Volume 62 Han Records 54

1

=漢紀五十四=

【Han Records 54】

2

起柔兆困敦，盡著雍攝提格，凡三年。

Spanning the years from Rouzhao-Kundun through Zhuoyong-Shetige—three years in all.

3

孝獻皇帝丁

Reign of Emperor Xian (section Ding)

4

1春，正月，癸酉，大赦，改元。

In spring, in the first month, on guiyou day, the emperor proclaimed a general amnesty and adopted a new reign title.

5

2董承、張楊欲以天子還雒陽，楊奉、李樂不欲，由是諸將更相疑貳。二月，韓暹攻董承，承奔野王。韓暹屯聞喜，胡才、楊奉之塢鄉。胡才欲攻韓暹，上使人諭止之。

Dong Cheng and Zhang Yang wanted to bring the emperor back to Luoyang, but Yang Feng and Li Yue opposed the move, and the commanders grew mutually suspicious and disloyal. In the second month, Han Xian attacked Dong Cheng, who fled to Yewang. Han Xian encamped at Wenxi, while Hu Cai and Yang Feng held Wuxiang. When Hu Cai prepared to attack Han Xian, the emperor sent envoys to order him to desist.

6

3汝南、潁川黃巾何儀等擁眾附袁術，曹操擊破之。

He Yi and other Yellow Turban leaders in Runan and Yingchuan rallied their bands to Yuan Shu; Cao Cao defeated them in battle.

7

4張楊使董承先繕修雒陽宮。太僕趙岐為承說劉表，使遣兵詣雒陽，助修宮室；軍資委輸，前後不絕。夏，五月，丙寅，帝遣使至楊奉、李樂、韓暹營，求送至雒陽，奉等從詔。六月乙未，車駕幸聞喜。

Zhang Yang sent Dong Cheng ahead to restore the palaces at Luoyang. The Grand Master of the Stables Zhao Qi persuaded Liu Biao on Dong Cheng's behalf to dispatch troops to Luoyang to help repair the palaces; and military supplies flowed in without interruption. In summer, in the fifth month, on bingyin day, the emperor sent envoys to the camps of Yang Feng, Li Yue, and Han Xian asking them to escort him to Luoyang, and they complied. On yiwei day in the sixth month, the imperial procession reached Wenxi.

8

5袁術攻劉備以爭徐州，備使司馬張飛守下邳，自將拒術於盱眙、淮陰，相持經月，更有勝負。下邳相曹豹，陶謙故將也，與張飛相失，飛殺之，城中乖亂。袁術與呂布書，勸令襲下邳，許助以軍糧。布大喜，引軍水陸東下。備中郎將丹陽許耽開門迎之。張飛敗走，布虜備妻子及將吏家口。備聞之，引還，比至下邳，兵潰。備收餘兵東取廣陵，與袁術戰，又敗，屯於海西。飢餓困踧，吏士相食，從事東海麋竺以家財助軍。備請降於布，布亦忿袁術運糧不繼，乃召備，復以為豫州刺史，與并勢擊術，使屯小沛。布自稱徐州牧。

Yuan Shu attacked Liu Bei to seize Xuzhou. Liu Bei left his major Zhang Fei to hold Xiapi while he personally led troops against Yuan Shu at Xuyi and Huaiyin; the two sides grappled for a month, each winning skirmishes in turn. Cao Bao, the chancellor of Xiapi and a former officer of Tao Qian, fell out with Zhang Fei, who killed him; the city was thrown into turmoil. Yuan Shu wrote to Lü Bu urging him to strike Xiapi and promising military provisions. Lü Bu was delighted and marched east by land and river. Xu Dan of Danyang, a gentleman-attendant in Liu Bei's service, opened the gates to admit him. Zhang Fei was routed and fled; Lü Bu seized Liu Bei's wife and children and the families of his officers. When Liu Bei heard the news he turned back, but his troops disintegrated before he could reach Xiapi. Liu Bei rallied his remnants and marched east against Guangling; he fought Yuan Shu again, was defeated once more, and encamped at Haixi. Beset by hunger and desperation, his men resorted to cannibalism; Mi Zhu of Donghai, an attendant clerk in his service, supported the army with his family fortune. Liu Bei offered to submit to Lü Bu, who was himself angry that Yuan Shu had failed to keep supplying grain; Lü Bu recalled Liu Bei, reappointed him Inspector of Yuzhou, allied with him against Yuan Shu, and stationed him at Xiaopei. Lü Bu declared himself Governor of Xuzhou.

9

布將河內郝萌夜攻布，布科頭袒衣，走詣都督高順營。順即嚴兵入府討之，萌敗走；比明，萌將曹性擊斬萌。

Lü Bu's general Hao Meng of Henei attacked him by night; Lü Bu fled bareheaded and half-dressed to the camp of his commander Gao Shun. Gao Shun at once led disciplined troops into the headquarters to suppress the mutiny; Hao Meng was routed and fled; and by dawn Hao Meng's officer Cao Xing struck and killed him.

10

6庚子，楊奉、韓暹奉帝東還，張楊以糧迎道路。秋，七月，甲子，車駕至雒陽，幸故中常侍趙忠宅。丁丑，大赦。八月，辛丑，幸南宮楊安殿。張楊以為己功，故名其殿曰楊安。楊謂諸將曰：「天子當與天下共之，朝廷自有公卿大臣，楊當出扞外難。」遂還野王。楊奉亦出屯梁，韓暹、董承並留宿衛。癸卯，以安國將軍張楊為大司馬，楊奉為車騎將軍，韓暹為大將軍、領司隸校尉，皆假節鉞。

On gengzi day, Yang Feng and Han Xian escorted the emperor eastward; Zhang Yang supplied grain all along the route. In autumn, in the seventh month, on jiazi day, the imperial procession reached Luoyang and took up residence in the former mansion of the eunuch Zhao Zhong. On dingchou day, a general amnesty was proclaimed. In the eighth month, on xinchou day, the emperor moved into the Yang'an Hall of the Southern Palace. Zhang Yang, claiming credit for the restoration, had the hall named Yang'an after himself. Zhang Yang told the other commanders, "The Son of Heaven belongs to the empire; the court has its own ministers. I should go out and hold the frontier against outside threats." He then withdrew to Yewang. Yang Feng likewise withdrew to encamp at Liang, while Han Xian and Dong Cheng stayed behind as palace guards. On guimao day, Zhang Yang was made Grand Marshal, Yang Feng General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Han Xian Grand General with concurrent duties as Colonel-Director of the Retainers; each received the staff of authority and ceremonial axe.

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是時，宮室燒盡，百官披荊棘，依牆壁間，州郡各擁強兵，委輸不至；群僚飢乏，尚書郎以下自出採穭，或飢死牆壁間，或為兵士所殺。

The palaces had been burned to ruins; officials picked their way through brambles and sheltered against broken walls; the provinces and commanderies each held their own armies, and no tribute reached the capital; and the court was starving. Masters of writing and those below them went out to gather fallen grain; some died of hunger among the ruins, others were killed by soldiers.

12

7袁術以讖言「代漢者當塗高」，自云名字應之。又以袁氏出陳，為舜後，以黃代赤，德運之次，遂有偕逆之謀。聞孫堅得傳國璽，拘堅妻而奪之。乃聞天子敗於曹陽，乃會群下議稱尊號；眾莫敢對。主簿閻象進曰：「昔周自後稷至于文王，積德累功，參分天下有其二，猶服事殷。明公雖弈世克昌，未若有周之盛；漢室雖微，未若殷紂之暴也！」術默然。

Yuan Shu seized on the prophecy that "the one who will replace Han is Tu-gao" and claimed that his own name fulfilled it. He further argued that the Yuan clan sprang from Chen, were heirs of Shun, and that yellow—the color of earth—would succeed red in the cycle of dynastic virtue; on this basis he plotted rebellion. When he learned that Sun Jian had obtained the imperial seal, he detained Sun Jian's wife and seized it from her. Learning that the emperor had been defeated at Caoyang, he convened his officers to discuss proclaiming himself emperor; but no one dared speak up. Chief Clerk Yan Xiang stepped forward and said, "From Houji down to King Wen, the house of Zhou accumulated merit for generations and held two-thirds of the realm, yet still served the Yin. Your lordship, though prosperous for generations, has not matched Zhou's grandeur; and the house of Han, though weakened, is nothing like the tyranny of King Zhou of Yin!" Yuan Shu said nothing.

13

術聘處士張範，範不往，使其弟承謝之。術謂承曰：「孤以土地之廣，士民之眾，欲徼福齊桓，擬跡高祖，何如？」承曰：「在德不在強。夫用德以同天下之欲，雖由匹夫之資而興霸王之功，不足為難。若苟欲僭擬，干時而動，眾之所棄，誰能興之！」術不悅。

Yuan Shu invited the scholar-recluse Zhang Fan, who refused to come and sent his younger brother Zhang Cheng to decline on his behalf. Yuan Shu asked Zhang Cheng, "With my broad lands and numerous people, I mean to emulate Duke Huan of Qi and follow in the footsteps of the High Ancestor—what say you? Zhang Cheng replied, "Success lies in virtue, not in brute strength. One who wins men's hearts through virtue can rise from humble origins to hegemonic greatness without difficulty. But if you grasp at usurpation and move against the times, you will be abandoned by the people—who could then raise you up?" Yuan Shu was displeased.

14

孫策聞之，與術書曰：「成湯討桀稱『有夏多罪』，武王伐紂曰『殷有重罰』，此二主者，雖有聖德，假使時無失道之過，無由逼而取也。今主上非有惡於天下，徒以幼小，脅於強臣，異於湯、武之時也。且董卓貪淫驕陵，志無紀極，至於廢主自興，亦猶未也，而天下同心疾之，況傚尤而甚焉者乎！又聞幼主明智聰敏，有夙成之德，天下雖未被其恩，咸歸心焉。使君五世相承，為漢宰輔，榮寵之盛，莫與為比，宜效忠守節，以報王室，則旦、奭之美，率土所望也。時人多惑圖緯之言，妄牽非類之文，苟以悅主為美，不顧成敗之計，古今所慎，可不孰慮！忠言逆耳，駁議致憎，苟有益於尊明，無所敢辭！」術始自以為有淮南之眾，料策必與己合，及得其書，愁沮發疾。既不納其言，策遂與之絕。

When Sun Ce heard of this, he wrote to Yuan Shu: "King Tang attacked Jie under the banner 'Xia is full of crimes'; King Wu attacked Zhou of Yin under the banner 'Yin is steeped in punishments.' Both were sages, yet neither could have overthrown his sovereign had the throne not already forfeited the Mandate. Our present sovereign has done no wrong to the realm; he is merely young and bullied by powerful ministers—a far cry from the age of Tang and Wu. Dong Zhuo was greedy, licentious, and insolent beyond measure; he deposed the emperor and set himself up, yet the empire united against him before he could succeed—how much worse will it be for one who copies his crimes and goes further still! I hear moreover that the young emperor is intelligent and precociously gifted; though the realm has not yet felt his beneficence, all hearts already incline toward him. Your house has served as chief ministers to Han for five generations; no family has known such honor. You should prove loyal and steadfast in repayment to the throne—the glory of the Duke of Zhou and Duke Shi is what the whole realm expects of you. Too many men today are seduced by apocryphal prophecies, wrenching texts to fit their purpose and flattering their lord without weighing success or failure—a folly warned against in every age. Surely you will think this through carefully! Loyal counsel grates on the ear and frank debate breeds resentment, yet if it serves your high purpose I dare not hold my tongue!" Yuan Shu had counted on his Huainan armies and assumed Sun Ce would side with him; when the letter arrived he was stricken with grief and fell ill. When Yuan Shu rejected his advice, Sun Ce broke with him entirely.

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8孫策將取會稽今移往「曹操在許」之前。，吳人嚴白虎等眾各萬餘人，處處屯聚，諸將欲先擊白虎等。策曰：「白虎等群盜，非有大志，此成禽耳。」遂引兵渡浙江。會稽功曹虞翻說太守王朗曰：「策善用兵，不如避之。」朗不從。發兵拒策於固陵。

It has been moved to precede "Cao Cao was at Xu."]¹ Yan Baihu and other Wu bandit chiefs had more than ten thousand men each and were encamped throughout the region; Sun Ce's officers wanted to attack them first. Sun Ce said, "Men like Baihu are mere bandits without grand ambitions—they can be captured at leisure." He marched his army across the Zhe River. Yu Fan, merit officer of Kuaiji, urged the administrator Wang Lang, "Sun Ce is a formidable commander—you would do better to avoid a fight. Wang Lang refused. He raised troops and met Sun Ce at Guling.

