1
高祖，沛豐邑中陽里人也，姓劉氏。 母媼嘗息大澤之陂，夢與神遇。 是時雷電晦冥，父太公往視，則見交龍於上。 已而有娠，遂產高祖。
Emperor Gaozu was born in Zhongyang Village in the town of Fengyi, Pei County. His surname was Liu. Once, while resting by the dike of a vast marsh, his mother dreamed that she encountered a divine being. At that moment, thunder crashed and darkness fell. His father, Taigong, went to investigate and saw two dragons entwined in the sky above. Soon after, she became pregnant and gave birth to Emperor Gaozu.
2
高祖為人，隆準而龍顏，美須髯，左股有七十二黑子。 寬仁愛人，意豁如也。 常有大度，不事家人生產作業。 及壯，試吏，為泗上亭長，廷中吏無所不狎侮。 好酒及色。 常從王媼、武負貰酒，時飲醉臥，武負、王媼見其上常有怪。 高祖每酤留飲，酒讎數倍。 及見怪，歲竟，此兩家常折券棄責。
Emperor Gaozu had a prominent nose, a face like a dragon, beautiful whiskers and beard, and seventy-two black moles on his left thigh. He was generous, benevolent, and loved people. His mind was open and magnanimous. He always showed great magnanimity and never concerned himself with the family's farming and business. As a young man, he took up an official position and became the local magistrate of Sishang Pavilion. He treated all the court officials with casual familiarity, even insulting them. He enjoyed drinking wine and romantic pursuits. He often went with Wang Po and Wu Fu to borrow wine. Sometimes he drank until he passed out. Wu Fu and Wang Po noticed that strange phenomena often appeared above him. Whenever Emperor Gaozu bought wine, he stayed to drink, and the bill was several times higher. Whenever something strange happened around him, the year would end with these two families tearing up contracts and forgiving debts.
3
高祖常繇咸陽，縱觀秦皇帝，喟然大息，曰：「嗟乎，大丈夫當如此矣！」
Emperor Gaozu often passed through Xianyang and gazed upon the Qin emperor. He would sigh deeply and say: "Ah, this is how a true man should live!"
4
單父人呂公善沛令，辟仇，從之客，因家焉。 沛中豪傑吏聞令有重客，皆往賀。 蕭何為主吏，主進，令諸大夫曰：「進不滿千錢，坐之堂下。」 高祖為亭長，素易諸吏，乃紿為謁曰「賀錢萬」，實不持一錢。 謁入，呂公大驚，起，迎之門。 呂公者，好相人，見高祖狀貌，因重敬之，引入坐上坐。 蕭何曰：「劉季固多大言，少成事。」 高祖因狎侮諸客，遂坐上坐，無所詘。 酒闌，呂公因目固留高祖。 竟酒，後。 呂公曰：「臣少好相人，相人多矣，無如季相，願季自愛。 臣有息女，願為箕帚妾。」 酒罷，呂媼怒呂公曰：「公始常欲奇此女，與貴人。 沛令善公，求之不與，何自妄許與劉季？」 呂公曰：「此非兒女子所知。」 卒與高祖。 呂公女即呂后也，生孝惠帝、魯元公主。
Lü Gong from Shanfu was on good terms with the magistrate of Pei. To avoid his enemies, he became the magistrate's guest and settled his family there. When the influential officials and clerks of Pei heard that the magistrate had an important guest, they all came to offer congratulations. Xiao He served as chief clerk and was in charge of receiving guests. He instructed the other officials: "Those who present less than one thousand cash should be seated below the hall." Emperor Gaozu was the local magistrate and usually treated officials casually. So he tricked them by having the announcement read "Congratulatory money: ten thousand cash," but in reality he didn't bring a single coin. When the announcement was read, Lü Gong was greatly startled. He rose and went out to welcome him at the gate. Lü Gong was skilled in reading faces. When he saw Emperor Gaozu's appearance, he was greatly impressed and led him inside to be seated in the place of honor. Xiao He said: "Liu Ji certainly talks big but accomplishes little." Emperor Gaozu took advantage of this to treat all the guests with casual familiarity and even insult them. He sat in the place of honor without showing any humility. As the banquet ended, Lü Gong signaled insistently to keep Emperor Gaozu there. After the banquet ended. Lü Gong said: "Since I was young, I've enjoyed reading faces. I've read many people's faces, but none compare to Ji's. I hope Ji takes good care of himself. I have a young daughter and wish to make her Ji's humble servant." After the wine ended, Lü Po angrily confronted Lü Gong: "You always said this daughter was exceptional and should marry someone noble. The magistrate of Pei was your friend and asked for her, but you wouldn't give her. Why are you now rashly promising her to Liu Ji?" Lü Gong replied: "This is not something that mere children and women can understand." In the end, she married Emperor Gaozu. This daughter of Lü Gong would become Empress Lü. She gave birth to Emperor Xiaohui and Princess Lu Yuan.
5
高祖嘗告歸之田。 呂后與兩子居田中，有一老父過請飲，呂后因餔之。 老父相后曰：「夫人天下貴人也。」 令相兩子，見孝惠帝，曰：「夫人所以貴者，乃此男也。」 相魯元公主，亦皆貴。 老父已去，高祖適從旁舍來，呂后具言客有過，相我子母皆大貴。 高祖問，曰：「未遠。」 乃追及，問老父。 老父曰：「鄉者夫人兒子皆以君，君相貴不可言。」 高祖乃謝曰：「誠如父言，不敢忘德。」 及高祖貴，遂不知老父處。
Once, Emperor Gaozu requested leave to return to his fields. Empress Lü lived in the countryside with their two children. An old man passed by and asked for a drink. Empress Lü fed him. The old man read Empress Lü's face and said: "Madame, you are a noble person of the world." He had him read the faces of the two children. When he saw Emperor Xiaohui, he said: "Madame's nobility comes from this male child." He read Princess Lu Yuan's face as well - all were noble. The old man had already left. Emperor Gaozu had just come from the side house. Empress Lü told him in full: "A guest passed by and read the faces of my children and mother - all are greatly noble." Emperor Gaozu asked where he had gone. She said: "Not far." So he pursued and caught up with him, asking the old man. The old man said: "Just now, Madame and the children all take after you. Your appearance shows nobility beyond words." Emperor Gaozu then thanked him and said: "If what you say is true, I won't forget your kindness." When Emperor Gaozu rose to power, he could no longer find the old man.
6
高祖為亭長，乃鲈竹皮為冠，令求盜之薛治，時時冠之，及貴常冠，所謂「劉氏冠」也。
While Emperor Gaozu was the local magistrate, he made a crown from bamboo bark. He was ordered to hunt bandits in Xuezhi and sometimes wore it. Even after rising to power, he wore it constantly. This became known as the "Liu Family Crown."
7
高祖以亭長為縣送徒驪山，徒多道亡。 自度比至皆亡之，到豐西澤中亭，止飲，夜皆解縱所送徒。 曰：「
As the local magistrate, Emperor Gaozu was assigned by the county to escort convicts to Mount Lishan. Most of the convicts escaped along the way. He figured that by the time they arrived, all would have fled. When they reached the pavilion in the western marsh of Feng, he stopped for a drink. At night, all the convicts escaped. He said: "
8
公等皆去，吾亦從此逝矣！」 徒中壯士願從諸十餘人。 高祖被酒，夜徑澤中，令一人行前。 行前者還報曰：「
You all go ahead. I'll take my leave from here too!" Over ten strong men among the convicts wished to follow him. Emperor Gaozu was drunk and at night went directly through the marsh, ordering one man to go ahead. The man who went ahead returned and reported: "
9
前有大蛇當徑，願還。」 高祖醉，曰：「壯士行，何畏！」 乃前，拔劍斬蛇。 蛇分為兩，道開。 行數里，醉困臥。 後人來至蛇所，有一老嫗夜哭。 人問嫗何哭，嫗曰：「人殺吾子。」 人曰：「嫗子何為見殺？」 嫗曰：「吾子，白帝子也，化為蛇，當道，今者赤帝子斬之，故哭。」 人乃以嫗為不誠，欲苦之，嫗因忽不見。 後人至，高祖覺。 告高祖，高祖乃心獨喜，自負。 諸從者日益畏之。
There is a large snake blocking the path ahead. We should turn back." Emperor Gaozu was drunk and said: "A brave man walks on. What is there to fear!" So he went forward and drew his sword to cut the snake. The snake split into two, and the path opened. He walked several li, then lay down drunk and exhausted. Later people came to the place where the snake was, and there was an old woman crying at night. People asked the old woman why she was crying. The old woman said: "Someone killed my son." People said: "Why was your son killed?" The old woman said: "My son was the son of the White Emperor. He transformed into a snake and blocked the road. Just now, the son of the Red Emperor cut him down. That's why I'm crying." People then thought the old woman was not telling the truth and wanted to torment her, but the old woman suddenly disappeared. Later people arrived, and Emperor Gaozu woke up. They told Emperor Gaozu, who was secretly delighted and grew confident in himself. His followers grew increasingly fearful of him.
10
秦始皇帝嘗曰「東南有天子氣」，於是東游以猒當之。 高祖隱於芒、碭山澤間，呂后與人俱求，常得之。 高祖怪問之。 呂后曰：「季所居上常有雲氣，故從往常得季。」 高祖又喜。 沛中子弟或聞之，多欲附者矣。
Qin Shihuang once said: "There is imperial aura in the southeast." So he traveled east to suppress it. Emperor Gaozu hid in the mountains and marshes between Mang and Dang. Empress Lü and others searched for him together and always found him. Emperor Gaozu was surprised and asked how. Empress Lü said: "There are always clouds above where you stay. That's why we can always find you by following them." Emperor Gaozu was delighted once more. Some young men from Pei heard about this and many wished to join him.
