Romance of the Three Kingdoms
San Kuo — Sanguo yanyi
Lo Kuan-chung. Translated by C. H. Brewitt-Taylor, Shanghai, Kelly & Walsh, 1925. Public-domain text, from Wikisource. Chinese text from the Chinese Wikisource. Brewitt-Taylor’s edition is English only: it does not print the Chinese. The text shown here alongside each chapter is the one the French edition of this hub uses, taken from the Chinese Wikisource, and one chapter of this translation is one 回 throughout.
Chapter 1 Feast in the Garden of Peaches: Brotherhood Sworn: Slaughter of Rebels: The Brothers Heroes.
詞曰：滾滾長江東逝水，浪花淘盡英雄。是非成敗轉頭空：青山依舊在，幾度夕陽紅。白髮漁樵江渚上，慣看秋月春風。一壺濁酒喜相逢：古今多少事，都付笑談中。話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分。周末七國分爭，併入於秦。及秦滅之後，楚、漢分爭，又併入於漢。漢朝自高祖斬白蛇而起義，一統天下。後來光武中興，傳至獻帝，遂分為三國。推其致亂之由，殆始於桓、靈二帝。桓帝禁錮善類，崇信宦官。及桓帝崩，靈帝即位，大將軍竇武、太傅陳蕃，共相輔佐。時有宦官曹節等弄權，竇武、陳蕃謀誅之，作事不密，反為所害，中涓自此愈橫。建寧二年四月望日，帝御溫德殿。方陞座，殿角狂風驟起，只見一條大青蛇，從梁上飛將下來，蟠於椅上。帝驚倒，左右急救入宮，百官俱奔避。須臾，蛇不見了。忽然大雷大雨，加以冰雹，落到半夜方止，壞卻房屋無數。建寧四年二月，洛陽地震；又海水泛濫，沿海居民，盡被大浪捲入海中。光和元年，雌雞化雄。六月朔，黑氣十餘丈，飛入溫德殿中。秋七月，有虹現於玉堂，五原山岸，盡皆崩裂。種種不祥，非止一端。帝下詔問群臣以災異之由，議郎蔡邕上疏，以為霓墮雞化，乃婦寺干政之所致，言頗切直。帝覽奏嘆息，因起更衣。曹節在後竊視，悉宣告左右，遂以他事陷邕於罪，放歸田里。後張讓、趙忠、封諝、段圭、曹節、侯覽、蹇碩、程曠、夏惲、郭勝十人朋比為奸，號為「十常侍」。帝尊信張讓，呼為「阿父」。朝政日非，以致天下人心思亂，盜賊蜂起。時鉅鹿郡有兄弟三人：一名張角，一名張寶，一名張梁。那張角本是個不第秀才，因入山採藥，遇一老人，碧眼童顏，手執藜杖，喚角至一洞中，以天書三卷授之，曰：「此名太平要術。汝得之，當代天宣化，普救世人。若萌異心，必獲惡報。」角拜問姓名。老人曰：「吾乃南華老仙也。」言訖，化陣清風而去。角得此書，曉夜功習，能呼風喚雨，號為「太平道人」。中平元年正月內，疫氣流行，張角散施符水，為人治病，自稱「大賢良師」。角有徒弟五百餘人，雲游四方，皆能書符念咒。次後徒眾日多，角乃立三十六方，大方萬餘人，小方六七千，各立渠帥，稱為將軍；訛言：「蒼天已死，黃天當立；歲在甲子，天下大吉。」令人各以白土，書「甲子」二字於家中大門上。青、幽、徐、冀、荊、揚、兗、豫八州之人，家家侍奉大賢良師張角名字。角遣其黨馬元義，暗齎金帛，結交中涓封胥，以為內應。角與二弟商議曰：「至難得者，民心也。今民心已順，若不乘勢取天下，誠為可惜。」遂一面私造黃旗，約期舉事；一面使弟子唐周，持書報封諝。唐周乃徑赴省中告變。帝召大將軍何進調兵擒馬元義，斬之；次收封諝等一干人下獄。張角聞知事露，星夜舉兵，自稱「天公將軍」，張寶稱「地公將軍」，張梁稱「人公將軍」；申言於眾曰：「今漢運將終，大聖人出。汝等皆宜順天從正，以樂太平。」四方百姓，裹黃巾從張角反者四五十萬。賊勢浩大，官軍望風而靡。何進奏帝火速降詔，令各處備禦，討賊立功；一面遣中郎將盧植、皇甫嵩、朱雋，各引精兵，分三路討之。且說張角一軍，前犯幽州界分。幽州太守劉焉，乃江夏竟陵人氏，漢魯恭王之後也；當時聞得賊兵將至，召校尉鄒靖計議。靖曰：「賊兵眾，我兵寡，明公宜作速招軍應敵。」劉焉然其說，隨即出榜招募義兵。榜文行到涿縣，引出涿縣中一個英雄。那人不甚好讀書；性寬和，寡言語，喜怒不言於色；素有大志，專好結交天下豪傑；生得身長七尺五寸，兩耳垂肩，雙手過膝，目能自顧其耳，面如冠玉，唇如塗脂；中山靖王劉勝之後，漢景帝閣下玄孫：姓劉，名備，字玄德。昔劉勝之子劉貞，漢武時封涿鹿亭侯，後坐酌金失侯，因此遺這一支在涿縣。玄德祖劉雄，父劉弘。弘曾舉孝廉，亦嘗作吏，早喪。玄德孤幼，事母至孝；家貧，販屨織席為業。家住本縣樓桑村。其家之東南，有一大桑樹，高五丈餘，遙望之，童童如車蓋。相者云：「此家必出貴人。」玄德幼時，與鄉中小兒戲於樹下，曰：「我為天子，當乘此車蓋。」叔父劉元起奇其言，曰：「此兒非常人也！」因見玄德家貧，常資給之。年十五歲，母使游學，嘗師事鄭玄、盧植，與公孫瓚等為友。及劉焉發榜招軍時，玄德年已二十八歲矣。當日見了榜文，慨然長嘆。隨後一人厲聲言曰：「大丈夫不與國家出力，何故長嘆？」玄德回視其人：身長八尺，豹頭環眼，燕頷虎鬚，聲若巨雷，勢如奔馬。玄德見他形貌異常，問其姓名。其人曰：「某姓張，名飛，字翼德。世居涿郡，頗有莊田，賣酒屠豬，專好結交天下豪傑。適纔見公看榜而嘆，故此相問。」玄德曰：「我本漢室宗親，姓劉，名備。今聞黃巾倡亂，有志欲破賊安民；恨力不能，故長嘆耳。」飛曰：「吾頗有資財，當招募鄉勇，與公同舉大事，如何？」玄德甚喜，遂與同入村店中飲酒。正飲間，見一大漢，推著一輛車子，到店門首歇了；入店坐下，便喚酒保：「快斟酒來吃，我待趕入城去投軍。」玄德看其人：身長九尺，髯長二尺；面如重棗，唇如塗脂；丹鳳眼，臥蠶眉：相貌堂堂，威風凜凜。玄德就邀他同坐，叩其姓名。