曹操正慌走间，正南上一彪军到，乃夏侯惇引军来救援，截住吕布大战。斗到黄昏时分，大雨如注，各自引军分散。操回寨，重赏典韦，加为领军都尉。
The last chapter closed with Tsʻao Tsʻao in great danger. However, help came. Hsiahou Tun with a small body of soldiers found his chief, checked the pursuit, and fought with Lü Pu till dusk. Rain fell in torrents swamping everything and as the daylight waned they drew off and Tsʻao Tsʻao reached camp. He rewarded Tien Wei richly and advanced him in rank.
却说吕布到寨，与陈宫商议。宫曰：「濮阳城中有富户田氏，家僮千百，为一郡之巨室；可令彼密使人往操寨中下书，言吕温侯残暴不仁，民心大怨，今欲移兵黎阳，止有高顺在城内，可连夜进兵，我为内应。操若来，诱之入城，四门放火，外设伏兵。
When Lü Pu reached his camp he called in his adviser Chʻên Kung. The latter proposed a new stratagem. He said, “In Puyang there is a rich family, Tʻien by name, who number thousands, enough to populate a whole district in themselves. Make one of these people go to Tsʻao Ts‘ao’s camp with a pretended secret letter about Lü Pu’s ferocity, and the hatred of the people, and their desire to be rid of him. End by saying that only Kao Shun is left to guard the city and they would help any one who would come to save them. Thus our enemy will be inveigled into the city and we will destroy him either by fire or ambush. His skill may be equal to encompassing the universe but he will not escape.”
曹操虽有经天纬地之才，到此安能得脱也？」吕布从其计，密谕田氏使人迳到操寨。操因新败，正在踌躇，忽报田氏人到，呈上密书云：「吕布已往黎阳，城中空虚。万望速来，当为内应。城上插白旗，大书『义』字，便是暗号。」操大喜曰：「天使吾得濮阳也！
Lü Pu thought this trick might be tried and they arranged for the T‘ien family letter to be sent. Coming soon after the defeat, when Tsʻao Tsʻao felt uncertain what step to take next, the secret letter was read with joy. It promised help and said the sign should be a white flag with the word “Rectitude” written thereon. “Heaven is going to give me Puyang,” said Tsʻao joyfully. So he rewarded the messenger very liberally and began to prepare for the expedition.
」重赏来人一麺收拾起兵。刘晔曰「布虽无谋陈宫多计。只恐其中有诈不可不防。明公欲去当分三军为三队两队伏城外接应一队入城方可。」
Then came Liu Hua saying, “Lü Pu is no strategist but Chʻên Kung is full of guile; I fear treachery in this letter and you must be careful. If you will go, then enter with only one third your army leaving the others outside the city as a reserve.”
操从其言，分军三队，来至濮阳城下。操先往观之，见城上遍竖旗旛，西门角上，有一「义」字白旗，心中暗喜。是日午牌，城门开处，两员将引军出战：前军侯成，后军高顺。操即使典韦出马，直取侯成。侯成抵敌不过，回马望城中走。
Tsʻao agreed to take this precaution. He went to Puyang, which he found gay with fluttering flags. Looking carefully he saw among them, at the west gate, the white flag with the looked-for inscription. His heart rejoiced.
韦赶到吊桥边，高顺亦拦挡不住，都退入城中去了。数内有军人乘势混过阵来见操，说是田氏之使，呈上密书。约云：「今夜初更时分，城上鸣锣为号，便可进兵。某当献门。」操拨夏侯惇引军在左，曹洪引军在右，自己引夏侯渊，李典，乐进，典韦四将，率兵入城。
That day, just about noon, the city gates opened and two bodies of soldiers appeared as if to fight. Tsʻao Tsʻao told off two of his captains to oppose them. Neither body, however, came on to engage but fell back into the city. By this move the assailants had been drawn close up to the drawbridge. From within the city several soldiers were seen taking any chance of confusion to escape and come outside. To Tsʻao Tsʻao they said they were clients of the Tʻien family and they gave him secret letters stating the signal would be given about watch setting by beating a gong. That would be the time to attack. The gates would be opened.
李典曰：「主公且在城外，容某等先入城去。」操喝曰：「我不自往，谁肯向前！」遂当先领兵直入。
So the rescuers were stationed and four trusty captains told off to accompany Tsʻao Tsʻao into the city. One of these Li Tien, pressed upon his master the precaution of letting him go first. But Tsʻao Tsʻao bade him be silent. “If I do not go, who will advance?” And so at the time appointed he led the way. The moon had not yet arisen.
