1-1
滚滚长江东逝水浪花淘侭英雄。
The rolling Yangtze flows eastward to the sea, its waves wash away all heroes.
第一回 宴桃园豪杰三结义 斩黄巾英雄首立功
1-2
是非成败转头空青山依旧在几度夕阳红。
Right and wrong, success and failure turn to emptiness in a glance; the green hills remain as before, through how many sunsets glowing red.
1-3
白发渔樵江渚上惯看秋月春风。
The white-haired fisherman and woodcutter on the river isle are used to seeing autumn moons and spring winds.
1-4
一壶浊酒喜相逢古今多少事都付笑谈中。
With a pot of unrefined wine we joyfully meet; how many affairs of past and present are all given to laughter and talk.
1-5
话说天下大势，分久必合，合久必分。周末七国分争，并入于秦。及秦灭之后，楚、汉分争，又并入于汉。汉朝自高祖斩白蛇而起义，一统天下。后来光武中兴，传至献帝，遂分为三国。推其致乱之由，殆始于桓、灵二帝。桓帝禁锢善类，崇信宦官。
Empires wax and wane; states cleave asunder and coalesce. When the rule of Chou weakened seven contending principalities sprang up, warring one with another till they settled down as Ts‘in and when its destiny had been fulfilled arose Ch‘u and Han to contend for the mastery. And Han was the victor. The rise of the fortunes of Han began with the slaughter of the White Serpent. In a short time the whole Empire was theirs and their magnificent heritage was handed down in successive generations till the days of Kuang-Wu, whose name stands in the middle of the long line of Han. This was in the first century of the western era and the dynasty had then already passed its zenith. A century later came to the Throne the Emperor Hsien, doomed to see the beginning of the division into three parts, known to history as The Three Kingdoms.
1-6
及桓帝崩，灵帝即位，大将军窦武、太傅陈蕃，共相辅佐。时有宦官曹节等弄权，窦武、陈蕃谋诛之，作事不密，反为所害，中涓自此愈横。
The descent into misrule hastened in the reigns of the two Emperors Huan and Ling, who sat in the dragon seat about the middle of the second century. The former of these two paid no heed to the good men of his court, but gave his confidence to the palace eunuchs. He lived and died, leaving the sceptre to Ling, whose trusted advisers were the General Tou Wu and the Grand Tutor Ch‘ên Fan. These two, disgusted with the abuses resulting from the meddling of the eunuchs in affairs of State, plotted their destruction. But the chief eunuch Ts‘ao Chieh was not to be disposed of easily. The plot leaked out and the two honest men fell, leaving the eunuchs stronger than before.
1-7
建宁二年四月望日，帝御温德殿。方升座，殿角狂风骤起，只见一条大青蛇，从梁上飞将下来，蟠于椅上。帝惊倒，左右急救入宫，百官俱奔避。须臾，蛇不见了。忽然大雷大雨，加以冰雹，落到半夜方止，坏却房屋无数。建宁四年二月，洛阳地震；
It fell upon the day of full moon of the fourth month, second year of the period Chien-Ning, that the Emperor went in state to the Wên-tê Hall. As he drew near the Throne a rushing whirlwind arose in the corner of the hall and, lo! from the roof beams floated down a monstrous black serpent that coiled itself up on the very seat of majesty. The Emperor fell in a swoon. Those nearest him hastily raised and bore him to his palace while the courtiers scattered and fled. The serpent disappeared.
1-8
又海水泛滥，沿海居民，侭被大浪卷入海中。光和元年，雌鸡化雄。六月朔，黑气十余丈，飞入温德殿中。秋七月，有虹现于玉堂，五原山岸，侭皆崩裂。种种不祥，非止一端。帝下诏问群臣以灾异之由，议郎蔡邕上疏，以为霓堕鸡化，乃妇寺干政之所致，言颇切直。
But there followed a terrific tempest, thunder, hail and torrents of rain, lasting till midnight and working havoc on all sides. Two years later the earth quaked in Loyang, while along the coast a huge tidal wave rushed in which, in its recoil, swept away all the dwellers by the sea. Another evil omen was recorded ten years later, when the reign-title was changed: certain hens suddenly developed male characteristics, a miracle which could only refer to the effeminate eunuchs meddling in affairs of State. At the new moon of the sixth month a long wreath of black vapour wound its way into the audience chamber, while in the following month a rainbow was seen in the Jade Chamber. Away from the capital a mountain fell in, leaving a mighty rift in its flank.
