SENDING OUT THE CALL: MANY RESPOND:
DESTROYING AN ARMY: THE THREE BROTHERS FIGHT AGAINST LÜ PU.
At the close of the last chapter Tsʻao Tsʻao’s companion was about to
slay him. But the memory of why he had decided to join his fortunes
with his companion’s stayed his hand. Rising from his bed before dawn
he mounted his horse and rode away toward his home in the east. Tsʻao
Tsʻao awoke with the day and missed his companion. Thought he, “He
thinks me brutal because of a couple of egoistic phrases I used and so
he has gone. I ought to push on too and not linger here.”
So he travelled as quickly as possible toward home. When he saw his
father he related what had happened and said he wanted to dispose of
all the property and enlist soldiers with the money.
“Our possessions are but small”; said his father, “and not enough to do
anything with. However, there is a graduate here, one Wei Hung,
careless of wealth but careful of virtue, whose family is very rich.
With his help we might hope for success.”
A feast was prepared and the rich man invited. Tsʻao made him a
speech:—“The Hans have lost their lordship and Tung Cho is really a
tyrant. He flouts his prince and is cruel to the people, who gnash
their teeth with rage. I would restore the Hans but my means are
insufficient. Sir, I appeal to your loyalty and public-spirit.”
He replied, “I have long desired this but, so far, have not found a man
fit to undertake the task. Since you, Mêng-tê, have so noble a desire I
willingly devote all my property to the cause.”
This was joyful news and the call to arms was forthwith prepared and
sent far and near. So they established a corps of volunteers and set up
a large white recruiting banner with the words “Loyalty and Right”
inscribed thereon. The response was rapid and volunteers came in like
rain drops in number.
One day came a certain Yo Chin, whose minor name was Wên-chʻien, and
another Li Tien, also known as Man-chʻêng. These two were appointed to
Tsʻao’s personal staff. Another was one Hsiahou Tun. He was descended
from Hsiahou Ying and had been trained from his early boyhood to use
the spear and the club. When only fourteen he had been attached to a
certain master-in-arms. One day some one spoke disrespectfully of his
master and Tun killed him. For this deed, however, he had to flee and
had been an exile for some time. Now he came to offer his services,
accompanied by his brother. Each brought a company of trained men.
Really these two were brothers of Tsʻao Tsʻao by birth since his father
was originally of the Hsiahou family, and had only been adopted into
the Tsʻao family.
A few days later came two other brothers, Tsʻao Jên and Tsʻao Hung,
each with a company. These two were accomplished horsemen and trained
in the use of arms. Then drill began and Wei Hung spent his treasure
freely in buying clothing, armour, flags and banners. From all sides
poured in gifts of grain.
When Yüan Shao received Tsʻao Tsʻao’s call to arms he collected all
those under his command to the number of three legions. He came to take
the oath to Tsʻao. Next a manifesto was issued:—
“Tsʻao and his associates, moved by a sense of duty, now make this
proclamation. Tung Cho defies heaven and earth. He is destroying the
State and injuring his prince. He pollutes the palace and oppresses the
people. He is vicious and cruel. His crimes are heaped up. Now we have
received a secret command to call up soldiers and we are pledged to
cleanse the Empire and destroy the evil-doers. We will raise a
volunteer army and exert all our efforts to maintain the dynasty and
succour the people. Respond to this, O Nobles, by mustering your
soldiers.”
Many from every side answered the summons as the following list shows:—
The Prefect of Nanyang, Yüan Shu.
The Governor of Ichow, Han Fu.
The Governor of Yüchow, Kʻung Yu.
The Governor of Yenchow, Liu Tai.
The Prefect of Honei, Wang Kʻuang.
The Prefect of Chʻên-liu, Chang Mo.
The Prefect of Tungchun, Chiao Mao.
The Prefect of Shanyang, Yüan I.
The Hsiang of Chipei, Pao Hsin.
The Prefect of Peihai, Kʻung Yung.
The Prefect of Kuangling, Chang Chʻao.
