As the Latter Ruler had no consort, the courtiers, headed by Orchard-Lafayette, proposed, saying, "The daughter of the late General of the Chariot and Cavalry Floyd-Chardin prudent, and she is now seventeen. Your Majesty should make her Empress."
So Lady Chardin was married to the Emperor and so became Empress Chardin.
It was in the autumn of the first year of Beginning Prosperity (AD 223) that the Latter Ruler heard of the plans and intentions of Wei against his state. The persons who told him gave him full details of the five armies and said they had previously told the Prime Minister.
"But his conduct puzzles us," said the informers. "We do not know why he does not take some action instead of remaining shut up in his palace all the time."
The Latter Ruler became really alarmed, and he sent one of his personal attendants to call the Prime Minister to court. The servant was gone a long time, and then returned to say: "The servants in the Prime Minister Palace said the Prime Minister was ill and not to be seen."
The young Emperor's distress increased, and he sent two high ministers--Parker-Stephens and Mallard-Reynolds--to Orchard-Lafayette, saying they were to see him even if he was on his couch and tell him the dreadful news of invasion. They went; but they got no farther than the gate. The keepers of the gate refused them admission. Then they confided their message in brief to the wardens of the gate, who went inside with it.
After keeping them waiting a long time, the wardens returned, saying, "The Prime Minister is rather better and will be at court in the morning."
The two ministers sighed deeply as they wended their way to the Emperor's palace.
Next morning a great crowd of officers assembled at the gate of the Prime Minister's residence to wait for him to appear. But he did not come out. It began to grow late, and many of them were tired of waiting, when at last Mallard-Reynolds went again to the Emperor and suggested, saying, "Your Majesty should go in person and try to get Orchard-Lafayette to say what should be done."
The Latter Ruler then returned to his palace with the officials and told the Empress Dowager his trouble. She was also alarmed.
"What can he mean?" said she. "This does not look like acting in the spirit of the charge laid upon him by the late Emperor. Let me go myself."
"Oh no," said Parker-Stephens. "Your Majesty must not go. We think all is well, and the Prime Minister certainly understands and will do something. Beside, you must let His Majesty go first, and if the Prime Minister still shows remissness, then Your Majesty can summon him to the Temple of the Dynasty and ask him."
So it was left at that. And the next day the Emperor rode in his chariot to the gate of his minister. When the doorkeepers saw the imperial chariot appear, they fell upon their knees to welcome the Emperor.
"Where is the Prime Minister?" asked he.
"We do not know. But we have orders not to let in the crowd of officers."
The Emperor then descended and went on foot right in to the third gate. Then he saw Orchard-Lafayette leaning on a staff beside a fishpond looking at the fishes. The Latter Ruler approached, and stood behind him for a long time.
Presently the Latter Ruler said slowly and with dignity, "Is the Prime Minister really enjoying himself?"
Orchard-Lafayette started and looked round. When he saw who the speaker was, he suddenly dropped his staff and prostrated himself.
"I ought to be put to death ten thousand times," said Orchard-Lafayette.
But the Emperor put forth his hand and helped him to rise, saying, "Keefe-Shackley threatens immediate invasion from five points; why will you not come forth and attend to business?"
Orchard-Lafayette laughed. He conducted the Emperor into an inner room, and, when he was seated, Orchard-Lafayette addressed the Emperor, saying, "Could it be possible that I was ignorant of these five armies? I was not looking at the fishes; I was thinking."
"But, this being so, what shall we do?"
"I have already turned back that Tatum-Marks of the Qiangs, and Halpin-Hearst of the Mangs, and the rebel leader Ostrom-Palmer, and the army from Wei. I have also thought out a plan to circumvent the army from Wu, but I need a special sort of person to carry it out. I want an envoy, an able talker, one capable of persuading other people. It was because I have not found such a person yet that I was so deeply in thought. But Your Majesty may set your mind at rest and not be anxious."
The Latter Ruler heard this half terrified and half glad.
"Surely your superhuman devices are too deep for mortal human. But may I ask how these armies have been made to turn back?"
