← 三Sān国Guó演Yǎn义Yì · Romance of the Three Kingdoms

第dì六liù十shí二èr回huí 取qǔ涪fú关guān杨yáng高gāo授shòu首shǒu　　　攻gōng雒luò城chéng黄huáng魏wèi争zhēng功gōng

62-1

却què说shuō张zhāng昭zhāo献xiàn计jì曰yuē：「且qiě休xiū要yào动dòng兵bīng。若ruò一yī兴xīng师shī，曹cáo操cāo必bì复fù至zhì。不bù如rú修xiū书shū二èr封fēng：一yī封fēng与yǔ刘liú璋zhāng，言yán刘liú备bèi结jié连lián东dōng吴wú，共gòng取qǔ西xī川chuān，使shǐ刘liú璋zhāng心xīn疑yí而ér攻gōng刘liú备bèi，一yī封fēng与yǔ张zhāng鲁lǔ，教jiào进jìn兵bīng向xiàng荆jīng州zhōu来lái，著zhù刘liú备bèi首shóu尾wěi不bù能néng救jiù应yīng。我wǒ然rán后hòu起qǐ兵bīng取qǔ之zhī，事shì可kě谐xié矣yǐ。」权quán从cóng之zhī，即jí发fā使shǐ二èr处chù去qù讫qì。

Chang Chao proceeded to unfold his device. “If you undertake any expedition farther west Ts‘ao Ts‘ao will undoubtedly return to the attack. Rather write two letters, one to Liu Chang saying that Liu Pei has leagued himself with you against the west, which will raise suspicions in the mind of Liu Chang and cause him to attack his guest, and another persuading Chang Lu to march upon Chingchou, which will embarrass Liu Pei. Between these two conflicting matters Chingchou will be neglected and we can march against it.” Sun Ch'üan approved, wrote the two letters and sent them by two messengers.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-2

且qiě说shuō玄xuán德dé在zài葭jiā萌méng关guān日rì久jiǔ，甚shèn得dé民mín心xīn。忽hū接jiē得dé孔kǒng明míng文wén书shū，知zhī孙sūn夫fū人rén已yǐ回huí东dōng吴wú。又yòu闻wén曹cáo操cāo兴xīng兵bīng犯fàn濡rú须xū，乃nái与yǔ庞páng统tǒng议yì曰yuē：「曹cáo操cāo击jī孙sūn权quán，操cāo胜shèng必bì将jiāng取qǔ荆jīng州zhōu，权quán胜shèng亦yì必bì取qǔ荆jīng州zhōu矣yǐ。为wéi之zhī奈nài何hé？」庞páng统tǒng曰yuē：「主zhǔ公gōng勿wù忧yōu。有yóu孔kǒng明míng在zài彼bǐ，料liào想xiǎng东dōng吴wú不bù敢gǎn犯fàn荆jīng州zhōu。

In the meantime, Liu Pei had been winning the hearts of the peoples about Chiaming Pass, where his army lay. When he received the news of his wife’s flight and of Ts‘ao’s threatened attack, he called in P‘ang T‘ung and laid the matter before him. “The victor, whichever it is, will assuredly possess himself of our city of Chingchou,” said Liu Pei at the close.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-3

主zhǔ公gōng可kě驰chí书shū去qù刘liú璋zhāng处chù，只zhǐ推tuī曹cáo操cāo攻gōng击jī孙sūn权quán。权quán求qiú救jiù于yú荆jīng州zhōu，吾wú与yǔ孙sūn权quán唇chún齿chǐ之zhī邦bāng，不bù容róng不bù相xiāng援yuán，张zhāng鲁lǔ自zì守shǒu之zhī贼zéi，决jué不bù敢gǎn来lái犯fàn界jiè。吾wú今jīn欲yù勒lēi兵bīng回huí荆jīng州zhōu，与yǔ孙sūn权quán会huì同tóng破pò曹cáo操cāo，奈nài兵bīng少shǎo粮liáng缺quē。望wàng推tuī同tóng宗zōng之zhī谊yì，速sù发fā精jīng兵bīng三sān、四sì万wàn，行xíng粮liáng十shí万wàn斛hú相xiāng助zhù，请qǐng勿wù有yǒu误wù。

Liu Pei agreed to this and sent a messenger to Ch'êngtu. When his messenger reached the Pass, Yang Huai and Kao P‘o, who commanded the garrison, already knew of the design, and the former of the two captains went with him to the city. After reading the letter the Prefect asked Yang why he had come. “Only because of that letter,” he replied. “This Liu Pei, from the day he first entered the province, has been trying to win over the hearts of your people by a display of kindness and virtue. He certainly intends no good, and I think you should refuse both the men and the supplies he asks. To help him is like adding fuel to a fire.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-4

若ruò得dé军jūn马mǎ钱qián粮liáng，却què另lìng作zuò商shāng议yì。」

“You need not trouble about that city,” said P‘ang. “I do not think Wu will try to take it so long as K‘ung-ming is there. But, my lord, write to Liu Chang telling him you wish to return on account of this threatening danger. It will be a plausible excuse. You may say that on account of Ts‘ao’s attack, Sun has sent to you for help and that as his country and yours are neighbours and dependent upon each other for safety you cannot refuse. Further, you will assure him that there is no danger of any invasion by Chang Lu. However, we have too few men for our purpose and insufficient grain, so you must also urge your relative to send you three or four legions of veterans and a plentiful supply of food. He will not refuse, and with more men and provisions we can do as we please.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-5

玄xuán德dé从cóng之zhī，遣qiǎn人rén往wǎng成chéng都dū。来lái到dào关guān前qián，杨yáng怀huái、高gāo沛pèi闻wén知zhī此cǐ事shì，遂suì教jiào高gāo沛pèi守shǒu关guān，杨yáng怀huái同tóng使shí者zhě入rù成chéng都dū，见jiàn刘liú璋zhāng呈chéng上shàng书shū信xìn。刘liú璋zhāng看kàn毕bì，问wèn杨yáng怀huái为wèi何hé亦yì同tóng来lái。杨yáng怀huái曰yuē：「专zhuān为wèi此cǐ书shū而ér来lái。刘liú备bèi自zì从cóng入rù川chuān，广guǎng布bù恩ēn德dé，以yǐ收shōu民mín心xīn，其qí意yì甚shèn是shì不bú善shàn。今jīn求qiú军jūn马mǎ钱qián粮liáng，切qiè不bù可ké与yǔ。

Liu Pei agreed to this and sent a messenger to Ch'êngtu. When his messenger reached the Pass, Yang Huai and Kao P‘o, who commanded the garrison, already knew of the design, and the former of the two captains went with him to the city. After reading the letter the Prefect asked Yang why he had come. “Only because of that letter,” he replied. “This Liu Pei, from the day he first entered the province, has been trying to win over the hearts of your people by a display of kindness and virtue. He certainly intends no good, and I think you should refuse both the men and the supplies he asks. To help him is like adding fuel to a fire.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-6

如rú若ruò相xiāng助zhù，是shì把bǎ薪xīn助zhù火huó也yě。」刘liú璋zhāng曰yuē：「吾wú与yǔ玄xuán德dé有yǒu兄xiōng弟dì之zhī情qíng，岂qí可kě不bú助zhù？」一yī人rén出chū曰yuē：「刘liú备bèi枭xiāo雄xióng，久jiǔ留liú于yú蜀shǔ而ér不bù遣qiǎn，是shì纵zòng虎hǔ入rù室shì矣yǐ，今jīn更gèng助zhù之zhī以yǐ军jūn马mǎ钱qián粮liáng，何hé异yì与yú虎hǔ添tiān翼yì乎hū？」众zhòng视shì其qí人rén，乃nǎi零líng陵líng烝zhēng阳yáng人rén，姓xìng刘liú名míng巴bā字zì子zi初chū。刘liú璋zhāng闻wén刘liú巴bā之zhī言yán，犹yóu豫yù未wèi决jué。黄huáng权quán又yòu复fù苦kǔ谏jiàn。

“We are affectionate brothers and I must help him,” said the Prefect.” “Liu Pei is nothing but a vagabond swashbuckler,” some one cried, “and if you keep him here in Shu you are loosing a tiger in your household. If you give him the men and supplies he asks you are adding wings to your tiger.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-7

璋zhāng乃nǎi量liàng拨bō老lǎo弱ruò军jūn四sì千qiān，米mǐ一yī万wàn斛hú，发fā书shū遣qián使shǐ报bào玄xuán德dé，仍réng令lìng杨yáng怀huái，高gāo沛pèi紧jín守shǒu关guān隘ài。刘liú璋zhāng使shí者zhě到dào葭jiā萌méng关guān见jiàn玄xuán德dé，呈chéng上shàng回huí书shū。玄xuán德dé大dà怒nù曰yuē：「吾wú为wèi汝rǔ御yù敌dí，费fèi力lì劳láo心xīn。汝rǔ今jīn惜xī财cái吝lìn赏shǎng，何hé以yí使shǐ士shì卒zú效xiào命mìng乎hū？」遂suì扯ché毁huǐ回huí书shū，大dà骂mà而ér起qǐ。使shí者zhě逃táo回huí成chéng都dū。

