第57部分(第1/7 页)
Jin and Li Dian to deploy troops along the Yellow River; Cao Ren to quarter the main force at Guandu。 Then Cao Cao with an army marched back to Capital Xuchang。
The five legions sent against Liu Bei went into camp thirty…five miles from Xuzhou。 The camp made an imposing display of the banners of the Prime Minister; but no attacks followed。 Their spies were very busy north of the river to get news of Cao Cao's movement。 On the defensive side; Liu Bei; as he was uncertain of the strength of the force against him; dared not move。
Suddenly orders came for the Cao Cao's army to attack; and then discord showed itself。
Liu Dai said; 〃The Prime Minister orders an attack: You advance。〃
Wang Zhong replied; 〃You were named first。〃
〃I am the mander…in…Chief。 It is not my place to go first。〃
〃I will go with you in joint mand;〃 said Wang Zhong。
〃Let us cast lots; and he upon whom the lot falls must go;〃 said Liu Dai。
They drew lots; and it fell to Wang Zhong; who advanced toward Xuzhou with half the force。
When Liu Bei heard of the threatened attack; he called Chen Deng to consult。
Liu Bei said; 〃There is dissension in Yuan Shao's camp at Liyang; so they do not advance。 We do not know where Cao Cao is; but his own banner is not displayed in his Liyang's camp。 Why then is it shown here?〃
Chen Deng replied; 〃His tricks take a hundred forms。 It must be that he regards the north as more important and has gone there to look after its defense。 He dares not show his flag there; and I feel sure it is only meant to mislead us。 He is not here。〃
Liu Bei then asked whether one of his brothers would find out the truth; and Zhang Fei volunteered to go。
〃I fear you are unsuited for this;〃 said Liu Bei。 〃Y