← Back to 後漢書

卷七十四上 袁紹劉表列傳

Volume 74a: Biographies of Yuan Shao, Liu Biao 1

Chapter 81 of 後漢書 · Book of Later Han
← Previous Chapter
Chapter 81
Next Chapter →
1
[]* () *
Yuan Shao, styled Benchu, came from Ruyang in Runan and was the grandson of Minister of Education Yuan Tang. His father, Yuan Cheng, held the post of General of the Household Gentlemen of All Five Offices,[note 1] (The preceding passage refers to Yuan Shao.) Strong and robust, he cultivated friendships widely; everyone from Grand General Liang Ji on down held him in esteem.
2
[]
Annotation Yuan Shansong's work records: "Yuan Shao was Minister of Works Yuan Feng's illegitimate son and was adopted as heir by his uncle Yuan Cheng. The Wei Book gives the same account. The Records of Heroes relates: "Yuan Cheng, styled Wenkai, was on intimate terms with Liang Ji, and Liang never refused a request he made. The capital had a saying: "When things turn sour, ask Wenkai."'"
3
[] 姿 []軿 []
While young Yuan Shao served as a gentleman cadet, was appointed magistrate of Puyang, and left office to observe mourning for his mother. After completing the three years of ritual mourning, moved by the memory of having been orphaned while still a child, he went into mourning again for his father. When mourning ended, he relocated to Luoyang. Yuan Shao cut an imposing figure with striking looks; he favored learned men and carefully nurtured his public name. With generations of high ministers behind him, clients gathered from every quarter; he poured genuine respect into winning men over, and guests high and low crowded his courtyard until fancy carriages and plain carts alike clogged the lanes. The inner-palace eunuchs detested him. Regular Palace Attendant Zhao Zhong remarked inside the palace: "Yuan Benchu trades on his reputation and keeps desperate men in his pay—who knows what he is plotting? His uncle, Grand Tutor Yuan Wei, heard of it and called Yuan Shao in, rebuking him with Zhao Zhong's accusation; Yuan Shao paid no heed.
4
[]
Annotation According to the Records of Heroes, he remained in the mourning hut for six years in all.
5
[]
Annotation The Records of Heroes says: "Yuan Shao did not receive guests casually; unless someone was famous throughout the empire he would not meet him. He also loved the roaming-knight life and counted Zhang Mengzhuo, He Boqiu, Wu Ziqing, and Xu Ziyuan among his sworn companions."
6
[]軿 軿
Comment [note 3] Shuowen states: "The ping carriage is a curtained carriage." Zheng Xuan's gloss on the Rites of Zhou explains ping as "screen," taking its sense from concealment. Plain carts with chai-wood hubs belonged to common folk.
7
西 []
He was later recruited as an aide to Grand General He Jin and rose to attendant censor and general of the imperial tiger guards. In Zhongping 5 (188), when the eight colonels of the Western Garden were first instituted, Yuan Shao was named assistant-army colonel. Annotation marker 1.
8
[]西
Annotation Le Zi's Chronicle of the Duke of Shanyang records: "Junior Attendant Jian Shuo served as senior-army colonel; Yuan Shao of the tiger guards as central-army colonel; Bao Hong of the garrison cavalry as junior-army colonel; Cao Cao as colonel of military affairs; Zhao Rong as assistant-army left colonel; Feng Fang as assistant-army right colonel; Xia Mou as left colonel; Chunyu Qiong as right colonel—eight officers altogether, known as the Western Garden forces, all answering to Jian Shuo. This passage's title "assistant-army colonel" does not match that account.
9
觿 [] [] 觿 [][]
After Emperor Ling's death Yuan Shao urged He Jin to call in Dong Zhuo and other forces to pressure the empress dowager into wiping out the palace eunuchs; He Jin thereupon appointed Yuan Shao metropolitan commandant. The episode is told in He Jin's biography. When Dong Zhuo marched in, Colonel of Garrison Cavalry Bao Xin of Taishan warned Yuan Shao: "Dong Zhuo holds a veteran army and means to pursue his own ends; delay him now and he will master you. His troops are newly arrived and exhausted—strike now and you can take him." Yuan Shao quailed before Dong Zhuo and held back. Soon Dong Zhuo began plotting to depose the emperor and raise another; he told Yuan Shao: "The Son of Heaven must be worthy and wise; each time I recall Emperor Ling I boil with rage. The Marquis of Dong looks fit—we shall enthrone him. Yuan Shao replied: "The reigning emperor is still young; no fault of his has been broadcast across the empire. If you cast aside precedent for caprice—ousting the heir for a younger son—you will not quiet opinion across the realm." Dong Zhuo hammered the table [lacuna] and roared at Yuan Shao: "Impudent wretch—how dare you! Do not the affairs of the empire rest with me? What I choose to do—who would dare disobey?" Yuan Shao temporized: "This is weighty business for the dynasty—let us withdraw and consult the Grand Tutor. Dong Zhuo added that "the house of Liu is not worth keeping alive. Yuan Shao shot back: "Do you imagine bold men exist only in camp Dong? He gripped his sword, bowed with arms folded, and walked out. He hung his official seal-cord at Upper East Gate, then fled toward Ji Province.
10
[]* () **[]*
Annotation The Wei Book records: "Bao Xin came from Taishan (Pingyang) of Pingyang. Even as a youth he showed heroic resolve—open-handed, thoughtful, deliberate in counsel. When Yuan Shao rejected his advice he withdrew his forces to his home commandery."
11
[]
Annotation Here du ("poison") carries the sense of hatred.
12
[]
Annotation The Records of Heroes relates: "When Yuan Shao bowed and walked out, the assembly sat dumbstruck. Dong Zhuo had only recently arrived and regarded Yuan Shao as too powerful a house to touch."
13
[]
Annotation That was the northern gate on Luoyang's eastern wall. The Chronicle of the Duke of Shanyang adds: "Dong Zhuo seized Yuan Shao's credentials [lacuna] and replaced the lead honor guard's pennant with crimson banners."
14
觿 []
Dong Zhuo put a price on Yuan Shao's head. Palace Attendant Zhou Bi and Colonel of the City Gates Wu Qiong were then in Dong Zhuo's confidence; Wu Qiong quietly pleaded Yuan Shao's case: "Deposing an emperor is no common undertaking. Yuan Shao simply misread the moment and bolted in panic—he bears you no special ill will. Hound him now and you will force an explosion. Four generations of Yuans have woven patronage across the empire; students and old retainers are everywhere. Rally their followers and champions will spring up—you will lose everything east of the passes. Better grant him amnesty and offer a commandery governorship; relieved of guilt he will stay quiet." Dong Zhuo agreed and appointed Yuan Shao administrator of Bohai and marquis of Hanxiang district. Yuan Shao continued to call himself metropolitan commandant as well.
15
[]
Annotation The Former Han History notes a Zhou Chengxiu marquisate in Yingchuan, founded under Emperor Yuan. In Yuanshi 2 (2 CE) it was renamed Hang (reading kou-lang).
16
[]
Annotation Han Fu, styled Wenjie, came from Yingchuan.
17
[]
Annotation The Records of Heroes states Kong Zhou, styled Gongxu, was from Chenliu. Wang Kuang, styled Gongjie, hailed from Taishan. Yuan Yi, styled Boye, was Yuan Shao's cousin; Yuan Shu, styled Gonglu, came from Ruyang in Runan. Qiao Mao, styled Yuanwei, was a kinsman of Qiao Xuan and had served as inspector of Yan Province with a reputation for firm fairness. The Wei's Spring and Autumn adds that Liu Dai hated him and put him to death.
18
[] 使[]
Learning that Yuan Shao had mobilized east of the mountains, Dong Zhuo slaughtered Yuan Wei—Yuan Shao's uncle—and every kinsman left in the capital. Dong Zhuo dispatched Grand Herald Han Rong, Privy Treasurer Yin Xun, Bearer of the Golden Staff Humu Ban, Chief Commissioner for Palace Buildings Wu Xun, and Colonel of Elite Cavalry Wang Ying to negotiate with Yuan Shao's coalition. Yuan Shao ordered Wang Kuang to kill Humu Ban, Wang Ying, and Wu Xun; Yuan Shu likewise seized and executed Yin Xun—only Han Rong was spared for his reputation.
19
[]使* () **[]*
Annotation The Annals of Emperor Xian notes: "Grand Tutor Yuan Wei and Privy Treasurer Yuan Ji—Yuan Shu's full brother—were arrested when Dong Zhuo ordered Metropolitan Commandant Xuan Fan (chi) agents seized the entire household—mothers, sisters, even infants; over fifty people were jailed and killed." An alternate biography of Dong Zhuo adds: "They were buried outside Qingcheng Gate inside Dongdu Gate with notices fixed on the graves. Fearing looters, he later moved the bodies to Mei for hiding."
