Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 1 (Tuttle Classics)

by Lo Kuan-Chung

  An attack on Moling was the next move. As soon as Sun Ts’e arrived at the moat he summoned the commander, Hsueh Li, to surrender. Some one let fly a furtive arrow from the wall which wounded Sun in the left thigh so severely that he fell from his steed. Hastily his officers picked up their wounded chief and returned to the camp where the arrow was pulled out and the wound dressed with the medicines suitable for injuries by metals.

  By Sun Ts’e’s command the story was spread abroad that the hurt had been fatal and all the soldiers set up cries of lamentation. The camp was broken up. The defender of the city made a night sortie, but fell into a carefully prepared ambush and presently Sun himself appeared on horseback shouting “Sun Ts’e is here still.”

  His sudden appearance created such a panic that the soldiers dropped their weapons and fell on their faces. Sun gave orders not to kill them but their leaders fell, one from a spear thrust as he turned to run away, another wounded by an arrow, and the commander in chief was slain in the first rush. Thus Sun Ts’e got possession of Moling. Having calmed the people he sent his soldiers away to Chinghsien, where T’aishih Tzu was in command.

  T’aishih Tzu had assembled two companies of veterans in addition to his own troop for the purpose of avenging his master. Sun Ts’e and Chou Yu on the other hand consulted how to capture him alive. The latter’s plan was to attack the city on three sides, leaving the east gate free for flight. Some distance off an ambush would be prepared, when their victim, his men fatigued and horses spent, would fall an easy victim.

  The latest recruits under T’aishih Tzu’s banner were mostly hillmen and unaccustomed to discipline. Beside the walls of the city were pitiably low. One night Sun ordered one Ch’en Wu to strip off his long dress, leave his arms save a dagger, clamber up the ramparts and set fire to the city. Seeing the flames spreading the commander made for the east gate and, as soon as he got outside, Sun Ts’e followed in pursuit. The pursuit was maintained for some thirty li when the pursuers stopped. T’aishih Tzu went on as long as possible, finally halting to rest in a spot surrounded by reeds. Suddenly a tremendous shouting arose. T’aishih was just starting when tripping ropes arose all round, his horse was thrown and he found himself a prisoner.

  He was taken to camp. As soon as Sun Ts’e heard the news he himself rode out to meet the successful man and ordered the guards to leave the prisoner, whose bonds he loosened with his own hands. Then he took off his own embroidered robe and put it on the captive. They entered the camp together.

  “I knew you were a real hero,” said Sun.“That worm of a Liu Yu had no use for such as you and so he got beaten.”

  The prisoner, overcome by this kindness and good treatment, then formally surrendered.

  Sun Ts’e seized his hand and said, laughing,“If you had taken me at that fight we had near the shrine, would you have killed me?”

  “Who can say?” said T’aishih smiling.

  Sun Ts’e laughed also and they entered his tent, where the captive leader was placed in the seat of honour at a banquet.

  T’aishih said,“Can you trust me so far as to let me go to muster as many as I can of the soldiers of my late master? Under the smart of this defeat they will turn against him and they would be a great help to you.”

  “Exactly what I most desire. I will make an agreement with you that at midday tomorrow you will return.”

  T’aishih agreed and went off. All the captains said he would never return.

  “He is trustworthy and will not break his word,” said the chief.

  None of the officers believed he would come back. But the next day they set up a bamboo rod in the gate of the camp and just as the shadow marked noon T’aishih Tzu returned, bringing with him about a thousand men. Sun Ts’e was pleased and his officers had to confess that he had rightly judged his man.

  Sun Ts’e had now several legions and Chiangtung was his. He improved the conditions of the people and maintained order so that his adherents and supporters daily increased. He was called Sun Lang (the Bright One). When his army approached the people used to flee in terror, but when it had arrived and they saw that no one was permitted to loot and not the least attempt was made on their houses, they rejoiced and presented the soldiers with oxen and wine, for which they were in turn duly rewarded. Gladness filled the country side. The soldiers who had followed Liu Yu were kindly treated. Those who wished to join Sun’s army did so; those who preferred not to be soldiers were sent home with presents. And thus Sun Ts’e won the respect and praise of every one in Kiangnan and became very powerful.

