Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 1 (Tuttle Classics)

by Lo Kuan-Chung

  All were sorry for him, for he was a man of great talents and they begged that he might be spared. The Preceptor Ma secretly interceded for him, pointing out that he was famous as a scholar, that he could write glorious history, and that it was inadvisable to put to death a man renowned for rectitude. But in vain. The Great Councillor was now strong and obdurate.

  “Ssu-ma Ch’ien was spared and employed on the annals, with the result that many slanderous stories have been handed down to us. This is a trying period of great perplexity and we dare not let a specious fellow like this wield his pencil in criticism of those about the court of a youthful prince and abuse us as he will.”

  Remonstrance and appeal being vain Ma retired. But he said to his colleagues,“Is Wang Yun then careless of the future? Worthy men are the mainstay of the State: laws are the canons of action. To destroy the mainstay and nullify the laws is to hasten destruction.”

  As was just said Wang Yun was obdurate. The man whose offence was an expression of gratitude was thrown into prison and there strangled. The people of that day wept for him, for they refused to see any offence in what he had done and death was a harsh punishment.

  Tung, the harsh dictator,

  Tyrannised the State,

  Fell and his sole mourner

  Shared his direful fate.

  Chuko in seclusion

  Was content to dream,

  Felt his worth and never

  Helped a traitor’s scheme.

  Those of his adherents whom Tung Cho had left to guard his city fled when their master was slain and went into Shensi. Thence they sent in a memorial entreating amnesty. But Wang Yun would not hear of it. Four of them were the chief instruments of Cho’s aggressions. Now though a general amnesty were proclaimed these men should be excluded from its benefit.

  The messenger returned and told the four there was no hope of pardon and they could only flee.

  Adviser Chia Hsu said,“If we throw away our arms and flee singly then we shall fall easy victims to any village beadle who may seize us. Rather let us cajole the Shensi people to throw in their lot with us and make a sudden onslaught on the capital and so avenge our master. If we succeed, we control the court and the country. It will be time enough to run away if we fail.”

  The plan was adopted and they spread abroad the story that Wang Yun intended to harry the district. Having thus thrown the people into a state of terror they went a step farther and said,“There is no advantage in dying for nothing. Revolt and join us.” So they cajoled the people into joining them and gathered a host equal to ten legions. This horde was divided into four parts and they all set out to raid the capital. On the way they fell in with a son-in-law of their late chief, with a number of soldiers. He had set out to avenge his father-in-law and he became the van-leader of the horde.

  As they advanced the news came to Wang Yun and he consulted Lu Pu.

  “They are a lot of rats,” said he,“Never mind how many there are of them. Be not in the least anxious.”

  So Lu Pu and Li Su went to oppose them. The latter was in advance and met Niu Fu. They fought; Niu Fu was outmatched and retired. But unexpectedly Niu Fu returned in a night attack, found Li Su quite unprepared and drove his force some thirty li, slaying many.

  Li went to tell his chief who raged at him saying,“You have sullied my reputation as a warrior and destroyed my prestige.”

  And he put Li Su to death, exposing his head at the camp gate.

  Next day Lu Pu advanced his own force and engaged Niu Fu. Could the result be the least dubious? Niu Fu was driven off. That night he called in his friend Hu Ch’ih-erh to advise him.

  Lu Pu is too doughty a fighter for us to hope to overcome him. Our case is hopeless. Our best course is to desert these four men, secrete our valuables and leave the army with just a few of our followers.”

  The plan of Niu Fu was adopted and the two traitors that very night packed up and made their way out of camp. They were only half a dozen. They came to a river and, while crossing, Hu Ch’ih-erh, tempted by the lust of wealth, slew his companion. Then he went to offer the head to Lu Pu. Lu Pu enquired into the matter and when a follower told him the truth, he put the double traitor to death.

  Then he advanced against the rebels and fell in with Li Tsui’s force. Without giving them time to form in battle array, he attacked. Horses curvetting and spears set, the men dashed in irresistibly and Li Ts’ui, making no stand, fell back a long way. He took up a position under a hill and thence sent to call his fellows to council.

