Romance, Chapter 49

Chapter 49. On the Seven Stars altar Zhuge sacrifices to the winds: At the Three Rivers Zhou Yu Liberates Fire

In the last chapter Zhou Yu was seized with sudden illness as he watched the fleets of his enemy. He was borne to his tent and his officers came in multitudes to enquire after him. They looked at each other saying, “What a pity our general should be taken ill when Cao’s legions threaten so terribly! What would happen if he attacked?” Messengers with the evil tidings were sent to Wu while the physicians did their best for the invalid.

卻說周瑜立於山頂，觀望良久，忽然望後而倒，口吐鮮血，不省人事。左右救回帳中。諸將皆來動問，盡皆愕然相顧曰：“江北百萬之衆，虎踞鯨吞。不爭都督如此，倘曹兵一至，如之奈何？”慌忙差人申報吳侯，一面求醫調治。

Lu Su was particularly sad at the illness of his patron and went to see Kongming to talk it over. “What do you make of it?” said Kongming. “Good luck for Cao Cao; bad for us,” said Lu. “I could cure him,” said Kongming laughing. “If you could the State would be very fortunate,” said Lu. He prayed Kongming to go to see the sick man. They went, and Lu Su entered first.

卻說魯肅見周瑜臥病，心中憂悶，來見孔明，言周瑜卒病之事。孔明曰：“公以爲何如？”肅曰：“此乃曹操之福，江東之禍也。”孔明笑曰：“公瑾之病，亮亦能醫。”肅曰：“誠如此，則國家萬幸！”即請孔明同去看病。肅先入見周瑜。

Zhou Yu lay in bed, his head covered by a quilt. “How are you, General?” said Lu. “My heart pains me; every now and again I feel faint and dizzy.” “Have you taken any remedies?” “My gorge rises at the thought; I could not.” “I saw Kongming just now and he says he could heal you. He is just outside and I will call him if you like.” “Ask him to come in.” Zhou bade his servants help him to a sitting position and Kongming entered.

瑜以被矇頭而臥。肅曰：“都督病勢若何？”周瑜曰：“心腹攪痛，時復昏迷。”肅曰：“曾服何藥餌？”瑜曰：“心中嘔逆，藥不能下。”肅曰：“適來去望孔明，言能醫都督之病。現在帳外，煩來醫治，何如？”瑜命請入，教左右扶起，坐於牀上。

“I have not seen you for days,” said he. “How could I guess that you were unwell?” “How can any one feel secure? We are constantly the playthings of luck, good or bad.” “Yes; Heaven’s winds and clouds are not to be measured. No one can reckon their comings and goings, can they?” Zhou Yu turned pale and a low groan escaped him, while his visitor went on, “You feel depressed, do you not? As though troubles were piling up in your heart?” “That is exactly how I feel.” “You need cooling medicine to dissipate this sense of oppression.” “I have taken a cooling draught, but it has done no good.”

孔明曰：“連日不晤君顏，何期貴體不安！”瑜曰：“人有旦夕禍福，豈能自保？”孔明笑曰：“天有不測風雲，人又豈能料乎？”瑜聞失色，乃作呻吟之聲。孔明曰：“都督心中似覺煩積否？”瑜曰：“然，”孔明曰：“必須用涼藥以解之。”瑜曰：“已服涼藥，全然無效。”

“You must get the humours into good order before the drugs will have any effect.” Zhou Yu began to think Kongming knew what was really the matter and resolved to test him. “What should be taken to produce a favourable temper?” “I know one means of producing a favourable temper,” replied Kongming. “I wish you would tell me.” Kongming got out writing materials, sent away the servants and then secretly wrote sixteen words:—“To destroy Cao you should use fire; all is ready, but there is no east wind.”

孔明曰：“須先理其氣；氣若順，則呼吸之間，自然痊可。”瑜料孔明必知其意，乃以言挑之曰：“欲得順氣，當服何藥？”孔明笑曰：“亮有一方，便教都督氣順。”瑜曰：“願先生賜教。”孔明索紙筆，屏退左右，密書十六字曰：“欲破曹公，宜用火攻；萬事俱備，只欠東風。”

This he gave to the sick general, saying “That is the origin of your illness.” Zhou Yu read the words with great surprise and it confirmed his secret opinion that Kongming really was rather more than human. He decided that the only course was to be open and tell him all. So he said, “Since you know the cause of the disease, what do you recommend as treatment? The need of a remedy is very urgent.” “I have no great talent,” said Kongming, “but I have had to do with men of no ordinary gifts from whom I have received the Dunjia Tianshu, a magical book of the Qimen Dunjia art. I can call the winds and summon the rains.

寫畢，遞與周瑜曰：“此都督病源也。”瑜見了大驚，暗思：“孔明真神人也！早已知我心事！只索以實情告之。”乃笑曰：“先生已知我病源，將用何藥治之？事在危急，望即賜教。”孔明曰：“亮雖不才，曾遇異人，傳授奇門遁甲天書，可以呼風喚雨。

Since you need a south-east breeze, General, you must build an altar on Mount Nanping, the Altar of the Seven Stars. It must be nine feet high, with three steps, surrounded by a guard of one hundred and twenty men bearing flags. On this altar I will work a spell to procure a strong south-east gale for three days and three nights. Do you approve?” “Never mind three whole days;” said Zhou Yu, “one night of strong wind will serve my purpose. But it must be done at once and without delay.”

