Yuan Shao And Cao Cao Both Take The Field;
Guan Yu And Zhang Fei Captures Two Generals.
This was the plan Chen Deng proposed to Liu Bei, “Yuan Shao is Cao Cao's terror. He is strongly posted in an extensive territory of four regions——Jizhou, Qingzhou, Youzhou, and Bingzhou——with one million fighting soldiers and numerous able officers. Write letters and pray him rescue you.”
Liu Bei replied, “But we have never had any dealings with each other, and he is unlikely to do such a thing for a person who has just destroyed his brother.”
“there is someone here whose family have been on intimate terms with the Yuans for a hundred years. Yuan Shao would surely come, if he wrote.”
“And who is this?”
“A man you know well and respect GREatly. Can you not guess?”
“You surely mean Zheng Xuan,” said Liu Bei suddenly.
“That is he,” said Chen Deng smiling.
Now Zheng Xuan was a student and a man of GREat talent, who had long studied under the famed teacher Ma Rong, whose knowledge of the Book of Odes was universally recognized. Whenever Ma Rong lectured, he let fall a curtain behind which were a circle of singing girls. The students were assembled in front of this curtain. Zheng Xuan attended these lectures for three years and never once let his eyes wander to the curtain.
Naturally the master admired his pupil. After Zheng Xuan had finished his studies and gone home, Ma Rong praised him to the others, saying, “Only one man has penetrated1 the inner meaning of my instructions, and that one is Zheng Xuan.”
In Zheng Xuan's household, the waiting maids were familiar with the Book of Odes. Once one of the maids opposed Zheng Xuan's wishes, so as punishment she was made to kneel in front of the steps. Another girl made fun of her, quoting from an ode:
[hip2, hip, hip]“What are you doing there in the mire?”[yip, yip, yip]
the kneeling girl capped the verse from another ode, quoted she:
[hip, hip, hip]“That was but a simple word I said, Yet brought it wrath3 upon my head.”[yip, yip, yip]
Such was the family in which Zheng Xuan had been born. In the reign4 of the Emperor Huan, he rose to the rank of Chair of the Secretariat. But when the Ten Eunuchs began to control the government, he gave up office and retired5 into the country to Xuzhou. Liu Bei had known him before, had consulted him on many occasions, and GREatly respected him.
Liu Bei was glad that he had remembered this man, and without loss of time, in company with Chen Deng, he went to Zheng Xuan's house to ask him to draft this letter, which Zheng Xuan generously consented to do.
Sun Qian was entrusted6 with the task of delivery and set out at once. Yuan Shao read it and considered the matter long before speaking.
“Liu Bei destroyed my brother, and I ought not to help him, but out of consideration for the writer of this letter I must.”
thereupon Yuan Shao assembled his officers to consider an attack upon Cao Cao.
Adviser7 Tian Feng said, “Do not raise an army. the people are worn out, and the granaries are empty with these constant wars. Let us rather report the recent victory of Gongsun Zan to the Throne. If that does not reach the Emperor, then memorialize that Cao Cao is hindering the government. Then raise an army, occupy Liyang, assemble a Yellow River fleet in Henan, prepare weapons, send out your various divisions, and within three years you will win all round.”
Adviser Shen Pei replied, “I do not aGREe. the military genius of our illustrious lord having overcome the hordes9 of the north, to dispose of Cao Cao is as simple as turning one's hand. It is not a matter of months.”
Adviser Ju Shou said, “Victory is not always to the many. Cao Cao's discipline is excellent; his soldiers are brave and well drilled. He will not sit down quietly waiting to be surrounded as Gongsun Zan did. Now you abandon the intention to inform the Throne of our success, which I find a good plan, but you intend to send out an army without any valid11 excuse. Our lord should not do that.”
then followed adviser Guo Tu, saying, “You are wrong. No expedition against Cao Cao can lack excuse. But if our master would take the chance now offering itself of coming into his own, he will accede12 to the request in the letter of Zheng Xuan and ally himself with Liu Bei for the destruction of Cao Cao. This would win the approval of Heaven and the affections of the people, a double blessing13.”
Thus the four advisers14 differed and wrangled15, and Yuan Shao could not decide which to follow.
then there came two others, Xu You and Xun Shen, and, seeing them, Yuan Shao said, “You two have wide experience, how would you decide?”
the two made their obeisance16, and Yuan Shao said, “A letter from Zheng Xuan the Chair has arrived, counseling me to support Liu Bei in an attack on Cao Cao. Now am I to send an army or not send an army?”
they both cried with one voice, “Send! Your armies are numerous enough and strong enough. You will destroy a traitor17 and help the dynasty.”
“Your words just express my desire,” said Yuan Shao and thenceforward the discussion turned on the expedition.
First, Liu Bei's legate, Sun Qian, was sent back with Yuan Shao's consent and instructions for Liu Bei to make ready to cooperate. Second, Yuan Shao assigned Shen Pei and Peng Ji as Commanding Generals; Tian Feng, Xun Shen, and Xu You as Military Advisers; Yan Liang and Wen Chou as Generals. the army was to be composed of three hundred thousand, horse and foot in equal numbers. They were to march on Liyang.
When the arrangements were complete, Guo Tu went to his chief, saying, “In order to manifest the righteousness of your attack on Cao Cao, it would be well to issue a manifesto18 with a summary of his various crimes.”