时约初更，月光未上。只听得西门上吹蠃壳声，喊声忽起，门上火把燎乱，城门大开，吊桥放落。曹操争先拍马而入。直到州衙，路上不见一人。操知是计，忙拨回马，大叫：「退兵！」州衙中一声砲响，四门烈火，轰天而起；金鼓齐鸣，喊声如江翻海沸。
As he drew near the west gate they heard a crackling sound, then a loud shouting, and then torches moved hither and thither. Next the gates were thrown wide open and Tsʻao Tsʻao, whipping up his steed, galloped in.
东巷内转出张辽，西巷内转出臧霸，夹攻掩杀。操走北门，道傍转出郝萌、曹性，又杀一阵。操急走南门，高顺、侯成拦住。典韦怒目咬牙，冲杀出去。高顺、侯成倒走出城。
But when he reached the residence he noticed the streets were quite deserted and then he knew he had been tricked. Wheeling round his horse he shouted to his followers to retire. This was the signal for another move. An explosion of a signal-bomb was heard close at hand and it was echoed from every side in a deafening roar. Gongs and drums beat all around with a roar like rivers rushing backward to their source and the ocean boiling up from its depths. From two sides came bodies of soldiers eager to attack. Tsʻao dashed off toward the north only to find his way barred; he tried for the south gate, but met enemies led by Kao Shun and Hou Chʻêng. His trusty henchman Tien Wei, with fierce eyes and gritting teeth, at last burst through and got out, with the enemy close after him.
典韦杀到吊桥，回头不见了曹操，翻身复杀入城来，门下撞著李典。典韦问：「主公何在？」典曰：「吾亦寻不见。」韦曰：「汝在城外催救军，我入去寻主公。」李典去了。典韦杀入城中，寻觅不见；再杀出城壕边，撞著乐进。进曰：「主公何在？
But when he reached the drawbridge he glanced behind him and missed his master. Immediately he turned back and cut his way inside. Just within he met Li Tien. “Where is our lord?” cried he. “I am looking for him.” “Quick! get help from outside,” shouted Tien Wei. “I will seek him.”
」韦曰：「我往复两遭，寻觅不见。」进曰：「同杀入去救主！」两人到门边，城上火砲滚下，乐进马不能入，典韦冒烟突火，又杀入去，到处寻觅。
So one hastened for aid and the other slashed his way in, looking on every side for Tsʻao Tsʻao. He was not to be found. Dashing out of the city Tien Wei ran up against Yo Chin, who asked where their lord was. “I have entered the city twice in search of him, but cannot find him,” said Tien. “Let us go in together,” said Yo Chin. They rode up to the gate. But the noise of bombs from the gate tower frightened Yo Chin’s horse, so that it refused to pass. Wherefore Tien Wei alone went in, butting through the smoke and dashing through the flames. But he got in and searched on every side.
却说曹操见典韦杀出去了，四下里人马截来，不得出南门；再转北门，火光里正撞见吕布挺戟跃马而来。操以手掩麺，加鞭纵马竟过。吕布从后拍马赶来，将戟于操盔上一击，问曰：「曹操何在？」操反指曰：「前麺骑黄马者是他。」
When Tsʻao Tsʻao saw his sturdy protector cut his way out and disappear leaving him surrounded, he again made an attempt to reach the north gate. On the way, sharply outlined against the glow, he saw the figure of Lü Pu coming toward him with his halberd ready to kill. Tsʻao Tsʻao covered his face with his hand, whipped up his steed and galloped past. But Lü Pu came galloping up behind him and tapping him on the helmet with the halberd cried, “Where is Tsʻao Tsʻao?” Tsʻao turned and, pointing to a dun horse well ahead, cried, “There; on that dun! that’s he.”
吕布听说，弃了曹操，纵马向前追赶。曹操拨转马头，望东门而走，正逢典韦。韦拥护曹操，杀条血路，到城门边，火燄甚盛，城下推下柴草，遍地都是火。韦用戟拨开，飞马冒烟突火先出。曹操随后亦出。
Hearing this Lü Pu left pursuing Tsʻao Tsʻao to gallop after the rider of the dun.
方到门道边，城门上崩下一条火梁来，正打著曹操战马后胯，那马扑地倒了。操用手托梁推放地上，手臂须发，侭被烧伤。
Thus relieved Tsʻao Tsʻao set off for the east gate. Then he fell in with Tien Wei, who took him under his protection and fought through the press leaving a trail of death behind till they reached the gate. Here the fire was raging fiercely and burning beams were falling on all sides. The earth element seemed to have interchanged with the fire element. Tien Wei warded off the burning pieces of wood with his lance and rode into the smoke making a way for his lord. Just as they were passing through the gate a flaming beam fell from the gate tower. Tsʻao just warded it off with his arm but it struck his steed on the quarters and knocked him down. Ts‘ao’s hand and arm were badly burned and his hair and beard singed.
