Romance, Chapter 56

Chapter 56. A Banquet in the Bronze Bird Pavilion: Kongming Provokes Zhou Yu a Third Time

The ambuscade into which Zhou Yu had fallen had been prepared by the orders of Kongming and was triple, Guan Yu, Huang Zhong and Wei Yan each leading a force, and he was utterly defeated. Huang Gai and Han Dang hastily rescued him and got him down to the ships, but the marines lost were past counting. When Zhou Yu was in safety and looked about him he saw Xuande and the Lady Sun quietly resting on a hill top. How could such a sight fail to put him in a rage? And with the access of rage his wound, not yet healed, burst open once again. He swooned and fell.

卻說周瑜被諸葛亮預先埋伏關公、黃忠、魏延三枝軍馬，一擊大敗。黃蓋、韓當急救下船，折卻水軍無數。遙觀玄德、孫夫人車馬僕從，都停住于山頂之上，瑜如何不氣？箭瘡未愈，因怒氣衝激，瘡口迸裂，昏絕於地。

They raised him and his ship set sail. Kongming forbade pursuit, and he and Xuande went back to Jingzhou, where there were great rejoicings and all the officers were rewarded.

衆將救醒，開船逃去。孔明教休追趕，自和玄德歸荊州慶喜，賞賜衆將。

Meanwhile Zhou Yu had gone to Chaisang while Jiang Qin and those with him went back to Nanxu to report to Sun Quan. He was angry beyond words and his first thought was to make Cheng Pu Commander-in-Chief and send an army to take Jingzhou. Zhou Yu also wrote from his sick bed urging his lord to take vengeance. But Zhang Zhao knew better and said it could not be done. Said he, “Cao Cao has never forgotten his defeat at Red Cliffs, but he dares not attempt to avenge himself while the Sun family are friendly with Liu Bei. If in any moment of anger you two fall upon each other, Cao will certainly seize the opportunity and your position will be dangerous.”

周瑜自回柴桑。蔣欽等一行人馬自歸南徐報孫權。權不勝忿怒，欲拜程普爲都督，起兵取荊州。周瑜又上書，請興兵雪恨。張昭諫曰：“不可。曹操日夜思報赤壁之恨，因恐孫、劉同心，故未敢興兵。今主公若以一時之忿，自相吞併，操必乘虛來攻，國勢危矣。”

Gu Yong supported him, saying, “Beyond all doubt Cao Cao has his spies here. As soon as he hears of any rift in the friendship between Sun and Liu he will desire to come to an understanding with the latter and Liu Bei, who fears your power, will accept his offer and take his side. Such an alliance will be a continual menace to the land south of the river. No; the plan for the occasion is to secure the friendship of Liu Bei by memorialising that he be made Governor of Jingzhou. This will make Cao Cao afraid to send any army against the south-east. At the same time it will raise kindly feelings in the heart of Liu Bei and win his support.

顧雍曰：“許都豈無細作在此？若知孫、劉不睦，操必使人勾結劉備。備懼東吳，必投曹操。若是，則江南何日得安？爲今之計，莫若使人赴許都，表劉備爲荊州牧。曹操知之，則懼而不敢加兵於東南。且使劉備不恨於主公。

After that you can send trusted men to sow discord between Cao and Liu and set them at each other, and that will be your opportunity. In this way you will succeed.” “These are good words,” said Sun Quan, “but have I a messenger who can accomplish such a mission?” “There is such a man, one whom Cao respects and loves.” “Who is he?” “What prevents you from employing Hua Xin? He is ready to hand.” Sun Quan was delighted, and Hua Xin was given the memorial and bidden go to the capital.

然後使心腹用反間之計，令曹、劉相攻，吾乘隙而圖之，斯爲得耳。”權曰：“元歎之言甚善。但誰可爲使？”雍曰：“此間有一人，乃曹操敬慕者，可以爲使。”權問何人。雍曰：“華歆在此，何不遣之？”權大喜。即遣歆齎表赴許都。

Hua Xin set out at once for the capital and sought to see Cao Cao. They told him that Cao and all his friends were at Yejun, celebrating the completion of the Bronze Bird Pavilion. So thither he went.

歆領命起程，徑到許都來見曹操。聞操會羣臣於鄴郡，慶賞銅雀臺，歆乃赴鄴郡候見。

Cao had indeed never forgotten his great defeat and nourished schemes to avenge it, but he feared the combination of his two chief enemies and that fear restrained him. In the spring of the fifteenth year of Jian’an the great Pavilion was completed and Cao invited a vast assembly to celebrate its inauguration with banquets and rejoicings. The pleasaunce was on the bank of the Zhang River. The Bronze Bird Terrace stood in the centre, flanked by two others named the Terrace of the Jade Dragon and the Terrace of the Golden Phoenix. Each tower was a hundred feet high and two bridges connected them. Gold and jade vied with each other in the many apartments.