其人曰：「吾姓關，名羽，字長生，後改雲長，河東解良人也。因本處勢豪，倚勢凌人，被吾殺了；逃難江湖，五六年矣。今聞此處招軍破賊，特來應募。」玄德遂以己志告之。雲長大喜。同到張飛莊上，共議大事。飛曰：「吾莊後有一桃園，花開正盛；明日當於園中祭告天地，我三人結為兄弟，協力同心，然後可圖大事。」玄德、雲長齊聲應曰：「如此甚好。」次日，於桃園中，備下烏牛白馬祭禮等項，三人焚香再拜而說誓曰：「念劉備、關羽、張飛，雖然異姓，既結為兄弟，則同心協力，救困扶危；上報國家，下安黎庶；不求同年同月同日生，只願同年同月同日死。皇天后土，實鑒此心。背義忘恩，天人共戮！」誓畢，拜玄德為兄，關羽次之，張飛為弟。祭罷天地，復宰牛設酒，聚鄉中勇士，得三百餘人，就桃園中痛飲一醉。來日收拾軍器，但恨無馬匹可乘。正思慮間，人報有兩個客人，引一夥伴儅，趕一群馬，投莊上來。玄德曰：「此天佑我也！」三人出莊迎接。原來二客乃中山大商：一名張世平，一名蘇雙，每年往北販馬，近因寇發而回。玄德請二人到莊，置酒管待，訴說欲討賊安民之意。二客大喜，願將良馬五十匹相送；又贈金銀五百兩，鑌鐵一千斤，以資器用。玄德謝別二客，便命良匠打造雙股劍。雲長造青龍偃月刀，又名「冷艷鋸」，重八十二斤。張飛造丈八點鋼矛。各置全身鎧甲。共聚鄉勇五百餘人，來見鄒靖。鄒靖引見太守劉焉。三人參見畢，各通姓名。玄德說起宗派，劉焉大喜，遂認玄德為侄。不數日，人報黃巾賊將程遠志統兵五萬來犯涿郡。劉焉令鄒靖引玄德等三人，統兵五百，前去破敵。玄德等欣然領軍前進，直至大興山下，與賊相見。賊眾皆披髮，以黃巾抹額。當下兩軍相對，玄德出馬，左有雲長，右有翼德，揚鞭大罵：「反國逆賊，何不早降！」程遠志大怒，遣副將鄧茂出戰。張飛挺丈八蛇矛直出，手起處，刺中鄧茂心窩，翻身落馬。程遠志見折了鄧茂，拍馬舞刀，直取張飛。雲長舞動大刀，縱馬飛迎。程遠志見了，早吃一驚，措手不及，被雲長刀起處，揮為兩段。後人有詩讚二人曰：英雄露穎在今朝，一試矛兮一試刀。初出便將威力展，三分好把姓名標。眾賊見程遠志被斬，皆倒戈而走。玄德揮軍追趕，投降者不計其數，大勝而回。劉焉親自迎接，賞勞軍士。次日，接得青州太守龔景牒文，言黃巾賊圍城將陷，乞賜救援。劉焉與玄德商議。玄德曰：「備願往救之。」劉焉令鄒靖將兵五千，同玄德、關、張，投青州來。賊眾見救兵至，分兵混戰。玄德兵寡不勝，退三十里下寨。玄德謂關、張曰：「賊眾我寡；必出奇兵，方可取勝。」乃分關公引一千軍伏山左，張飛引一千軍伏山右，鳴金為號，齊出接應。次日，玄德與鄒靖引軍鼓噪而進。賊眾迎戰，玄德引軍便退。賊眾乘勢追趕，方過山嶺，玄德軍中一齊鳴金，左右兩軍齊出，玄德麾軍回身復殺。三路夾攻，賊眾大潰。直趕至青州城下，太守龔景亦率民兵出城助戰。賊勢大敗，剿戮極多，遂解青州之圍。後人有詩讚玄德曰：運籌決算有神功，二虎還須遜一龍。初出便能垂偉績，自應分鼎在孤窮。龔景犒軍畢，鄒靖欲回。玄德曰：「近聞中郎將盧植與賊首張角戰於廣宗，備昔曾師事盧植，欲往助之。」於是鄒靖引軍自回，玄德與關、張引本部五百人投廣宗來。至盧植軍中，入帳施禮，具道來意。盧植大喜，留在帳前聽調。時張角賊眾十五萬，植兵五萬，相拒於廣宗，未見勝負。植謂玄德曰：「我今圍賊在此，賊弟張梁、張寶在潁川，與皇甫嵩、朱雋對壘。汝可引本部人馬，我更助汝一千官軍，前去潁川打探消息，約期剿捕。」玄德領命，引軍星夜投潁川來。時皇甫嵩、朱儁領軍拒賊，賊戰不利，退入長社，依草結營。嵩與儁計曰：「賊依草結營，當用火攻之。」遂令軍士，每人束草一把，暗地埋伏。其夜大風忽起。二更以後，一齊縱火，嵩與儁各引兵攻擊賊寨，火焰張天，賊眾驚慌，馬不及鞍，人不及甲，四散奔走。殺到天明，張梁、張寶引敗殘軍士，奪路而走。忽見一彪軍馬，盡打紅旗，當頭來到，截住去路。為首閃出一將：身長七尺，細眼長髯；官拜騎都尉；沛國譙郡人也，姓曹，名操，字孟德。操父曹嵩，本姓夏侯氏；因為中常侍曹騰之養子，故冒姓曹。曹嵩生操，小字阿瞞，一名吉利。操幼時，好游獵，喜歌舞；有權謀，多機變。操有叔父，見操游蕩無度，嘗怒之，言於曹嵩。嵩責操。操忽心生一計：見叔父來，詐倒於地，作中風之狀。叔父驚告嵩，嵩急視之，操故無恙。嵩曰：「叔言汝中風，今已愈乎？」操曰：「兒自來無此病；因失愛於叔父，故見罔耳。」嵩信其言。後叔父但言操過，嵩並不聽。因此，操得恣意放蕩。時人有橋玄者，謂操曰：「天下將亂，非命世之才不能濟。能安之者，其在君乎？」南陽何颙見操，言：「漢室將亡，安天下者，必此人也。」汝南許劭，有知人之名。操往見之，問曰：「我何如人？」劭不答。又問，劭曰：「子治世之能臣，亂世之奸雄也。」操聞言大喜。年二十，舉孝廉，為郎，除洛陽北都尉。初到任，即設五色棒十餘條於縣之四門，有犯禁者，不避富豪，皆責之。中常侍蹇碩之叔，提刀夜行，操巡夜拿住，就棒責之。由是，內外莫敢犯者，威名頗震。後為頓丘令。因黃巾起，拜為騎都尉，引馬步軍五千，前來潁川助戰。正值張梁、張寶敗走，曹操攔住，大殺一陣，斬首萬餘級，奪得旗旌、金鼓、馬匹極多。張梁、張寶死戰得脫。操見過皇甫嵩、朱儁，隨即引兵追襲張梁、張寶去了。卻說玄德引關、張來潁川，聽得喊殺之聲，又望見火光燭天，急引兵來時，賊已敗散。玄德見皇甫嵩、朱儁，具道盧植之意。嵩曰：「張梁、張寶勢窮力乏，必投廣宗去依張角。玄德可即星夜往助。」玄德領命，遂引兵復回。到得半路，只見一簇軍馬，護送一輛檻車；車中之囚，乃盧植也。玄德大驚，滾鞍下馬，問其緣故。植曰：「我圍張角，將次可破；因角用妖術，未能即勝。朝廷差黃門左豐前來體探，問我索取賄賂。我答曰：『軍糧尚缺，安有餘錢奉承天使？』左豐挾恨，回奏朝廷，說我高壘不戰，惰慢軍心；因此朝廷震怒，遣中郎將董卓來代將我兵，取我回京問罪。」張飛聽罷，大怒，要斬護送軍人，以救盧植。玄德急止之曰：「朝廷自有公論，汝豈可造次？」軍士簇擁盧植去了。關公曰：「盧中郎已被逮，別人領兵，我等去無所依，不如且回涿郡。」玄德從其言，遂引軍北行。行無二日，忽聞山後喊聲大震。玄德引關、張縱馬上高岡望之，見漢軍大敗，後面漫山塞野，黃巾蓋地而來，旗上大書「天公將軍」。玄德曰：「此張角也！可速戰。」三人飛馬引軍而出。張角正殺敗董卓，乘勢趕來，忽遇三人衝殺，角軍大亂，敗走五十餘里。