Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (43 page)

So Menghuo placed himself at the head of his clansmen and those who had just come to him, and lost no time in marching out. He bade them lead him to the spot. But when he reached the valley and saw the destruction, he knew he had been made a victim again. As he made to retire there appeared a body of his enemies on each side, and they began to attack. He was making what stand he could when a great shouting arose. The Mans were nearly all disguised men of Shu, and they quickly surrounded him
and his
clansmen to make them prisoners.

Menghno galloped clear and got into the bills. Presently he fell upon a small chariot, with a few men about it, and therein sat K'ung-ming, simply dressed and holding a fan.

"What now, rebel Menghuo?" cried he.

But Menghuo had galloped away. He was soon stopped by Ma Tai and lay a helpless prisoner bound hand and foot. His wife, Chujung, and the other members of his family were also taken.

K'ung-ming returned to camp and seated himself in the high place in his own tent. He was still sad at the thought of the sacrifice of life, and he said to his officers, "There was no help for it; I had to use that plan. But it has sadly injured my inner virtue and destroyed my self-satisfaction. Guessing that the enemy would suspect an ambush in every thicket, I sent persons to walk about in wooded places with flags. Really there was no ambush. I bade Wei lose battle after battle just to lead the enemy on and harden their hearts. When I saw the Valley of the Coiled Serpent, with its bare sides of smooth rock and the road in its depths, I recognised what could be done and sent Ma Tai to arrange the contents of the black carts, the mines, which I had prepared long ago for this purpose. In every bomb were nine others, and they were buried thirty paces apart. They were connected by fuses laid in hollow bamboos that they might explode in succession, and the force was enormous. Chao Yun prepared those carts laden with straw and rolled down the baulks of time; and boulders that blocked the mouth. Wei Yen led the king on and on till he had enticed him into the valley, when he took up a position to escape. Then the burning began. They say that what is good for water is not much good for fire, and the oil-soaked rattan, excellent as a protection against swords and arrows, was most inflammable, catching fire at sight. The
Mans
were so stubborn that the only way was to use fire, or we should never have scored a victory. But I much regret that the destruction of the men of Wuko has been so complete."

The officers praised his ability and flattered his craftiness, that need not be said.

Then Menghuo was summoned. He appeared and fell upon his knees. His limbs were freed from the bonds, and he was sent into a side tent for refreshment. But the officers told off to entertain him received certain secret orders.

The chief prisoners were Menghuo, his wife, brother and the Chief Tailai. There were many of his clan as well. As they were eating and drinking a messenger apeared in the door of the tent and addressed the king, "The Minister is ashamed and does not wish to see you again, Sir. He has sent me to release you. You may enlist another army if you can and once more try a decisive battle. Now you may go."

But instead of going Menghuo began to weep.

"Seven times a captive and seven times released!" said the king. "Surely there was never anything like it in the whole world. I know I am a barbarian and beyond the pale, but I am not entirely devoid of a sense of propriety and rectitude. Does he think that I feel no shame?"

Thereupon he and all his fell upon their knees and crawled to the tent of the Commander-in-chief and begged pardon, saying, "O Minister, you are the majesty of Heaven. We men of the south will offer no more opposition."

"Then you yield?" said K'ung-ming.

"I and my sons and grandsons are deeply affected by your all-pervading and life-giving mercy. Now how can we not yield?"

K'ung-ming asked Menghuo to come up into the tent and be seated, and he prepared a banquet of felicitation. Also he confirmed him in his headship and restored all the places that had been captured. Everyone was overwhelmed with K'ung-ming's generosity, and they all went away rejoicing.

A poem has praised K'ung-ming's action.-—

He rode in his chariot green,
In his hand just a feather fan,
Seven times he released a king
As part of his conquering plan.
Having chosen a beautiful spot
Where the valleys debouch on the plain,
Lest his kindness should e'er be forgot,
The vanquished erected a fane.

Chang Shih and Fei Wei ventured to remonstrate with K'ung-ming on his policy. They said, "You, O Minister, have led the army this long journey into the wilds and have reduced the
Man
country, and have brought about the submission of the king; why not appoint officials to share in the administration and hold the land?"