11
於是樊噲從高祖來。 沛令後悔，恐其有變，乃閉城城守，欲誅蕭、曹。 蕭、曹恐，踰城保高祖。 高祖乃書帛射城上，與沛父老曰：「天下同苦秦久矣。 今父老雖為沛令守，諸侯並起，今屠沛。 沛今共誅令，擇可立立之，以應諸侯，即室家完。 不然，父子俱屠，無為也。」 父老乃帥子弟共殺沛令，開城門迎高祖，欲以為沛令。 高祖曰：「天下方擾，諸侯並起，令置將不善，一敗塗地。 吾非敢自愛，恐能薄，不能完父兄子弟。 此大事，願吏擇可者。」 蕭、曹等皆文吏，自愛，恐事不就，後秦種族其家，盡讓高祖。 諸父老皆曰：「平生所聞劉季奇怪，當貴，且卜筮之，莫如劉季最吉。」 高祖數讓。 眾莫肯為，高祖乃立為沛公。 祠黃帝，祭蚩尤於沛廷，而釁鼓旗。 幟皆赤，由所殺蛇白帝子，所殺者赤帝子故也。 於是少年豪吏如蕭、曹、樊噲等皆為收沛子弟，得三千人。
So Fan Kuai came to follow Emperor Gaozu. The magistrate of Pei later regretted it and feared there would be trouble, so he closed the city gates and defended, wanting to execute Xiao and Cao. Xiao and Cao were afraid, so they climbed over the wall to join Emperor Gaozu. Emperor Gaozu then wrote on silk and shot it onto the city wall, saying to the elders of Pei: "All under heaven have suffered under Qin for a long time. Now although you elders are defending for the magistrate of Pei, the feudal lords are all rising up, and Pei will be massacred. If Pei now joins together to execute the magistrate and chooses someone worthy to establish as leader to respond to the feudal lords, then your families will be safe. Otherwise, fathers and sons will all be massacred together. There will be no benefit." The elders then led the young men together to kill the magistrate of Pei, opened the city gates to welcome Emperor Gaozu, and wanted to make him magistrate of Pei. Emperor Gaozu said: "The world is in chaos right now, with feudal lords rising up everywhere. If you appoint a commander who is not capable, one defeat will ruin everything. I'm not trying to protect myself. I'm afraid my abilities are weak and I cannot protect the fathers, brothers, and children. This is a major matter. I hope the officials will choose someone suitable." Xiao, Cao, and the others were all civil officials who cherished themselves. They feared that if things didn't succeed, Qin would exterminate their families, so they all yielded to Emperor Gaozu. All the elders said: "In our lifetime we've heard that Liu Ji is extraordinary and should become noble. Moreover, when we consulted the divination, none was more auspicious than Liu Ji." Emperor Gaozu declined repeatedly. No one else was willing to take it, so Emperor Gaozu was established as Lord of Pei. He sacrificed to the Yellow Emperor and made offerings to Chiyou in the Pei court, and smeared blood on the drums and flags. All the banners were red, because the snake he killed was the son of the White Emperor, and the one who killed it was the son of the Red Emperor. So the young brave officials like Xiao, Cao, Fan Kuai, and others all recruited young men from Pei and gathered three thousand.
12
是月，項梁與兄子羽起吳。 田儋與從弟榮、橫起齊，自立為齊王。 韓廣自立為燕王。 魏咎自立為魏王。 陳涉之將周章西入關，至戲，秦將章邯距破之。
In this month, Xiang Liang and his brother's son Yu rose up in Wu. Tian Dan and his younger brothers Rong and Heng rose up in Qi, establishing themselves as King of Qi. Han Guang established himself as King of Yan. Wei Jiu established himself as King of Wei. Chen She's general Zhou Zhang marched west into the pass and reached Xi, where Qin general Zhang Han opposed and defeated him.
13
秦二年十月，沛公攻胡陵、方與，還守豐。 秦泗川監平將兵圍豐。 二日，出與戰，破之。 令雍齒守豐。 十一月，沛公引兵之薜。 秦泗川守壯兵敗於薛，走至戚，沛公左司馬得殺之。 沛公還軍亢父，至方與。 趙王武臣為其將所殺。 十二月，楚王陳涉為其御莊賈所殺。 魏人周市略地豐沛，使人謂雍齒曰：「豐，故梁徙也，今魏地已定者數十城。 齒今下魏，魏以齒為侯守豐； 不下，且屠豐。」 雍齒雅不欲屬沛公，及魏招之，即反為魏守豐。 沛公攻豐，不能取。 沛公還之沛，怨雍齒與豐子弟畔之。
In the tenth month of the second year of Qin, Pei Gong attacked Hu Ling and Fang Yu, then returned to defend Feng. The Qin governor of Si River Ping led troops to besiege Feng. For two days they came out to battle and defeated him. He ordered Yong Chi to defend Feng. In the eleventh month, Pei Gong led troops to Xue. The Qin governor of Si River Zhuang was defeated at Xue and fled to Qi, where Pei Gong's left commander Sima De killed him. Pei Gong returned his army to Kangfu and arrived at Fang Yu. King Wu of Zhao was killed by his own general. In the twelfth month, King Chen She of Chu was killed by his charioteer Zhuang Jia. The Wei man Zhou Shi seized territory in Feng and Pei, and sent someone to tell Yong Chi: "Feng was originally Liang territory, now Wei has already pacified dozens of cities. If Chi now submits to Wei, Wei will make Chi a marquess to guard Feng; if he doesn't submit, Wei will massacre Feng." Yong Chi had long not wanted to serve Pei Gong, and when Wei summoned him, he immediately rebelled and defended Feng for Wei. Pei Gong attacked Feng but could not capture it. Pei Gong returned to Pei, resentful that Yong Chi and the young men of Feng had rebelled against him.
14
正月，張耳等立趙後趙歇為趙王。 東陽甯君、秦嘉立景駒為楚王，在留。 沛公往從之，道得張良，遂與俱見景駒，請兵以攻豐。 時章邯從陳，別將司馬镛將兵北定楚地，屠相，至碭。 東陽甯君、沛公引兵西，與戰蕭西，不利，還收兵聚留。 二月，攻碭，三日拔之。 收碭兵，得六千人，與故合九千人。 三月，攻下邑，拔之。 還擊豐，不下。 四月，項梁擊殺景駒、秦嘉，止薛，沛公往見之。 項梁益沛公卒五千人，五大夫將十人。 沛公還，引兵攻豐，拔之。 雍齒奔魏。
In the first month, Zhang Er and others established Zhao's former king Zhao Xie as King of Zhao. The Lord of Dongyang Ning and Qin Jia established Jing Ju as King of Chu, stationed at Liu. Pei Gong went to join him, met Zhang Liang along the way, and together they went to see Jing Ju, requesting troops to attack Feng. At this time, Zhang Han was pursuing Chen, while his deputy general Sima Yiou led troops north to pacify Chu territory, massacring Xiang and reaching Dang. The Lord of Dongyang Ning and Pei Gong led troops west and battled west of Xiao, but were unsuccessful, so they retreated and gathered troops at Liu. In the second month, they attacked Dang and captured it after three days. They recruited troops from Dang, getting six thousand men, and together with the previous troops made nine thousand. In the third month, they attacked Xiayi and captured it. They returned to attack Feng, but could not capture it. In the fourth month, Xiang Liang attacked and killed Jing Ju and Qin Jia, then stopped at Xue. Pei Gong went to see him. Xiang Liang increased Pei Gong's troops by five thousand men and ten generals of the rank of Grand Master. Pei Gong returned and led troops to attack Feng, capturing it. Yong Chi fled to Wei.
15
五月，項羽拔襄城還。 項梁盡召別將。 六月，沛公如薛，與項梁共立楚懷王孫心為楚懷王。 章邯破殺魏王咎、齊王田儋於臨濟。 七月，大霖雨。 沛公攻亢父。 章邯圍田榮於東阿。 沛公與項梁共救田榮，大破章邯東阿。 田榮歸，沛公、項羽追北，至城陽，攻屠其城。 軍濮陽東，復與章邯戰，又破之。
In the fifth month, Xiang Yu captured Xiangcheng and returned. Xiang Liang summoned all his deputy generals. In the sixth month, Pei Gong went to Xue and together with Xiang Liang established Chu King Huai's grandson Xin as King Huai of Chu. Zhang Han defeated and killed King Jiu of Wei and King Tian Dan of Qi at Linji. In the seventh month, there was heavy continuous rain. Pei Gong attacked Kangfu. Zhang Han besieged Tian Rong at Dong'e. Pei Gong and Xiang Liang together went to rescue Tian Rong and greatly defeated Zhang Han at Dong'e. Tian Rong returned. Pei Gong and Xiang Yu pursued the defeated enemy north to Chengyang and attacked, massacring the population of the city. The army encamped east of Puyang and again battled Zhang Han, defeating him once more.
16
章邯復振，守濮陽，環水。 沛公、項羽去攻定陶。 八月，田榮立田儋子市為齊王。 定陶未下，沛公與項羽西略地至雍丘，與秦軍戰，大敗之，斬三川守李由。 還攻外黃，外黃未下。
Zhang Han recovered his strength and defended Puyang, surrounding it with water. Pei Gong and Xiang Yu left to attack Dingtao. In the eighth month, Tian Rong established Tian Dan's son Shi as King of Qi. Dingtao had not yet fallen. Pei Gong and Xiang Yu marched west to seize territory as far as Yongqiu, where they battled Qin troops and greatly defeated them, beheading the governor of Sanchuan, Li You. They returned to attack Waihuang, but Waihuang did not fall.
