Romance, Chapter 44

Chapter 44. Kongming Stirs Zhou Yu to Action: Sun Quan Decides to Attack Cao Cao

Seeing Sun Quan still doubtful and undecided, the Dowager Lady Wu said to him, “My late sister left this message: ‘Sun Ce said when dying, For internal matters consult Zhang Zhao; for external policy Zhou Yu.’ Why not send for Gongjin and ask him?” Sun Quan was delighted and at once sent a messenger to Poyang to summon Zhou Yu to take counsel. Now Zhou Yu had been training his naval forces on Lake Poyang, and when he heard that Cao Cao’s hosts had reached the Han River he had started back for Chaisang that very night to discuss the military situation.

卻說吳國太見孫權疑惑不決，乃謂之曰：“先姊遺言云：‘伯符臨終有言：內事不決問張昭，外事不決問周瑜。’今何不請公瑾問之？”權大喜，即遣使往鄱陽請周瑜議事。原來周瑜在鄱陽湖訓練水師，聞曹操大軍至漢上，便星夜回柴桑郡議軍機事。

So, before the messenger ordered to call him could start, he had already arrived. As he and Lu Su were close friends the latter went to welcome him and told him of all that had happened. “Have no anxiety,” said Zhou Yu, “I shall be able to decide this. But go quickly and beg Kongming to come to see me.” So Lu Su went to seek out Kongming.

使者未發，周瑜已先到。魯肅與瑜最厚，先來接着，將前項事細述一番。周瑜曰：“子敬休憂，瑜自有主張。今可速請孔明來相見。”魯肅上馬去了。

Zhou Yu had many other visitors. First came Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Zhang Hong and Bu Zhi to find out what might be afoot. They were received, and after the exchange of the usual commonplaces, Zhang Zhao said, “Have you heard of our terrible danger?” “I have heard nothing,” said Zhou Yu. “Cao Cao with a host of a million is encamped on the Han River. Yesterday he sent a proclamation here asking our lord to hunt with him in Jiangxia. He may have a desire to absorb this country but, if so, the details of his designs are still secret.

周瑜方纔歇息，忽報張昭、顧雍、張紘、步騭四人來相探。瑜接入堂中坐定，敘寒溫畢。張昭曰：“都督知江東之利害否？”瑜曰：“未知也。”昭曰：“曹操擁衆百萬，屯於漢上，昨傳檄文至此，欲請主公會獵於江夏。雖有相吞之意，尚未露其形。

We prayed our master to give in his submission and so avoid the horrors of war, but now Lu Su has returned bringing with him Liu Bei’s Director of Strategy, Zhuge Liang. He, desiring to avenge himself for the recent defeat, has talked our lord into a mind for war and Lu Su persists in supporting him. We have only been waiting for your final decision.” “Are you and yours unanimous in your opinions?” “We are perfectly unanimous,” said Gu Yong and the others. Zhou said, “The fact is I have also desired to submit for a long time. I beg you to leave me now and to-morrow we will see our master and I shall make up his mind for him.” So they took their leave.

昭等勸主公且降之，庶免江東之禍。不想魯子敬從江夏帶劉備軍師諸葛亮至此，彼因自欲雪憤，特下說詞以激主公。子敬卻執迷不悟。正欲待都督一決。”瑜曰：“公等之見皆同否？”顧雍等曰：“所議皆同。”瑜曰：“吾亦欲降久矣。公等請回，明早見主公，自有定議。”昭等辭去。

Very soon came Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang and the other fighting generals. They were admitted and duly enquired after their host’s health. Then Cheng Pu said, “Have you heard that our country is about to pass under another’s government?” “No; I have heard nothing,” replied the host. “We helped General Sun to establish his authority here and carve out this kingdom, and we fought several hundred battles great and small before we won the cities of the six districts. Now our lord lends his ear to his advisers and desires to submit himself to Cao Cao. This is a most shameful and pitiful course.

少頃，又報程普、黃蓋、韓當等一班戰將來見。瑜迎入，各問慰訖。程普曰：“都督知江東早晚屬他人否？”瑜曰：“未知也。”普曰：“吾等自隨孫將軍開基創業，大小數百戰，方纔戰得六郡城池。今主公聽謀士之言，欲降曹操，此真可恥可惜之事！

We would rather die than be so disgraced. We hope you will persuade our lord to decide on war, and you may depend upon our struggling to the last man.” “And are you unanimous, Generals?” asked Zhou Yu. Huang Gai suddenly started up and smote his forehead saying, “They may take my head but I swear never to surrender.” “Not one of us is willing to surrender,” cried all the others. “My desire also is to decide matters with Cao Cao on the battlefield. How could we think of submission? Now I pray you retire, Generals, and when I see our lord I will settle his doubts.” So the war party left.

