Romance, Chapter 86

Chapter 86. Qin Mi Confounds Zhang Wen with His Discourse on Heaven; Xu Sheng Defeats Cao Pi with a Fire Attack

Now after Lu Xun of Eastern Wu had driven back the Wei army, the King of Wu made him General Who Supports the State and Marquis of Jiangling, with the post of Imperial Protector of Jingzhou, and from then on all military authority was in Lu Xun’s hands. Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong memorialized the King of Wu, asking him to proclaim a reign title of his own. Sun Quan agreed, and the reign was changed to the first year of Huangwu. Suddenly it was reported that the Ruler of Wei had sent an envoy, and Sun Quan summoned him in. The envoy set out his message: “Some time ago Shu sent men to Wei to ask for help, and Wei, not seeing things clearly at the time, sent an army in response. Now Wei deeply regrets it and means to raise troops along four routes to take the lands of Chuan. Eastern Wu may come and lend support.

卻說東吳陸遜，自退魏兵之後，吳王拜遜爲輔國將軍，江陵侯，領荊州牧，自此軍權皆歸於遜。張昭、顧雍啓奏吳王，請自改元。權從之，遂改爲黃武元年。忽報魏主遣使至，權召入。使命陳說：“蜀前使人求救於魏，魏一時不明，故發兵應之；今已大悔，欲起四路兵取川，東吳可來接應。

If we win the land of Shu, we will each take half.” Sun Quan heard this but could not decide, so he asked Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong and the others. Zhang Zhao said, “Lu Boyan has very lofty insight. You might ask him.” Sun Quan at once summoned Lu Xun. Lu Xun memorialized, “Cao Pi sits firmly in the Central Plain and cannot be tackled in a hurry. If we refuse him now, he will surely become our enemy. As I reckon it, neither Wei nor Wu has anyone who can match Zhuge Liang. For now, let us agree with a show of reluctance, put the army in order and make ready, and simply find out how the four routes fare.

若得蜀土，各分一半。”權聞言，不能決，乃問於張昭、顧雍等。昭曰：“陸伯言極有高見，可問之。”權即召陸遜至。遜奏曰：“曹丕坐鎮中原，急不可圖；今若不從，必爲仇矣。臣料魏與吳皆無諸葛亮之敵手。今且勉強應允，整軍預備，只探聽四路如何。

If the four armies win and Chuan is in danger, so that Zhuge Liang cannot save both head and tail, then my lord can send troops to join in and take Chengdu first. That would be the very best plan. If the four armies are beaten, we can consider something else.” Sun Quan agreed and said to the Wei envoy, “Our military supplies are not yet ready. We shall choose a day and set out.” The envoy bowed, took his leave and departed.

若四路兵勝，川中危急，諸葛亮首尾不能救，主上則發兵以應之，先取成都，深爲上策；如四路兵敗，別作商議。”權從之，乃謂魏使曰：“軍需未辦，擇日便當起程。”使者拜辭而去。

Sun Quan had men find out what was happening. The troops of the Western tribes had come out by Xiping Pass, but on seeing Ma Chao they withdrew without a fight. Meng Huo of the Southern Man had raised troops and attacked the four commanderies, but Wei Yan had beaten them all back with a ruse of decoy troops, and they had gone home to their caves. Meng Da of Shangyong had got halfway when he suddenly fell ill and could not go on. Cao Zhen’s army had come out by Yangping Pass, but Zhao Zilong held all the dangerous roads against him: truly, “One general guards the pass, and ten thousand men cannot force it.”

權令人探得西番兵出西平關，見了馬超，不戰自退；南蠻孟獲起兵攻四郡，皆被魏延用疑兵計殺退回洞去了；上庸孟達兵至半路，忽然染病不能行；曹真兵出陽平關，趙子龍拒住各處險道，果然“一將守關，萬夫莫開”。

Cao Zhen camped on the Xie Valley road but could win no victory, and went back. When Sun Quan learned this news he said to his officials, civil and military, “Lu Boyan’s reckoning is truly divine. Had I moved rashly, I would have made enemies of Western Shu all over again.” Suddenly it was announced that Western Shu had sent Deng Zhi. Zhang Zhao said, “This is another of Zhuge Liang’s schemes to turn back an army: he has sent Deng Zhi as a persuader.” Sun Quan said, “How should we answer him?” Zhang Zhao said, “First set up a great cauldron in front of the hall, fill it with several hundred jin of oil, and burn charcoal beneath it.

曹真屯兵於斜谷道，不能取勝而回。孫權知了此信，乃謂文武曰：“陸伯言真神算也。孤若妄動，又結怨於西蜀矣。”忽報西蜀遣鄧芝到。張昭曰：“此又是諸葛亮退兵之計，遣鄧芝爲說客也。”權曰：“當何以答之？”昭曰：“先於殿前立一大鼎，貯油數百斤，下用炭燒。

When the oil is boiling, pick a thousand soldiers, tall and broad of face, each holding a blade, and line them up from the palace gate all the way into the hall. Then call Deng Zhi in to see you. Do not wait for this man to open his mouth and make his speech; reproach him with the old story of Li Yiji persuading Qi, threaten to boil him just as Li Yiji was boiled, and see how he answers.”