1-9
帝览奏叹息，因起更衣。曹节在后窃视，悉宣告左右，遂以他事陷邕于罪，放归田里。后张让、赵忠、封谞、段圭、曹节、侯览、蹇硕、程旷、夏恽、郭胜十人朋比为奸，号为「十常侍」。帝尊信张让，呼为「阿父」。朝政日非，以致天下人心思乱，盗贼蜂起。
Such were some of various omens. The Emperor, greatly moved by these signs of the displeasure of Heaven, issued an edict asking his ministers for an explanation of the calamities and marvels. A certain Ts‘ai Yung replied bluntly that showers of insects and changes of fowls’ sexes were brought about by feminine interference in State affairs. The Emperor read this memorial with deep sighs, and the chief eunuch Ts‘ao Chieh, from his place behind the Throne, anxiously noted these signs of grief. An opportunity offering, he read the document and told his fellows its purport. Before long a charge was trumped up against the author, who was driven from court and forced to retire to his country house. With this victory the eunuchs grew bolder. Ten of them, rivals in wickedness and associates in evil deeds, formed a powerful party known as The Ten. One of them, Chang Jang, won such influence that he became the Emperor’s most honoured and trusted adviser. The Emperor even called him Daddie. So the Government went quickly from bad to worse, till the country was ripe for rebellion and buzzed with brigandage.
1-10
时巨鹿郡有兄弟三人：一名张角，一名张宝，一名张梁。那张角本是个不第秀才，因入山采药，遇一老人，碧眼童颜，手执藜杖，唤角至一洞中，以天书三卷授之，曰：「此名太平要术。汝得之，当代天宣化，普救世人。若萌异心，必获𫫇报。」角拜问姓名。
At this time in Chülu was a certain Chang family, of whom three brothers bore the name of Chio, Pao and Liang respectively. The eldest was an unclassed graduate, who devoted himself to medicine. One day, while culling simples in the woods, he met a venerable old gentleman with very bright eyes and fresh complexion, who walked leaning on a staff. The old man beckoned Chio into a cave and there gave him three volumes of the “Book of Heaven.” “This book” said he, “is the Way of Peace. With the aid of these volumes you can convert the world and rescue mankind. But you must be single-minded, or, rest assured, you will greatly suffer.”
1-11
老人曰：「吾乃南华老仙也。」言讫，化阵清风而去。角得此书，晓夜功习，能呼风唤雨，号为「太平道人」。中平元年正月内，疫气流行，张角散施符水，为人治病，自称「大贤良师」。角有徒弟五百余人，云游四方，皆能书符念咒。
With a humble obeisance Chang took the book and asked the name of his benefactor. “I am the Hsien of the Southern Land of Glory,” was the reply, as the old gentleman disappeared in thin air.
1-12
次后徒众日多，角乃立三十六方，大方万余人，小方六七千，各立渠帅，称为将军；讹言：「苍天已死，黄天当立；岁在甲子，天下大吉。」令人各以白土，书「甲子」二字于家中大门上。青、幽、徐、冀、荆、扬、兖、豫八州之人，家家侍奉大贤良师张角名字。
The new possessor of the wonderful book studied it eagerly and strove day and night to reduce its precepts to practice. Before long he could summon the winds and command the rain, and became known as The Mystic of the Way of Peace. Soon he could test his other powers. With a change of reign-title appeared a terrible pestilence which ran throughout the land, whereupon Chang Chio distributed charmed remedies of which the success gained him the title of the Wise and Good Master. He began to have a following of disciples whom he initiated into the mysteries and sent abroad throughout all the land. They, like their master, could write charms and recite formulae and their fame increased his following. He began to organise his disciples. He established thirty six circuits, the larger with a myriad or more members, the smaller with about half that number. Each circuit had its chief who took the military title of General. They talked wildly of the death of the blue heavens and the setting up of the yellow; they said a new cycle was beginning and would bring universal good fortune, and they persuaded people to chalk the symbols for the first year of a cycle on the main door of their dwellings.
1-13
角遣其党马元义，暗赍金帛，结交中涓封胥，以为内应。角与二弟商议曰：「至难得者，民心也。今民心已顺，若不乘势取天下，诚为可惜。」遂一麺私造黄旗，约期举事；一麺使弟子唐周，持书报封谞。唐周乃径赴省中告变。帝召大将军何进调兵擒马元义，斩之；
With the growth of the number of his supporters grew also the ambition of the “Wise and Good.” He dreamed of empire. One of his partizans, Ma Yüan-i, was sent bearing gifts to gain the support of the eunuchs whereby to have allies within the palace. To his brothers Chang Chio said, “For schemes like ours always the most difficult part is to gain the popular favour. But that is already ours. Such an opportunity must not pass.” And they began to prepare. Many yellow flags were made and a day was chosen to strike the first blow. Then they wrote letters to the chief eunuch, Fêng Hsü, and sent them by a follower, who alas! betrayed their trust and discovered the plot. The Emperor summoned his trusty General Ho Chin and bade him look to it. Ma Yüan-i was at once taken and put to death. Fêng Hsü and many others were cast into prison.
1-14
次收封谞等一干人下狱。张角闻知事露，星夜举兵，自称「天公将军」，张宝称「地公将军」，张梁称「人公将军」；申言于众曰：「今汉运将终，大圣人出。汝等皆宜顺天从正，以乐太平。」四方百姓，裹黄巾从张角反者四五十万。贼势浩大，官军望风而靡。
The plot having thus become known the Changs were forced at once to take the field. They assumed grandiose titles, T‘ien Kung, or Celestial Duke, Ti Kung, or Terrestrial Duke, Jên Kung, or Duke of Humanity, and in these names they put forth this manifesto:—“The good fortune of the Hans is exhausted and the Wise Man has appeared. Discern the will of Heaven, O ye people, and walk in the way of righteousness, whereby alone ye may attain to peace.” Support was not lacking. On every side people bound their heads with a yellow turban and joined the army of the rebel Chang Chio, so that soon his strength was exceeding great and the official troops melted away at a whisper of his coming.
