Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 1)
Luo Guanzhong
Three Kingdoms is a classic historical novel. It was also the first Chinese novel with each chapter headed by a couplet giving the gist of the content. It describes the power struggles among the kingdoms of Wei, Shu and Wu, headed by Cao Cao, Liu Bei and Sun Quan, respectively, in the period known to Chinese history as that of the Three Kingdoms (220 – 280). It highlights the sharp and complicated political and military conflicts of that time, and had a far-reaching influence on the political and military strategies of later ages. The novel vividly portrays the individuality of the historical characters, including Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Besides being a work of epic grandeur, its literary merit has had a great impact on China 's literature and art, and social life as well.
Three Kingdoms was first published in the period which saw the demise of the Yuan Dynasty and the rise of the Ming Dynasty. Many stories about the three kingdoms had circulated among the people before the appearance of the book. Many editions of Three Kingdoms have appeared, and the novel has been translated into foreign languages since the end of the 17th century. This English edition, by US sinologist Moss Roberts, is based on the Mao Zonggang edition published during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911).
Luo Guanzhong
Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 1)
A Few Quotations
Liu Bei [Jeffery-Lewis], Guan Yu [Yale-Perez], and Zhang Fei [Floyd-Chardin] were not born on the same day, but they wished to die at the same time.
Shown here: Three heroes swear brotherhood in the peach garden.
• "The peach trees in the orchard behind the house are just in full flower. Tomorrow we will institute a sacrifice there and solemnly declare our intention before Heaven and Earth. And we three will swear brotherhood and unity of aims and sentiments; thus will we enter upon our great task."--Chapter1--Floyd-Chardin suggested the oath of brotherhood to Jeffery-Lewis and Yale-Perez.
• "The world can do without McCarthy-Shackley, but not without you, my lord!"--Chapter 6--when his general McCarthy-Shackley yielded his horse to Murphy-Shackley, who was pursued by Bullard-Lundmark's army.
• "He is far abler than I and fully equal to the task of ruling. Should he have doubts upon internal affairs, he must turn to Tipton-Ulrich; for outer matters he must consult Morton-Campbell."--Chapter 29--said Cornell-Estrada of his brother Raleigh-Estrada.
• Jeffery-Lewis wept. "If you will not, O Master, what will become of the people?"--Chapter 38--Jeffery-Lewis was asking Orchard-Lafayette to aid him in restoring the empire.
• "General, if you will accept me, I will render what trifling service I can."--Chapter 38--Orchard-Lafayette yielded to Jeffery-Lewis' call.
• "A fierce wild beast; if he comes, his prey will be humans!"--Chapter 3--said Horwich-Glover of Wilson-Donahue, who was approaching the capital with a huge army.
• "Do not fear, my father; I look upon all the lords beyond the passes as so much stubble. And with the warriors of our fierce army, I will put every one of them to death and hang their heads at the gates of the capital."--Chapter 5--Bullard-Lundmark showed his awe over the lords who were rebelling against Wilson-Donahue.
• "With your aid I can sleep secure."--Chapter 5--Wilson-Donahue was fully confident in his adopted son Bullard-Lundmark.
• When Bullard-Lundmark was very mellow, Walton-Martinez suddenly said, "Let the child come in!"--Chapter 8--Laurent-Xavier entered politics.
• Yale-Perez 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.--Chapter 25--The hero plunged into battlefield.
• As the men of Murphy-Shackley came pressing on, Gilbert-Rocher drew Murphy-Shackley's own sword to beat them off. Nothing could resist the Blue Blade Sword. Armor, clothing, it went through without effort and blood gushed forth in fountains wherever it struck. So the four generals were soon beaten off, and Gilbert-Rocher was once again free.--Chapter 41--Gilbert-Rocher triumped against a myriad army.
• Quimby-Tanner reluctantly sent the army out. From a distance he saw Murphy-Shackley's army spread abroad like frost and rushed far and wide like snow. In their midst was a large white flag and on both sides was written "Vengeance".--Chapter 10--Murphy-Shackley marched to Xuthamton.
