Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 1 (Tuttle Classics)

by Lo Kuan-Chung

  His son Shang was anxious to exhibit his prowess in the presence of his father so he flourished his pair of swords and rode forth. Ts’ao pointed him out to his officers and asked if any one knew him and they replied that he was the youngest son. Before they had finished speaking from their own side rode out one Shih Huan, armed with a spear. The two champions fought a little while and suddenly Shang whipped up his horse, made a feint and fled. His opponent followed. Yuan Shang took his bow, fitted an arrow, turned in his saddle and shot at Shih Huan, wounding him in the left eye. He fell from the saddle and died on the spot.

  Yuan Shao seeing his son thus get the better of his opponent, gave the signal for attack and the whole army thundered forward. The onslaught was heavy, but presently the gongs on both sides sounded the retire and the battle ceased.

  When he had returned to camp Ts’ao took counsel to find a plan to overcome Yuan Shao. Then Ch’eng Yu proposed the plan of the Ten Ambushes and persuaded Ts’ao to retire upon the river, placing men in ambush as he went. Thus would Shao be inveigled into pursuit as far as the river, when Ts’ao’s men would be forced to make a desperate stand or be driven into the water.

  Ts’ao accepted this suggestion and told off five companies to lie in ambush on one side of the road of retreat and five on the other, while Hsu Chu commanded the advanced front.

  Next day the ten companies started first and placed themselves right and left as ordered. In the night Ts’ao ordered the advanced front to feign an attack on the camp, which roused all the enemy in all their camps. This done Hsu Chu retreated and the Shao army came in pursuit. The roar of battle went on without cessation and at dawn Ts’ao’s army rested on the river and could retreat no farther. Then Ts’ao shouted,“There is no road in front, so all must fight to the death.”

  The retreating army turned about and advanced vigorously. Hsu Chu simply flew to the front, smote and killed a half score captains and threw Yuan Shao’s army into confusion. They tried to turn and march back, but Ts’ao Ts’ao was close behind. Then the drums of the enemy were heard and right and left there appeared a company, one pair of the ambushed parties. Yuan Shao collected about him his three sons and his nephew and they were enabled to cut their way out and flee. Ten li further on they fell into another ambush and here many men were lost so that their corpses lay over the countryside and the blood filled the water courses. Another ten li and they met the third pair of companies barring their road.

  Here they lost heart and bolted for an old camp of their own that was near, and bade their men prepare a meal. But just as the food was ready to eat down came Chang Liao and Chang Ho and burst into the camp.

  Yuan Shao mounted and fled as far as Ts’angt’ing, when he was tired and his steed spent. But there was no rest, for Ts’ao came in close pursuit. It seemed now a race for life. But presently Shao found his onward course again blocked and he groaned aloud.

  “If we do not make most desperate efforts we are all captives,” said he, and they plunged forward. His second son and his nephew were wounded by arrows and most of his men were dead or had disappeared. He gathered his sons into his arms and wept bitterly. Then he fell into a swoon. He was picked up, but his mouth was full of blood which ran forth in a bright scarlet stream. He sighed saying,“Many battles have I fought and little did I think to be driven to this. Heaven is afflicting me. You had better return each to his own and swear to fight this Ts’ao to the end.”

  Then he bade Hsin P’ing and Kuo T’u as quickly as possible follow Yuan T’an to his district and prepare to give battle to the enemy lest he should invade, Yuan Hsi was told to go to Yuchou and Kao Kan to Pingchou.

  So each started to prepare men and horses for repulsing Ts’ao Ts’ao. Yuan Shao with his youngest son and the remnant of his officers went away to Ch’ichou and military operations were suspended for a time.

  Meanwhile Ts’ao Ts’ao was distributing rewards to his army for the late victory and his men were scouting all about Ch’ichou. He soon learned that Yuan Shao was ill and that his youngest son and Shen P’ei were in command of the city, while his brothers and cousin had returned each to his own. Ts’ao’s advisers were in favour of a speedy attack. But he objected, saying “Ch’ichou is large and well supplied; Shen P’ei is an able strategist and it behoves me to be careful. I would rather wait till the autumn when the crops have been gathered in so that the people will not suffer.”