操自赤壁敗後，常思報仇；只疑孫、劉併力，因此不敢輕進，時建安十五年春，造銅雀臺成，操乃大會文武於鄴郡，設宴慶賀。其臺正臨漳河，中央乃銅雀臺，左邊一座名玉龍臺，右邊一座名金鳳台，各高十丈，上橫二橋相通，千門萬戶，金碧交輝。

At the opening ceremony Cao Cao wore a golden headdress inlaid with jewels and a robe of green brocaded silk, girded with a belt of jade. On his feet were pearl-encrusted shoes. So clad he took his seat as host, while his officers, civil and military, were drawn up below the terrace.

是日，曹操頭戴嵌寶金冠，身穿綠錦羅袍，玉帶珠履，憑高而坐。文武侍立臺下。

For the military officers was arranged an archery competition and one of his attendants brought forth a robe of red Xichuan brocade as a prize. This was suspended from one of the drooping branches of a willow tree, beneath which was the target. The distance was a hundred paces. The competitors were divided into two bands, those of his own family being dressed in red and the others in green. They all had carved bows and long arrows and were mounted. They stood holding in their steeds till the signal should be given for the games to begin. Each was to shoot one arrow and the robe was the guerdon for hitting the target in the red; misses were to pay a forfeit of drinking a cup of cold water.

操欲觀武官比試弓箭，乃使近侍將西川紅錦戰袍一領，掛於垂楊枝上，下設一箭垛，以百步爲界。分武官爲兩隊：曹氏宗族俱穿紅，其餘將士俱穿綠：各帶雕弓長箭，跨鞍勒馬，聽候指揮。操傳令曰：“有能射中箭垛紅心者，即以錦袍賜之；如射不中，罰水一杯。”

As soon as the signal was given a red-robed youth rode quickly forth. He was Cao Xiu. Swiftly he galloped to and fro thrice. Then he adjusted the notch of his arrow to the string, pulled the bow to its full and the arrow flew straight to the bullseye. The clang of the gongs and the roll of the drums announced the feat, which astonished them all. And Cao, as he sat on the terrace, was delighted. “A very promising colt of my own,” said he to those about him, and he sent a messenger for the red robe that the winner might receive it from his own hands. But suddenly from the green side rode out one who cried, “It were more fitting to let outsiders compete for the Minister’s silken robe; it is not right that members of the family monopolise the contest.”

號令方下，紅袍隊中，一個少年將軍驟馬而出，衆視之，乃曹休也。休飛馬往來，奔馳三次，扣上箭，拽滿弓，一箭射去，正中紅心。金鼓齊鳴，衆皆喝采。曹操於臺上望見大喜，曰：“此吾家千里駒也！”方欲使人取錦袍與曹休，只見綠袍隊中，一騎飛出，叫曰：“丞相錦袍，合讓俺外姓先取，宗族中不宜攙越。”

Cao Cao looked at the speaker, who was one Wen Pin. And some of the officers cried, “Let us see what his shooting is like!” So Wen Pin fitted an arrow to the string and fired also from horseback while galloping. To the surprise of the onlookers he also made a bullseye, which was honoured by another salute from gongs and drums. “Quickly bring me the robe,” cried Wen Pin. But at once from the ranks of the red-robed another competitor dashed forward, shouting fiercely, “Wenlie shot first; how dare you contest the prize? But let me show you how I can shoot an arrow that shall overcome both your shots.” He drew his bow to the full and the arrow flew straight to the heart of the red.

操視其人，乃文聘也。衆官曰：“且看文仲業射法。”文聘拈弓縱馬一箭，亦中紅心。衆皆喝采，金鼓亂鳴。聘大呼曰：“快取袍來！”只見紅袍隊中，又一將飛馬而出，厲聲曰：“文烈先射，汝何得爭奪？看我與你兩個解箭！”拽滿弓，一箭射去，也中紅心。

The surprised onlookers saw that this new competitor was Cao Hong, who now became also a claimant for the robe. However, yet another archer came forth from the green robed ranks, playing with his bow and crying, “What is there amazing in your shooting, you three? See how I can shoot.” This man was Zhang He. He put his horse to the gallop, then turned his back and, shooting backwards, also hit the centre of the red. Thus four arrows were now sticking in the bullseye and all agreed that it was marvellous archery.

衆人齊聲喝采。視其人，乃曹洪也。洪方欲取袍，只見綠袍隊裏又一將出，揚弓叫曰：“你三人射法，何足爲奇！看我射來！”衆視之，乃張郃也。郃飛馬翻身，背射一箭，也中紅心。四枝箭齊齊的攢在紅心裏。衆人都道：“好射法！”

“I think the robe should be mine,” said Zhang He. Before he could finish speaking a fifth competitor came out from the red robes and shouted, “You shot backwards; but that is commonplace enough. Look while I shoot better than you all.” The speaker was Xiahou Yuan. He galloped off to the very limit of the butts and then bending his body over backwards he sent his arrow right in among the other four. As the gongs and drums broke out Yuan put aside his bow and rode up saying, “Is not that a better shot than any of its predecessors?”

