却说董承等问马腾曰：「公却用何人？」马腾曰：「见有豫州牧刘玄德在此，何不求之？」承曰：「此人虽系皇叔，今正依附曹操，安肯行此事耶？」腾曰：「吾观前日围场之中，曹操迎受众贺之时，云长在玄德背后，挺刀欲杀操，玄德以目视之而止。
“W ho is it?" was the question on the lips of the conspirators. Ma T‘êng’s reply was, “The Governor of Yüchow, Liu Pei. He is here and we will ask him to help.” “Though he is an uncle of the Empreor , he is at present a partizan of our enemy, and he will not join.”
玄德非不欲图操，恨操爪牙多，恐力不及耳。公试求之，当必应允。」吴硕曰：「此事不宜太速，当从容商议。」众皆散去。
“But I saw something at the hunt,” said Ma T‘êng. “When Tsʻao Tsʻao advanced to acknowledge the congratulations due to the Emperor, Yüan-tê’s sworn brother Kuan Yü was behind him, and grasped his sword as if to cut down Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. However, Yüan-tê signed to him to hold his hand and he did. He would willingly destroy Ts‘ao, only he thinks his teeth and claws are too many. You must ask him and he will surely consent.” Here Wu Shih urged caution. “Do not go too fast,” said he. “Let us consider the thing most carefully.”
次日黑夜里，董承怀诏，迳往玄德馆中来。门吏入报，玄德迎出，请入小阁坐定。关、张侍立于侧。玄德曰：「国舅夤夜至此，必有事故。」承曰：「白日乘马相访，恐操见疑，故黑夜相见。」玄德命取酒相待。
They dispersed. Next day after dark Tung Ch‘êng went to Liu Pei’s lodging taking with him the decree. As soon as he was announced Yüan-tê came to greet him and led him into a private room where they could talk freely. The two younger brothers were there as well. “It must be something unusually important that has brought you here to-night,” said Pei. “If I had ridden forth by daylight, Ts‘ao might have suspected something so I came by night.”
承曰：「前日围场之中，云长欲杀曹操，将军动目摇头而退之，何也？」玄德失惊曰：「公何以知之？」承曰：「人皆不见，某独见之。」
Wine was brought in and while they were drinking Tung Ch‘êng said, “Why did you check your brother the other day at the hunt when he was going to attack Ts‘ao Ts‘ao?” Yüan-tê was startled and said, “How did you know?” “Nobody noticed but I saw.”
玄德不能隐讳遂曰「舍弟见操僭越故不觉发怒耳。」承掩麺而哭曰「朝廷臣子若侭如云长何忧不太平哉」玄德恐是曹操使他来试探乃佯言曰「曹丞相治国为何忧不太平」承变色而起曰「公乃汉朝皇叔故剖肝沥胆以相告公何诈也」
Yüan-tê could not prevaricate and said, “It was the presumption of the man that made my brother so angry; he could not help it.” The visitor covered his face and wept. “Ah,” said he, “if all the Court Ministers were like him, there would be no sighs for lack of tranquillity.” Now Yüan-tê felt that possibly Ts‘ao Tsʻao had sent his visitor to try him, so he cautiously replied, “Where are the sighs for lack of tranquillity while Ts‘ao Ts‘ao is at the head of affairs?” Tung Ch‘êng changed colour and rose from his seat. “You, Sir, are a relative of His Majesty and so I showed you my inmost feelings. Why did you mislead me?”
玄德曰「恐国舅有诈故相试耳。」
“Because I feared you might be misleading me, and I wanted to find out.”
于是董承取衣带诏令观之。玄德不胜悲愤。又将义状出示，上止有六位：一，车骑将军董承；二，工部侍郎王子服；三，长水校尉种辑；四，议郎吴硕；五，昭信将军吴子兰；六，西凉太守马腾。玄德曰：「公既奉诏讨贼，备敢不效犬马之劳。」承拜谢，便请书名。
At this Tung Ch‘êng drew out the decree he had received and showed it. His host was deeply moved. Then he produced the pledge. There were only six names to it and these were Tung Ch‘êng, Wang Tzŭ-fu, Ch‘ung Chi, Wu Shih, Wu Tzŭ-lan and Ma T‘êng. “Since you have a decree like this, I cannot but do my share,” said Liu Pei and at Tung Ch‘êng’s request he added his name and signature to the others and handed it back.
玄德亦书「左将军刘备」，押了字，付承收讫。承曰：「尚容再请三人，共聚十义，以图国贼。」玄德曰：「切宜缓缓而行，不可轻泄。」
“Now let us but get three more, which will make ten, and we shall be ready to act.” “But you must move with great caution and not let this get abroad,” said Yüan-tê.