K'ung-ming replied, 'There are three difficulties. To leave foreigners implies leaving a guard for them; there is the difficulty of feeding a guard. The
Mans
have lost many of their relatives. To leave foreigners without a guard will invite a calamity; this is the second difficulty. Among the
Mans
dethronements and murders are frequent, and there will be enmities and suspicions. Foreigners and they will be mutually distrustful; this is the third difficulty. If I do not leave men I shall not have to send supplies, which makes for peace and freedom from trouble."

They had to agree that the policy was wise.

The kindness of the conqueror was rewarded by the gratitude of these southern people, and they even erected a shrine in his honour, where they sacrificed at the four seasons. They called him their "Gracious Father" and they sent gifts of jewels, cinnabar, lacquer, medicines, ploughing cattle and chargers for the use of the army. And they pledged themselves not to rebel.

When the feastings to the soldiers were finished, the army marched homeward to Shu. Wei Yen was in command of the advanced column. He marched to the Lu waters. But on his arrival the clouds gathered and a gale blew over the face of the waters. Because of the force of the gale the army could not advance. Wei Yen then returned and reported the matter to his chief. K'ung-ming called in Menghuo to ask what this might mean.

The
Mans
beyond the border have yielded now at last,
The water demons raging mad won't let our men go past.

The next chapter will contain Menghuo's explanation.

CHAPTER IXC
SACRIFICE AT LU SHUI :
HOMEWARD MARCH: ATTACK ON THE
CAPITAL: CHUKO'S MEMORIAL

M
enghuo
at the head of the
Man
Chieftains and Notables, with the
Lotos,
attended to do honour to the army of Shu on its departure. They reached the Lu waters in the ninth month. But on trying to cross the river a tremendous storm came and hindered them. The leader having reported his difficulty to K'ung-ming, the king was asked if he knew of any reason for such a storm. He replied, "Wild spirits have always troubled those who would cross this river; it is necessary to propitiate them with sacrifices."

"What is the sacrifice?" asked K'ung-ming.

"In the old days when malicious spirits brought misfortune, they sacrificed men to the number of seven sevens and offered their heads. They also slew a black ox and a white goat. Sacrifice thus; the wind will subside and the waters come to rest. The same used to be done to secure a plenteous harvest."

"How can I slay a single man without good reason now that fighting is done and peace has returned?" said K'ung-ming.

He went down to the river to see for himself. The north wind was blowing hard, and the waves were high. Both men and horses seemed frightened. He himself was perplexed. Then he sought out some of the natives and questioned them. They said they had heard the demons moaning every night since he had crossed. The cries began at dusk and continued till dawn. There were many dark demons in the malarial vapours and no man dared cross.

"The sin is mine," said K'ung-ming, "for many of Ma Tai's men perished in these waters beside the southern men. Their poor distressed souls are not yet freed. Therefore I will come this night and sacrifice to them."

"According to the ancient rule the number of victims ought to be forty-nine; then the spirits will disperse," said the natives.

"As the resentful demons are here because of the deaths of men, where is the sense in slaying more men? But this will I do. I will make balls of flour paste after the manner of human heads and stuff them with the flesh of oxen and goats. These shall be used instead of human heads, for indeed they be (punningly) called
man-t'ou
*
heads of Man."

By nightfall, an altar had been set up on the bank of the river with the sacrificial objects all arranged. There were also forty-nine lamps. Flags were flying to summon the souls. The
man-t'ou
were piled up on the ground. In the middle of the third watch, at midnight, K'ung-ming, dressed in Taoist garb, went to offer the sacrifice in person, and he bade Tung Chueh read this prayer:—

"On the first day of the ninth month of the third year of the period
Chien-Hsing
of the Han Dynasty,
I
, Chuko Liang, Prime Minister of Han, Marquis of Wuhsiang, Governor of Ichou, reverently order this sacrifice to appease the shades of those men of Shu who have died in their country's service and those of the southern men who have perished. I now declare to you, O ye shades, the majesty of my master, the Emperor of the mighty Han Dynasty, excelling that of the Five Feudatories and brilliantly continuing the glory of the three ancient kings. Recently, when the distant south rebelliously invaded his territory, contumeliously sent an army, loosed the venom of their sorcery, and gave free rein to their savagery in rebellion, I was commanded to punish their crimes. Wherefore my brave armies marched and utterly destroyed the contemptible creatures. My brave soldiers gathered like the clouds, and the insensate rebels melted away. Hearing of the easy successes I won, they were entirely demoralised. My army consists of heroes from the Nine Provinces and officers and men are famous in the empire; all are expert in war and skilled in the use of arms, they go whither light leads them and serve the king. All have exerted themselves to obey orders and carried out the plans for the sever captures of Menghno. They were whole-hearted in their service and vied in loyalty. Who could foresee that you, O Spirits, would be sacrificed in the strategy and be involved in the enemies' wicked wiles? Some of you went down to the deep springs wounded by flying arrows; others went out into the long night hurt by lethal weapons. Living you were valorous, dead you left behind a name.

