Romance, Chapter 59

Chapter 59. Xu Chu Strips for a Fight with Ma Chao: Cao Cao Writes a Letter to sow Dissension

The fight narrated in the last chapter lasted till morn when each side drew off, Ma Chao camping on the Wei River, whence he kept up harassing attacks both day and night. Cao Cao, also camped in the bed of the same river, began to construct three floating bridges out of his rafts and boats so as to facilitate communication with the south bank. Cao Ren established a camp on the river, which he barricaded with his carts and waggons. Ma Chao determined to destroy this camp, so his men collected straw and each man marched with a bundle and took fire with him. Han Sui’s men were to fight. While one party attacked, the other party piled up the straw, which they lit, and soon there was a fierce fire all around.

卻說當夜兩兵混戰，直到天明，各自收兵。馬超屯兵渭口，日夜分兵，前後攻擊。曹操在渭河內將船筏鎖鏈作浮橋三條，接連南岸。曹仁引軍夾河立寨，將糧草車輛穿連，以爲屏障。馬超聞之，教軍士各挾草一束，帶着火種，與韓遂引軍併力殺到寨前，堆積草把，放起烈火。

The defenders could do nothing against it so they abandoned the camp and ran away. All the transport and bridges were destroyed. It was a great victory for the Xiliang army and gave them the command of the River Wei. Cao Cao was sad at the failure to make good his strong camp and fearful of his defencelessness. Then Xun You proposed a mud wall. So three legions were set to build a mud rampart. Ma Chao sent Pang De and Ma Dai, each with five hundred horsemen, to harass the workmen with perpetual attacks at different points. Beside the soil was very sandy and the wall would not stand but collapsed as fast as it was built. Cao Cao felt helpless.

操兵抵敵不住，棄寨而走。車乘、浮橋，盡被燒燬。西涼兵大勝，截住渭河。曹操立不起營寨，心中憂懼。荀攸曰：“可取渭河沙土築起土城，可以堅守。”操撥三萬軍擔土築城。馬超又差龐德、馬岱各引五百馬軍，往來衝突；更兼沙土不實，築起便倒，操無計可施。

It was the ninth month and the fierce cold of winter was just coming on. Ominous clouds covered the sky day after day with never a break. One day as Cao Cao sat in his tent, very disheartened, a stranger was announced and was led in. He was an old man who said he had a suggestion to offer. He was tall, sparely built and spiritual looking. He gave his name as Lou Zibo and said he came from Jingzhao. He lived as a recluse on Mount Zhongnan and was a Taoist, his religious name being Mengmei Jushi, the “Recluse Who Dreams of Plum Blossoms.” Cao Cao received him with the courtesy due to a guest.

時當九月盡，天氣暴冷，彤雲密佈，連日不開。曹操在寨中納悶。忽人報曰：“有一老人來見丞相，欲陳說方略。”操請入。見其人鶴骨松姿，形貌蒼古。問之，乃京兆人也，隱居終南山，姓婁，名子伯，道號夢梅居士。操以客禮待之。

The venerable one began, “O Minister, you have long been striving to make a camp on the river. Now is your opportunity; why not begin?” “The soil is too sandy to stand,” said Cao. “But if you have some other plan to propose, pray tell me what it is, O hermit.” “You are more than human, O Minister, in the art of war, and you surely know the times and seasons. It has been overcast for many days and these clouds foretell a north wind and intense cold. When the wind begins to blow you should hurry your men to carry up the earth and sprinkle it with water. By dawn your wall will be complete.” Cao Cao seized upon the suggestion. He offered his aged visitor a reward but he would receive nothing.

子伯曰：“丞相欲跨渭安營久矣，今何不乘時築之？”操曰：“沙土之地，築壘不成。隱士有何良策賜教？”子伯曰：“丞相用兵如神，豈不知天時乎？連日陰雲布合，朔風一起，必大凍矣。風起之後，驅兵士運土潑水，比及天明，土城已就。”操大悟，厚賞子伯。子伯不受而去。

That night the wind came down in full force. Every man possible was set to earth-carrying and wetting. As they had no other means of carrying water they made stuff bags which they filled with water and let out the water over the earth. And so as they piled the earth they froze it solid with water, and by dawn the wall was finished and stood firm. When his scouts told Ma Chao that the enemy had built a wall, and he had ridden out and seen it, he was greatly perplexed and began to suspect help from the gods. However, very soon after he got his whole army together and sounded an attack. Cao Cao himself rode out of the camp, with only the redoubtable Xu Chu in attendance, and advanced toward the enemy.

是夜北風大作。操盡驅兵士擔土潑水；爲無盛水之具，作縑囊盛水澆之，隨築隨凍。比及天明，沙土凍緊，土城已築完。細作報知馬超。超領兵觀之，大驚，疑有神助。次日，集大軍鳴鼓而進。操自乘馬出營，止有許褚一人隨後。

Flourishing his whip he called out, “I, Mengde, am here alone and I beg Ma Chao to come out to parley with me.” Thereupon Ma Chao rode out, his spear set ready to thrust. “You despised me because I had no wall to my camp but lo! in one single night, God has made me a wall. Do you not think it time to give in?” Ma Chao was so enraged that he almost rushed at Cao Cao, but he was not too angry to notice the henchman behind him, glaring in angry fashion, who held a gleaming sword in his grip. He thought this man could be no other than Xu Chu, so he determined to find out. With a flourish of his whip he said, “Where is the noble ‘Tiger Marquis’ that I hear you have in your camp?”

