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燕丹子質於秦，秦王遇之無禮，不得意，欲歸。秦王不聽，謬言曰：「令烏白頭，馬生角，乃可。」丹仰天歎，果烏白頭、馬生角。秦王不得已而遣之，為機發之橋，欲陷丹。丹過之，橋為不發。夜到關，關門未開。丹為鷄鳴，眾雞皆鳴，遂得逃歸。深怨於秦，求欲復之。奉養勇士，無所不至。 |
| | Yan Danzi was held as a hostage in Qin, where King of Qin treated him with disrespect; he became dissatisfied and wanted to return home. King of Qin did not agree, and said mockingly: "Only when crows turn white-headed and horses grow horns can you return." Dan looked up to the sky in sighing grief, and indeed, crows turned white-headed and horses grew horns. King of Qin had no choice but to send him away; he built a bridge with hidden mechanisms, intending to trap Dan. Dan passed over it, and the bridge did not activate. At night he arrived at the pass, but the gate was still closed. Dan imitated a rooster's crow; all the other roosters joined in, and thus he managed to escape back home. He bore deep resentment toward Qin and sought revenge against it. He provided for and nurtured brave warriors, going to great lengths in doing so.
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為書與其傅鞠武曰：「不肖，生於僻陋之國，長於無毛之地，未嘗得覩君子雅訓、達人之道也。然鄙意欲有所陳，幸傅正覽之。丹聞丈夫所恥，恥受辱以生於世也；貞女所羞，羞見劫以虧其節也。故有刎喉不顧、據鼎不迴者，斯豈樂死而忘生哉，其心有所守也。今秦王反戾天常，虎狼其行，遇丹無禮，為諸侯最。丹每念之，痛入骨髓。計燕國之眾不能敵之，曠年相守，力固不足。欲收天下之勇士，集海內之英雄，破國空蔵，以奉養之，重幣甘辭以巿秦。貪我賂，而信我辭，一劍之任，可當百萬之師；須臾之間，可解丹萬世之恥。若其不然，令丹生無面目於天下，死懷恨於九泉，必令諸侯指以為笑，易水之北，未知誰有。此蓋亦子大夫之恥也。謹遣書，願熟之。」 |
| | He wrote a letter to his tutor Ju Wu, saying: "I am unworthy. I was born in an obscure and remote country and raised on barren land; I have never had the opportunity to witness the noble teachings of gentlemen or the principles upheld by enlightened people." "Nevertheless, I wish to express my thoughts and hope that you, my respected tutor, will kindly review them." Dan heard that what a man should be ashamed of is to live in the world while enduring humiliation. What a virtuous woman should feel shame for is to witness coercion that would compromise her chastity. Therefore, there are those who cut their throats without hesitation and stand firm before the cauldron without turning back. Is this because they enjoy death and forget life? No—it is because their hearts hold to something unwavering. Now King of Qin has violated the natural order, acting like a tiger or wolf in his conduct; he treated Dan with disrespect, and among all feudal lords, none are worse. Every time I think of this, the pain pierces my bones and marrow. I have calculated that the people of Yan cannot match him in strength; if we were to resist for many years, our power would certainly be insufficient. I wish to gather the brave warriors of all under heaven and assemble heroes from within the realm, depleting our nation's treasury to provide for them, offering rich gifts and sweet words to provoke Qin. If they are tempted by our bribes and believe our words, then a single sword can be as effective as an army of one million. In the blink of an eye, this could relieve Dan's humiliation for ten thousand generations. If not, then Dan will have no face to appear before the world in life and will carry regret to the nine graves after death. I am certain that feudal lords will point at me as a laughingstock; north of Yi River, it remains unknown who shall remain. This is also your esteemed gentleman's disgrace. "I respectfully send this letter, hoping you will consider it carefully."