吾等寧死不辱。望都督勸主公決計興兵，吾等願效死戰。”瑜曰：“將軍等所見皆同否？”黃蓋忿然而起，以手拍額曰：“吾頭可斷，誓不降曹！”衆人皆曰：“吾等都不願降！”瑜曰：“吾正欲與曹操決戰，安肯投降！將軍等請回。瑜見主公，自有定議。”程普等別去。

They were quickly succeeded by Zhuge Jin, Lü Fan and the other civil officers. They were brought in and, after the usual courtesies, Zhuge Jin said, “My brother has come down the river saying that Liu Bei desires to ally himself with our lord against Cao Cao. The civil and military hold different opinions as to the course to be pursued, but as my brother is the envoy I am unwilling to say much on either side. We are awaiting your decision.” “And what do you think about it?” asked Zhou Yu.

又未幾，諸葛瑾、呂範等一班兒文官相候。瑜迎入，講禮方畢，諸葛瑾曰：“舍弟諸葛亮自漢上來，言劉豫州欲結東吳，共伐曹操，文武商議未定。因舍弟爲使，瑾不敢多言，專候都督來決此事。”瑜曰：“以公論之若何？”

“Submission is an easy road to tranquillity, while the result of war is hard to foretell.” Zhou Yu smiled, “I shall have my mind made up. Come to-morrow to the palace and the decision shall be announced.” The trimmers took their leave. But soon after came Lü Meng, Gan Ning and their party, also desirous of discussing the same thing. Some of them were for war and others for surrender, and they disputed hotly with one another. “There is no need to say much now,” replied Zhou Yu. “Come all of you to-morrow to the palace, when the matter will be fully debated.” They went away leaving Zhou Yu smiling cynically.

瑾曰：“降者易安，戰者難保。”周瑜笑曰：“瑜自有主張。來日同至府下定議。”瑾等辭退。忽又報呂蒙、甘寧等一班兒來見。瑜請入，亦敘談此事。有要戰者，有要降者，互相爭論。瑜曰：“不必多言，來日都到府下公議。”衆乃辭去。周瑜冷笑不止。

About eventide Lu Su and Kongming came and Zhou Yu went out to the main gate to receive them. When they had taken their proper seats, Lu Su spoke first, saying, “Cao Cao has come against the south with a huge army. Our master cannot decide whether to submit or give battle and waits for your decision. What is your opinion?” Zhou Yu replied, “We may not oppose Cao Cao when he acts at the command of the Emperor. Moreover, he is very strong and to attack him is to take serious risks.

至晚，人報魯子敬引孔明來拜。瑜出中門迎入。敘禮畢，分賓主而坐。肅先問瑜曰：“今曹操驅衆南侵，和與戰二策，主公不能決，一聽於將軍。將軍之意若何？”瑜曰：“曹操以天子爲名，其師不可拒。且其勢大，未可輕敵。

In my opinion, opposition would mean defeat and, since submission means peace, I have decided to advise our lord to write and offer surrender.” “But you are wrong,” said Lu Su, aghast. “This country has been under the same rule for three generations and cannot be suddenly abandoned to some other. Sun Ce said that you were to be consulted on matters beyond the border and we depended upon you to keep the country as secure and solid as Mount Tai. Why do you now adopt the view of the weaklings?”

戰則必敗，降則易安。吾意已決。來日見主公，便當遣使納降。”魯肅愕然曰：“君言差矣！江東基業，已歷三世，豈可一旦棄於他人？伯符遺言，外事付託將軍。今正欲仗將軍保全國家，爲泰山之靠，奈何從懦夫之議耶？”

Replied Zhou Yu, “The six districts contain countless people. If I am the means of bringing upon them the misery of war they will hate me. So I have decided to advise submission.” “Not so. With your heroism, General, and the natural strength of our land, it is very uncertain that Cao will realise his desire.”

瑜曰：“江東六郡，生靈無限；若罹兵革之禍，必有歸怨於我，故決計請降耳。”肅曰：“不然。以將軍之英雄，東吳之險固，操未必便能得志也。”

The two wrangled for a long time, while Kongming sat smiling with folded arms. Presently Zhou Yu asked why he smiled thus and he replied, “I am smiling at no other than your opponent Lu Su, who knows nothing of the affairs of the day.” “Master,” said Lu Su, “why do you laugh at me for not knowing the affairs of the day?” “Why, Gongjin’s intention to submit to Cao is perfectly reasonable.” “There!” exclaimed Zhou Yu, “Kongming knows the times perfectly well and he agrees with me.”

