Translation:Romance of the Three Kingdoms/Chapter 12

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Translation:Romance of the Three Kingdoms
by Luo Guanzhong, translated from Chinese by Wikisource
Chapter 12
Tao Gongzu tries three times to cede control of Xuzhou; Cao Mengde engages in a major battle with Lü Bu.
476857Translation:Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 12
Tao Gongzu tries three times to cede control of Xuzhou; Cao Mengde engages in a major battle with Lü Bu.
WikisourceLuo Guanzhong
Chapter 12

Tao Gongzu tries three times to cede control of Xuzhou; Cao Mengde engages in a major battle with Lü Bu.

1

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  曹操一彪夏侯惇引軍救援呂布黃昏時分大雨如注各自引軍分散重賞典韋領軍都尉

While Cao Cao was making his frantic escape, a group of soldiers arrived from the south. It was Xiahou Dun, arriving with a rescue force. Dun intercepted Lü Bu, then engaged him in a major battle. They fought until dusk, when it began to pour down rain, and everyone dispersed. Cao returned to camp. He generously rewarded Dian Wei, promoting him to captain of the army.

2

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  卻說呂布陳宮商議:「濮陽富戶家僮巨室使下書呂溫侯殘暴不仁民心黎陽高順連夜進兵內應放火伏兵曹操經天緯地得脫?」

Let us now turn to Lü Bu, who had returned to camp and consulted with Chen Gong. Gong said, "There is a wealthy family, the Tian family, within the city of Puyang. They have a thousand servants; they are a prominent family within the Commandery. We could order them to secretly send someone to deliver a letter to Cao's camp. The letter would explain that Marquis of Wen was cruel and heartless, and that the people hated him. The letter would go on to say that had now moved his troops to Liyang, and that only Gao Shun remained within the city. Finally, the letter would advise Cao to advance on the city that evening, and that the author of the letter would act as an inside man for Cao. If Cao comes, and can be enticed into the city, we will set all four city gates on fire. Furthermore, we will hide soldiers on the outside of the city so that Cao will be trapped inside. Even though Cao Cao is a man of extraordinary talent, how could he possibly escape from such a predicament?"

3

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  呂布密諭使正在躊躇密書:「呂布黎陽空虛內應白旗大書便是暗號。」大喜:「使濮陽!」重賞來人一面收拾起兵:「無謀陳宮其中不可明公三軍接應。」

Lü Bu went along with this plan, secretly ordering someone from the Tian family to go straight to Cao's camp. Having recently suffered a defeat, Cao was now hesitant. Suddenly, it was reported that someone from the Tian family had arrived, and had delivered a secret letter that read, "Lü Bu has already departed for Liyang, and the city is empty. I really hope that you will come quickly. I will be your inside man. I will place a white flag on top of the city wall. I will write the character for 'righteousness' in large script.[1] That will be the secret signal."[2] Cao was overjoyed, saying, "Heaven has allowed me to take Puyang!" He rewarded the visitor, while simultaneously gathering his forces. Liu Ye said, "Even though Bu lacks a strategic mind, Chen Gong is a man of many tricks. I'm afraid that this may be a ruse. We cannot afford to be careless. If Your Excellency wants to go, then we should divide our three armies into three units:[3] two units will hide outside of the city and respond if needed, while one unit enters the city. This is the only way."

4

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  來至濮陽旗旛西門白旗心中暗喜是日午牌引軍出戰前軍侯成後軍高順即使典韋出馬直取侯成侯成抵敵不過回馬趕到弔橋高順攔擋不住退軍人乘勢使密書:「初更時分鳴鑼便進兵。」夏侯惇引軍曹洪引軍自己夏侯淵李典樂進典韋李典:「主公某等。」:「向前!」當先

