Romance, Chapter 41

Chapter 41. Liu Bei Leads his People Over the River: Zhao Yun Rescues his Lord

The last chapter closed with the attack made by Zhang Fei as soon as his brother had let loose the waters on the doomed army. He met with Xu Chu and a combat began, but a fight with such a warrior was not to Xu’s taste and he ran away. Zhang Fei followed till he came upon Liu Bei and Kongming and the three went up stream till they came to the boats that Liu Feng and Mi Fang had prepared, when they all crossed over and marched toward Fancheng. As soon as they disembarked Kongming ordered the boats and rafts to be burned.

卻說張飛因關公放了上流水，遂引軍從下流殺將來，截住曹仁混殺。忽遇許褚，便與交鋒；許褚不敢戀戰，奪路走脫。張飛趕來，接着玄德、孔明，一同沿河到上流。劉封、糜芳已安排船隻等候，遂一齊渡河，盡望樊城而去，孔明教將船筏放火燒燬。

Cao Ren gathered in the remnants of his army and camped at Xinye, while he sent Cao Hong to tell their lord the evil tidings of defeat. “How dare he, this rustic fool Zhuge!” exclaimed Cao Cao angrily. He then urged on his whole army, which covered the hills and filled the plains, and camped it all at Xinye. He ordered the soldiers to search the hills on the one hand and to dam up the White River on the other, and divided his great army into eight divisions to fall upon Fancheng all at once. Then Liu Ye came in to see his lord and said, “Sir, you have but newly come to Xiangyang and you must first win over the people’s hearts. Liu Bei has moved all the people from Xinye to Fancheng. If our soldiers march straight on, the people of both counties will be ground to powder. It would be well first to send and call upon Liu Bei to surrender.

卻說曹仁收拾殘軍，就新野屯住，使曹洪去見曹操，具言失利之事。操大怒曰：“諸葛村夫，安敢如此；”催動三軍，漫山塞野，盡至新野下寨。傳令軍士一面搜山，一面填塞白河。令大軍分作八路，一齊去取樊城。劉曄曰：“丞相初至襄陽，必須先買民心，今劉備盡遷新野百姓入樊城，若我兵徑進，二縣爲齏粉矣；不如先使人招降劉備。

Even if he will not yield, this will prove to the people that you have a care for them; and if he yield, then we get Jingzhou without fighting.” Cao agreed and asked who would be a suitable messenger. The reply was Xu Shu. “He is a close friend and he is here with the army,” said Liu Ye. “But he will not come back,” objected Cao. “If he does not return he will be a laughing stock to the whole world. Have no doubt, Sir.”

備即不降，亦可見我愛民之心；若其來降，則荊州之地，可不戰而定也。”操從其言，便問：“誰可爲使？”劉曄曰：“徐庶與劉備至厚，今現在軍中，何不命他一往？”操曰：“他去恐不復來。”曄曰：“他若不來，貽笑於人矣。丞相勿疑。”

Xu Shu was sent for, and Cao said, “My first intention was to level Fancheng with the ground, but out of pity for its people you may carry an offer to Liu Bei, that if he will surrender he will not only not be punished but he shall be given rank. But if he hold on his present misguided course, soldiers and people shall perish together, jade and stone burned alike. Now you are an honest man and so I confide this mission to you, and I trust you will not disappoint me.”

操乃召徐庶至，謂曰：“我本欲踏平樊城，奈憐衆百姓之命。公可往說劉備：如肯來降，免罪賜爵；若更執迷，軍民共戮，玉石俱焚。吾知公忠義，故特使公往。願勿相負。”

Xu Shu said nothing but accepted his orders and went to the city, where he was received by both Liu Bei and Kongming. They enjoyed a talk over old times before Shu mentioned the object of his mission. Then he said, “Cao has sent me to invite you to surrender, thereby making a bid for popularity. Now he has divided his army into eight divisions and is filling up the White River to advance. I fear you will not be able to hold Fancheng. You ought to prepare quickly to move.” Liu Bei asked Shu to remain with them, but he said that that was impossible, for all the world would ridicule him if he stayed. “My old mother is dead and I never forget my resentment.

徐庶受命而行。至樊城，玄德、孔明接見，共訴舊日之情。庶曰：“曹操使庶來招降使君，乃假買民心也，今彼分兵八路，填白河而進。樊城恐不可守，宜速作行計。”玄德欲留徐庶。庶謝曰：“某若不還，恐惹人笑。今老母已喪，抱恨終天。

My body may be over there, but I swear never to form a plan for him. You have the ‘Sleeping Dragon’ to help you and need have no anxiety about the ultimate achievement of your undertaking. But I must go.” And he took his leave. Liu Bei felt he could not press his friend to stay.

身雖在彼，誓不爲設一謀，公有臥龍輔佐，何愁大業不成。庶請辭。”玄德不敢強留。

Xu Shu returned to Cao Cao’s camp and reported that Liu Bei had no intention of surrender. This angered Cao who gave orders to begin the siege. When Liu Bei asked what Kongming meant to do he replied that they should quickly abandon Fancheng and take Xiangyang for a brief rest. “But what of the people who have followed us? They cannot be abandoned.” “You can tell them to do as they wish. They may come if they like, or remain here.” They first sent Guan Yu to the river bank to prepare boats and told Sun Qian and Jian Yong to proclaim in the city that Cao was coming, that the city could not be defended, and those who wished to do so might cross the river with the army.

徐庶辭回，見了曹操，言玄德並無降意。操大怒，即日進兵。玄德問計於孔明。孔明曰：“可速棄樊城，取襄陽暫歇。”玄德曰：“奈百姓相隨許久，安忍棄之？”孔明曰：“可令人遍告百姓：有願隨者同去，不願者留下。”先使雲長往江岸整頓船隻，令孫乾、簡雍在城中聲揚曰：“今曹兵將至，孤城不可久守，百姓願隨者，便同過江。”

The people of both counties cried with one voice, “We will follow the prince even if it be to death.” They started at once, some lamenting, some weeping, the young helping the aged and parents leading their children, men and women together. As the crowds crossed the river from both banks arose the sound of lamentation. Xuande was much affected as he saw all this from the boat. “That the people should suffer all this misery for the sake of me alone!” said he. “How can I go on living?” He made to leap into the river and die, but those about him held him back. All who heard of it wept bitterly.

