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楊奉Yang Feng recognized the voice of 李樂Li Yue and said,
"This is only the cohort(패거리) of 李樂Li Yue!"
He bade 徐晃Xu Huang go out to fight him. 徐晃Xu Huang went and in the first bout the traitor fell. The White Wave rebels scattered.
The travelers got safely through 箕關Gu Pass. Here the Governor of Henei河內太守,張揚Zhang Yang, supplied them plentifully with food and other necessaries and escorted the Emperor. For his timely help, the Emperor conferred upon 張揚Zhang Yang the rank of a Regent General大司馬. 楊奉Yang Feng moved his army to the northeast of Luoyang and camped at 野王Yewang.
Capital Luoyang was presently entered. Within the walls all was destruction. The palaces and halls had been burned, the streets were overgrown with grass and brambles and obstructed by heaps of ruins. The palaces and courts were represented by broken roofs and toppling walls. A small "palace" however was soon built, and therein the officers of court presented their congratulations, standing in the open air among thorn bushes and brambles. The reign style was changed from 興平Prosperous Stability to 建安Rebuilt Tranquillity, the first year (AD 196).
The year was grievous with famine. The Luoyang people, even reduced in numbers as they were to a few hundred families, had not enough to eat and they prowled about stripping the bark off trees and grubbing up the roots of plants to satisfy their starving hunger. Officers of the government of all but the highest ranks went out into the country to gather fuel. Many people were crushed by the falling walls of burned houses. At no time during the decadence of Han did misery press harder than at this period.
A poem written in pity for the sufferings of that time says:
Mortally wounded, the white serpent poured forth its life blood at 芒碭Mangdang Hills;
Blood-red pennons적치 赤幟 [붉은 깃발] of war waved then in every quarter,
Chieftain with chieftain strove and raided each other's borders,
Midst the turmoil and strife the Kingship even was threatened.
Wickedness stalks in a country when the King is a weakling,
Brigandage always is rife, when a dynasty's failing,
Had one a heart of iron, wholly devoid of feeling,
Yet would one surely grieve at the sight of such desolation.
Imperial Guardian 楊彪Yang Biao memorialized the Throne, saying,
"The decree issued to me some time ago has never been acted upon. Now 曹操Cao Cao is very strong in the 山東Shandong Mountains, and it would be well to associate him in the government that he might support the ruling house."
The Emperor replied,
"There was no need to refer to the matter again. Send a messenger when you will."
So the decree went forth and a messenger bore it into the 山東Shandong Mountains.
Now when 曹操Cao Cao had heard that the court had returned to Capital Luoyang, he called together his advisers to consult.
荀彧Xun Yu laid the matter before 曹操Cao Cao and the council thus:
"Eight hundred years ago, 文公Duke Wen of 晉Jin supported 襄王Prince Xiang of the declining 周Zhou Dynasty, and all the feudal lords backed 文公Duke Wen. The Founder of 漢Hans, 高祖Liu Bang, won the popular favor by wearing mourning for Emperor 義帝Yi of Chu. Now Emperor Xian今天子 has been a fugitive on the dusty roads蒙塵. To take the lead in offering an army to restore him to honor is to have an unrivaled opportunity to win universal regard. But you must act quickly, or someone will get in before you!"
曹操Cao Cao understood and at once prepared his army to move. Just at this moment an imperial messenger was announced with the very command 曹操Cao Cao wanted, and 曹操Cao Cao immediately set out.
At Luoyang everything was desolate. The walls had fallen, and there were no means of rebuilding them, while rumors and reports of 李傕Li Jue coming and 郭汜Guo Si kept up a state of constant anxiety.
The frightened Emperor spoke with 楊奉Yang Feng, saying,
"What can be done? There is no answer from the East of Huashan山東, and our enemies are near!"
Then 楊奉Yang Feng and 韓暹Han Xian said,
"We, your ministers, will fight to the death for you!"
But 董承Dong Cheng said,
"The fortifications are weak and our military resources small, so that we cannot hope for victory, and what does defeat mean? I see nothing better to propose than a move into the East of Huashan Mountains."
The Emperor agreed to this, and the journey began without further preparation. There being few horses, the officers of the court had to march afoot. Hardly a bowshot outside the gate they saw a thick cloud of dust out of which came all the clash and clamor of an advancing army. The Emperor and his Consort were dumb with fear. Then appeared a horseman; he was the messenger returning from the East of Huashan Mountains.