三人救了董卓回寨。卓問三人現居何職。玄德曰：「白身。」卓甚輕之，不為禮。玄德出，張飛大怒曰：「我等親赴血戰，救了這廝，他卻如此無禮！若不殺他，難消我氣！」便要提刀入帳來殺董卓。正是：人情勢利古猶今，誰識英雄是白身？安得快人如翼德，盡誅世上負心人！畢竟董卓性命如何，且聽下文分解。且說董卓字仲穎，隴西臨洮人也。官拜河東太守，自來驕傲。當日怠慢了玄德，張飛性發，便欲殺之。玄德與關公急止之曰：「他是朝廷命官，豈可擅殺？」飛曰：「若不殺這廝，反要在他部下聽令，其實不甘！二兄要便住在此，我自投別處去也！」玄德曰：「我三人義同生死，豈可相離？不若都投別處去便了。」飛曰：「若如此，稍解吾恨。」於是三人連夜引軍來投朱儁。儁待之甚厚，合兵一處，進討張寶。是時曹操自跟皇甫嵩討張梁，大戰於曲陽。這裏朱儁進攻張寶。張寶引賊眾八九萬，屯於山後。儁令玄德為其先鋒，與賊對敵。張寶遣副將高昇出馬搦戰。玄德使張飛擊之。飛縱馬挺矛，與昇交戰，不數合，刺昇落馬。玄德麾軍直衝過去。張寶就馬上披髮仗劍，作起妖法。只見風雷大作，一股黑氣，從天而降：黑氣中似有無限人馬殺來。玄德連忙回軍，軍中大亂，敗陣而歸，與朱儁計議。儁曰：「彼用妖術，我來日可宰豬羊狗血，令軍士伏於山頭；候賊趕來，從高坡上潑之，其法可解。」玄德聽令，撥關公、張飛各引軍一千，伏於山後高岡之上，盛豬羊狗血並穢物準備。次日，張寶搖旗擂鼓，引軍搦戰，玄德出迎。交鋒之際，張寶作法，風雷大作，飛砂走石，黑氣漫天，滾滾人馬，自天而下。玄德撥馬便走，張寶驅兵趕來。將過山頭，關、張伏軍放起號砲，將穢物齊潑。但見空中紙人草馬，紛紛墜地；風雷頓息，砂石不飛。張寶見解了法，急欲退軍。左關公，右張飛，兩軍都出，背後玄德、朱儁一齊趕上，賊兵大敗。玄德望見地公將軍旗號，飛馬趕來，張寶落荒而走。玄德發箭，中其左臂。張寶帶箭逃脫，走入陽城，堅守不出。朱儁引兵圍住陽城攻打，一面差人打探皇甫嵩消息。探子回報，具說：「皇甫嵩大獲勝捷，朝廷以董卓屢敗，命嵩代之。嵩到時，張角已死；張梁統其眾，與我軍相拒，被皇甫嵩連勝七陣，斬張梁於曲陽。發張角之棺，戮屍梟首，送往京師。餘眾俱降。朝廷加皇甫嵩為車騎將軍，領冀州牧。皇甫嵩又表奏盧植有功無罪，朝廷復盧植原官。曹操亦以有功，除濟南相，即日將班師赴任。」朱儁聽說，催促軍馬，悉力攻打陽城。賊勢危急，賊將嚴政，刺殺張寶，獻首投降。朱儁遂平數郡，上表獻捷。時又黃巾餘黨三人，─趙弘、韓忠、孫仲─，聚眾數萬，望風燒劫，稱與張角報讎。朝廷命朱儁即以得勝之師討之。儁奉詔，率軍前進。時賊據宛城，儁引兵攻之，趙弘遣韓忠出戰。儁遣玄德、關、張攻城西南角。韓忠盡率精銳之眾，來西南角抵敵。朱儁自縱鐵騎二千，逕取東北角。賊恐失城，急棄西南而回。玄德從背後掩殺，賊眾大敗，奔入宛城。朱儁分兵四面圍定，城中斷糧，韓忠使人出城投降。儁不許。玄德曰：「昔高祖之得天下，蓋為能招降納順；公何拒韓忠耶？」儁曰：「彼一時，此一時也。昔秦項之際，天下大亂，民無定主，故招降賞附，以勸來耳。今海內一統，惟黃巾造反；若容其降，無以勸善。使賊得利恣意劫掠，失利便投降：此長寇之志，非良策也。」玄德曰：「不容寇降是矣。今四面圍如鐵桶，賊乞降不得，必然死戰，萬人一心，尚不可當，況城中有數萬死命之人乎？不若撤去東南，獨攻西北。賊必棄城而走，無心戀戰，可即擒也。」儁然之，遂撤東南二面軍馬，一齊攻打西北。韓忠果引軍棄城而奔。儁與玄德、關、張率三軍掩殺，射死韓忠，餘皆四散奔走。正追趕間，趙弘、孫仲引賊眾到，與儁交戰。儁見弘勢大，引軍暫退。弘乘勢復奪宛城。儁離十里下寨，方欲攻打，忽見正東一彪人馬到來。為首一將，生得廣額闊面，虎體熊腰；吳郡富春人也：姓孫，名堅，字文臺，乃孫武子之後。年十七歲，與父至錢塘，見海賊十餘人，劫取商人財物，於岸上分贓。堅謂父曰：「此賊可擒也。」遂奮力提刀上岸，揚聲大叫，東西指揮，如喚人狀。賊以為官兵至，盡棄財物奔走。堅趕上，殺一賊。由是郡縣知名，薦為校尉。後會稽妖賊許昌造反，自稱陽明皇帝，聚眾數萬；堅與郡司馬招募勇士千餘人，會合州郡破之，斬許昌並其子許韶。刺史臧旻上表奏其功，除堅為鹽瀆丞，又除盱眙丞、下邳丞。今見黃巾寇起，聚集鄉中少年及諸商旅，並淮泗精兵一千五百餘人，前來接應。朱儁大喜，便令堅攻打南門，玄德打北門，朱儁打西門，留東門與賊走。孫堅首先登城，斬賊二十餘人，賊眾奔潰。趙弘飛馬突槊，直取孫堅。堅從城上飛身奪弘槊，刺弘下馬；卻騎弘馬，飛身往來殺賊。孫仲引賊突出北門，正迎玄德，無心戀戰，只待奔逃。玄德張弓一箭，正中孫仲，翻身落馬。朱儁大軍，隨後掩殺，斬首數萬級，降者不可勝計。南陽一路，十數郡皆平。儁班師回京，詔封為車騎將軍，河南尹。儁表奏孫堅、劉備等功。堅有人情，除別郡司馬上任去了；惟玄德聽候日久，不得除授。三人鬱鬱不樂，上街閒行，正值郎中張鈞車到。玄德見之，自陳功績。鈞大驚，隨入朝見帝曰：「昔黃巾造反，其原皆由十常侍賣官鬻爵，非親不用，非讎不誅，以致天下大亂。今宜斬十常侍，懸首南郊，遣使者布告天下，有功者重加賞賜，則四海自清平也。」十常侍奏帝曰：「張鈞欺主。」帝令武士逐出張鈞。十常侍共議：「此必破黃巾有功者，不得除授，故生怨言。權且教省家銓註微名，待後卻再理會未晚。」因此玄德除授定州中山府安喜縣尉，剋日赴任。玄德將兵散回鄉里，止帶親隨二十餘人，與關、張來安喜縣中到任。署縣事一月，與民秋毫無犯，民皆感化。到任之後，與關、張食則同桌，寢則同床。如玄德在稠人廣坐，關、張侍立，終日不倦。到縣未及四月，朝廷降詔，凡有軍功為長吏者當沙汰。玄德疑在遣中。適督郵行部至縣，玄德出墎迎接，見督郵施禮。督郵坐於馬上，惟微以鞭指回答。關、張二公俱怒。及到館驛，督郵南面高坐，玄德侍立階下。良久，督郵問曰：「劉縣尉是何出身？」玄德曰：「備乃中山靖王之後；自涿郡剿戮黃巾，大小三十餘戰，頗有微功，因得除今職。」督郵大喝曰：「汝詐稱皇親，虛報功績！目今朝廷降詔，正要沙汰這等濫官汙吏！」玄德喏喏連聲而退。歸到縣中，與縣吏商議。吏曰：「督郵入威，無非要賄賂耳。」玄德曰：「我與民秋毫無犯，那得財物與他？」次日，督郵先提縣吏去，勒令指稱縣尉害民。玄德幾番自往求免，俱被門役阻住，不肯放參。郤說張飛飲了數盃悶酒，乘馬從館驛前過，見五六十個老人，皆在門前痛哭。