Romance, Chapter 32

Chapter 32. Jizhou Taken: Yuan Shang Strives: The Zhang River Cut: Xu You’s Scheme

Yuan Shang was puffed up with pride after his victory over Shi Huan and, without deigning to wait the arrival of his brothers, he marched out to Liyang to meet the army of Cao Cao. Zhang Liao came out to challenge him, and Yuan Shang, accepting the challenge rode out with spear set. But he only lasted to the third bout when he had to give way. Zhang Liao smote with full force and Shang, quite broken, fled pell mell to Jizhou.

卻說袁尚自斬史渙之後，自負其勇，不待袁譚等兵至，自引兵數萬出黎陽，與曹軍前隊相迎。張遼當先出馬，袁尚挺槍來戰，不三合，架隔遮攔不住，大敗而走。張遼乘勢掩殺，袁尚不能主張，急急引軍奔回冀州。

His defeat was a heavy shock to his father, who had a severe fit of hemorrhage at the news and swooned. The Lady Liu, his wife, got him to bed as quickly as possible, but he did not rally and she soon saw it was necessary to prepare for the end. So she sent for Shen Pei and Feng Ji that the succession might be settled. They came and stood by the sick man’s bed, but by this time he could no longer speak; he only made motions with his hands. When his wife put the formal question, whether Shang was to succeed, he nodded his head. Shen Pei at the bedside wrote out the dying man’s testament.

袁紹聞袁尚敗回，又受了一驚，舊病復發，吐血數鬥，昏倒在地。劉夫人慌救入臥內，病勢漸危。劉夫人急請審配、逢紀，直至袁紹榻前，商議後事。紹但以手指而不能言。劉夫人曰：“尚可繼後嗣否？”紹點頭。審配便就榻前寫了遺囑。

Presently he uttered a loud moan, a fresh fit of bleeding followed and he passed away.

紹翻身大叫一聲，又吐血鬥餘而死。

Born of a line of nobles famous for generations,
He himself in his youth was wayward always and headstrong,
Vainly he called to his side captains skilled and courageous,
Gathered beneath his banner countless legions of soldiers,
For he was timid at heart, a lambkin dressed as a tiger,
Merely a cowardly chicken, phoenix-feathered but spurless.
Pitiful was the fate of his house; for when he departed
Brother with brother strove and quarrels arose in the household. Shen Pei and some others set about the mourning ceremonies for the dead man.

後人有詩曰：“累世公卿立大名，少年意氣自縱橫。
空招俊傑三千客，漫有英雄百萬兵。
羊質虎皮功不就，鳳毛雞膽事難成。
更憐一種傷心處，家難徒延兩弟兄。
”袁紹既死，審配等主持喪事。

His wife, the Lady Liu, put to death five of his favourite concubines, and such was the bitterness of her jealousy that, not content with this, she shaved off the hair and slashed the faces of their poor corpses lest their spirits should meet and rejoin her late husband in the land of shades beneath the Nine Springs. Her son followed up this piece of cruelty by slaying all the relatives of the unhappy concubines lest they should avenge their death. Shen Pei and Feng Ji declared Yuan Shang successor with the titles of Minister of War and General Governor of the four prefectures of Ji, Qing, You and Bing and sent in a report of the death of the late governor.

劉夫人便將袁紹所愛寵妾五人盡行殺害；又恐其陰魂於九泉之下再與紹相見，乃髡其發，刺其面，毀其屍：其妒惡如此。袁尚恐寵妾家屬爲害，並收而殺之。審配、逢紀立袁尚爲大司馬將軍，領冀、青、幽、並四州牧，遣使報喪。

At this time Yuan Tan, the eldest son, had already marched his army out of Qingzhou, but hearing of his father’s death he called in Guo Tu and Xin Ping to consult as to his course of action. “In your absence, my lord,” said Guo Tu, “the two advisers of your younger brother will certainly set him up as lord, wherefore you must act quickly.” “Those two, Shen and Feng, have already laid their plans,” said Xin Ping. “If you go you will meet with some misfortune.” “Then what should I do?” asked Tan. Guo Tu replied, “Go and camp near the city and watch what is taking place.

此時袁譚已發兵離青州，知父死，便與郭圖、辛評商議。圖曰：“主公不在冀州，審配、逢紀必立顯甫爲主矣。當速行。”辛評曰：“審、逢二人，必預定機謀。今若速往，必遭其禍。”袁譚曰：“若此當何如？”郭圖曰：“可屯兵城外，觀其動靜。

I will enter and enquire myself.” Accordingly Guo Tu entered the city and sought an interview with the young governor. “Why did not my brother come?” asked Shang after the usual salutes. Guo Tu said, “He cannot come as he is in the camp unwell.” “By the command of my late father I take the lordship. Now I confer upon my brother the rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry and I wish him to go at once to attack Cao Cao, who is pressing on the borders. I will follow as soon as my army is in order.” “There is no one in our camp to give advice,” said Guo Tu. “I wish to have the services of Shen Pei and Feng Ji.”

某當親往察之。”譚依言。郭圖遂入冀州，見袁尚。禮畢，尚問：“兄何不至？”圖曰：“因抱病在軍中，不能相見。”尚曰：“吾受父親遺命，立我爲主，加兄爲車騎將軍。目下曹軍壓境，請兄爲前部，吾隨後便調兵接應也。”圖曰：“軍中無人商議良策，願乞審正南、逢元圖二人爲輔。”

“I also need the help of these two,” said Shang, “I rely on them to devise plans for me morning and evening. How can I part with them?” “Then let one of these two go,” replied Tu. Shang could do no other than accede to this request so he bade the two men cast lots who should go. Feng Ji drew the lot and was appointed, bearing the seal and ribbon of office to Tan. Then he accompanied Guo Tu to the camp. But when he arrived and found Tan in perfect health he grew uneasy and presented the seal.

