TSʻAO MÊNG-TÊ MOVES THE COURT:
LÜ FÊNG-HSIEN RAIDS HSÜCHUN.
The last chapter closed with the arrival of Li Yüeh who shouted out
falsely that the army was that of the two arch rebels Li and Kuo come
to capture the imperial cavalcade. But Yang Fêng recognised the voice
of Li Yüeh and bade Hsü Huang go out to fight him. He went and in the
first bout the traitor fell. His men scattered and the travellers got
safely through Chikuan. Here the Prefect, Chang Yang, supplied them
plentifully with food and other necessaries and escorted the Emperor to
Chihtao. For his timely help the Emperor conferred upon Chang Yang the
rank of a Ta-ssŭ-ma, or President, and he went and camped at Yehwang.
Loyang was presently entered. Within the walls all was destruction. The
palaces and halls had been burned, the streets were overgrown with
grass and brambles and obstructed by heaps of ruins. The palaces and
courts were represented by broken roofs and toppling walls. A small
“palace” however was soon built and therein the officers of court
presented their congratulations, standing in the open air among thorn
bushes and brambles. The reign style was changed from Hsing-Pʻing to
Chien-An (firm tranquillity).
The year was a year of grievous famine. The Loyang people, even reduced
in numbers as they were to a few hundreds, had not enough to eat and
they prowled about stripping the bark off trees and grubbing up the
roots of plants to satisfy their starving hunger. Officers of the
Government of all but the highest ranks went out into the country to
gather fuel. Many people lay down and died quietly behind the ruined
walls of their houses. At no time during the decadence of Han did
misery press harder than at this period.
A poem written in pity for the sufferings of that time says:—
Mortally wounded, the serpent poured forth his life blood at
Mantang;
Blood-red pennons of war waved then in every quarter,
Chieftain with chieftain strove and raided each other’s borders,
’Midst the turmoil and strife the Kingship even was threatened.
Wickedness stalks in a country when the King is a weakling,
Brigandage always is rife, when a dynasty’s failing,
Had one a heart of iron, wholly devoid of feeling,
Yet would one surely grieve at the sight of such desolation.
The Tai-yü Yang Piao memorialised the Throne saying, “The decree issued
to me some time ago has never been acted upon. Now Tsʻao Tsʻao is very
strong in Shantung and it would be well to associate him in the
government that he might support the ruling house.”
The Emperor replied, “There was no need to refer to the matter again.
Send a messenger when you will.”
So the decree went forth and a messenger bore it into Shantung. Now
when Tsʻao had heard that the Court had returned to Loyang he called
together his advisers to consult. Hsün Yü laid the matter before him
and the council thus:—“Of old Duke Wen supported Prince Hsiang of the
Chou dynasty and all the feudal lords backed him. The founder of the
Hans won the popular favour by wearing mourning for the Emperor I (who
never really sat on the throne). Now the Emperor has been a fugitive on
the dusty roads. To take the lead in offering an army to restore him to
honour is to have an unrivalled opportunity to win universal regard.
But you must act quickly or some one will get in before you.”
Tsʻao Tsʻao understood and at once prepared his army to move. Just at
this moment an imperial messenger was announced with the very command
he wanted and he immediately set out.
At Loyang everything was desolate. The walls had fallen and there were
no means of rebuilding them, while rumours and reports of the coming of
Li and Kuo kept up a state of constant anxiety.
The frightened Emperor spoke with Yang Fêng saying, “What can be done?
There is no answer from Shantung and our enemies are near.”
Then Yang Fêng and Han Hsien said, “We, your ministers, will fight to
the death for you.”
Tung Chʻêng said, “The fortifications are weak and our military
resources small, so that we cannot hope for victory and what does
defeat mean? I see nothing better to propose than a move into
Shantung.”
The Emperor agreed to this and the journey began without further
preparation. There being few horses, the officers of the Court had to
march afoot. Hardly a bowshot outside the gate they saw a thick cloud
of dust out of which came all the clash and clamour of an advancing
army. The Emperor and his Consort were dumb with fear. Then appeared a
horseman; he was the messenger returning from Shantung. He rode up to
the chariot, made an obeisance and said, “General Tsʻao, as commanded,
is coming with all the military force of Shantung, but hearing that Li
and Kuo had again approached the capital he has sent Hsiahou Tun in
advance. With him are many capable leaders and five legions of proved
soldiers. They will guard Your Majesty.”
