Lǚ Méng appellation Zǐmíng, was a Rǔnán Fùbēi man. When young he crossed [the Jīāng] south, joining his elder sister’s husband Dèng Dāng. [Dèng] Dāng became one of Sūn Cè’s officers, repeatedly suppressing Shānyuè. Méng was fifteen to sixteen years, secretly followed [Dèng] Dāng in attacking the enemy, [Dèng] Dāng looked back and saw him and was greatly alarmed, scolded him but could not stop him. He returned and reported this to Méng’s mother, the mother was furious and wished to punish him, and Méng said: “Being poor and lowly it is difficult to survive, but if one can gain achievement, then riches and honor can be reached. Moreover without entering the tiger’s den, how can one gain the tiger’s cub?” The mother grieved but let him go. At the time [Dèng] Dāng’s appointed official because Méng was young thought light of him, and said: “What can this little brat do? This is like giving meat to feed a tiger and that is all.” On another day he met with Méng, and again insulted him. Méng was greatly furious, drew his sword and killed the official, went out and fled, escaping to fellow village man Zhèng Zhǎng’s house. He went out to Colonel Yuán Xióng to turn himself in, who took opportunity to tell of it, [Sūn] Cè summoned and met and was impressed with him, and appointed him to his attendants.

呂蒙字子明，汝南富陂人也。少南渡，依姊夫鄧當。當為孫策將，數討山越。蒙年十五六，竊隨當擊賊，當顧見大驚，呵叱不能禁止。歸以告蒙母，母恚欲罰之，蒙曰：「貧賤難可居，脫誤有功，富貴可致。且不探虎穴，安得虎子？」母哀而舍之。時當職吏以蒙年小輕之，曰：「彼豎子何能為？此欲以肉餧虎耳。」他日與蒙會，又蚩辱之。蒙大怒，引刀殺吏，出走，逃邑子鄭長家。出因校尉袁雄自首，承閒為言，策召見奇之，引置左右。

After several years, Dèng Dāng died, Zhāng Zhāo recommended Méng to succeed [Dèng] Dāng, and he was appointed Separate Division Major. [Sūn] Quán governed affairs, and reviewed the various lesser officers with fewer troops and less expenses, wishing to join them together. Méng secretly borrowed on credit, to for his troops prepare red uniforms and leggings. On the inspection day, he lined them up with astonishing appearance, and the troops drilled. [Sūn] Quán saw this and was greatly pleased, and increased his troops. He followed in the suppression of Dānyáng, and wherever he headed he had achievements, was appointed Commandant Pacifying the North, with office as Chief of Guǎngdé.

數歲，鄧當死，張昭薦蒙代當，拜別部司馬。權統事，料諸小將兵少而用薄者，欲并合之。蒙陰賒貰，為兵作絳衣行縢，及簡日，陳列赫然，兵人練習，權見之大悅，增其兵。從討丹楊，所向有功，拜平北都尉，領廣德長。

[208] He followed in the campaign against Huáng Zǔ, and [Huáng] Zǔ’s subordinate commander Chén Jiù opposed them with the navy going out to battle. Méng led the front line, personally taking [Chén] Jiù’s head, the officers and soldiers followed up on the victory, advancing to attack their city. [Huáng] Zǔ heard [Chén] Jiù was dead, abandoned the city and fled, and the troops pursued and took him. [Sūn] Quán said: “That the matter was successful, was because Chén Jiù was first taken,” and appointed Méng as Across the Field Internal Gentleman-General, bestowing ten million cash.

從征黃祖，祖令都督陳就逆以水軍出戰。蒙勒前鋒，親梟就首，將士乘勝，進攻其城。祖聞就死，委城走，兵追禽之。權曰：「事之克，由陳就先獲也。」以蒙為橫野中郎將，賜錢千萬。

That year, he also with Zhōu Yú, Chéng Pǔ, and others to the west defeated Excellency Cáo at Wūlín, and besieged Cáo Rén at Nánjùn.

是歲，又與周瑜、程普等西破曹公於烏林，圍曹仁於南郡。

Yìzhōu General Xí Sù led his army to come join them, and [Zhōu] Yú memorialized to take [Xí] Sù’s troops to increase Méng’s, but Méng praised [Xì] Sù for having guts and notability, and moreover had admired their influence and come from afar, and so by righteousness they should give and not take away from him. [Sūn] Quán praised these words, and returned [Xì] Sù’s troops.

益州將襲肅舉軍來附，瑜表以肅兵益蒙，蒙盛稱肅有膽用，且慕化遠來，於義宜益不宜奪也。權善其言，還肅兵。

[Zhōu] Yú sent Gān Níng ahead to occupy Yílíng, Cáo Rén divided his army to attack [Gān] Níng, and [Gān] Níng was desperately hard-pressed, and sent envoy to request rescue. The various Generals believed their troops were few and not enough to divide. Méng said to [Zhōu] Yú and [Chéng] Pǔ: “Leave Líng [Tǒng] Gōngjì, while I with you sirs go, to relieve the siege and resolve the emergency. The matter will not be too long, and I am confident [Líng Tǒng] Gōngjì can defend for ten days.” He also advised [Zhōu] Yú to divide and send three hundred men to with wood barricade the roads, so when the enemy fled they could capture their horses. [Zhōu] Yú followed this.