兩縣之民，齊聲大呼曰：“我等雖死，亦願隨使君！”即日號泣而行。扶老攜幼，將男帶女，滾滾渡河，兩岸哭聲不絕。玄德於船上望見，大慟曰：“爲吾一人而使百姓遭此大難，吾何生哉！”欲投江而死，左右急救止。聞者莫不痛哭。

When the boat reached the southern shore he looked back and saw those of the people who had not yet crossed, gazing south and weeping. He bade Guan Yu hasten the boats before he mounted and rode on.

船到南岸，回顧百姓，有未渡者，望南而哭。玄德急令雲長催船渡之，方纔上馬。

When they reached the east gate of Xiangyang they saw many flags flying on the walls and that the moat was protected by chevaux de frise. Xuande checked his horse and called out, “Liu Cong, good nephew, I only wish to save the people and nothing more. I pray you quickly to open the gates.” But Liu Cong was too frightened to appear. Cai Mao and Zhang Yun went up to one of the fighting towers and ordered the soldiers to shoot arrows down on those without the walls. The people outside the walls gazed up at the towers and wept aloud.

行至襄陽東門，只見城上遍插旌旗，壕邊密佈鹿角，玄德勒馬大叫曰：“劉琮賢侄，吾但欲救百姓，並無他念。可快開門。”劉琮聞玄德至，懼而不出。蔡瑁、張允徑來敵樓上，叱軍士亂箭射下。城外百姓，皆望敵樓而哭。

Suddenly a captain from within the city led several hundred men straight up the wall tower and cried out, “Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, you traitors who sell your country! The princely Liu is a most upright man and has come here to preserve his people. Why do you repulse him?” All looked at this man. He was eight spans tall, with a face dark red as a ripe date. He was from Yiyang, named Wei Yan and styled Wenchang. At that moment Wei Yan whirled his sword and cut down the guards of the gate, threw open the gate and dropped the drawbridge. “Come in quickly, Imperial Uncle Liu,” cried Yan, “and bring your men to slay these traitors!”

城中忽有一將，引數百人徑上城樓，大喝：“蔡瑁、張允賣國之賊！劉使君乃仁德之人，今爲救民而來投，何得相拒！”衆視其人，身長八尺，面如重棗；乃義陽人也，姓魏，名延，字文長。當下魏延輪刀砍死守門將士，開了城門，放下吊橋，大叫：“劉皇叔快領兵入城，共殺賣國之賊！”

Zhang Fei plunged forward to take him at his word, but was checked by his brother, who said, “Do not frighten the people!” Wei Yan kept on beckoning Xuande’s men to enter the city. Then from within the city a captain came galloping out at the head of his men. The newcomer yelled, “Wei Yan, you nobody! how dare you create trouble? Do you not know me, the great general Wen Pin?” Wei Yan turned angrily, set his spear and galloped forward to attack him. The soldiers of both sides fought beside the wall and the noise of battle rose to the skies.

張飛便躍馬欲入，玄德急止之曰：“休驚百姓！”魏延只管招呼玄德軍馬入城。只見城內一將飛馬引軍而出，大喝：“魏延無名小卒，安敢造亂！認得我大將文聘麼！”魏延大怒，挺槍躍馬，便來交戰。兩下軍兵在城邊混殺，喊聲大震。

“I wanted to preserve the people and I am only causing them injury,” cried Xuande distressed. “I do not wish to enter the city.” “Jiangling is an important point; we will first take that as a place to dwell in,” said Kongming. “That pleases me greatly,” said Xuande. So they led the people thither and away from Xiangyang. Many of the inhabitants of that city took advantage of the confusion to escape and they also joined themselves to Xuande. Meanwhile, within the inhospitable city, Wei Yan and Wen Pin fought. The battle continued from mid-morning till mid-afternoon, and all of Wei Yan’s men fell.

玄德曰：“本欲保民，反害民也！吾不願入襄陽！”孔明曰：“江陵乃荊州要地，不如先取江陵爲家。”玄德曰：“正合吾心。”於是引着百姓，盡離襄陽大路，望江陵而走。襄陽城中百姓，多有乘亂逃出城來，跟玄德而去。魏延與文聘交戰，從巳至未，手下兵卒皆已折盡。

Then Wei Yan got away. As he could not find Xuande he rode off to Changsha and sought an asylum with the Prefect, Han Xuan.

延乃撥馬而逃，卻尋不見玄德，自投長沙太守韓玄去了。

Xuande wandered away from the city that had refused shelter. Soldiers and people, his following numbered more than a hundred thousand. The carts, great and small, numbered several thousands, and the burden bearers were innumerable. Their road led them past the tomb of Liu Biao and Xuande led his captains to bow at the grave. He lamented, saying, “Shameful is thy brother, lacking both in virtue and in talents. I have failed the heavy trust you placed in me. The guilt is mine alone; the people have no part in it. I pray your glorious spirit to descend and rescue the people of Jingzhou and Xiangyang.” His prayer was fraught with sorrow and all those about him wept.

卻說玄德同行軍民十餘萬，大小車數千輛，挑擔揹包者不計其數，路過劉表之墓，玄德率衆將拜於墓前，哭告曰：“辱弟備無德無才，負兄寄託之重，罪在備一身，與百姓無干。望兄英靈，垂救荊襄之民！”言甚悲切，軍民無不下淚。

Just then a scout rode up with the news that Cao Cao’s great army was already camped at Fancheng and that men were preparing boats and rafts to cross the river that very day. The captains knew that Jiangling was a defensible place, but they said, “With this crowd of tens of thousands we can go but ten li or so a day; when can we reach the city at this rate? If Cao Cao pursue, we shall be in a parlous state. Our counsel is to leave the people to their fate for a time and press on to the city.” But Xuande wept, saying, “He who would achieve a great enterprise must make the people his foundation.