待其油沸，可選身長面大武士一千人，各執刀在手，從宮門前直襬至殿上，卻喚芝入見。休等此人開言下說詞，責以酈食其說齊故事，效此例烹之，看其人如何對答。”

Sun Quan followed his advice. He set up the cauldron of oil and ordered soldiers to stand on either side, each holding a weapon, and then summoned Deng Zhi. Deng Zhi straightened his robe and cap and went in. When he reached the palace gate, he saw two lines of soldiers, fierce and imposing, holding steel blades, great axes, long halberds and short swords, ranged all the way up into the hall. Deng Zhi understood what this meant, but without a trace of fear he walked on with his head held high. When he came before the hall, he saw the hot oil boiling in the cauldron.

權從其言，遂立油鼎，命武士立於左右，各執軍器，召鄧芝入。芝整衣冠而入。行至宮門前，只見兩行武士，威風凜凜，各持鋼刀、大斧、長戟、短劍，直列至殿上。芝曉其意，並無懼色，昂然而行。至殿前，又見鼎鑊內熱油正沸。

The soldiers on either side glared at him, but Deng Zhi merely gave a faint smile. An attendant led him up to the curtain, and Deng Zhi made a long bow but did not kneel. Sun Quan had the pearl curtain rolled up and shouted, “Why do you not kneel?” Deng Zhi answered proudly, “The envoy of a superior state does not kneel to the ruler of a petty one.” Sun Quan said in great anger, “You do not know your own measure! Do you mean to wag your three-inch tongue and copy Master Li persuading Qi? Into the cauldron of oil with you, now!” Deng Zhi laughed aloud and said, “Everyone says Eastern Wu is full of worthy men. Who would have thought it would fear a single scholar!”

左右武士以目視之，芝但微微而笑。近臣引至簾前，鄧芝長揖不拜。權令捲起珠簾，大喝曰：“何不拜！”芝昂然而答曰：“上國天使，不拜小邦之主。”權大怒曰：“汝不自料，欲掉三寸之舌，效酈生說齊乎！可速入油鼎。”芝大笑曰：“人皆言東吳多賢，誰想懼一儒生！”

Sun Quan grew angrier still: “Why should I fear a common fellow like you?” Deng Zhi said, “If you do not fear Deng Bomiao, why worry that I have come to persuade you?” Sun Quan said, “You want to act as Zhuge Liang’s persuader and talk me into breaking with Wei and turning to Shu. Is that not so?” Deng Zhi said, “I am a mere scholar from Shu, and I have come purely for the sake of Wu’s own interests. Yet you set out soldiers and a cauldron to keep off a single envoy. How narrow is your capacity, that it cannot bear with others!”

權轉怒曰：“孤何懼爾一匹夫耶？”芝曰：“既不懼鄧伯苗，何愁來說汝等也？”權曰：“爾欲爲諸葛亮作說客，來說孤絕魏向蜀，是否？”芝曰：“吾乃蜀中一儒生，特爲吳國利害而來。乃設兵陳鼎，以拒一使，何其局量之不能容物耶！”

Hearing this, Sun Quan was abashed and ashamed. He at once ordered the soldiers away, invited Deng Zhi up into the hall, gave him a seat and asked, “What are the gains and losses for Wu and Wei? I hope you will instruct me, sir.” Deng Zhi said, “Does Your Highness wish to make peace with Shu, or with Wei?” Sun Quan said, “It is with the Ruler of Shu that I wish to make peace. I only fear that he is young and of shallow understanding, and may not see things through from beginning to end.” Deng Zhi said, “Your Highness is a hero of the age, and Zhuge Liang too is an outstanding man of his time. Shu has the barriers of its mountains and rivers, and Wu the strength of its three rivers. If the two states join together and become like lips and teeth, then advancing, they can swallow up the whole empire; withdrawing, they can stand firm like the legs of a tripod.

權聞言惶愧，即叱退武士，命芝上殿，賜坐而問曰：“吳、魏之利害若何？願先生教我。”芝曰：“大王欲與蜀和，還是欲與魏和？”權曰：“孤正欲與蜀主講和；但恐蜀主年輕識淺，不能全始全終耳。”芝曰：“大王乃命世之英豪，諸葛亮亦一時之俊傑；蜀有山川之險，吳有三江之固：若二國連和，共爲脣齒，進則可以兼吞天下，退則可以鼎足而立。

But if Your Highness now presents tokens of fealty and declares yourself a vassal of Wei, Wei will surely expect you to attend its court and will demand your heir to serve as an attendant in its palace. If you refuse, it will raise troops and attack you, and Shu too will come down the river to take what it can. Then the land south of the Great River will no longer be yours. If Your Highness thinks my foolish words are wrong, I will die here before you, and so be rid of the name of persuader.” With that he hitched up his robe, went down from the hall and made to leap into the cauldron of oil.

今大王若委贄稱臣於魏，魏必望大王朝覲，求太子以爲內侍；如其不從，則興兵來攻，蜀亦順流而進取：如此則江南之地，不復爲大王有矣。若大王以愚言爲不然，愚將就死於大王之前，以絕說客之名也。”言訖，撩衣下殿，望油鼎中便跳。

Sun Quan hastily ordered him stopped, invited him into the rear hall and treated him with the courtesy due to an honoured guest. Sun Quan said, “Your words, sir, are exactly what I think. I now wish to make an alliance with the Ruler of Shu. Will you act as my go-between?” Deng Zhi said, “A moment ago it was Your Highness who wanted to boil me; now it is Your Highness who wants to employ me. While Your Highness is still so doubtful and undecided, how can you win anyone’s trust?” Sun Quan said, “My mind is made up. Do not doubt it, sir.”