The Governor of Hsüchow, Tʻao Chʻien.
The Prefect of Hsiliang, Ma Tʻêng.
The Prefect of Peipʻing, Kungsun Tsan.
The Prefect of Shangtang, Chang Yang.
The Prefect of Chʻangsha, Sun Chien.
The Prefect of Pohai, Yüan Shao.
These contingents varied in size, but each was complete in itself with
its officers, civil and military, and battle-leaders, and they
assembled at Loyang.
The Prefect of Peipʻing, Kungsun Tsan, while on his way with his force
of a legion and a half, passed through Pʻingyüan. There he saw among
the mulberry trees a yellow flag under which marched a small company.
When they drew nearer he saw the leader was Liu Yüan-tê.
“Good brother, what do you here?”
“You were kind to me once and on your recommendation I was made
magistrate of this district. I heard you were passing through and came
to salute you. May I pray my elder brother to enter into the city and
rest his steed?”
“Who are these two?” said Tsan pointing to the other two brothers.
“These are Kuan Yü and Chang Fei, my sworn brothers.”
“Were they fighting with you against the rebels?”
“All my success was due to their efforts,” said Yüan-tê.
“And what offices do they fill?”
“Kuan Yü is a mounted archer: Fei is a foot archer.”
“Thus are able men buried!” said Tsan, sighing. Then he continued. “All
the highest in the land are now going to destroy the rebellious Tung
Cho. My brother would do better to abandon this petty place and join us
in restoring the House of Han. Why not?”
“I should like to go,” said Yüan-tê.
“If you had let me kill him that other time you would not have this
trouble to-day,” said Chang Fei.
“Since things are so let us pack and go,” said Kuan Yü.
So without more ado the three brothers, with a few horsemen, joined
Kungsun Tsan and marched with him to join the great army.
One after another the feudal lords came up and encamped. Their camps
extended over three hundred li and more. When all had arrived Tsʻao, as
the head, prepared sacrificial bullocks and horses and called all the
lords to a great assembly to decide upon their plan of attack.
Then spake the Prefect Wang saying “We have been moved by a noble sense
of right to assemble here. Now must we first choose a chief and bind
ourselves to obedience.”
Then said Tsʻao Tsʻao, “For four generations the highest offices of
state have been filled by members of the Yüan family and his clients
and supporters are everywhere. As a descendant of ancient ministers of
Han, Yüan Shao is a suitable man to be our chief lord.”
Yüan Shao again and again declined this honour. But they all said, “It
must be he; there is no other.” And then he agreed.
So a three-storeyed altar was built and they planted about it the five
banners of the divisions of space. And they set up white yaks’ tails
and golden axes and emblems of military authority and the seals of
leadership round about.
All being ready the chief lord was invited to ascend the altar. Clad in
ceremonial robes and girt with a sword, Yüan Shao reverently ascended.
There he burned incense, made obeisance and recited the oath:—
“The House of Han has fallen upon evil days, the bands of imperial
authority are loosened. The rebel minister, Tung Cho, takes advantage
of the discord to work evil, and calamity falls upon honourable
families. Cruelty overwhelms simple folk. We, Shao and his
confederates, fearing for the safety of the imperial prerogatives, have
assembled military forces to rescue the State. We now pledge ourselves
to exert our whole strength and act in concord to the utmost limit of
our powers. There must be no disconcerted or selfish action. Should any
depart from this pledge may he lose his life and leave no posterity.
Almighty Heaven and Universal Mother Earth and the enlightened spirits
of our forefathers, be ye our witnesses.”
The reading finished, he smeared the blood of the sacrifice upon his
lips and upon the lips of those who shared the pledge. All were deeply
affected by the ceremony and many shed tears.
This done the oath-chief was supported down from the high place and led
to his tent, where he took the highest place and the others arranged
themselves according to rank and age. Here wine was served.
Presently Tsʻao Tsʻao said, “It behoves us all to obey the chief we
have this day set up, and support the State. There must be no feeling
of rivalry or superiority based upon numbers.”
