SAN KUO,
OR
ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS
By C. H. BREWITT-TAYLOR
late of the Maritime Customs Service of China
AN ENGLISH VERSION OF
三國志演義
VOLUME I, WITH MAP
KELLY & WALSH, LIMITED
SHANGHAI : HONGKONG : SINGAPORE
MCMXXV
To the Memory
of my Son Raymond
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
VOLUME I.
Chapter. Page
Preface.
I. Feast in the Garden of Peaches: Brotherhood Sworn:
Slaughter of Rebels: The Brothers Heroes. 1
II. An Official is Thrashed; Uncle Ho Plots to Kill the
Eunuchs. 11
III. Tung Cho Silences Ting Yüan: Li Su Bribes Lü Pu. 23
IV. The Deposition of the Emperor: Prince of Chʻên-liu
Becomes Emperor: Schemes Against Tung Cho: Mêng-tê
Presents a Sword. 34
V. Sending Out the Call: Many Respond: Destroying An Army:
The Three Brothers Fight Against Lü Pu. 43
VI. Burning the Capital, Tung Cho Commits an Atrocity:
Hiding the Seal, Sun Chien Breaks Faith. 55
VII. Yüan Shao Fights with Kungsun Tsan at Pʻanho: Sun Chien
Attacks Liu Piao. 63
VIII. Governor Wang Prepares the “Chain” Scheme: Tung Cho’s
Rages at the Fengi Pavilion. 72
IX. Lü Pu Helps to Suppress Disorder: Chia Hsü Counsels an
Attack on the Capital. 81
X. Ma Tʻeng Serves His Country Well: Tsʻao Tsʻao Avenges
His Father’s Murder. 92
XI. Liu, the Emperor’s Uncle, Rescues Kʻung Jung: Lu,
Marquis of Wen, Defeats Tsʻao Tsʻao. 100
XII. The Prefect Tʻao Thrice Offers His Charge: Tsʻao Tsʻao
Fights A Great Battle. 112
XIII. Great Battle Between Li Tsʻui and Kuo Ssŭ: The Emperor
Rescued. 122
XIV. Tsʻao Mêng-tê Moves the Court: Lü Fêng-hsien Raids
Hsüchun. 134
XV. Tʻaishih Tzŭ Fights for Friendship’s Sake: Sun Po-fu
does Battle with Yen, the White Tiger. 147
XVI. A Feat of Archery: A Battle Lost at Yushui River. 161
XVII. An Army of Seven Divisions Marches Out: Three Generals
are Brought Together. 175
XVIII. Chia Hsü engineers a Great Victory: Hsiahou Tun Loses
an Eye. 184
XIX. Tsʻao Tsʻao Fights at Hsiapʻei: Lü Pu Perishes at the
White Gate Tower. 193
XX. Tsʻao A-man Organises a Hunting Expedition: Tung,
“State Uncle,” Receives a Command in the Palace. 207
XXI. Tsʻao Tsʻao Discusses Heroes: Kuan Yu Slays Chʻê Chou. 218
XXII. Yüan and Tsʻao Both Take the Field: The Two Brothers
Capture Two Captains. 228
XXIII. Mi Hêng Slips his Garment and Rails at Traitors: Cruel
Punishment of the Physician Chi. 240
XXIV. Murder of a Kuei-fei: Liu Pei Defeated; Flight to
Yüan Shao. 253
XXV. From Tʻushan Camp Kuan Yü makes Three Conditions: The
Rescue at Paima releases Tsʻao Tsʻao. 259
XXVI. Yüan Shao is Defeated and Loses a Leader: Kuan Yü
Abandons Rank and Wealth. 270
XXVII. “Beautiful Beard” Rides on a Solitary Journey: And
Slays Six Men at Five Passes. 279
XXVIII. Tsʻai Yang put to Death, the Brothers’ Doubts
Disappear: Meeting at Kuchʻeng, Lord and Liege Fortify
each Other. 290
