Romance, Chapter 58

Chapter 58. An Expedition for Revenge: Expedients to Conceal Identity

“What is this good plan of yours, Chen Changwen?” asked Cao Cao of the speaker, who was the Imperial Censor Chen Qun, whose style was Changwen. Chen replied, “Your two principal enemies are now firm allies, close as lips and teeth. But Liu Bei wants Xichuan and if you, O Minister, send a great general with an army, join it to the host at Hefei and march straight on Jiangnan, Sun Quan must ask help from his friend Liu, who, having his heart set on the west, will refuse it. Sun without this aid cannot stand and will become so weak that Jiangdong will be yours for the taking.

卻說獻策之人，乃治書侍御史陳羣，字長文。操問曰：“陳長文有何良策？”羣曰：“今劉備、孫權結爲脣齒，若劉備欲取西川，丞相可命上將提兵，會合淝之衆，徑取江南，則孫權必求救於劉備；備意在西川，必無心救權；權無救則力乏兵衰，江東之地，必爲丞相所得。

Once you have Jiangdong, Jingzhou will fall at a single roll of the drum; and when Jingzhou is settled you may take the west at your leisure. Then the whole Empire is yours.” “Those are my thoughts put into words,” replied Cao Cao. At once an army of thirty legions was raised and set out straight for Jiangnan, and Zhang Liao at Hefei was ordered to prepare grain and forage for its supply.

若得江東，則荊州一鼓可平也；荊州既平，然後徐圖西川：天下定矣。”操曰：“長文之言，正合吾意。”即時起大兵三十萬，徑下江南；令合淝張遼，準備糧草，以爲供給。

Sun Quan speedily heard of the move and called in his advisers. At the council Zhang Zhao said, “Let us send to Lu Su to tell him to write at once to Liu Bei that he may help us. Lu Su has done Liu Bei many a kindness, and Liu will certainly respond favourably. Beside, since Liu Bei and Sun Quan are now connected by marriage, there is no risk of refusal. With the support of Liu Bei there is no danger to our country.” Sun Quan listened to this advice and sent to Lu Su bidding him to ask help from Liu Bei.

早有細作報知孫權。權聚衆將商議。張昭曰：“可差人往魯子敬處，教急發書到荊州，使玄德同力拒曹。子敬有恩於玄德，其言必從；且玄德既爲東吳之婿，亦義不容辭。若玄德來相助，江南可無患矣。”權從其言，即遣人諭魯肅，使求救於玄德。

Accordingly, on receipt of this command, a letter was written to Liu Bei, who after reading it, retained the messenger at the guest-house till Kongming could arrive from Nanjun. As soon as he arrived Liu Bei showed him the letter. The adviser said, “It is not necessary for Jiangnan troops to move, nor need we move the troops of Jingzhou. I can prevent Cao Cao from even daring to look in a south-easterly direction.” So he wrote a reply telling Lu Su he could lay aside all anxiety and rest content, for should the northern army invade, the Imperial Uncle had his own plan to drive it back.

肅領命，隨即修書使人送玄德，玄德看了書中之意，留使者於館舍，差人往南郡請孔明。孔明到荊州，玄德將魯肅書與孔明看畢，孔明曰：“也不消動江南之兵，也不必動荊州之兵，自使曹操不敢正覷東南。”便回書與魯肅，教高枕無憂，若但有北兵侵犯，皇叔自有退兵之策。

The letter was given to the messenger and then Liu Bei asked his adviser how he could hope to roll back the thirty legions that Cao had raised and joined to the host at Hefei. He replied, “Cao Cao’s chief fear is the army of Xiliang. Now he has slain Ma Teng, and Ma Teng’s son Ma Chao, who now commands the men of Xiliang, must be grinding his teeth with rage against him. Now you must write and ask Ma Chao to march through the pass and Cao will have no leisure to think of any expedition to the south.”

使者去了。玄德問曰：“今操起三十萬大軍，會合淝之衆，一擁而來，先生有何妙計，可以退之？”孔明曰：“操平生所慮者，乃西涼之兵也。今操殺馬騰，其子馬超現統西涼之衆，必切齒操賊。主公可作一書，往結馬超，使超興兵入關，則操又何暇下江南乎？”

The letter was written, sent by a trusty hand and duly delivered.

玄德大喜，即時作書，遣一心腹人，徑往西涼州投下。

Now Ma Chao was in Xiliang. One night he had a vision. In his dream he saw himself lying out on a snowy plain and many tigers were coming up and biting him. He awoke in a fright and began to wonder what the dream portended. Failing to explain it, he told the dream to his officers. One of them ventured to say the portent was evil. All looked at the speaker. It was Pang De, whose style was Lingming, a trusted Colonel of his tent. “What do you make of it, Lingming?” asked Ma Chao.

卻說馬超在西涼州，夜感一夢：夢見身臥雪地，羣虎來咬。驚懼而覺，心中疑惑，聚帳下將佐，告說夢中之事。帳下一人應聲曰：“此夢乃不祥之兆也。”衆視其人，乃帳前心腹校尉，姓龐，名德，字令明。超問：“令明所見若何？”

“Meeting with tigers on a snowy plain is a very inauspicious subject to dream about. Can it be that our old General has met with trouble at Xuchang?” And at that moment one came in in hot haste and cast himself on the earth weeping and crying, “My uncle and the brothers are all dead!” It was Ma Dai. Ma Chao, startled, asked what had happened, and Ma Dai said, “My uncle and the Court Attendant Huang Kui plotted together to slay Cao Cao, but by ill luck the plot became known. Both were beheaded in the market place, and your two brothers were slain too.

