Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (10 page)

To Chuko Liang he assigned the revision of the laws, the punishments to be made, on the whole, heavy. Then Fa Cheng spoke up, "The founder of the Hans drew up three chapters of law, and the people were all profoundly affected by his virtue. I would rather that the laws be few and liberal that people may be comforted."

K'ung-ming replied, "You only look at one side. The laws of Ts'in were fiercely cruel and provoked resentment among the people; it was fitting that Kao Tsu should temper them with kindness. Under the weak administration of the late ruler there has never been an efficient government and there is a lack of respect for the law. The proper relationship between ruler and minister has been gradually obscured. Favour has been the means of rising, and the highest in rank have been the basest: kindness has been extended into licence and the most benefited have been the most contemptuous. And thereby have crept in many evils. Now I mean to inculcate respect for the dignity of the law, and kindness shall follow its attainment: there shall be moderation in conferring rank, but honour shall really follow on such promotion. In the mutual cooperation of kindness and honour and in proper distinction between superiors and inferiors lies the efficiency of a government.

Fa Cheng had no argument to oppose. In due time all became perfectly tranquil, and all the forty-and-one districts, with their respective garrisons, were peaceful and contented.

As Prefect of the metropolitan district, Fa Cheng earned much hatred, caring for no one but himself, and one man told of the complaints to K'ung-ming, urging his dismissal.

But K'ung-ming referred to his meritorious services. "When my lord was in Chingchou, fearful of his enemy on the north and trembling lest he be attacked from the east, Fa Cheng was his sure support. In these prosperous days one can hardly begin to discipline him. Could we reasonably forbid him following somewhat his own way?"

So no investigation was made, but Fa Cheng heard of the complaints and corrected his faults.

One day, when Yuan-te and K'ung-ming were resting and at leisure, Kuan P'ing arrived with a letter from his father, thanking his elder brother for the handsome gifts. Handing in his letter, the son said his father was anxious to come into Ch'uan to try conclusions with Ma Ch'ao.

Said Yuan-te, "If he were to come and fight I fear they would not both survive."

"There is nothing to be anxious about," said K'ung-ming. "I will write to Kuan Yu."

Yuan-te feared that his brother's impulsive temperament might lead to trouble, so he told K'ung-ming to compose a letter and send back by Kuan P'ing.

When Kuan P'ing came again to his father the first question was about the contest with Ma Ch'ao. Then the letter was produced, and this is what it said: "I hear you are anxious to decide whether of the twain, Ma Ch'ao and yourself is the better man. Now I can measure Ma Ch'ao. He may be unusually brave and bold, but he is only of the class of Ching Pu and P'eng Yueh. He might be a worthy rival of your younger brother, but he is far from the standard set by you, O Duke of the Beautiful Beard. You have a most important charge. If you come into Ssuch'uan, and Chingchou should be lost, would you not be guilty of a terrible failure? I think you will see this."

Kuan Yu stroked his long beard and smiled as he read the letter. "He knows me thoroughly," said he to himself.

He showed the letter to his clients and friends and thought no more of going westward.

The successes of Liu Pei in the west had been duly noted by Sun Ch'uan, who thought he was surely now going to obtain the much-coveted Chingchou. So he called in Chang Chao and Ku Yung to ask advice.

Chang Chao was ready with a scheme that would need no fighting: Yuan-te would offer the place with both hands.

In Shu there shine new sun and moon,
Wu dreams Chingchou will be his soon.

We shall see in the next chapter the scheme to recover the much-desired district.

CHAPTER LXVI
KUAN YU GOES TO A FEAST ALONE,
BUT ARMED: FU HUANG-HOU DIES
FOR THE STATE

T
he
scheme which Chang Chao had in mind he laid before his master thus: "The one man upon whom Liu Pei relies most is Chuko Liang. Now his brother is in your service and in your power. All you have to do is to seize his family and send him west to see his brother and make him persuade Liu Pei to return Chingchou. If he refuse, the family will suffer, and Liang will not be able to resist the claims of brotherhood."

"But Chuko Chin is a loyal and true gentleman. I could not lay hands upon his family," said Sun Ch'uan.

"Explain the ruse to him; that will set his mind at rest," said Chang.

Sun Ch'uan consented and issued the command to confine the family of his retainer in the palace but not really imprison them. Then he wrote a letter for Chuko Chin to take with him on his mission. Before many days Chin reached Ch'engtu and sent to inform Yuan-te of his arrival. He at once sought the advice of his able counseller.

"Why think you your brother has come?"

"He has come to force the return of Chingchou."

"How shall I answer him?"

"You must do so and so," said K'ung-ming.

The plan of action being prepared, K'ung-ming went out of the city to welcome his brother, but instead of taking him to his own residence he took him to the guest-house. When the greetings were over, the visitor suddenly lifted up his voice and wept.

"If you have any trouble, my brother, tell; why do you weep thus?" asked K'ung-ming.

"Alas! my family are lost," cried he.