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鞠武報書曰：「臣聞快於意者虧於行，甘於心者傷於性。今太子欲滅悁悁之恥，除久久之恨，此實臣所當麋軀碎首而不避也。私以為智者不冀僥倖以要功，明者不苟從志以順心。事必成然後舉，身必安而後行。故發無失舉之尤，動無蹉跌之愧也。太子貴匹夫之勇，信一劍之任，而欲望功，臣以為䟽。臣願合從於楚，并勢於趙，連衡於韓、魏，然後圖秦，秦可破也。且韓、魏與秦，外親內䟽。若無倡兵，楚乃來應，韓、魏必從，其勢可見。今臣計從，太子之恥除，愚鄙之累解矣。太子慮之。」 |
| | Ju Wu replied in a letter: "I have heard that what brings immediate satisfaction often leads to flawed actions, and what pleases the heart may harm one's nature. Now that the Crown Prince wishes to eliminate this lingering disgrace and remove a long-standing grievance, this is indeed something for which I should risk my life and face destruction without hesitation. In private judgment, the wise do not rely on luck to achieve success, nor do the enlightened recklessly follow desires merely to satisfy their hearts. One must ensure that a matter will succeed before taking action, and one's own safety must be assured before proceeding. Therefore, there is no particular failure in initiating an endeavor, nor any shame in missteps when acting. The Crown Prince values the courage of a common man and believes that one sword can achieve success, yet desires to accomplish feats. I consider this reckless. I wish to form an alliance with Chu, unite forces with Zhao, and coordinate with Han and Wei. Then we can plan against Qin; in that case, Qin can be defeated. Moreover, although Han and Wei are outwardly close to Qin, they are inwardly estranged from it. If there is no call for military action, then Chu will not respond; but if we do raise arms, Han and Wei will certainly follow. The trend is clear to see. Now that I have planned this alliance, the Crown Prince's disgrace will be removed and the burden of our foolishness lifted. The Crown Prince should consider this carefully."
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太子得書，不說，召鞠武而問之，武曰：「臣以為太子行臣言，則易水之北，永無秦憂，四鄰諸侯必有求我者矣。」太子曰「此引日縵縵，心不能須也！」鞠武曰：「臣為太子計熟矣。夫有秦、疾不如徐，走不如坐。今合楚、趙，并韓、魏，雖引歲月，其事必成。臣以為良。」太子睡臥不聽。鞠武曰：「臣不能為太子計。臣所知田光，其人深中有謀。願令見太子。」太子曰：「敬諾！」 |
| | The Crown Prince received the letter and was displeased. He summoned Ju Wu to question him, and Ju Wu said: "I believe that if Your Highness follows my advice, there will be no more worries from Qin north of Yi River; neighboring feudal lords must then come seeking our aid." The Crown Prince said: "This is a drawn-out plan, and my heart cannot wait!" Ju Wu said: "I have carefully considered the matter for the Crown Prince. Dealing with Qin is a matter where haste is worse than patience, and rushing is inferior to remaining calm. Now that we ally with Chu and Zhao, unite Han and Wei, even if it takes years, the matter will surely succeed. I consider this to be a sound plan." The Crown Prince lay asleep and would not listen. Ju Wu said: "I am unable to devise plans for the Crown Prince anymore. The person I know, Tian Guang, is a man of profound wisdom and strategy within. I wish to have him meet the Crown Prince." The Crown Prince said: "With respect, I agree!"
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田光見太子，太子側階而迎，迎而再拜。坐定，太子丹曰：「傅不以蠻域而丹不肖，乃使先生來降弊邑，今燕國僻在北陲，比於蠻域，而先生不羞之。丹得侍左右，覩見玉顏，斯乃上世神靈，保祐燕國，令先生設降辱焉。」田光曰：「結髮立身，以至於今，徒慕太子之高行，美太子之令名耳。太子將何以教之？」太子膝行而前，涕淚橫流曰：「丹嘗質於秦，秦遇丹無禮，日夜焦心，思欲復之。論眾則秦多，計強則燕弱。欲曰合從，心復不能。常食不識位、寢不安席。縱令燕秦同日而亡，則為死灰復燃，白骨更生。願先生圖之。」田光曰：「此國事也，請得思之。」於是舍光上館。太子三時進食，存問不絕，如是三月。 |
| | Tian Guang saw the crown prince, who stepped down from the side of the steps to greet him and bowed twice in greeting. After they were seated, Crown Prince Dan said: "It is not because our land is a barbarian region or that I am unworthy that you have sent the Master to visit this humble fief. Now Yan State lies remote in the northern frontier, comparable to a barbarian region, yet the Master does not consider it beneath himself." "Dan is honored to serve at your side and behold your noble countenance. You must be a divine being from the previous age, who has blessed Yan State by graciously descending upon us." Tian Guang said: "Since I tied my hair and established myself as a man until now, it has been only out of admiration for the Crown Prince's noble conduct and his illustrious reputation." "What instruction does the Crown Prince wish to give me?" The crown prince crawled forward on his knees, tears streaming down his face and said: "Dan once served as a hostage in Qin, where he was treated with no courtesy. Day and night I have been tormented by this, longing to take revenge." In terms of numbers, Qin has the advantage; in strength, Yan is weak. I wish to form a coalition against them, but my heart lacks the resolve. I have often eaten without tasting and slept without resting in peace. Even if Yan and Qin were to perish on the same day, it would be like a dead fire reigniting or white bones coming back to life. I beg you, Master, to devise a plan for me." Tian Guang said: "This is a matter of state affairs. Please allow me time to think about it." Thus, the Crown Prince lodged Tian Guang in an upper guesthouse. The crown prince visited three times a day to serve meals and inquire after his well-being without ceasing, like this for three months.
