San Kuo/Volume 2/Chapter 62

Chang Chao proceeded to unfold his device. “If you undertake any expedition farther west Ts‘ao Ts‘ao will undoubtedly return to the attack. Rather write two letters, one to Liu Chang saying that Liu Pei has leagued himself with you against the west, which will raise suspicions in the mind of Liu Chang and cause him to attack his guest, and another persuading Chang Lu to march upon Chingchou, which will embarrass Liu Pei. Between these two conflicting matters Chingchou will be neglected and we can march against it.”

Sun Ch'üan approved, wrote the two letters and sent them by two messengers.

In the meantime, Liu Pei had been winning the hearts of the peoples about Chiaming Pass, where his army lay. When he received the news of his wife’s flight and of Ts‘ao’s threatened attack, he called in P‘ang T‘ung and laid the matter before him. “The victor, whichever it is, will assuredly possess himself of our city of Chingchou,” said Liu Pei at the close.

“You need not trouble about that city,” said P‘ang. “I do not think Wu will try to take it so long as K‘ung-ming is there. But, my lord, write to Liu Chang telling him you wish to return on account of this threatening danger. It will be a plausible excuse. You may say that on account of Ts‘ao’s attack, Sun has sent to you for help and that as his country and yours are neighbours and dependent upon each other for safety you cannot refuse. Further, you will assure him that there is no danger of any invasion by Chang Lu. However, we have too few men for our purpose and insufficient grain, so you must also urge your relative to send you three or four legions of veterans and a plentiful supply of food. He will not refuse, and with more men and provisions we can do as we please.”

Liu Pei agreed to this and sent a messenger to Ch'êngtu. When his messenger reached the Pass, Yang Huai and Kao P‘o, who commanded the garrison, already knew of the design, and the former of the two captains went with him to the city. After reading the letter the Prefect asked Yang why he had come.

“Only because of that letter,” he replied. “This Liu Pei, from the day he first entered the province, has been trying to win over the hearts of your people by a display of kindness and ​virtue. He certainly intends no good, and I think you should refuse both the men and the supplies he asks. To help him is like adding fuel to a fire.”

“We are affectionate brothers and I must help him,” said the Prefect.”

“Liu Pei is nothing but a vagabond swashbuckler,” some one cried, “and if you keep him here in Shu you are loosing a tiger in your household. If you give him the men and supplies he asks you are adding wings to your tiger.”

Turning whence the voice proceeded they recognised the speaker as one Liu Pa, a native of Ch'êngyang. His words threw the Prefect into a state of doubt and hesitation. Huang Ch'üan also dissuaded him most earnestly, and finally Liu Chang actually decided to send only four companies of wornout men and a paltry supply of grain. At the same time fresh orders enjoining a diligent watchfulness were sent to the guardians of the Pass.

When Yüan-tê read the letter that accompanied the Prefect’s miserable contribution to his strength he was furious and cried, “I have been spending myself in your defence and this is my reward! You are mean and greedy enough to stint my supplies. How can you expect generous service?”

He tore the letter to fragments and execrated the writer thereof. The bearer of the letter fled back to the capital.

Then said P‘ang T‘ung, “You have hitherto laid too much stress on humanity and righteousness. However, that is all over now and all affection between you two is at an end, now that you have torn up that letter.”

“Yes. And since that is so, what next?” asked Yüan-tê.

“I have three schemes ready in my mind. You may choose which pleases you.”

“What are your three schemes?”

“The first, and best, is to send an army forthwith and seize Ch'êngtu. The second is to capture and put to death the two captains of the Pass. They are the two most famous fighting men in this land. If you give out that you are returning to Chingchou they will assuredly come to say farewell. Seize and put them to death, and the Pass and Fouch'êng are both yours. Ch'êngtu will follow soon. The third plan is to drop this rôle you have been playing, go back to Chingchou and make a regular invasion. But if you ponder these schemes too long you will get into such straits that nothing can save you.”

Yüan-tê replied, “Of your three schemes, O Commander, I find the first too summary and the last too slow. I choose the second scheme, which is neither.”

So a letter was written to Liu Chang saying that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao was sending an army against Chingchou, the captains there were unequal to the defence and Liu Pei had to go to help. ​As the matter was pressing there could be no personal leave-taking.

“I knew that the real desire of Liu Pei was to return to Chingchou,” said Chang Sung, when he heard of the letter.

