Three Kingdoms Romance

by Guanzhong Luo

  “You once pleaded with your master to keep me out; why are you here now?”

  “Because the prudent bird chooses its perch and the wise person his master. I did attempt to dissuade Liu Zhang of Yiazhou from a course which I felt to be disastrous, and thereby fulfilled my duty as his servant. He rejected my counsel, and I knew he would fail. Your liberality, O General, has won over all the region, and success must be yours. I wish to serve under your banner.”

  “Your services will surely be of great advantage to me, Sir,” said Liu Bei.

  Then Li Hui began to talk of Ma Chao, “I knew him when we were in Longxi together. He is now in great straits, and I may be able to talk him over. What say you?”

  “Just the man to go instead of me,” interjected Zhuge Liang. “But what arguments will you use?”

  Li Hui leaned over and whispered in his ear thus and thus. What he said seemed to please Zhuge Liang mightily, and he was bidden to go forthwith.

  Arrived at the camp, Li Hui sent in his name, at which Ma Chao remarked, “Yes; I know him — a glib and specious persuader. I know what he has come for too.”

  So Ma Chao placed a score of armed ruffians in hiding about his tent and told them to cut the visitor to pieces if the signal was given.

  Then the guest was led in and came walking proudly. His host remained seated stiff and upright. Ma Chao spoke roughly, saying, “What are you come for?”

  “I am here as persuader.”

  “This sword here in the scabbard is newly ground. You may try me by words, but if the words do not penetrate, I shall ask you to try the sword.”

  Li Hui smiled, saying, “O, General, evil is not far off. However, I am thinking the newly ground sword will not be tried on my head. You will want to try it on your own!”

  “What evil were you talking about?”

  “The worst vilification could not hide the beauty of Lady Xi Shi of Yue, nor could the most fulsome praise gloze over the ugliness of Lady Wuyan of Qi ((two states of old)). The sun rises to the meridian and then declines; the moon waxes to the full and then wanes. All things obey the one law. Now, General, you are at enmity with Cao Cao for your father's death, and in Longxi you carry a stubborn, grinding hate for your family's death. You can neither rescue Liu Zhang by repulsing the army from Jingzhou, nor can you settle Yang Song by getting an interview with Zhang Lu. The whole world now holds no place for a person without a lord; and if you experience further defeats, like that one on River Wei, or the loss of Jicheng, will you not be too shamed to look any human in the face?”

  Ma Chao bowed his head, saying, “You speak well, Sir. But I am helpless.”

  “Now that you listen to me, I would ask why those fearsome ruffians are in hiding by your tent?” continued Li Hui.

  Ma Chao, suddenly stricken with shame, ordered them to retire. Li Hui continued his speech.

  “Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle, is considerate to his subordinates, and I am certain he will succeed, and so I have forsaken Liu Zhang to cleave to him. Your honored father joined him in destroying rebels. Why do you not flee from darkness into the light? Thereby you would avenge your father and become famous.”

  Ma Chao, convinced of the wisdom of the course thus recommended, proved his conversion by sending for Yang Bo and slaying him forthwith. Taking with him the head of his victim, Ma Chao accompanied Li Hui to the Pass and tendered his submission. Liu Bei welcomed him warmly and treated him as a highly honored guest.

  Ma Chao bowed his head, saying, “Meeting you, O Illustrious Lord, is like seeing the clear sky when the clouds have been swept aside.”

  When Sun Qian returned from Yang Song's place, Liu Bei detached a force to go to the capture of Chengdu, left two generals, Meng Da and Huo Jun to guard Jiameng Pass, and made a triumphant entry into Mianzhu with the welcome of Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong.

  Two generals of the Western Land of Rivers, Ma Han and Liu Jun, came to oppose Liu Bei, but Zhao Yun went out against them while Liu Bei was entertaining Ma Chao at a banquet on the city wall. Ere it had concluded, Zhao Yun slew both the generals and brought their heads to the banquet chamber. This exploit put Ma Chao on his mettle and doubled his respect for the conquerors.

  “Let not my lord attack,” said Ma Chao. “I will make Liu Zhang surrender of his own accord. Should he resist, my brother Ma Dai and I will take the city and offer it to you with both hands.” Liu Bei was very pleased with the course of events; the day was indeed one of rejoicing.