操揚鞭大呼曰：“孟德單騎至此，請馬超出來答話。”超乘馬挺槍而出。操曰：“汝欺我營寨不成，今一夜天已築就，汝何不早降！”馬超大怒，意欲突前擒之，見操背後一人，睜圓怪眼，手提鋼刀，勒馬而立。超疑是許褚，乃揚鞭問曰：“聞汝軍中有虎侯，安在哉？”

At this Xu lifted his sword and roared, “I am Xu Chu of Qiaojun!” From his eyes shot gleams of supernatural light and his attitude was so terror-striking that Ma dared not move. He turned his steed and retired. Cao Cao and his doughty follower returned to their camp and as they two passed between the armies not a man there but felt a quiver of fear. “They know our friend Xu Chu over there as Marquis Tiger,” said Cao Cao when he returned. And thereafter the soldiers all called him by that name. “I will capture that fellow Ma to-morrow,” said Xu. “Ma Chao is very bold,” said his master. “Be careful.”

許褚提刀大叫曰：“吾即譙郡許褚也！”目射神光，威風抖擻。超不敢動，乃勒馬回。操亦引許褚回寨。兩軍觀之，無不駭然。操謂諸將曰：“賊亦知仲康乃虎侯也！”自此軍中皆稱褚爲虎侯，許褚曰：“某來日必擒馬超。”操曰：“馬超英勇，不可輕敵。”

“I swear to fight him to the death,” said Xu. Then he sent a written challenge to his enemy saying that the “Tiger Marquis” challenged Ma Chao to a decisive duel on the morrow. Ma Chao was very angry when he received the letter. “Dare he insult me so?” cried he. Then he wrote his pledge to slay Tiger Fool on the morrow.

褚曰：“某誓與死戰！”即使人下戰書，說虎侯單搦馬超來日決戰。超接書大怒曰：“何敢如此相欺耶！”即批次日誓殺虎癡。

Next day both armies moved out and arrayed in order of battle. Ma Chao gave Pang De and Ma Dai command of the two wings, while Han Sui took the centre. Ma Chao took up his station in front of the centre and called to Tiger Fool to come out. Cao Cao, who was on horseback by the standard, turned and said, “He is no less bold than Lü Bu.” As he spoke, Xu Chu rode forth whirling his sword and the duel began. They fought over a hundred bouts and neither had the advantage.

次日，兩軍出營布成陣勢。超分龐德爲左翼，馬岱爲右翼，韓遂押中軍。超挺槍縱馬，立於陣前，高叫：“虎癡快出！”曹操在門旗下回顧衆將曰：“馬超不減呂布之勇！”言未絕，許褚拍馬舞刀而出。馬超挺槍接戰。鬥了一百餘合，勝負不分。

But then, their steeds being spent with galloping to and fro, each retired within his own lines and obtained a fresh mount. The contest was renewed and a hundred more encounters took place, still without victory to either. Suddenly Xu Chu galloped back to his own side, stripped off his armour, showing his magnificent muscles and, naked as he was, leaped again into the saddle and rode out to continue the battle. Again the champions engaged, while both armies stood aghast. Thirty bouts more, and Xu, summoning up all his force, plunged toward Ma with his sword held high to strike. But Ma avoided the stroke and rode in with his spear pointing directly at his opponent’s heart.

馬匹睏乏，各回軍中，換了馬匹，又出陣前。又鬥一百餘合，不分勝負。許褚性起，飛回陣中，卸了盔甲，渾身筋突，赤體提刀，翻身上馬，來與馬超決戰。兩軍大駭。兩個又鬥到三十餘合，褚奮威舉刀便砍馬超。超閃過，一槍望褚心窩刺來。

Throwing down his sword, Xu caught the spear and clamped it under his arm. Then ensued a struggle for the spear and Xu by a mighty effort snapped the shaft so that each held one half. Then the duel was continued, each belabouring the other with the pieces of the broken spear. At this point Cao Cao began to fear for his champion and so ordered Xiahou Yuan and Cao Hong to go out and take a hand. At this Pang De and Ma Dai gave the signal to their armoured horsemen to attack. They rode in and a mêlée began in which Cao’s men were worsted and the great champion Xu Chu received two arrow wounds in the arm.

褚棄刀將槍挾住。兩個在馬上奪槍。許褚力大，一聲響，拗斷槍桿，各拿半節在馬上亂打。操恐褚有失，遂令夏侯淵、曹洪兩將齊出夾攻。龐德、馬岱見操將齊出，麾兩翼鐵騎，橫衝直撞，混殺將來。操兵大亂。許褚臂中兩箭。

So the men of Cao retreated to their stockade, Ma Chao following them to the moat. Cao’s men lost more than half their number. Cao barred his gates and allowed none to go out. Ma Chao went back to the mouth of the Wei and said to Han Sui, “I have seen some wicked fighters, but none to match that man. He is aptly nicknamed Tiger Fool.”