All fear was swept away. Soon after Hsiahou Tun and his staff arrived
and they were presented to the Emperor who graciously addressed them.
Then one came to say a large army was approaching from the east and at
the Emperor’s command Hsiahou Tun went to ascertain who these were. He
soon returned saying they were Tsʻao Tsʻao’s infantry.
In a short time Tsʻao Hung and his officers came to the chariot and
their names having been duly communicated the chief said, “When my
brother heard of the approach of the rebels he feared that the advance
guard he had sent might be too weak so he sent me to march quickly and
reinforce him.”
“General Tsʻao is indeed a trusty servant,” said the Emperor.
Orders were given to advance, the escort leading. By and by scouts came
to say that the rebels were coming up very quickly. The Emperor bade
Hsiahou Tun divide his force into two parts to oppose them, whereupon
the armies threw out two wings with cavalry in front and foot behind.
They attacked with vigour and beat off the rebels with great loss. Then
they begged the Emperor to return to Loyang and Hsiahou Tun guarded the
city.
Soon Tsʻao Tsʻao came with his great army and having got them duly
camped he went into the city to audience. He knelt at the foot of the
steps, but was called up hither to stand beside the Emperor and be
thanked.
Tsʻao replied, “Having been the recipient of great bounty thy servant
owes the State much gratitude. The measure of evil of the two rebels is
full, I have a score of legions of good soldiers to oppose them and
they are fully equal to securing the safety of Your Majesty and the
Throne. The preservation of the state sacrifice is the matter of real
moment.”
High honours were conferred on Tsʻao Tsʻao.
The two rebels wished to attack Tsʻao Tsʻao’s army while fatigued from
its long march, but their adviser Chia Hsü opposed this, saying there
was no hope of victory. In fact he advised submission. Li Tsʻui was
angry at the suggestion, saying that the adviser wished to dishearten
the army and drew his sword on Chia. But the other officers interceded
and saved him. That same night Chia stole out of the camp and, quite
alone, took his way home to his native village.
Soon the rebels decided to offer battle. Tsʻao sent out in reply a
small company of horse with three warriors as leaders. These dashed
into the rebels army but quickly retired. This manœuvre was repeated,
and again repeated before the real battle array was formed. Then Li
Hsien and Li Pieh, nephews of Li Tsʻui, rode out. At once from Tsʻao’s
side dashed out Hsü Chʻu and cut down the former. Li Pieh was so
startled that he fell out of the saddle. He too was slain. The victor
rode back to his own side with the two heads. When he offered them to
the chief, Tsʻao Tsʻao patted him on the back crying, “You are really
my Fan Kʻuai! (Preserver).”
Next a general move forward was made, Hsiahou Tun and Tsʻao Jên leading
the two wings and Tsʻao Tsʻao in the centre. They advanced to the roll
of the drum. The rebels fell back before them and presently fled. They
were pursued, Tsʻao himself leading, sword in hand. Many were killed
and many more surrendered. The two leaders went west, flying in panic
like dogs from a falling house. Having no place of refuge they took to
the hills and hid among the brushwood.
The army returned and camped again near the city. Then Yang Fêng and
Han Hsien said one to another, “This Tsʻao has done a great service and
he will be the man in power. There will be no place for us.” So they
represented to the Emperor that they wished to pursue the rebels and
under this excuse withdrew and camped at Taliang.
One day the Emperor sent to summon Tsʻao Tsʻao to audience. The
messenger was called in. Tsʻao noticed that he looked remarkably well
and could not understand it seeing that everyone else looked hungry and
famine stricken. So he said, “You look plump and well, Sir, how do you
manage it?”
“Only this; I have lived maigre for thirty years.”
Tsʻao nodded. “What office do you hold?”