1-15
何进奏帝火速降诏令各处备御讨贼立功一麺遣中郎将卢植皇甫嵩朱隽各引精兵分三路讨之。
Ho Chin, Guardian of the Throne, memorialised for general preparations against the rebels and an edict called upon every one to fight against them. In the meantime Lu Chih, Huangfu Sung and Chu Chien marched against them in three directions with veteran soldiers.
1-16
且说张角一军，前犯幽州界分。幽州太守刘焉，乃江夏竟陵人氏，汉鲁恭王之后也；当时闻得贼兵将至，召校尉邹靖计议。靖曰：「贼兵众，我兵寡，明公宜作速招军应敌。」刘焉然其说，随即出榜招募义兵。榜文行到涿县，引出涿县中一个英雄。那人不甚好读书；
It is now time to turn to Chang Chio. He led his army into Yuchow, the northern of the eight divisions of the country. The Prefect was one Liu Yen, a scion of the Imperial House through a certain Lu, Prince Kung of Chingling. Learning of the approach of the rebels, the Prefect called in the Hsiao-yü Tsou Ching to consult over the position. Said Tsou, “They are many and we few; you must enlist more men to oppose them.” The Prefect saw this was so and he put out notices calling for volunteers to serve against the rebels. One of these notices was posted up in the Cho district, where lived one of whom much will be heard later.
1-17
性宽和，寡言语，喜怒不言于色；素有大志，专好结交天下豪杰；生得身长七尺五寸，两耳垂肩，双手过膝，目能自顾其耳，麺如冠玉，唇如涂脂；中山靖王刘胜之后，汉景帝阁下玄孙：姓刘，名备，字玄德。
This man was no mere bookish scholar nor found he any pleasure in study. But he was liberal and amiable, albeit a man of few words, hiding all feeling under a calm exterior. He had always cherished a yearning for high emprise and had cultivated the friendship of men of mark. He was tall of stature. His ears were long, the lobes touching his shoulders, and his hands hung down below his knees. His eyes were very prominent, so that he could see backward past his ears. His complexion was clear as jade and he had rich red lips. He was a descendant of a Prince whose father was the grandson of the Emperor Ching, (the occupant of the dragon throne a century and a half B.C. ) His name was Liu Pei, or more commonly Liu Yüan-tê. Many years before one of his forbears had been Marquis of that very district, but had lost his rank for remissness in ceremonial offerings. However, that branch of the family had remained on in the place, gradually becoming poorer and poorer as the years rolled on. His father Liu Hung had been a scholar and an official but died young. The widow and orphan were left alone and Pei as a lad won a reputation for filial piety.
1-18
昔刘胜之子刘贞，汉武时封涿鹿亭侯，后坐酌金失侯，因此遗这一支在涿县。玄德祖刘雄，父刘弘。弘曾举孝廉，亦尝作吏，早丧。玄德孤幼，事母至孝；家贫，贩屦织席为业。家住本县楼桑村。其家之东南，有一大桑树，高五丈余，遥望之，童童如车盖。
This man was no mere bookish scholar nor found he any pleasure in study. But he was liberal and amiable, albeit a man of few words, hiding all feeling under a calm exterior. He had always cherished a yearning for high emprise and had cultivated the friendship of men of mark. He was tall of stature. His ears were long, the lobes touching his shoulders, and his hands hung down below his knees. His eyes were very prominent, so that he could see backward past his ears. His complexion was clear as jade and he had rich red lips. He was a descendant of a Prince whose father was the grandson of the Emperor Ching, (the occupant of the dragon throne a century and a half B.C. ) His name was Liu Pei, or more commonly Liu Yüan-tê. Many years before one of his forbears had been Marquis of that very district, but had lost his rank for remissness in ceremonial offerings. However, that branch of the family had remained on in the place, gradually becoming poorer and poorer as the years rolled on. His father Liu Hung had been a scholar and an official but died young. The widow and orphan were left alone and Pei as a lad won a reputation for filial piety.
1-19
相者云：「此家必出贵人。」玄德幼时，与乡中小儿戏于树下，曰：「我为天子，当乘此车盖。」叔父刘元起奇其言，曰：「此儿非常人也！」因见玄德家贫，常资给之。年十五岁，母使游学，尝师事郑玄、卢植，与公孙瓒等为友。
At this time the family had sunk deep in poverty and the son gained his living by the sale of straw sandals and weaving grass mats. The family home was in a village near the district city. Near the house stood a huge mulberry tree, and seen from afar its curved profile resembled the tilt of a waggon. Noting the luxuriance of its foliage a soothsayer had predicted that one day a man of distinction would come forth from the family. As a child Yüan-tê and the other village boys played beneath this tree and he would climb up into it, saying he was emperor and was mounting his chariot. The lad’s uncle recognised that he was no ordinary boy and saw to it that the family did not come to actual want.