德曰：“雪地遇虎，夢兆殊惡。莫非老將軍在許昌有事否？”言未畢，一人踉蹌而入，哭拜於地曰：“叔父與弟皆死矣！”超視之，乃馬岱也。超驚問何爲。岱曰：“叔父與侍郎黃奎同謀殺操，不幸事泄，皆被斬於市，二弟亦遇害。

I alone escaped, disguised as a travelling merchant and journeying by night.” Ma Chao fell to the ground weeping. His officers lifted him to his feet, and he ground his teeth with rage at his enemy Cao. Soon after arrived a messenger with a letter from Liu Bei, which read like this:—“In these latter days of the hapless House of Han, when the rebellious and tyrannical Cao monopolises all power, to the injury of the Emperor and the wretchedness of the people, I, Liu Bei, recall that I and your father were recipients of an edict and we swore to exterminate the recreant.

惟岱扮作客商，星夜走脫。超聞言，哭倒於地。衆將救起。超咬牙切齒，痛恨操賊。忽報荊州劉皇叔遣人齎書至。超拆視之。書略曰：“伏念漢室不幸，操賊專權，欺君罔上，黎民凋殘。備昔與令先君同受密詔，誓誅此賊。

Now your father has suffered death at the hands of the tyrant and you must avenge him. As the holy books say, you cannot let the same sky cover you nor the same sun shine upon you and your father’s murderer. If you can lead the army of Xiliang to attack Cao on his right, I will lead the hosts of Jing and Xiang to bar his advance, and he will be taken and all his evil crew can be exterminated. Then and thus will your father be avenged and the House of Han can be restored. I might add more but I will await your reply.”

今令先君被操所害，此將軍不共天地、不同日月之仇也。若能率西涼之兵，以攻操之右，備當舉荊襄之衆，以遏操之前：則逆操可擒，奸黨可滅，仇辱可報，漢室可興矣。書不盡言，立待迴音。”

Wiping his tears, Ma Chao wrote a reply which was returned by the bearer. The Xiliang army was then mustered; horse and foot were assembled. Just before the day that had been fixed for the start the Governor of the district, Han Sui, sent for Ma Chao, to whom he showed a letter from Cao Cao promising the Marquisate of Xiliang as a reward for sending Ma Chao a prisoner to the capital. “Bind us both, Uncle, and send us thither; you need not move a single spear,” said the younger man prostrating himself.

馬超看畢，即時揮涕回書，發使者先回，隨後便起西涼軍馬，正欲進發，忽西涼太守韓遂使人請馬超往見。超至遂府，遂將出曹操書示之。內雲：“若將馬超擒赴許都，即封汝爲西涼侯。”超拜伏於地曰：“請叔父就縛俺兄弟二人，解赴許昌，免叔父戈戟之勞。”

But Han Sui raised him saying, “Your father and I were sworn brothers; think you I would harm you? Rather will I help if you are going to fight.” Ma Chao expressed his gratitude.

韓遂扶起曰：“吾與汝父結爲兄弟，安忍害汝？汝若興兵，吾當相助。”馬超拜謝。

The unhappy bearer of Cao Cao’s letter was dragged forth and beheaded. This done, Han Sui mustered the eight divisions under his command, led by Hou Xuan, Cheng Yin, Li Kan, Zhang Heng, Liang Xing, Cheng Yi, Ma Wan and Yang Qiu. These eight commanders followed Han Sui and, joining Pang De and Ma Dai under Ma Chao, raised in all twenty legions and marched to attack Changan.

韓遂便將操使者推出斬之，乃點手下八部軍馬，一同進發。那八部？乃侯選、程銀、李堪、張橫、梁興、成宜、馬玩、楊秋也。八將隨着韓遂，合馬超手下龐德、馬岱，共起二十萬大兵，殺奔長安來。

The commander of that city was Zhong Yao. As soon as he heard what was afoot he sent a fleet messenger to Cao and prepared for defence. He led his force out into the open plain and arrayed it for battle. Ma Dai, with a legion and half, came on first, pouring over the countryside like a flood. Zhong Yao rode out to parley with him, but Ma Dai came forward with his sword to attack. Before a single bout was over Zhong Yao was utterly defeated and fled. Ma Dai followed in pursuit. Soon Ma Chao and Han Sui arrived with the main body and surrounded Changan.

長安郡守鍾繇，飛報曹操；一面引軍拒敵，佈陣於野。西涼州前部先鋒馬岱，引軍一萬五千，浩浩蕩蕩，漫山遍野而來。鍾繇出馬答話。岱使寶刀一口，與繇交戰。不一合，繇大敗奔走。岱提刀趕來。馬超、韓遂引大軍都到，圍住長安。

Zhong Yao went up on the walls to defend it. Changan had been the capital of the western Hans and so was well fortified with a solid wall and a deep moat, safe against the most terrific attacks. The new armies besieged the city for ten days without success. Then Pang De proposed a plan. Said he, “Since the land about the city is barren and the water bitter, the people must have communication with the country around in order to live. Further they have no fuel. Ten days of siege must have exhausted the supplies in the city, wherefore if we relax for a time—well, you will see. We shall capture the city without moving a finger.”

