««« Chapter 25 »»» Besieged In Tushan, Guan Yu Makes Three Conditions; Relieved At Baima, Cao Cao Beholds A Marvel.

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1 The plan to seduce Guan Yu from allegiance to his brothers was now announced by Cheng Yu, "Since Guan Yu is far braver than ordinary warriors, he can only be overreached by superior cunning. Now send some of the captured soldiers who have lately been of Liu Bei's army into Xiapi, where they shall say they have come back. They shall thus be our allies on the inside. Then an attack and a feigned defeat will entice Guan Yu to a distance from the city. And his return road shall be cut."
2 Cao Cao accepted the scheme, and a few score of the troops who had lately been in Xuzhou were sent to the city. Guan Yu believed the story they told and trusted them. So they were suffered to remain.
3 After this part of the game had been played, Xiahou Dun led forward five thousand troops against the city. At first, Guan Yu would not accept the challenge. But provoked by men sent to hurl insults at him from the foot of the wall, his wrath got the better of him, and he moved out with three thousand troops. After the leaders had exchanged some ten bouts, Xiahou Dun made to run away. Guan Yu pursued. Xiahou Dun stopped and made a stand, then he fled again. Thus alternately fighting and retiring, he enticed Guan Yu seven miles from Xiapi. Then Guan Yu suddenly remembering the risk to the city drew off his army to return homeward.	» RoboSSS -- Gee, only took him 7 miles? Yeesh... -- Seems funny that lots of times armies will camp farther than this before the inital battle even takes place. Not really useful for attacking quickly...
4 Soon, at the sound of a signal bomb, from the left and right out moved two bodies of troops led by Xu Huang and Xu Chu who barred his way. Guan Yu hastened along a road that seemed to offer retreat, but from both sides his ambushing enemies shot their crossbows, and the arrows flew like locusts on the wing. No way past was found, and he turned back. Then both bodies joined in attacking him. He drove them off and got into the road to his own city, but soon Xiahou Dun came up again and attacked fiercely as before. Evening came and still Guan Yu was hemmed in, so he went up on a low hill of Tushan Mountains upon which he encamped for a rest.	» XHDun -- Landmark -- this proves two of my theories #1 Guan Yu beat both Xu Chu and Xu Huang. Xu Huang = Chu = Ma Chao= Zhang fei therefore Guan Yu theoritically, could beat 2 Zhang Fei's. #2 he could beat both Xu Huang and Chu but not Xiahou Dun... mmmmmm what does this have to say about something? » iluvNDfootball -- Experience -- Xiahou is much more experienced, and he just fought Xu Chu and Xu Huang. He must be tired. This is how I see that fight. Guan Yu and Xiahou Dun duel. Guan Yu makes no progress, and so returns to camp. » Melchiot -- Reply -- The paragraph states that 'both bodies joined in attacking him', not the warriors themselves. And Zhang Fei is better than Xu Huang, who couldn't beat Yan Liang (as we'll see later). Also, Xu Chu/Xu Huang didn't personally attack Guan Yu, but Xiahou Dun did. It never said Guan Yu beat Xiahou Dun (or vice versa) but Guan Yu was a bit knackered by then, like iluvNDfootball said. If Xu Chu/Xu Huang dueled with Guan Yu like you seem to think, Guan Yu might have ended up dead. » RoboSSS -- Yu was giving his all -- Even if he had been fighting all day, Yu's style doesn't mean that he's gonna be dropping from exhaustion, which is NOT how they want to try to capture him. Seems obvious that from what Dun has been doing that they're simply wearing him down right now, mentally & physically. They ARE after all trying to hire him, not simply capture him...
5 Guan Yu was surrounded on all sides by enemies. By and by, looking toward his city, he saw the glow of fire. It meant that the traitors, who had come in to surrender, had opened the gate, and the enemy had gone in force. They had made the fires in order to perplex and distress Guan Yu, and indeed the sight saddened him.
6 In the night he made efforts to escape from the hill, but every attempt was checked by flights of arrows. At daybreak he prepared for one more effort, but before moving he saw a horseman riding up at full speed and presently discerned Zhang Liao.
7 When within speaking distance, Guan Yu said, "Are you come to fight me, Zhang Liao?"
8 "No," replied Zhang Liao. "I am come to see you because of our old friendship."	» Shokyo -- Er... Shouldn't that be "I have come to"? » Elemental -- Yeah... it's a typo. » Yorak -- no, it's not -- That's actually correct. The verb "be" can be interchanged with the verb "have" when "have" is used like that. Examples: "I am become death, destroyer of worlds"; "out of the Great Sea to Middle-Earth I am come." » Shokyo -- Damn our Latin based language. » toocold -- actually -- i think thats why it sounds wrong to us, because english isn't latin based (its like a super hybrid of germanic and all kinds of other things) of course neither is chinese so that shouldnt be the cause of translation or semantics error. » Shokyo -- I swear it IS Latin based... -- But I'm probably wrong. It's just a lot of Latin words are used (this is only what I think but I don't know any Latin myself) say the word "tele" which is to move or something. So thus from that we have telephone, television, telepathy, telegram, ect. » toocold -- yeah..your right there -- but it's not what the language is based off of. I got into with my english teacher once. I thought the same as you and finally he went on and on so much that i was too confused to argue. He's a PhD though so i assume he knew what he was talking about. » WUuuu -- Isn't Latin based -- English has a Germanic base. » RauUsu -- ... -- Blah blah blah! Just keep reading! Dohnt wury abowt tha tiepohs! » RoboSSS -- "English" -- Is an amalgam of various languages, which I'm sure includes Latin, as England has had many occupiers from different countries and it's silly to think that some of the language wouldn't passover. And "western" european languages are based on Latin... Unless Rome didn't really occupy their lands *cough* » WUuuu -- Every language is an amalgam of other languages -- But English is still Germanic in base, just as Spanish and French have Latin as a base. » Yunsung -- Think of it this way... -- We took the structure for English from the Gemanic languages. However, as the Germanic languages included Latin words from the Roman conquests and occupations, they took on Latin words in the beginnings of English. Most languages take other languages' words for concepts that are alien to them. It is why there is no literal English translation for seppuku, the Samurai ritual suicide. » RoboSSS -- Eh, no... -- WUuuu, "English" is just an evolution of that earlier amalgam of various german languages & latin, just as modern German is. Same thing as how modern Spanish & French are evolved from the native language & latin. It's no more "based" in a lone language than German itself... » WUuuu -- English was formed when Germanic tribes took over England -- thus it is based in German. Please, argue with someone else about this, I've taken classes on this. » RoboSSS -- Pah -- You're not telling me anything new here and I don't know why you feel the need to be stubborn and condescending about this. I ain't gonna bother "discussing" anymore if you wanna go down that road. » JiaXuAdvocate -- Three things -- 1) This started with a question about a possible type-o. I've never heard "I am come to <action>" used before in a "non-fictional, modern contexed, work of prose" sense...So It would please me for someone to show me another MODERN (wholly 21st century) example of this sentence- It's possible there was a shift in the English language in the last 100 years to support the contention, and causes this "I am come to" phrase to be a bit deprecated. This ROTTK version does represent some kinds of antiquated English structures, since the base here is apparently from the Brewitt-Taylor era (c 1920)...Check out Chapter 54, paragraph 68, and tell me this definition of "ejaculated" is used like this anymore... For other examples, I'm not looking for a JRR Tolkien example because the guy uses a totally different language too sometimes, and he harkens back to a non-modern storyline. It also looks like there are many biblical verses where "I am come to" is used, but since the base of the bible is ancient, I don't know if that's proper anymore (King James, et al). I am swayed easily at this point to believe that the current line is correct, but until I see a little more evidence that this is correct, I'll vote that it's a typo and should be "I have come to <action>". Overall, it could obviously be that the line is kept as is because it represents a beautiful and classical (not necessarily modern) style of writing. I'm a science geek so my opinion is not based on any proper grammatical structure, but just what I hope to be as common sense. 2) A spawn of the "type o" question is about the base of the English language. Other than Germanic tribes invading England, and assimilation being a part of this, I don't know how Germanic languages came to be the primary base for the English language. The French & Romans must also have had some influence due to their invasions as well. I will take it that the Germanic primary base position is true, but I would like some examples as to how certain fundamental English words are germanic in base, as opposed to Latin or other languages. Again I'm ignorant because I like math. 3) I think the admins should be the ones to judge whether the current sentence is to stay in or not, and for now they've left it in, so there's part of me that's willing to concede that they believe it's correct, for whatever reason, at this point. But it may be a good idea to hear, directly, what any of the admins have to say about this. Khang, Explainer, GOTTK (Gods of the Three Kingdoms), any thoughts? » Kveltulfr -- German/English -- English is very much a Germanic language in origin. As someone who has studied German, and someone with a very good knowledge of the English language, I can say this confidently. This stems from the invasions of the Germanic tribes (this is where the term Anglo-Saxon came from, the Angles and the Saxons, Germanic tribes. Also, regions such as East Anglia and Wessex (short for West Saxony) show the influence of these invasions). After the Norman conquest, French became the language of the nobility, and French and other Latin-based words began to enter the language. For instance, we now say 'egg' instead of 'ei', the German word used in England before the conquest. Since then, English has integrated words and other aspects from many other languages, making it the ungodly confusing language it is today. » lethalinjection -- Rooooooooaaaaaaaarr -- English is based on the Anglo Saxon language spoken in Britain. Those people came from Germanic tribes, and then William the Conqueror came and brought the Normans who came from Normandy in France. Kveltufr...Angles is not a german tribe it means England. 