1-20
及刘焉发榜招军时，玄德年已二十八岁矣。
When Yüan-tê was fifteen his mother sent him travelling for his education. For a time he served Chêng Yüan and Lu Chih as masters and he became great friends with Kungssun Tsan.
1-21
当日见了榜文，慨然长叹。随后一人厉声言曰：「大丈夫不与国家出力，何故长叹？」玄德回视其人：身长八尺，豹头环眼，燕颔虎须，声若巨雷，势如奔马。玄德见他形貌异常，问其姓名。其人曰：「某姓张，名飞，字翼德。
Yüan-tê was twenty eight when the outbreak of the rebellion called for soldiers. The sight of the notice saddened him and he sighed as he read it. Suddenly a rasping voice behind him cried, “Noble Sir, why sigh if you do nothing to help your country?” Turning quickly he saw standing there a man about his own height, with a bullet head like a leopard’s, large eyes, a pointed chin and a bristling moustache. He spoke in a loud bass voice and looked as irresistible as a runaway horse. At once Yüan-tê saw he was no ordinary man and asked who he was.
1-22
世居涿郡，颇有庄田，卖酒屠猪，专好结交天下豪杰。适才见公看榜而叹，故此相问。」玄德曰：「我本汉室宗亲，姓刘，名备。今闻黄巾倡乱，有志欲破贼安民；恨力不能，故长叹耳。」飞曰：「吾颇有资财，当招募乡勇，与公同举大事，如何？
“Chang Fei is my name; I am usually called I-tê” replied the stranger. “I live near here where I have a farm; and I am a wine-seller and a butcher as well. And I like to become acquainted with worthy men. Your sighs as you read the notice drew me toward you.”
1-23
」玄德甚喜，遂与同入村店中饮酒。正饮间，见一大汉，推著一辆车子，到店门首歇了；入店坐下，便唤酒保：「快斟酒来吃，我待赶入城去投军。」玄德看其人：身长九尺，髯长二尺；麺如重枣，唇如涂脂；丹凤眼，卧蚕眉：相貌堂堂，威风凛凛。
Yüan-tê replied, “I am of the Imperial Family, Liu by name, and my distinguishing name is Pei. An I could I would destroy these rebels and restore peace to the land, but alas! I am helpless.”
1-24
玄德就邀他同坐，叩其姓名。其人曰：「吾姓关，名羽，字长生，后改云长，河东解良人也。因本处势豪，倚势凌人，被吾杀了；逃难江湖，五六年矣。今闻此处招军破贼，特来应募。」玄德遂以己志告之。云长大喜。同到张飞庄上，共议大事。
“I am not without means,” said Fei. “Suppose you and I raised some men and tried what we could do.” This was happy news for Yüan-tê and the two betook themselves to the village inn to talk over the project. As they were drinking, a huge, tall fellow appeared pushing a hand-cart along the road. At the threshold he halted and entered the inn to rest awhile and he called for wine. “And be quick,” added he “for I am in haste to get into the town and offer myself for the army.” Yüan-tê looked over the new-comer item by item and noted his huge frame, his long beard, his dark brown face and deep red lips. He had eyes like a phœnix and fine bushy eyebrows like silkworms. His whole appearance was dignified and awe-inspiring. Presently Yüan-tê crossed over, sat down beside him and asked his name. “I am Kuan Yü,” said he; “I used to be known as Shou-ch‘ang (Long as eternity), but now am usually called Yün-ch‘ang (Long as a cloud). “ I am a native of the east side of the river, but I have been a fugitive on the waters for some five years, because I slew a ruffian who, since he was powerful, was a bully. I have come to join the army here.”
1-25
飞曰：「吾庄后有一桃园，花开正盛；明日当于园中祭告天地，我三人结为兄弟，协力同心，然后可图大事。」玄德、云长齐声应曰：「如此甚好。
Then Yüan-tê told him his own intentions and all three went away to Chang Fei’s farm where they could talk over the grand project.
1-26
」次日，于桃园中，备下乌牛白马祭礼等项，三人焚香再拜而说誓曰：「念刘备、关羽、张飞，虽然异姓，既结为兄弟，则同心协力，救困扶危；上报国家，下安黎庶；不求同年同月同日生，只愿同年同月同日死。皇天后土，实鉴此心。背义忘恩，天人共戮！
Said Fei, “The peach trees in the orchard behind the house are just in full flower. Tomorrow we will institute a sacrifice there and solemnly declare our intention before Heaven and Earth. And we three will swear brotherhood and unity of aims and sentiments; thus will we enter upon our great task.”
