Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (12 page)

Then the traitor Yang Sung, who had sold his master, came and sued for honours. He was condemned to public execution and exposure.

To harm the wise and compass the death of one's lord may appear signal service,

But the gains thereof are vanity;

No glory clings to the house of him who dies a shameful death;

Wherefore Yang Sung is an object of contempt forever.

When the eastern Ch'uan was quite subdued the Recorder Ssuma I said, "The men of Shu are against Liu Pei because of his treatment of the late ruler, Liu Chang, and if on the strength of your present success you press forward, Liu Pei will become as a shattered tile. The wise man takes the occasion when it serves and this should not be missed."

Ts'ao Ts'ao sighed. "There is no end; now that I have Shensi I am forced into taking Shu."

Liu Hua supported Ssuma I, saying he spoke well. "If you delay, Chuko Liang will have become minister, while Kuan Yu, Chang Fei and the other bold warriors will be at the head of the army. If the man of Shu once settle down, and the points of vantage are held, you will not be able to overcome them."

Ts'ao replied, "My men have marched far and suffered much, beside we must show pity."

Wherefore he rested his army for a time. Meanwhile the populace of West Shu, having heard of Ts'ao's success, concluded that they would suffer next, and fear spread among them. Whereupon Yuan-te called in the Commander-in-chief and asked his advice. He replied that he could make Ts'ao Ts'ao retreat of his own accord.

"A part of Ts'ao Ts'ao's army is camped at Hofei because of the fear of Sun Ch'uan. If now we restore those three districts they desire so greatly, and send a specious person to talk, we can make Sun Ch'uan attack Hofei, which will lead to Ts'ao going southward."

"Who is a fit person for the messenger?" said Yuan-te.

And I Chi replied, "I will go."

Yuan-te, well satisfied, wrote letters and prepared gifts, with which I Chi went, calling in at Chingchou on the way to tell Kuan Yu. Then he went on to Moling and saw Sun Ch'uan. After the greetings, Sun Ch'uan asked on what business he had come.

I Chi replied, "On a former occasion Chuko Chin would have had the three districts but for the absence of the Commander-in-chief, which prevented the actual transfer. Now I am the bearer of letters giving them back to you. Chingchou, NanChun and Moling were meant to be restored, and now that Ts'ao Ts'ao has got possession of Eastern Ch'uan they are no place for General Kuan. Hofei is empty and we hope you will attack it so as to make Ts'ao Ts'ao withdraw to the south and let my master take East Ch'uan, when he will restore the whole of the Chingchou district."

"Go back to the guest-house and let me take counsel in this matter," said Sun Ch'uan.

As soon as I Chi had gone, the marquis turned to his officers and asked what should be done.

Chang Chao said, "All this is because Liu Pei fears that Ts'ao Ts'ao will attack him. However, since Ts'ao is absent in HanChung it would be well to seize the opportunity and attack Hofei."

Sun Ch'uan accepted the advice. After he had sent the messenger away he began to prepare for the expedition. He left Lu Su in command over the three districts of Changsha, Chianghsia and Kueiyang. Then he encamped at Luk'ou, and withdrew Lu Meng and Kan Ning and sent to Hangchou (Yuhang) for Ling T'ung.

Very soon, Lu Meng and Kan Ning returned, and the former suggested a plan, saying, "Ts'ao Ts'ao has sent Chu Kuang, Prefect of Luchiang, to camp at Huanch'eng and plant grain for the supply of Hofei. Let us first take Huanch'eng and then attack Hofei."

"This scheme is just after my own heart," said Sun Ch'uan.

So he made dispositions accordingly, he himself with several generals, commanding the centre. But the famous warriors Ch'eng P'u, Huang Kai and Han Tang were not called to take part in this expedition as they were guarding certain especial places.

The army crossed the river and captured Hochou on the way. The Prefect of Huanchou sent an urgent message to Hofei for help and set himself to strengthen his fortifications for a siege. Sun Ch'uan went very near the city to observe its defence, and a flight of arrows greeted him, some striking his great official parasol. He went back to camp and asked his officers to offer plans of attack.