17
項梁再破秦軍，有驕色。 宋義諫，不聽。 秦益章邯兵。 九月，章邯夜銜枚擊項梁定陶，大破之，殺項梁。 時連雨自七月至九月。 沛公、項羽方攻陳留，聞梁死，士卒恐，乃與將軍呂臣引兵而東，徙懷王自盱台都彭城。 呂臣軍彭城東，項羽軍彭城西，沛公軍碭。 魏咎弟豹自立為魏王。 後九月，懷王并呂臣、項羽軍自將之。 以沛公為碭郡長，封武安侯，將碭郡兵。 以羽為魯公，封長安侯，呂臣為司徒，其父呂青為令尹。
Xiang Liang defeated the Qin army again and showed arrogant bearing. Song Yi advised against it, but Xiang Liang did not listen. Qin increased Zhang Han's troops. In the ninth month, Zhang Han bit on wooden sticks and attacked Xiang Liang at Dingtao by night, greatly defeating him and killing Xiang Liang. At this time there was continuous rain from the seventh month until the ninth month. Pei Gong and Xiang Yu were attacking Chenliu when they heard of Liang's death. The soldiers were terrified, so they joined with General Lü Chen and led troops east, moving King Huai from Xutai to Pengcheng as the capital. Lü Chen's army was stationed east of Pengcheng, Xiang Yu's army west of Pengcheng, and Pei Gong's army at Dang. Wei Jiu's younger brother Bao established himself as King of Wei. In the ninth month afterward, King Huai combined Lü Chen and Xiang Yu's armies and personally took command. He appointed Pei Gong as governor of Dang commandery, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Wuan, and put him in command of Dang commandery troops. He appointed Yu as Duke of Lu and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Chang'an. Lü Chen became Minister of Works, and his father Lü Qing became Prime Minister.
18
章邯已破項梁，以為楚地兵不足憂，乃渡河北擊趙王歇，大破之。 歇保鉅鹿城，秦將王離圍之。 趙數請救，懷王乃以宋義為上將，項羽為次將，范增為末將，北救趙。
Zhang Han had already defeated Xiang Liang and thought that the Chu region's troops were not worth worrying about, so he crossed north of the Yellow River to attack King Xie of Zhao, greatly defeating him. Xie defended the city of Julu, where Qin general Wang Li besieged him. Zhao repeatedly requested rescue, so King Huai appointed Song Yi as supreme commander, Xiang Yu as deputy commander, and Fan Zeng as rear commander, to go north and rescue Zhao.
19
初，懷王與諸將約，先入定關中者王之。 當是時，秦兵彊，常乘勝逐北，諸將莫利先入關。 獨羽怨秦破項梁，奮勢，願與沛公西入關。 懷王諸老將皆曰：「項羽為人慓悍禍賊，嘗攻襄城，襄城無唣類，所過無不殘滅。 且楚數進取，前陳王、項梁皆敗，不如更遣長者扶義而西，告諭秦父兄。 秦父兄苦其主久矣，今誠得長者往，毋侵暴，宜可下。 項羽不可遣，獨沛公素寬大長者。」 卒不許羽，而遣沛公西收陳王、項梁散卒。 乃道碭至陽城與杠里，攻秦軍壁，破其二軍。
Initially, King Huai had made an agreement with the generals that whoever first entered and pacified Guanzhong would be made king of it. At this time, Qin troops were strong and often took advantage of victories to pursue defeated enemies. None of the generals saw benefit in being the first to enter the pass. Only Xiang Yu resented Qin for defeating Xiang Liang and was eager to go west into the pass with Pei Gong. King Huai's veteran generals all said: "Xiang Yu is fierce and violent, a man of disaster. He once attacked Xiangcheng, leaving no survivors in Xiangcheng. Wherever he passes, nothing is left undestroyed. Moreover, Chu has repeatedly advanced but the former King Chen and Xiang Liang both failed. It would be better to send an elder who upholds righteousness to go west and inform the fathers and brothers of Qin. The fathers and brothers of Qin have suffered under their ruler for a long time. Now if we truly send an elder, without invasion or violence, the region should submit. Xiang Yu should not be sent. Only Pei Gong is habitually magnanimous and an elder." In the end they did not permit Xiang Yu, but sent Pei Gong west to gather the scattered troops of King Chen and Xiang Liang. So he went by way of Dang to Yangcheng and Gangli, attacked Qin army fortifications, and broke two of their armies.
20
秦三年十月，齊將田都畔田榮，將兵助項羽救趙。 沛公攻破東郡尉於成武。 十一月，項羽殺宋義，并其兵渡河，自立為上將軍，諸將黥布等皆屬。 十二月，沛公引兵至栗，遇剛武侯，奪其軍四千餘人，并之，與魏將皇欣、武滿軍合，攻秦軍，破之。 故齊王建孫田安下濟北，從項羽救趙。 羽大破秦軍鉅鹿下，虜王離，走章邯。
In the tenth month of the third year of Qin, Qi general Tian Du rebelled against Tian Rong and led troops to help Xiang Yu rescue Zhao. Pei Gong attacked and defeated the Dongjun prefect at Chengwu. In the eleventh month, Xiang Yu killed Song Yi and took his troops, crossed the river, and established himself as supreme commander. Generals like Ying Bu and others all came under his command. In the twelfth month, Pei Gong led troops to Li and encountered Gangwu Marquis, seized over four thousand of his men, and combined them. He joined with Wei generals Huang Xin and Wu Man's army and attacked Qin troops, defeating them. Former Qi King Jian's grandson Tian An captured Jibei and followed Xiang Yu to rescue Zhao. Xiang Yu greatly defeated the Qin army at Julu, captured Wang Li, and drove away Zhang Han.
21
二月，沛公從碭北攻昌邑，遇彭越。 越助攻昌邑，未下。 沛公西過高陽，酈食其為里監門，曰：「諸將過此者多，吾視沛公大度。」 乃求見沛公。 沛公方踞床，使兩女子洗。 酈生不拜，長揖曰：「足下必欲誅無道秦，不宜踞見長者。」 於是沛公起，攝衣謝之，延上坐。 食其說沛公襲陳留。 沛公以為廣野君，以其弟商為將，將陳留兵。 三月，攻開封，未拔。 西與秦將楊熊會戰白馬，又戰曲遇東，大破之。 楊熊走之滎陽，二世使使斬之以徇。 四月，南攻潁川，屠之。 因張良遂略韓地。
In the second month, Pei Gong from north of Dang attacked Changyi and encountered Peng Yue. Yue helped attack Changyi, but it did not fall. Pei Gong passed west through Gaoyang. Li Yiji was the village gatekeeper and said: "Many generals have passed through here. I can see that Pei Gong has great magnanimity." So he sought to see Pei Gong. Pei Gong was sitting cross-legged on a bed, having two women wash his feet. Li Sheng did not bow but gave a deep bow and said: "If you truly wish to execute the tyrannical Qin, you should not sit cross-legged when receiving elders." So Pei Gong rose, straightened his clothes, and apologized. He invited him to sit in the honored position. Yiji persuaded Pei Gong to attack Chenliu by surprise. Pei Gong made him Lord Guangye and appointed his younger brother Shang as general, commanding the Chenliu troops. In the third month, they attacked Kaifeng but failed to capture it. They met Qin general Yang Xiong in battle at Baima to the west, and again at Quyu to the east, greatly defeating him. Yang Xiong fled to Xingyang. The Second Emperor sent an envoy to execute him as a warning to others. In the fourth month, they attacked Yingchuan to the south and massacred the population. Through Zhang Liang, they then seized the lands of Han.
22
時趙別將司馬卬方欲渡河入關，沛公乃北攻平陰，絕河津。 南，戰雒陽東，軍不利，從轘轅至陽城，收軍中馬騎。 六月，與南陽守齮戰犨東，大破之。 略南陽郡，南陽守走，保城守宛。 沛公引兵過宛西。 張良諫曰：「沛公雖欲急入關，秦兵尚眾，距險。 今不下宛，宛從後擊，彊秦在前，此危道也。」 於是沛公乃夜引軍從他道還，偃旗幟，遲明，圍宛城三匝。 南陽守欲自剄，其舍人陳恢曰：「死未晚也。」 乃踰城見沛公，曰：「臣聞足下約先入咸陽者王之，今足下留守宛。 宛郡縣連城數十，其吏民自以為降必死，故皆堅守乘城。 今足下盡日止攻，士死傷者必多； 引兵去宛，宛必隨足下。 足下前則失咸陽之約，後有彊宛之患。 為足下計，莫若約降，封其守，因使止守，引其甲卒與之西。 諸城未下者，聞聲爭開門而待足下，足下通行無所累。」 沛公曰：「善。」 七月，南陽守齮降，封為殷侯，封陳恢千戶。 引兵西，無不下者。 至丹水，高武侯鰓、襄侯王陵降。 還攻胡陽，遇番君別將梅鋗，與偕攻析、酈，皆降。 所過毋得鹵掠，秦民喜。 遣魏人甯昌使秦。 是月章邯舉軍降項羽，羽以為雍王。 瑕丘申陽下河南。
At this time, the Zhao general Sima Ang was about to cross the river into the passes. Pei Gong attacked Beiyin to the north and cut off the river crossings. To the south, they fought east of Luoyang. The battle went badly. They retreated from Huan Pass to Yangcheng and gathered cavalry from among the troops. In the sixth month, they fought Nanyang governor Yin east of Chu, greatly defeating him. They seized Nanyang commandery. The Nanyang governor fled and defended the city of Wan. Pei Gong led his troops west past Wan. Zhang Liang advised: "Although Pei Gong wishes to rush into the passes, the Qin troops are still numerous and hold the dangerous passes. If we do not take Wan now, Wan will attack from behind while the strong Qin face us ahead. This is a dangerous path." So Pei Gong led his army back by another route at night, hid his banners, and at dawn surrounded Wan city three times. The Nanyang governor was about to commit suicide, but his aide Chen Hei said: "It is not yet time to die." So he climbed over the wall to see Pei Gong and said: "I have heard that you promised to enfeoff as king whoever first entered Xianyang. Now you remain besieging Wan. Wan commandery has dozens of walled cities connected together. Its officials and people believe they will certainly die if they surrender, so they all defend their walls firmly. If you continue attacking all day, your soldiers who die and are wounded will certainly be many; Lead your troops away from Wan, and Wan will certainly follow you." Ahead you lose the agreement about Xianyang, behind you have the danger of strong Wan. For your sake, it would be better to make a treaty for surrender, enfeoff the governor, and then order him to remain as governor, leading his armored troops west with you. The cities that have not yet surrendered will hear of this and compete to open their gates waiting for you. You will pass through without hindrance." Pei Gong said: "Excellent." In the seventh month, Nanyang governor Yin surrendered. He was enfeoffed as Lord Yin, and Chen Hei was enfeoffed with a thousand households. He led troops west, and there was no city that did not surrender. He reached Danshui. Lord Gaowu Gai and Lord Xiang Wang Ling surrendered. Returning to attack Huyang, he encountered Fan Jun's separate general Mei Zhu, and together they attacked Xi and Li, all of which surrendered. Wherever they passed, they did not plunder. The Qin people rejoiced. He sent the Wei man Ning Chang as envoy to Qin. In this month, Zhang Han led his entire army to surrender to Xiang Yu, who enfeoffed him as King of Yong. Xiaqiu Shen Yang took Henan.
