CHUKO LIANG TALKS CUNNINGLY TO LU SU:
CHAO YÜN, BY A RUSE, CAPTURES KUEIYANG
Chou Yü’s anger at seeing that his rival, Kʻung-ming, had surprised
Nanchün, and at hearing the same news of Chingchou and Hsiangyang, was
but natural. And this sudden fit of rage caused his wound to re-open.
However, he soon recovered. All his officers besought him to accept the
situation, but he said, “What but the death of that bumpkin, Chuko,
will assuage my anger? If Chʻêng Pʻu can but aid me in an attack on
Nanchün I can certainly restore it to my country.”
Soon Lu Su came in, to whom Chou Yü said, “I simply must fight Liu Pei
and Chuko Liang till it is decided which shall have the upper hand. I
must also recapture the city. Perhaps you can assist me.”
“It cannot be done,” replied Lu Su. “We are now at grips with Tsʻao
Tsʻao and victory or defeat is undecided. Our lord has not been
successful in overcoming Hopei. Do not fight near home, or it will be
like people of the same household destroying each other and should
Tsʻao Tsʻao take advantage of this position to make a sudden descent we
should be in a parlous condition. Further, you must remember that Liu
Pei and Tsʻao Tsʻao are united by the bonds of old friendship and, if
the pressure becomes too great, Liu Pei may relinquish these cities,
offer them to Tsʻao Tsʻao and join forces with him to attack our
country. That would be a real misfortune.”
“I cannot help being angry” said Chou Yü, “to think that we should have
used our resources for their benefit. They get all the advantage.”
“Well, let me go and see Yüan-tê and talk reason to him. If I can
arrive at no understanding then attack at once.”
“Excellent proposal!” cried all present.
So Lu Su, with his escort, went away to Nanchün to carry out his
proposal and try to arrange matters. He reached the city wall and
summoned the gate, whereat Chao Yün came out to speak with him.
“I have something to say to Liu Yüan-tê,” said he; “I wish to see him.”
“My lord and Chuko Liang are in Chingchou,” was the reply.
Lu Su turned away and hasted to Chingchou. He found the walls bedecked
with flags and everything in excellent order. In his heart he admired
the sight, and thought what an able man was the commander of that army.
The guards reported his arrival and Kʻung-ming ordered them to throw
wide the gate. He was led to the government house and, after the usual
exchange of salutes, Kʻung-ming and his visitor took their respective
seats. Having finished the tea, Lu Su said, “My master, the Marquis Wu,
and the Commander of his army, Chou Yü, have sent me to lay before the
Imperial Uncle their views. When Tsʻao Tsʻao led his huge host
southward he gave out that it was for the conquest of Chiangnan; really
his intention was to destroy Liu Pei. Happily our army was able to
repulse that mighty host and so saved him. Wherefore Chingchou with its
nine districts ought to belong to us. But by a treacherous move your
master has occupied Chingchou and Hsiangyang, so that we have spent our
treasure in vain and our armies have fought to no purpose. The imperial
Uncle has reaped the benefits to the full. This is not as it should
be.”
Kʻung-ming replied, “Tzŭ-ching, you are a man of high intelligence; why
do you hold such language? You know the saying, that all things turn to
their owner. These places have never belonged to Wu, but were of the
patrimony of Liu Piao, and though he is dead, his son remains. Should
not the uncle assist the nephew to recover his own? Could my master
have refrained?”
“If the nephew Liu Chʻi, the rightful heir, had occupied these cities
there would have been something to say. But he is at Chianghsia and not
here.”
“Would you like to see him?” said Kʻung-ming.
At the same time he ordered the servants to request Liu Chʻi to come.
Thereupon he at once appeared, supported by two attendants. Addressing
Lu Su he said, “I am too weak to perform the correct ceremonies; I pray
you pardon me, Tzŭ-ching.”
Lu Su said not a word; he was too much taken aback. However, he
recovered himself presently and said, “But if the heir had not been
here, what then?”
“The heir is living but from day to day; should he go, then——there will
be something to talk about.”
“Should he die, then you ought to return these cities to us.”
“You state the exact facts,” said Kʻung-ming.
Then a banquet was prepared and, that over, Lu Su took his leave. He
hastened back to his own camp and gave Chou Yü an account of his
mission.
“But what is there for us in the chance of Liu Chʻi’s death?” said Chou
Yü. “He is in his very first youth. When will these places fall to us?”
“Rest content, General; let me guarantee the return of these places.”
