English Original
During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), Duke Xian of Jin executed his crown prince, Sheng, after believing slanders against him. He then sent men to arrest Sheng's brother, Chong Er. Upon hearing this, Chong Er fled Jin and remained a fugitive for over a decade.
After enduring many hardships, Chong Er finally reached the state of Chu. King Cheng of Chu treated him with the respect due to a ruler, believing he had a promising future.
One day, King Cheng held a banquet in Chong Er's honor. Amidst the harmonious atmosphere, the king asked, "How will you repay me if you one day return to Jin and become its ruler?"
After a moment's thought, Chong Er replied, "Your Majesty already possesses abundant beauties, attendants, jewels, and silks. Chu is rich in rare birds and animals. What treasure could Jin possibly offer?"
"You are too modest," said King Cheng. "Surely you must express your gratitude in some way?"
Smiling, Chong Er answered, "Should I be fortunate enough to rule Jin, I will ensure Jin's friendship with Chu. However, if war ever breaks out between us, I will order my troops to retreat three she (about thirty miles) as a gesture for peace. Only if you still press forward would I have no choice but to fight."
Four years later, Chong Er returned to Jin and became its ruler—the historically famous Duke Wen of Jin. Under his rule, Jin grew powerful.
In 633 BC, the armies of Chu and Jin met in battle. True to his word, Duke Wen ordered his troops to retreat thirty miles and encamp at Chengpu. The Chu army, mistaking the retreat for fear, pursued them arrogantly. Seizing this advantage, the Jin forces concentrated their strength and inflicted a crushing defeat on the Chu troops at the Battle of Chengpu.
The idiom "retreating thirty miles" originates from Zuo Zhuan, a commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals. It conveys the idea of making a concession to avoid conflict.
中文翻译
春秋时期（公元前770-476年），晋献公听信谗言，杀了太子申生，又派人捉拿申生的弟弟重耳。得知消息后，重耳逃离晋国，开始了长达十多年的流亡生涯。
历经无数艰辛，重耳最终到达楚国。楚成王认为他前途光明，以诸侯之礼厚待他。
一天，楚成王设宴款待重耳。席间气氛融洽时，楚成王问道：“你若有一天回到晋国成为国君，将如何报答我？”
重耳思索片刻，答道：“大王宫中美女、仆从、珠宝、丝绸应有尽有，楚国也多产珍禽异兽。晋国有什么珍宝能献给大王呢？”
楚成王说：“你太谦虚了。不过，你总得用某种方式表达谢意吧？”
重耳笑道：“若我有幸执掌晋国，定让晋国与楚国友好相处。但如果有一天两国兵戎相见，我将命令我军后退三舍（约九十里）以示和平诚意。若您仍不罢休，那我就只能与您交战了。”
四年后，重耳果然回到晋国成为国君，即历史上著名的晋文公。在他的统治下，晋国日益强盛。
公元前633年，楚晋两军对垒。晋文公信守诺言，下令军队后退九十里，驻扎在城濮。楚军见晋军后退，以为对方畏惧，便傲慢地追击。晋军利用楚军的轻敌，集中兵力给予其沉重打击，赢得了城濮之战的胜利。
“退避三舍”这个成语出自《左传·僖公二十三年》。其寓意是主动退让以避免冲突。