Yuan Shao approved of this, and Chen Lin, well known as a scholar, was entrusted to compose such a document. Chen Lin had been the Court Secretary in the reign of the late Emperor Ling. When Dong Zhuo unseated Regent Marshal He Jin, Chen Lin sought safety in Jizhou. This is the manifesto:
“A perspicacious19 ruler wisely provides against political vicissitudes; a loyal minister carefully foresees the difficulties in the assertion of authority. Wherefore a person of unusual parts precedes an extraordinary situation, and of such a person the achievements will be extraordinary. For indeed the ordinary person is quite unequal to an extraordinary situation.
[e] Zhao Gao a court eunuch serving the First Emperor. Zhao Gao killed the eldest20 son and supported the second son for the throne after the First Emperor's death (BC 209)。 In the final days of Qin Dynasty, Zhao Gao killed the Second Emperor and placed the First Emperor's grandson on the throne (BC 206)……
[e] Zhou Bo was prime minister of Han Emperor Wen (BC 179-156)。 After Empress Lu died, Zhou Bo cooperated with Chen Ping and Liu Zhan to purge21 the Lu clan22. Ennobled as Lord of Jiang. ……
“In former days, after having gained ascendancy23 over a weakling emperor of the powerful Qin Dynasty, Prime Minister Zhao Gao* wielded24 the whole authority of the Throne, overruling the government. All dignity and fortune came through him, and his contemporaries were restrained so that none dared to speak openly. Slowly but surely evolved the tragedy of the Wangyi Palace, when the Emperor was slain25 and the Imperial Tablets perished in the flames. Zhao Gao, the author of these crimes, has ever since been held up to obloquy26 as the arch example of an evil doer.
“In the later days of Empress Lu of the Hans, after the death of the Supreme27 Ancestor, the world saw Lu Chan and Lu Lu, brothers of the Empress and fellows in wickedness, monopolizing28 the powers of government. Within the capital, they commanded two armies, and without they ruled the feudal29 states of Liang and Zhao. They arbitrarily controlled all state affairs and decided30 all questions in the council chamber31 and the court. This dominance of the base and declension of the noble continued till the hearts of the people GREw cold within them.
“thereupon Zhou Bo*, Lord of Jiang, and Liu Zhan, Lord of Zhuxu, asserted their dignity and let loose their wrath. They destroyed the contumacious32 ministers and restored their ruler to his royal state. Thus they enabled the kingly way to be reestablished and the glory to be manifested. Here are two instances where ministers asserted their authority.
“This Cao Cao, now Minister of Works, forsooth, had for ancestor a certain eunuch named Cao Teng, fitting companion of Xu Huan and Zuo Guan. All three were prodigies33 of wickedness and insatiably avaricious34 and, let loose on the world, they hindered ethical35 proGREss and preyed36 upon the populace. This Cao Teng begged for and adopted Cao Cao's father who, by wholesale37 bribery38, wagons39 of gold and cartloads of jewels presented at the gates of the influential40, contrived41 to sneak42 his way into considerable office where he could subvert43 authority. Thus Cao Cao is the depraved bantling of a monstrous44 excrescence, devoid45 of all virtue46 in himself, ferocious47 and cunning, delighting in disorder48 and reveling in public calamity49.
“Now I, Yuan Shao, a man of war, have mustered50 my armies and displayed my might that I may sweep away and destroy the evil opponents of government. I have already had to deal with Dong Zhuo, the ruffian who invaded the official circle and wrested51 the government. At that time I grasped my sword and beat the drums to restore order in the east. I assembled warriors52, selected the best, and took them into my service. In this matter I came into relations with this Cao Cao and conferred with him to further my scheme. I gave him command of a subordinate force and looked to him to render such petty service as he was equal to. I suffered his stupidities and condoned54 his shortcomings, his rash attacks and facile retreats, his losses and shameful55 defeats, his repeated destruction of whole armies. Again and again I sent him more troops and filled the gaps in his depleted56 ranks. I even addressed a memorial to the Throne for him to be appointed Imperial Protector of Yanzhou. I made him feel as he were a tiger. I added to his honors and increased his authority, hoping that eventually he would justify57 himself by a victory against Dong Zhuo such as Qin used Meng Ming against Jin.
“But Cao Cao availed himself of the opportunity to overstep all bounds, to give free rein58 to violence and evil. He stripped the common people, outraged59 the good, and injured the virtuous60. Bian Rang, Governor of Jiujiang, was a man of conspicuous61 talent and of world-wide reputation. He was honest in speech and correct in demeanor62. He spoke63 without flattery. Cao Cao put him to death and his head was exposed, and his family utterly64 destroyed. From that day to this scholars have deeply mourned, and popular resentment65 has steadily66 grown. One person raised his arm in anger, and the whole countryside followed him. Whereupon Cao Cao was smitten67 at Xuzhou, and his territory was snatched by Lu Bu. He fled eastward68 without shelter or refuge.
“My policy is a strong trunk and weak branches, a commanding central government and obedient feudal lords. Also I am no partisan69. therefore I again raised my banners, donned my armor, and moved forward to attack. My drums rolled for an assault on Lu Bu, and his multitudes incontinently fled. I saved Cao Cao from destruction and restored him to a position of authority. Wherein I must confess to showing no kindness to the people of Yanzhou, although it was a GREat matter for Cao Cao.
