Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (3 page)

Taking the child with them they left the vessel, and the five ships of Wu continued their voyage down stream. One poet has praised the conduct of Chao Yun:—

Some years before, Chao saved O-tou,
What time his mother died;

Again like service he performs,
Upon the Yangtse's tide.

The men of Wu all in the ship,
Were stricken down with fear,

Search all the world, you never find
Of bold Chao Yun the peer.

Another has eulogised Chang Fei:—

At Long Slope Bridge,
With rage Fei boiled,

Like wild beast roared,
And men recoiled.

From danger now
His prince is saved.

On history's page
His name is graved.

Quite satisfied with their success the two warriors sailed homeward. Before they had gone far they met K'ung-ming with a squadron of ships. He was very pleased to find they had recovered the child and they three joyfully returned to Chingchou, whence an account of the whole adventure was written to Liu Pei.

When the Lady Sun reached her home she related the story of the death of Chou Shan and the carrying off of the child. Naturally Sun Ch'uan was very wrath at the miscarriage of his scheme and he resolved to attack Chingchou in revenge for his messenger's murder.

"Now that my sister has returned home there is no longer any family tie to prevent the attack, and I will take full measure of revenge for the death of my henchman," said Sun. So he called the council to consider the expedition.

But before they could decide upon any plan their deliberations were suddenly cut short by the news that Ts'ao Ts'ao was coming down upon the south with forty legions, burning to avenge his defeat at Ch'ihpi (Red Wall). All thoughts now turned toward repelling his attack.

The Recorder Chang Hung, who had retired to his home ill, had just died and his testament was sent to his lord to read. Therein he advised Sun Ch'uan to remove the seat of government to Moling, where the scenery seemed to bear the impress of kingly dignity, befitting a man who cherished the ambition of founding an enduring dynasty. Sun read this document out to his councillors at this meeting, not without some tears in memory of the writer. He told them he could not withstand such advice, and he at once gave orders to surround with a wall the city which he intended henceforth to make his capital.

As a protection against Ts'ao the Admiral Lu Meng proposed building a rampart at Port Juhsu. Some other officers opposed this, saying, "When the enemy appears you will have to land in order to attack him, and after that you will return to your ships. What is the use of a rampart?"

Lu Meng replied, "One must prepare against possibilities. Soldiers vary in keenness and sometimes lose battles. If an urgent occasion arises the men may be unable to reach the water's edge, and how then are they to embark? They will then need shelter."

Sun Ch'uan said, "Provision against eventualities, such as he proposes, is good. Against a distant risk provide, and sorrow walks not by your side."

So they sent many legions of men to build ramparts at Juhsu, and as the work ceased not day or night the wall was soon completed.

In the capital Ts'ao Ts'ao's influence and glory waxed daily greater. Tung Chao proposed that the title of
Kung
(Duke) should be conferred upon him. He said, "In all history no one has rendered such services as you have, O Minister, not even Duke Chou or Lu Wang. These thirty years you have exposed yourself to all risks, been 'combed by the wind and bathed by the rain' and you have swept evil from the land, succoured the distressed and restored the Hans. Who of all statesmen can rank with you? It would be fitting for you to become the Duke of Wei and receive the Nine Gifts, that your merit and virtue be known to all."

Nowe.—

Chariots and Horses (gilt chariots and war chariots drawn by eight horses);10

Court Dress;

Music at Banquets, etc.;

Red Doors,

Steps to the Dais;

Guards (300 at the gates);

Axes;

Bow and Arrows (red-lacquered bow with 100 arrows);

Libation Vessels.

However, all the courtiers were not of one mind. Said Hsun Yu, "This should not be done, O Minister. You raised a force by an appeal to the innate sense of righteousness of the people, and with that force you restored the Han authority. Now you should remain loyal and humble. The virtuous man loves men with a virtuous love and would not act in this way."

Ts'ao Ts'ao did not take this opposition kindly. Tung Chao said, "How can we disappoint the hopes of many because of the words of one?"

So a memorial went to the Throne and Ts'ao's ambitions and desires were gratified with the title of Duke of Wei. The Nine Gifts were added.

"I did not think to see this day," said Hsun, sighing.

This remark was repeated to the newly created Duke and angered him. He took it to mean that Hsun Yu would no longer aid him or favour his designs.