  While the attack was being talked over there came letters from Hsun Yu saying that Liu Pei was strengthening himself at Junan and, when he had heard that Ts’ao was going to attack Ch’ichou, he had said he would take the opportunity to march on the capital. Wherefore the Minister would do well to hasten homeward to defend it. This news disconcerted Ts’ao Ts’ao. He left Ts’ao Hung in command on the river bank, with orders to maintain the appearance of strength there, while he led the main part of his army to meet the threatened attack from Junan.

  It has to be said now that Liu Pei, his brothers and supporters, having gone forth with the intention of attacking the capital, had reached a point near Jang Hills when Ts’ao came upon them. So Liu Pei camped by the hills and divided his army into three, sending his brothers with one division each to entrench themselves southeast and southwest respectively of the main body which he and Chao Yun commanded.

  When Ts’ao came near, Yuan-te beat his drums and went out to where Ts’ao had already arrayed his men. Ts’ao called Liu Pei to a parley, and when the latter appeared under his great standard, Ts’ao pointed his whip at him and railed saying,“I treated you as a guest of the highest consideration; why then do you turn your back on righteousness and forget kindness?”

  Yuan-te replied,“Under the name of Minister you are really a rebel. I am a direct descendant of the family and I have a secret decree from the throne to take such offenders as you.”

  As he said these words he produced and recited the decree which is known as the “Girdle Mandate.”

  Ts’ao grew very angry and ordered Hsu Ch’u to go out to battle, and, as Liu Pei’s champion, out rode Chao Yun with spear ready to thrust. The two warriors exchanged thirty bouts without advantage to either. Then there arose an earth-rending shout and up came the two brothers, Yun-ch’ang from the southeast and Fei from the southwest. The three armies then began a great attack, which proved too much for Ts’ao’s men, fatigued by a long march, and they were worsted and fled. Yuan-te having scored this victory returned to camp.

  Next day he sent out Chao Yun again to challenge the enemy, but it was not accepted and Ts’ao’s army remained ten days without movement. Then Chang Fei offered a challenge which also was not accepted. And Yuan-te began to feel anxious.

  Then unexpectedly came news that the enemy had stopped a train of supplies and at once Chang Fei went to the rescue. Worse still was the news that followed, that an army had got in behind to attack Junan.

  Quite dismayed, Yuan-te said,“If this be true I have enemies in front and rear and have no place to go.”

  He then sent Yun-ch’ang to try to recover the city and thus both his brothers were absent from his side. One day later a horseman rode up to say Junan had fallen, its defender Liu P’i was a fugitive and Yun-ch’ang surrounded. To make matters worse the news came that Chang Fei, who had gone to rescue Kung Tu, was in like case.

  Yuan-te tried to withdraw his men, fearing all the time an attack from Ts’ao Ts’ao. Suddenly the sentinels came in saying Hsu Ch’u was at the camp gate offering a challenge, but no one dared accept it or go out. They waited till dawn, and then Yuan-te bade the soldiers get a good meal and be ready to start. When ready the foot went out first, the horsemen next, leaving a few men in the camp to beat the watches and maintain an appearance of occupation.

  After travelling a short distance they passed some mounds. Suddenly torches blazed out and on the summit stood one who shouted,“Do not let Liu Pei run away; I, the Minister, am here awaiting him.”

  Liu Pei dashed along the first clear road he saw.

  Cha
o Yun said,“Fear not, my lord, only follow me,” and setting his spear he galloped in front opening a lane as he went. Yuan-te gripped his double sword and followed close. As they were winning through, Hsu Ch’u came in pursuit and engaged Chao Yun, and two other companies bore down as well. Seeing the situation so desperate Yuan-te plunged into the wilds and fled. Gradually the sounds of battle became fainter and died away while he went deeper and deeper into the hills, a single horseman fleeing for his life. He kept on his way till daybreak, when a company suddenly appeared beside the road. Yuan-te saw these men with terror at first, but was presently relieved to find they were led by the friendly Liu P’i. They were a company of his defeated men escorting the family of their chief. With them also were Sun Ch’ien, Chien Yung and Mi Fang.

  They told him that the attack on their city had been too strong to be resisted and so they had been compelled to abandon the defence, that the enemy had followed them and only Kuan’s timely arrival had saved them.

  “I do not know where my brother is,” said Liu Pei.

  “All will come right if you will push on,” said Liu P’ei.

  They pushed on, Before they had gone far the heating of drums was heard and suddenly appeared Chang Ho with a company of soldiers. He cried,“Liu Pei, quickly dismount and surrender.”