“But how can you?” asked Chou Yü.
“Liu Chʻi has indulged too freely in wine and women; he is a wreck and
rotten to the core, miserably emaciated and panting for breath. I will
not give him half a year’s life. Then I will go to Liu Pei and he will
be unable to deny the request.”
But Chou Yü was still unmollified. Suddenly came a messenger from Sun
Chʻüan, who said, “Our lord is laying siege to Hofei but in several
battles has had no victory. He now orders you to withdraw from here and
go to Hofei to help him.”
Thereupon Chou Yü marched back to Chʻaisang. Having reached home he
began to give attention to the recovery of his health. He sent Chʻêng
Pʻu with the marine and land forces to Hofei ready for Sun Chʻüan’s
call.
Liu Pei was exceedingly well satisfied with the possession of his new
territory and his thoughts turned to more ambitious schemes. Then a
certain man came to him to suggest a plan. This man was I Chi and,
remembering the kindly feeling of other days, Yüan-tê received him most
graciously. When he was seated, and his host had asked what he
proposed, he said, “You wish for a plan to accomplish yet greater
deeds; why not seek wise men and ask them?”
“Where are these wise men to be found?” asked Yüan-tê.
I Chi replied, “In this district there is a certain family named Ma,
five brothers, all of whom are known as men of ability. The youngest is
called Ma Su, or Ma Yu-chʻang. The ablest is Ma Liang, or Chi-chʻang,
who has white hairs in his eyebrows, and the villagers have a little
rhyming couplet that means there are five sons in the family Ma but
white eyebrows is the best of them. You should get this man to draw up
a plan for you.”
So Yüan-tê told them to request his presence. Ma Liang came and was
received with great respect. He was asked to suggest a plan for the
security of the newly acquired district and he said, “Attacked as it is
on all sides this district is not one in which one is permanently
secure. You should let Liu Chʻi remain here till he is recovered from
his present illness, the actual protection of the place being left in
the hands of trusty friends. Obtain an Edict appointing him Governor
and the people will be content. Then conquer Wuling, Changsha, Kueiyang
and Linling and with the resources you will thus acquire you will have
the means for further plans. That should be your policy.”
“Which of the four districts should be first taken?” asked Liu Pei.
“The nearest, Linling, which lies in the west of Hsiang (Hunan). The
next is Wuling and after these the other two.”
Ma Liang was given an appointment as secretary, with I Chi as his
second. Then Yüan-tê consulted Kʻung-ming about sending Liu Chʻi to
Hsiangyang, so that Yün-chʻang could be free to return. Next they made
preparations to attack Linling, and Chang Fei was to lead the van. Chao
Yün was to guard the rear while Yüan-tê and Kʻung-ming were to command
the main body. A legion and a half were left to hold Chingchou. Mi Chu
and Liu Fêng were left to guard Chiangling.
The Prefect of Linling was Liu Tu. When danger thus threatened he
called in his son Liu Hsien and they discussed the case. The son was
very self-confident and said to his father, “Have no anxiety. They may
have the known and famous warriors, Chang Fei and Chao Yün, but we have
our leader, Hsing Tao-yung, who is match for any number of men. He can
withstand them.”
So Liu Hsien, with the famous leader, was entrusted with the defence.
At the head of a full legion they made a camp about thirty li from the
city, with the shelter of hills and a river. Their scouts brought news
that Kʻung-ming was close at hand with one army. Hsing Tao-jung decided
to check his advance and went forth to oppose him. When both sides were
arrayed, Hsing rode to the front. In his hand he held a battle-axe
called Cleaver of Mountains. In a mighty voice he cried, “Rebels, how
comes it that you have dared to enter our territory?”
From the centre of the opposing army, where appeared a cluster of
yellow flags, there came out a small four-wheeled carriage in which
sat, very erect, a certain man dressed in white, with a turban on his
head. In one hand he held a feather fan, with which he signed to the
warrior to approach. At the same time he said, “I am Chuko Kʻung-ming,
of Nanyang, whose plans broke up the countless legions of Tsʻao Tsʻao
so that nothing of them returned whence they started. How then can you
hope to oppose me? I now offer you peace and it will be well for you to
surrender.”
Hsing laughed derisively. “Their defeat was owing to the plan of Chou
Yü; you had nothing to do with it. How dare you try to deceive me?”