瑜使甘寧前據夷陵，曹仁分眾攻寧，寧困急，使使請救。諸將以兵少不足分，蒙謂瑜、普曰：「留淩公績，蒙與君行，解圍釋急，勢亦不久，蒙保公績能十日守也。」又說瑜分遣三百人柴斷險道，賊走可得其馬。瑜從之。

The army reached Yílíng, that day fighting battle, killing over half. The enemy in the night fled, and traveling encountered the barricaded road, and the riders all abandoned their horses to flee on foot. The troops pursued and attacked, capturing three hundred horses, and with square boats carried them back.

軍到夷陵，即日交戰，所殺過半。敵夜遁去，行遇柴道，騎皆舍馬步走。兵追蹙擊，獲馬三百匹，方船載還。

Therefore the officers and soldiers were multiplied in their morale, and then crossed the Jiāng to establish camp, with the enemy attacking each other, and Cáo Rén retreated and fled, and therefore they occupied Nánjùn, consoling and settling Jīngzhōu. He returned and was appointed Supporting General, with office as Magistrate of Xúnyáng.

於是將士形勢自倍，乃渡江立屯，與相攻擊，曹仁退走，遂據南郡，撫定荊州。還，拜偏將軍，領尋陽令。

[210] Lǔ Sù succeeded Zhōu Yú, and on the way to Lùkǒu passed by Méng’s camp. [Lǔ] Sù thought lightly of Méng, but someone advised [Lǔ] Sù: “General Lǚ achievements and reputation daily increase, and cannot be deliberately ignored. You sir should go visit him.” Therefore he went to visit Méng.

魯肅代周瑜，當之陸口，過蒙屯下。肅意尚輕蒙，或說肅曰：「呂將軍功名日顯，不可以故意待也，君宜顧之。」遂往詣蒙。

When they were drinking, Méng asked [Lǔ] Sù: “You sir have received heavy responsibility, to with Guān Yǔ be neighbor, what plans have you made to prepare for the unexpected?”

酒酣，蒙問肅曰：「君受重任，與關羽為鄰，將何計略，以備不虞？」

[Lǔ] Sù hurriedly answered: “When the time comes I will act appropriately.”

肅造次應曰：「臨時施宜。」

Méng said: “Now though the east and west are one group, yet Guān Yǔ is truly a bear tiger. How can your plans be unsettled?” Therefore for [Lǔ] Sù, he drew up five strategies.

蒙曰：「今東西雖為一家，而關羽實熊虎也，計安可不豫定？」因為肅畫五策。

[Lŭ] Sù thereupon left his seat to him, patted him on the back and said: “Lǚ Zǐmíng, I did not know your ability and planning had already come this far.” Therefore he paid respects to Méng’s mother, made bond of friendship, and departed. (1)

肅於是越席就之，拊其背曰：「呂子明，吾不知卿才略所及乃至於此也。」遂拜蒙母，結友而別〔一〕。

• (1) Jiāngbiǎozhuàn states: Previously, [Sūn] Quán said to Méng and Jiǎng Qīn: “You now both are about to manage affairs, and should study to develop yourselves.” Méng said: “In the army it is always difficult with many affairs, and I fear we cannot again study books.” [Sūn] Quán said: “Do I wish to have you study classics to become Academicians? I only wish you to skim through and understand past affairs and that is all. You say you have many affairs but does it compare to mine? When I was young I had already gone through the Shī, Shū, Lǐjì, Zuǒzhuàn, Guóyǔ, only not reading the Yì. Since managing affairs, I studied the three histories [Shǐjì, Hànshū, Dōngguàn Hànjì], the various military books, and personally acknowledge it had great benefit. You two, by nature are bright and comprehensive, and studying it are certain to gain it, so why do you not? You should immediately study the Sūnzǐ, Liùtāo, Zuǒzhuàn, Guóyǔ and the three histories. Kǒng-zǐ said ‘All day not eating and all night not sleeping to ponder has no benefit, and is not as good as studying.’ When Guāng-Wǔ [Liú Xiù] led troops and horses, his hand did not set down books. [Cáo Cāo] Mèngdé also calls himself old but still is eager to study. How can you alone not exert yourselves?” Méng began study, steadfast and without tiring, and what he read and understood, even the acient Classicists could not surpass. Later Lǔ Sù succeeded Zhōu Yú, passed Méng and debated, and always felt beaten. [Lǔ] Sù patted Méng’s back and said: “I had said you younger brother only had military planning ability and that is all. But now, your study and knowledge is cultured and broad, and you are no longer Wù’s little Méng.” Méng said: “A gentleman gone for three days, should then clear his eyes and look again. Elder brother your appraisal today, how can it be compared to Marquis of Ráng [Wèi Rǎn]? Elder brother now you succeed [Zhōu Yú] Gōngjǐn, who is difficult to succeed, and moreover will with Guān Yǔ be adjacent. This man is grown but studious, recites the Zuǒzhuàn all fluently aloud with bright voice, has heroic manner, but by nature is very conceited, and enjoys dominating other men. Now to match him, you should have plans to resist him.” He secretly for [Lǔ] Sù presented three strategies, [Lǔ] Sù respectfully accepted them, secretly and not revealing them. [Sūn] Quán always sighed and said: “Men grown but still improving, like Lǚ Méng and Jivang Qīn, cannot be matched. Those with riches and honors, yet able to break habit and enjoy study, be pleased in books, think lightly of wealth and esteem righteousness, these can leave their mark, and be their state’s great men, is it not also proper!”

