却说曹丕见二妇人啼哭，拔剑欲斩之。忽见红光满目，遂按剑而问曰：「汝何人也？」一妇人告曰：「妾乃袁将军之妻刘氏也。」丕曰：「此女何人？」刘氏曰：「此次男袁熙之妻甄氏也。因熙出镇幽州，甄氏不肯远行，故留于此。」
As was said, Ts‘ao P‘ei, having made his way into the Yüan Palace, saw two women there whom he was about to kill. Suddenly a red light shone in his eyes, and he paused. Lowering his sword he said, “Who are you?”
丕拖此女近前，见披发垢麺。丕以衫袖拭其麺而观之，见甄氏玉肌花貌，有倾国之色。遂对刘氏曰：「吾乃曹丞相之子也。愿保汝家，汝勿忧虑。」遂按剑坐于堂上。
“Thy handmaid is the widow of the late Yüan Shao, née Liu,” said the elder of the two, “and this is the wife of Hsi, his second son. She was of the Chên family. When Hsi was sent to command in Yu her family objected to her going so far from home and she stayed behind.” Ts‘ao P‘ei drew her toward him and looked at her closely. Her hair hung disordered, her face was dusty and tear-stained, but when, with the sleeve of his inner garment, he had wiped away these disfigurements he saw a woman of exquisite loveliness, with a complexion clear as jade touched with the tender bloom of a flower petal, a woman indeed beautiful enough to ruin a kingdom. “I am the son of the Minister Ts‘ao,” said he turning to the elder woman. “I will guarantee your safety so you need fear nothing.” He then put by his sword and sat down at the upper end of the room.
却说曹操统领众将，入冀州城，将入城门，许攸纵马近前，以鞭指城门呼操曰：「阿瞒，汝不得我，安得入此门？」操大笑。众将闻言，俱怀不平。操至绍府门下，问曰：「谁曾入此门来？」守将对曰：「世子在内。」操唤出责之。
As the great Minister Ts‘ao was entering the gate of the conquered city Hsü Yu rode up very quickly, passed him and pointed with his whip at the gate saying, “A-man, you would not have been here but for my plans.”
刘氏出拜曰：「非世子不能保全妾家，愿献甄氏为世子执箕帚。」操教唤出甄氏拜于前。操视之曰：「真吾儿妇也！」遂令曹丕纳之。
Ts‘ao laughed, but his captains were very annoyed. When he reached the Yüan residence he stopped at the gate, and asked if any one had gone in. The guard at the gate said, “Your son is within.” Tsʻao called him out and chid him, but the wife of the late Prefect interposed, saying, “But for your son we had not been saved. I desire to present to you a lady, of the Chên family, as a handmaid to your son.” Ts‘ao bade them bring out the girl and she bowed before him. After looking at her intently he said, “Just the wife for him!” and he told Ts‘ao P‘ei to take her to wife.
操既定冀州，亲往袁绍墓下设祭，再拜而哭甚哀，顾谓众将曰：「昔日吾与本初共起兵时，本初问我曰：『若事不济，方麺何所可据？』吾问之曰：『足下意欲若何？』本初曰：『吾南据河，北阻燕、代，兼沙漠之众，南向以争天下，庶可以济乎？
After the conquest of Ch‘ichou had been made quite sure, Ts‘ao made a ceremonial visit to the Yüan family cemetery, where he sacrificed at the tomb of his late rival, bowed his head and lamented bitterly.
』吾答曰：『吾任天下之智力，以道御之，无所不可。』此言如昨，而今本初已丧，吾不能不为流涕也！」众皆叹息。操以金帛粮米赐绍妻刘氏。乃下令曰：「河北居民遭兵革之难，侭免今年租赋。」一麺写表申奏朝廷；操自领冀州牧。
Turning to his captains he said, “Not long ago when Pên-ch‘u and I worked together in military matters he asked me, saying, ‘If this disturbance continue what districts should be held?’ and I replied asking him what he thought. He said, ‘To the south I would hold the river, on the north, guard against Yen and Tai and the hordes from the Shamo. Thence southward I would try for the Empire and do you not think I might succeed?’ I replied saying, I depended upon the wisdom and force of the world directed by Tao; then every thing would be possible. These words seem as if spoken only yesterday, and now he is gone. Thinking over it I cannot refrain from tears.” His officers were deeply affected. Ts‘ao treated the widow generously, giving her gold and silks and food to her content. He also issued a further order that the taxes in Hopei would be remitted in consideration of the sufferings of the people during the warlike operations. He sent up a memorial and formally became Governor of Ch‘ichou.
一日，许褚走马入东门，正迎许攸。攸唤褚曰：「汝等无我，安能出入此门乎？」褚怒曰：「吾等千生万死，身冒血战，夺得城池，汝安敢夸口！」攸骂曰：「汝等皆匹夫耳，何足道哉！」褚大怒，拔剑杀攸，提头来见曹操，说许攸如此无礼，某杀之矣。
One day Hsü Ch‘u, riding in at the east gate, met Hsü Yu, who called out to him “Would you fellows be riding through here if it had not been for me?” Hsü Ch‘u replied, “We fellows, those who survive and those who perished, risked our lives in bloody battle to get this city, so do not brag of your deeds.” “You are a lot of blockheads, not worth talking about,” said Yu. Ch‘u in his anger drew his sword and ran him through. Then he took his head and went to tell Ts‘ao the reason.