XXIX. The “Little Chief of the Feudal Lords” Slays Yü Chi:
The “Blue-Eyed Boy” Lays Hold on Chiangtung. 302
XXX. Yüan Shao Defeated at the Ferry: Tsʻao Tsʻao Burns the
Wuchʻao Granaries. 313
XXXI. Tsʻao Tsʻao Overcomes Yüan Shao: Liu Pei Seeks Shelter
with Liu Piao. 325
XXXII. Chʻichou Taken: Yüan Shang Strives: The Chang River
Cut: Hsü Yu’s Scheme. 335
XXXIII. Tsʻao Pʻei Finds a Wife: A Plan for Settling Liaotung. 347
XXXIV. A Woman Overhears a Secret: A Warrior Leaps a Stream. 358
XXXV. Yüan-tê Meets a Recluse at Nanchang: Tan Fu Meets a
Noble Lord at Hsinyeh. 368
XXXVI. Capture of Fanchʻêng: Chuko Liang Recommended. 376
XXXVII. Another Scholar Introduced: The Three visits to the
Recluse. 385
XXXVIII. Plan for Three Kingdoms: The Suns Avenge Themselves. 397
XXXIX. At Chingchou the Son of Liu Piao Thrice Begs Advice:
At Powang Slope the Master Directs his First Battle. 408
XL. The Lady Tsʻai Discusses the Renunciation of Chingchou:
Chuko Liang Burns Hsinyeh. 418
XLI. Liu Pei Leads his People Over the River: Chao Yün
Rescues his Lord. 427
XLII. Chang Fei’s Great Fight at Chʻangpan Slope: Liu Pei,
Defeated, Goes to Hanchingkʻou. 439
XLIII. Chuko Liang Disputes With the Scholars: Lu Su Denounces
the Majority Opinion. 447
XLIV. Kʻung-ming Stirs Chou Yü to Action: Sun Chʻüan Decides
to Attack Tsʻao Tsʻao. 459
XLV. Tsʻao Tsʻao Loses Soldiers: Chiang Kan Victim of a Ruse. 469
XLVI. Kʻung-ming “Borrows” Some Arrows: Huang Kai Accepts a
Punishment. 481
XLVII. Kʻan Tsê Presents the Treacherous Letter: Pʻan Tʻung
Suggests Chaining the Ships Together. 491
XLVIII. Banquet on the Yangtse; Tsʻao Tsʻao’s Song: The Northern
Men Fight on the Chained Ships. 500
XLIX. On the Seven Stars altar Chuko sacrifices to the winds:
At the Three Rivers Chou Yü Liberates Fire. 508
L. Chuko Liang Foresees the Huayung Episode: Kuan
Yün-chʻang Releases Tsʻao Tsʻao. 519
LI. A Great Battle Between North and South: Kʻung-ming
Angers Chou Yü . 527
LII. Chuko Liang talks cunningly to Lu Su: Chao Yün, by a
ruse, captures Kueiyang 537
LIII. Kuan Yu, from a Sense of Righteousness, Releases Huang
Chung: Sun Chʻüan Fights a Great Battle with Chang Liao. 547
LIV. The Dowager Marchioness Sees Her Son-in-law at a Temple:
Liu, the Imperial Uncle, Takes a Worthy Consort. 558
LV. Yüan-tê Rouses the Spirit of his Bride: Kʻung-ming a
Second Time Angers his Rival. 569
LVI. A Banquet in the Bronze Bird Pavilion: Kʻung-ming
Provokes Chou Yü a Third Time. 578
LVII. “Sleeping Dragon” Mourns at Chʻaisang: “Phoenix
Fledgeling” Intervenes at Leiyang. 589
LVIII. An Expedition for Revenge: Expedients to Conceal
Identity. 601
LIX. Hsu Chʻü Strips for a Fight with Ma Chʻao: Tsʻao Tsʻao
Writes a Letter to sow Dissension. 612
LX. Chang Sung Turns the Tables on Yang Hsiu: Occupation
of Shu Discussed. 623
PREFACE.