He rode up to the chariot, made an obeisance, and said,
"General 曹操Cao Cao, as commanded, is coming with all the military force of the East of Huashan; but hearing that 李傕Li Jue and 郭汜Guo Si had again approached the capital, he has sent 夏侯惇Xiahou Dun in advance. With 夏侯惇Xiahou Dun are ten capable leaders and fifty thousand cavalry. They will guard Your Majesty."
All fear was swept away. Soon after 夏侯惇Xiahou Dun and his staff arrived. 夏侯惇Xiahou Dun, 許褚Xu Chu, and 典韋Dian Wei were presented to the Emperor, who graciously addressed them. Then one came to say a large army was approaching from the east, and at the Emperor's command 夏侯惇Xiahou Dun went to ascertain who these were. He soon returned saying they were 曹操Cao Cao's infantry.
In a short time 曹洪Cao Hong, 李典Li Dian, and 樂進Yue Jing came to the imperial chariot and their names having been duly communicated.
曹洪Cao Hong said,
"When my brother, 曹操Cao Cao, heard of the approach of the rebels, he feared that the advance guard he had sent might be too weak, so he sent me to march quickly for reinforcement."
"General 曹操Cao Cao is indeed a trusty servant!" said the Emperor.
Orders were given to advance, 曹洪Cao Hong leading the escort. By and by scouts came to say that the rebels were coming up very quickly. The Emperor bade 夏侯惇Xiahou Dun divide his force into two parts to oppose them. 夏侯惇Xiahou Dun and 曹洪Cao Hong's armies threw out two wings with cavalry in front and foot behind. They attacked with vigor and beat off 李傕Li Jue and 郭汜Guo Si's cohorts with a severe loss of ten thousand. Then 夏侯惇Xiahou Dun and 曹洪Cao Hong begged the Emperor to return to Luoyang, and夏侯惇 Xiahou Dun guarded the city.
Next day 曹操Cao Cao came with his great army, and having got them duly camped he went into the city to audience알현. He knelt at the foot of the steps, but was called up hither to stand beside the Emperor and be thanked.
曹操Cao Cao replied,
"Having been the recipient of great bounty, thy servant owes the state much gratitude. The measure of evil of the two rebels is full, but I have two hundred thousand of good soldiers to oppose them, and those soldiers are fully equal to securing the safety of Your Majesty and the Throne. The preservation of the state sacrifice is the matter of real moment."
High honors were conferred on 曹操Cao Cao. He was appointed 司隸校尉,假節鉞,錄尚書事Commander of Capital District, Minister of War, and granted Military Insignia.
The two rebels, 李傕Li Jue and 郭汜Guo Si, wished to attack 曹操Cao Cao's army while fatigued from its long march.
But their adviser, 賈詡Jia Xu, opposed this, saying,
"There was no hope of victory. He has both strong soldiers and brave leaders. Submission may bring us amnesty."
李傕Li Jue was angry at the suggestion, crying,
"Do you wish to dishearten the army?"
And he drew his sword on 賈詡Jia Xu. But the other officers interceded and saved the adviser. That same night 賈詡Jia Xu stole out of the camp and, quite alone, took his way home to his native village.
Soon the rebels decided to offer battle. In reply, 曹操Cao Cao sent out 許褚Xu Chu, 曹仁Cao Ren, and 典韋Dian Wei with three hundred horse. These three leaders dashed into the rebels army but quickly retired. This maneuver was repeated, and again repeated before the real battle array was formed.
Then 李暹섬Li Xian and 李別Li Bie, nephews of 李傕Li Jue, rode out. At once from 曹操Cao Cao's side dashed out 許褚Xu Chu and cut down 李暹Li Xian. 李別Li Bie was so startled that he fell out of the saddle. He too was slain. The victor 許褚Xu Chu rode back to his own side with the two heads.
When 許褚Xu Chu offered them to the chief, 曹操Cao Cao patted him on the back, crying,
"You are really my 樊噲Fan Kuai!"
