Translation:Romance of the Three Kingdoms/Chapter 15

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Translation:Romance of the Three Kingdoms
by Luo Guanzhong, translated from Chinese by Wikisource
Chapter 15
Taishi Ci engages in a fierce battle with the Little Conqueror; Sun Bofu battles White Tiger Yan.
1202769Translation:Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 15
Taishi Ci engages in a fierce battle with the Little Conqueror; Sun Bofu battles White Tiger Yan.
Luo Guanzhong
Chapter 15

Taishi Ci engages in a fierce battle with the Little Conqueror; Sun Bofu battles White Tiger Yan.


  卻說張飛自刎玄德向前:「古人:『兄弟手足妻子衣服衣服手足?』桃園結義但願城池家小兄弟中道城池家眷呂布謀害設計賢弟一時捐生!」

Let us now turn to Zhang Fei, who had drawn his straight sword and was about to slit his own throat. Xuande rushed forward and took hold of him. Taking the straight sword and throwing it to the ground, he said, "The people of ancient times had a saying, 'A brother is like one's hands and feet, while a wife is like clothing. Clothing can still be mended when torn; how can one continue, once one's hands and feet have been severed?' The three of us made an oath at the peach garden to not desire that we had been born on the same day, but rather to desire that we die on the same day. Even though I have lost the city and my family today, how can I bear to ask my brother to die while he's still in his prime? In any case, the city was not mine to begin with; even though my family has been captured, I'm confident that Lü Bu will not harm them. We still have time to figure out how to save them. How can you be expected to sacrifice your life over a momentary lapse in judgement!" After he finished, he began to weep. Guan and Zhang were both moved to tears.

2[edit]

  且說袁術呂布徐州星夜呂布金銀綵緞使夾攻劉備高順領兵玄德玄德陰雨撤兵盱眙廣陵比及高順玄德高順紀靈相見:「主公。」高順紀靈呂布紀靈

Let us now turn to Yuan Shu, who had learned of Lü Bu's attack on Xuzhou. He sent someone to travel night and day to Lü Bu's position with a promise of 50,000 hu of grain,[1] 500 horses, 10,000 tael of gold and silver,[2] and 1,000 bolts of five-colored silk if Lü Bu agreed to join forces with him and stage a pincer attack against Liu Bei. Bu was delighted, ordering Gao Shun to lead an army of 50,000 men in an attack on Xuande's rear. When Xuande heard the news, he took advantage of the overcast and rainy conditions to withdraw his forces from Xuyi. From there, he headed east, with a plan to take Guangling. By the time Gao Shun arrived, Xuande had already departed. After meeting with Gao Shun, Ji Ling decided to retain possession of the promised items. Ling said, "Why don't you withdraw and allow me to confer with my lord in order to devise a plan." Gao Shun bid farewell to Ji Ling and withdrew his army. When he next saw Lü Bu, he recounted in detail his meeting with Ji Ling.

3[edit]

  正在遲疑袁術:「高順劉備劉備。」袁術失信起兵陳宮:「不可壽春不可輕敵不如玄德小沛使羽翼他日玄德先鋒袁術袁紹縱橫天下。」玄德

While Bu was pondering his next move, a letter from Yuan Shu arrived. The letter said, "Although Gao Shun came, Liu Bei has not been eliminated. Once Liu Bei is in custody, I will deliver the promised items to you." Bu angrily cursed Yuan Shu for going back on his word, and wanted to raise an army to attack him. Chen Gong said, "You can't do that. Shu holds Shouchun. He has a lot of troops and grain. You shouldn't underestimate him. It would be better to invite Xuande to come back to Xiaopei, and make him your assistant. In the future, you can order Xuande to take the lead in taking on Yuan Shu. After that, you can take on Yuan Shao, and rule over all that is under heaven." Bu followed this advice, and ordered someone to send a letter inviting Xuande to return.

4[edit]

  卻說玄德引兵廣陵袁術劫寨大半回來呂布使書札玄德大喜:「呂布無義不可。」玄德:「好情奈何?」徐州玄德疑惑送還家眷夫人玄德呂布把定宅門不得使侍妾未嘗玄德:「呂布家眷。」呂布張飛呂布小沛

Let us now turn to Xuande, who had led his troops to the east in order to take Guangling. After his camp was raided by Yuan Shu, Xuande lost half of his troops. He was on his way back, when he encountered an emissary of Lü Bu, who gave him a letter. Xuande was overjoyed. Guan and Zhang both said, "Lü Bu is not a man of justice. He cannot be trusted." Xuande said, "He has treated me kindly. Why should I be suspicious of him?" With that, he went to Xuzhou. Bu was afraid that Xuande would be suspicious, so he took it upon himself to order Xuande's family to be returned to him. When Lady Gan and Lady Mi were reunited with Xuande, they explained in detail how Lü Bu had assigned soldiers to guard the entrance to their residence, and had not allowed anyone to enter. Also, he had frequently sent female servants to deliver necessary items to them, so that they did not lack anything. Xuande said to Guan and Zhang, "I knew that Lü Bu would not harm my family." He then set out to enter the town, so that he could thank Lü Bu. Zhang Fei hated Lü Bu, and was unwilling to accompany him. Instead, he escorted Xuande's two wives to Xiaopei.