諸將慌退入寨。馬超直殺到壕邊，操兵折傷大半。操令堅閉休出。馬超回至渭口，謂韓遂曰：“吾見惡戰者莫如許褚，真虎癡也！”

Thinking that by strategy he might get the better of Ma Chao, Cao Cao secretly sent Xu Huang and Zhu Ling across to the west of the river to take up position so that he might attack in front and rear. One day from his ramparts, Cao Cao saw Ma Chao and a few horsemen ride close up to the walls and then gallop to and fro like the wind. After gazing at them for a long time he tore off his helmet and dashed it on the ground saying, “If that Ma is not killed may I never be buried!” Xiahou Yuan heard him and his heart burned within him. He cried, “May I die here at once if I do not destroy that rebel!”

卻說曹操料馬超可以計破，乃密令徐晃、朱靈盡渡河西結營，前後夾攻。一日，操於城上見馬超引數百騎，直臨寨前，往來如飛。操觀良久，擲兜鍪於地曰：“馬兒不死，吾無葬地矣！”夏侯淵聽了，心中氣忿，厲聲曰：“吾寧死於此地，誓滅馬賊！”

Without more ado he flung open the gates and rode out with his company. Cao Cao tried to stop this mad rush, but it was no good, so, fearing he might come to grief, he rode out after him. At sight of the men of Cao, Ma Chao faced his men about extended them in line and, as the enemy approached, dashed forward to the attack. Then noticing Cao himself among them he left Xiahou and rode straight for Cao. Panic seized Cao and he rode for his life, while his men were thrown into confusion.

遂引本部千餘人，大開寨門，直趕去。操急止不住，恐其有失，慌自上馬前來接應。馬超見曹兵至，乃將前軍作後隊，後隊作先鋒，一字兒擺開。夏侯淵到，馬超接住廝殺。超於亂軍中遙見曹操，就撇了夏侯淵，直取曹操。操大驚，撥馬而走。曹兵大亂。

It was during the pursuit of this portion of the Cao army that Ma Chao was told of the force on the other bank of the river. Realising the danger he abandoned the pursuit, called in his men and went to his own camp, there to consult with Han Sui. “What now? Cao has crossed the river and we can be attacked in the rear,” said Ma. His subordinate Li Kan said, “Then you had better come to an agreement; sacrifice some territory and make peace. Then both can repose through the winter and await the changes and chances that may come with the spring warmth.” “He is wise,” said Han Sui, “and I advise the same.”

正追之際，忽報操有一軍，已在河西下了營寨，超大驚，無心追趕，急收軍回寨，與韓遂商議，言：“操兵乘虛已渡河西，吾軍前後受敵，如之奈何？”部將李堪曰：“不如割地請和，兩家且各罷兵，捱過冬天，到春暖別作計議。”韓遂曰：“李堪之言最善，可從之。”

But Ma Chao hesitated. Yang Qiu and Hou Xuan both urged him to make peace, and so Han Sui sent Yang Qiu as messenger to the camp of Cao Cao with a letter offering territory for peace. “You may return; I will send my reply,” said Cao. And Yang Qiu took his leave. Then Jia Xu came in and said to Cao Cao, “What is your opinion, O Minister?” “What is yours?” asked Cao. “War allows deceit, therefore pretend to agree. Then we can try some means of sowing suspicions between Han and Ma so that we may thereby destroy both.”

超猶豫未決。楊秋、侯選皆勸求和，於是韓遂遣楊秋爲使，直往操寨下書，言割地請和之事。操曰：“汝且回寨，吾來日使人回報。”楊秋辭去。賈詡入見操曰：“丞相主意若何？”操曰：“公所見若何？”詡曰：“兵不厭詐，可僞許之；然後用反間計，令韓、馬相疑，則一鼓可破也。”

Cao clapped his hands for very joy. “That is the best idea of all! Most suitable! You and I agree in our ideas; I was just thinking of that.” So an answer was returned saying, “Let me gradually withdraw my soldiers and I will give back the land belonging to you on the west of the river.” And at the same time Cao ordered the construction of a floating bridge to help in the withdrawal. When the reply arrived, Ma Chao said to Han Sui, “Although he agrees to peace, yet he is evil and crafty. We must remain prepared against his machinations.

操撫掌大喜曰：“天下高見，多有相合。文和之謀，正吾心中之事也。”於是遣人回書，言：“待我徐徐退兵，還汝河西之地。”一面教搭起浮橋，作退軍之意。馬超得書，謂韓遂曰：“曹操雖然許和，奸雄難測。倘不準備，反受其制。

Uncle, you and I will take turns in watching Cao and Xu Huang on alternate days. So shall we be safe against his treachery.” They agreed and began the regular alternate watch.

超與叔父輪流調兵，今日叔向操，超向徐晃；明日超向操，叔向徐晃：分頭提備，以防其詐。”韓遂依計而行。

Soon Cao got to know what they were doing and he turned to Jia Xu saying, “I am succeeding.” “Who keeps the look-out on this side to-morrow?” asked Cao. “Han Sui.” Next day Cao at the head of a large party of his captains rode out of the camp and the officers presently spread out right and left, he himself remaining a solitary rider visible in the centre. Many of Han Sui’s men, who had never seen Cao, came out of their ranks to look. Presently Cao called out, “Do any of you soldiers want to see Cao Cao? I am but a man like any other. I have not four eyes nor a couple of mouths, but I am very knowing.”