二人互相爭辯，孔明只袖手冷笑。瑜曰：“先生何故哂笑？”孔明曰：“亮不笑別人，笑子敬不識時務耳。”肅曰：“先生如何反笑我不識時務？”孔明曰：“公瑾主意欲降操，甚爲合理。”瑜曰：“孔明乃識時務之士，必與吾有同心。”

“Kongming, how can you too say this?” said Lu Su. Said Kongming, “Cao is an excellent commander, so good that no one dares oppose him. Only Lü Bu, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu and Liu Biao ever dared oppose him, and now they have all been destroyed by him; there is no one left in the world. The only exception is Liu Bei, who did not understand the conditions and vigorously contended against him, with the result that he is now at Jiangxia in a very parlous state. If you, General, decide to submit to Cao, you can secure the safety of your wives and children and keep your riches and honours.

肅曰：“孔明，你也如何說此？”孔明曰：“操極善用兵，天下莫敢當。向只有呂布、袁紹、袁術、劉表敢與對敵。今數人皆被操滅，天下無人矣。獨有劉豫州不識時務，強與爭衡；今孤身江夏，存亡未保。將軍決計降曹，可以保妻子，可以全富貴。

As for the passing of the state to another, leave that to the will of Heaven; it is not worth regretting.” Lu Su interrupted angrily, “Would you make our lord crook the knee to such a rebel as he?” “Well,” replied Kongming, “there is another way, and a cheaper; there would be no need to ‘lead the sheep and shoulder wine pots’ for presents, nor any need to yield territory and surrender seals of office. It would not even be necessary to cross the river yourselves. All you would require is a simple messenger and a little boat to ferry a couple of people across the river. If Cao only got these two persons under his hand, his hordes and legions would just drop their weapons, furl their banners and silently vanish away.”

國祚遷移，付之天命，何足惜哉！”魯肅大怒曰：“汝教吾主屈膝受辱於國賊乎！”孔明曰：“愚有一計：並不勞牽羊擔酒，納土獻印；亦不須親自渡江；只須遣一介之使，扁舟送兩個人到江上。操一得此兩人，百萬之衆，皆卸甲卷旗而退矣。”

“What two persons could cause Cao Cao to go away as you say?” asked Zhou Yu. “Two persons who could be easily spared from this populous country. They would not be missed any more than a leaf from a tree or a grain of millet from a granary. But if Cao could only get them, would he not go away rejoicing!” “But who are the two?” asked Zhou Yu again. “When I was living in Longzhong I heard that Cao was building a terrace on the Zhang River; it was to be named the Bronze Sparrow Terrace. It is an exceedingly handsome building and he has sought throughout all the world for the most beautiful women to live in it.

瑜曰：“用何二人，可退操兵？”孔明曰：“江東去此兩人，如大木飄一葉，太倉減一粟耳；而操得之，必大喜而去。”瑜又問：“果用何二人？”孔明曰：“亮居隆中時，即聞操於漳河新造一臺，名曰銅雀，極其壯麗；廣選天下美女以實其中。

For Cao really is a sensualist.” “Now there are two very famous beauties in Jiangdong, daughters of the Lord Qiao; the elder is called Daqiao and the younger Xiaoqiao. So beautiful are they that birds alight and fishes drown, the moon hides her face and the flowers blush for shame at sight of them. Cao has declared with an oath that he only wants two things in this world, the imperial throne in peace and the sight of those two women on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace. Given these two he would go down to his grave without regret. This expedition of his, his huge army that threatens this country, has for its real aim these two women.

操本好色之徒，久聞江東喬公有二女，長曰大喬，次曰小喬，有沉魚落雁之容，閉月羞花之貌。操曾發誓曰：吾一願掃平四海，以成帝業；一願得江東二喬，置之銅雀臺，以樂晚年，雖死無恨矣。今雖引百萬之衆，虎視江南，其實爲此二女也。

Why do you not buy these two from their father for any sum however large and send them over the river? The object of the army being attained, it will simply be marched away. This is the use that Fan Li made of the famous beauty Xi Shi.” “How do you know he so greatly desires these two?” said Zhou Yu. “Cao Cao’s youngest son, Cao Zhi, styled Zijian, can dash off a composition as soon as he puts brush to paper. His father once bade him write a poem called ‘An Ode to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace.’

將軍何不去尋喬公，以千金買此二女，差人送與曹操，操得二女，稱心滿意，必班師矣。此范蠡獻西施之計，何不速爲之？”瑜曰：“操欲得二喬，有何證驗？”孔明曰：“曹操幼子曹植，字子建，下筆成文。操嘗命作一賦，名曰《銅雀臺賦》。

The whole drift of the ode is that his family is fit to be emperors, and in it he swears to possess the two Qiao.” “Can you remember this ode?” asked Zhou Yu. “I admire its beauty so greatly that I once secretly committed it to memory.” “Try,” said Zhou Yu. So he recited the poem:— Let me follow in the footsteps of the enlightened ruler that I may rejoice,
And ascend the storied terrace that I may gladden my heart,
That I may see the wide extent of the palace,
That I may gaze upon the plans of the virtuous one.
He has established the exalted gates high as the hills,
He has built the lofty towers piercing the blue vault.

