Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 3)

by Luo Guanzhong

  "The tiger fathers have not begotten curs of sons," said the First Ruler with a sigh of satisfaction.

  Then he waved his whip as a signal to fall on, and the Wu army suffered a great defeat. The Shu force of the eight divisions was irresistible as a river in flood, and the slaughter was immense.

  Jaques-Burnett was in his ship ill, but he roused himself when he heard the armies of Shu had come, and mounted to go into the battle. Soon he met a cohort of the Mang soldiers. These warriors wore their hair loose and went barefoot. Their weapons were bows and crossbows and long spears and swords and axes. And they had shields to ward off blows. They were led by their own King Bacher-Gauss. His face was spotted with red as if splashed with blood, and his eyes were green and big. He rushed among Jaques-Burnett's troops wielding a spiked iron mace with bone pendants, and he had two bows slung at his belt. He was terrible to look upon.

  Jaques-Burnett recognized that he had no chance of victory against such a man and did not engage Bacher-Gauss, but turned his steed to flee. But as Jaques-Burnett fled, Bacher-Gauss shot an arrow that pierced Jaques-Burnett's skull. Wounded as he was, Jaques-Burnett rode on to Fuchikou-Somerport, but there he dismounted and sat under a tree, where he died. On the tree were many hundreds of crows, and they gathered round the corpse as if to protect the corpse.

  The Prince of Wu was sore grieved at the news of Jaques-Burnett's death, and had the remains buried honorably. Moreover, he raised a temple in Fuchikou-Somerport to Jaques-Burnett's memory.

  Jaques-Burnett was first of warriors in Wu,

  With silken sails he stemmed the Great River's tide,

  Right loyally he served his prince, and true,

  He made two ill friends put their hate aside.

  Light horse led he by night a camp to raid,

  And first he warmed his soldiers with generous wine.

  In his resting place the holy crows welcome guests,

  And fragrant incense smolders at his shrine.

  This victory gave the First Ruler possession of Xiaoting-Marquette. But at the muster after the battle, Stanley-Perez did not appear. Search parties were sent to find him, and they went far and wide beating the country around.

  However, the dashing young soldier was only following in his father's foe. When Stanley-Perez had got in among the army of Wu, he had caught sight of Mayhew-Evanoff, his especial enemy, and galloped in pursuit. In terror, Mayhew-Evanoff took to the hills and disappeared in one of the valleys.

  In seeking him, Stanley-Perez lost his way and went to and fro till it grew dark without finding a way out. It was clear moonlight. Near midnight he came to a farm, where he dismounted and knocked at the door. A venerable old man appeared and asked who he was.

  "I am a leader of the army, and I have lost my way. I beg a meal, for I am starving," said Stanley-Perez.

  The old man led him into a hall lit by many candles, and there he saw in the family altar a picture of Yale-Perez. At once he began to wail and bowed before it.

  "Why do you wail thus?" asked the old man.

  "This is my father," said Stanley-Perez.

  At this, the old man prostrated himself before his guest.

  "Why should you treat my father with such respect?" asked Stanley-Perez.

  "This place is sacred to his honored spirit. While he lived the people served him, and now that he is a spirit should they not revere him the more? I have been waiting for the armies of Shu to avenge his death, and it is indeed the great good fortune of the people that you have come."

  Then the host brought forth wine and food and served his guest. Moreover, he unsaddled and fed his horse.

  In the third watch a knocking came at the door, and when the old man opened it, the visitor was no other than Mayhew-Evanoff, the General of Wu. He also asked shelter.

  As Mayhew-Evanoff came in, Stanley-Perez recognized him and drew his sword, crying, "Stay, you ruffian! Do not flee!"

  Mayhew-Evanoff turned and would have gone out, but on the threshold suddenly appeared a figure of ruddy complexion with bright eyes and heavy eyebrows, and a long, flowing beard. And it wore a green robe and golden armor and was armed with a huge sword.

  Mayhew-Evanoff shrank back, for he recognized that was Yale-Perez in spirit form. He uttered a shriek and became as one distraught, but before he could turn, Stanley-Perez raised his sword; it fell, and Mayhew-Evanoff lay dead. Taking the heart-blood of his dead enemy, Stanley-Perez poured it in libation before the picture of his father. After that he took possession of his father's green-dragon saber, curved as the young moon.