郃曰：“錦袍須該是我的！”言未畢，紅袍隊中一將飛馬而出，大叫曰：“汝翻身背射，何足稱異！看我奪射紅心！”衆視之，乃夏侯淵也，淵驟馬至界口，紐回身一箭射去，正在四箭當中，金鼓齊鳴。淵勒馬按弓大叫曰：“此箭可奪得錦袍麼？”

Then came out another from the greens who cried, “Leave the robe there for me, Xu Huang, to win.” “What can you do that is better than my shot?” said Yuan. “That you hit the bullseye is no great feat. You will see me win the silken robe after all.” So speaking, Xu Huang fitted an arrow to his bow. Then looking around he aimed at the willow twig from which the robe hung down and shot thereat so true that his arrow cut it through and the robe fluttered to the ground. At once Xu Huang dashed along, picked up the robe and slipped it on. Then riding swiftly to the terrace he thanked the Minister.

只見綠袍隊裏，一將應聲而出，大叫：“且留下錦袍與我徐晃！”淵曰：“汝更有何射法，可奪我袍？”晃曰：“汝奪射紅心，不足爲異。看我單取錦袍！”拈弓搭箭，遙望柳條射去，恰好射斷柳條，錦袍墜地。徐晃飛取錦袍，披於身上，驟馬至臺前聲喏曰：“謝丞相袍！”

No one present could withhold unstinted praise and Xu was turning to ride away when another green clad captain leaped out saying, “Where would you go with that robe? Quickly leave it for me!” All eyes turned to this man who was Xu Chu. Xu Huang cried, “The robe has already been adjudged to me; would you dare take it by force?” Xu Chu made no reply but galloped up to snatch the robe. As his horse drew near Huang struck at his rival a blow with his bow.

曹操與衆官無不稱羨。晃才勒馬要回，猛然臺邊躍出一個綠袍將軍，大呼曰：“你將錦袍那裏去？早早留下與我！”衆視之，乃許褚也。晃曰：“袍已在此，汝何敢強奪！”褚更不回答，竟飛馬來奪袍。兩馬相近，徐晃便把弓打許褚。

But Xu Chu seized the bow with one hand while with the other he simply lifted his opponent out of his seat. Wherefore Xu Huang let go the bow and the next moment lay sprawling on the ground. Xu Chu slipped out of the saddle too and they began to pommel each other with their fists. Cao Cao sent one to separate them, but in the struggle the robe had been torn and soiled. He called the angry rivals before him and they came, one darting fierce looks of hate, the other grinding his teeth with rage. “I only wished to see your courage,” said Cao smiling.

褚一手按住弓，把徐晃拖離鞍鞽。晃急棄了弓，翻身下馬，褚亦下馬，兩個揪住廝打。操急使人解開。那領錦袍已是扯得粉碎。操令二人都上臺。徐晃睜眉怒目，許褚切齒咬牙，各有相鬥之意。操笑曰：“孤特視公等之勇耳。

“What does a robe more or less matter?” Whereupon he called the captains to him one by one and to each he presented a bolt of Shu brocade. They thanked him for the generous gifts and he then commanded them to take their seats in due order. Then to the strains of a band of music, wherein each performer vied with all the others, delicacies of land and water were spread before them. Civil officers of repute and captains of renown drank one to another, and hearty felicitations were exchanged. Cao looked around to those about him saying, “Since the military officers have competed in mounted archery for our enjoyment and displayed their boldness and their skill, you, gentlemen scholars, stuffed full of learning as you are, can surely mount the terrace and present some complimentary odes to make the occasion a perfect success.”

豈惜一錦袍哉？”便教諸將盡都上臺，各賜蜀錦一匹，諸將各各稱謝。操命各依位次而坐。樂聲競奏，水陸並陳。文官武將輪次把盞，獻酬交錯。操顧謂衆文官曰：“武將既以騎射爲樂，足顯威勇矣。公等皆飽學之士，登此高臺，可不進佳章以紀一時之勝事乎？”

“We are most willing to obey your commands,” they replied, all bowing low. At that time there was a band of four scholars named, Wang Lang, Zhong Yao, Wang Can and Chen Lin, and each of them presented a poem. Every poem sang the praises of Cao Cao’s valuable services and great merits and said he was worthy to receive the highest trust of all. When Cao Cao had read them he laughed saying, “You gentlemen are really too flattering. As a fact I am but an ignoramus who began life with a simple bachelor’s degree. And when the troubles began I built me a little cottage fifty li east of Qiao, where I could study in spring and summer and spend the rest of the year in hunting till the empire was once more tranquil and I could emerge and take office.