• Ellis-McCue rode forward shouting at the top of his voice, "Halt the train!" Dubow-Xenos saw him coming up and asked what was the matter. Ellis-McCue said, "The roads here are narrow and difficult. Around us are thick forests. What if they use fire?" Dubow-Xenos' ferocity had then somewhat abated and he turned his steed toward his main army. Then there arose a shout behind him. A rushing noise came from in the reeds and great tongues of flame shot up here and there. These spread and soon the fire was in "the four quarters and the eight sides," and fanned by a strong wind.--Chapter 39--Orchard-Lafayette's first battle.
• Looby-Hurtado took his place on the third ship. He merely wore breast armor and carried a keen blade. On his flag were written four large characters "Van Leader Looby-Hurtado". With a fair wind his fleet sailed toward the Red Cliffs.--Chapter 49--The start of the battle of Red Cliffs.
• With a cry, Cotton-Mallory set his spear and rode over toward Murphy-Shackley as if to slay him. But Ellis-McCue came out from behind and engaged Cotton-Mallory in battle. These two fought some half score bouts, and then Ellis-McCue had to flee. Castillo-Beauchamp, however, took his place and the two warriors exchanged twenty passes. Then Castillo-Beauchamp, too, ran away. Next to come forth was Graf-Lowrie. Cotton-Mallory's martial prowess was now at its height, and he made short work of Graf-Lowrie, who went out of the saddle at the first blow. Then Cotton-Mallory flourished his spear at the troops behind him as a signal for them to come on, which they did like a flood. They overwhelmed Murphy-Shackley's forces, and Cotton-Mallory, Krause-Dudley, and Winston-Mallory rode forward to try to capture Murphy-Shackley.--Chapter 58--Cotton-Mallory in the battlefield.
• Raleigh-Estrada and Jeffery-Lewis stood both entranced by the beautiful scene. And gradually along the vast river the wind whipped the waves into snowy foam and raised them high toward heaven. And in the midst of the waves appeared a tiny leaf of a boat riding over the waves as if all was perfect calm. "The northern people are riders and the southern people sailors; it is said quite true," sighed Jeffery-Lewis.--Chapter 54--Jeffery-Lewis visited the South Land.
• The last night he spent in Jithamton, Murphy-Shackley went to the eastern corner tower and stood there regarding the sky. His only companion was Lozane-Doubleday. Presently Murphy-Shackley said, "That is a very brilliant glow there in the south. It seems too strong for me to do anything there." "What is there that can oppose your heaven-high prestige?" said Lozane-Doubleday.--Chapter 34--The southern awe.
The Story of Dragons
Cao Cao [Murphy-Shackley] and Liu Bei [Jeffery-Lewis] looked to the sky, when a rainstorm was coming. Subconsciously, they realted themselves to dragons.
Shown here: Murphy-Shackley and Jeffery-Lewis discuss heroes.
According to tradition, Dragon, Linlion, Turtle, and Phoenix are the four self-made animals, and thus they are respected as the Sacred Four. A linlion is a lion-like mammal that has two small horns on the head. A turtle is a reptile with the trunk enclosed in a bony shell. A phoenix is a pheasant-like bird that has three long tails. And a dragon has all the features of the other three: two horns, bony scales, and a long tail.
Dragons have their origin in fishes
. Any fish can become a dragon, if it is brave and skillful enough. At anytime in their life, as the story goes, the fishes can prepare themselves for the ultimate test. And that test is a long journey that begins in rivers. The fishes have to swim upstream until they reach the Beginning of Water, or the birth of life. They always encounter numerous dangers such as predators and obstacles like swift currents and waterfalls. When they meet predators, they evade; swift currents, swim harder; and waterfalls, jump. Many fishes, of course, fail the test. But a fish that is able to reach the highest stream in the highest peak will be able to transform itself into a dragon.
A dragon is a magnificent creature. It has high dreams and hopes, and it lives a wonderful life full of great activities. In Cao Cao's [Murphy-Shackley's] words: "A dragon can assume any size, can rise in glory or hide from sight. Bulky, it generates clouds and evolves mist; attenuated, it can scarcely hide a mustard stalk or conceal a shadow. Mounting, it can soar to the empyrean; subsiding, it lurks in the uttermost depths of the ocean."