  Li Ts’ui said,“Lu Pu though brave in battle is no strategist and so not really formidable. I will lead my men to hold the mouth of the gorge and every day I will incite him to attack and, when lie comes toward me, Commander Kuo can smite his rear, after the manner of P’eng Yueh when he fought against Ch’u. While thus I am alternating attack and retreat you other two will march off in different directions toward Changan. Such an attack at two points must end in his defeat.”

  They set themselves to carry out this scheme. As soon as Lu Pu reached the hills a force came out to attack him. Pu made an angry dash toward the enemy, who retired up the hill, whence they shot arrows and hurled stones like rain. Lu Pus men halted. At this moment the report came that the rear was being attacked and there appeared Kuo Ssu. At once Lu Pu wheeled toward the new enemy, but immediately the rolling drums gave the signal to retire and Lu Pu could not come to blows with them. As he called in his men the gongs clanged on the other side and his former opponent came as if to smite him. But before he could join battle his rear was again threatened by Kuo, who in his turn drew off without striking a blow.

  Thus Lu Pu was baited till his bosom was near bursting with rage. The same tactics continued for several days. He could neither strike his enemies nor escape them, his men had no rest.

  In the midst of these distracting manoeuvres a messenger rode up in hot haste to say that the capital was in imminent danger from a double attack. He at once ordered a march to save the capital, which became a rout when both his opponents came in pursuit. His loss was heavy.

  He soon reached Changan and found the rebels there in enormous numbers and the city quite surrounded. Lu Pus attack had but little effect and as his temper became more savage under defeat many of his men went over to the rebels.

  He fell into deep melancholy. Then a remnant of Tung Cho’s adherents still in the city, led by Li Meng and Wang Fang, began to lend aid to the attackers and by and by they secretly opened the city gate and the beseigers poured in. Lu Pu exerted himself to the utmost but could not stem the tide. At the head of a few horse he dashed over to the Chingao Gate, or “Gate of the Black Lock,” and called out to Wang Yun, who was on the other side, that the case was desperate and bade him mount and ride to a place of safety.

  Wang Yun replied,“If I am gifted with the holy spirit of the State I shall succeed in restoring the tranquility which I desire, but if I have it not, then I offer my body a sacrifice. I will not quail before dangers. Thank the noble supporters east of the pass for their efforts and bid them remember their country.”

  Lu Pu urged him again and again, but he would not leave. Soon flames started up all over the city and Lu Pu had to leave, abandoning his family to their fate. He fled and joined Yuan Shu.

  Li Tsui and his fellow leaders gave full licence to their ruffians, who robbed and murdered their fill. Many high officers perished. In time they penetrated to the inner palace and the eunuchs begged the Emperor to proceed to the Hsuanp’ing Men (the Gate of Pervading Peace) to try to quell the rioting. At sight of the yellow umbrella Li Tsui and Kuo Ssu checked their men and they all shouted “Long life O Emperor!” (Wan-sui!). The Emperor stood by the tower and addressed them,“Nobles, what means it that you enter the capital in this unruly manner and without my summons?”

  The two leaders looked up and said,“Tung Cho, Your Majesty’s Minister, has been slain by Wang Yun and we are here to avenge him. We are no rebels, Sire. Let us only have Wang Yun and we draw off
our men.”

  Wang Yun was actually among the courtiers and at the Emperor’s side. Hearing this demand he said,“The plan was made for the benefit of the Throne, but as this evil has grown therefrom Your Majesty will not grudge losing me. I have brought about evil and I will go down to these rebels.”

  The Emperor was torn with sorrow and wavered. But the faithful Minister leaped from the wall crying,“Wang Yun is here.”

  The two leaders drew their swords, crying,“For what crime was our master slain?”

  “His crimes filled the heavens and covered the earth; no tongue can tell them. The day he died was a day of rejoicing in the whole city as you well know,’ said Wang.

  “And if he was guilty of some crime what had we done not to be forgiven?”

  “Seditious rebels, why bandy words? I am ready to die.”

  And he was slain at the foot of the tower.

