Three Kingdoms Romance

by Guanzhong Luo

  Too soon surrendered, yielding all but life.

  In gifts Zhuge Liang was peer with

  Guan Zhong and Yue Yi,

  His hapless death compared with

  Zhang Fei's and Guan Yu's;

  Sad sight, his temple on the river's brink!

  It wrings the heart more than the tearful verse

  Of the Liangfu songs he most loved.

  In due time Jiang Xian reached the Saber Pass, and gave Jiang Wei the Latter Ruler's command to surrender to the invaders. Jiang Wei was dumb with amazement at the order; his officers ground their teeth with rage and mortification. Their hair stood on end with anger; they drew their swords and slashed at stones in their wrath, shouting, “While we are fighting to our death, the Latter Ruler has yielded!”

  The roar of their angry lamentation was heard for miles. But Jiang Wei soothed them with kindly words, saying, “Generals, grieve not; even yet I can restore the House of Han.”

  “How?” cried they.

  And he whispered low in their ears.

  The flag of surrender fluttered over the ramparts of Saber Pass, and a messenger went to Zhong Hui's camp. When Jiang Wei and his generals drew near, Zhong Hui went out to meet them.

  “Why have you been so long in coming?” said Zhong Hui.

  Jiang Wei looked him straight in the face and said, without a tremor, but through falling tears, “The whole armies of the state are under me, and I am here far too soon.”

  Zhong Hui wondered about this firm remark, and said nothing more. The two saluted each other and took their seats, Jiang Wei being placed in the seat of honor.

  Jiang Wei said, “I hear that every detail of your plans, from the time you left the South of River Huai till now, has been accomplished. The good fortune of the Sima family is owing to you, and so I am the more content to bow my head and yield to you. Had it been Deng Ai, I should have fought to the death, for I would not have surrendered to him.”

  Then Zhong Hui broke an arrow in twain, and they two swore close brotherhood. Their friendship became close-knit. Jiang Wei was continued in command of his own army, at which he secretly rejoiced. And Jiang Xian went back to Chengdu.

  As conqueror, Deng Ai arranged for the administration of the newly-gained territory. He made Shi Zuan Imperial Protector of Yiazhou and appointed Qian Hong, Yang Xin, and many others to various posts. He also built a tower in Mianzhu in commemoration of his conquest.

  At a great banquet, where most of the guests were people of the newly-conquered land, Deng Ai drank too freely and in his cups became garrulous.

  With a patronizing wave of his hand, he said to his guests, “You are lucky in that you have had to do with me. Things might well have been otherwise, and you might all have been put to death, if you surrender to other leader.”

  The guests rose in a body and expressed their gratitude. Just at that moment Jiang Xian arrived from his visit to Jiang Wei to say that Jiang Wei and his army had surrendered to Zhong Hui. Deng Ai thereupon conceived a great hatred for Zhong Hui, and soon after he wrote to Luoyang a letter something like this:

  “I would venture to remark that misleading rumors of war should precede actual attack. Now that Shu has been

  overcome, the manifest next move is against Wu, and in present circumstances victory would easily follow an attack. But after a great effort, both leaders and led are weary and unfit for immediate service. Therefore of this army twenty thousand Wei troops should be left west of Longyou, and with them twenty thousand Shu troops, to be employed in boiling salt so as to improve the finances. Moreover, ships should be built ready for an expedition down the river. When these preparations shall be complete, then send an envoy into Wu to lay before its rulers the truth about its position. It is possible that matters may be settled without any fighting.

  “Further, generous treatment of Liu Shan will tend to weaken Sun Xiu; but if Liu Shan be removed to Luoyang, the people of Wu will be perplexed and doubtful about what may happen to them, and they will not be amenable. Therefore it seems the most fitting to leave the late Ruler of Shu here. Next year, in the winter season, he might be removed to the capital. For the present I would recommend that he be created Prince of Fufeng, and granted a sufficient revenue and suitable attendants. His sons also should receive ducal rank. In this way would be demonstrated that favorable treatment follows upon submission. Such a course would inspire fear of the might of Wei and respect for its virtue, and the result will be all that could be desired.”