尚曰：“吾亦欲仗此二人早晚畫策，如何離得！”圖曰：“然則於二人內遣一人去，何如？”尚不得已，乃令二人拈鬮，拈着者便去。逢紀拈着，尚即命逢紀齎印綬，同郭圖赴袁譚軍中。紀隨圖至譚軍，見譚無病，心中不安，獻上印綬。

Tan was very angry and was disposed to put him to death, but Guo Tu privately dissuaded him saying, “Cao Cao is on the borders and he must be kept here to allay your brother’s suspicions. After we have beaten Cao we can at once make an attempt on Jizhou.”

譚大怒，欲斬逢紀。郭圖密諫曰：“今曹軍壓境，且只款留逢紀在此，以安尚心。待破曹之後，卻來爭冀州不遲。”

Yuan Tan agreed and forthwith broke up his camp to march against the enemy. He reached Liyang and lost no time in offering battle. He chose for his champion Wang Zhao and, when he rode out, Cao Cao sent Xu Huang to meet him. These two had fought but a few bouts when Wang Zhao was slain. At once Cao’s army pressed forward and Tan suffered a severe defeat. He drew off his army and retired into Liyang, whence he sent to his brother for reinforcements. Shang and his adviser Shen Pei discussed the matter and half a legion only was sent.

譚從其言，即時拔寨起行，前至黎陽，與曹軍相抵。譚遣大將汪昭出戰，操遣徐晃迎敵。二將戰不數合，徐晃一刀斬汪昭於馬下。曹軍乘勢掩殺，譚軍大敗。譚收敗軍入黎陽，遣人求救於尚。尚與審配計議，只發兵五千餘人相助。

Cao hearing of the despatch of this meagre force sent Yue Jin and Li Dian to waylay them and the half legion was destroyed. When Tan heard of the inadequate force sent and their destruction he was very wrath and roundly abused Feng Ji. Feng replied, “Let me write to my lord and pray him to come himself.” So Feng Ji wrote and the letter was sent. When it arrived Shang again consulted Shen Pei.

曹操探知救軍已到，遣樂進、李典引兵於半路接着，兩頭圍住盡殺之。袁譚知尚止撥兵五千，又被半路坑殺，大怒，乃喚逢紀責罵。紀曰：“容某作書致主公，求其親自來救。”譚即令紀作書，遣人到冀州致袁尚，與審配共議。

Pei said, “Guo Tu, your elder brother’s adviser, is very guileful. Formerly he left without discussion because Cao was on the border. If Cao be defeated there will certainly be an attempt on you. The better plan is to withhold assistance and use Cao’s hand to destroy your rival.” Shang took his advice and no help was sent. When the messenger returned without success Tan was very angry and showed it by putting Feng Ji to death. He also began to talk of surrendering to Cao. Soon spies brought news of this to Shang, who consulted Shen Pei, saying, “If he goes over to Cao they will both attack Jizhou and we shall be in great danger.”

配曰：“郭圖多謀，前次不爭而去者，爲曹軍在境也。今若破曹，必來爭冀州矣。不如不發救兵，借操之力以除之。”尚從其言，不肯發兵。使者回報，譚大怒，立斬逢紀，議欲降曹。早有細作密報袁尚。尚與審配議曰：“使譚降曹，併力來攻，則冀州危矣。”

Finally Shen Pei and Su You were left to take care of the defence of the city and Yuan Shang marched his army to the rescue of his brother. “Who dares lead the van?” said Yuan Shang. Two brothers, the captains Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang, volunteered and three legions were given them. They were the first to reach Liyang. Tan was pleased that his brother had made up his mind to play a brotherly part and come to his aid, so he at once abandoned all thought of going over to the enemy. He being in the city, Yuan Shang camped outside, making that an angle of their strategic position.

乃留審配並大將蘇由固守冀州，自領大軍來黎陽救譚。尚問軍中誰敢爲前部，大將呂曠、呂翔兄弟二人願去。尚點兵三萬，使爲先鋒，先至黎陽。譚聞尚自來，大喜，遂罷降曹之議。譚屯兵城中，尚屯兵城外，爲掎角之勢。

Before long Yuan Xi, the second brother, and their cousin, Gao Gan, arrived with their legions and also camped outside the city. Engagements took place daily and Shang suffered many defeats. On the other hand Cao was victorious and elated. In the second month of the eighth year, Cao made separate attacks on all four armies and won the day against each. Then they abandoned Liyang and Cao pursued them to Jizhou, where Tan and Shang went into the city to defend it, while their brother and cousin camped about thirty li away making a show of great force.

不一日，袁熙、高幹皆領軍到城外，屯兵三處，每日出兵與操相持。尚屢敗，操兵屢勝。至建安八年春二月，操分路攻打，袁譚、袁熙、袁尚、高幹皆大敗，棄黎陽而走。操引兵追至冀州，譚與尚入城堅守；熙與幹離城三十里下寨，虛張聲勢。

When Cao had made many attacks without success Guo Jia proffered the following plan. He said, “There is dissension among the Yuans because the elder has been superseded in the succession. The brothers are about equally strong and each has his party. If we oppose them they unite to assist each other, but if we have patience they will be weakened by family strife. Wherefore send first a force to reduce Liu Biao in Jingzhou and let the fraternal quarrels develop. When they have fully developed we can smite them and settle the matter.” Cao approved of the plan. So leaving Jia Xu as Prefect of Liyang and Cao Hong as guard at Guandu the army went away toward Jingzhou.