20
[]
Annotation The Record of Worthies Within the Seas records: "Han Rong, styled Bozhang, came from Yingchuan. The Record of Worthies of Chu relates: "Yin Xun, styled Yuanji, was from Xinye in Nanyang. The Register of Notables of Later Han continues; "Humu Ban, styled Jiyou, from Taishan, counted among the Eight Kitchens. Xie Cheng's history adds: "Humu Ban was Wang Kuang's brother-in-law. Acting on Yuan Shao's orders Wang Kuang jailed Humu Ban and meant to execute him as an example to the troops. Humu Ban wrote Wang Kuang a letter in part reading: "You have thrown me in chains to daub the drums with my blood—could anything be more vicious or unjust? What tie of kin do I bear to Dong Zhuo? By what moral duty would I abet his crimes? You bare tiger and wolf jaws and spit serpent poison—angry at Dong Zhuo you vent it on me; how vicious! Death is hard for any man, yet I would hate to perish at a fool's whim. If the shades endure, they will call you to account before Heaven. Marriage decides weal or woe—today proves it. We were kin; now we are sworn foes. My late lord left two daughters—your nieces—when I am gone forbid them to approach my remains. Wang Kuang read the letter and wept, clutching Humu Ban's sons; Humu Ban died in jail nonetheless."
21
* () **[]*觿
Bold men had flocked to Yuan Shao and burned to avenge his slaughtered kin; commanderies rose everywhere beneath the Yuan banner. Han Fu saw hearts swinging toward Yuan Shao and grew jealous (Fang) of Yuan Shao's rising power; fearing Yuan Shao might move against him he stationed clerks at Yuan Shao's gate and refused him permission to raise troops.
22
觿 []使
Qiao Mao forged a memorial in the Three Excellencies' names and sent it down the post-roads: Dong Zhuo's offenses, the emperor's danger, an appeal for righteous troops to save the state. Only then did Han Fu allow Yuan Shao to mobilize. He took counsel with his staff: "Should we side with the Yuans? Or do we side with Dong Zhuo?" Vice Administrator Liu Hui snapped: "We march for the dynasty—why weigh Yuan against Dong? Han Fu still deeply distrusted Yuan Shao; he repeatedly cut the coalition's grain issues, trying to starve the army apart.
23
[]
Annotation The Records of Heroes records: "Liu Zihui came from Zhongshan. Yan inspector Liu Dai wrote: "Dong Zhuo is brutal; the empire has turned on him—he will fall within days; do not waste anxiety on him. Once Dong Zhuo falls you will still have to wheel the host about and deal with Han Wenjie. He keeps a powerful force—how could such treason be tolerated?"' The letter was forwarded to Han Fu, who took fright, blamed Liu Zihui, and meant to put him to death. Recorder Geng Wu and others threw themselves on Liu Zihui, offering to die with him; he was spared but sentenced as a laborer in crimson garb, sweeping outside the palace gates."
24
[] *[]*
The following year Han Fu's officer Qu Yi turned on him; Han Fu engaged him and lost. Yuan Shao, who already hated Han Fu, joined forces with Qu Yi. Yuan Shao's adviser Feng Ji warned him: "A great enterprise needs a territorial base; without one you cannot survive. Ji Province is strong and full of grain, yet Han Fu is a mediocrity. Secretly invite Gongsun Zan to march south—Han Fu will panic at the news. Send persuasive speakers to spell out the stakes; caught off guard, Han Fu can be maneuvered out of office." Yuan Shao agreed, trusted Feng Ji the more, and wrote immediately to Gongsun Zan. Gongsun Zan marched south under cover of campaigning against Dong Zhuo while secretly aiming at Han Fu.
25
使[]
Yuan Shao sent his nephew Gao Gan of Chenliu and Xun Chen of Yingchuan to tell Han Fu: "Gongsun Zan is sweeping south in triumph and the districts are flocking to him. General of Chariots and Cavalry Yuan Shao is shifting east—his designs are anyone's guess. I fear for your safety, General." Han Fu grew alarmed. "What should I do?"
26
觿 [] []
Xun Chen asked: "Between you and the Yuans, whom would the realm trust for generosity and forbearance?" I cannot compare with them." In crisis, whose nerve and resolve outrank the Yuans?" Again I fall short." For generations the Yuans have spread blessings—whose grace runs wider?" Still I cannot match them." Chen said: "Bohai is only a commandery, yet in substance it is a province. You sit above Yuan Shao in three respects you do not win—yet you hold the province. The Yuans are titans of the hour; they will not stay under you long. Meanwhile Gongsun Zan leads Yan and Dai veterans—an edge you cannot blunt. Ji Province is the heartland—if two hosts meet beneath your walls, ruin comes overnight. General Yuan is your former ally and partner in the league. The sound course is to hand Ji Province to the Yuans—they will owe you a vast debt, and Gongsun Zan will not contend with them for it. You win fame as the magnanimous man who stepped aside, and you keep your skin safe as houses on Mount Tai. Do not hesitate." Han Fu was timid by nature and accepted the scheme. Chief Clerk Geng Wu, Attendant Clerk Min Chun, and Colonel Ju Shou objected: "Ji Province may seem backward, but it fields a million armored men and a decade of grain. Yuan Shao is a stranded guest living off your breath—like a baby in your hand: deny him supplies and he starves.
27
[]
Why would you yield the province to him? Han Fu replied; "I served the Yuans and lack Benchu's ability. The ancients honored yielding when outmatched—why fault me alone?" Earlier Han Fu's clerks Zhao Fu and Cheng Huan had ten thousand crossbowmen at Meng Ford; hearing the news they raced back and asked to fight Yuan Shao, but Han Fu refused. He stepped down, moved into the old mansion of Eunuch Zhao Zhong, and sent his son with the seal and ribbon to surrender the province to Yuan Shao.
28
[]
Comment Records of Heroes states: "Ji's courtesy name was Yuantu. When Yuan Shao fled Dong Zhuo he traveled to Ji Province with Xu You and Feng Ji; Yuan Shao leaned heavily on Feng Ji's clever counsel." Feng is read with the pang sound.
29
[] []
Annotation The Wei Records identifies Xun Chen as Xun Yu's younger brother. Annotation Meaning the land is extensive.
30
[]
Annotation The Chronicle of Emperor Xian records: "Ju Shou came from Guangping. Even young he nursed large ambitions and deep plans." The Records of Heroes adds: "Geng Wu, styled Wenwei. Min Chun, styled Bodian. When Yuan Shao arrived, ten of Han Fu's clerks bolted to join him; only Geng Wu and Min Chun barred the way with blades until the soldiers forced them aside—Yuan Shao later had Tian Feng execute both."
31
[]觿
Annotation The Records of Heroes: "Yuan Shao was camped at Qinghe Ford on the Zhao; Zhao Fu and the others came upstream with hundreds of ships and over ten thousand men, drums thundering as they passed his camp—Yuan Shao was furious. They told Han Fu: "Yuan Benchu has no grain; his men mean to desert—in ten days he will fall apart. Close your gates and sleep easy—what is left to dread?"'"
32
[]觿[]
Yuan Shao assumed the governorship of Ji Province, appointed Han Fu titular General Who Displays Might under interim authority, and gave him no troops. He named Ju Shou attendant clerk and said: "Rebellious ministers hold the capital and the court has fled west. My house has bowed to Han grace for generations; I mean to spend life and loyal breath on restoring the dynasty. Yet Duke Huan needed Guan Zhong to become hegemon; King Goujian needed Fan Li to survive Wu. I want your strength beside mine to steady the altars—how do we set the realm right?" Ju Shou replied: "You entered office young and your name crossed the empire. At the coup debate you fled alone in righteous fury; Dong Zhuo flinched; you crossed north and Bohai bowed. You rallied one commandery and took Ji Province's armies; your awe stretched across Hebei and your name shook the realm.
33
[] []觿 []使
March the host east and you can sweep the Yellow Turbans; wheel about against Black Mountain and crush Zhang Yan; face north and Gongsun Zan will fall; overawe the border tribes and the Xiongnu submit; hold the north of the Yellow River, knit four provinces, rally heroes and a million spears, escort the emperor from Chang'an, revive the shrines at Luoyang, issue orders to the realm, and chastise every holdout— who then could stand against you? Within a few years the deed is within reach. Yuan Shao exclaimed: "That is exactly my wish. He immediately petitioned to make Ju Shou General Who Displays Might and supervisor of the commanders.
34
[] []
Annotation Here ji is read qi. Annotation The Guangya glosses cuo as "to grasp.
35
[]西 觿 觿 觿
Annotation Black Mountain lies northwest of [lacuna] county in [lacuna] prefecture. Spring and Autumn of the Nine Provinces states "Yan's original surname was Chu. When the rebels rose he rallied young men as outlaws; Zhang Niujiao of Boling rose too and merged with him. They made Niujiao commander and jointly besieged Yingtao. Niujiao took a stray arrow; dying, he told the ranks Yan must lead. When Niujiao died they chose Yan, who adopted the surname Zhang. He was lightning-swift and fierce, so the troops called him Flying Swallow. His bands spread through the ranges of Changshan, Zhao, Zhongshan, Shangdang, and Henei, linking camps called Black Mountain."
36
[]
Annotation The four provinces are treated further on.
37
[]
Annotation As the Zuo Tradition has Duke Mu of Qin say: "That matches my mind.
38
鹿[] [] 使 []
Shen Pei of Wei and Tian Feng of Julu—both principled men whom Han Fu had sidelined. Yuan Shao named Tian Feng attendant clerk and Shen Pei vice administrator and relied on them heavily. Han Fu grew paranoid, asked leave of Yuan Shao, and fled to Zhang Miao. Later Yuan Shao sent an agent to Zhang Miao and spoke with him in whispers. Han Fu was at the table and imagined a plot against him; he slipped to the latrine and cut his throat. Annotation marker 3.