Then Tung Hsi said, "Pile up great hills of earth and attack from the summits."

Said Hsu Sheng, "Set up long ladders and construct platforms whence you can look over the city walls and thus attack."

But Lu Meng said, "All such plans need a long time to prepare, and in the meantime the soldiers will arrive from Hofei. Do not try such long-drawn-out schemes, but take advantage of the fine, fresh spirit of our newly arrived men and attack impetuously. Their
elan
will carry the wall. If you attack tomorrow at dawn the city will fall before noon."

So the early meal was taken at the fifth watch and the army went to the attack. The defenders sent down showers of arrows and stones. Kan Ning took an iron chain in his hand and climbed up the wall. They shot at him with bows and crossb'ows, but he turned aside the arrows and bolts and he threw the chain round the Prefect Chu Kuang to pull him down. Lu Meng beat the drum for the attack. The soldiers made a rush forward to climb the wall, and they slew Chu Kuang. His officers and soldiers gave in, and so the city fell to Sun Ch'uan. It was still a long time to noon.

In the meantime Chang Liao was marching to the aid of the city. Half-way he heard that the city had fallen, and so he returned to Hofei.

Soon after the conqueror's entry into Huanch'eng, Ling T'ung came there with his army. The next few days were devoted to feasting the army. Especial rewards were given to the two captains who had done such good work at the capture, and at the banquet to the officers Kan Ning was seated in the seat of honour, which his colleague, Lu Meng, readily yielded to him for his late prowess.

But as the cup of felicitation was passing round, Ling Tung's thoughts turned to the enmity he bore Kan Ning for having slain his father, and the praises which Lu Meng now heaped upon him filled Ling's heart with bitterness. For some time he glared savagely at Kan Ning, and then he determined on revenge. Drawing his sword, he suddenly rose to his feet and cried, "There is nothing to amuse the assembly. I will give them a display of swordsmanship."

Kan Ning quickly saw his real intention. He pushed back his table and laid hold of a
cb'i
(halberd) in each hand, crying, "And you may also watch an adept in the use of this weapon."

Lu Meng saw the evil meaning of both, and assuming his sword and shield he hastily stepped between the two warriors, saying, "Neither of you gentlemen is so dexterous as 1."

So he forced the two combatants asunder, while some one ran to tell Sun Ch'uan. He hastily jumped into the saddle and rode to the banquet hall. At sight of their lord they all three lowered their weapons.

"I have bidden you two to forget this old enmity," said Sun Ch'uan. "Why do you revive it today?"

Ling T'ung prostrated himself in tears. Sun Ch'uan exhorted him to forget his quarrel, and once again there was peace.

The next day the army set out for Hofei.

Because of the loss of Huanch'eng, Chang Liao grieved greatly. Ts'ao Ts'ao had sent a small casket sealed with his own seal and bearing outside the words, "If rebels come, open this."

So when he received the news of the coming of a powerful army Chang Liao opened the casket and read the letter therein, which said, "If Sun Ch'uan comes to attack Hofei the two captains Chang and Li are to go out to oppose him and Yueh is to be left to guard the walls." Chang Liso sent the letter to the two men named therein.

"What do you think to do?" said Yueh Chin.

Chang Liao replied, "Our lord is away and Wu is coming to attack for certain. We must go out to repel them and exert ourselves to the utmost to inflict defeat upon their advanced guard. Thus we shall appease the fears of the populace and then we can hold as best we may."

But Li Tien was silent, for he was ever unfriendly to Chang Liao. Then seeing his colleague inclined to hold off, Yueh Chin said, "I am for remaining on the defensive since the, enemy is so much more numerous than we."

"Gentlemen, it seems you are selfish and not devoted to the common weal," said Chang Liao. "You may have your private reasons for what you do, but I intend to go out and try to repel the enemy. I will fight them to the death."

Thereupon he bade his servants saddle his steed. At this, Li Tien's better feelings were aroused, and he rose saying, "How can I be careless of the common weal and indulge my private feelings? I am ready to follow you and do as command."