"I suppose it is in the matter of the return of Chingchou? If your family have been seized on my account, how can I bear it calmly? But do not be anxious, my brother. I shall certainly find some way out of the difficulty."

This reply pleased Chuko Chin, and the two brothers went to visit Yuan-te. The letter was presented, but when Yuan-te had read it he said, angrily, "He is related to me by marriage and he has profited by my absence from Chingchou to steal away his sister. That is a sort of kindliness I find it hard to bear. When I am just going to lead my army to take vengeance is it likely he will get Chingchou out of me?"

At this point K'ung-ming prostrated himself weeping at his lord's feet and said, "The Marquis of Wu has seized my brother's family, and he will put them all to death
if
the land be not given up. Can I remain alive if such a fate befall them? I pray my lord for my sake to give back the district and prevent any breach between my brother and me."

But Yuan-te refused. He seemed obdurate, but K'ung-ming persisted in his entreaty. Finally Yuan-te reluctantly consented.

"Since things are so, and the Commander-in-chief pleads for it, I will return half," said he. "I will give up Changsha, Lingling and Kueiyang."

"Then, as you have consented, prepare letters ordering Kuan Yu to yield these three districts," said Chin.

Yuan-te said, "When you see my brother you must use most gracious words to him, for his nature is as a fierce fire, and I fear what he may do. So be very careful."

Chuko Chin, having got the letter, took his leave and went straightway to Chingchou. He asked for an interview, and was received in the grand reception hall. When both were seated in their respective places, the emissary produced his letter, saying, "The Imperial Uncle has promised to return three districts to my master, and I hope, General, you will hand them over at once and let me return."

Kuan Yu's countenance changed, and he said, "The oath sworn in the Peach Garden bound me and my brother to support the Dynasty of Han. Chingchou is a portion of their domain, and how can any part be given to another? When a leader is in the field he receives no orders, not even those of his prince. Although you have brought letters from my brother, yet will I not yield the territory."

"But the Marquis of Wu has laid hands upon my family, and they will be slain if the land be not given up. I crave your pity, O General."

"This is but a ruse on his part, but it does not deceive me."

"Why are you so pitiless?"

Kuan Yu drew his sword, saying, "Let us have no more. This sword is pitiless."

"It will put the Commander-in-chief to shame," said Kuan P'ing. "I pray you not to be angry, my father."

"Were it not for my respect for the Commander-in-chief, you would never go back to Wu," said Kuan Yu.

Chuko Chin, overwhelmed with shame, took his leave, sought his ship and hastily returned to see his brother. But K'ung-ming had gone away upon a journey. However, he saw Yuan-te and related what had happened, and said that Kuan Yu was going to slay him.

"My brother is hasty," said Yuan-te. "It is difficult to argue with him. But return home for the present, and when I have finished my conquest I will transfer Kuan Yu to another post, and then I may be able to return Chingchou."

Chuko Chin had no choice but to accept this reply and carry the unsatisfactory news to his master, who was greatly annoyed and said, "This running to and fro was nothing more than one of your brother's tricks."

The unhappy messenger denied this and told how his brother had interceded with tears and obtained the promise to return three districts. It was the obstinacy of Kuan Yu that spoiled all."

"Since Yuan-te said he would return three districts, we may send officials to take over their administration. Think you that might be done?" said Sun.

"What you say, my lord, seems most proper."

The family of Chuko Chin were restored to liberty and officers were sent to take charge of the three districts that had been named. But they quickly returned, saying that Kuan Yu would have none of them, but had chased them away at once with threats to kill them if they did not hasten.

Sun Ch'uan then summoned Lu Su and laid the blame on him.

"You are Yuan-te's guarantor in this matter; how can you sit quietly looking on while he fails to perform his contract?" said Sun.

"I have thought out a plan and was just going to impart it to you," said Lu Su.

"And what is your plan?"

Lu Su said, "There is a camp at Luk'ou; invite Kuan Yu to a banquet there and try to persuade him. If he still remain obstinate, have some assassins ready to slay him. Should he refuse the banquet, then we must try conclusions with an army."

"This suits me," said Sun, "and it shall be done."

"It should not be done," interrupted K'an Tse. 'The man is too bold and not at all like common men. The plan will fail and result in more harm."

"Then when may I expect to get my Chingchou?" asked Sun, angrily.

He ordered Lu Su to carry out his plan, and Su went to Luk'ou forthwith and settled the preliminaries of the banquet. The place selected was by the river. Then he wrote a letter and found a persuasive person to deliver it. The messenger set out and sailed across the river to the post, where he was received by Kuan P'ing, who conducted him to his father.

"As Lu Su invites me, I will come tomorrow; you may return," was Kuan Yu's reply.

After the messenger had gone, Kuan P'ing said to his father, "Why did you promise to go? I think Lu Su means you no good."

"Do you think I do not know? This has all come out of my refusal to yield those three districts. They are going to try coercion at this banquet. If I refuse they will think I fear them. I will go tomorrow in a small ship with just my personal guard of half a score, and we shall see whether Lu Su will dare to come near me."

