却说孔明欲斩云长。玄德曰：「昔吾三人结义时，誓同生死。今云长虽犯法，不忍违却前盟。望权记过，容将功赎罪。」孔明方才饶了。
Kuan Yu had died there but for his elder brother, who said to the great strategist, “We three pledged ourselves to live and die together. Although my brother Yün-ch‘ang has offended I cannot bear to break our oath. I hope you will only record this against him and let him atone later for the fault by some specially meritorious service.”
且说周瑜收军点将，各各叙功，申报吴侯。所得降卒，侭皆发付渡江。大犒三军，遂进兵攻取南郡。前队临江下寨，前后分五营。周瑜居中。
So the sentence was remitted. In the meantime Chou Yü mustered his officers and called over his men, noted the special services of each and sent full reports to his master. The soldiers who had surrendered were all transported across the river. All this done they spread the feast of victory. The next step was to attack and capture Nanchün. The van of the army camped on the river bank. There were five camps and the general’s tent was in the centre. He summoned his officers to a council. At this moment Sun Ch‘ien arrived with congratulations from Liu Pei. Chou Yü received him and, having saluted in proper form, Ch‘ien said, “My lord sent me on this special mission to felicitate the General on his great virtue and offer some unworthy gifts.”
瑜正与众商议征进之策，忽报：「刘玄德使孙干来与都督作贺。」瑜命请入。干施礼毕，言：「主公特命干拜谢都督大德，有薄礼上献。」瑜问曰：「玄德在何处？」干答曰：「现移兵屯油江口。」瑜惊曰：「孔明亦在油江否？」干曰：「孔明与主公同在油江。
“Where is Yüan-tê?” asked Chou Yü. “He is now encamped at Yuchiangk‘ou.” “Is K‘ung-ming there?” asked Chou Yü, taken aback. “Both are there,” said Ch‘ien.
」瑜曰：「足下先回，某自来相谢也。」
“Then return quickly, and I will come in person to thank them.”
瑜收了礼物，发付孙干先回。肃曰：「却才都督为何失惊？」瑜曰：「刘备屯兵油江，必有取南郡之意。我等费了许多军马，用了许多钱粮，目下南郡唾手可得；彼等心怀不仁，要就现成，须放著周瑜不死！」肃曰：「当用何策退之？」瑜曰：「吾自去和他说话。好便好；
The presents handed over, Sun Ch‘ien was sent back forthwith to his own camp. Then Lu Su asked Chou Yü why he had started when he heard where Liu Pei was camped. “Because,” replied Chou Yü, “camping there means that he has the intention of taking Nanchün. Having spent much military energy and spared no expenditure, we thought the district should fall to us easily. Those others are opposed to us and they wish to get the advantage of what we have already accomplished. However, they must remember that I am not dead yet.” “How can you prevent them?” asked Lu Su. “I will go myself and speak with them. If all goes well, then, let it be so; in case it does not, then I shall immediately settle up Liu Pei without waiting for Nanchün to be taken.”
不好时不等他取南郡，先结果了刘备！」肃曰：「某愿同往。」于是瑜与鲁肃引三千轻骑，迳投油江口来。
“I should like to accompany you,” said Lu Su. The General and his friend started, taking with them a guard of one squadron of light horse. Having arrived at Yuchiangk‘ou they sought out Sun Ch‘ien, who, in turn, went in to see Yüan-tê and told him Chou Yü had come to render thanks.
先说孙干回见玄德，言周瑜将亲来相谢。玄德乃问孔明曰：「来意若何？」孔明笑曰：「那里为这些薄礼，肯来相谢。止为南郡而来。」玄德曰：「他若提兵来，何以待之？」孔明曰：「他来便可如此如此答应。」遂于油江口䙓开战船，岸上列著军马。
“Why has he come?” asked Yüan-tê of his all-wise adviser. “Is it likely he would come out of simple politeness? Of course he has come in connection with Nanchün.” “But if he brings an army, can we stand against it?” asked Yüan-tê. “When he comes you may reply thus and thus.”
人报周瑜、鲁肃引兵到来，孔明使赵云领数骑来接。瑜见军势雄壮，心甚不安。行至营门外，玄德、孔明迎入帐中。各叙礼毕，设宴相待。玄德举酒致谢鏖兵之事。
Then they drew up the warships in the river and ranged the soldiers upon the bank and when the arrival of Chou Yü was formally announced, Chao Yün, with some horsemen, went to welcome him. When Chou Yü saw what bold men they looked he began to feel uncomfortable, but he went on his way. Being met at the camp gates by Liu Pei and K‘ung-ming, he was taken in to the chief tent, where the ceremonies were performed and preparations for a banquet had been made.