Turning whence the voice proceeded they recognised the speaker as one Liu Pa, a native of Ch'êngyang. His words threw the Prefect into a state of doubt and hesitation. Huang Ch'üan also dissuaded him most earnestly, and finally Liu Chang actually decided to send only four companies of worn-out men and a paltry supply of grain. At the same time fresh orders enjoining a diligent watchfulness were sent to the guardians of the Pass. When Yüan-tê read the letter that accompanied the Prefect’s miserable contribution to his strength he was furious and cried, “I have been spending myself in your defence and this is my reward! You are mean and greedy enough to stint my supplies. How can you expect generous service?” He tore the letter to fragments and execrated the writer thereof. The bearer of the letter fled back to the capital.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-8

庞páng统tǒng曰yuē：「主zhǔ公gōng只zhí以yǐ仁rén义yì为wèi重zhòng，今jīn日rì毁huǐ书shū发fā怒nù，前qián情qíng侭jǐn弃qì矣yǐ。」玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「如rú此cǐ，当dāng若ruò何hé？」庞páng统tǒng曰yuē：「某móu有yǒu三sān条tiáo计jì策cè，请qíng主zhǔ公gōng自zì择zé而ér行xíng。」

Then said P‘ang T‘ung, “You have hitherto laid too much stress on humanity and righteousness. However, that is all over now and all affection between you two is at an end, now that you have torn up that letter.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-9

玄xuán德dé问wèn那nà三sān条tiáo计jì。统tǒng曰yuē：「只zhǐ今jīn便biàn选xuǎn精jīng兵bīng，昼zhòu夜yè兼jiān道dào迳jìng袭xí成chéng都dū，此cǐ为wèi上shàng计jì。杨yáng怀huái、高gāo沛pèi乃nái蜀shǔ中zhōng名míng将jiàng，各gè仗zhàng强qiáng兵bīng拒jù守shǒu关guān隘ài；今jīn主zhǔ公gōng佯yáng以yǐ回huí荆jīng州zhōu为wèi名míng，二èr将jiāng闻wén知zhī，必bì来lái相xiāng送sòng；就jiù送sòng行xíng处chù，擒qín而ér杀shā之zhī，夺duó了le关guān隘ài，先xiān取qǔ涪fú城chéng，然rán后hòu却què向xiàng成chéng都dū，此cǐ中zhòng计jì也yě。

“Yes. And since that is so, what next?” asked Yüan-tê. “I have three schemes ready in my mind. You may choose which pleases you.” “What are your three schemes?” “The first, and best, is to send an army forthwith and seize Ch'êngtu. The second is to capture and put to death the two captains of the Pass. They are the two most famous fighting men in this land. If you give out that you are returning to Chingchou they will assuredly come to say farewell. Seize and put them to death, and the Pass and Fouch'êng are both yours. Ch'êngtu will follow soon. The third plan is to drop this rôle you have been playing, go back to Chingchou and make a regular invasion. But if you ponder these schemes too long you will get into such straits that nothing can save you.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-10

退tuì还huán白bái帝dì，连lián夜yè回huí荆jīng州zhōu，徐xú图tú进jìn取qǔ，此cǐ为wèi下xià计jì。若ruò渖shěn吟yín不bú去qù，将jiāng至zhì大dà困kùn，不bù可kě救jiù矣yǐ。」玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「军jūn师shī上shàng计jì太tài促cù，下xià计jì太tài缓huǎn：中zhòng计jì不bù迟chí不bù疾jí，可ké以yǐ行xíng之zhī。」

Yüan-tê replied, “Of your three schemes, O Commander, I find the first too summary and the last too slow. I choose the second scheme, which is neither.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-11

于yú是shì发fā书shū致zhì刘liú璋zhāng，只zhǐ说shuō曹cáo操cāo令lìng部bú将jiàng乐lè进jìn引yǐn兵bīng至zhì青qīng泥ní镇zhèn，众zhòng将jiāng抵dǐ敌dí不bú住zhù，吾wú当dāng亲qīn往wǎng拒jù之zhī，不bù及jí麺miàn会huì，特tè书shū相xiāng辞cí。书shū至zhì成chéng都dū，张zhāng松sōng听tīng得dé说shuō刘liú玄xuán德dé欲yù回huí荆jīng州zhōu，只zhǐ道dào是shì真zhēn心xīn，乃nǎi修xiū书shū一yī封fēng，欲yù令lìng人rén送sòng与yǔ玄xuán德dé。却què值zhí亲qīn兄xiōng广guǎng汉hàn太tài守shǒu张zhāng肃sù到dào，松sōng急jí藏cáng书shū于yú袖xiù中zhōng，与yǔ肃sù相xiāng陪péi说shuō话huà。

So a letter was written to Liu Chang saying that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao was sending an army against Chingchou, the captains there were unequal to the defence and Liu Pei had to go to help. As the matter was pressing there could be no personal leave-taking. “I knew that the real desire of Liu Pei was to return to Chingchou,” said Chang Sung, when he heard of the letter.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-12

肃sù见jiàn松sōng神shén情qíng恍huǎng惚hū，心xīn中zhōng疑yí惑huò。松sōng取qú酒jiú与yǔ肃sù共gòng饮yǐn。献xiàn酬chóu之zhī间jiān，忽hū落luò此cǐ书shū于yú地dì，被bèi肃sù从cóng人rén拾shí得dé。席xí散sàn后hòu，从cóng人rén以yǐ书shū呈chéng肃sù。肃sù开kāi视shì之zhī。书shū略lüè曰yuē：「昨zuó松sōng进jìn言yán于yú皇huáng叔shū，并bìng无wú虚xū谬miù，何hé乃nǎi迟chí迟chí不bù发fā？逆nì取qǔ顺shùn守shǒu，古gǔ人rén所suǒ贵guì。今jīn大dà事shì已yǐ在zài掌zhǎng握wò之zhī中zhōng，何hé故gù欲yù弃qì此cǐ而ér回huí荆jīng州zhōu乎hū？

Chang Sung then also composed a letter to Liu Pei. While he was looking about for a trusty person to take it, his brother Su, who was the Prefect of a country district, came to see him. He hid the letter in his sleeve while he talked with his brother. Brother Su noticed his anxious inquietude, which he could not explain. Wine was brought in and, as the two brothers chatted over it, the letter dropped to the floor unnoticed by Chang Sung. One of brother Su’s men saw it, picked it up and gave it to his master, who opened and read it.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-13

使shǐ松sōng闻wén之zhī，如rú有yóu所suǒ失shī。书shū呈chéng到dào日rì，疾jí速sù进jìn兵bīng。松sōng当dāng为wèi内nèi应yìng，万wàn勿wù自zì误wù！」

This is about how it ran:—“What I said to you lately was not mere meaningless talk. Why, then, postpone action? The ancients valued the man who took by force and held by conciliation. If you act at once the whole matter is in your hand. Why abandon all and return to Chingchou? Surely I do not hear aright! When you get this, attack without a moment’s delay and remember that I am your ally on the inside. Above all, no delay!”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-14

张zhāng肃sù见jiàn了le，大dà惊jīng曰yuē：「吾wú弟dì作zuò灭miè门mén之zhī事shì，不bù可kě不bù首shǒu。」连lián夜yè将jiāng书shū见jiàn刘liú璋zhāng，具jù言yán弟dì张zhāng松sōng与yǔ刘liú备bèi同tóng谋móu，欲yù献xiàn西xī川chuān。刘liú璋zhāng大dà怒nù曰yuē：「吾wú平píng日rì未wèi尝cháng薄bó待dài他tā，何hé故gù欲yù谋móu反fǎn！」遂suì下xià令lìng捉zhuō张zhāng松sōng全quán家jiā，侭jín斩zhǎn于yú市shì。后hòu人rén有yǒu诗shī叹tàn曰yuē：

“This plot of my brother’s will end in the destruction of the whole family,” said Chang Su. “I must get in the first word.” So at once he went in and laid the whole matter before the Prefect. “I have always treated your brother so well!” said Liu Chang, very angry. He issued orders to arrest Chang Sung and behead him and all his household in the market place. Chang was quick of comprehension, such as he have been but few, Little thought he that a letter would betray When he plotted for another. But success he never knew, For himself there opened out a gory way.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-15

一yī览lǎn无wú遣qiǎn自zì古gǔ稀xī，谁shuí知zhī书shū信xìn泄xiè天tiān机jī。

To see through every scheme is rare since ancient days; Who knew a letter would the heavenly secret betray?

GLM · 2026 · machine-generated

62-16

未wèi观guān玄xuán德dé兴xīng王wáng业yè，先xiān向xiàng成chéng都dū血xuè染rǎn衣yī。

Before Xuande's kingly enterprise began to rise, First at Chengdu blood would dye his men's attire.

