Romance, Chapter 20

Chapter 20. Cao A-man Organises a Hunting Expedition: Dong, “State Uncle,” Receives a Command in the Palace

The last chapter said that Cao Cao was checked in his angry attack upon Zhang Liao. It was Liu Bei who held his arm and Guan Yunchang who knelt before him. “A man as generous-hearted as he is should be saved,” said Liu. Guan said, “I know him well as loyal and righteous. I will vouch for him with my own life.” Cao threw aside his sword. “I also know Wenyuan to be loyal and good; I was just testing him,” said he. He loosed the prisoner’s bonds with his own hands, had a change of dress brought in and clothed him therewith. Then he was led to a seat of honour. This kindly treatment sank deep into Zhang’s heart and he hastened to declare formally that he yielded.

話說曹操舉劍欲殺張遼，玄德攀住臂膊，雲長跪於面前。玄德曰，“此等赤心之人，正當留用。”雲長曰：“關某素知文遠忠義之士，願以性命保之。”操擲劍笑曰：“我亦知文遠忠義，故戲之耳。”乃親釋其縛，解衣衣之，延之上坐，遼感其意，遂降。

And then he was given a rank and the title of marquis. He was sent on a mission to win over Zang Ba, who hearing what had happened, came forthwith and gave in his submission. He was graciously received and his former colleagues also yielded, with the exception of Chang Xi, who remained obdurate. All these former enemies who came over were kindly treated and given posts of responsibility wherein they might prove the reality of their conversion.

操拜遼爲中郎將，賜爵關內侯，使招安臧霸。霸聞呂布已死，張遼已降，遂亦引本部軍投降。操厚賞之。臧霸又招安孫觀、吳敦、尹禮來降；獨昌豨未肯歸順。操封臧霸爲琅琊相。孫觀等亦各加官，令守青、徐沿海地面。

Lü Bu’s family were sent to the capital. After the soldiers had been rewarded with feastings the camp was broken up and the army moved away to Xudu. Passing through Xuzhou the people lined the roads and burned incense in honour of the victors. They also petitioned that Liu Bei should be their governor. Cao Cao replied, “Liu Shijun has rendered great services. You must wait till he has been received in audience and obtained his reward. After that he shall be sent here.” Che Zhou, a General of Cavalry, was given command of Xuzhou for the moment. After the army had arrived at the capital rewards were granted to all the officers who had been in the expedition. Liu Xuande was retained in the capital, lodging in an annexe to the Minister’s palace.

將呂布妻女載回許都。大犒三軍，拔寨班師。路過徐州，百姓焚香遮道，請留劉使君爲牧。操曰：“劉使君功大，且待面君封爵，回來未遲。”百姓叩謝。操喚車騎將軍車胄權領徐州。操軍回許昌，封賞出征人員，留玄德在相府左近宅院歇定。

Soon after a Court was held and Cao Cao represented the services of Xuande who was presented to the Emperor Xian. Dressed in Court robes he bowed at the lower end of the audience arena. The Emperor called him to the Hall and asked his ancestry. Liu Bei replied, “Thy servant is the son of Liu Hong, grandson of Liu Xiong, who was a direct descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, who was the descendant of His Majesty the Emperor Jing” The Emperor bade them bring forth the Books of the Genealogies and therefrom a secretary read: “The filial Emperor Jing begat fourteen sons.

次日，獻帝設朝，操表奏玄德軍功，引玄德見帝。玄德具朝服拜于丹墀。帝宣上殿，問曰：“卿祖何人？”玄德奏曰：“臣乃中山靖王之後，孝景皇帝閣下玄孫，劉雄之孫，劉弘之子也。”帝教取宗族世譜檢看，令宗正卿宣讀曰：“孝景皇帝生十四子。

The seventh was Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan. Sheng begat Zhen, Village Marquis of Lucheng; Zhen begat Ang, Marquis of Pei; Ang begat Lu, Marquis of Zhang; Lu begat Lian, Marquis of Yishui; Lian begat Ying, Marquis of Qinyang; Ying begat Jian, Marquis of Anguo; Jian begat Ai, Marquis of Guangling; Ai begat Xian, Marquis of Jiaoshui; Xian begat Shu, Marquis of Zuyi; Shu begat Yi, Marquis of Qiyang; Yi begat Bi, Marquis of Yuanze.