共议到五更相别去了。玄德也防曹操谋害就下处后园种菜亲自浇灌以韬晦之计。关、张曰「兄不留心天下大事而学小人之事何也」玄德曰「此非二弟所知之。」二人乃不复言。
The two remained talking till an early hour in the morning when the visitor left. Now in order to put Tsʻao Ts‘ao quite off the scent that any plot against him was in progress, Liu Pei began to devote himself to gardening, planting vegetables and watering them with his own hands. His brothers ventured to remonstrate with him for taking to such an occupation when great matters needed attention. “The reason for this you may not know,” replied he. And they said no more.
一日，关、张不在，玄德正在后园浇菜，许褚、张辽引数十人入园中曰：「丞相有命，请使君便行。」玄德惊问曰：「有甚紧事？」许褚曰：「不知。只教我来相请。」玄德只得随二人入府见操。操笑曰：「在家做得好大事！」諕得玄德麺如土色。
One day when the two brothers were absent and Yüan-tê was busy in his garden, two messengers with an escort came from Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, saying, “The command of the Minister is that you come at once.” “What important affair is afoot?” asked he nervously. “We know nothing: we were ordered to come and request your presence.” All he could do was to follow. When he arrived Ts‘ao met him and laughingly said, “That is a big business you have in hand at home.”
操执玄德手，直至后园曰：「玄德学圃不易。」玄德方才放心，答曰：「无事消遣耳。」操曰：「适见枝头梅子青青，忽感去年征张绣时，道上缺水，将士皆渴。吾心生一计，以鞭虚指曰：『前麺有梅林。』军士闻之，口皆生唾，由是不渴。今见此梅，不可不赏。
This remark made Liu Pei turn the colour of clay. But Ts‘ao took him by the hand and led him straight to the private garden, saying, “The growth of vegetables that you are trying to learn is very difficult.” Yüan-tê breathed again. He said, “That is hardly a business it is only a solace.”
又值煮酒正熟，故邀使君小亭一会。」玄德心神方定，随至小亭，已设樽俎：盘置青梅，一樽煮酒。二人对坐，开怀畅饮。
Ts‘ao said, “I happened to notice the green plums on the trees to-day and suddenly my thoughts went back to a year ago when we were thrashing Chang Hsiu. We were marching through a parched district and every one was suffering from thirst. Suddenly I lifted my whip and pointing at something in the distance I said, “Look at those plum trees.” The soldiers heard it and it made their mouths water. Now I owe something to the plums and we will pay it to-day. I ordered the servants to heat some wine very hot and sent to invite you to share it.” Yüan-tê was quite composed by this time and no longer suspected any sinister design. He went with his host to a small summer house, where the wine cups were already laid out and green plums filled the dishes. After a goblet of wine had been swallowed they sat down to a confidential talk and enjoyment of their wine.
酒至半酣，忽阴云漠漠，骤雨将至。从人遥指天外龙挂，操与玄德凭栏观之。操日：「使君知龙之变化否？」玄德曰：「未知其详。」操曰：「龙能大能小，能升能隐；大则兴云吐雾，小则隐介藏形；升则飞腾于宇宙之间，隐则潜伏于波涛之内。
As they drank the weather gradually changed, clouds gathering and threatening rain. The servants pointed out a mass of cloud that looked like a dragon hung in the sky. Both host and guest went to the window and leaned over the rail looking at it. “Do you understand the evolutions of dragons?” asked Ts‘ao of the guest. “Not in detail.” “A dragon can assume any size, can rise in glory or hide from sight. Bulky, it generates clouds and evolves mist; attenuated, it can scarcely hide a mustard stalk or conceal a shadow. Mounting, it can soar to the empyrean; subsiding, it lurks in the uttermost depths of the ocean. This is the mid-spring season and the dragon chooses this moment for his transformations, like a man realising his desires and overrunning the world. The dragon among animals compares with the hero among men. You, O Yüan-tê, with your experience must know who are the heroes of the present day and I wish you would say who they are.”
方今春深，龙乘时变化，犹人得志而纵横四海。龙之为物，可比世之英雄。玄德久历四方，必知当世英雄。请试指言之。」
“How can a dullard like me know such things?” “Do not be so modest.” “Thanks to your kindly protection I have a post at Court. But as to heroes I really do not know who they are.” “You may not have looked upon their faces, but you have heard their names.”
玄德曰「备肉眼安识英雄」操曰「休得过谦。」玄德曰「备叨恩庇得仕于朝。天下英雄实有未知。」操曰「既不识其麺亦闻其名。」玄德曰「淮南袁术兵粮足备可谓英雄。」操笑曰「冢中枯骨吾早晚必擒之」
“Yüan Shu, with his resources; is he one?” His host laughed, “A rotting bone in a graveyard. I shall put him out of the way shortly.”
