Romance, Chapter 54

Chapter 54. The Dowager Marchioness Sees the Bridegroom at a Temple: Liu, the Imperial Uncle, Takes a Worthy Consort

When Kongming heard that Lu Su had come, he and Xuande went out of the city to welcome him and led him to the government house. After the usual greetings, Lu Su said, “Hearing of the death of your nephew, my lord has prepared some gifts and sent me to take his place at the funeral sacrifices. General Zhou Yu also sends greetings to the Imperial Uncle and to you, Master Zhuge.” Both rose at once and thanked him for the courtesy. Then the gifts were handed over and a banquet prepared, and while it was in progress, the guest brought up the real object of his visit. “You said, Sir, that Jingzhou should be returned to us after the death of Liu Qi.

卻說孔明聞魯肅到，與玄德出城迎接，接到公廨，相見畢。肅曰：“主公聞令侄棄世，特具薄禮，遣某前來致祭。周都督再三致意劉皇叔、諸葛先生。”玄德、孔明起身稱謝，收了禮物，置酒相待。肅曰：“前者皇叔有言：公子不在，即還荊州。

Now that he is dead, it must surely be returned. May I know when the transfer can take place?” “Drink your wine for the present, Sir; there is something to be discussed,” said Xuande. Lu Su forced himself to drink a few cups, and then returned to the subject. Before Xuande could reply, Kongming, changing colour, said, “Zijing, you are unreasonable. Must you force us to speak it out? From the day when our illustrious ancestor the Supreme Emperor slew the serpent and raised the standard of righteousness, the great heritage has descended in due course till to-day when, unhappily, evil-doers have risen among the powerful and they have seized upon such portions as they could. But the way of Heaven surely comes round again, and all will return to the rightful line.

今公子已去世，必然見還。不識幾時可以交割？”玄德曰：“公且飲酒，有一個商議。”肅強飲數杯，又開言相問。玄德未及回答，孔明變色曰：“子敬好不通理，直須待人開口！自我高皇帝斬蛇起義，開基立業，傳至於今；不幸奸雄並起，各據一方；少不得天道好還，復歸正統。

My lord is a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, a great-great-grandson of Emperor Xiaojing, and uncle of the present Emperor. Should he not have a fief of the land? Moreover, Liu Jingxing (Liu Biao) was my lord’s elder brother and there is certainly nothing extraordinary in one brother’s succession to another’s estate. What is your master? The son of a petty official on the banks of the Qiantang River, absolutely without merit so far as the State is concerned. Just because he is powerful he holds the six commanderies and eighty-one districts, and still his insatiable appetite is not satisfied, but he desires to swallow the land of Han.

我主人乃中山靖王之後，孝景皇帝玄孫，今皇上之叔，豈不可分茅裂土？況劉景升乃我主之兄也，弟承兄業，有何不順？汝主乃錢塘小吏之子，素無功德於朝廷；今倚勢力，佔據六郡八十一州，尚自貪心不足，而欲併吞漢土。

The land is the estate of the Liu family and my lord, who is of that name, has no share thereof, while your master, whose name is Sun, would dispute with, and even fight him. Beside, at the battle of Red Cliffs my lord did good service and acquired great merit while his captains risked their lives. Was it solely the strength of your men of Eastern Wu that won that fight? Had I not brought that south-east wind that meant so much for Zhou Yu, could he have done anything? Had Jiangnan been conquered, it is needless to say that the two Qiao sisters would now be in the Bronze Bird Palace; even the families of such as you could not have been kept safe.

劉氏天下，我主姓劉倒無分，汝主姓孫反要強爭？且赤壁之戰，我主多負勤勞，衆將並皆用命，豈獨是汝東吳之爲？若非我借東南風，周郎安能展半籌之功？江南一破，休說二喬置於銅雀宮，雖公等家小，亦不能保。

Just now my lord did not reply because he was willing to believe rather that a scholar of your abilities would understand without a detailed explanation. How can you be so blind to it?” This speech absolutely shut Lu Zijing’s mouth and he said no word in reply. But after an interval he said, “What you say, Kongming, is perhaps not without reason, but it means much unpleasantness for me.” “What unpleasantness?” asked Kongming. The guest replied, “When Liu Bei was in serious straits at Dangyang I conducted you across the river and introduced you to my lord. When Zhou Gongjin wanted to raise an army and take Jingzhou, it was I again who stopped him; and when it was said that Jingzhou should be returned after the young man died, it was I who pledged myself to that. Now you do not keep your word; how can I go back and report?

適來我主人不即答應者，以子敬乃高明之士，不待細說。何公不察之甚也！”一席話，說得魯子敬緘口無言；半晌乃曰：“孔明之言，怕不有理；爭奈魯肅身上甚是不便。”孔明曰：“有何不便處？”肅曰：“昔日皇叔當陽受難時，是肅引孔明渡江，見我主公；後來周公瑾要興兵取荊州，又是肅擋住；至說待公子去世還荊州，又是肅擔承：今卻不應前言，教魯肅如何回覆？

Both my lord and Zhou Yu will hold me guilty. I would not mind death, but I fear that Eastern Wu will be angered and take up arms, and then the Imperial Uncle will not be able to sit at ease in Jingzhou, and he will look ridiculous in the eyes of the world for no reason.” Replied Kongming, “I care not for Cao Cao with his hundred legions and the Emperor in name at his back, and do you think I fear such a youngster as your Zhou Yu? However, as it may cause you some loss of face, I will persuade my master to put the matter in writing, to the effect that he is temporarily borrowing Jingzhou as a base, and when he can obtain possession of some other city it shall be returned to Eastern Wu.