第七子乃中山靖王劉勝。勝生陸城亭侯劉貞。貞生沛侯劉昂。昂生漳侯劉祿。祿生沂水侯劉戀。戀生欽陽侯劉英。英生安國侯劉建。建生廣陵侯劉哀。哀生膠水侯劉憲。憲生祖邑侯劉舒。舒生祁陽侯劉誼。誼生原澤侯劉必。

Bi begat Da, Marquis of Yingchuan; Da begat Buyi, Marquis of Fengling; Buyi begat Hui, Marquis of Jichuan; Hui begat Xiong, Magistrate of Fan in Dong Commandery; Xiong begat Hong, who held no office or rank and Liu Bei is his son.” The Emperor compared this with the registers of the Imperial House and found by them that Liu Bei was his uncle by descent. He seemed greatly pleased and requested Liu Bei to go into one of the side chambers where he might perform the ceremonial obeisance prescribed for a nephew to his uncle. In his heart he rejoiced to have this heroic warrior-uncle as a powerful supporter against Cao Cao who really held all the power in his own hands. The Emperor knew himself to be a mere puppet.

必生潁川侯劉達。達生豐靈侯劉不疑。不疑生濟川侯劉惠。惠生東郡範令劉雄。雄生劉弘。弘不仕。劉備乃劉弘之子也。”帝排世譜，則玄德乃帝之叔也。帝大喜，請入偏殿敘叔侄之禮。帝暗思：“曹操弄權，國事都不由朕主，今得此英雄之叔，朕有助矣！”

He conferred upon his uncle, the rank of General of the Left and the title of Village Marquis of Yicheng. When the banquet was concluded Xuande thanked the Emperor and went out of the palace. And from this time he was very generally styled Liu, “Uncle of the Emperor.”

遂拜玄德爲左將軍、宜城亭侯。設宴款待畢，玄德謝恩出朝。自此人皆稱爲劉皇叔。

When Cao Cao returned to his palace Xun Yu and his fellow advisers went in to see him. Xun Yu said, “It is no advantage to you, Illustrious Sir, that the Emperor recognises Liu as an uncle.” “He may be recognised as uncle, but he is under my orders since I control the decrees of the throne. He will be all the more ready to obey. Beside I will keep him here under the pretence of having him near his sovereign and he will be entirely in my hands. I have nothing to fear. The man I fear is Yang Biao, who is a relative of the two Yuans. Should Yang conspire with them he is an enemy within and might do much harm.

曹操回府，荀彧等一班謀士入見曰：“天子認劉備爲叔，恐無益於明公。”操曰：“彼既認爲皇叔，吾以天子之詔令之，彼愈不敢不服矣。況吾留彼在許都，名雖近君，實在吾掌握之內，吾何懼哉？吾所慮者，太尉楊彪系袁術親戚，倘與二袁爲內應，爲害不淺。

He will have to be removed.” Hence Cao sent a secret emissary to say that Yang Biao was intriguing with Yuan Shu and on this charge Biao was arrested and imprisoned. And his death would have been compassed had his enemy dared. But just then the Prefect of Beihai, Kong Rong, was at the capital and he remonstrated with Cao Cao saying, “Yang comes from a family famed for virtue for at least four generations; you cannot trump up so foolish a charge as that against him.” “It is the will of the Court,” retorted Cao. “If Prince Cheng had put Duke Zhao to death, could Duke Zhou have pretended ignorance?” So Cao had to relinquish the attempt, but he took away Yang’s offices and banished him to his family estate in the country.

當即除之。”乃密使人誣告彪交通袁術，遂收彪下獄，命滿寵按治之。時北海太守孔融在許都，因諫操曰：“楊公四世清德，豈可因袁氏而罪之乎？”操曰：“此朝廷意也。”融曰：“使成王殺召公，周公可得言不知耶？”操不得已，乃免彪官，放歸田里。

A certain Zhao Yan, a minor official but an opponent of the Minister, sent up a memorial impeaching Cao for having removed a Minister of State from office without a decree. Cao’s reply to this was the arrest of Zhao and his execution, a bold stroke which terrified the bulk of officers and reduced them to silence. Cheng Yu advised Cao to assume a more definite position. He said, “Illustrious Sir, your prestige grows daily; why not seize the opportunity to take the position of Chief of the Feudatory Princes?” “There are still too many supporters of the Court,” was the reply. “I must be careful. I am going to propose a royal hunt to try to find out the best line to follow.”

議郎趙彥憤操專橫，上疏劾操不奉帝旨、擅收大臣之罪。操大怒，即收趙彥殺之。於是百官無不悚懼。謀士程昱說操曰：“今明公威名日盛，何不乘此時行王霸之事？”操曰：“朝廷股肱尚多，未可輕動。吾當請天子田獵，以觀動靜。”

This expedition being decided upon they got together fleet horses, famous falcons and pedigree hounds, and prepared bows and arrows in readiness. They mustered a strong force of guards outside the city. When the Minister proposed the hunting expedition the Emperor said he feared it was an improper thing to do. Cao replied, “In ancient times rulers made four expeditions yearly at each of the four seasons in order to show their strength. They were called Sou, Miao, Xian and Shou, in the order of the seasons. Now that the whole country is in confusion it would be wise to inaugurate a hunt in order to train the army. I am sure Your Majesty will approve.” So the Emperor with the full paraphernalia for an Imperial hunt joined the expedition. He rode a saddle horse, carried an inlaid bow, and his quiver was filled with gold-tipped arrows. His chariot followed behind.

