Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (70 page)

And he wept bitterly. Said Li, "Do not be so sad, Sire. I am but a poor sort of person, but if Your Majesty will give me authority, I will call together all the bold men in the country and slay this man."

"It was from fear of this man that my brother was forced to go over to Shu," said Hsiahou Hsien. "If he were destroyed, my brother could return. I belong to a family related to the rulers of the state for many generations, and I cannot sit still while a wretch ruins the government. Put my name in the command as well as Li's, and we will work together to remove him."

"But I am afraid," said the king.

They wept. The three ministers pledged themselves to work together for the destruction of the tyrant. The king them stripped himself of his innermost garment, gnawed his finger till the blood flowed and with his finger-tip traced a command in blood. He gave it to his father-in-law, saying, "My ancestor the Emperor Wu (Ts'ao Ts'ao) put to death Tung Ch'eng for just such a matter as this, so you must be exceedingly careful and maintain the greatest secrecy."

"Oh, why use such ill-omened words?" cried Li Feng. "We are not like Tung any more than Ssuma Shih resembles your great ancestor. Have no doubts."

The three conspirators took leave and went out carrying the edict with them. Beside the Tunghua Gate of the palace they saw their enemy coming to meet them wearing a sword. Following him were many armed men. They took the side of the road to let the party go by.

"Why are you three so late in leaving the palace?" asked Ssuma.

"His Majesty was reading, and we stayed with him," said Li.

"What was he reading?"

"The histories of the Hsia, Shang and Chou dynasties."

"What questions did the king ask as he read those books?"

"He asked about I Yin and how he upheld the Shangs; and Duke Chou, how he acted when he was regent. And we told His Majesty that you were both I Yin and Duke Chou to him."

Ssuma smiled grimly. "Why did you compare me with those two? You made him think me a rebel like Wang Chieh or Tung Cho."

"How should we dare when we are your subordinates?"

"You are a lot of flatterers," said Ssuma, angrily. "And what were you crying about in that private chamber with the king?"

"We did no such thing."

"Your eyes are still red; you cannot deny that."

Hsiahou Hsien then knew that they had been betrayed already, so he broke out into a volley of abuse, crying, "Well, we were crying because of your conduct, because you terrorise over the king and are scheming to usurp the Throne."

"Seize him!" roared Ssuma.

Hsiahou threw back his sleeves and struck at Ssuma with his fists, but the lictors pulled him back. Then the three were searched, and on Chang was found the blood-stained garment of the king. They handed it to their chief, who recognised the object of his search, the secret edict.

It said:—"The two brothers Ssuma have stolen away all my authority and are plotting to take the Throne. The edicts I have been forced to issue do not represent my wishes, and hereby all officers, civil and military, may unite to destroy these two and restore the authority of the Throne. These ends achieved, I will reward those who help to accomplish them."

Ssuma, more angry than ever, said, "So you wish to destroy me and my brother. This is too much."

He ordered his followers to cut the three to pieces on the public execution ground and to destroy their whole clans.

The three reviled without ceasing. On the way to the place of execution they ground their teeth with rage, spitting out the pieces they broke off. They died muttering curses.

Ssuma then went to the rear apartments of the palace, where he found the Emperor talking with his Consort. Just as he entered she was saying, "The palace is full of spies, and if this comes out it will mean trouble for me."

Ssuma strode in, sword in hand.

"My father placed Your Majesty on the throne, a service no less worthy than that of Duke Chou;
I
have served Your Majesty as I Yin served his master. Now is kindness met by enmity and service regarded as a fault. Your Majesty has plotted with two or three insignificant officials to slay me and my brother. Why is this?"

"I had no such intention," said the king.

In reply, Ssuma drew the garment from his sleeve and threw it on the ground.

"Who did this?"

The king was overwhelmed; his soul flew beyond the skies, his spirit fled to the ninth heaven. Shaking with fear, he said. "I was forced into it. How could I think of such a thing?"

"To slander ministers by charging them with rebellion is an aggravated crime," said Ssuma.

The king knelt at his feet, saying, "Yes, I am guilty; forgive me."