So saying he swung up his battle-axe and came running toward
Kʻung-ming. But he turned his carriage and retired within the lines
which closed up behind him. Hsing still came rushing on. As he reached
the array the men fell away on both sides and let him enter. Well
within he looked round for his chief opponent. Seeing a yellow flag
moving along quietly he concluded that Kʻung-ming was with it and so
followed it. When the flag had gone over the shoulder of a hill it
stopped. Then suddenly as if the earth had opened and swallowed it up,
the four-wheeled carriage disappeared, while in its place came a
ferocious warrior, with a long spear in his hand and mounted on a
curvetting steed. It was Chang Fei, who dashed at Hsing with a
tremendous roar.
Nothing daunted Hsing Tao-jung whirled up his battle-axe and went to
meet Chang Fei. But after four or five bouts he saw that there was no
chance of victory for him, so he turned his horse and ran. Chang Fei
pursued, the air shaking with the thunder of his voice.
Then the ambushed men appeared. Tao-jung, nothing daunted, rushed into
their midst. But in front appeared another warrior barring the way, who
called out, “Do you know me? I am Chao Tzŭ-lung of Chʻangshan.”
Hsing Tao-jung knew that all was over; he could neither fight nor fly.
So he dismounted and gave in. He was fettered and taken to camp, where
were Yüan-tê and Kʻung-ming. The former ordered him out to execution,
but Kʻung-ming hastily checked him.
“We will accept your submission if you capture Liu Hsien for us,” said
he.
The captive accepted the offer without the least hesitation, and when
Kʻung-ming asked how he intended to do it, he replied, “If you will set
me free, I shall be cunning of speech. If you raid the camp this
evening you will find me your helper on the inside. I will make Liu
Hsien a prisoner and will hand him over to you. He being captured, his
father will surrender at once.”
Yüan-tê doubted the good faith of the man, but Kʻung-ming said he knew
he could answer for him. Wherefore he was set free and went back to
camp, where he related all that had occurred.
“What can we do?” asked Liu Hsien.
“We can meet trick with trick. Put soldiers in ambush to-night outside
our camp while within everything will appear as usual. When Kʻung-ming
comes we shall capture him.”
The ambush was prepared. At the second watch a troop came out of the
darkness and appeared in the gate. Each man carried a torch and they
began to set fire to all about them. Out dashed Liu Hsien and Hsing
Tao-jung and the incendiaries forthwith fled. The two warriors pursued
them, but the fugitives ran and then suddenly disappeared at about ten
li from the camp. Much surprised the two turned to wend their way back
to their own camp.
It was still burning for no one had extinguished the flames. Soon from
behind them came out Chang Fei. Liu Hsien called out to his companion
not to enter the burning camp, but to go with him to attack
Kʻung-ming’s stockade.
Thereupon they turned again, but at a distance of ten li Chao Yün and a
troop suddenly debouched upon their road. Chao Yün attacked and Hsing
Tao-jung fell. Liu Hsien turned to flee, but Chang Fei was close upon
him and made him prisoner. He was thrown across a horse, bound and
taken to camp. When he saw Kʻung-ming he laid blame on his fallen
comrade saying he had listened to his evil counsel and this deed was
not his own wish. Kʻung-ming ordered them to loose his bonds, had him
properly dressed and gave him wine to cheer him and help him forget his
troubles. When he was recovered he was told to go to his father and
persuade him to yield.
“And if he does not, the city shall be destroyed and every one put to
death,” said Kʻung-ming as he left.
The son returned to the city and told his father these things. Liu Tu
at once decided to yield and forthwith hoisted the flag of surrender,
opened the gates, and went out taking his seal of office with him. He
was re-appointed to his prefectship, but his son was sent to Chingchou
for service with the army.
The people of Linling all rejoiced greatly at the change of rulers.
Yüan-tê entered the city, calmed and re-assured the people and rewarded
his army.
But he at once began to think of the next move and asked for an officer
to volunteer to take Kueiyang. Chao Yün offered, but Chang Fei
vehemently proposed himself for the command of the expedition. So they
wrangled and contended.
Then said Kʻung-ming, “Undoubtedly Chao Yün was first to volunteer,
wherefore he is to go.”
Still Chang Fei opposed and insisted on going. They were told to decide
the dispute by drawing lots and Chao Yün drew the winning lot. Chang
Fei was still very angry and grumbled, “I would not have wanted any
helpers: just three companies and I would have done it.”
“I also only want three companies,” said Chao Yün. “And if I fail I am
willing to suffer the penalties.”
