Romance, Chapter 2

Chapter 2. An Official is Thrashed; Uncle He Plots to Kill the Eunuchs

It must here be told who this Dong Zhuo was. Zhuo, or Zhongying, was born in the west at Lintao in modern Shaanxi. His father was a prefect. He himself was arrogant and overbearing. But the day he had treated the three brothers with contumely had been his last had not the two elders restrained their wrathful brother. “Remember he has the government commission;” said Xuande, “who are we to judge and slay?” “It is bitter to take orders from such a wretch; I would rather slay him. You may stay here an you wish to, but I will seek some other place.”

且說董卓字仲穎，隴西臨洮人也，官拜河東太守，自來驕傲。當日怠慢了玄德，張飛性發，便欲殺之。玄德與關公急止之曰；“他是朝廷命官，豈可擅殺？”飛曰：“若不殺這廝，反要在他部下聽令，其實不甘！二兄要便住在此，我自投別處去也！”

“We three are one in life and in death; there is no parting for us. We will all go hence.” So spake Xuande and his brother was satisfied.

玄德曰：“我三人義同生死，豈可相離？不若都投別處去便了。”飛曰：“若如此，稍解吾恨。”

Wherefore all three set out and lost no time in travelling till they came to Zhu Jun, who received them well and accepted their aid in attacking Zhang Bao. At this time Cao Cao had joined himself to Huangfu Song and they were trying to destroy Zhang Liang and there was a great battle at Quyang. At the same time Zhang Bao was attacked. The rebel had led his men to a strong position in the rear of the hills. An attack being decided upon Xuande was xianfeng, or leader of the van. On the rebel side a subordinate leader, Gao Sheng, came out to offer battle. Zhang Fei was sent to smite him.

於是三人連夜引軍來投朱儁。儁待之甚厚，合兵一處，進討張寶。是時曹操自跟皇甫嵩討張梁，大戰於曲陽。這裏朱儁進攻張寶。張寶引賊衆八九萬，屯于山後。儁令玄德爲其先鋒，與賊對敵。張寶遣副將高升出馬搦戰，玄德使張飛擊之。

Out rode Fei at full speed, his spear ready set. After a few bouts he wounded Gao, who was unhorsed. At this the main army had the signal to advance. Then Zhang Bao, while still mounted, loosened his hair, grasped his sword and uttered his incantations. Thereupon began the wind to howl and the thunder to roll, while a dense black cloud from the heavens settled upon the field. And therein seemed to be horse and footmen innumerable, who swept to attack the imperial troops. Fear came upon them and Xuande led off his men, but they were in disorder and returned defeated. Zhu Jun and Xuande considered the matter.

飛縱馬挺矛，與升交戰，不數合，刺升落馬。玄德麾軍直衝過去。張寶就馬上披髮仗劍，作起妖法。只見風雷大作，一股黑氣從天而降，黑氣中似有無限人馬殺來。玄德連忙回軍，軍中大亂。敗陣而歸，與朱儁計議。

“He uses magic,” said Jun. “To-morrow, then, will I prepare counter magic in the shape of the blood of slaughtered swine and goats and dogs. This blood shall be sprinkled upon their hosts from the precipices above by men whom they see not. Thus shall we be able to break the power of their black art.” So it was done. The two younger brothers took each a company of men and hid them on the high cliffs behind the hills, and they had a plentiful supply of the blood of swine and goats and dogs and all manner of filthy things. And so next day, when the rebels with fluttering banners and rolling drums came out to challenge, Xuande rode forth to meet them.

儁曰：“彼用妖術，我來日可宰豬羊狗血，令軍士伏于山頭；候賊趕來，從高坡上潑之，其法可解。”玄德聽令，撥關公、張飛各引軍一千，伏于山後高岡之上，盛豬羊狗血並穢物準備。次日，張寶搖旗擂鼓，引軍搦戰，玄德出迎。

At the same moment that the armies met, again Zhang Bao began his magic and again the elements began to struggle together. Sand flew in clouds, pebbles were swept along the ground, black masses of vapour filled the sky and rolling masses of foot and horse descended from on high. Xuande turned, as before, to flee and the rebels rushed on. But as they pressed through the hills the trumpets blared and the hidden soldiers exploded bombs, threw down filth and spattered blood. The masses of men and horses in the air fluttered to the earth as fragments of torn paper, the wind ceased to blow, the thunder subsided, the sand sank and the pebbles lay still upon the ground.

交鋒之際，張寶作法，風雷大作，飛砂走石，黑氣漫天，滾滾人馬，自天而下。玄德撥馬便走，張寶驅兵趕來。將過山頭，關、張伏軍放起號炮，穢物齊潑。但見空中紙人草馬，紛紛墜地；風雷頓息，砂石不飛。

Zhang Bao quickly saw his magic had been countered and turned to retire. Then he was attacked on the flanks by the two younger brothers, and in rear by Xuande and Zhu Jun. The rebels were routed. Xuande, seeing from afar the banner of the “Duke of Earth,” galloped toward it but only succeeded in wounding the “Duke” with an arrow in the left arm. Wounded though he was, he got away into Yangcheng, where he fortified himself and was besieged by Zhu Jun.

