English Original
This story is from the classic Chinese novel Three Kingdoms. After suffering a devastating defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs (Chibi), Cao Cao retreated with only 300 remaining soldiers. As they marched along Huarong Road, Cao Cao, on horseback, pointed with his whip and laughed loudly. "People say Zhuge Liang is wise and full of clever stratagems," he said, "but to me, he seems as incapable as any average general. Had he placed an ambush here, I would be trapped."
No sooner had he spoken than cannon fire thundered. An army led by Guan Yu emerged from hiding, blocking their path. Seeing Guan Yu's mighty force, a desperate Cao Cao pleaded for mercy based on their past friendship. "I am cornered," he begged. "Please remember our old bond and let me pass."
"I have already repaid your past kindness," General Guan replied. "Today, I cannot act against my duty to the nation."
Cao Cao then reminded him: "Do you remember killing my six generals while passing through the five checkpoints?" Guan Yu reflected silently. He knew that without Cao Cao's earlier order to let him pass, he would not have survived that journey. As a man who valued loyalty and honor above all, Guan Yu ultimately commanded his men to clear a path and gestured for Cao Cao to go. Thus, Cao Cao escaped with his life.
中文翻译
这个故事出自中国古典小说《三国演义》。在赤壁之战惨败后，曹操仅率三百残兵败退。行至华容道时，曹操骑在马上，扬鞭大笑，说道：“人们都说诸葛亮足智多谋，但在我看来，他与寻常将领一样无能。若他在此设下伏兵，我将无路可逃。”
话音刚落，炮声骤响。关羽率领一支伏兵杀出，挡住了去路。眼见关羽军容雄壮，绝望的曹操只得乞求关羽念及旧情，放他一条生路。“如今我身陷绝境，”他恳求道，“请看在你我往日的情分上，让我过去吧。”
关羽答道：“你昔日的恩情，我已报答。今日，我不能做有损国家大义之事。”
曹操随即提醒他：“你可记得过五关时斩我六员大将？”关羽心中默然承认，若非曹操当初下令放行，他绝无可能闯过五关。关羽是一个将忠义看得极重的人，最终，他下令军士让开道路，示意曹操通过。曹操因此得以生还。