So Zhou Zhi sailed to the Bashan Mountains.
Next day Du Yu directed the army and the marine forces in a simultaneous advance.
the scouts reported： “The Ruler of Wu has sent the land force under Wu Yan, the navy
under Lu Jing, and the vanguard under Sun Xin！”
Du Yu led his forces forward. the vanguard of Wu, under Sun Xin, came up, and at the
first encounter Du Yu's army retired. Sun Xin landed his marines and pursued. But in the
midst of the pursuit a signal bomb sounded, and Sun Xin was attacked on all sides by the Jin
troops. He tried to retire, but the army he had been pursuing, Du Yu's force, turned back
too and joined in the attack. Wu's losses were very heavy, and Sun Xin hastened back to the
city. But the eight hundred Jin soldiers of Zhou Zhi mingled with the Wu army at the
ramparts and so entered the gates. The Jin soldiers raised signal fires on the walls.
This maneuver amazed Sun Xin, and he said, “the northern troops had surely flown across
the river into the city！”
Sun Xin made an effort to escape, but the leader of Jin, Zhou Zhi, unexpectedly appeared
and slew him.
Admiral Lu Jing of the Wu fleet of that had accompanied Sun Xin saw on the south shore,
in the Bashan Mountains, a GREat standard bearing the name Jin General Who Guards the South
Du Yu. Lu Jing became alarmed and landed to try to escape, but the Jin General Zhang Shang
soon found and slew him.
At his position at Jiangling, Wu Yan heard of these defeats and knew his position was
untenable, so he fled. However, he was soon captured and led into the presence of the
victorious general.
“No use sparing you,” said Du Yu, and he sentenced the prisoner to death.
Thus Jiangling was captured and all the counties along the River Xiang and River Yuan as
far as Huangzhou, which surrendered at the first summons.
Du Yu sent out officers to soothe the people of the conquered counties, and they
suffered nothing from the soldiery. Next he marched toward Wuchang, and that city also
yielded. So the glory of Du Yu became very GREat. He then summoned his officers to a council
to decide upon attacking Capital Jianye.
Hu Fen said, “A one-century rebellion will not be reduced completely at once. the time
of the spring rise of waters is near, and our position is precarious. We should do well to
await the coming spring.”
Du Yu replied, “In the days of old, Yue Yi overcame the powerful state Qi in one battle
in Jixi. Our prestige is now high and success certain, easy as the splitting of a bamboo,
which seems to welcome the knife after the first few joints have been overcome. We shall
meet no GREat opposition.”
So Du Yu gave orders to the various leaders to move in concert against the capital land
of Jianye.
Now the Jin leader Wang Jun had gone down the river with his naval force. From his
scouts he heard of the iron chains and the hammers that had been laid in the river to hinder
his proGREss. But he only laughed. He constructed great rafts of timber and placed on them
straw effigies of soldiers in armors and sent them down river with the current. The
defenders of Wu took them for real troops and, alarmed by their numbers, fled in panic. Then
the great hammers and chains were dragged away as the rafts drifted on. Moreover, on the
rafts they laid great torches many fathoms long, and very thick, made of straw soaked in
linseed oil. When the raft was checked by a chain, the torches were lighted and the chains
exposed to the heat till they melted and broke asunder. Thus the rafts went down stream
conquering wherever they came.
then the Prime Minister of Wu, Zhang Ti, sent two leaders, General of the Left Army Shen
Zong and General of the Right Army Zhuge Xing, to try to check the advance of the armies.
Shen Zong said to his colleague, “the forces above have failed to stop the enemy, and
the enemy will surely come here. We shall have to put forth all our strength. If haply we
can succeed, the safety of our South Land is assured. But suppose we fight and lose the
battle, then is our country lost.”
“Sir, you only say what is too true,” said Zhuge Xing.
Just as they talked of these matters came reports of the approach of their enemies in
irresistible force. The two leaders were seized with panic and went back to see the Prime
Minister.
“Our country is lost！” cried Zhuge Xing. “Why not run？”
Showing posts with label chinese storys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chinese storys. Show all posts
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
chinese story - 11
“How could I hesitate after your discourse？” said Sima Yan.
thereupon he returned to the council chamber and issued his commands. Du Yu was made
Commander-in-Chief and, with one hundred thousand troops, was to attack Jiangling； Sima
Zhou, Prince of Langye and General Who Guards the East, was to attack Tuzhong； Wang Hun,
General Who Conquers the East, to go up against Hengjiang； Wang Rong, General Who Exhibits
Prowess, to move against Wuchang； Hu Fen, General Who Pacifies the South, to attack Xiakou.
And all divisions, fifty thousand troops each, were under the orders of Du Yu. In addition
to the land forces, two large fleets were to operate on the river under Wang Jun, General
Who Shows Dragon Courage, and Tang Bin, General Who Possesses Martial Bravery. Marines and
lands troops amounted to more than two hundred thousand. A separate force under Yang Ji,
General Who Holds the South, was sent away to Xiangyang to coordinate all forces.
the Ruler of Wu was GREatly alarmed at the news of such armies and fleets, and he called
to him quickly his Prime Minister Zhang Ti, Minister of the Interior He Zhi, and Minister of
Works Teng Xun, to consult how to defend his land.