“I am a graduate. I had an office under Yüan Shao, but came here when
the Emperor returned. Now I am one of the secretaries. I am a native of
Tingtʻao called Tung Chao.”
Tsʻao got up from his place and crossed over saying, “I have heard of
you. How happy I am to meet you!”
Then wine was brought into the tent and Hsün Yü was called in and
introduced. While they were talking a man came in to report that a
party was moving eastward. Orders were given to find out whose men
these were but the visitor knew at once. “They are old leaders under
the rebels, Yang Fêng and the “White Wave General” Han. They are
running off because you have come, Illustrious Sir!”
“Do they mistrust me?” said Tsʻao.
“They are not worthy of your attention. They are a poor lot.”
“What of this departure of Li and Kuo?”
“Tigers without claws, birds without wings will not escape you very
long. They are not worth thinking about.”
Tsʻao Tsʻao saw that he and his guest had much in common so he began to
talk of affairs of State.
Said Tung Chao, “You, Illustrious Sir, with your noble army have swept
away rebellion and have become the mainstay of the throne, an
achievement worthy of the five chieftains. But the officials will look
at it in very different ways and not all favourably to you. I think you
would not be wise to remain here and I advise a change of capital to
Hsütu in Honan. However, it must be remembered that the restoration of
the capital has been published far and wide and the attention of all
the people is concentrated on Loyang, hoping for a period of rest and
tranquillity. Another move will displease many. However, the
performance of extraordinary service may mean the acquisition of
extraordinary merit. It is for you to decide.”
“Exactly my own inclination!” said Tsʻao Tsʻao, seizing his guest’s
hand. “But are there not dangers? Yang Fêng at Taliang and the Court
officials?”
“That is easily managed. Write to Yang and set his mind at rest. Say
plainly that there is no food in the capital here and so you are going
to another place where there is, and where there is no danger of
scarcity. When the higher officials hear it they will approve.”
Tsʻao Tsʻao had now decided and as his guest took leave he seized his
hands once more saying, “All my success I shall only owe to you.”
Tung Chao thanked and left. Thereafter Tsʻao and his advisers secretly
discussed the change of capital.
Now as to that a certain official named Wang Li, who was a student of
astrology, said to one Liu Ai, “I have been studying the stars. Since
last spring Venus has been nearing the ‘Guard’ star in the
neighbourhood of the ‘Measure,’ and the ‘Cowherd’ [5] crossing the
River of Heaven. [6] Mars has been retrograding and came into
conjunction with Venus in the Gate of Heaven, [7] so that ‘Metal’ and
‘Fire’ are mingled. Thence must emerge a new ruler. The aura of the
Hans is exhausted and Chin and Wei must increase.”
A secret memorial was presented to the Emperor Hsien saying, “The
Mandate of Heaven has its course and the five elements are out of
proportion. ‘Earth’ is attacking ‘Fire’ and the successor to the Empire
of Han is in Wei.”
Tsʻao heard of these sayings and memorials and sent a man to the
astrologer to say, “Your loyalty is well known, but the ways of Heaven
are past finding out. The less said the better.”
Hsün, the adviser, expounded the meaning thus: “The virtue of Han was
fire; your element is earth. Hsütu is under the influence of earth and
so your fortune depends on getting there. Fire can overcome earth, as
earth can multiply wood. Tung Chao and the astrologer agree and you
have only to bide your time.”
So Tsʻao made up his mind. Next day at Court he said, “The capital is
deserted and cannot be restored nor can it be supplied easily with
food. Hsütu is a noble city, standing close to a fruitful district. It
is everything that a capital should be. I venture to request that the
Court move thither.”
The Emperor dared not oppose and the officials were too overawed to
have any independent opinion so they chose a day to set out. Tsʻao
commanded the escort and the officials all followed. When they had
travelled a few stages they saw before them a high mound and from
behind this there arose the beating of drums. Then Yang and Han came
out and barred the way. In front of all stood Hsü Huang, who shouted,
“Tsʻao Tsʻao is stealing away the Emperor!”