1-27
」誓毕，拜玄德为兄，关羽次之，张飞为弟。祭罢天地，复宰牛设酒，聚乡中勇士，得三百余人，就桃园中痛饮一醉。来日收拾军器，但恨无马匹可乘。正思虑间，人报有两个客人，引一伙伴儅，赶一群马，投庄上来。玄德曰：「此天佑我也！」三人出庄迎接。
All three being of one mind, next day they prepared the sacrifices, a black ox, a white horse and wine for libation. Beneath the smoke of the incense burning on the altar they bowed their heads and recited this oath:—“We three, Liu Pei, Kuan Yü and Chang Fei, though of different families, swear brotherhood, and promise mutual help to one end. We will rescue each other in difficulty, we will aid each other in danger. We swear to serve the state and save the people. We ask not the same day of birth but we seek to die together. May Heaven, the all-ruling, and Earth, the all-producing, read our hearts, and if we turn aside from righteousness or forget kindliness may Heaven and man smite us!” They rose from their knees. The two others bowed before Yüan-tê as their elder brother and Chang Fei was to be the youngest of the trio. This solemn ceremony performed, they slew other oxen and made a feast to which they invited the villagers. Three hundred joined them and all feasted and drank deep in the Peach Garden.
1-28
原来二客乃中山大商：一名张世平，一名苏双，每年往北贩马，近因寇发而回。玄德请二人到庄，置酒管待，诉说欲讨贼安民之意。二客大喜，愿将良马五十匹相送；又赠金银五百两，镔铁一千斤，以资器用。玄德谢别二客，便命良匠打造双股剑。
The next day weapons were mustered. But there were no horses to ride. This was a real grief, but soon they were cheered by the arrival of two horse dealers with a drove of horses.
1-29
云长造青龙偃月刀，又名「冷艳锯」，重八十二斤。张飞造丈八点钢矛。各置全身铠甲。共聚乡勇五百余人，来见邹靖。邹靖引见太守刘焉。三人参见毕，各通姓名。玄德说起宗派，刘焉大喜，遂认玄德为侄。
“Thus does Heaven help us,” said Yüan-tê and the three brothers went forth to welcome the merchants. They were from Changshan and went northwards every year to buy horses. They were now on their way home because of the rising. They also came to the farm, where wine was set before them, and presently Yüan-tê told them of the plan to strive for tranquility. The two dealers were glad and at once gave them fifty good steeds, and beside, gold and silver and a thousand catties of steel fit for the forging of weapons.
1-30
不数日，人报黄巾贼将程远志统兵五万来犯涿郡。刘焉令邹靖引玄德等三人，统兵五百，前去破敌。玄德等欣然领军前进，直至大兴山下，与贼相见。贼众皆披发，以黄巾抹额。当下两军相对，玄德出马，左有云长，右有翼德，扬鞭大骂：「反国逆贼，何不早降！
After the merchants had taken their leave, armourers were summoned to forge weapons. For Yüan-tê they made a double sword. Yün-ch‘ang fashioned a long-handled, curved blade called “Black Dragon” or “Cold Beauty,” which weighed a full hundredweight, and Chang Fei made himself an eighteen-foot spear. Each too had a helmet and full armour. When these were ready the troop, now five hundred strong, marched to Tsou Ching, who presented them to Liu Yen. When the ceremony of introduction was over, Yuan-tê declared his ancestry and Yen at once accorded him the favour due to a relation.
1-31
」程远志大怒，遣副将邓茂出战。张飞挺丈八蛇矛直出，手起处，刺中邓茂心窝，翻身落马。程远志见折了邓茂，拍马舞刀，直取张飞。云长舞动大刀，纵马飞迎。程远志见了，早吃一惊，措手不及，被云长刀起处，挥为两段。后人有诗赞二人曰：
Before many days it was announced that the rebellion had actually broken out and the leader, Chêng Yüan-chih, had invaded the district with a huge army. Tsou Ching and the three heroes went out to oppose them with the five hundred men. Yüan-tê joyfully undertook to lead the van and marched to the foot of the Tahsing Hills where they saw the rebels. The rebels wore their hair flying about their shoulders and their foreheads were bound with yellow turbans.
1-32
英雄发颖在今朝一试矛兮一试刀。
Heroes show their mettle this very day, one tests his spear, one tests his blade.
1-33
初出便将威力展三分好把姓名标。
At his first showing he displays his might, a fitting way to make his name known.
1-34
众贼见程远志被斩，皆倒戈而走。玄德挥军追赶，投降者不计其数，大胜而回。刘焉亲自迎接，赏劳军士。次日，接得青州太守龚景牒文，言黄巾贼围城将陷，乞赐救援。刘焉与玄德商议。玄德曰：「备愿往救之。」刘焉令邹靖将兵五千，同玄德、关、张，投青州来。
When the two armies had been drawn up opposite each other Yüan-tê with his two brothers, one on each side, rode to the front and, flourishing his whip, began to hurl reproaches at the rebels and called upon them to surrender. Their leader, full of rage, sent out one Têng Mou to begin the battle. At once rode forward Chang Fei, his long spear poised to strike. One thrust and Têng rolled off his horse pierced through the heart. At this the leader himself whipped up his steed and rode forth with sword raised ready to slay Chang. But Kuan Yü swung up his ponderous weapon and rode at him. At the sight fear seized upon Chêng, and ere he could recover himself the great sword fell, cutting him in halves. Two heroes new to war’s alarms, Ride boldly forth to try their arms. Their doughty deeds three kingdoms tell And poets sing how these befell.