  Sun Ts’e then settled his mother and the remainder of the family in Ch’ua, setting his brother Ch’uan and Chou T’ai over the city.

  Then he headed an expedition to the south to reduce the Wu districts. At that time there was a certain Yen Pai-hu, or the White Tiger, who styled himself Prince Te of Eastern Wu and ruled over the Wu districts. Hearing of Sun Ts’e’s approach, the “Prince” sent his brother Yen Yu with an army against him and they met at Fengch’iao.

  Yen Ye, sword in hand, took his stand on a bridge and this was reported to Sun Ts’e, who prepared to accept the challenge. Chang Hung tried to dissuade him saying,“Forasmuch as my lord’s fate is bound up with that of the army, he should not risk a conflict with a mere robber. I would that you should remember your own value.”

  “Your words, O Elder One, are as gold and precious stones, but I fear that my soldiers will not carry out my commands unless I myself share their dangers.”

  Then he sent forth Han Tang to take up the challenge. Just as he reached the bridge, Chiang Ch’in and Ch’en Wu, who had dropped down the river in a small boat, passed under the bridge. Though the arrows fell in clouds on the bank, the two men rushed up and fiercely attacked Yen Yu as he stood on the bridge. He fled and Han Tang went in pursuit smiting up to the gate of the city into which he entered.

  Sun Ts’e laid seige to Soochow both by land and water. For three days no one came out to offer battle. Then at the head of his army he came to the Ch’ang Gate and summoned the warden. An officer of inconsiderable rank came out and stood with one hand resting on a beam while with the other he gave point to his abuse of those below. Quickly T’aishih Tzu’s hands sought his bow and an arrow was on the string.

  “See me hit that fellow’s hand,” said he, turning to his companions.

  Even as the sound of his voice died away, the bowstring twanged, the arrow sped and lodged in the beam, firmly pinning thereto the officer’s hand. Both sides, those on the wall and those below it, marvelled at such marksmanship.

  The wounded man was taken away and when the White Tiger heard of the exploit he said,“How can we hope to withstand an army with such men as this in it?”

  And his thoughts turned toward a peace. He sent his brother Yu out to see Sun Ts’e, who received him civilly, invited him into the tent and set wine before him.

  “And what does your brother propose?” said Sun.

  “He is willing to share this district with you,” was the reply.

  “The rat! how dare he put himself on a level with me?” cried Sun.

  He commanded to put the messenger to death. Yu started up and drew his sword, but out flew Sun Ts’e’s blade and the unhappy messenger fell to the ground. His head was hacked off and sent into the city to his brother.

  This had its effect. The White Tiger saw resistance was hopeless, so he abandoned the city and fled. Sun Ts’e pressed the attack. Huang Kai captured Chiahsing (Kashing) and T’aishih Tzu took Wuch’eng. The district was quickly subdued. The White Tiger rushed off toward Hangchow in the east, plundering on all sides, till a band of villagers under the leadership of one Ling Ts’ao checked his career of robbery there. He then went toward Kueichi.

  The Lings, father and son, then went to meet Sun Ts’e, who took them into his service as a reward for their service and the joint forces crossed the river.

  The White Tiger gathered his scattered forces and took up a position at the western ford, but Ch’eng
P’u attacked him there and scattered the defenders, chasing them as far as Huichi. The Prefect of the place, Wang Lang, was on their side and inclined to support them actively. But, when he proposed this, one of his men stood forth saying,“No! No! Sun Ts’e as a leader is humane and upright, while the White Tiger is a savage ruffian. Rather capture him and offer his person as a peace offering to Sun Ts’e.”

  The Prefect turned angrily toward the speaker, who was an official named Yu Fan, and bade him be silent. He withdrew sighing deeply. And the Prefect went to the help of the White Tiger with whom he joined forces at Shanyin.

  Sun Ts’e came up. When both sides were arrayed Sun Ts’e rode out and addressed Wang Lang, saying,“Mine is an army of good men and my aim is to restore peace to Chekiang, but you give your support to a rebel!”

  Wang Lang replied,“Your greed is insatiable. Having got possession of Wu you want also my district, and so as an excuse you have vengeance to wreak on the Yens.”

