Romance of the Three Kingdoms

by Guanzhong Luo

  “Be careful,” said his brother.“Liu Tai was once governor of Yenchou and he was one of the nobles who met at Tigertrap Pass to destroy Tung Cho. He is not to be despised.”

  “I do not think him worth talking about so much. I will bring him in alive just as my brother did this other.”

  “I fear that if his life be lost it may upset our designs,” said Liu Pei.

  “If I kill him I will forfeit my own life,” said Fei.

  So he was given three companies and went off quickly.

  The capture of his colleague made Liu Tai careful. He strengthened his defences and kept behind them. He took no notice of the daily challenges and continual insults which began with Chang Fei’s arrival.

  After some days Fei evolved a ruse. He issued orders to prepare to rush the enemy’s camp at night, but he himself spent the day drinking. Pretending to be very intoxicated he held a court martial and one soldier was severely flogged for a breach of discipline. The man was left bound in the midst of the camp, Fei saying,“Wait till I am ready to start tonight; you shall be sacrificed to the flag.” At the same time he gave secret orders to the custodians to let the man escape.

  The man found his opportunity, crept out of camp and went over to the enemy, to whom he betrayed the plan of a night attack. As the man bore signs of savage punishment Liu Tai was the more disposed to credit his desertion and tale and made his arrangements, putting the greater part of his men in ambush outside his camp so that it was empty.

  That night, having divided his men into three parties, Chang Fei went to attack the camp. A few men were ordered to advance directly, dash in and set fire going. Two larger bodies of men were to go round to the rear of the camp and attack when they saw the fire well started. At the third watch (midnight) Chang Fei, with his veterans, went to cut off Liu Tai’s road to the rear.

  The thirty men told off to start a conflagration made their way into the camp and were successful. When the flames arose the ambushed men rushed out but only to find themselves attacked on both sides. This confused them and as they knew nothing of the number of their assailants they were panicstricken and scattered.

  Liu Tai, with a company of footmen got clear of the fight and fled, but he went straight toward Chang Fei. Escape was impossible and the two men rode up each to attack the other. Chang Fei captured his opponent and the men surrendered.

  Chang Fei sent news of this success to his brothers.

  Yuan-te said,“Hitherto I-te has been rather violent, but this time he has acted wisely and I am very pleased.”

  They rode out to welcome their brother.

  “You said I was too rough; how now?” said Fei to his brothers.

  “If I had not put you on your mettle you would not have evolved this stratagem,” said Liu Pei.

  Fei laughed. Then appeared the captive Liu Tai, in bonds. Yuan-te at once dismounted and loosed the cords, saying,“My young brother was rather hasty, but you must pardon him.”

  So he was freed. He was taken into the city, his colleague was released and both were cared for.

  Yuan-te said to them,“I could not help putting Che Chou to death when he tried to kill me, but Ts’ao Ts’ao took it as disaffection and sent you two generals to punish me. I have received much kindness from him and certainly would not show ingratitude by killing you. I wish you to speak for me and explain when you get back.”

  “We are deeply grateful that you spare our lives and we will certainly do so in gratitude for what our wives and children owe you.”

  Next day the two leaders and their army were allowed to depart unscathed. But before they had got ten li from the boundary they heard a mighty shouting and there appeared Chang Fei barring the road.

  “My brother made a mistake in letting you go: he did not understand. How could he give freedom to two rebels?”

  This made the two men quake with fear, but as the fierce-eyed warrior with uplifted sword was bearing down upon them they heard another man galloping up and shouting,“Do not behave so disgracefully!”

  The newcomer was Kuan Yu and his appearance relieved the unhappy men of all fear.

  “Why do you stop them since our brother set them free?” cried he.

  “If they are let go today they will surely come back,” cried Fei.

  “Wait till they do, then you may kill them,” replied Kuan Yu.

  The two leaders with one voice cried,“Even if the Minister slay our whole clan we will never come again. We pray you pardon us.”

  Said Fei,“If Ts’ao Ts’ao himself had come I would have slain him. Not a breastplate should have gone back. But for this time I leave you your heads.”

  Clapping their hands to their heads the two men scuttled off while the two brothers returned to the city.

  “Ts’ao Ts’ao will certainly come,” they said.