1.) After the Roman downfall, germanic "barbaric" tribes swooped in and plunged Western Europe into a land of war and feudalism. Where peasants worked under manors for protection from pillaging and raiding invaders. 2.) England was uninhabited/nearly uninhabited until later when William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings and set up a base for England. 3.) The Normans and the Saxons were the two factions/ tribes/ whatever in England. Look it up on google or something. 4.) Anyway England and basically all the U.K. was a wilderness, with snakes and bears, and deer. (Remember Saint Patricks Day is about how Saint Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland) Although the Normans were the most powerful group at the time, the language spoken by the "English" inhabitants took some words from germanic roots. As a result our language has some percantage of words from roots like... 47% Old French (which was Latin based, mixed in with other things) 35% From Germanic or Ancient barbarian (barbarian meaning foreigner) tribes. 15% From Greek roots. (The Byzantine Empire split due to "The Great Schism" in which the religion split, and while a group of people wanted to do prayer service in Greek, and pray to icons as a means to get closer to God, another group said icons were idols, and did their prayer service in Latin. Anyway after the fall of the Byzantine Empire to the Turks, many of the people fled to the fiefdoms of Europe, soonafter Charlemagne came to power. Basically some of the Greek spoken there got transferred which is why Greek is considered a classical root. 3% Other (For one in colonial America, after about a hundred years of colonization, the people lost English accents and picked up new "American accidents" a mix between backwoods country talk, Spanish from Spanish colonists and English) In this process they also picked up some Spanish words. As you can see the Classical roots Greek and Old French (which stemmed from a classical root:Latin) make up the bulk of the English language, but a large part of it is from germanic roots, and still a part of it is from other languages. Arabic for example especially after the Crusades when trade with Arabic traders became a big thing, and other things as well. As for the "typo", the line before that had the same thing using am instead of have. It's not a typo, it is either direct translation or a perfectly correct usage. Glad I could sum it all up.@_@ » IloveNDfootball -- Language -- England was populated quite well, with Germanic tribes and Norsemen warring. A dispute over the will of William the Confessor led to war between William the Conquerer of Normandy, Harold of England, and Tostig of England, who was supported by the Viking Harold Hardraade. In an early battle Tostig was killed, and Harold was killed at Hastings. Furthermore. William did not merely set up a base, he declared himself King of England, and led to the foundation of the English kingdom. Lastly. Greek does not com from Latin. » Kveltulfr -- lethalinjection, you are very, very wrong. -- The Angles WERE a Germanic tribe. They lived in the area that is now Schleswig-Holstein, and they were (along with the Saxons and the Jutes) some of the invaders of what is now England after the fall of the Roman Empire. IloveNDfootball summed up most of what is wrong about your post, but I feel honor-bound to defend myself, as well. The Normans and the Saxons were not two warring tribes or factions or whatever the hell you're trying to make them out to be. The Normans were the people who lived in Normandy (northern France) and invaded England, disputing Harold Godwinson's claim to the throne. He took over England, and French became the language of the nobility. This is how French melded into the language. Also, the Byzantine Empire was still alive and well when Charlemagne was in power. The Turkish invasions happened in the fifteenth century, and Charlemagne reigned in the 8th and 9th. So, you're missing over 600 years in there. English is considered one of the Germanic languages. For the record, the modern languages that are considered to be Latin-based (Romance languages) are: French, Italian, Portugese, Romanian, Romansh and Spanish. And yes, this passage is grammatically correct. » Tiamatty -- 'Am' -- It's simply an archaic phrasing. Grammatically correct, but less common now than before. Just like "agreeance".
9 Wherefore Zhang Liao threw aside his sword, dismounted, and came forward saluting. And the two sat down.
10 "Then naturally you have come to talk me over," said Guan Yu.
11 "Not so!" said Zhang Liao. "Sometime ago you saved me. Can I help saving you?"	» watermelon -- post -- Guan Yu knelt in front of Cao Cao and begged to spare Zhang Liao's life when Zhang Liao was captured. (Chapter 20, Paragraph 1)
12 "Then you desire to help me."
13 "Not exactly that," replied Zhang Liao.
14 "Then what are you doing here if you have not come to help me?"
15 "Nothing is known of the fate of your elder brother, nor whether your younger brother is alive or dead. Last night your city fell into the hands of Cao Cao, but neither soldiers nor people were harmed, and a special guard was set over the family of Liu Bei lest they should be alarmed. I came to tell you how well they had been treated."	» RoboSSS -- Bei's family has such a lucky streak.
16 "This is certainly talking me over," said Guan Yu. "Though escape is impossible, yet I am not perturbed. I look upon death as going home. You had better depart quickly and let me go down and begin the struggle again."
17 "Surely you must know everybody will ridicule you when they hear of this," said Zhang Liao.
18 "I shall die for loyalty and righteousness. Who will laugh?" said Guan Yu.	» Flying Flash Swallow -- Loyalty -- If you really think about it, the only people in the entire novel (feel free to give exceptions) to never switch loyalties are Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Also, other family memebers, particularly those of Cao Cao. I guess blood relation brings the strongest loyalty. » _Morter -- In response to Flying Flash Swallow... -- Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, nor Liu Bei are Blood Brothers. They're SWORN brothers. » Yorak -- too many to list -- There's plenty of people who never switched sides, even when given a chance. Thing is, most of them lived for only a few chapters (if that) before being executed or killing themselves. » Melchiot -- Only a handful of generals switched loyalties. -- Xu Chu, Dian Wei, Xiahou Dun/Yuan, Cao Ren/Hong, the vast majority of Cao Cao's officers, almost all of Wu's officers, almost all of Shu's officers, etc... Can you see where I'm getting at here? » RoboSSS -- Not to give too much away... =x -- But a Xiahou defects to Shu. It seems though that most officers defect because they're being mistreated, can't really blame them for that...
19 "You would be guilty of three faults if you died."
20 "Tell me them," said Guan Yu.
21 "First of all, you and your elder brother pledged yourselves in the Peach Garden to die or to live together. Now your brother has been defeated, and you want to fight to the death. Therefore, if your brother appears again by and by and wants your help, he will seek it in vain. Is this anything else than betraying the Peach Garden Oath? Secondly, you are in charge of your brother's family and, if you fought and died, the two women would be left forlorn and without a protector. That would be a betrayal of trust. Thirdly, your military skill stands out conspicuous and will go down in history. If you do not aid your brother in his noble attempt to maintain the dynasty, then all your labors and sufferings will have been spent to win a worthless reputation as a valiant fool. Where is the sense in that? I feel it my duty to point out these three faults to you."	» WUuuu -- GO ZHANG! -- Damn, that was good. I wonder if he had that speech prepared for him or not. » LordSunQuan -- i would imagine so -- Zhang is good at speeches, as i've read. but is he that good on the fields? » Yorak -- Just wait until he goes up against Wu. He'll show his skill in the field. » SDragon -- Please. If Zhang Liao was so concerned with maintaining the dynasty, he should quit serving Cao Cao. » WuTugu -- why say that -- of course he is concerned. he does whats best and he may think cao Cao is whats best. And dont get me wrong, he is a fine warrior on the fields. » darkknight -- in response to sdragon -- who is to say cao cao isn't trying to save the dynasty? the emperor would be dead without him. » SirSuo -- carry on from Dark knight -- and he proberly be in the hands of traitors such as Yuan Shao, Liu Bei, Dong Zhuo without him. Cao Cao is a fine man, you are just listerning to too much Shu bias. » roflcopter -- yes, cao cao is a fine man -- but you're also listening to too much wei bias. yes, he does want to save the dynasty, but he also wants to be powerful. this comes with his ambition. he gains power through force. it seems that liu bei is about as fine a man as cao cao, if not better.
22 Guan Yu remained silent and thought for some time.
23 Then he said, "You have spoken of my three faults. What do you desire?"
24 "You are surrounded with the certainty of death if you do not yield. There is no advantage in a useless death. Wherefore your best course is to yield to Cao Cao till you hear news of Liu Bei and can rejoin him. Thus you will ensure the safety of the two ladies and also keep inviolate the Peach Garden compact. You will preserve a useful life. Brother, you must reflect on these things."
25 "Brother, you have spoken of three advantages; now I have three conditions. If the Prime Minister concede these, then will I doff my armor. If he refuses, then I prefer to be guilty of the three faults and die."
26 "Why should the Prime Minister not concede them? He is most liberal and large minded. I pray you let me hear your conditions."
27 "The first is that as I and the Imperial Uncle have sworn to support the Hans, I now submit to the Emperor and not to His Prime Minister Cao Cao. The second condition is that suitable provision be made for the two ladies under my care and that no one shall be allowed to approach them. The third is that I shall be allowed to set off to rejoin Uncle Liu Bei so soon as I shall hear where he is, whether it be far or near. I require all these to be satisfied. Failing a single one, I will not submit. Wherefore, Zhang Liao, I pray you hasten back and announce them."
28 Zhang Liao lost no time but rode back to Cao Cao. When he spoke of Guan Yu's intention to submit to the Hans but not to Cao Cao, the latter laughed, saying, "As I am a minister of Han, so am I Han. I grant that."
29 Zhang Liao then spoke of provision due to their rank and security from molestation for the ladies, to which Cao Cao replied, "I will give them twice the regular amount for an Uncle of the Emperor. As for securing them from molestation, that is simple. The ordinary domestic law is enough. Why should there be any doubt?"