5[edit]

  玄德入見呂布拜謝呂布:「令弟張飛失事。」玄德:「。」假意玄德玄德小沛住劄心中玄德:「屈身守分天時不可。」呂布緞疋和好不在話下

Xuande went to see Lü Bu in order to thank him. Lü Bu said, "I did not want to take the city; Zhang Fei was getting drunk and killing people. I was afraid things would get out of hand. That's why I took charge." Xuande said, "I've wanted to yield the city to you for a while now." Bu feigned modesty, and tried to yield to Xuande. However, Xuande was insistent, and returned to Xiaopei, where he stationed his men. Guan and Zhang were uneasy. Xuande said, "We must humble ourselves and not overreach. Our time will come eventually. You can't force fate." Lü Bu sent people with grain and satin. It goes without saying that the two were reconciled after this.

6[edit]

  卻說袁術將士壽春孫策廬江太守陸康得勝堂下問勞便侍坐飲宴原來孫策之後退居江南禮賢下士陶謙母舅丹陽太守吳璟不和家屬曲阿自己袁術:「使孫郎!」使校尉引兵涇縣太師得勝使陸康得勝

Let us now turn to Yuan Shu, who had thrown a banquet in Shouchun for his men. He had received a report that Sun Ce was returning, after having defeated Lu Kang, governor of Lujiang. Shu summoned Ce, and Ce came to pay his respects. After the exchange of pleasantries, a banquet was arranged. It turns out that after Sun Ce's father died, he withdrew to Jiangnan, and developed a reputation for showing respect to men of talent, while not condescending to men of average abilities. Later, because Tao Qian did not get along with his uncle Wu Jing, who was governor of Danyang, Ce made arrangements for his mother and family to be moved to Qu'e. Ce himself offered his services to Yuan Shu. Shu was quite fond of him, and wistfully said, "If I but had a son such as Sun Lang, I could die without regret!" As a result, he made him Captain and Upholder of Justice. Ce led an army in an attack on Jing County, defeating Grand Preceptor Zu Lang. When Shu saw how brave Ce was, he again sent him out to attack Lu Kang. Ce had now returned from that victory.

7[edit]

  當日營寨相待心中鬱悶步月中庭孫堅如此英雄淪落不覺放聲一人:「伯符何故如此多曾何不?」丹陽故漳君理孫堅從事收淚:「。」:「何不袁公路江東假名吳璟大業?」

After the banquet broke up that day, Ce returned to his camp. Having seen how courteously Shu had treated him at the banquet, he became depressed, and started to pace back and forth in the moonlight in the inner courtyard. He could not understand how he had fallen to such depths in light of the heroism displayed by his late father Sun Jian. Without realizing it, Ce began to cry. Suddenly, he saw someone come in from the outside. Smiling, the man said, "What is the matter? When your father was alive, he often sought me out for advice. If something is bothering you, why not ask me for help, rather than bursting into tears?" Ce looked at him. He was from Guzhang, in Danyang. His surname was Zhu, his given name was Zhi, and his style name was Junli. He had formerly been an aide to Sun Jian. Ce wiped away his tears, and invited him to sit, saying, "The reason I'm crying is that I am sad that I am unable to realize the ambitions of my late father." Zhi said, "Why don't you ask Yuan Gonglu to loan you some soldiers so that you can proceed to Jiangdong, under the pretext of rescuing Wu Jing. By doing that, you could accomplish great things, rather than remaining under the thumb of somebody else.

8[edit]

  商議一人:「手下精壯伯符一臂之力。」袁術謀士汝南細陽子衡大喜延坐呂範:「袁公路不肯。」:「留下傳國玉璽質當。」:「公路發兵。」

While they were discussing the matter, someone suddenly came in and said, "I already know what you two have been plotting. I have, serving underneath me, one hundred able-bodied men. They could provide assistance to you for a short time." Ce looked at him. It was Yuan Shu's strategist. He was from Xiyang in Ru'nan. His surname was , his given name was Fan, and his style name was Ziheng. Ce was overjoyed, and bid him to sit down to talk things over. Lü Fan said, "My only fear is that Yuan Gonglu will be unwilling to loan out his soldiers to you." Ce said, "I have the Heirloom Seal of the Realm that was left to me by my late father. I could use that as collateral." Fan said, "Gonglu has wanted that item for a long time; if you use that as collateral, I'm certain that he will be willing to give you soldiers."

9[edit]

  計議次日入見袁術:「不能母舅吳璟揚州刺史劉繇老母家小曲阿雄兵救難省親明公玉璽質當。」玉璽大喜:「玉璽平定之後回來職位卑微大權折衝校尉將軍剋日領兵便。」

With that, the three had settled on a plan. The next day, when Ce met with Yuan Shu, he lamented, "I am unable to avenge my late father. Not only that, but my uncle Wu Jing is being bullied by Liu Yao, governor of Yangzhou. My mother's family is small. They are all in Qu'e. They are sure to come to harm. I would like to borrow several thousand brave soldiers, and cross the river, so that I may see my relatives and save them. However, I'm afraid you might not trust me. I have the royal jade seal, left to me by my father. I could offer it to you as collateral." When Shu heard that he had the royal seal, he took it in his hands to look at it, and became overjoyed, saying, "I don't want your royal seal. I will allow you to leave it here. I will loan you three thousand soldiers and 500 horses. As soon as you have pacified the area, you can return. Your position is too low to command authority. I will make you captain of war chariots and general in charge of annihilating bandits. You may set the date to depart with your troops."

