Chapter 1 Three Heroes Swear Brotherhood In The Peach Garden; One Victory Shatters The Rebels In Domains under

heaven, after a long period of division, tends to unite; after a long period of union, tends to divide. This has been so since anti uity. !hen the rule of the "hou Dynasty #ea$ened, seven contending $ingdoms sprang up%, #arring one #ith another until the $ingdom of &in prevailed and possessed the empire%. 'ut #hen &in(s destiny had been fulfilled, arose t#o opposing $ingdoms, )hu and *an, to fight for the mastery. +nd *an #as the victor%. The rise of the fortunes of *an began #hen ,iu 'ang the Supreme +ncestor% sle# a #hite serpent to raise the banners of uprising, #hich only ended #hen the #hole empire belonged to *an -') ./.0. This magnificent heritage #as handed do#n in successive *an emperors for t#o hundred years, till the rebellion of !ang 1ang caused a disruption%. 'ut soon ,iu 2iu the ,atter *an 3ounder restored the empire%, and *an emperors continued their rule for another t#o hundred years till the days of 4mperor 2ian, #hich #ere doomed to see the beginning of the empire(s division into three parts, $no#n to history as The Three 5ingdoms. 'ut the descent into misrule hastened in the reigns of the t#o predecessors of 4mperor 2ian666 4mperors *uan and ,ing666#ho sat in the Dragon Throne about the middle of the second century. 4mperor *uan paid no heed to the good people of his court, but gave his confidence to the 7alace eunuchs%. *e lived and died, leaving the scepter to 4mperor ,ing, #hose advisers #ere Regent 1arshal Dou !u and Imperial 8uardian )hen 3an%. Dou !u and )hen 3an, disgusted #ith the abuses of the eunuchs in the affairs of the state, plotted the destruction for the po#er6abusing eunuchs. 'ut )hief 4unuch )ao 9ie #as not to be disposed of easily. The plot lea$ed out, and the honest Dou !u and )hen 3an #ere put to death, leaving the eunuchs stronger than before. It fell upon the day of full moon of the fourth month, the second year, in the era of 4stablished )alm -+D :;<0, that 4mperor ,ing #ent in state to the *all of Virtue. +s he dre# near the throne, a rushing #hirl#ind arose in the corner of the hall and, lo= from the roof beams floated do#n a monstrous blac$ serpent that coiled itself up on the very seat of ma>esty. The 4mperor fell in a s#oon. Those nearest him hastily raised and bore him to his palace, #hile the courtiers scattered and fled. The serpent disappeared. 'ut there follo#ed a terrific tempest, thunder, hail, and torrents of rain, lasting till midnight and #or$ing havoc on all sides. T#o years later the earth ua$ed in )apital ,uoyang, #hile along the coast a huge tidal #ave rushed in #hich, in its recoil, s#ept a#ay all the d#ellers by the sea. +nother evil omen #as recorded ten years later, #hen the reign title #as changed to Radiant *armony -+D :?<0@ )ertain hens suddenly cro#ed. +t the ne# moon of the siAth month, a long #reath of mur$y cloud #ound its #ay into the *all of Virtue, #hile in the follo#ing month a rainbo# #as seen in the Dragon )hamber. +#ay from the capital, a part of the Buan 1ountains collapsed, leaving a mighty rift in the flan$.

Such #ere some of various omens. 4mperor ,ing, greatly moved by these signs of the displeasure of *eaven, issued an edict as$ing his ministers for an eAplanation of the calamities and marvels. )ourt )ounselor )ai Bong replied bluntly@ C3alling rainbo#s and changes of fo#ls( seAes are brought about by the interference of empresses and eunuchs in state affairs.C The 4mperor read this memorial #ith deep sighs, and )hief 4unuch )ao 9ie, from his place behind the throne, anAiously noted these signs of grief. +n opportunity offering, )ao 9ie informed his fello#s, and a charge #as trumped up against )ai Bong, #ho #as driven from the court and forced to retire to his country house. !ith this victory the eunuchs gre# bolder. Ten of them, rivals in #ic$edness and associates in evil deeds, formed a po#erful party $no#n as the Ten Regular +ttendants666"hang Rang, "hao "hong, )heng 5uang, Duan 8ui, 3eng 2u, 8uo Sheng, *ou ,an, 9ian Shuo, )ao 9ie, and 2ia Bun. One of them, "hang Rang, #on such influence that he became the 4mperor(s most honored and trusted adviser. The 4mperor even called him C3oster 3atherC. So the corrupt state administration #ent uic$ly from bad to #orse, till the country #as ripe for rebellion and buDDed #ith brigandage. +t this time in the county of 9ulu #as a certain "hang family, of #hom three brothers bore the name of "hang 9ue, "hang 'a, and "hang ,ian, respectively. The eldest "hang 9ue #as an unclassed graduate, #ho devoted himself to medicine. One day, #hile culling simples in the #oods, "hang 9ue met a venerable old gentleman #ith very bright, emerald eyes and fresh compleAion, #ho #al$ed #ith an oa$6#ood staff. The old man bec$oned "hang 9ue into a cave and there gave him three volumes of The 'oo$ of *eaven. CThis boo$,C said the old gentleman, Cis the Essential Arts of Peace. !ith the aid of these volumes, you can convert the #orld and rescue human$ind. 'ut you must be single6minded, or, rest assured, you #ill greatly suffer.C !ith a humble obeisance, "hang 9ue too$ the boo$ and as$ed the name of his benefactor. CI am Saint *ermit of the Southern ,and,C #as the reply, as the old gentleman disappeared in thin air. "hang 9ue studied the #onderful boo$ eagerly and strove day and night to reduce its precepts to practice. 'efore long, he could summon the #inds and command the rain, and he became $no#n as the 1ystic of the !ay of 7eace. In the first month of the first year of )entral Stability -+D :<E0, there #as a terrible pestilence that ran throughout the land, #hereupon "hang 9ue distributed charmed remedies to the afflicted. The godly medicines brought big successes, and soon he gained the tittle of the !ise and !orthy 1aster. *e began to have a follo#ing of disciples #hom he initiated into the mysteries and sent

abroad throughout all the land. They, li$e their master, could #rite charms and recite formulas, and their fame increased his follo#ing. "hang 9ue began to organiDe his disciples. *e established thirty6siA circuits, the larger #ith ten thousand or more members, the smaller #ith about half that number. 4ach circuit had its chief #ho too$ the military title of 8eneral. They tal$ed #ildly of the death of the blue heaven and the setting up of the golden one; they said a ne# cycle #as beginning and #ould bring universal good fortune to all members; and they persuaded people to chal$ the symbols for the first year of the ne# cycle on the main door of their d#ellings. !ith the gro#th of the number of his supporters gre# also the ambition of "hang 9ue. The !ise and !orthy 1aster dreamed of empire. One of his partisans, 1a Buanyi, #as sent bearing gifts to gain the support of the eunuchs #ithin the 7alace. To his brothers "hang 9ue said, C3or schemes li$e ours al#ays the most difficult part is to gain the popular favor. 'ut that is already ours. Such an opportunity must not pass.C +nd they began to prepare. 1any yello# flags and banners #ere made, and a day #as chosen for the uprising. Then "hang 9ue #rote letters to 4unuch 3eng 2u% and sent them by one of his follo#ers, Tang "hou, #ho alas= betrayed his trust and reported the plot to the court. The 4mperor summoned the trusty Regent 1arshal *e 9in and bade him loo$ to the issue. 1a Buanyi #as at once ta$en and beheaded. 3eng 2u and many others #ere cast into prison. The plot having thus become $no#n, the "hang brothers #ere forced at once to ta$e the field. They too$ up grandiose titles@ "hang 9ue the ,ord of *eaven, "hang 'a the ,ord of 4arth, and "hang ,ian the ,ord of *uman. +nd in these names they put forth this manifesto@ CThe good fortune of the *an is eAhausted, and the !ise and !orthy 1an has appeared. Discern the #ill of *eaven, O ye people, and #al$ in the #ay of righteousness, #hereby alone ye may attain to peace.C Support #as not lac$ing. On every side people bound their heads #ith yello# scarves and >oined the army of the rebel "hang 9ue, so that soon his strength #as nearly half a million strong, and the official troops melted a#ay at a #hisper of his coming. Regent 1arshal and 8uardian of the Throne, *e 9in, memorialiDed for general preparations against the Bello# Scarves, and an edict called upon everyone to fight against the rebels. In the meantime, three Imperial )ommanders666,u "hi, *uangfu Song, and "hu 9un666marched against them in three directions #ith veteran soldiers. 1ean#hile "hang 9ue led his army into BouDhou, the northeastern region of the empire%. The Imperial 7rotector% of BouDhou #as ,iu Ban, a scion of the Imperial *ouse. ,earning of the approach of the rebels, ,iu Ban called in )ommander "hou 9ing to consult over the position. "hou 9ing said, CThey are many and #e fe#. !e must enlist more troops to oppose them.C

,iu Ban agreed, and he put out notices calling for volunteers to serve against the rebels. One of these notices #as posted up in the county of "huo, #here lived one man of high spirit. This man #as no mere boo$ish scholar, nor found he any pleasure in study. 'ut he #as liberal and amiable, albeit a man of fe# #ords, hiding all feeling under a calm eAterior. *e had al#ays cherished a yearning for high enterprise and had cultivated the friendship of humans of mar$. *e #as tall of stature. *is ears #ere long, the lobes touching his shoulders, and his hands hung do#n belo# his $nees. *is eyes #ere very big and prominent so that he could see bac$#ard past his ears. *is compleAion #as as clear as >ade, and he had rich red lips. *e #as a descendant of 7rince Sheng of "hongshan #hose father #as the 4mperor 9ing%, the fourth emperor of the *an Dynasty. *is name #as ,iu 'ei. 1any years before, one of his forbears had been the governor of that very county, but had lost his ran$ for remissness in ceremonial offerings. *o#ever, that branch of the family had remained on in the place, gradually becoming poorer and poorer as the years rolled on. *is father ,iu *ong had been a scholar and a virtuous official but died young. The #ido# and orphan #ere left alone, and ,iu 'ei as a lad #on a reputation for filial piety. +t this time the family had sun$ deep in poverty, and ,iu 'ei gained his living by selling stra# sandals and #eaving grass mats. The family home #as in a village near the chief city of "huo. Fear the house stood a huge mulberry tree, and seen from afar its curved profile resembled the canopy of a #agon. Foting the luAuriance of its foliage, a soothsayer had predicted that one day a man of distinction #ould come forth from the family. +s a child, ,iu 'ei played #ith the other village children beneath this tree, and he #ould climb up into it, saying, CI am the Son of *eaven, and this is my chariot=C *is uncle, ,iu Buan i, recogniDed that ,iu 'ei #as no ordinary boy and sa# to it that the family did not come to actual #ant. !hen ,iu 'ei #as fifteen, his mother sent him traveling for his education. 3or a time he served "heng 2uan and ,u "hi as masters. +nd he became great friends #ith 8ongsun "an. ,iu 'ei #as t#enty6eight #hen the outbrea$ of the Bello# Scarves called for soldiers. The sight of the notice saddened him, and he sighed as he read it. Suddenly a rasping voice behind him cried, CSir, #hy sigh if you do nothing to help your countryGC Turning uic$ly he sa# standing there a man about his o#n height, #ith a bullet head li$e a leopard(s, large eyes, a s#allo# pointed chin, and #his$ers li$e a tiger(s. *e spo$e in a loud bass voice and loo$ed as irresistible as a dashing horse. +t once ,iu 'ei sa# he #as no ordinary man and as$ed #ho he #as.

C"hang 3ei is my name,C replied the stranger. CI live near here #here I have a farm; and I am a #ine seller and a butcher as #ell; and I li$e to become ac uainted #ith #orthy people. Bour sighs as you read the notice dre# me to#ard you.C ,iu 'ei replied, CI am of the Imperial 3amily, ,iu 'ei is my name. +nd I #ish I could destroy these Bello# Scarves and restore peace to the land, but alas= I am helpless.C CI have the means,C said "hang 3ei. CSuppose you and I raised some troops and tried #hat #e could do.C This #as happy ne#s for ,iu 'ei, and the t#o betoo$ themselves to the village inn to tal$ over the pro>ect. +s they #ere drin$ing, a huge, tall fello# appeared pushing a hand6cart along the road. +t the threshold he halted and entered the inn to rest a#hile and he called for #ine. C+nd be uic$=C added he. C3or I am in haste to get into the to#n and offer myself for the army.C ,iu 'ei loo$ed over the ne#comer, item by item, and he noted the man had a huge frame, a long beard, a vivid face li$e an apple, and deep red lips. *e had eyes li$e a phoeniA(s and fine bushy eyebro#s li$e sil$#orms. *is #hole appearance #as dignified and a#e6inspiring. 7resently, ,iu 'ei crossed over, sat do#n beside him and as$ed his name. CI am 8uan Bu,C replied he. CI am a native of the east side of the river, but I have been a fugitive on the #aters for some five years, because I sle# a ruffian #ho, since he #as #ealthy and po#erful, #as a bully. I have come to >oin the army here.C Then ,iu 'ei told 8uan Bu his o#n intentions, and all three #ent a#ay to "hang 3ei(s farm #here they could tal$ over the grand pro>ect. Said "hang 3ei, CThe peach trees in the orchard behind the house are >ust in full flo#er. Tomorro# #e #ill institute a sacrifice there and solemnly declare our intention before *eaven and 4arth, and #e three #ill s#ear brotherhood and unity of aims and sentiments@ Thus #ill #e enter upon our great tas$.C 'oth ,iu 'ei and 8uan Bu gladly agreed. +ll three being of one mind, neAt day they prepared the sacrifices, a blac$ oA, a #hite horse, and #ine for libation. 'eneath the smo$e of the incense burning on the altar, they bo#ed their heads and recited this oath@ C!e three666,iu 'ei, 8uan Bu, and "hang 3ei666though of different families, s#ear brotherhood, and promise mutual help to one end. !e #ill rescue each other in difficulty; #e #ill aid each other in danger. !e s#ear to serve the state and save the people. !e as$ not the same day of birth, but #e see$ to die together. 1ay *eaven, the all6ruling, and 4arth, the all6producing, read our hearts. If #e turn aside from righteousness or forget $indliness, may *eaven and *uman smite us=C

They rose from their $nees. The t#o others bo#ed before ,iu 'ei as their elder brother, and "hang 3ei #as to be the youngest of the trio. This solemn ceremony performed, they sle# other oAen and made a feast to #hich they invited the villagers. Three hundred >oined them, and all feasted and dran$ deep in the 7each 8arden. The neAt day #eapons #ere mustered. 'ut there #ere no horses to ride. This #as a real grief. 'ut soon they #ere cheered by the arrival of t#o horse dealers #ith a drove of horses. CThus does *eaven help us=C said ,iu 'ei. +nd the three brothers #ent forth to #elcome the merchants. They #ere "hang Shiping and Su Shuang from "hongshan. They #ent north#ards every year to buy horses. They #ere no# on their #ay home because of the Bello# Scarves. The brothers invited them to the farm, #here #ine #as served before them. Then ,iu 'ei told them of the plan to strive for tran uillity. "hang Shiping and Su Shuang #ere glad and at once gave the brothers fifty good steeds, and beside, five hundred ounces of gold and silver and one thousand five hundred pounds of steel fit for the forging of #eapons. The brothers eApressed their gratitude, and the merchants too$ their leave. Then blac$smiths #ere summoned to forge #eapons. 3or ,iu 'ei they made a pair of ancient s#ords; for 8uan Bu they fashioned a long6handled, curve blade called 8reen6Dragon Saber, #hich #eighed a full one hundred t#enty pounds; and for "hang 3ei they created a ten6foot spear called Serpent *alberd. 4ach too had a helmet and full armor. !hen #eapons #ere ready, the troop, no# five hundred strong, marched to )ommander "hou 9ing, #ho presented them to Imperial 7rotector ,iu Ban. !hen the ceremony of introduction #as over, ,iu 'ei declared his ancestry, and ,iu Ban at once accorded him the esteem due to a relation. 'efore many days it #as announced that the rebellion had actually bro$en out, and a Bello# Scarves chieftain, )heng BuanDhi, had invaded the region #ith a body of fifty thousand rebels. ,iu Ban bade "hou 9ing and the three brothers to go out to oppose them #ith the five hundred troops. ,iu 'ei >oyfully undertoo$ to lead the van and marched to the foot of the DaAing *ills #here they sa# the rebels. The rebels #ore their hair flying about their shoulders, and their foreheads #ere bound #ith yello# scarves. !hen the t#o armies had been dra#n up opposite each other, ,iu 'ei rode to the front, 8uan Bu to his left, "hang 3ei to his right. 3lourishing his #hip, ,iu 'ei began to hurl reproaches at the rebels, crying, CO malcontents= !hy not dismount and be boundGC Their leader )heng BuanDhi, full of rage, sent out one general, Deng 1ao, to begin the battle. +t once rode for#ard "hang 3ei, his serpent halberd poised to stri$e. One thrust and Deng 1ao rolled off his horse, pierced through the heart. +t this )heng BuanDhi himself #hipped up his steed and

rode forth #ith s#ord raised ready to slay "hang 3ei. 'ut 8uan Bu s#ung up his ponderous green6 dragon saber and rode at )heng BuanDhi. +t the sight, fear seiDed upon )heng BuanDhi, and before he could defend himself, the great saber fell, cutting him in halves. T#o heroes ne# to #ar(s alarms, Ride boldly forth to try their arms. Their doughty deeds three $ingdoms tell, +nd poets sing ho# these befell. Their leader fallen, the rebels thre# a#ay their #eapons and fled. The official soldiers dashed in among them. 1any thousands surrendered and the victory #as complete. Thus this part of the rebellion #as bro$en up. On their return, ,iu Ban personally met them and distributed re#ards. 'ut the neAt day, letters came from Imperial 7rotector 8ong 9ing of &ingDhou Region saying that the rebels #ere laying siege to the chief city and it #as near falling. *elp #as needed uic$ly. CI #ill go,C said ,iu 'ei as soon as he heard the ne#s. +nd he set out at once #ith his o#n soldiers, reinforced by a body of five thousand under "hou 9ing. The rebels, seeing help coming, at once attac$ed most fiercely. The relieving force being comparatively small could not prevail and retired some ten miles, #here they made a camp. CThey are many and #e but fe#,C said ,iu 'ei to his brothers. C!e can only beat them by superior strategy.C So they prepared an ambush. 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei, each #ith a goodly party, #ent behind the hills, right and left, and there hid. !hen the gongs beat they #ere to move out to support the main army. These preparations made, the drums rolled noisily for ,iu 'ei to advance. The rebels also came for#ard. 'ut ,iu 'ei suddenly retired. Thin$ing this #as their chance, the rebels pressed for#ard and #ere led over the hills. Then suddenly the gongs sounded for the ambush. 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei poured out from right and left as ,iu 'ei faced around to meet the rebels. Hnder three6side attac$, the rebels lost heavily and fled to the #alls of &ingDhou )ity. 'ut Imperial 7rotector 8ong 9ing led out an armed body to attac$ them, and the rebels #ere entirely defeated and many slain. &ingDhou #as no longer in danger. Though fierce as tigers soldiers be, 'attle are #on by strategy. + hero comes; he gains reno#n, +lready destined for a cro#n. +fter the celebrations in honor of victory #ere over, )ommander "hou 9ing proposed to return to BouDhou.

'ut ,iu 'ei said, C!e are informed that Imperial )ommander ,u "hi has been struggling #ith a horde of rebels led by "hang 9ue at 8uangDong. ,u "hi #as once my teacher, and I #ant to go help him.C So ,iu 'ei and "hou 9ing separated, and the three brothers #ith their troops made their #ay to 8uangDong. They found ,u "hi(s camp, #ere admitted to his presence, and declared the reason of their coming. The )ommander received them #ith great >oy, and they remained #ith him #hile he made his plans. +t that time "hang 9ue(s one hundred fifty thousand troops and ,u "hi(s fifty thousand troops #ere facing each other. Feither had had any success. ,u "hi said to ,iu 'ei, CI am able to surround these rebels here. 'ut the other t#o brothers, "hang 'a and "hang ,ian, are strongly entrenched opposite *uangfu Song and "hu 9un at Bingchuan. I #ill give you a thousand more troops, and #ith these you can go to find out #hat is happening, and #e can then settle the moment for concerted attac$.C So ,iu 'ei set off and marched as uic$ly as possible to Bingchuan. +t that time the imperial troops #ere attac$ing #ith success, and the rebels had retired upon )hangshe. They had encamped among the thic$ grass. Seeing this, *uangfu Song said to "hu 9un, CThe rebels are camping in the field. !e can attac$ them by fire.C So the Imperial )ommanders bade every man cut a bundle of dry grass and laid an ambush. That night the #ind ble# a gale, and at the second #atch they started a blaDe. +t the same time *uangfu Song and "hu 9un(s troops attac$ed the rebels and set their camp on fire. The flames rose to the very heaven. The rebels #ere thro#n into great confusion. There #as no time to saddle horses or don armor@ They fled in all directions. The battle continued until da#n. "hang ,ian and "hang 'a, #ith a group of flying rebels, found a #ay of escape. 'ut suddenly a troop of soldiers #ith crimson banners appeared to oppose them. Their leader #as a man of medium stature #ith small eyes and a long beard. *e #as )ao )ao, a 'ei>uo man, holding the ran$ of )avalry )ommander. *is father #as )ao Song, but he #as not really a )ao. )ao Song had been born to the 2iahou family, but he had been brought up by 4unuch )ao Teng and had ta$en this family name. +s a young man )ao )ao had been fond of hunting and delighted in songs and dancing. *e #as resourceful and full of guile. +n uncle, seeing the young fello# so unsteady, used to get angry #ith him and told his father of his misdeeds. *is father remonstrated #ith him. 'ut )ao )ao made e ual to the occasion. One day, seeing his uncle coming, he fell to the ground in a pretended fit. The uncle alarmed ran to tell his father, #ho came, and there #as the youth in most perfect health.

C'ut your uncle said you #ere in a fit. +re you betterGC said his father. CI have never suffered from fits or any such illness,C said )ao )ao. C'ut I have lost my uncle(s affection, and he has deceived you.C Thereafter, #hatever the uncle might say of his faults, his father paid no heed. So the young man gre# up licentious and uncontrolled. + man of the time named &iao 2uan said to )ao )ao, CRebellion is at hand, and only a man of the greatest ability can succeed in restoring tran uillity. That man is yourself.C +nd *e Bong of Fanyang said of him, CThe dynasty of *an is about to fall. *e #ho can restore peace is this man and only he.C )ao )ao #ent to in uire his future of a #ise man of Runan named 2u Shao. C!hat manner of man am IGC as$ed )ao )ao. The seer made no reply, and again and again )ao )ao pressed the uestion. Then 2u Shao replied, CIn peace you are an able sub>ect; in chaos you are a crafty hero=C )ao )ao greatly re>oiced to hear this. )ao )ao graduated at t#enty and earned a reputation of piety and integrity. *e began his career as )ommanding Officer in a county #ithin the )apital District. In the four gates of the city he guarded, he hung up clubs of various sorts, and he #ould punish any breach of the la# #hatever the ran$ of the offender. Fo# an uncle of 4unuch 9ian Shuo% #as found one night in the streets #ith a s#ord and #as arrested. In due course he #as beaten. Thereafter no one dared to offend again, and )ao )ao(s name became heard. Soon he became a magistrate of Dun iu. +t the outbrea$ of the Bello# Scarves, )ao )ao held the ran$ of 8eneral and #as given command of five thousand horse and foot to help fight at Bingchuan. *e >ust happened to fall in #ith the ne#ly defeated rebels #hom he cut to pieces. Thousands #ere slain and endless banners and drums and horses #ere captured, together #ith huge sums of money. *o#ever, "hang 'a and "hang ,ian got a#ay; and after an intervie# #ith *uangfu Song, )ao )ao #ent in pursuit of them. 1ean#hile ,iu 'ei and his brothers #ere hastening to#ard Bingchuan, #hen they heard the din of battle and sa# flames rising high to#ard the s$y. 'ut they arrived too late for the fighting. They sa# *uangfu Song and "hu 9un to #hom they told the intentions of ,u "hi. CThe rebel po#er is uite bro$en here,C said the commanders, Cbut they #ill surely ma$e for 8uangDong to >oin "hang 9ue. Bou can do nothing better than hasten bac$.C

The three brothers thus retraced their steps. *alf #ay along the road they met a party of soldiers escorting a prisoner in a cage6cart. !hen they dre# near, they sa# the prisoner #as no other than ,u "hi, the man they #ere going to help. *astily dismounting, ,iu 'ei as$ed #hat had happened. ,u "hi eAplained, CI had surrounded the rebels and #as on the point of smashing them, #hen "hang 9ue employed some of his supernatural po#ers and prevented my victory. The court sent do#n 4unuch "huo 3eng to in uire into my failure, and that official demanded a bribe. I told him ho# hard pressed #e #ere and as$ed him #here, in the circumstances, I could find a gift for him. *e #ent a#ay in #rath and reported that I #as hiding behind my ramparts and #ould not give battle and that I disheartened my army. So I #as superseded by Dong "huo, and I have to go to the capital to ans#er the charge.C This story put "hang 3ei into a rage. *e #as for slaying the escort and setting free ,u "hi. 'ut ,iu 'ei chec$ed him. CThe government #ill ta$e the due course,C said ,iu 'ei. CBou must not act hastily=C +nd the escort and the three brothers #ent t#o #ays. It #as useless to continue on that road to 8uangDong, so 8uan Bu proposed to go bac$ to "huo, and they retoo$ the road. T#o days later they heard the thunder of battle behind some hills. *astening to the top, they beheld the government soldiers suffering great loss, and they sa# the countryside #as full of Bello# Scarves. On the rebels( banners #ere the #ords "hang 9ue the ,ord of *eaven #ritten large. C!e #ill attac$ this "hang 9ue=C said ,iu 'ei to his brothers, and they galloped out to >oin in the battle. "hang 9ue had #orsted Dong "huo and #as follo#ing up his advantage. *e #as in hot pursuit #hen the three brothers dashed into his army, thre# his ran$s into confusion, and drove him bac$ fifteen miles. Then the brothers returned #ith the rescued general to his camp. C!hat offices have youGC as$ed Dong "huo, #hen he had leisure to spea$ to the brothers. CFone,C replied they. +nd Dong "huo treated them #ith disrespect. ,iu 'ei retired calmly, but "hang 3ei #as furious. C!e have >ust rescued this menial in a bloody fight,C cried "hang 3ei, Cand no# he is rude to us= Fothing but his death can sla$e my anger.C "hang 3ei stamped to#ard Dong "huo(s tent, holding firmly a sharp s#ord. +s it #as in olden time so it is today, The simple #ight may merit #ell,

Officialdom holds s#ay; "hang 3ei, the blunt and hasty, !here can you find his peerG 'ut slaying the ungrateful #ould 1ean many deaths a year. Dong "huo(s fate #ill be unrolled in later chapters. Chapter 2 Zhang Fei Whips The Government He "in P#ots To $i## The %&n&chs'

!!icer;

Dong "huo #as born in the far north#est at ,intao in the !est Valley ,and. +s the governor of *edong, Dong "huo himself #as arrogant and overbearing. 'ut the day he had treated ,iu 'ei #ith contumely had been his last, had not ,iu 'ei and 8uan Bu restrained their #rathful brother "hang 3ei. CRemember he has the government commission,C said ,iu 'ei. C!ho are #e to >udge and slayGC CIt is bitter to ta$e orders from such a #retch. I #ould rather slay him= Bou may stay here if you #ish to, but I #ill see$ some other place,C said "hang 3ei. C!e three are one in life and in death; there is no parting for us. !e #ill all go hence.C So spo$e ,iu 'ei, and his brother #as satisfied. !herefore all three set out and lost no time in traveling until they came to "hu 9un, #ho received them #ell and accepted their aid in attac$ing "hang 'a. +t this time )ao )ao had >oined himself to *uangfu Song, and they #ere trying to destroy "hang ,ian, and there #as a great battle at &uyang. "hang 'a #as commanding some eighty thousand troops. The rebel had led his army to a strong position in the rear of the hills. +n attac$ being decided upon, ,iu 'ei #as the van leader. On the rebel side a general of "hang 'a, 8ao Sheng, came out to offer battle. ,iu 'ei sent "hang 3ei to smite 8ao Sheng. Out rode "hang 3ei at full speed, his spear ready set. +fter a fe# bouts "hang 3ei #ounded 8ao Sheng, #ho #as unhorsed. +t this ,iu 'ei signaled the main army to advance. Then "hang 'a, #hile still mounted, loosened his hair, grasped his s#ord, and uttered his incantations. Thereupon began the #ind to ho#l and the thunder to roll, #hile a dense blac$ cloud from the heavens settled upon the field. +nd therein seemed to be horsemen and footmen innumerable, #ho s#ept to attac$ the imperial troops. 3ear came upon them, and ,iu 'ei led off his troops, but they #ere in disorder and returned defeated. "hu 9un and ,iu 'ei considered the matter. C"hang 'a uses magic,C said "hu 9un. CTomorro#, then, #ill I prepare counter magic in the shape of the blood of slaughtered s#ine and goats. This blood shall be sprin$led upon their hosts from

the precipices above by soldiers in ambush. Thus shall #e be able to brea$ the po#er of their shamanic art.C So it #as done. 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei too$ each a thousand troops and hid them on the high cliffs behind the hills, and they had a plentiful supply of the blood of s#ine and goats and all manners of filthy things. +nd so neAt day, #hen the rebels #ith fluttering banners and rolling drums came out to challenge, ,iu 'ei rode forth to meet them. +t the same moment that the armies met, again "hang 'a began his magic and again the elements began to struggle together. Sand fle# in clouds, pebbles #ere s#ept along the ground, blac$ masses of vapor filled the s$y, and rolling masses of foot and horse descended from on high. ,iu 'ei turned, as before, to flee and the rebels rushed on. 'ut as they pressed through the hills, the trumpets blared, and the hidden soldiers eAploded bombs, thre# do#n filth and spattered blood. The masses of soldiers and horses in the air fluttered to the earth as fragments of torn paper, the #ind ceased to blo#, the thunder subsided, the sand san$, and the pebbles lay still upon the ground. "hang 'a uic$ly sa# his magic had been countered and turned to retire. Then he #as attac$ed on the flan$s by 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei, and in rear by ,iu 'ei and "hu 9un. The rebels #ere routed. ,iu 'ei, seeing from afar the banner of "hang 'a The ,ord of 4arth, galloped to#ard it but only succeeded in #ounding "hang 'a #ith an arro# in the left arm. !ounded though he #as, "hang 'a got a#ay into the city of Bangcheng, #here he fortified himself and #as besieged by "hu 9un. Scouts, sent out to get ne#s of *uangfu Song, reported@ C)ommander *uangfu Song had been very successful, and Dong "huo had suffered many reverses. Therefore the court put *uangfu Song in the latter(s place. "hang 9ue had died before *uangfu Song(s arrival. "hang ,ian had added his brother(s army to his o#n, but no head#ay could be made against *uangfu Song, #hose army gained seven successive victories. +nd "hang ,ian #as slain at &uyang. 'eside this, "hang 9ue(s coffin #as eAhumed, the corpse beheaded, and the head, after eAposure, #as sent to )apital ,uoyang. The common cro#d had surrendered. 3or these services *uangfu Song #as promoted to 8eneral of the 3lying )hariots% and the Imperial 7rotector of 9iDhou%. C*uangfu Song did not forget his friends. *is first act after he had attained to po#er #as to memorialiDe the Throne concerning the case of ,u "hi, #ho #as then restored to his former ran$ for his meritorious conducts. )ao )ao also received advancement for his services and is preparing to go to 9inan to his ne# post.C *earing these things "hu 9un pressed harder yet upon Bangcheng, and the approaching brea$6up of the rebellion became evident. Then one of "hang 'a(s officers, Ban "heng, $illed his leader and brought the head in to$en of submission. Thus rebellion in that part of the country #as stamped out, and "hu 9un made his report to the government. *o#ever, the embers of the Bello# Scarves still smoldered. Three other rebels, "hao *ong, *an "hong, and Sun "hong, gathered some thirty thousand rebels and began to murder and rob and burn, calling themselves the avengers of 1aster "hang 9ue.

The court commanded the successful "hu 9un to lead his veteran and successful troops to destroy the rebels. *e at once marched to#ard the city of !ancheng #hich the rebels #ere holding. !hen "hu 9un arrived, *an "hong #ent to oppose him. "hu 9un sent ,iu 'ei and his brothers to attac$ the south#est corner of the city. *an "hong at once led the best of his troops to defend the city. 1ean#hile "hu 9un himself led t#o thousand of armored horsemen to attac$ the opposite corner. The rebels, thin$ing the city being lost, abandoned the south#est and turned bac$ into the city to help the defenders. ,iu 'ei pressed hotly in their rear, and they #ere utterly routed. They too$ refuge in the city #hich #as then invested. !hen famine pressed upon the besieged, they sent a messenger to offer to surrender, but "hu 9un refused the offer. Said ,iu 'ei to "hu 9un, CSeeing that the founder of the *an Dynasty, ,iu 'ang the Supreme +ncestor, could #elcome the submissive and receive the favorable, #hy re>ect theseGC CThe conditions are different,C replied "hu 9un. CIn those old days disorder #as universal and the people had no fiAed lord%. !herefore submission #as #elcomed and support re#arded to encourage people to come over. Fo# the empire is united, and the Bello# Scarves are the only malcontents. To receive their surrender is not to encourage the good. To allo# brigands, #hen successful, is to give #ay to every license, and to let them surrender #hen they fail is to encourage brigandage. Bour plan is not a good one.C ,iu 'ei replied, CFot to let brigands surrender is #ell. 'ut the city is surrounded as by an iron barrel. If the rebels( re uest be refused, they #ill be desperate and fight to the death, and #e can hardly #ithstood a myriad of such men. 1oreover, in the city there are many times that number, all doomed to death. ,et us #ithdra# from one corner and only attac$ the opposite. They #ill all assuredly flee and have no desire to fight. !e shall ta$e them.C "hu 9un sa# that the advice #as good and follo#ed it. +s predicted the rebels ran out, led by *an "hong. The besiegers fell upon them as they fled, and *an "hong #as slain. The rebels scattered in all directions. 'ut the other t#o rebel chieftains, "hao *ong and Sun "hong, came #ith large reinforcements, and as they appeared very strong, the imperial soldiers retired, and the ne# body of rebels reentered !ancheng. "hu 9un encamped three miles from the city and prepared to attac$. 9ust then there arrived a body of horse and foot from the east. +t the lead #as one general #ith a broad open face, a body as an alert tiger(s, and a torso as a lofty bear(s. *is name #as Sun 9ian. *e #as a native of 3uchun in the old state of !u, a descendant of the famous Sun "i the Strategist%. !hen he #as seventeen, Sun 9ian #as #ith his father on the River &iantang and sa# a party of pirates, #ho had been plundering a merchant, dividing their booty on the river ban$. C!e can capture these=C said he to his father. So, gripping his s#ord, he ran boldly up the ban$ and cried out to this side and that as if he #as calling his men to come on. This made the pirates believe the soldiers #ere on them and they fled,

leaving their booty behind them. *e actually $illed one of the pirates. In this #ay be became $no#n and #as recommended for office. Then, in collaboration #ith the local officials, he raised a band of one thousand and helped to uell the rebellion of one 2u )hang, #ho called himself the Sun 4mperor and had ten thousand supporters. The rebel(s son 2u *ao #as also slain #ith his father. 3or this Sun 9ian #as commended by Imperial 7rotector "ang 1in in a memorial to the Throne, and he received further promotion to the post of magistrate of Bandu, then of 2uyi, and then of 2iapi. !hen the Bello# Scarves rebellion began, Sun 9ian gathered together the youths of his village, some of the merchant class, got a troop of one thousand five hundred of veteran soldiers and too$ the field. Fo# he had reached the fighting area. "hu 9un #elcomed Sun 9ian gladly and ordered him to attac$ the south gate of !ancheng. The north and the #est gates #ere simultaneously attac$ed by ,iu 'ei and "hu 9un, but the east gate #as left free to give the rebels a chance of eAit. Sun 9ian #as the first to mount the #all and cut do#n more than t#enty rebels #ith his o#n s#ord. The rebels ran, but the leader "hao *ong rode directly at Sun 9ian #ith his spear ready to thrust. Sun 9ian leaped do#n from the #all, snatched a#ay the spear and #ith it $noc$ed "hao *ong from the horse. Then Sun 9ian, mounting "hao *ong(s horse, rode hither and thither, slaying as he #ent. The rebels fled north. 1eeting ,iu 'ei, they declined to fight and scattered. 'ut ,iu 'ei dre# his bo#, fitted an arro#, and shot their leader Sun "hong, #ho fell to the ground. The main army of "hu 9un came up, and after tremendous slaughter, the rebels surrendered. Thus #as peace brought to the ten counties about the Fanyang area. "hu 9un returned to )apital ,uoyang, #as promoted to the 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry%, and received the governorship of *enan. *e did not forget those #ho had helped him to #in victory. Thus he reported the merits of ,iu 'ei and Sun 9ian to the Throne. Sun 9ian, having influential friends and connections to support him, uic$ly got an appointment to a post of )ommander of )hangsha and #ent to assume the ne# office. 'ut ,iu 'ei, in spite of "hu 9un(s memorial, #aited in vain for preferment, and the three brothers became very sad. !al$ing along one day in the capital, ,iu 'ei met a court official, "hang 9un, to #hom he related his services and told his sorro#s. "hang 9un #as much surprised at this neglect and one day at court spo$e to the 4mperor about it. Said he, CThe Bello# Scarves rebelled because the eunuchs sold offices and bartered ran$s. There #as employment only for their friends, punishment only for their enemies. This led to rebellion. !herefore it #ould be #ell to slay the Ten 4unuchs and eApose their heads and proclaim #hat had been done throughout the #hole empire. Then re#ard the #orthy. Thereby the land #ould be #holly tran uil.C

'ut the eunuchs fiercely opposed this and said "hang 9un #as insulting the 4mperor, and the 4mperor bade the guards thrust "hang 9un out. *o#ever, the eunuchs too$ counsel together and one said, CSurely someone #ho rendered some service against rebels resents being passed over.C So they caused a list of unimportant people to be prepared for preferment by and by. +mong them #as ,iu 'ei, #ho received the post of magistrate of the county of +nAi, to #hich he proceeded #ithout delay after disbanding his army and sending them home to their villages. *e retained t#o doDens or so as escort. The three brothers reached +nAi, and soon the administration of the county #as so reformed and the rule so #ise that in a month there #as no la#6brea$ing. The three brothers lived in harmony, eating at the same table and sleeping on the same couch. 'ut #hen ,iu 'ei #as in public sessions or in company of others, 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei #ould stand in attendance, #ere it even a #hole day. 3our months after their arrival, there came out a general order for the reduction of the number of military officers holding civil posts, and ,iu 'ei began to fear that he #ould be among those thro#n out. In due course the inspecting official, Du 'iao by name, arrived and #as met at the boundary. 'ut to the polite obeisance of ,iu 'ei, he made no return, save a #ave of his #hip as he sat on his horse. This made 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei furious. 'ut #orse #as to follo#. !hen the inspector had arrived at his lodging, he too$ his seat on the dais, leaving ,iu 'ei standing belo#. +fter a long time he addressed ,iu 'ei. C1agistrate, #hat #as your originGC ,iu 'ei replied, CI am descended from 7rince Sheng of "hongshan. Since my first fight #ith the Bello# Scarves rebels at "huo )ounty, I have been in some thirty battles, #herein I gained some trifling merit. 1y re#ard #as this office.C CBou lie about your descent, and your statement of services is false=C roared the inspector. CFo# the court has ordered the reduction of your sort of lo# class and corrupt officials.C ,iu 'ei muttered to himself and #ithdre#. On his return to the magistracy, he too$ council #ith his secretaries. CThis pompous attitude only means the inspector #ants a bribe,C said they. CI have never #ronged the people to the value of a single coin@ Then #here is a bribe to come fromGC

FeAt day the inspector had the minor officials before him and forced them to bear #itness that their master had oppressed the people. ,iu 'ei time after time #ent to rebut this charge, but the door$eepers drove him a#ay and he could not enter. Fo# "hang 3ei had been all day dro#ning his sorro# in #ine and had drun$ far too much. )alling for his horse he rode out past the lodging of the inspector, and at the gate sa# a small cro#d of #hite6haired people #eeping bitterly. *e as$ed #hy. They said, CThe inspector has compelled the underlings to bear false #itness against our magistrate, #ith the desire to in>ure the virtuous ,iu 'ei. !e came to beg mercy for him but are not permitted to enter. 1oreover, #e have been beaten by the door$eepers.C This provo$ed the irascible and half intoAicated "hang 3ei to fury. *is eyes opened #ide until they became circles; he ground his teeth; in a moment he #as off his steed, had forced his #ay past the scared door$eepers into the building, and #as in the rear apartments. There he sa# Imperial Inspector Du 'iao sitting on high #ith the official underlings in bonds at his feet. COppressor of the people, robber=C cried "hang 3ei. CDo you $no# meGC 'ut before the inspector could reply, "hang 3ei had had him by the hair and had dragged him do#n. +nother moment he #as outside and firmly lashed to the hitching post in front of the building. Then brea$ing off a s#itch from a #illo# tree, "hang 3ei gave his victim a severe thrashing, only staying his hand #hen the tenth s#itch #as too short to stri$e #ith. ,iu 'ei #as sitting alone, communing #ith his sorro#, #hen he heard a shouting before his door. *e as$ed #hat the matter #as. They told him, C8eneral "hang 3ei had bound somebody to a post and #as thrashing him=C *astily going outside, ,iu 'ei sa# #ho the unhappy victim #as and as$ed "hang 3ei the reason. CIf #e do not beat this sort of #retch to death, #hat may #e eApectGC said "hang 3ei. CFoble Sir, save me=C cried the inspector. Fo# ,iu 'ei had al#ays been $indly and gracious, #herefore he bade his brother release the officer and go his #ay. Then 8uan Bu came up, saying, C'rother, after your magnificent services you only got this petty post, and even here you have been insulted by this fello#. + thorn bush is no place for a phoeniA. ,et us slay this fello#, leave here, and go home till #e can evolve a bigger scheme.C ,iu 'ei contented himself #ith hanging the official seal about the inspector(s nec$, saying, CIf I hear that you in>ure the people, I #ill assuredly $ill you. I no# spare your life, and I return to you the seal. !e are going.C

The inspector #ent to the governor of DingDhou and complained, and orders #ere issued for the arrest of the brothers, but they got a#ay to DaiDhou and sought refuge #ith ,iu *u, #ho sheltered them because of ,iu 'ei(s noble birth. 'y this time the Ten Regular +ttendants had everything in their hands, and they put to death all #ho did not stand in #ith them. 3rom every officer #ho had helped to put do#n the rebels they demanded presents; and if these #ere not forthcoming, he #as removed from office. Imperial )ommanders *uangfu Song and "hu 9un both fell victims to these intrigues and #ere deprived from offices, #hile on the other hand the eunuchs received the highest honors and re#ards. Thirteen eunuchs #ere ennobled, including "hao "hong% #ho #as added to the ran$ of 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry; "hang Rang% possessed most of the priDe farms around the capital. The government gre# #orse and #orse, and everyone #as irritated. Rebellions bro$e out in )hangsha led by Ou 2ing, and in Buyang led by "hang 9u and "hang )hun. 1emorials #ere sent up in number as sno# fla$es in #inter, but the Ten suppressed them all. One day the 4mperor #as at a feast in one of the gardens #ith the Ten, #hen )ourt )ounselor ,iu Tao suddenly appeared sho#ing very great distress. The 4mperor as$ed #hat the matter #as. CSire, ho# can you be feasting #ith these #hen the empire is at the last gaspGC said ,iu Tao. C+ll is #ell,C said the 4mperor. C!here is anything #rongGC Said ,iu Tao, CRobbers s#arm on all sides and plunder the cities. +nd all is the fault of the Ten 4unuchs #ho sell offices and in>ure the people, oppress loyal officials and deceive their superiors. +ll virtuous ones have left the services and returned to their places, and are building and guarding their positions. 1ore regional offices have been sought than imperial appointments. )entral authority is being undermined by local interests. 1isfortune is before our very eyes=C +t this the eunuchs pulled off their hats and thre# themselves at their master(s feet. CIf 1inister ,iu Tao disapproves of us,C they said, C#e are in danger. !e pray that our lives be spared and #e may go to our farms. !e yield our property to help defray military eApenses.C +nd they #ept bitterly. The 4mperor turned angrily to ,iu Tao, saying, CBou also have servants@ !hy can(t you bear #ith mineGC +nd thereupon the 4mperor called to the guards to e>ect ,iu Tao and put him to death. ,iu Tao cried aloud, C1y death matters nothing. The pity is that *an Dynasty, after four centuries of reign, is falling fast=C The guards hustled him a#ay and #ere >ust about to carry out the 4mperor(s order #hen a minister stopped them, shouting, CStri$e not= !ait till I have spo$en #ith *is 1a>esty.C

It #as the 1inister of the Interior, )hen Dan. *e #ent in to the 4mperor, to #hom he said, C3or #hat fault is )ounselor ,iu Tao to be put to deathGC C*e has vilified my servants and has insulted me,C said the 4mperor. C+ll the empire #ould eat the flesh of the eunuchs if they could, and yet, Sire, you respect them as if they #ere your parents. They have no merit, but they are created nobles. 1oreover, 3eng 2u #as in league #ith the Bello# Scarves. Hnless Bour 1a>esty loo$s to it, the state #ill crumble=C CThere #as no proof against 3eng 2u,C replied the 4mperor. C+bout the Ten 4unuchs, are there none faithful among themGC )hen Dan beat his forehead on the steps of the throne and did not desist from remonstrance. Then the 4mperor gre# angry and commanded his removal and imprisonment #ith ,iu Tao. That night ,iu Tao and )hen Dan #ere murdered. Then the eunuchs sent a forged edict to Sun 9ian ma$ing him 8overnor of )hangsha, #ith orders to suppress the rebellion of Ou 2ing. In less than t#o months Sun 9ian reported the county all tran uil. 3or this he #as created ,ord of !ucheng. 3urther, ,iu Bu #as made Imperial 7rotector of BouDhou to move against Buyang and suppress "hang 9u and "hang )hun. ,iu *u of DaiDhou recommended ,iu 'ei to ,iu Bu. ,iu Bu #elcomed ,iu 'ei and gave him ran$ of commander and sent him against the rebels. *e fought #ith and #orsted them and entirely bro$e their spirit. "hang )hun #as cruel, and his leaders turned against him. One of his officers then sle# him and brought in his head, after #hich the others submitted. The other leader "hang 9u sa# that all #as lost and $illed himself. Buyang being no# tran uil, ,iu 'ei(s services #ere reported to the Throne, and he received full pardon for the insult to the imperial inspector. *e #as made Deputy 1agistrate of 2iami, then )ommanding Officer of 8aotang. Then 8ongsun "an praised ,iu 'ei(s former services, and he #as promoted to 1agistrate of 7ingyuan. This place #as very prosperous, and ,iu 'ei recovered something of his old manner before the days of adversity. ,iu Bu also received preferment and #as promoted to 8rand )ommander. In the summer of the siA year of )entral Stability -+D :<I0, 4mperor ,ing became seriously ill and summoned *e 9in into the 7alace to arrange for the future. *e 9in had sprung from a humble family of butchers, but his sister had become a concubine of ran$ and borne a son to the 4mperor, named ,iu 'ian. +fter this she became 4mpress *e, and *e 9in became the po#erful Regent 1arshal%. The 4mperor had also greatly loved a beautiful girl, ,ady !ang, #ho had borne him a son named ,iu 2ian. 4mpress *e had poisoned ,ady !ang from >ealousy, and the baby had been given into the care of 4mpress Dong, #ho #as the mother of 4mperor ,ing. ,ady Dong #as the #ife of ,iu )hang, ,ord of 9iedu. +s time #ent on and the 4mperor *uan had no son of his o#n, he adopted

the son of ,iu )hang, #ho succeeded as the 4mperor ,ing. +fter his accession, 4mperor ,ing had ta$en his o#n mother into the 7alace to live and had conferred upon her the title of 4mpress Do#ager. 4mpress Dong had al#ays tried to persuade her son to name ,iu 2ian as the *eir +pparent, and in fact the 4mperor greatly loved the boy and #as disposed to do as his mother desired. !hen his end #as near, one of the eunuchs, 9ian Shuo, said, CIf ,iu 2ian is to succeed, *e 9in must be $illed to prevent countermoves.C The 4mperor sa# this too. *e placed 9ian Shuo in command of the eight armies of the !est 8arden in order to chec$ ,iu 'ian(s supporters. +nd he summoned *e 9in to come to him. 'ut at the very gate of the 3orbidden )ity, *e 9in #as #arned of his danger by )ommander 7an Bin #ho said, CThis must be a trap of 9ian Shuo to destroy you=C *e 9in rushed bac$ to his uarters and called many of the ministers to his side, and they met to consider ho# to put the eunuchs to death. +t this assembly a man spo$e against the plot, CThe influence of the eunuchs dates bac$ a century and a half, during the reigns of 4mperors )hong and "hi. It has spread li$e a noAious #eed in all directions. *o# can #e hope to destroy itG +bove all $eep this plot secret, or our #hole clans #ill be eAterminated.C *e 9in eyed do#n and sa# 8eneral of 1ilitary Standards )ao )ao. *e 9in #as very angry at this speech and cried, C!hat do inferiors li$e you $no# of the #ays of governmentGC +nd in the midst of the confusion 7an Bin came to say@ CThe 4mperor is no more. The eunuchs have decided to $eep the death a secret and forge a command to the Regent 1arshal to come into the 7alace to settle the succession. 1ean#hile to prevent trouble they have inscribed the name of 7rince 2ian on the roll.C +nd as 7an Bin finished spea$ing, the edict arrived summoning *e 9in. CThe matter for the moment is to set up the rightful heir,C said )ao )ao. C!e can deal #ith the traitors later.C C!ho dare to >oin me in supporting the rightful heir6667rince 'ianGC as$ed *e 9in, the Regent 1arshal. +t once one stood for#ard, crying, C8ive me five thousand veterans, and #e #ill brea$ into the 7alace, set up the true heir, slay the eunuchs, and s#eep clean the government= Then peace #ill come to the empire.C

The energetic spea$er #as Buan Shao, son of the former 1inister of the Interior Buan 3eng and nephe# of Imperial 8uardian Buan !ei. Buan Shao then held the ran$ of Imperial )ommander. *e 9in mustered five thousand royal guards. Buan Shao put on complete armor and too$ command. *e 9in, supported by *e Bong, 2un Bou, "heng Tai, and more than thirty other ministers and high6ran$ officials, #ent into the 7alace. In the hall #here lay the coffin of the late 4mperor, they placed ,iu 'ian on the throne. +fter the ceremony #as over and all had bo#ed before the ne# 4mperor, Buan Shao #ent in to arrest 4unuch 9ian Shuo. 9ian Shuo in terror fled into the 7alace garden and hid among the shrubs, #here he #as discovered and murdered by 8uo Sheng, one of the Ten 4unuchs. The guards under 9ian Shuo(s command all surrendered. Buan Shao said, CTheir gangs have bro$en. The most opportune moment is no# to slay all the eunuchs=C 'ut "hang Rang and the eunuchs of the Ten scented the danger and rushed to see 4mpress *e. They said, CThe originator of the plan to in>ure your brother #as 9ian Shuo@ Only he #as concerned and no other. Fo# the Regent 1arshal, on Buan Shao(s advice, #ishes to slay everyone of us. !e implore your pity, O Bour 1a>esty=C C3ear not=C said 4mpress *e, #hose son had >ust become 4mperor, CI #ill protect you.C She sent for her brother, and said, CBou and I are of lo#ly origin, and #e o#e our good fortune to the eunuchs. The misguided 9ian Shuo is no# dead, and need you really put all the others to death as Buan Shao advisesGC +nd *e 9in obeyed her #ish. *e eAplained to his party, saying, CThe real offender, 9ian Shuo, has met his fate, and his clan #ill be punished. 'ut #e need not eAterminate the #hole party nor in>ure his colleagues.C CSlay them, root and branch,C cried Buan Shao, Cor they #ill ruin you=C CI have decided,C said *e 9in, coldly. CSay no more.C !ithin a fe# days *e 9in became )hair of the Secretariat, and his associates received high offices. Fo# 4mpress Dong summoned the eunuch "hang Rang and his party to a council. Said she, CIt #as I #ho first brought for#ard the sister of *e 9in. Today her son is on the throne, and all the officials are her friends, and her influence is enormous. !hat can #e doGC "hang Rang replied, CBour *ighness should administer the state from (behind the veil(; create the late 4mperor(s son ,iu 2ian a prince; give your brother, the Imperial Hncle Dong )hong, a high ran$, and place him over the army; and use us. That #ill do it.C

4mpress Dong approved. FeAt day she held a court and issued an edict in the sense proposed. She made ,iu 2ian 7rince of )henliu and Dong )hong 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry%, and she allo#ed the eunuchs again to participate state affairs. !hen 4mpress *e sa# this, she prepared a ban uet to #hich she invited her rival 4mpress Dong. In the middle of the feast, #hen all #ere #ell #armed #ith #ine, 4mpress *e rose and offered a cup to her guest, saying, CIt is not fitting that #e t#o should meddle in state affairs. In the beginning of the *an Dynasty, #hen 4mpress ,u laid hands upon the government, all her clans #ere put to death%. !e ought to remain content, immured in our palaces, and leave state affairs to the state officials. That #ould be #ell for the country, and I trust you #ill act thus.C 'ut 4mpress Dong only got angry, saying, CBou poisoned ,ady !ang out of >ealousy. Fo#, relying upon the fact that your son sits on the throne and that your brother is po#erful, you spea$ these #ild #ords. I #ill command that your brother be beheaded, and that can be done as easily as I turn my hand=C 4mpress *e in her turn became #roth and said, CI tried to persuade you #ith fair #ords. !hy get so angryGC CBou lo# born daughter of a butcher, #hat do you $no# of officesGC cried 4mpress Dong. +nd the uarrel #aAed hot. The eunuchs persuaded the ladies to retire. 'ut in the night 4mpress *e summoned her brother into the 7alace and told him #hat had occurred. *e #ent out and too$ counsel #ith the principal officers of state. FeAt morning a court #as held and a memorial #as presented, saying@ C4mpress Dong, being the foster mother of ,iu 2ian, 7rince of )henliu, a regional prince666only a collateral666cannot properly occupy any part of the 7alace. She is to be removed into her original fief of *e>ian and is to depart immediately.C +nd #hile they sent an escort to remove 4mpress Dong, a strong guard #as placed about the Imperial Hncle Dong )hong(s d#elling. They too$ a#ay his seal of office and he, $no#ing this #as the end, $illed himself in his private apartments. *is dependents, #ho #ailed his death, #ere driven off by the guards. The eunuchs "hang Rang and Duan 8ui, having lost their patroness, sent large gifts to *e 9in(s younger brother, *e 1iao, and his mother, ,ady !uyang, and thus got them to put in a good #ord to 4mpress *e so as to gain her protection. +nd so they gained favor once more at court. In the siAth month of that year, the secret emissaries of *e 9in poisoned 4mpress Dong in her residence in the country. *er remains #ere brought to the capital and buried in !en Tombs%. *e 9in feigned illness and did not attend the funeral.

)ommander Buan Shao #ent one day to see *e 9in, saying, CThe t#o eunuchs, "hang Rang and Duan 8ui, are spreading the report outside that you has caused the death of the late empress and is aiming at the throne. This is an eAcuse for you to destroy them. Do not spare them this time, or you #ill pay li$e Dou !u and )hen 3an, #ho in the previous reign missed their chance because the secret had not been $ept, and they paid by their o#n deaths. Fo# you and your brother have many commanders and officers behind, so that the destruction of the eunuchs can be but an ease. It is a heaven6sent opportunity. Delay no further=C 'ut *e 9in replied, C,et me thin$ it over.C *e 9in(s servants overheard the discussion and secretly informed the intended victims, #ho sent further gifts to the younger brother *e 1iao. )orrupted by these, *e 1iao #ent in to spea$ #ith his sister 4mpress *e and said, CThe 8eneral is the chief support of the ne# 4mperor, yet he is not gracious and merciful but thin$s #holly of slaughter. If he slays the eunuchs #ithout cause, it may bring about revolution.C Soon after *e 9in entered and told her of his design to put the eunuchs to death. She argued #ith him, CThose officials loo$ after palace affairs and are old servants. To $ill the old servants >ust after the death of their master #ould appear disrespectful to the dynasty(s ancestral temple.C +nd as *e 9in #as of a vacillating mind, he murmured assent and left her. C!hat about itGC said Buan Shao on meeting him. CShe #ill not consent. !hat can be doneGC C)all up an army and slay them. It is imperative. Fever mind her consent=C CThat is an eAcellent plan,C said *e 9in. +nd he sent orders all round to march soldiers to the capital. 'ut Secretary )hen ,in ob>ected, CFay= Do not act #ithout due consideration. The proverb says (To cover the eyes and snatch at s#allo#s is to fool oneself.( If in so small a matter you cannot attain your #ish, #hat of great affairsG Fo# by virtue of the emperor and #ith the army under your hand, you are li$e prancing tiger and soaring dragon@ Bou may do as you please. To use such enormous po#ers against the eunuchs #ould bring victory as easily as lighting up a furnace to burn a hair. Only act promptly@ Hse your po#ers and smite at once, and all the empire #ill be #ith you. 'ut to summon forces to the capital, to gather many bold #arriors into one spot, each #ith different schemes, is to turn our #eapons against our o#n person, to place ourselves in the po#er of another. Fothing but failure can come of it, and havoc #ill ensue.C CThe vie# of a mere boo$6#orm,C said *e 9in #ith a smile.

Then one of those about *e 9in suddenly clapped his hands, laughing, CSolving this issue is as easy as turning over one(s hand= !hy so much tal$GC The spea$er #as )ao )ao. !ouldst thou #ithdra# #ic$ed people from thy prince(s side, Then see$ counsel of the #ise people of the state. !hat )ao )ao said #ill be disclosed in later chapters. Chapter ( In Wenming Garden) *ong Zh&o *eno&nces *ing +&an; With ,ed Hare) -i S& Bri.es -& B&' !hat )ao )ao said #as this@ CThe eunuch evil is of very old standing, but the real cause of the present trouble is in the improper influence allo#ed them by the emperors and the misplaced favoritism they have en>oyed. 'ut a gaoler #ould be ample force to employ against this $ind of evil, and getting rid of the main culprits is uite enough. !hy increase confusion by summoning troops from the regionsG +ny desire to slay all of them #ill speedily become $no#n, and the plan #ill fail.C CThen, )ao )ao, you have some scheme of your o#n to further,C said *e 9in #ith a sneer. )ao )ao left the meeting, proclaiming, CThe one #ho thro#s the #orld into chaos is *e 9in=C Then *e 9in sent s#ift, secret letters far and #ide to several bases. It must be recalled that Dong "huo had failed in his attempt to destroy the Bello# Scarves rebellion. *e #ould have been punished if he had not bribed the Ten 4unuchs heavily for their protection. ,ater, through connections in the capital, he obtained rapid promotions from 8eneral to 8eneral of the 3ront +rmy, to ,ord of +oAiang, to Imperial 7rotector in the #estern region of 2iDhou and )ommander of an army of t#o hundred thousand troops. 'ut Dong "huo #as treacherous and disloyal at heart. So #hen he received the summons to the capital, he re>oiced greatly and lost no time in obeying it. *e left a son6in6la#, )ommander Fiu 3u, to loo$ after the affairs of 2iDhou and set out for ,uoyang. Dong "huo too$ #ith him a huge army and four generals666,i 9ue, 8uo Si, "hang 9i, and 3an )hou. Dong "huo(s adviser and son6in6la#, ,i Ru, said, CThough a formal summons has come, there are many obscurities in it. It #ould be #ell to send up a memorial stating plainly our aims and intentions. Then #e can proceed.C So Dong "huo composed something li$e this@ CThy servant $no#s that the continual rebellions o#e their origin to "hang Rang and the Regular +ttendants of the Inner 'ureau, #ho act counter to all recogniDed precepts. Fo# to stop the

ebullition of a pot the best #ay is to #ithdra# the fire; to cut out an abscess, though painful, is better than to nourish the evil. I have dared underta$e a military advance on the capital, #ith thy permission, and no# pray that "hang Rang and the other eunuchs be removed for the happiness of the dynasty and of the empire.C *e 9in read this memorial and sho#ed it to his partisans. Then said 1inister "heng Tai, C+ fierce #ild beast@ If he comes, his prey #ill be humans=C *e 9in replied, CBou are too timorous@ Bou are une ual to great schemes.C 'ut ,u "hi also said, C,ong have I $no#n this man. In appearance innocent, he is a very #olf at heart. ,et him in, and calamity enters #ith him. Stop him, do not let him come, and thus #ill you avoid upheaval.C *e 9in #as obstinate, and both "heng Tai and ,u "hi gave up their posts and retired, as did more than half the ministers of state, #hile *e 9in sent a #arm #elcome to Dong "huo, #ho soon camped at Shengchi ,a$e and stationed there #ithout further action. "hang Rang and the eunuchs $ne# this move #as directed against them and said, CThis is *e 9in(s plot. If #e do not stri$e first, our #hole clans shall be eAterminated.C So they hid a band of fifty armed ruffians at the 8ate of 8rand Virtue in the 7alace of *appiness, #here the 4mpress lived, then they #ent in to see her. They said, CThe 8eneral, feigning to act under command, has called up armies to the capital to destroy us. !e pray you, Bour 1a>esty, pity and save us=C C8o to the 8eneral and confess your faults,C said the 4mpress. CIf #e did, then should #e be cut to mincemeat= Rather summon the 8eneral into your presence and command him to cease. If he #ill not, then #e pray but die in your presence.C 4mpress *e issued the re uisite command. *e 9in #as >ust going to her #hen Secretary )hen ,in advised him not to enter, saying, CThe eunuchs are certainly behind the order and mean your harm.C 'ut *e 9in could only see the command of the 4mpress and #as oblivious to all else. Said he, C)learly, this is an edict from the 4mpress. !hat harmGC COur plot is no longer a secret,C said Buan Shao. CStill you may go if you are ready to fight your #ay in.C C8et the eunuchs out first=C said )ao )ao.

CSilly children=C said *e 9in. C!hat can they do against the man #ho holds the forces of the empire in his palmGC Buan Shao said, CIf you #ill go, then #e #ill come as a guard, >ust as a precaution.C !hereupon both Buan Shao and )ao )ao chose five hundred best men under their command, at #hose head they placed Buan Shu, a brother of Buan Shao. Buan Shu, clad in mail, dre# up his troops outside the 3orbidden )ity(s entrance, #hile Buan Shao and )ao )ao, holding s#ords, #ent as escort. !hen *e 9in neared the 7alace of *appiness, the officers from the Inner 'ureau said, CThe orders are to admit the Regent 1arshal and none other.C So the escort #as detained outside. *e 9in #ent in proudly. +t the 8ate of 8rand Virtue, he #as met by "hang Rang and Duan 8ui, and their follo#ers uic$ly closed in around him. *e 9in began to feel alarmed. Then "hang Rang in a harsh voice began to revile him@ C!hat crime had 4mpress Dong committed that she should have been put to deathG +nd #hen the 1other of the )ountry #as buried, #ho feigned sic$ness and did not attendG !e raised you and your paltry, huc$stering family to all the dignity and #ealth you have, and this is your gratitude= Bou #ould slay us. Bou call us sordid and dirty@ !ho is the cleanerGC *e 9in #as panic stric$en and loo$ed about for a #ay to escape, but all gates had been shut. The eunuchs closed him in, and then the assassins appeared and cut *e 9in into halves. )losing the days of the *ans, and the years of their rule #ere near spent, Stupid and tactless #as *e 9in, yet stood he highest in office, 1any #ere they #ho advised him, but he #as deaf as he heard not, !herefore fell he a victim under the s#ords of the eunuchs. So *e 9in died. Buan Shao and )ao )ao #aited long. 'y and by, impatient at the delay, they called through the gate, CThy carriage a#aits, O 8eneral=C 3or reply the head of *e 9in #as flung over the #all. + decree #as proclaimed@ C*e 9in has contemplated treachery and therefore has been slain= It pardons his adherents.C Buan Shao shouted, CThe eunuchs have slain the *igh 1inister. ,et those #ho #ill slay this #ic$ed party come and help me=C Then one of *e 9in(s generals, !u 5uang, set fire to the gate. Buan Shu at the head of his guards burst in and fell to slaying the eunuchs #ithout regard to age or ran$. Buan Shao and )ao )ao bro$e into the inner part of the 7alace. 3our of the eunuchs666"hao "hong, )heng 5uang, 2ia Bun, and 8uo Sheng666fled to the 'lue 3lo#er ,odge #here they #ere hac$ed to pieces. 3ire raged, destroying the buildings.

3our of the Ten Regular +ttendants666"hang Rang, Duan 8ui, )ao 9ie, and *ou ,an666led by "hang Rang carried off the 4mpress, 4mperor 'ian, and 7rince 2ian of )henliu to#ard the Forth 7alace. ,u "hi, since he had resigned office, #as at home, but hearing of the revolution in the 7alace he donned his armor, too$ his spear, and prepared to fight. *e sa# 4unuch Duan 8ui hurrying the 4mpress along and called out, CBou rebel, ho# dare you abduct the 4mpressGC The eunuch fled. The 4mpress leaped out of a #indo# and #as ta$en to a place of safety. 8eneral !u 5uang burst into one of the inner halls #here he found *e 1iao, s#ord in hand. CBou also #ere in the plot to slay your o#n brother,C cried !u 5uang. CBou shall die #ith the others=C C,et us $ill the plotter against his elder brother=C cried many. *e 1iao loo$ed around@ *is enemies hemmed him in on every side. *e #as hac$ed to pieces. Buan Shu bade his soldiers scatter and see$ out all the families of the eunuchs, sparing none. In that slaughter many beardless men #ere $illed in error. )ao )ao set himself to eAtinguish the fires. *e then begged 4mpress *e to underta$e the direction of affairs, and soldiers #ere sent to pursue "hang Rang and rescue the young 4mperor and the young 7rince of )henliu. 1ean#hile, "hang Rang and Duan 8ui had hustled a#ay the 4mperor and the 7rince. They burst through the smo$e and fire and traveled #ithout stopping till they reached the 'eimang *ills. It #as then the third #atch. They heard a great shouting behind them and sa# soldiers in pursuit. Their leader, 1in 8ong, a commander in *enan, #as shouting, CTraitors, stop, stop=C "hang Rang, seeing that he #as lost, >umped into the river, #here he #as dro#ned. The t#o boys ignorant of the meaning of all this confusion and terrified out of their senses, dared not utter a cry. They crept in among the ran$ grass on the river ban$ and hid. The soldiers scattered in all directions but failed to find them. So they remained till the fourth #atch, shivering #ith cold from the drenching de# and very hungry. They lay do#n in the thic$ grass and #ept in each other(s arms, silently, lest anyone should discover them. CThis is no a place to stay in,C said 7rince 2ian. C!e must find some #ay out.C So the t#o children $notted their clothes together and managed to cra#l up the ban$. They #ere in a thic$et of thorn bushes, and it #as uite dar$. They could not see any path. They #ere in despair

#hen, all at once, millions of fireflies sprang up all about them and circled in the air in front of the 4mperor. C8od is helping us,C said 7rince 2ian. They follo#ed #hither the fireflies led and gradually got into a road. They #al$ed till their feet #ere too sore to go further, #hen, seeing a heap of stra# near the road, they crept to it and lay do#n. This heap of stra# #as close to a farm house. In the night, as the farmer #as sleeping, he sa# in a vision t#o bright red suns drop behind his d#elling. +larmed by the portent, he hastily dressed and #ent forth to loo$ about him. Then he sa# a bright light shooting up from a heap of stra#. *e hastened thither and then sa# t#o youths lying behind it. CTo #hat household do you belong, young gentlemenGC as$ed the farmer. The 4mperor #as too frightened to reply, but his companion said, C*e is the 4mperor. There #as a revolution in the 3orbidden )ity, and #e ran a#ay. I am his brother, 7rince of )henliu.C The farmer bo#ed again and again and said, C1y name is Sui ,ie. 1y brother Sui Bi is the former 1inister of the Interior. 1y brother #as disgusted #ith the behavior of the eunuchs and so resigned and hid a#ay here.C The t#o lads #ere ta$en into the farm, and their host on his $nees served them #ith refreshment. It has been said that 1in 8ong had gone in pursuit of 4unuch Duan 8ui. 'y and by 1in 8ong overtoo$ Duan 8ui and cried, C!here is the 4mperorGC C*e disappeared= I do not $no# #here he is=C 1in 8ong sle# Duan 8ui and hung the bleeding head on his horse(s nec$. Then he sent his troops searching in all directions, and he rode off by himself on the same uest. 7resently he came to the farm. Sui ,ie, seeing #hat hung on his horse(s nec$, uestioned him and, satisfied #ith his story, led him to the 4mperor. The meeting #as affecting. +ll #ere moved to tears. CThe state cannot be #ithout its ruler,C said 1in 8ong. CI pray Bour 1a>esty return to the city.C +t the farm they had but one sorry nag and this they saddled for the 4mperor. The young 7rince #as ta$en on 1in 8ong(s charger. +nd thus they left the farm. Fot beyond one mile from the farm, they fell in #ith other officials and several hundred guards and soldiers made up an imposing cavalcade. In the cavalcade #ere !ang Bun, 1inister of the Interior; Bang 'iao, 8rand )ommander; )hunyu &iong, )ommander of the ,eft +rmy; "hao 1eng, )ommander of the Right +rmy; 'ao 2in, )ommander of the Rear +rmy; and Buan Shao, )ommander of the )enter +rmy. Tears #ere shed freely as the ministers met their 4mperor.

+ man #as sent on in front to the capital there to eApose the head of 4unuch Duan 8ui. +s soon as they could, they placed the 4mperor on a better steed and the young 7rince had a horse to himself. Thus the 4mperor returned to ,uoyang, and so it happened after all as the street children(s ditty ran@ Though the emperor doesn(t rule, though the prince no office fills, Bet a brilliant cavalcade comes along from 'eimang *ills. The cavalcade had not proceeded far #hen they sa# coming to#ards them a large body of soldiers #ith fluttering banners hiding the sun and raising a huge cloud of dust. The officials turned pale, and the 4mperor #as greatly alarmed. Buan Shao rode out in advance. C!ho are youGC said Buan Shao. 3rom under the shade of an embroidered banner rode out a leader, saying, CDo you have the 4mperorGC The 4mperor #as too panic stric$en to respond, but the 7rince of )henliu rode to the front and cried, C!ho are youGC CDong "huo, Imperial 7rotector of 2iDhou Region.C C*ave you come to protect the )hariot or to steal itGC said 7rince 2ian. CI have come to protect,C said Dong "huo. CIf that is so, the 4mperor is here@ !hy do you not dismountGC Dong "huo hastily dismounted and made obeisance on the left of the road. Then 7rince 2ian spo$e graciously to him. 3rom first to last the 7rince had carried himself most perfectly so that Dong "huo in his heart admired his behavior, and then arose the first desire to set aside the 4mperor in favor of the 7rince of )henliu. They reached the 7alace the same day, and there #as an affecting intervie# #ith 4mpress *e. 'ut #hen they had restored order in the 7alace, the Imperial *ereditary Seal, the special seal of the 4mperor, #as missing. Dong "huo camped #ithout the #alls, but every day he #as to be seen in the streets #ith an escort of mailed soldiers so that the common people #ere in a state of constant trepidation. *e also #ent in and out of the 7alace careless of all the rules of propriety. )ommander of the Rear +rmy 'ao 2in spo$e of Dong "huo(s behavior to Buan Shao, saying, CThis man harbors some evil design and should be removed.C

CFothing can he done till the government is more settled,C said Buan Shao. Then 'ao 2in sa# 1inister of the Interior !ang Bun and as$ed #hat he thought. C,et us tal$ it over,C #as the reply. 'ao 2in said no more but he left the capital and retired to the Taishan 1ountains. Dong "huo induced the soldiers of the t#o brothers *e 9in and *e 1iao to >oin his command, and privately spo$e to his adviser ,i Ru about deposing the 4mperor in favor of the 7rince of )henliu. CThe government is really #ithout a head. There can be no better time than this to carry out your plan. Delay #ill spoil all. Tomorro# assemble the officials in the !enming 8arden and address them on the sub>ect. 7ut all opponents to death, and your prestige is settled.C So spo$e ,i Ru, and the #ords pleased Dong "huo mightily. So the neAt day Dong "huo spread a feast and invited many guests. +s all the officers #ent in terror of him, no one dared be absent. Dong "huo himself rode up to the garden last of all and too$ his place #ith his s#ord girded on. !hen the #ine had gone round several times, Dong "huo stopped the service and the music and began to spea$. CI have something to say. ,isten uietly all of you=C +ll turned to#ards him. CThe emperor is lord of all. If he lac$s dignity and behaves in an unseemly manner, he is no fitting inheritor of the ancestral prerogatives. *e #ho is no# on the throne is a #ea$ling, inferior to the 7rince of )henliu in intelligence and love of learning. The 7rince is in every #ay fitted for the throne. I desire to depose the 4mperor and set up the 7rince in his place. !hat thin$ youGC The assembly listened in perfect silence, none daring at first to utter a #ord of dissent. 'ut one dared; for suddenly a guest stood up in his place, smote the table and cried. CFo= Fo= !ho are you that you dare utter such bold #ordsG The 4mperor is son of the late 4mperor and has done no #rong. !hy then should he be deposedG +re you a rebelGC The spea$er #as Ding Buan, Imperial 7rotector of 'ingDhou. Dong "huo glared at Ding Buan, roaring, CThere is life for those #ho are #ith me, death for those against=C Dong "huo dre# his s#ord and made for the ob>ector. 'ut the #atchful ,i Ru had noticed standing behind Ding Buan a particularly dangerous loo$ing henchman of his, #ho #as no# handling his halberd threateningly, and #hose eyes #ere blaDing #ith anger.

So ,i Ru hastily interposed, saying, C'ut this is the ban uet chamber, and state affairs should be left outside. The matters can be fully discussed tomorro#.C *is fello# guests persuaded Ding Buan to leave, and after his departure Dong "huo said, CIs #hat I said >ust and reasonableGC CBou are mista$en, Illustrious Sir,C said ,u "hi. COf old 4mperor Tai 9ia of the Shang Dynasty #as unenlightened. !herefore the sage 1inister Bi Bin% immured him in the Tong 7alace till he reformed. ,ater the 7rince of )hangyi ascended the throne, and in t#enty6seven days he committed more than three thousand categorical faults. !herefore Regent 1arshal *uo 8uang% declared in the ancestral temple that the 7rince of )hangyi #as deposed. Our present 4mperor is young, but he is intelligent, benevolent, and #ise. *e has not committed a single fault. Bou, Sir, are an imperial protector of a frontier region and not a metropolitan official and have had no eAperience in state administration. Feither have you the pure intentions of Bi Bin and *uo 8uang #hich ualified their actions. The Teacher said@ (Only #ith Bi Bin(s purpose can one act li$e Bi Bin. Other#ise, such a deed is treason.(C Dong "huo angrily dre# his s#ord to slay the bold ,u "hi, but t#o other officials remonstrated. C1inister ,u "hi is the cynosure of the #hole country, and his violent death #ould stir the hearts of all people=C said )ourt )ounselors )ai Bong and 7eng 'o. Dong "huo then stayed his hand. Then said !ang Bun, C+ great uestion li$e the deposition and substitution of emperors is not one to be decided after a #ine party. ,et it be put off till another time.C So the guests dispersed. Dong "huo stood at the gate #ith dra#n s#ord #atching them depart. Standing thus, Dong "huo noticed a spearman galloping to and fro on a fiery steed and as$ed ,i Ru #ho that #as. CThat is ,u 'u, the adopted son of Ding Buan. Bou must $eep out of his #ay, my lord.C Dong "huo #ent inside the gate so that he could not be seen. 'ut neAt day they reported to him that Ding Buan had come out of the city #ith a small army and #as challenging to a battle. Dong "huo, #ith his army, #ent forth to accept the challenge. +nd the t#o armies #ere dra#n up in proper array. ,u 'u #as a conspicuous figure in the forefront. *is hair #as arranged under a handsome headdress of gold, and he had donned a embroidered thousand6flo#er fighting robe, a pheasant6 tailed helmet, and breast plate, and round his #aist #as a gleaming >ade belt #ith a lion(s head clasp. !ith spear set he rode close behind his master Ding Buan. Ding Buan, riding forth, pointing his finger at Dong "huo, began to revile him.

CHnhappy indeed #as this state #hen the eunuchs became so po#erful that the people #ere as if trodden into the mire under their feet. Fo# you, devoid of the least merit, dare to tal$ of deposing the rightful emperor and setting up another. This is to desire rebellion and no less=C Dong "huo could not reply for ,u 'u, eager for the fight, rode straight at him. Dong "huo fled and Ding Buan(s army came on. The battle #ent in Ding Buan(s favor, and the beaten troops retired ten miles and made another camp. *ere Dong "huo called his officers to a council. CThis ,u 'u is a marvel,C said Dong "huo. CIf he #ere only on my side, I #ould defy the #hole #orld=C +t this a man advanced saying, C'e content, O my lord= I am a fello# villager of his and $no# him #ell@ *e is valorous, but not crafty; he #ill let go principles, #hen he sees advantages. !ith this little, blarneying tongue of mine, I can persuade him to put up his hands and come over to your side.C Dong "huo #as delighted and gaDed admiringly at the spea$er. It #as ,i Su, a general in the Imperial Tiger +rmy. C!hat arguments #ill you use #ith himGC as$ed Dong "huo. CBou have a fine horse, Red *are, one of the best ever bred. I must have this steed, and gold and pearls to #in his heart. Then #ill I go and persuade him. *e #ill certainly abandon Ding Buan(s service for yours.C C!hat thin$ youGC said Dong "huo to his adviser ,i Ru. COne cannot grudge a horse to #in an empire,C #as the reply. So they gave ,i Su #hat he demanded666a thousand ounces of gold, ten strings of beautiful pearls, a >e#eled belt, and Red *are666and these accompanied ,i Su on his visit to his fello# villager. ,i Su reached the camp and said to the guard, C7lease tell 8eneral ,u 'u that a very old friend has come to visit him.C *e #as admitted forth#ith. C!orthy brother, have you been #ell since #e last metGC greeted ,i Su #hile bo#ing. C*o# long it is since #e last sa# each other=C replied ,u 'u, bo#ing in return. C+nd #here are you no#GC CI am a general in the Imperial Tiger +rmy. !hen I learned you #ere a strong supporter of the Throne, I could not say ho# I re>oiced. I have come no# to present to you a really fine horse, a

five6hundred6mile6a6day horse, one that crosses rivers and goes up mountains as if they #ere the level plain. Its name is Red *are. It #ill be a fitting aid to your valor.C ,u 'u bade his guards lead out the horse. It #as of a uniform color li$e glo#ing6sun red666not a hair of another color. It measured ten spans from head to tail and from hoof to nec$ eight spans. !hen it neighed, the sound filled the empyrean and shoo$ the ocean. 1ar$ ye the steed s#ift and tireless, see the dust, spurned by his hoofs, rising in clouds, Fo# it s#ims the river, anon climbs the hill, rending the purple mist asunder, Scornful it brea$s the rein, sha$es from its head the >e#eled bridle, It is as a fiery dragon descending from the highest heaven. ,u 'u #as delighted #ith the horse and said, C!hat return can I hope to ma$e for such a creatureGC C!hat return can I hope forG I came to you out of a sense of #hat is right,C replied ,i Su. !ine #as brought in and they dran$. C!e have seen very little of each other, but I am constantly meeting your honorable father,C said ,i Su. CBou are drun$,C said ,u 'u. C1y father has been dead for years.C CFot so; I spo$e of Ding Buan, the man of the day.C ,u 'u started. CBes, I am #ith him, but only because I can do no better.C CSir, your talent is higher than the heavens, deeper than the seas. !ho in all the #orld does not bo# before your nameG 3ame and riches and honors are yours for the ta$ing. +nd you say you can do no better than remain a subordinate=C CIf I could only find a master to serve,C said ,u 'u. CThe clever bird chooses the branch #hereon to perch; the #ise servant selects the master to serve. SeiDe the chance #hen it comes, for repentance ever comes too late.C CFo# you are in the government. !ho thin$ you is really the bravest of allGC, as$ed ,u 'u. CI despise the #hole lot eAcept Dong "huo. *e is one #ho respects #isdom and reveres scholarship; he is discriminating in his re#ards and punishments. Surely he is destined to be a really great man.C ,u 'u said, CI #ish that I could serve him, but there is no #ay, I fear.C

Then ,i Su produced his pearls and gold and the >e#eled belt and laid them out before his host. C!hat is thisG !hat does it meanGC said ,u 'u. CSend a#ay the attendants,C re uested ,i Su. +nd he #ent on, CDong "huo has long respected your bravery and sent these by my hand. Red *are #as also from him.C C'ut, if he loves me li$e this, #hat can I do in returnGC ,i Su said, CIf a stupid fello# li$e me can be a general in the Imperial Tiger +rmy, it is impossible to say #hat honors a#ait you.C CI am sorry I can offer him no service #orth mentioning.C ,i Su said, CThere is one service you can do, and an eAtremely easy one to perform; but you #ould not render that.C ,u 'u pondered long in silence, then he said, CI might slay Ding Buan and bring over his soldiers to Dong "huo(s side. !hat thin$ you of thatGC CIf you #ould do that, there could be no greater service. 'ut such a thing must be done uic$ly.C +nd ,u 'u promised his friend that he #ould do the deed and come over on the morro#. So ,i Su too$ his leave. That very night, at the second #atch, ,u 'u entered, s#ord in hand, into his master(s tent. *e found Ding Buan reading by the light of a solitary candle. Seeing #ho came in, Ding Buan said, C1y son, #hat is afootGC CI am a bold hero,C said ,u 'u. CDo not thin$ I am #illing to be a son of yours=C C!hy this change, ,u 'uGC +s a reply ,u 'u made one cut, and Ding Buan(s head fell to the earth. Then ,u 'u called the attendants and said, C*e #as an un>ust man, and I have slain him. ,et those #ho bac$ me stay. The others may depart.C 1ost ran a#ay. FeAt day, #ith the head of the murdered man as his gift, ,u 'u betoo$ himself to ,i Su, #ho led him to Dong "huo. Dong "huo received him #ith a #arm #elcome and had #ine set before him. CBour coming is #elcome as the gentle de# to the parched grass,C said Dong "huo.

,u 'u made Dong "huo seat himself and then made an obeisance, saying, C7ray let me bo# to you as my adopted father=C Dong "huo gave his ne#ly #on ally gold armor and sil$en robes and spread the feast of #elcome. They then separated. Thence Dong "huo(s po#er and influence increased rapidly. *e gave the lordship of *u -an ancient state0 and the ran$ )ommander of the ,eft +rmy to his brother Dong 1in. *e appointed ,u 'u ,ord of ,uoyang, )ommander of )apital District, and )avalry )ommander. Dong "huo made himself 1inister of !or$s, 8rand )ommander, and )ommander of the 3ront +rmy. The adviser ,i Ru never ceased from urging him to carry out the design of deposing the young 4mperor. The no# all6po#erful Dong "huo prepared a ban uet in the capital at #hich all the officers of state #ere guests. *e also bade ,u 'u post a company of armed men right and left ready for action. The feast began and several courses #ere served #ith nothing to distinguish that ban uet from any other. Then suddenly the host arose and dre# his s#ord, saying, C*e #ho is above us being #ea$ and irresolute is unfit for the duties of his high place. !herefore I, as of old did Bi Bin and *uo 8uang, #ill set aside this 4mperor giving him the title of 7rince of *ongnong, and I #ill place on the throne the present 7rince of )henliu. +nd those #ho do not support me #ill suffer death.C 3ear seiDed them in its grip and they #ere silent, all but Buan Shao #ho said, CThe 4mperor #as innocent of any fault, and to set him aside in favor of a commoner #as rebellion and nothing else=C CThe empire is in my hands=C cried Dong "huo. C!hen I choose to do this thing, #ho #ill dare to say nayG Thin$ you my s#ord lac$s an edgeGC CIf your s#ord is sharp, mine is never blunt=C said Buan Shao as his s#ord flashed out of the sheath. The t#o men stood face to face amid the feasters. !hen Ding Buan by treacherous murder died, The loss #as great to Buan Shao(s side. The fate of Buan Shao #ill be disclosed in later chapters. Chapter / The *eposition ! The %mperor0 Prince ! Chen#i& Becomes %mperor; Schemes 1gainst *ong Zh&o0 Cao Cao Presents 1 Sword'

Dong "huo #as on the point of slaying Buan Shao, but ,i Ru chec$ed him, saying, CBou must not $ill rashly #hile the business hangs in the balance.C Buan Shao, his s#ord still unsheathed, left the assembly. *e hung up the seals of his office at the east gate and #ent to 9iDhou Region. Dong "huo said to Imperial 8uardian Buan !ei, CBour nephe# behaved improperly, but I pardon him for your sa$e. !hat thin$ you of my schemeGC C!hat you thin$ is right,C #as the reply. CIf anyone opposes the great scheme, he #ill be dealt #ith by military la#=C said Dong "huo. The ministers, thoroughly dreaded, promised obedience, and the feast came to an end. Dong "huo as$ed )ounselor "hou 'i and )ommander !u &iong #hat they thought of the flight of Buan Shao. "hou 'i said, C*e left in a state of great anger. In such a state of eAcitement much harm may ensue to the present state of affairs, especially as the Buan family have been noted for their high offices for four generations, and their proteges and dependents are every#here. If they assemble bold people and call up their clients, all the valiant #arriors #ill be in arms, and the east region of the *uashang 1ountains #ill be lost. Bou had better pardon Buan Shao and give him a post. *e #ill be glad at being forgiven and #ill do no harm.C !u &iong said, CBuan Shao is fond of scheming, but he fails in decision and so is not to be feared. 'ut it #ould be #ell to give him ran$ and thus #in popular favor.C Dong "huo follo#ed this advice, and #ithin that day sent a messenger to offer Buan Shao the governorship of 'ohai. On the first day of the ninth month, the 4mperor #as invited to proceed to the *all of Virtue #here #as a great assembly of officials. There Dong "huo, s#ord in hand, faced the gathering and said, CThe 4mperor is a #ea$ling une ual to the burden of ruling this land. Fo# listen ye to the document I have prepared=C +nd ,i Ru read as follo#s@ CThe dutiful 4mperor ,ing too soon left his people. The emperor is the cynosure of all the people of this land. Hpon the present 4mperor 'ian, *eaven has conferred but small gifts@ In dignity and deportment he is deficient, and in mourning he is remiss. Only the most complete virtue can grace imperial dignity. 4mpress *e has trained him improperly, and the #hole state administration has fallen into confusion. 4mpress Dong died suddenly and no one $ne# #hy. The doctrine of the

three bonds666*eaven, 4arth, and *uman666and the continuity of *eaven and 4arth interdependence have both been in>ured. C'ut ,iu 2ian, 7rince of )henliu, is sage and virtuous beside being of handsome eAterior. *e conforms to all the rules of propriety@ *is mourning is sincere, and his speech is al#ays correct. 4ulogies of him fill the empire. *e is #ell fitted for the great duty of consolidating the rule of *an. CFo# therefore the 4mperor is deposed and created 7rince of *ongnong, and 4mpress *e retires from the administration. CI pray the 7rince of )henliu to accept the throne in conformity #ith the decrees of *eaven and 4arth, the desires of people, and the fulfillment of the hopes of human$ind.C This having been read, Dong "huo bade the officials lead the 4mperor do#n from the throne, remove his seal, and cause him to $neel facing the north, styling himself faithful servant of the Throne and re uesting commands. 1oreover Dong "huo bade 4mpress *e strip off her royal dress of ceremony and a#ait the imperial command. 'oth victims of this oppression #ept bitterly, and every minister present #as deeply affected. One minister put his discontent into #ords, crying, CThe false Dong "huo is the author of this insult, #hich I #ill ris$ my life to #ipe a#ay=C +nd #ith this he rushed at Dong "huo threatening #ith his ivory baton of office. It #as )hair of the Secretariat Ding 8uan. Dong "huo had Ding 8uan removed and summarily put to death. 'efore his death, Ding 8uan ceased not to rail at the oppressor, nor #as he frightened at death. The rebel Dong "huo conceived the foul design To thrust the 5ing aside and #rong his line. !ith folded arms the courtiers stood, save one Ding 8uan, #ho dared to cry that #rong #as done. Then the emperor designate, 7rince of )henliu, #ent to the upper part of the hall to receive congratulations. +fter this the former 4mperor666no# 7rince of *ongnong666, his mother, and the Imperial )onsort, ,ady Tang, #ere removed to the 7alace of 3orever )alm. The entrance gates #ere loc$ed against all comers. It #as pitiful= There #as the young emperor, after reigning less than half a year, deposed and another put in his place. The ne# 4mperor #as ,iu 2ian, the second son of the late 4mperor ,ing. *e #as nine years of age, five years younger than his deposed brother. The ne# reign6style #as changed to Inauguration of Tran uillity, the first year -+D :I/0.

'ecoming the 7rime 1inister, Dong "huo #as most po#erful and arrogant. !hen he bo#ed before the Throne, he did not declare his name. In going to court he did not hasten. 'ooted and armed he entered the reception halls. *e amassed a #ealth eAceeding any other(s. *is adviser, ,i Ru, impressed upon Dong "huo constantly to employ people of reputation so that he should gain public esteem. So #hen they told him )ai Bong #as a man of talent, Dong "huo summoned him. 'ut )ai Bong #ould not go. Dong "huo sent a message to him that if he did not come, he and his #hole clan should be eAterminated. Then )ai Bong gave in and appeared. Dong "huo #as very gracious to him and promoted him thrice in a month. )ai Bong became *igh 1inister. Such #as the generosity of the tyrant. 1ean#hile the deposed ruler, his mother, and his consort #ere immured in the 7alace of 3orever )alm and found their daily supplies gradually diminishing. The deposed 4mperor #ept incessantly. One day a pair of #allo#s gliding to and fro moved him to verse@ CSpring and the green of the tender grass, 3lushes #ith >oy as the s#allo#s pass; The #ayfarers pause by the rippling stream, +nd their eyes #ill ne# born gladness gleam; !ith lingering gaDe the roofs I see Of the 7alace that one time sheltered me. 'ut those #hom I sheltered in all righteousness, ,et(s not stay in silence #hen the days pass uselessGC The messenger, sent by Dong "huo from time to time to the palace for ne#s of the prisoners, got hold of this poem and sho#ed it to his master. CSo he sho#s his resentment by #riting poems, eh= + fair eAcuse to put them all out of the #ay,C said Dong "huo. ,i Ru #as sent #ith ten men into the palace to consummate the deed. The three #ere in one of the upper rooms #hen ,i Ru arrived. The 4mperor shuddered #hen the maid announced the visitor(s name. 7resently ,i Ru entered and offered a cup of poisoned #ine to the 4mperor. The 4mperor as$ed #hat this meant. CSpring is the season of blending and harmonious interchange, and the 7rime 1inister sends a #ine cup of longevity,C said ,i Ru. CIf it be the #ine of longevity, you may share it too,C said 4mpress *e. Then ,i Ru became brutally fran$. CBou #ill not drin$GC as$ed he.

*e called the men #ith daggers and cords and bade the 4mperor loo$ at them. CThe cup, or theseGC said he. Then said ,ady Tang, C,et the handmaid drin$ in place of her lord. Spare the mother and her son, I pray=C C+nd #ho may you be to die for a princeGC said ,i Ru. Then he presented the cup to the 4mpress once more and bade her drin$. She railed against her brother, the fec$less *e 9in, the author of all this trouble. She #ould not drin$. FeAt ,i Ru approached the 4mperor. C,et me say fare#ell to my mother,C begged he, and he did so in these lines@ CThe heaven and earth are changed, +las= the sun and the moon leave their courses, I, once the center of all eyes, am driven to the farthest confines, Oppressed by an arrogant minister my life nears its end, 4verything fails me and vain are my falling tears.C ,ady Tang sang@ C*eaven is to be rent asunder, 4arth to fall a#ay, I, handmaid of an emperor, #ould grieve if I follo#ed him not. !e have come to the parting of #ays, the uic$ and the dead #al$ not together; +las= I am left alone #ith the grief in my heart.C !hen they had sung these lines, they fell #eeping into each others( arms. CThe 7rime 1inister is a#aiting my report,C said ,i Ru, Cand you delay too long. Thin$ you that there is any hope of succorGC The 4mpress bro$e into another fit of railing, CThe rebel forces us to death, mother and son, and *eaven has abandoned us. 'ut you, the tool of his crime, #ill assuredly perish=C Thereupon ,i Ru gre# more angry, laid hands on the 4mpress and thre# her out of the #indo#. Then he bade the soldiers strangle ,ady Tang and forced the lad to s#allo# the #ine of death. ,i Ru reported the achievement to his master #ho bade them bury the victims #ithout the city. +fter this Dong "huo(s behavior #as more atrocious than before. *e spent his nights in the 7alace, defiled the imperial concubines there, and even slept on the Dragon )ouch.

Once he led his soldiers out of the city to Bangcheng #hen the villagers, men and #omen, #ere assembled from all sides for the annual spring festival. *is troops surrounded the place and plundered it. They too$ a#ay booty by the cart loads, and #omen prisoners and more than one thousand severed heads. The procession returned to )apital ,uoyang and published a story that they had obtained a great victory over some rebels. They burned the heads beneath the #alls, and the #omen and >e#elry #ere shared out among the soldiers. + general named !u 3u #as disgusted at this ferocity and sought a chance to slay Dong "huo. !u 3u constantly #ore a breastplate underneath his court dress and carried in conceal a sharp dagger. One day #hen Dong "huo came to court, !u 3u met him on the steps and tried to stab him. 'ut Dong "huo #as a very po#erful man and held !u 3u off till ,u 'u came to his help. ,u 'u struc$ do#n the assailant. C!ho told you to rebelGC said Dong "huo. !u 3u glared at him and cried, CBou are not my prince, I am not your minister@ !here is the rebellionG Bour crimes fill the heavens, and every person #ould slay you. I am sorry I cannot tear you asunder #ith chariots to appease the #rath of the #orld=C Dong "huo bade the guards ta$e him out and hac$ him to pieces. !u 3u only ceased railing as he ceased to live. That loyal servant of the latter days of *an. *is valor #as high as the heavens, in all ages une ualed; In the court itself #ould he slay the rebel, great is his fame= Throughout all time #ill people call him a hero. Thereafter Dong "huo al#ays #ent #ell guarded. +t 'ohai, Buan Shao heard of Dong "huo(s misuse of po#er and sent a secret letter to 1inister of the Interior !ang Bun@ CThat rebel Dong "huo outrages *eaven and has deposed his ruler. )ommon people dare not spea$ of him@ That is understandable. Bet you suffer his aggressions as if you $ne# naught of them. *o# then are you a dutiful and loyal ministerG I have assembled an army and desire to s#eep clean the royal habitation, but I dare not lightly begin the tas$. If you are #illing, then find an opportunity to plot against this man. If you #ould use force, I am at your command.C The letter arrived but !ang Bun could see no chance to plot against Dong "huo. One day #hile among the throng in attendance, mostly people of long service, !ang Bun said to his colleagues, CThis is my birthday, I pray you come to a little party in my humble cot this evening.C C!e certainly #ill,C they cried, Cand #ish you long life.C

That night the tables #ere spread in an inner room, and his friends gathered there. !hen the #ine had made a fe# rounds, the host suddenly covered his face and began to #eep. The guests #ere aghast. CSir, on your birthday too, #hy do you #eepGC said they. CIt is not my birthday,C replied !ang Bun. C'ut I #ished to call you together, and I feared lest Dong "huo should suspect, so I made that the eAcuse. This man insults the 4mperor and does as he #ishes so that the imperial prerogatives are in imminent peril. I thin$ of the days #hen our illustrious founder destroyed the &in, annihilated )hu, and obtained the empire. !ho could have foreseen this day #hen that Dong "huo has sub>ugated all to his #illG That is #hy I #eep.C Then they all #ept #ith him. Seated among the guests, ho#ever, #as )ao )ao, #ho did not >oin in the #eeping but clapped his hands and laughed aloud. CIf all the officers of the government #eep till da#n, and from da#n #eep till dar$, #ill that slay Dong "huoGC said )ao )ao. !ang Bun turned on him angrily. CBour forbears ate the bounty of the *ans. Do you feel no gratitudeG Bou can laughGC CI laughed at the absurdity of an assembly li$e this being unable to compass the death of one man. 3oolish and incapable as I am, I #ill cut off his head and hang it at the gate as an offering to the people.C !ang Bun left his seat and #ent over to )ao )ao. CThese later days,C )ao )ao continued, CI have bo#ed my head to Dong "huo #ith the sole desire of finding a chance to destroy him. Fo# he begins to trust me, and so I can approach him sometimes. Bou have a s#ord #ith seven precious >e#els #hich I #ould borro#, and I #ill go into his palace and $ill him. I care not if I die for it.C C!hat good fortune for the #orld that this is so=C said !ang Bun. !ith this !ang Bun himself poured out a goblet for )ao )ao #ho drained it and s#ore an oath. +fter this the treasured s#ord #as brought out and given to )ao )ao #ho hid it under his dress. *e finished his #ine, too$ leave of the guests, and left the hall. 'efore long the others dispersed. The neAt day )ao )ao, #ith this short s#ord girded on, came to the palace of the 7rime 1inister. C!here is the 7rime 1inisterGC as$ed he.

CIn the small guest room,C replied the attendants. So )ao )ao #ent in and found his host seated on a couch. ,u 'u #as at his side. C!hy so late, )ao )aoGC said Dong "huo. C1y horse is out of condition and slo#,C replied )ao )ao. Dong "huo turned to his henchman ,u 'u. CSome good horses have come in from the #est. Bou go and pic$ out a good one as a present for him.C +nd ,u 'u left. CThis traitor is doomed=C thought )ao )ao. *e ought to have struc$ then, but )ao )ao $ne# Dong "huo #as very po#erful, and he #as afraid to act. *e #anted to ma$e sure of his blo#. Fo# Dong "huo(s corpulence #as such that he could not remain long sitting, so he rolled over couch and lay face in#ards. CFo# is the time,C thought the assassin, and he gripped the good s#ord firmly. 'ut >ust as )ao )ao #as going to stri$e, Dong "huo happened to loo$ up and in a mirror he sa# the reflection of )ao )ao behind him #ith a s#ord in the hand. C!hat are you doing, )ao )aoGC said Dong "huo turning suddenly. +nd at that moment ,u 'u came along leading a horse. )ao )ao in a flurry dropped on his $nees and said, CI have a precious s#ord here #hich I #ish to present to Bour 'enevolence.C Dong "huo too$ it. It #as a fine blade, over a foot in length, inlaid #ith the seven precious signs and very $een666a fine s#ord in very truth. Dong "huo handed the #eapon to ,u 'u #hile )ao )ao too$ off the sheath #hich he also gave to ,u 'u. Then they #ent out to loo$ at the horse. )ao )ao #as profuse in his than$s and said he #ould li$e to try the horse. So Dong "huo bade the guards bring saddle and bridle. )ao )ao led the creature outside, leapt into the saddle, laid on his #hip vigorously, and galloped a#ay east#ard. ,u 'u said, C9ust as I #as coming up, it seemed to me as if that fello# #as going to stab you, only a sudden panic seiDed him and he presented the #eapon instead.C CI suspected him too=C said Dong "huo.

9ust then ,i Ru came in and they told him. C)ao )ao has no family here in the capital but lodges uite alone and not far a#ay,C said ,i Ru. CSend for him. If he comes forth#ith, the s#ord #as meant as a gift. 'ut if he ma$es any eAcuses, he had bad intentions. +nd you can arrest him.C They sent four prison #arders to call )ao )ao. They #ere absent a long time and then came bac$, saying, C)ao )ao had not returned to his lodging but rode in hot haste out of the eastern gate. To the gate commander(s uestions he replied that he #as on a special message for the 7rime 1inister. *e #ent off at full speed.C C*is conscience pric$ed him and so he fled. There is no doubt that he meant assassination=C said ,i Ru. C+nd I trusted him so #ell=C said Dong "huo in a rage. CThere must be a conspiracy afoot. !hen #e catch him, #e shall $no# all about it,C said ,i Ru. ,etters and pictures of the fugitive )ao )ao #ere sent every#here #ith orders to catch him. + large re#ard in money #as offered and a patent of nobility, #hile those #ho sheltered him #ould be held to share his guilt. )ao )ao traveled in hot haste to#ard &iao, his home county. On the road at "hongmou, he #as recogniDed by the guards at the gate and made prisoner. They too$ him to the 1agistrate. )ao )ao declared he #as a merchant, named *uang 3u. The 1agistrate scanned his face most closely and remained in deep thought. 7resently the 1agistrate said, C!hen I #as at the capital see$ing a post, I $ne# you as )ao )ao. !hy do you try to conceal your identityGC The 1agistrate ordered )ao )ao to the prison till the morro# #hen he could send )ao )ao to the capital and claim the re#ard. *e gave the soldiers #ine and food as a re#ard. +bout midnight the 1agistrate sent a trusty servant to bring the prisoner into his private rooms for interrogation. CThey say the 7rime 1inister treated you #ell. !hy did you try to harm himGC said 1agistrate. C*o# can s#allo#s and sparro#s understand the flight of the crane and the #ild gooseG I am your prisoner and to be sent to the capital for a re#ard. !hy so many uestionsGC The 1agistrate sent a#ay the attendants and turning to the prisoner said, CDo not despise me. I am no mere hireling; only I have not yet found the lord to serve.C

Said )ao )ao, C1y ancestors en>oyed the bounty of *an, and should I differ from a bird or a beast if I did not desire to repay them #ith gratitudeG I have bo#ed the $nee to Dong "huo that thereby I might find an opportunity against him, and so remove this evil from the state. I have failed for this time. Such is the #ill of *eaven.C C+nd #here are you goingGC C*ome to my county. Thence I shall issue a summons calling all the bold people to come #ith forces to $ill the tyrant. This is my desire.C Thereupon the 1agistrate himself loosened the bonds of the prisoner, led him to the upper seat, and bo#ed, saying, CI am called )hen 8ong. 1y aged mother and family are in the east county of Dong>un. I am deeply affected by your loyalty and uprightness, and I #ill abandon my office and follo# you=C )ao )ao #as delighted #ith this turn of affairs. )hen 8ong at once collected some money for the eApenses of their >ourney and gave )ao )ao a different dress. Then each too$ a s#ord and rode a#ay to#ard &iao. Three days later at eventide they reached )henggao. )ao )ao pointed #ith his #hip to a hamlet deep in the #oods and said, CThere lives my uncle, ,u 'oshe, a s#orn6brother of my father. Suppose #e go and as$ ne#s of my family and see$ shelter for the nightGC C4Acellent=C said his companion )hen 8ong, and they rode over, dismounted at the farm gate and entered. ,u 'oshe greeted them and said to )ao )ao, CI hear the government has sent stringent orders on all sides to arrest you. Bour father has gone into hiding to )henliu. *o# has this all come aboutGC )ao )ao told him and said, C*ad it not been for this man here #ith me, I should have been already hac$ed to pieces.C ,u 'oshe bo#ed lo# to )hen 8ong, saying, CBou are the salvation of the )ao family. 'ut be at ease and rest, I #ill find you a bed in my humble cottage.C ,u 'oshe then rose and #ent into the inner chamber #here he stayed a long time. !hen he came out, he said, CThere is no good #ine in the house. I am going over to the village to get some for you.C +nd he hastily mounted his don$ey and rode a#ay. The t#o travelers sat a long time. Suddenly they heard at the bac$ of the house the sound of sharpening a $nife. )ao )ao said to )hen 8ong, C*e is not my real uncle. I am beginning to doubt the meaning of his going off. ,et us listen.C

So they silently stepped out into a stra# hut at the bac$. 7resently someone said, C'ind before $illing, ehGC C+s I thought,C said )ao )ao. CFo# unless #e stri$e first, #e shall be ta$en=C Suddenly )ao )ao and )hen 8ong dashed in, s#ord in hand, and sle# the #hole household male and female, in all eight persons. +fter this they searched the house. In the $itchen they found a pig bound ready to $ill. CBou #ere too suspicious,C said )hen 8ong, Cand #e have slain honest fol$s=C )ao )ao and )hen 8ong at once mounted and rode a#ay. Soon they met their host ,u 'oshe coming home, and over the saddle in front of him they sa# t#o vessels of #ine. In his hands he carried fruits and vegetables. C!hy are you going, SirsGC ,u 'oshe called to them. C!anted people dare not linger,C said )ao )ao. C'ut I have bidden them $ill a pig= !hy do you refuse my poor hospitalityG I pray you ride bac$ #ith me.C )ao )ao paid no heed, urging his horse for#ard. 'ut he suddenly dre# his s#ord and rode bac$ after ,u 'oshe. C!ho is that coming alongGC called )ao )ao. ,u 'oshe turned and loo$ed bac$, and )ao )ao at the same instant cut ,u 'oshe do#n. )hen 8ong #as frightened. C!e #ere #rong enough before,C cried )hen 8ong. C!hat no# is thisGC C!hen he got home and sa# his family $illed, thin$ you he #ould bear it patientlyG If he had raised an alarm and follo#ed us, #e should have been $illed.C CTo $ill deliberately is very #rong,C said )hen 8ong. CRather #e let do#n the #orld than the #orld let us do#n=C #as the reply.% )hen 8ong only thought. They rode on some distance by moonlight and presently $noc$ed up an inn for shelter. *aving first fed their horses, )ao )ao #as soon asleep, but )hen 8ong lay thin$ing.

