The Three Kingdoms, Volume 2: The Sleeping Dragon: The Epic Chinese Tale of Loyalty and War in a Dynamic New Translation

by Luo Guanzhong

  Liu Zhang proposed to go out in person to welcome Liu Bei at Fucheng. He ordered his men to prepare carriages, tents, and banners. All the escort were to be dressed in glittering armor. At this, Huang Quan again tried to dissuade him. “My lord, if you go out you will be exposed to danger,” he said. “I have been in your service for many years and I cannot bear to see you fall victim to another’s wiles. Pray think carefully.”

  Zhang Song said, “What he said is to sow discord between kinsmen and increase the power of your enemy. Assuredly his words are to your detriment.”

  Liu Zhang then spoke angrily to Huang Quan saying, “My mind is made up. How dare you oppose me?”

  The objector bowed his head and wept. Approaching nearer, he seized his master’s robe with his teeth to try to stop him from leaving. Liu Zhang angrily shook his robe clear and rose from his seat. Huang Quan, still trying to hold on, dropped to the ground, and two of his teeth fell out in the fall. Liu Zhang ordered guards to push him out and, crying bitterly, he went home.

  As Liu Zhang was starting another man cried, “My lord, you neglect his loyal words. Do you want to go to your doom?” So saying he prostrated himself at the steps in an effort to make his lord change his mind. He was Li Hui of Jianning.

  “I hear the Emperor has his ministers to remonstrate with him and the father, his sons,” he said. “Huang Quan’s words are loyal and you ought to listen. To let Liu Bei into this land is to welcome the tiger into your gates.”

  “Liu Bei is my brother and will not harm me,” said the prefect. “Who else dares to oppose me again will suffer death.” And he ordered Li Hui to be thrown out.

  Zhang Song said, “The civil officials of Shu are only concerned about the safety of their own families and no longer render services to you, while the military officers are resting on their past merits and each has some scheme of his own to further. If you do not get Liu Bei to help you, you will be opposed by the invaders from without and your own people from within. That will be the road to ruin.”

  The prefect agreed that the plan was to his best advantage. Soon he mounted his horse to ride out to Elm Tree Bridge.

  Then it was reported to him that Wang Lei had suspended himself, head downwards, from the city gate. In one hand he held a written petition and in the other a knife. “And he says that if you do not heed him he will cut the rope and die at your feet,” concluded the messenger.

  Liu Zhang went to the gate, took the paper, and read: “Good medicine tastes bitter but cures the disease; faithful words offend the ear but benefit the conduct. Of old the king of Chu, failing to listen to Qu Yuan,* went to meet the lords at Wu Pass and was besieged by Qin. Now you, sir, are leaving your place thoughtlessly to welcome Liu Bei, but I fear there is a way out and none back. Could you but behead Zhang Song in the marketplace and abandon this alliance with Liu Bei, it would be to the happiness of all the people of Shu and the safety of your territory.”

  Anger rose in his breast as he read this. “Why do you insult me when I go to meet a kindly kinsman?”

  At this Wang Lei gave a great cry, cut the rope and fell dead to the ground.

  Head downwards at the city gate he hung,

  A last petition in his outstretched hand,

  Resolved that, were his words rejected, he

  Would repay his master by his own death.

  Loyal, too, was the other who lost his teeth

  But submitted to Liu Bei in the end.

  Sincere indeed, but how can he compare

  With staunch Wang Lei, who remained true to the end?

  With a great company, Liu Zhang went out to welcome his kinsman, followed by more than a thousand wagons laden with supplies.

  Liu Bei’s foremost division had by then arrived at the Dian River. During the march the army observed strict discipline, without in the least affecting the life of the local people, what with the provisions supplied by the local governments, and with Liu Bei’s order that anyone who dared to take things from the people would suffer the penalty of death. Thus no one was disobedient and the people came in crowds to watch the soldiers marching by and welcomed them in every way. Liu Bei soothed them with very gracious words.

  Then Fa Zheng secretly showed Pang Tong a letter from Zhang Song, proposing the assassination of Liu Zhang when he arrived to welcome Liu Bei at Fucheng.