10[edit]

  拜謝軍馬帶領朱治呂範程普黃蓋韓當擇日起兵行至歷陽當先一人姿質風流儀容秀麗孫策下馬便廬江舒城公瑾原來孫堅董卓舒城孫策同年交情昆仲丹陽太守省親相遇
Zhou Yu

Sun Ce thanked him, and took charge of his troops. Under his command were Zhu Zhi and Lü Fan, as well as old generals like Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang. He set a date for departure. When they came to Liyang, they saw that another army had already arrived. In front of this army was a man who was quite dashing in appearance. When he saw Sun Ce, he dismounted and gave him a salute. It was a man from Shucheng, Lujiang. His surname was Zhou, his given name was Yu, and his style name was Gongjin. As it turns out, when Sun Jian was fighting Dong Zhuo, he had moved his family to Shucheng. Yu and Sun Ce were the same age, and became close friends, almost like brothers. Ce was two months older than Yu, so Yu thought of Ce as his older brother. Yu's uncle Zhou Shang was the governor of Danyang. Yu was on his way to visit him, when he ran into Ce.

11[edit]

  大喜衷情:「犬馬之力大事。」:「公瑾大事。」便朱治呂範相見:「吾兄大事江東?」:「』?」:「一人彭城張昭子布一人廣陵張紘子綱經天緯地避亂隱居吾兄何不?」
Zhang Zhao

When Ce saw Yu, he was overjoyed, and shared with him his ambitions. Yu said, "I am willing to do my humble best to work with you to accomplish these great things." Ce was pleased, and said, "With your help, nothing will be too difficult to achieve." He then ordered him to meet with Zhu Zhi and Lü Fan. Yu said to Ce, "Since you want to accomplish great things, do you know about the two Zhangs of Jiangdong?" Ce said, "Who are the 'two Zhangs'?" Yu said, "One is Zhang Zhao of Pengcheng, whose style name is Zibu. The other is Zhang Hong of Guangling, whose style name is Zigang. Both of them have a talent for managing affairs of state. In order to avoid all of the fighting, they both came here to live in seclusion. Why don't you hire them?"

12[edit]

  即便許允張昭長史撫軍中郎將張紘參謀校尉商議攻擊劉繇

Ce was pleased, and ordered someone to send an offer of employment to both of them, but both declined the offer. Ce went to their homes and spoke to them enthusiastically about the offer. He would not take no for an answer. Both of them eventually accepted the offer. Ce made Zhang Zhao his chief secretary, as well as commander of the palace guards. He made Zhang Hong captain of justice. He discussed his plans to attack Liu Yao with them.

13[edit]

  卻說劉繇正禮東萊牟平漢室宗親太尉兗州刺史劉岱揚州刺史壽春袁術江東曲阿當下孫策商議部將:「牛渚百萬不能。」帳下一人:「前部先鋒。」東萊黃縣太史慈北海便劉繇帳下當日孫策來到前部先鋒:「未可大將只在左右聽命。」太史慈退

Let us now turn to Liu Yao, whose style name was Zhengli.[3] He was from Muping, Donglai Commandery, and also was a descendent of the House of Han. He was a nephew of Grand Marshal Liu Chong, and the younger brother of Yanzhou governor Liu Dai. He had formerly served as governor of Yangzhou, and had been based in Shouchun. However, he had been driven across the Yangtze River by Yuan Shu, and ended up in Qu'e. When he heard that Sun Ce had arrived, he hastily gathered his generals to discuss the matter. General Zhang Ying said, "I will station an army at Niuzhu. Even if he has a million soldiers, he won't be able to get close to you." Before he could finish speaking, a subordinate yelled out, "I volunteer to take the lead." Everyone looked at him. It was Taishi Ci from Huang County. After Ci broke through the enemy lines at Beihai, he made his way to Liu Yao, who retained him as a subordinate. As soon as he heard that Sun Ce had arrived, he volunteered to be in the vanguard. Yao said, "You are still young. You're not yet ready to be a general. Stay by my side and await further orders." Taishi Ci left in a huff.

14[edit]

  領兵牛渚邸閣孫策引兵出迎牛渚孫策黃蓋便忽然大亂報說放火孫策引軍前來乘勢掩殺牛渚深山

Zhang Ying led his troops to Niuzhu, and stored up 100,000 worth of rations in the granary. Sun Ce brought his own army there, and Zhang Ying came out to meet him. The two armies met on the banks of the nearby river. When Sun Ce rode out on his horse, Zhang Ying loudly cursed him. Huang Gai then went out to engage Zhang Ying in battle. After not more than a few rounds, chaos broke out amongst Zhang Ying's men. Someone reported that his camp had caught fire. Zhang Ying hastily withdrew his army. Sun Ce took advantage of the situation, and followed after him, slaughtering a number of his men. Zhang Ying abandoned Niuzhu, and escaped into the remote mountains.

15[edit]

  原來放火乃是健將一人九江壽春公奕一人九江下蔡幼平揚子江劫掠孫策江東豪傑招賢納士前來相投大喜校尉牛渚邸閣糧食軍器進兵神亭
Zhou Tai

As it turned out, the ones who had set the fire behind the camp were none other than two tough generals, one of whom had the surname Jiang, the given name Qin, the style name Gongyi, and was from Shouchun, Jiujiang. The other had the surname Zhou, the given name Tai, the style name Youping, and was from Xiacai, Jiujiang. After their world had descended into chaos, they relocated to the area near the Yangtze River, making their living as bandits. They had long been aware of Sun Ce's exploits to the south of the Yangtze River, and that Ce had a gift for attracting men of talent. As a result, they gathered more than three hundred of their men, and set out to join forces with Ce. Ce was overjoyed, and used them as captains in the vanguard of the chariots. They were able to seize hold of the granary and weapons of Niuzhu, and forced the surrender of more than 4,000 foot soldiers. After that, they marched their troops to Shenting.