〔一〕　江表傳曰：初，權謂蒙及蔣欽曰：「卿今並當塗掌事，宜學問以自開益。」蒙曰：「在軍中常苦多務，恐不容復讀書。」權曰：「孤豈欲卿治經為博士邪？但當令涉獵見往事耳。卿言多務孰若孤，孤少時歷詩、書、禮記、左傳、國語，惟不讀易。至統事以來，省三史、諸家兵書，自以為大有所益。如卿二人，意性朗悟，學必得之，寧當不為乎？宜急讀孫子、六韜、左傳、國語及三史。孔子言『終日不食，終夜不寢以思，無益，不如學也』。光武當兵馬之務，手不釋卷。孟德亦自謂老而好學。卿何獨不自勉勖邪？」蒙始就學，篤志不倦，其所覽見，舊儒不勝。後魯肅上代周瑜，過蒙言議，常欲受屈。肅拊蒙背曰：「吾謂大弟但有武略耳，至於今者，學識英博，非復吳下阿蒙。」蒙曰：「士別三日，即更刮目相待。大兄今論，何一稱穰侯乎。兄今代公瑾，既難為繼，且與關羽為鄰。斯人長而好學，讀左傳略皆上口，梗亮有雄氣，然性頗自負，好陵人。今與為對，當有單複以（卿）〔鄉〕待之。」。密為肅陳三策，肅敬受之，祕而不宣。權常歎曰：「人長而進益，如呂蒙、蔣欽，蓋不可及也。富貴榮顯，更能折節好學，耽悅書傳，輕財尚義，所行可跡，並作國士，不亦休乎！」

At the time Méng with Chéng Dāng, Sòng Dìng, and Xú Gù’s camps were close together, the three Generals died, their sons and younger brothers were young, and [Sūn] Quán added all their troops to Méng’s. Méng firmly declined, explaining [Xú] Gù and the rest all labored hard for the state’s affairs, and though their sons and younger brothers were young, they could not be dispossessed. He sent up letter three times, and [Sūn] Quán therefore listened. Méng thereupon selected teachers for them, sending them to assist and guide them. His caring heart was often like this.

時蒙與成當、宋定、徐顧屯次比近，三將死，子弟幼弱，權悉以兵并蒙。蒙固辭，陳啟顧等皆勤勞國事，子弟雖小，不可廢也。書三上，權乃聽。蒙於是又為擇師，使輔導之，其操心率如此。

Wèi sent Lújiāng’s Xiè Qí as Qíchūn Agriculture Manager, garrisoning Huàn’s fields and villages, and they repeatedly raided the frontiers. Méng sent someone to entice him, was unsuccessful, and then waited for opportunity to surprise attack, and [Xiè] Qí therefore withdrew and retreated, and his subordinates Sūn Zǐcái, Sòng Háo and others, all carried their old and young, to visit Méng to surrender.

魏使廬江謝奇為蘄春典農，屯皖田鄉，數為邊寇。蒙使人誘之，不從，則伺隙襲擊，奇遂縮退，其部伍孫子才、宋豪等，皆攜負老弱，詣蒙降。

Later he followed [Sūn] Quán in resisting Excellency Cáo at Rúxū, repeatedly advanced unusual plans, and also urged [Sūn] Quán to on both sides of the river’s mouth establish docks, and so the preparations and defenses were extremely elite, (1) and Excellency Cáo could not overcome them and retreated.

後從權拒曹公於濡須，數進奇計，又勸權夾水口立塢，所以備御甚精，〔一〕曹公不能下而退。

• (1) Wúlù states: [Sūn] Quán wished to build docks, and the various Generals all said: “Go up ashore to strike the enemy, wade to board the boats, what use are docks?” Lǚ Méng said: “Troops have gains and losses, battles are not always victorious. If by chance the enemy’s infantry and cavalry closely follow us, with no time to reach the water, how can they board the boats?” [Sūn] Quán said “Excellent,” and therefore built them.

〔一〕　吳錄曰：權欲作塢，諸將皆曰：「上岸擊賊，洗足入船，何用塢為？」呂蒙曰：「兵有利鈍，戰無百勝，如有邂逅，敵步騎蹙人，不暇及水，其得入船乎？」權曰：「善。」遂作之。

Excellency Cáo sent Zhū Guāng as Administrator of Lújiāng, garrisoning Huàn, greatly developing rice fields, and also ordered border peoples to entice Póyáng bandit leaders, to serve as internal support. Méng said: “Huàn’s fields are fertile and good, and if they harvest it, their army will certainly increase, and thus after several years, [Cáo] Cāo will appear here. It is appropriate to early remove them.” Then he reported this situation. Therefore [Sūn] Quán personally campaigned against Huàn, summoning together the various officers, and asking them for strategies. (1)

