Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 1 (Tuttle Classics)

by Lo Kuan-Chung

“Supposing your surmise is correct, what do you advise?” asked Chang Hsiu.

  “The countermove is plain. Yoii issue an order for our best and bravest soldiers to fill their bellies, to take only the lightest outfit and conceal themselves in the houses near the southeast corner. Then disguise the towns people as soldiers and send them to pretend to defend the northwest. Tonight we will let the enemy climb up the walls and enter the city and, once they are fairly within, give the signal and the concealed soldiers will rush out upon them. We may even capture Ts’ao Ts’ao himself.”

  The stratagem was decided upon. Soon the scouts told Ts’ao that the defenders of the city had moved to the northwest where noisy preparations for defence were going on. The opposite corner was left undefended.

  “They have fallen into my trap,” said Ts’ao Ts’ao gleefully.

  They prepared shovels and hooks and all the gear needed for scaling walls, and all day they kept up the attack on the northwest angle.

  But at the second watch they despatched the veterans to the opposite corner, where they climbed the wall, broke up the abatis and got into the city apparently without disturbing any of the guards. There was no sign of life anywhere as they entered. But just as they were leaving the wall suddenly a bomb exploded and they found themselves in an ambush. They turned to retire, but Chang Hsiu immediately fell on the rear. Ts’ao’s men were totally defeated and fled out of the gate into the country. Chang Hsiu kept up the pursuit till daybreak, when he retired into the city again.

  Ts’ao Ts’ao then rallied his army and mustered his men. He had lost five legions and much baggage, while two of his captains, Lu Ch’ien and Yu Chin were wounded.

  Ts’ao Ts’ao being thus worsted, Chang Hsiu wrote off to Liu Piao to cut off his retreat that he might be utterly destroyed.

  An army was preparing for this purpose when a scout came to say that Sun Ts’e had encamped at Huk’ou. K’uai Liang urged the immediate departure of the expedition as he said this move of Sun Ts’e was part of Ts’ao Ts’ao’s strategy and there would be never-ending regret if he were allowed to escape. Wherefore Liu Piao moved out with his army to Anchung, leaving Huang Tsu to hold the point of vantage. Chang Hsiu, having been informed of the movement to attack his enemy in the rear, went with Chia Hsu to smite him once more.

  In the meantime Ts’ao Ts’ao’s army, marching very leisurely, had arrived at Hsianch’eng. Walking one day beside the Yushui River he suddenly uttered a great cry, and when his officers asked the reason thereof he replied,“I remembered that here, only a year ago, I lost my great captain Tien Wei. Is that not a reason to grieve?”

  Thereupon he gave orders to halt while he should make a great sacrifice and mourn for his lost leader. At the ceremony he himself burned incense and wailed and prostrated himself. The army was much affected by his devotion. After the sacrifices to the lost hero, he sacrificed to the names of his nephew Ts’ao An-ming and his eldest son Ts’ao An, both of whom had died at the same time. He also sacrificed to his lost soldiers and even to his steed which had been killed by an arrow.

  Soon Hsun Yu wrote to tell him that Liu Piao had gone to help Chang Hsiu and was camped at Anchung, thereby cutting his road of retreat. Ts’ao replied to the letter saying,“I have been marching only a short distance each day and of course knew of the pursuit. But my plans are laid and, as I near Anchung, my enemy will be broken. You need not have any fears.”

  Then he hastened his march till he came near where Liu Piao had taken position. Chang Hsiu still followed. Ts’ao ordered his men during the night to open a secret way through a pass, where he laid an ambush.

  With the first light of dawn Liu and Chang met. As Ts’ao Ts’ao’s force looked small, they thought he had retired so they boldly advanced into the pass to smite him. Then the ambush was opened and both the attackers’ forces were cut up. The fighting ended, Ts’ao’s soldiers went outside the pass and encamped.

  The two leaders on the other side restored order among their beaten men and then held a conference.

  “How could we have foreseen such a wicked ruse?” said Liu Piao.

  “Let us try again,” said his colleague.

  Wherefore they joined forces at Anchung.