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太子怪其無說，就光辟左右，問曰：「先生既垂哀恤，許惠嘉謀。側身傾聽，三月於斯，先生豈有意歟？」田光曰：「微太子言，固將竭之。臣聞騏驥之少，力輕千里，及其罷朽，不能取道。太子聞臣時已老矣。欲為太子良謀，則太子不能；欲奮筋力，則臣不能。然竊觀太子客無可用者，夏扶、血勇之人，怒而面赤；宋臆、脈勇之人，怒而面青；武陽，骨勇之人，怒而面白。光所知荊軻、神勇之人，怒而色不變，為人博聞強記，體烈骨壯，不拘小節，欲立大功。嘗家於衛，脫賢大夫之急十有餘人，其餘庸庸不可稱。太子欲圖事，非此人莫可。」太子下席再拜曰：「若因先生之靈，得交於荊君，則燕國社稷長為不滅。唯先生成之。」田光遂行。太子自送，執光手曰：「此國事，願勿洩之！」光笑曰：「諾。」 |
| | The Crown Prince was puzzled by the lack of a proposal and approached Tian Guang, dismissing his attendants before asking: "Master, having shown compassion and agreed to offer wise counsel. I have listened attentively for three months now—surely the Master has some plan in mind?" Tian Guang said: "Even without the Crown Prince's words, I would have done my utmost. I have heard that when a qiji is young, it can cover a thousand li with ease; but once it becomes old and worn out, it cannot even find its way. The Crown Prince must have heard that I am already an old man. If I wish to devise a good plan for the Crown Prince, he is unable to carry it out; if I were to exert my strength and energy, then I myself am no longer able. Yet secretly observing the Crown Prince's retainers, there are none who can be relied upon. Xia Fu is a man of hot temper and courage, turning red in the face with anger; Song Yi is a man of passionate bravery, his face turning blue with rage; Wu Yang is a man of spirited courage, his face becoming pale when angry. The only one I know, Jing Ke, is a man of divine courage; when angry, his expression does not change. He is well-informed and has an excellent memory, with strong bones and a resolute spirit, unbound by trivial matters, and desires to accomplish great feats. He once lived in Wei State and rescued more than ten virtuous gentlemen from dire straits; the rest were ordinary men unworthy of mention. If the Crown Prince wishes to accomplish a great undertaking, there is no one else who can do it but this man." The Crown Prince left his seat and bowed twice, saying: "If through the Master's grace I may be introduced to Jing Jun, then Yan State's ancestral sacrifices will remain unextinguished forever. It is entirely up to you, Master, to make it happen." Tian Guang then set out on his journey. The Crown Prince personally saw him off, taking Tian Guang's hand and saying: "This is a matter of the state; I beg you not to reveal it!" Guang smiled and said: "I promise."