A. Wylie, in his invaluable Notes on Chinese Literature, says, “Works
of fiction par excellence are not admitted by the Chinese to form a
part of their national literature. Those who have imbibed European
ideas on the subject, however, will feel that the novels and romances
are too important as a class to be overlooked. The insight they give in
the national manners and customs of various ages, the specimens which
they furnish of an ever-changing language, the fact of this being the
only channel through which a large portion of the people gain their
knowledge of history, and the influence which they must consequently
exercise in the formation of character, are reasons too weighty to be
left out of account, notwithstanding the prejudices of scholars on the
subject. Foremost among these in popular estimation is the San Kuo Chih
Yen-i (三國志演義). This is a historical novel, in 120 chapters, written by
Lo Kuan-chung (羅貫中) of the Yüan dynasty (1260–1341). The plot, which is
founded on the historical events immediately succeeding the decadence
of the house of Han, is wrought out with a most elaborate complication
of details, embracing the period from 168 to 265. Following the course
of events from the imbecile reign of Ling Ti of the Han, the tale opens
with an account of the insurrection of the ‘Yellow Caps,’ during which
Liu Pei (劉備), a descendant of the imperial family, enters into a solemn
compact with Kuan Yü (關羽), now the deified Kuan Ti, God of War, and
Chang Fei (張飛) to aid each other till death, in their efforts to uphold
the falling house. The fortunes of Liu Pei are traced through a series
of reverses, till he assumes the royal power, (known afterwards as
Chao-Lieh Ti), and the empire became divided into three states Wei, Shu
and Wu. Tyranny and bloodshed mark the narrative for nearly a century,
till the usurper Tsʻao Mao of the Wei is deposed by his minister Ssŭ-ma
Chao, whose son became the consolidator of the empire, and founder of
the Tsin dynasty, being the Wu Ti of history.”
As a general description of the book, Wylie’s brief note leaves little
to be desired; to amplify it would mean an analysis with which I would
not weary the reader. I will add, however, that the San Kuo is widely
read and very generally known, perhaps, however, better through stage
performances than by actual reading.
The San Kuo is distinctly eastern, a book adapted for the story-teller;
one can almost hear him. It abounds in names and genealogies, which
seem never to tire the eastern reader or listener. Happily, English
admits pronouns in place of so many strangely-spelt names which ought
to appear, and they have been used; and as most persons have at least a
tzŭ in addition to the hsing and ming I have tried to lighten the
burden on the foreign reader’s memory by using only the hsing or hsing
and ming of a man, suppressing his tzŭ except in the case of very
well-known characters.
Manchu, Japanese, Siamese, and possibly other versions of the San Kuo
have been made, and now to these I have attempted to add one in
English, with what measure of success I leave to curious readers
qualified to compare my rendering with the original.
The Wade system of romanisation, in which the vowels are Italian, has
been used.
In conclusion, I wish to put on record my gratitude to Mr. Chen Ti Tsen
who typed the text, and Mr. E. Manico Gull who has read the proofs.
C. H. B.-T.
CHAPTER I.
FEAST IN THE GARDEN OF PEACHES: BROTHERHOOD SWORN:
SLAUGHTER OF REBELS: THE BROTHERS HEROES.
Empires wax and wane; states cleave asunder and coalesce. When the rule
of Chou weakened seven contending principalities sprang up, warring one
with another till they settled down as Tsʻin and when its destiny had
been fulfilled arose Chʻu and Han to contend for the mastery. And Han
was the victor.
The rise of the fortunes of Han began with the slaughter of the White
Serpent. In a short time the whole Empire was theirs and their
magnificent heritage was handed down in successive generations till the
days of Kuang-Wu, whose name stands in the middle of the long line of
Han. This was in the first century of the western era and the dynasty
had then already passed its zenith. A century later came to the Throne
the Emperor Hsien, doomed to see the beginning of the division into
three parts, known to history as The Three Kingdoms.
The descent into misrule hastened in the reigns of the two Emperors
Huan and Ling, who sat in the dragon seat about the middle of the
second century. The former of these two paid no heed to the good men of
his court, but gave his confidence to the palace eunuchs. He lived and
died, leaving the sceptre to Ling, whose trusted advisers were the
General Tou Wu and the Grand Tutor Chʻên Fan. These two, disgusted with
the abuses resulting from the meddling of the eunuchs in affairs of
State, plotted their destruction. But the chief eunuch Tsʻao Chieh was
not to be disposed of easily. The plot leaked out and the two honest
men fell, leaving the eunuchs stronger than before.
It fell upon the day of full moon of the fourth month, second year of
the period Chien-Ning, that the Emperor went in state to the Wên-tê
Hall. As he drew near the Throne a rushing whirlwind arose in the
corner of the hall and, lo! from the roof beams floated down a
monstrous black serpent that coiled itself up on the very seat of
majesty. The Emperor fell in a swoon. Those nearest him hastily raised
and bore him to his palace while the courtiers scattered and fled. The
serpent disappeared.