  Moved by the people’s sufferings,

  Vexed at his prince’s grief,

  Wang Yun compassed the traitor’s death,

  That they might find relief.

  Every one knows him a hero,

  Leal to the State always:

  Living he guarded the princely towers,

  His soul keeps guard today.

  Having done the loyal Minister to death at his master’s feet they proceeded to exterminate also his whole family. Every one mourned.

  Then said the ruffians to each other,“Having gone so far what could be better than to make away with the Emperor and complete our scheme?”

  The traitor condoned his crime,

  Rebellion ought to cease;

  But his licentious followers

  Disturb the Empire’s peace.

  The fate of the Emperor will be disclosed in the next chapter.

  Footnote

  *The grass in the meadow is an ingenious quip on Tung Cho’s surname; as is the “ten days” on his distinguishing name.

  CHAPTER X

  MA T’ENG SERVES HIS COUNTRY WELL: TS’AO TS’AO AVENGES HIS FATHER’S MURDER

  I n the last chapter the two arch rebels proposed to murder the Emperor Hsien, but their followers Chang and Fan opposed this.“No,· the people will not approve of his death now. Restore him to power and get the leaguers inside the gates. Remove his supporters and then we can compass his death. And we shall be able to do what we wish.”

  So they ceased the attack. The Emperor again spoke from the tower, saying,“Why do you still remain? You have slain Wang Yun now withdraw these soldiers.”

  Then Li and Kuo replied,“Your servants desire rank us a reward for their good service to your dynasty.”

  “And what rank, Sirs?”

  All four wrote their wishes and handed them up to the Emperor who had no choice but to accede to the request and they were created “Generals” (Cbiang-cbun) and received ranks of nobility and thereupon they went away and camped at Ssunung. The inferior leaders also were gratified with ranks. And once more the capital was free of troops.

  Tung Cho’s followers having so far succeeded did not forget their late leader. They sought his corpse for burial, but only a few fragments were discoverable. Then they graved an image of fragrant wood in his likeness, laid that out in proper form and instituted a noble’s sacrifices and prayers. The remains were dressed in the robes of a prince laid in a princely coffin for burial. They selected Meiwu for his tomb and having found an auspicious day conveyed the coffin thither.

  But a terrific thunder storm came on at the time of inhumation and the ground was flooded. The coffin was riven asunder and the poor remains thrown out. A second time they buried the coffin, but a similar thing happened in the night. And yet a third time in another place but the earth rejected the remains. Meanwhile the thunder-fire had entirely consumed them. So it may be said justly that Heaven was exceeding angry with Tung Cho.

  So now Li Tsui and Kuo Ssu wielded the real power of the sceptre and they were hard upon the people. They also removed the attendants from the palace and replaced them by their own creatures, who maintained a most perfect watch over every movement of the Emperor so that he was greatly hampered and embarrassed. All appointments were made by the late rebels. For the sake of popularity they especially summoned Chu Chien to court, made him a High Chamberlain and associated him with the government.

  One day came a report that Ma T’eng, the Prefect of Hsiliang, and Han Sui, with ten legions, were rapidly approaching the capital with the intention of attacking the rebels.

  Now these men from the west had laid careful plans. They had sent trusty friends to the capital to find out who would support them. They had conspired with three officials to be their inside allies and plot against the rebels. These three obtained from the throne two secret edicts conferring the ranks of Commander,“Conqueror of the West,” on Ma T’eng and Commander,“Warden of the West,” on Han Sui. With these powers the two officials joined forces and began their march.

  The four leaders of the party in power held a consultation as to how to meet the attack. The adviser, Chia Hsu, said,“Since the attackers are coming from a distance our plan is to fortify and wait till shortage of food shall work for us. In a hundred days their supplies will be consumed and they must retire. We can pursue and we shall capture them.”

  Li Meng and Wang Fang rose and said,“This plan is bad. Give us a legion and we will put an end to both of them and offer their heads before your ensign.”

  “To fight forthwith means defeat,” said the adviser.

  The other two cried with one voice,“If we fail we are willing to lose our heads, but if we win then your head is forfeit.”