都督若要東南風時，可於南屏山建一臺，名曰七星壇：高九尺，作三層，用一百二十人，手執旗幡圍繞。亮於臺上作法，借三日三夜東南大風，助都督用兵，何如？”瑜曰：“休道三日三夜，只一夜大風，大事可成矣。只是事在目前，不可遲緩。”

“I will sacrifice for the wind on the jiazi day, the twentieth of the eleventh moon, and the wind shall cease on the bingyin day, the twenty-second; will that suit you?” Zhou Yu was delighted and hastily rose from his couch to give the necessary orders. He commanded that five hundred men should be sent to the mountains to build the altar and he told off the guard of one hundred and twenty to bear the flags and be at the orders of Kongming.

孔明曰：“十一月二十日甲子祭風，至二十二日丙寅風息，如何？”瑜聞言大喜，矍然而起。便傳令差五百精壯軍士，往南屏山築壇；撥一百二十人，執旗守壇，聽候使令。

Kongming took his leave, went forth and rode off with Lu Su to the mountains where they measured out the ground. He bade the soldiers build the altar of red earth from the south-east quarter. It was two hundred and forty feet in circuit, square in shape, and of three tiers, each of three feet, in all nine feet high. On the lowest tier he placed the flags of the twenty-eight “houses” of the heavens; on the east seven blue flags in the form of the Azure Dragon, on the north seven black flags in the form of the Dark Warrior, on the west seven white flags in the form of the White Tiger, and on the south seven red flags in the form of the Vermilion Bird.

孔明辭別出帳，與魯肅上馬，來南屏山相度地勢，令軍士取東南方赤土築壇。方圓二十四丈，每一層高三尺，共是九尺。下一層插二十八宿旗：東方七面青旗，按角、亢、氐、房、心、尾、箕，布蒼龍之形；北方七面皂旗，按鬥、牛、女、虛、危、室、壁，作玄武之勢；西方七面白旗，按奎、婁、胃、昴、畢、觜、參，踞白虎之威；南方七面紅旗，按井、鬼、柳、星、張、翼、軫，成朱雀之狀。

Around the second tier he placed sixty-four yellow flags, corresponding to the number of the diagrams of the Book of Divination, in eight groups of eight. Four men were stationed on the highest platform, each wearing a Taoist headdress and a black silk robe embroidered with the phoenix and confined with wide sashes. They wore scarlet boots and square-cut skirts. On the left front stood a man supporting a tall pole bearing at its top a plume of light feathers to show by their least movement the wind’s first breathing. On the right front was a man holding a tall pole whereon was a flag with the symbol of the seven stars to show the direction and force of the wind. On the left rear stood a man with a sword, and on the right rear a man with a censer.

第二層周圍黃旗六十四面，按六十四卦，分八位而立。上一層用四人，各人戴束髮冠，穿皁羅袍，鳳衣博帶，朱履方裾。前左立一人，手執長竿，竿尖上用雞羽爲葆，以招風信；前右立一人，手執長竿，竿上系七星號帶，以表風色；後左立一人，捧寶劍；後右立一人，捧香爐。

Below the altar were two score and four men holding flags, umbrellas, spears, lances, yellow banners, white axes, red bannerols and black ensigns. And these were spaced about the altar.

壇下二十四人，各持旌旗、寶蓋、大戟、長戈、黃鉞、白旄、朱幡、皁纛，環繞四面。

On the jiazi day, the twentieth of the eleventh moon, at a propitious hour, Kongming bathed his body and purified himself. Then he robed himself as a Taoist, bared his feet, loosened his locks and approached the altar. He bade Lu Su retire saying, “Return to the camp and assist Gongjin in setting out his forces. Should my prayers avail not, do not wonder.” So Lu Su left him. Then he commanded the guards, “None may leave his post without leave. None may whisper in his neighbour’s ear.

孔明於十一月二十日甲子吉辰，沐浴齋戒，身披道衣，跣足散發，來到壇前。分付魯肅曰：“子敬自往軍中相助公瑾調兵。倘亮所祈無應，不可有怪。”魯肅別去。孔明囑付守壇將士：“不許擅離方位。不許交頭接耳。

None may let slip a careless word. None may cry out in alarm at anything strange. Whoever disobeys shall be beheaded!” All received the order. Next with solemn steps he ascended the altar, faced the proper quarter, lighted the incense and sprinkled the water in the basins. This done he gazed into the heavens and prayed silently. The prayer ended he descended and returned to his tent. After a brief rest he allowed the soldiers by turns to go away to eat. Thrice that day he ascended the altar and thrice descended; but there was no sign of the wind. Here it may be related that Zhou Yu with Cheng Pu and Lu Su and a certain number of military officials on duty, sat waiting in the tent till the wished-for wind should blow and the attack could be launched. Messengers were also sent to Sun Quan to prepare to support the forward movement.