Tsʻao rode out and took a good look at this man. He seemed a fine
fellow and in his secret soul Tsʻao greatly admired him, although he
was an enemy. Then he ordered Hsü Chʻu to go and fight him. The combat
was axe against broadsword and the two men fought more than half a
hundred bouts without advantage to either side. Tsʻao then beat the
gongs and drew off his men.
In the camp a council was called. Tsʻao said, “The two rebels
themselves need not be discussed; but Hsü Huang is a fine captain and I
was unwilling to use any great force against him. I want to win him
over to our side.”
An officer, Man Chʻung, replied, “Do not let that trouble you; I will
have a word with him. I shall disguise myself as a soldier this evening
and steal over to the enemy’s camp to talk to him. I shall incline his
heart toward you.”
That night Man Chʻung, duly disguised, got over to the other side and
made his way to the tent of Hsü Huang, who sat there by the light of a
candle. He was still wearing his coat of mail. Suddenly Chʻung ran out
in front and saluted saying, “You have been well since we parted, old
friend?”
Hsü jumped up in surprise, gazed into the face of the speaker a long
time and presently said, “What! you are Man Po-ning of Shanyang? What
are you doing here?”
“I am an officer in General Tsʻao’s army. Seeing my old friend out in
front of the army to-day I wanted to say a word to him. So I took the
risk of stealing in this evening and here I am.”
Hsü Huang invited him in and they sat down. Then said Man Chʻung,
“There are very few as bold as you on the earth; why then do you serve
such as your present chiefs? My master is the most prominent man in the
world, a man who delights in wise men and appreciates soldiers as every
one knows. Your valour to-day won his entire admiration and so he took
care that the attack was not vigorous enough to sacrifice you. Now he
has sent me to invite you to join him. Will you not leave darkness for
light and help him in his magnificent task?”
Hsü Huang sat a long time pondering over the offer. Then he said, with
a sigh, “I know my masters are doomed to failure, but I have followed
their fortunes a long time and do not like to leave them.”
“But you know the prudent bird selects its tree and the wise servant
chooses his master. When one meets a worthy master and lets him go one
is a fool.”
“I am willing to do what you say,” said Hsü, rising.
“Why not put these two to death as an introductory gift?” said Man.
“It is very wrong for a servant to slay his master. I will not do
that.”
“True; you are really a good man.”
Then Hsü, taking only a few horsemen of his own men with him, left that
night and deserted to Tsʻao Tsʻao. Soon some one took the news to Yang
Fêng, who at the head of a strong company of horsemen, set out to
capture the deserter. He called out to him to come back.
But when Yang was getting near he fell into an ambush. Suddenly the
whole mountain-side was lit up with torches and out sprang Tsʻao’s men,
he himself being in command. “I have been waiting here a long time; do
not run away,” cried he.
Yang Fêng was completely surprised and tried to draw off, but was
quickly surrounded. His colleague came to his rescue and a confused
battle began. Yang Fêng succeeded in escaping, while Tsʻao Tsʻao kept
up the attack on the disordered army. A great number of the rebels gave
in and the leaders found they had too few men left to maintain their
independence so they betook themselves to Yüan Shu.
When Tsʻao Tsʻao returned to camp the newly surrendered man was
presented and well received. Then again the cavalcade set out for the
new capital. In due time they reached it and they built palaces and
halls and an ancestral temple and an altar, terraces and public
offices. The walls were repaired, storehouses built and all put in
order.
Then came the rewards for Tsʻao Tsʻao’s adherents. Thirteen were raised
to rank of hou, or marquis. All good service was rewarded; certain
others again, who deserved it, were punished, all according to Tsʻao
Tsʻao’s sole decision. He himself was made a Generalissimo and Marquis
of Wupʻing. The advisers became Presidents of Boards and filled such
offices. Mao Chieh and Jên Hsün were put over the military stores. Tung
Chao was made magistrate of Loyang and Man Chʻung of Hsütu. All good
service received full recognition.
Tsʻao Tsʻao was then the one man of the Court. All memorials went first
to him and were then submitted to the Throne.