操曰：「子远与吾旧交，故相戏耳。何故杀之？」深责许褚，令厚葬许攸。乃令人遍访冀州贤士。冀民曰：「骑都尉崔琰，字季珪，清河东武城人也。数曾献计于袁绍，绍不从，因此托疾在家。」
Said Ts‘ao, “He and I were old friends and we could joke together. Why did you kill him?” He blamed Hsü Ch‘u very severely and gave orders that the corpse should be buried honourably. He enquired for any wise and reputable men who were known to be living in the district and was told of a certain cavalry officer named Tsʻui Yen, of Tungwu City, who had on many occasions given valuable advice to Yüan Shao. As the advice was not followed Yen had pleaded indisposition and remained at home.
操即召琰为本州别驾从事，因谓曰：「昨按本州户籍，共计三十万众，可谓大州。」琰曰：「今天下分崩，九州幅裂，二袁兄弟相争，冀民暴骨原野，丞相不急存问风俗，救其涂炭，而先计校户籍，岂本州士女所望于明公哉？」
Ts‘ao sent for this man, gave him an office and said to him, “According to the former registers there are three hundred thousand households in the district so that one may well call it a major district.” Yen replied, “The Empire is rent and the country is torn; the brothers Yüan are at war and the people have been stripped naked. Yet, Sir, you do not hasten to enquire after local conditions and how to rescue the people from misery, but first compute the possibilities of taxation. Can you expect to gain the support of our people by such means?”
操闻言，改容谢之，待为上宾。操已定冀州，使人探袁谭消息。时谭引兵劫掠甘陵、安平、渤海、河间等处，闻袁尚败走中山，乃统军攻之。尚无心于战斗，迳奔幽州投袁熙。谭侭降其众，欲复图冀州。操使人召之，谭不至。
Ts‘ao accepted the rebuke, changed his policy, thanked him and treated him all the better for it. As soon as Ch‘ichou was settled, Ts‘ao sent to find out the movements of Yüan T‘an. He heard he was ravaging Kanling and the places near it in the south and west. Moreover, the scouts brought the news that Yüan Shang had fled to the hills. An expedition had been sent against him but Shang would not face a battle. He had gone away to Yuchou to his brother Hsi.
操大怒，驰书绝其婚，自统大军征之，直抵平原。
He blamed Hsü Ch‘u very severely and gave orders that the corpse should be buried honourably.
谭闻操自统军来，遣人求救于刘表。表请玄德商议。玄德曰：「今操已破冀州，兵势正盛，袁氏兄弟，不久必为操擒，救之无益；况操常有窥荆襄之意，我只养兵自守，未可妄动。」表曰：「然则何以谢之？」玄德曰：「可作书与袁氏兄弟，以和解为名，婉词谢之。」
T‘an, having surrendered with all his army, yet prepared for another attempt on Ch‘ichou. Whereupon Ts‘ao summoned him. T‘an refused to come and Ts‘ao sent letters breaking off the marriage with his daughter. Soon after Ts‘ao led an expedition against T‘an and marched to P‘ingyüan, whereupon T‘an sent to Liu Piao to beg assistance. Piao sent for Liu Pei to consult about this and he said, “Ts‘ao is very strong now that he has overcome Ch‘ichou and the Yüans will be unable to hold out for long. Nothing is to be gained by helping this man and it may give Ts‘ao the loophole he is always looking for to attack this place. My advice is to keep the army in condition and devote all our energies to defence.”
表然其言，先遣人以书遗谭。书略曰：
“Agreed; but what shall we say?” said Piao. “Write to both the brothers as peacemaker in gracious terms.”
君子违难，不适雠国。日前闻君屈膝降曹，则是忘先人之，弃手足之谊，而遗同盟之耻矣。若冀州不弟，当降心相从。待事定之后，使天下平其麹直，不亦高义耶？
Accordingly Liu Piao wrote thus to Yüan T‘an:—“When the superior man would escape danger he does not go to an enemy State. I heard recently that you had crooked the knee to Ts‘ao, which was ignoring the enmity between him and your father, rejecting the duties of brotherhood and leaving behind you the shame of an alliance with the enemy. If your brother, the successor to Ch‘ichou, has acted unfraternally, your duty was to bend your inclination to follow him and wait till the state of affairs had settled. Would it not have been very noble to bring about the redress of wrongs?”
又与袁尚书曰：
Accordingly Liu Piao wrote thus to Yüan T‘an:—“When the superior man would escape danger he does not go to an enemy State. I heard recently that you had crooked the knee to Ts‘ao, which was ignoring the enmity between him and your father, rejecting the duties of brotherhood and leaving behind you the shame of an alliance with the enemy. If your brother, the successor to Ch‘ichou, has acted unfraternally, your duty was to bend your inclination to follow him and wait till the state of affairs had settled. Would it not have been very noble to bring about the redress of wrongs?”
青州天性峭急，迷于麹直。君当先除曹操，以卒先公之恨。事定之后，乃计麹直，不亦善乎？若迷而不返，则是韩卢、东郭自困于前，而遗田父之获也。
And to Yüan Shang he wrote:—“Your brother, the ruler of Ch‘ingchou, is of an impulsive temperament and confuses right with wrong. You ought first to have destroyed Ts‘ao in order to put an end to the hatred which your father bore him and, when the situation had become settled, to have endeavoured to redress the wrongs. Would not that have been well? If you persist in following this mistaken course, remember the hound and the hare, both so wearied that the peasant got the hare.”