“Later it happened that the imperial cortege moved east, and a horde10 of rebels of Dong Zhuo's faction70 rose and attacked. The course of government was hindered. At that moment my territory was threatened from the north, and I could not leave it. Wherefore I sent one of my officers, Xu Xun, to Cao Cao to see to the repair of the dynastic temples and the protection of the youthful sovereign. Thereupon Cao Cao gave the rein to his inclinations71. He arbitrarily ordered the removal of the court to Xuchang. He brought shame upon the Ruling House and subverted73 the laws. He engrossed74 the chairmanship of the three highest offices and monopolized75 the control of the administration. Offices and rewards were conferred according to his will; punishment was at his word. He glorified76 whole families of those he loved; he exterminated77 whole clans78 of those he hated. Open critics were executed; secret opponents were assassinated79. Officials locked their lips; wayfarers80 only exchanged glances. Chairs of boards recorded levies81, and every government official held a sinecure82.
“the late Yang Biao, a man who had filled two of the highest offices of state as Chairs of two boards, because of some petty grudge83 was, though guiltless, charged with a crime. He was beaten and suffered every form of cruelty. This arbitrary and impulsive84 act was a flagrant disregard of constitutional rules.
“Another victim was the Counselor85 Zhao Yan. He was faithful in remonstrance86, honest in speech, endowed with the highest principles of rectitude. He was listened to at court. His words carried enough weight with the Emperor to cause him to modify his intention and confer reward for outspokenness87. Desirous of diverting all power into his own hands and stifle88 all criticism, Cao Cao presumed to arrest and put to death this censor89, in defiance90 of all legal procedures.
“Another evil deed was the destruction of the tomb of Prince Xiao of Liang, the brother of the late Emperor. His tomb should certainly have been respected, even its mulberries and sweetgum trees, its cypresses91 and its pines. Cao Cao led soldiers to the cemetery92 and stood by while it was desecrated93, the coffin94 destroyed and the poor corpse95 exposed. They stole the gold and jewels of the dead. This deed brought tears to the eyes of the Emperor and rent the hearts of all people. Cao Cao also appointed new offices——Commander Who Opens Grave Mounds96 and General Who Seeks for Gold——whose tracks were marked by desecrated graves and exhumed97 bodies. Indeed, while assuming the position of the highest officer of state, he indulged the inclination72 of a bandit, polluting the empire, oppressing the people, a bane to gods and humans.
“He added to this by setting up minute and vexatious prohibitions98 so that there were nets and snares99 spread in every pathway, traps and pitfalls100 laid in every road. A hand raised was caught in a net, a foot advanced was taken in an entanglement101. Wherefore the people of his regions, Yanzhou and Yuzhou, waxed desperate and the inhabitants of the metropolis102 groaned103 and murmured in anger.
[hip, hip, hip]“Read down the names through all the years, Of ministers that all people curse, For GREed and cruelty and lust8, Than Cao Cao you will not find a worse. [yip, yip, yip]
“I have investigated the cases of evil deeds in the regions, but I have been unable to reform him. I have given him repeated opportunities hoping that he would repent104. But he has the heart of a wolf, the nature of a wild beast. He nourishes evil in his bosom105 and desires to pull down the pillars of the state, to weaken the House of Han, to destroy the loyal and true, and to stand himself conspicuous as the chiefest of criminals.
“Formerly, when I attacked the north, Gongsun Zan, that obstinate106 bandit and perverse107 brave, resisted my might for a year. Before Gongsun Zan could be destroyed, this Cao Cao wrote to him that, under the pretense108 of assisting my loyal armies, he would covertly109 lead them to destruction. The plot was discovered through his messengers, and Gongsun Zan also perished. This blunted Cao Cao's ardor111, and his plans failed.
“Now he is camped at the Ao Granaries, with the Yellow River to strengthen his position. Like the mantis112 in the story, who threatened the chariot with its forelegs, he thinks himself terrible. But with the dignity and prestige of Han to support me, I confront the whole world. I have spearmen by millions, horsemen by hundreds of thousands, fierce and vigorous warriors strong as Chong Huang and Wu Huo, those heroes of antiquity113. I have enlisted114 expert archers115 and strong bowmen. In Bingzhou my armies have crossed the Taihang Range, and in Qingzhou they have forded River Ji and River Ta. They have coasted down the Yellow River to attack his van, and from Jingzhou the armies of Liu Biao have descended116 to Wancheng and Wangye to smite117 his rearguard. Thunder-like in the weight of their march, tiger-like in the alertness of their advance, they are as flames let loose among light grass, as the blue ocean poured on glowing embers. Is there any hope that he escape destruction?
“Of the hordes of Cao Cao, those who can fight are from the north or from other camps, and they all desire to return home. They weep whenever they look to the north. The others belong to Yanzhou or Yuzhou, being remnants of the armies of Lu Bu and Zhang Yang. Beaten, stern necessity forced them to accept service, but they take it only as a temporary expedient118. They who have been wounded hate each other. If I give the signal to return and send my drums to the mountain tops, and wave the white flag to show them they may surrender, they will melt away like dew before the sun, and no blood will be shed. The victory will be mine.
“Now the Hans are failing and the bonds of empire are relaxed. The sacred dynasty has no supporter, the ministers are not strong enough to cope with the difficulties. Within the capital the responsible ministers are crestfallen119 and helpless. There is no one to rely upon. Such loyal and high principled people as are left are browbeaten121 by a tyrannical minister. How can they manifest their virtue?