賦中之意，單道他家合爲天子，誓取二喬。”瑜曰：“此賦公能記否？”孔明曰：“吾愛其文華美，嘗竊記之。”瑜曰：“試請一誦。”孔明即時誦《銅雀臺賦》雲：“從明後以嬉遊兮，登層臺以娛情。見太府之廣開兮，觀聖德之所營。建高門之嵯峨兮，浮雙闕乎太清。

He has set up the beautiful building in the midst of the heavens,
Whence the eye can range over the cities of the west.
On the banks of the rolling River Zhang he planned it,
Whence abundance of fruits could be looked for in his gardens.
The two towers rise, one on either flank,
This named Golden Phoenix, that Jade Dragon.
He would seize the two Qiao; these beautiful ladies of the south-east,
That he might rejoice with them morning and evening.
Look down; there is the grand beauty of an imperial city,
And the rolling vapours lie floating beneath.
He will rejoice in the multitude of scholars that assemble,
Answering to the felicitous dream of King Wen.
Look up; and there is the gorgeous harmony of spring-time,
And the singing of many birds delighting the ear;

立中天之華觀兮，連飛閣乎西城。臨漳水之長流兮，望園果之滋榮。立雙臺於左右兮，有玉龍與金鳳。攬二喬於東南兮，樂朝夕之與共。俯皇都之宏麗兮，瞰雲霞之浮動。欣羣才之來萃兮，協飛熊之吉夢。仰春風之和穆兮，聽百鳥之悲鳴。

The lofty sky stands over all.
The house desires success in its double undertaking,
That the humane influence may be poured out over all the world,
That the perfection of reverence may be offered to the Ruler.
Only the richly prosperous rule of Huan and Wen
Could compare with that of the sacred understanding.
What fortune! what beauty!
The gracious kindness spreads afar,
The imperial family is supported,
Peace reigns over all the world,
Bounded only by the universe.
Bright as the glory of the sun and moon,
Ever honourable and ever enduring,
The Ruler shall live to the age of the eastern emperor,

雲天亙其既立兮，家願得乎雙逞，揚仁化於宇宙兮，盡肅恭於上京。惟桓文之爲盛兮，豈足方乎聖明？休矣！美矣！惠澤遠揚。翼佐我皇家兮，寧彼四方。同天地之規量兮，齊日月之輝光。永貴尊而無極兮，等君壽於東皇。

The dragon banner shall wave to the farthest limit.
His glorious chariot shall be guided with perfect wisdom,
His thoughts shall reform all the world,
Felicitous produce shall be abundant,
And the people shall rest firm.
My desire is that these towers shall endure for ever,
And that joy shall never cease through all the ages.

御龍旂以遨遊兮，回鸞駕而周章。恩化及乎四海兮，嘉物阜而民康。願斯臺之永固兮，樂終古而未央！”

Zhou Yu listened to the end but then suddenly jumped up in a tremendous rage. Turning to the north and pointing with his finger he cried, “You old rebel; this insult is too deep!” Kongming hastily rose too and, as if to soothe him, said, “But remember the Shanyu of the Xiongnu. The emperor gave him a princess of the family to wife although he had made many incursions into our territory. That was the price of peace. You surely would not grudge two more women from among the people.” “You do not know, Sir,” replied Zhou Yu. “Of those two women you mentioned, the elder is the widow of Sun Ce, our late ruler, and the younger is my wife.” Kongming feigned the greatest astonishment and said, “No indeed; I did not know.

周瑜聽罷，勃然大怒，離座指北而罵曰：“老賊欺吾太甚！”孔明急起止之曰：“昔單于屢侵疆界，漢天子許以公主和親，今何惜民間二女乎？”瑜曰：“公有所不知：大喬是孫伯符將軍主婦，小喬乃瑜之妻也。”孔明佯作惶恐之狀，曰：“亮實不知。

I blundered; a deadly fault; a deadly fault!” “One of us two has to go, either the old rebel or I; we shall not both live. I swear that,” cried Zhou Yu. “However, such a matter needs a good deal of thought,” replied Kongming. “We must not make any mistake.” Zhou Yu replied, “I hold a sacred trust from my late lord, Sun Ce; I would not bow the knee to any such as Cao. What I said just now was to see how you stood. Ever since I left Lake Poyang I have had the intention of attacking the north, and nothing can change that intention, not even the sword at my breast or the axe on my neck. But I trust you will lend an arm and we will smite Cao Cao together.”