  But Liu Zhang was greatly distressed at the news of his fresh misfortunes, which reached him with the return of his defeated soldiers. He barred the gates and stopped all exits. Before long came news of the approach of Ma Chao with an army of rescue. The Imperial Protector then ventured to mount the walls, and soon Ma Chao and Ma Dai rode up and stood below the ramparts.

  And Ma Chao called out, “I wish to speak with Liu Zhang.”

  Then Liu Zhang showed himself, and Ma Chao plunged into the matter without more ado.

  “I took the leadership of Zhang Lu's army to rescue Yiazhou, little thinking that, under the calumnious advice of Yang Song, Zhang Lu would try to slay me. However, now I have gone over to the side of Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle, and advise you, Sir, to do the same, you and all your officers. Thereby you will all escape harm. If any one holds on a misguided course, I shall take the city.”

  Such words came as a shock, and Liu Zhang paled. His feelings overcame him and he swooned.

  When he came to his senses, he muttered, “I am stupid and I am sorry. Better open the gates and end it. The city will be saved.”

  “No, no,” cried Dong He. “There are thirty thousand of good soldiers in the city and ample money and stores for a year to come. Hold out!”

  But Liu Zhang was broken, saying, “My father and I have ruled Shu for twenty years and have done no particular good for the people. And we have fought for three years; the grass has been be stained with the blood of my people; and the fault is mine. I could not bear it, and so I see no better way than to surrender, whereby I may bring peace to the people.”

  Those about him wept. One man spoke, saying, “You speak as Heaven guides you.”

  Turning toward him they recognized a man of Baxi named Qiao Zhou, who had the reputation of being an astrologer.

  “I have studied the aspect of the heavens and a multitude of stars gathered over the west, one of which shone as the full moon: a right royal star. And I recall a popular couplet of last year:

  “When comes the ruler from the east,

  Then may you on new rice feast.

  “None can withstand the decree of the Most High.”

  Liu Ba and Huang Quan, who heard these words, were very angry at such a speech and rose up to smite the speaker. But Liu Zhang stayed them.

  Next came news that Xu Jing, the Governor of the Shu District, had gone over to the invaders. This was the last blow. Liu Zhang went home weeping.

  Next day they reported that Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle, had sent Jian Yong as legate to visit Liu Zhang and he was even then at the city gate. Jian Yong was admitted, and he entered, riding in a carriage and looking about him most haughtily. Suddenly he was hailed from the street by a man with a sword in his hand, who cried, “You have got your wish, wretched creature, and you seem to think there is no one to compare with you. But do not look so contemptuously at us of Shu.”

  Jian Yong quickly got out of his carriage to speak to the speaker, who was a man of Mianzhu named Qin Mi.

  “Worthy brother,” said Jian Yong, “I did not recognize you. I pray you not to be angry.”

  Both then went to visit Liu Zhang, and they spoke of the liberality and broad-mindedness of Liu Bei, said he had no intention to harm any one, and praised him to such effect that Liu Zhang then and there made up his mind finally that he would give up the struggle. So he treated Jian Yong very honorably that day.

  And the next day, taking his seal and insignia if of office and his archives, he accompanied Jian Yong out of the city an
d went to Liu Bei's camp. Liu Bei came out in person to receive him.

  Taking Liu Zhang by the hand, Liu Bei wept, saying, “It is not that I wish to act cruelly or wrongly; I am the victim of circumstances and cannot help it.”

  They entered the camp together, where the seal of office and the documents changed hands. Afterwards they rode into the city side by side. The people gave Liu Bei a cordial welcome, burning incense and illuminating the city. The victor went to the residence of the chief of the region, where he took his seat and was saluted by all the subordinate officials.

  However, Huang Quan and Liu Ba stayed away from the ceremony. This annoyed the more violent of Liu Bei's supporters, and they wished to kill the delinquents. But Liu Bei would not allow violence and threatened condign punishment to any one who might interfere with these two. When the reception was over, Liu Bei went to visit the two recalcitrants, whereupon both came out and made their obeisance.

  Said Zhuge Liang to Liu Bei, “We have vanquished, and all opposition in Yiazhou is at an end. But there cannot be two rulers, so you must remove Liu Zhang to Jingzhou.”

