Romance, Chapter 62

Chapter 62. Taking Fu Pass, Yang and Gao Lose Their Heads; Attacking Luo City, Huang and Wei Vie for Merit

Meanwhile Zhang Zhao offered a plan: “Do not move the army for now. Once we raise troops, Cao Cao is sure to come again. It would be better to write two letters. One should go to Liu Zhang, saying that Liu Bei has allied himself with Eastern Wu to take Xichuan together, so that Liu Zhang grows suspicious and attacks Liu Bei. The other should go to Zhang Lu, urging him to advance his troops toward Jingzhou. That will leave Liu Bei unable to defend both his head and his tail, and after that we can raise our army and take it. Then the matter will succeed.”

卻說張昭獻計曰：“且休要動兵。若一興師，曹操必復至。不如修書二封：一封與劉璋，言劉備結連東吳，共取西川，使劉璋心疑而攻劉備；一封與張魯，教進兵向荊州來。着劉備首尾不能救應。我然後起兵取之，事可諧矣。”

Sun Quan followed this advice and at once sent envoys to both places. Meanwhile Xuande had stayed long at Jiameng Pass and had won the hearts of the people. Suddenly he received a dispatch from Kongming and learned that Lady Sun had already returned to Eastern Wu. He also heard that Cao Cao had raised an army to attack Ruxu, so he conferred with Pang Tong: “Cao Cao is attacking Sun Quan. If Cao wins, he will surely go on to take Jingzhou; if Sun wins, he too will surely take Jingzhou. What should we do?” Pang Tong said, “Do not worry, my lord.

權從之，即發使二處去訖。且說玄德在葭萌關日久，甚得民心。忽接得孔明文書。知孫夫人已回東吳。又聞曹操興兵犯濡須，乃與龐統議曰：“曹操擊孫權，操勝必將取荊州，權勝亦必取荊州矣。爲之奈何？”龐統曰：“主公勿憂。

With Kongming there, I expect Eastern Wu will not dare to attack Jingzhou. My lord, send a letter in haste to Liu Zhang, and simply plead that Cao Cao is attacking Sun Quan and that Sun Quan has asked Jingzhou for help: ‘Sun Quan and I are states as close as lips and teeth, and I cannot refuse to aid him. Zhang Lu is a bandit content to guard his own ground and will never dare to cross the border. I now wish to lead my troops back to Jingzhou and join Sun Quan in defeating Cao Cao, but alas, my troops are few and my grain is short.

有孔明在彼，料想東吳不敢犯荊州。主公可馳書去劉璋處，只推曹操攻擊孫權，權求救於荊州。吾與孫權脣齒之邦，不容不相援。張魯自守之賊，決不敢來犯界。吾今欲勒兵回荊州，與孫權會同破曹操，奈兵少糧缺。

I hope that, out of regard for our common clan, you will quickly send thirty or forty thousand picked troops and a hundred thousand hu of marching grain to help me. Please do not fail me.’ Once we have the men, horses, money and grain, we can make other plans.”

望推同宗之誼，速發精兵三、四萬，行糧十萬斛相助。請勿有誤。若得軍馬錢糧，卻另作商議。”

Xuande agreed and sent a man to Chengdu. When the envoy reached the pass, Yang Huai and Gao Pei learned of the matter. They left Gao Pei to guard the pass, while Yang Huai went with the envoy into Chengdu, saw Liu Zhang, and presented the letter. When Liu Zhang had read it, he asked Yang Huai why he had come as well. Yang Huai said, “I came solely because of this letter. Ever since Liu Bei entered Xichuan he has spread his kindness far and wide to win the people’s hearts, and his intentions are far from good.

玄德從之，遣人往成都。來到關前，楊懷、高沛聞知此事，遂教高沛守關，楊懷同使者入成都，見劉璋呈上書信。劉璋看畢，問楊懷爲何亦同來。楊懷曰：“專爲此書而來。劉備自從入川，廣佈恩德，以收民心，其意甚是不善。

Now he asks for troops, horses, money and grain; on no account should you give them. To help him would be like adding firewood to a fire.” Liu Zhang said, “Xuande and I share the bond of brothers. How can I not help him?” A man stepped forward and said, “Liu Bei is a ruthless hero. Keeping him long in Shu instead of sending him away is like letting a tiger loose in the house. To help him now with troops, horses, money and grain would be no different from giving the tiger wings.” All looked at the speaker. He was a man of Zhengyang in Lingling, surnamed Liu, named Ba, styled Zichu.

今求軍馬錢糧，切不可與。如若相助，是把薪助火也。”劉璋曰：“吾與玄德有兄弟之情，豈可不助？”一人出曰：“劉備梟雄，久留於蜀而不遣，是縱虎入室矣。今更助之以軍馬錢糧，何異與虎添翼乎？”衆視其人，乃零陵烝陽人，姓劉名巴，字子初。

Hearing Liu Ba’s words, Liu Zhang hesitated and could not decide. Huang Quan also remonstrated earnestly once more. So Liu Zhang allotted only four thousand old and feeble soldiers and ten thousand hu of rice, and sent an envoy with a letter to inform Xuande. At the same time he ordered Yang Huai and Gao Pei to hold the pass firmly. Liu Zhang’s envoy reached Jiameng Pass, saw Xuande, and presented the reply. Xuande said in great anger, “I have fought off your enemies for you, spending my strength and wearing out my mind. Now you hoard your wealth and begrudge rewards. How can I make my soldiers risk their lives?”