典韦回马来救恰好夏侯渊亦到。两个同救起曹操突火而出。操乘渊马典韦杀条大路而走。直混战到天明操方回寨。众将拜伏问安操仰麺笑曰「误中匹夫之计吾必当报之」郭嘉曰「计可速发。」
Tien Wei turned back to his rescue. Luckily Hsiahou Yüan came along just then and the two raised Tsʻao and set him on Yüan’s horse. And thus they got him out of the burning city. But the fighting went on till daybreak. Tsʻao Tsʻao returned to his camp. His officers crowded about his tent, anxious for news of his health. He soon recovered and laughed when he thought of his escape. “I blundered into that fool’s trap, but I will have my revenge,” said he. “Let us have a new plan soon,” said Kuo Chia.
操曰：「今只将计就计：诈言我被火伤，火毒攻发，五更已经身死。布必引兵来攻。我伏兵于马陵山中，候其兵半渡而击之，布可擒矣。」嘉曰：「真良策也！」于是令军士挂孝发丧，诈言操死。早有人来濮阳报吕布，说曹操被火烧伤肢体，到寨身死。
“I will turn his trick to my own use. I will spread the false report that I was burned in the fire and that I died at the fifth watch. He will come to attack as soon as the news gets abroad and I will have an ambush ready for him in Maling Hills. I will get him this time.” “Really a fine stratagem!” said Kuo. So the soldiers were put into mourning and the report went everywhere that Tsʻao Tsʻao was dead. And soon Lü Pu heard it and he assembled his men at once to make a surprise attack, taking the road by the Maling Hills to his enemy’s camp.
布随点起军马，杀奔马陵山来。将到操寨，一声鼓响，伏兵四起。吕布死战得脱，折了好些人马；败回濮阳，坚守不出。
As he was passing the hills he heard the drums beating for an advance and the ambushed soldiers leapt out all round him. Only by desperate fighting did he get out of the mêlée and with a sadly diminished force returned to his camp at Puyang. There he strengthened the fortifications and could not be tempted forth to battle.
是年蝗虫忽起食侭禾稻。关东一境每榖一斛值钱五十贯人民相食。曹操因军中粮侭引回鄄城暂往。吕布亦引兵出屯山阳就食。因此二处权且罢兵。
This year locusts suddenly appeared and they consumed every green blade. There was a famine and in the east grain rose to fifty “strings” a hu (bushel). People even took to cannibalism. Tsʻao Ts‘ao’s army suffered from want and he marched them to Chuangchʻêng. Lü Pu took his men to Shanyang. Perforce therefore the fighting ceased.
却说陶谦在徐州时年已六十三岁忽然染病看看渖重请糜竺、陈登议事。竺曰「曹兵之去止为吕布袭兖州故也。今因岁荒罢兵来春又必至矣。府君两番欲让位于刘玄德时府君尚强健故玄德不肯受今病已渖重正可就此麺与之玄德必不辞矣。」
It is time to return to Hsüchou. Tʻao Ch‘ien, over sixty years of age, suddenly fell seriously ill and he summoned his confident, Mi Chu, to his chamber to make arrangements for the future. As to the situation the adviser said, “Tsʻao Tsʻao abandoned his attack on this place because of his enemy’s seizure of Yenchou and now they are both keeping the peace solely because of the famine. But Tsʻao will surely renew the attack in the spring. When Liu Yüan-tê refused to allow you to vacate office in his favour you were in full vigour. Now you are ill and weak and you can make this a reason for retirement. He will not refuse again.”
谦大喜使人来小沛请刘玄德议军务。玄德引关、张带数十骑到徐州陶谦教请入卧内。玄德问安毕谦曰「请玄德公来不为别事止因老夫病已危笃朝夕难保万望明公可怜汉家城池为重受取徐州牌印老夫死亦瞑目矣」玄德曰「君有二子何不传之」
So a message was sent to the little garrison town calling Liu Pei to a counsel on military affairs. This brought him with his brothers and a slender escort. He was at once called in to the sick man’s chamber. Quickly disposing of the enquiries about his health Tʻao soon came to the real object of his call for Liu Pei. “Sir, I asked you to come for the sole reason that I am dangerously ill and like to die at any time. I look to you, illustrious Sir, to consider the Hans and their Empire as more important than anything else, and so to take over the symbols of office of this district, the commission and the seal, that I may close my eyes in peace.”