Zhang Ti proposed： “Send Commander of the Flying Chariots Wu Yan to meet the enemy at
Jiangling； Commander of the Flying Cavalry Sun Xin to Xiakou； I volunteer to take command
of a camp at Niuzhu, together with the General of the Left Army Shen Zong and General of the
Right Army Zhuge Xing, ready to lend help at any point.”
the Ruler of Wu approved his dispositions and felt satisfied that he was safe by land.
But in the privacy of his own apartment he felt miserable, for he realized that no
preparations had been made against an attack by water under the Wei leader Wang Jun.
then the favorite eunuch Cen Hun asked the Emperor why he bore a sad countenance, and
Sun Hao told him of his dread of the enemy navy.
“the armies of Jin are coming, and I have deployed troops for general defense. Only the
water front, by which Wang Jun and his several thousand battleships sail east along the
tide, makes me feel so worried.”
“But I have a scheme that will smash all Wang Jun's ships！” cried Cen Hun.
“What is it？” asked the Ruler of Wu, pleased to hear this.
“Iron is plentiful. Make GREat chains with heavy links and stretch them across the
river at various points. Also forge many massive hammers and arrange them in the stream, so
that when the enemy's ships sail down before the wind, they will collide with the hammers
and be wrecked. Then they will sail no more.”
Blacksmiths were soon at work on the river bank welding the links and forging the
hammers. Work went on day and night, and soon all the chains were placed in different
points.
As has been said Du Yu was to attack Jiangling, and he sent General Zhou Zhi with eight
hundred sailors to sail secretly along the GREat River to capture Yuexiang. There they were
to make an ambush in the Bashan Mountains and a great show of flags along the bank and among
the trees. Drums were to be beaten and bombs exploded during the day and many fires lighted
at night to give the appearance of a great army.
thereupon he returned to the council chamber and issued his commands. Du Yu was made
Commander-in-Chief and, with one hundred thousand troops, was to attack Jiangling； Sima
Zhou, Prince of Langye and General Who Guards the East, was to attack Tuzhong； Wang Hun,
General Who Conquers the East, to go up against Hengjiang； Wang Rong, General Who Exhibits
Prowess, to move against Wuchang； Hu Fen, General Who Pacifies the South, to attack Xiakou.
And all divisions, fifty thousand troops each, were under the orders of Du Yu. In addition
to the land forces, two large fleets were to operate on the river under Wang Jun, General
Who Shows Dragon Courage, and Tang Bin, General Who Possesses Martial Bravery. Marines and
lands troops amounted to more than two hundred thousand. A separate force under Yang Ji,
General Who Holds the South, was sent away to Xiangyang to coordinate all forces.
the Ruler of Wu was GREatly alarmed at the news of such armies and fleets, and he called
to him quickly his Prime Minister Zhang Ti, Minister of the Interior He Zhi, and Minister of
Works Teng Xun, to consult how to defend his land.
Zhang Ti proposed： “Send Commander of the Flying Chariots Wu Yan to meet the enemy at
Jiangling； Commander of the Flying Cavalry Sun Xin to Xiakou； I volunteer to take command
of a camp at Niuzhu, together with the General of the Left Army Shen Zong and General of the
Right Army Zhuge Xing, ready to lend help at any point.”
the Ruler of Wu approved his dispositions and felt satisfied that he was safe by land.
But in the privacy of his own apartment he felt miserable, for he realized that no
preparations had been made against an attack by water under the Wei leader Wang Jun.
then the favorite eunuch Cen Hun asked the Emperor why he bore a sad countenance, and
Sun Hao told him of his dread of the enemy navy.
“the armies of Jin are coming, and I have deployed troops for general defense. Only the
water front, by which Wang Jun and his several thousand battleships sail east along the
tide, makes me feel so worried.”
“But I have a scheme that will smash all Wang Jun's ships！” cried Cen Hun.
“What is it？” asked the Ruler of Wu, pleased to hear this.
“Iron is plentiful. Make GREat chains with heavy links and stretch them across the
river at various points. Also forge many massive hammers and arrange them in the stream, so
that when the enemy's ships sail down before the wind, they will collide with the hammers
and be wrecked. Then they will sail no more.”
Blacksmiths were soon at work on the river bank welding the links and forging the
hammers. Work went on day and night, and soon all the chains were placed in different
points.
As has been said Du Yu was to attack Jiangling, and he sent General Zhou Zhi with eight
hundred sailors to sail secretly along the GREat River to capture Yuexiang. There they were
to make an ambush in the Bashan Mountains and a great show of flags along the bank and among
the trees. Drums were to be beaten and bombs exploded during the day and many fires lighted
at night to give the appearance of a great army.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
chinese story - 10
Wang Jun, Imperial Protector of Yizhou, sent in a memorial advising an attack upon Wu.