玄德曰「河北袁绍四世三公门多故吏今虎踞冀州之地部下能事者极多可谓英雄。」操笑曰「袁绍色厉胆薄好谋无断干大事而惜身见小利而忘命非英雄也。」玄德曰「有一人名称八骏威镇九州刘景升可为英雄。」
“Well, Yüan Shao then. The highest offices of State have been held in his family for four generations and his clients are many. He is firmly posted in Ichou and he commands the services of many able men. Surely he is one.” “A bully, but a coward; he is fond of grandiose schemes, but is devoid of decision; he makes for great things but grudges the necessary toil. He loses sight of everything else in view of a little present advantage. He is not one.”
操曰「刘表虚名无实非英雄也。」玄德曰「有一人血气方刚江东领袖孙伯苻乃英雄也。」操曰「孙策藉父之名非英雄也。」玄德曰「益州刘季玉可为英雄乎」操曰「刘璋虽系宗室乃守户之犬耳何足为英雄」
“There is Liu Ching-shêng. He is renowned as a man of perfection, whose fame has spread on all sides. Surely he is a hero.” “He is a mere semblance, a man of vain reputation. No; not he.” “Sun Ts‘ê is a sturdy sort, the chief of all in the east. Is he a hero?” “He has profited by his father’s reputation; he is no hero.” “What of Liu Chang?” “Though he is of the reigning family, he is nothing more than a watch dog. How could you make a hero of him?”
玄德曰「如张绣、张鲁、韩遂等辈皆何如」操鼓掌大笑曰「此等碌碌小人何足挂齿」玄德曰「舍此之外备实不知。」操曰「夫英雄者胸怀大志腹有良谋有包藏宇宙之机吞吐天地之志者也。」玄德曰「谁能当之」
“What about Chang Hsiu, Chang Lu, Han Sui and all those?” Ts‘ao clapped his hands and laughed very loudly. “Paltry people like them are not worth mentioning.” “With these exceptions I really know none.” “Now heroes are men who cherish lofty designs in their bosoms and have plans to achieve them; they have all-embracing schemes and the whole world is at their mercy.”
操以手指玄德后自指曰「今天下英雄惟使君与操耳。」
“Who is such a man?” said Yüan-tê. Ts‘ao pointed his finger first at his guest and then at himself, saying, “The only heroes in the world are you and I.”
玄德闻言，吃了一惊，手中所执匙箸，不觉落于地下。时正值天雨将至，雷声大作。玄德乃从容俯首拾箸曰：「一震之威，乃至于此。」操笑曰：「丈夫亦畏雷乎？」玄德曰：「圣人迅雷风烈必变，安得不畏？」将闻言失箸缘故，轻轻掩饰过了。操遂不疑玄德。
Yüan-tê gasped and the spoon and chopsticks rattled to the flooor . Now just at that moment the storm burst with a tremendous peal of thunder and rush of rain. Yüan-tê stooped down to recover the fallen articles, saying, “What a shock! and it was quite close.” “What! are you afraid of thunder?” said Ts‘ao. Yüan-tê replied, “The wise man paled at a sudden peal of thunder or fierce gust of wind. Why should one not fear?” Thus he glossed over the real fact, that it was the words he had heard that had so startled him. Constrained to lodge in a tiger’s lair, He played a waiting part, But when Ts‘ao talked of breaking men, Then terror gripped his heart. But he cleverly used the thunder peal As excuse for turning pale; O quick to seize occasions thus! He surely must prevail.
后人有诗赞曰：
Later generations composed a poem in praise:
勉从虎穴暂趋身，说破英雄惊杀人。
Forced to bow within the tiger's lair a while, Once named a hero, terror struck his soul.
巧借闻雷来掩饰，随机应变信如神。
Clever he borrowed thunder's crash to hide; His ready wit was truly godlike shown.
天雨方住见两个人撞入后园手提宝剑突至亭前左右拦挡不住。操视之乃关、张二人也。原来二人从城外射箭方回听得玄德被许褚、张辽请将去了慌忙来相府打听闻说在后园只恐有失故冲突而入。却见玄德与操对坐饮酒。二人按剑而立。操问二人何来。
The shower had passed and there appeared two men rushing through the garden, both armed. In spite of the attendants they forced their way to the pavilion where sat the two friends. They were Kuan Yü and Chang Fei. The two brothers had been outside the city at archery practice when Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s invitation had come so peremptorily. On their return they heard that two officers had arrived and led away Yüan-tê to the Minister. They hastened to his palace and were told their brother was with his host in the grounds and they feared something had happened. So they rushed in. Now when they saw their brother quietly talking with Ts‘ao and enjoying a cup of wine, they took up their usual places and meekly stood waiting. “Why did you come?” said Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.