But there followed a terrific tempest, thunder, hail and torrents of
rain, lasting till midnight and working havoc on all sides. Two years
later the earth quaked in Loyang, while along the coast a huge tidal
wave rushed in which, in its recoil, swept away all the dwellers by the
sea. Another evil omen was recorded ten years later, when the
reign-title was changed: certain hens suddenly developed male
characteristics, a miracle which could only refer to the effeminate
eunuchs meddling in affairs of State. At the new moon of the sixth
month a long wreath of black vapour wound its way into the audience
chamber, while in the following month a rainbow was seen in the Jade
Chamber. Away from the capital a mountain fell in, leaving a mighty
rift in its flank.
Such were some of various omens. The Emperor, greatly moved by these
signs of the displeasure of Heaven, issued an edict asking his
ministers for an explanation of the calamities and marvels. A certain
Tsʻai Yung replied bluntly that showers of insects and changes of
fowls’ sexes were brought about by feminine interference in State
affairs.
The Emperor read this memorial with deep sighs, and the chief eunuch
Tsʻao Chieh, from his place behind the Throne, anxiously noted these
signs of grief. An opportunity offering, he read the document and told
his fellows its purport. Before long a charge was trumped up against
the author, who was driven from court and forced to retire to his
country house. With this victory the eunuchs grew bolder. Ten of them,
rivals in wickedness and associates in evil deeds, formed a powerful
party known as The Ten. One of them, Chang Jang, won such influence
that he became the Emperor’s most honoured and trusted adviser. The
Emperor even called him Daddie. So the Government went quickly from bad
to worse, till the country was ripe for rebellion and buzzed with
brigandage.
At this time in Chülu was a certain Chang family, of whom three
brothers bore the name of Chio, Pao and Liang respectively. The eldest
was an unclassed graduate, who devoted himself to medicine. One day,
while culling simples in the woods, he met a venerable old gentleman
with very bright eyes and fresh complexion, who walked leaning on a
staff. The old man beckoned Chio into a cave and there gave him three
volumes of the “Book of Heaven.” “This book” said he, “is the Way of
Peace. With the aid of these volumes you can convert the world and
rescue mankind. But you must be single-minded, or, rest assured, you
will greatly suffer.”
With a humble obeisance Chang took the book and asked the name of his
benefactor.
“I am the Hsien of the Southern Land of Glory,” was the reply, as the
old gentleman disappeared in thin air.
The new possessor of the wonderful book studied it eagerly and strove
day and night to reduce its precepts to practice. Before long he could
summon the winds and command the rain, and became known as The Mystic
of the Way of Peace. Soon he could test his other powers. With a change
of reign-title appeared a terrible pestilence which ran throughout the
land, whereupon Chang Chio distributed charmed remedies of which the
success gained him the title of the Wise and Good Master. He began to
have a following of disciples whom he initiated into the mysteries and
sent abroad throughout all the land. They, like their master, could
write charms and recite formulae and their fame increased his
following. He began to organise his disciples. He established thirty
six circuits, the larger with a myriad or more members, the smaller
with about half that number. Each circuit had its chief who took the
military title of General. They talked wildly of the death of the blue
heavens and the setting up of the yellow; they said a new cycle was
beginning and would bring universal good fortune, and they persuaded
people to chalk the symbols for the first year of a cycle on the main
door of their dwellings.
With the growth of the number of his supporters grew also the ambition
of the “Wise and Good.” He dreamed of empire. One of his partizans, Ma
Yüan-i, was sent bearing gifts to gain the support of the eunuchs
whereby to have allies within the palace. To his brothers Chang Chio
said, “For schemes like ours always the most difficult part is to gain
the popular favour. But that is already ours. Such an opportunity must
not pass.” And they began to prepare. Many yellow flags were made and a
day was chosen to strike the first blow.
Then they wrote letters to the chief eunuch, Fêng Hsü, and sent them by
a follower, who alas! betrayed their trust and discovered the plot. The
Emperor summoned his trusty General Ho Chin and bade him look to it. Ma
Yüan-i was at once taken and put to death. Fêng Hsü and many others
were cast into prison.