“Cao Cao has surrounded the Palace with seven hundred veterans, the ostensible122 object being to guard the Emperor, but the covert110 design being to hold him prisoner. I fear this is but the first step in usurpation123, and so I take my part. Now is the time for loyal ministers to sacrifice their lives, the opportunity for officers to perform meritorious124 deeds. Can I fail to urge you?
“Cao Cao has forged commands to himself to undertake the control of government affairs and, in the name of the state, sends out calls for military assistance. I fear lest distant regions may obey his behest and send troops to help him, to the detriment125 of the multitude and their everlasting126 shame. No wise person will do so.
“the forces of four regions——Bingzhou, Jizhou, Qingzhou, and Youzhou——are moving out simultaneously127. When this call reaches Jingzhou, you will see their forces cooperate with those of Liu Biao. All regions and counties ought to organize volunteers and set them along their borders to demonstrate their force and prove their loyal support of the dynasty. Will not this be rendering128 extraordinary service?
“the rank of lordship, with feudal rights over five thousand households and a money reward of five millions, will be the reward of the one who brings the head of Cao Cao. No questions will be asked of those who surrender. I publish abroad this notice of my bounty129 and the rewards offered that you may realize that the dynasty is in real danger.”
Yuan Shao read this effusion with GREat joy. He at once ordered copies to be posted everywhere, in towns and cities, at gates, tax stations, ferries, and passes. Copies found their way to the capital, and one got into Cao Cao's palace. That day he happened to be in bed with a bad headache. The servants took the paper to the sick man's room. He read it and was frightened from the tips of his hair to the marrow130 of his very bones. He broke out into a cold perspiration131, and his headache vanished.
Cao Cao bounded out of bed and said to Cao Hong, “Who wrote this?”
“they say it is Chen Lin's brush,” replied he.
Cao Cao laughed, “they have the literary gift; they would rather have the military too to back it up. This fellow may be a very elegant writer, but what if Yuan Shao's fighting capacity falls short?”
Cao Cao called his advisers together to consider the next move.
Kong Rong heard of the summons and went to Cao Cao, saying, “You should not fight with Yuan Shao: He is too strong. Make peace.”
Xun Yu said, “He is despicable. Do not make peace.”
Kong Rong replied, “His land is wide and his people strong. He has many skillful strategists like Guo Tu, Xu You, Peng Ji, and Shen Pei; loyal leaders like Tian Feng and Ju Shou; and formidable generals like Yan Liang and Wen Chou; able commanders like Gao Lan, Zhang He, Han Meng, and Chunyu Qiong. You cannot say he is despicable.”
Xun Yu laughed, saying, “His army is a rabble132. One general, Tian Feng, is bold but treacherous; another, Xu You, is GREedy and ignorant; Shen Pei is devoted133 but stupid; Peng Ji is steady but useless. And these four of such different temperaments134, mutually incompatible135, will make for confusion rather than efficiency. The brave Yan Liang and Wen Chou are worthless and can be disposed of in the first battle; and the others such as Gao Lan, Zhang He, Han Meng, and Chunyu Qiong are poor, rough stuff. What is the use even of their hundred thousands?”
Kong Rong was silent, and Cao Cao smiled.
“they are even as Xun Yu describes,” said Cao Cao.
then Cao Cao issued orders. Generals Liu Dai and Wang Zhong were to lead an army of fifty thousand troops, displaying the Prime Minister's banners, and march against Xuzhou to attack Liu Bei.
This Liu Dai had been Imperial Protector of Yanzhou but had surrendered to Cao Cao and entered Cao Cao's service after the fall of his region. Cao Cao had given him a rank as Supernumerary Leader and now was disposed to make use of him.
Cao Cao himself took command of a large army of two hundred thousand troops for a simultaneous attack on Yuan Shao at Liyang.
Adviser Cheng Yu said, “the two Liu Dai and Wang Zhong sent against Liu Bei are unequal to their task.”
“I know,” said Cao Cao. “they are not meant to fight Liu Bei. It is merely a feint. They have orders not to make any real attack till I have overcome Yuan Shao. Then Liu Bei will be next.”
Liu Dai and Wang Zhong went their way, and Cao Cao marched out his grand army, which came into touch with the enemy, then thirty miles distant, at Liyang. Both sides made fortified136 camps and waited watching each other. This went on for two months of the autumn.
there was dissension in Yuan Shao's camp. Xu You was at enmity with his colleague, Shen Pei, who was in commanding position; and the strategist Ju Shou resented the rejection137 of his plan. So they would not attack. Yuan Shao also could not make up his mind.
Tired of this state of inaction, Cao Cao then gave orders to his commanders: Zang Ba was to continue the pressure on Qingzhou and Xuzhou; Yu Jin and Li Dian to deploy138 troops along the Yellow River; Cao Ren to quarter the main force at Guandu. Then Cao Cao with an army marched back to Capital Xuchang.
the five legions sent against Liu Bei went into camp thirty-five miles from Xuzhou. The camp made an imposing139 display of the banners of the Prime Minister, but no attacks followed. Their spies were very busy north of the river to get news of Cao Cao's movement. On the defensive140 side, Liu Bei, as he was uncertain of the strength of the force against him, dared not move.
Suddenly orders came for the Cao Cao's army to attack, and then discord141 showed itself.
Liu Dai said, “the Prime Minister orders an attack: You advance.”
Wang Zhong replied, “You were named first.”