16[edit]

  卻說劉繇謀士笮融薛禮使屯兵零陵拒敵劉繇領兵神亭孫策土人:「漢光武?」土人:「。」:「光武相見。」長史張昭:「不可劉繇伏兵奈何?」:「神人?」披挂程普黃蓋韓當蔣欽周泰焚香下馬參拜向前:「孫策江東立業復興廟宇四時祭祀。」

Let us now turn to Zhang Ying, who had returned in defeat to Liu Yao. Yao was angry, and wanted to have him beheaded. His strategists Ze Rong and Xue Li advised him against it, so he instead was made to station his defeated army at Lingling, in order to defend against the enemy. Liu Yao personally led a force of men to the south ridge at Shenting, where he pitched camp. Sun Ce pitched camp to the north of the ridge. Ce asked the locals, "Is there a temple dedicated to Emperor Guangwu of Han in these mountains?" The locals said, "There is a temple up on the ridge." Ce said, "Last night, I dreamed that Guangwu invited me to meet with him. I must go and pray to him." His chief secretary Zhang Zhao said, "You can't. Liu Yao's camp is to the south of the ridge. If there are soldiers waiting for you in ambush, what then?" Ce said, "If the gods are protecting me, why should I be afraid?" He then donned his armor, took hold of his spear, and mounted his horse. He departed camp, and headed to the top of the ridge, accompanied with thirteen mounted warriors, including Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, Jiang Qin, and Zhou Tai. When they arrived at the temple, they burned incense. After dismounting from his horse and paying his respects, Ce stepped forward and kneeled down, saying, "If I can establish myself to the east of the river, and reestablish my late father's legacy, I vow to fix up this old temple, and offer sacrifices year-round."

17[edit]

  回顧:「探看劉繇。」以為不可不從伏路飛報劉繇:「孫策誘敵不可。」太史慈踴躍:「此時孫策何時?」劉繇將令竟自披挂:「膽氣!」惟有小將:「太史慈猛將!」拍馬同行

After he finished praying, he exited the temple and mounted his horse. Looking back at his generals, he said, "I am going to pass over the ridge to get a look at the fence surrounding Liu Yao's camp." None of his generals thought he should do it. Ce disregarded their opinions, and went up on the ridge. Looking down at the villages and wooded areas along the southern side, one could see a small number of troops who were hiding there running back to report to Liu Yao. Yao said, "This must be a ploy by Sun Ce to lure me into his trap. We must not take the bait." Taishi Ci jumped up and said, "If we don't capture Sun Ce now, when will we ever get another opportunity?" With that, he did not wait for Liu Yao's orders, but took it upon himself to don his armor and mount his horse. As he was exiting the camp with his spear in his hands, he shouted, "If there is anyone among you who is brave, follow me now!" None of the generals moved. Only one minor general said, "Taishi Ci is truly a fierce general! I will help him!" He rode off on his horse with Ci, as the other generals laughed.

18[edit]

  卻說孫策半晌方始回馬孫策!」回頭一齊擺開太史慈:「那個孫策?」:「?」:「便是東萊太史慈特來孫策。」:「便是一齊一個孫伯符!」:「便眾人!」縱馬直取孫策相交不分勝負程普暗暗

Let us now turn to Sun Ce, who watched for a while longer, then wheeled his horse around. Just as they were crossing over the ridge, they heard a voice from the top of the ridge calling out, "Sun Ce! Stop!" When Ce turned around to look, he saw two horses galloping down from the top of the ridge. Ce dispersed his thirteen mounted warriors, and waited on his horse at the bottom of the ridge, with his spear at the ready. Taishi Ci shrieked, "Which one of you is Sun Ce?" Ce said, "Who are you?" Ci responded, "I am Taishi Ci of Donglai." I have come especially to capture Sun Ce." Ce laughed, and said, "I am he. The two of you have come to capture just me? I'm not scared of you! If I were scared of you, my name would not be Sun Bofu!" Ci said, "If I were accompanied by that many men, I wouldn't be scared either!" He spurred his horse to action, spear at the ready, heading straight toward Sun Ce. Ce raised his spear to intercept the attack. The two horses engaged each other for 50 rounds with no clear victor. Cheng Pu and the others silently watched in amazement.

19[edit]

  孫策槍法半點佯輸詐敗孫策趕到:「不算好漢!」心中:「從人一個便活捉眾人一程下手。」於是

After Ci saw that Sun Ce's spear fighting abilities were not lacking, he decided to feign defeat, and make Sun Ce chase after him. However, Ci did not retrace his path to the top of the ridge, but rather circled around to the back of the hill. Ce caught up with him, and yelled, "A true man would not run away!" Ci thought to himself, "This scoundrel has twelve attendants, and I am by myself. Even if I captured him alive, I would be taken captive by the others. My only recourse is to lead him along a bit further, then make my move when he has nowhere to run." With that, he continued to fight and flee simultaneously.