谦曰「长子商次子应其才皆不堪任。老夫死后犹望明公教诲切勿令掌州事。」玄德曰「备一身安能当此大任」谦曰「某举一人可为公辅系北海人姓孙名干字公祐。此人可使为从事。」又谓糜竺曰「刘公当世人杰汝当善事之。」
“You have two sons, why not depute them to relieve you?” said Liu Pei. “Both lack the requisite talents. I trust you will instruct them after I have gone, but do not let them have the guidance of affairs.” “But I am unequal to so great a charge.” “I will recommend to you one who could assist you. He is Sun Ch‘ien who could be appointed to some post.” Turning to Mi Chu he said, “The noble Liu here is the most prominent man of the time and you should serve him well.”
玄德终是推托，陶谦以手指心而死。众军举哀毕，即捧牌印交送玄德。玄德固辞。次日，徐州百姓，拥挤府前哭拜曰：「刘使君若不领此郡，我等皆不能安生矣！」关、张二公亦再三相劝。玄德乃许权领徐州事；使孙干、糜竺为辅，陈登为幕官；
Still would Liu Pei have put from him such a post, but just then the Prefect, pointing to his heart to indicate his sincerity, passed away. When the ceremonial wailings of the officials were over, the insignia of office were brought to Liu Pei. But he would have none of them. The following days the inhabitants of the town and country around crowded into the residence bowing and with tears calling upon Liu to receive the charge. “If you do not we cannot live in peace,” said they. To these requests his brothers added their persuasion, till at length he consented to assume the administrative duties. He forthwith appointed Sun and Mi as his official advisers and Ch‘ên Têng his secretary. His guard came up from Hsiaop‘ei and he put forth proclamations to reassure the people.
侭取小沛军马入城，出榜安民；一麺安排丧事。玄德与大小军士，侭皆挂孝，大设祭奠。祭毕，葬于黄河之原。将陶谦遗表，申奏朝廷。
He also attended to the burial ceremonies, he and all his army dressing in mourning. After the fullest sacrifices and ceremonies a burial place for the late Prefect was found close to the source of the Yellow River. The dead man’s testament was forwarded to Court.
操在鄄城，知陶谦已死，刘玄德领徐州牧，大怒曰：「我雠未报，汝不费半箭之功，坐得徐州！吾必先杀刘备，后戮谦尸，以雪先君之怨！」即传号令，克日起兵去打徐州。荀彧入谏曰：「昔高祖保关中，光武据河内，皆深根固本，以正天下。
The news of the events in Hsüchou duly reached the ears of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, then in Chüanch‘êng. Said he, angrily, “I have missed my revenge. This Liu has simply stepped into command of the district without expending half an arrow; he sat still and attained his desire. But I will put him to death and then dig up T‘ao’s corpse in revenge for the death of my noble father.”
进足以胜敌，退足以坚守，故虽有困，终济大业。明公本首事兖州，且河、济乃天下之要地，是亦昔之关中、河内也。今若取徐州，多留兵则不足用，少留兵则吕布乘虚寇之，是无兖州也。若徐州不得，明公安所归乎？今陶谦虽死，已有刘备守之。
Tsʻao Ts‘ao replied, “It is not a good plan to keep soldiers idle here during such scarcity.” “If that is so it would be more advantageous to attack the east and feed your army on their supplies. Some remnant of the Yellow Turbans are there with stores and treasures of all kinds that they have amassed by plundering wherever they could. Rebels of their stamp are easily broken. Break them, and you can feed your army with their grain. Moreover, both the Court and the common people will join in blessing you.” This new design appealed strongly to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao and he quickly began his preparations to carry it out. He left Hsiahou Tun and Ts‘ao Jên to guard Chüanch‘êng while his main body, under his own command, marched to seize Ch‘ênch‘êng. This done they went to Juying.