  Pang Tong cautioned him to say nothing about that for the moment. “Wait for opportunities to arise after the two Lius have met,” he added. “But now is too early to talk. Any leakage will spoil the plan.”

  So Fa Zheng said nothing. Fucheng, where the meeting was to take place, lies three hundred and sixty li from Chengdu. Liu Zhang arrived first and sent his men to welcome Liu Bei. The two armies camped on the bank of the Fu River. Liu Bei went into the city to see the governor and they met cordially, as brothers should. Both shed a few tears as each opened his heart to the other. Then a banquet was given and after this they returned to their own camps.

  Back in his own camp Liu Zhang said to his followers: “How ridiculous were Huang Quan and Wang Lei! They suspected my brother for no reason at all. I see he is really a kindly and noble man, and with him to support me I do not have to fear either Cao Cao or Zhang Lu. And I owe all this to Zhang Song.”

  To show his gratitude he took off the green silken robe he wore and sent it as a gift to Zhang Song together with five hundred liang* of gold.

  However, his officers and advisors did not share his optimism and they warned him to be cautious. “Do not rejoice too soon, sir,” they said. “Liu Bei is tough inside, despite his mild exterior. His heart is unfathomable and you should be on your guard.”

  “You are all too suspicious,” he said, laughing, “my brother is no double-dealer, I am sure.”

  When Liu Bei had returned to his own tent, Pang Tong came in to ask what impression he had of his host.

  “He is really a very honest man,” said Liu Bei.

  “He is good enough, but some of his officers are discontented at this turn of affairs and it is difficult to predict what our fate will be. I think it is better to ask Liu Zhang to a banquet and assassinate him there and then. Place a hundred guards armed with swords and axes behind the partition, and at a signal from you, they will rush out and finish him. All that will remain to be done is to march into Chengdu. In this way no sword need be drawn, no arrow need be fitted to the string—and the province will be yours.”

  “He is a brother of mine and has treated me with sincerity. Besides, I have just arrived and so far I am unknown in this land. Such a deed would be abhorrent to both Heaven and the people here. Even a tyrant will not follow such a scheme as yours.”

  “The scheme is not mine,” said Pang Tong. “It is Zhang Song who sends a secret letter to Fa Zheng and says there must be no delay.”

  At this moment Fa Zheng came in and said, “This is not for ourselves— we are only trying to follow the will of Heaven.”

  “Liu Zhang and I are of the same family and I will shudder at harming him.”

  “Sir, you are wrong,” said Fa Zheng. “If you do not act as we propose, Zhang Lu will surely take Shu in revenge for the death of his mother. Then what is there for you at the end of your long march? Advance, and success is yours; retreat, and you have nothing. And delay is most dangerous. At any moment this scheme may leak out and you yourself will be the victim. This is your chance when Heaven and men both smile on you. Act before Liu Zhang suspects you and establish yourself as soon as possible. This is the best policy.”

  Pang Tong, too, did his best to try to persuade Liu Bei into accepting this scheme.

  Though the master still had some kindness left

  His officials were on the murderous scheme bent.

  What Liu Bei would decide to do will be told in the next chapter.

  Footnotes

  * A famous scholar in West Han Dynasty, native of Zhu in modern Sichuan province.

  † A famous general in West Han Dynasty, native of Zhu.

  �
�� A famous doctor in West Han Dynasty, native of Honan.

  § A famous astrologer in West Han Dynasty, native of Zhu.

  * Modern Wuhan in central China.

  * A great poet (c. 340–278 B.C.) and an official in the kingdom of Chu during the period of Warring States. Out of favor with his king because of his more democratic political views, he was exiled for a long period during his life and later drowned himself in the Milu River (in modern Hubei province) after Chu was destroyed by its rival Qin. His memory is cherished even today.

  * A monetary unit of old days, equal to about two ounces (57 grams).

  CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

  Zhao Yun Rescues A-Dou on the River

  Sun Quan Writes a Letter to Repulse Cao Cao

  In spite of the persuasion of Pang Tong and Fa Zheng, Liu Bei consistently refused to approve of the plot to assassinate his kinsman Liu Zhang, even if he could gain possession of Yizhou by that means.