20[edit]

  那裡一直趕到平川用力不知那裡廝打戰袍粉碎手快太史慈短戟兜鍪兜鍪遮架

Ce was not about to abandon the chase so easily, and continued his pursuit until they both reached level ground. Ci wheeled his horse about, and once again began to fight. They fought another 50 rounds. Ce thrust with his spear, but Ci moved out of the way, and seized hold of the spear. Ci then thrust with his own spear, but Ce moved out of the way, and seized hold of his opponent's spear. The two of them engaged in such a fierce tug of war, that both tumbled off of their horses. The horses did not know where their riders had gone. Both men let go of the two spears, and began grappling with each other, trading blows whenever they could. The clothes they wore under their armor were in tatters before long. With lightning quick hands, Ce got a hold of one of the short handled polearms on Taishi Ci's back; Ci responded by yanking off Ce's helmet. As Ce stabbed at Ci with the the short handled polearm, Ci deflected the attack with the helmet.

21[edit]

  忽然劉繇接應到來慌急程普方纔放手孫策程普劉繇程普混戰逶迤神亭起處周瑜領軍來到劉繇自引大軍黃昏風雨兩下各自收軍

Suddenly, yelling and shouting could be heard behind them. It was Liu Yao arriving with his troops. There were more than 1,000 of them. Ce was beginning to panic, when Cheng Pu arrived with the other twelve mounted warriors. Ce had only just let go of Ci, when Ci demanded a horse from his side's army. He then grabbed a spear, mounted the horse, and came back again. Sun Ce's horse had been recovered by Cheng Pu. Ce also grabbed a spear, and mounted his own horse. Liu Yao's 1,000 man army began fighting indiscriminately with Cheng Pu and the other mounted warriors. They moved to and fro, battling it out all the way to foot of the peaks at Shenting. Then, there was more yelling and shouting, as Zhou Yu's troops arrived. Liu Yao personally led his troops on a murderous charge down the mountainside. It was getting close to dusk, and the wind and rain started to get more intense. It was then that both sides withdrew their respective armies.

22[edit]

  次日孫策引軍劉繇劉繇引軍出迎孫策太史慈軍士:「太史慈!」太史慈孫策兜鍪軍士:「孫策!」

The following day, Sun Ce led his troops to the camp of Liu Yao. Liu Yao led his own army out to meet them. Once the lines of both sides had formed, Sun Ce, holding his spear in one hand, carried Taishi Ci's polearm with the other out to the front of the line. He then ordered his troops to shout out, "If Taishi Ci had not run away so quickly, he would have been stabbed to death!" Taishi Ci also carried Sun Ce's helmet to the front of the line. He then ordered his troops to shout out, "Here is Sun Ce's head!"

23[edit]

  吶喊這邊那邊太史慈出馬孫策勝負程普:「不須主公勞力。」程普太史慈:「敵手孫策出馬!」程普直取太史慈相交劉繇鳴金收軍太史慈:「正要捉拿何故收軍?」劉繇:「周瑜領軍襲取曲阿廬江松滋陳武子烈接應周瑜入去吾家基業不可久留秣陵笮融軍馬接應。」

The two armies cried out, over here boasting of victory, and over there talking up their strength. Taishi Ci rode out on his horse. He wanted to have it out once and for all with Sun Ce. Then, Ce came out. Cheng Pu said, “Your Excellency, no need to bother yourself with this. I’ll personally get him for you.” Cheng Pu went out in front of the ranks. Taishi Ci said, “You’re no match for me. Tell Sun Ce to come out on his horse!” Enraged, Cheng Pu charged straight at Taishi Ci, spear in hand. The two horses met, and they fought 30 rounds, before Liu Yao frantically banged the gongs of retreat. Taishi Ci said, “I was just about to capture the bandit general. Why are you sounding the retreat?” Liu Yao said, “Someone has reported that Zhou Yu is leading an army in an attack on Qu’e. There is a person from Songzi County, Lujiang Commandery, by the name of Chen Wu, whose style name is Zilie. He went out to intercept Zhou Yu. My family already has lost its base of operations, so I can’t stay here for very long. We must quickly make our way to Moling, and rendezvous with the armies of Xue Li and Ze Rong. In that way, we can quickly intercept his advance.”

24[edit]

  太史慈劉繇退軍孫策人馬長史張昭:「周瑜襲取曲阿戀戰正好劫營。」孫策當夜長驅劉繇軍兵四分五裂太史慈獨力難當連夜涇縣

Taishi Ci pulled back his troops and followed Liu Yao. Rather than give chase, Sun Ce instead gathered up his troops. His chief secretary Zhang Zhao said, “Their forces were attacked by Zhou Yu at Qu’e, and they have lost the will to fight. Tonight is the perfect time to raid their camp.” Sun Ce followed the advice. That evening, he divided his troops into five units. Each following a different route, they rapidly advanced over a long distance. Liu Yao’s army suffered a major defeat, and all of them fled in disarray. Taishi Ci was having difficulty carrying on alone, so he made his way throughout the night toward Jing County, accompanied by a dozen or so mounted troops.

25[edit]

  卻說孫策陳武身長形容古怪敬愛校尉使先鋒首級不敢

Let us now turn to Sun Ce, who had acquired Chen Wu as an assistant. This person had an odd appearance, standing at a height of seven chi,[4] with a yellow face and fiery eyes. Ce was quite fond of him, and made him a captain. Placing him in the vanguard, he mounted an attack against Xue Li. Wu led a dozen or so mounted troops in an attack on the enemy ranks, severing more than 50 heads. Xue Li closed the gates and dared not come out.