23
八月，沛公攻武關，入秦。 秦相趙高恐，乃殺二世，使人來，欲約分王關中，沛公不許。 九月，趙高立二世兄子子嬰為秦王。 子嬰誅滅趙高，遣將將兵距嶢關。 沛公欲擊之，張良曰：「秦兵尚彊，未可輕。 願先遣人益張旗幟於山上為疑兵，使酈食其、陸賈往說秦將，啗以利。」 秦將果欲連和，沛公欲許之。 張良曰：「此獨其將欲叛，恐其士卒不從，不如因其怠懈擊之。」 沛公引兵繞嶢關，踰蕢山，擊秦軍，大破之藍田南。 遂至藍田，又戰其北，秦兵大敗。
In the eighth month, Pei Gong attacked Wuguan and entered Qin. Qin chancellor Zhao Gao became fearful, so he killed the Second Emperor and sent people to try to make a treaty to divide the kingship of Guanzhong. Pei Gong did not agree. In the ninth month, Zhao Gao established the Second Emperor's younger brother Zi Ying as King of Qin. Zi Ying executed Zhao Gao and sent generals leading troops to defend Yao Pass. Pei Gong wanted to attack them. Zhang Liang said: "The Qin troops are still strong. We cannot be careless. I wish to first send people to increase banners on the mountains as feigned troops, and have Li Yiji and Lu Jia go persuade the Qin generals, enticing them with benefits." The Qin general indeed wanted to form an alliance. Pei Gong wanted to agree. Zhang Liang said: "This is only their general who wants to rebel. He fears his soldiers will not follow. It would be better to take advantage of their laxness and attack them." Pei Gong led his troops around Yao Pass, crossed Mount Qi, attacked the Qin army, and greatly defeated them south of Lantian. He then reached Lantian and fought again to its north. The Qin troops suffered a great defeat.
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或說沛公曰：「秦富十倍天下，地形彊。 今聞章邯降項羽，羽號曰雍王，王關中。 即來，沛公恐不得有此。 可急使守函谷關，毋內諸侯軍，稍徵關中兵以自益，距之。」 沛公然其計，從之。 十二月，項羽果帥諸侯兵欲西入關，關門閉。 聞沛公已定關中，羽大怒，使黥布等攻破函谷關，遂至戲下。 沛公左司馬曹毋傷聞羽怒，欲攻沛公，使人言羽曰：「沛公欲王關中，令子嬰相，珍寶盡有之。」 欲以求封。 亞父范增說羽曰：「沛公居山東時，貪財好色，今聞其入關，珍物無所取，婦女無所幸，此其志不小。 吾使人望其氣，皆為龍，成五色，此天子氣。 急擊之，勿失。」 於是饗士，旦日合戰。 是時，羽兵四十萬，號百萬。 沛公兵十萬，號二十萬，力不敵。 會羽季父左尹項伯素善張良，夜馳見張良，具告其實，欲與俱去，毋特俱死。 良曰：「臣為韓王送沛公，不可不告，亡去不義。」 乃與項伯俱見沛公。 沛公與伯約為婚姻，曰：「吾入關，秋豪無所敢取，籍吏民，封府庫，待將軍。 所以守關者，備他盜也。 日夜望將軍到，豈敢反邪！ 願伯明言不敢背德。」 項伯許諾，即夜復去。 戒沛公曰：「旦日不可不早自來謝。」 項伯還，具以沛公言告羽，因曰：「沛公不先破關中兵，公巨能入乎？ 且人有大功，擊之不祥，不如因善之。」 羽許諾。
Someone advised Pei Gong: "Qin is ten times richer than the world, and its terrain is strong. Now we hear that Zhang Han has surrendered to Xiang Yu, who is titled King of Yong and rules Guanzhong. If he comes, Pei Gong fears he may not be able to hold this." We can urgently send people to defend Hangu Pass and not let the feudal lords' armies enter, gradually conscript Guanzhong troops to strengthen ourselves, and resist them." Pei Gong approved this plan and followed it. In the twelfth month, Xiang Yu indeed led the feudal lords' troops wanting to enter the passes to the west, but the pass gates were closed. He heard that Pei Gong had already pacified Guanzhong. Xiang Yu was greatly angered and sent Ying Bu and others to break through Hangu Pass, then reached Xixia. Pei Gong's left marshal Cao Wushang heard of Xiang Yu's anger and wanted to attack Pei Gong. He sent someone to tell Xiang Yu: "Pei Gong wants to become king of Guanzhong and has Zi Ying as chancellor, possessing all the precious treasures." He wanted to seek enfeoffment through this. Prime Minister Fan Zeng advised Xiang Yu: "When Pei Gong was in Shandong, he was greedy for wealth and fond of women. Now we hear that upon entering the passes, he has taken none of the precious objects and favored none of the women. His ambitions are not small. I sent people to observe his aura, and it was all dragon-shaped, forming five colors. This is the aura of a Son of Heaven. Attack him urgently. Do not miss the opportunity." So he feasted his troops and the next day engaged in battle. At this time, Xiang Yu's troops numbered 400,000, claiming 1,000,000. Pei Gong's troops numbered 100,000, claiming 200,000. Their strength was no match. Xiang Yu's uncle Xiang Bo had long been on good terms with Zhang Liang. He galloped at night to see Zhang Liang and told him everything in detail. He wanted to leave with him and not die together. Liang said: "I was sent by the King of Han to escort Pei Gong. I cannot fail to inform him. To flee would be unrighteous." So he went with Xiang Bo to see Pei Gong. Pei Gong made a marriage alliance with Xiang Bo and said: "When I entered the passes, I dared not take even the smallest thing. I registered the officials and people, sealed the treasuries, and waited for the general. The reason I guarded the passes was to prepare against other bandits. Day and night I hoped for the general's arrival. How could I dare rebel! I hope Xiang Bo will make this clear that I dare not betray righteousness." Xiang Bo agreed and that night left again. He warned Pei Gong: "Tomorrow morning you must not fail to come early and apologize." Xiang Bo returned and told Xiang Yu everything Pei Gong had said. He added: "If Pei Gong had not first broken the Guanzhong troops, could you have entered? Moreover, when someone has great merit, to attack him is inauspicious. It would be better to take advantage of and reward him." Xiang Yu agreed.
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沛公旦日從百餘騎見羽鴻門，謝曰：「臣與將軍戮力攻秦，將軍戰河北，臣戰河南，不自意先入關，能破秦，與將軍復相見。 今者有小人言，令將軍與臣有隙。」 羽曰：「此沛公左司馬曹毋傷言之，不然，籍何以生此？」 羽因留沛公飲。 范增數目羽擊沛公，羽不應。 范增起，出謂項莊曰：「
The next morning Pei Gong came with over a hundred cavalry to see Xiang Yu at Hongmen. He apologized: "I and the general joined forces to attack Qin. The general fought north of the Yellow River, I fought south of the Yellow River. I did not expect to enter the passes first and break Qin, then meet the general again. Now some petty person has spoken, causing the general and me to have a rift." Xiang Yu said: "This was spoken by Pei Gong's left marshal Cao Wushang. Otherwise, how could I have thought this?" Xiang Yu then kept Pei Gong to drink. Fan Zeng repeatedly signaled Xiang Yu to attack Pei Gong, but Xiang Yu did not respond. Fan Zeng rose and went out to tell Xiang Zhuang:
26
君王為人不忍，汝入以劍舞，因擊沛公，殺之。 不者，汝屬且為所虜。」 莊入為壽。 壽畢，曰：「軍中無以為樂，請以劍舞。」 因拔劍舞。 項伯亦起舞，常以身翼蔽沛公。 樊噲聞事急，直入，怒甚。 羽壯之，賜以酒。 噲因譙讓羽。 有頃，沛公起如廁，招樊噲出，置車官屬，獨騎，與樊噲、靳彊、滕公、紀成步，從間道走軍，使張良留謝羽。 羽問：「沛公安在？」 曰：「聞將軍有意督過之，脫身去，間至軍，故使臣獻璧。」 羽受之。 又獻玉斗范增。 增怒，撞其斗，起曰：「吾屬今為沛公虜矣！」
The lord is a man without mercy. You enter and perform the sword dance, then take advantage to strike Pei Gong and kill him. If not, you and your clan will soon be his captives." Xiang Zhuang entered and made a toast. When the toast was finished, he said: "There is nothing to provide entertainment in the army. Please allow me to perform the sword dance." So he drew his sword and began to dance. Xiang Bo also rose to dance, constantly using his body to shield Pei Gong. Fan Kuai heard the situation was urgent and charged straight in, extremely angry. Xiang Yu admired his bravery and gave him wine. Fan Kuai took advantage to rebuke Xiang Yu. After a while, Pei Gong rose as if to use the toilet and beckoned Fan Kuai to come out. He placed his chariot officials and retainers, rode alone with Fan Kuai, Jin Qiang, Lord Teng, and Ji Cheng on foot, escaping the army by a side road, leaving Zhang Liang to stay and apologize to Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu asked: "Where is Pei Gong?" Zhang Liang said: "He heard that the general intended to punish him for his faults. He slipped away and secretly returned to his army. Therefore he sent me to present this jade disk." Xiang Yu accepted it. He also presented a jade goblet to Fan Zeng. Fan Zeng was angry and smashed his goblet. He rose and said: "We and our clans will soon be Pei Gong's captives!"