"Now we are returning home. The victors' song is in our mouths and our prisoners accompany us. Your spirits are with us still and certainly hear our prayers. Follow the banners, come with the host, return to your country, each to his own village, where you may enjoy the savour of the meat offerings and receive the sacrifices of your own families. Do not become wandering ghosts in unfamiliar hamlets of restless shades in strange cities. I will memorialise our Emperor that your wives and little ones may enjoy his gracious bounty, every year gifts of food and clothing, every month donations for sustenance. Comfort yourselves with this provision.

"As for you, Spirits of this place, shades of the departed men of the south, here is the usual sacrifice. You are near home. Living you stood in awe of the celestial majesty, dead you come within the sphere of refining influence. It is right that you should hold your peace and refrain from uttering unseemly cries. With bowed head I pray you to partake of the sweet savour of this sacrifice.

"Alas, ye dead! To you this offering!"

K'ung-ming broke into loud lamentations at the end of this prayer and manifested extreme emotion, and the whole army shed tears. Menghuo and his also moaned and wept, and amid the sad clouds and angry mists they saw the vague forms of many demons floating away on the wind till they disappeared.

The material portion of the sacrifice was then thrown into the river. Next day the army stood on the south bank with a clear sky over their heads and calm waters at their feet, the clouds gone and the winds hushed; and the crossing was made without misadventure. They continued their way, whips cracking, gongs clanging, spurs jingling, and ever and anon the song of victory rising over all.

Passing through Yungch'ang, Wang K'ang and Lu K'ai were left there in command of the four districts, and then Menghno was permitted to leave. He was ordered to be diligent in his administration, maintain good control, and soothe and care for the people left to him to govern and to see to it that agriculture was promoted. He took leave with tears rolling down his cheeks.

When the army neared the capital, the Latter Ruler came out in state to welcome his victorious minister. The king stood by the roadside as K'ung-ming came up, and waited.

K'ung-ming quickly descended from his chariot, prostrated himself and said, "Thy servant has offended in causing his master anxiety; but the conquest of the south was long."

His lord took him kindly by the hand and raised him. Then the chariots of the king and his minister returned to Ch'engtu side by side. In the capital were great rejoicings with banquets and rewards for the army. Henceforward distant lands sent tribute to the court to the number of two hundred.

As proposed in a memorial, the king provided for the families of the soldiers who had lost their lives in the expedition, and they were made happy. And the whole land enjoyed tranquillity.

The King of Wei, Ts'ao P'ei, had now ruled seven years, and it was the fourth year of the king's reign in Shu. Ts'ao P'ei had taken to wife a lady of the Chen family, formerly the wife of the second son of Yuan Shao. He had discovered her at the sack of Yehch'eng and had married her. Shu bore him a son, Jui, also known as Yuan-Chung, who was very clever and a great favourite with his father. Later he took as
kuei-jei
a daughter of one Kua Jung. She was a woman of exceeding beauty whom her father called "Queen of Women," and the name stuck to her. But with her arrival at court the Lady Chen fell from her lord's favour, and the
kuei-fei's
ambition led her to intrigue to replace the Empress. She took Chang T'ao, a minister at the court, into her confidence.

At that time the king was indisposed, and Chang alleged that in the palace of the consort had been dug up a wooden image with the king's date of birth written thereon, so that it represented him. It was meant to exercise a maleficent influence. Ts'ao P'ei in his anger put his consort to death; and he set up the
kuei-fei
in her place.

But she had no issue. Wherefore she nourished Jui as her own. However, loved as Jui was, he was not then named heir. When he was about fifteen Jui, who was an expert archer and a daring rider, accompanied his father to the hunt. In a gully they started a doe and its fawn. The king shot the doe, while the fawn fled. Seeing that the fawn's course led past his son's horse the king called out to him to shoot it. Instead the youth bursts into tears.