30 Then said Zhang Liao, "Whenever he shall get news of the whereabouts of Liu Bei, he must go to him."
31 At this Cao Cao shook his head, saying, "Then I am merely to feed Guan Yu. What is the use of this? I cannot consent."
32 Zhang Liao replied, "You must know of Yu Rang's saying: The difference in behavior brought about by difference of treatment? Liu Bei treats Guan Yu just kindly and liberally. You can surely engage Guan Yu's heart and support by being kinder and more liberal."	» Flying Flash Swallow -- Guan Yu's loyalty is as strong as it was right after the Peach Blossom Oath. -- I'm not seeing it weaken. » Rahonavis -- Guan Yu cannot be moved as his resolve is strong, his belief is unwavering, and his heart is stout. -- He'll repay kindness with kindness, but for Guan Yu to completely switch sides, one is asking for the impossible. His vow in the Peach Blossom Garden means more to him than life. That's why he so revered in Asian countries. » NYGiantFan -- What Cao Cao should have told Guan Yu was... -- "I will grant the three conditions, if you grant me one in return: You and your brothers must never raise arms against me again."
33 "What you say is much to the point. I will grant the three conditions," said Cao Cao.
34 Whereupon Zhang Liao left to carry the news to Guan Yu, still on the summit of the Tushan Mountains.
35 Said Guan Yu, "Now I expect the army to withdraw so that I may enter the city to tell the two ladies what has been arranged. After that I submit at once."
36 Zhang Liao rode back once more with this request, and the order was given for the army to retire three miles.
37 "Do not do this," said Xun Yu. "I fear treachery."
38 "He will certainly not break faith," said Cao Cao. "He is too high principled."
39 The army retired, and Guan Yu with his force reentered the city of Xiapi, where he saw that the people were following their ordinary avocations in tranquillity. He came to the palace and went in to see the two ladies, who hastened to meet him.
40 He bowed to them below the steps and said, "I apologize for having caused you to feel alarmed."
41 "Where is the Uncle?" asked they.
42 "I know not whither he has gone."
43 "What do you intend to do, brother-in-law?"
44 "I went out of the city to try a last battle. I was surrounded on a hill top, and Zhang Liao has urged me to yield. I proposed three conditions, all of which were conceded, and the enemy drew off to allow me to return to the city. Unless I have your decision, sisters-in-law, I scarcely dare to take any final step."
45 They asked what were the conditions and were told.
46 Lady Gan said, "When Cao Cao's army came in, we took it to mean certain death. But it is scarcely credible that not a hair of our heads has been disturbed. Not a soldier has dared enter our doors. You have accepted the conditions, brother-in-law, and there is no need to ask our consent. Our only fear is that he will not let you go by and by to search for the Uncle."
47 "Sisters-in-law, you need not be anxious. I will see to that."
48 "You must decide everything and need not ask us."
49 Guan Yu withdrew and then, with a small escort, went to his interview with Cao Cao. Cao Cao came to the outermost gate to welcome him, and Guan Yu dismounted and made obeisance. Cao Cao returned his salute with the greatest cordiality.
50 "The leader of a defeated army is grateful for the graciousness that has preserved his life," said Guan Yu.
51 "I have so long admired your loyalty and high principles that this happy meeting gratifies the desire of my whole life," replied Cao Cao.	» Rahonavis -- Cao Cao and Guan Yu -- If there was any general or warrior Cao Cao wanted, it was Guan Yu. Now he actually has Guan Yu, he'll do anything to try to get him.
52 "As the Prime Minister has granted the three requests which my friend petitioned for on my behalf, there is now but little to discuss," said Guan Yu.
53 "As I have spoken, so be it. I could not break faith," replied Cao Cao.
54 "Whenever I hear where Uncle Liu Bei is, I must certainly go to him, even if through fire and water. It may be that there will be no time nor opportunity of saying farewell. I trust you will understand the reason."
55 "If Liu Bei should prove to be alive, you must certainly be allowed to go to him. But I fear that in the confusion he may have lost his life. You may set your mind at rest and let me make inquiries."
56 Guan Yu thanked him. Then a banquet was prepared in Guan Yu's honor. Next day the army started on its homeward march.
57 For the journey to the capital, a carriage was prepared for the two ladies, and Guan Yu was its guard. On the road they rested at a certain post station, and Cao Cao, anxious to compromise Guan Yu by beguiling him into forgetfulness of his duty, assigned Guan Yu to the same apartment as his sisters-in-law. Guan Yu stood the whole night before the door with a lighted candle in his hand. Not once did he yield to fatigue. Cao Cao's respect for him could not but increase.
58 At the capital the Prime Minister assigned a dignified residence to Guan Yu, which he immediately divided into two enclosures, the inner one for the two ladies and the other for himself. He placed a guard of eighteen of his veterans over the women's quarters.
59 Guan Yu was presented to Emperor Xian who conferred upon him the rank of General Who Serves the Hans. Guan Yu expressed his thanks to the Emperor. Next day Cao Cao made a great banquet, inviting all his advisers and officers, solely in honor of Guan Yu, who sat in the seat of honor. Beside this Guan Yu received presents of silks and gold and silver vessels, all of which Guan Yu sent into the ladies' quarters for their use and keeping. In fact from the day of arrival in the capital, Guan Yu was treated with marked respect and distinction, small banquets following each other in each three days, and large banquets held in each five days.	» _TheNovak -- post -- "General Who Serves the Hans?" What kind of crappy title is that? How come everyone else gets imaginative names, and poor Guan Yu gets stuck with this? » JiaGai -- General Who Serves the Hans -- Seeing how Guan Yu was a Han loyalist, I'd think he'd be honored with that title. I mean, the brothers spent their whole lives trying to restore honor to the Later Han Dynasty. » Elemental -- These titles are translated from Chinese, so they may not seem "creative".
60 Cao Cao also presented him with ten most lovely serving girls. Guan Yu sent these also within to wait upon his two sisters-in-law.	» darkknight -- i woulda kept those serving girls » caoxer -- Rumor/legend/myth/whatever -- I heard that cao cao sent diao chan to guan yu to seduce him into joining his army. But guan yu suspected a ruse (because of chan's history with lying to dead ugly disgusting betrayed tyranical and all-around ****er DONG ZHUO and LU BU) and rejected her.
61 Every third day Guan Yu went to the door of the women's quarters to inquire after their welfare, and then they asked if any news of the wanderer had come. This ceremony closed with the words: "Brother-in-law, you may retire when you wish."
62 Cao Cao heard of this extremely correct behavior and thought all the more of the man for it.
63 One day Cao Cao noticed that the robe Guan Yu was wearing was old and frayed. Taking his measurements, Cao Cao had a new one made of fine brocade and presented it to him. Guan Yu took it and put it on under the old robe, so that the latter covered it.	» Elemental -- LOL -- Cao Cao just presented him a new robe, and Guan Yu put it underneath his old one. I find that funny. It shows that Yunchang really cares about his brother.
64 "Why so very thrifty?" laughed Cao Cao.
65 "It is not thrift," was his reply. "The old robe was a gift from my brother, and I wear it because it reminds me of him. I could not allow the new gift to eclipse his old one."	» Flying Flash Swallow -- post -- Ha Cao Cao! The very loyalty that you admire keeps Guan Yu truly out of your service.
66 "How very high principled!" said Cao Cao, sighing.	» thegreatMaChao -- Suprised he didn't weep..... » Titaniumfire -- And i am surpised he didn't get angry. » ladyphoenix -- He didn't know which way to feel....
67 One day when Guan Yu was at home, there came a messenger to say that the two women had thrown themselves on the ground and were weeping. They would not say why.
68 Guan Yu set his dress in order, went over, and knelt by the door, saying, "Why this grief, sisters-in-law?"
69 Lady Gan replied, "In the night I dreamed that the Uncle had fallen into a pit. I woke up and told Lady Mi, and we think he must be dead. So we weep."
70 "Dreams are not to be credited," he replied. "You dreamed of him because you were thinking of him. Pray do not grieve."
71 Just then Guan Yu was invited to another banquet, so he took leave of the ladies and went. Seeing Guan Yu looked sad and tearful, his host asked the reason.
72 "My sisters-in-law have been weeping for my brother, and I cannot help being sad in sympathy."
73 Cao Cao smiled and tried to cheer up his guest. Cao Cao plied Guan Yu with wine so that Guan Yu became quite intoxicated and sat stroking his beard and saying, "What a useless thing am I! I could do no service for my country, and I have parted from my elder brother."
74 "How many hairs in your beard?" suddenly asked his host.	» Yorak -- he would know? -- I can just picture Guan Yu sitting quietly, counting each hair in his beard. "327...328...329..." *crash* "Damn it, Zhang Fei! If you make me lose my count ONE MORE TIME from getting drunk and breaking things, I swear you and I are going to take it outside!" *sigh* "One...two...three..." » Shokyo -- Would split ends count as one or two hairs? :) » JiangWeiWarrior -- Ha » Francis -- Chinese beard -- Generally asiatic people don't have a lot of beard : imagine the old chinese who generally have 10 hair in their beard they raise patiently... The question of Cao Cao may imply that Guan Yu's origins aren't purely chinese.
75 "Some hundreds, perhaps. In the autumn a few fall out, but in the winter it is fullest. Then I use a black silk bag to keep the hairs from being broken," replied Guan Yu.