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策數渡水戰，不能克。策叔父靜說策曰：「朗負阻城守，難可猝拔。查瀆南去此數十里，宜從彼據其內，所謂攻其無備，出其不意者也。」策從之，夜，多然火為疑兵，分軍投查瀆道，襲高遷屯。朗大驚，遣故丹陽太守周昕等帥兵逆戰，策破昕等，斬之。朗遁去，虞翻追隨營護朗，浮海至東冶，策追擊，大破之，朗乃詣策降。

Sun Ce fought repeated battles across the river but could not break through. Sun Ce's uncle Sun Jing advised him, "Wang Lang holds a fortified position behind natural barriers; you cannot storm it quickly. Chadu lies a few dozen li to the south; you should seize it and strike from within—attack where he is unprepared and take him by surprise." Sun Ce agreed. That night he lit many fires as a diversion, split his force along the Chadu road, and stormed the camp at Gaoqian. Wang Lang was thrown into panic and sent the former Danyang administrator Zhou Xin and others to intercept him; Sun Ce routed and killed them. Wang Lang fled; Yu Fan followed close behind to protect him and sailed to Dongye; Sun Ce pursued, inflicted a crushing defeat, and Wang Lang came in person to surrender.

17

策自領會稽太守，覆命虞翻為功曹，待以交友之禮。策好遊獵，翻諫曰：「明府喜輕出微行，從官不暇嚴，吏卒常苦之。夫君人者不重則不威，故白龍魚服，困於豫且，白蛇自放，劉季害之。願少留意！」策曰：「君言是也。」然不能改。

Sun Ce appointed himself Administrator of Kuaiji, reinstated Yu Fan as merit officer, and treated him as an intimate friend. Sun Ce loved to hunt; Yu Fan remonstrated, "Your lordship delights in slipping out incognito; your escort cannot keep proper order, and your officers and men suffer for it. A ruler who does not maintain his dignity lacks authority: the white dragon disguised as a fish was caught by the fisherman Yu Qie, and the white serpent that went abroad on its own was slain by Liu Bang. I beg you to take heed!" Sun Ce said, "You are right. Yet he could not break the habit.

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9曹操在許，謀迎天子。眾以為「山東未定，韓暹、楊奉，負功恣睢，未可猝制。」荀彧曰：「昔晉文公納周襄王而諸侯景從，漢高祖為義帝縞素而天下歸心。自天子蒙塵，將軍首唱義兵，徒以山東擾亂，未遑遠赴。今鑾駕旋軫，東京榛蕪，義士有存本之思，兆民懷感舊之哀。誠因此時，奉主上以從人望，大順也；秉至公以服天下，大略也；扶弘義以致英俊，大德也。四方雖有逆節，其何能為？韓暹、楊奉，安足恤哉！若不時定，使豪傑生心，後雖為慮，亦無及矣。」操乃遣揚武中郎將曹洪將兵西迎天子，董承等據險拒之，洪不得進。

Cao Cao was at Xu and planned to welcome the emperor to his base. His advisers argued that "the east is still unsettled; Han Xian and Yang Feng are arrogant with their past service and cannot be subdued in haste. Xun Yu replied, "Duke Wen of Jin received King Xiang of Zhou and the feudal lords flocked to him; the High Ancestor wore mourning for Emperor Yi and won the hearts of the realm. Ever since the emperor fell into exile, you were first to raise the righteous banner, but turmoil in the east kept you from going to his aid. Now the imperial carriage is turning homeward, Luoyang lies in ruins, loyal men yearn to restore the dynasty, and the people mourn the capital they have lost. If you seize this moment to receive the emperor and satisfy the people's hopes, you will align with the greatest mandate; hold yourself to utmost fairness and win the realm—that is the grand strategy; and uphold righteous purpose to gather the talented—that is supreme virtue. Rebels may stir in the provinces, but what can they achieve? Han Xian and Yang Feng are hardly worth your concern! If you delay, ambitious rivals will take heart; even if you reconsider later, it will be too late." Cao Cao then sent General of the Martial Yang Cao Hong west with troops to welcome the emperor, but Dong Cheng and others blocked the passes and Hong could not get through.

19

議郎董昭以楊奉兵馬最強而少黨援，作操書與奉曰：「吾與次軍聞名慕義，便推赤心。今將軍拔萬乘之艱難，反之舊都，翼佐之功，超世無疇，何其休哉！方今群凶猾夏，四海未寧，神器至重，事在維輔；必須眾賢以清王軌，誠非一人所能獨建，心腹四支，實相恃賴，一物不備，則有闕焉。將軍當為內主，吾為外援。今吾有糧，將軍有兵，有無相通，足以相濟，死生契闊，相與共之。」奉得書喜悅，語諸將軍曰：「兗州諸軍近在許耳，有兵有糧，國家所當依仰也。」遂共表操為鎮東將軍，襲父爵費亭侯。

Consultant Dong Zhao noted that Yang Feng had the strongest force but few allies; he drafted a letter for Cao Cao to Yang Feng: "Your army and mine have long admired each other's reputation and pledged mutual loyalty. You have rescued the emperor from dire peril and restored him to the old capital—an achievement without parallel in our age. How splendid! Traitors still run riot, the realm is not at peace, and the imperial charge is too weighty for any one man; it requires many worthy men to restore the royal order. No one can build this alone: heart and limbs must rely on one another, and if any part is missing the whole is flawed. You should be the pillar within; I will be your support from without. I have grain and you have troops; together we can supply each other's wants, through life and death, in plenty and in want." Yang Feng was delighted by the letter and told his officers, "Cao Cao's forces are close at Xu, with both troops and grain—the state ought to rely on them. They jointly petitioned to appoint Cao Cao General Who Pacifies the East and confirm his inheritance of his father's title, Marquis of Feiting.

20

韓暹矜功專恣，董承患之，因潛召操；操乃將兵詣雒陽。既至，奏韓暹、張楊之罪。暹懼誅，單騎奔楊奉。帝以暹、楊有翼車駕之功，詔一切勿問。辛亥，以曹操領司隸校尉、錄尚書事。操於是誅尚書馮碩等三人，討有罪也；封衛將軍董承等十三人為列侯，賞有功也；贈射聲校尉沮儁為弘農太守，矜死節也。

Han Xian grew arrogant on his past service; Dong Cheng, alarmed, secretly summoned Cao Cao; who marched his army to Luoyang. On arrival he memorialized against Han Xian and Zhang Yang. Han Xian, fearing execution, fled alone to Yang Feng. The emperor, remembering their service in escorting the imperial carriage, ordered that all charges be dropped. On xinhai day, Cao Cao was made acting Colonel-Director of the Retainers and put in charge of the Masters of Writing. He executed Master of Writing Feng Shuo and two others, punishing the guilty; enfeoffed Palace Guard General Dong Cheng and twelve others as marquises, rewarding merit; and posthumously appointed Colonel of the Archers Ju Jun Administrator of Hongnong, honoring his martyrdom.

21

操引董昭並坐，問曰：「今孤為此，當施何計？」昭曰：「將軍興義兵以誅暴亂，入朝天子，輔翼三室，此五伯之功也。此下諸將，人殊意異，未必服從，今留匡弼，事勢不便，惟有移駕幸許耳。然朝廷播越，新還舊京，遠近跂望，冀一朝獲安，今復徙駕，不厭眾心。夫行非常之事，乃有非常之功，願將軍算其多者。」操曰：「此孤本志也。楊奉近在梁耳，聞其兵精，得無為孤累乎？」昭曰：「奉少黨援，心相憑結，鎮東、費亭之事，皆奉所定，宜進遣使厚遺答謝，以安其意，說『京都無糧，欲車駕暫幸魯陽，魯陽近許，轉運稍易，可無縣乏之憂。』奉為人勇而寡慮，必不見疑，比使往來，足以定計，奉何能為累！」操曰：「善！」即遣使詣奉。庚申，車駕出轘轅而東，遂遷都許。〔九月〕，己巳據補「九月」二字。，〔車駕到許〕，幸曹操營。〔甲戌〕按九月癸亥朔，為農曆十二日。，以操為大將軍，封武平侯。始立宗廟社稷於許。

Cao Cao invited Dong Zhao to sit with him and asked, "Now that I have come this far, what course should I take? Dong Zhao replied, "You raised the righteous army to suppress rebellion, attended the emperor at court, and supported the royal house—the achievement of a hegemon. The generals here each have his own mind and may not obey you; staying to support the court is awkward. You should move the emperor to Xu. Yet the court has been uprooted and has only just returned to the old capital; the realm stands on tiptoe hoping for peace. To move the emperor again will disappoint everyone. Extraordinary deeds yield extraordinary rewards—weigh which course offers the greater gain." Cao Cao said, "That has always been my intent. Yang Feng is nearby at Liang, and I hear his troops are first-rate—will he not become a burden?" Dong Zhao said, "Yang Feng has few allies and is already tied to you—the appointments of Pacifying the East and Feiting were his doing. Send envoys with rich gifts to reassure him. Tell him the capital lacks grain and the emperor will temporarily visit Luyang, which is near Xu and easier to supply, so the court need not go hungry. Yang Feng is brave but not deep; he will not suspect you. By the time messengers have gone back and forth, your plan will be set—how can he hinder you?" Cao Cao said, "Excellent! He at once sent envoys to Yang Feng. The capital was then moved to Xu.² The words "ninth month" are supplied accordingly.³ ]⁴ The ninth month began on guihai, so this is the twelfth day of the month.⁵ Cao Cao was made Grand General and enfeoffed as Marquis of Wuping. The ancestral temple and altars of soil and grain were first established at Xu.

22

10〔是〕( 九) 月九) 月按前文己補「九月」二字，此處改為「是月」。，司徒淳于嘉、太尉楊彪、司空張喜皆罷。

10. [In] this ( ninth) ninth)⁶ month)—as "ninth month" was supplied earlier, this reads "this month."] Minister over the Masses Chunyu Jia, Grand Commandant Yang Biao, and Minister of Works Zhang Xi were all removed from office.

23

11車駕之東遷也，楊奉自梁欲邀之，不及。冬，十月，曹操征奉，奉南奔袁術，遂攻其梁屯，拔之。

When the emperor moved east, Yang Feng from Liang tried to intercept the procession but arrived too late. In winter, in the tenth month, Cao Cao attacked Yang Feng, who fled south to Yuan Shu; Cao then stormed his camp at Liang and captured it.

24

12詔書下袁紹，責以「地廣兵多，而專自樹黨，不聞勤王之師，但擅相討伐。」紹上書深自陳訴，〔十一月〕《後漢書．獻帝紀》則繫於十一月，是月壬戌朔，有戊辰、丙戌，《後漢書》是，據補。，戊辰，以紹為太尉，封鄴侯，紹恥班在曹操下，怒曰：「曹操當死數矣，我輒救存之，今乃挾天子以令我乎！」表辭不受。操懼，請以大將軍讓紹。丙戌，以操為司空，行車騎將軍事。

An imperial edict rebuked Yuan Shao: "Your lands are vast and your armies numerous, yet you build factions for yourself alone. We hear no troops coming to rescue the throne—only private wars among yourselves. The Book of Later Han, Annals of Emperor Xian, places it in the eleventh month, which began on renxu and includes wuchen and bingxu—the Book of Later Han is correct, and the eleventh month is supplied accordingly.⁷ On wuchen day, Yuan Shao was made Grand Commandant and enfeoffed as Marquis of Ye. Ashamed to rank below Cao Cao, he raged: "Cao Cao should have died a dozen deaths—I kept saving him—and now he holds the emperor hostage to order me about! He memorialized to decline and refused the appointment. Cao Cao, alarmed, offered to yield the Grand Generalship to Yuan Shao. On bingxu day, Cao Cao was made Minister of Works with concurrent duties as General of Chariots and Cavalry.

25

操以荀彧為侍中，守尚書令。操問彧以策謀之士，彧薦其從子蜀郡太守攸及潁川郭嘉。操徵攸為尚書，與語，大悅，曰：「公達，非常人也。吾得與之計事，天下當何憂哉！」以為軍師。

Cao Cao appointed Xun Yu Palace Attendant and acting Director of the Masters of Writing. Cao Cao asked Xun Yu for strategists; Xun Yu recommended his cousin Xun You, Administrator of Shu Commandery, and Guo Jia of Yingchuan. Cao Cao summoned Xun You as Master of Writing and, after talking with him, exclaimed, "Gongda, you are no ordinary man. With him to plan by my side, what have I to fear under Heaven!" He was made military adviser.