早有人報知曹操。操顧賈詡曰：“吾事濟矣！”問：“來日是誰合向我這邊？”人報曰：“韓遂。”次日，操引衆將出營，左右圍繞，操獨顯一騎於中央。韓遂部卒多有不識操者，出陣觀看。操高叫曰：“汝諸軍欲觀曹公耶？吾亦猶人也，非有四目兩口，但多智謀耳。”

The soldiers turned pale with fright. Then Cao called up a man and told him to go and see Han Sui and say “Sir, the Minister humbly asks you to come and confer with him.” Thereupon Han went out, and seeing Cao wore no armour, Han also threw off his and rode out clad in a light robe. Each rode up to the other till their horse’s heads nearly touched and there they stood talking. Said Cao, “Your father and I took our degrees at the same time and I used to treat him as an uncle. You and I set out on our careers at the same time, too, and yet we have not met for years.

諸軍皆有懼色。操使人過陣謂韓遂曰：“丞相謹請韓將軍會話。”韓遂即出陣；見操並無甲仗，亦棄衣甲，輕服匹馬而出。二人馬頭相交，各按轡對語。操曰：“吾與將軍之父，同舉孝廉，吾嘗以叔事之。吾亦與公同登仕路，不覺有年矣。

How old may you be now?” “I am forty,” replied Han. “In those old days in the capital we were both very young and never thought about middle age. If we could only restore tranquillity to the State, that would be a matter of rejoicing.” After that they chatted long about old times, but neither said a word on military matters. They gossiped for a couple of hours before they took leave of each other. It was not long before some one told Ma Chao of this meeting.

將軍今年妙齡幾何？”韓遂答曰：“四十歲矣。”操曰：“往日在京師，皆青春年少，何期又中旬矣！安得天下清平共樂耶！”只把舊事細說，並不提起軍情。說罷大笑，相談有一個時辰，方回馬而別，各自歸寨。早有人將此事報知馬超。

Ma Chao hastened over to his ally to ask about it. “What was it Cao Cao came out to discuss to-day?” said he. “He just recalled the old days when we were together in the capital.” “Did he say nothing about military matters?” “Not a word; and I could not talk about them alone.” Ma Chao went out without a word but he felt suspicious.

超忙來問韓遂曰：“今日曹操陣前所言何事？”遂曰：“只訴京師舊事耳。”超曰：“安得不言軍務乎？”遂曰：“曹操不言，吾何獨言之？”超心甚疑，不言而退。

When Cao returned to his camp he said to Jia Xu, “Do you know why I talked with him thus publicly?” “It may be an excellent idea,” said Xu, “but it is not sufficient simply to estrange two people. I can improve on it and we will make them quarrel and even kill each other.” “What is your scheme?” “Ma Chao is brave but not very astute. You write a letter with your own hand to Han himself couched in vague terms, and at the vital places blot out and alter the words yourself. Afterwards you will send it to Han, taking care that Ma shall know all about it.

卻說曹操回寨，謂賈詡曰：“公知吾陣前對語之意否？”詡曰：“此意雖妙，尚未足間二人。某有一策，令韓、馬自相仇殺。”操問其計。賈詡曰：“馬超乃一勇之夫，不識機密。丞相親筆作一書，單與韓遂，中間朦朧字樣，於要害處，自行塗抹改易，然後封送與韓遂，故意使馬超知之。

He will demand to read the letter, and when he sees that the important part of the letter has been changed, he will think that Han Sui has made the changes lest his secrets should leak out. This will fit into the private talk you had with Han the other day and the suspicion will grow until it has brought about trouble. I can also secretly corrupt some of his subordinates and get them to widen the breach and we can settle Ma Chao.” “The scheme looks excellent,” said Cao, and he wrote the letter as suggested, and then erased and changed it, after which he sealed it securely and, sending a large escort on purpose, had it delivered to Han Sui.

超必索書來看。若看見上面要緊去處，盡皆改抹，只猜是韓遂恐超知甚機密事，自行改抹，正合着單騎會語之疑；疑則必生亂。我更暗結韓遂部下諸將，使互相離間，超可圖矣。”操曰：“此計甚妙。”隨寫書一封，將緊要處盡皆改抹，然後實封，故意多遣從人送過寨去，下了書自回。

Surely enough some one told Ma Chao about the letter, which increased his doubts, and he came to Han Sui’s quarters to ask to see it. Han gave it to him and the erasures and alterations struck Ma at once. “Why are all these alterations here?” asked he. “It came like that; I do not know.” “Does any one send a rough draft like this? It seems to me, Uncle, that you are afraid I shall know something or other too well and so you have changed the wording.”

果然有人報知馬超。超心愈疑，徑來韓遂處索書看。韓遂將書與超。超見上面有改抹字樣，問遂曰：“書上如何都改抹糊塗？”遂曰：“原書如此，不知何故。”超曰：“豈有以草稿送與人耶？必是叔父怕我知了詳細，先改抹了。”

“It must be that Cao has sealed up the rough draft by mistake.” “I do not think so. He is a careful man and would not make such a mistake. You and I, Uncle, have been allies in trying to slay the rebel; why are you turning against me now?” “If you doubt my word I will tell you what you can do. Tomorrow, in full view of the army, I will get Cao Cao to come out and talk. You can dash out from our ranks and kill him with a single thrust of your spear.” “That being so I shall know that you are true, Uncle.”