"I beg Your Majesty to rise; the laws must be respected."

Pointing to the Empress, he said, "She is of the Chang house and must die."

"Spare her," cried the king, weeping bitterly.

But Ssuma was obdurate. He bade the lictors lead her away, and she was strangled with a white silk cord at the palace gate.

Now I recall another year; and lo!
An empress borne away to shameful death.
Barefooted weeping bitterly, she shrieks
"Farewell," torn from her consort's arms. Today
History repeats itself, time's instrument,
Ssuma, avenges this on Ts'ao Ts'ao's heirs.

The day after these events Ssuma Shih assembled all the officers and addressed them thus:—"Our present lord is profligate and devoid of principle; familiar with the vile and friendly with the impure. He lends a ready ear to slander and keeps good men at a distance. His faults exceed those of Chang I of Han, and he has proved himself unfit to rule Wherefore, following the precedents of I Yin and Ho Kuang, I have decided to put him aside and to set up another, thereby to maintain the sanctity of the ruler and ensure tranquillity. What think you, Sirs?"

They all agreed, saying, "General you are right to play the same part as I Yin and Ho Kuang, thereby acting in accordance with Heaven and fulfilling the desire of mankind. Who dares dispute it?"

Then Ssuma, followed by the whole of the officials, went to the Palace of Eternal Peace and informed the Empress Dowager of his intention.

"Whom do you propose to place on the throne, General?" she asked.

"I have observed that Ts'ao Chu, Prince P'engch'eng, is intelligent, benevolent and filial; he is fit to rule the empire."

She replied, "He is my uncle and cannot become Emperor. However, there is Ts'ao Mao, Duke of Kaokueihsiang, and grandson of the Emperor Wen. He is of mild temperament, respectful and deferential, and may be set up. You, Sir, and the high officers of state might favourably consider this."

Then spake one, saying, "Her Majesty speaks well; he should be raised to the throne."

All eyes turned toward the speaker, who was Ssuma Fu, uncle of Ssuma Shih.

The duke was summoned to the capital. The Empress called King Ts'ao Fang into her presence in the Hall of Eternity and blamed him, saying, "You are vicious beyond measure, a companion of lewd men and a friend of vile women. You are unfitted to rule. Therefore resign the imperial seal and revert to your status of Prince Ch'i. You are forbidden to present yourself at court without special command."

Ts'ao Fang, weeping, threw himself at her feet. He gave up the seal, got into his carriage and went away. Only a few faithful ministers restrained their tears and bade him farewell.

Ts'ao Ts'ao, the mighty minister of Han
Oppressed the helpless; little then thought he
That only two score swiftly passing years
Would bring like fate to his posterity.

The Emperor-elect Ts'ao Mao, who also bore the name Yen-shih, was the grandson of the Emperor Wen, and son of Ts'ao Lin, Prince Ting of Tunghai. When he was nearing the capital all the officers attended to receive him at the Nanyeh Gate, where an imperial carriage awaited him. He hastily returned their salutations.

"The ruler ought not to return these salutations," said Wang Shu, one of the officers.

"I also am a minister and must respond," replied he.

They conducted him to the carriage to ride into the palace, but he refused to mount it, saying, "Her Majesty has commanded my presence, I know not for what reason. How dare I enter the palace in such a carriage?"

He went on foot to the Hall, where Ssuma Shih awaited him. He prostrated himself before the minister. Ssuma hastily raised him and led him into the presence.

The Empress-Dowager said, "In your youth I noticed that you bore the impress of majesty. Now you are to be the Ruler of the Empire. You must be respectful and moderate, diffusing virtue and benevolence. You must do honour to your ancestors the former emperors."

Ts'ao Mao modestly declined the proposed honour, but he was compelled to accept it. He was led out of the presence of the Empress-Dowager and placed in the seat of empire.

The style of the reign was proclaimed as
Cheng-Yuan.
An amnesty was granted. Honours were heaped upon Ssuma Shih, who also received the golden axes, with the right to proceed leisurely within the precincts, to address the Throne without using his praenom and to wear arms at court.