  The next day there was another banquet in the city, at which the two Lius unburdened themselves freely to each other and became exceedingly friendly. In the middle of the banquet, when wine had gone several rounds, Pang Tong said to Fa Zheng, “Under the circumstances we have to ignore our master’s decision and act on our own.” So saying, he ordered Wei Yan to demonstrate sword-play at the banquet and to use the opportunity to kill Liu Zhang.

  At his order, Wei Yan went into the banquet hall shortly afterward with his sword drawn and said, “As there is no entertainment at this banquet, may I show you a little sword-play to amuse you?”

  In the meantime Pang Tong called up all his guards, who were then told to range themselves along the lower part of the hall, ready to join in the slaughter the moment Wei Yan should fall on the governor. However, these murderous preparations did not escape the notice of Liu Zhang’s officers. Sensing the impending danger one of them, Zhang Ren, drew his sword and said, “An opponent is needed to make sword-play a success. I would like to join General Wei Yan.”

  So the two began fencing. Presently, at a glance from Wei Yan, Liu Feng also went up and took a position at his colleague’s side. At once three of the officers of the other side followed suit, saying, “And we three will come in too—it may add to your amusement and help to raise a laugh.”

  Startled, Liu Bei hastily drew the sword of an attendant’s in his hand and, standing up, he cried, “We brothers have only come together for a hearty drink, without any other intentions. This is no Hongmeng Banquet.* Why should there be any sword-play? Put away your swords or I will slay you!”

  Liu Zhang also scolded his officers. “Why do you wear swords at all at a meeting of two brothers?” And he ordered all his officers and guards to take off their weapons.

  Disarmed, they sulkily withdrew. Then Liu Bei called them into the hall, gave them wine and said, “Have no doubts, gentlemen. We two brothers, of the same flesh and blood, are here to talk over our great design—and we are one in purpose.”

  The officers bowed and retired. Liu Zhang took his guest by the hand, saying, “Brother, I will never forget your kindness.”

  They continued drinking merrily till nighttime. When at length Liu Bei reached his camp he blamed Pang Tong for having caused the confusion.

  “Why did you endeavor to force me into committing a great wrong?” said Liu Bei. “There must be no repetition of this.”

  Pang Tong retired, sighing deeply. When Liu Zhang reached his own camp his officers said to him, “Sir, you saw what happened today at the banquet. We think it prudent for you to return at once to Chengdu.”

  “My brother is different from ordinary men,” replied Liu Zhang.

  “He may not be inclined toward murder himself, but all his men are intent on annexing this land of ours to their own advantage.”

  “Do not try to sow dissension between us and make us quarrel,” said Liu Zhang.

  And he took no heed of their warning and continued to drink together with his newly-found brother. One day, when he and Liu Bei were enjoying together relaxation from the cares of state, news came that Zhang Lu was mobilizing an army to invade Jiameng Pass. The governor begged Liu Bei to go and defend it. Liu Bei consented and left immediately with his own troops. At once Liu Zhang’s officers took advantage of his departure to urge their master to place his major officers in command of all the strategic points so as to guard against any attempts of Liu Bei’s to seize the land. At first Liu Zhang paid no attention, but later, persuaded by their repeated pleadings, he consented to take some steps to safeguard himself. He sent Yang Huai and Gao Pei to defend Fushui Pass. He himself returned to Chengdu.

  Liu Bei, in the meantime, went to Jiameng Pass. Once there, he immediately set about trying to win the hearts of the local people by maintaining strict discipline over his men and bestowing kindness and favors where necessary.

  News of these happenings in the west duly reached Wu, and Sun Quan, its ruler, summoned his counselors to consider what counter moves he should take. Gu Yong said, “I have an infallible plan. Liu Bei and part of his army are now far away in the west and separated from us by difficult country. Therefore he cannot return quickly. We can send a troop to hold the key points to cut his path of retreat. Then muster all our forces to seize Jingzhou and Xiangyang. This is a chance you should not miss.”

  “This is an excellent plan,” said Sun Quan.

  But just then, a voice was heard from behind the screen, crying, “Whoever proposed that scheme should be executed at once! Did he want to kill my daughter?”