操兵連日攻打不下。郭嘉進曰：“袁氏廢長立幼，而兄弟之間，權力相併，各自樹黨，急之則相救，緩之則相爭；不如舉兵南向荊州，征討劉表，以候袁氏兄弟之變；變成而後擊之，可一舉而定也。”操善其言，命賈詡爲太守，守黎陽；曹洪引兵守官渡。操引大軍向荊州進兵。

The two brothers Tan and Shang congratulated each other on the withdrawal of their enemy, and their brother Xi and cousin marched their armies back to their own districts. Then the quarrels began. Tan said to his confidants, “I, the eldest, have been prevented from succeeding my father, while the youngest son, born of a second wife, received the main heritage. My heart is bitter.” Said Guo Tu, “Camp your men outside, invite your brother and Shen Pei to a banquet and assassinate them. The whole matter is easily settled.”

譚、尚聽知曹軍自退，遂相慶賀。袁熙、高幹各自辭去。袁譚與郭圖、辛評議曰：“我爲長子，反不能承父業；尚乃繼母所生，反承大爵：心實不甘。”圖曰：“主公可勒兵城外，只做請顯甫、審配飲酒，伏刀斧手殺之，大事定矣。”

And Tan agreed. It happened that the Attendant Officer Wang Xiu came just then from Qingzhou whom Tan took into his confidence. Wang opposed the murder plan saying, “Brothers are as one’s limbs. How can you possibly succeed if at a moment of conflict with an enemy you cut off one of your hands? If you abandon your brother and sever relationship, whom will you take in all the world as a relation? That fellow Guo is a dangerous mischief-maker, who would sow dissension between brothers for a momentary advantage, and I beg you to shut your ears and not listen to his persuasions.” This was displeasing to Tan and he angrily dismissed Wang, while he sent the treacherous invitation to his brother.

譚從其言。適別駕王脩自青州來，譚將此計告之。修曰：“兄弟者，左右手也。今與他人爭鬥，斷其右手，而曰我必勝，安可得乎？夫棄兄弟而不親，天下其誰親之？彼讒人離間骨肉，以求一朝之利，願塞耳勿聽也。”譚怒，叱退王脩，使人去請袁尚。

His brother and Shen Pei talked over the matter. Shen Pei said, “I recognise one of Guo Tu’s stratagems and if you go, my lord, you will be the victim of their plot. Rather strike at them at once.” Whereupon Shang rode out to battle. His brother Tan, seeing him come with five legions, knew that his treachery had been discovered, so he also took the field, and when the forces were near enough Tan opened on Shang with a volley of abuse. “You poisoned my father and usurped the succession; now you come out to slay your elder brother?” The battle went against Tan. Shang himself took part in the fight, risking the arrows and the stones. He urged on his men and drove his brother off the field.

尚與審配商議。配曰：“此必郭圖之計也。主公若往，必遭奸計；不如乘勢攻之。”袁尚依言，便披掛上馬，引兵五萬出城。袁譚見袁尚引軍來，情知事泄，亦即披掛上馬，與尚交鋒。尚見譚大罵。譚亦罵曰：“汝藥死父親，篡奪爵位，今又來殺兄耶！”二人親自交鋒，袁譚大敗。尚親冒矢石，衝突掩殺。

He took refuge in Pingyuan. Yuan Shang drew off his men to his own city. Yuan Tan and Guo Tu decided upon a new attack and this time they chose Cen Bi as leader. Yuan Shang went to meet him. When both sides had been arrayed and the banners were flying and the drums beating, Cen Bi rode out to challenge and railed at his opponent. At first Shang was going to answer the challenge himself but Lü Kuang actually went out. Lü and Cen met but had fought only a few bouts when the latter fell. Tan’s men were once more defeated and ran away to Pingyuan.

譚引敗軍奔平原，尚收兵還。袁譚與郭圖再議進兵，令岑璧爲將，領兵前來。尚自引兵出冀州。兩陣對圓，旗鼓相望。璧出罵陣；尚欲自戰，大將呂曠，拍馬舞刀，來戰岑璧。二將戰無數合，曠斬岑璧於馬下。譚兵又敗，再奔平原。

Shen Pei urged his master to press home the advantage and Tan was driven into the city, where he fortified himself and would not go out. So the city was besieged on three sides. Tan asked his strategist what should be done next and he said, “The city is short of food, the enemy is flushed with victory and we cannot stand against them. My idea is to send some one to offer surrender to Cao Cao and thus get him to attack Jizhou. Your brother will be forced to return thither, which will leave you free to join in the attack. We may capture Shang.

審配勸尚進兵，追至平原。譚抵擋不住，退入平原，堅守不出。尚三面圍城攻打。譚與郭圖計議。圖曰：“今城中糧少，彼軍方銳，勢不相敵。愚意可遣人投降曹操，使操將兵攻冀州，尚必還救。將軍引兵夾擊之，尚可擒矣。

Should Cao begin to get the better of your brother’s army we will lend our force to help him against Cao Cao, and as Cao’s base of supply is distant we shall drive him off. And we can seize on Jizhou and begin our real career.” “Supposing this scheme be attempted, who is the man for a messenger?” “I have one, Xin Pi, Xin Ping’s younger brother; he is magistrate here in this very place. He is a fluent speaker and good scholar and suited to your purpose.” So Xin Pi was summoned and came readily enough.