酒至数巡，瑜曰：「豫州移兵在此，莫非有取南郡之意否？」玄德曰：「闻都督欲取南郡，故来相助。若都督不取，备必取之。」瑜笑曰：「吾东吴久欲吞并汉江，今南郡已在掌中，如何不取？」玄德曰：「胜负不可预定。曹操临归，今曹仁守南郡等处，必有奇计；
Presently Liu Pei raised his cup in felicitation on the recent victory gained by his guest. The banquet proceeded and after a few more courses Chou Yü said, “Of course you are camped here with no other idea than to take Nanchün?” “We heard you were going to take the place and came to assist. Should you not take it then we will occupy it.” Chou Yü laughed. “We of the east have long wished for this district. Now that it is within our grasp we naturally shall take it.” Liu Pei said, “There is always some uncertainty. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao left Ts‘ao Jên to guard the district and you may be certain that there is good strategy behind him to say nothing of his boldness as a warrior. I fear you may not get it.”
更兼曹仁勇不可当；但恐都督不能取耳。」瑜曰：「吾若取不得，那时任从公取。」玄德曰：「孔明、子敬在此为证，都督休悔。」
“Well, if we do not take it then, Sir, you may have it,” said Chou Yü. “Here are witnesses to your words,” said Liu Pei, naming those at table. “I hope you will never repent what you have just said.”
鲁肃踌躇未对。瑜曰：「大丈夫一言既出，何悔之有！」孔明曰：「都督此言，甚是公论。先让东吴去取；若不下，主公取之，有何不可？」瑜与肃辞别玄德、孔明，上马而去。玄德问孔明曰：「却才先生教备如此回答，虽一时说了，展转寻思，于理未然。
Lu Su stammered and seemed unwilling to be cited as one of the witnesses but Chou Yü said, “When the word of a noble man has gone forth it is ended; he never regrets.” “This speech of yours, Sir, is very generous,” interjected Kʻung-ming. “Wu shall try first, but if the place does not fall there is no reason why my lord should not capture it.”
我今孤穷一身，无置足之地，欲得南郡，权且容身；若先教周瑜取了，城池已属东吴矣，却如何得住？」孔明大笑曰：「当初亮劝主公取荆州，主公不听，今日却忘耶？」玄德曰：「前为景升之地，故不忍取；今为曹操之地，理合取之。」孔明曰：「不须主公忧虑。
The two visitors then took their leave and rode away. As soon as they had left Liu Pei turned to K‘ung-ming and said, “O Master, you bade me thus reply to Chou Yü, but though I did so I have turned it over and over in my mind without finding any reason in what I said. I am alone and weak, without a single foot of land to call my own. I desired to get possession of Nanchün that I might have, at least, a temporary shelter, yet I have said that Chou Yü may attack it first and if it fall to Wu, how can I get possession?”
侭著周瑜去厮杀，早晚教主公在南郡城中高坐。」玄德曰：「计将安出？」孔明曰：「只须如此如此。」玄德大喜，只在江口屯扎，按兵不动。
K‘ung-ming laughed and replied, “First I advised you to attack Chingchou, but you would not listen; do you remember?” “But it belonged to Liu Piao and I could not bear to attack it then. Now it belongs to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao I might do so.” “Do not be anxious,” replied the adviser. “Let Chou Yü go and attack it; some day, my lord, I shall make you sit in the high places thereof.” “But what design have you?” “So and so,” replied K‘ung-ming.
却说周瑜、鲁肃回寨。肃曰：「都督如何亦许玄德取南郡？」瑜曰：「吾弹指可得南郡，落得虚做人情。」随问帐下将士：「谁敢先取南郡？」一人应声而出，乃蒋钦也。瑜曰：「汝为先锋，徐盛、丁奉为副将，拨五千精锐军马，先渡江。吾随后引兵接应。」
Yüan-tê was satisfied with the reply, and only strengthened his position at Chiangk‘ou. In the meantime Chou Yü and Lu Su returned to their own camp and the latter said, “Why did you tell Liu Pei that he might attack Nanchün?” “I can take it with a flick of my finger,” replied Chou Yü, “but I just manifested a little pretended kindliness.” Then he enquired among his officers for a volunteer to attack the city. One Chiang Ch‘in offered himself, and was put in command of the vanguard, with Hsü Shêng and Ting Fêng as helpers. He was given five companies of veterans and they moved across the river. Chou Yü promised to follow with supports.