於是揀選良馬、名鷹、俊犬、弓矢俱備，先聚兵城外，操入請天子田獵。帝曰：“田獵恐非正道。”操曰：“古之帝王，春搜夏苗，秋獮冬狩：四時出郊，以示武於天下。今四海擾攘之時，正當借田獵以講武。”帝不敢不從，隨即上逍遙馬，帶寶雕弓、金鈚箭，排鑾駕出城。

The three brothers were in the Imperial train, each with his bow and quiver. Each wore a breastplate under the outer robe and held his especial weapon, while their escort followed them. Cao Cao rode a dun horse called “Flying Lightning” and the army was ten legions strong. The hunt took place in Xutian and the legions spread out as guards round the hunting arena which extended over some two hundred square li. Cao Cao rode even with the Emperor, the horses’ heads alternating in the lead. The imperial suite immediately following were all in Cao’s confidence.

玄德與關、張各彎弓插箭，內穿掩心甲，手持兵器，引數十騎隨駕出許昌。曹操騎爪黃飛電馬，引十萬之衆，與天子獵於許田。軍士排開圍場，周廣二百餘里。操與天子並馬而行，只爭一馬頭。背後都是操之心腹將校。

The other officers, civil and military, lagged behind, for who dared press forward into the midst of Cao’s partizans? One day the Emperor was riding near Xutian and noticed his newly found uncle respectfully standing by the roadside. “I should like to see my uncle display his hunting skill,” said the Emperor. Liu Bei mounted his steed at once. Just then a hare started from its form; Xuande shot and hit it with the first arrow. The Emperor, much struck by this display, rode away over a slope. Suddenly a deer broke out of the thicket. He shot three arrows at it but all missed. “You try,” said the Emperor turning to Cao.

文武百官，遠遠侍從，誰敢近前。當日獻帝馳馬到許田，劉玄德起居道傍。帝曰：“朕今欲看皇叔射獵。”玄德領命上馬，忽草中趕起一兔。玄德射之，一箭正中那兔。帝喝采。轉過土坡，忽見荊棘中趕出一隻大鹿。帝連射三箭不中，顧謂操曰：“卿射之。”

“Lend me Your Majesty’s bow,” he replied, and taking the inlaid bow and the golden-barbed arrows he pulled the bow and hit the deer in the shoulder at the first shot. It fell in the grass and could not run. Now the crowd of officers seeing the golden-barbed arrow sticking in the wound concluded at once that the shot was the Emperor’s, so they rushed up and shouted “Wansui! O King, live for ever!” Cao Cao rode out pushing past the Emperor and acknowledged the congratulations. They all turned pale. What did this mean? Liu Bei’s brother Guan who was behind him was especially angry. The sleeping caterpillar eyebrows stood up fiercely and the red phoenix eyes glared as, sword in hand, he rode hastily forth to cut down the audacious Minister for his impertinence.

操就討天子寶雕弓、金鈚箭，扣滿一射，正中鹿背，倒於草中。羣臣將校，見了金鈚箭，只道天子射中，都踊躍向帝呼“萬歲”。曹操縱馬直出，遮於天子之前以迎受之。衆皆失色。玄德背後雲長大怒，剔起臥蠶眉，睜開丹鳳眼，提刀拍馬便出，要斬曹操。

However, his elder brother hastily waved him back and shot at him a meaning glance so that he stopped and made no further move. Xuande bowing toward Cao said, “Most sincere felicitations! A truly supernatural shot, such as few have achieved!” “It is only the enormous good fortune of the Son of Heaven!” said Cao with a smile. Then he turned his steed and felicitated the Emperor. But he did not return the bow; he hung it over his own shoulder instead. The hunt finished with banqueting and when the entertainments were over they returned to the capital, all glad of some repose after the expedition.

玄德見了，慌忙搖手送目。關公見兄如此，便不敢動。玄德欠身向操稱賀曰：“丞相神射，世所罕及！”操笑曰：“此天子洪福耳。”乃回馬向天子稱賀，竟不獻還寶雕弓，就自懸帶。圍場已罷，宴於許田。宴畢，駕回許都。衆人各自歸歇。

Guan Yu was still full of the Minister’s breach of decorum. One day he said, “Brother, why did you prevent me from killing that rebel and so ridding the world of a scoundrel? He insults the Emperor and ignores everybody else.” “When you throw stones at a rat, beware of the vase,” quoted Xuande. “Cao Cao was only a horse’s head away from Our Lord and in the midst of a crowd of his partizans. In that momentary burst of anger, if you had struck and failed, and harm had come to the Emperor, what an awful crime would have been laid to us!” “If we do not rid the world of him to-day, a worse evil will come of it,” said Guan.