若操擊破尚軍，我因而斂其軍實以拒操。操軍遠來，糧食不繼，必自退去。我可以仍據冀州，以圖進取也。”譚從其言，問曰：“何人可爲使？”圖曰：“辛評之弟辛毗，字佐治，見爲平原令。此人乃能言之士，可命爲使。”譚即召辛毗，毗欣然而至。

Letters were given him and an escort of three companies took him beyond the border. He travelled as quickly as possible. At that time Cao’s camp was at Xiping and he was attacking Liu Biao, who had sent Xuande out to offer the first resistance. No battle had yet taken place. Soon after his arrival Xin Pi was admitted to the Minister’s presence, and after the ceremonies of greeting Cao asked the object of the visit. Xin Pi explained that Yuan Tan wanted assistance and presented his despatches. Cao read them and told the messenger to wait in his camp while he called his officers to a council.

譚修書付毗，使三千軍送毗出境。毗星夜齎書往見曹操，時操屯軍西平伐劉表，表遣玄德引兵爲前部以迎之。未及交鋒，辛毗到操寨。見操禮畢，操問其來意，毗具言袁譚相求之意，呈上書信。操看書畢，留辛毗於寨中，聚文武計議。

The council met. Cheng Yu said, “Yuan Tan has been forced into making this offer because of the pressure of his brother’s attack. Put no trust in him.” Lü Qian and Man Chong said, “You have led your armies here for a special purpose; how can you abandon that and go to assist Yuan Tan?” “Gentlemen, not one of you is giving good advice,” interposed Xun You. “This is how I regard it. Since there is universal trouble, in the midst of which Liu Biao remains quietly content with his position between the Jiang and the Han, it is evident that he has no ambition to enlarge his borders.

程昱曰：“袁譚被袁尚攻擊太急，不得已而來降，不可準信。”呂虔、滿寵亦曰：“丞相既引兵至此，安可復舍表而助譚？”荀攸曰：“三公之言未善。以愚意度之：天下方有事，而劉表坐保江、漢之間，不敢展足，其無四方之志可知矣。

The Yuans hold four provinces and have many legions of soldiers. Harmony between the two brothers means success for the family and none can foresee what will happen in the Empire. Now take advantage of this fraternal conflict and let them fight till they are weakened and have to yield to our Minister. Then Yuan Shang can be removed, and when the times are suitable, Yuan Tan can be destroyed in his turn. Thus peace will ensue. This present combination of circumstances is to be taken advantage of to full measure.” Cao realised the truth of this and treated the messenger well. At a banquet he said, “But is this surrender of Yuan Tan real or false?

袁氏據四州之地，帶甲數十萬，若二子和睦，共守成業，天下事未可知也；今乘其兄弟相攻，勢窮而投我，我提兵先除袁尚，後觀其變，並滅袁譚，天下定矣。此機會不可失也。”操大喜，便邀辛毗飲酒，謂之曰：“袁譚之降，真耶詐耶？

Do you really think that Shang’s army is sure to overcome him?” Xin Pi replied, “Illustrious one, do not enquire into the degree of sincerity; rather regard the situation. The Yuans have been suffering military losses for years and are powerless without, while their strategists are put to death within. The brothers seize every chance to speak evil of each other and their country is divided. Add to this famine, supplemented by calamities and general exhaustion, and everybody, wise as well as simple, can see that the catastrophe is near, the time ordained of Heaven for the destruction of the Yuans is at hand. Now you have a force attacking Ye, and if Yuan Shang will not return to give aid the place of refuge is lost. If he help, then Tan will follow up and smite him.

袁尚之兵，果可必勝耶？”毗對曰：“明公勿問真與詐也，只論其勢可耳。袁氏連年喪敗，兵革疲於外，謀臣誅於內；兄弟讒隙，國分爲二；加之饑饉並臻，天災人困：無問智愚，皆知土崩瓦解，此乃天滅袁氏之時也。今明公提兵攻鄴，袁尚不還救，則失巢穴；若還救，則譚踵襲其後。

With your might you will strike a worn-out host, just as the autumn gale sweeps away the fallen leaves. To forgo this and attack Jingzhou instead would be vain, for Jingzhou is rich, the government peaceful, the people submissive and it cannot be shaken. Moreover, of all the dangers on every side none is greater than Hebei. If Hebei be reduced then your task of supremacy is complete. I pray you, Sir, think of it.” “I am sorry that I did not meet you earlier,” said Cao, much gratified with this speech. Forthwith orders were given to return and attack Jizhou. Xuande, fearing this retirement was only a ruse, allowed it to proceed without interference and himself returned to Jingzhou.

以明公之威，擊疲憊之衆，如迅風之掃秋葉也。舍此之圖，而伐荊州；荊州豐樂之地，國和民順，未可搖動。況四方之患，莫大於河北；河北既平，則霸業成矣。願明公詳之。”操大喜曰：“恨與辛佐治相見之晚也！”即日督軍還取冀州。玄德恐操有謀，不敢追襲，引兵自回荊州。

When Yuan Shang heard that Cao had crossed the river he hastily led his army back to Ye, ordering the two Lüs to guard the rear. His brother Tan started from Pingyuan with a force in pursuit. He had not proceeded far when he heard a bomb and two bodies of men came out in front of him and checked his progress. Their leaders were Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang. Tan reined in and addressed them, saying, “While my father lived I never treated you badly; why do you support my brother and try to injure me?”