徐州之民，既已服备，必助备死战。明公弃兖州麺取徐州，是弃大而就小，去本而求末，以安而易危也：愿熟思之。」操曰：「今岁荒乏粮，军士坐守于此，终非良策。」彧曰：「不如东略陈地，使军就食；
Orders were issued for the army to prepare for a new campaign against Hsüchou. But an adviser, Hsün Yü, remonstrated with Ts‘ao saying, “When the founder of the Han dynasty secured Kuanchung and his illustrious successor on the throne, Kuang-wu, took Honei, they both first consolidated their position whereby they could command the whole Empire. Their whole progress was from success to success. Hence they accomplished their great designs in spite of difficulties. Illustrious Sir, your Kuanchung and your Honei are Yenchow, which you had first, and Hochi which is of the utmost strategic value. If you undertake this expedition against Hsüchou leaving many men here, you will not accomplish your design; if you leave too few, Lü Pu will fall upon us. And finally if you lose this and fail to gain Hsüchou whither will you retire? That prefecture is not vacant. Although T‘ao has gone, Liu Pei holds it, and since the people support him they will fight to the death for him. To abandon this place for that is to exchange the great for the small, to barter the trunk for the branches, to leave safety and run into danger. I would implore you to reflect well.”
汝南、颍川，黄巾余党何仪、黄劭等，劫掠州郡，多有金帛、粮食。此等贼徒，又容易破。破而取其粮，以养三军，朝廷喜，百姓悦，乃顺天之事也。」
Tsʻao Ts‘ao replied, “It is not a good plan to keep soldiers idle here during such scarcity.” “If that is so it would be more advantageous to attack the east and feed your army on their supplies. Some remnant of the Yellow Turbans are there with stores and treasures of all kinds that they have amassed by plundering wherever they could. Rebels of their stamp are easily broken. Break them, and you can feed your army with their grain. Moreover, both the Court and the common people will join in blessing you.”
操喜，从之，乃留夏侯惇、曹仁守鄄城等处，自引兵略陈地，次及汝、颍。黄巾何仪、黄劭知曹兵到，引众来迎，会于羊山。时贼兵虽众，都是狐群狗党，并无队伍行列。操令强弓硬弩射住，令典韦出马。何仪令副元师出战，不三合，被典韦一戟剌于马下。
This new design appealed strongly to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao and he quickly began his preparations to carry it out. He left Hsiahou Tun and Ts‘ao Jên to guard Chüanch‘êng while his main body, under his own command, marched to seize Ch‘ênch‘êng. This done they went to Juying. Now when the Yellow Turbans knew that Ts‘ao Tsʻao was approaching they came out in a great body to oppose him. They met at Goat Hill. Though the rebels were numerous, they were a poor lot, a mere pack of foxes and dogs without organisation and lacking discipline. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao ordered his strong archers and vigorous crossbowmen to keep them in check.
操引众乘势赶过羊山下寨。
Tien Wei was sent out to challenge. The rebel leader chose a second-rate champion for his side, who rode out and was vanquished in the third bout. Then Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s army pushed forward and they made a camp at Goat Hill.
次日，黄劭自引军来。阵圆处，一将步行出战，头里黄巾，身披绿袄，手提铁棒，大叫：「我乃截天夜叉何曼也！谁敢与我厮斗？」曹洪见了，大喝一声，飞身下马，提刀步出。两下向阵前厮杀，四五十合，胜负不分。曹洪诈败而走，何曼赶来；
The following day the rebel Huang Shao himself led forth his army and made his battle array along a circle. A leader advanced on foot to offer combat. He wore a yellow turban on his head and a green robe. His weapon was an iron mace. He shouted, “I am Ho Man the Yakcha who shoots across the sky; who dare fight with me?”
洪用拖刀背砍计，转身一跳，砍中何曼，再复一刀杀死。李典乘势飞马直入贼阵。黄劭不及隄备，被李典生擒活捉过来。曹兵掩杀贼众，夺其金帛粮食无数。何仪势孤，引数百骑奔走葛陂。正行之间，山背后撞出一军。为头一个壮士，身长八尺，腰大十围；
Tsʻao Hung uttered a great shout and jumped from the saddle to accept the challenge. Sword in hand he advanced on foot and the two engaged in fierce combat in the face of both armies. They exchanged some scores of blows, neither gaining the advantage. Then Ts‘ao Hung feigned defeat and ran away. Ho Man went after him. Just as he closed Hung tried a feint and then suddenly wheeling about, wounded his adversary. Another slash, and Ho Man lay dead. At once Li Tien dashed forward into the midst of the enemy and laid hands on the rebel chief whom he carried off captive. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s men then set on and scattered the rebels. The spoil of treasure and food was immense.
手提大刀，截住去路。何仪挺枪出迎，只一合，被那壮士活挟过去。余众著忙，皆下马受䌸，被壮士侭驱入葛陂坞中。
The other leader, Ho I, fled with a few horsemen toward Kopei. While on their road thither there suddenly appeared a force led by a certain swashbuckler, who shall be nameless for the moment. This bravo was a shortish man, thickset and stout, with a waist ten span in girth. He used a long sword. He barred the way of retreat. The rebel leader set his spear and rode toward him. But at the first encounter the bravo caught him under his arm and bore him off a prisoner. All his men were terror-stricken, dropped from their horses and allowed themselves to be bound. Then the victor drove them like cattle into an enclosure with high banks.