When State matters were in order a great banquet was given in his
private quarters to all Tsʻao’s advisers, and affairs outside the
capital were the subject of discussion. Then Tsʻao Tsʻao said, “Liu Pei
has his army at Hsüchou and he carries on the administration of the
prefecture. Lü Pu fled to him when defeated and Pei gave him Hsiaopʻei
to live in. If these two agreed to join forces and attack, my position
would be most serious. What precautions can be taken?”
Then rose Hsü Chʻu, saying, “Give me five legions and I will give the
Minister both their heads.”
Hsün Yü said, “O Leader, you are brave, but you are no strategist. You
cannot start sudden war just as the capital has been changed. However,
there is a certain ruse known as The Rival Tigers. Liu Pei has no
decree authorising him to govern the district. You, Illustrious Sir,
can procure one for him, and when sending it, and so conferring upon
him right in addition to his might, you can enclose a private note
telling him to get rid of Lü Pu. If he does, then he will have lost a
vigorous warrior from his side and he could be dealt with as occasions
serve. Should he fail, then Lü Pu will slay him. This is The Rival
Tiger ruse; they wrangle and bite each other.”
Tsʻao agreed that this was a good plan so he memorialised for the
formal appointment, which he sent to Liu Pei. Pei was created General
“Conqueror of the East” and a Marquis as well. At the same time a
private note was enclosed.
When Liu Pei heard of the change of capital he began to prepare a
congratulatory address. In the midst of this an imperial messenger was
announced and was met which all ceremony outside the gate. When the
epistle had been reverently received a banquet was prepared for the
messenger.
The messenger said, “This decree was obtained for you by the Minister
Tsʻao.”
Yüan-tê thanked him. Then the messenger drew forth his secret letter.
When he had read this Liu Pei said, “This matter can be easily
arranged.”
The banquet over and the messenger conducted to his lodging to seek
repose, Yüan-tê, before going to rest, called in his councillors to
consider the letter.
“There need be no compunction about putting him to death,” said Chang
Fei; “he is a bad man.”
“But he came to me for protection in his weakness, how can I put him to
death? That would be immoral,” said Liu Pei.
“If he was a good man; it would be difficult,” replied Fei.
Liu Pei would not consent. Next day, when Lü Pu came to offer
congratulations, he was received as usual. He said, “I have come to
felicitate you on the receipt of the imperial bounty.”
Liu Pei thanked him in due form. But then he saw Chang Fei draw his
sword and come up the hall as if to slay Lü Pu. He hastily interfered
and stopped him. Lü Pu was surprised and said, “Why do you wish to slay
me, I-tê?”
“Tsʻao Tsʻao says you are immoral and tells my brother to kill you,”
shouted Chang Fei.
Liu Pei shouted again and again to him to go away, and he led Lü Pu
into the private apartments out of the way.
Then he told him the whole story and showed him the secret letter. He
wept as he finished reading.
“This is that miscreant’s scheme for sowing discord between us.”
“Be not anxious, elder brother,” said Liu Pei. “I pledge myself not to
be guilty of such an infamous crime.”
Lü Pu again and again expressed his gratitude and Liu Pei kept him for
a time. They remained talking and drinking wine till late.
Said the other two brothers, “Why not kill him?”
Liu Pei said, “Because Tsʻao Mêng-tê fears that Lü and I may attack
him, he is trying to separate us and get us to ‘swallow’ each other,
while he steps in and takes the advantage. Is there any other reason?”
Kuan nodded assent, but Chang Fei said, “I want to get him out of the
way lest he trouble us later.”
“That is not what a noble man should do,” said his elder brother.
Soon the messenger was dismissed and returned to the capital with the
reply from Liu Pei. The letter only said the plan would be made later.
But the messenger, when he saw Tsʻao Tsʻao, told him the story of Liu
Pei’s pledge to Lü Pu. Then said Tsʻao Tsʻao, “The plan has failed;
what next?”
Hsün Yu replied, “I have another trick called ‘The Tiger and the Wolf’
in which the tiger is made to gobble up the wolf.”
“Let us hear it,” said Tsʻao.