卻說袁尚知曹軍渡河，急急引軍還鄴，命呂曠、呂翔斷後。袁譚見尚退軍，乃大起平原軍馬，隨後趕來。行不到數十里，一聲炮響，兩軍齊出：左邊呂曠，右邊呂翔，兄弟二人截住袁譚。譚勒馬告二將曰：“吾父在日，吾並未慢待二將軍，今何從吾弟而見逼耶？”

The two men had no reply to make, but they dismounted and bowed before him yielding submission. Tan said, “Do not surrender to me but to the Minister,” and he led them back to camp, where he waited the arrival of Cao and then presented the pair. Cao received them well. He promised his daughter to Tan to wife and he made the two brothers Lü go-betweens for the match. When Tan asked Cao to attack Jizhou the reply was “Supplies are short and difficult to transport. I must cross the river and dam the Qi River to turn its waters into the Baigou channel, whereby to convey my grain and afterwards I can advance.”

二將聞言，乃下馬降譚。譚曰：“勿降我，可降曹丞相。”二將因隨譚歸營。譚候操軍至，引二將見操。操大喜，以女許譚爲妻，即令呂曠、呂翔爲媒。譚請操攻取冀州。操曰：“方今糧草不接，搬運勞苦，我濟河，遏淇水入白溝，以通糧道，然後進兵。”

Ordering Tan to remain in Pingyuan, Cao retired into camp at Liyang. The two brothers Lü, who were renegades from Yuan Shang, were now raised to noble rank and followed the army as supernumeraries.

令譚且居平原。操引軍退屯黎陽，封呂曠、呂翔爲列侯，隨軍聽用。

Guo Tu noted this advancement and said to Tan, “He has promised you a daughter to wife. I fear that bodes no good. Now he has given titles of nobility to the two Lüs and taken them with him. This is a trap for the northern people but he intends evil toward us. You, my lord, should have two generals’ seals engraved and send them secretly to the brothers so that you may have friends at court ready for the day when Cao shall have broken your brother’s power and we can begin to work against him.” The seals were engraved and sent.

郭圖謂袁譚曰：“曹操以女許婚，恐非真意。今又封賞呂曠、呂翔，帶去軍中，此乃牢籠河北人心。後必終爲我禍。主公可刻將軍印二顆，暗使人送與二呂，令作內應。待操破了袁尚，可乘便圖之。”譚依言，遂刻將軍印二顆，暗送與二呂。

As soon as the brothers received them they informed Cao Cao, who laughed, saying, “Tan sends you seals secretly because he wants you to help him from within, so that when I have broken Yuan Shang he may strike at me from the inside. You may accept them for the time being; I have my own plans.” From this time Cao Cao was resolved to kill Tan.

二呂受訖，徑將印來稟曹操。操大笑曰：“譚暗送印者，欲汝等爲內助，待我破袁尚之後，就中取事耳。汝等且權受之，我自有主張。”自此曹操便有殺譚之心。

Shen Pei and his master also discussed the situation. “Cao is getting grain into the Baigou, which means an attack on Jizhou; what is to be done?” asked Shang. Shen Pei replied, “Send letters to Yin Kai, Chief of Wuan, bidding him camp at Maocheng to secure the road to Shangdang and direct Ju Hu, son of Ju Shou, to hold Handan as a distant auxiliary. Then you may advance on Pingyuan and attack Yuan Tan hotly. Destroy Yuan Tan first, and afterwards defeat Cao.” The plan seemed good. Yuan Shang left Shen Pei and Chen Lin in charge of Jizhou, appointed two captains Ma Yan and Zhang Yi as van leaders, and set out hastily for Pingyuan.

且說袁尚與審配商議：“今曹兵運糧入白溝，必來攻冀州，如之奈何？”配曰：“可發檄使武安長尹楷屯毛城，通上黨運糧道；令沮授之子沮鵠守邯鄲，遙爲聲援。主公可進兵平原，急攻袁譚。先絕袁譚，然後破曹。”袁尚大喜，留審配與陳琳守冀州，使馬延、張顗二將爲先鋒，連夜起兵攻打平原。

When Tan heard of the approach of his brother’s army he sent urgent messages to Cao, who said to himself, “I am going to get Jizhou this time.” Just at this time it happened that Xu You came down from the capital. When he heard that Yuan Shang was attacking his brother Tan he sought Cao and said, “You, Sir Minister, sit here on guard; are you waiting till Heaven’s thunder shall strike the two Yuans?” “I have thought it all out,” said Cao. Then he ordered Cao Hong to go and fight against Ye, while he led another army against Yin Kai.

譚知尚兵來近，告急於操。操曰：“吾今番必得冀州矣。”正說間，適許攸自許昌來；聞尚又攻譚，入見操曰：“丞相坐守於此，豈欲待天雷擊殺二袁乎？”操笑曰：“吾已料定矣。”遂令曹洪先進兵攻鄴，操自引一軍來攻尹楷。

As Cao’s army entered his territory, Yin Kai came out to meet it. When Kai rode out, Cao called, “Where is Xu Zhongkang?” Xu Chu answered the call, galloped out and made straight for Yin Kai. Kai could make no adequate defence and was cut down by Xu Chu. His men ran away and presently joined Cao’s army. Next he led the army to Handan and Ju Hu came out to fight him. Zhang Liao advanced to fight with Ju Hu and after the third encounter the latter was defeated and fled. Liao went after him.

兵臨本境，楷引軍來迎。楷出馬，操曰：“許仲康安在？”許褚應聲而出，縱馬直取尹楷。楷措手不及，被許褚一刀斬於馬下，餘衆奔潰。操盡招降之，即勒兵取邯鄲。沮鵠進兵來迎。張遼出馬，與鵠交鋒。戰不三合，鵠大敗，遼從後追趕。

When their two horses were not far apart, Liao took his bow and shot. The fleeing soldier fell as the bowstring twanged. Cao sent his men to complete the rout and Ju Hu’s force was broken up.