  This response greatly angered Sun Ts’e. Just as battle was to be joined T’aishih Tzu advanced and Wang Lang came toward him waving his sword. Before they had exchanged many passes Chou Hsin dashed out to help Wang. Thereupon Huang Kai rode out to make the sides more equal. These latter two were just engaging when the drums rolled on both sides and a general battle began.

  Suddenly confusion was caused in the rear of Wang’s army by the sudden onslaught of a small troop. Wang Lang galloped off to see to it. Then an attack was made on his flank, so that he was in a hopeless position, and he and the White Tiger, fighting desperately, only just managed to reach the shelter of the city. The drawbridges were raised, the gates closed and preparations made to sustain a siege.

  Sun Ts’e followed right up to the walls and then divided his men so as to attack all four gates. Seeing that the city was being fiercely attacked Wang Lang was for making a sortie, but the White Tiger opposed this as hopeless against so strong a force outside. They could only strengthen their position and remain behind the shelter of the ramparts until hunger forced the besiegers to retire. Wang Lang agreed and the siege went on.

  For several days a vigorous attack was maintained, but with little success. Taking counsel with his officers Sun Ching, who was the uncle of Sun Ts’e, said,“Since they are holding the city with such resolution it will be difficult to dislodge them. But the bulk of their supplies is stored at Ch’atu, distant only some score li. Our best plan is to seize this place, thus attacking where the enemy is unprepared, and doing what they do not expect.”

  Sun Ts’e approved saying,“My uncle’s plan is admirable and will crush the rebels.” So he issued orders to kindle watch fires at all the gates, and leave the flags standing to maintain the appearance of soldiers in position while the expedition went south.

  Chou Yu came to utter a warning,“When you, my lord, go away the besieged will surely come out and follow you. We might prepare a surprise for them.”

  Sun Ts’e replied,“My preparations are complete and the city will be captured tonight.”

  So the army set out.

  Wang Lang heard that the besiegers had gone and he went up to the tower to reconnoitre. He saw the fires blazing, the smoke rising, and the pennons fluttering in the breeze as usual and hesitated.

  Chou Hsin said,“He has gone and this is only a stratagem. Let us go out and smite them.”

  The White Tiger said,“If he has gone, it is to attack Ch’atu. Let us pursue.”

  “The place is our base of supply,” said Wang Lang,“and must be defended. You lead the way and I will follow with reserves.”

  So the White Tiger and Chou Hsin went forth with five companies and drew near their enemy about the first watch, at twenty li from the city. The road led through dense forest. Then suddenly the drums beat and lighted torches sprang up on all sides. The White Tiger was frightened, turned his horse and started to retreat. At once a leader appeared in front in whom, by the glare of the torches, he recognised Sun Ts’e. Chou Hsin made a rush at him but fell under Sun Ts’e’s spear. The men surrendered. However, the White Tiger managed to cut his way out.

  Wang Lang soon heard of the loss and not daring to return to the city retreated in all haste to Haiyu. And so Sun Ts’e got possession of the city.

  Having restored order, a few days later a man came bringing the head of the White Tiger as an offering to Sun Ts’e. This man was a native of the district. He was of medium height, with a square face and wide mouth. He was named Tung Hsi, and was given an office. After this peace reigned in all the east and, having placed his uncle in command of the city and made Chu Chih Prefect, Sun Ts’e returned to his own place.

  While Sun Ts’e was absent a band of brigands suddenly attacked Hsuanch’eng, left in the care of his brother Ch’uan and the leader Chou Tai. As the onslaught was made on all sides at once, and in the night, the brigands got the upper hand. Chou T’ai took the youth in his arms and mounted a horse, but as the robbers came on with swords to attack him he dismounted, and though without mail, met the robbers on foot and slew them as they came up. Then came a horseman armed with a spear, but Chou T’ai laid hold of his spear and pulled him to the earth. Then he mounted the robber’s horse and thrusting this way and that with the spear fought his way out. So Sun Ch’uan was preserved, but his saviour had received more than a dozen wounds.

  These wounds being due to metal would not heal but swelled enormously, and the brave soldier’s life hung in the balance. Sun Ts’e was deeply grieved. Then Tung Hsi said,“Once in an engagement with some pirates I received many spear wounds, but a certain wise man named Yu Fan recommended a surgeon who cured me in half a month.”

