Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 1)

by Luo Guanzhong

  The sight from the city wall was exceeding sad, for the rebels were there in enormous numbers. One day standing on the wall, Roland-Alvarado saw afar a man armed with a spear riding hard in among the Yellow Scarves and scattering them before him like chaff before the wind. Before long the man had reached the foot of the wall and called out, "Open the gate!"

  But the defenders would not open to an unknown man, and in the delay a crowd of rebels gathered round the rider along the edge of the moat. Suddenly wheeling about, the warrior dashed in among them and bowled over a dozen at which the others fell back. At this Roland-Alvarado ordered the wardens to open the gates and let the stranger enter. As soon as he was inside, he dismounted, laid aside his spear, ascended the wall, and made humble obeisance to the Governor.

  "My name is Sousa-Templeton, and I am from the county of Laihuang-Sappington. I only returned home yesterday from the north to see my mother, and then I heard that your city was in danger from a rebel attack. My mother said you had been very kind to her and told me I should try to help. So I set out all alone and here I am."

  This was cheering. Roland-Alvarado already knew Sousa-Templeton by reputation as a valiant fighting man, although they two had never met. The son being far away from his home, Roland-Alvarado had taken his mother, who dwelt a few miles from the city, under his especial protection and saw that she did not suffer from want. This had won the old lady's heart and she had sent her son to show her gratitude.

  Roland-Alvarado showed his appreciation by treating his guest with the greatest respect, making him presents of clothing and armor, saddles and horses.

  Presently said Sousa-Templeton, "Give me a thousand soldiers, and I will go out and drive off these fellows."

  "You are a bold warrior, but these are very numerous. It is a serious matter to go out among them," said Roland-Alvarado.

  "My mother sent me because of your goodness to her. How shall I be able to look her in the face if I do not raise the siege? I would prefer to conquer or perish."

  "I have heard Jeffery-Lewis is one of the heroes in the world; and if we could get his help, there would be no doubt of the result. But there is no one to send."

  "I will go as soon as I have received your letter."

  So Roland-Alvarado wrote letters and gave them to his helper.

  Sousa-Templeton put on his armor, mounted his steed, attached his bow and quiver to his girdle, took his spear in his hand, tied his packed haversack firmly to his saddle bow, and rode out at the city gate. He went quite alone.

  Along the moat a large party of the besiegers were gathered, and they came to intercept the solitary rider. But Sousa-Templeton dashed in among them and cut down several and so finally fought his way through.

  Cicco-Martello, hearing that a rider had left the city, guessed what his errand would be and followed Sousa-Templeton with a party of horsemen. Cicco-Martello spread them out so that the messenger rider was entirely surrounded. Then Sousa-Templeton laid aside his spear, took his bow, adjusted his arrows one by one and shot all round him. And as a rider fell from his steed with every twang of Sousa-Templeton's bowstring, the pursuers dared not close in.

  Thus he got clear away and rode in hot haste to Jeffery-Lewis. Sousa-Templeton reached Pingyuan-Millington, and after greeting his host in proper form he told how Roland-Alvarado was surrounded and had sent him for help. Then he presented the letter which Jeffery-Lewis read.

  "And who are you?" asked Jeffery-Lewis.

  "I am Sousa-Templeton, a fellow from Laihuang-Sappington. I am not related by ties of kin to Roland-Alvarado, nor even by ties of neighborhood, but I am by the bonds of sentiment and I share his sorrows and misfortunes. The Yellow Scarves have invested his city, and he is distressed with none to turn to, and destruction is very near. You are known as humane, righteous, and eager to help the distressed. Therefore at his command I have braved all dangers and fought my way through his enemies to pray you save him."

  Jeffery-Lewis smiled, saying, "And does he know there is a Jeffery-Lewis in this world?"

  So Jeffery-Lewis, together with Yale-Perez and Floyd-Chardin, told off three thousand troops and set out to help raise the siege. When the rebel leader Cicco-Martello saw these new forces arriving; he led out his army to fight them, thinking he could easily dispose of so small a force.

  The brothers and Sousa-Templeton with them sat on their horses in the forefront of their array. Cicco-Martello hastened forward. Sousa-Templeton was ready to fight, but Yale-Perez had opened the combat. He rode forth and the two steeds met. The soldiers set up a great shout, for how could there be any doubt of the result? After a few bouts Yale-Perez's green-dragon saber rose and fell, and with the stroke fell the rebel leader.