谭得表书，知表无发兵之意；又自料不能敌操；遂弃平原，走保南皮。曹操追至南皮，时天气寒肃，河道侭冻，粮船不能行动。操令本处百姓敲冰拽船，百姓闻令而逃。操大怒，欲捕斩之。百姓闻得，乃亲往营中投首。操曰：「若不杀汝等，则吾号令不行；
From this letter Yüan T‘an saw that Liu Piao had no intention of helping him, and feeling he alone could not withstand Ts‘ao, he abandoned P‘ingyüan and fled to Nanp‘i, whither Ts‘ao pursued him. The weather was very cold and the river was frozen, so that his grain boats could not move. Wherefore Ts‘ao ordered the inhabitants to break the ice and tow the boats. When the peasants heard the order they ran away. Tsʻao angrily wished to arrest and behead them. When they heard this they went to his camp in a body and offered their heads to the sword. “If I do not kill you, my order will not be obeyed,” said Ts‘ao. “Yet supposing I cut off your heads—but I cannot bear to do that. Quickly flee to the hills and hide so that my soldiers do not capture you.”
若杀汝等，吾又不忍；汝等快往山中藏避，休被我军士擒获。」百姓皆垂泪而去。
The peasants left weeping.
袁谭引兵出城，与曹军相敌。两阵对圆，操出马以鞭指谭而骂曰：「吾厚待汝，汝何生异心？」谭曰：「汝犯吾境界，夺吾城池，赖吾妻子，反说我有异心耶？」操大怒，使徐晃出马。谭使彭安接战。两马相交，不数合，晃斩彭安于马下。谭军败走，退入南皮。
Then Yüan T‘an led out his army against Ts‘ao. When both sides were arrayed Ts‘ao rode to the front, pointed with his whip at his opponent and railed at him saying, “I treated you well; why then have you turned against me?” T‘an replied, “You have invaded my land, captured my cities and broken off my marriage; yet you accuse me of turning against you.”
操遣军四麺围住。谭著慌，使辛评见操约降。操曰：「袁谭小子，反覆无常，吾难准信。汝弟辛毗，吾已重用，汝亦留此可也。」评曰：「丞相差矣。某闻主贵臣荣，主忧臣辱。某久事袁氏，岂可背之？」
Ts‘ao ordered Hsü Huang to go out and give battle. T‘an bade P‘êng An accept the challenge. After a few bouts P‘êng An was slain and T‘an, having lost, fled and went into Nanp‘i, where he was besieged. T‘an, panic-stricken, sent Hsin P‘ing to see Ts‘ao and arrange surrender. “He is nothing but a fickle-minded child,” said Ts‘ao. “He is never of the same mind two days running and I cannot depend upon what he says. Now your brother is in my employ and has a post of importance, you had better remain here also.” “Sir Minister, you are in error,” said Hsin P‘ing. “It is said that the lord’s honour is the servant’s glory, the lord’s sadness is the servant’s shame. How can I turn my back on the family I have so long served?”
操知其不可留，乃遣回。评回见谭，言操不准投降。谭叱曰：「汝弟见事曹操，汝怀二心耶？」评闻言，气满填胸，昏绝于地。谭令扶出，须臾而死。谭亦悔之。郭图谓谭曰：「来日侭驱百姓当先，以军继其后，与曹操决一死战。」
Ts‘ao felt he could not be persuaded and sent him back. P‘ing returned and told T‘an the surrender could not be arranged and T‘an turned on him angrily calling him a traitor. At this unmerited reproach such a huge wave of anger welled up in the man’s breast that he was overcome and fell in a swoon. They carried him out, but the shock had been too severe and soon after he died. T‘an regretted his conduct when it was too late.
谭从其言。当夜侭驱南皮百姓，皆执刀枪听令。次日平明，大开四门，军在后驱，百姓在前，喊声大举，一齐拥出，直抵曹寨。两军混战，自辰至午，胜负未分，杀人遍地。操见未获全胜，乘马上山，亲自击鼓。将士见之，奋力向前。谭军大败，百姓被杀者无数。
Then Kuo T‘u said, “To-morrow when we go out to battle we will drive the people out in front as a screen for the soldiers and we must fight a winning battle.” That night they assembled all the common people of the place and forced into their hands swords and spears. At daylight they opened the four gates and a huge party with much shouting came out at each, peasantry carrying arms in front, and soldiers behind them. They pushed on toward Ts‘ao’s camps and a mêlée began which lasted till near midday. But this was quite indecisive, although heaps of dead lay everywhere. Seeing that success was at best only partial Tsʻao rode out to the hills near and thence had the drums beaten for a new attack under his own eye. Officers and men, seeing that he could observe them in person, exerted themselves to the utmost and Tʻan’s army was severely defeated. Of the peasantry driven into the battle-field multitudes were slain.
曹洪奋威突阵，正迎袁谭，举刀乱砍，谭竟被曹洪杀于阵中。郭图见阵大乱，急驰入城中。乐进望见，拈弓搭箭，射下城壕，人马俱陷。
Tsʻao Hung, who displayed very great valour, burst into the press of battle and met Yüan Tʻan face to face. The two slashed and hammered at each other and Tʻan was killed. Kuo Tʻu saw that his side was wholly disorganised and tried to withdraw into the shelter of the city. Yo Chin saw this and opened a tremendous discharge of arrows so that the moat was soon filled with dead.