劉璋聞劉巴之言，猶豫未決。黃權又復苦諫。璋乃量撥老弱軍四千，米一萬斛，發書遣使報玄德。仍令楊懷、高沛緊守關隘。劉璋使者到葭萌關見玄德，呈上回書。玄德大怒曰：“吾爲汝禦敵，費力勞心。汝今積財吝賞，何以使士卒效命乎？”

Then he tore up the reply, cursed loudly and rose. The envoy fled back to Chengdu. Pang Tong said, “My lord, you have always valued benevolence and righteousness above all. Now that you have torn up the letter in anger, all the old goodwill is cast away.” Xuande said, “In that case, what should I do?” Pang Tong said, “I have three plans. Please choose one yourself, my lord, and carry it out.”

遂扯毀回書，大罵而起。使者逃回成都。龐統曰：“主公只以仁義爲重，今日毀書發怒，前情盡棄矣。”玄德曰：“如此，當若何？”龐統曰：“某有三條計策，請主公自擇而行。”

Xuande asked, “What are the three plans?” Pang Tong said, “To choose picked troops at once and march day and night straight to Chengdu to take it by surprise: that is the best plan. Yang Huai and Gao Pei are famous generals of Shu, each relying on strong troops to hold the pass. If you now make a pretense of returning to Jingzhou, the two generals will hear of it and will certainly come to see you off. At the farewell, seize and kill them, take the pass, first capture Fucheng and then turn toward Chengdu: that is the middle plan.

玄德問：“那三條計？”統曰：“只今便選精兵，晝夜兼道徑襲成都：此爲上計。楊懷、高沛乃蜀中名將，各仗強兵拒守關隘；今主公佯以回荊州爲名，二將聞知，必來相送；就送行處，擒而殺之，奪了關隘，先取涪城，然後卻向成都：此中計也。

To withdraw to Baidi, return to Jingzhou by forced night marches and plan your advance at leisure: that is the worst plan. If you hesitate and do not move, you will fall into great straits beyond rescue.” Xuande said, “Director of Strategy, your best plan is too hasty and your worst too slow. The middle plan is neither too slow nor too quick; we can carry it out.”

退還白帝，連夜回荊州，徐圖進取：此爲下計。若沉吟不去，將至大困，不可救矣。”玄德曰：“軍師上計太促，下計太緩；中計不遲不疾，可以行之。”

So he sent a letter to Liu Zhang, saying only that Cao Cao had ordered his general Yue Jin to lead troops to Qingni Town, that his officers could not hold them off, that he must go in person to resist, and that, having no time to meet, he was writing expressly to take his leave. When the letter reached Chengdu, Zhang Song heard that Liu Xuande meant to return to Jingzhou and took it to be in earnest. He wrote a letter and was about to have it sent to Xuande when his own elder brother Zhang Su, Prefect of Guanghan, arrived. Zhang Song hastily hid the letter in his sleeve and sat talking with his brother.

於是發書致劉璋，只說曹操令部將樂進引兵至青泥鎮，衆將抵敵不住，吾當親往拒之，不及面會，特書相辭。書至成都，張松聽得說劉玄德欲回荊州，只道是真心，乃修書一封，欲令人送與玄德，卻值親兄廣漢太守張肅到，松急藏書於袖中，與肅相陪說話。

Zhang Su saw that his brother seemed distracted and grew suspicious. Zhang Song brought out wine and drank with him. As they exchanged cups, the letter suddenly fell to the ground and was picked up by one of Zhang Su’s attendants. After the party broke up, the attendant handed the letter to Zhang Su, who opened it and read. In brief it said: “What I said to the Imperial Uncle the other day was neither false nor mistaken. Why then do you delay and not set out? To take by force and hold by right is what the ancients prized. Now the great enterprise is already in your grasp. Why would you abandon it and return to Jingzhou?

肅見松神情恍惚，心中疑惑。松取酒與肅共飲。獻酬之間，忽落此書於地，被肅從人拾得。席散後，從人以書呈肅。肅開視之。書略曰：“松昨進言於皇叔，並無虛謬，何乃遲遲不發？逆取順守，古人所貴。今大事已在掌握之中，何故欲棄此而回荊州乎？

Hearing this, I felt as if I had lost something. On the day this letter reaches you, advance your troops with all speed. I will act as your ally within. Do not ruin yourself!” When Zhang Su saw this, he was greatly alarmed and said, “My brother is doing something that will destroy our whole family. I must report it.” That same night he took the letter to Liu Zhang and told him everything: that his brother Zhang Song was plotting with Liu Bei to hand over Xichuan. Liu Zhang said in great anger, “I have never treated him meanly. Why would he plot rebellion?”

使松聞之，如有所失。書呈到日，疾速進兵。松當爲內應，萬勿自誤！”張肅見了，大驚曰：“吾弟作滅門之事，不可不首。”連夜將書見劉璋，具言弟張松與劉備同謀，欲獻西川。劉璋大怒曰：“吾平日未嘗薄待他，何故欲謀反！”

He then gave orders to arrest Zhang Song’s entire household, and all were beheaded in the marketplace.

遂下令捉張松全家，盡斬於市。

A later poet lamented:
He missed nothing at a single glance, a gift the world rarely sees;
Who knew a letter would betray the secret plans of Heaven?
Before he saw Xuande raise the kingly enterprise,
In Chengdu first his robe was dyed with blood.

