Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (23 page)

Kuan Yu read the letter, which was couched in most modest language, and then threw back his head and laughed loud. He bade the attendants receive the various gifts, and sent the bearer away. The messenger forthwith returned to Luk'ou and said the old warrior had seemed very gratified and would henceforward feel no anxiety that danger might threaten from their direction. Spies were sent out to report on proceedings, and they returned to say that half the troops had been sent to assist in the siege of Fanch'eng. That city was to be seriously assaulted as soon as Kuan Yu had recovered.

This news was promptly sent on to Sun Ch'uan, who at once called in Lu Meng to decide upon the next move.

"Now is the favourable moment to get possession of Chingchou," said Sun. "I propose to send you and my brother, Sun Chiao, to lead the army."

This Sun Chiao was really only a cousin, as he was the second son of Sun Ch'uan's uncle. His secondary name was Shu-ming.

But Lu Meng objected. "My lord, if you think to employ me, then employ me only; if Shu-ming, then Shu-ming only You cannot have forgotten that Chou Yu and Ch'eng P'u were associate commanders, and although the final decision lay with Chou Yu, yet the other presumed upon his seniority and there was some unfriendliness between the two. All ended well because Ch'eng P'u recognised the ability of his colleague and so supported him. I know I am not so clever as Chou Yu, but Shu-ming's consanguinity will be a greater obstacle than mere length of service, and I fear he may not be wholly with me."

Sun Ch'uan saw the force of the contention, and appointed Lu Meng to sole command with Sun Chiao to help him in the commissariat Lu Meng thanked his lord for his commission, soon got his three legions together and assembled four score ships for the expedition.

He dressed a number of sailors in the plain costumes of ordinary merchants and put them on board to work his vessels. He concealed his veterans in the holds of the
kolu
ships (shallow-draught transports). He selected seven captains to serve under him and settled the order of their successive movements. The remainder of the forces was left with Sun Ch'uan as supports and reserves. Letters were also written to Ts'ao Ts'ao that he might co-operate by sending his army to attack Kuan Yu in the rear.

The sailors in plain dress navigated the ships to Hsunyang-chiang as quickly as possible, and then crossed to the north bank. When the beacon-keepers came down to question them, the men of Wu said they were traders forced into the bank by contrary winds. And they offered gifts to the beacon-keepers, who accepted them and let the ships come to an anchor close to the shore.

At about the second watch the soldiers came out of hiding in the holds of the transports, suddenly fell upon the beacon-keepers and made them prisoners, officers and men. Next the signal for a general landing was given, and all the soldiers from the eighty ships went ashore. The guard stations were attacked, and all the men captured and carried off to the ships, not a man being allowed to escape. Then the whole force hurried off to Chingchou, having so far carried out their plans that no one knew of their coming.

Nearing Chingchou, Lu Meng spoke kindly to his captives, and gave them gifts and comforted them in order to induce them to get the gates opened for him to enter the city. He won them over to his side, and they promised to aid him. They would show a flare as a signal that the gates were free. So they went in advance and arrived at the gates about midnight. They called the watch; and the wardens of the gate, recognising their voices, opened for them. Once within, they shouted and lit the flares. Immediately the men of Wu came in with a rush and were soon in possession.

The first order issued by Lu Meng was to spare the people. Instant death should be the punishment for any murder or robbery. The various officials over the people were retained in their offices and continued their functions. Special guards were set over Kuan Yu's family dwelling, and none dared break open any other house. A messenger was sent with tidings to Sun Ch'uan.

One very wet day Lu Meng, with a few horsemen as escort, was going round the walls and visiting the gates. One of the soldiers took from a passer-by his broad-brimmed hat and put it on over his helmet to keep his armour dry. Lu Meng saw it, and the offender was seized. He was a fellow-villager of Lu Meng's, but that did not save him.

"You are an old acquaintance, but you knew my order, why did you disobey it?"

"I thought the rain would spoil my uniform, and I took the hat to protect it. I did not take it for my own advantage, but to protect official property. Spare me, O General, for the sake of our common dwelling-place."

"I know you were protecting your armour, but still it was disobedience to the order against taking anything from the people."

The soldier was beheaded, and his head exposed as a warning. But when all was over, Lu Meng had the body buried decently and wept at the grave for the loss of his friend. Never after this was there the least laxity of discipline.

When Sun Ch'uan visited the city, Lu Meng met him at the boundary and led him to the official residence, where he issued rewards and commendations. This done, he ordered P'an Chun to take charge of the new possession. Yu Chin, who was in prison, was freed and sent back to his master. When the people had been comforted and the soldiers rewarded, there was a great banquet in honour of the success of the expedition.

