Volume 68 Han Records 60

資治通鑑第068卷

Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 68

【漢紀六十】起強圍作噩，盡屠維大淵獻，凡三年。

[Han Records 60] Spanning from the year Qiangwei Zuoe through Tuwei Dayuanxian—a period of three years.

春，正月，魏王操軍居巢，孫權保濡須，二月，操進攻之。初，右護軍蔣欽屯宣城，蕪湖令徐盛收欽屯吏，表斬之。及權在濡須，欽與呂蒙持諸軍節度，欽每稱徐盛之善。權問之，欽曰：「盛忠而勤強，有膽略器用，好萬人督也。今大事未定，臣當助國求才，豈敢挾私恨以蔽賢乎！」權善之。三月，操引軍還，留伏波將軍夏侯惇都督曹仁、張遼等二十六軍屯居巢。權令都尉徐詳詣操請降，操報使修好，誓重結婚。權留平虜將軍周泰督濡須；朱然、徐盛等皆在所部，以泰寒門，不服。權會諸將，大為酣樂，命泰解衣，權手自指其創痕，問以所起，泰輒記昔戰鬥處以對。畢，使復服；權把其臂流涕曰：「幼平，卿為孤兄弟，戰如熊虎，不惜軀命，被創數十，膚如刻畫，孤亦何心不待卿以骨肉之恩，委卿以兵馬之重乎？」坐罷，住駕，使泰以兵馬道從，鳴鼓角作鼓吹而出。於是盛等乃服。

In spring, during the first month, King Cao Cao of Wei encamped at Juchao while Sun Quan defended Ruxu. In the second month, Cao advanced to attack him. Earlier, Jiang Qin of the Right Guards Army had been stationed at Xuancheng. Xu Sheng, the magistrate of Wuhu, arrested one of Qin's garrison officers and submitted a memorial requesting his execution. When Sun Quan was at Ruxu, Jiang Qin and Lü Meng oversaw military discipline among the armies, and Qin repeatedly spoke of Xu Sheng's excellence. Sun Quan asked him about this. Qin replied, "Sheng is loyal, diligent, and formidable, with courage, strategy, and real ability—he is well suited to command ten thousand men. The great enterprise is not yet settled; I ought to help the state find talent. How could I let private resentment hide a worthy man from you!" Sun Quan commended him for it. In the third month, Cao withdrew his army, leaving General Who Calms the Waves Xiahou Dun to command Cao Ren, Zhang Liao, and twenty-six other armies encamped at Juchao. Sun Quan sent Commandant Xu Xiang to Cao to offer submission. Cao responded that they should restore friendly relations and renew their oath of alliance by marriage. Sun Quan left General Who Pacifies the Barbarians Zhou Tai in command at Ruxu; Zhu Ran, Xu Sheng, and others all served under him, yet because Zhou Tai came from a humble background, they refused to accept his authority. Sun Quan summoned the generals for a great feast and ordered Zhou Tai to bare his torso. Sun Quan himself pointed to each scar and asked how it had been received; Tai named the battle in which he had received each wound. When this was finished, he had Tai dress again; Sun Quan seized his arm with tears and said, "Youping, you have fought for me as a brother, battling like bear and tiger without sparing your life. You have taken dozens of wounds until your skin looks carved in lines. With what heart could I fail to treat you with the kindness owed to kin, or entrust you with command of troops and horses?" When the feast ended, he halted his carriage and had Zhou Tai follow with troops and horses, drums and horns sounding and martial music playing as they departed. Only then did Xu Sheng and the others submit to Zhou Tai's authority.

夏，四月，語魏王操設天子旌旗，出入稱警蹕。六月，魏以軍師華歆為御史大夫。

In summer, during the fourth month, an edict authorized King Cao to display the imperial banners and flags and to be announced with the imperial guard cry whenever he went abroad. In the sixth month, Wei appointed Military Adviser Hua Xin Censor-in-Chief.

冬，十月，命魏王操冕十有二旒，乘金根車，駕六馬，設五時副車。

In winter, during the tenth month, King Cao was granted a twelve-tassel crown, the golden-root carriage drawn by six horses, and five seasonal secondary carriages.

魏以五官中郎將丕為太子。

Wei named Palace Attendant of the Five Offices Cao Pi crown prince.

初，魏王操娶丁夫人，無子；妾劉氏，生子昂；卞氏生四子：丕、彰、植、熊。王使丁夫人母養昂。昂死於穰，丁夫人哭泣無節，操怒而出之，以卞氏為繼室。植性機警，多藝能，才藻敏贍，操愛之。操欲以女妻丁儀，丕以儀目眇，諫止之。儀由是怨丕，與弟黃門侍郎廙及丞相主簿楊修，數稱臨菑侯植之才，勸操立以為嗣。修，彪之子也。操以函密訪於外，尚書崔琰露板答曰：「《春秋》之義，立子以長。加五官將仁孝聰明，宜承正統，琰以死守之。」植，琰之兄女婿也。尚書僕射毛玠曰：「近者袁紹以嫡庶不分，覆宗滅國。廢立大事，非所宜聞。」東曹掾邢顒曰：「以庶代宗，先世之戒也，願殿下深察之。」丕使人問太中大夫賈詡以自固之術。詡曰：「願將軍恢崇德度，躬素士之業，朝夕孜孜，不違子道，如此而已。」丕從之，深自砥礪。它日，操屏人問詡，詡嘿然不對。操曰：「與卿言，而不答，何也？」詡曰：「屬有所思，故不即對耳。」操曰：「何思？」詡曰：「思袁本初、劉景升父子也。」操大笑。操嘗出征，丕、植並送路側，植稱述功德，發言有章，左右屬目，操亦悅焉。丕悵然自失，濟陰吳質耳語曰：「王當行，流涕可也。」及辭，丕涕泣而拜，操及左右鹹歔欷，於是皆以植多華辭而誠心不及也。植既任性而行，不自雕飾，五官將御之以術，矯情自飾，宮人左右並為之稱說，故遂定為太子。左右長御賀卞夫人曰：「將軍拜太子，天下莫不喜，夫人當傾府藏以賞賜。」夫人曰：「王自以丕年大，故用為嗣。我但當以免無教導之過為幸耳，亦何為當重賜遺乎？」長御還，具以語操，操悅，曰：「怒不變容，喜不失節，故最為難。」太子抱議郎辛毘頸而言曰：「辛君知我喜不？」毘以告其女憲英，憲英歎曰：「太子，代君主宗廟、社稷者也。代君，不可以不戚；主國，不可以不懼。宜戚宜懼，而反以為喜，何以能久！魏其不昌乎！」久之，臨菑侯植乘車行馳道中，開司馬門出。操大怒，公車令坐死。由是重諸侯科禁，而植寵日衰。植妻衣繡，操登台見之，以違制命，還家賜死。

Earlier, King Cao had married Lady Ding, who bore him no sons; his concubine Lady Liu bore Cao Ang; Lady Bian bore four sons: Pi, Zhang, Zhi, and Xiong. The king had Lady Ding raise Ang as her own son. When Ang died at Rang, Lady Ding mourned without restraint. Cao in anger dismissed her and made Lady Bian his principal consort. Zhi was quick-witted and multitalented, with keen and abundant literary gifts, and Cao favored him greatly. Cao wished to marry his daughter to Ding Yi, but Pi objected on the grounds that Yi was blind in one eye and persuaded his father to abandon the match. Yi therefore bore a grudge against Pi. Together with his younger brother Yellow Gate Attendant Ding Yi and the Chancellor's Registrar Yang Xiu, he repeatedly praised the Marquis of Linzi's talents and urged Cao to name Zhi his heir. Yang Xiu was the son of Yang Biao. Cao made secret inquiries in sealed letters to officials outside. Minister of the Masters of Writing Cui Yan posted a public reply: "The Spring and Autumn Annals teach that the eldest son should be established. Moreover, the Palace Attendant of the Five Offices is benevolent, filial, and intelligent—fit to inherit the legitimate succession. I will defend this position to the death." Zhi was married to the daughter of Yan's elder brother. Vice Director of the Masters of Writing Mao Jie said, "Not long ago Yuan Shao failed to distinguish legitimate from secondary heirs, and his clan was overturned and his state destroyed. The great matter of deposing and establishing an heir is not something that should even be discussed." Eastern Bureau Aide Xing Yong said, "Replacing the legitimate heir with a secondary son is a warning drawn from former ages. I hope Your Highness will consider this carefully." Cao Pi sent someone to ask Grand Master of the Palace Jia Xu how he might secure his own position. Jia Xu replied, "I hope the General will broaden his virtue and magnanimity, personally devote himself to the duties of a plain scholar, and work diligently morning and evening without departing from the way of a son. That is all there is to it." Cao Pi took this advice and redoubled his self-discipline. On another occasion, Cao dismissed his attendants and questioned Jia Xu, but Xu remained silent and would not reply. Cao said, "I am speaking with you, yet you will not answer. Why?" Jia Xu said, "I was thinking of something just then and so did not reply at once." Cao asked, "What were you thinking of?" Jia Xu replied, "I was thinking of Yuan Shao and Liu Biao, and what became of their sons." Cao burst out laughing. Once when Cao set out on campaign, Pi and Zhi both saw him off along the road. Zhi recounted his father's achievements in polished, well-ordered speech that drew every eye, and Cao was pleased. Pi was despondent and felt himself losing ground. Wu Zhi of Jiyin whispered in his ear, "When the king is about to depart, tears would serve you well." When the time came to take leave, Pi wept as he bowed farewell, and Cao and everyone around him sighed and sobbed. From that point on, all concluded that Zhi's words were too ornate while his sincerity did not measure up. Zhi acted willfully and made no effort to polish his conduct, while the Palace Attendant of the Five Offices countered with stratagems, feigning emotion to adorn himself, and the palace attendants on every side praised him—thus the heir was finally settled on Pi. The attendants and chief stewards congratulated Lady Bian, saying, "The General has been named crown prince, and all under Heaven rejoices. You ought to empty the treasury stores for rewards." Lady Bian replied, "The King himself chose Pi as heir because he is the elder. I should count myself fortunate merely to escape blame for having failed to instruct him properly. Why should I make lavish gifts and rewards?" The chief steward returned and reported her words in full to Cao. Cao was pleased and said, "Not changing countenance in anger and not losing propriety in joy—that is what is most difficult." The crown prince threw his arms around Registrar Xin Pi's neck and said, "Master Xin, can you tell whether I am pleased?" Xin Pi told his daughter Xianying. Xianying sighed and said, "The crown prince stands in for the ruler to tend the ancestral temples and the altars of soil and grain. Standing in for the ruler, one ought to feel sorrow; and holding charge of the state, one ought to feel fear. He ought to feel sorrow and fear, yet instead he treats it as joy. How can such a state endure for long! Surely Wei will not long prosper!" Some time later, the Marquis of Linzi drove his carriage along the imperial thoroughfare and opened the Major's Gate to pass through. Cao was furious and had the Director of the Imperial Carriages executed for the offense. From this he tightened the regulations governing feudal lords, while Zhi's favor declined day by day. Zhi's wife wore embroidered robes. Cao saw her from a tower, judged the dress a violation of regulations, and ordered her sent home and put to death.

法正說劉備曰：「曹操一舉而降張魯，定漢中，不因此勢以圖巴、蜀，而留夏侯淵、張郃屯守，身遽北還，此非其智不逮而力不足也，必將內有憂逼故耳。今策淵、郃才略，不勝國之將帥，舉眾往討，必可克之。克之之日，廣農積穀，觀釁伺隙，上可以傾覆寇敵，尊獎王室；中可以蠶食雍、涼，廣拓境土；下可以固守要害，為持久之計。此蓋天以與我，時不可失也。」備善其策，乃率諸將進兵漢中，遣張飛、馬超、吳蘭等屯下辨。魏王操遣都護將軍曹洪拒之。

Fa Zheng urged Liu Bei, saying, "Cao Cao subdued Zhang Lu and secured Hanzhong in a single campaign. He did not use that momentum to seize Ba and Shu, but left Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to garrison the region while he himself hurried north. This is not because his wisdom or strength fell short—he must have been pressed by troubles at home. Judging Yuan and He by their talent and strategy, they cannot match the foremost generals of a great state. If we march against them in force, we are sure to prevail. Once we prevail, we should expand agriculture and store grain, watch for openings and await our chance. At the highest level, we could overturn the enemy and restore honor to the royal house; at the middle level, nibble away at Yong and Liang and greatly extend our territory; and at the lowest level, hold the strategic passes and make plans for a long war. Surely Heaven has given us this opportunity, and the moment must not be lost." Liu Bei approved the plan and led his generals into Hanzhong, sending Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, Wu Lan, and others to garrison Xiabian. King Cao sent Chief Commandant General Cao Hong to resist him.

魯肅卒，孫權以從事中郎彭城嚴畯代肅，督兵萬人鎮陸口。眾人皆為畯喜，畯固辭以「樸素書生，不閒軍事」，發言懇惻，至於流涕。權乃以左護軍虎威將軍呂蒙兼漢昌太守以代之。眾嘉嚴畯能以實讓。

When Lu Su died, Sun Quan appointed Attendant of Affairs Yan Jun of Pengcheng to replace him, placing ten thousand troops under his command to garrison Lukou. Everyone congratulated Yan Jun, but he firmly declined on the grounds that he was "a plain scholar unversed in military affairs," speaking with such earnest sincerity that he wept. Sun Quan then appointed Left Guards Army Tiger Might General Lü Meng, who also served as Administrator of Hanchang, to replace him. Everyone praised Yan Jun for yielding the post when he knew himself unfit for it.

定威校尉吳郡陸遜言於孫權曰：「方今克敵寧亂，非眾不濟；而山寇舊惡，依阻深地。夫腹心未平，難以圖遠，可大部伍，取其精銳。」權從之，以為帳下右都督。會丹楊賊帥費棧作亂，扇動山越。權命遜討棧，破之。遂部伍東三郡，強者為兵，羸者補戶，得精卒數萬人。宿惡蕩除，所過肅清，還屯蕪湖。會稽太守淳-{于}-式表「遜枉取民人，愁擾所在。」遜後詣都，言次，稱式佳吏。權曰：「式白君，而君薦之，何也？」遜對曰：「式意欲養民，是以白遜。若遜復毀式以亂聖聽，不可長也。」權曰：「此誠長者之事，顧人不能為耳。」

Establishing Might Commandant Lu Xun of Wu Commandery said to Sun Quan, "To overcome enemies and pacify disorder today, we cannot succeed without numbers; yet the mountain bandits remain an old scourge, entrenched in rugged, remote terrain. While our own heartland is not yet secure, it is hard to plan distant campaigns. We should organize large forces and take their best fighters." Sun Quan followed his advice and appointed him Right Commander-in-Chief on his staff. Soon afterward the Danyang bandit chief Fei Zhan rebelled and stirred up the Shanyue. Sun Quan ordered Lu Xun to attack Zhan and defeated him. He then organized the three eastern commanderies: the able-bodied were enrolled as soldiers, the weak were assigned to households, and he obtained several tens of thousands of elite troops. Long-standing evils were swept away, every district he passed was pacified, and he returned to garrison at Wuhu. Kuaiji Administrator Chunyu Shi submitted a memorial stating that "Lu Xun had wrongly seized the people, causing grief and disturbance wherever he went." Later, when Lu Xun came to the capital, he praised Chunyu Shi in conversation as an excellent official. Sun Quan asked, "Shi reported against you, yet you recommend him. Why?" Lu Xun replied, "His intent was to protect the people, and that is why he reported against me. If I were now to slander him in turn and confuse Your Majesty's judgment, such conduct cannot be tolerated for long." Sun Quan said, "That is truly the conduct of a man of mature virtue—ordinary men simply cannot do such a thing."

魏王操使丞相長史王必典兵督許中事。時關羽強盛，京兆金禕睹漢祚將移，乃與少府耿紀、司直韋晃、太醫令吉本、本子邈、邈弟穆等謀殺必，挾天子以攻魏，南引關羽為援。

King Cao sent the Chancellor's Chief Clerk Wang Bi to command troops and supervise affairs at Xu. At this time Guan Yu was at the height of his power. Jin Yi of Jingzhao, seeing that the Han mandate was slipping away, joined Palace Treasurer Geng Ji, Director of Standards Wei Huang, Grand Physician Ji Ben, the heir's son Ji Miao, Miao's younger brother Ji Mu, and others in a plot to kill Wang Bi, seize the emperor to attack Wei, and draw Guan Yu from the south as their ally.

春，正月，吉邈等率其黨千餘人，夜攻王必，燒其門，射必中肩，帳下督扶必奔南城。會天明，邈等眾潰，必與穎川典農中郎將嚴匡共討斬之。

In spring, during the first month, Ji Miao and his followers, more than a thousand strong, attacked Wang Bi by night, burned his gate, and shot him in the shoulder. Bi's tent supervisor helped him flee to the southern city. At daybreak their forces scattered. Wang Bi joined Yingchuan Director of Agriculture Zhonglang General Yan Kuang in pursuing them and had them executed.

三月，有星孛於東方。

In the third month, a comet appeared in the eastern sky.

曹洪將擊吳蘭，張飛屯固山，聲言欲斷軍後，眾議狐疑。騎都尉曹休曰：「賊實斷道者，當伏兵潛行；今乃先張聲勢，此其不能，明矣。宜及其未集，促擊蘭。蘭破，飛自走矣。」洪從之，進，擊破蘭，斬之。三月，張飛、馬超走。休，魏王族子也。

Cao Hong was preparing to attack Wu Lan when Zhang Fei encamped at Gushan and proclaimed that he intended to cut off the army's rear, leaving the command uncertain what to do. Cavalry Commandant Cao Xiu said, "If the enemy truly meant to cut our supply line, they would move hidden troops in secret; yet they advertise their intentions first. That proves they cannot do it, and the point is obvious. We should strike Wu Lan before their forces can assemble. Once Wu Lan is defeated, Zhang Fei will withdraw on his own." Cao Hong followed his advice, advanced, defeated Wu Lan, and beheaded him. In the third month, Zhang Fei and Ma Chao withdrew. Cao Xiu was a kinsman of the King of Wei.

夏，四月，代郡、上谷烏桓無臣氐等反。先是，魏王操召代郡太守裴潛為丞相理曹掾，操美潛治代之功，潛曰：「潛於百姓雖寬，於諸胡為峻。今繼者必以潛為治過嚴而事加寬惠。彼素驕恣，過寬必弛；既弛，又將攝之以法，此怨叛所由生也。以勢料之，代必復叛。」於是操深悔還潛之速。後數十日，三單于反問果至。操以其子鄢陵侯彰行驍騎將軍，使討之。彰少善射御，膂力過人。操戒彰曰：「居家為父子，受事為君臣，動以王法從事，爾其戒之！」

In summer, during the fourth month, the Wuhuan of Dai and Shanggu under Wuchendi and others rebelled. Earlier, King Cao had summoned Dai Commandery Administrator Pei Qian to serve as Registrar of the Chancellor's Bureau of Reasoning. When Cao praised Qian's achievements in governing Dai, Qian said, "I was lenient toward the common people but stern toward the various Hu tribes. My successor will surely judge my rule too severe and try to be more lenient and generous. They are arrogant by nature; excessive leniency will make them lax; and once they grow lax, the new ruler will try to restrain them again with the law. That is how resentment and rebellion are born. Judging by how matters stand, Dai will surely rebel again." Cao deeply regretted having recalled Qian so soon. Several tens of days later, reports of rebellion from the three Chanyus arrived, just as he had predicted. Cao appointed his son, Marquis of Yanling Cao Zhang, acting Valiant Cavalry General, and sent him to suppress the rebellion. From youth Zhang excelled at archery and horsemanship, and his physical strength surpassed ordinary men. Cao admonished Zhang, saying, "At home we are father and son, but in service we are ruler and minister. In action you must follow the royal law in all you do. Take heed!"

劉備屯陽平關，夏侯淵、張郃、徐晃等與之相拒。備遣其將陳式等絕馬鳴閣道，徐晃擊破之。張郃屯廣石，備攻之不能克，急書發益州兵。諸葛亮以問從事犍為楊洪，洪曰：「漢中，益州咽喉，存亡之機會，若無漢中，則無蜀矣。此家門之禍也，發兵何疑！」時法正從備北行，亮於是表洪領蜀郡太守；眾事皆辦，遂使即真。初，犍為太守李嚴辟洪為功曹，嚴未去犍為而洪已為蜀郡；洪舉門下書佐何祗有才策，洪尚在蜀郡，而祗已為廣漢太守。是以西土鹹服諸葛亮能盡時人之器用也。

Liu Bei encamped at Yangping Pass, where Xiahou Yuan, Zhang He, Xu Huang, and others held him at bay. Liu Bei sent his generals Chen Shi and others to sever the Maming Pavilion road, but Xu Huang attacked and defeated them. Zhang He held Guangshi, and though Liu Bei attacked he could not take it. He urgently wrote to mobilize troops from Yizhou. Zhuge Liang consulted Attendant Yang Hong of Jianwei. Hong said, "Hanzhong is the throat of Yizhou, the pivot on which survival or destruction turns. Without Hanzhong, there is no Shu. This is a calamity for our own house. Why hesitate to send troops!" Fa Zheng was then accompanying Liu Bei north, so Zhuge Liang memorialized that Hong should serve as Administrator of Shu Commandery; all affairs were handled, and Hong was confirmed in the post. Earlier, Jianwei Administrator Li Yan had recruited Hong as Merit Officer; Yan had not yet left Jianwei when Hong was already Administrator of Shu Commandery; Hong recommended his clerk He Zhi for talent and ability; Hong was still in Shu Commandery while Zhi had already become Administrator of Guanghan. For this reason the western lands all admired Zhuge Liang's ability to make full use of the talents of his contemporaries.

秋，七月，魏王操自將擊劉備；九月，至長安。

In autumn, during the seventh month, King Cao personally led troops against Liu Bei; and in the ninth month he reached Chang'an.

曹彰擊代郡烏桓，身自搏戰，鎧中數箭，意氣益厲；乘勝逐北，至桑干之北，大破之，斬首、獲生以千數。時鮮卑大人軻比能將數萬騎觀望強弱，見彰力戰，所向皆破，乃請服，北方悉平。

Cao Zhang attacked the Wuhuan of Dai Commandery, fighting hand to hand himself. Several arrows struck his armor, yet his fighting spirit only grew fiercer; He pursued the fleeing enemy north to beyond the Sanggan River, inflicted a crushing defeat, and took thousands of heads and captives. At this time the Xianbei chief Kebineng led tens of thousands of horsemen to watch which side was stronger. Seeing Zhang fight fiercely and break all before him, Kebineng submitted, and the north was fully pacified.

南陽吏民苦繇役，冬，十月，宛守將侯音反。南陽太守東裡袞與功曹應余迸竄得出；音遣騎追之，飛矢交流，余以身蔽袞，被七創而死，音騎執袞以歸。時征南將軍曹仁屯樊以鎮荊州，魏王操命仁還討音。功曹宗子卿說音曰：「足下順民心，舉大事，遠近莫不望風；然執郡將，逆而無益，何不遣之！」音從之。子卿因夜逾城從太守收餘民圍音，會曹仁軍至，共攻之。

The officials and people of Nanyang were ground down by corvée labor. In winter, during the tenth month, Wan garrison general Hou Yin rebelled. Nanyang Administrator Dongli Gun and Merit Officer Ying Yu burst out of the city and escaped; Yin sent horsemen in pursuit. As arrows flew thick, Yu shielded Gun with his own body, took seven wounds, and died. Yin's horsemen then seized Gun and brought him back. Campaigning South General Cao Ren was then garrisoned at Fan to secure Jingzhou. King Cao ordered him to return and suppress Hou Yin. Merit Officer Zong Ziqing urged Hou Yin, saying, "You follow the people's will and have raised a great enterprise. Near and far, all look to you with hope; yet holding the commandery chief is contrary and gains you nothing. Why not release him!" Hou Yin followed his advice. Ziqing crossed the wall by night, rejoined the Administrator, gathered the remaining townspeople, and besieged Hou Yin. When Cao Ren's army arrived, they attacked together.

春，正月，曹仁屠宛，斬侯音，復屯樊。

In spring, during the first month, Cao Ren sacked Wan, beheaded Hou Yin, and returned to garrison Fan.

初，夏侯淵戰雖數勝，魏王操常戒之曰：「為將當有怯弱時，不可但恃勇也。將當以勇為本，行之以智計；但知任勇，一匹夫敵耳。」及淵與劉備相拒逾年，備自陽平南渡沔水，緣山稍前，營於定軍山。淵引兵爭之。法正曰：「可擊矣。」備使討虜將軍黃忠乘高鼓噪攻之，淵軍大敗，斬淵及益州刺史趙顒。張郃引兵還陽平。是時新失元帥，軍中擾擾，不知所為。督軍杜襲與淵司馬太原郭淮收斂散卒，號令諸軍曰：「張將軍國家名將，劉備所憚。今日事急，非張將軍不能安也。」遂權宜推郃為軍主。郃出，勒兵按陳，諸將皆受郃節度，眾心乃定。明日，備欲渡漢水來攻；諸將以眾寡不敵，欲依水為陳以拒之。郭淮曰：「此示弱而不足挫敵，非算也。不如遠水為陳，引而致之，半濟而後擊之，備可破也。」既陳，備疑，不渡。淮遂堅守，示無還心。以狀聞於魏王操，操善之，遣使假郃節，復以淮為司馬。

Although Xiahou Yuan had won battle after battle, King Cao often warned him, saying, "A general must know moments of caution and restraint. He cannot rely on courage alone. Courage should be his foundation, but he must carry it out with strategy; if he knows only how to trust courage, he is no better than a common brawler." After Yuan had faced Liu Bei for more than a year, Bei crossed the Mian River south from Yangping, advanced along the mountain ridges, and encamped on Mount Dingjun. Xiahou Yuan led troops to contest the position. Fa Zheng said, "They can be attacked now." Liu Bei sent General Who Punishes the Barbarians Huang Zhong to take the high ground, beat drums, and charge. Xiahou Yuan's army was routed, and Yuan and Yizhou Inspector Zhao Yong were slain. Zhang He withdrew his troops to Yangping. The army had just lost its commander-in-chief and was in turmoil, not knowing what to do. Supervising Army Officer Du Xi and Yuan's Major Guo Huai of Taiyuan gathered the scattered troops and proclaimed to the armies, "General Zhang is a famed general of the state, and Liu Bei fears him. Today the situation is desperate. Without General Zhang there can be no stability." They thereupon provisionally made Zhang He commander of the army. Zhang He came forth, arrayed the troops in formation, and all the generals accepted his command. The army's morale was restored. The next day Liu Bei prepared to cross the Han River and attack; but the generals, judging their numbers too few to match the enemy, wished to form battle lines along the river to resist him. Guo Huai said, "That shows weakness and will not break the enemy's spirit. It is no stratagem. Better to form our lines well back from the river, lure them across, and strike when they are half over. Then Liu Bei can be defeated." Once the formations were set, Liu Bei grew suspicious and did not cross. Guo Huai then held firm and showed no intention of withdrawing. They reported this to King Cao, who approved. He sent envoys to grant Zhang He temporary command authority and reappointed Guo Huai as Major.

二月，壬子晦，日有食之。

In the second month, on the last day of the cycle, renzi, there was a solar eclipse.

三月，魏王操自長安出斜谷，軍遮要以臨漢中。劉備曰：「曹公雖來，無能為也，我必有漢川矣。」乃斂眾拒險，終不交鋒。操運米北山下，黃忠引兵欲取之，過期不還。翊軍將軍趙雲將數十騎出營視之，值操揚兵大出，雲猝與相遇，遂前突其陳，且鬥且卻。魏兵散而復合，追至營下，雲入營，更大開門，偃旗息鼓。魏兵疑雲有伏，引去；雲雷鼓震天，惟以勁弩於後射魏兵。魏兵驚駭，自相蹂踐，墮漢水中死者甚多。備明旦自來，至雲營，視昨戰處，曰：「子龍一身都為膽也！」操與備相守積月，魏軍士多亡。夏，五月，操悉引出漢中諸軍還長安，劉備遂有漢中。操恐劉備北取武都氐以逼關中，問雍州刺史張既，既曰：「可勸使北出就谷以避賊，前至者厚其寵賞，則先者知利，後必慕之。」操從之，使既之武都，徙氐五萬餘落出居扶風、天水界。

In the third month, King Cao left Chang'an through Xie Valley and marched his army along the strategic passes toward Hanzhong. Liu Bei said, "Though Duke Cao comes, he can accomplish nothing. I am certain to hold the Han River region." He gathered his forces to hold the defiles and in the end never offered battle. Cao transported grain to the foot of the northern mountains. Huang Zhong led troops to seize it but failed to return by the appointed time. Assisting Army General Zhao Yun rode out with several dozen horsemen to investigate. He ran into Cao Cao marching out in force, charged straight into the enemy lines, and fought his way back step by step. Wei troops scattered and re-formed, pursuing him to his camp. Zhao Yun entered, threw the gates wide open, lowered the banners, and silenced the drums. The Wei troops suspected an ambush and withdrew; Zhao Yun then thundered the drums to shake the heavens and raked the retreating Wei troops with powerful crossbows from the rear. The Wei troops panicked, trampled one another, and many fell into the Han River and drowned. The next morning Liu Bei came in person to Zhao Yun's camp, surveyed yesterday's battlefield, and said, "Zilong's whole body is courage!" Cao and Liu Bei faced each other for months, and many Wei soldiers deserted. In summer, during the fifth month, Cao withdrew all his Hanzhong armies to Chang'an, and Liu Bei thereby secured Hanzhong. Cao feared Liu Bei would seize the Di of Wudu in the north and press on Guanzhong, and asked Yongzhou Inspector Zhang Ji. Ji said, "Urge them to move north to seek grain and escape the enemy. Reward those who arrive first generously, so the first will see the benefit and the rest will follow." Cao followed his advice, sent Ji to Wudu, and relocated more than fifty thousand Di households to the borders of Fufeng and Tianshui.

武威顏俊、張掖和鸞、酒泉黃華、西平麴演等，各據其郡，自號將軍，更相攻擊。俊遣使送母及子詣魏王操為質以求助。操問張既，既曰：「俊等外假國威，內生傲悖，計定勢足，後即反耳。今方事定蜀，且宜兩存而斗之，猶卞莊子之刺虎，坐收其敝也。」王曰：「善！」歲餘，鸞遂殺俊，武威王祕又殺鸞。

Yan Jun of Wuwei, He Luan of Zhangye, Huang Hua of Jiuquan, Qu Yan of Xiping, and others each held their commanderies, styled themselves generals, and attacked one another in turn. Yan Jun sent envoys to deliver his mother and sons to King Cao as hostages in seeking aid. Cao asked Zhang Ji. Ji said, "Jun and the others borrow the state's authority outwardly while breeding arrogance and rebellion within. Once their plans are settled and their power secure, they will turn against you. We are just now settling affairs in Shu. For the moment, let both sides survive and fight each other, like Bian Zhuangzi stabbing the tiger while it fights—then sit back and collect the spoils when they are exhausted." The King said, "Excellent!" More than a year later, He Luan killed Yan Jun, and Wang Mi of Wuwei then killed He Luan.

劉備遣宜都太守扶風孟達從秭歸北攻房陵，殺房陵太守蒯祺。又遣養子副軍中郎將劉封自漢中乘沔水下，統達軍，與達會攻上庸，上庸太守申耽舉郡降。備加耽征北將軍，領上庸太守，以耽弟儀為建信將軍、西城太守。

Liu Bei sent Yidu Administrator Meng Da of Fufeng from Zigui north to attack Fangling and killed its administrator, Kuai Qi. He also sent his adopted son, Deputy Army Zhonglang General Liu Feng, from Hanzhong down the Mian River to take command of Meng Da's forces. Together they attacked Shangyong, and Administrator Shen Dan surrendered the entire commandery. Liu Bei promoted Shen Dan to Campaigning North General while keeping him as Administrator of Shangyong, and appointed Dan's younger brother Shen Yi Establishing Trust General and Administrator of Xicheng.

秋，七月，劉備自稱漢中王，設壇場於沔陽，陳兵列眾，群臣陪位，讀奏訖，乃拜受璽綬，御王冠。因驛拜章，上還所假左將軍、宜城亭侯印綬。立子禪為王太子。拔牙門將軍義陽魏延為鎮遠將軍，領漢中太守，以鎮漢川。備還治成都，以許靖為太傅，法正為尚書令，關羽為前將軍，張飛為右將軍，馬超為左將軍，黃忠為後將軍，餘皆進位有差。遣益州前部司馬犍為費詩即授關羽印授，羽聞黃忠位與己並，怒曰：「大丈夫終不與老兵同列！」不肯受拜。詩謂羽曰：「夫立王業者，所用非一。昔蕭、曹與高祖少小親舊，而陳、韓亡命後至；論其班列，韓最居上，未聞蕭、曹以此為怨。今漢中王以一時之功隆崇漢室；然意之輕重，寧當與君侯齊乎！且王與君侯譬猶一體，同休等戚，禍福共之。愚謂君侯不宜計官號之高下、爵祿之多少為意也。僕一介之使，銜命之人，君侯不受拜，如是便還，但相為惜此舉動，恐有後悔耳。」羽大感悟，遽即受拜。

In autumn, during the seventh month, Liu Bei styled himself King of Han. At Mianyang he set up an altar, arrayed his troops, and seated his ministers in attendance. When the memorial had been read, he bowed to receive the seal and sash and placed the king's crown upon his head. By courier he submitted a memorial returning the seal and sash of Left General and Marquis of Yicheng that had been lent him. He named his son Liu Shan royal heir. He promoted General of the Rapid Gate Wei Yan of Yiyang to Pacifying the Distance General and Administrator of Hanzhong to secure the Han River region. Liu Bei returned to govern from Chengdu. He appointed Xu Jing Grand Tutor, Fa Zheng Director of the Masters of Writing, Guan Yu Forward General, Zhang Fei Right General, Ma Chao Left General, and Huang Zhong Rear General, while the rest were promoted in varying degrees. He sent Yizhou Forward Department Major Fei Shi of Jianwei to confer Guan Yu's seal and credentials. When Yu learned that Huang Zhong's rank equaled his own, he angrily declared, "A great man will never stand in the same rank as an old soldier!" He refused to accept the appointment. Fei Shi said to Guan Yu, "In establishing a royal enterprise, one employs many kinds of men. In former times Xiao He and Cao Shen were the High Ancestor's childhood intimates, while Chen Ping and Han Xin were fugitives who came later; yet in order of rank Han Xin stood highest, and one never heard that Xiao He or Cao Shen resented it. Now the King of Han, by merit won in this moment, has exalted the House of Han; yet in intent and weight, how could he be your equal! Moreover, the King and Your Lordship are like one body, sharing fortune and misfortune, blessing and calamity alike. I think Your Lordship ought not to concern yourself with the high or low of titles or the size of rank and salary. I am but a single envoy bearing the King's command. If Your Lordship will not accept, I must return as I came—but I grieve for you over this action, fearing you may regret it later." Guan Yu was deeply moved and at once accepted the appointment.

詔以魏王操夫人卞氏為王后。

An edict named Lady Bian, wife of King Cao, queen.

孫權攻合肥。時諸州兵戍淮南。揚州刺史溫恢謂兗州刺史裴潛曰：「此間雖有賊，然不足憂。今水潦方生，而子孝縣軍，無有遠備，關羽驍猾，正恐征南有變耳。」已而關羽果使南郡太守糜芳守江陵，將軍傅士仁守公安，羽自率眾攻曹仁於樊。仁使左將軍-{于}-禁、立義將軍龐德等屯樊北。八月，大霖雨，漢水溢，平地數丈，-{于}-禁等七軍皆沒。禁與諸將登高避水，羽乘大船就攻之，禁等窮迫，遂降。龐德在堤上，被甲持弓，箭不虛發，自平旦力戰，至日過中，羽攻益急；矢盡，短兵接，德戰益怒，氣愈壯，而水浸盛，吏士盡降。德乘小船欲還仁營，水盛船覆，失弓矢，獨抱船覆水中，為羽所得，立而不跪。羽謂曰：「卿兄在漢中，我欲以卿為將，不早降何為！」德罵羽曰：「豎子，何謂降也！魏王帶甲百萬，威振天下。汝劉備庸才耳，豈能敵邪！我寧為國家鬼，不為賊將也！」羽殺之。魏王操聞之流涕曰：「吾知-{于}-禁三十年，何意臨危處難，反不及龐德邪！」封德二子為列侯。羽急攻樊城，城得水，往往崩壞，眾皆恟懼。或謂曹仁曰：「今日之危，非力所支，可及羽圍未合，乘輕船夜走。」汝南太守滿龐曰：「山水速疾，冀其不久。聞羽遣別將已在郟下，自許以南，百姓擾擾，羽所以不敢遂進者，恐吾軍掎其後耳。今若遁去，洪河以南，非復國家有也，君宜待之。」仁曰：「善！」乃沉白馬與軍人盟誓，同心固守。城中人馬才數千人，城不沒者數板。羽乘船臨城，立圍數重，外內斷絕。羽又遣別將圍將軍呂常於襄陽。荊州刺史胡修、南鄉太守傅方皆降於羽。

Sun Quan attacked Hefei. At the time, troops from the various provinces were garrisoned in Huainan. Wen Hui, Inspector of Yang Province, said to Pei Qian, Inspector of Yan Province, "Though there are bandits here, they are not worth worrying about. Floods are just beginning, yet Zixiao has exposed his army with no distant preparations; Guan Yu is fierce and cunning—I truly fear there may be trouble on the southern front." Soon afterward Guan Yu indeed had Nan Commandery Administrator Mi Fang guard Jiangling and General Fu Shiren guard Gong'an; Guan Yu himself led his forces to attack Cao Ren at Fan. Ren sent Left General Yu Jin, General Who Establishes Righteousness Pang De, and others to encamp north of Fan. In the eighth month, torrential rains fell; the Han River overflowed until the water stood several zhang deep on level ground, and Yu Jin's seven armies were drowned. Yu Jin and the other generals climbed high ground to escape the flood; Guan Yu sailed large boats to attack them; hard pressed, Yu Jin and his men surrendered. Pang De stood on the embankment in armor with bow in hand; every arrow found its mark; from early dawn he fought with all his strength until past midday, while Guan Yu's assaults grew ever fiercer; When his arrows ran out, he closed at close quarters; Pang De fought ever angrier, his spirit ever bolder, but the flood rose ever higher and his officers and soldiers all surrendered. Pang De took a small boat intending to return to Cao Ren's camp; the flood was high and the boat capsized; he lost bow and arrows and, clinging alone to the overturned hull, was captured by Guan Yu and stood without kneeling. Guan Yu said to him, "Your elder brother is in Hanzhong; I wish to make you a general—why not surrender sooner!" Pang De cursed Guan Yu, saying, "You whelp—what talk is this of surrender! The King of Wei has a million armored men, and his might shakes the realm. You and Liu Bei are but mediocre talents—how could you be a match! I would rather be a ghost of the state than a general of bandits!" Guan Yu killed him. When King Cao Cao heard of it, he wept and said, "I have known Yu Jin for thirty years—who would have thought that facing peril in crisis, he would prove inferior to Pang De!" He enfeoffed Pang De's two sons as full marquises. Guan Yu pressed the attack on Fancheng; the city took on water and sections of the wall often collapsed; the garrison was alarmed and afraid. Someone said to Cao Ren, "Today's peril cannot be borne by strength alone; while Guan Yu's siege is not yet closed, you could take light boats and flee by night." Runan Administrator Man Chong said, "The mountain flood is swift—I hope it will not last long. I hear Guan Yu has sent a separate general who is already at Xià; from Xu southward the common people are in turmoil; the reason Guan Yu does not dare press forward is that he fears our army will seize him from behind. If you flee now, south of the great river will no longer belong to the state—you should wait it out." Cao Ren said, "Good!" He then sank a white horse and swore an oath with the soldiers to hold firm together. Within the city there were only a few thousand men and horses; only several boards' height of the wall remained above water. Guan Yu sailed boats up to the city and established encirclements layer upon layer, cutting off the city completely inside and out. Guan Yu also sent a separate general to besiege General Lü Chang at Xiangyang. Jing Province Inspector Hu Xiu and Nanxiang Administrator Fu Fang both surrendered to Guan Yu.

初，沛國魏諷有惑眾才，傾動鄴都，魏相國鐘繇辟以為西曹掾。滎陽任覽，與諷友善。同郡鄭袤，泰之子也，每謂覽曰：「諷奸雄，終必為亂。」九月，諷潛結徒黨，與長樂衛尉陳禕謀襲鄴；未及期，禕懼而告之。太子丕誅諷，連坐死者數千人，鐘繇坐免官。

Earlier, Wei Feng of Pei had a talent for swaying the masses and stirred up the capital at Ye; Wei Chancellor Zhong Yao recruited him as Western Bureau Attendant. Ren Lan of Xingyang was friendly with Wei Feng. Zheng Mao of the same commandery, son of Zheng Tai, often said to Ren Lan, "Wei Feng is a villainous hero—he will surely bring rebellion in the end." In the ninth month, Wei Feng secretly gathered a faction and with Changlean Commandant Guard Chen Yi plotted to strike Ye; Before the date arrived, Chen Yi was afraid and reported it. Heir Apparent Cao Pi executed Wei Feng; those implicated in death numbered several thousand; Zhong Yao was dismissed from office.

初，丞相主簿楊修與丁儀兄弟謀立曹植為魏嗣，五官將丕患之，以車載廢簏內朝歌長吳質，與之謀。修以白魏王操，操未及推驗。丕懼，告質，質曰：「無害也。」明日，復以簏載絹以入，修復白之，推驗，無人；操由是疑焉。其後植以驕縱見疏，而植故連綴修不止，修亦不敢自絕。每當就植，慮事有闕，忖度操意，豫作答教十餘條，敕門下，「教出，隨所問答之」，於是教裁出，答已入；操怪其捷，推問，始洩。操亦以修袁術之甥，惡之，乃發修前後漏洩言教，交關諸侯，收殺之。

Earlier, Chancellor Chief Clerk Yang Xiu and the brothers Ding Yi plotted to establish Cao Zhi as heir of Wei; General of the Five Senses Cao Pi was troubled by this and used a cart carrying a discarded bamboo hamper to smuggle Chaoge Prefect Wu Zhi inside to plot with him. Yang Xiu reported this to King Cao Cao; Cao Cao had not yet investigated. Cao Pi was afraid and told Wu Zhi; Wu Zhi said, "No harm." The next day he again used a hamper cart carrying silk to enter; Yang Xiu again reported it; when they investigated, there was no one; Cao Cao from this became suspicious. Afterward Cao Zhi came to be estranged for arrogance and license, yet he still continually associated with Yang Xiu without ceasing, and Yang Xiu also did not dare break off on his own. Whenever he was about to visit Cao Zhi, fearing there might be gaps in matters, he reckoned Cao Cao's intent and prepared answers in advance in more than ten items, instructing those at the gate, "When the command comes out, answer according to what is asked"—and so when the command was issued, the answers were already submitted; Cao Cao marveled at the speed; when he pressed the inquiry, it was finally revealed. Cao Cao also hated Yang Xiu as Yuan Shu's nephew; he then exposed Yang Xiu's past leaks of private commands and communications with various lords, and had him arrested and executed.

魏王操以杜襲為留府長史，駐關中。關中營帥許攸擁部曲不歸附，而有慢言，操大怒，先欲伐之。群臣多諫宜招懷攸，共討強敵；操橫刀於膝，作色不聽。襲入欲諫，操逆謂之曰：「吾計已定，卿勿復言！」襲曰：「若殿下計是邪，臣方助殿下成之；若殿下計非邪，雖成，宜改之。殿下逆臣令勿言，何待下之不闡乎！」操曰：「許攸慢吾，如何可置！」襲曰：「殿下謂許攸何如人邪？」操曰：「凡人也。」襲曰：「夫惟賢知賢，惟聖知聖，凡人安能知非凡人邪！方今豺狼當路而狐狸是先，人將謂殿下避強攻弱；進不為勇，退不為仁。臣聞千鈞之弩，不為鼷鼠發機；萬石之鐘，不以莛撞起音。今區區之許攸，何足以勞神武哉！」操曰：「善！」遂厚撫攸，攸即歸復。

King Cao Cao appointed Du Xi Chief Clerk remaining at headquarters, stationed in Guanzhong. Guanzhong camp commander Xu You held his personal troops without submitting and spoke insolently; Cao Cao was greatly angered and at first intended to attack him. Many ministers remonstrated that he ought to win Xu You over and together attack the strong foe; Cao Cao placed a sword across his knees, showed anger, and would not listen. Du Xi entered intending to remonstrate; Cao Cao preempted him, saying, "My plan is settled—you need speak no more!" Du Xi said, "If Your Highness's plan is right, then your servant is just about to help Your Highness accomplish it; if Your Highness's plan is wrong, even if accomplished, it ought to be changed. Your Highness preempts your servant with orders not to speak—how is this treating one's subordinate without openness!" Cao Cao said, "Xu You insults me—how can he be spared!" Du Xi said, "What kind of man does Your Highness consider Xu You to be?" Cao Cao said, "An ordinary man." Du Xi said, "Only the worthy know the worthy, only the sage knows the sage—how could an ordinary man know a non-ordinary man! Now wolves and leopards block the road, yet it is foxes you attack first—people will say Your Highness avoids the strong and strikes the weak; Advancing is not courage; retreating is not benevolence. I have heard that a crossbow of a thousand jun does not release its trigger for a tiny mouse; a bell of ten thousand dan does not sound from a pestle striking it. Now this petty Xu You—how is he enough to tax divine martial prowess!" Cao Cao said, "Good!" He then treated Xu You generously; Xu You at once returned and submitted.

冬，十月，魏王操至洛陽。

In winter, the tenth month, King Cao Cao arrived at Luoyang.

陸渾民孫狼等作亂，殺縣主簿，南附關羽。羽授狼印，給兵，還為寇賊，自許以南，往往遙應羽，羽威震華夏。魏王操議徙許都以避其銳，丞相軍司馬司馬懿、西曹屬蔣濟言於操曰：「-{于}-禁等為水所沒，非戰攻之失，於國家大計未足有損。劉備、孫權，外親內疏，關羽得志，權必不願也。可遣人勸權躡其後，許割江南以封權，則樊圍自解。」操從之。

Sun Lang and others of Luhun raised rebellion, killed the county chief clerk, and went south to submit to Guan Yu. Guan Yu gave Sun Lang a seal, supplied troops, and sent him back as a raiding bandit; from Xu southward many often responded to Guan Yu from afar; Guan Yu's might shook the Central States. King Cao Cao considered moving the capital from Xu to avoid Guan Yu's sharp edge; Chief Clerk to the Chancellor Sima Yi and Western Bureau Subordinate Jiang Ji said to Cao Cao, "Yu Jin and the others were drowned by flood—not a failure in battle—and for the state's grand design it is not enough to count as a loss. Liu Bei and Sun Quan are close outside but estranged within; when Guan Yu gets his way, Sun Quan is sure not to be pleased. You can send someone to urge Sun Quan to follow in his rear, promising to cede the lands south of the Yangtze to enfeoff him—then the siege of Fan will resolve itself." Cao Cao followed this advice.

初，魯肅嘗勸孫權以曹操尚存，宜且撫輯關羽，與之同仇，不可失也。及呂蒙代肅屯陸口，以為羽素驍雄，有兼併之心，且居國上流，其勢難久，密言於權曰：「今令征虜守南郡，潘璋住白帝，蔣欽將遊兵萬人循江上下，應敵所在，蒙為國家前據襄陽，如此，何憂於操，何賴於羽！且羽君臣矜其詐力，所在反覆，不可以腹心待也。今羽所以未便東向者，以至尊聖明，蒙等尚存也。今不於強壯時圖之，一旦僵仆，欲復陳力，其可得邪！」權曰：「今欲先取徐州，然後取羽，何如？」對曰：「今操遠在河北，撫集幽、冀，未暇東顧，徐土守兵，聞不足言，往自可克。然地勢陸通，驍騎所騁，至尊今日取徐州，操後旬必來爭，雖以七八萬人守之，猶當懷憂。不如取羽，全據長江，形勢益張，易為守也。」權善之。權嘗為其子求昏於羽，羽罵其使，不許昏；權由是怒。及羽攻樊，呂蒙上疏曰：「羽討樊而多留備兵，必恐蒙圖其後故也。蒙常有病，乞分士眾還建業，以治疾為名，羽聞之，必撤備兵，盡赴襄陽。大軍浮江晝夜馳上，襲其空虛，則南郡可下而羽可禽也。」遂稱病篤。權乃露檄召蒙還，陰與圖計。蒙下至蕪湖，定威校尉陸遜謂蒙曰：「關羽接境，如何遠下，後不當可憂也？」蒙曰：「誠如來言，然我病篤。」遜曰：「羽矜其驍氣，陵轢於人，始有大功，意驕志逸，但務北進，未嫌於我；有相聞病，必益無備。今出其不意，自可禽制。下見至尊，宜好為計。」蒙曰：「羽素勇猛，既難為敵，且已據荊州，恩信大行，兼始有功，膽勢益盛，未易圖也。」蒙至都，權問：「誰可代卿者？」蒙對曰：「陸遜意思深長，才堪負重，觀其規慮，終可大任；而未有遠名，非羽所忌，無復是過也。若用之，當令外自韜隱，內察形便，然後可克。」權乃召遜，拜偏將軍、右部督，以代蒙。遜至陸口，為書與羽，稱其功美，深自謙抑，為盡忠自托之意。羽意大安，無復所嫌，稍撤兵以赴樊。遜具啟形狀，陳其可禽之要。羽得-{于}-禁等人馬數萬，糧食乏絕，擅取權湘關米；權聞之，遂發兵襲羽。權欲令征虜將軍孫皎與呂蒙為左右部大督，蒙曰：「若至尊以征虜能，宜用之；以蒙能，宜用蒙。昔周瑜、程普為左右部督，督兵攻江陵，雖事決於瑜，普自恃久將，且俱是督，遂共不睦，幾敗國事，此目前之戒也。」權寤，謝蒙曰：「以卿為大督，命皎為後繼可也。」

Earlier, Lu Su had urged Sun Quan that while Cao Cao still lived, he ought for the time being to soothe and unite with Guan Yu and share the same enemy—this must not be lost. When Lü Meng replaced Lu Su garrisoning Lukou, he thought Guan Yu had always been fierce and heroic, with a mind to annex territory, and moreover held the upstream of the state—the situation could not last long; he spoke secretly to Sun Quan, saying, "Now order the General Who Pacifies Barbarians to guard Nan Commandery, Pan Zhang to hold White Emperor, Jiang Qin to lead ten thousand mobile troops up and down the river responding wherever the enemy appears; I myself will advance for the state and hold Xiangyang beforehand—thus, why worry about Cao Cao, why rely on Guan Yu! Moreover Guan Yu and his lord and ministers pride themselves on their cunning strength; wherever they go they turn back and forth—they cannot be treated with innermost trust. The reason Guan Yu has not yet turned east is that Your Majesty is sage and enlightened and Lü Meng and the others still live. If you do not plot against him while he is still strong, once he stiffens and falls, wanting again to deploy your strength—how could that be obtained!" Sun Quan said, "I wish first to take Xuzhou, then take Guan Yu—what do you think?" He replied, "Now Cao Cao is far away in Hebei, soothing and gathering You and Ji, with no leisure to look east; the garrison troops of Xu are not worth mentioning—to go is to take it at once. Yet the terrain is open land where swift cavalry can run free; if Your Majesty takes Xuzhou today, within ten days Cao Cao will surely come to contest it—even with seventy or eighty thousand men to hold it, you will still have worry. Better to take Guan Yu, hold the Yangtze entirely, and the strategic situation will expand—easier to defend." Sun Quan approved. Sun Quan once sought a marriage alliance for his son with Guan Yu; Guan Yu cursed the envoy and refused the marriage; Sun Quan from this was angry. When Guan Yu attacked Fan, Lü Meng submitted a memorial, saying, "Guan Yu is attacking Fan yet has left many reserve troops—it must be because he fears I will plot against his rear. I am often ill; I beg to divide the troops and return to Jianye in the name of treating the illness—when Guan Yu hears of it, he is sure to withdraw the reserve troops and send them all to Xiangyang. The great army will sail up the river day and night, strike his emptiness, and then Nan Commandery can be taken and Guan Yu captured." He then claimed his illness was grave. Sun Quan then openly issued a summons for Lü Meng to return, secretly planning with him. When Lü Meng reached Wuhu, Colonel Dingwei Lu Xun said to Lü Meng, "Guan Yu is on our border—how can you go far down? Will not trouble follow afterward?" Lü Meng said, "It is truly as you say, yet I am gravely ill." Lu Xun said, "Guan Yu prides himself on his fierce spirit and lords it over others; having just achieved great merit, his intent is proud and his will relaxed; he attends only to pushing north and has not yet been wary of us; when he hears you are ill, he is sure to grow ever more unprepared. Strike him now when he does not expect it, and of itself he can be captured and controlled. When you go down to see Your Majesty, you ought to plan well." Lü Meng said, "Guan Yu has always been fierce and brave—he is hard to match as an enemy; moreover he already holds Jing Province, where kindness and trust are widely exercised; combined with his fresh merit, his courage and momentum grow ever greater—not easy to plot against." When Lü Meng reached the capital, Sun Quan asked, "Who can replace you?" Lü Meng replied, "Lu Xun's thought runs deep and far; his talent can bear heavy responsibility; judging by his plans and considerations, in the end he can hold great office; yet he has no distant fame—not someone Guan Yu would fear; no one would be better than he. If you employ him, he should outwardly hide himself and inwardly observe the strategic situation—only then can Guan Yu be taken." Sun Quan then summoned Lu Xun, appointed him General of the Left Flank and Right Division Commander, to replace Lü Meng. Lu Xun reached Lukou and wrote to Guan Yu, praising his victories while abasing himself in the humblest terms—conveying every appearance of loyal devotion and willing dependence. Guan Yu's suspicions were wholly allayed; he gradually pulled troops away to reinforce his siege of Fan. Lu Xun sent Sun Quan a full report on Guan Yu's disposition and laid out the key points for taking him. Guan Yu had taken Yu Jin and tens of thousands of men and horses, yet his supplies were running out; without authorization he seized grain stored at Sun Quan's Xiang Pass depot; When Sun Quan heard of this, he launched an attack on Guan Yu. Sun Quan meant to appoint General Who Pacifies the Barbarians Sun Jiao and Lü Meng joint Grand Commanders of the left and right wings. Lü Meng said, "If Your Majesty believes Sun Jiao is the better man, use him; If you believe I am the better man, use me. When Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu once served as joint commanders in the assault on Jiangling, Yu held final authority—but Cheng Pu, a veteran general who resented sharing equal rank, quarreled with him and nearly wrecked the campaign. That lesson is still before us." Sun Quan saw the point, apologized to Lü Meng, and said, "You shall be Grand Commander; Sun Jiao may follow as your reserve."

魏王操之出漢中也，使平寇將軍徐晃屯宛以助曹仁；及-{于}-禁陷沒，晃前至陽陵陂。關羽遣兵屯偃城，晃既到，詭道作都塹，示欲截其後，羽兵燒屯走。晃得偃城，連營稍前。操使趙儼以議郎參曹仁軍事，與徐晃俱前，餘救兵未到；晃所督不足解圍，而諸將呼責晃，促救仁。儼謂諸將曰：「今賊圍素固，水潦猶盛，我徒卒單少，而仁隔絕，不得同力，此舉適所以敝內外耳。當今不若前軍逼圍，遣諜通仁，使知外救，以勵將士。計北軍不過十日，尚足堅守，然後表裡俱發，破賊必矣。如有緩救之戮，餘為諸君當之。」諸將皆喜。晃營距羽圍三丈所，作地道及箭飛書與仁，消息數通。孫權為箋與魏王操，請以討羽自效，及乞不漏，令羽有備。操問群臣，群臣鹹言宜密之。董昭曰：「軍事尚權，期於合宜。宜應權以密，而內露之。羽聞權上，若還自護，圍則速解，便獲其利。可使兩賊相對銜持，坐待其敝。秘而不露，使權得志，非計之上。又，圍中將吏不知有救，計糧怖懼。儻有他意，為難不小。露之為便。且羽為人強梁，自恃二城守固，必不速退。」操曰：「善！」即敕徐晃以權書射著圍裡及羽屯中，圍裡聞之，志氣百倍；羽果猶豫不能去。魏王操自雒陽南救曹仁，群下皆謂：「王不亟行，今敗矣。」侍中桓階獨曰：「大王以仁等為足以料事勢不也？」曰：「能。」「大王恐二人遺力邪？」曰：「不然。」「然則何為自往？」曰：「吾恐虜眾多，而徐晃等勢不便耳。」階曰：「今仁等處重圍之中而守死無貳者，誠以大王遠為之勢也。夫居萬死之地，必有死爭之心。內懷死爭，外有強救，大王案六軍以示餘力，何憂於敗而欲自往？」操善其言，乃駐軍摩陂，前後遣殷署、朱蓋等凡十二營詣晃。關羽圍頭有屯，又別屯四塚，晃乃揚聲當攻圍頭屯而密攻四塚。羽見四塚欲壞，自將步騎五千出戰；晃擊之，退走。羽圍塹鹿角十重，晃追羽，與俱入圍中，破之，傅方、胡修皆死，羽遂撤圍退，然舟船猶據沔水，襄陽隔絕不通。

When King Cao Cao marched out of Hanzhong, he posted General Who Pacifies Bandits Xu Huang at Wan to reinforce Cao Ren; After Yu Jin's army was destroyed, Xu Huang pushed forward to Yangling Slope. Guan Yu had posted troops at Yancheng. Xu Huang arrived, took a roundabout route, and dug entrenchments as though to cut off the enemy's retreat; Guan Yu's men burned their camp and withdrew. Xu Huang seized Yancheng and pressed his linked camps steadily forward. Cao Cao sent Palace Attendant Zhao Yan to advise Cao Ren and advance with Xu Huang, though the rest of the relief force had not yet come up; Xu Huang's command was too small to break the siege, yet the other generals berated him and pressed him to rescue Cao Ren at once. Zhao Yan told the generals, "The enemy ring is tight, the floods are still high, our numbers are few, and Cao Ren is cut off—we cannot strike together. A rash assault would only wear down both sides. Better to move up close to the siege, send agents through to Cao Ren, and let him know relief is coming—that will hearten the garrison. The northern army can surely hold another ten days. Then we strike from within and without together, and the enemy will be broken for certain. If we are punished for moving too slowly, I alone will answer for it." The generals were all satisfied. Xu Huang pitched camp within three zhang of Guan Yu's siege lines, opened tunnels, and sent messages to Cao Ren by arrow and courier; word passed back and forth many times. Sun Quan wrote to King Cao Cao offering to attack Guan Yu in proof of his loyalty, and asked that the plan be kept secret so Guan Yu would not be forewarned. Cao Cao consulted his ministers; all advised keeping the letter secret. Dong Zhao said, "In war one must be flexible and do what the moment requires. Outwardly agree with Sun Quan to keep silence; inwardly, let the news out. If Guan Yu learns Sun Quan has turned against him, he will hurry back to defend his own base—the siege will lift at once, and we gain the advantage. We can set the two foes to grapple with each other and wait for both to wear themselves out. To keep the secret and let Sun Quan have his way—that is poor strategy indeed. Besides, the officers inside the siege do not know help is coming; counting their grain, they are growing desperate. If any of them turn disloyal, the trouble will be grave. It is better to disclose the news. Moreover Guan Yu is proud and stubborn; trusting in the strength of his two strongholds, he will not retreat in haste." Cao Cao said, "Excellent!" He at once ordered Xu Huang to shoot Sun Quan's letter into the besieged city and into Guan Yu's camp. When the garrison heard the news, their spirits soared; Guan Yu, as predicted, wavered and could not bring himself to withdraw. King Cao Cao marched south from Luoyang to rescue Cao Ren. His officers all said, "If Your Majesty does not hurry, all is lost." Attendant-in-Ordinary Huan Jie alone said, "Does Your Majesty believe Cao Ren and the others can read the situation for themselves?" He said, "They can." "Then does Your Majesty fear they will not give their full strength?" He said, "No." "Then why go yourself?" He said, "I fear the enemy are too many, and Xu Huang and the others are badly placed—that is all." Huan Jie said, "Cao Ren and the others hold firm in the teeth of a siege because they know Your Majesty stands behind them from afar. Men who stand in the shadow of death will fight as if death itself were nothing. With that resolve within and strong relief without, Your Majesty need only muster the six armies to show your reserve strength. Why fear defeat and insist on going in person?" Cao Cao approved and halted at Mobei, dispatching twelve camps under Yin Shu, Zhu Gai, and others to join Xu Huang. Guan Yu had a camp at the head of his siege lines and four others at separate mounds. Xu Huang proclaimed he would strike the head camp but secretly assaulted the four mounds. When Guan Yu saw the four mound camps near collapse, he led five thousand foot and horse out to fight; Xu Huang struck them and drove them back. Guan Yu's siege works stood ten layers deep with abatis. Xu Huang pursued him into the entrenchments, broke through, and Fu Fang and Hu Xiu were killed. Guan Yu lifted the siege and withdrew, but his fleet still held the Han River, and Xiangyang remained cut off.

呂蒙至尋陽，盡伏其精兵舳艫中，使白衣搖櫓，作商賈人服，晝夜兼行。羽所置江邊屯候，盡收縛之，是故羽不聞知。糜芳、傅士仁素皆嫌羽輕己，羽之出軍，芳、仁供給軍資不悉相及，羽言：「還，當治之！」芳、仁鹹懼。於是蒙令故騎都尉虞翻為書說仁，為陳成敗，仁得書即降。翻謂蒙曰：「此譎兵也，當將仁行，留兵備城。」遂將仁至南郡。麋芳城守，蒙以仁示之，芳遂開門出降。蒙入江陵，釋-{于}-禁之囚，得關羽及將士家屬，皆撫慰之，約令軍中：「不得干歷人家，有所求取。」蒙麾下士，與蒙同郡人，取民家一笠以覆官鎧；官鎧雖公，蒙猶以為犯軍令，不可以鄉里故而廢法，遂垂涕斬之。於是軍中震慄，道不拾遺。蒙旦暮使親近存恤耆老，問所不足，疾病者給醫藥，饑寒者賜衣糧。羽府藏財寶，皆封閉以待權至。

Lü Meng reached Xunyang, concealed his picked troops in the holds, put sailors in white to work the oars, dressed his men as merchants, and pressed on day and night without pause. Every riverside outpost Guan Yu had posted was seized and bound, so he heard nothing of what was coming. Mi Fang and Fu Shiren had long resented Guan Yu for treating them lightly. When he marched out, their supply of provisions fell short, and Guan Yu said, "When I return, you will answer for this!" Both men were terrified. Lü Meng then had the former Cavalry Commandant Yu Fan write to Fu Shiren, laying out the stakes; Shiren surrendered as soon as he read the letter. Yu Fan told Lü Meng, "This is a hostage gambit—take Shiren with you and leave troops to hold the city." He then brought Shiren to Nan Commandery. Mi Fang held the city. Lü Meng paraded Shiren before him, and Fang opened the gates and surrendered. Lü Meng entered Jiangling, freed Yu Jin from captivity, and took charge of Guan Yu's officers, soldiers, and their families, treating them with kindness. He issued strict orders: "No soldier may enter a private home or take anything from the people." One of Lü Meng's men—a fellow townsman—took a bamboo hat from a household to cover his government-issue armor; Though the armor was government property, Lü Meng still judged it a breach of military law and held that hometown ties must not override discipline; weeping, he had the man executed. The army was awed into discipline; no one so much as picked up what lay in the road. Morning and evening Lü Meng sent his close attendants to look after the elderly, asking after their needs; the sick received medicine, the hungry and cold received food and clothing. The treasures in Guan Yu's offices were sealed and left untouched until Sun Quan should arrive.

關羽聞南郡破，即走南還。曹仁會諸將議，鹹曰：「今因羽危懼，可追禽也。」趙儼曰：「權遨羽連兵之難，欲掩制其後，顧羽還救，恐我承其兩疲，故順辭求效，乘釁因變以觀利鈍耳。今羽已孤迸，更宜存之以為權害。若深入追北，權則改虞於彼，將生患於我矣，王必以此為深慮。」仁乃解嚴。魏王操聞羽走，恐諸將追之，果疾敕仁如儼所策。

When Guan Yu learned Nan Commandery had fallen, he turned south at once. Cao Ren called his generals together. All said, "Guan Yu is shaken and in flight—we can run him down and take him." Zhao Yan said, "Sun Quan faced the difficulty of Guan Yu's united front and meant to strike his rear. Seeing Guan Yu turn back to rescue his base, he feared we would inherit their mutual exhaustion—so he spoke agreeably and offered his service, waiting on events to see where advantage lay. Now Guan Yu is isolated and on the run. Better to let him live and be a thorn in Sun Quan's side. If we press the pursuit, Sun Quan will turn his attention from Guan Yu to us and trouble will follow. The King will surely weigh that carefully." Cao Ren then stood his men down. When King Cao Cao heard Guan Yu had fled, fearing his generals would give chase, he quickly ordered Cao Ren to follow Zhao Yan's counsel.

關羽數使人與呂蒙相聞，蒙輒厚遇其使，周遊城中，家家致問，或手書示信。羽人還，私相參訊，咸知家門無恙，見待過於平時，故羽吏士無鬥心。

Guan Yu sent envoys again and again to inquire of Lü Meng. Lü Meng always received them warmly, walked them through the city, sent greetings to every household, and sometimes showed them letters in his own hand as proof. When Guan Yu's men returned, they questioned one another in private and learned that their families were safe and even better treated than before. Guan Yu's officers and soldiers lost all will to fight.

會權至江陵，荊州將吏悉皆歸附；獨治中從事武陵潘濬稱疾不見。權遣人以床就家輿致之，濬伏面著床席不起，涕泣交橫，哀哽不能自勝。權呼其字與語，慰諭懇惻，使親近以手巾拭其面。濬起，下地拜謝。即以為治中，荊州軍事一以諮之。武陵部從事樊胄誘導諸夷，圖以武陵附漢中王備。外白差督督萬人往討之，權不聽；特召問濬，濬答：「以五千兵往，足以擒胄。」權曰：「卿何以輕之？」濬曰：「胄南陽舊姓，頗能弄脣吻，而實無才略。臣所以知之者，胄昔嘗為州人設饌，比至日中，食不可得，而十餘自起，此亦侏儒觀一節之驗也。」權大笑，即遣濬將五千人往，果斬平之。權以呂蒙為南郡太守，封孱陵侯，賜錢一億，黃金五百斤；以陸遜領宜都太守。

When Sun Quan reached Jiangling, the generals and officials of Jing Province all submitted; Only Pan Jun, Chief Clerk of Wuling, pleaded illness and refused to appear. Sun Quan sent men with a litter to fetch him from his home. Pan Jun lay face down on the mat and would not rise, weeping until grief choked him beyond bearing. Sun Quan addressed him by his courtesy name and spoke with earnest consolation; a close attendant wiped his face with a handkerchief. Pan Jun rose, stepped down from the litter, and bowed in gratitude. Sun Quan at once appointed him Chief Clerk and entrusted all military affairs of Jing Province to his judgment. Fan Zhou, Department Attendant of Wuling, incited the tribal peoples there and plotted to bring Wuling over to Liu Bei, King of Hanzhong. Outside advisers recommended sending a commander with ten thousand men to suppress him; Sun Quan would not hear of it; He summoned Pan Jun specially and asked his view. Pan Jun answered, "Five thousand men will be enough to capture Fan Zhou." Sun Quan said, "Why do you make so little of him?" Pan Jun said, "Fan Zhou is a Nanyang man of good family and can talk a fine game, but he has no real talent or strategy. I know this because he once gave a feast for men of the province: by noon the food still had not come, yet a dozen guests had already left. That, like judging a dwarf by one joint, tells you all you need to know." Sun Quan laughed aloud and at once sent Pan Jun with five thousand men; Fan Zhou was beheaded and the disturbance put down. Sun Quan made Lü Meng Administrator of Nan Commandery, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Chanling, and granted him a hundred million coins and five hundred jin of gold; He appointed Lu Xun acting Administrator of Yidu.

十一月，漢中王備所置宜都太守樊友委郡走，諸城長吏及蠻夷君長皆降於遜。遜請金、銀、銅印以假授初附，擊蜀將詹晏等及秭歸大姓擁兵者，皆破降之，前後斬獲、招納凡數萬計。權以遜為右護軍、鎮西將軍，進封婁侯，屯夷陵，守峽口。關羽自知孤窮，乃西保麥城。孫權使誘之，羽偽降，立幡旗為像人於城上，因遁走，兵皆解散，才十餘騎。權先使朱然、潘璋斷其徑路。十二月，璋司馬馬忠獲羽及其子平於章鄉，斬之，遂定荊州。

In the eleventh month, Fan You, whom Liu Bei, King of Hanzhong, had made Administrator of Yidu, abandoned his post and fled; city magistrates and tribal chieftains throughout the commandery surrendered to Lu Xun. Lu Xun asked for gold, silver, and bronze seals with which to provisionally invest newly submitted peoples. He attacked Shu generals such as Zhan Yan and the great armed clans of Zigui, defeating and accepting the surrender of all; kills, captures, and recruits before and after numbered in the tens of thousands. Sun Quan made Lu Xun Right Protector of the Army and General Who Pacifies the West, advanced his rank to Marquis of Lou, and posted him at Yiling to guard the gorge. Guan Yu saw that he was alone and desperate, and withdrew west to hold Maicheng. Sun Quan sent men to lure him in. Guan Yu feigned surrender, raised banners and dummy figures on the walls, then slipped away; his army dissolved until only a dozen horsemen remained. Sun Quan had already sent Zhu Ran and Pan Zhang to block his escape routes. In the twelfth month, Pan Zhang's Major Ma Zhong captured Guan Yu and his son Guan Ping at Zhangxiang and beheaded them; Jing Province was settled.

初，偏將軍吳郡全琮，上疏陳關羽可取之計，權恐事洩，寢而不答；及已禽羽，權置酒公安，顧謂琮曰：「君前陳此，孤雖不相答，今日之捷，抑亦君之功也。」於是封琮陽華亭侯。權復以劉璋為益州牧，駐秭歸，未幾，璋卒。

Earlier, Lieutenant General Quan Cong of Wu Commandery had submitted a memorial outlining how Guan Yu might be taken. Sun Quan, fearing a leak, filed it away without reply; After Guan Yu was captured, Sun Quan held a feast at Gong'an and turned to Quan Cong, saying, "You proposed this plan before; though I gave no answer then, today's victory owes something to you as well." He then enfeoffed Quan Cong as Marquis of Yanghua Village. Sun Quan again made Liu Zhang Governor of Yizhou and posted him at Zigui; before long Liu Zhang died.

呂蒙未及受封而疾發，權迎置於所館之側，所以治護者萬方。時有加金鹹，權為之慘戚。欲數見其顏色，又恐勞動，常穿壁瞻之，見小能下食，則喜顧左右言笑，不然則咄□昔，夜不能寐。病中瘳，為下赦令，群臣畢賀，已而竟卒，年四十二。權哀痛殊甚，為置守塚三百家。權後與陸遜論周瑜、魯肅及蒙曰：「公瑾雄烈，膽略兼人，遂破孟德，開拓荊州，邈焉寡儔。子敬因公瑾致達於孤，孤與宴語，便及大略帝王之業，此一快也。後孟德因獲劉琮之勢，張言方率數十萬眾水步俱下，孤普請諸將，咨問所宜，無適先對；至張子布、秦文表俱言宜遣使修檄迎之，子敬即駁言不可，勸孤急呼公瑾，付任以眾，逆而擊之，此二快也。後雖勸吾借玄德地，是其一短，不足以損其二長也。周公不求備於一人，故孤忘其短而貴其長，常以比方鄧禹也。子明少時，孤謂不辭劇易，果敢有膽而已；及身長大，學問開益，籌略奇至，可以次於公瑾，但言議英發不及之耳。圖取關羽，勝於子敬。子敬答孤書云：『帝王之起，皆有驅除，羽不足忌。』此子敬內不能辦，外為大言耳，孤亦恕之，不苟責也。然其作軍屯營，不失令行禁止，部界無廢負，路無拾遺，其法亦美矣。」孫權與-{于}-禁乘馬並行，虞翻呵禁曰：「汝降虜，何敢與吾君齊馬首乎！」抗鞭欲擊禁，權呵止之。

Before Lü Meng could receive his title, he fell ill. Sun Quan had him brought to lodgings beside his own and tried every possible means to treat and nurse him. When acupuncture was administered, Sun Quan was stricken with grief for him. He wanted to see Meng's face often but feared tiring him, so he regularly looked in through a pierced wall. If Meng could eat even a little, Sun Quan would be delighted and turn to his attendants with laughter; if not, he would sigh in anguish and lie awake all night. Meng seemed to rally in his illness, and Sun Quan issued a general amnesty; the whole court rejoiced—but in the end Meng died, at forty-two. Sun Quan was stricken with grief and assigned three hundred households to guard and maintain his tomb. Later Sun Quan discussed Zhou Yu, Lu Su, and Lü Meng with Lu Xun, saying, "Gongjin was heroic and fierce, his courage and strategy second to none. He defeated Cao Cao and opened up Jingzhou—few could rival him. Zijing was introduced to me through Gongjin. At our first feast and conversation he spoke of the grand design of founding an empire—that was my first delight. Later Cao Cao, riding the momentum of Liu Cong's surrender, proclaimed that he would soon advance downstream with hundreds of thousands of men by land and water. I gathered all my generals and asked their counsel—not one spoke up first; until Zhang Zhao and Qin Wenbiao both advised sending an envoy with a letter of submission to welcome him. Lu Su immediately objected, urging me to summon Zhou Yu at once, put the army in his hands, and meet the enemy in battle—that was my second delight. Later he did urge me to lend territory to Liu Bei—that was his one flaw, but not enough to outweigh his two great strengths. The Duke of Zhou did not demand perfection in a single man, so I overlooked his flaw and prized his strengths, often comparing him to Deng Yu. When Ziming was young, I thought him simply a man who did not shirk hardship, bold and courageous—nothing more; but as he matured his learning broadened and his strategy became remarkable—he could rank second only to Gongjin, though he could not match Zhou Yu's brilliant, ready speech. In plotting to take Guan Yu, he surpassed Lu Su. Lu Su wrote back to me: "When emperors and kings rise, each has rivals to be cleared away; Guan Yu is not worth fearing." Lu Su could not accomplish this inwardly yet spoke boldly outwardly—I forgave him and did not hold him strictly to account. Yet in organizing garrison camps he never failed to enforce discipline; within his command no duties were neglected, and nothing was left lying on the roads—the excellence of his system was admirable as well." Sun Quan was riding side by side with Yu Jin. Yu Fan shouted at Jin, "You are a surrendered captive—how dare you ride level with our lord's bridle!" He raised his whip to strike Jin, but Sun Quan shouted and stopped him.

孫權之稱籓也，魏王操召張遼等諸軍悉還救樊，未至而圍解。徐晃振旅還摩陂，操迎晃七里，置酒大會。王舉酒謂晃曰：「全樊、襄陽，將軍之功也。」亦厚賜桓階，以為尚書。操嫌荊州殘民及其屯田在漢川者，皆欲徙之。司馬懿曰：「荊楚輕脆易動，關羽新破，諸為惡者藏竄觀望，徙其善者，既傷其意，將令去者不敢復還。」操曰：「是也。」是後諸亡者悉還出。

When Sun Quan declared vassalage, King Cao Cao recalled Zhang Liao and the other armies to relieve Fan, but before they arrived the siege had already been lifted. Xu Huang marched his troops back in good order to Mobei. Cao Cao went seven li to meet him and held a great feast with wine. The king raised his cup and said to Xu Huang, "The salvation of Fan and Xiangyang is your achievement." He also richly rewarded Huan Jie and appointed him Minister of the Masters of Writing. Cao Cao wished to relocate the remnant population of Jingzhou and those farming garrison lands along the Han River. Sima Yi said, "The people of Jing and Chu are restless and easily swayed. Guan Yu has just been defeated, and wrongdoers are hiding and watching from the shadows. If you relocate the upright among them, you will wound their hearts and keep those who have fled from ever daring to return." Cao Cao said, "That is right." After that, all who had fled returned.

魏王操表孫權為票騎將軍，假節，領荊州牧，封南昌侯。權遣校尉梁寓入貢，又遣朱光等歸，上書稱臣於操，稱說天命。操以權書示外曰：「是兒欲踞吾著爐火上邪！」侍中陳群等皆曰：「漢祚已終，非適今日。殿下功德巍巍，群生注望，故孫權在遠稱臣。此天人之應，異氣齊聲，殿下宜正大位，復何疑哉！」操曰：「若天命在吾，吾為周文王矣。」

King Cao Cao memorialized the court to appoint Sun Quan General of Fast Cavalry with provisional credentials, Governor of Jingzhou, and Marquis of Nanchang. Sun Quan sent Commandant Liang Yu to pay tribute, returned Zhu Guang and others to Wei, and memorialized the throne declaring himself Cao Cao's subject while expounding the Mandate of Heaven. Cao Cao showed Sun Quan's letter to his advisers and said, "This boy wants to sit me on a brazier of fire, does he!" Palace Attendant Chen Qun and the others all said, "The Han dynasty's mandate is spent—it did not end only today. Your Highness's merit and virtue tower high, and all people look to you with hope—therefore Sun Quan, though far away, declares himself your subject. This is the response of Heaven and the people, portents and unanimous acclaim—Your Highness ought to ascend the throne. What further doubt can there be!" Cao Cao said, "If the Mandate of Heaven is mine, I shall be King Wen of Zhou."

臣光曰：教化，國家之急務也，而俗吏慢之；風俗，天下之大事也，而庸君忽之。夫惟明智君子，深識長慮，然後知其為益之大而收功之遠也。光武遭漢中衰，群雄糜沸，奮起布衣，紹恢前緒，征伐四方，日不暇給，乃能敦尚經術，賓延儒雅，開廣學校，修明禮樂。武功既成，文德亦洽。繼以孝明、孝章，遹追先志，臨雍拜老，橫經問道。自公卿、大夫至於郡縣之吏，鹹選用經明行修之人，虎賁衛士皆習《孝經》，匈奴子弟亦游太學，是以教立於上，俗成於下。其忠厚清修之士，豈唯取重於搢紳，亦見慕於眾庶。愚鄙污穢之人，豈唯不容於朝廷，亦見棄於鄉里。自三代既亡，風化之美，未有若東漢之盛者也。及孝和以降，貴戚擅權，嬖倖用事，賞罰無章，賄賂公行，賢愚渾殽，是非顛倒，可謂亂矣。然猶綿綿不至於亡者，上則有公卿、大夫袁安、楊震、李固、杜喬、陳蕃、李膺之徒面引廷爭，用公義以扶其危，下則有布衣之士符融、郭泰、范滂、許邵之流，立私論以救其敗。是以政治雖濁而風俗不衰，至有觸冒斧鉞，僵仆於前，而忠義奮發，繼起於後，隨踵就戮，視死如歸。夫豈特數子之賢哉，亦光武、明、章之遺化也！當是之時，苟有明君作而振之，則漢氏之祚猶未可量也。不幸承陵夷頹敝之餘，重以桓、靈之昏虐：保養奸回，過於骨肉；殄滅忠良，甚於寇讎；積多士之憤，蓄四海之怒。於是何進召戎，董卓乘釁，袁紹之徒從而構難，遂使乘輿播越，宗廟丘墟，王室蕩覆，烝民塗炭，大命隕絕，不可復救。然州郡擁兵專地者，雖互相吞噬，猶未嘗不以尊漢為辭。以魏武之暴戾強伉，加有大功於天下，其蓄無君之心久矣，乃至沒身不敢廢漢而自立，豈其志之不欲哉？猶畏名義而自抑也。由是觀之，教化安可慢，風俗安可忽哉！

Sima Guang comments: Moral instruction is the urgent business of a state, yet petty officials treat it lightly; and customs are a great matter for the realm, yet mediocre rulers neglect them. Only a wise gentleman with deep insight and far-sighted planning can see how great their benefit is and how long before their full reward is reaped. When Guangwu faced the Han dynasty in decline and rival powers boiling over, he rose from common rank to restore the former order and campaign in every direction without a day's rest—yet still earnestly honored classical learning, welcomed scholars, expanded schools, and restored ritual and music. Once his military achievements were secure, his civil virtue was fully established as well. Emperor Xiaoming and Emperor Xiaozhang urgently followed his example, attending the Yong audience hall to honor the aged and study the classics under their teachers. From dukes and ministers down to county clerks, all were chosen for mastery of the classics and upright conduct. Even the imperial guards studied the Classic of Filial Piety, and sons of the Xiongnu attended the Imperial Academy—thus instruction was established above and custom formed below. Men of loyal honesty and pure conduct were admired not only among the gentry but among the common people as well. Fools and the foul were not only unwelcome at court but rejected in their own villages as well. Since the fall of the Three Dynasties, no age had matched the Eastern Han in the splendor of its customs. From Emperor Xiaohe onward, imperial relatives monopolized power, favorites ran affairs, rewards and punishments lost all rule, bribery flourished openly, worth and folly were confused, and right and wrong inverted—it was chaos. Yet the dynasty still endured without falling utterly: above were ministers such as Yuan An, Yang Zhen, Li Gu, Du Qiao, Chen Fan, and Li Ying, who spoke bluntly in court and upheld public righteousness to brace the realm in peril; below were plain scholars such as Fu Rong, Guo Tai, Fan Pang, and Xu Shao, who voiced principled criticism to check the decline. Thus though government was corrupt, custom did not decay—some were cut down before the throne for their boldness, yet others rose in loyal outrage, one after another marching to execution as though going home. Was that only the merit of those few men? It was also the legacy of Guangwu, Emperor Ming, and Emperor Zhang! At that point, had a wise ruler risen to rally the realm, the Han dynasty's fortunes might still have been incalculable. Unhappily, the dynasty inherited decline and exhaustion compounded by the benighted cruelty of Emperors Huan and Ling: they nurtured the wicked more than their own kin; and destroyed the loyal and good more ruthlessly than foreign enemies. They stored up the fury of scholars and the wrath of the realm. Then He Jin summoned the barbarians, Dong Zhuo seized the occasion, and Yuan Shao and his allies raised rebellion—so that the imperial carriage was driven into exile, the ancestral temples lay in ruins, the throne was overturned, the people burned in misery, and the dynasty's mandate was lost beyond recovery. Yet even warlords who amassed armies and carved out domains, though they devoured one another, still invoked loyalty to Han as their justification. Cao Cao was violent, arrogant, and vastly meritorious; he had long harbored the wish to cast off the throne—yet even at his death he did not dare abolish Han and declare himself emperor. Was that because he did not want to? He still feared public opinion and restrained himself. Seen in this light, how can moral instruction be treated lightly, or custom be neglected!

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