後人有詩嘆曰：“一覽無遺世所稀，誰知書信泄天機。
未觀玄德興王業，先向成都血染衣。
”

Having executed Zhang Song, Liu Zhang gathered his civil and military officers and said, “Liu Bei means to seize my inheritance. What should be done?” Huang Quan said, “There must be no delay. Send men at once to every pass to add troops to the garrisons, and do not let a single man or horse from Jingzhou through.” Liu Zhang took his advice and sent dispatches racing to every pass that very night. Meanwhile Xuande led his troops back toward Fucheng. He first sent a man ahead to inform Fushui Pass and to invite Yang Huai and Gao Pei to come out of the pass to take leave of him.

劉璋既斬張松，聚集文武商議曰：“劉備欲奪吾基業，當如之何？”黃權曰：“事不宜遲。即便差人告報各處關隘，添兵把守，不許放荊州一人一騎入關。”璋從其言，星夜馳檄各關去訖。卻說玄德提兵回涪城，先令人報上涪水關，請楊懷、高沛出關相別。

When the two generals Yang and Gao received the message, they discussed it: “What shall we do about Xuande’s return?” Gao Pei said, “Xuande deserves to die. Let each of us hide a sharp blade on his person and stab him at the farewell, to rid our lord of this menace.” Yang Huai said, “An excellent plan.” The two took only two hundred attendants out of the pass to see him off, and left all the rest on the pass.

楊、高二將聞報，商議曰：“玄德此回若何？”高沛曰：“玄德合死。我等各藏利刃在身，就送行處刺之，以絕吾主之患。”楊懷曰：“此計大妙。”二人只帶隨行二百人，出關送行，其餘並留在關上。

Xuande’s whole army set out. When they reached the Fu River, Pang Tong said to Xuande from his horse, “If Yang Huai and Gao Pei come gladly, be on your guard against them. If they do not come, we must raise our troops at once and go straight to take their pass, without delay.” As he spoke, a sudden whirlwind sprang up and blew down the banner bearing the word “Commander” in front of the horses. Xuande asked Pang Tong, “What does this omen mean?” Pang Tong said, “It is a warning. Yang Huai and Gao Pei surely intend to assassinate you. You must guard well against them.”

玄德大軍盡發。前至涪水之上，龐統在馬上謂玄德曰：“楊懷、高沛若欣然而來，可提防之；若彼不來，便起兵徑取其關，不可遲緩。”正說間，忽起一陣旋風，把馬前“帥”字旗吹倒。玄德問龐統曰：“此何兆也？”統曰：“此警報也，楊懷、高沛二人必有行刺之意，宜善防之。”

So Xuande put on heavy armor and wore a precious sword at his side as a precaution. A report came that the two generals Yang and Gao were coming to see him off. Xuande ordered his army to halt and rest. Pang Tong instructed Wei Yan and Huang Zhong: “Whatever soldiers come from the pass, however many, horse or foot, do not let a single one go back.” The two generals took the order and went.

玄德乃身披重鎧，自佩寶劍防備。人報楊、高二將前來送行。玄德令軍馬歇定。龐統分付魏延、黃忠：“但關上來的軍士，不問多少，馬步軍兵，一個也休放回。”二將得令而去。

Now Yang Huai and Gao Pei each hid a sharp blade on his person and, bringing two hundred soldiers, leading sheep and carrying wine, came straight up to the army. Seeing no preparations at all, they rejoiced secretly, thinking their plan had worked. They entered the tent and found Xuande sitting inside with Pang Tong. The two generals called out their greeting: “Hearing that the Imperial Uncle is returning far away, we have brought some small gifts to see you off.” Then they offered wine to Xuande. Xuande said, “Guarding the pass is no easy task for you two generals. You should drink this cup first.”

卻說楊懷、高沛二人身邊各藏利刃，帶二百軍兵，牽羊送酒，直至軍前。見並無準備，心中暗喜，以爲中計。入至帳下，見玄德正與龐統坐於帳中。二將聲喏曰：“聞皇叔遠回，特具薄禮相送。”遂進酒勸玄德。玄德曰：“二將軍守關不易，當先飲此杯。”

When the two generals had drunk, Xuande said, “I have a secret matter to discuss with you two generals. Let everyone else withdraw.” So the two hundred men they had brought were all driven out of the central camp. Xuande shouted, “Guards, seize these two traitors for me!” From behind the tent Liu Feng and Guan Ping answered and rushed out. Yang and Gao tried desperately to fight, but Liu Feng and Guan Ping each seized one of them. Xuande shouted, “Your lord and I are brothers of the same clan. Why have you two plotted together to sow discord between kinsmen?”

二將飲酒畢，玄德曰：“吾有密事與二將軍商議，閒人退避。”遂將帶來二百人盡趕出中軍。玄德叱曰：“左右與吾捉下二賊！”帳後劉封、關平應聲而出。楊、高二人急待爭鬥，劉封、關平各捉住一人。玄德喝曰：“吾與汝主是同宗兄弟，汝二人何故同謀，離間親情？”

Pang Tong ordered the guards to search them, and sure enough a sharp blade was found on each. Pang Tong at once called for the two to be beheaded, but Xuande still hesitated. Pang Tong said, “These two meant to kill our lord. Death is too light a punishment for their crime.” He then ordered the executioners to behead Yang Huai and Gao Pei in front of the tent. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan had already seized the two hundred attendants, and not one had escaped. Xuande called them in and gave each of them wine to calm their fears.

