TʻAISHIH TZŬ FIGHTS FOR FRIENDSHIP’S SAKE:
SUN PO-FU DOES BATTLE WITH YEN, THE WHITE TIGER.
In the last chapter it was recorded that Chang Fei was about to end his
life with his own weapon. But his brother rushed forward and caught him
in his arms, snatched away the sword and threw it on the earth saying,
“Brothers are hands and feet; wives and children are as clothing. You
may mend your torn dress, but who can re-attach a lost limb? We three,
by the Oath of the Peach Garden, swore to seek the same death-day. The
city is lost, it is true, and my wife and little ones, but I could not
bear that we should die ere our course be run. Beside, the city was not
really mine and Lü Pu will not harm my family but will rather seek to
preserve them. You made a mistake, worthy brother, but is it one
deserving of death?”
And he wept. His brothers were much affected and their tears fell in
sympathy.
As soon as the news of Lü Pu’s successful seizure of his protector’s
district reached Yüan Shu, he sent promises of valuable presents to Lü
to induce him to join in a further attack on Liu Pei. The presents are
said to have been fifty thousand measures of grain, five hundred
horses, ten thousand taels of gold and silver and a thousand pieces of
coloured silk. Lü Pu swallowed the bait and ordered Kao Shun to lead
forth five legions. But Liu Pei heard of the threatened attack, so he
made inclement weather an excuse to disband his few soldiers and left
Hsüi, before the attacking force came up.
However, Kao Shun demanded the promised reward through Chi Ling, who
put him off saying, “My lord has gone away, I will settle this as soon
as I can see him and get his decision.”
With this answer Kao Shun returned to Lü Pu, who could not decide what
to do. Then came a letter from Yüan Shu saying that although Kao Shun
had gone to attack Liu Pei, yet Pei had not been destroyed and no
reward could be given till he was actually taken. Lü Pu railed at what
he called the breach of faith and was inclined to attack Yüan Shu
himself. However, his adviser opposed this course, saying, “You should
not; he is in possession of Shouchʻun and has a large army, well
supplied. You are no match for him. Rather ask Liu Pei to take up his
quarters at Hsiaopʻei as one of your wings and, when the time comes,
let him lead the attack. Then both the Yüans will fall before you and
you will be very powerful.”
Finding this advice good he sent letters to Yüan-tê asking him to
return.
The story of Liu Pei’s attack on Kuangling, the attack on his camp and
his losses, has been told. On his way back he met the messenger from Lü
Pu, who presented the letter. Yüan-tê was quite content with the offer
but his brothers were not inclined to trust Lü.
“Since he treats me kindly, I cannot but trust him,” replied Yüan-tê.
So he went back to Hsüchou. Lü Pu, fearing that Liu Pei might doubt his
sincerity, restored his family and when the ladies, Kan and Mi, saw
their lord they told him that they had been kindly treated and guarded
by soldiers against any intrusion, and provisions had never been
wanting.
“I knew he would not harm my family,” said Yüan-tê to Kuan and Chang.
However, they were not pleased and would not accompany their brother
into the city when he went to express his thanks. They went to escort
the two ladies to Hsiaopʻei.
At the interview Lü Pu said, “I did not wish to take the city, but your
brother behaved very badly, drinking and flogging the soldiers, and I
came to guard it lest some evil should befall.”
“But I had long wished to yield it to you,” said Yüan-tê.
Thereupon Lü Pu pretended to wish to retire in favour of Yüan-tê who,
however, would not hear of it. He returned and took up his quarters in
Hsiaopʻei, but his two brothers would not take the situation kindly and
were very discontented.
Said Yüan-tê, “One must bow to one’s lot. It is the will of Heaven and
one cannot struggle against fate.”
Lü Pu sent presents of food and stuffs and peace reigned between the
two houses.
But there is no need to write of this. As the story runs, Yüan Shu
prepared a great banquet for his soldiers on the occasion of a victory
gained by Sun Tsʻê over Lu Kʻang, the Prefect of Luchiang. Yüan Shu
summoned the victor, who made obeisance at the foot of the hall of
audience. Shu, sitting in State, asked for details of the campaign and
then invited Sun Tsʻê to the banquet.