Kʻung-ming was pleased that he recognised his responsibility so fully,
and with the commission gave him three companies of veterans.
Though the matter was thus settled Chang Fei was discontented and
pressed his claim till Yüan-tê bade him desist and retire.
With his three companies Chao Yün took the road to Kueiyang. The
Prefect Chao Fan soon heard of his approach and hastily called his
officers to take counsel. Two of them, Chʻên Ying and Pao Lung, offered
to meet the invaders and turn them back.
These two warriors belonged to Kueiyang and had made themselves famous
as hunters. Chʻên used a “Flying Fork” and Pao could draw a bow with
such force that he had been known to send an arrow through two tigers.
So strong were they, as well as bold.
They stood before Chao Fan and said, “We will lead the way against Liu
Pei.”
The Prefect replied, “I know that Liu Pei is of the Imperial family:
Kʻung-ming is exceedingly resourceful: Kuan Yü and Chang Fei are very
bold. But the commander of this force is Chao Tzŭ-lung who, on one
occasion, faced a hundred legions and never blenched. Our small force
here cannot stand against such people. We shall have to yield.”
“Let me go out to fight,” said Chʻên Ying. “If I cannot capture Chao
Yün then you can yield.”
The Prefect could not resist him and gave his consent. Then Chʻên Ying,
with three companies, went forth and soon the two armies came within
sight of each other. When Chʻên Ying’s army was drawn up he girded on
his “Flying Fork” and rode to the front. Chao Yün gripped his spear and
rode to meet him. Chao Yün began to rail at Chʻên Ying, saying, “My
master is the brother of Liu Piao to whom belonged this land. Now he is
supporting his nephew the heir and son of Liu Piao. Having taken
Chingchou I am come to soothe and comfort the people here. Why then do
you oppose me?”
“We are supporters of the Minister Tsʻao and are no followers of your
master,” was the reply.
Chao Yün, waxing angry, firmly grasped his spear and rode forward. His
opponent twirled “Flying Fork” and advanced. The horses met, but after
four or five encounters Chʻên Ying, realising that there was no hope of
victory, turned and fled. Chao Yün followed. Suddenly turning, Chʻên
Ying got close to Chao Yün and flung the fork. Chao Yün deftly caught
it and threw it back. Chʻên Ying dodged away, but Chao Yün soon caught
him up, seized Chʻên Ying, dragged him out of the saddle and threw him
to the ground. Then he called up his soldiers and they bound the
prisoner. He was taken to the camp, while his men scattered and fled.
“I thought you would not dare a combat with me,” said Chao Yün to the
prisoner when they had returned to camp. “However, I am not going to
put you to death. You are free. But persuade your master to yield.”
Chʻên Ying asked pardon, put his hands over his head and fled like a
frightened rat. When he reached his city he told the Prefect all these
things.
“My original desire was to yield, but you insisted on fighting and this
is what it has brought you to.”
So spoke the Prefect. He bade Chʻên begone and then prepared his letter
of submission and put up his seal. With a small party he went out of
the city and wended his way to Chao Yün’s camp. Chao received him
graciously, offered him wine and then accepted the seal of office.
After the wine had gone round several times Chao Fan became talkative,
“General, your surname is the same as mine, and five centuries ago we
were one family. You are from Chênting and so am I. Moreover we are
from the same village. If you do not mind we might swear brotherhood. I
should be very happy.”
Chao Yün was pleased and they compared ages. They were of the same
year. However, Chao Yün was the elder by four months and so Chao Fan
made his bow as younger brother. The two men, having so many things in
common, were very pleased with each other and seemed fitted to be close
friends.
At eventide the feast broke up and the late Prefect returned to his
dwelling. Next day he requested Chao Yün to enter the city, where,
after he had assured the people of their safety, Chao Yün went to a
banquet at the ya-mên. When they had become mellow with wine the
Prefect invited Chao Yün into the inner quarters, where wine was again
served. When Chao Yün was a little intoxicated, his host bade a woman
come forth and offer a cup of wine to the guest.
The woman was dressed entirely in white silk and her beauty was such as
to overthrow cities and ruin states.
“Who is she?” asked Chao Yün.
“My sister-in-law; her maiden name was Fan.”
Chao Yün at once changed his look and treated her with deference. When
she had offered the cup the host told her to be seated and join the
party but Chao Yün declined this addition to the evening and the lady
withdrew.
“Why did you trouble your sister-in-law to present wine to me,
brother?” asked Chao Yün.