忽哨馬報曰：“曹操大軍已屯樊城，使人收拾船筏，即日渡江趕來也。”衆將皆曰：“江陵要地，足可拒守。今擁民衆數萬，日行十餘里，似此幾時得至江陵？倘曹兵到，如何迎敵？不如暫棄百姓，先行爲上。”玄德泣曰：“舉大事者必以人爲本。

Now the people have come to me; how can I abandon them?” The people who heard him say this were all greatly affected.

今人歸我，奈何棄之？”百姓聞玄德此言，莫不傷感。

A later poet wrote in his praise:
In time of stress his heart was tender toward the people,
And he wept as he went down into the ship,
Moving the hearts of soldiers to sympathy.
Even to-day, mourning him at the mouth of the Xiang River,
Fathers and elders recall the Princely One’s kindness. The progress of Xuande, with the crowd of people in his train, was very slow.

後人有詩讚之曰：“臨難仁心存百姓，登舟揮淚動三軍。
至今憑弔襄江口，父老猶然憶使君。
”卻說玄德擁着百姓，緩緩而行。

“The pursuers will be upon us quickly,” said Kongming. “Let us send Guan Yu to Jiangxia to ask help of the young lord Liu Qi. He should be told to raise soldiers quickly and meet us with boats at Jiangling.” Xuande agreed to this and wrote a letter which he sent by the hands of Guan Yu and Sun Qian, who took five hundred men to Jiangxia to ask for help. Zhang Fei was put in command of the rear guard. Zhao Yun was told to guard the families, while the others ordered the march of the people. They only travelled ten li or so daily and then halted.

孔明曰：“追兵不久即至。可遣雲長往江夏求救於公子劉琦。教他速起兵乘船會於江陵。”玄德從之，即修書令雲長同孫乾領五百軍往江夏求救；令張飛斷後；趙雲保護老小；其餘俱管顧百姓而行。每日只走十餘里便歇。

Meanwhile Cao Cao was at Fancheng, whence he sent messengers over the river to Xiangyang to summon Liu Cong. But Liu Cong was too afraid to answer the call, and Cai Mao and Zhang Yun asked to go in his stead. One, Wang Wei, said to him privately, “Now you can overcome Cao Cao if you are wise. Since you have announced surrender and Liu Bei has gone away, he will relax his precautions and you can catch him unawares. Send a well-prepared but unexpected force to waylay him in some commanding position and the thing is done. If you were to take Cao prisoner your fame would run throughout the empire, and the Central Plain, wide as it is, could be won by a mere proclamation.

卻說曹操在樊城，使人渡江至襄陽，召劉琮相見。琮懼怕不敢往見。蔡瑁、張允請行。王威密告琮曰：“將軍既降，玄德又走，曹操必懈弛無備。願將軍奮整奇兵，設於險處擊之，操可獲矣。獲操則威震天下，中原雖廣，可傳檄而定。

This is a sort of opportunity that does not recur and you should not miss it.” Liu Cong told this to Cai Mao, who spoke harshly to Wang Wei. “You are mad; you know nothing and understand nothing of destiny,” said Mao. Wang Wei angrily retorted, calling his critic the betrayer of his country, and saying he wished he could eat him alive. Cai Mao would have slain him, but Kuai Yue dissuaded him.

此難遇之機，不可失也。”琮以其言告蔡瑁。瑁叱王威曰：“汝不知天命，安敢妄言！”威怒罵曰：“賣國之徒，吾恨不生啖汝肉！”瑁欲殺之，蒯越勸止。

Then Cai Mao and Zhang Yun went to Fancheng to see Cao Cao. Mao was by instinct specious and flattering, and when his host asked concerning the resources of the district, he replied, “There are five legions of horse, fifteen of foot and eight of marines, twenty-eight legions in all. Most of the money and grain are at Jiangling; what is stored at various other places is enough to supply us for a year.” “How many war vessels are there? Who is in command?” said Cao.

瑁遂與張允同至樊城，拜見曹操。瑁等辭色甚是諂佞。操問：“荊州軍馬錢糧，今有多少？”瑁曰：“馬軍五萬，步軍十五萬，水軍八萬：共二十八萬。錢糧大半在江陵；其餘各處，亦足供給一載。”操曰：“戰船多少？原是何人管領？”

“The ships, of all sizes, number over seven thousand, and we two have had the command of them.” Upon this Cao conferred upon Cai Mao the title of Marquis Who Guards the South and made him Admiral in Chief of the Naval Force, and Zhang Yun was made Marquis Who Aids Obedience and his Vice-Admiral. When they went to thank Cao for these honours he told them he was about to propose to the throne that Liu Biao’s son should be perpetual prefect of Jingzhou in succession to his late father. With this promise for their young master and the honours for themselves they retired.

瑁曰：“大小戰船，共七千餘隻，原是瑁等二人掌管。”操遂加瑁爲鎮南侯、水軍大都督，張允爲助順侯、水軍副都督。二人大喜拜謝。操又曰：“劉景升既死，其子降順，吾當表奏天子，使永爲荊州之主。”二人大喜而退。

Then Xun You asked Cao why these two evident self-seekers and flatterers had been given such high rank and even the command of the navy. Cao replied, “Do I not know all about them? Only in the north country, where I have been, they know nothing of war by water and these two men do. I want their help for the present. When my end is achieved I can do as I like with them.”