GLM · 2026 · machine-generated

62-17

刘liú璋zhāng既jì斩zhǎn张zhāng松sōng，聚jù集jí文wén武wǔ商shāng议yì曰yuē：「刘liú备bèi欲yù夺duó吾wú基jī业yè，当dāng如rú之zhī何hé？」黄huáng权quán曰yuē：「事shì不bù宜yí迟chí。即jí便biàn差chà人rén告gào报bào各gè处chù关guān隘ài，添tiān兵bīng守shóu把bǎ，不bù许xǔ放fàng荆jīng州zhōu一yī人rén一yī骑qí入rù关guān。」璋zhāng从cóng其qí言yán，星xīng夜yè驰chí檄xí各gè关guān去qù讫qì。

Having thus learned of a real conspiracy to deprive him of his heritage, Liu Chang assembled his officers and asked their advice. Huang Ch'üan spoke out saying, “Prompt action is needed. Send to every strategic point telling them to increase the garrisons and keep careful guard and, above all, prevent the entrance of any person from Chingchou.” Such orders were sent to all points of vantage where were garrisons.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-18

却què说shuō玄xuán德dé提tí兵bīng回huí涪fú城chéng，先xiān令lìng人rén报bào上shàng涪fú水shuǐ关guān，请qǐng杨yáng怀huái、高gāo沛pèi出chū关guān相xiāng别bié。杨yáng、高gāo二èr将jiāng闻wén报bào，商shāng议yì曰yuē：「玄xuán德dé此cǐ回huí若ruò何hé？」高gāo沛pèi曰yuē：「玄xuán德dé合hé死sǐ。我wó等děng各gè藏cáng利lì刃rèn在zài身shēn，就jiù送sòng行xíng处chù刺cì之zhī，以yǐ绝jué吾wú主zhǔ之zhī患huàn。」杨yáng怀huái曰yuē：「此cǐ计jì大dà妙miào。

In the meantime, carrying out P‘ang T‘ung’s scheme, Liu Pei had marched down to Fouch'êng, where he halted and sent in a messenger to invite the two captains to come forth and say farewell. But they did not respond at once to this invitation. “What is the real meaning of this retirement?” said one to the other. “This Yüan-tê ought to die,” said Kao P‘o. “Let us hide daggers under our dress and stab him at the place of farewell. That will end all our lord’s troubles.” “A most excellent plan,” said his colleague. So they two, taking only a small escort, went down out of the Pass to say good-bye. Most of their men were left in the camp.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-19

」二èr人rén只zhǐ带dài随suí行xíng二èr百bǎi人rén，出chū关guān送sòng行xíng，其qí余yú并bìng留liú在zài关guān上shàng，玄xuán德dé大dà军jūn侭jǐn发fā。前qián至zhì涪fú水shuǐ之zhī上shàng，庞páng统tǒng在zài马mǎ上shàng谓wèi玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「杨yáng怀huái，高gāo沛pèi，若ruò欣xīn然rán而ér来lái，可kě提dī防fáng之zhī；若ruò彼bǐ不bù来lái，便biàn起qǐ兵bīng迳jìng取qǔ其qí关guān，不bù可kě迟chí缓huǎn。」

On the way down to Fou River, P‘ang T‘ung had said to his master, “You have need to be on your guard against those two if they come to bid you farewell. If they do not come, then the Pass must be attacked without delay.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-20

正zhèng说shuō间jiān，忽hū起qǐ一yī阵zhèn旋xuán风fēng，把bá马mǎ前qián「帅shuài」字zì旗qí吹chuī倒dào。玄xuán德dé问wèn庞páng统tǒng曰yuē：「此cǐ何hé兆zhào也yě？」统tǒng曰yuē：「此cǐ惊jīng报bào也yě。杨yáng怀huái、高gāo沛pèi二èr人rén，必bì有yǒu行xíng刺cì之zhī意yì，宜yí善shàn防fáng之zhī。」玄xuán德dé乃nǎi身shēn披pī重zhòng铠kǎi，自zì佩pèi宝bǎo剑jiàn防fáng备bèi。人rén报bào杨yáng高gāo二èr将jiāng军jūn送sòng行xíng来lái。玄xuán德dé令lìng军jūn马mǎ歇xiē定dìng。

Just as he said this a violent gust of wind overthrew the leading flag of the army, and Liu Pei asked what this portended. “That means a surprise; those two intend to assassinate you, so be on your guard.” Accordingly, Liu Pei put on double armour and girded on his sword in readiness. When the two captains arrived the army halted while the captains should pay the farewell visit.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-21

庞páng统tǒng吩fēn咐fù魏wèi延yán、黄huáng忠zhōng：「但dàn关guān上shàng来lái的de军jūn士shì，不bú问wèn多duō少sháo马mǎ步bù军jūn兵bīng，一yí个gè也yě休xiū放fàng回huí。」二èr将jiāng得dé令lìng而ér去qù。

Then P‘ang Tung said to his two captains, Wei Yen and Huang Chang, “However many soldiers come down from the Pass see to it that none return.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-22

却què说shuō杨yáng怀huái、高gāo沛pèi二èr人rén，身shēn边biān各gè藏cáng利lì刃rèn，带dài二èr百bǎi军jūn兵bīng，牵qiān羊yáng担dān酒jiǔ，直zhí至zhì军jūn前qián。见jiàn并bìng无wú准zhǔn备bèi，心xīn中zhōng暗àn喜xǐ，以yǐ为wéi中zhòng计jì。入rù至zhì帐zhàng下xià，见jiàn玄xuán德dé正zhèng与yǔ庞páng统tǒng坐zuò于yú帐zhàng中zhōng。二èr将jiāng声shēng喏nuò曰yuē：「闻wén皇huáng叔shū远yuǎn回huí，特tè具jù薄báo礼lǐ相xiāng送sòng。」遂suì进jìn酒jiǔ劝quàn玄xuán德dé。玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「二èr将jiāng军jūn守shǒu关guān不bú易yì，当dāng先xiān饮yín此cǐ杯bēi。」

The two captains of Shu, armed with hidden daggers, came up, their escort bearing gifts of sheep and wine. They marked no precautions being taken against an attack and began to think their task of murder would be an easy one. They were led in to where Liu Pei sat under a tent, his adviser with him. They said, “We hear, O Imperial Uncle, that you contemplate a long march and therefore we come to offer a few poor gifts to speed you on your way.” The cups of farewell were duly filled. Then Yüan-tê replied, “You have a heavy responsibility to defend the Pass, Captains. I pray you drink first.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-23

二èr将jiāng饮yín酒jiǔ毕bì，玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「吾wú有yǒu密mì事shì与yǔ二èr将jiāng军jūn商shāng议yì，闲xián人rén退tuì避bì。」遂suì将jiāng带dài来lái二èr百bǎi人rén侭jín赶gǎn出chū中zhōng军jūn。玄xuán德dé叱chì曰yuē：「左zuǒ右yòu与yǔ吾wú捉zhuō下xià二èr贼zéi！」帐zhàng后hòu刘liú封fēng，关guān平píng应yīng声shēng而ér出chū。杨yáng、高gāo二èr人rén急jí待dài争zhēng斗dòu，刘liú封fēng，关guān平píng各gè捉zhuō住zhù一yī人rén。玄xuán德dé喝hē曰yuē：「吾wú与yú汝rú主zhǔ是shì同tóng宗zōng兄xiōng弟dì，汝rǔ二èr人rén何hé故gù同tóng谋móu，离lí间jiàn亲qīn情qíng？

They drank. Then Liu Pei said, “I have a secret matter to talk over with you.” So all but the two captains were sent away with the escort and were led to the midst of the camp. As soon as they had gone, Liu Pei shouted, “My people, lay hands upon these two rebels!”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-24

」庞páng统tǒng叱chì左zuǒ右yòu搜sōu其qí身shēn畔pàn，果guǒ然rán各gè搜sōu出chū利lì刀dāo一yī口kǒu。统tǒng便biàn喝hē斩zhǎn二èr人rén。玄xuán德dé犹yóu豫yù未wèi决jué。统tǒng曰yuē：「二èr人rén本běn意yì欲yù害hài吾wú主zhǔ，罪zuì不bù容róng诛zhū。」遂suì叱chì刀dāo斧fú手shóu斩zhǎn杨yáng怀huái、高gāo沛pèi于yú帐zhàng前qián。黄huáng忠zhōng、魏wèi延yán早zǎo将jiāng二èr百bǎi从cóng人rén，先xiān自zì捉zhuō下xià，不bù曾céng走zǒu了le一yí个gè。玄xuán德dé唤huàn入rù，各gè赐cì酒jiǔ压yā惊jīng。

Thereupon Liu Fêng and Kuan P‘ing rushed out from behind the tent. The two captains of the Pass were taken aback, but began to struggle. However, each of the two seized his man and held him. “Your lord and I are of the same house,” said Liu Pei, “why then have you plotted against me and conspired to sow enmity between us?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-25

玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「杨yáng怀huái，高gāo沛pèi离lí间jiàn吾wú兄xiōng弟dì，又yòu藏cáng利lì刀dāo行xíng刺cì，故gù行xíng诛zhū戮lù。你ní等děng无wú罪zuì，不bú必bì惊jīng疑yí。」众zhòng皆jiē拜bài谢xiè。庞páng统tǒng曰yuē：「吾wú今jīn即jí用yòng汝rú等déng引yǐn路lù，带dài吾wú军jūn取qǔ关guān。各gè有yǒu重zhòng赏shǎng。」

P‘ang Tung bade his men search the captives, and the hidden daggers were found. So both were ordered to immediate execution. However, Liu Pei hesitated and was unwilling to confirm the sentence and put them to death. But his adviser insisted that they were worthy of death for the assassination they had panned, and bade the executioners fall on. So the two men were beheaded. Of their following not one had been allowed to slip away. Liu Pei summoned the soldiers of the escort to his tent, gave them wine to comfort them and said, “Your leaders conspired to sow dissension between brothers and were found with daggers hidden beneath their clothing. They were assassins in intent and have met the fate they merited. You have committed no crime and need feel no alarm.” The soldiers thanked him for his clemency with low obeisance.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-26

众zhòng皆jiē应yīng允yǔn。是shì夜yè二èr百bǎi人rén先xiān行xíng，大dà军jūn随suí后hòu。前qián军jūn至zhì关guān下xià叫jiào曰yuē：「二èr将jiāng军jūn有yǒu急jí事shì回huí，可kě速sù开kāi关guān。」城chéng上shàng听tīng得dé是shì自zì家jiā军jūn，即jí时shí开kāi关guān。大dà军jūn一yī拥yōng而ér入rù，兵bīng不bú血xuè刃rèn，得dé了le涪fú关guān。蜀shǔ军jūn皆jiē降jiàng。玄xuán德dé各gè加jiā重zhòng赏shǎng，遂suì即jí分fēn兵bīng前qián后hòu守shóu把bǎ。次cì日rì劳láo军jūn，设shè宴yàn于yú公gōng厅tīng。

Then said P‘ang T‘ung, “If you will now show the way so that our men may capture the Pass, you shall even be rewarded.” They consented. That same night the army set out, with the men of the renegade escort leading the way. When they reached the Pass they hailed the gate, saying, “Open the gate quickly: the captains have returned earlier than they expected because of important business.” Hearing the voices of their comrades, the gate guards had no suspicion of treachery and threw open the gates. In rushed the enemy soldiers and so gained possession of Foukuan without shedding a drop of blood. The defenders came over to the side of Liu Pei and were liberally rewarded. This done, the army was posted so as to guard the approaches and maintain what they had captured.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-27

玄xuán德dé酒jiǔ酣hān，顾gù庞páng统tǒng曰yuē：「今jīn日rì之zhī会huì，可kě为wèi乐lè乎hū！」庞páng统tǒng曰yuē：「伐fá人rén之zhī国guó而ér以yǐ为wéi乐lè，非fēi仁rén者zhě之zhī兵bīng也yě。」玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「吾wú闻wén昔xī日rì武wǔ王wáng伐fá纣zhòu，作zuò乐lè象xiàng功gōng，此cǐ亦yì非fēi仁rén者zhě之zhī兵bīng欤yú？汝rǔ言yán何hé不bù合hé道dào理lǐ？可kě速sù退tuì！」庞páng统tǒng大dà笑xiào而ér起qǐ。左zuǒ右yòu亦yì扶fú玄xuán德dé入rù后hòu堂táng睡shuì至zhì半bàn夜yè，酒jiú醒xǐng。

The next few days were spent in banquets and feasts in celebration of success. At one of these feasts Liu Pei turned to his adviser, saying, “This is what one might call a joyful occasion.” “To employ warlike weapons in making an attack upon the possession of another is not using them in the best way replied P‘ang T‘ung. “Nor is such attack the most proper occasion for rejoicing.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-28

左zuǒ右yòu以yǐ遂suì庞páng统tǒng之zhī言yán，告gào知zhī玄xuán德dé。玄xuán德dé大dà悔huǐ；次cì早zǎo穿chuān衣yī升shēng堂táng，请qǐng庞páng统tǒng谢xiè罪zuì曰yuē：「昨zuó日rì酒jiǔ醉zuì，言yán语yǔ触chù忤wǔ。幸xìng勿wù挂guà怀huái。」庞páng统tǒng谈tán笑xiào自zì若ruò。玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「昨zuó日rì之zhī言yán，惟wéi吾wú有yǒu失shī。」庞páng统tǒng曰yuē：「君jūn臣chén俱jù失shī，何hé独dú主zhǔ公gōng？」玄xuán德dé亦yì大dà笑xiào，其qí乐lè如rú初chū。

Liu Pei replied, “The success of King Wu against Chou was celebrated with music; I suppose weapons were not well used on that occasion either. Why do you talk so wide of reason? You had better retire. ” P‘ang Tʻung laughed and withdrew from the table, while the attendants supported Liu Pei to his own chamber, where he had a long sleep. About midnight he awoke from his wine and then the servants told him that he had driven away his adviser from the feast. He was at once filled with remorse. Next day, having dressed early in full costume of ceremony, he took his seat in the great hall, summoned his adviser and apologised handsomely for his rude behaviour the night before. “I drank too much last night and spoke rudely; pray forget it.” P‘ang, who had taken the whole episode in very good part from the first, laughed and talked as usual. But Yüan-tê went on, “Really I was the only one to blame yesterday.” “We both slipped up; it was not only you, my lord,” said P‘ang. Then Yüan-tê laughed too and the two were as good friends again as ever.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-29

却què说shuō刘liú璋zhāng闻wén玄xuán德dé杀shā了le杨yáng、高gāo二èr将jiāng，袭xí了le涪fú水shuǐ关guān，大dà惊jīng曰yuē：「不bú料liào今jīn日rì果guó有yóu此cǐ事shì！」遂suì聚jù文wén武wǔ，问wèn退tuì兵bīng之zhī策cè。黄huáng权quán曰yuē：「可kě连lián夜yè遣qiǎn兵bīng屯tún雒luò城chéng，塞sāi住zhù咽yān喉hóu之zhī路lù。刘liú备bèi虽suī有yǒu精jīng兵bīng猛měng将jiàng，不bù能néng过guò也yě。」璋zhāng遂suì令lìng刘liú𪻺、冷lěng苞bāo、张zhāng任rèn、邓dèng贤xián，点dián五wǔ万wàn大dà军jūn，星xīng夜yè往wáng守shǒu雒luò城chéng，以yǐ拒jù刘liú备bèi。

When the Prefect Liu Chang heard of the doings of his relative and guest he said, “I did not think that such things would come to pass.” The officers of Shu met to consider how to oppose the further advance of Liu Pei, and Huang Ch'üan said, “Let us send without delay a force to hold Lohsien, which is the very throat of the road he must take. He may have veteran soldiers and fiery captains but he will not be able to pass.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-30

四sì将jiāng行xíng兵bīng之zhī次cì，刘liú𪻺曰yuē：「吾wú闻wén锦jǐn屏píng山shān中zhōng有yǒu一yī异yì人rén，道dào号hào紫zǐ虚xū上shàng人rén，知zhī人rén生shēng死sǐ贵guì贱jiàn。吾wú辈bèi今jīn日rì行xíng军jūn，正zhèng从cóng锦jǐn屏píng山shān过guò。何hé不bú试shì往wǎng问wèn之zhī？」张zhāng任rèn曰yuē：「大dà丈zhàng夫fū行xíng兵bīng拒jù敌dí，岂qí可kě问wèn于yú山shān野yě之zhī人rén乎hū？」𪻺曰yuē：「不bù然rán。圣shèng人rén云yún：『至zhì诚chéng之zhī道dào，可ké以yǐ前qián知zhī。

So the four ablest captains were told off for this duty and they led five legions. As they marched, one of them, Liu Kuei by name, said, “In the Chinpʻing Hills there is a wonderful Taoist who calls himself 'The Superman of the Dark Void.' He has the gift of second sight, so let us visit him as we pass and enquire what our fortunes are to be.” “What should one seek of a hermit when one is out to repulse an enemy?” said his colleague, Chang Jên, contemptuously.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-31

』吾wú等děng问wèn于yú高gāo明míng之zhī人rén，当dāng趋qū吉jí避bì凶xiōng。」

“Your view is wrong,” said Liu. “The Sage has said that it is characteristic of the most entire sincerity to be able to foreknow. So let us enquire of this man of high intelligence that we may know what to do and what to avoid.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-32