Cao went along with this suggestion, dividing his armies into three units after they arrived at the city walls of Puyang. The first thing that Cao did was to take a look around. When he saw that flags and banners had been erected on top of the city walls, and that there was a white banner with the character for 'righteousness' on top of a corner of the western gate, he was secretly delighted. At noon of the same day, two generals, along with their armies, emerged from the gates in order to engage in battle. The forward army was commanded by Hou Cheng and the rear army was commanded by Gao Shun. Cao immediately dispatched Dian Wei to ride out on his horse and challenge Hou Cheng. Hou Cheng was unable to withstand the onslaught, so he wheeled his horse around and headed back into the city. Several soldiers took advantage of the confusion to cross the battlefield and see Cao. Saying that they were messengers from the Tian family, they presented Cao with a secret letter. The letter said something to the effect of, "Tonight, at the first watch,[4] I will sound the gongs from on top of the city walls. That will be your signal to advance. I will make sure that the gate is open." Cao placed Xiahou Dun in charge of the forces on the left flank and Cao Hong in charge of the forces on the right flank. Cao personally took command of Xiahou Yuan, Li Dian, Yue Jin and Dian Wei, along with their forces, and prepared to enter the city. Li Dian said, "Your Excellency, you should remain outside of the city, and allow us to enter the city first." Cao rebuked him, saying, "If I don't go in, nobody will want to advance!" He then took the initiative to lead his troops straight into the city.

5

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  初更月光西門喊聲火把弔橋曹操爭先拍馬直到路上不見一人:「退兵!」烈火金鼓齊鳴喊聲江翻海沸張遼西臧霸夾攻掩殺北門郝萌曹性一陣南門高順侯成典韋怒目咬牙衝殺出去高順侯成

It was around the time of the first watch; the light of the moon had not yet come out. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of someone blowing a conch shell from the top of the city's western gate. All of the sudden, people began shouting, while flames from torches darted back and forth from the top of the gate. The city gate was opened wide, and the drawbridge was lowered. Cao Cao eagerly rode his horse inside at a gallop. He headed straight for the provincial government compound, but did not see anybody in the streets. Cao realized that it was a ruse, and quickly wheeled his horse around, shouting, "Retreat!" But while he was still inside the compound, a deafening explosion rang out, as all four gates caught fire. The gongs and drums of war sounded out in unison; the sound of people shouting reminded one of the loud rapids of a river or the crashing waves in the ocean. Zhang Liao charged out from the eastern alley, while Zang Ba charged out from the western alley, staging a surprise pincer attack. Cao headed for the northern gate of the city, but Hao Meng and Cao Xing rushed out from the side of the road, killing some of Cao's men. Cao hurriedly made his way to the southern gate of the city, but Gao Shun and Hou Cheng blocked his way. Dian Wei flew into a rage, and drove them both back. Gao Shun and Hou Cheng ended up being driven outside of the city.

6

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  典韋弔橋回頭不見曹操翻身李典典韋:「主公何在?」:「不見。」:「入去主公。」李典典韋尋覓不見城河樂進:「主公何在?」:「尋覓不見。」:「入去!」火砲樂進不能典韋冒煙突火入去到處尋覓

Dian Wei fought his way to the drawbridge; when he looked behind him, he did not see Cao Cao, so he turned around and fought his way back into the city. Inside the city gates, he ran into Li Dian. Dian Wei asked, "Where is His Excellency?" Dian answered, "I have not seen him either." Wei said, "Go outside of the city walls, and help our armies there. I will enter the city and look for His Excellency." Li Dian left. Dian Wei fought his way inside the city, but could not find Cao, so he once again fought his way back to the city's moat, where he ran into Yue Jin. Jin asked, "Where is His Excellency?" Wei replied, "I went back into the city twice, but could not find him." Jin said, "Let's charge in together and rescue our lord!" The two of them made their way to the city gate, but firebombs were being dropped from the top of the city wall. Yue Jin's horse was unable to enter, but Dian Wei fought his way through the flames. Back in the city once again, he looked everywhere for Cao.

7

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  卻說曹操典韋出去四下裡人馬不得南門北門火光撞見呂布躍馬掩面加鞭縱馬呂布拍馬趕來:「曹操何在?」:「前面。」

Let us now turn to Cao Cao who, after Dian Wei had fought his way out, became surrounded on all sides by the enemy. He was not able to exit via the southern gate, so he headed back toward the northern gate. By the light of the torches, he could make out the figure of Lü Bu rapidly approaching on horseback, halberd in hand. Cao covered his face with his hand, whipping his horse with his riding crop so that he could quickly make his way past Bu. Lü Bu urged his horse to go faster so that he could catch up with Cao from behind. Bu tapped his halberd on the top of Cao's helmet, asking, "Where is Cao Cao?" Cao pointed, saying, "He is the one riding the blonde horse, just ahead."

