Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (54 page)

"Can you not make him drink?" said the host.

Then said K'o to the old gentleman, "You remember Father Chiang Shang; he was ninety and yet 'gripped the signalling flags and wielded the axes' of an army commander in the field. He never spoke of age. Nowadays in battle we put seniors behind, but at the banquet board we give them a front place. How can you say we do not treat old age properly?"

Chang Chao had no reply ready, and so had to drink. This sort of precocity endeared the boy to Sun Ch'uan, and now he made him an officer, "Companion to the Heir Apparent."

Chang Chaos son was chosen for honour on account of the eminent services of his father. Then Ku Yung became Prime Minister and Lu Hsun, Generalissimo. And he assisted the Heir Apparent in the custody of Wuch'ang.

As Sun Ch'uan seemed powerful and well established, the whole of his court turned their thoughts toward the suppression of Wei. Only Chang Chao opposed it and tendered counsels of internal reform.

"It is not well to begin Your Majesty's new reign with fighting; rather improve learning and hide the sword; establish schools and so give the people the blessings of peace. Make a treaty with Shu to share the empire, and lay your plans slowly and carefully."

Sun Ch'uan, by nature peaceful and cautious, saw the wisdom of the advice. He sent an envoy into Shu to lay the scheme of an alliance before the king. The king called his courtiers to discuss it. Many were opposed to Sun Ch'uan as an upstart usurper and advised rejection of any friendly proposals from him. Then Chiang Wan said they might get the opinion of K'ung-ming.

So they sent and put the matter before him. He said, "Send an envoy with presents and felicitations and ask Sun Ch'uan to send Lu Hsun against Wei. Then Ssuma I will be engaged, and I may once more attempt the capital."

Wherefore Ch'en Chen was sent with presents of and a jewelled belt, and gold and pearls and precious things into Wu to congratulate the ruler on his newly assumed dignity. And the presents were accepted, and the bearer thereof honoured and allowed to return.

When this was all over, Sun Ch'uan called in Lu Hsun and asked his opinion about the compact with Shu. Lu saw through the scheme at once.

"We owe this to K'ung-ming's fear of Ssuma I," said he. "However, we must consent since they ask it. We will make a show of raising an army and in a measure support them. When K'ung-ming has actually attacked Wei we will make for the capital ourselves."

Orders went forth for enlisting and training soldiers ready for an expedition to start presently.

When Ch'en Chen returned from HanChung, he reported that K'ung-ming was grieving that he could not take Ch'ents'ang. Soon after this, however, he was cheered by the news that the able defender of the city, Hao Chao, was very ill.

'That means success for me," cried he.

He called in Wei Yen and Chiang Wei, and said, 'Take half a legion and hasten to Ch'ents'ang. If you see a blaze, then attack."

They could hardly believe the order was meant, and again to see their chief and asked the exact date of departure.

"In three days you should be ready to march. Do not come to take leave of me, but set out as soon as possible."

After they had left his tent he summoned Kuan and Chang and gave them secret instructions.

Now when Kuo Huai heard that the commander of Ch'ents'ang was ill, he and Chang Ho talked over the matter.

Kuo Huai said "Hao Chao is very ill; you had better go and relieve him. I will report to the capital what we have done that they may arrange."

So Chang Ho started with his three companies to relieve the sick man. Hao was indeed at the point of death, and suddenly they told him that the men of Shu had reached the walls. Hao roused himself and bade them go on the ramparts. But then fire broke out at each gate, a panic spread in the city and the noise of the confusion startled the dying man so that he passed away just as the men of Shu were bursting in.

When Wei Yen and his colleague reached the walls they were perplexed to find no sign of life. No flags were flying and no watchmen struck the hours. They delayed their attack for a time. Then they heard a bomb, and suddenly the wall was thick with flags, and there appeared the well-known figure of the minister.

"You have come too late," cried he.

Both dropped out of the saddle and prostrated themselves.

"Really, you are supernatural, O Minister!" they cried.