云长曰：「听知丞相和兄饮酒，特来舞剑，以助一笑。」操笑曰：「此非鸿门会，安用项庄、项伯乎？」玄德亦笑。操命：「取酒与『二樊哙』压惊。」关、张拜谢。
“We heard that you, Sir, had invited our brother to a wine party and we came to amuse you with a little sword play,” said they. “This is not a Hungmên banquet,” replied Ts‘ao. “What use have we for two Hsiangs?” Yüan-tê smiled. The host ordered wine to be served to the two “Fan K‘uai” to allay their excitement and, soon after, the three took their leave and returned homeward.
须臾席散，玄德辞操而归。云长曰：「险些惊杀我两个！」玄德以落箸事说与关、张。张问是何意。玄德曰：「吾之学圃，正欲使操知我无大志；不意操竟指我为英雄，我故失惊落箸。又恐操生疑，故借惧雷以掩饰之耳。」关、张曰：「兄真高见！」
“We were nearly frightened to death,” said Kuan Yü. The story of the dropped chopsticks was told. The two asked what their brother intended by his actions and he told them that his learning gardening was to convince Tsʻao Ts‘ao of his perfect simplicity and the absence of any ambition. “But,” said he, “when he suddenly pointed to me as one of the heroes I was startled, for I thought he had some suspicions. Happily the thunder at that moment supplied the excuse I wanted.” “Really you are very clever,” said they.
操次日又请玄德。正饮间人报满宠去探听袁绍而回。操召入问之。宠曰「公孙瓒已被袁绍破了。」玄德急问曰「愿闻其详。」
Next day Ts‘ao again invited Yüan-tê and while the two were drinking, Man Ch‘ung, who had been despatched to find out what Yüan Shao was doing, came to present his report. He said, “Kungsun Tsan has been completely defeated by Yüan.” “Do you know the details? I should like to know how,” interrupted Liu Pei.
宠曰：「瓒与绍战不利，筑城围圈，圈上建楼高十丈，名曰易京楼；积粟三十万以自守，战士出入不息。或有被绍围者，众请救之。瓒曰：『若救一人，后之战者只望人救，不肯死战矣。』遂不肯救。因此袁绍兵来，多有降之者。
“They were at war and Tsan got the worst of it, so he acted on the defensive, building a high wall about his army and on that erecting a high tower, which he called the I-ching Tower. Therein he placed all his grain and took up his own quarters. His fighting men passed in and out without ceasing, some going out to give battle, others returning to rest. One of them was surrounded and sent to ask Kungsun to rescue him. Kungsun said, “If I rescue him, hereafter every one will want to be helped and will not exert himself.” So he did not go. This disgusted his men and many deserted to the enemy so that his army diminished. He sent letters to the capital to crave help, but the messenger was captured. He sent to Chang Yen to arrange with him for a joint attack and those letters with the plans also fell into Shao’s hands and the plans were adopted by his enemy, who gave the signals agreed upon. Thus Tsan fell into an ambush, lost heavily and retreated into the city. There he was besieged and a subterranean passage was pierced into the tower where he lodged. The tower was set on fire and Kungsun could not escape. So he slew his wife and little ones and committed suicide. The flames destroyed the bodies of the whole family.
瓒势孤，使人持书赴许都求救，不意中途为绍军所获。瓒又遗书张燕，暗约举火为号，里应外合。下书人又被袁绍擒住，却来城外放火诱敌。瓒自出战，伏兵四起，军马折其大半。退守城中，被袁绍穿地直入瓒所居之楼下，放起火来。
“They were at war and Tsan got the worst of it, so he acted on the defensive, building a high wall about his army and on that erecting a high tower, which he called the I-ching Tower. Therein he placed all his grain and took up his own quarters. His fighting men passed in and out without ceasing, some going out to give battle, others returning to rest. One of them was surrounded and sent to ask Kungsun to rescue him. Kungsun said, “If I rescue him, hereafter every one will want to be helped and will not exert himself.” So he did not go. This disgusted his men and many deserted to the enemy so that his army diminished. He sent letters to the capital to crave help, but the messenger was captured. He sent to Chang Yen to arrange with him for a joint attack and those letters with the plans also fell into Shao’s hands and the plans were adopted by his enemy, who gave the signals agreed upon. Thus Tsan fell into an ambush, lost heavily and retreated into the city. There he was besieged and a subterranean passage was pierced into the tower where he lodged. The tower was set on fire and Kungsun could not escape. So he slew his wife and little ones and committed suicide. The flames destroyed the bodies of the whole family.