In the winter of the seventeenth year, Ts'ao decided to send an army to conquer Wu, and he ordered Hsun Yu to go with it Hsun Yu understood from this that Ts'ao wished his death, so he declined the appointment on the plea of illness. While he was at home he received one day a box such as one sent with presents of dainties. It was addressed in Ts'ao's own handwriting. Opening it he found therein nothing. He understood; he took poison and died. He was fifty-two years of age.

Wen-jo's talents were to all men known,
'Twas sad that at the door of power he tripped.
Posterity is wrong to class him with the noble Liu,
For, nearing death, he dared not face his lord of Han.

News of his death came to Ts'ao in the form of the ordinary letter of mourning. Then he was sorry and gave orders for an imposing funeral. He also obtained for the dead man the posthumous title of Marquis.

The northern army reached Juhsu, whence he sent a reconnaisance of three legions down to the river. On the river he saw displayed a fleet of ships all arranged in admirable order, the divisions being marked by distinctive flags. The equipment glittered in the sunlight. In the centre was a large ship whereon was a huge umbrella, and beneath the shade sat Sun Ch'uan in the midst of his staff.

"That is the sort of son to have," said Ts'ao in admiration, "not such piglets and puppies as Liu Piao's."

Suddenly, at the explosion of a bomb, the snips got under way and came flying toward him, while a force moved out of Juhsu. Ts'ao's men at once retired in great haste. A company led by the grey-eyed, red-bearded Sun Ch'uan made straight for Ts'ao, who hastily retreated. But he was sore pressed by other captains and it had gone hard with him but that Hsu Chu came to his rescue and fought with the men of Wu till his master could escape. Hsu Chu fought some score bouts before he could draw off and return to his own side.

When Ts'ao returned to camp he conferred rich rewards upon his henchman who had saved him and he reprimanded his other captains for their too hasty retirement. "You blunt the keen spirits of the men, and if you do such a thing again I will put you to death," said he.

About midnight that night there arose great commotion at the gates of the camp, and when Ts'ao went outside he found that the enemy had crept up secretly and started a conflagration. They forced their way into the stockade and went hither and thither, slaying till morning broke. Then Ts'ao and his army retired.

Ts'ao Ts'ao was greatly distressed by this misfortune. He was sitting in his tent poring over the Book of War when Ch'engYu came in to see him.

"O Minister," said Ch'eng, "you who know so thoroughly the art of war, have you forgotten the maxim to strike quickly? You had your army ready, but you postponed action and allowed your enemies to build them ramparts at Juhsu. Now you will find it hard to capture the place. It would be better now to retreat on the capital and await a more propitious moment."

Ts'ao listened, but said nothing; after a time Ch'eng went away. Ts'ao remained seated in his tent, leaning on a small table by his side. And he fell asleep. Suddenly he heard a sound as of a rushing stream or galloping squadrons of horse, and out of the river in front of him arose a huge red sun, so bright that his eyes were dazzled by it. Looking up at the sky he saw two other suns as if reflections of this one. And as he wondered the first sun suddenly flew up and then dropped among the hills in front of his camp with a roar like thunder.

This woke him. He was in his tent and had been dreaming, and the sentry at his tent door was just reporting noon.

Soon he had his horse saddled and rode out, with a small escort, toward the spot he had seen in his dream. As he stood gazing around him a troop of horse came along with Sun Ch'uan at their head. He wore a glittering helmet and was clad in silver armour. Seeing his chief enemy he showed no sign of haste or dismay, but reined in his steed on a rise and, pointing with his whip at Ts'ao, said, "Behold the all-powerful Minister who holds the capital in the hollow of his hand. He has reached the acme of wealth and good fortune and yet he is not content, but must needs come to encroach upon our southern country."

Ts'ao replied, "You are disobedient, and the command of the Emperor is to exterminate you."

"What words!" cried Sun with a laugh. "Are you not ashamed? Every one knows that you control every act of the Emperor and you tyrannise over the nobles. I am no rebel against the dynasty, but I do desire to capture you and reform the government."

Ts'ao grew angry at this speech and bade his captains go over and take Sun prisoner. But before they could obey, two troops of soldiers marched out to the sound of beating drums, and arrows and crossbow bolts began to fall like raindrops around Ts'ao Ts'ao. He turned to retire, and the archers and bowmen followed him. However, presently appeared Hsu Chu, with the Tiger Guard, who rescued Ts'ao and took him back to his camp. The men of Wu had scored a victory and they marched back to Juhsu.