CI too$ him for a true man and left all to follo# him, but he is as cruel as a #olf. If I spare him, he #ill do more harm later,C thought )hen 8ong. +nd )hen 8ong rose intending to $ill his companion. In his heart lie cruelty and venom, he is no true man; In nought does he differ from his enemy Dong "huo. The further fortunes of )ao )ao #ill be told in later chapters. Chapter 2 Cao Cao 1ppea#s To The Power!&# -ords; The Three Brothers Fight 1gainst -& B&' +t the close of the last chapter, )hen 8ong #as about to slay )ao )ao. 'ut )hen 8ong reflected, CI >oined him to do righteous things. Fo# if I $illed him, I #ould only do unrighteousness, and the people #ould condemn me. I rather leave in silence.C Rising from his bed before the sunrise, )hen 8ong mounted his horse and rode a#ay east#ard to his home county of Dong>un. )ao )ao a#o$e #ith the day and missed his companion. Thought he, C)hen 8ong thin$s me brutal because of a couple of egoistic phrases I used, and so he has gone. I ought to push on too and not linger here.C So )ao )ao traveled as uic$ly as possible to#ard &iao. !hen he sa# his father, he related #hat had happened and said he #anted to dispose of all the family property and enlist soldiers #ith the money. COur possessions are but small,C said his father, Cand not enough to do anything #ith. *o#ever, there is a graduate here, one !ei *ong, careless of #ealth but careful of virtue, #hose family is very rich. !ith his help #e might hope for success.C + feast #as prepared, and !ei *ong #as invited. )ao )ao made him a speech@ CThe *ans have lost their lordship, and Dong "huo is really a tyrant. *e flouts his prince and is cruel to the people, #ho gnash their teeth #ith rage. I #ould restore the *ans, but my means are insufficient. Sir, I appeal to your loyalty and public spirit.C !ei *ong replied, CI have long desired this but, so far, have not found a person fit to underta$e the tas$. Since you, )ao )ao, have so noble a desire, I #illingly devote all my property to the cause.C This #as >oyful ne#s, and the call to arms #as forth#ith prepared and sent far and near. So they established a corps of volunteers and set up a large #hite recruiting banner #ith the #ords ,oyalty

and *onor inscribed thereon. The response #as rapid, and volunteers came in li$e rain drops in number. One day came a certain Bue 9ing from Bangping and another ,i Dian from 9ulu. These t#o #ere appointed to )ao )ao(s personal staff. +nother #as one 2iahou Dun from &iao. *e #as descended from 2iahou Bing% of old. 2iahou Dun had been trained from his early boyhood to use the spear and the club. !hen only fourteen he had been attached to a certain master6in6arms. One day one person spo$e disrespectfully of his master, and 2iahou Dun $illed that person. 3or this deed, ho#ever, he had to flee and had been an eAile for some time. Fo# he came to offer his services, accompanied by his cousin 2iahou Buan. 4ach brought a thousand trained soldiers. Really these t#o #ere brothers of )ao )ao by birth, since )ao )ao(s father #as originally of the 2iahou family, and had only been adopted into the )ao family. + fe# days later came )ao )ao(s t#o cousins, )ao Ren and )ao *ong, each #ith one thousand follo#ers. These t#o #ere accomplished horsemen and trained in the use of arms. Then drill began, and !ei *ong spent his treasure freely in buying clothing, armor, flags, and banners. 3rom all sides poured in gifts of grain. !hen Buan Shao received )ao )ao(s call to arms, he collected all those under his command to the number of thirty thousand. Then he marched from 'ohai to &iao to ta$e the oath to )ao )ao. FeAt a manifesto #as issued@ C)ao )ao and his associates, moved by a sense of duty, no# ma$e this proclamation. Dong "huo defies *eaven and 4arth. *e is destroying the state and in>uring his prince. *e pollutes the 7alace and oppresses the people. *e is vicious and cruel. *is crimes are heaped up. Fo# #e have received a secret command to call up soldiers, and #e are pledged to cleanse the empire and destroy the evil6doers. !e #ill raise a volunteer army and eAert all our efforts to maintain the dynasty and succor the people. Respond to this, O Fobles, by mustering your soldiers.C 1any from every side ans#ered the summons as the follo#ing list sho#s@ :. 8overnor of Fanyang666Buan Shu .. Imperial 7rotector of 9iDhou Region666*an 3u J. Imperial 7rotector of BuDhou Region6665ong "hou E. Imperial 7rotector of BanDhou Region666,iu Dai K. 8overnor of *enei666!ang 5uang ;. 8overnor of )henliu666"hang 1iao ?. 8overnor of Dong>un666&iao 1ao <. 8overnor of Shanyang666Buan Bi I. ,ord of 9ibei666'ao 2in :/. 8overnor of 'eihai6665ong Rong ::. 8overnor of 8uangling 666"hang )hao :.. Imperial 7rotector of 2uDhou Region666Tao &ian

:J. 8overnor of 2iliang6661a Teng :E. 8overnor of 'eiping6668ongsun "an :K. 8overnor of Shangdang666"hang Bang :;. 8overnor of )hangsha666Sun 9ian :?. 8overnor of 'ohai666Buan Shao These contingents varied in siDe, from ten thousand to thirty thousand, but each #as complete in itself #ith its officers, civil and military, and battle6leaders. They #ere heading for )apital ,uoyang. The 8overnor of 'eiping, 8ongsun "an, #hile on his #ay #ith his force of fifteen thousand, passed through the county of 7ingyuan. There he sa# among the mulberry trees a yello# flag under #hich marched a small company. !hen they dre# nearer, he sa# the leader #as ,iu 'ei. C8ood brother, #hat do you hereGC as$ed 8ongsun "an. CBou #ere $ind to me once, and on your recommendation I #as made the magistrate of this county. I heard you #ere passing through and came to salute you. 1ay I pray you, my elder brother, enter into the city and rest your steedGC C!ho are these t#oGC said 8ongsun "an, pointing to ,iu 'ei(s brothers. CThese are 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei, my s#orn brothers.C C!ere they fighting #ith you against the Bello# ScarvesGC as$ed 8ongsun "an. C+ll my success #as due to their efforts,C said ,iu 'ei. C+nd #hat offices do they fillGC C8uan Bu is a mounted archer; "hang 3ei is a foot archer.C CThus are able people buried=C said 8ongsun "an, sighing. Then he continued. C+ll the highest in the land are no# going to destroy the rebellious Dong "huo. 1y brother, you #ould do better to abandon this petty place and >oin us in restoring the *ouse of *an. !hy notGC CI should li$e to go,C said ,iu 'ei. CIf you had let me $ill him that other time, you #ould not have this trouble today,C said "hang 3ei to ,iu 'ei and 8uan Bu. CSince things are so, let us pac$ and go,C said 8uan Bu. So #ithout more ado, the three brothers, #ith a fe# horsemen, >oined 8ongsun "an and marched #ith him to >oin the great army.

One after another the feudal lords came up and encamped. Their camps eAtended over seventy miles and more. !hen all had arrived, )ao )ao, as the head, prepared sacrificial bulloc$s and horses and called all the lords to a great assembly to decide upon their plan of attac$. Then spo$e the 8overnor of *enei, !ang 5uang, C!e have been moved by a noble sense of right to assemble here. Fo# must #e first choose a chief and bind ourselves to obedience.C Then said )ao )ao, C3or four generations the highest offices of state have been filled by members of the Buan family, and their clients and supporters are every#here. +s a descendant of ancient ministers of *an, Buan Shao is a suitable man to be our chief lord.C Buan Shao again and again declined this honor. 'ut they all said, CIt must be he= There is no other=C +nd then he agreed. So the neAt day a three6story altar #as built, and they planted about it the banners of all parties in five directions of space. +nd they set up #hite ya$s( tails and golden aAes and emblems of military authority and the seals of leadership round about. +ll being ready, the chief lord #as invited to ascend the altar. )lad in ceremonial robes and girded #ith a s#ord, Buan Shao reverently ascended. There he burned incense, made obeisance and recited the oath@ CThe *ouse of *an has fallen upon evil days, the bands of imperial authority are loosened. The rebel minister, Dong "huo, ta$es advantage of the discord to #or$ evil, and calamity falls upon honorable families. )ruelty over#helms simple fol$s. !e, Buan Shao and his confederates, fearing for the safety of the imperial prerogatives, have assembled military forces to rescue the state. !e no# pledge ourselves to eAert our #hole strength and act in concord to the utmost limit of our po#ers. There must be no disconcerted or selfish action. Should any depart from this pledge, may he lose his life and leave no posterity. +lmighty *eaven and Hniversal 4arth and the enlightened spirits of our forebears, be ye our #itnesses=C The reading finished, Buan Shao smeared the blood of the sacrifice upon his lips and upon the lips of those #ho shared the pledge. +ll #ere deeply affected by the ceremony and many shed tears. This done, the chief lord #as supported do#n from the high place and led to his tent, #here he too$ the highest place and the others arranged themselves according to ran$ and age. *ere #ine #as served. 7resently )ao )ao said, CIt behooves us all to obey the chief #e have this day set up, and support the state. There must be no feeling of rivalry or superiority based upon numbers.C

Buan Shao replied, CHn#orthy as I am, yet as elected chief I must impartially re#ard merit and punish offenses. ,et each see to it that he obeys the national la#s and the army precepts. These must not be bro$en.C COnly thy commands are to be obeyed=C cried all. Then Buan Shao said, C1y brother, Buan Shu, is appointed )hief of the )ommissariat. *e must see to it that the #hole camp is #ell supplied. 'ut the need of the moment is a van leader #ho shall go to River Si 7ass and provo$e a battle. The other forces must ta$e up strategic positions in support.C Then the 8overnor of )hangsha, Sun 9ian, offered himself for this service. CBou are valiant and fierce, and e ual to this service=C said Buan Shao. The force under Sun 9ian set out and presently came to River Si 7ass. The guard there sent a s#ift rider to the capital to announce to the 7rime 1inister the urgency of the situation. 4ver since Dong "huo had secured his position, he had given himself up to luAury #ithout stint. !hen the urgent ne#s reached +dviser ,i Ru, he at once #ent to his master, #ho much alarmed called a great council. ,u 'u stood forth and said, CDo not fear, my father. I loo$ upon all the lords beyond the 7ass as so much stubble. +nd #ith the #arriors of our fierce army, I #ill put everyone of them to death and hang their heads at the gates of the capital=C C!ith your aid I can sleep secure=C said Dong "huo. 'ut someone behind ,u 'u bro$e in upon his speech, saying, C+n oA6cleaver to $ill a chic$en= There is no need for the 8eneral to go@ I #ill cut off their heads as easily as I #ould ta$e a thing out of my poc$et=C Dong "huo loo$ed up and his eyes rested on a stal#art man of fierce mien, lithe and supple as a beast. *e had round head li$e a leopard and shoulders li$e an ape(s. *is name #as *ua 2iong of 8uanAi. Dong "huo re>oiced at *ua 2iong(s bold #ords and at once appointed him )ommander of the Valiant )avalry and gave him fifty thousand of horse and foot. *ua 2iong and three other generals666,i Su, *u "hen, and "hao )en666hastily moved to#ard River Si 7ass. +mong the feudal lords, 'ao 2in, the ,ord of 9ibei, #as >ealous lest the chosen Van ,eader Sun 9ian should #in too great honors. !herefore 'ao 2in endeavored to meet the foe first, and so he secretly dispatched his brother, 'ao "hong, #ith three thousand by a bye road. +s soon as this small force reached the 7ass, they offered battle. 3ast reacting, *ua 2iong at the head of five hundred armored horsemen s#ept do#n from the 7ass, crying, C3lee not, rebel=C

'ut 'ao "hong #as afraid and turned bac$. *ua 2iong came on, his arm rose, the s#ord fell, and 'ao "hong #as cut do#n from his horse. 1ost of 'ao "hong(s company #ere captured. 'ao "hong(s head #as sent to the 7rime 1inister(s palace. *ua 2iong #as promoted to )ommander in )hief. Sun 9ian presently approached the 7ass. *e had four generals@ )heng 7u of Tuyin #hose #eapon #as an iron6spined lance #ith sna$e6headed blade; *uang 8ai of ,ingling #ho #ielded an iron #hip; *an Dang of ,ingDhi using a heavy saber; and "u 1ao of !u>un #ho fought #ith a pair of s#ords. )ommander Sun 9ian #ore a helmet of fine silver #rapped round #ith a purple turban. *e carried across his body his s#ord of ancient ingot iron and rode a dappled horse #ith flo#ing mane. Sun 9ian advanced to the 7ass and hailed the defenders, crying, C*elpers of a villain= 'e uic$ to surrender=C *ua 2iong bade *u "hen lead five thousand out against Sun 9ian. )heng 7u #ith the sna$y lance rode out from Sun 9ian(s side and engaged. +fter a very fe# bouts, )heng 7u $illed *u "hen on the spot by a thrust through the throat. Then Sun 9ian gave the signal for the main army to advance. 'ut from the 7ass, *ua 2iong(s troops rained do#n sho#ers of stones, #hich proved too much for the assailants, and they retired into camp at ,iangdong. Sun 9ian sent the report of victory to Buan Shao. Sun 9ian also sent an urgent message for supplies to the commissary. 'ut a counselor said to the )ontroller Buan Shu, CThis Sun 9ian is a very tiger in the east. Should he ta$e the capital and destroy Dong "huo, #e should have a tiger in place of a #olf. Do not send him grain. Starve his troops, and that #ill decide the fate of that army.C +nd Buan Shu gave ears to the detractor and sent no grain or forage. Soon Sun 9ian(s hungry soldiers sho#ed their disaffection by indiscipline, and the spies bore the ne#s to the defenders of the 7ass. ,i Ru made a plot #ith *ua 2iong, saying, C!e #ill launch tonight a speedy attac$ against Sun 9ian in front and rear so that #e can capture him.C *ua 2iong agreed and prepared for the attac$. So the soldiers of the attac$ing force #ere told off and given a full meal. +t dar$ they left the 7ass and crept by secret paths to the rear of Sun 9ian(s camp. The moon #as bright and the #ind cool. They arrived about midnight and the drums beat an immediate attac$. Sun 9ian hastily donned his fighting gear and rode out. *e ran straight into *ua 2iong and the t#o #arriors engaged. 'ut before they had eAchanged many passes, ,i Ru(s army came up from behind and set fire to #hatever #ould burn. Sun 9ian(s army #ere thro#n into confusion and fled in disorder. + melee ensued, and soon only "u 1ao #as left at Sun 9ian(s side. These t#o bro$e through the 7ass and fled. *ua 2iong coming

in hot pursuit, Sun 9ian too$ his bo# and let fly t#o arro#s in uic$ succession, but both missed. *e fitted a third arro# to the string, but dre# the bo# so fiercely that it snapped. *e cast the bo# to the earth and set off at full gallop. Then spo$e "u 1ao, C1y lord(s purple turban is a mar$ that the rebels #ill too easily recogniDe. 8ive it to me, and I #ill #ear it=C So Sun 9ian eAchanged his silver helmet #ith the turban for his general(s headpiece, and the t#o men parted, riding different #ays. The pursuers loo$ing only for the purple turban #ent after its #earer, and Sun 9ian escaped along a by6road. "u 1ao, hotly pursued, then tore off the headdress #hich he hung on the post of a half6burned house as he passed and dashed into the thic$ #oods. *ua 2iong(s troops seeing the purple turban standing motionless dared not approach, but they surrounded it on every side and shot at it #ith arro#s. 7resently they discovered the tric$, #ent up and seiDed it. This #as the moment that "u 1ao a#aited. +t once he rushed forth, his t#o s#ords #hirling about, and dashed at the leader. 'ut *ua 2iong #as too uic$. !ith a loud yell, *ua 2iong slashed at "u 1ao and cut him do#n the horse. *ua 2iong and ,i Ru continued the slaughter till the day bro$e, and they led their troops bac$ to the 7ass. )heng 7u, *uang 8ai, and *an Dang in time found their chief and the soldiers gathered. Sun 9ian #as much grieved at the loss of "u 1ao. !hen ne#s of the disaster reached Buan Shao, he #as greatly chagrined and called all the lords to a council. They assembled and 8ongsun "an #as the last to arrive. !hen all #ere seated in the tent Buan Shao said, CThe brother of 8eneral 'ao 2in, disobeying the rules #e made for our guidance, rashly #ent to attac$ the enemy@ *e #as slain and #ith him many of our soldiers. Fo# Sun 9ian has been defeated. Thus our fighting spirit has suffered and #hat is to be doneGC 4veryone #as silent. ,ifting his eyes, Buan Shao loo$ed round from one to another till he came to 8ongsun "an, and then he remar$ed three men #ho stood behind 8ongsun "an(s seat. They #ere of stri$ing appearance as they stood there, all three smiling cynically. C!ho are those men behind youGC said Buan Shao. 8ongsun "an told ,iu 'ei to come for#ard, and said, CThis is ,iu 'ei, 1agistrate of 7ingyuan and a brother of mine #ho shared my humble cottage #hen #e #ere students.C CIt must be the ,iu 'ei #ho bro$e up the Bello# Scarves rebellion,C said )ao )ao. CIt is he,C said 8ongsun "an, and he ordered ,iu 'ei to ma$e his obeisance to the assembly, to #hom ,iu 'ei then related his services and his origin, all in full detail.

CSince he is of the *an line, he should be seated,C said Buan Shao, and he bade ,iu 'ei sit. ,iu 'ei modestly than$ed him, declining. Said Buan Shao, CThis consideration is not for your fame and office. I respect you as a scion of the imperial family.C So ,iu 'ei too$ his seat in the lo#est place of the long line of lords. +nd his t#o brothers #ith folded arms too$ their stations behind him. 4ven as they #ere at this meeting came in a scout to say that *ua 2iong #ith a company of mail6 clad horsemen #as coming do#n from the 7ass. They #ere flaunting Sun 9ian(s captured purple turban on the end of a bamboo pole. The enemy #as soon hurling insults at those #ithin the stoc$ade and challenging them to fight. C!ho dares go out to give battleGC said Buan Shao. CI #ill go,C said Bu She, a reno#n general of Buan Shu, stepping for#ard. So Bu She #ent, and almost immediately one came bac$ to say that Bu She had fallen in the third bout of *ua 2iong. 3ear began to lay its cold hand on the assembly. Then Imperial 7rotector *an 3u said, CI have a brave #arrior among my army. 7an 3eng is his name, and he could slay this *ua 2iong.C So 7an 3eng #as ordered out to meet the foe. !ith his great battle6aA in his hand, 7an 3eng mounted and rode forth. 'ut soon came the direful tidings that 8eneral 7an 3eng too had fallen. The faces of the gathering paled at this. C!hat a pity my t#o able generals, Ban ,iang and !en )hou, are not here= Then should #e have someone #ho #ould not fear this *ua 2iong,C said Buan Shao. *e had not finished #hen from the lo#er end a voice tolled, CI #ill go, ta$e *ua 2iong(s head, and lay it before you here=C +ll turned to loo$ at the spea$er. *e #as tall and had a long beard. *is eyes #ere those of a phoeniA and his eyebro#s thic$ and bushy li$e sil$#orms. *is face #as a s#arthy red and his voice deep as the sound of a great bell. C!ho is heGC as$ed Buan Shao. 8ongsun "an told them it #as 8uan Bu, brother of ,iu 'ei.

C+nd #hat is heGC as$ed Buan Shao. C*e is in the train of ,iu 'ei as a mounted archer.C C!hat= +n insult to us all=C roared Buan Shu from his place. C*ave #e no leaderG *o# dare an archer spea$ thus before usG ,et us beat him forth=C 'ut )ao )ao intervened. C7eace, O Buan Shu= Since this man spea$s great #ords, he is certainly valiant. ,et him try. If he fails, then #e may reproach him.C C*ua 2iong #ill laugh at us if #e send a mere archer to fight him,C said Buan Shao. CThis man loo$s no common person. +nd ho# can the enemy $no# he is but a bo#manGC said )ao )ao. CIf I fail, then can you ta$e my head,C spo$e 8uan Bu. )ao )ao bade them heat some #ine and offered a cup to 8uan Bu as he #ent out. C7our it out,C said 8uan Bu. CI shall return in a little space.C 8uan Bu #ent #ith his #eapon in his hand and vaulted into the saddle. Those in the tent heard the fierce roll of the drums and then a mighty sound as if s$ies #ere falling and earth rising, hills trembling and mountains tearing asunder. +nd they #ere sore afraid. +nd #hile they #ere listening #ith ears intent, lo= the gentle tin$le of horse bells, and 8uan Bu returned, thro#ing at their feet the head of the slain leader, their enemy *ua 2iong. The #ine #as still #arm= This doughty deed has been celebrated in verse@ The po#er of the man stands first in all the #orld, +t the gate of the camp #as heard the rolling of the battle drums; Then 8uan Bu set aside the #ine cup till he should have displayed his valor, +nd the #ine #as still #arm #hen *ua 2iong had been slain. )ao )ao #as greatly eAcited at this success. 'ut "hang 3ei(s voice #as heard, shouting, C1y brother has slain *ua 2iong. !hat are #e #aiting forG !hy not brea$ through the 7ass and seiDe Dong "huoG )ould there have been a better timeGC +gain arose the angry voice of Buan Shu, C!e high officials are too mee$ and yielding. *ere is the petty follo#er of a small magistrate daring to flaunt his pro#ess before us= 4Apel him from the tent, I say.C

'ut again )ao )ao interposed, CShall #e consider the station of him #ho has done a great serviceGC CIf you hold a mere magistrate in such honor, then I simply #ithdra#,C said Buan Shu. CIs a #ord enough to defeat a grand enterpriseGC said )ao )ao. Then he told 8ongsun "an to lead the three brothers bac$ to their o#n camp, and the other chiefs then dispersed. That night )ao )ao secretly sent presents of meat and #ine to soothe the three after this adventure. !hen *ua 2iong(s troops straggled bac$ and told the story of defeat and death, ,i Ru #as greatly distressed. *e #rote urgent letters to his master #ho called in his trusted advisers to a council. ,i Ru summed up the situation, saying, C!e have lost our best leader, and the rebel po#er has thereby become very great. Buan Shao is at the head of this confederacy, and his uncle, Buan !ei, is holder of the office of Imperial 8uardianship. If those in the capital combine #ith those in the country, #e may suffer. Therefore #e must remove them. So I re uest you, Sir 7rime 1inister, to place yourself at the head of your army and brea$ this confederation.C Dong "huo agreed and at once ordered his t#o generals, ,i 9ue and 8uo Si, to ta$e five hundred troops and surround the residence of Imperial 8uardian Buan !ei, slay every soul regardless of age, and hang the head of Buan !ei outside the gate as trophy. +nd Dong "huo commanded t#o hundred thousand troops to advance in t#o armies. The first fifty thousand #ere under ,i 9ue and 8uo Si, and they #ere to hold River Si 7ass. They should not necessarily fight. The other one hundred fifty thousand under Dong "huo himself #ent to Tiger Trap 7ass. *is counselors and commanders666,i Ru, ,u 'u, 3an )hou, "hang 9i, and others666marched #ith the main army. Tiger Trap 7ass is fifteen miles from )apital ,uoyang. +s soon as they arrived, Dong "huo bade ,u 'u ta$e thirty thousand soldiers and ma$e a strong stoc$ade on the outside of the 7ass. The main body #ith Dong "huo #ould occupy the 7ass. Fe#s of this movement reaching the confederate lords. Buan Shao summoned a council. Said )ao )ao, CThe occupation of the 7ass #ould cut our armies in t#o; therefore, #e must oppose Dong "huo(s army on the #ay.C So eight of the commanders666!ang 5uang, &iao 1ao, 'ao 2in, Buan Bi, 5ong Rong, "hang Bang, Tao &ian, and 8ongsun "an666#ere ordered to go in the direction of the Tiger Trap 7ass to oppose their enemy. )ao )ao and his troops moved among them as reserve to render help #here needed. Of the eight, !ang 5uang, the 8overnor of *enei, #as the first to arrive, and ,u 'u #ent to give battle #ith three thousand armored horsemen. !hen !ang 5uang had ordered his army, horse and foot, in battle array, he too$ his station under the great banner and loo$ed over at his foe.

,u 'u #as a conspicuous figure in front of the line. On his head #as a triple curved headdress of ruddy gold #ith pheasant tails. *e #ore a #arring velvet6red robe of 2ichuan sil$ embroidered #ith thousand flo#ers, #hich #as overlapped by golden mail adorned #ith a gaping animal(s head, >oined by rings at the sides and girt to his #aist #ith a belt fastened by a beautiful lion6head clasp. *is bo# and arro#s #ere slung on his shoulders, and he carried a long heavy trident halberd. *e #as seated on his snorting steed Red *are. Indeed ,u 'u #as the man among humans, as Red *are #as the horse among horses. C!ho dares go out to fight himGC as$ed !ang 5uang turning to those behind him. In response a valiant general from *enei named 3ang Bue spurred to the front, his spear set ready for battle. ,u 'u and 3ang Bue met@ 'efore the fifth bout 3ang Bue fell under a thrust of the trident halberd, and ,u 'u dashed for#ard. !ang 5uang(s troops could not stand and scattered in all directions. ,u 'u #ent to and fro slaying all he met. *e #as irresistible. ,uc$ily, t#o other troops led by &iao 1ao and Buan Bi came up and rescued the #ounded !ang 5uang, and ,u 'u pulled bac$. The three, having lost many troops, #ithdre# ten miles and made a stoc$ade. +nd before long the remaining five commanders came up and >oined them. They held a council and agreed ,u 'u #as a hero no one could match. +nd #hile they sat there anAious and uncertain, it #as announced that ,u 'u had returned to challenge them. They mounted their horses and placed themselves at the heads of eight forces, each body in its station on the high ground. +round them #as the opposing army in formation, commanded by ,u 'u, innumerable horse and foot, #ith splendid embroidered banners #aving in the breeDe. They attac$ed ,u 'u. 1u Shun, a general of 8overnor "hang Bang, rode out #ith his spear set, but soon fell at the first encounter #ith ,u 'u. This frightened the others. Then galloped forth !u +nguo, a general under 8overnor 5ong Rong. !u +nguo raised his iron mace ready at his rival. ,u 'u #hirling his halberd and urging on his steed came to meet !u +nguo. The t#o fought, #ell matched for ten bouts, #hen a blo# from the trident halberd bro$e !u +nguo(s #rist. ,etting his mace fall to the ground he fled. Then all eight of the lords led forth their armies to his rescue, and ,u 'u retired to his line. The fighting then ceased, and after their return to camp another council met. )ao )ao said, CFo one can stand against the pro#ess of ,u 'u. ,et us call up all the lords and evolve some good plan. If only ,u 'u #ere ta$en, Dong "huo could easily be $illed.C !hile the council #as in progress again came ,u 'u to challenge them, and again the commanders moved out against him. This time 8ongsun "an, flourishing his spear, #ent to meet the enemy. +fter a very fe# bouts 8ongsun "an turned and fled; ,u 'u follo#ing at the topmost speed of Red *are. Red *are #as a five6hundred6mile6a6day horse, s#ift as the #ind. The lords #atched Red *are gained rapidly upon the flying horseman, and ,u 'u(s halberd #as poised

ready to stri$e 8ongsun "an >ust behind the heart. 9ust then dashed in a third rider #ith round glaring eyes and a bristling mustache, and armed #ith a ten6foot serpent halberd. CStay, O t#ice bastard=C roared he, CI, "hang 3ei of Ban%, a#ait you=C Seeing this opponent, ,u 'u left the pursuit of 8ongsun "an and engaged the ne# adversary. "hang 3ei #as elated, and he rode forth #ith all his energies. They t#o #ere #orthily matched, and they eAchanged half a hundred bouts #ith no advantage to either side. Then 8uan Bu, impatient, rode out #ith his huge and #eighty green6dragon saber and attac$ed ,u 'u on the other flan$. The three steeds formed a triangle and their riders battered a#ay at each other for thirty bouts, yet still ,u 'u stood firm. Then ,iu 'ei rode out to his brothers( aid, his double s#ords raised ready to stri$e. The steed #ith the flo#ing mane #as urged in at an angle, and no# ,u 'u had to contend #ith three surrounding #arriors at #hom he struc$ one after another, and they at him, the flashing of the #arriors( #eapons loo$ing li$e the revolving lamps suspended at the ne# year. +nd the #arriors of the eight armies gaDed rapt #ith amaDement at such a battle. 'ut ,u 'u(s guard began to #ea$en and fatigue seiDed him. ,oo$ing hard in the face of ,iu 'ei, ,u 'u feigned a fierce thrust thus ma$ing ,iu 'ei suddenly dra# bac$. Then, lo#ering his halberd, ,u 'u dashed through the angle thus opened and got a#ay. 'ut #as it li$ely they #ould allo# him to escapeG They #hipped their steeds and follo#ed hard. The soldiers of the eight armies crac$ed their throats #ith thunderous cheers and all dashed for#ard, pressing after ,u 'u as he made for the shelter of the Tiger Trap 7ass. +nd first among his pursuers #ere the three brothers. +n ancient poet has told of this famous fight in these lines@ The fateful day of *an came in the reigns of *uan and ,ing, Their glory declined as the sun sin$s at the close of day. Dong "huo, infamous minister of state, pulled do#n the youthful 'ian. It is true the ne# 2ian #as a #ea$ling, too timid for his times. Then )ao )ao proclaimed abroad these #ic$ed deeds, +nd the great lords, moved #ith anger, assembled their forces. In council met they and chose as their oath6chief Buan Shao, 7ledged themselves to maintain the ruling house and tran uillity. Of the #arriors of that time matchless ,u 'u #as the boldest. *is valor and pro#ess are sung by all #ithin the four seas. *e clothed his body in silver armor li$e the scales of a dragon, On his head #as a golden headdress #ith pheasant tails, +bout his #aist a shaggy belt, the clasp, t#o #ild beasts( heads #ith gripping >a#s, *is flo#ing, embroidered robe fluttered about his form, *is s#ift courser bounded over the plain, a mighty #ind follo#ing,

*is terrible trident halberd flashed in the sunlight, bright as a placid la$e. !ho dared face him as he rode forth to challengeG The bo#els of the confederate lords #ere torn #ith fear and their hearts trembled. Then leaped forth "hang 3ei, the valiant #arrior of the north, 8ripped in his mighty hand the long serpent halberd, *is mustache bristled #ith anger, standing stiff li$e #ire. *is round eyes glared, lightning flashes darted from them. Feither uailed in the fight, but the issue #as undecided. 8uan Bu stood out in front, his soul veAed #ithin him, *is green6dragon saber shone #hite as frost in the sunlight, *is bright colored fighting robe fluttered li$e butterfly #ings, Demons and angels shrie$ed at the thunder of his horse hoofs, In his eyes #as fierce anger, a fire to be uenched only in blood. FeAt ,iu 'ei >oined the battle, gripping his t#in s#ord blades, The heavens themselves trembled at the ma>esty of his #rath. These three closely beset ,u 'u and long dra#n out #as the battle, +l#ays he #arded their blo#s, never faltering a moment. The noise of their shouting rose to the s$y, and the earth reechoed it, The heat of battle ranged to the froDen pole star. !orn out, feeling his strength fast ebbing, ,u 'u thought to flee, *e glanced at the hills around and thither #ould fly for shelter, Then, reversing his halberd and lo#ering its lofty point, *astily he fled, loosing himself from the battle; !ith head lo# bent, he gave the rein to his courser, Turned his face a#ay and fled to Tiger Trap 7ass. The three brothers maintained the pursuit to the 7ass. ,oo$ing up they sa# an immense umbrella of blac$ gauDe fluttering in the #est #ind. C)ertainly there is Dong "huo,C cried "hang 3ei. C!hat is the use of pursuing ,u 'uG 'etter far seiDe the chiefest rebel and so pluc$ up the evil by the roots=C +nd he #hipped up his steed to#ard the 7ass. To uell rebellion seiDe the leader if you can; If you need a #ondrous service then first find a #ondrous man. The follo#ing chapters #ill unfold the result of the battle. Chapter 3 B&rning The Capita#) *ong Zh&o Commits 1n 1trocit4; Hiding The Imperia# Hereditar4 Sea#) S&n "ian Brea5s Faith'

"hang 3ei rode hard up to the 7ass, but the defenders sent do#n stones and arro#s li$e rain so that he could not enter, and he returned. The eight lords all >oined in felicitations to the three brothers for their services, and the story of victory #as sent to Buan Shao, #ho ordered Sun 9ian to ma$e an immediate advance. Thereupon Sun 9ian #ith t#o trusty generals, )heng 7u and *uang 8ai, #ent over to the camp of Buan Shu. Tracing figures on the ground #ith his staff, Sun 9ian said, CDong "huo and I had no personal uarrel. Bet no# I have thro#n myself into the battle regardless of conse uences, eAposed my person to the ris$ of #ounds and fought bloody battles to their bitter end. +nd #hyG That I might be the means of ridding my country of a rebel and666for the private advantage of your family. Bet you, heeding the slanderous tongue of certain counselor, formerly #ithheld the supplies absolutely necessary to me, and so I suffered defeat. *o# can you eAplain, 8eneralGC Buan Shu, confused and frightened, had no #ord to reply. *e ordered the death of the slanderer to placate Sun 9ian. Then suddenly they told Sun 9ian, CSome officer has come riding do#n from the 7ass to see you, 8eneral. *e is in the camp.C Sun 9ian therefore too$ his leave and returned to his o#n camp, #here he found the visitor #as ,i 9ue, one of the much trusted commanders of Dong "huo. C!herefore come youGC said Sun 9ian. ,i 9ue replied, CBou are the one person for #hom my master has respect and admiration, and he sends me to arrange a matrimonial alliance bet#een the t#o families. *e #ishes that his daughter may become the #ife of your son.C C!hat= Dong "huo, that rebel and renegade, that subverter of the Throne= I #ish I could destroy his nine generations as a than$6offering to the empire= Thin$ you I #ould be #illing to have an alliance #ith such a familyG I #ill not slay you as I ought, but go, and go uic$ly= Bield the 7ass and I may spare your lives. If you delay, I #ill grind your bones to po#der and ma$e mincemeat of your flesh=C ,i 9ue thre# his arms over his head and ran out. *e returned to his master and told him #hat a rude reception he had met #ith. Dong "huo as$ed his adviser ,i Ru ho# to reply to this. ,i Ru said, C,u 'u(s late defeat had some#hat blunted the edge of our army(s desire for battle. It #ould be #ell to return to the capital and remove the 4mperor to )hangan, as the street children had been lately singing@ C+ *an on the #est, a *an on the east. The deer -emperor0 in )hangan shall #orry least.C

,i Ru continued, CIf you thin$ out this couplet, it applies to the present >uncture. *alf the first line refers to the founder of the dynasty, ,iu 'ang the Supreme +ncestor, #ho became ruler in the #estern city of )hangan, #hich #as the capital during t#elve reigns. The other half corresponds to ,iu 2iu the ,atter *an 3ounder #ho ruled from ,uoyang, the eastern capital during t#elve latter reigns. The revolution of the heavens brings us bac$ to this starting moment. Thus if you remove to )hangan, there #ill be no need for anAiety.C Dong "huo #as eAceedingly pleased and said, C*ad you not spo$en thus, I should not have understood=C Then ta$ing ,u 'u #ith him, Dong "huo started at once for )apital ,uoyang. *ere he called all the officials to a great council in the 7alace and addressed them, C+fter t#o centuries of rule here, the royal fortune has been eAhausted, and I perceive that the aura of rule has migrated to )hangan, #hither I no# desire to move the court. +ll you had better pac$ up for the >ourney.C Bang 'iao, 1inister of the Interior, said, CI pray you reflect. The ,and !ithin the 7asses% is all destruction. There is no reason to renounce the ancestral temples and abandon the imperial tombs here. I fear the people #ill be alarmed. It is easy to alarm them but difficult to pacify them.C CDo you oppose the state plansGC said Dong "huo angrily. +nother official, 8rand )ommander *uang !an, supported his colleague, CIn the era of Recommencement -+D .J6.K0, 3an )hong of the Red 4yebro#s rebels burned )hangan to the ground and reduced the place to bro$en tiles%. The inhabitants scattered all but a fe#. It is #rong to abandon these palaces here for a #asteland.C Dong "huo replied, CThe 4ast of the 7ass is full of sedition, and all the empire is in rebellion. The city of )hangan is protected by the Baohan 1ountains and the *angu 7ass. 1oreover, it is near ,ongyou, #hence can be easily brought timber, stone, bric$, and building materials. In a month or so palaces can be erected. So an end to your #ild #ords=C Bet 1inister of !or$s 2un Shuang raised another protest against disturbing the people, but Dong "huo overbore him also. C*o# can I stop to consider a fe# common people #hen my scheme affects the empireGC said Dong "huo. That day the three ob>ectors666Bang 'iao, *uang !an, and 2un Shuang666#ere removed from their offices and reduced to the ran$ of commoners. +s Dong "huo #ent out to get into his coach, he met t#o other officers #ho made obeisance. They #ere the )hair of the Secretariat, "hou 'i, and the )ommander of the )ity 8ates, !u &iong. Dong "huo stopped and as$ed them #hat they #anted.

Said "hou 'i, C!e venture to try to dissuade you from moving the capital to )hangan.C Dong "huo replied, CBou t#o persuaded me to give Buan Shao office. Fo# he has already turned traitor, and you are of the same party=C +nd #ithout more ado he bade his guards ta$e both outside the city and put them to death. The command to remove to the ne# capital immediately #as issued. Spea$ing to Dong "huo, ,i Ru pointed out, C!e are short of money and food, and the rich people of ,uoyang could be easily plundered. This is a good occasion to lin$ them to the rebels and to confiscate their properties.C Dong "huo sent five thousand troops out to plunder and slay. They captured many thousand #ealthy householders and, having stuc$ flags on their heads saying they #ere Traitors and Rebels, drove them out of the city and put them to death. Their properties #ere all seiDed. The tas$ of driving forth the inhabitants, some millions, #as given to t#o of Dong "huo(s commanders, ,i 9ue and 8uo Si. The people #ere sent off in bands, each band bet#een t#o parties of soldiers, #ho drove them tor#ard )hangan. 4normous numbers fell by the road side and died in the ditches, and the escort plundered the fugitives and defiled the #omen. + #ail of sorro# arose to the very s$y. Dong "huo(s final orders as he left )apital ,uoyang #ere to burn the #hole city@ *ouses, palaces, temples, and everything #ere devoured by the flames. The capital became but a patch of scorched earth. Dong "huo sent ,u 'u to desecrate the tombs of the emperors and their consorts for the >e#els therein, and the common soldiers too$ the occasion to dig up the graves of officials and plunder the cemeteries of the #ealthy. The spoil of the city, gold and silver, pearls and sil$s, and beautiful ornaments, filled several thousand carts. !ith these and the persons of the 4mperor and his household, Dong "huo moved off to the ne# capital in the first year of Inauguration of Tran uillity -+D :I/0. ,uoyang being thus abandoned, the general of Dong "huo at River Si 7ass, "hao )en, evacuated that post of vantage, #hich Sun 9ian at once occupied. ,iu 'ei and his brothers too$ Tiger Trap 7ass and the confederate lords advanced. Sun 9ian hastened to the late capital #hich #as still in flames. !hen he arrived, dense smo$e hung all over it and spread for miles around. Fo living thing, not a fo#l, or a dog, or a human being, remained. Sun 9ian told off his soldiers to eAtinguish the fires and set out camping places for the confederate lords. )ao )ao #ent to see Buan Shao and said, CDong "huo has gone #est. !e ought to follo# and attac$ his rear #ithout loss of time. !hy do you remain inactiveGC

C+ll our colleagues are #orn out, and there is nothing to be gained by attac$,C said Buan Shao. )ao )ao said, CThis moment #as most propitious in the utter confusion that reigned666palaces burned, the 4mperor abducted, the #hole #orld upset, and no one $no#ing #hither to turn. The villain #ill soon be ended, and a single blo# could eAterminate Dong "huo. !hy not pursueGC 'ut all the confederate lords seemed of one mind, and that mind #as to postpone action. So they did nothing. CThose un#orthy people cannot discuss #orthy thing=C cried )ao )ao. Then, he and his siA generals6662iahou Dun, 2iahou Buan, )ao Ren, )ao *ong, ,i Dian, and Bue 9ing666and ten thousand troops started in pursuit. The road to the ne# capital led through Bingyang. !hen Dong "huo reached it, 8overnor 2u Rong #ent to #elcome the cavalcade. ,i Ru said, C+s there is some danger of pursuit, it #ould be #ell to order the 8overnor of this place to lay an ambush outside the city. *e is to let the pursuers pass and be ready to cut off their retreat, #hen our army beats them off. That #ill teach any others not to follo#.C Then Dong "huo ordered ,u 'u to command the rear guard. Very soon they sa# )ao )ao coming up, and ,u 'u laughed at his colleague(s foresight. *e set out his troops in fighting order. )ao )ao rode for#ard, crying, CRebels, abductors, drovers of the people, #here are you goingGC ,u 'u replied, CTreacherous simpleton, #hat mad #ords are theseGC Then from )ao )ao army rode forth 2iahou Dun #ith his spear set, and ,u 'u and 2iahou Dun engaged. The combat had hardly begun #hen ,i Ru #ith a cohort came in from the left. )ao )ao bade 2iahou Buan meet this onslaught. *o#ever, on the other side appeared 8uo Si and his company. )ao )ao sent )ao Ren against 8uo Si. The onrush on three sides #as too much to #ithstand, and ,u 'u(s army #as over#helming, so 2iahou Dun had to retire to the main line. Thereupon ,u 'u(s armored troops attac$ed and completed the defeat. The beaten army of )ao )ao turned to#ard Bingyang. They got as far as the foot of a hill in the evening about the second #atch, and the moon made it as light as day. *ere they halted to reform. 9ust as they #ere burying the boilers to prepare a meal, there arose a great noise of shouting on all sides and out came the troops of 8overnor 2u Rong from the ambush fresh to attac$. )ao )ao, thro#n into a flurry, mounted and fled. *e ran right in the #ay of the #aiting 2u Rong. Then he dashed off in another direction, but 2u Rong shot an arro# after him #hich struc$ him in the shoulder. The arro# still in the #ound, )ao )ao fled for his life. +s he #ent over the hill, t#o

soldiers lying in #ait among the grass suddenly dashed out and #ounded his horse, #hich fell and rolled over. +nd as he slipped from the saddle, he #as seiDed and made prisoner. 9ust then a horseman came, riding at full speed and #hirling his s#ord up, cut do#n both the captors, and rescued )ao )ao. It #as )ao *ong. )ao )ao said, CI am doomed, good brother. 8o and save yourself=C C1y lord, mount my horse uic$ly= I #ill go afoot,C said )ao *ong. CIf those #retches come up, #hat thenGC said )ao )ao. CThe #orld can do #ithout )ao *ong, but not #ithout you, my lord=C CIf I live, I shall o#e you my life,C said )ao )ao. So he mounted. )ao *ong tore off his o#n breastplate, gripped his s#ord, and #ent on foot after the horse. Thus they proceeded till the fourth #atch #hen they sa# before them a broad stream, and behind they still heard the shouts of pursuers dra#ing nearer and nearer. CThis is my fate,C said )ao )ao. CI am really doomed=C )ao *ong helped )ao )ao do#n from his horse. Then ta$ing off his fighting robe and helmet, )ao *ong too$ the #ounded man on his bac$ and #aded into the stream. !hen they reached the further side, the pursuers had already gained the ban$ #hence they shot arro#s. )ao )ao all #et pushed on. Da#n #as near. They #ent on another ten miles and then sat do#n to rest under a precipice. Suddenly loud shouting #as heard and a party of horse appeared. It #as 8overnor 2u Rong #ho had forded the river higher up. 9ust at this moment 2iahou Dun and 2iahou Buan, #ith several doDens men, came along. C*urt not my lord=C cried 2iahou Dun to 2u Rong, #ho at once rushed at him. 'ut the combat #as short. 2u Rong speedily fell under a spear thrust of 2iahou Dun, and his troops #ere driven off. 'efore long )ao )ao(s other generals arrived. Sadness and >oy mingled in the greetings. They gathered together the fe# hundreds of soldiers left and then returned to ,uoyang. !hen the confederate lords entered ,uoyang, Sun 9ian, after eAtinguishing the fires, camped #ithin the #alls, his o#n tent being set up near the Dynastic Temple. *is people cleared a#ay the debris and closed the rifted tombs. The gates #ere barred. On the site of the Dynastic Temple he put up a mat shed containing three apartments, and here he begged the lords to meet and replace the sacred tablets, #ith solemn sacrifices and prayers.

This ceremony over, the others left and Sun 9ian returned to his camp. That night the stars and moon vied #ith each other in brightness. +s Sun 9ian sat in the open air loo$ing up at the heavens, he noticed a mist spreading over the stars of the )onstellation Draco. CThe 4mperor(s star is dulled,C said Sun 9ian #ith a sigh. CFo #onder a rebellious minister disturbs the state, the people sit in dust and ashes, and the capital is a #aste.C +nd his tears began to fall. Then a soldier pointing to the south said, CThere is a beam of colored light rising from a #ell=C Sun 9ian bade his people light torches and descend into the #ell. Soon they brought up the corpse of a #oman, not in the least decayed although it had been there many days. She #as dressed in 7alace clothing and from her nec$ hung an embroidered bag. Opening this a red boA #as found, #ith a golden loc$, and #hen the boA #as opened, they sa# a >ade seal, s uare in shape, four inches each #ay. On it #ere delicately engraved five dragons intert#ined. One corner had been bro$en off and repaired #ith gold. There #ere eight characters in the seal style of engraving #hich interpreted read@ I have received the command from *eaven@ 1ay my time be al#ays long and prosperous. Sun 9ian sho#ed this to his adviser, 8eneral )heng 7u, #ho at once recogniDed it as the Imperial *ereditary Seal of the 4mperor. )heng 7u said, CThis seal has a history. In olden days 'ian *e% sa# a phoeniA sitting on a certain stone at the foot of the 9ing 1ountains. *e offered the stone at court. The 5ing of )hu split open the stone and found a piece of >ade. In the t#enty6siAth year of &in Dynasty -') ..:0, a >ade cutter made a seal from it, and ,i Si%, the 3irst 4mperor(s 7rime 1inister, engraved the characters. T#o years later, #hile the 3irst 4mperor #as sailing in Dongting ,a$e, a terrific storm arrived. The 4mperor thre# the seal to the #ater as a propitiatory offering, and the storm immediately ceased. Ten years later again, #hen the 3irst 4mperor #as ma$ing a progress and had reached *uaying, an old man by the road side handed a seal to one of the attendants saying, (This is no# restored to the ancestral dragon=( and had then disappeared. Thus the >e#el returned to &in. CThe neAt year the 3irst 4mperor died. ,ater "i Bing, the last 4mperor of &in and grandson of the 3irst 4mperor, presented the seal to ,iu 'ang the Supreme +ncestor, the founder of *an Dynasty. T#o hundred years later, in !ang 1ang(s rebellion, the 4mperor(s mother, ,ady Buan, struc$ t#o of the rebels, !ang 2un and Su 2ian, #ith the seal and bro$e off a corner, #hich #as repaired #ith gold. ,iu 2iu the ,atter *an 3ounder got possession of it at Biyang, and it has been regularly be ueathed hereafter. CI heard this treasured seal had been lost during the trouble in the 7alace #hen the Ten Regular +ttendants hurried off the 4mperor. It #as missed on *is 1a>esty(s return. Fo# my lord has it and certainly #ill come to the imperial dignity. 'ut you must not remain here in the north. &uic$ly go

home to )hangsha, south of the 8reat River%, #here you can lay plans for the accomplishment of the great design.C CBour #ords eAactly accord #ith my thoughts,C said Sun 9ian. CTomorro# I #ill ma$e an eAcuse that I am un#ell and get a#ay.C The soldiers #ere told to $eep the discovery a secret. 'ut one among them #as a compatriot of the elected chief of the confederacy666Buan Shao. *e thought this might be of great advantage to him, so he stole a#ay out of the camp and betrayed his master. *e #ent to Buan Shao(s camp, informed the secret, and received a liberal re#ard. Buan Shao $ept the informant in his o#n camp. FeAt morning Sun 9ian came to ta$e leave, saying, CI am rather un#ell and #ish to return to )hangsha.C Buan Shao laughed, saying, CI $no# #hat you are suffering from@ It is called the Imperial *ereditary Seal=C This #as a shoc$ to Sun 9ian, and he paled but said, C!hence these #ordsGC Buan Shao said, CThe armies #ere raised for the good of the state and to relieve it from oppression. The seal is state property; and since you have got hold of it, you should publicly hand it over to me as chief. !hen Dong "huo has been slain, it must go bac$ to the government. !hat do you mean by concealing it and going a#ayGC C*o# could the seal get into my handsGC said Sun 9ian. C!here is the article out of the #ell near the *all of 7aragonsGC CI have it not@ !hy harass me thusGC C&uic$ly produce it, or it #ill be the #orst for you=C Sun 9ian pointing to#ard the heavens as an oath said, CIf I have this >e#el and am hiding it myself, may my end be unhappy and my death violent=C The lords all said, C+fter an oath li$e this, #e thin$ he cannot have it.C Then Buan Shao called out his informant. C!hen you pulled that thing out of the #ell, #as this man thereGC as$ed he of Sun 9ian. Sun 9ian(s anger burst forth, and he sprang for#ard to $ill the man. Buan Shao also dre# his s#ord, saying, CBou touch that soldier and it is an insult to me=C

'ehind Sun 9ian, 8enerals )heng 7u, *uang 8ai, and *an Dang stepped forth; behind Buan Shao, 8enerals Ban ,iang and !en )hou #ere ready to act. In a moment on all sides s#ords fle# from their scabbards. 'ut the confusion #as stayed by the efforts of the others, and Sun 9ian left the assembly. Soon he bro$e up his camp and marched to his o#n place. Buan Shao #as not satisfied. *e #rote to 9ingDhou Region and sent the letter by a trusty hand to tell Imperial 7rotector ,iu 'iao to stop Sun 9ian and ta$e a#ay the seal. 9ust after this came the ne#s of the defeat and misfortune of )ao )ao, and #hen he #as coming home, Buan Shao sent out to #elcome him and conduct him into camp. They also prepared a feast to console him. During the feast )ao )ao said sadly, C1y ob>ect #as for the public good, and all you gentlemen nobly supported me. 1y plan #as to get Buan Shao #ith his *enei troops to approach 1engching; and my force at &iao to $eep )henggao; #hile the others of you to hold SuanDao, to close the passes of *uanyuan and Daigu, and to ta$e possession of the granaries, to control the points of vantage, and thus to secure the )apital District. I planned for Buan Shu #ith his Fanyang army to occupy the counties of Danshi and 2ilin and go into !u 7ass to help the three supports. +ll #ere to fortify their positions and not to fight. +dvantage lay in a diverse military coalition that could sho# the empire a possibility of dealing #ith the rebellion. !e could have convinced the people to side #ith us against Dong "huo. Victory #ould have been ours at once. 'ut then came delays and doubts and inaction, and the confidence of the people #as lost, and I am ashamed.C Fo reply #as possible and the guests dispersed. )ao )ao sa# that the others mistrusted him, and in his heart $ne# that nothing could be accomplished. So he led off his force to BanDhou Region%. Then 8ongsun "an said to ,iu 'ei, CThis Buan Shao is an incapable, and things #ill turns chaotic. !e had better go too.C So he bro$e camp and #ent north. +t 7ingyuan he left ,iu 'ei in command and #ent to strengthen his o#n position and refresh his troops. The Imperial 7rotector of BanDhou, ,iu Dai, #ished to borro# grain of the 8overnor of Dong>un, &iao 1ao. 'eing denied, ,iu Dai attac$ed the camp, $illed &iao 1ao and too$ over all his army. Buan Shao seeing the confederacy brea$ing up also marched a#ay and #ent east. On the #ay home, Sun 9ian #as passing through 9ingDhou Region. The Imperial 7rotector of 9ingDhou, ,iu 'iao, #as a scion of the imperial house and a native of Shanyang. +s a young man he had made friends #ith many famous people, and he and his companions #ere called the 4ight !ise Ones. The other seven #ere@ .:. )hen 2iang from Runan ... 3an 7ang from Runan .J. 5ong Bu from ,uting

.E. 3an 5ang from 'ohai .K. Tan 3u from Shanyang .;. "hang 9ian from Shanyang .?. )en "hi from Fanyang ,iu 'iao #as friends #ith all these. *e had three famous persons #ho helped him in the government of his region. They #ere 5uai ,iang and 5uai Bue from Banping, and )ai 1ao from 2iangyang. !hen Buan Shao(s letter detailing the fault of Sun 9ian arrived, ,iu 'iao ordered 5uai Bue and )ai 1ao #ith ten thousand soldiers to bar the #ay. !hen Sun 9ian dre# near, the force #as arranged in fighting order and the leaders #ere in the front. C!hy are you thus barring the road #ith armed troopsGC as$ed Sun 9ian. C!hy do you, a servant of *an, secrete the 4mperor(s special sealG ,eave it #ith me at once and you go free,C said 5uai Bue. Sun 9ian angrily ordered out 8eneral *uang 8ai. On the other side )ai 1ao rode forth #ith his s#ord set to stri$e. 'ut after a fe# bouts *uang 8ai dealt )ai 1ao a blo# #ith the iron #hip on the armor >ust over the heart. )ai 1ao turned his steed and fled, and Sun 9ian got through #ith a sudden rush. *o#ever, there arose the sound of gongs and drums on the hills behind, and there #as ,iu 'iao in person #ith a large army. Sun 9ian rode straight up to him and bo#ing lo# spo$e, C!hy did you, on the faith of a letter from Buan Shao, try to coerce the chief of a neighboring regionGC CBou have concealed the state >e#el, and I #ant you to restore it,C #as ,iu 'iao(s reply. CIf I have this thing, may I die a violent death=C CIf you #ant me to believe you, let me search your baggage.C C!hat force have you that you dare come to flout me thusGC +nd only ,iu 'iao(s prompt retirement prevented a battle. Sun 9ian proceeded on his #ay. 'ut from the rear of the second hill an ambush suddenly discovered itself, and 5uai Bue and )ai 1ao #ere still pursuing. Sun 9ian seemed entirely hemmed in. !hat does a man to hold the state >e#el for, If its possession lead to strifeG *o# Sun 9ian got clear of the difficulty #ill presently be told.

Chapter 6 +&an Shao Fights Gongs&n Zan 1t The ,iver Pan; S&n "ian 1ttac5s -i& Biao 1cross The Great ,iver' +t the close of the last chapter Sun 9ian #as surrounded. *o#ever, aided by )heng 7u, *uang 8ai, and *an Dang, he eventually fought his #ay through, though #ith the loss of more than half his troops. Sun 9ian he returned to the South ,and, southeast of the 8reat River%. *encefor#ard Sun 9ian and ,iu 'iao #ere open enemies. Buan Shao #as in *enei. 'eing short of supplies, he sent to borro# from the Imperial 7rotector of 9iDhou, *an 3u, #hence he obtained the #here#ithal to support his army. Then one of Buan Shao(s advisers, 7eng 9i, said to him, CBou are really the strongest po#er here about. !hy then depend upon another for foodG 9iDhou Region is rich and #ide. !hy not seiDe itGC CI have no good plan,C replied Buan Shao. CBou could secretly send a letter to 8ongsun "an, as$ing him to attac$, promising him your support. Imperial 7rotector *an 3u of 9iDhou, being incapable, must as$ you to ta$e over his region, and you #ill get it #ithout lifting a finger.C So the letter #as sent. !hen 8ongsun "an sa# therein the proposal to ma$e a >oint attac$ and divide the territory, he agreed to give his help. In the meantime Buan Shao had sent to #arn *an 3u of 8ongsun "an(s threat. *an 3u sought advice from +dvisers 2un )hang and 2in 7ing. 2un )hang said, C8overnor 8ongsun "an of 'eiping is commanding a huge and strong army. If he came to attac$ us, #e could not stand against him, especially if he had the help of ,iu 'ei and his brothers. +t present, Buan Shao is bolder than most, and he has many able and famous leaders under him. Bou cannot do better than as$ him to assist in administering this region. Buan Shao #ill certainly treat you #ith generosity, and you need have no fear from 8ongsun "an.C *an 3u agreed and sent a message to Buan Shao by the hand of 8uan )hun. 'ut )ommander 8eng !u remonstrated #ith his master, saying, CBuan Shao is a needy man #ith a hungry army and as dependent on us for eAistence as an infant in arms on its mother. Stop the flo# of mil$ and the infant dies. !hy should you hand the region over to himG It is nothing less than letting a tiger into the sheepfold.C *an 3u replied, CI am one of the clients of the Buan family, and I $no# the abilities of Buan Shao, #hich is far better than mine. !hy are you all so >ealousG The ancients counseled yielding to the sage.C 8eng !u sighed, C9iDhou is lost=C

!hen the ne#s got abroad, more than thirty officers of 9iDhou left their employment and the city. *o#ever, 8eng !u and 8uan )hun hid in the suburbs to a#ait the arrival of Buan Shao. They had not long to #ait. Some days later, Buan Shao #ith his soldiers came, and 8eng !u and 8uan )hun tried to assassinate him #ith $nives. This attempt failed. Buan Shao(s generals, Ban ,iang and !en )hou, beheaded 8eng !u and 8uan )hun instantly. Thus both of them died, and the ob>ect of their hatred entered 9iDhou )ity%. Buan Shao(s first act #as to confer on *an 3u a high sounding title6668eneral !ho Demonstrates 8rand and Vigor )ourage in +rms666, but the administration #as entrusted to four of Buan Shao(s confidants666Tian 3eng, 9u Shou, 2u Bou, and 7eng 9i666#ho speedily deprived the Imperial 7rotector of all po#er. 3ull of chagrin, *an 3u soon abandoned all, even his family, and rode alone to ta$e refuge #ith the 8overnor of )henliu, "hang 1iao. *earing of Buan Shao(s invasion, 8ongsun "an sent his brother, 8ongsun Bue, to see the usurper and demand his share of the region. CI #ant to see your elder brother himself. *e and I have things to discuss,C said Buan Shao. Thus 8ongsun Bue #as sent bac$. 'ut after traveling some fifteen miles on the home#ard road, 8ongsun Bue sa# a group of soldiers appear. C!e are guards of 7rime 1inister Dong "huo=C cried the soldiers. Instantly, 8ongsun Bue #as $illed by a flight of arro#s. Those of 8ongsun Bue(s follo#ers #ho escaped carried the ne#s to their late master(s brother. 8ongsun "an #as very angry and said, CBuan Shao prevailed on me to attac$, and no# he has ta$en possession. +lso he pretends the murderers of my brother #ere not his people. Shall I not avenge my brother(s in>uryGC 8ongsun "an brought up all his force to the attac$. ,earning the movement, Buan Shao sent out his army, and they met at River 7an. They halted on opposite sides of the river, over #hich #as a bridge. 8ongsun "an too$ his station on the bridge and cried to his enemy, CRenegade, ho# dared you mislead meGC Buan Shao rode to the other end of the bridge and, pointing at 8ongsun "an, replied, C*an 3u yielded place to me because he #as une ual to the rule. !hat concern is it of yoursGC 8ongsun "an replied, C3ormerly you #ere regarded as loyal and public spirited, and #e chose you chief of the confederacy. Fo# your deeds prove you cruel and base and #olf6hearted in behavior. *o# can you loo$ the #orld in the faceGC

C!ho #ill capture himGC cried Buan Shao in a rage. +t once !en )hou rode out #ith his spear set. 8ongsun "an rode do#n the bridge to the enemy(s side, #here the t#o engaged. Ten bouts sho#ed 8ongsun "an the terrible po#er of !en )hou, and so he dre# off. The enemy came on. 8ongsun "an too$ refuge #ithin his formation, but !en )hou cut his #ay in and rode this #ay and that, slaying right and left. The four best of 8ongsun "an(s generals offered >oint battle, but one fell under the first stro$e of the doughty #arrior, and the other three fled. !en )hou follo#ed clearing through to the rear of the army. 8ongsun "an made for the mountains. !en )hou forced his horse to its utmost pace, crying hoarsely, CDo#n= Dismount and surrender=C 8ongsun "an fled for life. *is bo# and uiver dropped from his shoulders, his helmet fell off, and his hair streamed straight behind him as he rode in and out bet#een the sloping hills. Then his steed stumbled and he #as thro#n, rolling over and over to the foot of the slope. !en )hou #as no# very near and poising his spear for the thrust. Then suddenly came out from the shelter of a grassy mound on the left a general of youthful mien, but sitting his steed bravely and holding a sturdy spear. *e rode directly at !en )hou, and 8ongsun "an cra#led up the slope to loo$ on. The ne# #arrior #as of middle height #ith bushy eyebro#s and large eyes, a broad face and a heavy >o#l, a youth of commanding presence. The t#o eAchanged some fifty bouts and yet neither had the advantage. Then 8ongsun "an(s rescue force came along, and !en )hou turned and rode a#ay. The youth did not pursue. 8ongsun "an hurried do#n the hill and as$ed the young fello# #ho he #as. *e bo#ed lo# and replied, C1y name is "hao Bun from )hangshan. I first served Buan Shao; but #hen I sa# that he #as disloyal to his prince and careless of the #elfare of the people, I left him and I #as on my #ay to offer service to you. This meeting in this place is most uneApected.C 8ongsun "an #as very pleased, and the t#o #ent together to the camp, #here they at once busied themselves #ith preparations for a ne# battle. FeAt day 8ongsun "an prepared for fight by dividing his army into t#o #ings. *e had five thousand cavalry in the center, all mounted on #hite horses. 8ongsun "an had formerly seen service against the northern frontier tribes, the &iang 7eoples, #here he al#ays placed his #hite horses in the van of his army, and thus he had #on the sobri uet of 8eneral !ho )ommands !hite *orses. The tribes held him so much in fear that they al#ays fled as soon as the #hite horses, their sacred creatures, appeared. On Buan Shao(s side Ban ,iang and !en )hou #ere ,eaders of the Van. 4ach had one thousand of archers and crossbo#men. They #ere set out half on either side, those on the left to shoot at 8ongsun "an(s right and those on the right to shoot at his left. In the center #as &u Bi #ith eight

hundred bo#men and ten thousand of foot and horse. Buan Shao too$ command of the reserve force in the rear. In this fight 8ongsun "an employed his ne# adherent "hao Bun for the first time and, as 8ongsun "an did not feel assured of "hao Bun(s good faith, put him in command of a company at the rear. The Van ,eader #as Ban 8uang, and 8ongsun "an himself commanded the center. *e too$ his place on horsebac$ on the bridge beside an enormous red standard on #hich #as displayed the #ord )ommanding 8eneral in gold embroidery. 3rom sunrise to noon the drums rolled for the attac$, but Buan Shao(s army made no move. &u Bi made his bo#men hide under their shields. They heard the roar of eAplosions, the #histling of arro#s, and the rattle of the drums, as Ban 8uang approached from the other side, but &u Bi and his men lay closer than ever and never stirred. They #aited till Ban 8uang had got close on them and then, as the sound of a bomb rent the air, the #hole eight hundred men let fly their arro#s in a cloud. Ban 8uang #as uite ta$en abac$ and #ould have retired, but &u Bi rode furiously to#ard him, #hirled up his s#ord and cut him do#n. So 8ongsun "an(s army lost that battle. The t#o #ings that should have come to the rescue #ere $ept bac$ by the bo#men under Ban ,iang and !en )hou. Buan Shao(s troops advanced right up to the bridge. Then &u Bi rode for#ard, sle# the standard bearer, and hac$ed through the staff of the embroidered banner. Seeing this, 8ongsun "an turned his steed and galloped a#ay. &u Bi follo#ed. 'ut >ust as he caught up the fugitive, there came prancing forth "hao Bun, #ho rode directly at him #ith spear ready to stri$e. +fter a fe# bouts &u Bi #as laid in the dust. Then "hao Bun attac$ed the soldiers and turned the tide. 7lunging for#ard on this side, dashing in on that, he #ent through as if there #ere no antagonists and, seeing this, 8ongsun "an turned and came again into the fight. The final victory #as on his side. 3rom the scouts sent to find out ho# the battle #ent, Buan Shao heard the good ne#s of &u Bi(s success in slaying the standard bearer, capturing the flag, and his pursuit. So Buan Shao too$ no further care but rode out #ith his 8eneral Tian 3eng and a fe# guards to loo$ on at the enemy and en>oy his victory. C*a ha=C Buan Shao laughed. C8ongsun "an is an incapable.C 'ut even as Buan Shao spo$e, he sa# in front the redoubtable "hao Bun. *is guards hastened to prepare their bo#s, but before they could shoot, "hao Bun #as in their midst, and men #ere falling before him #herever he #ent. The others fled. 8ongsun "an(s army then gathered round and hemmed in Buan Shao. Tian 3eng then said to his master, CSir, ta$e refuge in this empty building here=C 'ut Buan Shao dashed his helmet to the ground, crying, CThe brave one rather faces death in the battle than see$s safety behind a #all=C

This bold speech gave ne# courage to his soldiers #ho no# fought fiercely and #ith such success that "hao Bun could no#here force his #ay in. Buan Shao #as soon reinforced by the arrival of his main body and Ban ,iang, and the t#o armies pressed for#ard. "hao Bun could only >ust get 8ongsun "an safe out of the press. Then they fought their #ay bac$ to the bridge. 'ut Buan Shao(s troops still came on and fought their #ay across the bridge, forcing multitudes of their adversaries into the #ater, #here many #ere dro#ned. Buan Shao #as leading in person and his troops still advanced. 'ut not more than t#o miles, for soon a great shouting #as heard behind some hills, #hence suddenly burst out a body of troops led by ,iu 'ei, 8uan Bu, and "hang 3ei. +t 7ingyuan they had heard of the struggle bet#een their protector and his enemy, Buan Shao, and had at once set out to help. Fo# the three riders, each #ith his peculiar #eapon, fle# straight at Buan Shao, #ho #as so frightened that his soul seemed to leave his body and fly beyond the confines of heaven. *is s#ord fell from his hand and he fled for his life. *e #as chased across the bridge #hen 8ongsun "an called in his army, and they returned to camp. +fter the usual greetings 8ongsun "an said, CIf you had not come to our help, #e should have been in very bad case.C ,iu 'ei and "hao Bun #ere made ac uainted #ith each other, and a #arm affection sprang up from the very first so that they #ere al#ays together. Buan Shao had lost that battle, and 8ongsun "an #ould not ris$ another. They strengthened their defenses, and the armies lay inactive for over a month. In the meantime ne#s of the fighting had reached )apital )hangan, and Dong "huo #as told. *is adviser, ,i Ru, #ent to see his master and said, CThe t#o active leaders of today are Buan Shao and 8ongsun "an, #ho are at grips at River 7an. 7retend you have an imperial command to ma$e peace bet#een them, and both #ill support you out of gratitude for your intervention.C C8ood=C said Dong "huo. So he sent the Imperial 8uardian, 1a 1idi, and the 1inister of the Inner 'ureau, "hao &i, on the mission. !hen these men #ere arriving at the Forth of Bello# River, Buan Shao sent out to #elcome them thirty miles from his head uarters and received the imperial command #ith the greatest respect. Then the t#o officers #ent to 8ongsun "an and made $no#n their errand. 8ongsun "an sent letters to his adversary proposing friendship. The t#o emissaries returned to report their tas$ accomplished. 8ongsun "an dre# off his army. *e also sent up a memorial eulogiDing ,iu 'ei, #ho #as raised to the ran$ of 8overnor of 7ingyuan. The fare#ell bet#een ,iu 'ei and "hao Bun #as affecting. They held each other(s hands a long time, their eyes streaming #ith tears, and could not tear themselves apart.

"hao Bun said #ith a sob, CI used to thin$ 8ongsun "an a true hero, but I see no# that he is no different from Buan Shao. They are both ali$e.C C'ut you are no# in his service. !e shall surely meet again,C said ,iu 'ei. 'oth men #ept freely as they separated. Fo# Buan Shu in Fanyang, hearing that his brother had come into 9iDhou, sent to beg a thousand horses. The re uest #as refused and enmity sprang up bet#een the brothers. Buan Shu also sent to 9ingDhou to borro# grain, #hich Imperial 7rotector ,iu 'iao #ould not send. In his resentment, Buan Shu #rote to Sun 9ian trying to get him to attac$ ,iu 'iao. The letter ran li$e this@ C!hen ,iu 'iao stopped you on your #ay home, it #as at the instigation of my brother. Fo# the same t#o have planned to fall upon your territories southeast of the 8reat River, #herefore you should at once stri$e at ,iu 'iao. I #ill capture my brother for you and both resentments #ill be appeased. Bou #ill get 9ingDhou, and I shall have 9iDhou.C CI cannot bear ,iu 'iao,C said Sun 9ian as he finished reading this letter. C*e certainly did bar my #ay home, and I may #ait many years for my revenge if I let slip this chance.C *e called a council. CBou may not trust Buan Shu. *e is very deceitful,C said )heng 7u. CI #ant revenge on my o#n part. !hat care I for his helpGC said Sun 9ian. *e dispatched *uang 8ai to prepare a river fleet, arm and provision them. 'ig #arships #ere to ta$e horses on board. The force soon set out. Fe#s of these preparations came to ,iu 'iao, and he hastily summoned his advisers and #arriors. 5uai ,iang told him to be free from anAiety, and said, C7ut 8eneral *uang "u at the head of the 9iangAia army to ma$e the first attac$ and you, Sir, support him #ith the forces from 2iangyang. ,et Sun 9ian come riding the rivers and straddling the la$es@ !hat strength #ill he have left after arriving hereGC So ,iu 'iao bade *uang "u prepare to march, and a great army #as assembled. *ere it may be said that Sun 9ian had four sons, all the issue of his #ife #ho #as of the !u family. Their names in order #ere Sun )e, Sun &uan, Sun Bi, and Sun 5uang. Sun 9ian had a second #ife #ho #as the sister of his first #ife. +nd the second #ife bore him a son and a daughter, the former called Sun ,ang, the latter Sun Ren. Sun 9ian had also adopted a son from a Bu family and named him Sun *u. +nd he had a younger brother named Sun 9ing.

+s Sun 9ian #as leaving on this eApedition, his brother Sun 9ing #ith all his siA sons stood in front of Sun 9ian(s steed and dissuaded him, saying, CDong "huo is the real ruler of the state, for the 4mperor is a #ea$ling. The #hole country is in rebellion, everyone is scrambling for territory. Our area is comparatively peaceful, and it is #rong to begin a #ar merely for the sa$e of a little resentment. I pray you, brother, thin$ before you start.C Sun 9ian replied, C'rother, say no more. I desire to ma$e my strength felt throughout the empire, and shall I not avenge my in>uriesGC CThen father, if you must go, let me accompany you,C said the eldest son Sun )e. This re uest #as granted, and father and son embar$ed to go to ravage the city of 3an$ou. Fo# *uang "u had placed archers and crossbo#men along the river ban$. !hen the ships approached, a flight of arro#s met them. Sun 9ian ordered his troops to remain under cover in the ships, #hich then sailed to and fro, dra#ing the fire for three days. Several times the ships pretended to land, and this dre# sho#ers of arro#s from the ban$. +t last the arro#s of the defenders #ere all shot a#ay and Sun 9ian, #ho collected them, found he had many myriads. Then #ith a fair #ind Sun 9ian(s troops shot them bac$ to the enemy. Those on the ban$ #ere thro#n into great disorder and retired. The army then landed. T#o divisions led by )heng 7u and *uang 8ai set out for *uang "u(s camp along different roads, and bet#een them marched *an Dang. Hnder this triple attac$ *uang "u #as #orsted. *e left 3an$ou and hastened to Dengcheng. ,eaving the ships under the command of *uang 8ai, Sun 9ian led the pursuing force. *uang "u came out of his city and dre# up for battle in the open country. !hen Sun 9ian had disposed his army, he rode out to the standard. Sun )e, clad in armor, placed himself beside his father. *uang "u rode out #ith t#o generals666"hang *ui from 9iangAia and )hen Sheng from 2iangyang. 3lourishing his #hip, *uang "u abused his enemy, CBou s#arm of rebels from )hangsha= !hy do you invade the land of a scion of the ruling houseGC "hang *ui challenged to combat, and *an Dang #ent out to accept. The t#o champions fought thirty bouts, and then )hen Sheng, seeing his fello# general becoming eAhausted, rode to his aid. Sun 9ian sa# )hen Sheng coming, laid aside his spear, reached for his bo#, and shot an arro# #ounding )hen Sheng in the face. *e fell from his horse. 7anic seiDed upon "hang *ui at the fall of his comrade, and he could no longer defend himself. Then *an Dang #ith a slash of his s#ord clove "hang *ui(s s$ull in t#ain. 'oth having fallen, )heng 7u galloped up to ma$e prisoner of *uang "u, #ho thre# off his helmet, slipped from his steed, and mingled for safety among his troops. Sun 9ian led on the attac$ and drove the enemy to the *an River #here he ordered *uang 8ai to move the fleet upriver and moor there.

*uang "u led his defeated troops bac$ and told ,iu 'iao, saying, CSun 9ian #as too strong for my army.C 5uai ,iang #as called in to advise, and he said, COur ne#ly defeated soldiers have no heart for fighting no#. Therefore #e must fortify our position, #hile #e see$ help from Buan Shao. Then #e can eAtricate ourselves.C C+ stupid move=C said )ai 1ao. CThe enemy is at the city gates@ Shall #e fold our hands and #ait to be slainG 8ive me troops and I #ill go out and fight to the finish.C So )ai 1ao #as placed in command of ten thousand troops and #ent out to the 2ian *ills #here he dre# up his battle line. Sun 9ian led the invaders, no# flushed #ith success. !hen )ai 1ao approached, Sun 9ian loo$ed at him and said, C*e is brother6in6la# to ,iu 'iao. !ho #ill capture himGC )heng 7u set his iron6spined lance and rode out. +fter a fe# bouts )ai 1ao turned and fled. Sun 9ian(s army rode in and slaughtered till corpses filled the countryside, and )ai 1ao too$ refuge in 2iangyang. 5uai ,iang said, C)ai 1ao ought to be put to death by military la#. This defeat #as due to his obstinacy.C 'ut ,iu 'iao #as un#illing to punish the brother of his ne#ly #edded #ife. Sun 9ian surrounded 2iangyang and assailed the #alls daily. One day a fierce gale sprang up, and the pole bearing his standard #as bro$en. CVery inauspicious=C said *an Dang. C!e ought to go bac$.C Sun 9ian said, CI have #on every battle and the city is on the point of falling. Shall I return because the #ind felled a flagstaffGC *e flouted the advice and attac$ed the #alls still more vigorously. !ithin the city the defenders had seen an omen. 5uai ,iang told ,iu 'iao, C,ast night I sa# that a great star fall into the s$y corresponding to Sun 9ian(s territory. I calculated that it inferred the fall of Sun 9ian.C Then 5uai ,iang advised ,iu 'iao to see$ help from Buan Shao as uic$ly as possible. So ,iu 'iao #rote. Then he as$ed #ho #ould underta$e to fight his #ay through the bloc$ade #ith the letter. One ,u 8ong, a #arrior of great strength, offered himself for this service.

5uai ,iang said, CIf you underta$e this service, listen to my advice. Bou #ill have five hundred soldiers@ )hoose good bo#men. Dash through the enemy(s formation and ma$e for 2ian *ills. Bou #ill be pursued; but send a hundred soldiers up the hill to prepare large stones, and place a hundred archers in ambush in the #oods. These are not to flee from the pursuers but to beguile them along devious #ays round to the place #here the boulders have been prepared. There stones #ill be rolled do#n and arro#s shot. If you succeed, fire off a series of bombs as a signal, and the armies in the city #ill come out to help. If you are not pursued, get a#ay as fast as possible. Tonight #ill be suitable as there is very little moon. Start at dus$.C ,u 8ong having received these directions, prepared his force to carry them out. +s soon as day began to close in, he #ent uietly out at the east gate. Sun 9ian #as in his tent #hen he heard shouting, and a soldier came to report@ CThere #as a group of horsemen going out from the city=C Sun 9ian at once mounted and rode out #ith thirty horsemen to discover the cause. ,u 8ong(s troops had already hidden themselves in the thic$ #oods. Sun 9ian rode ahead of his escort, and soon he found himself alone and close to the enemy. *e called out to them to halt. ,u 8ong at once turned bac$ and came as if to fight. 'ut they had only eAchanged a single pass #hen ,u 8ong again fled, ta$ing the road among the hills. Sun 9ian follo#ed but soon lost sight of his foe. Sun 9ian turned up the hill. Then the gongs clanged and do#n the hills fell sho#ers of stones, #hile from among the trees the arro#s fle# in clouds. Sun 9ian #as hit by several arro#s and a huge stone crushed in his head. 'oth he and his steed #ere $illed. Sun 9ian #as only thirty6seven years old at his death. *is escort #as overpo#ered and every man of them slain. Then ,u 8ong let off a series of bombs, the sign of success, as agreed. +t this signal *uang "u, 5uai Bue, and )ai 1ao led three armies out of the city and fell upon the )hangsha troops, thro#ing them into the utmost confusion. !hen *uang 8ai heard the sound of battle, he led up the troops from the ships. *e met *uang "u and too$ *uang "u prisoner after a brief fight. )heng 7u set out to bear the sad ne#s to Sun )e. !hile he #as see$ing a #ay out, he came across ,u 8ong. )heng 7u at once put his horse at full speed and engaged ,u 8ong. +fter a fe# bouts ,u 8ong #ent do#n under a spear thrust. The battle became general and continued till daylight bro$e, #hen each dre# off his army. ,iu 'iao #ithdre# into the city. !hen Sun )e returned to the river, he heard that his father had perished in the fight, and his body had been carried #ithin the enemy(s #alls. *e uttered a great cry, and the army >oined him #ith #ailing and tears. C*o# can I return home leaving my father(s corpse #ith themGC cried Sun )e.

*uang 8ai said, C!e have *uang "u as our prisoner. ,et one enter the city and discuss peace, giving up our prisoner for our lord(s body.C *e had barely finished spea$ing #hen an officer in the army, *uan 9i, offered himself as messenger, saying, CI am an old friend of ,iu 'iao. I volunteer to ta$e the mission.C Sun )e agreed. So *uan 9i #ent and peace #as discussed. ,iu 'iao told *uan 9i, saying, CThe body is already laid in a coffin and ready to be delivered as soon as *uang "u returned. ,et us both cease fighting and never again invade each other(s territories.C *uan 9i than$ed him and too$ his leave. 'ut as *uan 9i #ent do#n the steps, 5uai ,iang suddenly bro$e in, saying, CFo, no= ,et me spea$ and I #ill see to it that not a single enemy can survive. I pray you first put this man to death and then to employ my means.C 7ursuing his enemy, Sun 9ian dies; On a peaceful mission, *uan 9i is threatened. The fate of the ambassador #ill be disclosed in a later chapter. Chapter 7 Wang +&n Prepares The Chaining Scheme; *ong Zh&o ,ages 1t Phoeni8 Pavi#ion' This is #hat 5uai ,iang said, CSun 9ian is no# gone, and his children are but youths. SeiDe this moment of #ea$ness to brea$ into )hangsha, and it is yours in one beat of the drum. If you return the corpse and ma$e peace, you give them time to gro# po#erful, and evil #ill ensue to 9ingDhou.C C*o# can I leave *uang "u in their handsGC said ,iu 'iao. C!hy not sacrifice this blundering #arrior for a regionGC C'ut he is my dear friend and to abandon him is #rong.C So *uan 9i #as allo#ed to return to his o#n side #ith the understanding that Sun 9ian(s dead body should be given in eAchange. Sun )e freed his prisoner, brought a#ay his father(s coffin, and the fighting ceased. Sun 9ian #as interred in the plains of &ue. !hen the ceremonies #ere over, Sun )e led his army home again.

In )hangsha, the southern territory of the 8reat River%, Sun )e set himself to the tas$ of ruling #ell. 'eing humble and generous, he invited to his side humans of #isdom and valor and so bore himself that all the best and bravest of the country gathered about him. 1ean#hile, Dong "huo at )apital )hangan, #hen he heard of the death of the turbulent Sun 9ian, said, C+n evil that pressed hard upon my heart has been removed=C *e as$ed #hat children Sun 9ian had left, and #hen they told him the eldest #as but seventeen, he dismissed all anAiety from his thoughts. 3rom this time for#ard his arrogance and domineering spirit #aAed #orse and #orse. *e styled himself CImperial Rector,C a name full of honor, and in all his behavior aped imperial state. *e created his younger brother, Dong 1in, ,ord of *uaDhou and made him )ommander of the ,eft +rmy. + nephe#, Dong *uang, #as made )ourt )ounselor and placed in command of the 7alace 8uard, and everyone of his clan, young or old, #as ennobled. 4ighty miles from the capital Dong "huo laid out a city called 1ei#o, an eAact replica of )hangan, #ith its palaces, granaries, treasuries, and magaDines, and employed a uarter of a million people to build it. *ere he accumulated supplies sufficient for t#enty years. *e selected eight hundred of the most beautiful maidens and sent them to d#ell in his ne# city. The stores of #ealth in every form #ere incalculable. +ll his family and retainers found uarters in this ne# city. Dong "huo visited his city at intervals of a month or so, and every visit #as li$e an imperial progress, #ith booths by the roadside to refresh the officials and courtiers #ho attended him to the north#est Royal 8ate and sa# him start. On one occasion Dong "huo spread a great feast for all those assembled to #itness his departure; and #hile it #as in progress, there arrived a large number of rebels from the north #ho had voluntarily surrendered. The tyrant had them brought before him as he sat at table and meted out to them #anton cruelties. The hands of this one #ere lopped off, the feet of that; one had his eyes gouged out; another lost his tongue. Some #ere boiled to death. Shrie$s of agony arose to the very heavens, and the courtiers #ere faint #ith terror. 'ut the author of the misery ate and dran$, chatted and smiled as if nothing #as going on. +nother day Dong "huo #as presiding at a great gathering of officers #ho #ere seated in t#o long ro#s. +fter the #ine had gone up and do#n several times, ,u 'u entered and #hispered a fe# #ords in his master(s ear. Dong "huo smiled and said, C*e #as al#ays so. Ta$e 1inister "hang !an outside.C The others all turned pale. In a little time a serving man brought the head of their fello# guest on a red dish and sho#ed it to their host. They nearly died #ith fright.

CDo not fear,C said Dong "huo smiling. C1inister "hang !an #as in league #ith Buan Shu to assassinate me. + letter he #rote fell by mista$e into the hands of my son, so I have had him put to death. Bou gentlemen, #ho have no reason, need have no fear.C The officials hastened to disperse. One of them, 1inister of the Interior !ang Bun, #ho had #itnessed all this, returned to his palace very pensive and much distressed. The same evening, a bright moonlight night, he too$ his staff and #ent strolling in his private garden. Standing near one of the creeper trellises, he gaDed up at the s$y and the tears rolled do#n his chee$s. Suddenly he heard a rustle in the 7eony 7avilion and someone sighing deeply. Stealthily creeping near, he sa# there one of the household singing girls named Diao )han. This maiden had been brought up in his palace, #here she had been taught to sing and dance. +t t#enty6one, she #as then >ust bursting into #omanhood, a pretty and clever girl #hom !ang Bun regarded more as a daughter than a dependant. +fter listening for some time, !ang Bun suddenly called out, C!hat mischief are you up to there, you naughty girlGC The maiden dropped on her $nees in terror, saying, C!ould thy un#orthy handmaid dare to do anything #rongGC CThen #hat are you sighing about out here in the dar$nessGC C1ay thy handmaid spea$ from the bottom of her heartGC CTell me the #hole truth. Do not conceal anything.C +nd the girl said, CThy handmaid has been the recipient of bountiful $indness. She has been taught to sing and dance and been treated so $indly that #ere she torn in pieces for her lord(s sa$e, it #ould not repay a thousandth part. She has noticed lately that her lord(s bro#s have been $nit in distress and $no#s it is on account of the state troubles. 'ut she has not dared to as$. This evening he seemed sadder than ever, and she #as miserable on her lord(s account. 'ut she did not $no# she #ould be seen. )ould she be of any use she #ould not shrin$ from a myriad deaths.C + sudden idea came to !ang Bun, and he stuc$ the ground #ith his staff. +nd he said, C!ho #ould thin$ that the fate of *an lay on your palmG )ome #ith me=C The girl follo#ed him into the house. Then he dismissed all the #aiting attendants, placed Diao )han on a chair and bo#ed before her. She #as frightened and thre# herself on the ground, as$ing in terror #hat it all meant. Said !ang Bun, CBou can sympathiDe #ith the people of *an,C and the fount of his tears opened afresh.

C1y lord, as thy handmaid said >ust no#, use her in any #ay@ Thy handmaid #ill never shrin$,C said the girl. !ang Bun $nelt, saying, CThe people are on the brin$ of destruction, the prince and his officers are in >eopardy, and you, you are the only savior. That #retch Dong "huo #ants to depose the 4mperor, and not a person among us can find means to stop him. Fo# he has a son, a bold #arrior it is true, but both father and son have a #ea$ness for beauty, and I am going to use #hat I may call the (chaining( plan. I shall first propose you in marriage to ,u 'u and then, after you are betrothed, I shall present you to Dong "huo, and you #ill ta$e every opportunity to force them asunder and turn s#ay their countenances from each other, cause the son to $ill his adopted father and so put an end to the great evil. Thus you may restore the altars of the land that it may live again. +ll this lies #ithin your po#er@ !ill you do itGC CThy handmaid has promised not to recoil from death itself. Bou may use my poor self in any #ay, and I must do my best.C C'ut if this gets abroad then #e are all lost=C C3ear not,C said she. CIf thy handmaid does not sho# gratitude, may she perish beneath a myriad s#ords=C CThan$ you, than$ you=C said !ang Bun. Then !ang Bun too$ from the family treasury many pearls and bade a cunning >e#eler ma$e there#ith a fine golden headdress, #hich #as sent as a present to ,u 'u. *e #as delighted and came to than$ the donor. !hen ,u 'u arrived, he #as met at the gate by !ang Bun himself and #ithin found a table full of dainties for his delectation. *e #as conducted into the private apartments and placed in the seat of honor. ,u 'u said, CI am but a simple officer in the palace of a minister. Bou are an eAalted officer of state. !hy am I treated thusGC C'ecause in the #hole land there is no hero your e ual. 7oor !ang Bun bo#s not to an officer(s ran$; poor !ang Bun bo#s to his ability C This gratified ,u 'u mightily, and his host continued to praise and flatter and ply him #ith #ine and to tal$ of the virtues of the 7rime 1inister and his henchman. ,u 'u laughed and dran$ huge goblets. 7resently most of the attendants #ere sent a#ay, only a fe# $ept to press the guest to drin$. !hen the guest #as very mello#, !ang Bun suddenly said, C,et her come in=C

Soon appeared t#o attendants, dressed in #hite, leading bet#een them the eA uisite and fascinating Diao )han. C!ho is thisGC said ,u 'u startled into sobriety. CThis is my little girl, Diao )han. Bou #ill not be annoyed at my familiarity, #ill youG 'ut you have been so very friendly, I thought you #ould li$e to see her.C !ang Bun bade Diao )han present a goblet of #ine, and her eyes met those of the #arrior. !ang Bun feigning intoAication said, C1y little child begs you, 8eneral, to ta$e a cup or t#o. !e all depend upon you, all our house.C ,u 'u begged Diao )han to sit do#n. She pretended to #ish to retire. *er master pressed her to remain, saying that she might do so since the guest #as a dear friend. So she too$ a seat modestly near her master. ,u 'u $ept his gaDe fiAed upon the maid, #hile he s#allo#ed cup after cup of #ine. CI should li$e to present her to you as a handmaid@ !ould you acceptGC said !ang Bun. The guest started up. CIf that is so, you may rely upon my ab>ect gratitude,C said ,u 'u. C!e #ill choose a propitious day ere long and send her to the palace.C ,u 'u #as over>oyed. *e could not $eep his eyes off Diao )han, and loving glances flashed from her li uid eyes. *o#ever the time came for the guest to leave, and !ang Bun said, CI #ould as$ you to remain the night, but the 7rime 1inister might suspect something.C ,u 'u than$ed him again and again and departed. Some fe# days later #hen !ang Bun #as at court and ,u 'u #as absent, !ang Bun bo#ed lo# before Dong "huo and said, CI #ish that you #ould deign to come to dine at my lo#ly cottage@ )ould your noble thought bend that #ayGC CShould you invite me, I #ould certainly hasten,C #as the reply. !ang Bun than$ed him. Then !ang Bun #ent home and prepared in the reception hall a feast in #hich figured every delicacy from land and sea. 'eautiful embroideries surrounded the chief seat in the center, and elegant curtains #ere hung #ithin and #ithout. +t noon neAt day, #hen the 7rime 1inister arrived, !ang Bun met him at the gate in full court costume. !ang Bun stood by

#hile Dong "huo stepped out of his chariot, and Dong "huo and a host of one hundred armed guards cro#ded into the hall. Dong "huo too$ his seat at the top, his suite fell into t#o lines right and left, #hile !ang Bun stood humbly at the lo#er end. Dong "huo bade his people conduct !ang Bun to a place beside himself. Said !ang Bun, CThe great 7rime 1inister(s abundant virtue is as the high mountains. Feither the ancient sages666Bi Bin% and the Du$e of "hou%666could attain thereto.C Dong "huo smiled. They bore in the dishes and the #ine, and the music began. !ang Bun plied his guest #ith assiduous flattery and studied deference. !hen it gre# late and the #ine had done its #or$, Dong "huo #as invited to the inner chamber. So he sent a#ay his guards and #ent. *ere the host raised a goblet and dran$ to his guest, saying, C3rom my youth up I have understood something of astrology and have been studying the aspect of the heavens. I read that the days of *an are numbered, and that the great 7rime 1inister(s merits command the regard of all the #orld, as #hen 5ing Shun succeeded 5ing Bao, and 5ing Bu continued the #or$ of 5ing Shun%, all by the strength of their o#n merits, conforming to the mind of *eaven and the desire of people.C C*o# dare I eApect thisGC said Dong "huo. C3rom the days of old, those #ho #al$ in the #ay have replaced those #ho deviate therefrom; those #ho lac$ virtue have fallen before those #ho possess it. )an one escape fateGC CIf indeed the decree of *eaven devolves on me, you shall be held the first in merit=C said Dong "huo. !ang Bun bo#ed. Then lights #ere brought in and all the attendants #ere dismissed, save the serving maids to hand the #ine. So the evening #ent on. 7resently !ang Bun said, CThe music of these everyday musicians is too commonplace for your ear, but there happens to be in the house a little maid that might please you.C C4Acellent=C said the guest. Then a curtain #as lo#ered. The shrill tones of reed instruments rang through the room, and presently some attendants led for#ard Diao )han, #ho then danced on the outside of the curtain. + poem praises her@ 3or a palace this maiden #as born, So timid, so graceful, so slender, ,i$e a tiny bird flitting at morn Over the de#6laden lily buds tender. !ere this eA uisite maid only mine, 3or never a mansion I(d pine.

+nother poem runs thus@ The music falls, the dancer comes, a s#allo# gliding in, + dainty little damsel, soft as sil$; *er beauty captivates the guest yet saddens him #ithin, 3or he must soon depart and leave her there. She smiles; no gold could buy that smile, no other smiled so, Fo need to dec$ her form #ith >e#els rare. 'ut #hen the dance is over and coy glances come and go, Then #ho shall be the chosen of the fairG The dance ended. Dong "huo bade them lead the maiden in, and she came, bo#ing lo# as she approached him. *e #as much ta$en #ith her beauty and modest grace. C!ho is sheGC said Dong "huo. C+ singing girl. *er name is Diao )han.C CThen can she singGC The master bade her sing, and she did so to the accompaniment of castanets. There is a measure describing her youthful beauty@ Bou stand, a dainty maiden, Bour cherry lips so bright, Bour teeth so pearly #hite, Bour fragrant breath love6laden; Bet is your tongue a s#ord; )old death is the re#ard Of loving thee, O maiden. Dong "huo #as delighted and praised her #armly. She #as told to present a goblet of #ine to the guest #hich he too$ from her hands and then as$ed her age. She replied, CThy un#orthy handmaid is t#enty6one.C C+ perfect little fairy=C said Dong "huo. Then !ang Bun rose and said, CIf the 7rime 1inister #ould not mind, I should li$e to offer him this little maid.C C*o# could I be grateful enough for such a $indness=C CShe #ould be most fortunate if she could be your servant,C said !ang Bun.

Dong "huo than$ed his host #armly. Then the orders #ere given to prepare a closed carriage and convey Diao )han to the 7rime 1inister(s palace. Soon after Dong "huo too$ his leave, and !ang Bun accompanied him the #hole #ay. +fter he had ta$en leave, !ang Bun mounted to ride home#ard. *alf #ay he met t#o lines of guards #ith red lamps #ho #ere escorting ,u 'u #ho #as on horsebac$ and armed #ith his trident halberd. Seeing !ang Bun, ,u 'u at once reined in, stopped, seiDed him by the sleeve, and said angrily, CBou promised Diao )han to me, and no# you have given her to the 7rime 1inister@ !hat foolery is thisGC !ang Bun chec$ed him, saying, CThis is no place to tal$; I pray you come to my house.C So they #ent together, and !ang Bun led ,u 'u into a private room. +fter the usual eAchange of polite greetings, !ang Bun said, C!hy do you find fault #ith me, 8eneralGC CSomebody told me that you had sent Diao )han to the 7rime 1inister(s palace in a covered carriage@ !hat does it meanGC COf course you do not understand. Besterday #hen I #as at court, the 7rime 1inister told me he had something to tal$ to me about in my o#n house. So naturally I prepared for his coming, and #hile #e #ere at dinner he said, (I have heard something of a girl named Diao )han #hom you have promised to my son ,u 'u. I thought it #as mere rumor so I #anted to as$ if it #as true. 'eside I should li$e to see her.( I could not say no, so she came in and made her bo# to the lord of lords. Then he said that it #as a luc$y day and he #ould ta$e her a#ay #ith him and betroth her to you. 9ust thin$, Sir@ !hen the 7rime 1inister had come himself, could I stop himGC CBou #ere not so very #rong,C said ,u 'u. C'ut for a time I had misunderstood you. I o#e you an apology.C CThe girl has a small trousseau, #hich I #ill send as soon as she has gone over to your d#elling.C ,u 'u than$ed him and #ent a#ay. FeAt day he #ent into the palace to find out the truth, but could hear nothing. Then he made his #ay into the private uarters and uestioned the maids. 7resently one told him that the 7rime 1inister had brought home a ne# bedfello# the night before and #as not up yet. ,u 'u #as very angry. FeAt he crept round behind his master(s sleeping apartment.

'y this time Diao )han had risen and #as dressing her hair at the #indo#. ,oo$ing out she sa# a long shado# fall across the little la$e. She recogniDed the headdress, and peeping around she sa# it #as indeed no other than ,u 'u. Thereupon she contracted her eyebro#s, simulating the deepest grief, and #ith her dainty hand$erchief she #iped her eyes again and again. ,u 'u stood #atching her a long time. Soon after he #ent in to give morning greeting. Dong "huo #as sitting in the reception room. Seeing his henchman, Dong "huo as$ed if there #as anything ne#. CFothing,C #as the reply. ,u 'u #aited #hile Dong "huo too$ his morning meal. +s he stood beside his master, he glanced over at the curtain and sa# a #oman there behind the screen sho#ing a half face from time to time and thro#ing amorous glances at him. *e felt it #as his beloved, and his thoughts fle# to her. 7resently Dong "huo noticed his eApression and began to feel suspicious. CIf there is nothing, you may go,C said Dong "huo. ,u 'u sul$ily #ithdre#. Dong "huo no# thought of nothing but his ne# mistress and for more than a month neglected all affairs, devoting himself entirely to pleasure. Once he #as a little indisposed, and Diao )han #as constantly at his side, never even undressing to sho# her solicitude. She gratified his every #him. Dong "huo gre# more and more fond of her. One day ,u 'u #ent to in uire after his father(s health. Dong "huo #as asleep, and Diao )han #as sitting at the head of his couch. ,eaning for#ard she gaDed at the visitor, #ith one hand pointed to her heart, the other at Dong "huo asleep, and her tears fell. ,u 'u felt heartbro$en. Dong "huo dro#sily opened his eyes; and seeing his son(s gaDe fiAed on something behind him, he turned over and sa# #ho it #as. *e angrily rebu$ed his son, saying, CDare you ma$e love to my beautyGC *e told the servants to turn ,u 'u out, shouting, CFever let him enter here again=C ,u 'u #ent off home very #rath. 1eeting ,i Ru, he told ,i Ru the cause of his anger. The adviser hastened to see his master and said, CSir, you aspire to be ruler of the empire. !hy then for a small fault do you blame the 8eneralG If he turns against you, it is all over.C CThen #hat can I doGC said Dong "huo. CRecall him tomorro#; treat him #ell; over#helm him #ith gifts and fair #ords; and all #ill be #ell.C

So Dong "huo did so. *e sent for ,u 'u and #as very gracious and said, CI #as irritable and hasty yesterday o#ing to my illness and I #ronged you, I $no#. 3orgive me.C *e gave ,u 'u three hundred ounces of gold and t#enty rolls of brocade. +nd so the uarrel #as made up. 'ut though ,u 'u(s body #as #ith his adopted father Dong "huo, his heart #as #ith his promised bride Diao )han. Dong "huo having uite recovered #ent to court again, and ,u 'u follo#ed him as usual. Seeing Dong "huo deep in conversation #ith the 4mperor, ,u 'u, armed as he #as, #ent out of the 7alace and rode off to his chief(s residence. *e tied up his steed at the entrance and, halberd in hand, #ent to the private apartment to see$ his love. *e found Diao )han, and she told him to go out into the garden #here she #ould >oin him soon. *e #ent, ta$ing his halberd #ith him, and he leaned against the rail of the 7hoeniA 7avilion to #ait for Diao )han. +fter a long time she appeared, s#aying gracefully as she made her #ay under the drooping #illo#s and parting the flo#ers as she passed. She #as eA uisite, a perfect fairy from the 7alace of the 1oon. Tears #ere in her eyes as she came up and said, CThough I am not the 1inister(s real daughter, yet he treated me as his o#n child. The desire of my life #as fulfilled #hen he plighted me to you. 'ut oh= to thin$ of the #ic$edness of the 7rime 1inister, stealing my poor self as he did. I suffered so much. I longed to die, only that I had not told you the real truth. So I lived on, bearing my shame as best as I could but feeling it mean still to live. Fo# that I have seen you, I can end it all. 1y poor sullied body is no longer fit to serve a hero. I can die before your eyes and so prove ho# true I am=C Thus spea$ing she seiDed the curving rail and started into the lily pond. ,u 'u caught her in his strong arms and #ept as he held her close. CI $ne# it@ I al#ays $ne# your heart,C he sobbed. COnly #e never had a chance to spea$.C She thre# her arms about ,u 'u. CIf I cannot be your #ife in this life, I #ill in the ages to come,C she #hispered. CIf I do not marry you in this life, I am no hero,C said he. C4very day is a year long. O pity me= Rescue me= 1y lord=C CI have only stolen a#ay for a brief moment, and I am afraid that old rebel #ill suspect something, so I must not stay too long,C said ,u 'u. Diao )han clung to his robe, saying, CIf you fear the old thief so much, I shall never see another sunrise.C

,u 'u stopped. C8ive me a little time to thin$,C said he. +nd he pic$ed up his halberd to go. CIn the deep seclusion of the harem, I heard the stories of your pro#ess. Bou #ere the one man #ho eAcelled all others. ,ittle did I thin$ that you of all heroes #ould rest content under the dominion of another.C +nd tears rained again= + #ave of shame flooded his face. ,eaning his halberd against the railing, he turned and clasped the girl to his breast, soothing her #ith fond #ords. The lovers held each other close, s#aying to and fro #ith emotion. They could not bring themselves to say fare#ell. In the meantime Dong "huo missed his henchman, and doubt filled his heart. *astily ta$ing leave of the 4mperor, he mounted his chariot and returned to his palace. There at the gate stood ,u 'u(s #ell $no#n steed Red *are, riderless. Dong "huo uestioned the door$eepers, and they told him the 8eneral #as #ithin. *e sent a#ay his attendants and #ent alone to the private apartments. ,u 'u #as not there. *e called Diao )han, but there #as no reply. *e as$ed #here she #as, and the #aiting maids told him she #as in the garden among the flo#ers. So Dong "huo #ent into the garden, and there he sa# the lovers in the pavilion in most tender tal$. ,u 'u(s trident halberd #as leaning on the railing beside him. + ho#l of rage escaped Dong "huo and startled the lovers. ,u 'u turned, sa# #ho it #as, and ran a#ay. Dong "huo caught up the halberd and ran in pursuit. 'ut ,u 'u #as fleet of foot #hile his master #as very stout. Seeing no hope of catching the runa#ay, Dong "huo hurled the halberd. ,u 'u fended it off and it fell to the ground. Dong "huo pic$ed it up and ran on. 'ut by this time ,u 'u #as far ahead. 9ust as Dong "huo #as running out at the garden gate, he dashed full tilt against another man running in, and do#n he #ent. Surged up his #rath #ithin him as the billo#s heaven#ard leap. )rashed his un#ieldy body to earth in a shapeless heap. !e shall presently see #ho the other runner #as. Chapter 9 -& B& $i##s *ong Zh&o For Wang +&n; -i "&e 1ttac5s The Capita# n "ia :&;s 1dvice'

The person #ho collided #ith the irate Dong "huo #as his most trusty adviser ,i Ru. ,i Ru had not fallen in spite of the shoc$ and at once scrambled to help Dong "huo to regain his feet and led him inside to the library, #here they sat do#n. C!hat #ere you coming aboutGC said Dong "huo. C*appening to be passing your gates, I heard that you had gone into your private garden to loo$ for your adopted son. Then came ,u 'u running and crying out that you #anted to $ill him, and I #as coming in as fast as I could to intercede for him #hen I accidentally collided #ith you. I am very sorry. I deserve death.C CThe #retch= *o# could I bear to see him toying #ith my fair oneG I #ill be the death of his yet.C CBour 8raciousness is ma$ing a mista$e. It is the (pluc$ed tassel( story over again. 'ut if you remember the ban uet of old time #here all guests #ere to tear the tassels of their hats. In that ban uet, 5ing "huang of )hu made no fuss about the liberties ta$en #ith his ueen, although the hat6tassel in her hand betrayed the culprit 9iang 2iong. *is restraint stood him good stead, for the same 9iang 2iong saved his life #hen he #as hemmed in by the soldiers of &in. +fter all Diao )han is only a handmaid, but ,u 'u is your trustiest friend and most dreaded commander. If you too$ this chance of ma$ing the girl over to him, your $indness #ould #in his undying gratitude. I beg you, Sir, to thin$ over it #ell.C Dong "huo hesitated a long time. *e sat murmuring to himself. 7resently he said, C!hat you say is right. I must thin$ over it.C ,i Ru felt satisfied. *e too$ leave of his master and #ent a#ay. Dong "huo #ent to his private rooms and called Diao )han. C!hat #ere you doing there #ith ,u 'uGC said he. She began to #eep, saying, CThy handmaid #as in the garden among the flo#ers, #hen he rushed in on me. I #as frightened and ran a#ay. *e as$ed #hy I ran a#ay from a son of the family and pursued me right to the pavilion, #here you sa# us. *e had that halberd in his hand all the time. I felt he #as a vicious man and #ould force me to his #ill, so I tried to thro# myself into the lily pond, but he caught me in his arms and held me so that I #as helpless. ,uc$ily >ust at that moment you came and saved my life.C CSuppose I send you to him,C said Dong "huo. Stunned, she pleaded #ith tears, C!hat have thy handmaid doneG 1y honor of serving only Bour *ighness could not bear being given to a mere underling= Fever= I #ould rather die.C +nd #ith this she snatched do#n a dagger hanging on the #all to $ill herself.