不許失口亂言。不許失驚打怪。如違令者斬！”衆皆領命。孔明緩步登壇，觀瞻方位已定，焚香於爐，注水於盂，仰天暗祝。下壇入帳中少歇，令軍士更替喫飯。孔明一日上壇三次，下壇三次。卻並不見有東南風。且說周瑜請程普、魯肅一班軍官，在帳中伺候，只等東南風起，便調兵出；一面關報孫權接應。

Huang Gai had his fire ships ready, a score of them. The fore parts of the ships were thickly studded with large nails, and they were loaded with dry reeds, wood soaked in fish oil and covered with sulphur, saltpetre and other inflammables. The ships were covered in with blue cloth and oiled sheets. In the prow of each was a blue dragon flag with indentations, and a light boat was tied to the stern of each. All were ready below the tent and awaited Zhou Yu’s orders to move. Meanwhile Gan Ning and Kan Ze kept Cao Cao’s two spies, the brothers Cai, in the naval camp and drank with them every day, not letting a single soldier of theirs go ashore. All around them were the forces of Wu, and the watch was so close that not a drop could leak through. They too only awaited the order from headquarters.

黃蓋已自準備火船二十隻，船頭密佈大釘；船內裝載蘆葦乾柴，灌以魚油，上鋪硫黃、焰硝引火之物，各用青布油單遮蓋；船頭上插青龍牙旗，船尾各系走舸：在帳下聽候，只等周瑜號令。甘寧、闞澤窩盤蔡和、蔡中在水寨中，每日飲酒，不放一卒登岸；周圍盡是東吳軍馬，把得水泄不通：只等帳上號令下來。

Presently, while Zhou Yu was anxiously awaiting in his tent for the desired wind, a messenger came to say that Sun Quan had anchored at a place eighty-five li from the camp, where he awaited news. Lu Su was sent to warn all the various commanders to be ready, the ships and their weapons, sails and oars, all for instant use, and to impress upon them the penalties of being caught unprepared. The soldiers were indeed ready for the fight and yearning for the fray.

周瑜正在帳中坐議，探子來報：“吳侯船隻離寨八十五里停泊，只等都督好音。”瑜即差魯肅遍告各部下官兵將士：“俱各收拾船隻、軍器、帆櫓等物。號令一出，時刻休違。倘有違誤，即按軍法。”衆兵將得令，一個個磨拳擦掌，準備廝殺。

But the sky remained obstinately clear and as night drew nigh no breath of air stirred. “We have been cajoled,” said Zhou Yu. “Indeed what possibility is there of a south-east wind in mid-winter?” “Kongming would not use vain and deceitful words,” replied Lu Su. Towards the third watch the sound of a movement arose in the air. Soon the flags fluttered out. And when the general went out to make sure he saw they were flowing toward the north-west. In a very short time the south-east wind was in full force. Zhou Yu was, however, frightened at the power of the man whose help he had invoked. “Really the man has power over the heavens and authority over the earth; his methods are incalculable, beyond the ken of god or devil.

是日，看看近夜，天色清明，微風不動。瑜謂魯肅曰：“孔明之言謬矣。隆冬之時，怎得東南風乎？”肅曰：“吾料孔明必不謬談。”將近三更時分，忽聽風聲響，旗幡轉動。瑜出帳看時，旗腳竟飄西北。霎時間東南風大起，瑜駭然曰：“此人有奪天地造化之法、鬼神不測之術！

He cannot be allowed to live to be a danger to our land of Wu. We must slay him soon to fend off later evils.” He hastily called two captains of his guard, the Commandants Ding Feng and Xu Sheng, and bade each take a hundred men, Xu Sheng along the river and Ding Feng along the road, to the Altar of the Seven Stars on Mount Nanping. As soon as they got there, without asking questions or giving reasons, they were to seize and behead Kongming. They might expect a solid reward if they brought his head.

若留此人，乃東吳禍根也。及早殺卻，免生他日之憂。”急喚帳前護軍校尉丁奉、徐盛二將：“各帶一百人。徐盛從江內去，丁奉從旱路去，都到南屏山七星壇前，休問長短，拿住諸葛亮便行斬首，將首級來請功。”二將領命。

The two went off on their nefarious errand, one leading a hundred dagger- and axe-men going as fast as oars could propel them along the river, the other at the head of a hundred archers and bowmen on horseback. The south-east wind buffeted them as they went on their way.

徐盛下船，一百刀斧手盪開棹槳；丁奉上馬，一百弓弩手各跨徵駒：往南屏山來。於路正迎着東南風起。

High was raised the Seven Stars’ Altar,
On it prayed the Sleeping Dragon
For an eastern wind, and straightway
Blew the wind. Had not the wizard
Exercised his mighty magic
Nought had Zhou Yu’s skill availed.