且说曹仁在南郡，分付曹洪守彝陵，以为犄角之势。人报：「吴兵已渡汉江。」仁曰：「坚守勿战为上。」骁骑牛金奋然进曰：「兵临城下而不出战，是怯也。况吾兵新败，正当重振锐气。某愿借精兵五百，决一死战。」
On the other side Ts‘ao Jên ordered Ts‘ao Hung to guard Iling and so hold one corner of a triangular defence. When the news came that Wu had crossed the river Han, Ts‘ao said, “We will defend and not offer battle.” But Niu Chin said impetuously, “To let the enemy approach the walls and not offer battle is timidity. Our men, lately worsted, need heartening and must show their mettle. Let me have half a company of veterans and I will fight to a finish.”
仁从之，令牛金引五百军出战。丁奉纵马来迎。约战四五合，奉诈败，牛金引军追赶入阵。奉指挥众军一里围牛金于阵中。金左右冲突，不能得出。曹仁在城上望见牛金困在垓心，遂披甲上马，引麾下壮士数百骑出城，奋力挥刀。杀入吴阵。徐盛迎战，不能抵当。
Ts‘ao Jên could not withstand this offer and so the half company went out of the city. At once Ting Fêng came to challenge the leader and they fought a few bouts. Then Ting Fêng pretended to be defeated, gave up the fight and retreated into his own lines. Niu Chin followed him hard. When he had got within the Wu formation, at a signal from Ting Fêng, the army closed round and Niu Chin was surrounded. He pushed right and left, but could find no way out. Seeing him in the toils, Ts‘ao Jên, who had watched the fight from the wall, donned his armour and came out of the city at the head of his own bold company of horsemen and burst in among the men of Wu to try to rescue his colleague. Beating back Hsü Sheng he fought his way in and presently rescued Niu Chin.
曹仁杀到垓心，救出牛金，回顾尚有数十骑在阵，不能得出，遂复翻身杀入，救出重围。正遇蒋钦拦路，曹仁与牛金奋力冲散。仁弟曹纯，亦引兵接应。混杀一阵，吴军败走，曹仁得胜而回。蒋钦兵败，回见周瑜，瑜怒欲斩之，众将告免。
However, having got out he saw several score of horsemen still in the middle unable to make their way out, whereupon he turned again to the battle and dashed in to their rescue. This time he met Chiang Ch‘in on whom he and Niu Chin made a violent onslaught. Then the brother Ts‘ao Shun came up with supports and the great battle ended in a defeat for the men of Wu. So Ts‘ao Jên went back victor, while the unhappy Chiang Ch‘in returned to report his failure. Chou Yü was very angry and would have put to death his hapless subordinate but for the intervention of the other officers.
瑜即点兵，要亲与曹仁决战。甘宁曰：「都督未可造次。今曹仁令曹洪据守彝陵，为犄角之势。某愿以精兵三千，径取彝陵，都督然后可取南郡。」瑜服其论，先教甘宁引三千兵攻打彝陵。早有细作报知曹仁，仁与陈矫商议。矫曰：「彝陵有失，南郡亦不可守矣。
Then he prepared for another attack where he himself would lead. But Kan Ning said, “General, do not be in too great hurry; let me go first and attack Iling, the supporting angle of the triangle. After that the conquest of Nanchün will be easy.” Chou Yü accepted the plan and Kan, with three companies, went to attack Iling. When news of the approaching army reached him Ts‘ao Jên called to his side Ch'ên Chiao, who said, “If Iling be lost then Nanchün is lost too. So help must be sent quickly.”
宜速救之。」仁遂令曹纯与牛金暗地引兵救曹洪。曹纯先使人报知曹洪，令洪出城诱敌。甘宁引兵至彝陵，洪出与甘宁交锋。战有二十余合，洪败走。宁夺了彝陵。至黄昏时，曹纯、牛金兵到，两下相合，围了彝陵。
Thereupon Ts‘ao Shun and Niu Chin were sent by secret ways to the aid of Ts‘ao Hung. Ts‘ao Shun sent a messenger to the city to ask that they should cause a diversion by a sortie at the time the reinforcements should arrive.