Dong "huo pluc$ed it from her hand and, thro#ing his arms about her, and cried, CI #as only >o$ing=C She lay bac$ on his breast hiding her face and sobbing bitterly. CThis is the doing of that ,i Ru,C said she. C*e is much too thic$ #ith ,u 'u. *e suggested that, I $no#. ,ittle he cares for the Imperial Rector(s reputation or my life. Oh= I could eat him alive.C CDo you thin$ I could bear to lose youGC said Dong "huo. CThough you love me yet I must not stay here. That ,u 'u #ill try to ruin me if I do. I fear him.C C!e #ill go to 1ei#o tomorro#, you and I, and #e #ill be happy together and have no cares.C She dried her tears and than$ed him. FeAt day ,i Ru came again to persuade Dong "huo to send the damsel to ,u 'u. CThis is a propitious day,C said ,i Ru. C*e and I standing in the relation of father and son. I cannot very #ell do that,C said Dong "huo. C'ut I #ill say no more about his fault. Bou may tell him so and soothe him as #ell as you can.C CBou are not being beguiled by the #oman, are youGC said ,i Ru. Dong "huo colored, saying, C!ould you li$e to give your #ife to some body elseG Do not tal$ about this any further. It #ould be better not to.C ,i Ru left the chamber. !hen he got outside, he cast his eyes up to heaven, saying, C!e are dead people, slain by the hand of this girl=C !hen a scholar of history reached this episode he #rote a verse or t#o@ 9ust introduce a #oman, )onspiracies succeed; Of soldiers, or their #eapons, There really is no need. They fought their bloody battles, +nd doughty deeds #ere done; 'ut in a garden summer house The victory #as #on. The order #as given to >ourney to 1ei#o, and the #hole body of officers assembled to add luster to the start. Diao )han, from her carriage, sa# ,u 'u among the cro#d. She at once dropped her eyes and assumed an appearance of deepest melancholy. +fter the cavalcade started and #hen her

carriage had almost disappeared in the distance, the disappointed lover reined in his steed on a mount #hence he could #atch the dust that rose around it. Hnutterable sadness filled his heart. Suddenly a voice said, C!hy do you not accompany the 7rime 1inister, 8eneral, instead of standing here and sighingGC It #as !ang Bun. CI have been confined to the house by illness these fe# days,C continued he, Cso I have not seen you. 'ut I had to struggle out today to see the 7rime 1inister set off. This meeting is most fortunate. 'ut #hy #ere you sighingGC C9ust on account of that daughter of yours,C said ,u 'u. 3eigning great astonishment, !ang Bun said, CSo long a time and yet not given to you=C CThe old ruffian has fallen in love #ith her himself.C CSurely this cannot be true.C ,u 'u related the #hole story #hile !ang Bun listened, silent, but stamping on the ground as #ith irritation and perpleAity. +fter a long time !ang Bun said, CI did not thin$ he #as such a beast.C Ta$ing ,u 'u by the hand, !ang Bun said, C)ome to my house, and #e #ill tal$ it over.C So they #ent a#ay together to the house and retired to a secret room. +fter some refreshments, ,u 'u told the #hole story of the episode in 7hoeniA 7avilion >ust as it happened. !ang Bun said, C*e seems to have corrupted my little girl and has stolen your #ife. *e #ill be an ob>ect of shame and ridicule to the #hole #orld. +nd those #ho do not laugh at him #ill laugh at you and me. +las= I am old and po#erless and can do nothing. 1ore pitied than blamed= 'ut you, 8eneral, you are a #arrior, the greatest hero in the #orld. Bet you have been put to this shame and eAposed to this contempt.C + #ave of fierce #rath rolled up in ,u 'u. 'anging the table he shouted and roared. *is host ostentatiously tried to calm him, saying, CI forgot myself. I should not have spo$en li$e that. Do not be so angry, I pray=C CI #ill $ill the #retch, I s#ear it= In no other #ay can I #ash a#ay my shame.C CFo, no= Do not say such a thing,C said !ang Bun, putting his hand over the other(s mouth. CBou #ill bring trouble on poor me and my family.C

C!hen one is born great, one cannot be patient for long under another person(s domination,C said ,u 'u. CIt needs someone greater than the 7rime 1inister to limit the scope of such talents as yours.C ,u 'u said, CI #ould not mind $illing the old #retch #ere it not for the relation in #hich #e stand. I fear to provo$e the hostile criticism of posterity.C !ang Bun shoo$ his head, saying, CBour name is ,u 'u; his is Dong "huo. !here #as the paternal feeling #hen he thre# the halberd at youGC CI had been misled if you had not said that,C said ,u 'u hotly. !ang Bun sa# the effect of his #ords and continued, CIt #ould be a loyal deed to restore the *ouse of *an, and history #ould hand do#n your name to posterity perpetually fragrant. If you lend your aid to Dong "huo, you #ill be a traitor and your name #ill be tainted through all ages.C ,u 'u rose from his place and bo#ed to !ang Bun. CI have decided,C said he. CBou need not fear, Sir.C C'ut yet you may fail and bring upon yourself misfortune,C said !ang Bun. ,u 'u dre# his dagger, pric$ing his arm, and s#earing by the blood that flo#ed. !ang Bun fell on his $nees and than$ed him. CThen the *an sacrifices #ill not be cut off, and you #ill be their savior. 'ut this must remain a secret, and I #ill tell you ho# the plot shall be #or$ed out.C ,u 'u too$ leave #ith great emotion. !ang Bun too$ into his confidence t#o colleagues, 1inister Shisun Rui and Imperial )ommander *uang !an. Shisun Rui said, CThe moment is favorable. The 4mperor has >ust recovered from his illness, and #e can dispatch an able tal$er to 1ei#o to persuade Dong "huo to come here to discuss affairs. 1ean#hile #e #ill obtain a secret decree as authority for ,u 'u to lay an ambush >ust inside the 7alace gates to $ill Dong "huo as he enters. This is the best plan to adopt.C C'ut #ho #ould dare to goGC said *uang !an. C,i Su, 8eneral of the Imperial Tiger +rmy, #ould go. *e belongs to the same region as ,u 'u and is very angry #ith the 7rime 1inister for not advancing him. *is going #ould assure us the plan #ould be completed.C

C8ood,C said !ang Bun. C,et us see #hat ,u 'u thin$s of it.C !hen ,u 'u #as consulted, he told them that this ,i Su(s persuasion had led him to $ill Ding Buan, his former benefactor. CIf ,i Su refuses this mission, I #ill $ill him,C said ,u 'u. So they sent for ,i Su. !hen ,i Su arrived, ,u 'u said, C3ormerly you tal$ed me into $illing Ding Buan and going over to Dong "huo. Fo# #e find Dong "huo means evil for the 4mperor and is an oppressor of the people. *is ini uities are many, and he is hated by gods and humans. Bou go to 1ei#o, say you have a command from the 4mperor to summon the 7rime 1inister to the 7alace. *e #ill come, and he #ill be put to death. Bou #ill have the credit of being loyal and restoring the *ans. !ill you underta$e thisGC CI also #ish to slay him,C #as the reply. C'ut I could not find anyone to assist me. *o# can I hesitateG Bour intervention is directly from *eaven.C +nd ,i Su snapped an arro# in t#ain as register of his oath. CIf this succeeds, #hat glorious ran$ #ill be yours=C said !ang Bun. FeAt day ,i Su, #ith a small escort, set out for 1ei#o and announced himself as bearer of a decree. *e #as conducted into Dong "huo(s presence. +fter he had made his obeisance, Dong "huo as$ed #hat the decree #as. C*is 1a>esty has recovered and #ishes his ministers to meet him in the 7alace to consider the uestion of his abdication in your favor. That is #hat this summons means.C C!hat does !ang Bun thin$ of the schemeGC C!ang Bun has already begun the construction of the Terrace of +bdication and only a#aits my lord(s arrival.C C,ast night I dreamed a dragon coiled round my body,C said Dong "huo greatly pleased, Cand no# I get this happy tidings= I must not neglect the opportunity.C So Dong "huo gave instructions to his four trusted generals for the safe$eeping of his city. ,i 9ue, 8uo Si, 3an )hou, and "hang 9i #ere to guard 1ei#o #ith three thousand troops of the 3lying 'ear +rmy. Then Dong "huo announced his intention of starting on the morro#. C!hen I am 4mperor, you shall be )ommander of the )apital District,C said he. CBour minister than$s you,C said ,i Su.

Dong "huo #ent to bid fare#ell to his ninety6year6old mother. C!hither are you going, my sonGC as$ed she. CI go to receive the abdication of *an; and soon you #ill be the 4mpress.C CI have been feeling nervous and creepy these fe# days. It is a bad sign.C C+nyone about to become the 1other of the State must have premonitions,C said her son. *e left her #ith these #ords. 9ust before starting, he said to Diao )han, C!hen I am 4mperor, you shall be ,ady of the 7alace.C She bo#ed lo# than$ing him, but she $ne# and in#ardly re>oiced. Dong "huo #ent out, mounted his carriage, and began his >ourney to )apital )hangan #ith an imposing escort. ,ess than ten miles the #heel of his carriage bro$e. *e left it and mounted a horse. +nother ten miles the horse snorted and neighed, thre# up his head and snapped the reins. Dong "huo turned to ,i Su and as$ed #hat these things portended. CIt means that you are going to receive the abdication of the *ans, #hich is to rene# all things@ To mount the >e#eled chariot and sit in the golden saddle.C +nd Dong "huo #as pleased and convinced #ith this ans#er. During the second day(s >ourney a violent gale sprang up, and the s$y became covered #ith a thic$ mist. C!hat does this meanGC said Dong "huo. The #ily ,i Su had an interpretation for this also, saying, CBou are ascending to the place of the dragon@ There must be bright light and lurid vapor to dignify your ma>estic approach.C Dong "huo had no more doubts. *e presently arrived and found many officials #aiting #ithout the city gate to receive him, all but ,i Ru #ho #as ill and unable to leave his chamber. *e entered and proceeded to his o#n palace, #here ,u 'u came to congratulate him. C!hen I sit on the throne, you shall command the #hole armies of the empire, horse and foot,C said Dong "huo. That night Dong "huo slept in the midst of his escort. In the suburbs that evening some children at play #ere singing a little ditty, and the #ords drifted into the bedchamber on the #ind. CThe grass in the meado# loo$s fresh no# and green, Bet #ait but ten days, not a blade #ill be seen.C

The song sounded ominous but ,i Su #as again prepared #ith a happy interpretation@ CIt only means that the ,ius are about to disappear, and the Dongs to be eAalted.C FeAt morning at the first strea$ of da#n, Dong "huo prepared for his appearance at court. On the #ay he sa# a Taoist, dressed in a blac$ robe and #earing a #hite turban, #ho carried in his hand a tall staff #ith a long strip of #hite cloth attached. +t each end of the cloth #as dra#n a mouth%. C!hat is the meaning of thisGC said Dong "huo. C*e is a madman,C said ,i Su, and he told the guards to drive the fello# a#ay. Dong "huo #ent in and found all the officials in court dress lining the road. ,i Su #al$ed beside his carriage, a s#ord in his hand. !hen ,i Su reached the north gate of the 3orbidden )ity, he found the soldiers of Dong "huo dra#n up outside and only the pushers of the 7alace carriage, a t#enty or so, #ere allo#ed to proceed further. !hen Dong "huo arrived near the Reception *all, he sa# that !ang Bun and all the other officials standing at the door #ere armed. C!hy are they all armedGC said Dong "huo to ,i Su. ,i Su #as silent as he helped push the carriage for#ard s#iftly to the entrance. Suddenly !ang Bun shouted, CThe rebel is here= !here are the eAecutionersGC +t this call sprang from both sides soldiers armed #ith halberds and spears #ho attac$ed Dong "huo. *e had not put on the breastplate he usually #ore, and a spear pierced his breast. *e san$ do#n in the carriage calling loudly for his son, C!here is ,u 'uGC C*ere, and #ith a decree to deal #ith a rebel=C said ,u 'u, as he appeared in front of his Cfather.C Thereupon he thrust his trident halberd through the victim(s throat. Then ,i Su hac$ed off the head and held it up. ,u 'u, his left hand holding his halberd, thrust his right hand into his bosom #hence he dre# the decree, crying, CThe decree #as to slay the rebel Dong "huo666no other=C The #hole assembly shouted, C!an shui= ,ive forever= O 4mperor=C + sympathetic poet has #ritten a fe# lines in pity@ +#ait the time, O noble, and be $ing, Or failing, reap the solace riches bring;

*eaven never is partial, but severely >ust, 1ei#o stood strong, yet no# it lies in dust. The lust of blood a#a$ened, ,u 'u urged the slaughter of ,i Ru, #ho had been the confidant of the murdered 7rime 1inister, and ,i Su volunteered to go in search of him. 'ut >ust then a shouting #as heard at the gates, and it #as told them that a household servant had brought ,i Ru in bonds. !ang Bun ordered his immediate eAecution in the mar$et place. Dong "huo(s head #as eAposed in a cro#ded thoroughfare. *e #as very fat, and the guards made torches by stic$ing splints into the body, spilling the corpse(s grease over the ground. The passers6 by pelted the head and spurned the body #ith their feet. !ang Bun ordered a force of fifty thousand under ,u 'u, *uangfu Song, and ,i Su to destroy 1ei#o. ,earning the ne#s of their master, ,i 9ue, 8uo Si, 3an )hou, and "hang 9i fled #est s#iftly through the night #ith their 3lying 'ear +rmy to ,iangDhou Region. !hen arriving 1ei#o, ,u 'u(s first deed #as to ta$e Diao )han into his charge. Then they sle# every member of the Dong family, sparing none, not even Dong "huo(s aged mother. The heads of Dong "huo(s brother Dong 1in and his nephe# Dong *uang #ere publicly displayed in the mar$et place. In 1ei#o #ere hidden many young ladies of good families. These #ere set free. +ll properties #ere confiscated. The #ealth #as enormous666several hundred thousand ounces of gold, millions of silver coins, pearls, gems, sil$s, velvets, furs, grain stores. !hen they returned to report success, !ang Bun re#arded and feasted the soldiers. 'an uets #ere held in the 1inistry *all to #hich all the officials #ere invited. They dran$ and congratulated each other. !hile the feasting #as in progress it #as announced that someone had come and #as #ailing over Dong "huo(s corpse eAposed in the mar$et place. CDong "huo has been put to death,C said !ang Bun, angrily. C4very body is glad to be rid of him, and yet one is found to lament over him. !ho is thisGC So !ang Bun gave orders to arrest the mourner and bring him in. Soon he #as brought in, and #hen they sa# him all #ere startled. 3or he #as no other than Imperial *istorian )ai Bong%. !ang Bun spo$e to )ai Bong angrily, CDong "huo has been put to death as a rebel, and all the land re>oices. Bou, a *an minister, instead of re>oicing, #eep for him. !hyGC )ai Bong confessed his fault, saying, CI am #ithout talent, yet $no# #hat is right. I am not the man #ho turns my bac$ on the dynasty and to#ard Dong "huo. Bet once I eAperienced his $indness, and I could not help mourning for him. I $no# my fault is grave, but I pray you regard the reasons. If you #ill leave my head and only cut off my feet, you may use me to continue the *istory of *an, #hereby I may have the good fortune to be allo#ed to eApiate my fault.C +ll #ere sorry for )ai Bong, for he #as a man of great talents, and they begged that he might be spared.

The Imperial 8uardian, 1a 1idi, secretly interceded for him, saying, C)ai Bong is famous as a scholar, and he can #rite glorious history, and it is inadvisable to put to death a man reno#ned for rectitude #ithout consideration.C 'ut in vain, for the *igh 1inister #as no# strong and obdurate. !ang Bun said, C)enturies ago, 4mperor !u% spared Sima &ian% and employed him on the annals, #ith the result that many slanderous stories have been handed do#n to us. This is a trying period of great perpleAity, and #e dare not let a specious fello# li$e this #ield his pen in criticism of those about the court of a youthful prince and abuse us as he #ill.C Remonstrance and appeal being vain, 1a 1idi retired. 'ut he said to his colleagues, CIs !ang Bun then careless of the futureG !orthy people are the mainstay of the state; la#s are the canons of action. To destroy the mainstay and nullify the la#s is to hasten destruction.C +s #as >ust said !ang Bun #as obdurate. )ai Bong #hose offense #as an eApression of gratitude #as thro#n into prison and there strangled. The people of that day #ept for )ai Bong, for they refused to see any offense in #hat he had done, and death #as a harsh punishment. Dong "huo, the dictator, TyranniDed the state, 3ell and his sole mourner Shared his direful fate. "huge ,iang in seclusion !as content to dream, 3elt his #orth and never *elped a traitor(s scheme. Those generals666,i 9ue, 8uo Si, 3an )hou, and "hang 9i666#hom Dong "huo had left to guard 1ei#o fled #hen their master #as slain and #ent into the county of ShanAi in ,iangDhou Region. Thence they sent in a memorial entreating amnesty. 'ut !ang Bun #ould not hear of it. C3our of them #ere the chief instruments of Dong "huo(s aggressions. Fo# though a general amnesty #ere proclaimed, these men should be eAcluded from its benefit,C said !ang Bun. The messenger returned and told the four there #as no hope of pardon and they could only flee. Then their adviser, 9ia 2u, said, CIf #e thro# a#ay our arms and flee singly, then #e shall fall easy victims to any village beadle #ho may seiDe us. Rather let us ca>ole the ShanAi people to thro# in their lot #ith us and ma$e a sudden onslaught on the capital and so avenge Dong "huo. If #e succeed, #e control the court and the empire. There #ill be enough time to run a#ay if #e fail.C The plan #as adopted, and they spread abroad the story that !ang Bun intended to massacre the county.

*aving thus thro#n the people into a state of terror, they #ent a step farther and said, CThere is no advantage in dying for nothing. Revolt and >oin us=C So they ca>oled the people into >oining them and gathered a host e ual to one hundred thousand. This horde #as divided into four parts, and they all set out to raid )apital )hangan. On the #ay they fell in #ith a son6in6la# of their late chief, Imperial )ommander Fiu 3u, #ho marched five thousand troop from 2iliang. Fiu 3u had set out to avenge his father6in6la#, and he became the Van ,eader of the horde. +s they advanced, the ne#s came to !ang Bun, and he consulted ,u 'u. CThey are a lot of rats,C said ,u 'u. CFever mind ho# many there are of them. 'e not in the least anAious.C So ,u 'u and ,i Su #ent to oppose them. The latter #as in advance and met Fiu 3u. They fought; Fiu 3u #as outmatched and retired after suffering a slaughter. 'ut uneApectedly Fiu 3u returned in a night attac$, found ,i Su uite unprepared and drove ,i Su(s force some ten miles, slaying many. ,i Su reported the defeat, and ,u 'u raged at him, saying, CBou have sullied my reputation as a #arrior and destroyed our fighting spirit=C +nd ,u 'u put ,i Su to death, eAposing his head at the camp gate. FeAt day ,u 'u advanced his o#n force and engaged Fiu 3u. *e over#helmed Fiu 3u and drove him off. That night Fiu 3u called in his most trusted man, *u )hier, to advise him. *u )hier said, C,u 'u is too doughty a fighter for us to hope to overcome him. Our case is hopeless. Our best course is to desert these four generals, secrete their valuables, and leave the army #ith >ust a fe# of our follo#ers.C The plan of *u )hier #as adopted, and the t#o traitors and some others that very night pac$ed up and made their #ay out of camp. They #ere only half a doDen. They came to a river and, #hile crossing, *u )hier, tempted by the lust of #ealth, sle# his companion. Then he #ent to offer the head of Fiu 3u to ,u 'u. ,u 'u in uired into the matter, and #hen a follo#er told him the truth, he put the double traitor *u )hier to death. Then ,u 'u advanced against the rebels and fell in #ith ,i 9ue(s force. !ithout giving them time to form in battle, ,u 'u attac$ed. *orses curvetting and spears set, the army dashed in irresistibly, and ,i 9ue, ma$ing no stand, fell bac$ a long #ay. ,i 9ue too$ up a position under a hill fifteen miles a#ay and thence sent to call his fello#s to council. ,i 9ue said, C,u 'u though brave in battle is no strategist and so not really formidable. I #ill lead my troops to hold the mouth of the gorge, and every day I #ill incite him to attac$; and #hen he comes to#ard me, 8eneral 8uo Si can smite his rear, after the manner of 7eng Bue% #hen he

fought against )hu. !hile thus I am alternating attac$ and retreat, 8enerals 3an )hou and "hang 9i #ill march off in different directions to#ard )hangan. Such an attac$ at t#o points must end both !ang Bun and ,u 'u.C They set themselves to carry out this scheme. +s soon as ,u 'u reached the hills, a force of ,i 9ue came out to attac$ him. ,u 'u made an angry dash to#ard the enemy #ho retired up the hills, #hence they shot arro#s and hurled stones li$e rain. ,u 'u(s troops halted. +t this moment the report came that the rear #as being attac$ed and there appeared 8uo Si. +t once ,u 'u #heeled to#ard the ne# enemy, but immediately the rolling drums gave the signal to retire, and ,u 'u could not come to blo#s #ith them. +s he called in his army, the gongs clanged on the other side and his former opponent ,i 9ue came to attac$ his front. 'ut before ,u 'u could >oin battle, his rear #as again assaulted by 8uo Si, #ho in his turn dre# off immediately. Thus ,u 'u #as baited till his bosom #as near bursting #ith rage. The same tactics continued for several days. *e could neither stri$e his enemies nor escape them. *is troops had no rest. In the midst of these distracting maneuver, a messenger rode up in hot haste to report@ CThe capital is in imminent danger from a double attac$ of 3an )hou and "hang 9i.C ,u 'u at once ordered a march to save the capital, #hich became a rout #hen both his opponents ,i 9ue and 8uo Si came in pursuit. *is loss #as heavy. *e soon reached )hangan and found the rebels there in enormous numbers and the city uite surrounded. ,u 'u(s attac$ had but little effect, and as his temper became more savage under defeat, many of his soldiers #ent over to the rebels. *e fell into deep melancholy. Then a remnant of Dong "huo(s adherents still in the city, led by ,i 1eng and !ang 3ang, began to lend aid to the attac$ers; and by and by they secretly opened the city gate and the besiegers poured in. ,u 'u eAerted himself to the utmost but could not stem the tide. +t the head of some hundred horse, he dashed over to the 'lac$ ,oc$ 8ate and called out to !ang Bun, #ho #as on the other side. CThe case is desperate no#. Ride #ith me to a place of safety=C !ang Bun replied, CIf I am gifted #ith the holy spirit of the state, I shall succeed in restoring the tran uillity #hich I desire. 'ut if I have it not, then I offer my body a sacrifice. I #ill not uail before dangers. Send my than$s to the noble supporters beyond the 7ass for their efforts, and bid them remember their country=C ,u 'u urged !ang Bun again and again, but !ang Bun #ould not leave. Soon flames started up all over the city, and ,u 'u had to leave, abandoning his family to their fate. *e fled to see$ refuge #ith Buan Shu.

,i 9ue, 8uo Si, and his fello# leaders gave full license to their ruffians, #ho robbed and murdered their fill. 1any high officers perished. 1inisters )hong 3u, ,u 5ui, and "hou *uan, Imperial )ommanders )ui ,ie and !ang &in all died in the fighting. In time the rebels penetrated to the inner part of the 7alace, and the courtiers begged the 4mperor to proceed to the 8ate of 7ervading 7eace to try to uell the rioting. +t sight of the yello# umbrella, ,i 9ue and 3an )hou chec$ed their armies, and they all shouted, C!an shui= ,ong life= O 4mperor=C The 4mperor stood by the to#er and addressed them, CFobles, #hat means it that you enter the capital in this unruly manner and #ithout my summonsGC The t#o leaders loo$ed up and said, CDong "huo, Bour 1a>esty(s 7rime 1inister, has been slain by !ang Bun, and #e are here to avenge him. !e are no rebels, Sire. ,et us only have !ang Bun, and #e dra# off our troops.C !ang Bun #as actually among the courtiers and at the 4mperor(s side. *earing this demand, !ang Bun said, CThe plan #as made for the benefit of the Throne. 'ut as this evil has gro#n therefrom, Bour 1a>esty #ill not grudge losing me. I have brought about evil, and I #ill go do#n to these rebels.C The 4mperor #as torn #ith sorro# and #avered. 'ut the faithful minister leaped from the #all, crying, C!ang Bun is here=C The t#o leaders dre# their s#ords, crying, C3or #hat crime #as our master slainGC C*is crimes filled the heavens and covered the earth; no tongue can tell them. The day he died #as a day of re>oicing in the #hole city as you #ell $no#,C said !ang Bun. C+nd if he #as guilty of some crime, #hat had #e done not to be forgivenGC CSeditious rebels, #hy bandy #ordsG I am ready to die.C +nd !ang Bun #as slain at the foot of the to#er. 1oved by the people(s sufferings, VeAed at his prince(s grief, !ang Bun compassed the traitor(s death, That they might find relief. 4veryone $no#s him a hero, ,eal to the state al#ays@ ,iving he guarded the princely to#ers, *is soul $eeps guard today.

*aving done the loyal minister to death at the 4mperor(s feet, they proceeded to eAterminate also his #hole family. 4veryone mourned. Then said the ruffians to each other, C*aving gone so far, #hat could be better than to ma$e a#ay #ith the 4mperor and complete our schemeGC The traitor condoned his crime, Rebellion ought to cease; 'ut his licentious follo#ers Disturb the empire(s peace. The fate of the 4mperor #ill be disclosed in the neAt chapter. Chapter 1< Gathering 1rms) =a Teng =oves To ,esc&e The %mperor; Commanding 1n 1rm4) Cao Cao =arches to 1venges His Father' In the last chapter the t#o arch rebels, ,i 9ue and 8uo Si, proposed to murder 4mperor 2ian, but their follo#ers "hang 9i and 3an )hou opposed this. CFo. The people #ill not approve of his death no#. Restore him to po#er, and get the leaguers inside )hangan(s control. Remove his supporters, and then #e can compass his death. +nd the empire shall be in our hands.C So they ceased the attac$. The 4mperor again spo$e from the to#er, saying, C!hy do you still remainG Bou have slain !ang Bun@ Fo# #ithdra# these soldiers.C Then ,i 9ue and 8uo Si replied, CBour servants desire ran$ re#ards for their good service to your dynasty.C C+nd #hat ran$s, SirsGC +ll four #rote their #ishes and handed them up to the 4mperor #ho had no choice but to accede to the re uest, and they #ere created@ ,i 9ue #as appointed 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry, ,ord of )hiyang, )ommander of )apital District, )ourt +dministrator, and granted 1ilitary Insignia. 8uo Si #as appointed 8eneral of the Rear +rmy, ,ord of 1eiyang, )ourt +dministrator, and granted 1ilitary Insignia. 3an )hou #as appointed 8eneral of the Right +rmy and ,ord of !anian. "hang 9i #as appointed 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry and ,ord of 7ingyan.

,i 1eng and !ang 3ang, for opening the city gates, #ere appointed Imperial )ommanders. +fter receiving ran$s of nobility, ,i 9ue and 8uo Si than$ed the 4mperor, and #ent a#ay to camp at 2unung, the suburb of )hangan. The inferior rebel leaders also #ere gratified #ith ran$s. +nd once more the capital #as free of troops. Dong "huo(s follo#ers, having so far succeeded, did not forget their late leader. They sought his corpse for burial, but only a fe# fragments #ere discoverable. Then they had sculptors engrave a statue of fragrant #ood in his li$eness, laid that out in proper form, and instituted a noble(s sacrifices and prayers. The remains #ere dressed in the robes of a prince, laid in a princely coffin for burial. They selected 1ei#o for his tomb and having found an auspicious day conveyed the coffin thither. 'ut a terrific thunder storm came on at the time of inhumation, and the ground #as flooded. The coffin #as rived asunder, and the poor remains $noc$ed out by thunders. + second time they buried the coffin, but a similar thing happened in the night. +nd yet a third time in another place but the earth re>ected the remains. 1ean#hile the thunder6fire had entirely consumed them. So it may be said >ustly that *eaven #as eAceedingly angry #ith Dong "huo. So no# ,i 9ue and 8uo Si #ielded the real po#er of the scepter, and they #ere hard upon the people. They also removed the attendants from the 7alace and replaced them by their o#n creatures, #ho maintained a most perfect #atch over every movement of the 4mperor so that he #as greatly hampered and embarrassed. +ll appointments and demotions #ere made by the t#o rebels. 3or the sa$e of popularity they especially summoned "hu 9un to court, made him 1inister of the Inner 'ureau and associated him #ith the government. One day came a report that the 8overnor of 2iliang, 1a Teng, and the Imperial 7rotector of 'ingDhou, *an Sui, #ith one hundred thousand troops, are rapidly approaching the capital #ith the intention of attac$ing the rebels in the name of the 4mperor. Fo# these leaders from the #est had laid careful plans. 1a Teng and *an Sui had sent trusty friends to the capital to find out #ho #ould support them. They had conspired #ith three officials666)ourt )ounselors 1a Bu and )hong Shao, and Imperial )ommander ,iu 3an666to be their inside allies and plot against the rebels. These three obtained from the Throne t#o secret edicts conferring the ran$s of )ommander !ho )on uers the !est on 1a Teng and )ommander !ho 8uards the !est on *an Sui. !ith these po#ers the t#o commanders >oined forces and began their march. The four leaders of the party in po#er666,i 9ue, 8uo Si, 3an )hou, and "hang 9i666held a consultation #ith their generals as to ho# to meet the attac$. +dviser 9ia 2u said, CSince the attac$ers are coming from a distance, our plan is to fortify and #ait till shortage of food shall #or$ for us. In a hundred days their supplies #ill be consumed, and they must retire. !e can pursue and #e shall capture them.C

,i 1eng and !ang 3ang rose and said, CThis plan is bad. 8ive us ten thousand troops, and #e #ill put an end to both of them and offer their heads before your ensign.C CTo fight forth#ith means defeat,C said 9ia 2u. ,i 1eng and !ang 3ang cried #ith one voice, CIf #e fail, #e are #illing to lose our heads. 'ut if #e #in, then your head is forfeit.C 9ia 2u then suggested to ,i 9ue and 8uo Si, saying, CSeventy miles #est of the capital stand the "houDhi *ills. The passes are narro# and difficult. Send 8enerals "hang 9i and 3an )hou to occupy this point of vantage and fortify themselves so that they may support ,i 1eng and !ang 3ang.C ,i 9ue and 8uo Si accepted this advice. They told off fifteen thousand horse and foot, and ,i 1eng and !ang 3ang left in high spirit. They made a camp ninety miles from )hangan. The force from the #est arrived. 1a Teng and *an Sui led out their troops to the attac$. They found their opponents ,i 1eng and !ang 3ang in battle array. 1a Teng and *an Sui rode to the front side by side. 7ointing to the rebel leaders, the commanders abused them, crying, CThose are traitors= !ho #ill capture themGC *ardly #ere the #ords spo$en #hen there came out a youth general #ith a clear, #hite compleAion as >ade, eyes li$e shooting stars, lithe of body and strong of limb. *e #as armed #ith a long spear and bestrode an eAcellent steed. This young leader #as 1a )hao, son of 1a Teng, then seventeen years of age. Though young he #as a supreme valiance. !ang 3ang, despising him on account of his youth, galloped forth to fight him. 'efore they had eAchanged many passes !ang 3ang #as disabled and fell to a thrust of the young 1a )hao(s spear. The victor turned to retire into the formation, but ,i 1eng rode after 1a )hao to avenge his fallen colleague. 1a )hao did not see ,i 1eng, but his father called out CBou are follo#ed=C *ardly had 1a Teng spo$en #hen he sa# that the pursuer #as a prisoner seated on his son(s steed. Fo# 1a )hao had $no#n he #as follo#ed, but pretended not to see, #aiting till his enemy should have come close and lifted his spear to stri$e. Then 1a )hao suddenly #heeled about. The spear thrust met only empty air; and as the horses passed, 1a )hao(s po#erful arm shot out and pulled ,i 1eng from the saddle. Thus ,i 1eng and !ang 3ang(s soldiers #ere left leaderless and fled in all directions. The army of 1a Teng and *an Sui dashed in pursuit, and a complete victory #as scored. They pressed into one of the passes and made a camp. Then they decapitated ,i 1eng and eAposed his head. !hen ,i 9ue and 8uo Si heard that both the boastful generals had fallen under the hand of one young man, they $ne# that 9ia 2u had given good advice and #as gifted #ith clear prescience. So

they valued his plans the more highly and decided to act on the defensive. They refused all challenges to combat. Surely enough after a couple of months the supplies of the 2iliang force #ere all eAhausted and the leaders began to consider retreat. 9ust at this >uncture a household servant of 1a Bu(s family betrayed his master and told of the conspiracy of the three court officials to assist the attac$ers. The t#o chiefs ,i 9ue and 8uo Si in revenge seiDed the three conspirators6661a Bu, )hong Shao, and ,iu 3an666, #ith every member of their households, and beheaded them in the mar$et place. The heads of the three #ere eAposed at the front gate of the capital. 'eing short of food and hearing of the destruction of their three adherents in the city, the only course for 1a Teng and *an Sui #as to retreat. +t once "hang 9i #ent in pursuit of 1a Teng, and 3an )hou follo#ed *an Sui. The retreating army under 1a Teng #as beaten, and only by 1a )hao(s desperate efforts #ere the pursuers driven off. 3an )hou pursued the other army. !hen he had come close, *an Sui rode boldly up and addressed him, saying, CBou and I, Sir, are fello# villagers. !hy then behave so unfriendlyGC 3an )hou replied, CI must obey the commands of my chief.C CI am here for the service of the state. !hy do you press me so hardGC said *an Sui. +t this 3an )hou turned his horse, called in his troops, and left *an Sui in peace. Hn#ittingly a nephe# of ,i 9ue had been a #itness of this scene; and #hen he sa# the enemy allo#ed to go free, he returned and told his uncle. +ngry that his enemy had escaped, ,i 9ue #ould have sent an army to #rea$ vengeance on his general. 'ut his adviser 9ia 2u again came in, saying, CThe people are yet unsettled, it #as dangerous to provo$e another #ar. Instead, invite 3an )hou to a ban uet and, #hile the feast #as in progress, eAecuting him for dereliction of duty.C This seemed good to ,i 9ue, so the ban uet #as prepared. "hang 9i and 3an )hou accepted their invitations and #ent cheerfully. To#ard the latter part of the entertainment a sudden change came over their host ,i 9ue, and he suddenly as$ed 3an )hou, C!hy have you been intriguing #ith *an SuiG Bou are turning traitor, ehGC The unhappy guest #as ta$en abac$. 'efore he could frame his #ords to reply, he sa# the assassins rush out #ith s#ords and aAes. In a moment all #as over, and 3an )hou(s head lay beneath the table. Scared beyond measure, his fello#6guest "hang 9i groveled on the floor.

C3an )hou #as a traitor,C said the host, raising "hang 9i by the arm, Cand he has his deserts. Bou are my friend and need not fear.C ,i 9ue gave "hang 9i command of 3an )hou(s army #ith #hich "hang 9i returned to his head uarters garrison in *ongnong. Fo one of the leaders among the leaguers dared attempt an attac$ on the party ne#ly risen from Dong "huo(s disaffection, #hile on the other hand 9ia 2u never ceased to urge his masters to eAert themselves for the #elfare of the people and thus to tempt #ise people to >oin them. +nd by these means the government began to prosper, and the court to reassert its authority. *o#ever, a ne# trouble arose in the shape of a resurgence of Bello# Scarves in &ingDhou. They came, under numerous chieftains, in the number of hundreds of thousand and plundered any place they reached. 1inister "hu 9un said he $ne# of one #ho could destroy this sedition, and #hen as$ed #ho #as the man he proposed, "hu 9un said, CBou #ant to destroy this horde of rebels; you #ill fail unless you get the service of )ao )ao.C C+nd #here is heGC as$ed ,i 9ue. C*e is 8overnor of Dong>un. *e has a large army, and you have only to order him to act. The rising #ill be bro$en.C + messenger #ent post haste #ith a command for )ao )ao and 'ao 2in, ,ord of 9ibei, to act together in uelling the rebellion. +s soon as )ao )ao received the court command, he arranged #ith his colleague first to attac$ the rebels at Shouyang. 'ao 2in made a dash right into their midst and inflicting damage #herever he could, but he #as $illed in a battle. )ao )ao pursued the rebels as they fled. Ten thousand surrendered. Then )ao )ao put his uondam enemies in the van. !hen his army reached any place, many more surrendered and >oined him. +fter three months of these tactics, he had #on over many thousands, both of soldiers and ordinary fol$s. Of these ne# adherents the strongest and boldest #ere made the &ingDhou +rmy, and the others #ere sent home to their fields. In conse uence of these successes )ao )ao(s prestige and fame became very great and increased daily. *e reported his success to )apital )hangan and #as re#arded #ith the title of 8eneral !ho 8uards the 4ast. +t his head uarters in BanDhou%, )ao )ao #elcomed #ise counselors and bold #arriors, and many gathered around him. T#o clever persons, uncle and nephe#, came at the same time, both from BanDhou, named 2un Bu and 2un Bou. The uncle had once been in the service of Buan Shao. )ao )ao re>oiced #hen he had #on the elder 2un to his side, saying, C2un Bu is my "hang ,iang%=C

*e made 2un Bu a 1arching 8eneral. The nephe# 2un Bou #as famed for his ability and had been in the court service #hen it #as in ,uoyang, but he had abandoned that career and retired to his village. )ao )ao made him a 1ilitary Instructor. 2un Bu said to )ao )ao, CThere is a certain #ise person of BanDhou some#here, but I do not $no# in #hose service he is.C C!ho is heGC C)heng Bu. *e belongs to the eastern part of BanDhou.C CBes; I have heard of him,C said )ao )ao. So a messenger #as sent to his native place to in uire. )heng Bu #as a#ay in the hills engaged in study, but he came at )ao )ao(s invitation. CI shall prove un#orthy of your recommendation,C said )heng Bu to his friend 2un Bu, Cfor I am rough and ignorant. 'ut have you forgotten a fello# villager of yours, 8uo 9iaG *e is really able. !hy not spread the net to catch himGC CI had nearly forgotten,C said 2un Bu suddenly. So he told )ao )ao of this man, #ho #as at once invited. 8uo 9ia, discussing the #orld at large #ith )ao )ao, recommended ,iu Be from *enan, #ho #as a descendant of ,iu 2iu the 3ounder of ,atter *an. !hen ,iu Be had arrived, he #as the means of inviting t#o more@ 1an )hong from Shanyang, and ,u &ian from !ucheng, #ho #ere already $no#n to )ao )ao by reputation. These t#o brought to their ne# master(s notice the name of 1ao 9ie from )henliu, #ho also came and #as given office. Then a famous leader, #ith his troop of some hundreds, arrived to offer service. This #as Bu 9in of Taishan, an eApert horseman and archer, and s$illed beyond his fello#s in every form of military eAercise. *e #as made an army inspector. Then another day 2iahou Dun brought a fello# to present to )ao )ao. C!ho is heGC as$ed )ao )ao. C*e is from )henliu and is named Dian !ei. *e is the boldest of the bold, the strongest of the strong. *e #as one of "hang 1iao(s people, but uarreled #ith his tent companions and $illed some doDens of them #ith his fists. Then he fled to the mountains #here I found him. I #as out shooting and sa# him follo# a tiger across a stream. I persuaded him to >oin my troop, and I recommend him.C CI see he is no ordinary man,C said )ao )ao. C*e is fine and straight and loo$s very po#erful and bold.C

C*e is. *e $illed a man once to avenge a friend and carried his head through the #hole mar$et place. *undreds sa# him, but dared not come near. The #eapon he uses no# is a couple of spears, each #eighs a hundred and t#enty pounds, and he vaults into the saddle #ith these under his arm.C )ao )ao bade the man give proof of his s$ill. So Dian !ei galloped to and fro carrying the spears. Then he sa# a#ay among the tents a huge banner s#aying dangerously #ith the force of the #ind and on the point of falling. + cro#d of soldiers #ere vainly struggling to $eep it steady. Do#n he leaped, shouted to the men to clear out and held the staff uite steady #ith one hand, $eeping it perfectly upright in spite of the strong #ind. CThis is old 4 ,ai% again=C said )ao )ao. *e gave Dian !ei a post in the head uarters and besides made Dian !ei presents of an embroidered robe he #as #earing and a s#ift steed #ith a handsome saddle. )ao )ao encouraged able people to assist him, and he had advisers on the civil side and valiant generals in the army. *e became famous throughout the 4ast of the 7ass. Fo# )ao )ao(s father, )ao Song, #as living at ,angye, #hither he had gone as a place free from the turmoil of the partisan struggles. )ao )ao #ished to be united #ith him. +s a dutiful son, )ao )ao sent the 8overnor of Taishan, Bing Shao, to escort his father to BanDhou. Old )ao Song read the letter #ith >oy, and the family prepared to move. They #ere some forty in all, #ith a train of a hundred servants and many carts. Their road led through 2uDhou Region #here the Imperial 7rotector, Tao &ian, #as a sincere and upright man #ho had long #ished to get on good terms #ith )ao )ao but, hitherto, had found no means of effecting a bond of union. *earing that the family of the great man #as passing through his region, Tao &ian #ent to #elcome them, treated them #ith great cordiality, feasting and entertaining them for t#o days; and #hen they left, he escorted them to his boundary. 3urther he sent #ith them one 8eneral "hang 5ai #ith a special escort of five hundred. The #hole party reached the county of *uafei. It #as the end of summer, >ust turning into autumn, and at this place they #ere stopped by a tremendous storm of rain. The only shelter #as an old temple and thither they #ent. The family occupied the main rooms and the escort the t#o side #ings. The men of the escort #ere drenched, angry, and discontented. Then "hang 5ai called some of his petty officers to a secret spot and said, C!e are old Bello# Scarves and only submitted to Tao &ian because there #as no other choice. !e have never got much out of it. Fo# here is the )ao family #ith no end of gear, and #e can be rich very easily. !e #ill ma$e a sudden onslaught tonight at the third #atch and slay the #hole lot. Then #e shall have plenty of treasure, and #e #ill get a#ay to the mountains.C They all agreed. The storm continued into the night and as )ao Song sat #aiting anAiously for signs of clearing, he suddenly heard a hubbub at the #est end of the temple. *is brother, )ao De,

dra#ing his s#ord, #ent out to see #hat it #as about, and )ao De #as at once cut do#n. )ao Song seiDed one of the concubines by the hand, rushed #ith her through the passage to#ard the bac$ of the temple so that they might escape. 'ut the lady #as stout and could not get through the narro# doors, so the t#o hid in one of the small outhouses at the side. *o#ever, they #ere seen and slain. The unhappy 8overnor Bing Shao fled for his life to Buan Shao. The murderers fled into the South of River *uai #ith their plunder after having set fire to the old temple. )ao )ao, #hom the ages praise, Sle# his hosts on his former flight; Femesis never turns aside, 1urdered too his family died. Some of the escort escaped and too$ the evil tidings to )ao )ao. !hen he heard it he fell to the earth #ith a great cry. They raised him. !ith set teeth he muttered, CTao &ian(s people have slain my father@ Fo longer can the same s$y cover us. I #ill s#eep 2uDhou off the face of the earth. Only thus can I satisfy my vengeance.C )ao )ao left one small army of thirty thousand under 2un Bu and )heng Bu to guard the east head uarters and the three counties of 9uancheng, 3anAia, and Dong>un. Then he set forth #ith all the remainder to destroy 2uDhou and avenge his father. 2iahou Dun, Bu 9in, and Dian !ei #ere Van ,eaders #ith )ao )ao(s orders to slaughter all the inhabitants of each captured city. Fo# the 8overnor of 9iu>iang, 'ian Rang, #as a close friend of Tao &ian. *earing 2uDhou #as threatened, 'ian Rang set out #ith five thousand troops to his friend(s aid. +ngered by this move, )ao )ao sent 2iahou Dun to stop and $ill 'ian Rang #hile still on the march. +t this time )hen 8ong #as in office in Dong>un, and he #as also on friendly terms #ith Tao &ian. *earing of )ao )ao(s design to destroy the #hole population, )hen 8ong came in haste to see his former companion%. )ao )ao, $no#ing )hen 8ong(s errand, put him off at first and #ould not see him. 'ut then )ao )ao could not forget the $indness he had formerly received from )hen 8ong, and presently the visitor #as called to his tent. )hen 8ong said, CThey say you go to avenge your father(s death on 2uDhou, to destroy its people. I have come to say a #ord. Imperial 7rotector Tao &ian is humane and a good man. *e is not loo$ing out for his o#n advantage, careless of the means and of others. Bour #orthy father met his unhappy death at the hands of "hang 5ai. Tao &ian is guiltless. Still more innocent are the people, and to slay them #ould be an evil. I pray you thin$ over it.C )ao )ao retorted angrily, CBou once abandoned me and no# you have the impudence to come to see me= Tao &ian sle# my #hole family, and I #ill tear his heart out in revenge. I s#ear it= Bou may spea$ for your friend and say #hat you #ill. I shall be as if I heard not.C

Intercession had failed. )hen 8ong sighed and too$ his leave. *e said, C+las= I cannot go to Tao &ian and loo$ upon his face.C So )hen 8ong rode off to the county of )henliu to give service to 8overnor "hang 1iao. )ao )ao(s army of revenge laid #aste #hatever place it passed through, slaying the people and desecrating their cemeteries. !hen Tao &ian heard the terrible tidings, he loo$ed up to heaven, saying, CI must be guilty of some fault before *eaven to have brought this evil upon my people=C *e called together his officials to consult. One of them, )ao 'ao, said, CFo# the enemy is upon us@ !e cannot sit and a#ait death #ith folded hands. I for one #ill help you to ma$e a fight.C Tao &ian reluctantly sent the army out. 3rom a distance he sa# )ao )ao(s army spread abroad li$e frost and rushed far and #ide li$e sno#. In their midst #as a large #hite flag and on both sides #as #ritten Vengeance. !hen he had ranged his troops, )ao )ao rode out dressed in mourning #hite and abused Tao &ian. 'ut Tao &ian advanced, and from beneath his ensign he bo#ed lo# and said, CI #ished to ma$e friends #ith you, Illustrious Sir, and so I sent "hang 5ai to escort your family. I $ne# not that his rebel heart #as still unchanged. The fault does not lie at my door as you must see.C CBou old #retch= Bou $illed my father, and no# you dare mumble this nonsense,C said )ao )ao. +nd he as$ed #ho #ould go out and seiDe Tao &ian. 2iahou Dun undertoo$ this service and rode out. Tao &ian fled to the inner portion of his array; and as 2iahou Dun came on, )ao 'ao #ent to meet him. 'ut >ust as the t#o horses met, a hurricane burst over the spot, and the flying dust and pebbles thre# both sides into the utmost confusion. 'oth dre# off. Tao &ian retired into the city and called his officers to council. CThe force against us is too strong,C said he. CI #ill give myself up as a prisoner and let him #rea$ his vengeance on me. I may save the people.C 'ut a voice #as heard saying, CBou have long ruled here, and the people love you. Strong as the enemy are, they are not necessarily able to brea$ do#n our #alls, especially #hen defended by

you and your people. I have a scheme to suggest that I thin$ #ill ma$e )ao )ao die in a place #here he #ill not find burial.C These bold #ords startled the assembly, and they eagerly as$ed #hat the scheme #as. 1a$ing overtures for friendship, Tao &ian encountered deadly hate. 'ut, #here danger seemed most threatening, he discovered safety(s gate. The neAt chapter #ill disclose #ho the spea$er #as. Chapter 11 -i& Bei ,esc&es $ong ,ong 1t Beihai; -& B& *e!eats Cao Cao >ear P&4ang' It #as one 1i "hu #ho said he $ne# ho# to defeat )ao )ao utterly. 1i "hu came of a #ealthy family of merchants in Donghai and trading in ,uoyang. One day traveling home#ard from that city in a carriage, he met an eA uisitely beautiful lady trudging along the road, #ho as$ed him to let her ride. *e stopped and yielded his place to her. She invited him to share the seat #ith her. *e mounted, but sat rigidly upright, never even glancing in her direction. They traveled thus for some miles #hen she than$ed him and alighted. 9ust as she left she said, CI am the 8oddess of 3ire from the Southern ,and. I am on my #ay to eAecute a decree of the Supreme 8od to burn your d#elling, but your eAtreme courtesy has so deeply touched me that I no# #arn you. *asten home#ard, remove your valuables, for I must arrive tonight.C Thereupon she disappeared. 1i "hu hastily finished his >ourney and, as soon as he arrived, moved everything out of his house. Sure enough that night a fire started in the $itchen and involved the #hole house. +fter this he devoted his #ealth to relieving the poor and comforting the afflicted. Tao &ian gave him the magistracy office he then held. The plan 1i "hu proposed #as this@ CI #ill go to 'eihai and beg 8overnor 5ong Rong to help. +nother should go to &ingDhou on a similar mission to get the help from Imperial 7rotector Tien 5ai. If the armies of these t#o places march on )ao )ao, he #ill certainly retire.C Tao &ian accepted the plan and #rote t#o letters. *e as$ed for a volunteer to go to &ingDhou, and a certain )hen Deng offered himself and, after he had left, 1i "hu #as formally entrusted #ith the mission to the north. 1ean#hile Tao &ian and his generals #ould hold the city as they could. 5ong Rong #as a native of &ufu in the old state of ,u. *e #as one of the t#entieth generation in descent from the great Teacher )onfucius. 5ong Rong had been noted as a very intelligent lad, some#hat precocious. !hen ten years old he had gone to see ,i Bing, the 8overnor of *enan, but the door$eeper demurred to letting him in.

'ut #hen 5ong Rong said, CI am 1inister ,i Bing(s intimate friend,C he #as admitted. ,i Bing as$ed 5ong Rong #hat relations had eAisted bet#een their families that might >ustify the term intimate. The boy replied, COf old my ancestor )onfucius uestioned your ancestor, the Taoist sage ,aoDi, concerning ceremonies. So our families have $no#n each other for many generations.C ,i Bing #as astonished at the boy(s ready #it. 7resently *igh 1inister )hen !ei visited, to #hom ,i Bing told the story of his youthful guest. C*e is a #onder, this boy,C said ,i Bing, pointing to 5ong Rong. )hen !ei replied, CIt does not follo# that a clever boy gro#s up into a clever man.C The lad too$ him up at once saying, C'y #hat you say, Sir, you #ere certainly one of the clever boys.C The minister adviser and the governor all laughed, saying, CThe boy is going to be a noble vessel.C Thus from boyhood 5ong Rong #as famous. +s a man he rose to be an Imperial )ommander and #as sent as 8overnor to 'eihai, #here he #as reno#ned for hospitality. *e used to uote the lines@ C,et the rooms be full of friends, +nd the cups be full of #ine. That is #hat I li$e.C +fter siA years at 'eihai the people #ere devoted to him. The day that 1i "hu arrived, 5ong Rong #as, as usual, seated among his guests, and the messenger #as ushered in #ithout delay. In reply to a uestion about the reason of the visit, 1i "hu presented Tao &ian(s letter #hich said that )ao )ao #as pressing on 2uDhou )ity and the Imperial 7rotector prayed for help. Then said 5ong Rong, CBour master and I are good friends, and your presence here constrains me to go to his aid. *o#ever, I have no uarrel #ith )ao )ao either, so I #ill first #rite to him to try to ma$e peace. If he refuses my offer, then I must set the army in motion.C C)ao )ao #ill not listen to proposals of peace@ *e is too certain of his strength,C said 1i "hu. 5ong Rong #rote his letter and also gave orders to muster his troops. 9ust at this moment happened another rising of the Bello# Scarves, ten thousand of them, and the ruffians began to rob and murder at 'eihai. It #as necessary to deal #ith them first, and 5ong Rong led his army outside the city.

The rebel leader, 8uan *ai, rode out to the front, saying, CI $no# this county is fruitful and can #ell spare ten thousand carts of grain. 8ive me that and #e retire; refuse, and #e #ill batter do#n the city #alls and destroy every soul.C 5ong Rong shouted bac$, CI am a servant of the great *ans, entrusted #ith the safety of their land. Thin$ you I #ill feed rebels GC 8uan *ai #hipped his steed, #hirled his s#ord around his head and rode for#ard. "ong 'ao, one of 5ong Rong(s generals, set his spear and rode out to give battle, but after a very fe# bouts "ong 'ao #as cut do#n. Soon the soldiers fell into panic and rushed pell6mell into the city for protection. The rebels then laid siege to the city on all sides. 5ong Rong #as very do#n6hearted; and 1i "hu, #ho no# sa# no hope for the success of his mission, #as grieved beyond #ords. The sight from the city #all #as eAceeding sad, for the rebels #ere there in enormous numbers. One day standing on the #all, 5ong Rong sa# afar a man armed #ith a spear riding hard in among the Bello# Scarves and scattering them before him li$e chaff before the #ind. 'efore long the man had reached the foot of the #all and called out, COpen the gate=C 'ut the defenders #ould not open to an un$no#n man, and in the delay a cro#d of rebels gathered round the rider along the edge of the moat. Suddenly #heeling about, the #arrior dashed in among them and bo#led over a doDen at #hich the others fell bac$. +t this 5ong Rong ordered the #ardens to open the gates and let the stranger enter. +s soon as he #as inside, he dismounted, laid aside his spear, ascended the #all, and made humble obeisance to the 8overnor. C1y name is Taishi )i, and I am from the county of ,aihuang. I only returned home yesterday from the north to see my mother, and then I heard that your city #as in danger from a rebel attac$. 1y mother said you had been very $ind to her and told me I should try to help. So I set out all alone, and here I am.C This #as cheering. 5ong Rong already $ne# Taishi )i by reputation as a valiant fighting man, although they t#o had never met. The son being far a#ay from his home, 5ong Rong had ta$en his mother, #ho d#elt a fe# miles from the city, under his especial protection and sa# that she did not suffer from #ant. This had #on the old lady(s heart and she had sent her son to sho# her gratitude. 5ong Rong sho#ed his appreciation by treating his guest #ith the greatest respect, ma$ing him presents of clothing and armor, saddles and horses. 7resently said Taishi )i, C8ive me a thousand soldiers, and I #ill go out and drive off these fello#s.C CBou are a bold #arrior, but they are very numerous. It is a serious matter to go out among them,C said 5ong Rong.

C1y mother sent me because of your goodness to her. *o# shall I be able to loo$ her in the face if I do not raise the siegeG I #ould prefer to con uer or perish.C CI have heard ,iu 'ei is one of the heroes in the #orld. If #e could get his help, there #ould be no doubt of the result. 'ut there is no one to send.C CI #ill go as soon as I have received your letter.C So 5ong Rong #rote letters and gave them to his helper. Taishi )i put on his armor, mounted his steed, attached his bo# and uiver to his girdle, too$ his spear in his hand, tied his pac$ed haversac$ firmly to his saddle bo#, and rode out at the city gate. *e #ent uite alone. +long the moat a large party of the besiegers #ere gathered, and they came to intercept the solitary rider. 'ut Taishi )i dashed in among them and cut do#n several and so finally fought his #ay through. 8uan *ai, hearing that a rider had left the city, guessed #hat his errand #ould be and follo#ed Taishi )i #ith a party of horsemen. 8uan *ai spread them out so that the messenger rider #as entirely surrounded. Then Taishi )i laid aside his spear, too$ his bo#, ad>usted his arro#s one by one and shot all round him. +nd as a rider fell from his steed #ith every t#ang of Taishi )i(s bo#string, the pursuers dared not close in. Thus he got clear a#ay and rode in hot haste to ,iu 'ei. Taishi )i reached 7ingyuan, and after greeting his host in proper form he told ho# 5ong Rong #as surrounded and had sent him for help. Then he presented the letter #hich ,iu 'ei read. C+nd #ho are youGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. CI am Taishi )i, a fello# from ,aihuang. I am not related by ties of $in to 5ong Rong, nor even by ties of neighborhood, but I am by the bonds of sentiment and I share his sorro#s and misfortunes. The Bello# Scarves have invested his city, and he is distressed #ith none to turn to, and destruction is very near. Bou are $no#n as humane, righteous, and eager to help the distressed. Therefore at his command I have braved all dangers and fought my #ay through his enemies to pray you save him.C ,iu 'ei smiled, saying, C+nd does he $no# there is a ,iu 'ei in this #orldGC So ,iu 'ei, together #ith 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei, told off three thousand troops and set out to help raise the siege. !hen the rebel leader 8uan *ai sa# these ne# forces arriving, he led out his army to fight them, thin$ing he could easily dispose of so small a force. The brothers and Taishi )i #ith them sat on their horses in the forefront of their array. 8uan *ai hastened for#ard. Taishi )i #as ready to fight, but 8uan Bu had opened the combat. *e rode forth

and the t#o steeds met. The soldiers set up a great noise. +fter a fe# bouts 8uan Bu(s green6 dragon saber rose and fell, and #ith the stro$e fell the rebel leader. This #as the signal for "hang 3ei and Taishi )i to ta$e a share, and they advanced side by side. !ith their spears ready they dashed in, and ,iu 'ei urged for#ard his force. The besieged 8overnor sa# his doughty rescuers laying lo# the rebels as tigers among a floc$ of sheep. Fone could #ithstand them, and he then sent out his o#n troops to >oin in the battle so that the rebels #ere bet#een t#o armies. The rebels( force #as completely bro$en and many troops surrendered, #hile the remainder scattered in all directions. The victors #ere #elcomed into the city, and as soon as possible a ban uet #as prepared in their honor. 1i "hu #as presented to ,iu 'ei. 1i "hu related the story of the murder of )ao Song by "hang 5ai, )ao )ao(s vengeful attac$ on 2uDhou, and his coming to beg for assistance. ,iu 'ei said, CImperial 7rotector Tao &ian is a $indly man of high character, and it is a pity that he should suffer this #rong for no fault of his o#n.C CBou are a scion of the imperial family,C said 8overnor 5ong Rong, Cand this )ao )ao is in>uring the people, a strong man abusing his strength. !hy not go #ith me to rescue the sufferersGC CI dare not refuse, but my force is #ea$ and I must act cautiously,C said ,iu 'ei. CThough my desire to help arises from an old friendship, yet it is a righteous act as #ell. I do not thin$ your heart is not inclined to#ard the right,C said 5ong Rong. ,iu 'ei said, CThis being so, you go first and give me time to see 8ongsun "an from #hom I may borro# more troops and horses. I #ill come anon.C CBou surely #ill not brea$ your promiseGC said the 8overnor. C!hat manner of man thin$ you that I amGC said ,iu 'ei. CThe #ise one said, (Death is common to all; the person #ithout truth cannot maintain the self.( !hether I get the troops or not, certainly I shall myself come.C So the plan #as agreed to. 1i "hu set out to return forth#ith #hile 5ong Rong prepared for his eApedition. Taishi )i too$ his leave, saying, C1y mother bade me come to your aid, and no# happily you are safe. ,etters have come from my fello# to#nsman, ,iu Bao, Imperial 7rotector of BangDhou, calling me thither and I must go. I #ill see you again.C 5ong Rong pressed re#ards upon Taishi )i, but he #ould accept nothing and departed. !hen his mother sa# him, she #as pleased at his success saying she re>oiced that he had been able to prove his gratitude, and after this he departed for BangDhou.

,iu 'ei #ent a#ay to his friend 8ongsun "an and laid before 8ongsun "an his design to help 2uDhou. C)ao )ao and you are not enemies. !hy do you spend yourself for the sa$e of anotherGC said 8ongsun "an. CI have promised,C ,iu 'ei replied, Cand dare not brea$ faith.C CI #ill lend you t#o thousand horse and foot,C said 8ongsun "an. C+lso I #ish to have the services of "hao Bun,C said ,iu 'ei. 8ongsun "an agreed to this also. They marched a#ay, ,iu 'ei(s o#n troops being in the front, and "hao Bun, #ith the borro#ed troops, being in rear. In due course 1i "hu returned saying that 5ong Rong had also obtained the services of ,iu 'ei. The other messenger, )hen Deng, came bac$ and reported that Tien 5ai #ould also bring help. Then #as Tao &ian(s heart set at ease. 'ut both the leaders, though they had promised aid, greatly dreaded their antagonist and camped among the hills at a great distance, fearful of coming too close to )ao )ao(s uarters. )ao )ao $ne# of their coming and divided his army into parts to meet them, so postponing the attac$ on the city itself. 7resently ,iu 'ei came up and #ent to see 5ong Rong, #ho said, CThe enemy is very po#erful, and )ao )ao handles his army s$illfully. !e must be cautious. ,et us ma$e most careful observations before #e stri$e a blo#.C C!hat I fear is famine in the city,C said ,iu 'ei. CThey cannot hold out very long. I #ill put my troops #ith yours under your command, #hile I #ith "hang 3ei ma$e a dash through to see Tao &ian and consult #ith him.C 5ong Rong approved of this, so he and Tien 5ai too$ up positions on the oA6horn formation, #ith 8uan Bu and "hao Bun on either side to support them. !hen ,iu 'ei and "hang 3ei leading one thousand troops made their dash to get through )ao )ao(s army, they got as far as the flan$ of his camp #hen there arose a great beating of drums, and horse and foot rolled out li$e billo#s on the ocean. The leader #as Bu 9in. Bu 9in chec$ed his steed and called out, CBou mad men from some#here, #here are you goingGC "hang 3ei heard Bu 9in but deigned no reply. *e only rode straight to attac$ the spea$er. +fter they had fought a fe# bouts, ,iu 'ei #aved his double s#ords as signal for his troops to come on, and they drove Bu 9in before them. "hang 3ei led the pursuit and in this #ay they reached the city #all.

3rom the city #all, the besieged sa# a huge banner embroidered in #hite ,iu 'ei of 7ingyuan, and the Imperial 7rotector bade them open the gate for the rescuers to enter. ,iu 'ei #as made very #elcome, conducted to the residency, and a ban uet prepared in his honor. The soldiers also #ere feasted. Tao &ian #as delighted #ith ,iu 'ei, admiring his high6spirited appearance and clear speech. Tao &ian bade 1i "hu offer ,iu 'ei the seal and insignia of the protectorship office. 'ut ,iu 'ei shran$ bac$ startled. C!hat does this meanGC said ,iu 'ei. Tao &ian said, CThere is trouble on every side, and the $ingly rule is no longer maintained. Bou, Sir, are a member of the family and eminently fitted to support them and their prerogatives. I am verging on senility, and I #ish to retire in your favor. I pray you not to decline, and I #ill report my action to the court.C ,iu 'ei started up from his seat and bo#ed before his host, saying, CScion of the family I may be, but my merit is small and my virtue meager. I doubt my fitness even for my present post, and only a feeling of doing right sent me to your assistance. To hear such speech ma$es me doubt. Surely you thin$ I came #ith greed in my heart. 1ay 8od help me no more if I cherished such a thought.C CIt is a poor old man(s real sentiment,C said Tao &ian. Time after time Tao &ian rene#ed his offer to entrust the region of 2uDhou to ,iu 'ei, but ,iu 'ei $ept refusing. In the midst of this came 1i "hu, saying, CThe enemies had reached the #all, and something must be done to drive them off. The present matter could a#ait a more tran uil time.C Said ,iu 'ei, CI ought to #rite to )ao )ao to press him to raise the siege. If he refuses, #e #ill attac$ forth#ith.C Orders #ere sent to the three camps outside to remain uiescent till the letter could reach )ao )ao. It happened that )ao )ao #as holding a council #hen a messenger #ith a #ar letter #as announced. The letter #as brought in and handed to him and, #hen he had opened and loo$ed at it, he found it #as from ,iu 'ei. This is the letter, very nearly@ CSince meeting you outside the pass, fate has assigned us to different uarters of the #orld, and I have not been able to pay my respects to you. Touching the death of your noble father, it #as o#ing to the vicious nature of "hang 5ai and due to no fault of Tao &ian. Fo# #hile the remnant of the Bello# Scarves is disturbing the lands, and Dong "huo(s partisans have the upper hand in

the capital, I #ish that you, Illustrious Sir, #ould regard the critical position of the court rather than your personal grievances, and so divert your forces from the attac$ on 2uDhou to the rescue of the state. Such #ould be for the happiness of that city and the #hole empire.C )ao )ao gave vent to a torrent of abuse@ C!ho is this ,iu 'ei that he dares #rite and eAhort meG 'eside, he means to be satirical.C )ao )ao issued orders to put the bearer of the letter to death and to press on the siege. 'ut 8uo 9ia remonstrated, saying, C,iu 'ei has come from afar to help Tao &ian, and he is trying the effect of politeness before resorting to arms. I pray you, my lord, reply #ith fair #ords that his heart may be lulled #ith a feeling of safety. Then attac$ #ith vigor and the city #ill fall.C )ao )ao found this advice good, so he spared the messenger, telling him to #ait to carry bac$ his reply. !hile this #as going on, a horseman came #ith ne#s of misfortune@ C,u 'u has invaded BanDhou, no# holding 7uyang. The three counties left6669uancheng, 3anAia, and Dong>un666are under severe attac$s.C !hen ,i 9ue and 8uo Si, the t#o partisans of Dong "huo, succeeded in their attac$ on the capital, ,u 'u had fled to Buan Shu. *o#ever, Buan Shu loo$ed as$ance at him for his instability and refused to receive him. Then ,u 'u #ent to try Buan Shao, #ho #as a brother of Buan Shu. Buan Shao accepted the #arrior and made use of him in an attac$ upon "hang Ban in )hangshan. 'ut his success filled him #ith pride, and his arrogant demeanor so annoyed the other commanders that Buan Shao #as on the point of putting him to death. To escape this ,u 'u had gone a#ay to "hang Bang%, 8overnor of Shangdang, #ho accepted his services. +bout this time 7ang Shu, #ho had been hiding and protecting ,u 'u(s family in )hangan since his disappearance, restored them to him. This deed angered ,i 9ue and 8uo Si so that they put 7ang Shu to death and #rote to ,u 'u(s protector to serve him the same. To escape this ,u 'u once again had to flee and this time >oined himself to "hang 1iao, the 8overnor of )henliu. ,u 'u arrived >ust as "hang 1iao(s brother, "hang )hao, #as introducing )hen 8ong. )hen 8ong said to "hang 1iao, CThe rupture of the empire has begun, and #arriors are seiDing #hat they can. It is strange that you, #ith all the advantages of population and provisions you en>oy, do not stri$e for independence. )ao )ao has gone on an eApedition against the east, leaving his o#n territory defenseless. ,u 'u is one of the fighting people of the day. If you and he together attac$ed and got BanDhou, you could then proceed to the dominion.C "hang 1iao #as pleased and resolved to try. *e ordered an attac$, and soon ,u 'u #as in possession of BanDhou and its neighborhood, all but three small counties of 9uancheng, 3anAia, and Dong>un, #hich #ere vigorously and desperately defended by 2un Bu and )heng Bu in concert. )ao )ao(s cousin, )ao Ren, had fought many battles but #as repeatedly defeated, and the messenger #ith the evil tidings had come from him as$ing prompt help.

)ao )ao #as greatly disturbed by this and said, CIf my o#n region be lost, I have no home to return to. I must do something at once.C CThe best thing #ould be to become friends #ith ,iu 'ei at any cost and return to BanDhou,C said 8uo 9ia. Then )ao )ao #rote to ,iu 'ei, gave the letter to the #aiting messenger and bro$e camp. The ne#s that the enemy had left #as very gratifying to Tao &ian, #ho then invited his various defenders into 2uDhou )ity and prepared ban uets and feasts in to$en of his gratitude. +t one of these, #hen the feasting #as over, he proceeded #ith his #ish of retirement in favor of ,iu 'ei. 7lacing ,iu 'ei in the seat of highest honor, Tao &ian bo#ed before him and then addressed the assembly, CI am old and feeble, and my t#o sons lac$ the ability to hold so important an office as this. The noble ,iu 'ei is a descendant of the imperial house. *e is of lofty virtue and great talent. ,et him then ta$e over the rule of this region, and only too #illingly I shall retire to have leisure to nurse my health.C ,iu 'ei replied, CI came at the re uest of 8overnor 5ong Rong, because it #as the right thing to do. 2uDhou is saved; but if I ta$e it, surely the #orld #ill say I am a #ic$ed man.C 1i "hu said, CBou may not refuse. The *ouse of *an is falling, their realm is crumbling, and no# is the time for doughty deeds and signal services. This is a fertile region, #ell populated and rich, and you are the man to rule over it.C C'ut I cannot accept,C said ,iu 'ei. CImperial 7rotector Tao &ian is a great sufferer,C said )hen Deng, Cand cannot see to matters. Bou may not decline, Sir.C Said ,iu 'ei, CBuan Shu belongs to a family of rulers, #ho have held the highest offices of state four times in three generations. The multitude people respects him. !hy not invite him to this tas$GC C'ecause Buan Shu is a drying s$eleton in a dar$ tomb@ Fot #orth tal$ing about. This opportunity is a gift from *eaven, and you #ill never cease to regret its loss,C said 5ong Rong. So spo$e 5ong Rong, but still ,iu 'ei obstinately refused. Tao &ian besought him #ith tears, saying, CI shall die if you leave me, and there #ill be none to close my eyes.C C'rother, you should accept the offer thus made,C said 8uan Bu.

C!hy so much fussGC said "hang 3ei. C!e have not ta$en the place. It is he #ho #ishes to give it you.C CBou all persuade me to do #hat is #rong,C said ,iu 'ei. Seeing he could not persuade ,iu 'ei, Tao &ian then said, C+s you are set in determination, perhaps you #ill consent to encamp at 2iaopei. It is only a little to#n, but thence you can $eep #atch and #ard over the region.C They all #ith one voice prayed ,iu 'ei to consent, so he gave in. The feast of victory being no# ended, the time came to say fare#ell. !hen "hao Bun too$ his leave, ,iu 'ei held his hands alternately #hile dashing a#ay the falling tears. 5ong Rong and Tien 5ai #ent home to their o#n places. !hen ,iu 'ei and his brothers too$ up their abode in 2iaopei, they first repaired the defenses, and then they put out proclamations in order to calm the inhabitants. In the meantime )ao )ao had marched to#ard his o#n region. )ao Ren met and told him, C,u 'u is very po#erful, and he has )hen 8ong as adviser. BanDhou is as good as lost, #ith the eAception of three counties #hich have been vigorously and desperately defended by 2un Bu and )heng Bu.C )ao )ao said, CI o#n that ,u 'u is a bold fighter but nothing more; he has no craft. So #e need not fear him seriously.C Then he gave orders to ma$e a strong camp till they could thin$ out some victorious plan. ,u 'u, $no#ing of )ao )ao(s return, called t#o of his subordinate generals, 2ue ,an and ,i 3ang, to him and assigned to them the tas$ of holding the city of BanDhou, saying, CI have long #aited for opportunity to employ your s$ill. Fo# I give you ten thousand soldiers, and you are to hold the city #hile I go forth to attac$ )ao )ao.C They accepted. 'ut )hen 8ong, the strategist, came in hastily, saying, C8eneral, you are going a#ay; #hitherGC CI am going to camp my troops at 7uyang, that vantage point.C CBou are ma$ing a mista$e,C said )hen 8ong. CThe t#o you have chosen to defend this city are une ual to the tas$. 3or this eApedition remember that about siAty miles due south, on the treacherous road to the Taishan 1ountains, is a very advantageous position #here you should place your best men in ambush. )ao )ao #ill hasten home#ard by double marches #hen he hears #hat has happened. If you stri$e #hen half his troops have gone past this point, you may seiDe him.C

Said ,u 'u, CI am going to occupy 7uyang and see #hat develops. *o# can you guess my big planGC So ,u 'u left 2ue ,an in command at BanDhou and #ent a#ay. Fo# #hen )ao )ao approached the dangerous part of the road near the Taishan 1ountains, 8uo 9ia #arned him to ta$e care as there #as doubtless an ambush. 'ut )ao )ao laughed, saying, C!e $no# all ,u 'u(s dispositions. 2ue ,an is $eeping the city. Do you thin$ ,u 'u has laid an ambushG I shall tell )ao Ren to besiege BanDhou, and I shall go to 7uyang.C In 7uyang, #hen )hen 8ong heard of the enemy(s approach, he spo$e, saying, CThe enemy #ill be fatigued #ith long marches, so attac$ uic$ly before they have time to recover.C ,u 'u replied, CI, a single horseman, am afraid of none. I come and go as I #ill. Thin$ you I fear this )ao )aoG ,et him settle his camp; I #ill ta$e him after that.C Fo# )ao )ao neared 7uyang, and he made a camp. The neAt day he led out his commanders, and they arrayed their armies in open country. )ao )ao too$ up his station on horsebac$ bet#een the t#o standards, #atching #hile his opponents arrived and formed up in a circular area. ,u 'u #as in front, follo#ed by eight of his generals, all strong men@ "hang ,iao of 1ayi, bac$ed by *ao 1eng, )ao 2ing, and )heng ,ian; "ang 'a of *uaying, bac$ed by !ei 2u, Song 2ian, and *ou )heng. They led an army of fifty thousand in total. The drums began their thunderous roll, and )ao )ao, pointing to his opponent, said, CBou and I had no uarrel, #hy then did you invade my landGC CThe empire of *an is the possession of all. !hat is your special claimGC said ,u 'u. So saying, ,u 'u ordered "ang 'a to ride forth and challenge. 3rom )ao )ao(s side the challenge #as accepted by Bue 9ing. The t#o steeds approached each other; t#o spears #ere lifted both together, and they eAchanged near thirty blo#s #ith no advantage to either. Then 2iahou Dun rode out to help his colleague and, in reply, out #ent "hang ,iao from ,u 'u(s side. +nd they four fought. Then fierce anger seiDed upon ,u 'u. Setting his trident halberd, he urged his Red *are for#ard to #here the fight #as #aging. Seeing him approach, 2iahou Dun and Bue 9ing both fled, but ,u 'u pressed on after them, and )ao )ao(s army lost the day. Retiring ten miles, they made a ne# camp. ,u 'u called in and mustered his troops. The day having gone against him, )ao )ao called a council, and Bu 9in said, C3rom the hill tops today I sa# a camp of our enemies on the #est of 7uyang. They #ere but fe# men therein, and

tonight after today(s victory, it #ill not be defended. ,et us attac$; and if #e can ta$e the camp, #e shall stri$e fear into the heart of ,u 'u. This is our best plan.C )ao )ao thought so too. *e and siA of his generals666)ao *ong, ,i Dian, 1ao 9ie, ,u &ian, Bu 9in, and Dian !ei666and t#enty thousand horse and foot left that night by a secret road for the camp. In his camp ,u 'u #as re>oicing for that day(s victory, #hen )hen 8ong reminded him, saying, CThe #estern camp is importance point, and it might be attac$ed.C 'ut ,u 'u replied, CThe enemy #ill not dare approach after today(s defeat.C C)ao )ao is a very able commander,C replied )hen 8ong. CBou must $eep a good loo$out for him lest he attac$ our #ea$ spot.C So arrangements #ere made for defense. 8enerals 8ao Shun, !ei 2u, and *ou )heng #ere ordered to march there. +t dus$ )ao )ao reached the camp and began an immediate attac$ on all four sides. The defenders could not hold him off. They ran in all directions, and the camp #as captured. Fear the fourth #atch, #hen the defending party came, )ao )ao sallied forth to meet them and met 8ao Shun. +nother battle then began and #aged till da#n. +bout that time a rolling of drums #as heard in the #est, and they told )ao )ao that ,u 'u himself #as at hand. Thereupon )ao )ao abandoned the attac$ and fled. 8ao Shun, !ei 2u, and *ou )heng pursued him, ,u 'u ta$ing the lead. )ao )ao(s t#o generals, Bu 9in and Bue 9ing, attac$ed the pursuers but could not chec$ them. )ao )ao #ent a#ay north. 'ut from behind some hills came out "hang ,iao and "ang 'a to attac$. ,u &ian and )ao *ong #ere sent to stop the attac$ers, but ,u &ian and )ao *ong #ere both defeated. )ao )ao sought safety in the #est. *ere again his retreat #as met by ,u 'u(s four generals, *ao 1eng, )ao 2ing, )heng ,ian, and Song 2ian. The fight became desperate. )ao )ao dashed at the enemy(s array. The din #as terrible. +rro#s fell li$e pelting rain upon them, and they could ma$e no head#ay. )ao )ao #as desperate and cried out in fear, C!ho can save meGC Then from the crush dashed out Dian !ei #ith his double spears, crying, C3ear not, my lord=C Dian !ei leapt from his steed, leaned his double spears against a #all and laid hold of a handful of battle6aAes. Turning to his follo#ers he said, C!hen the ruffians are at ten paces, call out to me.C Then he set off #ith mighty strides, plunging for#ard, careless of the flying arro#s. ,u 'u(s horsemen follo#ed, and #hen they got near, Dian !ei(s follo#ers shouted, CTen paces=C

C3ive, then call=C shouted bac$ Dian !ei, and #ent on. 7resently, C3ive paces=C Then Dian !ei spun round and flung the battle6aAes. !ith every fling a man fell from the saddle and never a battle6aA missed. *aving thus slain ten or so the remainder fled, and Dian !ei uic$ly remounted his steed, set his t#in spears and rushed again into the fight #ith a vigor that none could #ithstand. One by one his opponents yielded, and he #as able to lead )ao )ao safely out of the press of battle. )ao )ao and his commanders #ent to their camp. 'ut as evening fell, the noise of pursuit fell on their ears, and soon appeared ,u 'u himself. C)ao )ao, you rebel, do not flee=C shouted ,u 'u as he approached #ith his halberd ready for a thrust. +ll stopped and loo$ed in each others( faces@ The soldiers #ere #eary, their steeds spent. 3ear smote them, and they loo$ed around for some place of refuge. Bou may lead your lord safely out of the press, 'ut #hat if the enemy follo#G !e cannot say here #hat )ao )ao(s fate #as, but the neAt chapter #ill relate. Chapter 12 Tao ?ian Thrice !!ers :&@ho& To -i& Bei; Cao Cao ,eta5es +an@ho& From -& B&' The last chapter closed #ith )ao )ao in great danger. *o#ever, help came. 2iahou Dun #ith a body of soldiers found his chief, chec$ed the pursuit, and fought #ith ,u 'u till dus$. Rain fell in torrents s#amping everything; and as the daylight #aned, they dre# off and )ao )ao reached camp. *e re#arded Dian !ei generously and advanced him in ran$. !hen ,u 'u reached his camp, he called in his adviser )hen 8ong. Then )hen 8ong proposed a ne# stratagem. *e said, CIn 7uyang there is a rich, leading family, Tian by name, #ho number thousands, enough to populate a #hole county in themselves. 1a$e one of these people go to )ao )ao(s camp #ith a pretended secret letter about ,u 'u(s ferocity, and the hatred of the people, and their desire to be rid of him. +nd by saying that only 8ao Shun is left to guard the city, and they #ould help anyone #ho #ould come to save them. Thus our enemy )ao )ao #ill be inveigled into the city, and #e #ill destroy him either by fire or ambush. *is s$ill may be e ual to encompassing the universe, but he #ill not escape.C

,u 'u thought this tric$ might be tried, and they arranged for the Tian family letter to be sent. )oming soon after the defeat, #hen )ao )ao felt uncertain #hat step to ta$e neAt, the secret letter #as read #ith >oy. It promised interior help and said the sign should be a #hite flag #ith the #ord Rectitude #ritten thereon. C*eaven is going to give me 7uyang=C said )ao )ao >oyfully. So he re#arded the messenger very liberally and began to prepare for the eApedition. Then came ,iu Be, saying, C,u 'u is no strategist, but )hen 8ong is full of guile. I fear treachery in this letter, and you must be careful. If you #ill go, then enter #ith only one third your army, leaving the others outside the city as a reserve.C )ao )ao agreed to ta$e this precaution. *e #ent to 7uyang, #hich he found gay #ith fluttering flags. ,oo$ing carefully he sa# among them, at the #est gate, the #hite flag #ith the loo$ed6for inscription. *is heart re>oiced. That day, >ust about noon, the city gates opened, and t#o bodies of soldiers appeared as if to fight. 8ao Shun #as the front commander, and *ou )heng the rear commander. )ao )ao told off his general, Dian !ei, to oppose them. Feither body, ho#ever, came on to full engagement but fell bac$ into the city. 'y this move Dian !ei and his troops had been dra#n close up to the dra#bridge. 3rom #ithin the city several soldiers #ere seen ta$ing any chance of confusion to escape and come outside. To )ao )ao they said, C!e are clients of the Tian family,C and they gave him secret letters stating@ CThe signal #ill be given about the first #atch setting by beating a gong. That #ill be the time to attac$. The gates #ill be opened.C So )ao )ao ordered 2iahou Dun to march to the left and )ao *ong to the right. )ao )ao led the main army666together #ith 2iahou Buan, ,i Dian, and Bue 9ing666into the city. ,i Dian pressed upon his master the precaution, saying, C1y lord should stay outside the city. ,et us go in first.C 'ut )ao )ao bade him be silent, saying, CIf I do not go, #ho #ill advanceGC +nd so at the first #atch )ao )ao led the #ay. The moon had not yet arisen. +s he dre# near the #est gate, they heard a crac$ling sound, then a loud shouting, and then torches moved hither and thither. FeAt the gates #ere thro#n #ide open, and )ao )ao, #hipping up his steed, galloped in. 'ut #hen he reached the state residence, he noticed the streets #ere uite deserted, and then he $ne# he had been tric$ed. !heeling round his horse, he shouted to his follo#ers to retire. This #as the signal for another move. +n eAplosion of a signal bomb #as heard close at hand, and it

#as echoed from every side in a deafening roar. 8ongs and drums beat all around #ith a roar li$e rivers rushing bac$#ard to their source, and the ocean boiling up from its depths. 3rom t#o sides east and #est came bodies of soldiers eager to attac$, led by ,u 'u(s generals "hang ,iao and "ang 'a. )ao )ao dashed off to#ard the north only to find his #ay barred by *ao 1eng and )ao 2ing. )ao )ao tried for the south gate, but met enemies led by 8ao Shun and *ou )heng. )ao )ao(s trusty commander Dian !ei, #ith fierce eyes and gritting teeth, at last burst through and got out, #ith the enemy close after him. 'ut #hen Dian !ei reached the dra#bridge, he glanced behind him and missed his master. Immediately Dian !ei turned bac$ and cut an alley inside. 9ust #ithin he met ,i Dian. C!here is our lordGC cried Dian !ei. CI am loo$ing for him,C said ,i Dian. C&uic$= 8et help from outside,C shouted Dian !ei. CI #ill see$ him.C So ,i Dian hastened for aid, and Dian !ei slashed his #ay in, loo$ing on every side for )ao )ao. *e #as not to be found. Dashing out of the city, Dian !ei ran up against Bue 9ing, #ho as$ed #here their lord #as. CI have entered the city t#ice in search of him, but cannot find him,C said Dian !ei. C,et us go in together,C said Bue 9ing. They rode up to the gate. 'ut the noise of bombs from the gate to#er frightened Bue 9ing(s horse so that it refused to pass. !herefore Dian !ei alone #ent in, butting through the smo$e and dashing through the flames. 'ut he got in and searched on every side. !hen )ao )ao sa# his sturdy protector Dian !ei cut his #ay out and disappear leaving him surrounded, he again made an attempt to reach the north gate. On the #ay, sharply outlined against the glo#, he sa# the figure of ,u 'u coming to#ard him #ith his trident halberd ready to $ill. )ao )ao covered his face #ith his hand, #hipped up his steed and galloped past. 'ut ,u 'u came galloping up behind him and tapping him on the helmet #ith the halberd cried, C!here is )ao )aoGC )ao )ao turned and, pointing to a dun horse #ell ahead, cried, CThere; on that dun= That(s he.C *earing this ,u 'u left pursuing )ao )ao to gallop after the rider of the dun. Thus relieved )ao )ao set off for the east gate. Then he fell in #ith Dian !ei, #ho too$ him under his protection and fought through the press, leaving a trail of death behind till they reached the

gate. *ere the fire #as raging fiercely, and burning beams #ere falling on all sides. The earth element seemed to have interchanged #ith the fire element. Dian !ei #arded off the burning pieces of #ood #ith his lance and rode into the smo$e ma$ing a #ay for his lord. 9ust as they #ere passing through the gate a flaming beam fell from the gate to#er. )ao )ao >ust #arded it off #ith his arm, but it struc$ his steed on the uarters and $noc$ed the steed do#n. )ao )ao(s hand and arm #ere badly burned and his hair and beard singed. Dian !ei turned bac$ to his rescue. ,uc$ily 2iahou Buan came along >ust then, and the t#o raised )ao )ao and set him on 2iahou Buan(s horse. +nd thus they got him out of the burning city. 'ut they had to go through heavy fighting till daybrea$. )ao )ao returned to his camp. *is officers cro#ded about his tent, anAious for ne#s of his health. *e soon recovered and laughed #hen he thought of his escape. CI blundered into that fool(s trap, but I #ill have my revenge,C said he. C,et us have a ne# plan soon,C said 8uo 9ia. CI #ill turn his tric$ to my o#n use. I #ill spread the false report that I #as burned in the fire, and that I died at the fifth #atch. *e #ill come to attac$ as soon as the ne#s gets abroad, and I #ill have an ambush ready for him in 1aling *ills. I #ill get him this time.C CReally a fine stratagem=C said 8uo 9ia. So the soldiers #ere put into mourning, and the report #ent every#here that )ao )ao #as dead. +nd soon ,u 'u heard it, and he assembled his army at once to ma$e a surprise attac$, ta$ing the road by the 1aling *ills to his enemy(s camp. +s he #as passing the hills, he heard the drums beating for an advance, and the ambushing soldiers leapt out all round him. Only by desperate fighting did he get out of the melee and #ith a sadly diminished force returned to his camp at 7uyang. There he strengthened the fortifications and could not be tempted forth to battle. This year locusts suddenly appeared, and they consumed every green blade. There #as a famine, and in the northeast grain rose to fifty CstringsC of cash a cart. 7eople even too$ to cannibalism. )ao )ao(s army suffered from #ant, and he marched them to 9uancheng. ,u 'u too$ his troops to Shanyang. 7erforce therefore the fighting ceased. In 2uDhou. Imperial 7rotector Tao &ian, over siAty years of age, suddenly fell seriously ill, and he summoned his confident, 1i "hu, to his chamber to ma$e arrangements for the future. +s to the situation the adviser said, C)ao )ao abandoned his attac$ on this place because of his enemy(s seiDure of BanDhou; and no# they are both $eeping the peace solely because of the famine. 'ut )ao )ao #ill surely rene# the attac$ in the spring. !hen ,iu 'ei refused to allo# you to vacate office in his favor, you #ere in full vigor. Fo# you are ill and #ea$, and you can ma$e this a reason for retirement. *e #ill not refuse again.C

So a message #as sent to the little garrison to#n 2iaopei calling ,iu 'ei to a counsel on military affairs. This brought him #ith his brothers and a slender escort. *e #as at once called in to the sic$ man(s chamber. &uic$ly disposing of the in uiries about his health, Tao &ian soon came to the real ob>ect of his call for ,iu 'ei. CSir, I as$ed you to come for the sole reason that I am dangerously ill and li$ely to die at any time. I loo$ to you, Illustrious Sir, to consider the *ans and their empire as more important than anything else, and so to ta$e over the symbols of office of this region, the commission and the seal, that I may close my eyes in peace.C CBou have t#o sons, #hy not depute them to relieve youGC said ,iu 'ei. C'oth lac$ the re uisite talents. I trust you #ill instruct them after I have gone, but do not let them have the guidance of affairs.C C'ut I am une ual to so great a charge.C CI #ill recommend to you one #ho could assist you. *e is Sun &ian from 'eihai #ho could be appointed to some post.C Turning to 1i "hu, Tao &ian said, CThe noble ,iu 'ei here is the most prominent man of the time, and you should serve him #ell.C Still #ould ,iu 'ei have put from him such a post, but >ust then the Imperial 7rotector, pointing to his heart to indicate his sincerity, passed a#ay. !hen the ceremonial #ailing of the officials #as over, the insignia of office #ere brought to ,iu 'ei. 'ut he #ould have none of them. The follo#ing days the inhabitants of the to#n and country around cro#ded into the state residence, bo#ing and #ith tears, calling upon ,iu 'ei to receive the charge. CIf you do not, #e cannot live in pence,C said they. To these re uests his brothers added their persuasion, till at length he consented to assume the administrative duties. *e forth#ith appointed Sun &ian and 1i "hu as his +dvisers, and )hen Deng his Secretary. *e moved his army from 2iaopei to 2uDhou )ity, and he put forth proclamations to reassure the people. *e also attended to the burial ceremonies; he and all his army dressing in mourning. +fter the fullest sacrifices and ceremonies, a burial place for the late Imperial 7rotector #as found close to the source of the Bello# River. The dead man(s testament #as for#arded to court. The ne#s of the events in 2uDhou duly reached the ears of )ao )ao, then in 9uancheng.

Said he, angrily, CI have missed my revenge. This ,iu 'ei has simply stepped into command of the region #ithout eApending half an arro#@ *e sat still and attained his desire. 'ut I #ill put him to death and then dig up Tao &ian(s corpse in revenge for the death of my noble father=C Orders #ere issued for the army to prepare for a ne# campaign against 2uDhou. 'ut +dviser 2un Bu remonstrated #ith )ao )ao, saying, CThe Supreme +ncestor secured the ,and !ithin the 7asses% and his illustrious successor on the throne, ,iu 2iu, too$ *enei. They both first consolidated their position #hereby they could command the #hole empire. Their #hole progress #as from success to success. *ence they accomplished their great designs in spite of difficulties. CIllustrious Sir, your ,and !ithin the 7asses and your *enei are BanDhou and the Bello# River, #hich you had first, and #hich is of the utmost strategic point of the empire. If you underta$e this eApedition against 2uDhou leaving many troops here for defense, you #ill not accomplish your design; if you leave too fe#, ,u 'u #ill fall upon us. +nd finally if you lose this and fail to gain 2uDhou, #hither #ill you retireG That region is not vacant. +lthough Tao &ian has gone, ,iu 'ei holds it; and since the people support him, they #ill fight to the death for him. To abandon this place for that is to eAchange the great for the small, to barter the trun$ for the branches, to leave safety and run into danger. I #ould implore you to reflect #ell.C )ao )ao replied, CIt is not a good plan to $eep soldiers idle here during such scarcity.C CIf that is so, it #ould be more advantageous to attac$ the eastern counties of )hencheng, Bingchuan, and Runan, and feed your army on their supplies. The remnants of the Bello# Scarves, *e Bi and *uang Shao, are there #ith stores and treasures of all $inds that they have amassed by plundering #herever they could. Rebels of their stamp are easily bro$en. 'rea$ them, and you can feed your army #ith their grain. 1oreover, both the court and the common people #ill >oin in blessing you.C This ne# design appealed strongly to )ao )ao, and he uic$ly began his preparations to carry it out. *e left 2iahou Dun and )ao Ren to guard 9uancheng, #hile his main body, under his o#n command, marched to seiDe )hencheng. This done they #ent to Runan and Bingchuan. Fo# #hen the Bello# Scarves leaders, *e Bi and *uang Shao, $ne# that )ao )ao #as approaching. They came out in a great body to oppose him. They met at 8oat *ill. Though the rebels #ere numerous, they #ere a poor lot, a mere pac$ of beasts #ithout organiDation and lac$ing discipline. )ao )ao ordered his strong archers and vigorous crossbo#men to $eep them in chec$. Dian !ei #as sent out to challenge. The rebel leaders chose a second6rate champion for their side, #ho rode out and #as van uished in the third bout. Then )ao )ao(s army pushed for#ard, and they made a camp at 8oat *ill.

The follo#ing day the rebel *uang Shao himself led forth his army and made his battle array along a circle. + leader advanced on foot to offer combat. *e #ore a yello# turban on his head and a green robe. *is #eapon #as an iron mace. *e shouted, CI am *e 1an, the devil #ho shoots across the s$y. !ho dare fight #ith meGC )ao *ong uttered a great shout and >umped from the saddle to accept the challenge. S#ord in hand he advanced on foot and the t#o engaged in fierce combat in the face of both armies. They eAchanged some fifty blo#s, neither gaining the advantage. Then )ao *ong feigned defeat and ran a#ay. *e 1an #ent after him. 9ust as he closed, )ao *ong tried a feint and then suddenly #heeling about, #ounded his adversary. +nother slash, and *e 1an lay dead. +t once ,i Dian dashed for#ard into the midst of the Bello# Scarves and laid hands on the rebel chief *uang Shao #hom he carried off captive. )ao )ao(s troops then set on and scattered the rebels. The spoil of treasure and food #as immense. The other rebel leader, *e Bi, fled #ith a fe# hundred horsemen to#ard 5obei *ills. 'ut #hile on their road thither there suddenly appeared a force led by a certain s#ashbuc$ler #ho shall be nameless for the moment. This bravo #as a #ell6built man, thic$set and stout. !ith a #aist ten span in girth. *e used a long s#ord. *e barred the #ay of retreat. *e Bi set his spear and rode to#ard him. 'ut at the first encounter the bravo caught *e Bi under his arm and bore *e Bi off a prisoner. +ll the rebels #ere terror6 stric$en, dropped from their horses and allo#ed themselves to be bound. Then the victor drove them li$e cattle into an enclosure #ith high ban$s. 7resently Dian !ei, still pursuing the rebels, reached 5obei *ills. The s#ashbuc$ler #ent out to meet him. C+re you also a Bello# Scarves rebelGC said Dian !ei. CI have some hundreds of them prisoners in an enclosure here.C C!hy not bring them outGC said Dian !ei. CI #ill if you #in this s#ord from my hand.C This annoyed Dian !ei #ho attac$ed him. They engaged and the combat lasted for t#o long hours and then #as still undecided. 'oth rested a #hile. The s#ashbuc$ler #as the first to recover and rene#ed the challenge. They fought till dus$ and then, as their horses #ere uite spent, the combat #as once more suspended. In the meantime some of Dian !ei(s men had run off to tell the story of this #ondrous fight to )ao )ao #ho hastened in amaDement, follo#ed by many officers to #atch it and see the result.

FeAt day the un$no#n #arrior rode out again, and )ao )ao sa# him. In )ao )ao(s heart he re>oiced to see such a doughty hero and desired to gain his services. So )ao )ao bade Dian !ei feign defeat. Dian !ei rode out in ans#er to the challenge, and some thirty bouts #ere fought. Then Dian !ei turned and fled to#ard his o#n side. The bravo follo#ed and came uite close. 'ut a flight of arro#s drove him a#ay. )ao )ao hastily dre# off his men for one and a half miles and then secretly sent a certain number to dig a pitfall and sent troops armed #ith hoo$s to lie in ambush. The follo#ing day Dian !ei #as sent out #ith one hundred horse. *is adversary nothing loath came to meet Dian !ei. C!hy does the defeated leader venture forth againGC cried he laughing. The s#ashbuc$ler spurred for#ard to >oin battle, but Dian !ei, after a faint sho# of fighting, turned his horse and rode a#ay. *is adversary intent upon capture, too$ no care, and he and his horse all blundered into the pitfall. The hoo$men too$ him captive, bound him, and carried him before )ao )ao. +s soon as he sa# the prisoner, )ao )ao advanced from his tent, sent a#ay the soldiers, and #ith his o#n hands loosened the leader(s bonds. Then he brought out clothing and dressed him, bade him be seated and as$ed #ho he #as and #hence he came. CI am named 2u )hu. I am from &iao. !hen the rebellion bro$e out, I and my relations of some hundreds built a stronghold #ithin a rampart for protection. One day the robbers came, but I had stones ready for them. I told my relatives to $eep on bringing them up to me and I thre# them, hitting somebody every time I thre#. This drove off the robbers. +nother day they came and #e #ere short of grain. So I agreed #ith them to an eAchange of plo# oAen against grain. They delivered the grain and #ere driving a#ay the oAen #hen the beasts too$ fright and tore off to their pens. I seiDed t#o of oAen by the tail, one #ith each hand, and hauled them bac$#ards a hundred or so paces. The robbers #ere so amaDed that they thought no more about oAen but #ent their #ay. So they never troubled us again.C CI have heard of your mighty eAploits,C said )ao )ao. C!ill you >oin my armyGC CThat is my strongest desire,C said 2u )hu. So 2u )hu called up his clan, some hundreds in all, and they formally submitted to )ao )ao. 2u )hu received the ran$ of general and received ample re#ards. The t#o rebel leaders, *e Bi and *uang Shao, #ere eAecuted. Runan and Bingchuan #ere no# perfectly pacified. )ao )ao #ithdre# his army and #ent bac$ to 9uancheng. 2iahou Dun and )ao Ren came out to #elcome him, and they told him that spies had reported BanDhou )ity to be left defenseless. ,u

'u(s generals, 2ue ,an and ,i 3ang, had given up all its garrison to plundering the surrounding country. They #anted him to go against it #ithout loss of time. C!ith our soldiers fresh from victory, the city #ill fall at a tap of the drum,C said they. So )ao )ao marched the army straight to the city. +n attac$ #as uite uneApected but the t#o leaders, 2ue ,an and ,i 3ang, hurried out their fe# soldiers to fight. 2u )hu, the latest recruit, said he #ished to capture these t#o and he #ould ma$e of them an introductory gift. The tas$ #as given him and he rode forth. ,i 3ang #ith his halberd advanced to meet 2u )hu. The combat #as brief as ,i 3ang fell in the second bout. *is colleague 2ue ,an retired #ith his troops. 'ut he found the dra#bridge had been seiDed by ,i Dian, so that he could not get shelter #ithin the city. 2ue ,an led his men to#ard 9uye. 'ut ,u &ian pursued and $illed him #ith an arro#. *is soldiers scattered to the four #inds. +nd thus BanDhou #as recaptured. FeAt )heng Bu proposed an eApedition to ta$e 7uyang. )ao )ao marched his army out in perfect order. The van leaders #ere Dian !ei and 2u )hu; 2iahou Dun and 2iahou Buan led the left #ing; ,i Dian and Bue 9ing led the right #ing; Bu 9in and ,u &ian guarded the rear. )ao )ao himself commanded the center. !hen they approached 7uyang, ,u 'u #ished to go out in person and alone to attac$, but his adviser )hen 8ong protested, saying, C8eneral, you should not go out until the arrival of the other officers.C C!hom do I fearGC said ,u 'u. So he thre# caution to the #inds and #ent out of the city. *e met his foes and he began to revile them. The redoubtable 2u )hu #ent to fight #ith him, but after t#enty bouts neither combatant #as any the #orse. C*e is not the sort that one man can overcome,C said )ao )ao. +nd he sent Dian !ei to attac$ ,u 'u from another direction. ,u 'u stood the double onslaught. Soon after the flan$ commanders >oined in6662iahou Dun and 2iahou Buan attac$ing the left; ,i Dian and Bue 9ing surrounding the right. ,u 'u had siA opponents. These proved really too many for him so he turned his horse and rode bac$ to the city. 'ut #hen the members of the Tian family sa# him coming bac$ beaten, they raised the dra#bridge. ,u 'u shouted, COpen the gates= ,et me in=C 'ut the Tians said, C!e have gone over to )ao )ao=C

This #as hard to hear and the beaten man abused them roundly before he left. )hen 8ong got a#ay through the east gate ta$ing #ith him the general(s family. Thus 7uyang came into )ao )ao(s hands, and for their present services the Tian family #ere pardoned their previous fault. *o#ever, ,iu Be said, C,u 'u is a savage beast. If let alive, he #ill be a great danger. *unt him do#n=C ,iu Be #as ordered to $eep 7uyang. !herefore )ao )ao determined to follo# ,u 'u to Dingtao #hither he had gone for refuge. ,u 'u, "hang 1iao, and "hang )hao #ere assembled in the city. 8ao Shun and other generals #ere out foraging. )ao )ao army arrived but did not attac$ for many days, and presently he #ithdre# fifteen miles and made a stoc$ade. It #as the time of harvest, and he set his soldiers to cut the #heat for food. The spies reported this to ,u 'u #ho came over to see. 'ut #hen he sa# that )ao )ao(s stoc$ade lay near a thic$ #ood, he feared an ambush and retired. )ao )ao heard that ,u 'u had come and gone and guessed the reason. C*e fears an ambush in the #ood,C said )ao )ao. C!e #ill set up flags there and deceive him. There is a long emban$ment near the camp but behind it there is no #ater. There #e #ill lay an ambush to fall upon ,u 'u #hen he comes to burn the #ood.C So )ao )ao hid all his soldiers behind the emban$ment eAcept half a hundred drummers, and he got together many peasants to loiter #ithin the stoc$ade as though it #as not empty. ,u 'u rode bac$ and told )hen 8ong #hat he had seen. CThis )ao )ao is very crafty and full of #iles,C said the adviser. CDo not act.C CI #ill use fire this time and burn out his ambush,C said ,u 'u. FeAt morning ,u 'u rode out, and there he sa# flags flying every#here in the #ood. *e ordered his troops for#ard to set fire on all sides. 'ut to his surprise no one rushed out to ma$e for the stoc$ade. Still he heard the beating of drums and doubt filled his mind. Suddenly he sa# a party of soldiers move out from the shelter of the stoc$ade. *e galloped over to see #hat it meant. Then the signal6bombs eAploded; out rushed the troops and all their leaders dashed for#ard. 2iahou Dun, 2iahou Buan, 2u )hu, Dian !ei, ,i Dian, and Bue 9ing all attac$ed at once. ,u 'u #as at a loss and fled into the open country. One of his generals, )heng ,ian, #as $illed by an arro# of Bue 9ing. T#o thirds of his troops #ere lost, and the beaten remainder #ent to tell )hen 8ong #hat had come to pass. C!e had better leave,C said )hen 8ong. C+n empty city cannot be held.C

So )hen 8ong and 8ao Shun, ta$ing their chief(s family #ith them, abandoned Dingtao. !hen )ao )ao(s soldiers got into the city, they met #ith no resistance. "hang )hao committed suicide by burning himself. "hang 1iao fled to Buan Shu. Thus the #hole northeast fell under the po#er of )ao )ao. *e immediately tran uiliDed the people and rebuilt the cities and their defenses. ,u 'u in his retreat fell in #ith his generals, and )hen 8ong also re>oined him, so that he #as by no means bro$en. CI have but small army,C said ,u 'u, Cbut still enough to brea$ )ao )ao.C +nd so he retoo$ the bac$#ard road. Indeed@ Thus does fortune alternate, victory, defeat, The happy con ueror today, tomorro#, must retreatG !hat #as the fate of ,u 'u #ill appear later. Chapter 1( -i "&e and G&o Si *&e# In Changan; The %mperor %sta.#ishes 1n4i The >ew Capita#' The last chapter told of the defeat of ,u 'u, and his gathering the remnant of his army at Dingtao. !hen all his generals had >oined him, he began to feel strong enough to try conclusions #ith )ao )ao once again. Said )hen 8ong, #ho #as opposed to this course, C)ao )ao is too strong right no#. See$ some place #here #e can rest a time before trying.C CSuppose I #ent to Buan Shao,C said ,u 'u. CSend first to ma$e in uiries.C ,u 'u agreed. The ne#s of the fighting bet#een )ao )ao and ,u 'u had reached 9iDhou, and one of Buan Shao(s advisers, Shen 7ei, #arned him, saying, C,u 'u is a savage beast. If he gets possession of BanDhou, he #ill certainly attempt to add this region to it. 3or your o#n safety you should help to crush him.C !herefore Buan Shao sent Ban ,iang #ith fifty thousand troops to destroy ,u 'u. The spies heard this and at once told ,u 'u, #ho #as greatly disturbed and called in )hen 8ong. C8o over to ,iu 'ei, #ho has lately succeeded to 2uDhou.C

*ence ,u 'u #ent thither. *earing this, ,iu 'ei said, C,u 'u is a hero, and #e #ill receive him #ith honor.C 'ut 1i "hu #as strongly against receiving him, saying, C*e #as a cruel, bloodthirsty beast.C 'ut ,iu 'ei replied, C*o# #ould misfortune have been averted from 2uDhou if he had not attac$ed BanDhouG *e cannot be our enemy no# that he comes see$ing an asylum.C C'rother, your heart is really too good. +lthough it may be as you say, yet it #ould be #ell to prepare,C said "hang 3ei. The ne# Imperial 7rotector #ith a great follo#ing met ,u 'u ten miles outside the city gates, and the t#o chiefs rode in side by side. They proceeded to the residence and there, after the elaborate ceremonies of reception #ere over, they sat do#n to converse. Said ,u 'u, C+fter !ang Bun and I plotted to slay Dong "huo and my misfortune in the ,i 9ue and 8uo Si(s sedition, I drifted about from one place to another, and none of the nobles east of the *uashang 1ountains seemed #illing to receive me. !hen )ao )ao #ith #ic$ed ambition invaded this region and you, Sir, came to its rescue, I aided you by attac$ing BanDhou and thus diverting a portion of his force. I did not thin$ then that I should be the victim of a vile plot and lose my leaders and my soldiers. 'ut no# if you #ill, I offer myself to you that #e may together accomplish great designs.C ,iu 'ei replied, C!hen the late Tao &ian died, there #as no one to administer 2uDhou, and so I assumed that tas$ for a time. Fo# since you are here, 8eneral, it is most suitable that I step do#n in your favor.C !hereupon ,iu 'ei handed the insignia and the seal of authority to ,u 'u. ,u 'u #as on the point of accepting them, #hen he sa# 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei, #ho stood behind the Imperial 7rotector, glaring at him #ith angry eyes. So ,u 'u put on a smile and said, CI may be something of a fighting man, but I could not rule a great region li$e this.C ,iu 'ei repeated his offer. 'ut )hen 8ong said, CThe strong guest does not oppress his host. Bou need not fear, ,ord ,iu 'ei.C Then ,iu 'ei desisted. 'an uets #ere held and d#elling places prepared for the guest and his retinue. +s soon as convenient, ,u 'u returned the feast. ,iu 'ei #ent #ith his t#o brothers. *alf through the ban uet ,u 'u re uested ,iu 'ei to retire to one of the inner private rooms, #hither 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei follo#ed him. There ,u 'u bade his #ife and daughter bo# as to their benefactor. *ere also ,iu 'ei sho#ed eAcessive modesty.