After the unhappy death of his father Sun Tsʻê had returned to
Chiangnan, where he had devoted himself to peaceful ends, inviting to
his side good men and able scholars. Afterwards when a quarrel broke
out between his mother’s uncle, the Prefect of Tanyang, and Tʻao
Chʻien, he removed his mother with all the family to Chʻüa, he himself
taking service under Yüan Shu, who admired and loved him greatly.
“If I had a son like him,” said Shu, “I should die without regret.”
He employed Sun Tsʻê as a soldier and sent him on various expeditions,
all of which were successful. After this banquet to celebrate the
victory over Lu Kʻang, Sun Tsʻê returned to his camp very bitter over
the arrogant and patronising airs of his patron. Instead of retiring to
his tent he walked up and down by the light of the moon.
“Here am I, a mere nobody and yet my father was such a hero!” And he
cried out and wept in spite of himself.
Then suddenly appeared one who said, laughing loudly, “What is this, O
Po-fu? While your noble father enjoyed the light of the sun he made
free use of me and if his son has any difficulty to resolve why does he
not refer it to me also instead of weeping here alone?”
Looking at the speaker Sun Tsʻê saw it was one Chu Chih, whose less
formal name was Chün-li, a native of that district, who had been in his
father’s service. Sun Tsʻê then ceased weeping and they two sat down.
“I was weeping from regret at being unable to continue my father’s
work,” said he.
“Why stay here bound to the service of a master? Why not get command of
an army under the pretence of an expedition to relieve Chiangtung? Then
you can accomplish great things.”
While these two were talking another man suddenly entered saying, “I
know what you two are planning, noble Sirs. Under my hand is a band of
bold fellows ready to help Po-fu in whatever he wishes to do.”
The speaker was one of Yüan Shu’s advisers named Lü Fan. They three
then sat and discussed schemes.
“The one fear is that the soldiers will be refused,” said the newcomer.
“I still have the Imperial Seal that my father left me; that should be
good security.”
“Yüan Shu earnestly desires that jewel,” said Chu Chih. “He will
certainly lend you men on that pledge.”
The three talked over their plans, gradually settling the details, and
not many days after Sun Tsʻê obtained an interview with his patron.
Assuming the appearance of deep grief he said, “I have been unable to
avenge my father. Now the Prefect of Yangchow is opposing my mother’s
brother and my mother and her family are in danger. Wherefore I would
borrow a few companies of fighting men to rescue them. As perhaps,
Illustrious Sir, you may lack confidence in me I am willing to deposit
the Imperial Seal, left me by my late father, as a pledge.”
“Let me see it, if you have it,” said Shu. “I do not want the jewel
really, but you may as well leave it with me. I will lend you three
companies and five hundred horses. Return as soon as peace can be made.
As your rank is hardly sufficient for such powers I will memorialise to
obtain for you higher rank with the title of General, ‘Exterminator of
Brigands,’ and you can soon start.”
Tsʻê thanked his patron most humbly and soon put the army in motion,
taking with him his two new friends as well as his former captains.
When he reached Liyang he saw a body of troops in front of him, at
their head a dashing leader of handsome and refined mien. As soon as
this man saw Sun Tsʻê he dismounted and made obeisance. It was Chou Yü.
When Sun Chien was opposing the tyrant Minister Tung Cho, the Chou
family had removed to Shu, in modern Anhui, and as Chou Yü and Sun Tsʻê
were of the same age all but two months, they became exceedingly good
friends and sworn brothers, Tsʻê being the “elder” in virtue of his two
months’ seniority. Chou Yü was on his way to visit Sun Tsʻê’s uncle,
Prefect of Tanyang, when the happy meeting took place.
Naturally Sun Tsʻê confided his projects and inmost ideas to his
friend, who at once promised fidelity and service. They would work out
the grand design together.
“Now that you have come the design is as good as accomplished,” said
Sun.
Chou Yü was introduced to Chu Chih and Lü Fan.
Chou Yü said, “Do you know of the two Changs of Chiangtung? They would
be most useful men in working out your schemes.”
“Who are they, the two Changs?” said Sun.
“They are men of transcendent genius who are living near here for the
sake of tranquillity in these troublous times. Their names are Chang
Chao and Chang Hung. Why not invite them to help you, brother?”