曹公遣朱光為廬江太守，屯皖，大開稻田，又令閒人招誘鄱陽賊帥，使作內應。蒙曰：「皖田肥美，若一收孰，彼眾必增，如是數歲，操態見矣，宜早除之。」乃具陳其狀。於是權親征皖，引見諸將，問以計策。〔一〕

• (1) Wúshū states: The various Generals all advised building earthworks and preparing siege engines, but Méng hurriedly advanced and said: “Building siege engines and earthworks, must take many days to complete. The city’s defenses will be repaired, and outside rescue will certainly have arrived, and cannot be planned against. Moreover we followed up after rain floods to advance, and if we remain for many days, the river will certainly recede, the return roads will be difficult, and I humbly believe this is dangerous. Now observing this city, its defenses are not hard, so with the army’s acute spirit, attacking on all four sides, without too much time it can be taken, and then we can take the river back; this is way to guaranteed victory.” [Sūn] Quán followed this.

〔一〕　吳書曰：諸將皆勸作土山，添攻具，蒙趨進曰：「治攻具及土山，必歷日乃成，城備既脩，外救必至，不可圖也。且乘雨水以入，若留經日，水必向盡，還道艱難，蒙竊危之。今觀此城，不能甚固，以三軍銳氣，四面並攻，不移時可拔，及水以歸，全勝之道也。」權從之。

Méng therefore recommended Gān Níng to serve as Commander Scaling Cities, to command the attack at the front, while Méng with elite troops followed after him. At dawn they advanced to attack, Méng hand beat the drums, and the soldiers all soared and leapt and climbed, and by meal time captured it. Soon after, Zhāng Liáo reached Jiāshí, heard the city was already taken, and therefore retreated.

蒙乃薦甘寧為升城督，督攻在前，蒙以精銳繼之。侵晨進攻，蒙手執枹鼓，士卒皆騰踊自升，食時破之。既而張遼至夾石，聞城已拔，乃退。

[Sūn] Quán praised this achievement, at once appointed him Administrator of Lújiāng, the captured men and horses were all divided with him, and separately bestowed from Xúnyáng’s garrison-farms six hundred men, and office subordinates of thirty men.

權嘉其功，即拜廬江太守，所得人馬皆分與之，別賜尋陽屯田六百人，官屬三十人。

Méng returned to Xúnyáng, and within a year Lúlíng bandits rebelled, the various Generals attacked but could not take them, and [Sūn] Quán said: “Hundreds of birds of prey are no match for one osprey.” He again ordered Méng to attack them. Méng arrived, executed their leaders, and the rest were all released, and again became commoners.

蒙還尋陽，未期而廬陵賊起，諸將討擊不能禽，權曰：「鷙鳥累百，不如一鶚。」復令蒙討之。蒙至，誅其首惡，餘皆釋放，復為平民。

At the time Liú Bèi ordered Guān Yǔ to defend, occupying Jīng territory, and [Sūn] Quán ordered Méng to go west to take Chángshā, Líng[líng], and Guì[yáng] three commanderies. Méng sent letters to two commanderies and they observed the situation and submitted. Only Administrator of Línglíng Hǎo Pǔ defended the city and did not surrender. But [Liú] Bèi from Shǔ personally reached Gōng’ān, sending [Guān] Yǔ to contest the three commanderies. [Sūn] Quán at the time was stationed at Lùkǒu, and sent Lǔ Sù to command ten thousand men to garrison Yìyáng to resist [Guān] Yǔ, but sent fast letter to summon Méng, instructing him to give up Línglíng, and urgently return to support [Lǔ] Sù.

是時劉備令關羽鎮守，專有荊土，權命蒙西取長沙、零、桂三郡。蒙移書二郡，望風歸服，惟零陵太守郝普城守不降。而備自蜀親至公安，遣羽爭三郡。權時住陸口，使魯肅將萬人屯益陽拒羽，而飛書召蒙，使捨零陵，急還助肅。

Previously, after Mèng settled Chángshā, he was about to go to Línglíng, passed Líng, and encountered Nányáng’s Dèng Xuánzhī, and as [Dèng] Xuánzhī was [Hǎo] Pǔ’s old friend, he wished to order him to entice [Hǎo] Pǔ. When he received letter ordering to return, Mèng kept it secret, in the night summoned the various Generals, giving them plans, in the morning was about to attack the city, and looked back to say to [Dèng] Xuánzhī:

初，蒙既定長沙，當之零陵，過酃，載南陽鄧玄之，玄之者郝普之舊也，欲令誘普。及被書當還，蒙祕之，夜召諸將，授以方略，晨當攻城，顧謂玄之曰：

“Hǎo [Pǔ] Zǐtái has heard that the world has matters of loyalty and righteousness, and also wishes to act thus, but does not know the times. The General of the Left [Liú Bèi] is at Hànzhōng, and is by Xiàhóu Yuān besieged. Guān Yǔ is at Nánjùn, and now the honored [Sūn Quán] personally faces him. Recently there is the destruction of the Fánběn garrison, the rescue of Líng, the rebels have been by Sūn Guī defeated. These are all matters before one’s eyes, and you sir have personally seen it. The others [Liú Bèi, Guān Yǔ] are head to tail upside down [in extreme danger], cannot save themselves, so how can they have extra strength to rescue this camp? Now my soldiers are elite, every man thinking of giving their lives, and the honored [Sūn Quán] sends troops, in succession on the roads. Now [Hǎo Pǔ] Zǐtái holds to command morning to night, waiting for rescue that cannot be hoped for, like an oxen treading among fish, or Jì relying on the Jiāng and Hàn, and this inability to rely is already obvious. If Zǐtái certainly is able to unite the soldiers’ hearts, protect an isolated city’s defense, yet being able to delay for days and nights, to wait for rescue, is possible. Now I have calculated strength and judged considerations, and to attack thus, it would not be many days, and the city is certain to fall, after the city falls, his death would be of what benefit to things, and what of his hundred year old mother, to white headed receive execution, is it not sorrowful? Judging that this group is not able to obtain outside news, they say help can be relied on, and therefore it came to this and that is all. You can go meet him, and explain to him the disasters and fortunes.”

「郝子太聞世閒有忠義事，亦欲為之，而不知時也。左將軍在漢中，為夏侯淵所圍。關羽在南郡，今至尊身自臨之。近者破樊本屯，救酃，逆為孫規所破。此皆目前之事，君所親見也。彼方首尾倒懸，救死不給，豈有餘力復營此哉？今吾士卒精銳，人思致命，至尊遣兵，相繼於道。今子太以旦夕之命，待不可望之救，猶牛蹄中魚，冀賴江漢，其不可恃亦明矣。若子太必能一士卒之心，保孤城之守，尚能稽延旦夕，以待所歸者，可也。今吾計力度慮，而以攻此，曾不移日，而城必破，城破之後，身死何益於事，而令百歲老母，戴白受誅，豈不痛哉？度此家不得外問，謂援可恃，故至於此耳。君可見之，為陳禍福。」

[Dèng] Xuánzhī met [Hǎo] Pǔ, announced Méng’s intentions, and [Hǎo] Pǔ was afraid and listened to it. [Dèng] Xuánzhī first went out to report to Méng, [Hǎo] Pǔ went afterward and arrived. Méng gave orders to four officers, to each select a hundred men, to when [Hǎo] Pǔ came out, then enter and defend the city gates. Very soon [Hǎo] Pǔ came out, Méng welcomed and grasped his hand, and with with him together went down to the boat. Their conversation completed, he produced the letter and showed it, and patting his hand greatly laughed, [Hǎo] Pǔ saw the letter, knew that [Liú] Bèi was at Gōng’ān, and [Guān] Yǔ was at Yìyáng, and was ashamed and regretful into the ground. Méng left Sūn Jiǎo, entrusting him with the later affairs. That day he led the army to visit Yìyáng, Liú Bèi asked for alliance, and [Sūn] Quán therefore returned [Hǎo] Pǔ and the rest, dividing at the Xiāng river, to return Línglíng. Xúnyáng and Yángxīn became Méng’s supporting fief.

玄之見普，具宣蒙意，普懼而聽之。玄之先出報蒙，普尋後當至。蒙豫敕四將，各選百人，普出，便入守城門。須臾普出，蒙迎執其手，與俱下船。語畢，出書示之，因拊手大笑，普見書，知備在公安，而羽在益陽，慚恨入地。蒙留（孫河）〔孫皎〕，委以後事。即日引軍赴益陽。劉備請盟，權乃歸普等，割湘水，以零陵還之。以尋陽、陽新為蒙奉邑。

The army returned, and therefore campaigned against Héféi, when withdrawing troops, they were by Zhāng Liáo and others attacked, Méng with Líng Tǒng to the death defended and guarded. Later Excellency Cáo again greatly set out against Rúxū, [Sūn] Quán appointed Méng as commander, occupying at the front docks, installing strong crossbow of ten thousand on top, to resist Excellency Cáo. Excellency Cáo’s front line garrisons did not yet reach, Méng attacked and defeated them, and Excellency Cáo retreated. Appointed Méng as Left Protector of the Army, Tiger Authority General.

師還，遂征合肥，既徹兵，為張遼等所襲，蒙與淩統以死扞衛。後曹公又大出濡須，權以蒙為督，據前所立塢，置彊弩萬張於其上，以拒曹公。曹公前鋒屯未就，蒙攻破之，曹公引退。拜蒙左護軍、虎威將軍。