  “But I do not wish to exile him,” said Liu Bei.

  “He lost his prestige through weakness. If you are weak and undecided, you also will not last long.”

  Liu Bei saw his advice was good, and so he gave a great banquet whereat he begged Liu Zhang to pack up his treasures and prepare to move. He gave the dispossessed Imperial Protector the title General Who Spreads Prestige. Liu Zhang went away to Gongan in Jingzhou, taking with him his family and all his possessions.

  Liu Bei thus became Imperial Protector of Yiazhou. He conferred gifts on the civil and military officers who joined him, confirming their ranks and titles. Yan Yan was made General of the Front Army; Fa Zheng, Governor of the Shu District; Dong He and Xu Jing, Imperial Commanders; Liu Ba, General of the Left Army; Huang Quan, General of the Right Army; and others of Shu officers whose aid had been conspicuous were given high ranks and finer titles under the new rule, and the total of more than sixty of them were well rewarded.

  Naturally, honors were distributed freely to Liu Bei's immediate helpers, to whose efforts he owed his position. Zhuge Liang was held Directing Instructor; Guan Yu, General Who Destroys Rebels and Lord of Hanshou; Zhang Fei, General Who Subdues Rebels and Lord of Xinxian; Zhao Yun, General Who Guards the West; Huang Zhong, General Who Conquers the West; Wei Yan, General Who Wages Successful War; Ma Chao, General Who Pacifies the West. Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Ma Liang, Ma Su, Jiang Wan, Yi Ji, Liu Feng, Guan Ping, Liao Hua, Zhou Cang, and others, many of whom had come to Liu Bei from Jingzhou, received promotions and rewards.

  In addition, a special gift of five hundred ounces of gold, a thousand ounces of silver, much copper money, and a thousand rolls of Xichuan silk, was sent to Guan Yu. And all the military and civil officers were given appointments. Huge numbers of oxen and horses were slaughtered for banquets to the army, and the contents of the granaries were given to the common people. So that there were great rejoicings.

  Yiazhou being settled, Liu Bei next desired to confiscate the lands of the more famous of the inhabitants about Capital Chengdu and divide them among his officers.

  But here Zhao Yun and others dissuaded him, saying, “The sufferings of the people have been severe and losses great; it would be wise policy to let them settle down to their occupations as soon as possible. It would be wrong to reward our own people at the expense of these people.”

  Liu Bei listened and gave in with good grace.

  To Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei assigned the revision of the laws, the punishments to be made, on the whole, heavy.

  Then Fa Zheng spoke up, “The founder of the Hans, Liu Bang, drew up three chapters of law, and the people were all profoundly affected by his virtue. I would rather that the laws be few and liberal that people may be comforted.”

  Zhuge Liang replied, “You only look at one side. The laws of Qin 1 were fiercely cruel and provoked resentment among the people; it was fitting that the Supreme Ancestor should temper them with kindness. Under the weak administration of Liu Zhang, there has never been an efficient government, and there is a lack of respect for the law. The proper relationship between ruler and minister has been gradually obscured. Favor has been the means of rising, and the highest in rank have been the basest; kindness has been extended into license, and the most benefited have been the most contemptuous. And thereby have crept in many evils. Now I mean to inculcate respect for the dignity of the law, and kindness shall follow its attainment: there shall be moderation in conferring rank, but honor shall really follow on such promotion. In the mutual cooperation of kindness and honor and in proper distinction between superiors and inferiors lies the efficiency of a government.”

  Fa Zheng had no argument to oppose. In due time all became perfectly tranquil, and all the forty-one counties, with their respective garrisons, were peaceful and contented.

  As Governor of the Shu District, Fa Zheng earned much hatred, caring for no one but himself, and one person told of the complaints to Zhuge Liang, urging his dismissal.

  But Zhuge Liang referred to his meritorious services, saying, “When my lord was in Jingzhou, fearful of his enemy on the north and trembling lest he be attacked from the east, Fa Zheng was his sure support. In these prosperous days one can hardly begin to discipline him. Could we reasonably forbid him following somewhat his own way?”

  So no investigation was made, but Fa Zheng heard of the complaints and corrected his faults.