They entered the city, and then he explained to them that they had been sent as a blind so that his real plan should be a secret. He had hidden himself in the ranks of another force, which had come by double marches. He had sent spies into the city to start the fires and throw the defenders into confusion.

"This is an instance of the rule of war. Do the unexpected; attack the unprepared," said he at the end.

They bowed. In commiseration K'ung-ming sent all the family of Hao Chao, and his coffin, over to Wei, thus showing his sense of the dead man's loyalty.

Turning once more to the two generals, he said, "But do not divest yourself of your armour. Go and attack San Pass and drive away the guards while they are in a state of surprise. If you delay, Wei will have sent reinforcements."

They went. Surely enough the capture was easy. But when they went up to look around they saw a great cloud of dust moving toward them; the reinforcements were already near.

They remarked to each other how exceedingly keen was the foresight of their leader. When they had looked a little longer they saw the leader of the Wei army then approaching was Chang Ho.

They then divided their men to hold the approaches. When Chang Ho saw that all was prepared, he retired. Wei Yen followed and fought a battle, defeating Chang with only slight loss to himself.

He sent to report his success, but K'ung-ming had already left Ch'ents'ang and had gone into Hsieh Valley to capture Chienwei.

Other armies from Shu followed. Moreover, the king sent Ch'en Shih to assist in the campaign. K'ung-ming hurried his main force out by Ch'ishan and there made a camp. Then he called an assembly of officers.

"Twice have I gone out by Ch'ishan without success, but at last I am here. I think Wei will resume the former battle ground and oppose us. If so, they will assume that I shall attack Yung and Mei and send armies to defend them. But I see Yinp'ing and Wutu are connected with HanChung, and if I can win these I can drive a wedge into the Wei force. Who will go to take these places?"

Chiang Wei and Wang P'ing offered themselves. The former was sent with one legion to capture Wutu; the latter, with an equal force, went to Yinp'ing.

Chang Ho went back to Ch'angan and saw his colleagues, to whom he said, "Ch'ents'ang is lost, Hao Chao is dead, San Pass is taken and K'ung-ming is again at Ch'ishan; and thence has sent out two armies."

Kuo Huai was frightened. "In that case, Yung and Mei are in danger," said he.

Leaving Chang Ho to guard Ch'angan, he sent Sun Li to Yungch'eng, and he himself set out at once for Meich'eng. He sent an urgent report to Loyang.

At Wei's next court the king was informed of all the misfortunes in the west and the threats in the east. Ts'ao Jui was embarrassed and frightened. Ts'ao Chen, being ill, could not be consulted, and Ssuma I was called. He was ready with a proposal.

"In my humble opinion, Wu will not attack us," said he.

"What makes you think so?" asked the king.

"Because K'ung-ming still resents, and wishes to avenge, the event at Hsiaot'ing. He never ceases to desire to absorb Wu. His only fear is that we may swoop down upon Shu. That is why there is an alliance with Wu. Lu Hsun knows it also quite well, and he is only making a show of raising an army as they arranged. The truth is he is sitting on the fence. Hence Your Majesty may disregard the menace on the east and only protect yourself against Shu."

"Your insight is very profound," said the king.

Ssuma I was created Commander-in-chief of all the forces in the east, and the king directed a courtier to go to Ts'ao Chen for the seal.

"1 would rather go myself," said Ssuma I. So he left the audience and went to the palace of Ts'ao Chen, where presently he saw the invalid. First he asked after his health and then gradually opened his errand.

"Shu and Wu have made an alliance to invade us, and K'ung-ming is at Ch'ishan. Have you heard, Illustrious Sir?"

"My people have kept back all news as I am ill," said he startled. "But if this is true the country is in danger. Why have they not made you Commander-in-chief to stop this invasion?"

"I am unequal to the post," said Ssuma.

"Bring the sea! and give it to him," said Ts'ao.

"You are anxious on my account; really I am only come to lend you an arm. I dare not accept the seal."