飛問其故。眾老人答曰：「督郵逼勒縣吏，欲害劉公；我等皆來苦告，不得放入，反遭把門人趕打！」張飛大怒，睜圓環眼，咬碎鋼牙，滾鞍下馬，逕入館驛，把門人那裏阻擋得住。直奔後堂，見督郵正坐廳上，將縣吏綁倒在地。飛大喝：「害民賊！認得我麼？」督郵未及開言，早被張飛揪住頭髮，扯出館驛，直到縣前馬樁上縛住；扳下柳條，去督郵兩腿上著力鞭打，一連打折柳條十數枝。玄德正納悶間，聽得縣前喧鬧，問左右，答曰：「張將軍綁一人在縣前痛打。」玄德忙去觀之，見綁縛者乃督郵也。玄德驚問其故。飛曰：「此等害民賊，不打死等甚！」督郵告曰：「玄德公救我性命！」玄德終是仁慈的人，急喝張飛住手。傍邊轉過關公來，曰：「兄長建許多大功，僅得縣尉，今反被督郵侮辱。吾思枳棘叢中，非棲鸞鳳之所；不如殺督郵，棄官歸鄉，別圖遠大之計。」玄德乃取印綬，掛於督郵之頸，責之曰：「據汝害民，本當殺卻；今姑饒汝命。吾繳還印綬，從此去矣！」督郵歸告定州太守，太守申文省府，差人捕捉。玄德、關、張三人往代州投劉恢。恢見玄德乃漢室宗親，留匿在家不題。
Empires wax and wane; states cleave asunder and coalesce. When the rule of Chou weakened seven contending principalities sprang up, warring one with another till they settled down as Ts‘in and when its destiny had been fulfilled arose Ch‘u and Han to contend for the mastery. And Han was the victor.
The rise of the fortunes of Han began with the slaughter of the White Serpent. In a short time the whole Empire was theirs and their magnificent heritage was handed down in successive generations till the days of Kuang-Wu, whose name stands in the middle of the long line of Han. This was in the first century of the western era and the dynasty had then already passed its zenith. A century later came to the Throne the Emperor Hsien, doomed to see the beginning of the division into three parts, known to history as The Three Kingdoms.
The descent into misrule hastened in the reigns of the two Emperors Huan and Ling, who sat in the dragon seat about the middle of the second century. The former of these two paid no heed to the good men of his court, but gave his confidence to the palace eunuchs. He lived and died, leaving the sceptre to Ling, whose trusted advisers were the General Tou Wu and the Grand Tutor Ch‘ên Fan. These two, disgusted with the abuses resulting from the meddling of the eunuchs in affairs of State, plotted their destruction. But the chief eunuch Ts‘ao Chieh was not to be disposed of easily. The plot leaked out and the two honest men fell, leaving the eunuchs stronger than before.
It fell upon the day of full moon of the fourth month, second year of the period Chien-Ning, that the Emperor went in state to the Wên-tê Hall. As he drew near the Throne a rushing whirlwind arose in the corner of the hall and, lo! from the roof beams floated down a monstrous black serpent that coiled itself up on the very seat of majesty. The Emperor fell in a swoon. Those nearest him hastily raised and bore him to his palace while the courtiers scattered and fled. The serpent disappeared.