But in the spring it was reported at court that the General Wuch'iu Chien and the Governor of Yangchou, Wen Ch'in, were raising armies with the declared design of restoring the deposed emperor.

Ssuma Shih was disconcerted.

If ministers of Han have always faithful been,
We leaders, too, to prove their loyalty are keen.

How this new menace was met will appear in the next chapter.

CHAPTER CX
WEN YANG REPULSES THE ENEMY:
CHIANG WEI DEFEATS HIS OPPONENT

I
t
has been said that in the second year of
Cheng-Yuan,
Wen Ch'in, Governor of Yangchou, and General Wuch'iu Chien, a distinguished officer who commanded the forces in Huainan, were reported to be raising armies to avenge the deposition of Ts'ao Fang.

Wuch'iu Chien was a native of Wenhsi in Honan. He was moved to great anger against the minister who had deposed the king, and his son Tien fomented his father's wrath, saying, "Father, you are chief of all this district. With this Ssuma Shih in such a position the country is in danger, and you cannot sit still and look on."

"My son, you speak well," replied he.

Whereupon he requested Governor Wen to come and consult with him. This Wen Ch'in had been a client of Ts'ao Shuang's, and he hastened at the call of the general. When he arrived he was led into the private apartments, and, the salutations at an end, the two began to talk over the situation. Presently the host began to weep, and his visitor asked the cause of his tears.

"Think you that this conduct of Ssuma Shih does not tear my heart? He has deposed the king and now holds in his grip all the authority of the state. Things are all upside down."

Wen replied, "You are a Warden of the Marches. If you are willing to play the part, you ought to take arms and slay this rebel. I will help you, regardless of consequences. My second son, Shu, is a good soldier and a man of great valour, Moreover, he hates Ssuma Shih and wishes to avenge on him and his brother the death of Ts'ao Shuang. He would make an excellent leader of the van."

Wuch'iu was delighted to get such ready and willing support, and the two poured a libation in pledge of mutual good faith. Then, pretending that they held an edict from the Empress-Dowager, they summoned all the officers to Shouch'un, where they built an altar on the west side and sacrificed a white horse, smearing their lips with its blood in token of their oath.

They made this declaration:—"Ssuma Shih is a rebel and devoid of rectitude. We have a secret edict commanding us to muster the forces of Huainan and put down this rebellion."

Thus supported, Wuch'iu led six legions to Hsiangch'eng, where he camped, while his fellow-conspirator Wen Ch'in took two legions to the front to go to and fro lending help where it was needed. Letters were sent all through the district calling for assistance.

Now that mole below the left eye of Ssuma Shih used to pain at times, and he decided to have it removed. The surgeon excised it, closed and dressed the wound, and the patient rested quietly in his palace till it should heal.

It was at this time that he received the disquieting news of opposition to his authority. Whereupon he called in the
Tai-yu
Wang Su to discuss the matter.

Said Wang, quoting Kuan Yu as an example, "When Kuan Yu was most famous, Sun Ch'uan sent Lu Meng to capture Chingchou. What did he do? He first won over the officers by taking care of their families and thus broke the power of his enemy like a tile. Now the families of all the officers of Huainan are here in your hands. Treat them well, at the same time taking care that they do not get away, and you will be irresistible."

"Your words are good," said Ssuma. "However, I cannot go out to war till I have recovered. Yet, to send another is to take great risks, and I shall feel insecure."

There was also present Chung Hui, who here interposed, saying, "The forces of Huai and Ch'u are very formidable. If you send another there is danger whatever happens, and if your lieutenant make a serious mistake your whole policy will fail."

"No one but myself can succeed," cried Ssuma, starting from his couch. "I must go."

So, in spite of illness, he resolved to lead in person. He left his brother in charge of affairs at Loyang and set out, travelling in a padded carriage.

Chuko Tan was given command over all the forces of Yuchou and ordered to take possession of Shouch'un, while Hu Tsun, with the Chingchou forces, was sent to bar any retreat. The Governor of Yuchou, Wang Chi, was sent to capture Chennan and the district south.