遂曰：“莫非曹操錯將草稿誤封來了。”超曰：“吾又不信。曹操是精細之人，豈有差錯？吾與叔父併力殺賊，奈何忽生異心？”遂曰：“汝若不信吾心，來日吾在陣前賺操說話，汝從陣內突出，一槍刺殺便了。”超曰：“若如此，方見叔父真心。”

This arrangement made, next day Han Sui with five captains in his train—Hou Xuan, Li Kan, Liang Xing, Ma Wan and Yang Qiu—rode to the front while Ma Chao concealed himself behind the great standard. Han Sui sent over to say that he wished to speak to the Minister. Thereupon at his command, Cao Hong, with a train of some tens of horsemen rode out, advanced straight to Han Sui, leaned over to him and said, loudly enough to be heard plainly, “Last night the Minister charged me with a message for you, General: see that there is no mistake.”

兩人約定。次日，韓遂引侯選、李堪、梁興、馬玩、楊秋五將出陣。馬超藏在門影裏。韓遂使人到操寨前，高叫：“韓將軍請丞相攀話。”操乃令曹洪引數十騎徑出陣前與韓遂相見。馬離數步，洪馬上欠身言曰：“夜來丞相拜意將軍之言，切莫有誤。”

Then without another word on either side he rode away. Ma Chao had heard. He gripped his spear and started galloping out to slay his companion in arms. But the five captains checked him and begged him to go back to camp. When Han Sui saw him, he said, “Nephew, trust me, really I have no evil intentions.” But think you that Ma Chao did? Burning with rage he went away. Han Sui talked over the matter with his five captains. “How can this be cleared up?” “Ma Chao trusts too much to his strength,” said Yang Qiu, one of them. “He is always inclined to despise you, Sir. If we overcome Cao Cao do you think he will give way to you?

言訖便回馬。超聽得大怒，挺槍驟馬，便刺韓遂。五將攔住，勸解回寨。遂曰：“賢侄休疑，我無歹心。”馬超那裏肯信，恨怨而去。韓遂與五將商議曰：“這事如何解釋？”楊秋曰：“馬超倚仗武勇，常有欺凌主公之心，便勝得曹操，怎肯相讓？

I think you should rather take care of your own interests, go over to the Minister’s side and you will surely get rank one day.” “I was his father’s pledged brother and could not bear to desert him,” said Han Sui. “It seems to me that as things have come to this pass you simply have to now.” “Who would act as go-between?” asked Han. “I will,” said Yang Qiu. Then Han Sui wrote a private letter which he confided to Yang Qiu, who soon found his way over to the other camp. Cao Cao was only too pleased, and he promised that Han Sui should be made Marquis of Xiliang and Yang Qiu its Prefect.

以某愚見，不如暗投曹公，他日不失封侯之位。”遂曰：“吾與馬騰結爲兄弟，安忍背之？”楊秋曰：“事已至此，不得不然。”遂曰：“誰可以通消息？”楊秋曰：“某願往。”遂乃寫密書，遣楊秋徑來操寨，說投降之事。操大喜，許封韓遂爲西涼侯、楊秋爲西涼太守。

The other confederates should be rewarded in other ways. When the preparations for the act of treachery were complete a bonfire was to be lighted in Han’s camp and all would try to do away with Ma Chao. Yang Qiu went back and related all this to his chief and Han Sui felt elated at the success of his overtures. A lot of wood was collected in camp at the back of his tent ready for the signal blaze and the five captains got ready for the foul deed. It was decided that Ma Chao should be persuaded into coming to a banquet and there they would slay him then. But Han Sui hesitated and did not send the invitation at once.

其餘皆有官爵。約定放火爲號，共謀馬超。楊秋拜辭，回見韓遂，備言其事：“約定今夜放火，裏應外合。”遂大喜，就令軍士於中軍帳後堆積乾柴，五將各懸刀劍聽候，韓遂商議，欲設宴賺請馬超，就席圖之，猶豫未去。

Ma Chao, however, had already found out every detail of the plot and resolved to act first. Leaving Ma Dai and Pang De in reserve, he chose a few trusted men and with stealthy steps made his way into Han Sui’s tent. There he found Han Sui and his five confederates deep in conversation. He just caught a word or two that Yang Qiu said, “We must not delay, now is the time.” In burst Ma Chao raging and yelling, “You herd of rebels! Would you dare to plot against me?” They were taken aback.

不想馬超早已探知備細，便帶親隨數人，仗劍先行，令龐德、馬岱爲後應。超潛步入韓遂帳中，只見五將與韓遂密語，只聽得楊秋口中說道：“事不宜遲，可速行之！”超大怒，揮劍直入，大喝曰：“羣賊焉敢謀害我！”衆皆大驚。

Ma Chao sprang at Han Sui and slashed at his face. Sui put up his hand to ward off the blow and it was cut off. The five drew their swords and set on Ma Chao and his men who rushed outside, followed by the five who slashed away, but were kept at bay by Ma Chao’s wonderful swordsmanship. And as the swords flashed, the red blood flowed. Ma Wan was cut down and Liang Xing hacked to the ground; the other three fled for their lives. Ma Chao ran back into the tent to finish Han Sui but the servants had removed him.