  “Surely this must be Yu Chung-hsiang,” replied Sun Ts’e.

  “That is he; he is so called.”

  “Yes, truly a wise man; I will employ him.”

  So Sun Ts’e sent two officers to invite him and he came at once. He was treated in most friendly fashion and appointed an official forthwith. Then the question of treating the wounded man was brought up.

  “The surgeon is one Hua T’o, who has perfectly marvellous skill in the leech’s art. I will get him to come,” said Yu Fan.

  Shortly the famous leech arrived, a man with the complexion of a youth and a snowy beard. He looked more like a saint who had passed the gates of this life. He was treated very handsomely and taken to see the sick soldier’s wounds.

  “The case is not difficult,” said the surgeon and he prepared certain drugs that healed the wounds within a month. Sun Ts’e suitably acknowledged his care and skill and he was allowed to leave.

  Next Sun Ts’e attacked the brigands and destroyed them, so restoring complete tranquillity to Chiangnan. After this he set garrisons at all the strategical points, and this done, memorialised what he had achieved. He came to an understanding with Ts’ao Ts’ao and sent letters to Yuan Shu demanding the return of the Seal he had left in pledge.

  But Yuan Shu, secretly cherishing the most ambitious designs, wrote excuses and did not return the State jewel. In his own place he hastily summoned his officers to a council and said,“Sun Ts’e borrowed an army from me and set out on an expedition which has made him master of Chiangtung. Now he says nothing of repayment but demands the token of his pledge. Truly he is a boor and what steps can I take to destroy him?”

  The Recorder, Yang Ta-chiang, replied,“You cannot do any thing against him for he is too strongly placed. You must first remove Liu Pei in revenge for having attacked you without cause, and then you may think about Sun Ts’e. I have a scheme to put the former into your hands in a very short time.”

  He went not to destroy the tiger, but instead

  Against a dragon forth his army led.

  The means he employed will be made plain in the next chapter.

  CHAPTER XVI

  A FEAT OF ARCHERY: A BATTLE LOST AT YUSHUI RIVER

  W hat is your plan of attack on Liu Pei?” said Shu. Yang Ta-chiang replied,“Though Liu Pei, now camped at Hsiaop’ei, could easily be taken, yet Lu
Pu is strongly posted at the chief city near, and I think he would help Pei if it was only for the grudge he bears against you for not having given him the gold and stuffs, grain and horses you promised. First of all you should send Lu Pu a present whereby to engage his affections and keep him quiet while you deal with Liu Pei. You can see to Lu Pu after this is done.”

  Thereupon a large quantity of millet was sent, with letters, by the hand of Han Yin. The gift pleased Lu Pu greatly; and he treated the messenger with great cordiality. Feeling sure of no trouble from that quarter Yuan Shu told off the leaders of the expedition against Hsiaop’ei.

  When Liu Pei heard these things he called his officers to take counsel. Chang Fei was for open war forthwith. Sun Ch’ien said their resources were too small: they must lay the position before Lu Pu and ask help.

  “Do you think that fellow will do anything?” said Chang Fei cynically.

  Liu Pei decided in favour of Sun’s proposal and wrote as follows:—

  “Humbly I venture to remind you that I am here by your orders and enjoy repose as the result of your kindness, extensive as the heavens. Now Yuan Shu, moved by a desire for revenge, is sending a force against this place and its destruction is imminent unless you intervene to save it. I trust you will send an army quickly to protect the town, and our happiness will be inexpressible.”

  Receiving this Lu Pu called in Ch’en Kung to whom he said,“I have just received gifts from Yuan Shu and a letter, with the intent of restraining me from helping Liu Pei. Now comes a letter from him asking help. It seems to me that Yuan-te where he is can do me no harm, but if Yuan Shu overcomes Liu Pei then the power of the north is so much nearer and I should be unable to resist the attacks of so many leaders and should never sleep secure. I will aid Liu Pei; that is the better course for me.”

  Now the force sent against Hsiaop’ei went thither as quickly as possible and soon the country to the southeast fluttered with pennons by day and blazed with watch fires by night, while the rolling of the drums reverberated from heaven to earth.