雲長問玄德曰：“操賊欺君罔上，我欲殺之，爲國除害，兄何止我？”玄德曰：“投鼠忌器。操與帝相離只一馬頭，其心腹之人，周迴擁侍；吾弟若逞一時之怒，輕有舉動，倘事不成，有傷天子，罪反坐我等矣。”雲長曰：“今日不殺此賊，後必爲禍。”

“But be discreet, my brother. Such matters cannot be lightly discussed.” The Emperor sadly returned to his palace. With tears in his eyes he related what had occurred in the hunt to his consort the Empress Fu. “Alas for me!” said he. “From the first days of my accession one vicious minister has succeeded another. I was the victim of Dong Zhuo’s evil machinations; then followed the rebellion of Li Jue and Guo Si. You and I had to bear sorrows such as no others have borne. Then came this Cao Cao as one who would maintain the imperial dignity, but he has seized upon all real authority and does as he wishes. He works continually for his own glorification and I never see him but my back pricks.

玄德曰：“且宜祕之，不可輕言。”卻說獻帝回宮，泣謂伏皇后曰：“朕自即位以來，奸雄並起：先受董卓之殃，後遭傕、汜之亂。常人未受之苦，吾與汝當之。後得曹操，以爲社稷之臣；不意專國弄權，擅作威福。朕每見之，背若芒刺。

These last few days in the hunting field he went in front of me and acknowledged the cheers of the crowd. He is so extremely rude that I feel sure he has sinister designs against me. Alas, my wife, we know not when our end may come!” “In a whole Court full of nobles who have eaten the bread of Han, is there not one who will save his country?” said she. Thus spake the Empress, and at the same moment there stepped in a man who said, “Grieve not, O Imperial Pair! I can find a saviour for the country.” And who was this? It was none other than the father of the Empress, Fu Wan.

今日在圍場上，身迎呼賀，無禮已極！早晚必有異謀，吾夫婦不知死所也！”伏皇后曰：“滿朝公卿，俱食漢祿，竟無一人能救國難乎？”言未畢，忽一人自外而入曰：“帝，後休憂。吾舉一人，可除國害。”帝視之，乃伏皇后之父伏完也。

“Have you heard of Cao Cao’s wanton and perverse behaviour?” said the Emperor, drying his eyes. “You mean the deer shooting? Who did not see that indeed? But the whole Court is full of his clan or his creatures. With the exception of the relatives of your Consort there is not one loyal enough to deal with a rebel. I have no authority and can do nothing, but there is General Dong Cheng, the State Uncle, who could do it.” “Could Uncle Dong come in to consult about this? I know he has had much experience of State troubles.”

帝掩淚問曰：“皇丈亦知操賊之專橫乎？”完曰：“許田射鹿之事，誰不見之？但滿朝之中，非操宗族，則其門下。若非國戚，誰肯盡忠討賊？老臣無權，難行此事。車騎將軍國舅董承可託也。”帝曰：“董國舅多赴國難，朕躬素知；可宜入內，共議大事。”

Wan replied, “Every one of your attendants is a partizan of Cao’s and this sort of thing must be kept most profoundly secret or the consequence will be most serious.” “Then what can be done?” said the Emperor. “The only plan I can think of is to send gifts of a robe and a jade girdle to Dong, and in the lining of the girdle hide a secret edict authorising him to take certain steps. When he gets home and has read the edict he can elaborate plans as quickly as possible and neither the spirits above nor the demons below will know anything about them.” The Emperor approved and Fu Wan went out.

完曰：“陛下左右皆操賊心腹，倘事泄，爲禍不淺。”帝曰：“然則奈何？”完曰：“臣有一計：陛下可製衣一領，取玉帶一條，密賜董承；卻於帶襯內縫一密詔以賜之，令到家見詔，可以晝夜畫策，神鬼不覺矣。”帝然之，伏完辭出。

The Emperor then with his own hand drew up a decree, writing it with blood drawn by biting his finger. He gave the document to his consort to sew into the purple lining of the girdle. When all was done he put on the robe and girded it with the girdle. Next he bade one of the attendants summon Uncle Dong to the palace. Dong Cheng came and after the ceremonies were finished the Emperor said, “A few nights ago I was talking with the Empress of the terrible days of the rebellion and we thought of your good services then, therefore we have called you in to reward you.” The minister bowed his head in thanks. Then the Emperor led Dong out of the Reception Hall to the Tai Miao or Temple of Ancestors, and they went to the gallery of Worthy Ministers.