鍾繇上城守護。長安乃西漢建都之處，城郭堅固。壕塹險深，急切攻打不下。一連圍了十日，不能攻破。龐德進計曰：“長安城中土硬水鹼，甚不堪食，更兼無柴。今圍十日，軍民饑荒。不如暫且收軍，只須如此如此，長安唾手可得。”

“Your plan seems excellent,” said Ma Chao, when he heard what it was. Thereupon they sent the “Order” flag round to each division, bidding all retire, and Ma Chao covered the retreat. Next day Zhong Yao went up on the walls to look around and saw that the besiegers had gone. However, suspecting a ruse, he sent out spies, who returned to say the soldiers had really moved away to a distance. Wherefore he felt much relieved and allowed both soldiers and people to go out into the country to cut the much-needed firewood and bring in water. The city gates, thrown wide open, were thronged with those passing in and out.

馬超曰：“此計大妙！”即時差“令”字旗傳與各部，儘教退軍，馬超親自斷後。各部軍馬漸漸退去。鍾繇次日登城看時，軍皆退了，只恐有計；令人哨探，果然遠去，方纔放心。縱令軍民出城打柴取水，大開城門，放人出入。

On the fifth day they heard that Ma Chao’s army was returning. A panic ensued. The people rushed into the city and the gates were once more barred.

至第五日，人報馬超兵又到，軍民競奔入城，鍾繇仍復閉城堅守。

The captain of the west gate was Zhong Jin, brother of Zhong Yao. About the third watch of the night a fire broke out just inside the gate and when the captain went to see what was wrong, and was passing the gateway, a man suddenly galloped up and slashed at him with a sword. At the same time he shouted “Here is Pang De!” The captain of the gate was taken aback, could not defend himself and was cut down. The gate guard was soon disposed of, the gates were shattered and the soldiers outside came pouring in. Zhong Yao abandoned the city and escaped by the east gate. Ma Chao and Han Sui took possession of Changan and rewarded their army.

卻說鍾繇弟鍾進，守把西門，約近三更，城門裏一把火起。鍾進急來救時，城邊轉過一人，舉刀縱馬大喝曰：“龐德在此！”鍾進措手不及，被龐德一刀斬於馬下，殺散軍校，斬關斷鎖，放馬超、韓遂軍馬入城。鍾繇從東門棄城而走。馬超、韓遂得了城池，賞勞三軍。

Zhong Yao fell back to hold Tong Pass and sent news of the misfortune to Cao Cao. Cao Cao threw aside all plans for his expedition to the south when Changan was lost. He at once ordered that the unfortunate Zhong Yao at Tong Pass should be replaced by Cao Hong and Xu Huang, who had a legion under their command. They were told to hold the Pass at all costs for at least ten days, or they should pay for its loss with their heads. After ten days the Pass would be no concern of theirs, for Cao Cao would be there with the main army. The two received their orders and set off that very night.

鍾繇退守潼關，飛報曹操。操知失了長安，不敢複議南征，遂喚曹洪、徐晃分付：“先帶一萬人馬，替鍾繇緊守潼關。如十日內失了關隘，皆斬；十日外，不幹汝二人之事。我統大軍隨後便至。”二人領了將令，星夜便行。

“Cao Hong is hot-tempered,” said Cao Ren, remonstrating. “I truly fear he will spoil the business.” “Then you shall escort the grain and forage for me,” said Cao Cao, “and follow close behind to support them.”

曹仁諫曰：“洪性躁，誠恐誤事。”操曰：“你與我押送糧草，便隨後接應。”

When Cao Hong and Xu Huang reached Tong Pass they took over the command from Zhong Yao. They confined themselves to defence, and though Ma Chao appeared every day and reviled and said shameful things of the three generations of Cao Cao’s family, the guardians of the Pass remained quiet. But Cao Hong fretted at the daily insults and would have led the defenders out to fight had not his colleague restrained him. “Ma Chao only wishes to provoke you to come out, but remember our orders and go not. The Minister has some master plan.” So spake Xu Huang. But the advice was hard to follow for Ma Chao’s men took turns in reviling the defenders of the Pass, resting neither day nor night.

卻說曹洪、徐晃到潼關，替鍾繇堅守關隘，並不出戰。馬超領軍來關下，把曹操三代毀罵。曹洪大怒，要提兵下關廝殺。徐晃諫曰：“此是馬超要激將軍廝殺，切不可與戰。待丞相大軍來，必有主畫。”馬超軍日夜輪流來罵。

And Xu Huang found it hard to curb his colleague’s impatience. Thus it continued till the ninth day. Then the defenders saw that their enemies had turned all their horses loose and were lolling about on the grass and sleeping as if quite fatigued. Thereupon Cao Hong bade them saddle his horse, told off three companies and soon this small force was dashing down to catch the besiegers unprepared. They at once fled leaving their steeds and throwing aside their weapons. Cao Hong could not resist pursuit and chased them. At this time Xu Huang was higher up the road taking in cartloads of grain and forage; but when he heard what his impulsive colleague had done he hastily got some men together and went to his rescue. He shouted to Cao Hong to return.