于yú是shì四sì人rén引yín五wǔ六liù十shí骑qí至zhì山shān下xià，问wèn径jìng樵qiáo夫fū。樵qiáo夫fū指zhǐ高gāo山shān绝jué顶dǐng上shàng，便biàn是shì上shàng人rén所suǒ居jū。四sì人rén上shàng山shān至zhì庵ān前qián，见jiàn一yī道dào童tóng出chū迎yíng。问wèn了le姓xìng名míng，引yǐn入rù庵ān中zhōng。只zhǐ见jiàn紫zǐ虚xū上shàng人rén，坐zuò于yú蒲pú墩dūn之zhī上shàng。四sì人rén下xià拜bài，求qiú问wèn前qián程chéng之zhī事shì。紫zǐ虚xū上shàng人rén曰yuē：「贫pín道dào乃nǎi山shān野yě废fèi人rén，岂qǐ知zhī休xiū咎jiù？」刘liú𪻺再zài三sān拜bài问wèn。

Whereupon they went up into the hills and sought the hermit’s retreat. They were a small party, on horseback. Meeting a wood-cutter they enquired the whereabouts of the dwelling of the wise man, and he pointed to one of the highest hills, saying that the Sage lived on the very summit. They climbed up to the spot he had told them of and found a small hut. At their summons a lad in Taoist garb came out to speak with them. He asked their names and led them into the presence of the Superman, who received them seated on a rush cushion. They made a low obeisance, told him the reason of their coming and asked of the future.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-33

紫zǐ虚xū遂suì命mìng道dào童tóng取qú纸zhí笔bǐ，写xiě下xià八bā句jù言yán语yǔ，付fù与yǔ刘liú𪻺。其qí文wén曰yuē：「左zuǒ龙lóng右yòu凤fèng，飞fēi入rù西xī川chuān。雏chú凤fèng坠zhuì地dì，卧wò龙lóng升shēng天tiān。一yī得de一yī失shī，天tiān数shù当dāng然rán。见jiàn机jī而ér作zuò，勿wù丧sàng九jiǔ泉quán。」

“How can a poor Taoist recluse know aught of fortunes, good or evil?” said he. However, after a time, as Liu Kuei repeated his request again and again and comported himself most humbly, the hermit bade the lad bring paper and ink and he wrote eight lines, which he handed to his questioner. “Supported by dragon and phœnix, So flies he westward. But the Phoenix Fledgling shall fall to the earth, And the Sleeping Dragon shall soar to the sky; There shall be successes and failures, For such is the eternal law. See that ye act when occasion offers, Lest ye descend to the Nine Springs."

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-34

刘liú𪻺又yòu问wèn曰yuē：「我wǒ四sì人rén气qì数shù如rú何hé？」紫zǐ虚xū上shàng人rén曰yuē：「定dìng数shù难nán逃táo，何hé必bì再zài问wèn？」𪻺又yòu请qǐng问wèn时shí，上shàng人rén眉méi垂chuí目mù合hé，恰qià似sì睡shuì著zhù的de一yì般bān，并bìng不bù答dā应yìng。四sì人rén下xià山shān。刘liú𪻺曰yuē：「仙xiān人rén之zhī言yán，不bù可kě不bú信xìn。」张zhāng任rèn曰yuē：「此cǐ狂kuáng叟sóu也yě，听tīng之zhī何hé益yì？」遂suì上shàng马mǎ前qián行xíng。既jì至zhì雒luò城chéng分fēn调tiáo人rén马mǎ，把bá守shǒu各gè处chù隘ài口kǒu。

Having read the oracle they pressed the seer to reveal them their individual fortunes, but he replied, “Why ask these things? None can escape his fate.” Liu Kuei ventured to question the Sage further, but his eyelids dropped as if he slumbered. Nor would he vouchsafe a word more, and the four captains took leave and descended the hill.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-35

刘liú𪻺曰yuē：「雒luò城chéng乃nǎi成chéng都dū保bǎo障zhàng，失shī此cǐ则zé成chéng都dū难nán保bǎo。吾wú四sì人rén公gōng议yì，著zhù二èr人rén守shǒu城chéng，二èr人rén去qù雒luò城chéng前qián麺miàn，依yī山shān傍bàng险xiǎn，扎zhā下xià两liǎng个gè寨zhài子zi，勿wù使shǐ敌dí兵bīng临lín城chéng。」冷lěng苞bāo，邓dèng贤xián曰yuē：「某mǒu愿yuàn往wǎng结jié寨zhài。」刘liú𪻺大dà喜xǐ，分fēn兵bīng二èr万wàn，与yú冷lěng、邓dèng二èr人rén，离lí城chéng六liù十shí里lǐ下xià寨zhài。刘liú𪻺、张zhāng任rèn，守shǒu护hù雒luò城chéng。

“One must have faith in such as he says,” said Liu. “What is to be gained by listening to the sayings of a daft old man?” replied Chang. So they continued their road to Lohsien. When they arrived they settled that two of them should guard the ramparts while the other two should station themselves in front of the city, where was a point of vantage sheltered by some hills. Here they established two camps in two stockades, hoping to be able to keep the foe away from the city.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-36

却què说shuō玄xuán德dé既jì得dé涪fú水shuǐ关guān，与yǔ庞páng统tǒng商shāng议yì进jìn取qǔ雒luò城chéng。人rén报bào刘liú璋zhāng拨bō四sì将jiāng前qián来lái，即jí日rì冷lěng苞bāo、邓dèng贤xián领lǐng二èr万wàn军jūn离lí城chéng六liù十shí里lǐ，扎zhā下xià两liǎng个gè大dà寨zhài。玄xuán德dé聚jù众zhòng问wèn曰yuē：「谁shuí敢gǎn建jiàn头tóu功gōng，去qù取qǔ二èr将jiāng寨zhài栅zhà？」老lǎo将jiàng黄huáng忠zhōng应yīng声shēng出chū曰yuē：「老lǎo夫fū愿yuàn往wǎng。

The Pass being captured, Yüan-tê took counsel with his adviser as to the next point to be attempted. This was Lohsien. Scouts had reported the arrival of the four captains sent by Liu Chang and said that a camp had been established sixty li from the city. Then Yüan-tê assembled his officers and asked who would go to attack the camps. The veteran Huang Chung offered himself.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-37

」玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「老lǎo将jiàng军jūn率lǜ本běn部bù人rén马mǎ，前qián至zhì雒luò城chéng，如rú取qǔ得dé冷lěng苞bāo、邓dèng贤xián营yíng寨zhài，必bì当dāng重zhòng赏shǎng。」

“Veteran captain, take your own men and go,” said Liu Pei. “A goodly reward shall be yours if you capture the two camps.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-38

黄huáng忠zhōng大dà喜xǐ，即jí领líng本běn部bù兵bīng马mǎ，谢xiè了le要yào行xíng。忽hū帐zhàng下xià一yī人rén出chū曰yuē：「老lǎo将jiàng军jūn年nián纪jì高gāo大dà，如rú何hé去qù得dé？小xiǎo将jiàng不bù才cái愿yuàn往wǎng。」玄xuán德dé视shì之zhī，乃nǎi是shì魏wèi延yán。黄huáng忠zhōng曰yuē：「我wó已yí领lǐng下xià将jiàng令lìng，你nǐ如rú何hé敢gǎn搀chān越yuè？」魏wèi延yán曰yuē：「老lǎo将jiàng不bù以yǐ筋jīn骨gǔ为wèi能néng。吾wú闻wén冷lěng苞bāo、邓dèng贤xián乃nái蜀shǔ中zhōng名míng将jiàng，血xuè气qì方fāng刚gāng。

Huang thanked his lord and was just leading away his men when suddenly up spake a youthful leader, saying, “The General is old to go on such an expedition; I am of poor ability, but I wish to take his place.” The speaker was Wei Yen. Huang replied, “I already have my commission; why should you wish to supplant me?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-39

恐kóng老lǎo将jiàng军jūn擒qín他tā不bù得dé，岂qǐ不bú误wù了le主zhǔ公gōng大dà事shì？因yīn此cǐ愿yuàn相xiāng替tì，本běn是shì好hǎo意yì。」黄huáng忠zhōng大dà怒nù曰yuē：「汝rǔ说shuō吾wú老lǎo，敢gán与yú我wó比bǐ试shì武wǔ艺yì么me？」魏wèi延yán曰yuē：「就jiù主zhǔ公gōng之zhī前qián，当dāng麺miàn比bǐ试shì。赢yíng得dé的de便biàn去qù，何hé如rú？」

“Because the task is beyond an old man’s strength,” said Wei. “The two men in those camps we know are the best and boldest in the country. They are strong, and, veteran as you are, I fear you will be unable to overcome them. If you fail, our lord’s great design will be hindered. Therefore I ask that I may replace you, and my intent is kindly.” This reminder of his age angered the old man. “Old, am I? Dare you compete with me in the use of warlike weapons?” said he. “Yes; I dare. And our lord shall be the judge. The winner shall undertake this expedition. Do you agree?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-40