探马飞报周瑜，说甘宁困于彝陵城中，瑜大惊。程普曰：「可急分兵救之。」瑜曰：「此地正当冲要之处，若分兵去救，倘曹仁引兵来袭，奈何？」吕蒙曰：「甘兴霸乃江东大将，岂可不救？」瑜曰：「吾欲自往救之；但留何人在此，代当吾任？」蒙曰：「留凌公续当之。
So when Kan Ning drew near, Ts‘ao Hung went out to meet and engage him. They fought a score of rounds, but Ts‘ao Hung was overcome at last and Kan Ning took the city. However, as evening fell the reinforcements came up and the captor was surrounded in the city he had taken. The scouts went off immediately to tell Chou Yü of this sudden change of affairs which greatly alarmed him. “Let us hasten to his rescue,” said Ch'êng P‘u. “This place is of the greatest importance,” said Chou Yü, “and I am afraid to leave it undefended lest Ts‘ao Jên should attack.” “But he is one of our first leaders and must be rescued,” said Lü Mêng. “I should like to go myself to his aid, but whom can I leave here in my place?” said Chou Yü.
蒙为前驱，都督断后；不须十日，必奏凯歌。」瑜曰：「未知凌公续肯暂代吾任否？」凌统曰：「若十日为期，可当之；十日之外，不胜其任矣。」
“Leave Lin T‘ung here,” said Lü Mêng; “I will push on ahead and you can protect my advance. In less than ten days we shall be singing the pæan of victory.” “Are you willing?” said Chou Yü to the man who was to act for him. “If the ten day period is not exceeded I may be able to carry on for that time; I am unequal to more than that.”
瑜大喜，遂留兵万余，付与凌统，即日起大兵投彝陵来。蒙谓瑜曰：「彝陵南僻小路，取南郡极便。可差五百军去砍倒树木，以断其路。彼军若败，必走此路。马不能行，必弃马而走，吾可得其马也。」
Ling T‘ung’s consent pleased Chou Yü who started at once, leaving a legion for the defence of the camp. Lü Mêng said to his chief, “South of Iling is a little-used road that may prove very useful in an attack on Nanchün. Let us send a party to fell trees and barricade this road so that horses cannot pass. In case of defeat the defeated will take this road and will be compelled to abandon their horses, which we shall capture.”
瑜从之，差军去讫。大兵将至彝陵，瑜问：「谁可突围而入，以救甘宁？」周泰愿往，即时绰刀纵马，直杀入曹军之中，迳到城下。甘宁望见周泰至，自出城迎之。泰言：「都督自提兵至。」宁传令教军士严装饱食，准备内应。
Chou Yü approved and the men set out. When the main army drew near Iling, Chou Yü asked who would try to break through the besiegers and Chou T‘ai offered himself. He girded on his sword, mounted his steed and burst straight into the Ts‘ao army. He got through to the city wall. From the city wall Kan Ning saw the approach of his friend Chou T‘ai and went out to welcome him. Chou T‘ai told him that the Commander-in-Chief was on the way to his relief and Kan Ning at once bade the defenders prepare from within to support the attack of the rescuers.
却说曹洪、曹纯、牛金闻周瑜兵将至，先使人往南郡报知曹仁，一麺分兵拒敌。及吴兵至，曹兵迎之。比及交锋，甘宁、周泰分两路杀出，曹兵大乱，吴兵四下掩杀。曹洪、曹纯、牛金果然投小路而走；却被乱柴塞道，马不能行，侭皆弃马而走。吴兵得马五百余匹。
When the news of the approach of Chou Yü had reached Iling the defenders had sent to tell Ts‘ao Jên, who was at Nanchün and they prepared to repel the assailants. So when the army of Wu came near they were at once attacked. Simultaneously Kan Ning and Chou T‘ai attacked on two sides and the men of Ts‘ao were thrown into confusion. The men of Wu fell on lustily and the three leaders all fled by a bye-road, but, finding the way barred with felled trees and other obstacles, they had to abandon their horses and go afoot. In this way the men of Wu gained some five hundred steeds.
周瑜驱兵星夜赶到南郡，正遇曹仁军来救彝陵。两军接著，混战一场。天色已晚，各自收兵。
Chou Yü, pressing on as quickly as possible toward Nanchün, came upon Ts‘ao Jên and his army marching to save Iling. The two armies engaged and fought a battle which lasted till late in the evening. Then both drew off and Ts‘ao Jên withdrew into the city.