操引兵入南皮，安抚百姓。忽有一彪军来到，乃袁熙部将焦触、张南也。操自引军迎之。二将倒戈卸甲，特来投降。操封为列侯。又黑山贼张燕，引军十万来降，操封为平北将军。下令将袁谭首级号令，敢有哭者斩。头挂北门外。一人布冠衰衣，哭于头下。左右拏来见操。
The city fell to Tsʻao; he entered and set about restoring peace and order. Then suddenly appeared a new army under one of Yüan Hsi’s captains. Tsʻao led out his men to meet them, but the two commanders laid down their arms and yielded. They were rewarded with the rank of marquis. Then Chang Yen, the leader of the Black Hills Brigands, came with ten legions and gave in his submission. He was made a General, Chiang-chün .
操问之，乃青州别驾王修也，因谏袁谭被逐，今知谭死，故来哭之。
By an order of Tsʻao Tsʻao’s the head of Yüan Tʻan was exposed and death was threatened to any one who should lament for him. Nevertheless a man dressed in mourning attire was arrested for weeping below the exposed head at the north gate. Taken into Tsʻao’s presence he said he was Wang Hsiu and had been an officer in Chʻingchou. He had been expelled because he had remonstrated with Tʻan, but when the news of Tʻan’s death came he had come to weep for him.
操曰：「汝知吾令否？」修曰：「知之。」操曰：「汝不怕死耶？」修曰：「我生受其辟命，亡而不哭，非义也。畏死忘义，何以立世乎！若得收葬谭尸，受戮无恨。」操曰：「河北义士，何其如此之多也！可惜袁氏不能用；若能用，则吾安敢正眼觑此地哉？
“Did you know of my command?” “I knew it.” “Yet you were not afraid?” “When one has received favours from a man in life it would be wrong not to mourn at his death. How can one stand in the world if one forgets duty through fear? If I could bury his body I would not mind death.”
」遂命收葬谭尸，礼修为上宾，以为司金中郎将。因问之曰：「今袁尚已投袁熙，取之当用何策？」修不答。操曰：「忠臣也。」问郭嘉，嘉曰：「可使袁氏降将焦触、张南等自攻之。
Tsʻao said, “And there were many such as this in this district. What a pity that the Yüan family could not make the best of them! But if they had done so I should never have dared to turn my eyes toward this place.” The intrepid mourner was not put to death. The remains of Yüan Tʻan were properly interred and Wang Hsiu was well treated and even given an appointment.
」操用其言，随差焦触、张南、吕旷、吕翔、马延、张𫖮，各引本部兵，分三路进攻幽州；一麺使李典、乐进会合张燕，打并州，攻高干。
In his new position he was asked for advice about the best way to proceed against Yüan Shang, who had fled to his brother, but he held his peace, thereby winning from Tsʻao renewed admiration for his constancy. “He is indeed loyal!” said Tsʻao. Then he questioned Kuo Chia, who named certain officers who should be sent to bring about the surrender of the Yüans. Then five captains, to attack Yuchou along three routes, and other armies, were sent against Pingchou.
且说袁尚、袁熙知曹兵将至，料难迎敌，乃弃城引兵，星夜奔辽西，投乌桓去了。幽州刺史乌桓触，聚幽州众官，歃血为盟，共议背袁向曹之事。乌桓触先言曰：「吾知曹丞相当世英雄，今往投降，有不遵令者斩。」依次歃血，循至别驾韩珩。
The two brothers Shang and Hsi heard of Tsʻao’s advance with dismay for they had no hope of successful resistance. Therefore they abandoned the city and hastily marched into Liaohsi to the Governor Wuhuan Chʻu. But the governor was not disposed to incur the enmity of the powerful Tsʻao Tsʻao so he called his subordinates together to swear them to support him and said, “I understand that Tsʻao Tsʻao is the most powerful man of the day and I am going to support him and those who do not go with me I shall put to death.”
珩乃掷剑于地，大呼曰：「吾受袁公父子厚恩，今主败亡，智不能救，勇不能死！于义缺矣！若北麺而降操，吾不为也！」
Each in turn smeared his lips with the blood of sacrifice and took the oath till it came to the turn of Han Hêng. Instead he dashed his sword to the ground crying, “I have received great benefits from the Yüans. Now my lord has been vanquished; my knowledge was powerless to save him, my bravery insufficient to cause me to die for him; I have failed in my duty. But I refuse to commit the crowning act of treachery and ally myself with Tsʻao.”
众皆失色。乌桓触曰：「夫兴大事，当立大义。事之济否，不待一人。韩珩既有志如此，听其自便。」推珩而出。乌桓触乃出城迎接三路军马，迳来降操。操大喜，加为镇北将军。忽探马来报：「乐进、李典、张燕攻打并州，高干守住壶口关，不能下。」操自勒兵前往。
This speech made the others turn pale. The chief said, “For a great undertaking there must be lofty principles. However, success does not necessarily depend upon universal support and since Han Hêng is actuated by such sentiments then let him follow his conscience.” So he turned Han Hêng out of the assembly. Wuhuan Ch‘u then went out of the city to meet and welcome Tsʻao Tsʻao’s army and rendered his submission. He was well received and the title given him of Guardian of the North.