“I am the Commander-in-Chief. It is not my place to go first.”
“I will go with you in joint142 command,” said Wang Zhong.
“Let us cast lots, and he upon whom the lot falls must go,” said Liu Dai.
they drew lots, and it fell to Wang Zhong, who advanced toward Xuzhou with half the force.
When Liu Bei heard of the threatened attack, he called Chen Deng to consult.
Liu Bei said, “there is dissension in Yuan Shao's camp at Liyang, so they do not advance. We do not know where Cao Cao is, but his own banner is not displayed in his Liyang's camp. Why then is it shown here?”
Chen Deng replied, “His tricks take a hundred forms. It must be that he regards the north as more important and has gone there to look after its defense143. He dares not show his flag there, and I feel sure it is only meant to mislead us. He is not here.”
Liu Bei then asked whether one of his brothers would find out the truth, and Zhang Fei volunteered to go.
“I fear you are unsuited for this,” said Liu Bei. “You are too impetuous.”
“If Cao Cao is there, I will haul him over here,” said Zhang Fei.
“Let me go first and find out,” said Guan Yu.
“If you go, I shall feel more at ease,” said Liu Bei.
So Guan Yu set out with three thousand soldiers to reconnoiter. It was then early winter, and snow was falling from a gloomy sky. They marched regardless of the snow and came near Wang Zhong's camp with arms all ready to attack. Guan Yu summoned Wang Zhong to a parley144.
“the Prime Minister is here. Why do you not surrender?” said Wang Zhong.
“Beg him to come to the front, for I would speak with him,” replied Guan Yu.
“Is he likely to come out to see such as you,” said Wang Zhong.
Guan Yu angrily dashed forward, and Wang Zhong set his spear to meet him. Guan Yu rode till he came close to his antagonist145, then suddenly wheeled away. Wang Zhong went after him and followed up a slope. Just as they passed the crest120, Guan Yu suddenly wheeled again, shouted, and came on flourishing the mighty146 sword. Wang Zhong could not withstand that and fled. But Guan Yu, changing the huge sword to his left hand, with his right laid hold of his victim by the straps147 of his breastplate, lifted him out of the saddle, and rode away to his own lines with the captive laid across the pommel of his saddle. Wang Zhong's army scattered148.
the captive was sent to Xuzhou, where he was summoned into the presence of Liu Bei.
“Who are you? What office do you hold? How dare you falsely display the ensigns of the Prime Minister?” said Liu Bei.
“What do you mean by falsely when I simply obeyed my orders?” said Wang Zhong. “My master wanted to produce the impression that he was present. Really he was not there.”
Liu Bei treated him kindly149, giving him food and clothing, but put him in prison till his colleague could be captured.
Guan Yu said to Liu Bei, “I knew you had peaceful intentions in your mind; therefore, I captured Wang Zhong instead of slaying150 him.”
“I was afraid of Zhang Fei's hasty and impulsive temper,” said Liu Bei. “He would have slain this man. So I could not send him. there is no advantage in killing152 people of this sort, and while alive they are often useful in amicable153 settlements.”
Here Zhang Fei said, “You have got this Wang Zhong; now I will go and get the other man.”
“Be careful,” said Liu Bei. “Liu Dai was once Imperial Protector of Yanzhou, and he was one of the nobles who met at Tiger Trap Pass to destroy Dong Zhuo. He is not to be despised.”
“I do not think him worth talking about so much. I will bring him in alive just as Second Brother did this other.”
“I fear that if his life be lost, it may upset our designs,” said Liu Bei.
“If I kill him, I will forfeit154 my own life,” said Zhang Fei.
So he was given three thousand soldiers and went off quickly.
the capture of his colleague made Liu Dai careful. He strengthened his defenses and kept behind them. He took no notice of the daily challenges and continual insults which began with Zhang Fei's arrival.
After some days Zhang Fei evolved a ruse155. He issued orders to prepare to rush the enemy's camp at night, but he himself spent the day drinking. Pretending to be very intoxicated156, he held a court-martial, and one soldier was severely157 flogged for a breach158 of discipline.
the man was left bound in the midst of the camp, Zhang Fei saying, “Wait till I am ready to start tonight: You shall be sacrificed to the flag.”
At the same time he gave secret orders to the custodians159 to let the man escape. The man found his opportunity, crept out of camp, and went over to the enemy, to whom he betrayed the plan of a night attack. As the man bore signs of savage160 punishment, Liu Dai was the more disposed to credit his desertion and tale. So Liu Dai made his arrangements, putting the GREater part of his troops in ambush161 outside his camp so that it was empty.
That night, having divided his army into three parties, Zhang Fei went to attack the camp. A few men were ordered to advance directly, dash in and set fire going. Two larger bodies of troops were to go round to the rear of the camp and attack when they saw the fire well started. At the third watch, Zhang Fei, with his veterans, went to cut off Liu Dai's road to the rear.
the thirty men told off to start a conflagration162 made their way into the camp and were successful. When the flames arose, the ambushing163 troops rushed out but only to find themselves attacked on both sides. This confused them, and as they knew nothing of the number of their assailants, they were panic stricken and scattered.
Liu Dai, with a company of footmen got clear of the fight and fled, but he went straight toward Zhang Fei. Escape was impossible, and the two men rode up each to attack the other. Zhang Fei captured his opponent, and the men surrendered. Zhang Fei sent news of this success to his brothers.