失口亂言，死罪！死罪！”瑜曰：“吾與老賊誓不兩立！”孔明曰：“事須三思免致後悔。”瑜曰：“吾承伯符寄託，安有屈身降操之理？適來所言，故相試耳。吾自離鄱陽湖，便有北伐之心，雖刀斧加頭，不易其志也！望孔明助一臂之力，同破曹賊。”

“Should I be happy enough not to be rejected I would render such humble service as I could. I shall be ready at any hour to take your orders.” “I am going to see my lord to-morrow to discuss raising the army,” said Zhou Yu. Kongming and Lu Su then left. Next day at dawn Sun Quan went to the council chamber, where his officials, civil and military, were already assembled. They numbered about three score in all. The civil, with Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong at their head, were on the left; the military, with Cheng Pu and Huang Gai as their leaders, were ranged on the right. All were in full ceremonial dress and the swords of the soldiers clanked on the pavement.

孔明曰：“若蒙不棄，願效犬馬之勞，早晚拱聽驅策。”瑜曰：“來日入見主公，便議起兵。”孔明與魯肅辭出，相別而去。次日清晨，孫權升堂。左邊文官張昭、顧雍等三十餘人；右邊武官程普、黃蓋等三十餘人：衣冠濟濟，劍佩鏘鏘，分班侍立。

Soon Zhou Yu entered and, when Sun Quan had finished the usual gracious remarks, he said, “I hear that Cao Cao is encamped on the river and has sent a despatch to you, my lord; I would ask what your opinion is.” Thereupon the despatch was produced and handed to Zhou Yu. After reading it through he said, smiling, “The old thief thinks there are no men in this land that he writes in this contemptuous strain.” “What do you think, Sir?” asked Sun Quan. “Have you discussed this with the officials?” asked Zhou Yu.

少頃，周瑜入見。禮畢，孫權問慰罷，瑜曰：“近聞曹操引兵屯漢上，馳書至此，主公尊意若何？”權即取檄文與周瑜看。瑜看畢，笑曰：“老賊以我江東無人，敢如此相侮耶！”權曰：“君之意若何？”瑜曰：“主公曾與衆文武商議否？”

“We have been discussing this for days. Some counsel surrender and some advise fight. I am undecided and therefore I have asked you to come and decide the point.” “Who advise surrender?” asked Zhou Yu. “Zhang Zhao and his party are firmly set in this opinion.” Zhou Yu then turned to Zhang Zhao and said, “I should be pleased to hear why you are for surrender, Master.” Then Zhang Zhao replied, “Cao Cao has been attacking all opponents in the name of the Emperor, who is entirely in his hands. He does everything in the name of the government. Lately he has taken Jingzhou and thereby increased his prestige.

權曰：“連日議此事：有勸我降者，有勸我戰者。吾意未定，故請公瑾一決。”瑜曰：“誰勸主公降？”權曰：“張子布等皆主其意。”瑜即問張昭曰：“願聞先生所以主降之意。”昭曰：“曹操挾天子而徵四方，動以朝廷爲名；近又得荊州，威勢越大。

Our one defence against him is the Great River, but now he has war vessels by the hundred and the thousand and can attack by water and land together. How can we withstand him? Wherefore I counsel submission till some chance shall offer.” “This is but the opinion of an ill-advised student,” said Zhou Yu. “How can you think of abandoning this country that we have held for three generations?” “That being so,” said Sun Quan, “where is a plan to come from?” “Though Cao Cao assumes the name of a Minister of the empire, he is at heart a rebel.

吾江東可以拒操者，長江耳。今操艨艟戰艦，何止千百？水陸並進，何可當之？不如且降，更圖後計。”瑜曰：“此迂儒之論也！江東自開國以來，今歷三世，安忍一旦廢棄？”權曰：“若此，計將安出？”瑜曰：“操雖託名漢相，實爲漢賊。

You, O General, are able in war and brave. You are the heir to your father and brother. You command brave and tried soldiers, and you have plentiful supplies. You are able to overrun the whole country and rid it of every evil. There is no reason why you should surrender to a rebel. Moreover, Cao has undertaken this expedition in defiance of all the rules of war. The north is unsubdued and Ma Teng and Han Sui threaten his rear and yet he persists in his southern march. This is the first point against Cao. The northern men are unused to fighting on the water; Cao is relinquishing his well-tried cavalry and trusting to ships. That is the second point against him. Again, we are now in full winter and the weather is at its coldest so there is no food for the horses. That is the third point against. Soldiers from the central state marching in a wet country among lakes and rivers will find themselves in an unaccustomed climate and suffer from malaria. That is the fourth point against.