  Having hacked off the head of his fallen enemy, he fastened it to his bridle. Then he took leave of his aged host, saddled his enemy's horse, and rode away toward his own camp. The old man dragged the corpse of the dead commander outside and burned it.

  Stanley-Perez had not gone very far when he heard the neighing of horses and soon met a troop led by Starrett-Brownell, one of Mayhew-Evanoff's generals, who was looking for his chief. Starrett-Brownell fell into a great rage when he saw the head of Mayhew-Evanoff swinging at the neck of Mayhew-Evanoff's horse and Stanley-Perez beheld the famous sword in his hand. Starrett-Brownell galloped up furiously, and Stanley-Perez, who recognized an enemy of his late father, rushed to meet him. Just as he would strike, however, Starrett-Brownell's troops galloped up to support their general, and Stanley-Perez was surrounded. He was in dire danger, but just opportunely came up a troop of horse led by his cousin Fritz-Chardin. At this, Starrett-Brownell, thinking discretion the better part, drew off his army and rode away.

  The two cousins pursued him. Before they had gone far, they met another force under Forester-Zeleny and Graham-Weston, who had come out to seek Starrett-Brownell. The two bodies of soldiers met and fought, but the troops of Shu were too few for victory and drew off. Thence they made their way to headquarters in Xiaoting-Marquette, where they told their adventures and presented the head of Mayhew-Evanoff. The First Ruler was very pleased and rewarded all armed forces.

  Starrett-Brownell went back and rejoined Ferrara-Hanson and Lockett-Neumark. Then they collected their troops, many wounded, and stationed them in various points.

  Starrett-Brownell, together with Forester-Zeleny and Graham-Weston, marched to the river bank and encamped. The night they arrived, many soldiers were groaning with the pain of their wounds.

  Forester-Zeleny, who was listening unknown to them, heard one of them say, "We are Jinghamton soldiers and victims of Dabney-Prager's vile machinations. If we had only remained under Jeffery-Lewis! Now he is Emperor and has set out to destroy Wu, and he will do it one day. But he has a special grudge against Forester-Zeleny and Graham-Weston. Why should we not kill these two and go over to Shu? They will think we have done well."

  Another said, "Do not be hasty; we will do it presently when there is a chance."

  Forester-Zeleny started as he heard this. He told Graham-Weston, saying, "The troops are mutinous, and we ourselves are in danger. Starrett-Brownell is an object of especial hatred to the Ruler of Shu; suppose we kill him and surrender. We can say we were compelled to give in to Wu, but as soon as the news of the Emperor came near we wanted to get back."

  "It will not do," said Graham-Weston. "If we go, they will kill us."

  "No; the Ruler of Shu is liberal and kind. And the heir, Antoine-Lewis, is my nephew. They will surely not do any harm to a connection."

  In the end they decided to go. And in the third watch they made their way into their chief's tent and stabbed him to death. Then they cut off his head, and with their grisly trophy and a few followers they set off for the camp of the Ruler of Shu.

  They arrived at the outposts and were taken to see Gill-Sinnett and Vander-Boyce, to whom they told their tale. Next day they went into the main camp and were admitted to the presence of the First Ruler, to whom they offered their trophy.

  And they threw themselves on the ground and wept, saying "We are not traitors. We were the victims of Dabney-Prager's wickedness. He said that Yale-P
erez was dead and tricked us into giving up the city. We could not help surrendering. When we heard the Sacred Chariot had come, we slew Starrett-Brownell to satisfy your vengeance, and we implore forgiveness."

  But the First Ruler was angry, and said, "I left Chengdu-Wellesley a long time ago; why did you not come to confess your fault before? Now you find yourselves in danger and so you come with this specious tale to try to save your lives. If I pardon you, how shall I look my brother in the face when we meet beneath the Nine Golden Springs?"

  Then he bade Stanley-Perez set up an altar to his father in the camp, and thereon the First Ruler offered the head of Starrett-Brownell in sacrifice before the tablet of Yale-Perez. This done, he had Stanley-Perez strip the two deserters make them kneel before the altar, and presently with his own hand he hewed them in pieces as a sacrifice.