Shao replied, “Unworthy as I am, yet as elected chief I must
impartially reward merit and punish offences. Let each see to it that
he obeys the national laws and the army precepts. These must not be
broken.”
“Only thy commands are to be obeyed,” cried all.
“My brother, Yüan Shu, is appointed Chief of the Commissariat. He must
see to it that the whole camp is well supplied. But the need of the
moment is a van-leader who shall go to Ssŭshui Pass and provoke a
battle. The other forces must take up positions in support.”
Then the Prefect of Chʻangsha offered himself for this service.
“You are valiant and fierce, and equal to this service,” said Yüan
Shao.
The force under Sun Chien set out and presently came to the Pass. The
guard there sent a swift rider to the capital to announce to the tyrant
the urgency of the situation.
Ever since Tung Cho had secured his position he had given himself up to
luxury without stint. When the urgent news reached the adviser Li Ju,
he at once went to his master, who much alarmed called a great council.
Lü Pu stood forth and said, “Do not fear, my father, I look upon all
the lords without the Pass as so much stubble and with the men of our
fierce army I will put every one of them to death and hang their heads
at the gates of the capital.”
“With your aid I can sleep secure,” said Tung Cho.
But some one behind Lü Pu broke in upon his speech saying “A butcher’s
knife to kill a chicken! There is no need for the Marquis to go: I will
cut off their heads every one as easily as I would take a thing out of
my pocket.”
Cho looked up and his eyes rested on a stalwart man of fierce mien,
lithe and supple. He had a small round head like a leopard and
shoulders like an ape’s. His name was Hua Hsiung. Cho rejoiced at his
bold words and at once gave him high rank and command over five legions
of horse and foot. He, with Li Su, Hu Chên and Chao Tsʻên hastily moved
toward the Pass.
Among the feudal lords Pao Hsin was jealous lest the chosen van-leader
should win too great honours. Wherefore he endeavoured to meet the foe
first and so he secretly despatched his brother Chung with three
companies by a bye-road. As soon as this small force reached the Pass
they offered battle. Hua Hsiung at the head of half a company of
mail-clad horsemen swept down from the Pass crying “Flee not, rebel.”
But Pao Chung was afraid and turned back. Hsiung came on, his arm rose,
the sword fell, and Chung was cut down from his horse. Most of his
company were captured. His head was sent to the minister’s palace. Hua
Hsiung was promoted to Tu-tu, or Commander in Chief.
Sun Chien presently approached the Pass. He had four captains: Chʻêng
Pʻu, whose weapon was an iron-spined snaky lance; Huang Kai, who
wielded an iron whip; Han Tang, a swordsman, and Tsu Mou, who fought
with a pair of swords.
The Commander Sun wore a helmet of fine silver wrapped round with a
purple turban. He carried across his body his sword of ancient ingot
iron and rode a dappled horse with flowing mane.
He advanced to the Pass and hailed the defenders, calling them helpers
of a fool, and summoned them to surrender. A half legion under Hu Chên
went out against him whom Chʻêng Pʻu with the snaky lance rode out and
engaged. After a very few bouts Hu Chên was killed on the spot by a
thrust through the throat. Then the signal was given for the main army
to advance. But from the Pass they rained down showers of stones, which
proved too much for the assailants and they retired into camp at
Liangtung to await further help from Yüan Shao.
An urgent message for supplies was sent to the commissary. But one said
to him, the Controller: “This Sun Chien is a very tiger. Should he take
the capital and destroy Tung Cho we should have a tiger in place of a
wolf. Do not send him grain. Starve his men and that will decide the
fate of that army.”
And Yüan Shu gave ear to the detractors and sent no grain or forage.
Soon the hungry soldiers showed their disaffection by indiscipline and
the spies bore the news to the defenders of the Pass, who decided upon
a speedy attack in front and rear. They hoped to capture the Sun Chien.
