Three Kingdoms Romance

by Guanzhong Luo

  Now Governor Wang Zhi had a secretary named Hu Ban to whom he had entrusted the arrangements for the destruction of his guest.

  Said Wang Zhi, “This Guan Yu is a traitor to the Prime Minister and a fugitive. On the road he has murdered several Commanders of Passes and is guilty of serious crimes. But he is too strong and valiant for any ordinary soldier to overcome. So this evening a whole company of a thousand troops will surround his lodging, each one armed with a torch, and we will burn him. They will start the fire about midnight. Every one of the party will perish. I will come with a force to stand by and assist if necessary.”

  These orders received, Hu Ban passed them on to the soldiers, who began secretly to prepare dry wood and other combustibles which they piled up at the gate of the rest house. Hu Ban thought within himself that he would like to know what manner of man was this Guan Yu, whose fame had spread so far, so he determined to get a peep at the guest. He went to the rest house and inquired where Guan Yu was.

  “The General is the man in the main hall reading,” was the reply.

  Hu Ban noiselessly made his way to the outside of the room and peeped in. He saw the famous warrior stroking his beard with his left hand while he read by the light of a lamp placed on a low table. An involuntary exclamation of wonder escaped at the majesty of the figure.

  “Really a god!” Hu Ban sighed.

  “Who is there?” suddenly asked the reader at the sound. Hu Ban entered and said, “I am the Governor's secretary, Hu Ban.”

  “Surely you are the son of Hu Hua, who lives outside Xuchang,” said Guan Yu.

  “I am he,” replied Hu Ban.

  Then Guan Yu called up his followers and bade them look among the baggage for the letter, which they brought. Guan Yu handed it to the secretary, who read it and then breathed long, saying, “I very nearly caused the death of a good man.”

  Then he betrayed the whole plot, saying, “This Wang Zhi is a wicked man, who wanted to kill you. At this moment you are surrounded, and at the third watch they will set fire to this place. Now I will go and open the city gates while you hastily prepare for flight.”

  Guan Yu was greatly surprised, but he quickly buckled up his armor, got his steed ready, roused the two ladies, and put them into their carriage. Then they left the rest house; and as they passed out, they saw the soldiers all about them, each with a torch. The party hastened to the outskirts of the city and found the gate already open, and they lost no time in getting clear of the city. Hu Ban returned to give orders to fire the rest house.

  The fugitives pressed on; but before long they saw lights coming up behind them, and Wang Zhi called out to them to stop. Guan Yu reined in his horse and began to abuse him, crying, “Worthless fellow! What had you against me that you wished to burn me to death?”

  Wang Zhi whipped up his steed and set his spear, but Guan Yu cut him through with the short sword he wore at his side and scattered his followers.

  Then the carriage pushed on. Guan Yu's heart was filled with gratitude to Hu Ban. When they drew near Huazhou, some one told Liu Yan, who rode out to welcome him. Liu Yan had been once rescued by Guan Yu, who slew Yan Liang and Wen Chou and lifted the siege of the city.

  Guan Yu did not dismount but bowed from horseback, saying, “Have you been quite well since we parted?”

  “Whither are you going, Sir?” replied Liu Yan.

  “I have left the Prime Minister and am on my way to find my brother.”

  “Liu Bei is with Yuan Shao, who is at enmity with the Prime Minister. How can you be allowed to go to him?” asked Liu Yan.

  “That matter was settled long ago.”

  “The Yellow River Ferry is an important point and is guarded by a commander of Xiahou Dun; he will not let you cross.”

  “But suppose then you provide boats for me?”

  “Though there are boats, I dare not give them to you.”

  “Well, formerly I slew Yan Liang and Wen Chou and saved you a grave danger. Now you refuse me a ferry boat!”

  “I am afraid Xiahou Dun will know of it and make it a fault against me.”

  Guan Yu perceived that no help was to be expected from this man, so he pushed on and presently reached the ferry. There the Commander of the Guard, Qin Qi, came out to question him.