  Yuan-te was about to retire when he saw a red flag waving from a rampart on the hills and down came rushing another body of men under Kao Lan. Thus checked in front and his retreat cut off, Yuan-te looked up to Heaven and cried,“O Heaven, why am I brought to this state of misery? Nothing is left me now but death.” And he drew his sword to slay himself.

  But Liu P’i stayed his hand saying,“Let me try to fight a way out and save you.”

  As he spoke Kao Lan’s force was on the point of engaging his. The two leaders met and in the third bout Liu P’i was cut down. Liu Pei at once rushed up to fight, but just then there was sudden confusion in the rear ranks of the opponents and a warrior dashed up and thrust at Kao Lan with his spear. Kao Lan fell from his steed. The newcomer was Chao Yun.

  His arrival was most opportune. He urged forward his steed thrusting right and left, and the enemy’s ranks broke and scattered. Then the first force under Chang Ho came into the fight and the leader and Chao Yun fought thirty or more bouts. However, this proved enough, for Ho turned his horse away recognising that he was worsted. Yun vigorously attacked, but was forced into a narrow space in the hills where he was hemmed in. While seeking for some outlet they saw Yun-ch’ang, Kuan P’ing and Chou Ts’ang, with three hundred men, coming along. Soon Chang Ho was driven off and then they came out of the narrow defile and occupied a strong position among the hills where they made a camp.

  Yuan-te sent Yun-ch’ang for news of the missing brother. Chang Fei. He had been attacked by Hsiahou Yuan, but had vigorously resisted, beaten him off and followed him up. Then Yo Chin had come along and surrounded Chang Fei. In this pass he was found by Yun-ch’ang, who had heard of his plight from some of his scattered men met on the way. Now they drove off the enemy. The two brothers returned. Soon they heard of the approach of a large body of Ts’ao Ts’ao’s army. Yuan-te then bade Sun Ch’ien guard his family and sent him on ahead, while he and the others kept off the enemy, sometimes giving battle and anon marching. Seeing that Yuan-te was retiring, Ts’ao Ts’ao let him go and left the pursuit.

  When Yuan-te collected his men he found they numbered only a thousand, and this halting and broken force marched as fast as possible to the west. Coming to a river they asked the natives its name and were told it was the Han, and near it Yuan-te made a temporary camp. When the local people found out who was in the camp they presented flesh and wine.

  A feast was given upon a sandy bank of the Han. After they had drunk awhile, Yuan-te addressed his faithful followers, saying,“All you, fair Sirs, have talents fitting you to be advisers to a monarch, but your destiny has led you to follow poor me. My fate is distressful and full of misery. Today I have not a spot to call my own and I am indeed leading you astray. Therefore I say you should abandon me and go to some illustrious lord where you may be able to become famous.”

  At these words they all covered their faces and wept. Yun-ch’ang said,“Brother, you are wrong to speak thus. When the great Founder of Han contended with Hs’ang Yu he was defeated many times, but he won at Chiuli Hill and that achievement was the foundation of a Dynasty that endured for four centuries. Victory and defeat are but ordinary events in a soldier’s career and why should you give up?”

  “Success and failure both have their seasons, said Sun Ch’ien,“and we are not to grieve Chingchou, which your illustrious relative, Liu Piao, commands, is a rich and prosperous country. Liu Piao is of your house, why not go to him?”

  “Only that I fear he may not receive me,” said Liu Pei.

  ‘Then let me go and prepare the way. I will make Liu Chinghsing come out to his borders to welcome you.”

  So with his lord’s approval Sun Ch’ien set off immediately and hastened to Chingchou. When the genuflexions and ceremonies of greeting were over Liu Piao asked the reason of the visit.

  Said Sun,“The Princely Liu is one of the heroes of the day although just at the moment he may lack soldiers and leaders. His mind is set upon restoring the Dynasty to its pristine glory, and at Junan the two commanders, Liu and Kung, though bound to him by no ties, were content to die for the sake of his ideals. You, illustrious Sir, like Liu Pei, are a scion of the Imperial stock. Now the Princely One has recently suffered defeat and thinks of seeking a home in the east with Sun Chungmou (Sun Ch’uan). I have ventured to dissuade him, saying that he should not turn from a relative and go to a mere acquaintance; telling him that you, Sir, are well known as courteous to the wise and condescending to scholars, so that they flock to you as the waters flow to the east, and that certainly you would show kindness to one of the same ancestry. Wherefore he has sent me to explain matters and request your commands.”