Lǔ Sù died, Méng went west to garrison Lùkǒu, and [Lǔ] Sù’s army men and horses of over ten thousand were all given to Méng. He was also appointed Administrator of Hànchāng, with provisions from Xiàjuàn, Liúyáng, Hànchāng, Zhōulíng. He with Guān Yǔ divided land and bordered, knew [Guān] Yǔ was powerful and imposing, had intentions to conquer, and moreover occupied the state’s upstream, and this situation would be difficult to maintain for long. Previously, Lǔ Sù and the rest believed that Excellency Cáo was still present, the disasters and troubles had only just begun, and it was appropriate to [with Liú Bèi] support one another, with those with the same enemy, and this could not be lost. Méng therefore secretly explained a strategy and said: “Have the Campaigning against Caitiffs [General Sūn Jiǎo] defend Nánjùn, Pān Zhāng station Báidì, Jiǎng Qīn command mobile troops of ten thousand men, to follow the Jiāng up and downstream, to meet the enemy wherever they are, I Méng will for the state ahead occupy Xiāngyáng, if it is like this, what worry is there of [Cáo] Cāo, what dependence is there on [Guān] Yǔ? Moreover [Guān] Yǔ [and Liú Bèi] ruler and minister, boast of their deceptive strength, going about repeatedly, and cannot be like a belly and heart treated. Now that [Guān] Yǔ has not yet headed east, is due to your utmost honored sagely wisdom, and that we Méng and the rest are yet present. Now if we do not in our time of strength plan for them, in case we pass away, if we again wish to exhibit strength, can they be taken?” [Sūn] Quán deeply accepted this strategy, and also discussed again his intentions to capture Xúzhōu. Méng replied: “Now [Cáo] Cāo is far away at the Hé’s north, newly defeated the various Yuán, grasping and gathering Yōu and Jì, not yet at leisure to look to the east. Xú territory’s defending soldiers, one hears are not worth discussing, and if going can be overcome. However the land terrain is traversable, strong cavalry can gallop, and if you the utmost honored today obtain Xúzhōu, [Cáo] Cāo later within ten days will certainly come to contest it, and even if seventy to eighty thousand men defend it, yet it would be a worry. It is not as good as taking [Guān] Yǔ, to secure and occupy the Cháng Jiāng, the situation would benefit immensely.” [Sūn] Quán agreed with these words as proper. When Méng succeeded [Lǔ] Sù, he first reached Lùkǒu, outside multifold cultivating grace and favor, with [Guān] Yǔ establishing friendliness.

魯肅卒，蒙西屯陸口，肅軍人馬萬餘盡以屬蒙。又拜漢昌太守，食下雋、劉陽、漢昌、州陵。與關羽分土接境，知羽驍雄，有并兼心，且居國上流，其勢難久。初，魯肅等以為曹公尚存，禍難始搆，宜相輔協，與之同仇，不可失也，蒙乃密陳計策曰：「（今）〔令〕征虜守南郡，潘璋住白帝，蔣欽將游兵萬人，循江上下，應敵所在，蒙為國家前據襄陽，如此，何憂於操，何賴於羽？且羽君臣，矜其詐力，所在反覆，不可以腹心待也。今羽所以未便東向者，以至尊聖明，蒙等尚存也。今不於彊壯時圖之，一旦僵仆，欲復陳力，其可得邪？」權深納其策，又聊復與論取徐州意，蒙對曰：「今操遠在河北，新破諸袁，撫集幽、冀，未暇東顧。徐土守兵，聞不足言，往自可克。然地勢陸通，驍騎所騁，至尊今日得徐州，操後旬必來爭，雖以七八萬人守之，猶當懷憂。不如取羽，全據長江，形勢益張。」權尤以此言為當。及蒙代肅，初至陸口，外倍修恩厚，與羽結好。

Later [Guān] Yǔ attacked Fán, leaving troops and officers to defend Gōng’ān and Nánjùn. Méng sent up memorial that said: “Yǔ suppresses Fán but leaves many defending troops, because he certainly fears that I Méng plan against his rear. I Méng often have illness, and request to divide my soldiers and armies to return to Jiànyè, with treating illness as an excuse. [Guān] Yǔ will hear of it, and certainly withdraw the defending troops, and completely go to Xiāngyáng. The main army will float on the Jiāng, day and night hurrying upstream, and attack their opening, and then Nánjùn can be brought down, and [Guān] Yǔ can be taken.” Therefore he claimed severe illness, [Sūn] Quán then showed dispatch summoning Méng, secretly with him planning.

後羽討樊，留兵將備公安、南郡。蒙上疏曰：「羽討樊而多留備兵，必恐蒙圖其後故也。蒙常有病，乞分士眾還建業，以治疾為名。羽聞之，必撤備兵，盡赴襄陽。大軍浮江，晝夜馳上，襲其空虛，則南郡可下，而羽可禽也。」遂稱病篤，權乃露檄召蒙還，陰與圖計。

[Guān] Yǔ indeed believed it, and slightly withdrew troops to send to Fán. Wèi sent Yú Jìn to rescue Fán, [Guān] Yǔ completely captured [Yú] Jìn and the rest, the men and horses were several tens of thousands, the provided provisions were exhausted, and without authority he siezed Xiāngguān’s rice. [Sūn] Quán heard this, and therefore went, first sending Méng at the front. Méng reached Xúnyáng, completely hid his elite troops in barges, using white robed rowers, to appear as merchants, day and night both moving, reaching where [Guān] Yǔ had installed on the Jiāng’s bank stations of scouts, and completely seized and bound them, and therefore [Guān] Yǔ did not hear or know.