  “I am one Guan Yu, Lord of Hanshou.”

  “Whither are you bound?”

  “I go to the North of Yellow River to seek my brother, Liu Bei, and I respectfully ask you to grant me a passage over the river.”

  “Where is the authority of the Prime Minister?”

  “I am not on a mission from the Prime Minister, so why should I have such an authority?”

  “I have orders from my chief to guard the ferry, and you will not cross; even if you grew wings, you should not fly over.”

  Guan Yu's choler arose.

  “Do you know that I have been the death of all those who have hitherto tried to stop me?” said he.

  “You have only slain a few officers of no rank or reputation; but you dare not kill me!”

  “Where would you stand beside Yan Liang and Wen Chou?” asked Guan Yu.

  Qin Qi grew angry, and he loosed his rein. Sword in hand, he came at a gallop. The two met, but in the first encounter Qin Qi's head was swept off by the terrible green-dragon saber.

  “He who opposed me is dead; you others need not be afraid,” cried Guan Yu. “Be quick and prepare me a boat.”

  The boat was soon at the landing, and the two women stepped on board, followed by Guan Yu. They crossed and were then in the country of Yuan Shao. In the course of his journey to this point, Guan Yu had forced five passes and slain six generals.

  His seal hung up, the treasury locked, his

  courtly mansion left,

  He journeyed toward his brother dear, too long

  from his side left.

  The horse he rode was famed for speed as for

  endurance great,

  His good sword made a way for him and

  opened every gate.

  His loyalty and truth forth stand, a pattern

  unto all,

  His valor would frighten rushing streams and

  make high mountains fall.

  Alone he traveled lustily, this was death to meet

  his blade,

  He has been themed by myriads, his glory never

  will fade.

  “I did not willingly slay a single one of them,” mused Guan Yu as he rode along. “There was no help for it. Nevertheless when Cao Cao hears of it, he will regard me as ungrateful for his bounty.”

  Before long he saw a rider on the road who soon hailed him and proved to be Sun Qian.

  “I have never heard a word from you since we lost sight of each other at Runan; how have you fared?” said Guan Yu.

  “After your departure Liu Pi and Gong Du retook the city. I was sent by them to Yuan Shao to try to make peace with him and succeeded, so that Yuan Shao invited Liu Bei to go to him and share in the deliberations for a concerted attack on Cao Cao. But to my disgust the leaders of Yuan Shao's army showed great jealousy of each other so that Tian Feng got into gaol, Ju Shou was degraded, and others quarreled. Then Yuan Shao vacillated and hesitated, so that your brother and I consulted how we might get away from them all. Now the Uncle is at Runan with Liu Pi and, thinking you could not know that and might suffer some harm if you unwillingly went to Yuan Shao, I have come to warn you. It is good fortune to find you like this. Now we can hasten to Runan, and you will meet your brother.”

  Guan Yu took Sun Qian to make his bow to the ladies, who asked after his adventures, and Sun Qian said, “Uncle Liu Bei were nearly executed due to Yuan Shao's sudden bursts of anger after the deaths of Yan Liang and Wen Chou. Now, however, he is out of his way and safe at Runan, and you will meet him soon.”

  The ladies covered their faces and wept at the recital of his dangers. Then the party no longer traveled north but took the road toward Runan. Not long after a great cloud of dust was noticed behin
d them, and that presently made out a hundred of horsemen. These were led by Xiahou Dun, who shouted out to Guan Yu to stop.

  One by one the pass commanders stopped his

  progress and were slain,

  The river crossed, another army comes and he

  must fight again.

  How finally Guan Yu escaped death will appear in the succeeding chapter.

  CHAPTER 28. Putting Cai Yang To Death, The Brothers' Doubts Disappear; Meeting At Gucheng, Lord and Liege Fortify Each Other

  Sun Qian had joined Guan Yu in escorting the two ladies, and they were on the road to Runan when Xiahou Dun suddenly determined to pursue. So with a couple of hundred horse, Xiahou Dun set out. When Xiahou Dun was seen approaching, Guan Yu bade Sun Qian go ahead with the carriage while he remained to deal with the pursuers.