"Your Majesty has slain the mother; how can one kill the child as well?"

The words struck the king with remorse. He threw aside his bow, saying, "My son, you would make a benevolent and virtuous ruler."

From this circumstance he decided that Jui should succeed, and conferred upon him the princedom of P'ingyuan. In the fifth month the king fell ill, and medical treatment was of no avail. So the chief officers were summoned to the bedside of the king. They were Ts'ao Ch'en, Ch'en Chun, Ssuma I. When they had come, the king's son was called, and the dying king spake thus: "I am grievously ill, and my end is near. I confide to your care and guidance this son of mine; you must support him out of good feeling for me."

"Why does Your Majesty talk thus?" said they. "We will do our utmost to serve you for a thousand autumns and a myriad years."

"No;1 know that I am about to die," said the king. "The sudden fall of the city gates was the omen, as I well knew."

Just then the attendants said that Ts'ao Hsiu had come to ask after the king's health. They were told to call him into the chamber. When he had entered, Ts'ao P'ei said to him, "You and these three are the pillars and cornerstones of the state. If you will only uphold my son I can close my eyes in peace."

These were his last words. A flood of tears gushed forth, and he sank back on the couch dead. He was forty years of age and had reigned seven years.

The four ministers raised the wailing for the dead and forthwith busied themselves with setting up Ts'ao Jui as the Emperor of Ta Wei. The late king received the posthumous style of "Emperor Wen." The new Emperor's mother, the consort who had suffered death, was styled "Empress Wenchao."

Honours were distributed freely in celebration of the new reign. Chung Yu was made
T'ai-fu
_;
Ts'ao Chen General; Ts'ao Hsiu, Minister of War; Hua Hsin a
T'ai-yu
_;
Ssuma I became a Cavalry General; and many others, conspicuous and obscure, were promoted. A general amnesty was declared throughout all the land.

About this time a vacancy existed in the governorship of Yungchou and Hsiliang. Ssuma I asked for the post and got it. He left for his new office as soon as he had received the appointment.

In due time the news of all these doings reached K'ung-ming and perturbed him not a little. He was anxious, not because of the death of one ruler and the succession of another, but about Ssuma I, who was very crafty, and who, in command of such forces as were in his two provinces, might prove a serious danger to Shu. He felt that this man ought to be attacked at once.

Ma Su spoke of this matter. "You, O Minister, have just returned from an arduous and exhausting expedition, and you should take time to recuperate before you undertake such another. However, I have a scheme by which Ts'ao Jui may be brought to work the destruction of Ssuma I. May I lay it before you?"

"What plan have you?" said he.

"The young king has no confidence in Ssuma I although he is a high minister of state. Now send someone secretly to Loyang and YehChun to disseminate reports that Ssuma is about to rebel. Further, prepare a proclamation in his name and post it up so as to cause Ts'ao Jui to mistrust him and put him to death."

K'ung-ming adopted the suggestion. Whence it came about that a notice suddenly appeared on the city gate of Yehch'eng. The wardens of the gate took it down and sent it to Ts'ao Jui. This is what it said: "
I
, Ssuma I,
Piao-chi Ta Cbiancj-Chun,
Commander of the Forces of Yung and Liang, confident in the universal principles of right, now inform the empire, saying, the Founder of this Dynasty, the Emperor Wu, established himself with the design of securing the empire to the son of Prince Ch'en Ssu. Unfortunately, calumny spread abroad, and the Emperor could not manifest himself for many years. His grandson, Ts'ao Jui, does not follow a virtuous course, though sitting in the high place, and has not fulfilled the great intention of his ancestor. Now I, in accordance with the will of Heaven and favouring the desires of the people, have decided upon a day to set my army in motion in order to secure the wish of the people, and when that day arrives I call upon each one to gather to his lord; and I will destroy utterly the family of any who shall disobey. You are hereby informed that you may all know."

This document frightened the young king, and he turned pale. At once he called a council of his lords to consider it.

Hua Hsin said, "That was the reason for his having requested the governorship of the two provinces. Now the Founder of your House frequently said to me that Ssuma I was ambitious and cruel, and should not be entrusted with military authority lest he harm the state. This is the first beginning of rebellion, and the author should be put to death."