却说曹操大破吕布于定陶，布乃收集败残军马于海滨，众将皆来会集，欲再与曹操决战，陈宫曰：“今曹兵势大，未可与争。
The last chapter told of the defeat of Lu Bu, and his gathering the remnant of his army at Dingtao.
When all his generals had joined him, he began to feel strong enough to try conclusions with Cao Cao once again.
Said Chen Gong, who was opposed to this course, "Cao Cao is too strong right now.
且说袁绍在冀州，闻知曹操与吕布相持，谋士审配进曰：“吕布，豺虎也：若得兖州，必图冀州。
The news of the fighting between Cao Cao and Lu Bu had reached Jizhou, and one of Yuan Shao's advisers, Shen Pei, warned him, saying, "Lu Bu is a savage beast.
If he gets possession of Yanzhou, he will certainly attempt to add this region to it.
细作探知这个消息，飞报吕布。
The spies heard this and at once told Lu Bu,
布从其言，竟投徐州来。
-Hence Lu Bu went thither.
张飞曰：“哥哥心肠忒好。
"Brother, your heart is really too good.
玄德领众出城三十里，接着吕布，并马入城。
The new Imperial Protector with a great following met Lu Bu ten miles outside the city gates, and the two chiefs rode in side by side.
都到州衙厅上，讲礼毕，坐下。
They proceeded to the residence and there, after the elaborate ceremonies of reception were over, they sat down to converse.
布曰：“某自与王司徒计杀董卓之后，又遭傕、汜之变，飘零关东，诸侯多不能相容。
Said Lu Bu, "After Wang Yun and I plotted to slay Dong Zhuo and my misfortune in the Li Jue and Guo Si's sedition, I drifted about from one place to another, and none of the nobles east of the Huashang Mountains seemed willing to receive me.
近因曹贼不仁，侵犯徐州，蒙使君力救陶谦，布因袭兖州以分其势；不料反堕奸计，败兵折将。
When Cao Cao with wicked ambition invaded this region and you, Sir, came to its rescue, I aided you by attacking Yanzhou and thus diverting a portion of his force.
I did not think then that I should be the victim of a vile plot and lose my leaders and my soldiers.
今投使君，共图大事，未审尊意如何？”
But now if you will, I offer myself to you that we may together accomplish great designs."
玄德曰：“陶使君新逝，无人管领徐州，因令备权摄州事。
Liu Bei replied, "When the late Tao Qian died, there was no one to administer Xuzhou, and so I assumed that task for a time.
遂将牌印送与吕布。
Whereupon Liu Bei handed the insignia and the seal of authority to Lu Bu.
吕布却待要接，只见玄德背后关、张二公各有怒色。
Lu Bu was on the point of accepting them, when he saw Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, who stood behind the Imperial Protector, glaring at him with angry eyes.
陈宫曰：“强宾不压主，请便君勿疑。”
But Chen Gong said, "The strong guest does not oppress his host.
You need not fear, Lord Liu Bei."
玄德方止。
Then Liu Bei desisted.
遂设宴相待，收拾宅院安下。
Banquets were held and dwelling places prepared for the guest and his retinue.
次日，吕布回席请玄德，玄德乃与关、张同往。
As soon as convenient, Lu Bu returned the feast.
Liu Bei went with his two brothers.
饮酒至半酣，布请玄德入后堂，关、张随入。
Half through the banquet Lu Bu requested Liu Bei to retire to one of the inner private rooms, whither Guan Yu and Zhang Fei followed him.
布令妻女出拜玄德。
There Lu Bu bade his wife and daughter bow as to their benefactor.
布曰：“贤弟不必推让。”
Lu Bu said, "Good younger brother, you need not be so very modest."
张飞听了，瞋目大叱曰：“我哥哥是金枝玉叶，你是何等人，敢称我哥哥为贤弟！
Zhang Fei heard what Lu Bu said, and his eyes glared, crying, "What sort of a man are you that dares call our brother ‘younger brother'?” He is one of the ruling family---a jade leaf on a golden branch.
我和你斗三百合！”
and I will fight you three hundred bouts for the insult."
玄德连忙喝住，关公劝飞出。
Liu Bei hastily checked the impulsive one, and Guan Yu persuaded him to go away.
玄德与吕布陪话曰：“劣弟酒后狂言，兄勿见责。”
Then Liu Bei apologized, saying, "My poor brother talks wildly after he has been drinking.
I hope you will not blame him."