荀攸曰：“蔡瑁，張允乃諂佞之徒，主公何遂加以如此顯爵，更教都督水軍乎？”操笑曰：“吾豈不識人！止因吾所領北地之衆，不習水戰，故且權用此二人；待成事之後，別有理會。”

Liu Cong was highly delighted when his two chief supporters returned with the promise Cao had given them. The next day he and his mother, the Lady Cai, took his seal and his military tallies and crossed the river in person to welcome Cao Cao, who received him very graciously. Cao next led his army on and camped outside the city of Xiangyang. The populace, led by Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, welcomed him with burning incense, and he on his part put forth proclamations couched in comforting terms.

卻說蔡瑁、張允歸見劉琮，具言：“曹操許保奏將軍永鎮荊襄。”琮大喜！次日，與母蔡夫人齎捧印綬兵符，親自渡江拜迎曹操。操撫慰畢，即引隨徵軍將，進屯襄陽城外。蔡瑁、張允令襄陽百姓焚香拜接。曹操俱用好言撫諭。

Cao Cao presently entered the city and took his seat in the residence in state. Then he summoned Kuai Yue and said to him graciously, “I do not rejoice so much at gaining Jingzhou as at meeting you, Yidu.” He made Kuai Prefect of Jiangling and Marquis of Fancheng; Fu Xun, Wang Can and others were all made Marquises Within the Pass. Liu Cong became Governor of Qingzhou in the north and was ordered to proceed to his district forthwith. He was greatly frightened and said he had no wish for office; he wished to guard the land of his father and mother.

入城至府中坐定，即召蒯越近前，撫慰曰：“吾不喜得荊州，喜得異度也。”遂封蒯越爲江陵太守樊城侯；傅巽、王粲等皆爲關內侯；而以劉琮爲青州刺史，便教起程。琮聞命大驚，辭曰：“琮不願爲官，願守父母鄉土。”

Said Cao, “Qingzhou is near the capital. I send you there to serve at court, to save you from falling victim to plots here in Jingzhou and Xiangyang.” In vain Liu Cong declined the honours thus thrust upon him; he was compelled to go and he departed, taking his mother with him. Of his old captains, only Wang Wei accompanied him; the other officials escorted him as far as the river mouth and then returned. Then Cao called Yu Jin and bade him take light horsemen, follow up Liu Cong and his mother and put them to death, so as to cut off all future trouble.

操曰：“青州近帝都，教你隨朝爲官，免在荊襄被人圖害。”琮再三推辭，曹操不準。琮只得與母蔡夫人同赴青州。只有故將王威相隨，其餘官員俱送至江口而回。操喚于禁囑咐曰：“你可引輕騎追劉琮母子殺之，以絕後患。”

Yu Jin followed the small party. When he drew near he shouted, “I have an order from the great Minister to put you both to death, mother and son; yield up your heads at once!” The Lady Cai threw her arms about her son, lifted up her voice and wept. Yu Jin bade the soldiers get on with their bloody work. Wang Wei, in a fury, fought with all his might, but he was soon killed by the soldiers. The two, mother and son, were soon finished and the murderer returned to report his success. Cao Cao rewarded him richly.

于禁得令，領衆趕上，大喝曰：“我奉丞相令，教來殺汝母子！可早納下首級！”蔡夫人抱劉琮而大哭。于禁喝令軍士下手。王威忿怒，奮力相鬥，竟被衆軍所殺。軍士殺死劉琮及蔡夫人，于禁回報曹操，操重賞于禁。

Next Cao Cao sent to Longzhong to discover and seize the wife and children of Kongming, but they had already disappeared, for Kongming had long since had them removed to hide among the Three Rivers. Cao hated him bitterly for it. So Xiangyang was settled. Then Xun You proposed a further advance. He said, “Jiangling is an important place, and very rich; if Liu Bei gets it, it will be difficult to dislodge him.” “How could I have overlooked that?” said Cao. Then he ordered that one of the officers of Xiangyang be chosen to lead an army and open the way.

便使人往隆中搜尋孔明妻小，卻不知去向。原來孔明先已令人搬送至三江內隱避矣。操深恨之。襄陽既定，荀攸進言曰：“江陵乃荊襄重地，錢糧極廣。劉備若據此地，急難動搖。”操曰：“孤豈忘之！”隨命於襄陽諸將中，選一員引軍開道。

They all came except Wen Pin. Cao sent for him and soon he came also. “Why are you late?” asked Cao. “To be a minister and see one’s master lose his own boundaries is most shameful. Such an one has no face to show to any man and I was too ashamed to come.” His tears fell fast as he finished this speech. “A truly loyal minister!” said Cao, and he made him Prefect of Jiangxia with the title of Marquis Within the Pass, and bade him lead an army to open the way. The spies returned and told how Liu Bei, hampered by the crowds of people who had followed him, went only ten li or so a day, and was then only three hundred li away.

諸將中卻獨不見文聘。操使人尋問，方纔來見。操曰：“汝來何遲？”對曰：“爲人臣而不能使其主保全境土，心實悲慚，無顏早見耳。”言訖，欷歔流涕。操曰：“真忠臣也！”除江夏太守，賜爵關內侯，便教引軍開道。探馬報說：“劉備帶領百姓，日行止十數里，計程只有三百餘里。”

Cao bade every division choose out its best mailed horsemen, five companies in all, and sent them on night and day after the cavalcade, giving them a limit of a day and a night to come up therewith. The main army would follow.

操教各部下精選五千鐵騎，星夜前進，限一日一夜，趕上劉備。大軍陸續隨後而進。

As has been said Liu Bei was travelling toward Jiangling with over a hundred thousand people and some three thousand soldiers. Zhao Yun guarded the families and Zhang Fei commanded the rear guard. Kongming said, “Guan Yu went to Jiangxia and there is as yet no word from him; I know not what has happened.” “I wish that you yourself would go there,” said Liu Bei. “Liu Qi is grateful for your former counsel to him; if he sees you come in person, all will go well.”