超一劍望韓遂面門剁去，遂慌以手迎之，左手早被砍落。五將揮刀齊出。超縱步出帳外，五將圍繞混殺。超獨揮寶劍，力敵五將。劍光明處，鮮血濺飛：砍翻馬玩，剁倒梁興，三將各自逃生。超復入帳中來殺韓遂時，已被左右救去。

Then a torch was lit, and soon there was commotion all through the camp. Ma Chao mounted his horse, for Pang De and Ma Dai had now arrived, and the real fight began. Cao’s men poured in from all sides and the Xiliang men fought with each other. Losing sight of his companions, Ma Chao and a few of his men held the bridge over the Wei.

帳後一把火起，各寨兵皆動。超連忙上馬，龐德、馬岱亦至，互相混戰。超領軍殺出時，操兵四至：前有許褚，後有徐晃，左有夏侯淵，右有曹洪。西涼之兵，自相併殺。超不見了龐德、馬岱，乃引百餘騎，截於渭橋之上。

At first light he saw Li Kan with a troop passing below the bridge. Ma Chao set his spear and rode at him full tilt. Li Kan trailed his spear and fled. Just then Yu Jin came up behind Ma Chao in pursuit and sent an arrow flying after him. Ma Chao’s ear caught the twang of the bowstring and he dodged the arrow, which flew on and killed Li Kan. Ma Chao turned to attack his pursuer, who galloped away, and then he returned and took possession of the bridge.

天色微明，只見李堪領一軍從橋下過，超挺槍縱馬逐之。李堪拖槍而走。恰好于禁從馬超背後趕來。禁開弓射馬超。超聽得背後弦響，急閃過，卻射中前面李堪，落馬而死。超回馬來殺于禁，禁拍馬走了。超回橋上住紮。

Quickly Cao’s men gathered about him and the fiercest among them, the Tiger Guards, shot arrows at Ma Chao, which he warded off with his spear shaft so that they fell harmless to the earth. Ma Chao and his men rode to and fro striking a blow wherever there was a chance, but the enemy were very thick about him and he could not force his way out. With a great shout on the bridge he made a dash north of the river, but his followers were all cut off from him. Still he kept on dashing this way and that till a hidden crossbowman shot his horse from under him. He fell to the ground and his enemies were pressing in.

操兵前後大至，虎衛軍當先，亂箭夾射馬超。超以槍撥之，矢皆紛紛落地。超令從騎往來突殺。爭奈曹兵圍裹堅厚，不能衝出。超於橋上大喝一聲，殺入河北，從騎皆被截斷。超獨在陣中衝突，卻被暗弩射倒坐下馬，馬超墮於地上，操軍逼合。

But at the critical moment a troop came in from the north-west and rescued him. Pang De and Ma Dai had come up in the very nick of time. Thus Ma Chao was rescued and they set him on one of the soldiers’ horses and he again took up the battle. Leaving a trail of blood in his rear he got away north-west. Hearing that his enemy had got away, Cao Cao ordered his captains to pursue him day and night and offered rewards for him dead or alive. For his head the reward was a thousand taels and the marquisate of a fief of a myriad families. If any one captured Ma alive the reward was the rank of Great General.

正在危急，忽西北角上一彪軍殺來，乃龐德、馬岱也。二人救了馬超，將軍中戰馬與馬超騎了，翻身殺條血路，望西北而走。曹操聞馬超走脫，傳令諸將：“無分曉夜，務要趕到馬兒。如得首級者，千金賞，萬戶侯；生獲者封大將軍。”

Consequently the pursuit was warm as every one was anxious to win renown and reward. Meanwhile careless of all but flight Ma galloped on and one by one his followers dropped by the way. The footmen who were unable to keep up were captured till very few remained and only some thirty riders were left. With Pang De and Ma Dai he made for Lintao in Longxi.

衆將得令，各要爭功，迤邐追襲。馬超顧不得人馬睏乏，只顧奔走。從騎漸漸皆散。步兵走不上者，多被擒去。止剩得三十餘騎，與龐德、馬岱望隴西臨洮而去。

Cao Cao in person joined the pursuit and got to Anding, but there Ma Chao was still far in advance so he gave up and returned. Gradually the captains did the same, all coming back to Changan. Poor Han Sui, with the loss of his left hand, was an invalid, but Cao let him rest at Changan and made him Marquis of Xiliang. Yang Qiu and Hou Xuan were both made marquises and set to guard the mouth of the Wei. Then orders were given to lead the whole army back to the capital. Yang Fu, styled Yishan, Military Adviser of Liangzhou, came straight to Changan to see Cao Cao.

曹操親自追至安定，知馬超去遠，方收兵回長安。衆將畢集。韓遂已無左手，做了殘疾之人，操教就於長安歇馬，授西涼侯之職。楊秋、侯選皆封列侯，令守渭口。下令班師回許都。涼州參軍楊阜，字義山，徑來長安見操。

Cao asked what he wanted, and Yang Fu said, “Ma Chao has the boldness of Lü Bu and has won the hearts of the Qiang. Unless you destroy him this time he will come again and he will be both bolder and stronger, and the whole of this district will be lost to the Throne. Wherefore you should not withdraw your army.” Cao said, “I would be quite willing to finish the subjugation but there is much to do in the capital and the south is still to conquer. So I cannot remain. But you, Sir, might secure this country for me. Do you consent?”

