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-> -> -> Cao Cao Appeals To The Powerful Lords; The Three Brothers Fight Against Lu Bu

《發矯詔諸鎮應曹公,破關兵三英戰呂布 - Cao Cao Appeals To The Powerful Lords; The Three Brothers Fight Against Lu Bu》

1 發矯詔諸... :
卻說陳宮正欲下手殺曹操,忽轉念曰:「我為國家跟他到此,殺之不義。不若棄而他往。」插劍上馬,不等天明,自投東郡去了。操覺,不見陳宮,尋思:「此人見我說了這兩句,疑我不仁,棄我而去;吾當急行,不可久留。」遂連夜到陳留,尋見父親,備說前事;欲散家資,招募義兵。父言:「資少恐不成事。此間有孝廉衛弘,疏財仗義,其家巨富;若得相助,事可圖矣。」
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
At the close of the last chapter, Chen Gong was about to slay Cao Cao. But Chen Gong reflected, "I joined him to do righteous things. Now if I killed him, I would only do unrighteousness, and the people would condemn me. I rather leave in silence."
Rising from his bed before the sunrise, Chen Gong mounted his horse and rode away eastward to his home county of Dongjun.
Cao Cao awoke with the day and missed his companion. Thought he, "Chen Gong thinks me brutal because of a couple of egoistic phrases I used, and so he has gone. I ought to push on too and not linger here."
So Cao Cao traveled as quickly as possible toward Qiao. When he saw his father, he related what had happened and said he wanted to dispose of all the family property and enlist soldiers with the money.
"Our possessions are but small," said his father, "and not enough to do anything with. However, there is a graduate here, one Wei Hong, careless of wealth but careful of virtue, whose family is very rich. With his help we might hope for success."

2 發矯詔諸... :
操置酒張筵,拜請衛弘到家,告曰:「今漢室無主,董卓專權,欺君害民,天下切齒。操欲力扶社稷,恨力不足。公乃忠義之士,敢求相助。」衛弘曰:「吾有是心久矣,恨未遇英雄耳。既孟德有大志,願將家資相助。」操大喜;於是先發矯詔,馳報各道,然後招集義兵,豎起招兵白旗一面,上書「忠義」二字。不數日間,應募之士,如雨駢集。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
A feast was prepared, and Wei Hong was invited. Cao Cao made him a speech: "The Hans have lost their lordship, and Dong Zhuo is really a tyrant. He flouts his prince and is cruel to the people, who gnash their teeth with rage. I would restore the Hans, but my means are insufficient. Sir, I appeal to your loyalty and public spirit."
Wei Hong replied, "I have long desired this but, so far, have not found a person fit to undertake the task. Since you, Cao Cao, have so noble a desire, I willingly devote all my property to the cause."
This was joyful news, and the call to arms was forthwith prepared and sent far and near. So they established a corps of volunteers and set up a large white recruiting banner with the words Loyalty and Honor inscribed thereon. The response was rapid, and volunteers came in like rain drops in number.

3 發矯詔諸... :
一日,有一個陽平衛國人,姓樂,名進,字文謙,來投曹操。又有一個山陽鉅鹿人,姓李,名典,字曼成,也來投曹操。操皆留為帳前吏。又有沛國譙人,夏侯惇,字元讓,乃夏侯嬰之後;自小習鎗棒;年十四從師學武,有人辱罵其師,惇殺之,逃於外方;聞知曹操起兵,與其族弟夏侯淵兩個,各引壯士千人來會。此二人本操之弟兄:操父曹嵩原是夏侯氏之子,過房與曹家,因此是同族。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
One day came a certain Yue Jin from Yangping and another Li Dian from Julu. These two were appointed to Cao Cao's personal staff. Another was one Xiahou Dun from Qiao. He was descended from Xiahou Ying of old. Xiahou Dun had been trained from his early boyhood to use the spear and the club. When only fourteen he had been attached to a certain master-in-arms. One day one person spoke disrespectfully of his master, and Xiahou Dun killed that person. For this deed, however, he had to flee and had been an exile for some time. Now he came to offer his services, accompanied by his cousin Xiahou Yuan. Each brought a thousand trained soldiers. Really these two were brothers of Cao Cao by birth, since Cao Cao's father was originally of the Xiahou family, and had only been adopted into the Cao family.

4 發矯詔諸... :
不數日,曹氏兄弟曹仁,曹洪,各引兵千餘來助。曹仁字子孝,曹洪字子廉;二人兵馬嫺熟,武藝精通。操大喜,於村中調諫軍馬。衛弘盡出家財,置辦衣甲旗旛。四方送糧者,不計其數。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
A few days later came Cao Cao's two cousins, Cao Ren and Cao Hong, each with one thousand followers. These two were accomplished horsemen and trained in the use of arms. Then drill began, and Wei Hong spent his treasure freely in buying clothing, armor, flags, and banners. From all sides poured in gifts of grain.

5 發矯詔諸... :
時袁紹得操矯詔,乃聚麾下文武,引兵三萬,離渤海來與曹操會盟。操作檄文以達諸郡。檄文曰:
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
When Yuan Shao received Cao Cao's call to arms, he collected all those under his command to the number of thirty thousand. Then he marched from Bohai to Qiao to take the oath to Cao Cao. Next a manifesto was issued:
操等謹以大義布告天下:董卓欺天罔地,滅國弒君;穢亂宮禁,殘害生靈;狼戾不仁,罪惡充積!今奉天子密詔,大集義兵,誓欲掃清華夏,剿戮群凶。望興義師,共洩公憤;扶持王室,拯救黎民。檄文到日,可速奉行!
"Cao Cao and his associates, moved by a sense of duty, now make this proclamation. Dong Zhuo defies Heaven and Earth. He is destroying the state and injuring his prince. He pollutes the Palace and oppresses the people. He is vicious and cruel. His crimes are heaped up. Now we have received a secret command to call up soldiers, and we are pledged to cleanse the empire and destroy the evil-doers. We will raise a volunteer army and exert all our efforts to maintain the dynasty and succor the people. Respond to this, O Nobles, by mustering your soldiers."