黄huáng忠zhōng遂suì趋qū步bú下xià阶jiē，便biàn叫jiào小xiǎo校xiào将jiāng刀dāo来lái。玄xuán德dé急jí止zhǐ之zhī曰yuē：「不bù可kě。吾wú今jīn提tí兵bīng取qǔ川chuān，全quán仗zhàng汝rǔ二èr人rén之zhī力lì。今jīn两liáng虎hǔ相xiāng斗dòu，必bì有yǒu一yī伤shāng。须xū误wù了le我wǒ大dà事shì。吾wú与yú你nǐ二èr人rén劝quàn解jiě，休xiū得dé争zhēng论lùn。」庞páng统tǒng曰yuē：「汝rǔ二èr人rén不bú必bì相xiāng争zhēng。即jí今jīn冷lěng苞bāo、邓dèng贤xián下xià了le两liǎng个gè营yíng寨zhài。今jīn汝rǔ二èr人rén自zì领líng本běn部bù军jūn马mǎ，各gè打dǎ一yī寨zhài。

Huang ran down the steps and called to his men to bring his small sword. But Yüan-tê would stop this contest and said, “I have need of both of you in the task that lies before me. When two tigers fight one is sure to lose, and the loss of either of you is more than I could bear. Be reconciled and quarrel no more.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-41

如rú先xiān夺duó得de者zhě便biàn为wèi头tóu功gōng。」于yú是shì分fēn定dìng黄huáng忠zhōng打dá冷lěng苞bāo寨zhài，魏wèi延yán打dǎ邓dèng贤xián寨zhài。二èr人rén各gè领lǐng命mìng去qù了le。庞páng统tǒng曰yuē：「此cǐ二èr人rén去qù，恐kǒng于yú路lù中zhōng相xiāng争zhēng。主zhǔ公gōng可kě自zì引yǐn军jūn为wèi后hòu应yīng。」玄xuán德dé留liú庞páng统tóng守shǒu城chéng，自zì与yǔ刘liú封fēng、关guān平píng引yín五wǔ千qiān军jūn随suí后hòu进jìn发fā。

“You two must not quarrel,” said P‘ang T‘ung. “But as there are two camps to be taken and two captains to fight, take one each and let each lead his own men. The first to capture his camp shall be held to have rendered the greater service and to have acquired the greater merit.” This decision pacified them and it was settled that Huang the veteran should go against Lêng Pao, and Wei, the younger leader, should attack Têng Hsien. But after they had marched away P‘ang recommended Liu Pei to follow them lest they should quarrel on the way. So leaving the city in care of his adviser, Liu also marched, taking with him Fêng, his adopted son, and P‘ing, his nephew by adoption. They took five companies.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-42

却què说shuō黄huáng忠zhōng归guī寨zhài，传chuán令lìng来lái日rì四sì更gèng造zào饭fàn，五wǔ更gēng结jié束shù，平píng明míng进jìn兵bīng，取qú左zuǒ边biān山shān谷gǔ而ér进jìn。魏wèi延yán却què暗àn使shǐ人rén探tàn听tīng黄huáng忠zhōng甚shèn时shí起qǐ兵bīng。探tàn事shì人rén回huí报bào：「来lái日rì四sì更gèng造zào饭fàn，五wǔ更gēng起qǐ兵bīng。」魏wèi延yán暗àn喜xǐ，分fēn付fù众zhòng军jūn士shì二èr更gèng造zào饭fàn，三sān更gēng起qǐ兵bīng，平píng明míng要yào到dào邓dèng贤xián寨zhài边biān。

After having received the command to take one of the camps, Huang went to his own camp and issued orders for the morning meal to be ready very early, and for every one to be in marching order by daybreak. When the time arrived, his little army set out, taking the road through a gully to the left of the hills. But early as he started, his rival had stolen a march on him. Wei had sent over the night before to find out the hour fixed for the start and had arranged his own departure a watch earlier, by which he would be able to reach his objective at dawn. After his men had taken their early meal they removed the bells from the horses and put gags in their own mouths to prevent talking, and all-silently the army stole out of the camp just as the other party were eating their breakfast. The ensigns were furled and weapons covered lest the glint of steel should betray their movement.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-43

军jūn士shì得dé令lìng，都dōu饱bǎo餐cān一yī顿dùn，马mǎ摘zhāi铃líng，人rén啣xián杖zhàng，卷juǎn旗qí束shù甲jiǎ，暗àn地dì去qù劫jié寨zhài。三sān更gēng前qián后hòu，离lí寨zhài前qián进jìn。到dào半bàn路lù，魏wèi延yán马mǎ上shàng寻xín思sī：「只zhǐ去qù打dǎ邓dèng贤xián寨zhài，不bù显xiǎn能néng处chù；不bù如rú先xiān去qù打dá冷lěng苞bāo寨zhài，却què将jiāng得dé胜shèng兵bīng打dǎ邓dèng贤xián寨zhài。两liǎng处chù功gōng劳láo，都dōu是shì我wǒ的de。」就jiù马mǎ上shàng传chuán令lìng，教jiào军jūn士shì都dōu投tóu左zuǒ边biān山shān路lù里lǐ去qù。

Thus far successful in getting the start of his rival, Wei thought as he rode along what a fine score he would make if he anticipated him also in his attack and captured the camp before he could get there. He at once deviated from his own line and marched toward the camp defended by Lêng Pao, of which the capture had been assigned to Huang.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-44

天tiān色sè微wēi明míng，离lí冷lěng苞bāo寨zhài不bù远yuǎn，教jiào军jūn士shì少shǎo歇xiē，排pái立lì金jīn鼓gǔ旗qí旛fān枪qiāng刀dāo器qì械xiè。

Just before arrival he halted his men and bade them prepare the drums and ensigns and their weapons.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-45

早záo有yǒu伏fú路lù小xiǎo军jūn飞fēi报bào入rù寨zhài，冷lěng苞bāo已yí有yóu准zhǔn备bèi了le。一yī声shēng砲pào响xiǎng，三sān军jūn上shàng马mǎ，杀shā将jiāng出chū来lái。魏wèi延yán纵zòng马mǎ提tí刀dāo，与yú冷lěng苞bāo接jiē战zhàn。二èr将jiāng交jiāo马mǎ，战zhàn到dào三sān十shí合hé，川chuān兵bīng分fēn两liǎng路lù来lái袭xí汉hàn军jūn。汉hàn军jūn走zǒu了le半bàn夜yè，人rén马mǎ力lì乏fá，抵dǐ当dāng不bú住zhù，退tuì后hòu便biàn走zǒu。魏wèi延yán听tīng得dé背bèi后hòu阵zhèn脚jiǎo乱luàn，撇piē了le冷lěng苞bāo，拨bō马mǎ回huí走zǒu。

Early as it was, yet the camp commander was on the alert, for the advancing force had been observed by his scouts. At the first sign of attack the defenders poured out in full force. Wei galloped up and made straight for Lêng. These two fought a score or so of bouts and then the men of Shu came up and joined in the battle. The men of Han, as the force under Wei may be called, having marched a long distance, were fatigued and could not withstand this onslaught, so they fell back. Wei heard the confused sound of hoofs behind him and, giving up all thought of finishing his encounter with Lêng, turned his horse and fled. The men of Shu kept up the pursuit and the attackers were defeated and retired.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-46

川chuān兵bīng随suí后hòu赶gǎn来lái，汉hàn军jūn大dà败bài。走zǒu不bú到dào五wú里lǐ，山shān背bèi后hòu鼓gǔ声shēng震zhèn地dì，邓dèng贤xián引yǐn一yī彪biāo军jūn从cóng山shān谷gú里lǐ截jié出chū来lái，大dà叫jiào：「魏wèi延yán快kuài下xià马mǎ受shòu降xiáng！」

Here it is necessary to record that the ambush had been prepared by Wei Yen, who, knowing he had committed a fault that could in no wise be explained away, had collected as many of his men as he could find and made some of the captured men of Shu guide him to a spot suitable for laying an ambush.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-47

魏wèi延yán策cè马mǎ飞fēi奔bēn，那nà马mǎ忽hū失shī前qián蹄tí，双shuāng足zú跪guì地dì，将jiāng魏wèi延yán掀xiān将jiāng下xià来lái。邓dèng贤xián马mǎ奔bēn到dào，挺tǐng枪qiāng来lái刺cì魏wèi延yán。枪qiāng未wèi到dào处chù，弓gōng弦xián响xiǎng，邓dèng贤xián倒dào撞zhuàng下xià马mǎ。后hòu麺miàn冷lěng苞bāo方fāng欲yù来lái救jiù，一yī员yuán大dà将jiàng，从cóng山shān坡pō上shàng跃yuè马mǎ而ér来lái，厉lì声shēng大dà叫jiào：「老lǎo将jiàng黄huáng忠zhōng在zài此cǐ！」舞wǔ刀dāo直zhí取qú冷lěng苞bāo。冷lěng苞bāo抵dǐ敌dí不bú住zhù，望wàng后hòu便biàn走zǒu。