1-35
贼众见救兵至，分兵混战。玄德兵寡不胜，退三十里下寨。玄德谓关、张曰：「贼众我寡；必出奇兵，方可取胜。」乃分关公引一千军伏山左，张飞引一千军伏山右，鸣金为号，齐出接应。次日，玄德与邹靖引军鼓噪而进。贼众迎战，玄德引军便退。
Their leader fallen, the rebels threw away their weapons and fled. The official soldiers dashed in among them. Many thousands surrendered and the victory was complete. Thus this part of the rebellion was broken up. On their return the Prefect met them and distributed rewards. But before long letters came from the prefecture of Chingchou saying that the rebels were laying siege to the chief city and it was near falling. Help was needed quickly.
1-36
贼众乘势追赶，方过山岭，玄德军中一齐鸣金，左右两军齐出，玄德麾军回身复杀。三路夹攻，贼众大溃。直赶至青州城下，太守龚景亦率民兵出城助战。贼势大败，剿戮极多，遂解青州之围。后人有诗赞玄德曰：
“I will go,” said Yüan-tê as soon as he heard the news and he set out at once with his own men, reinforced by a large body under Tsou Ching. The rebels seeing help coming at once attacked most fiercely. The relieving force being comparatively small could not prevail and retired some thirty li , where they made a camp. “They are many and we but few,” said Yüan-tê to his brothers. “We can only beat them by superior strategy.” So they prepared an ambush. The two younger brothers, each with a goodly party, went behind the hills right and left and there hid. When the gongs beat they were to move out to support the main army. These preparations made, the drums rolled for the advance. The rebels also came forward. Then Yüan-tê suddenly retired. Thinking this was their chance, the rebels pressed forward and were led over the hills. Then suddenly the gongs sounded for the ambush to discover itself and the rebels were attacked on three sides. They lost heavily and fled to the provincial city. But the Prefect led out the men he had to assist in the battle and the rebels were entirely defeated and many slain. Chingchou was no longer in danger.
1-37
运筹决算有神功，二虎还须逊一龙。
In plotting and calculating he has divine skill; two tigers still must yield to one dragon.
1-38
初出便能垂伟绩，自应分鼎在孤穷。
At his first showing he achieves great deeds, and rightfully shall divide the tripod from humble beginnings.
1-39
龚景犒军毕，邹靖欲回。玄德曰：「近闻中郎将卢植与贼首张角战于广宗，备昔曾师事卢植，欲往助之。」于是邹靖引军自回，玄德与关、张引本部五百人投广宗来。至卢植军中，入帐施礼，具道来意。卢植大喜，留在帐前听调。
Tho’ fierce as tigers soldiers be, Battles are won by strategy. A hero comes; he gains renown, Already destined for a crown. After the celebrations in honour of victory were over Tsou Ching proposed to return home, but Yüan-tê preferred to go to the aid of his old master Lu Chih, then struggling with a horde of rebels led by Chang Chio. So they separated and the three brothers with their troop made their way of Kuangtsung.
1-40
时张角贼众十五万，植兵五万，相拒于广宗，未见胜负。植谓玄德曰：「我今围贼在此，贼弟张梁、张宝在颍川，与皇甫嵩、朱隽对垒。汝可引本部人马，我更助汝一千官军，前去颍川打探消息，约期剿捕。」玄德领命，引军星夜投颍川来。
They found the Prefect in camp, were admitted to his presence and declared the reason of their coming. The Prefect received them with great joy and they remained with him while he made his plans.
1-41
时皇甫嵩、朱俊领军拒贼，贼战不利，退入长社，依草结营。嵩与俊计曰：「贼依草结营，当用火攻之。」遂令军士，每人束草一把，暗地埋伏。其夜大风忽起。二更以后，一齐纵火，嵩与俊各引兵攻击贼寨，火焰张天，贼众惊慌，马不及鞍，人不及甲，四散奔走。
At that time the rebels there were three to one and the two armies were facing each other. Neither had had any success. The Prefect said to Liu Pei, “I am surrounding these rebels here but the other two brothers Chang Liang and Chang Pao are strongly intrenched opposite Huangfu Sung and Chu Chien at Yingch‘uan. I will give you a thousand more men and with these you can go to find out what is happening and we can then settle the moment to attack.”
1-42
杀到天明，张梁、张宝引败残军士，夺路而走。忽见一彪军马，侭打红旗，当头来到，截住去路。为首闪出一将：身长七尺，细眼长髯；官拜骑都尉；沛国谯郡人也，姓曹，名操，字孟德。操父曹嵩，本姓夏侯氏；因为中常侍曹腾之养子，故冒姓曹。
So Yüan-tê set off and marched as quickly as possible. At that time the imperial troops were attacking with success and the rebels had retired upon Changshê. They had encamped among the thick grass, and, seeing this, Huangfu decided to attack them by fire. So he bade every man cut a bundle of dry grass and laid an ambush. That night the wind blew a gale and at the second watch they started a blaze. At the same time the rebels were attacked. Their camp was set on fire and the flames rose to the very heavens. The rebels were thrown into great confusion. There was no time to saddle horses or don armour; they fled in all directions.