後人有詩曰：“七星壇上臥龍登，一夜東風江水騰。
不是孔明施妙計，周郎安得逞才能？
”

Ding Feng first arrived. He saw the guards with their flags, dropped off his steed and marched to the altar, sword in hand. But he found no Kongming. He asked the guards; they told him he had just gone down. Ding Feng ran down the hill to search. There he met his fellow and they joined forces. Presently a simple soldier told them that the evening before a small, fast boat had anchored there near a sand spit and Kongming had been seen to go on board. Then the boat had gone up river.

丁奉馬軍先到，見壇上執旗將士，當風而立。丁奉下馬提劍上壇，不見孔明，慌問守壇將士。答曰：“恰纔下壇去了。”丁奉忙下壇尋時，徐盛船已到。二人聚於江邊。小卒報曰：“昨晚一隻快船停在前面灘口。適間卻見孔明披髮下船，那船望上水去了。”

So they divided their party into two, one to go by water, the other by land. Xu Sheng bade his boatmen put on all sail and take every advantage of the wind. Before very long he saw the fugitive’s boat ahead and when near enough, stood in the prow of his own and shouted, “Do not flee, O Instructor of the Army! The General requests your presence.” Kongming, who was standing in the stern of his boat, just laughed aloud, “Return and tell the General to make good use of his men. Tell him Zhuge Liang is returning to Xiakou for a while and will see him again another day.” “Pray wait a little while,” cried Xu. “I have something most important to tell you.”

丁奉、徐盛便分水陸兩路追襲。徐盛教拽起滿帆，搶風而使。遙望前船不遠，徐盛在船頭上高聲大叫：“軍師休去！都督有請！”只見孔明立於船尾大笑曰：“上覆都督：好好用兵；諸葛亮暫回夏口，異日再容相見。”徐盛曰：“請暫少住，有緊話說。”

“I knew all about it, that he would not let me go and that he wanted to kill me. That is why Zhao Yun was waiting for me. You had better not approach nearer.” Seeing the other ship had no sail, Xu Sheng thought he would assuredly come up with it and so maintained the pursuit. Then when he got too close Zhao Yun fitted an arrow to the bowstring and, standing up in the stern of his boat, cried, “I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan! I came by order expressly to escort the Instructor. Why are you pursuing him?

孔明曰：“吾已料定都督不能容我，必來加害，預先教趙子龍來相接。將軍不必追趕。”徐盛見前船無篷，只顧趕來。看看至近，趙雲拈弓搭箭，立於船尾大叫曰：“吾乃常山趙子龍也！奉令特來接軍師。你如何來追趕？

One arrow would kill you, only that would cause a breach of the peace between two houses. I will shoot and just give you a specimen of my skill.” With that he shot, and the arrow whizzed overhead cutting the rope that held up the sail. Down came the sail trailing in the water and the boat swung round. Then Zhao Yun’s boat hoisted its sail and the fair wind speedily carried it out of sight. On the bank stood Ding Feng. He bade his comrade come to the shore and said, “Zhuge Liang’s divine schemes are beyond any man.

本待一箭射死你來，顯得兩家失了和氣。——教你知我手段！”言訖，箭到處，射斷徐盛船上篷索。那篷墮落下水，其船便橫。趙雲卻教自己船上拽起滿帆，乘順風而去。其船如飛，追之不及。岸上丁奉喚徐盛船近岸，言曰：“諸葛亮神機妙算，人不可及。

Moreover Zhao Yun is bravest of the brave. You know what he did at Changban in Dangyang, do you not? All we can do is to return and report.” So they returned to camp and told their master about the preparations that Kongming had made to ensure safety. Zhou Yu was indeed puzzled at the depth of his rival’s insight. “I shall have no peace day or night while he lives,” said he. “At least wait till Cao is done with,” said Lu Su.

更兼趙雲有萬夫不當之勇，汝知他當陽長坂時否？吾等只索回報便了。”於是二人回見周瑜，言孔明預先約趙雲迎接去了。周瑜大驚曰：“此人如此多謀，使我曉夜不安矣！”魯肅曰：“且待破曹之後，卻再圖之。”

And Zhou Yu knew he spake wisely. Having summoned the leaders to receive orders, first he bade Gan Ning take with him the false deserter Cai Zhong and his soldiers and go along the south bank, showing the flags of Cao Cao, till they reached the “Black” Forest (Wulin) just opposite the enemy’s main store of grain and forage. Then they were to penetrate as deeply as possible into the enemy’s lines and light a torch as a signal. Cai Zhong’s brother was to be kept in camp for another purpose. The next order was for Taishi Ci; he was to lead three companies as quickly as possible to the borders of Huangzhou and cut off Cao Cao’s reinforcements from Hefei. Then he was to press upon Cao Cao’s men and start a fire as a signal and if he saw a red flag he would know that Sun Quan was at hand with reinforcements.