權急命止之，請入後殿，以上賓之禮相待。權曰：“先生之言，正合孤意。孤今欲與蜀主連和，先生肯爲我介紹乎！”芝曰：“適欲烹小臣者，乃大王也；今欲使小臣者，亦大王也。大王猶自狐疑未定，安能取信於人？”權曰：“孤意已決，先生勿疑。”

So the King of Wu kept Deng Zhi with him and gathered his officials to ask, “I rule the eighty-one districts south of the Great River, and hold the lands of Jing and Chu besides, and yet I fall short of remote, out-of-the-way Western Shu. Shu has a Deng Zhi who does not disgrace his master, while Wu has not one man to go into Shu and convey my wishes.” Suddenly a man stepped out of the ranks and memorialized, “I am willing to be the envoy.” All looked at him. It was Zhang Wen, styled Huishu, of Wu in Wu Commandery, who was at that time a General of the Household.

於是吳王留住鄧芝，集多官問曰：“孤掌江南八十一州，更有荊楚之地，反不如西蜀偏僻之處也。蜀有鄧芝，不辱其主；吳並無一人入蜀，以達孤意。”忽一人出班奏曰：“臣願爲使。”衆視之，乃吳郡吳人，姓張，名溫，字惠恕，現爲中郎將。

Sun Quan said, “I fear that when you reach Shu and meet Zhuge Liang, you may not be able to convey my feelings.” Zhang Wen said, “Kongming is only a man. Why should I be afraid of him?” Sun Quan was delighted. He rewarded Zhang Wen generously and sent him with Deng Zhi into Chuan to establish friendly relations. Meanwhile, after Deng Zhi had gone, Kongming memorialized the Latter Ruler, “Deng Zhi’s mission will surely succeed. Wu has many worthy men, and someone is sure to come to return the courtesy. Your Majesty should receive him with proper ceremony and send him back to Wu, so as to seal our alliance and friendship.

權曰：“恐卿到蜀見諸葛亮，不能達孤之情。”溫曰：“孔明亦人耳，臣何畏彼哉？”權大喜，重賞張溫，使同鄧芝入川通好。卻說孔明自鄧芝去後，奏後主曰：“鄧芝此去，其事必成。吳地多賢，定有人來答禮。陛下當禮貌之，令彼回吳，以通盟好。

Once we are at peace with Wu, Wei will surely not dare to send troops against Shu. With Wu and Wei quiet, I shall march south and pacify the Man lands, and then turn to Wei. Once Wei is cut down, Eastern Wu too cannot last long, and we can restore the foundation of a unified empire.” The Latter Ruler agreed.

吳若通和，魏必不敢加兵於蜀矣。吳、魏寧靖，臣當徵南，平定蠻方，然後圖魏。魏削則東吳亦不能久存，可以復一統之基業也。”後主然之。

Suddenly it was announced that Eastern Wu had sent Zhang Wen with Deng Zhi into Chuan to return the courtesy. The Latter Ruler assembled his officials, civil and military, below the red steps and had Deng Zhi and Zhang Wen brought in. Zhang Wen, thinking he had got the upper hand, strode proudly into the hall and made his salute to the Latter Ruler. The Latter Ruler gave him a brocade stool, seated him on the left of the hall and held an imperial banquet in his honour. The Latter Ruler did no more than treat him with respect and courtesy. When the banquet was over, the officials escorted Zhang Wen to his lodging. Next day Kongming gave a banquet for him.

忽報東吳遣張溫與鄧芝入川答禮。後主聚文武于丹墀，令鄧芝、張溫入。溫自以爲得志，昂然上殿，見後主施禮。後主賜錦墩，坐於殿左，設御宴待之。後主但敬禮而已。宴罷，百官送張溫到館舍。次日，孔明設宴相待。

Kongming said to Zhang Wen, “While the late Emperor lived, he was not on good terms with Wu, but now he has passed away. Our present sovereign greatly admires the King of Wu and wishes to put aside old grudges, form a lasting alliance, and join forces to destroy Wei. I hope you, sir, will speak well of us when you report back.” Zhang Wen agreed. When the wine had gone halfway round, Zhang Wen laughed and chatted quite at his ease, with more than a touch of arrogance.

孔明謂張溫曰：“先帝在日，與吳不睦，今已晏駕。當今主上，深慕吳王，欲捐舊忿，永結盟好，併力破魏。望大夫善言回奏。”張溫領諾。酒至半酣，張溫喜笑自若，頗有傲慢之意。

Next day the Latter Ruler gave Zhang Wen gifts of gold and silk and held a banquet at the posting pavilion south of the city, ordering the officials to see him off. Kongming pressed wine on him attentively. In the middle of the drinking, a man suddenly came in, the worse for wine, made a proud, sweeping bow, and took a seat at the table. Zhang Wen found this strange and asked Kongming, “Who is this?” Kongming answered, “His surname is Qin, his given name Mi, and his style Zichi. He is now a Scholar of Yizhou.” Zhang Wen said with a laugh, “He is called a scholar, but I wonder whether he has ever learned anything.”

次日，後主將金帛賜與張溫，設宴於城南郵亭之上，命衆官相送。孔明殷勤勸酒。正飲酒間，忽一人乘醉而入，昂然長揖，入席就坐。溫怪之，乃問孔明曰：“此何人也？”孔明答曰：“姓秦，名宓，字子勑，現爲益州學士。”溫笑曰：“名稱學士，未知胸中曾學事否？”

Qin Mi said gravely, “In Shu even children three feet tall go to school. How much more so I!” Zhang Wen said, “Then tell us what you have studied.” Qin Mi replied, “From astronomy above to geography below, the Three Teachings and the Nine Schools, the philosophers and the Hundred Schools—there is nothing I have not mastered. The rise and fall of states past and present, the classics and commentaries of the sages and worthies—there is nothing I have not read.” Zhang Wen laughed and said, “Since you talk so big, let me put a question to you about Heaven. Does Heaven have a head?”