  But Hsun Yu discovered through his spies that Yuan Shao was preparing an attack on Hsutu, the then capital, so he at once wrote to Ts’ao Ts’ao who, much disturbed by this news, set out homeward at once. When Chang Hsiu heard this through his scouts he wished to follow the retreating army. Chia Hsu opposed it and said it would lead to a defeat. However Liu Piao was also of opinion that it was wrong to lose such a chance and so finally pursuit was decided upon.

  They had not marched very far before they came upon Ts’ao’s rearguard, who fought with great vigour and bravery, so that the pursuers were beaten off and went home discomfited.

  Chang Hsiu said to Chia,“This defeat comes from my not following your advice.”

  “Now set your army in order and pursue,” said Chia.

  “But we have just suffered defeat!” cried both leaders.“Do you now counsel pursuit?”

  “Yes, and the result will be a great victory if you go now. I will venture my head on that,” said Chia.

  Chang Hsiu had confidence, but his colleague was afraid and would not accompany him. So one army only started in pursuit.

  However, this was enough. Ts’ao Ts’ao’s rearguard was thoroughly routed and abandoned their waggons and their baggage in their hasty flight. Chang Hsiu pursued, but suddenly a troop came out from the shelter of some hills and checked him. Fearful to try further he hastened back to Anchung.

  The other general, Liu Piao, asked the adviser to explain his apparent inconsistency.“When our veteran and brave soldiers were going to pursue those who retreated you said our men would lose the day; and when defeated men pursued the victors you foretold victory. You were right in both cases, but we wish you would enlighten us.”

  “It is easy to explain. You, Cenerals, although skilled leaders, are not a match for our enemy. Though the enemy had lost a battle he had able captains to keep the rear and guard against pursuit. Our men are good, but not a match for them. That is how I knew. Forasmuch as Ts’ao Ts’ao’s hurried retreat was due to trouble in the capital and he had beaten off our men, I knew he would retire at his utmost speed and not take his usual precautions. I ventured to take advantage of his laxity.”

  Liu and Chang could not but affirm his complete understanding of the conditions.

  On the advice of Chia Hsu then Liu Piao returned to Chingchou, while Chang Hsiu took up his position at Hsiangch’eng so that each strengthened the other as the lips protect the teeth from cold.

  When Ts’ao, during his retreat, heard that his army was being pursued he hastily turned back to support the rearguard. Then he saw the pursuing army draw off. The soldiers of the beaten rearguard said,“Had it not been for the troop that came out of the hills we should all have been lost.”

  “What troop?” asked Ts’ao Ts’ao in surprise.

  The leader of the troop then advanced, slung his spear and, dismounting, made a low obeisance. He was Li T’ung, a captain of some rank and reputation from Chianghsia.

  Ts’ao asked him why he had come.

  Li T’ung replied,“I was in command at Junan when I heard of the struggle going on, so I came to lend you any help I could.”

  To show his gratitude Ts’ao conferred upon Li the title Marquis of Established Merit, and confirmed him in his command as a defence against Liu Piao. Then Li T’ung took his leave.

  On his return to the capital Ts’ao Ts’ao presented a memorial on the good services rendered by Sun Ts’e and he was created Marquis of Wu with the title General “Captor of Rebels.” The messenger bearing the decree bore also the order to repress Liu Piao.

  Ts’ao Ts’ao went to his palace and there received the ceremonial calls of congratulation. These finished, Hsun Yu asked, saying,“You, Sir, marched very leisurely to Anchung; how came it that you felt certain of victory?”
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  Ts’ao replied,“He who retires and finds his retreat cut off fights desperately. I retired slowly to entice them into following whereby I could do as I wished with them. Basing my movements on these considerations I felt secure.”

  Hsun bowed his head in admiration..

  When Kuo Chia entered Ts’ao said,“Why so late, Sir?”

  The visitor drew a letter from his sleeve saying to his master,“Yuan Shao sends this saying he desires to send an army to attack Kungsun Tsan and wishes you to lend provisions and men.

  “I heard he was going to attack Hsutu; I suppose my return has made him change his intention,” said Ts’ao.

  Then he opened the letter and read it. It was couched in very arrogant terms.

  “He is so exceedingly rude that I will attack him,” said Ts’ao,“Only I think I am not quite strong enough. What should be done?”