He said：
“Sun Hao is steeped in vice and should be attacked at once. Should he die and be
succeeded by a good ruler, we might meet with serious opposition. the ships I built seven
years ago lie idle and rotting： We can use them. I am seventy years of age and must soon
die. If any one of these three events happen——the death of Sun Hao, the destruction of
these ships, or my death——then success will be difficult to ensure. I pray Your Majesty
not to miss the tide.”
At the next assembly of officers Sima Yan said to them, “I have decided to act. I have
received similar advice from Yang Hu and Wang Jun.”
At this arose Minister Wang Hun and said, “I hear Sun Hao intends to march north to the
Middle Land and has his army ready. Report says it is formidable and would be hard to
defeat. I counsel to await another year till that army has lost its first vigor.”
A command to cease warlike preparations was the result of this counsel. The Ruler of Jin
betook himself to his private chamber where he engaged in a game of chess with Secretary
Zhang Hua as opponent. While at the game, another memorial arrived. It was from Du Yu. It
read：
“Formerly Yang Hu explained his plans confidentially to Your Majesty, but did not lay
them before the court. The result has been much debate and conflict of opinion. In every
project there are pros and cons, but in this the arguments are mostly in favor. The worst
that can happen is failure. Since last autumn the proposed attack has become generally
known, and, if we stop now, Sun Hao will be frightened and remove the capital to Wuchang,
repair his fortifications in the South Land, and move his threatened people out of danger.
Then the southern capital cannot be assaulted, nor is there anything left in the countryside
to rob. Hence next year's attack will also fail.”
Just as the Ruler of Jin finished reading, Zhang Hua pushed aside the board, rose and
drew his hands into his sleeves, saying, “Your Majesty's skill in war is almost divine,
your state is prosperous, and the army strong. The Ruler of Wu is a tyrant, his people are
miserable, and his country mean. Now you can easily conquer him, and I pray that there be no
further hesitation！”
He said：
“Sun Hao is steeped in vice and should be attacked at once. Should he die and be
succeeded by a good ruler, we might meet with serious opposition. the ships I built seven
years ago lie idle and rotting： We can use them. I am seventy years of age and must soon
die. If any one of these three events happen——the death of Sun Hao, the destruction of
these ships, or my death——then success will be difficult to ensure. I pray Your Majesty
not to miss the tide.”
At the next assembly of officers Sima Yan said to them, “I have decided to act. I have
received similar advice from Yang Hu and Wang Jun.”
At this arose Minister Wang Hun and said, “I hear Sun Hao intends to march north to the
Middle Land and has his army ready. Report says it is formidable and would be hard to
defeat. I counsel to await another year till that army has lost its first vigor.”
A command to cease warlike preparations was the result of this counsel. The Ruler of Jin
betook himself to his private chamber where he engaged in a game of chess with Secretary
Zhang Hua as opponent. While at the game, another memorial arrived. It was from Du Yu. It
read：
“Formerly Yang Hu explained his plans confidentially to Your Majesty, but did not lay
them before the court. The result has been much debate and conflict of opinion. In every
project there are pros and cons, but in this the arguments are mostly in favor. The worst
that can happen is failure. Since last autumn the proposed attack has become generally
known, and, if we stop now, Sun Hao will be frightened and remove the capital to Wuchang,
repair his fortifications in the South Land, and move his threatened people out of danger.
Then the southern capital cannot be assaulted, nor is there anything left in the countryside
to rob. Hence next year's attack will also fail.”
Just as the Ruler of Jin finished reading, Zhang Hua pushed aside the board, rose and
drew his hands into his sleeves, saying, “Your Majesty's skill in war is almost divine,
your state is prosperous, and the army strong. The Ruler of Wu is a tyrant, his people are
miserable, and his country mean. Now you can easily conquer him, and I pray that there be no
further hesitation！”
Friday, November 28, 2008
chinese story - 9
Sima Yan said, “How beautiful it is to bring good people into prominence！ But why did
you write a memorial recommending certain people and then burn the draft so that no one knew
？”
the dying man answered, “I bowed before the officials in open court, but I did not
beseech the kindness of the private attendants.”
So Yang Hu died, and Sima Yan wailed for him and then returned to his palace. He
conferred on the dead leader the posthumous rank of Imperial Guardian and Lord of Juping.
The traders closed their shops out of respect to his memory, and all the frontier camps were
filled with wailing. The people of Xiangyang, recalling that he loved to wander on the Xian
Hills, built there a temple to him and set up a stone and sacrificed regularly at the four
seasons. The passers-by were moved to tears when they read Yang Hu's name on the tablet, so
that it came to be called “The Stone of Tears”。
[hip, hip, hip] I saw the fragments of a shattered stone One spring time on the
hillside, when, alone, I walked to GREet the sun. The pines distilled Big drops of dew
unceasing； sadness filled My heart. I knew this was the Stone of Tears, The stone of memory
of long-past years. [yip, yip, yip]
On the strength of Yang Hu's recommendation, Du Yu was made Commander of Jingzhou, and
the title of General Who Guards the South was conferred upon him. He was a man of GREat
experience, untiring in study and devoted to the Zuo Volume, the book of commentaries
composed by Zuo Qiuming upon the Spring and Autumn Annals. In hours of leisure, a copy of
Zuo Volume was never out of his hand； and when he went abroad, an attendant rode in front
with the beloved book. He was said to be “Zuo mad”。
Du Yu went to Xiangyang and began by being kind to the people and caring for his
soldiers. By this time Wu had lost by death both Ding Feng and Lu Kang.