Ts'ao started up, saying, "If you do not take it I shall have to go to see the king, ill as I am. The country is in danger."

"Really the king has already shown his kindness, but I dare not accept his offer."

"If you have been appointed then Shu will be driven off."

Thrice Ssuma declined the seal, but eventually he received it into his hands. Then he took leave of the king and marched to Ch'angan.

The seal of office changes hands,
Two armies now one force become.

Ssuma's success or failure will be told in the next chapter.

CHAPTER IC
CHUKO LIANG WINS A
GREAT VICTORY: SSUMA I
INVADES SHU

T
he
fourth month of
Cbien-An,
seventh year, found Chuko Liang camped at Ch'ishan in three camps, waiting for the army of Wei.

When Ssuma I reached Ch'angan, the officer in command, Chang Ho, told him all that had happened. He gave Chang Ho the post of leader of the van, with Tai Ling as his second, and then marched out toward the enemy, camping on the Wei River's south bank. When the local commanders Kuo Huai and Sun Li went to see the new Commander-in-Chief, he asked if they had fought any battle.

"Not yet," said they.

Ssuma said, "The enemy had a long march; their chance lay in attacking quickly. As they have not attacked they have some deep laid scheme to work out. What news have you from the west?"

Kuo replied, "The scouts say that the greatest care is being taken in every district. But there is no news from Wutu and Yinp'ing."

"I must send someone to fight a battle with them. You get away as quickly and privily as you can to the rescue of those two towns, and then attack the rear of the Shu army so as to throw them into disorder."

They set out to obey these orders, and on the way they fell to discussing Ssuma.

"How does Ssuma compare with Chuko?" said Kuo.

"Chuko is by far the better," replied Sun.

"Though Chuko may be the cleverer, yet this scheme of our leader's shows him to be superior to most men. The enemy may have got those two cities yet, when we unexpectedly fall upon their rear, they will certainly be disordered."

Soon after this a scout came in to say that the two cities were in possession of the enemy, and, further, that the Shu army was not far in front.

Said Sun, 'There is some crafty scheme afoot. Why are they prepared for battle in the open when they hold two cities? We had better retire."

His companion agreed, and they issued orders to face about and retreat. Just then a bomb exploded, and, at the same time, there suddenly appeared from the cover of some hills a small body of men. On the flag that came forward they read the name Chuko Liang, and in the midst of the company they saw him, seated in a small chariot. On his left was Kuan Hsing, and on his right Chang Pao.

They were quite taken aback. K'ung-ming laughed and said, "Do not run away. Did you think that your leaders ruse would take me in? Sending a challenge to fight every day, indeed, while you were to slip round behind my army and attack! I have the two cities, and if you have not come to surrender, then hurry up and fight a battle with me."

By now they were really frightened. Then behind them there rose a shout as of battle, and Wang P'ing and Chiang Wei began to smite them in the rear, while Kuan and Chang bore down upon them in front. They were soon utterly broken, and the two leaders escaped by scrambling up the hillside.

Chang Pao saw them, and was urging his steed forward to catch them, when unhappily he and his horse went over together into a gully. When they picked him up they found that he had been kicked in the head and was badly hurt. K'ung-ming sent him back to Ch'engtu.

It has been said that the two leaders escaped. They got back to Ssuma's camp and said, "Wutu and Yinp'ing were both in the enemy's possession, and K'ung-ming had prepared an ambush, so that we were attacked front and rear. We lost the day and only escaped on foot."

"It is no fault of yours," said the general. 'The fact is he is sharper than I. Now go to defend Yung and Mei and remain on the defensive; do not go out to give battle. I have a plan to defeat them."

These two having left, Ssuma called in Chang Ho and Tai Ling and said, "K'ung-ming has captured Wutu and Yinp'ing. He must restore order and confidence among the people of these places, and so will be absent from his camp. You two will take a legion each, start tonight and make your way quietly to the rear of the Shu army. Then you will attack vigorously. When you have done that I shall lead out the army in front of them and array ready for battle. While they are in disorder I shall make my attack. Their camp ought to be captured. If I can win the advantage of these hills their defeat will be easy."