宓正色而言曰：“蜀中三尺小童，尚皆就學，何況於我？”溫曰：“且說公何所學？”宓對曰：“上至天文，下至地理，三教九流，諸子百家，無所不通；古今興廢，聖賢經傳，無所不覽。”溫笑曰：“公既出大言，請即以天爲問：天有頭乎？”

“It has,” said Qin Mi. “Where is its head?” asked Zhang Wen. “In the west,” said Qin Mi. “The Book of Songs says, ‘Then He turned His gaze to the west.’ From this we may infer that its head is in the west.” Zhang Wen asked again, “Does Heaven have ears?” Qin Mi answered, “Heaven dwells on high yet hears what is below. The Book of Songs says, ‘The crane cries in the deep marshes, and its voice is heard in Heaven.’ Without ears, how could it hear?” Zhang Wen asked again, “Does Heaven have feet?” Qin Mi said, “It has. The Book of Songs says, ‘Heaven’s steps are hard and difficult.’ Without feet, how could it step?”

宓曰：“有頭。”溫曰：“頭在何方？”宓曰：“在西方。《詩》雲：‘乃眷西顧。’以此推之，頭在西方也。”溫又問：“天有耳乎？”宓答曰：“天處高而聽卑。《詩》雲：‘鶴鳴九皋，聲聞於天。’無耳何能聽？”溫又問：“天有足乎？”宓曰：“有足。《詩》雲：‘天步艱難。’無足何能步？”

Zhang Wen asked again, “Does Heaven have a surname?” “How could it not?” said Qin Mi. “What is it?” asked Zhang Wen. Qin Mi answered, “Liu.” “How do you know?” asked Zhang Wen. Qin Mi said, “The Son of Heaven’s surname is Liu; that is how I know.” Zhang Wen asked again, “Does the sun rise in the east?” Qin Mi replied, “It rises in the east, but it sets in the west.” Qin Mi’s words were clear and crisp, and his answers flowed like a stream, so that the whole company was astonished. As Zhang Wen had nothing more to say, Qin Mi asked him in turn, “You, sir, are a famous scholar of Eastern Wu. Since you have deigned to question me about the affairs of Heaven, you must surely understand the principles of Heaven deeply.

溫又問：“天有姓乎？”宓曰：“豈得無姓！”溫曰：“何姓？”宓答曰：“姓劉。”溫曰：“何以知之？”宓曰：“天子姓劉，以故知之。”溫又問曰：“日生於東乎？”宓對曰：“雖生於東，而沒於西。”此時秦宓語言清朗，答問如流，滿座皆驚。張溫無語，宓乃問曰：“先生東吳名士，既以天事下問，必能深明天之理。

Of old, when Chaos had divided and Yin and Yang were split apart, what was light and pure floated upward and became Heaven, and what was heavy and turbid congealed below and became Earth. Then Gonggong was defeated in battle and butted his head against Mount Buzhou, so that the pillar of Heaven broke and the cords of Earth snapped: Heaven tilted to the northwest and Earth sank to the southeast. If Heaven is light and pure and floated upward, how could it tilt to the northwest? And again, I do not know what lies beyond the light and pure. I hope you will instruct me, sir.”

昔混沌既分，陰陽剖判；輕清者上浮而爲天，重濁者下凝而爲地；至共工氏戰敗，頭觸不周山，天柱折，地維缺：天傾西北，地陷東南。天既輕清而上浮，何以傾其西北乎？又未知輕清之外，還是何物？願先生教我。”

Zhang Wen had no answer. He rose from his seat and apologized: “I never imagined Shu produced so many outstanding men! Hearing this discourse has suddenly cleared my clogged mind.” Kongming, fearing that Zhang Wen would be embarrassed, smoothed things over with kind words: “Questions and debates at a banquet are all in jest. You, sir, know deeply the way of bringing peace and order to a state; why should you care about a mere contest of tongues!” Zhang Wen bowed his thanks. Kongming also ordered Deng Zhi to go to Wu to return the courtesy, travelling together with Zhang Wen.

張溫無言可對，乃避席而謝曰：“不意蜀中多出俊傑！恰聞講論，使僕頓開茅塞。”孔明恐溫羞愧，故以善言解之曰：“席間問難，皆戲談耳。足下深知安邦定國之道，何在脣齒之戲哉！”溫拜謝。孔明又令鄧芝入吳答禮，就與張溫同行。

Zhang Wen and Deng Zhi took leave of Kongming and set off for Eastern Wu. Meanwhile the King of Wu, seeing that Zhang Wen had gone into Shu and not yet returned, gathered his officials, civil and military, to discuss it. Suddenly an attendant memorialized, “Shu has sent Deng Zhi with Zhang Wen into our state to return the courtesy.” Sun Quan summoned them in. Zhang Wen bowed before the hall and praised at length the virtue of the Latter Ruler and Kongming, saying that they sought a lasting alliance and had specially sent Secretary Deng to return the courtesy once more. Sun Quan was delighted and gave a banquet for them.