26

初，郭嘉往見袁紹，紹甚敬禮之，居數十日，謂紹謀臣辛評、郭圖曰：「夫智者審於量主，故百全而功名可立。袁公徒欲效周公之下士，而不知用人之機，多端寡要，好謀無決，欲與共濟天下大難，定霸王之業，難矣。吾將更舉以求主，子盍去乎！」二人曰：「袁氏有恩德於天下，人多歸之，且今最強，去將何之！」嘉知其不寤，不復言，遂去之。操召見，與論天下事，豆曰：「使孤成大業者，必此人也！」嘉出，亦喜曰：「真吾主也！」操表嘉為司空〔軍師〕祭酒。

Earlier, Guo Jia had visited Yuan Shao, who received him with great honor. After some days he told Yuan Shao's advisers Xin Ping and Guo Tu, "A wise man chooses his lord carefully and so preserves himself whole while winning fame. Lord Yuan only imitates the Duke of Zhou in courting scholars, yet does not grasp how to use men—many schemes, few essentials, fond of counsel but unable to decide. To join him in saving the realm and founding an empire would be hard. I shall look elsewhere for a lord—why do you not leave too?" They replied, "The Yuan clan has won grace across the realm; men flock to them, and they are now the strongest power—where would we go? Guo Jia saw they would not listen, said no more, and left. Cao Cao received him and discussed the realm with him, then said, "The man who will help me complete the great enterprise is surely this one! When Guo Jia left he rejoiced, "This is truly my lord! ]⁸

27

操以山陽滿寵為許令，操從弟洪，有賓客在許界數犯法，寵收治之，洪書報寵，寵不聽。洪以白操，操尋許主旨，寵知將欲原客，乃速殺之。操喜曰：「當事不當爾邪！」

Cao Cao appointed Man Chong of Shanyang magistrate of Xu. Cao Hong, a cousin of Cao Cao, had guests who repeatedly broke the law within Xu's jurisdiction; Man Chong arrested them. Cao Hong wrote to intercede, but Man Chong paid no heed. Cao Hong appealed to Cao Cao, who was about to issue a pardon; Man Chong, guessing his intent, had the offenders executed at once. Cao Cao was pleased and said, "Is this not how affairs ought to be handled!"

28

13北海太守孔融，負其高氣，志在靖難，而才疏意廣，訖無成功。高談清教，盈溢官曹，辭氣〔溫〕( 清) 雅清) 雅據章注及《後漢書．孔融傳》改。，可玩而誦，論事考實，難可悉行。但能張磔網羅，而目理甚疏。造次能得人心，久久亦不願附也。其所任用，好奇取異，多剽輕小才，至於奠事名儒鄭玄，執子孫禮，易其鄉名曰鄭公鄉，及清儁之士左承祖、劉義遜等，皆備在座席而已，不與論政事，曰：「此民望，不可失也！」

Kong Rong, Administrator of Beihai, prided himself on his lofty spirit and aspired to save the realm, but his talent was slight and his ambitions vast—in the end he accomplished nothing. He held forth on lofty doctrine until it filled the offices; his speech was [warm] ( clear) clear)⁹ elegant")—emended per Zhang's commentary and the Biography of Kong Rong in the Book of Later Han.] ]—a pleasure to read aloud; in debate he sought facts, yet his proposals were hard to put fully into practice. He could cast a wide net, but his grasp of essentials was loose. He could win men quickly, but in time they would not stay with him. Those he employed were drawn to the odd and flashy—mostly shallow talents. For the great scholar Zheng Xuan he performed guest rites as to an elder, renamed his village the Village of Lord Zheng, and for worthy men such as Zuo Chengzu and Liu Yisun he merely kept them at his table without consulting them on policy, saying, "These are men the people esteem—we cannot neglect them!"

29

黃巾來寇，融戰敗，走保都昌。時袁、公孫首尾相連，融兵弱糧寡，孤立一隅，不與相通。左承祖勸融宜自托強國，融不聽而殺之，劉義遜棄去。青州刺史袁譚攻融，自春至夏，戰士所餘纔數百人，流矢交集，而融猶隱-{几}-讀書，談笑自若。城夜陷，及奔東山，妻子為譚所虜。曹操與融有舊，徵為將作大匠。

When Yellow Turbans attacked, Kong Rong was defeated and fled to Duchang. Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan held the north in a chain; Kong Rong's forces were few and his grain scant; isolated in a corner, he had no line of communication. Zuo Chengzu urged him to submit to a strong power; Kong Rong refused and had him killed. Liu Yisun left him. Yuan Tan, Inspector of Qing Province, besieged him from spring through summer until only a few hundred soldiers remained; arrows flew thick as rain, yet Kong Rong still read at his desk, talking and laughing as though at ease. The city fell by night; he fled to the eastern hills; Yuan Tan captured his wife and children. Cao Cao, who knew him of old, summoned him as Master of Works in the Palace.

30

袁譚初至青州，其土自河而西，不過平原。譚北排田楷，東破孔融，威惠甚著；其後信任群小，肆志奢淫，聲望遂衰。

When Yuan Tan first took Qing Province, his lands west of the Yellow River extended only to Pingyuan. He drove Tian Kai north, crushed Kong Rong in the east, and won great renown; but later he trusted petty men, indulged in luxury, and his prestige faded.

31

14中平以來，天下亂離，民棄農業，諸軍並起，率乏糧穀，無終歲之計，飢則寇略，飽則棄餘，瓦解流離，無敵自破者，不可勝數。袁紹在河北，軍人仰食桑椹。袁術在江淮，取給蒲蠃，民多相食，州里蕭條。羽林監棗祗請建置屯田，曹操從之，以祗為屯田都尉，以騎都尉任峻為典農中郎將。募民屯田許下，得穀百萬斛。於是州郡倒置田官，所在積穀，倉廩皆滿。故操征伐四方，無運糧之勞，遂能兼併群雄。軍國之饒，起於祗而成於峻。

Since the Zhongping era the realm had fallen into chaos; peasants abandoned farming; armies rose everywhere, usually short of grain, with no stores for a full year. Hungry, they plundered; sated, they wasted what remained. Countless hosts collapsed without an enemy to defeat them. Yuan Shao's men in Hebei lived on mulberries. Yuan Shu's armies in the Huai region fed on shellfish; cannibalism was common; the provinces lay waste. Zao Zhi of the Imperial Guard proposed establishing military colonies; Cao Cao agreed, appointing Zao Zhi Colonel-Director of Tuntian and Ren Jun, Commandant of Cavalry, Central Gentleman for Agriculture. Civilians were settled in colonies near Xu and produced a million hu of grain. Provinces and commanderies followed suit; grain piled up everywhere and granaries filled. Thus Cao Cao campaigned in every direction without the burden of long supply lines and was able to swallow rival warlords one by one. The wealth of his armies and state began with Zao Zhi and was brought to fruition by Ren Jun.

32

15袁術畏呂布為己害，乃為子求婚，布復許之，術遣將紀靈等步騎三萬攻劉備，備求救於布。諸將謂布曰：「將軍常欲殺劉備，今可假手於術。」布曰：「不然。術若破備，則北連泰山諸將，吾為在術圍中，不得不救也。」便率步騎千餘馳往赴之。靈等聞布至，皆斂兵而止。布屯沛城西南，遣鈴下請靈等，靈等亦請布，布往就之，與備共飲食。布謂靈等曰：「玄德，布弟也，為諸君所困，故來救之。布性不喜合鬥，喜解鬥耳。」乃令軍候植戟於營門，布彎弓顧曰：「諸君觀布射戟小支，中者當各解兵，不中可留決鬥。」布即一發，正中戟支。靈等皆驚，言：「將軍天威也！」明日復歡會，然後各罷。

Yuan Shu, fearing Lü Bu, betrothed his son to Lü Bu's family; Lü Bu agreed again. Yuan Shu sent Ji Ling with thirty thousand foot and horse to attack Liu Bei, who appealed to Lü Bu for help. His officers said, "You have often wanted Liu Bei dead—let Yuan Shu do it for you. Lü Bu said, "No. If Yuan Shu defeats Liu Bei, he will join the Taishan commanders to the north and surround me—I must save Liu Bei." He led more than a thousand foot and horse to Liu Bei's relief. When Ji Ling heard Lü Bu was coming, he halted his army. Lü Bu camped southwest of Pei and sent orderlies to summon Ji Ling; Ji Ling in turn invited Lü Bu, who came and dined with Liu Bei. Lü Bu told Ji Ling and his officers, "Xuande is my sworn brother. You had him cornered, so I came to save him. I do not love fighting—I love ending fights." He had halberds set up at the camp gate, drew his bow, and called out, "Watch me strike the side branch of that halberd. If I hit it, disband your armies. If I miss, stay and fight." With a single arrow he struck the branch dead center. Ji Ling and his men were astonished. "General," they cried, "this is the power of Heaven itself!" They feasted again the next day, then each army went its way.

33

備合兵得萬餘人，布惡之，自出兵攻備。備敗走，歸曹操，操厚遇之，以為豫州牧。或謂操曰：「備有英雄之志，今不早圖，後必為患。」操以問郭嘉，嘉曰：「有是。然公起義兵，為百姓除暴，推誠杖信以招俊傑，猶懼其未也。今備有英雄名，以窮歸己而害之，是以害賢為名也。如此，則智士將自疑，回心擇主，公誰與定天下乎！夫除一人之患以沮四海之望，安危之機也，不可不察。」操笑曰：「君得之矣！」遂益其兵，給糧食，使東至沛，收散兵以圖呂布。

Liu Bei gathered more than ten thousand troops. Lü Bu, alarmed, marched out and attacked him. Liu Bei was beaten and fled to Cao Cao, who received him warmly and appointed him Governor of Yuzhou. Someone urged Cao Cao, "Liu Bei has the heart of a hero. If you do not deal with him now, he will become a menace later." Cao Cao consulted Guo Jia. Guo Jia said, "That is true. Yet you raised a righteous army to deliver the people from tyranny, winning men of talent with sincerity and trust—and you still worry it is not enough. Liu Bei bears the name of a hero. He comes to you in distress; to harm him now would mark you as one who destroys the worthy. Then every able man will doubt you and turn elsewhere for a lord. With whom will you conquer the realm? To remove one man's threat while dashing the hopes of the empire—that bears on your very survival. You must weigh it carefully." Cao Cao laughed. "You have it exactly right!" He enlarged Liu Bei's force, supplied him with grain, and sent him east to Pei to rally scattered troops against Lü Bu.

34

初，備在豫州，舉陳郡袁渙為茂才。渙為呂布所留，布欲使渙作書罵辱備，渙不可，再三強之。不許。布大怒，以兵脅渙曰：「為之則生，不為則死！」渙顏色不變，笑而應之曰：「渙聞唯德可以辱人，不聞以罵。使彼固君子邪，且不恥將軍之言；彼誠小人邪，將復將軍之意，則辱在此不在於彼。且渙他日之事劉將軍，猶今日之事將軍也，如一旦去此，復罵將軍，可乎！」布慚而止。

Earlier, while Liu Bei held Yuzhou, he had nominated Yuan Huan of Chen commandery as a distinguished scholar. Yuan Huan was held by Lü Bu, who wanted him to write a letter reviling Liu Bei. Yuan Huan refused, though Lü Bu pressed him repeatedly. He would not agree. Lü Bu flew into a rage and threatened him at sword-point: "Write and live; refuse and die!" Yuan Huan's face never altered. Smiling, he replied, "I have heard that only virtue can shame a man—not insults. If Liu Bei is a true gentleman, your words will not shame him; if he is a petty man, he will do as you wish anyway—and the shame will be yours, not his. Besides, my service to General Liu today is like my service to you—if I leave you tomorrow, may I revile you in turn? Would that be right?" Lü Bu, abashed, desisted.

35

16張濟自關中引兵入荊州界，攻穰城，為流矢所中死。荊州官屬皆賀，劉表曰：「濟以窮來，主人無禮，至於交鋒，此非牧意，牧受吊，不受賀也。」使人納其眾；眾聞之喜，皆歸心焉。濟族子建忠將軍繡代領其眾，屯宛。

Zhang Ji marched from Guanzhong into Jing province, attacked Xiang, and was killed by a stray arrow. The officials of Jing province congratulated him, but Liu Biao said, "Zhang Ji came in desperation; we failed him as hosts, and blades were crossed—that was not my wish. I accept condolences, not congratulations." He sent men to receive Zhang Ji's troops; and when the soldiers heard of it they were glad and gave him their loyalty. Zhang Ji's kinsman Zhang Xiu, General Who Establishes Loyalty, took command of the army and encamped at Wan.

36

初，帝既出長安，宣威將軍賈詡上還印綬，往依段煨于華陰。詡素知名，為煨軍所望，煨禮奉甚備。詡潛謀歸張繡，或曰：「煨待君厚矣，君去安之？」詡曰：「煨性多疑，有忌詡意，禮雖厚，不可恃久，將為所圖。去必喜，又望吾結大援於外，必厚吾妻子；繡無謀主，亦願得詡：則家與身必俱全矣。」詡遂往，繡執子孫禮，煨果善視其家。詡說繡附於劉表，繡從之。詡往見表，表以客禮待之。詡曰：「表，平世三公才也，不見事變，多疑無決，無能為也！」

Earlier, after the emperor left Chang'an, Jia Xu, General Who Displays Might, surrendered his commission and joined Duan Wei at Huayin. Jia Xu was already renowned, and Duan Wei's troops revered him; Duan Wei honored him with every courtesy. Jia Xu secretly planned to join Zhang Xiu. Someone asked, "Duan Wei treats you so well—where else could you be safe?" Jia Xu said, "Duan Wei is suspicious by nature and already mistrusts me. His courtesy is lavish, but it will not last—he will turn on me. If I leave he will be pleased, hoping I secure a powerful ally abroad, and he will treat my family well; Zhang Xiu lacks a strategist and wants me—then both my household and my life will be secure." Jia Xu went; Zhang Xiu received him as a grandfather would a grandson, and Duan Wei indeed cared for his family. Jia Xu urged Zhang Xiu to submit to Liu Biao, and Zhang Xiu agreed. Jia Xu visited Liu Biao, who received him as an honored guest. Jia Xu said, "Liu Biao has the talent of a grand minister in peacetime, but he cannot read the times, is suspicious and indecisive—he will achieve nothing!"

37

劉表愛民養士，從容自保，境內無事，關西、兗、豫學士歸之者以千數。表乃起立學校，講明經術，命故雅樂郎河南杜夔作雅樂。樂備，表欲庭觀之。夔曰：「今將軍號不為天子，合樂而庭作之，無乃不可乎！」表乃止。

Liu Biao cherished his people and cultivated scholars, content to hold his own territory in peace. Within his borders all was quiet, and scholars from Guanzhong, Yan, and Yu flocked to him by the thousand. He founded schools, lectured on the classics, and commissioned Du Kui of Henan, former Gentleman of Elegant Music, to restore the court ritual music. When the music was ready, Liu Biao wished to hear it performed in his hall. Du Kui said, "You are not the Son of Heaven. To assemble full court music and perform it in the open court—surely that is not permitted!" Liu Biao desisted.

38

平原禰衡，少有才辨，而尚氣剛傲，孔融薦之於曹操。衡罵辱操，操怒，謂融曰：「禰衡豎子，孤殺之，猶雀鼠耳；顧此人素有虛名，遠近將謂孤不能容之。」乃送與劉表，表延禮以為上賓。衡稱表之美盈口，而好議貶其左右，於是左右因形而譖之曰：「衡稱將軍之仁，西伯不過也，唯以為不能斷，終不濟者，必由此也。」其言實指表短，而非衡所言也。表由是怒，以江夏太守黃祖性急，送衡與之，祖亦善街焉。後衡眾辱祖，祖殺之。

Mi Heng of Pingyuan was gifted and eloquent but proud and overbearing; Kong Rong recommended him to Cao Cao. Mi Heng reviled Cao Cao to his face. Cao Cao, furious, told Kong Rong, "Mi Heng is a whelp. I could kill him as easily as a sparrow or a mouse; but he has a hollow reputation, and men far and near will say I cannot bear talent." So he sent Mi Heng to Liu Biao, who honored him as a chief guest. Mi Heng praised Liu Biao to the skies, yet loved to criticize those around him. His attendants therefore twisted his words and reported, "Mi Heng says your kindness rivals King Wen of Zhou—but that you cannot decide anything and will never succeed." That was their own jab at Liu Biao's weakness—not Mi Heng's words at all. Liu Biao, enraged, sent Mi Heng to Huang Zu, Administrator of Jiangxia, who was hot-tempered by nature; Huang Zu nevertheless received him kindly. Later Mi Heng humiliated Huang Zu before the whole company, and Huang Zu had him executed.

39

1春，正月，曹操討張繡，軍于淯水，繡舉眾降。操納張濟之妻，繡恨之；又以金與繡驍將胡車兒，繡聞而疑懼，襲擊操軍，殺操長子昂。操中流矢，敗走，校尉典韋與繡力戰，左右死傷略盡，韋被數十創。繡兵前搏之，韋雙挾兩人擊殺之，瞋目大罵而死。操收散兵，還住舞陰。繡率騎來追，操擊破之，繡走還穰，復與劉表合。

In spring, the first month, Cao Cao marched against Zhang Xiu and camped on the Ru. Zhang Xiu surrendered with his whole force. Cao Cao took Zhang Ji's widow; Zhang Xiu resented it; and he lavished gold on Zhang Xiu's champion Hu Che'er. Zhang Xiu, alarmed, launched a night attack and killed Cao Cao's eldest son Cao Ang. Cao Cao himself was wounded by a stray arrow and fled. Commandant Dian Wei fought Zhang Xiu's men until his guards were nearly all dead; he took dozens of wounds. When the enemy closed in, Dian Wei seized two men, one in each arm, and crushed them to death, then glared and roared curses until he fell. Cao Cao rallied his broken units and withdrew to Wuyin. Zhang Xiu pursued with cavalry; Cao Cao routed him. Zhang Xiu fled to Xiang and again allied with Liu Biao.

40

是時，諸軍大亂，平虜校尉泰山于禁獨整眾而還，道逢青州兵劫掠人，禁數其罪而擊之。青州兵走，詣操。禁既至，先立營壘，不時謁操。或謂禁：「青州兵已訴君矣，宜促詣公辨之。」禁曰：「今賊在後，追至無時，不先為備，何以待敵！且公聰明，譖訴何緣得行！」徐鑿塹安營訖，乃入謁，具陳其狀。操悅，謂禁曰：「淯水之難，吾猶狼狽，將軍在亂能整，討暴堅壘，有不可動之節，雖古名將，何以加之！於是錄禁前後功，封益壽亭侯。操引軍還許。

The army was in chaos, but Yu Jin of Taishan, Pacifying Barbarians Commandant, alone kept his men in formation on the retreat. On the road he met Qing province troops robbing civilians, listed their crimes, and attacked them. The Qing province soldiers fled to Cao Cao and lodged a complaint. Yu Jin reached headquarters, pitched camp, and did not hurry to see Cao Cao. Someone warned him, "The Qing province men have already denounced you—you should go explain yourself at once." Yu Jin said, "The enemy is behind us. Pursuit may strike at any moment—if I do not fortify first, how can I face the foe? Besides, the lord is wise—what slander could stand against me?" He dug trenches, finished his camp, and only then went in to report the full story. Cao Cao was delighted and said, "At the disaster on the Ru I was in utter disorder. You kept your ranks, punished marauders, and built a firm camp with unshakable discipline—even the great generals of old could not match you! He tallied Yu Jin's past and present service and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Yishou. Cao Cao led his army back to Xu.

41

2袁紹與操書，辭語驕慢。操謂荀彧、郭嘉曰：「今將討不義而力不敵，何如？」對曰：「劉、項之不敵，公所知也。漢祖唯智勝項羽，故羽雖強，終為所禽。今紹有十敗，公有十勝，紹雖強，無能為也。紹繁禮多儀，公體任自然，此道勝也；紹以逆動，公奉順以率天下，此義勝也；桓、靈以來，政失於寬，紹以寬濟寬，故不攝，公糾之以猛〔而〕上下知制，此治勝也；紹外寬內忌，用人而疑之，所任唯親戚子弟，公外易簡而內機明，用人無疑，唯才所宜，不問遠近，此度勝也；紹多謀少決，失在後事，公得策輒行，應變無窮，此謀勝也；紹高議揖讓以收名譽，士之好言飾外者多歸之，公以至心待人，不為虛美，士之忠正遠見而有實者皆願為用，此德勝也；紹見人飢寒，恤念之，形於顏色，其所不見，慮或不及，公於目前小事，時有所忽，至於大事，與四海接，恩之所加，皆過其望，雖所不見，慮無不周，此仁勝也；紹大臣爭權，讒言惑亂，公御下以道，浸潤不行，此明勝也；紹是非不可知，公所是進之以禮，所不是正之以法，此文勝也；紹好為虛勢，不知兵要，公以少克眾，用兵如神，軍人恃之，敵人畏之，此武勝也。」操笑曰：「如卿所言，孤何德以堪之！」嘉又曰：「紹方北擊公孫瓚，可因其遠征，東取呂布。若紹為寇，布為之援，此深害也。」彧曰：「不先取呂布，河北未易圖也。」操曰：「然。吾所惑者，又恐紹侵擾關中，西亂羌、胡，南誘蜀、漢，是我獨以兗、豫抗天下六分之五也。為將奈何？」彧曰：「關中將帥以十數，莫能相一，唯韓遂、馬騰最強。彼見山東之爭，必備擁眾自保，今若撫以恩德，遣使連和，雖不能久安，比公安定山東，足以不動。侍中、尚書僕射鐘繇有智謀，若屬以西事，公無憂矣。」操乃表繇以侍中守司隸校尉，持節督關中諸軍，特使不拘科制。繇至長安，移書騰、遂等，為陳禍福，騰、遂各遣子入侍。

Yuan Shao wrote to Cao Cao in language proud and contemptuous. Cao Cao asked Xun Yu and Guo Jia, "I mean to punish this rebel, but my force is weaker—what should I do?" They answered, "You know how unequal Liu Bang and Xiang Yu were. The founder of Han overcame Xiang Yu by wisdom alone; though Xiang Yu was mighty, in the end Liu Bang took him. Yuan Shao has ten faults and you have ten strengths. However strong he is, he cannot prevail. Yuan Shao is ceremonious and rigid; you are natural and unforced—a victory of principle; Yuan Shao acts as a rebel; you hold to loyalty and lead the realm—a victory of righteousness; ]—a victory in governance;¹⁰ Yuan Shao is generous in show but jealous within, uses men yet distrusts them, and favors only kin; you are open and plain outside yet sharp within, employ men without suspicion, and place each where his talent fits, near or far—a victory of breadth; Yuan Shao plots much but decides little and is always behind events; you seize a plan and act at once, adapting without end—a victory of strategy; Yuan Shao courts fame with lofty courtesy and draws men who love fine speech; you treat men with whole heart and no empty flattery, and the loyal, far-sighted, and solid serve you—a victory of character; Yuan Shao pities hunger and cold he sees and shows it in his face, yet forgets what he does not see; you may overlook trifles before you, yet on great affairs that touch the empire your kindness exceeds every hope, and even the unseen never escapes your care—a victory of humanity; Yuan Shao's ministers fight for power and slander runs wild; you rule your men by principle and insidious talk cannot take hold—a victory of clarity; With Yuan Shao no one knows what is approved or condemned; you advance the worthy with ritual and correct the wrong with law—a victory of civil order; Yuan Shao loves grand display and does not grasp war; you defeat the many with the few and command like a god—your soldiers trust you and your foes dread you—a victory of arms." Cao Cao laughed. "If all that is true, what virtue have I to deserve it!" Guo Jia added, "Yuan Shao is campaigning north against Gongsun Zan. Use his absence to strike Lü Bu in the east. If Yuan Shao raids you and Lü Bu aids him, the danger will be grave." Xun Yu said, "Unless you destroy Lü Bu first, you cannot hope to take the north." Cao Cao said, "True. Yet I also fear Yuan Shao may trouble Guanzhong, rouse the Qiang and Hu in the west, and win Shu and Han in the south—leaving me with only Yan and Yu to face five parts in six of the realm. What is a commander to do?" Xun Yu said, "The warlords of Guanzhong are many and divided; only Han Sui and Ma Teng are strongest. Seeing the war in the east, they will hoard their strength. Win them with kindness and treaties; the peace may not last, but it will hold until you secure the east. Zhong Yao, Palace Attendant and Vice Director of the Secretariat, is shrewd. Put the west in his hands and you need not worry." Cao Cao memorialized to appoint Zhong Yao Palace Attendant and acting Director of the Retainers, with credentials to command the armies of Guanzhong under extraordinary powers. Zhong Yao reached Chang'an, wrote to Ma Teng and Han Sui explaining the stakes, and each sent his son to the court as hostage.

42

3袁術稱帝於壽春，自稱仲家，以九江太守為淮南尹，置公卿百官，郊祀天地。沛相陳珪，球弟子也，少與術游。術以書召珪，又劫質其子，期必致珪。珪答書曰：「曹將軍興復典刑，將撥平凶慝，以為足下當戮力同心。匡翼漢室。而陰謀不軌，以身試禍，欲吾營私阿附，有死不能也。」術欲以故兗州刺史金尚為太尉，尚不許而逃去，術殺之。

3 Yuan Shu declared himself emperor at Shouchun, took the title founder of a second imperial house, appointed his Jiujiang administrator Chancellor of Huainan, set up a full court of dukes and ministers, and sacrificed to Heaven and Earth at the suburban altars. Chen Gui, the chancellor of Pei, was Chen Qiu's nephew and had known Yuan Shu since they were young. Yuan Shu summoned Chen Gui by letter and took his son hostage, insisting that Gui must appear. Chen Gui wrote back: "General Cao is restoring lawful government and will uproot the wicked. You ought to join him with all your strength. Support the Han dynasty. Instead you plot treason in secret and court your own ruin, yet you want me to flatter you for private gain. I would die before I did that. Yuan Shu tried to make the former Inspector of Yanzhou, Jin Shang, Grand Commandant. Shang refused and fled; Yuan Shu had him executed.

43

4三月，詔將作大匠孔融持節拜袁紹大將軍，兼督冀、青、幽、并四州。

4 In the third month, the court ordered Master of Works Kong Rong to proceed with imperial credentials and appoint Yuan Shao Grand General with authority over Ji, Qing, You, and Bing.

44

5夏，五月，蝗。

5 In summer, in the fifth month, locusts ravaged the land.

45

6袁術遣使者韓胤以稱帝事告呂布，因求迎婦，布遣女隨之。陳珪恐徐、揚合從，為難未已，往說布曰：「曹公奉迎天子，輔贊國政，將軍宜與協同策謀。共存大計。今與袁術結婚，必受不義之名，將有累卵之危矣！」布亦怨術初不己受也，女已在塗，乃追還絕婚，械送韓胤，梟首許市。

6 Yuan Shu sent his envoy Han Yin to tell Lü Bu that he had declared himself emperor and to ask for a marriage alliance. Lü Bu sent his daughter to accompany the envoy. Chen Gui feared that Xu and Yang would unite and that the fighting would never end. He went to Lü Bu and said, "Lord Cao has received the emperor and is guiding the government. You ought to work with him. Pursue the larger strategy together. If you marry into Yuan Shu's clan now, you will earn a reputation for disloyalty and face a danger as precarious as a pile of eggs. Lü Bu also resented that Yuan Shu had once refused to accept him. Though his daughter was already en route, he recalled her, broke off the engagement, sent Han Yin to Xu in chains, and had his head displayed in the marketplace.

46

陳珪欲使子登詣曹操，布固不肯。會詔以布為左將軍，操復遺布手書，深加慰納。布大喜，即遣登奉章謝恩，并答操書。登見操，因陳布勇而無謀，輕於去就，宜早圖之。操曰：「布狼子野心，誠難久養，非卿莫究其情偽。」即增珪秩中二千石，拜登廣陵太守。臨別，操執登手曰：「東方之事，便以相付。」令陰合部眾以為內應。

Chen Gui wanted to send his son Chen Deng to Cao Cao, but Lü Bu flatly refused. An edict then appointed Lü Bu Left General, and Cao Cao sent him a personal letter full of warm reassurance. Lü Bu was delighted and at once sent Chen Deng to present a memorial of thanks and to answer Cao Cao's letter. When Chen Deng met Cao Cao, he reported that Lü Bu was brave but reckless, fickle in his allegiances, and ought to be dealt with soon. Cao Cao said, "Lü Bu has the heart of a wolf cub—he truly cannot be kept for long. No one but you can read his true intentions. He immediately promoted Chen Gui to the rank of two thousand bushels and appointed Chen Deng administrator of Guangling. As Chen Deng was leaving, Cao Cao took his hand and said, "Affairs in the east—I leave them in your hands. He told him to rally local forces in secret as inside allies.

47

始，布因登求徐州牧不得，登還，布怒，拔戟斫幾曰：「卿父勸吾協同曹操，絕婚公路；今吾所求無獲，而卿父子並顯重，但為卿所賣耳！」登不為動容，徐對之曰：「登見曹公言：『養將軍譬如養虎，當飽其肉，不飽則將噬人。』公曰：『不如卿言。譬如養鷹，飢即為用，飽則颺去。』其言如此。」布意乃解。

Earlier Lü Bu had sent Chen Deng to request the governorship of Xuzhou and had been refused. When Deng returned, Lü Bu flew into a rage, drew his halberd, and hacked the table, shouting, "Your father told me to side with Cao Cao and break off my marriage with Yuan Shu; now I got nothing I asked for, while you and your father have both risen high—you sold me out! Chen Deng did not flinch and answered calmly, "When I saw Lord Cao I said, 'Keeping you, General, is like keeping a tiger—you must feed it meat, or it will devour people. Lord Cao said, 'Not so. It is like keeping a hawk—hungry, it obeys you; full, it flies away.' That is what he said." Lü Bu's anger subsided.

48

袁術遣其大將張勳、橋蕤等與韓暹、楊奉連勢，步騎數萬趣下邳，七道攻布。布時有兵三千，馬四百匹，懼其不敵，謂陳珪曰：「今致術軍，卿之由也，為之奈何？」珪曰：「暹、奉與術，猝合之師耳，謀無素定，不能相維，子登策之，比於連雞，勢不俱棲，立可離也。」布用珪策，與暹、奉書曰：「二將軍親拔大駕，而布手殺董卓，俱立功名，今奈何與袁術同為賊乎！不如相與並力破術，為國除害。」且許悉以術軍資與之。暹、奉大喜，即回計從布。布進軍，去勳營百步，暹、奉兵同時叫呼，並到勳營，勳等散走，佈兵追擊，斬其將十人首，所殺傷墮水死者殆盡。布因與暹、奉合軍向壽春，水陸並進，到鐘離，所過虜略，還渡淮北，留書辱術。術自將步騎五千揚兵淮上，布騎皆於水北大咍笑之而還。

Yuan Shu sent his generals Zhang Xun and Qiao Rui, together with Han Xian and Yang Feng, to unite their forces. Tens of thousands of foot and horse converged on Xiapi and attacked Lü Bu along seven routes. Lü Bu had only three thousand men and four hundred horses and feared he could not hold out. He said to Chen Gui, "You brought Yuan Shu's army down on us. What do we do now?" Chen Gui said, "Han Xian, Yang Feng, and Yuan Shu are a hastily thrown-together force. They have no settled plan and cannot hold together. Your son Chen Deng compared them to chickens roosting on one perch—they cannot stay together and can be split apart at once." Lü Bu took Chen Gui's advice and wrote to Han Xian and Yang Feng: "You two personally rescued the emperor, and I myself killed Dong Zhuo—we all won glory. How can you now side with Yuan Shu as rebels? Join me instead and crush Yuan Shu for the good of the realm." He also promised to hand over all of Yuan Shu's supplies and equipment. Han Xian and Yang Feng were delighted and at once turned about to follow Lü Bu. Lü Bu marched forward. A hundred paces from Zhang Xun's camp, Han Xian's and Yang Feng's men shouted as one and stormed the camp together. Zhang Xun's force broke and fled. Lü Bu's troops pursued, beheaded ten enemy officers, and killed or drowned nearly the entire enemy host. Lü Bu then united with Han Xian and Yang Feng and advanced on Shouchun by land and river. They reached Zhongli, plundered along the way, crossed back north of the Huai, and left a letter mocking Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu personally led five thousand infantry and cavalry to parade his strength on the south bank of the Huai. Lü Bu's horsemen hooted and jeered from the north bank and withdrew.

49

泰山賊帥臧霸襲琅邪相蕭建於莒，破之。霸得建資實，許以賂布而未送，布自往求之。其督將高順諫曰：「將軍威名宣播，遠近所畏，何求不得，而自行求賂！萬一不克，豈不損邪？」布不從。既至莒，霸等不測往意，固守拒之，無獲而還。

Zang Ba, the bandit leader of Mount Tai, attacked Xiao Jian, chancellor of Langye, at Ju and defeated him. Zang Ba seized Xiao Jian's supplies and wealth, promised them to Lü Bu as tribute but never sent them, so Lü Bu went in person to collect them. His commander Gao Shun urged him, "Your renown spreads far and wide—everyone fears you. What could you not obtain without going yourself to demand a bribe? If you fail, will you not lose face?" Lü Bu would not listen. When he reached Ju, Zang Ba and his men could not read his intentions and held the city against him. Lü Bu gained nothing and returned empty-handed.

50

順為人清白有威嚴，少言辭，所將七百餘兵，號令整齊，每戰必克，名「陷陳營」。布後疏順，以魏續有內外之親，奪其兵以與續，及當攻戰，則復令順將，順亦終無恨意。布性決易，所以無常，順每諫曰：「將軍舉動，不肯詳思，忽有失得，動輒言『誤』，誤豈可數乎！」布知其忠而不能從。

Gao Shun was upright and austere, sparing of speech. The seven hundred-odd men under his command obeyed orders with iron discipline and won every battle. They were called the Camp That Breaks the Line. Later Lü Bu grew cool toward Gao Shun. Because Wei Xu had family ties within Lü Bu's circle, Lü Bu stripped Gao Shun of his troops and gave them to Wei Xu; yet when battle came he again put Gao Shun in command, and Gao Shun never bore a grudge. Lü Bu was impulsive and changeable by nature. Gao Shun often warned him, "General, you act without thinking things through. Suddenly something goes wrong, and you say 'my mistake.' How many times can you call it a mistake?" Lü Bu knew Gao Shun was loyal but could not take his advice.

51

7曹操遣議郎王誧以詔書拜孫策為騎都尉，襲爵烏程侯，領會稽太守，使與呂布及吳郡太守陳瑀共討袁術。策欲得將軍號以自重，誧便承製假策明漢將軍。

7 Cao Cao sent Advisory Grandee Wang Xu with an imperial edict appointing Sun Ce Commandant of Cavalry, heir to the marquisate of Wucheng, and Administrator of Kuaiji, and ordered him to join Lü Bu and Chen Yu, administrator of Wu commandery, in attacking Yuan Shu. Sun Ce wanted a general's title to lend him weight. Wang Xu therefore used his discretionary authority to appoint him Bright-Han General.

52

策治嚴，行到錢唐，瑀陰圖襲策，潛結祖郎、嚴白虎等，使為內應。策覺之，遣其將呂範、徐逸攻瑀於海西；瑀敗，單騎奔袁紹。

Sun Ce kept strict discipline on the march. When he reached Qiantang, Chen Yu secretly plotted a surprise attack and quietly enlisted Zu Lang, Yan Baihu, and others as inside allies. Sun Ce discovered the plot and sent his generals Lü Fan and Xu Yi to attack Chen Yu at Haixi; Chen Yu was defeated and fled alone on horseback to Yuan Shao.

53

8初，陳王寵有勇，善弩射。黃巾賊起，寵治兵自守，國人畏之，不敢離叛。國相會稽駱俊素有威恩，是時王侯無復租祿，而數見虜奪，或并日而食，轉死溝壑，而陳獨富強，鄰郡人多歸之，有眾十餘萬。及州郡兵起，寵率眾屯陽夏，自稱輔漢大將軍。袁術求糧於陳，駱俊拒絕之，術忿恚，遣客詐殺俊及寵，陳由是破敗。

8 Earlier, Chen Chong, King of Chen, was renowned for courage and skill with the crossbow. When the Yellow Turbans rose, Chen Chong trained troops to defend his territory. The people feared him and did not dare flee or rebel. The state chancellor, Lu Jun of Kuaiji, had long enjoyed prestige and goodwill. By then the feudal lords no longer received their stipends and were plundered again and again; some ate only every other day and died in ditches, yet Chen alone remained prosperous. People from neighboring commanderies flocked to him until he had more than a hundred thousand followers. When provincial armies mobilized, Chen Chong led his followers to camp at Yangxia and styled himself Grand General Assisting Han. Yuan Shu asked Chen for grain. Lu Jun refused. Yuan Shu was enraged and sent assassins in disguise to kill Lu Jun and Chen Chong, and Chen was destroyed.

54

9秋，九月，司空曹操東征袁術。術聞操來，棄軍走，留其將橋蕤等於蘄陽以拒操；操擊破蕤等，皆斬之。術走渡淮，時天旱歲荒，士民凍餒，術由是遂衰。

9 In autumn, in the ninth month, Minister of Works Cao Cao marched east against Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu heard that Cao Cao was coming, abandoned his army, and fled, leaving his generals Qiao Rui and others at Qiyang to hold him off; Cao Cao defeated and beheaded them all. Yuan Shu fled south across the Huai. Drought and famine gripped the land; soldiers and civilians froze and starved, and Yuan Shu's power collapsed.