張寶見解了法，急欲退軍。左關公，右張飛，兩軍都出，背後玄德、朱儁一齊趕上，賊兵大敗。玄德望見“地公將軍”旗號，飛馬趕來，張寶落荒而走。玄德發箭，中其左臂。張寶帶箭逃脫，走入陽城，堅守不出。

Scouts, sent out to get news of Huangfu, reported that he had been very successful and Dong Zhuo had suffered many reverses. Therefore the Court had put Huangfu in the latter’s place. Zhang Jue had died before his arrival. Zhang Liang had added his brother’s army to his own but no headway could be made against Huangfu, whose army gained seven successive victories. And Zhang Liang had been slain at Quyang. Beside this Zhang Jue’s coffin had been exhumed, the corpse beheaded and the head, after exposure, had been sent to the capital.

朱儁引兵圍住陽城攻打，一面差人打探皇甫嵩消息。探子回報，具說：“皇甫嵩大獲勝捷，朝廷以董卓屢敗，命嵩代之。嵩到時，張角已死；張梁統其衆，與我軍相拒，被皇甫嵩連勝七陣，斬張梁於曲陽。發張角之棺，戮屍梟首，送往京師。

The common crowd had surrendered. For these services Huangfu had been promoted and now ruled in Jizhou. He had not forgotten his friends. His first act after he had attained to power was to memorialise concerning the case of Lu Zhi, who was then restored to his former rank. Cao Cao also had received advancement for his services and was preparing to go south to his new post. Hearing these things Huangfu Song pressed harder yet upon Yangcheng and the approaching break-up of the rebellion became evident. Then one of Zhang Bao’s officers killed his leader and brought his head in token of submission.

餘衆俱降。朝廷加皇甫嵩爲車騎將軍，領冀州牧。皇甫嵩又表奏盧植有功無罪，朝廷復盧植原官。曹操亦以有功，除濟南相，即日將班師赴任。”朱儁聽說，催促軍馬，悉力攻打陽城。賊勢危急，賊將嚴政刺殺張寶，獻首投降。

Thus rebellion in that part of the country was stamped out and Zhu Jun made his report to the government. However, the embers still smouldered. Three of the rebels Zhao Hong, Han Zhong and Sun Zhong, began to murder and rob and burn, calling themselves the avengers of Zhang Jue. The successful Zhu Jun was commanded to lead his veteran and successful troops to destroy them. He at once marched toward Wancheng, which the rebels were attacking. When Zhu arrived Han Zhong was sent to oppose him. Zhu Jun sent the three brothers, our heroes, to attack the south west angle of the city.

朱儁遂平數郡，上表獻捷。時又黃巾餘黨三人：趙弘、韓忠、孫仲，聚衆數萬，望風燒劫，稱與張角報仇。朝廷命朱儁即以得勝之師討之。儁奉詔，率軍前進。時賊據宛城，儁引兵攻之，趙弘遣韓忠出戰。儁遣玄德、關、張攻城西南角。

Han Zhong at once led the best of his men to beat them off. Meanwhile Zhu Jun himself led two companies of armoured horsemen to attack the opposite corner. The rebels, thinking the city lost, abandoned the south west and turned back. The three brothers pressed hotly in their rear and they were utterly routed. They took refuge in the city which was then invested. When famine pressed upon the besieged they sent a messenger to offer to surrender but the offer was refused. Said Xuande, “Seeing that the founder of the Han Dynasty could welcome the submissive and receive the favourable why reject these?”

韓忠盡率精銳之衆，來西南角抵敵。朱儁自縱鐵騎二千，徑取東北角。賊恐失城，急棄西南面回。玄德從背後掩殺，賊衆大敗，奔入宛城。朱儁分兵四面圍定。城中斷糧，韓忠使人出城投降。儁不許。玄德曰：“昔高祖之得天下，蓋爲能招降納順；公何拒韓忠耶？”

“The conditions are different,” replied Zhu Jun. “In those days disorder was universal and the people had no fixed lord. Wherefore submission was welcomed and support rewarded to encourage people to come over. Now the Empire is united and the Yellow Turbans are the only malcontents. To receive their surrender is not to encourage the good. To allow brigands, when successful, to give way to every licence, and to let them surrender when they fail is to encourage brigandage. Your plan is not a good one.” Xuande replied, “Not to let brigands surrender is well.

儁曰：“彼一時，此一時也。昔秦項之際，天下大亂，民無定主，故招降賞附，以勸來耳。今海內一統，惟黃巾造反；若容其降，無以勸善。使賊得利恣意劫掠，失利便投降：此長寇之志，非良策也。”玄德曰：“不容寇降是矣。

But the city is surrounded as by an iron barrel. If the rebels’ request be refused they will be desperate and fight to the death and a myriad such men cannot be withstood. In the city there are many times that number, all doomed to death. Let us withdraw from one corner and only attack the opposite. They will all assuredly flee and have no desire to fight. We shall take them.” Zhu Jun saw that the advice was good and followed it. As predicted the rebels ran out, led by Han Zhong.

今四面圍如鐵桶，賊乞降不得，必然死戰。萬人一心，尚不可當，況城中有數萬死命之人乎？不若撤去東南，獨攻西北。賊必棄城而走，無心戀戰，可即擒也。”儁然之，隨撤東南二面軍馬，一齊攻打西北。韓忠果引軍棄城而奔。

The besiegers fell upon them as they fled and their leader was slain. They scattered in all directions. But the other two rebels came with large reinforcements, and as they appeared very strong, the government soldiers retired and the new body of rebels entered Wancheng. Zhu Jun encamped ten li from the city and prepared to attack. Just then there arrived a body of horse and foot from the east. They were led by one Sun Jian. Sun Jian had a broad open face, was lithe and yet powerfully built. He was a native of Wu, a descendant of Sun Wu. His minor name was Wentai.