Sun Tsʻê lost no time in sending letters and gifts, but they both
declined. Then he visited them in person, was greatly pleased with
their speech and by dint of large gifts and much persuasion, got them
to promise to join him. They were given substantial offices.
The plan of the attack upon Yangchou was the next matter for
discussion. The Prefect, Liu Yu, was of Tunglai, a scion of the
Imperial family and brother of the governor of Yenchow. He had long
ruled in Yangchou, but Yüan Shu had forced him to leave his usual
abiding city and retire to Chʻüa.
Hearing of the meditated attack on him he summoned his captains to take
counsel. Said Chang Ying, “I will take an army and entrench at Niuchu.
No army can get past that, whatever its strength.”
He was interrupted by another who shouted, “And let me lead the van!”
All eyes turned to this man; is was Tʻaishih Tzŭ who, after raising the
siege of Pohai, had come on a visit to the Prefect and stayed on.
Hearing him offer to undertake the hazardous post of van-leader Liu Yu
said, “But you are still young and not yet equal to such a charge.
Rather stay by my side and obey my orders.”
Tʻaishih Tzŭ withdrew in high dudgeon. Soon Chang Ying led his army to
Niuchu, leaving his stores of grain at Tiko. When Sun Tsʻê approached,
Chang Ying went to meet him and the two armies faced each other above
Niuchutʻan, (Bullock Island Rapid). Chang Ying roundly abused his
opponent and Huang Kai rode out to attack, but before the combat had
proceeded far there arose an alarm of fire in Chang Ying’s camp. Chang
Ying turned back and then Sun Tsʻê advanced in full force, compelling
the enemy to abandon their possession. The defeated general fled to the
hills.
Now the incendiaries who had brought about this result were two, named
Chiang Chʻin and Chou Tʻai, both from the Kiukiang district, who in
these troublous times had got together a band of kindred spirits and
lived by plundering the country along the Yangtse River. They knew Sun
Tsʻê by reputation as a man who treated able men very liberally and
wished to join him. So they came with their band, three hundred strong,
and helped him in this way as an introduction. Sun Tsʻê welcomed them
and gave the leaders rank. After taking possession of the stores of all
kinds abandoned by the runaways, and enlisting a large number of those
who surrendered into his own ranks, he moved forward to attack
Shêntʻing.
After his defeat Chang Ying returned to his master and told his
misfortune. Liu Yu was going to punish his failure by death, but
listened to his advisers, who asked for mercy for the unfortunate man,
and sent him to command the garrison in Lingling. He himself set out to
meet the invaders. He camped under the hills at Lingnan. Sun Tsʻê
camped on the opposite side of the hills.
Sun Tsʻê enquired if there was a temple to Kuang-Wu, of the Hans, in
the vicinity, and was told there was a temple on the summit of the
hills.
“I dreamed last night that he called me so I will go and pray there,”
said Tsʻê.
He was advised not to go as the enemy was on the other side and he
might fall into an ambush.
“The spirit will help me; what need I fear?”
So he put on his armour, took his spear and mounted, taking with him
twelve of his officers as an escort. They rode up the hills,
dismounted, burned incense and they all bowed in the shrine. Then Tsʻê
knelt and made a vow saying, “If I, Sun Tsʻê, succeed in my task and
restore the authority of my late father then will I restore this temple
and order sacrifices at the four seasons.”
When they had remounted he said, “I am going to ride along the ridge
and reconnoitre the enemy’s position.”
His followers begged him to refrain but he was obstinate and they rode
away together, noting the villages below. A soldier going along a
bye-road quickly reported the presence of horsemen on the ridge and Liu
Yu said, “It is certainly Sun Tsʻê trying to inveigle us to battle. But
do not go out.”
Tʻaishih Tzŭ, the bold, jumped up saying, “What better chance to
capture him?”
So, without orders he armed himself and rode through the camp crying,
“If there be any valiant men among you follow me!”
No one moved save a subaltern who said, “He is a valiant man and I will
go with him.” So he also went. The others only laughed at the pair.
Now having seen all he wished Sun Tsʻê thought it time to return and
wheeled round his horse. But when he was going over the summit some one
shouted, “Stay, Sun Tsʻê!”