The plot having thus become known the Changs were forced at once to
take the field. They assumed grandiose titles, Tʻien Kung, or Celestial
Duke, Ti Kung, or Terrestrial Duke, Jên Kung, or Duke of Humanity, and
in these names they put forth this manifesto:—“The good fortune of the
Hans is exhausted and the Wise Man has appeared. Discern the will of
Heaven, O ye people, and walk in the way of righteousness, whereby
alone ye may attain to peace.”
Support was not lacking. On every side people bound their heads with a
yellow turban and joined the army of the rebel Chang Chio, so that soon
his strength was exceeding great and the official troops melted away at
a whisper of his coming.
Ho Chin, Guardian of the Throne, memorialised for general preparations
against the rebels and an edict called upon every one to fight against
them. In the meantime Lu Chih, Huangfu Sung and Chu Chien marched
against them in three directions with veteran soldiers.
It is now time to turn to Chang Chio. He led his army into Yuchow, the
northern of the eight divisions of the country. The Prefect was one Liu
Yen, a scion of the Imperial House through a certain Lu, Prince Kung of
Chingling. Learning of the approach of the rebels, the Prefect called
in the Hsiao-yü Tsou Ching to consult over the position. Said Tsou,
“They are many and we few; you must enlist more men to oppose them.”
The Prefect saw this was so and he put out notices calling for
volunteers to serve against the rebels. One of these notices was posted
up in the Cho district, where lived one of whom much will be heard
later.
This man was no mere bookish scholar nor found he any pleasure in
study. But he was liberal and amiable, albeit a man of few words,
hiding all feeling under a calm exterior. He had always cherished a
yearning for high emprise and had cultivated the friendship of men of
mark. He was tall of stature. His ears were long, the lobes touching
his shoulders, and his hands hung down below his knees. His eyes were
very prominent, so that he could see backward past his ears. His
complexion was clear as jade and he had rich red lips. He was a
descendant of a Prince whose father was the grandson of the Emperor
Ching, (the occupant of the dragon throne a century and a half B.C.)
His name was Liu Pei, or more commonly Liu Yüan-tê. Many years before
one of his forbears had been Marquis of that very district, but had
lost his rank for remissness in ceremonial offerings. However, that
branch of the family had remained on in the place, gradually becoming
poorer and poorer as the years rolled on. His father Liu Hung had been
a scholar and an official but died young. The widow and orphan were
left alone and Pei as a lad won a reputation for filial piety.
At this time the family had sunk deep in poverty and the son gained his
living by the sale of straw sandals and weaving grass mats. The family
home was in a village near the district city. Near the house stood a
huge mulberry tree, and seen from afar its curved profile resembled the
tilt of a waggon. Noting the luxuriance of its foliage a soothsayer had
predicted that one day a man of distinction would come forth from the
family. As a child Yüan-tê and the other village boys played beneath
this tree and he would climb up into it, saying he was emperor and was
mounting his chariot. The lad’s uncle recognised that he was no
ordinary boy and saw to it that the family did not come to actual want.
When Yüan-tê was fifteen his mother sent him travelling for his
education. For a time he served Chêng Yüan and Lu Chih as masters and
he became great friends with Kungssun Tsan.
Yüan-tê was twenty eight when the outbreak of the rebellion called for
soldiers. The sight of the notice saddened him and he sighed as he read
it. Suddenly a rasping voice behind him cried, “Noble Sir, why sigh if
you do nothing to help your country?” Turning quickly he saw standing
there a man about his own height, with a bullet head like a leopard’s,
large eyes, a pointed chin and a bristling moustache. He spoke in a
loud bass voice and looked as irresistible as a runaway horse. At once
Yüan-tê saw he was no ordinary man and asked who he was.
“Chang Fei is my name; I am usually called I-tê” replied the stranger.
“I live near here where I have a farm; and I am a wine-seller and a
butcher as well. And I like to become acquainted with worthy men. Your
sighs as you read the notice drew me toward you.”
Yüan-tê replied, “I am of the Imperial Family, Liu by name, and my
distinguishing name is Pei. An I could I would destroy these rebels and
restore peace to the land, but alas! I am helpless.”
“I am not without means,” said Fei. “Suppose you and I raised some men
and tried what we could do.”