the conduct of the Ruler of Wu waxed worse and worse. He used to give GREat banquets
whereat intoxication was universal. He appointed Rectors of Feasts to observe all the faults
committed by guests, and after these banquets all offenders were punished, some by flaying
the face, others by gouging out the eyes. Everyone went in terror of these Rectors.
you write a memorial recommending certain people and then burn the draft so that no one knew
？”
the dying man answered, “I bowed before the officials in open court, but I did not
beseech the kindness of the private attendants.”
So Yang Hu died, and Sima Yan wailed for him and then returned to his palace. He
conferred on the dead leader the posthumous rank of Imperial Guardian and Lord of Juping.
The traders closed their shops out of respect to his memory, and all the frontier camps were
filled with wailing. The people of Xiangyang, recalling that he loved to wander on the Xian
Hills, built there a temple to him and set up a stone and sacrificed regularly at the four
seasons. The passers-by were moved to tears when they read Yang Hu's name on the tablet, so
that it came to be called “The Stone of Tears”。
[hip, hip, hip] I saw the fragments of a shattered stone One spring time on the
hillside, when, alone, I walked to GREet the sun. The pines distilled Big drops of dew
unceasing； sadness filled My heart. I knew this was the Stone of Tears, The stone of memory
of long-past years. [yip, yip, yip]
On the strength of Yang Hu's recommendation, Du Yu was made Commander of Jingzhou, and
the title of General Who Guards the South was conferred upon him. He was a man of GREat
experience, untiring in study and devoted to the Zuo Volume, the book of commentaries
composed by Zuo Qiuming upon the Spring and Autumn Annals. In hours of leisure, a copy of
Zuo Volume was never out of his hand； and when he went abroad, an attendant rode in front
with the beloved book. He was said to be “Zuo mad”。
Du Yu went to Xiangyang and began by being kind to the people and caring for his
soldiers. By this time Wu had lost by death both Ding Feng and Lu Kang.
the conduct of the Ruler of Wu waxed worse and worse. He used to give GREat banquets
whereat intoxication was universal. He appointed Rectors of Feasts to observe all the faults
committed by guests, and after these banquets all offenders were punished, some by flaying
the face, others by gouging out the eyes. Everyone went in terror of these Rectors.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
chinese story - 7
Soon after came a special envoy from the Ruler of Wu to urge upon Lu Kang prompt activity.
“Our Emperor sends orders for you to press forward,” said the envoy. “You are not to await a Jin invasion.”
“You may return, and I will send up a memorial,” replied Lu Kang.
So a memorial was written and soon followed the envoy to the capital, which by this time was Jianye. When the Ruler of Wu, Sun Hao, read it, he found therein many arguments against attacking Jin and exhortations to exercise a virtuous rule instead of engaging in hostilities. It angered him.
“they say Lu Kang has come to an understanding with the enemy, and now I believe it！” said the Ruler of Wu.
thereupon he deprived Lu Kang of his command and took away his commission and degraded him into Marching General. Sun Ji, General of the Left Army, was sent to supersede Lu Kang. And none dared to intervene.
Sun Hao became still more arbitrary and of his own will changed the year-style once more to the Phoenix （AD 269）。 Day by day his life became more wanton and vicious. The soldiers in every camp murmured with anger and resentment, and at last three high officers——Prime Minister Wan Yu, General Liu Ping, and Minister of Agriculture Lou Xuan——boldly and earnestly remonstrated with the Emperor for his many irregularities. They suffered death. Within ten years more than forty ministers were put to death for doing their duty.
Sun Hao maintained an extravagantly large guard of fifty thousand heavy cavalry, and these soldiers were the terror of everyone.
Now when Yang Hu, on the Jin side of the frontier, heard that his opponent Lu Kang had been removed from his command and that the conduct of the Ruler of Wu had become wholly unreasonable, he knew that the time was near for him to conquer Wu. Wherefore he presented a memorial：
“Although fate is superior to human, yet success depends upon human effort. Now as the geographic difficulties of the South Land are not as those of the River Lands, while the ferocity of Sun Hao exceeds that of Liu Shan, the misery of the people of Wu exceeds that of the dwellers in Shu. Our armies are stronger than ever before, and if we miss this opportunity to bring the whole land under one rule, but continue to weary our army with continual watching and cause the world to groan under the burden of militarism, then our efficiency will decline and we shall not endure.”
“Our Emperor sends orders for you to press forward,” said the envoy. “You are not to await a Jin invasion.”
“You may return, and I will send up a memorial,” replied Lu Kang.