曹洪只要廝殺，徐晃苦苦擋住。至第九日，在關上看時，西涼軍都棄馬在於關前草地上坐；多半睏乏，就於地上睡臥。曹洪便教備馬，點起三千兵殺下關來。西涼兵棄馬拋戈而走。洪迤邐追趕。時徐晃正在關上點視糧車，聞曹洪下關廝殺，大驚，急引兵隨後趕來，大叫曹洪回馬。

Suddenly a great shouting arose near him and out dashed Ma Dai to attack. Both Cao and Xu turned to flee, but at the roll of a drum two bodies of men came out from behind the hills, Ma Chao on the left and Pang De on the right, and a confused battle began. Cao Hong could not stand against them; he lost more than half his men, but thrust through the press and made for the Pass. The men of Xiliang came in close pursuit, and Cao Hong and his colleague had to abandon the Pass and flee. Pang De chased them right through Tong Pass till he ran into the army of Cao Ren, who saved Cao Hong and his men. Ma Chao then took Pang De into the Pass.

忽然背後喊聲大震，馬岱引軍殺至。曹洪、徐晃急回走時，一棒鼓響，山背後兩軍截出：左是馬超、右是龐德，混殺一陣。曹洪抵擋不住，折軍大半，撞出重圍，奔到關上。西涼兵隨後趕來，洪等棄關而走。龐德直追過潼關，撞見曹仁軍馬，救了曹洪等一軍。馬超接應龐德上關。

Cao Hong made all haste to his master to give him the evil tidings. “When I gave you the limit of ten days, why did you leave the Pass on the ninth?” “Those men from Xiliang hurled every sort of insult at us,” replied Cao Hong, “And when I thought I had them unprepared I took the opportunity. But I fell victim to their cunning.” “You are young and impetuous. But, Xu Huang, you ought to have known.” “He would not listen though I told him many times. And that day I was checking the grain carts on the Pass; by the time I knew of it, the young general had already gone down.

曹洪失了潼關，奔見曹操。操曰：“與你十日限，如何九日失了潼關？”洪曰：“西涼軍兵，百般辱罵，因見彼軍懈怠，乘勢趕去，不想中賊奸計。”操曰：“洪年幼躁暴，徐晃你須曉事！”晃曰：“累諫不從。當日晃在關上點糧車，比及知道，小將軍已下關了。

Fearing some misfortune, I hastened after him, but we had already fallen into their trap.” Cao Cao was very angry and ordered Cao Hong to be put to death. But his brother-officers begged that he might be pardoned, and as he had confessed his fault, he was allowed to go free and unpunished.

晃恐有失，連忙趕去，已中賊奸計矣。”操大怒，喝斬曹洪。衆官告免。曹洪服罪而退。

Cao Cao advanced to Tong Pass and Cao Ren said it would be well to establish a strong stockade before attacking. So trees were felled and a strong stockade built. They made three camps and Cao himself was in the centre one. Next day Cao led all the officers of the three camps to attack the Pass. They met the men of Xiliang, and both sides formed their array. This done, Cao rode to the centre standard whence he looked at his opponents. He saw before him a body of fine men, every one with the bearing of a hero.

操進兵直叩潼關。曹仁曰：“可先下定寨柵，然後打關未遲。”操令砍伐樹木，起立排柵，分作三寨：左寨曹仁，右寨夏侯淵，操自居中寨。次日，操引三寨大小將校，殺奔關隘前去，正遇西涼軍馬。兩邊各佈陣勢。操出馬於門旗下，看西涼之兵，人人勇健，個個英雄。

And the leader, Ma Chao, was worthy of them, with his pale face and red lips, his supple hips and broad shoulders, his deep voice and fierce strength. He wore a white robe and silver armour and gripped a long spear as he sat there on his charger. Pang De was on his left and Ma Dai on his right. Cao Cao admired him in his secret heart. However, Cao urged forward his steed and shouted to Ma Chao, “You come of a line of famous generals of the Han; why do you rebel?” Ma ground his teeth and cursed him, “Cao the rebel! You deceive your prince and wrong the throne; death is too light for your crimes!

又見馬超生得面如傅粉，脣若抹朱，腰細膀寬，聲雄力猛，白袍銀鎧，手執長槍，立馬陣前；上首龐德，下首馬岱。操暗暗稱奇，自縱馬謂超曰：“汝乃漢朝名將子孫，何故背反耶？”超咬牙切齒，大罵：“操賊！欺君罔上，罪不容誅！

You murdered my father and my brothers, and my hate for you is to the death; the same sky shall not continue to cover us for I will take you captive and satiate my appetite on your living flesh.” With this he set his spear and rode over toward Cao Cao as if to slay him. But Yu Jin came out from behind and engaged Ma Chao in battle. These two fought some eight or nine bouts and then Yu Jin had to flee. Zhang He, however, took his place and the two heroes exchanged a score of passes. Then Zhang He, too, ran away. Next to come forth was Li Tong. Ma Chao’s martial prowess was now at its height, and within a few bouts he thrust Li Tong out of the saddle with his spear. Then Ma Chao flourished his spear at the men behind him as a signal for them to come on, which they did like a flood.