,u 'u said, C8ood younger brother, you need not be so very modest.C "hang 3ei heard #hat ,u 'u said, and his eyes glared, crying, C!hat sort of a man are you that dares call our brother (younger brother(G *e is one of the ruling family666a >ade leaf on a golden branch. )ome out, and I #ill fight you three hundred bouts for the insult.C ,iu 'ei hastily chec$ed the impulsive one, and 8uan Bu persuaded him to go a#ay. Then ,iu 'ei apologiDed, saying, C1y poor brother tal$s #ildly after he has been drin$ing. I hope you #ill not blame him.C ,u 'u nodded, but said nothing. Soon after the guests departed. 'ut as the host escorted ,iu 'ei to his carriage, he sa# "hang 3ei galloping up armed as for a fray. C,u 'u, you and I #ill fight that duel of three hundred bouts=C shouted "hang 3ei. ,iu 'ei bade 8uan Bu chec$ him. FeAt day ,u 'u came to ta$e leave of his host. CBou, O ,ord, $indly received me, but I fear your brothers and I cannot agree. So I #ill see$ some other asylum.C C8eneral, if you go, the blame is mine. 1y rude brother has offended and must eventually apologiDe. In the meantime #hat thin$ you of a temporary so>ourn at the to#n #here I #as encamped for some time, 2iaopeiG The place is small and mean, but it is near, and I #ill see to it that you are supplied #ith all you need.C ,u 'u than$ed him and accepted this offer. *e led his troops there and too$ up residence. +fter he had gone, ,iu 'ei buried his annoyance, and "hang 3ei did not again refer to the matter. That )ao )ao had subdued the east of the *uashang 1ountains has been stated before. *e memorialiDed the Throne and #as re#arded #ith the title of 8eneral !ho 4Ahibits 3irm Virtue and ,ord of 3eiting. +t this time the rebellious ,i 9ue #as commanding the court, and he had made himself Regent 1arshal, and his colleague 8uo Si styled himself 8rand )ommander. Their conduct #as abominable but no one dared to criticiDe them. Imperial 8uardian Bang 'iao and 1inister "hu 9un privately tal$ed #ith 4mperor 2ian and said, C)ao )ao has t#o hundred thousand troops and many capable advisers and leaders. It #ould be #ell for the empire if he #ould lend his support to the imperial family and help to rid the government of this evil party.C *is 1a>esty #ept, CI am #eary of the insults and contempt of these #retches and should be very glad to have them removed.C CI have thought of a plan to estrange ,i 9ue and 8uo Si and so ma$e them destroy each other. Then )ao )ao could come and cleanse the court,C said Bang 'iao.

C*o# #ill you manage itGC as$ed the 4mperor. C8uo Si(s #ife, ,ady &iong, is very >ealous, and #e can ta$e advantage of her #ea$ness to bring about a uarrel.C So Bang 'iao received instruction to act, #ith a secret edict to support him. Bang 'iao(s #ife, ,ady 5ai, made an eAcuse to visit ,ady &iong at her palace and, in the course of conversation, said CThere is tal$ of secret liaison bet#een the 8eneral, your husband, and the #ife of 1inister ,i 9ue. It is a great secret, but if 1inister ,i 9ue $ne# it, he might try to harm your husband. I thin$ you ought to have very little to do #ith that family.C ,ady &iong #as surprised but said, CI have #ondered #hy he has been sleeping a#ay from home lately, but I did not thin$ there #as anything shameful connected #ith it. I should never have $no#n if you had not spo$en. I must put a stop to it.C 'y and by, #hen ,ady 5ai too$ her leave, ,ady &iong than$ed her #armly for the information she had given. Some days passed, and 8uo Si #as going over to the d#elling of ,i 9ue to a dinner. ,ady &iong did not #ish him to go and she said, CThis ,i 9ue is very deep, and one cannot fathom his designs. Bou t#o are not of e ual ran$, and if he made a#ay #ith you, #hat #ould become of your poor handmaidGC 8uo Si paid no attention, and his #ife could not prevail on him to stay at home. ,ate in the afternoon some presents arrived from ,i 9ue(s palace, and ,ady &iong secretly put poison into the delicacies before she set them before her lord. 8uo Si #as going to taste at once but she said, CIt is un#ise to consume things that come from outside. ,et us try on a dog first.C They did and the dog died. This incident made 8uo Si doubt the $indly intentions of his colleague. One day, at the close of business at court, ,i 9ue invited 8uo Si to his palace. +fter 8uo Si arrived home in the evening, rather the #orse for too much #ine, he #as seiDed #ith a colic. *is #ife said she suspected poison and hastily administered an emetic, #hich relieved the pain. 8uo Si began to feel angry, saying, C!e did everything together and helped each other al#ays. Fo# he #ants to in>ure me. If I do not get in the first blo#, I shall suffer some in>ury.C So 8uo Si began to prepare his guards for any sudden emergency. This #as told to ,i 9ue, and he in turn gre# angry, saying, CSo 8uo Si is doing so and so=C

Then ,i 9ue got his guards under #ay and came to attac$ 8uo Si. 'oth houses had ten thousand, and the uarrel became so serious that they fought a pitched battle under the city #alls. !hen that #as over both sides turned to plunder the people. Then a nephe# of ,i 9ue, ,i 2ian, suddenly surrounded the 7alace, put the 4mperor and 4mpress in t#o carriages, and assigned 9ia 2u and "uo ,ing to carry them off. The 7alace attendants #ere made to follo# on foot. +s they #ent out of the rear gate, they met 8uo Si(s army #ho began to shoot at the cavalcade #ith arro#s. They $illed many attendants before ,i 9ue(s army came up and forced them to retire. The carriages #ere got out of the 7alace and eventually reached ,i 9ue(s camp, #hile 8uo Si(s soldiers plundered the 7alace and carried off all the #omen left there to their camp. Then the 7alace #as set on fire. +s soon as 8uo Si heard of the #hereabouts of the 4mperor, he came over to attac$ the camp of ,i 9ue. The 4mperor bet#een these t#o opposing factions #as greatly alarmed. Indeed@ Slo#ly the *ans had declined but rene#ed their vigor #ith ,iu 2iu, T#elve #ere the rulers before him, follo#ed him also t#elve others. 3oolish #ere t#o of the latest, dangers surrounded the altars, These #ere degenerate days, #ith authority given to eunuchs. Then did *e 9in the simple, the inept, #ho commanded the army, !arriors call to the capital, #ishing to drive out the vermin; Though they drove out the leopards, tigers and #olves uic$ly entered. +ll $inds of evil #ere #rought by a lo# class creature from 2iDhou. !ang Bun, honest of heart, beguiled this #retch #ith a #oman, 1uch desired of his henchman, thus so#ing seeds of dissension. Strife resulted, and peace no longer d#elt in the empire. Fo one suspected that ,i 9ue and 8uo Si #ould continue the evil, 1uch to the sorro# of the 1iddle 5ingdom; yet they stove for a trifle. 3amine stal$ed in the 7alace, grief for the clashing of #eapons; !hy did the #arriors striveG !hy #as the land thus partitionedG They had turned aside from the #ay appointed of *eaven. 5ings must ponder these things; heavy the burden lies on them, )hiefest in all the realm theirs is no common appointment, Should the 5ing falter or fail, calamities fall on the multitude people, The empire is drenched #ith their blood, grisly ruin surrounds them. Steeped in sorro# and sad, read you the ancient records; ,ong is the tale of years; the tale of sorro# is longer. !herefore one #ho #ould rule, chiefly must eAercise forethought. This and a $een6edged blade, these must suffice to maintain one. 8uo Si(s army arrived, and ,i 9ue #ent out to give battle. 8uo Si(s troops had no success and retired. Then ,i 9ue removed the imperial captives to 1ei#o #ith his nephe# ,i 2ian as gaoler.

Supplies #ere reduced, and famine sho#ed itself on the faces of the eunuchs. The 4mperor sent to ,i 9ue to re uest five carts of rice and five sets of bulloc$ bones for his attendants. ,i 9ue angrily replied, CThe court gets food morning and evening. !hy do they as$ for moreGC *e sent putrid meat and rotten grain, and the 4mperor #as very veAed at the ne# insult. Imperial )ounselor Bang &i counseled patience, saying, C,i 9ue is a base creature but, under the present circumstances, Bour 1a>esty must put up #ith it. Bou may not provo$e him.C The 4mperor bo#ed and #as silent, but the tears fell on his garments. Suddenly someone came in #ith the tidings that a force of cavalry, their sabers glittering in the sun, #as approaching to rescue them. Then they heard the gongs beat and the roll of the drums. The 4mperor sent to find out #ho it #as. 'ut it #as 8uo Si, and the sadness fell again. 7resently arose a great din. 3or ,i 9ue had gone out to do battle #ith 8uo Si, #hom he abused by name. CI treated you #ell, and #hy did you try to $ill meGC said ,i 9ue. CBou are a rebel, #hy should I not slay youGC cried 8uo Si. CBou call me rebel #hen I am guarding the 4mperorGC CBou have abducted him@ Do you call that guardingGC C!hy so many #ordsG ,et us forgo a battle and settle the matter in single combat, the #inner to ta$e the 4mperor and go.C The t#o generals fought in front of their armies, but neither could prevail over the other. Then they sa# Bang 'iao come riding up to them, crying, CRest a #hile, O )ommanders= 3or I have invited a party of officers to arrange a peace.C !herefore the t#o leaders retired to their camps. Soon Bang 'iao, "hu 9un, and siAty other officials came up and #ent to 8uo Si(s camp. They #ere all thro#n into confinement. C!e came #ith good intentions,C they moaned, Cand #e are treated li$e this.C C,i 9ue has run off #ith the 4mperor; I have to have the officers,C said 8uo Si. C!hat does it meanG One has the 4mperor, the other his officers. !hat do you #antGC said Bang 'iao. 8uo Si lost patience and dre# his s#ord, but )ommander Bang 1i persuaded him not to slay the spea$er. Then 8uo Si released Bang 'iao and "hu 9un but $ept the others in the camp.

C*ere are #e t#o officers of the Throne, and #e cannot help our lord. !e have been born in vain,C said Bang 'iao to "hu 9un. Thro#ing their arms about each other, they #ept and fell s#ooning to the earth. "hu 9un #ent home, fell seriously ill and died. Thereafter the t#o adversaries fought every day for nearly three months, each losing many soldiers. Fo# ,i 9ue #as irreligious and practiced magic. *e often called #itches to beat drums and summon spirits, even #hen in camp. 9ia 2u used to remonstrate #ith him, but uite uselessly. Bang &i said to the 4mperor, CThat 9ia 2u, although a friend of ,i 9ue, never seems to have lost the sense of loyalty to Bour 1a>esty.C Soon after 9ia 2u himself arrived. The 4mperor sent a#ay his attendants and said to 9ia 2u, #eeping the #hile, C)an you not pity the *ans and help meGC 9ia 2u prostrated himself, saying, CThat is my dearest #ish. 'ut, Sire, say no more@ ,et thy servant #or$ out a plan.C The 4mperor dried his tears, and soon ,i 9ue came in. *e #ore a s#ord by his side and strode straight up to the 4mperor, #hose face became the color of clay. Then ,i 9ue spo$e, C8uo Si has failed in his duty and imprisoned the court officers. *e #ished to slay Bour 1a>esty, and you #ould have been captured but for me.C The 4mperor >oined his hands together in salute and than$ed ,i 9ue. ,i 9ue #ent a#ay. 'efore long *uangfu ,i entered. The 4mperor, $no#ing him as a man of persuasive tongue and that he came from the same county as ,i 9ue, bade him go to both factions to try to arrange peace. *uangfu ,i accepted the mission and first #ent to 8uo Si, #ho said, CI #ould release the officers if ,i 9ue #ould restore the 4mperor to full liberty.C *uangfu ,i then #ent to the other side. To ,i 9ue he said, CSince I am a 2iliang man, the 4mperor and the officers have selected me to ma$e peace bet#een you and your adversary. 8uo Si has consented to cease the uarrel. !ill you agree to peaceGC CI overthre# ,u 'u; I have upheld the government for four years and have many great services to my credit as all the #orld $no#s. That other fello#, that horse6thief, has dared to seiDe the officers of state and to set himself up against me. I have s#orn to slay him. ,oo$ around you. Do you not thin$ my army large enough to brea$ himGC

CIt does not follo#,C said *uangfu ,i. CIn ancient days in Bou iong, *ou Bi, proud of and confident in his archer(s s$ill, gave no thought to others and governed alone, and he so perished. ,ately you yourself have seen the po#erful Dong "huo betrayed by ,u 'u, #ho had received many benefits at his hands. In no time Dong "huo(s head #as hanging over the gate. So you see mere force is not enough to ensure safety. Fo# you are a general, #ith the aAes and #hips and all the symbols of ran$ and high office; your descendants and all your clan occupy distinguished positions. Bou must confess that the state has re#arded you liberally. True, 8uo Si has seiDed the officers of state, but you have done the same to the (1ost Revered.( !ho is #orse than the otherGC ,i 9ue angrily dre# his s#ord and shouted, CDid the Son of *eaven send you to moc$ and shame meGC 'ut his commander, Bang 3eng, chec$ed him. C8uo Si is still alive,C said Bang 3eng, Cand to slay the imperial messenger #ould be giving him a popular eAcuse to raise an army against you. +nd all the nobles #ould >oin him.C 9ia 2u also persuaded ,i 9ue, and gradually his #rath cooled do#n. *uangfu ,i #as urged to go a#ay. 'ut *uangfu ,i #ould not be satisfied #ith failure. +s he #ent out of the camp, he cried loudly, C,i 9ue #ill not obey the 4mperor(s command. *e #ill $ill his prince to set up himself=C )ounselor *u 1iao tried to shut *uangfu ,i(s mouth, saying, CDo not utter such #ords. Bou #ill only bring hurt upon yourself.C 'ut *uangfu ,i shrie$ed at him also, saying, CBou also are an officer of state, and yet you even bac$ up the rebel. !hen the prince is put to shame, the minister dies. That is our code. If it be my lot to suffer death at the hands of ,i 9ue, so be it=C +nd *uangfu ,i maintained a torrent of abuse. The 4mperor heard of the incident, called in *uangfu ,i and sent him a#ay to his o#n country 2iliang. Fo# more than half ,i 9ue(s troops #ere from 2iliang, and he had also the assistance of the &iangs, the northern tribespeople beyond the border. !hen *uangfu ,i spread that ,i 9ue #as a rebel and so #ere those #ho helped him, and that there #ould be a day of heavy rec$oning, those stories disturbed the soldiers. ,i 9ue sent one of his officers, 8eneral !ang )han of the Tiger +rmy, to arrest *uangfu ,i; but !ang )han had a sense of right and esteemed *uangfu ,i as an honorable man. Instead of carrying out the orders, !ang )han returned to say *uangfu ,i could not be found. 9ia 2u tried to #or$ on the feelings of the barbarian tribes. *e said to them, CThe Son of *eaven $no#s you are loyal to him and have bravely fought and suffered. *e has issued a secret command for you to go home, and then he #ill re#ard you.C

The tribesmen had a grievance against ,i 9ue for not paying them, so they listened readily to the insidious persuasions of 9ia 2u and deserted. Then 9ia 2u advised the 4mperor, C,i 9ue is covetous in nature. *e is deserted and enfeebled. + high office should be granted to him to lead him astray.C So the 4mperor officially appointed ,i 9ue Regent 1arshal. This delighted him greatly, and he ascribed his promotion to the potency of his #ise #itches( prayers and incantations. *e re#arded those people most liberally. 'ut his army #as forgotten. !herefore his commander, Bang 3eng, #as angry. Bang 3eng said to 8eneral Song 8uo, C!e have ta$en all the ris$s and eAposed ourselves to stones and arro#s in his service, yet instead of giving us any re#ard he ascribes all the credit to those #itches of his.C C,et us put him out of the #ay and rescue the 4mperor,C said Song 8uo. CBou eAplode a bomb #ithin as signal, and I #ill attac$ from outside.C So the t#o agreed to act together that very night in the second #atch. 'ut they had been overheard, and the eavesdropper told ,i 9ue. Song 8uo #as seiDed and put to death. That night Bang 3eng #aited outside for the signal and #hile #aiting, out came ,i 9ue himself. Then a melee began, #hich lasted till the fourth #atch. 'ut Bang 3eng got a#ay and fled to 2ian. 'ut from this time ,i 9ue(s army began to fall a#ay, and he felt more than ever the losses caused by 8uo Si(s fre uent attac$s. Then came ne#s that "hang 9i, at the head of a large army, #as coming do#n from ShanAi to ma$e peace bet#een the t#o factions. "hang 9i vo#ed he #ould attac$ the one #ho #as recalcitrant. ,i 9ue tried to gain favor by hastening to send to tell "hang 9i he #as ready to ma$e peace. So did 8uo Si. So the strife of the rival factions ended at last, and "hang 9i memorialiDed as$ing the 4mperor to go to *ongnong near ,uoyang. The 4mperor #as delighted, saying, CI have longed to go bac$ to the east.C "hang 9i #as re#arded #ith the title of )ommander of the 3lying )avalry and #as highly honored. "hang 9i sa# to it that the 4mperor and the court had good supplies of necessaries. 8uo Si set free all his captive officers, and ,i 9ue prepared transport for the court to move to the east. ,i 9ue told off companies of his Royal 8uard to escort the cavalcade. The progress had been #ithout incident as far as 2infeng. Fear 'aling 'ridge the #est #ind of autumn came on to blo# #ith great violence, but soon above the ho#ling of the gale #as heard the trampling of a large body of force. They stopped at a bridge and barred the #ay.

C!ho comesGC cried a voice. CThe Imperial )hariot is passing, and #ho dares stop itGC said Bang &i, riding for#ard. T#o leaders of the barring party advanced to Bang &i, saying, C8eneral 8uo Si has ordered us to guard the bridge and stop all spies. Bou say the 4mperor is here@ !e must see him, and then #e #ill let you pass.C So the pearl curtain #as raised and the 4mperor said, CI, the 4mperor, am here. !hy do you not retire to let me pass, gentlemenGC They all shouted, C!an shui= ,ong ,ife= ,ong ,ife=C and fell a#ay to allo# the cortege through. 'ut #hen they reported #hat they had done, 8uo Si #as very angry, saying, CI meant to out#it "hang 9i, seiDe the 4mperor, and hold him in 1ei#o. !hy have you let him get a#ayGC *e put the t#o officers to death, set out to pursue the cavalcade, and overtoo$ it >ust at the county of *uaying. The noise of a great shouting arose behind the travelers, and a loud voice commanded, CStop the train=C The 4mperor burst into tears. COut of the #olf(s den into the tiger(s mouth=C said he. Fo one $ne# #hat to do; they #ere all too frightened. 'ut #hen the rebel army #as >ust upon them, they heard the beating of drums and from behind some hills came into the open a cohort of one thousand soldiers preceded by a great flag bearing the name *an 8eneral Bang 3eng. *aving defeated by ,i 9ue, Bang 3eng fled to the foothills of the 2ian; and he came up to offer his services as soon as he heard the 4mperor(s >ourney. Seeing it #as necessary to fight no#, he dre# up his line of battle. 8uo Si(s general, )ui Bong, rode out and began a volley of abuse. Bang 3eng turned and said, C!here is 2u *uangGC In response out came a valiant #arrior gripping a heavy battle6aA. *e galloped up on his fleet bay, ma$ing directly for )ui Bong, #hom he felled at the first blo#. +t this the #hole force dashed for#ard and routed 8uo Si. The defeated army #ent bac$ some seven miles. Bang 3eng rode for#ard to see the 4mperor #ho graciously said, CIt is a great service you have rendered@ Bou have saved my life.C

Bang 3eng bo#ed and than$ed him, and the 4mperor as$ed to see the actual slayer of the rebel leader. So 2u *uang #as led to the chariot #here he bo#ed and #as presented as 2u *uang of *edong. The 4mperor recogniDed the achievement of the #arrior. Then the cavalcade #ent for#ard, Bang 3eng acting as escort as far as the city of *uaying, the halting place for the night. The )ommander of the place, Duan !ei, supplied them #ith clothing and food. +nd the 4mperor passed the night in Bang 3eng(s camp. FeAt day 8uo Si, having mustered his troops, appeared in front of the camp, and 2u *uang rode out to engage. 'ut 8uo Si thre# his army out so that they entirely surrounded the camp, and the 4mperor #as in the middle. The position #as very critical, #hen help appeared in the person of a galloping general from the southeast, and the rebels fell a#ay at his assault. Then 2u *uang smote them and so scored a victory. !hen they had time to see their helper, they found him to be Dong )heng, the uncle of the 4mperor or the CState HncleC. The 4mperor #ept as he related his sorro#s and dangers. Said Dong )heng, C'e of good courage, Sire. 8eneral Bang 3eng and I have pledged ourselves to $ill both the rebels ,i 9ue and 8uo Si and so purify the #orld.C The 4mperor bade them travel east as soon as possible, and so they #ent on night and day till they reached their destination *ongnong. 8uo Si led his defeated army bac$. 1eeting ,i 9ue, he told ,i 9ue of the rescue of the 4mperor and #hither they #as going. CIf they reach the *uashang 1ountains and get settled in the east, they #ill send out proclamations to the #hole country, calling up the nobles to attac$ us, and #e and our families #ill be in danger,C said 8uo Si. C"hang 9i is holding )hangan, and #e must be careful. There is nothing to prevent a >oint attac$ on *ongnong, #hen #e can $ill the 4mperor and divide the empire bet#een us,C said ,i 9ue. 8uo Si found this a suitable scheme, so their armies came together again in one place and united in plundering the countryside. +s they proceeded to *ongnong, they left destruction behind them. Bang 3eng and Dong )heng heard of the rebels( approach #hen they #ere yet a long #ay off, so Bang 3eng and Dong )heng turned bac$ and decided to meet them at Dong>ian. ,i 9ue and 8uo Si had previously made their plan. Since the loyal troops #ere fe# as compared #ith their o#n horde, they #ould over#helm the loyal troops li$e a flood. So #hen the day of battle came, they poured out covering the hills and filling the plains. Bang 3eng and Dong )heng devoted themselves solely to the protection of the 4mperor and 4mpress. The officials, the

attendants, the archives and records, and all the paraphernalia of the court #ere left to care for themselves. The rebels ravaged *ongnong, but the t#o protectors got the 4mperor safely a#ay into Shanbei. !hen the rebel generals sho#ed signs of pursuit, Bang 3eng and Dong )heng had to play a double6edged s#ord. They sent to offer to discuss terms of peace #ith ,i 9ue and 8uo Si; at the same time they sent a secret edict to enlist the help from the leaders of the !hite !ave rebels666 *an 2ian, ,i Bue, and *u )ai. The !hite !ave #as a branch of the Bello# Scarves, and ,i Bue #as actually a brigand and had inspired rebels throughout the country. 'ut the need for help #as so desperate. These three, being promised pardon for their faults and crimes and a grant of official ran$, naturally responded to the call, and thus the loyal side #as strengthened so that *ongnong #as recaptured. 'ut mean#hile ,i 9ue and 8uo Si laid #aste #hatever place they reached, slaying the aged and #ea$ly, forcing the strong to >oin their ran$s. !hen going into a fight they forced these people6soldiers to the front, and they called them the CDare6to6DieC soldiers. ,i 9ue and 8uo Si(s force #as over#helming. !hen ,i Bue, the !hite !ave leader, approached #ith his army, 8uo Si bade his soldiers scatter clothing and valuables along the road. The late robbers could not resist the temptation, so a scramble began. Then 8uo Si(s soldiers fell upon the disordered ran$s and did much damage. Bang 3eng and Dong )heng had to ta$e the 4mperor a#ay to the north. ,i 9ue and 8uo Si pursued. ,i Bue said, CThe danger is grave. I pray Bour 1a>esty mount a horse and go in advance.C The 4mperor replied, CI cannot bear to abandon my officers.C They #ept and struggled on as best they could. The !hite !ave leader *u )ai #as $illed in one attac$. The enemy came very near, and the 4mperor left his carriage and #ent on foot. Bang 3eng and Dong )heng escorted him to the ban$ of the Bello# River. ,i Bue sought a boat to ferry him to the other side. The #eather #as very cold and the 4mperor and 4mpress cuddled up close to each other shivering. They reached the river but the ban$s #ere too high, and they could not get do#n into the boat. So Bang 3eng proposed to fasten together the horses( bridles and lo#er do#n the 4mperor slung by the #aist. *o#ever, the 4mpress( brother, 3u De, found some rolls of #hite sil$ from dead soldiers, and they rolled up the t#o imperial personages in the sil$, and thus they lo#ered them do#n near the boat. Then ,i Bue too$ up his position in the pro# leaning on his s#ord. 3u De carried the 4mpress on his bac$ into the boat. The boat #as too small to carry everybody, and those unable to get on board clung to the cable, but ,i Bue cut them do#n, and they fell into the #ater. They ferried over the 4mperor and then

sent bac$ the boat for the others. There #as a great scramble to get on board, and they had to chop off the fingers and hands of those #ho persisted in clinging to the boat. The lamentation rose to the heavens. !hen they mustered on the farther ban$, many #ere missing, only a doDen of the 4mperor(s suite #ere left. Bang 3eng found a bulloc$ cart and transported the 4mperor and 4mpress to Dayang. They had no food and at night sought shelter in a poor, tile6roofed house. The cottagers gave them some boiled millet but it #as too coarse to be s#allo#ed. FeAt day the 4mperor conferred titles on those #ho had protected him. ,i Bue #as made 8eneral !ho )on uers the Forth, and *an 2ian #as appointed 8eneral !ho )on uers the 4ast. The flight continued. Soon t#o officers of ran$ came up #ith the cortege, and they bo#ed before *is 1a>esty #ith many tears. They #ere Imperial 8uardian Bang 'iao and 1inister *an Rong. The 4mperor and 4mpress lifted up their voices and #ept #ith them. Said *an Rong to his colleague, CThe rebels have confidence in my #ords. Bou stay as guard of the 4mperor, and I #ill ta$e my life in my hands and try to bring about peace.C +fter *an Rong had gone, the 4mperor rested for a time in Bang 3eng(s camp. 'ut Bang 'iao re uested the 4mperor to head for +nyi and ma$e the capital there. !hen the train reached the to#n, they found it containing not a single lofty building, and the court lived in grass huts devoid even of doors. They surrounded these #ith a fence of thorns as a protection, and #ithin this the 4mperor held counsel #ith his ministers. The soldiers camped round the fence. Fo# ,i Bue and his fello# ruffians sho#ed their true colors. They #ielded the po#ers of the 4mperor as they #ished, and officials #ho offended them #ere beaten or abused even in the presence of the 4mperor. They purposely provided thic$ #ine and coarse food for the 4mperor(s consumption. *e struggled to s#allo# #hat they sent. ,i Bue and *an 2ian >oined in recommending to the Throne the names of convicts, common soldiers, sorcerers, leeches, and such people #ho thus obtained official ran$s. There #ere more than t#o hundred of such people. +s seals could not be engraved, pieces of metal #ere hammered into some sort of a shape. )ourt affairs had never degraded to such a lo# point. Fo# *an Rong #ent to see ,i 9ue and 8uo Si. +fter listening to his vigorous persuasions, the t#o rebel generals agreed to set free the officials and 7alace people. + famine occurred that same year and people #ere reduced to eating grass from the roadside. Starving, they #andered hither and thither. 'ut food and clothing #ere sent to the 4mperor from the governor of *enei, "hang Bang, and the governor of *edong, !ang Bi, and the court began to en>oy a little repose. Dong )heng and Bang 3eng sent laborers to restore the palaces in ,uoyang #ith the intention of moving the court thither. ,i Bue #as opposed to this.

Dong )heng argued, C,uoyang is the original capital as opposed to the paltry to#n of +nyi. Removal #ould be but reasonable.C ,i Bue #ound up by saying, CBou may get the court to remove, but I shall remain here.C 'ut #hen the consent of the 4mperor had been given and a start made, ,i Bue secretly sent to arrange #ith ,i 9ue and 8uo Si to capture the 4mperor. *o#ever, this plot lea$ed out and the escort so arranged as to prevent such a thing, and they pressed on to the pass at "higuan *ills as rapidly as possible. ,i Bue heard this, and #ithout #aiting for his rebel colleagues to >oin him set out to act alone. +bout the fourth #atch, >ust as the cavalcade #as passing "higuan *ills, a voice #as heard shouting, CStop those carriages= ,i 9ue and 8uo Si are here=C This frightened the 4mperor greatly, and his terror increased #hen he sa# the #hole mountain side suddenly light up. Indeed@ The rebel party, erst#hile split in t#ain, To #or$ their #ic$ed #ill no# >oin three again. *o# the Son of *eaven escaped this peril #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 1/ Cao Cao =oves The Co&rt To :&chang; -& B& >ightA,aids :&@ho&' The last chapter closed #ith the arrival of ,i Bue #ho shouted out falsely that the army #as that of the t#o arch rebels ,i 9ue and 8uo Si come to capture the imperial cavalcade. 'ut Bang 3eng recogniDed the voice of ,i Bue and bade 2u *uang go out to fight him. 2u *uang #ent and in the first bout the traitor fell. The !hite !ave rebels scattered, and the travelers got safely through "higuan *ills. *ere the 8overnor of *enei, "hang Bang, supplied them plentifully #ith food and other necessaries and escorted the 4mperor to "hidao. 3or his timely help, the 4mperor conferred upon "hang Bang the ran$ of a 8rand )ommander. Bang 3eng moved his army to the northeast of ,uoyang and camped at Be#ang. )apital ,uoyang #as presently entered. !ithin the #alls all #as destruction. The palaces and halls had been burned, the streets #ere overgro#n #ith grass and brambles and obstructed by heaps of ruins. The palaces and courts #ere represented by bro$en roofs and toppling #alls. + small CpalaceC ho#ever #as soon built, and therein the officers of court presented their congratulations, standing in the open air among thorn hushes and brambles. The reign style #as changed from 7rosperous Stability to Rebuilt Tran uillity, the first year -+D :I;0. The year #as grievous #ith famine. The ,uoyang people, even reduced in numbers as they #ere to a fe# hundreds, had not enough to eat and they pro#led about stripping the bar$ off trees and

grubbing up the roots of plants to satisfy their starving hunger. Officers of the government of all but the highest ran$s #ent out into the country to gather fuel. 1any people #ere crushed by the falling #alls of burned houses. +t no time during the decadence of *an did misery press harder than at this period. + poem #ritten in pity for the sufferings of that time says@ 1ortally #ounded, the #hite serpent poured forth its life blood at 1angdang *ills; 'lood6red pennons of #ar #aved then in every uarter, )hieftain #ith chieftain strove and raided each other(s borders, 1idst the turmoil and strife the 5ingship even #as threatened. !ic$edness stal$s in a country #hen the 5ing is a #ea$ling, 'rigandage al#ays is rife, #hen a dynasty(s failing, *ad one a heart of iron, #holly devoid of feeling, Bet #ould one surely grieve at the sight of such desolation. Imperial 8uardian Bang 'iao memorialiDed the Throne, saying, CThe decree issued to me some time ago has never been acted upon. Fo# )ao )ao is very strong in the east of *uashang 1ountains, and it #ould be #ell to associate him in the government that he might support the ruling house.C The 4mperor replied, CThere #as no need to refer to the matter again. Send a messenger #hen you #ill.C So the decree #ent forth and a messenger bore it into the 4ast of *uashang. Fo# #hen )ao )ao had heard that the court had returned to )apital ,uoyang, he called together his advisers to consult. 2un Bu laid the matter before )ao )ao and the council thus@ C4ight hundred years ago, Du$e !en of 9in supported 7rince 2iang of the declining "hou Dynasty, and all the feudal lords bac$ed Du$e !en%. The 3ounder of the *ans, ,iu 'ang, #on the popular favor by #earing mourning for 4mperor Bi of )hu%. Fo# 4mperor 2ian has been a fugitive on the dusty roads. To ta$e the lead in offering an army to restore him to honor is to have an unrivaled opportunity to #in universal regard. 'ut you must act uic$ly or someone #ill get in before you.C )ao )ao understood and at once prepared his army to move. 9ust at this moment an imperial messenger #as announced #ith the very command )ao )ao #anted, and )ao )ao immediately set out. +t ,uoyang everything #as desolate. The #alls had fallen, and there #ere no means of rebuilding them, #hile rumors and reports of the coming of ,i 9ue and 8uo Si $ept up a state of constant anAiety.

The frightened 4mperor spo$e #ith Bang 3eng, saying, C!hat can be doneG There is no ans#er from the 4ast of *uashang, and our enemies are near.C Then Bang 3eng and *an 2ian said, C!e, your ministers, #ill fight to the death for you.C 'ut Dong )heng said, CThe fortifications are #ea$ and our military resources small, so that #e cannot hope for victory, and #hat does defeat meanG I see nothing better to propose than a move into the east of *uashang 1ountains.C The 4mperor agreed to this, and the >ourney began #ithout further preparation. There being fe# horses, the officers of the court had to march afoot. *ardly a bo#shot outside the gate they sa# a thic$ cloud of dust out of #hich came all the clash and clamor of an advancing army. The 4mperor and his )onsort #ere dumb #ith fear. Then appeared a horseman; he #as the messenger returning from the 4ast of *uashang 1ountains. *e rode up to the chariot, made an obeisance, and said, C8eneral )ao )ao, as commanded, is coming #ith all the military force of the 4ast of *uashang; but hearing that ,i 9ue and 8uo Si had again approached the capital, he has sent 2iahou Dun in advance. !ith 2iahou Dun are many capable leaders and fifty thousand of proved soldiers. They #ill guard Bour 1a>esty.C +ll fear #as s#ept a#ay. Soon after 2iahou Dun and his staff arrived. 2iahou Dun, 2u )hu, and Dian !ei #ere presented to the 4mperor #ho graciously addressed them. Then one came to say a large army #as approaching from the east, and at the 4mperor(s command 2iahou Dun #ent to ascertain #ho these #ere. *e soon returned saying they #ere )ao )ao(s infantry. In a short time )ao *ong, ,i Dian, and Bue 9ing came to the imperial chariot and their names having been duly communicated. )ao *ong said, C!hen my brother, )ao )ao, heard of the approach of the rebels, he feared that the advance guard he had sent might be too #ea$, so he sent me to march uic$ly for reinforcement.C C8eneral )ao )ao is indeed a trusty servant=C said the 4mperor. Orders #ere given to advance, )ao *ong leading the escort. 'y and by scouts came to say that the rebels #ere coming up very uic$ly. The 4mperor bade 2iahou Dun divide his force into t#o parts to oppose them. 2iahou Dun and )ao *ong(s armies thre# out t#o #ings #ith cavalry in front and foot behind. They attac$ed #ith vigor and beat off the ,i 9ue and 8uo Si(s rebels #ith severe loss of ten thousand. Then 2iahou Dun and )ao *ong begged the 4mperor to return to ,uoyang, and 2iahou Dun guarded the city. FeAt day )ao )ao came #ith his great army, and having got them duly camped he #ent into the city to audience. *e $nelt at the foot of the steps, but #as called up hither to stand beside the 4mperor and be than$ed.

)ao )ao replied, C*aving been the recipient of great bounty, thy servant o#es the state much gratitude. The measure of evil of the t#o rebels is full, I have t#o hundred thousand of good soldiers to oppose them, and those soldiers are fully e ual to securing the safety of Bour 1a>esty and the Throne. The preservation of the state sacrifice is the matter of real moment.C *igh honors #ere conferred on )ao )ao. *e #as appointed )ommander of )apital District, 1inister of !ar, and granted 1ilitary Insignia. The t#o rebels, ,i 9ue and 8uo Si, #ished to attac$ )ao )ao(s army #hile fatigued from its long march. 'ut their adviser, 9ia 2u, opposed this, saying, CThere #as no hope of victory. *e has both strong soldiers and brave leaders. Submission may bring us amnesty.C ,i 9ue #as angry at the suggestion, crying, CDo you #ish to dishearten the armyGC +nd he dre# his s#ord on 9ia 2u. 'ut the other officers interceded and saved the adviser. That same night 9ia 2u stole out of the camp and, uite alone, too$ his #ay home to his native village. Soon the rebels decided to offer battle. In reply, )ao )ao sent out 2u )hu, )ao Ren, and Dian !ei #ith three hundred horse. These three leaders dashed into the rebels army but uic$ly retired. This maneuver #as repeated, and again repeated before the real battle array #as formed. Then ,i 2ian and ,i 'ie, nephe#s of ,i 9ue, rode out. +t once from )ao )ao(s side dashed out 2u )hu and cut do#n ,i 2ian. ,i 'ie #as so startled that he fell out of the saddle. *e too #as slain. The victor 2u )hu rode bac$ to his o#n side #ith the t#o heads. !hen 2u )hu offered them to the chief, )ao )ao patted him on the bac$, crying, CBou are really my 3an 5uai%=C FeAt a general move for#ard #as made, 2iahou Dun and )ao *ong leading the t#o #ings and )ao )ao in the center. They advanced to the roll of the drum. The rebels fell bac$ before them and presently fled. They pursued, )ao )ao himself leading, s#ord in hand. The slaughter #ent on till night. Ten thousands #ere $illed and many more surrendered. ,i 9ue and 8uo Si #ent #est, flying in panic li$e dogs from a falling house. *aving no place of refuge they too$ to the hills and hid among the brush#ood. )ao )ao(s army returned and camped again near the capital. Then Bang 3eng and *an 2ian said one to another, CThis )ao )ao has done a great service, and he #ill be the man in po#er. There #ill be no place for us.C So they represented to the 4mperor that they #ished to pursue the rebels, and under this eAcuse #ithdre# their army and camped at Daliang.

One day the 4mperor sent to summon )ao )ao to audience. The messenger #as called in. )ao )ao noticed that the messenger loo$ed remar$ably #ell and could not understand it seeing that everyone else loo$ed hungry and famine stric$en. So )ao )ao said, CBou loo$ plump and #ell, Sir, ho# do you manage itGC COnly this@ I have lived meager for thirty years.C )ao )ao nodded, C!hat office do you holdGC CI am a graduate recommended for filial piety and honesty. I had offices under Buan Shao and "hang Bang, but came here #hen the 4mperor returned. Fo# I am one of the secretaries. I am a native of Dingtao, and my name is Dong "hao.C )ao )ao got up from his place and crossed over, saying, CI have heard of you. *o# happy I am to meet you=C Then #ine #as brought into the tent, and 2un Bu #as called in and introduced. !hile they #ere tal$ing, a man came in to report that a party #as moving east#ard. )ao )ao ordered to find out #hose people these #ere, but Dong "hao $ne# at once. CThey are old leaders under the rebels, Bang 3eng and the !hite !ave 8eneral *an 2ian. They are running off because you have come, Illustrious Sir=C CDo they mistrust meGC said )ao )ao. CThey are not #orthy of your attention. They are a poor lot.C C!hat of this departure of ,i 9ue and 8uo SiGC CTigers #ithout cla#s, birds #ithout #ings666they #ill not escape you very long. They are not #orth thin$ing about.C )ao )ao sa# that he and his guest had much in common, so he began to tal$ of affairs of state. Said Dong "hao, CBou, Illustrious Sir, #ith your noble army have s#ept a#ay rebellion and have become the mainstay of the Throne, an achievement #orthy of the ancient 3ive 7rotectors. 'ut the officials #ill loo$ at it in very different #ays and not all favorably to you. I thin$ you #ould not be #ise to remain here, and I advise a change of capital to 2uchang. *o#ever, it must be remembered that the restoration of the capital has been published far and #ide and the attention of all the people is concentrated on ,uoyang, hoping for a period of rest and tran uillity. +nother move #ill displease many. *o#ever, the performance of eAtraordinary deed may mean the ac uisition of eAtraordinary merit. It is for you to decide.C

C4Aactly my o#n inclination=C said )ao )ao, seiDing his guest(s hand. C'ut are there not dangersG Bang 3eng at Daliang and the court officials=C CThat is easily managed. !rite to Bang 3eng and set his mind at rest. Then say to the high officials plainly that there is no food in the capital here, and so you are going to another place #here there is, and #here there is no danger of scarcity. !hen they hear it, they #ill approve.C )ao )ao had no# decided; and as his guest too$ leave, )ao )ao seiDed his hands once more, saying, CI shall need your advice in future affairs.C Dong "hao than$ed and left. Thereafter )ao )ao and his advisers secretly discussed the change of capital. Fo# )ourt )ounselor !ang ,i, #ho #as an astrologer, said to ,iu )ai, Royal )lan Recorder, CI have been studying the stars. Since last spring Venus has been nearing the 8uard star in the neighborhood of the 1easure, and the )o#herd -the 8reat 'ear and Vega0 crossing the River of *eaven. 1ars has been retrograding and came into con>unction #ith Venus in the 8ate of *eaven, so that metal -Venus0 and fire -1ars0 are mingled. Thence must emerge a ne# ruler. The aura of the *ans is eAhausted, and the ancient states of 9in% and !ei% must increase.C + secret memorial #as presented to the 4mperor, saying@ CThe 1andate of *eaven has its course and the five elements666metal, #ood, #ater, fire, and earth666are out of proportion. 4arth attac$ing fire is !ei attac$ing *an, and the successor to the empire of *an is in !ei.C )ao )ao heard of these sayings and memorials and sent a man to the astrologer to say, CBour loyalty is #ell $no#n, but the #ays of *eaven are past finding out. The less said the better.C Then )ao )ao discussed #ith 2un Bu. The adviser eApounded the meaning thus@ CThe virtue of *an #as fire; your element is earth. 2uchang is under the influence of earth, and so your fortune depends on getting there. 3ire can overcome earth, as earth can multiply #ood. Dong "hao and !ang ,i agree, and you have only to hide your time.C So )ao )ao made up his mind. FeAt day at court he said, C,uoyang is deserted and cannot be restored, nor can it be supplied easily #ith food. 2uchang is a noble city, resourceful and close to ,uyang, #hich is a grain basin. It is everything that a capital should be. I venture to re uest that the court move thither.C The 4mperor dared not oppose and the officials #ere too overa#ed to have any independent opinion, so they chose a day to set out. )ao )ao commanded the escort, and the officials all

follo#ed. !hen they had traveled a fe# stages they sa# before them a high mound and from behind this there arose the beating of drums. Then Bang 3eng and *an 2ian came out and barred the #ay. In front of all stood 2u *uang, #ho shouted, C)ao )ao is stealing a#ay the 4mperor=C )ao )ao rode out and too$ a good loo$ at this man. *e seemed a fine fello#; and in his secret soul )ao )ao greatly admired him, although he #as an enemy. Then )ao )ao ordered 2u )hu to go and fight 2u *uang. The combat #as battle6aA against broads#ord, and the t#o men fought more than half a hundred bouts #ithout advantage to either side. )ao )ao then beat the gongs and dre# off his troops. In the camp a council #as called. )ao )ao said, CThe t#o rebels themselves need not be discussed; but 2u *uang is a fine general, and I #as un#illing to use any great force against him. I #ant to #in him over to our side.C Then stepped out 1an )hong, replying, CDo not let that trouble you. I #ill have a #ord #ith him. I shall disguise myself as a soldier this evening and steal over to the enemy(s camp to tal$ to him. I shall incline his heart to#ard you.C That night 1an )hong, duly disguised, got over to the other side and made his #ay to the tent of 2u *uang, #ho sat there by the light of a candle. 2u *uang #as still #earing his coat of mail. Suddenly 1an )hong ran out in front and saluted, saying, CBou have been #ell since #e parted, old friendGC 2u *uang >umped up in surprise, gaDed into the face of the spea$er a long time, and presently said, C!hat= Bou are 1an )hong of ShanyangG !hat are you doing hereGC CI am an officer in 8eneral )ao )ao(s army. Seeing my old friend out in front of the army today, I #anted to say a #ord to him. So I too$ the ris$ of stealing in this evening and here I am.C 2u *uang invited 1an )hong in, and they sat do#n. Then said 1an )hong, CThere are very fe# as bold as you on the earth. !hy then do you serve such as your present chiefs, Bang 3eng and *an 2ianG 1y master is the most prominent man in the #orld666a man #ho delights in #ise people and appreciates soldiers as everyone $no#s. Bour valor today #on his entire admiration, and so he too$ care that the attac$ #as not vigorous enough to sacrifice you. Fo# he has sent me to invite you to >oin him. !ill you not leave dar$ness for light and help him in his magnificent tas$GC 2u *uang sat a long time pondering over the offer. Then he said, #ith a sigh, CI $no# my masters are doomed to failure, but I have follo#ed their fortunes a long time and do not li$e to leave them.C

C'ut you $no# the prudent bird selects its tree, and the #ise servant chooses his master. !hen one meets a #orthy master and lets him go, one is very rec$less.C CI am #illing to do #hat you say,C said 2u *uang, rising. C!hy not put these t#o to death as an introductory giftGC said 1an )hong. CIt is very #rong for a servant to slay his master. I #ill not do that.C CTrue; you are really a good man.C Then 2u *uang, ta$ing only a fe# horsemen of his o#n men #ith him, left that night and deserted to )ao )ao. Soon someone too$ the ne#s to Bang 3eng, #ho at the head of a thousand strong horsemen, set out to capture the deserter. +s they dre# close, Bang 3eng called out, C'etrayer= Stop there=C 'ut Bang 3eng fell into an ambush. Suddenly the #hole mountain side #as lit up #ith torches and out sprang )ao )ao(s troops, he himself being in command. CI have been #aiting here a long time. Do not run a#ay=C cried )ao )ao. Bang 3eng #as completely surprised and tried to dra# off, but #as uic$ly surrounded. Then *an 2ian came to his rescue, and a confused battle began. Bang 3eng succeeded in escaping, #hile )ao )ao $ept up the attac$ on the t#o disordered armies. + great number of the rebels gave in, and the leaders found they had too fe# men left to maintain their independence, so they betoo$ themselves to Buan Shu. !hen )ao )ao returned to camp, the ne#ly surrendered general #as presented and #ell received. Then again the cavalcade set out for the ne# capital. In due time they reached 2uchang, and they built palaces and halls, an ancestral temple and an altar, terraces and public offices. The #alls #ere repaired, storehouses built and all put in order. Then came the re#ards for )ao )ao(s adherents and others. Dong )heng and thirteen others #ere raised to ran$ of lordship. +ll good service #as re#arded; certain others again, #ho deserved it, #ere punished, all according to )ao )ao(s sole decision. )ao )ao himself #as made 7rime 1inister, Regent 1arshal, and ,ord of !uping. 2un Bu #as made Imperial )ounselor and )hair of the Secretariat; 2un Bou, 1inister of !ar; 8uo 9ia, 1inister of Rites and Religion; ,iu Be, 1inister of !or$s; 1ao 9ie, 1inister of +griculture, and together #ith Ren 9un, they #ere put over the supervision of military farms and stores. )heng Bu #as appointed ,ord of Dongping; Dong "hao, 1agistrate of ,uoyang; 1an )hong, 1agistrate of 2uchang. 2iahou Dun, 2iahou Buan, )ao Ren, )ao *ong, ,u &ian, ,i Dian, Bue 9ing, Bu 9in, and 2u *uang #ere made )ommanders; 2u )hu and Dian !ei, )ommanders of )apital District. +ll good service received full recognition.

)ao )ao #as then the one man of the court. +ll memorials #ent first to him and #ere then submitted to the Throne. !hen state matters #ere in order, )ao )ao gave a great ban uet in his private uarters to all his advisers, and affairs outside the capital #ere the sub>ect of discussion. Then )ao )ao said, C,iu 'ei has his army at 2uDhou, and he carries on the administration of the region. ,u 'u fled to ,iu 'ei #hen defeated, and ,iu 'ei gave ,u 'u 2iaopei to live in. If these t#o agreed to >oin forces and attac$, my position #ould be most serious. !hat precautions can be ta$enGC Then rose 2u )hu, saying, C8ive me fifty thousand of pic$ed soldiers, and I #ill give the 7rime 1inister both their heads.C 2un Bu said, CO ,eader, you are brave, but #e must consider the present circumstance. !e cannot start a sudden #ar >ust as the capital has been changed. *o#ever, there is a certain ruse $no#n as (Rival Tigers and One 7rey.( ,iu 'ei has no decree authoriDing him to govern the region. Bou, Sir 7rime 1inister, can procure one for him, and #hen sending it, and so conferring upon him right in addition to his might, you can enclose a private note telling him to get rid of ,u 'u. If he does, then he #ill have lost a vigorous #arrior from his side, and he could be dealt #ith as occasions serve. Should he fail, then ,u 'u #ill slay him. This is (Rival Tigers and One 7rey( ruse; they #rangle and bite each other.C )ao )ao agreed that this #as a good plan, so he memorialiDed for the formal appointment, #hich he sent to ,iu 'ei. ,iu 'ei #as created 8eneral !ho )on uers the 4ast, ,ord of Bicheng, and Imperial 7rotector of 2uDhou as #ell. +t the same time a private note #as enclosed. In 2uDhou, #hen ,iu 'ei heard of the change of capital, he began to prepare a congratulatory address. In the midst of this an imperial messenger #as announced and #as met #hich all ceremony outside the gate. !hen the epistle had been reverently received, a ban uet #as prepared for the messenger. The messenger said, CThis decree #as obtained for you by 7rime 1inister )ao )ao.C ,iu 'ei than$ed him. Then the messenger dre# forth his secret letter. +fter reading it, ,iu 'ei said, CThis matter can be easily arranged.C The ban uet over and the messenger conducted to his lodging to see$ repose. ,iu 'ei, before going to rest, called in his councilors to consider the letter. CThere need be no compunction about putting him to death,C said "hang 3ei. C,u 'u is a bad man.C C'ut he came to me for protection in his #ea$ness@ *o# can I put him to deathG That #ould be immoral,C said ,iu 'ei.

CIf he #as a good man, it #ould be difficult,C replied "hang 3ei. ,iu 'ei #ould not consent. FeAt day, #hen ,u 'u came to offer congratulations, he #as received as usual. *e said, CI have come to felicitate you on the receipt of the imperial bounty.C ,iu 'ei than$ed him in due form. 'ut then he sa# "hang 3ei dra# his s#ord and come up the hall as if to slay ,u 'u. ,iu 'ei hastily interfered and stopped "hang 3ei. ,u 'u #as surprised and said, C!hy do you #ish to slay me, "hang 3eiGC C)ao )ao says you are immoral and tells my brother to $ill you,C shouted "hang 3ei. ,iu 'ei shouted again and again to "hang 3ei to go a#ay, and he led ,u 'u into the private apartments out of the #ay. Then he told ,u 'u the #hole story and sho#ed him the secret letter. ,u 'u #ept as he finished reading, CThis is that miscreant(s scheme for so#ing discord bet#een us.C C'e not anAious, elder brother,C said ,iu 'ei. CI pledge myself not to be guilty of such an infamous crime.C ,u 'u again and again eApressed his gratitude, and ,iu 'ei $ept him for a time. They remained tal$ing and drin$ing #ine till late. Said 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei later, C!hy not $ill himGC ,iu 'ei said, C'ecause )ao )ao fears that ,u 'u and I may attac$ him, he is trying to separate us and get us to s#allo# each other, #hile he steps in and ta$es the advantage. Is there any other reasonGC 8uan Bu nodded assent, but "hang 3ei said, CI #ant to get him out of the #ay lest he trouble us later.C CThat is not #hat a noble man should do,C said his elder brother. Soon the messenger #as dismissed and returned to the capital #ith a the reply from ,iu 'ei. The letter only said the instruction #ould ta$e time to plan and implement. 'ut the messenger, #hen he sa# )ao )ao, told him the story of ,iu 'ei(s pledge to ,u 'u. Then said )ao )ao, CThe plan has failed. !hat neAtGC 2un Bu replied, CI have another tric$ called (Tiger against !olf( in #hich the tiger is made to gobble up the #olf.C

C,et us hear it,C said )ao )ao. CSend to Buan Shu to say that ,iu 'ei has sent up a secret memorial to the Throne that he #ishes to subdue the southern regions around the *uai River. Buan Shu #ill be angry and attac$ him. Then you #ill order ,iu 'ei to dispose of Buan Shu and so set them destroying each other. ,u 'u #ill certainly thin$ that is his chance and turn traitor. This is the (Tiger against !olf( tric$.C )ao )ao thought this good and sent the messenger and also sent a false edict to ,iu 'ei. !hen this came, the messenger #as received #ith all the ceremonies, and the edict ordered the capture of Buan Shu. +fter the departure of the bearer, ,iu 'ei called 1i "hu #ho pronounced it a ruse. CIt may be,C said ,iu 'ei, Cbut the royal command is not to be disobeyed.C So the army #as prepared and the day fiAed. Sun &ian said, C+ trusty man must be left on guard of the city.C +nd ,iu 'ei as$ed #hich of his brothers #ould underta$e this tas$. CI #ill guard the city,C said 8uan Bu. CI am constantly in need of your advice, so ho# can #e partGC said ,iu 'ei. CI #ill guard the city,C said "hang 3ei. CBou #ill fail,C said ,iu 'ei. C+fter one of your drin$ing bouts, you #ill get savage and flog the soldiers. 'eside you are rash and #ill not listen to anyone(s advice. I shall be uneasy all the time.C C*enceforth I drin$ no more #ine. I #ill not beat the soldiers and I #ill al#ays listen to advice,C said "hang 3ei. CI fear the mouth does not correspond to the heart,C said 1i "hu. CI have follo#ed my elder brother these many years and never bro$en faith. !hy should you be contemptuousGC said "hang 3ei. ,iu 'ei said, CThough you say this, I do not feel uite satisfied. I #ill order +dviser )hen Deng to help you and $eep you sober. Then you #ill not ma$e any mista$e.C )hen Deng #as #illing to underta$e this duty, and the final orders #ere given. The army of thirty thousand, horse and foot, left 2uDhou and marched to#ard Fanyang. !hen Buan Shu heard that a memorial had been presented proposing to ta$e possession of his territories, he bro$e out into abuse of ,iu 'ei.

CBou #eaver of mats= Bou plaiter of stra# shoes= Bou have been smart enough to get possession of a large region and elbo# your #ay into the ran$s of the nobles. I #as >ust going to attac$ you, and no# you dare to scheme against me= *o# I detest you=C So Buan Shu at once gave orders to prepare an army of one hundred thousand, under 9i ,ing, to attac$ 2uDhou. The t#o armies met at 2uyi, #here ,iu 'ei #as encamped in a plain #ith hills behind and a stream on his flan$, for his army #as small. 9i ,ing #as a native of the 4ast of *uashang. *e used a very heavy three6edged s#ord. +fter he had made his camp, he rode out and began abusing his opponents, shouting, C,iu 'ei, you rustic bump$in, ho# dare you invade this landGC CI have a decree ordering me to destroy the 8overnor #ho behaves improperly. If you oppose, you #ill be assuredly punished,C replied ,iu 'ei. 9i ,ing angrily rode out brandishing his #eapon. 'ut 8uan Bu cried, C3ool, do not attempt to fight=C +nd 8uan Bu rode out to meet him. Then they t#o fought and after thirty bouts neither had an advantage. Then 9i ,ing cried out for a rest. So 8uan Bu turned his horse a#ay, rode bac$ to his o#n array and #aited for 9i ,ing. !hen the moment came to rene# the combat, 9i ,ing sent out one of his officers, 2un "heng, to ta$e his place. 'ut 8uan Bu said, CTell 9i ,ing to come. I must settle #ith him #ho shall be tiger and #ho shall be deer.C CBou, a reputationless leader and un#orthy to fight #ith our general,C replied 2un "heng. This reply angered 8uan Bu, #ho made >ust one attac$ on 2un "heng and brought him to the ground. +t this success ,iu 'ei urged on the army, and 9i ,ing(s troops #ere defeated. They retired to the mouth of the River *uaiyin and declined all challenges. *o#ever, many of their troops #ere sent into ,iu 'ei(s camp for harassment, and many of them #ere slain. The t#o armies thus stood facing each other. In 2uDhou, after ,iu 'ei had started on his eApedition, "hang 3ei placed his colleague and helper, )hen Deng, in charge of the administration of the region, $eeping military affairs under his o#n supervision. +fter thin$ing over the matter or some time, he gave a ban uet to all the military officers.

!hen they #ere all seated, he made a speech@ C'efore my brother left, he bade me $eep clear of the #ine cup for fear of accidents. Fo#, gentlemen, you may drin$ deep today. 'ut from tomorro# #ine is forbidden, for #e must $eep the city safe. So ta$e your fill.C +nd #ith this he and all his guests rose to drin$ together. The #ine bearer came to )ao 'ao #ho declined it, saying, CI never drin$ as I am forbidden of heaven.C C!hat= + fighting man does not drin$ #ine=C said the host. CI #ant you to ta$e >ust one cup.C )ao 'ao #as afraid to offend, so he dran$. Fo# "hang 3ei dran$ huge goblets #ith all his guests on every hand and so s#allo#ed a huge uantity of li uor. *e became uite intoAicated. Bet he #ould drin$ more and insisted on a cup #ith every guest. It came to the turn of )ao 'ao #ho declined. CReally, I cannot drin$,C said )ao 'ao. CBou dran$ >ust no#@ !hy refuse this timeGC "hang 3ei pressed him, but still )ao 'ao resisted. Then "hang 3ei in his drun$en madness lost control of his temper and said, CIf you disobey the orders of your general, you shall be beaten one hundred stro$es.C +nd he called in his guards. *ere )hen Deng interfered reminding him of the strict in>unctions of his brother. CBou civilians attend to your civil business and leave us alone,C said "hang 3ei. The only #ay of escape for the guest #as to beg remission, and )ao 'ao did so, saying, CSir, if you sa# my son6in6la#(s face, you #ould pardon me.C C!ho is your son6in6la#GC C,u 'u.C CI did not mean to have you really beaten; but if you thin$ to frighten me #ith ,u 'u, I #ill. I #ill beat you as if I #as beating him,C said "hang 3ei. The guests interposed to beg him off, but their drun$en host #as obdurate, and the unhappy guest received fifty blo#s. Then at the earnest prayers of the others the remainder of the punishment #as remitted. The ban uet came to an end, and the beaten )ao 'ao #ent a#ay burning #ith resentment. That night he sent a letter to 2iaopei relating the insults he had received from "hang 3ei. The letter told

,u 'u of ,iu 'ei(s absence and proposed that a sudden raid should be made that very night before "hang 3ei had recovered from his drun$en fit. ,u 'u at once summoned )hen 8ong and told him. C2iaopei is only a place to occupy temporarily,C said )hen 8ong. CIf you can seiDe 2uDhou, do so. It is a good chance.C ,u 'u got ready at once and soon on the #ay #ith five hundred cavalrymen, ordering )hen 8ong and 8ao Shun to follo# him #ith the main body. 2iaopei being only about fifteen miles a#ay, ,u 'u #as under the #alls at the fourth #atch. It #as clear moonlight. Fo one on the ramparts sa# him. ,u 'u came up close to the #all and called out, C,iu 'ei(s secret messenger has arrived=C The guards on the #all #ere )ao 'ao(s people, and they called him. )ao 'ao came, and #hen he sa# #ho #as there he ordered the gates to be opened. ,u 'u gave the secret signal, and the soldiers entered shouting. "hang 3ei #as in his apartment sleeping off the fumes of #ine. *is servants hastened to arouse him and told him an enemy had got the gates open. They said, C,u 'u got in, and there is fighting in the city.C "hang 3ei savagely got into his armor and laid hold of his mighty serpent halberd. 'ut as he #as mounting his horse at the gate, the attac$ing soldiers came up. *e rushed at them but being still half intoAicated made but a poor fight. ,u 'u $no#ing "hang 3ei(s pro#ess did not press him hard, and "hang 3ei made his #ay, #ith eighteen leading 8uards of Ban, to the east gate, and there #ent out, leaving ,iu 'ei(s family to their fate. )ao 'ao, seeing "hang 3ei had but a very small force and #as still half drun$ as #ell, came in pursuit. "hang 3ei sa# #ho it #as and #as mad #ith rage. *e galloped to#ard )ao 'ao and drove him off after a fe# passes. *e follo#ed )ao 'ao to the moat and #ounded him in the bac$. )ao 'ao(s frightened steed carried its master into the moat, and he #as dro#ned. Once #ell outside the city "hang 3ei collected his troops, and they rode off to#ard the south direction. ,u 'u having surprised the city set himself to restore order. *e put a guard over the residence of ,iu 'ei so that no one should disturb the family. "hang 3ei #ith his fe# follo#ers #ent to his brother(s camp at 2uyi and told his story of treachery and surprise. +ll #ere greatly distressed. CSuccess is not #orth re>oicing over; failure is not #orth grieving over,C said ,iu 'ei #ith a sigh.

C!here are our sistersGC as$ed 8uan Bu. CThey shared the fate of the city.C ,iu 'ei nodded his head and #as silent. 8uan Bu #ith an effort controlled his reproaches and said, C!hat did you say #hen you promised to guard the city, and #hat orders did our brother give youG Fo# the city is lost and there#ith our sisters6in6la#. *ave you done #ellGC "hang 3ei #as over#helmed by remorse. *e dre# his s#ord to $ill himself. *e raised the cup in pledge, Fone might say nay; Remorseful, dre# the s#ord, *imself to slay. "hang 3ei(s fate #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 12 Taishi Ci Fights With The -itt#e Prince; S&n Ce C&ts Short The White Tiger $ing' In the last chapter it #as recorded that "hang 3ei #as about to end his life #ith his o#n #eapon in 2uyi. 'ut ,iu 'ei rushed for#ard and caught "hang 3ei in his arms, snatched a#ay the s#ord, and thre# it on the earth, saying, C'rothers are as hands and feet; #ives and children are as clothing. Bou may mend your torn dress, but #ho can reattach a lost limbG !e three, by the Oath of the 7each 8arden, s#ore to see$ the same death day. The city is lost, it is true, and my #ives and little ones, but I could not bear that #e should die ere our course be run. 'eside, 2uDhou #as not really ours, and ,u 'u #ill not harm my family but #ill rather see$ to preserve them. Bou made a mista$e, #orthy brother, but is it one deserving of deathGC +nd ,iu 'ei #ept. *is brothers #ere much affected and their tears fell in sympathy. +s soon as the ne#s of ,u 'u(s successful seiDure of his protector(s region reached Buan Shu, Buan Shu sent promises of valuable presents to ,u 'u to induce him to >oin in a further attac$ on ,iu 'ei. The presents are said to have been fifty thousand carts of grain, five hundred horses, ten thousand ounces of gold and silver, and a thousand rolls of colored sil$. ,u 'u s#allo#ed the bait and ordered 8ao Shun to lead forth fifty thousand troops. 'ut ,iu 'ei heard of the threatened attac$, so he made inclement #eather an eAcuse to moved his fe# soldiers out of 2uyi for 8uangling, before the attac$ing force came up.

*o#ever, 8ao Shun demanded the promised re#ard through 9i ,ing, #ho put 8ao Shun off, saying, C1y lord has gone a#ay. I #ill settle this as soon as I can see him and get his decision.C !ith this ans#er 8ao Shun returned to ,u 'u, #ho could not decide #hat to do. Then came a letter from Buan Shu@ C+lthough 8ao Shun had gone to attac$ ,iu 'ei, yet ,iu 'ei had not been destroyed, and no re#ard could be given till he #as actually ta$en.C ,u 'u railed at #hat he called the breach of faith and #as inclined to attac$ Buan Shu himself. *o#ever, his adviser, )hen 8ong, opposed this course, saying, CBou should not. Buan Shu is in possession of Shouchun and has a large army, #ell supplied. Bou are no match for him. Rather as$ ,iu 'ei to ta$e up his uarters at 2iaopei as one of your #ings and, #hen the time comes, let him lead the attac$, both south and north. Then Buan Shu and Buan Shao #ill fall before you, and you #ill be very po#erful.C 3inding this advice good, ,u 'u sent letters to ,iu 'ei as$ing him to return. +fter the flight of ,iu 'ei, Buan Shu attac$ed 8uangling and reduced ,iu 'ei(s force by half. !hen the messenger from ,u 'u came, ,iu 'ei read the letter. *e #as uite content #ith the offer, but his brothers #ere not inclined to trust ,u 'u. CSuch a dishonorable man must have a motive,C said 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei. CSince he treats me $indly, I cannot but trust him,C replied ,iu 'ei. So ,iu 'ei #ent bac$ to 2uDhou. ,u 'u, fearing that ,iu 'ei might doubt his sincerity, restored ,iu 'ei(s family; and #hen ,ady 8an and ,ady 1i sa# their lord, they told him that they had been $indly treated and guarded by soldiers against any intrusion, and provisions had never been #anting. CI $ne# he #ould not harm my family,C said ,iu 'ei to 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei. *o#ever, "hang 3ei #as not pleased and #ould not accompany his brothers into the city #hen they #ent to eApress their than$s. *e #ent to escort the t#o ladies to 2iaopei. +t the intervie# ,u 'u said, CI did not #ish to ta$e the city, but your brother behaved very badly, drin$ing and flogging the soldiers, and I came to guard it lest some evil should befall.C C'ut I had long #ished to yield it to you,C said ,iu 'ei.

Thereupon ,u 'u #ished to retire in favor of ,iu 'ei #ho, ho#ever, #ould not hear of it. ,iu 'ei returned and too$ up his uarters in 2iaopei, but his t#o brothers #ould not ta$e the situation $indly and #ere very discontented. Said ,iu 'ei, COne must bo# to one(s lot. It is the #ill of *eaven, and one cannot struggle against fate.C ,u 'u sent presents of food and stuffs, and peace reigned bet#een the t#o houses. In Shouchun, Buan Shu prepared a great ban uet for his soldiers #hen it #as announced that Sun )e had subdued ,u 8ang, the 8overnor of ,u>iang. Buan Shu summoned the victor, #ho made obeisance at the foot of the hall of audience. Buan Shu, sitting in state, as$ed for details of the campaign and then invited Sun )e to the ban uet. +fter the unhappy death of his father Sun 9ian, Sun )e had returned to the lo#er region of the 8reat River, #here he had devoted himself to peaceful ends, inviting to his side good people and able scholars. +fter#ards, #hen a uarrel bro$e out bet#een his mother(s brother, 8overnor !u 9ing of Dangyang, and the late Imperial 7rotector of 2uDhou, Tao &ian, Sun )e removed his mother #ith all the family to &ue, he himself ta$ing service under Buan Shu, #ho admired and loved him greatly. CIf I had a son li$e Sun )e,C said Buan Shu, CI should die #ithout regret.C Buan Shu appointed Sun )e )ommander and sent him on various eApeditions, all of #hich #ere successful. +fter this ban uet to celebrate the victory over ,u 8ang, Sun )e returned to his camp very bitter over the arrogant and patroniDing airs of his patron. Instead of retiring to his tent, Sun )e #al$ed up and do#n by the light of the moon. C*ere am I, a mere nobody, and yet my father #as such a hero=C +nd he cried out and #ept in spite of himself. Then suddenly appeared one #ho said, laughing loudly, C!hat is this, Sun )eG !hile your noble father en>oyed the light of the sun, he made free use of me. If his son has any difficulty to resolve, #hy does he not refer it to me also instead of #eeping here aloneGC ,oo$ing at the spea$er Sun )e sa# it #as "hu "hi, a native of Dangyang, #ho had been in Sun 9ian(s service. Sun )e then ceased #eeping, and they t#o sat do#n. CI #as #eeping from regret at being unable to continue my father(s #or$,C said Sun )e. C!hy stay here bound to the service of a masterG The 8overnor of Dangyang is in distress. !hy not get command of an army under the pretense of an eApedition to relieve !u 9ingG 4scape the shado# of Buan Shu and ta$e control of Dangyang, then you can accomplish great things.C

!hile these t#o #ere tal$ing, another man suddenly entered, saying, CI $no# #hat you t#o are planning, Foble Sirs. Hnder my hand is a band of one hundred bold fello#s ready to help Sun )e in #hatever he #ishes to do.C The spea$er #as one of Buan Shu(s advisers named ,u 3an, from Runan. They three then sat and discussed schemes. CThe one fear is that Buan Shu #ill refuse to give you the troops,C said ,u 3an. CI still have the Imperial *ereditary Seal that my father left me@ That should be good security.C CBuan Shu earnestly desires that >e#el,C said "hu "hi. C*e #ill certainly lend you troops on that pledge.C The three tal$ed over their plans, gradually settling the details; and not many days after Sun )e obtained an intervie# #ith his patron. +ssuming the appearance of deep grief Sun )e said, CI have been unable to avenge my father. Fo# the Imperial 7rotector of BangDhou, ,iu Bao, is opposing my mother(s brother, and my mother and her family are in danger in &ue. !herefore I #ould borro# a fe# thousands of fighting men to rescue them. +s perhaps, Illustrious Sir, you may lac$ confidence in me, I am #illing to deposit the Imperial *ereditary Seal, left me by my late father, as a pledge.C C,et me see it if you have it,C said Buan Shu. CI do not #ant the >e#el really, but you may as #ell leave it #ith me. I #ill lend you three thousand troops and five hundred horses. Return as soon as peace can be made. +s your ran$ is hardly sufficient for such po#ers, I #ill memorialiDe to obtain for you higher ran$ #ith the title of 8eneral !ho 4Aterminates 'rigands, and you can soon start.C Sun )e than$ed his patron most humbly and soon put the army in motion, ta$ing #ith him his t#o ne# advisers and his father(s generals666"hu "hi, ,u 3an, )heng 7u, *uang 8ai, *an Dang, and others. !hen Sun )e reached ,inyang, he sa# a body of troops in front of him, at their head a dashing leader of handsome and refined mien. +s soon as this commander sa# Sun )e, he dismounted and made obeisance. It #as "hou Bu from Shucheng. !hen Sun 9ian #as opposing the tyrant Dong "huo, he moved his family to Shucheng #here the "hou family had lived. +nd as "hou Bu and Sun )e #ere of the same age all but t#o months, they became eAceedingly good friends and s#orn brothers, Sun )e being the elder in virtue of his t#o months( seniority. "hou Bu #as on his #ay to visit Sun )e(s uncle, 8overnor !u 9ing of Dangyang, #hen the happy meeting too$ place. Faturally Sun )e confided his pro>ects and inmost ideas to his friend, #ho at once said, CI shall put my #hole life and energy to serve you to reach that grand goal.C

CFo# that you have come, the design is as good as accomplished,C said Sun )e. "hou Bu #as introduced to "hu "hi and ,u 3an. "hou Bu said, CDo you $no# of the t#o "hangs of 8uanglingG They #ould be most useful people in #or$ing out your schemes.C C!ho are they, the t#o "hangsGC said Sun )e. CThey are men of transcendent genius #ho are living near here for the sa$e of tran uillity in these turbulent times. Their names are "hang "hao and "hang *ong. !hy not invite them to help you, brotherGC Sun )e lost no time in sending letters and gifts, but they both declined. Then he visited them in person, #as greatly pleased #ith their speech and by dint of large gifts and much persuasion, got them to promise to >oin him. Sun )e appointed them both )ounselors and 8enerals. The plan of the attac$ upon BangDhou Region #as the neAt matter for discussion. The Imperial 7rotector, ,iu Bao, #as of Donglai, a scion of the imperial family and brother of the Imperial 7rotector of BanDhou, ,iu Dai. ,iu Bao had long ruled in BangDhou and head uartered in Shouchun. 'ut Buan Shu had forced him to flee to the southeast of the 8reat River. *e retired to &ue and no# #as battling #ith !u 9ing in ,inyang. *earing of the meditated attac$ on him, ,iu Bao summoned his generals to ta$e counsel. Said 8eneral "hang Bing, CI #ill ta$e an army and entrench at FiuDhu. Fo army can get past that, #hatever its strength.C "hang Bing #as interrupted by another #ho shouted, C+nd let me lead the van=C +ll eyes turned to this man. It #as Taishi )i #ho, after helping 5ong Rong raise the siege of 'eihai, had come to serve ,iu Bao. *earing him offer to underta$e the haDardous post of van leader, ,iu Bao said, C'ut you are still young and not yet e ual to such a charge. Rather stay by my side and a#ait my orders.C Taishi )i #ithdre# in disappointment. Soon "hang Bing led his army to FiuDhu, #here the stores of grain located. !hen Sun )e approached, "hang Bing #ent to meet him, and the t#o armies faced each other above the 'ulloc$ Rapid. "hang Bing roundly abused his opponent, and *uang 8ai rode out to attac$ him. 'ut before the combat had proceeded far, there arose an alarm of fire in "hang Bing(s camp. "hang Bing turned bac$, and then Sun )e advanced in full force, compelling the enemy to abandon their possession. The defeated general fled to the hills.

Fo# the incendiaries #ho had brought about this result #ere t#o, named 9iang &in from Shouchun and "hou Tai from 9iu>iang, #ho in these turbulent times had got together a band of $indred spirits and lived by plundering the country along the 8reat River. They $ne# Sun )e by reputation as a man #ho treated able people very liberally and #ished to >oin him. So they came #ith their band, three hundred strong, and helped him in this #ay as an introduction. Sun )e #elcomed them and gave the leaders ran$. +fter ta$ing possession of the stores of all $inds abandoned by the runa#ays, and enlisting four thousand of those #ho surrendered into his o#n ran$s, Sun )e moved for#ard to attac$ Shenting. +fter his defeat "hang Bing returned to his master and told his misfortune. ,iu Bao #as going to punish his failure by death, but listened to his advisers, #ho as$ed for mercy for the unfortunate man, and sent him to command the garrison in ,ingling. ,iu Bao himself set out to meet the invaders. *e camped south of the Sacred *ills. Sun )e camped on the opposite side of the hills. Sun )e in uired the natives, CIs there a temple of ,iu 2iu the 3ounder of ,atter *ans in the vicinityGC They said, CThere is a temple to the south on the summit of the hills.C CI dreamed last night that ,iu 2iu called me, so I #ill go and pray there,C said Sun )e. 'ut )ounselor "hang "hao advised, C1y lord, you should not go as the enemy is on the other side, and you may fall into an ambush.C CThe spirit #ill help me@ !hat need I fearGC So Sun )e put on his armor, too$ his spear and mounted, ta$ing #ith him t#elve of his commanders as an escort. They rode up the hills, dismounted, burned incense, and they all bo#ed in the shrine. Then Sun )e $nelt and made a vo#, saying, CIf I, Sun )e, succeed in my tas$ and restore the authority of my late father, then #ill I restore this temple and order sacrifices at the four seasons.C !hen they had remounted, Sun )e said, CI am going to ride along the ridge and reconnoiter the enemy(s position.C *is commanders begged him to refrain, but he #as obstinate, and they rode there together, noting the villages belo#. + soldier of the other side going along a bye road uic$ly reported the presence of horsemen on the ridge, and ,iu Bao said, CIt is certainly Sun )e trying to inveigle us to battle. 'ut do not go out.C Taishi )i >umped up, saying, C!hat better chance to capture himGC

So, #ithout orders he armed himself and rode through the camp, crying, CIf there be any valiant men among you, follo# me=C Fo one moved save a subaltern #ho said, C*e is a brave man, and I #ill go #ith him.C So he also #ent. The others only laughed at the pair. Fo# having seen all he #ished, Sun )e thought it time to return and #heeled round his horse. 'ut #hen he #as going over the summit, someone shouted, CStay, Sun )e=C Sun )e turned. T#o horsemen #ere coming at full speed do#n the neAt hill. Sun )e halted and dre# up his little escort right and left, he himself #ith his spear ready. C!hich is Sun )eGC shouted Taishi )i. C!ho are youGC #as the reply. CI, Taishi )i of ,aihuang, come to ta$e him prisoner.C CThen I am he,C said Sun )e, laughing. C)ome both of you together. I am not afraid of you. If I #ere, I should not be Sun )e=C CBou and all your cro#d come on, and I #ill not blench=C cried Taishi )i putting his horse at a gallop and setting his spear. Sun )e braced himself for the shoc$, and the battle began. 3ifty bouts #ere fought and still neither combatant had the advantage. Sun )e(s commanders #hispered to each other their admiration and amaDement. Taishi )i sa# that the spearmanship of his opponent sho#ed no #ea$ point #hereby he could gain the advantage, so he decided to resort to guile. 3eigning defeat he #ould lead Sun )e to pursue. Taishi )i ho#ever did not retire along the road by #hich he had come, but too$ a path leading around the hill instead of over it. *is antagonist follo#ed, shouting, C*e #ho retreats is no #orthy soldier=C 'ut Taishi )i thought #ithin himself, C*e has t#elve others at his bac$ and I only one. If I capture him, the others #ill reta$e him. I #ill inveigle him into some secret spot and then try.C So flying and fighting by turns he led Sun )e, an eager pursuer, do#n to the plain. *ere Taishi )i suddenly #heeled about and attac$ed. +gain they eAchanged half a hundred bouts, #ithout result. Then Sun )e made a fierce thrust, #hich his opponent evaded by gripping the spear under his arm, #hile he himself did the same #ith his opponent(s spear. Feither #as #ounded but each eAerting his utmost strength to pull the other out of the saddle they both came to the ground. Their steeds galloped off they $ne# not #hither, #hile the t#o men, each dropping his spear, began a hand to hand struggle. Soon their fighting robes #ere in tatters. Sun )e gripped the short

lance that Taishi )i carried at his bac$, #hile Taishi )i tore off Sun )e(s helmet. Sun )e tried to stab #ith the short lance but Taishi )i fended off the blo# #ith the helmet as a shield. Then arose a great shouting. ,iu Bao had come up #ith a thousand soldiers. Sun )e seemed no# in sore straits. *is t#elve follo#ers came up, and each combatant let go his hold. Taishi )i uic$ly found another steed, seiDed a spear, and mounted. Sun )e, #hose horse had been caught by )heng 7u, also mounted, and a confused battle began bet#een the handful of men on one side and a #hole thousand troops on the other. It s#ayed and drifted do#n the hill side. *o#ever, soon "hou Bu leading his troops came to the rescue, and as evening dre# on a tempest put an end to the fight. 'oth sides dre# off and returned to camp. FeAt day Sun )e led his army to the front of ,iu Bao(s camp, and the challenge #as accepted. The armies #ere dra#n up. Sun )e hung the short lance he had seiDed from Taishi )i at the end of his spear, #aved it in front of the line of battle, and ordered his soldiers to shout, CIf the o#ner of this had not fled, he #ould have been stabbed to death=C On the other side they hung out Sun )e(s helmet, and the soldiers shouted bac$, CSun )e(s head is here already=C 'oth sides thus yelled defiance at each other, one side boasting, the other bragging. Then Taishi )i rode out challenging Sun )e to a duel to the death, and Sun )e #ould have accepted. 'ut )heng 7u said, C1y lord should not trouble himself. I #ill ta$e him.C +nd )heng 7u rode forth. CBou are no antagonist for me,C said Taishi )i. CTell your master to come out.C This incensed )heng 7u, #ho rode at his opponent, and they t#o fought thirty bouts. The duel #as stopped by the gongs of ,iu Bao. C!hy did you sound the retreatGC said Taishi )i. CI #as >ust going to capture the #retch.C C'ecause I have >ust heard that &ue has been captured. "hou Bu led a surprise force thither, and )hen !u #as in league #ith him to betray the city. !e have no home no#. I #ill hasten to 1oling to get the help of 2ue ,i and "e Rong to reta$e the city.C The army retired, Taishi )i #ith it, #ithout being pursued. On the other side "hang "hao said to Sun )e, C"hou Bu(s attac$ is the cause of this move; they are in no mood to fight. + night raid on their camp #ould finish them.C

The army #as divided into five divisions for the night surprise and hastened to#ard the camp #here they scored a victory. Their opponents scattered in all directions. Taishi )i alone made a determined stand, and as he could not #ithstand a #hole army, he fled #ith ten horsemen to 9ingAian. Fo# Sun )e ac uired a ne# adherent in the person of )hen !u. *e #as a soldier of middle height, sallo# of compleAion and red eye, an odd loo$ing man. 'ut Sun )e held him in high esteem, appointed him )ommander, and put him in the van of the attac$ on 2ue ,i. +s Van ,eader, )hen !u and a doDen horsemen made a dash into the enemy(s formation, #here they sle# half a hundred men. So 2ue ,i #ould not fight but remained #ithin his defenses. +s Sun )e #as attac$ing the city, a spy came in #ith the ne#s that ,iu Bao and "e Rong had gone to attac$ FiuDhu, #hich made Sun )e move thither in haste. *is t#o opponents #ere ready for battle. CI am here=C said Sun )e, CBou had better give in.C + general came out from behind ,iu Bao to accept the challenge. It #as Bu 1i. 'ut in the third bout Sun )e made him prisoner and carried him off to the other side. Seeing his colleague thus captured, 3an Feng rode out to the rescue and got uite close. 'ut >ust as he #as going to thrust, all Sun )e(s soldiers shouted, CThere is a man behind you going to stri$e secretly=C +t this Sun )e turned and shouted so thunderously loud that 3an Feng fell out of his saddle from mere fright. *e split his s$ull and died. !hen Sun )e reached his standard, he thre# his prisoner to the ground. +nd Bu 1i #as also dead, crushed to death bet#een the arm and the body of his captor. So in a fe# moments Sun )e had disposed of t#o enemies, one crushed to death and one frightened to death. Thereafter Sun )e #as called the ,ittle 7rince. ,iu Bao had a defeat. The greater portion of his force surrendered, and the number of those slain eAceeded ten thousand. ,iu Bao himself fled to BuDhang and sought safety #ith ,iu 'iao, Imperial 7rotector of 9ingDhou. +n attac$ on 1oling #as the neAt move. +s soon as Sun )e arrived at the moat, he summoned )ommander 2ue ,i to surrender. Someone let fly a furtive arro# from the #all #hich #ounded Sun )e in the left thigh so severely that he fell from his steed. *astily his officers pic$ed up their #ounded chief and returned to the camp #here the arro# #as pulled out and the #ound dressed #ith the medicines suitable for in>uries by metals. 'y Sun )e(s command the story #as spread abroad that the hurt had been fatal, and all the soldiers set up cries of lamentation. The camp #as bro$en up. 2ue ,i, "hang Bing, and )hen *eng made a night sortie but fell into a carefully prepared ambush. 7resently Sun )e himself appeared on horsebac$, shouting@ CSun )e is here still=C *is sudden appearance created such a panic that the soldiers dropped their #eapons and fell on their faces. Sun )e gave orders not to $ill them. 'ut their leaders fell@ "hang Bing from )hen !u(s

spear thrust as he turned to run a#ay; )hen *eng #as $illed by 9iang &in(s arro#; and the )ommander, 2ue ,i, #as slain in the turbulence. Thus Sun )e got possession of 1oling. *aving calmed the people, he sent his soldiers a#ay to 9ingAian, #here Taishi )i #as in command. Taishi )i had assembled t#o thousand veterans in addition to his o#n troops for the purpose of avenging his master. Sun )e and "hou Bu on the other hand consulted ho# to capture him alive. "hou Bu planned, C+ttac$ the city on three sides, leaving the east gate free for flight. Some distance off an ambush shall be prepared, #hen Taishi )i, his men fatigued and horses spent, shall fall an easy victim.C The latest recruits under Taishi )i(s banner #ere mostly hillmen and unaccustomed to discipline. 'eside, the #alls of the city #ere pitiably lo#. One night Sun )e ordered )hen !u 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, Taishi )i made for the east gate and, as soon as he got outside, Sun )e follo#ed in pursuit. The pursuit #as maintained for some fifteen miles #hen the pursuers stopped. Taishi )i #ent on as long as possible, finally halting to rest in a spot surrounded by reeds. Suddenly a tremendous shouting arose. Taishi )i #as >ust starting #hen tripping ropes arose all round, his horse #as thro#n and he found himself a prisoner. Taishi )i #as ta$en bac$ to camp. +s soon as Sun )e heard the ne#s, he himself rode out to order the guards to leave the prisoner, #hose bonds he loosened #ith his o#n hands. Then he too$ off his o#n embroidered robe and put it on the captive. They entered the camp together. CI $ne# you #ere a real hero,C said Sun )e. CThat #orm ,iu Bao had no use for such as you, and so he got beaten.C Taishi )i, overcome by this $indness and good treatment, then formally surrendered. Sun )e seiDed his hand and said, laughing, CIf you had ta$en me at that fight #e had near the shrine, #ould you have $illed meGC C!ho can sayGC said Taishi )i smiling. Sun )e laughed also and they entered his tent, #here Taishi )i #as placed in the seat of honor at a ban uet. Taishi )i said, C)an you trust me so far as to let me go to muster as many as I can of the soldiers of my late masterG Hnder the smart of this defeat they #ill turn against him, and they #ould be a great help to you.C C4Aactly #hat I most desire. I #ill ma$e an agreement #ith you that at midday tomorro# you #ill return.C

Taishi )i agreed and #ent off. +ll the generals said he #ould never return. C*e is trust#orthy and #ill not brea$ his #ord,C said the chief. Fone of the officers believed he #ould come bac$. 'ut the neAt day they set up a bamboo rod in the gate of the camp, and >ust as the shado# mar$ed noon Taishi )i returned, bringing #ith him about a thousand troops. Sun )e #as pleased, and his officers had to confess that he had rightly >udged his man. Sun )e thus marched his army to the South ,and, and his enemies fled or surrendered before his force. *e had no# several legions and the southeast of the 8reat River #as his. *e improved the conditions of the people and maintained order so that his adherents and supporters daily increased. *e #as called Sun )e the 'right. !hen Sun )e(s army approached, the people used to flee in terror; but #hen it had arrived and they sa# that no one #as permitted to loot and not the least attempt #as made on their houses, they re>oiced and presented the soldiers #ith oAen and #ine, for #hich they #ere in turn duly re#arded. 8ladness filled the country side. The soldiers #ho had follo#ed ,iu Bao #ere $indly treated. Those #ho #ished to >oin Sun )e(s army did so; those #ho preferred not to be soldiers #ere sent home #ith presents. +nd thus Sun )e #on the respect and praise of everyone and became very po#erful. Sun )e then settled his mother and the remainder of the family in &ue, setting his brother, Sun &uan, and "hou Tai over the city of 2uancheng. Then he headed an eApedition to the south to reduce !u>un. +t that time there #as a certain Ban 'aihu, or the !hite Tiger, #ho styled himself 5ing of 4ast !u% and ruled over !u>un. *is armies stationed at !ucheng and 9iaAing. *earing of Sun )e(s approach, Ban 'aihu sent his brother, Ban Bu, #ith an army against Sun )e, and they met at 1aple 'ridge. Ban Bu, s#ord in hand, too$ his stand on the bridge, and this #as reported to Sun )e, #ho prepared to accept the challenge. "hang *ong tried to dissuade him, saying, C3or as much as my lord(s fate is bound up #ith that of the army, he should not ris$ a conflict #ith a mere robber. I #ish that you should remember your o#n value.C CBour #ords, O !ise One, are as gold and precious stones, but I fear that my soldiers #ill not carry out my commands unless I myself share their dangers.C *o#ever, Sun )e sent forth *an Dang to ta$e up the challenge. 9ust as *an Dang reached the bridge, 9iang &in and )hen !u, #ho had dropped do#n the river in a small boat, passed under the bridge. Though the arro#s fell in clouds on the ban$, the t#o men rushed up and fiercely attac$ed

Ban Bu as he stood on the bridge. Ban Bu fled and *an Dang #ent in pursuit. 'ut Ban Bu smote up to the #est gate of the city into #hich he entered. Sun )e laid siege to !u>un both by land and #ater. 3or three days no one came out to offer battle. Then at the head of his army, Sun )e came to the #est gate and summoned the #arden. +n officer of inconsiderable ran$ came out and stood #ith one hand resting on a beam #hile #ith the other he gave point to his abuse of those belo#. &uic$ly Taishi )i(s hands sought his bo# and an arro# #as on the string. CSee me hit that fello#(s hand,C said he, turning to his companions. 4ven as the sound of his voice died a#ay, the bo#string t#anged, the arro# sped and lodged in the beam, firmly pinning thereto the officer(s hand. 'oth sides, those on the #all and those belo# it, marveled and acclaimed at such mar$smanship. The #ounded man #as ta$en a#ay. !hen Ban 'aihu the !hite Tiger heard of the eAploit, he said, C*o# can #e hope to #ithstand an army #ith such leaders as this in itGC +nd his thoughts turned to#ard a peace. *e sent his brother Ban Bu out to see Sun )e, #ho received him civilly, invited him into the tent, and set #ine before him. C+nd #hat does your brother proposeGC said Sun )e. C*e is #illing to share this region #ith you,C #as the reply. CThe rat= *o# dare he put himself on a level #ith meGC cried Sun )e. Sun )e commanded to put the messenger to death. Ban Bu started up and dre# his s#ord; but out fle# Sun )e(s blade, and the unhappy messenger fell to the ground. *is head #as hac$ed off and sent into the city to his brother. This had its effect. Ban 'aihu sa# resistance #as hopeless, so he abandoned !u>un and fled. Sun )e pressed the attac$. *uang 8ai captured 9iaAing, and Taishi )i too$ !ucheng. Several other southern cities #ere fallen. The territory #as uic$ly subdued. Ban 'aihu rushed off to#ard Buhang in the east, plundering on all sides, till a band of villagers under the leadership of one ,ing )ao chec$ed his career of robbery there. Ban 'aihu then fled to#ard 5uai>i. ,ing )ao and his son then #ent to meet Sun )e, #ho too$ them into his service, and appointed them )ommanders as a re#ard for their service, and the >oint forces crossed the 8reat River. The !hite Tiger, Ban 'aihu, gathered his scattered forces and too$ up a position at !estern 3ord, but )heng 7u attac$ed him there and scattered the defenders, chasing them as far as 5uai>i. The 8overnor of the place, !ang ,ang, #as on Ban 'aihu(s side and inclined to support him actively.

'ut, #hen !ang ,ang proposed this, one of his officers stood forth, saying, CFo= Fo= Sun )e as a leader is humane and upright, #hile the !hite Tiger is a savage ruffian. Rather capture him and offer his person as a peace offering to Sun )e.C The 8overnor turned angrily to#ard the spea$er, #ho #as an official named Bu 3an from 5uai>i, and bade him be silent. Bu 3an #ithdre# sighing deeply. +nd the 8overnor #ent to the help of the !hite Tiger #ith #hom he >oined forces at Shanyin. Sun )e came up. !hen both sides #ere arrayed, Sun )e rode out and addressed !ang ,ang, saying, C1ine is an army of good soldiers, and my aim is to restore peace to this region, but you give your support to a rebel=C !ang ,ang replied, CBour greed is insatiable. *aving got possession of !u>un, you #ant also my territory. I shall revenge for the Bans=C This response greatly angered Sun )e. 9ust as battle #as to be >oined, Taishi )i advanced and !ang ,ang came to#ard him #aving a s#ord. 'efore they had eAchanged many passes, "hou 2in dashed out to help !ang ,ang. Thereupon *uang 8ai rode out to ma$e the sides more e ual. These latter t#o #ere >ust engaging #hen the drums rolled on both sides, and a general battle began. Suddenly confusion #as caused in the rear of !ang ,ang(s army by the sudden onslaught of a small army. !ang ,ang galloped off to see the attac$ers #ere "hou Bu and )heng 7u. Then an attac$ #as made on his flan$, so that he #as in a hopeless position, and he and Ban 'aihu and "hou 2in, fighting desperately to cut an alley out, only >ust managed to reach the shelter of the city. The dra#bridges #ere raised, the gates closed, and preparations made to sustain a siege. Sun )e follo#ed right up to the #alls and then divided his troops so as to attac$ all four gates. Seeing that the city #as being fiercely attac$ed, !ang ,ang #as for ma$ing a sortie, but Ban 'aihu opposed this as hopeless against so strong a force outside. C!e can only strengthen our position and remain behind the shelter of the ramparts until hunger forces the besiegers to retire,C said Ban 'aihu. !ang ,ang agreed, and the siege #ent on. 3or several days a vigorous attac$ #as maintained, but #ith little success. In a council, Sun 9ing, #ho #as the uncle of Sun )e, said, CSince they are holding the city #ith such resolution, it #ill be difficult to dislodge them. 'ut the bul$ of their supplies is stored at )hadu, distant only some ten miles. Our best plan is to seiDe this place, thus attac$ing #here the enemy is unprepared, and doing #hat they do not eApect.C Sun )e approved, saying, C1y uncle(s plan is admirable and #ill crush the rebels.C

So he issued orders to $indle #atch fires at all the gates, and leave the flags standing to maintain the appearance of soldiers in position #hile the eApedition #ent south. "hou Bu came to utter a #arning, C!hen you, my lord, go a#ay, the besieged #ill surely come out and follo# you. !e might prepare a surprise for them.C Sun )e replied, C1y preparations are complete, and the city #ill be captured tonight.C So the army set out. !ang ,ang heard that the besiegers had gone, and he #ent up to the to#er to reconnoiter. *e sa# the fires blaDing, the smo$e rising, and the pennons fluttering in the breeDe as usual and hesitated. "hou 2in said, C*e has gone and this is only a strategy. ,et us go out and smite them.C Ban 'aihu said, CIf he has gone, it is to attac$ )hadu. ,et us pursue.C CThe place is our base of supply,C said !ang ,ang, Cand must be defended. Bou t#o lead the #ay, and I #ill follo# #ith reserves.C So Ban 'aihu and "hou 2in #ent forth #ith five thousand soldiers and dre# near their enemy about the first #atch, at seven miles from the city. The road led through dense forest. Then suddenly the drums beat and lighted torches sprang up on all sides. Ban 'aihu #as frightened, turned his horse and started to retreat. +t once a leader appeared in front in #hom, by the glare of the torches, he recogniDed Sun )e. "hou 2in made a rush at him but fell under Sun )e(s spear. The men surrendered. *o#ever, Ban 'aihu managed to cut his #ay out and fled to Buhang. !ang ,ang soon heard of the loss and, not daring to return to the city, fled in all haste to the coastal regions. +nd so Sun )e got possession of the city of 5uai>i. *aving restored order, a fe# days later a man came bringing the head of the !hite Tiger as an offering to Sun )e. This man #as a native of the county. *e #as of eight6span height, #ith a s uare face and #ide mouth. *e #as named Dong 2i. Sun )e appointed him )ommander. +fter this, peace reigned in all the southeast. Sun )e placed his uncle Sun 9ing in command of the city and made "hu "hi 8overnor of !u>un. Then Sun )e returned to his o#n place, south of the 8reat River. !hile Sun )e #as absent, a band of brigands suddenly attac$ed 2uancheng, left in the care of his brother Sun &uan and the leader "hou Tai. +s the onslaught #as made on all sides at once, and in the night, the brigands got the upper hand. "hou Tai too$ the youth in his arms and mounted a horse; but as the robbers came on #ith s#ords to attac$ him, he dismounted, and though #ithout mail, met the robbers on foot and sle# them as they came up. Then came a horseman armed #ith a spear, but "hou Tai laid hold of his spear and pulled him to the earth. Then "hou Tai mounted the robber(s horse, and thrusting this #ay and that #ith the spear fought his #ay out. So Sun &uan #as preserved, but his savior had received more than a doDen #ounds. *o#ever, the bandits #ent a#ay.

These #ounds being due to metal #ould not heal but s#elled enormously, and the brave soldier(s life hung in the balance. Sun )e returned and #as deeply grieved. Then Dong 2i said, COnce in an engagement #ith some coastal pirates, I received many spear #ounds, but a certain #ise man named Bu 3an recommended a surgeon #ho cured me in half a month.C CSurely this must be Bu 3an of 5uai>i,C replied Sun )e. CThat is he; he is so called.C CBes, truly a #ise man. I #ould employ him.C So Sun )e sent t#o officers to invite Bu 3an, and he came at once. *e #as treated in most friendly fashion and appointed an official forth#ith. Then the uestion of treating the #ounded man #as brought up. CThe surgeon is one *ua Tuo from &iao, #ho has perfectly marvelous medicine s$ill. I #ill get him to come,C said Bu 3an. Shortly the famous *ua Tuo arrived, a man #ith the compleAion of a youth and a sno#y beard. *e loo$ed more li$e a saint #ho had passed the gates of this life. *e #as treated very #armly and ta$en to see the sic$ general(s #ounds. CThe case is not difficult,C said the surgeon. +nd he prepared certain drugs that healed the #ounds #ithin a month. Sun )e suitably ac$no#ledged his care and s$ill, and he #as allo#ed to leave #ith rich re#ards. FeAt Sun )e attac$ed the brigands and destroyed them, so restoring complete tran uillity to the South ,and. +fter this he set garrisons at all the strategic points in the old state of !u, and this done, memorialiDed #hat he had achieved to the Throne. *e came to an understanding #ith )ao )ao and sent letters to Buan Shu demanding the return of the Imperial *ereditary Seal he had left in pledge. 'ut Buan Shu, secretly cherishing the most ambitious designs, #rote eAcuses and did not return the state >e#el. In his o#n place Buan Shu hastily summoned about thirty of his officers to a council. +mong them #ere +dviser Bang Da>iang and 8enerals "hang 2un, 9i ,ing, &iao Rui, ,ei 'o, and )hen ,an. Buan Shu said, CSun )e borro#ed an army from me and set out on an eApedition #hich has made him master of the South ,and. Fo# he says nothing of repayment but demands the to$en of his pledge. Truly he is a boor, and #hat steps can I ta$e to destroy himGC Bang Da>iang replied, CBou cannot do any thing against him, for he is too strongly placed, the 8reat River as the shield. Bou must first remove ,iu 'ei in revenge for having attac$ed you

#ithout cause, and then you may thin$ about Sun )e. I have a scheme to put the former into your hands in a very short time.C Buan Shu #ent not to destroy the tiger, but instead +gainst a dragon forth his army led. The means Bang Da>iang employed #ill be made plain in the neAt chapter. Chapter 13 In The Camp Gate) -& B& Shoots The Ha#.erd; 1t ,iver +&) Cao Cao S&!!ers *e!eat' +dviser Bang Da>iang $ne# ho# to remove ,iu 'ei. C!hat is your plan of attac$ on ,iu 'eiGC said Buan Shu. Bang Da>iang replied, CThough ,iu 'ei, no# camped at 2iaopei, could easily be ta$en, yet ,u 'u is strongly posted at the chief city near. +nd I thin$ ,u 'u #ould help ,iu 'ei if it #as only for the grudge he bears against you for not having given him the gold and studs, grain and horses you promised. 3irst of all you should send ,u 'u a present #hereby to engage his affections and $eep him uiet #hile you deal #ith ,iu 'ei. Bou can see to ,u 'u after this is done, and 2uDhou is yours.C Thereupon t#o hundred thousand carts of millet #as sent, #ith letters, by the hand of *an Bin. The gift pleased ,u 'u greatly, and he treated the messenger #ith great cordiality. 3eeling sure of no trouble from that uarter, Buan Shu told off one hundred thousand troops against 2iaopei. The army #as led by 9i ,ing as commanding general, and ,ei 'o and )hen ,an as generals. !hen ,iu 'ei heard these things he called his officers to ta$e counsel. "hang 3ei #as for open #ar forth#ith. 'ut Sun &ian said, COur resources #ere too small; therefore, #e must lay the position before ,u 'u and as$ help.C CDo you thin$ that fello# #ill do anythingGC said "hang 3ei cynically. ,iu 'ei decided in favor of Sun &ian(s proposal and #rote as follo#s@ C*umbly I venture to remind you that I am here by your orders and en>oy repose as the result of your $indness, eAtensive as the heavens. Fo# Buan Shu, moved by a desire for revenge, is sending a force against this place, and its destruction is imminent unless you intervene to save it. I trust you #ill send an army uic$ly to protect the to#n, and our happiness #ill be ineApressible.C

Receiving this ,u 'u called in )hen 8ong to #hom he said, CI have >ust received gifts from Buan Shu and a letter, #ith the intent of restraining me from helping ,iu 'ei. Fo# comes a letter from ,iu 'ei as$ing help. It seems to me that ,iu 'ei #here he is can do me no harm; but if Buan Shu overcomes ,iu 'ei and comes to an understanding #ith the leaders around the *uashang 1ountains, then the po#er of the north is so much nearer, and I should be unable to resist the attac$s of so many leaders and should never sleep secure. I #ill aid ,iu 'ei@ That is the better course for me.C Fo# Buan Shu(s force sent against 2iaopei #ent thither as uic$ly as possible, and soon the country to the southeast fluttered #ith pennons by day and blaDed #ith #atch fires by night, #hile the rolling of the drums reverberated from heaven to earth. The five thousand troops at ,iu 'ei(s disposal #ere led out of the city and arranged to ma$e a brave sho#, but it #as good ne#s to him to hear that ,u 'u had arrived and #as uite near. ,u 'u camped only half a mile a#ay to the south#est. !hen Buan Shu(s general, 9i ,ing, heard of his arrival, he #rote letters reproaching ,u 'u for his treachery. ,u 'u smiled as he read them. CI $no# ho# to ma$e both of them love me,C said ,u 'u. So he sent invitations to both ,iu 'ei and 9i ,ing to come to a ban uet. ,iu 'ei #as for accepting the invitation and going, but his brothers dissuaded him, saying, CThere is some treachery in his heart.C CI have treated him too #ell for him to do me any harm,C said ,iu 'ei. So he mounted and rode a#ay, the t#o brothers follo#ing. They came to the camp. The host said, CFo# by a special effort I have got you out of danger. I hope you #ill not forget that #hen you come into your o#n.C ,iu 'ei than$ed him heartily and #as invited to ta$e a seat. 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei too$ up their usual place as guards. 'ut #hen 9i ,ing #as announced, ,iu 'ei felt a spasm of fear and got up to go a#ay. CBou t#o are invited for the particular purpose of a discussion,C said the host. CDo not ta$e it amiss.C ,iu 'ei, being uite ignorant of his intentions, #as very uneasy. 7resently his fello# guest entered. Seeing ,iu 'ei in the tent, and in the seat of honor, 9i ,ing #as puDDled, hesitated and tried to #ithdra#. 'ut the attendants prevented this and ,u 'u, advancing, laid hold of him and dre# him into the tent as if he had been a child. CDo you #ish to slay meGC as$ed 9i ,ing.