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遂見荊軻，曰：「光不自度，不肖，達足下於太子。夫燕太子、真天下之士也，傾心於足下，願足下勿疑焉。」荊軻曰：「有鄙志，常謂心合意等，沒身不顧，情有乖異，一毛不拔。今先生令交於太子，敬諾不違。」田光謂軻曰：「蓋聞士不為人所疑。太子送光之時，言此國事，願勿洩，此疑光也。是疑而生於世，光所羞也。」向軻吞舌而死。軻遂之燕。 |
| | He then met Jing Ke and said: "I, Guang, did not measure my own worth or ability, yet I have introduced you to the Crown Prince. The Yan crown prince is truly a man of the world; he has placed his whole heart in you. I hope you will not doubt him." Jing Ke said: "I have a humble aspiration; I often say that if one's heart and intentions are in harmony, one will not hesitate even at the cost of one's life. But if there is any discord or difference in sentiment, not even a single hair would be given." Now you have arranged for me to meet the Crown Prince; I respectfully accept and will not disobey." Tian Guang said to Ke: "I have heard that a true man is never doubted by others. When the Crown Prince saw me off, he said this was a matter of state and asked that I not reveal it—this is doubting me. To be doubted in this world brings shame to me." Then Guang bit off his tongue and died. Ke then went to Yan.
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荊軻之燕，太子自御，虛左，軻緩不讓。至，坐定，賓客滿坐，軻言曰：「田光褒揚太子仁愛之風，說太子不世之器，高行厲天，美聲盈耳。軻出衛都，望燕路，歷險不以為勤，望遠不以為遐。今太子禮之以舊故之恩，接之以新人之敬，所以不復讓者，士信於知己也。」太子曰：「田先生無恙乎？」軻曰：「光臨送軻之時，言太子戒以國事，恥丈夫而不見信，向軻吞舌而死矣。」太子驚愕失色，噓唏飲淚曰：「丹所以戒先生，豈疑先生哉？今先生自殺，亦令丹自棄於世矣！」茫然良久，不怡，民氐日置酒請軻，酒酣，太子起為壽。夏扶前曰：「聞事無鄉曲之譽，則未可與論行；馬無服輿之伎，則未可與稱良。今荊君遠至，將何以教太子？」欲微感之。軻曰：「士有超世之行者，不必合於鄉曲；馬有千里之相者，何必出於服輿。昔呂望當屠釣之時，天下之賤丈夫也；其遇文王，則為周師。騏驥之在鹽車，駑之下也；及遇伯樂，則有千里之功。如此在鄉曲而後發善，服輿而後別良哉！」夏扶問軻：「何以教太子？」軻曰：「將令燕繼召公之迹，追甘棠之化，高欲四三王，下欲六五霸。於君何如？」坐皆稱善。竟酒，無能屈。太子甚喜，自以得軻，永無秦憂。 |
| | Jing Ke went to Yan, where the crown prince personally drove him, reserving the left side of the carriage as a sign of respect. Jing Ke delayed and did not yield. After arriving, they sat down, and the hall was filled with guests. Jing Ke said, "Tian Guang praised the crown prince's benevolent conduct, calling him a peerless talent, whose noble character surpasses the heavens and whose admirable reputation fills the ears." Jing Ke left Weidu, gazed at the road to Yan, and regarded hardships on treacherous paths as nothing, nor did he consider distant views as far away. "Now the crown prince honors me with the kindness of old ties and receives me with the respect due to a new acquaintance. Therefore, I no longer hesitates to act—this is because a true man places trust in one who recognizes his worth." The crown prince said, "Is Master Tian well?" Jing Ke said, "When Guang came to see me off, he told me that the crown prince warned him about state affairs and was ashamed for a man not to be trusted. He turned toward me and swallowed his tongue before dying." The crown prince was startled and lost color, sighing and weeping as he said, "Dan's warning to you was not out of doubt in you at all—why would I suspect you?" "Now that Master has taken his own life, it also makes Dan abandon himself to the world!" He remained dazed for a long time, in low spirits. Every day, the people of Di prepared wine to honor Jing Ke; when they were merry with drink, the crown prince rose to offer a toast. Xia Fu stepped forward and said, "I have heard that if an affair lacks praise from the common people, it cannot yet be discussed in terms of conduct; "a horse without the skill to pull a carriage is not yet worthy of being called good." "Now that Master Jing has come from afar, what will you teach the crown prince?" He wished to subtly move him. Jing Ke said, "A man of extraordinary conduct need not necessarily be approved by his neighbors; "a horse with the appearance of a thousand-li journey need not necessarily come from those skilled in driving carriages." "In ancient times, when Yu Yang was butchering and fishing, he was the most despised man among men of the world; "when he met King Wen, he became a teacher to the Zhou dynasty." "A Qiji horse pulling a salt cart is no better than an inferior horse; "but when it meets Bo Le, it achieves the feat of a thousand li." "Therefore, must virtue only be recognized after being praised in one's hometown, and excellence only discerned after being tested by carriage-driving skills?"!" Xia Fu asked Jing Ke, "What will you teach the crown prince?" Jing Ke said, "I shall make Yan continue the legacy of Zhao Gong and follow the transformation of Gantang. I wish to surpass four or three kings above and rival six or five hegemons below. "What do you think, Master?" All those present praised the words as excellent. After the banquet ended, no one could outmatch him. The crown prince was very pleased and believed that with Jing Ke by his side, he would never again have to fear Qin.
