吾受劉將軍厚恩 誓以共死 不可背之
“I know well how generously Lord Cao has treated me. But I owe General Liu a debt of kindness and have sworn to share his death — I cannot turn my back on that. I will repay Lord Cao with a deed of merit, and then I will go.”
— Guan Yu關羽
ko조공께서 나를 후하게 대해 주심은 잘 알고 있다. 그러나 나는 유장군의 두터운 은혜를 입어 생사를 함께하기로 맹세했으니, 이를 저버릴 수는 없다. 반드시 공을 세워 조공께 보답한 뒤에 떠나겠다.
ja曹公が私を手厚く遇してくださることはよく分かっている。だが私は劉将軍の厚恩を受け、生死を共にすると誓ったのだから、これに背くことはできない。必ず功を立てて曹公に報いてから去る。
The scene behind the words
Guan Yu’s answer to Zhang Liao, sent by Cao Cao to sound out his intentions during his honored captivity. Exactly as declared, he repaid the debt by slaying Yan Liang, sealed up every gift, and rode back to Liu Bei. This passage is the origin point of his worship as the god of loyalty.
Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms — Guan Yu