So the soldiers of the attacking face were told off and given a full
meal. At dark they left the Pass and crept by secret paths to the rear
of Sun Chien’s camp. The moon was bright and the wind cool. They
arrived about midnight and the drums beat an immediate attack. Sun
Chien hastily donned his fighting gear and rode out. He ran straight
into Hua Hsiung and the two warriors engaged. But before they had
exchanged many passes Li Su’s men came up and set fire to whatever
would burn.
Sun’s army were thrown into confusion and fled like rats. A general
mêlée ensued and soon only Tsu Mou was left at his chief’s side. These
two broke through the pass and fled. Hua Hsiung coming in hot pursuit,
Sun Chien took his bow and let fly two arrows in quick succession, but
both missed. He fitted a third arrow to the string, but drew the bow so
fiercely that it snapped. He cast the magpie painted bow to the earth
and set off at full gallop.
Then spake Tsu Mou saying, “My lord’s purple turban is a mark that the
rebels will too easily recognise. Give it to me and I will wear it.”
So Sun Chien exchanged his silver helmet with the turban for his
faithful friend’s headpiece, and the two men parted, riding different
ways. The pursuers looking only for the purple turban went after its
wearer and Sun escaped along a bye-road.
Tsu Mou, hotly pursued, then tore off the headdress which he hung on
the post of a half-burned house as he passed and dashed into the thick
woods. Hua Hsiung’s men seeing the purple turban standing motionless
dared not approach, but they surrounded it on every side and shot at it
with arrows. Presently they discovered the trick, went up and seized
it.
This was the moment that the hidden man awaited. At once he rushed
forth, his two swords whirling about, and dashed at the leader. But Hua
Hsiung was too quick. With a loud yell he slashed at Tsu Mou and cut
him down. Day had now broken and the victor led his men back to the
Pass.
The three other leaders in time met their chief and the soldiers
halted. Sun Chien was much grieved at the loss of his generous
subordinate.
When news of the disaster reached Yüan Shao he was greatly chagrined
and called all the lords to a council. They assembled and Kungsun Tsan
was the last to arrive. When all were seated in the tent Yüan Shao
said, “The brother of General Pao, disobeying the rules we made for our
guidance, rashly went to attack the enemy; he was slain and with him
many of our soldiers. Now Sun Wên-tʻai has been defeated. Thus our
fighting spirit has suffered and what is to be done?”
Every one was silent. Lifting his eyes the chief looked round from one
to another till he came to Kungsun Tsan and then he remarked three men
who stood behind his seat. They were of striking appearance as they
stood there, all three smiling cynically.
“Who are those men behind you?” said the chief.
Kungsun told Yüan-tê to come forward, and said, “This is Liu Pei,
magistrate of Pʻingyüan and a brother of mine who shared my humble
cottage.”
“It must be the Liu Yüan-tê who broke up the Yellow Turban rebellion,”
said Tsʻao.
“It is he,” said his patron and he ordered Liu Pei to make his
obeisance to the assembly, to whom he then related his services and his
origin, all in full detail.
“Since he is of the Han line he should be seated,” said the chief and
he bade Liu Pei sit.
Liu Pei modestly thanked him.
Said Shao, “This consideration is not for your fame and office; I
respect you as a scion of the imperial family.”
So Liu Pei took his seat in the lowest place of the long line of lords.
And his two brothers with folded arms took their stations behind him.
Even as they were at this meeting came in a scout to say that Hua
Hsiung with a company of mail-clad horsemen was coming down from the
Pass. They were flaunting Sun Chien’s captured purple turban on the end
of a bamboo pole. The enemy was soon hurling insults at those within
the stockade and challenging them to fight.
“Who dares go out to give battle?” said the chief.
“I will go,” said Yü Shê, a leader who belonged to the train of Yüan
Shu.
So he went and almost immediately one came back to say that he had
fallen in the third bout.
Fear began to lay its cold hand on the assembly. Then said another, “I
have a brave warrior among my men. Pʻan Fêng is his name and he could
slay this Hua Hsiung.”