衆官皆躬身而言曰：“願從鈞命。”時有王朗、鍾繇、王粲、陳琳一班文官，進獻詩章。詩中多有稱頌曹操功德巍巍、合當受命之意。曹操逐一覽畢，笑曰：“諸公佳作，過譽甚矣。孤本愚陋，始舉孝廉。後值天下大亂，築精舍於譙東五十里，欲春夏讀書，秋冬射獵，以待天下清平，方出仕耳。

To my surprise I was summoned by the court to be Commandant of the Army which changed my intentions and I determined to repress the rebellion and so make a name for myself. I thought that I might win an inscription on my tomb reading, “The Tomb of Marquis Cao, late General Who Subdues the West, of the Han.” That would have been ample for a life’s work. I recall now how I marched against Dong Zhuo and smote the Yellow Turbans; then I made away with Yuan Shu and broke the power of Lü Bu; next I exterminated Yuan Shao and settled the matter of Liu Biao, and so brought peace to the whole empire. As a Minister of State I have attained the topmost pinnacle of honour and I have no more to hope for.

不意朝廷徵孤爲典軍校尉，遂更其意，專欲爲國家討賊立功，圖死後得題墓道曰：‘漢故徵西將軍曹侯之墓’，平生願足矣。念自討董卓，剿黃巾以來，除袁術、破呂布、滅袁紹、定劉表，遂平天下。身爲宰相，人臣之貴已極，又復何望哉？

Were it not for poor me, I know not how many there would be styling themselves Emperor and dubbing themselves princes. Certain there be who, seeing my great authority, think I have some ulterior aim. But they are quite wrong. I ever bear in mind what Confucius said of King Wen, that he was perfectly virtuous, and this saying is ever engraven on my mind. If I could I would do away with my armies and retire to my fief with my simple title of Marquis Wuping. Alas! I cannot. I am afraid to lay down my military powers lest I should come to harm. Should I be defeated, the State would totter and so I may not risk real misfortune for the sake of an empty reputation for kindness.

如國家無孤一人，正不知幾人稱帝，幾人稱王。或見孤權重，妄相忖度，疑孤有異心，此大謬也。孤常念孔子稱文王之至德，此言耿耿在心。但欲孤委捐兵衆，歸就所封武平侯之國，實不可耳：誠恐一解兵柄，爲人所害；孤敗則國家傾危；是以不得慕虛名而處實禍也。

None of you, surely, knows my heart.” As he closed they all rose and bowed their heads saying, “None are your equals, O Minister, not even Duke Zhou or the great Minister Yi Yin.”

諸公必無知孤意者。”衆皆起拜曰：“雖伊尹、周公，不及丞相矣。”

A poem has been written referring to this:— Had Duke Zhou, the virtuous, died, while foul-mouthed slander was spreading her vile rumours;
Or Wang Mang, the treacherous, while he was noted for the deference paid to learned men;
None would have known their real characters.

後人有詩曰：“周公恐懼流言日，王莽謙恭下士時：假使當年身便死，一生真僞有誰知！
”

After this oration Cao Cao drank many cups of wine in quick succession till he became very intoxicated. He bade his servants bring him pencil and inkstone that he might compose a poem. But as he was beginning to write they told him that the Marquis of Wu had sent Hua Xin as an envoy and presented a memorial to appoint Liu Bei governor of Jingzhou and that Sun Quan’s sister was now Liu Bei’s wife, while on the river Han the greater part of the nine districts was under Liu Bei’s rule. Cao Cao was seized with quaking fear at the news and threw the pen on the floor. Cheng Yu said to him, “O Minister, you have been among fighting men by myriads and in danger from stones and arrows many a time and never quailed. Now the news that Liu Bei has got possession of Jingzhou throws you into a panic. Why is it thus?”

曹操連飲數杯，不覺沉醉，喚左右捧過筆硯，亦欲作《銅雀臺詩》。剛纔下筆，忽報：“東吳使華歆表奏劉備爲荊州牧，孫權以妹嫁劉備，漢上九郡大半已屬備矣。”操聞之，手腳慌亂，投筆於地。程昱曰：“丞相在萬軍之中，矢石交攻之際，未嘗動心；今聞劉備得了荊州，何故如此失驚？”

Cao Cao replied, “Liu Bei is a dragon among men. All his life hitherto he has never found his element, but now that he has obtained Jingzhou it is as if the dragon, once captive, had escaped to the mighty deep. There is good reason for me to quake with fear.” “Do you know the reason of the coming of Hua Xin?” said Cheng. “No; I know not,” said the Minister. “Liu Bei is Sun Quan’s one terror and he would attack him were it not for you, O Minister. He feels you would fall upon him while he was smiting his enemy. Wherefore he has taken this means of calming Liu Bei’s suspicions and fears and at the same time directing your enmity toward him and from himself.”