却说典韦追袭何仪到葛陂，壮士引军迎住。典韦曰：「汝亦黄巾贼耶？」壮士曰：「黄巾数百骑，侭被我擒在坞内！」韦曰：「何不献出？」壮士曰：「你若赢得手中宝刀，我便献出！」韦大怒，挺双戟向前来战。两个从辰至午，不分胜负，各自少歇。
Presently Tien Wei, still pursuing the rebels, reached Kopei. The swashbuckler went out to meet him. “Are you also a Yellow Turban?” said Tien Wei. “I have some hundreds of them prisoners in an enclosure here.” “Why not bring them out?” said Tien. “I will if you win this sword from my hand.” This annoyed Tien Wei who attacked him. They engaged and the combat lasted for two long hours and then was still undecided. Both rested a while. The swashbuckler was the first to recover and renewed the challenge. They fought till dusk and then, as their horses were quite spent, the combat was once more suspended.
不一时，那壮士又出搦战，典韦亦出。直战到黄昏，各因马乏暂止。典韦手下军士，飞报曹操。操大惊，忙引众将来看。
In the meantime some of Tien Wei’s men had run off to tell the story of this wondrous fight to Tsʻao Ts‘ao who hastened in amazement, followed by many officers to watch it and see the result.
次日，出壮士又出搦战。操见其人威风凛凛，心中暗喜，分付典韦，今日且诈败。韦领命出战；战到三十合，败走回阵。壮士赶到阵门中，弓弩射回。操急引军退五里，密使人掘下陷坑，暗伏钩手。次日，再令典韦引百余骑出。壮士笑曰：「败将何敢复来！」便纵马接战。
Next day the unknown warrior rode out again and Ts‘ao Tsʻao saw him. In his heart he rejoiced to see such a doughty hero and desired to gain his services for his own side. So he bade his champion feign defeat. Tien Wei rode out in answer to the challenge and some score of bouts were fought. Then Tien Wei turned and fled toward his own side. The bravo followed and came quite close. But a flight of arrows drove him away. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao hastily drew off his men for some distance and then secretly sent a certain number to dig a pitfall and sent hookmen to lie in ambush. The following day Tien Wei was sent out with a small company of horse. His adversary nothing loth came to meet him. “Why does the defeated leader venture forth again?” cried he laughing.
典韦略战数合，便回马走。壮士只顾望前赶来，不隄防连人带马，都落于坑之内，被钩手䌸来见曹操。操下帐叱退军士，亲解其䌸，急取衣衣之，命坐，问其乡贯姓名。
The swashbuckler spurred forward to join battle but Tien Wei, after a faint show of fighting, turned his horse and rode away. His adversary intent upon capture, took no care and he and his followers all blundered into the pitfall. The hookmen took them all captive, bound them and carried them before their chief. As soon as he saw the prisoners, Ts‘ao advanced from his tent, sent away the soldiers and with his own hands loosened the leader’s bonds. Then he brought out clothing and dressed him, bade him be seated and asked who he was and whence he came.
壮士曰：「我乃谯国谯县人也：姓许，名褚，字仲康。向遭寇乱，聚宗族数百人，筑坚于坞中以御之。一日寇至，吾令众人多取石子准备，吾亲自飞石击之，无不中者，寇乃退去。又一日寇至，坞中无粮，遂与贼和，约以耕牛换米。
“I am named Hsü Ch‘u, and by my near friends called Chungk‘ang. I am from Chao. When the rebellion broke out I and my relations built a stronghold within a rampart for protection. One day the robbers came but I had stones ready for them. I told my relatives to keep on bringing them up to me and I threw them, hitting somebody every time I threw. This drove off the robbers.”
米已送到，贼驱牛至坞外，牛皆奔走回还，被我双手掣二牛尾，倒行百余步。贼大惊，不敢取牛而走：因此保守此处无事。」操曰：「吾闻大名久矣，还肯降否？」褚曰：「固所愿也。」遂招宗族数百人俱降。操拜许褚为都尉，赏劳甚厚。随将何仪、黄劭斩讫。
“Another day they came and we were short of grain. So I agreed with them to an exchange of plough oxen against grain. They delivered the grain and were driving away the oxen when the beasts took fright and tore off to their pens. I seized two of them by the tail, one with each hand, and hauled them backwards a hundred or so paces. The robbers were so amazed that they thought no more about oxen but went their way. So they never troubled us again.”