將軍以神武雄才，仗父兄餘業，據有江東，兵精糧足，正當橫行天下，爲國家除殘去暴，奈何降賊耶？且操今此來，多犯兵家之忌：北土未平，馬騰、韓遂爲其後患，而操久於南征，一忌也；北軍不熟水戰，操舍鞍馬，仗舟楫，與東吳爭衡，二忌也；又時值隆冬盛寒，馬無藁草，三忌也；驅中國士卒，遠涉江湖，不服水土，多生疾病，四忌也。

Now when Cao’s armies have all these points against them, defeat is certain, however numerous they may be, and the time for you to take Cao captive is now. Give me some tens of thousands of veterans; I will advance to Xiakou and destroy him for you.” Sun Quan started up from his place saying, “The rebellious old rascal has been wanting to overthrow the Hans and set up himself for years. The only ones he feared were the two Yuans, Lü Bu, Liu Biao and myself. Now those heroes have been destroyed and I alone remain. I swear that one of us two shall go now; both of us cannot live. You say he should be attacked, noble friend, and that is just what I think.

操兵犯此數忌，雖多必敗。將軍擒操，正在今日。瑜請得精兵數萬人，進屯夏口，爲將軍破之！”權矍然起曰：“老賊欲廢漢自立久矣，所懼二袁、呂布、劉表與孤耳。今數雄已滅，惟孤尚存。孤與老賊，誓不兩立！卿言當伐，甚合孤意。

Heaven has certainly sent you to my assistance.” “Thy servant will fight a decisive battle,” said Zhou Yu, “and shrink not from any sacrifice. Only I fear, General, that you may still hesitate.” Sun Quan drew the sword that hung at his side and slashed off a corner of the table in front of him, exclaiming, “Let any officer mention surrender to Cao again, and he shall be served as I have served this table.” Then he handed the sword to Zhou Yu, at the same time giving him a commission as Commander in Chief, Cheng Pu being second in command. Lu Su was made Colonel Assisting the Army.

此天以卿授我也。”瑜曰：“臣爲將軍決一血戰，萬死不辭。只恐將軍狐疑不定。”權拔佩劍砍面前奏案一角曰：“諸官將有再言降操者，與此案同！”言罷，便將此劍賜周瑜，即封瑜爲大都督，程普爲副都督，魯肅爲贊軍校尉。

In conclusion Sun said, “With this sword you will slay any officer who may disobey your commands.” Zhou Yu took the sword and turning to the assembly said, “You have heard our lord’s charge to me, to lead you to destroy Cao; you will all assemble to-morrow at the river-side camp to receive my orders. Should any be late or fail, then the full rigour of military law, the seven prohibitions and the fifty-four penalties there provided, will be enforced.” He took leave of Sun Quan and left the chamber; the various officers also went their several ways without a word.

如文武官將有不聽號令者，即以此劍誅之。瑜受了劍，對衆言曰：“吾奉主公之命，率衆破曹。諸將官吏來日俱於江畔行營聽令。如遲誤者，依七禁令五十四斬施行。”言罷，辭了孫權，起身出府。衆文武各無言而散。

When Zhou Yu reached his own place he sent for Kongming to consult over the business in hand. He told him of the decision that had been taken and asked for a plan of campaign. “But your master has not yet made up his mind,” said Kongming. “Till he has, no plan can be decided upon.” “What do you mean?” “In his heart he is still fearful of Cao’s numbers and frets over the inequality of the two armies. You will have to explain away those numbers and bring him to a final decision before anything can be effected.”

周瑜回到下處，便請孔明議事。孔明至。瑜曰：“今日府下公議已定，願求破曹良策。”孔明曰：“孫將軍心尚未穩，不可以決策也。”瑜曰：“何謂心不穩？”孔明曰：“心怯曹兵之多，懷寡不敵衆之意。將軍能以軍數開解，使其瞭然無疑，然後大事可成。”

“What you say is excellent,” said Zhou Yu and he went to the palace that night to see his master. Sun Quan said, “You must have something of real importance to say if you come like this at night.” Zhou Yu said, “I am making my dispositions to-morrow; you have quite made up your mind?” “The fact is,” said Sun Quan, “I still feel nervous about the disparity of numbers. Surely we are too few. That is really all I feel doubtful about.” “It is precisely because you have this one remaining doubt that I am come. And I will explain. Cao’s letter speaks of a hundred legions of marines, and so you feel doubts and fears and do not wait to consider the real truth.