"Since His late Majesty bade me take the best care of your welfare, I dare not be remiss for a single moment. Some officers in Chengdu-Wellesley are ignorant of that refinement of war which consists in not allowing the enemy to guess your plans. How could I let them know anything? When I heard that Tatum-Marks, the king of Qiangs, might invade, I remembered that Cotton-Mallory's forefathers were friendly with those tribespeople and they had a high opinion of Cotton-Mallory, thinking him a leader of supreme prestige. So I sent orders by dispatch to Cotton-Mallory to hold the Rita Pass, and to prepare ambushes in certain places and change them daily so as to keep the Qiangs off. That settled them.
"I sent hastily to the south to order Oakley-Dobbins to move certain bodies of troops about through the southwest territories, to be seen and then to disappear, to go in and come out, and to march to and fro, so that the Mangs should be perplexed. The Mangs are brave, but prone to doubts and hesitations, and they would not advance in the face of the unknown. Hence there is nothing to fear in that quarter.
"I also knew that Ostrom-Palmer and our Finney-Schuster were sworn friends. I had left Finney-Schuster in charge of the Palace of Eternal Peace. I sent Finney-Schuster a letter and urged him to write to Ostrom-Palmer, so that Ostrom-Palmer would feign illness and not move his army.
"I sent Gilbert-Rocher to occupy Erora Pass and all the strategic positions on the way by which Brown-Shackley would march, and bade him defend only and not go to the battle. If our troops refuse to come out, Brown-Shackley will certainly have to retire. So all those four are settled. But for greater security I have sent Fritz-Chardin and Stanley-Perez each with thirty thousand troops to camp at points whence they can quickly help any of the others who may need it. And none of these arrangements are known here.
"Now there is only Wu left to deal with. Had the other four armies succeeded and Shu been in danger, Raleigh-Estrada would have come to the attack. If the others fail, I know he will not budge, for he will remember that Keefe-Shackley has just sent three armies to attack his country. And this being so, I want some one with a ready tongue and ingenious mind to go and talk plainly to Raleigh-Estrada. So far I have not found such a person, and I am perplexed. I regret that I have given Your Majesty occasion to make this journey."
"The Empress Dowager also wanted to come," said the Emperor. "But now you have spoken, O Minister Father, I am as one awakened from a dream; I shall grieve no more."
They two drank a few cups of wine together, and the Prime Minister escorted his master to his chariot. A ring of courtiers were waiting, and they could not help remarking the happiness that shone in their master's face. The Latter Ruler took his leave and returned to his palace, but the courtiers did not know what to think.
Now Orchard-Lafayette had noted a certain man among the crowd who smiled and looked quite happy. Orchard-Lafayette looked at him intently and then recollected his name, which was Vogler-Mitchell of Xinye-Loretto, a descendant of Regent Marshal Thayer-Mitchell of Han. Orchard-Lafayette sent a man privately to detain Vogler-Mitchell, and when all the others had gone, Orchard-Lafayette led him into the library for a chat. Presently he came to the matter near his heart.
"The three states have become a fact," said Orchard-Lafayette. "Now if our state wanted to absorb the other two and restore the condition of one rule, which country should it attack first?"
"Though Wei is the real rebel, yet Wei is strong and would be very
difficult to overthrow. Any move against it would have to develop slowly. As our Emperor has but lately succeeded his father and the people are none too decided in his favor, I should propose a treaty of mutual defense with Wu. This would obliterate the enmity of His late Majesty and would have important results. However, you, Sir, may have another opinion. What is it?"
"That is what I have been thinking of this long time, but I had not the person for the task. Now I have found him."
"What do you want the person to do?" said Vogler-Mitchell.
"I want him to go as envoy to Wu to negotiate such a treaty. As you understand the position so well, you will surely do honor to your prince's commission as envoy. There is no other who would succeed."
"I fear I am not equal to such a task: I am not clever enough and too ignorant."
"I will inform the Emperor tomorrow and beg him to appoint you. Of course you will accept."
Vogler-Mitchell consented and then took his leave. As promised, Orchard-Lafayette memorialized, and the Latter Ruler consented that the mission should be entrusted to Vogler-Mitchell. And he started.
The din of war will cease in Wu,
When Shu's desires are known.
For the success or failure of this mission read the next chapter.