“Send to Yüan Shu to say that Liu Pei has sent up a secret memorial
that he wishes to subdue the southern districts. Shu will be angry and
attack him. Then you will order Pei to dispose of Shu and so set them
destroying each other. Lü Pu will certainly think that is his chance
and turn traitor. This is The Tiger-Wolf trick.”
Tsʻao thought this good and sent the messenger and also sent a false
edict to Liu Pei. When this came the messenger was received with all
the ceremonies and the edict ordered the capture of Yüan Shu. After the
departure of the bearer Liu called Mi Chu who pronounced it a ruse.
“It may be,” said his master, “but the royal command is not to be
disobeyed.”
So the army was prepared and the day fixed. Sun Chʻien said that a
trusty man must be left on guard and Pei asked which of his brothers
would undertake this task.
“I will guard the city,” said Chang Fei.
“I am constantly in need of your advice so how can we part?”
“I will guard the city,” said Chang Fei.
“You will fail,” said Pei. “After one of your drinking bouts you will
get savage and flog the soldiers. Beside you are rash and will not
listen to any one’s advice. I shall be uneasy all the time.”
“Henceforth I drink no more wine. I will not beat the soldiers and I
will always listen to advice,” said Fei.
“I fear the mouth does not correspond to the heart,” said Mi Chu.
“I have followed my elder brother these many years and never broken
faith; why should you be contemptuous?” said Fei.
Yüan-tê said, “Though you say this I do not feel quite satisfied. I
will order friend Yüan-lung to help you and keep you sober. Then you
will not make any mistake.”
Chʻên Têng was willing to undertake this duty and the final orders were
given. The army of three legions, horse and foot, left Hsüchou and
marched toward Nanyang.
When Yüan Shu heard that a memorial had been presented proposing to
take possession of this district he broke out into abuse of Liu Pei.
“You weaver of mats! You plaiter of straw shoes! You have been smart
enough to get possession of a large district and elbow your way into
the ranks of the nobles. I was just going to attack you and now you
dare to scheme against me! How I detest you!”
So he at once gave orders to prepare an army of ten legions, under Chi
Ling, to attack Hsüchou. The armies met at Hsüi, where Liu Pei was
encamped in a plain with hills behind and a stream on his flank, for
his army was small.
Chi Ling, his opponent, was a native of Shantung. He used a very heavy
three-edged sword. After he had made his camp he rode out and began
abusing his opponents. “Liu Pei, you rustic bumpkin, how dare you
invade this land?”
“I have a decree ordering me to destroy the minister who behaves
improperly. If you oppose you will be assuredly punished,” replied Pei.
Chi angrily rode out brandishing his weapon. But Kuan Yü cried, “Fool,
do not attempt to fight!” and rode out to meet him. Then they two
fought and after thirty bouts neither had an advantage. Then Chi cried
out for a rest. So Kuan turned his horse away, rode back to his own
array and waited for him.
When the moment came to renew the combat Chi sent out one of his
officers to take his place. But Kuan said, “Tell Chi Ling to come: I
must settle with him who shall be cock and who shall be hen.”
“You are a reputationless leader and unworthy to fight with our
general,” replied the officer, Hsün Chêng.
This reply angered Kuan, who made just one attack on Hsün and brought
him to the ground. At this success Liu Pei urged on the army and Chi
Ling’s men were defeated. They retired to the mouth of the Huaiyin
River and declined all challenges.
However, many of their men came privately into Liu Pei’s camp to try to
do what mischief they could and many, so found, were slain.
But the armies will be left facing each other while we relate what
happened in Hsüchou.
After Liu Pei had started on his expedition Chang Fei placed his
colleague and helper in charge of the administration of Hsüchou,
keeping military affairs under his own supervision. After thinking over
the matter for some time he gave a banquet to all the military officers
and when they were all seated he made a speech. “Before my brother left
he bade me keep clear of the wine cup for fear of accidents. Now,
gentlemen, you may drink deep to-day but from to-morrow wine is
forbidden for we must keep the city safe. So take your fill.” And with
this he and all his guests rose to drink together.
The wine bearer came to one Tsʻao Pao who declined it, saying he never
drank as he was forbidden of heaven.
“What! a fighting man not drink wine!” said the host. “I want you to
take just one cup.”