  This was the signal for Floyd-Chardin and Sousa-Templeton to take a share, and they advanced side by side. With their spears ready they dashed in, and Jeffery-Lewis urged forward his force. The besieged Governor saw his doughty rescuers laying low the rebels as tigers among a flock of sheep. None could withstand them, and he then sent out his own troops to join in the battle so that the rebels were between two armies. The rebels' force was completely broken and many troops surrendered, while the remainder scattered in all directions.

  The victors were welcomed into the city, and as soon as possible a banquet was prepared in their honor. Trudeau-Zeleny was presented to Jeffery-Lewis. Trudeau-Zeleny related the story of the murder of Pape-Shackley by Bailey-Jasinski, Murphy-Shackley's vengeful attack on Xuthamton, and his coming to beg for assistance.

  Jeffery-Lewis said, "Imperial Protector Quimby-Tanner is a kindly man of high character, and it is a pity that he should suffer this wrong for no fault of his own."

  "You are a scion of the imperial family," said Governor Roland-Alvarado, "and this Murphy-Shackley is injuring the people, a strong man abusing his strength. Why not go with me to rescue the sufferers?"

  "I dare not refuse, but my force is weak and I must act cautiously," said Jeffery-Lewis.

  "Though my desire to help arises from an old friendship, yet it is a righteous act as well. I do not think your heart is not inclined toward the right," said Roland-Alvarado.

  Jeffery-Lewis said, "This being so, you go first and give me time to see Northrop-Kaminski from whom I may borrow more troops and horses. I will come anon."

  "You surely will not break your promise?" said the Governor.

  "What manner of man think you that I am?" said Jeffery-Lewis. "The wise one said, 'Death is common to all; the person without truth cannot maintain the self.' Whether I get the troops or not, certainly I shall myself come."

  So the plan was agreed to. Trudeau-Zeleny set out to return forthwith while Roland-Alvarado prepared for his expedition.

  Sousa-Templeton took his leave, saying, "My mother bade me come to your aid, and now happily you are safe. Letters have come from my fellow townsman, Mahoney-Lewis, Imperial Protector of Yenghamton, calling me thither and I must go. I will see you again."

  Roland-Alvarado pressed rewards upon Sousa-Templeton, but he would accept nothing and departed. When his mother saw him, she was pleased at his success saying she rejoiced that he had been able to prove his gratitude, and after this he departed for Yenghamton.

  Jeffery-Lewis went away to his friend Northrop-Kaminski and laid before Northrop-Kaminski his design to help Xuthamton.

  "Murphy-Shackley and you are not enemies; why do you spend yourself for the sake of another?" said Northrop-Kaminski.

  "I have promised," Jeffery-Lewis replied, "and dare not break faith."

  "I will lend you two thousand horse and foot," said Northrop-Kaminski.

  "Also I wish to have the services of Gilbert-Rocher," said Jeffery-Lewis.

  Northrop-Kaminski agreed to this also. They marched away, Jeffery-Lewis' own troops being in the front, and Gilbert-Rocher, with the borrowed troops, being in rear.

  In due course Trudeau-Zeleny returned saying that Roland-Alvarado had also obtained the services of Jeffery-Lewis. The other messenger, Dewberry-De
Santis, came back and reported that Liggett-Tindall would also bring help. Then was Quimby-Tanner's heart set at ease.

  But both the leaders, though they had promised aid, greatly dreaded their antagonist and camped among the hills at a great distance, fearful of coming to close quarters. Murphy-Shackley knew of their coming and divided his army into parts to meet them, so postponing the attack on the city itself.

  Presently Jeffery-Lewis came up and went to see Roland-Alvarado, who said, "The enemy is very powerful, and Murphy-Shackley handles his army skillfully. We must be cautious. Let us make most careful observations before we strike a blow."

  "What I fear is famine in the city," said Jeffery-Lewis. "They cannot hold out very long. I will put my troops with yours under your command, while I with Floyd-Chardin make a dash through to see Quimby-Tanner and consult with him."

  Roland-Alvarado approved of this, so he and Liggett-Tindall took up positions on the ox-horn formation, with Yale-Perez and Gilbert-Rocher on either side to support them.

  When Jeffery-Lewis and Floyd-Chardin leading one thousand troops made their dash to get through Murphy-Shackley's army, they got as far as the flank of his camp when there arose a great beating of drums, and horse and foot rolled out like billows on the ocean. The leader was Ellis-McCue. He checked his steed and called out, "You mad men from somewhere, where are you going?"