三将接著，说：「干拒关难击。」操集众将共议破干之计。荀攸曰：「若破干，须用诈降计方可。」
This speech made the others turn pale. The chief said, “For a great undertaking there must be lofty principles. However, success does not necessarily depend upon universal support and since Han Hêng is actuated by such sentiments then let him follow his conscience.” So he turned Han Hêng out of the assembly.
操然之。唤降将吕旷、吕翔，附耳低言，如此如此。吕旷等引军数十，直抵关下，叫曰：「吾等原系袁氏旧将，不得已而降曹。曹操为人诡谲，薄待吾等，吾今还扶旧主。可疾开门相纳。」高干未信，只教二将自上关说话。
Then the scouts came to say that the three captains had marched to Pingchou but that Kao Kan had occupied Hukuan Pass and could not be dislodged. So Tsʻao marched thither himself. The defender still maintaining his position Tsʻao asked for plans. Hsün Yu proposed that a band should go over pretending to be deserters. Tsʻao assented and then called the two brothers Lü, to whom he gave whispered orders. They left with their companies. Soon they came near the pass and called out, saying, “We are old officers in Yüan’s armies forced into surrender to Tsʻao. We find him so false and he treats us so meanly that we want to return to help our old master. Wherefore quickly open your gates to us.”
二将卸甲弃马而入，谓干曰：「曹军新到，可乘其军心未定，今夜劫寨。某等愿当先。」
Kao Kan was suspicious, but he let the two officers come up to the pass, and when they had stripped off their armour and left their horses they were permitted to enter. And they said to Kao Kan, “Tsʻao’s men are new to the country and not settled; you ought to fall upon their camp this very evening. If you approve we will lead the attack.”
干喜从其言，是夜教二吕当先，引万余军前去。将至曹寨，背后喊声大震，伏兵四起。高干知是中计，急回壶关城。乐进、李典已夺了关。高干夺路走脱，往投单于。操领兵拒住关口，使人追袭高干。干到单于界，正迎北番左贤王。
Kao Kan decided to trust them and prepared to attack, giving the two brothers the leadership. But as they drew near Tsʻao’s camp a great noise arose behind them and they found themselves in an ambush attacked on all sides. Realising too late that he had been the victim of a ruse, Kao retreated to the pass, but found it occupied by the enemy. Kao Kan then made the best of his way to the barbarian chieftain Shanyu. Tsʻao gave orders to hold the passes and sent companies in pursuit.
干下马拜伏于地，言：「曹操吞并疆土，今欲犯王子地麺，万乞救援，同力克复，以保北方。」左贤王曰：「吾与曹操无雠，岂有侵我土地？汝欲使我结怨于曹氏耶！」叱退高干。干寻思无路，只得去投刘表。行至上潞，被都尉王琰所杀，将头解送曹操。操封琰为列侯。
When Kao Kan reached the boundary of Shanyu’s territory he met Tso-hsien , Prince of the northern tribesmen. Kao Kan dismounted and made a low obeisance saying, “Tsʻao is conquering and absorbing all the borders and your turn, O Prince, will come quickly. I pray you help me and let us smite together for the safety of the northern regions.” The Prince replied, “I have no quarrel with Tsʻao, why then should he invade my land? Do you desire to embroil me with him?” He would have nothing to do with Kao Kan and sent him away. At his wits’ end Kan decided to try to join Liu Piao and got so far on his journey as Shanglu when he was taken prisoner and put to death by Wang Yen. His head was sent to Tsʻao Tsʻao and Wang was created a marquis for this service.
并州既定，操商议西击乌桓。曹洪等曰：「袁熙、袁尚兵败将亡，势穷力侭。远投沙漠。我今引兵西击，倘刘备、刘表乘虚袭许都，我救应不及，为祸不浅矣。请回师勿进为上。」郭嘉曰：「诸公所言错矣。主公虽威震天下，沙漠之人，恃其边远，必不设备。
Thus Pingchou was conquered. Then Tsʻao Ts‘ao began to discuss the overthrow of Wuhuan on the west. Tsʻao Hung, speaking in the name of his brother officials, said, “The two brothers Yüan are nearly done for and too weak to be feared. They have fled far into the Sea of Sand and if we pursue them thither it may bring down Liu Piao and Liu Pei upon the capital. Should we be unable to rescue it the misfortune would be immense. Wherefore we beg you to return to Hsütu.”
乘其无备，卒然击之，必可破也。且袁绍与乌桓有恩，而尚与熙兄弟犹存，不可不除。刘表坐谈之客耳，自知才不足以御刘备，重任之，则恐不能制；轻任之，则备不为用。虽虚国远征，公无忧也。」操曰：「奉孝之言极是。」
But Kuo Chia was of different advice. “You are wrong,” said he. “Though the prestige of our lord fills the Empire, yet the men of the desert, relying upon their inaccessibility, will not be prepared against us. Wherefore I say attack, and we shall conquer them. Beside Yüan Shao was kind to the nomads and the two brothers have been more so. They must be destroyed. As for Liu Piao he is a mere gossip, who need not cause the least anxiety. And Liu Pei is unfit for any heavy responsibility and will take no trouble over a light one. You may leave the State with perfect safety and make as long an expedition as you choose. Nothing will happen.” “You speak well, O Fêng-hsiao,” said Tsʻao. He led his legions, heavy and light, to the edge of the desert, with many waggons.
