Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (11 page)

Kuan Yu took his homeward way, while Lu Su and his two confederates talked over what had occurred.

"What can be done now?" said Lu Su.

"The only thing is to tell our master and let him send an army," replied Lu Meng.

Lu Su sent a messenger to Sun Ch'uan, who, in his wrath, was for sending every available soldier at once against Ching-chou. But at this crisis there came news that Ts'ao Ts'ao was raising a huge army with the intention of attacking the south. So hasty orders were sent to Lu to make no move, but to send all the men he could toward the north to repel Ts'ao Ts'ao.

However, Ts'ao Ts'ao did not march south. One of his officers, Chuan Kan, sent in a memorial against the scheme.

"I, Chuan Kan, understand that inspiring fear is the chief consideration in war, as inculcating virtue is in government. These two combined in one man fit him to be a prince. Formerly, in the days of disturbance, you, illustrious Sir, attacked the rebels and restored tranquillity almost everywhere, the only districts unsubdued and not under your control being Wu and Shu. The former of these is protected by the great river, the latter secured by its mountains, and both difficult to conquer by force of arms. My humble opinion is that it is more fitting to increase the authority of civil government, to lay aside arms and rest weapons, to cease from war and train your soldiers until the times shall be favourable. If your mighty legions be now sent to camp on the river bank and the rebels should take refuge behind their natural defences, your men will be unable to prove their prowess, and should unforeseen combinations appear their force will not be available. In such a case your high prestige would be impaired. I trust, illustrious Sir, you will deign to examine this."

After reading this, Ts'ao Ts'ao ceased to think of an expedition against the south. Instead, he established schools and set himself to attract men of ability.

About the same time four of his officers conceived the idea of getting for Ts'ao Ts'ao the honour of "Prince of Wei." But another, Hsun Yu, opposed this course, saying, "The minister's rank is already that of "Duke," and he has received the additional honour of the Nine Gifts, so that his position is extremely high. If he advances to the rank of prince it will be inconsistent with reasonableness."

But Ts'ao Ts'ao was annoyed at this opposition and said, "Does the man wish to emulate Hsun Yu?"

When Hsun Yu heard of his anger he was grieved and fell ill, so that in a few days he died. He was fifty-eight years of age. Ts'ao Ts'ao had his remains interred honourably, and he stayed his ambition for princely rank.

But there came a day when he entered the palace wearing his sword and made his way to the apartment where the Emperor and Empress were seated. The Empress rose in a fright and the Emperor gazed at his minister in terror.

"Sun Ch'uan and Liu Pei have each seized a portion of the empire and no longer respect the court, what is to be done?"

To this abrupt speech the Emperor replied, "The matter lies within your province."

Ts'ao Ts'ao answered, angrily, "If such a remark be known outside they will say I treat my prince without respect."

"If you will help me I shall be most happy," said His Majesty, "if not, then I trust to your kindness to let me alone."

At this Ts'ao Ts'ao glared at the Emperor and went out full of resentment.

The courtiers said, "It is said that Duke Wei desires to become a prince and soon he will aspire to the Throne."

Both the Emperor and his consort wept. Presently Her Majesty said, "My father, Fu Wan, has long nourished a desire to slay this man. Now I will indite a secret letter to my father to accomplish his end."

"Remember the former attempt with Tung Ch'eng. The plot was discovered and great misery ensued. I fear that this will leak out also and both of us will be undone."

Said the Empress, "We pass our days in constant discomfort, like sitting on a rug full of needles. If life is to be like this one were better dead. But I know one loyal man among the attendants to whom I may entrust the letter. That one is Mu Shun, and he will deliver it."

Thereupon she summoned Mu Shun within, and having sent away all others, they told their distress to the faithful one.

"That fellow Ts'ao desires the dignity of prince and soon he will aspire to the throne itself. I, the Emperor, wish to order the father of my consort to make away with the man, but the difficulty is that all the courtiers are his creatures and there is none whom I can trust save yourself. I desire you to convey this secret letter to Fu Wan. I know your loyalty and am sure you will prove no betrayer."