These two left, marching one right the other left. They took byroads and got well to the rear of the Shu army. In the third watch they struck the high road and Joined forces. Then they marched toward the enemy. After about thirty
li
there was a halt in front. The two leaders galloped up to see what had caused it and found many straw-carts drawn across the road.

"This has been prepared," said Chang. "We should return."

Just as they ordered the men to turn about, torches broke into flame all over the hills, the drums rolled, trumpets blared and soldiers sprang out on every side. At the same time K'ung-ming shouted from the hill-top, "Tai Ling and Chang Ho, listen to my words. Your master reckoned that I should be busy restoring order in the two towns and so should not be in my camp. Wherefore he sent you to take the camp, and you have just fallen into my snare. As you are leaders of no great importance I shall not harm you. Dismount and yield."

Chang's wrath blazed forth at this, and he pointed at K'ung-ming, crying, "You peasant out of the woods, invader of our great country! How dare you use such words to me? Wait till I catch you
_;
I will tear you to shreds."

He galloped forward to ascend the hill, his spear ready for the thrust. But the arrows and stones pelted too quickly. Then he turned and dashed in among the soldiers, scattering them right and left. He got clear, but he saw his colleague was not with him. At once he turned back, fought his way to his comrade and brought him out safely.

K'ung-ming on the hill-top watched this warrior and saw he was a right doughty fighting man.

I have heard that men stood aghast when Chang Fei fought his great fight with Chang Ho. Now I can judge his valour for myself. He will do harm to Shu one day if I spare him. He will have to be removed."

Then he returned to his camp. By this time Ssuma had completed his battle line and was waiting the moment of disorder to attack. Then he saw his two captains come limping back dejected and crestfallen. They said, "K'ung-ming forestalled us; he was well prepared, and so we were quite defeated."

"He is more than human!" exclaimed Ssuma. "We must retreat."

So the whole army retired into the fortified camps and would not come out.

Thus a great victory fell to Shu, and their booty was immense; weapons and horses innumerable. K'ung-ming led his army back to camp.

There after he sent parties to offer a challenge at the gate of the Wei camp every day, but the soldiers remained obstinately behind their shelters and would not appear. When this had continued half a month K'ung-ming grew sad.

Then came a messenger from the capital. He was received with all respect, and incense was burnt as propriety demanded. This done, the command was unsealed, and K'ung-ming read:— "The failure at Chieht'ing was really due to the fault of Ma Su. However, you held yourself responsible and blamed yourself very severely. It would have been a serious matter for me to have withstood your intentions, and so I did what you insisted on. However, that was a glorious exploit last year when Wang Shuang was slain. This year, Kuo Huai has been driven back and the
Ch'iang
have been reduced; the two districts have been recovered; you have driven fear into the hearts of all evil doers and thus rendered magnificent services.

"But the land is in confusion, and the original evil has not been destroyed. You fill a great office, for you direct the affairs of the state. It is not well for you to remain under a cloud for any length of time and cloak your grand virtue, wherefore I restore you to the rank of Prime Minister and pray you not to decline the honour."

K'ung-ming heard the edict to the end and then said, "My task is not yet accomplished; how can I return to my duties as Prime Minister? I must really decline to accept this."

Fei I said, "If you decline this you flout the desires of the king and also show contempt for the feelings of the army. At any rate accept for the moment."

Then K'ung-ming humbly bowed acquiescence.

Fei I went away. Seeing that Ssuma remained obstinately on the defensive, K'ung-ming thought of a plan by which to draw him. He gave orders to break camp and retire.

When the scouts told Ssuma, he said, "We may not move; certainly there is some deep craftiness in this move."

Chang said, "It must mean that their food is exhausted. Why not pursue?"