They had gone about five li when another body of Ssuch‘uan men appeared from behind some hills. They advanced with beating drums. Their leader, Têng Hsien, shouted to Wei to surrender, but Wei heeded him not; whipping up his steed he fled the faster. However, the tired horse tripped and fell on his knees, throwing his rider to the ground. Têng’s men came galloping up, and he himself set his spear to thrust and slay Wei. Before the spear could get home, twang! went a bowstring, and Têng lay prone upon the earth. Lêng, his colleague, rode up quickly to his rescue, but just then a body of horse came dashing down the hill, and their leader shouted, “The veteran captain Huang Chung is here.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-48

黄huáng忠zhōng乘chéng势shì追zhuī赶gǎn，川chuān兵bīng大dà乱luàn。

At this proof of generosity the sound of rejoicing filled the land.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-49

黄huáng忠zhōng一yī枝zhī军jūn救jiù了le魏wèi延yán，杀shā了le邓dèng贤xián，直zhí赶gǎn到dào寨zhài前qián。冷lěng苞bāo回huí马má与yǔ黄huáng忠zhōng再zài战zhàn。不bú到dào十shí余yú合hé，后hòu麺miàn军jūn马mǎ拥yōng将jiāng上shàng来lái，冷lěng苞bāo只zhǐ得dé弃qì了le左zuǒ寨zhài，引yǐn败bài军jūn来lái投tóu右yòu寨zhài。只zhǐ见jiàn寨zhài中zhōng旗qí帜zhì全quán别bié。冷lěng苞bāo大dà惊jīng。

With uplifted sword Huang rode toward Lêng, who turned his steed and galloped off to the rear. Huang pursued, and the men of Ssuch‘uan were thrown into confusion. So Huang was able to rescue his colleague Wei. He had thus slain Têng Hsien and forced his way up to the gate of the camp. Once again Lêng came on and engaged Huang. The two had fought a half score bouts when appeared another body of soldiers. Thereupon Lêng fled again and this time he made for the other camp, abandoning his own to the men of Han.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-50

兜dōu住zhù马mǎ看kàn时shí，当dāng头tóu一yī员yuán大dà将jiàng，金jīn甲jiá锦jǐn袍páo，乃nǎi是shì刘liú玄xuán德dé，左zuǒ边biān刘liú封fēng，右yòu边biān关guān平píng，喝hè道dào：「寨zhài子zi吾wú己jǐ夺duó下xià，汝rǔ欲yù何hé往wǎng？」原yuán来lái玄xuán德dé引yǐn兵bīng从cóng后hòu接jiē应yīng，便biàn乘chéng势shì夺duó了le邓dèng贤xián寨zhài子zi。

But when he drew near he saw no longer the familiar flags of his own side. Instead, alien banners fluttered in the breeze. He checked his steed and stared at the new force. The leader was a general wearing a silver breastplate and clad in a silken robe, no other than Liu Pei himself. On his left was his son and on his right rode his nephew. “Whither would you?” cried Liu Pei. “The camp is ours; I have captured it.” Now Liu Pei had led his men in the track of the other two armies ready to help either in case of need. He had come across the empty and undefended camp and taken possession.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-51

冷lěng苞bāo两liǎng头tóu无wú路lù，取qǔ山shān僻pì小xiǎo径jìng，要yào回huí雒luò城chéng。行xíng不bú到dào十shí里lǐ，狭xiá路lù伏fú兵bīng忽hū起qǐ，搭dā钩gōu齐qí举jǔ，把bá冷lěng苞bāo活huó捉zhuō了le。原yuán来lái却què是shì魏wèi延yán自zì知zhī罪zuì犯fàn，无wú可ké解jiě释shì，收shōu拾shí后hòu军jūn，令lìng蜀shǔ兵bīng引yǐn路lù，伏fú在zài这zhè里lǐ，等děng个gè正zhèng著zhù，用yòng索suǒ缚fù了le冷lěng苞bāo，解jiě投tóu玄xuán德dé寨zhài来lái。

Left with no place of refuge, Lêng set off along a by-way to try to get back to Lohsien. He had not gone far when he fell into an ambush and was taken prisoner. Bound with cords he was taken to the camp of Yüan-tê. Here it is necessary to record that the ambush had been prepared by Wei Yen, who, knowing he had committed a fault that could in no wise be explained away, had collected as many of his men as he could find and made some of the captured men of Shu guide him to a spot suitable for laying an ambush.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-52

却què说shuō玄xuán德dé立lì起qí免mián死sǐ旗qí，但dàn川chuān兵bīng倒dǎo戈gē卸xiè甲jiá者zhě，并bìng不bù许xǔ杀shā害hài，如rú伤shāng者zhě偿cháng命mìng；又yòu谕yù众zhòng降jiàng兵bīng曰yuē：「汝rǔ川chuān人rén皆jiē有yǒu父fù母mǔ妻qī子zǐ，愿yuàn降jiàng者zhě充chōng军jūn，不bú愿yuàn降jiàng者zhě放fàng回huí。」于yú是shì欢huān声shēng动dòng地dì。黄huáng忠zhōng安ān下xià寨zhài脚jiǎo，迳jìng来lái见jiàn玄xuán德dé，说shuō魏wèi延yán违wéi了le军jūn令lìng，可ké斩zhǎn之zhī，玄xuán德dé急jí召zhào魏wèi延yán，魏wèi延yán解jié冷lěng苞bāo至zhì。

Yüan-tê had hoisted the flag of pardon for his enemies, and whenever any man of Shu laid down his weapons and stripped off his armour he was spared. Also all the wounded were granted life. Liu Pei told his enemies that they had liberty of choice. “You men have parents and wives and little ones at home, and those who wish to return to them are free to go. If any wish to join my army they also will be received.” At this proof of generosity the sound of rejoicing filled the land. Having made his camp, Huang came to Yüan-tê and said, “Wei Yen should be put to death for disobedience.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-53

玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「延yán虽suī有yǒu罪zuì，此cǐ功gōng可kě赎shú。」令lìng魏wèi延yán谢xiè黄huáng忠zhōng救jiù命mìng之zhī恩ēn，今jīn后hòu毋wú得dé相xiāng争zhēng。魏wèi延yán顿dùn首shǒu伏fú罪zuì。玄xuán德dé重zhòng赏shǎng黄huáng忠zhōng。使shǐ人rén押yā冷lěng苞bāo到dào帐zhàng下xià，玄xuán德dé去qù其qí缚fù，赐cì酒jiǔ压yā惊jīng，问wèn日rì：「汝rú肯kěn降jiàng否fǒu？」冷lěng苞bāo曰yuē：「既jì蒙méng免mián死sǐ，如rú何hé不bú降jiàng？刘liú𪻺、张zhāng任rèn与yú某mǒu为wéi生shēng死sǐ之zhī交jiāo；

The culprit was summoned and came, bringing with him his prisoner. Yüan-tê decided that the merit of capturing an enemy should be set against his fault and bade him thank his rescuer, enjoining upon them both to quarrel no more. Wei Yen bowed his head and confessed his fault and Huang Chung was handsomely rewarded. The prisoner was then taken before Yüan-tê to decide upon his fate. His bonds were loosened and he was given the cup of consolation. After he had drunk he was asked if he was willing to surrender. “Since you give me my life I can do no other,” said he. “Moreover, I and my two companions, Liu Kuei and Chang Jên, are sworn to live or die together. If you will release me I will return and bring them also to you and therewith you will get possession of Loch'êng.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-54

若ruò肯kěn放fàng某mǒu回huí去qù，当dāng即jí招zhāo二èr人rén来lái降jiàng，就jiù献xiàn雒luò城chéng。」玄xuán德dé大dà喜xǐ，便biàn赐cì衣yī服fú鞍ān马mǎ，令lìng回huí雒luò城chéng。魏wèi延yán曰yuē：「此cǐ人rén不bù可kě放fàng回huí。若ruò脱tuō身shēn一yī去qù，不bú复fù来lái矣yǐ。」玄xuán德dé曰yuē：「吾wú以yǐ仁rén义yì待dài人rén，人rén不bú负fù我wǒ。」

Yüan-tê gladly accepted the offer. He gave Lêng clothing and a horse and bade him go to the city to carry out his plan. “Do not let him go,” said Wei. “If you do, you will never see him again.” Liu Pei replied, “If I treat men with kindness and justice they will not betray my trust.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-55

却què说shuō冷lěng苞bāo得dé回huí雒luò城chéng，见jiàn刘liú𪻺、张zhāng任rèn，不bù说shuō捉zhuō去qù放fàng回huí，只zhǐ说shuō被bèi我wǒ杀shā了le十shí余yú人rén，夺duó得de马má匹pǐ逃táo回huí。刘liú𪻺忙máng遣qiǎn人rén往wǎng成chéng都dū求qiú救jiù。刘liú璋zhāng听tīng知zhī折zhé了le邓dèng贤xián，大dà惊jīng，慌huāng忙máng聚jù众zhòng商shāng议yì。长zháng子zǐ刘liú循xún进jìn曰yuē：「儿ér愿yuàn领lǐng兵bīng前qián去qù守shǒu雒luò城chéng。」璋zhāng曰yuē：「既jì吾wú儿ér肯kěn去qù，当dāng遣qiǎn谁shuí人rén为wéi辅fǔ？」一yī人rén出chū曰yuē：「某mǒu愿yuàn往wǎng。