儁與玄德、關、張率三軍掩殺，射死韓忠，餘皆四散奔走。正追趕間，趙弘、孫仲引賊衆到，與儁交戰。儁見弘勢大，引軍暫退。弘乘勢復奪宛城。儁離十里下寨。方欲攻打，忽見正東一彪人馬到來。爲首一將，生得廣額闊面，虎體熊腰；吳郡富春人也，姓孫，名堅，字文臺，乃孫武子之後。

When he was seventeen he was with his father on the Qiantang River and saw a party of pirates, who had been plundering a merchant, dividing their booty on the river bank. “We can capture these,” said he to his father. So, gripping his sword, he ran boldly up the bank and cried out to this side and that as if he was calling his men to come on. This made the pirates believe the soldiers were on them and they fled, leaving their booty behind them. He actually killed one of the pirates. In this way be became known and was recommended for official rank.

年十七歲時，與父至錢塘，見海賊十餘人，劫取商人財物，於岸上分贓。堅謂父曰：“此賊可擒也。”遂奮力提刀上岸，揚聲大叫，東西指揮，如喚人狀。賊以爲官兵至，盡棄財物奔走。堅趕上，殺一賊。由是郡縣知名，薦爲校尉。

Then, in collaboration with the local officials, he raised a band and helped to quell the rebellion of one Xu Chang, who called himself the Yangming Emperor. The rebel’s son was also slain. For this he was commended in a memorial to the throne and received further promotion. When the Yellow Turban rebellion began he gathered together the young men of his village, some of the merchant class, got a company and a half of veteran soldiers and took the field. Now he had reached the fighting area.

後會稽妖賊許昌造反，自稱“陽明皇帝”，聚衆數萬；堅與郡司馬招募勇士千餘人，會合州郡破之，斬許昌並其子許韶。刺史臧旻上表奏其功，除堅爲鹽瀆丞，又除盱眙丞、下邳丞。今見黃巾寇起，聚集鄉中少年及諸商旅，並淮泗精兵一千五百餘人，前來接應。

Zhu Jun welcomed him gladly and ordered him to attack the south gate. Other gates were simultaneously attacked, but the east gate was left free to give the rebels a chance of exit. Sun Jian was the first to mount the wall and cut down a score of men with his own hand. The rebels ran, but Zhao Hong their leader, rode directly at Sun Jian with his spear ready to thrust. Sun Jian leaped down from the wall, snatched away the spear and with it knocked the rebel from his horse. Then mounting the horse he rode hither and thither, slaying as he went. The rebels fled north. Meeting Xuande they declined to fight and scattered.

朱儁大喜，便令堅攻打南門，玄德打北門，朱儁打西門，留東門與賊走。孫堅首先登城，斬賊二十餘人，賊衆奔潰。趙弘飛馬突槊，直取孫堅。堅從城上飛身奪弘槊，刺弘下馬；卻騎弘馬，飛身往來殺賊。孫仲引賊突出北門，正迎玄德，無心戀戰，只待奔逃。

But Xuande drew his bow, fitted an arrow and wounded their leader Sun Zhong, who fell to the ground. The main army came up, and after tremendous slaughter, the others surrendered. Thus was peace brought to the country about Nanyang. Zhu Jun led his army to the capital, was promoted to a General of Cavalry and received the governorship of Henan. He did not forget those who had helped him to win victory. Sun Jian, having influential friends to support him, quickly got an appointment and went to it. But Xuande, in spite of Zhu Jun’s memorial, waited in vain for preferment and the three brothers became very sad.

玄德張弓一箭，正中孫仲，翻身落馬。朱儁大軍隨後掩殺，斬首數萬級，降者不可勝計。南陽一路，十數郡皆平。儁班師回京，詔封爲車騎將軍，河南尹。儁表奏孫堅、劉備等功。堅有人情，除別郡司馬上任去了。惟玄德聽候日久，不得除授，三人鬱鬱不樂，上街閒行，正值郎中張鈞車到。

Walking along one day Xuande met a Court official, Zhang Jun by name, to whom he related his services and told his sorrows. Zhang was much surprised at this neglect and one day at Court spoke to the Emperor about it. Said he, “The Yellow Turbans rebelled because the eunuchs sold offices and bartered ranks. There was employment only for their friends, punishment only for their enemies. This led to rebellion. Wherefore it would be well to slay the eunuchs and expose their heads and proclaim what had been done throughout the whole empire. Then reward the worthy. Thereby the land would be wholly tranquil.” But the eunuchs fiercely opposed this and said the memorialist was insulting the Emperor and they bade the guard thrust him without.

玄德見之，自陳功績。鈞大驚，隨入朝見帝曰：“昔黃巾造反，其原皆由十常侍賣官鬻爵，非親不用，非仇不誅，以致天下大亂。今宜斬十常侍，懸首南郊，遣使者佈告天下，有功者重加賞賜，則四海自清平也。”十常侍奏帝曰：“張鈞欺主。”

However, the eunuchs took counsel together and one said, “Surely some one who rendered some service against rebels resents being passed over.” So they caused a list of unimportant people to be prepared for preferment by and by. Among them was Xuande, who received the post of magistrate of the Anxi district, to which he proceeded without delay after disbanding his men and sending them home to their villages. He retained a score or so as escort.