操曰：“劉備，人中之龍也，生平未嘗得水。今得荊州，是困龍入大海矣。孤安得不動心哉！”程昱曰：“丞相知華歆來意否？”操曰：“未知。”昱曰：“孫權本忌劉備，欲以兵攻之；但恐丞相乘虛而擊，故令華歆爲使，表薦劉備，乃安備之心，以塞丞相之望耳。”

Cao Cao nodded; “Yes,” he said. Cheng Yu continued, “Now this is my plan to set Sun and Liu at one another and give you the opportunity to destroy both; it can be done easily.” “What is your plan?” asked Cao. “The one prop of Wu is Zhou Yu. Memorialise now that Zhou be appointed Prefect of Nanjun. Then get Cheng Pu made Prefect of Jiangxia and cause the Emperor to retain this Hua Xin in the capital to await some important post. Zhou Yu will assuredly become Liu Bei’s enemy.

操點頭曰：“是也。”昱曰：“某有一計，使孫、劉自相吞併，丞相乘間圖之，一鼓而二敵俱破。”操大喜，遂問其計。程昱曰：“東吳所倚者，周瑜也。丞相今表奏周瑜爲南郡太守，程普爲江夏太守，留華歆在朝重用之；瑜必自與劉備爲仇敵矣。

We shall seize our chance while they devour each other. Is not the scheme good?” “Friend Cheng, you are a man after my own heart.” Wherefore he summoned the emissary from Wu and overwhelmed him with gifts. That day was the last of the feastings and merry-makings and Cao, with all the company, returned to Xuchang where he forthwith presented a memorial assigning Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu to the posts he wished, and Hua Xin was made Junior Minister of Justice and retained at the capital.

我乘其相併而圖之，不亦善乎？”操曰：“仲德之言，正合孤意。”遂召華歆上臺，重加賞賜。當日筵散，操即引文武回許昌，表奏周瑜爲總領南郡太守、程普爲江夏太守。封華歆爲大理少卿，留在許都。

The messenger bearing the commissions for their new offices went down to Wu and both Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu accepted the appointments. Having taken over his command the former thought all the more of the revenge he contemplated and, to bring matters to a head, he wrote to Sun Quan asking him to send Lu Su and renew the demand for the rendition of Jingzhou. Wherefore Lu Su was summoned and his master said to him, “You are the guarantor in the loan of Jingzhou to Liu Bei. He still delays to return it and how long am I to wait?” “The writing said plainly that the rendition would follow the occupation of Xichuan.” Sun Quan shouted back, “Yes it said so. But so far they have not moved a soldier to the attack. I will not wait till old age has come to us all.”

使命至東吳，周瑜、程普各受職訖。周瑜既領南郡，愈思報仇，遂上書吳侯，乞令魯肅去討還荊州。孫權乃命肅曰：“汝昔保借荊州與劉備，今備遷延不還，等待何時？”肅曰：“文書上明白寫着，得了西川便還。”權叱曰：“只說取西川，到今又不動兵，不等老了人！”

“I will go and speak to him,” said Lu Su. So he went down into a ship and sailed to Jingzhou. Meanwhile Liu Bei and Kongming were at Jingzhou gathering in supplies from all sides, drilling their men and training their armies. From all quarters men of learning flocked to their side. In the midst of this they heard of Lu Su’s coming and Liu Bei asked Kongming what he thought of it. Kongming replied, “Just lately Sun Quan concerned himself with getting you appointed Governor of Jingzhou; that was calculated to inspire Cao Cao with fear. Cao Cao obtained for Zhou Yu the Prefectship of Nanjun; that was designed to stir up strife between our two houses and set us fighting so that he might accomplish his own ends.

肅曰：“某願往言之。”遂乘船投荊州而來。卻說玄德與孔明在荊州廣聚糧草，調練軍馬，遠近之士多歸之。忽報魯肅到。玄德問孔明曰：“子敬此來何意？”孔明曰：“昨者孫權表主公爲荊州牧，此是懼曹操之計。操封周瑜爲南郡太守，此欲令我兩家自相吞併，他好於中取事也。

This visit of Lu Su means that Zhou Yu, having taken over his new governorship, has come to demand Jingzhou.” “Then how shall we reply?” “If he introduce the subject you will at once set up loud lamentations. When the sound of lamentation is at its height I will appear and talk over your visitor.”

今魯肅此來，又是周瑜既受太守之職，要來索荊州之意。”玄德曰：“何以答之？”孔明曰：“若肅提起荊州之事，主公便放聲大哭。哭到悲切之處，亮自出來解勸。”

Thus they planned and Lu Su was duly received with all honour. When the salutations were over and host and guest were about to be seated, Lu Su said, “Sir, now that you are the husband of a daughter of Wu you have become my lord, and I dare not sit in your presence.” Liu Bei laughed. “You are an old friend,” said he. “Why this excessive humility?” So Lu Su took his seat. And when tea had been served the guest said, “I have come at the order of my master to discuss the subject of Jingzhou. You, O Imperial Uncle, have had the use of the place for a long time.