Liu Bei said, “Hitherto Zhang Fei has been rather violent, but this time he has acted wisely, and I am very pleased.”
they rode out to welcome Zhang Fei.
“You said I was too rough. How now?” said Zhang Fei to his brothers.
“If I had not put you on your mettle164, you would not have evolved this stratagem,” said Liu Bei.
Zhang Fei laughed. then appeared the captive Liu Dai, in bonds.
Liu Bei at once dismounted and loosed the cords, saying, “My young brother was rather hasty, but you must pardon him.”
So Liu Dai was freed. He was taken into the city, his colleague was released, and both were cared for.
Liu Bei said to them, “I could not help putting Deputy Imperial Protector Che Zhou to death when he tried to kill me, but Cao Cao took it as disaffection and sent you two generals to punish me. I have received much kindness from him and certainly would not show ingratitude165 by killing you. I wish you to speak for me and explain when you get back.”
“We are deeply grateful that you spare our lives, and we will certainly do so in gratitude166 for what our wives and children owe you.”
Next day the two leaders and their army were allowed to depart unscathed. But before they had got three miles from the boundary, they heard a mighty shouting and there appeared Zhang Fei barring the road.
“My brother made a mistake in letting you go. He did not understand. How could he give freedom to two rebels?”
This made the two men quake with fear, but as the fierce eyed warrior53 with uplifted sword was bearing down upon them, they heard another man galloping167 up and shouting, “Do not behave so disgracefully!”
the newcomer was Guan Yu, and his appearance relieved the unhappy men of all fear.
“Why do you stop them since our brother set them free?” cried Guan Yu.
“If they are let go today, they will surely come back,” cried Zhang Fei.
“Wait till they do, then you may kill them,” replied Guan Yu.
the two leaders with one voice cried, “Even if the Prime Minister slay151 our whole clans, we will never come again. We pray you pardon us.”
Said Zhang Fei, “If Cao Cao himself had come, I would have slain him. Not a breastplate should have gone back. But for this time I leave you your heads.”
Clapping their hands to their heads the two men scuttled168 off while the two brothers returned to the city.
“Cao Cao will certainly come,” said Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.
Sun Qian said, “This is not a city that can hold out for long. We should send part of our forces to Xiaopei and guard Xiapi as a corner stone of our position.”
Liu Bei aGREed and told off Guan Yu to guard Xiapi whither he also sent his two wives, Lady Gan and Lady Mi. The former was a native of Xiapi; the latter was Mi Zhu's younger sister.
Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, and Mi Fang169 were left to defend Xuzhou, and Liu Bei with Zhang Fei went to Xiaopei.
the two released leaders, Liu Dai and Wang Zhong, hastened home to Cao Cao and explained to him that Liu Bei was not disaffected170.
But their master was exceeding angry with them, crying, “You shameful traitors171, what use are you?”
He roared to the guards to take them away to instant execution.
[hip, hip, hip] How can a hare or a deer expect To conquer in tiger strife?
Minnows and shrimps172 that with dragons contend Already have done with life. [yip, yip, yip]
the fate of the two leaders will be told in the next chapter.
1 penetrated | |
adj. 击穿的,鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
2 hip | |
n.臀部,髋;屋脊 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
3 wrath | |
n.愤怒,愤慨,暴怒 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
4 reign | |
n.统治时期,统治,支配,盛行;v.占优势 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
5 retired | |
adj.隐退的,退休的,退役的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
6 entrusted | |
v.委托,托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
7 adviser | |
n.劝告者,顾问 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
8 lust | |
n.性(淫)欲;渴(欲)望;vi.对…有强烈的欲望 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
9 hordes | |
n.移动着的一大群( horde的名词复数 );部落 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
10 horde | |
n.群众,一大群 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
11 valid | |
adj.有确实根据的;有效的;正当的,合法的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
12 accede | |
v.应允,同意 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
13 blessing | |
n.祈神赐福;祷告;祝福,祝愿 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
14 advisers | |
顾问,劝告者( adviser的名词复数 ); (指导大学新生学科问题等的)指导教授 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
15 wrangled | |
v.争吵,争论,口角( wrangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
16 obeisance | |
n.鞠躬,敬礼 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
17 traitor | |
n.叛徒,卖国贼 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
18 manifesto | |
n.宣言,声明 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
19 perspicacious | |
adj.聪颖的,敏锐的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
20 eldest | |
adj.最年长的,最年老的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
21 purge | |
n.整肃,清除,泻药,净化;vt.净化,清除,摆脱;vi.清除,通便,腹泻,变得清洁 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
22 clan | |
n.氏族,部落,宗族,家族,宗派 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
23 ascendancy | |
n.统治权,支配力量 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
24 wielded | |
手持着使用(武器、工具等)( wield的过去式和过去分词 ); 具有; 运用(权力); 施加(影响) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
25 slain | |
杀死,宰杀,杀戮( slay的过去分词 ); (slay的过去分词) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
26 obloquy | |
n.斥责,大骂 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
27 supreme | |
adj.极度的,最重要的;至高的,最高的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
28 monopolizing | |
v.垄断( monopolize的现在分词 );独占;专卖;专营 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
29 feudal | |
adj.封建的,封地的,领地的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
30 decided | |
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
31 chamber | |
n.房间,寝室;会议厅;议院;会所 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
32 contumacious | |
adj.拒不服从的,违抗的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
33 prodigies | |
n.奇才,天才(尤指神童)( prodigy的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
34 avaricious | |