帝令武士逐出張鈞。十常侍共議：“此必破黃巾有功者，不得除授，故生怨言。權且教省家銓注微名，待後卻再理會未晚。”因此玄德除授定州中山府安喜縣尉，剋日赴任。

The three brothers reached Anxi, and soon the administration of the district was so reformed and the rule so wise that in a month there was no law-breaking. The three brothers lived in perfect harmony, eating at the same table and sleeping on the same couch. But when Xuande was in the company of others, the two younger brothers would stand in attendance, were it even a whole day. Four months after their arrival there came out a general order for the reduction of the number of military officers holding civil posts, and Xuande began to fear that he would be among those thrown out.

玄德將兵散回鄉裏，止帶親隨二十餘人，與關、張來安喜縣中到任。署縣事一月，與民秋毫無犯，民皆感化。到任之後，與關、張食則同桌，寢則同牀。如玄德在稠人廣坐，關、張侍立，終日不倦。到縣未及四月，朝廷降詔，凡有軍功爲長吏者當沙汰。

In due course the inspecting official arrived and was met at the boundary, but to the polite obeisance of Xuande he made no return, save a wave of his whip as he sat on his horse. This made the younger brothers furious; but worse was to follow. When the inspector had arrived at his lodging, he took his seat on the daïs leaving Xuande standing below. After a long time he addressed him. “Magistrate Liu, what was your origin?” Liu Bei replied, “I am descended from Prince Jing. Since my first fight with the Yellow Turban rebels at Zhuojun I have been in some score of battles, wherein I gained some trifling merit. My reward was this office.”

玄德疑在遣中。適督郵行部至縣，玄德出郭迎接，見督郵施禮。督郵坐於馬上，惟微以鞭指回答。關、張二公俱怒。及到館驛，督郵南面高坐，玄德侍立階下。良久，督郵問曰：“劉縣尉是何出身？”玄德曰：“備乃中山靖王之後；自涿郡剿戮黃巾，大小三十餘戰，頗有微功，因得除今職。”

“You lie about your descent and your statement of services is false,” roared the inspector. “Now the Court has ordered the reduction of your sort of low class officials.” Xuande muttered to himself and withdrew. On his return to the magistracy he took council with his secretaries. “This pompous attitude only means he wants a bribe,” said they. “I have never wronged the people to the value of a single stalk of stubble; then where is a bribe to come from?” Next day the inspector had the minor officials before him and forced them to bear witness that their master had oppressed the people. Xuande time after time went to rebut this charge, but the doorkeepers drove him away and he could not enter.

督郵大喝曰：“汝詐稱皇親，虛報功績！目今朝廷降詔，正要沙汰這等濫官污吏！”玄德喏喏連聲而退。歸到縣中，與縣吏商議。吏曰：“督郵作威，無非要賄賂耳。”玄德曰：“我與民秋毫無犯，那得財物與他？”次日，督郵先提縣吏去，勒令指稱縣尉害民。玄德幾番自往求免，俱被門役阻住，不肯放參。

Now Zhang Fei had been all day drowning his sorrow in wine and had drunk far too much. Calling for his horse he rode out past the lodging of the inspector, and at the gate saw a small crowd of white-haired men weeping bitterly. He asked why. They said, “The inspector has compelled the underlings to bear false witness against our magistrate, with the desire to injure the noble Liu. We came to beg mercy for him, but are not permitted to enter. Moreover, we have been beaten by the doorkeepers.” This provoked the irascible and half intoxicated man to fury. His eyes opened till they became circles; he ground his teeth; in a moment he was off his steed, had forced his way past the scared doorkeepers into the building and was in the rear apartments. There he saw the inspector sitting on high with the official underlings in bonds at his feet.

卻說張飛飲了數杯悶酒，乘馬從館驛前過，見五六十個老人，皆在門前痛哭。飛問其故，衆老人答曰：“督郵逼勒縣吏，欲害劉公；我等皆來苦告，不得放入，反遭把門人趕打！”張飛大怒，睜圓環眼，咬碎鋼牙，滾鞍下馬，徑入館驛，把門人那裏阻擋得住，直奔後堂，見督郵正坐廳上，將縣吏綁倒在地。

“Oppressor of the people, robber!” cried Fei, “do you know me?” But before he could reply Fei had him by the hair and had dragged him down. Another moment he was outside and firmly lashed to the hitching post in front of the building. Then breaking off a switch from a willow tree Fei gave his victim a severe thrashing, only staying his hand when the switch was too short to strike with. Xuande was sitting alone, communing with his sorrow, when he heard a shouting before his door. He asked what was the matter. They told him General Zhang had bound somebody to a post and was thrashing him.

飛大喝：“害民賊！認得我麼？”督郵未及開言，早被張飛揪住頭髮，扯出館驛，直到縣前馬樁上縛住；攀下柳條，去督郵兩腿上着力鞭打，一連打折柳條十數枝。玄德正納悶間，聽得縣前喧鬧，問左右，答曰：“張將軍綁一人在縣前痛打。”

Hastily going outside he saw who the unhappy victim was and asked the reason. “If we do not beat this sort of wretch to death what may we expect?” said Fei. “Noble Sir, save me,” cried the victim. Now Xuande had always been kindly and gracious, wherefore he bade his brother release the officer and go his way. Then Guan Yu came up saying, “Brother, after your magnificent services you only got this petty post and even here you have been insulted by this fellow.