兩馬相離不遠，遼急取弓射之，應弦落馬。操指揮軍馬掩殺，衆皆奔散。

Now Cao led his armies to an attack on Jizhou. Cao Hong went close to the city and a regular siege began. The army encompassed the city and began by throwing up great mounds. They also tunnelled subterranean ways. Within the city Shen Pei turned his whole care to the defence and issued the severest commands. The captain of the east gate, one Feng Li, got intoxicated and failed to keep his watch for which he was severely punished. He resented this, sneaked out of the city, went over to the besiegers and told them how the place could be attacked. “The earth within the sally gate is solid enough to be tunnelled and entrance can be effected there,” said the traitor.

於是操引大軍前抵冀州。曹洪已近城下。操令三軍繞城築起土山，又暗掘地道以攻之。審配設計堅守，法令甚嚴，東門守將馮禮，因酒醉有誤巡警，配痛責之。馮禮懷恨，潛地出城降操。操問破城之策，禮曰：“突門內土厚，可掘地道而入。”

So Feng Li was sent with three hundred men to carry out his plan under cover of darkness. After Feng Li had deserted to the enemy Shen Pei went every night to the wall to inspect the men on duty. The night of the sapping he went there as usual and saw that there were no lights outside the city and all was perfectly quiet. So he said to himself, “Feng is certain to try to come into the city by an underground road.” Whereupon he ordered his men to bring up stones and pile them on the cover of the tunnel opening. The opening was stopped up and the attacking party perished in the tunnel they had excavated.

操便命馮禮引三百壯士，夤夜掘地道而入。卻說審配自馮禮出降之後，每夜親自登城點視軍馬。當夜在突門閣上，望見城外無燈火。配曰：“馮禮必引兵從地道而入也。”急喚精兵運石擊突閘門；門閉，馮禮及三百壯士，皆死於土內。

Cao having failed in this attempt abandoned the scheme of underground attack. He drew off the army to the bank of the Huan River to await till Yuan Shang should return to relieve the city. Yuan Shang heard of the defeat of Yin Kai and Ju Hu, and the siege of his own city, and bethought himself of relieving it. One of his captains, Ma Yan, said, “The high road will surely be ambushed; we must find some other way. We can take a bye-road from the Western Hills and get through at Fushuikou, whence we can fall upon Cao’s camp.”

操折了這一場，遂罷地道之計，退軍於洹水之上，以候袁尚回兵。袁尚攻平原，聞曹操已破尹楷、沮鵠，大軍圍困冀州，乃掣兵回救。部將馬延曰：“從大路去，曹操必有伏兵；可取小路，從西山出滏水口去劫曹營，必解圍也。”

The plan was acceptable and Shang started off with the main body, Ma Yan and Zhang Yi being rear guard. Cao’s spies soon found out this move and when they reported it he said, “If he comes by the high road I shall have to keep out of the way; if by the Western Hills bye-road I can settle him in one battle. And I think he will show a blaze as a signal to the besieged that they may make a sortie. I shall prepare to attack both.” So he made his preparations. Now Yuan Shang went out by the Fushui Pass east toward Yangping and near this he camped. Thence to his own city was seventeen li. The Fushui stream ran beside the camp.

尚從其言，自領大軍先行，令馬延與張顗斷後。早有細作去報曹操。操曰：“彼若從大路上來，吾當避之：若從西山小路而來，一戰可擒也。吾料袁尚必舉火爲號，令城中接應。吾可分兵擊之。”於是分撥已定。卻說袁尚出滏水界口，東至陽平，屯軍陽平亭，離冀州十七里，一邊靠着滏水。

He ordered his men to collect firewood and grass ready for the blaze he intended to make at night as his signal. He also sent Li Fu, his Registrar, disguised as an officer of Cao Cao’s army, to inform Shen Pei of his intentions. Fu reached the city wall safely and called out to the guards to open. Shen Pei recognised his voice and let him in. Thus Shen Pei knew of the arrangements for his relief and it was agreed that a blaze should be raised within the city so that the sortie could be simultaneous with Shang’s attack. Orders were given to collect inflammables.

尚令軍士堆積柴薪乾草，至夜焚燒爲號；遣主簿李孚扮作曹軍都督，直至城下。大叫：“開門！”審配認得是李孚聲音，放入城中，說：“袁尚已陳兵在陽平亭，等候接應，若城中兵出，亦舉火爲號。”配教城中堆草放火，以通音信。

Then said Fu, “As your food supply is short it would be well for the old men, the feeble soldiers and the women to surrender. This will come upon them as a surprise and we will send the soldiers out behind them.” Shen Pei agreed to do all this.

孚曰：“城中無糧，可發老弱殘兵並婦人出降；彼必不爲備，我即以兵繼百姓之後出攻之。”配從其論。

Next day they hoisted on the wall a white flag with the words “The populace of Jizhou surrender” on it. “Ho ho! This means no food,” said Cao. “They are sending away the non-combatants to escape feeding them. And the soldiers will follow behind them.” So he ordered Zhang Liao and Xu Huang to lie in ambush on two sides, each with three companies, while he himself rode near the wall in full state. Presently the gates were opened and out came the people supporting their aged folk and leading their little ones by the hand. Each carried a white flag.