26[edit]

  劉繇會合笮融牛渚孫策大軍牛渚劉繇笮融出馬迎敵孫策:「如何?」劉繇背後一人出馬部將生擒過去撥馬後心軍士:「背後暗算!」回頭驚駭翻身下馬門旗霎時自此孫策小霸王」。

While Ce was attacking the outer walls of the city, someone suddenly reported that Liu Yao had joined with Ze Rong in an attack on Niuzhu. Sun Ce became enraged, and personally led a large army toward Niuzhu. Liu Yao and Ze Rong both rode out on their horse in order to greet the enemy. Sun Ce said, “Now that I’m here, why don’t you surrender?” A person from behind Liu Yao raised his spear and rode out on his horse. It was Yu Mi, one of his junior officers. Yu fought with Ce for no more than three rounds, before he was captured alive by Ce. Ce wheeled his horse around, and headed back toward his lines. When Fan Neng, another one of Liu Yao’s generals, saw that Yu Mi had been captured, he raised his spear and gave chase. The spear was thrusting toward the middle of Ce’s back, when a soldier from Ce’s lines shouted out, “Behind you! Someone’s trying to get the drop on you!” Turning his head, Ce suddenly saw Fan Neng approaching on his horse. Ce let out a thunderous battle cry. Fan Neng was so startled, he fell from his horse. He died from the impact of his head striking the ground. Ce had arrived at the flags posted at the entrance of his army’s encampment, when he threw Yu Mi to the ground, his life already having been squeezed out of him. In an instant, Ce had squeezed one general to death, and had shouted another general to death. From then on, everyone called Sun Ce “Little Conqueror”.

27[edit]

  當日劉繇人馬大半斬首劉繇笮融豫章劉表孫策秣陵城河招諭投降冷箭孫策翻身急救金瘡詐稱主將舉哀拔寨

Liu Yao’s army suffered a major defeat that day, with half of his men surrendering to Ce. Ce severed more than 10,000 heads. Liu Yao and Ze Rong fled to Yuzhang, in order to cast their lot with Liu Biao. Sun Ce gathered up his army and once again attacked Moling. Arriving in person at the moat, he urged Xue Li to surrender. An arrow was shot from a hiding place on top of the city wall. It pierced Sun Ce’s left thigh, causing him to tumble from his horse. His generals rushed to his aid. They returned him to camp, pulled out the arrow, and applied a medicine used for treating wounds caused by metal incisions. Ce ordered someone in his army to falsely claim that the commanding general had been struck by an arrow and had died, and that his army had broken up camp in order to hold a funeral.

28[edit]

  孫策連夜驍將忽然伏兵四起孫策當先出馬高聲:「孫郎!」眾軍地下一人撥馬陳武蔣欽亂軍秣陵安輯居民涇縣太史慈

When Xue Li heard that Sun Ce already had died, he readied the troops within the city walls throughout the night, and then charged out in pursuit along with his brave generals, Zhang Ying and and Chen Heng. Suddenly, hidden soldiers surrounded them on all four sides, with Sun Ce out in front on his horse, shouting, “I, Sun Lang, am here!” All of the soldiers were stunned, and threw down their spears and swords, bowing down on the ground. Ce ordered that none be killed. However, when Zhang Ying wheeled his horse around to flee, he was stabbed to death by Chen Wu’s spear. Chen Heng died by one of Jiang Qin’s arrows. Xue Li was killed by the army, which now had fallen into disarray. Ce entered the town of Moling, and pacified the residents. He then moved his troops to Jing County, in order to take on Taishi Ci.

29[edit]

  卻說太史慈精壯餘人正要劉繇報讎孫策周瑜商議活捉太史慈東門放走太史慈那裡人困馬乏必然原來太史慈招軍大半山野紀律涇縣城頭不甚當夜孫策陳武短衣首先放火太史慈東門背後孫策引軍

Let us now turn to Taishi Ci, who had collected more than two thousand troops, and was on the verge avenging Liu Yao. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were discussing a plan to capture Taishi Ci alive. Yu would order a three-sided attack against the county, only allowing an escape route through the eastern gate. At a distance of 25 li,[5] they would hide troops along each of the three routes. By the time Taishi Ci would arrive, His men and horses would be tired, and he would be captured for sure. As it turns out, more than half of the men recruited by Taishi Ci were from the countryside, and knew nothing of discipline. The city walls of the Jing County township were not that high. In the evening, Sun Ce ordered Chen Wu to wear a short jacket, take a sword, climb the township wall, and light a fire. When Taishi Ci saw the fire being lit on the township wall, he mounted his horse and rode toward the eastern gate. Sun Ce led an army in pursuit.

30[edit]

  太史慈後軍太史慈人困馬乏蘆葦兩下絆馬索絆翻生擒太史慈太史慈親自士卒自己錦袍:「子義丈夫劉繇不能大將以致。」

Taishi Ci was in the process of leaving, with his army following him for 30 li without catching up.[6] After Taishi Ci had gone 50 li,[7] his men and horses became exhausted. Suddenly, the sound of shouting could be heard from the nearby reeds. Ci was about to flee, but a rope for capturing horses toppled his horse, and Taishi Ci was captured alive. He was taken to the camp. When Ce learned that Taishi Ci had been brought to him, he personally came out of the camp to order the soldiers to disperse, and he untied him. He also gave him a brocade robe to wear, and invited him into the camp, saying to him, "I know that you are an upright person. Liu Yao was foolish, and was unsuited to be a general, which is why he was defeated."