玄德忙去觀之，見綁縛者乃督郵也。玄德驚問其故。飛曰：“此等害民賊，不打死等甚！”督郵告曰：“玄德公救我性命！”玄德終是仁慈的人，急喝張飛住手。傍邊轉過關公來，曰：“兄長建許多大功，僅得縣尉，今反被督郵侮辱。

A thorn bush is no place for a phoenix. Let us slay this fellow, leave here and go home till we can evolve a bigger scheme.” Xuande contented himself with hanging the official seal about the inspector’s neck saying, “If I hear that you injure the people I will assuredly kill you. I now spare your life and I return to you the seal. We are going.” The inspector went to the Prefect and complained, and orders were issued for the arrest of the brothers,

吾思枳棘叢中，非棲鸞鳳之所；不如殺督郵，棄官歸鄉，別圖遠大之計。”玄德乃取印綬，掛於督郵之頸，責之曰：據汝害民，本當殺卻；今姑饒汝命。吾繳還印綬，從此去矣。”督郵歸告定州太守，太守申文省府，差人捕捉。

but they got away to Daizhou and sought refuge with Liu Hui, who sheltered them because of Liu Bei’s noble birth. But nothing will be here related of this.

玄德、關、張三人往代州投劉恢。恢見玄德乃漢室宗親，留匿在家不題。

By this time the Ten Eunuchs had everything in their hands and they put to death all who did not stand in with them. From every officer who had helped to put down the rebels they demanded presents, and if these were not forthcoming he was removed from office. Huangfu and Zhu both fell victims to these intrigues, while on the other hand the eunuchs received the highest honours. Thirteen of them were ennobled.

卻說十常侍既握重權，互相商議：但有不從己者，誅之。趙忠、張讓差人問破黃巾將士索金帛，不從者奏罷職。皇甫嵩、朱儁皆不肯與，趙忠等俱奏罷其官。帝又封趙忠等爲車騎將軍，張讓等十三人皆封列侯。

The government grew worse and worse and every one was irritated. Rebellion broke out in Changsha led by one Ou Xing, and in other places. Memorials were sent up in number as snow flakes in winter, but the eunuchs suppressed them all.

朝政愈壞，人民嗟怨。於是長沙賊區星作亂；漁陽張舉、張純反：舉稱天子，純稱大將軍。表章雪片告急，十常侍皆藏匿不奏。

One day the Emperor was at a feast in one of the gardens with the eunuchs when a certain high minister Liu Tao suddenly appeared showing very great distress. The Emperor asked what was the matter. “Sire, how can you be feasting with these when the Empire is at the last gasp?” said Liu Tao. “All is well,” said the Emperor, “Where is anything wrong?” Said Tao, “Robbers swarm on all sides and plunder the cities. And all is the fault of the Ten Eunuchs who sell offices and injure the people, oppress the prince and deceive their superiors.

一日，帝在後園與十常侍飲宴，諫議大夫劉陶，徑到帝前大慟。帝問其故。陶曰：“天下危在旦夕，陛下尚自與閹宦共飲耶！”帝曰：“國家承平，有何危急？”陶曰：“四方盜賊並起，侵掠州郡。其禍皆由十常侍賣官害民，欺君罔上。

All virtuous men have left the services and misfortune is before our very eyes.” At this the eunuchs pulled off their hats and threw themselves at their master’s feet. “His Excellency disapproves of us,” they said, “and we are in danger. We pray that our lives be spared and we may go to our homes. Lo! we yield our property to help defray military expenses.” And they wept bitterly. The Emperor turned angrily to the minister, saying, “You also have servants; why can you not bear with mine?” And thereupon he called to the guards to eject Tao and put him to death. Liu Tao cried aloud, “My death matters nothing. The pity is that the Hans, after four centuries of reign, are falling fast.”

朝廷正人皆去，禍在目前矣！”十常侍皆免冠跪伏於帝前曰：“大臣不相容，臣等不能活矣！願乞性命歸田里，盡將家產以助軍資。”言罷痛哭。帝怒謂陶曰：“汝家亦有近侍之人，何獨不容朕耶？”呼武士推出斬之。劉陶大呼：“臣死不惜！可憐漢室天下，四百餘年，到此一旦休矣！”

The guards hustled him away and were just about to carry cut their orders when another minister stopped them, saying, “Strike not! Wait till I have spoken with His Majesty.” It was the Situ, Chen Dan. He went in to the Emperor, to whom he said, “For what fault is Liu the Censor to be put to death?” “He has vilified my servants; and has insulted me,” said the Emperor. “All the Empire would eat the flesh of the eunuchs if they could, and yet, Sire, you respect them as if they were your parents. They have no merit, but they are created nobles. Moreover, Feng Xu was in league with the late rebels. Unless Your Majesty looks to it the State will fall.”

武士擁陶出，方欲行刑，一大臣喝住曰：“勿得下手，待我諫去。”衆視之，乃司徒陳耽，徑入宮中來諫帝曰：“劉諫議得何罪而受誅？”帝曰：“毀謗近臣，冒瀆朕躬。”耽曰：“天下人民，欲食十常侍之肉，陛下敬之如父母，身無寸功，皆封列侯；況封諝等結連黃巾，欲爲內亂：陛下今不自省，社稷立見崩摧矣！”

“There was no proof against Feng,” replied the Emperor. “Are there none faithful among the eunuchs?” The minister beat his forehead on the steps of the throne and did not desist from remonstrance. Then the Emperor grew angry and commanded his removal and imprisonment with Liu Tao. That night he was murdered. Then a forged edict went forth making Sun Jian Prefect of Changsha, with orders to suppress the rebellion, and in less than two months he reported the district all tranquil. For this he was created Marquis of Wucheng.