He turned; two horsemen were coming at full speed down the next hill.
He halted and drew up his little escort right and left, he himself with
his spear ready.
“Which is Sun Tsʻê?” shouted Tʻaishih.
“Who are you?” was the reply.
“I am Tʻaishih Tzŭ, of Tunglai, come to take him prisoner.”
“Then I am he,” said Sun Tsʻê laughing. “Come both of you together; I
am not afraid of you. If I was, I should not be Po-fu.”
“You and all your crowd come on and I will not blench,” cried Tʻaishih
putting his horse at a gallop and setting his spear.
Sun braced himself for the shock and the battle began. Fifty bouts were
fought and still neither combatant had the advantage. Sun Tsʻê’s
followers whispered to each other their admiration and amazement.
Tʻaishih saw that the spearmanship of his opponent showed no weak point
whereby he could gain the advantage so he decided to resort to guile.
Feigning defeat he would lead Sun to pursue. Tʻaishih however did not
retire along the road by which he had come, but took a path leading
around the hill instead of over it. His antagonist followed, shouting,
“He who retreats is no worthy son of Han!”
But Tʻaishih thought within himself, “He has twelve others at his back
and I only one. If I capture him, the others will retake him. I will
inveigle him into some secret spot and then try.” So flying and
fighting by turns he led Sun Tsʻê, an eager pursuer, down to the plain.
Here Tʻaishih suddenly wheeled about and attacked. Again they exchanged
half a hundred bouts, without result. Then Sun made a fierce thrust
which his opponent evaded by gripping the spear under his oxter, while
Tʻaishih did the same with his opponent’s spear. Neither was wounded
but each exerting his utmost strength to pull the other out of the
saddle they both came to the ground.
Their steeds galloped off they knew not whither while the two men, each
dropping his spear, began a hand to hand struggle. Soon their fighting
robes were in tatters. Sun gripped the short lance that Tʻaishih
carried at his back, while Tʻaishih tore off the other’s helmet. Sun
tried to stab with the short lance but Tʻaishih fended off the blow
with the helmet as a shield.
Then arose a great shouting. Liu Yu had come up with a company of
soldiers. Sun seemed now in sore straits. His twelve followers came up
and each combatant let go his hold. Tʻaishih quickly found another
steed, seized a spear and mounted. Sun Tsʻê, whose charger had been
caught by Chʻêng Pʻu, also mounted, and a confused battle began between
the handful of men on one side and a whole company on the other. It
swayed and drifted down the hill side. However, soon Chou Yü came to
the rescue, and as evening drew on a tempest put an end to the fight.
Both sides drew off and returned to camp.
Next day Sun Tsʻê led his army to the front of Liu Yu’s camp and the
challenge was accepted. The armies were drawn up. Sun hung the short
lance he had seized from Tʻaishih Tzŭ at the end of his spear and waved
it in front of the line of battle and ordered his soldiers to shout,
“If the owner of this had not fled he would have been stabbed to
death.”
On the other side they hung out Sun’s helmet and the soldiers shouted
back “Sun Tsʻê’s head is here already.”
Both sides thus yelled defiance at each other, one side boasting, the
other bragging. Then Tʻaishih rode out challenging Sun to a duel to the
death and Sun would have accepted, but Chʻêng Pʻu said, “My lord should
not trouble himself, I will take him,” and he rode forth.
“You are no antagonist for me,” said Tʻaishih. “Tell your master to
come out.”
This incensed Chʻêng, who rode at his opponent, and they two fought
many bouts. The duel was stopped by the gongs of Liu Yu.
“Why did you sound the retreat?” said Tʻaishih. “I was just going to
capture the wretch.”
“Because I have just heard that Chʻüa is threatened. Chou Yü is leading
a force thither and a certain Chʻên Wu is in league with him to betray
the city. The loss would be irremediable. I will hasten to Moling to
get the help of Hsüeh Li and Chai Jung.”
The army retired, Tʻaishih Tzŭ with it, without being pursued. On the
other side Chang Chao said to Sun Tsʻê, “Chou Yü’s threatened attack is
the cause of this move; they are in no mood to fight. A night raid on
their camp would finish them.”