6 發矯詔諸... :
操發檄文去後,各鎮諸侯,皆起兵相應:
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Many from every side answered the summons as the following list shows:
第一鎮,後將軍南陽太守袁術。第二鎮,冀州刺史韓馥。第三鎮,豫州刺史孔伷。第四鎮,兗州刺史劉岱。第五鎮,河內郡太守王匡。第六鎮,陳留太守張邈。第七鎮,東郡太守喬瑁。第八鎮,山陽太守劉遺。第九鎮,濟北相鮑信。第十鎮,北海太守孔融。第十一鎮,廣陵太守張超。第十二鎮,徐州刺史陶謙。第十三鎮,西涼太守馬騰。第十四鎮,北平太守公孫瓚。第十五鎮,上黨太守張楊。第十六鎮,烏程侯長沙太守孫堅。第十七鎮,祁鄉侯渤海太守袁紹。諸路軍馬,少不等,一有三萬者,有一二萬者一,各領文官武將,投洛陽來。
1. Governor of Nanyang —-Yuan Shu
2. Imperial Protector of Jizhou Region —-Han Fu
3. Imperial Protector of Yuzhou Region —-Kong Zhou
4. Imperial Protector of Yanzhou Region —-Liu Dai
5. Governor of Henei —-Wang Kuang
6. Governor of Chenliu —-Zhang Miao
7. Governor of Dongjun —-Qiao Mao
8. Governor of Shanyang —-Yuan Yi
9. Lord of Jibei —-Bao Xin
10. Governor of Beihai —-Kong Rong
11. Governor of Guangling —-Zhang Chao
12. Imperial Protector of Xuzhou Region —-Tao Qian
13. Governor of Xiliang —-Ma Teng
14. Governor of Beiping —-Gongsun Zan
15. Governor of Shangdang —-Zhang Yang
16. Governor of Changsha —-Sun Jian
17. Governor of Bohai —-Yuan Shao
These contingents varied in size, from ten thousand to thirty thousand, but each was complete in itself with its officers, civil and military, and battle-leaders. They were heading for Capital Luoyang.

7 發矯詔諸... :
且說北平太守公孫瓚,統領精兵一萬五千,路經德州平原縣。正行之間,遙見桑樹叢中,一面黃旗,數騎來迎。瓚視之,乃劉玄德也。瓚問曰:「賢弟何故在此?」玄德曰:「舊日蒙兄保備為平原縣令,今聞大軍過此,特來奉候,就請兄長入城歇馬。」瓚指關、張而問曰:「此何人也?」玄德曰:「此關羽,張飛,備結義兄弟也。」瓚曰:「乃同破黃巾者乎?」玄德曰:「皆此二人之力。」瓚曰:「今居何職?」玄德答曰:「關羽為馬弓手,張飛為步弓手。」瓚歎曰:「如此可謂埋沒英雄!今董卓作亂,天下諸侯,共往誅之。賢弟可棄此卑官,一同討賊,力扶漢室,若何?」玄德曰:「願往。」張飛曰:「當時若容我殺了此賊,免有今日之事。」雲長曰:「事已至此,即當收拾前去。」
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
The Governor of Beiping, Gongsun Zan, while on his way with his force of fifteen thousand, passed through the county of Pingyuan. There he saw among the mulberry trees a yellow flag under which marched a small company. When they drew nearer, he saw the leader was Liu Bei.
"Good brother, what do you here?" asked Gongsun Zan.
"You were kind to me once, and on your recommendation I was made the magistrate of this county. I heard you were passing through and came to salute you. May I pray you, my elder brother, enter into the city and rest your steed?"
"Who are these two?" said Gongsun Zan, pointing to Liu Bei's brothers.
"These are Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, my sworn brothers."
"Were they fighting with you against the Yellow Scarves?" asked Gongsun Zan.
"All my success was due to their efforts," said Liu Bei.
"And what offices do they fill?"
"Guan Yu is a mounted archer; Zhang Fei is a foot archer."
"Thus are able people buried!" said Gongsun Zan, sighing. Then he continued. "All the highest in the land are now going to destroy the rebellious Dong Zhuo. My brother, you would do better to abandon this petty place and join us in restoring the House of Han. Why not?"
"I should like to go," said Liu Bei.
"If you had let me kill him that other time, you would not have this trouble today," said Zhang Fei to Liu Bei and Guan Yu.
"Since things are so, let us pack and go," said Guan Yu.

8 發矯詔諸... :
玄德、關、張引數騎跟公孫瓚來。曹操接著。眾諸侯亦陸續皆至,各自安營下寨,連接二百餘里。操乃宰牛殺馬,大會諸侯,商議進兵之策。太守王匡曰:「今奉大義,必立盟主;眾聽約束,然後進兵。」操曰:「袁本初四世三公,門多故吏,漢朝名相之裔,可為盟主。」紹再三推辭。眾皆曰:「非本初不可。」紹方應允。次日築臺三層,遍列五方旗幟,上建白旄黃鉞,兵符將印,請紹登壇。紹整衣佩劍,慨然而上,焚香再拜。其盟曰:漢室不幸,皇綱失統。賊臣董卓,乘釁縱害,禍加至尊,虐流百姓。紹等懼社稷淪喪,糾合義兵,並赴國難。凡我同盟,齊心戮力,以致臣節,必無二志。有渝此盟,俾墜其命,無克遺育。皇天后土,祖宗明靈,實皆鑒之!
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
So without more ado, the three brothers, with a few horsemen, joined Gongsun Zan and marched with him to join the great army. One after another the feudal lords came up and encamped. Their camps extended over seventy miles and more. When all had arrived, Cao Cao, as the head, prepared sacrificial bullocks and horses and called all the lords to a great assembly to decide upon their plan of attack. Then spoke the Governor of Henei, Wang Kuang, "We have been moved by a noble sense of right to assemble here. Now must we first choose a chief and bind ourselves to obedience."
Then said Cao Cao, "For four generations the highest offices of state have been filled by members of the Yuan family, and their clients and supporters are everywhere. As a descendant of ancient ministers of Han, Yuan Shao is a suitable man to be our chief lord."
Yuan Shao again and again declined this honor. But they all said, "It must be he! There is no other!" And then he agreed. So the next day a three-story altar was built, and they planted about it the banners of all parties in five directions of space. And they set up white yaks' tails and golden axes and emblems of military authority and the seals of leadership round about.
All being ready, the chief lord was invited to ascend the altar. Clad in ceremonial robes and girded with a sword, Yuan Shao reverently ascended. There he burned incense, made obeisance and recited the oath:
"The House of Han has fallen upon evil days, the bands of imperial authority are loosened. The rebel minister, Dong Zhuo, takes advantage of the discord to work evil, and calamity falls upon honorable families. Cruelty overwhelms simple folks. We, Yuan Shao and his confederates, fearing for the safety of the imperial prerogatives, have assembled military forces to rescue the state. We now pledge ourselves to exert our whole strength and act in concord to the utmost limit of our powers. There must be no disconcerted or selfish action. Should any depart from this pledge, may he lose his life and leave no posterity. Almighty Heaven and Universal Earth and the enlightened spirits of our forebears, be ye our witnesses!"