帝曰：“封諝作亂，其事不明。十常侍中，豈無一二忠臣？”陳耽以頭撞階而諫。帝怒，命牽出，與劉陶皆下獄。是夜，十常侍即於獄中謀殺之；假帝詔以孫堅爲長沙太守，討區星，不五十日，報捷，江夏平，詔封堅爲烏程侯。

Further Liu Yu was made magistrate of Youzhou to move against Yuyang and suppress Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun. The Prefect of Daizhou recommended Xuande to Liu Yu, who welcomed him and gave him rank and sent him against the rebels. He fought with and worsted them, and entirely broke their spirit. Zhang Chun was cruel and his men turned against him. One of his officers then slew him and brought in his head, after which the others submitted. The other leader Zhang Ju saw that all was lost and committed suicide.

封劉虞爲幽州牧，領兵往漁陽徵張舉、張純。代州劉恢以書薦玄德見虞。虞大喜，令玄德爲都尉，引兵直抵賊巢，與賊大戰數日，挫動銳氣。張純專一兇暴，士卒心變，帳下頭目刺殺張純，將頭納獻，率衆來降。張舉見勢敗，亦自縊死。

Yuyang being now tranquil Liu Bei’s services were reported to the throne and he received full pardon for the insult to the inspector. He also became an official in Xiami. Then Gongsun Zan stated his previous good services and he was made Biebu Sima and sent to Pingyuan. This place was very prosperous and Xuande recovered something of his old manner before the days of adversity. Liu Yu also received preferment. In the summer of the year A.D. 189 the Emperor became seriously ill and summoned He Jin into the palace to arrange for the future.

漁陽盡平。劉虞表奏劉備大功，朝廷赦免鞭督郵之罪，除下密丞，遷高堂尉。公孫瓚又表陳玄德前功，薦爲別部司馬，守平原縣令。玄德在平原，頗有錢糧軍馬，重整舊日氣象。劉虞平寇有功，封太尉。中平六年夏四月，靈帝病篤，召大將軍何進入宮，商議後事。

This man He had sprung from a humble family of butchers, but a sister had become a concubine of rank and borne a son to the Emperor, named Bian. After this she became Huanghou or Empress and He Jin became powerful. The Emperor had also greatly loved a beautiful girl named Meiren who had borne him a son named Xie. The Empress He had poisoned the girl from jealousy, and the babe had been given into the care of the Empress Dowager Dong, who was the mother of the Emperor Ling. She was the wife of Liu Chang, the Marquis of Xiedu. As time went on and the Emperor Huan had no son of his own he adopted the son of the marquis, who succeeded as the Emperor Ling.

那何進起身屠家；因妹入宮爲貴人，生皇子辯，遂立爲皇后。進由是得權重任。帝又寵幸王美人，生皇子協。何後嫉妒，鴆殺王美人。皇子協養於董太后宮中。董太后乃靈帝之母，解瀆亭侯劉萇之妻也。初因桓帝無子，迎立解瀆亭侯之子，是爲靈帝。

After his accession he had taken his own mother into the palace to live and had conferred upon her the title of Taihou, or Empress Dowager. The Dowager Empress had always tried to persuade her son to name Xie as the Heir Apparent, and in fact the Emperor greatly loved the boy and was disposed to do as his mother desired. When he fell ill one of the eunuchs said, “If Xie is to succeed, He Jin must be killed.” The Emperor saw this too and commanded He Jin to come to him. But at the very gates of the palace He had been warned of his danger and had secreted himself.

靈帝入繼大統，遂迎養母氏於宮中，尊爲太后。董太后嘗勸帝立皇子協爲太子。帝亦偏愛協，欲立之。當時病篤，中常侍蹇碩奏曰：“若欲立協，必先誅何進，以絕後患。”帝然其說，因宣進入宮。進至宮門，司馬潘隱謂進曰：“不可入宮。

He had then called many of the ministers to his side and they met to consider how to put the eunuchs to death. At this assembly Cao Cao had spoken saying, “The influence of the eunuchs dates back half a century and has spread like a noxious weed in all directions. How can we hope to destroy it? Above all keep this plot secret or you will be exterminated.” He Jin was very angry at this speech and cried, “What do inferiors like you know of the ways of government?”

蹇碩欲謀殺公。”進大驚，急歸私宅，召諸大臣，欲盡誅宦官。座上一人挺身出曰：“宦官之勢，起自衝、質之時；朝廷滋蔓極廣，安能盡誅？倘機不密，必有滅族之禍：請細詳之。”進視之，乃典軍校尉曹操也。進叱曰：“汝小輩安知朝廷大事！”

And in the midst of the confusion a messenger came to say the Emperor was no more. He also told them the eunuchs had decided to keep the death a secret and forge a command to He, the ‘State Uncle,’ to come into the palace to settle the succession. Meanwhile to prevent trouble they had inscribed the name of Xie on the roll. And as he finished speaking the edict arrived. “The matter for the moment is to set up the rightful heir,” said Cao Cao. “The other affair can wait.” “Who dares to join me?” asked He Jin.

正躊躇間，潘隱至，言：“帝已崩。今蹇碩與十常侍商議，祕不發喪，矯詔宣何國舅入宮，欲絕後患，冊立皇子協爲帝。”說未了，使命至，宣進速入，以定後事。操曰：“今日之計，先宜正君位，然後圖賊。”進曰：“誰敢與吾正君討賊？”

At once one stood forward saying, “Give me five companies of veterans and we will break into the palace, set up the true heir, slay the eunuchs and sweep clean the government. Then will follow peace.” The energetic speaker was Yuan Shao, who then held the rank of Colonel. He Jin mustered five companies of the guards. Shao put on complete armour and took command. He Jin, supported by a large number of ministers, went into the palace and in the hall where lay the coffin of the late Emperor they placed Bian on the throne.