adj.贪婪的,贪心的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
35 ethical | |
adj.伦理的,道德的,合乎道德的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
36 preyed | |
v.掠食( prey的过去式和过去分词 );掠食;折磨;(人)靠欺诈为生 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
37 wholesale | |
n.批发;adv.以批发方式;vt.批发,成批出售 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
38 bribery | |
n.贿络行为,行贿,受贿 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
39 wagons | |
n.四轮的运货马车( wagon的名词复数 );铁路货车;小手推车 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
40 influential | |
adj.有影响的,有权势的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
41 contrived | |
adj.不自然的,做作的;虚构的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
42 sneak | |
vt.潜行(隐藏,填石缝);偷偷摸摸做;n.潜行;adj.暗中进行 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
43 subvert | |
v.推翻;暗中破坏;搅乱 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
44 monstrous | |
adj.巨大的;恐怖的;可耻的,丢脸的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
45 devoid | |
adj.全无的,缺乏的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
46 virtue | |
n.德行,美德;贞操;优点;功效,效力 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
47 ferocious | |
adj.凶猛的,残暴的,极度的,十分强烈的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
48 disorder | |
n.紊乱,混乱;骚动,骚乱;疾病,失调 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
49 calamity | |
n.灾害,祸患,不幸事件 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
50 mustered | |
v.集合,召集,集结(尤指部队)( muster的过去式和过去分词 );(自他人处)搜集某事物;聚集;激发 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
51 wrested | |
(用力)拧( wrest的过去式和过去分词 ); 费力取得; (从…)攫取; ( 从… ) 强行取去… | |
参考例句: |
|
|
52 warriors | |
武士,勇士,战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
53 warrior | |
n.勇士,武士,斗士 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
54 condoned | |
v.容忍,宽恕,原谅( condone的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
55 shameful | |
adj.可耻的,不道德的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
56 depleted | |
adj. 枯竭的, 废弃的 动词deplete的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
57 justify | |
vt.证明…正当(或有理),为…辩护 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
58 rein | |
n.疆绳,统治,支配;vt.以僵绳控制,统治 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
59 outraged | |
a.震惊的,义愤填膺的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
60 virtuous | |
adj.有品德的,善良的,贞洁的,有效力的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
61 conspicuous | |
adj.明眼的,惹人注目的;炫耀的,摆阔气的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
62 demeanor | |
n.行为;风度 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
63 spoke | |
n.(车轮的)辐条;轮辐;破坏某人的计划;阻挠某人的行动 v.讲,谈(speak的过去式);说;演说;从某种观点来说 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
64 utterly | |
adv.完全地,绝对地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
65 resentment | |
n.怨愤,忿恨 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
66 steadily | |
adv.稳定地;不变地;持续地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
67 smitten | |
猛打,重击,打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
68 eastward | |
adv.向东;adj.向东的;n.东方,东部 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
69 partisan | |
adj.党派性的;游击队的;n.游击队员;党徒 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
70 faction | |
n.宗派,小集团;派别;派系斗争 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
71 inclinations | |
倾向( inclination的名词复数 ); 倾斜; 爱好; 斜坡 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
72 inclination | |
n.倾斜;点头;弯腰;斜坡;倾度;倾向;爱好 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
73 subverted | |
v.颠覆,破坏(政治制度、宗教信仰等)( subvert的过去式和过去分词 );使(某人)道德败坏或不忠 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
74 engrossed | |
adj.全神贯注的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
75 monopolized | |
v.垄断( monopolize的过去式和过去分词 );独占;专卖;专营 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
76 glorified | |
美其名的,变荣耀的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
77 exterminated | |
v.消灭,根绝( exterminate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
78 clans | |
宗族( clan的名词复数 ); 氏族; 庞大的家族; 宗派 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
79 assassinated | |
v.暗杀( assassinate的过去式和过去分词 );中伤;诋毁;破坏 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
80 wayfarers | |
n.旅人,(尤指)徒步旅行者( wayfarer的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
81 levies | |
(部队)征兵( levy的名词复数 ); 募捐; 被征募的军队 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
82 sinecure | |
n.闲差事,挂名职务 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
83 grudge | |
n.不满,怨恨,妒嫉;vt.勉强给,不情愿做 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
84 impulsive | |
adj.冲动的,刺激的;有推动力的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
85 counselor | |
n.顾问,法律顾问 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
86 remonstrance | |
n抗议,抱怨 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
87 outspokenness | |
参考例句: |
|
|
88 stifle | |
vt.使窒息;闷死;扼杀;抑止,阻止 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
89 censor | |
n./vt.审查,审查员;删改 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
90 defiance | |
n.挑战,挑衅,蔑视,违抗 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
91 cypresses | |
n.柏属植物,柏树( cypress的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
92 cemetery | |
n.坟墓,墓地,坟场 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
93 desecrated | |
毁坏或亵渎( desecrate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
94 coffin | |
n.棺材,灵柩 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
95 corpse | |
n.尸体,死尸 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
96 mounds | |
土堆,土丘( mound的名词复数 ); 一大堆 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
97 exhumed | |
v.挖出,发掘出( exhume的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
98 prohibitions | |
禁令,禁律( prohibition的名词复数 ); 禁酒; 禁例 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
99 snares | |
n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 );圈套;诱人遭受失败(丢脸、损失等)的东西;诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉,诱陷,陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
100 pitfalls | |
(捕猎野兽用的)陷阱( pitfall的名词复数 ); 意想不到的困难,易犯的错误 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
101 entanglement | |
n.纠缠,牵累 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
102 metropolis | |
n.首府;大城市 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
103 groaned | |
