Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (4 page)

"What should one seek of a hermit when one is out to repulse an enemy?" said his colleague, Chang Jen, contemptuously.

"Your view is wrong," said Liu. "The Sage has said that it is characteristic of the most entire sincerity to be able to foreknow. So let us enquire of this man of high intelligence that we may know what to do and what to avoid."

Whereupon they went up into the hills and sought the hermit's retreat. They were a small party, on horseback. Meeting a woodcutter they enquired the whereabouts of the dwelling of the wise man, and he pointed to one of the highest hills, saying that the Sage lived on the very summit. They climbed up to the spot he had told them of and found a small hut. At their summons a lad in Taoist garb came out to speak with them. He asked their names and led them into the presence of the Superman, who received them seated on a rush cushion. They made a low obeisance, told him the reason of their coming and asked of the future.

"How can a poor Taoist recluse know aught of fortunes, good or evil?" said he.

However, after a time, as Liu Kuei repeated his request again and again and comported himself most humbly, the hermit bade the lad bring paper and ink and he wrote eight lines, which he handed to his questioner.

"Supported by dragon and phoenix,

So flies he westward.

But the Phoenix Fledgling shall fall to the earth,

And the Sleeping Dragon shall soar to the sky;

There shall be successes and failures,

For such is the eternal law.

See that ye act when occasion offers,

Lest ye descend to the Nine Springs."

Having read the oracle they pressed the seer to reveal them their individual fortunes, but he replied, "Why ask these things? None can escape his fate." Liu Kuei ventured to question the Sage further, but his eyelids dropped as if he slumbered. Nor would he vouchsafe a word more, and the four captains took leave and descended the hill.

"One must have faith in such as he says," said Liu.

"What is to be gained by listening to the sayings of a daft old man?" replied Chang.

So they continued their road to Lohsien. When they arrived they settled that two of them should guard the ramparts while the other two should station themselves in front of the city, where was a point of vantage sheltered by some hills. Here they established two camps in two stockades, hoping to be able to keep the foe away from the city.

The Pass being captured, Yuan-te took counsel with his adviser as to the next point to be attempted. This was Lohsien. Scouts had reported the arrival of the four captains sent by Liu Chang and said that a camp had been established sixty
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from the city. Then Yuan-te assembled his officers and asked who would go to attack the camps. The veteran Huang Chung offered himself.

"Veteran captain, take your own men and go," said Liu Pei. "A goodly reward shall be yours if you capture the two camps."

Huang thanked his lord and was just leading away his men when suddenly up spake a youthful leader, saying, "The General is old to go on such an expedition; I am of poor ability, but I wish to take his place."

The speaker was Wei Yen. Huang replied, "I already have my commission; why should you wish to supplant me?"

"Because the task is beyond an old man's strength," said Wei. "The two men in those camps we know are the best and boldest in the country. They are strong, and, veteran as you are, I fear you will be unable to overcome them. If you fail our lord's great design will be hindered. Therefore I ask that I may replace you, and my intent is kindly."

This reminder of his age angered the old man. "Old, am I? Dare you compete with me in the use of warlike weapons?" said he.

"Yes, I dare. And our lord shall be the judge. The winner shall undertake this expedition. Do you agree?"

Huang ran down the steps and called to his men to bring his small sword.

But Yuan-te would stop this contest and said, "I have need of both of you in the task that lies before me. When two tigers fight one is sure to lose, and the loss of either of you is more than I could bear. Be reconciled and quarrel no more."

"You two must not quarrel," said P'ang T'ung. "But as there are two camps to be taken and two captains to fight, take one each and let each lead his own men. The first to capture his camp shall be held to have rendered the greater service and to have acquired the greater merit."

This decision pacified them and it was settled that Huang the veteran should go against Leng Pao, and Wei, the younger leader, should attack Teng Hsien. But after they had marched away P'ang recommended Liu Pei to follow them lest they should quarrel on the way. So leaving the city in care of his adviser, Liu also marched, taking with him Feng, his adopted son, and P'ing, his nephew by adoption. They took five companies.

After having received the command to take one of the camps, Huang went to his own camp and issued orders for the morning meal to be ready very early, and for every one to be in marching order by daybreak. When the time arrived, his little army set out, taking the road through a gully to the left of the hills.

But early as he started, his rival had stolen a march on him. Wei had sent over the night before to find out the hour fixed for the start and had arranged his own departure a watch earlier, by which he would be able to reach his objective at dawn. After his men had taken their early meal they removed the bells from the horses and put gags in their own mouths to prevent talking, and ail-silently the army stole out of the camp just as the other party were eating their breakfast. The ensigns were furled and weapons covered lest the glint of steel should betray their movement.

Thus far successful in getting the start of his rival, Wei thought as he rode along what a fine score he would make if he anticipated him also in his attack and captured the camp before he could get there. He at once deviated from his own line and marched toward the camp defended by Leng Pao, of which the capture had been assigned to Huang.

Just before arrival he halted his men and bade them prepare the drums and ensigns and their weapons.

Early as it was, yet the camp commander was on the alert, for the advancing force had been observed by his scouts. At the first sign of attack the defenders poured out in full force. Wei galloped up and made straight for Leng. These two fought a score or so of bouts and then the men of Shu came up and joined in the battle. The men of Han, as the force under Wei may be called, having marched a long distance, were fatigued and could not withstand this onslaught, so they fell back. Wei heard the confused sound of hoofs behind him and, giving up all thought of finishing his encounter with Leng, turned his horse and fled. The men of Shu kept up the pursuit and the attackers were defeated and retired.