"I am the recipient of much graciousness for which not even death would prove my gratitude. Thy servant prays that he may be allowed to undertake this."

The letter was given to Mu Shun, who hid it in his hair, made his way out of the precincts and handed it to its owner. Fu Wan recognised the handwriting of his daughter and read it. Turning to the messenger he said, "You know the fellow's creatures are many, and one must act with extreme caution against him. Unless we have the aid of Sun Ch'uan and Liu Pei's armies, Ts'ao Ts'ao will certainly attain his ends. In this matter we must gain the support of every loyal and faithful one in the court so that within and without there may be a simultaneous attack."

"Then, O father of the Empress, write a letter in reply asking for a secret edict, so that we may send to Wu and Shu to join in the attack."

So Fu Wan composed a reply, which he gave to Mu Shun to take into the palace. This time also the letter was concealed in his hair and was safely taken in.

But there was a traitor, and Ts'ao heard of the letters. So he waited at the palace gate for Mu Shun to come out.

"Where are you going?" asked Ts'ao Ts'ao, when Mu appeared.

"The Empress is indisposed and has bidden me call a physician."

"Where is the summons for the physician?"

"There is no summons."

Ts'ao Ts'ao bade his men search Mu Shun, but they did not find the letter.

So he was allowed to go. But just then a gust of wind blew off his hat, and it struck Ts'ao that that had not been examined. So Mu Shun was called back. Nothing was found in the hat, but when it was given back Mu Shun put it on with both hands. There was something suspicious about the movement and Ts'ao bade the searchers examine his hair.

Therein the letter was found. Ts'ao Ts'ao read it, it said that Sun and Liu were to be induced to help. The unhappy Mu was taken away into a secret place and interrogated, but he would confess nothing.

That night three companies of soldiers surrounded the dwelling of Fu Wan, who was arrested with all his family. Searching the house they found the first letter in the handwriting of the Empress. Fu Wan and his family were then consigned to a gaol.

At dawn, a party of the Foresters, under Ch'i Lu, bearing ensigns of authority, entered the palace with orders to take away the seal of the Empress. On the way they met the Emperor, who asked the reason for a company of armed men being in the palace.

"I have orders from Duke Wei to get the Empress's seal," said Ch'i Lu.

As soon as the Empress knew of this she recognised her danger and hid herself in the hollow walls of her private apartments behind one of the ceremonial halls. She had not been long in hiding when one Hua Hsin, a president of a Board, with a company of men appeared and asked where she was. The palace people said they did not know. The red doors of the hall were burst open and Hua looked in, but he saw no lady there. It occurred to him where she might be hidden, and he ordered his men to break open the wall. With his own hands he laid hold of the lady's hair and dragged her forth.

"Spare my life!" pleaded she.

"You may say what you have to say to the Duke," cried he surlily.

She pulled down her hair and kicked off her shoes, but a couple of soldiers pushed her along in front of them outside.

It may be said here that this Hua had some reputation for learning. He and two others, Ping Yuan and Kuan Ning, all good friends, made a little coterie which was known as "The Dragon." Hua Hsin was the "head", his two friends the "belly" and the "tail" respectively. One day Hua and Kuan were hoeing in their garden, when they turned up an ingot of silver. Kuan went on with his labours without giving a second glance at the find, but Hua picked it up. After regarding it a moment he threw it away again.

Another day Kuan and Hua were reading together when there arose a great shouting outside the window of the study. A lady from the palace was passing. Kuan took no notice, but kept his eyes on his book; Hua rose and went to the window. For this, Kuan Ning despised his companion and the two parted for good. Sometime after, Kuan Ning fled into Liao-tung, where he led the life of hermit. He wore a white cap and lived in the upper part of a house, never touching the ground with his feet. He would have nothing to do with Ts'ao Ts'ao and would not enter his service.

But the unstable and inconstant Hua Hsin led a totally different life. For a time he was with Sun Ch'uan; then he went over to Ts'ao Ts'ao and served him. And here he is found actually laying hands upon the Empress.