  One day, when Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang were resting and at leisure, Guan Ping arrived with a letter from his father, thanking his elder brother for the handsome gifts. Making obeisance and handing in his letter, Guan Ping said, “My father was anxious to come into Yiazhou to try conclusions with Ma Chao.”

  Said Liu Bei, “If he were to come and fight, I fear they would not both survive.”

  “There is nothing to be anxious about,” said Zhuge Liang. “I will write to Guan Yu.”

  Liu Bei feared that his brother's impulsive temperament might lead to trouble, so he told Zhuge Liang to compose a letter and send back by Guan Ping.

  When Guan Ping came again to his father, the first question was: “Did you mention the contest with Ma Chao?”

  Then the letter was produced, and this is what it said:

  “I hear you are anxious to decide whether of the twain, Ma Chao or yourself, is the better man. Now I can measure

  Ma Chao. He may be unusually brave and bold, but he is only of the class of Ying Bu and Peng Yue of old. He might be a worthy rival of your younger brother, but he is far from the standard set by you, O Lord of the Beautiful Beard. You have a most important charge. If you come into the Western Land of Rivers, and Jingzhou should be lost, would you not be guilty of a terrible failure? I think you will see this.”

  Guan Yu stroked his long beard and smiled as he read the letter.

  “The Instructor knows me thoroughly,” said he to himself.

  He showed the letter to his clients and friends and thought no more of going westward.

  The successes of Liu Bei in the west had been duly noted by Sun Quan, who thought he was surely now going to obtain the much-coveted Jingzhou. So he called in Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong to ask advice.

  Sun Quan said, “When Liu Bei occupied Jingzhou temporarily, he pledged he would return the region to the South Land when he would possess Yiazhou. Now he has taken the forty-one counties of the Western Land of Rivers; if Jingzhou is not returned, I will take it by force.”

  Zhang Zhao said, “I have already a scheme that will need no fighting; Liu Bei will offer the place to you with both hands.”

  In Shu there shine new sun and moon,

  Wu dreams Jingzhou will be his soon.

  We shall see in the next chapter the scheme to recover the much-desired region.

  CHAPTER 66. Armed With Sword, Guan Yu Goes To A Feast Alone; For The State, Empress Fu Offers Her Life.

  The scheme, which Zhang Zh
ao had in mind, he laid before his master thus: “The one man upon whom Liu Bei relies most is Zhuge Liang. Now his brother is in your service and in your power. All you have to do is to seize Zhuge Jin's family and send him west to see Zhuge Liang and make Zhuge Liang persuade Liu Bei to return Jingzhou. If Liu Bei refuses, the family of Zhuge Jin will suffer, and Zhuge Liang will not be able to resist the claims of brotherhood.”

  “But Zhuge Jin is a loyal and true gentleman. I could not lay hands upon his family!” said Sun Quan.

  “Explain the ruse to him; that will set his mind at rest,” said Zhang Zhao.

  Sun Quan consented and issued the command to confine the family of his retainer in the palace but not really imprison them. Then he wrote a letter for Zhuge Jin to take with him on his mission. Before many days Zhuge Jin reached Chengdu and sent to inform Liu Bei of his arrival.

  Liu Bei at once sought the advice of Zhuge Liang.

  “Why think you your brother has come?”

  “He has come to force the return of Jingzhou.”

  “How shall I answer him?”

  “You must do so and so,” said Zhuge Liang.

  The plan of action being prepared, Zhuge Liang went out of the city to welcome his brother; but instead of taking him to his own residence, Zhuge Liang took him to the guest-house. When the greetings were over, the visitor suddenly lifted up his voice and wept.

  “If you have any trouble, my brother, tell; why do you weep thus?” asked Zhuge Liang.

  “Alas! My family are lost!” cried he.

  “I suppose it is in the matter of the return of Jingzhou? If your family have been seized on my account, how can I bear it calmly? But do not be anxious, my brother. I shall certainly find some way out of the difficulty.”

  This reply pleased Zhuge Jin, and the two brothers went to visit Liu Bei.

  The letter of Sun Quan was presented, but when Liu Bei had read it he said, angrily, “He is related to me by marriage, and he has profited by my absence from Jingzhou to steal away his sister. That is a sort of kindliness I find it hard to bear. When I am just going to lead my army to the South Land to take vengeance, is it likely he will get Jingzhou out of me?”