我主與周公瑾必然見罪。肅死不恨，只恐惹惱東吳，興動干戈，皇叔亦不能安坐荊州，空爲天下恥笑耳。”孔明曰：“曹操統百萬之衆，動以天子爲名，吾亦不以爲意，豈懼周郎一小兒乎！若恐先生面上不好看，我勸主人立紙文書，暫借荊州爲本；待我主別圖得城池之時，便交付還東吳。

What think you of this?” “What place must you take before you return Jingzhou to us?” said Lu Su. “The Central Plain cannot be taken in haste, but Liu Zhang in Xichuan is ignorant and weak and my master will attack him. If he get Xichuan, then Jingzhou will be given back to you.” Lu Su had no alternative and accepted the offer. Xuande with his own hand wrote the pledge and signed it. Zhuge Kongming being named as guarantor also signed the document. Kongming said, “I belong to the Imperial Uncle’s side; how can I be guarantor for my own party?

此論如何？”肅曰：“孔明待奪得何處，還我荊州？”孔明曰：“中原急未可圖；西川劉璋闇弱，我主將圖之。若圖得西川，那時便還。”肅無奈，只得聽從。玄德親筆寫成文書一紙，押了字。保人諸葛孔明也押了字。孔明曰：“亮是皇叔這裏人，難道自家作保？

I would trouble you, Zijing, also to sign. It will look better when you see the Marquis of Wu again.” Lu Su said, “I know that the Imperial Uncle is a man of humanity and justice and will not betray me.” And so he signed. Then he took the document. When the banquet was over he took his leave, and Xuande and Kongming escorted him to his boat. There the adviser delivered him a last exhortation, “When you see the Marquis of Wu, speak well and make our meaning plain, and let him not entertain any wild ideas. If he reject our document, we will turn against him and take all his eighty-one districts. The one thing now is for our two houses to live in harmony and not let Cao the rebel laugh at us.”

煩子敬先生也押個字，回見吳侯也好看。”肅曰：“某知皇叔乃仁義之人，必不相負。”遂押了字，收了文書。宴罷辭回。玄德與孔明，送到船邊。孔明囑曰：“子敬回見吳侯，善言伸意，休生妄想。若不准我文書，我翻了麪皮，連八十一州都奪了。今只要兩家和氣，休教曹賊笑話。”

Lu Su went down into his ship. He went first to Chaisang to see Zhou Yu, who said, “Well, how did you speed with your demand for Jingzhou?” “Here is the document,” said Lu Su, giving it to Zhou Yu to read. “You have been victimised by Zhuge,” said Zhou, stamping his foot with irritation. “In name it is a loan of territory but in fact it is a swindle. They say the place is to be returned when they get the west. Who knows when that will be? Suppose ten years; then it will be ten years before they give us Jingzhou.

肅作別下船而回，先到柴桑郡見周瑜。瑜問曰：“子敬討荊州如何？”肅曰：“有文書在此。”呈與周瑜，瑜頓足曰：“子敬中諸葛之謀也！名爲借地，實是混賴。他說取了西川便還，知他幾時取西川？假如十年不得西川，十年不還？

What is the use of such a document as this? And you are a guarantor of its due performance! If they do not give it back, you will surely be involved. Suppose our lord finds you in the wrong, what then?” Lu Su was dumbfounded. When he had somewhat recovered his self-possession, he said, “I think Xuande will be true to me.” Zhou Yu said, “You, my friend, are simple and sincere; Liu Bei is a scoundrelly adventurer; and Zhuge Liang is a slippery customer. I fear they are not of your mind.” “What then is to be done?” cried Lu Su distressfully.

這等文書，如何中用，你卻與他做保！他若不還時，必須連累足下，主公見罪奈何？”肅聞言，呆了半晌，曰：“恐玄德不負我。”瑜曰：“子敬乃誠實人也。劉備梟雄之輩，諸葛亮奸猾之徒，恐不似先生心地。”肅曰：“若此，如之奈何？”

“You are my dear friend and your kindness in pointing to your granary and freely giving me its grain is still fresh in my memory. Of course I will save you. Do not be anxious, but stay here a few days till our spies on the north of the river come back, and then we can decide upon a plan.” Lu Su was very uneasy.

瑜曰：“子敬是我恩人，想昔日指囷相贈之情，如何不救你？你且寬心住數日，待江北探細的回，別有區處。”魯肅跼蹐不安。

After some days the scouts came back saying, “In Jingzhou city they have hoisted cloth banners and are holding services for the dead, and outside the city a new grave is being built. All the soldiers are in mourning.” Zhou Yu, startled, asked who was dead. The scouts said, “Liu Xuande has lost the Lady Gan, and they are arranging for the burial at once.” Zhou Yu said to Lu Su, “My scheme is made. You will see Liu Bei just stand still to be bound and we shall get Jingzhou like turning a hand.” “What is the main-spring of your plan?” said Lu Su.