27
沛公歸數日，羽引兵西屠咸陽，殺秦降王子嬰，燒秦宮室，所過無不殘滅。 秦民大失望。 羽使人還報懷王，懷王曰：「如約。」 羽怨懷王不肯令與沛公俱西入關，而北救趙，後天下約。 乃曰：「
Pei Gong returned several days later. Xiang Yu led troops west to massacre Xianyang, killed the Qin surrender prince Zi Ying, burned the Qin palaces. Everywhere he passed, nothing was left undestroyed. The Qin people were greatly disappointed. Xiang Yu sent someone to report back to King Huai. King Huai said: "As agreed." Xiang Yu resented that King Huai had not allowed him to enter the passes together with Pei Gong, but instead had him go north to rescue Zhao, coming after the agreement about the world. So he said:
28
懷王者，吾家所立耳，非有功伐，何以得專主約！ 本定天下，諸將與籍也。」 春正月，陽尊懷王為義帝，實不用其命。
King Huai was established by my family, he has no meritorious achievements. Why should he monopolize the agreements! Originally it was the generals and I who pacified the world." In the first month of spring, Yang honored King Huai as Righteous Emperor, but in reality did not follow his commands.
29
二月，羽自立為西楚霸王，王梁、楚地九郡，都彭城。 背約，更立沛公為漢王，王巴、蜀、漢中四十一縣，都南鄭。 三分關中，立秦三將：章邯為雍王，都廢丘； 司馬欣為塞王，都櫟陽； 董翳為翟王，都高奴。 楚將瑕丘申陽為河南王，都洛陽。 趙將司馬卬為殷王，都朝歌。 當陽君英布為九江王，都六。 懷王柱國共敖為臨江王，都江陵。 番君吳芮為衡山王，都邾。 故齊王建孫田安為濟北王。 徙魏王豹為西魏王，都平陽。 徙燕王韓廣為遼東王。 燕將臧荼為燕王，都薊。 徙齊王田市為膠東王。 齊將田都為齊王，都臨菑。 徙趙王歇為代王。 趙相張耳為常山王。 漢王怨羽之背約，欲攻之，丞相蕭何諫，乃止。
In the second month, Xiang Yu established himself as Hegemon King of Western Chu, ruling the lands of Liang and Chu, nine commanderies, with capital at Pengcheng. Breaking the agreement, he further established Pei Gong as King of Han, ruling Ba, Shu, Hanzhong, and 41 counties, with capital at Nanzheng. He divided Guanzhong into three parts, establishing the three Qin generals: Zhang Han as King of Yong, capital at Feiqiu; Sima Xin as King of Sai, capital at Queyang; Dong Yi as King of Di, capital at Gaonu. Chu general Xiaqiu Shen Yang as King of Henan, capital at Luoyang. Zhao general Sima Ang as King of Yin, capital at Zhaoge. Dangyang Lord Ying Bu as King of Jiujiang, capital at Liu. King Huai's Pillar of State Gong Ao as King of Linjiang, capital at Jiangling. Fan Jun Wu Rui as King of Hengshan, capital at Zhu. The former King of Qi Jian's grandson Tian An as King of Jibei. Moved King of Wei Bao to King of Western Wei, capital at Pingyang. Moved King of Yan Han Guang to King of Liaodong. Yan general Zang Tu as King of Yan, capital at Ji. Moved King of Qi Tian Shi to King of Jiaodong. Qi general Tian Du as King of Qi, capital at Linzi. Moved King of Zhao Xie to King of Dai. Zhao chancellor Zhang Er as King of Changshan. King Han resented Xiang Yu for breaking the agreement and wanted to attack him. Chancellor Xiao He advised against it, so he stopped.
30
夏四月，諸侯罷戲下，各就國。 羽使卒三萬人從漢王，楚子、諸侯人之慕從者數萬人，從杜南入蝕中。 張良辭歸韓，漢王送至褒中，因說漢王燒絕棧道，以備諸侯盜兵，亦視項羽無東意。
In the fourth month of summer, the feudal lords departed from Xixia and each went to their kingdoms. Xiang Yu sent 30,000 troops to follow King Han, and Chu nobles and feudal lords who admired and followed him numbered several tens of thousands. They entered Shuzhong from Dushan. Zhang Liang took leave to return to Han. King Han escorted him to Baozhong, where Zhang Liang advised King Han to burn and destroy the plank roads to guard against bandit troops of the feudal lords, and also to show Xiang Yu that he had no intention of going east.
31
漢王既至南鄭，諸將及士卒皆歌謳思東歸，多道亡還者。 韓信為治粟都尉，亦亡去，蕭何追還之，因薦於漢王，曰：「
King Han having arrived at Nanzheng, the generals and soldiers all sang ballads longing to return east, and many deserted and went back by the roads. Han Xin was grain supply commander, but he also deserted. Xiao He pursued and brought him back, then recommended him to King Han, saying:
32
必欲爭天下，非信無可與計事者。」 於是漢王齊戒設壇場，拜信為大將軍，問以計策。 信對曰：「項羽背約而王君王於南鄭，是遷也。 吏卒皆山東之人，日夜企而望歸，及其鋒而用之，可以有大功。 天下已定，民皆自寧，不可復用。 不如決策東向。」 因陳羽可圖三秦易并之計。 漢王大說，遂聽信策，部署諸將。 留蕭何收巴蜀租，給軍食。
If you truly wish to contend for the world, there is no one but Xin with whom you can plan affairs." So King Han purified himself and set up an altar platform, appointing Xin as grand general and asking him for strategies. Xin replied: "Xiang Yu broke the agreement and enfeoffed you as king in Nanzheng. This was banishment. The officials and soldiers are all men from east of the mountains. Day and night they crane their necks longing to return home. If you take advantage of their keen edge and use them now, you can achieve great merit. When the world is pacified, the people will all be at peace. They cannot be used again. It would be better to decide now and advance east." He then laid out the plan for how Xiang Yu could be plotted against and the three Qins easily united. King Han was greatly pleased and followed Xin's strategy, deploying the various generals. He left Xiao He to collect taxes from Ba and Shu to supply the army's provisions.
33
五月，漢王引兵從故道出襲雍。 雍王邯迎擊漢陳倉，雍兵敗，還走； 戰好畤，又大敗，走廢丘。 漢王遂定雍地。 東如咸陽，引兵圍雍王廢丘，而遣諸將略地。
In the fifth month, King Han led troops from the old road to attack Yong by surprise. King Yong Zhang Han met and attacked the Han army at Chencang. The Yong troops were defeated and fled back; they fought at Haozhi and suffered another great defeat, fleeing to Feiqiu. King Han then pacified Yong territory. He went east to Xianyang, led troops to surround King Yong at Feiqiu, and sent various generals to seize territory.
34
田榮聞羽徙齊王市於膠東而立田都為齊王，大怒，以齊兵迎擊田都。 都走降楚。 六月，田榮殺田市，自立為齊王。 時彭城在鉅野，眾萬餘人，無所屬。 榮與越將軍印，因令反梁地。 越擊殺濟北王安，榮遂并三齊之地。 燕王韓廣亦不肯徙遼東。 秋八月，臧荼殺韓廣，并其地。 塞王欣、翟王翳皆降漢。
Tian Rong heard that Xiang Yu had moved King Qi Tian Shi to Jiaodong and established Tian Du as King of Qi. He was greatly angered and led Qi troops to attack Tian Du. Tian Du fled and surrendered to Chu. In the sixth month, Tian Rong killed Tian Shi and established himself as King of Qi. At this time Peng Yue was at Juye with over 10,000 followers, belonging to no one. Tian Rong gave the general's seal to the Yue general and ordered him to rebel in Liang territory. Yue attacked and killed King Jibei Tian An. Tian Rong then united the three Qi territories. King Yan Han Guang also refused to move to Liaodong. In the eighth month of autumn, Zang Tu killed Han Guang and took his territory. King Sai Xin and King Di Yi both surrendered to Han.
35
初，項梁立韓後公子成為韓王，張良為韓司徒。 羽以良從漢王，韓王成又無功，故不遣就國，與俱至彭城，殺之。 及聞漢王并關中，而齊、梁畔之，羽大怒，乃以故吳令鄭昌為韓王，距漢。 令蕭公角擊彭越，越敗角兵。 時張良徇韓地，遺羽書曰：「漢欲得關中，如約即止，不敢復東。」 羽以故無西意，而北擊齊。
Initially, Xiang Liang established the Han royal descendant Cheng as King of Han, with Zhang Liang as Han tutor. Xiang Yu, because Liang followed King Han, and King Han Cheng had no merit, did not send him to his kingdom but brought him to Pengcheng and killed him. When he heard that King Han had united Guanzhong and Qi and Liang had rebelled, Xiang Yu was greatly angered. He established the former Wu magistrate Zheng Chang as King of Han to oppose Han. He ordered Xiao Gong Jiao to attack Peng Yue. Yue defeated Jiao's troops. At this time Zhang Liang was campaigning in Han territory. He sent Xiang Yu a letter: "Han wishes to obtain Guanzhong. If the agreement is honored, we will stop and dare not advance east again." Xiang Yu therefore had no intention of going west, but instead attacked Qi to the north.
36
九月，漢王遣將軍薛歐、王吸出武關，因王陵兵，從南陽迎太公、呂后於沛。 羽聞之，發兵距之陽夏，不得前。
In the ninth month, King Han sent generals Xue Ou and Wang Xi out of Wuguan, relying on Wang Ling's troops, going from Nanyang to welcome the Duke of Tai and Empress Lü from Pei. Xiang Yu heard of this and sent troops to block them at Yangxia, preventing them from advancing.
