YÜAN SHAO IS DEFEATED AND LOSES A LEADER:
KUAN YÜ ABANDONS RANK AND WEALTH.
As the last chapter closed Yüan-tê had been condemned to die. He spoke
up, however, and said, “Pray hear one word, Illustrious Sir, before you
decide. I have lost sight of my brother since my misfortune at Hsüchou
and know not whether Yün-chʻang be dead or alive. There are many men in
the world who resemble him. Is every red-faced man with a beard named
Kuan? Should you not rather seek some evidence?”
Now Yüan Shao was impulsive and facile by nature and when Yüan-tê spoke
thus, he suddenly turned upon Chu Shou, saying, “By wrongly regarding
what you said I nearly killed an innocent man.”
Then he requested Yüan-tê once more to resume his seat in the tent and
advise him how to avenge Yen Liang.
Soon from the lower end a voice was heard, saying, “Yen Liang and I
were as brothers and can I allow any other to avenge his death?”
The speaker was a man of middle height with a face like a unicorn, a
famous leader from Hopei, named Wên Chʻou.
Yüan Shao was pleased and said, “You are the only man who can do it. I
will give you ten legions and you can cross the Yellow River, and
quickly smite that rebel Tsʻao.”
“You cannot do it; he will fail,” said Chu Shou. “The proper course is
to hold Yenching and detach a force to Kuantu. If you rashly cross the
river and anything goes wrong not a soul will return.”
Yüan Shao said, “That is always the way with you fellows, always
delaying and taking the dash out of the soldiers. You put off to-day
and postpone to-morrow till success has become impossible. Do you
forget that promptitude is what the soldier honours?”
The adviser withdrew sadly, saying, “Superiors do not curb their
ambitions: inferiors must strive to render service. Eternal is the
Yellow River, shall I cross it?”
Thereafter he feigned illness and went no more to the Council.
Yüan-tê said, “I have received much kindness at your hands and have
been unable to show my gratitude. I would accompany General Wên that I
may repay your bounty and also that I may hear news of my brother.”
Yüan Shao gladly consented and ordered Wên Chʻou to share his command
with Yüan-tê. But the former objected saying that Yüan-tê had been so
often defeated that it would augur ill for success this time. He
proposed to give Yüan-tê command of the rear guard, and this being
approved, three legions were told off under Liu Pei’s special command
to follow the main body.
The prowess displayed by Kuan Yü in the bold attack on Yen Liang
redoubled Tsʻao Tsʻao’s respect for him and he memorialised the throne
that Kuan Yü receive the title of Marquis of Hanshoutʻing and a seal
was cast for him.
Just then came the unexpected news that Yüan Shao’s army had moved
toward the Yellow River and was in position above Yenching. Tsʻao first
sent to transfer the inhabitants to Hsiho and then led out an army to
oppose Yüan Shao. He issued an order to face about, thus placing the
rear companies in front. The commissariat wagons were also placed in
the van.
“What is this reversal for?” asked Lü Chʻien.
Tsʻao replied, “When the supplies are in rear they are liable to be
plundered. So I have put them first.”
“But if you meet the enemy and they steal them?”
“Wait till the enemy appears; I shall know what to do.”
Lü Chʻien was much exercised at this new move of the Minister’s. In the
meantime the supply train moved along the river toward Yenching.
Presently the foremost troops raised a great shout and Tsʻao sent to
see what it meant. The messenger came back to say Wên Chʻou’s army was
approaching, and the supply train had been abandoned and was at the
mercy of the enemy. Thereupon Tsʻao pointed to two mounds saying, “We
will take refuge here for the present.”
All those near him hastened to the mounds. There Tsʻao ordered them all
to loosen their dress, lay aside their breastplates and rest a time.
The horsemen turned their steeds loose.
Wên Chʻou’s men approached under cover. As they drew near one after
another the officers told Tsʻao saying, “The rebels are near: we ought
to catch the horses and go back to Paima.”
But the adviser, Hsün Yu, checked them saying, “These are a bait for
the enemy: why retire?”
Tsʻao glanced across at him and said, “He understands; do not say
anything.”
Now having got possession of the supply carts the enemy next came to
seize the horses. By this time they had all broken ranks and were
scattered, each man going his own way. Then suddenly Tsʻao gave the
order to go down from the mounds and smite them.
The surprise was complete. Wên Chʻou’s army was in confusion and
Tsʻao’s men surrounded them. Wên Chʻou made a stand, but those about
him trampled each other down and he could do nothing but flee. And he
fled.
Then standing on the top of a mound Tsʻao pointed to the flying leader
calling out, “There is one of the most famous captains of the north;
who can capture him?”
Chang Liao and Hsü Huang both mounted and dashed after him, crying,
“Wên Chʻou, do not run away!”