39
[] 姿 觿使
Annotation Conduct of Worthies of Antiquity: "Shen Pei, styled Zhengnan. From youth he was ardent and upright, with an unbending air. When Yuan Shao held Ji Province he gave Shen Pei his closest confidence. Tian Feng, styled Yuanhao. Heaven had endowed him with genius and uncanny plans. When Yuan Shao's host broke, his officers clutched their knees and wept: "If only Tian Feng had been here."'
40
[] 忿
Annotation The Records of Heroes: "Yuan Shao put Zhu Han of Henei in charge of capital clerks. Han had been insulted by Han Fu and burned for revenge; to please Yuan Shao he [lacuna] raised garrison troops, surrounded Han Fu's compound, and climbed the roof with blades. Han Fu fled upstairs; they seized his eldest son and shattered both legs. Yuan Shao immediately arrested Zhu Han and put him to death. Han Fu remained terrified and asked Yuan Shao's leave to withdraw."
41
[]退
Annotation The Nine Provinces Spring and Autumn adds: "He retired and opened his veins with a scholar's knife.
42
[]
That winter Gongsun Zan routed the Yellow Turbans and camped on the Pan River, terrifying Hebei; Ji Province's cities rallied to him at once.
43
[][]觿 使 使
Yuan Shao marched against him in person. Gongsun Zan fielded thirty thousand men in a square with ten thousand shock cavalry on each wing—the formation looked unstoppable. Yuan Shao sent Qu Yi ahead with eight hundred veterans and a thousand heavy crossbows. Gongsun Zan scorned the tiny force and charged; Qu Yi's men rose from behind their shields and volleyed—Gongsun's line collapsed. They killed his appointed Ji inspector Yan Gang and stacked over a thousand helmets. Qu Yi chased them to Jie Bridge Gongsun rallied and lost again; Qu Yi stormed the camp and hauled down the headquarters banner The rest ran. Yuan Shao lagged miles behind; hearing Gongsun was broken he had paused to unsaddle—only [lacuna] a few dozen crossbowmen and perhaps a hundred halberdiers stayed at his side. Over two thousand stray horsemen from Gongsun's broken ranks suddenly ringed Yuan Shao and filled the sky with arrows. Tian Feng steadied Yuan Shao and hustled him [lacuna] through a breach into an abandoned courtyard. Yuan Shao flung off his helmet: "A man should die facing steel—why cower behind a wall? He ordered a mass crossbow volley that dropped rank after rank of Gongsun's cavalry.
44
觿 退
The riders did not know their quarry was Yuan Shao and slowly slackened the ring. Qu Yi's relief column arrived and the enemy horsemen broke off. In the third year Gongsun Zan probed Longcou again; Yuan Shao beat him once more. Gongsun Zan fled to You Province and stayed inside his borders.
45
[]
Annotation The Erya counts nine channels of the Yellow River; Goupan is one. The former bed ran through Dezhou's Changping into Cangzhou's Leling—locals now call it the dry Goupan River.
46
[]
Comment Spring and Autumn of the Nine Provinces states: "He returned to encamp at Guangzong Jie Bridge. Ancient Jie town east of Zongcheng in Beizhou borders the dry Zhang River—Jie Bridge likely lay there.
47
[]竿 竿 ·
Annotation The Water Mirror manual says: "when a host first deploys, the headquarters mast must stand firm; if it splinters, the commander faces ruin." That pennant staff is the army's soul. It matches the Rites of Zhou line on raising the signal gate for hosts and leagues."
48
使 輿 * () **[]*
Early in the fourth year the court dispatched Privy Treasurer Zhao Qi east of the mountains to broker peace and mutual demobilization. Gongsun Zan wrote Yuan Shao: "Zhao Qi carries Zhou-and-Shao virtue with an imperial brief—he spreads the court's kindness and bids us reconcile; it feels like sunlight after storm. Jia Fu and Kou Xun once tore at each other until Emperor Guangwu intervened and they rode in the same car. Men praised them once the quarrel ended. A frontier commander like me may yet share this courtesy with you—that is your (honor) generosity—and my dearest hope." Yuan Shao then withdrew his host south.
49
[] [] [][]觿西[] []
On the spring purification day he feasted clients at Boluo Ford. Word arrived that Wei commandery had mutinied: Gan Du and tens of thousands of Black Mountain fighters had seized Ye and killed the governor. Guests whose families lived in Ye went white with panic or burst into tears; Yuan Shao's face never flickered. Among the bandits was one Tao Sheng who styled himself 'General Who Pacifies Han,' alone turned against the other bandits, led his followers over the west wall into the city, barred the administration gates, prepared carts and baggage, loaded Shao's household and every gentleman-official who was inside the province, personally defended [lacuna], and escorted them to Chiqiu. Annotation marker 6.
50
鹿[] 觿 退 觿
Yuan Shao regrouped at Chiqiu and named Tao Sheng colonel of establishment. In the sixth month he drove into the Luchang Mountain defiles above Chaoge to attack Gan Du. After five days' siege he routed the bandits, killed Gan Du, and counted ten thousand heads. He swept north through the hills, exterminated chiefs like Zuoshi Zhangba, then Liu Shi, Qing Niujiao, Huang Long, Zuo Xiao, Guo Daxian, Li Damu, Yu Shigen—tens of thousands more slain and every fort razed. He closed with Zhang Yan's Black Mountain host, the four Xiongnu camps, and Yanmen Wuhuan on Changshan. Zhang Yan mustered tens of thousands and thousands of horse; the clash ran ten days. Both sides bled white and separated. Qu Yi grew insolent on his victories; Yuan Shao summoned and executed him, absorbing his troops.
51
[]退 鹿西*[]*
Annotation The third lunar month belongs to the chen branch; the jimao day expels ill fortune. The Han version of the Classic says: "The Zhen and Wei run wide. Xue's gloss adds that Zheng folk on the spring festival summoned souls above two streams to cleanse evil—hence the poem's invitation." Li Daoyuan's Commentary on the Water Classic states: 'The Zhang River passes west of the old Julu city wall—this is called [Bo]luo Ford." The Later Han gazetteer lists a Boluo pavilion at Yingtao.
52
[]鹿
Annotation The Guanzi says Duke Huan fortified Wulu, Zhongmou, and Ye against rival states.
53
[]滿
Comment Annals of Emperor Xian states: "Shao urged his officers to fill cups and cast arrows in pitch-pot; his words and laughter stayed composed.
54
[]
Comment Records of Heroes states: "Sheng had formerly been a petty clerk in Neihuang.
55
[]
Annotation Zhong here means supply wagons.
56
[]鹿
Annotation Chiqiu county in Julu stood southeast of today's Cheng'an in Xiangzhou. The Thirteen Provinces gazetteer explains the salty soil gave the name Chiqiu."
57
[]西 鹿
Annotation Ancient Zhaoge sits west of [lacuna] county. The Later Han gazetteer lists Luchen Mountain at Zhaoge."
58
西 [] [] 觿鹿 []
In Xingping 2 (195) Yuan Shao received the general of the right. That winter Li Jue's faction cornered the emperor at Caoyang. Ju Shou argued: "Your house has served as ministers for generations and breathes loyalty. The throne is homeless and the shrines broken; every warlord waves the banner of righteousness while scheming for himself—none truly cares for the dynasty or the people. Your bases stand firm and men flock to you. March west, escort the emperor to Ye, hold the throne and issue orders in its name, levy spears against rebels—who could resist?" Yuan Shao nearly accepted. Guo Tu and Chunyu Qiong objected: "Han has rotted for generations—reviving it now is fantasy. Champions hold their own turf and field tens of thousands—as with Qin's lost deer, the swift hand wins the realm. Welcome the emperor and every order needs memorializing—follow him and you lose leverage; ignore him and you are labeled traitor. Bad bargain. Ju Shou answered: "Taking the emperor now is both moral and expedient. Hesitate and another lord will seize him first. Fortune favors the decisive—do not drag your feet." Emperor Xian's accession had never been Yuan Shao's preference—he let the moment pass.
59
[]
Annotation The Zuo tells how Duke Wen rescued King Xiang: "Aid the king and the states will believe you. Finish what Lord Wen began—now is the hour." Duke Wen obeyed, welcomed the king, and became hegemon.
60
[]
Annotation The Nine Provinces text gives Guo Tu the style Gongze.
61
[]鹿
Comment Records of the Grand Historian states Kuai Tong said: "Qin lost its deer and All Under Heaven chased it together—the highest talent seized it first.
62
姿使 [] []* () **[]*
Yuan Shao had three sons: Tan (Xiansi), Xi (Xianyong), and Shang (Xianfu). The eldest, Tan, was capable; the youngest, Shang, was handsome. His second wife Lady Liu favored the youngest and praised him until Yuan Shao, dazzled by the boy's looks, meant to name him successor. He adopted Tan as heir to a deceased elder brother and posted him as Qing inspector. Ju Shou warned: "They say ten thousand hunters chase one hare but only one keeps it—because ownership settles the scramble. When sons match in age, weigh merit; when virtue ties, cast milfoil—ancient rule. Consider the lesson of former ages' success (and) and failure—and remember how the hare hunt ends once shares are set. Ignore this and disaster starts now." Yuan Shao replied: "I want each son to govern a province and prove himself. Thereupon he made Xi, his second son, Inspector of Youzhou, and Gao Gan, his sister's son, Inspector of Bingzhou.
63
[] 滿巿
Annotation Shen Buhai: "A rabbit in the lane draws a mob—no blame while ownership is unsettled. Stack the market with hares and no one grabs—ownership settled even paupers cease fighting." Master Zisi and Shang Yang repeat the image almost verbatim.
64
[]
Comment Zuo Tradition states: "When the queen has no eldest son by the principal wife, establish the eldest son; when ages match weigh virtue; when virtue matches divine by oracle.
65
[] []
I have read how grief once brought frost and tears toppled walls. I believed those tales until life taught me they were myth. Why? I ruined myself for Han—loyal yet accused, trusted yet suspect—wailing night and day till blood weeps from my liver, yet heaven sends no omen. How then did Zou Yan or the widow move sky and stone?
66
[]
Comment Huainanzi states: "Zou Yan served King Hui of Yan with full loyalty; slanderers hemmed him in and he wept toward heaven. In the fifth month frost fell."
67
[] 氿
Annotation When Duke Zhuang besieged Ju, Ju Liang missed the five-chariot honor roll. He came home fasting; his mother said, "Eat! Live without honor, die without a name—even without that chariot rank who will not mock you? Die as you lived—with honor and a name—and even five-chariot nobles will bow to your shade." At Ju he killed twenty-seven foes hand-to-hand before he fell. His widow's keening was said to crack the walls—a corner fell. The tale appears in the Shuoyuan.
68
[][] [] [] []
Raised from mean firewood-bearing obscurity to the surveillance corps and a colonel's commission. Zhang Rang and the eunuchs corrupted Heaven's order, stole imperial prestige, slaughtered good ministers, and rallied villains. Grand General He Jin loved the realm and loathed chaos; knowing I had scrap of honor fit for dog-work he gave me the metropolitan whip and asked my counsel. I did not flinch from power nor bolt for safety—I plotted with He Jin to the end. Before the plot played out He Jin fell, the empress dowager was seized, and the palaces burned—you were still a child and tasted ruin firsthand. After He Jin died I alone led a hundred retainers to Chengming, guarded the inner chambers, stormed the eunuch bureau, and cleared the traitors inside twelve days. Proof enough that this ignorant servant once gave his life to duty.
69
[]
Annotation Firewood carriers meant common folk. The Rites ask after a scholar's boys: the elder "can carry fuel," the younger "not yet."
70
[]
Annotation Here pei means a secondary or supporting rank among subordinates. Zuo Tradition states: "The king has ministers of dukes, dukes have ministers of nobles, nobles have great officers, great officers have gentlemen, gentlemen have bailiffs, bailiffs have underlings, underlings have servitors, servitors have menials, menials have runts." Another line: "There are no lower links." Pei-slave" equals the lowest chamber.
71
[]
Annotation The fallen commander is He Jin.
72
[]
Annotation The Duke of Shanyang chronicle: "Yuan Shao and Wang Kuang burst through Duan Gate and killed Gao Wang and two others on Chengming Hall. The Documents say: "Bring him to the wing chamber. Kong Anguo glosses yi as "bright. The gloss identifies the hall as the sovereign's main residential suite."
73
[]
Annotation Jia denotes a twelve-day round. The Zuo speaks of "within jia-chen. Du Yu: twelve days."
74
[] [][] 使[]祿退 []使 [][]
Then Dong Zhuo slipped through the gap with treason on his mind. My kin held great posts yet risked family ruin for the realm—surrendering office and fleeing east of the river to plot resistance. Zhuo still wooed allies and liked bold names—he named me to Bohai with a general's banner; Dong Zhuo and I had no private feud. Had I wanted rank for rank's sake I could have stayed and stolen salary without losing kin. Instead I clung to principle—raised a million spears, watered horses at Meng Ford, swore blood oaths on the Zhang. Han Fu schemed alone, choked my grain, and left my clan to Dong Zhuo's blade—high and low died together. Even beasts keened at kin-slaughter. That I looked dry-eyed on mourning was not cold blood—loyalty and family cannot both win when duty calls. Second proof I ruined my house for Han.
75
[]
Annotation His uncle Yuan Wei as Grand Tutor and cousin Yuan Ji as Privy Treasurer.
76
[]
Annotation "Beyond the River" here means Henan.
77
[]
Annotation Meaning the titling upon summons. The Duke of Shanyang record: "Dong Zhuo named Yuan Shao forward general and marquis of Hang district. Yuan Shao took the fief but refused the generalship."
78
[]
Annotation The graph hua in this gloss means to muddy or blend together. Chu Lyrics: "Muddy that mud, raise those waves."
79
[]觿觿
Commentary 5: The Annals of Emperor Xian says: "Yuan Shao assembled the administrators and chancellors of the ten commanderies of Jizhou, with several hundred thousand followers. They ascended the altar, smeared blood on their lips, and swore: 'The rebel minister Dong Zhuo, taking advantage of the weakness of the Han house and relying on his masses in arms, violated the imperial city, trampled over the royal court, imprisoned and poisoned the Empress Dowager, slaughtered the Prince of Hongnong, seized the young lord, moved him west to Qin territory, harmed court ministers, cut down the loyal and good, burned the palace buildings, threw the palace women into disorder, opened and dug up the imperial tombs, and his cruelty reached ghosts and spirits Gods and men groan; the people weep blood; loyal hearts itch to strike. We swear to spend our lives crushing Dong Zhuo and upholding the throne. Break this oath and spirits will dash your host and end your line!"
80
[] * () **[]*
Comment Book of Rites states: "All born between Heaven and Earth among blood-and-breath creatures possess awareness—among creatures with awareness none fails to love its kind. Even (even) great beasts mourn mates—months later they circle old dens, cry, and cling to fallen trees before leaving. Small birds too twitter awhile—how much more men?"
81
[]
Annotation Here yin carries the sense of concealed grief or inward sorrow.
82
[]
Then a hundred thousand Turbans torched Qing and Yan while Zhang Yang and Black Mountain stamped Ji. I turned the host and marched under imperial warrant against traitors. Before the drums rolled Han Fu caved; Zhang Yang and Black Mountain sued for peace. Acting as Dou Rong did, I named Cao Cao acting governor of Yan. When Gongsun Zan swept south I raced to meet him. Heaven lent force—I won every clash. I am a capital-bred cadet—trained at altar, not war;
83
[] []
my forebears served civil offices and kept clean hands. I am no champion seeking martial glory. The Spring and Autumn condemns ministers who spare regicides—when the altars need saving one acts. I marched through ice because one blow could secure lasting peace. While the dynasty trembles I hang my head.
84
[]
When Zhao Qi brought your edict of mercy I spun the wagons south. Third proof I obeyed heaven's warning.
85
[]西
Annotation Dou Rong governed five western commanderies and named Liang Tong to Wuwei.
86
[] 穿
Annotation The Gongyang: "Zhao Dun assassinated Duke Ling. Zhao Chuan held the blade. Why blame Dun? For not punishing the killer. Dun cried, 'O Heaven! I am innocent!' The scribe answered: "You styled yourself loyal yet let your lord die—what else is regicide?"'"
87
[]
Annotation The Zuo: "when the state gains, act alone.
88
[]
Comment Zuo Tradition states: "The commander of Yin turned chariot pole south and reversed pennants. Du Yu: wheel south."
89
宿 []觿 使 [] [] [][]觿 使 [] []觿
The officers I nominated were veterans—half fell—yet their merit goes unrecorded. Meanwhile governors steal titles, hedge bets, and pocket whole provinces—no wonder the realm is confused. In peaceful times virtue wins rank; in crisis merit earns reward. You wander homeless; Luoyang's altars are cold—the empire grieves and loyal men rage. That is why men spill blood gladly—righteousness moves them. Yet you enrich idlers and alienate worthies; you demote loyal workers and unsettle every expectation. Is that policy from the heart? Or does slander steer the throne? I hold full marquis rank at two thousand piculs. You have heaped honor on me—I hardly hunger for crimson bow and black bolts. I mourn aides whose zeal goes unwritten—loyal men blamed instead. Like Meng Tian howling at the wall or Bai Qi choking at Duyou. Grand Tutor Jinmidi—guardian of the heir—botched the eastern campaign and promoted men everyone despises. He took their counsel and set brother against brother—steel on steel, hatred deeper. I long to disarm but circumstances forbid. I fear your eyes miss corners—please publish this plea and let the high court judge my crimes. If interim power is a crime, Duke Huan and Wen should have died for it; if armies that spare killers are virtuous, strike Dun's name from the regicide column.
90
使 [] []
I am small but single-minded. If I can clear my heart before the late emperors I will kneel to the axe or climb into the cauldron gladly. Only grant the justice of the osprey—silence slander—lest I die nursing hate below the yellow springs. Annotation marker 9.
91
[]
Annotation Xie here means to separate or alienate.
92
[]
Comment Zuo Tradition states: "The king ordered Minister Yin to enfeoff Duke Wen of Jin as hegemon, granting him great chariot livery, war chariot livery, one red bow, a hundred red arrows, ten black bows, a thousand black arrows.
93
[]使使
Annotation As Sima Qian tells it, the Second Emperor ordered Meng Tian seized at Yangzhou. Meng Tian sighed: "My guilt merits death. I joined Lintao to Liaodong with ten thousand li of wall. Somewhere that line must break ground—that is my crime!" He swallowed poison and died.
94
[] 西使使
Annotation The Records say Qin stripped Bai Qi of rank and banished him toward Yinmi in the west. Ten miles west of Xianyang at Duyou the king sent the sword that ended Bai Qi.
95
[]
Comment Notes to Records of the Three Capital Regions states: "Ma Midi styled Wengshu; collateral descendant of Ma Rong. He studied under Ma Rong, climbed through talent to the Nine Ministers and the highest benches." The Annals of Emperor Xian: "Ma Midi credentialled an eastern tour to soothe the commanderies. Yuan Shu at Shouchun mocked him, borrowed his seal and refused to return it; Ma Midi died of shame."
96
[]* () **[]*
Comment Offices of Zhou states: "The three locust trees—the three dukes (counsel) take counsel beneath them. Nine jujubes on the left mark ministers and grandees. Nine jujubes on the right mark the nobility." Zheng Xuan: "the pagoda tree suggests gathering counselors. Jujube stands for ministers—red heart, outward barbs."
97
[]
Annotation When Duke Huan and Duke Wen led hegemons to Luoyang the Zhou throne was feeble.
98
[]
Annotation The shijiu osprey is the cuckoo. Airs of the States states: "The osprey on the mulberry—its chicks are seven—such are worthy men—their bearing is one." Mao's gloss: "the bird feeds up and down with perfect fairness. So should good ministers rule."
99
[]
Annotation Three marks the lower bound of depth. Earlier Han History states: "Lower bronze extending three springs."
100
[][] 使[]
The court named Yuan Shao grand commandant and marquis of Ye. Cao Cao had taken grand general; Yuan Shao refused the post rather than stand below him. Cao Cao panicked and offered him precedence. Next year Kong Rong invested him grand marshal with full insignia and command over four provinces
101
[]使
Comment Annals of Emperor Xian states: "They sent Chief Commissioner Kong Rong with credentials to Ye to invest Grand Commandant Shao as grand marshal and transfer the fief to marquis of Ye.
102
[]
Annotation Grand commandant still outranked grand marshal on paper. Emperor Wu invented the grand marshal title to honor Wei Qing's wars. Huo Guang and Wang Feng held it the same way. Emperor Ming raised his brother's cavalry command above the three dukes. Emperor He lifted Dou Xian above the dukes after the northern campaign.
103
[]
Comment Apocryphal Rites Harmonizing Patterns states: "The nine grants: first chariots and horses, second robes, third musical instruments, fourth vermilion doors, fifth palace stairs, sixth a hundred tiger guards, seventh axe and halberd, eighth bow and arrows, ninth dark ale. Spring and Autumn Primordial Mandate Wrapper states "Grant tiger guards to gain sole expedition authority; grant axe and halberd to gain execution authority."
104
便使[][]
Yuan Shao disliked edicts from Xu and urged Cao to move the court to dryer Zhen to escape the Xu miasma. Cao Cao refused. Tian Feng said: "If you cannot move the throne, seize Xu and hold the emperor—best strategy. Delay and someone else cages you—too late for regret." Yuan Shao ignored him. In the fourth spring he destroyed Gongsun Zan and annexed Youzhou—the full story is told in 〈the biography of Gongsun Zan〉
105
[] []
Annotation Pi means low-lying ground. Read like bi. Annotation Zhen city rhymes with juan.
106
觿 簿[] 觿 使 []觿* () **[]* [] 觿 [] [] [] [] * () **[]*
Four provinces and hundreds of thousands fed Yuan Shao's pride; gifts to Xu dried up. Registrar Geng Bao secretly reported to Shao: "Red virtue is exhausted—Yuan is yellow heir—you ought follow Heaven's intent, and obey popular mind. Yuan Shao aired the memo; his officers called Geng Bao a crank. Seeing no support he executed Geng Bao to quiet the rumor. He raised one hundred thousand foot and ten thousand horse for an expedition against Xu: Shen Pei and Feng Ji directed operations; Tian Feng, Xun Chen, and Xu You advised; Yan Liang and Wen Chou led the van. Ju Shou argued: "Years against Gongsun emptied barns and people—another march courts collapse. Send victory memorials, let fields recover. If the court refuses, cite Cao's obstruction, camp at Liyang, raid his borders, let him tire while you rest. Victory without a pitched battle." Guo Tu and Shen Pei cited Sunzi: "ten-to-one besiege, five-to-one assault. Your aura plus Hebei hosts against Cao— (the) the odds flip like a palm. Strike now or regret forever. Ju Shou answered: "Troops that punish tyrants are righteous; troops that boast strength are arrogant. Righteous armies lose to none; proud hosts die first. Cao holds the emperor at Xu—lawful seat. March south and you break legitimacy. Altar victories hinge on planning, not numbers. Cao's law runs deep—his men are veterans, not Gongsun Zan waiting to be bottled. You abandon safe counsel for a war without cause—I tremble for you. Guo Tu answered: "King Wu attacked Zhou—was that unjust? Strike Cao Cao—how is that nameless? Your army thirsts for battle—ignore Heaven's gift and Heaven punishes. That was Yue's rise and Wu's fall. Your overseer clings to (static) caution—not timely adaptation." Yuan Shao sided with Guo Tu.
107
*[]* []觿 []使
Tu and others therefore slandered Ju Shou: "Shou oversees inner and outer—awe shakes three armies—if his influence grows ever greater—how shall we control him! Yellow Stone forbids counselor and throne from becoming duplicates. Field commanders should not run court intrigue. Yuan Shao split Ju Shou's authority among Ju Shou, Guo Tu, and Chunyu Qiong—three coequal commands—before the army moved.
108
[]
Comment Annals of Emperor Xian states: "Yuan descends from Shun. Yellow replaces Han red—hence Geng Bao's prophecy."
109
[]
Annotation Ten-to-one surround; five-to-one assault.
110
[]
Comment Earlier Han History states Lu Jia told the king of Southern Yue: "Yue killing its king and surrendering to Han is like overturning the hand.
111
[] 忿 忿 觿
Comment Earlier Han History states Wei Xiang memorialized: "Armies that rescue chaos and punish cruelty are called righteous hosts. Righteous armies win kingship. Responsive armies answer attack. They conquer. Wrathful hosts burst from petty rage. They lose. Greedy hosts seize soil. They break. Arrogant hosts swagger on size. They perish. These are Heaven's categories as much as man's."
112
[]
Annotation The Huainanzi: "victory is laid out in council before the sword moves.
113
[]
Annotation The three elders of Xincheng warned Gaozu: "follow virtue or fall. Armies without a just name never succeed." Gloss: "named" means punishing crime.
114
[]
Comment Records of the Grand Historian states Fan Li told Goujian: "Heaven grants—if you take not—you receive blame instead.
115
[]
Annotation When counselor and ruler align, power stays royal. When ruler echoes minister, power slips courtward. Yellow Stone is Zhang Liang's Three Strategies from the bridge at Xiapi. Read yi with the yi reversal.
116
[]
Annotation Huainanzi: "no civil meddling in camp orders.
117
In the fifth year Liu Bei killed Che Zhou and held Pei against Cao Cao. Cao Cao marched east in person. Tian Feng said: "Your rival for the realm is Cao Cao. Cao is pinned against Liu Bei—strike his rear now and end him. War waits on the moment—this is yours." Yuan Shao begged off—a sick child. Tian Feng hammered the ground: "The chance is gone! To miss fate for a child's fever—what waste!" Yuan Shao raged and sidelined him.
118
便 觿 觿[]使 觿
Fearing Yuan Shao's crossing, Cao rushed Liu Bei and broke him. Liu Bei fled to Yuan Shao, who then marched on Xu. Tian Feng said the moment had passed: "after beating Liu Bei Cao holds a full Xu. Cao is cunning and bold—never underestimate his smaller force. Better wear him down over time. Hold the northern hills, league allies, drill farms and spears, then raid Henan with flying columns—pin Cao whirling Abandon patient strategy for one roll—fail and regret nothing." Yuan Shao refused. Tian Feng pressed hard; Yuan Shao jailed him for defeatism. He then issued a proclamation:
119
[]
Annotation Sunzi: "hold the line with the main body, win with odd strikes. Gloss: "front meets front; raiders hit blind spots."
120
[]祿 []
Wise rulers steer through danger; loyal ministers seize crisis to set policy. When Qin Ershi bowed to Zhao Gao, Wangyi blood stained history Under Lu Hou the Lu clan ran the court until Zhou Bo purged them. Zhou Bo and Liu Zhang slew the Lus and enthroned Wen—Han revived. Thus ministers seized power to save the dynasty. Annotation marker 2.