So the prisoner was set free. When he reached the city and saw his two friends he told them he had slain many of the enemy and had escaped by mounting the steed of one of his victims. He said no word of having been captured. Messengers were sent in haste to Ch'êngtu for help.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-56

」璋zhāng视shì之zhī，乃nǎi舅jiù氏shì吴wú懿yì也yě。璋zhāng曰yuē：「得dé尊zūn舅jiù去qù最zuì好hǎo。谁shuí可kě为wèi副fù将jiāng？」

The loss of his captain, Têng Hsien, disturbed the Prefect greatly. He called his advisers together to consult. Then his eldest son said, “Father, let me go to defend the city.” “You may go, my son, but who is there to go with you?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-57

吴wú懿yì保bǎo吴wú兰lán、雷léi同tóng二èr人rén为wéi副fù将jiāng，点diǎn二èr万wàn军jūn马mǎ来lái到dào雒luò城chéng。刘liú𪻺、张zhāng任rèn接jiē著zhù，具jù言yán前qián事shì。吴wú懿yì曰yuē：「兵bīng临lín城chéng下xià，难nán以yǐ拒jù敌dí；汝rú等déng有yǒu何hé高gāo见jiàn？」冷lěng苞bāo曰yuē：「此cǐ间jiān一yī带dài，正zhèng靠kào涪fú江jiāng，江jiāng水shuǐ大dà急jí；前qián麺miàn寨zhài占zhàn山shān脚jiǎo，其qí形xíng最zuì低dī。

One Wu I at once offered himself. He was uncle to Liu Chang, who said, “It is well that you go, my uncle, but who will second you?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-58

某móu乞qí五wǔ千qiān军jūn，各gè带dài锹qiāo锄chú前qián去qù，决jué涪fú江jiāng之zhī水shuǐ，可ké侭jǐn淹yān死sǐ刘liú备bèi之zhī兵bīng也yě。」吴wú懿yì从cóng其qí计jì，即jí令lìng冷lěng苞bāo前qián往wǎng决jué水shuǐ，吴wú兰lán、雷léi同tóng引yǐn兵bīng接jiē应yīng。冷lěng苞bāo领lǐng命mìng，自zì去qù准zhǔn备bèi决jué水shuǐ器qì械xiè。

Wu I at once recommended two men, Wu Lan and Lei Tung, who were appointed to assist in the command. Two legions were given them and they set out for Loch'êng. The two captains came out to welcome them and told them what had happened. Wu I said, “If the enemy draw near to the walls it will be hard to drive them off again. What do you two think should be done?” Lêng Pao replied, “The city lies along the river and the current is strong. The enemy camp lies low at the foot of the hills and with half a legion I can cut the river banks, flood their camp and drown Liu Pei and his army with him.” The plan was approved, and Lêng went away to carry it out. Wu and Lan were told off to guard the workers. They began to prepare the tools for cutting the bank.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-59

却què说shuō玄xuán德dé令lìng黄huáng忠zhōng、魏wèi延yán各gè守shǒu一yī寨zhài，自zì回huí涪fú城chéng，与yǔ军jūn师shī庞páng统tǒng商shāng议yì。细xì作zuò报bào说shuō：「东dōng吴wú孙sūn权quán遣qiǎn人rén结jié好hǎo东dōng川chuān张zhāng鲁lǔ，将jiāng欲yù来lái攻gōng葭jiā萌méng关guān。」玄xuán德dé惊jīng曰yuē：「若ruò葭jiā萌méng关guān有yǒu失shī，截jié断duàn后hòu路lù，吾wú进jìn退tuì不bù得dé，当dāng如rú之zhī何hé？」庞páng统tǒng谓wèi孟mèng达dá曰yuē：「公gōng乃nái蜀shǔ中zhōng人rén，多duō知zhī地dì理lǐ，去qù守shǒu葭jiā萌méng关guān，如rú何hé？

Leaving Huang and Wei in command of the two camps, Yüan-tê went away to Fouch'êng to consult with P‘ang, the army chief. Intelligence had been received that Sun Ch'üan had sent a messenger to seek to make a league with Chang Lu to make a joint attack upon the Chiaming Pass, and Yüan-tê was alarmed lest it should come to pass. “If they do that I am taken in the rear and helpless,” said he. “What do you counsel?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-60

」达dá曰yuē：「某móu保bǎo一yī人rén与yú某mǒu同tóng去qù守shǒu关guān，万wàn无wú一yī失shī。」玄xuán德dé问wèn何hé人rén。达dá曰yuē：「此cǐ人rén曾céng在zài荆jīng州zhōu刘liú表biǎo部bú下xià为wèi中zhōng郎láng将jiāng，乃nǎi南nán郡jùn枝zhī江jiāng人rén。姓xìng霍huò，名míng峻jùn，字zì仲zhòng邈miǎo。」玄xuán德dé大dà喜xǐ，即jí时shí遣qiǎn孟mèng达dá，霍huò峻jùn守shǒu葭jiā萌méng关guān去qù了le。

P‘ang turned to Wêng Ta, saying, “You are a native of Shu and well skilled in its topography; what can be done to make the Pass secure?” “Let me take a certain man with me and I will defend it myself and answer for its safety.” “Who is he?” asked Yüan-tê. ” “He was formerly an officer under Liu Piao. His name is Ho Hsün and he is a native of Chihchiang in the south.” This offer was accepted, and the two men departed.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-61

庞páng统tǒng退tuì归guī馆guán舍shě，门mén吏lì忽hū报bào：「有yǒu客kè特tè来lái相xiāng访fǎng。」统tǒng出chū迎yíng接jiē，见jiàn其qí人rén身shēn长cháng八bā尺chǐ，形xíng貌mào甚shèn伟wěi；头tóu发fà截jié短duǎn，披pī于yú颈jǐng上shàng；衣yī服fú不bú甚shèn齐qí整zhěng。统tǒng问wèn曰yuē：「先xiān生shēng何hé人rén也yě？」其qí人rén不bù答dá，迳jìng登dēng堂táng仰yǎng卧wò床chuáng上shàng。统tǒng甚shèn疑yí之zhī，再zài三sān请qǐng问wèn。其qí人rén曰yuē：「且qiě稍shāo停tíng，吾wú当dāng与yú汝rǔ说shuō知zhī天tiān下xià大dà事shì。

After the council, when P‘ang returned to his lodging, the doorkeeper told him that a visitor had arrived. When P‘ang went out to receive him he saw a huge tall fellow eight cubits in stature and of noble countenance. His hair had been cut short and hung upon his neck. He was poorly dressed. “Who may you be, master?” asked P‘ang. The visitor made no reply, but went at once straight up the room and lay upon the couch. P‘ang felt very suspicious of the man and repeated his question. Pressed again, the visitor said, “Do let me rest a little; then I will talk with you about everything in the world.” This answer only added to the mystery and increased the host’s suspicion, but he had wine and food brought in, of which the guest partook ravenously. Having eaten, he lay down and fell asleep.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-62

」统tǒng闻wén之zhī愈yù疑yí，命mìng左zuǒ右yòu进jìn酒jiǔ食shí。其qí人rén起qǐ而ér便biàn食shí，并bìng无wú谦qiān逊xùn；饮yǐn食shí甚shèn多duō，食shí罢bà又yòu睡shuì。统tǒng疑yí惑huò不bú定dìng，使shǐ人rén请qíng法fǎ正zhèng视shì之zhī，恐kǒng是shì细xì作zuò。法fǎ正zhèng慌huāng忙máng到dào来lái。统tǒng出chū迎yíng接jiē，谓wèi正zhèng曰yuē：「有yǒu一yī人rén如rú此cǐ如rú此cǐ。」法fǎ正zhèng曰yuē：「莫mò非fēi彭péng永yǒng言yán乎hū？」升shēng阶jiē视shì之zhī。其qí人rén跃yuè起qǐ曰yuē：「孝xiào直zhí别bié来lái无wú恙yàng？」正zhèng是shì：

P‘ang was greatly puzzled and thought the man must be a spy. He sent for Fa Chêng, met him in the courtyard and told him about the strange visitor. “Surely it can be no other than P'êng Jung-yen,” said Fa. He went inside and looked. Immediately the visitor jumped up saying, “I hope you have been well since we parted last.” Because two old friends meet again, A river’s fatal flood is checked. The next chapter will explain who the stranger was.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

62-63

只zhǐ为wèi川chuān人rén逢féng旧jiù识shí，遂suì令lìng涪fú水shuǐ息xī洪hóng流liú。

Only because the Shu folk met a friend of old, The surging flood at Fu waters was at last controlled.

GLM · 2026 · machine-generated

62-64

毕bì竟jìng此cǐ人rén是shì谁shuí，且qiě看kàn下xià文wén分fēn解jiě。

But the sequel must be told in the next chapter.

GLM · 2026 · machine-generated