卻說玄德引十數萬百姓、三千餘軍馬，一程程挨着往江陵進發。趙雲保護老小，張飛斷後。孔明曰：“雲長往江夏去了，絕無迴音，不知若何。”玄德曰：“敢煩軍師親自走一遭。劉琦感公昔日之教，今若見公親至，事必諧矣。”

Kongming said he would go and set out with Liu Feng, the adopted son of Liu Bei, taking an escort of half a company, to go ahead to Jiangxia for help.

孔明允諾，便同劉封引五百軍先往江夏求救去了。

That day Xuande was marching with Jian Yong, Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, when a sudden whirlwind rose just in front of Xuande, and a huge column of dust shot up into the air hiding the face of the sun. Xuande was frightened and asked what that might portend. Jian Yong, who knew something of the mysteries of nature, took the auspices by counting secretly on his fingers. Pale and trembling he announced that a calamity was threatening that very night. He advised his lord to leave the people to their fate and flee quickly. But Xuande said, “The people have followed me all the way from Xinye. How can I bear to abandon them?”

當日玄德自與簡雍、糜竺、糜芳同行。正行間，忽然一陣狂風就馬前颳起，塵土沖天，平遮紅日。玄德驚曰：“此何兆也？”簡雍頗明陰陽，袖佔一課，失驚曰：“此大凶之兆也。應在今夜。主公可速棄百姓而走。”玄德曰：“百姓從新野相隨至此，吾安忍棄之？”

“If you allow your pity to overcome your judgment, then misfortune is very near,” said Jian. Xuande asked what place lay ahead. His people replied that it was Dangyang County, where there was a hill called Jingshan. Then Xuande bade them camp on that hill.

雍曰：“主公若戀而不棄，禍不遠矣。”玄德問：“前面是何處？”左右答曰：“前面是當陽縣。有座山名爲景山。”玄德便教就此山扎住。

The season was late autumn, just changing to winter, and the icy wind penetrated to the very bones. As evening fell, long-drawn howls of misery were heard on every side. At the fourth watch they heard shouting that shook the earth coming from the north-west. Xuande in great alarm hastily mounted and placed himself at the head of his own picked guard of two companies to meet whatever might come. Presently Cao’s men appeared and made a fierce onslaught. Defence was impossible, though Xuande fought desperately. By good fortune just at the crisis Zhang Fei came up, cut his way through, rescued his brother and got him away to the east.

時秋末冬初，涼風透骨；黃昏將近，哭聲遍野。至四更時分，只聽得西北喊聲震地而來。玄德大驚，急上馬引本部精兵二千餘人迎敵。曹兵掩至，勢不可當。玄德死戰。正在危迫之際，幸得張飛引軍至，殺開一條血路，救玄德望東而走。

Presently Wen Pin barred their way. “Turncoat! Can you still look men in the face?” cried Xuande. Wen Pin was overwhelmed with shame and led his men away to the north-east. Zhang Fei, now fighting, now flying, protected his brother till dawn. By that time the sound of battle had died away in the distance and Liu Bei could rest. Only a hundred or so horsemen were left with him. Of the people, of his family, of Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Jian Yong, Zhao Yun and the others, he knew nothing.

文聘當先攔住，玄德罵曰：“背主之賊，尚有何面目見人！”文聘羞慚滿面，引兵自投東北去了。張飛保着玄德，且戰且走。奔至天明，聞喊聲漸漸遠去，玄德方纔歇馬。看手下隨行人，止有百餘騎；百姓、老小並糜竺、糜芳、簡雍、趙雲等一干人，皆不知下落。

He lifted up his voice in lamentation saying, “Over a hundred thousand living souls are suffering this calamity from love of me, and whether my captains and my family live or die I know not. One would be a graven image not to weep at such loss.” Still plunged in sadness presently he saw hurrying toward him Mi Fang, with several arrows still sticking in his face. He exclaimed, “Zhao Yun has gone over to Cao Cao!” Xuande angrily bade him be silent. “Do you think I can believe that of my old friend?” cried he. “Perhaps he has gone over,” said Zhang Fei. “He must see that we are nearly lost and there are riches and honours on the other side.”

玄德大哭曰：“十數萬生靈，皆因戀我，遭此大難；諸將及老小，皆不知存亡：雖土木之人，寧不悲乎！”正悽惶時，忽見糜芳面帶數箭，踉蹌而來，口言：“趙子龍反投曹操去了也！”玄德叱曰：“子龍是我故交，安肯反乎？”張飛曰：“他今見我等勢窮力盡，或者反投曹操，以圖富貴耳！”

“Zilong has followed me faithfully through all my misfortunes,” said Xuande. “His heart is firm as iron and stone. No riches or honours would move him.” “I saw him go away north-west,” said Mi Fang. “I will go and seek him myself,” said Zhang Fei. “If I run against him I will kill him with one thrust of my spear.” “Beware how you wrongly doubt him,” said Xuande. “Have you forgotten how your second brother slew Yan Liang and Wen Chou? Zhao Yun’s going must be due to some good reason.

玄德曰：“子龍從我於患難，心如鐵石，非富貴所能動搖也。”糜芳曰：“我親見他投西北去了。”張飛曰：“待我親自尋他去。若撞見時，一槍刺死！”玄德曰：“休錯疑了。豈不見你二兄誅顏良、文醜之事乎？子龍此去，必有事故。

I am sure he would never abandon me.” But how could Zhang Fei be persuaded? He took a score of his men and rode to Changban Bridge. Seeing a belt of trees east of the bridge, an idea suddenly struck him. He bade his followers cut branches from the trees, tie them to the tails of the horses and ride to and fro so as to raise a great dust as though an army were concealed in the wood. He himself took up his station on the bridge facing the west with spear set ready for action. So he kept watch.