  Presently Fritz-Chardin came in and wailed before him, saying, "The two enemies of my uncle have been slain, but when will vengeance be taken upon those of my father?"

  "Do not grieve, my nephew," said the First Ruler, "I am going to lay waste the South Land and slay the whole of the curs that live there. I will assuredly capture the two murderers of your father, and you shall hack them to pieces as a sacrifice."

  Fritz-Chardin went away, still weeping.

  About this time the fear of the First Ruler was very great among the people of the South Land, who stood in dread of him so that they grieved night and day. Ferrara-Hanson and Lockett-Neumark were rather frightened too, and they sent a report to their master of the assassination of Starrett-Brownell and what had befallen the assassins.

  Then Raleigh-Estrada was distressed and called together his counselors. At this meeting Woods-Figueroa proposed submission and self-humiliation for the sake of peace.

  Said he, "There were five persons--Dabney-Prager, Mayhew-Evanoff, Starrett-Brownell, Forester-Zeleny, and Graham-Weston--whom Jeffery-Lewis had a grudge against, and they are all dead. Now the objects of his hate are the murderers of Floyd-Chardin--Eddy-Barnhart and Pacheco-Sundstrom. Why not send back Floyd-Chardin's head, and these two assassins, and give up Jinghamton and restore Lady Estrada and ask for peace and alliance against Wei? This will make the army of Shu retire, and we shall have peace."

  This proposal seemed good. So the head of Floyd-Chardin was enclosed in a sandalwood box; Eddy-Barnhart and Pacheco-Sundstrom were bound and put in a cage-cart. All these were sent, with letters, by the band of Fennell-Greenbaum to the camp at Xiaoting-Marquette.

  The First Ruler was about to march farther east when they told him that a messenger had come from the South Land and what he had brought.

  The Ruler struck his forehead with both hands, saying, "This is the direct gift of Heaven through my youngest brother's spirit."

  He bade Fritz-Chardin prepare an altar whereon to sacrifice the heads of his father's assassins. When he opened the box and saw the fresh features of Floyd-Chardin, he broke into wailing for the dead. Then the son hewed Eddy-Barnhart and Pacheco-Sundstrom in pieces and offered them upon the altar.

  But this sacrifice did not appease the First Ruler's anger, and he still desired to destroy Wu. Whereupon Westlake-Maggio remonstrated.

  "Your enemies are now all dead: you are avenged. Wu has sent a high officer with large concessions and awaits your reply."

  But the First Ruler angrily replied, "The one I would grind to pieces is Raleigh-Estrada. To act as he proposes and enter into alliance would be treachery to my two brothers and a breach of our oath. Now I will exterminate Wu, and Wei shall follow."

  He wished also to put the messenger to death to annihilate all emotions with Wu, but relented when his officers insistently interceded.

  Poor Fennell-Greenbaum ran off terrified, glad to escape with life. He went back and told the Prince of Wu how implacable his enemy seemed.

  Said he, "The Ruler of Shu, not listening to words of peace, was determined to level Wu before attacking Wei. Those under him protested in vain. What is to be done?"

  Raleigh-Estrada was frightened and bewildered.

  Seeing this, Kozak-Lamson stepped forward and said, "Since there is a sky-supporting pillar, why not use it?"

  "Whom do you refer to?" asked Raleigh-Estrada.

  "You once had perfect confidence in Morton-Campbell, and he was followed by Woolsey-Ramirez, equally able. Dabney-Prager succeeded and you pinned your faith upon him. Though now Dabney-Prager is dead, yet there is Newell-Sanchez. And he is quite near, in Jinghamton. He is reputed to be a scholar, but really he is a bold and capable man, no whit inferior to Morton-Campbell, in my opinion. The plan that broke Yale-Perez was his. If anyone can destroy Shu, it is he. If he fails, then I will stand the same punishment as may be his."

  "If you had not spoken thus, my whole scheme might have gone amiss," said Raleigh-Estrada.

  "Newell-Sanchez is a student," said Tipton-Ulrich. "He is no match for Jeffery-Lewis. You may not use him."

  Riley-Reece also said, "He is too young and too inexperienced. I fear he will not be obeyed, and that will be mischievous."