CFot at all,C replied ,u 'u. CThen you are going to slay ,ong64arsGC CFo; not that.C CThen #hat does it meanGC C,iu 'ei and I are brothers. Fo#, 8eneral, you are besieging him, and so I have come to the rescue.C CThen slay me,C said 9i ,ing. CThere #ould be no sense in that. +ll my life I have disli$ed fighting and uarrels, but have loved ma$ing peace. +nd no# I #ant to settle the uarrel bet#een you t#o.C C1ay I as$ ho# you thin$ of doing soGC CI have a means and one approved of *eaven itself.C Then ,u 'u dre# 9i ,ing #ithin the tent and led him up to ,iu 'ei. The t#o men faced each other, full of mutual suspicion, but their host placed himself bet#een them and they too$ their seats, ,iu 'ei on the right hand of the host. The ban uet began. +fter a number of courses almost in silence, ,u 'u spo$e, saying, CI #ish you t#o gentlemen to listen to me and put an end to your strife.C ,iu 'ei made no reply, but 9i ,ing said, CI have come #ith an army of one hundred thousand at the eApress bidding of my master to ta$e ,iu 'ei. *o# can I cease the strifeG I must fight.C C!hat=C eAclaimed "hang 3ei dra#ing his s#ord. C3e# as #e are, #e regard you no more than a lot of children. !hat are you compared #ith a million Bello# ScarvesG Bou dare hurt our brother=C 8uan Bu urged him to be silent, saying, C,et us see #hat 8eneral ,u 'u has to say first. +fter that there #ill be time to go to our tents and fight.C CI beg you both to come to an understanding. I cannot let you fight,C said ,u 'u. Fo# on one side 9i ,ing #as discontented and angry; on the other "hang 3ei #as dying for a fight; and neither of the t#o chiefly concerned #ould signify assent. Then suddenly the host turned to his attendants, saying, C'ring my trident halberd=C

They did so, and he sat there gripping that graceful but effective #eapon in his right hand. 'oth guests felt very ill at ease and turned pale. ,u 'u #ent on, saying, CI have tried to persuade you to ma$e peace, for that is the command of the 1ost *igh. It shall be put to the test.C *e then bade his servants ta$e the halberd outside beyond the gate and set it up. Then spea$ing to his t#o guests, he said, CThat gate is one hundred and fifty paces distant. If I can hit that left branch of the halberd6head #ith an arro#, you #ill both #ithdra# your armies. If I miss, you can go a#ay and prepare for immediate battle. I shall stand against either of you #ho does not abide by #hat I say.C 9i ,ing thought to himself, CThat small mar$ at that distance= *o# could anyone hit itGC So he assented, thin$ing he #ould have plenty of fighting after his host had missed the mar$. Of course ,iu 'ei #as #illing. They all sat do#n again and #ine #as served. !hen this had been drun$, the host called for his bo# and arro#s. ,iu 'ei silently prayed that ,u 'u #ould hit the mar$. ,u 'u turned bac$ his sleeves, carefully fitted an arro# to the string and pulled the bo# to its utmost stretch. + slight eAclamation escaped him as the bo# curved li$e the harvest moon sailing through the s$y. CT#ang=C #ent the bo#string, and the arro# sped li$e a falling star. +nd it struc$ the slender tongue of the halberd head full and s uare. + roar of acclamation from all sides greeted the eAploit. The multitude people often hail their praise@ O ,u 'u #as a #onderful archer, +nd the arro# he shot sped straight; 'y hitting the mar$ he saved his friend That day at his camp gate. *ou Bi, the archer of ancient days, 'rought do#n each moc$ing sun, +nd the apes that gibbered to fright Bang Bou>i !ere slain by him, one by one. 'ut #e sing of ,u 'u that dre# the bo#, +nd his feathered shaft that fle#; 3or one hundred thousand soldiers could doff their mails !hen he hit the mar$ so true. ,u 'u laughed loud at the success of his shot.

Dropping his bo# he seiDed his guests by the hands, saying, CThe command of *eaven indeed= +nd no# you cease from fighting=C *e ordered the soldier attendants to pour out great goblets of #ine and each dran$. ,iu 'ei in his inmost heart felt rather luc$y; his fello# guest sat silent, nodding his head. 7resently 9i ,ing said, CI cannot disobey your command, 8eneral, but let me depart. !hat #ill my master say and #ill he believe meGC CI #ill #rite a letter and confirm it,C said ,u 'u. +fter a fe# more rounds of the #ine, 9i ,ing as$ed that he might have the letter and after that departed. !hen the brothers too$ their leave, ,u 'u again reminded ,iu 'ei, saying, CDo not forget I have delivered you today=C ,iu 'ei than$ed him and departed. FeAt day the leaders bro$e camps, and the soldiers #ere gone. !hen 9i ,ing had got bac$ to the South of River *uai and told the story of the feat of archery and the peace ma$ing that follo#ed, and had presented the letter, his lord #as very #roth. C,u 'u repays me for all my grain #ith this bit of play acting=C cried Buan Shu. C*e has saved ,iu 'ei, but I #ill lead a large army myself and settle both ,iu 'ei and him.C C'e careful, my lord,C said 9i ,ing. C,u 'u is braver and stronger than most leaders and has a #ide territory. *e and ,iu 'ei together ma$e a po#erful combination, not easy to brea$. 'ut there is another course. I have found out that his #ife, ,ady Ban, has a daughter >ust of marriageable age; and as you have a son, you could arrange a marriage alliance #ith ,u 'u. If his daughter #edded your son, ,u 'u #ould certainly slay your enemy for you. This is called (Relative6above6Stranger( plan.C This scheme appealed to Buan Shu, #ho soon set about its accomplishment. *e sent presents by the hand of *an Bin, #ho #as to discuss the uestion. !hen *an Bin sa# ,u 'u, he said, C1y master has an immense respect for you, Illustrious Sir, and he desires to ensure perpetual alliance bet#een the t#o families by a marriage, an alliance such as eAisted bet#een the ancient states of &in and 9in%.C ,u 'u #as #ell disposed to#ard the scheme, but #ent in to consult his #ife. Fo# ,u 'u had t#o #ives and one concubine. *e first married a lady of the Ban family, and she #as the legal #ife. Then he too$ Diao )han as a concubine. +nd #hile he #as living at 2iaopei, he had married a secondary #ife, a daughter of )ao 'ao. ,ady )ao had died uite young leaving no issue. Feither had Diao )han borne any children. So that ,u 'u had but one child, this daughter, of #hom he #as dotingly fond.

!hen he broached the sub>ect, his #ife said, CThe Buans have dominated the regions around the River *uai these many years. They have a large army and are very prosperous. One day a Buan #ill become emperor, and our daughter may hope to be an empress. 'ut ho# many sons has Buan ShuGC COnly this one.C CThen #e should accept the offer. 4ven if our daughter does not become 4mpress, 2uDhou has a ne# ally.C ,u 'u decided to accept and so treated the messenger #ith eAtreme generosity. *an Bin #ent bac$ #ith a favorable ans#er. The #edding gifts #ere then prepared ready for *an Bin to ta$e to the bride(s family. They #ere received and ban uets and merry6ma$ing filled all the time. FeAt day )hen 8ong #ent to see the messenger in his lodging, and #hen the usual ceremonies and greetings had been eAchanged, the t#o men sat do#n to tal$. !hen the servants had been sent out of earshot, )hen 8ong said, C!ho originated this scheme by #hich Buan Shu and ,u 'u are to become connections by this marriage so that ,iu 'ei(s head may fallGC *an Bin #as terrified. CI pray you not to let it get abroad,C said he. CI certainly shall $eep it secret. 'ut if there be any delay, some other person #ill find it out and that spells failure,C said )hen 8ong. C!hat #ould best be doneGC CI #ill see ,u 'u and get him to send the girl immediately so that the marriage may be concluded uic$ly.C CIf it happened thus, my master #ould indeed hold you in high respect.C !ith this )hen 8ong too$ his leave and sought an intervie# #ith ,u 'u. CI hear your daughter is to be married to Buan Shu(s son. That is capital, but no one $no#s #hen.C CThat has yet to be considered,C said ,u 'u. CThere #ere certain fiAed rules as to the period bet#een sending presents and consummation of the marriage@ 4mperors, a year; nobles, half a year; high officers, three months; and common people, one month.C

,u 'u replied, C+s to Buan Shu, *eaven has already put into his hands the Imperial *ereditary Seal, and he #ill surely arrive at the dignity one day. So, I should thin$ the imperial rule #ould apply.C CFo, it #ill not.C CThe nobles( rule, thenGC CFo, nor that.C CThe high officers(GC CFot even that.C ,u 'u laughed, saying, CThen you mean me to go by the rule for common people.C CFor that either.C CThen #hat do you meanGC )hen 8ong said, CIn the midst of the present troubles, #hen there is great rivalry among the nobles, do you not see that the others #ill be eAceedingly >ealous of your marriage alliance #ith such a high family as the BuansG Suppose you postpone the choice of the day, most li$ely #hen your fine morning arrives, the #edding party #ill fall into an ambush on the road and the bride be carried off. Then #hat could be doneG 1y opinion is that you #ould have done better to refuse. 'ut since you have consented, then carry out the plan at once before the lords hear of it, and so send the girl over #ithout delay to Shouchun. Bou can hire a lodging there till you have selected the #edding day, and the odds are greatly against any failure.C C!hat you say is uite to the point,C replied ,u 'u. *e #ent into the private apartments to see his #ife and told her the bride elect #ould set out immediately and the trousseau #as to be prepared as far as it could be. On his side he chose some good horses and had a #edding carriage got ready. The escort consisted of *an Bin and t#o of ,u 'u(s generals, Song 2ian and !ei 2u. The procession #ent out of the city to the sound of music. Fo# at this time )hen 8ui, father of )hen Deng, #as placidly #aiting till the evening of his life passed into night. *earing this burst of music he in uired the occasion, and the servants told him. CThey are #or$ing on the (Relative6above6Stranger( device, then,C said )hen 8ui. C,iu 'ei is in danger.C Thereupon in spite of his many infirmities, he #ent to see ,u 'u. CFoble Sir, #hat brings you hereGC as$ed ,u 'u.

CI heard you #ere dead, and I came to mourn,C uavered the old man. C!ho said thatGC eAclaimed his host. COnce upon a time you received grand presents from Buan Shu that you might slay ,iu 'ei, but you got out by that clever shot at your halberd. Fo# they suddenly see$ a marriage alliance thin$ing to get hold of your daughter as a pledge. The neAt move #ill be an attac$ on 2iaopei and, that gone, #here are youG !hatever they as$ in future, grain or troops or anything else, and you yield, #ill bring your o#n end nearer, and ma$e you hated all round. If you refuse, then you are false to the duties of a relative, and that #ill be an eAcuse to attac$ you openly. 'eside this Buan Shu intends to call himself emperor, #hich #ould be rebellion, and you #ould be of the rebel(s family@ Something abominable, #hich the multitude people #ould not suffer.C ,u 'u #as much disturbed to hear this. CI have been misled by )hen 8ong=C cried he. So he hurriedly sent "hang ,iao to bring the #edding party, #hich had been ten miles a#ay, bac$ to the city. !hen they had come, ,u 'u thre# *an Bin into prison and sent a reply to Buan Shu saying curtly that the girl(s trousseau #as not ready and she could not be married till it #as. )hen 8ui #anted *an Bin to be sent to )apital 2uchang. 'ut ,u 'u #as hesitating #hat course to adopt, #hen he heard that ,iu 'ei #as enlisting soldiers and buying horses for no apparent reason. C*e is simply doing his duty. There is nothing to be surprised at,C said ,u 'u at first. Then came t#o officers, Song 2ian and !ei 2u, saying, C+s you ordered us, #e #ent into the *uashang 1ountains to purchase horses. !e had got three hundred #hen, on our #ay bac$, on the borders of 2iaopei some robbers stole half of them. !e hear that the real robbers #ere "hang 3ei and his soldiers, #ho too$ on the guise of brigands.C ,u 'u #as very angry at this and began to prepare an eApedition against 2iaopei. !hen ,iu 'ei heard that an attac$ threatened, he led out his army to oppose it, and the t#o armies #ere arrayed. ,iu 'ei rode to the front and said, C4lder brother, #hy have you brought an army against meGC ,u 'u began abusing him, saying, CThat shot of mine at the +rchery 3east saved you from grave danger. !hy then did you steal my horsesGC CI #anted horses and I sent out to buy them. Should I dare to ta$e yoursGC said ,iu 'ei. CBou stole a hundred and fifty in the person of your brother "hang 3ei. Bou only used another man(s hand.C

Thereupon "hang 3ei, #ith his spear set, rode out, saying, CBes; I stole your good horses, and #hat more do you eApectGC ,u 'u replied, CBou goggled6eyed thief= Bou are al#ays treating me #ith contempt.C CBes; I too$ your horses and you get angry. Bou did not say any thing #hen you stole my brother(s 2uDhou.C ,u 'u rode for#ard to give battle, and "hang 3ei advanced. + rec$less fight began, and the t#o #arriors $ept it up for a hundred bouts #ithout a decisive stro$e. Then ,iu 'ei, fearing some accident to his brother, hastily beat the gongs as a signal to retire and led his army into the city. ,u 'u then invested it. ,iu 'ei called his brother and chided him as the cause of all this misfortune. C!here are the horsesGC said ,iu 'ei. CIn some of the temples and courts,C replied "hang 3ei. ,iu 'ei sent a messenger out to spea$ softly and offer to restore the stolen horses if hostilities #ere to cease. ,u 'u #as disposed to agree but )hen 8ong opposed. CBou #ill suffer by and by if you do not remove this ,iu 'ei.C Hnder )hen 8ong(s influence the re uest for peace #as re>ected, and the attac$ers on the city pressed harder. ,iu 'ei called 1i "hu and Sun &ian to him to as$ advice. Said Sun &ian, CThe one person that )ao )ao detests is ,u 'u. ,et us then abandon the city and ta$e refuge #ith )ao )ao, from #hom #e may borro# troops to destroy him.C CIf #e try to get a#ay, #ho #ill lead the vanGC CI #ill do my best,C said "hang 3ei. So "hang 3ei led the #ay; 8uan Bu #as rearguard; and in the center #as ,iu 'ei #ith the non6 fighting portion. The cavalcade started and #ent out at the north gate under the bright moon. They met opposition from Song 2ian and !ei 2u(s men, but the soldiers #ere driven off by "hang 3ei, and the besieging force #as passed #ithout difficulty. "hang ,iao pursued, but #as held off by 8uan Bu(s rearguard. It seemed ,u 'u #as not dissatisfied at the flight, for he too$ no personal trouble to prevent it. *e made formal entry into the city, settled local affairs, and appointed 8ao Shun as 8overnor.

,iu 'ei approached 2uchang and encamped outside the city, #hence he sent Sun &ian to see )ao )ao and relate the events that brought him there. )ao )ao #as very friendly and said, C,iu 'ei is as my brother.C Then )ao )ao invited ,iu 'ei to enter the city. ,eaving his brothers at the camp, ,iu 'ei, #ith Sun &ian and 1i "hu, #ent to )ao )ao, #ho received him #ith the greatest respect. The story of ,u 'u(s perfidy #as again related. C*e has no sense of right,C said )ao )ao. CBou and I, my brother, #ill attac$ him together.C ,iu 'ei #as very grateful. + ban uet #as then prepared, and it #as late evening before the visitor left for his o#n camp. 2un Bu then had an intervie# #ith his master and said, CIf you are not on your guard, ,iu 'ei #ill be your undoing. Bou ought to destroy him. *e is too much of a hero.C )ao )ao made no reply and his adviser retired. 7resently 8uo 9ia came, and )ao )ao said, CI have been advised to $ill ,iu 'ei@ !hat of such a schemeGC C+ bad scheme,C said 8uo 9ia. CBou are the popular champion, pledged to relieve the people from oppression, and only by truth and rectitude can you secure the support of the noble6minded. Bour only fear is lest they stay a#ay. Fo# ,iu 'ei is a clear hero. *e has come to you for help and protection, and to put him to death #ould be to alienate all good people and put fear into the hearts of all the able advisers. *ampered by these difficulties, #here #ill you find those #hose help you needG To remove the dangers represented by one man and thereby in>ure yourself in the eyes of all human$ind is a sure means of destruction. These conditions need careful consideration.C C!hat you say eAactly fits in #ith #hat I thin$,C said )ao )ao, greatly pleased #ith these remar$s. *is neAt step #as to memorialiDe the 4mperor to give ,iu 'ei the imperial protectorship of BuDhou. +gain )heng Bu said, C,iu 'ei is certain to rise to the top. *e #ill never remain in a subordinate position. Bou had better remove him.C )ao )ao ans#ered, CFo# is >ust the time to ma$e use of good people. I #ill not forfeit the regard of the #orld for the sa$e of removing one individual. 8uo 9ia and I both see this in the same light.C

!herefore )ao )ao re>ected all persuasion to #or$ against ,iu 'ei but sent him three thousand soldiers and ten thousand carts of grain, and set him on his #ay to BuDhou. ,iu 'ei #as to march to 2iaopei, occupy it, call together his former soldiers, and attac$ ,u 'u. !hen ,iu 'ei reached BuDhou, he sent to inform )ao )ao, #ho prepared to march an army to sub>ugate ,u 'u. 'ut >ust then hasty ne#s came that "hang 9i, #ho had gone to the attac$ of Fanyang, had been #ounded by a stray arro# and had died. *is nephe#, "hang 2iu, had succeeded to the command of his army; and #ith 9ia 2u as strategist, "hang 2iu had >oined ,iu 'iao and camped at !ancheng. They intended to attac$ the capital and get possession of the 4mperor(s person. )ao )ao #as placed in a uandary. *e #ould go to attac$ this combination, but he feared lest ,u 'u #ould attac$ the capital if he left it. So he sought the advice of 2un Bu. Said the +dviser, C,u 'u has no notion of a policy. *e is led astray by any little advantage that presents itself to his eyes. +ll you need do is to obtain promotion for him, giving him some additional title, and tell him to ma$e peace #ith ,iu 'ei, and he #ill do it. The south is no threat then.C C8ood,C said )ao )ao. +nd he acted upon the hint and sent an Imperial ,egate, !ang "e, to 2uDhou #ith the official announcement and a letter urging peace, #hile he #ent on #ith preparations to meet the other danger from "hang 2iu. !hen ready )ao )ao marched out #ith one hundred fifty thousand troops in three divisions. 2iahou Dun #as the Van ,eader, and they #ent to River Bu and camped there. 9ia 2u succeeded in persuading "hang 2iu of the hopelessness of resistance. CBou #ould do #ell to surrender, since )ao )ao(s army is too large for you to oppose,C said 9ia 2u. Seeing the truth of this, "hang 2iu sent his adviser to propose sub mission. )ao )ao #as greatly pleased #ith the messenger, admiring his ready and fluent repartee, and tried to #in him to his service. CI #as formerly #ith ,i 9ue and #as guilty #ith him. Fo# I am #ith "hang 2iu #ho esteems my advice, and I should not li$e to abandon him,C said 9ia 2u. 9ia 2u left and neAt day conducted his master into )ao )ao(s presence. )ao )ao #as very generous. Then he entered !ancheng #ith a small force, the greater part of the army being put in camp outside #here the lines eAtended some three miles. 8reat ban uets #ere given every day by "hang 2iu, and )ao )ao #as al#ays being entertained.

One day, #hen )ao )ao returned to his uarters in a more than usual merry mood, he as$ed the attendants if there #ere any singing girls in the city. *is nephe#, )ao +min, heard the uestion and said, C7eeping through one of the partitions last evening, I sa# a perfectly beautiful #oman in one of the courts. They told me she #as the #ife of "hang 9i, "hang 2iu(s uncle. She is very lovely.C )ao )ao, inflamed by the description given him of the beauty, told his nephe# to go and bring her to visit him. )ao +min did so, supported by an armed escort, and very soon the #oman stood before )ao )ao. She #as a beauty indeed, and )ao )ao as$ed her name. She replied, CThy handmaid #as #ife to "hang 9i; I #as born of the "hou family.C CDo you $no# #ho I amGC CI have $no#n the 7rime 1inister by reputation a long time. I am happy to see him and be permitted to bo# before him,C said she. CIt #as for your sa$e that I allo#ed "hang 2iu to submit; other#ise I #ould have slain him and cut him off root and branch,C said )ao )ao. CIndeed, then, I o#e my very life to you; I am very grateful,C said she. CTo see you is a glimpse of paradise, but there is one thing I should li$e better. Stay here and go #ith me to the capital #here I #ill see that you are properly cared for. !hat do you say to that, my ladyGC She could but than$ him. C'ut "hang 2iu #ill greatly #onder at my prolonged absence, and gossips #ill begin to tal$,C said she. CIf you li$e, you can leave the city tomorro#.C She did so; but instead of going at once to the capital, she stayed #ith him among the tents, #here Dian !ei #as appointed as a special guard over her apartments. )ao )ao #as the only person #hom she sa#, and he passed the days in idle dalliance #ith the lady, uite content to let time flo# by. 'ut people told "hang 2iu #hat had gone amiss, and he #as angry at the shame brought upon the family.

*e confided his trouble to 9ia 2u #ho said, C5eep this secret, #ait till he appears again to carry on business, and then do so and so.C + plan #as arranged uite secretly. FeAt day "hang 2iu #ent into )ao )ao(s tent, saying, CSince the surrendered troops are deserting in great number, it #ould be #ell to camp them in the center of your camp to prevent this.C )ao )ao gave the permission, and "hang 2iu moved and placed his army in four camps. 'ut Dian !ei, the especial guard of )ao )ao(s tent, #as a man to be feared, being both brave and po#erful. It #as hard to $no# ho# to attac$ him. So counsel #as ta$en #ith *u 9uer, the commander of one camp and a man of enormous strength and activity. *e could carry a burden of siA hundred pounds and t#o hundred miles in a day. *u 9uer proposed a plan. *e said, CThe fearsome thing about Dian !ei is his double halberds. 'ut get him to come to a party and ma$e him uite drun$ before you send him bac$. I #ill mingle among his escort and so get into his tent and steal a#ay his #eapons. One needs not fear him then.C So the necessary arms #ere prepared and orders given in the various camps. This done "hang 2iu gave a ban uet, and the intended victim #as invited and plied vigorously #ith #ine so that he #as uite intoAicated #hen he left. +nd, as arranged, *u 9uer mingled #ith his escort and made a#ay #ith his #eapons. That night, #hen )ao )ao #as at supper #ith ,ady "hou, he heard the voices of men and neighing of horses and sent out to as$ #hat it meant. They told him it #as the night patrol going the rounds, and he #as satisfied. Fear the second #atch of the night again #as heard some noise in the rear of his tent, and one of the fodder carts #as reported to be burning. COne of the soldiers has dropped a spar$; there is nothing to be alarmed at,C said )ao )ao. 'ut very soon the fire spread on all sides and became alarming. )ao )ao called Dian !ei. 'ut he, usually so alert, #as lying do#n uite intoAicated. *o#ever, the beating of gongs and rolling of drums mingling #ith his dreams a#o$e Dian !ei, and he >umped up. *is trusty halberds had disappeared. The enemy #as near. *e hastily snatched up an infantryman(s s#ord and rushed out. +t the gate he sa# a cro#d of spearmen >ust bursting in. Dian !ei rushed at them slashing all around him, and t#enty or more fell beneath his blo#s. The others dre# bac$. 'ut the spears stood around him li$e reeds on the river ban$. 'eing totally #ithout mail, he #as soon #ounded in several places. *e fought desperately till his s#ord snapped and #as no longer of any use. Thro#ing it aside he seiDed a couple of soldiers and #ith their bodies as #eapons felled ten of his opponents. The others dared not approach, but they shot arro#s at him. These fell thic$ as rain, but he still maintained the gate against the assailants.

*o#ever, the mutineers got in by the rear of the camp, and they #ounded Dian !ei in the bac$ #ith spear thrusts. Httering a loud cry he fell. The blood gushed from the #ound in torrents, and he died. 4ven after he #as dead not a man dared to come in by the main gate. )ao )ao, relying on Dian !ei to hold the main gate, had fled in haste by the rear gate. )ao +min accompanied him on foot. Then )ao )ao #as #ounded by an arro# in the arm, and three arro#s struc$ his horse. *o#ever, fortunately, the horse #as a fine Da#an beast full of spirit and, in spite of its #ounds, it bore its master s#iftly and #ell as far as the ban$ of River Bu. *ere some of the pursuers came up, and )ao +min #as hac$ed to pieces. )ao )ao dashed into the river and reached the further side, but there an arro# struc$ his steed in the eye and it fell. )ao )ao(s eldest son, )ao +ng, dismounted and yielded his horse to his father, #ho galloped on. )ao +ng #as $illed by arro#s, but )ao )ao himself got a#ay. Soon after he met several of his officers #ho had rallied a fe# troops. The soldiers of &ingDhou under 2iahou Dun seiDed the occasion to plunder the people. Bu 9in too$ his army, fell upon them, and sle# many. Thus he protected and appeased the people. The plunderers, meeting )ao )ao on the road, $nelt do#n ho#ling and said Bu 9in had mutinied and attac$ed them. )ao )ao #as surprised, and he gave order to 2iahou Dun, 2u )hu, ,i Dian, and Bue 9ing to attac$ Bu 9in. Fo# #hen Bu 9in sa# his master and a great company approaching, he at once stopped the attac$ and set his troops to ma$e a camp. +n officer as$ed him, CThe &ingDhou soldiers say you have turned traitor. !hy do you not eAplain no# that the 7rime 1inister has arrivedG !hy first ma$e a campGC Bu 9in replied, COur enemies are coming up in our rear and are very close. It is necessary to prepare for defense or #e shall not #ithstand them. 4Aplanation is a small matter, but defense is very important.C Soon after the camp #as finished, "hang 2iu fell upon them. Bu 9in himself rode out to face them. "hang 2iu dre# bac$. The other generals of Bu 9in, seeing he advance thus boldly, also attac$ed, and "hang 2iu #as overcome. They pursued him a great distance until his force #as almost annihilated. !ith the miserable remnant he finally fled to ,iu 'iao. )ao )ao(s army reformed, and the commanders mustered. Then Bu 9in #ent to see his master and told him of the conduct of the &ingDhou soldiers and their looting and #hy he had attac$ed them. C!hy did you not tell me before you made the campGC Bu 9in related #hat had occurred. Said )ao )ao, C!hen the first thought of a leader in the time of greatest stress is to maintain order and to strengthen his defenses, giving no thought to slander but shouldering his burdens bravely,

and #hen he thereby turns a defeat into a victory, #ho, even of the ancient leaders, can eAcel Bu 9inGC )ao )ao re#arded Bu 9in #ith a golden armor and the lordship of Bishou. 'ut )ao )ao reprimanded 2iahou Dun for the lac$ of discipline among his soldiers. Sacrifices in honor of the dead #arrior Dian !ei #ere instituted. )ao )ao himself led the #ailing and paid due honors. Turning to his officers he said, CI have lost my first born son, but I grieve not so heavily for him as for Dian !ei. I #eep for him=C +ll #ere sad at the loss of this general. Then orders #ere issued to return to the capital. !hen Imperial ,egate !ang "e, bearing the imperial decree, reached 2uDhou, he #as met by ,u 'u, #ho conducted him into the residence #here the decree #as read. It conferred ,u 'u the title 8eneral !ho 7acifies the 4ast, and a special seal accompanied the mandate. The private mediating letter #as also handed over and the messenger detailed the high appreciation in #hich ,u 'u #as held by the )hief 1inister of State. ,u 'u #as greatly pleased. FeAt came ne#s that a messenger from Buan Shu had arrived. !hen he had been introduced, he said, C1y master(s pro>ect of declaring himself emperor is advancing. *e has already built a 7alace and #ill speedily choose 4mpress and concubines and #ould come to the South of River *uai. *e is loo$ing for#ard to receiving the fiancee of the *eir +pparent.C C*as the rebel gone so farGC cried ,u 'u in a rage. *e put the messenger to death and *an Bin into the cage. *e drafted a memorial of than$s and sent it to the capital, at the same time sending, too, *an Bin, the unfortunate agent #ho had arranged the marriage alliance. *e also replied to )ao )ao(s private meditating letter as$ing to be confirmed in his protectorship of 2uDhou. The letter #as sent by the hand of )hen Deng. )ao )ao #as pleased to hear of the rupture of the marriage arrangement bet#een the houses of Buans and ,us, and forth#ith put *an Bin to death in the mar$et place. *o#ever, )hen Deng secretly told )ao )ao, saying, C,u 'u is cruel, stupid, and facile. The longer he remains, the #orse.C CI $no# ,u 'u uite #ell,C replied )ao )ao. C*e is a #olf #ith a savage heart, and it #ill be hard to feed him for long. If it had not been for you and your father, I should not have $no#n all the circumstances and you must help me to get rid of him.C C+nything the 7rime 1inister #ishes to do shall have my assistance,C #as the reply.

+s a re#ard )ao )ao obtained an annually grant of t#o thousand carts of grain for )hen 8ui and the governorship of 8uangling for )hen Deng, #ho then too$ his leave. +s he #as saying fare#ell, )ao )ao too$ him by the hand, saying, CI shall depend upon you in the eastern affairs.C )hen Deng nodded ac uiescence. Then he returned to ,u 'u, #ho as$ed him ho# the visit #as. )hen Deng told him, C1y father received a generous annuity, and I #as made 8overnor of 8uangling.C ,u 'u enraged, saying, CBou did not as$ 2uDhou for me, but you got something for yourself. Bour father advised me to help )ao )ao by brea$ing off the marriage, and no# I get nothing at all of #hat I as$ed, #hile you and your father get everything. I have been victimiDed by your father.C *e threatened )hen Deng #ith his s#ord. )hen Deng only laughed, saying, CO 8eneral, ho# un#ary you are=C CI, un#aryGC C!hen I sa# )ao )ao, I said that to $eep you going #as li$e feeding a tiger. The tiger must be $ept fully fed or he #ould eat humans. 'ut )ao )ao laughed and replied, (Fo; not that. One must treat the )ommander li$e a falcon. Fot feed it till the foAes and hares are done. *ungry, the bird is of use; full fed it flies a#ay.( I as$ed #ho #ere the uarry. *e replied, (Buan Shu of the South of River *uai, Sun )e of the South ,and, Buan Shao of 9iDhou, ,iu 'iao of 9ingDhou, ,iu "hang of BiDhou, and "hang ,u of *anDhong; these are the foAes and hares.(C ,u 'u thre# aside his s#ord and laughed, saying, CBes; he understands me.C 'ut >ust about that time came ne#s of the advance of Buan Shu on 2uDhou, and that frightened ,u 'u. !hen discord rose bet#een &in and 9in, They #ere attac$ed by Bue and !u, +nd #hen a promised bride never came, +n army marched to enforce the claim. *o# all this fell out #ill be sho#n in the neAt chapter. Chapter 16 +&an Sh& =arches &t 1n 1rm4 ! Seven *ivisions; Cao Cao 1nd Three Genera#s "oin Forces'

The south of River *uai #as very fruitful, and Buan Shu, as governor of such a large territory, #as very influential. *e #as not a little puffed up. The possession of the Imperial *ereditary Seal, pledged by Sun )e, added to his pride. +nd he seriously thought of assuming the full style. +s a preliminary he assembled all his officers and addressed them thus@ CThe Supreme +ncestor, the 3ounder of *an Dynasty, #as only a very minor official%, and yet he became ruler of the empire. The dynasty has endured four centuries, and its measure of fortune has run out. It no longer possesses authority; the cauldron is on the point of boiling over. 1y family has held the highest offices of state for four generations and is universally respected. !herefore I #ish, in response to the #ill of *eaven and the desire of the people, to assume the Imperial Dignity. !hat thin$ ye of the proposal, my officersGC Secretary Ban 2iang rose in opposition at once, saying, CBou may not do this. 5ing !en, the +ncestor of the "hou%, #as of distinguished virtue and held many offices. Till the last years of Shang Dynasty, he had t#o thirds of the empire. Still he served and #as loyal to the ruling house. Bour house is honorable, but it is not so glorious as that of "hou. The *ans may be reduced, but they are not so abominably cruel as those of the Shang Dynasty that they are to be overthro#n. Indeed this should not be done.C Buan Shu did not hear this #ith pleasure. Said he, C!e Buans came from the )hen family, the same ancestry #ith 5ing Shun%. 'y the rule of interpreting the signs of fate, the day has come #hen earth -)hen0 receives fire -,iu0. 'eside there is an oracle saying, (One #ho replaces the *ans must #ade through deep mire.( 1y name means (the high road.( It fits eAactly. 3urther than this, I possess the Imperial *ereditary Seal and must become lord of all, or I turn from *eaven(s o#n #ay. 3inally, I have made up my mind, so if anyone says too much, that person #ill simply suffer death.C Buan Shu arrogated himself the insignia of royalty and assigned Second 8lory the reign title. *e set up officials #ith titles only given by an emperor, and rode in a chariot decorated #ith the dragon and phoeniA, and offered sacrifices after the manner of an emperor in the north and south suburbs. +lso he appointed the daughter of 3eng 3ang his 4mpress and his son *eir +pparent, and he pressed for the early #edding of ,u 'u(s daughter #ith his son so that the 7alace entourage might be complete. 'ut #hen Buan Shu heard of the fate of his marriage ambassador, *an Bin, #ho #as sent to the capital and #as eAecuted, Buan Shu #as very angry and began at once to plan for revenge. *e made "hang 2un his 8rand )ommander and gave "hang 2un the command of more than t#o hundred thousand soldiers #ith the instruction to invade 2uDhou. The army consisted of seven divisions under seven commanders@ "hang 2un led the )enter +rmy; &iao Rui, the 3irst ,eft +rmy; ,ei 'o, the Second ,eft +rmy; *an 2ian, the Third ,eft +rmy; )hen 9i, 3irst Right +rmy; )hen ,an, Second Right +rmy; and Bang 3eng, the Third Right +rmy. 4ach commander #as instructed to ma$e a certain to#n his ob>ective.

The Imperial 7rotector of BangDhou, 9in Shang, #as ordered to superintend the commissariat, but he declined the office. +nd so Buan Shu put 9in Shang to death. 9i ,ing #as in command of the reserves to help #herever he #as re uired. Buan Shu led thirty thousand troops, and he appointed three generals, ,i Deng, ,iang 8ang, and Bue 9iu, to go up and do#n and coordinate the grand march. ,u 'u found out from his scouts that his o#n 2uDhou )ity #as the ob>ective of "hang 2un; the other to#ns to be first attac$ed being 2iaopei, Bidu, ,angye, 9ieshi, 2iapi, and 9unshan. The invading armies #ere marching t#enty miles a day, and plundering the countryside as they advanced. ,u 'u summoned his advisers to a council to #hich came )hen 8ong, )hen Deng, and )hen 8ui. !hen all had assembled, )hen 8ong said, CThis misfortune that has come to us is due to the t#o )hens, #ho fa#ned upon the central government in order to obtain ran$ and appointments. Fo# remove the evil by putting these t#o to death and sending their heads to Buan Shu. Then he #ill retire and leave us in peace.C ,u 'u ac uiesced and had the t#o arrested. 'ut the son, )hen Deng, only laughed, saying, C!hat is this anAiety aboutG These seven armies are no more to me than so many heaps of rotting stra#. They are not #orth thin$ing about.C CIf you can sho# us ho# to overcome them, I #ill spare your life,C said ,u 'u. C8eneral, if you #ill listen to poor me, the region #ill be perfectly safe.C C,et us hear #hat you have to say.C CBuan Shu(s troops are numerous but they are only a floc$ of cro#s; they are not an army under a leader. There is no mutual confidence. I can $eep them at bay #ith the ordinary guards of the place and could overcome them by some unsuspected stratagem. If I should fail, I have another plan by #hich I can not only protect the region but capture our enemy.C C,et us have it.C )hen Deng said, C*an 2ian and Bang 3eng%, t#o of the leaders of our enemies, are old servants of the *an Dynasty #ho fled from fear of )ao )ao and, being homeless, sought refuge #ith Buan Shu. *e despises them, and they are dissatisfied #ith his service. + little letter from the court #ill secure their help as our allies, and #ith ,iu 'ei to help us on the outside, #e can certainly overcome Buan Shu.C CBou shall ta$e the letters yourself,C said ,u 'u.

)hen Deng agreed, and a memorial detailing his intentions #as sent to the capital, letters to BuDhou to ,iu 'ei, and finally )hen Deng #as sent, #ith a small escort, to #ait for *an 2ian on the road to 2iapi. !hen *an 2ian(s army had halted and pitched camp, )hen Deng #ent to see *an 2ian #ho said, C!hat are you here forG Bou belong to ,u 'u.C CI am an official of the court of the great *ans. !hy do you call me a ,u 'u(s manG If you, 8eneral, hitherto a minister of state, no# serve a traitor, you #ill nullify the grand services you rendered in protecting the 4mperor in the flight from )hangan. 'eside, the suspicious Buan Shu #ill assuredly do you some harm, and you #ill regret not having ta$en this opportunity to #or$ against him.C *an 2ian sighed, saying, CI #ould return to my allegiance if there should be any opportunity.C Thereupon )hen Deng gave him ,u 'u(s letter as$ing for cooperation. *an 2ian read it and said, CBes; I $no#. Bou may return to your master and say 8eneral Bang 3eng and I #ill turn our #eapons and smite Buan Shu. ,oo$ out for a signal flare, and let your master come to our aid.C +s soon as )hen Deng had got bac$ and reported his success, ,u 'u divided his troops into five divisions, each of ten thousand, and sent them to five threatened to#ns to meet his enemies. 8ao Shun led one army to 2iaopei against &iao Rui; )hen 8ong to Bidu against )hen 9i; "hang ,iao and "ang 'a to ,angye against ,ei 'o; Song 2ian and !ei 2u to 9ieshi against )hen ,an. ,u 'u himself led against the main body under "hang 2un, leaving a small guard in 2uDhou )ity. ,u 'u camped ten miles from the #alls. !hen the enemy came up, "hang 2un thought ,u 'u too strong to attac$ #ith the force he had, so he retired seven miles to a#ait reinforcements. That night, in the second #atch, *an 2ian and Bang 3eng arrived, and soon the flare #as lighted as arranged. ,u 'u(s troops #ere admitted to the camp and caused great confusion. Then ,u 'u gave a full attac$, and "hang 2un #as routed and fled. ,u 'u pursued till daylight, #hen he fell in #ith one of the other bodies led by 9i ,ing. 'oth sides faced each other; but at the very beginning of the engagement Bang 3eng and *an 2ian also attac$ed, and 9i ,ing #as forced to fly. ,u 'u #ent in pursuit but soon another force came out from the rear of some hills. These loo$ed very imposing. +s the ran$s opened ,u 'u sa# a leader(s guard #ith flags bearing dragons and phoeniAes and representations of the sun and moon, the stars in the four groups of the 8reat 'ear )onstellation, the five directions of the 4arth, golden gourds, silver aAes, yello# halberds, #hite ya$s( tails, all imperial emblems. +nd beneath a yello# sil$en parasol sat Buan Shu on horsebac$, clad in silver mail #ith a s#ord handle sho#ing at each #rist. Standing out in front of the array, Buan Shu railed at his opponent calling him traitor and bastard. ,u 'u said nothing but rode for#ard ready for battle, and ,i Deng, one of Buan Shu(s leaders,

advanced to ta$e the challenge. They met, but at the third bout, ,i Deng #as #ounded in the hand, #hereupon his spear fell to the ground, and he fled. ,u 'u #aved on the advance, and his men prevailed. The other side fled, leaving much spoil, clothing, mail, and horses. Buan Shu(s defeated troops had not gone far #hen a strong army, led by 8uan Bu, appeared barring his #ay. CTraitor= !hy have they not slain youGC cried 8uan Bu. !hereat Buan Shu fled in great trepidation, and his army melted into fugitives in all directions. The ne# army fell upon them #ith great slaughter. Buan Shu and the remnant of his army retreated into the belo# regions of River *uai. Victory being no# secure, ,u 'u, in company #ith 8uan Bu, Bang 3eng, and *an 2ian returned to 2uDhou, #here there #ere ban uets and feasting and re#ards for the soldiers and generals of five divisions. These over, 8uan Bu too$ his leave and returned to BuDhou, #hile *an 2ian #as appointed 8overnor of Bidu, and Bang 3eng 8overnor of ,angye. There had been a uestion of $eeping these t#o in 2uDhou )ity, but )hen 8ui opposed it, saying, C,et them hold those places in *uashang 1ountains, #hich #ill be all yours #ithin a year.C So *an 2ian and Bang 3eng #ere sent to these t#o cities in the meantime to a#ait orders. C!hy not retain them hereGC as$ed )hen Deng secretly of his father. CThey #ould be a basis for our conspiracy against ,u 'u.C C'ut if they helped him, on the other hand, #e should lengthen the tiger(s cla#s and teeth,C said )hen 8ui. So )hen Deng could only approve of his father(s precautions. Buan Shu returned home burning to avenge his defeat, so he sent to the South ,and to as$ a loan of troops from Sun )e. 'ut Sun )e said, COn the strength of holding the State Seal, he secretly calls himself emperor and rebels against the *ans. I #ould rather punish such a renegade than help him.C So Sun )e re>ected. The letter refusing help added to Buan Shu(s anger. C!hat neAt from this callo# youthGC cried Buan Shu. CI #ill smite him before I deal #ith the others.C 'ut his adviser, Bang Da>iang, dissuaded him from this course.

*aving refused help to his po#erful rival, Sun )e thought it #ise to ta$e measures for his o#n safety. So he stationed an army at 9iang$ou. Soon after came a messenger from )ao )ao bearing Sun )e(s appointment as 8overnor of 5uai>i #ith orders to raise an army and reduce Buan Shu. Sun )e #as inclined to carry out these orders, but he called a council at #hich "hang "hao opposed this course. Said he, C+lthough recently defeated, Buan Shu has large army and ample supplies. *e is not to be attac$ed lightly. Bou had better #rite to )ao )ao persuading him to attac$ the South of River *uai and #e #ill be auAiliaries. 'et#een the t#o armies, Buan Shu must certainly be defeated. If by the remotest chance #e lose, #e have )ao )ao to come to our rescue.C This plan #as adopted, and a messenger #as sent to lay it before )ao )ao. In the meantime, after the defeat at River Bu, )ao )ao had reached 2uchang #here his first thought #as to institute sacrifices to his beloved lost leader, Dian !ei. *e conferred ran$ upon his son Dian 1an and too$ him into his o#n palace to be cared for. 7resently arrived Sun )e(s messenger #ith letters, and neAt came a report that Buan Shu, being short of food, had made a raid on )henliu. )ao )ao thought the moment opportune, so he issued orders for the south eApedition, leaving )ao Ren to hold the capital. The army marched, horse and foot, one hundred seventy thousand, #ith commissariat #agons of food to the number of over a thousand. 1essages #ere sent to summon Sun )e, ,iu 'ei, and ,u 'u. ,iu 'ei #as the first to #elcome the grand army at his BuDhou borders, and he #as called in to the 7rime 1inister(s tent. +fter the usual salutations, t#o human heads #ere produced by ,iu 'ei. C!hose are theseGC as$ed )ao )ao in surprise. CThe heads of *an 2ian and Bang 3eng.C C!hy did this happenGC CThey #ere sent to control Bidu and ,angye, but they allo#ed their soldiers to plunder the people. 'itter complaints arose, so I invited them to a ban uet and my brothers dispatched them #hen I gave the signal by dropping a cup. Their armies gave in at once. Fo# I have to apologiDe for my fault.C CBou have removed an evil, #hich is a grand service@ !hy tal$ of a faultGC +nd )ao )ao praised ,iu 'ei(s action. !hen the >oint army reached ,u 'u(s 2uDhou borders, he came to meet it. )ao )ao spo$e graciously to him and conferred upon him the title of 8eneral of the ,eft +rmy, promising him an official seal as soon as he returned to the capital. ,u 'u #as very pleased.

Then the three armies #ere made into one force, )ao )ao being in the center, ,u 'u to the left #ing, and ,iu 'ei to the right #ing. 2iahou Dun and Bu 9in #ere ,eaders of the Van. On Buan Shu(s side, 8eneral &iao Rui #ith fifty thousand troops #as appointed Van ,eader. The armies met on the confines of the city of Shouchun. &iao Rui and 2iahou Dun rode out and opened battle. 'ut &iao Rui fell in the third bout, and his troops fled into the city. Then came ne#s that Sun )e(s fleet #as near and #ould attac$ on the #est. The other three land corps too$ each one face666)ao )ao on the north, ,u 'u on the east, and ,iu 'ei on the south. The city of Shouchun #as in a parlous state. +t this >uncture Buan Shu summoned his officers. Bang Da>iang eAplained the case, CShouchun has suffered from drought for several years, and the people are on the verge of famine. Sending an army #ould add to the distress and anger the people, and victory #ould be uncertain. I advise not to send any more soldiers there, but to hold on till the besiegers are con uered by lac$ of supplies. 1ean#hile, Bour *ighness, #ith regiment of guards, #ill move over to the other side of River *uai, #hich is uite ready, and #e shall also escape the enemy(s ferocity.C So due arrangements #as made. One hundred thousand troops under ,i Deng, Bue 9iu, ,iang 8ang, and )hen 9i #ere appointed to guard Shouchun. Then a general move #as made to the other side of the River *uai. Fot only the remained army #ent over, but all the accumulated #ealth of the Buan family, gold and silver, >e#els and precious stones, #ere moved also. )ao )ao(s army of one hundred seventy thousand needed daily a considerable uantity of food; and as the country around had been famine6stric$en for several years, nothing could be got there. So he tried to hasten the military operations and capture the city. On the other hand, the defenders $ne# the value of delay and simply held on. +fter a month(s vigorous siege, the fall of Shouchun seemed as far off as it #as at first, and supplies #ere very short. ,etters #ere sent to Sun )e #ho sent a hundred thousand carts of grain. !hen the usual distribution became impossible, the )hief of the )ommissariat, Ren 9un, and the )ontroller of the 8ranaries, !ang *ou, presented a statement as$ing #hat #as to be done. CServe out #ith a smaller measure,C said )ao )ao. CThat #ill save us for a time.C C'ut if the soldiers murmur, #hat thenGC CI shall have another device.C +s ordered the controller issued grain in a short measure. )ao )ao sent secretly to find out ho# the army too$ this; and #hen he found that complaints #ere general and the soldiers #ere saying that the 7rime 1inister #as fooling them, he sent a secret summons to the controller.

!hen !ang *ou came, )ao )ao said, CI #ant to as$ you to lend me something to pacify the soldiers #ith. Bou must not refuse.C C!hat does the 7rime 1inister #ishGC CI #ant the loan of your head to eApose to the soldiery.C C'ut I have done nothing #rong=C eAclaimed the unhappy man. CI $no# that, but if I do not put you to death, there #ill be a mutiny. +fter you are gone, your #ife and children shall be my care. So you need not grieve on their account.C !ang *ou #as about to remonstrate further, but )ao )ao gave a signal. The eAecutioners hustled !ang *ou out, and he #as beheaded. *is head #as eAposed on a tall pole, and a notice said, CIn accordance #ith military la#, !ang *ou had been put to death for peculation and the use of a short measure in issuing grain.C This appeased the discontent. FeAt follo#ed a general order threatening death to all commanders if the city #as not ta$en #ithin three days. )ao )ao in person #ent up to the very #alls to superintend the #or$ of filling up the moat. The defenders $ept up constant sho#ers of stones and arro#s. T#o inferior officers, #ho left their stations in fear, #ere slain by )ao )ao himself. Thereafter he #ent on foot to #or$ #ith his soldiers and to see that #or$ #ent on continuously and no one dared be a laggard. Thus encouraged, the army became invincible, and no defense could #ithstand their onslaught. In a very short time the #alls #ere scaled, the gates battered in, and the besiegers #ere in possession. The officers of the garrison666,i Deng, Bue 9iu, ,iang 8ang, and )hen 9i666#ere captured alive and #ere eAecuted in the mar$et place. +ll the paraphernalia of imperial state #ere burned, and the #hole city #rec$ed. !hen the uestion of crossing the river in pursuit of Buan Shu came up, 2un Bu opposed it, saying, CThe country has suffered from short crops for years, and #e should be unable to get grain. +n advance #ould #eary the army, harm the people, and possibly end in disaster. I advise a return to the capital to #ait there till the spring #heat shall have been harvested and #e have plenty of food.C )ao )ao hesitated. 'efore he had made up his mind, there came an urgent message@ C"hang 2iu, #ith the support of ,iu 'iao, #as ravaging the country all round. There #ere rebellions in Fanyang and 9iangling, and )ao *ong could not cope #ith it. )ao *ong had been #orsted already in several engagements and #as in sore straits.C )ao )ao at once #rote to Sun )e to command the 8reat River so as to prevent any move on the part of ,iu 'iao, #hile he prepared his army to go to deal #ith "hang 2iu. 'efore marching )ao )ao directed ,iu 'ei to station at 2iaopei, as he and ,u 'u being as brothers might help each other.

!hen ,u 'u had left for 2uDhou, )ao )ao said secretly to ,iu 'ei, CI am leaving you at 2iaopei to dig a (pitfall for the tiger.( Bou #ill only ta$e advice from )hen Deng and )hen 8ui, and there can be no mishap. Bou #ill find so6and6so your ally #hen needed.C So )ao )ao marched to 2uchang #here he heard that Duan !ei had slain ,i 9ue and !u 2i $illed 8uo Si, and they presented the heads of these t#o. 'eside the #hole clan of ,i 9ue, more than t#o hundred, had been arrested and brought to the capital. They #ere all put to death at various gates and their heads eAposed as #arning. The people cheered the end of those t#o rebels. In the 4mperor(s palace a large number of officials #ere assembled at a peace ban uet. The 4mperor re#arded the t#o successful leaders, Duan !ei #ith the title of 8eneral !ho Destroys Rebellion and !u 2i 8eneral !ho !rec$s Villainy, and sent to guard )hangan. They came to audience to eApress their gratitude and marched a#ay. Then )ao )ao sent in a memorial that "hang 2iu #as in rebellion, and an army must be sent against him. The 4mperor in person arranged the chariot and escorted )ao )ao out of the city #hen he #ent to ta$e command of the eApedition. It #as the summer, the fourth month of the third year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D :I<0. 2un Bu #as in chief military command in 2uchang. The army marched a#ay. In the course of the march they passed through a #heat region, and the grain #as ready for harvesting but the peasants had fled for fear, and the corn #as uncut. )ao )ao sent proclamations to all villages and to#ns@ CI am sent on the eApedition by command of the 4mperor to capture a rebel and save the people. I cannot avoid moving in the harvest season; but if anyone trample do#n the corn, he shall be put to death. 1ilitary la# is strict #ithout eAception, and the people need fear no damage.C The people #ere very pleased and lined the road, #ishing success to the eApedition. !hen the soldiers passed #heat fields, they dismounted and pushed aside the stal$s so that none #ere trampled do#n. One day, #hen )ao )ao #as riding through the fields, a dove suddenly got up, startling the horse so that it s#erved into the standing grain, and a large patch #as trampled do#n. )ao )ao at once called the 7rovost 1arshal and bade him decree the sentence for the crime of trampling do#n corn. C*o# can I deal #ith your crimeGC as$ed the 7rovost 1arshal. CI made the rule, and I have bro$en it. )an I other#ise satisfy public opinionGC )ao )ao laid hold of the s#ord by his side and made to ta$e his o#n life. +ll hastened to prevent him.

8uo 9ia said, CIn ancient days, the days of the Spring and +utumn history, the la#s #ere not applied to those of the most important. Bou are the supreme leader of a mighty army and must not #ound yourself.C )ao )ao pondered for a long time. +t last he said, CSince there eAists the reason >ust uoted, I may perhaps escape the death penalty.C Then #ith his s#ord he cut off his hair and thre# it on the ground, saying, CI cut off the hair as touching the head.C Then he sent messengers to eAhibit the hair throughout the #hole army, saying, CThe 7rime 1inister, having trodden do#n some corn, ought to have lost his head by the terms of the order; no# here is his hair cut off as an attac$ on the head.C This deed #as a stimulus to discipline all through the army so that not a person dared be disobedient. + poet #rote@ + myriad soldiers march along and all are brave and bold, +nd their myriad inclinations by one leader are controlled. That crafty leader shore his loc$s #hen forfeit #as his head, O full of guile #ere thou, )ao )ao, as everyone has said. On the first ne#s of the approach of )ao )ao #ith an army, "hang 2iu #rote to ,iu 'iao for help. Then "hang 2iu led out his troops, #ith his t#o generals, ,ei 2u and "hang 2ian. !hen the array #as complete "hang 2iu too$ his station in front and pointing at )ao )ao railed at him, saying, CO false and pretended supporter of benevolence and >ustice= O shameless one= Bou are >ust a beast of the forest, and absolutely devoid of humanity.C This annoyed )ao )ao #ho sent out 2u )hu against the insulter. "hang 2ian came to meet him and fell in the third bout. Thence "hang 2iu(s troops fled and #ere pursued to the very #alls of Fanyang, only managing to get #ithin >ust before the pursuit came up. The city #as then closely besieged. Seeing the moat #as so #ide and deep that approach to the #all #ould be difficult, )ao )ao(s commanders began to fill up the ditch #ith earth. Then #ith sand bags, brush#ood, and bundles of grass they built a great mound near the #all and on this erected steps so that they could loo$ over into the city. )ao )ao rode round the city closely inspecting the defenses. Three days later he issued an order to ma$e a mound of earth and brush#ood at the north#est corner, as he #ould mount the #alls at that point. *e #as observed from #ithin the city by 9ia 2u. 9ia 2u #ent to "hang 2iu and said, CI $no# #hat )ao )ao intends, and I can defeat him by a countermove.C

4ven amongst the very foremost There is one #ho leads the #ay; Someone sees through your devices, 'e as crafty as ye may. !hat the counter6move #as #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 17 Giving Co&nse#s) "ia :& *irects 1 Great Bictor4; Braving Batt#e!ie#d) :iaho& *&n -oses 1n %4e' 9ia 2u, as he had guessed the enemy(s intention, had also devised a countermove. So he #ent to his chief and said, CI sa# )ao )ao very carefully reconnoitering round about the city. *e certainly noticed that the southeast corner of the #all had been lately restored #ith mud bric$s of a different $ind, and that the fencing barrier is badly out of repair. *e #ill try to effect an entrance there. !herefore he is ma$ing a feint attac$ at the opposite point. *e is piling up stra# and ma$ing ostentatious preparations #hereby to ca>ole us into #ithdra#ing from the real point of attac$ to defend the north#est. *is troops #ill scale the #alls in the dar$ness and try to enter at the southeast.C CSupposing your surmise correct, #hat do you adviseGC as$ed "hang 2iu. CThe countermove is plain. Bou issue an order for our best and bravest soldiers to fill their bellies, to ta$e only the lightest outfit and conceal themselves in the houses near the southeast corner. Then disguise the to#nspeople as soldiers and send them to pretend to defend the north#est. Tonight #e #ill let the enemy climb up the #alls and enter the city and, once they are fairly #ithin, give the signal and the concealed soldiers #ill rush out upon them. !e may even capture )ao )ao himself.C The stratagem #as decided upon. Soon the scouts told )ao )ao@ CThe defenders of the city have moved to the north#est #here noisy preparations for defense are going on. The opposite corner is left undefended.C CThey have fallen into my trap=C said )ao )ao gleefully. *e ordered his troops to prepare shovels and hoo$s and all the gear needed for scaling #alls, and all day they $ept up the attac$ on the north#est angle. 'ut at the second #atch they dispatched the veterans to the opposite corner, #here they climbed the #all, bro$e up the fencing barrier, and got into the city apparently #ithout disturbing any of the guards. There #as no sign of life any#here as they entered. 'ut >ust as they #ere leaving the #all, suddenly a bomb eAploded and they found themselves in an ambush. They turned to retire, but "hang 2iu immediately fell on the rear and began a slaughter. )ao )ao(s troops #ere totally

defeated and fled out of the gate into the country. "hang 2iu $ept up the pursuit till daybrea$, #hen he retired into the city again. )ao )ao then rallied his army and mustered his soldiers. *e had lost fifty thousand and much baggage, #hile t#o of his generals, ,u &ian and Bu 9in #ere #ounded. )ao )ao being thus #orsted, 9ia 2u advised "hang 2iu to #rite off to ,iu 'iao to cut off )ao )ao(s retreat so that he might be utterly destroyed. ,iu 'iao #as preparing an army for this purpose, #hen a scout came to say that Sun )e had encamped in the river at *u$ou. 5uai ,iang said, CThis move of Sun )e in the river is part of )ao )ao(s strategy, and there #ill be never6ending regret if )ao )ao is allo#ed to escape. +n immediate eApedition is necessary.C !herefore ,iu 'iao moved out #ith his army to +nDhong to bloc$ )ao )ao, leaving *uang "u to hold 9ingDhou(s points of vantage. "hang 2iu, having been informed of the movement of ,iu 'iao, #ent #ith 9ia 2u to smite )ao )ao on the rear. In the meantime )ao )ao(s army, marching very leisurely, had arrived at 2iangyang. !al$ing one day beside River Bu, he suddenly uttered a great cry, and #hen his officers as$ed the reason thereof, he replied, CI remembered that here, only a year ago, I lost my great general@ Dian !ei. Is that not a reason to grieveGC Thereupon )ao )ao gave orders to halt, #hile he should ma$e a great sacrifice and mourn for his lost leader. +t the ceremony he himself burned incense and #ailed and prostrated himself. The army #as much affected by his devotion. +fter the sacrifices to the lost hero, he sacrificed to the names of his nephe# )ao +min and his eldest son )ao +ng, both of #hom had died at the same time. *e also sacrificed to his lost soldiers and even to his Da#an steed #hich had been $illed by an arro#. FeAt day 2un Bu #rote to tell )ao )ao that ,iu 'iao had gone to help "hang 2iu and #as camped at +nDhong, thereby cutting his road of retreat. )ao )ao replied to the letter, saying, CI have been marching only a short distance each day and of course $ne# of the pursuit. 'ut my plans are laid and, as I am near +nDhong, my enemy #ill be bro$en. Bou need not have any fears.C Then )ao )ao hastened his march till he came near #here ,iu 'iao had ta$en position. "hang 2iu still shortened the distance. )ao )ao ordered his men during the night to open a secret #ay through a pass, #here he laid an ambush. !ith the first light of da#n ,iu 'iao and "hang 2iu met. +s )ao )ao(s force loo$ed small, they thought he had retired so they boldly advanced into the pass to smite him. Then the ambush #as

opened, and both the attac$ers( forces #ere cut up. The fighting ended; )ao )ao(s soldiers #ent outside the pass and encamped. The t#o leaders on the other side restored order among their beaten troops and then held a conference. C*o# could #e have foreseen such a #ic$ed ruseGC said ,iu 'iao. C,et us try again,C said "hang 2iu. !herefore they >oined forces at +nDhong. 'ut 2un Bu discovered through his spies that Buan Shao #as preparing an attac$ on )apital 2uchang, so he at once #rote to )ao )ao #ho, much disturbed by this ne#s, set out home#ard right a#ay. !hen "hang 2iu heard this through his scouts, he #ished to follo# the retreating army. 9ia 2u opposed it and said, CIt #ill lead to a defeat.C *o#ever, ,iu 'iao said, CIt is #rong to lose such a chance.C +nd so finally pursuit #as decided upon. They had not marched more than four miles before they came upon )ao )ao(s rearguard, #ho fought #ith great vigor and bravery so that the pursuers #ere beaten off and #ent home discomfited. "hang 2iu said to 9ia 2u, CThis defeat comes from my not follo#ing your advice.C CFo# set your army in order and pursue,C said 9ia 2u. C'ut #e have >ust suffered defeat=C cried both leaders. CDo you no# counsel pursuitGC CBes, and the result #ill be a great victory if you go no#. I #ill venture my head on that,C said 9ia 2u. "hang 2iu had confidence, but ,iu 'iao #as afraid and #ould not accompany him. So one army only started in pursuit. *o#ever, this #as enough. )ao )ao(s rear6guard #as thoroughly routed and abandoned their #agons and their baggage in their hasty flight. "hang 2iu pursued, but suddenly a troop came out from the shelter of some hills and chec$ed him. 3earful to try further, he hastened bac$ to +nDhong. The other general, ,iu 'iao, as$ed the adviser to eAplain his apparent inconsistency, saying, C!hen our veteran and brave soldiers #ere going to pursue those #ho retreated, you said our men

#ould lose the day; and #hen defeated men pursued the victors, you foretold victory. Bou #ere right in both cases, but #e #ish you #ould enlighten us.C CIt is easy to eAplain. Bou, 8enerals, although s$illed leaders, are not a match for our enemy. Though )ao )ao had lost a battle, he had able generals to $eep the rear and guard against pursuit. Our soldiers are good, but not a match for them. That is ho# I $ne#. 3or as much as )ao )ao(s hurried retreat #as due to trouble in the capital, and he had beaten off our attac$, I $ne# he #ould retire at his utmost speed and not ta$e his usual precautions. I ventured to ta$e advantage of his laAity.C ,iu 'iao and "hang 2iu could not but affirm his complete understanding of the conditions. On the advice of 9ia 2u then ,iu 'iao returned to 9ingDhou, #hile "hang 2iu too$ up his position at 2iangyang so that each strengthened the other as the lips protect the teeth from cold. !hen )ao )ao, during his retreat, heard that his army #as being pursued, he hastily turned bac$ to support the rearguard. Then he sa# the pursuing army dra# off. The soldiers of the beaten rearguard said, C*ad it not been for the troops that came out of the hills, #e should all have been lost.C C!hat troopsGC as$ed )ao )ao in surprise. The leader of the troops then advanced, slung his spear and, dismounting, made a lo# obeisance. *e #as ,i Tong, Imperial )ommander, from 9iangAia. )ao )ao as$ed him #hy he had come. ,i Tong replied, CI #as in command at Runan #hen I heard of the struggle going on, so I came to lend you any help I could.C To sho# his gratitude, )ao )ao conferred upon ,i Tong the title ,ord !ho Renders *igh Services, and confirmed him in his command as the defense of Runan against ,iu 'iao and "hang 2iu. Then ,i Tong eApressed his than$s and too$ his leave. On his return to the capital, )ao )ao presented a memorial on the good services rendered by Sun )e, and the 4mperor made him ,ord of !u% #ith the title 8eneral !ho Destroys Rebels. The messenger bearing the decree bore also the order to repress ,iu 'iao. )ao )ao #ent to his palace and there received the ceremonial calls of congratulation. These finished, 2un Bu as$ed, saying, CBou, Sir, marched very leisurely to +nDhong@ *o# came it that you felt certain of victoryGC )ao )ao replied, C1y soldiers, #ho retire and find their retreat cut off, fight vigorously and desperately. I retired slo#ly to entice the enemy into follo#ing #hereby I could do as I #ished #ith them. 'asing my movements on these considerations I felt secure.C

2un Bu bo#ed his head in admiration. !hen 8uo 9ia entered, )ao )ao said, C!hy so late, SirGC The visitor dre# a letter from his sleeve, saying to his master, CBuan Shao sends this eApressing he desires to send an army to attac$ 8ongsun "an and #ishes you to lend provisions and troops.C CI heard Buan Shao #as going to attac$ 2uchang. I suppose my return has made him change his intention,C said )ao )ao. Then he opened the letter and read it. It #as couched in very arrogant terms. CBuan Shao is so eAceedingly rude that I #ill attac$ him,C said )ao )ao. COnly I thin$ I am not uite strong enough. !hat should be doneGC 8uo 9ia said, C1y lord, you $no# #ell #ho lost, and #hy, in the conflict bet#een ,iu 'ang, the Supreme +ncestor, and 2iang Bu, his rival. The former #on only by superior #isdom. 2iang Bu #as the stronger, but in the end he #as overcome. Bour rival has ten #ea$ points #hereas you have ten strong ones, and, though his army is large, it is not terrible.C Then 8uo 9ia continued, CBuan Shao is overmuch devoted to ceremony and deportment; #hile you are sympathetic and natural; this is an eAcellence in conduct. *e is antagonistic and drives; you are conciliatory and lead; so you have the advantage of popular approval. 3or many years the government has been laA, and he ma$es it more so; you strive vigorously after efficiency; this is the eAcellence of able administration. *e is out#ardly liberal but grudging at heart, and too given to nepotism; you appear eAacting, but you understand and use people after their ability; this is the advantage of correct appreciation. *e is a visionary but lac$ing in decision; you are a man of prompt decision and direct action; this is an advantage in policy. *e loves to gather about him people of reno#n; you treat people as you find them regardless of their reputation; this is #here you eAcel in moral virtue. *e is compassionate to those at hand, but careless about those out of sight; your care is all6embracing; this is #here you eAcel in humanity. *e lends a ready ear to calumny and is misled; you may be flooded #ith evil counsel, but you preserve independence; this is #here you eAcel in perspicacity. *is sense of right and #rong is confused; your appreciation is accurate and clear; this is #here you eAcel in administrative capacity. *e loves the ma$e6believe force, but is ignorant of military essentials; you #ould overcome #ith far inferior numbers as you possess military genius; this is #here you eAcel in #ar. !ith your ten superiorities, you #ill have no difficulty in overcoming Buan Shao.C C*o# can I be #orth as much as you sayGC said )ao )ao, smiling. C!hat 8uo 9ia has said about the ten points in your favor agrees eAactly #ith #hat I thin$,C said 2un Bu. CBuan Shao(s army is not formidable in spite of its siDe.C CThe real and dangerous enemy is ,u 'u,C said 8uo 9ia. C!hen Buan Shao has gone north to destroy 8ongsun "an, #e ought to s#eep a#ay ,u 'u and so clear a#ay our danger from that

side; for if this is not done, our attac$ on Buan Shao #ill be the signal for an attempt on the capital. That #ould be most serious.C )ao )ao sa# things in the same light as his advisers and began to discuss plans for an attac$ on ,u 'u. 2un Bu #as of opinion that they should first secure the fidelity and aid of ,iu 'ei. So letters #ere #ritten, and they #aited his assurance before moving a soldier. Then, in order to reassure Buan Shao, his emissary #as treated #ith great $indness, and a memorial presented to the 4mperor as$ing eAtra honors for him. Buan Shao #as made Imperial 7rotector of the four northern regions6669iDhou, &ingDhou, BouDhou, and 'ingDhou. !ith all this a private letter #as #ritten by )ao )ao urging upon him to attac$ 8ongsun "an and promising assistance. So Buan Shao(s army started. In the meantime the t#o )hen Deng and )hen 8ui #ere playing their game. +t every feast and gathering in 2uDhou, they uttered the most fulsome praises of ,u 'u. )hen 8ong #as greatly displeased and too$ an opportunity to tal$ about them to his master. CThey flatter you to your face, but #hat is in their heartsG Bou ought to be most carefully on your guard.C C*old your tongue=C #as the angry reply. CBou are simply slandering them #ithout the slightest eAcuse. Bou #ant to harm good people.C CFo ears for loyal #ords,C said )hen 8ong, as he #ent a#ay sad at heart, Cand #e shall suffer.C *e thought seriously of abandoning ,u 'u, but that #ould be too painful a #rench. 'eside he feared people #ould laugh at him. So the days passed sorro#fully for him. One day, #ith a fe# horsemen, he rode out to the country near 2iaopei to hunt. On the high road he sa# a messenger galloping along in hot haste and began to #onder #hat it might mean. *e left the hunt, rode across country, and intercepted the rider. C!here are you fromG !ho sent youGC as$ed )hen 8ong. The messenger made no reply for he $ne# to #hat party his captors belonged. 'ut they searched him and found a letter, the secret reply to )ao )ao(s letter from ,iu 'ei. The messenger and the letter #ere both ta$en straight to ,u 'u. ,u 'u uestioned the man, #ho said, CThe 7rime 1inister sent me to bear a letter to Imperial 7rotector ,iu 'ei. I #as no# ta$ing bac$ the reply. I $no# nothing more, and I am ignorant of the contents of the letters.C So ,u 'u tore it open and read@ CI have received your commands concerning the destruction of ,u 'u, and dare I for a moment venture to disregard themG 'ut my force is #ea$ and I must act #ith eAtreme circumspection. If

you move your main body, then I #ill hasten for#ard, and in the meantime my army shall be got ready and #eapons prepared. I a#ait your command.C ,u 'u #as really alarmed. CThe #retches=C cried he. CTo dare to act thus=C The unhappy messenger #as put to death and countermoves planned. )hen 8ong and "ang 'a #ent to enlist the help of the Taishan 1ountains bandits666Sun 8uan, !u Dun, Bin ,i, and )hang 2i666so that they #ould ta$e BanDhou in the 4ast of *uashang 1ountains. 8ao Shun and "hang ,iao #ent to attac$ ,iu 'ei in 2iaopei. Song 2ian and !ei 2u #ent #est to attac$ Runan and Bingchuan. +nd ,u 'u too$ command of a large body of troops ready to afford help #herever needed. The departure of the army under 8ao Shun against 2iaopei #as reported to ,iu 'ei, #ho assembled his officers at a council. Sun &ian advised sending a message to the capital to inform )ao )ao of their danger. In response to the chief(s call, 9ian Bong, a fello# to#nsman of ,iu 'ei, offered to ta$e the message. Hp to that moment 9ian Bong had served as a secretary. So a letter #as #ritten, and 9ian Bong set out at once on his >ourney. Then preparations #ere made for defense@ ,iu 'ei commanding at the south gate; Sun &ian at the north gate; 8uan Bu at the #est gate; and "hang 3ei at the east gate. 1i "hu and his brother 1i 3ang commanded the family guard in the center. The t#o 1is #ere put in command of the house guard because they #ere ,iu 'ei(s brothers6in6 la#; ,iu 'ei had ta$en a sister of 1i "hu as a second #ife. *ence they #ere suitable men to guard the family. In due course 8ao Shun came to the south gate. ,iu 'ei ascended the to#er and said, CI have no uarrel #ith your master, #hy do you come here #ith an armyGC CBou have plotted #ith )ao )ao to in>ure my master as #e $no# no#@ !hy should I not bind youGC So saying 8ao Shun gave the signal to attac$. 'ut ,iu 'ei did not go out to repulse 8ao Shun; he only $ept the gate fast closed. Soon after, "hang ,iao led an attac$ on the #est gate, then $ept by 8uan Bu, #ho addressed "hang ,iao from the #all. CBou are too good a man to #aste yourself on rebels,C said 8uan Bu.

"hang ,iao hung his head and made no reply. 8uan Bu $ne# that "hang ,iao had a sound heart and high principles and said no more, as he #as un#illing to #ound "hang ,iao. For did he go out to attac$. "hang ,iao then dre# off and proceeded to the east gate, and "hang 3ei #ent out to give battle. Soon it #as told 8uan Bu, #ho came over uic$ly. *e sa# "hang 3ei going out, but "hang ,iao #as already #ithdra#ing. "hang 3ei #ished to pursue, but his brother held him bac$. C*e is afraid and so has gone a#ay. It #ould be best to pursue,C said "hang 3ei. CFo,C said 8uan Bu. C+s a #arrior he is not inferior to either of us, but I have spo$en a fe# straight #ords, and he has sun$ deep. *e is repentant and that is #hy he #ill not meet us.C So "hang 3ei understood, and the gates #ere shut and orders given for careful defense. !hen 9ian Bong, ,iu 'ei(s messenger, reached the capital, he sa# )ao )ao and told him #hat had happened. The advisers #ere called to discuss a plan. )ao )ao said, CI #ish to attac$ ,u 'u. I fear not Buan Shao, but ,iu 'iao and "hang 2iu may attac$ me in the rear.C 2un Bou, the nephe# of 2un Bu, replied, C'oth these latter have been too recently defeated to do anything so rash. 'ut ,u 'u is a bold fighting man, and if he >oined forces #ith Buan Shu and they set themselves to con uer River *uai and River Si, the problem #ould he difficult.C Then spo$e 8uo 9ia, C,et us ta$e advantage of the moment before they have fully made up their mind. Smite before they are fully prepared.C +nd )ao )ao did so. +n army of fifty thousand #ere sent in advance #ith four commanders666 2iahou Dun, 2iahou Buan, ,u &ian, and ,i Dian. )ao )ao commanded the )enter +rmy, #hich marched by divisions, and 9ian Bong brought up the rear. Soon the scouts informed 8ao Shun. *e sent flying messengers to ,u 'u, #ho detached t#o hundred horse #ith *ou )heng, )ao 2ing, and *e 1eng to assist him. 8ao Shun posted this reinforcement and his army about ten miles from 2iaopei to meet )ao )ao(s army. ,u 'u and the main army also follo#ed close. !hen ,iu 'ei sa# the enemy retiring from the city, he $ne# )ao )ao(s army #as close at hand. So, ma$ing arrangements for guarding the city #ithin, he and his t#o brothers marched their troops out of the city and made a camp, that they might be ready to assist. Fo# the division of )ao )ao(s army under 2iahou Dun, having marched out in advance, first came into touch #ith 8ao Shun. 2iahou Dun at once rode out #ith spear set and offered a challenge. It #as accepted and the t#o leaders fought half a hundred bouts. Then 8ao Shun began to #ea$en and had to turn bac$. *e rode round to the rear of his array. 2iahou Dun #as not the man to uail, so he follo#ed right into the enemy(s country. Then )ao 2ing, one of ,u 'u(s

generals, secretly strung his bo#, fitted an arro# and, #hen 2iahou Dun had come uite near, shot at him. The arro# hit 2iahou Dun full in the left eye. *e shrie$ed, and putting up his head, pulled out the arro# and #ith it the eye. C4ssence of my father, blood of my mother, I cannot thro# this a#ay=C cried 2iahou Dun, and he put the eye into his mouth and s#allo#ed it. Then resuming his firm grip of his spear, 2iahou Dun #ent after this ne# enemy. There #as no escape for )ao 2ing. *e #as overta$en and fell #ith a fatal spear #ound full in the face. 'oth sides #ere stric$en dumb #ith amaDement. *aving thus slain the man #ho had #ounded him, 2iahou Dun rode bac$ to#ard his o#n side. 8ao Shun #ent in pursuit and, #aving on his army, attac$ed so vigorously that he #on the day. 2iahou Buan defended for his elder brother as they fled. ,u &ian and ,i Dian led various divisions bac$ to 9ibei and made a camp. 8ao Shun, having scored this victory, returned to attac$ ,iu 'ei; and as ,u 'u opportunely arrived #ith "hang ,iao, these three arranged their forces so that each attac$ed one of the brothers. Dauntless #as 2iahou Dun, that #arrior bold, *is courage had been proved of old; 'ut smitten sore one hapless day, *e might not in the battle stay. The fate of ,iu 'ei #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 19 Cao Cao Fights In :iapi; -& B& Perishes 1t The White Gate Tower' +s #as stated before, 8ao Shun and "hang ,iao together #ent to smite 8uan Bu, #hile ,u 'u attac$ed "hang 3ei. 'oth brothers #ent out to give battle, #hile ,iu 'ei force #as held in reserve. 'ut then ,u 'u suddenly attac$ed both 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei from the rear, and the brothers #ere forced to flee. ,iu 'ei #ith a fe# score of horsemen rushed bac$ to 2iaopei. +s he approached the gate #ith ,u 'u pressing him close, he shouted to the soldiers on the #all to lo#er the dra#bridge. ,u 'u #as so close behind that the archers on the #all feared to shoot lest they should #ound their lord, and so ,u 'u got into the gate. The gate guards could not force him bac$ so they scattered in all directions. ,u 'u led his force into the city. ,iu 'ei sa# the position #as too desperate for him to reach his residence, and he must abandon all his family. So he hastened through the city and left by the #est gate out at #hich he and his scanty follo#ing fled for very life.

!hen ,u 'u reached the residence, he #as met by 1i "hu #ho said, CThe hero does not destroy a person(s family. Bour rival for the empire is )ao )ao, and my master, al#ays mindful of the good turn you did him at the +rchery 3east, #ould not be ungrateful. 'ut he could not help going to )ao )ao, and I thin$ you #ill pity him.C ,u 'u replied, C!e t#o are old friends. *o# could I bear to harm his #ives and childrenGC !hereupon he sent the family to 2uDhou #ith 1i "hu to ta$e care of them. FeAt ,u 'u led his army into *uashang 1ountains to BanDhou, leaving 8ao Shun and "hang ,iao to guard 2iaopei. During these troubles Sun &ian had also fled out of the city. 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei, each #ith a handful of soldiers, had got a#ay to the hills. +s ,iu 'ei #ith his fe# horsemen #as ma$ing the best of their #ay from the scene of his defeat, he heard someone coming up behind him. !hen he got closer the person proved to be Sun &ian. C+las= I $no# not the fate of my brothers, #hether they be alive or dead, and my #ife and children are lost to me= !hat can I doGC said ,iu 'ei. Sun &ian replied, CI see nothing better than getting a#ay to )ao )ao, #hence #e may be able to plan our future moves.C ,iu 'ei had no better plan to propose, and the t#o men directed their #ay to 2uchang, choosing by6roads rather than high#ays. !hen their small supplies ran out, they entered a village to beg. 'ut #hen the people of any place heard that ,iu 'ei of BuDhou #as the man #ho needed help, they vied #ith each other in offering all that #as re uired. One day they sought shelter at a house #hence a youth came out and made a lo# obeisance. They as$ed his name and he gave it as ,iu +n, of a #ell $no#n family of hunters. *earing #ho the visitor #as, the hunter #ished to lay before him a dish of game, but though he sought for a long time, nothing could be found for the table. So ,iu +n came home, $illed his #ife and prepared a portion for his guest. !hile eating ,iu 'ei as$ed, C!hat flesh is itGC ,iu +n told him@ C!olf.C ,iu 'ei $ne# no better and ate his fill. FeAt day at daylight, >ust as ,iu 'ei #as leaving, he #ent to the stables in the rear to get his horse and passing through the $itchen; he sa# the dead body of a #oman lying on the table. The flesh of one arm had been cut a#ay. &uite startled he as$ed #hat this meant, and then he $ne# #hat he had eaten the night before. *e #as deeply sorry at this proof of his host(s regard and the tears rained do#n as he mounted his steed at the gate. CI #ish I could go #ith you,C said ,iu +n, Cbut as my mother still lives, I cannot go so far from home.C

,iu 'ei than$ed him and #ent his #ay. The party too$ the road by ,iangcheng, and as they #ere going out, they sa# not far off a thic$ cloud of dust. !hen the troop came nearer, they found the troops #ere of )ao )ao(s army, and #ith them they traveled to the main camp #here they found )ao )ao himself. )ao )ao shed tears at the sad story of ,iu 'ei(s distress, the loss of the city, his brothers and #ives and children. !hen ,iu 'ei told him of the hunter #ho had sacrificed his #ife to feed them, )ao )ao sent the hunter a present of a hundred ounces of silver as a re#ard. The march then #as continued to 9ibei, #here 2iahou Buan #elcomed them. They heard that his brother 2iahou Dun #as still ill from the #ound he had received in the eye. )ao )ao #ent to the sic$ man(s bedside to see him and had him removed to 2uchang for s$illed treatment. 7resently scouts, sent out particularly for tidings of ,u 'u, returned, saying, C,u 'u has allied himself #ith the bandits in the east, and they are attac$ing BanDhou.C +t this )ao )ao dispatched )ao Ren #ith three thousand soldiers to ta$e 2iaopei, #hile he, in con>unction #ith ,iu 'ei, moved against ,u 'u. They #ent east. +s they reached the 1angdang *ills near 2iao 7ass, they met the a band of thirty thousand Taishan 1ountains brigands barring their road. The chieftains of the bandits #ere Sun 8uan, !u Dun, Bin ,i, and )hang 2i #ho rode out #ith their spears set. *o#ever, 2u )hu plunged into the battle and easily beat them bac$ and chased them right up to the pass. The scouts told ,u 'u, #ho #as then in 2uDhou, #hither he had gone to start an eApedition to save 2iaopei. *e left the protection of 2uDhou to )hen 8ui and set out #ith )hen Deng. +s )hen Deng #as starting, )hen 8ui said to him, CRemember the #ords of )ao )ao, that the business of the east is in our hands. Fo# is our moment, for ,u 'u is about to suffer defeat.C C3ather, I can loo$ after the outside. 'ut #hen ,u 'u returns beaten, you must arrange #ith 1i "hu to $eep him out of the city. I shall find a means of escape,C said )hen Deng. C*is family is here, and he has many friends. *o# about themGC CI also have a scheme to settle them.C Then )hen Deng #ent to see ,u 'u, to #hom he said, C2uDhou is surrounded, and this city #ill be fiercely attac$ed. !e ought to provide for possible retreat, and I advise storing grain and money in 2iapi. !e could retreat there if the day #ent adversely. !hy not see about this in good timeGC CBour #ords are indeed #ise. I #ill also send my #ives and little ones thither,C said ,u 'u. The family left under escort of !ei 2u and Song 2ian, and #ith them #as sent much grain and treasures and coins.

+nd then the soldiers marched to the relief of the pass. +bout half #ay there )hen Deng said, C,et me go first to reconnoiter so that you, my lord, may advance #ith confidence.C Thus )hen Deng parted company #ith his chief and preceded him to the pass #here he #as received by )hen 8ong. )hen Deng said, CThe 8eneral greatly #onders #hy you do not advance. *e is going to in uire into it.C CThe enemy is in great force, and #e cannot be too careful,C said )hen 8ong. C!e are holding the pass, and you should persuade our master to ta$e steps to guard 2iaopei.C )hen Deng said, CBour #ords are true.C That evening he #ent up to the heights from #hich he could see )ao )ao(s army, #hich #as uite close to the pass. Then he #rote three notes, tied them to arro#s, and shot them into )ao )ao(s camp. FeAt day he left and hastened bac$ to ,u 'u and said, CThose bandits are about to give up the pass to the enemy, but I have left )hen 8ong to hold it. Bou had better ma$e an attac$ tonight and hold him.C C*ad it not been for you, the pass #ould have been lost,C said ,u 'u. Then he sent )hen Deng bac$ to arrange a fire signal #ith )hen 8ong for simultaneous action. So )hen Deng returned to )hen 8ong to #hom he said, C)ao )ao(s troops have found a secret #ay through the pass, and I fear 2uDhou is already lost. Bou ought to go bac$ at once.C +t this the pass #as abandoned, and )hen 8ong began to retreat. Then )hen Deng gave the prearranged signal. ,u 'u sa# the fire and advanced in the dar$ness to the relief of the pass. 7resently he met )hen 8ong(s army; and as neither recogniDed the other in the dar$ness, a fierce battle ensued. For #as the tric$ discovered till daylight came. !hile these things #ere going on, )ao )ao had noted the signal and advanced as fast as possible. The bandits, #ho alone remained to hold the pass, #ere easily driven out and scattered in all directions. !hen daylight came and the tric$ #as discovered, ,u 'u and )hen 8ong set off together for 2uDhou. 'ut #hen they arrived and summoned the gate, instead of opening the doors, the guards on the #all saluted them #ith a thic$ flight of arro#s.

+t the same time 1i "hu appeared on the defense to#er and shouted, CBou stole our master(s city, and no# #e are going to give it bac$ to him. Bou #ill not enter here again=C C!here is )hen 8uiGC cried ,u 'u, angrily. C!e have slain him=C #as the reply. C!here is )hen DengGC said ,u 'u turning to )hen 8ong. CDo you still hold to your delusion, 8eneral, that you as$ #here this specious rogue isGC ,u 'u bade them search through all the ran$s, but )hen Deng #as not to be found. Then they decided to go to 2iaopei. 'ut ere they had got half #ay there, suddenly appeared the troops under the command of 8ao Shun and "hang ,iao. They said, C)hen Deng came to us saying you, 8eneral, #as surrounded and #anted help, so #e came at once.C C+nother tric$ of that false rogue=C said ,u 'u. CSurely he shall die for this.C They #ent #ith all speed to 2iaopei, only to see as they dre# near, the ensigns of the enemy displayed all along the #alls, for the city had been ta$en by )ao Ren. !hile ,u 'u stood at the foot of the rampart reviling the traitor, )hen Deng himself appeared on the #all and pointing to ,u 'u cried, CDid you thin$ that I, a minister of the dynasty, #ould serve a rebel li$e youGC ,u 'u in his #rath #as about to ma$e a desperate attac$, but suddenly a great noise #as heard, and an army came up behind him. It #as led by no other than "hang 3ei. 8ao Shun #ent to engage him, but he had no chance of success. ,u 'u then >oined in the fray. Then another army appeared, and the leader this time #as )ao )ao himself, and his army rushed to the attac$. Seeing that he had no hope of victory, ,u 'u #ent a#ay to#ard the east, #ith )ao )ao in pursuit. ,u 'u(s army marched till they #ere #orn out. Then appeared a ne# force under 8uan Bu. *olding his s#ord ready to stri$e, 8uan Bu called out, CDo not flee, O ,u 'u= 8uan Bu is #aiting for you.C ,u 'u >oined battle. *e #as flurried and scarcely $ne# #hat #as happening. +nd soon "hang 3ei came up once more. 'y desperate efforts ,u 'u and his troops cut an alley through the press and got free. +fter this they started for 2iapi as fast as they could travel, and *ou )heng helped to $eep the pursuers at bay and #elcomed them into the city. So the t#o brothers, 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei, #ere together again after their separation. 'oth shed tears of >oy as they told each other #hat they had seen and suffered.

CI #as on the *aiDhou Road #hen I heard of you,C said 8uan Bu. CI lost no time in starting.C C+nd I had been camped in the 1angdang *ills for a long time. It is happiness to be together again.C So they tal$ed. Then they marched off together to find their elder brother, and made their salutations #ith tears. In ,iu 'ei(s heart, sadness and >oy intermingled. FeAt they #ere presented to )ao )ao, and #ith him they #ent into the captured 2uDhou )ity. 1i "hu soon came #ith the #elcome ne#s of the safety of the family. +nd )hen 8ui and )hen Deng came to present their salutations. + grand ban uet #as prepared for the officers at #hich )ao )ao presided as host, and )hen 8ui and ,iu 'ei occupied the seats of honor to his right and left. +t the close of the ban uet, )ao )ao paid the t#o )hens the highest compliments on their success and re#arded them #ith the revenues of ten counties beside giving the son the title of 8eneral !ho &uells the !aves. )ao )ao #as very pleased #ith his success and at once began to scheme for the ta$ing of 2iapi, the sole place no# left to ,u 'u, #here he had ta$en refuge. )heng Bu said the course #as inadvisable. CIf ,u 'u be pressed too hard, he may get clear by a desperate effort and thro# himself into the arms of our especial enemy, Buan Shu. These t#o as allies #ould be difficult to overcome. Rather send a capable man to guard the South of River *uai, one able to secure you against ,u 'u on one hand and to hold Buan Shu on the other. 1oreover the bandits are in *uashang 1ountains and still our enemies. They must be #atched.C )ao )ao replied, CI can $eep the #hole of *uashang 1ountains, and I #ill re uest ,iu 'ei to ta$e the south.C C)ould I dare #ithstand your commandGC said ,iu 'ei. So forth#ith ,iu 'ei, leaving 1i "hu and 9ian Bong at 2uDhou, #ent south, ta$ing in his train 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, and Sun &ian. +nd )ao )ao led his army to 2iapi. ,u 'u felt very secure in his refuge. *e had good store of grain, and he had the protection of River Si, so he sat uiet, satisfied that he could maintain his defense. So he allo#ed )ao )ao(s army to approach #ithout molestation. CBou ought to attac$ )ao )ao(s army as they come up, before they have time to ma$e camps and defenses. They #ill only have a fatigued army to oppose to your fresh troops, and you #ill certainly defeat them.C So said )hen 8ong, but ,u 'u replied, CI have suffered too many defeats lately to ta$e any ris$. !ait till they actually attac$, and you #ill see them floating a#ay on the #aters.C

So ,u 'u neglected the confidant(s advice and #aited till the enemy had settled into their camp. This done, the attac$ers advanced against the city. 3rom the foot of the #all, )ao )ao called to ,u 'u to listen #hile he spo$e. ,u 'u ascended to the #all #here he stood. )ao )ao addressed him, saying, C!hen I heard that your family and that of Buan Shu #ere li$ely to be united by marriage, I sent an army against you. Buan Shu #as guilty of treason, #hile you had to your credit on the destruction of Dong "huo. 3or #hat reason have you sacrificed all your merits to thro# in your lot #ith a rebelG It #ill be over late to regret #hen this city shall have fallen. 'ut if you surrender and help me to support the ruling house, you shall not lose your ran$.C ,u 'u replied, CIf the 7rime 1inister #ill retire, #e may be able to discuss the matter.C 'ut )hen 8ong, standing near his master, began to rail at )ao )ao for a rebel and shot an arro# that struc$ his plumed helmet. C1y oath, but I #ill slay you at least=C cried )ao )ao, pointing his finger at )hen 8ong. Then the attac$ on the #alls began. CThey have come from far and cannot maintain this for long,C said )hen 8ong. C8eneral, go out #ith your horse and foot and ta$e up a position outside, leaving me to maintain the defense #ith the remainder of our troops. If he engages you, I #ill come out and stri$e at his rear ran$s; if he attac$s the city, you can come to our aid. In ten days their stores #ill fail, and #e can beat them off. This #ill place them bet#een the oA6horns.C CThe advice seems good,C said ,u 'u. ,u 'u #ent bac$ to his palace and prepared his #eapons. +s it #as the depth of #inter, he made his army ta$e plenty of #added clothing to $eep them #arm. ,ady Ban, his #ife, heard of it and came to as$ #hither he #as going. *e told her of )hen 8ong(s plan. She said, C1y lord, you are leaving an undamaged city, abandoning your #ife and little ones, and going #ith a paltry force. Should any unto#ard event happen, #ill your handmaid and her lord ever meet againGC ,u 'u hesitated and for three days made no move. Then )hen 8ong came to see him again and said, CThe enemy are all round the city; and unless you go out soon, you #ill be uite hemmed in.C CI am thin$ing it #ould be better to maintain a stubborn defense,C said ,u 'u. COur enemies are short of food and have sent for supplies to 2uchang. These #ill soon arrive, and you should go out #ith some veterans and intercept the convoy. That loss #ould be a heavy blo#.C

,u 'u agreed and #ent in to tell his #ife the ne# plan. She #ept saying, CIf you go, do you thin$ )hen 8ong and others e ual to the defense of the cityG Should anything go #rong, you #ould be very sorry. Bou abandoned me at )hangan, and it #as only through the fortunate $indness of 7ang Shu that I #as hidden from our enemies and re>oined you. !ho #ould have thought you #ould leave me againG 'ut go, go your #ay as far as you #ish, and do not mind your #ife.C +nd she #ept bitterly. ,u 'u very sadly #ent to ta$e leave of Diao )han #ho said, CBou are my lord and my life. Bou must not be careless and ride out alone.C CBou need not fear. !ith my mighty trident halberd and Red *are, #ho dare come near meGC *e #ent out. 'ut #hen he met )hen 8ong, he said, CThat story about supplies for )ao )ao is all false, one of his many ruses. I am not going to stir.C )hen 8ong sighed. *e felt all #as lost. C!e shall die, and no one shall $no# our burial place,C said he. Thereupon ,u 'u remained in his o#n uarters #ith his ladies, drin$ing freely to dissipate his sorro#s. T#o of his advisers, 2u Si and !ang 5ai, #ent in and proposed, CBuan Shu in the South of River *uai is very po#erful. !hy not #rite to him to rene# the marriage allianceG Buan Shu can hardly refuse to rescue the affianced bride of his son.C So ,u 'u #rote and bade these t#o ta$e the letter. 2u Si said, CBou ought to send a strong escort #ith us to force a #ay through.C So ,u 'u told off one thousand troops and t#o of his generals, "hang ,iao and *e 1eng, to conduct his messenger beyond the pass. They started that same night at the second #atch, "hang ,iao leading and *e 1eng bringing up the rear. They got out of the city, crept past ,iu 'ei(s camp, and got beyond the danger Done. Then half the escort #ent on, and "hang ,iao led the remainder bac$ to#ard the city. +t the pass he found 8uan Bu #aiting. *o#ever, at that moment 8ao Shun came to his help, and they all returned and reentered the gates. The t#o messengers presently reached Shouchun, sa# Buan Shu, and presented the letter. C*o# is thisGC said Buan Shu. C3ormerly he sle# my messenger and repudiated the marriage. Fo# he sends to as$ for it.C

CIt is all due to the vile plans of that monster )ao )ao. If pray you, Illustrious Sir, consider it carefully,C replied 2u Si. C'ut if your master #as not hemmed in by his enemy and in imminent danger, he #ould never have thought of rene#ing this proposal of marriage.C The messengers said, CBou may decide not to help him, but the teeth are cold #hen the lips are gone. It #ill not ma$e for your happiness and comfort.C Said Buan Shu, C,u 'u is unreliable. Tell him that I #ill send soldiers after the girl has arrived here.C This #as final, and the t#o messengers too$ leave and headed bac$ to 2iapi. !hen the party reached ,iu 'ei(s camp, 2u Si decided, C!e must #ait the night falls, and !ang 5ai and I #ill try to get through in the dar$ness. The escort of *e 1eng remaining behind to protect our rear.C They tried that very night, and the t#o messengers crept across #ithout discovery. 'ut the escort found themselves faced by "hang 3ei. *e 1eng tried to fight but #as captured in the very first bout, and the five hundred troops of his half company #ere either $illed or they fled. The prisoner #as ta$en to ,iu 'ei, #ho for#arded him to the main camp. There he told the story of the marriage and the scheme to save the city. )ao )ao #as angry and ordered the eAecution of *e 1eng at the main gate. Then )ao )ao sent orders to each camp to eAercise the greatest diligence #ith threats of rigorous punishment of the officers of any corps that permitted any communication bet#een the besieged and the outer #orld. 4very soldier felt mightily afraid. ,iu 'ei returned to camp and cautioned his brothers, saying, C!e are in the most important place #ith regard to the South of River *uai, and you must be very careful not to allo# any breach of this command.C "hang 3ei #as inclined to grumble, saying, C!e have >ust captured one of the enemy(s leaders, and there is no #ord of praise or re#ard for us@ Fothing but ne# orders and threats. !hat do you ma$e of thatGC CBou are #rong to complain,C said ,iu 'ei. CThese are orders of the )ommander6in6)hief, and #hat #ould happen #ere there no ordersG Do not disobey them, brother.C They promised obedience and #ithdre#. In the meantime 2u Si and !ang 5ai had got bac$ to ,u 'u and told him #hat Buan Shu had said, that if the girl came the soldiers should go.

C'ut ho# can she be sentGC said ,u 'u. 2u Si said, CThat is the difficulty. *e 1eng(s capture means that )ao )ao $no#s the #hole plan of getting help from the South of River *uai. I do not see ho# anyone but you yourself could hope to get through the close siege.C CSuppose #e tried, todayGC said ,u 'u. CThis is an ill6omened day. Bou must not try today. Tomorro# is a very luc$y day, especially in the evening, for any military action.C Then ,u 'u ordered "hang ,iao and 8ao Shun, C8et ready three thousand troops for the venture, and prepare a light carriage. I #ill lead the first seventy miles, thence you can escort the bride6 elect the remainder of the #ay to her ne# home.C FeAt evening to#ard the second #atch, ,u 'u #rapped up his daughter in soft #added garments, bound her about #ith a mailed coat, and too$ her on his bac$. Then #ith his mighty trident halberd in hand, he mounted Red *are and rode at the head of the cavalcade out of the city gate. "hang ,iao and 8ao Shun follo#ed. In this order they approached ,iu 'ei(s camp. The drums at once beat the alarm, and 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei barred the #ay. CStop=C they shouted. ,u 'u had no desire to fight; all he #ished #as to get through, so he made for a side road. ,iu 'ei came in pursuit and the t#o parties engaged. 'rave as he might be, ,u 'u #as almost helpless no# that he #as hampered by a girl on his shoulders, #hom he #as desperately anAious to preserve from hurt. 'eside other parties came up all shouting and attac$ing, and he had no alternative but to give up his pro>ect and return into the city of 2iapi. *e reached his palace very sad at heart. The besiegers returned to camp #ell pleased that no one had got beyond their lines. ,u 'u found consolation in the #ine cup. The siege had gone on for t#o months, and still the city stood. Then they heard that "hang Bang, 8overnor of *enei, had been inclined to come to the help of ,u 'u. 'ut one of his subordinates, Bang )hou, had assassinated him and #as bringing his head as an offering to )ao )ao, #hen Bang )hou had also been slain by 5ui 8u, one of the 8overnor(s adherents. 5ui 8u had then led the force to Daicheng. In the camp of the besiegers, there no# arose much murmuring. )ao )ao sent Shi *uan to intercept and $ill 5ui 8u. Then he called a counsel, saying, CThough "hang Bang, #ho meant to hurt us, is happily no more, yet #e are threatened on the north by Buan Shao, and on the #est ,iu 'iao and "hang 2iu are a menace. *ere #e meet #ith no success against the city of 2iapi. !e are for leaving ,u 'u to his fate and returning home. !hat do you thin$GC

+mong them 2un Bou fought against the idea, saying, CBou must not act li$e this. ,u 'u has lost much, and his spirit is bro$en. The spirit of the leader eApresses that of his army; and #hen the leader fails, his soldiers do not fight. )hen 8ong is clever, but nothing is done. ,u 'u bro$en, )hen 8ong #ithout decision, it only needs a sharp attac$, and #e shall succeed.C CI have a plan to propose,C said 8uo 9ia, Ca plan to overcome the city at once. It is better than t#o hundred thousand troops.C CI suppose you mean dro#ning the city by River Si and River Bi,C said 2un Bu. CThat is it,C said 8uo 9ia, smiling. )ao )ao accepted the suggestion #ith >oy and set his troops to cut the ban$s of River Bi and River Si, and moved his army to the high ground #hence they #atched the dro#ning out of 2iapi. Only the east gate remained clear of #ater. The besieged soldiers hastened to their leader. ,u 'u said, C!hy should I fearG 1y good horse can go as #ell through the #ater as over the land.C +nd he again returned to the #ine cup for consolation, drin$ing deeply #ith his #ife and concubine. The continual drin$ing bouts told at last, and ,u 'u began to loo$ dissipated. Seeing himself in a mirror one day, he #as startled at the change and said to himself, CI am in>uring myself #ith #ine. Fo more from this day for#ard=C *e then issued an order that no one should drin$ #ine under penalty of death. Fo# one of his generals, *ou )heng, lost fifteen horses, stolen by one of his subordinates, *ou )ao, #ho intended to resell them to ,iu 'ei. *ou )heng found out #here the horses #ere, #ent out after them, and recovered them after $illing *ou )ao. +nd *ou )heng(s colleagues congratulated him on his success. To celebrate the occasion, *ou )heng bre#ed a fe# barrels of #ine to be drun$ at the feast. 'ut thin$ing his chief might find him in fault, *ou )heng sent the bottles of #ine to ,u 'u(s palace #ith a petition eAplaining, C'y your virtue of #arli$e reno#n, I have recovered my horses; and as my comrades come #ith their congratulations, I bre# some bottles of #ine, first to offer Bour ,ordship and second to as$ your permission to have a little #ine at the feast.C ,u 'u too$ it very angrily, saying, C!hen I have forbidden all #ine, you bre# some and begin to give feasts@ Bou are simply defying me=C

!hereupon he ordered the officer to instant eAecution. *o#ever, Song 2ian, !ei 2u, and other officers came in and interceded, and after a time ,u 'u softened. CBou ought to lose your head for this disobedience. 'ut for the sa$e of your colleagues, the punishment shall be reduced to a hundred stro$es.C They tried to beg him off this, but only succeeded in reducing the number of blo#s to one half. !hen the sentence had been carried out and *ou )heng #as permitted to return home, his colleagues came sadly to console him. C*ad it not been for you, I should have been put to death,C said *ou )heng. Song 2ian replied, C+ll ,u 'u cares for is his family. There is no pity for anyone else. !e are no more than the #eeds by the roadside.C !ei 2u said, CThe city is besieged; the #ater is dro#ning us out. There #ill not be much more of this, for #e may die any day.C C*e is a beast, #ith neither a sense of humanity nor of right. ,et us leave him,C said Song 2ian. C*e is not #orth fighting for. The best #e could do #ould be to seiDe him and hand him over to )ao )ao,C said !ei 2u. CI #as punished because I got my horses bac$ again, yet all he trusts in is his o#n Red *are. If you t#o #ill betray the gate and seiDe ,u 'u, I #ill steal the horse and go out to )ao )ao(s camp.C They settled ho# to carry out the plot, and that very night *ou )heng snea$ed into the stables and got Red *are a#ay. *e hastened to the east gate #hich #as opened to let him through. The guard made a pretense of pursuing him but only a pretense. *ou )heng reached the besiegers( camp, presented the horse and told )ao )ao #hat had been arranged. They #ould sho# a #hite flag and open the gates to his army. *earing this )ao )ao had a fe# notifications #ritten out, #hich #ere attached to arro#s and shot over the #alls. This is one of them@ CRegent 1arshal )ao )ao has received a command from the 4mperor to destroy ,u 'u. Those #ho interfere #ith the operations of his grand army, #hatever their ran$, shall be put to death in the gate on the day that the city shall be captured. Should anyone capture ,u 'u or bring his head, he shall be #ell re#arded. ,et all ta$e note of this.C FeAt day at daylight a tremendous hubbub #as heard #ithout the city and ,u 'u, halberd in hand, hasted to the #all to see #hat it meant. +s he #ent from gate to gate inspecting the defenses and guards, he censured !ei 2u for letting *ou )heng escape and get a#ay #ith his horse. ,u 'u threatened to punish !ei 2u. 'ut >ust then the besiegers began a fierce attac$ as the #hite flag had

>ust appeared, and ,u 'u had to turn all his energies to defense. The assault lasted till noon, #hen the attac$ing force dre# off for a time. ,u 'u #as ta$ing a rest in the to#er and fell asleep in his chair. Song 2ian sent a#ay ,u 'u(s attendants. !hen they had gone, he stole ,u 'u(s #eapon, the trident halberd in #hich he trusted. Then Song 2ian and !ei 2u fell upon ,u 'u together and before he #as #ell a#a$e had bound him #ith cords, trussing him so that he could not move. ,u 'u shouted for his guards, but they #ere driven off by the t#o traitor generals and could not come near. Then a #hite flag #as sho#n, and the besiegers again approached the city. The traitors shouted out, C,u 'u has been captured alive=C 'ut 2iahou Buan could hardly believe it till they thre# do#n the famous halberd. The gates #ere flung open, and the enemy entered the city. 8ao Shun and "hang ,iao, #ho #ere at the opposite gate, #ere surrounded and cut off by the #ater and helpless. They #ere captured. )hen 8ong made a dash to the south gate but #as also ta$en by 2u *uang. 7resently )ao )ao entered and at once gave orders to turn the streams bac$ into their usual courses. *e put out proclamations to sooth the people. )ao )ao and ,iu 'ei, #ith 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei behind, seated themselves side by side in the !hite 8ate To#er. The captives #ere brought before them. ,u 'u loo$ed a pitiable ob>ect. +lthough a very tall man, he #as tied up in a veritable ball. CThe bonds are very tight,C cried he, CI beseech you to loosen them=C C'indings a tiger must binding tight, of course,C replied )ao )ao. Seeing *ou )heng, Song 2ian, and !ei 2u standing there loo$ing pleased at their success, ,u 'u said, CI treated you all #ell enough@ *o# could you turn against meGC Said Song 2ian, CBou listened to the #ords of your #omen, but re>ected the advice of your generals. !as not that meanGC ,u 'u #as silent. Then 8ao Shun #as brought for#ard. C!hat have you to sayGC as$ed )ao )ao. 8ao Shun sul$ily held his tongue. *e #as ordered out to eAecution. FeAt )hen 8ong #as led in. CI hope you have been #ell since #e last sa# each other, )hen 8ongGC said )ao )ao. CBour #ays #ere croo$ed, and so I left you,C said )hen 8ong.