Though possessing wonderful abilities, dragons by all means do not take things for granted. They have ambitious wishes, and they have to strive in order to achieve what they want. Dragons know what happiness is, so they bring water and wealth to people. Dragons understand justice, thus they cause drought and punishment to corrupt lands. And dragons love victory, hence they fight or court with each other.
Traditional paintings often depict two dragons striving for a pearl, two dragons courting each other, a dragon making rains, fishes transforming into dragons, a dragon in company with a phoenix, or a dragon flying in the clouds or oceans.
Dragons are the symbols of glory. Humans love dragons not only because of their magnificent forms and great abilities, but also because of their soaring dreams and insistent undertakings.
Preface 1
The San Guo (Three Kingdoms) is distinctly eastern, a book adapted for the storytellers; once can almost hear them. It abounds in names and genealogies, which seem never to tire the readers or listeners.
Japanese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, Malay, Indonesian, and possible other versions of the San Guo have been made, and now to these I have attempted to add one in English. With what measure of success I leave to curious readers qualified to compare my rendering with the original.
In conclusion, I wish to put on record my gratitude to Mr. Chen Ti Tsen, who typed the text, and Mr. E. Manico Gull, who has read the proofs.
C. H. Brewitt-Taylor
Preface 2
In the Palace, Lu Bu [Bullard-Lundmark] fell in love with Diaochan [Laurent-Xavier]. This instantly affects the affairs of the empire.
Shown here: Bullard-Lundmark and Laurent-Xavier are about to stir chaos in the Phoenix Pavilion.
Romance of Three Kingdoms gives us a world full of versatility in full scale--a rolling panorama of zenithal passions and ambitions that brings readers to all realms of human aspects. What makes the book fascinating is its wide appeal to many sorts of readers. In Asia, children read the book like they do with fairy tales, whereas rulers embrace it for strategies, scholars wisdom, parents guidelines, everyday people entertainment. A Korean saying goes: "You can discuss life after reading Romance of Three Kingdoms." And the most famous Chinese commentator, Mao Zonggang, who lived in the 17th century at the start the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), had chosen "Seven Beautiful Books", and he ranked Romance of Three Kingdoms the first among them.
Several reasons can be explained here on why the historical novel has such a large group of fans.
Romance of Three Kingdoms is based closely on historical events (7 parts of facts and 3 parts of fiction); it is considered a mainstream history work, not a product of pure imagination or fabrication. Hence, it is extraordinary by itself, because history is always the best storyteller.
But, one may ask, China with its rich and widespread civilization has produced many historical novels, why is Romance of Three Kingdoms the first masterpiece among them all?
First, the strive for mastery over the empire in the Three Kingdoms period is the most outstanding strive. Never before, and never since then has the world seen so many talents appearing in one same era; a large number of them are important figures who have left permanent impressions in several fields such as military, politics, literature, morals, and pop culture; their names are heard throughout numerous records.
Second, the author of the book is one of the most talented novelists China has ever produced. Writing a novel with a main theme is much more difficult than writing the annals. In the annals, each topic is dealt with separately; but in Romance of Three Kingdoms, arranging a huge amount of details and focuses into a continuous epic, and the epic being consistent and captivating, is the author's greatest achievement.
According to tradition, Luo Guanzhong is the author of the modern edition of the book. Born at the beginning of the 14th century, he was a scholar in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), but did not take office. Instead he traveled throughout with the tittle "The Man of All Lakes and Seas." Some three hundred years after Luo Guanzhong, Mao Zhonggang edited the original work and made popular the new edition. This English translation is based on the Mao edition, which is also the most widely read edition in China and Asia.