His conduct in this particular is the subject of a poem.-—

'Twas a dastardly thing that Hua Hsin did,

When he broke down the wall where the Empress hid
And dragged her forth by the hair.

He lent his aid to a foul, foul crime

And execrations throughout all time,
Have been, and shall be, his share.

A poet also wrote concerning Kuan Ning:—

East of the Liao, so stories tell't
Is Kuan Ning's tower, where long he dwelt.
Ignoble wealth was Hua Hsin's quest,
The hermit's simple life was best.

As Hua Hsin hurried the unhappy woman out of the hall the Emperor saw her. He went over and clasped her to his bosom, weeping. Hua Hsin tried to force her onward, saying he had orders from Duke Wei.

"My doom is sealed," wept the Empress.

"And I know not when my turn will come," sighed the Emperor.

The soldiers hustled the Empress onward, leaving His Majesty beating his breast in despair.

"Can it be that such things happen in the world?" cried the Emperor to Ch'i Lu, who stood by.

And he swooned. Ch'i Lu made the courtiers pick him up, and they bore him into the palace.

Meanwhile, the unhappy Empress had been taken before Ts'ao Ts'ao.

"I have dealt well with you and yours," said he angrily, "and you requited me by plotting my murder. It is the death of one of us, I see."

He ordered the executioners to beat her till she died. After this, he went into the palace, seized her two sons and had them poisoned. In the evening of the same day the whole household of Mu Shun were put to death publicly. Such terrible deeds spread terror everywhere. They happened in the late autumn of the year
211 A.D.

As Ts'ao stands first in cruelty,
So stands Fu Wan in loyalty.
A married pair of low estate,
Had not been torn apart by fate.

The Emperor grieved bitterly over the loss of his consort, and in his despair refused all food. Ts'ao Ts'ao did not wish him to die of starvation and loneliness, so he proposed his own daughter as consort.

"Be not sad," said he, "thy servant is no rebel. My daughter is already in your palace as a secondary lady. She is wise and dutiful, fit to be your consort and occupy the first rank."

The Emperor Hsien dared not refuse, and therefore at the new year, in the time of the festivities, her name was inscribed on the dynastic rolls as Empress. And no one of the courtiers dared protest.

Wherefore Ts'ao Ts'ao became even more powerful. But it pleased him not to have rivals in the land, so he again thought of subduing Liu Pei and Sun Ch'uan. Chia Hsu proposed that Hsiahou Tun and Ts'ao Jen, who had served on the frontiers, should be called to give their advice. They were sent for, and Ts'ao Jen was the first to arrive. As a relative he felt he had the right to see the great minister without delay and went direct to the palace.

But it happened that Ts'ao Ts'ao had been drinking heavily, and his faithful henchman, Hsu Ch'u, would not admit the new arrival.

"I am of the family," said Ts'ao Jen, angry at the hindrance. "Dare you stop me?"

"General, you may be a relative, but here you are but an officer from the frontier. I am of little account, but a duty lies on me here in the palace. Our lord is overcome with wine and asleep, and I dare not allow you to enter."

The refusal came to Ts'ao Ts'ao's knowledge, and he commended the loyalty of his servant.

Soon after, Hsiahou Tun came and was called to the council and gave his opinion that the two rivals should be left untill Chang Lu of HanChung had been subdued. The army that could overcome him would be in condition to attack Shu, and it would be conquered without difficulty. The advice coincided with Ts'ao Ts'ao's own idea, and so he prepared an expedition for the west.

By a dastard crime he showed his power over a feeble king;
This done, at once he hastened to destroy his neighbour.

What happened will be told in later chapters.

CHAPTER LXVII
TS'AO TS'AO CONQUERS HANChunG:
CHANG LIA O SPREADS TERROR AT
CHAOYAO FORD

T
he
expedition against HanChung went out in three divisions, with Hsiahou Yuan as leader of the van, Ts'ao Ts'ao in command of the centre and Ts'ao Jen bringing up the rear. Hsiahou Tun was in charge of the commissariat. The spies soon carried the news into HanChung, and Chang Lu called in his brother Wei to consult how to meet the attack.