計會已定，接魯肅入府，禮畢，敘坐。肅曰：“今日皇叔做了東吳女婿，便是魯肅主人，如何敢坐？”玄德笑曰：“子敬與我舊交，何必太謙？”肅乃就坐。茶罷，肅曰：“今奉吳侯鈞命，專爲荊州一事而來。皇叔已借住多時，未蒙見還。

Now that your two houses are allied by marriage, there should be the most friendly relations between you and you should hand it back to my master.” At this Xuande covered his face and began to cry. “What is the matter?” asked the guest. Xuande only wept the more bitterly.

今既兩家結親，當看親情面上，早早交付。”玄德聞言，掩面大哭。肅驚曰：“皇叔何故如此？”玄德哭聲不絕。

Then Kongming came in from behind a screen saying, “I have been listening. Do you know why my lord weeps so bitterly?” “Really I know not.” “But it is easy to see. When my lord got the temporary occupation of Jingzhou he gave the promise to return it when he had got the west country. But reflect. Liu Zhang of Yizhou is my lord’s younger brother and both of them are blood relations of the ruling family. If my lord were to move an army to capture another city he fears the blame of the ignorant. And if he yield this place before he has another, where could he rest?

孔明從屏後出曰：“亮聽之久矣。子敬知吾主人哭的緣故麼？”肅曰：“某實不知。”孔明曰：“有何難見？當初我主人借荊州時，許下取得西川便還。仔細想來，益州劉璋是我主人之弟，一般都是漢朝骨肉，若要興兵去取他城池時，恐被外人唾罵；若要不取，還了荊州，何處安身？

Yet if he does not return it, he cannot face his brother-in-law, your master. The thing is hard on both sides and that is why he weeps so bitterly.” The close of Kongming’s speech seemed to move Xuande to greater grief for he beat his breast and stamped his feet and wept yet more bitterly. Lu Su attempted to console him saying, “Be not so distressed, O Uncle; let us hear what Kongming can propose.” “I would beg you to return to your master and tell him all. Tell him of this great trouble and entreat him to let us stay here a little longer.”

若不還時，於尊舅面上又不好看。事實兩難，因此淚出痛腸。”孔明說罷，觸動玄德衷腸，真個捶胸頓足，放聲大哭。魯肅勸曰：“皇叔且休煩惱，與孔明從長計議。”孔明曰：“有煩子敬，回見吳侯，勿惜一言之勞，將此煩惱情節，懇告吳侯，再容幾時。”

“But suppose he refuse; what then?” said Lu Su. “How can he refuse since he is related by marriage to my master?” said Kongming. “I shall expect to hear glad tidings through you.”

肅曰：“倘吳侯不從，如之奈何？”孔明曰：“吳侯既以親妹聘嫁皇叔，安得不從乎？望子敬善言回覆。”

Lu Su was really the first of generous men and seeing Xuande in such distress he could do no other than consent and say he would do so. Xuande and Kongming both thanked him most cordially and after a banquet the emissary went down into his ship to return. On the way he called in to see Zhou Yu and told him. But Zhou stamped his foot with rage and said, “My friend, you have been fooled again. Long ago when Liu Bei was dependent on Liu Biao he always cherished the intention to supplant him; think you that he really pities Liu Zhang of Shu?

魯肅是個寬仁長者，見玄德如此哀痛，只得應允。玄德、孔明拜謝。宴畢，送魯肅下船。徑到柴桑，見了周瑜，具言其事。周瑜頓足曰：“子敬又中諸葛亮之計也！當初劉備依劉表時，常有吞併之意，何況西川劉璋乎？

This sort of evasive policy will certainly cause you much trouble. However, I have a scheme which I think Kongming will not be able to get the better of. Only you will have to make another journey.” “I should be pleased to hear your fine scheme,” said Lu Su. “Do not go to see our master. Return to Jingzhou and say to Liu Bei that since his family and the Suns are related by marriage they really form but one house, and since he has qualms about attacking the west we will do it for him; when we have taken it, it shall serve as the marriage portion, and he shall hand Jingzhou back to Wu.”

似此推調，未免累及老兄矣。吾有一計，使諸葛亮不能出吾算中。子敬便當一行。”肅曰：“願聞妙策。”瑜曰：“子敬不必去見吳侯，再去荊州對劉備說：孫、劉兩家，既結爲親，便是一家；若劉氏不忍去取西川，我東吳起兵去取，取得西川時，以作嫁資，卻把荊州交還東吳。”

“The west is far away and not easily taken,” said Lu Su. “Surely, Commander, this plan will not do?” Zhou Yu laughed. “You are indeed a true gentleman. Do you think I really mean to take the west for him? We will march an army under this pretext, but really go to Jingzhou, and we shall take him unprepared. The road to the west runs through his city and we will call upon him for supplies. He will come out to thank the army and we will assassinate him whereby we shall revenge ourselves and at the same time relieve you of your trouble.”