"But, father, why risk your priceless self in the very den of a tiger? I think you are not giving due importance to my uncle's charge."

"I have been in the midst of many and imminent dangers all alone and have been careless of them; think you that I shall begin to show fear of a few such rats as those?"

Nor was the son alone in remonstrance. Ma Liang also warned his chief.

"Although Lu Su has a great repute, yet now he is pushed hard. He certainly is badly disposed toward you, and you must be careful, General."

Kuan Yu replied, "I have given my word, and shall I withdraw from it? In the days of the warring states Lin Hsiangju of the State of Chao had not the force even to bind a chicken, yet in the assembly at Shengch'ih he regarded not the Prince of Ts'in, but did his duty without fear of consequences. Have I not learned to face any number of foes? I cannot break my promise."

"If you must go," said Ma Liang, "at least go prepared."

"Tell my son to choose out half a score of fast ships and a half company of good marines and be in readiness to help me at need. And when he sees a red flag waved he can come over to my aid."

The order was given and the little squadron was got ready.

The messenger returned to his master and told him that Kuan Yu had boldly accepted the invitation, and Lu Su and Lu Meng took counsel together.

"What do you think of this?" asked Lu Su.

"If he comes with a force, Kan Ning and I will be in readiness for him by the river-side. And you will hear our bomb as a signal that we are attacking. If he has no force with him the assassins can set on during the banquet."

Next day a look-out was kept on the bank, and early in the day a single ship came along. It was manned by very few men, and a simple red flag flew out on the breeze showing but one character, the name of the great warrior. Presently they could see him, a handsome figure in a green robe and black turban. Beside him stood Chou Ts'ang, his sword-bearer, and near him were eight or nine fine-looking men each with a sword at his side.

He landed and was received by the trembling Lu Su, who conducted him to the hall, bowed his greetings and led him to the banquet chamber. When he drank to his host Lu Su dared not raise his eyes, but Kuan Yu was perfectly composed.

When they had become mellow with wine, Lu Su said, "I have a word to say to you, Sir, if haply I may have your attention. You know that your illustrious brother, the Imperial Uncle, made me surety with my master that Chingchou would be returned after Ssuch'uan had been taken. Well, now that country is in his possession, but Chingchou is still unreturned. Is not this a breach of good faith?"

"This is a government affair," said Kuan Yu. "Such matters should not be introduced at a banquet."

"My master only has petty possessions in the east, and he allowed the temporary loan of Chingchou out of consideration for the need in which you then were. But now you have Ichou, and Chingchou should be given up. The Imperial Uncle has even yielded three districts, but you, Sir, seem unwilling to let them go. This seems hard to explain on reasonable grounds."

Kuan Yu replied, "I braved the arrows and the stones in the battle at Wuling and with all my strength drove back the enemy: did I get a single foot of land for all my efforts? Now you come to force this place out of me."

"No; I do not," said Lu Su. "But at the time that you and your brother suffered defeat at Ch'angpan, when you were helpless and in the greatest straits, fugitives you knew not whither, then my master was moved with pity and did not grudge the land. So he gave your brother a foothold whence he might be able to accomplish other ends. But your brother has presumed upon long-suffering. He has attained his end, the country of his desire, and still he occupies Chingchou. Such greed and such treachery will make the whole world laugh him to shame, as you know quite well."

"All that is no affair of mine; it is my brother's. I cannot yield the land."

"I know that by the oath in the Peach Garden you three were to live or die together. But your brother is now a ruler; how are you going to get out of that?"

Kuan Yu was at a loss to reply. However, Chou Ts'ang burst into the conversation, roaring out, "Only the virtuous get hold of territory, does that mean only you people of East Wu?"

Kuan Yu's anger now showed itself. His face changed; he rose in his place, took his sword from his sword-bearer and said fiercely, "How dare you talk like this at a discussion of state matters? Go! And go quickly."

Chou understood. He left the hall, made his way to the river and waved the red call-flag. The ships darted across like arrows and were ready for action.

The mighty sword in his right hand, Kuan Yu laid hold of his false host with his left and, simulating intoxication, said, "You have kindly invited me today, Sir, but do not say anything about Chingchou, for I am so drunk that I may forget our old friendship. Some other day I hope to invite you to Chingchou, and then we will talk about that matter."

Poor Lu Su's soul almost left his body with fright as he was led down to the river bank in the grip of his guest. The two friends he had placed in ambush dared not face the terrible Kuan Yu and so made no move lest they should bring about the evil they feared. When they got to the bank, Kuan Yu released his host, got on board and then said farewell. Lu Su stood stupidly staring at the ship while a fair breeze bore it quickly out of sight.

This episode has been commemorated in verse:—

He showed his contempt for the men of the east

By going alone to their traitor feast;
He met contempt with disdain.

To grain his end his pride he controlled,

As Hsiang-ju of old he was also bold;
Twas the Mien Lake game played again.