But there followed a terrific tempest, thunder, hail and torrents of rain, lasting till midnight and working havoc on all sides. Two years later the earth quaked in Loyang, while along the coast a huge tidal wave rushed in which, in its recoil, swept away all the dwellers by the sea. Another evil omen was recorded ten years later, when the reign-title was changed: certain hens suddenly developed male characteristics, a miracle which could only refer to the effeminate eunuchs meddling in affairs of State. At the new moon of the sixth month a long wreath of black vapour wound its way into the audience chamber, while in the following month a rainbow was seen in the Jade Chamber. Away from the capital a mountain fell in, leaving a mighty rift in its flank.
Such were some of various omens. The Emperor, greatly moved by these signs of the displeasure of Heaven, issued an edict asking his ministers for an explanation of the calamities and marvels. A certain Ts‘ai Yung replied bluntly that showers of insects and changes of fowls’ sexes were brought about by feminine interference in State affairs.
The Emperor read this memorial with deep sighs, and the chief eunuch Ts‘ao Chieh, from his place behind the Throne, anxiously noted these signs of grief. An opportunity offering, he read the document and told his fellows its purport. Before long a charge was trumped up against the author, who was driven from court and forced to retire to his country house. With this victory the eunuchs grew bolder. Ten of them, rivals in wickedness and associates in evil deeds, formed a powerful party known as The Ten. One of them, Chang Jang, won such influence that he became the Emperor’s most honoured and trusted adviser. The Emperor even called him Daddie. So the Government went quickly from bad to worse, till the country was ripe for rebellion and buzzed with brigandage.
At this time in Chülu was a certain Chang family, of whom three brothers bore the name of Chio, Pao and Liang respectively. The eldest was an unclassed graduate, who devoted himself to medicine. One day, while culling simples in the woods, he met a venerable old gentleman with very bright eyes and fresh complexion, who walked leaning on a staff. The old man beckoned Chio into a cave and there gave him three volumes of the “Book of Heaven.” “This book” said he, “is the Way of Peace. With the aid of these volumes you can convert the world and rescue mankind. But you must be single-minded, or, rest assured, you will greatly suffer.”
With a humble obeisance Chang took the book and asked the name of his benefactor.
“I am the Hsien of the Southern Land of Glory,” was the reply, as the old gentleman disappeared in thin air.