So a memorial was written and soon followed the envoy to the capital, which by this time was Jianye. When the Ruler of Wu, Sun Hao, read it, he found therein many arguments against attacking Jin and exhortations to exercise a virtuous rule instead of engaging in hostilities. It angered him.
“they say Lu Kang has come to an understanding with the enemy, and now I believe it！” said the Ruler of Wu.
thereupon he deprived Lu Kang of his command and took away his commission and degraded him into Marching General. Sun Ji, General of the Left Army, was sent to supersede Lu Kang. And none dared to intervene.
Sun Hao became still more arbitrary and of his own will changed the year-style once more to the Phoenix （AD 269）。 Day by day his life became more wanton and vicious. The soldiers in every camp murmured with anger and resentment, and at last three high officers——Prime Minister Wan Yu, General Liu Ping, and Minister of Agriculture Lou Xuan——boldly and earnestly remonstrated with the Emperor for his many irregularities. They suffered death. Within ten years more than forty ministers were put to death for doing their duty.
Sun Hao maintained an extravagantly large guard of fifty thousand heavy cavalry, and these soldiers were the terror of everyone.
Now when Yang Hu, on the Jin side of the frontier, heard that his opponent Lu Kang had been removed from his command and that the conduct of the Ruler of Wu had become wholly unreasonable, he knew that the time was near for him to conquer Wu. Wherefore he presented a memorial：
“Although fate is superior to human, yet success depends upon human effort. Now as the geographic difficulties of the South Land are not as those of the River Lands, while the ferocity of Sun Hao exceeds that of Liu Shan, the misery of the people of Wu exceeds that of the dwellers in Shu. Our armies are stronger than ever before, and if we miss this opportunity to bring the whole land under one rule, but continue to weary our army with continual watching and cause the world to groan under the burden of militarism, then our efficiency will decline and we shall not endure.”
Saturday, November 22, 2008
chinese story - 3
“In former times the Palace women numbered less than a hundred； for years past they have exceeded a thousand. This is an extravagant waste of treasure. The courtiers render no disinterested service, but are split into cliques and cabals. The honest are injured, and the good driven away. All these things undermine the state and weaken the people. I beg Your Majesty to reduce the number of officers and remove grievances, to dismiss the Palace women and select honest officers, to the joy of the people and the tranquillity of the state.”
But the Ruler of Wu was displeased, threw the memorial away, and showed his contempt for the Minister's remonstrance by beginning to collect material for the building of a new palace complex to be called the Reflected Light Palace. He even made the officers of the court go into the forest to fell trees for the work.
the Ruler of Wu called in the soothsayer Shang Guang and bade him take the cast and inquire as to the attainment of empire.
Shang Guang cast a lot and replied, “All is propitious, and in the year of the 'mouse' your blue umbrella will enter Luoyang！”
And Sun Hao was pleased.
He said to Minister Hua Jiao, “the former Rulers listened to your words and sent generals to various points and placed defensive camps along the rivers. And over all these was set Ding Feng. Now my desire is to conquer Han and avenge the wrongs of my brother, the Ruler of Shu. What place should be first conquered？”
Hua Jiao replied, “Now that Chengdu has fallen and the Throne there been overturned, Sima Yan will assuredly desire to absorb this southern land. Your Majesty should display virtue and restore confidence to your people. That would be the best plan. If you engage in war, it will be like throwing on hemp to put out a fire——the hemp only adds to the blaze. This is worthy of careful consideration.”
But the Ruler of Wu was displeased, threw the memorial away, and showed his contempt for the Minister's remonstrance by beginning to collect material for the building of a new palace complex to be called the Reflected Light Palace. He even made the officers of the court go into the forest to fell trees for the work.
the Ruler of Wu called in the soothsayer Shang Guang and bade him take the cast and inquire as to the attainment of empire.
Shang Guang cast a lot and replied, “All is propitious, and in the year of the 'mouse' your blue umbrella will enter Luoyang！”
And Sun Hao was pleased.
He said to Minister Hua Jiao, “the former Rulers listened to your words and sent generals to various points and placed defensive camps along the rivers. And over all these was set Ding Feng. Now my desire is to conquer Han and avenge the wrongs of my brother, the Ruler of Shu. What place should be first conquered？”
Hua Jiao replied, “Now that Chengdu has fallen and the Throne there been overturned, Sima Yan will assuredly desire to absorb this southern land. Your Majesty should display virtue and restore confidence to your people. That would be the best plan. If you engage in war, it will be like throwing on hemp to put out a fire——the hemp only adds to the blaze. This is worthy of careful consideration.”
Friday, November 21, 2008
chinese story - 2
However, the year-style was changed to Sweet Dew the very next year. The new ruler soon proved himself cruel and oppressive and day by day GREw more so. Sun Hao indulged in every form of vice and chose Eunuch Cen Hun as his confidant and favorite. When Prime Minister Puyang Xing and General Zhang Bu ventured upon remonstrance, both, with all their family, were put to death. Thereafter none dared to speak； the mouth of every courtier was shut tight.