Chang Sung then also composed a letter to Liu Pei. While he was looking about for a trusty person to take it, his brother Su, who was the Prefect of a country district, came to see him. He hid the letter in his sleeve while he talked with his brother. Brother Su noticed his anxious inquietude, which he could not explain. Wine was brought in and, as the two brothers chatted over it, the letter dropped to the floor unnoticed by Chang Sung. One of brother Su’s men saw it, picked it up and gave it to his master, who opened and read it.

This is about how it ran:—“What I said to you lately was not mere meaningless talk. Why, then, postpone action? The ancients valued the man who took by force and held by conciliation. If you act at once the whole matter is in your hand. Why abandon all and return to Chingchou? Surely I do not hear aright! When you get this, attack without a moment’s delay and remember that I am your ally on the inside. Above all, no delay!”

“This plot of my brother’s will end in the destruction of the whole family,” said Chang Su. “I must get in the first word.”

So at once he went in and laid the whole matter before the Prefect.

“I have always treated your brother so well!” said Liu Chang, very angry.

He issued orders to arrest Chang Sung and behead him and all his household in the market place.

Having thus learned of a real conspiracy to deprive him of his heritage, Liu Chang assembled his officers and asked their advice. Huang Ch'üan spoke out saying, “Prompt action is needed. Send to every strategic point telling them to increase the garrisons and keep careful guard and, above all, prevent the entrance of any person from Chingchou.”

Such orders were sent to all points of vantage where were garrisons.

In the meantime, carrying out P‘ang T‘ung’s scheme, Liu Pei had marched down to Fouch'êng, where he halted and sent in a messenger to invite the two captains to come forth and say farewell. But they did not respond at once to this invitation.

“What is the real meaning of this retirement?” said one to the other.

​“This Yüan-tê ought to die,” said Kao P‘o. “Let us hide daggers under our dress and stab him at the place of farewell. That will end all our lord’s troubles.”

“A most excellent plan,” said his colleague.

So they two, taking only a small escort, went down out of the Pass to say good-bye. Most of their men were left in the camp.

On the way down to Fou River, P‘ang T‘ung had said to his master, “You have need to be on your guard against those two if they come to bid you farewell. If they do not come, then the Pass must be attacked without delay.”

Just as he said this a violent gust of wind overthrew the leading flag of the army, and Liu Pei asked what this portended.

“That means a surprise; those two intend to assassinate you, so be on your guard.”

Accordingly, Liu Pei put on double armour and girded on his sword in readiness. When the two captains arrived the army halted while the captains should pay the farewell visit.

Then P‘ang Tung said to his two captains, Wei Yen and Huang Chang, “However many soldiers come down from the Pass see to it that none return.”

The two captains of Shu, armed with hidden daggers, came up, their escort bearing gifts of sheep and wine. They marked no precautions being taken against an attack and began to think their task of murder would be an easy one. They were led in to where Liu Pei sat under a tent, his adviser with him.

They said, “We hear, O Imperial Uncle, that you contemplate a long march and therefore we come to offer a few poor gifts to speed you on your way.”

The cups of farewell were duly filled. Then Yüan-tê replied, “You have a heavy responsibility to defend the Pass, Captains. I pray you drink first.”

They drank. Then Liu Pei said, “I have a secret matter to talk over with you.”

So all but the two captains were sent away with the escort and were led to the midst of the camp. As soon as they had gone, Liu Pei shouted, “My people, lay hands upon these two rebels!”

Thereupon Liu Fêng and Kuan P‘ing rushed out from behind the tent. The two captains of the Pass were taken aback, but began to struggle. However, each of the two seized his man and held him.

“Your lord and I are of the same house,” said Liu Pei, “why then have you plotted against me and conspired to sow enmity between us?”

P‘ang Tung bade his men search the captives, and the hidden daggers were found. So both were ordered to immediate execution. However, Liu Pei hesitated and was unwilling to confirm the sentence and put them to death. But his adviser insisted that they were worthy of death for the assassination ​they had panned, and bade the executioners fall on. So the two men were beheaded. Of their following not one had been allowed to slip away.

Liu Pei summoned the soldiers of the escort to his tent, gave them wine to comfort them and said, “Your leaders conspired to sow dissension between brothers and were found with daggers hidden beneath their clothing. They were assassins in intent and have met the fate they merited. You have committed no crime and need feel no alarm.”

The soldiers thanked him for his clemency with low obeisance.

Then said P‘ang T‘ung, “If you will now show the way so that our men may capture the Pass, you shall even be rewarded.”

They consented. That same night the army set out, with the men of the renegade escort leading the way. When they reached the Pass they hailed the gate, saying, “Open the gate quickly: the captains have returned earlier than they expected because of important business.”