The army was divided into five divisions for the night surprise and
hastened toward the camp where they were victorious. Their opponents
scattered in all directions. Tʻaishih alone made a determined stand and
as he could not withstand a whole army he fled with a few followers to
Chinghsien.
Now Sun Tsʻê acquired a new adherent in the person of Chʻên Wu. He was
a soldier of middle height, sallow of complexion and dark eye, an odd
looking man. But Sun held him in high esteem, gave him rank and put him
in the van for the attack on Hsüeh Li. As van-leader he and half a
score horsemen made a dash into the enemy’s formation, where they slew
half a hundred men. So Hsüeh Li would not fight but remained within his
defences. As Sun was attacking the city a spy came in with the news
that Liu Yu and Chai Jung had gone to attack Niuchu, which made Sun
move thither in haste. His two opponents were ready for battle.
“I am here,” said Sun Tsʻê, “you had better give in.”
A horseman came out from behind the two leaders to accept the
challenge. It was Yü Mi. But in the third bout Sun Tsʻê made him
prisoner and carried him off to the other side.
Seeing his colleague thus captured Fan Nêng rode out to the rescue and
got quite close. But just as he was going to thrust, all the soldiers
shouted “There is a man behind you going to strike secretly!” At this
Sun Tsʻê turned and shouted so thunderously loud that Fan Nêng fell out
of his saddle from mere fright. He split his skull and died. When Sun
Tsʻê reached his standard he threw his prisoner to the ground. And he
was also dead, crushed to death between the arm and the body of his
captor. So in a few moments Sun Tsʻê had disposed of two enemies, one
crushed to death and one frightened to death. Thereafter Sun Tsʻê was
called the Little Prince.
After Liu Yu’s defeat the greater portion of his force surrendered and
the number of those put to death exceeded ten thousand. Liu Yu himself
sought safety with Liu Piao.
An attack on Moling was the next move. As soon as Sun Tsʻê arrived at
the moat he summoned the commander, Hsüeh Li, to surrender. Some one
let fly a furtive arrow from the wall which wounded Sun in the left
thigh so severely that he fell from his steed. Hastily his officers
picked up their wounded chief and returned to the camp where the arrow
was pulled out and the wound dressed with the medicines suitable for
injuries by metals.
By Sun Tsʻê’s command the story was spread abroad that the hurt had
been fatal and all the soldiers set up cries of lamentation. The camp
was broken up. The defender of the city made a night sortie, but fell
into a carefully prepared ambush and presently Sun himself appeared on
horseback shouting “Sun Tsʻê is here still.”
His sudden appearance created such a panic that the soldiers dropped
their weapons and fell on their faces. Sun gave orders not to kill them
but their leaders fell, one from a spear thrust as he turned to run
away, another wounded by an arrow, and the commander in chief was slain
in the first rush. Thus Sun Tsʻê got possession of Moling. Having
calmed the people he sent his soldiers away to Chinghsien, where
Tʻaishih Tzŭ was in command.
Tʻaishih Tzŭ had assembled two companies of veterans in addition to his
own troop for the purpose of avenging his master. Sun Tsʻê and Chou Yü
on the other hand consulted how to capture him alive. The latter’s plan
was to attack the city on three sides, leaving the east gate free for
flight. Some distance off an ambush would be prepared, when their
victim, his men fatigued and horses spent, would fall an easy victim.
The latest recruits under Tʻaishih Tzŭ’s banner were mostly hillmen and
unaccustomed to discipline. Beside the walls of the city were pitiably
low. One night Sun ordered one Chʻên Wu to strip off his long dress,
leave his arms save a dagger, clamber up the ramparts and set fire to
the city. Seeing the flames spreading the commander made for the east
gate and, as soon as he got outside, Sun Tsʻê followed in pursuit. The
pursuit was maintained for some thirty li when the pursuers stopped.
Tʻaishih Tzŭ went on as long as possible, finally halting to rest in a
spot surrounded by reeds. Suddenly a tremendous shouting arose.
Tʻaishih was just starting when tripping ropes arose all round, his
horse was thrown and he found himself a prisoner.
He was taken to camp. As soon as Sun Tsʻê heard the news he himself
rode out to meet the successful man and ordered the guards to leave the
prisoner, whose bonds he loosened with his own hands. Then he took off
his own embroidered robe and put it on the captive. They entered the
camp together.
