却说曹操欲斩刘岱、王忠。
At the close of the last chapter the two unsuccessful leaders, Liu Dai and Wang Zhong, were in danger of death.
操乃免其死，黜罢爵禄。
Wherefore the death sentence was not executed, but they were deprived of rank and status.
孔融曰：“方今隆冬盛寒，未可动兵，待来春未为晚也。
but Kong Rong advised, "The weather is too inclement.We must wait the return of spring.
孔融谏曰：“二人本非刘备敌手，若斩之，恐失将士之心。”
However, Kong Rong remonstrated with Cao Cao, saying, "You knew these two were no match for Liu Bei, and if you put them to death because they failed, you will lose the hearts of your people."
可先使人招安张绣、刘表，然后再图徐州。”
In the interval, we better use the time to arrange peace with Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao, before launching an expedition against Xuzhou."
次日来见张绣，说曹公遣刘晔招安之事。
Soon after Liu Ye saw Zhang Xiu and spoke of the advantages of coming to terms with Cao Cao.
正议间，忽报袁绍有使至。
While the discussion was in progress, a messenger from Yuan Shao was announced,
绣览之，亦是招安之意。
when they also proposed terms of peace,
诩问来使曰：“近日兴兵破曹操，胜负何如？”
Jia Xu asked what their success had been lately against Cao Cao.
诩大笑曰：“汝可便回见本初，道汝兄弟尚不能容，何能容天下国士乎！”
Jia Xu laughed, "You can return to your master and say that as he could not brook rivalry of his brother, he certainly would be sorely put to it with that of all the officers of the state."
使曰：“隆冬寒月，权且罢兵。
"The war had ceased for the moment on account of the winter," replied the messenger.
今以将军与荆州刘表俱有国士之风，故来相请耳。”
"As you, General, and Liu Biao are both well reputed officers of the state, I have been sent to request your help."
绣曰：“吾先与操有仇，安得相容？”
"But there is still between us an unavenged enmity.
We could not suffer each other."
当面扯碎书，叱退来使。
The letter was torn into fragments before the messenger's face, and he was angrily bidden be gone.
愿将军无疑焉。”
I hope, General, you will see these things clearly and hesitate no longer."
诩曰：“从操其便有三：夫曹公奉天子明诏，征伐天下，其宜从一也；绍强盛，我以少从之，必不以我为重，操虽弱，得我必喜，其宜从二也；曹公王霸之志，必释私怨，以明德于四海，其宜从三也。
Jia Xu said, "There are three advantages in joining hands with Cao Cao.
First, he has a command from the Emperor to restore peace.
Second, as Yuan Shao is so strong, our little help to him will be despised, while we shall loom large and be well treated by Cao Cao.
Third, Cao Cao is going to be Chief of the Feudal Lords, and he will ignore all private feuds in order to show his magnanimity to all the world.
绣见操，拜于阶下。
At the interview Zhang Xiu bowed low at the steps,
晔盛称操德，且曰：“丞相若记旧怨，安肯使某来结好将军乎？”
who, at the interview, extolled the many virtues of his master. "If the Prime Minister had any thought of the old quarrel, he would hardly have sent me to make friendly engagements, would he?” said Liu Ye at the last.
绣大喜，即同贾诩等赴许都投降。
So Zhang Xiu and his adviser proceeded to the capital where formal submission was made.
操忙扶起，执其手曰：“有小过失，勿记于心。”
but Cao Cao, hastening forward, took him by the hand and raised him, saying, "Forget that little fault of mine, I pray you, General!"
遂封绣为扬武将军，封贾诩为执金吾使。
Zhang Xiu received the title of General Who Possesses Prowess, and Jia Xu was appointed Counselor.
操即命绣作书招安刘表。
Cao Cao then directed his secretaries to draft letters inviting the support of Liu Biao.
操问荀攸曰：“谁人可去？”
So Cao Cao inquired of Xun You who was the best person to go as a messenger,
此人宜在帝左右，不但可备行人而已。
He ought to be constantly at the court of the Emperor and not merely be sent as a state messenger.