次日，城上豎起白旗，上寫“冀州百姓投降。”操曰：“此是城中無糧，教老弱百姓出降，後必有兵出也。”操教張遼、徐晃各引三千軍來，伏於兩邊。操自乘馬、張麾蓋至城下、果見城門開處，百姓扶老攜幼，手持白旗而出。

As soon as the people had passed the gate the soldiers followed with a rush. Then Cao Cao showed a red flag and the ambushed soldiers fell upon the sortie. The men had to go back into the city, and Cao himself galloped in pursuit. The chase continued to the drawbridge, but there they met with a tremendous shower of arrows and crossbow bolts which checked the advance. Cao’s helmet was struck and very nearly pierced through. So the men retired. As soon as Cao had changed his dress and mounted a fresh horse he set out at the head of the army to attack Yuan Shang’s camp. Yuan Shang led the defence.

百姓纔出盡，城中兵突出。操教將紅旗一招，張遼、徐晃兩路兵齊出亂殺，城中兵只得復回。操自飛馬趕來，到吊橋邊，城中弩箭如雨，射中操盔，險透其頂。衆將急救回陣。操更衣換馬，引衆將來攻尚寨，尚自迎敵。

The attack came simultaneously from many directions, the defenders were quite disorganised and presently defeated. Shang led his men back by the hills and made a camp under their shelter. Thence he sent messengers to urge Ma Yan and Zhang Yi to bring up the supports. He did not know that Cao had sent the two Lüs to persuade these two into surrender and that they had already passed under Cao’s banner, and he had made them marquises. Just before going to attack the Western Hills he sent the two Lüs with Ma Yan and Zhang Yi to seize the source of Yuan Shang’s supplies.

時各路軍馬一齊殺至，兩軍混戰，袁尚大敗。尚引敗兵退往西山下寨，令人催取馬延、張顗軍來。不知曹操已使呂曠、呂翔去招安二將。二將隨二呂來降，操亦封爲列侯。即日進兵攻打西山，先使二呂、馬延、張顗截斷袁尚糧道。

Shang had realised he could not hold the hills so he went by night to Lankou. Before he could get camped he saw flaring lights springing up all around him and soon an attack began. He was taken aback and had to oppose the enemy with his men half armed, his steeds unsaddled. His army suffered and he had to retreat another fifty li. By that time his force was too enfeebled to show any resistance and as no other course was possible he sent Yin Kui, Imperial Protector of Yuzhou, to Cao’s camp to ask that he might surrender. Cao feigned to consent, but that night he sent Zhang Liao and Xu Huang to raid Shang’s camp. Then it became flight, abandoning everything, seals, emblems of office and even personal clothing. He fled toward Zhongshan.

尚情知西山守不住，夜走濫口。安營未定，四下火光並起，伏兵齊出，人不及甲，馬不及鞍。尚軍大潰，退走五十里，勢窮力極，只得遣豫州刺史陰夔至操營請降。操佯許之，卻連夜使張遼、徐晃去劫寨。尚盡棄印綬、節鉞、衣甲、輜重，望中山而逃。

Then came an attack on Jizhou and to help out this Xu You suggested drowning the city by turning the course of the River Zhang. Cao adopted the suggestion and at once sent a small number of men to dig a channel to lead the water to the city. All told, it was forty li. Shen Pei saw the diggers from the city wall and noticed that they made only a shallow channel. He chuckled, saying to himself, “He means to turn the Zhang River upon the city. A deep channel might flood it, but what use is one so shallow?”

操回軍攻冀州。許攸獻計曰：“何不決漳河之水以淹之？”操然其計，先差軍於城外掘壕塹，周圍四十里。審配在城上見操軍在城外掘塹，卻掘得甚淺。配暗笑曰：“此欲決漳河之水以灌城耳。壕深可灌，如此之淺，有何用哉！”

So he made no preparations to keep out the water. But as soon as night came on Cao increased his army of diggers tenfold and by daylight the channel was deepened to twenty feet and the water was flowing in a great stream into the city where it already stood some feet deep. Moreover the food was exhausted and the soldiers were dying of hunger. Xin Pi now displayed the captured seal and garments of Yuan Shang hung out on spears, to the great shame of their late owner, and called upon the people of the city to surrender. This angered Shen Pei, who avenged the insult by putting to death on the city wall the whole of the Xin family who were within the city. There were more than eighty of them and their severed heads were cast down from the walls.

遂不爲備。當夜曹操添十倍軍士併力發掘，比及天明，廣深二丈，引漳水灌之，城中水深數尺。更兼糧絕，軍士皆餓死。辛毗在城外，用槍挑袁尚印綬衣服，招安城內之人。審配大怒，將辛毗家屬老小八十餘口，就於城上斬之，將頭擲下。

Xin Pi wept exceedingly. Shen Pei’s nephew Shen Rong, one of the gate wardens, was a dear friend of Xin Pi and the murder of Pi’s family greatly distressed him. He wrote a secret letter offering to betray the city and tied it to an arrow, which he shot out among the besiegers. The soldiers found it, gave it to Xin Pi and he took it to his chief. Cao issued an order that the family of the Yuans should be spared when the city should be taken and that no one who surrendered should be put to death. The next day the soldiers entered by the west gate, opened for them by Shen’s nephew.