This was happy news for Yüan-tê and the two betook themselves to the
village inn to talk over the project. As they were drinking, a huge,
tall fellow appeared pushing a hand-cart along the road. At the
threshold he halted and entered the inn to rest awhile and he called
for wine. “And be quick,” added he “for I am in haste to get into the
town and offer myself for the army.”
Yüan-tê looked over the new-comer item by item and noted his huge
frame, his long beard, his dark brown face and deep red lips. He had
eyes like a phœnix and fine bushy eyebrows like silkworms. His whole
appearance was dignified and awe-inspiring. Presently Yüan-tê crossed
over, sat down beside him and asked his name.
“I am Kuan Yü,” said he; “I used to be known as Shou-chʻang (Long as
eternity), but now am usually called Yün-chʻang (Long as a cloud). I am
a native of the east side of the river, but I have been a fugitive on
the waters for some five years, because I slew a ruffian who, since he
was powerful, was a bully. I have come to join the army here.”
Then Yüan-tê told him his own intentions and all three went away to
Chang Fei’s farm where they could talk over the grand project.
Said Fei, “The peach trees in the orchard behind the house are just in
full flower. To-morrow we will institute a sacrifice there and solemnly
declare our intention before Heaven and Earth. And we three will swear
brotherhood and unity of aims and sentiments; thus will we enter upon
our great task.”
All three being of one mind, next day they prepared the sacrifices, a
black ox, a white horse and wine for libation. Beneath the smoke of the
incense burning on the altar they bowed their heads and recited this
oath:—“We three, Liu Pei, Kuan Yü and Chang Fei, though of different
families, swear brotherhood, and promise mutual help to one end. We
will rescue each other in difficulty, we will aid each other in danger.
We swear to serve the state and save the people. We ask not the same
day of birth but we seek to die together. May Heaven, the all-ruling,
and Earth, the all-producing, read our hearts, and if we turn aside
from righteousness or forget kindliness may Heaven and man smite us!”
They rose from their knees. The two others bowed before Yüan-tê as
their elder brother and Chang Fei was to be the youngest of the trio.
This solemn ceremony performed, they slew other oxen and made a feast
to which they invited the villagers. Three hundred joined them and all
feasted and drank deep in the Peach Garden.
The next day weapons were mustered. But there were no horses to ride.
This was a real grief, but soon they were cheered by the arrival of two
horse dealers with a drove of horses.
“Thus does Heaven help us,” said Yüan-tê and the three brothers went
forth to welcome the merchants. They were from Changshan and went
northwards every year to buy horses. They were now on their way home
because of the rising. They also came to the farm, where wine was set
before them, and presently Yüan-tê told them of the plan to strive for
tranquility. The two dealers were glad and at once gave them fifty good
steeds, and beside, gold and silver and a thousand catties of steel fit
for the forging of weapons.
After the merchants had taken their leave, armourers were summoned to
forge weapons. For Yüan-tê they made a double sword. Yün-chʻang
fashioned a long-handled, curved blade called “Black Dragon” or “Cold
Beauty,” which weighed a full hundredweight, and Chang Fei made himself
an eighteen-foot spear. Each too had a helmet and full armour.
When these were ready the troop, now five hundred strong, marched to
Tsou Ching, who presented them to Liu Yen. When the ceremony of
introduction was over, Yüan-tê declared his ancestry and Yen at once
accorded him the favour due to a relation.
Before many days it was announced that the rebellion had actually
broken out and the leader, Chêng Yüan-chih, had invaded the district
with a huge army. Tsou Ching and the three heroes went out to oppose
them with the five hundred men. Yüan-tê joyfully undertook to lead the
van and marched to the foot of the Tahsing Hills where they saw the
rebels. The rebels wore their hair flying about their shoulders and
their foreheads were bound with yellow turbans.
When the two armies had been drawn up opposite each other Yüan-tê with
his two brothers, one on each side, rode to the front and, flourishing
his whip, began to hurl reproaches at the rebels and called upon them
to surrender. Their leader, full of rage, sent out one Têng Mou to
begin the battle. At once rode forward Chang Fei, his long spear poised
to strike. One thrust and Têng rolled off his horse pierced through the
heart. At this the leader himself whipped up his steed and rode forth
with sword raised ready to slay Chang. But Kuan Yü swung up his
ponderous weapon and rode at him. At the sight fear seized upon Chêng,
and ere he could recover himself the great sword fell, cutting him in
halves.