9 發矯詔諸... :
讀畢,歃血。眾因其辭氣慷慨,皆涕泗橫流。歃血已罷,下壇。眾扶紹升帳而坐,兩行依爵位年齒分列坐定。操行酒數巡,言曰:「今日既立盟主,各聽調遣,同扶國家,勿以強弱計較。」袁紹曰:「紹雖不才,既承公等推為盟主,有功必賞,有罪必罰。國有常刑,軍有紀律;各宜遵守,勿得違犯。」眾皆曰:「惟命是聽。」紹曰:「吾弟袁術總督糧草,應付諸營,無使有缺。更須一人為先鋒,直抵汜水關挑戰。餘各據險要,以為接應。」長沙太守孫堅出曰:「堅願為前部。」紹曰:「文臺勇烈,可當此任。」堅遂引本部人馬殺奔汜水關來。守關將士,差流星馬往洛陽丞相府告急。董卓自專大權之後,每日飲宴。李儒接得告急文書,逕來稟卓。卓大驚,急聚眾將商議。溫侯呂布挺身出曰:「父親勿慮:關外諸侯,布視之如草芥。願提虎狼之師,盡斬其首,懸於都門。」卓大喜曰:「吾有奉先,高枕無憂矣!」言未絕,呂布背後一人高聲出曰:「『割雞焉用牛刀?』不勞溫侯親往。吾斬眾諸侯首級,如探囊取物耳。」卓視之,其人身長九尺,虎體狼腰,豹頭猿臂:關西人也;姓華,名雄。卓聞言大喜,加為驍騎校尉,撥馬步軍五萬,同李肅,胡軫,趙岑星夜赴關迎敵。眾諸侯內有濟北相鮑信,尋思孫堅既為前部,怕他奪了頭功,暗撥其弟鮑忠,先將馬步軍三千,逕抄小路,直到關下搦戰。華雄引鐵騎五百,飛下關來,大喝:「賊將休走!」鮑忠急待退,被華雄手起刀落,斬於馬下,生擒將校極多。華雄遣人將鮑忠首級來相府報捷,卓加雄為都督。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
The reading finished, Yuan Shao smeared the blood of the sacrifice upon his lips and upon the lips of those who shared the pledge. All were deeply affected by the ceremony and many shed tears. This done, the chief lord was supported down from the high place and led to his tent, where he took the highest place and the others arranged themselves according to rank and age. Here wine was served. Presently Cao Cao said, "It behooves us all to obey the chief we have this day set up, and support the state. There must be no feeling of rivalry or superiority based upon numbers."
Yuan Shao replied, "Unworthy as I am, yet as elected chief I must impartially reward merit and punish offenses. Let each see to it that he obeys the national laws and the army precepts. These must not be broken."
"Only thy commands are to be obeyed!" cried all.
Then Yuan Shao said, "My brother, Yuan Shu, is appointed Chief of the Commissariat. He must see to it that the whole camp is well supplied. But the need of the moment is a van leader who shall go to River Si Pass and provoke a battle. The other forces must take up strategic positions in support." Then the Governor of Changsha, Sun Jian, offered himself for this service.
"You are valiant and fierce, and equal to this service!" said Yuan Shao.
The force under Sun Jian set out and presently came to River Si Pass. The guard there sent a swift rider to the capital to announce to the Prime Minister the urgency of the situation. Ever since Dong Zhuo had secured his position, he had given himself up to luxury without stint. When the urgent news reached Adviser Li Ru, he at once went to his master, who much alarmed called a great council.
Lu Bu stood forth and said, "Do not fear, my father. I look upon all the lords beyond the Pass as so much stubble. And with the warriors of our fierce army, I will put everyone of them to death and hang their heads at the gates of the capital!"
"With your aid I can sleep secure!" said Dong Zhuo.
But someone behind Lu Bu broke in upon his speech, saying, "An ox-cleaver to kill a chicken! There is no need for the General to go: I will cut off their heads as easily as I would take a thing out of my pocket!" Dong Zhuo looked up and his eyes rested on a stalwart man of fierce mien, lithe and supple as a beast. He had round head like a leopard and shoulders like an ape's . His name was Hua Xiong of Guanxi. Dong Zhuo rejoiced at Hua Xiong's bold words and at once appointed him Commander of the Valiant Cavalry and gave him fifty thousand of horse and foot. Hua Xiong and three other generals —-Li Su, Hu Zhen, and Zhao Cen —-hastily moved toward River Si Pass.
Among the feudal lords, Bao Xin, the Lord of Jibei, was jealous lest the chosen Van Leader Sun Jian should win too great honors. Wherefore Bao Xin endeavored to meet the foe first, and so he secretly dispatched his brother, Bao Zhong, with three thousand by a bye road. As soon as this small force reached the Pass, they offered battle. Fast reacting, Hua Xiong at the head of five hundred armored horsemen swept down from the Pass, crying, "Flee not, rebel!" But Bao Zhong was afraid and turned back. Hua Xiong came on, his arm rose, the sword fell, and Bao Zhong was cut down from his horse. Most of Bao Zhong's company were captured. Bao Zhong's head was sent to the Prime Minister's palace. Hua Xiong was promoted to Commander-in-Chief.