  Sun Ch’ien said,“This is not a city that can hold out for long. We should send part of our forces to Hsiaop’ei and guard P’eich’eng as a corner stone of our position.”

  Yuan-te agreed and told off his brothers to guard P’eich’eng whither he also sent his two wives, the Ladies Kan and Mi. The former was a native of the place; the latter was Mi Chu’s sister.

  Four captains were left to defend Hsuchou and Yuan-te with Chang Fei went to Hsiaop’ei.

  The two released leaders hastened home to Ts’ao Ts’ao and explained to him that Liu Pei was not disaffected. But their master was exceeding angry with them, crying “You shameful traitors, what use are you?”

  He roared to the lictors to take them away to instant execution.

  How can a dog or a pig expect

  To conquer in tiger strife?

  Minnows and shrimps that with dragons contend

  Already have done with life.

  The fate of the two leaders will be told in the next chapter.

  CHAPTER XXIII

  Ml HENG SLIPS HIS GARMENT AND RAILS AT TRAITORS: CRUEL PUNISHMENT OF THE PHYSICIAN CHI

  A t the close of the last chapter the two unsuccessful leaders Liu and Wang were in danger of death. However, one of the advisers, Kung Jung, remonstrated with Ts’ao saying,“You knew these two were no match for Liu Pei and if you put them to death because they failed you will lose the hearts of your men.”

  Wherefore the death sentence was not executed but they were deprived of rank and status. Ts’ao next proposed to lead an army himself to attack Liu Pei, but the weather was too inclement. So it was settled to await the return of spring. In the interval there would be time to arrange peace with Chang Hsiu and Liu Piao.

  Wherefore Liu Yeh was sent to the former of these and in due time reached Hsiangch’eng. He first had an interview with Chia Hsu, whereat he dwelt upon Ts’ao’s virtues so that Hsu was impressed, kept him as a guest and undertook to smooth his way.

  Soon after he saw Chang Hsiu and spoke of the advantages of coming to terms with Ts’ao Ts’ao. While the discussion was in progress a messenger from Yuan Shao was announced and he was called in. He presented letters and, when they also proposed terms of peace, Chia Hsu asked what their success had been lately against Ts’ao.

  “The war had ceased for the moment on account of the winter,” replied the messenger.“As you, General, and Liu Piao are both well reputed officers of the State, I have been sent to request your help.”

  Chia Hsu laughed,“You can return to your master and say that as he could not brook rivalry of his brother he certainly would be sorely put to it with that of all the officers of the State.”

  The letter was torn into fragments before the messenger’s face and he was angrily bidden begone.

  “But his master, Yuan Shao, is stronger than Ts’ao Ts’ao, protested Chang Hsiu.“You have torn up his letter and are dismissing his man. What shall we say about such an insult should Yuan Shao come?”

  “Better join hands with Ts’ao Ts’ao,” said Chia Hsu.

  “But there is still between us an unavenged enmity, we could not suffer each other.”

  Chia Hsu said,“The
re are three advantages in joining hands with Ts’ao. First, he has a command from the Emperor to restore peace. Secondly, as Yuan Shao is so strong our little help to him will be despised, while we shall loom large and be well treated by Ts’ao Ts’ao. Thirdly, Ts’ao is going to be Chief of the Feudal Lords and he will ignore all private feuds in order to show his magnanimity to all the world. I hope, General, you will see these things clearly and hesitate no longer.”

  Chang Hsiu, now convinced, became more reasonable and recalled the messenger, who, at the interview, extolled the many virtues of his master.“If the Minister had any thought of the old quarrel he would hardly have sent me to make friendly engagements: would he?” said he at the last.

  So Chang and his adviser proceeded to the capital where formal submission was made. At the interview the visitor bowed low at the steps, but Ts’ao Ts’ao, hastening forward, took him by the hand and raised him saying “Forget that little fault of mine, I pray you.”

  Chang Hsiu received the title of Yang-wu General (“Prowess-in-War” General) and Chia Hsu that of Cbib Cbin-wu (Controller of the Ways).

  Ts’ao then directed his secretaries to draft letters inviting the support of Liu Piao.

  Chia Hsu said,“Liu Ching-sheng loves to have to do with famous people. If some famous scholar should be sent to him he would submit forthwith.”