Next a general move forward was made, 夏侯惇Xiahou Dun and 曹仁Cao Ren leading the two wings and 曹操Cao Cao in the center. They advanced to the roll of the drum. The rebels fell back before them and presently fled. They pursued, 曹操Cao Cao himself leading, sword in hand. The slaughter went on till night. Ten thousands were killed and many more surrendered. 李傕Li Jue and 郭汜Guo Si went west, flying in panic like dogs from a falling house. Having no place of refuge they took to the hills and hid among the brushwood.
曹操Cao Cao's army returned and camped again near the capital.
Then 楊奉Yang Feng and 韓暹Han Xian said one to another,
"This 曹操Cao Cao has done a great service, and he will be the man in power. There will be no place for us."
So they represented to the Emperor that they wished to pursue the rebels, and under this excuse withdrew their army and camped at 大梁Daliang.
One day the Emperor sent to summon 曹操Cao Cao to audience알현. The messenger was called in. 曹操Cao Cao noticed that the messenger looked remarkably well and could not understand it seeing that everyone else looked hungry and famine stricken.
So 曹操Cao Cao said,
"You look plump and well, Sir, how do you manage it?"
"Only this: I have lived meager(poor) for thirty years."
曹操Cao Cao nodded,
"What office do you hold?"
"I am a graduate recommended for filial piety and honesty. I had offices under 袁紹Yuan Shao and 張揚Zhang Yang, but came here when the Emperor returned. Now I am one of the secretaries正議郎. I am a native of 定陶Dingtao, and my name is 董昭Dong Zhao."
曹操Cao Cao got up from his place and crossed over, saying,
"I have heard of you. How happy I am to meet you!"
Then wine was brought into the tent, and 荀彧Xun Yu was called in and introduced. While they were talking, a man came in to report that a party was moving eastward. 曹操Cao Cao ordered to find out whose people these were, but 董昭Dong Zhao knew at once.
"They are old leaders under the rebels, Yang Feng and the White Wave General Han Xian. They are running off because you have come, Illustrious Sir!"
"Do they mistrust me?" said 曹操Cao Cao.
"They are not worthy of your attention. They are a poor lot떼."
"What of this departure of 李傕Li Jue and 郭汜Guo Si?"
"Tigers without claws, birds without wings, they will not escape you very long. They are not worth thinking about."
曹操Cao Cao saw that he and his guest had much in common, so he began to talk of affairs of state.
Said 董昭Dong Zhao,
"You, Illustrious Sir明公, with your noble army have swept away rebellion and have become the mainstay of the Throne, an achievement worthy of the ancient Five Protectors五伯. But the officials will look at it in very different ways and not all favorably to you. I think you would not be wise to remain here, and I advise a change of capital to 許都Xuchang. However, it must be remembered that the restoration of the capital has been published far and wide and the attention of all the people is concentrated on Luoyang, hoping for a period of rest and tranquillity. Another move will displease many. However, the performance of extraordinary deed may mean the acquisition of extraordinary merit. It is for you to decide."
"Exactly my own inclination성향!" said 曹操Cao Cao, seizing his guest's hand. "But are there not dangers? 楊奉Yang Feng at 大梁Daliang and the court officials!"
"That is easily managed. Write to 楊奉Yang Feng and set his mind at rest. Then say to the high officials plainly that there is no food in the capital here, and so you are going to another place where there is, and where there is no danger of scarcity. When they hear it, they will approve."
曹操Cao Cao had now decided; and as his guest took leave, 曹操Cao Cao seized his hands once more, saying,
"I shall need your advice in future affairs."
董昭Dong Zhao thanked and left. Thereafter 曹操Cao Cao and his advisers secretly discussed the change of capital.
Now Court Counselor 王立Wang Li, who was an astrologer, said to 劉艾Liu Cai, Royal Clan Recorder宗正,
"I have been studying the stars. Since last spring Venus has been nearing the 鎮星Guard star in the neighborhood of the Measure and the Cowherd (the Great Bear and Vega) crossing the River of Heaven天津. Mars has been retrograding역행 and came into conjunction with Venus in the Gate of Heaven天關, so that metal (Venus) and fire (Mars) are mingled. Therefore must emerge a new ruler. The aura기운 of the Hans is exhausted, and the ancient states of 晉Jin and 魏Wei must increase."
A secret memorial was presented to the Emperor, saying:
"The Mandate of Heaven天命 has its course, and the five elements五行, metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, are out of proportion조화. Earth土 attacking fire is Wei attacking Han, and the successor to the empire of Han is in 魏Wei."