龐統叱左右搜其身畔，果然各搜出利刃一口。統便喝斬二人；玄德還猶未決，統曰：“二人本意欲殺吾主，罪不容誅。”遂叱刀斧手斬楊懷、高沛於帳前。黃忠、魏延早將二百從人，先自捉下，不曾走了一個。玄德喚入，各賜酒壓驚。

Xuande said, “Yang Huai and Gao Pei tried to sow discord between my brother and me, and they also hid blades to assassinate me. That is why they were executed. You are guiltless and need not be alarmed or suspicious.” All of them bowed and thanked him. Pang Tong said, “I shall now have you guide us and lead our army to take the pass. Every one of you will be richly rewarded.” They all agreed. That night the two hundred men went ahead, and the main army followed. When the vanguard reached the foot of the pass, they called out, “The two generals have come back on urgent business. Open the gates at once.”

玄德曰：“楊懷、高沛離間吾兄弟，又藏利刃行刺，故行誅戮。爾等無罪，不必驚疑。”衆各拜謝。龐統曰：“吾今即用汝等引路，帶吾軍取關。各有重賞。”衆皆應允。是夜二百人先行，大軍隨後。前軍至關下叫曰：“二將軍有急事回，可速開關。”

Hearing that it was their own troops, the men on the wall opened the gates at once. The army surged in and took Fu Pass without staining a blade with blood. The soldiers of Shu all surrendered. Xuande gave rich rewards to each and at once divided his troops to guard front and rear. The next day he feasted the army and held a banquet in the public hall. When Xuande was flushed with wine, he turned to Pang Tong and said, “Is not today’s gathering a joyful one?” Pang Tong said, “To take joy in attacking another’s state is not the way of a benevolent man’s army.”

城上聽得是自家軍，即時開關。大軍一擁而入，兵不血刃，得了涪關。蜀兵皆降。玄德各加重賞，遂即分兵前後守把。次日勞軍，設宴於公廳。玄德酒酣，顧龐統曰：“今日之會，可爲樂乎？”龐統曰：“伐人之國而以爲樂，非仁者之兵也。”

Xuande said, “I have heard that in olden times King Wu attacked King Zhou of Shang and then composed music to celebrate his achievement. Was that not a benevolent man’s army either? Why are your words so contrary to reason? Leave at once!” Pang Tong rose, laughing heartily. The attendants helped Xuande into the rear hall. He slept until midnight, when he sobered up. The attendants told him what he had said in driving Pang Tong away. Xuande was full of regret. Early next morning he dressed, went to the hall, sent for Pang Tong and apologized: “I was drunk yesterday and offended you with my words. I hope you will not take it to heart.”

玄德曰：“吾聞昔日武王伐紂，作樂象功，此亦非仁者之兵歟？汝言何不合道理？可速退！”龐統大笑而起。左右亦扶玄德入後堂。睡至半夜，酒醒。左右以逐龐統之言告知玄德。玄德大悔；次早穿衣升堂，請龐統謝罪曰：“昨日酒醉，言語觸犯，幸勿掛懷。”

Pang Tong talked and laughed as though nothing had happened. Xuande said, “What I said yesterday was my fault alone.” Pang Tong said, “Lord and servant both erred. Why should it be yours alone, my lord?” Xuande also laughed heartily, and they were as happy together as before.

龐統談笑自若。玄德曰：“昨日之言，惟吾有失。”龐統曰：“君臣俱失，何獨主公？”玄德亦大笑，其樂如初。

Now when Liu Zhang heard that Xuande had killed the two generals Yang and Gao and seized Fushui Pass, he was greatly alarmed and said, “I never thought this would really come to pass!” He gathered his civil and military officers and asked for a plan to drive back the enemy. Huang Quan said, “Send troops tonight to garrison Luo County and block the road at its throat. Even with his picked troops and fierce generals, Liu Bei will not be able to get through.” So Liu Zhang ordered Liu Gui, Leng Bao, Zhang Ren and Deng Xian to muster a great army of fifty thousand and hasten by night to defend Luo County against Liu Bei.

卻說劉璋聞玄德殺了楊、高二將，襲了涪水關，大驚曰：“不料今日果有此事！”遂聚文武，問退兵之策。黃權曰：“可連夜遣兵屯雒縣，塞住咽喉之路。劉備雖有精兵猛將，不能過也。”璋遂令劉璝、泠苞、張任、鄧賢點五萬大軍，星夜往守雒縣，以拒劉備。

While the four generals were on the march, Liu Gui said, “I have heard that on Mount Jinping there lives an extraordinary man, known by the Daoist name Zixu Shangren, who knows whether men will live or die, rise or fall. Our march today takes us right past Mount Jinping. Why not go and ask him?” Zhang Ren said, “When a true man leads troops against the enemy, how can he go asking a hermit of the hills?” Liu Gui said, “Not so. The Sage said, ‘He who follows the way of perfect sincerity can know things beforehand.’

四將行兵之次，劉璝曰：“吾聞錦屏山中有一異人，道號紫虛上人，知人生死貴賤。吾輩今日行軍，正從錦屏山過。何不試往問之？”張任曰：“大丈夫行兵拒敵，豈可問于山野之人乎？”璝曰：“不然。聖人云：至誠之道，可以前知。

If we ask a man of high wisdom, we can seek good fortune and avoid disaster.” So the four led fifty or sixty horsemen to the foot of the mountain and asked a woodcutter the way. The woodcutter pointed to the very summit of a high peak and said that was where the sage lived. The four climbed the mountain to the front of the hermitage, where a Daoist acolyte came out to greet them. He asked their names and led them inside. There they saw Zixu Shangren sitting on a rush cushion. The four knelt and bowed and asked about what lay ahead of them.