Then said Sun Ch'uan to his general, "We have got this place, but now we want Kungan and NanChun. How can we get them?"

Suddenly one Yu Fan started up and offered his services. "You will need neither bows nor arrows," said he, "unless my little tongue is worn out. I can persuade Fu Shih-yen to surrender."

"Friend Yu, how will you do it?" asked Sun Ch'uan.

"He and I are very old friends, ever since we were boys, and if I explain the matter to him I am sure he will come over to this side."

So Yu Fan, with an escort, left quickly for Kungan, where his friend was in command.

Now when Fu heard of the capture of Chingchou he closed his gates. Yu Fan arrived, but was refused entrance. So he wrote a letter, attached it to an arrow and shot it over the city wall. A soldier picked it up and took it to his commander, who found therein much persuasion to surrender. Having read all this, he thought within himself, "1 think I should do well, for the other day Kuan Yu was very bitter against me."

Without further ado he bade the wardens open the gate, and his friend came in. After their greetings they talked of old times, and Yu Fan praised Sun Ch'uan's magnanimity and liberality and greatness generally. So finally Fu Shih-yen decided to exchange masters and went away, taking with him his seal of office. He was presented to Sun Ch'uan, who reappointed him to the command of Kungan under its new lord. Lu Meng thought the appointment imprudent while Kuan Yu was yet unconquered, and proposed instead to send him to NanChun to induce his former colleague and fellow in disgrace to join him in desertion to the enemy. His advice was followed, and Fu was recalled.

"Go to NanChun and win over Mi Fang, and I will reward you richly," said Sun Ch'uan.

Fu Shih-yen accepted the mission and duly left for NanChun.

Kungan's defender failed when tried,
So Wang Fu's words were justified.

For the events of the journey see the next chapter.

CHAPTER LXXVI
HSU FIGHTS ON THE MEIN RIVER;
KUAN RETREATS TO MAICH'ENG

T
he
fall of Chingchou put Mi Fang in a quandary, and before he could decide upon any course his ancient colleague Fu Shih-jen came to see him. He was admitted, and when asked why he had come he blurted out his business without beating about the bush.

"I am faithful enough, but I got into difficulties and danger and could not hold on, so I have surrendered to Wu. And I advise you to do the same."

"You and I have both fed on the bounty of the Prince of HanChung, and I cannot understand how you can turn against him."

"Kuan Yu went away hating both of us intensely, and even if he comes back victorious I do not think he will forgive us. Just think it over."

"My brother and I have followed the prince these many years, and I do not like leaving him like this."

Mi Fang hesitated. Before he could make up his mind, there came a messenger to say that the army was short of grain and he had been sent to demand white rice for the soldiers. NanChun and Kungan were to send ten myriad
tan
at once. Delay would be most severely punished.

This sudden demand was a shock to Mi Fang. "Where am I to get the rice?" said he despairingly to his friend and tempter. "Chingchou is now in the hands of Wu."

"Do not dilly-dally," said Fu Shih-jen. Thereupon he drew his sword and slew the messenger as he stood in the hall.

"What have you done?" cried Mi Fang.

"Kuan wanted to slay us two and has forced me to this. Are we to fold our hands and await death? Either you give in at once and go over to Wu, or you will be put to death by Kuan Yu."

Just then they heard that Lu Meng's men had actually reached the city wall. Mi Fang saw that nothing could save his life but desertion, so he went out with Fu and gave in his allegiance to Lu Meng, by whom he was led to Sun Ch'uan. Sun Ch'uan gave both of them presents, after which he proceeded to restore order and to reward his army for their services.

At the time that great discussion about Chingchou was going on in the capital, a messenger arrived with a letter from Sun Ch'uan. It told the tale of the acquisition of Chingchou and begged Ts'ao Ts'ao to send an army to attack Kuan Yu in the rear, enjoining the utmost secrecy.

At the meeting of advisers that Ts'ao Ts'ao summoned to consultation, Tung Chao said, "Now that the relief of Fanch'eng is contemplated it would be well to let the besieged know, so that they may not yield to depression. Moreover, if Kuan Yu hears that Chingchou is in the hands of Wu he will come back to try to recover it. Then let Hsu Huang take the chance to attack, and our victory will be complete."

Ts'ao Ts'ao agreed that the plan was good, and so he sent a messenger to urge Hsu Huang to attack. Ts'ao himself led a large force to Yanglup'o, south of Loyang, to rescue Ts'ao Jen.

Hsu Huang was sitting in his tent when they told him that a messenger from the Prince of Wei had arrived. The messenger was called in and said. "The prince has led an army to Loyang, and he wishes you to hasten to attack Kuan Yu in order to relieve Fanch'eng."