To his camp at Hsiangyang, Ssuma summoned all his officers to a council. Cheng Pao spoke first, saying, "Wuch'iu Chien is fond of laying plans, but slow to come to any decision. His fellow-conspirator Wen Ch'in is bold, but imprudent. Now this scheme of theirs is too large for their minds, but as their men are full of spirit they should not be engaged lightly. We should remain on the defensive till their ardour has burned out. This is what Ya Fu did."

But Wang Chi objected, saying, "This is not a rising of the people, nor of the soldiers, but is the work of Wuch'iu Chien. The people are merely his tools and cannot help themselves.

The rebellion will go to pieces as soon as an army approaches the district."

"I agree with you," replied Ssuma.

Then he advanced upon the Yinshui River and camped by the bridge.

Wang Chi said, "Nant'un is an excellent camping ground; occupy it at once, for if not the enemy will do so."

He was sent to carry out his own plan.

Reports of these movements of the enemy came to Wuch'iu in Hsiangch'eng, and an assembly of officers was called. The leader of the van, Ho Yung, said, "Nant'un is an excellent site for a camp, with a river beside it and hills at the rear. If the Wei armies camp there we shall be unable to dislodge them. Let us occupy it."

So the army set out. But before they drew near, the scouts reported a camp already there. It was incredible, and the leader rode to the front to reconnoitre. He was convinced by the sight of flags and banners over all the plain, fluttering above an orderly array of tents and huts. The sight disconcerted him, and he rode back to the main body not knowing what to do. Just then a scout came in to say that Sun Hsun of Wu had crossed the river to attack Shouch'un.

"If we lose that city we shall have no base," cried Wuch'iu.

That same night he retreated upon Hsiangch'eng. Seeing the enemy retreat, Ssuma called together his officers to talk it over. Fu Ku, a President, who was of the expedition, said the retirement was obviously due to Wu's threatened attack upon Shouch'un, and he advised their own attack upon Hsiangch'eng, another on Lochia and sending an army to capture Shouch'un. He also proposed that Teng Ai, the Governor of Yenchou, should attack Lochia jointly with their own army.

His plan was acceptable to Ssuma, who sent letters to Yenchou telling Teng Ai to march against Lochia, where Ssuma himself would soon meet him.

Camped at Hsiangch'eng, Wuch'iu sent spies to Lochia to see what might be happening there, for he feared it would be attacked. When he spoke of his fears to Wen Ch'in, the latter said, "General, you need not be anxious. I and my son will answer for its safety. Give us but half a legion."

Father and son, with the half legion, went to Lochia. Before the main body arrived it was seen that Wei banners were flying on the west of the city. By and by they made out that the leader was no other than Ssuma himself. His camp was forming rapidly, but was not yet complete.

When this was reported to Wen Ch'in, his son Yang, bearing his famous whip of steel, was by his father's side.

"We should attack before they have settled down in camp, father," said he. "Let us go quickly and attack on two sides."

"When can we start?" said the father.

"To-night at dusk. You lead half the force round by the south, and I will march the other half round by the north, and we will meet in the third watch at the Wei camp."

The youth who propounded this plan was then eighteen, tall and strong. He wore complete armour and carried at his waist a steel whip. When the hour came to start he took his spear, swung himself into the saddle and set out.

That night Ssuma Shih, who had arrived and had at once set about settling into camp, lay on a couch in his tent, for he was still suffering pain from the wound beneath his eye. The tent was surrounded by a numerous guard. Teng Ai had not arrived.

About the third watch he heard a great shouting and asked what it was. One replied that an army had come round from the north and burst into the lines. The leader was too bold for anyone to face.

Ssuma became much troubled. His heart burned within him, and the excitement caused the wound to open, so that the eyeball protruded and blood flowed freely. The pain became intense, nearly unbearable. In his agony and alarm lest his army should be thrown into confusion, he lay gnawing the bedclothes till they were in rags.

Wen Yang's force lost no time, but attacked as soon as it arrived. He dashed into the camp, slashing and thrusting right and left, and everyone gave way before him. If anyone stayed to oppose, the sharp spear or the terrible whip did its work, and he fell. But after a time, seeing no sign of his father, he grew anxious. And he had to retire several times before the fierce flights of arrows and crossbow bolts.

