A Compact Classic Written by Luo Guanzhong Adapted by Asiapac Editorial Illustrated by Huang Qingrong Translated by Wong Huey Khey

Transcription

1 A Compact Classic Written by Luo Guanzhong Adapted by Asiapac Editorial Illustrated by Huang Qingrong Translated by Wong Huey Khey

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4 Contents Introduction Main Characters Prologue Chapter One Sworn Brotherhood at the Peach Garden 1 Chapter Two Brilliant Chain Stratagem 17 Chapter Three Liu Bei Pays Three Visits to the Cottage of Zhuge Liang 33 Chapter Four Zhuge Liang Provokes Zhou Yu 49 Chapter Five The Battle of Red Cliff 65

5 Chapter Six Zhou Yu Angered to Death 81 Chapter Seven Guan Yu and Zhang Fei Meet With Mishap 97 Chapter Eight Liu Bei Entrusts His Son to Zhuge Liang at Baidicheng 113 Chapter Nine Zhuge Liang s Sixth Expedition to Qishan 129 Chapter Ten The Three Kingdoms Become One Empire Under the Rule of the Jin Dynasty 145 Epilogue 160 Map of the Three Kingdoms 163

6 Prologue It is said that the momentum of history was ever thus: the empire, long divided must unite; long united, must divide. The history of China has continually evolved through the cycle of division and unification. From the division of the five dukes of the Spring and Autumn period of the Eastern Zhou dynasty, and the seven overlords of the Warring States, to the unification during the Qin dynasty; from the power struggles between the Chu and Han states during the late Qin dynasty to the reunification of the Han dynasty in the late Eastern Han dynasty following the decline of the Han royal family, the land entered into a situation of division where the feudal lords vied for supremacy. The most powerful among them were Cao Cao, Liu Bei and Sun Quan. They respectively established the kingdoms of Wei ( ), Shu Han ( ) and Wu ( ). Thus a tripartite confrontation came into being. The Three Kingdoms period ( ) witnessed the appearance of many outstanding and historical giants such as Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Zhou Yu, Sima Yan, Liu Bei, Sun Quan and Cao Cao. The heroes of the Three Kingdoms pitted their wit and strength, unveiling a rich display of wisdom and astuteness. Hence, despite the short history of the Three Kingdoms period, it was a momentous time in Chinese history. The kingdom of Wei was the largest among the Three Kingdoms. The kingdom of Shu submitted to Wei in 263. Wei was established by Cao Pi, son of Cao Cao. Two years later, Sima Yan usurped the power of Wei and established his reign of Jin, himself as Emperor Wu. In 180, Sima Yan vanquished Wu and ended the tripartite confrontation of the Three Kingdoms, once again reunifying China.

7 Main Characters Liu Bei ( ), courtesy name Xuande, descendant of Liu Sheng, King Jing of Zhongshan and son of Eastern Han Emperor Jingdi. He ascended the throne in 221 and named his kingdom Shu Han. Zhuge Liang ( ), courtesy name Kong Ming. He was Liu Bei s commanding advisor, a wise and resourceful person; an epitome of wisdom. Guan Yu (around ), courtesy name Yunchang, alternative name Duke Lush Beard. He swore brotherhood with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei in the Peach Garden. He was an epitome of loyalty and justice. Zhang Fei (? 221), courtesy name Yide, swore brotherhood with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei in the Peach Garden. A forthright and courageous man. Zhao Yun (? 229), courtesy name Zilong. Courageous and skilled in battle, he was extremely loyal to Liu Bei. Pang Tong ( ), courtesy name Shiyuan, Taoist name Young Phoenix. He later became the directing instructor to Liu Bei s troops.

8 Cao Cao (155 22). Someone called him a capable minister in peaceful times and an unscrupulous hero in chaotic ones. Sun Quan ( ), courtesy name Zhongmou, nickname Blue-eyed. His troops occupied six prefectures in Jiangdong area. In 229, he proclaimed himself first emperor of the new kingdom of Wu. Zhou Yu ( ), courtesy name Gongjin. He was Sun Quan s Commander-in-Chief, and crushed Cao Cao s army at the Battle of Red Cliff. Sima Yi ( ), courtesy name Zhongda. He was an outstanding general of the Wei kingdom and had engaged in battles with Zhuge Liang on many occasions. Diao Chan. One of the four ancient Chinese beauties. She was a singer in the household of Wang Yun, and assisted in Wang Yun s plan to sow discord between Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu. Lu Bu. Dong Zhuo s foster son. He fell into the trap of Wang Yun and killed Dong Zhou. Dong Zhuo. He captured Emperor Xian of the Han dynasty and acted arbitrarily in court affairs. He made himself the Prime Minister and acted in cruel and tyrannical ways.

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10 Chapter One Sworn Brotherhood in the Peach Garden 1

11 Sworn Brotherhood in the Peach Garden It was the late Han dynasty. Corruption caused suffering to the people. The Yellow Turban Rebellion led by Zhang Jiao erupted. Troops were enlisted to fight the rebels. The county of Zhuo in Yuzhou. Straw sandals for sale! Straw sandals for sale! Sigh! No business at all Who would have the mood to buy new shoes in such chaotic times? I, Liu Bei, am a descendant of the imperial family. I am reluctant to sell sandals all my life! Fashionable and lasting straw sandals! 2

12 It s a notice calling for volunteer soldiers. Sigh! A man should help the country in need. Why do you sigh? I too wish to achieve great deeds, but I am poor and can t afford to raise troops Sigh! Hey! I am looking for partners too! I, Zhang Fei, slaughter pigs and sell wine. I have some money. Shall we be partners? Good idea! I love a drink! That s great! My name s Liu Bei. Let s talk over a drink! 3

13 Waiter, quick get me some wine. I am in a hurry to join the army! That s a man! A ruddy face. He must be a man of justice who loves a drink! The man was Guan Yu. He had slain a ruffian in his hometown and became a fugitive. He came to join the army. Liu Bei, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu felt like old friends at this first meeting. Good idea! Why don t we swear brotherhood and embark on our great undertaking together! 4

14 The trio swore brotherhood at the peach garden in Zhang Fei s farm. We ask not the same day of birth. But we seek to die together. Liu Bei was the eldest brother, Guan Yu the second, while Zhang Fei became the youngest of the trio.they then mustered their weapons. Liu Bei used a pair of ancient swords, Guan Yu used a Green Dragon Sabre while Zhang Fei used a Serpent Spear. They gathered a troop of 500 soldiers and joined the imperial army. 5

15 Thrashing the Inspecting Official The three brothers won a number of battles. Kill! Charge! Liu Bei became magistrate of Anxi county in Dingzhou. The inspecting official arrived one day. My sincere respect and welcome to the Inspecting Official! Doesn t this fellow know that he should present some gifts as a form of respect? In order to extort a bribe from Liu Bei, the inspecting official made a minor officer accuse Liu Bei of taking bribes and perverting the law. Someone has accused you of taking bribes and perverting the law. What do you think I should do? Hee! Hee! I didn t! 6