曹操Cao Cao heard of these sayings and memorials and sent a man to the astrologer王立 to say,
"Your loyalty is well known, but the ways of Heaven are past finding out深遠. The less said the better."
Then 曹操Cao Cao discussed with 荀彧Xun Yu.
The adviser expounded the meaning thus:
"The virtue of Han was fire; your element is earth. 許昌Xuchang is under the influence of earth, and so your fortune depends on getting there. Fire can overcome earth, as earth can multiply wood. 董昭Dong Zhao and 王立Wang Li agree, and you have only to hide your time."
So 曹操Cao Cao made up his mind.
Next day at court he said,
"Luoyang is deserted and cannot be restored, nor can it be supplied easily with food. 許昌Xuchang is a noble city, resourceful and close to 魯陽Luyang, which is a grain basin. It is everything that a capital should be. I venture to request that the court move thither."
The Emperor dared not oppose and the officials were too overawed to have any independent opinion, so they chose a day to set out. 曹操Cao Cao commanded the escort, and the officials all followed. When they had traveled a few stages, they saw before them a high mound and from behind this there arose the beating of drums.
Then 楊奉Yang Feng and 韓暹Han Xian came out and barred the way. In front of all stood 徐晃Xu Huang, who shouted, "曹操Cao Cao is stealing away the Emperor!"
曹操Cao Cao rode out and took a good look at this man. He seemed a fine fellow; and in his secret soul 曹操Cao Cao greatly admired him, although he was an enemy. Then 曹操Cao Cao ordered 許褚Xu Chu to go and fight 徐晃Xu Huang. The combat was battle-ax against broadsword, and the two men fought more than half a hundred bouts without advantage to either side. 曹操Cao Cao then beat the gongs and drew off his troops.
In the camp a council was called. 曹操Cao Cao said,
"The two rebels themselves need not be discussed; but 徐晃Xu Huang is a fine general, and I was unwilling to use any great force against him. I want to win him over to our side."
Then stepped out 滿寵Man Chong, replying,
"Do not let that trouble you. I will have a word with him. I shall disguise myself as a soldier this evening and steal over to the enemy's camp to talk to him. I shall incline his heart toward you."
That night 滿寵Man Chong, duly disguised, got over to the other side and made his way to the tent of 徐晃Xu Huang, who sat there by the light of a candle. 徐晃Xu Huang was still wearing his coat of mail갑옷.
Suddenly 滿寵Man Chong ran out in front and saluted, saying,
"You have been well since we parted, old friend?"
徐晃Xu Huang jumped up in surprise, gazed into the face of the speaker a long time, and presently said,
"What! You are 滿寵Man Chong of Shanyang? What are you doing here?"
"I am an officer in General 曹操Cao Cao's army. Seeing my old friend out in front of the army today, I wanted to say a word to him. So I took the risk of stealing in this evening, and here I am."
徐晃Xu Huang invited 滿寵Man Chong in, and they sat down.
Then said 滿寵Man Chong,
"There are very few as bold as you on earth. Why then do you serve such as your present chiefs, 楊奉Yang Feng and 韓暹Han Xian? My master is the most prominent man in the world, a man who delights in wise people and appreciates soldiers as everyone knows. Your valor today won his entire admiration, and so he took care that the attack was not vigorous enough to sacrifice you. Now he has sent me to invite you to join him. Will you not leave darkness for light and help him in his magnificent task?"
徐晃Xu Huang sat a long time pondering over the offer.
Then he said, with a sigh,
"I know my masters are doomed to failure, but I have followed their fortunes a long time and do not like to leave them."
"But you know the prudent bird selects its tree, and the wise servant chooses his master. When one meets a worthy master and lets him go, one is very reckless."
"I am willing to do what you say," said 徐晃Xu Huang, rising.
"Why not put these two to death as an introductory gift?" said 滿寵Man Chong.
"It is very wrong for a servant to slay his master. I will not do that."
"True. You are really a good man."
Then 徐晃Xu Huang, taking only a few horsemen of his own men with him, left that night and deserted to 曹操Cao Cao. Soon someone took the news to 楊奉Yang Feng, who at the head of a thousand strong horsemen, set out to capture the deserter.
As they drew close, 楊奉Yang Feng called out,
"Betrayer! Stop there!"