Looking round, the fugitive saw two pursuers and then he set aside his
spear, took his bow and adjusted an arrow, which he shot at Chang Liao.
“Cease shooting, you rebel!” shouted Hsü Huang. Chang Liao ducked his
head and the shaft went harmlessly by, save that it carried away the
tassel of his cap. He only pressed harder in pursuit. The next arrow
however struck his horse in the head and the animal stumbled and fell,
throwing his rider to the earth.
Then Wên Chʻou turned to come back. Hsü Huang, whirling his battle axe,
stood in his way to stop him. But he saw behind Wên several more
horsemen coming to help him and as they would have been too many for
him he fled. Wên pursued along the river bank. Suddenly he saw coming
toward him with banners fluttering in the breeze, a small party of
horse, and the leader carried a great sword.
“Stop!” cried Yün-chʻang, for it was he, and he attacked at once. At
the third bout Wên Chʻou’s heart failed him and he wheeled and fled,
following the windings of the river. But Kuan Yü’s steed was fast and
soon caught up. One blow, and the hapless Wên Chʻou fell.
When Tsʻao Tsʻao saw from the mound that the leader of the enemy had
fallen, he gave the signal for a general onset and many of the northmen
were driven into the river. And the carts with supplies and all the
horses were quickly recovered.
Now Kuan Yü, at the head of a few horsemen, was thrusting here and
striking there at the moment when Yüan-tê, with the three reserve
legions, appeared on the battle field. At once they told him that the
red-faced, long-bearded warrior was there and had slain Wên Chʻou. He
hastily pressed forward to try to get a look at the warrior. He saw
across the river a large body of horse and the banners bore the words
“Kuan Yün-chʻang, Marquis of Hanshoutʻing.”
“Then it is my brother and he is really with Tsʻao Tsʻao,” said
Yüan-tê, secretly thanking God that he was safe.
He made an attempt to wait about till he could call to Kuan Yü, but a
great mass of Tsʻao Tsʻao’s soldiers came rushing down and he was
forced to retire.
Yüan Shao, bringing reinforcements, reached Kuantu and built a
stockade. Two advisers went in to see him and said, “Again that fellow
Kuan has been in the battle; he killed Wên Chʻou. Liu Pei pretends
ignorance of him.”
Their master was angry and railed at Pei. “The long-eared rebel! How
dare he do such a thing?”
Soon Yüan-tê appeared; again Shao ordered him out to instant execution.
“What crime have I committed?” asked Yüan-tê.
“You sent your brother to slay one of my generals. Is that no crime?”
“Pray let me explain before I die. Tsʻao hated me and has always done
so. Now he has found out where I am and, fearing that I may help you,
has got my brother to destroy your two generals, feeling sure that when
you heard of it you would be angry and put me to death. You cannot fail
to see this.”
“What he says is sense,” said Shao, “and you two nearly brought on me
the reproach of injuring the good.”
He ordered his attendants to retire and asked Yüan-tê to come and sit
by him. Yüan-tê came saying, “I am deeply thankful, Illustrious Sir,
for your great kindness, for which I can never be sufficiently
grateful. Now I desire to send some confidential messenger with a
secret letter to my brother to tell him where I am, and I am sure he
will come without a moment’s delay. He will help you to destroy Tsʻao
Tsʻao to make up for having destroyed your two officers. Do you approve
of this?”
“If I got Yün-chʻang he would be ten times better than the two men I
have lost,” replied Shao.
So Yüan-tê prepared a letter. But there was no one to take it. Yüan
Shao ordered the army to withdraw to Wu-yang, where they made a large
camp. For some time nothing was done.
Then Tsʻao Tsʻao sent Hsiahou Tun to defend the strategical point at
Kuantu while he led the bulk of the army back to the capital. There he
gave many banquets in honour of the services of Kuan Yü and then he
told Lü Chʻien that putting the supplies in the front of the army had
been meant as a bait to draw the enemy to destruction. “Only Hsün Yu
understood that,” said he in conclusion.
Every one present praised his ingenuity. Even while the banquet was
proceeding there arrived news of a rising of Yellow Turban rebels at
Junan. They were very strong and Tsʻao Hung had been defeated in
several engagements. Now he begged for help.
Kuan Yü, hearing this said, “I should like to have the opportunity of
performing some service by destroying these rebels.”
“You have already rendered noble services for which you have not been
properly requited. I could hardly trouble you again,” said Tsʻao.
“I have been idle too long; I shall get ill,” said Kuan Yü.
Tsʻao encouraged him to go and gave him five legions with Yü Chin and
Yo Chin as captains under him. They were to leave soon.