121
[] 使 西
Annotation Shi Huang died; Hu Hai named Zhao Gao chancellor. Ershi dreamed a tiger savaged his trace horse. Soothsayers blamed the Jing; Ershi moved rites to Wangyi. Zhao Gao sent Yan Le to corner Ershi into suicide. Zhang Hua states: "Wangyi palace northwest of Changling at Changping Watch—east borders Jing River—built to gaze on northern barbarians." See Sima Qian.
122
[]祿
Annotation Lu Hou gave her nephews the northern and southern guards. When she died Zhou Bo and Liu Zhang slew the Lus and raised Emperor Wen. The Zuo asks: "when base overtakes apex, can order hold?"
123
[][]輿
Cao Teng ran with Zuo Guan and Xu Huang—corrupt eunuchs who ravaged the realm. Cao Song bought offices with gold—fathered Cao Cao through shady adoption.
124
* () **[]* [][][] 退 [][] [] [] [] []觿[] []
Cao Cao, the basest by-blow of the harem—without virtue—a swaggering brawler who lived for turmoil. We cleansed the eunuchs, fought Zhuo, recruited Cao as a useful cur. Instead he blundered forward, lost battles, wasted armies We restored him as Yan governor with tiger robe and a wing of troops, hoping for Meng Ming's comeback victory. He turned brutal, skinned the people, murdered talent. He executed Bian Rang for honesty—wife and children followed. Scholars mourned Bian Rang; Cao broke at Xu, lost ground to Lu Bu, wandered east. We marched under royal mandate, routed Lu Bu, restored Cao to Yan. We owed Yan nothing yet showed Cao enormous grace. Note thirteen
125
[]
Annotation Tao is greedy wealth; tie greedy food. Read Guan as wu-ban.
126
[]
Comment Later Han Treatise states: "Song styled Jugao. Lingdi sold posts; Cao Song bought minister and grand commandant." Wei Records: "Cao Song was Cao Teng's adopted son—parentage unclear." Legend names him Xiahou blood—uncle to Xiahou Dun. Cao Cao and Dun were cousins. "[lacuna]" also means "beg."
127
[]
Comment Fangyan states: "Piao means light. Wei Records: "clever youth, roaming knight, little discipline." Blade-roaming means sharp troublemaking. Read piao fang-miao. Sometimes written "piao"—rob wealth goods—sound same.
128
[] []
Annotation Yuan Shao slaughtered every eunuch. Annotation Zuo: "overstepping roles courts ruin.
129
[] 西
Comment Character book states: "Tiao means light. The Wei zhi says: "Cao Cao led troops west, intending to occupy Chenggao. When he reached the Bian River at Xingyang, he encountered Xu Rong, a general of Dong Zhuo. The battle went badly; many officers and soldiers were killed or wounded. Cao Cao was hit by a stray arrow, and the horse he was riding was wounded. Cao Hong lent a horse for night flight; later Lu Bu broke him."
130
[]
Comment Later Han Treatise states: "Tiger guard general—caps hoopoe crown—tiger-pattern single robe. Xiangyi county sent woven tiger robes yearly."
131
[]使西
Annotation Duke Mu's generals captured at Yao. Wen Ying ransomed them home. Meng Ming's revenge left Jin hiding behind Yao bones. See the Zuo.
132
[]
Comment Grand Duke Metal Coffer states: "Heaven's way lacks kinship—always aids good men. Why crush commoners when Yin chaos runs deep?"
133
[] 西
Comment Wei Records states: "Tao Qian was Xu Province shepherd—Cao first campaigned him—took more than ten cities. Later drives reached the Eastern Sea. Returning through Tan, Zhang Miao and Chen Gong raised Lu Bu—every county flipped. At Puyang Lu Bu broke Cao's line—Lou Yi pulled him from the fire."
134
[]
Annotation On strengthening the trunk see 〈Ban Gu's biography〉 Zuo Tradition Song great officer Yu Shi and others made Song Pengcheng rebel attach Chu—classic writes "Song Pengcheng"—tradition states "not Song territory—retroactive writing—and moreover not validating rebel persons". Du Yu: "deng means endorse."
135
[] * () **[]*
Annotation Zuo: "buckle armor, seize arms. Du Yu: "huan means thread on." Yang Xiong: "storms roll away clean." Wei Records: "ambushed Dingtao when Lu Bu arrived—won. Lu Bu's Xue Lan and Li Feng held Juye; Cao attacked. Lu Bu's relief failed; Lu Bu ran. Lu Bu and Chen Gong brought ten thousand men by chariot to attack. Cao Cao was outnumbered but ambushed and shattered them. Lu Bu fled at night to Liu Bei."
136
[]使西
Comment Note thirteen Zuo Tradition-sent Lu Xiang severed Qin saying: "If Qin army conquers and returns without harm—then we have great creation toward west." Du Yu: "zao means to finish."
137
[]使使 便[][][][] []
When the court fled east, eunuchs and upstarts seized power. Ji Province faced Gongsun Zan—Yuan Shao sent Xu Xun to order Cao to repair shrines and shield the boy emperor. Cao seized the palace, awards and killings by whim, silenced the capital. Annotation marker 6.
138
[]
Annotation The northern scare was Gongsun Zan. Zuo Tradition states: "Office circuit." Du Yu: "leaving your command post."
139
[]
Comment Jin History states: "Han offices—secretariat director inner terrace—censor director legal terrace—court usher outer terrace—these are Three Terraces.
140
[]
Annotation Five generations of kin. Three affines: paternal, maternal, marital.
141
[]便 便
Annotation Yan Yi's lip curl earned Zhang Tang's fatal memorial. Zhang Tang executed Yan Yi for silent dissent—see Former Han.
142
[] 使
Comment Discourses of States states: "King Li cruel—realm people slandered king. Shao said: "The people groan under your laws. The king hired informers and executed whisperers. Men exchanged glances and held their tongues." The Zhou History: "worthies gagged, flatterers loud." He Xiu: "wooden bit on the mouth." "Qian" sometimes written "gan"—sound qu-lian fan.
143
[]簿
Comment Earlier Han History Jia Yi states: "Great ministers solely because registers books not replied—between deadlines—thought great affair.
144
[][] []
Yang Biao served as minister twice—the apex of honor. Cao tortured Yang Biao on false charges. Zhao Yan spoke truth; the court once honored him. Cao silenced critics—seized and killed without memorial. Prince Xiao of Liang's mausoleum deserved reverence. Cao opened Liang tombs and looted gold—the court wept. He named tomb-raiding colonels—no grave safe. A minister acting like a tomb robber—poison to men and shades.
145
[]
His laws snared everyone—Yan-Yu groaned, the capital sighed. Annotation marker 4.
146
[]
Comment Later Han Book states: "Biao replaced Dong Zhuo as minister of works—replaced Huang Wan as minister of education. Cao framed Yang Bao for ties to Yuan Shu."
147
[]
Annotation Annals: "examined in jail, dismissed by edict.
148
[]
Annotation Prince Xiao was Emperor Wen's son by Empress Dou.
149
[]
Annotation Guanzi: "bad times make nobles restless.
150
[][][] 使 [] [][][][][] [][][]
No tyrant in the records matches Cao Cao. We were busy abroad and hoped to patch things with Cao. But Cao plots to snap Han's beam and rule as usurper. Last year we besieged Gongsun Zan a full year. Cao wrote offering help while sneaking toward Ye. When the plot leaked and Zan fell, Cao's raid stalled. He camps at Ao Granary—a mantis lifting a chariot wheel. - We bring millions from Bing, Qing, the Yellow River, and Jing to pinch him. - We will burn him like thistle in flame—what can survive?
151
[]
Annotation Zuo: "mend the breach. Du Yu: "stitch the tear."
152
[]
Comment Zuo Tradition states—Chu Marshal Ziliang bore son Yue Jiao—Minister Yin Ziwen said: "Must kill him. The child had beast marks—he would destroy the clan. The wolf-cub proverb—cannot be kept!"
153
[]
Comment Changes of Zhou "ridge beam bent's omen—cannot have help" too.
154
[] 退
Annotation Annals: "Cao crossed the river pretending to help Yuan Shao while aiming at Ye. When Zan fell, Yuan Shao saw through it and camped at Ao."
155
[] 退
Comment Han Poetry Outer Commentary states: "Duke Zhuang of Qi hunted—mantis raised foot about grasp his wheel—asked his driver: 'What insect this? A mantis. It charges unwisely." A brave insect." The duke yielded the road—praising courage." Huainanzi tells it too. Zhuangzi: "mantis versus chariot." Sui is the wheel-track.
156
[]*[]*
Comment Master Shi states: "[Zhong] Huang Bo said: 'I left grasp Taihang's ape—right grasp carved tiger—only elephant not yet tried. Records Fan Sui persuading King Zhao of Qin "Wu Huo, Ren Bi's strength—Qing Ji, Xia Yu's bravery" too.'
157
[]
Annotation Master Wen: "bow hung when birds gone. Records Su Qin persuading King of Han: "All Under Heaven strong bow stiff crossbow—all issue from Han."
158
[]
Annotation Gao Gan crosses Taihang from Bing.
159
[]
Annotation Yuan Tan marches from Qing. The Ji and Ta rivers lie in modern Shandong. Read ta as ta-he.
160
[]
Comment Jia Kui commentary Discourses states: "From rear drag called ji. Pronounce ji ju-yi. Zuo Tradition states "Jin men horn them—various Rong ji them" is this. Jing is Liu Biao. He allies with Yuan Shao—hence pressure from Wan and Ye.
161
[]
Annotation Chu ci: "burn thistle like sorrow.
162
[]
Annotation Three Strategies: "righteous flood drowns evil sparks.
163
[]
Han's laws fail; Cao cages the emperor with seven hundred guards—usurpation follows. Time for loyal men to die and heroes to rise. Rouse yourselves! Annotation marker 1.
164
[] 使
Annotation Chen Lin drafted this proclamation. Wei Records: "Chen Lin of Guangling served Yuan Shao's secretariat. After Yuan Shao's fall he joined Cao Cao. Cao asked why Chen Lin smeared his ancestors. Chen Lin apologized. Cao spared him for his talent." Bad copies duplicate "Chen Lin's words"—wrong.
165
[] 觿 [] [] [] 退
Yuan Shao sent Yan Liang against Liu Yan at Baima and marched to Liyang Ju Shou called his clan and gave away his fortune. "Power shields everyone; lose it and even you fall. Alas!" Cao is weaker—why fear?" Ju Shou answered: "Cao holds the emperor and clear counsel—we beat Gongsun but pride will cost us this war. Yang Xiong wrote how six states fell to Qin. So stands our age!" Cao Cao relieved Liu Yan, killed Yan Liang. Yuan Shao crossed and camped south of Yanjin. Ju Shou on the ferry: "Heaven is rash, men greedy—can we ford this river? He pleaded illness; Yuan Shao refused, hated him, stripped his troops for Guo Tu.
166
[]
Annotation Baima county lay east of modern Huaxian.
167
[]
Annotation From Yang Xiong's Fayun. Ying was Qin's clan name. Ji was Zhou's clan name. Fangyan: "Chi means contrary." The six states stumbled and Zhou fell to Qin.
168
[]使觿
Annotation SGZ: "Guan Yu slew Yan Liang among ten thousand men.
169
[]
Comment Li Daoyuan Water Classic Commentary states: "Han Emperor Wen era river burst at Suanzao—east breached metal dike—greatly drafted laborers to dam—Emperor Wu composed Gourd Child song—all speak this mouth. The stretch northeast is Yanjin. Du Yu commentary Zuo Tradition: "North of Chenliu Suanzao county lies Yanjin."
170
使
Yuan Shao sent Liu Bei and Wen Chou; Cao Cao killed Wen Chou. Two fights, two headless generals—panic in Yuan Shao's host.
171
[] []觿 [] []*[]* [] []
Cao Cao pulled back to Guandu; Yuan Shao held Yangwu. Ju Shou said: "northern numbers lack southern grit; southern grain is thin but northern magazines run deep. Cao wants a quick fight; you want a slow grind. Outwait him—months will decide." Yuan Shao refused. He crept toward Guandu and offered battle. Cao lost the round and dug in. Yuan Shao lofted towers and bowmen; Cao's men crept under shields Cao then deployed stone-throwing carts striking Shao's towers—all smashed—army called them "Thunderclap carts. Yuan Sha's sappers met Cao's counter-mines. Raiders torched Yuan Shao's grain trains.
172
[]
Annotation Guandu north of Zhongmou. Li Daoyuan Water Classic states: "Langdang Canal passes north of Cao Duke's rampart—high terrace called Guandu Terrace—north of Zhongmou walled town—folk call it Zhongmou Terrace."
173
[]
Annotation Yangwu is modern Yuanyang area.
174
[]西
Comment Wei Records states: "Linked camps gradually advanced—front relied on sand [lacuna]—east-west several tens of li as encampment. Cao Cao mirrored his lines."
175
[]
Comment Shi Ming states: "Tower-lofts—exposed above without roof covering. The mound and Yuan ramparts remain east of Guandu.
176
[]
Annotation Large infantry shields. Yang Xiong: "muffled shields." Annals: "Yuan Shao told men to bring rope for Cao."
177
[]
Annotation Thunder carts were traction trebuchets. Read pao pu-xiao.
178
[] * () * 使宿[] []
After months Henan defected to Yuan Shao. Chunyu Qiong convoyed grain from the north. Ju Shou asked for an outer screen against raids. Yuan Shao refused. Xu You advanced saying: "Cao Cao troops few yet entire army resists us—Xu downstream surplus defense circumstance must empty weak. Light troops could seize Xu and Cao would be your prisoner. Or harry him head and tail—still victory." Yuan Shao ignored him again. Shen Pei jailed Xu You's kin; he fled to Cao and pointed at Chunyu Qiong at Wuchao Cao took five thousand men by night and slaughtered the convoy. Annotation marker 3.
179
[]
Annotation Ju Shou wanted a cordon around the grain.
180
[]
Annotation Wuchao east of Suanzao.
181
[] * () **[]*
Comment Cao Man Tradition states: "Duke heard Xu You come—barefoot went welcome. They marched under Yuan colors, gagged, with torches. Guards heard: Yuan sends reinforcements against raiders. They believed the lie. They fired the depot and killed the officers (Sui) like Yuanjin—mutilated corpses to frighten Yuan's lines. Yuan's army shook."
182
使 [] 使 觿 觿
Yuan Shao told Yuan Tan: "if Cao hits grain I take his camp." He sent Gao Lan and Zhang He against Cao's fort—failed. Hearing Wuchao lost, they deserted to Cao. Yuan Shao's host collapsed. Yuan Shao fled with eight hundred horse to Jiang Yi. He seized Jiang Yi's hand: "my life is yours." Jiang Yi yielded his tent. He issued orders through Jiang. Stragglers rallied once Yuan Shao appeared. Cao massacred eighty thousand prisoners who feigned surrender.
183
[]
Comment Wei Records states: "Zhang He styled Junyi—native of Mao in Hejian. Zhang He warned: if grain falls we lose all. Guo Tu said attack Cao's base. Zhang He said Cao's fort would hold. If grain burns we are slaves. Yuan Shao split forces thinly—failed both ends. Cao crushed Wuchao. Guo Tu blamed Zhang He; Zhang fled to Cao."
184
[]
Ju Shou shouted: "I am captured, not surrendered." Cao seeing Shou told him: "Astral fields different—thereby used rupture sever—not pictured today then mutually obtain." Ju Shou: "Ji chose poorly and fled north. Strength spent—capture fits." Cao said: "Benchu lacked strategy—did not employ your plans. Chaos runs twelve years; let us plan peace. Ju Shou: "my kin are Yuan hostages—death is mercy." Cao sighed: "Orphan early obtained you—All Under Heaven not worth anxiety." He honored Ju Shou. Ju Shou plotted escape—Cao executed him.
185
[]
Annotation A ji cycle is twelve years.
186
[]
Yuan Shao looked magnanimous but was vain and deaf to counsel—hence defeat.
187
[]
When army returned—some told Tian Feng: "Lord certain will esteem you." Feng said: "Lord looks broad yet inward jealous—does not brighten my loyalty—and I repeatedly with utmost speech oppose him. Victory might spare me; defeat will unleash spite. If we had won I might live—after defeat I expect death." Yuan Shao returned: "Feng would mock me." He executed Tian Feng. Annotation marker 2.
188
[]
Annotation Read bi as ping-bi.
189
[] 觿 退 使
Comment Conduct of Worthies states: "Shao told Feng Ji: 'Ji Province men hearing our army defeated—all ought pity me; Only Tian Feng had warned him—Yuan Shao resented it. Feng Ji claimed Tian Feng laughed when Yuan Shao retreated. Yuan Shao decided to kill Tian Feng. Cao Cao said leaving Tian Feng behind meant Yuan Shao would lose. When Yuan Shao fled Cao admitted Tian Feng's plan might have changed things."
190
[] *[]*
At Guandu Cao Cao took Shen Pei's two sons. Meng Dai bore grudge against Pei—through Jiang Qi spoke to Shao: "Pei in position monopolizes government—clan large army strong—moreover two sons south—certain harbor rebel intent." Guo Tu and Xin Ping agreed. Yuan Shao named Meng Dai overseer to replace Shen Pei at Ye. Feng Ji vouched for Shen Pei's loyalty despite his sons. You do not hate him?" Private quarrels aside—I speak for the state." Well said." Shen Pei stayed; he and Feng Ji reconciled.
191
[]
Comment Records of Heroes states: "Shen Pei employed—inharmonious with Ji—Xin Ping, Guo Tu all sided Tan. Xin Ping was Xin Pi's elder brother. See the Wei Records.
192
[]宿 觿
Yuan Shao crushed revolts across Ji. He fell ill after Guandu and died in summer of the seventh year. Before naming an heir, factions split between Tan and Shang. Most officers favored the eldest son Tan. Shen Pei forged a will naming Yuan Shang.
193
[]
Annotation Wei Records: "Yuan Shao died vomiting blood. Annals: "his rule was mild and loved. Hebei mourned him like family." Dianlun: "Lady Liu slaughtered Yuan Shao's concubines and disfigured them. Yuan Shang executed their families too."
194
Textual notes
195
Note: "Qian Daxin cites Hua Qiao for left gentlemans general versus text." Yuan An biography says "gentleman of the left"—seems mistaken.
196
* () *殿
Page 2373 line 3 (Shao) He Zhuo: "line refers to Yuan Cheng; drop redundant Shao." Deleted per edition.
197
Note: Xu Shao text says prefect not magistrate.
198
Page 2374 line 3 appointed Shao assistant-army colonel Collected Explanations cites Hong Yiheng—He Jin biography writes "central-army colonel"—Gai Xun biography, Five Phases treatise both write "assistant-army colonel." Note: Shen Jiaben states commentary cites Duke of Shanyang as "central-army"—Annals commentary same—Wei Records same—case then had upper and lower armies—therefore "central-army" correct.
199
Page 2374 line 6 Chunyu Qiong right colonel Note: He Jin biography writes "left-army colonel."
200
Page 2374 line 11 none ill proclaim within realm Note: Collation Supplement cites Liu Congchen—Yuan Ji "proclaim" reads "harm."
201
* () **[]*
Page 2375 line 1 Taishan (Yang) Ping[yang] native Hong Liangji states "Yangping" ought follow Wei Records Bao Xun biography as "Pingyang." Emended accordingly.
202
Page 2375 line 11 thereupon led army return home district Note: Publication Errors states "army" ought read "return"—some say "army" redundant.
203
* () **[]*
Page 2375 line 11 (with) Graph corrected to "with."
204
Page 2376, line 3: "from Lesser Treasurer Yin Xun to Wu Xun, Grand Artisan." Note: the collected commentary cites Qian Daxin as saying that in Emperor Xian's Annals, every occurrence of "Xun" is written "Xiu," and the Wei zhi also writes "Wu Xiu"; "Xiu" should be considered correct.
205
使* () **[]*殿
Page 2376 line 6 Xuan Fan (chi) Jin pass emendation.
206
Page 2376 line 8 Humu Ban courtesy Jiyou Three Kingdoms Wei commentary "Jiyou" reads "Jipi." Customs and Usages vol. 3 writes "Humu Jipi." Now judgment: writing "pi" correct. Shen on tiger/ban wordplay. Parallel to Zheng Han Hu.
207
Page 2376 line 12 dead lord two daughters Note: Shen Jiaben states Wei commentary writes "dead lord two sons"—downstream says Kuang embraced Ban two sons weep—therefore "two daughters" wrong.
208
* () **[]*觿
Page 2376 line 15 envy (Fang) [qi] gaining hosts Publication Errors states "Fang" lacks meaning—ought be "qi." Note: Comprehensive Gazette reads "qi"—now accordingly emended.
209
Page 2377 line 4 what fierce treason Publication Errors states "He" ought read "e." Note: Yan Kejun Complete Later Han gloss "He" bears. Following Yan explanation—then "He" character not wrong.
210
Page 2377 line 6 Shao retainer Feng Ji Note: He Jin biography writes "Pang Ji."
211
*[]*
Page 2377 line 9 outward pretext[punish] Dong Zhuo Publication Errors states text lacks one "punish" word. Note: Comprehensive Gazette correctly writes "pretext punish Dong Zhuo"—now accordingly supplemented.
212
Ju Shou absent in Wei version of remonstrance.
213
Page 2378 line 5 Cheng Huan Note: Collected Explanations cites Hui Dong—Wei Records "Huan" reads "Huan."
214
殿
Page 2379 line 15 Duke Qin said Note: "Qin" originally miswritten "Tai"—directly emended per Ji edition, Palace edition.
215
* () **[]*
Page 2381 line 8 general's (honor) [juan] Collected Explanations cites Hui Dong—states "xiu" mistaken—ought follow Records of Heroes "juan." Emended. Note: Three Kingdoms Yuan Shao biography commentary cites Records of Heroes "juan."
216
Page 2381 line 10 great assembly guests followers at Boluo Ford Collation Supplement states "followers" ought read "retinue." Note: Wei Records commentary cites Records of Heroes—writes "just with guests various generals jointly meeting."
217
殿
Page 2381 line 10 Black Mountain bandit Gan Du Palace edition "Gan" reads "Yu"—same below. Note: Zhu Jun biography also writes "Yu."
218
Page 2381 line 14 Shao then trace mountains north march Note: Zhang Senkai collation states "trace" lacks meaning—suspect ought read "follow."
219
殿
Page 2381 line 15 Left-whisker Eight Zhang Note: Palace edition "zhang" reads "wen."
220
*[]*
Page 2382 line 5 called [Bo]luo Ford Collation Supplement cites Liu Congchen—Comprehensive Mirror commentary cites this as "called Boluo Ford"—here lacks "Bo" character. Matches Li Daoyuan.
221
Page 2382 line 13 appointed Shao general of the right Note: Collected Explanations cites Hui Dong—Yuan Hong chronicle writes "rear general."
222
Page 2383 line 9 Xi styled Xianyong Collected Explanations cites Hui Dong—states "Xianyong" ought follow Wei commentary "Xianyi." Note: Pan Mei Three Kingdoms textual research states Xi and Yi characters correspond—writing "Yi" mistaken.
223
* () **[]*
Page 2383 line 12 accomplish (and) [bai] ruin warning Collected Explanations cites Hui Dong—states "ze" according Nine Provinces Spring and Autumn ought read "bai." Emended.
224
Page 2386 line 9 all we covenant allies afterward Note: Publication Errors states text ought read "covenant men—after oath"—this oath document usual wording—here mistaken dropped four characters.
225
殿
Page 2386 line 9 spirits then strike Note: "Strike" originally miswritten "urgent"—directly emended per Ji edition, Palace edition.
226
* () **[]*殿
Page 2386 line 11 these (great) Great birds emendation per Rites.
227
Page 2386 line 16 Zhang Yang Black Mountain simultaneously beg surrender Note: "Yang" originally written "Yang" raise—front rear inconsistent—directly corrected.
228
Page 2387 line 5 Privy Treasurer Zhao Qi Note: "Qi" originally miswritten "Qi" fork—directly corrected.
229
* () **[]*殿
Page 2389 line 4 three dukes of state (counsel) Wei graph emended per Ji and Palace editions.
230
Page 2389, line 15: "made him General-in-Chief of Agile Cavalry." Note: Zhang Senkai's Collation Notes says that, according to Emperor Ming's Annals and the biography of the King of Dongping, both say he was made General of Agile Cavalry; the character "chief" is probably intrusive.
231
* () **[]*
Page 2391 line 1 (the) Qi particle restored per Ji edition.
232
Page 2391 line 5 moreover lord troops followers crack-brave Note: Collation Supplement cites Liu Congchen—Fujian edition "lord" reads "now."
233
* () **[]*殿 殿
Page 2391 line 7 lies in (hold firm) Chi lao emended per Palace edition. Note: "drop erroneous jiangjun per Dianlun commentary." Moreover Collected Explanations cites Wang Bu states Comprehensive Mirror also writes "hold firm"—Hu commentary equals modern southern speech "grasp steady."
234
*[]*
Page 2391 line 8 when minister matches lord same [prosper lord matches minister] perish Collected Explanations cites Hui Dong states Annals of Emperor Xian cloud "minister matches lord then prosper—lord matches minister then perish"—tradition leaked six characters. Supplemented accordingly.
235
Page 2393 line 12 through Zang bought rank Collected Explanations cites Hui Dong states "buy" Chen Lin collection reads "borrow." Now judgment: Literary Selection also writes "borrow."
236
* () **[]*
Page 2393 line 12 Cao (surplus) [zhui] castrate-leavings ugliness Collected Explanations cites Qian Daxin states "jian" ought read "zhui"—Three Kingdoms commentary and Literary Selection both "zhui." Emended.
237
殿
Page 2394 line 1 [lacuna] approach awesome handle Collected Explanations cites Hui Dong states Literary Selection and Wei commentary both write "[lacuna][lacuna]"—[lacuna] means complete—approach also glosses complete—same meaning as [lacuna]. Note: Palace edition "approach" miswritten "kick."
238
Page 2394 line 3 body draped display-beheading punishment Literary Selection below "body" has "head" character—"punishment" reads "execution." Note: Below cloud "wife children bear ash-extinction blame"—"body head" "wife children" parallel paired text—suspect here lacks "head" character.
239
* () **[]*殿
Lu Bu and Chen Gong led ten thousand mounted Graph emended to battle.
240
*[]*
Zhong restored per collation.
241
*[]*觿
Page 2400 line 3 [within camp] all shield-mantle walk Li Ciming states above "all" ought repeat "within camp" two characters—Three Kingdoms Yuan Shao biography writes "within camp all shield-mantle—hosts greatly fear." Supplemented.
242
Page 2400 line 10 Cao Cao truly captured Note: Publication Errors states "truly" examining text ought read "can."
243
* () *
Page 2400 line 14 if Xu falls Cao (is) Deleted redundant graph per collation.
244
Page 2401 line 6 return troops to strengthen guard Note: Collation Supplement states Wei commentary cites Cao Man Tradition—"return troops" reads "dispatch troops."
245
* () **[]*
Page 2401 line 7 behead general (Sui) [Sui] Yuanjin and others Collected Explanations cites Hui Dong states "Sui" ought read "Sui"—namely Sui Gu. Emended.
246
*[]*輿
Ji restored in Pei-Ji phrase per Su Yu.
← Previous Chapter
Back to Chapters
Next Chapter →