張、鄧二人拜辭孔明，望東吳而來。卻說吳王見張溫入蜀未還，乃聚文武商議。忽近臣奏曰：“蜀遣鄧芝同張溫入國答禮。”權召入。張溫拜於殿前，備稱後主、孔明之德，願求永結盟好，特遣鄧尚書又來答禮。權大喜，乃設宴待之。

Sun Quan asked Deng Zhi, “If the two states of Wu and Shu join hearts to destroy Wei and bring peace to the empire, and the two rulers divide it and govern it between them, would that not be a happy thing?” Deng Zhi answered, “There are not two suns in the sky, nor two kings over the people. Once Wei is destroyed, no one knows on whom the mandate of Heaven will fall. But if each ruler cultivates his virtue and each minister gives his utmost loyalty, then at last the wars will cease.” Sun Quan laughed heartily and said, “So this is how sincere you are!” He then sent Deng Zhi back to Shu with rich gifts. From this time Wu and Shu were on friendly terms.

權問鄧芝曰：“若吳、蜀二國同心滅魏，得天下太平，二主分治，豈不樂乎？”芝答曰：“天無二日，民無二王。如滅魏之後，未識天命所歸何人。但爲君者，各修其德；爲臣者，各盡其忠：則戰爭方息耳。”權大笑曰：“君之誠款，乃如是耶！”遂厚贈鄧芝還蜀。自此吳、蜀通好。

Meanwhile Wei spies found out about all this and sent word with all speed to the Central Plain. When Cao Pi, the Ruler of Wei, heard it, he said in great anger, “Wu and Shu have joined together; they must mean to make a move on the Central Plain. I had better strike them first.” He called a great assembly of his officials, civil and military, to discuss raising an army against Wu. By this time the Grand Marshal Cao Ren and the Grand Commandant Jia Xu had both died. The Palace Attendant Xin Pi stepped out of the ranks and memorialized, “The lands of the Central Plain are wide but the people are few. I see no advantage in making war.

卻說魏國細作人探知此事，火速報入中原。魏主曹丕聽知，大怒曰：“吳、蜀連和，必有圖中原之意也。不若朕先伐之。”於是大集文武，商議起兵伐吳。此時大司馬曹仁、太尉賈詡已亡。侍中辛毗出班奏曰：“中原之地，土闊民稀，而欲用兵，未見其利。

The best plan for today would be to rear troops and work military farms for ten years, until we have enough food and enough soldiers, and only then to use them. Then Wu and Shu can be defeated.” Cao Pi said angrily, “That is the talk of an impractical pedant! Now that Wu and Shu have joined together, they will invade our borders sooner or later. How can we afford to wait ten years?” He issued an edict at once to raise troops against Wu. Sima Yi memorialized, “Wu has the barrier of the Yangtze, which cannot be crossed except by boat. If Your Majesty must lead the expedition in person, you should pick warships large and small and go by way of the Cai and the Ying into the Huai, take Shouchun, go on to Guangling, cross at the mouth of the river and make straight for Nanxu. That is the best plan.”

今日之計，莫若養兵屯田十年，足食足兵，然後用之，則吳、蜀方可破也。”丕怒曰：“此迂儒之論也！今吳、蜀連和，早晚必來侵境，何暇等待十年！”即傳旨起兵伐吳。司馬懿奏曰：“吳有長江之險，非船莫渡。陛下必御駕親征，可選大小戰船，從蔡、潁而入淮，取壽春，至廣陵，渡江口，徑取南徐：此爲上策。”

Cao Pi agreed. Work went on day and night, and ten dragon ships were built, each more than twenty zhang long and able to carry over two thousand men; more than three thousand warships were also made ready. In the eighth month, in the autumn of the fifth year of Huangchu of Wei, the officers and men great and small were assembled. Cao Zhen was made commander of the vanguard; Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Wen Pin, Xu Huang and others were to go ahead as senior generals; Xu Chu and Lü Qian were to guard the central army; Cao Xiu was to bring up the rear; and Liu Ye and Jiang Ji were to serve as advisers.

丕從之。於是日夜並工，造龍舟十隻，長二十餘丈，可容二千餘人，收拾戰船三千餘隻。魏黃初五年秋八月，會聚大小將士，令曹真爲前部，張遼、張郃、文聘、徐晃等爲大將先行，許褚、呂虔爲中軍護衛，曹休爲合後，劉曄、蔣濟爲參謀官。

The land and water forces, front and rear, numbered more than three hundred thousand, and a day was fixed for them to set out. Sima Yi was made Deputy Director of the Secretariat and left behind in Xuchang, and all great affairs of state were to be left to his decision. We will say no more of the Wei army setting out. Meanwhile spies of Eastern Wu learned of this and reported it in Wu. An attendant hurriedly memorialized the King of Wu, “The King of Wei, Cao Pi, is riding in a dragon ship in person at the head of a great army of more than three hundred thousand by land and water. He is coming out from the Cai and the Ying into the Huai, and he will surely take Guangling, cross the river and come down upon the land south of the river.

前後水陸軍馬三十餘萬，剋日起兵。封司馬懿爲尚書僕射，留在許昌，凡國政大事，並皆聽懿決斷。不說魏兵起程。卻說東吳細作探知此事，報入吳國。近臣慌奏吳王曰：“今魏王曹丕，親自乘駕龍舟，提水陸大軍三十餘萬，從蔡、潁出淮，必取廣陵渡江，來下江南。

The matter is very grave.” Sun Quan was greatly alarmed and at once assembled his officials, civil and military, to discuss it. Gu Yong said, “Since my lord is now allied with Western Shu, you should write to Zhuge Kongming and have him raise troops and march out from Hanzhong to divide the enemy’s strength. At the same time send a senior general to hold Nanxu with an army and resist them.” Sun Quan said, “No one but Lu Boyan can undertake so great a task.” Gu Yong said, “Lu Boyan is guarding Jingzhou; he cannot be moved lightly.”