辛毗號哭不已。審配之侄審榮，素與辛毗相厚，見辛毗家屬被害，心中懷忿，乃密寫獻門之書，拴於箭上，射下城來。軍士拾獻辛毗，毗將書獻操。操先下令：如入冀州，休得殺害袁氏一門老小；軍民降者免死。次日天明，審榮大開西門，放曹兵入。

Xin Pi was the first to prance in on horseback and the men followed. When Shen, who was on the southeast of the city, saw the enemy within the gates he placed himself at the head of some horsemen and dashed toward them. He was met and captured by Xu Huang who bound him and led him outside the city. On the road they met Xin Pi, who ground his teeth with rage at the murderer of his relatives and then pointed his whip at the prisoner’s head, crying, “Murderous ruffian! Today you die!” Shen retorted, “Xin Pi, you traitor!

辛毗躍馬先入，軍將隨後，殺入冀州。審配在東南城樓上，見操軍已入城中，引數騎下城死戰，正迎徐晃交馬。徐晃生擒審配，綁出城來。路逢辛毗，毗咬牙切齒，以鞭指配首曰：“賊殺才！今日死矣！”配大罵：“辛毗賊徒！

You led Cao Cao in to break our Jizhou. My only regret is that I did not slay you!” When the captive was taken into Cao’s presence Cao said, “Do you know who opened the gate to let me in?” “No; I know not.” “It was your nephew Shen Rong who gave up the gate,” said Cao. “He was always unprincipled; and it has come to this!” said Shen. “The other day when I approached the city why did you shoot so hard at me?” “I am sorry we shot too little.” “As a faithful adherent of the Yuans you could do no otherwise.

引曹操破我冀州，我恨不殺汝也！”徐晃解配見操。操曰：“汝知獻門接我者乎？”配曰：“不知。”操曰：“此汝侄審榮所獻也。”配怒曰：“小兒不行，乃至於此！”操曰：“昨孤至城下，何城中弩箭之多耶？”配曰：“恨少！恨少！”操曰：“卿忠於袁氏，不容不如此。

Now will you come over to me?” “Never; I will never surrender.” Xin Pi threw himself on the ground with lamentations, saying, “Eighty of my people murdered by this ruffian; I pray you slay him, O Minister!” “Alive, I have served the Yuans,” said Shen, “dead, I will be their ghost. I am no flattering time-server as you are. Kill me!” Cao gave the order; they led him away to put him to death. On the execution ground he said to the executioners, “My lord is in the north, I pray you not to make me face the south.”

今肯降吾否？”配曰：“不降！不降”辛毗哭拜於地曰：“家屬八十餘口，盡遭此賊殺害。願丞相戮之，以雪此恨！”配曰：“吾生爲袁氏臣，死爲袁氏鬼，不似汝輩讒諂阿諛之賊！可速斬我！”操教牽出。臨受刑，叱行刑者曰：“吾主在北，不可使我面南而死！”

So he knelt facing the north and extended his neck for the fatal stroke.

乃向北跪，引頸就刃。

Who of all th’ official throng
In Hebei was true like Shen?
Sad his fate! he served a fool,
But faithful, as the ancient men.
Straight and true was every word,
Never from the road he swerved.
Faithful unto death, he died
Gazing toward the lord he’d served. Thus died Shen Pei and from respect for his character Cao ordered that he be buried honourably on the north of the city.

後人有詩嘆曰：“河北多名士，誰如審正南：命因昏主喪，心與古人蔘。
忠直言無隱，廉能志不貪。
臨亡猶北面，降者盡羞慚。
”審配既死，操憐其忠義，命葬於城北。

The captains begged Cao Cao to enter the city. As he was starting he saw the executioners hurrying forward a prisoner who proved to be Chen Lin. “You wrote that manifesto for Yuan Shao. If you had only directed your diatribe against me, it would not have mattered. But why did you shame my forefathers?” said Cao. “When the arrow is on the string, it must fly,” replied Lin. Those about Cao urged him to put Chen Lin to death, but he was spared on account of his genius and made an Assistant Officer.

衆將請曹操入城。操方欲起行，只見刀斧手擁一人至，操視之，乃陳琳也。操謂之曰：“汝前爲本初作檄，但罪狀孤可也；何乃辱及祖父耶？”琳答曰：“箭在弦上，不得不發耳。”左右勸操殺之；操憐其才，乃赦之，命爲從事。

Now Cao’s eldest son was named Cao Pi, styled Zihuan. At the taking of the city he was eighteen years of age. When he was born a dark purplish halo hung over the house for a whole day. One who understood the meaning of such manifestations had secretly told Cao that the halo belonged to the Imperial class and portended honours which could not be put into words. At eight the lad could compose very skilfully and he was well read in ancient history. Now he was an adept at all military arts and very fond of fencing. He had gone with his father on the expedition to Jizhou. He led his escort in the direction of the Yuan family dwelling, and when he reached it he strode in sword in hand.

卻說操長子曹丕，字子桓，時年十八歲。丕初生時，有云氣一片，其色青紫，圓如車蓋，覆於其室，終日不散。有望氣者，密謂操曰：“此天子氣也。令嗣貴不可言！”丕八歲能屬文，有逸才，博古通今，善騎射，好擊劍。時操破冀州，丕隨父在軍中，先領隨身軍，徑投袁紹家，下馬拔劍而入。

When some one would have stayed him, saying that by order of the Minister no one was to enter the house, he bade them begone. The guards fell back and he made his way into the private rooms, where he saw two women weeping in each other’s arms. He went forward to slay them.

有一將當之曰：“丞相有命，諸人不許入紹府。”丕叱退，提劍入後堂。見兩個婦人相抱而哭，丕向前欲殺之。

Four generations of honours, gone like a dream,
Fate follows on ever surely, though slow she seem.
The fate of the two women will be told in the next chapter.

正是：四世公侯已成夢，一家骨肉又遭殃。
未知性命如何，且聽下文分解。