Alone in his camp, Ts'ao thought, "This Sun Ch'uan certainly is no ordinary man, and by the presage of the sun in my dream he will become an emperor."

He began to think it would be well to retire from the expedition, only that he feared the men of Wu would exult over him. So the two armies remained facing each other a whole month, fighting occasional skirmishes and battles in which victory fell sometimes to the one and sometimes to the other.

And so it went on till the new year and the spring rains filled the watercourses to overflowing and the soldiers were wading in deep mud. Their sufferings were extreme and Ts'ao became sad at heart. At the council board his officers were divided, some being for retirement and others anxious to hold on till the warm weather. Their chief could not make up his mind.

Then there came a messenger from Wu bearing a letter, which read: "You and I, O Minister, are both servants of Han, but you are careless for the tranquillity of the people and think only of battle, thereby causing great suffering. Is this conduct worthy of a kindly man?

"But spring with its heavy rains is at hand and you would be wise to retire while you can. If not, you may expect a repetition of the misfortune at Red Wall. It would be well to consider this."

And on the back of the letter was a note in two lines running thus: "No tranquillity for me while you live."

Ts'ao read the letter and laughed. "Chung-mou, you cannot beguile me!" said he.

He rewarded the messenger and issued orders to retreat. The Prefect of Luchiang was left to guard Huanch'eng the army marched for the capital.

Sun Ch'uan returned to Moling. At a meeting of his advisers he said, 'Ts'ao Ts'ao has marched north, Liu Pei is at Chiaming: why should I not lead the army that has just repulsed the northern men to take Chingchou?"

Thereupon Chang Chao offered another plan saying, "Do not move a man; I know how to keep Liu Pei from returning to Chingchou."

Meng-te's army march away,

Chung-mou's thoughts then southward stray.

The scheme proposed by Chang will be unfolded in the next chapter.

CHAPTER LXII
TAKING OF FOU PASS: YANG AND
KAO SLAIN: SIEGE OF LO CITY:
HUANG AND WEI RIVALS

C
hang
Chao proceeded to unfold his device. "If you undertake any expedition farther west Ts'ao Ts'ao will undoubtedly return to the attack. Rather write two letters, one to Liu Chang saying that Liu Pei has leagued himself with you against the west, which will raise suspicions in the mind of Liu Chang and cause him to attack his guest, and another persuading Chang Lu to march upon Chingchou, which will embarrass Liu Pei. Between these two conflicting matters Chingchou will be neglected and we can march against it."

Sun Ch'uan approved, wrote the two letters and sent them by two messengers.

In the meantime, Liu Pei had been winning the hearts of the peoples about Chiaming Pass, where his army lay. When he received the news of his wife's flight and of Ts'ao's threatened attack, he called in P'ang T'ung and laid the matter before him. "The victor, whichever it is, will assuredly possess himself of our city of Chingchou," said Liu Pei at the close.

"You need not trouble about that city," said P'ang. "I do not think Wu will try to take it so long as K'ung-ming is there. But, my lord, write to Liu Chang telling him you wish to return on account of this threatening danger. It will be a plausible excuse. You may say that on account of Ts'ao's attack, Sun has sent to you for help and that as his country and yours are neighbours and dependent upon each other for safety you cannot refuse. Further, you will assure him that there is no danger of any invasion by Chang Lu. However, we have too few men for our purpose and insufficient grain, so you must also urge your relative to send you three or four legions of veterans and a plentiful supply of food. He will not refuse, and with more men and provisions we can do as we please."

Liu Pei agreed to this and sent a messenger to Ch'engtu. When his messenger reached the Pass, Yang Huai and Kao P'o, who commanded the garrison, already knew of the design, and the former of the two captains went with him to the city. After reading the letter the Prefect asked Yang why he had come.

"Only because of that letter," he replied. "This Liu Pei, from the day he first entered the province, has been trying to win over the hearts of your people by a display of kindness and virtue. He certainly intends no good, and I think you should refuse both the men and the supplies he asks. To help him is like adding fuel to a fire."

"We are affectionate brothers and I must help him," said the Prefect."

"Liu Pei is nothing but a vagabond swashbuckler," some one cried, "and if you keep him here in Shu you are loosing a tiger in your household. If you give him the men and supplies he asks you are adding wings to your tiger."