Then Hsün Yü said privily to his master, “He always cherishes the idea
of returning to Liu Pei. He will leave you if he hears any news. Do not
let him go on this expedition.”
“If he does well this time I will not let him go into battle again,”
said Tsʻao.
In due time the force led by Kuan Yü drew near the rebels and made
their camp. One night, just outside his camp, two spies were caught and
taken in to Kuan who in one of them recognised Sun Chʻien. The
attendants being dismissed Kuan Yü questioned him.
“After we lost sight of each other I have heard not a word of you; what
are you doing here?”
“After I escaped I drifted hither and thither till I had the good
fortune to reach Junan and Liu Pʻi took me in. But why are you with
Tsʻao Tsʻao, General? And where are your sisters-in-law? Are they
well?”
Kuan Yü told him all that had happened.
“I have heard lately that Liu Pei is with Yüan Shao. I would have liked
to go and join him, but I have not found a convenient opportunity. Now
the two men I am with have taken the side of Yüan Shao against Tsʻao.
By good luck you were coming here so I got command of a small party of
scouts to be able to see you and tell you. Presently our two leaders
will pretend to be defeated and you, and the two ladies, can go over to
Yüan Shao. And you will see your brother.”
“Since he is there I certainly must go at once to see him. But it is a
misfortune that I have slain two of Yüan Shao’s generals. I fear things
are not in my favour,” said Kuan.
“Let me go first and see how the land lies; I will come back and tell
you.”
“I would risk a myriad deaths to see my brother,” said Kuan Yü. “But I
must go to say farewell to Tsʻao Tsʻao.”
Sun Chʻien was sent away that night and next day Kuan Yü led out his
men to offer battle. Kung Tu, in armour, went out to the front of the
line of battle and Kuan Yü said, “You people, why have you risen
against the government?”
“Why do you blame us when you have turned your back on your own lord?”
replied Kung Tu.
“How have I turned my back on my lord?”
“Liu Yüan-tê is with Yüan Pên-chʻu and you are with Tsʻao Tsʻao; what
is that?”
Kuan Yü could not reply, but he whirled round his sword and rode
forward. Tu fled and Kuan Yü followed. Tu turned and said to Kuan Yü,
“I cannot forget my old chief’s kindness. Now attack as soon as you can
and I will give up the defences.”
Kuan Yü understood and urged on his men. The leaders of the rebels
pretended they were worsted and they all scattered. So the city was
taken. Having pacified the people Kuan Yü quickly led his army back to
the capital, where he was met by Tsʻao, congratulated on his success
and feasted.
When this was all over Kuan Yü went to the dwelling of his
sisters-in-law to pay his respects at their gate.
“Have you been able to get any news of Uncle Liu in your two
expeditions?” asked the Lady Kan.
“None,” replied Kuan Yü.
As he retired from the door he heard sounds of bitter weeping within.
“Alas he is dead,” said they. “Our brother-in-law thinks we shall be
greatly distressed and hides the truth from us.”
One of the old soldiers, who acted as guard, hearing the sounds of
perpetual grief, took pity on them and said, “Do not weep, ladies; your
lord is with Yüan Shao in Hopei.”
“How do you know that?” said they.
“I went out with General Kuan and one of the soldiers told me.”
The two ladies summoned Kuan Yü and reproached him saying, “Uncle Liu
never betrayed you and yet you remain here enjoying the bounty of Tsʻao
Tsʻao and forgetting the old times. And you tell us falsehoods.”
Kuan Yü bowed his head. “My brother really is in Hopei, but I dared not
tell you, lest it should become known. Something must be done but done
carefully and it needs time.”
“Brother-in-law, you should hasten,” said the Lady Kan.
Kuan Yü withdrew feeling that he must evolve some scheme of departure
without further loss of time. It caused him much uneasiness.
Yü Chin, having found out that Liu Pei was in the north, told Tsʻao
Tsʻao, who at once sent Chang Liao to find out Kuan Yü’s intentions.
Chang Liao entered jauntily and congratulated Kuan, saying, “They tell
me you obtained news of your brother in the battlefield; I felicitate
you.”
“My lord was there indeed but I met him not. I see nothing to be glad
about.”
“Is there any difference between the relationship of you two and that
of any other two brothers?”
Kuan replied, “You and I stand in the relationship of friends: Yüan-tê
and I are friends and brothers beside, and prince and minister in
addition to both. Our relationship cannot be discussed in usual terms.”
“Well, now that you know where your brother is, are you going to him?”
“How can I go back on what I said before? I am sure you will explain
fully to the Minister.”
Chang Liao went back and told his master who said, “I must find a way
to keep him here.”
While Kuan Yü was pondering over his difficulties they told him that a
friend had come to enquire for him. The visitor was introduced but Kuan
did not recognise him.