The new possessor of the wonderful book studied it eagerly and strove day and night to reduce its precepts to practice. Before long he could summon the winds and command the rain, and became known as The Mystic of the Way of Peace. Soon he could test his other powers. With a change of reign-title appeared a terrible pestilence which ran throughout the land, whereupon Chang Chio distributed charmed remedies of which the success gained him the title of the Wise and Good Master. He began to have a following of disciples whom he initiated into the mysteries and sent abroad throughout all the land. They, like their master, could write charms and recite formulae and their fame increased his following. He began to organise his disciples. He established thirty six circuits, the larger with a myriad or more members, the smaller with about half that number. Each circuit had its chief who took the military title of General. They talked wildly of the death of the blue heavens and the setting up of the yellow; they said a new cycle was beginning and would bring universal good fortune, and they persuaded people to chalk the symbols for the first year of a cycle on the main door of their dwellings.
With the growth of the number of his supporters grew also the ambition of the “Wise and Good.” He dreamed of empire. One of his partizans, Ma Yüan-i, was sent bearing gifts to gain the support of the eunuchs whereby to have allies within the palace. To his brothers Chang Chio said, “For schemes like ours always the most difficult part is to gain the popular favour. But that is already ours. Such an opportunity must not pass.” And they began to prepare. Many yellow flags were made and a day was chosen to strike the first blow.
Then they wrote letters to the chief eunuch, Fêng Hsü, and sent them by a follower, who alas! betrayed their trust and discovered the plot. The Emperor summoned his trusty General Ho Chin and bade him look to it. Ma Yüan-i was at once taken and put to death. Fêng Hsü and many others were cast into prison.
The plot having thus become known the Changs were forced at once to take the field. They assumed grandiose titles, T‘ien Kung, or Celestial Duke, Ti Kung, or Terrestrial Duke, Jên Kung, or Duke of Humanity, and in these names they put forth this manifesto:—“The good fortune of the Hans is exhausted and the Wise Man has appeared. Discern the will of Heaven, O ye people, and walk in the way of righteousness, whereby alone ye may attain to peace.”
Support was not lacking. On every side people bound their heads with a yellow turban and joined the army of the rebel Chang Chio, so that soon his strength was exceeding great and the official troops melted away at a whisper of his coming.
Ho Chin, Guardian of the Throne, memorialised for general preparations against the rebels and an edict called upon every one to fight against them. In the meantime Lu Chih, Huangfu Sung and Chu Chien marched against them in three directions with veteran soldiers.
It is now time to turn to Chang Chio. He led his army into Yuchow, the northern of the eight divisions of the country. The Prefect was one Liu Yen, a scion of the Imperial House through a certain Lu, Prince Kung of Chingling. Learning of the approach of the rebels, the Prefect called in the Hsiao-yü Tsou Ching to consult over the position. Said Tsou, “They are many and we few; you must enlist more men to oppose them.”
The Prefect saw this was so and he put out notices calling for volunteers to serve against the rebels. One of these notices was posted up in the Cho district, where lived one of whom much will be heard later.
This man was no mere bookish scholar nor found he any pleasure in study. But he was liberal and amiable, albeit a man of few words, hiding all feeling under a calm exterior. He had always cherished a yearning for high emprise and had cultivated the friendship of men of mark. He was tall of stature. His ears were long, the lobes touching his shoulders, and his hands hung down below his knees. His eyes were very prominent, so that he could see backward past his ears. His complexion was clear as jade and he had rich red lips. He was a descendant of a Prince whose father was the grandson of the Emperor Ching, (the occupant of the dragon throne a century and a half B.C.) His name was Liu Pei, or more commonly Liu Yüan-tê. Many years before one of his forbears had been Marquis of that very district, but had lost his rank for remissness in ceremonial offerings. However, that branch of the family had remained on in the place, gradually becoming poorer and poorer as the years rolled on. His father Liu Hung had been a scholar and an official but died young. The widow and orphan were left alone and Pei as a lad won a reputation for filial piety.
At this time the family had sunk deep in poverty and the son gained his living by the sale of straw sandals and weaving grass mats. The family home was in a village near the district city. Near the house stood a huge mulberry tree, and seen from afar its curved profile resembled the tilt of a waggon. Noting the luxuriance of its foliage a soothsayer had predicted that one day a man of distinction would come forth from the family. As a child Yüan-tê and the other village boys played beneath this tree and he would climb up into it, saying he was emperor and was mounting his chariot. The lad’s uncle recognised that he was no ordinary boy and saw to it that the family did not come to actual want.
When Yüan-tê was fifteen his mother sent him travelling for his education. For a time he served Chêng Yüan and Lu Chih as masters and he became great friends with Kungssun Tsan.
Yüan-tê was twenty eight when the outbreak of the rebellion called for soldiers. The sight of the notice saddened him and he sighed as he read it. Suddenly a rasping voice behind him cried, “Noble Sir, why sigh if you do nothing to help your country?” Turning quickly he saw standing there a man about his own height, with a bullet head like a leopard’s, large eyes, a pointed chin and a bristling moustache. He spoke in a loud bass voice and looked as irresistible as a runaway horse. At once Yüan-tê saw he was no ordinary man and asked who he was.
“Chang Fei is my name; I am usually called I-tê” replied the stranger. “I live near here where I have a farm; and I am a wine-seller and a butcher as well. And I like to become acquainted with worthy men. Your sighs as you read the notice drew me toward you.”
Yüan-tê replied, “I am of the Imperial Family, Liu by name, and my distinguishing name is Pei. An I could I would destroy these rebels and restore peace to the land, but alas! I am helpless.”
“I am not without means,” said Fei. “Suppose you and I raised some men and tried what we could do.”
This was happy news for Yüan-tê and the two betook themselves to the village inn to talk over the project. As they were drinking, a huge, tall fellow appeared pushing a hand-cart along the road. At the threshold he halted and entered the inn to rest awhile and he called for wine. “And be quick,” added he “for I am in haste to get into the town and offer myself for the army.”