一人挺身出曰：“願借精兵五千，斬關入內，冊立新君，盡誅閹豎，掃清朝廷，以安天下！”進視之，乃司徒袁逢之子，袁隗之侄：名紹，字本初，現爲司隸校尉。何進大喜，遂點御林軍五千。紹全身披掛。何進引何顒、荀攸、鄭泰等大臣三十餘員，相繼而入，就靈帝柩前，扶立太子辯即皇帝位。

After the ceremony was over and all had bowed before the new Ruler, Yuan Shao went in to arrest the eunuch Jian Shuo. Shuo in terror fled into the palace garden and hid among the shrubs, where he was discovered and murdered by another eunuch. The guards under his command went over to the other side. Shao thought the moment most opportune to slay all the eunuchs and it had been well if his advice had been taken. But the eunuchs scented the danger and went to the Empress Dowager He. They said, “The originator of the plan to injure your brother was Jian Shuo; only he was concerned and no other.

百官呼拜已畢，袁紹入宮收蹇碩。碩慌走入御園，花陰下爲中常侍郭勝所殺。碩所領禁軍，盡皆投順。紹謂何進曰：“中官結黨。今日可乘勢盡誅之。”張讓等知事急，慌入告何後曰：“始初設謀陷害大將軍者，止賽碩一人，並不幹臣等事。

Now General He, on his lieutenant’s advice, wishes to slay every one of us. We implore thy pity, O Grandmother.” “Fear not,” said she, “I will protect you.” She sent for her brother, and said, “I and you are of lowly origin and we owe our good fortune to the eunuchs. The misguided Jian Shuo is now dead and need you really put all the others to death as Yuan Shao advises?”

今大將軍聽袁紹之言，欲盡誅臣等，乞娘娘憐憫！”何太后曰：“汝等勿憂，我當保汝。”傳旨宣何進入。太后密謂曰：“我與汝出身寒微，非張讓等，焉能享此富貴？今蹇碩不仁，既已伏誅，汝何聽信人言，欲盡誅宦官耶？”

And He Jin obeyed her wish. He explained to his party that the real offender having met his fate they need not exterminate the whole party nor injure his colleagues. “Slay them, root and branch,” cried Shao, “or they will ruin you.” “I have decided;” said He, coldly, “say no more.” Within a few days He became a President of a Board and his friends received offices. Empress Dong summoned the eunuch Zhang Rang and his party to a council. Said she, “It was I who first brought forward the sister of He Jin.

何進聽罷，出謂衆官曰：“蹇碩設謀害我，可族滅其家。其餘不必妄加殘害。”袁紹曰：“若不斬草除根，必爲喪身之本。”進曰：“吾意已決，汝勿多言。”衆官皆退。次日，太后命何進參錄尚書事，其餘皆封官職。董太后宣張讓等入宮商議曰：“何進之妹，始初我抬舉他。

To-day her son is on the throne and all the officials are her friends and her influence is enormous. What can we do?” Rang replied, “Madam should administer the state from ‘behind the veil’; create the Emperor’s son Xie a prince; give ‘Uncle’ Dong high rank and place him over the army and use us. That will do it.” Empress Dong approved. Next day she held a court and issued an edict in the sense proposed.

今日他孩兒即皇帝位，內外臣僚，皆其心腹：威權太重，我將如何？”讓奏曰：“娘娘可臨朝，垂簾聽政；封皇子協爲王；加國舅董重大官，掌握軍權；重用臣等：大事可圖矣。”董太后大喜。次日設朝，董太后降旨，封皇子協爲陳留王，董重爲驃騎將軍，張讓等共預朝政。

When Empress He saw this she prepared a banquet to which she invited her rival. In the middle of the feast, when all were well warmed with wine, she rose and offered a cup to her guest saying, “It is not fitting that we two women should meddle in state affairs. Of old when Lü Taihou laid hands upon the government all her clan were put to death. We ought to remain content, immured in our palaces, and leave state affairs to the statesmen. That would be well for the country and I trust you will act thus.”

何太后見董太后專權，於宮中設一宴，請董太后赴席。酒至半酣，何太后起身捧杯再拜曰：“我等皆婦人也，參預朝政，非其所宜。昔呂后因握重權，宗族千口皆被戮。今我等宜深居九重；朝廷大事，任大臣元老自行商議，此國家之幸也。

But the Empress Dong only got angry. “You poisoned the lady Meiren out of jealousy. Now, relying upon the fact that your son sits on the throne and that your brother is powerful, you speak these wild words. I will command that your brother be beheaded and that can be done as easily as I turn my hand.” Then Empress He in her turn waxed wroth and said, “I tried to persuade you with fair words; why get so angry?” “You low born daughter of a butcher, what do you know of offices?” cried her rival. And the quarrel waxed hot.
The eunuchs persuaded the ladies to retire.

願垂聽焉。”董後大怒曰：“汝鴆死王美人，設心嫉妒。今倚汝子爲君，與汝兄何進之勢，輒敢亂言！吾敕驃騎斷汝兄首，如反掌耳！”何後亦怒曰：“吾以好言相勸，何反怒耶？”董後曰：“汝家屠沽小輩，有何見識！”兩宮互相爭競，張讓等各勸歸宮。

But in the night Empress He summoned her brother into the palace and told him what had occurred. He went out and took counsel with the principal officers of state. Next morn a court was held and a memorial was presented saying that Empress Dong, being the consort of a “frontier” prince—only a collateral—could not properly occupy any part of the palace. She was to be removed into Hejian and was to depart immediately. And while they sent an escort to remove the lady a strong guard was placed about her brother’s dwelling.