帝乃自作一密詔，咬破指尖，以血寫之，暗令伏皇后縫於玉帶紫錦襯內，卻自穿錦袍，自系此帶，令內史宣董承入。承見帝禮畢，帝曰：“朕夜來與後說霸河之苦，念國舅大功，故特宣入慰勞。”承頓首謝。帝引承出殿，到太廟，轉上功臣閣內。

There the Emperor burned incense and performed the usual ceremonies. After this they went to see the portraits and among them was one of the Founder of the Dynasty, Han Gaozu. “Whence sprang our great ancestor and how did he begin his great achievement?” said the Emperor. “Your Majesty is pleased to joke with thy servant,” said Dong Cheng, rather startled at the question. “Who does not know the deeds of the Sacred Ancestor? He began life as a minor official in Sishang. There gripping his sword he slew the White Serpent, the beginning of his struggle for the right. Speedily he mastered the Empire; in three years had destroyed Qin and, in five, also Chu. Thus he set up a Dynasty that shall endure for ever.”

帝焚香禮畢，引承觀畫像。中間畫漢高祖容像。帝曰：“吾高祖皇帝起身何地？如何創業？”承大驚曰：“陛下戲臣耳。聖祖之事，何爲不知？高皇帝起自泗上亭長，提三尺劍，斬蛇起義，縱橫四海，三載亡秦，五年滅楚：遂有天下，立萬世之基業。”

“Such heroic forefathers! such weakling descendants! How sad it is!” said the Emperor. Pointing to the portraits right and left he continued, “Are not these two Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liu, and Xiao He, Marquis of Zan?” “Certainly. Your great ancestor was greatly assisted by these two.” The Emperor glanced right and left. His attendants were rather far away. Then he whispered to Dong Cheng, “You, like these two, must stand by me.” “My poor services are of no worth; I do not compare with those men,” said the Uncle.

帝曰：“祖宗如此英雄，子孫如此懦弱，豈不可嘆！”因指左右二輔之像曰：“此二人非留侯張良、酇侯蕭何耶？”承曰：“然也。高祖開基創業，實賴二人之力。”帝回顧左右較遠，乃密謂承曰：“卿亦當如此二人立於朕側。”承曰：“臣無寸功，何以當此？”

“I remember that you saved me at the western capital. I have never forgotten and I could never reward you.” Then pointing to his own robe the Emperor continued, “You must wear this robe of mine, girded with my own girdle, and it will be as though you are always near your Emperor.” Dong Cheng bowed his gratitude while the Emperor, taking off the robe, presented it to his faithful Minister. At the same time he whispered, “Examine it closely when you get home, and help your Emperor carry out his intention.” Dong Cheng understood. He put on the robe and the girdle, took leave and left the chamber.

帝曰：“朕想卿西都救駕之功，未嘗少忘，無可爲賜。”因指所着袍帶曰：“卿當衣朕此袍，系朕此帶，常如在朕左右也。”承頓首謝。帝解袍帶賜承，密語曰：“卿歸可細觀之，勿負朕意。”承會意，穿袍繫帶，辭帝下閣。

The news of the audience for Dong Cheng had been taken to the Minister, who at once went to the Palace and arrived as Dong Cheng was passing out at the gate. They met face to face and Dong Cheng could in nowise avoid him. He went to the side of the road and made his obeisance. “Where are you from, State Uncle?” asked Cao Cao. “His Majesty summoned me into the Palace and has given me this robe and beautiful girdle.” “Why did he give you these?” “He had not forgotten that I saved his life in the old days.”

早有人報知曹操曰：“帝與董承登功臣閣說話。”操即入朝來看。董承出閣，才過宮門，恰遇操來；急無躲避處，只得立於路側施禮。操問曰：“國舅何來？”承曰：“適蒙天子宣召，賜以錦袍玉帶。”操問曰：“何故見賜？”承曰：“因念某舊日西都救駕之功，故有此賜。”

“Take it off and let me see it.” Dong Cheng who knew that a secret decree was hidden away somewhere in the garments was afraid Cao Cao would notice a breach somewhere in the material, so he hesitated and did not obey. But the tyrant called his servants. So he took off the girdle. Then Cao looked it over carefully. “It certainly is a very handsome girdle,” said he. “Now take off the robe and let me look at that.” Dong Cheng’s heart was melting with fear but he dared not disobey. So he handed over the robe. Cao took it and held it up against the sun with his own hand and minutely examined every part of it.