76 Cao Cao had a bag made for him to protect his beard. Soon after when they were at court, the Emperor asked what was the bag he saw on Guan Yu's breast.	» HuaXiong -- a beard bag... -- imagine seeing a 7 foot tall guy with a hundred pound spear walking around with a beard in a giant bag... quite ludicrous i'd imagine » darkknight -- sounds like angry santa claus on prozac
77 "My beard is rather long, Your Majesty," said Guan Yu. "So the Prime Minister gave me a bag to protect it."
78 The Emperor bade him take off the bag and show his beard in all its fullness and it fell in rippling waves below his breast.
79 "Really a most beautiful beard!" said the Emperor.
80 This is why people call him: "The Man with the Beautiful Beard."	» _Morter -- BOOYEH! -- Eat that, imaginative titles! » Titaniumfire -- man... i have never heard of a person comment on another person's beard... -- and the bag FOR A beard? man... weird ... LOL » Shokyo -- Hair that long, and you're bound to get split ends. » WUuuu -- yeah -- and the hair in a beard that long would be sure to break constantly! » ladyphoenix -- Pantene -- Fit for a Pantene commercial, no? » darkknight -- lol -- i can imagine Guan yu... "because i'm worth it" (kind of ironic for someone with such an ego) » Francis -- Nickname -- In the Legend of the Water Spring "Shui hu zhuan" (I think the title in English is something like "Outlaws of the Marsh" or "All men are brothers"... I've also seen it called "The Water Margin"), one of the 108 heroes, Zhu Tong, has the same nickname : "The most beautiful beard". All the heroes in this book have a nickname and some are purely hilarious (such as "the two headed snake" or "the two-tailed scorpion") yet they seem to be natural in chinese
81 Another time, after a banquet, Cao Cao was seeing his guest start from the gate of his palace when he noticed that his charger was very thin.
82 "Why is it so thin?" said Cao Cao.
83 "My worthless body is rather heavy and really too much for it. It is always out of condition."
84 Cao Cao at once told his attendants to bring out a certain steed, and before long it appeared. It was red, like glowing charcoal, and a handsome creature in every way.	» RauUsu -- And so... -- The man with the beautiful beard is now the man with the beautiful hare!
85 "Do you recognize it?" asked Cao Cao.
86 "Why, it is no other than Red Hare!" cried Guan Yu.
87 "Yes, it is Red Hare," said Cao Cao.
88 And he presented the horse, all fully caparisoned, to his guest.
89 Guan Yu bowed many times and thanked him again and again, till Cao Cao began to feel displeased and said, "I have given you many things, lovely handmaids and gold and silks and never won a bow of gratitude from you before. This horse seems to please you better than all the rest. Why do you think so poorly of the damsels and so much of the steed?"
90 "I know the horse: It can travel three hundred miles a day, and I am very lucky to get him. Now as soon as I find out where my brother is, I can get to him in a single day," said Guan Yu.	» Zhou Sun -- Don't understand... -- why cao cao is putting up with Guan's trash. he has one of the finest generals in his hands, and he knows that Guan will eventually go back to Bei. knowing that, he's going to be a formidable opponent, so why not just put him in jail or do something else. if you ask me, cao gave up a great gift in the Red Hare for pretty much nothing... the fool... always a fool » DeadEyedOne -- Read back what you just posted - the answer's in the question ;O) -- "he has one of the finest generals in his hands" He is trying to sway Yu to his service. Guan Yu is the kind of man that can turn battles, and Cao knows it. Having that kind of force under his control would be a great boon to him. Thought that was quite obvious... » Rahonavis -- Sway Guan Yu -- Guan Yu is almost impossible to sway. His loyalty means too much, and he'll never forsaken Liu Bei. Cao Cao will try everything in his arsenal to sway Guan Yu. What else can Cao Cao do other than hope Guan Yu will deflect even when he knows deep down Guan Yu would rather die than betray Liu Bei. » HuaXiong -- heh -- i find it pretty funny that with Guan Yu's great loyalty towards Liu Bei, that after I killed Liu Bei in rotk and recruited Guan Yu, he had 100 loyalty automatically. I'd imagine he'd be rather pissed off » Koren -- hahahahaha -- cao cao is probably hitting himself for this later » HorseSuper -- Cao Cao knows true heroes -- Cao Cao is a keen admirer of true heroes, and Guan Yu is one of them. Look at the amount of generals he have right from the start - Xiahou Dun, Xiaohou Yuan, Xu Huang, Xu Chu, Cao Ren, Zhang Liao and all those advisers and compare them to the miserable pair of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei that Liu Bei has... » Shokyo -- Cao Cao must have been pretty amazing in the eyes of any fighter wishing to offer his services -- He has an eye for men who excel in certain areas of life, and people must have believed that he could bring peace to the land. And as Zhuge Liang said, "The bird chooses the tree." (OK, so I shouldn't put quotations unless it's the exact words, but there could be a translation of the book somewhere that says that :D)
91 Cao Cao grumbled to himself and began to repent of his gift.	» Flying Flash Swallow -- Ahhh...cruel irony. » Elemental -- Hah... Too bad for Cao Cao. -- Red Hare was a really good horse. And the reason Guan Yu wanted the horse - to get away from Cao Cao as fast as possible. » ladyphoenix -- Oh, Cao Cao! Don't you know that Guan Yu can't be bought? » SirSuo -- thats what we call "reto-rospect." -- We can see it now, but if we were there back then, we would try it. » Alagithil -- Xiahou Yuan on Red Hare woulda been awesome. » Tiamatty -- Grumble grumble . . . stupid Guan Yu . . . I'll beard him . . . grumble grumble. . . .
92 Fortune dealt a stunning blow, still he played his part; Partitioning his dwelling proved his purity of heart. The crafty minister desired to win him to his side, But felt that failure was foredoomed however much he tried.
93 Said Cao Cao to Zhang Liao, "I have treated Guan Yu pretty liberally, but he still cherishes the desire to leave me. Do you know if it is really so?"
94 "I will try to find out," was the reply.	» ladyphoenix -- Zhang Liao -- I believe he truly knows the answer to the question. All the persuasion is just no good.
95 So Zhang Liao took an early opportunity of seeing Guan Yu, and when the politeness of the visit were over, Zhang Liao said, "I recommended you to the Prime Minister, and you have not lost much by that."
96 "I am deeply affected by his kindness and bounty," said Guan Yu, "but, though my body is here, yet I am always thinking of my brother."
97 "Your words do not express present conditions quite correctly. One who lives in the world without discrimination and consideration of his relations with others is not the most admirable type of person. Even Liu Bei never treated you better than does the Prime Minister. Why then do you maintain this desire to get away?"
98 "I know only too well that he has been most kind, but I have also received great kindness from Uncle Liu Bei. Beside we have sworn to die together, and I cannot remain here. But before I go, I must try to render the Prime Minister some signal service to prove my gratitude."
99 "Supposing Liu Bei should have left the world, whither will you go?" said Zhang Liao.
100 "I will follow him to the below realms of Nine Golden Springs."	» Elemental -- Nine Golden Springs? -- I would suppose that Guan Yu is talking about going to the underworld with Liu Bei. » Rahonavis -- Exactly! The literal translation is Nine Golden Springs... -- The Taoist theory and explanation is the nine levels of Hades. » Seraph -- I don't think it's exactly Hades -- my understanding of it is that it is kind of a kharmic retribution, where how you lived your life determines how you live in the afterlife. It could be hell or heaven, depending on how you live. Anyway, that's just my understanding of it, but I haven't read any literary works on the matter, so I'm probably wrong. » roflcopter -- don't they believe in reincarnation? » Seraph -- Not that I'm aware of, no.
101 There could no longer be the least doubt as to Guan Yu's intentions, and Zhang Liao told Cao Cao just how matters stood. Cao Cao sighed.
102 "To serve one's chief with unswerving fidelity is a proof of the highest principle of all," said he.
103 Said Xun Yu, "He spoke of performing some act of service before leaving. If he gets no chance of such a thing, he will not be able to go."	» Flying Flash Swallow -- If you do that, he'll be useless. -- Naturally, Cao Cao will agree. I'm not sure if Cao Cao wants Guan Yu as a general or if he wants to win him over as a matter of pride. » Zhou Sun -- Execute him. i don't care if he's one of the best... -- cao is his leader now and if he doesn't treat him like a leader, let him be done with... it will haunt him later on » Speaker -- On the contrary, if he executed him now he could not help later... » Wiseman -- Kill Guan Yu...? -- Who would help Cao Cao later? Don't forget not everybody can do what Guan Yu did. » LordSunQuan -- fools -- am sure Guan Yu can be replaced by several generals like, Dian Wei and Xiahou Dun. Even Cao Ren can do what Guan Yu did. » RauUsu -- to LordSunQuan -- Not to sound like an asshole but Dian Wei is unfortunatly, dead. » SirSuo -- also -- Xiahou Dun= terrible commander, was only a good administrator Dian Wei= Just a bodyguard, like Zhao Yun Cao Ren= able general. i think he could pull off what you are asking » darkknight -- to sirsuo -- i disagree with you --> xiahou dun= bad commander but a fearsome general, can't remember him being much of an administrator. --> dian wei= he was just a bodyguard unlike zhao yun who was a great commander and general. --> cao ren= good but no guan yu on the other hand these boys maybe --> zhang liao= good general amazing strategist and commander --> xu huang= not the brightest but amazing general and good commander --> pang de= great general and commander and a decent strategist. --> deng ai= great strategist, commander and general then there are a few others like zhang he, li dian, yue jing, yu jin, zhong hui and cao hong who were not as good but still good sorry to xu chu (bodyguard) and xiahou yuan (same as dun) » JiaGai -- Actually -- Xiahou Dun, historically, spend the later years of his life as an administrator within Cao Cao's domain. The book rarely (if ever) delves into civic matters, which is why we never read about these things. » WuTugu -- sorry to say it but hes true -- i get where you are all cooming from about Xiahou Dun, remember though he was a fine general, i think he achieved what Guan Yu did