37
二年冬十月，項羽使九江王布殺義帝於郴。 陳餘亦怨羽獨不王己，從田榮藉助兵，以擊常山王張耳。 耳敗走降漢，漢王厚遇之。 陳餘迎代王歇還趙，歇立餘為代王。 張良自韓間行歸漢，漢王以為成信侯。
In the tenth month of winter in the second year, Xiang Yu ordered King Jiujiang Ying Bu to kill Righteous Emperor Huai at Chen. Chen Yu also resented that Xiang Yu alone did not enfeoff him as king. He borrowed troops from Tian Rong and attacked King Changshan Zhang Er. Zhang Er was defeated, fled, and surrendered to Han. King Han treated him generously. Chen Yu welcomed King Dai Xie back to Zhao. Xie established Yu as King of Dai. Zhang Liang secretly made his way back to Han from Korea. King Han enfeoffed him as Lord Chengxin.
38
漢王如陝，鎮撫關外父老。 河南王申陽降，置河南郡。 使韓太尉韓信擊韓，韓王鄭昌降。 十一月，立韓太尉信為韓王。 漢王還歸，都櫟陽，使諸將略地，拔隴西。 以萬人若一郡降者，封萬戶。 繕治河上塞。 故秦苑囿園池，令民得田之。
King Han went to Shan and pacified the elders outside the passes. King Henan Shen Yang surrendered. Henan commandery was established. He sent Han marshal Han Xin to attack Han. King Han Zheng Chang surrendered. In the eleventh month, he established Han marshal Xin as King of Han. King Han returned and established his capital at Queyang, sending various generals to seize territory and capture Longxi. Those who surrendered with ten thousand men or an entire commandery were enfeoffed with ten thousand households. He repaired the fortifications along the Yellow River. The former Qin parks, gardens, and ponds were opened so the people could farm them.
39
三月，漢王自臨晉渡河，魏王豹降，將兵從。 下河內，虜殷王卬，置河內郡。 至脩武，陳平亡楚來降。 漢王與語，說之，使參乘，監諸將。 南渡平陰津，至洛陽，新城三老董公遮說漢王曰：「臣聞『順德者昌，逆德者亡』，『兵出無名，事故不成』。 故曰：『明其為賊，敵乃可服。』 項羽為無道，放殺其主，天下之賊也。 夫仁不以勇，義不以力，三軍之眾為之素服，以告之諸侯，為此東伐，四海之內莫不仰德。 此三王之舉也。」 漢王曰：「善，非夫子無所聞。」 於是漢王為義帝發喪，袒而大哭，哀臨三日。 發使告諸侯曰：「
In the third month, King Han crossed the Yellow River from Linjin. King Wei Bao surrendered and led troops to follow him. He took Henan and captured King Yin Ang, establishing Henan commandery. He reached Xiuwu. Chen Ping deserted Chu and came to surrender. King Han spoke with him and was pleased. He had him ride in the chariot and oversee the various generals. He crossed south at Pingyin ford and reached Luoyang. The elder of Xincheng, Dong Gong, blocked and advised King Han: "I have heard that 'those who follow virtue prosper, those who oppose virtue perish,' and 'when troops are sent out without just cause, affairs will not succeed." Therefore it is said: 'Make clear that he is the traitor, and the enemy can then be subdued." Xiang Yu acts without righteousness, having deposed and killed his lord. He is the traitor of the world. Benevolence does not rely on bravery, righteousness does not rely on strength. The multitudes of the three armies will sincerely submit to you. Proclaim this to the feudal lords and then advance east. All within the four seas will look up to your virtue. This is the undertaking of the Three Kings." King Han said: "Excellent. Were it not for you, sir, I would have heard nothing of this." So King Han held mourning rites for the Righteous Emperor, bared his shoulder and wept loudly, conducting the mourning rites for three days. He sent envoys to proclaim to the feudal lords:
40
天下共立義帝，北面事之。 今項羽放殺義帝江南，大逆無道。 寡人親為發喪，兵皆縞素。 悉發關中兵，收三河士，南浮江漢以下，願從諸侯王擊楚之殺義帝者。」
The world together established the Righteous Emperor and served him facing north. Now Xiang Yu has deposed and killed the Righteous Emperor in Jiangnan. This is great rebellion without righteousness. I personally conduct the mourning rites. All troops wear white mourning clothes. Mobilize all Guanzhong troops, gather the warriors of the three river regions, float south on the Jiang and Han rivers and below, and wish to follow the feudal lords to attack those who killed the Righteous Emperor in Chu."
41
夏四月，田榮弟橫收得數萬人，立榮子廣為齊王。 羽雖聞漢東，既擊齊，欲遂破之而後擊漢，漢王以故得劫五諸侯兵，東伐楚。 到外黃，彭越將三萬人歸漢。 漢王拜越為魏相國，令定梁地。 漢王遂入彭城，收羽美人貨賂，置酒高會。 羽聞之，令其將擊齊，而自以精兵三萬人從魯出胡陵，至蕭，晨擊漢軍，大戰彭城靈壁東睢水上，大破漢軍，多殺士卒，睢水為之不流。 圍漢王三匝。 大風從西北起，折木發屋，揚砂石，晝晦，楚軍大亂，而漢王得與數十騎遁去。 過沛，使人求室家，室家亦已亡，不相得。 漢王道逢孝惠、魯元，載行。 楚騎追漢王，漢王急，推墮二子。 滕公下收載，遂得脫。 審食其從太公、呂后間行，反遇楚軍，羽常置軍中以為質。 諸侯見漢敗，皆亡去。 塞王欣、翟王翳降楚，殷王卬死。
In the fourth month of summer, Tian Rong's younger brother Heng gathered several tens of thousands of men and established Tian Rong's son Guang as King of Qi. Although Xiang Yu heard that Han was advancing east, since he was attacking Qi, he wished to completely defeat Qi first and then attack Han. King Han therefore was able to coerce the five feudal lords' troops and advance east to attack Chu. He reached Waihuang. Peng Yue led 30,000 men and surrendered to Han. King Han appointed Yue as prime minister of Wei and ordered him to pacify Liang territory. King Han then entered Pengcheng, took Xiang Yu's beautiful women and treasures, and held a great banquet. Xiang Yu heard of this and ordered his generals to attack Qi, while he himself led 30,000 elite troops from Lu through Huling to Xiao. At dawn he attacked the Han army, fighting a great battle east of Pengcheng at Lingbi on the Sui River. He greatly defeated the Han army, killing many soldiers and officers. The Sui River stopped flowing because of the bodies. He surrounded King Han three times. A great wind arose from the northwest, breaking trees and tearing off roofs, whipping up sand and stones, darkening the day. The Chu army was greatly thrown into confusion, and King Han was able to escape with several dozen cavalry. Passing through Pei, he sent people to seek his family. His family had also fled and they could not find each other. King Han met Xiaohui and Lu Yuan on the road and had them ride in the carriage. Chu cavalry pursued King Han. King Han was desperate and pushed the two children off the carriage. Lord Teng dismounted to pick them up and put them in the carriage, and thus they escaped. Shen Yiji secretly escorted the Duke of Tai and Empress Lü, but encountered Chu troops. Xiang Yu constantly kept them in the army as hostages. The feudal lords saw that Han was defeated and all fled. King Sai Xin and King Di Yi surrendered to Chu. King Yin Ang died.
42
呂后兄周呂侯將兵居下邑，漢王往從之。 稍收士卒，軍碭。
Empress Lü's elder brother Zhou Lühou led troops stationed at Xiayi. King Han went to join him. He gradually gathered soldiers and officers, encamping at Dang.
43
漢王西過梁地，至虞，謂謁者隨何曰：「公能說九江王布使舉兵畔楚，項王必留擊之。 得留數月，吾取天下必矣。」 隨何往說布，果使畔楚。
King Han passed west through Liang territory and reached Yu. He said to the usher Sui He: "You can persuade King Jiujiang Ying Bu to raise troops and rebel against Chu. Xiang Yu will certainly stay to attack him. If we can hold him back for several months, I will certainly take the world." Sui He went to persuade Ying Bu, and indeed made him rebel against Chu.
44
五月，漢王屯滎陽，蕭何發關中老弱未傅者悉詣軍。 韓信亦收兵與漢王會，兵復大振。 與楚戰滎陽南京、索間，破之。 築甬道，屬河，以取敖倉粟。 魏王豹謁歸視親疾。 至則絕河津，反為楚。
In the fifth month, King Han encamped at Xingyang. Xiao He conscripted all the old and weak in Guanzhong who had not yet been registered and sent them all to the army. Han Xin also gathered troops and joined King Han. The army was greatly strengthened again. They fought Chu at Xingyang south of Nanjing and between the Suo River, defeating them. They built a covered walkway connecting to the Yellow River to obtain grain from Aocang. King Wei Bao took leave to return and visit his ailing parent. Upon arriving, he cut off the river crossings and rebelled for Chu.
45
六月，漢王還櫟陽。 壬午，立太子，赦罪人。 令諸侯子在關中者皆集櫟陽為衛。 引水灌廢丘，廢丘降，章邯自殺。 雍州定，八十餘縣，置河上、渭南、中地、隴西、上郡。 令祠官祀天地四方上帝山川，以時祠之。 興關中卒乘邊塞。 關中大飢，米斛萬錢，人相食。 令民就食蜀漢。
In the sixth month, King Han returned to Queyang. On the day renwu, he established the crown prince and pardoned criminals. He ordered all the feudal lords' sons in Guanzhong to assemble at Queyang as guards. He diverted water to flood Feiqiu. Feiqiu surrendered. Zhang Han committed suicide. Yong province was pacified with over 80 counties. He established Heshang, Weinan, Zhongdi, Longxi, and Shangjun commanderies. He ordered the ritual officials to sacrifice to Heaven, Earth, the Four Directions, Supreme Deities, mountains, and rivers, making sacrifices at the proper times. He raised Guanzhong troops to garrison the border fortifications. Guanzhong suffered great famine. Rice cost 10,000 cash per bushel. People ate each other. He ordered the people to go to Shu and Han for food.