CBou say I #as croo$ed; and #hat of your serving ,u 'uGC CThough he #as a fool, he did not resemble you in deceit and #ic$edness.C CBou say you are able enough and clever, but #hat about your position todayGC Turning to#ard ,u 'u, )hen 8ong said, CThis man #ould not follo# my advice. *ad he done so, he #ould not no# be a captive.C C!hat thin$ you ought to be done about this day(s #or$GC said )ao )ao. CThere is death for me today, and that is the end=C said )hen 8ong undauntedly. CVery #ell for you; but #hat of your mother and #ife and childrenGC CIt is said that one #ho rules #ith due regard to filial piety does not harm a person(s family; one #ho #ould sho# benevolence does not cut off the sacrifices at a person(s tomb. 1y mother and #ife and children are in your hands. 'ut since I am your prisoner, I pray you slay me uic$ly and not to try to harro# my feelings.C )ao )ao(s heart still leaned to#ard mercy, but )hen 8ong turned and #al$ed a#ay, repulsing the attendants #ho #ould stop him. )ao )ao rose from his place and #al$ed #ith )hen 8ong, the tears falling from his eyes. )hen 8ong never loo$ed at him. Turning to his guards )ao )ao said, C,et his mother and family be ta$en to 2uchang and loo$ed after immediately. +ny postponement #ill be punished=C The condemned man heard him but uttered no #ord. *e stretched out his nec$ for the blo#. Tears sprang to the eyes of all present. *is remains #ere honorably coffined and buried in 2uchang. + poem pitying )hen 8ong(s fate says@ Feither hope of life nor fear of death moved him. *o# brave #as he, a hero indeed= 'ut his lord heeded not his #ords, !herefore in vain possessed he great talents. Fevertheless, in that he stood by his master. To parting #ith #ife and mother, *e merits our pity and profound respect. !ho #ould resemble )hen 8ong That day he died at the !hite 8ate To#erG !hile )ao )ao sadly escorted )hen 8ong on the #ay to death, ,u 'u appealed to ,iu 'ei, CFoble Sir, you sit there an honored guest #hile poor I lie bound at your feet. !ill you not utter one #ord to alleviate my lotGC

,iu 'ei nodded. +s )ao )ao returned to his place, ,u 'u called out, CBour only trouble, Illustrious Sir, is myself, and I am on your side no#. Bou ta$e the lead, I #ill help you, and together the #orld is at our feet.C C!hat do you thin$GC said )ao )ao turning to ,iu 'ei. CBou are #illing to forget the episodes of Ding Buan and Dong "huoGC CTruly the lout is not to be trusted=C said ,u 'u, loo$ing at ,iu 'ei. CStrangle and eApose=C ordered )ao )ao. +s he #as led a#ay, ,u 'u turned once more to ,iu 'ei, CBou long6eared lout, you forget no# the service I rendered you that day at my camp gate, #hen my arro# hit the mar$=C 9ust then someone shouted, C,u 'u, O fool= Death is but death, and #hy are you scared at itGC 4veryone turned to loo$@ The guards #ere hustling "hang ,iao to the place of >udgment. )ao )ao ordered ,u 'u(s eAecution. + poet has #ritten upon the death of ,u 'u@ The flood spreads #ide, the city dro#ns, Its lord is captive. Fought avails *is courser(s speed or halberd(s thrust. The tiger erst#hile fierce, no# #hines 3or mercy. )ao )ao had meted him 3ull #ell, a falcon flo#n at #ill +nd hungry $ept. 7oor fool= *e let )hen 8ong(s advice be overborne 'y harem tattle; vainly no# *e rails against the ,ong64ars( faith. +nd another poem says@ Round is the hungry tiger, eater of men, for #hom is no pity, Since the blood of his victims is fresh and not yet dry. ,iu 'ei spo$e no #ord in favor of ,u 'u, To #hom even a father(s life #as not sacred. It #as recorded earlier that the eAecutioners #ere hustling "hang ,iao for#ard. 7ointing to him from above, )ao )ao said, C*e has a familiar face.C

CBou #ere not li$ely to forget me@ Bou sa# me before in 7uyang,C said "hang ,iao. CO, so you remember me, ehGC CBes; more is the pity.C C7ity for #hatGC CThat the fire that day #as not fierce enough to burn you up, rebel that you are.C )ao )ao began to get angry. C*o# dare you insult meGC cried he and lifted his s#ord to $ill the bold spea$er. The undaunted "hang ,iao never changed color, but stretched out his nec$ for the blo#. Then a man behind )ao )ao caught his arm, and in front of him another dropped on his $nees, saying, CO 7rime 1inister, I pray thee stay thy hand=C ,u 'u #hining #as not spared, Railing "hang ,iao far better fared. !ho #as it that saved "hang ,iaoG The neAt chapter #ill sho#. Chapter 2< Cao Cao rgani@es 1 H&nting %8pedition In :&tian; *ong Cheng ,eceives 1 Secret Command In The Pa#ace' The last chapter said that )ao )ao #as chec$ed in his angry attac$ upon "hang ,iao. They #ere ,iu 'ei #ho held his arm and 8uan Bu #ho $nelt before him. C+ man as generous6hearted as he is should be saved,C said ,iu 'ei. 8uan Bu said, CI $no# him #ell as loyal and righteous. I #ill vouch for him #ith my o#n life=C )ao )ao thre# aside his s#ord and smiled. CI also $no# "hang ,iao to be loyal and good. I #as >ust testing him,C said he. )ao )ao loosed the prisoner(s bonds #ith his o#n hands, had a change of dress brought in, and clothed him there#ith. Then he #as led to a seat of honor. This $indly treatment san$ deep into "hang ,iao(s heart, and he hastened to declare formally that he yielded. +nd then he #as given the ran$ of Imperial )ommander and the title of ,ordship. "hang ,iao #as sent on a mission to #in over the bandit leader "ang 'a, #ho hearing #hat had happened, came forth#ith and gave in his submission. *e #as graciously received, and his former

colleagues666Sun 8uan, !u Dun, and Bin ,i666also yielded, #ith the eAception of )hang 2i, #ho remained obdurate. +ll these former enemies #ho came over #ere $indly treated and given posts of responsibility #herein they might prove the reality of their conversion. ,u 'u(s family #ere sent to the capital. +fter the soldiers had been re#arded #ith feasting, the camp #as bro$en up and the army moved a#ay to 2uchang. 7assing through 2uDhou the people lined the roads and burned incense in honor of the victors. They also petitioned that ,iu 'ei should be their protector. )ao )ao replied, C,iu 'ei has rendered great services. Bou must #ait till he has been received in audience and obtained his re#ard. +fter that he shall be sent here.C The people bo#ed lo# to the ground to eApress their than$s. )he "hou, 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry, #as given command of 2uDhou for the moment. +fter the army had arrived at the capital, re#ards #ere granted to all the officers #ho had been in the eApedition. ,iu 'ei #as retained in the capital, lodging in an anneA to the 7rime 1inister(s palace. FeAt day a court #as held, and )ao )ao memorialiDed the services of ,iu 'ei #ho #as presented to 4mperor 2ian. Dressed in court robes, ,iu 'ei bo#ed at the lo#er end of the audience arena. The 4mperor called him to the *all and as$ed his ancestry. ,iu 'ei replied, CThy servant is the son of ,iu *ong, grandson of ,iu 2iong, #ho #as a direct descendant of 7rince Sheng of "hongshan, #ho #as the son of *is 1a>esty the 4mperor 9ing%.C The 4mperor bade them bring forth the 'oo$s of the 8enealogies, and therefrom a secretary read@ C,iu 9ing the 3ilial 4mperor begot fourteen sons of #hom the seventh #as ,iu Sheng, 7rince of "hongshan. Sheng begot ,iu "hen, ,ord of ,uchang. "hen begot ,iu +ng, ,ord of 7ei. +ng begot ,iu ,u, ,ord of "hang. ,u begot ,iu ,ian, ,ord of Bishui. ,ian begot ,iu Bing, ,ord of &inyang. Bing begot ,iu 9ian, ,ord of +nguo. 9ian begot ,iu +i, ,ord of 8uangling. +i begot ,iu 2ia, ,ord of 9iaoshui. 2ia begot ,iu Shu, ,ord of "uyi. Shu begot ,iu Bi, ,ord of &iyang. Bi begot ,iu 'i, ,ord of BuanDe. 'i begot ,iu Da, ,ord of Bingchuan. Da begot ,iu 'uyi, ,ord of 3engling. 'uyi begot ,iu *ui, ,ord of 9ichuan. *ui begot ,iu 2iong, 8overnor of "huo. 2iong begot ,iu *ong, #ho held no office or ran$; and ,iu 'ei is his son.C The 4mperor compared this #ith the registers of the Imperial *ouse and found by them that ,iu 'ei #as his uncle by descent. The 4mperor seemed greatly pleased and re uested ,iu 'ei to go into one of the side chambers #here he might perform the ceremonial obeisance prescribed for a nephe# to his uncle. In his heart he re>oiced to have this heroic #arrior uncle as a po#erful supporter against )ao )ao #ho really held all the po#er in his o#n hands. The 4mperor $ne# himself to be a mere puppet. *e conferred upon his uncle the ran$ of 8eneral of the ,eft +rmy and the title of ,ord of Bicheng.

!hen the ban uet #as concluded, ,iu 'ei than$ed the 4mperor and #ent out of the 7alace. +nd from this time he #as very generally styled the CImperial Hncle.C !hen )ao )ao returned to his palace, 2un Bu and his fello# advisers #ent in to see him. 2un Bu said, CIt is no advantage to you, Illustrious Sir, that the 4mperor recogniDes ,iu 'ei as an uncle.C C,iu 'ei may be recogniDed as uncle, but he is under my orders since I control the decrees of the Throne. *e #ill be all the more ready to obey. 'eside I #ill $eep him here under the pretense of having him near his sovereign, and he #ill be entirely in my hands. I have nothing to fear. The man I fear is Bang 'iao, #ho is a relative of the t#o Buan brothers. Should Bang 'iao conspire #ith them, he is an enemy #ithin and might do much harm. *e #ill have to be removed.C *ence )ao )ao sent a secret emissary to say that Imperial 8uardian Bang 'iao #as intriguing #ith Buan Shu, and on this charge Bang 'iao #as arrested and imprisoned. +nd his death #ould have been compassed had his enemy dared. 'ut >ust then the 8overnor of 'eihai, 5ong Rong, #as at the capital, and he remonstrated #ith )ao )ao, saying, CBang 'iao comes from a family famed for virtue for at least four generations. Bou cannot trump up so foolish a charge as that against him.C CIt is the #ish of *is 1a>esty=C retorted )ao )ao. CIf the child 4mperor )heng of "hou Dynasty had put Du$e )hao to death, could the people have believed Du$e "hou, the Regent 1arshal, had nothing to do #ith itGC So )ao )ao had to relin uish the attempt, but he too$ a#ay Bang 'iao(s offices and banished him to his family estate in the country. )ourt )ounselor "hao Ban, an opponent of the 7rime 1inister, sent up a memorial impeaching )ao )ao for having removed a minister of state from office #ithout a decree. )ao )ao(s reply to this #as the arrest of "hao Ban and his eAecution, a bold stro$e #hich terrified the bul$ of officers and reduced them to silence. )heng Bu advised )ao )ao to assume a more definite position. *e said, CIllustrious Sir, your prestige gro#s daily. !hy not seiDe the opportunity to ta$e the position of )hief of the 3eudatory 7rincesGC CThere are still too many supporters of the court,C #as the reply. CI must be careful. I am going to propose a royal hunt to try to find out the best line to follo#.C This eApedition being decided upon they got together fleet horses, famous falcons, and pedigree hounds, and prepared bo#s and arro#s in readiness. They mustered a strong force of guards outside the city.

!hen the 7rime 1inister proposed the hunting eApedition, the 4mperor said he feared it #as an improper thing to do. )ao )ao replied, CIn ancient times rulers made four eApeditions yearly at each of the four seasons in order to sho# their strength. They #ere called Sou, 1iao, 2ien, and Shou, in the order of spring, summer, autumn, and #inter. Fo# that the #hole country is in confusion, it #ould be #ise to inaugurate a hunt in order to train the army. I am sure Bour 1a>esty #ill approve.C So the 4mperor #ith the full paraphernalia for an imperial hunt >oined the eApedition. *e rode a saddled horse, carried an inlaid bo#, and his uiver #as filled #ith gold6tipped arro#s. *is chariot follo#ed behind. ,iu 'ei and his brothers #ere in the imperial train, each #ith his bo# and uiver. 4ach party member #ore a breastplate under the outer robe and held his especial #eapon, #hile their escort follo#ed them. )ao )ao rode a dun horse called C3lying6,ightning,C and the army #as one hundred thousand strong. The hunt too$ place in 2utian, and the legions spread out as guards round the hunting arena #hich eAtended over some one hundred s uare miles. )ao )ao rode even #ith the 4mperor, the horses( heads alternating in the lead. The imperial attendants immediately follo#ing #ere all in )ao )ao(s confidence. The other officers, civil and military, lagged behind, for they dared not press for#ard into the midst of )ao )ao(s partisans. One day the 4mperor #as riding to#ard the hunting grounds and noticed his ne#ly found uncle respectfully standing by the roadside. CI should li$e to see my uncle display his hunting s$ill,C said the 4mperor. ,iu 'ei mounted his steed at once. 9ust then a hare started from its form. ,iu 'ei shot and hit it #ith the first arro#. The 4mperor, much struc$ by this display, rode a#ay over a slope. Suddenly a deer bro$e out of the thic$et. *e shot three arro#s at it but all missed. CBou try,C said the 4mperor turning to )ao )ao. C,end me Bour 1a>esty(s bo#,C )ao )ao replied. Ta$ing the inlaid bo# and the golden6tipped arro#s, )ao )ao pulled the bo# and hit the deer in the shoulder at the first shot. It fell in the grass and could not run. Fo# the cro#d of officers seeing the golden6barbed arro# stic$ing in the #ound concluded at once that the shot #as the 4mperor(s, so they rushed up and shouted C!an shui= O 5ing= ,ive forever=C )ao )ao rode out pushing past the 4mperor and ac$no#ledged the congratulations.

They all turned pale. 8uan Bu, #ho #as behind ,iu 'ei, #as especially angry. The sil$#orm eyebro#s stood up fiercely, and the red phoeniA eyes glared as, s#ord in hand, he rode hastily forth to cut do#n the audacious 7rime 1inister for his impertinence. *o#ever, ,iu 'ei hastily #aved him bac$ and shot at him a meaning glance so that 8uan Bu stopped and made no further move. ,iu 'ei bo#ing to#ard )ao )ao said, C1ost sincere felicitations= + truly supernatural shot, such as fe# have achieved=C CIt is only the enormous good fortune of the Son of *eaven=C said )ao )ao #ith a smile. Then he turned his steed and felicitated the 4mperor. 'ut he did not return the bo#; he hung it over his o#n shoulder instead. The hunt finished #ith ban ueting; and #hen the entertainments #ere over, they returned to the capital, all glad of some repose after the eApedition. 8uan Bu #as still angry of the 7rime 1inister(s breach of decorum. One day 8uan Bu said to ,iu 'ei, C'rother, #hy did you prevent me from $illing that rebel and so ridding the #orld of a scoundrelG *e insults the 4mperor and ignores everybody else.C C!hen you thro# stones at a rat, be#are of the vase,C uoted ,iu 'ei. C)ao )ao #as only a horse(s head a#ay from Our ,ord, and in the midst of a cro#d of his partisans. In that momentary burst of anger, if you had struc$ and failed, and harm had come to the 4mperor, #hat an a#ful crime #ould have been laid to us=C CIf #e do not rid the #orld of him today, a #orse evil #ill come of it,C said 8uan Bu. C'ut be discreet, my brother. Such matters cannot be lightly discussed.C The 4mperor sadly returned to his palace. !ith tears in his eyes, he related #hat had occurred in the hunt to his consort, 4mpress 3u. C+las for me=C said he. C3rom the first days of my accession, one vicious minister has succeeded another. I #as the victim of Dong "huo(s evil machinations. Then follo#ed the rebellion of ,i 9ue and 8uo Si. Bou and I had to bear sorro#s such as no others have borne. Then came this )ao )ao as one #ho #ould maintain the imperial dignity, but he has seiDed upon all real authority and does as he #ishes. *e #or$s continually for his o#n glorification, and I never see him but my bac$ pric$s. These last fe# days in the hunting field, he #ent in front of me and ac$no#ledged the cheers of the cro#d. *e is so eAtremely rude that I feel sure he has sinister designs against me. +las, my #ife, #e $no# not #hen our end may come=C

CIn a #hole court full of nobles, #ho have eaten the bread of *an, is there not one #ho #ill save his countryGC said she. Thus spo$e the 4mpress, and at the same moment there stepped in a man #ho said, C8rieve not, O Imperial 7air= I can find a savior for the country.C It #as none other than the father of the 4mpress, 3u !an. C*ave you heard of )ao )ao(s #anton and perverse behaviorGC said the 4mperor, drying his eyes. CBou mean the deer shootingG !ho did not see that, indeedG 'ut the #hole court is full of his clan or his creatures. !ith the eAception of the relatives of your )onsort, there is not one loyal enough to deal #ith a rebel. I have no authority and can do nothing, but there is 8eneral Dong )heng, the State Hncle, #ho could do it.C C)ould Hncle Dong )heng come in to consult about thisG I $no# he has had much eAperience of state troubles.C 3u !an replied, C4veryone of your attendants is a partisan of )ao )ao, and this sort of thing must be $ept most profoundly secret or the conse uence #ill be most serious.C CThen #hat can be doneGC said the 4mperor. CThe only plan I can thin$ of is to send gifts of a robe and a >ade girdle to Dong )heng, and in the lining of the girdle hide a secret edict authoriDing him to ta$e certain steps. !hen he gets home and has read the edict, he can elaborate plans as uic$ly as possible, and neither the spirits above nor the demons belo# #ill $no# anything about them.C The 4mperor approved, and 3u !an #ent out. The 4mperor then #ith his o#n hand dre# up a decree, #riting it #ith blood dra#n by biting his finger. *e gave the document to 4mpress 3u to se# into the purple lining of the girdle. !hen all #as done, he put on the robe and girded it #ith the girdle. FeAt he bade one of the attendants summon State Hncle Dong )heng to the 7alace. Dong )heng came; and after the ceremonies #ere finished, the 4mperor said, C+ fe# nights ago I #as tal$ing #ith the 4mpress of the terrible days of the rebellion, and #e thought of your good services then, therefore #e have called you in to re#ard you.C The minister bo#ed his head in than$s. Then the 4mperor led Dong )heng out of the Reception *all to the Temple of +ncestors, and they #ent to the gallery of !orthy 1inisters, #here the 4mperor burned incense and performed the usual ceremonies. +fter this they #ent to see the portraits, and among them #as one of the founder of the dynasty, ,iu 'ang the Supreme +ncestor. C!hence sprang our great ancestor, and ho# did he begin his great achievementGC said the 4mperor.

CBour 1a>esty is pleased to >o$e #ith thy servant,C said Dong )heng, rather startled at the uestion. C!ho does not $no# the deeds of the Sacred +ncestorG *e began life as a minor official in Sishang. There gripping his s#ord, he sle# a #hite serpent, the beginning of his struggle for the right. Speedily he mastered the empire@ In three years had destroyed &in and, in five, also )hu. Thus he set up a dynasty that shall endure forever=C CSuch heroic forefathers= Such #ea$ling descendants= *o# sad it is=C said the 4mperor. 7ointing to the portraits right and left, he continued, C+re not these t#o "hang ,iang%, ,ord of ,iu, and 2iao *e%, ,ord of )uoGC C)ertainly. The Supreme +ncestor #as greatly assisted by these t#o.C The 4mperor glanced right and left. *is attendants #ere rather far a#ay. Then he #hispered to Dong )heng, CBou, li$e these t#o, must stand by me.C C1y poor services are of no #orth. I do not compare #ith those men,C said the Hncle. CI remember that you saved me at the #estern capital, )hangan. I have never forgotten, and I could never re#ard you properly.C Then pointing to his o#n robe, the 4mperor continued, CBou must #ear this robe of mine, girded #ith my o#n girdle, and it #ill be as though you are al#ays near your 4mperor.C Dong )heng bo#ed his gratitude #hile the 4mperor, ta$ing off the robe, presented it to his faithful minister. +t the same time he #hispered, C4Aamine it closely #hen you get home, and help your 4mperor carry out his intention.C Dong )heng understood. *e put on the robe and the girdle, too$ leave and left the chamber. The ne#s of the audience for Dong )heng had been ta$en to the 7rime 1inister, #ho at once #ent to the 7alace and arrived as Dong )heng #as passing out at the Donghua 8ate. They met face to face, and Dong )heng could in no#ise avoid him. Dong )heng #ent to the side of the road and made his obeisance. C!here are you from, State HncleGC as$ed )ao )ao. C*is 1a>esty summoned me into the 7alace and has given me this robe and beautiful girdle.C C!hy did he give you theseGC C*e had not forgotten that I saved his life in the old days.C CTa$e it off and let me see it.C

Dong )heng #ho $ne# that a secret decree #as hidden a#ay some#here in the garments #as afraid )ao )ao #ould notice a breach some#here in the material, so he hesitated and did not obey. 'ut )ao )ao called his guards, and they too$ off the girdle. Then )ao )ao loo$ed it over carefully. CIt certainly is a very handsome girdle,C said he. CFo# ta$e off the robe and let me loo$ at that.C Dong )heng(s heart #as melting #ith fear, but he dared not disobey. So he handed over the robe. )ao )ao too$ it and held it up against the sun #ith his o#n hand and minutely eAamined every part of it. !hen he had done this, he put it on, girded it #ith the girdle and turning to his attendants said, C*o# is it for lengthGC C'eautiful=C they chorused. Turning to Dong )heng, he said, C!ill you give these to meGC C1y 7rince(s presents to me I dare not give to another. ,et me give you another robe in its stead,C said Dong )heng. CIs there not some intrigue connected #ith these presentsG I am sure there is,C said )ao )ao. C*o# could I dareGC said Dong )heng, trembling. CIf you are so set upon it, then I must give it up.C C*o# could I ta$e a#ay #hat our 7rince has given youG It #as all a >o$e,C said the 7rime 1inister. )ao )ao returned both robe and girdle, and their o#ner made the best of his #ay home. !hen night came and he #as alone in his library, he too$ out the robe and loo$ed over every inch of it most carefully. *e found nothing. C*e gave me a robe and a girdle and bade me loo$ at them carefully. That means there is something to be loo$ed for but I can find no trace of it. !hat does it meanGC he solilo uiDed. Then he lifted the girdle and eAamined that. The >ade plates #ere carved into the semblance of small dragons interlaced among flo#ers. The lining #as of purple sil$. +ll #as se#n together most carefully and neatly, and he could find nothing out of the common. *e #as puDDled. *e laid the belt on the table. 7resently he pic$ed it up and loo$ed at it again. *e spent long hours over it but in vain. *e leaned over on the small table, his head resting on his hands and #as almost asleep, #hen a candle snuff fell do#n upon the girdle and burned a hole in the lining. *e hastily shoo$ it off, but the mischief #as done@ + small hole had been burned in the sil$en lining, and through this there appeared something #hite #ith blood red mar$s. *e hastily ripped it open and dre# out the decree #ritten by the hand of the 4mperor himself in characters of blood. It read@

COf human relationships, that bet#een parents and children stands first. Of the various social ties that bet#een prince and minister stands highest. Today )ao )ao, the #ic$ed, is a real tyrant, treating even his 7rince #ith indignity. !ith the support of his faction and his army, he has destroyed the principles of government. 'y conferring re#ards and inflicting punishments, he has reduced the 4mperor to a nonentity. I have grieved over this day and night. I have feared the empire #ould be ruined. CBou are a high minister of state and my o#n relative. Bou must recall the difficulties of the 8reat 3ounder(s early days and dra# together the loyal and right6minded to destroy this evil faction and restore the prerogatives of the Throne. Such a deed #ould be indeed an eAtreme >oy to the spirits of my ancestors. CThis decree, #ritten in blood dra#n from my o#n veins, is confided to a noble #ho is to be most careful not to fail in eAecuting his 4mperor(s design. C8iven in the era of Rebuilt Tran uillity, fourth year and the third month of spring.C -+D :II0 So ran the decree, and Dong )heng read it #ith streaming eyes. There #as no sleep for him that night. 4arly in the morning he returned to his library and reread it. Fo plan suggested itself. *e laid the decree do#n on the table and sought in the depths of his mind for some scheme to destroy )ao )ao, but could not decide upon any. +nd he fell asleep leaning over his table. It happened that 1inister !ang "ifu, #ith #hom Dong )heng #as on terms of great intimacy, came to visit him and, as usual, #al$ed into the house unannounced and #ent straight to the library. *is host did not #a$e, and !ang "ifu noticed, hardly hidden by his sleeve, the 4mperor(s #riting. !ondering #hat this might be, !ang "ifu dre# it out, read it, and put it in his o#n sleeve. Then he called out loud, CHncle Dong )heng, are you not #ellG !hy are you asleep at this time of dayGC Dong )heng started up and at once missed the decree. *e #as aghast; he almost fell to the ground. CSo you #ant to ma$e a#ay #ith )ao )aoG I shall have to tell him,C said !ang "ifu. CThen, brother, that is the end of the *ans,C said his host, #ith tears. CI #as >o$ing,C said !ang "ifu. C1y forefathers also served the *ans and ate of their bounty. +m I devoid of loyaltyG I #ould help you, brother, as far as lies in my po#er.C CIt is #ell for the country that you thin$ li$e this,C said Dong )heng. C'ut #e ought to have a more private place than this to tal$ over such plans and pledge ourselves to sacrifice all in the cause of *an.C

Dong )heng began to feel very satisfied. *e produced a roll of #hite sil$ and #rote his o#n name at the top and signed it, and !ang "ifu follo#ed suit. Then the visitor said, C8eneral !u "ilan is one of my best friends. *e ought to be allo#ed to come in.C Dong )heng replied, COf all the officials of the court, )ommander )hong 9i and )ourt )ounselor !u Shi are my best friends. )ertainly they #ould bac$ me up.C So the discussion proceeded. 7resently a servant announced no other than these very t#o men Dong )heng >ust mentioned. CThis is providential,C said Dong )heng, and he told !ang "ifu to hide behind a screen. The t#o guests #ere led into the library, and after the eAchange of the ordinary civilities and a cup of tea, )hong 9i referred to the incident at the hunt and the shooting of the stag. C!ere you not angry at thatGC said )hong 9i. Dong )heng ans#ered, CThough #e be angry, #hat can #e doGC !u Shi struc$ in, saying, CI #ould slay this fello#, I s#ear, but I cannot get anyone to bac$ me up.C COne should perish for one(s country; one should not mind,C said )hong 9i. +t this moment !ang "ifu appeared from behind the screen, saying, CBou t#o #ant to $ill )ao )ao= I shall have to let him $no# this. +nd Hncle Dong )heng is my #itness.C C+ loyal minister does not mind death. If #e are $illed, #e #ill be *an ghosts, #hich is better than being sycophants of a traitor,C said )hong 9i, angrily. Dong )heng said, C!e #ere >ust saying #e #anted to see you t#o on this matter. !ang "ifu is only >o$ing.C Then he dre# forth the decree and sho#ed it to the t#o ne#comers, #ho also #ept as they read it. They #ere as$ed to add their names to the sil$ roll. !ang "ifu said, C!ait here a fe# moments till I get !u "ilan to come.C *e left the room and very soon returned #ith his friend, #ho also #rote his name in the presence of all the others. +fter this they #ent into one of the inner chambers to drin$ success to the ne# plot. !hile there, a ne# visitor, 1a Teng, 8overnor of 2iliang, #as announced.

CSay I am indisposed,C said the host, Cand cannot receive visitors.C The door$eeper too$ the message, #hereat 1a Teng angrily said, C,ast night at the Donghua 8ate, I sa# him come out in robe and girdle. *o# can he pretend illness todayG I am not come from mere idleness, #hy does he refuse to see meGC The door$eeper #ent in again and told his master #hat the visitor had said and that he #as very angry. Then Dong )heng rose, eAcused himself saying he #ould soon return, and #ent to receive 1a Teng. +fter the visitor had saluted and they #ere both seated, 1a Teng said, CI have >ust come from a fare#ell audience and #ished to bid you good bye. !hy did you #ant to put me offGC C1y poor body #as ta$en suddenly ill. That is #hy I #as not #aiting to #elcome you,C said Dong )heng. CBou do not loo$ as if you #ere ill. Bour face #ears the very bloom of health,C said 1a Teng bluntly. *is host could say no more and #as silent. The visitor shoo$ out his sleeves and rose to depart. *e sighed deeply as he #al$ed do#n the steps, saying to himself, CFot one of them is any good. There is no one to save the country.C This speech san$ deeply into Dong )heng(s heart. *e stopped his guest, saying, C!ho is no good to save the countryG !hom do you meanGC CThat incident at the hunt the other day, the shooting of the stag, filled my breast #ith anger. 'ut if you, a near relative of the 4mperor, can pass your time in #ine and idle dalliance #ithout a thought of doing a#ay #ith rebellion, #here can anyone be found #ho #ill save the dynastyGC *o#ever, Dong )heng doubts #ere not set at rest. 7retending great surprise, he replied, CThe 7rime 1inister is of high ran$ and has the confidence of the court. !hy then do you utter such thingsGC CSo you find that #retch )ao )ao a good man, ehGC C7ray spea$ lo#er@ There are eyes and ears very near us.C CThe sort of people #ho covet life and fear death are not those to discuss any great underta$ing.C So saying, 1a Teng rose to go s#ay. 'y this time his host(s doubts #ere set at rest. *e felt that 1a Teng #as loyal. So Dong )heng said, CDo not be angry any more. I #ill sho# you something.C

!hereupon he invited 1a Teng to go into the room #here the others #ere seated and then sho#ed him the decree. +s 1a Teng read it, his hair stood on end; he ground his teeth and bit his lips till the blood came. C!hen you move, remember the #hole force of my army is ready to help,C said 1a Teng. Dong )heng introduced him to the other conspirators, and then the pledge #as produced, and 1a Teng #as told to sign his name. *e did so, at the same time smearing the blood as a sign of the oath and saying, CI s#ear to die rather than betray this pledge=C 7ointing to the five he said, C!e re uire ten for this business, and #e can accomplish our design.C C!e cannot get many true and loyal people. One of the #rong sort #ill spoil all,C said Dong )heng. 1a Teng told them to bring in the list of officials. *e read on till he came to the name ,iu, of the imperial clan, #hen clapping his hands he cried, C!hy not consult himGC C!homGC cried they altogether. 1a Teng very slo#ly and deliberately spo$e his name. To a very trusty servant comes an 4mperor(s decree, +nd a scion of the ruling house can prove his loyalty. If the readers turns to the neAt chapter, they #ill see #hom 1a Teng tal$ed about. Chapter 21 In 1 P#&m Garden) Cao Cao *isc&sses Heroes; Csing The Host;s Forces) G&an +& Ta5es :&@ho&' C!ho is itGC #as the uestion on the lips of the conspirators. 1a Teng(s reply #as, CThe Imperial 7rotector of BuDhou, ,iu 'ei. *e is here and #e #ill as$ him to help.C CThough he is an uncle of the 4mperor, he is at present a partisan of our enemy, and he #ill not >oin,C said Dong )heng. C'ut I sa# something at the hunt,C said 1a Teng. C!hen )ao )ao advanced to ac$no#ledge the congratulations due to the 4mperor, ,iu 'ei(s s#orn brother 8uan Bu #as behind him, and grasped his s#ord as if to cut do#n )ao )ao. *o#ever, ,iu 'ei signed to him to hold his hand and 8uan Bu did. ,iu 'ei #ould #illingly destroy )ao )ao, only he thin$s )ao )ao(s teeth and cla#s are too many. Bou must as$ ,iu 'ei, and he #ill surely consent.C

*ere !u Shi urged caution, saying, CDo not go too fast. ,et us consider the thing most carefully.C They dispersed. FeAt day after dar$ Dong )heng #ent to ,iu 'ei(s lodging ta$ing #ith him the decree. +s soon as Dong )heng #as announced, ,iu 'ei came to greet him and led him into a private room #here they could tal$ freely. The t#o younger brothers #ere there as #ell. CIt must be something unusually important that has brought Hncle Dong )heng here tonight,C said ,iu 'ei. CIf I had ridden forth by daylight, )ao )ao might have suspected something, so I came by night.C !ine #as brought in, and #hile they #ere drin$ing, Dong )heng said, C!hy did you chec$ your brother the other day at the hunt, #hen he #as going to attac$ )ao )aoGC ,iu 'ei #as startled and said, C*o# did you $no#GC CFobody noticed but I sa#.C ,iu 'ei could not prevaricate and said, CIt #as the presumption of the man that made my brother so angry. 8uan Bu could not help it.C The visitor covered his face and #ept. C+h,C said he, Cif all the court ministers #ere li$e 8uan Bu, there #ould be no sighs for lac$ of tran uillity.C Fo# ,iu 'ei felt that possibly )ao )ao had sent his visitor to try him, so he cautiously replied, C!here are the sighs for lac$ of tran uillity #hile )ao )ao is at the head of affairsGC Dong )heng changed color and rose from his seat. CBou, Sir, are a relative of *is 1a>esty, and so I sho#ed you my inmost feelings. !hy did you mislead meGC 'ut ,iu 'ei said, C'ecause I feared you might be misleading me, and I #anted to find out.C +t this Dong )heng dre# out the decree he had received and sho#ed it. *is host #as deeply moved. Then Dong )heng produced the pledge. There #ere only siA names to it, and these #ere Dong )heng, !ang "ifu, )hong 9i, !u Shi, !u "ilan, and 1a Teng. CSince you have a decree li$e this, I cannot but do my share,C said ,iu 'ei, and at Dong )heng(s re uest he added his name and signature to the others and handed it bac$. CFo# let us but get three more, #hich #ill ma$e ten, and #e shall be ready to act.C

C'ut you must move #ith great caution and not let this get abroad,C said ,iu 'ei. The t#o remained tal$ing till an early hour in the morning #hen the visitor left. Fo# in order to put )ao )ao uite off the scent that any plot against him #as in progress, ,iu 'ei began to devote himself to gardening, planting vegetables, and #atering them #ith his o#n hands. 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei ventured to remonstrate #ith him for ta$ing to such an occupation #hen great matters needed attention. CThe reason for this you may not $no#,C replied he. +nd they said no more. One day #hen the t#o brothers #ere absent, and ,iu 'ei #as busy in his garden, t#o generals of )ao )ao, 2u )hu and "hang ,iao, #ith an escort came from )ao )ao, saying, CThe command of the 7rime 1inister is that you come at once.C C!hat important affair is afootGC as$ed ,iu 'ei nervously. C!e $no# nothing. !e #ere ordered to come and re uest your presence.C +ll he could do #as to follo#. !hen ,iu 'ei arrived, )ao )ao met him and laughingly said, CThat is a big business you have in hand at home.C This remar$ made ,iu 'ei turn the color of clay. )ao )ao too$ him by the hand and led him straight to the private garden, saying, CThe gro#th of vegetables that you are trying to learn is very difficult.C ,iu 'ei breathed again. *e said, CThat is hardly a business. It is only a solace.C )ao )ao said, CI happened to notice the green plums on the trees today, and suddenly my thoughts #ent bac$ to a year ago #hen #e #ere thrashing "hang 2iu. !e #ere marching through a parched county, and everyone #as suffering from thirst. Suddenly I lifted my #hip, and pointing at something in the distance I said, (,oo$ at those fruitful plum trees in the forest ahead.( The soldiers heard it, and it made their mouths #ater. Seeing the plums $indles my appreciation. I o#e something to the plums, and #e #ill repay it today. I ordered the servants to heat some #ine very hot and sent to invite you to share it.C ,iu 'ei #as uite composed by this time and no longer suspected any sinister design. *e #ent #ith his host to a small spring pavilion in a plum garden, #here the #ine cups #ere already laid out and green plums filled the dishes. They sat do#n to a confidential tal$ and free en>oyment of their #ine.

+s they dran$, the #eather gradually changed, clouds gathering and threatening rain. The servants pointed out a mass of cloud that loo$ed li$e a dragon hung in the s$y. 'oth host and guest leaned over the balcony loo$ing at it. CDo you understand the evolution of dragonsGC as$ed )ao )ao of the guest. CFot in detail.C C+ dragon can assume any siDe, can rise in glory or hide from sight. 'ul$y, it generates clouds and evolves mist; attenuated, it can scarcely hide a mustard stal$ or conceal a shado#. 1ounting, it can soar to the empyrean; subsiding, it lur$s in the uttermost depths of the ocean. This is the midspring season, and the dragon chooses this moment for its transformations li$e a person realiDing his o#n desires and overrunning the #orld. The dragon among animals compares #ith the hero among people. Bou, 8eneral, have traveled all la$es and rivers. Bou must $no# #ho are the heroes of the present day, and I #ish you #ould say #ho they are.C CI am >ust a common dullard. *o# can I $no# such thingsGC CDo not be so modest,C said )ao )ao. CThan$s to your $indly protection I have a post at court. 'ut as to heroes I really do not $no# #ho they are.C CBou may not have loo$ed upon their faces, but you must have heard their names.C CBuan Shu of the South of River *uai, #ith his strong army and abundant resources@ Is he oneGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. *is host laughed, C+ rotting s$eleton in a graveyard. I shall put him out of the #ay shortly.C C!ell, Buan Shao then. The highest offices of state have been held in his family for four generations, and his clients are many in the empire. *e is firmly posted in 9iDhou, and he commands the services of many able people. Surely he is one.C C+ bully, but a co#ard. *e is fond of grandiose schemes, but is devoid of decision. *e ma$es for great things but grudges the necessary sacrifice. *e loses sight of everything else in vie# of a little present advantage. *e is not one.C CThere is ,iu 'iao of 9ingDhou. *e is reno#ned as a man of perfection, #hose fame has spread on all sides. Surely he is a hero.C C*e is a mere semblance, a man of vain reputation. Fo; not he.C CSun )e is a sturdy sort, the chief of all in the South ,and. Is he a heroGC

C*e has profited by the reputation of his father Sun 9ian. Sun )e is not a real hero.C C!hat of ,iu "hang of BiDhouGC CThough he is of the reigning family, he is nothing more than a #atch dog. *o# could you ma$e a hero of himGC C!hat about "hang 2iu, "hang ,u, *an Sui, and all those leadersGC )ao )ao clapped his hands and laughed very loudly, saying, C7altry people li$e them are not #orth mentioning.C C!ith these eAceptions I really $no# none.C CFo# heroes are the ones #ho cherish lofty designs in their bosoms and have plans to achieve them. They have all6embracing schemes, and the #hole #orld is at their mercy.C C!ho is such a personGC said ,iu 'ei. )ao )ao pointed his finger first at his guest and then at himself, saying, CThe only heroes in the #orld are you and I.C% ,iu 'ei gasped, and the spoon and chopstic$s rattled to the floor. Fo# >ust at that moment the storm burst #ith a tremendous peal of thunder and rush of rain. ,iu 'ei stooped do#n to recover the fallen articles, saying, C!hat a shoc$= +nd it #as uite close.C C!hat= +re you afraid of thunderGC said )ao )ao. ,iu 'ei replied, CThe Sage One paled at a sudden peal of thunder or fierce gust of #ind. !hy should one not fearGC Thus he glossed over the real fact, that it #as the #ords he had heard that had so startled him. )onstrained to lodge in a tiger(s lair, *e played a #aiting part, 'ut #hen )ao )ao tal$ed of brea$ing humans, Then terror gripped his heart. 'ut he cleverly used the thunder peal +s eAcuse for turning pale; O uic$ to seiDe occasions thus= *e surely must prevail.

The sho#er had passed, and there appeared t#o men rushing through the garden, both armed. In spite of the attendants, they forced their #ay to the pavilion #here sat the t#o friends. They #ere 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei. The t#o brothers had been outside the city at archery practice #hen )ao )ao(s invitation had come so peremptorily. On their return they heard that t#o officers had arrived and led a#ay ,iu 'ei to the 7rime 1inister. They hastened to his palace and #ere told their brother #as #ith his host in the grounds, and they feared something had happened. So they rushed in. Fo# #hen they sa# their brother uietly tal$ing #ith )ao )ao and en>oying a cup of #ine, they too$ up their usual places and mee$ly stood #aiting. C!hy did you comeGC said )ao )ao. C!e heard that you, Sir, had invited our brother to a #ine party, and #e came to amuse you #ith a little s#ord play,C said they. CThis is not a *ongmen 'an uet,C replied )ao )ao. C!hat use have #e for 2iang )hang and 2iang 'a of oldG%C ,iu 'ei smiled. The host ordered #ine to be served to the t#o C3an 5uaisC to allay their anAiety and, soon after, the three too$ their leave and returned home#ard. C!e #ere nearly frightened to death,C said 8uan Bu. The story of the dropped chopstic$s #as told. The t#o as$ed #hat their brother intended by his actions. C1y learning gardening #as to convince )ao )ao of my perfect simplicity and the absence of any ambition. 'ut #hen he suddenly pointed to me as one of the heroes, I #as startled, for I thought he had some suspicions. *appily the thunder at that moment supplied the eAcuse I #anted.C CReally you are very clever,C said they. FeAt day )ao )ao again invited ,iu 'ei and #hile the t#o #ere drin$ing, 1an )hong, #ho had been dispatched to find out #hat Buan Shao #as doing, came to present his report. 1an )hong said, C8ongsun "an has been completely defeated by Buan Shao.C CDo you $no# the detailsG I should li$e to $no# ho#,C interrupted ,iu 'ei. CThey #ere at #ar, and 8ongsun "an got the #orst of it, so he acted on the defensive, building a high #all about his army and on that erecting a high to#er, #hich he called the Bi>ing To#er. Therein he placed all his grain, one hundred thousand carts total, and too$ up his o#n uarters. *is fighting troops passed in and out #ithout ceasing, some going out to give battle, others

returning to rest. One of them #as surrounded and sent to as$ 8ongsun "an to rescue him. 8ongsun "an said, (If I rescue him, hereafter everyone #ill #ant to be helped and #ill not eAert himself.( So 8ongsun "an did not go. This disgusted his soldiers, and many deserted to the enemy so that his army diminished. *e sent letters to the capital to crave help, but the messenger #as captured. *e sent to "hang Ban to arrange #ith him for a t#o6pronged >oint attac$, and those letters #ith the plans also fell into Buan Shao(s hands. The plans #ere adopted by Buan Shao, #ho gave the signals agreed upon. Thus 8ongsun "an fell into an ambush, lost heavily, and retreated into the city. There he #as besieged, and a subterranean passage #as pierced into the to#er #here he lodged. The to#er #as set on fire, and 8ongsun "an could not escape. So he sle# his #ife and little ones and hanged himself. The flames destroyed the bodies of the #hole family. CBuan Shao has added the remnants of the van uished army to his o#n and so become yet stronger. *is brother Buan Shu in the South of River *uai, ho#ever, has become so arrogant and cruel that the people have turned against him. Then Buan Shu had sent to say he #ould yield the title of 4mperor, #hich he had assumed, in favor of Buan Shao. Buan Shao demanded the Imperial *ereditary Seal also, and Buan Shu promised to bring it in person. Fo# Buan Shu has abandoned River *uai and is about to move to the Forth of Bello# River. If he succeeded, the t#o brothers #ill control ad>oining regions and be dangerous.C It #as a sad story, and ,iu 'ei remembered #ith sorro# that, in the days of success and prosperity, the dead chieftain, 8ongsun "an, had pushed his interest and sho#n him much $indness. 1oreover he #as anAious to $no# the fate of "hao Bun. In his heart he thought, C!hat better chance am I li$ely to get of setting myself freeGC So ,iu 'ei rose and said to )ao )ao, CIf Buan Shu goes over to >oin his brother, he #ill surely pass through 2uDhou. I beg you to give me an army #ith #hich to smite him on the #ay. That #ill finish Buan Shu.C C1emorialiDe the 4mperor tomorro#, and I #ill give you an army,C said )ao )ao. So neAt day ,iu 'ei #ent to an audience, and )ao )ao gave him command of fifty thousand horse and foot, and sent 8enerals "hu ,ing and ,u "hao #ith him. +t parting #ith ,iu 'ei, the 4mperor shed tears. +s soon as ,iu 'ei reached his lodging, he set about preparations for immediate departure, ta$ing his seal as 8eneral and preparing his #eapons. Dong )heng #ent three miles a#ay from the city to bid him fare#ell. CBou must not mind my going. This >ourney #ill assuredly help on the scheme,C said ,iu 'ei. C5eep your mind fiAed on that,C said Dong )heng, Cand never forget #hat *is 1a>esty re uires of us.C

They parted. 7resently his brothers as$ed him #hy he #as in such a hurry to get a#ay. ,iu 'ei replied, CI have been a bird in a cage, a fish in a net. This is li$e the fish regaining the open sea and the bird soaring into the blue s$y. I suffered much from the confinement.C Then he ordered "hu ,ing and ,u "hao to march the troops faster. Fo# 8uo 9ia and )heng Bu had been absent inspecting stores and supplies #hen ,iu 'ei left. +s soon as they heard of his eApedition, they #ent in to see their master, as$ing him #hy he had let ,iu 'ei go in command of an army. C*e is going to cut off Buan Shu,C replied )ao )ao. C3ormerly, #hen he #as Imperial 7rotector of BuDhou, #e recommended that he should be put to death, but you #ould not hear of it. Fo# you have given him an army. Bou have allo#ed the dragon to reach the sea, the tiger to return to the mountains. !hat control #ill you have in futureGC So spo$e )heng Bu, and 8uo 9ia follo#ed in the same strain, saying, C4ven if you #ould not put him to death, you need not have let him go. +s the proverb says, (RelaA opposition for one day and age6long harm ensues.( Bou must admit the truth of this.C )ao )ao recogniDed that these #ere prudent counsels, so he sent 2u )hu #ith five hundred horsemen and imperative orders to bring ,iu 'ei bac$ again. ,iu 'ei #as marching as rapidly as possible #hen he noticed a cloud of dust in the rear and remar$ed to his brothers, CSurely they are pursuing us.C *e halted and made a stoc$ade, and ordered his brothers to be in readiness, one on each flan$. 7resently the messenger arrived and found himself in the midst of an army ready for battle. 2u )hu dismounted and entered the camp to spea$ #ith ,iu 'ei. CSir, on #hat business have you comeGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. CThe 7rime 1inister has sent me to re uest you to return as he has further matters to discuss #ith you.C C!hen a general has once ta$en the field, even the royal command is of no effect. I bade fare#ell to the 4mperor, I received the 7rime 1inister(s commands, and there can be nothing further to tal$ about. Bou may return forth#ith and ta$e that as my reply.C 2u )hu #as undecided #hat action to ta$e. *e thought, CThe 7rime 1inister cherishes a friendship #ith ,iu 'ei, and I have no orders to $ill. I can only return #ith this reply and as$ further instructions.C So 2u )hu left. !hen he related #hat had occurred, )ao )ao still hesitated to ta$e any action.

CThis refusal to return means enmity,C said )heng Bu and 8uo 9ia. CStill, t#o of my people are #ith him,C said )ao )ao. C*e #ill not dare do anything unfriendly, I thin$. 'eside, I sent him and I cannot go bac$ on my o#n orders.C So ,iu 'ei #as not pursued. *e too$ his arms, he fed his steed, +nd fared forth #illingly, Intent to accomplish his 5ing(s behest Deep graven on his memory. +t least he had bro$en out of his cage, *e heard not the tiger(s roar, *e had sha$en the shac$les from his feet, +s a dragon on high could soar. +s soon as 1a Teng heard that ,iu 'ei had set forth, he reported that pressing business called him and marched bac$ to his o#n region, 2iliang. !hen ,iu 'ei reached 2uDhou, the Deputy Imperial 7rotector, )he "hou, came to meet him. !hen the official ban uet #as over, Sun &ian and 1i "hu paid their visit to )he "hou. Then ,iu 'ei proceeded to his residence to greet his family. Scouts #ere sent out to see #hat Buan Shu #as doing. They came bac$ #ith the intelligence@ CBuan Shu(s arrogance had driven a#ay his generals, ,ei 'o and )hen ,an, #ho had returned to their mountain fastness in 1ount Song. *is forces thus reduced, he #rote resigning the imperial style he had assumed in favor of his brother Buan Shao, #ho at once commanded his presence. Thereupon he pac$ed up the 7alace fittings he had made, got the remnants of his army in order, and marched #est.C !hen Buan Shu neared 2uDhou, ,iu 'ei led out his force of fifty thousand soldiers and four generals6668uan Bu, "hang 3ei, "hu ,ing, and ,u "hao. Buan Shu sent out 9i ,ing to force a #ay through. 'ut "hang 3ei opposed him and attac$ed #ithout a parley. In the tenth bout "hang 3ei cut do#n 9i ,ing. The defeated troops fled in all directions. Then Buan Shu came up #ith his o#n army. ,iu 'ei placed "hu ,ing and ,u "hao in command of the left #ing, 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei the right #ing, and himself in the center, and so met Buan Shu. +s soon as the enemy came near, ,iu 'ei began to abuse him, crying, CO rebellious one, and #ic$ed, I have a command to destroy you= Bield, then, #ith good grace and so escape your punishment=C C'ase #eaver of mats and mean ma$er of stra# sandals= *o# dare you ma$e light of meGC replied Buan Shu, and he gave the signal for an attac$.

,iu 'ei retired, and his generals from the flan$s closed in. They smote the army of Buan Shu till corpses littered the plain and blood flo#ed in streams. +t the same time Buan Shu(s former generals, ,ei 'o and )hen ,an from 1ount Song, attac$ed the baggage train and completed the destruction. Buan Shu tried to retreat to Shouchun, but ,ei 'o and )hen ,an barred the road. Buan Shu sought refuge in 9iangling, #ith one thousand troops left of all his army. +nd these #ere the #ea$ly ones, able neither to fight nor flee. It #as then the height of summer, and their food #as nearly eAhausted. The #hole provision consisted of thirty carts of #heat. This #as made over to the soldiers, and the members of his household #ent hungry. 1any died of actual starvation. Buan Shu could not s#allo# the coarse food that the soldiers lived on. One day he bade his coo$ bring him some honeyed #ater to uench his thirst. CThere is no #ater, save that tainted #ith blood,C replied the coo$. C!here can I get honeyed #aterGC This #as the last stra#. Buan Shu sat up on his couch and rolled out on the floor #ith a loud cry. 'lood gushed from his mouth and thus he died. It #as the siAth month of the fourth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D :II0. The last days of *an approached and #eapons clashed in every uarter, The misguided Buan Shu, lost to all sense of honor, 3orgetful of his forefathers, #ho had filled the state(s highest offices, 1adly aspired to become himself 4mperor, Resting his outrageous claim on the possession of the Seal, +nd arrogantly boasting that thus he fulfilled the design of *eaven. +las= Sic$ unto death he vainly begged for a little honeyed #ater; *e died, alone. Buan Shu being dead, his nephe#, Buan Bin, ta$ing his coffin and his #ife and children, sought shelter in ,u>iang. There the 1agistrate, 2u ,iu, sle# all the survivors. +mong the possessions 2u ,iu found the Imperial *ereditary Seal, #hich he at once too$ to the capital and presented to )ao )ao, for #hich service he #as made 8overnor of 8aoling. Since then the Imperial *ereditary Seal belonged to )ao )ao. !hen ,iu 'ei heard that Buan Shu #as dead, he prepared a report to the Throne, and sent it to )ao )ao. *e sent the t#o generals deputed by )ao )ao, "hu ,ing and ,u "hao, bac$ to the capital, $eeping the army to defend 2uDhou. *e also personally #ent through the countryside commanding the people to resume their ordinary avocations. )ao )ao #as angry #hen his t#o officers returned #ithout their man and #as going to put them to death. 2un Bu reasoned #ith him. CThe po#er #as in ,iu 'ei(s hands, and so these t#o had no alternative,C said 2un Bu.

So they #ere pardoned. CBou should instruct )he "hou, the Deputy Imperial 7rotector, to try to destroy him,C said 2un Bu. +ccordingly he sent secret orders to )he "hou, #ho too$ )hen Deng into his confidence and as$ed his advice. )hen Deng said, CThat is easy. ,iu 'ei is outside the city, and an ambush in the city gate to attac$ him on his return from the country #ill be final. I #ill attac$ the escort #ith arro#s from the city #alls.C )he "hou agreed to try this. Then )hen Deng #ent to his father to tell him. )hen 8ui bade him go and #arn the intended victim. )hen Deng at once rode a#ay to do so. 'efore long he met 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei, to #hom he told his story. Fo# ,iu 'ei #as follo#ing some distance behind. +s soon as "hang 3ei heard of the plot, he #anted to attac$ the ambush, but 8uan Bu proposed another plan. Said he, C+ttac$ing the ambush #ill be a failure, since #e are #ithout the #alls. +nd I thin$ #e can compass the death of )he "hou. In the night #e #ill pretend to be some of )ao )ao(s soldiers and entice him out to meet us. !e #ill slay him.C "hang 3ei approved of the plan. Fo# the soldiers still had some of )ao )ao(s army banners and #ore similar armor. +bout the third #atch they came to the city #all and hailed the gate. Those on guard as$ed #ho they #ere. The men replied that they #ere "hang ,iao(s troops sent from the capital. This #as told )he "hou #ho sent hastily for )hen Deng to as$ his advice. CIf I do not receive them, they #ill suspect my loyalty,C said )he "hou. CBet if I go out, I may be victim of a ruse.C So he #ent up on the #all and said, CIt is too dar$ to distinguish friends from foes. Bou must #ait till daylight.C CIf ,iu 'ei $no# our presence, he #ill attac$,C shouted bac$ the soldiers. +nd they begged him to let them in. Still )he "hou hesitated. They shouted louder than ever to open the gate. 7resently )he "hou girded on his armor, placed himself at the head of one thousand cavalry and #ent out. *e galloped over the bridge, shouting, C!here is "hang ,iaoGC Then lights blaDed around, and he recogniDed 8uan Bu #ith his s#ord dra#n.

C!retch=C cried 8uan Bu. CBou #ould plot to slay my brother, #ould youGC )he "hou #as too frightened to ma$e good defense, and he turned to reenter the gate. 'ut as he reached the dra#bridge, )hen Deng shot out flights of arro#s, #herefore )he "hou turned aside and galloped along under the #all. 'ut 8uan Bu came uic$ly in pursuit. *is s#ord #as raised aloft, and as it came do#n, )he "hou fell to the earth. 8uan Bu cut off his head and returned, shouting, CI have slain the traitor. Bou others need not fear if you only surrender=C They thre# aside their spears and gave in. +s soon as the eAcitement had calmed, 8uan Bu too$ the head to sho# ,iu 'ei and told him the story of the plot. C'ut #hat #ill )ao )ao thin$ of thisGC said ,iu 'ei. C+nd he may come.C CIf he does, #e can meet him,C said 8uan Bu. 'ut ,iu 'ei #as grieved beyond measure. !hen he entered the city, the elders of the people $nelt in the road to #elcome him. !hen he reached his residence, he found that "hang 3ei had already eAterminated the family of )he "hou. ,iu 'ei said, C!e have slain one of )ao )ao(s best officers, and ho# #ill he stand thatGC CFever mind=C cried )hen Deng. CI have a plan.C 9ust from grave danger eAtricated, + looming #ar must be placated. The plan proposed by )hen Deng #ill be disclosed neAt. Chapter 22 +&an Shao 1nd Cao Cao Both Ta5e The Fie#d; G&an +& 1nd Zhang Fei Capt&res Two Genera#s' This #as the plan )hen Deng proposed to ,iu 'ei, CBuan Shao is )ao )ao(s terror. *e is strongly posted in an eAtensive territory of four regions6669iDhou, &ingDhou, BouDhou, and 'ingDhou666#ith one million fighting soldiers and numerous able officers. !rite letters and pray him rescue you.C ,iu 'ei replied, C'ut #e have never had any dealings #ith each other, and he is unli$ely to do such a thing for a person #ho has >ust destroyed his brother.C CThere is someone here #hose family have been on intimate terms #ith the Buans for a hundred years. Buan Shao #ould surely come, if he #rote.C

C+nd #ho is thisGC C+ man you $no# #ell and respect greatly. )an you not guessGC CBou surely mean "heng 2uan,C said ,iu 'ei suddenly. CThat is he,C said )hen Deng smiling. Fo# "heng 2uan #as a student and a man of great talent, #ho had long studied under the famed teacher 1a Rong, #hose $no#ledge of the 'oo$ of Odes #as universally recogniDed. !henever 1a Rong lectured, he let fall a curtain behind #hich #ere a circle of singing girls. The students #ere assembled in front of this curtain. "heng 2uan attended these lectures for three years and never once let his eyes #ander to the curtain. Faturally the master admired his pupil. +fter "heng 2uan had finished his studies and gone home, 1a Rong praised him to the others, saying, COnly one man has penetrated the inner meaning of my instructions, and that one is "heng 2uan.C In "heng 2uan(s household, the #aiting maids #ere familiar #ith the 'oo$ of Odes. Once one of the maids opposed "heng 2uan(s #ishes, so as punishment she #as made to $neel in front of the steps. +nother girl made fun of her, uoting from an ode@ C!hat are you doing there in the mireGC The $neeling girl capped the verse from another ode, uoted she@ CThat #as but a simple #ord I said, Bet brought it #rath upon my head.C Such #as the family in #hich "heng 2uan had been born. In the reign of the 4mperor *uan, he rose to the ran$ of )hair of the Secretariat. 'ut #hen the Ten 4unuchs began to control the government, he gave up office and retired into the country to 2uDhou. ,iu 'ei had $no#n him before, had consulted him on many occasions, and greatly respected him. ,iu 'ei #as glad that he had remembered this man, and #ithout loss of time, in company #ith )hen Deng, he #ent to "heng 2uan(s house to as$ him to draft this letter, #hich "heng 2uan generously consented to do. Sun &ian #as entrusted #ith the tas$ of delivery and set out at once. Buan Shao read it and considered the matter long before spea$ing. C,iu 'ei destroyed my brother, and I ought not to help him, but out of consideration for the #riter of this letter I must.C Thereupon Buan Shao assembled his officers to consider an attac$ upon )ao )ao.

+dviser Tian 3eng said, CDo not raise an army. The people are #orn out, and the granaries are empty #ith these constant #ars. ,et us rather report the recent victory of 8ongsun "an to the Throne. If that does not reach the 4mperor, then memorialiDe that )ao )ao is hindering the government. Then raise an army, occupy ,iyang, assemble a Bello# River fleet in *enan, prepare #eapons, send out your various divisions, and #ithin three years you #ill #in all round.C +dviser Shen 7ei replied, CI do not agree. The military genius of our illustrious lord having overcome the hordes of the north, to dispose of )ao )ao is as simple as turning one(s hand. It is not a matter of months.C +dviser 9u Shou said, CVictory is not al#ays to the many. )ao )ao(s discipline is eAcellent; his soldiers are brave and #ell drilled. *e #ill not sit do#n uietly #aiting to be surrounded as 8ongsun "an did. Fo# you abandon the intention to inform the Throne of our success, #hich I find a good plan, but you intend to send out an army #ithout any valid eAcuse. Our lord should not do that.C Then follo#ed adviser 8uo Tu, saying, CBou are #rong. Fo eApedition against )ao )ao can lac$ eAcuse. 'ut if our master #ould ta$e the chance no# offering itself of coming into his o#n, he #ill accede to the re uest in the letter of "heng 2uan and ally himself #ith ,iu 'ei for the destruction of )ao )ao. This #ould #in the approval of *eaven and the affections of the people, a double blessing.C Thus the four advisers differed and #rangled, and Buan Shao could not decide #hich to follo#. Then there came t#o others, 2u Bou and 2un Shen, and, seeing them, Buan Shao said, CBou t#o have #ide eAperience, ho# #ould you decideGC The t#o made their obeisance, and Buan Shao said, C+ letter from "heng 2uan the )hair has arrived, counseling me to support ,iu 'ei in an attac$ on )ao )ao. Fo# am I to send an army or not send an armyGC They both cried #ith one voice, CSend= Bour armies are numerous enough and strong enough. Bou #ill destroy a traitor and help the dynasty.C CBour #ords >ust eApress my desire,C said Buan Shao and thencefor#ard the discussion turned on the eApedition. 3irst, ,iu 'ei(s legate, Sun &ian, #as sent bac$ #ith Buan Shao(s consent and instructions for ,iu 'ei to ma$e ready to cooperate. Second, Buan Shao assigned Shen 7ei and 7eng 9i as )ommanding 8enerals; Tian 3eng, 2un Shen, and 2u Bou as 1ilitary +dvisers; Ban ,iang and !en )hou as 8enerals. The army #as to be composed of three hundred thousand, horse and foot in e ual numbers. They #ere to march on ,iyang.

!hen the arrangements #ere complete, 8uo Tu #ent to his chief, saying, CIn order to manifest the righteousness of your attac$ on )ao )ao, it #ould be #ell to issue a manifesto #ith a summary of his various crimes.C Buan Shao approved of this, and )hen ,in, #ell $no#n as a scholar, #as entrusted to compose such a document. )hen ,in had been the )ourt Secretary in the reign of the late 4mperor ,ing. !hen Dong "huo unseated Regent 1arshal *e 9in, )hen ,in sought safety in 9iDhou. This is the manifesto@ C+ perspicacious ruler #isely provides against political vicissitudes; a loyal minister carefully foresees the difficulties in the assertion of authority. !herefore a person of unusual parts precedes an eAtraordinary situation, and of such a person the achievements #ill be eAtraordinary. 3or indeed the ordinary person is uite une ual to an eAtraordinary situation. CIn former days, after having gained ascendancy over a #ea$ling emperor of the po#erful &in Dynasty, 7rime 1inister "hao 8ao% #ielded the #hole authority of the Throne, overruling the government. +ll dignity and fortune came through him, and his contemporaries #ere restrained so that none dared to spea$ openly. Slo#ly but surely evolved the tragedy of the !angyi 7alace, #hen the 4mperor #as slain and the Imperial Tablets perished in the flames. "hao 8ao, the author of these crimes, has ever since been held up to oblo uy as the arch eAample of an evil doer. CIn the later days of 4mpress ,u of the *ans, after the death of the Supreme +ncestor, the #orld sa# ,u )han and ,u ,u, brothers of the 4mpress and fello#s in #ic$edness, monopoliDing the po#ers of government. !ithin the capital, they commanded t#o armies, and #ithout they ruled the feudal states of ,iang and "hao. They arbitrarily controlled all state affairs and decided all uestions in the council chamber and the court. This dominance of the base and declension of the noble continued till the hearts of the people gre# cold #ithin them. CThereupon "hou 'o%, ,ord of 9iang, and ,iu "han, ,ord of "huAu, asserted their dignity and let loose their #rath. They destroyed the contumacious ministers and restored their ruler to his royal state. Thus they enabled the $ingly #ay to be reestablished and the glory to be manifested. *ere are t#o instances #here ministers asserted their authority. CThis )ao )ao, no# 1inister of !or$s, forsooth, had for ancestor a certain eunuch named )ao Teng, fitting companion of 2u *uan and "uo 8uan. +ll three #ere prodigies of #ic$edness and insatiably avaricious and, let loose on the #orld, they hindered ethical progress and preyed upon the populace. This )ao Teng begged for and adopted )ao )ao(s father #ho, by #holesale bribery, #agons of gold and cartloads of >e#els presented at the gates of the influential, contrived to snea$ his #ay into considerable office #here he could subvert authority. Thus )ao )ao is the depraved bantling of a monstrous eAcrescence, devoid of all virtue in himself, ferocious and cunning, delighting in disorder and reveling in public calamity. CFo# I, Buan Shao, a man of #ar, have mustered my armies and displayed my might that I may s#eep a#ay and destroy the evil opponents of government. I have already had to deal #ith Dong

"huo, the ruffian #ho invaded the official circle and #rested the government. +t that time I grasped my s#ord and beat the drums to restore order in the east. I assembled #arriors, selected the best, and too$ them into my service. In this matter I came into relations #ith this )ao )ao and conferred #ith him to further my scheme. I gave him command of a subordinate force and loo$ed to him to render such petty service as he #as e ual to. I suffered his stupidities and condoned his shortcomings, his rash attac$s and facile retreats, his losses and shameful defeats, his repeated destruction of #hole armies. +gain and again I sent him more troops and filled the gaps in his depleted ran$s. I even addressed a memorial to the Throne for him to be appointed Imperial 7rotector of BanDhou. I made him feel as he #ere a tiger. I added to his honors and increased his authority, hoping that eventually he #ould >ustify himself by a victory against Dong "huo such as &in used 1eng 1ing against 9in. C'ut )ao )ao availed himself of the opportunity to overstep all bounds, to give free rein to violence and evil. *e stripped the common people, outraged the good, and in>ured the virtuous. 'ian Rang, 8overnor of 9iu>iang, #as a man of conspicuous talent and of #orld6#ide reputation. *e #as honest in speech and correct in demeanor. *e spo$e #ithout flattery. )ao )ao put him to death and his head #as eAposed, and his family utterly destroyed. 3rom that day to this scholars have deeply mourned, and popular resentment has steadily gro#n. One person raised his arm in anger, and the #hole countryside follo#ed him. !hereupon )ao )ao #as smitten at 2uDhou, and his territory #as snatched by ,u 'u. *e fled east#ard #ithout shelter or refuge. C1y policy is a strong trun$ and #ea$ branches, a commanding central government and obedient feudal lords. +lso I am no partisan. Therefore I again raised my banners, donned my armor, and moved for#ard to attac$. 1y drums rolled for an assault on ,u 'u, and his multitudes incontinently fled. I saved )ao )ao from destruction and restored him to a position of authority. !herein I must confess to sho#ing no $indness to the people of BanDhou, although it #as a great matter for )ao )ao. C,ater it happened that the imperial cortege moved east, and a horde of rebels of Dong "huo(s faction rose and attac$ed. The course of government #as hindered. +t that moment my territory #as threatened from the north, and I could not leave it. !herefore I sent one of my officers, 2u 2un, to )ao )ao to see to the repair of the dynastic temples and the protection of the youthful sovereign. Thereupon )ao )ao gave the rein to his inclinations. *e arbitrarily ordered the removal of the court to 2uchang. *e brought shame upon the Ruling *ouse and subverted the la#s. *e engrossed the chairmanship of the three highest offices and monopoliDed the control of the administration. Offices and re#ards #ere conferred according to his #ill; punishment #as at his #ord. *e glorified #hole families of those he loved; he eAterminated #hole clans of those he hated. Open critics #ere eAecuted; secret opponents #ere assassinated. Officials loc$ed their lips; #ayfarers only eAchanged glances. )hairs of boards recorded levies, and every government official held a sinecure. CThe late Bang 'iao, a man #ho had filled t#o of the highest offices of state as )hairs of t#o boards, because of some petty grudge #as, though guiltless, charged #ith a crime. *e #as beaten

and suffered every form of cruelty. This arbitrary and impulsive act #as a flagrant disregard of constitutional rules. C+nother victim #as the )ounselor "hao Ban. *e #as faithful in remonstrance, honest in speech, endo#ed #ith the highest principles of rectitude. *e #as listened to at court. *is #ords carried enough #eight #ith the 4mperor to cause him to modify his intention and confer re#ard for outspo$enness. Desirous of diverting all po#er into his o#n hands and stifle all criticism, )ao )ao presumed to arrest and put to death this censor, in defiance of all legal procedures. C+nother evil deed #as the destruction of the tomb of 7rince 2iao of ,iang, the brother of the late 4mperor. *is tomb should certainly have been respected, even its mulberries and s#eetgum trees, its cypresses and its pines. )ao )ao led soldiers to the cemetery and stood by #hile it #as desecrated, the coffin destroyed and the poor corpse eAposed. They stole the gold and >e#els of the dead. This deed brought tears to the eyes of the 4mperor and rent the hearts of all people. )ao )ao also appointed ne# offices666)ommander !ho Opens 8rave 1ounds and 8eneral !ho See$s for 8old666#hose trac$s #ere mar$ed by desecrated graves and eAhumed bodies. Indeed, #hile assuming the position of the highest officer of state, he indulged the inclination of a bandit, polluting the empire, oppressing the people, a bane to gods and humans. C*e added to this by setting up minute and veAatious prohibitions so that there #ere nets and snares spread in every path#ay, traps and pitfalls laid in every road. + hand raised #as caught in a net, a foot advanced #as ta$en in an entanglement. !herefore the people of his regions, BanDhou and BuDhou, #aAed desperate and the inhabitants of the metropolis groaned and murmured in anger. CRead do#n the names through all the years, Of ministers that all people curse, 3or greed and cruelty and lust, Than )ao )ao you #ill not find a #orse. CI have investigated the cases of evil deeds in the regions, but I have been unable to reform him. I have given him repeated opportunities hoping that he #ould repent. 'ut he has the heart of a #olf, the nature of a #ild beast. *e nourishes evil in his bosom and desires to pull do#n the pillars of the state, to #ea$en the *ouse of *an, to destroy the loyal and true, and to stand himself conspicuous as the chiefest of criminals. C3ormerly, #hen I attac$ed the north, 8ongsun "an, that obstinate bandit and perverse brave, resisted my might for a year. 'efore 8ongsun "an could be destroyed, this )ao )ao #rote to him that, under the pretense of assisting my loyal armies, he #ould covertly lead them to destruction. The plot #as discovered through his messengers, and 8ongsun "an also perished. This blunted )ao )ao(s ardor, and his plans failed. CFo# he is camped at the +o 8ranaries, #ith the Bello# River to strengthen his position. ,i$e the mantis in the story, #ho threatened the chariot #ith its forelegs, he thin$s himself terrible. 'ut

#ith the dignity and prestige of *an to support me, I confront the #hole #orld. I have spearmen by millions, horsemen by hundreds of thousands, fierce and vigorous #arriors strong as )hong *uang and !u *uo, those heroes of anti uity. I have enlisted eApert archers and strong bo#men. In 'ingDhou my armies have crossed the Taihang Range, and in &ingDhou they have forded River 9i and River Ta. They have coasted do#n the Bello# River to attac$ his van, and from 9ingDhou the armies of ,iu 'iao have descended to !ancheng and !angye to smite his rearguard. Thunder6 li$e in the #eight of their march, tiger6li$e in the alertness of their advance, they are as flames let loose among light grass, as the blue ocean poured on glo#ing embers. Is there any hope that he escape destructionG COf the hordes of )ao )ao, those #ho can fight are from the north or from other camps, and they all desire to return home. They #eep #henever they loo$ to the north. The others belong to BanDhou or BuDhou, being remnants of the armies of ,u 'u and "hang Bang. 'eaten, stern necessity forced them to accept service, but they ta$e it only as a temporary eApedient. They #ho have been #ounded hate each other. If I give the signal to return and send my drums to the mountain tops, and #ave the #hite flag to sho# them they may surrender, they #ill melt a#ay li$e de# before the sun, and no blood #ill be shed. The victory #ill be mine. CFo# the *ans are failing and the bonds of empire are relaAed. The sacred dynasty has no supporter, the ministers are not strong enough to cope #ith the difficulties. !ithin the capital the responsible ministers are crestfallen and helpless. There is no one to rely upon. Such loyal and high principled people as are left are bro#beaten by a tyrannical minister. *o# can they manifest their virtueG C)ao )ao has surrounded the 7alace #ith seven hundred veterans, the ostensible ob>ect being to guard the 4mperor, but the covert design being to hold him prisoner. I fear this is but the first step in usurpation, and so I ta$e my part. Fo# is the time for loyal ministers to sacrifice their lives, the opportunity for officers to perform meritorious deeds. )an I fail to urge youG C)ao )ao has forged commands to himself to underta$e the control of government affairs and, in the name of the state, sends out calls for military assistance. I fear lest distant regions may obey his behest and send troops to help him, to the detriment of the multitude and their everlasting shame. Fo #ise person #ill do so. CThe forces of four regions666'ingDhou, 9iDhou, &ingDhou, and BouDhou666are moving out simultaneously. !hen this call reaches 9ingDhou, you #ill see their forces cooperate #ith those of ,iu 'iao. +ll regions and counties ought to organiDe volunteers and set them along their borders to demonstrate their force and prove their loyal support of the dynasty. !ill not this be rendering eAtraordinary serviceG CThe ran$ of lordship, #ith feudal rights over five thousand households and a money re#ard of five millions, #ill be the re#ard of the one #ho brings the head of )ao )ao. Fo uestions #ill be as$ed of those #ho surrender. I publish abroad this notice of my bounty and the re#ards offered that you may realiDe that the dynasty is in real danger.C

Buan Shao read this effusion #ith great >oy. *e at once ordered copies to be posted every#here, in to#ns and cities, at gates, taA stations, ferries, and passes. )opies found their #ay to the capital, and one got into )ao )ao(s palace. That day he happened to be in bed #ith a bad headache. The servants too$ the paper to the sic$ man(s room. *e read it and #as frightened from the tips of his hair to the marro# of his very bones. *e bro$e out into a cold perspiration, and his headache vanished. )ao )ao bounded out of bed and said to )ao *ong, C!ho #rote thisGC CThey say it is )hen ,in(s brush,C replied he. )ao )ao laughed, CThey have the literary gift; they #ould rather have the military too to bac$ it up. This fello# may be a very elegant #riter, but #hat if Buan Shao(s fighting capacity falls shortGC )ao )ao called his advisers together to consider the neAt move. 5ong Rong heard of the summons and #ent to )ao )ao, saying, CBou should not fight #ith Buan Shao@ *e is too strong. 1a$e peace.C 2un Bu said, C*e is despicable. Do not ma$e peace.C 5ong Rong replied, C*is land is #ide and his people strong. *e has many s$illful strategists li$e 8uo Tu, 2u Bou, 7eng 9i, and Shen 7ei; loyal leaders li$e Tian 3eng and 9u Shou; and formidable generals li$e Ban ,iang and !en )hou; able commanders li$e 8ao ,an, "hang *e, *an 1eng, and )hunyu &iong. Bou cannot say he is despicable.C 2un Bu laughed, saying, C*is army is a rabble. One general, Tian 3eng, is bold but treacherous; another, 2u Bou, is greedy and ignorant; Shen 7ei is devoted but stupid; 7eng 9i is steady but useless. +nd these four of such different temperaments, mutually incompatible, #ill ma$e for confusion rather than efficiency. The brave Ban ,iang and !en )hou are #orthless and can be disposed of in the first battle; and the others such as 8ao ,an, "hang *e, *an 1eng, and )hunyu &iong are poor, rough stuff. !hat is the use even of their hundred thousandsGC 5ong Rong #as silent, and )ao )ao smiled. CThey are even as 2un Bu describes,C said )ao )ao. Then )ao )ao issued orders. 8enerals ,iu Dai and !ang "hong #ere to lead an army of fifty thousand troops, displaying the 7rime 1inister(s banners, and march against 2uDhou to attac$ ,iu 'ei. This ,iu Dai had been Imperial 7rotector of BanDhou but had surrendered to )ao )ao and entered )ao )ao(s service after the fall of his region. )ao )ao had given him a ran$ as Supernumerary ,eader and no# #as disposed to ma$e use of him.

)ao )ao himself too$ command of a large army of t#o hundred thousand troops for a simultaneous attac$ on Buan Shao at ,iyang. +dviser )heng Bu said, CThe t#o ,iu Dai and !ang "hong sent against ,iu 'ei are une ual to their tas$.C CI $no#,C said )ao )ao. CThey are not meant to fight ,iu 'ei. It is merely a feint. They have orders not to ma$e any real attac$ till I have overcome Buan Shao. Then ,iu 'ei #ill be neAt.C ,iu Dai and !ang "hong #ent their #ay, and )ao )ao marched out his grand army, #hich came into touch #ith the enemy, then thirty miles distant, at ,iyang. 'oth sides made fortified camps and #aited #atching each other. This #ent on for t#o months of the autumn. There #as dissension in Buan Shao(s camp. 2u Bou #as at enmity #ith his colleague, Shen 7ei, #ho #as in commanding position; and the strategist 9u Shou resented the re>ection of his plan. So they #ould not attac$. Buan Shao also could not ma$e up his mind. Tired of this state of inaction, )ao )ao then gave orders to his commanders@ "ang 'a #as to continue the pressure on &ingDhou and 2uDhou; Bu 9in and ,i Dian to deploy troops along the Bello# River; )ao Ren to uarter the main force at 8uandu. Then )ao )ao #ith an army marched bac$ to )apital 2uchang. The five legions sent against ,iu 'ei #ent into camp thirty6five miles from 2uDhou. The camp made an imposing display of the banners of the 7rime 1inister, but no attac$s follo#ed. Their spies #ere very busy north of the river to get ne#s of )ao )ao(s movement. On the defensive side, ,iu 'ei, as he #as uncertain of the strength of the force against him, dared not move. Suddenly orders came for the )ao )ao(s army to attac$, and then discord sho#ed itself. ,iu Dai said, CThe 7rime 1inister orders an attac$@ Bou advance.C !ang "hong replied, CBou #ere named first.C CI am the )ommander6in6)hief. It is not my place to go first.C CI #ill go #ith you in >oint command,C said !ang "hong. C,et us cast lots, and he upon #hom the lot falls must go,C said ,iu Dai. They dre# lots, and it fell to !ang "hong, #ho advanced to#ard 2uDhou #ith half the force. !hen ,iu 'ei heard of the threatened attac$, he called )hen Deng to consult.

,iu 'ei said, CThere is dissension in Buan Shao(s camp at ,iyang, so they do not advance. !e do not $no# #here )ao )ao is, but his o#n banner is not displayed in his ,iyang(s camp. !hy then is it sho#n hereGC )hen Deng replied, C*is tric$s ta$e a hundred forms. It must be that he regards the north as more important and has gone there to loo$ after its defense. *e dares not sho# his flag there, and I feel sure it is only meant to mislead us. *e is not here.C ,iu 'ei then as$ed #hether one of his brothers #ould find out the truth, and "hang 3ei volunteered to go. CI fear you are unsuited for this,C said ,iu 'ei. CBou are too impetuous.C CIf )ao )ao is there, I #ill haul him over here,C said "hang 3ei. C,et me go first and find out,C said 8uan Bu. CIf you go, I shall feel more at ease,C said ,iu 'ei. So 8uan Bu set out #ith three thousand soldiers to reconnoiter. It #as then early #inter, and sno# #as falling from a gloomy s$y. They marched regardless of the sno# and came near !ang "hong(s camp #ith arms all ready to attac$. 8uan Bu summoned !ang "hong to a parley. CThe 7rime 1inister is here. !hy do you not surrenderGC said !ang "hong. C'eg him to come to the front, for I #ould spea$ #ith him,C replied 8uan Bu. CIs he li$ely to come out to see such as you,C said !ang "hong. 8uan Bu angrily dashed for#ard, and !ang "hong set his spear to meet him. 8uan Bu rode till he came close to his antagonist, then suddenly #heeled a#ay. !ang "hong #ent after him and follo#ed up a slope. 9ust as they passed the crest, 8uan Bu suddenly #heeled again, shouted, and came on flourishing the mighty s#ord. !ang "hong could not #ithstand that and fled. 'ut 8uan Bu, changing the huge s#ord to his left hand, #ith his right laid hold of his victim by the straps of his breastplate, lifted him out of the saddle, and rode a#ay to his o#n lines #ith the captive laid across the pommel of his saddle. !ang "hong(s army scattered. The captive #as sent to 2uDhou, #here he #as summoned into the presence of ,iu 'ei. C!ho are youG !hat office do you holdG *o# dare you falsely display the ensigns of the 7rime 1inisterGC said ,iu 'ei. C!hat do you mean by falsely #hen I simply obeyed my ordersGC said !ang "hong. C1y master #anted to produce the impression that he #as present. Really he #as not there.C

,iu 'ei treated him $indly, giving him food and clothing, but put him in prison till his colleague could be captured. 8uan Bu said to ,iu 'ei, CI $ne# you had peaceful intentions in your mind; therefore, I captured !ang "hong instead of slaying him.C CI #as afraid of "hang 3ei(s hasty and impulsive temper,C said ,iu 'ei. C*e #ould have slain this man. So I could not send him. There is no advantage in $illing people of this sort, and #hile alive they are often useful in amicable settlements.C *ere "hang 3ei said, CBou have got this !ang "hong; no# I #ill go and get the other man.C C'e careful,C said ,iu 'ei. C,iu Dai #as once Imperial 7rotector of BanDhou, and he #as one of the nobles #ho met at Tiger Trap 7ass to destroy Dong "huo. *e is not to be despised.C CI do not thin$ him #orth tal$ing about so much. I #ill bring him in alive >ust as Second 'rother did this other.C CI fear that if his life be lost, it may upset our designs,C said ,iu 'ei. CIf I $ill him, I #ill forfeit my o#n life,C said "hang 3ei. So he #as given three thousand soldiers and #ent off uic$ly. The capture of his colleague made ,iu Dai careful. *e strengthened his defenses and $ept behind them. *e too$ no notice of the daily challenges and continual insults #hich began #ith "hang 3ei(s arrival. +fter some days "hang 3ei evolved a ruse. *e issued orders to prepare to rush the enemy(s camp at night, but he himself spent the day drin$ing. 7retending to be very intoAicated, he held a court6 martial, and one soldier #as severely flogged for a breach of discipline. The man #as left bound in the midst of the camp, "hang 3ei saying, C!ait till I am ready to start tonight@ Bou shall be sacrificed to the flag.C +t the same time he gave secret orders to the custodians to let the man escape. The man found his opportunity, crept out of camp, and #ent over to the enemy, to #hom he betrayed the plan of a night attac$. +s the man bore signs of savage punishment, ,iu Dai #as the more disposed to credit his desertion and tale. So ,iu Dai made his arrangements, putting the greater part of his troops in ambush outside his camp so that it #as empty. That night, having divided his army into three parties, "hang 3ei #ent to attac$ the camp. + fe# men #ere ordered to advance directly, dash in and set fire going. T#o larger bodies of troops #ere to go round to the rear of the camp and attac$ #hen they sa# the fire #ell started. +t the third #atch, "hang 3ei, #ith his veterans, #ent to cut off ,iu Dai(s road to the rear.

The thirty men told off to start a conflagration made their #ay into the camp and #ere successful. !hen the flames arose, the ambushing troops rushed out but only to find themselves attac$ed on both sides. This confused them, and as they $ne# nothing of the number of their assailants, they #ere panic stric$en and scattered. ,iu Dai, #ith a company of footmen got clear of the fight and fled, but he #ent straight to#ard "hang 3ei. 4scape #as impossible, and the t#o men rode up each to attac$ the other. "hang 3ei captured his opponent, and the men surrendered. "hang 3ei sent ne#s of this success to his brothers. ,iu 'ei said, C*itherto "hang 3ei has been rather violent, but this time he has acted #isely, and I am very pleased.C They rode out to #elcome "hang 3ei. CBou said I #as too rough. *o# no#GC said "hang 3ei to his brothers. CIf I had not put you on your mettle, you #ould not have evolved this stratagem,C said ,iu 'ei. "hang 3ei laughed. Then appeared the captive ,iu Dai, in bonds. ,iu 'ei at once dismounted and loosed the cords, saying, C1y young brother #as rather hasty, but you must pardon him.C So ,iu Dai #as freed. *e #as ta$en into the city, his colleague #as released, and both #ere cared for. ,iu 'ei said to them, CI could not help putting Deputy Imperial 7rotector )he "hou to death #hen he tried to $ill me, but )ao )ao too$ it as disaffection and sent you t#o generals to punish me. I have received much $indness from him and certainly #ould not sho# ingratitude by $illing you. I #ish you to spea$ for me and eAplain #hen you get bac$.C C!e are deeply grateful that you spare our lives, and #e #ill certainly do so in gratitude for #hat our #ives and children o#e you.C FeAt day the t#o leaders and their army #ere allo#ed to depart unscathed. 'ut before they had got three miles from the boundary, they heard a mighty shouting and there appeared "hang 3ei barring the road. C1y brother made a mista$e in letting you go. *e did not understand. *o# could he give freedom to t#o rebelsGC This made the t#o men ua$e #ith fear, but as the fierce eyed #arrior #ith uplifted s#ord #as bearing do#n upon them, they heard another man galloping up and shouting, CDo not behave so disgracefully=C

The ne#comer #as 8uan Bu, and his appearance relieved the unhappy men of all fear. C!hy do you stop them since our brother set them freeGC cried 8uan Bu. CIf they are let go today, they #ill surely come bac$,C cried "hang 3ei. C!ait till they do, then you may $ill them,C replied 8uan Bu. The t#o leaders #ith one voice cried, C4ven if the 7rime 1inister slay our #hole clans, #e #ill never come again. !e pray you pardon us.C Said "hang 3ei, CIf )ao )ao himself had come, I #ould have slain him. Fot a breastplate should have gone bac$. 'ut for this time I leave you your heads.C )lapping their hands to their heads the t#o men scuttled off #hile the t#o brothers returned to the city. C)ao )ao #ill certainly come,C said 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei. Sun &ian said, CThis is not a city that can hold out for long. !e should send part of our forces to 2iaopei and guard 2iapi as a corner stone of our position.C ,iu 'ei agreed and told off 8uan Bu to guard 2iapi #hither he also sent his t#o #ives, ,ady 8an and ,ady 1i. The former #as a native of 2iapi; the latter #as 1i "hu(s younger sister. Sun &ian, 9ian Bong, 1i "hu, and 1i 3ang #ere left to defend 2uDhou, and ,iu 'ei #ith "hang 3ei #ent to 2iaopei. The t#o released leaders, ,iu Dai and !ang "hong, hastened home to )ao )ao and eAplained to him that ,iu 'ei #as not disaffected. 'ut their master #as eAceeding angry #ith them, crying, CBou shameful traitors, #hat use are youGC *e roared to the guards to ta$e them a#ay to instant eAecution. *o# can a hare or a deer eApect To con uer in tiger strifeG 1inno#s and shrimps that #ith dragons contend +lready have done #ith life. The fate of the t#o leaders #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 2(

=i Heng S#ips His Garment 1nd ,ai#s 1t Traitors; "i Ping P#edges To $i## The Prime =inister' +t the close of the last chapter the t#o unsuccessful leaders, ,iu Dai and !ang "hong, #ere in danger of death. *o#ever, 5ong Rong remonstrated #ith )ao )ao, saying, CBou $ne# these t#o #ere no match for ,iu 'ei, and if you put them to death because they failed, you #ill lose the hearts of your people.C !herefore the death sentence #as not eAecuted, but they #ere deprived of ran$ and status. )ao )ao neAt proposed to lead an army himself to attac$ ,iu 'ei, but 5ong Rong advised, CThe #eather is too inclement. !e must #ait the return of spring. In the interval, #e better use the time to arrange peace #ith "hang 2iu and ,iu 'iao, before launching an eApedition against 2uDhou.C !herefore ,iu Be #as sent to "hang 2iu and in due time reached 2iangyang. *e first had an intervie# #ith 9ia 2u, "hang 2iu(s adviser, #hereat he d#elt upon )ao )ao(s virtues so that 9ia 2u #as impressed. 9ia 2u $ept ,iu Be as a guest and undertoo$ to smooth his #ay. Soon after ,iu Be sa# "hang 2iu and spo$e of the advantages of coming to terms #ith )ao )ao. !hile the discussion #as in progress, a messenger from Buan Shao #as announced, and he #as called in. *e presented letters and, #hen they also proposed terms of peace, 9ia 2u as$ed #hat their success had been lately against )ao )ao. CThe #ar had ceased for the moment on account of the #inter,C replied the messenger. C+s you, 8eneral, and ,iu 'iao are both #ell reputed officers of the state, I have been sent to re uest your help.C 9ia 2u laughed, CBou can return to your master and say that as he could not broo$ rivalry of his brother, he certainly #ould be sorely put to it #ith that of all the officers of the state.C The letter #as torn into fragments before the messenger(s face, and he #as angrily bidden be gone. C'ut his master, Buan Shao, is stronger than )ao )ao,C protested "hang 2iu. CBou have torn up his letter and are dismissing his man. !hat shall #e say about such an insult should Buan Shao comeGC C'etter >oin hands #ith )ao )ao,C said 9ia 2u. C'ut there is still bet#een us an unavenged enmity. !e could not suffer each other.C 9ia 2u said, CThere are three advantages in >oining hands #ith )ao )ao. 3irst, he has a command from the 4mperor to restore peace. Second, as Buan Shao is so strong, our little help to him #ill be despised, #hile #e shall loom large and be #ell treated by )ao )ao. Third, )ao )ao is going to be

)hief of the 3eudal ,ords, and he #ill ignore all private feuds in order to sho# his magnanimity to all the #orld. I hope, 8eneral, you #ill see these things clearly and hesitate no longer.C "hang 2iu, no# convinced, became more reasonable and recalled ,iu Be, #ho, at the intervie#, eAtolled the many virtues of his master. CIf the 7rime 1inister had any thought of the old uarrel, he #ould hardly have sent me to ma$e friendly engagements, #ould heGC said ,iu Be at the last. So "hang 2iu and his adviser proceeded to the capital #here formal submission #as made. +t the intervie# "hang 2iu bo#ed lo# at the steps, but )ao )ao, hastening for#ard, too$ him by the hand and raised him, saying, C3orget that little fault of mine%, I pray you, 8eneral=C "hang 2iu received the title of 8eneral !ho 7ossesses 7ro#ess, and 9ia 2u #as appointed )ounselor. )ao )ao then directed his secretaries to draft letters inviting the support of ,iu 'iao. 9ia 2u said, C,iu 'iao loves to have to do #ith famous people. If some famous scholar should be sent to him, he #ould submit forth#ith.C So )ao )ao in uired of 2un Bou #ho #as the best person to go as a messenger, and he recommended 5ong Rong. )ao )ao agreed and sent 2un Bou to spea$ #ith this officer. 2un Bou #ent to 5ong Rong, saying, C+ scholar of reputation is re uired to aid as a messenger of state. )an you underta$e this tas$GC 5ong Rong replied, CI have a certain friend, 1i *eng, #hose talents are ten times mine. *e ought to be constantly at the court of the 4mperor and not merely be sent as a state messenger. I #ill recommend him to the 4mperor.C So 5ong Rong #rote the follo#ing memorial@ CIn ancient days, #hen the great #aters #ere abroad, the emperor pondered over their regulation and he sought out people of talent from all directions. In old time, #hen 4mperor !u% of the *ans desired to enlarge his borders, cro#ds of scholars responded to his call. CIntelligent and holy, Bour 1a>esty ascended the throne. Bou have fallen upon evil days, but have been diligent, modest, and untiring in your efforts. Fo# the great mountains have sent forth spirits, and people of genius appear. CI, your humble servant, $no# of a certain simple scholar, 1i *eng by name, of 7ingyuan, a young man of t#enty6four. *is moral character is eAcellent, his talents eminent. +s a youth he too$ a high place in study and penetrated the most secret arcane of learning. !hat he glanced at he could repeat, #hat he heard once he never forgot. *e is naturally high principled, and his thoughts

are divine. Sang *ongyang(s mental calculations and "hang +nshi(s memorial feats compared #ith 1i *eng(s po#ers are no longer #onderful. ,oyal, sincere, correct, and straight6for#ard, his ambition is unsullied. *e regards the good #ith trembling respect; he detests the evil #ith uncompromising hatred. Ren "uo in unflinching candor, Shi Bu in severe rectitude, never surpassed him. C*undreds of ha#$s are not #orth one osprey. If 1i *eng be given a court appointment, notable results must follo#. Ready in debate, rapid in utterance, his over#helming intelligence #ells up in profusion. In the solution of doubts and the unraveling of difficulties he has no peer. CIn former days of *an, 9ia Bi begged to be sent on trial to a vassal state for the control of the 2iongnu tribespeople; "hong 9un offered to bring bac$ the 7rince of Fanyue to do homage to the emperor. The generous conduct of these youths has been much admired. CIn our day ,u )ui and Ban 2iang, remar$able for their talents, have been appointed among the secretaries. +nd 1i *eng is no less capable. Should he be got, then all possibilities may be realiDed@ The dragon may curvet through the celestial streets and soar along the 1il$y !ay; fame #ill eAtend to the poles of the universe and hang in the firmament #ith rainbo# glory. *e #ould be the glory of all the present 1inisters and enhance the ma>esty of the 7alace itself. The 1usic #ill ac uire ne# beauties, and the 7alace #ill contain an eAcellent treasure. 7eople li$e 1i *eng are but fe#. +s in the recitation of (9i )hu Songs( and the singing of (Bang 4 7oems(, the most s$illful performers are sought; and such fleet horses as (3ei Tu 'roncos( and (Bao Fiao 1ustangs( #ere loo$ed for by the famous >udges of horses, !ang ,iang and 'o ,e. So I, the humble one, dare not conceal this man. Bour 1a>esty is careful in the selection of servants and should try him. ,et him be summoned as he is, simply clad in his serge dress; and should he not appear #orthy, then may I be punished for the fault of deception.C The 4mperor read the memorial and passed it to his 7rime 1inister, #ho duly summoned 1i *eng. *e came, but after his formal salutations #ere over, he #as left standing and not invited to sit do#n. ,oo$ing up to heaven, 1i *eng sighed deeply, saying, C!ide as is the universe, it cannot produce the person.C CHnder my orders are scores of people #hom the #orld call heroes. !hat do you mean by saying there is not the person,C said )ao )ao. CI should be glad to hear #ho they are,C said 1i *eng. C2un Bu, 2un Bou, 8uo 9ia, and )heng Bu are all people of profound s$ill and long vie#s, superior to 2iao *e% and )hen 7ing%. "hang ,iao, 2u )hu, ,i Dian, and Bue 9ing are bravest of the brave, better than )en 7eng% and 1a !u%. ,u &ian and 1an )hong are my secretaries; Bu 9in and 2u *uang are my van leaders; 2iahou Dun is one of the #orld(s marvels, )ao Ren is the most successful leader of the age. Fo# say you there are not the peopleGC

CSir, you are uite mista$en,C said 1i *eng #ith a smile. CI $no# all these things you call people. 2un Bu is ualified to pose at a funeral or as$ after a sic$ man; 2un Bou is fit to be a tomb guardian; )heng Bu might be sent to shut doors and bolt #indo#s; and 8uo 9ia is a reciter of poems; "hang ,iao might beat drums and clang gongs; 2u )hu might lead cattle to pasture; Bue 9ing #ould ma$e a fair reader of elegy; ,i Dian could carry dispatches and notices; ,u &ian #ould be a fair armorer; 1an )hong could be sent to drin$ #ine and eat bre#ers( grains; Bu 9in might be of use to carry plan$s and build #alls; 2u *uang might be employed to $ill pigs and slay dogs; 2iahou Dun should be styled (!hole 'ody 8eneral,( and )ao Ren should be called (1oney6 grubbing 8overnor.( +s for the remainder, they are mere clothes shelves, rice sac$s, #ine vases, flesh bags.C C+nd #hat special gifts have youGC said )ao )ao angrily. CI $no# everything in heaven above and the earth beneath. I am conversant #ith the Three Religions and the Fine Systems of 7hilosophy. I could ma$e my prince the rival of 5ings Bao and Shun, and I myself could compare in virtue #ith )onfucius and 1encius.% )an I discuss on even terms #ith common peopleGC Fo# "hang ,iao #as present, and he raised his s#ord to stri$e do#n the impudent visitor #ho spo$e thus to his master, but )ao )ao said, CI #ant another drummer boy to play on occasions of congratulation in the court. I #ill confer this office upon him.C Instead of indignantly declining this, 1i *eng accepted the position and #ent out. C*e spo$e very impertinently,C said "hang ,iao. C!hy did you not put him to deathGC C*e has something of a reputation; empty, but people have heard of him and so, if I put him to death, they #ould say I #as intolerant. +s he thin$s he has ability, I have made him a drummer to mortify him.C Soon after )ao )ao instituted a ban uet in the capital at #hich the guests #ere many. The drums #ere to be played, and the old drummers #ere ordered to #ear ne# clothes. 'ut the ne# drummer 1i *eng too$ his place #ith the other musicians clad in old and #orn garments. The piece chosen #as the CTolling of Buyang,C and from the earliest taps on the drum the effect #as eA uisite, profound as the notes from metal and stone. The performance stirred deeply the emotions of every guest; some even shed tears. Seeing all eyes turned on the shabby performer, the attendants said, C!hy did you not put on your ne# uniformGC 1i *eng turned to them, slipped off his frayed and torn robe and stood there in full vie#, na$ed as he #as born. The assembled guests covered their faces. Then the drummer composedly dre# on his nether garments. C!hy do you behave so rudely at courtGC said )ao )ao.

CTo flout one(s prince and insult one(s superiors is the real rudeness,C cried 1i *eng. CI bare my natural body as an emblem of my purity.C CSo you are pure= +nd #ho is foulGC CBou do not distinguish bet#een the #ise and the foolish, #hich is to have foul vision. Bou have never read the Odes or the *istories, #hich is to have foul speech. Bou are deaf to honest #ords, #hich is to have foul ears. Bou are unable to reconcile anti uity #ith today, #hich is to be foul #ithout. Bou cannot tolerate the nobles, #hich is to be foul #ithin. Bou harbor thoughts of rebellion, #hich is to have a foul heart. I am one of the most famous scholars in the empire, and you ma$e me a drummer boy, that is as Bang *uo belittling )onfucius or "ang )ang vilifying 1encius. Bou desire to be chief and arbitrator of the great nobles, yet you treat me thus=C Fo# 5ong Rong #ho had recommended 1i *eng for employment #as among the guests, and he feared for the life of his friend. !herefore he tried to calm the storm. C1i *eng is only guilty of a misdemeanor,C said 5ong Rong. C*e is not a man li$ely to disturb your dreams li$e 3u Bue, Illustrious Sir.C 7ointing to 1i *eng, the 7rime 1inister said, CI #ill send you to 9ingDhou as my messenger; and if ,iu 'iao surrenders to me, I #ill give you a post at court.C 'ut 1i *eng #as un#illing to go. So )ao )ao bade t#o of his men prepare three horses, and they set 1i *eng on the middle one and dragged him along the road bet#een them. It is also related that a great number of officers of all ran$s assembled at the 4ast 8ate to see the messenger start. 2un Bu said, C!hen 1i *eng comes, #e #ill not rise to salute him.C So #hen 1i *eng came, dismounted, and entered the #aiting room, they all sat stiff and silent. 1i *eng uttered a loud cry. C!hat is that forGC said 2un Bu. CShould not one cry out #hen one enters a coffinGC said 1i *eng. C!e may be corpses,C shouted they altogether, Cbut you are a #andering headless ghost.C CI am a minister of *an and not a partisan of )ao )ao(s,C cried 1i *eng. CBou cannot say I have no head.C They #ere angry enough to $ill him, but 2un Bu chec$ed them, saying, C*e is a paltry fello#. It is not #orth soiling your blades #ith his blood.C

CI am paltry, and yet I have the soul of a man, and you are mere #orms,C said 1i *eng. They #ent their #ays, all very angry. 1i *eng #ent on his >ourney and presently reached 9ingDhou, #here he sa# ,iu 'iao. +fter that, under pretense of eAtolling ,iu 'iao(s virtue, he lampooned ,iu 'iao #ho #as annoyed and sent him to 9iangAia to see *uang "u. C!hy did you not put the fello# to death for lampooning youGC said one to ,iu 'iao. CBou see he shamed )ao )ao, but )ao )ao did not $ill him as )ao )ao feared to lose popular favor. So )ao )ao sent him to me, thin$ing to borro# my hand to slay him and so suffer the loss of my good name. I have sent him on to *uang "u to let )ao )ao see that I understood.C ,iu 'iao(s clever caution met #ith general praise. +t that time a messenger from Buan Shao #as also there #ith certain proposals for an alliance, and it #as necessary to decide #hich aide to espouse. +ll the advisers came together to consider the uestion. Then )ommander *an Song said, C+s you have no# t#o offers, you can please yourself and choose your o#n #ay to destroy your enemies; for if one refuses, you can follo# the other. Fo# )ao )ao is an able general and has many capable officers in his train. It loo$s as though he may destroy Buan Shao and then move his armies across the river. I fear, my lord, you #ould be unable then to #ithstand him. That being so, it #ould be #ise to support )ao )ao, #ho #ill treat you #ith respect.C ,iu 'iao replied, CBou go to the capital and see ho# things tend. That #ill help me to decide.C *an Song said, CThe positions of master and servant are clearly defined. Fo# I am your man prepared to go all lengths for you and obey you to the last, #hether in serving the 4mperor or in follo#ing )ao )ao. 'ut lest there should be any doubt you must remember that if the 4mperor gives me any office, then I shall become his servant and shall not be ready to face death for you.C CBou go and find out #hat you can. I have ideas in my mind.C So *an Song too$ his leave and #ent to the capital, #here he sa# )ao )ao. )ao )ao gave him ran$ and made him 8overnor of ,ingling. +dviser 2un Bu remonstrated, saying, CThis man came to spy out ho# things #ere moving. *e has done nothing to deserve re#ard, and yet you give him an office li$e this. There #ere no such suspicious rumors connected #ith poor 1i *eng, and yet you sent him off and #ould never test his po#er.C C1i *eng shamed me too deeply before all the #orld. I am going to borro# ,iu 'iao(s hand to remove him. +nd you need say no more,C said )ao )ao.

Then )ao )ao sent *an Song bac$ to his former master to tell him #hat had happened. *an Song came and #as full of praise for the virtues of the court and #as $een on persuading ,iu 'iao to espouse that side. Then ,iu 'iao suddenly turned angry, charged him #ith treachery, put him in prison, and threatened him #ith death. CBou turn your bac$ on me,C cried *an Song. CI did not betray you.C 5uai ,iang remar$ed, C*an Song had foretold this possibility before he left. It is only #hat he eApected.C ,iu 'iao, #ho #as >ust and reasonable, #ent no further. 7resently came the ne#s that 1i *eng had been put to death by *uang "u on account of a uarrel begun over the #ine cups. 'oth being #orse for li uor they had begun to discuss the #orth of people. CBou #ere in 2uchang,C said *uang "u. C!ho #as there of #orthGC CThe big boy #as 5ong Rong and the little one Bang 2iu. There #as no one else to count.C C!hat am I li$eGC said *uang "u. CBou are li$e a god in a temple@ Bou sit still and receive sacrifice, but the lac$ of intelligence is pitiful.C CDo you regard me as a mere imageGC cried *uang "u, angrily. So *uang "u put the impudent spea$er to death. 4ven at the very point of death, 1i *eng never ceased his railing and abuse. C+las=C sighed ,iu 'iao #hen he heard 1i *eng(s fate. Then ,iu 'iao had the victim honorably interred near Bing#u, on 7arrot Island. +nd a later poet #rote of 1i *eng@ *uang "u could broo$ no rival; at his #ord 1i *eng met death, beneath the cruel s#ord. *is grave on 7arrot Isle may yet be seen, The river flo#ing past it, coldly green. )ao )ao heard of the young man(s death #ith pleasure. CThe putrid boo$#orm has >ust cut himself up #ith his o#n sharp tongue,C said he.

+s there #as no sign of ,iu 'iao coming to >oin him, )ao )ao began to thin$ of coercion. 2un Bu dissuaded him from this course. Said he, CBuan Shao is not sub>ugated; ,iu 'ei is not destroyed. To attac$ ,iu 'iao #ould be to neglect the vital to care for the immaterial. Destroy the t#o chief enemies first, and the *an River is yours at one blo#.C +nd )ao )ao too$ the advice. +fter the departure of ,iu 'ei, Dong )heng and his fello# conspirators did nothing else day or night but try to evolve plans for the destruction of )ao )ao. 'ut they could see no chance to attac$. +t the ne# year audience )ao )ao #as odiously arrogant and over#eening, and the chief conspirator(s disgust #as so intense that he fell ill. *earing of the State Hncle(s indisposition, the 4mperor sent the )ourt 7hysician to see him. The )ourt 7hysician at this time #as a native of ,uoyang, named 9i 7ing. + very famous physician, 9i 7ing devoted himself #holly to the treatment of his court patient. ,iving in Dong )heng(s palace and seeing Dong )heng at all times, 9i 7ing soon found that some secret grief #as sorely troubling him. 'ut 9i 7ing dared not as$ uestions. One evening of the full moon festival, #hen the physician #as >ust ta$ing his leave, Dong )heng $ept him, and the t#o men had supper together. They eat tal$ing for some time, and Dong )heng by and by dropped off to sleep dressed as he #as. 7resently !ang "ifu and the others #ere announced. +s they #ere coming in, !ang "ifu cried, COur business is settled=C CI should be glad to hear ho#,C said Dong )heng. C,iu 'iao has >oined Buan Shao, and five hundred thousand troops in fifty legions are on their #ay here by different routes. 1ore than this, 1a Teng and *an Sui are coming from the north#est #ith seven hundred thousand 2iliang troops. )ao )ao has moved every soldier outside 2uchang to meet the combined armies. There is a great ban uet in his palace tonight. If #e get together our young men and servants, #e can muster more than a thousand, and #e can surround the palace, #hile )ao )ao is at the ban uet, and finish him off. !e must not miss this.C Dong )heng #as more than delighted. *e called his servants and armed them, put on his o#n armor and mounted his horse. The conspirators met, as they had arranged, >ust at the inner gate of the 7rime 1inister(s palace. It #as the first #atch. The small army marched straight in, Dong )heng leading #ith his treasured s#ord dra#n. *is intended victim #as at table in one of the private rooms. Dong )heng rushed in, crying, C)ao )ao, you rebel, stay=C and dashed at )ao )ao #ho fell at the first blo#. +nd >ust then he #o$e up and found it #as all a dream, but his mouth #as still full of curses.