Chang Liao was elated at this moral victory, and said, "Since I can depend upon your help, my friend, then I would ask you to lie in ambush on the north of the Ch'aoyao Ford in order to destroy the bridge there as soon as the army of Wu has crossed. I, with my friend Yueh Chin, will smite the enemy."

Li Tien went away to muster his men and prepare the ambush.

As has been recorded, the leaders of the advance guard of the Wu army were the veterans Lu Meng and Kan Ning. Sun Ch'uan and Ling T'ung were in the centre; the other captains followed them. The leaders of the van met Yueh Chin first, and Kan Ning rode out and challenged him. After a few bouts Yueh pretended to be defeated and fled. Kan Ning called to his colleague to join in the pursuit.

When Sun Ch'uan heard that this advance guard had been successful he hastened his men to the Ford. But then there came a series of explosions, and up came Chang Liao and Li Tien, one on each flank. Sun Ch'uan was unprepared for this and sent messengers to call off the pursuit and ask for help. Before it could arrived, Chang Liao had come up.

Manifestly, Ling T'ung, who had with him only a small troop of horse, could not long withstand the army of Ts'ao Ts'ao, but he faced them and fought bravely while his lord galloped for the bridge. The southern end had been already broken down and there was a wide breach between the end of the bridge and the shore. Not a single plank was there by which to cross. What could be done? Sun Ch'uan was in a quandary, and helpless.

"Go back and jump for it!" yelled one of the petty officers, Ku Li by name.

He did so. Backing his horse some thirty feet or so, he then gave him his head and lashed him with his whip.

The good beast leaped, cleared the chasm and his master was safe on the southern shore.

Once Tilu leapt acress Tan Torrent wide,
And when defeat did sun of Wu betide,
And death came threateningly at Ch'aoyao Ford,
His steed too leapt, and saved him from the sword.

Having reached the farther shore, Sun Ch'uan embarked on a boat and was rowed to a place
of
safety, while Chang Liao's army was held at bay. Kan Ning and Lu Meng, coming to his aid, were pursued by Yueh Chin, and Li Tien also stayed their progress. But the men of Wu fought bravely, and Ling Tung's troop of horse perished to a man. While Ling himself was wounded, but found his way to the bridge. Finding it destroyed, he fled along the stream. Presently he was seen by Sun Ch'uan from the boat and taken on board. Kan Ning and Lu Meng fled into Honan.

The terrible slaughter at this battle put such fear into the minds of the men from Chiangnan that the name of Chang Liao kept the very children quiet at night.

When Sun Ch'uan reached his camp he richly rewarded Ling T'ung and the petty officer Ku Li. Then he led his army back to Juhsu and began to put his ships in order so that the army and navy might act in unison. He also sent home for reinforcements.

Chang Liao reflected that he had insufficient force to meet another attack if it should be supported by the navy of Wu, so he sent an urgent message to his master in HanChung. When the messenger arrived, Ts'ao Ts'ao saw that his western expedition would have to yield to the urgency of home defence. However, he called in his counsellors and put a direct question to them.

"Can we take Western Shu now, or not?"

'The country is too well prepared; we cannot," replied Liu Hua. "It is better to go to the succour of Hofei and then go down the river."

Wherefore, leaving Hsiahou Yuan to guard what he had taken of HanChung, and other reliable captains at other points of vantage, Ts'ao broke up his camp and went toward Juhsu.

The armoured horsemen would have conquered Shen,
The ensigns toward the south were turned again.

The subsequent course of the war will be unfolded in later chapters.

CHAPTER LXVIII
KAN NING'S HUNDRED HORSEMEN RAID
THE ENEMY'S CAMP; TSO TZ'U'S FLUNG-DOWN
CUP FOOLS TS'AO TS'AO

S
un
Ch'uan was occupied in ordering his army at Juhsuk'ou when he heard of the coming of Ts'ao Ts'ao with forty legions to the relief of Hofei. He told off a fleet of fifty large ships to lie in the port while Ch'en Wu went up and down the river banks on the look-out.