  Chia Hsu then said,“Two hundred li west of the capital stand the Chouchih Hills. The passes are narrow and difficult. Send Generals Chang and Fan to occupy this point of vantage and fortify themselves so that they may support Li and Wang.

  Li Tsui and Kuo Ssu accepted this advice. They told off a legion and a half of horse and foot and Li and Wang left. They made a camp two hundred and eighty li from Changan.

  The force from the west arrived and the two officers led out their men to the attack. They found their opponents in battle array. The two leaders, Ma Teng and Han Sui, rode to the front side by side. Pointing to the rebel leaders they abused them, calling them traitors and asking who would capture them.

  Hardly were the words spoken when there came out a youth with a clear, white complexion, eyes like shooting stars, lithe of body and strong of limb. He was armed with a long spear and bestrode an excellent steed. This young leader was Ma Ch’ao, son of Ma Teng, then seventeen years of age.

  Though young he was valiant and skilful. Wang Fang, despising him on account of his youth, galloped forth to fight him. Before they had exchanged many passes Wang Fang was disabled and fell to a thrust of the young man’s spear. The victor turned to retire into the formation, but Li Meng rode after him to avenge his fallen colleague. Ma Ch’ao did not see him, but his father called out “You are followed!” Hardly had he spoken when he saw that the pursuer was a prisoner seated on his son’s steed.

  Now Ma Ch’ao had known he was followed, but pretended not to see, waiting till his enemy should have come close and lifted his spear to strike. Then he suddenly wheeled about. The spear thrust met only empty air, and as the horses passed Ma Chaos powerful arm shot out and pulled Wang Fang from the saddle. Thus the soldiers were left leaderless and fled in all directions. The army dashed in pursuit and a complete victory was scored. They pressed into the pass and made a camp. They decapitated Li Meng and exposed his head.

  When Li Tsui and Kuo Ssu heard that both the boastful captains had fallen under the hand of one young man they knew that Chia Hsu had given good advice and was gifted with clear prescience. So they valued his plans the more highly and decided to act on the defensive. They refused all challenges to combat.

  Surely enough after a couple of months the supplies of the Hsiliang men were all exhausted and the leaders began to consider retreat.

  Just at this junct
ure a household servant of Ma Yu’s family betrayed his master and told of the conspiracy of the three men to assist the attackers. The two chief rebels in revenge seized the three conspirators, with every member of their households, and beheaded them in the market place. The heads of the three were exposed at the gate.

  Being short of food and hearing of the destruction of their three adherents in the city, the only course for Ma and Han was to retreat. At once Chang Chi went in pursuit of Ma T’eng and Fan Ch’ou followed Han Sui. The retreating army under Ma was beaten and only by Ma Ch’ao’s desperate efforts were the pursuers driven off.

  Fan Ch’ou pursued the other army and when he had come close Han Sui rode boldly up and addressed him, saying “You and I, Sir, are fellow villagers. Why then behave so unfriendly?”

  Ch’ou replied,“I must obey the commands of my chief.”

  “I am here for the service of the State; why do you press me so hard?” said Han.

  At this Fan Ch’ou turned his horse, called in his men and left him in peace. Unwittingly a nephew of Li Tsui had been a witness of this scene and when he saw the enemy allowed to go free he returned and told his uncle. Angry that his enemy had escaped, Li would have wreaked vengeance on his lieutenant, but his adviser again came in saying it was dangerous to provoke another war. He proposed inviting the defaulting officer to a banquet and, while the feast was in progress, executing him for dereliction of duty. This seemed good to Li so the banquet was prepared. The two officers accepted their invitations and went cheerfully. Toward the latter part of the entertainment a sudden change came over their host and he suddenly asked Fan Ch’ou,“Why have you been intriguing with Han Sui? You are turning traitor, eh?”

  The unhappy guest was taken aback and before he could frame his words to reply he saw the assassins rush out with swords and axes. In a moment all was over and his head lay beneath the table.

  Scared beyond measure his fellow-guest grovelled on the floor.“He was a traitor,” said the host, raising him by the arm,“and he has his deserts; you are my friend and need not fear.”