CDo you really #ish to destroy )ao )aoGC said 9i 7ing, going for#ard to his half a#a$ened patient. This brought Dong )heng to his senses. *e stopped, terror stric$en, and made no reply. CDo not be frightened, O Hncle,C said the doctor. C+lthough I am a physician, I am also a man, and I never forget my emperor. Bou have seemed sad for many days, but I have never ventured to as$ the reason. Fo# you have sho#n it in your dream, and I $no# your real feelings. If I can be of any use, I #ill help. Fothing can daunt me.C Dong )heng covered his face and #ept. CI fear you may not be true to me,C cried he. 9i 7ing at once bit off a finger as a pledge of his faith. +nd then his host and patient brought forth the decree he had received in the girdle. CI am afraid our schemes #ill come to nought,C said Dong )heng. C,iu 'ei and 1a Teng are gone, and there is nothing #e can do. That #as the real reason I fell ill.C CIt is not #orth troubling you gentlemen #ith, for )ao )ao(s life lies in these hands of mine,C said 9i 7ing. C*o# can that beGC C'ecause he is often ill #ith deep6seated pain in his head. !hen this comes on, he sends for me. !hen neAt he calls me, I only have to give him one dose and he #ill certainly die. !e do not #ant any #eapons.C CIf only you could do it= Bou #ould be the savior of the dynasty. It depends upon you.C Then 9i 7ing #ent a#ay leaving his late patient a happy man. Dong )heng strolled into the garden and there he sa# one of his servants, &uin &uington, #hispering #ith one of the concubines, Bun Bing, in a dar$ corner. This annoyed him, and he called his attendants to seiDe them. *e #ould have put them to death but for the intervention of his #ife. +t her re uest he spared their lives, but both #ere beaten forty canes, and the lad #as thro#n into a dungeon. Sul$y at this treatment, &uin &uington bro$e out of the cell in the night, climbed over the #all, and #ent straight to )ao )ao(s palace, #here he betrayed the conspiracy. )ao )ao at once had him ta$en into a secret chamber and uestioned him. &uin &uington gave the names of the conspirators, saying, C!ang "ifu, !u "ilan, )hong 9i, !u Shi, 1a Teng, and my master have been meeting secretly. 1y master has a roll of #hite sil$, #ith #riting on it, but I do not $no# #hat it means. Besterday, 9i 7ing bit off one of his fingers as a pledge of fidelity. I sa# that.C

&uin &uington #as $ept in a secret part of the palace, #hile his late master, Dong )heng, only $no#ing that he had run a#ay, too$ no special means to find him. Soon after this )ao )ao feigned a headache and sent for 9i 7ing as usual. CThe rebel is done for,C thought 9i 7ing, and he made a secret pac$age of poison #hich he too$ #ith him to the palace of the 7rime 1inister. *e found )ao )ao in bed. The patient bade the doctor prepare a potion for him. COne draught #ill cure this disease,C said 9i 7ing. *e bade them bring him a pot, and he prepared the potion in the room. !hen it had simmered for some time and #as half finished, the poison #as added, and soon after the physician presented the draught. )ao )ao, $no#ing it #as poisoned, made eAcuses and #ould not s#allo# it. CBou should ta$e it hot,C said the doctor. CThen there #ill be a gentle perspiration, and you #ill be better.C CBou are a scholar,C said )ao )ao, sitting up, Cand $no# #hat is the correct thing to do. !hen the master is ill and ta$es drugs, the attendant first tastes them; #hen a man is ill, his son first tastes the medicine. Bou are my confidant and should drin$ first. Then I #ill s#allo# the remainder.C C1edicine is to treat disease. !hat is the use of anyone(s tasting itGC said 9i 7ing. 'ut he guessed no# the conspiracy had been discovered, so he dashed for#ard, seiDed )ao )ao by the ear, and tried to pour the potion do#n his throat. )ao )ao pushed it a#ay, and it spilt. The bric$s upon #hich it fell #ere split asunder. 'efore )ao )ao could spea$, his servants had already seiDed the assailant. Said )ao )ao, CI am not ill. I only #anted to test you. So you really thought to poison me=C *e sent for a score of sturdy gaolers #ho carried off the prisoner to the inner apartments to be interrogated. )ao )ao too$ his seat in a pavilion, and the hapless physician, tightly bound, #as thro#n to the ground before him. The prisoner maintained a bold front. )ao )ao said, CI thought you #ere a physician. *o# dared you try to poison meG Someone incited you to this crime. If you tell me, I #ill pardon you.C CBou are a rebel. Bou flout your 7rince and in>ure your betters. The #hole empire #ishes to $ill you. Do you thin$ I am the only oneGC )ao )ao again and again pressed the prisoner to tell #hat he $ne#, but he only replied that no one had sent him and it #as his o#n desire. CI have failed, and I can but die,C added 9i 7ing.

)ao )ao angrily bade the gaolers give him a severe beating, and they dogged him for t#o #atches. *is s$in hung in tatters, the flesh #as battered, and the blood from his #ounds ran do#n the steps. Then fearing he might die and his evidence be lost, )ao )ao bade them cease and remove him. They too$ him off to a uiet place #here he might recover some#hat. *aving issued orders to prepare a ban uet for neAt day, )ao )ao invited all the courtiers thereto. Dong )heng #as the only one #ho eAcused himself, saying he #as un#ell. The other conspirators dared not stay a#ay as they felt they #ould be suspected. Tables #ere laid in the private apartments, and after several courses the host said, CThere is not much to amuse us today, but I have a man to sho# you that #ill sober you.C C'ring him in=C )ao )ao said, turning to the gaolers, and the hapless 9i 7ing appeared, securely fastened in a #ooden collar. *e #as placed #here all could see him. CBou officials do not $no# that this man is connected #ith a gang of evil doers #ho desire to overturn the government and even in>ure me. *o#ever, *eaven has defeated their plans, but I desire that you should hear his evidence.C Then )ao )ao ordered the gaolers to beat their prisoner. They did so till 9i 7ing lay unconscious, #hen they revived him by spraying #ater over his face. +s soon as he came to, he glared at his oppressor and ground his teeth. C)ao )ao, you rebel= !hat are you #aiting forG !hy not $ill meGC cried 9i 7ing. )ao )ao replied, CThe conspirators #ere only siA at first; you made the seventh. Is that trueGC *ere the prisoner bro$e in #ith more abuse, #hile !ang "ifu and the other three conspirators eAchanged glances, loo$ing as though they #ere sitting on a rug full of needles. )ao )ao continued his torture of the prisoner, beating him into unconsciousness and reviving him #ith cold #ater, the victim disdaining to as$ mercy. 3inally )ao )ao realiDed he #ould incriminate none of his accomplices, and so he told the gaolers to remove 9i 7ing. +t the close of the ban uet, #hen the guests #ere dispersing, four of them, the four conspirators, #ere invited to remain behind to supper. They #ere terrified so that their souls seemed no longer to inhabit their bodies, but there #as no saying nay to the invitation. 7resently )ao )ao said, CStill there is something I #ant to spea$ about, so I have as$ed you to stay for a time longer. I do not $no# #hat you four have been arranging #ith Dong )heng.C CFothing at all,C said !ang "ifu. C+nd #hat is #ritten on the #hite sil$GC as$ed )ao )ao. They all said they $ne# nothing about it.

Then )ao )ao ordered the runa#ay servant to be brought in. +s soon as &uin &uington came, !ang "ifu said, C!ell, #hat have you seen and #hereGC &uin &uington replied, CBou five very carefully chose retired places to tal$ in, and you secretly signed a #hite roll. Bou cannot deny that.C !ang "ifu replied, CThis miserable creature #as punished for misbehavior #ith one of Hncle Dong )heng(s maids, and no# because of that he slanders his master. Bou must not listen to him.C C9i 7ing tried to pour poison do#n my throat. !ho told him to do that if it #as not Dong )hengGC said )ao )ao. They all said they $ne# nothing about #ho it #as. CSo far,C said )ao )ao, Cmatters are only beginning, and there is a chance of forgiveness. 'ut if the thing gro#s, it #ill be difficult not to ta$e notice of it.C The #hole four vigorously denied that any plot eAisted. *o#ever )ao )ao called up his henchmen, and the four men #ere put into confinement. FeAt day )ao )ao #ith a large follo#ing #ent to the State Hncle(s palace to as$ after his health. Dong )heng came out to receive his visitor, #ho at once said, C!hy did you not come last nightGC CI am not uite #ell yet and have to be very careful about going out,C replied Dong )heng. COne might say you #ere suffering from national sorro#, ehGC said )ao )ao. Dong )heng started. )ao )ao continued, C*ave you heard of the 9i 7ing affairGC CFo; #hat is itGC )ao )ao smiled coldly, saying, C*o# can it be you do not $no#GC *e turned to his attendants and told them to bring in the prisoner, #hile he #ent on tal$ing to his host about national illness. Dong )heng #as much put about and $ne# not #hat to do. Soon the gaolers led in the physician to the steps of the hall. +t once the bound man began to rail at )ao )ao as rebel and traitor. CThis man,C said )ao )ao, pointing to 9i 7ing, Chas implicated !ang "ifu and three others, all of #hom are no# under arrest. There is one more #hom I have not caught yet.C C!ho sent you to poison meGC continued )ao )ao, turning to#ard the physician. C&uic$, tell me=C

C*eaven sent me to slay a traitor=C )ao )ao angrily ordered them to beat 9i 7ing again, but there #as no part of his body that could be beaten. Dong )heng sat loo$ing at him, his heart feeling as if transfiAed #ith a dagger. CBou #ere born #ith ten fingers. *o# is it you have no# only nineGC 9i 7ing replied, CI bit off one as a pledge #hen I s#ore to slay a traitor.C )ao )ao told them to bring a $nife, and they lopped off his other nine fingers. CFo# they are all off. That #ill teach you to ma$e pledges.C CStill I have a mouth that can s#allo# a traitor and a tongue that can curse him,C said 9i 7ing. )ao )ao told them to cut out his tongue. 9i 7ing said, CDo not. I cannot endure any more punishment, I shall have to spea$ out. ,oosen my bonds.C C,oose them. There is no reason #hy not,C said )ao )ao. They loosed him. +s soon as he #as free, 9i 7ing stood up, turned his face to#ard the 4mperor(s palace and bo#ed, saying, CIt is *eaven(s #ill that thy servant has been unable to remove the evil.C Then he turned and smashed his head into the steps and died. *is body #as uartered and eAposed. This happened in the first month of the fifth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D .//0, and a certain historian #rote a poem@ There lived in *an a simple physician. Fo #arrior, yet brave 4nough to ris$ his very life *is 4mperor to save. +las= *e failed; but lasting fame Is his; he feared not death; *e cursed the traitorous 7rime 1inister Hnto his latest breath. Seeing his victim had passed beyond the realm of punishment, )ao )ao had &uin &uington led in. CDo you $no# this man, HncleGC CBes,C cried Dong )heng. CSo the runa#ay servant is here. *e ought to be put to death=C

C*e >ust told me of your treachery. *e is my #itness,C said )ao )ao. C!ho #ould dare $ill himGC C*o# can you, the 3irst 1inister of State, heed the unsupported tale of an absconding servantGC C'ut I have !ang "ifu and the others in prison,C said )ao )ao. C+nd ho# can you rebut their evidenceGC *e then called in the remainder of his follo#ers and ordered them to search Dong )heng(s bedroom. They did so and found the decree that had been given him in the girdle and the pledge signed by the conspirators. CBou mean rat=C cried )ao )ao. CBou dared do thisGC *e gave orders to arrest the #hole household #ithout eAception. Then he returned to his palace #ith the incriminating documents and called all his advisers together to discuss the dethronement of the 4mperor and the setting up of a successor. 1any decrees, blood #ritten, have issued, accomplishing nothing, One inscribed pledge #as fraught #ith mountains of sorro#. The reader #ho #ishes to ho# the fate of the 4mperor must read the neAt chapter. Chapter 2/ Cao Cao =&rdered The Consort *ong; -i& Bei F#ees To +&an Shao' The last chapter closed #ith the discovery of the CgirdleC decree and the assembly of )ao )ao(s advisers to consider the deposition of 4mperor 2ian. )heng Bu spo$e strongly against this, saying, CIllustrious Sir, the means by #hich you impress the #orld and direct the government is the command of the *ouse of *an. In these times of turmoil and rivalry among the nobles, such a step as the deposition of the ruler #ill certainly bring about civil #ar and is much to be deprecated.C +fter reflection )ao )ao abandoned the pro>ect. 'ut Dong )heng(s plot #as not to go unpunished. +ll five of the conspirators #ith every member of their households, seven hundred at least, #ere ta$en and put to death at one or another of the gates of the city. The people #ept at such merciless and #holesale slaughter. + secret decree in a girdle se#n, In red blood #ritten, the 4mperor(s o#n, To the staunch and faithful Dong )heng addressed, !ho had saved him once #hen enemies pressed. +nd #ho, sore grieved at his Sovereign(s fate,

4Apressed in dreams his ceaseless hate, )arried misfortune and death in its train, 'ut glory to him #ho died in vain. +nother poet #rote of the sad fate of !ang "ifu and his friends@ 8reatheartedly these signed the sil$en roll, +nd pledged themselves to save their $ing from shame. +las= 'lac$ death of them too$ heavy toll, To #rite their names upon the roll of fame. 'ut the slaughter of the conspirators and their #hole households did not appease the #rath of the 7rime 1inister. The 4mperor(s consort #as a sister of Dong )heng; and, s#ord in hand, )ao )ao #ent into the 3orbidden )ity determined to slay her also. The 4mperor cherished her tenderly, the more so as she #as then in the fifth month of pregnancy. That day, as they often did, the 4mperor, )onsort Dong, and 4mpress 3u #ere sitting in their private apartment secretly tal$ing of the decree entrusted to Dong )heng and as$ing each other #hy nothing seemed to have been done. The sudden appearance of the angry 7rime 1inister, armed as he #as, frightened them greatly. CDoes Bour 1a>esty $no# that Dong )heng conspired against meGC said he. CDong "huo died long ago,C replied the 4mperor. CFot Dong "huo666Dong )heng=C roared )ao )ao. The 4mperor(s heart trembled, but he gasped out, CReally I did not $no#=C CSo the cut finger and the blood #ritten decree are all forgotten, ehGC The 4mperor #as silent. )ao )ao bade his lictors seiDe )onsort Dong. The 4mperor interposed as$ing pity for her condition. 'ut )ao )ao said, CIf *eaven had not interposed and defeated the plot, I should be a dead man. *o# could I leave this #oman to #or$ evil to me by and byGC Said the 4mperor, CImmure her in one of the palaces till her confinement. Do not harm her no#=C CDo you #ish me to spare her offspring to avenge the motherGC said )ao )ao. CI pray that my body may be spared mutilation and not put to shame,C said )onsort Dong. )ao )ao bade his men sho# her the #hite sil$ cord. The 4mperor #ept bitterly. CDo not hate me in the belo# realms of the Fine 8olden Springs,C said the 4mperor to her.

*is tears fell li$e rain. 4mpress 3u also >oined in the lament, but )ao )ao said, CBou are behaving li$e a lot of children.C +nd he told the lictors to ta$e )onsort Dong a#ay and strangle her in the courtyard. In vain had the fair girl found favor in the sight of her lord. She died, and the fruit of her #omb perished. Stern and calm her lord sat, po#erless to save. *iding his face #hile tears gushed forth. !hen leaving the 7alace, )ao )ao gave strict orders to the $eepers, saying C+nyone of the imperial relatives by marriage #ho enter the 7alace #ill be put to death, and the guards #ill share the same punishment for lac$ of Deal.C To ma$e more sure he appointed three thousand Imperial 8uards from his o#n troops and appointed )ao *ong to the command. Then said )ao )ao to his counselor )heng Bu, CThe conspirators in the capital have been removed, it is true, but there are yet t#o others, 1a Teng and ,iu 'ei. These must not be left.C )heng Bu replied, C1a Teng is strong in the #est and #ould not be easily captured. *e might be enticed to the capital by suave #ords and $indly praises, #hen he #ould be at your mercy. ,iu 'ei is at 2uDhou, strongly posted in an oA6horn formation, and not to be lightly attac$ed. 1ore than this, Buan Shao is at 8uandu, and his one desire is to attac$ you. +ny attempt on the east #ill send ,iu 'ei to Buan Shao for help, and Buan Shao #ill come here at once. Then #hat #ill you doGC CBou are at fault,C replied )ao )ao. C,iu 'ei is a bold #arrior. If #e #ait till he is fully fledged and #inged, he #ill be more difficult to deal #ith. Buan Shao may be strong, but he is not to be feared. *e is too undeciding to act.C +s they #ere discussing these things, 8uo 9ia came in, and )ao )ao suddenly referred the matter to him. CIf I attac$ ,iu 'ei, then Buan Shao is to be feared. !hat do you thin$ of itGC 8uo 9ia said, CBuan Shao by nature is dilatory and hesitating, and his various advisers are >ealous of each other. *e is not to be feared. ,iu 'ei is getting together a ne# army and has not yet #on their hearts. Bou could settle the east in one battle.C CThis advice is in harmony #ith my thin$ing,C said )ao )ao. +nd he prepared an army of t#o hundred thousand troops, to move in five divisions against 2uDhou.

Scouts too$ the ne#s of these preparations to 2uDhou. Sun &ian first #ent to 2iapi to tell 8uan Bu and then #ent to 2iaopei to tell ,iu 'ei. The t#o discussed the position and decided that help must be sought. So letters #ere #ritten to Buan Shao and given to Sun &ian, #ho #ent north, sought Tian 3eng, and as$ed him to arrange an intervie# #ith Buan Shao. Sun &ian #as introduced and presented his letters. 'ut Buan Shao #as of melancholy countenance, and his dress #as all a#ry. Tian 3eng said, C!hy this disarray, my lordGC CI am about to die,C replied Buan Shao. C'ut #hy do you utter such #ordsGC CI have three sons, but only the youngest is clever enough to understand my ideas. Fo# he is suffering from scabies #hich places his life in >eopardy. Thin$ you that I have any heart to tal$ over any other affairsGC C'ut,C said Tian 3eng, Cthe present combination of circumstances is unparalleled. )ao )ao is going to attac$ the east, and 2uchang #ill be empty. Bou can enter it #ith a fe# volunteers and so perform good service to the 4mperor and save the people from sorro#. Bou have only to ma$e up your mind to act.C CI $no# the chance is eAcellent, but I am #orried and distressed and fear failure.C C!hat are you distressed aboutGC said Tian 3eng. C+mong my sons only this special one is remar$able; and if anything happens, I am done.C Thus it became evident that no army #ould be dispatched. In confirmation of this, Buan Shao said to Sun &ian, C8o home and tell ,iu 'ei the real reason, and say that if anything unto#ard happen, he can come over to me, and I #ill find some means of helping him.C Tian 3eng struc$ the ground #ith his staff. CIt is such a pity=C cried he. C9ust as a uni ue opportunity presents itself, everything is spoiled by the illness of a child.C *e #ent out. Sun &ian sa# that no help could be hoped for and set out to return. !hen he had arrived and related #hat he had seen, ,iu 'ei #as uite alarmed and as$ed #hat could be done. CDo not be troubled, brother,C said "hang 3ei. C!e can destroy )ao )ao merely by a sudden attac$ before his army shall have time to camp.C

CThat #ould be according to the rules of #ar,C said ,iu 'ei. CBou have al#ays been a bold #arrior, and that move against ,iu Dai sho#s that you are becoming a strategist too.C So ,iu 'ei gave "hang 3ei command of enough soldiers to carry out this plan. Fo# #hile )ao )ao #as in the midst of his march to#ard 2iaopei, a tornado sprang up and the ho#ling gale tore do#n one of the banners and bro$e the staff. )ao )ao called together his advisers and leaders to as$ them #hat this portended. 2un Bu said, C3rom #hat direction #as the #ind at the time, and #hat #as the color of the flagGC CThe #ind #as from the southeast, and the flag #as blue and red.C CThere is only one interpretation@ + raid on the camp #ill occur tonight.C )ao )ao nodded. +t that moment 1ao 9ie entered and reported a similar incident. )ao )ao as$ed him the portent. C1y thin$ing tells me it means a night raid,C replied he. +las for the #ea$ness of this descendant of $ings= *e placed his faith on a night raid. 'ut the bro$en staff of a banner #arned his enemy. !hy should the ancient of days favor the #ic$edG CThis is evidently providence,C said )ao )ao. +nd he began to ma$e preparations. *e told off nine bodies of troops to ta$e stations, leaving only one of them as if camped #hile he placed the others in ambush at eight points. There #as but little moonlight as ,iu 'ei and "hang 3ei marched their respective armies to#ard )ao )ao(s camp. They had left Sun &ian to guard 2iaopei. "hang 3ei, since he #as the originator of the stratagem, led the #ay #ith some light horse. +s they dre# near, everything seemed very uiet and no one seemed moving. Then suddenly lights flashed out all about them, and "hang 3ei sa# he had fallen into a trap. +t once from all the eight directions came out the ambushing troops. 3rom east, #est, north, south #ere "hang ,iao, 2u )hu, ,i Dian, and Bu 9in. 3rom northeast, north#est, southeast, south#est #ere 2iahou Dun, 2iahou Buan, 2u *uang, and Bue 9ing. "hang 3ei, dashing this #ay and rushing that, guarding his van and protecting his rear, vainly tried to clear himself. The soldiers he had, being originally )ao )ao(s troops, soon gave in and returned to their old leader. The position became very desperate. "hang 3ei met 2u *uang and engaged him, but his rear #as also attac$ed by Bue 9ing. +t length he cut an alley out and #ith a half score of his troops started to return to 2iaopei. The retreat #as

cut off. *e thought to ma$e for 2uDhou but felt certain that #ay #as also barred. Fo other #ay seemed open, and so he made for the 1angdang *ills. +s ,iu 'ei dre# near the camp, he intended to attac$ #hen he heard the din of battle. Then he #as attac$ed in the rear and very soon had lost half his force. FeAt 2iahou Dun came to attac$. Thereupon ,iu 'ei bolted. *e #as pursued by 2iahou Buan. 7resently ,iu 'ei loo$ed about him and found he had less than half a hundred soldiers follo#ing him. *e set his face in the direction of 2iaopei. 'ut before long ,iu 'ei sa# that place #as in flames. So he changed his plan and #ent to#ard 2iapi. *o#ever he found the #hole countryside full of the enemy, and he could not get through. So he bethought himself of the promise of Buan Shao, that he #ould find refuge if things #ent unfavorable, and determined to go to Buan Shao till he could form some other plan. !herefore he too$ the &ingDhou road. 'ut it also #as bloc$ed, and he #ent into the open country and made his #ay north, not #ithout being pursued and losing the remainder of his fe# follo#ers. *e hastened to#ard &ingDhou )ity, traveling one hundred miles a day. !hen he reached the city and summoned the gate, the guards as$ed #ho he #as and they told the 8overnor, #ho #as Buan Shao(s eldest son, Buan Tan. Buan Tan #as greatly surprised, but he opened the gates and #ent to meet ,iu 'ei, #hom he treated #ith due consideration. ,iu 'ei told the story of his defeat and said he #ished for harbor. *e #as given suitable uarters and hospitably entertained, #hile the young man #rote to inform his father. Then Buan Tan provided an escort and sent ,iu 'ei on his >ourney as far as the boundary of 7ingyuan. +t the city of Be>un, ,iu 'ei #as met by Buan Shao in person ten miles outside the city, #ith a great escort. ,iu 'ei made a humble obeisance #hich Buan Shao hastened to return and said, CI have been very distressed that, on account of my son(s illness, I did not come to your aid. It is a great >oy to see you; the one desire of my life is satisfied.C ,iu 'ei replied, CThe poor ,iu 'ei you see here has long desired to ta$e refuge #ith you, but fate has hitherto denied him that privilege. Fo# attac$ed by )ao )ao, my family lost, I remembered that you, 8eneral, #ould receive good people from all sides. !herefore I put my pride in my poc$et. I trust that I may be found #orthy and one day I #ill prove my gratitude.C Buan Shao received him #ith much pleasure and treated him eAceedingly #ell. +nd they both lived in Buan Shao(s home region 9iDhou. +fter the capture of 2iaopei, )ao )ao pressed on to#ard 2uDhou )ity, #hich, after a short defense and the flight of 1i "hu and 9ian Bong, #as surrendered by )hen Deng. )ao )ao led his army into the city, restored order, and pacified the people. FeAt he #anted to press on to 2iapi, #here 8uan Bu #as holding out and $eeping guard of ,iu 'ei(s family.

2un Bu said, C8uan Bu is there, in charge of his brother(s family, and he #ill defend the city to the last. If you do not ta$e it uic$ly, Buan Shao #ill get it.C )ao )ao said, CI have al#ays loved 8uan Bu, both for his #arli$e abilities and his principles. I #ould engage him to enter my service. I #ould rather send someone to tal$ him into surrender.C C*e #ill not do that,C said 8uo 9ia. C*is sense of right is too solid. I fear anyone #ho #ent to spea$ #ith him #ould suffer.C Then suddenly a man stepped out, saying, CI $no# him slightly, and I #ill go.C The spea$er #as "hang ,iao. )heng Bu loo$ed at him and said, CThough you are an old ac uaintance, I do not thin$ you are e ual to tal$ing over 8uan Bu. 'ut I have a scheme that #ill so entangle him that he #ill have no alternative. *e #ill have to enter the service of the 7rime 1inister.C They set the fatal spring beside the lordly tiger(s trail, They hide the hoo$ #ith fragrant bait to catch the mighty #hale. *o# 8uan Bu #as to be entrapped #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 22 Besieged In T&shan =o&ntains) G&an +& =a5es Three Conditions; The ,esc&e 1t Baima) Cao Cao Is ,e#eased' The plan to seduce 8uan Bu from allegiance to his brothers #as no# announced by )heng Bu, CSince 8uan Bu is far braver than ordinary #arriors, he can only be overreached by superior cunning. Fo# send some of the captured soldiers #ho have lately been of ,iu 'ei(s army into 2iapi, #here they shall say they have come bac$. They shall thus be our allies on the inside. Then an attac$ and a feigned defeat #ill entice 8uan Bu to a distance from the city. +nd his return road shall be cut.C )ao )ao accepted the scheme, and a fe# score of the troops #ho had lately been in 2uDhou #ere sent to the city. 8uan Bu believed the story they told and trusted them. So they #ere suffered to remain. +fter this part of the game had been played, 2iahou Dun led for#ard five thousand troops against the city. +t first, 8uan Bu #ould not accept the challenge. 'ut provo$ed by men sent to hurl insults at him from the foot of the #all, his #rath got the better of him, and he moved out #ith three thousand troops. +fter the leaders had eAchanged some ten bouts, 2iahou Dun made to run a#ay. 8uan Bu pursued. 2iahou Dun stopped and made a stand, then he fled again. Thus alternately fighting and retiring, he enticed 8uan Bu seven miles from 2iapi. Then 8uan Bu suddenly remembering the ris$ to the city dre# off his army to return home#ard.

Soon, at the sound of a signal bomb, from the left and right out moved t#o bodies of troops led by 2u *uang and 2u )hu #ho barred his #ay. 8uan Bu hastened along a road that seemed to offer retreat, but from both sides his ambushing enemies shot their crossbo#s, and the arro#s fle# li$e locusts on the #ing. Fo #ay past #as found, and he turned bac$. Then both bodies >oined in attac$ing him. *e drove them off and got into the road to his o#n city, but soon 2iahou Dun came up again and attac$ed fiercely as before. 4vening came and still 8uan Bu #as hemmed in, so he #ent up on a lo# hill of Tushan 1ountains upon #hich he encamped for a rest. 8uan Bu #as surrounded on all sides by enemies. 'y and by, loo$ing to#ard his city, he sa# the glo# of fire. It meant that the traitors, #ho had come in to surrender, had opened the gate, and the enemy had gone in force. They had made the fires in order to perpleA and distress 8uan Bu, and indeed the sight saddened him. In the night he made efforts to escape from the hill, but every attempt #as chec$ed by flights of arro#s. +t daybrea$ he prepared for one more effort, but before moving he sa# a horseman riding up at full speed and presently discerned "hang ,iao. !hen #ithin spea$ing distance, 8uan Bu said, C+re you come to fight me, "hang ,iaoGC CFo,C replied "hang ,iao. CI am come to see you because of our old friendship.C !herefore "hang ,iao thre# aside his s#ord, dismounted, and came for#ard saluting. +nd the t#o sat do#n. CThen naturally you have come to tal$ me over,C said 8uan Bu. CFot so=C said "hang ,iao. CSometime ago you saved me. )an I help saving youGC CThen you desire to help me.C CFot eAactly that,C replied "hang ,iao. CThen #hat are you doing here if you have not come to help meGC CFothing is $no#n of the fate of your elder brother, nor #hether your younger brother is alive or dead. ,ast night your city fell into the hands of )ao )ao, but neither soldiers nor people #ere harmed, and a special guard #as set over the family of ,iu 'ei lest they should be alarmed. I came to tell you ho# #ell they had been treated.C CThis is certainly tal$ing me over,C said 8uan Bu. CThough escape is impossible, yet I am not perturbed. I loo$ upon death as going home. Bou had better depart uic$ly and let me go do#n and begin the struggle again.C CSurely you must $no# everybody #ill ridicule you #hen they hear of this,C said "hang ,iao.

CI shall die for loyalty and righteousness. !ho #ill laughGC said 8uan Bu. CBou #ould be guilty of three faults if you died.C CTell me them,C said 8uan Bu. C3irst of all, you and your elder brother pledged yourselves in the 7each 8arden to die or to live together. Fo# your brother has been defeated, and you #ant to fight to the death. Therefore, if your brother appears again by and by and #ants your help, he #ill see$ it in vain. Is this anything else than betraying the 7each 8arden OathG Secondly, you are in charge of your brother(s family and, if you fought and died, the t#o #omen #ould be left forlorn and #ithout a protector. That #ould be a betrayal of trust. Thirdly, your military s$ill stands out conspicuous and #ill go do#n in history. If you do not aid your brother in his noble attempt to maintain the dynasty, then all your labors and sufferings #ill have been spent to #in a #orthless reputation as a valiant fool. !here is the sense in thatG I feel it my duty to point out these three faults to you.C 8uan Bu remained silent and thought for some time. Then he said, CBou have spo$en of my three faults. !hat do you desireGC CBou are surrounded #ith the certainty of death if you do not yield. There is no advantage in a useless death. !herefore your best course is to yield to )ao )ao till you hear ne#s of ,iu 'ei and can re>oin him. Thus you #ill ensure the safety of the t#o ladies and also $eep inviolate the 7each 8arden compact. Bou #ill preserve a useful life. 'rother, you must reflect on these things.C C'rother, you have spo$en of three advantages; no# I have three conditions. If the 7rime 1inister concede these, then #ill I doff my armor. If he refuses, then I prefer to be guilty of the three faults and die.C C!hy should the 7rime 1inister not concede themG *e is most liberal and large minded. I pray you let me hear your conditions.C CThe first is that as I and the Imperial Hncle have s#orn to support the *ans, I no# submit to the 4mperor and not to *is 7rime 1inister )ao )ao. The second condition is that suitable provision be made for the t#o ladies under my care and that no one shall be allo#ed to approach them. The third is that I shall be allo#ed to set off to re>oin Hncle ,iu 'ei so soon as I shall hear #here he is, #hether it be far or near. I re uire all these to be satisfied. 3ailing a single one, I #ill not submit. !herefore, "hang ,iao, I pray you hasten bac$ and announce them.C "hang ,iao lost no time but rode bac$ to )ao )ao. !hen he spo$e of 8uan Bu(s intention to submit to the *ans but not to )ao )ao, the latter laughed, saying, C+s I am a minister of *an, so am I *an. I grant that.C "hang ,iao then spo$e of provision due to their ran$ and security from molestation for the ladies, to #hich )ao )ao replied, CI #ill give them t#ice the regular amount for an Hncle of the 4mperor.

+s for securing them from molestation, that is simple. The ordinary domestic la# is enough. !hy should there be any doubtGC Then said "hang ,iao, C!henever he shall get ne#s of the #hereabouts of ,iu 'ei, he must go to him.C +t this )ao )ao shoo$ his head, saying, CThen I am merely to feed 8uan Bu. !hat is the use of thisG I cannot consent.C "hang ,iao replied, CBou must $no# of Bu Rang(s saying@ The difference in behavior brought about by difference of treatmentG ,iu 'ei treats 8uan Bu >ust $indly and liberally. Bou can surely engage 8uan Bu(s heart and support by being $inder and more liberal.C C!hat you say is much to the point. I #ill grant the three conditions,C said )ao )ao. !hereupon "hang ,iao left to carry the ne#s to 8uan Bu, still on the summit of the Tushan 1ountains. Said 8uan Bu, CFo# I eApect the army to #ithdra# so that I may enter the city to tell the t#o ladies #hat has been arranged. +fter that I submit at once.C "hang ,iao rode bac$ once more #ith this re uest, and the order #as given for the army to retire three miles. CDo not do this,C said 2un Bu. CI fear treachery.C C*e #ill certainly not brea$ faith,C said )ao )ao. C*e is too high principled.C The army retired, and 8uan Bu #ith his force reentered the city of 2iapi, #here he sa# that the people #ere follo#ing their ordinary avocations in tran uillity. *e came to the palace and #ent in to see the t#o ladies, #ho hastened to meet him. *e bo#ed to them belo# the steps and said, CI apologiDe for having caused you to feel alarmed.C C!here is the HncleGC as$ed they. CI $no# not #hither he has gone.C C!hat do you intend to do, brother6in6la#GC CI #ent out of the city to try a last battle. I #as surrounded on a hill top, and "hang ,iao has urged me to yield. I proposed three conditions, all of #hich #ere conceded, and the enemy dre# off to allo# me to return to the city. Hnless I have your decision, sisters6in6la#, I scarcely dare to ta$e any final step.C

They as$ed #hat #ere the conditions and #ere told. ,ady 8an said, C!hen )ao )ao(s army came in, #e too$ it to mean certain death. 'ut it is scarcely credible that not a hair of our heads has been disturbed. Fot a soldier has dared enter our doors. Bou have accepted the conditions, brother6in6la#, and there is no need to as$ our consent. Our only fear is that he #ill not let you go by and by to search for the Hncle.C CSisters6in6la#, you need not be anAious. I #ill see to that.C CBou must decide everything and need not as$ us.C 8uan Bu #ithdre# and then, #ith a small escort, #ent to his intervie# #ith )ao )ao. )ao )ao came to the outermost gate to #elcome him, and 8uan Bu dismounted and made obeisance. )ao )ao returned his salute #ith the greatest cordiality. CThe leader of a defeated army is grateful for the graciousness that has preserved his life,C said 8uan Bu. CI have so long admired your loyalty and high principles that this happy meeting gratifies the desire of my #hole life,C replied )ao )ao. C+s the 7rime 1inister has granted the three re uests #hich my friend petitioned for on my behalf, there is no# but little to discuss,C said 8uan Bu. C+s I have spo$en, so be it. I could not brea$ faith,C replied )ao )ao. C!henever I hear #here Hncle ,iu 'ei is, I must certainly go to him, even if through fire and #ater. It may be that there #ill be no time nor opportunity of saying fare#ell. I trust you #ill understand the reason.C CIf ,iu 'ei should prove to be alive, you must certainly be allo#ed to go to him. 'ut I fear that in the confusion he may have lost his life. Bou may set your mind at rest and let me ma$e in uiries.C 8uan Bu than$ed him. Then a ban uet #as prepared in 8uan Bu(s honor. FeAt day the army started on its home#ard march. 3or the >ourney to the capital, a carriage #as prepared for the t#o ladies, and 8uan Bu #as its guard. On the road they rested at a certain post station, and )ao )ao, anAious to compromise 8uan Bu by beguiling him into forgetfulness of his duty, assigned 8uan Bu to the same apartment as his sisters6in6la#. 8uan Bu stood the #hole night before the door #ith a lighted candle in his hand. Fot once did he yield to fatigue. )ao )ao(s respect for him could not but increase. +t the capital the 7rime 1inister assigned a dignified residence to 8uan Bu, #hich he immediately divided into t#o enclosures, the inner one for the t#o ladies and the other for himself. *e placed a guard of eighteen of his veterans over the #omen(s uarters.

8uan Bu #as presented to 4mperor 2ian #ho conferred upon him the ran$ of 8eneral !ho Serves the *ans. 8uan Bu eApressed his than$s to the 4mperor. FeAt day )ao )ao made a great ban uet, inviting all his advisers and officers, solely in honor of 8uan Bu, #ho sat in the seat of honor. 'eside this 8uan Bu received presents of sil$s and gold and silver vessels, all of #hich 8uan Bu sent into the ladies( uarters for their use and $eeping. In fact from the day of arrival in the capital, 8uan Bu #as treated #ith mar$ed respect and distinction, small ban uets follo#ing each other in each three days, and large ban uets held in each five days. )ao )ao also presented him #ith ten most lovely serving girls. 8uan Bu sent these also #ithin to #ait upon his t#o sisters6in6la#. 4very third day 8uan Bu #ent to the door of the #omen(s uarters to in uire after their #elfare, and then they as$ed if any ne#s of the #anderer had come. This ceremony closed #ith the #ords@ C'rother6in6la#, you may retire #hen you #ish.C )ao )ao heard of this eAtremely correct behavior and thought all the more of the man for it. One day )ao )ao noticed that the robe 8uan Bu #as #earing #as old and frayed. Ta$ing his measurements, )ao )ao had a ne# one made of fine brocade and presented it to him. 8uan Bu too$ it and put it on under the old robe, so that the latter covered it. C!hy so very thriftyGC laughed )ao )ao. CIt is not thrift,C #as his reply. CThe old robe #as a gift from my brother, and I #ear it because it reminds me of him. I could not allo# the ne# gift to eclipse his old one.C C*o# very high principled=C said )ao )ao, sighing. One day #hen 8uan Bu #as at home, there came a messenger to say that the t#o #omen had thro#n themselves on the ground and #ere #eeping. They #ould not say #hy. 8uan Bu set his dress in order, #ent over, and $nelt by the door, saying, C!hy this grief, sisters6in6 la#GC ,ady 8an replied, CIn the night I dreamed that the Hncle had fallen into a pit. I #o$e up and told ,ady 1i, and #e thin$ he must be dead. So #e #eep.C CDreams are not to be credited,C he replied. CBou dreamed of him because you #ere thin$ing of him. 7ray do not grieve.C 9ust then 8uan Bu #as invited to another ban uet, so he too$ leave of the ladies and #ent. Seeing 8uan Bu loo$ed sad and tearful, his host as$ed the reason. C1y sisters6in6la# have been #eeping for my brother, and I cannot help being sad in sympathy.C

)ao )ao smiled and tried to cheer up his guest. )ao )ao plied 8uan Bu #ith #ine so that 8uan Bu became uite intoAicated and sat stro$ing his beard and saying, C!hat a useless thing am I= I could do no service for my country, and I have parted from my elder brother.C C*o# many hairs in your beardGC suddenly as$ed his host. CSome hundreds, perhaps. In the autumn a fe# fall out, but in the #inter it is fullest. Then I use a blac$ sil$ bag to $eep the hairs from being bro$en,C replied 8uan Bu. )ao )ao had a bag made for him to protect his beard. Soon after #hen they #ere at court, the 4mperor as$ed #hat #as the bag he sa# on 8uan Bu(s breast. C1y beard is rather long, Bour 1a>esty,C said 8uan Bu. CSo the 7rime 1inister gave me a bag to protect it.C The 4mperor bade him ta$e off the bag and sho# his beard in all its fullness and it fell in rippling #aves belo# his breast. CReally a most beautiful beard=C said the 4mperor. This is #hy people call him@ CThe 1an #ith the 'eautiful 'eard.C +nother time, after a ban uet, )ao )ao #as seeing his guest start from the gate of his palace #hen he noticed that his charger #as very thin. C!hy is it so thinGC said )ao )ao. C1y #orthless body is rather heavy and really too much for it. It is al#ays out of condition.C )ao )ao at once told his attendants to bring out a certain steed, and before long it appeared. It #as red, li$e glo#ing charcoal, and a handsome creature in every #ay. CDo you recogniDe itGC as$ed )ao )ao. C!hy, it is no other than Red *are=C cried 8uan Bu. CBes; it is Red *are,C said )ao )ao. +nd he presented the horse, all fully caparisoned, to his guest. 8uan Bu bo#ed many times and than$ed him again and again, till )ao )ao began to feel displeased and said, CI have given you many things, lovely handmaids and gold and sil$s and never #on a bo# of gratitude from you before. This horse seems to please you better than all the rest. !hy do you thin$ so poorly of the damsels and so much of the steedGC

CI $no# the horse@ It can travel five hundred miles a day, and I am very luc$y to get him. Fo# as soon as I find out #here my brother is, I can get to him in a single day,C said 8uan Bu. )ao )ao grumbled to himself and began to repent of his gift. 3ortune dealt a stunning blo#, still he played his part; 7artitioning his d#elling proved his purity of heart. The crafty minister desired to #in him to his side, 'ut felt that failure #as foredoomed ho#ever much he tried. Said )ao )ao to "hang ,iao, CI have treated 8uan Bu pretty liberally, but he still cherishes the desire to leave me. Do you $no# if it is really soGC CI #ill try to find out,C #as the reply. So "hang ,iao too$ an early opportunity of seeing 8uan Bu, and #hen the politeness of the visit #ere over, "hang ,iao said, CI recommended you to the 7rime 1inister, and you have not lost much by that.C CI am deeply affected by his $indness and bounty,C said 8uan Bu, Cbut, though my body is here, yet I am al#ays thin$ing of my brother.C CBour #ords do not eApress present conditions uite correctly. One #ho lives in the #orld #ithout discrimination and consideration of his relations #ith others is not the most admirable type of person. 4ven ,iu 'ei never treated you better than does the 7rime 1inister. !hy then do you maintain this desire to get a#ayGC CI $no# only too #ell that he has been most $ind, but I have also received great $indness from Hncle ,iu 'ei. 'eside #e have s#orn to die together, and I cannot remain here. 'ut before I go, I must try to render the 7rime 1inister some signal service to prove my gratitude.C CSupposing ,iu 'ei should have left the #orld, #hither #ill you goGC said "hang ,iao. CI #ill follo# him to the belo# realms of Fine 8olden Springs.C There could no longer be the least doubt as to 8uan Bu(s intentions, and "hang ,iao told )ao )ao >ust ho# matters stood. )ao )ao sighed. CTo serve one(s chief #ith uns#erving fidelity is a proof of the highest principle of all,C said he. Said 2un Bu, C*e spo$e of performing some act of service before leaving. If he gets no chance of such a thing, he #ill not be able to go.C )ao )ao agreed that this #as so.

,iu 'ei #ent to Buan Shao for refuge. *ere ,iu 'ei #as al#ays sorro#ful and, #hen as$ed the reason, said he did not $no# #here his brothers #ere nor #hat had happened to his family since they fell into the hands of )ao )ao. C!hy should I not be sad #hen I have failed to#ards my country and my familyGC said he. CI have long #ished to attac$ 2uchang,C said Buan Shao. CFo# it is autumn and >ust the time for an eApedition, so let us discuss plans for the destruction of )ao )ao.C Tian 3eng at once opposed this. C!hen )ao )ao attac$ed 2uDhou and 2uchang #as undefended, you let the chance slip by. Fo# that 2uDhou has been captured, and their soldiers are flushed #ith victory, it #ould be madness to attempt it. It is necessary to a#ait another chance.C C,et me thin$ about it,C said Buan Shao. *e as$ed advice from ,iu 'ei #hether to attac$ or to hold on. ,iu 'ei replied, C)ao )ao is a rebel. I thin$ you are failing in your duty if you do not attac$ him.C CBour #ords are good,C said Buan Shao. *e made up his mind to move. 'ut again the adviser Tian 3eng intervened. Then Buan Shao gre# angry, saying, CBou fello#s #ho cultivate literature and despise #ar have made me miss a lot=C Tian 3eng bo#ed his head and said, CFeglect your servant(s #ise #ords, and you #ill fail in the field.C Buan Shao #as so angry that he #anted to put Tian 3eng to death. *o#ever, ,iu 'ei begged him off and he #as only imprisoned. Seeing the fate of his colleague, another adviser, 9u Shou, assembled his clan and distributed among them all his possessions, saying, CI go #ith the army. If #e succeed, then nothing can eAceed our glory; but if #e are defeated, the ris$ I run is great.C *is friends #ept as they said fare#ell. 8eneral Ban ,iang #as appointed to the command of the advance guard, to go to attac$ 'aima. Then 9u Shou first protested, C*is mind is too narro# for such a post. *e is brave but une ual to such a trust.C

CBou are not the sort of man to measure my best generals,C replied Buan Shao. The army marched to ,iyang, and 8overnor ,iu Bue of Dong>un sent an urgent call to 2uchang for aid. )ao )ao moved his armies hastily. +s soon as the ne#s of battle got about, 8uan Bu #ent to see the 7rime 1inister and said, CIllustrious Sir, the army is mobiliDed. I volunteer for the van leader.C CI scarcely dare put you to such inconvenience, but presently, if need arises, I #ill call upon you.C So 8uan Bu retired, and one hundred fifty thousand soldiers marched out in three directions. On the road the letters from ,iu Bue arrived praying for help, and )ao )ao marched the first fifty thousand troops to 'aima and too$ up a position supported by the hills. In the #ide plains in front of them, Ban ,iang #as encamped #ith one hundred thousand veterans. )ao )ao #as frightened at the force opposed to him and, returning to camp, spo$e to Song 2ian, #ho had once served under ,u 'u, saying, CBou are one of ,u 'u(s famous veteran generals. )an you give battle to this Ban ,iangGC Song 2ian agreed to try. *e armed himself, mounted, and rode to the front. Ban ,iang #as there on horsebac$, his s#ord lying cross#ays. Seeing an opponent approaching, he uttered a loud shout and galloped to#ard Song 2ian. The t#o met, but after only three bouts, Song 2ian fell under a mighty slash from Ban ,iang(s s#ord. C!hat a terrible leader=C said )ao )ao. C*e has slain my comrade, I #ant to go and avenge him,C then cried !ei 2u. )ao )ao bade him go and he rode out, spear set, and in front of the army railed at Ban ,iang. Ban ,iang replied not a #ord, but their t#o steeds came together; and at the first blo# from Ban ,iang(s s#ord, !ei 2u(s forehead #as halved. CFo#, #ho again dares face himGC cried )ao )ao. 2u *uang too$ up the challenge and he #ent out. The combat endured t#enty bouts, and then 2u *uang fled bac$ to his o#n side. The other generals #ere no# greatly depressed at their failure. )ao )ao #ithdre# his army, feeling very sad at the loss of t#o generals in uic$ succession. Ban ,iang also marched off his force. Then )heng Bu #ent to see his chief, saying, CI can produce a man the e ual of Ban ,iang.C C!hoGC cried )ao )ao. CFo other than 8uan Bu.C

CI am afraid that if he is given an opportunity to perform that return service he spo$e of, he #ill leave me.C CIf ,iu 'ei is still alive, he is #ith Buan Shao. If you get 8uan Bu to defeat Buan Shao(s army, Buan Shao #ill loo$ as$ance at ,iu 'ei and put him to death. ,iu 'ei gone, #here can 8uan Bu goGC This argument appealed to )ao )ao at once, and he sent to re uest 8uan Bu to come. 7revious to obeying the call, 8uan Bu #ent to say fare#ell to his sisters6in6la#. CBou may get ne#s of the Hncle on the >ourney,C said they. CBes,C said 8uan Bu and left them. +rmed #ith his green6dragon saber, riding on the s#ift steed Red *are, and having but a slender follo#ing, 8uan Bu #as not long in arriving at 'aima. *e sa# )ao )ao, #ho told him #hat had happened. Ban ,iang #as too valiant for any to face. C,et me loo$ at him,C said 8uan Bu. Then #ine #as served for his refreshment, and #hile they #ere drin$ing, it #as reported that Ban ,iang once again offered a challenge. So )ao )ao and his guest and staff #ent to the summit of a hill #hence the enemy could be seen. )ao )ao and 8uan Bu sat on the hill top, and the commanders stood about them. )ao )ao pointed out Ban ,iang(s troops arrayed on the plains belo#. The ensigns and banners #aving fresh and bright amid the forest of spears and s#ords made a grand and imposing spectacle. CSee ho# formidable these soldiers of the Forth of Bello# River are,C said )ao )ao. CI regard them as so many clay fo#ls and mud dogs,C said 8uan Bu. )ao )ao pointed out Ban ,iang, saying, CThere under that grand umbrella, in that embroidered robe and that silver breastplate and riding on horsebac$ and gripping that huge s#ord is Ban ,iang.C C*is head loo$s as though it #as stuc$ on a pole for sale,C said 8uan Bu, >ust glancing over the army at his feet. C*e is very terrible. Bou must not despise him,C said )ao )ao. 8uan Bu rose, saying, CI am a poor thing, but I #ill go over and bring you his head if you li$e.C C9o$ing is not allo#ed in this army,C interposed "hang ,iao. C7lease be careful #hat you say, 8eneral.C

8uan Bu uic$ly mounted, turned do#n his mighty #eapon, and galloped do#n the hill, his phoeniA eyes rounded, and his sil$#orm eyebro#s fiercely bristling. *e dashed straight into the enemy(s array, and the northern soldiers opened li$e falling #aves and dissolving storms. *e made directly for the commander. Fo# Ban ,iang sitting there in state sa# a horseman rushing to#ard him, and >ust as he began to as$ #ho the rider of the red horse #as, lo= the horseman #as there. Ta$en utterly by surprise, the leader could ma$e no defense. 8uan Bu(s arm rose and the mighty #eapon fell. +nd #ith it fell Ban ,iang. ,eaping from the saddle, 8uan Bu cut off his victim(s head and hung it to his horse(s nec$. Then he mounted and rode out, >ust as if there #as no army there. The northern troops, panic stric$en, made no fight. )ao )ao(s army attac$ed #ith full force and sle# great numbers of them. They captured many horses and #eapons and much military gear. 8uan Bu rode uic$ly bac$ up the hill and laid the proof of his pro#ess at the feet of the 7rime 1inister. CBou are more than human, 8eneral=C cried )ao )ao. C!hat have I done to tal$ aboutGC said 8uan Bu. C1y brother, "hang 3ei, did the same thing in an army of a hundred legions, and did it as easily as pic$ing something from his o#n poc$et.C )ao )ao marveled at the statement and turning to those about him said, CIf you meet this "hang 3ei, be careful.C +nd he bade them ma$e a note on the overlap of their robes so that they should remember. The beaten army returning north#ard met Buan Shao on the road and told their story. C+ red6faced #arrior #ith a long beard, #ielding a huge, long6handled s#ord, bro$e into the army, cut off the general(s head and bore it off,C said they. C!ho #as thisGC as$ed Buan Shao. 9u Shou said, CIt must have been ,iu 'ei(s brother, 8uan Bu. It could be nobody else.C Buan Shao #as very angry and, pointing to ,iu 'ei, he said, CBour brother has slain my beloved leader. Bou are in the plot too. !hy should I save you aliveGC *e bade the lictors ta$e ,iu 'ei a#ay and behead him. 1orning sa# him guest on high. 4vening, prisoner, doomed to die.

,iu 'ei(s actual fate #ill be told in the neAt chapter. )hapter .K Besieged In T&shan =o&ntains) G&an +& =a5es Three Conditions; The ,esc&e 1t Baima) Cao Cao Is ,e#eased' The plan to seduce 8uan Bu from allegiance to his brothers #as no# announced by )heng Bu, CSince 8uan Bu is far braver than ordinary #arriors, he can only be overreached by superior cunning. Fo# send some of the captured soldiers #ho have lately been of ,iu 'ei(s army into 2iapi, #here they shall say they have come bac$. They shall thus be our allies on the inside. Then an attac$ and a feigned defeat #ill entice 8uan Bu to a distance from the city. +nd his return road shall be cut.C )ao )ao accepted the scheme, and a fe# score of the troops #ho had lately been in 2uDhou #ere sent to the city. 8uan Bu believed the story they told and trusted them. So they #ere suffered to remain. +fter this part of the game had been played, 2iahou Dun led for#ard five thousand troops against the city. +t first, 8uan Bu #ould not accept the challenge. 'ut provo$ed by men sent to hurl insults at him from the foot of the #all, his #rath got the better of him, and he moved out #ith three thousand troops. +fter the leaders had eAchanged some ten bouts, 2iahou Dun made to run a#ay. 8uan Bu pursued. 2iahou Dun stopped and made a stand, then he fled again. Thus alternately fighting and retiring, he enticed 8uan Bu seven miles from 2iapi. Then 8uan Bu suddenly remembering the ris$ to the city dre# off his army to return home#ard. Soon, at the sound of a signal bomb, from the left and right out moved t#o bodies of troops led by 2u *uang and 2u )hu #ho barred his #ay. 8uan Bu hastened along a road that seemed to offer retreat, but from both sides his ambushing enemies shot their crossbo#s, and the arro#s fle# li$e locusts on the #ing. Fo #ay past #as found, and he turned bac$. Then both bodies >oined in attac$ing him. *e drove them off and got into the road to his o#n city, but soon 2iahou Dun came up again and attac$ed fiercely as before. 4vening came and still 8uan Bu #as hemmed in, so he #ent up on a lo# hill of Tushan 1ountains upon #hich he encamped for a rest. 8uan Bu #as surrounded on all sides by enemies. 'y and by, loo$ing to#ard his city, he sa# the glo# of fire. It meant that the traitors, #ho had come in to surrender, had opened the gate, and the enemy had gone in force. They had made the fires in order to perpleA and distress 8uan Bu, and indeed the sight saddened him. In the night he made efforts to escape from the hill, but every attempt #as chec$ed by flights of arro#s. +t daybrea$ he prepared for one more effort, but before moving he sa# a horseman riding up at full speed and presently discerned "hang ,iao. !hen #ithin spea$ing distance, 8uan Bu said, C+re you come to fight me, "hang ,iaoGC

CFo,C replied "hang ,iao. CI am come to see you because of our old friendship.C !herefore "hang ,iao thre# aside his s#ord, dismounted, and came for#ard saluting. +nd the t#o sat do#n. CThen naturally you have come to tal$ me over,C said 8uan Bu. CFot so=C said "hang ,iao. CSometime ago you saved me. )an I help saving youGC CThen you desire to help me.C CFot eAactly that,C replied "hang ,iao. CThen #hat are you doing here if you have not come to help meGC CFothing is $no#n of the fate of your elder brother, nor #hether your younger brother is alive or dead. ,ast night your city fell into the hands of )ao )ao, but neither soldiers nor people #ere harmed, and a special guard #as set over the family of ,iu 'ei lest they should be alarmed. I came to tell you ho# #ell they had been treated.C CThis is certainly tal$ing me over,C said 8uan Bu. CThough escape is impossible, yet I am not perturbed. I loo$ upon death as going home. Bou had better depart uic$ly and let me go do#n and begin the struggle again.C CSurely you must $no# everybody #ill ridicule you #hen they hear of this,C said "hang ,iao. CI shall die for loyalty and righteousness. !ho #ill laughGC said 8uan Bu. CBou #ould be guilty of three faults if you died.C CTell me them,C said 8uan Bu. C3irst of all, you and your elder brother pledged yourselves in the 7each 8arden to die or to live together. Fo# your brother has been defeated, and you #ant to fight to the death. Therefore, if your brother appears again by and by and #ants your help, he #ill see$ it in vain. Is this anything else than betraying the 7each 8arden OathG Secondly, you are in charge of your brother(s family and, if you fought and died, the t#o #omen #ould be left forlorn and #ithout a protector. That #ould be a betrayal of trust. Thirdly, your military s$ill stands out conspicuous and #ill go do#n in history. If you do not aid your brother in his noble attempt to maintain the dynasty, then all your labors and sufferings #ill have been spent to #in a #orthless reputation as a valiant fool. !here is the sense in thatG I feel it my duty to point out these three faults to you.C 8uan Bu remained silent and thought for some time. Then he said, CBou have spo$en of my three faults. !hat do you desireGC

CBou are surrounded #ith the certainty of death if you do not yield. There is no advantage in a useless death. !herefore your best course is to yield to )ao )ao till you hear ne#s of ,iu 'ei and can re>oin him. Thus you #ill ensure the safety of the t#o ladies and also $eep inviolate the 7each 8arden compact. Bou #ill preserve a useful life. 'rother, you must reflect on these things.C C'rother, you have spo$en of three advantages; no# I have three conditions. If the 7rime 1inister concede these, then #ill I doff my armor. If he refuses, then I prefer to be guilty of the three faults and die.C C!hy should the 7rime 1inister not concede themG *e is most liberal and large minded. I pray you let me hear your conditions.C CThe first is that as I and the Imperial Hncle have s#orn to support the *ans, I no# submit to the 4mperor and not to *is 7rime 1inister )ao )ao. The second condition is that suitable provision be made for the t#o ladies under my care and that no one shall be allo#ed to approach them. The third is that I shall be allo#ed to set off to re>oin Hncle ,iu 'ei so soon as I shall hear #here he is, #hether it be far or near. I re uire all these to be satisfied. 3ailing a single one, I #ill not submit. !herefore, "hang ,iao, I pray you hasten bac$ and announce them.C "hang ,iao lost no time but rode bac$ to )ao )ao. !hen he spo$e of 8uan Bu(s intention to submit to the *ans but not to )ao )ao, the latter laughed, saying, C+s I am a minister of *an, so am I *an. I grant that.C "hang ,iao then spo$e of provision due to their ran$ and security from molestation for the ladies, to #hich )ao )ao replied, CI #ill give them t#ice the regular amount for an Hncle of the 4mperor. +s for securing them from molestation, that is simple. The ordinary domestic la# is enough. !hy should there be any doubtGC Then said "hang ,iao, C!henever he shall get ne#s of the #hereabouts of ,iu 'ei, he must go to him.C +t this )ao )ao shoo$ his head, saying, CThen I am merely to feed 8uan Bu. !hat is the use of thisG I cannot consent.C "hang ,iao replied, CBou must $no# of Bu Rang(s saying@ The difference in behavior brought about by difference of treatmentG ,iu 'ei treats 8uan Bu >ust $indly and liberally. Bou can surely engage 8uan Bu(s heart and support by being $inder and more liberal.C C!hat you say is much to the point. I #ill grant the three conditions,C said )ao )ao. !hereupon "hang ,iao left to carry the ne#s to 8uan Bu, still on the summit of the Tushan 1ountains. Said 8uan Bu, CFo# I eApect the army to #ithdra# so that I may enter the city to tell the t#o ladies #hat has been arranged. +fter that I submit at once.C

"hang ,iao rode bac$ once more #ith this re uest, and the order #as given for the army to retire three miles. CDo not do this,C said 2un Bu. CI fear treachery.C C*e #ill certainly not brea$ faith,C said )ao )ao. C*e is too high principled.C The army retired, and 8uan Bu #ith his force reentered the city of 2iapi, #here he sa# that the people #ere follo#ing their ordinary avocations in tran uillity. *e came to the palace and #ent in to see the t#o ladies, #ho hastened to meet him. *e bo#ed to them belo# the steps and said, CI apologiDe for having caused you to feel alarmed.C C!here is the HncleGC as$ed they. CI $no# not #hither he has gone.C C!hat do you intend to do, brother6in6la#GC CI #ent out of the city to try a last battle. I #as surrounded on a hill top, and "hang ,iao has urged me to yield. I proposed three conditions, all of #hich #ere conceded, and the enemy dre# off to allo# me to return to the city. Hnless I have your decision, sisters6in6la#, I scarcely dare to ta$e any final step.C They as$ed #hat #ere the conditions and #ere told. ,ady 8an said, C!hen )ao )ao(s army came in, #e too$ it to mean certain death. 'ut it is scarcely credible that not a hair of our heads has been disturbed. Fot a soldier has dared enter our doors. Bou have accepted the conditions, brother6in6la#, and there is no need to as$ our consent. Our only fear is that he #ill not let you go by and by to search for the Hncle.C CSisters6in6la#, you need not be anAious. I #ill see to that.C CBou must decide everything and need not as$ us.C 8uan Bu #ithdre# and then, #ith a small escort, #ent to his intervie# #ith )ao )ao. )ao )ao came to the outermost gate to #elcome him, and 8uan Bu dismounted and made obeisance. )ao )ao returned his salute #ith the greatest cordiality. CThe leader of a defeated army is grateful for the graciousness that has preserved his life,C said 8uan Bu. CI have so long admired your loyalty and high principles that this happy meeting gratifies the desire of my #hole life,C replied )ao )ao.

C+s the 7rime 1inister has granted the three re uests #hich my friend petitioned for on my behalf, there is no# but little to discuss,C said 8uan Bu. C+s I have spo$en, so be it. I could not brea$ faith,C replied )ao )ao. C!henever I hear #here Hncle ,iu 'ei is, I must certainly go to him, even if through fire and #ater. It may be that there #ill be no time nor opportunity of saying fare#ell. I trust you #ill understand the reason.C CIf ,iu 'ei should prove to be alive, you must certainly be allo#ed to go to him. 'ut I fear that in the confusion he may have lost his life. Bou may set your mind at rest and let me ma$e in uiries.C 8uan Bu than$ed him. Then a ban uet #as prepared in 8uan Bu(s honor. FeAt day the army started on its home#ard march. 3or the >ourney to the capital, a carriage #as prepared for the t#o ladies, and 8uan Bu #as its guard. On the road they rested at a certain post station, and )ao )ao, anAious to compromise 8uan Bu by beguiling him into forgetfulness of his duty, assigned 8uan Bu to the same apartment as his sisters6in6la#. 8uan Bu stood the #hole night before the door #ith a lighted candle in his hand. Fot once did he yield to fatigue. )ao )ao(s respect for him could not but increase. +t the capital the 7rime 1inister assigned a dignified residence to 8uan Bu, #hich he immediately divided into t#o enclosures, the inner one for the t#o ladies and the other for himself. *e placed a guard of eighteen of his veterans over the #omen(s uarters. 8uan Bu #as presented to 4mperor 2ian #ho conferred upon him the ran$ of 8eneral !ho Serves the *ans. 8uan Bu eApressed his than$s to the 4mperor. FeAt day )ao )ao made a great ban uet, inviting all his advisers and officers, solely in honor of 8uan Bu, #ho sat in the seat of honor. 'eside this 8uan Bu received presents of sil$s and gold and silver vessels, all of #hich 8uan Bu sent into the ladies( uarters for their use and $eeping. In fact from the day of arrival in the capital, 8uan Bu #as treated #ith mar$ed respect and distinction, small ban uets follo#ing each other in each three days, and large ban uets held in each five days. )ao )ao also presented him #ith ten most lovely serving girls. 8uan Bu sent these also #ithin to #ait upon his t#o sisters6in6la#. 4very third day 8uan Bu #ent to the door of the #omen(s uarters to in uire after their #elfare, and then they as$ed if any ne#s of the #anderer had come. This ceremony closed #ith the #ords@ C'rother6in6la#, you may retire #hen you #ish.C )ao )ao heard of this eAtremely correct behavior and thought all the more of the man for it. One day )ao )ao noticed that the robe 8uan Bu #as #earing #as old and frayed. Ta$ing his measurements, )ao )ao had a ne# one made of fine brocade and presented it to him. 8uan Bu too$ it and put it on under the old robe, so that the latter covered it.

C!hy so very thriftyGC laughed )ao )ao. CIt is not thrift,C #as his reply. CThe old robe #as a gift from my brother, and I #ear it because it reminds me of him. I could not allo# the ne# gift to eclipse his old one.C C*o# very high principled=C said )ao )ao, sighing. One day #hen 8uan Bu #as at home, there came a messenger to say that the t#o #omen had thro#n themselves on the ground and #ere #eeping. They #ould not say #hy. 8uan Bu set his dress in order, #ent over, and $nelt by the door, saying, C!hy this grief, sisters6in6 la#GC ,ady 8an replied, CIn the night I dreamed that the Hncle had fallen into a pit. I #o$e up and told ,ady 1i, and #e thin$ he must be dead. So #e #eep.C CDreams are not to be credited,C he replied. CBou dreamed of him because you #ere thin$ing of him. 7ray do not grieve.C 9ust then 8uan Bu #as invited to another ban uet, so he too$ leave of the ladies and #ent. Seeing 8uan Bu loo$ed sad and tearful, his host as$ed the reason. C1y sisters6in6la# have been #eeping for my brother, and I cannot help being sad in sympathy.C )ao )ao smiled and tried to cheer up his guest. )ao )ao plied 8uan Bu #ith #ine so that 8uan Bu became uite intoAicated and sat stro$ing his beard and saying, C!hat a useless thing am I= I could do no service for my country, and I have parted from my elder brother.C C*o# many hairs in your beardGC suddenly as$ed his host. CSome hundreds, perhaps. In the autumn a fe# fall out, but in the #inter it is fullest. Then I use a blac$ sil$ bag to $eep the hairs from being bro$en,C replied 8uan Bu. )ao )ao had a bag made for him to protect his beard. Soon after #hen they #ere at court, the 4mperor as$ed #hat #as the bag he sa# on 8uan Bu(s breast. C1y beard is rather long, Bour 1a>esty,C said 8uan Bu. CSo the 7rime 1inister gave me a bag to protect it.C The 4mperor bade him ta$e off the bag and sho# his beard in all its fullness and it fell in rippling #aves belo# his breast. CReally a most beautiful beard=C said the 4mperor. This is #hy people call him@ CThe 1an #ith the 'eautiful 'eard.C

+nother time, after a ban uet, )ao )ao #as seeing his guest start from the gate of his palace #hen he noticed that his charger #as very thin. C!hy is it so thinGC said )ao )ao. C1y #orthless body is rather heavy and really too much for it. It is al#ays out of condition.C )ao )ao at once told his attendants to bring out a certain steed, and before long it appeared. It #as red, li$e glo#ing charcoal, and a handsome creature in every #ay. CDo you recogniDe itGC as$ed )ao )ao. C!hy, it is no other than Red *are=C cried 8uan Bu. CBes; it is Red *are,C said )ao )ao. +nd he presented the horse, all fully caparisoned, to his guest. 8uan Bu bo#ed many times and than$ed him again and again, till )ao )ao began to feel displeased and said, CI have given you many things, lovely handmaids and gold and sil$s and never #on a bo# of gratitude from you before. This horse seems to please you better than all the rest. !hy do you thin$ so poorly of the damsels and so much of the steedGC CI $no# the horse@ It can travel five hundred miles a day, and I am very luc$y to get him. Fo# as soon as I find out #here my brother is, I can get to him in a single day,C said 8uan Bu. )ao )ao grumbled to himself and began to repent of his gift. 3ortune dealt a stunning blo#, still he played his part; 7artitioning his d#elling proved his purity of heart. The crafty minister desired to #in him to his side, 'ut felt that failure #as foredoomed ho#ever much he tried. Said )ao )ao to "hang ,iao, CI have treated 8uan Bu pretty liberally, but he still cherishes the desire to leave me. Do you $no# if it is really soGC CI #ill try to find out,C #as the reply. So "hang ,iao too$ an early opportunity of seeing 8uan Bu, and #hen the politeness of the visit #ere over, "hang ,iao said, CI recommended you to the 7rime 1inister, and you have not lost much by that.C CI am deeply affected by his $indness and bounty,C said 8uan Bu, Cbut, though my body is here, yet I am al#ays thin$ing of my brother.C

CBour #ords do not eApress present conditions uite correctly. One #ho lives in the #orld #ithout discrimination and consideration of his relations #ith others is not the most admirable type of person. 4ven ,iu 'ei never treated you better than does the 7rime 1inister. !hy then do you maintain this desire to get a#ayGC CI $no# only too #ell that he has been most $ind, but I have also received great $indness from Hncle ,iu 'ei. 'eside #e have s#orn to die together, and I cannot remain here. 'ut before I go, I must try to render the 7rime 1inister some signal service to prove my gratitude.C CSupposing ,iu 'ei should have left the #orld, #hither #ill you goGC said "hang ,iao. CI #ill follo# him to the belo# realms of Fine 8olden Springs.C There could no longer be the least doubt as to 8uan Bu(s intentions, and "hang ,iao told )ao )ao >ust ho# matters stood. )ao )ao sighed. CTo serve one(s chief #ith uns#erving fidelity is a proof of the highest principle of all,C said he. Said 2un Bu, C*e spo$e of performing some act of service before leaving. If he gets no chance of such a thing, he #ill not be able to go.C )ao )ao agreed that this #as so. ,iu 'ei #ent to Buan Shao for refuge. *ere ,iu 'ei #as al#ays sorro#ful and, #hen as$ed the reason, said he did not $no# #here his brothers #ere nor #hat had happened to his family since they fell into the hands of )ao )ao. C!hy should I not be sad #hen I have failed to#ards my country and my familyGC said he. CI have long #ished to attac$ 2uchang,C said Buan Shao. CFo# it is autumn and >ust the time for an eApedition, so let us discuss plans for the destruction of )ao )ao.C Tian 3eng at once opposed this. C!hen )ao )ao attac$ed 2uDhou and 2uchang #as undefended, you let the chance slip by. Fo# that 2uDhou has been captured, and their soldiers are flushed #ith victory, it #ould be madness to attempt it. It is necessary to a#ait another chance.C C,et me thin$ about it,C said Buan Shao. *e as$ed advice from ,iu 'ei #hether to attac$ or to hold on. ,iu 'ei replied, C)ao )ao is a rebel. I thin$ you are failing in your duty if you do not attac$ him.C CBour #ords are good,C said Buan Shao.

*e made up his mind to move. 'ut again the adviser Tian 3eng intervened. Then Buan Shao gre# angry, saying, CBou fello#s #ho cultivate literature and despise #ar have made me miss a lot=C Tian 3eng bo#ed his head and said, CFeglect your servant(s #ise #ords, and you #ill fail in the field.C Buan Shao #as so angry that he #anted to put Tian 3eng to death. *o#ever, ,iu 'ei begged him off and he #as only imprisoned. Seeing the fate of his colleague, another adviser, 9u Shou, assembled his clan and distributed among them all his possessions, saying, CI go #ith the army. If #e succeed, then nothing can eAceed our glory; but if #e are defeated, the ris$ I run is great.C *is friends #ept as they said fare#ell. 8eneral Ban ,iang #as appointed to the command of the advance guard, to go to attac$ 'aima. Then 9u Shou first protested, C*is mind is too narro# for such a post. *e is brave but une ual to such a trust.C CBou are not the sort of man to measure my best generals,C replied Buan Shao. The army marched to ,iyang, and 8overnor ,iu Bue of Dong>un sent an urgent call to 2uchang for aid. )ao )ao moved his armies hastily. +s soon as the ne#s of battle got about, 8uan Bu #ent to see the 7rime 1inister and said, CIllustrious Sir, the army is mobiliDed. I volunteer for the van leader.C CI scarcely dare put you to such inconvenience, but presently, if need arises, I #ill call upon you.C So 8uan Bu retired, and one hundred fifty thousand soldiers marched out in three directions. On the road the letters from ,iu Bue arrived praying for help, and )ao )ao marched the first fifty thousand troops to 'aima and too$ up a position supported by the hills. In the #ide plains in front of them, Ban ,iang #as encamped #ith one hundred thousand veterans. )ao )ao #as frightened at the force opposed to him and, returning to camp, spo$e to Song 2ian, #ho had once served under ,u 'u, saying, CBou are one of ,u 'u(s famous veteran generals. )an you give battle to this Ban ,iangGC Song 2ian agreed to try. *e armed himself, mounted, and rode to the front. Ban ,iang #as there on horsebac$, his s#ord lying cross#ays. Seeing an opponent approaching, he uttered a loud shout and galloped to#ard Song 2ian. The t#o met, but after only three bouts, Song 2ian fell under a mighty slash from Ban ,iang(s s#ord.

C!hat a terrible leader=C said )ao )ao. C*e has slain my comrade, I #ant to go and avenge him,C then cried !ei 2u. )ao )ao bade him go and he rode out, spear set, and in front of the army railed at Ban ,iang. Ban ,iang replied not a #ord, but their t#o steeds came together; and at the first blo# from Ban ,iang(s s#ord, !ei 2u(s forehead #as halved. CFo#, #ho again dares face himGC cried )ao )ao. 2u *uang too$ up the challenge and he #ent out. The combat endured t#enty bouts, and then 2u *uang fled bac$ to his o#n side. The other generals #ere no# greatly depressed at their failure. )ao )ao #ithdre# his army, feeling very sad at the loss of t#o generals in uic$ succession. Ban ,iang also marched off his force. Then )heng Bu #ent to see his chief, saying, CI can produce a man the e ual of Ban ,iang.C C!hoGC cried )ao )ao. CFo other than 8uan Bu.C CI am afraid that if he is given an opportunity to perform that return service he spo$e of, he #ill leave me.C CIf ,iu 'ei is still alive, he is #ith Buan Shao. If you get 8uan Bu to defeat Buan Shao(s army, Buan Shao #ill loo$ as$ance at ,iu 'ei and put him to death. ,iu 'ei gone, #here can 8uan Bu goGC This argument appealed to )ao )ao at once, and he sent to re uest 8uan Bu to come. 7revious to obeying the call, 8uan Bu #ent to say fare#ell to his sisters6in6la#. CBou may get ne#s of the Hncle on the >ourney,C said they. CBes,C said 8uan Bu and left them. +rmed #ith his green6dragon saber, riding on the s#ift steed Red *are, and having but a slender follo#ing, 8uan Bu #as not long in arriving at 'aima. *e sa# )ao )ao, #ho told him #hat had happened. Ban ,iang #as too valiant for any to face. C,et me loo$ at him,C said 8uan Bu. Then #ine #as served for his refreshment, and #hile they #ere drin$ing, it #as reported that Ban ,iang once again offered a challenge. So )ao )ao and his guest and staff #ent to the summit of a

hill #hence the enemy could be seen. )ao )ao and 8uan Bu sat on the hill top, and the commanders stood about them. )ao )ao pointed out Ban ,iang(s troops arrayed on the plains belo#. The ensigns and banners #aving fresh and bright amid the forest of spears and s#ords made a grand and imposing spectacle. CSee ho# formidable these soldiers of the Forth of Bello# River are,C said )ao )ao. CI regard them as so many clay fo#ls and mud dogs,C said 8uan Bu. )ao )ao pointed out Ban ,iang, saying, CThere under that grand umbrella, in that embroidered robe and that silver breastplate and riding on horsebac$ and gripping that huge s#ord is Ban ,iang.C C*is head loo$s as though it #as stuc$ on a pole for sale,C said 8uan Bu, >ust glancing over the army at his feet. C*e is very terrible. Bou must not despise him,C said )ao )ao. 8uan Bu rose, saying, CI am a poor thing, but I #ill go over and bring you his head if you li$e.C C9o$ing is not allo#ed in this army,C interposed "hang ,iao. C7lease be careful #hat you say, 8eneral.C 8uan Bu uic$ly mounted, turned do#n his mighty #eapon, and galloped do#n the hill, his phoeniA eyes rounded, and his sil$#orm eyebro#s fiercely bristling. *e dashed straight into the enemy(s array, and the northern soldiers opened li$e falling #aves and dissolving storms. *e made directly for the commander. Fo# Ban ,iang sitting there in state sa# a horseman rushing to#ard him, and >ust as he began to as$ #ho the rider of the red horse #as, lo= the horseman #as there. Ta$en utterly by surprise, the leader could ma$e no defense. 8uan Bu(s arm rose and the mighty #eapon fell. +nd #ith it fell Ban ,iang. ,eaping from the saddle, 8uan Bu cut off his victim(s head and hung it to his horse(s nec$. Then he mounted and rode out, >ust as if there #as no army there. The northern troops, panic stric$en, made no fight. )ao )ao(s army attac$ed #ith full force and sle# great numbers of them. They captured many horses and #eapons and much military gear. 8uan Bu rode uic$ly bac$ up the hill and laid the proof of his pro#ess at the feet of the 7rime 1inister. CBou are more than human, 8eneral=C cried )ao )ao. C!hat have I done to tal$ aboutGC said 8uan Bu. C1y brother, "hang 3ei, did the same thing in an army of a hundred legions, and did it as easily as pic$ing something from his o#n poc$et.C

)ao )ao marveled at the statement and turning to those about him said, CIf you meet this "hang 3ei, be careful.C +nd he bade them ma$e a note on the overlap of their robes so that they should remember. The beaten army returning north#ard met Buan Shao on the road and told their story. C+ red6faced #arrior #ith a long beard, #ielding a huge, long6handled s#ord, bro$e into the army, cut off the general(s head and bore it off,C said they. C!ho #as thisGC as$ed Buan Shao. 9u Shou said, CIt must have been ,iu 'ei(s brother, 8uan Bu. It could be nobody else.C Buan Shao #as very angry and, pointing to ,iu 'ei, he said, CBour brother has slain my beloved leader. Bou are in the plot too. !hy should I save you aliveGC *e bade the lictors ta$e ,iu 'ei a#ay and behead him. 1orning sa# him guest on high. 4vening, prisoner, doomed to die. ,iu 'ei(s actual fate #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 26 The =an o! Bea&ti!&# Beard ,ides n 1 So#itar4 "o&rne4; G&an +& S#a4s Si8 Genera#s Thro&gh Five Passes' Fo# of all the officers in )ao )ao(s army, the t#o friendly to#ard 8uan Bu #ere "hang ,iao and 2u *uang. The others treated 8uan Bu #ith respect, eAcept )ai Bang #ho #as decidedly inimical. So this )ai Bang #as ready to pursue and capture 8uan Bu as soon as he heard of his departure. 'ut )ao )ao accepted 8uan Bu(s going as natural. C*e does not forget his old leader, and he #as perfectly open in all his actions. *e is a gentleman, and you #ould do #ell to follo# his eAample,C said )ao )ao. So )ao )ao bade the #ould6be pursuer be gone and say no more about pursuit. CBou #ere eAceedingly good to 8uan Bu,C said )heng Bu, Cbut he #ent off very rudely. *e certainly left a screed behind #ith his reasons, but he affronted you, and that is no light matter. Fo# to let him >oin Buan Shao is to add #ings to a tiger. Bou had better catch him and put him to death so as to guard against future evil.C )ao )ao replied, C'ut he had my promise, and can I brea$ my #ordG 4ach has his master. Do not pursue.C

'ut )ao )ao said to "hang ,iao, C*e has re>ected all I gave him, so bribes #ere po#erless #ith him in #hatever shape. I have the greatest respect for such as him. *e has not yet gone far, and I #ill try to strengthen his attachment to me and ma$e one appeal to sentiment. Ride after him and beg him to stop till I can come up and bid fare#ell and offer him a sum of money for his eApenses and a fighting robe, that he may remember me $indly in after days.C So "hang ,iao rode out uite alone. )ao )ao follo#ed him leisurely #ith an escort of a score or so. Fo# the steed that 8uan Bu rode #as Red *are, and it #as very fast. Fo one could have come up #ith him but that there #as the ladies( carriage to escort, and so Red *are had to be held in and go slo#. Suddenly 8uan Bu heard a shout behind him, a voice crying, C8o slo#ly, 8uan Bu=C *e turned and made out the person to be "hang ,iao. Ordering the pushers of the carriage to press on along the high road, he reined in his steed, held the green6dragon saber ready for a stro$e, and #aited for "hang ,iao to come up. COf course you have come to ta$e me bac$, "hang ,iaoGC said 8uan Bu. CFo; the 7rime 1inister, seeing that you are going a long >ourney, #ishes to see you on your #ay and told me to hasten for#ard and beg you to #ait till he can come up. That is the only thing.C CSeeing that he is coming along #ith mailed men, I shall fight to the very last,C said 8uan Bu. +nd he too$ up his position on a bridge #here he #aited the approach of the party, #ho advanced uic$ly. 3our of )ao )ao(s generals, 2u )hu, 2u *uang, Bu 9in, and ,i Dian, follo#ed close. Seeing 8uan Bu #as ready to fight, )ao )ao ordered his escort to open out in t#o lines, and then it #as seen they carried no arms. This relieved his mind, for it proved to 8uan Bu they meant no attac$. C!hy do you go in such haste, 8uan BuGC as$ed )ao )ao. 8uan Bu inclined his head but did not dismount, saying, CI informed you in #riting that since my lord #as in the Forth of Bello# River, I had to leave at once. I #ent to your palace again and again but #as refused admittance. So I #rote a letter of fare#ell, sealed up the treasure, resigned my lordship seal, and left everything for you. I hope you recall the promise you once made me.C )ao )ao replied, C1y desire is to $eep my troth #ith all people. I cannot go bac$ on my #ord. *o#ever, you may find the >ourney eApensive, and therefore I have here prepared a sum of money to help you.C Then from horsebac$ )ao )ao held out a pac$et of gold. 8uan Bu said, CI have sufficient left from your former bounty. 5eep that for presents to your soldiers.C

C!hy should you refuse thisG It is but an insignificant return for great services.C C1y services have been all trifling, not #orth mentioning.C CReally, 8uan Bu, you are the most high6principled of humans. I am very sorry my luc$ is too poor to retain you at my side. 7ray accept >ust this robe to sho# you I am not uite ungrateful,C said )ao )ao. +nd one of his generals, dismounting, held up a sil$en coat in both hands. 8uan Bu even still fearful of #hat might happen, #ould not dismount, but he reached do#n his s#ord and too$ the robe on its point. Then he thre# it over his shoulders and turned to than$ the giver. CI than$ you, Sir 7rime 1inister, for the robe and trust #e shall meet again.C So saying, 8uan Bu #ent do#n from the bridge and bore a#ay to the north. C*e is a very rude man,C said 2u )hu, #ho #as of the escort. C!hy do you not ta$e him prisonerGC )ao )ao replied, C*e #as absolutely alone facing scores of us. *e #as >ustified in being suspicious. 'ut my #ord has gone forth, and he is not to be pursued.C )ao )ao and his escort returned, the 7rime 1inister very sad #hen he thought of the man #ho had gone. 8uan Bu #ent do#n from the bridge and started in the #a$e of the carriage carrying the t#o ladies, #hich should have gone about ten miles #hile this intervie# had been going on. *e could see no signs of it and rode hither and thither loo$ing on all sides. 7resently he heard someone shouting from a hill, calling him by name to halt. *e sa# a youth #earing a yello# turban and dressed in a sil$ robe. *e held a spear in his hand and #as mounted on a horse from the nec$ of #hich dangled a bloody head. 'ehind him #ere a hundred or so men on foot, and they advanced uic$ly. C!ho are youGC as$ed 8uan Bu. The young man dropped his spear, dismounted, and made a lo# bo#. 8uan Bu feared this #as some ruse, so he only chec$ed his horse and gripped his s#ord the more firmly, saying, CSir, I desire you to tell me your name=C C1y name is ,iao *ua. I belong to a 2iangyang family. Since these troubled times began I have been an outla# among the rivers and la$es, and I and my comrades have lived by plunder. !e are about five hundred in all. 'y chance my friend Du Buan came across t#o ladies in a carriage >ust no#; and, uite #rongly, he too$ them prisoners and brought them to the hold in the hills. I uestioned the servants and so found out #ho they #ere and #ho #as escorting them. So I #ished

them to be set free to pursue their >ourney. Du Buan opposed this and spo$e so ill6mannerly that I $illed him. +nd here is his head. I pray you pardon me.C C!here are the t#o ladiesGC CThey are among the hills,C replied ,iao *ua. C'ring them do#n here, at once,C said 8uan Bu. In a short time a party of the brigands pushed the carriage do#n the hill, and the ladies sat there before him. Then 8uan Bu dismounted, laid aside his s#ord, and stood respectfully before them #ith his arms crossed. CSisters, have you been alarmedGC as$ed he. They replied, C!e should have suffered at the hands of Du Buan had it not been for ,iao *ua.C C*o# did ,iao *ua come to save the ladiesGC as$ed 8uan Bu of those #ho stood by. They said, CDu Buan carried off the ladies and proposed that he and ,iao *ua should have one each as #ife. 'ut ,iao *ua had found out they #ere of gentle birth and #orthy, and #as for treating them #ith respect. !hen Du Buan disagreed, ,iao *ua sle# him.C *earing this 8uan Bu bo#ed to ,iao *ua and than$ed him. ,iao *ua then #anted to >oin himself and his troop to 8uan Bu, but 8uan Bu, seeing he #as a Bello# Scarf, #ould have nothing to do #ith him. So 8uan Bu simply than$ed him for his $indness to the ladies. ,iao *ua offered some presents, but these #ere also declined. So ,iao *ua too$ his leave and presently disappeared in a valley among the hills. 8uan Bu told his sisters the story of his intervie# #ith )ao )ao and the gift of a robe, and then he urged the carriage on its #ay. To#ards dar$ they came to a farm #here they #ould rest. The farmer, an old graybeard, came out to #elcome the party and as$ed #ho they #ere. 8uan Bu described himself as the brother of ,iu 'ei, and said his name. CSurely you are no other than the slayer of Ban ,iang and !en )hou,C said the venerable host. CThat is so,C replied 8uan Bu. C)ome in,C said the old man, >oyfully. C1y t#o sisters6in6la# are in the carriage,C said 8uan Bu. C!ill you let your #omen fol$s go out to receive themGC

+s 8uan Bu remained standing there, the host as$ed him to be seated, but he #ould not sit #hile the #omen #ere present and remained standing in a respectful attitude till the old man(s #ife had returned and ushered the ladies into the inner apartments. Then the old man set to the entertainment of his guest in the guest hall. 8uan Bu as$ed his name. *e replied, CI am called *u *ua. In the days of the 4mperor *uan, I #as an officer of the court, but I resigned and retired into private life. I have a son, *u 'an, #ith 8overnor !ang "hi of Bingyang. If you should be going that #ay, 8eneral, I should li$e to send him a letter by you.C 8uan Bu said he #ould ta$e the letter. FeAt day, after an early meal, the ladies got into their carriage, the host handed his letter to 8uan Bu, and the little party once more too$ the road. They #ent to#ard ,uoyang. 7resently they approached a pass $no#n as the Dongling 7ass, guarded by )ommander 5ong 2iu and five hundred soldiers. !hen the soldiers sa# a carriage being pushed to#ard the pass, they ran to tell their commander, #ho came out to accost the travelers. 8uan Bu dismounted and returned the officer(s salute, and 5ong 2iu said, C!hither are you goingGC CI have left the 7rime 1inister to go into the Forth of Bello# River to find my brother.C C'ut Buan Shao is my master(s rival. Bou have authority from him to go thitherGC CI left hurriedly and could not get it.C CIf you have no authority, you must #ait #hile I send to re uest orders.C CTo remain #hile you send and receive an ans#er #ill delay me greatly,C said 8uan Bu. CI must stand by my instructions. That is the only thing to do,C said 5ong 2iu. CThen you refuse to let me passGC CIf you #ant to go through, leave the family as a gage.C +t this 8uan Bu got very angry and made to cut at the commander on the spot, but 5ong 2iu #ithdre# into the gate and beat the drums for an attac$. Thereupon the soldiers armed themselves, mounted, and came do#n to oppose the passage, crying, CDare you go through, ehGC The carriage #as sent off to a safe distance, and then 8uan Bu rode at full speed directly at the commander of the guard, #ho set his spear and came to meet him. The t#o steeds met and the men engaged, but at the first stro$e of the green6dragon saber the commander of the gate fell to the earth dead. *is troops fled.

CSoldiers, do not flee=C cried 8uan Bu. CI $illed him because I could do no other#ise. I have nothing against you, but I #ould as$ you to tell the 7rime 1inister ho# this thing came to pass, that 5ong 2iu #ished to $ill me, and so I sle# him in self defense.C The soldiers bo#ed before him, and 8uan Bu, #ith the carriage, passed through the gates and continued their #ay to ,uoyang. 'ut one of the guards of the pass #ent uic$ly in advance and informed the 8overnor of ,uoyang, *an &u, of the slaughter of 5ong 2iu. !herefore *an &u assembled his officers to ta$e counsel. 1eng Tan, one of his generals, said, CThis 8uan Bu must be a fugitive, or he #ould have a safe conduct. Our only course is to stop him, or #e shall incur blame.C CThe man is fierce and brave. Remember the fate of Ban ,iang and !en )hou. It seems vain to oppose him by force, and so #e must thin$ out some trap for him,C said *an &u. CI have a ruse ready,C said 1eng Tan. CI #ill close the gate #ith thorny bloc$ades, and I #ill go to fight #ith him. I #ill engage and then flee, and you can shoot him from an ambush along the road. If #e can get him and his party and send them prisoners to the capital, #e ought to be #ell re#arded.C This course #as determined upon, and soon they heard that 8uan Bu #as approaching. *an &u strung his bo# and filled his uiver #ith arro#s and #ith one thousand soldiers too$ up position along the pass. Then as the party approached, *an &u said, C!ho is the traveler #ho comesGC 8uan Bu bo#ed lo# and said, C*e is a certain 8uan Bu, ,ord of *anshou, and he #ishes to go through the pass.C C*ave you a letter from the 7rime 1inisterGC CIn the hurry of departure I did not get any.C C1y special orders from him are to hold this pass and ma$e eAamination of all spies that may go to and fro. +ny person #ithout an authority must be a fugitive.C Then 8uan Bu began to be angry, saying, CI have $illed 5ong 2iu at Dongling 7ass. Do you also see$ deathGC C!ho #ill capture him for meGC cried *an &u, and 1eng Tan offered himself. *e rode out, #hirling his double s#ords, and made straight for 8uan Bu. 8uan Bu sent bac$ the carriage out of danger and then rode to#ard 1eng Tan. They engaged, but very soon 1eng Tan turned his steed and fled. 8uan Bu pursued. 1eng Tan, intent only on leading his enemy to#ard the ambush, too$ no account of the speed of Red *are. Very soon 1eng Tan

#as caught up, and a stro$e of the mighty s#ord cut him in t#o pieces. Then 8uan Bu stopped and turned bac$. The archers in the gate shot their hardest; and though it #as a long #ay off, one of them lodged an arro# in his left arm. *e pulled it out #ith his teeth, but the blood streamed do#n as he rode to#ard 8overnor *an &u. The men scattered. 8uan Bu rode straight at his neAt victim. *e raised his s#ord and made an obli ue cut #hich sliced off the head and shoulder of *an &u. Then 8uan Bu drove off the soldiers and returned to escort the carriage. *e bound up his #ound, and, fearing lest anyone might ta$e advantage of his #ea$ness, he made no long halts on the road but hurried to#ard River Si 7ass. The #arden of this pass #as 'ian 2i of 'ingDhou, a #arrior #hose #eapon #as a comet6hammer. *e had been a Bello# Scarf and had gone over to )ao )ao, #ho had given him this post. +s soon as he heard of the coming of the redoubtable 8uan Bu, he cudgeled his brains for a ruse to use against him. *e decided upon an ambush. In the State 8uardian Temple at the pass he placed t#o hundred aA6men and s#ordsmen. *e rec$oned on enticing 8uan Bu to the temple for refreshment, and #hen he let fall a cup as signal, the hidden ruffians #ould rush out. +ll being thus arranged and ready, he #ent out to #elcome 8uan Bu in friendly guise, and 8uan Bu dismounted at his coming. 'ian 2i began very amiably. CBour name, 8eneral, ma$es the very earth tremble, and everyone loo$s up to you. This return to the Imperial Hncle proves you to be noble and true.C 8uan Bu in reply told him the story of the men he had slain in the last t#o passes. 'ian 2i replied, CBou sle# them; that is #ell. !hen I see the 7rime 1inister, I #ill eAplain to him the inner reasons for these acts.C 8uan Bu thought he had found a friend and so mounted and rode through the pass. !hen he came to the temple, a number of priests came out to meet him #ith clanging bells. This temple, named State 8uardian Temple, had a courtyard in #hich the 4mperor 1ing had burned incense in the past. In the temple #ere thirty priests, and among these there happened to be one 7u 9ing #ho came from the same village as 8uan Bu. *is religious name #as Transverse 7eace. *earing #ho the visitor #as, Transverse 7eace came for#ard to spea$ #ith him. C8eneral,C said Transverse 7eace, Cit is many a long year since you left 7udong.C CBes,C said 8uan Bu, Cnearly t#enty years.C CDo you recogniDe this poor priestGC CI left the village many years ago; I do not recogniDe you.C C1y house and yours #ere only separated by a rivulet,C said the priest.

Fo# 'ian 2i, seeing Transverse 7eace holding forth about village matters, thought Transverse 7eace #ould blab about the ambush, so 'ian 2i bade him be silent. CI #ant to invite the 8eneral to a feast. Bou priest fello#s seem to have a lot to say,C said 'ian 2i. CFot too much,C said 8uan Bu. CFaturally #hen fello# villagers meet, they tal$ of old times.C 'ian 2i invited the visitor into the guest room to ta$e tea, but 8uan Bu said, CThe t#o ladies are out there in the carriage. They ought to have some first.C So the priest bade them ta$e some tea to the ladies, and then he led 8uan Bu #ithin, at the same time lifting the priest $nife #hich he #ore at his side and loo$ing meaningfully at 8uan Bu. The latter understood and told his people to bring along his #eapon and $eep close at his side. !hen 'ian 2i invited 8uan Bu to go into the *all of the ,a#s for some refreshment, 8uan Bu turned to him, saying, CIs this invitation #ith good intention or evilGC 'ian 2i #as so ta$en abac$ that he could ma$e no reply, and then 8uan Bu sa# that many armed men #ere concealed behind the arras. Then 8uan Bu shouted loudly at 'ian 2i, saying, C!hat means thisG I thought you an honorable man. *o# dare youGC The traitor sa# that his plot had failed and called to the assassins to come out and fall to, but 8uan Bu had a short s#ord in his hand and slashed at anyone #ho came near. So they scattered. Their commander ran do#n the hall and tried to escape among the side buildings, but 8uan Bu thre# aside the short s#ord, too$ up the green6dragon saber and #ent after 'ian 2i. The latter #as trying to get into position to thro# his comet6hammer, but 8uan Bu cut the cord and the #eapon #as useless. 8uan Bu follo#ed 'ian 2i in and out and soon caught up #ith him. Then #ith one blo# 8uan Bu cut him in halves. The fight over, 8uan Bu sought the t#o ladies, #ho #ere surrounded by soldiers. These fled at sight of the terrible #arrior. See$ing out the priest, his fello# countryman, he than$ed him for the timely #arning #hich had saved him from death. CI cannot remain here after this,C said Transverse 7eace. CI shall pac$ up my fe# garments and my alms bo#l and ta$e to the road, vague in my #anderings as the clouds in the s$y. 'ut #e shall meet again and till then ta$e care of yourself.C Then 8uan Bu too$ leave and retoo$ the road to Bingyang. The 8overnor of this city #as named !ang "hi, and he #as related to *an &u by their children(s marriage. *earing of the death of his relative, !ang "hi set about a scheme to $ill 8uan Bu secretly. *e sent soldiers to guard the city gates and, #hen he heard that 8uan Bu approached, he #ent himself and received 8uan Bu #ith a smiling countenance and bade 8uan Bu #elcome. 8uan Bu told him the ob>ect of his >ourney.

CBou, 8eneral, have been able to get some eAercise on the road, but the ladies in their carriage must be cramped and fatigued. I pray you come into the city, and all of you remain the night in the official travelers( uarters. Tomorro# you can set forth again.C The offer #as tempting, and his host seemed in earnest, so the t#o ladies #ent into the city, #here they found everything very comfortably prepared for them. +nd, though 8uan Bu declined the 8overnor(s invitations to a ban uet, refreshments for the travelers #ere sent to their lodgings. 8uan Bu #as fatigued from the trials of the >ourney, and as soon as the evening meal #as over, he bade the ladies retire to rest #hile he sat do#n in the main room, uite alone, for he bade all to get repose #hile they could. *is horse #as given a good feed for once. *e sat #ith his armor loosened in order to be more at ease. Fo# 8overnor !ang "hi had a general named *u 'an to #hom he had entrusted the arrangements for the destruction of his guest. Said !ang "hi, CThis 8uan Bu is a traitor to the 7rime 1inister and a fugitive. On the road he has murdered several )ommanders of 7asses and is guilty of serious crimes. 'ut he is too strong and valiant for any ordinary soldier to overcome. So this evening you #ill lead a #hole company of a thousand troops to surround his lodging, each one armed #ith a torch, and #e #ill burn him. They #ill start the fire about midnight. 4veryone of the party #ill perish. I #ill come #ith a force to stand by and assist if necessary.C These orders received, *u 'an passed them on to the soldiers, #ho began secretly to prepare dry #ood and other combustibles #hich they piled up at the gate of the rest house. *u 'an thought #ithin himself that he #ould li$e to $no# #hat manner of man #as this 8uan Bu, #hose fame had spread so far, so he determined to get a peep at the guest. *e #ent to the rest house and in uired #here 8uan Bu #as. CThe 8eneral is the man in the main hall reading,C #as the reply. *u 'an noiselessly made his #ay to the outside of the room and peeped in. *e sa# the famous #arrior stro$ing his beard #ith his left hand #hile he read by the light of a lamp placed on a lo# table. +n involuntary eAclamation of #onder escaped at the ma>esty of the figure. CReally a god=C *u 'an sighed. C!ho is thereGC suddenly as$ed the reader at the sound. *u 'an entered and said, CI am *u 'an, a general of the 8overnor.C CSurely you are the son of *u *ua, #ho lives outside 2uchang,C said 8uan Bu. CI am he,C replied *u 'an.

Then 8uan Bu called up his follo#ers and bade them loo$ among the baggage for the letter, #hich they brought. 8uan Bu handed it to the 8eneral. *u 'an read it and then breathed long, saying, CI very nearly caused the death of a good man.C Then he betrayed the #hole plot, saying, CThis !ang "hi is a #ic$ed man, #ho #anted to $ill you. +t this moment you are surrounded, and at the third #atch they #ill set fire to this place. Fo# I #ill go and open the city gates #hile you hastily prepare for flight.C 8uan Bu #as greatly surprised, but he uic$ly buc$led up his armor, got his steed ready, roused the t#o ladies, and put them into their carriage. Then they left the rest house; and as they passed out, they sa# the soldiers all about them, each #ith a torch. The party hastened to the outs$irts of the city and found the gate already open, and they lost no time in getting clear of the city. *u 'an returned to give orders to fire the rest house. The fugitives pressed on. 'ut before long they sa# lights coming up behind them, and !ang "hi called out to them to stop. 8uan Bu reined in his horse and began to abuse him, crying, C!orthless fello#= !hat had you against me that you #ished to burn me to deathGC !ang "hi #hipped up his steed and set his spear, but 8uan Bu cut him through #ith the short s#ord he #ore at his side and scattered his follo#ers. Then the carriage pushed on. 8uan Bu(s heart #as filled #ith gratitude to *u 'an. !hen the party dre# near *uaDhou, someone told ,iu Bue, #ho rode out to #elcome him. ,iu Bue had been once rescued by 8uan Bu, #ho sle# Ban ,iang and !en )hou and lifted the siege of the city. 8uan Bu did not dismount but bo#ed from horsebac$, saying, C*ave you been uite #ell since #e partedGC C!hither are you going, SirGC replied ,iu Bue. CI have left the 7rime 1inister and am on my #ay to find my brother.C C,iu 'ei is #ith Buan Shao, #ho is at enmity #ith the 7rime 1inister. *o# can you be allo#ed to go to himGC as$ed ,iu Bue. CThat matter #as settled long ago.C CThe Bello# River 3erry is an important point and is guarded by a commander of 2iahou Dun. *e #ill not let you cross.C

C'ut suppose then you provide boats for meGC CThough there are boats, I dare not give them to you.C C!ell, formerly I sle# Ban ,iang and !en )hou and saved you a grave danger. Fo# you refuse me a ferry boat=C CI am afraid 2iahou Dun #ill $no# of it and ma$e it a fault against me.C 8uan Bu perceived that no help #as to be eApected from this man, so he pushed on and presently reached the ferry. There the )ommander of the 8uard, &in &i, came out to uestion him. CI am one 8uan Bu, ,ord of *anshou.C C!hither are you boundGC CI go to the Forth of Bello# River to see$ my brother, ,iu 'ei, and I respectfully as$ you to grant me a passage over the river.C C!here is the authority of the 7rime 1inisterGC CI am not on a mission from the 7rime 1inister, so #hy should I have such an authorityGC CI have orders from my chief to guard the ferry, and you #ill not cross. 4ven if you gre# #ings, you should not fly over.C 8uan Bu(s choler arose. CDo you $no# that I have been the death of all those #ho have hitherto tried to stop meGC said he. CBou have only slain a fe# officers of no ran$ or reputation; but you dare not $ill me=C C!here #ould you stand beside Ban ,iang and !en )houGC as$ed 8uan Bu. &in &i gre# angry, and he loosed his rein. S#ord in hand, he came at a gallop. The t#o met, but in the first encounter &in &i(s head #as s#ept off by the terrible green6dragon saber. C*e #ho opposed me is dead= Bou others need not be afraid,C cried 8uan Bu. C'e uic$ and prepare me a boat.C The boat #as soon at the landing, and the t#o #omen stepped on board, follo#ed by 8uan Bu. They crossed and #ere then in the country of Buan Shao. In the course of his >ourney to this point, 8uan Bu had forced five passes and slain siA generals.

*is seal hung up, the treasury loc$ed, his courtly mansion left, *e >ourneyed to#ard his brother dear, too long from his side left. The horse he rode #as famed for speed as for endurance great, *is good s#ord made a #ay for him and opened every gate. *is loyalty and truth forth stand, a pattern unto all, *is valor #ould frighten rushing streams and ma$e high mountains fall. +lone he traveled lustily, this #as death to meet his blade, *e has been themed by myriads, his glory never #ill fade. CI did not #illingly slay a single one of them,C mused 8uan Bu as he rode along. CThere #as no help for it. Fevertheless #hen )ao )ao hears of it, he #ill regard me as ungrateful for his bounty.C 'efore long he sa# a rider on the road #ho soon hailed him and proved to be Sun &ian. CI have never heard a #ord from you since #e lost sight of each other at Runan. *o# have you faredGC said 8uan Bu. C+fter your departure ,iu 7i and 8ong Du retoo$ the city. I #as sent by them to Buan Shao to try to ma$e peace #ith him and succeeded, so that Buan Shao invited ,iu 'ei to go to him and share in the deliberations for a concerted attac$ on )ao )ao. 'ut to my disgust the leaders of Buan Shao(s army sho#ed great >ealousy of each other so that Tian 3eng got into gaol, 9u Shou #as degraded, and others uarreled. Then Buan Shao vacillated and hesitated, so that your brother and I consulted ho# #e might get a#ay from them all. Fo# the Hncle is at Runan #ith ,iu 7i and, thin$ing you could not $no# that and might suffer some harm if you un#illingly #ent to Buan Shao, I have come to #arn you. It is good fortune to find you li$e this. Fo# #e can hasten to Runan, and you #ill meet your brother.C 8uan Bu too$ Sun &ian to ma$e his bo# to the ladies, #ho as$ed after his adventures, and Sun &ian said, CHncle ,iu 'ei #ere nearly eAecuted due to Buan Shao(s sudden bursts of anger after the deaths of Ban ,iang and !en )hou. Fo#, ho#ever, he is out of his #ay and safe at Runan, and you #ill meet him soon.C The ladies covered their faces and #ept at the recital of his dangers. Then the party no longer traveled north but too$ the road to#ard Runan. Fot long after a great cloud of dust #as noticed behind them, and that presently made out a hundred of horsemen. These #ere led by 2iahou Dun, #ho shouted out to 8uan Bu to stop. One by one the pass commanders stopped his progress and #ere slain, The river crossed, another army comes and he must fight again. *o# finally 8uan Bu escaped death #ill appear in the succeeding chapter.