甚爲利害。”孫權大驚，即聚文武商議。顧雍曰：“今主上既與西蜀連和，可修書與諸葛孔明，令起兵出漢中，以分其勢；一面遣一大將，屯兵南徐以拒之。”權曰：“非陸伯言不可當此大任。”雍曰：“陸伯言鎮守荊州，不可輕動。”

Sun Quan said, “It is not that I do not know it, but I have no one at hand to take his place.” Before he had finished, a man answered from among the ranks and stepped forward: “Though I lack talent, I ask to lead an army against the Wei troops. If Cao Pi crosses the Great River in person, I will surely take him alive and present him to Your Highness. If he does not cross, I will still kill more than half of the Wei army, so that Wei’s soldiers will never again dare to look Eastern Wu in the face.” Sun Quan looked and saw that it was Xu Sheng.

權曰：“孤非不知，奈眼前無替力之人。”言未盡，一人從班部內應聲而出曰：“臣雖不才，願統一軍以當魏兵。若曹丕親渡大江，臣必生擒以獻殿下；若不渡江，亦殺魏兵大半，令魏兵不敢正視東吳。”權視之，乃徐盛也。

Sun Quan said, delighted, “If I have you to guard the whole south bank of the river, what have I to worry about?” He made Xu Sheng General Who Pacifies the East and Commander-in-Chief of all the forces of Jianye and Nanxu. Xu Sheng thanked him for the favour, took his orders and withdrew. He at once ordered all his officers and men to set out plenty of weapons and put up plenty of flags and banners, as his plan for defending the riverbank. Suddenly a man stepped boldly forward and said, “Today His Highness has entrusted you, General, with a heavy charge: to defeat the Wei army and capture Cao Pi. Why do you not send the army across the river at once and meet the enemy in the lands south of the Huai?

權大喜曰：“如得卿守江南一帶，孤何憂哉！”遂封徐盛爲安東將軍，總鎮都督建業、南徐軍馬。盛謝恩，領命而退；即傳令教衆官軍多置器械，多設旌旗，以爲守護江岸之計。忽一人挺身出曰：“今日大王以重任委託將軍，欲破魏兵以擒曹丕，將軍何不早發軍馬渡江，於淮南之地迎敵？

If you just wait for Cao Pi’s army to arrive, I fear it will be too late.” Xu Sheng looked and saw that it was the King of Wu’s nephew, Sun Shao. Sun Shao, styled Gongli, held the rank of General Who Spreads Might and had once been in command of the defences at Guangling. He was young and hot-blooded, and full of courage and daring. Xu Sheng said, “Cao Pi’s forces are great, and famous generals lead his vanguard besides. We must not cross the river to meet the enemy. Wait until all their boats have gathered on the north bank; I have my own plan to defeat them.” Sun Shao said, “I have three thousand men and horses of my own under me, and I know the roads and the lie of the land around Guangling well. I want to go north of the river myself and fight Cao Pi to the death.

直待曹丕兵至，恐無及矣。”盛視之，乃吳王侄孫韶也。韶字公禮，官授揚威將軍，曾在廣陵守禦；年幼負氣，極有膽勇。盛曰：“曹丕勢大；更有名將爲先鋒，不可渡江迎敵。待彼船皆集於北岸，吾自有計破之。”韶曰：“吾手下自有三千軍馬，更兼深知廣陵路勢，吾願自去江北，與曹丕決一死戰。

If I do not win, I will gladly submit to military law.” Xu Sheng refused. Sun Shao insisted on going, Xu Sheng would not allow it, and Sun Shao pressed again and again to go. Xu Sheng said angrily, “If you disobey orders like this, how can I control the other generals?” He shouted to his guards to take him out and behead him. The executioners hustled Sun Shao out through the camp gate and raised the black flag. One of Sun Shao’s officers galloped off to report to Sun Quan. When Sun Quan heard, he leapt on his horse and rode to the rescue. Just as the guards were about to carry out the sentence, Sun Quan arrived, shouted the executioners away and saved Sun Shao.

如不勝，甘當軍令。”盛不從。韶堅執要去，盛只是不肯，韶再三要行。盛怒曰：“汝如此不聽號令，吾安能制諸將乎？”叱武士推出斬之。刀斧手擁孫韶出轅門之外，立起皁旗。韶部將飛報孫權。權聽知，急上馬來救。武士恰待行刑，孫權早到，喝散刀斧手，救了孫韶。

Sun Shao wept and memorialized, “In years past I was at Guangling, and I know the advantages of the ground there well. If we do not fight Cao Pi there but wait until he has come down to the Yangtze, Eastern Wu will be finished any day!” Sun Quan went straight into the camp. Xu Sheng welcomed him into his tent and memorialized, “Your Highness appointed me Commander-in-Chief to lead the army against Wei. Now Sun Shao, General Who Spreads Might, has failed to obey military law and defied orders, and deserves to be beheaded. Why does Your Highness pardon him?”