羽果信之，稍撤兵以赴樊。魏使于禁救樊，羽盡禽禁等，人馬數萬，託以糧乏，擅取湘關米。權聞之，遂行，先遣蒙在前。蒙至尋陽，盡伏其精兵〈舟冓〉〈舟鹿〉中，使白衣搖櫓，作商賈人服，晝夜兼行，至羽所置江邊屯候，盡收縛之，是故羽不聞知。

Then he arrived at Nánjùn, and Shì Rén and Mí Fāng all surrendered. (1) Méng entered and occupied the city, completely obtaining [Guān] Yǔ and the officers and soldiers’ families and dependents, all were comforted and consoled. He ordered that those in the army were not to harass the families, and not take from them. Méng’s banner man soldier, who was a Rǔnán man, took a commoner family’s one bamboo hat, to cover government armor, though government armor was public, Méng yet believed it to violate the military order, and could not for being from the same hometown yet abandon law, and therefore shedding tears beheaded him. Therefore in the army was shaken and afraid, and on the road did not pick up dropped things. Méng dawn to morning sent intimates to give relief to the old, asked what they did not have enough of, and to the ill gave medical care, to the hungry and cold he bestowed robes and grain. [Guān] Yǔ’s office’s stored wealth and treasures, all were sealed to wait for [Sūn] Quán to arrive.

遂到南郡，士仁、麋芳皆降〔一〕。蒙入據城，盡得羽及將士家屬，皆憮慰，約令軍中不得干歷人家，有所求取。蒙麾下士，是汝南人，取民家一笠，以覆官鎧，官鎧雖公，蒙猶以為犯軍令，不可以鄉里故而廢法，遂垂涕斬之。於是軍中震慄，道不拾遺。蒙旦暮使親近存恤耆老，問所不足，疾病者給醫藥，飢寒者賜衣糧。羽府藏財寶，皆封閉以待權至。

[Guān] Yǔ returned, was on the road, and repeatedly sent men to with Méng exchange news, Méng at once generously treated these envoys, traveled about inside the city, family after family were asked, and some hand wrote letters. [Guān] Yǔ’s men returned, privately exchanged news, all knew their families were without worry, saw their treatment surpassed normal times, and therefore [Guān] Yǔ’s officials and soldiers were without fighting hearts. It happened that [Sūn] Quán arrived, [Guān] Yǔ himself knew he was isolated and destitute, and therefore fled to Màichéng, going west reaching Zhāngxiāng, his army all abandoning [Guān] Yǔ and surrendering. [Sūn] Quán sent Zhū Rán and Pān Zhāng to cut off his path, and father [Guān Yǔ] and son [Guān Píng] were both captured, and Jīngzhōu therefore was settled.

羽還，在道路，數使人與蒙相聞，蒙輒厚遇其使，周游城中，家家致問，或手書示信。羽人還，私相參訊，咸知家門無恙，見待過於平時，故羽吏士無鬥心。會權尋至，羽自知孤窮，乃走麥城，西至漳鄉，眾皆委羽而降。權使朱然、潘璋斷其徑路，即父子俱獲，荊州遂定。

• (1) Wúshū states: General Shì Rén was at Gōng’ān resisting and defending, Méng ordered Yú Fān to persuade him. [Yú] Fān arrived at the city gates, saying to the defenders: “I wish to with your General talk.” [Shì] Rén would not agree to meet. Therefore he made letter that said: “The enlightened protect against disasters not yet sprouted, the wise plan against misfortunes about to arrive. Knowing obtaining and knowing losing, one can deal with men, knowing survival and knowing destruction, is sufficient to distinguish good and bad omen. The main army’s movement, your scouts did not report, your fire beacons did not raise, this is not heaven’s will, it is certainly inner answer. You General did not first observe the times, the time arrived and you again did not answer it, alone defending a surrounded city and not surrendering, if you to the death battle then it will destory your clan and extinguish its sacrifices, and will by the realm Under Heaven be ridiculed. Tiger Authority [General] Lǚ [Méng] wishes to directly arrive at Nánjùn, cut off the land road, once your life line is blocked, considering the terrain, you General will be on top of a winnow basket’s tongue and that is all, fleeing you will not be able to escape, surrendering then would be too late, I humbly for you General am not at ease, may you think it over.” [Shì] Rén obtained the letter, shed tears and surrendered. [Yú] Fān said to Méng: “These are deceitful soldiers, you should take [Shì] Rén and go, leaving soldiers to guard the city.” Theyrefore they took [Shì] Rén to Nánjùn. Nánjùn Adminsitrator Mí Fāng defended the city, Méng showed him [Shì] Rén, and he therefore surrendered.
• Wúlù states: Previously, in Nánjùn city there was fire, burning up military equipment. [Guān] Yǔ with this blamed [Mí] Fāng, [Mí] Fāng inside was afraid, [Sūn] Quán heared and enticed him, and [Mí] Fāng secretly with him made peace. When Méng attacked him, he then with oxen and alcohol went out to surrender.

〔一〕　吳書曰：將軍士仁在公安拒守，蒙令虞翻說之。翻至城門，謂守者曰：「吾欲與汝將軍語。」仁不肯相見。乃為書曰：「明者防禍於未萌，智者圖患於將來，知得知失，可與為人，知存知亡，足別吉凶。大軍之行，斥候不及施，烽火不及舉，此非天命，必有內應。將軍不先見時，時至又不應之，獨守縈帶之城而不降，死戰則毀宗滅祀，為天下譏笑。呂虎威欲徑到南郡，斷絕陸道，生路一塞，案其地形，將軍為在箕舌上耳，奔走不得免，降則失義，竊為將軍不安，幸熟思焉。」仁得書，流涕而降。翻謂蒙曰：「此譎兵也，當將仁行，留兵備城。」遂將仁至南郡。南郡太守麋芳城守，蒙以仁示之，遂降。吳錄曰：初，南郡城中失火，頗焚燒軍器。羽以責芳，芳內畏懼，權聞而誘之，芳潛相和。及蒙攻之，乃以牛酒出降。