About daylight he heard shouts and thought they must mean the arrival of his father with help. But the shouting came from the north, and his father was to arrive by the south road. He galloped out to get a clearer view, and saw a force sweeping down like a gale of wind.

It was not his father, but a body of the enemy, and the leader was Teng Ai. Teng rode forward shouting, "Rebel, flee not!"

Wen Yang had no intention to flee. Setting his spear, he rode, savagely toward his opponent. They engaged and fought half a hundred bouts without either gaining the advantage. Then, the duel still raging, the Wei army attacked, and Wen's men began to give way and run, so that soon he found himself alone.

However, he got clear of the fight and went away south. But he was pursued, for many captains plucked up courage to follow when he ran away. They pressed on his heels till near the Lochia Bridge it seemed that they must catch him. Then he suddenly pulled up his steed, turned and rode in among them, flogging with the terrible steel whip, and wherever it struck there lay men and horses in confused heaps. So they left him, and he retook his way in peace.

Then the Wei captains met and said, "Lo! here is a man who has driven us all backward. But we are many and may not suffer that."

Wherefore they re-formed and once again took up pursuit.

"You fools?" cried Wen, as he saw them coming on. "Have you then no regard for your lives?"

Again he fell upon them with the steel whip and slew many, so that the survivors retreated. But yet again they found courage to come on, and yet again, but they had to fall back before the lash of that terrible whip.

Defiance hurled at Ts'ao Ts'ao's mighty host
Arrayed near Ch'angan Slope proclaimed Chao Yun
A valiant man; and peerless stood he till,
At Lochiach'eng another hero faced,
Alone, another host, and Wen Yang's name
Was added to the roll of famous men.

Wen Ch'in never reached the appointed rendezvous. In the darkness he lost his way among the precipices and gullies, whence he only got out as day dawned. He saw all the signs of a fight and a victory for Wei, but could not discover whither his son had gone. So he returned without fighting, and in spite of pursuit, made his way safely to Shouch'un.

Now Yin Ta-mu was an officer of the court and had accompanied Ssuma on his expedition, but was no friend of his. He had been of the Ts'ao Shuang party and bitterly resented the death of his patron. He was watching for a chance to avenge him. Seeing that Ssuma was ill, he thought to secure his end by making friends with Wen Ch'in. So he went in to see the sick general, and said, "Wen Ch'in had no sincere intention to rebel, but was led astray by Wuch'iu. If you will let me go and speak with him he will come over to you at once."

Ssuma said he might go to try, and Yin put on his armour and rode after Wen Ch'in. By and by he got near enough to shout.

"Do you not recognise me? I am Yin Ta-mu."

Wen Ch'in stopped and looked back. Yin removed his helmet that his face might be clearly seen, and said, "O Governor Wen, why can you not bear up for a few days? I know that Ssuma Shih is very near death, and I wish you to remain at hand."

But Wen did not understand. He abused Yin and even threatened that the bowmen should shoot, and Yin could only sorrowfully turn away.

When Wen reached Shouch'un and found it occupied he tried for Hsiangch'eng, but three armies of the enemy lay near by and it seemed impossible that it could hold out long. So he decided to desert to Wu and serve Sun Hsun.

Wuch'iu Chien, then behind the walls of Hsiangch'eng, heard that Shouch'un had fallen, that his fellow-conspirator Wen had failed and, with three armies against his city, knew that his ease was desperate. He mustered all the forces in the city and marched out to try his fortune.

As he went forth he fell in with Teng Ai. He bade Ko Yung go out to fight, but he fell in the first encounter, cut down by Teng himself. The enemy came on in force. Wuch'iu fought gallantly, but his army fell into confusion. Then two other armies came up, and he was completely surrounded. Nothing could be done, and he fled from the field and made for Shenhsien City. Here the governor received him kindly and comforted him with a feast. At the banquet the fugitive drowned his sorrows in the wine cup till he was helpless, when he was slain by his host. His head was sent to the Wei army as proof of his death, and the rising came to an end. Peace was restored in Huainan.