吾等問於高明之人，當趨吉避凶。”於是四人引五六十騎至山下，問徑樵夫。樵夫指高山絕頂上，便是上人所居。四人上山至庵前，見一道童出迎。問了姓名，引入庵中。只見紫虛上人坐於蒲墩之上。四人下拜，求問前程之事。

Zixu Shangren said, “This poor Daoist is a useless man of the hills. How should I know good fortune from ill?” But when Liu Gui bowed and asked again and again, Zixu had the acolyte bring paper and brush, wrote down eight lines, and handed them to Liu Gui. The text read: “Dragon on the left and phoenix on the right
Fly into Xichuan.
The young phoenix falls to earth;
The sleeping dragon rises to heaven.
One gained, one lost:
Such is Heaven’s decree.
Act when you see the moment,
Lest you perish in the Nine Springs.” Liu Gui asked again, “What of the fortunes of us four?”

紫虛上人曰：“貧道乃山野廢人，豈知休咎？”劉璝再三拜問，紫虛遂命道童取紙筆，寫下八句言語，付與劉璝。其文曰：“左龍右鳳，飛入西川。雛鳳墜地，臥龍昇天。一得一失，天數當然。見機而作，勿喪九泉。”劉璝又問曰：“我四人氣數如何？”

Zixu Shangren said, “What is fated cannot be escaped. Why ask further?” When Liu Gui tried to ask once more, the sage let his brows droop and closed his eyes as if asleep, and made no answer at all. The four went down the mountain. Liu Gui said, “The words of an immortal must be believed.” Zhang Ren said, “He is a mad old man. What good is it to listen to him?” Then they mounted and rode on.

紫虛上人曰：“定數難逃，何必再問！”璝又請問時，上人眉垂目合，恰似睡着的一般，並不答應。四人下山。劉璝曰：“仙人之言，不可不信。”張任曰：“此狂叟也，聽之何益。”遂上馬前行。

On reaching Luo County, they divided and posted their men and horses to guard the mouths of the passes in every quarter. Liu Gui said, “Luo City is the bulwark of Chengdu. If it is lost, Chengdu can hardly be held. Let us four agree that two of us guard the city while the other two go out in front of Luo County and set up two camps against the hills and among the strong points, so that the enemy cannot come near the city.” Leng Bao and Deng Xian said, “We will go and build the camps.” Liu Gui was delighted and gave the two of them twenty thousand men, and they pitched camp sixty li from the city. Liu Gui and Zhang Ren stayed to defend Luo City.

既至雒縣，分調人馬，守把各處關隘口。劉璝曰：“雒城乃成都之保障，失此則成都難保。吾四人公議，着二人守城，二人去雒縣前面，依山傍險，紮下兩個寨子，勿使敵兵臨城。”泠苞、鄧賢曰：“某願往結寨。”劉璝大喜，分兵二萬，與泠、鄧二人，離城六十里下寨。劉璝、張任守護雒城。

Meanwhile, having taken Fushui Pass, Xuande conferred with Pang Tong about advancing on Luo City. A report came that Liu Zhang had sent four generals, and that on that very day Leng Bao and Deng Xian had led twenty thousand men to a point sixty li from the city and pitched two great camps. Xuande assembled his generals and asked, “Who dares to win the first honors by taking the camps of these two generals?” The veteran Huang Zhong answered and stepped forward: “This old man will go.” Xuande said, “Veteran General, lead your own men and horses to Luo City. If you take the camps of Leng Bao and Deng Xian, you shall be richly rewarded.”

卻說玄德既得涪水關，與龐統商議進取雒城。人報劉璋撥四將前來，即日泠苞、鄧賢領二萬軍離城六十里，紮下兩個大寨。玄德聚衆將問曰：“誰敢建頭功，去取二將寨柵？”老將黃忠應聲出曰：“老夫願往。”玄德曰：“老將軍率本部人馬，前至雒城，如取得泠苞、鄧賢營寨，必當重賞。”

Huang Zhong was delighted. He took his own troops, thanked Xuande and was about to set off when someone stepped forward from among those in the tent and said, “The Veteran General is far on in years. How can he go? Unworthy as I am, let me go instead.” Xuande looked and saw that it was Wei Yan. Huang Zhong said, “I have already received the order. How dare you push in ahead of me?” Wei Yan said, “An old man cannot count on his sinews and bones. I have heard that Leng Bao and Deng Xian are famous generals of Shu, in the full vigor of youth.

黃忠大喜，即領本部兵馬，謝了要行。忽帳下一人出曰：“老將軍年紀高大，如何去得？小將不才願往。”玄德視之，乃是魏延。黃忠曰：“我已領下將令，你如何敢攙越？”魏延曰：“老者不以筋骨爲能。吾聞泠苞、鄧賢乃蜀中名將，血氣方剛。

I fear the Veteran General may not even get near them, and would that not ruin my lord’s great cause? That is why I wish to take his place. I mean well.” Huang Zhong said in great anger, “You call me old. Do you dare to test your skill at arms against mine?” Wei Yan said, “Let us contend face to face before our lord, and whoever wins shall go. What do you say?” Huang Zhong at once strode down the steps and shouted to a junior officer to bring his broadsword! Xuande hurriedly stopped him, saying, “No!