104 Cao Cao agreed that this was so.
105 Liu Bei went to Yuan Shao for refuge. Here Liu Bei was always sorrowful and, when asked the reason, said he did not know where his brothers were nor what had happened to his family since they fell into the hands of Cao Cao.	» HorseSuper -- Liu Bei the loser -- Liu Bei may have royal blood, but like many royal blood decendants, he doesn't fit to be a ruler, because he is simply a loser. How can a man of such low self-esteem rule the land? And he's always running to go and depend on some stronger forces, like Gongsun Zan, Lu Bu and Yuan Shao. Stand up and fight on your own man! » JiaGai -- Low self-esteem? -- You mistake humility for lack of confidence. And Liu Bei has no base of power, how can he possibly stand up to anyone else right now? Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Gongsun Zan, everyone you mentioned was either well established or had the fortune of walking into power. Right now, Liu Bei is just trying to survive. And just because someone has power doesn't make them "winners" as this novel shows numerous times. » HorseSuper -- Humility??? -- Earlier, it was mentioned that Liu Bei rejected taking over power a few times. If he didn't do that, he wouldn't have to run around depending on other forces. With Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun, he could've been some force to be reckon with. The only thing was that he was too unsure of himself. He even advised Liu Biao to take over the Capital with Cao Cao off to war with the Yuans, when he could simply do it by himself. With his royal blood, nobody could doubt him. Why? After all, the young Sun Ce too had nothing when his father died and he simply borrowed some army from Yuan Shu, and now the Suns are a major force. » Shokyo -- Sun Ce does not make an effort to be virtuous and all the other things Liu Bei is made out to be. » GeneralZhaoYun -- Indeed -- The only thing Liu Bei had and will never lose was his kind heart. Due to that little fact he was able to surround himself with the most able men like ZhaoYun, KongMing and Huang Zhong. Would you rather have a city like XuZhou or a General like ZhaoYun? » HorseSuper -- Disgrace -- I'm saying Liu Bei is a disgrace. For goodness sake, he's of royal blood! Claiming back the throne is the rightful thing to do. What's the use of having people like Zhuge Liang, Zhao Yun, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei when he refuses to attack or take advantage of a situation when given the chance? In his manner of doing things, he can only save a few people, but if he were to think of the big picture, like Cao Cao, he should first think of means and ways to conquer China and then talk about kindness. Liu Bei would make a great leader in peace time, but he failed miserably in chaos. For he doesn't have the foresight of great leaders. Confining Zhao Yun to guarding small towns is an utter waste of his talent. » WUuuu -- Hmmm, sounds familiar... » MasterLiang -- Ok, so Liu Bei claims the throne. -- Then what the hell does he do? Emperor Xian is still the rightful emperor. Cao Cao is the emperor's prime minister. If Liu Bei stands up and says "I'm the Emperor!" He's dead, because the people will hate him, his virtue will be tarnished, and the loyalty of men like Zhao Zhilong will waver. Beside, what resources does he have? Even if he had accepted a city or two that had been offered to him, he can't fight Cao Cao, or anyone else. Serving with others was his only option until a REAL opportunity came up. » henchman -- horsesuper, what are you talking about? disgrace? -- sickly humble, i would agree with... he's not accepting things because he feel it's not right for him... he runs to someone else because he hasnt taken advantage of these things to allow him to stand by himself... him and his brothers pretty much single handedly crushed the yellow scarves... back to my point, lui bei is sickly humble, a great leader, but he is definately NOT a disgrace
106 "Why should I not be sad when I have failed towards my country and my family?" said he.
107 "I have long wished to attack Xuchang," said Yuan Shao. "Now it is autumn and just the time for an expedition, so let us discuss plans for the destruction of Cao Cao."	» LiaoHua -- Question -- Wouldn't attacking in Autumn be a bad thing since it would be winter soon and the cold would demoralize and kill the troops off? I would think spring to be a better time to attack since the fight may drag on for a while. » guanping -- actually the only good times were spring and autumn -- summer was too hot and winter too cold, so battles weren't fought then if it could be helped
108 Tian Feng at once opposed this.
109 "When Cao Cao attacked Xuzhou and Xuchang was undefended, you let the chance slip by. Now that Xuzhou has been captured, and their soldiers are flushed with victory, it would be madness to attempt it. It is necessary to await another chance."
110 "Let me think about it," said Yuan Shao.
111 He asked advice from Liu Bei whether to attack or to hold on.
112 Liu Bei replied, "Cao Cao is a rebel. I think you are failing in your duty if you do not attack him."	» guanping -- you fail in your duty if you lose -- your duty would be to defeat Cao Cao, so why not take Feng's advice?
113 "Your words are good," said Yuan Shao.	» Drackor -- Good Advisors -- When you think about it, Yuan Shao has some 4 Advisors, who are usually split down the middle as to what to do. So really he only has 2 advisors who are good, because the other two are giving the bad advice. Even here, Liu Bei didn't really give advice so much as state his opinion.
114 He made up his mind to move. But again the adviser Tian Feng intervened.	» Rahonavis -- Tian Feng was right. -- He advised and accessed the situation correctly. Yuan is the idiot here. » ladyphoenix -- I agree. He should just get rid of the so-called advisors & keep Tian Feng. -- And listen, too! » SirSuo -- actully -- Tian Feng should be kept along with Ju Shou. They are all good advisors but some just let their own greed get in their way, which clouds their vision
115 Then Yuan Shao grew angry, saying, "You fellows who cultivate literature and despise war have made me miss a lot!"	» ladyphoenix -- (rolls eyes) -- Don't say he told you so!
116 Tian Feng bowed his head and said, "Neglect your servant's wise words, and you will fail in the field."	» Alagithil -- Look at Lu Bu! » Seraph -- Look at He Jin! » DongDal -- And at Sun Jian!
117 Yuan Shao was so angry that he wanted to put Tian Feng to death. However, Liu Bei begged him off and he was only imprisoned.
118 Seeing the fate of his colleague, another adviser, Ju Shou, assembled his clan and distributed among them all his possessions, saying, "I go with the army. If we succeed, then nothing can exceed our glory; but if we are defeated, the risk I run is great."
119 His friends wept as they said farewell.
120 General Yan Liang was appointed to the command of the advance guard, to go to attack Baima.
121 Then Ju Shou first protested, "His mind is too narrow for such a post. He is brave but unequal to such a trust."
122 "You are not the sort of man to measure my best generals," replied Yuan Shao.	» Fushida -- Rudeness... -- No wonder he hasn't the generals to do anything, look at how he treats them! He puts one of his most loyal advisers in jail for opposing him, and puts down another... » Rahonavis -- Yuan Shao -- You can warn, you can advise, you can plea but you can't stop a man if he wants to be a fool and a looser. » ladyphoenix -- Hear! Hear! -- His generals do what they want instead. Man, Yuan Shao is a real luggahead. » SimaYiZhouYu -- Yuan Shao is a fool. -- He was lax with his attacks on Xuchuang, and lost the opportunity to take it. Now he wants it again, and in autumn, the closest he can get to the worst time for an attack. Tian Feng should have been executed for allowing this to happen. He is Yuan Shao's advisor, he should have come to Shao when Xuchuang was vulnerable. » roflcopter -- uh, he did.
123 The army marched to Liyang, and Governor Liu Yue of Dongjun sent an urgent call to Xuchang for aid. Cao Cao moved his armies hastily.
124 As soon as the news of battle got about, Guan Yu went to see the Prime Minister and said, "Illustrious Sir, the army is mobilized. I volunteer for the van leader."
125 "I scarcely dare put you to such inconvenience, but presently, if need arises, I will call upon you."
126 So Guan Yu retired, and one hundred fifty thousand soldiers marched out in three directions. On the road the letters from Liu Yue arrived praying for help, and Cao Cao marched the first fifty thousand troops to Baima and took up a position supported by the hills. In the wide plains in front of them, Yan Liang was encamped with one hundred thousand veterans.
127 Cao Cao was frightened at the force opposed to him and, returning to camp, spoke to Song Xian, who had once served under Lu Bu, saying, "You are one of Lu Bu's famous veteran generals. Can you give battle to this Yan Liang?"