害我父弟，不共戴天之仇！吾當活捉生啖汝肉！”說罷，挺槍直殺過來。曹操背後于禁出迎。兩馬交戰，鬥得八九合，于禁敗走。張郃出迎，戰二十合亦敗走。李通出迎，超奮威交戰，數合之中，一槍刺李通於馬下。超把槍望後一招，西涼兵一齊衝殺過來。

They overwhelmed Cao’s men, and Cao’s army was utterly routed; so fierce was the onset that none of his officers could stand against it. Ma Chao, Pang De and Ma Dai, with a hundred horsemen, rode straight into the centre to capture Cao Cao. They came close. Cao heard one of his pursuers shout to another, “That is he in the red dress!” So he hastily tore off his red robe and threw it away. He also heard one say “That is Cao Cao with the long beard!” At once Cao took the sword that he wore at his side and sawed off some of the beard.

操兵大敗。西涼兵來得勢猛，左右將佐，皆抵當不住。馬超、龐德、馬岱引百餘騎，直入中軍來捉曹操。操在亂軍中，只聽得西涼軍大叫：“穿紅袍的是曹操！”操就馬上急脫下紅袍。又聽得大叫：“長髯者是曹操！”操驚慌，掣所佩刀斷其髯。

Then someone told Ma Chao that Cao had cut off his beard, whereupon Ma Chao sent men to shout, “The one with the short beard is Cao Cao!” And then Cao Cao wrapped the corner of a flag about neck and jowl and fled.

軍中有人將曹操割髯之事，告知馬超，超遂令人叫拿：“短髯者是曹操！”操聞知，即扯旗角包頸而逃。

Panic seized upon the soldiers at Tong Pass;
Frightened, Mengde flung off his brocade robe
And, terror-stricken, sawed his beard off with a sword.
The fame of Ma Chao rose even to the sky.

後人有詩曰：“潼關戰敗望風逃，孟德愴惶脫錦袍。
劍割髭髯應喪膽，馬超聲價蓋天高。
”

Cao had got clear of the battle and was getting calmer. Then again the sound of hoofs fell upon his ears and on looking round he perceived Ma Chao quite close. He and those near were panic-stricken, and all scattered for their lives, careless of the fate of their captain. “Cao Cao, do not flee!” cried Ma coming nearer. The whip dropped from Cao Cao’s nerveless hand as he saw his enemy coming closer and closer. But just as Ma had levelled his spear for a thrust Cao slipped behind a tree, changed the direction of his flight and so escaped, while Ma struck the tree. He quickly pulled it out, but by then Cao Cao was well away.

曹操正走之間，背後一騎趕來，回頭視之，正是馬超。操大驚。左右將校見超趕來，各自逃命，只撇下曹操。超厲聲大叫曰：“曹操休走！”操驚得馬鞭墜地。看看趕上，馬超從後使槍搠來。操繞樹而走，超一槍搠在樹上；急拔下時，操已走遠。

Ma Chao galloped on in pursuit, and as they drew near the slope of some hills a bold captain suddenly appeared, who cried, “Do not hurt my lord!” This was Cao Hong and he went toward Ma Chao, whirling his sword. Ma Chao was stopped and this saved Cao Cao’s life. Cao Hong and Ma Chao fought some forty or fifty bouts, till Cao Hong began to grow weary and his sword-play fell into disorder. Then Xiahou Yuan came up with some score of horsemen, and Ma Chao, being alone and fearing a trap, turned his horse and rode back; nor did Xiahou Yuan pursue him.

超縱馬趕來，山坡邊轉過一將，大叫：“勿傷吾主！曹洪在此！”輪刀縱馬，攔住馬超。操得命走脫。洪與馬超戰到四五十合，漸漸刀法散亂，氣力不加。夏侯淵引數十騎隨到。馬超獨自一人，恐被所算，乃撥馬而回，夏侯淵也不來趕。

Then Cao Cao returned to his camp. Cao Ren had held the stockades stoutly, and so the losses had not been great. As he sat in his tent Cao said, “Had I not spared Cao Hong I should have fallen at the hands of Ma Chao to-day.” So he called in his rescuer and rewarded him well. And they got together the scattered men and strengthened the camp, deepening the moat and raising the rampart. Ma Chao came daily and challenged any one to combat and abused them all shamefully, but Cao Cao ordered his men to hold firm, and any who stirred without orders were to be beheaded.

曹操回寨，卻得曹仁死據定了寨柵，因此不曾多折軍馬。操入帳嘆曰：“吾若殺了曹洪，今日必死於馬超之手也！”遂喚曹洪，重加賞賜。收拾敗軍，堅守寨柵，深溝高壘，不許出戰。超每日引兵來寨前辱罵搦戰。操傳令教軍士堅守，如亂動者斬。

“Our enemies use long spears,” said the officers. “We will meet them with bows and crossbows.” “They may have long spears,” replied Cao Cao, “but whether I give battle or not depends on my decision. How can they thrust at us if we do not go out? All you have to do is to take no notice of them and they will speedily retire.” The officers wondered. They said one to another, “In all his campaigns the Minister has been foremost in the fight; why is he so feeble now that Ma Chao has beaten him?”