瑜從其言，喚集諸將聽令。先教甘寧：“帶了蔡中並降卒沿南岸而走，只打北軍旗號，直取烏林地面，正當曹操屯糧之所，深入軍中，舉火爲號。只留下蔡和一人在帳下，我有用處。”第二喚太史慈分付：“你可領三千兵，直奔黃州地界，斷曹操合淝接應之兵，就逼曹兵，放火爲號；只看紅旗，便是吳侯接應兵到。”

These two had the farthest to go and started first. Third, Lü Meng was sent with three companies to Wulin (the “Black” Forest) to support Gan Ning and to burn Cao Cao’s stockades. Fourth, Ling Tong was to lead three companies straight to the borders of Yiling and attack as soon as he saw the fire rise at Wulin. Fifth, Dong Xi was to lead three companies straight to Hanyang and dash from the Han River into Cao Cao’s camp; a white flag would be the sign of his support.

這兩隊兵最遠，先發。第三喚呂蒙領三千兵去烏林接應甘寧，焚燒曹操寨柵，第四喚淩統領三千兵，直截彝陵界首，只看烏林火起，以兵應之。第五喚董襲領三千兵，直取漢陽，從漢川殺奔曹操寨中。看白旗接應。

Sixth, Pan Zhang was to lead three companies, all bearing white flags, to Hanyang to support Dong Xi. When these six squadrons had gone off each on its own way, Huang Gai got ready his fire ships and sent a soldier with a note to tell Cao Cao that he was coming over that evening. Four fighting ships were told off to support Huang Gai. The four squadrons, each of three hundred ships, were placed under four commanders, Han Dang, Zhou Tai, Jiang Qin and Chen Wu. Each squadron had a score of fire ships ranged in front of it.

第六喚潘璋領三千兵，盡打白旗，往漢陽接應董襲。六隊船隻各自分路去了。卻令黃蓋安排火船，使小卒馳書約曹操，今夜來降。一面撥戰船四隻，隨於黃蓋船後接應。第一隊領兵軍官韓當，第二隊領兵軍官周泰，第三隊領兵軍官蔣欽，第四隊領兵軍官陳武：四隊各引戰船三百隻，前面各擺列火船二十隻。

Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu went on board one of the large ships to direct the battle. Their guards were Ding Feng and Xu Sheng. Lu Su, Kan Ze and the advisers were left to guard the camp. Cheng Pu was greatly impressed with Zhou Yu’s ordering of the attack. Then came a messenger bearing a mandate from Sun Quan making Lu Xun leader of the van. He was ordered to advance straight into the region of Qi and Huang. The Marquis himself would support him.

周瑜自與程普在大艨艟上督戰，徐盛、丁奉爲左右護衛，只留魯肅共闞澤及衆謀士守寨。程普見周瑜調軍有法，甚相敬服。卻說孫權差使命持兵符至，說已差陸遜爲先鋒，直抵蘄、黃地面進兵，吳侯自爲後應。

Zhou Yu also sent men to fire signal bombs on the western hills and to hoist signal flags on Mount Nanping. So all being prepared they waited for dusk.

瑜又差人西山放火炮，南屏山舉號旗。各各準備停當，只等黃昏舉動。

Here it is necessary to diverge from the direct narrative to say that Xuande was at Xiakou anxiously awaiting the return of his adviser. Then appeared a fleet, led by Liu Qi, who had come to find out how matters were progressing. Xuande invited him up to the battle tower and told him of the south-east wind that had begun to blow and that Zhao Yun had gone to meet Kongming. Then a junior officer pointed far off toward the mouth of Fankou and said, “A single sail is bringing a little boat before the wind; it must be the Instructor of the Army.”

話分兩頭。且說劉玄德在夏口專候孔明回來，忽見一隊船到，乃是公子劉琦自來探聽消息。玄德請上敵樓坐定，說：“東南風起多時，子龍去接孔明，至今不見到，吾心甚憂。”小校遙指樊口港上：“一帆風送扁舟來到，必軍師也。”

So he and Liu Qi went down to meet the boat. Soon the vessel reached the shore and Kongming and Zhao Yun disembarked. Xuande was very glad and after they had enquired after each other’s well-being Kongming said, “There is no time to tell of any other things now. Are the soldiers and ships ready?” “They have long been ready,” replied Xuande. “They only await you to direct how they are to be used.”

玄德與劉琦下樓迎接。須臾船到，孔明、子龍登岸。玄德大喜。問候畢，孔明曰：“且無暇告訴別事。前者所約軍馬戰船，皆已辦否？”玄德曰：“收拾久矣，只候軍師調用。”

The three then went to the tent and took their seats. Kongming at once began to issue orders. “Zhao Yun, with three companies is to cross the river and go to the Wulin by the minor road. He will choose a spot where trees and reeds are dense and prepare an ambush. To-night, after the fourth watch, Cao Cao will hurry along that way. When his men are passing, fire is to be set in the middle of them. Cao Cao’s army will not be wholly destroyed but half of it will perish.”