Méng became Administrator of Nánjùn, with fief as Marquis of Chánlíng, (1) bestowed cash of 100 million, yellow gold of five hundred jīn. Méng firmly declined the gold and cash, [Sūn] Quán would not permit it. The fief and noble rank had not yet been sent down, when it happened that Méng’s illness broke out, [Sūn] Quán at the time was at Gōng’ān, and welcomed and installed him in the inner hall, to treat and protect him with ten thousand specialists, recruiting from within the state for one able to heal Méng’s illness, offering reward of one thousand gold. At the time when there were needles applied, [Sūn] Quán for him was miserable and sorrowful, wished to repeatedly observe his condition, but also feared disturbing, and always bore through the wall to watch him, if seeing him slightly being able to keep down food then he was pleased, and turning to his attendants spoke and laugh, but if not so then he would sigh and groan, and in the night he could not sleep soundly. During the illness there was a recovery, and he sent down amnesty, and the various ministers gave congratulations. Later it again increased in severity, [Sūn] Quán personally went to observe, and ordered Dào Masters to below the stars plead for his life. Aged forty two years, he then died in the inner hall. At the time [Sūn] Quán’s grief was severe, and for him reduced [his eating and enjoyments]. At the time before Méng died, the gold and treasures and various bestowments he had gained he completely put into storage, ordering the manager to on the day he died to all send it back up, and for his burial matters to be frugal. [Sūn] Quán heard this, and increased his grief.

以蒙為南郡太守，封孱陵侯，〔一〕賜錢一億，黃金五百斤。蒙固辭金錢，權不許。封爵未下，會蒙疾發，權時在公安，迎置內殿，所以治護者萬方，募封內有能愈蒙疾者，賜千金。時有鍼加，權為之慘慼，欲數見其顏色，又恐勞動，常穿壁瞻之，見小能下食則喜，顧左右言笑，不然則咄唶，夜不能寐。病中瘳，為下赦令，群臣畢賀。後更增篤，權自臨視，命道士於星辰下為之請命。年四十二，遂卒於內殿。時權哀痛甚，為之降損。蒙未死時，所得金寶諸賜盡付府藏，敕主者命絕之日皆上還，喪事務約。權聞之，益以悲感。

• (1) Jiāngbiǎozhuàn states: [Sūn] Quán at Gōng’ān had a great assembly, Lǚ Méng due to illness declined, [Sūn] Quán laughed and said: “The achievement of capturing [Guān] Yǔ, was you Zǐmíng’s plan. Now the great achievement is already won, the celebrations and rewards not yet enacted, how can you be gloomy?” Therefore he increased and gave infantry and cavalry drums and horns, ordering to select out from the Tiger Authority General’s subordinate officials, together with Nánjùn and Lújiāng two prefecture’s honors, when the paying of respects completed and returning to camp, the soldiers and horses escorted and followed, front to rear drumming and trumpeting, to glorify him on the road.

〔一〕　江表傳曰：權於公安大會，呂蒙以疾辭，權笑曰：「禽羽之功，子明謀也，今大功已捷，慶賞未行，豈邑邑邪？」乃增給步騎鼓吹，敕選虎威將軍官屬，并南郡、廬江二郡威儀。拜畢還營，兵馬導從，前後鼓吹，光燿于路。

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Méng when young did not study writing and classics, every time explaining great matters, he always would orally dictate it to be written down. He once was for a matter of his retinue guard by Jiāngxià Adminsitrator Cài Yì reported, and Méng was without resentment. When Yùzhāng Adminsitrator Gù Shào died, [Sūn] Quán asked who to employ, and Méng therefore recommended [Cài] Yì as devoted to duty and a good official, [Sūn] Quán laughed and said: “You wish to be like Qí Xī?” and therefore employed him. Gān Níng was coarse and brutal and enjoyed killing, and once disappointed Mèng and also at a time violated [Sūn] Quán’s order, [Sūn] Quán was furious at this, and Méng at once explained request: “The realm Under Heaven is not yet settled, battle officers like [Gān] Níng are difficult to obtain, it is appropriate to tolerate him.” [Sūn] Quán therefore generously treated [Gān] Níng, and in the end obtained his use.

蒙少不脩書傳，每陳大事，常口占為牋疏。常以部曲事為江夏太守蔡遺所白，蒙無恨意。及豫章太守顧邵卒，權問所用，蒙因薦遺奉職佳吏，權笑曰：「君欲為祁奚耶？」於是用之。甘寧麤暴好殺，既常失蒙意，又時違權令，權怒之，蒙輒陳請：「天下未定，鬥將如寧難得，宜容忍之。」權遂厚寧，卒得其用。

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Méng’s son Bà inherited the fief, with three hundred families to guard the tomb mound, with fields of fifty qǐng. Bà died, his elder brother Cóng inherited the Marquisate. Cóng died, his younger brother Mù succeeded.

蒙子霸襲爵，與守冢三百家，復田五十頃。霸卒，兄琮襲侯。琮卒，弟睦嗣。