Said Wei, "The strategical point to hold is Yangp'ing Pass, and there should be half a score of stockades there with the forest to support them. You, my brother, should make your depot of supplies at Hanning."

Thereupon two captains, Yang Ang and Yang Jen, were sent with Chang Wei to the Pass, and they built the stockades. Soon the vanguard of the enemy arrived and camped at a point fifteen
li
away. The soldiers were fatigued after the long march, and all lay down to rest without placing proper guards. Suddenly the camp was attacked in the rear by the two Yangs from different points. Hsiahou Yuan and Chang Ho mounted quickly and tried to beat off the attackers, but the enemy poured in all round, and Ts'ao's men suffered great loss. They returned to the main body to tell of their defeat, and their chief abused them for their want of care.

"Old soldiers like you should have known better and taken precautions against a raid of the camp when the enemy knew your men were exhausted by a long march."

He even desired to put them to death as a warning, but their fellow-officers interceded and he spared them. Soon Ts'ao himself marched in the van. Then he saw the dangerous and evil nature of the place, with its thick growth of trees, and as he knew nothing of the roads and was fearful of an ambush he returned to his camp.

Calling up his two henchmen, Hsu Ch'u and Hsu Huang, he said, "Had I known the dangerous nature of the place I would never have come."

Hsu Ch'u replied, "The soldiers are here now, my lord, and you cannot recoil before the hardships."

Next day Ts'ao Ts'ao with only his two guards rode out to reconnoitre the enemy's camp. As they rode over the hills Ts'ao Ts'ao pointed out the position with his whip and said, "It will be very difficult to reduce a place as strong as this."

Just then there arose a shout in their rear and a shower of arrows fell about them. The two Yangs were attacking and the danger became great.

"Friend Hsu, you look after our lord," cried Hsu Ch'u, "I can hold the enemy."

He galloped out and the two leaders took to flight, while their men scattered. In the meantime Hsu Huang led his master over the hills. Soon he met a troop of soldiers led by Hsiahou Yuan and Chang Ho, who had heard the sound of fighting and had come to the rescue, and Ts'ao Ts'ao got back safely to camp. The four captains were rewarded.

For fifty days the two armies held each other at bay without coming to a fight. At the end of this time, orders were given to retire.

"We have not tried the strength of the enemy," said Chia Hsu. "You should not retire, my lord."

"I see that they are always on the alert," said Ts'ao Ts'ao. "I am only retiring to put them off their guard. By and by I will send some light horse to attack their rear. I shall defeat them then."

"Ah! your skill is unfathomable!" cried Chia Hsu.

Two parties were then sent to get round behind the Pass by unfrequented roads, while Ts'ao Ts'ao broke up his camp and led his main body backward.

When Yang Ang heard of the retreat he thought it would be a good chance to attack, but Yang Jen, remembering the cunning of their opponent, opposed it. Yang Ang was wilful and said, "I shall go; you may come or not, as you wish."

In spite of the protestations of his colleague, Yang Ang marched, taking with him the men of five camps and leaving only a few defenders. The day he set out was very foggy, so that one could hardly see his neighbour's face, and soon the force got into difficulties and could not advance. They bivouacked on the road.

Now, Hsiahou Yuan was out with a reconnoitring force behind the hills when they heard the voices of men and the neighing of horses. In the dense fog they could see nothing, but fearing an ambush they hastened to retire. They lost their way and presently stumbled on the deserted camp. The few defenders thought their comrades had returned, so they threw open the gates to let them in. One camp was empty and there they raised a great blaze, which frightened those in the other camps so that they fled. As soon as the fog cleared, Yang Jen came to the rescue, but as more of Ts'ao's men came up, the force was too strong for him and he quickly fled toward Nanch'eng. By and by, when Yang Ang returned, he found his camp in the possession of Ts'ao Ts'ao's men.