諸將曰：“西涼之兵，盡使長槍，當選弓弩迎之。”操曰：“戰與不戰，皆在於我，非在賊也。賊雖有長槍，安能便刺？諸公但堅壁觀之，賊自退矣。”諸將皆私相議曰：“丞相自來征戰，一身當先；今敗於馬超，何如此之弱也？”

After some days the spies reported that Ma Chao had been reinforced by twenty thousand fresh troops of the Qiang tribes. Cao Cao took the news gleefully. His officers asked him why the news pleased him and Cao Cao replied, “Wait till I have defeated them and I will explain.” Three days later there was a report of further reinforcements at the Pass, and Cao not only smiled but gave a banquet. His officers ridiculed him in secret.

過了幾日，細作報來：“馬超又添二萬生力兵來助戰，乃是羌人部落。”操聞知大喜。諸將曰：“馬超添兵，丞相反喜。何也？”操曰：“待吾勝了，卻對汝等說。”三日後又報關上又添軍馬。操又大喜，就於帳中設宴作賀。諸將皆暗笑。

Then said Cao Cao, “You gentlemen laugh because I cannot destroy Ma Chao. Well then, can any one of you propose a plan?” Then rose Xu Huang and said, “O Minister, you have a large force here and the enemy are all posted at the Pass. This means that on the west side of the river they are unprepared. If you can get an army secretly across at the Puban ferry and first cut off their retreat, while you yourself march from the north of the river and smite them, they can get no help from either side and must fail.” “What you propose is just what I think,” said Cao Cao.

操曰：“諸公笑我無破馬超之謀，公等有何良策？”徐晃進曰：“今丞相盛兵在此，賊亦全部現屯關上，此去河西，必無準備；若得一軍暗渡蒲阪津，先截賊歸路，丞相徑發河北擊之，賊兩不相應，勢必危矣。”操曰：“公明之言，正合吾意。”

So Xu Huang was placed over four companies of picked men and with Zhu Ling marched to the west of the river and hid in the gullies. They were to wait till Cao Cao crossed the river to the north so that both could strike together. Then Cao Cao ordered Cao Hong to prepare boats and rafts at the Puban ferry. Cao Ren was left in command of the camps, and Cao Cao himself was to lead the army across the River Wei. Spies soon told Ma Chao of these movements.

便教徐晃引精兵四千，和朱靈同去徑襲河西，伏于山谷之中，“待我渡河北同時擊之。”徐晃、朱靈領命，先引四千軍暗暗去了。操下令，先教曹洪於蒲阪津，安排船筏。留曹仁守寨，操自領兵渡渭河。早有細作報知馬超。

Ma Chao said, “Cao Cao does not attack the Pass but is preparing boats and rafts; that means that he is going to cross to the north side and cut off my retreat. I must lead an army along the river and hold the north bank against him. If he cannot cross, within twenty days his grain in Hedong will be exhausted and his army will fall into disorder. Then I will travel along the south bank and attack, and Cao Cao can be taken.” Han Sui did not approve this plan. He quoted the military maxim to strike when troops were half over the river. “Attack from the south bank when his army is in the act of crossing and his men will be drowned in the river,” said he.

超曰：“今操不攻潼關，而使人準備船筏，欲渡河北，必將遏吾之後也。吾當引一軍循河拒住岸北。操兵不得渡，不消二十日，河東糧盡，操兵必亂，卻循河南而擊之，操可擒矣。”韓遂曰：“不必如此。豈不聞兵法有云：‘兵半渡可擊，’待操兵渡至一半，汝卻於南岸擊之，操兵皆死於河內矣。”

“Uncle, your words are good,” replied Ma Chao. And the spies went forth to find out the time of crossing the river. When Cao Cao’s preparations were complete and all was ready he divided his army into three parties to cross the River Wei. They reached the ferry at the first sign of dawn, and the picked troops were sent over first to lay out a camp on the north bank. Cao Cao, with a hundred men of his personal guard, sat on the south bank with his hand on his sword, watching the crossing.

超曰：“叔父之言甚善。”即使人探聽曹操幾時渡河。卻說曹操整兵已畢，分三停軍，前渡渭河，比及人馬到河口時，日光初起。操先發精兵渡過北岸，開創營寨。操自引親隨護衛軍將百人，按劍坐於南岸，看軍渡河。

Very soon the sentinels reported the approach of a General dressed all in white, whom everyone knew must be Ma Chao. This terrified them and they made a rush to get into the boats. The river bank became a scene of shouting men struggling who could first embark. Cao Cao sat watching and never stirred. He only issued orders to stop the confusion. Meanwhile the yelling of the men and the neighing of the horses of the approaching army came nearer and nearer. Suddenly a captain jumped out of one of the boats and shouted to Cao, “The rebels are close! Get into a boat, O Minister.” Cao Cao looked and saw it was Xu Chu.