操問之，楊阜曰：“馬超有呂布之勇，深得羌人之心。今丞相若不乘勢剿絕，他日養成氣力，隴上諸郡，非復國家之有也。望丞相且休回兵。”操曰：“吾本欲留兵徵之，奈中原多事，南方未定，不可久留。君當爲孤保之。”

Yang Fu did consent. And he recommended Wei Kang as Imperial Inspector of Liangzhou, to hold Jicheng with him against Ma Chao. Just before Yang Fu left he said to Cao Cao, “A strong force ought to be left in Changan, as a reserve in case they be required.” “That has been already dealt with,” replied Cao. Contentedly enough Yang Fu took leave and went away.

阜領諾，又保薦韋康爲涼州刺史，同領兵屯冀城，以防馬超。阜臨行，請於操曰：“長安必留重兵以爲後援。”操曰：“吾已定下，汝但放心。”阜辭而去。

His captains all asked, “At first, when the rebels held Tong Pass, the road north of the Wei was open; yet you did not strike Pingyi from Hedong, but held Tong Pass and delayed long before you crossed to the north and built a fortified camp. Why was that?” Cao replied, “The rebels first held Tong Pass. Had I, on first arriving, taken Hedong the rebels would have defended the camps one by one and mustered at all the ferries, and I should never have got across the river. So I massed men against Tong Pass and made the rebels guard the south so that the west of the river was left unguarded. Thus Xu Huang and Zhu Ling could cross over.

衆將皆問曰：“初賊據潼關，渭北道缺，丞相不從河東擊馮翊，而反守潼關，遷延日久，而後北渡，立營固守，何也？”操曰：“初賊守潼關，若吾初到，便取河東，賊必以各寨分守諸渡口，則河西不可渡矣。吾故盛兵皆聚於潼關前，使賊盡南守，而河西不準備，故徐晃、朱靈得渡也。

Later I led my army across to the north. Then I linked carts and set up palisades for a walled road, and built the ice rampart to deceive the enemy and cause them to think I was weak and thus embolden them up to the point of attacking without proper preparation. Then I used the clever device of causing dissension in their ranks and, having husbanded the strength of my soldiers, smashed them in a single blow. It was a thunder clap before you could cover your ears. Yes indeed; the mutations of the art of war can be called infinite.” “But one thing more puzzled us,” said the officers, “and we ask you to explain it. When you heard the enemy was reinforced you seemed to grow happier. Why was that?”

吾然後引兵北渡，連車樹柵爲甬道，築冰城，欲賊知吾弱，以驕其心，使不準備。吾乃巧用反間，畜士卒之力，一旦擊破之。正所謂疾雷不及掩耳。兵之變化，固非一道也。”衆將又請問曰：“丞相每聞賊加兵添衆，則有喜色，何也？”

“Because Guanzhong is remote, and if the rebels had taken advantage of all defensible points and held them, they could not have been quelled in less than a couple of years. When they came on altogether they made a multitude but they were not unanimous. They easily quarrelled and, disunited, were easily overcome. So I had reason to rejoice that they came on altogether.” “Indeed no one can equal you in strategy,” said his officers, bowing low before him. “Still, remember that I rely on you,” said Cao. Then he issued substantial rewards to the army and appointed Xiahou Yuan to the command at Changan. The soldiers who had surrendered were distributed among the various troops.

操曰：“關中邊遠，若羣賊各依險阻，徵之非一二年不可平復；今皆來聚一處，其衆雖多，人心不一，易於離間，一舉可滅：吾故喜也。”衆將拜曰：“丞相神謀，衆不及也！”操曰：“亦賴汝衆文武之力。”遂重賞諸軍。留夏侯淵屯兵長安，所得降兵，分撥各部。

Xiahou Yuan recommended one Zhang Ji, styled Derong, of Gaoling in Pingyi, as Governor of the Capital District, to hold Changan with him. So the army returned to the capital where it was welcomed by the Emperor in his State chariot. As a reward for his service Cao Cao was given the court privileges of omitting his distinctive name when he was received in audience and of proceeding toward the daïs without assuming the appearance of frantic haste. Further he might go to court armed and booted, as did the Han Minister, Xiao He, of old. Whence his prestige and importance waxed mightily. The fame of these doings penetrated west into Hanzhong, and one of the first to be alarmed was Zhang Lu, Prefect of Hanning.

夏侯淵保舉馮翊高陵人，姓張，名既，字德容，爲京兆尹，與淵同守長安。操班師回都。獻帝排鑾駕出郭迎接。詔操“贊拜不名，入朝不趨，劍履上殿”：如漢相蕭何故事。自此威震中外。這消息播入漢中，早驚動了漢寧太守張魯。

This Zhang Lu was a native of Feng in Pei, a grandson of Zhang Ling who retired to Mount Heming, in Xichuan, where he had composed a work on Taoism for the purpose of deluding the multitude. Yet all the people respected him, and when he died his son, Zhang Heng, carried on his work, and taught the same doctrines. Disciples had to pay a fee in rice, five measures. The people of his day called him the Rice Thief. When Zhang Heng died, Zhang Lu, his son, carried on the work. In Hanzhong he styled himself Master Superior and his disciples were called commonly devil soldiers. A headman was called Libationer and those who made many converts were called Chief Libationers.