吾料子龍必不棄我也。”張飛那裏肯聽，引二十餘騎，至長坂橋。見橋東有一帶樹木，飛生一計：教所從二十餘騎，都砍下樹枝，拴在馬尾上，在樹林內往來馳騁，衝起塵土，以爲疑兵。飛卻親自橫矛立馬於橋上，向西而望。

Now Zhao Yun, after fighting with the enemy from the fourth watch till daylight, could see no sign of his lord and, moreover, had lost his lord’s family. He thought bitterly within himself, “My master confided to me the two ladies Gan and Mi and the young lord A Dou; and I have lost them in the battle. How can I look him in the face? I can only go now and fight to the death. Whatever happen I must go to seek the women and my lord’s son.”

卻說趙雲自四更時分，與曹軍廝殺，往來衝突，殺至天明，尋不見玄德，又失了玄德老小，雲自思曰：“主公將甘、糜二夫人與小主人阿斗，託付在我身上；今日軍中失散，有何面目去見主人？不如去決一死戰，好歹要尋主母與小主人下落！”

Turning about he found he had but thirty or forty horsemen left. He rode quickly to and fro among the scattered soldiers seeking the lost women. The lamentations of the people about him were enough to make heaven and earth weep. Some had been wounded by arrows, others by spears; they had thrown away their children, abandoned their wives, and were flying they knew not whither in crowds. Presently he saw a man lying in the grass and recognised him as Jian Yong. “Have you seen our two mistresses?” cried he. Jian replied, “They left their carriage and ran away taking A Dou in their arms.

回顧左右，只有三四十騎相隨。雲拍馬在亂軍中尋覓，二縣百姓號哭之聲震天動地；中箭着槍拋男棄女而走者不計其數。趙雲正走之間，見一人臥在草中，視之，乃簡雍也。雲急問曰：“曾見兩位主母否？”雍曰：“二主母棄了車仗，抱阿斗而走。

I galloped after them, but as I rounded the slope of a hill a captain thrust me with his spear and I fell from my horse. The horse was stolen. I could fight no longer and I lay down here.” Zhao Yun put his colleague on the horse of one of his followers, told off two soldiers to support him and bade him go ahead to their lord with this message. “Say,” said he, “that I will seek the lost ones in heaven or hell, through good or evil, and if I find them not I will die on the battlefield.”

我飛馬趕去，轉過山坡，被一將刺了一槍，跌下馬來，馬被奪了去。我爭鬥不得，故臥在此。”雲乃將從騎所騎之馬，借一匹與簡雍騎坐；又着二卒扶護簡雍先去報與主人：“我上天入地，好歹尋主母與小主人來。如尋不見，死在沙場上也！”

Then he rode off toward Changban Slope. As he went a voice called out, “General Zhao, where are you going?” “Who are you?” said Zhao Yun, pulling up. “I am one of Prince Liu’s carriage guards, shot down here by an arrow.” “Do you know anything of the two ladies?” “Not very long ago I saw the Lady Gan go south with a party of other women. Her hair was down and she was barefooted.”

說罷，拍馬望長坂坡而去。忽一人大叫：“趙將軍那裏去？”雲勒馬問曰：“你是何人？”答曰：“我乃劉使君帳下護送車仗的軍士，被箭射倒在此。”趙雲便問二夫人消息。軍士曰：“恰纔見甘夫人披頭跣足，相隨一夥百姓婦女，投南而走。”

Hearing this, without even another glance at the speaker, Zhao Yun put his horse at full gallop toward the south. Soon he saw a small crowd of persons, male and female, walking hand in hand. “Is the Lady Gan among you?” he called out. The Lady Gan, at the rear of the party, saw him and burst into loud weeping. He slipped off his steed, stuck his spear in the sand and wept, “It was my fault that you were lost. But where are the Lady Mi and our young lord?”

雲見說，也不顧軍士，急縱馬望南趕去。只見一夥百姓，男女數百人，相攜而走。雲大叫曰：“內中有甘夫人否？”夫人在後面望見趙雲，放聲大哭。雲下馬插槍而泣曰：“使主母失散，雲之罪也！糜夫人與小主人安在？”

She replied, “I and she were forced to abandon our carriage and mingle with the crowd on foot. Then a band of soldiers came up and we were separated. I do not know where they are. I ran for my life.”

甘夫人曰：“我與糜夫人被逐，棄了車仗，雜於百姓內步行，又撞見一枝軍馬衝散。糜夫人與阿斗不知何往。我獨自逃生至此。”

As she spoke a howl of distress rose from the crowd of fugitives, for a company of soldiers appeared. Zhao Yun recovered his spear and mounted ready for action. Presently he saw among the soldiers a prisoner bound upon a horse; and the prisoner was Mi Zhu. Behind him followed a captain gripping a huge sword. He was leading over a thousand men. He was Chunyu Dao, one of Cao Ren’s captains. Having captured Mi Zhu he was just taking him to his chief as a proof of his prowess. Zhao Yun gave a great shout and, spear set, rode straight at Chunyu Dao.

正言間，百姓發喊，又撞出一枝軍來。趙雲拔槍上馬看時，面前馬上綁着一人，乃糜竺也。背後一將，手提大刀，引着千餘軍。乃曹仁部將淳于導，拿住糜竺，正要解去獻功。趙雲大喝一聲，挺槍縱馬，直取淳于導。

Dao could not stand against him and was thrust from his horse by Zhao Yun’s spear. Zhao Yun set Mi Zhu free and took two horses. He set the Lady Gan on one, cut a way through and escorted her straight to Changban. But there, standing grim on the bridge, was Zhang Fei. As soon as he saw Zhao Yun he called out, “Zilong, why have you betrayed my brother?” “I fell behind because I was seeking the ladies and our young lord,” said Zhao Yun. “What do you mean by talking of betrayal?”

導抵敵不住，被雲一槍刺落馬下，向前救了糜竺，奪得馬二匹。雲請甘夫人上馬，殺開條大路，直送至長坂坡。只見張飛橫矛立馬於橋上，大叫：“子龍！你如何反我哥哥？”雲曰：“我尋不見主母與小主人，因此落後，何言反耶？”

“If it had not been that Jian Yong arrived before you I should hardly have spared you.” “Where is the master?” said Zhao Yun. “Not far away, in front there.” “Mi Zizhong, escort the Lady Gan on ahead; I am going back to look for the Lady Mi and the young lord,” said Zhao Yun to Mi Zhu, and he turned back with a few horsemen along the road by which he had come.