But 楊奉Yang Feng fell into an ambush. Suddenly the whole mountain side was lit up with torches and out sprang 曹操Cao Cao's troops, he himself being in command.
"I have been waiting here a long time. Do not run away!" cried 曹操Cao Cao.
楊奉Yang Feng was completely surprised and tried to draw off, but was quickly surrounded. Then 韓暹Han Xian came to his rescue, and a confused battle began. 楊奉Yang Feng succeeded in escaping, while 曹操Cao Cao kept up the attack on the two disordered armies. A great number of the rebels gave in, and the leaders found they had too few men left to maintain their independence, so they betook themselves to 袁術Yuan Shu.
When 曹操Cao Cao returned to camp, the newly surrendered general徐晃 was presented and well received. Then again the cavalcade set out for the new capital. In due time they reached 許昌Xuchang, and they built palaces and halls, an ancestral temple and an altar, terraces and public offices. The walls were repaired, storehouses built and all put in order.
Then came the rewards for 曹操Cao Cao's adherents and others. 董承Dong Cheng and thirteen others were raised to rank of lordship列侯. All good service was rewarded; certain others again, who deserved it, were punished, all according to 曹操Cao Cao's sole decision.
曹操Cao Cao made himself Prime Minister, Regent Marshal, and Lord of Wuping武平侯. 荀彧Xun Yu was made Imperial Counselor and Chair of the Secretariat侍中尚書令; 荀攸Xun You, Minister of War軍師; 郭嘉Guo Jia, Minister of Rites and Religion司馬祭酒; 劉曄Liu Ye, Minister of Works司空掾曹; 毛玠Mao Jie, Minister of Agriculture典農中郎將, and together with 任峻Ren Jun, they were put over the supervision of military farms and stores. 程昱Cheng Yu was appointed Lord of Dongping東平相; 董昭Dong Zhao, Magistrate of Luoyang洛陽令; 滿寵Man Chong, Magistrate of Xuchang許都令. 夏侯惇Xiahou Dun, 夏侯淵Xiahou Yuan, 曹仁Cao Ren, 曹仁Cao Hong, 呂虔Lu Qian, 李典Li Dian, 樂進Yue Jing, 于禁Yu Jin, and 徐晃Xu Huang were made Commanders; 許褚Xu Chu and 典韋Dian Wei, Commanders of Capital District都尉. All good service received full recognition.
曹操Cao Cao was then the one man of the court. All memorials大務 went first to him and were then submitted to the Throne.
When state matters were in order, 曹操Cao Cao gave a great banquet in his private quarters to all his advisers, and affairs outside the capital were the subject of discussion.
Then 曹操Cao Cao said,
"劉備Liu Bei has his army at 徐州Xuzhou, and he carries on the administration of the region. 呂布Lu Bu fled to 劉備Liu Bei when defeated, and 劉備Liu Bei gave Lu Bu 小沛Xiaopei to live in. If these two agreed to join forces and attack, my position would be most serious. What precautions can be taken?"
Then rose 許褚Xu Chu, saying,
"Give me fifty thousand of picked soldiers, and I will give the Prime Minister both their heads!" 荀彧Xun Yu said,
"O Leader, you are brave, but we must consider the present circumstance. We cannot start a sudden war just as the capital has been changed. However, there is a certain ruse known as 'Rival Tigers and One Prey'. 劉備Liu Bei has no decree authorizing him to govern the region. You, Sir Prime Minister, can procure(손에 넣다) one for him, and when sending it, and so conferring upon him the right in addition to his might, you can enclose a private note telling him to get rid of 呂布Lu Bu. If he does, then he will have lost a vigorous warrior from his side, and he could be dealt with as occasions serve. Should he fail, then 呂布Lu Bu will slay him. This is the 'Rival Tigers and One Prey' ruse(책략): They wrangle and bite each other."
曹操Cao Cao agreed that this was a good plan, so he memorialized for the formal appointment, which he sent to 劉備Liu Bei. 劉備Liu Bei was created General Who Conquers the East征東將軍, Lord of Yicheng宜城亭侯, and Imperial Protector of 徐州Xuzhou as well. At the same time a private note was enclosed.
In 徐州Xuzhou, when 劉備Liu Bei heard of the change of capital, he began to prepare a congratulatory address. In the midst of this an imperial messenger was announced and was met which all ceremony outside the gate. When the epistle had been reverently received, a banquet was prepared for the messenger.