Just then the scouts came to report that Kuan Yu had encamped at Yench'eng and Liao Hua at SsuChung. The enemy had built a line of twelve stockades. Hsu Huang ordered two of his lieutenants to Yench'eng to masquerade as if he himself was in command, by showing his ensigns. Hsu himself, at the head of a few veterans, went along the Mien River to attack Yench'eng in the rear.

When Kuan P'ing heard of the approach of Hsu Huang he prepared his own division to meet him. When both sides were arrayed, Kuan P'ing rode out and engaged one Hsu Shang. After three encounters Hsu Shang had the worst of it and fled. Then the other lieutenant, Lu Chien, went out. He fought half a dozen bouts and also ran away. Thereupon Kuan P'ing went in pursuit and smote the flying enemy for twenty
li.
But then there was an alarm of fire within the city, and Kuan P'ing knew that he had been inveigled into the pursuit and was a victim. So he turned and set out for the city again. On his way he met a body of troops and standing under the great standard was Hsu Huang.

Hsu Huang shouted out, "Kuan P'ing, my worthy nephew, it is strange that you do not recognise death when it stares you in the face. Your Chingchou has fallen into the hands of Wu and yet you act so madly."

Kuan P'ing, whirling his sword, just rode hard at Hsu Huang, and they engaged. But after the third bout there was a tremendous shouting among the soldiers, for the flames within the city burst up higher than before. Kuan P'ing could not follow up his desire to continue the fight, but cut his way out and made a dash for SsuChung, where Liao Hua received him with the news of the disaster to Chingchou.

"People say that Chingchou has fallen to Lu Meng, and the news has frightened the whole army; what is to be done?" said he.

"It is only a malicious rumour; do not let it spread. If one repeats it, put him to death."

Just then a man came running in to say that Hsu Huang was attacking the first stockade on the north.

"If that goes," said Kuan P'ing, "the remainder will follow. But as we have the river at our back, they will not dare attack this. Let us go to the rescue."

So Liao Hua summoned his subordinate leaders and gave them orders to hold the camp and make a signal if the enemy came.

"There is no danger here" said they. "The camp is defended by a tenfold line of 'deer-horns'
(chevaux dejrise):
even a bird could not get in."

Kuan P'ing and Liao Hua mustered all the veterans they had and went away to the first stockade. Seeing the Wei soldiers camped on a low hill, Kuan P'ing said to his colleague, "Those men are stationed in an unsafe place; let us raid their camp tonight."

"You take half the force, General, and I will remain to keep the camp, said Liao Hua.

When night fell, the attacking force went out. But on reaching the camp not a man opposed them. The camp was empty. Then Kuan P'ing knew he had been deceived, and turned to retreat. He was at once attacked on two sides by Hsu Shang and Lu Chien. Unable to stand, his men ran for the camp. The men of Wei followed, and presently the camp was surrounded. They were compelled to abandon the position and set off for SsuChung. As they drew near they saw torches, and presently knew by the ensigns displayed that the camp had also fallen to the enemy. Retiring, they hastened along the high road toward Fanch'eng, but presently their way was barred by a force under Hsu Huang himself. By dint of hard fighting they got away and returned to their main camp, and Kuan P'ing went to his father.

"Hsu Huang has got possession of Yench'eng. Ts'ao's main army is on the way in three divisions, and many say that Chingchou is in the enemy's hands."

Kuan Yu bade him be silent. "This is a fabrication of the enemy, said he, "but it may dishearten the soldiers. We know Lu Meng is ill, and they have appointed that impractical fellow Lu Hsun to succeed him at Luk'ou. There is nothing to fear."

He was soon undeceived. The news came that Hsu Huang had arrived. At once Kuan Yu bade them saddle his charger.

"Father, you are not strong enough to go into the battle," said Kuan P'ing.

"Hsu Huang and I were once friends, and I know what he can do and not do. I will give him the chance to retire, and if he does not take it then I shall just slay him as a warning to the others."

Mounting his charger, Kuan Yu rode out as impetuously as of yore, and the sight of the old warrior made to quake the hearts of the men of Wei. When he came close enough to his enemy, Kuan checked his steed and said, "Where is my friend Hsu?"

As a reply, the gate of the camp opened and Hsu Huang appeared under the standard. With a low bow he said, "Some years have passed since I met you, most excellent Marquis, but I had not expected to see you so grey. I have not forgotten the old brave days, when we were together and you taught me so much, and I am very grateful. Now your fame has spread throughout the whole of China, and your old friends cannot but praise you. I am indeed glad that I have the happiness to see you."

Kuan Yu replied, "We have been excellent friends, Ming-kung; better than most. But why have you pressed my son so hardly of late?"