Turning whence the voice proceeded they recognised the speaker as one Liu Pa, a native of Ch'engyang. His words threw the Prefect into a state of doubt and hesitation. Huang Ch'uan also dissuaded him most earnestly, and finally Liu Chang actually decided to send only four companies of worn-out men and a paltry supply of grain. At the same time fresh orders enjoining a diligent watchfulness were sent to the guardians of the Pass.

When Yuan-te read the letter that accompanied the Prefect's miserable contribution to his strength he was furious and cried, "I have been spending myself in your defence and this is my reward! You are mean and greedy enough to stint my supplies. How can you expect generous service?"

He tore the letter to fragments and execrated the writer thereof. The bearer of the letter fled back to the capital.

Then said P'ang T'ung, "You have hitherto laid too much stress on humanity and righteousness. However, that is all over now and all affection between you two is at an end, now that you have torn up that letter."

"Yes. And since that is so, what next?" asked Yuan-te.

"I have three schemes ready in my mind. You may choose which pleases you."

"What are your three schemes?"

"The first, and best, is to send an army forthwith and seize Ch'engtu. The second is to capture and put to death the two captains of the Pass. They are the two most famous fighting men in this land. If you give out that you are returning to Chingchou they will assuredly come to say farewell. Seize and put them to death, and the Pass and Fouch'eng are both yours. Ch'engtu will follow soon. The third plan is to drop this role you have been playing, go back to Chingchou and make a regular invasion. But if you ponder these schemes too long you will get into such straits that nothing can save you."

Yuan-te replied, "Of your three schemes, O Commander, I find the first too summary and the last too slow. I choose the second scheme, which is neither."

So a letter was written to Liu Chang saying that Ts'ao Ts'ao was sending an army against Chingchou, the captains there were unequal to the defence and Liu Pei had to go to help. As the matter was pressing there could be no personal leave-taking.

"I knew that the real desire of Liu Pei was to return to Chingchou," said Chang Sung, when he heard of the letter.

Chang Sung then also composed a letter to Liu Pei. While he was looking about for a trusty person to take it, his brother Su, who was the Prefect of a country district, came to see him. He hid the letter in his sleeve while he talked with his brother. Brother Su noticed his anxious inquietude, which he could not explain. Wine was brought in and, as the two brothers chatted over it, the letter dropped to the floor unnoticed by Chang Sung. One of brother Su's men saw it, picked it up and gave it to his master, who opened and read it.

This is about how it ran:—"What I said to you lately was not mere meaningless talk. Why, then, postpone action? The ancients valued the man who took by force and held by conciliation. If you act at once the whole matter is in your hand. Why abandon all and return to Chingchou? Surely I do not hear aright! When you get this, attack without a moment's delay and remember that I am your ally on the inside. Above all, no delay!"

"This plot of my brother's will end in the destruction of the whole family," said Chang Su. "I must get in the first word."

So at once he went in and laid the whole matter before the Prefect.

"I have always treated your brother so well!" said Liu Chang, very angry.

He issued orders to arrest Chang Sung and behead him and all his household in the market place.

Chang was quick of comprehension, such as he have been but few, Little thought he that a letter would betray

When he plotted for another. But success he never knew,

For himself there opened out a gory way.

Having thus learned of a real conspiracy to deprive him of his heritage, Liu Chang assembled his officers and asked their advice. Huang Ch'uan spoke out saying, "Prompt action is needed. Send to every strategic point telling them to increase the garrisons and keep careful guard and, above all, prevent the entrance of any person from Chingchou."

Such orders were sent to all points of vantage where were garrisons.

In the meantime, carrying out P'ang Tung's scheme, Liu Pei had marched down to Fouch'eng, where he halted and sent in a messenger to invite the two captains to come forth and say farewell. But they did not respond at once to this invitation.

"What is the real meaning of this retirement?" said one to the other.

'This Yuan-te ought to die," said Kao P'o. "Let us hide daggers under our dress and stab him at the place of farewell. That will end all our lord's troubles."

"A most excellent plan," said his colleague.

So they two, taking only a small escort, went down out of the Pass to say good-bye. Most of their men were left in the camp.

On the way down to Fou River, P'ang T'ung had said to his master, "You have need to be on your guard against those two if they come to bid you farewell. If they do not come, then the Pass must be attacked without delay."

Just as he said this a violent gust of wind overthrew the leading flag of the army, and Liu Pei asked what this portended.

"That means a surprise; those two intend to assassinate you, so be on your guard."