  So Ts’ao enquired of Hsun Yu who was the best man to go as a messenger and he recommended K’ung Jung. Ts’ao agreed and sent him to speak with this officer. So he went to K’ung, saying,“A scholar of reputation is required to act as a messenger of State; can you undertake this task?”

  K’ung Jung replied,“I have a certain friend, Mi Heng, whose talents are ten times mine. He ought to be constantly at the Court of the Emperor and not merely be sent as a State messenger. I will recommend him to the Emperor.”

  So he wrote the following memorial:—

  “In ancient days, when the great waters were abroad, the Emperor pondered over their regulation and he sought out men of talent from all directions. In old time, when the Emperor Wu of the Hans desired to enlarge his borders, crowds of scholars responded to his call.

  “Intelligent and holy, Your Majesty ascended the throne. You have fallen upon evil days, but have been diligent, modest and untiring in your efforts. Now the great mountains have sent forth spirits and men of genius appear.

  “I, your humble servant, know of a certain simple scholar, Mi Heng by name, of P’ingyuan, a young man of twentyfour. His moral character is excellent, his talents eminent. As a youth he took a high place in study and penetrated the most secret arcana of learning. What he glanced at he could repeat, what he heard once he never forgot. He is naturally high principled and his thoughts are divine. Hung-yang’s mental calculations and An-shih’s mnemonical feats compared with Mi Heng’s powers are no longer wonderful. Loyal, sincere, correct and straight-forward, his ambition is unsullied. He regards the good with trembling respect, he detests the evil with uncompromising hatred. Jen Tso in unflinching candour, Shih Yu in severe rectitude, never surpassed him.

  “Hundreds of hawks are not worth one osprey. If Mi Heng be given a Court appointment notable results must follow. Ready in debate, rapid in utterance, his overwhelming intelligence wells up in profusion; in the solution of doubts and the unravelling of difficulties he has no peer.

  “In former days Chia I begged to be sent on trial to a vassal State to be responsible for the arrest of Shan Yu; Chung Chun offered to bring the Prince of Nanyueh as with a pair of long reins. The generous conduct of these youths has been much admired. In our day Lu Tsui and Yen Hsiang, remarkable for their talents, have been appointed among the secretaries. And Mi Heng is no less capable. Should he be got, then all possibilities may be realised; the dragon may curvet through the celestial streets and soar along the Milky Way; fame will extend to the poles of the universe and hang in the firmament with rainbow glory. He would be the glory of all the present Ministers and enhance the majesty of the Palace itself. The air Chun-t’ien will acquire new beauties and the Palace will contain an excellent treasure. Men like Mi Heng are but few. As in the recitation of Chi-ch’u and the singing of Yang-o the most skilful performers are sought, and such fleet horses as Fei-t’u and Yao-miao were looked for by the famous judges of horses, Wang Liang and Pai Lo, so I, the humble one, dare not conceal this man. Your Majesty is careful in the selection of servants and should try him. Let him be summoned as he is, simply clad in his serge dress, and should he not appear worthy then may I be punished for the fault of deception.”

  The Emperor read the memorial and passed it to his Minister, who duly summoned Mi Heng. He came, but after his formal salutations were over he was left standing and not invited to sit down. Looking up to heaven he sighed deeply, saying,“Wide as is the universe it cannot produce the man.”

  “Under my orders are scores of men whom the world call heroes. What do you mean by saying there is not the man?” said Ts’ao.

  “I should be glad to hear who they are,” said Mi.

  “Hsun Yu and Hsun Yu, Kuo Chia and Ch’eng Yu are all men of profound skill and long views, superior to Hsiao Ho and Ch’en P’ing; Chang Liao and Hsu Chu, Li Tien and Yo Chin are bravest of the brave, better than Tsen P’eng and Ma Wu. Lu Ch’ien and Man Chung are my secretaries, Yu Chin and Hsu Huang are my van-leaders; Hsiahou Tun is one of the world’s marvels and Ts’ao Tzu-hsiao is the most successful leader of the age. Now say you there are not the men?”