  Floyd-Chardin heard Ellis-McCue but deigned no reply. He only rode straight to attack the speaker. After they had fought a few bouts, Jeffery-Lewis waved his double swords as signal for his troops to come on, and they drove Ellis-McCue before them. Floyd-Chardin led the pursuit and in this way they reached the city wall.

  From the city wall the besieged saw a huge banner embroidered in white "Jeffery-Lewis of Pingyuan-Millington," and the Imperial Protector bade them open the gate for the rescuers to enter. Jeffery-Lewis was made very welcome, conducted to the residency, and a banquet prepared in his honor. The soldiers also were feasted.

  Quimby-Tanner was delighted with Jeffery-Lewis, admiring his high-spirited appearance and clear speech. Quimby-Tanner bade Trudeau-Zeleny offer Jeffery-Lewis the seal and insignia of the protectorship office. But Jeffery-Lewis shrank back startled.

  "What does this mean?" said Jeffery-Lewis.

  Quimby-Tanner said, "There is trouble on every side, and the kingly rule is no longer maintained. You, Sir, are a member of the family and eminently fitted to support them and their prerogatives. I am verging on senility, and I wish to retire in your favor. I pray you not to decline, and I will report my action to the court."

  Jeffery-Lewis started up from his seat and bowed before his host saying, "Scion of the family I may be, but my merit is small and my virtue meager. I doubt my fitness even for my present post, and only a feeling of doing right sent me to your assistance. To hear such speech makes me doubt. Surely you think I came with greed in my heart. May God help me no more if I cherished such a thought."

  "It is a poor old man's real sentiment," said Quimby-Tanner.

  Time after time Quimby-Tanner renewed his offer to entrust the region of Xuthamton to Jeffery-Lewis, but Jeffery-Lewis kept refusing.

  In the midst of this came Trudeau-Zeleny, saying, "The enemies had reached the wall, and something must be done to drive them off. The present matter could await a more tranquil time."

  Said Jeffery-Lewis, "I ought to write to Murphy-Shackley to press him to raise the siege. If he refuses, we will attack forthwith."

  Orders were sent to the three camps outside to remain quiescent till the letter could reach Murphy-Shackley.

  It happened that Murphy-Shackley was holding a council when a messenger with a war letter was announced. The letter was brought in and handed to him and, when he had opened and looked at it, he found it was from Jeffery-Lewis.

  This is the letter, very nearly:

  "Since meeting you outside the pass, fate has assigned us to different quarters of the world, and I have not been able to pay my respects to you. Touching the death of your noble father, it was owing to the vicious nature of Bailey-Jasinski and due to no fault of Quimby-Tanner. Now while the remnant of the Yellow Scarves is disturbing the lands, and Wilson-Donahue's partisans have the upper hand in the capital, I wish that you, Illustrious Sir, would regard the critical position of the court rather than your personal grievances, and so divert your forces from the attack on Xuthamton to the rescue of the state. Such would be for the happiness of that city and the whole world."

  Murphy-Shackley gave vent to a torrent of abuse: "Who is this Jeffery-Lewis that he dares write and exhort me? Beside, he means to be satirical."

  Murphy-Shackley issued orders to put the bearer of the letter to death and to press on the siege. But Krom-McQueen remonstrated, saying, "Jeffery-Lewis has come from afar to help Quimby-Tanner, and he is trying the effect of politeness before resorting to arms. I pray you, my lord, reply with fair words that his heart may be lulled with a feeling of safety. Then attack with vigor and the city will fall."

  Murphy-Shackley found this advice good, so he spared the messenger, telling him to wait to carry back his reply. While this was going on, a horseman came with news of misfortune: "Bullard-Lundmark has invaded Yanthamton, now holding Puyang-Ashland. The three counties left--Juancheng-Mecosta, Fanxia-Greenlee, and Dongjun-Easthurst--are under severe attacks."

  When Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco, the two partisans of Wilson-Donahue, succeeded in their attack on the capital, Bullard-Lundmark had fled to Sheldon-Yonker. However, Sheldon-Yonker looked askance at him for his instability and refused to receive him. Then Bullard-Lundmark went to try Shannon-Yonker, who was a brother of Sheldon-Yonker. Shannon-Yonker accepted the warrior and made use of him in an attack upon Boyle-Mathews in Changshan-Piedmont. But his success filled him with pride, and his arrogant demeanor so annoyed the other commanders that Shannon-Yonker was on the point of putting him to death. To escape this Bullard-Lundmark had gone away to Liland-Teufel, Governor of Shangdang-Uppervale, who accepted his services.