過了數日，細作回報：“荊州城中揚起布幡做好事，城外別建新墳，軍士各掛孝。”瑜驚問曰：“沒了甚人？”細作曰：“劉玄德沒了甘夫人，即日安排殯葬。”瑜謂魯肅曰：“吾計成矣：使劉備束手就縛，荊州反掌可得！”肅曰：“計將安出？”

“Liu Bei will want to re-marry and our lord has a sister. She is a veritable amazon, whose waiting-maids number many hundreds; she always wears a sword, and her apartments are full of weapons of war. No man could match her. I will write to our lord to send an intermediary to arrange that the lady shall wed Liu Bei at her family home and thus we shall entice him to Nanxu. But instead of marrying a wife, he will find himself a prisoner, and then we will demand Jingzhou as ransom for Liu Bei.

瑜曰：“劉備喪妻，必將續娶。主公有一妹，極其剛勇，侍婢數百，居常帶刀，房中軍器擺列遍滿，雖男子不及。我今上書主公，教人去荊州爲媒，說劉備來入贅。賺到南徐，妻子不能勾得，幽囚在獄中，卻使人去討荊州換劉備。

When they have handed over the city I have another plan, and nothing will fall on your head.” Lu Su was very grateful.

等他交割了荊州城池，我別有主意。於子敬身上，須無事也。”魯肅拜謝。

Then Zhou Yu wrote a letter to his master and a swift boat was chosen to take Lu Su to Nanxu to see Sun Quan. After the lending of Jingzhou had been discussed, Lu Su presented the document given him by Liu Bei. “How could you be so muddle-headed?” said Sun Quan. “What is the use of such a document as this?” “There is another letter from General Zhou and he says that if you will employ his scheme you can recover Jingzhou,” replied Lu. Having read that letter Sun Quan nodded and was secretly pleased, and began to consider who was the best man to send. Suddenly he cried, “I have it; Lü Fan is the man to send.”

周瑜寫了書呈，選快船送魯肅投南徐見孫權，先說借荊州一事，呈上文書。權曰：“你卻如此糊塗！這樣文書，要他何用！”肅曰：“周都督有書呈在此，說用此計，可得荊州。”權看畢，點頭暗喜，尋思誰人可去。猛然省曰：“非呂範不可。”

He called Lü Fan and said to him, “I have just heard that Liu Xuande has lost his wife. I have a sister whom I should like to marry to him, taking him into our family, and so make a lasting bond of union between our two houses. Thus we should be united against Cao and in support of the House of Han. You, Ziheng, are the one man to be intermediary and I hope you will go to Jingzhou at once and see to this.” Under these orders Lü Fan that same day prepared his ships and, with a few followers, started for Jingzhou. Xuande was greatly distressed at the death of the Lady Gan, fretting for her day and night.

遂召呂範至，謂曰：“近聞劉玄德喪婦。吾有一妹，欲招贅玄德爲婿，永結姻親，同心破曹，以扶漢室。非子衡不可爲媒，望即往荊州一言。”範領命，即日收拾船隻，帶數個從人，望荊州來。卻說玄德自沒了甘夫人，晝夜煩惱。

One day when he was talking with Kongming they announced the arrival of Lü Fan on a mission from Eastern Wu. “One of Zhou Yu’s devices,” said Kongming smiling, “and it is all on account of Jingzhou. I will just retire behind the screen and listen. But you, my lord, agree to whatever the messenger proposes. Then let the messenger be taken to the guest-house while we arrange what is to be done.”

一日，正與孔明閒敘，人報東吳差呂範到來。孔明笑曰：“此乃周瑜之計，必爲荊州之故。亮只在屏風後潛聽。但有甚說話，主公都應承了。留來人在館驛中歇，別作商議。”

So Xuande had Lü Fan brought in. Bows having been exchanged, host and guest being seated in due order and the tea drunk, Xuande opened the interview. “You must have some commands for me, Ziheng, since you come thus.” “News has just been received that you, O Imperial Uncle, have just been bereaved of your consort. There is an advantageous match, and so, heedless of any suspicion, I have come to propose one. Are you disposed to listen?” “To lose one’s wife in middle age is truly a great misfortune,” said Liu Bei. “While her body is still warm I cannot listen to proposals for another marriage.” Lü Fan said, “A man without a wife is like a house without a ridge pole. How should one abandon the bonds of humanity half-way through life?

玄德教請呂範入。禮畢坐定，茶罷，玄德問曰：“子衡來，必有所諭？”範曰：“範近聞皇叔失偶，有一門好親，故不避嫌，特來作媒。未知尊意若何？”玄德曰：“中年喪妻，大不幸也。骨肉未寒，安忍便議親？”範曰：“人若無妻，如屋無樑，豈可中道而廢人倫？

Our lord, the Marquis of Wu, has a sister, beautiful as she is accomplished and well fitted to be a mate for you. Should the two families become allied as formerly were Qin and Jin, then that ruffian Cao would never dare so much as look this way. Such an alliance would be to the benefit of both our houses and of the State. I hope, O Imperial Uncle, that you will fairly consider the proposal. However, our Dowager, the Lady Wu, is dotingly fond of her youngest daughter and does not wish her to go far away, and so I must ask you to come into our country for the wedding.” “Does the Marquis know of your coming?” “How dare I come without first informing him?”