8

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  呂布聽說曹操縱馬向前追趕曹操撥轉馬頭東門典韋擁護曹操血路火焰柴草遍地飛馬冒煙突火曹操隨後門道曹操戰馬撲地地上手臂鬚髮

When Lü Bu heard this, he abandoned Cao Cao and galloped ahead in order to give chase. Cao Cao wheeled the head of his horse around, and began heading toward the eastern gate, when he ran into Dian Wei. Wei protected Cao Cao, while fighting his way through the enemy ranks. By the time they arrived at the gates of the city, the flames were everywhere. Kindling wood and straw had been dropped from the top of the city walls, and the ground was a sea of fire. Wei used his halberd to push aside the burning timbers, then dashed through the flames on his horse. Cao Cao followed him out of the city. Just as they were approaching the road outside of the city gate, a burning beam fell from the top of the gate. The beam struck Cao Cao's war horse in the hind quarters, causing the horse to fall with a thud. Cao pushed the beam off of the horse with his bare hands, and set it on the ground. His arms, beard and hair were badly burned.

9

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  典韋回馬恰好夏侯淵曹操突火典韋大路混戰天明拜伏問安仰面:「匹夫!」郭嘉:「。」:「將計就計詐言火毒攻發五更已經引兵伏兵馬陵山。」:「良策!」於是軍士挂孝發喪詐言

Just when Dian Wei wheeled his horse around to help out, Xiahou Yuan also arrived. Together, the two of them rescued Cao Cao from the flames. Cao mounted Yuan's horse, while Dian Wei slaughtered enough of the enemy to create a wide pathway for Cao to go through. They fought wildly until dawn, before Cao finally returned to camp. All of his generals bowed down in obeisance and paid their respects. Cao looked up at them and smiled, saying, "I fell for the trick of a simpleton, and now I must exact my revenge!" Guo Jia said, "We must come up with a plan quickly." Cao said, "We will now beat them at their own game. Spread a false story that as a result of my burns, I succumbed to a toxic infection, and died at the time of the fifth watch.[5] Bu will surely lead his men in an attack on us." I will have soldiers lie in ambush at Malingshan, and will attack once his men are halfway through the area. This is how we can capture Bu." Jia said, "That is a truly brilliant plan!" Cao thereupon ordered his troops to don mourning clothing. He further ordered them to hold a funeral, and to spread a false story that Cao had died.

10

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  濮陽呂布曹操肢體軍馬馬陵山伏兵四起呂布死戰得脫好些人馬濮陽堅守

In the morning, someone came to Puyang to report to Lü Bu that Cao Cao had been badly burned and had returned to camp, where he died. Accordingly, Bu called up his troops, and advanced toward Malingshan. As he neared Cao's camp, the sound of war drums rang out. Hidden soldiers sprang up from all sides. Lü Bu fought for his life in order to escape, sacrificing a number of men and horses in the process. He returned in defeat to Puyang; he holed up in the city, and did not come out.

11

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  蝗蟲禾稻關東一境值錢人民曹操引兵鄄城呂布引兵山陽就食因此權且罷兵

That year, the locusts suddenly appeared, eating all of the unhusked rice. In the area to the east of the pass, a single hu of grain cost 50 strings.[6] The people resorted to cannibalism. Because his army had exhausted its supply of grain, Cao Cao led his men back to Juancheng County, where they stayed for the time being. Lü Bu also led his troops away, pitching camp at Shanyang so that they could eat their fill. For this reason, the two sides temporarily ceased hostilities.

12

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  卻說陶謙徐州忽然染病看看沈重糜竺陳登議事:「呂布兗州歲荒罷兵府君讓位劉玄德府君強健玄德不肯沈重就此玄德。」

Let us now turn to Tao Qian, who was in Xuzhou. At the time, he was 63 years old. He suddenly came down with an illness, which appeared to be serious. He summoned Mi Zhu and Chen Deng in order to discuss the matter. Zhu said, "Cao's army only left because Lü Bu had attacked Yanzhou. They have stopped fighting for now, because of the famine. However, they will be back again next spring for sure. Your Excellency, you have tried twice to yield your position to Liu Xuande. At that time, you were still healthy, so Xuande was unwilling to accept your offer. Now that your illness has become dire, it is the perfect time to offer your position to him. Xuande will certainly not decline."