  When they were near enough, Guan Yu said, “In coming after me thus you do not reinforce the magnanimity of your master!”

  Replied Xiahou Dun, “The Prime Minister has sent no definite instructions. You have caused the death of several people, among them one of my commanders, and so I have come to capture you! You have behaved most grossly. The Prime Minister will decide.”

  Thereupon Xiahou Dun dashed forward with his spear ready to thrust. But at that moment a rider came up behind him at full gallop, crying, “You must not fight with Guan Yu!”

  Guan Yu stayed his steed at once and waited. The messenger came up, drew from his bosom an official letter, and said to Xiahou Dun, “The Prime Minister loves General Guan Yu for his loyalty and honor, and fearing lest Guan Yu might be stopped at the various passes, he sent me with this letter to show when necessary at any point on the road.”

  “But this Guan Yu has slain several commanders of the passes; does the Prime Minister know that?” said Xiahou Dun.

  The messenger said these things were unknown.

  “Then,” said Xiahou Dun, “I will arrest him and take him to the Prime Minister, who may set him free or not as he wills.”

  “Do you think I fear anything you can do?” said Guan Yu getting wrathful.

  And he rode forward. Xiahou Dun, nothing loth, set his spear and prepared for battle. They met and had reached the tenth encounter when a second horseman came up at full speed, crying, “Generals, wait a little!”

  Xiahou Dun stayed his hand and asked the messenger, saying, “Am I to arrest him?”

  “No,” replied the messenger. “Fearing lest he should have difficulties at the passes, the Prime Minister has sent me with a dispatch to say he is to be released.”

  “Did the Prime Minister know that he had slain several commanders on the way?”

  “He did not know!” “Since he was ignorant of that, I may not let this Guan Yu go,” and Xiahou Dun gave the signal to his men to close in round Guan Yu.

  But Guan Yu flourished his sword and made to attack them and a fight was again imminent, when a third rider appeared, who cried, “Guan Yu, give way and do not fight!”

  The speaker was Zhang Liao. Both combatants made no further move but awaited his arrival.

  Zhang Liao said, “I bring the Prime Minister's order that since he has heard that Guan Yu has slain certain commanders on the way, he fears that some will hinder his passage. Wherefore he has sent me to deliver his command at each gate that Guan Yu is to be suffered to pass freely.”

  Xiahou Dun said, “Qin Qi was the son of Cai Yang's sister, and he was confided to my especial care. Now this Guan Yu has killed him and how can I refrain?”

  “When I see his uncle Cai Yang, I will explain. But now the main point is that you have the Prime Minister's orders to let Guan Yu pass and you may not despise his wish.”

  So the only thing for Xiahou Dun to do was to retire, and he did.

  “Whither are you going?” then said Zhang Liao to Guan Yu.

  “I fear my brother is no longer with Yuan Shao, and now I am going to find him wherever he is.”

  “As you do not know where to go, why not return to the Prime Minister?”

  “Where is the sense of that?” said Guan Yu with a smile. “But, Zhang Liao, you return, and try to arrange pardon for my faults.”

  With this Guan Yu saluted Zhang Liao and took his leave. Zhang Liao retired and joined Xiahou Dun.

  Guan Yu quickly regained the carriage, and as they went along side by side he told Sun Qian what had happened. Several days later a heavy rain storm came on which soaked everything. Looking about for protection they noticed a farm under the shelter of a precipice and took their way thither. An old man came out to them, to whom they told their story.

  When they had finished, the old fellow said, “My name is Guo Chang, and I have lived here many years. I am very pleased to greet the man whom I have known so long by reputation.”

  Guo Chang quickly killed a sheep for their refreshment and brought out wine for the two men. The two ladies were entertained in the inner apartments. And while they refreshed themselves, their baggage was put out to dry and their steeds were fed.

  As the day closed in, they saw several youths come along, and their host said, “My son is come to pay his respects.”