“I knew you were a real hero,” said Sun. “That worm of a Liu Yu had no
use for such as you and so he got beaten.”
The prisoner, overcome by this kindness and good treatment, then
formally surrendered.
Sun Tsʻê seized his hand and said, laughing, “If you had taken me at
that fight we had near the shrine, would you have killed me?”
“Who can say?” said Tʻaishih smiling.
Sun Tsʻê laughed also and they entered his tent, where the captive
leader was placed in the seat of honour at a banquet.
Tʻaishih said, “Can you trust me so far as to let me go to muster as
many as I can of the soldiers of my late master? Under the smart of
this defeat they will turn against him and they would be a great help
to you.”
“Exactly what I most desire. I will make an agreement with you that at
midday to-morrow you will return.”
Tʻaishih agreed and went off. All the captains said he would never
return.
“He is trustworthy and will not break his word,” said the chief.
None of the officers believed he would come back. But the next day they
set up a bamboo rod in the gate of the camp and just as the shadow
marked noon Tʻaishih Tzŭ returned, bringing with him about a thousand
men. Sun Tsʻê was pleased and his officers had to confess that he had
rightly judged his man.
Sun Tsʻê had now several legions and Chiangtung was his. He improved
the conditions of the people and maintained order so that his adherents
and supporters daily increased. He was called Sun Lang (the Bright
One). When his army approached the people used to flee in terror, but
when it had arrived and they saw that no one was permitted to loot and
not the least attempt was made on their houses, they rejoiced and
presented the soldiers with oxen and wine, for which they were in turn
duly rewarded. Gladness filled the country side. The soldiers who had
followed Liu Yu were kindly treated. Those who wished to join Sun’s
army did so; those who preferred not to be soldiers were sent home with
presents. And thus Sun Tsʻê won the respect and praise of every one in
Kiangnan and became very powerful.
Sun Tsʻê then settled his mother and the remainder of the family in
Chʻüa, setting his brother Chʻüan and Chou Tʻai over the city.
Then he headed an expedition to the south to reduce the Wu districts.
At that time there was a certain Yen Pai-hu, or the White Tiger, who
styled himself Prince Tê of Eastern Wu and ruled over the Wu districts.
Hearing of Sun Tsʻê’s approach, the “Prince” sent his brother Yen Yü
with an army against him and they met at Fêngchʻiao.
Yen Yü, sword in hand, took his stand on a bridge and this was reported
to Sun Tsʻê, who prepared to accept the challenge. Chang Hung tried to
dissuade him saying, “Forasmuch as my lord’s fate is bound up with that
of the army, he should not risk a conflict with a mere robber. I would
that you should remember your own value.”
“Your words, O Elder One, are as gold and precious stones, but I fear
that my soldiers will not carry out my commands unless I myself share
their dangers.”
Then he sent forth Han Tang to take up the challenge. Just as he
reached the bridge, Chiang Chʻin and Chʻên Wu, who had dropped down the
river in a small boat, passed under the bridge. Though the arrows fell
in clouds on the bank, the two men rushed up and fiercely attacked Yen
Yü as he stood on the bridge. He fled and Han Tang went in pursuit
smiting up to the gate of the city into which he entered.
Sun Tsʻê laid siege to Soochow both by land and water. For three days
no one came out to offer battle. Then at the head of his army he came
to the Chʻang Gate and summoned the warden. An officer of
inconsiderable rank came out and stood with one hand resting on a beam
while with the other he gave point to his abuse of those below. Quickly
Tʻaishih Tzŭ’s hands sought his bow and an arrow was on the string.
“See me hit that fellow’s hand,” said he, turning to his companions.
Even as the sound of his voice died away, the bowstring twanged, the
arrow sped and lodged in the beam, firmly pinning thereto the officer’s
hand. Both sides, those on the wall and those below it, marvelled at
such marksmanship.
The wounded man was taken away and when the White Tiger heard of the
exploit he said, “How can we hope to withstand an army with such men as
this in it?”
And his thoughts turned toward a peace. He sent his brother Yü out to
see Sun Tsʻê, who received him civilly, invited him into the tent and
set wine before him.
“And what does your brother propose?” said Sun.