瑜曰：“先生之論甚善。”乃復入見孫權。權曰：“公瑾夜至，必有事故。”瑜曰：“來日調撥軍馬，主公心有疑否？”權曰：“但憂曹操兵多，寡不敵衆耳。他無所疑。”瑜笑曰：“瑜特爲此來開解主公。主公因見操檄文，言水陸大軍百萬，故懷疑懼，不復料其虛實。

Let us examine the case thoroughly. We find that he has of Central State soldiers, say, fifteen or sixteen legions, and they are long worn out. He only got seven or eight legions from the Yuans and many of those are of doubtful loyalty. Now these worn-out men and these men of doubtful loyalty seem a great many but they are not at all fearsome. I could smash them with five legions. So, my lord, have no further anxiety.” Sun Quan patted his general on the back saying, “You have explained my difficulty and relieved my doubts.

今以實較之：彼將中國之兵，不過十五六萬，且已久疲；所得袁氏之衆，亦止七八萬耳，尚多懷疑未服。夫以久疲之卒，御狐疑之衆，其數雖多，不足畏也。瑜得五萬兵，自足破之。願主公勿以爲慮。”權撫瑜背曰：“公瑾此言，足釋吾疑。

Zhang Zhao has no plans and has sorely disappointed me. Only you and Lu Su have any real understanding of my heart. You and he and Cheng Pu will choose your men and start this very day, and I shall have a strong reserve ready with plentiful supplies to support you. If anything goes amiss with your van, fall back on me, and I will fight the rebel Cao myself. I have no more doubts.” Zhou Yu thanked him and left; but in his innermost heart he said to himself, “That Kongming had already gauged my master’s thoughts.

子布無謀，深失孤望；獨卿及子敬，與孤同心耳。卿可與子敬、程普即日選軍前進。孤當續發人馬，多載資糧，爲卿後應。卿前軍倘不如意，便還就孤。孤當親與操賊決戰，更無他疑。”周瑜謝出，暗忖曰：“孔明早已料着吳侯之心。

His plans are a head higher than mine too. In the long run he will be a danger to our land. He had better be put out of the way.” That very night he sent a messenger to call Lu Su into his tent to talk over this last scheme. When he had laid it bare, Lu Su did not favour it. “No, no,” said he, “to slay an able man before Cao has been destroyed is to cut away our own help.” “But Kongming will certainly help Liu Bei to our disadvantage.” “Try what his brother Zhuge Jin can do to persuade him. It would be an excellent thing to have these two in our service.” “Yes, indeed,” replied Zhou Yu.

其計畫又高我一頭。久必爲江東之患，不如殺之。”乃令人連夜請魯肅入帳，言欲殺孔明之事。肅曰：“不可。今操賊未破，先殺賢士，是自去其助也。”瑜曰：“此人助劉備，必爲江東之患。”肅曰：“諸葛瑾乃其親兄，可令招此人同事東吳，豈不妙哉？”瑜善其言。

Next morning at dawn Zhou Yu went to his camp and took his seat in the council tent. The lictors took up their stations right and left and the officers ranged themselves in lines to listen to the orders. Now Cheng Pu, who was older than Zhou Yu, was very angry at being passed over, so he made a pretence of indisposition and stayed away from this assembly. But he sent his eldest son Cheng Zi to represent him. Zhou Yu addressed the gathering, saying, “The law knows no partiality and you will all have to attend to your several duties. Cao is now more absolute than ever was Dong Zhuo, and he holds the Emperor prisoner in Xuchang.

次日平明，瑜赴行營，升中軍帳高坐。左右立刀斧手，聚集文官武將聽令。原來程普年長於瑜，今瑜爵居其上，心中不樂：是日乃託病不出，令長子程諮自代。瑜令衆將曰：“王法無親，諸君各守乃職。方今曹操弄權，甚於董卓：囚天子於許昌。

He has massed his cruel soldiers upon our borders. We have a command to destroy Cao and with your willing help we shall advance. The army must cause no hardship to the people anywhere. Rewards for good service and punishments for faults shall be given impartially.” Having delivered this charge he told off Han Dang and Huang Gai as leaders of the van, with orders to take their own ships, get under way that very day and go to Sanjiangkou to pitch camp. They would get further orders by and bye. Then he appointed Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai to lead the second division, Ling Tong and Pan Zhang the third, Taishi Ci and Lü Meng the fourth, and Lu Xun and Dong Xi the fifth, while Lü Fan and Zhu Zhi were appointed inspectors, to move from place to place and keep the forces of the six districts up to their work. Land and marine forces were to move simultaneously and assemble at the appointed time.