飛曰：“若非簡雍先來報信，我今見你，怎肯干休也！”雲曰：“主公在何處？”飛曰：“只在前面不遠。”雲謂糜竺曰：“糜子仲保甘夫人先行，待我仍往尋糜夫人與小主人去。”言罷，引數騎再回舊路。

Before long he met a captain armed with an iron spear and carrying a sword slung across his back, riding a curvetting steed and leading a dozen or more horsemen. Without uttering a word Zhao Yun rode straight toward him and engaged. At the first pass he thrust his opponent to earth with his spear. His followers galloped away. This fallen officer was no other than Xiahou En, Cao Cao’s sword-bearer, and the sword on his back was his master’s. Cao Cao had two swords, one called Yitian and the other Qinggang. Yitian was the weapon he usually wore at his side, the other being carried by his sword-bearer.

正走之間，見一將手提鐵槍，揹着一口劍，引十數騎躍馬而來。趙雲更不打話，直取那將。交馬只一合，把那將一槍刺倒，從騎皆走。原來那將乃曹操隨身背劍之將夏侯恩也。曹操有寶劍二口：一名“倚天”，一名“青釭”；倚天劍自佩之，青釭劍令夏侯恩佩之。

Qinggang would cut clean through iron as though it were mud and no sword had so keen an edge. Xiahou En, trusting in his own valour, had left Cao Cao’s side and was simply plundering with his men. Least of all thought he of such sudden death as met him at Zhao Yun’s hands. So Zhao Yun got possession of a famous sword. The name Qinggang was inlaid in gold on the hilt so that he recognised its value at once. He stuck it in his belt and again plunged into the press. Just as he did so he turned his head and saw he had not a single follower left; he was quite alone.

那青釭劍砍鐵如泥，鋒利無比。當時夏侯恩自恃勇力，揹着曹操，只顧引人搶奪擄掠。不想撞着趙雲，被他一槍刺死，奪了那口劍，看靶上有金嵌“青釭”二字，方知是寶劍也。雲插劍提槍，復殺入重圍，回顧手下從騎，已沒一人，只剩得孤身。

Nevertheless not for a single instant thought he of turning back; he was too intent upon his quest. To and fro, back and forth, he rode questioning this person and that. At length a man said, “A woman with a child in her arms, and wounded in the left thigh so that she cannot walk, is lying over there through that hole in the wall.”

雲並無半點退心，只顧往來尋覓；但逢百姓，便問糜夫人消息。忽一人指曰：“夫人抱着孩兒，左腿上着了槍，行走不得，只在前面牆缺內坐地。”

Zhao Yun rode to look and there, beside an old well behind the broken wall of a burned house, sat the mother clasping the child to her breast and weeping. Zhao Yun hastily dismounted and bowed to the ground before her. “My child will live then since you are here,” cried the Lady Mi. “Pity his father, O General, who has wandered half his life and has only this one child of his flesh and blood. Protect him and let him see his father’s face, and I can die content.”

趙雲聽了，連忙追尋。只見一個人家，被火燒壞土牆，糜夫人抱着阿斗，坐於牆下枯井之傍啼哭。雲急下馬伏地而拜。夫人曰：“妾得見將軍，阿斗有命矣。望將軍可憐他父親飄蕩半世，只有這點骨血。將軍可護持此子，教他得見父面，妾死無恨！”

“It is my fault that you have suffered,” replied Zhao Yun. “But it is useless to say more. I pray you take my horse while I will walk beside and protect you till we get clear.” She replied, “I may not do that. What would you do without a steed? But the boy here I confide to your care. I am badly wounded and cannot hope to live. Pray take him and go your way. Do not trouble more about me.” “I hear shouting,” said Zhao. “The soldiers will be upon us again in a moment. Pray mount quickly.”

雲曰：“夫人受難，雲之罪也。不必多言，請夫人上馬。雲自步行死戰，保夫人透出重圍。”糜夫人曰：“不可！將軍豈可無馬！此子全賴將軍保護。妾已重傷，死何足惜！望將軍速抱此子前去，勿以妾爲累也。”雲曰：“喊聲將近，追兵已至，請夫人速速上馬。”

“But really I cannot move,” she said. “Do not let there be a double loss!” And she held out the child toward him as she spoke. “Take the child,” cried she. “His life and safety are in your hands.” Again and again Zhao Yun besought her to get on his horse, but she would not. The shouting drew nearer and nearer, Zhao Yun spoke harshly saying, “If you will not do what I say, what will happen when the soldiers come up?” She said no more. Throwing the child on the ground she turned over and threw herself into the old well. And there she perished.

糜夫人曰：“妾身委實難去。休得兩誤。”乃將阿斗遞與趙雲曰：“此子性命全在將軍身上！”趙雲三回五次請夫人上馬，夫人只不肯上馬。四邊喊聲又起。雲厲聲曰：“夫人不聽吾言，追軍若至，爲之奈何？”糜夫人乃棄阿斗於地，翻身投入枯井中而死。

A later poet wrote in her praise:
The warrior relies upon the strength of his charger,
Afoot, how could he bear to safety his young prince?
Brave mother! who died to preserve the son of her husband’s line;
Heroine was she, bold and decisive! Seeing that the lady was dead, and fearing that Cao’s soldiers would steal the body, Zhao Yun pushed over the earthen wall to cover the old well.