Hearing the voices of their comrades, the gate guards had no suspicion of treachery and threw open the gates. In rushed the enemy soldiers and so gained possession of Foukuan without shedding a drop of blood. The defenders came over to the side of Liu Pei and were liberally rewarded. This done, the army was posted so as to guard the approaches and maintain what they had captured.

The next few days were spent in banquets and feasts in celebration of success. At one of these feasts Liu Pei turned to his adviser, saying, “This is what one might call a joyful occasion.”

“To employ warlike weapons in making an attack upon the possession of another is not using them in the best way replied P‘ang T‘ung. “Nor is such attack the most proper occasion for rejoicing.”

Liu Pei replied, “The success of King Wu against Chou was celebrated with music; I suppose weapons were not well used on that occasion either. Why do you talk so wide of reason? You had better retire. ”

P‘ang Tʻung laughed and withdrew from the table, while the attendants supported Liu Pei to his own chamber, where he had a long sleep. About midnight he awoke from his wine and then the servants told him that he had driven away his adviser from the feast. He was at once filled with remorse. Next day, having dressed early in full costume of ceremony, he took his seat in the great hall, summoned his adviser and apologised handsomely for his rude behaviour the night before.

“I drank too much last night and spoke rudely; pray forget it.”

​P‘ang, who had taken the whole episode in very good part from the first, laughed and talked as usual. But Yüan-tê went on, “Really I was the only one to blame yesterday.”

“We both slipped up; it was not only you, my lord,” said P‘ang.

Then Yüan-tê laughed too and the two were as good friends again as ever.

When the Prefect Liu Chang heard of the doings of his relative and guest he said, “I did not think that such things would come to pass.”

The officers of Shu met to consider how to oppose the further advance of Liu Pei, and Huang Ch'üan said, “Let us send without delay a force to hold Lohsien, which is the very throat of the road he must take. He may have veteran soldiers and fiery captains but he will not be able to pass.”

So the four ablest captains were told off for this duty and they led five legions. As they marched, one of them, Liu Kuei by name, said, “In the Chinpʻing Hills there is a wonderful Taoist who calls himself 'The Superman of the Dark Void.' He has the gift of second sight, so let us visit him as we pass and enquire what our fortunes are to be.”

“What should one seek of a hermit when one is out to repulse an enemy?” said his colleague, Chang Jên, 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 wood-cutter 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.

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, Yüan-tê 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 li from the city. Then Yüan-tê 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 Yüan-tê 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 Lêng Pao, and Wei, the younger leader, should attack Têng 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 Fêng, 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 all-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 Lêng 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 Lêng. 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 Lêng, ​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 li when another body of Ssuch‘uan men appeared from behind some hills. They advanced with beating drums. Their leader, Têng Hsien, shouted to Wei to surrender, but Wei 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. Têng’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 Têng lay prone upon the earth.

Lêng, 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 Lêng, 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 Têng Hsien and forced his way up to the gate of the camp. Once again Lêng came on and engaged Huang. The two had fought a half score bouts when appeared another body of soldiers. Thereupon Lêng 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, Lêng 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 Yüan-tê.

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.

Yüan-tê 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 Yüan-tê and said, “Wei Yen should be put to death for disobedience.”

The culprit was summoned and came, bringing with him his prisoner. Yüan-tê 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 Yüan-tê 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 Jên, 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'êng.”

Yüan-tê gladly accepted the offer. He gave Lêng 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'êngtu for help.

The loss of his captain, Têng 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 Loch'êng. 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?”

Lêng 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 Lêng 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, Yüan-tê went away to Fouch'êng to consult with P‘ang, the army chief. Intelligence had been received that Sun Ch'üan had sent a messenger to seek to make a league with Chang Lu to make a joint attack upon the Chiaming Pass, and Yüan-tê 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 Wêng 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 Yüan-tê. ”

“He was formerly an officer under Liu Piao. His name is Ho Hsün 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.

The visitor made no reply, but went at once straight up the room and lay upon the couch. P‘ang felt very suspicious of the man and repeated his question. Pressed again, the visitor said, “Do let me rest a little; then I will talk with you about everything in the world.”

This answer only added to the mystery and increased the host’s suspicion, but he had wine and food brought in, of which the guest partook ravenously. Having eaten, he lay down and fell asleep.

P‘ang was greatly puzzled and thought the man must be a spy. He sent for Fa Chêng, met him in the courtyard and told him about the strange visitor.

“Surely it can be no other than P'êng Jung-yen,” said Fa.

He went inside and looked. Immediately the visitor jumped up saying, “I hope you have been well since we parted last.”

The next chapter will explain who the stranger was.