Two heroes new to war’s alarms,
Ride boldly forth to try their arms.
Their doughty deeds three kingdoms tell
And poets sing how these befell.
Their leader fallen, the rebels threw away their weapons and fled. The
official soldiers dashed in among them. Many thousands surrendered and
the victory was complete. Thus this part of the rebellion was broken
up.
On their return the Prefect met them and distributed rewards. But
before long letters came from the prefecture of Chingchou saying that
the rebels were laying siege to the chief city and it was near falling.
Help was needed quickly.
“I will go,” said Yüan-tê as soon as he heard the news and he set out
at once with his own men, reinforced by a large body under Tsou Ching.
The rebels seeing help coming at once attacked most fiercely. The
relieving force being comparatively small could not prevail and retired
some thirty li, where they made a camp.
“They are many and we but few,” said Yüan-tê to his brothers. “We can
only beat them by superior strategy.”
So they prepared an ambush. The two younger brothers, each with a
goodly party, went behind the hills right and left and there hid. When
the gongs beat they were to move out to support the main army.
These preparations made, the drums rolled for the advance. The rebels
also came forward. Then Yüan-tê suddenly retired. Thinking this was
their chance, the rebels pressed forward and were led over the hills.
Then suddenly the gongs sounded for the ambush to discover itself and
the rebels were attacked on three sides. They lost heavily and fled to
the provincial city. But the Prefect led out the men he had to assist
in the battle and the rebels were entirely defeated and many slain.
Chingchou was no longer in danger.
Tho’ fierce as tigers soldiers be,
Battles are won by strategy.
A hero comes; he gains renown,
Already destined for a crown.
After the celebrations in honour of victory were over Tsou Ching
proposed to return home, but Yüan-tê preferred to go to the aid of his
old master Lu Chih, then struggling with a horde of rebels led by Chang
Chio. So they separated and the three brothers with their troop made
their way of Kuangtsung.
They found the Prefect in camp, were admitted to his presence and
declared the reason of their coming. The Prefect received them with
great joy and they remained with him while he made his plans.
At that time the rebels there were three to one and the two armies were
facing each other. Neither had had any success. The Prefect said to Liu
Pei, “I am surrounding these rebels here but the other two brothers
Chang Liang and Chang Pao are strongly intrenched opposite Huangfu Sung
and Chu Chien at Yingchʻuan. I will give you a thousand more men and
with these you can go to find out what is happening and we can then
settle the moment to attack.”
So Yüan-tê set off and marched as quickly as possible. At that time the
imperial troops were attacking with success and the rebels had retired
upon Changshê. They had encamped among the thick grass, and, seeing
this, Huangfu decided to attack them by fire. So he bade every man cut
a bundle of dry grass and laid an ambush. That night the wind blew a
gale and at the second watch they started a blaze. At the same time the
rebels were attacked. Their camp was set on fire and the flames rose to
the very heavens. The rebels were thrown into great confusion. There
was no time to saddle horses or don armour; they fled in all
directions.
The battle continued till dawn. Chang Liang and Chang Pao, with a few
flying soldiers, found, as they thought, a way of escape. But suddenly
a troop of soldiers with crimson banners appeared to oppose them. Their
leader was a man of medium stature with small eyes and a long beard. He
was one Tsʻao Tsʻao, also known as Tsʻao Mêng-tê, a Pʻeikuo man,
holding the rank of Chi-tu-yü. His father was Tsʻao Sung, who had been
born to the Hsiahou family, but he had been brought up by the eunuch
Tsʻao Tʻêng and had taken his family name. This Tsʻao Tsʻao was Sung’s
son and, as a lad, bore the name of A-man.
As a young man Tsʻao Tsʻao had been fond of hunting and delighted in
songs and dancing. He was resourceful and full of guile. An uncle,
seeing the young fellow so unsteady, used to get angry with him and
told his father Tsʻao Sung of his misdeeds. His father remonstrated
with him.
But the youth was equal to the occasion. One day, seeing his uncle
coming, he fell to the ground in a pretended fit. The uncle alarmed ran
to tell his father, who came, and there was the youth in most perfect
health.
“But your uncle said you were in a fit; are you better?”