後人有詩讚之曰：“戰將全憑馬力多，步行怎把幼君扶？
拚將一死存劉嗣，勇決還虧女丈夫。
”趙雲見夫人已死，恐曹軍盜屍，便將土牆推倒，掩蓋枯井。

When this was finished, he loosened the straps of his armour, let down the heart-protecting mirror and placed the child in his breast. This done he slung his spear and re-mounted. He had gone but a short distance when he saw Yan Ming, one of Cao Hong’s captains, at the head of a company of foot. This warrior used a double edged, three pointed weapon and he offered battle. But before three bouts were fought Zhao Yun thrust him down, dispersed his men and cut a way through. As the road cleared before him he saw another detachment barring his way.

掩訖，解開勒甲絛，放下掩心鏡，將阿斗抱護在懷，綽槍上馬。早有一將，引一隊步軍至，乃曹洪部將晏明也，持三尖兩刃刀來戰趙雲。不三合，被趙雲一槍刺倒，殺散衆軍，衝開一條路。正走間，前面又一枝軍馬攔路。

At the head of this was a great captain whose banner bore plainly the words “Zhang He of Hejian.” Zhao Yun never waited to parley but attacked. After some ten bouts Zhao Yun, not daring to fight on, broke away and fled. Zhang He pursued and as Zhao thought only of thrashing his steed to get away, and little of the road, suddenly he went crashing into a pit. On came his pursuer, spear at poise. Suddenly a brilliant flash of light seemed to shoot out of the pit and the fallen horse leapt with it into the air and was again on firm earth.

當先一員大將，旗號分明，大書河間張郃。雲更不答話，挺槍便戰。約十餘合，雲不敢戀戰，奪路而走。背後張郃趕來，雲加鞭而行，不想趷躂一聲，連馬和人，顛入土坑之內。張郃挺槍來刺，忽然一道紅光，從土坑中滾起，那匹馬平空一躍，跳出坑外。

A later poet wrote:
A bright glory surrounds the child of the imperial line, now in danger,
The powerful charger forces his way through the press of battle,
Bearing to safety him who was destined to sit on the throne two score years and two;
And the general thus manifested his godlike courage. This apparition frightened Zhang He, who abandoned the pursuit forthwith.

後人有詩曰：“紅光罩體困龍飛，征馬衝開長坂圍。
四十二年真命主，將軍因得顯神威。
”張郃見了，大驚而退。

Zhao Yun galloped on. Presently two captains shouted behind him, “Zhao Yun, stop!” and at the same time two more captains ahead of him, wielding two kinds of weapons, barred his way. Those pursuing were Ma Yan and Zhang Yi; those barring the way were Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan, all captains who had surrendered from Yuan Shao’s army. Two in front and two following, his state seemed desperate, but he quailed not. As he fought the four with all his might, the men of Cao came pressing on all together, and he drew the Qinggang sword and slashed about him. Nothing could resist it. Armour, clothing, it went through without effort and blood gushed forth in fountains wherever it struck.

趙雲縱馬正走，背後忽有二將大叫：“趙雲休走！”前面又有二將，使兩般軍器，截住去路：後面趕的是馬延、張顗，前面阻的是焦觸、張南，都是袁紹手下降將。趙雲力戰四將，曹軍一齊擁至。雲乃拔青釭劍亂砍，手起處，衣甲平過，血如湧泉。

So he beat off the captains and soldiers and broke clean through the encircling ranks. Now Cao Cao from the top of Jingshan saw these deeds of derring-do and a captain showing such valour that none could withstand him, so he hastily asked of his followers who the man was. Cao Hong galloped down into the plain and shouted to the hero asking him his name. “I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan,” replied Zhao Yun. Cao Hong returned and told his lord, who said, “A very tiger of a leader! I must get him alive.”

殺退衆軍將，直透重圍。卻說曹操在景山頂上，望見一將，所到之處，威不可當，急問左右是誰。曹洪飛馬下山大叫曰：“軍中戰將可留姓名！”雲應聲曰：“吾乃常山趙子龍也！”曹洪回報曹操。操曰：“真虎將也！吾當生致之。”

Whereupon he sent gallopers to all detachments with orders that no arrows were to be fired from an ambush at any point Zhao Yun should pass; he was to be taken alive. And so Zhao Yun escaped this danger; and this too was due to the good fortune of A Dou. On this career of slaughter which ended in safety, Zhao Yun, bearing in his bosom him who was to be known as The Later Lord, cut down two banners, took three spears and slew of Cao’s captains half a hundred, all men of renown.

遂令飛馬傳報各處：“如趙雲到，不許放冷箭，只要捉活的。”因此趙雲得脫此難；此亦阿斗之福所致也。這一場殺：趙雲懷抱後主，直透重圍，砍倒大旗兩面，奪槊三條；前後槍刺劍砍，殺死曹營名將五十餘員。

A later poet wrote:
Blood dyed the fighting robe and crimsoned his buff coat;
None dared engage the terrible warrior at Dangyang;
Of all who since of old have charged the ranks to save a lord in peril,
There is but Zhao Zilong of Changshan.

後人有詩曰：“血染徵袍透甲紅，當陽誰敢與爭鋒！
古來衝陣扶危主，只有常山趙子龍。
”

Having thus fought his way out of the press Zhao Yun lost no time in getting away from the battle field. His battle robe was soaked in blood. On his way, near the rise of the hills, he met with two other bodies of men under two brothers, Zhong Jin and Zhong Shen, captains of Xiahou Dun. One of these was armed with a massive axe, the other a halberd. As soon as they saw Zhao Yun they knew him and shouted, “Quickly dismount and be bound!”

趙雲當下殺透重圍，已離大陣，血滿徵袍。正行間，山坡下又撞出兩枝軍，乃夏侯惇部將鍾縉、鍾紳兄弟二人，一個使大斧，一個使畫戟，大喝：“趙雲快下馬受縛！”

He has only escaped from the tiger’s cave,
To risk the deep pool’s sounding wave.
How Zhao Yun escaped will be next related.

正是：“才離虎窟逃生去，又遇龍潭鼓浪來。
畢竟子龍怎地脫身，且聽下回分解。