恐老將軍近他不得，豈不誤了主公大事？因此願相替，本是好意。”黃忠大怒曰：“汝說吾老，敢與我比試武藝麼？”魏延曰：“就主公之前，當面比試。贏得的便去，何如？”黃忠遂趨步下階，便叫小校將刀來！玄德急止之曰：“不可！

I am now leading troops to take Xichuan, and I rely entirely on the strength of you two. If two tigers fight, one is sure to be hurt, and that would surely ruin my great cause. Let me make peace between you. Do not quarrel.” Pang Tong said, “There is no need for you two to contend. Leng Bao and Deng Xian have just set up two camps. Let each of you lead his own men and attack one camp. Whoever takes his first shall have the first honors.”

吾今提兵取川，全仗汝二人之力。今兩虎相鬥，必有一傷。須誤了我大事。吾與你二人勸解，休得爭論。”龐統曰：“汝二人不必相爭。即今泠苞、鄧賢下了兩個營寨。今汝二人自領本部軍馬，各打一寨。如先奪得者，便爲頭功。”

So it was settled that Huang Zhong would attack Leng Bao’s camp and Wei Yan Deng Xian’s camp. Each took his orders and left. Pang Tong said, “I fear these two may quarrel on the way. My lord, you should lead troops yourself as a rear support.” Xuande left Pang Tong to guard the city and set out after them with Liu Feng and Guan Ping and five thousand men.

於是分定黃忠打泠苞寨，魏延打鄧賢寨。二人各領命去了。龐統曰：“此二人去，恐於路上相爭，主公可自引軍爲後應。”玄德留龐統守城，自與劉封、關平引五千軍隨後進發。

Now when Huang Zhong returned to his camp, he gave orders to cook the meal at the fourth watch next day, be equipped by the fifth, and advance at dawn by the valley on the left. Wei Yan, however, secretly sent a man to find out when Huang Zhong would set out. The spy came back and reported, “Tomorrow they will cook at the fourth watch and march at the fifth.” Wei Yan was secretly pleased. He ordered his soldiers to cook at the second watch and march at the third, so as to reach the edge of Deng Xian’s camp by dawn.

卻說黃忠歸寨，傳令來日四更造飯，五更結束，平明進兵，取左邊山谷而進。魏延卻暗使人探聽黃忠甚時起兵。探事人回報：“來日四更造飯，五更起兵。”魏延暗喜，分付衆軍士二更造飯，三更起兵，平明要到鄧賢寨邊。

Having received the order, the soldiers all ate their fill. The bells were taken off the horses, the men held gags in their mouths, the banners were furled and the armor strapped tight, and they went off in secret to raid the camp. Around the third watch they left their camp and advanced. Halfway there, Wei Yan thought as he rode, “If I only attack Deng Xian’s camp, I will not show what I can do. Better to attack Leng Bao’s camp first and then use my victorious troops against Deng Xian’s. Then the credit for both will be mine.” He gave the order from the saddle and had all his soldiers turn onto the mountain road on the left.

軍士得令，都飽餐一頓，馬摘鈴，人銜枚，卷旗束甲，暗地去劫寨。三更前後，離寨前進。到半路，魏延馬上尋思：“只去打鄧賢寨，不顯能處，不如先去打泠苞寨，卻將得勝兵打鄧賢寨。兩處功勞，都是我的。”就馬上傳令，教軍士都投左邊山路里去。

When the sky was just growing light and they were not far from Leng Bao’s camp, he had the soldiers rest a little and set out the gongs and drums, banners and flags, spears, swords and other weapons. But scouts lying in wait along the road had already raced back to the camp with the news, and Leng Bao was ready. At the roar of a bombard, his whole army mounted and charged out. Wei Yan spurred his horse and, broadsword in hand, engaged Leng Bao. The two generals had fought some thirty bouts when the Xichuan troops came at the Han troops from two directions.

天色微明，離泠苞寨不遠，教軍士少歇，排搠金鼓旗幡、槍刀器械。早有伏路小軍飛報入寨，泠苞已有準備了。一聲炮響，三軍上馬，殺將出來。魏延縱馬提刀，與泠苞接戰。二將交馬，戰到三十合，川兵分兩路來襲漢軍。

The Han troops had been marching half the night; men and horses were worn out. Unable to hold, they fell back and fled. Hearing his lines break up behind him, Wei Yan left Leng Bao and wheeled his horse to flee. The Xichuan troops came after them, and the Han troops were badly beaten. Before they had gone five li, drums shook the earth behind a hill, and Deng Xian burst out of a valley with a band of troops to cut them off, shouting, “Wei Yan, get off your horse and surrender!” Wei Yan whipped his horse and galloped away, but suddenly the horse stumbled on its forefeet, dropped to its knees and threw him.

漢軍走了半夜，人馬力乏，抵當不住，退後便走。魏延聽得背後陣腳亂，撇了泠苞，撥馬回走。川兵隨後趕來，漢軍大敗。走不到五里，山背後鼓聲震地，鄧賢引一彪軍從山谷裏截出來，大叫：“魏延快下馬受降！”魏延策馬飛奔，那馬忽失前蹄，雙足跪地，將魏延掀將下來。

Deng Xian galloped up and thrust his spear at Wei Yan. Before the spear reached him, a bowstring twanged and Deng Xian pitched headlong from his horse. Behind him Leng Bao was just coming to his aid when a great general came galloping down the hillside, shouting fiercely, “The veteran Huang Zhong is here!” He whirled his broadsword and went straight for Leng Bao. Leng Bao could not hold him off and fled back. Huang Zhong pressed the pursuit, and the Xichuan troops fell into great confusion.