“Who are you?” asked Kuan.
“I am Chʻên Chên of Nanyang, in the service of Yüan Shao.”
In great perturbation Kuan Yü sent away the attendants and, they being
gone, said, “There is some special reason for your visit.”
For reply the newcomer drew out a letter and handed it to his host, who
recognised that it was from his brother Yüan-tê.
“I, the writer, and you, Sir, pledged ourselves in the Peach Garden
to die together. Why then are we apart and yet alive, our kindly
feelings destroyed, our sense of right outraged? Surely you desire
to obtain fame and acquire riches and honour by offering my head as
a crowning act of merit. More might be said but I await your
commands with great anxiety.”
Kuan Yü finished the letter with a bitter cry. “I always wanted to find
my brother, but I did not know where he was. How can he think such evil
of me?” said he.
“Yüan-tê looks for you very eagerly, and if you are still bound by the
old pledge you should go quickly,” said the messenger.
“Any one born into the world without the one essential virtue of
sincerity is no true man. I came here openly and can go in no other
way. Now will I write a letter which I will ask you to bear to my
brother, that as soon as I can take leave of Tsʻao Tsʻao I will bring
the ladies and come to him.”
“But what if Tsʻao Tsʻao refuse to let you go?” said Chʻên Chên.
“Then would I rather die; I will not remain here.”
“Then, Sir, quickly write your letter and relieve your brother from his
anxiety.”
So Kuan Yü wrote like this: “I, the humble one, know full well that a
man of principle does not betray and a man of loyalty despises death. I
have been a student in my youth and know somewhat of the proprieties. I
sigh and weep at the memory of the fraternal affection that made Yang
Chio-ai and Tso Po-tʻao die rather than separate. I was in charge of
Hsiapʻi but the place lacked provision and there was no help. I would
have fought to the death but there was on my shoulders the
responsibility for my sisters-in-law. Wherefore I had to take care of
my body lest I betrayed my trust. And so I made a prisoner of myself,
hoping to find a way of release. I heard of you lately in Junan. I
must, however, bid farewell to Tsʻao Tsʻao and bring the ladies with me
when I come. May I perish, victim to the superhuman powers, if I have
harboured any traitorous thought. Pencil and paper are poor substitutes
for what I would say, but I look to see you soon.”
The visitor left with this missive and Kuan Yü went to tell the women.
Then he proceeded to the Minister’s palace to say farewell. But Tsʻao
knew what he was coming for and he found at the gate the board
intimating that no one could be received. So he had to return. However,
he bade his own few soldiers prepare to start at any moment. He also
gave orders that everything received from Tsʻao was to be left in the
quarters: nothing was to be taken.
Next day he again proceeded to the palace to say farewell to his
patron, but again found the board hanging there to show there was no
admission. So it was several times; he could never enter. Then he went
to see Chang Liao, but he was indisposed.
“This means he will not let me go,” thought Kuan Yü. “But I am going
and I shall hesitate no longer.”
So he wrote this letter:—“As a young man I entered the service of the
Imperial Uncle, and pledged myself to share his fortunes. Heaven and
Earth witnessed this oath. When I lost the city I made three requests
which you granted. Now I hear my brother is with Yüan Shao and I,
remembering our pledge, cannot but go to him. Though your bounty is
great I forget not the bond of the past, wherefore I write this letter
of farewell trusting that when you have read it you will be content for
me to postpone to another season the proof of my gratitude.”
He sealed and sent it to the Palace. Then he deposited in the treasury
of his dwelling all the gold and silver he had received, suspended his
seal of marquis in the reception hall and left, taking his
sisters-in-law with him in a carriage. He rode “Red Hare” and carried
Black Dragon in his hand. With a small escort of men, those formerly
under his command, he left the city by the north gate.
The wardens would have stopped him but he frightened them with a fierce
shout. Having got out he told the escort to go in front with the
carriage while he would remain behind to guard against pursuit. So they
pushed the carriage toward the high road.
In the city Kuan Yü’s letter reached the Minister while he was
consulting about what to do. He read it and exclaimed, “So he has
left!”
Then the warden of the gate came to report that Kuan Yü had forced his
way out, and was gone with a carriage, a horse and a score of guards.
Next came the servants from his house to report that he had left,
taking nothing of the treasure, nor any one of the waiting maids.
Everything was left in the house. Even his seal was there. His only
escort were the few men of his original force.
Suddenly from the assembly of men rose a voice saying, “With three
companies of mailed horse I will bring him back alive.”
Their eyes turned to the speaker, who was General Tsʻai Yang.
On the dragon’s cave he turns his back,
But numberless wolves infest his track.
What came of this offer to pursue will be seen in the next chapter.