13

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  大喜使小沛劉玄德軍務玄德徐州陶謙臥內玄德問安:「玄德老夫危篤朝夕難保明公可憐漢家城池徐州牌印老夫死亦瞑目!」玄德:「何不?」:「長子次子不堪重任老夫明公教誨切勿。」玄德:「一身重任?」:「一人北海公祐使從事。」糜竺:「當世人傑善事。」
Sun Qian

Qian was overjoyed. He sent someone to Xiaopei in order to invite over Liu Xuande to discuss military affairs. Xuande brought along with him to Xuzhou Guan, Zhang and a dozen or so cavalrymen. Tao Qian had him brought inside his sleeping quarters. After Xuande had finished with the initial pleasantries, Qian said, "I have invited you to come here for only one reason, I am gravely ill and am not long for this world. My fervent hope is that you think it important to take pity on the lands of the house of Han. Were you to accept the official tablet and seal of Xuzhou, I would be able to die without any regrets!" Xuande said, "You have two sons. Why not pass down the tablet and seal to one of them?" Qian said, "My oldest son Shang, and my second son Ying, are not suited for such an important position. After I die, my hope is that you would instruct them, but under no circumstances should you allow them to take charge of Xuzhou. Xuande said, "How I could I ever take on such an important position?" Qian said, "I will recommend someone to be your second in command. He is from Beihai. His surname is Sun, his given name is Qian, and his style name is Gongyou.[7] You could make this person your aide." He then said to Mi Zhu, "Lord Liu is an outstanding man of our time. You must serve him well."

14

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  玄德推託陶謙眾軍舉哀牌印玄德玄德固辭次日徐州百姓擁擠:「使君不能安生!」再三相勸玄德徐州使孫乾糜竺陳登幕官小沛軍馬出榜安民一面安排喪事玄德大小軍士盡皆挂孝祭奠黃河陶謙遺表申奏朝廷

Xuande made excuses until the very end. Tao Qian clutched his heart, and then died. After the troops dried their initial tears of grief, they took the tablet and seal of Xuzhou and tried to give it to Xuande. Xuande adamantly refused. The following day, the citizens of Xuzhou formed a crowd outside of the government offices. Pleading with him, they said, "Governor Liu, if you do not take charge of this commandery, we will not be able to live in peace!" Guan and Zhang both repeatedly advised Liu to accept the position. Consequently, Xuande agreed to govern the affairs of Xuzhou; he made Sun Qian and Mi Zhu his deputies, and placed Chen Deng on his staff. He then moved all of the troops at Xiaopei into the city. He also posted an announcement in order to placate the people. Next, he made arrangements for the funeral. Xuande held a grand memorial for Tao. Everyone in attendance, from the most senior officer to the most junior soldier, was attired in mourning garb. When the ceremony was over, Tao was buried along the banks of the Yellow River. Tao Qian's last will and testament was delivered to the imperial court.

15

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  鄄城陶謙劉玄德徐州:「徐州劉備先君!」號令剋日起兵徐州

Cao was in Juancheng when he found out that Tao Qian had died and that Liu Xuande had become governor of Xuzhou. Angrily, he said, "I have not yet exacted my revenge, and yet you, this neophyte, saw fit to preside over Xuzhou? I must first kill Liu Bei, and then defile Qian's corpse, in order to assuage my hatred!" He then passed down orders for the army to be called up, so that he might attack Xuzhou.

16

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  荀彧:「高祖關中光武河內深根固本天下足以退足以堅守大業明公首事兗州河濟天下要地關中河內徐州不足呂布乘虛兗州徐州明公安所陶謙劉備徐州死戰明公兗州徐州熟思。」

Xun Yu came in to advise him, saying, "In the past, both Gaozu and Guangwu occupied Guanzhong and Henei, respectively, as solid bases from where they could bring order to the nation. If they advanced, they had sufficient forces to defeat the enemy. If they retreated, they had sufficient forces to defend their stronghold. That is why, despite the difficulties they encountered, they were able to accomplish great things in the end. Your Excellency should make Yanzhou your priority. The lands near the Yellow River and the Jishui River are the most important in the empire. They are the equivalent of Guanzhong and Henei of old. If you try to take Xuzhou now, you will not have sufficient forces for your assault, if you leave too many troops behind. Similarly, if you leave too few troops behind, then Lü Bu will take advantage of the situation and invade. If that happens, you will lose Yanzhou. Then, if you fail to capture Xuzhou, where shall you return? Although Tao Qian is now dead, Liu Bei is still guarding the city. The citizens of Xuzhou are all supporting Bei, and will fight to the death for him. If Your Excellency abandons Yanzhou in order to take Xuzhou, it would be throwing away something major for something minor. It would be discarding the beginning in order to seek out the end. It will be taking peace and stability and turning it into peril. I wish for you to think carefully about this."