1-43
曹嵩生操，小字阿瞒，一名吉利。操幼时，好游猎，喜歌舞；有权谋，多机变。操有叔父，见操游荡无度，尝怒之，言于曹嵩。嵩责操。操忽心生一计：见叔父来，诈倒于地，作中风之状。叔父惊告嵩，嵩急视之，操故无恙。嵩曰：「叔言汝中风，今已愈乎？
The battle continued till dawn. Chang Liang and Chang Pao, with a few flying soldiers, found, as they thought, a way of escape. But suddenly a troop of soldiers with crimson banners appeared to oppose them. Their leader was a man of medium stature with small eyes and a long beard. He was one Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, also known as Ts‘ao Mêng-tê, a P‘eikuo man, holding the rank of Chi-tu-yü. His father was Ts‘ao Sung, who had been born to the Hsiahou family, but he had been brought up by the eunuch Ts‘ao T‘êng and had taken his family name. This Ts‘ao Ts‘ao was Sung’s son and, as a lad, bore the name of A-man. As a young man Ts‘ao Ts‘ao had been fond of hunting and delighted in songs and dancing. He was resourceful and full of guile. An uncle, seeing the young fellow so unsteady, used to get angry with him and told his father Tsʻao Sung of his misdeeds. His father remonstrated with him. But the youth was equal to the occasion. One day, seeing his uncle coming, he fell to the ground in a pretended fit. The uncle alarmed ran to tell his father, who came, and there was the youth in most perfect health. “But your uncle said you were in a fit; are you better?”
1-44
」操曰「儿自来无此病因失爱于叔父故见罔耳。」嵩信其言。后叔父但言操过嵩并不听。因此操得恣意放荡。时人有桥玄者谓操曰「天下将乱非命世之才不能济。能安之者其在君乎」南阳何颙见操言「汉室将亡安天下者必此人也。」
“I have never suffered from fits or any such illness,” said Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. “But I have lost my uncle’s affection and he has deceived you.”
1-45
汝南许劭有知人之名。操往见之问曰「我何如人」劭不答。又问劭曰「子治世之能臣乱世之奸雄也。」操闻言大喜。年二十举孝廉为郎除洛阳北都尉。初到任即设五色棒十余条于县之四门。有犯禁者不避豪贵皆责之。
Thereafter, whatever the uncle might say of his faults, his father paid no heed. So the young man grew up licentious and uncontrolled. Acertain man of the time said to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, “Rebellion is at hand and only a man of the greatest ability can succeed in restoring tranquillity. That man is yourself.” And Ho Yung of Nanyang said of him, “The dynasty of Han is about to fall. He who can restore peace is this man and only he.” Ts‘ao Ts‘ao went to enquire his future of a wise man of Junan. “What manner of man am I?” asked Ts‘ao. The seer made no reply and again he put the question. Then he replied, “You are able enough to rule the world, but wicked enough to disturb it.” Ts‘ao greatly rejoiced to hear this.
1-46
中常侍蹇硕之叔，提刀夜行，操巡夜拿住，就棒责之。由是，内外莫敢犯者，威名颇震。后为顿丘令。因黄巾起，拜为骑都尉，引马步军五千，前来颍川助战。正值张梁、张宝败走，曹操拦住，大杀一阵，斩首万余级，夺得旗旌、金鼓、马匹极多。张梁、张宝死战得脱。
He graduated at twenty and began his career in a district near Loyang. In the four gates of the city he ruled he hung up clubs of various sorts and any breach of the law met with its punishment whatever the rank of the offender. Now an uncle of a eunuch was found one night in the streets with a sword and was arrested. In due course he was beaten. Thereafter no one dared to offend and Ts‘ao’s name became terrible. Soon he became a magistrate.
1-47
操见过皇甫嵩、朱俊，随即引兵追袭张梁、张宝去了。
At the outbreak of rebellion he held the rank of Chi-tu-yü and was given command of five thousand horse and foot to help fight at Yingch‘uan. He just happened to fall in with the newly defeated rebels whom he cut to pieces. Thousands were slain and endless banners and drums and horses were captured and not a little money. However the two leaders got away and, after an interview with Huangfu Sung, Tsʻao went in pursuit of them.
1-48
却说玄德引关、张来颍川，听得喊杀之声，又望见火光烛天，急引兵来时，贼已败散。玄德见皇甫嵩、朱俊，具道卢植之意。嵩曰：「张梁、张宝势穷力乏，必投广宗去依张角。玄德可即星夜往助。」玄德领命，遂引兵复回。到得半路，只见一簇军马，护送一辆槛车；
We return now to Yüan-tê. He and his brothers were hastening toward the point of danger when they heard the din of battle and saw flames rising high toward the sky. However they arrived too late for the fighting. They saw Huanfu and Chu to whom they told the intentions of Lu Chih. “The rebel power is quite broken here,” said the chiefs, “but they will surely make for Kuangtsung to join Chang Chio. You can do nothing better than hasten back.”