Tsʻao Pao was afraid to offend so he drank.
Now the host drank huge goblets with all his guests on every hand and
so swallowed a huge quantity of liquor. He became quite intoxicated.
Yet he would drink more and insisted on a cup with every guest. It came
to the turn of Tsʻao Pao who declined.
“Really, I cannot drink,” said Pao.
“You drank just now: why refuse this time?”
Chang Fei pressed him, but still Tsʻao Pao resisted. Then Fei in his
drunken madness lost control of his temper and said, “If you disobey
the orders of your general you shall be beaten.” And he called in his
guards.
Here Chʻên Yüan-lung interfered reminding him of the strict injunctions
of his brother.
“You civilians attend to your civil business and leave us alone,” said
Fei.
The only way of escape for the guest was to beg remission and he did
so, but added, “Sir, if you saw my son-in-law’s face you would pardon
me.”
“Who is your son-in-law?”
“Lü Pu.”
“I did not mean to have you really beaten, but if you think to frighten
me with Lü Pu I will. I will beat you as if I was beating him,” said
Fei.
The guests interposed to beg him off, but their drunken host was
obdurate and the unhappy guest received fifty blows. Then at the
earnest prayers of the others the remainder of the punishment was
remitted.
The banquet came to an end and the beaten man went away burning with
resentment. That night he sent a letter to Hsiaopʻei relating the
insults he had received from Chang Fei. The letter told Lü Pu of the
prefect’s absence and proposed that a sudden raid should be made that
very night before Chang Fei had recovered from his drunken fit. Lü Pu
at once summoned Chʻên Kung and told him.
“This is only a place to occupy temporarily,” said Kung. “If you can
seize Hsüchou, do so. It is a good chance.”
Lü Pu got ready at once and soon on the way with half a company,
ordering Chʻên Kung to follow him with the main body. Kao Shun was to
follow him.
Hsiaopʻei being only about forty li away, one gets there almost as soon
as one is mounted and Lü Pu was under the walls at the fourth watch. It
was clear moonlight. No one on the ramparts saw him. Pu came up close
to the wall and called out, “Liu Pei’s secret messenger has arrived.”
The guards on the wall were Tsʻao Pao’s men and they called him. He
came and when he saw who was there he ordered the gates to be opened.
Lü Pu gave the secret signal and the soldiers entered shouting.
Chang Fei was in his apartment sleeping off the fumes of wine. His
servants hastened to arouse him and told him an enemy had got the gates
open and was in the city. Chang savagely got into his armour and laid
hold of his mighty spear, but as he was mounting his horse at the gate
the soldiers came up. He rushed at them but being still half
intoxicated made but a poor fight. Lü Pu knowing his prowess did not
press him hard and Chang Fei made his way, with a small escort, to the
east gate, and there went out, leaving his brother’s family to their
fate.
Tsʻao Pao, seeing Chang had but a very small force and was still half
drunk as well, came in pursuit. Fei saw who it was and was mad with
rage. He galloped toward him and drove him off after a few passes. He
followed Pao to the moat and wounded him in the back. His frightened
steed carried him into the moat and he was drowned.
Once well outside the city Chang Fei collected his men and they rode
off toward the south.
Lü Pu having surprised the city set himself to restore order. He put a
guard over the residence of Liu Pei so that no one should disturb the
family.
Chang Fei with his few followers went to his brother’s camp and told
his story of treachery and surprise. All were greatly distressed.
“Success is not worth rejoicing over; failure is not worth grieving
over,” said Liu Pei with a sigh.
“Where are our sisters?” asked Kuan.
“They shared the fate of the city.”
Liu Pei nodded his head and was silent.
Kuan Yü with an effort controlled his reproaches and said, “What did
you say when you promised to guard the city and what orders did our
brother give you? Now the city is lost and therewith our
sisters-in-law. Have you done well?”
Chang Fei was overwhelmed by remorse. He drew his sword to kill
himself.
He raised the cup in pledge,
None might say nay;
Remorseful, drew the sword,
Himself to slay.
Chang Fei’s fate will be told in the next chapter.