肅曰：“西川迢遞，取之非易。都督此計，莫非不可？”瑜笑曰：“子敬真長者也。你道我真個去取西川與他？我只以此爲名，實欲去取荊州，且教他不做準備。東吳軍馬收川，路過荊州，就問他索要錢糧，劉備必然出城勞軍。那時乘勢殺之，奪取荊州，雪吾之恨，解足下之禍。”

This seemed an excellent plan to Lu Su and he returned at once to Jingzhou. Before receiving him Xuande talked over the matter with his adviser. Said Kongming, “He has not seen the Marquis, he has called in at Chaisang and he and Zhou Yu have decided upon some scheme, which he is to talk you into accepting. However, let him talk; only watch me and when I nod my head then agree to whatever he may propose.” Lu Su was then admitted and said, “The Marquis of Wu praises the noble virtue of the Imperial Uncle and after consultation with his officers has determined to raise an army and take the western kingdom on his behalf.

魯肅大喜，便再往荊州來。玄德與孔明商議。孔明曰：“魯肅必不曾見吳侯，只到柴桑和周瑜商量了甚計策，來誘我耳。但說的話，主公只看我點頭，便滿口應承。”計會已定。魯肅入見。禮畢，曰：“吳侯甚是稱讚皇叔盛德，遂與諸將商議，起兵替皇叔收川。

That done, Jingzhou can be exchanged for it, the west serving as the marriage portion. However, when the army marches through it will be expected of you to contribute some necessary supplies.” Kongming here nodded his head rapidly, at the same time saying, “We could hardly have hoped for such kindness,” while Xuande saluted with joined hands and said, “This is due to your friendly efforts on our behalf.” “When the brave army arrives we shall certainly come out to meet it and entertain the soldiers,” said Kongming. Lu Su felt great satisfaction and was quite happy at his success; he took his leave and went homeward.

取了西川，卻換荊州，以西川權當嫁資。但軍馬經過，卻望應些錢糧。”孔明聽了，忙點頭曰：“難得吳侯好心！”玄德拱手稱謝曰：“此皆子敬善言之力。”孔明曰：“如雄師到日，即當遠接犒勞。”魯肅暗喜，宴罷辭回。

But Xuande as yet did not understand. “What is their intention?” said he. His adviser smiled. “Zhou Yu’s end is very near. The ruse he is now trying would not take in a boy.” “Why?” “This is the ruse known as ‘borrow a road to destroy Guo.’ Under the pretence of taking the west they intend to capture this place, and when you go out to compliment the army you will be seized and they will dash into the city which they hope to find unprepared.”

玄德問孔明曰：“此是何意？”孔明大笑曰：“周瑜死日近矣！這等計策，小兒也瞞不過！”玄德又問如何，孔明曰：“此乃假途滅虢之計也。虛名收川，實取荊州。等主公出城勞軍，乘勢拿下，殺入城來，攻其不備，出其不意也。”

“And what are we to do?” “Have no anxiety; all we have to do is to prepare a hidden bow to get the fierce tiger; to spread the enticing bait to hook the great leviathan. Wait till Zhou Yu comes; if he is not killed he will be nine-tenths a corpse. We will call in Zhao Yun for orders and give him secret instructions and I will dispose the others.” And Xuande was glad.

玄德曰：“如之奈何？”孔明曰：“主公寬心，只顧準備窩弓以擒猛虎，安排香餌以釣鰲魚。等周瑜到來，他便不死，也九分無氣。”便喚趙雲聽計：“如此如此，其餘我自有擺佈。”玄德大喜。

Let Zhou Yu lay what plans he will,
Kongming anticipates his skill;
That river land fair bait did look,
But he forgot the hidden hook.

後人有詩云：“周瑜決策取荊州，諸葛先知第一籌。
指望長江香餌穩，不知暗裏釣魚鉤。
”

Lu Su hastened back to Zhou Yu to tell him that all was going as he desired and Xuande would come out to welcome the army. And Zhou Yu laughed with glee, saying, “At last! Now they will fall into my trap.” He bade Lu Su prepare a petition for the information of the Marquis and he ordered Cheng Pu to bring up reinforcements. He himself had nearly recovered from the arrow wound and felt well. He made Gan Ning leader of the van, himself with Xu Sheng and Ding Feng led the second division, and Ling Tong and Lü Meng the rear. The army and fleet numbered fifty thousand, and they set out for Jingzhou.