Yüan-tê looked over the new-comer item by item and noted his huge frame, his long beard, his dark brown face and deep red lips. He had eyes like a phœnix and fine bushy eyebrows like silkworms. His whole appearance was dignified and awe-inspiring. Presently Yüan-tê crossed over, sat down beside him and asked his name.
“I am Kuan Yü,” said he; “I used to be known as Shou-ch‘ang (Long as eternity), but now am usually called Yün-ch‘ang (Long as a cloud). “I am a native of the east side of the river, but I have been a fugitive on the waters for some five years, because I slew a ruffian who, since he was powerful, was a bully. I have come to join the army here.”
Then Yüan-tê told him his own intentions and all three went away to Chang Fei’s farm where they could talk over the grand project.
Said Fei, “The peach trees in the orchard behind the house are just in full flower. Tomorrow we will institute a sacrifice there and solemnly declare our intention before Heaven and Earth. And we three will swear brotherhood and unity of aims and sentiments; thus will we enter upon our great task.”
All three being of one mind, next day they prepared the sacrifices, a black ox, a white horse and wine for libation. Beneath the smoke of the incense burning on the altar they bowed their heads and recited this oath:—“We three, Liu Pei, Kuan Yü and Chang Fei, though of different families, swear brotherhood, and promise mutual help to one end. We will rescue each other in difficulty, we will aid each other in danger. We swear to serve the state and save the people. We ask not the same day of birth but we seek to die together. May Heaven, the all-ruling, and Earth, the all-producing, read our hearts, and if we turn aside from righteousness or forget kindliness may Heaven and man smite us!”
They rose from their knees. The two others bowed before Yüan-tê as their elder brother and Chang Fei was to be the youngest of the trio. This solemn ceremony performed, they slew other oxen and made a feast to which they invited the villagers. Three hundred joined them and all feasted and drank deep in the Peach Garden.
The next day weapons were mustered. But there were no horses to ride. This was a real grief, but soon they were cheered by the arrival of two horse dealers with a drove of horses.
“Thus does Heaven help us,” said Yüan-tê and the three brothers went forth to welcome the merchants. They were from Changshan and went northwards every year to buy horses. They were now on their way home because of the rising. They also came to the farm, where wine was set before them, and presently Yüan-tê told them of the plan to strive for tranquility. The two dealers were glad and at once gave them fifty good steeds, and beside, gold and silver and a thousand catties of steel fit for the forging of weapons.
After the merchants had taken their leave, armourers were summoned to forge weapons. For Yüan-tê they made a double sword. Yün-ch‘ang fashioned a long-handled, curved blade called “Black Dragon” or “Cold Beauty,” which weighed a full hundredweight, and Chang Fei made himself an eighteen-foot spear. Each too had a helmet and full armour.
When these were ready the troop, now five hundred strong, marched to Tsou Ching, who presented them to Liu Yen. When the ceremony of introduction was over, Yüan-tê declared his ancestry and Yen at once accorded him the favour due to a relation.
Before many days it was announced that the rebellion had actually broken out and the leader, Chêng Yüan-chih, had invaded the district with a huge army. Tsou Ching and the three heroes went out to oppose them with the five hundred men. Yüan-tê joyfully undertook to lead the van and marched to the foot of the Tahsing Hills where they saw the rebels. The rebels wore their hair flying about their shoulders and their foreheads were bound with yellow turbans.
When the two armies had been drawn up opposite each other Yüan-tê with his two brothers, one on each side, rode to the front and, flourishing his whip, began to hurl reproaches at the rebels and called upon them to surrender. Their leader, full of rage, sent out one Têng Mou to begin the battle. At once rode forward Chang Fei, his long spear poised to strike. One thrust and Têng rolled off his horse pierced through the heart. At this the leader himself whipped up his steed and rode forth with sword raised ready to slay Chang. But Kuan Yü swung up his ponderous weapon and rode at him. At the sight fear seized upon Chêng, and ere he could recover himself the great sword fell, cutting him in halves.
Two heroes new to war’s alarms, Ride boldly forth to try their arms. Their doughty deeds three kingdoms tell And poets sing how these befell.
Their leader fallen, the rebels threw away their weapons and fled. The official soldiers dashed in among them. Many thousands surrendered and the victory was complete. Thus this part of the rebellion was broken up.
On their return the Prefect met them and distributed rewards. But before long letters came from the prefecture of Chingchou saying that the rebels were laying siege to the chief city and it was near falling. Help was needed quickly.
“I will go,” said Yüan-tê as soon as he heard the news and he set out at once with his own men, reinforced by a large body under Tsou Ching. The rebels seeing help coming at once attacked most fiercely. The relieving force being comparatively small could not prevail and retired some thirty li, where they made a camp.
“They are many and we but few,” said Yüan-tê to his brothers. “We can only beat them by superior strategy.”
So they prepared an ambush. The two younger brothers, each with a goodly party, went behind the hills right and left and there hid. When the gongs beat they were to move out to support the main army.
These preparations made, the drums rolled for the advance. The rebels also came forward. Then Yüan-tê suddenly retired. Thinking this was their chance, the rebels pressed forward and were led over the hills. Then suddenly the gongs sounded for the ambush to discover itself and the rebels were attacked on three sides. They lost heavily and fled to the provincial city. But the Prefect led out the men he had to assist in the battle and the rebels were entirely defeated and many slain. Chingchou was no longer in danger.
Tho’ fierce as tigers soldiers be, Battles are won by strategy. A hero comes; he gains renown, Already destined for a crown.
After the celebrations in honour of victory were over Tsou Ching proposed to return home, but Yüan-tê preferred to go to the aid of his old master Lu Chih, then struggling with a horde of rebels led by Chang Chio. So they separated and the three brothers with their troop made their way of Kuangtsung.
They found the Prefect in camp, were admitted to his presence and declared the reason of their coming. The Prefect received them with great joy and they remained with him while he made his plans.