  “Sir, you are quite mistaken,” said Mi Heng with a smile.“I know all these things you call men. Hsun Yu is qualified to pose at a funeral or ask after a sick man. Hsun Yu is fit to be a tomb guardian. Ch’eng Yu might be sent to shut doors and bolt windows, and Kuo Chia is a reciter of poems; Chang Liao might beat drums and clang gongs; Hsu Chu might lead cattle to pasture; Yo Chin would make a fair confidential clerk of the Court Li Tien could carry despatches and notices; Lu Ch’ien would be a fair armourer; Man Ch’ung could be sent to drink wine and eat brewers’ grains; Yu Chin might be of use to carry planks and build walls; Hsu Huang might be employed to kill pigs and slay dogs; Hsiahou Tun should be styled ‘Whole Body’ General and Ts’ao Tzu-hsiao should be called ‘Money-grubbing Prefect.’ As for the remainder, they are mere clothes-horses, rice-sacks wine butts, flesh bags.”

  “And what special gifts have you?” said Ts’ao Ts’ao angrily.

  “I know everything in heaven above and the earth beneath. I am conversant with the Three Religions and the Nine Systems of Philosophy. I could make my prince the rival of Yao and Shun and I myself could compare in virtue with K’ung and Yen. Can I discuss on even terms with common people?”

  Now Chang Liao was present and he raised his sword to strike down the impudent visitor who spoke thus to his master, but Ts’ao Ts’ao said,“I want another drummer boy to play on occasions of

  congratulation in the Court. I will confer this office upon him.”

  Instead of indignantly declining this Mi Heng accepted the position and went out.

  “He spoke very impertinently,” said Liao; “Why did you not put him to death?”

  “He has something of a reputation; empty, but people have heard of him and so, if I put him to death, they would say I was intolerant. As he thinks he has ability I have made him a drummer to mortify him.”

  Soon after Ts’ao instituted a banquet in the capital at which the guests were many. The drums were to be played and the old drummer were ordered to wear new clothes. But the new took his place with the other musicians clad in old and worn garments. The piece chosen was Yu-yang (or “Fishing”) and from the earliest taps on the drum the effect was exquisite, profound as the notes from metal and stone. The performance stirred deeply the emotions of every guest, some even shed tears. Seeing all eyes turned on the shabby performer the attendants said,“Why did you not put on your new uniform?”

  Mi Heng turned to them, slipped off his frayed and torn robe and stood there in full view, naked as he was born. The assemble
d guests covered their faces. Then the drummer composedly drew on his nether garments.

  “Why do you behave so rudely at Court?” said Ts’ao Ts’ao.

  “To flout one’s prince and insult one’s superiors is the real rudeness,” cried Mi Heng.“I bare my natural body as an emblem of my purity.”

  “So you are pure! And who is foul?”

  “You do not distinguish between the wise and the foolish; which is to have foul vision; you have never read the Odes or the Histories, which is to have foul speech; you are deaf to honest words, which is to have foul ears; you are unable to reconcile antiquity with today, which is to be foul without; you cannot tolerate the nobles, which is to be foul within; you harbour thoughts of rebellion, which is to have a foul heart. I am the most famous scholar in the world and you make me a drummer boy, that is as Yang Huo belittling Chung-ni (Confucius) or Tsang Ts’ang vilifying Meng, the Philosopher (Mencius). You desire to be chief and arbitrator of the great nobles, yet you treat me thus!”

  Now K’ung Jung who had recommended Mi Heng for employment was among the guests and he feared for the life of his friend. Wherefore he tried to calm the storm.

  “Mi Heng is only guilty of a misdemeanour like Hsu Mi’s,” cried he. He is not a man likely to disturb your dreams, illustrious Prince.”

  Pointing to Mi Heng the Minister said,“I will send you to Chingchou as my messenger and if Liu Piao surrender to me I will give you a post at Court.”

  But Heng was unwilling to go. So Ts’ao Ts’ao bade two of his men prepare three horses and they set Heng on the middle one and dragged him along the road between them.

  It is also related that a great number of officers of all ranks assembled at the east gate to see the messenger start. Hsun Yu said,“When Mi Heng comes we will not rise to salute him.”

  So when Heng came, dismounted and entered the waiting room, they all sat stiff and silent. Mi Heng uttered a loud cry.

  “What is that for?” said Hsun Yu.

  “Should not one cry out when one enters a coffin?” said Mi Heng.

  “We may be corpses,” cried they altogether,“but you are a wandering ghost.”