10 發矯詔諸... :
卻說孫堅引四將直至關前。那四將:第一個,右北平土垠人:姓程,名普,字德謀,使一條鐵脊蛇矛;第二個,姓黃,名蓋,字公覆,零陵人也,使鐵鞭:第三個,姓韓,名當,字義公,遼西令支人也,使一口大刀;第四個,姓祖,名茂,字大榮,吳郡富春人也,使雙刀。孫堅披爛銀鎧,裏赤幘,橫古錠刀,騎花鬃馬,指關上而罵曰:「助惡匹夫,何不早降!」
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Sun Jian presently approached the Pass. He had four generals: Cheng Pu of Tuyin whose weapon was an iron-spined lance with snake-headed blade; Huang Gai of Lingling who wielded an iron whip; Han Dang of Lingzhi using a heavy saber; and Zu Mao of Wujun who fought with a pair of swords. Commander Sun Jian wore a helmet of fine silver wrapped round with a purple turban. He carried across his body his sword of ancient ingot iron and rode a dappled horse with flowing mane. Sun Jian advanced to the Pass and hailed the defenders, crying, "Helpers of a villain! Be quick to surrender!"

11 發矯詔諸... :
華雄副將胡軫引兵五千出關迎戰。程普飛馬挺矛,直取胡軫。鬥不數合,程普刺中胡軫咽喉,死於馬下。堅揮軍直殺至關前,關上矢石如雨。孫堅引兵回至梁東屯住,使人於袁紹處報捷,就於袁術處催糧。或說術曰:「孫堅乃江東猛虎;若打破洛陽,殺了董卓,正是除狼而得虎也。今不與糧,彼軍必散。」術聽之,不發糧草。孫堅軍缺食,軍中自亂,細作報上關來。李肅為華雄謀曰:「今夜我引一軍從小路下關,襲孫堅寨後,將軍揮其前寨,堅可擒矣。」
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Hua Xiong bade Hu Zhen lead five thousand out against Sun Jian. Cheng Pu with the snaky lance rode out from Sun Jian's side and engaged. After a very few bouts, Cheng Pu killed Hu Zhen on the spot by a thrust through the throat. Then Sun Jian gave the signal for the main army to advance. But from the Pass, Hua Xiong's troops rained down showers of stones, which proved too much for the assailants, and they retired into camp at Liangdong. Sun Jian sent the report of victory to Yuan Shao. Sun Jian also sent an urgent message for supplies to the commissary. But a counselor said to the Controller Yuan Shu, "This Sun Jian is a very tiger in the east. Should he take the capital and destroy Dong Zhuo, we should have a tiger in place of a wolf. Do not send him grain. Starve his troops, and that will decide the fate of that army."
And Yuan Shu gave ears to the detractor and sent no grain or forage. Soon Sun Jian's hungry soldiers showed their disaffection by indiscipline, and the spies bore the news to the defenders of the Pass.
Li Su made a plot with Hua Xiong, saying, "We will launch tonight a speedy attack against Sun Jian in front and rear so that we can capture him."

12 發矯詔諸... :
雄從之,傳令軍士飽餐,乘夜下關。是夜月白風清。到堅寨時,已是半夜,鼓譟直進。堅慌忙披掛上馬,正遇華雄。兩馬相交,鬥不數合,後面李肅軍到,令軍士放起火來。堅軍亂竄。眾將各自混戰,止有祖茂跟定孫堅,突圍而走。背後華雄追來。堅取箭,連放兩箭,皆被華雄躲過。再放第三箭時,因用力太猛,拽折了鵲畫弓,只得棄弓縱馬而奔。祖茂曰:「主公頭上赤幘射目,為賊所識認。可脫幘與某戴之。」堅就脫幘換茂盔,分兩路而走。雄軍只望赤幘者追趕,堅乃從小路得脫。祖茂被華雄追急,將赤幘挂於人家燒不盡的庭柱上,卻入樹林潛躲。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Hua Xiong agreed and prepared for the attack. So the soldiers of the attacking force were told off and given a full meal. At dark they left the Pass and crept by secret paths to the rear of Sun Jian's camp. The moon was bright and the wind cool. They arrived about midnight and the drums beat an immediate attack. Sun Jian hastily donned his fighting gear and rode out. He ran straight into Hua Xiong and the two warriors engaged. But before they had exchanged many passes, Li Su's army came up from behind and set fire to whatever would burn.
Sun Jian's army were thrown into confusion and fled in disorder. A melee ensued, and soon only Zu Mao was left at Sun Jian's side. These two broke through the Pass and fled. Hua Xiong coming in hot pursuit, Sun Jian took his bow and let fly two arrows in quick succession, but both missed. He fitted a third arrow to the string, but drew the bow so fiercely that it snapped. He cast the bow to the earth and set off at full gallop.
Then spoke Zu Mao, "My lord's purple turban is a mark that the rebels will too easily recognize. Give it to me, and I will wear it!"
So Sun Jian exchanged his silver helmet with the turban for his general's headpiece, and the two men parted, riding different ways. The pursuers looking only for the purple turban went after its wearer, and Sun Jian escaped along a by-road. Zu Mao, hotly pursued, then tore off the headdress which he hung on the post of a half-burned house as he passed and dashed into the thick woods.

13 發矯詔諸... :
華雄軍於下遙月見赤幘,四面圍定,不敢近前。用箭射之,方知是計,遂向前取了赤幘。祖茂於林後殺出,揮雙刀欲劈華雄;雄大喝一聲,將祖茂一刀砍於馬下。殺至天明,雄方引兵上關。程普,黃蓋,韓當都來尋見孫堅,再收拾軍馬屯紮。堅為折了祖茂,傷感不已,星夜遣人報知袁紹。紹大驚曰:「不想孫文臺敗於華雄之手!」便聚眾諸侯商議。眾人都到,只有公孫瓚後至,紹請入帳列坐。紹曰:「前日鮑將軍之弟不遵調遣,擅自進兵,殺身喪命,折了許多軍士。今者孫文臺又敗於華雄:挫動銳氣,為之奈何?」諸侯並皆不語。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Hua Xiong's troops seeing the purple turban standing motionless dared not approach, but they surrounded it on every side and shot at it with arrows. Presently they discovered the trick, went up and seized it. This was the moment that Zu Mao awaited. At once he rushed forth, his two swords whirling about, and dashed at the leader. But Hua Xiong was too quick. With a loud yell, Hua Xiong slashed at Zu Mao and cut him down the horse. Hua Xiong and Li Su continued the slaughter till the day broke, and they led their troops back to the Pass.
Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang in time found their chief and the soldiers gathered. Sun Jian was much grieved at the loss of Zu Mao. When news of the disaster reached Yuan Shao, he was greatly chagrined and called all the lords to a council. They assembled and Gongsun Zan was the last to arrive.
When all were seated in the tent Yuan Shao said, "The brother of General Bao Xin, disobeying the rules we made for our guidance, rashly went to attack the enemy: He was slain and with him many of our soldiers. Now Sun Jian has been defeated. Thus our fighting spirit has suffered and what is to be done?" Everyone was silent.