The messenger said,
"This decree was obtained for you by Prime Minister 曹操Cao Cao."
劉備Liu Bei thanked him. Then the messenger drew forth his secret letter.
After reading it, 劉備Liu Bei said,
"This matter can be easily arranged."
The banquet over and the messenger conducted to his lodging to seek repose. 劉備Liu Bei, before going to rest, called in his councilors to consider the letter.
"There need be no compunction about putting him to death," said Zhang Fei. "呂布Lu Bu is a bad man."
"But he came to me for protection in his weakness: How can I put him to death? That would be immoral," said 劉備Liu Bei.
"If he was a good man, it would be difficult," replied 張飛Zhang Fei.
劉備Liu Bei would not consent.
Next day, when 呂布Lu Bu came to offer congratulations, he was received as usual. He said,
"I have come to felicitate you on the receipt of the imperial bounty."
劉備Liu Bei thanked him in due form. But then he saw 張飛Zhang Fei draw his sword and come up the hall as if to slay 呂布Lu Bu. 劉備Liu Bei hastily interfered and stopped 張飛Zhang Fei.
呂布Lu Bu was surprised and said,
"Why do you wish to slay me, 張飛Zhang Fei?"
"曹操Cao Cao says you are immoral and tells my brother to kill you," shouted 張飛Zhang Fei.
劉備Liu Bei shouted again and again to 張飛Zhang Fei to go away, and he led 呂布Lu Bu into the private apartments out of the way. Then he told 呂布Lu Bu the whole story and showed him the secret letter.
呂布Lu Bu wept as he finished reading,
"This is that miscreant's scheme for sowing discord between us."
"Be not anxious, elder brother," said 劉備Liu Bei. "I pledge myself not to be guilty of such an infamous crime."
呂布Lu Bu again and again expressed his gratitude, and 劉備Liu Bei kept him for a time. They remained talking and drinking wine till late.
Asked 關羽Guan Yu and 張飛Zhang Fei later, "Why not kill him?"
劉備Liu Bei said,
"Because 曹操Cao Cao fears that 呂布Lu Bu and I may attack him, he is trying to separate us and get us to swallow each other, while he steps in and takes the advantage. Is there any other reason?"
關羽Guan Yu nodded assent, but 張飛Zhang Fei said,
"I want to get him out of the way, lest he would trouble us later."
"That is not what a noble man should do," said his elder brother.
Soon the messenger was dismissed and returned to the capital with a the reply from 劉備Liu Bei. The letter only said the instruction would take time to plan and implement. But the messenger, when he saw 曹操Cao Cao, told him the story of 劉備Liu Bei's pledge to 呂布Lu Bu.
Then said 曹操Cao Cao, "The plan has failed. What next?" 荀彧Xun Yu replied,
"I have another trick called 'Tiger against Wolf' in which the tiger is made to gobble up the wolf."
"Let us hear it," said 曹操Cao Cao.
"Send to 袁術Yuan Shu to say that 劉備Liu Bei has sent up a secret memorial to the Throne that he wishes to subdue the southern regions around the Huai River. 袁術Yuan Shu will be angry and attack him. Then you will order 劉備Liu Bei to dispose of 袁術Yuan Shu and so set them destroying each other. 呂布Lu Bu will certainly think that is his chance and turn traitor. This is the 'Tiger against Wolf' trick구호탄랑지계 驅虎吞狼之計."
曹操Cao Cao thought this good and sent the messenger and also sent a false edict to 劉備Liu Bei. When this came, the messenger was received with all the ceremonies, and the edict ordered the capture of 袁術Yuan Shu. After the departure of the bearer, 劉備Liu Bei called 糜竺Mi Zhu who pronounced it a ruse.
"It may be," said 劉備Liu Bei, "but the royal command is not to be disobeyed."
So the army was prepared and the day fixed.
孫乾Sun Qian said, "A trusty man must be left on guard of the city."
And 劉備Liu Bei asked which of his brothers would undertake this task.
"I will guard the city," said 關羽Guan Yu.
"I am constantly in need of your advice, so how can we part?" said 劉備Liu Bei.
"I will guard the city," said 張飛Zhang Fei.