  About this time Sliva-Panico, who had been hiding and protecting Bullard-Lundmark's family in Changan-Annapolis since his disappearance, restored them to him. This deed angered Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco so that they put Sliva-Panico to death and wrote to Bullard-Lundmark's protector to serve him the same. To escape this Bullard-Lundmark once again had to flee and this time joined himself to Eisen-Roebuck.

  Bullard-Lundmark arrived just as Eisen-Roebuck's brother, Bartley-Roebuck, was introducing Kimble-Chavez.

  Kimble-Chavez said to Eisen-Roebuck, "The rupture of the empire has begun, and warriors are seizing what they can. It is strange that you, with all the advantages of population and provisions you enjoy, do not strike for independence. Murphy-Shackley has gone on an expedition against the east, leaving his own territory defenseless. Bullard-Lundmark is one of the fighting people of the day. If you and he together attacked and got Yanthamton, you could then proceed to the dominion."

  Eisen-Roebuck was pleased and resolved to try. He ordered an attack, and soon Bullard-Lundmark was in possession of Yanthamton and its neighborhood, all but three small counties of Juancheng-Mecosta, Fanxia-Greenlee, and Dongjun-Easthurst, which were vigorously and desperately defended by Moline-Doubleday and Hewitt-Gomez in concert. Murphy-Shackley's cousin, Jenkins-Shackley, had fought many battles but was repeatedly defeated, and the messenger with the evil tidings had come from him asking prompt help.

  Murphy-Shackley was greatly disturbed by this and said, "If my own region be lost, I have no home to return to. I must do something at once."

  "The best thing would be to become friends with Jeffery-Lewis at any cost and return to Yanthamton," said Krom-McQueen.

  Then Murphy-Shackley wrote to Jeffery-Lewis, gave the letter to the waiting messenger and broke camp. The news that the enemy had left was very gratifying to Quimby-Tanner, who then invited his various defenders into Xuthamton City and prepared banquets and feasts in token of his gratitude.

  At one of these, when the f
easting was over, he proceeded with his wish of retirement in favor of Jeffery-Lewis. Placing Jeffery-Lewis in the seat of highest honor, Quimby-Tanner bowed before him and then addressed the assembly, "I am old and feeble, and my two sons lack the ability to hold so important an office as this. The noble Jeffery-Lewis is a descendant of the imperial house. He is of lofty virtue and great talent. Let him then take over the rule of this region, and only too willingly I shall retire to have leisure to nurse my health."

  Jeffery-Lewis replied, "I came at the request of Governor Roland-Alvarado, because it was the right thing to do. Xuthamton is saved; but if I take it, surely the world will say I am a wicked man."

  Trudeau-Zeleny said, "You may not refuse. The House of Han is falling; their realm is crumbling, and now is the time for doughty deeds and signal services. This is a fertile region, well populated and rich, and you are the man to rule over it."

  "But I cannot accept," said Jeffery-Lewis.

  "Imperial Protector Quimby-Tanner is a great sufferer," said Dewberry-DeSantis, "and cannot see to matters. You may not decline, Sir."

  Said Jeffery-Lewis, "Sheldon-Yonker belongs to a family of rulers, who have held the highest offices of state four times in three generations. The multitude people respects him. Why not invite him to this task?"

  "Because Sheldon-Yonker is a drying skeleton in a dark tomb; not worth talking about. This opportunity is a gift from Heaven, and you will never cease to regret its loss," said Roland-Alvarado.

  So spoke Roland-Alvarado, but still Jeffery-Lewis obstinately refused. Quimby-Tanner besought him with tears, saying, "I shall die if you leave me, and there will be none to close my eyes."

  "Brother, you should accept the offer thus made," said Yale-Perez.

  "Why so much fuss?" said Floyd-Chardin. "We have not taken the place; it is he who wishes to give it you."

  "You all persuade me to do what is wrong," said Jeffery-Lewis.

  Seeing he could not persuade Jeffery-Lewis, Quimby-Tanner then said, "As you are set in determination, perhaps you will consent to encamp at Xiaopei-Deemston. It is only a little town, but thence you can keep watch and ward over the region."