v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 );发牢骚;抱怨;受苦 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
104 repent | |
v.悔悟,悔改,忏悔,后悔 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
105 bosom | |
n.胸,胸部;胸怀;内心;adj.亲密的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
106 obstinate | |
adj.顽固的,倔强的,不易屈服的,较难治愈的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
107 perverse | |
adj.刚愎的;坚持错误的,行为反常的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
108 pretense | |
n.矫饰,做作,借口 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
109 covertly | |
adv.偷偷摸摸地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
110 covert | |
adj.隐藏的;暗地里的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
111 ardor | |
n.热情,狂热 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
112 mantis | |
n.螳螂 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
113 antiquity | |
n.古老;高龄;古物,古迹 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
114 enlisted | |
adj.应募入伍的v.(使)入伍, (使)参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 );获得(帮助或支持) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
115 archers | |
n.弓箭手,射箭运动员( archer的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
116 descended | |
a.为...后裔的,出身于...的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
117 smite | |
v.重击;彻底击败;n.打;尝试;一点儿 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
118 expedient | |
adj.有用的,有利的;n.紧急的办法,权宜之计 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
119 crestfallen | |
adj. 挫败的,失望的,沮丧的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
120 crest | |
n.顶点;饰章;羽冠;vt.达到顶点;vi.形成浪尖 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
121 browbeaten | |
v.(以言辞或表情)威逼,恫吓( browbeat的过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
122 ostensible | |
adj.(指理由)表面的,假装的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
123 usurpation | |
n.篡位;霸占 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
124 meritorious | |
adj.值得赞赏的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
125 detriment | |
n.损害;损害物,造成损害的根源 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
126 everlasting | |
adj.永恒的,持久的,无止境的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
127 simultaneously | |
adv.同时发生地,同时进行地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
128 rendering | |
n.表现,描写 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
129 bounty | |
n.慷慨的赠予物,奖金;慷慨,大方;施与 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
130 marrow | |
n.骨髓;精华;活力 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
131 perspiration | |
n.汗水;出汗 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
132 rabble | |
n.乌合之众,暴民;下等人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
133 devoted | |
adj.忠诚的,忠实的,热心的,献身于...的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
134 temperaments | |
性格( temperament的名词复数 ); (人或动物的)气质; 易冲动; (性情)暴躁 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
135 incompatible | |
adj.不相容的,不协调的,不相配的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
136 fortified | |
adj. 加强的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
137 rejection | |
n.拒绝,被拒,抛弃,被弃 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
138 deploy | |
v.(军)散开成战斗队形,布置,展开 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
139 imposing | |
adj.使人难忘的,壮丽的,堂皇的,雄伟的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
140 defensive | |
adj.防御的;防卫的;防守的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
141 discord | |
n.不和,意见不合,争论,(音乐)不和谐 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
142 joint | |
adj.联合的,共同的;n.关节,接合处;v.连接,贴合 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
143 defense | |
n.防御,保卫;[pl.]防务工事;辩护,答辩 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
144 parley | |
n.谈判 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
145 antagonist | |
n.敌人,对抗者,对手 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
146 mighty | |
adj.强有力的;巨大的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
147 straps | |
n.带子( strap的名词复数 );挎带;肩带;背带v.用皮带捆扎( strap的第三人称单数 );用皮带抽打;包扎;给…打绷带 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
148 scattered | |
adj.分散的,稀疏的;散步的;疏疏落落的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
149 kindly | |
adj.和蔼的,温和的,爽快的;adv.温和地,亲切地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
150 slaying | |
杀戮。 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
151 slay | |
v.杀死,宰杀,杀戮 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
152 killing | |
n.巨额利润;突然赚大钱,发大财 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
153 amicable | |
adj.和平的,友好的;友善的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
154 forfeit | |
vt.丧失;n.罚金,罚款,没收物 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
155 ruse | |
n.诡计,计策;诡计 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
156 intoxicated | |
喝醉的,极其兴奋的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
157 severely | |
adv.严格地;严厉地;非常恶劣地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
158 breach | |
n.违反,不履行;破裂;vt.冲破,攻破 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
159 custodians | |
n.看守人,保管人( custodian的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
160 savage | |
adj.野蛮的;凶恶的,残暴的;n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
161 ambush | |
n.埋伏(地点);伏兵;v.埋伏;伏击 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
162 conflagration | |
n.建筑物或森林大火 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
163 ambushing | |
v.埋伏( ambush的现在分词 );埋伏着 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
164 mettle | |
n.勇气,精神 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
165 ingratitude | |
n.忘恩负义 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
166 gratitude | |
adj.感激,感谢 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
167 galloping | |
adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
168 scuttled | |
v.使船沉没( scuttle的过去式和过去分词 );快跑,急走 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
169 fang | |
n.尖牙,犬牙 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
170 disaffected | |
adj.(政治上)不满的,叛离的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
171 traitors | |
卖国贼( traitor的名词复数 ); 叛徒; 背叛者; 背信弃义的人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
172 shrimps | |
n.虾,小虾( shrimp的名词复数 );矮小的人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
欢迎访问英文小说网 |