曹仁回城中，与众商议。曹洪曰：「目今失了彝陵，势已危急，何不拆丞相遗计观之，以解此危？」曹仁曰：「汝言正合吾意。」遂拆书观之，大喜，便传令教五更造饭；平明，大小军马，侭皆弃城；城上遍插旌旗，虚张声势，军分三门而出。
During the night he called his officers to a council. Then said Ts‘ao Hung, “The loss of Iling has brought us to a dangerous pass; now it seems the time to open the letter of the Minister our Chief and see what plans he arranged for our salvation in this peril.” “You but say what I think,” replied Ts‘ao Jên. Whereupon he tore open the letter and read it. His face lighted up with joy and he at once issued orders to have the morning meal prepared at the fifth watch. At daylight the whole army moved out of the city but they left a semblance of occupation in the shape of banners on the walls.
却说周瑜救出甘宁，陈兵于南郡城外。见曹兵分三门而出，瑜上将台观看。只见女墙边虚插旌旗，无人守护；又见军士腰下各束缚包里。瑜暗忖曹仁必先准备走路，遂下将台号令，分布两军为左右翼；如前军得胜，只顾向前追赶，直待鸣金，方许退步。
Chou Yü went up to the tower of observation and looked over the city. He saw that the flags along the battlements had no men behind them and he noticed that every man carried a bundle at his waist behind so that he was prepared for a long march. Thought Chou Yü to himself, “Ts‘ao Jên must be prepared for a long march.” So he went down from the tower of observation and sent out an order for two wings of the army to be ready. One of these was to attack and, in case of its success, the other was to pursue at full speed till the clanging of the gongs should call them to return. He took command of the leading force in person and Ch'êng P‘u commanded the other. Thus they advanced to attack the city.
命程普督后军，瑜亲自引军取城。对阵鼓声响处，曹洪出马搦战。瑜自至门旗下，使韩当出马，与曹洪交锋。战到三十余合，洪败走。曹仁自出接战。周泰纵马相迎。斗十余合，仁亦败走，阵势错乱。
The armies being arrayed facing each other, the drums rolled out across the plain. Ts‘ao Hung rode forth and challenged, and Chou Yü, from his place by the standard, bade Han Tang respond. The two champions fought near two score bouts and then Ts‘ao Hung fled. Thereupon Ts‘ao Jên came out to help him and Chou T‘ai rode out at full speed to meet him. These two exchanged a half score passes and then Ts‘ao Jên fled.
周瑜麾两翼军杀出，曹军大败。瑜自引军马追至南郡城下，曹军皆不入城，望西北而走。韩当、周泰引前部侭力追赶。瑜见城门大开；城上又无人，遂令众军抢城。数十骑当先而入。瑜在背后纵马加鞭，直入瓮城。
His army fell into confusion. Thereupon Chou Yü gave the signal for the advance of both his wings and the men of Ts‘ao were sore smitten and defeated. Chou Yü pursued to the city wall, but Ts‘ao’s men did not enter the city. Instead, they went away north-west. Han Tang and Chou T‘ai pressed them hard.
陈矫在敌楼上，望见周瑜亲自入城来，暗暗喝采道：「丞相妙策如神！」
Chou Yü, seeing the city gates standing wide open and no guards upon the walls, ordered the raiding of the city. A few score horsemen rode in first, Chou Yü followed and whipping his steed. As he galloped into the enclosure around the gate, Ch'ên Chiao stood on the defence tower. When he saw Chou Yü enter, in his heart he applauded the god-like perspicacity of the Minister Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.
一声梆子响，两边弓弩齐发，势如骤雨。争先入城的，都攧入陷坑内。周瑜急勒马回时，被一弩箭，正射中左肋，翻身落马。牛金从城中杀出，来捉周瑜。徐盛、丁奉二人舍命救去。城中曹兵突出，吴兵自相践踏，落堑坑者无数。程普急收军时，曹洪、曹仁分兵两路杀回。
Then was heard the clap-clap of a watchman’s rattle. At this signal the archers and crossbowmen let fly and the arrows and bolts flew forth in a sudden fierce shower, while those who had won their way to the van of the inrush went headlong into a deep trench. Chou Yü managed to pull up in time, but turning to escape, he was wounded in the left side and fell to the ground. Niu Chin rushed out from the city to capture the chief, but Hsü Shêng and Ting Fêng at the risk of their lives got him away safe. Then the men of Ts‘ao dashed out of the city and wrought confusion among the men of Wu, who trampled each other down and many more fell into the trenches. Ch‘êng P‘u tried to draw off, but Ts‘ao Jê and Ts‘ao Hung came toward him from different directions and the battle went hardly against the men from the east, till help came from Ling T‘ung, who bore back their assailants. Satisfied with their success Ts‘ao led his men into the city, while the losers marched back to their own camp.