14 發矯詔諸... :
紹舉目遍視,見公孫瓚背後立著三人,容貌異常,都在那裏冷笑。紹問曰:「公孫太守背後何人?」瓚呼玄德出曰:「此吾自幼同舍兄弟,平原令劉備是也。」曹操曰:「莫非破黃巾劉玄德乎?」瓚曰:「然。」即令劉玄德拜見。瓚將玄德功勞,並其出身,細說一遍。紹曰:「既是漢室宗派,取坐來。」命坐。備遜謝。紹曰:「吾非敬汝名爵,吾敬汝是帝室之冑耳。」玄德乃坐於末位,關、張叉手侍立於後。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Lifting his eyes, Yuan Shao looked round from one to another till he came to Gongsun Zan, and then he remarked three men who stood behind Gongsun Zan's seat. They were of striking appearance as they stood there, all three smiling cynically. "Who are those men behind you?" said Yuan Shao.
Gongsun Zan told Liu Bei to come forward, and said, "This is Liu Bei, Magistrate of Pingyuan and a brother of mine who shared my humble cottage when we were students."
"It must be the Liu Bei who broke up the Yellow Scarves rebellion," said Cao Cao.
"It is he," said Gongsun Zan, and he ordered Liu Bei to make his obeisance to the assembly, to whom Liu Bei then related his services and his origin, all in full detail.
"Since he is of the Han line, he should be seated," said Yuan Shao, and he bade Liu Bei sit. Liu Bei modestly thanked him, declining.
Said Yuan Shao, "This consideration is not for your fame and office. I respect you as a scion of the imperial family."
So Liu Bei took his seat in the lowest place of the long line of lords. And his two brothers with folded arms took their stations behind him.

15 發矯詔諸... :
忽探子來報:「華雄引鐵騎下關,用長竿挑著孫太守赤幘,來寨前大罵搦戰。」紹曰:「誰敢去戰?」袁術背後轉出驍將俞涉曰:「小將願往。」紹喜,便著俞涉出馬。即時報來:「俞涉與華雄戰不三合,被華雄斬了。」眾大驚。太守韓馥曰:「吾有上將潘鳳,可斬華雄。」紹急令出戰。潘鳳手提大斧上馬。去不多時,飛馬來報:「潘鳳又被華雄斬了。」眾皆失色。紹曰:「可惜吾上將顏良、文醜未至!得一人在此,何懼華雄?」言未畢,階下一人大呼出曰:「小將軍願往斬華雄頭,獻於帳下!」眾視之,見其人身長九尺,髯長二尺;丹鳳眼,臥蠶眉;面如重棗,聲如巨鐘;立於帳前。紹問何人。公孫瓚曰:「此劉玄德之弟關羽也。」紹問見居何職。瓚曰:「跟隨劉玄德充馬弓手。」帳上袁術大喝曰:「汝欺吾眾諸侯無大將耶?量一弓手,安敢亂言!與我打出!」曹操急止之曰:「公路息怒:此人既出大言,必有勇略;試教出馬,如其不勝,責之未遲。」袁紹曰:「使一弓手出戰,必被華雄所笑。」操曰:「此人儀表不俗,華雄安知他是弓手?」關公曰:「如不勝,請斬某頭。」
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Even as they were at this meeting came in a scout to say that Hua Xiong with a company of mail-clad horsemen was coming down from the Pass. They were flaunting Sun Jian's captured purple turban on the end of a bamboo pole. The enemy was soon hurling insults at those within the stockade and challenging them to fight. "Who dares go out to give battle?" said Yuan Shao.
"I will go," said Yu She, a renown general of Yuan Shu, stepping forward. So Yu She went, and almost immediately one came back to say that Yu She had fallen in the third bout of Hua Xiong. Fear began to lay its cold hand on the assembly.
Then Imperial Protector Han Fu said, "I have a brave warrior among my army. Pan Feng is his name, and he could slay this Hua Xiong." So Pan Feng was ordered out to meet the foe. With his great battle-ax in his hand, Pan Feng mounted and rode forth. But soon came the direful tidings that General Pan Feng too had fallen. The faces of the gathering paled at this.
"What a pity my two able generals, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, are not here! Then should we have someone who would not fear this Hua Xiong," said Yuan Shao. He had not finished when from the lower end a voice tolled, "I will go, take Hua Xiong's head, and lay it before you here!" All turned to look at the speaker. He was tall and had a long beard. His eyes were those of a phoenix and his eyebrows thick and bushy like silkworms. His face was a swarthy red and his voice deep as the sound of a great bell. "Who is he?" asked Yuan Shao.
Gongsun Zan told them it was Guan Yu, brother of Liu Bei.
"And what is he?" asked Yuan Shao.
"He is in the train of Liu Bei as a mounted archer."
"What! An insult to us all!" roared Yuan Shu from his place. "Have we no leader? How dare an archer speak thus before us? Let us beat him forth!"
But Cao Cao intervened. "Peace, O Yuan Shu! Since this man speaks great words, he is certainly valiant. Let him try. If he fails, then we may reproach him."
"Hua Xiong will laugh at us if we send a mere archer to fight him," said Yuan Shao.
"This man looks no common person. And how can the enemy know he is but a bowman?" said Cao Cao.
"If I fail, then can you take my head," spoke Guan Yu.