遂率大小三军，车数千辆，望前进发。但见黄沙漠漠，狂风四起；道路崎岖，人马难行。操有回军之心，问于郭嘉。嘉此时不服水土，卧病车中。操泣曰：「因我欲平沙漠，使公远涉艰辛，以至染病，吾心何安？」嘉曰：「某感丞相大恩，虽死不能报万一。
The expedition marched into the desert. The rolling ocean of yellow sand spread its waves before them and they saw far and near the eddying sand pillars, and felt the fierce winds that drove them forward. The road became precipitous and progress difficult. Tsʻao began to think of returning and spoke thereof to Kuo Chia, who had advised the journey. Kuo had speedily fallen victim to the effects of the climate, and at this time he lay in his cart very ill. Tsʻao’s tears fell as he said, “My friend, you are suffering for my ambition to subdue the Shamo. I cannot bear to think you should be ill.” “You have always been very good to me,” said the sick man, “and I can never repay what I owe you.”
」操曰：「吾见北地崎岖，意欲回军，若何？」嘉曰：「兵贵神速。今千里袭人，辎重多而难以趋利，不如轻兵兼道以出，掩其不备。但须得识径路者为引导耳。」
“The country is exceedingly precipitous and I am thinking of going back; what think you?” Chia replied, “The success of an expedition of this kind depends upon celerity. To strike a sudden blow on a distant spot with a heavy baggage train is difficult. To ensure success the need is light troops and a good road to strike quickly before an enemy has time to prepare. Now you must find guides who know the road well.”
遂留郭嘉于易州养病，求乡导官以引路。人荐袁绍旧将田畴深知此境，操召而问之。畴曰：「此道夏秋间有水，浅不通车马，深不载舟楫，最难行动；不如回军，从卢龙口越白檀之险，出空虚之地，前近柳城，掩其不备，冒顿可一战而擒也。」
Then the sick adviser was left at Ichou for treatment and they sought among the natives for some persons to serve as guides. One of Yüan Shao’s old captains knew those parts well and Tsʻao called him and questioned him. He said, “Between autumn and summer this route is under water, the shallow places too heavy for wheeled traffic, the deep parts insufficient for boats. It is always difficult. Therefore you would do better to return and at Lulungkʻou cross the Paitʻan Pass into the desert. Then advance to Liuchʻêng (Willow City) and smite before there is time to prepare. One sudden rush will settle Mao Tun.”
操从其言，封田畴为靖北将军，作乡导官，为前驱。张辽为次。操自押后，倍道轻骑而进。田畴引张辽前至白狼山，正遇袁熙、袁尚会合冒顿等数万骑前来。张辽飞报曹操。操自勒马登高望之，见冒顿兵无队伍，参差不整。操谓张辽曰：「敌兵不整，便可击之。
For this valuable information and plan Tʻien Chʻou was made a “Pacificator of the North” General, and went in advance as leader and guide. Next after him came Chang Liao and Tsʻao brought up the rear. They advanced by double marches. Tʻien Chʻou led Chang Liao to White Wolf Hill, where they came upon the two Yüans with Mao Tun and a large force of cavalry. Chang Liao galloped to inform his chief and Tsʻao rode up to the top of an eminence to survey the foe. He saw a large mass of cavalry without any military formation advancing in a disorderly crowd. Said he, “They have no formation, we can easily rout them.”
」乃以麾授辽。辽引许褚、于禁、徐晃分四路下山，奋力急攻。冒顿大乱。辽拍马斩冒顿于马下，余众皆降。袁熙、袁尚引数千骑投辽东去了。
Then he handed over his ensign of command to Chang Liao who, with Hsü Ch‘u, Yu Chin and Hsü Huang, made a vigorous attack from four different points, with the result that the enemy was thrown into confusion. Chang Liao rode forward and slew Mao Tun and the other captains gave in. The brothers Yüan with a few companies of horse got away into Liaotung.
操收军入柳城，封田畴为柳亭侯，以守柳城。畴涕泣曰：「某负义逃窜之人耳，蒙厚恩全活，为幸多矣；岂可卖卢龙之寨，以邀赏禄哉！死不敢受侯爵。」操义之，乃拜畴为议郎。操抚慰单于人等，收得骏马万匹，即日回兵。
Tsʻao Tsʻao then led his army into Liuchʻêng. For his services he conferred upon T‘ien Ch‘ou the rank of marquis of Liutʻing and put him over the city. But T‘ien Chʻou declined the rank, saying with tears, “I am a renegade and a fugitive. It is my good fortune that you spared my life and how can I accept a price for Lulung camp? I would rather die than accept the marquisate.” Tsʻao recognised that reason was on his side and conferred upon him another office. Tsʻao then pacified the Shanyu chieftains; collected a large number of horses and at once set out on the homeward march.