"It would be well to inflict a defeat upon Ts'ao's men before they recover from the long march, it would dishearten them," said Chang Chao.

Looking around at the officers in his tent, Sun Ch'uan said, "Who is bold enough to go forth and fight this Ts'ao Ts'ao and so take the keen edge off the spirit of his army?"

And Ling Tung offered. "I will go," said he.

"How many men do you require?"

"Three companies will suffice," replied Ling.

But Kan Ning struck in, saying, "Only a hundred horse would be needed; why send three companies?"

Ling Tung was angry, and he and Kan Ning began to wrangle even in the presence of their chief.

"Ts'ao Ts'ao's army is too strong to he attacked recklessly," said Sun Ch'uan.

Finally he gave the commission to Ling Tung with his three companies, bidding him reconnoitre just outside Juhsuk'ou, and fight the enemy if he met him.

Marching out, they very soon saw a great cloud of dust, which marked the approach of an army. As soon as they came near enough, Chang Liao, who led the van, engaged with Ling Tung, and they fought half a hundred bouts without sign of victory for either. Then Sun Ch'uan began to fear for his champion, so he sent Lu Meng to extricate him from the battle and escort him home. When Ling had come back, his rival went to Sun Ch'uan and said, "Now let me have the hundred horsemen and I will raid the enemy's camp this night. If I lose a man or a mount I will claim no merit."

Sun Ch'uan commended his courage and chose a hundred of his best veterans, whom he placed under Kan Ning's command for the raid. He also gave him as a feast for the soldiers fifty flasks of wine and fifty catties of mutton.

Returning to the tents, Kan Ning drew up his little force and made them sit down in rows. Then he filled two silver goblets with wine, solemnly drank to them and said, "Comrades, tonight our orders are to raid the camp of the enemy. Wherefore fill your goblets and call up all your strength for the task."

But the men did not welcome his words; instead they looked one at another uncertain. Seeing them in this mood, Kan Ning adopted a fierce tone, drew his sword and cried, "What are you waiting for? If I, a leader of rank, can risk my life, cannot you?"

Moved by the angry face of the leader, the men rose, bowed their heads and said they would fight to the last.

Then the wine and meat were distributed to them and each one ate his fill. The second watch was chosen as the hour to start, and each man stuck a white goose plume in his cap whereby they could recognise each other in the darkness.

At the time appointed they buckled on their armour, mounted and, galloping away, quickly came to Ts'ao Ts'ao's camp. Hastily throwing aside the "deer-horns," they burst in with a yell that rose to the very heavens. They made straight for the centre, hoping to slay Ts'ao himself. But the men of the leader's brigade had made a rampart of their carts within which they were sheltered as if in an iron tun, so that the raiders failed to find a way in.

However, the leader and his small force dashed hither and thither, cutting and slashing, till Ts'ao Ts'ao's men were quite bewildered and frightened.

They had no notion of the number of their assailants. All their efforts only increased the confusion. Wherefore the hundred men had it all their own way and rushed from point to point, point slaying whomever they met. But soon the drums beat in every camp and torches were lit and shouts arose, and it was time for the raiders to get away.

Kan Ning led his little body of men out through the south gate with never a man trying to stop him, and rode for his own camp. He met Chou T'ai, who had been sent to help him in case of need; but the need had not arisen, and the hundred heroes with their leader rode back in triumph. There was no pursuit.

A poem was written praising this exploit:—

The drums of war make earth to shake
When Wu comes near e'en devils quake
Men long will tell of that night raid,
That Kan Ning's goose-plumed warriors made.

On his return, Kan Ning took the tale of his men at the camp gate not a man nor a horse was missing. He entered to the sound of drum and fife and the shouting of his men.

"Wan Sbui!
Long Life!" shouted they, as Sun Ch'uan came to welcome them. Kan Ning dismounted and prostrated himself. His lord raised him, and took him by the hand, saying, "This expedition of yours must have given those rebels a shaking. I had not yielded to your desire only I wished to give you the opportunity to manifest your valour. I did not wish to let you be sacrificed."