46
秋八月，漢王如滎陽，謂酈食其曰：「緩頰往說魏王豹，能下之，以魏地萬戶封生。」 食其往，豹不聽。 漢王以韓信為左丞相，與曹參、灌嬰俱擊魏。 食其還，漢王問：「魏大將誰也？」 對曰：「柏直。」 王曰：「是口尚乳臭，不能當韓信。 騎將誰也？」 曰：「馮敬。」 曰：「是秦將馮無擇子也，雖賢，不能當灌嬰。 步卒將誰也？」 曰：「項它。」 曰：「是不能當曹參。 吾無患矣。」 九月，信等虜豹，傳詣滎陽。 定魏地，置河東、太原、上黨郡。 信使人請兵三萬人，願以北舉燕趙，東擊齊，南絕楚糧道。 漢王與之。
In the eighth month of autumn, King Han went to Xingyang and said to Li Yiji: "Go slowly to persuade King Wei Bao. If you can make him submit, I will enfeoff you with 10,000 households from Wei territory." Li Yiji went, but Bao did not listen. King Han appointed Han Xin as left chancellor, and together with Cao Can and Guan Ying attacked Wei. Li Yiji returned. King Han asked: "Who is Wei's chief general?" He replied: "Bai Zhi." The king said: "His mouth still smells of milk. He cannot face Han Xin. Who is their cavalry general?" He said: "Feng Jing." He said: "He is the son of the Qin general Feng Wuzhe. Though capable, he cannot face Guan Ying. Who is their infantry general?" He said: "Xiang Tuo." He said: "He cannot face Cao Can. I have no worries." In the ninth month, Xin and others captured Bao and sent him to Xingyang. They pacified Wei territory and established Hedong, Taiyuan, and Shangdang commanderies. Xin sent someone to request 30,000 troops, wishing to advance north against Yan and Zhao, east against Qi, and south to cut off Chu's grain routes. King Han agreed.
47
三年冬十月，韓信、張耳東下井陘擊趙，斬陳餘，獲趙王歇。 置常山、代郡。 甲戌晦，日有食之。 十一月癸卯晦，日有食之。
In the tenth month of winter in the third year, Han Xin and Zhang Er advanced east through Jingxing to attack Zhao, executed Chen Yu, and captured King Zhao Xie. They established Changshan and Dai commanderies. On the day jiachen last day of the month, there was a solar eclipse. On the day guimao last day of the eleventh month, there was a solar eclipse.
48
隨何既說黥布，布起兵攻楚。 楚使項聲、龍且攻布，布戰不勝。 十二月，布與隨何間行歸漢。 漢王分之兵，與俱收兵至成皋。
After Sui He persuaded Ying Bu, Bu raised troops to attack Chu. Chu sent Xiang Sheng and Long Ju to attack Bu. Bu fought but was not victorious. In the twelfth month, Bu and Sui He secretly made their way back to Han. King Han divided his troops with them and together gathered troops to reach Chenggao.
49
項羽數侵奪漢甬道，漢軍乏食，與酈食其謀橈楚權。 食其欲立六國後以樹黨，漢王刻印，將遣食其立之。 以問張良，良發八難。 漢王輟飯吐哺，曰：「豎儒幾敗乃公事！」 令趨銷印。 又問陳平，乃從其計，與平黃金四萬斤，以間疏楚君臣。
Xiang Yu repeatedly invaded and seized Han's covered walkway. The Han army lacked food. He consulted with Li Yiji about weakening Chu's power. Li Yiji wished to establish the descendants of the six kingdoms to create allies. King Han carved seals and was about to send Li Yiji to establish them. He asked Zhang Liang about it. Liang presented eight difficulties. King Han put down his food and spat it out, saying: "This pedantic scholar almost ruined your lord's affairs!" He ordered them to hurry and destroy the seals. He also asked Chen Ping, then followed his plan, giving Ping 40,000 jin of gold to sow dissension and alienate Chu's ruler and ministers.
50
夏四月，項羽圍漢滎陽，漢王請和，割滎陽以西者為漢。 亞父勸項羽急攻滎陽，漢王患之。 陳平反間既行，羽果疑亞父。 亞父大怒而去，發病死。
In the fourth month of summer, Xiang Yu surrounded Han at Xingyang. King Han requested peace, offering to divide Xingyang west as Han territory. Prime Minister Fan advised Xiang Yu to urgently attack Xingyang. King Han was troubled by this. Chen Ping's reverse espionage having succeeded, Xiang Yu indeed suspected Prime Minister Fan. Prime Minister Fan was greatly angered and left. He fell ill and died.
51
五月，將軍紀信曰：「事急矣！ 臣請誑楚，可以間出。」 於是陳平夜出女子東門二千餘人，楚因四面擊之。 紀信乃乘王車，黃屋左纛，曰：「食盡，漢王降楚。」 楚皆呼萬歲，之城東觀，以故漢王得與數十騎出西門遁。 令御史大夫周苛、魏豹、樅公守滎陽。 羽見紀信，問：「漢王安在？」 曰：「已出去矣。」 羽燒殺信。 而周苛、樅公相謂曰：「反國之王，難與守城。」 因殺魏豹。
In the fifth month, General Ji Xin said: "The situation is urgent! I request to deceive Chu so we can break out." So Chen Ping at night sent out over 2,000 women through the east gate. Chu then attacked from all four sides. Ji Xin then rode in the king's chariot with yellow canopy and left banner, saying: "Food is exhausted. King Han surrenders to Chu." All the Chu troops shouted ten thousand years. They went to the east wall to watch, so King Han was able to escape with several dozen cavalry through the west gate. He ordered Imperial Secretary Zhou Ke, Wei Bao, and Lord Song to defend Xingyang. Xiang Yu saw Ji Xin and asked: "Where is King Han?" He said: "He has already left." Xiang Yu burned and killed Xin. Zhou Ke and Lord Song said to each other: "The king of a rebellious kingdom is difficult to defend the city with." So they killed Wei Bao.
52
漢王出滎陽，至成皋。 自成皋入關，收兵欲復東。 轅生說漢王曰：「漢與楚相距滎陽數歲，漢常困。 願君王出武關，項王必引兵南走，王深壁，令滎陽成皋間且得休息。 使韓信等得輯河北趙地，連燕齊，君王乃復走滎陽。 如此，則楚所備者多，力分。 漢得休息，復與之戰，破之必矣。」 漢王從其計，出軍宛葉間，與黥布行收兵。
King Han left Xingyang and reached Chenggao. From Chenggao he entered the passes, gathered troops, and wanted to advance east again. Guan Sheng advised King Han: "Han and Chu have confronted each other at Xingyang for several years. Han has often been in difficulty. I hope your majesty will go out through Wuguan. Xiang Yu will certainly lead troops south. Your majesty should fortify deeply and let the area between Xingyang and Chenggao get some rest. Let Han Xin and others consolidate the lands north of the Yellow River in Zhao, connecting Yan and Qi. Your majesty can then return to Xingyang. In this way, Chu will have many places to defend, and their strength will be divided. Han will get rest, then fight them again. Defeating them will certainly be possible." King Han followed his plan, led troops out between Wan and Ye, and together with Ying Bu went to gather troops.
53
羽聞漢王在宛，果引兵南，漢王堅壁不與戰。 是月，彭越渡睢，與項聲、薛公戰下邳，破殺薛公。 羽使終公守成皋，而自東擊彭越。 漢王引兵北，擊破終公，復軍成皋。 六月，羽已破走彭越，聞漢復軍成皋，乃引兵西拔滎陽城，生得周苛。 羽謂苛：「為我將，以公為上將軍，封三萬戶。」 周苛罵曰：「若不趨降漢，今為虜矣！ 若非漢王敵也。」 羽亨周苛，并殺樅公，而虜韓王信，遂圍成皋。 漢王跳，獨與滕公共車出成皋玉門，北渡河，宿小脩武。 自稱使者，晨馳入張耳、韓信壁，而奪之軍。 乃使張耳北收兵趙地。
Xiang Yu heard that King Han was at Wan and indeed led troops south. King Han fortified deeply and did not fight him. In this month, Peng Yue crossed the Sui River and fought Xiang Sheng and Xue Gong at Xiapi, defeating and killing Xue Gong. Xiang Yu had Zhong Gong defend Chenggao while he himself went east to attack Peng Yue. King Han led troops north, attacked and defeated Zhong Gong, and returned his army to Chenggao. In the sixth month, Xiang Yu had already defeated and routed Peng Yue. He heard that Han had returned his army to Chenggao, so he led troops west and captured Xingyang city, taking Zhou Ke alive. Xiang Yu said to Ke: "Be my general. I will make you supreme general and enfeoff you with 30,000 households." Zhou Ke cursed: "If you do not quickly surrender to Han, you will now become a captive! You are no match for King Han." Xiang Yu boiled Zhou Ke and also killed Lord Song. He captured King Han Xin and then surrounded Chenggao. King Han leapt away, alone with Lord Teng sharing a chariot out of Chenggao's Jade Gate. They crossed north over the Yellow River and stayed at Xiao Xiuwu. He called himself an envoy and at dawn galloped into Zhang Er and Han Xin's encampment, seizing command of their army. He then had Zhang Er go north to gather troops in Zhao territory.
54
秋七月，有星孛于大角。 漢王得韓信軍，復大振。 八月，臨河南鄉，軍小脩武，欲復戰。 郎中鄭忠說止漢王，高壘深塹勿戰。 漢王聽其計，使盧綰、劉賈將卒二萬人，騎數百，渡白馬津入楚地，佐彭越燒楚積聚，復擊破楚軍燕郭西，攻下睢陽、外黃十七城。 九月，羽謂海春侯大司馬曹咎曰：「謹守成皋。 即漢王欲挑戰，慎勿與戰，勿令得東而已。 我十五日必定梁地，復從將軍。」 羽引兵東擊彭越。
In the seventh month of autumn, a comet appeared at Dajiao. King Han got Han Xin's army and was greatly strengthened again. In the eighth month, he faced Henan Xiang, encamped at Xiao Xiuwu, wanting to fight again. Attendant Zheng Zhong advised King Han to stop, building high fortifications and deep moats without fighting. King Han followed his plan, sending Lu Wan and Liu Jia with 20,000 troops and several hundred cavalry across Baima ford into Chu territory. They assisted Peng Yue in burning Chu's grain stores, then attacked and broke the Chu army west of Yan Guo, capturing Suiyang and Waihuang, 17 cities. In the ninth month, Xiang Yu said to Hai Chun Marquis Grand Marshal Cao Jiu: "Carefully guard Chenggao. If King Han wants to provoke battle, be careful not to fight him. Just do not let him get east." Within 15 days I will certainly pacify Liang territory, then follow the general again." Xiang Yu led troops east to attack Peng Yue.
55
漢王使酈食其說齊王田廣，罷守兵與漢和。
King Han sent Li Yiji to persuade King Qi Tian Guang to dismiss his guarding troops and make peace with Han.
56
四年冬十月，韓信用蒯通計，襲破齊。 齊王亨酈生，東走高密。 項羽聞韓信破齊，且欲擊楚，使龍且救齊。
In the tenth month of winter in the fourth year, Han Xin used Kuai Tong's plan and attacked, breaking Qi. King Qi boiled Li Sheng and fled east to Gaomi. Xiang Yu heard that Han Xin had broken Qi and was about to attack Chu, so he sent Long Ju to rescue Qi.
57
漢果數挑成皋戰，楚軍不出，使人辱之數日，大司馬咎怒，渡兵汜水。 士卒半渡，漢擊之，大破楚軍，盡得楚國金玉貨賂。 大司馬咎、長史欣皆自剄汜水上。 漢王引兵渡河，復取成皋，軍廣武，就敖倉食。
Han repeatedly provoked battle at Chenggao, but the Chu army did not come out. They sent people to insult them for several days. Grand Marshal Jiu was angry and crossed his troops over Sishui River. The soldiers were half across when Han attacked them, greatly defeating the Chu army and obtaining all of Chu's gold, jade, and treasures. Grand Marshal Jiu and Chief Secretary Xin both committed suicide on the Sishui. King Han led troops across the river, recaptured Chenggao, and encamped at Guangwu, drawing provisions from Aocang.
58
羽下梁地十餘城，聞海春侯破，乃引兵還。 漢軍方圍鍾離辚於滎陽東，聞羽至，盡走險阻。 羽亦軍廣武，與漢相守。 丁壯苦軍旅，老弱罷轉餉。 漢王、羽相與臨廣武之間而語。 羽欲與漢王獨身挑戰，漢王數羽曰：「吾始與羽俱受命懷王，曰先定關中者王之。 羽負約，王我於蜀漢，罪一也。 羽矯殺卿子冠軍，自尊，罪二也。 羽當以救趙還報，而擅劫諸侯兵入關，罪三也。 懷王約入秦無暴掠，羽燒秦宮室，掘始皇帝冢，收私其財，罪四也。 又彊殺秦降王子嬰，罪五也。 詐阬秦子弟新安二十萬，王其將，罪六也。 皆王諸將善地，而徙逐故主，令臣下爭畔逆，罪七也。 出逐義帝彭城，自都之，奪韓王地，并王梁楚，多自與，罪八也。 使人陰殺義帝江南，罪九也。 夫為人臣而殺其主，殺其已降，為政不平，主約不信，天下所不容，大逆無道，罪十也。 吾以義兵從諸侯誅殘賊，使刑餘罪人擊公，何苦乃與公挑戰！」 羽大怒，伏弩射中漢王。 漢王傷胸，乃捫足曰：「虜中吾指！」 漢王病創臥，張良彊請漢王起行勞軍，以安士卒，毋令楚乘勝。 漢王出行軍，疾甚，因馳入成皋。
Xiang Yu took over 10 cities in Liang territory. He heard that Hai Chun Marquis was defeated, so he led troops back. The Han army was surrounding Zhongli Mo east of Xingyang. When they heard Xiang Yu had arrived, they all fled to difficult terrain. Xiang Yu also encamped at Guangwu and confronted Han. The able-bodied suffered from military campaigns, the old and weak were exhausted from transporting provisions. King Han and Xiang Yu faced each other across Guangwu and spoke. Xiang Yu wanted to challenge King Han to single combat. King Han listed Xiang Yu's crimes: "I and Xiang Yu both received commands from King Huai, saying whoever first pacified Guanzhong would be made king. Xiang Yu broke the agreement and enfeoffed me as king in Shu and Han. This is crime one. Xiang Yu falsely killed Champion Marquis Qing Bu and exalted himself. This is crime two. Xiang Yu should have returned after rescuing Zhao, but instead usurped the feudal lords' troops to enter the passes. This is crime three. King Huai agreed that entering Qin should not involve violence or plunder, but Xiang Yu burned the Qin palaces, dug up the First Emperor's tomb, and took the treasures for himself. This is crime four. He also forcibly killed the Qin surrender prince Zi Ying. This is crime five. He deceitfully massacred 200,000 Qin youths at Xin'an and made himself their king. This is crime six. He enfeoffed the various generals with good territories but banished and drove out the former lords, causing ministers and subordinates to contend in rebellion. This is crime seven. He drove out Righteous Emperor from Pengcheng, established his own capital there, seized the lands of the King of Han, and united the kingships of Liang and Chu, taking most for himself. This is crime eight. He sent people to secretly kill Righteous Emperor south of the Jiang. This is crime nine. To be a minister and kill one's lord, kill those who have already surrendered, administer government unfairly, break covenants without faith - the world cannot tolerate this. Great rebellion without righteousness. This is crime ten. I lead righteous troops following the feudal lords to execute the cruel and treacherous, using criminals to strike at you. Why must I challenge you to single combat!" Xiang Yu was greatly angered and had a crossbow shoot King Han. King Han was wounded in the chest, but he patted his foot and said: "The bandit hit my toe!" King Han lay ill from his wound. Zhang Liang strongly urged King Han to rise and go encourage the troops to stabilize the soldiers and officers, not letting Chu take advantage of their victory. King Han went out to encourage the troops, but his illness was severe, so he galloped into Chenggao.
59
十一月，韓信與灌嬰擊破楚軍，殺楚將龍且，追至城陽，虜齊王廣。 齊相田橫自立為齊王，奔彭越。 漢立張耳為趙王。
In the eleventh month, Han Xin and Guan Ying attacked and broke the Chu army, killed Chu general Long Ju, pursued to Chengyang, and captured King Qi Tian Guang. Qi chancellor Tian Heng established himself as King of Qi and fled to Peng Yue. Han established Zhang Er as King of Zhao.
60
漢王疾瘉，西入關，至櫟陽，存問父老，置酒。 梟故塞王欣頭櫟陽市。 留四日，復如軍，軍廣武。 關中兵益出，而彭越、田橫居梁地，往來苦楚兵，絕其糧食。
King Han recovered from his illness, entered the passes to the west, reached Queyang, visited the elders, and held a banquet. He displayed the head of the former King Sai Xin in Queyang marketplace. He stayed four days, then returned to the army, encamping at Guangwu. Guanzhong troops came out in greater numbers, while Peng Yue and Tian Heng occupied Liang territory, going back and forth to harass Chu troops and cut off their grain supplies.
61
韓信已破齊，使人言曰：「齊邊楚，權輕，不為假王，恐不能安齊。」 漢王怒，欲攻之。 張良曰：「不如因而立之，使自為守。」 春二月，遣張良操印，立韓信為齊王。 秋七月，立黥布為淮南王。 八月，初為算賦。 北貉、燕人來致梟騎助漢。 漢王下令：軍士不幸死者，吏為衣衾棺斂，轉送其家。 四方歸心焉。
Han Xin had already broken Qi and sent someone to say: "Qi borders Chu. My authority is light. If not made a puppet king, I fear I cannot pacify Qi." King Han was angry and wanted to attack him. Zhang Liang said: "It would be better to take advantage of this and establish him as king, letting him defend it himself." In the second month of spring, he sent Zhang Liang carrying the seal to establish Han Xin as King of Qi. In the seventh month of autumn, he established Ying Bu as King of Huainan. In the eighth month, he first established poll taxes. The Beidi and Yan people came to deliver owl-headed cavalry to assist Han. King Han issued an order: For soldiers who unfortunately die, officials shall provide burial clothes, coffins, and shrouds, and transport them home. The four directions turned their hearts to him.
62
項羽自知少助食盡，韓信又進兵擊楚，羽患之。 漢遣陸賈說羽，請太公，羽弗聽。 漢復使侯公說羽，羽乃與漢約，中分天下，割鴻溝以西為漢，以東為楚。 九月，歸太公、呂后，軍皆稱萬歲。 乃封侯公為平國君。 羽解而東歸。 漢王欲西歸，張良、陳平諫曰：「今漢有天下太半，而諸侯皆附，楚兵罷食盡，此天亡之時，不因其幾而遂取之，所謂養虎自遺患也。」 漢王從之。
Xiang Yu knew he had few helpers and food was exhausted. Han Xin again advanced troops to attack Chu. Xiang Yu was troubled by this. Han sent Lu Jia to persuade Xiang Yu to return the Duke of Tai. Xiang Yu did not listen. Han again sent Hou Gong to persuade Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu then made a treaty with Han to divide the world in half, giving Honggou west to Han and east to Chu. In the ninth month, he returned the Duke of Tai and Empress Lü. The army all shouted ten thousand years. He then enfeoffed Hou Gong as Lord of Pingguo. Xiang Yu withdrew and returned east. King Han wanted to return west. Zhang Liang and Chen Ping advised: "Now Han possesses more than half the world, and all the feudal lords are attached. Chu troops are exhausted and food is finished. This is the time Heaven has doomed them. If we do not take advantage of this opportunity to destroy them, this is called raising a tiger that brings disaster to oneself." King Han followed their advice.