Hsu Huang suddenly turned to the officers about him and cried fiercely, "I would give a thousand for this Yun-ch'ang's head."

Kuan Yu, greatly shocked, said, "What did you say that for?"

"Because today I am on state business, and I have no inclination to let private friendship over-ride my public duty."

As he said this, he whirled his battle-axe and rode at Kuan Yu, who, greatly enraged, threw up his great sword to strike. They fought a half score bouts, but although his skill lacked nothing of its pristine vigour and excelled all the world, the old warrior's right arm was still weak from the wound. Kuan P'ing saw that his father failed somewhat, and so hastily beat the gong for retreat. Kuan Yu rode back.

Suddenly the noise of a great shouting was heard; it came from the troops of the city, for Ts'ao Jen, having heard of the arrival of men of his own side, had made a sortie and was about to attack to help Hsu Huang. His men fell on, and the army of Chingchou were routed. Kuan Yu, with as many of his officers as could, fled away along the banks of the Hsiang River, hotly pursued by the army of Wei. Crossing the river, he made for Hsiangyang. Thence he marched for Kungan. But the scouts told him that that city was in the hands of Wu. Then some of the men he had despatched for supplies came in and reported the murder of their officer and the further treachery of Mi Fang. The story filled him with boundless rage. It was too much. The wound re-opened, and he fell in a swoon.

"Wang Fu, you were right," said he when he recovered consciousness. "How I regret that I did not heed what you said! And now—."

"But why were the beacon fires not lighted?" continued he presently.

"Lu Meng's men in the guise of traders came over the river. There were soldiers hidden in the
koulu
ships, and they seized the beacon guards, so preventing them from kindling the fires."

Kuan Yu sighed. Beating the ground with his foot, he said, "Indeed I have fallen into their trap. How shall I look my brother in the face?"

Then outspake the commissariat officer Chao Lei, saying, "We are in straits. Send to Ch'engtu for help, and let us take the land road to Chingchou to try to recover it."

So three messengers were sent by different routes to ask for help, while the army set out to return to Chingchou, Kuan Yu leading and Liao Hua with Kuan P'ing keeping the rear.

The siege Fanch'eng being thus raised, Ts'ao Jen went to see his master. With tears he acknowledged his fault and asked pardon.

"It was the will of heaven, and no fault of yours," said Ts'ao Ts'ao; and he rewarded the armies.

When he visited SsuChung and had inspected the captured stockades, he remarked on the defences. "Hsu Huang was very clever to overcome these. With my thirty years of war I should not have dared to penetrate such opposition. He is valiant and wise, and both in a high degree."

"Aye," said they with him, for they could not but agree.

Ts'ao's army marched back to Mop'o and there camped. When Hsu Huang returned, Ts'ao went out of the stockade to meet him, and noted with joy the excellent order and discipline that his army showed. Every man was in his place, the ranks perfectly kept, all without a trace of disorder.

"He has the spirit of Chou A-fu," said Ts'ao, and on the spot conferred on his captain the title of "Pacificator of the South." Hsu was sent soon after to share in the defence of Hsiangyang to meet Kuan Yu's army.

Chingchou being still in turmoil, Ts'ao remained at Mop'o waiting for news.

Kuan Yu found himself at a standstill on the road to Chingchou with the army of Wu in front and the men of Wei coming up behind. What was to be done? He discussed the position with Chao Lei, who proposed a halt to try to shame Lu Meng into aiding him.

Said he, "When Lu Meng was at Luk'ou he used to write to you often, and you a agreed to join hand in the destruction of Ts'ao Ts'ao. Now he is a traitor and fighting on the other side. Send a letter and reproach him. Perhaps we may get a satisfactory reply."

So the letter was written and sent. Meanwhile, by Lu Meng's special command, the most complete protection was given to the families of all the officers who were serving under Kuan Yu, and they were kept supplied with all they required. Even the ailing members of their households were treated by physicians free of charge. The result was that they were quite won over to the new order of things, and there was no attempt to disturb it. When Kuan Yu's letter came, the messenger was led into the city and well treated. When Lu read the letter, he said to the bearer thereof, "You must understand the different circumstances. When your general and I were leagued together it was a personal matter between us two. Now things have changed. I am sent here with certain orders and am not my own master. I would trouble you, O Messenger, to return and explain thus to your master and in good words."

The bearer of the letter was entertained at a banquet and sent to repose himself in the guest-house, where the families of the absent officers sought him to have news of their husbands and fathers. Moreover, they brought him letters and gave him messages for the officers, and the whole tenor of these letters and messages was that they were all in good health, all their needs were supplied and they lacked nothing. When he left the city, Lu Meng himself escorted him to the outskirts and set him on his way.