16 發矯詔諸... :
操教釃熱酒一盃,與關公飲了上馬。關公曰:「酒且斟下,某去便來。」出帳提刀,飛身上馬。眾諸侯聽得關外鼓聲大振,喊聲大舉,如天摧地塌,岳撼山崩,眾皆失驚。正欲探聽,鸞鈴響處,馬到中軍,雲長提華雄之頭,擲於地上,其酒當溫。後人有詩讚之曰:威鎮乾坤第一功,轅門畫鼓響鼕鼕。雲長停盞施英勇,酒當溫時斬華雄。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Cao Cao bade them heat some wine and offered a cup to Guan Yu as he went out.
"Pour it out," said Guan Yu. "I shall return in a little space."
Guan Yu went with his weapon in his hand and vaulted into the saddle. Those in the tent heard the fierce roll of the drums and then a mighty sound as if skies were falling and earth rising, hills trembling and mountains tearing asunder. And they were sore afraid. And while they were listening with ears intent, lo! the gentle tinkle of horse bells, and Guan Yu returned, throwing at their feet the head of the slain leader, their enemy Hua Xiong.
The wine was still warm!
This doughty deed has been celebrated in verse:
The power of the man stands first in all the world,
At the gate of the camp was heard the rolling of the battle drums;
Then Guan Yu set aside the wine cup till he should have displayed his valor,
And the wine was still warm when Hua Xiong had been slain.

17 發矯詔諸... :
曹操大喜。只見玄德背後轉出張飛,高聲大叫:「俺哥哥斬了華雄,不就這裏殺入關去,活拏董卓,更待何時!」袁術大怒,喝曰:「俺大臣尚自謙讓,量一縣令手下小卒,安敢在此耀武揚威!都與趕出帳去!」曹操曰:「得功者賞,何計貴賤乎?」袁術曰:「既然公等只重一縣令,我當告退。」操曰:「豈可因一言而誤大事耶?」命公孫瓚且帶玄德、關、張回寨。眾官皆散。曹操暗使人齎牛酒撫慰三人。卻說華雄手下敗軍,報上關來。李肅慌忙寫告急文書,申聞董卓。卓急聚李儒、呂布等商議。儒曰:「今失了上將華雄,賊勢浩大。袁紹為盟主,紹叔袁隗,現為太傅;倘或裏應外合,深為不便,可先除之。請丞相親領大軍,分撥剿捕。」
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Cao Cao was greatly excited at this success. But Zhang Fei's voice was heard, shouting, "My brother has slain Hua Xiong. What are we waiting for? Why not break through the Pass and seize Dong Zhuo? Could there have been a better time?"
Again arose the angry voice of Yuan Shu, "We high officials are too meek and yielding. Here is the petty follower of a small magistrate daring to flaunt his prowess before us! Expel him from the tent, I say."
But again Cao Cao interposed, "Shall we consider the station of him who has done a great service?"
"If you hold a mere magistrate in such honor, then I simply withdraw," said Yuan Shu.
"Is a word enough to defeat a grand enterprise?" said Cao Cao.
Then he told Gongsun Zan to lead the three brothers back to their own camp, and the other chiefs then dispersed. That night Cao Cao secretly sent presents of meat and wine to soothe the three after this adventure. When Hua Xiong's troops straggled back and told the story of defeat and death, Li Ru was greatly distressed. He wrote urgent letters to his master who called in his trusted advisers to a council.
Li Ru summed up the situation, saying, "We have lost our best leader, and the rebel power has thereby become very great. Yuan Shao is at the head of this confederacy, and his uncle, Yuan Wei, is holder of the office of Imperial Guardianship. If those in the capital combine with those in the country, we may suffer. Therefore we must remove them. So I request you, Sir Prime Minister, to place yourself at the head of your army and break this confederation."

18 發矯詔諸... :
卓然其說,喚李催,郭汜,領兵五百,圍住太傅袁隗家,不分老幼,盡皆誅絕,先將袁隗首級去關前號令。卓遂起兵二十萬,分為兩路而來:一路先令李催,郭汜,引兵五萬,把住汜水關,不要廝殺;卓自將十五萬,同李儒,呂布,樊稠,張濟,等守虎牢關。這關離洛陽五十里。軍馬到關,卓令呂布領三萬大軍,去關前紮住大寨。卓自在關上屯住。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Dong Zhuo agreed and at once ordered his two generals, Li Jue and Guo Si, to take five hundred troops and surround the residence of Imperial Guardian Yuan Wei, slay every soul regardless of age, and hang the head of Yuan Wei outside the gate as trophy. And Dong Zhuo commanded two hundred thousand troops to advance in two armies. The first fifty thousand were under Li Jue and Guo Si, and they were to hold River Si Pass. They should not necessarily fight. The other one hundred fifty thousand under Dong Zhuo himself went to Tiger Trap Pass. His counselors and commanders —-Li Ru, Lu Bu, Fan Chou, Zhang Ji, and others —-marched with the main army.
Tiger Trap Pass is fifteen miles from Capital Luoyang. As soon as they arrived, Dong Zhuo bade Lu Bu take thirty thousand soldiers and make a strong stockade on the outside of the Pass. The main body with Dong Zhuo would occupy the Pass.