55

操辟陳國何夔為掾，問以袁術何如，對曰：「天之所助者順，人之所助者信。術無信順之實而望天人之助，其可得乎！」操曰：「為國失賢則亡，君不為術所用，亡，不亦宜乎！」操性嚴，掾屬公事往往加杖；夔常蓄毒藥，誓死無辱，是以終不見及。

Cao Cao recruited He Kai of Chen state as an aide and asked his view of Yuan Shu. He Kai answered, "Heaven helps those who follow the Way; men help those who keep faith. Yuan Shu has neither faith nor obedience, yet he expects help from Heaven and men. How can he succeed?" Cao Cao said, "A state that loses worthy men perishes. Yuan Shu would not employ you. If he falls, is that not just?" Cao Cao was stern by nature and often had his staff beaten for official errors; He Kai always carried poison and swore he would die rather than be shamed, and so he was never beaten.

56

沛國許褚，勇力絕人，聚少年及宗族數千家，堅壁以御外寇，淮、汝、陳、梁間皆畏憚之，操徇淮、汝，褚以眾歸操，操曰：「此吾樊噲也！即日拜都尉，引入宿衛，諸從褚俠客，皆以為虎士焉。

Xu Chu of Pei state had strength and courage beyond any rival. He gathered young fighters and clansmen into a force of several thousand households and walled his stronghold against outside raiders. Between the Huai, Ru, Chen, and Liang commanderies everyone feared him. When Cao Cao pacified the Huai and Ru, Xu Chu submitted with his followers. Cao Cao said, "This is my Fan Kuai! That same day he appointed Xu Chu commandant and brought him into the palace guard. All the fighting men who followed Xu Chu were enrolled as tiger guards.

57

10故太尉楊彪與袁術婚姻，曹操惡之，誣云欲圖廢立，奏收下獄，劾以大逆。將作大匠孔融聞之，不及朝服，往見操曰：「楊公四世清德，海內所瞻。《周書》，父子兄弟，罪不相及，況以袁氏歸罪楊公乎！」操曰：「此國家之意。」融曰：「假使成王殺召公，周公可得言不知邪？」操使許令滿寵按彪獄，融與尚書令荀彧皆屬寵曰：「但當受辭，勿加考掠。」寵一無所報，考訊如法。數日，求見操，言之曰：「楊彪考訊，無他辭語。此人有名海內，若罪不明白，必大失民望；竊為明公惜之。」操即日赦出彪。初，彧、融聞寵考掠彪，皆怒；及因此得出，乃更善寵。彪見漢室衰微，政在曹氏，遂稱腳攣，積十餘年不行，由是得免於禍。

10 The former Grand Commandant Yang Biao was related by marriage to Yuan Shu. Cao Cao resented this, falsely accused him of plotting to depose the emperor and set up another, had him arrested and thrown into prison, and charged him with high treason. Master of Works Kong Rong heard of it, went to see Cao Cao without waiting to dress for court, and said, "Lord Yang's family has been virtuous for four generations. The whole realm looks up to him. The Book of Zhou says that guilt does not extend from father to son or from brother to brother. How much less can the Yuan clan's crime be pinned on Lord Yang!" Cao Cao said, "This is the state's decision." Kong Rong said, "Suppose King Cheng killed the Duke of Shao—could the Duke of Zhou claim he knew nothing?" Cao Cao put Xu district magistrate Man Chong in charge of Yang Biao's case. Kong Rong and Director of the Secretariat Xun Yu both instructed Man Chong, "Take his confession only—do not torture him under interrogation." Man Chong ignored them both and interrogated Yang Biao according to the law. Several days later Man Chong asked to see Cao Cao and said, "Under interrogation Yang Biao had nothing else to say. He is famous throughout the realm. If his guilt is not clear, you will lose the people's trust; and I fear for your reputation, my lord." Cao Cao pardoned and released Yang Biao that same day. At first Xun Yu and Kong Rong were furious when they heard Man Chong was torturing Yang Biao; but when Yang Biao was freed because of it, they thought even better of Man Chong. Yang Biao saw the Han dynasty failing and real power passing to the Cao clan. He then claimed crippled legs and for more than ten years did not leave his house, and so escaped further harm.

58

11馬日磾喪至京師，朝廷議欲加禮，孔融曰：「日磾以上公之尊，秉髦節之使，而曲媚奸臣，為所牽率，王室大臣，豈得以見脅為辭！聖上哀矜舊臣，未忍追案，不宜加禮。」朝廷從之。金尚喪至京師，詔百官弔祭，拜其子瑋為郎中。

11 When Ma Midi's funeral cortege reached the capital, the court debated whether to grant him additional honors. Kong Rong said, "Ma Midi held the highest rank and went forth bearing the imperial tally and staff, yet he stooped to flatter a traitorous minister and let himself be led along. A great minister of the royal house—can he excuse himself by saying he was coerced? The emperor has shown mercy to an old servant and has not pressed the matter. Additional honors are out of the question." The court agreed. When Jin Shang's funeral reached the capital, an edict ordered all officials to mourn and offer sacrifice, and appointed his son Jin Wei a Gentleman of the Palace.

59

12冬，十一月，曹操復攻張繡，拔湖陽，禽劉表將鄧濟；又攻舞陰，下之。

12 In winter, in the eleventh month, Cao Cao attacked Zhang Xiu again, captured Huyang, and took Liu Biao's general Deng Ji prisoner; he also attacked Wuyin and seized it.

60

13韓暹、楊奉在下邳，寇掠徐、揚間，軍飢餓，辭呂布，欲詣荊州；布不聽。奉知劉備與布有宿憾，私與備相聞，欲共擊布；備陽許之。奉引軍詣沛，備請奉入城，飲食未半，於座上縛奉，斬之。暹失奉，孤特，與十餘騎歸并州，為抒秋令張宣所殺。胡才、李樂留河東，才為怨家所殺，樂自病死。郭汜為其將伍習所殺。

13 Han Xian and Yang Feng were at Xiapi, raiding between Xu and Yang. Their army was starving. They asked Lü Bu's leave to go to Jingzhou; Lü Bu refused. Yang Feng knew Liu Bei and Lü Bu had an old grudge and secretly contacted Liu Bei, proposing that they attack Lü Bu together; Liu Bei agreed openly. Yang Feng led his army to Pei. Liu Bei invited him into the city, and before the meal was half finished he had Yang Feng bound in his seat and beheaded. Han Xian lost Yang Feng and was left alone. With a dozen horsemen he fled to Bing province and was killed by Zhang Xuan, magistrate of Shuqiu. Hu Cai and Li Yue stayed in Hedong. Hu Cai was killed by a personal enemy; Li Yue died of illness. Guo Si was killed by his officer Wu Xi.

61

14潁川杜襲、趙儼、繁欽避亂荊州，劉表俱待以賓禮。欽數見奇於表，襲喻之曰：「吾所以與子俱來者，徒欲全身以待時耳，豈謂劉牧當為撥亂之主而規長者委身哉！子若見能不已，非吾徒也，吾與子絕矣！」欽慨然曰：「請敬受命！」及曹操迎天子都許，儼謂欽曰：「曹鎮東必能匡濟華夏，吾知歸矣！」遂還詣操，操以儼為朗陵長。

14 Du Xi, Zhao Yan, and Fan Qin of Yingchuan fled the chaos to Jingzhou. Liu Biao received them all as honored guests. Fan Qin repeatedly won Liu Biao's special regard. Du Xi warned him, "I came here with you only to save our skins and wait for better days. Did I think Prefect Liu would be the man to restore order, so that we should pledge ourselves to him as to a patron? If you cannot stop parading your talents, you are no companion of mine—I break with you!" Fan Qin replied firmly, "I shall obey with all respect!" When Cao Cao welcomed the emperor to Xu, Zhao Yi told Fan Qin, "The Lord Pacifier of the East will surely restore the realm—I know where our path lies!" He went back to Cao Cao, who made Zhao Yi magistrate of Langling.

62

陽安都尉江夏李通妻伯父犯法，儼收治，致之大辟。時殺生之柄，決於牧守，通妻子號泣以請其命。通曰：「方與曹公戮力，義不以私廢公！」嘉儼執憲不阿，與為親交。

The uncle of Li Tong of Jiangxia's wife—Li Tong being commandant of Yang'an—broke the law. Zhao Yi arrested him and sent the case to capital punishment. In those days governors held the power of life and death. Li Tong's wife and children wept and begged for the man's life. Li Tong said, "I am fighting alongside Lord Cao; duty does not permit private ties to override the public good!" He admired Zhao Yi for enforcing the law without favor and became his close friend.

63

1春，正月，曹操還許。三月，將復擊張繡。荀攸曰：「繡與劉表相恃為強；然繡以遊軍仰食於表，表不能供也，勢必乖離。不如緩軍以待之，可誘而致也；若急之，其勢必相救。」操不從，圍繡於穰。

In spring, the first month, Cao Cao returned to Xu. In the third month he prepared to attack Zhang Xiu again. Xun You said, "Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao strengthen each other by mutual reliance; but Zhang Xiu's mobile force depends on Liu Biao for provisions, and Biao cannot sustain it—they must sooner or later part ways. Better slacken the advance and wait—we can lure them in; if we press them hard, they will certainly unite to resist." Cao Cao refused and besieged Zhang Xiu at Rang.

64

2夏，四月，使謁者僕射裴茂詔關中諸將段煨等討李傕，夷其三族。以煨為安南將軍，封閺鄉侯。

In summer, the fourth month, he dispatched Pei Mao, Supervisor of Attendants, with an edict for the Guanzhong generals Duan Hui and others to attack Li Jue and exterminate his clan to the third degree. Duan Hui was made General Who Pacifies the South and enfeoffed as Marquis of Yanxiang.

65

3初，袁紹每得詔書，患其有不便於己者，欲移天子自近，使說曹操以許下埤濕，雒陽殘破，宜徙都鄄城以就全實；操拒之。田豐說紹曰：「徙都之計，既不克從，宜早圖許，奉迎天子，動托詔書，號令海內，此算之上者。不爾，終為人所禽，雖悔無益也。」紹不從。

Earlier, whenever Yuan Shao received an imperial edict he worried it might work against him. He wished to bring the emperor close and had someone urge Cao Cao that Xu was low and damp, Luoyang in ruins—that the capital should be moved to Juancheng for greater security. Cao Cao refused. Tian Feng urged Yuan Shao, "Since moving the capital failed, you should seize Xu early, welcome the emperor, and rule the empire through imperial edicts—that is the supreme stratagem. Otherwise you will end up someone's captive, and regret will avail you nothing." Yuan Shao would not listen.

66

會紹亡卒詣操，云田豐勸紹襲許，操解穰圍而還，張繡率眾追之。五月，劉表遣兵救繡，屯於安眾，守險以絕軍後。操與荀彧書曰：「吾到安眾，破繡必矣。」及到安眾，操軍前後受敵，操乃夜鑿險偽遁。表、繡悉軍來追，操縱奇兵步騎夾攻，大破之，它日，彧問操：「前策賊必破，何也？」操曰：「虜遏吾歸師，而與吾死地，吾是以知勝矣。」

A deserter from Yuan Shao's ranks reached Cao Cao with word that Tian Feng had urged a strike on Xu. Cao lifted the siege of Rang and withdrew; Zhang Xiu led his army in pursuit. In the fifth month Liu Biao sent troops to rescue Zhang Xiu. They encamped at Anzhong, holding the passes to cut off Cao's retreat. Cao Cao wrote to Xun Yu, "When I reach Anzhong, Zhang Xiu is as good as beaten." At Anzhong his army was caught between two fires. That night he cut through difficult ground and feigned a retreat. Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu threw their full strength into the pursuit. Cao Cao threw ambush troops against them from both flanks and won a great victory. Later Xun Yu asked, "You foretold victory—how did you know?" Cao Cao said, "They blocked my retreat and trapped me in death ground—that is why I knew we would win."

67

繡之追操也，賈詡止之曰：「不可追也，追必敗。」繡不聽，進兵交戰，大敗而還。詡登城謂繡曰：「促更追之，更戰必勝。」繡謝曰：「不用公言，以至於此，今已敗，奈何復追？」詡曰：「兵勢有變，促追之。」繡素信詡言，遂收散卒更追，合戰，果以勝還，乃問詡曰：「繡以精兵追退軍，而公曰必敗；以敗卒擊勝兵，而公曰必克，悉如公言，何也？」詡曰：「此易知耳。將軍雖善用兵，非曹公敵也。曹公軍新退，必自斷後。故知必敗。曹公攻將軍，既無失策，力未盡而一朝引退，必國內有故也。已破將軍，必輕軍速進，留諸將斷後，諸將雖勇，非將軍敵，故雖用敗兵而戰必勝也。」繡乃服。

As Zhang Xiu pursued Cao Cao, Jia Xu warned him, "Do not pursue—you will be defeated." Zhang Xiu ignored him, gave battle, and was routed. Jia Xu climbed the wall and called, "Pursue again at once—fight again and you will win." Zhang Xiu said, "I ignored your counsel and came to this pass. We are already beaten—how can we pursue again?" Jia Xu said, "The situation has shifted—pursue at once." Zhang Xiu had long trusted Jia Xu; he gathered his scattered troops and pursued again. In the encounter he won. He then asked, "I pursued a retreating army with elite troops, and you said we would lose; then led beaten men against a victorious army, and you said we would win—everything came to pass as you said. How?" Jia Xu said, "That is easy to explain. You are skilled in war, General, but you are no match for Cao Cao. His army had just withdrawn—he would surely cover the retreat himself. That is why I knew you would lose. He attacked you without misstep; to withdraw before his strength was spent, he must have had trouble at home. Having beaten you once, he would press ahead lightly and leave other generals to hold the rear. Brave as they are, they are not your equal—so even with beaten troops you were bound to win." Zhang Xiu was persuaded.

68

4呂布復與袁術通，遣其中郎將高順及北地太守雁門張遼攻劉備。曹操遣將軍夏侯惇救之，為順等所敗。秋，九月，順等破沛城，虜備妻子，備單身走。

Lü Bu renewed ties with Yuan Shu and sent his palace attendant Gao Shun and Zhang Liao of Yanmen, administrator of Beidi, against Liu Bei. Cao Cao sent Xiahou Dun to the rescue; Shun and the others routed him. In autumn, the ninth month, they took Pei, captured Liu Bei's family, and Liu Bei fled alone.

69

曹操欲自擊布，諸將皆曰：「劉表、張繡在後，而遠襲呂布，其危必也。」荀攸曰：「表、繡新破，勢不敢動，布驍猛，又恃袁術，若從橫淮、泗間，豪傑必應之。今乘其初叛，眾心未一，往可破也。」操曰：「善！」此行，泰山屯帥臧霸、孫觀、吳敦、尹禮、昌豨等皆附於布。操與劉備遇於梁。進至彭城。陳宮謂布：「宜逆擊之，以逸擊勞，無不克也。」布曰：「不如待其來攻，蹙著泗水中。」冬，十月，操屠彭城。廣陵太守陳登率郡兵為操先驅，進至下邳。布自將屢與操戰，皆大敗，還保城，不敢出。

Cao Cao wished to attack Lü Bu himself. His generals objected: "Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu threaten our rear, and a distant strike on Lü Bu would be desperately risky." Xun You said, "Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu have just been beaten and dare not stir. Lü Bu is fierce and still leans on Yuan Shu; if he ranges the Huai and Si region, every bold spirit will flock to him. Strike now, while his defection is fresh and his followers still divided, and you can break him." Cao Cao said, "Well said!" On this campaign Zang Ba, Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, Chang Xi, and other Mount Tai band-chiefs all joined Lü Bu. Cao Cao joined Liu Bei at Liang. He advanced to Pengcheng. Chen Gong told Lü Bu, "You should meet them on the march—fresh troops against weary ones, and you cannot fail." Lü Bu said, "Better wait until they come—we will drive them into the Si River." In winter, the tenth month, Cao Cao sacked Pengcheng. Chen Deng, administrator of Guangling, led his commandery troops as vanguard and pushed on to Xiapi. Lü Bu led his army in repeated battles and was routed each time; he withdrew into the city and dared not come out.

70

操遺布書，為陳禍福。布懼，欲降。陳宮曰：「曹操遠來，勢不能久。將軍若以步騎出屯於外，宮將餘眾閉守於內。若向將軍，宮引兵而攻其背；若但攻城，則將軍救於外。不過旬月，操軍食盡，擊之，可破也。」布然之，欲使宮與高順守城，自將騎斷操糧道。布妻謂布曰：「宮、順素不和，將軍一出，宮、順必不同心共城守也，如有蹉跌，將軍當於何自立乎？且曹氏待公臺如赤子，獨捨而歸我。今將軍厚公臺不過曹氏，而欲委全城，捐妻子，孤軍遠出，若一旦有變，妾豈得復為將軍妻哉！」布乃止，潛遣其官屬許汜、王楷求救於袁術。術曰：「布不與我女，理自當敗，何為復來？」汜、楷曰：「明上今不救布，為自敗耳。布破，明上亦破也。」術乃嚴兵為布作聲援。布恐術為女至，故不遣救兵，以綿纏女身縛著馬上，夜自送女出，與操守兵相觸，格射不得過，復還城。

Cao Cao sent a letter setting out the blessings and perils that awaited him. Lü Bu was afraid and meant to surrender. Chen Gong said, "Cao Cao has come from far away; he cannot stay long. If you take infantry and cavalry to camp outside, I will shut the remainder in the city. If they turn on you, I strike their rear; if they only besiege the city, you rescue from without. In less than a month their provisions will fail; then strike and you can break them." Lü Bu agreed. He would leave Chen Gong and Gao Shun to hold the city while he led cavalry to sever Cao's supply lines. Lü Bu's wife said, "Chen Gong and Gao Shun have never been on good terms. Once you leave, they will not guard the city as one. If anything goes wrong, where will you stand? And the Cao family has treated Gongtai like a son—yet he deserted them for you. You treat Gongtai no better than the Caos did, yet you would entrust the whole city, leave wife and children behind, and ride out alone. If fortune turns, shall I ever be your wife again?" Lü Bu held back and secretly sent Xu Si and Wang Kai to Yuan Shu for aid. Yuan Shu said, "Lü Bu refused me his daughter—he deserves to lose. Why should he come back to me?" Xu Si and Wang Kai said, "If you do not save Lü Bu now, you defeat yourself. When Lü Bu falls, you fall with him." Yuan Shu thereupon mobilized troops to make a show of support. Lü Bu feared Yuan Shu wanted only the marriage, so he sent no troops—only bound his daughter in cotton, lashed her to a horse, and tried by night to deliver her to Yuan Shu. They ran into Cao's pickets, could not break through under arrow-fire, and returned to the city.

71

河內太守張楊素與布善，欲救之，不能，乃出兵東市，遙為之勢。十一月，楊將楊醜殺楊以應操，別將眭固復殺醜，將其眾北合袁紹。楊性仁和，無威刑，下人謀反發覺，對之涕泣，輒原不問，故及於難。

Zhang Yang of Henei, who had long been Lü Bu's friend, wished to rescue him but could not; he marched to the eastern market to make a distant demonstration. In the eleventh month Yang Chou, a subordinate of Zhang Yang, killed his master to please Cao Cao; another officer, Sui Gu, killed Chou in turn and led the troops north to join Yuan Shao. Zhang Yang was gentle by nature and enforced no stern discipline. When plots were uncovered he wept before the conspirators and always pardoned them—thus his end.

72

操掘塹圍下邳，積久，士卒疲敝，欲還，荀攸、郭嘉曰：「呂布勇而無謀，今屢戰皆北，銳氣衰矣。三軍以將為主，主衰則軍無奮意。陳宮有智而遲。今及布氣之未復，宮謀之未定，急攻之，布可拔也。」乃引沂、泗灌城。月餘，布益困迫，臨城謂操軍士曰：「卿曹無相困，我當自首於明公。」陳宮曰：「逆賊曹操，何等明公！今日降之，若卵投石，豈可得全也！」

Cao Cao dug trenches around Xiapi. The siege wore on; his men grew exhausted and he thought of withdrawing. Xun You and Guo Jia said, "Lü Bu is brave but lacks counsel. He has lost battle after battle; his spirit is broken. An army follows its leader's spirit—a broken leader leaves men unwilling to fight. Chen Gong is clever but slow. Press the attack before Lü Bu rallies and Chen Gong settles on a plan, and Lü Bu can be taken." They diverted the Yi and Si rivers to flood the city. After more than a month Lü Bu was desperate. From the wall he called to Cao's men, "Stop pressing me—I will surrender to your lord." Chen Gong said, "Cao Cao the traitor—what sort of 'lord' is he? Surrender today and you are an egg against stone—how could you survive?"

73

布將侯成亡其名馬，已而復得之，諸將合禮以賀成，成分酒肉先入獻布。布怒曰：「布禁酒而卿等醞釀，為欲因酒共謀布邪？」成忿懼，十二月，癸酉，成與諸將宋憲、魏續等共執陳宮、高順，率其眾降。布與麾下登白門樓。兵圍之急，布令左右取其首詣操，左右不忍，乃下降。

Lü Bu's general Hou Cheng lost a celebrated horse and later recovered it. His comrades gathered to congratulate him; Hou Cheng set out meat and wine and brought the first portion to Lü Bu. Lü Bu raged, "I forbid wine, and you brew it—do you mean to plot against me over the cup?" Hou Cheng, furious and afraid, did so. On guiyou of the twelfth month he joined Song Xian, Wei Xu, and others in seizing Chen Gong and Gao Shun and leading their men in surrender. Lü Bu climbed White Gate Tower with his followers. The siege tightened. Lü Bu ordered his men to take his head to Cao Cao; they could not bear to, and instead went down to surrender.

74

布見操曰：「今日已往，天下定矣。」操曰：「何以言之？」布曰：「明公之所患不過於布，今已服矣。若令布將騎，明公將步，天下不足定也。」顧謂劉備曰：「玄德，卿為坐上客，我為降虜，繩縛我急，獨不可一言邪？」操笑曰：「縛虎不得不急。」乃命緩布縛。劉備曰：「不可。明公不見呂布事丁建陽、董太師乎！」操頷之。布目備曰：「大耳兒，最叵信！」

Lü Bu faced Cao Cao and said, "The past is done—from this day the realm is settled." Cao Cao asked, "What do you mean?" Lü Bu said, "Your worst enemy was no more than I—and I have submitted. Give me the cavalry, you keep the infantry, and the realm is yours." He turned to Liu Bei: "Xuande, you are the honored guest and I the bound captive—they truss me tight. Will you not speak for me?" Cao Cao laughed. "When you bind a tiger, you bind tight." He ordered the bonds loosened. Liu Bei said, "You must not. My lord, have you forgotten what Lü Bu did to Ding Jianyang and Grand Tutor Dong!" Cao Cao nodded in agreement. Lü Bu glared at Liu Bei and said, "Big-Ears—you are the most faithless man alive!"

75

操謂陳宮曰：「公台平生自謂智有餘，今竟何如？」宮指布曰：「是子不用宮言，以至於此。若其見從，亦未必為禽也。」操曰：「奈卿老母何？」宮曰：「宮聞以孝治天下者不害人之親。老母存否，在明公，不在宮也。」操曰：「奈卿妻子何？」宮曰：「宮聞施仁政於天下者不絕人之祀，妻子存否，在明公，不在宮也。」操未復言。宮請就刑，遂出，不顧，操為之泣涕，并布、順皆縊殺之，傳首許市。操召陳宮之母，養之終其身，嫁宮女，撫視其家，皆厚於初。

Cao Cao said to Chen Gong, "Gongtai, you always boasted that your wits were more than sufficient—how do matters stand now? Chen Gong pointed at Lü Bu and said, "This man refused to heed my counsel, and so has come to this pass. Had he listened, he might never have been captured at all. Cao Cao asked, "What of your aged mother? Chen Gong replied, "I have heard that a ruler who governs the realm through filial piety does not harm another man's family. Whether my mother lives or dies is for you to decide, not for me. Cao Cao asked, "What of your wife and children? Chen Gong said, "I have heard that a ruler who extends benevolent government across the realm does not extinguish another's line. Whether my wife and children live or die is for you to decide, not for me. Cao Cao said nothing more. Chen Gong asked to face execution, walked out without a backward glance, and Cao Cao wept for him. Lü Bu and Gao Shun were both strangled, and their heads were sent to the markets of Xu for public display. Cao Cao summoned Chen Gong's mother and provided for her until her death; he gave Gong's daughter in marriage and looked after his household—all with greater generosity than before.

76

前尚書令陳紀、紀子群在布軍中，操皆禮而用之。張遼將其眾降，拜中郎將。臧霸自亡匿，操募索得之，使霸招吳敦、尹禮、孔觀等，皆詣操降。操乃分琅邪、東海為城陽、利城、昌慮郡，悉以霸等為守、相。

The former Director of the Secretariat Chen Ji and his son Chen Qun had been in Lü Bu's camp; Cao Cao received them with courtesy and put them to use. Zhang Liao surrendered with his troops and was appointed Central Commandant. Zang Ba had gone into hiding; Cao Cao hunted him down, then had him summon Wu Dun, Yin Li, Kong Guan, and the others, and all came to surrender. Cao Cao then carved Langye and Donghai into the commanderies of Chengyang, Licheng, and Changlu, and installed Zang Ba and his fellows as administrators and chancellors.

77

初，操在兗州，以徐翕、毛暉為將。及兗州亂，翕、暉皆叛。兗州既定，翕、暉亡命投霸。操語劉備，令霸送二首，霸謂備曰：「霸所以能自立者，以不為此也。霸受主公生全之恩，不敢違命。然王霸之君，可以義告，願將軍為之辭。」備以霸言白操，操嘆息謂霸曰：「此古人之事，而君能行之，孤之願也。」皆以翕、暉為郡守。陳登以功加伏波將軍。

Earlier, when Cao Cao held Yan Province, he had appointed Xu Xi and Mao Hui as his generals. When Yan Province erupted in rebellion, both men had turned against him. After Yan Province was pacified, Xu Xi and Mao Hui fled as outlaws and sought refuge with Zang Ba. Cao Cao spoke to Liu Bei and ordered Zang Ba to deliver the two men's heads. Zang Ba told Liu Bei, "The reason I could hold my own was that I would never do such a thing. Your lord spared my life, and I dare not disobey your command. I beg you, General, to plead my case for me. Liu Bei relayed Zang Ba's words to Cao Cao, who sighed and said to Zang Ba, "Such conduct belongs to the ancients, yet you live it—this is exactly what I hoped for. Xu Xi and Mao Hui were both appointed commandery administrators. For his achievements, Chen Deng was promoted to General Who Subdues the Waves.

78

5劉表與袁紹深相結約。治中鄧羲諫表，表曰：「內不失貢職，外不背盟主，此天下之達義也。治中獨何怪乎？」羲乃辭疾而退。

Liu Biao and Yuan Shao were bound in a deep alliance. Director of Retainers Deng Xi remonstrated with Liu Biao, who replied, "Within, I fulfill my duties to the court; without, I honor my alliance—this is the supreme principle of the realm. Why does the Director alone find that strange? Deng Xi thereupon pleaded illness and withdrew from office.

79

長沙太守張羨，性屈強，表不禮焉。郡人桓階說羨舉長沙、零陵、桂陽三郡以拒表，遣使附於曹操，羨從之。

Zhang Xian, Administrator of Changsha, was obstinate and unyielding by nature, and Liu Biao showed him no courtesy. Huan Jie, a man of the commandery, persuaded Zhang Xian to rally Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang in resistance to Liu Biao and to send envoys offering allegiance to Cao Cao; Zhang Xian agreed.

80

6孫策遣其正議校尉張紘獻方物，曹操欲撫納之，表策為討逆將軍，封吳侯；以弟女配策弟匡，又為子彰取孫賁女；禮辟策弟權、翊；以張紘為侍御史。袁術以周瑜為居巢長，以臨淮魯肅為東城長。瑜、肅知術終無所成，皆棄官渡江從孫策。策以瑜為建威中郎將。肅因家於曲阿。

Sun Ce sent his Standard-Bearer for Correct Discourse Zhang Hong to present tribute. Cao Cao meant to win him over and memorialized to appoint Sun Ce General Who Punishes Rebellion and enfeoff him as Marquis of Wu; he gave his younger brother's daughter in marriage to Sun Ce's brother Sun Kuang, and for his son Cao Zhang took the daughter of Sun Ben; he courteously summoned Sun Ce's younger brothers Sun Quan and Sun Yi; and he appointed Zhang Hong Attending Secretary. Yuan Shu appointed Zhou Yu magistrate of Juchao and Lu Su of Linhuai magistrate of Dongcheng. Zhou Yu and Lu Su saw that Yuan Shu would come to nothing; both abandoned their posts, crossed the Yangtze, and joined Sun Ce. Sun Ce appointed Zhou Yu Establishing Might Central Commandant. Lu Su settled his household at Qu'e.

81

曹操表徵王朗，策遣朗還。操以朗為諫議大夫，參司空軍事。

Cao Cao memorialized to summon Wang Lang; Sun Ce sent him on his way. Cao Cao appointed Wang Lang Remonstrance and Policy Grandee and attached him to the Minister of Works' military staff.

82

袁術遣間使繼印綬與丹陽宗帥祖郎等，使激動山越，共圖孫策。劉繇之奔豫章也，太史慈遁於蕪湖山中，自稱丹陽太守。策已定宣城以東，惟涇以西六縣未服，慈因進住涇縣，大為山越所附。於是策自將討祖郎於陵陽。禽之。策謂郎曰：「爾昔襲孤，斫孤馬鞍，今創軍立事，除棄宿恨，惟取能用，與天下通耳，非但汝，汝勿恐怖。」郎叩頭謝罪，即破械，署門下賊曹。又討太史慈於勇裡，禽之，解縛，捉其手曰：「寧識神亭時邪？若卿爾時得我云何？」慈曰：「未可量也。」策大笑曰：「今日之事，當與卿共之。聞卿有烈義，天下智士也，但所託未得其人耳。孤是卿知己，勿憂不如意也。」即署門下督。軍還，祖郎、太史慈俱在前導，軍人以為榮。

Yuan Shu sent secret envoys bearing seals and ribbons to Zu Lang, a clan chieftain of Danyang, and others, inciting the Shanyue to join in a plot against Sun Ce. When Liu Yao fled to Yuzhang, Taishi Ci hid in the mountains of Wuhu and styled himself Administrator of Danyang. Sun Ce had secured everything east of Xuancheng; only six counties west of Jing still held out. Taishi Ci advanced to Jing County and won a vast following among the Shanyue. Sun Ce then led his army in person against Zu Lang at Lingyang. He captured him. Sun Ce told Zu Lang, "You once ambushed me and hacked my saddle to pieces. Now I am building my army and my cause, and I set aside old scores—I take only those who can serve. That goes for everyone, not just you. Have no fear. Zu Lang kowtowed in confession; Sun Ce immediately removed his bonds and appointed him Bandit Suppression Clerk of the Household. He also fought Taishi Ci at Yongli, captured him, cut his bonds, took his hand, and said, "Do you remember Shen Village? If you had taken me then, what would you have done with me? Taishi Ci replied, "Who can say? Sun Ce laughed and said, "What happens today, we shall share together. I have heard you are a man of fierce loyalty—a wise man under Heaven—but you served the wrong master. I am your true friend. Do not worry that things will go ill for you. He immediately appointed him Household Controller. On the march home, Zu Lang and Taishi Ci both rode in the vanguard, and the soldiers counted it an honor.

83

會劉繇卒於豫章，士眾萬餘人，欲奉豫章太守華歆為主。歆以為因時擅命，非人臣所宜，眾守之連月，卒謝遣之。其眾未有所附，策命太史慈往撫安之，謂慈曰：「劉牧往責吾為袁氏攻廬江，吾先君兵數千人，盡在公路許，吾志在立事，安得不屈意於公路以求之乎？其後不遵臣節，諫之不從。丈夫義交，苟有大故，不得不離。吾交求公路及絕之本末如此，恨不及其生時與共論辯也。今兒子在豫章，卿往視之。並宣孤意於其部曲。部曲樂來者與俱來，不樂來者且安慰之。並觀華子魚所以牧御方規何如。卿須幾兵，多少隨意。」慈曰：「慈有不赦之罪，將軍量同桓、文，當盡死以報德。今並息兵，兵不宜多，將數十人足矣。」左右皆曰：「慈必北去不還。」策曰：「子義捨我，當復從誰！」餞送昌門，把腕別曰：「何時能還？」答曰：「不過六十日。」慈行，議者猶紛紜言遣之非計。策曰：「諸君勿復言，孤斷之詳矣。太史子義雖氣勇有膽烈，然非縱橫之人，其必秉道義，重然諾，一以意許知己，死亡不相負，諸君勿憂也。」慈果如期而反，謂策曰：「華子魚，良德也，然無他方規，自守而已。又，丹陽僮芝，自擅廬陵，鄱陽民帥別立宗部，言『我已別立郡海昏上繚，不受發召』，子魚但睹視之而已。」策拊掌大笑，遂有兼併之志。

Just then Liu Yao died at Yuzhang. More than ten thousand of his soldiers and followers wished to install Hua Xin, Administrator of Yuzhang, as their leader. Hua Xin held that seizing command in a moment of crisis was no fit act for a subject. The troops pressed him for months, but in the end he refused and sent them away. His troops had no leader. Sun Ce ordered Taishi Ci to go and win them over, telling him, "Governor Liu once reproached me for attacking Lü Jiang on Yuan Shu's behalf. My late father's troops, several thousand strong, were all in Yuan Shu's hands. I meant to build something of my own—how could I not humble myself before him to get them back? Later he betrayed every duty of a subject, and when I remonstrated, he would not listen. When men swear friendship in righteousness, a grave breach leaves no choice but to part. That is the full story of my bond with Yuan Shu and my break with him. I regret only that I could not argue it out with him face to face while he lived. His sons are in Yuzhang now—go and see to them. Make my intentions known to his troops as well. Those who wish to join you may come; those who do not, reassure them where they stand. And observe what policies Ziyu pursues and what designs he harbors. As for troops, take however many you think fit. Taishi Ci said, "I bear an unpardonable offense, yet you treat me as Duke Huan and Duke Wen treated their men—I owe you my life. The realm is at peace for now; I need no great escort—a few dozen men will do. Those around Sun Ce said, "Taishi Ci will go north and never come back. Sun Ce said, "If Ziyi leaves me, whom else would he serve? At the farewell at Chang Gate he grasped Taishi Ci's wrist and asked, "When will you return? Taishi Ci answered, "No more than sixty days. Taishi Ci set out, yet his critics still insisted that letting him go had been a mistake. Sun Ce said, "Speak no more of it, gentlemen—I have judged this matter thoroughly. Taishi Ziyi is bold and fierce, but he is no schemer. He will keep faith with the Way and honor his word. Once he gives his pledge to a friend, he will not betray it, even at the cost of his life. Have no fear. Taishi Ci returned on schedule and reported to Sun Ce, "Ziyu is a man of fine virtue, but he has no larger design—he merely holds his own. Moreover, Tong Zhi of Danyang has seized Luling on his own authority; a local chief of Poyang has set up a separate clan regiment, declaring, 'I have established the commandery of Haihun Shangliao and will not answer your summons'—and Ziyu only watches and does nothing. Sun Ce clapped his hands and laughed aloud—and from that moment he set his heart on conquest.

84

7袁紹連年攻公孫瓚，不能克，以書諭之，欲相與釋憾連和；瓚不答，而增修守備，謂長史太原關靖曰：「當今四方虎爭，無有能坐吾城下相守經年者明矣，袁本初其若我何！」紹於是大興兵以攻瓚。先是瓚別將有為敵所圍者，瓚不救，曰：「救一人，使後將恃救，不肯力戰。」及紹來攻，瓚南界別營，自度守則不能自固，又知必不見救，或降或潰。紹軍徑至其門，瓚遣子續請救於黑山諸帥，而欲自將突騎出傍西山，擁黑山之眾侵掠冀州，橫斷紹後。關靖諫曰：「今將軍將士莫不懷瓦解之心，所以猶能相守者，顧戀其居處老小，而恃將軍為主故耳。堅守曠日，或可使紹自退。若捨之而出，後無鎮重，易京之危，可立待也。」瓚乃止。紹漸相攻逼，瓚眾日蹙。」」

Yuan Shao had attacked Gongsun Zan year after year without overcoming him. He sent a letter urging reconciliation and alliance; Gongsun Zan did not reply but redoubled his defenses, telling his Chief Clerk Guan Jing of Taiyuan, "The realm is a battlefield of tigers—no one can sit under my walls and grind me down for a year. What can Yuan Benchu do to me! Yuan Shao thereupon mobilized a great army against Gongsun Zan. Earlier, when one of Gongsun Zan's detached generals was surrounded, Gongsun Zan refused to rescue him, saying, "Save one man today, and tomorrow every general will count on rescue instead of fighting with all his strength. When Yuan Shao attacked, Gongsun Zan's detached camps along the southern border saw that they could not hold and knew rescue would never come; they surrendered or fled. Yuan Shao's army marched straight to his gates. Gongsun Zan sent his son Gongsun Xu to beg aid from the Black Mountain chieftains while he himself planned to lead his shock cavalry out along the western hills, rally the Black Mountain bands, raid Ji Province, and sever Yuan Shao's line of retreat. Guan Jing remonstrated, saying, "Your officers and soldiers are ready to fall apart. The only reason they still stand together is love for their homes and families—and faith in you as their lord. If we hold out for a long siege, Yuan Shao may yet withdraw on his own. If you leave the fortress, you will lose your base; the disaster of Yijing will come at once. Gongsun Zan then abandoned the plan. Yuan Shao pressed the siege; Gongsun Zan's position grew tighter by the day.””

卷62 漢紀五十四

Volume 62 Han Records 54

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