吾主吳侯有一妹，美而賢，堪奉箕帚。若兩家共結秦、晉之好，則曹賊不敢正視東南也。此事家國兩便，請皇叔勿疑。但我國太吳夫人甚愛幼女，不肯遠嫁，必求皇叔到東吳就婚。”玄德曰：“此事吳侯知否？”範曰：“不先稟吳侯，如何敢造次來說！”

“I am no longer young,” said Liu Bei. “I am fifty and grizzled. This fair damsel, the sister of the Marquis, is now in the flower of her youth and no mate for me.” “Although the damsel is a woman yet in mind she surpasses many a man, and she has always said, “I will serve none but a hero of the world.” Now, Sir, you are renowned throughout the four seas. Marriage with you would be the chaste maiden mating with the born gentleman. Of what consequence is the difference in age?” “Sir, stay here awhile and I will give you a reply to-morrow,” said Liu Bei. So that day the envoy was entertained at a banquet and then conducted to the guest house to repose.

玄德曰：“吾年已半百，鬢髮斑白；吳侯之妹，正當妙齡：恐非配偶。”範曰：“吳侯之妹，身雖女子，志勝男兒。常言：若非天下英雄，吾不事之。今皇叔名聞四海，正所謂淑女配君子，豈以年齒上下相嫌乎！”玄德曰：“公且少留，來日回報。”是日設宴相待，留於館舍。

In the evening Xuande and Kongming discussed their plans. “I knew what he had come about,” said the adviser. “While he was talking I consulted the oracle and obtained an excellent sortilege. Wherefore you may accept the proposal and first send Sun Qian back with Lü Fan to see the Marquis of Wu and settle it face to face. Then we will choose a day and you shall go to complete the marriage.” Xuande said, “Zhou Yu has laid a plan to harm me; how can I lightly go into so dangerous a place?” Kongming laughed aloud and said, “Zhou Yu may be able to use ruses, but can he get beyond my reckoning?

至晚，與孔明商議。孔明曰：“來意亮已知道了。適間卜易，得一大吉大利之兆。主公便可應允。先教孫乾和呂範回見吳侯，面許已定，擇日便去就親。”玄德曰：“周瑜定計欲害劉備，豈可以身輕入危險之地？”孔明大笑曰：“周瑜雖能用計，豈能出諸葛亮之料乎！

With a small ruse I will leave Zhou Yu unable to carry out even half of his plans. Sun Quan’s sister will be yours, and there will be no fear at all for Jingzhou.” Still Xuande doubted in his mind.

略用小謀，使周瑜半籌不展；吳侯之妹，又屬主公；荊州萬無一失。”玄德懷疑未決。

However, Kongming sent Sun Qian to Jiangnan to arrange the marriage, and he travelled thither with Lü Fan. At the interview Sun Quan said, “I am willing to give my young sister to Xuande and take him into our family. I have no other intention.” Sun Qian took his leave, and returning to Jingzhou he told the bridegroom elect that Sun Quan’s sole desire was for him to go over and complete the marriage. However, Xuande feared and would not go. Kongming said, “I have prepared three plans, but none but Zilong can carry them out.”

孔明竟教孫乾往江南說合親事。孫乾領了言語，與呂範同到江南，來見孫權。權曰：“吾願將小妹招贅玄德，並無異心。”孫乾拜謝，回荊州見玄德，言：“吳侯專候主公去結親。”玄德懷疑不敢往。孔明曰：“吾已定下三條計策，非子龍不可行也。”

So he called in Zhao Yun, gave him three silken bags and whispered in his ear saying, “Here are three schemes enclosed in three bags. When you escort our lord into Wu you will take these with you. They hold three wonderful plans; act on them in order.” Zhao Yun hid the three silken bags in his breast, next to his skin. Kongming first sent the wedding gifts to Eastern Wu, and all was made ready.

遂喚趙雲近前，附耳言曰：“汝保主公入吳，當領此三個錦囊。囊中有三條妙計，依次而行。”即將三個錦囊，與雲貼肉收藏，孔明先使人往東吳納了聘，一切完備。

It was then the tenth month, in winter, of the fourteenth year of “Established Tranquillity” (209 A.D.), and Xuande, with Zhao Yun and Sun Qian and a following of over five hundred men, left Jingzhou with ten fast ships to sail down the river to Nanxu. All the affairs of Jingzhou were left to Kongming. But Liu Bei was far from feeling comfortable. They arrived and the ships were made fast. Then Zhao Yun said, “The Director of Strategy gave me three wonderful plans, to be carried out in order. Now that we are here, the first silken bag must be opened.”