17

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  :「歲荒軍士坐守良策。」:「不如使就食汝南潁川黃巾餘黨劫掠州郡金帛糧食賊徒容易三軍朝廷百姓順天。」

Cao said, "This has been a bad year for crops, and we are short on grain. It would not be a wise plan of action to stay here and hunker down." Yu said, "It would be better to make a play for the eastern lands of Chen, allowing your army to obtain food supplies from both Ru'nan and Yingchuan. The area is now controlled by remnants of the Yellow Turbans, people like He Yi and Huang Shao. They had robbed and plundered the surrounding states and commanderies, and have an abundance of money, cloth goods, and grain. These kinds of bandit rebels are easy to break. After we break them, we can seize their grain so that we can feed our three armies. The imperial court will be pleased, the citizens will be happy. Our undertaking will be in accord with the ways of heaven."

18

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  夏侯惇曹仁鄄城引兵黃巾賊兵狐群狗黨隊伍行列強弓硬弩典韋出馬元帥出戰典韋乘勢下寨

Cao happily went along with this advice. He left Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren in charge of places like Juancheng, while he personally led troops, first to the lands of Chen, then to Ru'nan and Yingchuan. Having learned that Cao's army had arrived, He Yi and Huang Shao led out their own troops to intercept them. The two armies met at Yang Mountain.[8] Although the entire bandit army had shown up, it was a ragtag group of thugs, without any formations or battle ranks. Cao ordered the shooting of a barrage of arrows in order to stop the bandits in their tracks. He then ordered Dian Wei to take to the field on horseback. He Yi ordered his deputy commander to respond. They had not gone more than three bouts, before the deputy commander fell from his horse, having been stabbed by Dian Wei's halberd. Cao seized the initiative to quickly lead his troops over Yang Mountain and set up camp.

19

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  次日引軍步行出戰黃巾鐵棒夜叉廝鬥?」曹洪飛身下馬提刀兩下廝殺勝負曹洪詐敗拖刀背砍計轉身李典乘勢飛馬黃劭不及提備李典生擒活捉過來掩殺賊眾金帛糧食無數奔走葛陂

The following day, Huang Shao personally led in his forces. A general marched out from the spot where Huang's army had gathered. The general wore a yellow turban on his head and had on a green padded jacket. Holding an iron bar in his hand, he shouted, "I am He Man, the yaksha demon that streaks across the heavens! Who dares to fight with me?" Cao Hong looked at him, then let out a yell and leaped off of his horse. broadsword in hand, he strode out onto the field. In a flash, he charged at the enemy. They fought forty or fifty rounds with no clear victor. Cao Hong feigned defeat and began to leave. He Man chased after him. Hong was using the classic "drop your guard and turn your back" trick. Hong suddenly turned and leaped, then sliced into He Man. Hong then followed up with another slash, killing him instantly. Li Dian took advantage of the situation to ride his horse into the enemy lines. Huang Shao was caught off guard and was captured alive by Li Dian. Cao's army slaughtered the bandit forces, making off with countless amounts of gold, cloth goods and grain. He Yi was now cut off and alone. Leading several hundred cavalrymen, he fled toward Gebei.[9]

20

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  背後一個壯士身長大刀去路出迎壯士過去餘眾著忙下馬壯士葛陂

As he was making his way there, an army stormed out from behind a hill. Leading the army was an imposing warrior, who stood at a height of eight chi,[10] and had a waist the thickness of a tree trunk. In his hand, he brandished a large broadsword, and was blocking the way. He Yi raised his spear and went out to meet him in battle. After only one round, He was captured alive by the warrior. The remaining men quickly dismounted from their horses. They were then bound and forced by the warrior into the lowlands of Gebei.