Accordingly, Liu Pei put on double armour and girded on his sword in readiness. When the two captains arrived the army halted while the captains should pay the farewell visit.

Then P'ang T'ung said to his two captains, Wei Yen and Huang Chang, "However many soldiers come down from the Pass see to it that none return."

The two captains of Shu, armed with hidden daggers, came up, their escort bearing gifts of sheep and wine. They marked no precautions being taken against an attack and began to think their task of murder would be an easy one. They were led in to where Liu Pei sat under a tent, his adviser with him.

They said, "We hear, O Imperial Uncle, that you contemplate a long march and therefore we come to offer a few poor gifts to speed you on your way."

The cups of farewell were duly filled. Then Yuan-te replied, "You have a heavy responsibility to defend the Pass, Captains. I pray you drink first."

They drank. Then Liu Pei said, "I have a secret matter to talk over with you."

So all but the two captains were sent away with the escort and were led to the midst of the camp. As soon as they had gone, Liu Pei shouted, "My people, lay hands upon these two rebels!"

Thereupon Liu Feng and Kuan P'ing rushed out from behind the tent. The two captains of the Pass were taken aback, but began to struggle. However, each of the two seized his man and held him.

"Your lord and I are of the same house," said Liu Pei, "why then have you plotted against me and conspired to sow enmity between us?"

P'ang T'ung bade his men search the captives, and the hidden daggers were found. So both were ordered to immediate execution. However, Liu Pei hesitated and was unwilling to confirm the sentence and put them to death. But his adviser insisted that they were worthy of death for the assassination they had panned, and bade the executioners fall on. So the two men were beheaded. Of their following not one had been allowed to slip away.

Liu Pei summoned the soldiers of the escort to his tent, gave them wine to comfort them and said, "Your leaders conspired to sow dissension between brothers and were found with daggers hidden beneath their clothing. They were assassins in intent and have met the fate they merited. You have committed no crime and need feel no alarm."

The soldiers thanked him for his clemency with low obeisance.

Then said P'ang T'ung, "If you will now show the way so that our men may capture the Pass, you shall even be rewarded."

They consented. That same night the army set out, with the men of the renegade escort leading the way. When they reached the Pass they hailed the gate, saying, "Open the gate quickly: the captains have returned earlier than they expected because of important business."

Hearing the voices of their comrades, the gate guards had no suspicion of treachery and threw open the gates. In rushed the enemy soldiers and so gained possession of Foukuan without shedding a drop of blood. The defenders came over to the side of Liu Pei and were liberally rewarded. This done, the army was posted so as to guard the approaches and maintain what they had captured.

The next few days were spent in banquets and feasts in celebration of success. At one of these feasts Liu Pei turned to his adviser, saying, "This is what one might call a joyful occasion."

"To employ warlike weapons in making an attack upon the possession of another is not using them in the best way." replied P'ang T'ung. "Nor is such attack the most proper occasion for rejoicing."

Liu Pei replied, "The success of King Wu against Chou was celebrated with music; I suppose weapons were not well used on that occasion either. Why do you talk so wide of reason? You had better retire."

P'ang T'ung laughed and withdrew from the table, while the attendants supported Liu Pei to his own chamber, where he had a long sleep. About midnight he awoke from his wine and then the servants told him that he had driven away his adviser from the feast. He was at once filled with remorse. Next day, having dressed early in full costume of ceremony, he took his seat in the great hall, summoned his adviser and apologised handsomely for his rude behaviour the night before.

"I drank too much last night and spoke rudely; pray forget it."

P'ang, who had taken the whole episode in very good part from the first, laughed and talked as usual. But Yuan-te went on, "Really I was the only one to blame yesterday."

"We both slipped up; it was not only you, my lord," said P'ang.

Then Yuan-te laughed too and the two were as good friends again as ever.

When the Prefect Liu Chang heard of the doings of his relative and guest he said, "I did not think that such things would come to pass."

The officers of Shu met to consider how to oppose the further advance of Liu Pei, and Huang Ch'uan said, "Let us send without delay a force to hold Lohsien, which is the very throat of the road he must take. He may have veteran soldiers and fiery captains but he will not be able to pass."

So the four ablest captains were told off for this duty and they led five legions. As they marched, one of them, Liu Kuei by name, said, "In the Chinp'ing Hills there is a wonderful Taoist who calls himself 'The Superman of the Dark Void.' He has the gift of second sight, so let us visit him as we pass and enquire what our fortunes are to be."