1-49
车中之囚，乃卢植也。玄德大惊，滚鞍下马，问其缘故。植曰：「我围张角，将次可破；因角用妖术，未能即胜。朝廷差黄门左丰前来体探，问我索取贿赂。我答曰：『军粮尚缺，安有余钱奉承天使？』左丰挟恨，回奏朝廷，说我高垒不战，惰慢军心；
The three brothers retraced their steps. Half way along the road they met a party of soldiers escorting a prisoner in a cage-cart. When they drew near the prisoner was no other than the man they were going to help. Hastily dismounting Liu Pei asked what had happened. Liu Chih explained, “I had surrounded the rebels and was on the point of smashing them, when Chang Chio employed some of his supernatural powers and prevented my victory. The Court sent down a eunuch to enquire into my failure and that official demanded a bribe. I told him how hard pressed we were and asked him where, in the circumstances, I could find a gift for him. He went away in wrath and reported that I was hiding behind my ramparts and would not give battle and I disheartened my men. So I was superseded by one Tung Cho and I have to go to the capital to answer the charge.”
1-50
因此朝廷震怒，遣中郎将董卓来代将我兵，取我回京问罪。」张飞听罢，大怒，要斩护送军人，以救卢植。玄德急止之曰：「朝廷自有公论，汝岂可造次？」军士簇拥卢植去了。
The three brothers retraced their steps. Half way along the road they met a party of soldiers escorting a prisoner in a cage-cart. When they drew near the prisoner was no other than the man they were going to help. Hastily dismounting Liu Pei asked what had happened. Liu Chih explained, “I had surrounded the rebels and was on the point of smashing them, when Chang Chio employed some of his supernatural powers and prevented my victory. The Court sent down a eunuch to enquire into my failure and that official demanded a bribe. I told him how hard pressed we were and asked him where, in the circumstances, I could find a gift for him. He went away in wrath and reported that I was hiding behind my ramparts and would not give battle and I disheartened my men. So I was superseded by one Tung Cho and I have to go to the capital to answer the charge.” This story put Chang Fei into a rage. He was for slaying the escort and setting free the prisoner. But Yüan-tê checked him.
1-51
关公曰：「卢中郎已被逮，别人领兵，我等去无所依，不如且回涿郡。」玄德从其言，遂引军北行。行无二日，忽闻山后喊声大震。玄德引关、张纵马上高冈望之，见汉军大败，后麺漫山塞野，黄巾盖地而来，旗上大书「天公将军」。玄德曰：「此张角也！可速战。
“The Government will take the proper course,” said he. “You must not act hastily.” And they went their ways. It was useless to continue on that road so Kuan Yü proposed to go back and they retook the road. Two days later they heard the thunder of battle behind some hills. Hastening to the top they beheld the government soldiers suffering great loss and they saw the countryside was full of Yellow Turbans. On their banners were the words, “Celestial Duke,” writ large.
1-52
」三人飞马引军而出。张角正杀败董卓，乘势赶来，忽遇三人冲杀，角军大乱，败走五十余里。三人救了董卓回寨。卓问三人现居何职。玄德曰：「白身。」卓甚轻之，不为礼。玄德出，张飞大怒曰：「我等亲赴血战，救了这厮，他却如此无礼！若不杀他，难消我气！
“We will attack this Chang Chio,” said Yüan-tê and they galloped out to join in the battle. Chang Chio had worsted Tung Cho and was following up his advantage. He was in hot pursuit when the three brothers dashed into his army, threw his ranks into confusion and drove him back. Then they returned with the rescued general to his camp. “What officers have you?” asked Tung Cho, when he had leisure to speak to the brothers. “None,” was the reply. And Tung treated them with disrespect. Yüan-tê retired calmly, but Chang Fei was furious. “We have just rescued this menial in a bloody fight,” cried he, “and now he is rude to us! Nothing but his death can slake my anger.” He would have dashed into the tent and slain the insulter had not his elder brothers held him back. As it was in olden time so it is to-day, The simple wight may merit well, officialdom holds sway; Chang Fei, the blunt and hasty, where can you find his peer? But slaying the ungrateful would mean many deaths a year. Tung Cho’s fate will be unrolled in later chapters.
1-53
」便要提刀入帐来杀董卓。正是：
He was about to take his sword and enter the tent to kill Dong Zhuo. Indeed:
1-54
正是：人情势利古犹今，谁识英雄是白身？
Indeed: Human nature's snobbery is the same in ancient times as now; who recognizes a hero in a commoner's garb?
1-55
安得快人如翼德，侭诛世上负心人！
If only we had a forthright man like Yide, to slay all the faithless men in the world!
1-56
毕竟董卓性命如何，且听下文分解。
But the sequel must be told in the next chapter.