
来船渐近。程昱观望良久，谓操曰：“来船必诈。且休教近寨。”操曰：“何以知之？”程昱曰：“粮在船中，船必稳重。今观来船，轻而且浮；更兼今夜东南风甚紧；倘有诈谋，何以当之？”操省悟，便问：“谁去止之？”文聘曰：“某在水上颇熟，愿请一往。”言毕，跳下小船，用手一指，十数只巡船，随文聘船出。聘立在船头，大叫：“丞相钧旨，南船且休近寨，就江心抛住。”众军齐喝：“快下了篷！”
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
As the ships drew closer, Cheng Yu said, "Those ships are treacherous. Do not let them approach the camp."
"How know you that?" asked Cao Cao.
And Cheng Yu replied, "If they were laden with grain, they would lie deep in the water. But these are light and float easily. The southeast wind is very strong, and if they intend treachery, how can we defend ourselves?"
Cao Cao began to understand. Then he asked who would go out to stop the approaching fleet, and Wen Ping volunteered, saying, "I am well used to the waters."
Thereupon Wen Ping sprang into a small light craft and sailed out, followed by ten cruisers which came at his signal.
Standing in the prow of his ship, Wen Ping called out to those advancing toward them, "You southern ships are not to approach! Such are the orders of the Prime Minister. Stop there in mid stream!"
The soldiers all yelled to them to lower their sails.

35 七星坛诸... :
言未绝，弓弦响处，文聘被箭射中左臂，倒在船中。船上大乱，各自奔回。南船距操寨止隔二里水面。黄盖用刀一招，前船一齐发火。火趁风威，风助火势，船如箭发，烟焰障天。二十只火船，撞入水寨。曹寨中船只一时尽著；又被铁环销住，无处逃避。隔江炮响，四下火船齐到，但见三江面上，火逐风飞，一派通红，漫天彻地。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
The shout had not died away when a bowstring twanged, and Wen Ping rolled down into the ship with an arrow in the left arm. Confusion reigned on his ship, and all the others hurried back to their camp.
When the ships were about a mile of distant, Huang Gai waved his sword and the leading ships broke forth into fire, which, under the force of the strong wind, soon gained strength and the ships became as fiery arrows. Soon the whole twenty dashed into the naval camp.
All Cao Cao's ships were gathered there, and as they were firmly chained together not one could escape from the others and flee. There was a roar of bombs and fireships came on from all sides at once. The face of the three rivers was speedily covered with fire which flew before the wind from one ship to another. It seemed as if the universe was filled with flame.

36 七星坛诸... :
曹操回观岸上营寨，几处烟火。黄盖跳在小船上，背后数人驾舟，冒烟突火，来寻曹操，操见势急，方欲跳上岸，忽张辽驾一小脚船，扶操下得船时，那只大船，已自著了。张辽与十数人保护曹操，飞奔岸口。黄盖望见穿绛红袍者下船，料是曹操，乃催船速进，手提利刃，高声大叫：“曹贼休走！黄盖在此！”操叫苦连声。张辽拈弓搭箭，觑著黄盖较近，一箭射去。此时风声正大，黄盖在火光中，那里听得弓弦响？正中肩窝，翻身落水。正是：火厄盛遭水厄，棒疮愈后患金疮。未知黄盖性命如何，且看下文分解。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Cao Cao hastened toward the shore. Huang Gai, with a few troops at his back, leaped into a small boat, dashed through the fire, and sought Cao Cao. Cao Cao, seeing the imminence of the danger, was making for the land. Zhang Liao got hold of a small boat into which he helped his master; none too soon, for the ship was burning. They got Cao Cao out of the thick of the fire and dashed for the bank.
Huang Gai, seeing a handsomely robed person get into a small boat, guessed it must be Cao Cao and pursued.
He drew very near and he held his keen blade ready to strike, crying out, "You rebel! Do not flee. I am Huang Gai."
Cao Cao howled in the bitterness of his distress. Zhang Liao fitted an arrow to his bow and aimed at the pursuer, shooting at short range. The roaring of the gale and the flames kept Huang Gai from hearing the twang of the string, and he was wounded in the shoulder. He fell and rolled over into the water.
He fell in peril of water
When flames were high;
Ere cudgel bruises had faded,
An arrow struck.
Huang Gai's fate will be told in the next chapter.

URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch49