Romance of the Three Kingdoms

The original text of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"'

Full text: [1]

Title: 三国演义 （Romance of the Three Kingdoms)

Author: 罗贯中 (Luo Guanzhong)

Link to the presentation: [2]

What is this novel mainly about [3]

In 168 A.D, the imperial court of the Han dynasty was dominated by corrupt eunuchs, which kept the emperor from exerting real power. This brought an unprecedented famine until 184 A.D, when a daoist cult led by three brothers, Zhang Jiao, Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang, had claimed that the house of Han lost their right to rule (known as the Mandate of Heaven 天命). They later staged an uprising which famously became known as the Yellow Turban Rebellion. The imperial armies sent to quell the rebellion were soon brought to their knees, so the court was forced to seek the aid of local warlords. Despite their ultimate failure, the Yellow Turbans highlighted a major flaw in the government: as warlords were growing stronger, central power was becoming weaker. In 189 A.D, the emperor died and left only two child heirs. Factions were created in support of each of the heirs and thus internal turmoil sparked at the palace, with many losing their heads or being forced into exile. At the end, in the capital Luoyang, a cruel warlord named Dong Zhuo 董卓, aided by the strongest warrior, Lü Bu 吕布, managed to take hold of power and placed the puppet emperor Liu Xie, later named Emperor Xian 宪皇帝, on the throne.

In the rest of China, the other warlords deeply resented Dong Zhuo 董卓, so they decided to form a coalition to overthrow him and to save the puppet emperor from being puppeted. Among them we find the protagonists of this story, which will eventually lead to the creation of the Three Kingdoms, such as Cao Cao 曹操, Liu Bei 刘备, and Sun Jian 孙坚. The coalition shaked the power of Dong Zhuo, but didn't manage to restore cohesion to the empire and this started a period going from 190 A.D. to 220 A.D in which hundreds of warlords fought and betrayed each other for power and lands. Here we have records of huge battles involving thousands and thousands of soldiers, epic duels between heroes and even some love stories.

In 220 A.D., Cao Cao 曹操 was the most prominent and powerful warlord. Soon after his death the same year, Cao Cao’s son, Cao Pi 曹丕, declared himself Emperor of Wei 魏, putting an end to the 400 years-long Han dynasty. As a reaction to this, Sun Jian’s son, Sun Quan 孙权, takes the title of Emperor of Wu 吴 , and Liu Bei 刘备, being a distant relative of the imperial house of Han, declares himself the emperor of the restorationist Shu-Han 蜀汉 dynasty, thus kickstarting the Three Kingdoms period. The creation of the Three Kingdoms goes alongside a generational shift: the main heroes and villains slowly begin to die in battle or because of old age, making way for their heirs. After a substantial term of balance, all three kingdoms begin suffering the same illness which doomed the Han dynasty: incompetence and corruption.

From this, a new faction begins brewing inside the Kingdom of Wei 魏 (which was the strongest among the three): the emperor's advisor Sima Yi 司马懿 and his sons usurp the throne and replace Wei 魏 with the Kingdom of Jin 晋. Their cunning and military strength allowed them to firstly conquer the kingdom of Shu-Han 蜀汉, and then, by the year 280 A.D., to capture the kingdom of Wu 吴, thus reuniting the entirety of China under the Jin dynasty.

第五十四回 吴国太佛寺看新郎　刘皇叔洞房续佳偶; 《三国演义》第五十五回 玄德智激孙夫人　孔明二气周公瑾 (Chapter 54 & Chapter 55)

Introduction to the text: After the victory over Cao Cao 曹操 in the Battle of Red Cliffs, Sun Quan 孙权 and Liu Bei 刘备 (known also as Xuande 玄德) began to compete for control over the Jingzhou. Liu Bei successfully took over the Jingzhou from Cao Cao, following Zhuge Liang's (诸葛亮) plan. Sun Quan was dissatisfied with this and repeatedly sent envoys demanding the transfer of the province. However, Liu Bei consistently dismissed the envoys on various pretexts. Sun Quan attempted different strategies to seize the province, with the most famous being the "Marriage Plan." Sun Quan planned to lure Liu Bei to him under the pretext of Liu Bei marrying his sister, Lady Sun (孙夫人), and then detain him as a hostage until the Jingzhou was handed over. However, the plot failed, and the newlyweds safely returned home. Zhou Yu 周瑜 made several attempts to take over the province, but each time, his plans were thwarted by Zhuge Liang.

YL

肃作别下船而回，先到柴桑郡见周瑜。瑜问曰：“子敬讨荆州如何？”肃曰：“有文书在此。”呈与周瑜，瑜顿足曰：“子敬中诸葛之谋也！名为借地，实是混赖。他说取了西川便还，知他几时取西川？假如十年不得西川，十年不还？这等文书，如何中用，你却与他做保！他若不还时，必须连累足下，主公见罪奈何？”肃闻言，呆了半晌，曰：“恐玄德不负我。”瑜曰：“子敬乃诚实人也。刘备枭雄之辈，诸葛亮奸猾之徒，恐不似先生心地。”肃曰：“若此，如之奈何？”瑜曰：“子敬是我恩人，想昔日指囷相赠之情，如何不救你？你且宽心住数日，待江北探细的回，别有区处。”鲁肃跼蹐不安。过了数日，细作回报：“荆州城中扬起布幡做好事，城外别建新坟，军士各挂孝。”瑜惊问曰：“没了甚人？”细作曰：“刘玄德没了甘夫人，即日安排殡葬。瑜谓鲁肃曰：“吾计成矣：使刘备束手就缚，荆州反掌可得！”肃曰：“计将安出？”瑜曰：“刘备丧妻，必将续娶。主公有一妹，极其刚勇，侍婢数百，居常带刀，房中军器摆列遍满，虽男子不及。我今上书主公，教人去荆州为媒，说刘备来入赘。赚到南徐，妻子不能勾得，幽囚在狱中，却使人去讨荆州换刘备。等他交割了荆州城池，我别有主意。于子敬身上，须无事也。”鲁肃拜谢。

Lu Su went to Chaisang to meet with Zhou Yu. When Zhou Yu asked about the demand for Jingzhou, Lu Su gave him documents about it. Zhou Yu became angry and started accusing Lu Su of being victimized by Zhuge Liang. He said that the occuation of Jingzhou might continue on and on, and the document of the promise to give back the city was useless. He asked Lu Su if he trusted his masters, then later on said that Liu Bai and Zhuge Liang were not to be trusted. Lu Su got scared and asked what to do. Zhou Yu told him to wait and see what happens. After a few days it turned out that Liu Bei's wife was dead. Zhou Yu was happy cause he said that would mean they would get the city back fast - he had a plan. His plan was to get Liu Bei to remarry to Sun Qian's sister. He planned that by the time Liu Bei comes to marry her, they will capture him and imprison him. Zhou Yu wrote a letter about it to Sun Quan.

ZYX

周瑜写了书呈，选快船送鲁肃投南徐见孙权，先说借荆州一事，呈上文书。权曰：“你却如此糊涂！这样文书，要他何用！”肃曰：“周都督有书呈在此，说用此计，可得荆州。”权看毕，点头暗喜，寻思谁人可去。猛然省曰：“非吕范不可。”遂召吕范至，谓曰：“近闻刘玄德丧妇。吾有一妹，欲招赘玄德为婿，永结姻亲，同心破曹，以扶汉室。非子衡不可为媒，望即往荆州一言。”范领命，即日收拾船只，带数个从人，望荆州来。却说玄德自没了甘夫人，昼夜烦恼。一日，正与孔明闲叙，人报东吴差吕范到来。孔明笑曰：“此乃周瑜之计，必为荆州之故。亮只在屏风后潜听。但有甚说话，主公都应承了。留来人在馆驿中歇，别作商议。”玄德教请吕范入。礼毕坐定，茶罢，玄德问曰：“子衡来，必有所谕？”范曰：“范近闻皇叔失偶，有一门好亲，故不避嫌，特来作媒。未知尊意若何？”玄德曰：“中年丧妻，大不幸也。骨肉未寒，安忍便议亲？”范曰：“人若无妻，如屋无梁，岂可中道而废人伦？吾主吴侯有一妹，美而贤，堪奉箕帚。若两家共结秦、晋之好，则曹贼不敢正视东南也。此事家国两便，请皇叔勿疑。但我国太吴夫人甚爱幼女，不肯远嫁，必求皇叔到东吴就婚。”

Zhou Yu wrote the letter and instructed Lu Su on a swift boat to bring it to Sun Quan. Soon Lu Su had been arrived at Sun Quan, discussed with him lending of Jingzhou and handed the letter. At first Sun Quan was displeased, but after Lu Su told him that this plan could help capture Jingzhou, and after reading the letter, he decided to send Lü Fan to Liu Bei to negotiate the marriage. Sun Quan said that he wanted to marry his younger sister to Liu Bei, to be related to him and to defeat Cao Cao by joint forces. Lü Fan accepted the command and on the same day, accompanied by several servants sailed to Jingzhou. Lü Fan, who came to the grieving Liu Bei, tries to persuade Liu Bei, who lost his wife to take as a wife the younger sister of Sun Quan.

JL

玄德曰：“此事吴侯知否？”范曰：“不先禀吴侯，如何敢造次来说！”玄德曰：“吾年已半百，鬓发斑白；吴侯之妹，正当妙龄：恐非配偶。”范曰：“吴侯之妹，身虽女子，志胜男儿。常言：若非天下英雄，吾不事之。今皇叔名闻四海，正所谓淑女配君子，岂以年齿上下相嫌乎！”玄德曰：“公且少留，来日回报。”是日设宴相待，留于馆舍。至晚，与孔明商议。孔明曰：“来意亮已知道了。适间卜易，得一大吉大利之兆。主公便可应允。先教孙乾和吕范回见吴侯，面许已定，择日便去就亲。”玄德曰：“周瑜定计欲害刘备，岂可以身轻入危险之地？”孔明大笑曰：“周瑜虽能用计，岂能出诸葛亮之料乎！略用小谋，使周瑜半筹不展；吴侯之妹，又属主公；荆州万无一失。”玄德怀疑未决。孔明竟教孙乾往江南说合亲事。孙乾领了言语，与吕范同到江南，来见孙权。权曰：“吾愿将小妹招赘玄德，并无异心。”孙乾拜谢，回荆州见玄德，言：“吴侯专候主公去结亲。”玄德怀疑不敢往。孔明曰：“吾已定下三条计策，非子龙不可行也。”遂唤赵云近前，附耳言曰：“汝保主公入吴，当领此三个锦囊。囊中有三条妙计，依次而行。”即将三个锦囊，与云贴肉收藏，孔明先使人往东吴纳了聘，一切完备。

Liu Bei accuses Lü Fan of coming without the knowledge of Sun Quan to which he denies. Liu Bei arguments that he will not marry Sun Quan sister is that he is old and she is young. Lü Fan opposes, saying that the girl has a strong will and marriage to someone of Liu Bei’s fame would only be beneficial. Liu Bei asks for time to think and goes to Zhuge Liang to discuss the plan. Even though Liu Bei is cautious, the advisor is in favor of this union, argues that having Sun Quan’s sister will only help them. In the end Sun Qian was sent with the Lv Fan and the instructions. When Sun Qian returned it was to deliver the news that Sun Quan wants Liu Bei to live with his new wife’s family. Liu Bei still feared for his life. Zhuge Liang convinced him by ensuring that Liu Bei’s bodyguard, Zhao Yun, had three plans in three silken bags that will guide his action. After that Zhuge Liang send wedding gifts.

AD

时建安十四年冬十月。玄德与赵长、孙乾取快船十只，随行五百余人，离了荆州，前往南徐进发。荆州之事，皆听孔明裁处。玄德心中怏怏不安。到南徐州，船已傍岸，云曰： “军师分付三条妙计，依次而行。今已到此，当先开第一个锦囊来看。”于是开囊看了计策。便唤五百随行军士，一一分付如此如此，众军领命而去，又教玄德先往见乔国老，那乔国老乃二乔之父，居于南徐。玄德牵羊担酒，先往拜见，说吕范为媒、娶夫人之事。随行五百军士，俱披红挂彩，入南徐买办物件，传说玄德入赘东吴，城中人尽知其事。孙权知玄德已到，教吕范相待，且就馆舍安歇。 却说乔国老既见玄德，便入见吴国太贺喜。国太曰：“有何喜事？”乔国老曰：“令爱已许刘玄德为夫人，今玄德已到，何故相瞒？”国太惊曰：“老身不知此事！”便使人请吴侯问虚实，一面先使人于城中探听。人皆回报：“果有此事。女婿已在馆驿安歇，五百随行军士都在城中买猪羊果品，准备成亲。做媒的女家是吕范，男家是孙乾，俱在馆驿中相待。”国太吃了一惊。少顷，孙权入后堂见母亲。国太捶胸大哭。权曰：“母亲何故烦恼？”国太曰：“你直如此将我看承得如无物！我姐姐临危之时，分付你甚么话来！”

Liu Bei along with his bodyguard Zhao Yun head to the south. Liu Bei feels anxious and uneasy, fearing something bad is about to happen. After arriving at Xuzhou, Zhao Yun opens the first silken bag with a strategy plan. After that, he summons 5 hundred soldiers dressed in red, who follow Liu Bei, making loud preparations for the wedding, buying pigs, sheep and fruits, so that whole city knows about the ceremony. Lu Fan is decided to be the matchmaker. Sun Quan’s mother, who doesn’t know about her son’s intrigue yet, starts worrying about the marriage and the fate of her daughter.

TXL

孙权失惊曰：“母亲有话明说，何苦如此？”国太曰：“男大须婚，女大须嫁，古今常理。我为你母亲，事当禀命于我。你招刘玄德为婿，如何瞒我？女儿须是我的！”权吃了一惊，问曰：“那里得这话来？”国太曰：“若要不知，除非莫为。满城百姓，那一个不知？你倒瞒我！”乔国老曰：“老夫已知多日了，今特来贺喜。”权曰：“非也。此是周瑜之计，因要取荆州，故将此为名，赚刘备来拘囚在此，要他把荆州来换；若其不从，先斩刘备。此是计策，非实意也。”国太大怒，骂周瑜曰：“汝做六郡八十一州大都督，直恁无条计策去取荆州，却将我女儿为名，使美人计！杀了刘备，我女便是望门寡，明日再怎的说亲？须误了我女儿一世！你们好做作！”乔国老曰：“若用此计，便得荆州，也被天下人耻笑。此事如何行得！”说得孙权默然无语。国太不住口的骂周瑜。乔国老劝曰：“事已如此，刘皇叔乃汉室宗亲，不如真个招他为婿，免得出丑。”权曰：“年纪恐不相当。”国老曰：“刘皇叔乃当世豪杰，若招得这个女婿，也不辱了令妹。”国太曰：“我不曾认得刘皇叔。明日约在甘露寺相见：如不中我意，任从你们行事；若中我的意，我自把女儿嫁他！”孙权乃大孝之人，见母亲如此言语，随即应承，出外唤吕范，分付来日甘露寺方丈设宴，国太要见刘备。

Sun Quan has a conversation with his mother who, faced with the news of her daughter’s wedding, gets visibly upset. She explains that marriage and proposal come with a long tradition. It is mother’s role to promise her daughter’s hand in marriage, and she was robbed of the opportunity to fulfill this duty. Sun Quan explains Zhou Yu’s plan to detain Liu Bei and take over Jingzhou. He fails to placate the mother, who gets even angrier at the news of her daughter being used and having her life wasted, as she’ll never be able to find a husband ever again. She confronts them with the fact that even if they recover Jingzhou, the world will see them as pathetic and shameful. She receives a response that at this point there’s nothing left to do but to welcome Liu Bei as her son-in-law. They agree to arrange a meeting a the Sweet Dew Temple, so that the mother can get to know him and decide if he’s fit to be her daughter’s husband.

WMF

吕范曰：“何不令贾华部领三百刀斧手，伏于两廊；若国太不喜时，一声号举，两边齐出，将他拿下。”权遂唤贾华，分付预先准备，只看国太举动。却说乔国老辞吴国太归，使人去报玄德，言：“来日吴侯、国太亲自要见，好生在意！”玄德与孙乾、赵云商议。云曰：“来日此会，多凶少吉，云自引五百军保护。”次日，吴国太、乔国老先在甘露寺方丈里坐定。孙权引一班谋士，随后都到，却教吕范来馆驿中请玄德。玄德内披细铠，外穿棉袍，从人背剑紧随，上马投甘露寺来。赵云全装惯带，引五百军随行。来到寺前下马，先见孙权。权观玄德仪表非凡，心中有畏惧之意。二人叙礼毕，遂入方丈见国太。国太见了玄德，大喜，谓乔国老曰：“真吾婿也！”国老曰：“玄德有龙凤之姿，天日之表；更兼仁德布于天下：国太得此佳婿，真可庆也！”玄德拜谢，共宴于方丈之中。少刻，子龙带剑而入，立于玄德之侧。国太问曰：“此是何人？”玄德答曰：“常山赵子龙也。”国太曰：“莫非当阳长坂抱阿斗者乎？”玄德曰：“然。”国太曰：“真将军也！”遂赐以酒。赵云谓玄德曰：“却才某于廊下巡视，见房内有刀斧手埋伏，必无好意。可告知国太。”玄德乃跪于国太席前，泣而告曰：“若杀刘备，就此请诛。”国太曰：“何出此言？”玄德曰：“廊下暗伏刀斧手，非杀备而何？”国太大怒，责骂孙权：“今日玄德既为我婿，即我之儿女也。何故伏刀斧手于廊下！”权推不知，唤吕范问之；范推贾华；国太唤贾华责骂，华默然无言。国太喝令斩之。玄德告曰：“若斩大将，于亲不利，备难久居膝下矣。”乔国老也相劝。国太方叱退贾华。刀斧手皆抱头鼠窜而去。 Xuande, also known as Liu Bei, is invited to a meeting with Lady Wu and Sun Quan. Concerned about potential danger, Xuande brings a personal guard led by Zhao Zilong. Upon arriving, Zilong discovers hidden armed men in the corridors. Disturbed, Xuande confronts Lady Wu about the situation, expressing his willingness to face any threat. Lady Wu, angered by the betrayal, reprimands Sun Quan and his advisor Lü Fan. Despite the tension, Xuande intervenes to spare the implicated general, Jia Hua, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds. Lady Wu relents and Lü Fan walks away with his men in shame.

YSY

玄德更衣出殿前，见庭下有一石块。玄德拔从者所佩之剑，仰天祝曰：“若刘备能勾回荆州，成王霸之业，一剑挥石为两段。如死于此地，剑剁石不开。”言讫，手起剑落，火光迸溅，砍石为两段。孙权在后面看见，问曰：“玄德公如何恨此石？”玄德曰：“备年近五旬，不能为国家剿除贼党，心常自恨。今蒙国太招为女婿，此平生之际遇也。恰才问天买卦，如破曹兴汉，砍断此石。今果然如此。”权暗思：“刘备莫非用此言瞒我？”亦掣剑谓玄德曰：“吾亦问天买卦。若破得曹贼，亦断此石。”却暗暗祝告曰：“若再取得荆州，兴旺东吴，砍石为两半！”手起剑落，巨石亦开。至今有十字纹“恨石”尚存。后人观此胜迹，作诗赞曰：“宝剑落时山石断，金环响处火光生，两朝旺气皆天数。从此乾坤鼎足成。”二人弃剑，相携入席。又饮数巡，孙乾目视玄德，玄德辞曰：“备不胜酒力，告退。” 孙权送出寺前，二人并立，观江山之景。玄德曰：“此乃天下第一江山也！”至今甘露寺牌上云：“天下第一江山”。后人有诗赞曰：“江山雨霁拥青螺，境界无忧乐最多。昔日英雄凝目处，岩崖依旧抵风波。”玄德自回馆驿，与孙乾商议。乾曰：“主公只是哀求乔国老，早早毕姻，免生别事。”

Xuande went outside, where he found a boulder. He took out his sword and exclaimed that if he can bring Jingzhou back and become a ruler, then the rock will split in half, but if he is to die here, then the rock won't split. Xuande than raised his sword and cut the stone in half. Sun Quan saw this and asked him why did he hate this rock. Xuande replied that he's almost 50 and still haven't restored the country, so he asked the Heavens to split the stone if he can defeat Cao. Sun Quan thought that he's deceiving him, so he drew his own sword and did the same thing, this time the boulder also split in half. Later generations wrote poems about it. The two abandonet their swords and went inside. After drinking for a while, Liu Bei (Xuande) couldn't drink anymore, so Sun Quan escorted him outside, where they watched the scenery. Xuande said that this is the finest scene in the world, and to this day there is a plaque there that says the exact same words. Later generations also wrote poems praising it.

KMJ

次日，玄德复至乔国老宅前下马。国老接入，礼毕，茶罢，玄德告曰：“江左之人，多有要害刘备者，恐不能久居。”国老曰：“玄德宽心。吾为公告国太，令作护持。”玄德拜谢自回。乔国老入见国太，言玄德恐人谋害，急急要回。国太大怒曰：“我的女婿，谁敢害他！”即时便教搬入书院暂住，择日毕姻。玄德自入告国太曰：“只恐赵云在外不便，军士无人约束。”国太教尽搬入府中安歇，休留在馆驿中，免得生事。玄德暗喜。数日之内，大排筵会，孙夫人与玄德结亲。至晚客散，两行红炬，接引玄德入房。灯光之下，但见枪刀簇满；侍婢皆佩剑悬刀，立于两傍。?得玄德魂不附体。正是：惊看侍女横刀立，疑是东吴设伏兵。却说玄德见孙夫人房中两边枪刀森列，侍婢皆佩剑，不觉失色。管家婆进曰：“贵人休得惊惧：夫人自幼好观武事，居常令侍婢击剑为乐，故尔如此。”玄德曰：“非夫人所观之事，吾甚心寒，可命暂去。”管家婆禀覆孙夫人曰：“房中摆列兵器，娇客不安，今且去之。”孙夫人笑曰：“厮杀半生，尚惧兵器乎！”命尽撤去，令侍婢解剑伏侍。当夜玄德与孙夫人成亲，两情欢洽。玄德又将金帛散给侍婢，以买其心，先教孙乾回荆州报喜。自此连日饮酒。国太十分爱敬。

Liu Bei (Xuande) arrives at Qiao Guolao's residence and expressed his concern about his safety. Qiao Guolao reassures him saying that the Mother of the Emperor will never allow anyone to harm him. Lady Sun and Liu Bei got married, when they got to the room Liu Bei noticed that it was full of weapons and got scared. Lady Sun told him that after so many battles he shouldn't be scared of weapons but got them removed. Liu Bei also gave some gold and silk away to servants to win their loyalty and told Sun Qian to return to Jingzhou to report good news, later on he was celebrating.

AKR

却说孙权差人来柴桑郡报周瑜，说：“我母亲力主，已将吾妹嫁刘备。不想弄假成真。此事还复如何？”瑜闻大惊，行坐不安，乃思一计，修密书付来人持回见孙权。权拆书视之。书略曰：“瑜所谋之事，不想反覆如此。既已弄假成真，又当就此用计。刘备以枭雄之姿，有关、张、赵云之将，更兼诸葛用谋，必非久屈人下者。愚意莫如软困之于吴中：盛为筑宫室，以丧其心志；多送美色玩好，以娱其耳目；使分开关、张之情，隔远诸葛之契，各置一方，然后以兵击之，大事可定矣。今若纵之，恐蛟龙得云雨，终非池中物也。愿明公熟思之。”孙权看毕，以书示张昭。昭曰：“公瑾之谋，正合愚意。刘备起身微末，奔走天下，未尝受享富贵。今若以华堂大厦，子女金帛，令彼享用，自然疏远孔明、关、张等，使彼各生怨望，然后荆州可图也。主公可依公瑾之计而速行之。”权大喜，即日修整东府，广栽花木，盛设器用，请玄德与妹居住；又增女乐数十余人，并金玉锦绮玩好之物。国太只道孙权好意，喜不自胜。玄德果然被声色所迷，全不想回荆州。却说赵云与五百军在东府前住，终日无事，只去城外射箭走马。看看年终。 The story revolves around Sun Shangxiang's marriage to Liu Bei, causing concern for Sun Quan. Seeking advice from Zhou Yu, they decide to exploit Liu Bei's weakness for pleasure by constructing a lavish palace in Wuzhong. Zhou Yu proposes using beauty to captivate Liu Bei, isolating his key allies, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang. Sun Quan implements the plan, building the East Palace with luxury and entertainment to entice Liu Bei. Zhang Zhao supports the strategy, believing that by catering to Liu Bei's desires with opulence, they can create divisions among his followers and pave the way for seizing Jingzhou. Liu Bei becomes enchanted by the pleasures in Wu, while Zhao Yun and his troops maintain a peaceful existence at Dongfu, stationed there to ensure tranquility.

SSM

云猛省： “孔明分付三个锦囊与我，教我一到南徐，开第一个；住到年终，开第二个；临到危急无路之时，开第三个：于内有神出鬼没之计，可保主公回家。此时岁已将终，主公贪恋女色，并不见面，何不拆开第二个锦囊，看计而行？”遂拆开视之。原来如此神策。即日径到府堂，要见玄德。侍婢报曰：“赵子龙有紧急事来报贵人。”玄德唤入问之。云佯作失惊之状曰：“主公深居画堂，不想荆州耶？”玄德曰：“有甚事如此惊怪？”云曰：“今早孔明使人来报，说曹操要报赤壁鏖兵之恨，起精兵五十万，杀奔荆州，甚是危急，请主公便回。”玄德曰：“必须与夫人商议。”云曰：“若和夫人商议，必不肯教主公回。不如休说，今晚便好起程。迟则误事！”玄德曰：“你且暂退，我自有道理。”云故意催逼数番而出。玄德入见孙夫人，暗暗垂泪。孙夫人曰：“丈夫何故烦恼？”玄德曰：“念备一身飘荡异乡，生不能侍奉二亲，又不能祭祀宗祖，乃大逆不孝也。今岁旦在迩，使备悒怏不已。”孙夫人曰：“你休瞒我，我已听知了也！方才赵子龙报说荆州危急，你欲还乡，故推此意。”玄德跪而告曰：“夫人既知，备安敢相瞒。备欲不去，使荆州有失，被天下人耻笑；欲去，又舍不得夫人：因此烦恼。”夫人曰：“妾已事君，任君所之，妾当相随。”玄德曰：“夫人之心，虽则如此，争奈国太与吴侯安肯容夫人去？夫人若可怜刘备，暂时辞别。”言毕，泪如雨下。孙夫人劝曰：“丈夫休得烦恼。妾当苦告母亲，必放妾与君同去。”玄德曰：“纵然国太肯时，吴侯必然阻挡。”孙夫人沉吟良久，乃曰：“妾与君正旦拜贺时，推称江边祭祖，不告而去，若何？”玄德又跪而谢曰：“若如此，生死难忘！切勿漏泄。”两个商议已定。玄德密唤赵云分付：“正旦日，你先引军士出城，于官道等候。吾推祭祖，与夫人同走。” 云领诺。 Yun Meng, also known as Cloud Startled, reveals that Zhuge Liang instructed him with three sealed letters. The first should be opened upon reaching South Xu, the second at year-end, and the third in times of extreme danger. Cloud Startled, noticing the approaching end of the year and Liu Bei's distraction with romantic affairs, suggests opening the second letter. Upon doing so, they discover a strategic plan to ensure Liu Bei's safe return. Cloud Startled then goes to Liu Bei's residence, claiming urgent news from Zhao Yun. He informs Liu Bei about Cao Cao's intention to avenge the Battle of Red Cliffs with a massive army heading towards Jingzhou. Urging Liu Bei to return immediately, Cloud Startled manipulates the situation, suggesting a prompt departure without consulting Lady Sun. Liu Bei, torn between duty and personal feelings, seeks counsel from Lady Sun, who, aware of the situation, offers to accompany him. Liu Bei, concerned about opposition from his mother and Sun Quan, expresses his dilemma, leading to emotional conversations and tears. Lady Sun proposes a plan for them to secretly leave during the New Year's visit to ancestral graves, hoping to avoid objections. Liu Bei, grateful, instructs Zhao Yun to prepare soldiers outside the city on New Year's Day for their departure.

LML

建安十五年春正月元旦，吴侯大会文武于堂上。玄德与孙夫人入拜国太。孙夫人曰：“夫主想父母宗祖坟墓，俱在涿郡，昼夜伤感不已。今日欲往江边，望北遥祭，须告母亲得知。”国太曰：“此孝道也，岂有不从？汝虽不识舅姑，可同汝夫前去祭拜，亦见为妇之礼。”孙夫人同玄德拜谢而出。此时只瞒着孙权。夫人乘车，止带随身一应细软。玄德上马，引数骑跟随出城，与赵云相会。五百军士前遮后拥，离了南徐，趱程而行。当日，孙权大醉，左右近侍扶入后堂，文武皆散。比及众官探得玄德、夫人逃遁之时，天色已晚。要报孙权，权醉不醒。及至睡觉，已是五更。次日，孙权闻知走了玄德，急唤文武商议。张昭曰：“今日走了此人，早晚必生祸乱。可急追之。”孙权令陈武、潘璋选五百精兵，无分昼夜，务要赶上拿回。二将领命去了。孙权深恨玄德，将案上玉砚摔为粉碎。程普曰：“主公空有冲天之怒，某料陈武、潘璋必擒此人不得。”权曰：“焉敢违我令！”普曰：“郡主自幼好观武事，严毅刚正，诸将皆惧。既然肯顺刘备，必同心而去。所追之将，若见郡主，岂肯下手？”权大怒，掣所佩之剑，唤蒋钦、周泰听令，曰：“汝二人将这口剑去取吾妹并刘备头来！违令者立斩！”蒋钦、周泰领命，随后引一千军赶来。

PMJ

却说玄德加鞭纵辔，趱程而行；当夜于路暂歇两个更次，慌忙起行。看看来到柴桑界首，望见后面尘头大起，人报：“追兵至矣！”玄德慌问赵云曰：“追兵既至，如之奈何？”赵云曰：“主公先行，某愿当后。”转过前面山脚，一彪军马拦住去路。当先两员大将，厉声高叫曰：“刘备早早下马受缚！吾奉周都督将令，守候多时！”原来周瑜恐玄德走脱，先使徐盛、丁奉引三千军马于冲要之处扎营等候，时常令人登高遥望，料得玄德若投旱路，必经此道而过。当日徐盛、丁奉了望得玄德一行人到，各绰兵器截住去路。玄德惊慌勒回马问赵云曰：“前有拦截之兵，后有追赶之兵：前后无路，如之奈何？”云曰：“主公休慌。军师有三条妙计，多在锦囊之中。已拆了两个，并皆应验。今尚有第三个在此，分付遇危难之时，方可拆看。今日危急，当拆观之。”便将锦囊拆开，献与玄德。玄德看了，急来车前泣告孙夫人曰：“备有心腹之言，至此尽当实诉。”夫人曰：“丈夫有何言语，实对我说。”玄德曰：“昔日吴侯与周瑜同谋，将夫人招嫁刘备，实非为夫人计，乃欲幽困刘备而夺荆州耳。夺了荆州，必将杀备。是以夫人为香饵而钓备也。备不惧万死而来，盖知夫人有男子之胸襟，必能怜备。昨闻吴侯将欲加害，故托荆州有难，以图归计。幸得夫人不弃，同至于此。

When Liu Bei almost arrived at his destination – Chaisang, he noticed an army which was under Zhou Yu command. Zhou Yu was afraid that Liu Bei could escape, so he ordered the troops to barricade the way. In order to get out of this situation, Liu Bei returned to Zhao Yun and discussed the possibilities of escape with him. It turned out that The Military Counselor gave Zhao Yun three plans enclosed in silken bags – two of them were already used, but the third one was still not opened, so he gave it to Liu Bei. After receiving it, Liu Bei immediately returned to Lady Sun’s carriage to tell her that their marriage was a scheme of Zhou Yu and Sun Quan – not for the sake of Lady Sun but in order to trap Liu Bei and seize Jingzhou.

AHY

今吴侯又令人在后追赶，周瑜又使人于前截住，非夫人莫解此祸。如夫人不允，备请死于车前，以报夫人之德。”夫人怒曰：“吾兄既不以我为亲骨肉，我有何面目重相见乎！今日之危，我当自解。”于是叱从人推车直出，卷起车帘，亲喝徐盛、丁奉曰：“你二人欲造反耶？”徐、丁二将慌忙下马，弃了兵器，声喏于车前曰：“安敢造反。为奉周都督将令，屯兵在此专候刘备。”孙夫人大怒曰：“周瑜逆贼！我东吴不曾亏负你！玄德乃大汉皇叔，是我丈夫。我已对母亲、哥哥说知回荆州去。今你两个于山脚去处，引着军马拦截道路，意欲劫掠我夫妻财物耶？”徐盛、丁奉喏喏连声，口称：“不敢。请夫人息怒。这不干我等之事，乃是周都督的将令。”孙夫人叱曰：“你只怕周瑜，独不怕我？周瑜杀得你，我岂杀不得周瑜？”把周瑜大骂一场，喝令推车前进。徐盛、丁奉自思：“我等是下人。安敢 与夫人违拗？”又见赵云十分怒气，只得把军喝住，放条大路教过去。恰才行不得五六里，背后陈武、潘璋赶到。徐盛、丁奉备言其事。陈、潘二将曰：“你放他过去差了也。我二人奉吴侯旨意，特来追捉他回去。”于是四将合兵一处，趱程赶来。

Liu Bei says to Lady Sun that she is the only person who can save him from the troops, which chase after him. What’s more he declares that if she doesn't help him, he will die in front of her. Lady Sun is furious and she says that she doesn’t want to see her brother ever again. She agrees to help. Then she has her carriage moved to the front and calls out to the officers who have been sent by Zhou Yu in order to block the way. She asks both of them if they are rebels now. The officers say that they have orders from General Zhou to be there and prevent Liu Bei from leaving. Lady Sun says that Zhou is a traitor and remind them of the fact that Liu Bei is not only her husband, but also a member of imperial family. The two officers just say again what was said before about carrying out the command. Nevertheless she finally succeed in convincing the officers to let them pass. Soon after that, two officers, who have been initially sent by Chen Wu and Pan Zhang, ride up. They tell Xu Sheng and Ding Feng that they have orders to prevent the escape of Liu Bei and Lady Sun. Soon after the two generals realize how big mistake they have just made, they all start to chase after the runaways.

ABE

玄德正行间，忽听得背后喊声大起。玄德又告孙夫人曰：“后面追兵又到，如之奈何？”夫人曰：“丈夫先行，我与子龙当后。”玄德先引三百军，望江岸去了。子龙勒马于车傍，将 士卒摆开，专候来将。四员将见了孙夫人，只得下马，叉手而立。夫人曰：“陈武、潘璋，来此何干？”二将答曰：“奉主公之命，请夫人、玄德回。”夫人正色叱曰：“都是你这伙匹夫，离间我兄妹不睦！我已嫁他人，今日归去，须不是与人私奔。我奉母亲慈旨，令我夫妇回荆州。便是我哥哥来，也须依礼而行。你二人倚仗兵威，欲待杀害我耶？”骂得四人面面相觑，各自寻思：“他一万年也只是兄妹。更兼国太作主；吴侯乃大孝之人，怎敢违逆母言？明日翻过脸来，只是我等不是。不如做个人情。”军中又不见玄德；但见赵云怒目睁眉，只待厮杀。因此四将喏喏连声而退。孙夫人令推车便行。徐盛曰：“我四人同去见周都督，告禀此事。”四人犹豫未定。忽见一军如旋风而来，视之，乃蒋钦、周泰。二将问曰：“你等曾见刘备否？”四人曰：“早晨过去，已半日矣。”蒋钦曰：“何不拿下？”四人各言孙夫人发话之事。蒋钦曰：“便是吴侯怕道如此，封一口剑在此，教先杀他妹，后斩刘备。违者立斩！”四将曰：“去之已远，怎生奈何？”蒋钦曰：“他终是些步军，急行不上。

Xuande told lady Sun that the pursuers were coming, and she said that her husband should go first, and she'll follow. When the four generals saw lady Sun, they told her to turn back, but she said she follows her mother's decree and can't turn away. The four generals retreated and lady Sun passed through. The generals were asked by Zhou Tai if they've seen Liu Bei, and replied that they let him pass because of what lady Sun said. Jiang Qin said that the marquis of Wu was afraid of this happening and so he told them to first kill lady Sun, and then Liu Bei, and that anyone who violates the rules will be killed, but the other general said that they're too far away now, so what can be done about that? Jiang Qin said they are on foot, so they couldn't move very fast.

WXT

徐、丁二将军可飞报都督，教水路棹快船追赶；我四人在岸上追赶：无问水旱之路，赶上杀了，休听他言语。”于是徐盛、丁奉飞报周瑜；蒋钦、周泰、陈武、潘璋四个领兵沿江赶来。却说玄德一行人马，离柴桑较远，来到刘郎浦，心才稍宽。沿着江岸寻渡，一望江水弥漫，并无船只。玄德俯首沉吟。赵云曰：“主公在虎口中逃出，今已近本界，吾料军师必有调度，何用犹疑？”玄德听罢，蓦然想起在吴繁华之事，不觉凄然泪下。后人有诗叹曰：“吴蜀成婚此水浔，明珠步障屋黄金。谁知一女轻天下，欲易刘郎鼎峙心。”玄德令赵云望前哨探船只，忽报后面尘土冲天而起。玄德登高望之，但见军马盖地而来，叹曰：“连日奔走，人困马乏，追兵又到，死无地矣！”看看喊声渐近。正慌急间，忽见江岸边一字儿抛着拖篷船二十余只。赵云曰：“天幸有船在此！何不速下，棹过对岸，再作区处！”玄德与孙夫人便奔上船。子龙引五百军亦都上船。只见船舱中一人纶巾道服，大笑而出，曰：“主公且喜！诸葛亮在此等候多时。”船中扮作客人的，皆是荆州水军。玄德大喜。不移时，四将赶到。孔明笑指岸上人言曰：“吾已算定多时矣。汝等回去传示周郎，教休再使美人局手段。”

Jiang Qin said that they can simultaneously chase Liu Bei on the water and on the dry land, so he asks generals Xu and Ding to report it to Zhou Yu, while he [Jiang Qin], Zhou Tai, Chen Wu and Pan Zhang lead their troops along the river. Meanwhile Liu Bei had got a long way from Chaisang and reached Liulang shore. He went along the bank of the river seeking a boat, but there were none, so Zhao Yun bade him be of good courage. Liu Bei, however, was still despondent. [there’s a poem here] Liu Bei asked Zhao Yun to go along the bank to seek some boats, but then he was told that there was a huge cloud of dust on the road. Liu Bei climbed up one of the hills, looked back and saw an army pursuing them. This led him to despair even more, but then he noticed more than twenty boats on the river. Liu Bei and his wife Lady Sun hurried ashore and entered the boat, where they saw Zhuge Liang, who said he had predicted these events a long time ago.

WYX

岸上乱箭射来，船已开的远了。蒋钦等四将，只好呆看。玄德与孔明正行间，忽然江声大震。回头视之，只见战船无数。帅字旗下，周瑜自领惯战水军，左有黄盖，右有韩当，势如飞马，疾似流星。看看赶上。孔明教棹船投北岸，弃了船，尽皆上岸而走，车马登程。周瑜赶到江边，亦皆上岸追袭。大小水军，尽是步行；止有为首官军骑马。周瑜当先，黄盖、韩当、徐盛、丁奉紧随。周瑜曰：“此处是那里？军士答曰：“前面是黄州界首。”望见玄德车马不远，瑜令并力追袭。正赶之间，一声鼓响，山崦内一彪刀手拥出，为首一员大将，乃关云长也。周瑜举止失措，急拨马便走；云长赶来，周瑜纵马逃命。正奔走间，左边黄忠，右边魏延，两军杀出。吴兵大败。周瑜急急下得船时，岸上军士齐声大叫曰：“周郎妙计安天下，陪了夫人又折兵！”瑜怒曰：“可再登岸决一死战！”黄盖、韩当力阻。瑜自思曰：“吾计不成，有何面目去见吴侯！”大叫一声，金疮迸裂，倒于船上。众将急救，却早不省人事。正是：两番弄巧翻成拙，此日含嗔却带羞。

The boats were sailing, but suddenly they’ve heard a big noise behind the - it was a huge fillet of warship under Zhou Yu’s flag, who was supported by Huang Gai and Han Dang. Zhuge Liang ordered to leave boats on the north bank. Before Zhou Yu arrived, they already were away from the shore. Zhou Yu led his army, followed by Huang Gai, Han Dang, Xu Sheng and Ding Fen. When his [Zhou Yu] forces reached Huangzhou Liu Bei wasn’t far away so Zhou Yu wanted to attack. But suddenly army led by Guan Yu attacked them, so they had to run away. Gun Yu followed them, but Zhou Yu escaped. However, he suddenly met Liu Bei’s soldiers. He was restrained and admittted that his plan was a failure, started crying and lost his consciousness .