原來張魯乃沛國豐人。其祖張陵在西川鵠鳴山中造作道書以惑人，人皆敬之。陵死之後，其子張衡行之。百姓但有學道者，助米五斗。世號“米賊”。張衡死，張魯行之。魯在漢中自號爲“師君”；其來學道者皆號爲“鬼卒”；爲首者號爲“祭酒”；領衆多者號爲“治頭大祭酒”。

Perfect sincerity was the ruling tenet of the cult and no deceit was permitted. When any one fell ill an altar was set up and the invalid was taken into the Room of Silence where he could reflect upon his sins and confess openly. Then he was prayed for. The director of prayers was called Superintending Libationer. When praying for a person they wrote his name on a slip and his confession and made three copies thereof, called “The writing of the Three Officers.” One copy was placed on the mountain top as a means of informing Heaven; another was buried in the earth to inform Earth; and the third was sunk in water to tell the Controller of the Waters.

務以誠信爲主，不許欺詐。如有病者，即設壇使病人居於靜室之中，自思已過，當面陳首，然後爲之祈禱；主祈禱之事者，號爲“奸令祭酒”。祈禱之法，書病人姓名，說服罪之意，作文三通，名爲“三官手書”：一通放于山頂以奏天，一通埋於地以奏地，一通沉於水以申水官。

If the sick person recovered he paid as fee five measures of rice. They had Public Houses of Charity wherein the poor found rice and flesh and means of cooking. Any wayfarer was allowed to take of these according to the measure of his appetite. Those who took in excess would invite punishment from on high. Offences were pardoned thrice; afterwards offenders were punished. They had no officials but all were subject to the control of the Libationers. In this way they had held Hanzhong for some thirty years.

如此之後，但病痊可，將米五斗爲謝。又蓋義舍：舍內飯米、柴火、肉食齊備，許過往人量食多少，自取而食；多取者受天誅。境內有犯法者，必恕三次；不改者，然後施刑。所在並無官長，盡屬祭酒所管。如此雄據漢中之地已三十年。

The Government, holding the district too remote to be subdued, merely made Zhang General of the Household Who Guards the South and Prefect of Hanning, and required of him only his tribute. When the reports of Cao Cao’s success against the west, and his prestige and influence, reached the Hanzhong people they met to consult, for they feared lest, Ma Teng having been put to death and Ma Chao newly defeated, they would be next invaded. Zhang Lu proposed to the assembly that he should assume the title of Prince of Hanning and superintend the defence.

國家以爲地遠不能征伐，就命魯爲鎮南中郎將，領漢寧太守，通進貢而已。當年聞操破西涼之衆，威震天下，乃聚衆商議曰：“西涼馬騰遭戮，馬超新敗，曹操必將侵我漢中。我欲自稱漢寧王，督兵拒曹操，諸君以爲何如？”

In reply one Yan Pu said, “The families of Hanchuan number more than a hundred thousand and there are ample supplies of everything. This place is a natural stronghold. Now Ma Chao’s soldiers are newly defeated. The people of Xiliang who have fled into Hanzhong by the Ziwu Valley are no fewer than several myriads. My advice is that as Liu Zhang of Yizhou is weak we should first take the forty-one departments of Xichuan as our base, and then you may style yourself Prince as soon as you like.” This speech greatly pleased Zhang Lu, who then began to concert measures with his brother to raise an army. Stories of the movement reached Xichuan.

閻圃曰：“漢川之民戶出十萬餘衆，財富糧足，四面險固；今馬超新敗，西涼之民，從子午谷奔入漢中者，不下數萬。愚意益州劉璋昏弱，不如先取西川四十一州爲本，然後稱王未遲。”張魯大喜，遂與弟張衛商議起兵。早有細作報入川中。

It is necessary here to say a few words about the west. The Imperial Protector of Yizhou was Liu Zhang, styled Jiyu, a son of Liu Yan and a descendant of Prince Gong of Lu of the Han House. In the Yuanhe reign of Emperor Zhang the fief had been moved to Jingling, and a branch of the family had settled there. Later, Liu Yan rose to be Imperial Protector of Yizhou, and when he died of an ulcer in the first year of Xingping, Zhao Wei and other high officers of the province put forward his son Liu Zhang as Imperial Protector. Liu Zhang had once put to death the mother and brother of Zhang Lu, and so there was enmity between them. Liu Zhang had made Pang Xi Prefect of Baxi to ward off Zhang Lu.

卻說益州劉璋，字季玉，即劉焉之子，漢魯恭王之後。章帝元和中，徙封竟陵，支庶因居於此。後焉官至益州牧，興平元年患病疽而死，州大吏趙韙等，共保璋爲益州牧。璋曾殺張魯母及弟，因此有仇。璋使龐羲爲巴西太守，以拒張魯。

Now Pang Xi learned that Zhang Lu meant to raise an army and take Xichuan, and hastily sent word to Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang had always been feeble, and when he received this news his heart sank within him for fear and he hastily called in his advisers. At the council one haughtily said, “My Master, be not alarmed, I am no genius but I have a bit of a healthy tongue and with that I will make Zhang Lu afraid even to look this way.”

時龐羲探知張魯欲興兵取川，急報知劉璋。璋平生懦弱，聞得此信，心中大憂，急聚衆官商議。忽一人昂然而出曰：“主公放心。某雖不才，憑三寸不爛之舌，使張魯不敢正眼來覷西川。”

Because a counsellor of Shu stepped forth,
The heroes of Jingzhou were drawn to the west. The speaker’s name and lineage will be told in the next chapter.

正是：只因蜀地謀臣進，致引荊州豪傑來。
未知此人是誰，且看下文分解。