31th, Mar, 2006
《退避三舍》
春秋时候，晋献公听信谗言，杀了太子申生，又派人捉拿申生的弟弟重耳。重耳闻讯，逃出了晋国，在
外流忘十几年。 经过千幸万苦,重耳来到楚国。楚成王认为重耳日后必有大作为，就以国群之礼相迎，待
他如上宾。 一天，楚王设宴招待重耳，两人饮洒叙话，气氛十分融洽。忽然楚王问重耳：“你若有一天回
晋国当上国君，该怎么报答我呢？”重耳略一思索说：“美女待从、珍宝丝绸，大王您有的是，珍禽羽毛
，象牙兽皮，更是楚地的盛产，晋国哪有什么珍奇物品献给大王呢？”楚王说：“公子过谦了。话虽然这
么说，可总该对我有所表示吧？”重耳笑笑回答道：“要是托您的福。果真能回国当政的话，我愿与贵国
友好。假如有一天，晋楚国之间发生战争，我一定命令军队先退避三舍（一舍等于三十里），如果还不能
得到您的原谅，我再与您交战。” 四年后，重耳真的回到晋国当了国君，就是历史上有名的晋文公。晋国
在他的治理下日益强大。 公元前633年，楚国和晋国的军队在作战时相遇。晋文公为了实现他许下的诺言
，下令军队后退九十里，驻扎在城濮。楚军见晋军后退，以为对方害怕了，马上追击。晋军利用楚军骄傲
轻敌的弱点，集中兵力，大破楚军，取得了城濮之战的胜利。
故事出自《左传·僖公二十二年》。成语“退避三舍”比喻不与人相争或主动让步。
Retreating about Thirty Miles as Condition For Peace During the Spring and Autumn Period
(770-476 B.C.), Duke Xian of the State of Jin Killed the crown prince Sheng because he had
heard slanders about Sheng and believed them. He also sent his men to arrest Chong Er, Shen
Sheng and believed them. He also sent his men to arrest Chonh Er, Shen Sheng's brother.
Hearing the news, Chong Er escaped from the state of Jin, remaining a fugitive for more than
ten years. After innumerable hardships, Chong Er arrived at the State of Chu at last. King
Cheng of the State of Chu treated him with high respect as he would have treated the ruler of
a state, believing that he would have a vright fuure. One day, King Cheng of the State of Chu
gave a banquet in honoudr of Chong Er. Suddenly, amid the harmonious atmosphere of drinking
and talking, King Cheng of the State of Chu asked Chong Er. "How will you repay me when you
return to the State of Jin and become its ruler one day?" After thinking for a moment, Chong
Er said, "You have plenty of beauties and attendants as well as jewelry and silk cloth, and
the state of Chu abounds in rare brides and animals. What treasure can the State of Jin boast
having to present to your majesty?" King Cheng of the State of Chu said, "You are too modest.
Nevertheless, you still have to show your gratitude to me in one way or another, I presume?"
Smiling, Chong Er answered, "If I should be fortunate enouge to return to the State of Jin and
become its ruler, the State of Jin woul