  “He is my brother,” said Piao,“and I have long desired to see him, but no opportunity has occurred. I should be very happy if he would come.”

  Ts’ai Mao, who was sitting by, here broke in with “No, no! Liu Pei first followed Lu Pu, then he served Ts’ao Ts’ao, and next he joined himself to Yuan Shao. And he stayed with none of these, so that you can see what manner of man he is. If he come here Ts’ao Ts’ao will assuredly come against us and fight. Better cut off this messenger’s head and send it as an offering to Ts’ao Ts’ao, who would reward you well for the service.”

  Sun Ch’ien sat unmoved while this harangue was pronounced, saying at the end,“I am not afraid of death. Liu, the Princely One, is true and loyal to the State and so out of sympathy with Lu Pu, or Ts’ao Ts’ao, or Yuan Shao. It is true he followed these three, but there was no help for it. Now he knows your chief is a member of the family, so that both are of the same ancestry, and that is why he has come far to join him. How can you slander a good man like that?”

  Liu Piao bade Ts’ao Mao be silent and said,“I have decided and you need say no more.”

  Whereat Ts’ai Mao sulkily left the audience chamber.

  Then Sun Ch’ien was told to return with the news that Yuan-te would be welcome and Prefect Liu Piao went thirty li beyond his boundaries to meet his guest. When Yuan-te arrived he behaved to his host with the utmost politeness and was warmly welcomed in return. Then Liu Pei introduced his two sworn brothers and friends and they entered Chingchou, where Liu Pei finally was lodged in the Prefect’s own residence.

  As soon as Ts’ao Ts’ao knew whither his enemy had gone he wished to attack Liu Piao, but Cheng Yu advised against any attempt so long as Yuan Shao, the dangerous enemy, was left with power to inflict damage. He advised return to the capital to refresh the men so that they might be ready for a campaign in the mild spring weather.

  Ts’ao accepted his advice and set out for the capital. In the first month of the eighth year of the period “Established Tranquillity,” Ts’ao Ts’ao once again began t
o think of war, and sent to garrison Junan as a precaution against Liu Piao. Then, after arranging for the safety of the capital, he marched a large army to Kuantu, the camp of the year before.

  As to Yuan Shao, who had been suffering from blood-spitting but was now in better health, he began to think of measures against Hsutu, but Shen P’ei dissuaded him saying,“You are not yet recovered from the fatigues of last year. It would be better to make your position impregnable and set to improving the army.”

  When the news of Ts’ao’s approach arrived, Yuan said,“If we allow the foe to get close to the city before we march to the river we shall have missed our opportunity. I must go out to repel this army.”

  Here his son interposed,“Father, you are not sufficiently recovered for a campaign and should not go so far. Let me lead the army against this enemy.”

  Yuan consented, and he sent to Ch’ingchou and Yuchou and Pingchou to call upon his other two sons and his nephew to attack Ts’ao Ts’ao at the same time as his own army.

  Against Junan they beat the drum,

  And from Ch’ichou the armies come.

  To whom the victory will be seen in the next chapter.

  CHAPTER XXXII

  CH’ICHOU TAKEN: YUAN SHANG STRIVES: THE CHANG RIVER CUT: HSU YU’S SCHEME

  Y uan Shang was puffed up with pride after his victory over Shih Huan and, without deigning to wait the arrival of his brothers, he marched out to Liyang to meet the army of Ts’ao Ts’ao. Chang Liao came out to challenge him, and Yuan Shang, accepting the challenge rode out with spear set. But he only lasted to the third bout when he had to give way. Chang Liao smote with full force and Shang, quite broken, fled pell meli to Ch’ichou. His defeat was a heavy shock to his father, who had a severe fit of hemorrhage at the news and swooned.

  The Lady Liu, his wife, got him to bed as quickly as possible, but he did not rally and she soon saw it was necessary to prepare for the end. So she sent for Shen P’ei and Feng Chi that the succession might be settled. They came and stood by the sick man’s bed, but by this time he could no longer speak; he only made motions with his hands. When his wife put the formal question, whether Shang was to succeed, he nodded his head. Shen P’ei at the bedside wrote out the dying man’s testament. Presently he uttered a loud moan, a fresh fit of bleeding followed and he passed away.