19 發矯詔諸... :
流星馬探聽得,報入袁紹大寨裏來。紹聚眾商議。操曰:「董卓屯兵虎牢,截俺諸侯中路,今可勒兵一半迎敵。」紹乃分王匡,喬瑁,鮑信,袁遺,孔融,張楊,陶謙,公孫瓚,八路諸侯,往虎牢關迎敵。操引軍往來救應。八路諸侯,各自起兵。河內太守王匡,引兵先到。呂布帶鐵騎三千,飛奔來迎。王匡將軍馬列成陣勢,勒馬門旗下看時,見呂布出陣:頭戴三叉束髮紫金冠,體挂西川紅錦百花袍,身披獸面吞頭連環鎧,腰繫勒甲玲瓏獅蠻帶;弓箭隨身,手持畫戟;坐下嘶風赤兔馬;果然是人中呂布,馬中赤兔!
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
News of this movement reaching the confederate lords. Yuan Shao summoned a council. Said Cao Cao, "The occupation of the Pass would cut our armies in two; therefore, we must oppose Dong Zhuo's army on the way."
So eight of the commanders —-Wang Kuang, Qiao Mao, Bao Xin, Yuan Yi, Kong Rong, Zhang Yang, Tao Qian, and Gongsun Zan —-were ordered to go in the direction of the Tiger Trap Pass to oppose their enemy. Cao Cao and his troops moved among them as reserve to render help where needed. Of the eight, Wang Kuang, the Governor of Henei, was the first to arrive, and Lu Bu went to give battle with three thousand armored horsemen. When Wang Kuang had ordered his army, horse and foot, in battle array, he took his station under the great banner and looked over at his foe.
Lu Bu was a conspicuous figure in front of the line. On his head was a triple curved headdress of ruddy gold with pheasant tails. He wore a warring velvet-red robe of Xichuan silk embroidered with thousand flowers, which was overlapped by golden mail adorned with a gaping animal's head, joined by rings at the sides and girt to his waist with a belt fastened by a beautiful lion-head clasp. His bow and arrows were slung on his shoulders, and he carried a long heavy trident halberd. He was seated on his snorting steed Red Hare. Indeed Lu Bu was the man among humans, as Red Hare was the horse among horses.

20 發矯詔諸... :
王匡回頭問曰:「誰敢出戰?」後面一將,縱馬挺鎗而出。匡視之,乃河內名將方悅。兩馬相交,無五合,被呂布一戟刺於馬下,挺戟直衝過來。匡軍大敗,四散奔走。布東西衝殺,如入無人之境。幸得喬瑁、袁遺兩軍皆至,來救王匡,呂布方退。三路諸侯,各折了些人馬,退三十里下寨。隨後五路軍馬都至,一處商議,言呂布英雄,無人可敵。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
"Who dares go out to fight him?" asked Wang Kuang turning to those behind him. In response a valiant general from Henei named Fang Yue spurred to the front, his spear set ready for battle. Lu Bu and Fang Yue met: Before the fifth bout Fang Yue fell under a thrust of the trident halberd, and Lu Bu dashed forward. Wang Kuang's troops could not stand and scattered in all directions. Lu Bu went to and fro slaying all he met. He was irresistible.
Luckily, two other troops led by Qiao Mao and Yuan Yi came up and rescued the wounded Wang Kuang, and Lu Bu pulled back. The three, having lost many troops, withdrew ten miles and made a stockade. And before long the remaining five commanders came up and joined them. They held a council and agreed Lu Bu was a hero no one could match.

21 發矯詔諸... :
正慮間,小校報來:「呂布搦戰。」八路諸侯,一齊上馬,軍分八隊,布在高岡。遙望呂布一簇軍馬,繡旗招颭,先來衝陣。上黨太守張楊部將穆順,出馬挺鎗迎戰,被呂布手起一戟,刺於馬下。眾大驚。北海太守孔融部將武安國,使鐵鎚飛馬而出。呂布揮戟拍馬來迎。戰到十餘合,一戟砍斷安國手腕,棄鎚於地而走。八路軍兵齊出,救了武安國。呂布退回去了。眾諸侯回寨商議。曹操曰:「呂布英勇無敵,可會十八路諸侯,共議良策。若擒了呂布,董卓易誅耳。」
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
And while they sat there anxious and uncertain, it was announced that Lu Bu had returned to challenge them. They mounted their horses and placed themselves at the heads of eight forces, each body in its station on the high ground. Around them was the opposing army in formation, commanded by Lu Bu, innumerable horse and foot, with splendid embroidered banners waving in the breeze.
They attacked Lu Bu. Mu Shun, a general of Governor Zhang Yang, rode out with his spear set, but soon fell at the first encounter with Lu Bu. This frightened the others. Then galloped forth Wu Anguo, a general under Governor Kong Rong. Wu Anguo raised his iron mace ready at his rival. Lu Bu whirling his halberd and urging on his steed came to meet Wu Anguo. The two fought, well matched for ten bouts, when a blow from the trident halberd broke Wu Anguo's wrist. Letting his mace fall to the ground he fled. Then all eight of the lords led forth their armies to his rescue, and Lu Bu retired to his line.
The fighting then ceased, and after their return to camp another council met. Cao Cao said, "No one can stand against the prowess of Lu Bu. Let us call up all the lords and evolve some good plan. If only Lu Bu were taken, Dong Zhuo could easily be killed."

22 發矯詔諸... :
正議間,呂布復引兵搦戰。八路諸侯齊出。公孫瓚揮槊親戰呂布。戰不數合,瓚敗走。呂布縱赤兔馬趕來。那馬日行千里,飛走如風。看看趕上,布舉畫戟望瓚後心便刺。旁邊一將,圓睜環眼,倒豎虎鬚,挺丈八蛇矛,飛馬大叫:「三姓家奴休走!燕人張飛在此!」
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
While the council was in progress again came Lu Bu to challenge them, and again the commanders moved out against him. This time Gongsun Zan, flourishing his spear, went to meet the enemy. After a very few bouts Gongsun Zan turned and fled; Lu Bu following at the topmost speed of Red Hare. Red Hare was a three-hundred-mile-a-day horse, swift as the wind. The lords watched Red Hare gained rapidly upon the flying horseman, and Lu Bu's halberd was poised ready to strike Gongsun Zan just behind the heart. Just then dashed in a third rider with round glaring eyes and a bristling mustache, and armed with a ten-foot serpent halberd.
"Stay, O twice bastard!" roared he, "I, Zhang Fei of Yan, await you!"

23 發矯詔諸... :
呂布見了,棄了公孫瓚,便戰張飛。飛抖擻精神,酣戰呂布。連鬥五十餘合,不分勝負。雲長見了,把馬一拍,舞八十二斤青龍偃月刀,來夾攻呂布。三匹馬丁字兒廝殺。戰到三十合,戰不倒呂布。劉玄德掣雙股劍,驟黃鬃馬,刺斜裏也來助戰。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Seeing this opponent, Lu Bu left the pursuit of Gongsun Zan and engaged the new adversary. Zhang Fei was elated, and he rode forth with all his energies. They two were worthily matched, and they exchanged half a hundred bouts with no advantage to either side. Then Guan Yu, impatient, rode out with his huge and weighty green-dragon saber and attacked Lu Bu on the other flank. The three steeds formed a triangle and their riders battered away at each other for thirty bouts, yet still Lu Bu stood firm. Then Liu Bei rode out to his brothers' aid, his double swords raised ready to strike. The steed with the flowing mane was urged in at an angle.