  “My lord, you know well who lost, and why, in the conflict between Liu Pang and Hsiang Yu; the former won only by superior wisdom. Hsiang Yu was the stronger, but in the end he was overcome. Your rival has ten weak points whereas you have ten strong ones, and, though his army is large, it is not terrible.

  “Shao is over-much devoted to ceremony and deportment; while you are sympathetic and natural; this is an excellence in conduct. He is antagonistic and drives; you are conciliatory and lead; so you have the advantage of popular approval. For many years the government has been lax and he makes it more so: you strive vigorously after efficiency; this is the excellence of able administration. He is outwardly liberal but grudging at heart, and too given to nepotism: you appear exacting, but you understand and use men after their ability; this is the advantage of correct appreciation. He is a visionary and lacking in decision: you are a man of prompt decision and direct action; this is an advantage in policy. He loves to gather about him men of renown: you treat a man as you find him regardless of his reputation; this is where you excel in moral virtue. He is compassionate to those at hand, but careless about those out of sight: your care is all-embracing; this is where you excel in humanity. He lends a ready ear to calumny and is misled: you may be flooded with evil counsel, but you preserve independence; this is where you excel in perspicacity. His sense of right and wrong is confused: your appreciation is accurate and clear; this is where you excel in administrative capacity. He loves the make-believe force, but is ignorant of military essentials: you would overcome with far inferior numbers as you possess military genius; this is where you excel in war. With your ten superiorities you will have no difficulty in overcoming Shao.”

  “How can I be worth as much as you say?” said Ts’ao, smiling.

  “What he has said about the ten points in your favour agrees exactly with what I think,” said Hsun Yu.“Shao’s army is not formidable in spite of its size.”

  “The real and dangerous enemy is Lu Pu,” said Kuo Chia.“When Yuan Shao has gone north to destroy Kunsun Tsan, we ought to sweep away Lu Pu and so clear away our danger from that side, for if this is not done our attack on Shao will be the signal for an attempt on the capital. That would be most serious.”

  Ts’ao Ts’ao saw things in the same light as his advisers and began to discuss plans for an attack on Lu Pu. Sun Yu was of opinion that they should first secure the fidelity and aid of Liu Pei. So letters were written and they waited his assurance before moving a soldier. Then, in order to reassure Yuan Shao, his emissary was treated with great kindness and a memorial presented asking extra honours for him. With all this a private letter was written urging upon him to attack Kungsun and promising assistance. So Yuan Shao’s army started.

  In the meantime the two Ch’ens were playing their game. At every feast and gathering in Hsuchou they uttered the most fulsome praises of Lu Pu. Ch’en Kung was greatly displeased and took an opportunity to talk about them to his master.“They flatter you to your face, but what is in their hearts? You ought to be most carefully on your guard.”

  “Hold your tongue!” was the angry reply.“You are simply slandering them without the slightest excuse. You want to harm good men.”

  “No ears for loyal words”; said Ch’en Kung, as he went away sad at heart,“and we shall suffer.”

  He thought seriously of abandoning Lu Pu, but that would be too painful a wrench. Beside he feared people would laugh at him.

  So the days passed sorrowfully for him. One day, with a few horsemen, he rode out to the country near Hsiaop’ei to hunt. On the high road he saw a messenger galloping along in hot haste and began to wonder what it might mean. He left the hunt, rode across country and intercepted the rider.

  “Where are you from? Who sent you?” asked Ch’en Kung.

  The messenger made no reply for he knew to what party his captors belonged. But they searched him and found a letter, the secret reply to Ts’ao Ts’ao’s letter to Liu Pei. The messenger and the letter were both taken straight to Lu Pu. He questioned the man, who said he had been sent to Liu Pei with a letter and was now taking back the reply. He knew nothing more. He was ignorant of the contents of the letter. So Lu Pu tore it open and read:— “I have received your commands concerning the destruction of Lu Pu and dare I for a moment venture to disregard them? But my force is weak and I must act with extreme circumspection. If you move your main body, then I will hasten forward and in the meantime my men shall be got ready and weapons prepared. I await your command.”

  Lu Pu was really alarmed.“The wretch!” said he,“To dare to act thus!”

  The unhappy messenger was put to death and countermoves planned. Ch’en Kung and Tsang Pa went to enlist the help of the Taishan bandits and take Yenchou in Shantung. Kao Shun and Chang Liao went to attack Liu Pei in P’eich’eng. Sung Hsieu and Wei Hsu went west to attack Juying and Lu Pu took command of a large body of men ready to afford help wherever needed.