Soon Ts'ao Ts'ao's main army came up, and Yang was between two forces. There seemed no other way but to make a dash for it. Falling in with Ho, the two engaged and Yang Ang fell. Those who escaped carried the news of the disaster to Chang Wei, who abandoned the Pass and fled.

So the invaders took possession of the Pass, and its late defenders, Chang Wei and Yang Jen, had to go back and report failure. Chang Wei laid the blame on his companion, saying the Pass could not be held after its supporting positions had been lost. Chang Lu threatened to behead Yang Jen for his failure. Yang said he had tried to prevent the rashness of his brother and begged to be allowed to make another attack. If he failed he would abide by the consequences without protest.

Chang Lu took his formal pledge to succeed, gave him two legions and sent him away. He marched to Nanch'eng and made a stockade.

Before Ts'ao Ts'ao made any further advance he sent Hsiahou Yuan, with half a legion, to reconnoitre the road and they fell in with the force led by Yang Jen. Both sides drew up their battle array. From Yang's side went out Ch'ang Ch'i to engage Hsiahou Yuan, who disposed of him in the third bout. Then Yang Jen set his spear and rode to the front. They two fought near two score bouts and neither could claim victory. Then Hsiahou Yuan pretended defeat and fled. The other rushed in pursuit. The fugitive suddenly employed the Parthian stab and killed his pursuer. His men ran away.

As soon as Ts'ao Ts'ao knew of the death of this leader of the other side he brought up his army, marched straightway to Nanch'eng and camped.

Chang Lu became alarmed and called a council.

"I can propose a man able to stand against the best leader of the enemy," said Yen Pu.

"Who is he?" asked Chang Lu.

"P'ang Te, of Nanan. He surrendered at the same time as Ma Ch'ao, but could not go with him into Ssuch'uan as he was ill. If you treated him generously he would save you."

P'ang Te was summoned. He came, was loaded with gifts and given a force of one legion, with which he marched and camped ten
li
from the city, near the besieging force.

His camp made, P'ang Te rode out and challenged. Now Ts'ao Ts'ao, remembering his boldness at the battle of the bridge over the Wei, was desirous of winning his help for himself, so he told his captains to try to weary him by prolonging the fights, and so make him captive.

Wherefore first rode out Chang Ho to answer the challenge. He fought a few bouts and returned. Then Hsiahou Yuan did the same thing. So did Hsu Huang. Lastly went Hsu Ch'u who kept up the fight to half a hundred bouts before he retired. Still P'ang Te showed no signs of fatigue nor of fear, and all those who had fought with him praised his prowess and skill.

"If only I could win him over to my side" said Ts'ao Ts'ao longingly.

Said Chia Hsu, "I know one of his subordinates, Yang Sung. He is avaricious and open to a bribe. You might send him secret presents and get him to slander P'ang Te to his master so as to weaken his position."

"But how can one get at this man? He is in Nanch'eng."

"In the next battle pretend defeat, flee and let P'ang take possession of this camp. Return in the night in force and drive him out, and he must retreat into the city. Let one of your own people with a persuasive tongue mingle with his men, disguised as one of his soldiers, and so gain entrance into the city."

A subtle agent was found, and goodly gifts were his in advance, and he was entrusted with a golden breastplate as a bribe. He put it on and over it put on the dress of an ordinary soldier of HanChung. And he made his way quietly to a point on the road along which the soldiers of HanChung would retreat into the city. There he waited.

Next, two parties were sent to lie in ambush and Hsu Huang was sent to challenge, but with orders to be defeated. The scheme went well, and as P'ang Te came on to smite, Ts'ao Ts'ao's men retired before him till he found himself at their very camp. And therein he entered and was exceedingly pleased to find fodder and forage in great quantities.

Having sent off a messenger to his chief, he spread a feast in celebration of the victory; and when night came on they slept. But about the second watch there was an alarm from three directions, and the camp was threatened by three forces. It was the night-attack arranged by Ts'ao Ts'ao, and P'ang Te could not make any defence. He got to horse, cut his way through and made for the city. With the attackers in close pursuit he reached the gate, got it opened and rushed in.