  Reading this memorial, the thought entered the mind of Sima Zhao that Deng Ai was exaggerating his own importance, wherefore he first wrote a private letter and sent it by the hand of Wei Guan to Deng Ai and then caused the Ruler of Wei to issue an edict promoting Deng Ai. The edict ran thus:

  “General Deng Ai has performed a glorious exploit, penetrating deeply into a hostile country and reducing to

  submission a usurping potentate. This task has been quickly performed; the clouds of war have already rolled away and peace reigns throughout Ba and Shu.

  “The merits of Deng Ai surpass those of Bai Qi, who subdued the mighty state of Chu, and Han Xin, who conquered the state of Zhao. Deng Ai is created Grand Commander, and we confer upon him a fief of twenty thousand homesteads, and his two sons are ennobled, each with a fief of one thousand homesteads.”

  After the edict had been received with full ceremonies, Wei Guan produced the private letter, which said that Deng Ai's proposals would have suitable consideration in due time.

  Then said Deng Ai, “A general in the field may decline to obey even the orders of his prince. My commission was to conquer the west; why are my plans hindered?”

  So he wrote a reply and sent it to the capital by the hand of the envoy. At that time it was common talk at court that Deng Ai intended to rebel; and when Sima Zhao read the letter, his suspicions turned to certainty, and he feared. This was the letter:

  “Deng Ai, General Who Conquers the West, has reduced the chief of the revolt to submission, and must have

  authority to act according as he sees best in order to settle the early stages of administration of the new territory. To await government orders for every step means long delays. According to the Spring and Autumn Annals a high officer, when abroad, has authority to follow his own judgment for the safety of the Throne and the advantage of the state.

  “Now seeing that Wu is still unsubdued, all interest centers upon this country, and schemes of settlement should not be nullified by strict adherence to rules and formalities. In war advances are made without thought of reputation, retreats without consideration of avoiding punishment. Though I do not possess the fortitude of the ancients, I shall not be deterred from acting for the benefit of the state by craven and selfish fears for my own reputation.”

  In his perplexity Sima Zhao turned to Jia Chong for advice.

  Said he, “Deng Ai presumes upon his services to be haughty and imperious; his recalcitrance is very evident. What shall I do?”

  “Why not order Zhong Hui to reduce him to obedience?” replied Jia Chong.

  Sima Zhao accepted the suggestion and issued an edict raising Zhong Hui to Minister of the Interior. After this the Inspector of the Forces, Wei Guan, was set over both armies, with special orders to keep a watch upon Deng Ai and guard against any attempt at insubordination.

  The edict sent to Zhong Hui ran as follows:

  “Zhong Hui, General Who Conquers the West, against whose might none can stand, before whom no one is strong,

  whose virtue conquers every city, whose wide net no one escapes, to whom the valiant army of Shu humbly submitted, whose plans never fail, whose every undertaking succeeds, is hereby made Minister of the Interior and raised to the rank of lordship of a fief of ten thousand families. His two sons also have similar rank with a fief of one thousand families.”

  When this edict reached Zhong Hui, he called in Jiang Wei and said to him, “Deng Ai has been rewarded more richly than I and is a Grand Commander. But Sima
Zhao suspects him of rebellion and has ordered Wei Guan and myself to keep him in order. What does my friend Jiang Wei think ought to be done?”

  Jiang Wei replied, “They say Deng Ai's origin was ignoble and in his youth he was a farmer and breeder of cattle. However, he had good luck and has won a great reputation in this expedition. But this is due not to his able plans, but to the good fortune of the state. If you had not been compelled to hold me in check at Saber Pass, he could not have succeeded. Now he wishes the late Ruler of Shu to be created Prince of Fufeng, whereby he hopes to win the goodwill of the people of Shu. But to me it seems that perfidy lies therein. The Duke of Jin suspects him, it is evident.”

  Zhong Hui complimented him. Jiang Wei continued, “If you will send away your people, I have something to say to you in private.”

  When this had been done and they two were alone, Jiang Wei drew a map from his sleeve and spread it before Zhong Hui, saying, “Long ago, before he had left his humble cot. Zhuge Liang gave this to the First Ruler and told him of the riches of Yiazhou and how well it was fitted for an independent state. Whereupon Chengdu was seized as a first step towards attaining it. Now that Deng Ai has got to the same point, it is small

  wonder that he has lost his balance.”