时天气寒且旱，二百里无水，军又乏粮，杀马为食；凿地三四丈，方得水。操回至易州，重赏先曾谏者；因谓众将曰：「孤前者乘危远征，侥幸成功。虽得胜，天所佑也，不可以为法。诸君之谏，乃万安之计，是以相赏。后勿难言。」
The season was winter, cold and dry. For two hundred li there was no water, and grain also was scanty. The troops fed on horse flesh. They had to dig very deep, thirty to forty chang , to find water. When Tsʻao reached Ichou he rewarded those who had remonstrated with him against the expedition. He said, “I took some risk in going so far but by good fortune I have succeeded; with the aid of Heaven I have secured victory. I could not be guided by your advice but still they were counsels of safety and therefore I reward you to prove my appreciation of advice and that hereafter you may not fear to speak your minds.”
操到易州时，郭嘉已死数日，停柩在公廨。操往祭之，大哭曰：「奉孝死，乃天丧吾也！」回顾众官曰：「诸君年齿，皆孤等辈，惟奉孝最少。吾欲托以后事，不期中年夭折，使吾心肠崩裂矣！
The adviser, Kuo Chia, did not live to see the return of his lord. His coffin was placed on the bier in a hall of the government offices and Tsʻao went thither to sacrifice to his manes. Tsʻao mourned for him, saying, “Alas! Heaven has smitten me; Fêng-hsiao is dead.” Then turning to his officers he said, “You, gentlemen, are of the same age as myself, but he was very young to die. I needed him for the future and unhappily he has been torn from me in the flower of his age. My heart and my bowels are torn with grief.”
」嘉之左右，将嘉临死封之书呈上曰：「郭公临死，亲笔书此，嘱曰：『丞相若从书中所言，辽东事定矣。』」操拆书视之，点头嗟叹。诸人皆不知其意。
The servants of the late adviser presented his last testament, which they said his dying hand had written, and he had told them to say, “If the Minister shall follow the advice given herein then Liaotung will be secure.” Tsʻao opened the cover and read, nodding his head in agreement and uttering deep sighs. But no other man knew what was written therein.
次日，夏侯惇引众入禀曰：「辽东太守公孙康，久不宾服。今袁熙、袁尚又往投之，必为后患。不如乘其未动，速往征之，辽东可得也。」操笑曰：「不烦诸公虎威，数日之后，公孙康自送二袁之首至矣。」诸将皆不肯信。
Shortly after, Hsiahou Tun at the head of a delegation presented a petition saying, “For a long time Kungsun Kʻang, the Prefect of Liaotung, has been contumacious and it bodes ill for peace that the brothers Yüan have fled to him. Would it not be well to attack before they move against you?” “I need not trouble your tiger courage, gentlemen,” said Tsʻao smiling. “Wait a few days and you will see the heads of our two enemies sent to me.” They could not believe it.
却说袁熙、袁尚引数千骑奔辽东。辽东太守公孙康，本襄平人，武威将军公孙度之子也。当日知袁熙、袁尚来投，遂聚本部属官商议此事。公孙恭曰：「袁绍存日，常有吞辽东之心；今袁熙、袁尚兵败将亡，无处依栖，来此相投，是鸠夺鹊巢之意也。若容纳之，后必相图。
As has been related the two brothers Yüan escaped to the east with a few squadrons of horse. The Prefect of Liaotung was a son of General Kungsun Tu, “the Warlike,” as his title ran. He was a native of Hsiangpʻing. When he heard that the Yüans were on their way to his territory he called a council to decide upon his plan. At the council Kungsun Kung rose saying, “When Yüan Shao was alive he nourished the plan of adding this district to his own. Now his sons, homeless, with a broken army and no officers, are coming here; it seems to me like the dove stealing the magpie’s nest. If we offer them shelter they will assuredly intrigue against us. I advise that they be inveigled into the city, put to death and their heads sent to Tsʻao, who will be most grateful to us.” Said the Prefect, “I have one fear; Tsʻao will come against us. If so, it would be better to have the help of the Yüans against him.”
不如赚入城中杀之，献头与曹公，曹公必重待我。」康曰：「只怕曹操引兵下辽东，又不如纳二袁使为我助。」恭曰：「可使人探听。如曹兵来攻，则留二袁；如其不动，则杀二袁，送与曹公。」康从之，使人去探消息。
“Then you can send spies to ascertain whether the army is preparing to attack us. If it is then save them alive; if not, then follow my advice.”
却说袁熙、袁尚至辽东，二人密议曰：「辽东军兵数万，足可与曹操争衡。今暂投之，后当杀公孙康而夺其地，养成气力而抗中原，可复河北也。」
It was decided to wait till the spies came back. In the meantime the two Yüans had taken counsel together as they approached Liaotung, saying, “Liaotung has a large army strong enough to oppose Ts‘ao Tsʻao. We will go thither and submit till we can slay the Prefect and take possession. Then when we are strong enough we will attack and recover our own land.”
商议已定，乃入见公孙康，康留于馆驿，只推有病，不即相见。不一日，细作回报：「曹操兵屯易州，并无下辽东之意。」公孙康大喜，乃先伏刀斧手于壁衣中，使二袁入。相见礼毕，命坐。时天气严寒，尚见床榻上无裀褥，谓康曰：「愿铺坐席。
With these intentions they went into the city. They were received and lodged in the guests’ quarters, but when they wished to see Kungsun Kʻang he put them off with the excuse of indisposition. However, before many days the spies returned with the news that Tsʻao Tsʻao’s army was quiescent and there was no hint of any attack.