“He is willing to share this district with you,” was the reply.
“The rat! how dare he put himself on a level with me?” cried Sun.
He commanded to put the messenger to death. Yü started up and drew his
sword, but out flew Sun Tsʻê’s blade and the unhappy messenger fell to
the ground. His head was hacked off and sent into the city to his
brother.
This had its effect. The White Tiger saw resistance was hopeless, so he
abandoned the city and fled. Sun Tsʻê pressed the attack. Huang Kai
captured Chiahsing (Kashing) and Tʻaishih Tzŭ took Wuchʻêng. The
district was quickly subdued. The White Tiger rushed off toward
Hangchow in the east, plundering on all sides, till a band of villagers
under the leadership of one Ling Tsʻao checked his career of robbery
there. He then went toward Kueichi.
The Lings, father and son, then went to meet Sun Tsʻê, who took them
into his service as a reward for their service and the joint forces
crossed the river.
The White Tiger gathered his scattered forces and took up a position at
the western ford, but Chʻêng Pʻu attacked him there and scattered the
defenders, chasing them as far as Huichi. The Prefect of the place,
Wang Lang, was on their side and inclined to support them actively.
But, when he proposed this, one of his men stood forth saying, “No! No!
Sun Tsʻê as a leader is humane and upright, while the White Tiger is a
savage ruffian. Rather capture him and offer his person as a peace
offering to Sun Tsʻê.”
The Prefect turned angrily toward the speaker, who was an official
named Yü Fan, and bade him be silent. He withdrew sighing deeply. And
the Prefect went to the help of the White Tiger with whom he joined
forces at Shanyin.
Sun Tsʻê came up. When both sides were arrayed Sun Tsʻê rode out and
addressed Wang Lang, saying, “Mine is an army of good men and my aim is
to restore peace to Chekiang, but you give your support to a rebel!”
Wang Lang replied, “Your greed is insatiable. Having got possession of
Wu you want also my district, and so as an excuse you have vengeance to
wreak on the Yens.”
This response greatly angered Sun Tsʻê. Just as battle was to be joined
Tʻaishih Tzŭ advanced and Wang Lang came toward him waving his sword.
Before they had exchanged many passes Chou Hsin dashed out to help
Wang. Thereupon Huang Kai rode out to make the sides more equal. These
latter two were just engaging when the drums rolled on both sides and a
general battle began.
Suddenly confusion was caused in the rear of Wang’s army by the sudden
onslaught of a small troop. Wang Lang galloped off to see to it. Then
an attack was made on his flank, so that he was in a hopeless position,
and he and the White Tiger, fighting desperately, only just managed to
reach the shelter of the city. The drawbridges were raised, the gates
closed and preparations made to sustain a siege.
Sun Tsʻê followed right up to the walls and then divided his men so as
to attack all four gates. Seeing that the city was being fiercely
attacked Wang Lang was for making a sortie, but the White Tiger opposed
this as hopeless against so strong a force outside. They could only
strengthen their position and remain behind the shelter of the ramparts
until hunger forced the besiegers to retire. Wang Lang agreed and the
siege went on.
For several days a vigorous attack was maintained, but with little
success. Taking counsel with his officers Sun Ching, who was the uncle
of Sun Tsʻê, said, “Since they are holding the city with such
resolution it will be difficult to dislodge them. But the bulk of their
supplies is stored at Chʻatu, distant only some score li. Our best plan
is to seize this place, thus attacking where the enemy is unprepared,
and doing what they do not expect.”
Sun Tsʻê approved saying, “My uncle’s plan is admirable and will crush
the rebels.” So he issued orders to kindle watch fires at all the
gates, and leave the flags standing to maintain the appearance of
soldiers in position while the expedition went south.
Chou Yü came to utter a warning, “When you, my lord, go away the
besieged will surely come out and follow you. We might prepare a
surprise for them.”
Sun Tsʻê replied, “My preparations are complete and the city will be
captured to-night.”
So the army set out.
Wang Lang heard that the besiegers had gone and he went up to the tower
to reconnoitre. He saw the fires blazing, the smoke rising, and the
pennons fluttering in the breeze as usual and hesitated.
Chou Hsin said, “He has gone and this is only a stratagem. Let us go
out and smite them.”