鄧賢馬奔到，挺槍來刺魏延。槍未到處，弓弦響，鄧賢倒撞下馬。後面泠苞方欲來救，一員大將，從山坡上躍馬而來，厲聲大叫：“老將黃忠在此！”舞刀直取泠苞。泠苞抵敵不住，望後便走。黃忠乘勢追趕，川兵大亂。

Huang Zhong’s force rescued Wei Yan, killed Deng Xian and chased the enemy right up to the camp. Leng Bao turned his horse and fought Huang Zhong again, but before ten bouts were over, more troops came surging up from behind, and Leng Bao had no choice but to abandon the left camp and lead his beaten men to the right one. But he saw that the flags in that camp were entirely different, and he was greatly alarmed. He reined in and looked: at the head stood a great general in golden armor and a brocade robe—Liu Xuande himself—with Liu Feng on his left and Guan Ping on his right, who shouted, “I have already taken your camp. Where do you think you are going?”

黃忠一枝軍救了魏延，殺了鄧賢，直趕到寨前。泠苞回馬與黃忠再戰。不到十餘合，後面軍馬擁將上來，泠苞只得棄了左寨，引敗軍來投右寨。只見寨中旗幟全別，泠苞大驚。兜住馬看時，當頭一員大將，金甲錦袍，乃是劉玄德，左邊劉封，右邊關平，大喝道：“寨子吾已奪下，汝欲何往？”

Xuande, it turned out, had been coming up behind in support and had seized the opportunity to take Deng Xian’s camp. With no way out in either direction, Leng Bao took a remote mountain path, meaning to get back to Luo City. Before he had gone ten li, an ambush suddenly sprang up in a narrow pass; hooked poles were thrust out all together, and Leng Bao was taken alive. It was Wei Yan. Knowing he had done wrong and had no excuse, he had rallied his rear troops, had some of the Shu soldiers guide him, and lain in wait there, catching Leng Bao squarely.

原來玄德引兵從後接應，便乘勢奪了鄧賢寨子。泠苞兩頭無路，取山僻小徑，要回雒城。行不到十里，狹路伏兵忽起，搭鉤齊舉，把泠苞活捉了。原來卻是魏延自知犯罪，無可解釋，收拾後軍，令蜀兵引路，伏在這裏，等個正着。

They bound Leng Bao with ropes and brought him to Xuande’s camp. Meanwhile Xuande had raised a flag promising to spare lives: none of the Xichuan soldiers who reversed their spears and took off their armor were to be killed or harmed, and anyone who hurt them would pay with his life. He also proclaimed to the surrendered troops, “You men of Xichuan all have parents, wives and children. Those who wish to surrender may join the army; those who do not will be set free to go home.” At this, cheers shook the earth. Huang Zhong settled his camp and came straight to Xuande to say that Wei Yan had disobeyed orders and should be beheaded.

用索縛了泠苞，解投玄德寨來。卻說玄德立起免死旗，但川兵倒戈卸甲者，並不許殺害，如傷者償命；又諭衆降兵曰：“汝川人皆有父母妻子，願降者充軍，不願降者放回。”於是歡聲動地。黃忠安下寨腳，徑來見玄德，說魏延違了軍令，可斬之。

Xuande quickly summoned Wei Yan, who came bringing Leng Bao. Xuande said, “Though Wei Yan is at fault, this deed is enough to redeem it.” He had Wei Yan thank Huang Zhong for saving his life and told them not to quarrel from then on. Wei Yan knocked his head on the ground and acknowledged his fault. Xuande richly rewarded Huang Zhong, then had Leng Bao brought before his tent. He untied him, gave him wine to calm him, and asked, “Will you surrender?” Leng Bao said, “Since you have spared my life, how could I not surrender?

玄德急召魏延，魏延解泠苞至。玄德曰：“延雖有罪，此功可贖。”令魏延謝黃忠救命之恩，今後毋得相爭。魏延頓首伏罪。玄德重賞黃忠，使人押泠苞到帳下，玄德去其縛，賜酒壓驚，問曰：“汝肯降否？”泠苞曰：“既蒙免死，如何不降？

Liu Gui and Zhang Ren are my sworn friends in life and death. If you will let me go back, I will at once persuade them both to surrender and hand over Luo City.” Xuande was delighted and gave him clothes and a saddled horse and let him return to Luo City. Wei Yan said, “This man must not be let go. Once he gets away, he will never come back.” Xuande said, “I treat people with benevolence and righteousness, and they will not betray me.”

劉璝、張任與某爲生死之交；若肯放某回去，當即招二人來降，就獻雒城。”玄德大喜，便賜衣服鞍馬，令回雒城。魏延曰：“此人不可放回。若脫身一去，不復來矣。”玄德曰：“吾以仁義待人，人不負我。”

Now when Leng Bao got back to Luo City and saw Liu Gui and Zhang Ren, he said nothing of having been captured and released, but only said, “I killed a dozen or more of them, seized a horse and escaped back here.” Liu Gui hurriedly sent to Chengdu for help. When Liu Zhang heard that Deng Xian had been lost, he was greatly alarmed and hastily called his officers together. His eldest son Liu Xun came forward and said, “Let me lead troops to defend Luo City.” Liu Zhang said, “Since my son is willing to go, whom shall I send to assist him?”