孔明便與玄德、劉琦升帳坐定，謂趙雲曰：“子龍可帶三千軍馬，渡江徑取烏林小路，揀樹木蘆葦密處埋伏。今夜四更已後，曹操必然從那條路奔走。等他軍馬過，就半中間放起火來。雖然不殺他盡絕，也殺一半。”

“There are two roads from Wulin,” said Zhao Yun. “One leads to Nanjun and the other to Jingzhou. I do not know by which he will come.” “Nanjun is hard pressed and Cao Cao will not dare to go there. He will certainly come toward Jingzhou and then make for Xuchang with his main army.” Then Zhao Yun went away. Next Kongming said to Zhang Fei, “Yide, you will take three companies over the river to cut the road to Yiling. You will ambush in the Hulu Valley.

雲曰：“烏林有兩條路：一條通南郡，一條取荊州。不知向那條路來？”孔明曰：“南郡勢迫，曹操不敢往；必來荊州，然後大軍投許昌而去。”雲領計去了。又喚張飛曰：“翼德可領三千兵渡江，截斷彝陵這條路，去葫蘆谷口埋伏。

Cao Cao, not daring to go to South Yiling, will go to North Yiling. To-morrow, after the rain, he will halt to refresh his men. As soon as the smoke is seen to rise from their cooking fires you will fire the hill side. You will not capture Cao Cao but you will render excellent service.” So Zhang Fei left. Next were called Mi Zhu, Mi Fang and Liu Feng. Each was to take command of ships and go round the river to hunt down and capture the beaten soldiers and seize their weapons.

曹操不敢走南彝陵，必望北彝陵去。來日雨過，必然來埋鍋造飯。只看煙起，便就山邊放起火來。雖然不捉得曹操，翼德這場功料也不小。”飛領計去了。又喚糜竺、糜芳、劉封三人各駕船隻，繞江剿擒敗軍，奪取器械。

The three left. Then Kongming said to Liu Qi, “The country around Wuchang is very important and I wish you to return, take command of your own troops and draw them up at the river bank. When Cao Cao is defeated some are sure to flee thither, and you will capture them. But you are not to leave the city lightly.” And Liu Qi took leave of Xuande and Kongming. Then Kongming said to Xuande, “I wish you to remain quietly and calmly in Fankou while Zhou Yu works out his great scheme this night.”

三人領計去了。孔明起身，謂公子劉琦曰：“武昌一望之地。最爲緊要。公子便請回，率領所部之兵，陳於岸口。操一敗必有逃來者，就而擒之，卻不可輕離城郭。”劉琦便辭玄德、孔明去了。孔明謂玄德曰：“主公可於樊口屯兵，憑高而望，坐看今夜周郎成大功也。”

All this time Guan Yu has been silently waiting his turn but Kongming said no word to him. When he could bear this no longer he cried, “Since I first followed my brother to battle many years ago I have never been left behind. Now that great things are afoot is there no work for me? What is meant by it?” “You should not be surprised. I wanted you for service at a most important point only that there was a something standing in the way that prevented me from sending you,” said Kongming.

時雲長在側，孔明全然不睬。雲長忍耐不住，乃高聲曰：“關某自隨兄長征戰，許多年來，未嘗落後。今日逢大敵，軍師卻不委用，此是何意？”孔明笑曰：“雲長勿怪！某本欲煩足下把一個最緊要的隘口，怎奈有些違礙，不敢教去。”

“What could stand in the way? I wish you would tell me.” “You see Cao Cao was once very kind to you and you cannot help feeling grateful. Now when his soldiers have been beaten he will have to flee along the Huarong road and if I sent you to guard it you would have to let him pass. So I will not send you.” “You are too considerate, Instructor. It is true that Cao Cao treated me well, but I slew Yan Liang and Wen Chou and raised the siege of Baima by way of repayment.

雲長曰：“有何違礙？願即見諭。”孔明曰：“昔日曹操待足下甚厚，足下當有以報之。今日操兵敗，必走華容道；若令足下去時，必然放他過去。因此不敢教去。”雲長曰：“軍師好心多！當日曹操果是重待某，某已斬顏良，誅文醜，解白馬之圍，報過他了。

If I happened upon him on this occasion I should hardly let him go.” “But what if you did?” “You could deal with me by military rules.” “Then put that in writing.” So Guan Yu wrote a formal undertaking and gave the document to Kongming. “What happens if Cao Cao does not pass that way?” said Guan Yu. “I will give you a written engagement too.” Guan Yu was very pleased. Then Kongming continued, “On the high hills by the Huarong byway you are to raise a heap of wood and grass to make a great column of smoke and mislead Cao Cao into coming.”

今日撞見，豈肯放過！”孔明曰：“倘若放了時，卻如何？”雲長曰：“願依軍法！”孔明曰：“如此，立下文書。”雲長便與了軍令狀。雲長曰：“若曹操不從那條路上來，如何？”孔明曰：“我亦與你軍令狀。”雲長大喜。孔明曰：“雲長可於華容小路高山之處，堆積柴草，放起一把火煙，引曹操來。”

“If Cao Cao sees a smoke he will suspect an ambush and will not come.” said Guan Yu. Kongming laughed, “Have you never heard the saying in the art of war about the false and the true? Cao Cao is an able leader but this alone will deceive him. When he sees the smoke he will take it as a subterfuge and risk going that way. But do not let your kindness of heart rule your conduct.” Thus was his duty assigned Guan Yu and he left, taking his adopted son Guan Ping, Zhou Cang and five hundred swordsmen, to lie in ambush on the Huarong road.