Kan Ning's exploit was rewarded with gifts, a thousand rolls of silk and a hundred good swords, all of which he, distributed among his soldiers. Sun Ch'uan was very proud of his subordinate's doughty deed, and said, "Meng-te may have his Chang Liao, but I can match him with my friend Kan Ning."

Soon Chang Liao came to proffer another challenge, and Ling T'ung, impatient at being excelled by his rival and enemy, begged that he might go out to fight. His request was granted, and he marched out a short distance from Juhsu with half a legion. Sun Ch'uan, with Kan Ning in his train, went out to look on at the encounter.

When both armies had come out on the plain and were arrayed, Chang Liao, with Li Tien and Yueh Chin, one on either side, advanced to the front. Ling T'ung, sword in hand galloped out towards him and, at his chief's command, Yueh Chin took the challenge and went to open the combat. They fought half a hundred bouts and neither seemed to have the better of the other. Then Ts'ao Ts'ao, hearing of the great contest going on, rode up to the battlefield and took position under the great standard, whence he could see the fighting. Seeing both combatants were waxing desperate, he thought to decide the struggle by an unfair blow. He bade Ts'ao Hsiu let fly a secret arrow, which he did by creeping up under cover of Chang Liso. It struck Ling Tung's steed, which reared and threw its rider. Yueh Chin dashed forward to thrust at the fallen warrior with his spear, but before the blow could be given the twang of another bow was heard and an arrow speeding by hit Yueh Chin full in the face. He fell from his horse.

Then both sides rushed forward to rescue their champions, the gongs clanged, and the combat ceased. Ling T'ung returned to his camp and reported himself to his master.

"The arrow that saved you was shot by Kan Ning," said Sun Ch'uan.

Ling T'ung turned to his rival and bowed low.

"I could not have supposed you would have rendered me such a service, Sir," said he to Kan Ning.

This episode ended the strife and enmity between the two men, who thereafter swore perpetual friendship.

On the other side Ts'ao saw to it that his captain's wound was dressed, and next day he launched an attack against Juhsu along five different lines. He himself led one army; the other armies were led by Chang Liao, Li Tien, Hsu Huang and P'ang Te. Each army was one legion strong, and they marched to give battle on the river bank. The crews and fighting men of the Wu naval squadron were greatly frightened by the approach of these armies.

"You have eaten of the bread of your prince and you must give loyal service; why fear?" said Hsu Huang.

Thereupon he put some hundreds of his best men into small boats, went along the bank and broke into the legion under Li Tien. Meanwhile their comrades on the ships beat drums and cheered them on. But a great storm came on, lashing the river to fury, and the waves rolled mountains high. The larger ships rolled as if they would overturn, and the men were frightened. They started to get down into the bulkier cargo-boats to save their lives. But Tung Hsi threatened them with his sword, cutting down some half score of the mutineers.

"My orders are to hold this point against the enemy," shouted he, "we dare not abandon the ships."

However, the wind increased, and presently the bold Tung Hsi was thrown into the river by the rolling of his ship and was drowned.

Hsu Huang dashed hither and thither among Li Tien's men, slaying right and left. Ch'en Wu, hearing the noise of battle, set out for the river bank. On his way he met P'ang Te and the legion under him. A
melee
ensued. Then Sun Ch'uan with Chou T'ai and his men joined in.

The small force from the ships that had attacked Li Tien was now surrounded. So Sun Ch'uan gave the signal for an onslaught that should rescue them. This failed, and Sun Ch'uan was himself surrounded in turn and soon in desperate straits. From a height, Ts'ao saw his difficulties and sent in Hsu Ch'u to cut Sun Ch'uan's column in halves so that neither half could aid the other.

When Chou T'ai had cut his way out of the press and reached the river-side he looked for his master. But he was nowhere visible, so he dashed once again into the battle. Coming to his own men, he asked where Sun Ch'uan was. They pointed to where the press was most dense. Chou T'ai stiffened and dashed in. Presently he reached his lord's side and cried out, "My lord, follow me and I will hack a way out."