吴兵大败。幸得凌统引一军从刺斜里杀来，敌住曹兵。曹仁引得胜军进城，程普收败军回寨。丁、徐二将救得周瑜到帐中，唤行军医者用铁钳子拔出箭头，将金疮药敷掩疮口，疼不可当，饮食俱废。医者曰：「此箭头上有毒，急切不能痊可。若怒气冲激，其疮复发。
Chou Yü, sorely wounded, was taken to his own tent and the army physician called in. With iron forceps he extracted the sharp bolt and dressed the wound with a lotion designed to counteract the poison of the metal. But the pain was intense and the patient rejected all nourishment. The physician said the missile had been poisoned and the wound would require a long time to heal. The patient must be kept quiet and especially free from any irritation, which would cause the wound to re-open.
」程普令三军紧守各寨，不许轻出。三日后，牛金引军来搦战，程普按兵不动。牛金骂至日暮方回，次日又来骂战。程普恐瑜生气，不敢报知。第三日，牛金直至寨门外叫骂，声声只道要捉周瑜。程普与众商议，欲暂且退兵，回见吴侯，却再理会。
Thereupon Ch'êng P‘u gave orders that each division was to remain in camp. Three days later Niu Chin came within sight and challenged the men of Wu to battle, but they did not stir. The enemy hurled at them taunts and insults till the sun had fallen low in the sky, but it was of no avail and Niu withdrew. Next day Niu Chin returned and repeated his insulting abuse. Ch'êng P‘u dared not tell the wounded general. The third day, waxing bolder, the enemy came to the very gates of the stockade, the leader shouting that he had come for the purpose of capturing Chou Yü. Then Ch'êng P‘u called together his officers and they discussed the feasibility of retirement into Wu that he might seek the opinion of the Marquis.
却说周瑜虽患疮痛，心中自有主张；已知曹兵常来寨前叫骂，却不见众将来禀。一日，曹仁自引大军，擂鼓呐喊，前来搦战。程普拒住不出。周瑜唤众将入帐问曰：「何处鼓噪呐喊？」众将曰：「军中教演士卒。」瑜怒曰：「何欺我也！吾已知曹兵常来寨前辱骂。
Ill as he was Chou Yü still retained control of the expedition. He knew that the enemy came daily to the gates of his camp and reviled him although none of his officers told him. One day Ts‘ao Jên came in person and there was much rolling of drums and shouting. Ch'êng P‘u, however, steadily refused to accept the challenge and would not let any one go out. Then Chou Yü summoned the officers to his bedside and said, “What mean the drums and the shouting?” “The men are drilling,” was the reply. “Why do you deceive me?” said Chou Yü angrily. “Do I not know that our enemies come day by day to our gates and insult us? Yet Ch'êng P‘u suffers this in silence and makes no use of his powers and authority.”
程德谋既同掌兵权，何敢坐视？」遂命人请程普入帐问之。普曰：「吾见公瑾病疮，医者言勿触怒，故曹兵搦战，不敢报知。」瑜曰：「公等不战，主意若何？」普曰：「众将皆欲收兵暂回江东。待公箭疮平复，再作区处。」
He sent for Ch'êng P‘u and, when he arrived, asked him why he acted thus. “Because you are ill and the physician said you were on no account to be provoked to anger. Wherefore, although the enemy challenged us to battle, I kept it from you.' ” “And if you do not fight what think you should be done?” said Chou Yü. And they all said they desired to return to the east till he had recovered from his wound, when they would make another expedition.
瑜听罢，于床上奋然跃起曰：「大丈夫既食君禄，当死于战场，以马革里尸还，幸也！岂可为我一人，而废国家大事乎？」言讫，即披甲上马。诸军众将无不骇然，遂引数百骑出营前。
Chou Yü lay and listened. Suddenly he sprang up, crying, “The noble man who has eaten of his lord’s bounty should die in his lord’s battles; to return to one’s home wrapped in a horse’s hide is a happy fate. Am I the sort of man to bring to nought the grand designs of my country?” So speaking he proceeded to gird on his armour and he mounted his horse. The wonder of the officers only redoubled when their General placed himself at the head of some hun dreds of horsemen and went out of the camp gates toward the enemy, then fully arrayed. Ts‘ao Jên, their general, stood beneath the great standard.