“There is a reason,” said the host smiling. “I pray you let me tell
you. My brother died three years ago and left her a widow. But this
cannot be regarded as the end of the story. I have often advised her to
marry again, but she said she would only do so if three conditions were
satisfied in one man’s person. The suitor must be famous for literary
grace and warlike exploits, secondly, handsome and highly esteemed and,
thirdly, of the same name as our own. Now where in all the world was
such a combination likely to be found? Yet here are you, brother,
dignified, handsome and prepossessing, a man whose name is known all
over the wide world and of the desired name. You exactly fulfil my
sister’s ambitions. If you do not find her too ugly, I should like her
to marry you and I will provide a dowry. What think you of such an
alliance, such a bond of relationship?”
But Chao Yün rose in anger, shouting, “As I have just sworn brotherhood
with you, is not your sister-in-law my sister-in-law? How could you
think of bringing such confusion into the relationship.”
Shame suffused Chao Fan’s face and he said, “I only thought of being
kind to you; why are you so very rude to me?”
He looked right and left to his attendants with murder in his eye. Chao
Yün raised his fist and knocked him down. Then he strode out of the
place, mounted and rode out of the city.
Chao Fan at once called in his two fighting men. Chʻên Ying said, “He
has gone away in a rage, which means that we shall have to fight him.”
“I greatly fear you will lose,” said Chao Fan.
“We will pretend to be deserters,” said Pao Lung, “and so get among his
men. When you challenge him we will suddenly catch him.”
“We shall have to take some others with us,” said Chʻên.
“Half a company will be ample,” said Pao.
So in the night the two men and their followers ran over to Chao Yün’s
camp to desert.
Chao Yün understood the trick they would play, but he called them in
and they said, “When Chao Fan tempted you with that fair lady he wanted
to make you drunk and get you into the private apartments so that he
might murder you and send your head to Tsʻao Tsʻao. Yes; he was as
wicked as that even. We saw you go away in anger and we thought that
would mean grave trouble for us and so we have deserted.”
Chao Yün listened with simulated joy, and he had wine served to the two
men, and pressed them to drink so that they were quite overcome. When
this was done he had both bound with cords, called up their followers
and asked them whether this was real or pretended desertion and they
told him the truth. Then he gave the soldiers wine and said, “Those who
wanted to harm me are your leaders and not you. If you do as I tell you
you shall be well rewarded.”
The soldiers threw themselves to the ground and promised obedience.
Thereupon the two leaders were beheaded. The half company were made to
lead the way and act as screen for a whole company of horsemen and the
party set out at full speed for Kueiyang. When they got there they
summoned the gate and said that they had slain Chao Yün and had got
back. And they wished to speak with the Prefect.
Those on the wall lighted flares and inspected those at the gate.
Surely enough they wore the uniforms of their own people and Chao Fan
went out to them. He was immediately seized and made prisoner. Then
Chao Yün entered the city, restored order and sent off swift messengers
to Yüan-tê who at once, with his adviser, came to Kueiyang.
When they had taken their seats the late Prefect was brought in and
placed at the foot of the steps. In response to Kʻung-ming’s questions
he related the history of the proposed marriage.
Said Kʻung-ming to Chao Yün, “But this seems a fine project; why did
you receive the proposal so roughly?”
“Chao Fan and I had just sworn brotherhood and so marriage with his
sister-in-law would have called down on my head universal blame. That
is one reason. Another is that I should have made his sister fail to
keep her dutiful chastity. And thirdly I did not know whether I might
trust such a proposal from one who had just yielded to force. My lord,
your position as a recent victor was one of danger and could I risk the
failure of your plans for the sake of a woman?”
“But now that the plan has been carried out and we are victors would
you care to marry her?”
“There are plenty of women in the world. All my fear is for my
reputation. What is a family to me?”
“You are indeed right honourable,” said Yüan-tê.
Chao Fan was released and restored to the prefectorate. Chao Yün was
conspicuously rewarded.
But Chang Fei was angry and disappointed. “So Tzŭ-lung gets all the
praise and I am worth nothing,” cried he. “Just give me three companies
and I will take Wuling and bring you the Prefect.”
This pleased Kʻung-ming, who said, “There is no reason why you should
not go, but I will only require one condition of you.”
Wondrous, the plans of the general, so doth he conquer in battle;
Soldiers keenly competing gain renown in the fighting.
The condition that Kʻung-ming made will appear in the next chapter.