At that time the rebels there were three to one and the two armies were facing each other. Neither had had any success. The Prefect said to Liu Pei, “I am surrounding these rebels here but the other two brothers Chang Liang and Chang Pao are strongly intrenched opposite Huangfu Sung and Chu Chien at Yingch‘uan. I will give you a thousand more men and with these you can go to find out what is happening and we can then settle the moment to attack.”
So Yüan-tê set off and marched as quickly as possible. At that time the imperial troops were attacking with success and the rebels had retired upon Changshê. They had encamped among the thick grass, and, seeing this, Huangfu decided to attack them by fire. So he bade every man cut a bundle of dry grass and laid an ambush. That night the wind blew a gale and at the second watch they started a blaze. At the same time the rebels were attacked. Their camp was set on fire and the flames rose to the very heavens. The rebels were thrown into great confusion. There was no time to saddle horses or don armour; they fled in all directions.
The battle continued till dawn. Chang Liang and Chang Pao, with a few flying soldiers, found, as they thought, a way of escape. But suddenly a troop of soldiers with crimson banners appeared to oppose them. Their leader was a man of medium stature with small eyes and a long beard. He was one Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, also known as Ts‘ao Mêng-tê, a P‘eikuo man, holding the rank of Chi-tu-yü. His father was Ts‘ao Sung, who had been born to the Hsiahou family, but he had been brought up by the eunuch Ts‘ao T‘êng and had taken his family name. This Ts‘ao Ts‘ao was Sung’s son and, as a lad, bore the name of A-man.
As a young man Ts‘ao Ts‘ao had been fond of hunting and delighted in songs and dancing. He was resourceful and full of guile. An uncle, seeing the young fellow so unsteady, used to get angry with him and told his father Tsʻao Sung of his misdeeds. His father remonstrated with him.
But the youth was equal to the occasion. One day, seeing his uncle coming, he fell to the ground in a pretended fit. The uncle alarmed ran to tell his father, who came, and there was the youth in most perfect health.
“But your uncle said you were in a fit; are you better?”
“I have never suffered from fits or any such illness,” said Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. “But I have lost my uncle’s affection and he has deceived you.”
Thereafter, whatever the uncle might say of his faults, his father paid no heed. So the young man grew up licentious and uncontrolled.
A certain man of the time said to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, “Rebellion is at hand and only a man of the greatest ability can succeed in restoring tranquillity. That man is yourself.”
And Ho Yung of Nanyang said of him, “The dynasty of Han is about to fall. He who can restore peace is this man and only he.”
Ts‘ao Ts‘ao went to enquire his future of a wise man of Junan.
“What manner of man am I?” asked Ts‘ao.
The seer made no reply and again he put the question. Then he replied, “You are able enough to rule the world, but wicked enough to disturb it.”
Ts‘ao greatly rejoiced to hear this.
He graduated at twenty and began his career in a district near Loyang. In the four gates of the city he ruled he hung up clubs of various sorts and any breach of the law met with its punishment whatever the rank of the offender.
Now an uncle of a eunuch was found one night in the streets with a sword and was arrested. In due course he was beaten. Thereafter no one dared to offend and Ts‘ao’s name became terrible. Soon he became a magistrate.
At the outbreak of rebellion he held the rank of Chi-tu-yü and was given command of five thousand horse and foot to help fight at Yingch‘uan. He just happened to fall in with the newly defeated rebels whom he cut to pieces. Thousands were slain and endless banners and drums and horses were captured and not a little money. However the two leaders got away and, after an interview with Huangfu Sung, Tsʻao went in pursuit of them.
We return now to Yüan-tê. He and his brothers were hastening toward the point of danger when they heard the din of battle and saw flames rising high toward the sky. However they arrived too late for the fighting. They saw Huanfu and Chu to whom they told the intentions of Lu Chih.
“The rebel power is quite broken here,” said the chiefs, “but they will surely make for Kuangtsung to join Chang Chio. You can do nothing better than hasten back.”
The three brothers retraced their steps. Half way along the road they met a party of soldiers escorting a prisoner in a cage-cart. When they drew near the prisoner was no other than the man they were going to help. Hastily dismounting Liu Pei asked what had happened. Liu Chih explained, “I had surrounded the rebels and was on the point of smashing them, when Chang Chio employed some of his supernatural powers and prevented my victory. The Court sent down a eunuch to enquire into my failure and that official demanded a bribe. I told him how hard pressed we were and asked him where, in the circumstances, I could find a gift for him. He went away in wrath and reported that I was hiding behind my ramparts and would not give battle and I disheartened my men. So I was superseded by one Tung Cho and I have to go to the capital to answer the charge.”
This story put Chang Fei into a rage. He was for slaying the escort and setting free the prisoner. But Yüan-tê checked him.
“The Government will take the proper course,” said he. “You must not act hastily.” And they went their ways.
It was useless to continue on that road so Kuan Yü proposed to go back and they retook the road. Two days later they heard the thunder of battle behind some hills. Hastening to the top they beheld the government soldiers suffering great loss and they saw the countryside was full of Yellow Turbans. On their banners were the words, “Celestial Duke,” writ large.
“We will attack this Chang Chio,” said Yüan-tê and they galloped out to join in the battle.
Chang Chio had worsted Tung Cho and was following up his advantage. He was in hot pursuit when the three brothers dashed into his army, threw his ranks into confusion and drove him back. Then they returned with the rescued general to his camp.
“What officers have you?” asked Tung Cho, when he had leisure to speak to the brothers.
“None,” was the reply. And Tung treated them with disrespect. Yüan-tê retired calmly, but Chang Fei was furious.
“We have just rescued this menial in a bloody fight,” cried he, “and now he is rude to us! Nothing but his death can slake my anger.”
He would have dashed into the tent and slain the insulter had not his elder brothers held him back.
As it was in olden time so it is to-day, The simple wight may merit well, officialdom holds sway; Chang Fei, the blunt and hasty, where can you find his peer? But slaying the ungrateful would mean many deaths a year.
Tung Cho’s fate will be unrolled in later chapters.