31[edit]

  請降:「神亭?」:「未可。」上坐設宴款待:「士卒離心收拾餘眾明公不識相信?」:「明日日中。」應諾:「太史慈不來。」:「子義信義。」

When Ci saw how compassionately Ce was treating him, he asked if he could surrender to him. Ce took Ci's hand, and smiled, saying, "If you had captured me during the battle at Shenting, would you have harmed me?" Ci smiled, saying, "There is no way to know." Ce laughed, and invited him into his tent. He invited him to sit at the place of honor, and threw a banquet for him. Ci said, "With the recent defeat of Liu, the troops have become demoralized. I would like to go personally to the ones remaining, and convince them to join forces with you. I do not know whether or not you believe me." Ce became accommodating, saying, "I truly is what I wish. I will make a pact with you. I expect you to return by noon tomorrow." Ci promised he would return, then left. All of the generals said, "Taishi Ci will not come back." Ce said, "Ziyi is a gentleman of his word. He will not betray me." No one believed him.

32[edit]

  次日竿日中太史慈餘眾孫策大喜知人於是孫策江東安民恤眾無數江東孫郎孫郎喪膽不許一人擄掠雞犬不驚人民牛酒勞軍金帛遍野劉繇從軍聽從歸農江南無不由是兵勢曲阿使孫權周泰宣城領兵吳郡

The following day, a pole was erected at the gate of the camp in order to await the sun’s shadow. At exactly noon, Taishi Ci led more then 1,000 men into the stronghold. Sun Ce was overjoyed, and everyone had to concede that Ce was an astute judge of character. Sun Ce then gathered tens of thousands of people, and headed to the east of the river. The people were pacified and comforted, and countless numbers surrendered. Everyone to the east of the river referred to Ce as Minister Sun. No sooner than they heard that Minister Sun was approaching, than they all fled in terror. But as soon as Ce’s army arrived, he would not allow any of his men to pillage. The livestock had nothing to fear and the people were so happy, that they brought meat and wine to the stronghold to show their appreciation to the soldiers. Ce repaid their kindness with gifts of gold and silk, and joy spread throughout the countryside. Of the remnants of Liu Yao’s army, those that wished to remain in the army pledged their loyalty to their new leader, while the rest were given their wages and allowed to return to their farms. The people to the south of the river all revered him, and from that point on, the strength of the army increased. Ce then invited his mother, uncle and younger brother to return to Qu’e. He placed his younger brother Sun Quan, along with Zhou Tai, in charge of Xuancheng. Ce then led his army east, in order to take Wu Commandery.

33[edit]

  嚴白虎自稱東吳德王吳郡部將烏程嘉興當日白虎令弟 輿出兵楓橋輿立馬中軍便張紘:「主將三軍繫命不宜輕敵將軍自重。」:「先生金石親冒矢石將士用命。」韓當出馬

At the time, there was White Tiger Yan, who called himself the Virtuous King of Eastern Wu. He himself occupied Wu Commandery, while he dispatched subordinates to defend Wucheng and Jiaxing. On the day White Tiger heard that Ce’s army was approaching, he ordered his younger brother, Yan Yu, to take soldiers and intercept the invaders at Maple Bridge. Yu sat on his horse on top of the bridge, sword in hand. Someone reported this to the Army of the Center, and Ce wanted to go and investigate. Zhang Hong admonished him, saying, “The fate of the three armies is tied to the head general. You must not underestimate the enemy. I hope that you have a higher regard for your own importance.” Ce thanked him, saying, “Your words are like gold; however, I’m afraid that if I don’t personally brave the slings and arrows, then the troops will not obey my orders.” He then sent out Han Dang on his horse.

34[edit]

  比及韓當蔣欽陳武飛身上岸砍殺嚴輿退走韓當引軍閶門退分兵水陸並進吳城無人出戰眾軍閶門招諭裨將太史慈馬上軍將:「!」

By the time Han Dang arrived on top of the bridge, Jiang Qin and Chen Wu already had boarded a small boat, and had mounted an assault on the bridge, shooting arrows indiscriminately at the army on the shore. After the two of them dashed onto shore, killing everyone in sight, Yan Yu retreated. Han Dang led his force on a rampage toward Chang Gate, forcing the bandits to withdraw inside the city walls. Ce divided his troops and advanced both on land and water, surrounding Wucheng. They surrounded the city for three days, but nobody came out to fight. Ce led his army to the outside of Chang Gate, and called on the enemy to surrender. A deputy general on top of the city wall was using his left hand to lean on a wooden protective barrier, while using his right hand to point to the area below the city wall and to shout out curses. Taishi Ci took up his bow and arrow, and said to the commanding general, “Watch me shoot this guy’s left hand!”

35[edit]

  弓弦果然正中無不喝采

He had hardly finished speaking, when the sound of his released bowstring rang out. Sure enough, the arrow hit its mark, piercing the general’s left hand, and nailing it to the wooden barrier. Everybody on top of the city wall, as well as below it, marveled at the sight.