  The departure of the army under Kao Shun against Hsiaop’ei was told Liu Pei who assembled his officers at a council.

  Sun Ch’ien advised sending a message to the capital to info Ts’ao Ts’ao of their danger and, in response to the chief’s call. Chien Yung, a fellow-townsman of Liu Pei’s, offered to take the message. Up to that moment he had served as a secretary. So a letter was written and the late secretary set out at once on his journey.

  Then preparations were made for defence, Yuan-te commanding at the south gate and the two brothers and Sun Ch’ien taking each a gate. Mi Chu and his brother Fang commanded the family guard.

  The two Mi’s were put in command of the house guard because they were Liu Pei’s brothers-in-law, he having taken a sister of Mi Chu as a second wife. Hence they were suitable men to guard the family.

  In due course Kao Shun came to the south gate. Liu Pei ascended the tower and said,“I have no quarrel with your master, why do you come here with an army?”

  “You have plotted with Ts’ao Ts’ao to injure my master as we know now; why should I not ‘bind’ you?”

  So saying he gave the signal to attack. But Yuan-te did not go out to repulse him; he only kept the gate fast closed.

  Soon after Chang Liao led an attack on the west gate, then kept by Yun-ch’ang, who addressed him from the wall.

  “You are too good a man to waste yourself on rebels,” said he.

  Chang hung his head and made no reply.

  Kuan Yu knew that he had a sound heart and high principles and said no more as he was unwilling to wound him. Nor did he go out to attack.

  Chang Liao then drew off and proceeded to the east gate, and Chang Fei went out to give battle. Soon it was told Kuan Yu, who came over quickly. He saw Chang Fei going out, but Chang Liao was already withdrawing. Fei wished to pursue, but his brother held him back.

  “He is afraid and so has gone away; it would be best to pursue,” said Fei.

  “No,” said his brother.“As a warrior he is not inferior to either of us, but I have spoken a few straight words and they have sunk deep. He is repentant and that is why he will not meet us.”

  So Chang Fei understood and the gates we
re shut and orders given for careful defence.

  When Liu Pei’s messenger reached the capital he saw Ts’ao Ts’ao who told him what had happened. The advisers were called to discuss a plan. Ts’ao said,“I wish to attack Lu Pu. I fear not Yuan Shao, but Liu Piao and Chang Hsiu may attack me in the rear.”

  Hsun Yu replied.“Both these latter have been too recently defeated to do anything so rash. But Lu Pu is a bold fighting man, and if he joined forces with Yuan Shu and they set themselves to conquer Huai and Ssua* the problem would be difficult.”

  Then spoke Kuo Chia,“Let us take advantage of the moment before they have fully made up their mind. Smite before they are fully prepared.” And Ts’ao Ts’ao did so. Five legions with four captains were sent in advance. Ts’ao commanded the rear army, which marched by divisions, and Chien Yung brought up the rear.

  Soon the scouts informed Kao Shun. He sent flying messengers to Lu Pu, who detached two hundred horse to assist him. Kao Shun posted this reinforcement about thirty li from the city to meet Ts’ao’s army. He followed close.

  When Liu Pei saw the enemy retiring from the city he knew Ts’ao’s army was close at hand. So, making arrangements for guarding the city within, he and his two brothers marched their men out of the city and made a camp, that they might be ready to assist.

  Now the division of Ts’ao’s army under Hsiahou Tun, having marched out in advance, first came into touch with Kao Shun. The former captain at once rode out with spear set and offered a challenge. It was accepted and the two leaders fought half a hundred bouts. Then Kao Shun began to weaken and had to own he had lost the day. His adversary pressed him hard and he rode round to the rear of his array. Tun was not the man to quail so he followed right into the enemys country. Then Ts’ao Hsing, one of the captains, secretly strung his bow, fitted an arrow and, when Tun had come quite near, shot at him. The arrow hit Hsiahou Tun full in the left eye. He shrieked, and putting up his head, pulled out the arrow and with it the eye.

  “Essence of my father, blood of my mother, I cannot throw this away,” cried he, and he put the eye into the mouth and swallowed it.