卻說泠苞得回雒城，見劉璝、張任，不說捉去放回，只說：“被我殺了十餘人，奪得馬匹逃回。”劉璝忙遣人往成都求救。劉璋聽知折了鄧賢，大驚，慌忙聚衆商議。長子劉循進曰：“兒願領兵前去守雒城。”璋曰：“既吾兒肯去，當遣誰人爲輔？”

Someone stepped forward and said, “I will go.” Liu Zhang looked and saw that it was his brother-in-law Wu Yi. Liu Zhang said, “Nothing could be better than for you to go. Who can serve as your lieutenants?” Wu Yi recommended Wu Lan and Lei Tong as his lieutenants, mustered twenty thousand men and horses, and came to Luo City. Liu Gui and Zhang Ren met them and told them everything that had happened. Wu Yi said, “Once the enemy is at the city walls, it will be hard to hold them off. What do you gentlemen propose?” Leng Bao said, “This whole area lies right against the Fu River, whose current is very swift. The camps in front occupy the foot of the hills, where the ground is lowest.

一人出曰：“某願往。”璋視之，乃舅氏吳懿也。璋曰：“得尊舅去最好。誰可爲副將？”吳懿保吳蘭、雷銅二人爲副將，點二萬軍馬來到雒城。劉璝、張任接着，具言前事。吳懿曰：“兵臨城下，難以拒敵，汝等有何高見？”泠苞曰：“此間一帶，正靠涪江，江水大急；前面寨佔山腳，其形最低。

Give me five thousand men, each carrying a spade or hoe, and I will go and breach the banks of the Fu River. Liu Bei’s troops can all be drowned.” Wu Yi adopted the plan and at once ordered Leng Bao to go and break the dikes, with Wu Lan and Lei Tong leading troops in support. Leng Bao took his orders and went off to prepare the tools for breaching the river.

某乞五千軍，各帶鍬鋤前去，決涪江之水，可盡淹死劉備之兵也。”吳懿從其計，即令泠苞前往決水，吳蘭、雷銅引兵接應。泠苞領命，自去準備決水器械。

Now Xuande ordered Huang Zhong and Wei Yan to guard one camp each, while he himself returned to Fucheng to confer with the Director of Strategy Pang Tong. Spies reported, “Sun Quan of Eastern Wu has sent men to make an alliance with Zhang Lu of Dongchuan, and they mean to attack Jiameng Pass.” Xuande said in alarm, “If Jiameng Pass is lost, our line of retreat will be cut, and I can neither advance nor withdraw. What shall we do?” Pang Tong said to Meng Da, “You are a man of Shu and know the land well. How would it be if you went to guard Jiameng Pass?”

卻說玄德令黃忠、魏延各守一寨，自回涪城，與軍師龐統商議。細作報說：“東吳孫權遣人結好東川張魯，將欲來攻葭萌關。”玄德驚曰：“若葭萌關有失，截斷後路，吾進退不得，當如之何？”龐統謂孟達曰：“公乃蜀中人，多知地理，去守葭萌關如何？”

Meng Da said, “If I may recommend a man to go with me to guard the pass, nothing can go wrong.” Xuande asked who it was. Meng Da said, “He once served under Liu Biao of Jingzhou as General of the Household. He is from Zhijiang in Nan Commandery, surnamed Huo, named Jun, styled Zhongmiao.” Xuande was delighted and at once sent Meng Da and Huo Jun to guard Jiameng Pass. When Pang Tong withdrew to his lodging, the gatekeeper suddenly announced, “A visitor has come especially to see you.”

達曰：“某保一人與某同去守關，萬無一失。”玄德問何人。達曰：“此人曾在荊州劉表部下爲中郎將，乃南郡枝江人，姓霍，名峻，字仲邈。”玄德大喜，即時遣孟達、霍峻守葭萌關去了。龐統退歸館舍，門吏忽報：“有客特來相訪。”

Pang Tong went out to greet him and saw a man eight feet tall and of very imposing appearance. His hair was cropped short and hung about his neck, and his clothes were rather untidy. Pang Tong asked, “Who are you, sir?” The man gave no answer but went straight up into the hall and lay down on his back on a couch. Pang Tong was very puzzled and asked him again and again. The man said, “Wait a little. I will tell you about the great affairs of the empire.” Hearing this, Pang Tong was even more puzzled, and he ordered his attendants to bring in wine and food.

統出迎接，見其人身長八尺，形貌甚偉；頭髮截短，披於頸上；衣服不甚齊整。統問曰：“先生何人也？”其人不答，徑登堂仰臥牀上。統甚疑之。再三請問。其人曰：“且消停，吾當與汝說知天下大事。”統聞之愈疑，命左右進酒食。

The man got up and ate at once without the least ceremony. He ate and drank a great deal, and when he had finished he went back to sleep. Pang Tong, unable to make him out and fearing he might be a spy, sent for Fa Zheng to have a look at him. Fa Zheng came in haste. Pang Tong went out to meet him and said, “There is a man here who is behaving thus and thus.” Fa Zheng said, “Could it be Peng Yongyan?” He went up the steps to look. The man leaped up and said, “Xiaozhi, have you been well since we parted?

其人起而便食，並無謙遜；飲食甚多，食罷又睡。統疑惑不定，使人請法正視之，恐是細作。法正慌忙到來。統出迎接，謂正曰：“有一人如此如此。”法正曰：“莫非彭永言乎？”升階視之。其人躍起曰：“孝直別來無恙！

Indeed:
Only because a man of Xichuan met an old friend
Were the floods of the Fu River stilled.
Who, after all, was this man? What happened next will be told in the next chapter.

正是：只爲川人逢舊識，遂令涪水息洪流。
畢竟此人是誰，且看下文分解。