128 Song Xian agreed to try. He armed himself, mounted, and rode to the front. Yan Liang was there on horseback, his sword lying crossways. Seeing an opponent approaching, he uttered a loud shout and galloped toward Song Xian. The two met, but after only three bouts, Song Xian fell under a mighty slash from Yan Liang's sword.	» _Pizzlet -- Fighting Alone? -- Why wouldn't you send out a couple of generals like when the brothers fought Lu Bu? Or at least send out some troops to try to interfere with the other generals concentration. » Red XIII -- Perhaps it's a matter of pride or arrogance -- or maybe the author didn't want to put too much emphasis on this battle, so it's just written as a quick one-on-one skirmish » watermelon -- Most of the battles started with a duel. » _nicky T -- Back in the day they had a much higher sense of honor than we do now. -- It was considered honorable and noble to fight a duel. » DeadEyedOne -- and... -- Also the point that sending more than one General to defeat just one would be a bit of a double edged sword from a morale point of view - Yeah, you'd defeat the enemy general, woo hoo we're so happy, they're so sad, kill them all, blah blah. BUT! On the other hand there's the enemy saying "Look how much better our generals are! It took TWO of theirs to defeat our one! We are the superior force! Kill them all blah blah" while your army's thinking much the same thing, but vice-versa. » Speaker -- Hardly -- The death of a general, no matter the circumstances, would lower the moral of that army. Even if it took two generals to down one it would be favorable for that army. » DeadEyedOne -- Yeah, of course. I'm just pointing out that a 1-on-1 victory is a much greater boost. Pedant. :Op » LiaoHua -- Usually, if another general rushes in another from the opposing side intervenes to even it out.
129 "What a terrible leader!" said Cao Cao.
130 "He has slain my comrade, I want to go and avenge him," then cried Wei Xu.	» HuaXiong -- pwned... -- i believe its time for another dose of pwnage from my man Yan Liang » lordlijue -- hmmmm... you really like these ten-minutes of fame officers, dont you?
131 Cao Cao bade him go and he rode out, spear set, and in front of the army railed at Yan Liang.
132 Yan Liang replied not a word, but their two steeds came together; and at the first blow from Yan Liang's sword, Wei Xu's forehead was halved.	» shulord -- damn » ZhaoZilongfan -- Yan Liang must have been powerful or the blade very strong -- to cut Wei Xu's forehead in half...or the blade was just dull, and he smashed it. » SimaYiZhouYu -- Well, you have to consider some things first. -- The sharpness of the blade, of course, Yan Liang's strength second, Wei Xu's strength next, then how fast the horses were going when they came together. Even if a blade is dull, it could cleave a forehead if moving fast enough.
133 "Now, who again dares face him?" cried Cao Cao.	» Tiamatty -- "So, who's next? Anyone? Who wants to be Yan Liang's third victim?"
134 Xu Huang took up the challenge and he went out. The combat endured twenty bouts, and then Xu Huang fled back to his own side. The other generals were now greatly depressed at their failure. Cao Cao withdrew his army, feeling very sad at the loss of two generals in quick succession. Yan Liang also marched off his force.	» Zhou Sun -- Good job Yan Liang! -- I'm not a fan of Yuan Shao's 'empire', but this Yan Liang is a good general... even if he isn't very bright » _Morter -- ?! -- Xu Huang! Who bouted to a draw with Xu Chu, who bouted to a draw with Lu Bu, has retreated in a battle against Yan Liang?!?! Nooo~! » HuaXiong -- ha! -- take that Xu Huang! i hope he always remembered he got pwned by Yan Liang and ran away. still, yan liang is in my opinion one of the most underated generals of the period, Wen Chou's up there too, and of course, Hua Xiong » WUuuu -- Whats pwned? » JiaGai -- pwned -- Just another perversion of the English language, a la 13375P33|<. It used to simply be "owned" but someone had the bright idea to change it to "pwned." » WUuuu -- Eh, Shokyo makes up better words than that. » Shokyo -- I am good ^-^ » SirSuo -- jst -- because you lose one duel doesnt mean your crap. also Jia, i think someone just misspelled it and it just caught on.look at your keyboard, P is right next to O. » JiaGai -- I know key placements. -- Intentional typos are the hallmark of the so-called "leetspeak." Other such popular misspellings are "teh" and "pron." » WUuuu -- Are you kidding me? -- What the hell is the point? God I feel old. » Shokyo -- And my words are cuter. ^-^ » WUuuu -- LoL -- But we already established that hun! » toocold -- lol -- im 19 and i feel old,....is that old for this site? i dont know..it seems like theres a whole wide range. » WUuuu -- I'm guessin the military man (Rahonvias I think) -- is comparitively old, I'm 22...I've asked others before but no1 likes to answer that one. I just feel old for the retarded slang words that I no longer understand. » Super Dian Wei -- I'd say the average age (mode average) is like 15. -- I am 15. Shokyo is 15. I've seen other people 15. So there ya go. Oh...and WUuuu. As of like three weeks ago, Websters updated the dictionary. Congradulations! Now you can look shit like 'phat' up in the dictionary! Huzzah! » WUuuu -- I know phat! -- Shit my generation invented phat! Shit like pwned and pron just seems excessive and pointless to me...but then so did phat to the last generation...thats why I feel old. » toocold -- word » Pluvius -- Most people use 1337-sp33k to make fun of people who seriously use 1337-sp33k. -- It's ironic humor. » darkknight -- superdianwei -- shit you're 15 i had like this image of a fat 30 year old nerd who instead of working just goes on this site the whole time... sorry i'm dreamin of boys again ~creepy~. by the way i'm 14... and 8 months » LiaoHua -- Well now -- that makes me the youngest i just turned 14 3 monthes ago and on another note how come Cao Cao didn't try to get Yan Liang to join him. He wanted Xu Chu because he attacked Dian Wei and tied. » caoxer -- younger -- i'm only 13 turning 14 in october yea, now i know what 13375P33|< means! » Creslin -- Tch -- I am only 13... turning 14 in July. But I'm not those people that use those slang words... it's rather stupid to me... whatever... not my right to question what the hell is up with youth today. » Yunsung -- I'm turning 125 next month... -- No... seriously, I'm turning 15 in March. Saint Paddy's day!!! » guanping -- I'm 16 in march -- seriously the slang sometimes makes me feel old » Tiamatty -- P|-|34R 73H 13375P33|<! -- Pron always makes me think of shrimp. But yeah, Yan Liang smacked these hoes around like the bitches they are. He be mad pimpin', yo! \/\/3RD. And yes, netspeak is stupid. But fun to satirize. » DongDal -- What the Hell does your title mean? » SNDiablos -- -lol- -- i'll be 16 in February, born 89. I feel older cause i thought i was arguing with 30 year olds. Finally i know i am arguing with smart people around my own age for once... » DongDal -- I'm 16 too. -- Though I'm 17 tommorow. Bet you didn't know that. » guanping -- awwwwwwww we could have been th 16 brothers » DongDal -- lol -- True. But I suppose we could be the 17 brothers. » guanping -- I'm 17 in March s stick around
135 Then Cheng Yu went to see his chief, saying, "I can produce a man the equal of Yan Liang."
136 "Who?" cried Cao Cao.
137 "No other than Guan Yu."
138 "I am afraid that if he is given an opportunity to perform that return service he spoke of, he will leave me."
139 "If Liu Bei is still alive, he is with Yuan Shao. If you get Guan Yu to defeat Yuan Shao's army, Yuan Shao will look askance at Liu Bei and put him to death. Liu Bei gone, where can Guan Yu go?"	» guanping -- Cunning. Although Guan Yu said he would die if he lost his brother. » DongDal -- But two threats will have been dealt with -- Liu Bei and Yuan Shao.
140 This argument appealed to Cao Cao at once, and he sent to request Guan Yu to come.
141 Previous to obeying the call, Guan Yu went to say farewell to his sisters-in-law.
142 "You may get news of the Uncle on the journey," said they.
143 "Yes," said Guan Yu and left them.	» Tiamatty -- Quick conversation -- Wives: "You might hear of Bei." Yu: "Yep." Wives: ". . ." Yu: ". . ." Wives: "Bye." Yu: "Bye."
144 Armed with his green-dragon saber, riding on the swift steed Red Hare, and having but a slender following, Guan Yu was not long in arriving at Baima. He saw Cao Cao, who told him what had happened. Yan Liang was too valiant for any to face.
145 "Let me look at him," said Guan Yu.
146 Then wine was served for his refreshment, and while they were drinking, it was reported that Yan Liang once again offered a challenge. So Cao Cao and his guest and staff went to the summit of a hill whence the enemy could be seen. Cao Cao and Guan Yu sat on the hill top, and the commanders stood about them. Cao Cao pointed out Yan Liang's troops arrayed on the plains below. The ensigns and banners waving fresh and bright amid the forest of spears and swords made a grand and imposing spectacle.	» HuaXiong -- crap -- well..... it was nice while it lasted Yan Liang
147 "See how formidable these soldiers of the North of Yellow River are," said Cao Cao.
148 "I regard them as so many clay fowls and mud dogs," said Guan Yu.	» LadyFa -- Shouldn't that be mad dogs? » JiaGai -- It means what it means -- Clay is just a form of earth, mud is earth saturated with water. Guan Yu is saying is that they're nothing more than harmless animals and mongrels made of dirt, something he could easily overcome. And yes, before anyone asks, Guan Yu has no lack for ego. » SimaYiZhouYu -- Guan Yu needs no ego, his skill precedes him. -- What happened with Yan Liang simply proves it. Head, gone. Army, scared. Nuff said. » Yunsung -- Had Guan Yu not had Red Hare, Yan might have stood a chance. -- Remember, the only reason Liang was killed with one stroke was because he was caught off guard. Give him time to realize that Guan was bearing down on him, and then tell me the outcome of the duel. » BraveZuMao -- no effin way -- That would have been one hell of a real match if Guan Yu hadn't pulled his "I killed a big general while he was taking a dump" bs (or something like that) Yan Liang was one of the foremost warriors of the time and Guan Yu might have not won so easily if it hadn't been for his SLIGHT advantage. Does the relationship between Wen Chou and Yan Liang remind anyone of the one between Wei Xu and Song Xian?