操曰：“解帶我看。”承心知衣帶中必有密詔，恐操看破，遲延不解。操叱左右：“急解下來！”看了半晌，笑曰：“果然是條好玉帶！再脫下錦袍來借看。”承心中畏懼，不敢不從，遂脫袍獻上。操親自以手提起，對日影中細細詳看。

When he had done this he put it on, girded it with the girdle and turning to his suite said, “How is it for length?” “Beautiful!” they chorussed. Turning to Dong Cheng he said, “Will you give these to me?” “My King’s presents to me I dare not give to another. Let me give you another robe in its stead,” said Dong. “Is there not some intrigue connected with these presents? I am sure there is,” said Cao. “How could I dare?” said Dong, trembling.

看畢，自己穿在身上，繫了玉帶，回顧左右曰：“長短如何？”左右稱美。操謂承曰：“國舅即以此袍帶轉賜與吾，何如？”承告曰：“君恩所賜，不敢轉贈；容某別制奉獻。”操曰：“國舅受此衣帶，莫非其中有謀乎？”承驚曰：“某焉敢？

“If you are so set upon it then I must give it up.” “How could I take away what your King has given you? It was all a joke,” said the Minister. He returned both robe and girdle.

丞相如要，便當留下。”操曰：“公受君賜，吾何相奪？聊爲戲耳。”遂脫袍帶還承。

Their owner made the best of his way home. When night came and he was alone in his library, he took out the robe and looked over every inch of it most carefully. He found nothing. “He gave me a robe and a girdle and bade me look at them carefully. That means there is something to be looked for but I can find no trace of it. What does it mean?” he soliloquised. Then he lifted the girdle and examined that. The jade plates were carved into the semblance of small dragons interlaced among flowers. The lining was of purple silk. All was sewn together most carefully and neatly and he could find nothing out of the common. He was puzzled. He laid the belt on the table. Presently he picked it up and looked at it again. He spent long hours over it but in vain.

承辭操歸家，至夜獨坐書院中，將袍仔細反覆看了，並無一物。承思曰：“天子賜我袍帶，命我細觀，必非無意；今不見甚蹤跡，何也？”隨又取玉帶檢看，乃白玉玲瓏，碾成小龍穿花，背用紫錦爲襯，縫綴端整，亦並無一物，承心疑，放於桌上，反覆尋之。

He leaned over on the small table, his head resting on his hands and was almost asleep, when a candle snuff fell down upon the girdle and burned a hole in the lining. He hastily shook it off, but the mischief was done: a small hole had been burned in the silken lining, and through this there appeared something white with blood red marks. He hastily ripped it open and drew out the decree written by the hand of the Emperor himself in characters of blood. It read, “Of human relationships, that between father and son stands first; of the various social ties that between Prince and Minister stands highest. To-day Cao Cao, the wicked, is a real tyrant, treating even his Prince with indignity. With the support of his faction and his army he has destroyed the principles of government. By conferring rewards and inflicting punishments he has reduced the Emperor to a nonentity.

良久，倦甚。正欲伏几而寢，忽然燈花落於帶上，燒着背襯。承驚拭之，已燒破一處，微露素絹，隱見血跡。急取刀拆開視之，乃天子手書血字密詔也。詔曰：“朕聞人倫之大，父子爲先；尊卑之殊，君臣爲重。近日操賊弄權，欺壓君父；結連黨伍，敗壞朝綱；敕賞封罰，不由朕主。

I have grieved over this day and night. I have feared the Empire would be ruined. “You are a high Minister of State and my own relative. You must recall the difficulties of the great Founder’s early days and draw together the loyal and right-minded to destroy this evil faction and restore the prerogatives of the Throne. Such a deed would be indeed an extreme joy to the spirits of my ancestors. “This decree, written in blood drawn from my own veins, is confided to a noble who is to be most careful not to fail in executing his Emperor’s design. “Given in the era Established Tranquillity, fourth year and the third month of Spring.”

朕夙夜憂思，恐天下將危。卿乃國之大臣，朕之至戚，當念高帝創業之艱難，糾合忠義兩全之烈士，殄滅奸黨，復安社稷，祖宗幸甚！破指灑血，書詔付卿，再四慎之，勿負朕意！建安四年春三月詔。”

So ran the decree and Dong Cheng read it with streaming eyes. There was no sleep for him that night. Early in the morning he returned to his library and re-read it. No plan suggested itself. He laid the decree down on the table and sought in the depths of his mind for some scheme to destroy Cao Cao, but could not decide upon any. And he fell asleep leaning over his table.