望见曹军已布成阵势，曹仁自立马于门旗下，扬鞭大骂曰：「周瑜孺子，料必横夭，再不敢正觑我兵！」
At sight of the opponents Ts‘ao Jên flourished his whip and began to hurl abuse at them, “Chou Yü, you babe! I think your fate has met you. You dare not face my men.”
骂犹未绝，瑜从群骑内突然出曰：「曹仁匹夫！见周郎否！」曹军看见，侭皆惊骇。曹仁回顾众将曰：「可大骂之！」众军厉声大骂。周瑜大怒，使潘璋出战。未及交锋，周瑜忽大叫一声，口中喷血，坠于马下。曹兵冲来，众将向前抵住，混战一场，救起周瑜，回到帐中。
The stream of insult never ceased. Presently Chou Yü could stand it no longer. Riding out to the front he cried, “Here I am, base churl; look at me!” The whole Ts‘ao army were taken aback. But Ts‘ao Jên turned to those about him and said, “Let us all revile him!” And the whole army yelled insults. Chou Yü grew angry and sent P‘an Chang out to fight. But before he had delivered his first blow Chou Yü suddenly uttered a loud cry, and he fell to the ground with blood gushing from his mouth. At this the Ts‘ao army rushed to the battle and the men of Wu pressed forward to meet them. A fierce struggle waged around the General’s body, but he was borne off safely and taken to his tent.
程普问曰：「都督贵体若何？」瑜密谓普曰：「此吾之计也。」普曰：「计将安出？」瑜曰：「吾身本无甚痛楚；吾所以为此者，欲令曹兵知我病危，必然欺敌。可使心腹军士去城中诈降，说吾已死。今夜曹仁必来劫寨。吾却于四下埋伏以应之，则曹仁可一鼓而擒也。
“Do you feel better?” asked Ch'êng P‘u anxiously. “It was a ruse of mine,” whispered Chou Yü in reply. “But what avails it?” “I am not suffering, but I did that to make our enemies think I was very ill and so oppose them by deceit. I will send a few trusty men to pretend desertion and tell them I am dead. That will cause them to try a night raid on the camp and we shall have an ambush ready for them. We shall get Ts‘ao Jên easily.”
」程普曰：「此计大妙！」随就帐下举起哀声。众军大惊，侭传言都督箭疮大发而死，各寨侭皆挂孝。
“The plan seems excellent,” said Ch'êng P‘u. Soon from the tent there arose the sound of wailing as for the dead. The soldiers around took up the cry and said one to another, “The General is dead of his wound,” and they all put on the symbols of mourning.
却说曹仁在城中与众商议，言周瑜怒气冲发，金疮崩裂，以致口中喷血，坠于马下，不久必亡。正论间，忽报：「吴寨内有十数个军士来降。中间亦有二人，原是曹兵被掳过去的。」曹仁忙唤入问之。军士曰：「今日周瑜阵前金疮碎裂，归寨即死。今众将皆已挂孝举哀。
Meanwhile Ts‘ao Jên was consulting with his officers. Said he, “Chou Yü lost his temper and that has caused his wound to re-open and brought on that flow of blood. You saw him fall to the ground and he will assuredly die soon.” Just then there came in one who said that a few men had come over from the enemy asking to be allowed to join the army of Ts‘ao; among them were two of Ts‘ao’s men who had been made prisoners.
我等因受程普之辱，故特归降，便报此事。」
Ts‘ao Jên sent for the deserters and questioned them. They told him a story of Chou Yü's wound and death that day. The leaders were all in mourning. They had deserted because they had been put to shame by the second in command.
曹仁大喜，随即商议今夜便去劫寨，夺周瑜之尸，斩其首级，送赴许都。陈矫曰：「此计速行，不可迟误。」曹仁遂令牛金为先锋，自为中军，曹洪、曹纯为合后，只留陈矫领些少军士守城，其余军兵侭起。初更时出城，迳投周瑜大寨。
Pleased at this news Ts‘ao Jên at once began to arrange to make a night attack on the camp and, if possible, get the head of the dead general to send to the capital. “Success depends upon promptitude, so act without delay,” said Ch‘ên Chiao.