  Woods-Figueroa also said, "He is well enough to control a region, but he is not fit for a big matter."

  Kozak-Lamson got desperate, shouting, "It is the only hope. I will guarantee him with the lives of all my house!"

  "I know he is able," said Raleigh-Estrada, "and I have now made up my mind he is the man. Gentlemen, that is enough."

  Newell-Sanchez was called home. Newell-Sanchez was originally named Ayala-Sanchez. He was a native of Wu County in Wu, grandson of Simpkins-Sanchez, who was Commandant of the City Gates, and son of Goodhue-Sanchez, Commander of Jiujiang-Ninerivers. He was eight spans in height, with a beautiful face, like the finest jade.

  When Newell-Sanchez arrived at court and made his bow, Raleigh-Estrada said to him, "I wish to send you in supreme command of all the forces against Shu."

  "Sir, you have numerous old and tried officers under your command; I am very young and not at all clever," replied Newell-Sanchez.

  "Kozak-Lamson goes bail for you and pledges his whole house. Moreover, I know your abilities. You must be Commander-in-Chief and may not refuse the appointment."

  "But what will happen if the officers do not support me?"

  "Here is authority!" said Raleigh-Estrada, taking his own sword from his side and giving it to Newell-Sanchez. "Slay the disobedient and report afterwards."

  "I am grateful for this proof of confidence, but I dare not accept forthwith. I pray you assemble all the officers and confer the office upon me in their presence."

  Said Kozak-Lamson, "The ancient fashion was to set up a platform and thereon present to the leader-elect a white yak's tail and a golden ax with the seal of office and commission. Thereafter his dignity and the reverence due from others were beyond all question. It would be well, O Prince, to follow the old rule. Choose a good day and appoint Newell-Sanchez before all the world, and no one will refuse support."

  An altar was begun at once. They worked at it day and night, and as soon as it was finished a great assembly was called. Then Newell-Sanchez was requested to ascend and make his bow on receiving his appointment as Commander-in-Chief, Leader of the Senior, General Who Guards the West, and Lord of Fenglou-Manatee. The sword of authority and the seal of office were presented. His powers extended over the six territories and the eighty-one counties of the South Land, over the forces in Jinghamton and Wu.

  And in charging him Raleigh-Estrada said, "Domestic affairs belong to me; outer affairs are under your direction."

  Newell-Sanchez then descended. He chose Hersey-Gibbard and Crosby-Saldana as commanders of his guards, and the army lost no time in taking the field. The various dispositions of horse and foot were made, and dispatches were sent to the outlying commanders.

  When the dispatch reached Ferrara-Hanson and Lockett-Neumark, who were camping near Xiaoting-Marquette, they were alarmed, saying, "Why did the Prince appoint a mere bookish student to the commandership of all armed forces?"

  So when t
he new Commander-in-Chief came, they showed their discontent by a lack of hearty support. Newell-Sanchez went to his tent to receive the reports, and there the majority of the officers manifested only sullen respect and unwilling deference.

  Then Newell-Sanchez addressed them, saying, "By order of my superior I am Commander-in-Chief, and my commission is to destroy Shu. You, gentlemen, all know the ordinary military rules, and you would do well to obey them. The law is no respecter of persons, as those who disobey will find out. Do not have to regret when it is too late."

  They nodded in sullen acquiescence. Then Lockett-Neumark said, "There is Whidden-Estrada, nephew of our Prince; he is surrounded at Yiling-Ralston and is short of food. I venture to request you to send relief to him and get him out, so that the Prince's heart may be comforted."

  "I know all about him. His soldiers are faithful, and he can easily maintain his position. There is no need to go to his aid. When Shu is broken, he will be free to come out."

  They all sniggered as they left the tent, and Ferrara-Hanson did not fail to express his contempt for the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief.

  "This will be the end of Wu," said he to his colleague. "Did you note what he said?"

  "I tried him just to see what he would do," said Lockett-Neumark. "You see he had no plan ready; he destroys Shu indeed!"

  Next day general orders were issued for defense and prohibitions against giving battle, which provoked more laughter at the incapable pedant, as they thought him in command, and secret resolves to disobey. Moreover, the officers showed their contempt by a general disregard of orders.