149 Cao Cao pointed out Yan Liang, saying, "There under that grand umbrella, in that embroidered robe and that silver breastplate and riding on horseback and gripping that huge sword is Yan Liang."
150 "His head looks as though it was stuck on a pole for sale," said Guan Yu, just glancing over the army at his feet.	» Tiamatty -- Nice line -- Heh. Guan Yu's funny. » Zhou Sun -- post -- even though he is a good general, i'm not sure why he's so proud of beating two very unworthy opponents. just shows his lack of intellect » Speaker -- He defeated his enemies nonetheless so he has the right to be proud. -- And, how, exactly, does it show his lack of intellect? » JiaGai -- Unworthy? -- Yan Liang just slew Song Xian and Wei Xu. Not to mention beat the mighty Xu Huang and sent him running. Exactly how does that make him unworthy? » Explainer -- Song Xian and Wei Xu are former Lu Bu's generals, like Zhang Liao. » SimaYiZhouYu -- Song Xian and Wei Xu obviously weren't that great of generals if they fell to Yan Liang. -- Xu Huang never really garnered much respect from me, so I really could care less if Yan Liang had dispatched him or not. But the fact still remains, like my brother says, "Guan Yu Da Man". He would mess Yan's business right up. » Yunsung -- Think of it this way. -- Xu Huang is a Five General of Wei. Yan Liang not only kicked his can, but also killed his fellow officers. Also, he was good enough for Yuan Shao to say "If only Yan Liang and Wen Chou were here. Then we need not fear Hua Xiong." Considering how badass Hua Xiong was, that's saying something. » Tiamatty -- Yan Liang -- He was definitely ranked up there as one of the best. Wei Xu and Song Xian weren't exactly slouches, though they were far from monsters on the battlefield. And defeating Xu Huang so easily was definitely an accomplishment. He was probably on a similar level to Zhao Yun or Gan Ning, as far as sheer combat prowess goes.
151 "He is very terrible. You must not despise him," said Cao Cao.
152 Guan Yu rose, saying, "I am a poor thing, but I will go over and bring you his head if you like."
153 "Joking is not allowed in this army," interposed Zhang Liao. "Please be careful what you say, General."	» DeadEyedOne -- Miserable bloody army, that. » JiaGai -- Military discipline -- You don't go around making boasts you can't back up. That kind of thing gets you executed. Good thing it's Guan Yu, or he'd be dead. » Laguna Cottage -- heh, Cao Cao and Zhang Liao are stoking Guan Yu.
154 Guan Yu quickly mounted, turned down his mighty weapon, and galloped down the hill, his phoenix eyes rounded, and his silkworm eyebrows fiercely bristling. He dashed straight into the enemy's array, and the northern soldiers opened like falling waves and dissolving storms. He made directly for the commander.	» guanping -- why did they just let him through -- even if he came to defect, you try and stop him until he says hes defecting » caoxer -- human reaction -- I bet their reaction was "Aaaaaaaagh!!! It's a really fast running object! Get out of it's way" I mean he was on red hare right.
155 Now Yan Liang sitting there in state saw a horseman rushing toward him, and just as he began to ask who the rider of the red horse was, lo! the horseman was there. Taken utterly by surprise, the leader could make no defense. Guan Yu's arm rose and the mighty weapon fell. And with it fell Yan Liang.	» Reno Frost -- Guan Yu deserves no credit for slaying Yan Liang as it was basically a "sneak attack". » Kaidyn -- Nay -- Guan Yu gets the credit because he was the one that performed a sneak attack. Why put yourself in danger if you are smart enough to take out the enemy this way? » _Hero of He Bei -- Weak -- Guan Yu was apprarently afraid to face Yan Liang in turn combat. He ussally fights fairly but that was low. of all people Guan Yu using cowardice sneak attacks... » SagaraSousuke -- hmm -- How can you call it a sneak attack when Guan Yu "dashed straight into the enemy's array," it was Yan Liang's own error that he didn't react in time. » Drunken Master -- reaction timing -- well what could you do if you were just sitting there chilling, and all of a sudden this guy on an eight foot tall horse with the complexion of a demon wielding a ninety pound kwon dao came charging at you full speed? the only way most men could react is by putting their head between their legs and kissing their arses good bye. » _ebeten -- post -- One other thing of great note here is that a favor owed by far exceeds any honor from a duel. Guan Yu knew that he needed to perform the favor before he could return to Liu Bei. He probably was just getting all the necessities out of the way without worrying about a little extra honor from a duel. » _... -- His head went Buh-Bye. Whats honor matter when ur free to find ur Bro? » _TheNovak -- I don't think there's anything dishonorable here... -- Yan Liang just failed to defend himself. The "suprise" was that Guan Yu single-handedly ripped through his soldiers and was on him in seconds, it wasn't a sneak attack. » Zhou Sun -- guan yu sucks -- not even calling out a challenge. this act was totally shameful and cowardly by guan yu. but maybe yan liang hesitated thinking that guan yu was coming to his army, having the idea that his brother is in solace with yuan shao. (i'm not sure if you guys realized this yet, but i'm one of the odd men out in this fairytale and i despise both cao cao and liu bei's rulership.... bring on the sun's, zhou yu, and lu xun) » DeadEyedOne -- sneak? -- I quote the first line of paragraph... er... something... shit, i forgot which one but it's just up a bit - "Then wine was served for his refreshment, and while they were drinking, it was reported that Yan Liang once again offered a challenge." Liang offered the challenge himself, therefore Yu didn't have to come in screaming a challenge - his mere presence was acceptance enough. Liang just wasn't paying attention. And as Drunken Master so eloquently pointed out - Yu on Red Hare waving his bloody great weapon in the air coming straight at you... you're not gonna be thinking "Best draw my sword and fight" more "Best repent my sins real quick". » iluvNDfootball -- True -- Here's the situation:Yan Liang stands between a line of troops relaxing. Guan YU rides up, cuts through the line, , beats aside quite a strong general, cuts off his head, and chops his way back. Wow. Like a thunderbolt he struck Coming and going like lightning They fell before him like wheat to a thresher When Struck Guan Yu A dedication to the skill of Guan Yu IluvND football » ladyphoenix -- Long live Guan Yu! Good fortune in battle, Guan Yu! » HuaXiong -- *cries* -- bastard, that one... killed my boy Yan Liang... well who didn't see that coming, cept Yan Liang lol. Didn't even know who it was, coulda beem one of his own troops, mighta not even known it was one of Cao's men in the first place, especially since Liang's men offered no resisitance. How could he have known it was Guan Yu? CHEAP!!!!!! » HailGanNing -- how is this not cheap? -- 1.Yan liang was siting, NOT on a horse, on a chair, he was drinking wine and sitting, lol wow he looks like he is in such a great defensive position 2.He didnt have a sword in his hand as i belive, so how could i defend him self 3. This was completly dis-honorable, it does not take a "god of war" to raid a enemys base (and he didnt even do that, he rode through it, he didnt attack anyone else) and slay a defensless man, gan ning did something 100 times as honorable when he went deep into an enemys base, right for the big commander himself (Most heavily guarded area) 4. In real history, it was said that yan liang was told by liu bei if he seen guan yu, not to attack instead talk to him and tell him about where liu is, so even if yan had the weapon he would have been in shock by the attack. » IloveNDfootball -- That's not real history. That's another fictional story. » RoboSSS -- Not cheap at all -- And it didn't say Yan Liang was just sitting in a chair, etc. (and if he was, than he was an idiot to be relaxing infront of an opposing army...) Guan Yu rode forward, making his way through an ARMY and attacked Yan Liang alone. Now, why is it an act of cowardice on Yu's part? Because the army did nothing? Why is it his fault that Yan Liang was so puffed up from 3 victories in a row that he let his guard down and basically acted like a deer caught in headlights? Go play an FPS and challenge someone to a duel. Then go ahead and stand in the middle of an area and blame the other guy because they came up and killed you... What do you expect to happen in war? That everyone's just gonna meet ahead of time and tell each other what battle strategy or scheme they're gonna use? It's called Intimidation. And it works. So there. Nyah =p » MasterLiang -- I'm confused... -- VERY confused... Mainly on how jumping up on your horse, grabbing your spear, riding over an open field, straight through 100,000 well trained veteran soldiers to duel a warrior that has battled three strong warriors and won, and has the rest quaking in their boots, and then chopping off that warriors head, and then tearing back out through those 100,000 well trained veterans would qualify one as a COWARD!!! Oh...and Guan Yu did this DRUNK. On a side note, when choosing between honor and victory, victory will invariably win out in the eyes of the wise. Period. Call it dishonorable if you will (a claim with which I disagree, but I digress)but the bottom line is it was effective. » WUuuu -- there's a reason alcohol is referred to as liquid courage... » MasterLiang -- Indeed. -- I can already see Guan Yu with the cheesey 50's advertisment look (doofy smile, wink) witha bottle of wine in one hand, and Yan Liangs head in the other on posters up on street corners. Backed up by testimonials by Zhang Fei, of course. » IloveNDfootball -- What idiot sits with a chair, drinking wine, without a sword... -- in the MIDDLE OF A CRUCIAL CAMPAIGN? If anyone missed it, Yan Liang was just being an idiot. All Guan Yu did was take advantage. Nothing wrong with that in my book. » WUuuu -- Mr ND football -- Guan Yu had wine prepared for him as he was about to go out to battle as well. Had Yan Liang ridden up, while Guan Yu was discussing the wine and killed him, does that make Guan Yu an idiot? The command in these battles often sit in their chairs or tents content that the thousands of soldiers around them will protect them while they plan. » Tiamatty -- Bah -- The soldiers were idiots for not alerting Yan Liang to the man barreling down the hill at top speed. If they did alert him, Yan Liang was an idiot for not being ready. Regardless, Guan Yu probably would've killed Yan Liang anyway - or at the very least, forced him to retreat. There's a reason Guan Yu was considered such a hero. He was one of those people who just didn't know how to lose in a fair fight. He was likely a superior warrior to Yan Liang, and he was also a more intelligent man. And brains can be just as important as strength even in a duel.