  Zhong Hui asked many questions about the details of the features of the map, and Jiang Wei explained in full. Toward the end, he asked how Deng Ai could be got rid of.

  “By making use of the Duke of Jin's suspicions,” replied Jiang Wei. “Send up a memorial to say that it looks as if Deng Ai really contemplated rebellion. You will receive direct orders to check the revolt.”

  So a memorial was sent to Luoyang. It said that Deng Ai aimed at independence, nourished base designs, was making friends with the vanquished, and was about to revolt.

  At this news the court was much disturbed. Then to support his charges, Zhong Hui's soldiers intercepted Deng Ai's letters and rewrote them in arrogant and rebellious terms. Sima Zhao was greatly angered and sent Jia Chong to lead an expedition into the Xie Valley, he ordered Zhong Hui to arrest Deng Ai, and he himself directing a great march under the leadership of the Ruler of Wei, Cao Huang, whom he compelled to go with him.

  Then said Shao Ti, “Zhong Hui's army outnumbers that of Deng Ai by six to one. You need not go; you need only order Zhong Hui to arrest Deng Ai.”

  “Have you forgotten?” said Sima Zhao, smiling. “You said Zhong Hui was a danger; I am not really going against Deng Ai, but against the other.”

  “I feared lest you had forgotten,” said Shao Ti. “I ventured to remind you, but the matter must be kept secret.”

  The expedition set out.

  By this time Zhong Hui's attitude had aroused Jia Chong's suspicions, and he spoke of it to Sima Zhao, who replied, “Had I sent you, I should have felt doubts, too. However, come to Changan and you will understand.”

  The dispatch of the army under Sima Zhao was reported to Zhong Hui, who wondered what it might mean. He at once called in Jiang Wei to consult about the seizure of Deng Ai.

  Lo! He is victor here, a king must yield;

  And there a threatening army takes the field.

  The next chapter will relate the plan to arrest Deng Ai.

  CHAPTER 119. The False Surrender: A Wit Scheme Becomes A Vain Plan; The Abdication: Later Seeds Learns From The Ancient.

  Asked to say what was the best plan to secure the arrest of Deng Ai, Jiang Wei said, “Send Wei Guan. If Deng Ai tries to kill Wei Guan, he will manifest the desire of his heart. Then you can destroy him as a traitor.”

  Hence Wei Guan was sent, with some thirty men, to effect the arrest.

  Wei Guan's own people saw the danger of the enterprise and urged him not to go, saying, “Zhong Hui clearly wants Deng Ai to kill you to prove his point.”

  But Wei Guan said, “Do not worry. I have a scheme prepared.”

  Wei Guan first wrote a score or two of letters, all in the same terms, saying: “Wei Guan has orders to arrest Deng Ai, but no other persons will be dealt with providing they submit quickly. Rewards await those who obey the Imperial Command. However, the punishment for laggards and those who are contumacious will be death to the whole family.”

  Wei Guan sent these letters to various officers who were serving under Deng Ai. He also prepared two cage carts.

  Wei Guan and his small party reached Chengdu about cockcrow and found waiting for him most of the officers to whom he had written. They at once yielded. Deng Ai was still asleep when the party reached his palace, but Wei Guan entered and forced his way into Deng Ai's chamber.

  He roared out: “I serve the Son of Heaven's command to arrest Deng Ai and his son!”

  The noise awakened the sleeper, who tumbled off his couch in alarm. But before Deng Ai could do anything to defend himself, he was seized, securely bound, and huddled into one of the carts. Deng Ai's son, Deng Zhong, rushed in at the noise, but was also made prisoner and thrust into the other cart. Many generals and attendants in the Palace want to attempt a rescue, but before they had prepared, they saw dust arose outside, and Zhong Hui with an army was close at hand, thus they scattered.

  Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei dismounted at the Palace gates and entered. The former, seeing both the Dengs prisoners, struck the elder about the head and face with his whip and insulted him, saying, “Vile cattle breeder! How dare you have your own scheme?”

  Nor was Jiang Wei backward.

  “You fool! See what your good luck has brought you today!” cried he.