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後日與軻之東宮，臨池水而觀。軻拾瓦投龜，太子令人捧盤。荊軻，投盡復進。軻曰：「非為太子愛金也，但臂痛耳。」後復共乘千里馬。軻曰：「馬肝甚美。」太子即殺馬進肝。暨樊將軍得罪於秦，秦求之急，乃來歸太子。太子置酒華陽之臺。酒中，太子出美人能琴者。軻曰：「好手琴者！」太子即進之。軻曰：「但愛其手耳。」太子斷手，盛以玉盤奉之。太子常與軻同案而食，同床而寢。 |
| | On a later day, the crown prince went with Jing Ke to the eastern palace and stood by the pool to observe. Jing Ke picked up a tile and threw it at a turtle; the crown prince had someone hold out a tray for him. Jing Ke continued to throw tiles until they were all used, then presented more. Jing Ke said, "It is not that the crown prince loves gold; it's just that my arm aches." Later they rode together on a thousand-li horse. Jing Ke said, "The liver of the horse is very delicious." The crown prince immediately killed the horse and presented its liver. When General Fan offended Qin, Qin urgently sought him out, so he came to take refuge with the crown prince. The crown prince held a banquet on the Huayang Terrace. During the banquet, the crown prince presented a beautiful woman skilled in playing the qin. Jing Ke said, "A wonderful musician!" The crown prince immediately presented her to him. Jing Ke said, "I only love her hands." The crown prince cut off her hand and placed it in a jade tray to present to Jing Ke. The crown prince often dined with Jing Ke at the same table and slept with him on the same bed.
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後日，軻從容曰：「軻侍太子，三年於斯矣，而太子遇軻甚厚，黃金投龜，千里馬肝，姬人好手，盛以玉盤。凡庸人當之，猶尚樂出尺寸之長，當犬馬之用。今軻常侍君子之側，聞烈士之節，死有輕於鴻毛，義有重於太山，但聞用之所在耳。太子幸教之。」太子歛袂，正色而言曰：「丹嘗遊秦，秦遇丹不道，丹恥與之俱生。今荊君不以丹不肖，降辱小國。今丹以社稷干長者，不知所謂。」軻曰：「今天下彊國莫彊於秦。今太子力不能威諸侯，諸侯未肯為太子用也。太子率燕國之眾而當之，猶使羊將狼，使狼追虎耳。」太子曰：「丹之憂計久，不知安出？」軻曰：「樊於期得罪於秦，秦求之急。又督亢之地，秦所貪也。今得樊於期首、督亢地圖，則事可成也。」太子曰：「若事可成，舉燕國而獻之，丹甘心焉。樊將軍以窮歸我，而丹賣之，心不善也。」軻默然不應，居五月，太子恐軻悔，見軻曰：「今秦已破燕國，兵臨燕，事已迫急。雖欲足下計，安施之？今欲先遣武陽，何如？」軻怒曰：「何太子所遣，往而不返者，豎子也！軻所以未行者，待吾客耳。」於是軻潛見樊於期，曰：「聞將軍得罪於秦，父母妻子皆見焚燒，求將軍邑萬戶、金千斤。實為將軍痛之。今有一言，除將軍之辱，解燕國之恥，將軍豈有意乎？」於期曰：「常念之，日夜飲淚，不知所出。荊君幸教，願聞命矣！」軻曰：「得將軍之首與燕督亢地圖，秦必喜。喜而見軻，軻將左手把其袖，右手揕其胸，數以負燕之罪，責以將軍之御，而燕國見陵雪，將軍積忿之怒除矣。」於期起，振腕執刀曰：「是於期日夜所欲，而今聞命矣！」於是自刎，頭墜背後，兩目不瞑。太子聞之，自駕馳往，伏於期屍而哭，悲不自勝。良久，無柰何，遂函盛於期首與督亢地圖，武陽為副。軻不擇日而發，太子與知謀者皆素衣冠送易水上。軻起為，歌曰：「風蕭蕭兮易水寒，壯士一去不復還。」高漸離擊筑，宋臆和之。為壯聲，皆淚流。二子行過，夏扶當車前刎頸以送。二子行過陽翟，軻買肉爭輕重，屠辱之，武陽欲擊，軻止之。 |
| | On a later day, Jing Ke spoke calmly and said, "I have served the crown prince for three years now. The crown prince has treated me very kindly—throwing gold to buy turtles, offering the liver of a thousand-li horse, and presenting the beautiful hands of a concubine in a jade tray." "Even an ordinary man, when treated thus, would still be happy to show the slightest ability and serve as a dog or horse." "Now, I have long been at the side of a noble gentleman and heard about the integrity of valiant men. Death can be lighter than a goose feather, while righteousness is heavier than Mount Tai. It all depends on where it is applied." "Please, Your Highness, instruct me." The crown prince gathered his sleeves and spoke solemnly, saying, "Dan once traveled to Qin, where Qin treated me in an unjust manner. I am ashamed to live alongside them." "Now Master Jing does not consider Dan unworthy and has humbled himself by coming from a small state. "Today, Dan dares to involve the state's fate in your hands, Master of great virtue, but I do not yet know what you have in mind." Jing Ke said, "Nowadays, among all the powerful states, none is more powerful than Qin. "Now, Your Highness's strength cannot intimidate the feudal lords, and thus they are unwilling to serve you." "If the