So Pʻan was ordered out to meet the foe. With his great battle-axe in
his hand he mounted and rode forth. But soon came the direful tidings
that he too had fallen. The faces of the gathering paled at this.
“What a pity my two able leaders, Yen Liang and Wên Chʻou, are not
here! Then should we have some one who would not fear this man,” said
the chief.
He had not finished when from the lower end a voice cried, “I will go,
take his head and lay it before you here.”
All turned to look at the speaker. He was tall and had a long beard.
His eyes were those of a phœnix and his eyebrows thick and bushy like
caterpillars. His face was a swarthy red and his voice deep as the
sound of a great bell.
“Who is he?” asked the chief.
Kungsun Tsan told them it was Kuan Yü, brother of Liu Yüan-tê.
“And what is he?”
“He is in the train of Liu Yüan-tê as a mounted archer.”
“An insult to us all!” roared the chief’s brother from his place. “Have
we no leader? How dare an archer speak thus before us? Let us beat him
forth!”
But Tsʻao Tsʻao intervened. “Peace, O Kung-lu! Since he speaks great
words, he is certainly valiant. Let him try. If he fail, then you may
reproach him.”
“Hua Hsiung will laugh at us if we send a mere archer to fight him,
said the chief.”
“He looks no common person. And how can the enemy know he is but a
bowman?” said Tsʻao Tsʻao.
“If I fail then can you take my head,” cried Kuan.
Tsʻao Tsʻao bade them heat some wine and offered a stirrup cup to Kuan
Yü as he went out.
“Pour it out,” said Kuan. “I shall return in a little space.”
He went with his sword in his hand and vaulted into the saddle. Those
in the tent heard the fierce roll of the drums and then a mighty sound
as if skies were falling and earth rising, hills trembling and
mountains tearing asunder. And they were sore afraid. And while they
were listening with ears intent, lo! the gentle tinkle of horse bells,
and Kuan Yü threw at their feet the head of the slain leader, their
enemy Hua Hsiung.
The wine was still warm!
This doughty deed has been celebrated in verse.
The power of the man stands first in all the world;
At the gate of the camp was heard the rolling of the battle drums;
Then Yün-chʻang set aside the wine cup till he should have
displayed his valour,
And the wine was still warm when the enemy had been slain.
Tsʻao Tsʻao was pleased at this success. But Chang Fei’s voice was
heard, shouting, “Brother, you slew the leader; why did you not break
through the Pass and seize Tung Cho? Could there have been a better
time?”
Again arose the voice of the peevish Yüan Shu, “We high officials are
too meek and yielding. Here is the petty follower of a small magistrate
daring to flaunt his prowess before us! Expel him from the tent, I
say.”
But again Tsʻao Tsʻao interposed, “Shall we consider the station of him
who has done a great service?”
“If you hold a mere magistrate in such honour then I simply withdraw,”
said Yüan Shu.
“Is a word enough to defeat a grand enterprise?” said Tsʻao Tsʻao.
He told Kungsun Tsan to lead his three companions back to their own
camp and the other chiefs then dispersed. That night he secretly sent
presents of flesh and wine to soothe the three after this adventure.
When Hua Hsiung’s men straggled back and told the story of defeat and
death Li Su was greatly distressed. He wrote urgent letters to his
master who called in his trusted advisers to a council. Li Ju summed up
the situation. “We have lost our best leader and the rebel power has
thereby become very great. Yüan Shao is at the head of this confederacy
and Yüan Wei of the same family is holder of high office in the
government. If those in the capital combine with those in the country
we may suffer. Therefore we must remove them. So I request you, Sir
Minister, to place yourself at the head of your army and break this
confederation.”
Tung Cho agreed and at once ordered Li Tsʻui and Kuo Ssŭ to take half a
company and surround the residence of Yüan Wei, the Tʻai-fu, slay every
soul, and hang the head of the high officer outside the gate as a
trophy. And Cho commanded twenty legions to advance in two armies. The
first five legions were under Li Tsʻui and Kuo Ssŭ and they were to
hold Ssŭshui Pass. They should not necessarily fight. The other fifteen
legions under Tung Cho himself went to Tigertrap Pass.