  And Deng Ai replied in kind. Zhong Hui at once sent off both the prisoners to Luoyang, and then entered Chengdu in state. He added all Deng Ai's army to his own forces, so that he became very formidable.

  “Today I have attained the one desire of my life,” cried Zhong Hui.

  Jiang Wei replied, “At the beginning of Han, Han Xin hearkened not to Kuai Tong to establish his own kingdom, and so blundered into trouble at the Weiyang Palace, where he met his fate. In Yue, High Minister Wen Zhong would not follow Fan Li into retirement on the lakes, and so fell victim to a sword. No one would say these two — Han Xin and Wen Zhong — were not brilliant, but they did not scent danger early enough. Now, Sir, your merit is great and your prestige overwhelming that of your prince, but why do you risk future dangers? Why not sail off in a boat leaving no trace of your going? Why not go to Mount Omi and wander free with Master Red-Pine?”

  Zhong Hui smiled.

  “I do not think your advice much to the point. I am a young man, not forty yet, and think rather of going on than halting. I could not take up a do-nothing hermit's life.”

  “If you do not, then take heed and prepare for dangers. Think out a careful course, as you are well able to do. You need not trouble any old fool for advice.”

  Zhong Hui laughed loud and rubbed his hands together with glee.

  “How well you know my thoughts, my friend!” said he.

  They two became absorbed in the plans for their grand scheme.

  But Jiang Wei wrote a secret letter to the Latter Ruler, saying:

  “I pray Your Majesty be patient and put up with humiliations for a season, for Jiang Wei, your humble servant, will

  have the country restored in good time. The sun and moon are all the more glorious when they burst through the dark clouds. The House of Han is not yet done.”

  While Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei were planning how best to outwit each other, but both being against Wei, there suddenly arrived a letter from Sima Zhao, saying, “I am at Changan with an army lest there should be any difficulty in disposing of Deng Ai. I need you to come to discuss state affairs.”

  Zhong Hui divined the real purport at once.

  “He suspects,” said Zhong Hui. “He knows quite well that my army outnumbers that of Deng Ai many times and I could do what he wishes easily. There is more than that in his coming.”

  He consulted Jiang Wei, who said, “When the prince suspects a minister, that minister dies. Have we not seen Deng Ai?”

  “This
decides me,” replied Zhong Hui. “Success, and the empire is mine; failure, and I go west into Shu to be another Liu Bei, but without his mistakes.”

  Jiang Wei said, “Empress Guo of Wei has just died. You can pretend she left you a command to destroy Sima Zhao, the real murderer of the Emperor. Your talents are quite sufficient to conquer the empire.”

  “Will you lead the van?” said Zhong Hui. “When success is ours, we will share the spoil.”

  “The little I can do, I will do most willingly,” said Jiang Wei. “But I am not sure of the support of all our subordinates.”

  “Tomorrow is the Feast of Lanterns, and we can gather in the Palace for the congratulations. There will be grand illuminations, and we will prepare a banquet for the officers, whereat we can kill all those who will not follow us.”

  At this, the heart of Jiang Wei leapt with joy. Invitations were sent out in the joint names of the two conspirators, and the feast began. After several courses, suddenly Zhong Hui lifted his cup and broke into wailing.

  Everyone asked what was the cause of this grief, and Zhong Hui replied. “The Empress has just died, but before her death she gave me an edict, which is here, recounting the crimes of Sima Zhao and charging him with aiming at the Throne. I am commissioned to destroy him, and you all must join me in the task.”

  The guests stared at each other in amazement, but no one uttered a word. Then the host suddenly drew his sword, crying, “Here is death for those who oppose!”

  Not one was bold enough to refuse, and, one by one, they all signed a promise to help. As further security, they were all kept prisoners in the Palace under careful guard.

  “They are not really with us,” said Jiang Wei. “I venture to request you to bury them.”

  “A great pit has been already dug,” replied his brother host. “And I have a lot of clubs ready. We can easily club those who disagree and bury them in the pit.”

  As Jiang Wei and Zhong Hui discussed the matter, General Qiu Jian, a man in the confidence of the conspirators, was present. He had once served under Commander Hu Lie, who was one of the imprisoned guests, and thus he found means to warn his former chief.