21

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  卻說典韋追襲葛陂壯士引軍典韋:「黃巾?」壯士:「黃巾!」:「何不?」壯士:「贏得寶刀便!」向前不分勝負各自一時壯士搦戰典韋黃昏典韋手下軍士飛報曹操

Let us now turn to Dian Wei, who had chased He Yi all the way to Gebei. The warrior led out his army to intercept Wei. Dian Wei said, "Are you one of the Yellow Turban bandits?" The warrior said, "Several hundred Yellow Turban cavalrymen have been captured by me. They are now in the lowlands!" Wei said, "Why don't you hand them over?" The warrior said, "If you can manage to take away the broadsword that is in my hand, I will hand them over to you!" Wei was furious. He raised his twin long-handle halberds and charged. The two of them fought from the hours of the dragon[11] until the hours of the horse;[12] there was no clear victor, so they both rested. Before long, the warrior came back out to challenge Dian Wei, who obliged him. They fought straight through to dusk. By that point, their horses were exhausted, so they temporarily stopped for the night. One of Dian Wei's men rushed back to Cao Cao in order to report the incident. Cao was shocked, and quickly brought his generals along so that they could all see the action.

22

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  次日壯士出來搦戰威風凜凜心中暗喜分付典韋今日詐敗領命出戰敗走壯士趕到陣門弓弩引軍退使陷坑鉤手次日典韋出戰壯士:「敗將何敢!」便縱馬接戰典韋便回馬壯士只顧望前趕來提防陷坑鉤手曹操退軍士鄉貫姓名
hook swords

The next day, the warrior again came out to challenge Dian Wei. When Cao saw how imposing the warrior was, he was secretly delighted. He instructed Dian Wei to fake defeat. Wei followed orders and went out to do battle. After 30 rounds, he fled in defeat back to his side's battle lines. The warrior chased Wei all the way to the entrance of Wei's camp, but was forced to retreat amid a hail of arrows. Cao swiftly pulled his army back by five li.[13] Cao secretly ordered some of his men to dig a pit, then had soldiers armed with hook swords lie in ambush. The next day, Cao again ordered Dian Wei to lead several hundred cavalrymen out to battle. The warrior laughed and said, "Why would a defeated general dare to come out again!" He then raced his horse into battle. Dian Wei fought for several rounds, then wheeled his horse around and fled. The warrior only focused on charging forward, so he was caught off guard. He ended up riding into the pit, horse and all. The warrior was bound by the soldiers armed with hook swords and then brought before Cao Cao. Cao came out from his tent and dismissed his soldiers. Cao personally untied the warrior and gave him clothes to wear. Cao then ordered him to sit, and asked the warrior his name and where he was from.

23

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  壯士:「沛國譙縣仲康寇亂宗族堅壁一日眾人石子準備親自飛石無不退去一日耕牛奔走回還倒行不敢因此保守無事。」:「大名?」:「。」招引宗族許褚都尉賞勞
Xu Chu

The warrior said, "I am from Qiao County in the Kingdom of Pei. My surname is Xu, my given name is Chu, and my style name is Zhongkang.[14] We have been met with a number of bandit incursions recently, so I gathered several hundred of my kin and built within the lowlands a stronghold that could protect them. One day, the bandits arrived. I ordered everyone to gather rocks in preparation. I personally launched an assault on the bandits, using a rock catapult. I struck everyone at whom I fired. The bandits then retreated. On another day when the bandits arrived, our lowland stronghold was out of grain, so I made peace with the bandits and made a deal with them to trade farm cattle for rice. After they delivered the rice, the bandits drove the cattle out of the lowlands, but the cattle all ran off and returned to us. I caught two of the cattle by their tails and dragged them more than one hundred paces back toward the bandits. The bandits were shocked and left without daring to take the cattle. Because of this, I have been able to defend this area without incident." Cao said, "I have heard your name for some time now. Are you now willing to surrender to me?" Chu said, "That is absolutely my desire." He then led out several hundred of his kin, who all surrendered. Cao honored Xu Chu by promoting him to the rank of captain. He also rewarded Chu with gifts, in recognition of his service. Cao then executed He Yi and Huang Shao. With that, Ru'nan and Yingchuan were pacified.