時建安十四年冬十月。玄德與趙雲、孫乾取快船十隻，隨行五百餘人，離了荊州，前往南徐進發。荊州之事，皆聽孔明裁處。玄德心中怏怏不安。到南徐州，船已傍岸，雲曰：“軍師分付三條妙計，依次而行。今已到此，當先開第一個錦囊來看。”

So he opened the bag and read the plan. Thereupon Zhao Yun gave each of the five hundred soldiers of the escort his instructions and they went their several ways. Next he told Liu Bei what he was to do; that he was to pay his visit first to Qiao Guolao, who was the father of the two Qiao sisters. He resided in Nanxu and to his house, “leading sheep and bearing wine jars,” went the bridegroom elect. Having made his obeisance he explained that as Lü Fan had arranged he had come to marry a wife. In the meantime the half company of the escort, all in gala dress, had scattered over the town buying all sorts of things, as they said, for the wedding of Liu Bei with the daughter of the House of Wu. They spread the news far and wide and the whole town talked about it. When Sun Quan heard of Xuande’s arrival he bade Lü Fan wait upon him and lodge him at the guest-house.

於是開囊看了計策。便喚五百隨行軍士，一一分付如此如此，衆軍領命而去，又教玄德先往見喬國老，那喬國老乃二喬之父，居於南徐。玄德牽羊擔酒，先往拜見，說呂範爲媒、娶夫人之事。隨行五百軍士，俱披紅掛綵，入南徐買辦物件，傳說玄德入贅東吳，城中人盡知其事。孫權知玄德已到，教呂範相待，且就館舍安歇。

Meanwhile Qiao Guolao, having seen Xuande, went to the Dowager Lady Wu, mother of Sun Quan, to congratulate her on the happy event. “What happy event?” ejaculated the old lady. “Your beloved daughter has been promised to Liu Xuande, and he has already arrived. Why hide it?” “My poor old self does not know,” said the Dowager, “I have heard nothing of all this.” She at once sent to ask her son whether it was true, and meanwhile sent her servants out into the town to find out. They all returned to say, “It is quite true.

卻說喬國老既見玄德，便入見吳國太賀喜。國太曰：“有何喜事？”喬國老曰：“令愛已許劉玄德爲夫人，今玄德已到，何故相瞞？”國太驚曰：“老身不知此事！”便使人請吳侯問虛實，一面先使人於城中探聽。人皆回報：“果有此事。

The bridegroom is already resting at the guest-house, and the five hundred soldiers of his escort are all over the city buying pork and mutton and fruits, in readiness for the wedding. The intermediary on the lady’s side is Lü Fan, and on the bridegroom’s side Sun Qian, and they are both at the guest-house.” The Dowager was terribly taken aback. Presently Sun Quan came into the inner hall and found his mother beating her breast and weeping bitterly. “What has disturbed you, mother,” asked he. “So you treat me as though I were nothing at all!” said she.

女婿已在館驛安歇，五百隨行軍士都在城中買豬羊果品，準備成親。做媒的女家是呂範，男家是孫乾，俱在館驛中相待。”國太喫了一驚。少頃，孫權入後堂見母親。國太捶胸大哭。權曰：“母親何故煩惱？”國太曰：“你直如此將我看承得如無物！

“When my elder sister lay dying, what did she tell you?” Sun Quan was startled and said, “Please speak out plainly, mother; why distress yourself so?” “When a son is grown he takes a wife, and when a girl is old enough she goes to her husband. And that is right and proper. But I am your mother, and in such a matter you ought to have asked my will. You are taking Liu Xuande as a son-in-law; why did you keep me in the dark? The girl is my daughter!” “Whence comes this story?” said the Marquis, really much frightened.

我姐姐臨危之時，分付你甚麼話來！”孫權失驚曰：“母親有話明說，何苦如此？”國太曰：“男大須婚，女大須嫁，古今常理。我爲你母親，事當稟命於我。你招劉玄德爲婿，如何瞞我？女兒須是我的！”權喫了一驚，問曰：“那裏得這話來？”

“If you would have a thing unknown, you must not do it. There is not a soul in the city who does not know! And yet you keep me in the dark.” “I heard it several days ago,” said Qiao. “And I came just now to offer my felicitations.” “There is no such thing,” said Sun. “It is just one of the ruses of Zhou Yu to get hold of Jingzhou. He has used this means to inveigle Liu Bei here and hold him captive till Jingzhou is restored to us. And if they will not give it back, then Liu Bei will be put to death.

國太曰：“若要不知，除非莫爲。滿城百姓，那一個不知？你倒瞞我！”喬國老曰：“老夫已知多日了，今特來賀喜。”權曰：“非也。此是周瑜之計，因要取荊州，故將此爲名，賺劉備來拘囚在此，要他把荊州來換；若其不從，先斬劉備。

That is the plot. There is no real marriage.” But the Dowager was in a rage and vented her wrath in abusing Zhou Yu. “He is a pretty sort of a Grand Commander over the six commanderies and eighty-one districts if he cannot find any means of recovering Jingzhou except making use of my child as a decoy and playing the fair damsel ruse! If Liu Bei is slain, my daughter is a widow before she is wed; who will ever come to talk of marriage with her after this? It will spoil the whole of my child’s life. A fine deed you have all contrived!” Said Qiao Guolao, “By this means you may indeed recover Jingzhou but you will be a shameful laughing stock to all the world. How can such a thing be done?” Sun Quan had nothing to say.