  Everyone started with surprise. It was the Dowager. She looked very angry as she entered the hall, crying, “What is to become of my only daughter, who is the wife of Liu Bei?”

  Then turning her wrathful eyes to Sun Quan, she said, “You were heir to your father and brother and obtained possession of all these districts without the least effort. Yet you are dissatisfied, and would sacrifice your own flesh and blood for the sake of adding a little to your land.”

  “It is my fault, mother,” replied Sun Quan obediently. “I would never think of going contrary to your wishes.” Then he dismissed the assembly. The old lady, still nursing her wrath, retired to her chamber.

  Left alone beneath the portico, Sun Quan thought, “If this chance is lost, when will Jingzhou be mine?”

  While still deep in thought, Zhang Zhao came up to ask, “What is troubling you, my lord?”

  “I was thinking about what we had been discussing just now.”

  “The difficulty can be easily removed,” said Zhang Zhao. “Choose a trusty person with five hundred men to get into Jingzhou without being detected and deliver a secret letter to your sister, saying that her mother is dangerously ill and anxious to see her. Hearing of her mother’s illness she will rush home at once. Tell her to take with her the only son of Liu Bei, who will then be glad enough to exchange Jingzhou for his son. If he will not, you can still send the army.”

  “That is a wonderful plan,” said Sun Quan. “Furthermore, I have the right person to carry it out successfully. He is called Zhou Shan, a very bold man. He used to work in the palace, waiting on my brother, and my sister knows him. He is the man to send.”

  “Keep it to yourself, then, sir,” said Zhang Zhao, “and let him start quickly.”

  The messenger, Zhou Shan, was given five hundred soldiers disguised as traders to sail in five vessels loaded with weapons. He also took with him a forged letter to look like a veritable message from the court of Wu to the ruler of Jingzhou, in case he was stopped by guards.

  Zhou Shan set out for Jingzhou by water and was not long on the way. The boats were anchored by the bank while he alone landed and went into the city to Liu Bei’s residence, where he asked the doorkeepers to announce him to their mistress. He was admitted and led into the presence of Lady Sun, to whom he submitted the secret letter. When she read that her mother was dying she began to weep and asked the messenger about her condition. Zhou Shan knelt down and said, “The Dowager is seriously ill and frets day and night for s
eeing you, madam. If you do not go quickly it will be too late.” He added that she should take little A-dou with her so that the Dowager might see him once before she died.

  Lady Sun replied, “My husband is away on an expedition. I think I must inform Zhuge Liang before I go.”

  “But what if he says he must inform your husband and await his consent?” said Zhou Shan.

  “If I went without permission, we might be stopped on our way.”

  “My ships are all ready in the river,” said Zhou Shan. “Please take the carriage and leave the city at once, madam.”

  Naturally the news of her mother’s illness greatly disturbed the young wife. In a short time her carriage was ready and she mounted, taking the boy A-dou with her. She took an escort of thirty people, all armed, and was soon at the riverside and had embarked before her departure was reported to the chief advisor. But just as the boats were starting, a voice was heard, shouting, “Do not start yet—let me bid my lady farewell.”

  The voice was Zhao Yun’s—he had just returned from an inspection trip and was told of Lady Sun’s sudden departure. He was so startled that he dashed down to the riverbank like a whirlwind, with only a few followers. He arrived just as the boat was setting out, and there he saw Zhou Shan standing in the prow, a long spear in his hand.

  “Who are you that dares to hinder the movements of your mistress?” cried Zhou Shan.

  Zhou Shan ordered his men to cast off and get under way, and also to take out their weapons to fight. The ship sailed swiftly off with a favorable wind and a strong current beneath her keel.

  But Zhao Yun followed along the bank. “My lady, you can go as you please,” he cried. “But there is one thing I have to say to you.”

  Zhou Shan turned a deaf ear and only urged his men to row faster. Zhao Yun followed down the bank for some ten or more li. Then he saw a fishing boat made fast to the bank. He at once dismounted, cast off the rope, took his spear, and leaped into the boat. Two of his men went down into the boat with him and rowed as fast as they could toward the big vessel in which sat Lady Sun.