And the traitor got in in the confusion. He made his way quickly to Yang Sung's residence and saw him. He told him that the great minister, Duke Wei, knew him by reputation and held him in great esteem and as a token thereof had sent him his golden breastplate and a confidential letter as well. Yang took it all in, read the letter and said, "I will reply by and by, and the duke need feel no anxiety for I shall find a means of proving my gratitude. You may return."

Soon after, he went to see Chang Lu and told him that P'ang Te had been defeated because he had been bribed. Forthwith Chang Lu summoned his general, abused him and threatened to put him to death. Yen Pu, however, protested and proposed to test P'ang in another encounter. If he lost that, he might be put to death.

P'ang Te retired full of resentment. The next day Ts'ao Ts'ao attacked, and P'ang went out to repel him. Ts'ao sent out his favourite Hsu Ch'u, but bade him pretend defeat. When P'ang pursued, Ts'ao rode toward the hills, where he halted and presently got speech with P'ang. He proposed surrender.

But P'ang thought within himself that to capture Ts'ao would be a fine exploit, so he boldly faced his escort and rode up the hill. But there arose a great shouting as if heaven and earth were clashing together and he and his followers went headlong into ditches and pits that had been dug. Out flew men with ropes and hooks, and P'ang was a prisoner.

When he was taken to Ts'ao he was received with the greatest kindness. Ts'ao himself dismounted, loosed the captive's bonds and asked him If he would surrender. P'ang thought of the ill-treatment he had just received at the hands of his master and of his injustice, and gave in. At once he was helped to mount a horse by Ts'ao himself and led to the great camp.

Men placed for the purpose on the city wall saw what happened and told Chang Lu that his leader had ridden off on friendly terms with Ts'ao Ts'ao, whereby Chang Lu was persuaded that Yang Sung had spoken truly.

Soon after, sealing ladders were set against the city walls and catapults threw in great stones. The danger being imminent, Chang Wei counselled the destruction of all supplies and flight to Nanshan, where they might be able to defend PaChung. On the other hand, Yang Sung said the best course was to throw open the gates and surrender. Chang Lu could not decide which to do. His brother, Wei, maintained that burning everything and flight was the only course.

Chang Lu said, "I have been always loyal at heart and desired to return to allegiance when circumstances would permit. I have been unable to attain my desire, but now fight seems the only course open to me. However, the granaries and treasures, the public offices and the government property of all kinds must be kept safe."

So the public buildings were all carefully barred and sealed. The same night, in the late evening, Chang and his family went out through the south gate and found their way through Ts'ao Ts'ao let them go unpursued. When Ts'ao entered the city and saw the proofs of
Chang
Lu's care of the government property he compassionated the man's misfortunes. He then sent a messenger into PaChung to induce him to surrender. Chang Lu was disposed to do so, but his brother would not hear of it. Nor would Yang Sung, who wrote a secret letter to Ts'ao Ts'ao urging him to attack and promising treacherous aid.

Ts'ao presently attacked, and Chang Wei came out to meet him. But his opponent was the mighty Hsu Ch'u, who made short work of him. The beaten soldiers went back into the city, which Chang Lu then decided to defend. As this would not give Yang Sung the chance to carry out his treacherous scheme, he persuaded his master to go out and fight, leaving him to defend the city. Chang Lu took this advice, although it was opposed by Yen Pu, and went out. But before his van got near the enemy, his rear ranks began to desert, and Chang retreated. Ts'ao pursued him to the city walls, where Chang found the gates shut against him. There being now no way open, Chang dismounted, prostrated himself and gave in. Because of this and his care of the public property, Ts'ao treated him with great kindness and consoled him with the title of General, "Guardian of the South." Yen Pu and many others also were enrolled among the nobles. To each district was appointed a military officer styled
Tu-yu,
in addition to the Prefect. All the soldiers were feasted and rewarded.