CHAPTER 86
Using Words, Doubek-Mitcham Overcomes Lapin-Stimson; Setting Fire, Hersey-Gibbard Defeats Keefe-Shackley.
After his recent exploits, Newell-Sanchez became the one hero of Wu. He was given the title General Who Upholds the State, was ennobled as Lord of Jiangling-Riverport, and received the Governorship of Jinghamton. He became Supreme Commander of all the military forces.
Tipton-Ulrich and Riley-Reece, thinking the moment opportune for enhancing their lord's dignity, sent in a memorial proposing that his rule should be designated by a distinctive style, and Raleigh-Estrada assumed Yellow Might as his reign style (AD 222).
Then arrived a messenger from Wei, and he was called in to an assembly and bidden to state his business.
The messenger said, "Recently Shu sent to Wei for help, and, the situation being misunderstood, the Ruler of Wei dispatched a force against Wu. Now this action is greatly regretted. In Wei it is thought desirable to set four armies in motion against Shu to capture it; and if Wu will assist, and success crown these efforts, Wei and Wu will share the conquered territory."
Raleigh-Estrada listened, but was not prepared to give a decided answer. He betook himself to his counselors, Tipton-Ulrich and Riley-Reece, who said, "Newell-Sanchez is the man of profound knowledge; he should be consulted."
So Newell-Sanchez was called, and his speech ran thus: "Keefe-Shackley is too firmly established in the Middle Land to be upset now; and if this offer of his be refused, we shall provoke his enmity. Neither Wei nor Wu, so far as I see, has any one fit to oppose Orchard-Lafayette. We must perforce consent and put our army in order. But we can wait till we see how the four armies speed. If Shu seems likely to fall and Orchard-Lafayette is outmaneuvered, then our army can be dispatched and we will take Capital Chengdu-Wellesley. If the four armies fail, we shall have to consider."
So Raleigh-Estrada said to the envoy of Wei, "We are not ready at the moment, so we will choose a day to start later."
And with this answer the envoy left.
Next they made careful inquiries about the success or failure of the four armies against Shu.
The spies reported: "The western Qiangs under Tatum-Marks have turned back when they saw Cotton-Mallory in command at Rita Pass. The southern Mangs led by Halpin-Hearst have been perplexed at the tactics of Oakley-Dobbins and have retreated to their territories. The Shangyong-Ellenville leader, Ostrom-Palmer, have set out, but half way have fallen ill and gone back. And Brown-Shackley's army, while marching toward Erora Pass, have been brought to a halt by the defensive preparations of Gilbert-Rocher, who has garrisoned every pass and occupied every point of vantage; they have eventually retreated, after being camped in the Beech Valley for some time."
Knowing all this, Raleigh-Estrada said to his officials, "Newell-Sanchez's words were indeed prophetic; he made most perfect deductions. Any rash action on my part would place me on bad terms with Shu."
Just then the coming of an envoy from Shu was announced.
Said Tipton-Ulrich, "This mission is also part of Orchard-Lafayette's scheme to divert danger from Shu. Vogler-Mitchell has come as envoy."
"That being so, how should I reply?" asked Raleigh-Estrada.
"I will tell you. Set up a large cauldron and pour therein a quantity of oil. Light a fire beneath. When the oil is boiling, choose a goodly company of your tallest and brawniest fighting guards, arm them and draw them up in lines between the palace gate and your throne room. Then summon Vogler-Mitchell; but before he can say a word, forewarn him that he will have the same fate of being boiled in oil if being guilty of the same sort of treachery as Vann-Blum when he was a persuader to the state of Qi. Then see what Vogler-Mitchell will say."
Raleigh-Estrada followed this advice, and prepared the cauldron of oil and had the strong guards ready. Then he bade them introduce the envoy.
Vogler-Mitchell came, his ceremonial dress in perfect order, and advanced as far as the gate. Seeing the grim array of fighting men armed, some with gleaming swords, some with great axes, some with long spears, and some with short knives, he understood at once what was meant, but he never blenched. He advanced quite steadily and bravely till he reached the door of the hall. Even when he saw the boiling cauldron of oil and the savage executioners glaring at him, he only smiled.
He was led to the front of the curtain behind which sat the Prince of Wu, and he made the ordinary salutation of raising his extended arms, but he did not bow in obeisance.