来到寨门，不见一人，但见虚插旗枪而已。情知中计，急忙退军。四下砲声齐发，东边韩当、蒋钦杀来，西边周泰、潘璋杀来，南边徐盛、丁奉杀来，北边陈武、吕蒙杀来。曹兵大败，三路军皆被冲散，首尾不能相救。
Niu Chin was told off as van leader, Ts‘ao Jên himself led the centre, while the rear was commanded by Ts‘ao Hung and Ts‘ao Shun. Ch'ên Chiao, and a few men, were left to guard the city. At the first watch they left the city and took the way toward Chou Yü's camp. When they drew near not a man was visible, but flags and banners and spears were all there, evidently to keep up an appearance of preparation. Feeling at once that they had been tricked they turned to retreat. But a bomb exploded and this was the signal for an attack on all four sides. The result was a severe defeat for the raiders and the army of Ts‘ao Jên was entirely broken and scattered abroad so that no one part of the beaten army could aid the other.
曹仁引十数骑杀出重围，正遇曹洪，遂引败残军马一同奔走。杀到五更，离南郡不远，一声鼓响，凌统又引一军拦住去路，截杀一阵。曹仁引军刺斜而走，又遇甘宁大杀一阵。曹仁不敢回南郡，迳投襄阳大路而行。吴军赶了一程，自回。
Ts‘ao Jên, with a few horsemen got out of the press and presently met Ts‘ao Hung. The two leaders ran away together and by the fifth watch they had got near Nanchün. Then they heard a beating of drums and Lin T‘ung appeared barring the way. There was a small skirmish and Ts‘ao Jên went off at an angle. But he fell in with Kan Ning, who attacked him vigorously. Ts‘ao Jên dared not go back to Nanchün, but he made for Hsiangyang along the main road. The men of Wu pursued him for a time and then desisted.
周瑜、程普收住众军，迳到南郡城下，见旌旗布满，敌楼上一将叫曰：「都督少罪！吾奉军师将令，已取城了。吾乃常山赵子龙也。」周瑜大怒，便命攻城。城上乱箭射下。瑜命且回商议，使甘宁引数千军马，迳取荆州；凌统引数千军马，迳取襄阳；然后却再取南郡未迟。
Chou Yü and Ch'êng P‘u then made their way to Nanchün where they were startled to see flags on the walls and every sign of occupation. Before they had recovered from their surprise there appeared one who cried, “Pardon, General; I had orders from my chief to take this city. I am Chao Tzu-lung of Ch‘angshan.” Chou Yü was fiercely angry and gave orders to assault the city, but the defenders sent down flights and flights of arrows and his men could not stay near the rampart. So he withdrew and took counsel. In the meantime he decided to send a force to capture Chingchou and another to take Hsiangyang. Nanchün could be taken later.
正分拨间，忽然探马飞来报说：「诸葛亮自得了南郡，遂用兵符，星夜诈调荆州守城军马来救，却教张飞袭了荆州。」又一探马飞来报说：「夏侯惇在襄阳，被诸葛亮差人赍兵符，诈称曹仁求救，诱惇引兵出，却教云长袭取了襄阳。二处城池，全不费力，皆属刘玄德矣。
But even as these orders were being given the scouts came in hurriedly to report that Chuko Liang, suddenly producing a military commission, had induced the guards of Chingchou to leave it and go to the rescue of Chou Yü. Whereupon Chang Fei had occupied the town. Soon after another messenger came to say that Hsiahou Tun, at Hsiangyang, had received from Chuko Liang despatches, supported by a commission in due form, saying that Ts‘ao Jên was in danger and needed help, whereupon Hsiahou Tun had marched off and Kuan Yü had seized that town. Thus the two towns that Chou Yü wanted had fallen, without the least effort, into the hands of his rival Liu Pei.
」周瑜曰：「诸葛亮怎得兵符？」程普曰：「他拏住陈矫，兵符自然侭属之矣。」周瑜大叫一声，金疮迸裂。正是：
“How did Chuko Liang get this military commission with which he has imposed on the captains?” asked Chou Yü. Ch‘êng P‘u replied, “He seized that of Ch'ên Chiao; and so has got all this district into his power.” Chou Yü uttered a great cry for at that moment his wound had suddenly burst open. Acity falls, but not to us the gain; The guerdon is another’s; ours the pain. The next chapter will say what befell Chou Yü.
几郡城池无我分，一场辛苦为谁忙。
No city falls to my share, though many a town we took; For whom, then, all this toil and pain, for whom these labours vain?
未知性命如何，且看下文分解。
Whether he lived or died must be told in the next chapter.