汝、颍悉平。
“I have heard of your mighty exploits,” said Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. “Will you join my army?” “That is my strongest desire,” said Hsü. So he called up his clan, some hundreds in all, and they formally submitted to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. The strong man received the rank of Tu-yü and received ample rewards. The two rebel leaders were executed.
曹操班师，曹仁、夏侯惇接见，言近日细作报说：兖州薛兰、李封军士皆出掳掠，城邑空虚，可引得胜之兵攻之，一鼓可下。操遂引军迳奔兖州。薛兰、李封出其不意，只得引兵出城迎战。许褚曰：「吾愿取此二人，以为贽见之礼。
Juying being now perfectly quiet Ts‘ao Ts‘ao withdrew his army. His lieutenants came out to welcome him and they told him that spies had reported Yenchou to be left defenceless, all its garrison having given themselves up to plundering the surrounding country, and they wanted him to go against it without loss of time. “With these soldiers fresh from victory the city will fall at a tap of the drum,” said they.
」操大喜，遂令出战，李封使划戟，向前来迎。交马两合，许褚斩李封于马下。薛兰急走回阵，吊桥边李典拦住；薛兰不敢回城，引军投巨野而去；却被吕虔飞马赶来，一箭射于马下，军皆溃散。
So the army was marched to the city. An attack was quite unexpected but the two leaders, Hsüeh and Li, hurried out their few soldiers to fight. Hsü Ch‘u, the latest recruit, said he wished to capture these two and he would make of them an introductory gift. The task was given him and he rode forth. Li Fêng with his halberd advanced to meet Hsü Chʻu. The combat was brief as Li fell in the second bout. His colleague retired with his men. He found the drawbridge had been seized so that he could not get shelter within the city. He led his men toward Chüyeh. He was followed and slain. His soldiers scattered to the four winds. And thus Yenchou was recaptured.
曹操复得兖州，程昱便请进兵取濮阳。操令许褚、典韦为先锋，夏侯惇、夏侯渊为左军，李典、乐进为右军，操自领中军，于禁、吕虔为合后。兵至濮阳，吕布欲自将出迎，陈宫谏：「不可出战。待众将聚会后方可。」吕布曰：「吾怕谁来？
Next an expedition was prepared to take Puyang. The army moved out in perfect order with van leaders, commanders of the flanks and rear guard. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao led the centre; Tien Wei and Hsü Ch‘u were van leaders. When they approached Puyang, Lü Pu wished to go out in person and alone to attack but his adviser protested, begging him to await the arrival of his officers.
」遂不听宫言，引兵出阵，横戟大骂。许褚便出。斗二十合，不分胜负。操曰：「吕布非一人可胜。」便差典韦助战，两将夹攻。左边夏侯惇、夏侯渊，右边李典、乐进齐到，六员将共攻吕布。布遮拦不住，拨马回城。城上田氏，见布败回，急令人拽起吊桥。
“Whom do I fear?” said Lü. So he threw caution to the winds and went. He met his foes and he began to revile them. The redoubtable Hsü Ch‘u went to fight with him, but after a score of bouts neither combatant was any the worse. “He is not the sort that one man can overcome,” said Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, and he sent Tien Wei to assist. Lü Pu stood the double onslaught. Soon after the flank commanders joined in and Lü Pu had six opponents. These proved really too many for him so he turned his horse and rode back to the city.
布大叫：「开门！」田氏曰：「吾已降曹将军。」
So he threw caution to the winds and went. He met his foes and he began to revile them. The redoubtable Hsü Ch‘u went to fight with him, but after a score of bouts neither combatant was any the worse.
布大骂，引军奔定陶而去。陈宫急开东门，保护吕布老小出城。操遂得濮阳，恕田氏旧日之罪。刘晔曰：「吕布乃猛虎也，今日困乏，不可少容。」操令刘晔等守濮阳，自己引军赶至定陶。时吕布与张邈、张超侭在城中，高顺、张辽、臧霸、侯成巡海打粮未回。
But when the members of the T‘ien family saw him coming back beaten they raised the drawbridge. Pu shouted to open the gates, but the T‘iens said, “We have gone over to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.” This was hard to hear and the beaten man abused them roundly before he left. The faithful Ch‘ên Kung got away through the east gate taking with him the general’s family. Thus Puyang came into Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s hands and for their present services the T‘ien family were pardoned their previous fault. However, Liu Hua said that savage Lü Pu left alive was a great danger and he should be hunted down. Wherefore Ts‘ao Ts‘ao determined to follow Lü Pu to Tingt‘ao whither he had gone for refuge.