24

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  曹操班師曹仁夏侯惇接見近日細作報說兗州軍士擄掠城邑空虛得勝一鼓引軍兗州出其不意只得引兵迎戰許褚:「以為贄見。」大喜出戰使畫戟向前交馬許褚弔橋李典不敢引軍鉅野飛馬潰散

Cao Cao was in the process of recalling his troops, when Cao Ren and Xiahou Dun paid him a visit. They told him that a spy had recently informed them that the army of Xue Lan and Li Feng had left Yanzhou on a looting excursion, and the city was now empty. A winning army could be led there to attack them, taking the city in one fell swoop. Cao accordingly led his army straight toward Yanzhou. Xue Lan and Li Feng were caught unawares, but had no choice but to lead their reserve forces out of the city in order to meet the enemy in battle. Xu Chu said, "I am willing to take these two and offer them to you as a gift in order to commemorate my first meeting with you." Cao was overjoyed, and ordered him into battle. Li Feng raised his halberd and charged. The two horses engaged for two rounds, then Xu Chu cut Li Feng down from his horse. Xue Lan made a hasty retreat to his own lines, but was blocked at the drawbridge by Li Dian. Xue Lan did not dare to return to the city, so he headed his army toward Juye. However, Lü Qian chased after him on horseback. With one arrow, Qian felled Lan from his horse. The army of Xue Lan and Li Feng scattered in defeat.

25

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  曹操兗州程昱便進兵濮陽典韋許褚先鋒夏侯惇夏侯淵左軍李典樂進右軍中軍于禁合後濮陽呂布自將出迎陳宮不可出戰聚會」。呂布:「?」引兵出陣橫戟許褚便不分勝負:「呂布一人。」便典韋夾攻左邊夏侯惇夏侯淵右邊李典樂進呂布遮攔不住撥轉弔橋開門!」:「將軍。」

After Cao Cao reacquired Yanzhou, Cheng Yu requested permission to advance on Puyang. Cao ordered Dian Wei and Xu Chu to be in the lead force. Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan were placed in charge of the Army of the Left, Li Dian and Yue Jin were placed in charge of the Army of the Right, Cao personally took command of the Army of the Center, and Yu Jin and Lü Qian brought up the rear. When Cao's armies arrived at Puyang, Lü Bu wanted to personally go out to meet them, but Chen Gong admonished, "You must not engage them in battle. Wait for all of your generals to gather, before doing anything." Lü Bu said, "I'm not afraid of anyone." And so, he did not heed Gong's advice, but rather led a force out of his encampment, cursing and brandishing his halberd all the while. Xu Chu likewise took to the field. They fought for twenty rounds without a winner. Cao said, "Lü Bu is not someone that can be beaten by one person alone." With that, he sent Dian Wei into battle. The two of them engaged in a pincer attack against Bu. At the same time, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan moved in from the left, while Li Dian and Yue Jin moved in from the right. The six generals attacked Lü Bu in unison. Bu was unable to fend them off, so he wheeled his horse around and returned to the city. When the man from the Tian family saw from the top of the city walls that Bu was returning in defeat, he hastily ordered someone to raise the drawbridge. Bu shouted, "Open the gates!" The man from the Tian family said, "I have already surrendered to General Cao."

26

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  引軍定陶陳宮東門保護呂布老小濮陽舊日劉曄:「呂布今日困乏不可。」劉曄濮陽自己引軍定陶呂布張邈高順張遼臧霸侯成打糧定陶連日引軍退下寨正值濟郡細作報知呂布引軍將近左邊一望林木茂盛伏兵

Bu swore and cursed, then led his army to Dingtao. Meanwhile, Chen Gong hastily opened the eastern gate of Puyang, and escorted Lü Bu's family out of the city. When Cao subsequently seized control of Puyang, he forgave the past sins of the Tian family. Liu Ye said, "Lü Bu is a ferocious tiger who is fatigued for the time being. We must not let up on him." Cao ordered Liu Ye to guard Puyang, while Cao personally led a force toward Dingtao. Lü Bu was in the city at the time, along with Zhang Miao and Zhang Chao; Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, Zang Ba and Hou Cheng were scouring the coastline in search of grain, and had not yet returned. After Cao's army arrived in Dingtao, they did not engage in battle for many days. Instead, Cao retreated his forces, setting up camp 40 li away.[15] It just so happened that the wheat crop in Jiyang Commandery was ripe for harvesting. Cao accordingly ordered his army to reap the wheat crop in order to feed his troops. When a spy reported this to Lü Bu, Bu led his army there. As he approached Cao's camp, he observed that there was a thick forest to his left. Fearing an ambush, he withdrew.