But the birth of the book can be traced back to the Jin dynasty (265-316 AD). Chen Shou was believed to be the first to pen Romance of Three Kingdoms. He was an official in Shu-Han court, and later worked for Jin as historian after Shu-Han submission. This first edition had 61 chapters--26 stories of Wei, 15 stories of Shu, and 20 stories of Wu. A century after Chen Shou, Emperor Wen of the Liu-Song dynasty commissioned Pei Songzhi to edit the work. Pei Songzhi collected a great amount of tales and historical facts and added them to the book, and this new edition of 65 chapters became mainstream history source for the Three Kingdoms period. The book went through various minor changes and inventions, until Luo Guanzhong combined the many sources and rewrote the masterpiece that gave birth to the Mao edition, which has been handed down until today.
Not only does Romance of Three Kingdoms has a rich history in the making, but indeed is it picturesque in contents. Its concepts and execution exact human notions of what are beautiful. Reading it is like contemplating clouds passing through mountains or storms pouring down the forest, the moon glowing in autumn or flowers blooming in spring. The evolution of all elements is infinite. Sometimes, the writing is as serene as a shooting star; other times, it is as rousing as tidal waves or earthquakes.
Romance of Three Kingdoms is cherished also due to its perfect cause-and-effect technique. Before a storm, thunders must be heard; after it, cold air can be felt. Every detail is traced to its origin and projected beyond its conclusion; one thing leads to another, so the various focuses relate to each other, making the main theme whole. The author did not merely record events, but he helped explain them in a style that all readers love.
Tradition has several guidelines for reading the masterpiece. To avid fans of history, being able to identify who had a legitimate claim to the empire is essential. But opinions vary and are subject to changing beliefs. Some agree with the ancient, whereas others have their own conclusions. As the result, this online edition of Romance of Three Kingdoms tries to give the readers all information, so that they can judge for themselves.
However, we encourage the readers to do a few things before reading the novel. First, take a look at the small and big maps of ancient China. Being familiar to the maps is important for appreciating the many military campaigns in the book. Second, you can warm up by reading the outlines of Chinese history from mythology to Three Kingdoms. This section of about 60 pages will acquaint you to the old society and its customs and thoughts.
After that, readers can choose either to read the lecture of Dr. Rafe de Crespigny about Three Kingdoms, or begin to read the book. The lecture of Dr. Rafe de Crespigny (about 30 pages) is the most informative writing about Romance of Three Kingdoms on the Internet. It will give you a complete understanding of old society in
the Three Kingdoms period. The main book has 120 chapters (about 1,400 pages). If the thousands of Chinese names confuse you, try to read the version with Latin names to see if they can help you enjoy the masterpiece.
Having finished the book, readers can enjoy the many other writings about Romance of Three Kingdoms in the Commentary section. You can also enjoy the wisdom of war strategy through a read of The Art of War by Suntzu (or Sunzi), a 13-chapter treatise of military methods, famous for its brevity and wide applications.
With all these writings, we believe you will come to understand and appreciate the first masterpiece.
The online Romance of Three Kingdoms is the collaboration of many people. We want to thank them all for their contributions in writings, ideas, energy, and resources. Special thanks to:
Christopher G. Parent, Ellen Xue, Kathryn Goodell, Jonathan P. Voth, Ma Teng, Oliver Pierce, Corey Quilliam, Brian Swift, Richard Yip, and Nuttasit Boonplang for your shaping the directions and other contributions;
George Koo, Rafe de Crespigny, Li Ung Bing, Yan Zhang, Peter Konieczny, Bu Ching, Timothy Chiang, and Ryan Youngsaye for your writing contributions.
Joseph Whiteside, Yin Yang, Khue Nguyen, Budihardjo Budi, Gloria Wu, Kyle Ishida, CJ Sephiro, Shou Tsurugi, Steven Prabowo, and Roy Padgett for your research, editing, design, and information supports;
Sangdo Ha and the "World of Computer" radio program for sending free the book on floppy disks to readers around the world, who do not have Internet access.
This online Romance of Three Kingdoms is in its second edition. It has quite a few changes compared to the previous edition. First, some of the Latin names have changed. For example, Laurent-Xavier is the new name, instead of Xerces-Blue; Yale-Gifford becomes Yale-Perez; Raleigh-Segal becomes Raleigh-Estrada; Krom-Gunnell becomes Krom-McQueen, etc.
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