Another year-style, Treasured Paramount, was adopted the next year （266）, and the responsibility of the Prime Minister's office was shared by two officers, Lu Kuai the Left and Wan Yu the Right.
At this time the imperial residence was in Wuchang. The people of Yangzhou shouldered heavy tribute and suffered exceedingly. There was no limit to the Ruler's extravagance. The treasury was swept clean, and the income of the royal domain exhausted.
At length Lu Kuai, Left Prime Minister, ventured a memorial, saying：
“No natural calamity has fallen upon the people, yet they starve； no public work is in proGREss, yet the treasury is empty. I am distressed. The country under the Hans has fallen apart and three states have arisen therefrom. Those ruled by the Caos and the Lius, as the result of their own folly, have been lost in Jin. Foolish I may be, but I would protect the state for Your Majesty against the evils we have seen in the other divisions. This city of Wuchang is not safe as a royal residence. There is a rhyme concerning it, the gist of which is that it is better to drink the water of Jianye than eat the fish of Wuchang, better to die in Jianye than to live in Wuchang. This shows the regard of the people as well as the will of Heaven. Now the public storehouses are nearly empty； they contain insufficient for a year's use. The officers of all grades vex and distress the people and none pity them.
Another year-style, Treasured Paramount, was adopted the next year （266）, and the responsibility of the Prime Minister's office was shared by two officers, Lu Kuai the Left and Wan Yu the Right.
At this time the imperial residence was in Wuchang. The people of Yangzhou shouldered heavy tribute and suffered exceedingly. There was no limit to the Ruler's extravagance. The treasury was swept clean, and the income of the royal domain exhausted.
At length Lu Kuai, Left Prime Minister, ventured a memorial, saying：
“No natural calamity has fallen upon the people, yet they starve； no public work is in proGREss, yet the treasury is empty. I am distressed. The country under the Hans has fallen apart and three states have arisen therefrom. Those ruled by the Caos and the Lius, as the result of their own folly, have been lost in Jin. Foolish I may be, but I would protect the state for Your Majesty against the evils we have seen in the other divisions. This city of Wuchang is not safe as a royal residence. There is a rhyme concerning it, the gist of which is that it is better to drink the water of Jianye than eat the fish of Wuchang, better to die in Jianye than to live in Wuchang. This shows the regard of the people as well as the will of Heaven. Now the public storehouses are nearly empty； they contain insufficient for a year's use. The officers of all grades vex and distress the people and none pity them.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
chinese story - 1
When Sun Xiu, the Ruler of Wu, knew that the House of Wei had fallen before the Jins, he also knew that the usurper's next thought would be the conquest of his own land. The anxiety made him ill, so that he took to his bed and was like to die. He then summoned to his bedside his Prime Minister, Puyang Xing, and his heir, Sun Wan. But they two came almost too late. The dying Ruler, with his last effort, took the Minister by the hand, but could only point to his son. Then he died.
Puyang Xing left the couch and called a meeting of the officers, whereat he proposed to place the heir on his father's throne.
then Wan Yu, Inspector of the Left Army, rose and said, “Prince Sun Wan is too youthful to rule in such troublous times. Let us confer the throne to Sun Hao, Lord of Wucheng.”
Zhang Bu, General of the Left Army, supported his election, saying, “Sun Hao is able and prompt in decision. He can handle the responsibilities of an emperor.”
However, Puyang Xing was doubtful and consulted the Empress Dowager.
“Settle this with the officials；” she replied, “I am a widow and know nothing of such matters.”
Finally Sun Hao won the day, and in the seventh month he was enthroned as Emperor of Wu, and the first year of his reign was Prosperous Beginning （AD 264）。 Sun Hao was the son of Sun He, a former Heir Apparent, and grandson of Sun Quan the GREat Emperor. The excluded prince, Sun Wan, was consoled with the title of Prince of Yuzhang. Posthumous rank was given to his late father, Sun He the Scholar Emperor, and his mother, Lady He, the Scholar Empress. The Veteran Leader Ding Feng was made Commander of the Right and Left Armies.
Puyang Xing left the couch and called a meeting of the officers, whereat he proposed to place the heir on his father's throne.
then Wan Yu, Inspector of the Left Army, rose and said, “Prince Sun Wan is too youthful to rule in such troublous times. Let us confer the throne to Sun Hao, Lord of Wucheng.”
Zhang Bu, General of the Left Army, supported his election, saying, “Sun Hao is able and prompt in decision. He can handle the responsibilities of an emperor.”
However, Puyang Xing was doubtful and consulted the Empress Dowager.
“Settle this with the officials；” she replied, “I am a widow and know nothing of such matters.”