They had gone about five
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when another body of Ssuch'uan men appeared from behind some hills. They advanced with beating drums. Their leader, Teng Hsien, shouted to Wei to surrender, butWei heeded him not; whipping up his steed he fled the faster. However, the tired horse tripped and fell on his knees, throwing his rider to the ground. Teng's men came galloping up, and he himself set his spear to thrust and slay Wei. Before the spear could get home, twang! went a bowstring, and Teng lay prone upon the earth.

Leng, his colleague, rode up quickly to his rescue, but just then a body of horse came dashing down the hill, and their leader shouted, "The veteran captain Huang Chung is here."

With uplifted sword Huang rode toward Leng, who turned his steed and galloped off to the rear. Huang pursued, and the men of Ssuch'uan were thrown into confusion. So Huang was able to rescue his colleague Wei. He had thus slain Teng Hsien and forced his way up to the gate of the camp. Once again Lengcame on and engaged Huang. The two had fought a half score bouts when appeared another body of soldiers. Thereupon Leng fled again and this time he made for the other camp, abandoning his own to the men of Han.

But when he drew near he saw no longer the familiar flags of his own side. Instead, alien banners fluttered in the breeze. He checked his steed and stared at the new force. The leader was a general wearing a silver breastplate and clad in a silken robe, no other than Liu Pei himself. On his left was his son and on his right rode his nephew.

"Whither would you?" cried Liu Pei. "The camp is ours; I have captured it."

Now Liu Pei had led his men in the track of the other two armies ready to help either in case of need. He had come across the empty and undefended camp and taken possession.

Left with no place of refuge, Leng set off along a by-way to try to get back to Lohsien. He had not gone far when he fell into an ambush and was taken prisoner. Bound with cords he was taken to the camp of Yuan-te.

Here it is necessary to record that the ambush had been prepared by Wei Yen, who, knowing he had committed a fault that could in no wise be explained away, had collected as many of his men as he could find and made some of the captured men of Shu guide him to a spot suitable for laying an ambush.

Yuan-te had hoisted the flag of pardon for his enemies, and whenever any man of Shu laid down his weapons and stripped off his armour he was spared. Also all the wounded were granted life. Liu Pei told his enemies that they had liberty of choice. "You men have parents and wives and little ones at home, and those who wish to return to them are free to go. If any wish to join my army they also will be received."

At this proof of generosity the sound of rejoicing filled the land.

Having made his camp, Huang came to Yuan-te and said, "Wei Yen should be put to death for disobedience."

The culprit was summoned and came, bringing with him his prisoner. Yuan-te decided that the merit of capturing an enemy should be set against his fault and bade him thank his rescuer, enjoining upon them both to quarrel no more. Wei Yen bowed his head and confessed his Fault and Huang Chung was handsomely rewarded.

The prisoner was then taken before Yuan-te to decide upon his fate. His bonds were loosened and he was given the cup of consolation. After he had drunk he was asked if he was willing to surrender.

"Since you give me my life I can do no other," said he. "Moreover, I and my two companions, Liu Kuei and Chang Jen, are sworn to live or die together. If you will release me I will return and bring them also to you and therewith you will get possession of Loch'eng."

Yuan-te gladly accepted the offer. He gave Leng clothing and a horse and bade him go to the city to carry out his plan.

"Do not let him go," said Wei. "If you do, you will never see him again."

Liu Pei replied, "If I treat men with kindness and justice they will not betray my trust."

So the prisoner was set free. When he reached the city and saw his two friends he told them he had slain many of the enemy and had escaped by mounting the steed of one of his victims. He said no word of having been captured. Messengers were sent in haste to Ch'engtu for help.

The loss of his captain, Teng Hsien, disturbed the Prefect greatly. He called his advisers together to consult. Then his eldest son said, "Father, let me go to defend the city."

"You may go, my son, but who is there to go with you?"

One Wu I at once offered himself. He was uncle to Liu Chang, who said, "It is well that you go, my uncle, but who will second you?"

Wu I at once recommended two men, Wu Lan and Lei Tung, who were appointed to assist in the command. Two legions were given them and they set out for Locheng. The two captains came out to welcome them and told them what had happened.

Wu I said, "If the enemy draw near to the walls it will be hard to drive them off again. What do you two think should be done?"

Leng Pao replied, "The city lies along the river and the current is strong. The enemy camp lies low at the foot of the hills and with half a legion I can cut the river banks, flood their camp and drown Liu Pei and his army with him."

The plan was approved, and Leng went away to carry it out. Wu and Lan were told off to guard the workers. They began to prepare the tools for cutting the bank.

Leaving Huang and Wei in command of the two camps, Yuan-te went away to Fouch'eng to consult with P'ang, the army chief. Intelligence had been received that Sun Ch'uan had sent a messenger to seek to make a league with Chang Lu to make a joint attack upon the Chiaming Pass, and Yuan-te was alarmed lest it should come to pass. "If they do that I am taken in the rear and helpless," said he. "What do you counsel?"

P'ang turned to Weng Ta, saying, "You are a native of Shu and well skilled in its topography; what can be done to make the Pass secure?"

"Let me take a certain man with me and I will defend it myself and answer for its safety."

"Who is he?" asked Yuan-te.

"He was formerly an officer under Liu Piao. His name is Ho Hsun and he is a native of Chihchiang in the south."

This offer was accepted, and the two men departed.

After the council, when P'ang returned to his lodging, the doorkeeper told him that a visitor had arrived. When P'ang went out to receive him he saw a huge tall fellow eight cubits in stature and of noble countenance. His hair had been cut short and hung upon his neck. He was poorly dressed.

"Who may you be, master?" asked P'ang.