"I reckon that K'ung-ming laid up ample supplies last year. Now the wheat is ripe, and he has plenty of every sort. Transport might be difficult, but yet he could hold out half a year. Why should he run away? He sees that we resolutely refuse battle, and he is trying some ruse to inveigle us into fighting. Send out spies to a distance to see what is going on."

They reconnoitred a long way round, and the scouts returned to say that a camp had been formed thirty
li
away.

"Ah; then he is not running away," said Ssuma. "Remain on the defensive still more strictly and do not advance."

Ten days passed without further news; nor did the men of Shu offer the usual challenge. Again spies were sent far afield, and they reported a further retreat of thirty
li
and a new encampment.

"K'ung-ming is certainly working some scheme," said Ssuma. "Do not pursue."

Another ten days passed and spies went out. The enemy had gone thirty
li
farther and encamped.

Chang Ho said, "What makes you so over-suspicious? I can see that K'ung-ming is retreating into HanChung, only he is doing it gradually. Why not pursue before it is too late. Let me go and fight one battle."

"No," said the general. "A defeat would destroy the morale of our men, and I will not risk it. K'ung-ming's vile tricks are innumerable."

"If I go and get beaten I will stand the full rigour of military punishment," said Chang.

Well, if you are set on going, we will divide the army. You take your wing and go, but you will have to fight your best. I will follow to help in case of need."

So Chang got independent command of three legions and took Tai Ling as his second in command, and he had a few score of captains of lower rank. Halfway they camped. Then Ssuma, leaving a substantial guard for his camp, set out along the same road with five legions.

K'ung-ming knew the movements of the army of Wei and when Chang's army camped to rest. In the night he summoned his captains and told them.

"The enemy are coming in pursuit and will fight desperately. You will have to fight every one of you like ten, but I will set an ambush to attack their rear. Only a wise and bold leader is fit for this task."

As he closed this speech he glanced at Wei Yen, but this captain hung his head without response. Then Wang P'ing stepped forth and said he was willing to go on this expedition.

"But if you fail, what then?" said K'ung-ming.

"Then there is the military rule."

K'ung-ming sighed. "Wang P'ing is most loyal. He is willing to risk wounds and death in his country's service. However, the enemy are in two divisions, one coming in front the other trying to get round to the rear. Wang P'ing is crafty and bold, but he cannot be in two places at once, so I must have yet another captain. Is it that among you there is no other willing to devote himself to death?"

He did not wait long for a reply; Chang I stepped to the front.

"Chang Ho is a most famous leader in Wei and valorous beyond all compare. You are not a match for him," said K'ung-ming.

"If I fail may my head fall at the tent door," said he.

Since you wish to go, I accept you. Each of you shall have a legion of veterans. You will hide in the valleys till the enemy come up, and you will let them pass. Then you will fall upon their rear. If Ssuma comes you must divide the men, Chang to hold the rear and Wang to check the advance. But they will fight desperately, and I must find a way to aid you."

When they had gone, Chiang Wei and Liao Hua were called, and K'ung-ming said, "I am going to give you a silken bag. You are to proceed secretly into those mountains in front. When you see that your two colleagues are in great straits with the enemy, then open the bag and you will find a plan of escape."

After this he gave secret instructions to four other captains to observe the enemy and, if they seemed confident of victory, to retire, fighting at intervals, till they saw Kuan Hsing and Chang Pao come up, when they could turn and fight their best.

Then calling Kuan and Chang, he said to them, "Hide in the valleys with half a legion till you see a red flag flutter out, and then fall on the enemy."

Chang Ho and Tai Ling hurried along like a rain squall till they were suddenly confronted by the men of Shu. Chang dashed toward his enemy, and then they retired, stopping at intervals to fight. The Wei army pursued for about twenty
li.

It was the sixth moon and very hot, so that men and horses sweated profusely. When they had gone thirty
li
farther the men and horses were panting and nearly spent. Then K'ung-ming, who had watched the fighting from a hill, gave the signal for Kuan Hsing to emerge and join battle. The four other leaders all led on their men. Chang and Tai fought well, but they could not extricate themselves and retire.