瓒无路走，先杀妻子，然后自缢，全家都被火焚了。今袁绍得了瓒军，声势甚盛。绍弟袁术在淮南骄奢过度，不恤军民，众皆背反。术使人归帝号于袁绍。绍欲取玉玺，术约亲自送至。见今弃淮南欲归河北。若二人协力，急难收复。乞丞相作急图之。」
“Yüan Shao has added the remnants of the vanquished army to his own and so become yet stronger. His brother Yüan Shu in Honan, however, has become so arrogant and cruel that the people have turned against him. Then he had sent to say he would yield the title of Emperor, which he had assumed, in favour of his brother. His brother Shao demanded the seal also and Yüan Shu promised to bring it in person. Now he has abandoned Huainan and is about to occupy Hopei. If he succeeded, the two brothers will control adjoining districts and be dangerous.”
玄德闻公孙瓒已死，追念昔日荐己之恩，不胜伤感；又不知赵子龙如何下落，放心不下。因暗想曰：「我不就此时寻个脱身之计，更待何时？」遂起身对操曰：「术若投绍，必从徐州过。备请一军就半路截击，术可擒矣。」操笑曰：「来日奏帝，即便起兵。」
It was a sad story and Yüan-tê remembered with sorrow that, in the days of success and prosperity, the dead chieftain had pushed his interest and shown him much kindness. Moreover he was anxious to know the fate of Chao Tzŭ-lung. In his heart he thought, “What better chance am I likely to get of setting myself free?” So he rose and said to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, “If Yüan Shu goes over to join his brother he will surely pass through Hsüchou. I beg you to give me an army with which to smite him on the way. That will finish Yüan Shu.” “Memorialise the Emperor to-morrow and I will give you an army,” said Ts‘ao.
次日，玄德麺奏献帝。操令玄德总督五万人马，又差朱灵、路昭二人同行。玄德辞帝，帝泣送之。玄德到寓，星夜收拾军器鞍马，挂了将军印，催促便行。董承赶出十里长亭来送。玄德曰：「国舅忍耐，某次行必有以报命。」承曰：「公宜留意，勿负帝心。」二人分别。
So next day Yüan-tê went to an audience and Ts‘ao gave him command of five legions, horse and foot, and sent Chu Ling and Lu Chao with him. At parting with Liu Pei the Emperor shed tears. As soon as he reached his lodging he set about preparations for immediate departure, returning his seal as General and preparing his weapons. Tung Ch‘êng went out some distance on the road to bid him farewell. “You must not mind my going; this journey will assuredly help on the scheme,” said Liu Pei. “Keep your mind fixed on that,” said Tung, “and never forget what His Majesty requires of us.”
关，张在马上问曰：「兄今番出征，何故如此慌速？」玄德曰：「吾乃笼中鸟，网中鱼。此一行如鱼入大海，鸟上青霄，不受笼网之羁绊也。」因命关、张催朱灵、路昭军马速行。
They parted. Presently his brothers asked him why he was in such a hurry to get away. He replied, “I have been a bird in a cage, a fish in a net. This is like the fish regaining the open sea and the bird soaring into the blue sky. I suffered much from the confinement.”
时郭嘉程昱考较钱粮方回知曹操已遣玄德进兵徐州慌入谏曰「丞相何故令刘备督军」操曰「欲截袁术耳。」程昱曰「昔刘备为豫州牧时某等请杀之丞相不听今日又与之兵此放龙入海纵虎归山也。后欲治之其可得乎」
Now Kuo Chia and Ch‘êng Yü had been absent inspecting stores and supplies when Liu Pei left. As soon as they heard of his expedition they went in to see their master, asking him why he had let Liu Pei go in command of an army. “He is going to cut off Yüan Shu.” “Formerly, when he was governor of Yüchou, we recommended that he should be put to death but you would not hear of it. Now you have given him an army. You have allowed the dragon to reach the sea, the tiger to return to the mountains. What control will you have in future?”
郭嘉曰「丞相纵不杀备亦不当使之去。古人云『一日纵敌万世之患。』望丞相察之。」操然其言遂令许褚将兵五百前往务要追玄德转来。许褚应诺而去。
So spoke Ch‘êng Yü and Kuo Chia followed in the same strain. “Even if you would not put him to death you need not have let him go. As the proverb says, ‘Relax opposition for one day and age-long harm ensues.’ You must admit the truth of this.” Ts‘ao recognised that these were prudent counsels so he sent Hsü Ch‘u with a half company and imperative orders to bring Yüan-tê back again.