雲長曰：“曹操望見煙，知有埋伏，如何肯來？”孔明笑曰：“豈不聞兵法虛虛實實之論？操雖能用兵，只此可以瞞過他也。他見煙起，將謂虛張聲勢，必然投這條路來。將軍休得容情。”雲長領了將令，引關平、周倉並五百校刀手，投華容道埋伏去了。

Said Xuande, “His sense of rectitude is very profound; I fear if Cao Cao should come that way that my brother will let him pass.” “I have consulted the stars and Cao the rebel is not fated to come to his end yet. I have purposely designed this manifestation of kindly feeling for Guan Yu to accomplish and so act handsomely.” “Indeed there are few such far-seeing men as you are,” said Xuande. The two then went to Fankou whence they might watch Zhou Yu’s evolutions. Sun Qian and Jian Yong were left to guard the city.

玄德曰：“吾弟義氣深重，若曹操果然投華容道去時，只恐端的放了。”孔明曰：“亮夜觀乾象，操賊未合身亡。留這人情，教雲長做了，亦是美事。”玄德曰：“先生神算，世所罕及！”孔明遂與玄德往樊口，看周瑜用兵，留孫乾、簡雍守城。

Cao Cao was in his great camp in conference with his advisers and awaiting the arrival of Huang Gai. The south-east wind was very strong that day and Cheng Yu came in and said, “To-day the south-east wind has risen; we should take precautions.” But Cao laughed saying, “At the Winter Solstice the yang principle is born again and begins its return; how should there be no south-east wind at such a time? I see nothing to wonder at.” Just then they announced the arrival of a small boat from the other shore with a letter from Huang Gai.

卻說曹操在大寨中，與衆將商議，只等黃蓋消息。當日東南風起甚緊。程昱入告曹操曰：“今日東南風起，宜預提防。”操笑曰：“冬至一陽生，來複之時，安得無東南風？何足爲怪！”軍士忽報江東一隻小船來到，說有黃蓋密書。

The bearer of the letter was brought in and presented it. It stated that Zhou Yu had kept such strict watch that there had been no chance of escape. But now new grain had been brought from Poyang Lake and Zhou Yu had sent Huang Gai to patrol, which would give him the opportunity he desired. He would slay one of the famous captains of Jiangdong and bring his head as an offering when he came. That evening at the second watch, the boats flying blue dragon flags with indentations would be the grain boats. This letter delighted Cao Cao who, with his officers, went to the naval camp and boarded a great ship to watch for the arrival of Huang Gai.

操急喚入。其人呈上書。書中訴說：“周瑜關防得緊，因此無計脫身。今有鄱陽湖新運到糧，周瑜差蓋巡哨，已有方便。好歹殺江東名將，獻首來降。只在今晚二更，船上插青龍牙旗者，即糧船也。”操大喜，遂與衆將來水寨中大船上，觀望黃蓋船到。

In Jiangdong, when evening fell, Zhou Yu sent for Cai He and bade the soldiers bind him. The unhappy man protested that he had committed no crime but Zhou Yu said, “What sort of a fellow are you, think you, to come and pretend to desert to my side? I need a small sacrifice for my flag and your head will serve my purpose. So I am going to use it.” Cai He being at the end of his tether unable to deny the charge suddenly cried, “Two of your own side, Kan Ze and Gan Ning, are also in the plot!” “Under my directions,” said Zhou Yu. Cai He repented, but too late.

且說江東，天色向晚，周瑜喚出蔡和，令軍士縛倒。和叫：“無罪！”瑜曰：“汝是何等人，敢來詐降！吾今缺少福物祭旗，願借你首級。”和抵賴不過，大叫曰：“汝家闞澤、甘寧亦曾與謀！”瑜曰：“此乃吾之所使也。”蔡和悔之無及。

Zhou Yu bade them take him to the river bank where the black standard had been set up and there, after the pouring of a libation and the burning of paper, he was beheaded, his blood being a sacrifice to the flag. This ceremony over the ships started and Huang Gai took his place on the third ship. He merely wore breast armour and carried a keen blade. On his flag were written four large characters “Van Leader Huang Gai”. With a fair wind his fleet sailed toward Chibi, or Red Wall. The wind was strong and the waves ran high. Cao Cao in the midst of the central squadron eagerly scanned the river and as the moon rose its light on the water was like ten thousand golden serpents writhing among the waves.