This Pass is fifty li from Loyang and as soon as they arrived Tung Cho
bade Lü Pu take three legions and make a strong stockade on the outside
of the Pass. The main body with Cho would occupy the Pass.
News of this movement reaching the confederate lords the chief summoned
a council. Said Tsʻao Tsʻao, “The occupation of the Pass would cut our
armies in two, therefore must we oppose Tung Cho’s army on the way.”
So eight of the confederate lords went in the direction of the Pass to
oppose their enemy. Tsʻao Tsʻao and his men were a reserve to render
help where needed.
Of the eight, the Prefect of Honei was the first to arrive and Lü Pu
went to give battle with three companies of mailed horsemen.
When Wang Kʻuang, Prefect of Honei, had ordered his army, horse and
foot, in battle array he took his station under the great banner and
looked over at his foe. There he saw Lü Pu, a conspicuous figure in
front of the line. On his head was a triple curved headdress of ruddy
gold. He wore a robe of Ssŭchʻuan silk embroidered with flowers and
over that breast and back mail adorned with a gaping animal’s head,
joined by rings at the sides and girt to his waist with a belt fastened
by a beautiful lion-head clasp. His bow and arrows were slung on his
shoulders and he carried a trident-halberd (hua-chi). He was seated on
his snorting steed “The Hare”. Indeed he was the man among men, as his
steed was the horse among horses.
“Who dares go out to fight him?” asked Wang Kʻuang turning to those
behind him. In response a tried warrior named Fang spurred to the
front, his spear set ready for battle. The two met: before the fifth
bout Fang fell under a thrust of the halberd and Lü Pu dashed forward.
Wang Kʻuang’s men could not stand and scattered in all directions. Lü
Pu went to and fro slaying all he met. He was quite irresistible.
Happily two other troops came up and rescued the wounded leader and his
opponent retreated. The three having lost many men withdrew thirty li
and made a stockade. And before long the remaining five lords came up
and joined them. They held a council.
“This Lü Pu is irresistible,” said they.
And while they sat there anxious and uncertain, it was announced that
Lü Pu had returned to challenge them. Each mounted his horse and placed
himself at the head of his force, each body in its station on lofty
cliffs. Around them was the opposing army, innumerable horse and foot,
their embroidered banners waving in the breeze.
They attacked. Mu Shun, a leader from Shangtang, rode out, but fell at
the first encounter with Lü Pu. This frightened the others. Then
galloped forth Wu An-kuo of the iron mace. Lü Pu whirling his halberd
and urging on his steed came to meet him. The two fought, well matched
for half a score bouts, when a blow from the halberd broke Wu An-kuo’s
wrist. Letting his mace fall to the ground he fled. Then all eight of
the lords led forth their men to his rescue and Lü Pu retired.
The fighting then ceased and after their return to camp another council
met.
Tsʻao Tsʻao said, “No one can stand against the prowess of Lü Pu. Let
us call up all the lords and evolve some good plan. If only Lü Pu were
taken, his master could easily be killed.”
While the council was in progress again came Lü Pu to challenge them
and again they moved out against him. This time Kungsun Tsan,
flourishing his spear, went to meet the enemy. After a very few bouts
Tsan turned and fled, Lü Pu following at the topmost speed of “The
Hare.”
“The Hare” was a thousand-li-a-day horse, swift as the wind. As they
watched “The Hare” gained rapidly upon the flying horseman and his
rider’s spear was poised ready to strike Tsan just behind the heart.
Just then dashed in a third rider with round glaring eyes and a
bristling moustache, and armed with a long snake-like spear.
“Stay, O thrice named slave!” roared he, “I, Chang Fei, await you.”