却说玄德正行之间，只见后麺尘头骤起，谓关，张曰：「此必曹兵追至也。」遂下了营寨，令关、张各执军器，立于两边。许褚至，见严兵整甲，乃下马入营见玄德。玄德曰：「公来此何干？」褚曰：「奉丞相命，特请将军回去，别有商议。
Liu Pei was marching as rapidly as possible when he noticed a cloud of dust in the rear and remarked to his brothers, “Surely they are pursuing us.” He halted and made a stockade and ordered his brothers to be in readiness, one on each flank. Presently the messenger arrived and found himself in the midst of an army ready for battle. He dismounted and entered the camp to speak with Yüan-tê. “Sir, on what business have you come?” asked Pei. “The Minister has sent me to request you to return as he has further matters to discuss with you.”
」玄德曰：「『将在外，君命有所不受。』吾麺过君，又蒙丞相钧语，今别无他议，公可速回，为我禀覆丞相。」许褚寻思：「丞相与他一向交好，今番又不曾教我来厮杀，只得将他言语回覆，另候裁夺便了。」遂辞了玄德，领兵而回；回见曹操，备述玄德之言。
“When a general has once taken the field even the royal command is of no effect. I bade farewell to the Emperor, I received the Minister’s commands and there can be nothing further to talk about. You may return forthwith and take that as my reply.” The messenger was undecided what action to take. He knew of the friendship that existed between the Minister and his late guest and he had no orders to kill. He could only return with this reply and ask further instructions. So he left. When he related what had occurred Ts‘ao still hesitated to take any action. His advisers urged upon him that this refusal to return meant enmity.
操犹豫未决。程昱、郭嘉曰：「备不肯回兵，可知心变。」操曰：「我有朱灵、路昭，二人在彼，料玄德未敢心变。况我既遣之，何可复悔？」遂不复追玄德。后人有诗赞玄德曰：
“Still, two of my men are with him,” said Ts‘ao. “He will not dare do anything unfriendly, I think. Beside, I sent him and I cannot go back on my own orders.” So Yüan-tê was not pursued. He took his arms, he fed his steed, And fared forth willingly, Intent to accomplish his King’s behest Deep graved on his memory. At least he had broken out of his cage, He heard not the tiger’s roar, He had shaken the shackles from his feet, As a dragon on high could soar.
束兵秣马去匆匆，心念天言衣带中。
The troops were gathered, horse were fed, they hurried on their way, The heaven's words still kept secure within his girdle lay.
撞破铁笼逃虎豹，顿开金锁走蛟龙。
He smashed the iron cage to let the tiger-leopard flee, He burst the golden locks to let the dragon ride the sea.
却说马腾见玄德已去，边报又急，亦回西凉州去了。玄德兵至徐州，刺史车胄出迎。公宴毕，孙干、糜竺等都来参见。玄德回家探视老小，一麺差人探听袁术。探子回报：「袁术奢侈太过，雷薄、陈兰，皆投嵩山去了。术声势甚衰，乃作书让帝号于袁绍。
As soon as Ma T‘êng heard that Liu Pei had set forth he reported that pressing business called him and marched back to his own district. When Yüan-tê reached Hsüchou the governor, Ch‘ê Chou, came to meet him, and when the official banquet was over, Sun Ch‘ien and Mi Chu came to visit him. Then he proceeded to his residence to greet his family.
绍命人召术，术乃收拾人马、宫禁御用之物，先到徐州来。」
Scouts were sent out to see what Yüan Shu was doing. They came back with the intelligence that his arrogance had driven away his banditti allies, who had returned to their mountain fastnesses. His forces thus reduced he had written resigning the Imperial style he had assumed in favour of his brother Shao, who had at once commanded his presence. Thereupon he packed up the palace fittings he had had made, got the remnants of his army in order and marched west.
玄德知袁术将至，乃引关、张、朱灵、路昭，五万军出，正迎著先锋纪灵至。张飞更不打话，直取纪灵。斗无十合，张飞大喝一声，刺纪灵于马下。败军奔走，袁术自引军来斗。
When he neared Hsüchou, Yüan-tê led out his captains with the five legions to meet him. Yüan sent out Chi Ling to force a way through. But Chang Fei opposed him and attacked without a parley. In the tenth bout he cut down Chi Ling. The defeated soldiers fled in all directions.
玄德分兵三路，朱灵、路昭在左，关、张在右，玄德自引兵居中，与术相见，在门旗下责骂曰：「汝反逆不道，吾今奉明诏前来讨汝。汝当束手受降，免你罪犯。」袁术骂曰：「织席编屦小辈，安敢轻我！」麾兵赶来。玄德暂退，让左右两路军杀出。
Then Yüan Shu came up with his own army. Yüan-tê placed his captains right and left, he himself being in the centre, and so met Yüan Shu. As soon as the enemy came near Yüan-tê began to abuse him. “O rebellious one, and wicked, I have a command to destroy you. Yield, then, with good grace and so escape your punishment.” “Base weaver of mats and mean maker of straw sandals, how dare you make light of me?” replied Shu and he gave the signal for an attack. Yüan-tê retired and his captains from the flanks closed in. They smote the army of Shu till corpses littered the plain and blood flowed in streams. At the same time the bandits attacked the baggage train and completed the destruction. Shu tried to retreat to Shouch‘un but the bandits barred the road.