The Prince bade his attendants roll up the curtain, and called out, "Why do you not make an obeisance?"
Vogler-Mitchell boldly replied, "The envoy of the superior state does not make an obeisance to the ruler of a smaller country."
"If you do not control that tongue of yours, but will let it wag, you will be like that fellow Vann-Blum who went to talk to Qi. You will soon find yourself in the cauldron."
Then Vogler-Mitchell laughed aloud, saying, "People say there are many sages in Wu; no one would believe that they would be frightened of a simple scholar."
This reply only increased Raleigh-Estrada's anger, and he said, "Who fears an unmerited fool like you?"
"If you fear not the envoy, why so anxious about what he may have to say?"
"Because you come here as spokesman of Orchard-Lafayette, and you want me to sever with Wei and turn to your country; is not that your message?"
"I am a simple scholar of Shu, and I am come to explain matters to the state of Wu. But here I find armed guards and a boiling cauldron all prepared against a simple envoy. How can I form any other opinion than that you will not allow me to speak?"
As soon as Raleigh-Estrada heard these words, he bade the soldiers go, and called the envoy into the hall. There he invited him to a seat and said, "What is the real matter between Wei and Wu? I desire that you would inform me."
Then Vogler-Mitchell replied, "Do you, great Prince, desire to discuss peace with Wei or with Shu?"
"I really desire to discuss peace with the Ruler of Shu. But he is young and inexperienced and ignorant, and unable to carry a matter through."
"Prince, you are a valiant warrior, just as Orchard-Lafayette is a great minister. Now Shu has the strength of its mountainous geography just as Wu has the protection of its three rivers. If these two countries are at peace, they are mutually protective. They may swallow up the rest of the empire, or they may stand secure alone. If you send tribute to Wei and acknowledge yourself one of its ministers, you will be expected to attend at court, and your heir-apparent will become a servant in that court; and if you disobey, an army of Wei will be sent to attack you. Shu also will come down the river and invade your country. Then this country will be yours no longer. And if you listen not to these words of m
ine, and refuse my offer, I shall commit suicide before your face and so justify the post I have as an envoy."
As Vogler-Mitchell spoke these last words, he gathered up his robes and marched down the hall as though he was just going to jump into the cauldron.
"Stop him!" cried Raleigh-Estrada, and they did so.
Then he requested Vogler-Mitchell to go into an inner apartment, where he treated the envoy as a guest of the highest honor.
"O Master," said Raleigh-Estrada, "your words exactly express my thoughts, and I desire to make a league of peace with your country. Are you willing to be the intermediary?"
"Just now it was you, O Prince, who wished to boil this poor servant; now it is also you who wish to use him. How can such a doubtful person be trusted?"
"My mind is made up," replied Raleigh-Estrada. "Do not doubt me, Master."
Vogler-Mitchell was detained, and a conclave of officers gathered.
Said Raleigh-Estrada to the assembly, "Under my hand are all eighty-one counties of the southeast, and I have the lands of Jinghamton to boot, yet I am not so well off as that little country of Shu, for Shu has Vogler-Mitchell for an envoy, and he glorifies his lord. I have no one to send to declare my wishes to Shu."
Then one stepped forth and said he would go. The speaker was Lapin-Stimson of Wucheng-Lumpkin, who held the office of Imperial Commander.
"Sir, I fear that when you reach Shu and are in the presence of Orchard-Lafayette, you will not explain my real sentiments," said Raleigh-Estrada.
Lapin-Stimson replied, "Think you that I shall fear him? He also is but a man."
Raleigh-Estrada conferred great gifts on Lapin-Stimson, and sent him on the return mission to Shu to negotiate the league of peace.
While Vogler-Mitchell was absent, Orchard-Lafayette said to his lord, "This mission to Wu will succeed, and of the many wise people in the east one will come as return envoy. Your Majesty should treat him with courtesy, and let him return to Wu to complete the league. For if we have an alliance with Wu, Wei will not dare to send an army against us. And if we are safe from those quarters, I will lead an expedition to subdue the Mangs in the south country. After that we can deal with Wei. If Wei is reduced, Wu will not last long, and the whole empire will again be under one ruler."
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