Finally Sun Hao won the day, and in the seventh month he was enthroned as Emperor of Wu, and the first year of his reign was Prosperous Beginning （AD 264）。 Sun Hao was the son of Sun He, a former Heir Apparent, and grandson of Sun Quan the GREat Emperor. The excluded prince, Sun Wan, was consoled with the title of Prince of Yuzhang. Posthumous rank was given to his late father, Sun He the Scholar Emperor, and his mother, Lady He, the Scholar Empress. The Veteran Leader Ding Feng was made Commander of the Right and Left Armies.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
feigned a lance attack
Toward the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty （25-220）， state power fell into Dong Zhuo's hand， a very cruel and manipulating person. Yuan Shao， the leader of an opposition force， led a punitive expedition to Lüoyang， the capital. Dong Zhuo sent a very battlewise general named Hua Xiong to meet sent a very battlewise general named Hua Xiong to meet the expedition army. Hua killed several generals in run from Yuan Shao's side. Guan Yu volünteered to meet Hua Xiong， saying if he failed to kill him he would kill himself. At this， Cao Cao， in admiration， poured a cup of heated wine for Guan Yu for encouragement. But Guan said， “Keep the cup here until I come back.” When Guan Yu returned with Hua Xiong's head， the wine in the cup was still warm. Dong Zhuo was alarmed at the news that his brave general Hua Xiong had been killed.
He dispatched Lü Bu with 150，000 troops to guard the Hulao Pass outside the capital. Yuan Shao sent eight armies to attack. When the two sides met， no generals from Yuan Shao's side seemed able to withstand Lü Bu； several generals had been killed by him. Zhang Fei charged Lü Bu， but after fifty rounds of fierce combats he still did not succeed. At the sight of his sworn brother Zhang Fei unable to gain an upper hand， Guan Yu lifted his crescent-moon shaped sword to join the battle. After thirty more rounds， hteir elder sworn brother， Liu Bei unsheathed his sword and charged up too. The three brothers closed in. This proved too much for Lü Bu， who feigned a lance attack and while one of the three dodged， ran back to Hulao Pass for his dear life.
He dispatched Lü Bu with 150，000 troops to guard the Hulao Pass outside the capital. Yuan Shao sent eight armies to attack. When the two sides met， no generals from Yuan Shao's side seemed able to withstand Lü Bu； several generals had been killed by him. Zhang Fei charged Lü Bu， but after fifty rounds of fierce combats he still did not succeed. At the sight of his sworn brother Zhang Fei unable to gain an upper hand， Guan Yu lifted his crescent-moon shaped sword to join the battle. After thirty more rounds， hteir elder sworn brother， Liu Bei unsheathed his sword and charged up too. The three brothers closed in. This proved too much for Lü Bu， who feigned a lance attack and while one of the three dodged， ran back to Hulao Pass for his dear life.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
impenetrable shield
A man of the state of Chu had a spear and a shield for sale. He was loud in praises of his shield.
"My shield is so strong that nothing can pierce it through." He also sang praises of his spear. "My spear is so strong that it can pierce through anything." "What would happen," he was asked, "if your spear is used to pierce your shield?" It is impossible for an impenetrable shield to coexist with a spear that finds nothing impenetrable.
"My shield is so strong that nothing can pierce it through." He also sang praises of his spear. "My spear is so strong that it can pierce through anything." "What would happen," he was asked, "if your spear is used to pierce your shield?" It is impossible for an impenetrable shield to coexist with a spear that finds nothing impenetrable.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Real Life Philosophy
You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read this straight through, and you'll get the point (an awesome one) it is trying to make!
Take this quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Take this quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Extreme Joy Begets Sorrow
Chunyu Kun lived in the state of Qi during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). He was wise, humorous and eloquent. He skillfully advised the king on many occasions and successfully went to many states as an envoy.
In the year 349 BC, the State of Chu dispatched a large force to attack Qi. The king of Qi sent Chunyu Kun to the state of Zhao to ask for help, with a lot of valuable gifts. The king of Zhao accpeted the gifts gladly and sent a hundred thousand troops to help Qi. The king of Chu withdrew his army that very night as soon as he got the news.
The king of Qi was released and pleased with Chunyu Kun. He set a banquet for celebration. During the meal, the king asked Chunyu Kun, "How much wine can you drink before you're drunk, Sir?" Knowing the king had a bad habit of drinking all night, Chunyu Kun decided to take this chance to admonish the king. So he replied, "I get drunk when I drink ten litres or hundred."
Puzzled, the king asked, "Since you are drunk after ten litres, how can you finish another ninty litres?"
Chunyu Kun then explained that he could drink different amounts of wine under different conditions. He said, "This occurs to me that when you drink to your limit, you get so drunk that you lose your sense; once joy reaches its height, then it's sorrow's turn. This is the rule for everything. Whatever you do, you are bound to end up in the opposite direction when you exceed the limits."
Realizing Chunyu Kun was advising him, the king answered, "You are right. I will take your advice."
From then on, the king of Qi gave up his bad habit of drinking and playing all night.
Note: Chinese-Online (http://www.chinesepal.cn) is a place to Learn Chinese, and to find free Chinese Tutors to teach Chinese Lessons ,a place to learn mandarin! The fees is in the page(http://www.chinesepal.cn/class_type.html).The Site map of our site to learn Chinese language is the link(http://www.chinesepal.cn/sitemap.html).You can find something what you want to Learn Chinese Online! If you have interested Learn Mandarin Chinese Online ! Please click the link to study Chinese Language! Your Chinese Translation will begin to here! you can find Chinese characters, Chinese writing , Chinese dictionary and so on!