忽然人報：“後邊白袍將軍到了！”衆皆認得是馬超。一擁下船。河邊軍爭上船者，聲喧不止。操猶坐而不動，按劍指約休鬧。只聽得人喊馬嘶，蜂擁而來，船上一將躍身上岸，呼曰：“賊至矣！請丞相下船！”操視之，乃許褚也。

“What does it matter if the rebels are near?” said Cao Cao still, and he turned round to look at them. As a fact Ma Chao was very close, not a hundred paces away, and Xu Chu laid hold of Cao and dragged him down the bank. The boat had already pushed off and was ten feet from the bank but Xu Chu took Cao Cao on his back and leaped on board. The boat was small and in danger of being overturned, wherefore Xu Chu drew his sword and chopped away at the hands clinging to the side so that the men fell back into the water.

操口內猶言：“賊至何妨？”回頭視之，馬超已離不得百餘步，許褚拖操下船時，船已離岸一丈有餘，褚負操一躍上船。隨行將士盡皆下水，扳住船邊，爭欲上船逃命。船小將翻，褚掣刀亂砍，傍船手盡折，倒於水中。

The boat went down stream, Xu Chu standing in the stern poling as hard as he could. His master crouched out of sight at his feet. When Ma Chao saw the boat in mid-stream drifting down with the current he took his bow and arrows and began to shoot. He also ordered his brave captains to go along the river and shoot so that a shower of arrows fell about the boat. Xu Chu fearing Cao Cao would be wounded, protected him with a saddle which he held over him with his left hand, for Ma Chao’s shooting was not in vain. The men working the boat fell into the water at the twang of the bowstring, and scores of men in the boat were shot down.

急將船望下水棹去。許褚立於梢上，忙用木篙撐之。操伏在許褚腳邊。馬超趕到河岸，見船已流在半河，遂拈弓搭箭，喝令驍將繞河射之。矢如雨急。褚恐傷曹操，以左手舉馬鞍遮之。馬超箭不虛發，船上駕舟之人，應弦落水；船中數十人皆被射倒。

The boat itself got out of control and was whirled hither and thither by the current. Xu Chu straddled over the tiller and tried thus to guide the boat while he poled with one hand and with the other held the protecting saddle over Cao Cao’s head. Then the Magistrate of Weinan, Ding Fei, who from a hill top saw that Cao Cao was very closely pressed, nay, even in danger of his life, drove out from his camp all the cattle and horses there, so that the hills and plains were covered with them.

其船反撐不定，於急水中旋轉。許褚獨奮神威，將兩腿夾舵搖撼，一手使篙撐船，一手舉鞍遮護曹操。時有渭南縣令丁斐，在南山之上，見馬超追操甚急，恐傷操命，遂將寨內牛隻馬匹，盡驅於外，漫山遍野，皆是牛馬。

At sight of the beasts the men of Xiliang turned back and scrambled to seize them. Nor had they any inclination to pursue their enemy. And so Cao Cao escaped. As soon as they reached the northern shore the boat was scuttled. The rumour had spread that Cao Cao was on the river and in danger, so all his officers came to his aid. But he was now safe on shore. Xu Chu’s double armour was stuck full of arrows. His officers escorted Cao Cao to the camp where they made their obeisance and expressed the hope that he had not suffered seriously. “The rebels very nearly caught me to-day,” said he smiling.

西涼兵見之，都回身爭取牛馬，無心追趕，曹操因此得脫。方到北岸，便把船筏鑿沉。諸將聽得曹操在河中逃難，急來救時，操已登岸。許褚身被重鎧，箭皆嵌在甲上。衆將保操至野寨中，皆拜於地而問安。操大笑曰：“我今日幾爲小賊所困！”

“They would have got across the river had they not been enticed away by the freeing of the cattle and horses,” said Xu Chu. “Who was it that drew them off?” said Cao Cao. Some one who knew told him. Before long the Magistrate Ding came in to pay his respects and Cao Cao thanked him. “I should have been a prisoner but for your happy thought,” said he. And he made Ding Fei a Commandant of the Army. “Though they have gone, yet they will assuredly return to-morrow,” said Ding Fei. “You must prepare to repel them.”

褚曰：“若非有人縱馬放牛以誘賊，賊必努力渡河矣。”操問曰：“誘賊者誰也？”有知者答曰：“渭南縣令丁斐也。”少頃，斐入見。操謝曰：“若非公之良謀，則吾被賊所擒矣。”遂命爲典軍校尉，斐曰：“賊雖暫去，明日必復來。須以良策拒之。”

“My preparations are all made,” was the reply. Cao Cao ordered his captains to divide and build walled roads along the river bank, to serve for the time as the footing of camps. If the enemy came, the soldiers were to be drawn up outside the walled roads, while within them ensigns were to be set up with no men behind them, to deceive the enemy. Along the river they were to dig ditches and cover them over with a thin crust of earth, and troops by the river were to lure the enemy on. “When the rebels come in haste they will fall into the pits, and then we can smite them.” Ma Chao returned to Han Sui and said, “I very nearly captured Cao Cao!

操曰：“吾已準備了也。”遂喚諸將各分頭循河築起甬道，暫爲寨腳，賊若來時，陳兵於甬道外。內虛立旌旗，以爲疑兵；更沿河掘下壕塹，虛土棚蓋，河內以兵誘之：“賊急來必陷，賊陷便可擊矣。”卻說馬超回見韓遂，說：“幾乎捉住曹操！

But a certain bold captain took him on his back and leaped with him into a boat. I know not who he was.” Han Sui replied, “I have heard that Cao Cao had a body guard of the bravest and strongest soldiers under the command of Dian Wei and Xu Chu. They are called the Tiger Guards. Now as Dian Wei is dead, the man you saw must have been Xu Chu. He is both brave and powerful and goes by the name of the Tiger Fool. If you meet him, do not take him lightly.” “I know his name, too,” said Ma.