Seeing this opponent Lü Pu left the pursuit of Tsan and engaged the new
adversary. Fei fought with all his energies. They two were worthily
matched and they exchanged half a hundred bouts with no advantage to
either side. Then Kuan Yü rode out with his huge and weighty
moon-curved sword and attacked Lü Pu on the other flank. The three
steeds stood like the letter T and their riders battered away at each
other for nearly two score bouts, yet still Lü Pu stood firm. Then Liu
Yüan-tê rode out to his brothers’ aid, his double sword raised ready to
strike. The steed with the flowing mane was urged in at an angle and
now Lü Pu had to contend with three warriors at whom he struck one
after another, and they at him, the flashing of the warriors’ weapons
looking like the revolving lamps suspended at the new year. And the
spectators gazed rapt with amazement at such a battle.
But Lü Pu’s guard began to weaken and fatigue seized him. Looking hard
in the face of Yüan-tê he feigned a fierce thrust thus making him
suddenly draw back. Then, lowering his halberd, Lü dashed through the
angle thus opened and got away.
But was it likely they would allow him to escape? They whipped their
steeds and followed hard. The men of the eight armies cracked their
throats with thunderous cheers and all dashed forward, pressing after
Lü Pu as he made for the shelter of the Pass. And first among his
pursuers were the three heroic brothers.
An ancient poet has told of this famous fight in these lines:
The fateful day of Han came in the reigns of Huan and Ling,
Their glory declined as the sun sinks at the close of day.
Tung Cho, infamous minister of state, pulled down the youthful
sovereign from his throne.
It is true Liu Hsieh was a weakling, too timid for his times.
Then Tsʻao Tsʻao proclaimed abroad these wicked deeds,
And the great lords, moved with anger, assembled their forces.
In council met they and chose as their oath-chief Yüan Shao,
Pledged themselves to maintain the ruling house and tranquillity.
Of the warriors of that time peerless Lü Pu was the boldest
His valour and prowess are sung by all within the four seas.
He clothed his body in silver armour like the scales of a dragon,
On his head was a golden headdress, fastened with a massive pin,
About his waist a shaggy belt, the clasp, two wild beasts’ heads
with gripping jaws,
His flowing, broidered robe fluttered about his form,
His swift courser bounded over the plain, a mighty wind following,
His terrible halberd flashed in the sunlight, bright as a placid
lake.
Who dared face him as he rode forth to challenge?
The bowels of the confederate lords were torn with fear and their
hearts trembled within them.
Then leaped forth Chang Fei, the valiant warrior of the north,
Gripped in his mighty hand the long snakelike spear,
His moustache bristled with anger, standing stiff like wire.
His round eyes glared, lightning flashes darted from them.
Neither quailed in the fight, but the issue was undecided.
Kuan Yün-chʻang stood out in front, his soul vexed within him,
Black Dragon his sword shone white as hoar frost in the sunlight,
His bright coloured fighting robe fluttered like butterfly wings,
Demons and angels shrieked at the thunder of his horse hoofs,
In his eyes was fierce anger, a fire to be quenched only in blood.
Next Yüan-tê joined the battle, gripping his twin sword blades,
The heavens themselves trembled at the majesty of his wrath.
These three closely beset Lü Pu and long drawn out was the battle,
Always he warded their blows, never faltering a moment.
The noise of their shouting rose to the sky, and the earth
re-echoed it,
The heat of battle ranged to the frozen pole star.
Worn out, feeling his strength fast ebbing, Lü Pu thought to flee,
He glanced at the hills around and thither would fly for shelter.
Then, reversing his halberd and lowering its lofty point,
Hastily he fled, loosing himself from the battle;
With head low bent, he gave the rein to his courser,
Turned his face away and fled to Hulaokuan.
The three brothers maintained the pursuit to the Pass. Looking up they
saw an immense umbrella of black gauze fluttering in the west wind.
“Certainly there is Tung Cho,” cried Chang Fei. “What is the use of
pursuing Lü Pu? Better far seize the chief rebel and so pluck up the
evil by the roots.”
And he whipped up his steed toward the Pass.
To quell rebellion seize the leader if you can;
If you need a wondrous service then first find a wondrous man.
The following chapters will unfold the result of the battle.