"You will fail," said 劉備Liu Bei. "After one of your drinking bouts, you will get savage and flog the soldiers. Beside you are rash and will not listen to anyone's advice. I shall be uneasy all the time."
"Henceforth I will drink no more wine, I will not beat the soldiers, and I will always listen to advice," said 張飛Zhang Fei.
"I fear the mouth does not correspond to the heart," said 糜竺Mi Zhu.
"I have followed my elder brother these many years and never broken faith. Why should you be contemptuous?" said 張飛Zhang Fei. 劉備Liu Bei said,
"Though you say this, I do not feel quite satisfied. I will order Adviser 陳登Chen Deng to help you and keep you sober. Then you will not make any mistake."
陳登Chen Deng was willing to undertake this duty, and the final orders were given. The army of thirty thousand, horse and foot, left 徐州Xuzhou and marched toward 南陽Nanyang.
When 袁術Yuan Shu heard that a memorial had been presented proposing to take possession of his territories, he broke out into abuse of 劉備Liu Bei.
"You, weaver of mats! You plaiter of straw shoes! You have been smart enough to get possession of a large region and elbow your way into the ranks of the nobles. I was just going to attack you, and now you dare to scheme against me! How I detest you!"
So 袁術Yuan Shu at once gave orders to prepare an army of one hundred thousand, under 紀靈Ji Ling, to attack 徐州Xuzhou. The two armies met at 盱眙우이Xuyi, where 劉備Liu Bei was encamped in a plain with hills behind and a stream on his flank, for his army was small.
紀靈Ji Ling was a native of the East of Huashan Mountains山東. He used a very heavy three-edged sword.
After he had made his camp, he rode out and began abusing his opponents, shouting,
"劉備Liu Bei, you rustic bumpkin시골뜨기, how dare you invade this land?"
"I have a decree ordering me to destroy the Governor who behaves improperly. If you oppose, you will be assuredly punished," replied 劉備Liu Bei.
紀靈Ji Ling angrily rode out brandishing his weapon.
But 關羽Guan Yu cried,
"Fool, do not attempt to fight!" And 關羽Guan Yu rode out to meet him. Then they two fought and after thirty bouts neither had an advantage. Then 紀靈Ji Ling cried out for a rest. So 關羽Guan Yu turned his horse away, rode back to his own array and waited for 紀靈Ji Ling.
When the moment came to renew the combat, 紀靈Ji Ling sent out one of his officers, 荀正Xun Zheng, to take his place. But 關羽Guan Yu said,
"Tell 紀靈Ji Ling to come. I must settle with him who shall be tiger and who shall be deer!"
"You, a reputationless leader and unworthy to fight with our general!" replied 荀正Xun Zheng.
This reply angered 關羽Guan Yu, who made just one attack on 荀正Xun Zheng and brought him to the ground. At this success 劉備Liu Bei urged on the army, and 紀靈Ji Ling's troops were defeated.
They retired to the mouth of River 淮화陰Huaiyin and declined all challenges. However, many of their troops were sent into 劉備Liu Bei's camp for harassment, and many of them were slain. The two armies thus stood facing each other.
In 徐州Xuzhou, after 劉備Liu Bei had started on his expedition, 張飛Zhang Fei placed his colleague and helper, 陳登Chen Deng, in charge of the administration of the region, keeping military affairs under his own supervision. After thinking over the matter or some time, he gave a banquet to all the military officers.
When they were all seated, he made a speech:
"Before my brother left, he bade me keep clear of the wine cup for fear of accidents. Now, gentlemen, you may drink deep today. But from tomorrow wine is forbidden, for we must keep the city safe. So take your fill."
And with this he and all his guests rose to drink together.
The wine bearer came to 曹豹Cao Bao who declined it, saying,
"I never drink as I am forbidden by religion."
"What! A fighting man does not drink wine!" said the host. "I want you to take just one cup."
曹豹Cao Bao was afraid to offend, so he drank.
Now 張飛Zhang Fei drank huge goblets with all his guests on every hand and so swallowed a huge quantity of liquor. He became quite intoxicated. Yet he would drink more and insisted on a cup with every guest. It came to the turn of 曹豹Cao Bao who declined.
"Really, I cannot drink," said 曹豹Cao Bao.
"You drank just now: Why refuse this time?"
張飛Zhang Fei pressed him, but still 曹豹Cao Bao resisted.