」康瞋目言曰：「汝二人之头，将行万里！何席之有？」尚大惊。康叱曰：「左右何不下手！」刀斧手拥出，就坐席上砍下二人之头，用木匣盛贮，使人送到易州，来见曹操。
Then Kungsun Kʻang called the Yüans into his presence. But before they came he hid swordmen and axemen behind the arras in the hall. When the visitors came and had made their salutations, Kʻang bade them be seated. Now it was bitterly cold and on the couch where Shang was sitting were no coverings. So he asked for a cushion. The host surlily said, “When your heads take that long, long journey, will there be any cushions?” Before Shang could recover from his fright Kʻang shouted, “Why do you not begin?” At this out rushed the assassins and the heads of the two brothers were cut off as they sat. Packed in a small wooden box they were sent to Tsʻao Tsʻao at Ichou.
时操在易州，按兵不动。夏侯惇、张辽入禀曰：「如不下辽东，可回许都；恐刘表生心。」操曰：「待二袁首级至，即便回兵。」众皆暗笑。忽报辽东公孙康遣人送袁熙、袁尚首级至，众皆大惊。使者呈上书信。操大笑曰：「果不出奉孝之料！
All this time Tsʻao had been calmly waiting, and when his impatient officers had petitioned in a body that he would march to the capital if he intended no attack on the east, he told them what he was waiting for. He would go as soon as the heads arrived. In their secret hearts they laughed. But then, surely enough, a messenger soon came from Liaotung bringing the heads. Then they were greatly surprised and when the messenger presented his letters Tsʻao cried, “Just as Fêng-hsiao said!”
」重赏来使，封公孙康为襄平侯左将军。众官问曰；「何为不出奉孝之所料？」操遂出郭嘉书以示之。书略曰：
In their secret hearts they laughed. But then, surely enough, a messenger soon came from Liaotung bringing the heads. Then they were greatly surprised and when the messenger presented his letters Tsʻao cried, “Just as Fêng-hsiao said!”
今闻袁熙、袁尚往投辽东，明公切不可加兵。公孙康久畏袁氏吞并，二袁往投必疑。若以兵击之，必并力迎敌，急不可下；若缓之，公孙康、袁氏必自相图，其势然也。
He amply rewarded the messenger and the Governor of Liaotung was made a marquis and General of the Left Wing; and when the officers asked what had happened, Tsʻao told them what the late adviser had predicted. He read to them the dead officer’s testament, which ran something like this:—“Yüan Shang and his brother are going to Liaotung. Illustrious Sir, you are on no account to attack for Kungsun K‘ang has long lived in fear lest the Yüans should absorb his country. When they arrive Kʻang will hesitate. If you attack, he will save the Yüans to help him; if you wait, they will work against each other. This is evident.”
众皆踊跃称善。操引众官复设祭于郭嘉灵前，亡年三十八岁。从征十有一年，多立奇勋。后人有诗赞曰：
The officers simply jumped with surprise to see how perfectly events had been foreseen. Then Tsʻao at the head of all his officers performed a grand sacrifice before the coffin of the wise Kuo Chia. He had died at the age of thirty-eight, after eleven years of meritorious and wonderful service in the wars. When Heaven permitted Kuo Chia’s birth, It made him ablest man on earth. He knew by rote all histories, From him war kept no mysteries. Like Fan’s, his plans were quite decisive, As Chʻên’s, his strokes were most incisive. Too soon he ran his earthly race, Too soon the great beam fell from place.
天生郭奉孝，豪杰冠群英。
Heaven gave birth to Guo Fengxiao, a hero crowned above all peers.
腹内藏经史，胸中隐甲兵。
Within his breast lay classics and history, in his heart he harbored arms and strategy.
运谋如范蠡，决策似陈平。
In plotting he matched Fan Li, in deciding he rivaled Chen Ping.
可惜身先丧，中原梁栋倾。
Alas that he died so soon—the central plains lost their pillar and beam.
操领兵还冀州，使人先扶郭嘉灵柩于许都安葬。程昱等请曰：「北方既定，今还许都，可早建下江南之策。」操笑曰：「吾有此志久矣。诸君所言，止合吾意。」是夜宿于冀州城东角楼上，凭栏仰观天文。时荀攸在侧。操指曰：「南方旺气灿然，恐未可图也。
When Tsʻao returned to Ch‘ichou he sent off the coffin of his late adviser to the capital where it was interred. Then certain of his officers said that as the north had been overcome it was time to settle Chiangnan. Tsʻao was pleased and said that had long occupied his thoughts. The last night he spent in Chʻichou he went to one of the corner towers and stood there regarding the sky. His only companion was Hsün Yu. Presently Tsʻao said, “That is a very brilliant glow there in the south. It seems too strong for me to do anything there.”
」攸曰：「以丞相天威，何所不服？」
“What is there that can oppose your heaven-high prestige?” said Yu.
正看间，忽见一道金光，从地而起。攸曰：「此必有宝于地下。」操下楼令人随光掘之。正是：
Suddenly a beam of golden light shot up out of the earth. “Surely a treasure is buried there,” remarked Yu. They went down from the city wall, called some men and led them to the point whence the light proceeded. There the men were ordered to dig. The southern skies with portents glow, The northern lands their treasures show. What the diggers found will appear in the next chapter.
星文方向南中指，金宝旋从北地生。
The starlight pointed straight to the south, golden treasure sprang from the northern ground.
不知所得何物，且听下文分解。
But what the treasure was must be told in the next chapter.