屯暴兵於境上。吾今奉命討之，諸君幸皆努力向前。大軍到處，不得擾民。賞勞罰罪，並不徇縱。”令畢，即差韓當、黃蓋爲前部先鋒，領本部戰船，即日起行，前至三江口下寨，別聽將令；蔣欽、周泰爲第二隊；淩統、潘璋爲第三隊；太史慈、呂蒙爲第四隊；陸遜、董襲爲第五隊；呂範、朱治爲四方巡警使，催督六郡官軍，水陸並進，剋期取齊。

Having received their orders each returned to his command and busied himself in preparation. Cheng Zi returned and told his father what arrangements had been made and Cheng Pu was amazed at their skill. Said he, “I have always despised Zhou Yu as a mere student who would never be a general, but this shows that he has a leader’s talent. I must support him.” So he went over to the quarters of the Commander in Chief and confessed his fault. Zhou Yu on his part received him with modest courtesy. Next day Zhou Yu sent for Zhuge Jin and said to him, “Evidently your brother is a genius, a man born to be a king’s counsellor. Why then does he serve Liu Bei?

調撥已畢，諸將各自收拾船隻軍器起行。程諮回見父程普，說周瑜調兵，動止有法。普大驚曰：“吾素欺周郎懦弱，不足爲將；今能如此，真將才也！我如何不服！”遂親詣行營謝罪。瑜亦遜謝。次日，瑜請諸葛瑾，謂曰：“令弟孔明有王佐之才，如何屈身事劉備？

Now that he is happily here in Jiangdong, I wish you to spare no words to persuade him to leave Liu Bei and serve us. Thus our lord would gain able support and you two brothers would be together, which would be pleasant for you both. I wish you success.” Jin replied, “I am ashamed of the little service I have rendered since I came here and I can do no other than obey your command to the best of my ability.” Thereupon he mounted and rode straight to the guest-house to see his brother.

今幸至江東，欲煩先生不惜齒牙餘論，使令弟棄劉備而事東吳，則主公既得良輔，而先生兄弟又得相見，豈不美哉？先生幸即一行。”瑾曰：“瑾自至江東，愧無寸功。今都督有命，敢不效力。”即時上馬，徑投驛亭來見孔明。

The younger brother received him and when he had reached the inner rooms Kongming bowed respectfully and, weeping, told his experiences since they parted and his sorrow at their separation. Then Jin, weeping also, said, “Brother, do you know the story of Bo Yi and Shu Qi?” “Ah, Zhou Yu has sent him to talk me over,” thought Kongming. So he replied, “They were two of the noble people of old days; yes, I know.” “Those two, although they perished of hunger near the Shouyang Hills, yet never separated. You and I, born of the same mother and suckled at the same breast, yet serve different masters and never meet.

孔明接入，哭拜，各訴闊情。瑾泣曰：“弟知伯夷、叔齊乎？”孔明暗思：“此必周郎教來說我也。”遂答曰：“夷、齊古之聖賢也。”瑾曰：“夷、齊雖至餓死首陽山下，兄弟二人亦在一處。我今與你同胞共乳，乃各事其主，不能旦暮相聚。

Are you not ashamed when you think of such examples as Bo Yi and Shu Qi?” Kongming replied, “You are talking now of love, but what I stand for is duty. We are both men of Han and Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle, is a scion of the House of Han. If you, brother, could leave Wu and join me in serving the Imperial Uncle, then on the one side we should be honoured as Ministers of Han and on the other we should be together as people of the same flesh and blood should be. Thus love and duty would both receive their proper meed. What do you think of it, my brother?”

視夷、齊之爲人，能無愧乎？”孔明曰：“兄所言者，情也；弟所守者，義也。弟與兄皆漢人。今劉皇叔乃漢室之胄，兄若能去東吳，而與弟同事劉皇叔，則上不愧爲漢臣，而骨肉又得相聚，此情義兩全之策也。不識兄意以爲何如？”

“I came to persuade him and lo! it is I who am being talked over,” thought Zhuge Jin. He had no fitting reply to make so he rose and took his leave. Returning to Zhou Yu he related the story of the interview. “What do you think?” asked Zhou Yu. “General Sun has treated me with great kindness and I could not turn my back on him,” replied Jin. “Since you decide to remain loyal, there is no need to say much; I think I have a plan to win over your brother.”

瑾思曰：“我來說他，反被他說了我也。”遂無言回答，起身辭去。回見周瑜，細述孔明之言。瑜曰：“公意若何？”瑾曰：“吾受孫將軍厚恩，安肯相背！”瑜曰：“公既忠心事主，不必多言。吾自有伏孔明之計。”

The wisest men see eye to eye.
For each but sees the right;
But should their several interests clash,
They all the fiercer fight. What plan Zhou Yu devised to subdue Kongming will be told in the next chapter.

正是：智與智逢宜必合，才和才角又難容。
畢竟周瑜定何計伏孔明，且看下回分解。