Chou T'ai fought his way out to the river bank. Then he turned to look, and Sun Ch'uan was not behind him. So he turned back, forced his way in and once again found his way to his master's side.

"I cannot get out; the arrows are too thick," said Sun Ch'uan.

"Then go first, my lord, and I will follow."

Sun Ch'uan then urged his steed as fast as he could go and Chou T'ai kept off all pursuit. He sustained many wounds and the arrows rattled on his helmet, but he got clear at last and Sun Ch'uan was safe. As they neared the river bank, Lu Meng came up with some of the naval force and escorted Sun Ch'uan down to the ships.

"I owe my safety to Chou T'ai, who thrice came to my aid," said Sun Ch'uan. "But Hsu Sheng is still in the thick of the fight, and how can we save him?"

"I will go to his rescue," cried Chou.

Whirling his spear, Chou again plunged into the battle and presently brought his colleague safely out of the press. Both were severely wounded.

Lu Meng ordered his men to keep up a rapid flight of arrows so as to command the bank, and in this way the two leaders were enabled to get on board the ships.

Now Ch'en Wu had engaged the legion under P'ang Te. Being inferior in force and no aid being forthcoming, Ch'en Wu was forced into a valley where the trees and undergrowth were very dense. He tried to turn, but was caught by the branches and while so entangled he was killed.

When Ts'ao saw that Sun had escaped from the battle to the river bank he urged his steed forward in pursuit. He sent flights of arrows toward the fugitives. By this time Lu Meng's men had emptied their quivers, and he began to be very anxious. But just then a fleet of ships sailed up led by Lu Hsun, the son-in-law of Sun Ts'e, who came with ten legions and drove back Ts'ao's men. Then he landed to pursue. He captured many thousands of horses and slew many men, so that Ts'ao Ts'ao was quite defeated and retired.

Then they sought and found the body of Chien Wu among the slain. Sun Ch'uan was much grieved when he came to know that Ch'en Wu had been slain and Tung Hsi drowned, and wept sore. Men were sent to seek for Tung Hsi's body, which at last was found. Both captains were buried with great honours.

As a recompense for Chou T'ai's services in his rescue, Sun Ch'uan prepared in his honour a great banquet, where he himself offered Chou a goblet of wine and complimented and embraced him while the tears coursed down his cheeks.

"Twice you saved my life, careless of your own." cried he, "and you have received many wounds. It is as if your skin had been engraved and painted. What sort of a man should I be if I did not treat you as one of my own flesh and blood? Can I regard you, noble Sir, merely as a unit in my army? You are my meritorious minister. I share the glory you have won and mine are your joys and sorrows."

Then he bade Chou T'ai open his dress and exhibit his wounds for all the assembly to see. The skin was gashed all over as if his body had been scored with a knife. Sun Ch'uan pointed to the wounds one after another and asked how each one had been received. And, as Chou told him, for every wound Sun Ch'uan made him drink off a goblet of wine till he became thoroughly intoxicated. Sun Ch'uan then presented him with a black silk parasol and bade him use it on all occasions as a sign of the glory that was his.

But Sun Ch'uan found his opponents too much for him; at the end of a month the two armies were both at Juhsu and neither had won a victory.

Then said Chang Chao and Ku Yung, "Ts'ao Ts'ao is too strong and we cannot overcome him by mere force. If the struggle continue longer you will only lose more men. You had better seek to make peace."

Sun Ch'uan followed this advice and despatched Pu Chih on a peace mission to Ts'ao Ts'ao's camp. He was ordered to offer a yearly tribute. Ts'ao also saw that Chiangnan was too strong to be overcome, and consented. He insisted that Sun Ch'uan should first send away his army and then he would retire. The messenger returned with this message and Sun Ch'uan sent away the greater part, leaving only Chou T'ai and Chiang Ch'in to hold Juhsu. The army returned to Moling. Ts'ao left Ts'ao Jen and Chang Liao in charge of Hofei and marched to Hsuch'ang.