操军至定陶，连日不战，引军退四十里下寨。正值济郡麦熟，操即令军割麦为食。细作报知吕布，布引军赶来。将近操寨，见左边一望林木茂盛，恐有伏兵而回。
Thus Puyang came into Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s hands and for their present services the T‘ien family were pardoned their previous fault. However, Liu Hua said that savage Lü Pu left alive was a great danger and he should be hunted down. Wherefore Ts‘ao Ts‘ao determined to follow Lü Pu to Tingt‘ao whither he had gone for refuge.
操知布军回去，乃谓诸将曰：「布疑林中有伏兵耳，可多插旌旗于林中以疑之。寨西一带，长堤无水，可侭伏精兵。明日吕布必来烧林，堤中军断其后，布可擒矣。」于是止留鼓手五十人于寨中擂鼓；将村中掳来男女在寨内呐喊。精兵多伏堤中。
Lü Pu and many of his captains were assembled in the city, but certain of them were out foraging. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s army arrived but did not attack for many days and presently he withdrew a long way and made a stockade. It was the time of harvest and he set his men to cut the wheat for food. The spies having reported this to Lü Pu he came over to see, but when he saw that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s stockade lay near a thick wood he feared an ambush and retired. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao heard that he had come and gone and guessed the reason. “He fears an ambush in the wood,” said he. “We will set up flags there and deceive him. There is a long embankment near the camp but behind it there is no water. There we will lay an ambush to fall upon Lü Pu when he comes to burn the wood.” So he hid all his soldiers behind the embankment except half a hundred drummers, and he got together many peasants to loiter within the stockade as though it was empty.
却说吕布回报陈宫。宫曰：「操多诡计，不可轻敌。」布曰：「吾用火攻，可破伏兵。」乃留陈宫、高顺守城。布次日引大军来，遥见林中有旗，驱兵大进，四麺放火，竟无一人；欲投寨中，却闻鼓声大震。正自疑惑不定，忽然寨后一彪军出，吕布纵马赶来。
Lü Pu rode back and told his adviser what he had seen. “This Ts‘ao Ts‘ao is very crafty and full of wiles,” said the adviser; “great care in necessary.” “I will use fire this time and burn out his ambush,” said Lü Pu. Next morning he rode out and there he saw flags flying everywhere in the wood. He ordered his men forward to set fire on all sides. But to his surprise no one rushed out to make for the stockade. Still he heard the beating of drums and doubt filled his mind. Suddenly he saw a party of soldiers move out from the shelter of the stockade. He galloped over to see what it meant.
砲声响处，堤内伏兵侭出：夏侯惇、夏侯渊、许褚、典韦、李典、乐进，骤马杀来。吕布料敌不过，落荒而走。从将成廉，被乐进一箭射死。布军三停去了二停，败卒回报陈宫。宫曰：「空城难守，不若急去。」遂与高顺保著吕布老小，弃定陶而走。
Then the signal-bombs exploded; out rushed the men and all their leaders dashed forward. Lü Pu was at a loss and fled into the open country. One of his captains was killed by an arrow. Two thirds of his men were lost and the beaten remainder went to tell Ch‘ên Kung what had come to pass. “We had better leave” said he. “An empty city cannot be held.” So he and Kao Shun, taking their chief’s family with them, abandoned Tingt‘ao. When Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s soldiers got into the city they met with no resistance, one leader burned himself to death, the other fled to Yüan Shu.
曹操将得胜之兵，杀入城中，势如破竹。张超自焚，张邈投袁术去了。山东一境，侭被曹操所得。安民修城，不在话下。
Thus the whole of Shantung fell under the power of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.
却说吕布正走，逢诸将皆回。陈宫亦已寻著。布曰：「吾军虽少，尚可破曹。」遂再引军来。正是：
How he tranquillised the people and rebuilt the cities will not be told here. But Lü Pu in his retreat fell in with his foragers and Ch‘ên Kung also rejoined him so that he was by no means broken. “I have but few men,” said he, “but still enough to break Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.” And so he retook the backward road. Thus does fortune alternate, victory, defeat, The happy conqueror to-day, to-morrow, must retreat. What was the fate of Lü Pu will appear later.
兵家胜败真常事，卷甲重来未可知。
Victory and defeat are common things in war; Gathering armor to try again—who knows what may yet be?
不知吕布胜负如何且听下文分解。
But the sequel must be told in the next chapter.