crown prince leads Yan's forces against Qin, it is like sending a sheep to lead wolves or wolves to chase tigers." The crown prince said, "Dan has long been troubled by this matter and does not know where else to turn?" Jing Ke said, "Fan Yuqi offended Qin, and Qin is urgently seeking him. "Moreover, the region of Du Kang is something that Qin covets." "Now, if we can obtain Fan Yuqi's head and a map of the Du Kang region, then our mission may succeed." The crown prince said, "If this matter can be accomplished, I would offer the entire state of Yan to achieve it. Dan is willing and content." "But General Fan came to me in his time of desperation, and if I were to betray him, my conscience would not allow it." Jing Ke remained silent and did not respond. After five months, the crown prince feared Jing Ke might regret it and said to him, "Now Qin has already conquered Yan, with its army at our borders. The situation is urgent." "Even if you have a plan, how can we put it into action?" "Now I wish to send Wu Yang first. What do you think?" Jing Ke angrily said, "What kind of man does the crown prince send who goes but never returns? A mere boy!" "The reason I have not yet acted is that I am waiting for my guest." Thus, Jing Ke secretly met with Fan Yuqi and said, "I have heard that General, you offended Qin, and your parents, wife, and children were all burned to death. They offered ten thousand households of land and a thousand catties of gold in search of you. "I truly feel sorrow for General's plight." "Now I have a proposal that can remove the disgrace from General and relieve Yan of its humiliation. Would General be willing?" Fan Yuqi said, "I often think about it, weeping day and night, but do not know how to proceed. "Master Jing, please instruct me—I am eager to hear your words!" Jing Ke said, "If we can obtain General's head and the map of Yan's Du Kang region, Qin will surely be pleased. "When Qin is pleased and receives me, I will use my left hand to grasp his sleeve and my right hand to stab him in the chest. I will count the crimes against Yan and hold him accountable for General's fate; thus, Yan's humiliation will be avenged, and General's long-held anger will be dispelled." Fan Yuqi rose, clenched his wrist with determination, took up a knife and said, "This is what I have desired day and night; now I hear your command!" With that, he cut his own throat. His head fell behind him, yet his eyes remained open. The crown prince heard of it and personally drove to the scene, where he fell upon Fan Yuqi's body in grief, weeping so bitterly that he could not control himself. After a long while and with no other choice, the crown prince placed Fan Yuqi's head along with the map of Du Kang into a lacquered box, appointing Wu Yang as his deputy. Jing Ke did not wait for an auspicious day to depart; the crown prince and those who knew of the plot all dressed in plain robes and hats to see him off at Yishui River. Jing Ke rose and sang, saying, "The wind is bleak, the Yishui cold; a valiant man departs and does not return." Gao Jianli struck the zhu (a type of ancient instrument), and Song Yi harmonized with him. They sang in a bold, stirring tone, bringing tears to all present. As the two men passed by, Xia Fu stepped forward before their carriage and cut his own throat in farewell. As the two passed through Yangzhi, Jing Ke bought meat and quarreled over its weight. The butcher insulted him; Wu Yang wanted to attack, but Jing Ke stopped him.