“I have never suffered from fits or any such illness,” said Tsʻao
Tsʻao. “But I have lost my uncle’s affection and he has deceived you.”
Thereafter, whatever the uncle might say of his faults, his father paid
no heed. So the young man grew up licentious and uncontrolled.
A certain man of the time said to Tsʻao Tsʻao, “Rebellion is at hand
and only a man of the greatest ability can succeed in restoring
tranquillity. That man is yourself.”
And Ho Yung of Nanyang said of him, “The dynasty of Han is about to
fall. He who can restore peace is this man and only he.”
Tsʻao Tsʻao went to enquire his future of a wise man of Junan.
“What manner of man am I?” asked Tsʻao.
The seer made no reply and again he put the question. Then he replied,
“You are able enough to rule the world, but wicked enough to disturb
it.”
Tsʻao greatly rejoiced to hear this.
He graduated at twenty and began his career in a district near Loyang.
In the four gates of the city he ruled he hung up clubs of various
sorts and any breach of the law met with its punishment whatever the
rank of the offender.
Now an uncle of a eunuch was found one night in the streets with a
sword and was arrested. In due course he was beaten. Thereafter no one
dared to offend and Tsʻao’s name became terrible. Soon he became a
magistrate.
At the outbreak of rebellion he held the rank of Chi-tu-yü and was
given command of five thousand horse and foot to help fight at
Yingchʻuan. He just happened to fall in with the newly defeated rebels
whom he cut to pieces. Thousands were slain and endless banners and
drums and horses were captured and not a little money. However the two
leaders got away and, after an interview with Huangfu Sung, Tsʻao went
in pursuit of them.
We return now to Yüan-tê. He and his brothers were hastening toward the
point of danger when they heard the din of battle and saw flames rising
high toward the sky. However they arrived too late for the fighting.
They saw Huangfu and Chu to whom they told the intentions of Lu Chih.
“The rebel power is quite broken here,” said the chiefs, “but they will
surely make for Kuangtsung to join Chang Chio. You can do nothing
better than hasten back.”
The three brothers retraced their steps. Half way along the road they
met a party of soldiers escorting a prisoner in a cage-cart. When they
drew near the prisoner was no other than the man they were going to
help. Hastily dismounting Liu Pei asked what had happened. Lu Chih
explained, “I had surrounded the rebels and was on the point of
smashing them, when Chang Chio employed some of his supernatural powers
and prevented my victory. The Court sent down a eunuch to enquire into
my failure and that official demanded a bribe. I told him how hard
pressed we were and asked him where, in the circumstances, I could find
a gift for him. He went away in wrath and reported that I was hiding
behind my ramparts and would not give battle and I disheartened my men.
So I was superseded by one Tung Cho and I have to go to the capital to
answer the charge.”
This story put Chang Fei into a rage. He was for slaying the escort and
setting free the prisoner. But Yüan-tê checked him.
“The Government will take the proper course,” said he. “You must not
act hastily.” And they went their ways.
It was useless to continue on that road so Kuan Yü proposed to go back
and they retook the road. Two days later they heard the thunder of
battle behind some hills. Hastening to the top they beheld the
government soldiers suffering great loss and they saw the countryside
was full of Yellow Turbans. On their banners were the words, “Celestial
Duke,” writ large.
“We will attack this Chang Chio,” said Yüan-tê and they galloped out to
join in the battle.
Chang Chio had worsted Tung Cho and was following up his advantage. He
was in hot pursuit when the three brothers dashed into his army, threw
his ranks into confusion and drove him back. Then they returned with
the rescued general to his camp.
“What officers have you?” asked Tung Cho, when he had leisure to speak
to the brothers.
“None,” was the reply. And Tung treated them with disrespect. Yüan-tê
retired calmly, but Chang Fei was furious.
“We have just rescued this menial in a bloody fight,” cried he, “and
now he is rude to us! Nothing but his death can slake my anger.”
He would have dashed into the tent and slain the insulter had not his
elder brothers held him back.
As it was in olden time so it is to-day,
The simple wight may merit well,
officialdom holds sway;
Chang Fei, the blunt and hasty,
where can you find his peer?
But slaying the ungrateful would
mean many deaths a year.
Tung Cho’s fate will be unrolled in later chapters.