杀得术军尸横遍野，血流成渠；兵卒逃亡，不可胜计。又被嵩山雷薄、陈兰，劫去钱粮草料。欲回寿春，又被群盗所袭，只得住于江亭。止有一千余众，皆老弱之辈。时当盛暑，粮食侭绝，只剩麦三十斛，分派军士，家人无食，多有饿死者。
He sought refuge in Chiangt‘ing, with the small company left of all his army. And these were the weakly ones able neither to fight nor flee. It was then the height of summer and their food was nearly exhausted. The whole provision consisted of thirty measures of wheat. This was made over to the soldiers and the members of his household went hungry. Many died of actual starvation. Yüan Shu could not swallow the coarse food that the soldiers lived on. One day he bade his cook bring him some honey-water to quench his thirst.
术嫌饭粗，不能下咽，乃命庖人取蜜水止渴。庖人曰：「止有血水，安得蜜水？」术坐于床上，大叫一声，倒于地下，吐血斗余而死。时建安四年六月也。后人有诗曰：
“There is no water, save that tainted with blood,” replied the cook. “Where can I get honey-water?” This was the last straw. Shu sat up on his couch and rolled out on the floor with a loud cry. Blood gushed from his mouth and thus he died. It was the sixth month of the fourth year of “Established Tranquillity.” The last days of Han approached and weapons clashed in every quarter, The misguided Yüan Shu, lost to all sense of honour, Forgetful of his forefathers, who had filled the State’s highest Offices, Madly aspired to become himself Emperor, Resting his outrageous claim on the possession of The Seal, And arrogantly boasting that thus he fulfilled the design of Heaven. Alas! Sick unto death he vainly begged for a little honey-water; He died, alone.
汉末刀兵起四方无端袁术太猖狂。
When Han drew to its close, war rose on every side; Without cause Yuan Shu showed his arrogance and pride.
不思累世为公相便欲孤身做帝王。
He gave no thought to generations of high state, But in his lone ambition sought to be the king and great.
强暴枉夸传国玺骄奢妄说应天祥。
In brutal vain he boasted of the Imperial Seal divine, In haughty folly claimed the Heavens showed a lucky sign.
渴思蜜水无由得独卧空床呕血亡。
He craved sweet honey-water, but no way could it be found; Alone on his bare bed he vomited blood and died.
袁术已死，姪袁胤将灵柩及妻子奔庐江来，被徐璆侭杀之。璆夺得玉玺，赴许都献于曹操。曹操大喜，封徐璆为高陵太守，此时玉玺归操。
Yüan Shu being dead, his nephew taking his coffin and his wife and children, sought shelter in Luchiang. There the magistrate, Hsü Ch‘iu, slew all the survivors. Among the possessions he found the Imperial Seal, which he at once took to the capital and presented to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, for which service he was made Prefect of Kaoling.
却说玄德知袁术已丧，写表申奏朝廷，书呈曹操，令朱灵、路昭回许都，留下军马保守徐州，一麺亲自出城，招谕流散人民复业。
When Yüan-tê heard that Yüan Shu was dead he prepared a report to the throne, and sent it to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. He sent the two officers deputed by Ts‘ao Ts‘ao back to the capital, keeping the army to defend Hsüchou. He also personally went through the country-side commanding the people to resume their ordinary avocations.
且说朱灵、路昭回许都见曹操，说玄德留下军马。操怒，欲斩二人。荀彧曰：「权归刘备，二人亦无奈何。」操乃赦之。彧又曰：「可写书与车胄就内图之。」
Ts‘ao Ts‘ao was angry when his two officers returned without their man and was going to put them to death. Hsün Yü reasoned with him. “The power was in Liu Pei’s hands and so these two had no alternative,” said he. So they were pardoned. “You should instruct Ch‘ê Chou to try to destroy him,” said Yü.
操从其计，暗使人来见车胄，传曹操钧旨。胄随即请陈登商议此事。登曰：「此事极易。今刘备出城招民，不日将还；将军可命军士伏于瓮城边，只作接他，待马到来，一刀斩之；某在城上射住后军，大事济矣。」胄从之。陈登回见父陈珪，备言其事。
Accordingly he sent secret orders to Ch‘ê Chou, who took Ch‘ên Têng into his confidence and asked his advice. Têng advised an ambush in the city gate to attack Liu Pei on his return from the country; he himself would attack the escort with arrows from the city walls. Ch‘ê agreed to try this.