卻說魯肅回見周瑜，說玄德、孔明歡喜一節，準備出城勞軍。周瑜大笑曰：“原來今番也中了吾計！”便教魯肅稟報吳侯，並遣程普引軍接應。周瑜此時箭瘡已漸平愈，身軀無事，使甘寧爲先鋒，自與徐盛、丁奉爲第二，淩統、呂蒙爲後隊，水陸大兵五萬，望荊州而來。

While voyaging in his ship he was always smiling to think how he was to have Kongming at last. At Xiakou he enquired if there was any one to welcome him. They told him the Imperial Uncle had sent Mi Zhu to greet him and he was called. “What of the preparations for the army?” asked Zhou Yu as soon as Mi Zhu came. “My master has seen to that; all is prepared.” said Mi. “Where is the Imperial Uncle?” asked Zhou. “He is at Jingzhou, waiting outside the walls to offer you the cup of greeting.”

周瑜在船中，時復歡笑，以爲孔明中計。前軍至夏口，周瑜問：“荊州有人在前面接否？”人報：“劉皇叔使糜竺來見都督。”瑜喚至，問勞軍如何。糜竺曰：“主公皆準備安排下了。”瑜曰：“皇叔何在？”竺曰：“在荊州城門外相等，與都督把盞。”

“This expedition is on your account,” said Zhou Yu. “When one undertakes so long a march and such a task the rewards for the army must be very substantial.” Having got this idea of what Zhou Yu expected, Mi Zhu returned to his own city.

瑜曰：“今爲汝家之事，出兵遠征；勞軍之禮，休得輕易。”糜竺領了言語先回。

The battle ships in close order sailed up the river one after another. As they went on the most perfect tranquillity seemed to reign on all sides. When they came near Gong’an not a war-ship was visible anywhere, and no one came out to meet them. Zhou Yu pressed forward till he was some ten li from Jingzhou and still the wide river lay calm. But the spies who came back reported two white flags flying on the city walls. Still not a man was seen and Zhou Yu began to feel suspicious. He had his ship navigated in shore and he himself landed on the bank, where he mounted a horse and, taking Gan Ning, Xu Sheng, Ding Feng and his other officers with three thousand picked men of his own guard, travelled along the land road to Jingzhou.

戰船密密排在江上，依次而進，看看至公安，並無一隻軍船，又無一人遠接。周瑜催船速行。離荊州十餘里，只見江面上靜蕩蕩的。哨探的回報：“荊州城上，插兩面白旗，並不見一人之影。”瑜心疑，教把船傍岸，親自上岸乘馬，帶了甘寧、徐盛、丁奉一班軍官，引親隨精軍三千人，徑望荊州來。

By and bye he came to the city wall. There was no sign of life. Reining in his steed he bade them challenge the gate. Then some one from the wall asked who was there. The men of Wu replied that it was Commander Zhou of Wu in person. Immediately was heard the thud of a club and the wall became alive with men all armed. And from the tower came out Zhao Yun who said, “Why are you here, General?” “I am going to take the west for you;” replied Zhou Yu, “do you not know?”

既至城下，並不見動靜。瑜勒住馬，令軍士叫門。城上問是誰人。吳軍答曰：“是東吳周都督親自在此。”言未畢，忽一聲梆子響，城上軍一齊都豎起槍刀。敵樓上趙雲出曰：“都督此行，端的爲何？”瑜曰：“吾替汝主取西川，汝豈猶未知耶？”

“Kongming knows that you want to try the ruse of ‘borrowing a road to destroy Guo.’ And so he stationed me here. And my master bade me say that he and the ruler of the west country are both members of the reigning family so that he could not think of such baseness as attacking Shu. If you people of Wu do so, he will be forced to go away into the mountains and become a recluse. He could not bear to lose the confidence of mankind.” At this Zhou Yu turned his horse to go back. Just then a man bearing a command flag rode up and reported that armed bands were bearing down on him from four sides at once: Guan Yu from Jiangling, Zhang Fei from Zigui, Huang Zhong from Gong’an, and Wei Yan by the byroad from Chanling. Their number was unknown.

雲曰：“孔明軍師已知都督假途滅虢之計，故留趙雲在此。吾主公有言：孤與劉璋，皆漢室宗親，安忍背義而取西川？若汝東吳端的取蜀，吾當披髮入山，不失信於天下也。”周瑜聞之，勒馬便回。只見一人打着令字旗，於馬前報說：“探得四路軍馬，一齊殺到：關某從江陵殺來，張飛從秭歸殺來，黃忠從公安殺來，魏延從孱陵小路殺來，四路正不知多少軍馬。

The roar of their shouting shook the country for a hundred li around, and all cried that they would capture Zhou Yu. At these tidings Zhou Yu gave a great cry in the saddle; the old wound burst open again and he fell to the ground.

喊聲遠近震動百餘里，皆言要捉周瑜。”瑜馬上大叫一聲，箭瘡復裂，墜於馬下。

The game was now too deep; in vain he sought
A countermove; his efforts came to nought. Whether Zhou Yu lived or died will be told in the next chapter.

正是：一着棋高難對敵，幾番算定總成空。
未知性命如何，且看下文分解。