董承覽畢，涕淚交流，一夜寢不能寐。晨起，復至書院中，將詔再三觀看，無計可施。乃放詔於几上，沈思滅操之計。忖量未定，隱几而臥。

It happened that a certain official, Wang Zifu, with whom he was on terms of great intimacy, came to visit him and, as usual, walked into the house unannounced and went straight to the library. His host did not wake and Wang noticed, hardly hidden by his sleeve, the Emperor’s writing. Wondering what this might be he drew it out, read it and put it in his own sleeve. Then he called out loud, “Uncle Cheng, are you not well? Why are you asleep at this time of day?” Dong Cheng started up and at once missed the decree. He was aghast; he almost fell to the ground.

忽侍郎王子服至。門吏知子服與董承交厚，不敢攔阻，竟入書院。見承伏几不醒，袖底壓着素絹，微露“朕”字。子服疑之，默取看畢，藏於袖中，呼承曰：“國舅好自在！虧你如何睡得着！”承驚覺，不見詔書，魂不附體，手腳慌亂。

“So you want to make away with Cao Cao? I shall have to tell him,” said Wang. “Then, brother, that is the end of the Hans,” said his host, with tears. “I was joking,” said Wang. “My forefathers also served the Hans and ate of their bounty. Am I devoid of loyalty? I would help you, brother, as far as lies in my power.” “It is well for the country that you think like this,” said Dong. “But we ought to have a more private place than this to talk over such plans and pledge ourselves to sacrifice all in the cause of Han.”

子服曰：“汝欲殺曹公！吾當出首。”承泣告曰：“若兄如此，漢室休矣！”子服曰：“吾戲耳。吾祖宗世食漢祿，豈無忠心？願助兄一臂之力，共誅國賊。”承曰：“兄有此心，國之大幸！”子服曰：“當於密室同立義狀，各舍三族，以報漢君。”

Dong Cheng began to feel very satisfied. He produced a roll of white silk and wrote his own name at the top and signed it, and Wang followed suit. Then the visitor said, “General Wu Zilan is one of my best friends, he ought to be allowed to come in.” Cheng replied, “Of all the officials of the Court Chong Ji and Wu Shuo are my best friends. Certainly they would back me up.” So the discussion proceeded. Presently a servant announced no other than these very two men.

承大喜，取白絹一幅，先書名畫字。子服亦即書名畫字。書畢，子服曰：“將軍吳子蘭，與吾至厚，可與同謀。”承曰：“滿朝大臣，惟有長水校尉种輯、議郎吳碩是吾心腹，必能與我同事。”正商議間，家僮入報种輯、吳碩來探。

“This is providential,” said Dong Cheng and he told his friend to hide behind a screen. The two guests were led into the library and after the exchange of the ordinary civilities and a cup of tea, Chong Ji referred to the incident at the hunt and the shooting of the stag. “Were you not angry at that?” said he. Dong Cheng answered, “Though we be angry, what can we do?” Wu Shuo struck in, “I would slay this fellow, I swear, but I cannot get any one to back me up.” “Though one should perish for one’s country one should not mind,” said Chong Ji. At this moment Wang Zifu appeared from behind the screen, saying, “You two want to kill Cao!

承曰：“此天助我也！”教子服暫避於屏後。承接二人入書院坐定，茶畢，輯曰：“許田射獵之事，君亦懷恨乎？”承曰：“雖懷恨，無可奈何。”碩曰：“吾誓殺此賊，恨無助我者耳！”輯曰：“爲國除害，雖死無怨！”王子服從屏後出曰：“汝二人慾殺曹丞相！

I shall have to let him know this. And Uncle Dong is my witness.” “A loyal Minister does not mind death. If we are killed we will be Han ghosts, which is better than being sycophants of a traitor.” Dong Cheng said, “We were just saying we wanted to see you two on this matter. Wang is only joking.” Then he drew forth the decree and showed it to the two new-comers, who also wept as they read it. They were asked to add their names. Zifu said, “Wait here a few moments till I get Wu Zilan to come.”

我當出首，董國舅便是證見。”种輯怒曰：“忠臣不怕死！吾等死作漢鬼，強似你阿附國賊！”承笑曰：“吾等正爲此事，欲見二公。王侍郎之言乃戲耳。”便於袖中取出詔來與二人看。二人讀詔，揮淚不止。承遂請書名。子服曰：“二公在此少待，吾去請吳子蘭來。”

He left the room and very soon returned with his friend, who also wrote his name in the presence of all the others. After this they went into one of the inner chambers to drink success to the new plot. While there a new visitor, Ma Teng, Prefect of Xiliang, was announced. “Say I am indisposed,” said the host, “and cannot receive visitors.” The doorkeeper took the message, whereat Ma angrily said, “Last night at the Donghua Gate I saw him come out in robe and girdle. How can he pretend illness to-day? I am not come from mere idleness, why does he refuse to see me?”