  “This is my humble son,” said Guo Chang, presenting a lad to Guan Yu.

  “What has he been doing?” asked Guan Yu.

  “He has just come in from hunting.” The young fellow went out. The old man continued, “All my family have been farmers or scholars. He is my only son, and instead of following in the footsteps of his ancestors he cares for nothing but gadding about and hunting, unhappily.”

  “Why unhappily?” said Guan Yu. “In these days of disorder a good soldier can make a name for himself.”

  “If he would only learn the military arts, that would be something of a career; but he is nothing but a vagabond and does everything he should not. He is a grief to me.”

  Guan Yu sighed in sympathy. The old gentleman stayed till a late hour; and when he took his leave, his two guests began to prepare for rest.

  Suddenly outside there arose a great hubbub, men shouting and horses neighing. Guan Yu called to his people; but as no one answered, he and Sun Qian drew their swords and went into the stable yard. There they found their host's son on the ground shouting to his followers to fight.

  Guan Yu asked what it was all about, and his guards told him, “The young fellow had tried to steal Red-Hare, but had been badly kicked. We heard shouting and went to see what it meant when his men had set on us.”

  Guan Yu was very wrathful.

  “You mean thieves! Would you steal my horse?” cried he.

  But before he could do anything, his host came running out, saying, “It was not with my consent that my son did this evil thing. I know he is very guilty and deserves death. But his mother loves him tenderly, and I pray you be generous and pardon him!”

  “Really he is unworthy of his father,” said Guan Yu. “What you told me shows he is a degenerate. For your sake I pardon him.”

  Then Guan Yu told his own people to keep a better lookout, sent the people about their business and, in company with Sun Qian, went away to rest.

  Next morning both host and hostess were up betimes waiting to thank Guan Yu for forgiving their son's mad freak.

  “My son has insulted your tiger dignity, I know, and I am deeply affected by your kindness in not punishing him,” said the old man.

  “Bring him here and I will talk to him,” said Guan Yu.

  “He went out before daylight with a lot of his fellow rogues, and I know not where he is.”

  So Guan Yu bade them farewell, got the ladies into their carriage, and they moved out of the farmyard; Guan Yu and Sun Qian riding abreast as escort. They took the road toward the hills.

  Before they had gone far, they saw a large party of men, led by a couple of riders, pouring down one of the gullies. One of the riders wore a yellow turban and a battle robe. The other was Guo Chang's son.

  The wearer of the turban called out, saying, “I am one of the commanders of Zhang Jue the Lord of Heaven.
Whoever you may be, leave that horse you are riding for me. You may then go free!”

  Guan Yu greeted the speech with a hearty laugh.

  “O you mad ignoramus! If you had ever been with Zhang Jue as a bandit, you would have learned to know Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, the three brothers.”

  “I have heard of the ruddy long beard called Guan Yu, but I have never seen him. Who may you be?”

  Guan Yu then laid aside his sword, stopped his horse, and drew off the bag that covered his beard thus showing its magnificence.

  The turban wearer immediately slipped out of the saddle, laid an angry hand on his companion, and they both bowed low in front of Guan Yu's steed.

  “Who are you?” asked Guan Yu.

  “I am Pei Yuanshao. After the death of Zhang Jue, I was left forlorn; and I got together a few others like myself, and we took refuge in the forests. This morning early this fellow came to tell us that a guest at his father's farm had a valuable horse and proposed to me to steal it. I did not think I should meet you, General.”

  The wretched Guo Chang's son implored that his life might be spared, and Guan Yu pardoned him for his father's sake. Then Guan Yu covered his face and crept away.

  “You did not recognize me; how then did you know my name?” asked Guan Yu.

  Pei Yuanshao replied, “Not far from here is a mountain called the Sleeping Bull, where lives a certain Zhou Cang, a very powerful man who came from the west. He has a stiff curly beard and looks very handsome. He also was a commander in the rebel army, who took to the forest when his leader perished. He has told me a lot about you, but I have never had the happiness of seeing you.”