何後連夜召何進入宮，告以前事。何進出，召三公共議。來早設朝，使廷臣奏董太后原系藩妃，不宜久居宮中，合仍遷於河間安置，限日下即出國門。一面遣人起送董後；一面點禁軍圍驃騎將軍董重府宅，追索印綬。

They took away his seal of office and he, knowing this was the end, committed suicide in his private apartments. His dependents, who wailed his death, were driven off by the guards. Two of the eunuchs having lost their patroness, sent large gifts to He Jin’s younger brother Miao and his mother, and thus got them to put in a good word to the Empress Dowager He so as to gain her protection. And so they gained favour once more at court.

董重知事急，自刎於後堂。家人舉哀，軍士方散。張讓、段珪見董後一枝已廢，遂皆以金珠玩好結構何進弟何苗並其母舞陽君，令早晚入何太后處，善言遮蔽：因此十常侍又得近幸。

A few months later the secret emissaries of He Jin murdered Empress Dong in her residence in the country. Her remains were brought to the capital and buried. He Jin feigned illness and did not attend the funeral. Yuan Shao went one day to see He Jin to tell him that two eunuchs, Zhang Rang and Duan Gui, were spreading the report outside that He Jin had caused the death of the late empress dowager and was aiming at the throne. He urged He to make this an excuse to put them finally out of the way. Shao pointed out how Dou Wu had missed his chance because the secret had not been kept and urged upon him the ease with which they could be destroyed under the then favourable conditions. It was a heaven-sent opportunity.

六月，何進暗使人鴆殺董後於河間驛庭，舉柩回京，葬於文陵。進託病不出。司隸校尉袁紹入見進曰：“張讓、段珪等流言於外，言公鴆殺董後，欲謀大事。乘此時不誅閹宦，後必爲大禍。昔竇武欲誅內豎，機謀不密，反受其殃。

But He Jin replied, “Let me think it over.” His servants secretly told the intended victims, who sent further gifts to the younger brother. Corrupted by these he went in to speak with his sister and said, “The General is the chief support of the new Emperor, yet he is not gracious and merciful but thinks wholly of slaughter. If he slay the eunuchs without cause, it may bring about revolution.”

今公兄弟部曲將吏，皆英俊之士；若使盡力，事在掌握。此天贊之時，不可失也。”進曰：“且容商議。”左右密報張讓，讓等轉告何苗，又多送賄賂。苗入奏何後雲：“大將軍輔佐新君，不行仁慈，專務殺伐。今無端又欲殺十常侍，此取亂之道也。”

Soon after her brother entered and told her of his design to put the eunuchs to death. She argued with him. She said that they looked after palace affairs and were old servants. To kill the old servants just after the death of their master would appear disrespectful to the Dynasty. And as He was of a vacillating mind he murmured assent and left her. “What about it?” said Shao on meeting him. “She will not consent; what can be done?”

後納其言。少頃，何進入白後，欲誅中涓。何後曰：“中官統領禁省，漢家故事。先帝新棄天下，爾欲誅殺舊臣，非重宗廟也。”進本是沒決斷之人，聽太后言，唯唯而出。袁紹迎問曰：“大事若何？”進曰：“太后不允，如之奈何？”

“Call up an army and slay them; it is imperative. Never mind her consent.” “That is an excellent plan,” said He. And he sent orders all round to march soldiers to the capital. But the Recorder, Chen Lin, said, “Nay; do not act blindly. The proverb says ‘To cover the eyes and snatch at swallows is to fool one’s self.’ If in so small a matter you cannot attain your wish, what of great affairs? Now by virtue of the imperial prestige and with the army under your hand you may do as you please. To use such enormous powers against the eunuchs would resemble lighting up a furnace to burn a hair.

紹曰：“可召四方英雄之士，勒兵來京，盡誅閹豎。此時事急，不容太后不從。”進曰：“此計大妙！”便發檄至各鎮，召赴京師。主薄陳琳曰：“不可！俗雲：掩目而捕燕雀，是自欺也，微物尚不可欺以得志，況國家大事乎？今將軍仗皇威，掌兵要，龍驤虎步，高下在心：若欲誅宦官，如鼓洪爐燎毛髮耳。

But act promptly; use your powers and smite at once and all the Empire will be with you. But to summon forces to the capital, to gather many bold men into one spot, each with his own schemes, is to turn one’s weapons against one’s own person, to place one’s self in the power of another. Nothing but failure can come of it, nothing but confusion.” “The view of a mere bookworm,” said He with a smile. Then one of those about him suddenly clapped his hands, crying, “It is as easy as turning over one’s hand! why so much talk?”

但當速發雷霆，行權立斷，則天人順之。卻反外檄大臣，臨犯京闕，英雄聚會，各懷一心：所謂倒持干戈，授人以柄，功必不成，反生亂矣。”何進笑曰：“此懦夫之見也！”傍邊一人鼓掌大笑曰：“此事易如反掌，何必多議！”

The speaker was Cao Cao.

視之，乃曹操也。

Wouldst thou withdraw wicked men from thy prince’s side
Then seek counsel of the wise men of the State.
What Cao Cao said will be disclosed in later chapters.

正是：欲除君側宵人亂，須聽朝中智士謀。
不知曹操說出甚話來，且聽下文分解。