韶哭奏曰：“臣往年在廣陵，深知地利；不就那裏與曹丕廝殺，直待他下了長江，東吳指日休矣！”權徑入營來。徐盛迎接入帳，奏曰：“大王命臣爲都督，提兵拒魏；今揚威將軍孫韶，不遵軍法，違令當斬，大王何故赦之？”

Sun Quan said, “Sun Shao relied on the vigour of his young blood and broke military law by mistake. I earnestly hope you will be lenient and forgive him.” Xu Sheng said, “The law was not made by me, nor by Your Highness; it is the established penal code of the state. If you spare him because he is your kin, how will you command the rest?” Sun Quan said, “Sun Shao has broken the law, and properly he should be left to you to deal with. But though the boy’s original surname was Yu, my elder brother was very fond of him and granted him the surname Sun, and he has done me good service.

權曰：“韶倚血氣之壯，誤犯軍法，萬希寬恕。”盛曰：“法非臣所立，亦非大王所立，乃國家之典刑也。若以親而免之，何以令衆乎？”權曰：“韶犯法，本應任將軍處治；奈此子雖本姓俞氏，然孤兄甚愛之，賜姓孫；於孤頗有勞績。

If I were to kill him now, I would be betraying my brother’s kindness.” Xu Sheng said, “For Your Highness’s sake, then, I will suspend the death sentence for now.” Sun Quan told Sun Shao to bow his thanks. But Sun Shao would not bow, and cried out harshly, “As I see it, the only thing to do is lead an army out and smash Cao Pi! I will not accept your view even if it kills me!” Xu Sheng’s face changed colour. Sun Quan ordered Sun Shao out and said to Xu Sheng, “Even without the boy, what loss is that to the army? Do not use him again from now on.”

今若殺之，負兄義矣。”盛曰：“且看大王之面，寄下死罪。”權令孫韶拜謝。韶不肯拜，厲聲而言曰：“據吾之見，只是引軍去破曹丕！便死也不服你的見識！”徐盛變色。權叱退孫韶，謂徐盛曰：“便無此子，何損於兵？今後勿再用之。”

With that he went back. That night someone reported to Xu Sheng, “Sun Shao has taken the three thousand picked troops of his own command and slipped across the river.” Xu Sheng, afraid that if anything went wrong he would not be able to face the King of Wu, called Ding Feng, gave him secret instructions, and sent him across the river with three thousand men in support. Meanwhile the Ruler of Wei came in his dragon ship to Guangling, where Cao Zhen, commanding the vanguard, had already drawn up his troops on the bank of the Great River. Cao Pi asked, “How many troops are there on the riverbank?”

言訖自回。是夜，人報徐盛說：“孫韶引本部三千精兵，潛地過江去了。”盛恐有失，於吳王面上不好看，乃喚丁奉授以密計，引三千兵渡江接應。卻說魏主駕龍舟至廣陵，前部曹真已領兵列於大江之岸。曹丕問曰：“江岸有多少兵？”

Cao Zhen said, “Looking far across to the other bank, we have not seen a single man, nor any flags or camps.” Cao Pi said, “This must be a trick. I will go myself and see how things really stand.” So the waterway was opened wide, and the dragon ship sailed straight out into the Great River and moored at the bank. On the ship were set up flags of five colours bearing dragons and phoenixes, suns and moons, and the imperial regalia crowded around it, dazzling the eye. Cao Pi sat upright in the ship and gazed far across at the south bank, but not a man was to be seen. He turned to Liu Ye and Jiang Ji and said, “Can we cross?”

真曰：“隔岸遠望，並不見一人，亦無旌旗營寨。”丕曰：“此必詭計也。朕自往觀其虛實。”於是大開江道，放龍舟直至大江，泊於江岸。船上建龍鳳日月五色旌旗，鑾儀簇擁，光耀射目。曹丕端坐舟中，遙望江南，不見一人，回顧劉曄、蔣濟曰：“可渡江否？”

Liu Ye said, “In war, the real and the unreal shift and mingle. When they see our great army arriving, how could they fail to make preparations? Your Majesty must not act rashly. Wait three to five days and watch what they do, then send the vanguard across the river to probe them.” Cao Pi said, “Your words match my own thoughts exactly.” As it was growing late that day, they spent the night on the river. That night there was no moon, but the soldiers all held lanterns and torches that lit up heaven and earth as bright as day. Gazing far across at the south bank, they could not see the faintest glimmer of fire.

曄曰：“兵法實實虛虛。彼見大軍至，如何不作整備？陛下未可造次。且待三五日，看其動靜，然後發先鋒渡江以探之。”丕曰：“卿言正合朕意。”是日天晚，宿於江中。當夜月黑，軍士皆執燈火，明耀天地，恰如白晝。遙望江南，並不見半點兒火光。

Cao Pi asked those around him, “Why is this?” An attendant memorialized, “I imagine that when they heard that Your Majesty’s heavenly host was coming, they fled at the first rumour.” Cao Pi laughed to himself. When dawn came, a thick fog spread everywhere, so that one could not see a man face to face. Presently a wind arose, the fog dispersed and the clouds cleared, and they saw that the whole south bank was one continuous wall. On the towers, spears and blades flashed in the sun, and all along the walls flags and pennants were planted. Within moments, men came several times to report: “All along the river from Nanxu right up to Shitoucheng, for several hundred li, there are walls, boats and carts in an unbroken line, all put up in a single night.”