瑜令捉至江邊皁纛旗下，奠酒燒紙，一刀斬了蔡和，用血祭旗畢，便令開船。黃蓋在第三隻火船上，獨披掩心，手提利刃，旗上大書“先鋒黃蓋”。蓋乘一天順風，望赤壁進發。是時東風大作，波浪洶湧。操在中軍遙望隔江，看看月上，照耀江水，如萬道金蛇，翻波戲浪。

Letting the wind blow full in his face Cao Cao laughed aloud for was he not now to obtain his desire? Then a soldier pointing to the river said, “The whole south is one mass of sails and they are coming up on the wind.” Cao Cao went to a higher point and gazed at the sails intently and his men told him that all the ships flew blue dragon flags with indentations, and among them there flew one very large banner on which were the words “Van Leader Huang Gai.” “That is my friend the deserter,” said he joyfully. “Heaven is on my side to-day.” As the ships drew closer Cheng Yu said, “Those ships are treacherous.

操迎風大笑，自以爲得志。忽一軍指說：“江南隱隱一簇帆幔，使風而來。”操憑高望之。報稱：“皆插青龍牙旗。內中有大旗，上書先鋒黃蓋名字。”操笑曰：“公覆來降，此天助我也！”來船漸近。程昱觀望良久，謂操曰：“來船必詐。

Do not let them approach the camp.” “How know you that?” asked Cao Cao. And Cheng Yu replied, “If they were laden with grain they would lie deep in the water. But these are light and float easily. The south-east wind is very strong and if they intend treachery, how can we defend ourselves?” Cao Cao began to understand. Then he asked who would go out to stop them, and Wen Pin volunteered. “I am well used to the waters,” said he. Thereupon he sprang into a small light craft and sailed out, followed by a half score cruisers which came at his signal.

且休教近寨。”操曰：“何以知之！”程昱曰：“糧在船中，船必穩重；今觀來船，輕而且浮。更兼今夜東南風甚緊，倘有詐謀，何以當之？”操省悟，便問：“誰去止之？”文聘曰：“某在水上頗熟，願請一往。”言畢，跳下小船，用手一指，十數只巡船，隨文聘船出。

Standing in the prow of his ship he called out to those advancing toward them, “You southern ships are not to approach; such are the orders of the Minister. Stop there in mid stream.” The soldiers all yelled to them to lower their sails. The shout had not died away when a bowstring twanged and Wen Pin rolled down into the ship with an arrow in the left arm. Confusion reigned on his ship and all the others hurried back to their camp. When the ships were about a couple of li distant, Huang Gai waved his sword and the leading ships broke forth into fire together.

聘立於船頭，大叫：“丞相鈞旨：南船且休近寨，就江心拋住。”衆軍齊喝：“快下了篷！”言未絕，弓弦響處，文聘被箭射中左臂，倒在船中。船上大亂，各自奔回。南船距操寨止隔二里水面。黃蓋用刀一招，前船一齊發火。

The fire rode on the might of the wind and the wind lent strength to the fire; the ships flew like arrows and the smoke and flame hid the sky. Soon the whole twenty dashed into the naval camp. All Cao Cao’s ships were gathered there and as they were firmly chained together not one could escape from the others and flee. Across the river there was a roar of bombs and fireships came on from all sides at once. The face of the three rivers was speedily covered with fire which flew before the wind from one ship to another. It seemed as if the universe was filled with flame.

火趁風威，風助火勢，船如箭發，煙焰障天。二十隻火船，撞入水寨，曹寨中船隻一時盡着；又被鐵環鎖住，無處逃避。隔江炮響，四下火船齊到，但見三江面上，火逐風飛，一派通紅，漫天徹地。

Cao Cao looked back at his camps on the shore and saw smoke and fire in several places. Huang Gai, with a few men at his back, leaped into a small boat, dashed through the fire and sought Cao Cao. Cao Cao, seeing the imminence of the danger, was about to leap ashore when Zhang Liao got hold of a small boat into which he helped his master; none too soon, for the ship was burning. They got Cao Cao out of the thick of the fire and dashed for the bank. Huang Gai seeing one in a deep red robe get into a small boat guessed it must be Cao Cao and pursued. He drew very near and he held his keen blade ready to strike, crying out, “Cao the rebel, do not flee!

曹操回觀岸上營寨，幾處煙火。黃蓋跳在小船上，背後數人駕舟，冒煙突火，來尋曹操。操見勢急，方欲跳上岸，忽張遼駕一小腳船，扶操下得船時，那隻大船，已自着了。張遼與十數人保護曹操，飛奔岸口。黃蓋望見穿絳紅袍者下船，料是曹操，乃催船速進，手提利刃，高聲大叫：“曹賊休走！

I am Huang Gai.” Cao Cao howled in the bitterness of his distress. Zhang Liao fitted an arrow to his bow and aimed at the pursuer, shooting at short range. The roaring of the gale and the flames kept Huang Gai from hearing the twang of the string and he was wounded in the shoulder. He fell and rolled over into the water.

黃蓋在此！”操叫苦連聲。張遼拈弓搭箭，覷着黃蓋較近，一箭射去。此時風聲正大，黃蓋在火光中，那裏聽得弓弦響？正中肩窩，翻身落水。

He fell in peril of water
When flames were high;
Ere cudgel bruises had faded,
An arrow struck. What became of Huang Gai and his life will be told in the next chapter.

正是：火厄盛時遭水厄，棒瘡愈後患金瘡。
未知黃蓋性命如何，且看下文分解。