此是計策，非實意也。”國太大怒，罵周瑜曰：“汝做六郡八十一州大都督，直恁無條計策去取荊州，卻將我女兒爲名，使美人計！殺了劉備，我女便是望門寡，明日再怎的說親？須誤了我女兒一世！你們好做作！”喬國老曰：“若用此計，便得荊州，也被天下人恥笑。此事如何行得！”說得孫權默然無語。

The Dowager went on abusing Zhou Yu without pause. Qiao tried to soothe her. “After all Liu, the Imperial Uncle, is a scion of the reigning family. You can do nothing better now than to welcome him as a son-in-law and not let this ugly story get abroad.” “I am afraid their ages do not match,” interposed Sun Quan. “Liu, the Imperial Uncle, is a hero of the age,” said Qiao. “There can be no shame to your sister in having such a husband.” “I have never seen him,” said the Dowager.

國太不住口的罵周瑜。喬國老勸曰：“事已如此，劉皇叔乃漢室宗親，不如真個招他爲婿，免得出醜。”權曰：“年紀恐不相當。”國老曰：“劉皇叔乃當世豪傑，若招得這個女婿，也不辱了令妹。”國太曰：“我不曾認得劉皇叔。

“Arrange that I may see him to-morrow at the Ganlu (Sweet Dew) Temple. If he displeases me, you may work your will on him. But if I am satisfied with him then I shall simply let the girl marry him.” Now Sun Quan was above all things filial and at once agreed to what his mother said. He went out, called in Lü Fan and told him to arrange a banquet for the morrow in the abbot’s quarters of the Ganlu Temple, for the Dowager wished to see Liu Bei. “Why not order Jia Hua to station three hundred swordsmen and axemen in the two side galleries? Then if the Dowager be not pleased, at one signal they can rush out from both sides and seize him,” said Lü Fan.

明日約在甘露寺相見：如不中我意，任從你們行事；若中我的意，我自把女兒嫁他！”孫權乃大孝之人，見母親如此言語，隨即應承，出外喚呂範，分付來日甘露寺方丈設宴，國太要見劉備。呂範曰：“何不令賈華部領三百刀斧手，伏於兩廊；若國太不喜時，一聲號舉，兩邊齊出，將他拿下。”

Accordingly Sun Quan called Jia Hua and bade him prepare the ambush beforehand, and act as the Dowager’s attitude might determine. When Qiao took leave of the Dowager and had reached his house, he sent to tell Xuande, “To-morrow the Marquis of Wu and the Dowager wish to see you themselves; be very careful!” Xuande and his faithful henchman discussed their plans. Zhao Yun said, “The morrow bodes rather ill than well. I will bring the five hundred men myself to protect you.” Next day the Dowager and Qiao Guolao first took their seats in the abbot’s quarters of the Ganlu Temple.

權遂喚賈華，分付預先準備，只看國太舉動。卻說喬國老辭吳國太歸，使人去報玄德，言：“來日吳侯、國太親自要見，好生在意！”玄德與孫乾、趙雲商議。雲曰：“來日此會，多凶少吉，雲自引五百軍保護。”次日，吳國太、喬國老先在甘露寺方丈裏坐定。

Sun Quan came with a number of his strategists, and when all were assembled Lü Fan was sent to the guest house to request Xuande to come. He obeyed the summons, but as a precaution he put on a light coat of mail under his brocaded robe. His followers too took their swords upon their backs and followed close. He mounted his steed and set out for the temple. Zhao Yun, in full armour, followed with the five hundred men. At the door of the temple Xuande dismounted and first met Sun Quan, who saw that his bearing was out of the common and was secretly filled with awe.

孫權引一班謀士，隨後都到，卻教呂範來館驛中請玄德。玄德內披細鎧，外穿錦袍，從人背劍緊隨，上馬投甘露寺來。趙雲全裝慣帶，引五百軍隨行。來到寺前下馬，先見孫權。權觀玄德儀表非凡，心中有畏懼之意。

After they had exchanged salutations, Sun led Liu Bei into the presence of his mother. “Just the son-in-law for me!” said the Dowager delighted with the appearance of Liu Bei. “He has the air of an emperor and a look like the sun,” remarked Qiao. “When one remembers also that his fair fame has spread over the whole earth, you may well be congratulated on getting such a noble son-in-law.” Liu Bei bowed, in acknowledgment of his reception. Soon after they were all seated at the banquet in the abbot’s quarters, Zhao Zilong entered, wearing his sword, and took his place beside Xuande.

二人敘禮畢，遂入方丈見國太。國太見了玄德，大喜，謂喬國老曰：“真吾婿也！”國老曰：“玄德有龍鳳之姿，天日之表；更兼仁德佈於天下：國太得此佳婿，真可慶也！”玄德拜謝，共宴於方丈之中。少刻，子龍帶劍而入，立於玄德之側。

“Who is this?” asked the Dowager. “This is Zhao Zilong of Changshan.” “Then he must be the hero of Changban at Dangyang, who carried the little A Dou in his arms.” “Yes; this is he,” replied Xuande. “A fine captain!” said the Dowager, and she gave him wine. Presently Zhao Yun said to his master, “I have just been round the galleries, and I saw swordsmen and axemen hidden in the rooms. They can be there for no good; you should tell the Dowager.” Thereupon Liu Bei knelt at the feet of the Dowager and, weeping, said, “If you would slay me, let it be here.”

國太問曰：“此是何人？”玄德答曰：“常山趙子龍也。”國太曰：“莫非當陽長坂抱阿斗者乎？”玄德曰：“然。”國太曰：“真將軍也！”遂賜以酒。趙雲謂玄德曰：“卻纔某於廊下巡視，見房內有刀斧手埋伏，必無好意。可告知國太。”玄德乃跪於國太席前，泣而告曰：“若殺劉備，就此請誅。”

“Why do you say this?” asked she. “Because there are swordsmen and axemen hidden in the galleries; what are they there for if not to kill me?” The Dowager wrathfully turned on Sun Quan. “To-day Xuande has become my son-in-law, and so he is my own child. Why are swordsmen and axemen hidden in the galleries?” Sun Quan said he did not know and sent Lü Fan to enquire. Lü Fan put the blame on Jia Hua. The Dowager summoned him and upbraided him severely. He had nothing to say and she told them to put him to death.

國太曰：“何出此言？”玄德曰：“廊下暗伏刀斧手，非殺備而何？”國太大怒，責罵孫權：“今日玄德既爲我婿，即我之兒女也。何故伏刀斧手於廊下！”權推不知，喚呂範問之；範推賈華；國太喚賈華責罵，華默然無言。國太喝令斬之。

But Xuande interceded saying, “To slay a great captain would bode ill for the marriage, and it would be hard for me to stay long at your side.” Qiao Guolao also interceded and she only ordered the captain out of her presence. His men also scattered and ran like frightened rats.

玄德告曰：“若斬大將，於親不利，備難久居膝下矣。”喬國老也相勸。國太方叱退賈華。刀斧手皆抱頭鼠竄而去。

By and bye, going out to change his dress, Xuande came before the hall and saw a boulder in the court below. Drawing the sword that one of his followers wore, he looked up to heaven and prayed saying, “If I am to return to Jingzhou and achieve my intent to become a chief ruler, then may I cleave this boulder asunder with my sword, but if I am to meet my doom in this place then may the sword fail to cut this stone.” Raising his sword he smote the boulder. Sparks flew in all directions; and the boulder lay cleft in twain. It happened that Sun Quan had seen the blow and he said, “Why do you thus hate that stone?”

玄德更衣出殿前，見庭下有一石塊。玄德拔從者所佩之劍，仰天祝曰：“若劉備能勾回荊州，成王霸之業，一劍揮石爲兩段。如死於此地，劍剁石不開。”言訖，手起劍落，火光迸濺，砍石爲兩段。孫權在後面看見，問曰：“玄德公如何恨此石？”

Xuande replied, “I am near my fifth decade and have so far failed to rid the State of evil; I greatly regret my failure. Now I have been accepted by the Dowager as her son-in-law, and this is a critical moment in my life. Just now I asked of Heaven an omen, that if I am to destroy Cao and restore the Han, I might cut this stone asunder. And so it has come to pass.” “Is Liu Bei saying this only to blind me?” thought Sun. Drawing his own sword he said, “I also ask of Heaven an omen.

玄德曰：“備年近五旬，不能爲國家剿除賊黨，心常自恨。今蒙國太招爲女婿，此平生之際遇也。恰纔問天買卦，如破曹興漢，砍斷此石。今果然如此。”權暗思：“劉備莫非用此言瞞我？”亦掣劍謂玄德曰：“吾亦問天買卦。

If I am to destroy Cao the rebel, may I also cut this rock.” So he spoke. But in his secret heart he prayed “If I am to recover Jingzhou and make Eastern Wu prosper, may the stone be cut in twain.” He smote the stone and it split in twain. And to this day the “Stone of Hate,” with its cross cuts, is still preserved. One who in later days saw this relic wrote a poem in praise:— The shining blades fell and the rock was shorn through,
The metal rang clear and the sparks widely flew.
Thus fate then declared for the dynasties two
And the tripartite rule there began.

若破得曹賊，亦斷此石。”卻暗暗祝告曰：“若再取得荊州，興旺東吳，砍石爲兩半！”手起劍落，巨石亦開。至今有十字紋“恨石”尚存。後人觀此勝蹟，作詩讚曰：“寶劍落時山石斷，金環響處火光生，兩朝旺氣皆天數。從此乾坤鼎足成。”

Both put up their swords and returned hand in hand to the banquet hall. After some more courses Sun Qian gave his master a warning look and Liu Bei said, “I pray you to excuse me as my drinking powers are very small.” Wherefore Sun Quan escorted him to the gate. There the two stood side by side, looking at high land and rolling river spreading in glorious panorama before their eyes, and Xuande exclaimed, “Really this is the finest scene in the whole world!” To this day the tablet of the Ganlu Temple bears the words “The Finest Scene in the World.”

二人棄劍，相攜入席。又飲數巡，孫乾目視玄德，玄德辭曰：“備不勝酒力，告退。”孫權送出寺前，二人並立，觀江山之景。玄德曰：“此乃天下第一江山也！”至今甘露寺牌上雲：“天下第一江山”。

A later poet wrote in praise:— From the river-side hills the rain clears off,
And the black clouds roll away,
And this is the place of joy and mirth
And never can sorrow stay.
And here two heroes of ages past
Decided their parts to play,
And the lofty heights flung back wind and wave
Then, as they do to-day.

後人有詩讚曰：“江山雨霽擁青螺，境界無憂樂最多。
昔日英雄凝目處，巖崖依舊抵風波。
”

Yes, they stood both entranced by the beautiful scene. And the wind along the vast river whipped the waves into snowy foam and raised them high toward heaven. And in the midst of the waves appeared a tiny leaf of a boat riding over the waves as if all was perfect calm. “The southern people are sailors and the northern men riders; it is quite true,” sighed Liu Bei. Sun Quan hearing this remark thought to himself, “Liu Bei is mocking me as one unused to riding.” Bidding his servants lead up his steed he leaped into the saddle and set off, full gallop, down the hill. Then wheeling he came up again at the same speed. “So the southerners cannot ride, eh?” said he laughing.

二人共覽之次，江風浩蕩，洪波滾雪，白浪掀天。忽見波上一葉小舟，行於江面上，如行平地。玄德嘆曰：“南人駕船，北人乘馬，信有之也。”孫權聞言自思曰：“劉備此言，戲我不慣乘馬耳。”乃令左右牽過馬來，飛身上馬，馳驟下山，復加鞭上嶺，笑謂玄德曰：“南人不能乘馬乎？”

Hearing this, Liu Bei lifted the skirts of his robe, leaped at one bound upon his horse, flew down the hill and galloped up again. The two steeds stood side by side on the declivity, the riders flourishing their whips and laughing. To this day that hillside is known as Zhumapo, the “Slope where the Horses Stood.”

玄德聞言，撩衣一躍，躍上馬背，飛走下山，復馳騁而上。二人立馬于山坡之上，揚鞭大笑。至今此處名爲“駐馬坡”。

A later poet wrote of it:— Their galloping steeds were of noble breed,
And both of spirit high.
And the riders twain from the hill-crest gazed
At the river rolling by.
One of them mastered the far off west.
One ruled by the eastern sea;
And the name of the hill to this very day
Brings back their memory. That day they rode back side by side, and the people of Nanxu all met them with congratulations.

後人有詩曰：“馳驟龍駒氣概多，二人並轡望山河。
東吳西蜀成王霸，千古猶存駐馬坡。
”當日二人並轡而回。
南徐之民，無不稱賀。

Xuande made his way to the guesthouse and there sought advice from Sun Qian. Sun Qian said, “My lord should just entreat Qiao Guolao to have the wedding completed as early as possible, so that no further complications can arise.” So next day Xuande went again to Qiao Guolao’s house and, after the greetings and the tea, told him that many of the people of Jiangzuo meant harm to him and he feared he could not stay there long. “Do not be anxious, Xuande,” said Qiao. “I will speak to the Dowager for you, and she will protect you.”

玄德自回館驛，與孫乾商議。乾曰：“主公只是哀求喬國老，早早畢姻，免生別事。”次日，玄德復至喬國老宅前下馬。國老接入，禮畢，茶罷，玄德告曰：“江左之人，多有要害劉備者，恐不能久居。”國老曰：“玄德寬心。吾爲公告國太，令作護持。”

Xuande thanked him and went back. Qiao Guolao went in to see the Dowager and told her that Xuande feared some plot against him and wished to go home in haste. She was very angry. “Who would dare harm my son-in-law?” cried she. At once she had him move into the library to stay for a time, and chose a day for the wedding. Xuande went in himself and told the Dowager, “I only fear it will be awkward for Zhao Yun outside, and there will be no one to keep the soldiers in order.” So the Dowager had them all move into her palace to rest, and not stay at the guest-house, lest trouble should arise. Xuande was secretly glad.

玄德拜謝自回。喬國老入見國太，言玄德恐人謀害，急急要回。國太大怒曰：“我的女婿，誰敢害他！”即時便教搬入書院暫住，擇日畢姻。玄德自入告國太曰：“只恐趙雲在外不便，軍士無人約束。”國太教盡搬入府中安歇，休留在館驛中，免得生事。玄德暗喜。

Within a few days there were grand banquets, and the Lady Sun and Xuande were wedded. And when it grew late and the guests had gone, two lines of red torches led Xuande to the nuptial apartment. In the lamplight he saw spears and swords crowded everywhere, while every waiting-maid had girded on a sword or a knife and stood on either side. Xuande was frightened out of his wits.

數日之內，大排筵會，孫夫人與玄德結親。至晚客散，兩行紅炬，接引玄德入房。燈光之下，但見槍刀簇滿；侍婢皆佩劍懸刀，立於兩傍。唬得玄德魂不附體。

Walls hung with spears the bridegroom saw,
And armed waiting-maids;
His heart fell back on all its fears
Of well-laid ambuscades.
What the reason was will be told in the next chapter.

正是：驚看侍女橫刀立，疑是東吳設伏兵。
畢竟是何緣故，且看下文分解。