丕問左右曰：“此何故也？”近臣奏曰：“想聞陛下天兵來到，故望風逃竄耳。”丕暗笑。及至天曉，大霧迷漫，對面不見。須臾風起，霧散雲收，望見江南一帶皆是連城：城樓上槍刀耀日，遍城盡插旌旗號帶。頃刻數次人來報：“南徐沿江一帶，直至石頭城，一連數百里，城郭舟車，連綿不絕，一夜成就。”

Cao Pi was aghast. Xu Sheng, in fact, had bound reeds into the shape of men, dressed them all in blue, given them flags to hold, and stood them on false walls and sham towers. When the Wei soldiers saw so many men and horses on the walls, how could they not lose heart? Cao Pi sighed, “Wei may have warriors by the thousand band, but they are of no use here. With such men in the South, it cannot be conquered!”

曹丕大驚。原來徐盛束縛蘆葦爲人，盡穿青衣，執旌旗，立於假城疑樓之上。魏兵見城上許多人馬，如何不膽寒？丕嘆曰：“魏雖有武士千羣，無所用之。江南人物如此，未可圖也！”

While he was still marvelling, a furious gale suddenly sprang up. White waves surged to the sky, spray from the river soaked the dragon robe, and the great ship was on the point of capsizing. Cao Zhen hurriedly ordered Wen Pin to pole a small boat over at once to rescue the Emperor. On the dragon ship no one could keep his feet. Wen Pin leapt aboard, carried Cao Pi down on his back into the small boat, and fled into a creek. Suddenly a courier on a swift horse brought word: “Zhao Yun has led troops out of Yangping Pass and is making straight for Changan.” When Cao Pi heard this he turned pale with alarm and ordered the army to turn back.

正驚訝間，忽然狂風大作，白浪滔天，江水濺溼龍袍，大船將覆。曹真慌令文聘撐小舟急來救駕。龍舟上人站立不住。文聘跳上龍舟，負丕下得小舟，奔入河港。忽流星馬報道：“趙雲引兵出陽平關，徑取長安。”丕聽得，大驚失色，便教回軍。

The soldiers scattered, each running for himself, and the Wu troops came pursuing behind. Cao Pi issued an order to abandon all the imperial effects and flee. Just as the dragon ship was about to enter the Huai, drums and horns suddenly sounded together, war cries shook the air, and a body of troops came charging in from the flank. At its head was Sun Shao. The Wei troops could not hold them off; more than half were lost, and countless numbers were drowned. The generals fought hard and rescued the Ruler of Wei. He crossed the Huai River, but before he had gone thirty li, the reeds all along the middle of the river, which had been soaked with fish oil beforehand, all caught fire and came sweeping down before the wind. The wind was very strong, the flames filled the sky, and they cut off the dragon ship.

衆軍各自奔走。背後吳兵追至。丕傳旨教盡棄御用之物而走。龍舟將次入淮，忽然鼓角齊鳴，喊聲大震，刺斜裏一彪軍殺到：爲首大將，乃孫韶也。魏兵不能抵當，折其大半，淹死者無數。諸將奮力救出魏主。魏主渡淮河，行不三十里，淮河中一帶蘆葦，預灌魚油，盡皆火着；順風而下，風勢甚急，火焰漫空，截住龍舟。

Cao Pi, greatly alarmed, hurried down into a small boat and made for the bank, but by then the dragon ship was already ablaze. Cao Pi scrambled onto a horse. A body of troops came charging down on the bank, led by Ding Feng. Zhang Liao spurred forward to meet him, but Ding Feng hit him in the waist with an arrow. Xu Huang came to his rescue, and together they protected the Ruler of Wei and fled, losing countless men. Behind them Sun Shao and Ding Feng captured horses, carts, boats and weapons beyond counting.

丕大驚，急下小船傍岸時，龍舟上早已火着。丕慌忙上馬。岸上一彪軍殺來；爲首一將，乃丁奉也。張遼急拍馬來迎，被奉一箭射中其腰，卻得徐晃救了，同保魏主而走，折軍無數。背後孫韶、丁奉奪得馬匹、車仗、船隻、器械不計其數。

The Wei army went home badly beaten. Xu Sheng, the Wu general, had won complete and great success, and the King of Wu rewarded him richly. Zhang Liao returned to Xuchang, where his arrow wound burst open and he died; Cao Pi gave him a lavish burial. But of that no more. Meanwhile, just as Zhao Yun was fighting his way out of Yangping Pass, word suddenly came that a dispatch had arrived from the Chancellor. It said that Yong Kai, an elder chieftain of Yizhou, had joined with the Man king Meng Huo and raised a hundred thousand Man troops to invade and plunder the four commanderies. For this reason Zhao Yun was summoned to bring his army back, Ma Chao was ordered to hold Yangping Pass firmly, and the Chancellor meant to lead the southern expedition himself.

魏兵大敗而回。吳將徐盛全獲大功，吳王重加賞賜。張遼回到許昌，箭瘡迸裂而亡，曹丕厚葬之，不在話下。卻說趙雲引兵殺出陽平關之次，忽報丞相有文書到，說益州耆帥雍闓結連蠻王孟獲，起十萬蠻兵，侵掠四郡；因此宣雲回軍，令馬超堅守陽平關，丞相欲自南征。

Zhao Yun hastily gathered his troops and returned. At this time Kongming was in Chengdu putting his army in order to lead the southern expedition in person.

趙雲乃急收兵而回。此時孔明在成都整飭軍馬，親自南征。

Indeed:
Just now we saw Eastern Wu stand against Northern Wei;
Now we shall see Western Shu do battle with the Southern Man.
Who won and who lost will be told in the next chapter.

正是：方見東吳敵北魏，又看西蜀戰南蠻。
未知勝負如何，且看下文分解。