珪命登先往报知玄德。登领父命，飞马去报，正迎著关、张，报说如此如此。原来关、张先回，玄德在后。
Then Têng went to his father to tell him. His father Ch‘ên Kuei bade him go and warn the intended victim. He at once rode away to do so. Before long he met the two younger brothers, to whom he told his story. Now Yüan-tê was following some distance behind. As soon as Chang Fei heard of the plot he wanted to attack the ambush, but Yün-ch‘ang said he had a better plan.
张飞听得，便要去厮杀。云长曰：「他伏瓮城边待我，去必有失。我有一计，可杀车胄：乘夜扮作曹军到徐州，引车胄出迎，袭而杀之。」飞然其言。那部下军原有曹操旗号，衣甲都同。当夜三更，到城叫门。城上问是谁，众应是曹丞相差张文远的人马。
Said he, “The ambush will be a failure. And I think we can compass the death of Ch‘ê Chou. In the night we will pretend to be some of Ts‘ao’s men and entice him out to meet us. We will slay him.” Chang Fei approved of the plan. Now the soldiers still had some of Tsʻao Ts‘ao’s army banners and wore similar armour. About the third watch they came to the city wall and hailed the gate. Those on guard asked who they were. The men replied that they were Chang Wên-yüan’s troop sent from the capital. This was told Ch‘ê Chou who sent hastily for Ch‘ên Têng to ask his advice.
报知车胄，胄急请陈登议曰：「若不迎接，诚有疑；若出迎之，又恐有诈。」胄乃上城回言：「黑夜难以分辨，待明早相见。」城下答应：「只恐刘备知道，疾快开门！」
“If I do not receive them they will suspect my loyalty,” said he. “Yet if I go out I may be victim of a ruse.” So he went up on the wall and said it was too dark to distinguish friends from foes and they must wait till daylight. The men shouted back that Liu Pei must be kept in ignorance and they begged him to let them in. Still Ch‘ê Chou hesitated. They shouted louder than ever to open the gate.
车胄犹豫未定，城外一片声叫开门。车胄只得披挂上马，引一千军出城；跑过吊桥，大叫：「文远何在？」火光中只见云长提刀纵马直迎车胄，大叫曰：「匹夫安敢怀诈，欲杀吾兄！」车胄大惊，战未数合，遮拦不住，拨马便回。
Presently Ch‘ê girded on his armour, placed himself at the head of a company and went out. He galloped over the bridge, shouting, “Where is Wênyüan ?” Then lights blazed around and he recognised Kuan Yü with his sword drawn. “Wretch!” cried Kuan Yü. “You would plot to slay my brother, would you?” Ch‘ê Chou was too frightened to make good defence and he turned to re-enter the gate. But as he reached the drawbridge flights of arrows met him, wherefore he turned aside and galloped along under the wall. But Kuan Yü came quickly in pursuit. His sword was raised aloft and as it came down the fugitive fell to the earth. Kuan Yü cut off his head and returned, shouting, “I have slain the traitor. You others need not fear if you only surrender.”
到吊桥边，城上陈登乱箭射下，车胄绕城而走。云长赶来，手起一刀，砍于马下，割下首级，提回望城上呼曰：「反贼车胄，吾已杀之；众等无罪，投降免死。」诸军倒戈投降，军民皆安。
They threw aside their spears and gave in. As soon as the excitement had calmed Kuan Yü took the head to show Yüan-tê and told him the story of the plot. “But what will Ts‘ao Ts‘ao think of this?” said Yüan-tê. “And he may come.” “If he does we can meet him,” said Kuan Yü.
云长将胄头去迎玄德，具言车胄欲害之事，今已斩首。玄德大惊曰：「曹操若来，如之奈何？」云长曰：「弟与张飞迎之。」玄德懊悔不已，遂入徐州。百姓父老，伏道而接。玄德到府，寻张飞，飞已将车胄全家杀侭。玄德曰：「杀了曹操心腹之人，如何肯休？
But Yüan-tê was grieved beyond measure. When he entered the city the elders of the people knelt in the road to welcome him. When he reached his residence he found that Chang Fei had already exterminated the family of Ch‘ê Chou. Yüan-tê said, “We have slain one of his best friends and how will he stand that?” “Never mind!” cried Ch‘ên Têng. “I have a plan.” Just from grave danger extricated, An injured friend must be placated. The plan proposed by Ch‘ên Têng will be disclosed next.
」陈登曰：「某有一计，可退曹操。」正是：
Chen Deng said: "I have a plan to drive Cao Cao back." It was exactly:
既把孤身离虎穴，还将妙计息狼烟。
Having drawn his lonely self from out the tiger's lair, He now would use a clever plan to quell the wolf-smoke war.
不知陈登说出甚计来，且看下文分解。
But the sequel must be told in the next chapter.