大将曰：”刘备屯军小沛，虽然易取，奈吕布虎踞徐州，前次许他金帛粮马，至今未与，恐其助备；今当令人送与粮食，以结其心，使其按兵不动，则刘备可擒。
Yang Dajiang replied, "Though Liu Bei, now camped at Xiaopei, could easily be taken, yet Lu Bu is strongly posted at the chief city near.
And I think Lu Bu would help Liu Bei if it was only for the grudge he bears against you for not having given him the gold and studs, grain and horses you promised.
First of all you should send Lu Bu a present whereby to engage his affections and keep him quiet while you deal with Liu Bei.
术喜，便具粟二十万斛，令韩胤赍密书往见吕布。
-Thereupon two hundred thousand carts of millet was sent, with letters, by the hand of Han Yin.
吕布甚喜，重待韩胤。
The gift pleased Lu Bu greatly, and he treated the messenger with great cordiality.
胤回告袁术，术遂遣纪灵为大将，雷薄、陈兰为副将，统兵数万，进攻小沛。
Feeling sure of no trouble from that quarter, Yuan Shu told off one hundred thousand troops against Xiaopei.
The army was led by Ji Ling as commanding general, and Lei Bo and Chen Lan as generals.
玄德闻知此信，聚众商议。
When Liu Bei heard these things he called his officers to take counsel.
可修书告急于吕布。”
therefore, we must lay the position before Lu Bu and ask help."
书略曰：“伏自将军垂念，令备于小沛容身，实拜云天之德。
"Humbly I venture to remind you that I am here by your orders and enjoy repose as the result of your kindness, extensive as the heavens.
望驱一旅之师，以救倒悬之急，不胜幸甚！”
I trust you will send an army quickly to protect the town, and our happiness will be inexpressible."
吕布看了书，与陈宫计议曰：“前者袁术送粮致书，盖欲使我不救玄德也。
Receiving this Lu Bu called in Chen Gong to whom he said, "I have just received gifts from Yuan Shu and a letter, with the intent of restraining me from helping Liu Bei.
吾想玄德屯军小沛，未必遂能为我害；若袁术并了玄德，则北连泰山诸将以图我，我不能安枕矣：不若救玄德。”
It seems to me that Liu Bei where he is can do me no harm; but if Yuan Shu overcomes Liu Bei and comes to an understanding with the leaders around the Huashang Mountains, +then the power of the north is so much nearer, and I should be unable to resist the attacks of so many leaders and should never sleep secure.
I will aid Liu Bei: +That is the better course for me."
却说纪灵起兵长驱大进，已到沛县东南，扎下营寨。
Now Yuan Shu's force sent against Xiaopei went thither as quickly as possible, and soon the country to the southeast -
昼列旌旗，遮映山川；夜设火鼓，震明天地。
fluttered with pennons by day and blazed with watch fires by night, while the rolling of the drums reverberated from heaven to earth.
玄德县中，止有五千馀人，也只得勉强出县，布阵安营。
The five thousand troops at Liu Bei's disposal were led out of the city and arranged to make a brave show, -
忽报吕布引兵离县一里、西南上扎下营寨。
+but it was good news to him to hear that Lu Bu had arrived and was quite near.Lu Bu camped only half a mile away to the southwest.
布笑曰：“我有一计，使袁、刘两家都不怨我。”
Lu Bu smiled as he read them. "I know how to make both of them love me," said Lu Bu.
玄德闻布相请，即便欲往。
Liu Bei was for accepting the invitation and going,
关、张曰：“兄长不可去。
but his brothers dissuaded him,
吕布必有异心。”
saying, "There is some treachery in his heart."
关、张随往，到吕布寨中，入见。
the two brothers following.They came to the camp.
布曰：“吾今特解公之危。
The host said, "Now by a special effort I have got you out of danger.
关、张按剑立于背后。
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei took up their usual place as guards.
布曰：“吾特请你二人来会议，勿得生疑。”
"You two are invited for the particular purpose of a discussion," said the host. "Do not take it amiss."
纪灵下马入寨，却见玄德在帐上坐，大惊，抽身便回。
Presently his fellow guest entered.
Seeing Liu Bei in the tent, and in the seat of honor, Ji Ling was puzzled, hesitated and tried to withdraw.
左右留之不住。
But the attendants prevented this