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西入秦，至咸陽，國中庶子蒙白曰：「燕太子丹畏大王之威，今奉樊於期首與督亢地圖，願為北蕃臣妾。」秦王喜。百官陪位，陛戟數百，見燕使者。軻奉於期首，武陽奉地圖。鐘聲並發，群臣皆呼萬歲。武陽大恐，兩足不能相過，面如死灰色。秦王怪之。軻見請曰：「此北鄙小子，希覩天闕。願大王小假，令得畢辭。」秦王謂軻曰：「取圖來。」進，圖窮而匕首出。軻左把秦王袖，右揕其胸，數之曰：「足下負燕日久，貪暴海內，不知厭足。於期無罪而夷其族。軻將海內報讎。今燕王母病，與軻促期，從吾計即生，不從則死。」秦王曰：「今日之事，從子計耳！乞聽琴聲而死。」召姬人鼓琴，琴聲曰：「羅縠單衣，可掣而絕。八尺屏風，可超而越。鹿盧之劍，可負而拔。」軻不曉音。秦王從言，掣之絕，超屏風，負劍而走。軻拔匕首擿之，決秦王，刃入銅柱，火出。秦王還斷軻兩手。軻倨詈曰：「坐。吾輕易為豎子所期。燕國之不報，我事之不立哉！」 |
| | Traveling west into Qin, they arrived at Xianyang. A common official named Meng Bai in the capital said, "Yan's Crown Prince Dan fears Your Majesty's might and now presents Fan Yuqi's head along with a map of Du Kang, wishing to serve as northern vassal subjects." The King of Qin was pleased. Ministers and officials lined up in attendance, hundreds of halberdiers stood on the steps, as they received Yan's envoys. Jing Ke presented Fan Yuqi's head, and Wu Yang presented the map of the territory. The bell rang out, and all the ministers cried "Ten thousand years!" Wu Yang was greatly frightened; his feet could barely move past each other, and his face turned a deathly gray. The King of Qin found this strange. Jing Ke stepped forward and said, "This is a petty man from the northern border, who rarely has the opportunity to behold Your Majesty's court. "I respectfully request that Your Majesty grant me a brief moment so I may complete my words." The King of Qin said to Jing Ke, "Bring the map here." Jing Ke advanced. When the map was fully unrolled, a dagger appeared. Jing Ke seized the king's sleeve with his left hand and stabbed him in the chest with his right, accusing him and saying, "For a long time now, Your Majesty has betrayed Yan. You are greedy and violent across the land, never satisfied. "You destroyed Fan Yuqi's family without cause." "Jing Ke seeks to avenge the wrongs of the world. "Now, Yan's queen mother is ill, and Jing Ke has set an urgent deadline. If you follow my plan, you will live; if not, you shall die." The King of Qin said, "Today's matter—do as you wish!" "I only ask to hear a qin melody before I die." He summoned a concubine to play the qin, and as she played, the tune conveyed: "Fine silk robes can be torn apart. An eight-foot screen may be leapt over. "A Lu Lu sword can be drawn while carried on one's back." Jing Ke did not understand the meaning of the music. The King of Qin followed the words, tore off his robe, leapt over the screen, and ran while carrying the sword on his back. Jing Ke drew a dagger and threw it at the King of Qin, striking him; the blade pierced a bronze pillar, causing fire to erupt. The King of Qin turned back and severed Jing Ke's two hands. Jing Ke, defiantly cursing, said, "Sit." "I was easily deceived by this petty man." "How could the vengeance for Yan not be avenged, and how could my mission fail!"
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