The White Tiger said, “If he has gone, it is to attack Chʻatu. Let us
pursue.”
“The place is our base of supply,” said Wang Lang, “and must be
defended. You lead the way and I will follow with reserves.”
So the White Tiger and Chou Hsin went forth with five companies and
drew near their enemy about the first watch, at twenty li from the
city. The road led through dense forest. Then suddenly the drums beat
and lighted torches sprang up on all sides. The White Tiger was
frightened, turned his horse and started to retreat. At once a leader
appeared in front in whom, by the glare of the torches, he recognised
Sun Tsʻê. Chou Hsin made a rush at him but fell under Sun Tsʻê’s spear.
The men surrendered. However, the White Tiger managed to cut his way
out.
Wang Lang soon heard of the loss and not daring to return to the city
retreated in all haste to Haiyü. And so Sun Tsʻê got possession of the
city.
Having restored order, a few days later a man came bringing the head of
the White Tiger as an offering to Sun Tsʻê. This man was a native of
the district. He was of medium height, with a square face and wide
mouth. He was named Tung Hsi, and was given an office. After this peace
reigned in all the east and, having placed his uncle in command of the
city and made Chu Chih Prefect, Sun Tsʻê returned to his own place.
While Sun Tsʻê was absent a band of brigands suddenly attacked
Hsüanchʻêng, left in the care of his brother Chʻüan and the leader Chou
Tʻai. As the onslaught was made on all sides at once, and in the night,
the brigands got the upper hand. Chou Tʻai took the youth in his arms
and mounted a horse, but as the robbers came on with swords to attack
him he dismounted, and though without mail, met the robbers on foot and
slew them as they came up. Then came a horseman armed with a spear, but
Chou Tʻai laid hold of his spear and pulled him to the earth. Then he
mounted the robber’s horse and thrusting this way and that with the
spear fought his way out. So Sun Chʻüan was preserved, but his saviour
had received more than a dozen wounds.
These wounds being due to metal would not heal but swelled enormously,
and the brave soldier’s life hung in the balance. Sun Tsʻê was deeply
grieved. Then Tung Hsi said, “Once in an engagement with some pirates I
received many spear wounds, but a certain wise man named Yü Fan
recommended a surgeon who cured me in half a month.”
“Surely this must be Yü Chung-hsiang,” replied Sun Tsʻê.
“That is he; he is so called.”
“Yes, truly a wise man; I will employ him.”
So Sun Tsʻê sent two officers to invite him and he came at once. He was
treated in most friendly fashion and appointed an official forthwith.
Then the question of treating the wounded man was brought up.
“The surgeon is one Hua Tʻo, who has perfectly marvellous skill in the
leech’s art. I will get him to come,” said Yü Fan.
Shortly the famous leech arrived, a man with the complexion of a youth
and a snowy beard. He looked more like a saint who had passed the gates
of this life. He was treated very handsomely and taken to see the sick
soldier’s wounds.
“The case is not difficult,” said the surgeon and he prepared certain
drugs that healed the wounds within a month. Sun Tsʻê suitably
acknowledged his care and skill and he was allowed to leave.
Next Sun Tsʻê attacked the brigands and destroyed them, so restoring
complete tranquillity to Chiangnan. After this he set garrisons at all
the strategical points, and this done, memorialised what he had
achieved. He came to an understanding with Tsʻao Tsʻao and sent letters
to Yüan Shu demanding the return of the Seal he had left in pledge.
But Yüan Shu, secretly cherishing the most ambitious designs, wrote
excuses and did not return the State jewel. In his own place he hastily
summoned his officers to a council and said, “Sun Tsʻê borrowed an army
from me and set out on an expedition which has made him master of
Chiangtung. Now he says nothing of repayment but demands the token of
his pledge. Truly he is a boor and what steps can I take to destroy
him?”
The Recorder, Yang Ta-chiang, replied, “You cannot do any thing against
him for he is too strongly placed. You must first remove Liu Pei in
revenge for having attacked you without cause, and then you may think
about Sun Tsʻê. I have a scheme to put the former into your hands in a
very short time.”
He went not to destroy the tiger, but instead
Against a dragon forth his army led.
The means he employed will be made plain in the next chapter.