156 Leaping from the saddle, Guan Yu cut off his victim's head and hung it to his horse's neck. Then he mounted and rode out, just as if there was no army there.	» Tupac -- Important Sidenote about YanLiang! -- Reason 3) the fight with Guan Yu (where he dies ) was unfair. He was unperpared. When Yuan Shao Sent Yan Liang to fight, Liu Bei (who was w/yuan shao) told Yan Liang secretly: "my brother is missing and i suspect that he is with Cao Cao. If you see a man about 9 spans tall, wears green, long beared, if you see him, bring him back to me, he will come with you." When Yan Liang left that is all that went through his head. So when he saw a man, matching the discription of Liu Beis brother, he put down his weaopon, and was not ready to fight, but he could only see Guan Yu from a distance. As Guan Yu raced down the hill at maximum speed, It was not only until his head was on the Ground, did Yan Liang actually realize that he was trying to kill him. There was a saying that "because of Liu Bei's last words, a hero has fallen". So all these reasons are why Yan Liang was a hero, and Quite possibly the best fighter! P.S (I also wonder if Liu Bei was intentionally protecting Guan Yu's safety by saying that?) By not mentioning this very important piece of information, this obviously says something about Luo GuanZhong, in that he wanted Guan Yu to be larger than life, indeed. » RoboSSS -- Except he should have been prepared. -- This encounter just proved though that Yan Liang was a fool. An enemy officer is rushing towards your army (AFTER he's made another challenge), weapon wielded, and he just "drops his weapon"? Then this person reaches his army and is STILL going at full speed, headed right for him... Very doubtful he kept Beis request in his head as he knew that Yu was coming to kill him. His thoughts of Beis request didn't stop him from defending himself, his fear did... And freezing before an enemy does not make you "quite possibly" the best fighter nor does it make you a "hero"... » WUuuu -- This mistake you're making is in not factoring in Red Hare -- Yan Liang did not know Red Hare's speed, and thus did not know Guan Yu could be upon him in such time. This would have given Yan Liang time to react. » RoboSSS -- Well, I did somewhat and... -- Plus it doesn't seem likely that Yu was THAT close when he came into their view. It has always seemed to me that these camps were HUGE (especially one as large the force Liang was commanding), and as it says the soldiers themselves were getting out of Yus way, Liang should have had enough time to do something, rather than just stand there dumbfounded. This section doesn't seem to suggest that Yan Liang had only a couple seconds or so, as he was "confering" with other people as to who it was that was approaching... » Yunsung -- Personally, I'd always imagined it as... -- *Guan sweeps aside several soldiers while riding straight towards Yan. Yan hears the commotion, looks up, screams, soils himself, then dies.* But... that's just me. » WUuuu -- I think Guan Yu was pretty far away -- and thus Yan Liang thought he had time, and he would have had the horse Guan Yu been riding not been Red Hare, which Yan Liang had no way to know GY had.
157 The northern troops, panic stricken, made no fight. Cao Cao's army attacked with full force and slew great numbers of them. They captured many horses and weapons and much military gear. Guan Yu rode quickly back up the hill and laid the proof of his prowess at the feet of the Prime Minister.	» Explainer -- a post by Super Dian Wei -- FYI, Yan Liang was THE SHIT until Guan Yu killed him. If lets say Dian Wei tried to kill him, he would fail because, ya know, he's dead. If Xiahou Dun or Cao Ren tried to kill him, they would lose. Yan Liang was raping people left and right, and the only reason he lost to Guan Yu was because he was checking with his officers to figure out exactly who the hell he was. If Dun or Ren were in that position, I'm sure that Yan Liang was briefed on all of the WEI officers, so he wouldn't need to ask around. Knowing Yan Liang's reputation, I'd say he'd hold his own. If he held his own long enough, Wei would lose because their supplies dwindled throughout the entire war, and without any food, Wei would surrender or retreat. Without Guan Yu, Yan Liang would have been the downfall of Wei. » Explainer -- a post by Albedo -- What he said, I agree with that. The only thing I have to add is that if Wei had any other relatively strong guest general (like Zhang Fei or Taishi Ci) it would have had the same effect, because if Yan Liang saw some mystery man charging at him, he would have conferred and shortly after, been cut down. » WUuuu -- Also -- It was as much Red Hare as that it was an unfamiliar general. He would have protected himself had he realized there was an enemy making a B-Line for him, but he was never expecting the enemy to be there so soon. He would have had time to confer and figure out what was what if not for Red Hare. » IloveNDfootball -- Let that be a lesson not to try and confer when you're in the midst of a duel. » HuaXiong -- exactly -- thats exactly what i was saying » caoxer -- No One Duels Forever -- Sooner or later, Wei would devise a strategy to demolish Yan Liang army because he was refered to as stupid (by Ju Shou) and because he didn't have any advisors at hand (no other officers were mentioned). » WUuuu -- Ju Shou wasn't necessarily right -- And besides, all he had to do was win for awhile and Cao Cao's much smaller army would have been so demoralized they probably wouldn't have won. » GeneralZhaoYun -- I agree with wuuuu -- besides, capable generals in that time could plan and sheme, how dumb Yan Liang may be(not), he still knew the art of War. And turning your back to the field is the last thing you must do » cFodder -- This seems to be more an example of Guan Yu... -- ...showing tactical ingenuity, and sheer chutzpah rather than a comparison of relative skills. Riding alone into the enemy encampment directly towards the commander, he kills the man unprepared and leaves. It is quite likely as SDW says; Yan Liang may otherwise have continued on his rampage for some time. Still the fact is he was doing so without support, and I have seen nothing to this point to suggest Yan Liang was anything other than a less terrifying version of Lu Bu; and as such could have been dealt with in much the same manner.
158 "You are more than human, General!" cried Cao Cao.
159 "What have I done to talk about?" said Guan Yu. "My brother, Zhang Fei, did the same thing in an army of a hundred legions, and did it as easily as picking something from his own pocket."	» Bofuthegreat -- Sorry, but I dont remember what event he is talking about. -- Could someone explain this for me?? » Super Dian Wei -- Guan Yu is bluffing. -- He's thinking ahead to protect his lil bro, because if Cao Cao is in a battle with him, Cao will immediately be discouraged, and Zhang Fei will have the advantage before he even starts to fight. One hundred legions makes Zhang Fei look good... thats all. » JiaGai -- Thing is many like to take this literally. -- This is the main argument of those who say Guan Yu is inferior to Zhang Fei. Problem is, it's a whole lot of hot air, ultimately. » JiangWeiWarrior -- Zhang Fei -- The reason Guan Yu said that is simple. For one, he is confident in Zhang's abilities. Two, he said that to scare Cao away, its like "don't mess with my people." » Francis -- A pity. Until then Guan Yu was an example of modesty. -- I almost lost all of my sympathy for him while I was reading this...
160 Cao Cao marveled at the statement and turning to those about him said, "If you meet this Zhang Fei, be careful."	» confuscianGent -- errr... this really is a bad move. -- I mean, what if later on Zhang Fei suddenly decides to take on the whole of Cao Cao's army at, ooh I don't know, say... a bridge. All the army would purely brick themselves. » roflcopter -- yeah, that's why guan yu said that...
161 And he bade them make a note on the overlap of their robes so that they should remember.	» Ragnarok -- Note to self : Avoid Zhang Fei. » RoboSSS -- lol wow... don't forget to pin it to your childrens clothing...
162 The beaten army returning northward met Yuan Shao on the road and told their story.
163 "A red-faced warrior with a long beard, wielding a huge, long-handled sword, broke into the army, cut off the General's head and bore it off," said they.	» HuaXiong -- Guan Yu -- i remember hearing the story of the whole red skin thing a while back but i totally forgot, can someone refresh my memory » JiaGai -- There are apparently different folk tales dealing with the subject. -- One is that a fire tinged his face red, allowing him to escape notice by his pursuers. Another is a goddess changes his face red for much the same reason. Either way, his face was turned red in order to escape the people who were hunting him down for murdering someone. There are more detailed and accurate versions of these tales in other side notes. » HuaXiong -- thanks -- i'll be on the lookout for them then
164 "Who was this?" asked Yuan Shao.
165 Ju Shou said, "It must have been Liu Bei's brother, Guan Yu. It could be nobody else."
166 Yuan Shao was very angry and, pointing to Liu Bei, he said, "Your brother has slain my beloved leader. You are in the plot too. Why should I save you alive?"
167 He bade the lictors take Liu Bei away and behead him.
168 Morning saw him guest on high. Evening, prisoner, doomed to die.
169 Liu Bei's actual fate will be told in the next chapter.

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