In the year 349 BC, the State of Chu dispatched a large force to attack Qi. The king of Qi sent Chunyu Kun to the state of Zhao to ask for help, with a lot of valuable gifts. The king of Zhao accpeted the gifts gladly and sent a hundred thousand troops to help Qi. The king of Chu withdrew his army that very night as soon as he got the news.
The king of Qi was released and pleased with Chunyu Kun. He set a banquet for celebration. During the meal, the king asked Chunyu Kun, "How much wine can you drink before you're drunk, Sir?" Knowing the king had a bad habit of drinking all night, Chunyu Kun decided to take this chance to admonish the king. So he replied, "I get drunk when I drink ten litres or hundred."
Puzzled, the king asked, "Since you are drunk after ten litres, how can you finish another ninty litres?"
Chunyu Kun then explained that he could drink different amounts of wine under different conditions. He said, "This occurs to me that when you drink to your limit, you get so drunk that you lose your sense; once joy reaches its height, then it's sorrow's turn. This is the rule for everything. Whatever you do, you are bound to end up in the opposite direction when you exceed the limits."
Realizing Chunyu Kun was advising him, the king answered, "You are right. I will take your advice."
From then on, the king of Qi gave up his bad habit of drinking and playing all night.
Note: Chinese-Online (http://www.chinesepal.cn) is a place to Learn Chinese, and to find free Chinese Tutors to teach Chinese Lessons ,a place to learn mandarin! The fees is in the page(http://www.chinesepal.cn/class_type.html).The Site map of our site to learn Chinese language is the link(http://www.chinesepal.cn/sitemap.html).You can find something what you want to Learn Chinese Online! If you have interested Learn Mandarin Chinese Online ! Please click the link to study Chinese Language! Your Chinese Translation will begin to here! you can find Chinese characters, Chinese writing , Chinese dictionary and so on!
Make three calls at the thatched cottage
In the third century, China was divided into three kingdoms: Wei in the north, Shu in the southwest and Wu in the southeast. Shu was a weak state. The head of Shu, Liu Bei, was searching for talents everywhere for the kingdom. He heard of a very wise and knowledgeable man called Zhuge Liang who lived in Longzhong in Hubei province. So Liu decided to invite him to be his prime minister to help strengthen the State of Shu. In the year 207AD, Liu Bei with his sworn brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei traveled to Longzhong to ask Zhuge Liang to assist him. But Zhuge was not at home. Thus they had to return disappointedly.
Later, they came again. But again they failed to see Zhuge, because he had been wandering about for days and hadn't yet come back. This time, Liu Bei left a note expressing his meaning.
Some days passed, Liu wanted to make a third visit. Guan and Zhang wanted to stop him, but in vain. This time, Zhuge Liang was at home but he was sleeping. Liu let Guan and Zhang stand at the door, and he stood by the bed. When Zhuge woke up and saw him, he was moved by his sincerity. He complied with Liu's request and became his prime minister. With the help of Zhuge, Liu enlarged his territory and his kingdom became as strong as the Wu and Shu.
Later, people use it to describe people who invite someone in all sincerity and eagerness.
Note: Chinese-Online (http://www.chinesepal.cn) is a place to Learn Chinese, and to find free Chinese Tutors to teach Chinese Lessons ,a place to learn mandarin! The fees is in the page(http://www.chinesepal.cn/class_type.html).The Site map of our site to learn Chinese language is the link(http://www.chinesepal.cn/sitemap.html).You can find something what you want to Learn Chinese Online! If you have interested Learn Mandarin Chinese Online ! Please click the link to study Chinese Language! Your Chinese Translation will begin to here! you can find Chinese characters, Chinese writing , Chinese dictionary and so on!
Later, they came again. But again they failed to see Zhuge, because he had been wandering about for days and hadn't yet come back. This time, Liu Bei left a note expressing his meaning.
Some days passed, Liu wanted to make a third visit. Guan and Zhang wanted to stop him, but in vain. This time, Zhuge Liang was at home but he was sleeping. Liu let Guan and Zhang stand at the door, and he stood by the bed. When Zhuge woke up and saw him, he was moved by his sincerity. He complied with Liu's request and became his prime minister. With the help of Zhuge, Liu enlarged his territory and his kingdom became as strong as the Wu and Shu.
Later, people use it to describe people who invite someone in all sincerity and eagerness.
Note: Chinese-Online (http://www.chinesepal.cn) is a place to Learn Chinese, and to find free Chinese Tutors to teach Chinese Lessons ,a place to learn mandarin! The fees is in the page(http://www.chinesepal.cn/class_type.html).The Site map of our site to learn Chinese language is the link(http://www.chinesepal.cn/sitemap.html).You can find something what you want to Learn Chinese Online! If you have interested Learn Mandarin Chinese Online ! Please click the link to study Chinese Language! Your Chinese Translation will begin to here! you can find Chinese characters, Chinese writing , Chinese dictionary and so on!
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