子服去不多時，即同子蘭至，與衆相見，亦書名畢。承邀於後堂會飲。忽報西涼太守馬騰相探。承曰：“只推我病，不能接見。”門吏回報。騰大怒曰：“我夜來在東華門外，親見他錦袍玉帶而出，何故推病耶！吾非無事而來，奈何拒我！”

The doorkeeper went in again and told his master what the visitor had said and that he was very angry. Then Cheng rose, excused himself saying he would soon return, and went to receive Ma Teng. After the visitor had saluted and they were both seated, he said, “I have just come from a farewell audience and wished to bid you adieu. Why did you want to put me off?” “My poor body was taken suddenly ill; that is why I was not waiting to welcome you,” said Cheng. “You do not look as if you were ill; your face wears the very bloom of health,” said Teng bluntly. His host could say no more and was silent. The visitor shook out his sleeves and rose to depart. He sighed deeply as he walked down the steps, saying to himself, “Not one of them is any good: there is no one to save the country.”

門吏入報，備言騰怒。承起曰：“諸公少待，暫容承出。”隨即出廳延接。禮畢坐定，騰曰：“騰入覲將還，故來相辭，何見拒也？”承曰：“賤軀暴疾，有失迎候，罪甚！”騰曰：“面帶春色，未見病容。”承無言可答。騰拂袖便起，嗟嘆下階曰：“皆非救國之人也！”

This speech sank deeply into Dong Cheng’s heart. He stopped his guest, saying, “Who is no good to save the country? Whom do you mean?” “That incident at the hunt the other day, the shooting of the stag, filled my breast with anger. But if you, a near relative of the Emperor, can pass your time in wine and idle dalliance without a thought of doing away with rebellion, where can any one be found who will save the dynasty?” However, Dong Cheng’s doubts were not set at rest. Pretending great surprise he replied, “The Minister is of high rank and has the confidence of the Court: why then does he utter such things?”

承感其言，挽留之，問曰：“公謂何人非救國之人？”騰曰：“許田射獵之事，吾尚氣滿胸膛；公乃國之至戚，猶自滯於酒色，而不思討賊，安得爲皇家救難扶災之人乎！”承恐其詐，佯驚曰：“曹丞相乃國之大臣，朝廷所倚賴，公何出此言？”

“So you find that wretch Cao a good man, eh?” “Pray speak lower: there are eyes and ears very near us.” “The sort of people who covet life and fear death are not those to discuss any great undertaking.” So saying he rose to go away. By this time his host’s doubts were set at rest: he felt that Ma Teng was loyal and patriotic. So he said, “Do not be angry any more. I will show you something.” Whereupon he invited Ma Teng to go into the room where the others were seated and then showed him the decree. As Ma read it his hair stood on end, he ground his teeth and bit his lips till the blood came. “When you move, remember the whole force of my army is ready to help,” said he.

騰大怒曰：“汝尚以曹賊爲好人耶？”承曰：“耳目甚近，請公低聲。”騰曰：“貪生怕死之徒，不足以論大事！”說罷又欲起身。承知騰忠義，乃曰：“公且息怒。某請公看一物。”遂邀騰入書院，取詔示之。騰讀畢，毛髮倒豎，咬齒嚼脣，滿口流血，謂承曰：“公若有舉動，吾即統西涼兵爲外應。”

Dong Cheng introduced him to the other conspirators and then the pledge was produced and Ma Teng was told to sign his name. He did so, at the same time smearing the blood as a sign of the oath and saying, “I swear to die rather than betray this pledge.” Pointing to the five he said, “We require ten for this business and we can accomplish our design.” “We cannot get many true and loyal men. One of the wrong sort will spoil all,” said Dong Cheng. Ma Teng told them to bring in the list of officials. He read on till he came to the name Liu, of the Imperial clan, when clapping his hands he cried, “Why not consult him?”

承請騰與諸公相見，取出義狀，教騰書名。騰乃取酒歃血爲盟曰：“吾等誓死不負所約！”指坐上五人言曰：“若得十人，大事諧矣。”承曰：“忠義之士，不可多得。若所與非人，則反相害矣。”騰教取《鴛行鷺序簿》來檢看。檢到劉氏宗族，乃拍手言曰：“何不共此人商議？”

“Whom?” cried they altogether. Ma Teng very slowly and deliberately spoke his name.

衆皆問何人。馬騰不慌不忙，說出那人來。

To a very trusty servant comes an Emperor’s decree,
And a scion of the ruling house can prove his loyalty. If the reader turns to the next chapter he will see who was Ma Teng’s hero.

正是：本因國舅承明詔，又見宗潢佐漢朝。
畢竟馬騰之言如何，且聽下文分解。