27

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  回去:「伏兵旌旗西一帶精兵明日呂布。」於是止留鼓手擂鼓男女吶喊精兵

After Cao learned that Bu had withdrawn, he said to his generals, "Bu suspected that there were soldiers hiding in ambush in the forest. We could plant a few more banners and flags in the forest in order to make him more suspicious. There is a dry dike in the area along the western side of camp. We could have our elite troops hide there in ambush. Tomorrow, Lü Bu is bound to come to burn down the forest. If we block his rear, we can capture Bu." He then left fifty of his drummers behind in camp, along with men and women that had been captured from nearby villages. He planned on making the villagers yell and holler from inside the camp, while his elite troops hid in ambush in the dike.

28

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  卻說呂布回報陳宮:「詭計不可輕敵。」:「火攻伏兵。」陳宮高順次日大軍遙見驅兵四面放火一人

Let us now turn to Lü Bu, who had returned and told Chen Gong what had happened. Gong said, "Cao has many tricks up his sleeve, and should not be underestimated." Bu said, "If I attack them using fire, I could defeat Cao's ambush troops. With that, he left Chen Gong and Gao Shun behind to guard the city. The next day, Bu led out a large force. When he saw the banners in the forest in the distance, he ordered his troops to charge forward. They set fire to everything, but nobody was there. They were about to head into Cao's camp, when they heard the thunderous sound of war drums.

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  正自疑惑不定忽然一彪呂布縱馬趕來伏兵夏侯惇夏侯淵許褚典韋李典樂進驟馬呂布料敵不過落荒樂進三停回報陳宮:「空城不若。」高順呂布老小定陶曹操得勝勢如破竹自焚張邈袁術山東一境曹操安民不在話下

In that moment of hesitation, a group of soldiers suddenly emerged from behind the camp. Lü Bu raced on his horse to catch up with them. The ambush troops emerged from the dike, the area from whence the cannons had thundered to life. Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Xu Chu, Dian Wei, Li Dian and Yue Jin all charged out on their horses. Lü Bu was unable to outfox the enemy, and fled the scene, carefully avoiding the main roads. One of his generals named Cheng Lian was killed with a single arrow from Yue Jin's bow. Two thirds of Bu's army had been decimated. The remaining defeated troops reported back to Chen Gong. Gong said, "It will be impossible to protect an empty city. It would be better to leave right away." Accordingly, he and Gao Shun secured Lü Bu's family and abandoned Dingtao. Cao Cao swept his victorious army into the city without resistance. It was as easy as splitting bamboo. Zhang Chao set himself afire, while Zhang Miao made his way toward Yuan Shu. The entire region to the east of the mountains had been conquered by Cao Cao. It goes without saying that he pacified the locals and rebuilt the cities.

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  卻說呂布陳宮:「。」引軍正是兵家常事捲甲重來未可呂布勝負如何下文分解

Let us now turn to Lü Bu, who had once again regrouped with his generals. Chen Gong had also already managed to find Bu. Bu said, "Our army is small, but it can still defeat Cao." With that, he once again led out his army. It was a case of:

A military man has many victories and many defeats; who can know whether he will return again after having been routed.

Don't know whether Lü Bu won or lost? Keep reading, and all will be explained.


Notes

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  1. The character for "righteousness" is .
  2. i.e. the secret signal to attack
  3. In ancient times, the three armies referred to the armies of the left, right and center.
  4. between 7:00pm and 9:00pm
  5. between 3:00am and 5:00am
  6. One hu was equal to 20 liters (~5.26 gallons). One string contained one thousand coins.
  7. Literal meaning: impartial and protected by heaven
  8. Literal meaning: sheep mountain
  9. Gebei is the name of an ancient lake.
  10. One chi was approximately 23.1 cm, eight chi was approximately 1.848 meters (6.063288 feet).
  11. 7:00am to 9:00am
  12. 11:00am to 1:00pm
  13. One li was approximately 415.8 meters, five li would have been 2.079 km (~1.2918906 miles).
  14. Literal meaning: middle son who is healthy
  15. One li was approximately 415.8 meters, 40 li would have been 16.632 km (~10.3351 miles).