24 發矯詔諸... :
這三個圍住呂布,轉燈兒般廝殺。八路人馬,都看得呆了。呂布架隔遮攔不定,看著玄德面上,虛刺一戟,玄德急閃。呂布蕩開陣角,倒拖畫戟,飛馬便回。三個那裏肯捨,拍馬趕來。八路軍兵,喊聲大震,一齊掩殺。呂布軍馬,望關上奔走;玄德、關、張隨後趕來。古人曾有篇言語,單道著玄德、關、張三戰呂布:漢朝天數當桓靈,炎炎紅日將西傾。奸臣董卓廢少帝,劉協懦弱魂夢驚。曹操傳檄告天下,諸侯奮怒皆興兵。議立袁紹作盟主,誓扶王室定太平。溫侯呂布世無比,雄才四海誇英偉。護軀銀鎧砌龍鱗,束髮金冠簪雉尾。參差寶帶獸平吞,錯落錦袍飛鳳起。龍駒跳踏起天風,畫戟熒煌射秋水。出關搦戰誰敢當?諸侯膽裂心惶惶。踴出燕人張翼德,手持蛇矛丈八鎗。虎鬚倒豎翻金線,環眼圓睜起電光。酣戰未能分勝敗,陣前惱起關雲長。青龍寶刀燦霜雪,鸚鵡戰袍飛蛺蝶。馬蹄到處鬼神嚎,目前一怒應流血。梟雄玄德掣雙鋒,抖擻天威施勇烈。三人圍繞戰多時,遮攔架隔無休歇。喊聲震動天地翻,殺氣迷漫牛斗寒。呂布力窮尋走路,遙望山塞拍馬還。倒拖畫桿方天戟,亂散銷金五彩旛。頓斷絨走赤兔,翻身飛上虎牢關。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
Now Lu Bu had to contend with three surrounding warriors at whom he struck one after another, and they at him, the flashing of the warriors' weapons looking like the revolving lamps suspended at the new year. And the warriors of the eight armies gazed rapt with amazement at such a battle.
But Lu Bu's guard began to weaken and fatigue seized him. Looking hard in the face of Liu Bei, Lu Bu feigned a fierce thrust thus making Liu Bei suddenly draw back. Then, lowering his halberd, Lu Bu dashed through the angle thus opened and got away. But was it likely they would allow him to escape? They whipped their steeds and followed hard. The soldiers of the eight armies cracked their throats with thunderous cheers and all dashed forward, pressing after Lu Bu as he made for the shelter of the Tiger Trap Pass. And first among his pursuers were the three brothers.
An ancient poet has told of this famous fight in these lines:
The fateful day of Han came in the reigns of Huan and Ling,
Their glory declined as the sun sinks at the close of day.
Dong Zhuo, infamous minister of state, pulled down the youthful Bian.
It is true the new Xian was a weakling, too timid for his times.
Then Cao Cao proclaimed abroad these wicked deeds,
And the great lords, moved with anger, assembled their forces.
In council met they and chose as their oath-chief Yuan Shao,
Pledged themselves to maintain the ruling house and tranquillity.
Of the warriors of that time matchless Lu Bu was the boldest.
His valor and prowess are sung by all within the four seas.
He clothed his body in silver armor like the scales of a dragon,
On his head was a golden headdress with pheasant tails,
About his waist a shaggy belt, the clasp, two wild beasts' heads with gripping jaws,
His flowing, embroidered robe fluttered about his form,
His swift courser bounded over the plain, a mighty wind following,
His terrible trident halberd flashed in the sunlight, bright as a placid lake.
Who dared face him as he rode forth to challenge?
The bowels of the confederate lords were torn with fear and their hearts trembled.
Then leaped forth Zhang Fei, the valiant warrior of the north,
Gripped in his mighty hand the long serpent halberd,
His mustache bristled with anger, standing stiff like wire.
His round eyes glared, lightning flashes darted from them.
Neither quailed in the fight, but the issue was undecided.
Guan Yu stood out in front, his soul vexed within him,
His green-dragon saber shone white as frost in the sunlight,
His bright colored fighting robe fluttered like butterfly wings,
Demons and angels shrieked at the thunder of his horse hoofs,
In his eyes was fierce anger, a fire to be quenched only in blood.
Next Liu Bei joined the battle, gripping his twin sword blades,
The heavens themselves trembled at the majesty of his wrath.
These three closely beset Lu Bu and long drawn out was the battle,
Always he warded their blows, never faltering a moment.
The noise of their shouting rose to the sky, and the earth reechoed it,
The heat of battle ranged to the frozen pole star.
Worn out, feeling his strength fast ebbing, Lu Bu thought to flee,
He glanced at the hills around and thither would fly for shelter,
Then, reversing his halberd and lowering its lofty point,
Hastily he fled, loosing himself from the battle;
With head low bent, he gave the rein to his courser,
Turned his face away and fled to Tiger Trap Pass.

25 發矯詔諸... :
三人直趕呂布到關下,看見關上西風飄動青羅傘蓋。張飛大叫:「此必董卓!追呂布有甚強處!不如先拿董賊,便是斬草除根!」拍馬上關,來擒董卓。正是:擒賊定須擒賊首,奇功端的待奇人。未知勝負如何,且聽下文分解。
Cao Cao Appeals To...:
The three brothers maintained the pursuit to the Pass. Looking up they saw an immense umbrella of black gauze fluttering in the west wind. "Certainly there is Dong Zhuo," cried Zhang Fei. "What is the use of pursuing Lu Bu? Better far seize the chiefest rebel and so pluck up the evil by the roots!" And he whipped up his steed toward the Pass.
To quell rebellion seize the leader if you can;
If you need a wondrous service then first find a wondrous man.
The following chapters will unfold the result of the battle.

URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch5