Romance, Chapter 15

Chapter 15. Taishi Ci Fights for Friendship’s Sake: Sun Bofu does Battle with Yan, the White Tiger

In the last chapter it was recorded that Zhang Fei was about to end his life with his own weapon. But his brother rushed forward and caught him in his arms, snatched away the sword and threw it on the earth saying, “Brothers are hands and feet; wives and children are as clothing. You may mend your torn dress, but who can re-attach a lost limb? We three, by the Oath of the Peach Garden, swore to seek the same death-day. The city is lost, it is true, and my wife and little ones, but I could not bear that we should die ere our course be run. Beside, the city was not really mine and Lü Bu will not harm my family but will rather seek to preserve them. You made a mistake, worthy brother, but is it one deserving of death?”

卻說張飛拔劍要自刎，玄德向前抱住，奪劍擲地曰：“古人云：‘兄弟如手足，妻子如衣服。衣服破，尚可縫；手足斷，安可續？’吾三人桃園結義，不求同生，但願同死。今雖失了城池家小，安忍教兄弟中道而亡？況城池本非吾有；家眷雖被陷，呂布必不謀害，尚可設計救之。

And he wept. His brothers were much affected and their tears fell in sympathy.

賢弟一時之誤，何至遽欲捐生耶！”說罷大哭。關、張俱感泣。

As soon as the news of Lü Bu’s successful seizure of his protector’s district reached Yuan Shu, he sent promises of valuable presents to Lü to induce him to join in a further attack on Liu Bei. The presents are said to have been fifty thousand measures of grain, five hundred horses, ten thousand taels of gold and silver and a thousand pieces of coloured silk. Lü Bu swallowed the bait and ordered Gao Shun to lead forth five legions. But Liu Bei heard of the threatened attack, so he took advantage of the rainy weather to withdraw his soldiers and left Xuyi, before the attacking force came up.

且說袁術知呂布襲了徐州，星夜差人至呂布處，許以糧五萬斛、馬五百匹、金銀一萬兩、綵緞一千匹，使夾攻劉備。布喜，令高順領兵五萬襲玄德之後。玄德聞得此信，乘陰雨撤兵，棄盱眙而走，思欲東取廣陵。

However, Gao Shun demanded the promised reward through Ji Ling, who put him off saying, “My lord has gone away, I will settle this as soon as I can see him and get his decision.” With this answer Gao Shun returned to Lü Bu, who could not decide what to do. Then came a letter from Yuan Shu saying that although Gao Shun had gone to attack Liu Bei, yet Bei had not been destroyed and no reward could be given till he was actually taken.

比及高順軍來，玄德已去。高順與紀靈相見，就索所許之物。靈曰：“公且回軍，容某見主公計之。”高順乃別紀靈回軍，見呂布具述紀靈語。布正在遲疑，忽有袁術書至。書意雲：“高順雖來，而劉備未除；且待捉了劉備，那時方以所許之物相送。”

Lü Bu railed at what he called the breach of faith and was inclined to attack Yuan Shu himself. However, his adviser opposed this course, saying, “You should not; he is in possession of Shouchun and has a large army, well supplied. You are no match for him. Rather ask Liu Bei to take up his quarters at Xiaopei as one of your wings and, when the time comes, let him lead the attack. Then both the Yuans will fall before you and you will be very powerful.” Finding this advice good he sent letters to Xuande asking him to return. The story of Liu Bei’s attack on Guangling, the attack on his camp and his losses, has been told.

布怒罵袁術失信，欲起兵伐之。陳宮曰：“不可。術據壽春，兵多糧廣，不可輕敵。不如請玄德還屯小沛，使爲我羽翼。他日令玄德爲先鋒，那時先取袁術，後取袁紹，可縱橫天下矣。”布聽其言，令人齎書迎玄德回。卻說玄德引兵東取廣陵，被袁術劫寨，折兵大半。

On his way back he met the messenger from Lü Bu, who presented the letter. Xuande was quite content with the offer but his brothers were not inclined to trust Lü. “Since he treats me kindly, I cannot but trust him,” replied Xuande. So he went back to Xuzhou. Lü Bu, fearing that Liu Bei might doubt his sincerity, restored his family and when the ladies, Kan and Mi, saw their lord they told him that they had been kindly treated and guarded by soldiers against any intrusion, and provisions had never been wanting.

回來正遇呂布之使，呈上書札，玄德大喜。關、張曰：“呂布乃無義之人，不可信也。”玄德曰：“彼既以好情待我，奈何疑之！”遂來到徐州。布恐玄德疑惑，先令人送還家眷。甘、麋二夫人見玄德，具說呂布令兵把定宅門。

“I knew he would not harm my family,” said Xuande to Guan and Zhang. However, they were not pleased and would not accompany their brother into the city when he went to express his thanks. They went to escort the two ladies to Xiaopei. At the interview Lü Bu said, “I did not wish to take the city, but your brother behaved very badly, drinking and flogging the soldiers, and I came to guard it lest some evil should befall.”

禁諸人不得入；又常使侍妾送物，未嘗有缺。玄德謂關、張曰：“我知呂布必不害我家眷也。”乃入城謝呂布。張飛恨呂布，不肯隨往，先奉二嫂往小沛去了。玄德入見呂布拜謝。呂布曰：“我非欲奪城；因令弟張飛在此恃酒殺人，恐有失事，故來守之耳。”

“But I had long wished to yield it to you,” said Xuande. Thereupon Lü Bu pretended to wish to retire in favour of Xuande who, however, would not hear of it. He returned and took up his quarters in Xiaopei, but his two brothers would not take the situation kindly and were very discontented. Said Xuande, “One must bow to one’s lot. It is the will of Heaven and one cannot struggle against fate.” Lü Bu sent presents of food and stuffs and peace reigned between the two houses. But there is no need to write of this.

玄德曰：“備欲讓兄久矣。”布假意仍讓玄德。玄德力辭，還屯小沛住紮。關、張心中不忿。玄德曰：“屈身守分，以待天時，不可與命爭也。”呂布令人送糧米緞匹。自此兩家和好，不在話下。

As the story runs, Yuan Shu prepared a great banquet for his soldiers on the occasion of a victory gained by Sun Ce over Lu Kang, the Prefect of Lujiang. Yuan Shu summoned the victor, who made obeisance at the foot of the hall of audience. Shu, sitting in State, asked for details of the campaign and then invited Sun Ce to the banquet. After the unhappy death of his father Sun Ce had returned to Jiangnan, where he had devoted himself to peaceful ends, inviting to his side good men and able scholars. Afterwards when a quarrel broke out between his mother’s brother, the Prefect of Danyang, and Tao Qian, he removed his mother with all the family to Qu’e, he himself taking service under Yuan Shu, who admired and loved him greatly.

卻說袁術大宴將士於壽春。人報孫策徵廬江太守陸康，得勝而回。術喚策至，策拜於堂下。問勞已畢，便令侍坐飲宴。原來孫策自父喪之後，退居江南，禮賢下士；後因陶謙與策母舅丹陽太守吳景不和，策乃移母並家屬居於曲阿，自己卻投袁術。

“If I had a son like him,” said Shu, “I should die without regret.” He employed Sun Ce as a soldier and sent him on various expeditions, all of which were successful.

術甚愛之，常嘆曰：“使術有子如孫郎，死復何恨！”因使爲懷義校尉，引兵攻涇縣大帥祖郎得勝。術見策勇，復使攻陸康，今又得勝而回。

After this banquet to celebrate the victory over Lu Kang, Sun Ce returned to his camp very bitter over the arrogant and patronising airs of his patron. Instead of retiring to his tent he walked up and down by the light of the moon. “Here am I, a mere nobody and yet my father was such a hero!” And he cried out and wept in spite of himself. Then suddenly appeared one who said, laughing loudly, “What is this, O Bofu? While your noble father enjoyed the light of the sun he made free use of me and if his son has any difficulty to resolve why does he not refer it to me also instead of weeping here alone?”

當日筵散，策歸營寨。見術席間相待之禮甚傲，心中鬱悶，乃步月於中庭。因思父孫堅如此英雄，我今淪落至此，不覺放聲大哭。忽見一人自外而入，大笑曰：“伯符何故如此？尊父在日，多曾用我。君今有不決之事，何不問我，乃自哭耶！”

Looking at the speaker Sun Ce saw it was one Zhu Zhi, whose less formal name was Junli, a native of that district, who had been in his father’s service. Sun Ce then ceased weeping and they two sat down. “I was weeping from regret at being unable to continue my father’s work,” said he. “Why stay here bound to the service of a master? Why not get command of an army under the pretence of an expedition to relieve Jiangdong? Then you can accomplish great things.” While these two were talking another man suddenly entered saying, “I know what you two are planning, noble Sirs.

策視之，乃丹陽故鄣人，姓朱，名治，字君理，孫堅舊從事官也。策收淚而延之坐曰：“策所哭者，恨不能繼父之志耳。”治曰：“君何不告袁公路，借兵往江東，假名救吳景，實圖大業，而乃久困於人之下乎？”正商議間，一人忽入曰：“公等所謀，吾已知之。

Under my hand is a band of bold fellows ready to help Bofu in whatever he wishes to do.” The speaker was one of Yuan Shu’s advisers named Lü Fan. They three then sat and discussed schemes. “The one fear is that the soldiers will be refused,” said the newcomer. “I still have the Imperial Seal that my father left me; that should be good security.” “Yuan Shu earnestly desires that jewel,” said Lü Fan. “He will certainly lend you men on that pledge.”

吾手下有精壯百人，暫助伯符一馬之力。”策視其人，乃袁術謀士，汝南細陽人，姓呂，名範，字子衡。策大喜，延坐共議。呂範曰：“只恐袁公路不肯借兵。”策曰：“吾有亡父留下傳國玉璽，以爲質當。”範曰：“公路欲得此久矣！

The three talked over their plans, gradually settling the details, and not many days after Sun Ce obtained an interview with his patron. Assuming the appearance of deep grief he said, “I have been unable to avenge my father. Now the Prefect of Yangzhou is opposing my mother’s brother and my mother and her family are in danger. Wherefore I would borrow a few companies of fighting men to rescue them. As perhaps, Illustrious Sir, you may lack confidence in me I am willing to deposit the Imperial Seal, left me by my late father, as a pledge.”

以此相質，必肯發兵。”三人計議已定。次日，策入見袁術，哭拜曰：“父仇不能報，今母舅吳景，又爲揚州刺史劉繇所逼；策老母家小，皆在曲阿，必將被害。策敢借雄兵數千，渡江救難省親。恐明公不信，有亡父遺下玉璽，權爲質當。”

“Let me see it, if you have it,” said Shu. “I do not want the jewel really, but you may as well leave it with me. I will lend you three companies and five hundred horses. Return as soon as peace can be made. As your rank is hardly sufficient for such powers I will memorialise to obtain for you higher rank with the title of General, ‘Exterminator of Brigands,’ and you can soon start.” Ce thanked his patron most humbly and soon put the army in motion, taking with him his two new friends as well as his former captains.

術聞有玉璽，取而視之，大喜曰：“吾非要你玉璽，今且權留在此。我借兵三千、馬五百匹與你。平定之後，可速回來。你職位卑微，難掌大權。我表你爲折衝校尉、殄寇將軍，剋日領兵便行。”策拜謝，遂引軍馬，帶領朱治、呂範、舊將程普、黃蓋、韓當等，擇日起兵。

When he reached Liyang he saw a body of troops in front of him, at their head a dashing leader of handsome and refined mien. As soon as this man saw Sun Ce he dismounted and made obeisance. It was Zhou Yu. When Sun Jian was opposing the tyrant Minister Dong Zhuo, the Zhou family had removed to Shu, in modern Anhui, and as Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were of the same age all but two months, they became exceedingly good friends and sworn brothers, Ce being the “elder” in virtue of his two months’ seniority.

行至歷陽，見一軍到。當先一人，姿質風流，儀容秀麗，見了孫策，下馬便拜。策視其人，乃廬江舒城人，姓周，名瑜，字公瑾。原來孫堅討董卓之時，移家舒城，瑜與孫策同年，交情甚密，因結爲昆仲。策長瑜兩月，瑜以兄事策。

Zhou Yu was on his way to visit Sun Ce’s uncle, Prefect of Danyang, when the happy meeting took place. Naturally Sun Ce confided his projects and inmost ideas to his friend, who at once promised fidelity and service. They would work out the grand design together. “Now that you have come the design is as good as accomplished,” said Sun. Zhou Yu was introduced to Zhu Zhi and Lü Fan. Zhou Yu said, “Do you know of the two Zhangs of Jiangdong? They would be most useful men in working out your schemes.”

瑜叔周尚，爲丹陽太守；今往省親，到此與策相遇。策見瑜大喜，訴以衷情。瑜曰：“某願施犬馬之力，共圖大事。”策喜曰：“吾得公瑾，大事諧矣！”便令與朱治、呂範等相見。瑜謂策曰：“吾兄欲濟大事，亦知江東有二張乎？”

“Who are they, the two Zhangs?” said Sun. “They are men of transcendent genius who are living near here for the sake of tranquillity in these troublous times. Their names are Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong. Why not invite them to help you, brother?” Sun Ce lost no time in sending letters and gifts, but they both declined. Then he visited them in person, was greatly pleased with their speech and by dint of large gifts and much persuasion, got them to promise to join him.

策曰：“何爲二張？”瑜曰：“一人乃彭城張昭，字子布；一人乃廣陵張紘，字子綱。二人皆有經天緯地之才，因避亂隱居於此。吾兄何不聘之？”策喜，即便令人齎禮往聘，俱辭不至。策乃親到其家，與語大悅，力聘之，二人許允。

They were given substantial offices.

策遂拜張昭爲長史，兼撫軍中郎將；張紘爲參謀正議校尉：商議攻擊劉繇。

The plan of the attack upon Yangzhou was the next matter for discussion. The Prefect, Liu Yao, was of Donglai, a scion of the Imperial family and brother of the governor of Yanzhou. He had long ruled in Yangzhou, but Yuan Shu had forced him to leave his usual abiding city and retire to Qu’e. Hearing of the meditated attack on him he summoned his captains to take counsel. Said Zhang Ying, “I will take an army and entrench at Niuzhu. No army can get past that, whatever its strength.”

卻說劉繇字正禮，東萊牟平人也，亦是漢室宗親，太尉劉寵之侄，兗州刺史劉岱之弟；舊爲揚州刺史，屯於壽春，被袁術趕過江屯，故來曲阿。當下聞孫策兵至，急聚衆將商議。部將張英曰：“某領一軍屯於牛渚，縱有百萬之兵，亦不能近。”

He was interrupted by another who shouted, “And let me lead the van!” All eyes turned to this man; it was Taishi Ci who, after raising the siege of Beihai, had come on a visit to the Prefect and stayed on. Hearing him offer to undertake the hazardous post of van-leader Liu Yao said, “But you are still young and not yet equal to such a charge. Rather stay by my side and obey my orders.”

言未畢，帳下一人高叫曰：“某願爲前部先鋒！”衆視之，乃東萊黃縣人太史慈也。慈自解了北海之圍後，便來見劉繇，繇留於帳下。當日聽得孫策來到，願爲前部先鋒。繇曰：“你年尚輕，未可爲大將，只在吾左右聽命。”

Taishi Ci withdrew in high dudgeon. Soon Zhang Ying led his army to Niuzhu, storing a hundred thousand measures of grain in the granary there. When Sun Ce approached, Zhang Ying went to meet him and the two armies faced each other above Niuzhutan, (Bullock Island Rapid). Zhang Ying roundly abused his opponent and Huang Gai rode out to attack, but before the combat had proceeded far there arose an alarm of fire in Zhang Ying’s camp. Zhang Ying turned back and then Sun Ce advanced in full force, compelling the enemy to abandon their possession.

太史慈不喜而退。張英領兵至牛渚，積糧十萬於邸閣。孫策引兵到，張英出迎，兩軍會於牛渚灘上。孫策出馬，張英大罵，黃蓋便出與張英戰。不數合，忽然張英軍中大亂，報說寨中有人放火。張英急回軍。孫策引軍前來，乘勢掩殺。

The defeated general fled to the hills. Now the incendiaries who had brought about this result were two, named Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai, both from the Jiujiang district, who in these troublous times had got together a band of kindred spirits and lived by plundering the country along the Yangtse River. They knew Sun Ce by reputation as a man who treated able men very liberally and wished to join him. So they came with their band, three hundred strong, and helped him in this way as an introduction.

張英棄了牛渚，望深山而逃。原來那寨後放火的，只是兩員健將：一人乃九江壽春人，姓蔣，名欽，字公奕；一人乃九江下蔡人，姓周，名泰，字幼平。二人皆遭世亂，聚人在揚子江中，劫掠爲生；久聞孫策爲江東豪傑，能招賢納士，故特引其黨三百餘人，前來相投。

Sun Ce welcomed them and gave the leaders rank. After taking possession of the stores of all kinds abandoned by the runaways, and enlisting a large number of those who surrendered into his own ranks, he moved forward to attack Shenting. After his defeat Zhang Ying returned to his master and told his misfortune. Liu Yao was going to punish his failure by death, but listened to his advisers, who asked for mercy for the unfortunate man, and sent him to command the garrison in Lingling. He himself set out to meet the invaders. He camped south of the Shenting ridge. Sun Ce camped on the north side of the hills. Sun Ce enquired if there was a temple to Guangwu, of the Hans, in the vicinity, and was told there was a temple on the summit of the hills.

策大喜，用爲軍前校尉。收得牛渚邸閣糧食、軍器，並降卒四千餘人，遂進兵神亭。卻說張英敗回見劉繇，繇怒欲斬之。謀士笮融、薛禮勸免，使屯兵零陵城拒敵。繇自領兵於神亭嶺南下營，孫策於嶺北下營。策問土人曰：“近山有漢光武廟否？”

“I dreamed last night that he called me so I will go and pray there,” said Ce. He was advised not to go as the enemy was on the other side and he might fall into an ambush. “The spirit will help me; what need I fear?” So he put on his armour, took his spear and mounted, taking with him twelve of his officers as an escort. They rode up the hills, dismounted, burned incense and they all bowed in the shrine.

土人曰：“有廟在嶺上。”策曰：“吾夜夢光武召我相見，當往祈之。”長史張昭曰：“不可。嶺南乃劉繇寨，倘有伏兵，奈何？”策曰：“神人佑我，吾何懼焉！”遂披掛綽槍上馬，引程普、黃蓋、韓當、蔣欽、周泰等共十三騎，出寨上嶺，到廟焚香。

Then Ce knelt and made a vow saying, “If I, Sun Ce, succeed in my task and restore the authority of my late father then will I restore this temple and order sacrifices at the four seasons.” When they had remounted he said, “I am going to ride along the ridge and reconnoitre the enemy’s position.” His followers begged him to refrain but he was obstinate and they rode away together, noting the villages below. A soldier going along a bye-road quickly reported the presence of horsemen on the ridge and Liu Yao said, “It is certainly Sun Ce trying to inveigle us to battle. But do not go out.”

下馬參拜已畢，策向前跪祝曰：“若孫策能於江東立業，復興故父之基，即當重修廟宇，四時祭祀。”祝畢，出廟上馬，回顧衆將曰：“吾欲過嶺，探看劉繇寨柵。”諸將皆以爲不可。策不從，遂同上嶺，南望村林。早有伏路小軍飛報劉繇，繇曰：“此必是孫策誘敵之計，不可追之。”

Taishi Ci, the bold, jumped up saying, “What better chance to capture him?” So, without orders he armed himself and rode through the camp crying, “If there be any valiant men among you follow me!” No one moved save a subaltern who said, “He is a valiant man and I will go with him.” So he also went. The others only laughed at the pair.

太史慈踊躍曰：“此時不捉孫策，更待何時！”遂不候劉繇將令，竟自披掛上馬，綽槍出營，大叫曰：“有膽氣者，都跟我來！”諸將不動。惟有一小將曰：“太史慈真猛將也！吾可助之！”拍馬同行。衆將皆笑。

Now having seen all he wished Sun Ce thought it time to return and wheeled round his horse. But when he was going over the summit some one shouted, “Stay, Sun Ce!” He turned; two horsemen were coming at full speed down the next hill. He halted and drew up his little escort right and left, he himself with his spear ready. “Which is Sun Ce?” shouted Taishi. “Who are you?” was the reply. “I am Taishi Ci, of Donglai, come to take him prisoner.”

卻說孫策看了半晌，方始回馬。正行過嶺，只聽得嶺上叫：“孫策休走！”策回頭視之，見兩匹馬飛下嶺來。策將十三騎一齊擺開。策橫槍立馬於嶺下待之。太史慈高叫曰：“那個是孫策？”策曰：“你是何人？”答曰：“我便是東萊太史慈也，特來捉孫策！”

“Then I am he,” said Sun Ce laughing. “Come both of you together; I am not afraid of you. If I was, I should not be Bofu.” “You and all your crowd come on and I will not blench,” cried Taishi putting his horse at a gallop and setting his spear. Sun braced himself for the shock and the battle began. Fifty bouts were fought and still neither combatant had the advantage. Sun Ce’s followers whispered to each other their admiration and amazement. Taishi saw that the spearmanship of his opponent showed no weak point whereby he could gain the advantage so he decided to resort to guile. Feigning defeat he would lead Sun to pursue.

策笑曰：“只我便是。你兩個一齊來並我一個，我不懼你！我若怕你，非孫伯符也！”慈曰：“你便衆人都來，我亦不怕！”縱馬橫槍，直取孫策。策挺槍來迎。兩馬相交，戰五十合，不分勝負。程普等暗暗稱奇。慈見孫策槍法無半點兒滲漏，乃佯輸詐敗，引孫策趕來。

Taishi however did not retire along the road by which he had come, but took a path leading around the hill instead of over it. His antagonist followed, shouting, “He who retreats is no worthy son of Han!” But Taishi thought within himself, “He has twelve others at his back and I only one. If I capture him, the others will retake him. I will inveigle him into some secret spot and then try.” So flying and fighting by turns he led Sun Ce, an eager pursuer, down to the plain.

慈卻不由舊路上嶺，竟轉過山背後。策趕來，大喝曰：“走的不算好漢！”慈心中自忖：“這廝有十二從人，我只一個，便活捉了他，也喫衆人奪去。再引一程，教這廝沒尋處，方好下手。”於是且戰且走。策那裏肯舍，一直趕到平川之地。

Here Taishi suddenly wheeled about and attacked. Again they exchanged half a hundred bouts, without result. Then Sun made a fierce thrust which his opponent evaded by gripping the spear under his oxter, while Taishi did the same with his opponent’s spear. Neither was wounded but each exerting his utmost strength to pull the other out of the saddle they both came to the ground. Their steeds galloped off they knew not whither while the two men, each dropping his spear, began a hand to hand struggle. Soon their fighting robes were in tatters. Sun gripped the short lance that Taishi carried at his back, while Taishi tore off the other’s helmet.

慈兜回馬再戰，又到五十合。策一槍搠去，慈閃過，挾住槍；慈也一槍搠去，策亦閃過，挾住槍。兩個用力只一拖，都滾下馬來。馬不知走的那裏去了。兩個棄了槍，揪住廝打，戰袍扯得粉碎。策手快，掣了太史慈背上的短戟，慈亦掣了策頭上的兜鍪。

Sun tried to stab with the short lance but Taishi fended off the blow with the helmet as a shield. Then arose a great shouting. Liu Yao had come up with a company of soldiers. Sun seemed now in sore straits. His twelve followers came up and each combatant let go his hold. Taishi quickly found another steed, seized a spear and mounted. Sun Ce, whose charger had been caught by Cheng Pu, also mounted, and a confused battle began between the handful of men on one side and a whole company on the other.

策把戟來刺慈，慈把兜鍪遮架。忽然喊聲後起，乃劉繇接應軍到來，約有千餘。策正慌急，程普等十二騎亦衝到。策與慈方纔放手。慈于軍中討了一匹馬，取了槍，上馬復來。孫策的馬卻是程普收得，策亦取槍上馬。

It swayed and drifted down the hill side. However, soon Zhou Yu came to the rescue, and as evening drew on a tempest put an end to the fight. Both sides drew off and returned to camp. Next day Sun Ce led his army to the front of Liu Yao’s camp and the challenge was accepted. The armies were drawn up. Sun hung the short lance he had seized from Taishi Ci at the end of his spear and waved it in front of the line of battle and ordered his soldiers to shout, “If the owner of this had not fled he would have been stabbed to death.”

劉繇一千餘軍，和程普等十二騎混戰，逶迤殺到神亭嶺下。喊聲起處，周瑜領軍來到。劉繇自引大軍殺下嶺來。時近黃昏，風雨暴至，兩下各自收軍。次日，孫策引軍到劉繇營前，劉繇引軍出迎。兩陣圓處，孫策把槍挑太史慈的小戟於陣前，令軍士大叫曰：“太史慈若不是走的快，已被刺死了！”

On the other side they hung out Sun’s helmet and the soldiers shouted back “Sun Ce’s head is here already.” Both sides thus yelled defiance at each other, one side boasting, the other bragging. Then Taishi rode out challenging Sun to a duel to the death and Sun would have accepted, but Cheng Pu said, “My lord should not trouble himself, I will take him,” and he rode forth. “You are no antagonist for me,” said Taishi. “Tell your master to come out.”

太史慈亦將孫策兜鍪挑於陣前，也令軍士大叫曰：“孫策頭已在此！”兩軍吶喊，這邊誇勝，那邊道強。太史慈出馬，要與孫策決個勝負，策遂欲出。程普曰：“不須主公勞力，某自擒之。”程普出到陣前，太史慈曰：“你非我之敵手，只教孫策出馬來！”

This incensed Cheng, who rode at his opponent, and they two fought many bouts. The duel was stopped by the gongs of Liu Yao. “Why did you sound the retreat?” said Taishi. “I was just going to capture the wretch.” “Because I have just heard that Qu’e is threatened. Zhou Yu is leading a force thither and a certain Chen Wu is in league with him to betray the city. The loss would be irremediable.

程普大怒，挺槍直取太史慈。兩馬相交，戰到三十合，劉繇急鳴金收軍。太史慈曰：“我正要捉拿賊將，何故收軍？”劉繇曰：“人報周瑜領軍襲取曲阿，有廬江松滋人陳武，字子烈，接應周瑜入去。吾家基業已失，不可久留。

I will hasten to Moling to get the help of Xue Li and Ze Rong.” The army retired, Taishi Ci with it, without being pursued. On the other side Zhang Zhao said to Sun Ce, “Zhou Yu’s threatened attack is the cause of this move; they are in no mood to fight. A night raid on their camp would finish them.” The army was divided into five divisions for the night surprise and hastened toward the camp where they were victorious. Their opponents scattered in all directions. Taishi alone made a determined stand and as he could not withstand a whole army he fled with a few followers to Jingxian.

速往秣陵，會薛禮、笮融軍馬，急來接應。”太史慈跟着劉繇退軍，孫策不趕，收住人馬。長史張昭曰：“彼軍被周瑜襲取曲阿，無戀戰之心，今夜正好劫營。”孫策然之。當夜分軍五路，長驅大進。劉繇軍兵大敗，衆皆四紛五落。太史慈獨力難當，引十數騎連夜投涇縣去了。

Now Sun Ce acquired a new adherent in the person of Chen Wu. He was a soldier seven spans tall, sallow of complexion and red of eye, an odd looking man. But Sun held him in high esteem, gave him rank and put him in the van for the attack on Xue Li. As van-leader he and half a score horsemen made a dash into the enemy’s formation, where they slew half a hundred men. So Xue Li would not fight but remained within his defences. As Sun was attacking the city a spy came in with the news that Liu Yao and Ze Rong had gone to attack Niuzhu, which made Sun move thither in haste. His two opponents were ready for battle.

卻說孫策又得陳武爲輔，其人身長七尺，面黃睛赤，形容古怪。策甚敬愛之，拜爲校尉，使作先鋒，攻薛禮。武引十數騎突入陣去，斬首級五十餘顆。薛禮閉門不敢出。策正攻城，忽有人報劉繇會合笮融去取牛渚。

“I am here,” said Sun Ce, “you had better give in.” A horseman came out from behind the two leaders to accept the challenge. It was Yu Mi. But in the third bout Sun Ce made him prisoner and carried him off to the other side. Seeing his colleague thus captured Fan Neng rode out to the rescue and got quite close. But just as he was going to thrust, all the soldiers shouted “There is a man behind you going to strike secretly!”

孫策大怒，自提大軍竟奔牛渚。劉繇，笮融二人出馬迎敵。孫策曰：“吾今到此，你如何不降？”劉繇背後一人挺槍出馬，乃部將於糜也，與策戰不三合，被策生擒過去，撥馬回陣。繇將樊能，見捉了於糜。挺槍來趕。那槍剛搠到策後心，策陣上軍士大叫：“背後有人暗算！”

At this Sun Ce turned and shouted so thunderously loud that Fan Neng fell out of his saddle from mere fright. He split his skull and died. When Sun Ce reached his standard he threw his prisoner to the ground. And he was also dead, crushed to death between the arm and the body of his captor. So in a few moments Sun Ce had disposed of two enemies, one crushed to death and one frightened to death. Thereafter Sun Ce was called the Little Conqueror. After Liu Yao’s defeat the greater portion of his force surrendered and the number of those put to death exceeded ten thousand.

策回頭，忽見樊能馬到，乃大喝一聲，聲如巨雷。樊能驚駭，倒翻身撞下馬來，破頭而死。策到門旗下，將於糜丟下，已被挾死。一霎時挾死一將，喝死一將：自此人皆呼孫策爲“小霸王”。當日劉繇兵大敗，人馬大半降策。

Liu Yao himself sought safety with Liu Biao. An attack on Moling was the next move. As soon as Sun Ce arrived at the moat he summoned the commander, Xue Li, to surrender. Some one let fly a furtive arrow from the wall which wounded Sun in the left thigh so severely that he fell from his steed. Hastily his officers picked up their wounded chief and returned to the camp where the arrow was pulled out and the wound dressed with the medicines suitable for injuries by metals.

策斬首級萬餘。劉繇與笮融走豫章投劉表去了。孫策還兵復攻秣陵，親到城壕邊，招諭薛禮投降。城上暗放一冷箭，正中孫策左腿，翻身落馬，衆將急救起，還營拔箭，以金瘡藥傅之。策令軍中詐稱主將中箭身死。

By Sun Ce’s command the story was spread abroad that the hurt had been fatal and all the soldiers set up cries of lamentation. The camp was broken up. The defender of the city made a night sortie, but fell into a carefully prepared ambush and presently Sun himself appeared on horseback shouting “Sun Ce is here still.” His sudden appearance created such a panic that the soldiers dropped their weapons and fell on their faces. Sun gave orders not to kill them but their leaders fell, one from a spear thrust as he turned to run away, another wounded by an arrow, and the commander in chief was slain in the first rush.

軍中舉哀。拔寨齊起。薛禮聽知孫策已死，連夜起城內之軍，與驍將張英、陳橫殺出城來追之。忽然伏兵四起，孫策當先出馬，高聲大叫曰：“孫郎在此！”衆軍皆驚，盡棄槍刀，拜於地下。策令休殺一人。張英撥馬回走，被陳武一槍刺死。

Thus Sun Ce got possession of Moling. Having calmed the people he sent his soldiers away to Jingxian, where Taishi Ci was in command.

陳橫被蔣欽一箭射死。薛禮死於亂軍中。策入秣陵，安輯居民；移兵至涇縣來捉太史慈。

Taishi Ci had assembled two companies of veterans in addition to his own troop for the purpose of avenging his master. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu on the other hand consulted how to capture him alive. The latter’s plan was to attack the city on three sides, leaving the east gate free for flight. Some distance off an ambush would be prepared, when their victim, his men fatigued and horses spent, would fall an easy victim. The latest recruits under Taishi Ci’s banner were mostly hillmen and unaccustomed to discipline.

卻說太史慈招得精壯二千餘人，並所部兵，正要來與劉繇報仇。孫策與周瑜商議活捉太史慈之計。瑜令三面攻縣，只留東門放走；離城二十五里，三路各伏一軍，太史慈到那裏，人困馬乏，必然被擒。原來太史慈所招軍大半是山野之民，不諳紀律。

Beside the walls of the city were pitiably low. One night Sun ordered one Chen Wu to strip off his long dress, leave his arms save a dagger, clamber up the ramparts and set fire to the city. Seeing the flames spreading the commander made for the east gate and, as soon as he got outside, Sun Ce followed in pursuit. The pursuit was maintained for some thirty li when the pursuers stopped. Taishi Ci went on as long as possible, finally halting to rest in a spot surrounded by reeds. Suddenly a tremendous shouting arose.

涇縣城頭，苦不甚高。當夜孫策命陳武短衣持刀，首先爬上城放火。太史慈見城上火起，上馬投東門走，背後孫策引軍趕來。太史慈正走，後軍趕至三十里，卻不趕了。太史慈走了五十里，人困馬乏，蘆葦之中，喊聲忽起。

Taishi was just starting when tripping ropes arose all round, his horse was thrown and he found himself a prisoner. He was taken to camp. As soon as Sun Ce heard the news he himself rode out to meet the successful man and ordered the guards to leave the prisoner, whose bonds he loosened with his own hands. Then he took off his own embroidered robe and put it on the captive. They entered the camp together. “I knew you were a real hero,” said Sun. “That worm of a Liu Yao had no use for such as you and so he got beaten.” The prisoner, overcome by this kindness and good treatment, then formally surrendered.

慈急待走，兩下里絆馬索齊來，將馬絆翻了，生擒太史慈，解投大寨。策知解到太史慈，親自出營喝散士卒，自釋其縛，將自己錦袍衣之，請入寨中，謂曰：“我知子義真丈夫也。劉繇蠢輩，不能用爲大將，以致此敗。”慈見策待之甚厚，遂請降。

Sun Ce seized his hand and said, laughing, “If you had taken me at that fight we had near the shrine, would you have killed me?” “Who can say?” said Taishi smiling. Sun Ce laughed also and they entered his tent, where the captive leader was placed in the seat of honour at a banquet. Taishi said, “Can you trust me so far as to let me go to muster as many as I can of the soldiers of my late master? Under the smart of this defeat they will turn against him and they would be a great help to you.” “Exactly what I most desire. I will make an agreement with you that at midday to-morrow you will return.”

策執慈手笑曰：“神亭相戰之時，若公獲我，還相害否？”慈笑曰：“未可知也。”策大笑，請入帳，邀之上坐，設宴款待。慈曰：“劉君新破，士卒離心。某欲自往收拾餘衆，以助明公。不識能相信否？”策起謝曰：“此誠策所願也。今與公約：明日日中，望公來還。”

Taishi agreed and went off. All the captains said he would never return. “He is trustworthy and will not break his word,” said the chief. None of the officers believed he would come back. But the next day they set up a bamboo rod in the gate of the camp and just as the shadow marked noon Taishi Ci returned, bringing with him about a thousand men. Sun Ce was pleased and his officers had to confess that he had rightly judged his man. Sun Ce had now several legions and Jiangdong was his. He improved the conditions of the people and maintained order so that his adherents and supporters daily increased.

慈應諾而去。諸將曰：“太史慈此去必不來矣。”策曰：“子義乃信義之士，必不揹我。”衆皆未信。次日，立竿於營門以候日影。恰將日中，太史慈引一千餘衆到寨。孫策大喜。衆皆服策之知人。於是孫策聚數萬之衆，下江東，安民恤衆，投者無數。

He was called Sun Lang (the Bright One). When his army approached the people used to flee in terror, but when it had arrived and they saw that no one was permitted to loot and not the least attempt was made on their houses, they rejoiced and presented the soldiers with oxen and wine, for which they were in turn duly rewarded. Gladness filled the country side. The soldiers who had followed Liu Yao were kindly treated. Those who wished to join Sun’s army did so; those who preferred not to be soldiers were sent home with presents. And thus Sun Ce won the respect and praise of every one in Jiangnan and became very powerful.

江東之民，皆呼策爲“孫郎”。但聞孫郎兵至，皆喪膽而走。及策軍到，並不許一人擄掠，雞犬不驚，人民皆悅，齎牛酒到寨勞軍。策以金帛答之，歡聲遍野。其劉繇舊軍，願從軍者聽從，不願爲軍者給賞歸農。江南之民，無不仰頌。

Sun Ce then settled his mother and the remainder of the family in Qu’e, setting his brother Quan and Zhou Tai over the city. Then he headed an expedition to the south to reduce the Wu districts.

由是兵勢大盛。策乃迎母叔諸弟俱歸曲阿，使弟孫權與周泰守宣城。策領兵南取吳郡。

At that time there was a certain Yan Baihu, or the White Tiger, who styled himself Prince De of Eastern Wu and ruled over the Wu districts. Hearing of Sun Ce’s approach, the “Prince” sent his brother Yan Yu with an army against him and they met at Fengqiao. Yan Yu, sword in hand, took his stand on a bridge and this was reported to Sun Ce, who prepared to accept the challenge. Zhang Hong tried to dissuade him saying, “Forasmuch as my lord’s fate is bound up with that of the army, he should not risk a conflict with a mere robber. I would that you should remember your own value.”

時有嚴白虎，自稱東吳德王，據吳郡，遣部將守住烏程、嘉興。當日白虎聞策兵至，令弟嚴輿出兵，會於楓橋。輿橫刀立馬於橋上。有人報入中軍，策便欲出。張紘諫曰：“夫主將乃三軍之所繫命，不宜輕敵小寇。願將軍自重。”

“Your words, O Elder One, are as gold and precious stones, but I fear that my soldiers will not carry out my commands unless I myself share their dangers.” Then he sent forth Han Dang to take up the challenge. Just as he reached the bridge, Jiang Qin and Chen Wu, who had dropped down the river in a small boat, passed under the bridge. Though the arrows fell in clouds on the bank, the two men rushed up and fiercely attacked Yan Yu as he stood on the bridge. He fled and Han Dang went in pursuit smiting up to the gate of the city into which he entered.

策謝曰：“先生之言如金石；但恐不親冒矢石，則將士不用命耳。”隨遣韓當出馬。比及韓當到橋上時，蔣欽、陳武早駕小舟從河岸邊殺過橋裏。亂箭射倒岸上軍，二人飛身上岸砍殺。嚴輿退走。韓當引軍直殺到閶門下，賊退入城裏去了。

Sun Ce laid siege to the city of Wu both by land and water. For three days no one came out to offer battle. Then at the head of his army he came to the Chang Gate and summoned the warden. An officer of inconsiderable rank came out and stood with one hand resting on a beam while with the other he gave point to his abuse of those below. Quickly Taishi Ci’s hands sought his bow and an arrow was on the string. “See me hit that fellow’s hand,” said he, turning to his companions. Even as the sound of his voice died away, the bowstring twanged, the arrow sped and lodged in the beam, firmly pinning thereto the officer’s hand.

策分兵水陸並進，圍住吳城。一困三日，無人出戰。策引衆軍到閶門外招諭。城上一員裨將，左手託定護梁，右手指着城下大罵。太史慈就馬上拈弓取箭，顧軍將曰：“看我射中這廝左手！”說聲未絕，弓弦響處，果然射個正中，把那將的左手射透，反牢釘在護樑上。

Both sides, those on the wall and those below it, marvelled at such marksmanship. The wounded man was taken away and when the White Tiger heard of the exploit he said, “How can we hope to withstand an army with such men as this in it?” And his thoughts turned toward a peace. He sent his brother Yu out to see Sun Ce, who received him civilly, invited him into the tent and set wine before him. “And what does your brother propose?” said Sun. “He is willing to share this district with you,” was the reply. “The rat! how dare he put himself on a level with me?” cried Sun.

城上城下人見者，無不喝采。衆人救了這人下城。白虎大驚曰：“彼軍有如此人，安能敵乎！”遂商量求和。次日，使嚴輿出城，來見孫策。策請輿入帳飲酒。酒酣，問輿曰：“令兄意欲如何？”輿曰：“欲與將軍平分江東。”策大怒曰：“鼠輩安敢與吾相等！”

He commanded to put the messenger to death. Yu started up and drew his sword, but out flew Sun Ce’s blade and the unhappy messenger fell to the ground. His head was hacked off and sent into the city to his brother. This had its effect. The White Tiger saw resistance was hopeless, so he abandoned the city and fled. Sun Ce pressed the attack. Huang Gai captured Jiaxing and Taishi Ci took Wucheng. The district was quickly subdued. The White Tiger rushed off toward Yuhang, plundering on all sides, till a band of villagers under the leadership of one Ling Cao checked his career of robbery there. He then went toward Kuaiji.

命斬嚴輿。輿拔劍起身，策飛劍砍之，應手而倒，割下首級，令人送入城中。白虎料敵不過，棄城而走。策進兵追襲，黃蓋攻取嘉興，太史慈攻取烏程，數州皆平。白虎奔餘杭，於路劫掠，被土人凌操領鄉人殺敗，望會稽而走。

The Lings, father and son, then went to meet Sun Ce, who took them into his service as a reward for their service and the joint forces crossed the river. The White Tiger gathered his scattered forces and took up a position at the western ford, but Cheng Pu attacked him there and scattered the defenders, chasing them as far as Kuaiji. The Prefect of the place, Wang Lang, was on their side and inclined to support them actively. But, when he proposed this, one of his men stood forth saying, “No! No! Sun Ce as a leader is humane and upright, while the White Tiger is a savage ruffian. Rather capture him and offer his person as a peace offering to Sun Ce.”

凌操父子二人來接孫策，策使爲從徵校尉，遂同引兵渡江。嚴白虎聚寇，分佈於西津渡口。程普與戰，復大敗之，連夜趕到會稽。會稽太守王朗，欲引兵救白虎。忽一人出曰：“不可。孫策用仁義之師，白虎乃暴虐之衆，還宜擒白虎以獻孫策。”

The Prefect turned angrily toward the speaker, who was an official named Yu Fan, and bade him be silent. He withdrew sighing deeply. And the Prefect went to the help of the White Tiger with whom he joined forces at Shanyin. Sun Ce came up. When both sides were arrayed Sun Ce rode out and addressed Wang Lang, saying, “Mine is an army of good men and my aim is to restore peace to Zhejiang, but you give your support to a rebel!” Wang Lang replied, “Your greed is insatiable.

朗視之，乃會稽餘姚人，姓虞，名翻，字仲翔，現爲郡吏。朗怒叱之，翻長嘆而出。朗遂引兵會合白虎，同陳兵于山陰之野。兩陣對圓，孫策出馬，謂王朗曰：“吾興仁義之兵，來安浙江，汝何故助賊？”朗罵曰：“汝貪心不足！

Having got possession of Wu you want also my district, and so as an excuse you have vengeance to wreak on the Yens.” This response greatly angered Sun Ce. Just as battle was to be joined Taishi Ci advanced and Wang Lang came toward him waving his sword. Before they had exchanged many passes Zhou Xin dashed out to help Wang. Thereupon Huang Gai rode out to make the sides more equal. These latter two were just engaging when the drums rolled on both sides and a general battle began. Suddenly confusion was caused in the rear of Wang’s army by the sudden onslaught of a small troop.

既得吳郡，而又強並吾界！今日特與嚴氏雪仇！”孫策大怒，正待交戰，太史慈早出。王朗拍馬舞刀，與慈戰不數合，朗將周昕，殺出助戰；孫策陣中黃蓋，飛馬接住周昕交鋒。兩下鼓聲大震，互相鏖戰。忽王朗陣後先亂，一彪軍從背後抄來。

Wang Lang galloped off to see to it. Then an attack was made on his flank, so that he was in a hopeless position, and he and the White Tiger, fighting desperately, only just managed to reach the shelter of the city. The drawbridges were raised, the gates closed and preparations made to sustain a siege. Sun Ce followed right up to the walls and then divided his men so as to attack all four gates.

朗大驚，急回馬來迎：原來是周瑜與程普引軍刺斜殺來，前後夾攻，王朗寡不敵衆，與白虎、周昕殺條血路，走入城中，拽起吊橋，堅閉城門。孫策大軍乘勢趕到城下。分佈衆軍，四門攻打。

Seeing that the city was being fiercely attacked Wang Lang was for making a sortie, but the White Tiger opposed this as hopeless against so strong a force outside. They could only strengthen their position and remain behind the shelter of the ramparts until hunger forced the besiegers to retire. Wang Lang agreed and the siege went on. For several days a vigorous attack was maintained, but with little success.

王朗在城中見孫策攻城甚急，欲再出兵決一死戰。嚴白虎曰：“孫策兵勢甚大，足下只宜深溝高壘，堅壁勿出。不消一月，彼軍糧盡。自然退走。那時乘虛掩之，可不戰而破也。”朗依其議，乃固守會稽城而不出。孫策一連攻了數日，不能成功，乃與衆將計議。

Taking counsel with his officers Sun Jing, who was the uncle of Sun Ce, said, “Since they are holding the city with such resolution it will be difficult to dislodge them. But the bulk of their supplies is stored at Zhadu, distant only some score li. Our best plan is to seize this place, thus attacking where the enemy is unprepared, and doing what they do not expect.” Sun Ce approved saying, “My uncle’s plan is admirable and will crush the rebels.” So he issued orders to kindle watch fires at all the gates, and leave the flags standing to maintain the appearance of soldiers in position while the expedition went south.

孫靜曰：“王朗負固守城，難可卒拔。會稽錢糧，大半屯於查瀆；其地離此數十里，莫若以兵先據其內：所謂攻其無備，出其不意也。”策大喜曰：“叔父妙用，足破賊人矣！”即下令於各門燃火，虛張旗號，設爲疑兵，連夜撤圍南去。

Zhou Yu came to utter a warning, “When you, my lord, go away the besieged will surely come out and follow you. We might prepare a surprise for them.” Sun Ce replied, “My preparations are complete and the city will be captured to-night.” So the army set out. Wang Lang heard that the besiegers had gone and he went up to the tower to reconnoitre. He saw the fires blazing, the smoke rising, and the pennons fluttering in the breeze as usual and hesitated.

周瑜進曰：“主公大兵一起，王朗必然出城來趕，可用奇兵勝之。”策曰：“吾今準備下了，取城只在今夜。”遂令軍馬起行。卻說王朗聞報孫策軍馬退去，自引衆人來敵樓上觀望；見城下煙火並起，旌旗不雜，心下遲疑。

Zhou Xin said, “He has gone and this is only a stratagem. Let us go out and smite them.” The White Tiger said, “If he has gone, it is to attack Zhadu. Let us pursue.” “The place is our base of supply,” said Wang Lang, “and must be defended. You lead the way and I will follow with reserves.”

周昕曰：“孫策走矣，特設此計以疑我耳。可出兵襲之。”嚴白虎曰：“孫策此去，莫非要去查瀆？我令部兵與周將軍追之。”朗曰：“查瀆是我屯糧之所，正須提防。汝引兵先行，吾隨後接應。”白虎與周昕領五千兵出城追趕。

So the White Tiger and Zhou Xin went forth with five companies and drew near their enemy about the first watch, at twenty li from the city. The road led through dense forest. Then suddenly the drums beat and lighted torches sprang up on all sides. The White Tiger was frightened, turned his horse and started to retreat. At once a leader appeared in front in whom, by the glare of the torches, he recognised Sun Ce. Zhou Xin made a rush at him but fell under Sun Ce’s spear. The men surrendered. However, the White Tiger managed to cut his way out. Wang Lang soon heard of the loss and not daring to return to the city retreated in all haste to the coast. And so Sun Ce got possession of the city.

將近初更，離城二十餘里，忽密林裏一聲鼓響，火把齊明。白虎大驚，便勒馬回走，一將當先攔住，火光中視之，乃孫策也。周昕舞刀來迎，被策一槍刺死。餘衆皆降。白虎殺條血路，望餘杭而走。王朗聽知前軍已敗，不敢入城，引部下奔逃海隅去了。

Having restored order, a few days later a man came bringing the head of the White Tiger as an offering to Sun Ce. This man was a native of the district. He was eight spans tall, with a square face and wide mouth. He was named Dong Xi, and was given an office. After this peace reigned in all the east and, having placed his uncle in command of the city and made Zhu Zhi Prefect, Sun Ce returned to his own place.

孫策復回大軍，乘勢取了城池，安定人民。不隔一日，只見一人將着嚴白虎首級來孫策軍前投獻。策視其人，身長八尺，面方口闊。問其姓名，乃會稽餘姚人，姓董，名襲，字元代。策喜，命爲別部司馬。自是東路皆平，令叔孫靜守之，令朱治爲吳郡太守，收軍回江東。

While Sun Ce was absent a band of brigands suddenly attacked Xuancheng, left in the care of his brother Quan and the leader Zhou Tai. As the onslaught was made on all sides at once, and in the night, the brigands got the upper hand. Zhou Tai took the youth in his arms and mounted a horse, but as the robbers came on with swords to attack him he dismounted, and though without mail, met the robbers on foot and slew them as they came up. Then came a horseman armed with a spear, but Zhou Tai laid hold of his spear and pulled him to the earth. Then he mounted the robber’s horse and thrusting this way and that with the spear fought his way out.

卻說孫權與周泰守宣城，忽山賊竊發，四面殺至。時值更深，不及抵敵，泰抱權上馬。數十賊衆，用刀來砍。泰赤體步行，提刀殺賊，砍殺十餘人。隨後一賊躍馬挺槍直取周泰，被泰扯住槍，拖下馬來，奪了槍馬，殺條血路。

So Sun Quan was preserved, but his saviour had received more than a dozen wounds. These wounds being due to metal would not heal but swelled enormously, and the brave soldier’s life hung in the balance. Sun Ce was deeply grieved. Then Dong Xi said, “Once in an engagement with some pirates I received many spear wounds, but a certain wise man named Yu Fan recommended a surgeon who cured me in half a month.” “Surely this must be Yu Zhongxiang,” replied Sun Ce. “That is he; he is so called.” “Yes, truly a wise man; I will employ him.”

救出孫權。餘賊遠遁。周泰身被十二槍，金瘡發脹，命在須臾。策聞之大驚。帳下董襲曰：“某曾與海寇相持，身遭數槍，得會稽一個賢郡吏虞翻薦一醫者，半月而愈。”策曰：“虞翻莫非虞仲翔乎？”襲曰：“然。”策曰：“此賢士也。

So Sun Ce sent two officers to invite him and he came at once. He was treated in most friendly fashion and appointed an official forthwith. Then the question of treating the wounded man was brought up. “The surgeon is one Hua Tuo, who has perfectly marvellous skill in the leech’s art. I will get him to come,” said Yu Fan. Shortly the famous leech arrived, a man with the complexion of a youth and a snowy beard. He looked more like a saint who had passed the gates of this life.

我當用之。”乃令張昭與董襲同往聘請虞翻。翻至，策優禮相待，拜爲功曹，因言及求醫之意。翻曰：“此人乃沛國譙郡人，姓華，名佗，字元化。真當世之神醫也。當引之來見。”不一日引至。策見其人，童顏鶴髮，飄然有出世之姿。

He was treated very handsomely and taken to see the sick soldier’s wounds. “The case is not difficult,” said the surgeon and he prepared certain drugs that healed the wounds within a month. Sun Ce suitably acknowledged his care and skill and he was allowed to leave. Next Sun Ce attacked the brigands and destroyed them, so restoring complete tranquillity to Jiangnan. After this he set garrisons at all the strategical points, and this done, memorialised what he had achieved. He came to an understanding with Cao Cao and sent letters to Yuan Shu demanding the return of the Seal he had left in pledge.

乃待爲上賓，請視周泰瘡。佗曰：“此易事耳。”投之以藥，一月而愈。策大喜，厚謝華佗。遂進兵殺除山賊。江南皆平。孫策分撥將士，守把各處隘口，一面寫表申奏朝廷；一面結交曹操，一面使人致書與袁術取玉璽。

But Yuan Shu, secretly cherishing the most ambitious designs, wrote excuses and did not return the State jewel. In his own place he hastily summoned his officers to a council and said, “Sun Ce borrowed an army from me and set out on an expedition which has made him master of Jiangdong. Now he says nothing of repayment but demands the token of his pledge. Truly he is a boor and what steps can I take to destroy him?”

卻說袁術暗有稱帝之心，乃回書推託不還；急聚長史楊大將，都督張勳、紀靈、橋蕤，上將雷薄、陳蘭等三十餘人商議，曰：“孫策借我軍馬起事，今日盡得江東地面；乃不思根本，而反來索璽，殊爲無禮。當以何策圖之？”

The Recorder, Yang Dajiang, replied, “You cannot do any thing against him for he is too strongly placed. You must first remove Liu Bei in revenge for having attacked you without cause, and then you may think about Sun Ce. I have a scheme to put the former into your hands in a very short time.”

長史楊大將曰：“孫策據長江之險，兵精糧廣，未可圖也。今當先伐劉備，以報前日無故相攻之恨，然後圖取孫策未遲。某獻一計，使備即日就擒。”

He went not to destroy the tiger, but instead
Against a dragon forth his army led.
The means he employed will be made plain in the next chapter.

正是：不去江東圖虎豹，卻來徐郡鬥蛟龍。
不知其計若何，且聽下文分解。