36[edit]

  眾人白虎:「如此?」商量求和次日使輿孫策輿飲酒酒酣輿:「令兄意欲如何?」輿:「將軍平分江東。」:「鼠輩相等!」輿輿起身應手首級白虎料敵不過

A group of men helped him down from the city wall. White Tiger was shocked, saying, “With a man like this in their army, how can we oppose them?” He then discussed with his men the idea of suing for peace. The following day, he had Yan Yu exit the city walls to see Sun Ce. Ce invited Yu into his tent for a drink. After a few drinks, he asked Yu, “What would you like from me?” Yu said, “We would like to divide the area to the east of the river with you.” Ce was outraged, saying, “You dare to place yourself on my level!” He ordered Yan Yu to be beheaded. Yu drew his sword and stood up. Ce sprang into action with his sword, striking him down. Yu fell in an instant, and was beheaded. Ce ordered the body to be returned inside the city walls. Unable to anticipate the enemy, White Tiger abandoned the city and fled.

37[edit]

  進兵追襲黃蓋攻取嘉興太史慈攻取烏程白虎餘杭劫掠土人凌操鄉人會稽凌操父子孫策使從征校尉引兵嚴白虎分布西津渡程普連夜趕到會稽

Ce advanced his soldiers forward in pursuit, Huang Gai took Jiaxing, and Taishi Ci took Wucheng, so a number of locations were pacified. White Tiger headed towards Yuhang, pillaging along the way, until he was defeated by a group of villagers, led by a local named Ling Cao, and after that, departed for Kuaiji. Ling Cao and his son came to greet Sun Ce, and Ce made him a captain in the campaign. All of them then crossed the river. White Tiger gathered his fellow bandits at the mouth of the western ferry crossing. Cheng Pu attacked him, and he again suffered a huge defeat, having to flee throughout the night to Kuaiji.

38[edit]

  會稽太守王朗引兵白虎一人:「不可孫策仁義白虎暴虐白虎孫策。」會稽餘姚仲翔引兵會合白虎陳兵山陰對圓孫策出馬王朗:「仁義浙江何故?」:「貪心不足吳郡今日報讎!」

39[edit]

  孫策交戰太史慈王朗拍馬舞刀周昕孫策黃蓋飛馬周昕交鋒兩下互相鏖戰王朗一彪背後回馬原來周瑜程普引軍前後夾攻王朗寡不敵眾白虎周昕血路弔橋
Sun Ce was very angry, preparing to fight, while Taishi Ci came out early. Wang Lang pats his horse and waves his sword and fights against Taishi Ci. After a few rallies, Lang orders Zhou Xin to help fighting. In Ce's troops,

40[edit]

  孫策大軍乘勢趕到分布眾軍攻打王朗孫策出兵決一死戰嚴白虎:「孫策兵勢足下深溝高壘堅壁不消自然退走。」固守會稽

41[edit]

  孫策一連不能成功計議孫靜:「王朗負固會稽錢糧大半查瀆所謂攻其無備,出其不意。」大喜:「叔父妙用賊人!」虛張旗號疑兵連夜周瑜:「主公大兵一起王朗必然奇兵。」:「準備只在。」軍馬起行

42[edit]

  卻說王朗孫策軍馬退去自引眾人敵樓觀望煙火旌旗心下遲疑周昕:「孫策出兵。」嚴白虎:「孫策莫非查瀆將軍。」:「查瀆屯糧提防引兵先行隨後接應。」白虎周昕追趕將近初更密林火把白虎便當先火光孫策周昕餘眾白虎血路餘杭

43[edit]

  王朗前軍不敢部下奔逃海隅孫策復回大軍乘勢城池安定人民一日只見一人嚴白虎首級孫策投獻身長姓名會稽餘姚元代司馬自是東路孫靜朱治吳郡太守收軍江東

44[edit]

  卻說孫權周泰宣城四面時值更深不及抵敵赤體步行提刀砍殺隨後躍馬直取周泰血路孫權遠遁周泰金瘡發脹須臾

45[edit]

  帳下董襲:「海寇相持會稽一個虞翻。」:「虞翻莫非虞仲翔?」:「。」:「賢士。」張昭董襲聘請虞翻優禮相待功曹求醫:「沛國譙郡元化當世神醫。」
Hua Tuo

46[edit]

  一日童顏鶴髮飄然出世姿上賓周泰:「。」大喜華佗進兵江南孫策分撥將士守把隘口一面申奏朝廷一面結交曹操一面使袁術玉璽

47[edit]

  卻說袁術回書推託長史大將都督紀靈上將商議:「孫策軍馬起事今日江東地面報本無禮?」長史大將:「孫策長江未可劉備前日無故然後孫策使即日就擒。」正是江東徐郡蛟龍不知若何下文分解

Don't know what is the plan? Keep reading, and all will be explained.


Notes[edit]

  1. One hu was equal to 20 liters (~5.26 gallons).
  2. One tael was equal to 40 grams (~1.4 ounces).
  3. Translation: proper rites
  4. One chi is approximately 23.1 cm, seven chi is approximately 1.617 meters (5.30511811 feet).
  5. One li was approximately 415.8 meters, 25 li would have been 10.4 km (~6.46 miles).
  6. One li was approximately 415.8 meters, 30 li would have been 12.47 km (~7.91 miles).
  7. One li was approximately 415.8 meters, 50 li would have been 20.79 km (~12.91 miles).