有一將奮勇負操下船去了，不知何人。”遂曰：“吾聞曹操選極精壯之人，爲帳前侍衛，名曰虎衛軍，以驍將典韋、許褚領之。典韋已死，今救曹操者，必許褚也。此人勇力過人，人皆稱爲虎癡；如遇之，不可輕敵。”超曰：“吾亦聞其名久矣。”

“Cao Cao now means to attack our rear,” continued Han Sui; “let us attack first, before he can establish camps and stockades. If once he can do that it will be difficult to dislodge him.” “My idea is that we should hold the north bank and prevent him from crossing.” “Worthy nephew, keep guard here while I go along the bank of the river and fight Cao Cao.” “If you will take Pang De as your van-leader, I am content,” said Ma Chao.

遂曰：“今操渡河，將襲我後。可速攻之。不可令他創立營寨。若立營寨，急難剿除。”超曰：“以侄愚意。還只拒住北岸。使彼不得渡河，乃爲上策。”遂曰：“賢侄守寨，吾引軍循河戰操，若何？”超曰：“令龐德爲先鋒，跟叔父前去。”

So Han Sui and Pang De, with five legions, went straight to Weinan, while Cao again warned his captains to entice the enemy. Pang De was in advance with a goodly squadron of iron-clad horsemen and they burst along at full speed. Then there arose a confused shouting as they all went plunging into the ditches prepared for them. Pang De soon leaped out, gained the level ground and laid about him with all his might. He slew many men and presently got out of the thick of the fight. But Han Sui had also been involved and Pang went afoot to try to aid him.

於是韓遂與龐德將兵五萬，直抵渭南。操令衆將於甬道兩旁誘之。龐德先引鐵騎千餘，衝突而來。喊聲起處，人馬俱落於陷馬坑內。龐德踊身一跳，躍出土坑，立於平地，立殺數人，步行砍出重圍。韓遂已被困在垓心，龐德步行救之。

On the way he met Cao Yong, an officer under Cao Ren, whom he cut down. Then mounting the dead man’s steed he rode forward fiercely, slaying as he passed. He reached his leader whom he led away south-east. The men of Cao Cao pursued him, but Ma Chao came with reinforcements and drove them off. He rescued a great number and they continued fighting till evening when they withdrew and mustered their men. They had lost the officers Cheng Yin and Zhang Heng, and more than two hundred men had been killed in the pits.

正遇着曹仁部將曹永，被龐德一刀砍於馬下，奪其馬，殺開一條血路，救出韓遂，投東南而走。背後曹兵趕來，馬超引軍接應，殺敗曹兵，復救出大半軍馬。戰至日暮方回。計點人馬，折了將佐程銀、張橫，陷坑中死者二百餘人。

Ma Chao and Han Sui discussed what should next be done. “If we give the enemy time, he will make himself strong on the north bank. I think we can do no better than to raid his camp to-night.” “We must have a force and supports for it,” said Han Sui. So it was decided that Ma Chao should lead the striking force with Pang De and Ma Dai as supports. They would start at nightfall.

超與韓遂商議：“若遷延日久，操於河北立了營寨，難以退敵；不若乘今夜引輕騎去劫野營。”遂曰：“須分兵前後相救。”於是超自爲前部，令龐德、馬岱爲後應，當夜便行。

Now Cao’s men were on the north bank of the Wei and he gave his captains orders, saying, “The rebels will try to surprise us, thinking that I have not yet set up stockades. Place your men in ambush all round and leave the centre empty. When the signal gun sounds, let all the ambushes rise, and we shall take them at one blow.” The captains obeyed, and the ambush was laid. That night Ma Chao first sent Cheng Yi with thirty horsemen to scout ahead. Seeing no one, Cheng Yi rode straight into the central camp.

卻說曹操收兵屯渭北，喚諸將曰：“賊欺我未立寨柵，必來劫野營。可四散伏兵，虛其中軍。號炮響時，伏兵盡起，一鼓可擒也。”衆將依令，伏兵已畢。當夜，馬超卻先使成宜引三十騎往前哨探，成宜見無人馬，徑入中軍。

When Cao’s men saw the Xiliang troops arrive, the signal gun was fired. Out leapt the hidden men on every side, but they surrounded only the thirty horsemen, and Cheng Yi was slain by Xiahou Yuan. And then Ma Chao himself, with Pang De and Ma Dai, came swarming on from behind in three bodies.

操軍見西涼兵到，遂放號炮。四面伏兵皆出，只圍得三十騎。成宜被夏侯淵所殺。馬超卻自從背後與龐德、馬岱兵分三路蜂擁殺來。

Wait for the foe all undismayed,
Place your men in ambuscade.
Captains striving to outvie
Are not beaten easily.
Who got the advantage will presently be told.

正是：縱有伏兵能候敵，怎當健將共爭先？
未知勝負若何，且看下文分解。