Then 張飛Zhang Fei in his drunken madness lost control of his temper and said,
"If you disobey the orders of your general, you shall be beaten one hundred strokes!"
And he called in his guards.
Here 陳登Chen Deng interfered, saying,
"Do you remember the strict injunctions of your brother before he left?"
"You civilians attend to your civil business and leave us alone," said 張飛Zhang Fei.
The only way of escape for the guest was to beg remission, and 曹豹Cao Bao did so, saying,
"Sir, if you saw my son-in-law's face, you would pardon me."
"Who is your son-in-law?"
"呂布Lu Bu."
"I did not mean to have you really beaten; but if you think to frighten me with 呂布Lu Bu, I will! I will beat you as if I were beating him!" said 張飛Zhang Fei.
The guests interposed중재하다 to beg him off, but their drunken host was stubborn, and the unhappy guest received fifty blows. Then at the earnest prayers of the others the remainder of the punishment was remitted.
The banquet came to an end, and the beaten 曹豹Cao Bao went away burning with resentment. That night he sent a letter to 小沛Xiaopei relating the insults he had received from 張飛Zhang Fei. The letter told 呂布Lu Bu of 劉備Liu Bei's absence and proposed that a sudden raid should be made that very night before 張飛Zhang Fei had recovered from his drunken fit. 呂布Lu Bu at once summoned 陳宮Chen Gong and told him.
"小沛Xiaopei is only a place to occupy temporarily," said 陳宮Chen Gong. "If you can seize 徐州Xuzhou, do so. It is a good chance."
呂布Lu Bu got ready at once and soon on the way with five hundred cavalrymen, ordering 陳宮Chen Gong and 高順Gao Shun to follow him with the main body.
小沛Xiaopei being only about fifteen miles away, 呂布Lu Bu was under the walls at the fourth watch. It was clear moonlight. No one on the ramparts성벽 saw him.
呂布Lu Bu came up close to the wall and called out,
"劉備Liu Bei's secret messenger has arrived!"
The guards on the wall were 曹豹Cao Bao's people, and they called him. 曹豹Cao Bao came, and when he saw who was there, he ordered the gates to be opened. 呂布Lu Bu gave the secret signal, and the soldiers entered shouting.
張飛Zhang Fei was in his apartment sleeping off the fumes of wine. His servants hastened to arouse him and told him an enemy had got the gates open. They said,
"呂布Lu Bu got in, and there is fighting in the city!"
張飛Zhang Fei savagely got into his armor and laid hold of his mighty serpent halberd. But as he was mounting his horse at the gate, the attacking soldiers came up. He rushed at them but being still half intoxicated made but a poor fight. 呂布Lu Bu knowing 張飛Zhang Fei's prowess용맹 did not press him hard, and 張飛Zhang Fei made his way, with eighteen leading guards of 燕Yan, to the east gate, and there went out, leaving 劉備Liu Bei's family to their fate.
曹豹Cao Bao, seeing 張飛Zhang Fei had but a very small force and was still half drunk as well, came in pursuit. 張飛Zhang Fei saw who it was and was mad with rage. He galloped toward 曹豹Cao Bao and drove him off after a few passes. He followed 曹豹Cao Bao to the moat해자 and wounded him in the back. 曹豹Cao Bao's frightened steed carried its master into the moat, and he was drowned.
Once well outside the city 張飛Zhang Fei collected his troops, and they rode off toward the south direction.
呂布Lu Bu having surprised the city set himself to restore order. He put guards over the residence of 劉備Liu Bei so that no one should disturb the family.
張飛Zhang Fei with his few followers went to his brother's camp at 盱眙Xuyi and told his story of treachery and surprise. All were greatly distressed.
"Success is not worth rejoicing; failure is not worth grieving," said 劉備Liu Bei with a sigh.
"Where are our sisters?" asked 關羽Guan Yu.
"They shared the fate of the city."
劉備Liu Bei nodded his head and was silent.
關羽Guan Yu with an effort controlled his reproaches and said,
"What did you say when you promised to guard the city, and what orders did our brother give you? Now the city is lost and therewith our sisters-in-law. Have you done well?"
張飛Zhang Fei was overwhelmed by remorse. He drew his sword to kill himself.
He raised the cup in pledge,
None might say nay;
Remorseful, drew the sword,
Himself to slay.
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