Chapter 27 P&tting Cai +ang To *eath) The Brothers; *o&.ts *isappear; =eeting 1t G&cheng) -ord and -iege Forti!4 %ach ther' Sun &ian had >oined 8uan Bu in escorting the t#o ladies, and they #ere on the road to Runan #hen 2iahou Dun suddenly determined to pursue. So #ith a couple of hundred horse, 2iahou Dun set out. !hen 2iahou Dun #as seen approaching, 8uan Bu bade Sun &ian go ahead #ith the carriage #hile he remained to deal #ith the pursuers. !hen they #ere near enough, 8uan Bu said, CIn coming after me thus you do not reinforce the magnanimity of your master=C Replied 2iahou Dun, CThe 7rime 1inister has sent no definite instructions. Bou have caused the death of several people, among them one of my commanders, and so I have come to capture you= Bou have behaved most grossly. The 7rime 1inister #ill decide.C Thereupon 2iahou Dun dashed for#ard #ith his spear ready to thrust. 'ut at that moment a rider came up behind him at full gallop, crying, CBou must not fight #ith 8uan Bu=C 8uan Bu stayed his steed at once and #aited. The messenger came up, dre# from his bosom an official letter, and said to 2iahou Dun, CThe 7rime 1inister loves 8eneral 8uan Bu for his loyalty and honor, and fearing lest 8uan Bu might be stopped at the various passes, he sent me #ith this letter to sho# #hen necessary at any point on the road.C C'ut this 8uan Bu has slain several commanders of the passes. Does the 7rime 1inister $no# thatGC said 2iahou Dun. The messenger said these things #ere un$no#n. CThen,C said 2iahou Dun, CI #ill arrest him and ta$e him to the 7rime 1inister, #ho may set him free or not as he #ills.C CDo you thin$ I fear anything you can doGC said 8uan Bu getting #rathful. +nd he rode for#ard. 2iahou Dun, nothing loth, set his spear and prepared for battle. They met and had reached the tenth encounter #hen a second horseman came up at full speed, crying, C8enerals, #ait a little=C 2iahou Dun stayed his hand and as$ed the messenger, saying, C+m I to arrest himGC

CFo,C replied the messenger. C3earing lest he should have difficulties at the passes, the 7rime 1inister has sent me #ith a dispatch to say he is to be released.C CDid the 7rime 1inister $no# that he had slain several commanders on the #ayGC C*e did not $no#=C CSince he #as ignorant of that, I may not let this 8uan Bu go,C and 2iahou Dun gave the signal to his men to close in round 8uan Bu. 'ut 8uan Bu flourished his s#ord and made to attac$ them and a fight #as again imminent, #hen a third rider appeared, #ho cried, C8uan Bu, give #ay and do not fight=C The spea$er #as "hang ,iao. 'oth combatants made no further move but a#aited his arrival. "hang ,iao said, CI bring the 7rime 1inister(s order that since he has heard that 8uan Bu has slain certain commanders on the #ay, he fears that some #ill hinder his passage. !herefore he has sent me to deliver his command at each gate that 8uan Bu is to be suffered to pass freely.C 2iahou Dun said, C&in &i #as the son of )ai Bang(s sister, and he #as confided to my especial care. Fo# this 8uan Bu has $illed him, and ho# can I refrainGC C!hen I see his uncle )ai Bang, I #ill eAplain. 'ut no# the main point is that you have the 7rime 1inister(s orders to let 8uan Bu pass and you may not despise his #ish.C So the only thing for 2iahou Dun to do #as to retire, and he did. C!hither are you goingGC then said "hang ,iao to 8uan Bu. CI fear my brother is no longer #ith Buan Shao, and no# I am going to find him #herever he is.C C+s you do not $no# #here to go, #hy not return to the 7rime 1inisterGC C!here is the sense of thatGC said 8uan Bu #ith a smile. C'ut, "hang ,iao, you return, and try to arrange pardon for my faults.C !ith this 8uan Bu saluted "hang ,iao and too$ his leave. "hang ,iao retired and >oined 2iahou Dun. 8uan Bu uic$ly regained the carriage, and as they #ent along side by side he told Sun &ian #hat had happened. Several days later a heavy rain storm came on #hich soa$ed everything. ,oo$ing about for protection they noticed a farm under the shelter of a precipice and too$ their #ay thither. +n old man came out to them, to #hom they told their story.

!hen they had finished, the old fello# said, C1y name is 8uo )hang, and I have lived here many years. I am very pleased to greet the man #hom I have $no#n so long by reputation.C 8uo )hang uic$ly $illed a sheep for their refreshment and brought out #ine for the t#o men. The t#o ladies #ere entertained in the inner apartments. +nd #hile they refreshed themselves, their baggage #as put out to dry and their steeds #ere fed. +s the day closed in, they sa# several youths come along, and their host said, C1y son is come to pay his respects.C CThis is my humble son,C said 8uo )hang, presenting a lad to 8uan Bu. C!hat has he been doingGC as$ed 8uan Bu. C*e has >ust come in from hunting.C The young fello# #ent out. The old man continued, C+ll my family have been farmers or scholars. *e is my only son, and instead of follo#ing in the footsteps of his ancestors he cares for nothing but gadding about and hunting, unhappily.C C!hy unhappilyGC said 8uan Bu. CIn these days of disorder a good soldier can ma$e a name for himself.C CIf he #ould only learn the military arts, that #ould be something of a career. 'ut he is nothing but a vagabond and does everything he should not. *e is a grief to me.C 8uan Bu sighed in sympathy. The old gentleman stayed till a late hour; and #hen he too$ his leave, his t#o guests began to prepare for rest. Suddenly outside there arose a great hubbub, men shouting and horses neighing. 8uan Bu called to his people; but as no one ans#ered, he and Sun &ian dre# their s#ords and #ent into the stable yard. There they found their host(s son on the ground shouting to his follo#ers to fight. 8uan Bu as$ed #hat it #as all about, and his guards told him, CThe young fello# had tried to steal Red *are, but had been badly $ic$ed. !e heard shouting and #ent to see #hat it meant #hen his men had set on us.C 8uan Bu #as very #rathful. CBou mean thieves= !ould you steal my horseGC cried he. 'ut before he could do anything, his host came running out, saying, CIt #as not #ith my consent that my son did this evil thing. I $no# he is very guilty and deserves death. 'ut his mother loves him tenderly, and I pray you be generous and pardon him=C

CReally he is un#orthy of his father,C said 8uan Bu. C!hat you told me sho#s he is a degenerate. 3or your sa$e I pardon him.C Then 8uan Bu told his o#n people to $eep a better loo$out, sent the people about their business and, in company #ith Sun &ian, #ent a#ay to rest. FeAt morning both the host and hostess #ere up betimes #aiting to than$ 8uan Bu for forgiving their son(s mad frea$. C1y son has insulted your tiger dignity, I $no#, and I am deeply affected by your $indness in not punishing him,C said the old man. C'ring him here and I #ill tal$ to him,C said 8uan Bu. C*e #ent out before daylight #ith a lot of his fello# rogues, and I $no# not #here he is.C So 8uan Bu bade them fare#ell, got the ladies into their carriage, and they moved out of the farmyard. 8uan Bu and Sun &ian riding abreast as escort. They too$ the road to#ard the hills. 'efore they had gone far, they sa# a large party of men, led by a couple of riders, pouring do#n one of the gullies. One of the riders #ore a yello# turban and a battle robe. The other #as 8uo )hang(s son. The #earer of the turban called out, saying, CI am one of the commanders of "hang 9ue the ,ord of *eaven. !hoever you may be, leave that horse you are riding for me. Bou may then go free=C 8uan Bu greeted the speech #ith a hearty laugh. CO you mad ignoramus= If you had ever been #ith "hang 9ue as a bandit, you #ould have learned to $no# ,iu 'ei, 8uan Bu, and "hang 3ei, the three brothers.C CI have heard of the ruddy long beard called 8uan Bu, but I have never seen him. !ho may you beGC 8uan Bu then laid aside his s#ord, stopped his horse, and dre# off the bag that covered his beard thus sho#ing its magnificence. The turban #earer immediately slipped out of the saddle, laid an angry hand on his companion, and they both bo#ed lo# in front of 8uan Bu(s steed. C!ho are youGC as$ed 8uan Bu. CI am 7ei Buanshao. +fter the death of "hang 9ue, I #as left forlorn; and I got together a fe# others li$e myself, and #e too$ refuge in the forests. This morning early this fello# came to tell us

that a guest at his father(s farm had a valuable horse and proposed to me to steal it. I did not thin$ I should meet you, 8eneral.C The #retched 8uo )hang(s son implored that his life might be spared, and 8uan Bu pardoned him for his father(s sa$e. Then 8uan Bu covered his face and crept a#ay. CBou did not recogniDe me. *o# then did you $no# my nameGC as$ed 8uan Bu. 7ei Buanshao replied, CFot far from here is a mountain called the Sleeping 'ull, #here lives a certain "hou )ang, a very po#erful man #ho came from the #est. *e has a stiff curly beard and loo$s very handsome. *e also #as a commander in the rebel army, #ho too$ to the forest #hen his leader perished. *e has told me a lot about you, but I have never had the happiness of seeing you.C Said 8uan Bu, CHnder the green #ood trees is no place for a hero(s foot. Bou had better abandon this depraved life and return to the path of virtue. Do not #or$ out your o#n destruction.C +s they #ere tal$ing, a troop of horsemen appeared in the distance. They belonged to "hou )ang, as 7ei Buanshao said, and 8uan Bu #aited for them to approach. The leader #as very dar$ compleAioned, tall, and armed #ith a spear. +s soon as he dre# near enough to see, he eAclaimed >oyfully, CThis is 8eneral 8uan Bu=C In a moment he had slipped out of the saddle and #as on his $nees by the roadside. C"hou )ang renders obeisance,C said he. Said 8uan Bu, CO !arrior, #here have you $no#n meGC CI #as one of the Bello# Scarves, and I sa# you then. 1y one regret #as that I could not >oin you. Fo# that my good fortune has brought me here, I hope you #ill not re>ect me. ,et me be one of your foot soldiers to be al#ays near you to carry your #hip and run by your stirrup. I #ill cheerfully die for you.C +s he seemed thoroughly in earnest, 8uan Bu said, C'ut if you follo# me, #hat of your companionsGC CThey may do as they please@ 3ollo# me or go their #ays.C Thereupon they all shouted, C!e #ill follo#=C 8uan Bu dismounted and #ent to as$ the ladies #hat they thought of this. ,ady 8an replied, C'rother6in6la#, you have traveled thus far alone and #ithout fighters; you have safely passed many dangers and never #anted their assistance. Bou refused the service of ,iao *ua, #hy then suffer this cro#dG 'ut this is only a my vie# and you must decide.C

C!hat you say, sister6in6la#, is to the point.C Therefore returning to "hou )ang, he said, CIt is not that I am lac$ing in gratitude, but my sisters6 in6la# do not care for a large follo#ing. !herefore return to the mountains till I shall have found my brother, #hen I #ill surely call you.C "hou )ang replied, CI am only a rough uncouth fello#, #asting his life as a brigand. 1eeting you, 8eneral, is li$e seeing the full sun in the s$ies, and I feel that I can never bear to miss you again. +s it might be inconvenient for all my people to follo# you, I #ill bid my companion lead them a#ay, but I #ill come and follo# you on foot #herever you go.C 8uan Bu again as$ed his sisters6in6la# #hat they thought of this. ,ady 8an said one or t#o made no difference, and so 8uan Bu consented. 'ut 7ei Buanshao #as not satisfied #ith this arrangement and said he #ished also to follo#. "hou )ang said, CIf you do not stay #ith the band, they #ill disperse and be lost. Bou must ta$e command for the moment and let me accompany 8eneral 8uan Bu. +s soon as he has a fiAed abode, I #ill come to fetch you.C Some#hat discontentedly 7ei Buanshao accepted the situation and marched off, #hile his one6 time colleague >oined the train of 8uan Bu, and they #ent to#ard Runan. They traveled uic$ly for some days, and then they sa# a city on a hill. The natives told them, CThis city is called 8ucheng. + fe# months before a #arrior suddenly appeared, drove out the magistrate, and too$ possession. Then he has begun to recruit soldiers, bought up horses, and laid in stores. The #arrior(s name is "hang 3ei. Fo# he has a large force, and no one in the neighborhood dare face him.C CTo thin$ that I should find my brother li$e this=C said 8uan Bu, delighted. CI have had never a #ord of him, nor $ne# I #here he #as since 2uDhou fell.C So 8uan Bu dispatched Sun &ian into the city to tell its ne# commander to come out to meet him and provide for their sisters6in6la#. Fo#, after being separated from his brothers, "hang 3ei had gone to the 1angdang *ills, #here he had remained a month or so #hile he sent far and near for tidings of ,iu 'ei. Then as he happened to pass 8ucheng, he had sent in to borro# some grain, but had been refused. In revenge, he had driven a#ay the magistrate and ta$en possession of the city. *e found the place #ell suited to his needs at the moment. +s directed by 8uan Bu, Sun &ian entered the city and, after the usual ceremonies, told "hang 3ei the ne#s, C,iu 'ei has left Buan Shao and gone to Runan; and 8uan Bu, #ith your sisters6in6la#, is at the gates. *e #ishes you to go out and receive them.C

"hang 3ei listened #ithout a #ord till he came to the re uest to go out to meet his brother. +t that point he called for his armor and, #hen he had put it on, laid hold of his long serpent halberd, mounted, and rode out #ith a large company at his bac$. Sun &ian #as too astonished to as$ #hat this meant and simply follo#ed. 8uan Bu #as very glad #hen he sa# his brother coming, put up his #eapons and, #ith "hou )ang at his bac$, rode to#ard him at full speed. 'ut as 8uan Bu approached, he sa# all the signs of fierce anger on "hang 3ei(s face, and "hang 3ei roared as he shoo$ his spear, threatening 8uan Bu. 8uan Bu #as entirely ta$en abac$ and called out anAiously, C'rother, #hat does this meanG Is the 7each 8arden 7ledge uite forgottenGC C!hat impudence is this that you come to see me since your disgraceful behaviorGC shouted "hang 3ei. C!hat disgraceful behavior has been mineGC said 8uan Bu. CBou have betrayed your brother; you have surrendered to )ao )ao; and you have received title and office at his hands. +nd no# you are come to eAploit me. One of us shall die=C 8uan Bu said, CReally you do not understand, and it is hard for me to eAplain. 'ut as$ the t#o ladies here, #orthy brother, and they #ill tell you.C +t this the ladies lifted the curtain of the carriage and called out@ C'rother, #hy is thisGC "hang 3ei said, C!ait a #hile, sisters, and see me slay this traitor. +fter that I #ill conduct you into the city.C Said ,ady 8an, CSince he $ne# not #here you #ere, our brother too$ shelter #ith )ao )ao. +nd since he $ne# that his elder brother #as at Runan, he has braved every danger to escort us thus far on the road. 7ray ta$e a correct vie# of his conduct.C ,ady 1i also chimed in, C!hen your brother #ent to 2uchang, no other course #as open to him.C CSisters, do not let him deceive you to the truth. Real loyalty prefers death to dishonor. Fo good person can serve t#o masters.C 8uan Bu said, C'rother, cease to #rench me I pray you.C Sun &ian said, C8uan Bu came eApressly to see$ you.C C*o# much more nonsense #ill you tal$GC roared "hang 3ei. C*o# can he be true6heartedG *e came to capture me, I say.C C*ad I come to capture you, I should have come #ith troops and horses,C said 8uan Bu.

C+nd are there not troops and horsesGC said "hang 3ei pointing to a point behind 8uan Bu. 8uan Bu turned, and there he sa# a cloud of dust rising as though a s uadron of horse #as coming. +nd soon they #ere near enough, and from their trumpets and banners they sho#ed themselves to be of )ao )ao(s army. CFo# #ill you try to ca>ole me furtherGC cried "hang 3ei in a rage. *e set his serpent halberd and #as >ust coming on #hen 8uan Bu said, C'rother, #ait a #hile. See me slay the leader of these that I may prove myself no traitor.C C!ell, if you are really true, prove it by slaying that leader, #hoever he may be, before I have finished three rolls of the drum.C "hang 3ei(s condition #as accepted. Soon the attac$ing force #as near enough to ma$e out the leader to be )ai Bang. S#ord in hand )ai Bang rode at full speed, crying, CSo I have found you, slayer of my nephe#= I have a command to capture you and #ill eAecute it.C 8uan Bu made no reply. Raising his s#ord ready to stri$e, he moved out and the drums began to beat. 'efore a roll could be completed the fight #as over, and )ai Bang(s head had rolled on the ground. *is force scattered and fled. 8uan Bu, ho#ever, captured the young ensign bearer and uestioned him. The youth said, CThe fact is the 7rime 1inister had not given an order. Incensed at the loss of his nephe#, )ai Bang #ished to cross the river to pursue and attac$ you, 8eneral, although the 7rime 1inister refused permission. To satisfy him, the 7rime 1inister had sent )ai Bang to attac$ Runan, and the meeting at this place is entirely an accident.C 8uan Bu bade him repeat this story to his brother. "hang 3ei also uestioned him concerning all that had happened in the capital, and the recital of the #hole story satisfied "hang 3ei of the fidelity of 8uan Bu. 9ust then messengers came from the city to "hang 3ei to say@ CSome scores of horsemen has arrived at the south gate. They seem in a great hurry but no one $no# them.C "hang 3ei, #ith still a lingering doubt in his mind, #ent to loo$ at the ne#comers and there sa# some forty mounted archers #ith light bo#s and short arro#s. *astily dismounting to see them better, he found they #ere 1i "hu and 1i 3ang. &uic$ly slipping out of the saddle, they came up and 1i "hu said, C+fter the dispersal at 2uDhou #hen #e lost sight of you, #e returned to our village #hence #e sent all around for ne#s of you. !e heard that 8uan Bu had surrendered to )ao )ao and our lord #as in the Forth of Bello# River #ith Buan Shao. The one of #hom #e could hear nothing #as yourself. 'ut yesterday, #hile on

our #ay, #e fell in #ith some travelers #ho told us a certain 8eneral "hang 3ei, of such and such an appearance, had suddenly occupied 8ucheng, and #e felt it must be you. So #e came to in uire, and #e happily fell in #ith you here.C "hang 3ei replied, C8uan Bu and Sun &ian are here, and my t#o sisters are #ith them. They had heard #here my elder brother #as.C This ne#s added to the >oy of the t#o ne#comers #ho #ent to see 8uan Bu and the #omen, and then they all entered the city. !hen the ladies had settled do#n a little, they related the #hole story of the adventures on the road at #hich "hang 3ei #as overcome #ith remorse and bo#ed before his brother bitterly #eeping. 1i "hu and 1i 3ang #ere greatly affected. Then "hang 3ei related #hat had happened to him. + day #as spent in ban uets, and neAt day "hang 3ei #ished his ne#ly found brother to go #ith him to Runan to see their elder brother ,iu 'ei. 'ut 8uan Bu said, CFo; you ta$e care of the ladies here #hile Sun &ian and I go to get ne#s.C So 8uan Bu and Sun &ian #ith a small escort set out. !hen they reached Runan, they #ere received by ,iu 7i. C,iu 'ei is no longer in the city. +fter #aiting some days, he has come to the conclusion that the soldiers are too fe#, and has gone bac$ to Buan Shao to consult #ith him,C said ,iu 7i. 8uan Bu #as greatly disappointed, and Sun &ian did his best to console him, saying, CDo not be sorro#ful. It only means the trouble of another >ourney into the Forth of Bello# River to tell Hncle ,iu 'ei, and then #e can all meet at 8ucheng.C So spo$e Sun &ian, and 8uan Bu accepted it. They too$ leave of ,iu 7i and returned to 8ucheng #here they related #hat had happened. "hang 3ei #anted to go #ith them into the Forth of Bello# River, but 8uan Bu opposed this, saying, CSeeing you have this city, it ma$es a rallying point for us and a resting place. !e must not abandon it lightly. Sun &ian and I #ill go; and #hile s#ay #e loo$ to you to $eep the city safe.C C*o# can you go after $illing the t#o generals, Ban ,iang and !en )houGC CThat #ill not stop me. +nd after I am there, I can act according to circumstances.C Then 8uan Bu summoned "hou )ang and as$ed him, saying, C*o# many follo#ers are there #ith 7ei Buanshao at Sleeping 'ull 1ountainGC CI should thin$ four or five hundred.C

CFo#,C said 8uan Bu, CI am going to ta$e the shortest road to find my brother. )an you go to summon your army and lead them along the high road to assist meGC !ith instructions to bring up this force, "hou )ang left, #hile 8uan Bu and Sun &ian and their small escort #ent off to the north. !hen they dre# near the boundary, Sun &ian said, CBou must be careful ho# you go over. Bou ought to stop here #hile I go in, see Hncle ,iu 'ei, and ta$e the necessary steps.C Seeing the #isdom of this, 8uan Bu stopped there and sent his companion in advance. *e and his follo#ers going up to a nearby farm as an abiding place. !hen they got to the farm, out came a venerable man leaning on a staff. +fter eAchanging salutes, 8uan Bu told the old man all about himself. C1y family name is also 8uan, my personal name being Ding,C said the old man. CI $no# your reputation, and I am very happy to meet you.C 8uan Ding sent for his t#o sons to come and ma$e their bo#. *e put up 8uan Bu in his house and provided for his escort in the farm buildings. In the meantime Sun &ian had made his #ay to 9iDhou )ity and told ,iu 'ei the #hole story. ,iu 'ei said, C9ian Bong is also here. !e #ill send for him secretly to tal$ over this matter.C They did so; and #hen the usual salutes had been eAchanged, they three began to consider the means of getting a#ay. C1y lord,C said 9ian Bong, Cyou see Buan Shao personally and say you #ish to go to 9ingDhou to see ,iu 'iao about a scheme for the destruction of )ao )ao. That #ill give an eAcuse.C CThat seems best,C said ,iu 'ei, Cbut #ill you go #ith meGC CI have another plan to eAtricate myself,C said 9ian Bong. *aving settled their plans, ,iu 'ei soon #ent in to see his protector and suggested, C,iu 'iao is strong and #ell posted. *is help should be sought against our enemy.C CI have sent messengers repeatedly to as$ his help,C said Buan Shao, Cbut he is un#illing.C C+s he and I are of the same family, he #ill not refuse me if I go and as$ him,C said ,iu 'ei. C)ertainly he is #orth much more than ,iu 7i. Bou shall go.C

CI have >ust heard,C Buan Shao continued, Cthat 8uan Bu has left )ao )ao and #ants to come here. If he does, I #ill put him to death out of revenge for my t#o beloved generals666Ban ,iang and !en )hou.C CIllustrious Sir, you #ished to employ him and so I sent for him. Fo# you threaten to put him to death. The t#o men he sle# #ere but deer compared #ith such a tiger as he is. !hen you eAchange a couple of deer for a tiger, you need not complain of the bargain.C CReally I li$e him,C said Buan Shao. CI #as only >o$ing. Bou can send another messenger for him and tell him to come soon.C C1ay I send Sun &ian for himGC C)ertainly.C +fter ,iu 'ei had gone, 9ian Bong came in and said to Buan Shao, CIf ,iu 'ei goes, he #ill not come bac$. I had better go to spea$ to ,iu 'iao. +nd I can $eep a #atch on ,iu 'ei.C Buan Shao agreed and issued orders for both to go. On the sub>ect of the mission, 8uo Tu came in to his chief to dissuade him. Said 8uo Tu, C,iu 'ei #ent to spea$ to ,iu 7i, but he accomplished nothing. Fo# you are sending 9ian Bong #ith him, and I am sure neither #ill ever return.C CDo not be too suspicious,C said Buan Shao. C9ian Bong is clever enough.C That #as the end of the intervie#. 3orth#ith ,iu 'ei sent Sun &ian bac$ to 8uan Bu and then, #ith 9ian Bong, too$ leave of Buan Shao and rode out of the city, +s soon as they reached the border line, they met Sun &ian and all three rode off to 8uan Ding(s farm to meet 8uan Bu. *e came out to #elcome them, bo#ed and then seiDed his brother(s hands #hile tears streamed do#n his face. 7resently the t#o sons of their host came to bo# to the visitors. ,iu 'ei as$ed their names. CThese are of the same name as myself,C said 8uan Bu. CThe sons are 8uan Feng, #ho is a student, and 8uan 7ing, #ho is to be a soldier.C CI have been thin$ing of sending the younger in your train, 8eneral,C said old 8uan Ding, C!ould you ta$e himGC C!hat is his ageGC said ,iu 'ei. C*e is eighteen.C

,iu 'ei said, CSince, O Senior, you are so $ind, I venture to suggest that your son should be adopted by my brother, #ho has no son of his o#n. !hat thin$ you of thatGC 8uan Ding #as perfectly #illing, so he called 8uan 7ing and bade him ma$e a son(s obeisance to 8uan Bu and to style ,iu 'ei CHncle.C Then it #as time to get on their #ay lest they should be pursued, and #ith 8uan Bu #ent 8uan 7ing. 8uan Ding and 8uan Fing escorted them a long distance and then returned. The party too$ the road to Sleeping 'ull 1ountain. 'efore they had gone very far, they met "hou )ang #ith a small party. *e #as #ounded. *e #as introduced to ,iu 'ei #ho as$ed him ho# it #as. *e replied, C'efore I reached the hill, a certain #arrior all alone, had fought #ith my friend 7ei Buanshao and $illed him. Then many of our troops surrendered to him, and he occupied our old camp. !hen I reached it, I tried to allure the soldiers bac$ to my side but only succeeded #ith a fe#. The others #ere too afraid. I got angry and engaged the interloper, #ho ho#ever #orsted me time after time and #ounded me thrice.C C!ho is the #arriorG !hat does he loo$ li$eGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. C+ll I $no# he is a doughty fighter, I do not $no# his name.C Thereafter they advanced to#ard the hill #ith 8uan Bu in front and ,iu 'ei in rear. !hen they dre# near, "hou )ang began to abuse his enemy, #ho soon appeared, mailed and armed, coming do#n the hill li$e a tornado. Suddenly ,iu 'ei rode out #aving his #hip and shouting, CO "hao Bun, I am here to loo$ for you=C Indeed the rider #as "hao Bun. *e instantly slipped out of the saddle and bo#ed by the roadside. ,iu 'ei dismounted to tal$ #ith him and as$ ho# he came to be there. C!hen I left you, I had no idea that 8ongsun "an #as a man #ho #ould listen to no reason. The result #as disaster, and he perished in the flames. Buan Shao invited me to him several times, but I thought too little of him to go. Then I #anted to go to 2uDhou to you, but you had lost that place, and 8uan Bu had gone over to )ao )ao, and you had >oined Buan Shao. Several times I thought of coming to you, but I feared Buan Shao. So I drifted from one place to another #ith no#here to rest till I happened to come this #ay, and 7ei Buanshao tried to steal my horse. So I sle# him and too$ possession of his camp. I heard "hang 3ei #as in 8ucheng but thought it might be only a rumor. +nd so the days have passed till this happy meeting.C ,iu 'ei told "hao Bun all that had happened to him since they parted, and so did 8uan Bu.

Said ,iu 'ei, CThe first time I sa# you, I felt dra#n to you and did not #ant to part from you. I am very happy to meet you again.C CIn all my #anderings, trying to find a lord #orth serving, I have seen no one li$e you. Fo# I have reached your side, that is enough for all my life. I care not #hat may happen to me.C FeAt they burned the camp on Sleeping 'ull 1ountain, after #hich they all too$ the road bac$ to 8ucheng #here they #ere #elcomed. They eAchanged the stories of their several adventures, and the t#o ladies related the valiant deeds of 8uan Bu #hereat ,iu 'ei #as too affected to spea$. Then they performed a great sacrifice to *eaven and 4arth #ith the slaughter of a bull and a horse. The soldiers also #ere recompensed for their toils. ,iu 'ei surveyed the conditions around him and found therein much to re>oice at. *is t#o brothers #ere restored to his side and none of his helpers #ere missing. 1oreover he had gained "hao Bun, and 8uan Bu had ac uired an adopted son 8uan 7ing. +nother commander had >oined his ran$s in the person of "hou )ang. There #as every occasion for feasting and gratification. Scattered #ide #ere the brothers, none $ne# another(s retreat, 9oyfully no# they foregather, dragon and tigers meet. +t this time the forces under the command of ,iu 'ei, 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, "hao Bun, Sun &ian, 9ian Bong, 1i "hu, 1i 3ang, 8uan 7ing, and "hou )ang numbered four or five thousand soldiers. ,iu 'ei #as in favor of leaving 8ucheng and occupying Runan, and >ust then ,iu 7i and 8ong Du, the commanders of that city, sent to invite him to go there. So they #ent. There they devoted all their efforts to strengthen their army, both horse and foot. Buan Shao #as much annoyed #hen ,iu 'ei did not return and at first #as for sending a force after him. *o#ever 8uo Tu dissuaded him. C,iu 'ei needs cause you no anAiety. )ao )ao is your one enemy and must be destroyed. 4ven ,iu 'iao, though strongly posted on River *an, is none too terrible. There is Sun )e on the southeast of the 8reat River, strong, feared, #ith #ide domain of siA territories, a large army, and able counselors and leaders; you should ma$e an alliance there against )ao )ao.C 8uo Tu #on his chief to his vie# and #rote to Sun )e, sending the letter by )hen "hen. 9ust as one #arrior leaves the north, +nother from the east comes forth. 3uture chapters #ill reveal the outcome of these dispositions. Chapter 29 The -itt#e Chie! ! The So&th S#a4s +& "i; The Green %4ed Bo4 -a4s Ho#d n The So&th -and'

Sun )e gradually became supreme on the southeast of the 8reat River%. In the fourth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D :II0, he too$ ,u>iang by the defeat of the 8overnor ,iu 2u. *e dispatched Bu 3an #ith a dispatch to 8overnor *ua 2in of BuDhang, and *ua 2in surrendered. Thence Sun )e(s reno#n increased, and he boldly sent a memorial on his military successes to the 4mperor by the hand of "hang *ong. )ao )ao sa# in Sun )e a po#erful rival and said, C*e is a lion difficult to contend #ith.C So )ao )ao betrothed his niece, daughter of )ao Ren, to Sun 5uang, the youngest brother of Sun )e, thus connecting the t#o families by marriage. )ao )ao also retained "hang *ong near him in the capital. Then Sun )e sought the title of 8rand )ommander, one of the highest offices of state, but )ao )ao prevented the attainment of this ambition, and Sun )e $eenly resented it. *encefor#ard his thoughts turned to#ard an attac$ on )ao )ao. +bout this time the 8overnor of !u>un, 2u 8ong, sent a secret letter to the capital to )ao )ao, saying@ CSun )e is a turbulent fello# of the 2iang Bu type%; and the government ought, under the appearance of sho#ing favor to him, to recall him to the capital, for he is a danger in the southern regions.C 'ut the bearer of this letter #as captured on the 8reat River and sent to Sun )e, #ho immediately put him to death. Then Sun )e treacherously sent to as$ the author of the letter to come and consult over some affair. The unsuspecting 2u 8ong came. Sun )e produced the letter, saying, CSo you #ish to send me to the land of the dead, ehGC +nd thereupon the eAecutioners came in and strangled 2u 8ong. The family of the victim scattered, but three of his clients determined to avenge him if only they could find some means of attac$ing Sun )e. One day Sun )e #ent hunting in the hills to the #est of Dantu. + stag #as started, and Sun )e pressed after it at topmost speed and follo#ed it deep into the forest. 7resently he came upon three armed men standing among the trees. Rather surprised to see them there, he reined in and as$ed #ho they #ere. C!e belong to *an Dang(s army and are shooting deer,C #as the reply. So Sun )e shoo$ his bridle to proceed. 'ut >ust as he did so, one of the men thrust at him #ith a spear and #ounded his thigh. Sun )e dre# the s#ord at his side, dashed for#ard, and tried to cut do#n the aggressor. The blade of his s#ord suddenly fell to the ground, only the hilt remaining in his hand. Then one of the assassins dre# his bo#, and an arro# #ounded Sun )e in the chee$. Sun

)e pluc$ed out the arro# and shot at the offender, #ho fell, but the other t#o attac$ed him furiously #ith their spears, shouting, C!e are 2u 8ong(s men and his avengers=C Sun )e then understood. 'ut he had no #eapons save his bo# against them. *e tried to dra# off, $eeping them at bay stri$ing #ith his bo#. 'ut the fight #as getting too much for him, and both he and his steed #ere #ounded in several places. *o#ever, >ust at the critical moment, )heng 7u and some of his o#n officers came up, and they minced the assassins into pieces. 'ut their lord #as in a sorry plight. *is face #as streaming #ith blood, and some of the #ounds #ere very severe. They tore up his robe and there#ith bound up his #ounds, and they carried him home. + poem in praise of the three avengers says@ O Sun )e #as a #arrior and a stranger he to fear. 'ut he #as basely murdered #hile hunting of the deer. Bet #ere they leal #ho sle# him, to avenge a murdered lord. Self immolated li$e Bu Rang, they dreaded not the s#ord. 'adly #ounded, Sun )e #as borne to his home. They sent to call the famous physician *ua Tuo, but he #as far a#ay and could not be found. *o#ever, a disciple of his came, and the #ounded man #as committed to his care. CThe arro#heads #ere poisoned,C said the physician, Cand the poison has penetrated deep. It #ill ta$e a hundred days of perfect repose before danger #ill be past. 'ut if you give #ay to passion or anger, the #ounds #ill not heal.C Sun )e(s temperament #as hasty and impatient, and the prospect of such a slo# recovery #as very distasteful. *o#ever, he remained uiet for some t#enty of the hundred days. Then came "hang *ong from the capital, and Sun )e insisted on seeing and uestioning him. C)ao )ao fears you, my lord, very greatly,C said "hang *ong, Cand his advisers have eAceeding respect for you666all eAcept 8uo 9ia.C C!hat did 8uo 9ia sayGC as$ed the sic$ chieftain. "hang *ong remained silent, #hich only irritated his master and caused him to demand to be told. So "hang *ong had to spea$ the truth. *e said, CThe fact is 8uo 9ia told )ao )ao that he needed not fear you, that you #ere frivolous and unready, impulsive and shallo#, >ust a stupid s#aggerer #ho #ould one day come to his death at the hands of some mean person.C This provo$ed the sic$ man beyond endurance.

CThe fool, ho# dare he say this of meGC cried Sun )e. CI #ill ta$e 2uchang from )ao )ao, I s#ear.C It #as no more a uestion of repose. Ill as he #as, he #anted to begin preparations for an eApedition at once. They remonstrated #ith him, reminded him of the physician(s orders and urged him to rest. CBou are ris$ing your priceless self in a moment(s anger,C said "hang "hao. Then arrived )hen "hen, the messenger from Buan Shao, and Sun )e #ould have him brought in. *e said, C1y master #ishes to ally himself #ith the South ,and in an attac$ on )ao )ao.C Such a proposal #as >ust after Sun )e(s heart. +t once he called a great meeting of his officers in the #all to#er and prepared a ban uet in honor of the messenger. !hile this #as in progress, Sun )e noticed many of his officers #hispering to each other, and they all began to go do#n from the ban uet chamber. *e could not understand this and in uired of the attendants near him #hat it meant. They told him, CSaint Bu 9i has >ust gone by, and the officers have gone do#n to pay their respects to him.C Sun )e rose from his place and #ent and leaned over the railing to loo$ at the man. *e sa# a Taoist priest in sno#y garb leaning on his staff in the middle of the road, #hile the cro#d about him burnt incense and made obeisance. C!hat #iDard fello# is thisG 'ring him here=C said Sun )e. CThis is Bu 9i,C said the attendants. C*e lives in the east and goes to and fro distributing charms and draughts. *e has cured many people as everybody #ill tell you, and they say he is a saint. *e must not be profaned.C This only angered Sun )e the more, and he told them to arrest the man at once or disobey at their peril. So there being no help for it, they #ent do#n into the road and hustled the saint up the steps. CBou madman= *o# dare you incite people to evilGC said Sun )e. CI am but a poor priest of the ,angye 1ountains. 1ore than half a century ago, #hen gathering simples in the #oods, I found near the Bang u Spring a boo$ called (The !ay of 7eace.( It contains a hundred and more chapters and taught me ho# to cure the diseases of humans. !ith this in my possession I had only one thing to do@ To devote myself to spreading its teachings and saving human$ind. I have never ta$en any thing from the people. )an you say I incite people to evil deedsGC

CBou say you ta$e nothing@ !hence came your clothes and your foodG The fact is you are one of the Bello# Scarves, and you #ill #or$ mischief if you are left alive.C Then turning to his attendants, Sun )e ordered, CTa$e him a#ay and put him to death.C "hang "hao interceded, CThe Taoist Saint has been here in the east these many years. *e has never done any harm and does not deserve death or punishment.C CI tell you I #ill $ill these #iDard fello#s >ust as I #ould cattle.C The officials in a body interceded, even the guest of honor, )hen "hen, but in vain. Sun )e refused to be placated. *e ordered Bu 9i to be imprisoned. The ban uet came to an end, and )hen "hen retired to his lodging. Sun )e also returned to his palace. *is treatment of the Taoist *oly 1an #as theme of general conversation and soon reached the ears of his mother. ,ady !u sent for her son to the ladies( apartments and said to him, CThey tell me you have put Saint Bu 9i in bonds. *e has cured many sic$ people, and the common fol$ hold him in great reverence. Do not harm him=C C*e is simply a #iDard #ho upsets the multitude #ith his spells and craft. *e must be put to death,C replied Sun )e. ,ady !u entreated him to stay his hand, but he #as obstinate. CDo not heed the gossip of the streets, 1other,C said he. CI must be >udge of these matters.C *o#ever, Sun )e sent to the prison for Bu 9i in order to interrogate him. Fo# the gaolers, having a great respect for Bu 9i and faith in his po#ers, #ere very indulgent to him and did not $eep him in the collar. *o#ever #hen Sun )e sent for him, they put on him #ith collar and fetters all complete. Sun )e had heard of their indulgence and punished the gaolers, and ordered the prisoner thereafter to be put in constant torture. "hang "hao and many others, moved by pity, made a petition #hich they humbly presented, and they offered to become surety for him. Sun )e said to them, C8entlemen, you are all great scholars, but #hy do you not understand reasonG 3ormerly in 9iaoDhou #as Imperial 7rotector "hang 9ing, #ho #as deluded by these vicious doctrines into beating drums, t#anging lyres, burning incense, and such things. *e #ore a red turban and represented himself as able to ensure victory to an army. 'ut he #as slain by the enemy. There is nothing in all this, only none of you #ill see it. I am going to put this fello# to death in order to stop the spread of this pernicious doctrine.C

,u 3an interposed, saying, CI $no# very #ell this Bu 9i can control the #eather. It is very dry >ust no#, #hy not ma$e him pray for rain as an amercementGC C!e #ill see #hat sort of #itchcraft he is e ual to,C said Sun )e. Thereupon he had the prisoner brought in, loosed his fetters, and sent him up to an altar to intercede for rain. The docile Taoist Bu 9i prepared to do as he #as bidden. *e first bathed himself, then dressed himself in clean garments. +fter that he bound his limbs #ith a cord and lay do#n in the fierce heat of the sun. The people came in cro#ds to loo$ on. Said Bu 9i, CI #ill pray for three spans high of refreshing rain for the benefit of the people, nevertheless I shall not escape death thereby.C The people said, C'ut if your prayer be efficacious, our lord must believe in your po#ers.C CThe day of fate has come for me, and there is no escape.C 7resently Sun )e came near the altar and announced that if rain had not fallen by noon, he #ould burn the priest. +nd to confirm this he bade them prepare the pyre. +s it neared noon a strong #ind sprang up, and the clouds gathered from all uarters. 'ut there #as no rain. CIt is near noon,C said Sun )e. C)louds are of no account #ithout rain. *e is only an impostor.C Sun )e bade his attendants lay the priest on the pyre and pile #ood around him and apply the torch. 3anned by the gale the flames rose rapidly. Then appeared in the s$y above a #reath of blac$ vapor, follo#ed by roaring thunder and vivid lightning, peal on peal and flash on flash. +nd the rain fell in a perfect deluge. In a short time the streets became rivers and torrents. It #as indeed a three6span fall. Bu 9i, #ho #as still lying upon the pile of fire#ood, cried in a loud voice, CO )louds, cease thy rain, and let the glorious sun appear=C Thereupon officials and people helped the priest do#n, loosened the cord that bound him, and bo#ed before him in gratitude for the rain. 'ut Sun )e boiled #ith rage at seeing his officers and the people gathered in groups and $neeling in the #ater regardless of the damage to their clothing. CRain or shine are as nature appoints them, and the #iDard has happened to hit upon a moment of change. !hat are you ma$ing all this fuss aboutGC cried he.

Then he dre# his s#ord and told the attendants to smite the Taoist Saint there#ith. They all besought him to hold his hand. CBou #ant to follo# Bu 9i in rebellion, I suppose,C cried Sun )e. The officers, no# thoroughly co#ed by the rage of their lord, #ere silent and sho#ed no opposition #hen the eAecutioners seiDed the Taoist Saint and beheaded him. +s the head fell, they sa# >ust a #reath of blac$ smo$e drift a#ay to the northeast #here lay the ,angye 1ountains. The corpse #as eAposed in the mar$et place as a #arning to enchanters and #iDards and such people. That night there came a very violent storm, and #hen it calmed do#n at daylight, there #as no trace of the body of Bu 9i. The guards reported this, and Sun )e in his #rath sentenced them to death. 'ut as he did so, he sa# Bu 9i calmly #al$ing to#ard him as if the Taoist Saint #ere still alive. Sun )e dre# his s#ord and darted for#ard to stri$e at the #raith, but he fainted and fell to the ground. They carried him to his chamber, and in a short time he recovered consciousness. *is mother, ,ady !u, came to visit him and said, C1y son, you have done #rong to slay the holy one, and this is your retribution.C C1other, #hen I #as a boy, I #ent #ith 3ather to #ars, #here people are cut do#n as one cuts reed stal$s. There is not much retribution about such doings. I have put this fello# to death and so chec$ed a great evil. !here does retribution come inGC CThis comes of #ant of faith,C she replied. CFo# you must avert the evil by meritorious deeds.C C1y fate depends on *eaven. !iDards can do me no harm, so #hy avert anythingGC *is mother sa# that it #as useless to try persuasion, but she told his attendants to do some good deeds secretly #hereby the evil should be turned aside. That night about the third #atch, as Sun )e lay in his chamber, he suddenly felt a chill breeDe, #hich seemed to eAtinguish the lamps for a moment, although they soon brightened again; and he sa# in the lamp light the form of Bu 9i standing near his bed. Sun )e said, CI am the s#orn foe of #itchcraft, and I #ill purge the #orld of all such as deal in magic. Bou are a spirit, and ho# dare you approach meGC Reaching do#n a s#ord that hung at the head of his bed, he hurled it at the phantom, #hich then disappeared. !hen his mother heard this story, her grief redoubled. Sun )e, ill as he #as, #ent to see his mother and did his utmost to reassure her.

She said, C)onfucius the Teacher says@ (*o# abundantly do spiritual beings display the po#ers that belong to them=( and (7rayer has been made to the spirits of the upper and lo#er #orlds.( Bou must have faith. Bou sinned in putting Saint Bu 9i to death, and retribution is sure. I have already sent to have sacrifices performed at the 9ade 7ure 1onastery, and you should go in person to pray. 1ay all come right=C Sun )e could not #ithstand such a mandate from his mother so, mustering all his strength, he managed to get into a sedan chair and #ent to the monastery, #here the Taoists received him respectfully and begged him to light the incense. *e did so, but he returned no than$s. To the surprise of all, the smo$e from the braDier, instead of floating up#ards and dissipating, collected in a mass that gradually shaped itself into an umbrella, and there on the top sat Bu 9i. Sun )e simply spat abuse and #ent out of the temple. +s he passed the gates, lo= Bu 9i stood there gaDing at him #ith angry eyes. CDo you see that #iDard fello#GC said he to those about him. They said they sa# nothing. 1ore angry than ever, he flung his s#ord at the figure by the gate. The s#ord struc$ one of his escorts #ho fell. Sun )e told them to bury the man. 'ut as he #ent out of the courtyard, he sa# Bu 9i #al$ing in. CThis temple is nothing more than a lur$ing place for sorcerers and #iDards and such people,C said Sun )e. !hereupon he too$ a seat in front of the building and sent for five hundred soldiers to pull the place do#n. !hen they #ent up on the roof to strip off the tiles, Sun )e sa# Bu 9i standing on the main beam flic$ing tiles to the ground. 1ore angry than ever, Sun )e told them to drive out the priests belonging to the place and burn it. They did so, and #hen the flames rose their highest, Sun )e sa# the dead Taoist Bu 9i standing in the midst of the fire. Sun )e returned home still in a bad humor, #hich increased #hen he sa# the form of Bu 9i standing at his gate. *e #ould not enter but mustered his army and #ent into camp outside the city #alls. +nd there he summoned his officers to meet him and tal$ over >oining Buan Shao in an attac$ on )ao )ao. They assembled, but they remonstrated #ith him and begged him to consider his precious health. That night he slept in the camp and again sa# Bu 9i, this time #ith his hair hanging loose. Sun )e raged at the vision #ithout cessation. FeAt day his mother called him into the city and he #ent. She #as shoc$ed at the change in his appearance@ *e loo$ed so utterly miserable. *er tears fell. C1y son,C said ,ady !u, Cho# #asted you are=C

*e had a mirror brought and loo$ed at himself. *e #as indeed so gaunt and thin that he #as almost frightened and eAclaimed, C*o# do I come to loo$ so haggardGC !hile he spo$e, Bu 9i appeared in the mirror. *e struc$ it and shrie$ed. Then the half healed #ounds reopened and he fainted. *e #as raised and borne #ithin. !hen he recovered consciousness, he said, CThis is the end. I shall die.C *e sent for "hang "hao and his other chief officers and his brother, Sun &uan, and they gathered in his chamber. *e gave them his dying charge, saying, CIn the disordered state of the empire, the domains of !u and Bue%, #ith its strong defense of the three rivers and resourceful lands, has a brilliant future. Bou, "hang "hao, must assist my brother.C So saying Sun )e handed his seal to Sun &uan, saying, C3or manipulating the might of !u so as to ma$e it the deciding force among the factions and then obtaining the #hole empire, you are not so suited as I. 'ut in encouraging the #ise and confiding in the able and getting the best out of everyone for the preservation of this land, I should not succeed as you #ill. Remember #ith #hat toil and labor your father and I have #on #hat #e possess, and ta$e good care thereof.C Sun &uan #ept as he $nelt to receive the seal, and the dying Sun )e turned to his mother, saying, C1other, the days allotted of *eaven have run out, and I can no longer serve my tender mother. I have given over the seal to my brother and trust that you #ill advise him early and late, and see that he lives #orthy of his predecessors.C C+las= Bour brother is full young for such a tas$,C said his mother, #eeping. CI $no# not #hat may happen.C C*e is far abler than I and fully e ual to the tas$ of ruling. Should he have doubts upon internal affairs, he must turn to "hang "hao; for outer matters he must consult "hou Bu. It is a pity "hou Bu is absent so that I cannot give him my charge face to face.C To his brothers Sun )e said, C!hen I am gone, you must help your brother. Should any discord arise in the family, let the others punish the #rongdoer and let not his ashes mingle #ith those of his ancestors in the family vaults.C The young men #ept at these #ords. Then he called for his #ife, ,ady &iao, and said, CHnhappily #e have to part #hile still in the full vigor of life. Bou must care for my mother. Bour sister #ill come to see you presently, and you can as$ her to tell her husband, "hou Bu%, to help my brother in all things and ma$e my brother $eep to the #ay I have taught him to #al$ in.C

Then Sun )e closed his eyes and soon after passed a#ay. *e #as only t#enty6siA. 7eople called him first of the chieftains, The east had felt his might, *e #atched li$e a tiger crouching. Struc$ as a ha#$ in flight. There #as peace in the lands he ruled. *is fame ran #ith the #ind. 'ut he died and left to another. The great scheme in his mind. +s his brother breathed his last, Sun &uan san$ by the bed and #ept. CThis is not the time to mourn,C said "hang "hao. C3irst see to the funeral ceremonies and that the government is safe.C So the ne# ruler dried his tears. The superintendence of the funeral #as confided to Sun 9ing, and then "hang "hao led his young master to the hall to receive the felicitations of his officers. Sun &uan #as endo#ed #ith a s uare >a# and a large mouth; he had green eyes and a purple beard. 3ormerly, #hen 1inister ,iu !an had gone to !u to visit the Sun family, he said of the family of brothers, CI have loo$ed #ell at them all, and they are all clever and perspicacious, but none of them have the very ultimate degree of good fortune. Only the second, Sun &uan, has the loo$ of a deep thin$er. *is face is remar$able, and his build unusual, and he has the loo$ of one #ho #ill come to great honor.C !hen Sun &uan succeeded to his brother and his brother(s might, there #as still some reorganiDation to be done. Soon "hou Bu had arrived at !u>un. The young ruler received him very graciously and said, CI need have no anAiety no# that you have come.C "hou Bu had been sent to hold 'a iu. !hen he heard that his chief had been #ounded, he thought it #ell to return to see ho# he #as. 'ut Sun )e had died before "hou Bu could arrive. *e hurried to be present at the funeral. !hen "hou Bu #ent to #ail at the coffin of his late chief, ,ady !u, the dead man(s mother, came out to deliver her son(s last in>unctions. !hen she had told him the last charge, "hou Bu bo#ed to the earth, saying, CI shall eAert the puny po#ers I have in your service as long as I live.C

Shortly after Sun &uan came in, and, after receiving "hou Bu(s obeisance, said, CI trust you #ill not forget my brother(s charge to you.C "hou Bu bo#ed, saying, CI #ould #illingly suffer any form of death for you.C C*o# best can I maintain this great charge #hich I have inherited from my father and brotherGC C*e #ho #ins people, prospers; he #ho loses them, fails. Bour present plan should be to see$ people of high aims and farseeing vie#s, and you can establish yourself firmly.C C1y brother bade me consult "hang "hao for internal administration, and yourself on eAternal matters,C said Sun &uan. C"hang "hao is #ise and understanding and e ual to such a tas$. I am devoid of talent and fear to ta$e such responsibility, but I venture to recommend to you as a helper one ,u Su, a man of ,inhuai. This man(s bosom hides strategy, and his breast conceals tactics. *e lost his father in early life and has been a perfectly filial son to his mother. *is family is rich and reno#ned for charity to the needy. !hen I #as stationed at 9uchao, I led some hundreds of soldiers across ,inhuai. !e #ere short of grain. *earing that the ,u family had t#o granaries there, each holding three thousand carts, I #ent to as$ for help. ,u Su pointed to one granary and said, (Ta$e that as a gift.( Such #as his generosity= C*e has al#ays been fond of fencing and horse archery. *e #as living in &ue. *is grandmother died #hile he #as there, and he #ent to bury her in Dongcheng, and then his friend, ,iu "iyang, #ished to engage him to go to )haohu and >oin "heng 'ao. *o#ever, he hesitated about that and has not gone yet. Bou should invite him #ithout loss of time.C Sun &uan at once sent "hou Bu to engage the services of this man, and "hou Bu set out. !hen the obeisance #as over, "hou Bu laid before ,u Su the inducements that his o#n master held out. ,u Su replied, CI have been engaged by ,iu "iyang to go to )haohu, and I am >ust starting thither.C Said "hou Bu, COf old 1a Buan% said to ,iu 2iu%, (This is an age #hen not only do princes select their ministers, but ministers must also choose their princes.( Fo# our 8eneral Sun &uan calls to him the #ise and treats his officers #ell. Thus he engages the help of the #onderful and gets the services of the eAtraordinary in a #ay that fe# others do. 'ut if you are not engaged else#here, come #ith me to the South ,and as the best thing to do.C ,u Su returned #ith "hou Bu and sa# Sun &uan, #ho treated him #ith the greatest deference and #ith him discussed affairs very fully. The conference proved so interesting that it #ent on all day and neither felt fatigue. One day at the close of the usual reception, Sun &uan $ept ,u Su to dine #ith him. They sat up late and by and by slept on the same couch as #ould the closest of friends.

In the dead of night Sun &uan said to his bedfello#, CThe dynasty is failing, and everything is at siAes and sevens. I have received a great charge from my father and brother, and I am thin$ing of imitating the actions of the celebrated 7rotectors of Reign, !en% and *uan%, and becoming the leader of the feudal lords, and I pray you instruct me.C ,u Su replied, COf old the 3ounder of *an, the Supreme +ncestor, #ished to honor and serve 4mperor Bi of &in, but could not on account of 2iang Bu(s evildoings. Fo# )ao )ao can be compared #ith 2iang Bu@ *o# can you be the protector of the 4mperorG 1y humble opinion is that the *ans have fallen beyond hope of recovery and )ao )ao cannot be destroyed, and that the only $ey to your big schemes is to secure your present position in order to $eep the master hand and control the combinations among the others. Fo# ta$e advantage of the turmoil in the north to smite *uang "u and attac$ ,iu 'iao in 9ingDhou. Thereby you #ill command the #hole length of the 8reat River. Then you may consolidate the empire and become the Son of *eaven. This #as ho# the Supreme +ncestor acted.C *earing this Sun &uan #as very greatly pleased. *e thre# on some clothing, got up, and than$ed his ne#ly6found adviser. FeAt day Sun &uan gave ,u Su costly gifts and sent robes and sil$s to his mother. ,u Su then recommended a friend of his to Sun &uan(s notice, a man of #ide reading and great ability. *e #as also a filial son. *is name #as "huge 9in, and he came from Fanyang. Sun &uan treated "huge 9in as a superior guest. This man dissuaded Sun &uan from ma$ing common cause #ith Buan Shao, but advised him rather to favor )ao )ao, against #hom he could plan #hen occasion served. Sun &uan therefore sent bac$ the messenger )hen "hen #ith dispatches that bro$e off all negotiations. *earing of Sun )e(s death, )ao )ao #as for sending an eApedition against the south. 'ut "hang *ong dissuaded him, saying, CIt #ould be mean to ta$e advantage of the period of mourning. +nd if you should not overcome him, you #ill ma$e him an enemy instead of being a friend. It #ould be preferable to treat him generously.C So )ao )ao memorialiDed the Throne and obtained for Sun &uan the title of 8eneral and 8overnor of 5uai>i, #hile "hang *ong #as appointed )ommander under Sun &uan. +nd a seal of office #as sent to Sun &uan by "hang *ong. The ne# appointment pleased Sun &uan, and he #as greatly glad to get "hang *ong bac$ again. Then "hang *ong #as sent to act >ointly #ith "hang "hao in the administration. "hang *ong #as the means of getting another into Sun &uan(s service. *is friend #as 8u Bong, a disciple of the *istorian )ai Bong. 8u Bong #as a man of fe# #ords and an abstainer from #ine. *e #as very correct in all things. Sun &uan appointed 8u Bong Deputy 8overnor.

*encefor#ard Sun &uan(s rule #as very prosperous, and he #aAed mightily in influence and #on the love of all the people. !hen )hen "hen had returned and related the events in the South ,and and told of the honors that )ao )ao had obtained for Sun &uan in return for his support, Buan Shao #as very #roth, and he set about preparing for an attac$ on 2uchang #ith a force of seven hundred thousand northern soldiers. +lthough in the south they rest from #ar, They rattle the spears beneath the northern star. ,ater it #ill be seen #hich side con uered. Chapter (< Sh&nning 1dvice) +&an Shao -oses -eaders and Granaries; Csing Strateg4) Cao Cao Scores Bictor4 1t G&and&' *earing that Buan Shao #as hastening to attac$ at 8uandu, 2iahou Dun #rote to the capital urgently as$ing for reinforcements, and )ao )ao told off seventy thousand troops #ith #hich he marched. 2un Bu #as left to guard the capital. 9ust as Buan Shao(s army #as starting, Tian 3eng sent out a remonstrance from his prison cell, saying, C1y lord, a hasty attac$ in full scale #ill bring disaster to our army. It is best no# to #ait upon such times as *eaven should appoint.C 7eng 9i said to Buan Shao, C!hy does this Tian 3eng utter ill6omened #ordsG 1y lord is sending forth an army in the cause of humanity and >ustice.C 4asily moved to anger, Buan Shao #as going to eAecute Tian 3eng, but this time he forbore at the entreaties of many of his officers. *o#ever, he #as not appeased, for he said, CI #ill punish Tian 3eng #hen I return from con uering )ao )ao.C 1ean#hile Buan Shao hastened to start. The banners of his host filled the horiDon, their s#ords #ere as trees in the forest. They marched to Bang#u and there made a strong camp. Then 9u Shou once more opposed any hasty movement, saying, CThough our soldiers are many, they are not so bold as the enemy. *o#ever, veterans as are the enemy, they have not ample supplies. Therefore they #ill #ish to force on a speedy battle, #hile our policy is to hold them off and delay. If #e can $eep from a decisive battle long enough, the victory #ill be ours #ithout fighting.C This advice did not appeal to Buan Shao.

Said he, threateningly, CTian 3eng spo$e discouraging #ords to my armies, and I #ill assuredly put him to death on my return. *o# dare you follo# in the same #ayGC Buan Shao summoned the lictors and sent a#ay the adviser in chains, saying, C!hen I have overcome )ao )ao, then #ill I deal #ith you and Tian 3eng together C The huge army #as camped in four divisions, one to#ard each point of the compass. The camps #ere thirty miles in circuit. Scouts and spies #ere sent out to discover the strong and the #ea$ points of the enemy. )ao )ao(s army arrived and #ere smitten #ith fear #hen they heard of the strength of their enemy. The leader called together his council. Then said +dviser 2un Bou, CThe enemy are many but not terrible. Ours is an army of veterans, every soldier of ours #orth ten of theirs. 'ut our advantage lies in a speedy battle, for unhappily our stores are insufficient for a long campaign.C CBou spea$ to the point,C said )ao )ao. CI thin$ the same.C Therefore )ao )ao issued orders to press noisily for#ard and force on a battle. Buan Shao(s soldiers too$ up the challenge, and the t#o sides #ere arrayed. On Buan Shao(s side, Shen 7ei placed ten thousand of crossbo#men in ambush on the t#o #ings, #hile five thousand of archers held the center. The signal for general attac$ #as a bomb, and the onset #as to continue through three rolls of the drum. Buan Shao #ore a silver helmet and breastplate and an embroidered robe held in by a >e#eled belt. *e too$ up his post in the center #ith his commanders6668ao ,an, "hang *e, *an 1eng, )hunyu &iong, and others666ranged right and left. *is banners and ensigns made a brave sho#. !hen )ao )ao(s army(s center opened and the banners moved aside, the chieftain appeared on horsebac$ #ith his staff of doughty leaders all fully armed6662u )hu, "hang ,iao, 2u *uang, ,i Dian, and others. 7ointing #ith his #hip at Buan Shao, )ao )ao cried, CIn the presence of the 4mperor, I pressed your claims to consideration and obtained for you the title of Regent 1arshal. !hy do you no# plan rebellionGC Buan Shao replied, CBou ta$e the title of a minister of *an, but you are really a rebel against the *ouse. Bour crimes and evil deeds reach to the heavens, and you are #orse than the usurper !ang 1ang and the rebel Dong "huo. !hat are these slanderous #ords about rebellion that dare you address to meGC CI have a command to ma$e you prisoner=C CI have the 8irdle Decree to arrest rebels=C replied Buan Shao.

Then )ao )ao became #rathful and bade "hang ,iao ride forth as his champion. 3rom the other side rode "hang *e on a curvetting steed. The t#o champions fought forty or fifty bouts #ith no advantage to either. In his heart )ao )ao thought the contest amaDing. Then 2u )hu #hirled up his s#ord and #ent to help. 3rom the other side, to match him rode out 8ao ,an #ith his spear set, and the contestants #ere no# four, battling t#o and t#o. Then )ao )ao ordered three thousand troops under 2iahou Dun and )ao *ong to attac$ the opponents( array. Thereupon on Buan Shao(s side, Shen 7ei gave the signal for attac$, and the legion of crossbo#men on the #ings shot and the center archers let fly all together. The arro#s fle# all over the field in front, and )ao )ao(s troops could not advance. They hastened a#ay to#ard the south. Buan Shao thre# his soldiers on their rear, and they #ere bro$en. They fled a#ay to#ard 8uandu, and Buan Shao advanced another stage. *e camped near them. Then Shen 7ei said, CFo# send one hundred thousand soldiers to guard 8uandu, and get near )ao )ao(s camp. Then build up observation mounds to get a clear vie# of the enemy, and choose vantage points #hence to shoot arro#s into the midst of their host. If #e can force him to evacuate this place, #e shall have gained a strategic point #hence )apital 2uchang can be attac$ed.C Buan Shao adopted this suggestion. 3rom each of the camps, they sought out the strongest veterans #ho dug #ith iron spades and carried earth to raise mounds near )ao )ao(s camp. )ao )ao(s soldiers sa# #hat their enemies #ere doing and #ere anAious to ma$e a sortie and drive them off. 'ut the archers and crossbo#men came out commanding the narro# throat through #hich it #as necessary to attac$ and stayed them. +t the end of ten days, they had build up more than half a hundred mounds, and on the summit of each #as a lofty to#er, #hence the archers could command their opponents( camp. )ao )ao(s soldiers #ere greatly frightened and held up their buc$lers to $eep off the various missiles. 3rom the mounds the arro#s fle# do#n li$e a fierce rain after each roll of drums. The soldiers of Buan Shao(s army laughed and >eered #hen they sa# their enemies crouching under their shields and cra#ling on the ground to avoid their missiles. )ao )ao sa# that his troops #ere getting out of hand under this attac$, so he called a council. ,iu Be spo$e up, saying, C,et us ma$e catapults and so destroy them.C )ao )ao at once had models brought and set cunning #or$ers to ma$e these stone6thro#ing machines. They soon constructed some hundreds and placed them along the #alls of the camp inside, >ust opposite the high ladders on the enemy(s mounds. Then )ao )ao(s troops #atched for Buan Shao(s archers to ascend the to#ers. +s soon as the archers began to shoot, all the catapults began to heave stone balls into the s$ies and they #rought great havoc. There #as no shelter from the falling stones, and enormous numbers of the archers #ere $illed. Buan Shao(s troops called these machines CRumblers,C and after their appearance the archers dared not ascend the mounds to shoot.

Then Shen 7ei, the strategist, thought out another plan. *e set troops to tunnel under the #alls into the midst of )ao )ao(s camp and called this corps CThe SappersC. )ao )ao(s soldiers sa# the enemy digging out pits behind the mounds and told the chief, #ho at once sought a counter plan from ,iu Be. C+s Buan Shao can no longer attac$ openly, he is attac$ing secretly and is tunneling a road under ground into the midst of our camp,C said ,iu Be. C'ut ho# to meet itGC C!e can surround the camp #ith a deep moat #hich renders their tunnel useless.C So a deep moat #as dug as uic$ly as possible, and #hen the enemy sappers arrived thereat, lo= their labor had been in vain and the sap #as useless. )ao )ao held 8uandu throughout the eighth and ninth months #hen, his army being #orn out and provisions failing, he began to thin$ of giving up and returning to the capital. +s he could not ma$e up his mind, he referred his difficulties by letter to 2un Bu, #hom he had left to guard 2uchang. The reply he got #as to this effect@ CI have received your command to decide #hether to continue the campaign or retire. It appears to me that Buan Shao assembled such large forces at 8uandu #ith the eApectation of #inning a decision. Bou, Sir, are very #ea$ #hile he is very strong. If you cannot get the better of him, he #ill be able to #or$ his #ill on you, and this #ill be a crisis of the empire. Bour opponents are indeed numerous, but their leader $no#s not ho# to use them. !ith your military genius and discernment, #here are you not sure to succeedG Fo# though your numbers are small, your situation is still brighter than ,iu 'ang(s #hen he faced against 2iang Bu in 9ungyang and )henggao. Bou are securely entrenched #ith your hands on Buan Shao(s throat; and even if you cannot advance, that state of things cannot endure forever but must change. This is the time to play some uneApected move, and you must not miss it. The device I leave to your illustrious ingenuity.C This letter greatly pleased )ao )ao, and he urged upon his troops to use every effort to maintain the position. Buan Shao then retired some ten miles, and )ao )ao sent out scouts to ascertain his ne# dispositions. One of 2u *uang(s officers, Shi *uan, captured an enemy spy and sent him to his chief. 2u *uang interrogated him and found out that a convoy of supplies #as eApected and that this spy and others had been sent to find out #hat the ris$s of the route #ere. 2u *uang #ent at once to tell )ao )ao. !hen 2un Bou heard that the commander of the convoy #as *an 1eng, he said, CThat fello# is a valiant fool. + fe# thousand light horse sent to intercept him can capture the #hole train and cause much trouble in the enemy(s camp.C C!hom should I sendGC as$ed )ao )ao.

CBou might send 2u *uang. *e is capable of such a tas$.C So 2u *uang #as deputed, and he too$ #ith him Shi *uan, #ho had captured the spy, and his company. +nd this party #as supported by "hang ,iao and 2u )hu. It #as night #hen the commissariat train of many thousands of #agons dre# near Buan Shao(s camp. +s they passed through a defile, 2u *uang and Shi *uan came out and stopped the train. *an 1eng galloped up to give battle but #as soon overcome. The guard #as scattered, and soon the #hole train #as in flames. The escort and their leader fled a#ay. The glo# of the flames seen from Buan Shao(s camp caused great consternation, #hich became fear #hen the escaped soldiers rode in and told their tale. Buan Shao sent out "hang *e and 8ao ,an to try to intercept the raiders, and they came upon 2u *uang and his company. 9ust as "hang *e and 8ao ,an #ere attac$ing, reinforcements from "hang ,iao and 2u )hu came up, and the Buan Shao(s troops #ere bet#een t#o fires. They #ere cut to pieces and the successful generals of )ao )ao rode bac$ to 8uandu, #here they #ere richly re#arded. +s an additional safeguard, )ao )ao made a supporting outpost in front of the main camp to be the apeA of a triangle of defense. !hen *an 1eng returned #ith his #oeful tidings, Buan Shao #as angry and threatened to put him to death. *is colleagues begged him off. Then said Shen 7ei, C3ood is very important for an army in the field and must be defended #ith the greatest diligence. !uchao is our main depot and must be carefully guarded.C C1y plans being complete,C said Buan Shao. CBou may as #ell return to )apital Be>un of 9iDhou and underta$e the control of the supplies. ,et there be no shortage.C So Shen 7ei left the army. Then a force of t#enty thousand troops #as told off to defend the depot in !uchao. The leaders of this body #ere )hunyu &iong, 8ui Buan>in, *an 9uDi, ,u !eihuang, and "hao Rui. Of these generals, )hunyu &iong #as a hard man and a heavy drin$er, #ho in his cups #as a terror to the soldiers. Hnder the idle life of guarding the supply depot, the leaders gave themselves up to indulgence and dran$ heavily. In )ao )ao(s army food #as also getting scarce, and a message #as sent to )apital 2uchang to send grain uic$ly. The messenger #ith the letter, ho#ever, had not gone far #hen he fell into the hands of Buan Shao(s guards, #ho too$ him to the adviser 2u Bou. Seeing from the letter that )ao )ao #as short of supplies, 2u Bou #ent to Buan Shao and told him, saying, C)ao )ao and #e have been at grips here for a long time, and )apital 2uchang must

be undefended. + small army sent uic$ly could ta$e it, and at the same moment an attac$ here #ould deliver )ao )ao into our hands. Fo# is the moment to stri$e, for his supplies are short.C Buan Shao replied, C)ao )ao is full of ruses, and this letter is artfully designed to bring about a battle to suit himself.C CIf you do not ta$e this chance, he #ill do you some in>ury by and by.C 9ust at this >uncture in came a dispatch from Be>un in #hich, after some details regarding the for#arding of grain, Shen 7ei said he had discovered that 2u Bou had been in the habit of receiving bribes #hile in 9iDhou and had #in$ed at his relatives collecting eAcess taAes. One of his son and nephe# #ere then in prison. +t this Buan Shao turned on 2u Bou angrily and said, C*o# can you have the face to stand before me and propose plans, you eAtortionate fello#G Bou and )ao )ao have old li$ing for each other, and he has bribed you to do his dirty #or$ for him and help his base schemes. Fo# you #ant to betray my army. I ought to ta$e off your head, but temporarily I #ill let your nec$ carry it a#ay. 8et out and never let me see you again.C The discredited adviser sighed and #ent out, saying, C3aithful #ords offend his ear. *e is a pest and un#orthy of advice from me. +nd no# that Shen 7ei has in>ured my son and nephe#, ho# can I loo$ my fello# fol$s in the face againGC +nd 2u Bou dre# his s#ord to end his life. 'ut his people prevented that. They said, CIf Buan Shao re>ects your honest #ords, then assuredly he #ill be ta$en by )ao )ao. Bou are an old friend of )ao )ao(s@ !hy not abandon the shade for the sunlightGC 9ust these fe# #ords a#a$ened 2u Bou to consciousness of his position, and he decided to leave Buan Shao and go over to )ao )ao for he #as an old friend. Vainly no# for chances lost Buan Shao sighs; once he #as great. *ad he ta$en 2u Bou(s advice, )ao )ao had not set up a state. 2u Bou stealthily left the camp and set out for )ao )ao(s lines. *e #as captured on the #ay. *e told his captors@ CI am an old friend of the 7rime 1inister. 8o and tell the 7rime 1inister that 2u Bou of Fanyang #ishes to see him.C They did so. )ao )ao #as resting in his tent, his clothing loose and comfortable after the toils of the day. !hen he heard #ho #ished to see him, he arose uite >oyfully and hastily ran out, on bare feet, to receive 2u Bou. )ao )ao #ent forth to greet him. They sa# each other in the distance, and )ao )ao clapped his hands #ith gladness, bo#ing to the ground #hen near enough to his visitor.

2u Bou hastened to help him rise, saying, CSir, you, a great minister, should not thus salute a simple civilian li$e me.C C'ut you are my old friend, and no name or office ma$es any difference to us,C replied )ao )ao. C*aving been unable to choose the lord I #ould serve, I bo#ed my head before Buan Shao #ishing to support him sincerely. 'ut he #as deaf to my #ords and disregarded my plans. !herefore I have left him and come no# to see my old friend from #hom I hope employment.C CIf you are #illing to come, then have I indeed a helper,C said )ao )ao. CI desire you to give me a scheme for the destruction of Buan Shao.C CI counseled him to send a light force to ta$e )apital 2uchang and at the same time attac$ here in full scale so that head and tail be both attac$ed.C )ao )ao #as alarmed, saying, CIf he does so, I am lost=C C*o# much grain have you in storeGC said the ne# adviser. C4nough for a year.C CI thin$ not uite,C said 2u Bou, smiling. C!ell, half a year.C The visitor shoo$ out his sleeves, rose and hurried to#ard the door of the tent, saying, CI offer him good counsel, and he repays me #ith deceit. )ould I have eApected itGC )ao )ao held him bac$. CDo not be angry,C said he. CI #ill tell you the truth. Really I have here only enough for three months.C C4verybody says you are a marvel of #ic$edness, and indeed it is true,C said 2u Bou. C'ut #ho does not $no# that in #ar there is no ob>ection to deceitGC replied )ao )ao. Then #hispering in 2u Bou(s ear, he said, C+ctually here I have only supplies for this month(s use.C CO do not thro# dust in my eyes any more. Bour grain is eAhausted and I $no# it.C )ao )ao #as startled, for he thought no one $ne# of the straits he #as in. C*o# did you find that outGC said )ao )ao.

2u Bou produced the captured letter, saying, C!ho #rote thatGC C!here did you get itGC !hereupon 2u Bou told )ao )ao the story of the captured messenger. )ao )ao seiDed him by the hand, saying, CSince our old friendship has brought you to me, I hope you have some plan to suggest to me.C 2u Bou said, CTo oppose a great army #ith a small one is to #al$ in the #ay of destruction, unless you inflict uic$ defeat. I can propose a plan #hich #ill defeat the innumerable hordes of Buan Shao #ithout fighting a battle. 'ut #ill you follo# my adviceGC CI very much desire to $no# your plan,C said )ao )ao. CBour enemy(s stores of all $inds are at !uchao, #here the commander of the guard is that drun$ard )hunyu &iong. Bou can send some of your trusty veterans to pretend they belong to one of Buan Shao(s generals, 9iang &i, sent to help guard the depot. These soldiers can find an opportunity to fire the grain and stores of all $inds, #hich #ill upset all Buan Shao(s calculations. In three days Buan Shao is no more.C )ao )ao greatly approved. *e treated 2u Bou very liberally and $ept him in his camp. 3orth#ith he chose five thousand of horse and foot ready for the eApedition. "hang ,iao protested, saying, CThe enterprise #ill be futile as the grain depot #ill certainly be #ell guarded. !ithout caution, #e may be victims of the treachery on the part of the ne#ly arrived 2u Bou.C C2u Bou is no traitor,C said )ao )ao. C*e has come sent by *eaven to defeat Buan Shao. If #e do not get grain, it #ill be hard to hold out. I have to either follo# his advice or sit still and be hemmed in. If he #ere a traitor, he #ould hardly remain in my camp. 1oreover this raid has been my desire for a long time. *ave no doubts@ The raid #ill certainly succeed.C C!ell, then, you must loo$ out for an attac$ here #hile the camp is undefended.C CThat is already #ell provided for,C said )ao )ao gleefully. The arrangements for the raid on the grain depot #ere made #ith eAtreme care to ensure success. )ao )ao assigned 2un Bou, 9ia 2u, and )ao *ong to guard the main camp, together #ith 2u Bou; 2iahou Dun and 2iahou Buan to guard the left camp; )ao Ren and ,i Dian to guard the right camp. !hen all #as ready they set out, )ao )ao himself in the center, #ith "hang ,iao and 2u )hu as van leaders and 2u *uang and Bu 9in as rear guard. The army sho#ed the ensigns of their opponents. The troops carried bundles of grass and faggots to ma$e a blaDe. The soldiers #ere gagged and the horses tied round the muDDles so as to prevent any noise. They set out at dus$.

The night #as fine and the stars shone brightly. 9u Shou, still a prisoner in Buan Shao(s camp, sa# the stars #ere very brilliant and told his gaolers to conduct him out to the central pavilion #hence he could study them. !hile #atching he sa# the planet Venus invade the uarter of the 'ear and ,yra, #hich startled him very greatly. CSome misfortune is near=C said 9u Shou. So although it #as still night, he #ent to see his master. 'ut Buan Shao #as sleeping after indulgence in too much #ine and #as in bad humor. *o#ever, #hen they had roused him saying that the prisoner had a secret message to deliver, he got up. C!hile I happened to be studying the aspect of the heavens,C said the night visitor, CI sa# Venus, then bet#een *ydra and )ancer, suddenly shoot into the neighborhood of the 'ear and ,yra. There is danger of a robber raid, and special precautions must be ta$en at the grain depot. ,ose no time in sending good soldiers and vigorous leaders thither, and $eep a loo$out on the by#ays among the hills that you may escape the #iles of )ao )ao.C CBou are a criminal=C said Buan Shao. C*o# dare you come #ith such #ild nonsense to upset my armies.C +nd turning to the gaolers Buan Shao continued, CI bade you confine him. !hy did you let him comeGC Then he issued orders to put the gaolers to death and appointed others to $eep the prisoner in close custody. 9u Shou #ent a#ay, #iping his falling tears and sighing deeply, COur soldiers( destruction is at hand, and I $no# not #here our poor corpses may find a resting place.C 'lunt truth offended Buan Shao, Too stupid any plan to ma$e, *is stores destroyed this is evident That 9iDhou also is at sta$e. )ao )ao(s raiding party #ent along through the night. 7assing one of Buan Shao(s outpost camps, they #ere challenged. )ao )ao sent for#ard a man to say, C9iang &i has orders to go to !uchao to guard the grain stores.C Seeing that the raiders marched under the ensigns of Buan Shao, the guard had no suspicions and let them pass. +t every post this ruse #as effective, and they got safely through. They reached their ob>ective at the end of the fourth #atch, the stra# and #ood #ere placed in position #ithout loss of time, and the blaDe started. Then )ao )ao(s commanders beat to attac$.

+t this time )hunyu &iong and his companions #ere all asleep after a heavy drin$ing bout. *o#ever, #hen the alarm #as given, they sprang up and as$ed #hat #as the matter. The hubbub #as indescribable. Very soon the fuddled officers #ere caught #ith hoo$s and hauled out of their camp. Buan Shao(s generals 8ui Buan>in and "hao Rui #ere >ust returning from ta$ing grain to the camp and seeing the flames arise, they hastened to assist. Some of )ao )ao(s soldiers ran to him, saying, CThe enemy is coming up in the rear. Send reinforcements.C 'ut )ao )ao only replied, C7ress on to the front till the enemy is actually close at hand and then face about.C So the attac$ #as pressed on and they all hastened for#ard. Very soon the fire gained strength, and thic$ smo$e hung all around filling the s$y. !hen 8ui Buan>in and "hao Rui dre# near, )ao )ao turned about and attac$ed them. They could not stand this for a moment, and both generals #ere $illed. 3inally the stores of grain and forage #ere utterly destroyed. The commander, )hunyu &iong, #as made prisoner and ta$en to )ao )ao #ho ordered him to be deprived of ears, nose, and hands. *e #as bound on a horse and sent, thus horribly mutilated, to his master. 3rom Buan Shao(s camp, the flames of the burning depot #ere seen a#ay in the north, and they $ne# #hat they meant. Buan Shao hastily summoned his officers to a council to send a rescue party. "hang *e offered to go #ith 8ao ,an, but 8uo Tu said, CBou may not go. It is certain that )ao )ao is there in person, #herefore his camp is undefended. ,et loose our soldiers on the camp, and that #ill speedily bring )ao )ao bac$ again. This is ho# Sun 'in% besieged !ei and thereby rescued "hao%.C 'ut "hang *e said, CFot so; )ao )ao is too #ily not to have fully prepared against a chance attac$. If #e attac$ his camp and fail and )hunyu &iong should be caught, #e shall all be captured too.C 8uo Tu said, C)ao )ao #ill be too intent on the destruction of the grain to thin$ of leaving a guard. I entreat you to attac$ his camp.C So Buan Shao sent five thousand soldiers under "hang *e and 8ao ,an to attac$ )ao )ao(s camp, and he sent ten thousand #ith 9iang &i to go to recover the grain store. Fo# after overcoming )hunyu &iong, )ao )ao(s troops dressed themselves in the armor and clothing of the defeated soldiers and put out their emblems, thus posing as defeated force running bac$ to their o#n head uarters. +nd #hen they happened upon 9iang &i(s rescue body, they said

they had been beaten at !uchao and #ere retreating. So )ao )ao(s troops #ere suffered to pass #ithout molestation #hile 9iang &i hastened on. 'ut soon 9iang &i came to "hang ,iao and 2u )hu #ho cried out, CStop=C +nd before 9iang &i could ma$e any opposition, "hang ,iao had cut him do#n. Soon his force #ere $illed or dispersed, and the victors sent false messengers to Buan Shao(s camp to say that 9iang &i had attac$ed and driven a#ay the attac$ers of the granaries. So no more relief #ere sent that #ay. *o#ever, Buan Shao sent reinforcements to 8uandu. In due course, the Buan Shao(s force came do#n upon )ao )ao(s camp at 8uandu, and the defenders6662iahou Dun, )ao Ren, and )ao *ong666at once came out and fought them on three sides so that they #ere #orsted. 'y the time reinforcements arrived, )ao )ao(s army, returning from the raid, had also come, and Buan Shao(s army #ere attac$ed in the rear. So they #ere uite surrounded. *o#ever, "hang *e and 8ao ,an managed to force their #ay out and got a#ay. !hen the remains of the defenders of the grain stores reached their master(s camp, they #ere mustered. Seeing the mutilated state of their one time leader, Buan Shao as$ed ho# )hunyu &iong had come to betray his trust and to suffer thus. The soldiers told their lord, CThe 8eneral #as intoAicated at the time of the attac$.C So Buan Shao ordered )hunyu &iong to be forth#ith eAecuted. 8uo Tu, fearing lest "hang *e and 8ao ,an #ould return and testify the #hole truth, began to intrigue against them. 3irst 8uo Tu #ent to his lord, saying, CThose t#o, "hang *e and 8ao ,an, #ere certainly very glad #hen your armies #ere defeated.C C!hy do you say thisGC as$ed Buan Shao. CO they have long cherished a desire to go over to )ao )ao. So #hen you sent them on the duty of destroying his camp, they did not do their best and so brought about this disaster.C Buan Shao accordingly sent to recall these t#o to be interrogated as to their faults. 'ut 8uo Tu sent a messenger in advance to #arn them, as though in friendly guise, of the adverse fate that a#aited them. So #hen the orders reached them to return to ans#er for their faults, 8ao ,an as$ed, C3or #hat reason are #e recalledGC CIndeed I do not $no#,C said the messenger. 8ao ,an dre# his s#ord and $illed the messenger.

"hang *e #as astonished at this demonstration, but 8ao ,an said, COur lord has allo#ed someone to malign us and say #e have been bought by )ao )ao. !hat is the sense in our sitting still and a#aiting destructionG Rather let us surrender to )ao )ao in reality and save our lives.C CI have been #anting to do this for some time,C replied "hang *e. !herefore both, #ith their companies, made their #ay to )ao )ao(s camp to surrender. !hen they arrived, 2iahou Dun said to his master, CThese t#o have come to surrender, but I have doubts about them.C )ao )ao replied, CI #ill meet them generously and #in them over, even if they have treachery in their hearts.C The camp gates #ere opened to the t#o officers, and they #ere invited to enter. They laid do#n their #eapons, removed their armor, and bo#ed to the ground before )ao )ao, #ho said, CIf Buan Shao had listened to you, he #ould not have suffered defeat. Fo# you t#o coming to surrender are li$e !ei "i% leaving the falling *ouse of Shang to go to "hou and *an 2in% leaving 2iang Bu to go over to the rising *ouse of *an.C )ao )ao made them 8enerals and conferred upon "hang *e the title of ,ord of Duting and upon 8ao ,an ,ord of Donglai, #hich pleased them much. +nd so as Buan Shao had formerly driven s#ay his adviser, 2u Bou, so no# he had alienated t#o leaders and had lost his stores at !uchao, and his army #as depressed and do#n6hearted. !hen 2u Bou advised )ao )ao to attac$ Buan Shao as promptly as he could, the t#o ne#ly surrendered generals volunteered to lead the #ay. So )ao )ao sent "hang *e and 8ao ,an to ma$e a first attac$ on the camp, and they left in the night #ith three thousand troops. The fighting #ent on confusedly all night but stayed at da#n. Buan Shao had lost half of his army. Then 2un Bou suggested a plan to )ao )ao, saying, CFo# is the moment to spread a report that an army #ill go to ta$e SuanDao and attac$ Be>un, and another to ta$e ,iyang and intercept the enemy(s retreat. Buan Shao, #hen he hears of this, #ill be alarmed and tell off his troops to meet this ne# turn of affairs; and #hile he is ma$ing these ne# dispositions, #e can have him at great disadvantage.C )ao )ao adopted the suggestion, and care #as ta$en that the report spread far around. It came to the ears of Buan Shao(s soldiers, and they repeated it in camp. Buan Shao believed it and ordered his son Buan Tan #ith fifty thousand troops to rescue Be>un, and 8eneral 2in 1ing #ith another fifty thousand to go to ,iyang, and they marched a#ay at once. )ao )ao heard that these armies had started, and at once dispatched troops in eight divisions to ma$e a simultaneous attac$ on the nearly empty camp. Buan Shao(s troops #ere too dispirited to fight and gave #ay on all sides.

Buan Shao #ithout #aiting to don his armor #ent forth in simple dress #ith an ordinary cap upon his head and mounted his steed. *is youngest son, Buan Shang, follo#ed him. 3our of the enemy generals666"hang ,iao, 2u )hu, 2u *uang, and Bu 9in666#ith their forces pressed in his rear, and Buan Shao hastened across the river, abandoning all his documents and papers, baggage, treasure, and stores. Only eight hundred horsemen follo#ed him over the stream. )ao )ao(s troops follo#ed hard but could not come up #ith him. *o#ever, they captured all his impedimenta, and they sle# some eighty thousands of his army so that the #atercourses ran blood and the dro#ned corpses could not be counted. It #as a most complete victory for )ao )ao, and he made over all the spoil to the army. +mong the papers of Buan Shao #as found a bundle of letters sho#ing secret correspondence bet#een him and many persons in the capital and army. )ao )ao(s personal staff suggested that the names of those concerned should be abstracted and the persons arrested, but their lord said, CBuan Shao #as so strong that even I could not be sure of safety. *o# much less other peopleGC So )ao )ao ordered the papers to be burned and nothing more #as said. Fo# #hen Buan Shao(s soldiers ran a#ay, 9u Shou, being a prisoner, could not get a#ay and #as captured. Ta$en before )ao )ao, #ho $ne# him, 9u Shou cried aloud, CI #ill not surrender=C Said )ao )ao, CBuan Shao #as foolish and neglected your advice@ !hy still cling to the path of delusionG *ad I had you to help me, I should have been sure of the empire.C 9u Shou #as #ell treated in the camp, but he stole a horse and tried to get a#ay to Buan Shao. This angered )ao )ao #ho recaptured him and put him to death, #hich he met #ith brave composure. CI have slain a faithful and righteous man=C then said )ao )ao sadly. +nd the victim #as honorably buried at 8uandu. *is tomb bore the inscription This is the tomb of 9u Shou the ,oyal and Virtuous. 9u Shou #as honest and virtuous, The best in Buan Shao(s train, 3rom him the stars no secrets held, In tactics all #as plain. 3or him no terrors had grim death. Too lofty #as his spirit, *is captor sle# him, but his tomb 'ears #itness to his merit. )ao )ao no# gave orders to attac$ 9iDhou.

In feeling over confident, that(s #here one(s #ea$ness lay; The other bettered him by plans #hich never #ent astray. The follo#ing chapter #ill tell #ho #on the neAt campaign. Chapter (1 Cao Cao vercomes +&an Shao In Cangting; -i& Bei See5s She#ter With -i& Biao In "ing@ho&' )ao )ao lost no time in ta$ing advantage of Buan Shao(s flight, but smote hard at the retreating army. Buan Shao #ithout helmet or proper dress, and #ith fe# follo#ers, crossed hastily to the north ban$ at ,iyang. *e #as met by one of his generals, 9iang Bi u, #ho too$ him in and comforted him and listened to the tale of misfortunes. FeAt 9iang Bi u called in the scattered remnants of the army, and #hen the soldiers heard that their old lord #as alive they s#armed to him li$e ants, so that Buan Shao uic$ly became strong enough to attempt the march to 9iDhou. Soon the army set out and at night halted at *uang *ills. That evening, sitting in his tent, Buan Shao seemed to hear a far off sound of lamentation. *e crept out uietly to listen and found it #as his o#n soldiers telling each other tales of #oe. This one lamented an elder brother lost, that one grieved for his younger brother abandoned, a third mourned a companion missing, a fourth, a relative cut off. +nd each beat his breast and #ept. +nd all said, C*ad he but listened to Tian 3eng, #e had not met this disaster=C Buan Shao, very remorseful, said, CI did not hear$en unto Tian 3eng, and no# my soldiers have been beaten and I #as nearly lost. *o# can I return and loo$ him in the faceGC FeAt day the march #as resumed, and Buan Shao met 7eng 9i #ith reinforcements, to #hom he said, CI disregarded Tian 3eng(s advice and have brought myself to defeat. Fo# shall I be greatly ashamed to loo$ him in the face.C This tribute to Tian 3eng(s prescience roused the >ealousy of 7eng 9i, #ho replied, CBes; #hen he heard the ne#s of your defeat, though he #as a prisoner, he clapped his hands for >oy and said, (Indeed, >ust as I foretold=(C C*o# dare he laugh at me, the bloc$headG +ssuredly he shall die,C said Buan Shao. !hereupon Buan Shao #rote a letter and sent there#ith a s#ord to slay the prisoner. 1ean#hile Tian 3eng(s gaoler came to him one day, saying, C+bove all humans I felicitate you.C C!hat is the >oyful occasion and #hy felicitateGC said Tian 3eng.

The gaoler replied, CImperial 7rotector Buan Shao has been defeated and is on his #ay bac$. *e #ill treat you #ith redoubled respect.C CFo# am I a dead man=C said Tian 3eng. C!hy say you that, Sir, #hen all people give you >oyGC CThe Imperial 7rotector appears liberal, but he is >ealous and forgetful of honest advice. *ad he been victorious, he might have pardoned me. Fo# that he has been defeated and put to shame, I may not hope to live.C 'ut the gaoler did not believe Tian 3eng. 'efore long came the letter and the s#ord #ith the fatal order. The gaoler #as dismayed, but the victim said, CI $ne# all too #ell that I should have to die.C The gaoler #ept. Tian 3eng said, C+n able person born into this #orld #ho does not recogniDe and serve the right lord is ignorant. Today I die, but I am not deserving of pity.C !hereupon he cut his throat in the prison. 9u Shou but yesterday #as $illed, Tian 3eng ends his life his fate fulfilled; The Bello# River(s main beams brea$ one by one, 1ourn ye that Buan *ouse= Its day is done. Thus died Tian 3eng, pitied of all #ho heard of his fate. !hen Buan Shao came home in 9iDhou, he #as #ith troubled mind and distorted thoughts. *e could not attend to the business of government and became so ill that his second #ife, #ho came of the ,iu family and had replaced the first #ife after her death, besought him to ma$e his last dispositions. Fo# three sons had been born to Buan Shao@ Buan Tan the eldest, #ho #as commander at &ingDhou; Buan 2i, #ho ruled over BouDhou; and Buan Shang, borne to him by ,ady ,iu. This youngest son #as very handsome and noble loo$ing, and his father(s favorite. So he #as $ept at home. +fter the defeat at 8uandu, the lad(s mother #as constantly urging that her son should be named as successor, and Buan Shao called together four of his counselors to consider this matter. These four happened to be divided in their sympathies@ Shen 7ei and 7eng 9i being in favor of the youngest son, and 2in 7ing and 8uo Tu supporters of the eldest.

!hen they met to consult, Buan Shao said, C+s there is nought but #ar and trouble outside our borders, it is necessary that tran uillity #ithin be early provided for, and I #ish to appoint my successor. 1y eldest son is hard and cruel, my second is mild and unfit. The third has the out#ard form of a hero, appreciates the #ise, and is courteous to his subordinates. I #ish him to succeed, but I #ish that you tell me your opinions.C 8uo Tu said, CBuan Tan is your first born, and he is in a position of authority beyond your control. If you pass over the eldest in favor of the youngest, you so# the seeds of turbulence. The prestige of the army has been some#hat lo#ered and enemies are on our border. Should you add to our #ea$ness by ma$ing strife bet#een father and son, elder and younger brothersG Rather consider ho# the enemy may be repulsed and turn to the uestion of the heirship later.C Then the natural hesitation of Buan Shao asserted itself, and he could not ma$e up his mind. Soon came ne#s that his sons Buan Tan #as coming from &ingDhou #ith siAty thousand troops, Buan 2i coming from BouDhou #ith fifty thousand troops, and his nephe# 8ao 8an coming from 'ingDhou #ith fifty thousand troops to help him, and he turned his attention to preparations for fighting )ao )ao. !hen )ao )ao dre# up his victorious army on the ban$s of Bello# River, the aged natives brought an offering of food and sauce to bid him #elcome. Their venerable and hoary appearances led )ao )ao to treat them #ith the highest respect. *e invited them to be seated and said to them, CVenerable Sirs, #hat may be your ageGC C!e are nearly a hundred,C replied the old villagers. CI should be very sorry if my army had disturbed your village,C said )ao )ao. One of them said, CIn the days of the 4mperor *uan a yello# star #as seen over by #ay of the ancient states of )hu and Song in the south#est. Bin 5ui of ,iaodong, #ho #as learned in astrology, happened to be passing the night here, and he told us that the star foretold the arrival in these parts, fifty years hence, of a true and honest man here in the Bello# River. ,o= That is eAactly fifty years ago. Fo# Buan Shao is very hard on the people and they hate him. Bou, Sir, having raised this army in the cause of humanity and righteousness, out of pity for the people and to punish crimes, and having destroyed the hordes of Buan Shao at 8uandu, >ust fulfill the prophecy of Bin 5ui. The millions of the land may loo$ no# for tran uillity.C C*o# dare I presume that I am heGC said )ao )ao #ith a smile. !ine #as served and refreshments brought in, and the old gentlemen #as sent a#ay #ith presents of sil$ stuffs. +nd an order #as issued to the army that if anyone $illed so much as a fo#l or a dog belonging to the villagers, he should be punished as for murder. +nd the soldiers obeyed #ith fear and trembling #hile )ao )ao re>oiced in his heart.

It #as told )ao )ao that the total army from the four regions under the Buan family amounted to t#o hundred thirty thousand soldiers and they #ere camped at )angting. )ao )ao then advanced nearer to them and made a strong camp. FeAt day the t#o armies #ere arrayed over against each other. On one side )ao )ao rode to the front surrounded by his commanders, and on the other appeared Buan Shao supported by his three sons, his nephe#, and his leaders. )ao )ao spo$e first, CBuan Shao, your schemes are poor, your strength is eAhausted, #hy still refuse to thin$ of surrenderG +re you #aiting till the s#ord shall be upon your nec$G Then it #ill be too late.C Buan Shao turned to those about him, saying, C!ho dares go outGC *is son Buan Shang #as anAious to eAhibit his pro#ess in the presence of his father, so he flourished his pair of s#ords and rode forth. )ao )ao pointed him out to his officers and as$ed, C+nyone $no#s himGC C*e is the youngest son of Buan Shao,C #as the reply. 'efore they had finished spea$ing, from their o#n side rode out Shi *uan, armed #ith a spear. The t#o champions fought a little #hile and suddenly Buan Shang #hipped up his horse, made a feint and fled. *is opponent follo#ed. Buan Shang too$ his bo#, fitted an arro#, turned in his saddle, and shot at Shi *uan, #ounding him in the left eye. Shi *uan fell from the saddle and died on the spot. Buan Shao seeing his son thus get the better of his opponent, gave the signal for attac$, and the #hole army thundered for#ard. The onslaught #as heavy, but presently the gongs on both sides sounded the retire and the battle ceased. !hen he had returned to camp, )ao )ao too$ counsel to find a plan to overcome Buan Shao. Then )heng Bu proposed the plan of the CTen +mbushesC and persuaded )ao )ao to retire upon the river, placing troops in ambush as he #ent. Thus #ould Buan Shao be inveigled into pursuit as far as the river, #hen )ao )ao(s army #ould be forced to ma$e a desperate stand or be driven into the #ater. )ao )ao accepted this suggestion and told off ten companies of five thousand soldiers each to lie in ten ambush on t#o sides of the road of retreat. The arrangement of the ambushes #ere thus@ On the left, first company under 2iahou Dun; second company, "hang ,iao; third company, ,i Dian; fourth company, Bue 9ing; fifth company, 2iahou Buan; on the right, first company #as under )ao *ong; second company, "hang *e; third company, 2u *uang; fourth company, Bu 9in; fifth company, 8ao ,an. 2u )hu commanded the advanced front.

FeAt day the ten companies started first and placed themselves right and left as ordered. In the night )ao )ao ordered the advanced front to feign an attac$ on the camp, #hich roused all the enemy in all their camps. This done, 2u )hu retreated and Buan Shao(s army came in pursuit. The roar of battle #ent on #ithout cessation, and at da#n )ao )ao(s army rested on the river and could retreat no farther. Then )ao )ao shouted, CThere is no road in front, so all must fight or die.C The retreating army turned about and advanced vigorously. 2u )hu simply fle# to the front, smote and $illed ten generals and thre# Buan Shao(s army into confusion. They tried to turn and march bac$, but )ao )ao #as close behind. Then the drums of the enemy #ere heard, and right and left there appeared t#o ambush companies of 8ao ,an and 2iahou Buan. Buan Shao collected about him his three sons and his nephe#, and they #ere enabled to cut an alley out and flee. Three miles further on they fell into another ambush of Bue 9ing and Bu 9in, and here many troops of Buan Shao #ere lost so that their corpses lay over the countryside and the blood filled the #ater courses. +nother three miles and they met the third pair of ,i Dian and 2u *uang barring their road. *ere they lost heart and bolted for an old camp of their o#n that #as near, and bade their men prepare a meal. 'ut >ust as the food #as ready to eat, do#n came "hang ,iao and "hang *e and burst into the camp. Buan Shao mounted and fled as far as )angting, #hen he #as tired and his steed spent. 'ut there #as no rest, for )ao )ao came in close pursuit. It seemed no# a race for life. 'ut presently Buan Shao found his on#ard course again bloc$ed by 2iahou Dun and )ao *ong, and he groaned aloud. CIf #e do not ma$e most desperate efforts, #e are all captives=C said he. +nd they plunged for#ard. *is second son Buan 2i and his nephe# 8ao 8an #ere #ounded by arro#s, and most of his soldiers #ere dead or had disappeared. *e gathered his sons into his arms and #ept bitterly. Then he fell into a s#oon. *e #as pic$ed up, but his mouth #as full of blood #hich ran forth in a bright scarlet stream. *e sighed, saying, C1any battles have I fought, and little did I thin$ to be driven to this. *eaven is afflicting me. Bou had better return each to his o#n territory and s#ear to fight this )ao )ao to the end.C Then Buan Shao bade 2in 7ing and 8uo Tu as uic$ly as possible follo# Buan Tan to &ingDhou and prepare to give battle to )ao )ao lest he should invade. Buan 2i #as told to go to BouDhou and 8ao 8an to 'ingDhou.

So each started to prepare armies and horses for repulsing )ao )ao. Buan Shao #ith his youngest son Buan Shang and the remnant of his officers #ent a#ay to 9iDhou, and military operations #ere suspended for a time. 1ean#hile )ao )ao #as distributing re#ards to his army for the late victory, and his spies #ere scouting all about 9iDhou. *e soon learned that Buan Shao #as ill, and that the youngest son Buan Shang and Shen 7ei #ere in command of the city, #hile his brothers and cousin had returned each to his o#n. )ao )ao(s advisers #ere in favor of a speedy attac$. 'ut he ob>ected, saying, C9iDhou is large and #ell supplied. Shen 7ei is an able strategist. +nd it behooves me to be careful. I #ould rather #ait till the autumn #hen the crops have been gathered in so that the people #ill not suffer.C !hile the attac$ #as being tal$ed over there came letters from 2un Bu@ C,iu 'ei #as strengthening himself at Runan #ith the force of ,iu 7i and 8ong Du and, #hen he heard that you #as attac$ing 9iDhou, he said he #ould ta$e the opportunity to march on the capital. !herefore you, Sir, should hasten home#ard to defend 2uchang.C This ne#s disconcerted )ao )ao. *e left )ao *ong in command on the river ban$, #ith orders to maintain the appearance of strength there, #hile he led the main part of his army to meet the threatened attac$ from Runan. 1ean#hile ,iu 'ei, his brothers, and the leaders, having gone forth #ith the intention of attac$ing the capital, had reached a point near the Rang 1ountains #hen )ao )ao came upon them. So ,iu 'ei camped by the hills and divided his army into three, sending 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei #ith ten thousand troops each to entrench themselves southeast and south#est respectively of the main body, #hich he and "hao Bun commanded. !hen )ao )ao came near, ,iu 'ei beat his drums and #ent out to #here )ao )ao had already arrayed his army. )ao )ao called ,iu 'ei to a parley, and #hen the latter appeared under his great standard, )ao )ao pointed his #hip at him and railed, saying, CI treated you as a guest of the highest consideration. !hy then do you turn your bac$ on righteousness and forget $indnessGC ,iu 'ei replied, CHnder the name of 7rime 1inister you are really a rebel. I am a direct descendant of the family, and I have a secret decree from the Throne to ta$e such offenders as you.C +s he said these #ords, he produced and recited the decree #hich is $no#n as the C8irdle 1andate.C )ao )ao gre# very angry and ordered 2u )hu to go out to battle. +s ,iu 'ei(s champion, out rode "hao Bun #ith spear ready to thrust. The t#o #arriors eAchanged thirty bouts #ithout advantage

to either. Then there arose an earth6rending shout and up came the t#o brothers, 8uan Bu from the southeast and "hang 3ei from the south#est. The three armies then began a great attac$, #hich proved too much for )ao )ao(s troops, fatigued by a long march, and they #ere #orsted and fled. ,iu 'ei having scored this victory returned to camp. FeAt day he sent out "hao Bun again to challenge the enemy, but it #as not accepted and )ao )ao(s army remained ten days #ithout movement. Then "hang 3ei offered a challenge #hich also #as not accepted. +nd ,iu 'ei began to feel anAious. Then uneApectedly came ne#s that the enemy had stopped a train of supplies brought by 8ong Du, and at once "hang 3ei #ent to the rescue. !orse still #as the ne#s that follo#ed, that an army led by 2iahou Dun had got in behind to attac$ Runan. &uite dismayed, ,iu 'ei said, CIf this be true, I have enemies in front and rear and have no place to go.C *e then sent 8uan Bu to try to recover the city and thus both his brothers #ere absent from his side. One day later a horseman rode up to say that Runan had fallen, its defender ,iu 7i had fled, and 8uan Bu #as surrounded. To ma$e the matters #orse, the ne#s came that "hang 3ei, #ho had gone to rescue 8ong Du, #as in li$e case. ,iu 'ei tried to #ithdra# his troops, fearing all the time an attac$ from )ao )ao. Suddenly the sentinels came in, saying@ C2u )hu is at the camp gate offering a challenge.C ,iu 'ei did not allo# his army to go out. They #aited till da#n, and then ,iu 'ei bade the soldiers get a good meal and be ready to start. !hen ready the foot #ent out first, the horsemen neAt, leaving a fe# troops in the camp to beat the #atches and maintain an appearance of occupation. +fter traveling some miles, they passed some mounds. Suddenly torches blaDed out, and on the summit stood one #ho shouted, CDo not let ,iu 'ei run a#ay= I, the 7rime 1inister, am here a#aiting you=C ,iu 'ei dashed along the first clear road he sa#. "hao Bun said, C3ear not, my lord, only follo# me=C +nd setting his spear, "hao Bun galloped in front opening an alley as he #ent. ,iu 'ei gripped his double s#ords and follo#ed close. +s they #ere #inning through, 2u )hu came in pursuit and engaged "hao Bun, and t#o other companies led by Bu 9in and ,i Dian bore do#n as #ell. Seeing the situation so desperate, ,iu 'ei plunged into the #ilds and fled. 8radually the sounds of battle became fainter and died a#ay #hile he #ent deeper and deeper into the hills, a single horseman fleeing for his life. *e $ept on his #ay till daybrea$, #hen a company suddenly appeared beside the road. ,iu 'ei sa# these men #ith terror at first, but #as presently relieved to find they #ere led by the friendly ,iu 7i. They #ere a company of his defeated army escorting the family of their chief. !ith them also #ere Sun &ian, 9ian Bong, and 1i 3ang.

They told him, CThe attac$ on Runan #as too strong to be resisted, and so #e #ere compelled to abandon the defense, and the enemy follo#ed, and only 8uan Bu(s timely arrival saved us from destruction.C CI do not $no# #here my brother is,C said ,iu 'ei. C+ll #ill come right if you #ill push on,C said ,iu 7i. They pushed on. 'efore they had gone far, the beating of drums #as heard and suddenly appeared "hang *e #ith a thousand soldiers. "hang *e cried, C,iu 'ei, uic$ly dismount and surrender=C ,iu 'ei #as about to retire #hen he sa# a red flag #aving from a rampart on the hills and do#n came rushing another body of troops under 8ao ,an. Thus chec$ed in front and his retreat cut off, ,iu 'ei loo$ed up to *eaven and cried, CO *eaven, #hy am I brought to this state of miseryG Fothing is left me no# but death=C +nd he dre# his s#ord to slay himself. 'ut ,iu 7i stayed his hand, saying, C,et me try to fight a #ay out and save you. Death is nothing to me=C +s he spo$e 8ao ,an(s force #as on the point of engaging his. The t#o leaders met and in the third bout ,iu 7i #as cut do#n. ,iu 'ei at once rushed up to fight, but >ust then there #as sudden confusion in the rear ran$s of the opponents, and a #arrior dashed up and thrust at 8ao ,an #ith his spear. 8ao ,an fell from his steed. The ne#comer #as "hao Bun. *is arrival #as most opportune. *e urged for#ard his steed thrusting right and left, and the enemy(s ran$s bro$e and scattered. Then the first force under "hang *e came into the fight, and the leader and "hao Bun fought thirty or more bouts. *o#ever, this proved enough, for "hang *e turned his horse a#ay recogniDing that he #as #orsted. "hao Bun vigorously attac$ed, but #as forced into a narro# space in the hills #here he #as hemmed in. !hile see$ing for some outlet, they sa# 8uan Bu, 8uan 7ing, and "hou )ang, #ith three hundred men, coming along. Soon "hang *e #as driven off, and then ,iu 'ei(s troops came out of the narro# defile and occupied a strong position among the hills #here they made a camp. ,iu 'ei sent 8uan Bu for ne#s of the missing brother. "hang 3ei had been attac$ed by 2iahou Buan #ho had $illed 8ong Du, but "hange 3ei had vigorously resisted, beaten him off, and follo#ed him up. Then Bue 9ing had come along and surrounded "hang 3ei. In this pass he #as found by 8uan Bu, #ho had heard of his plight from some of his scattered soldiers met on the #ay. Fo# they drove off the enemy. The t#o brothers returned. Soon they heard of the approach of a large body of )ao )ao(s army. ,iu 'ei then bade Sun &ian guard his

family and sent him on ahead, #hile he and the others $ept off the enemy, sometimes giving battle and anon marching. Seeing that ,iu 'ei had retired too far, )ao )ao let him go and left the pursuit. !hen ,iu 'ei collected his army, he found they numbered only a thousand, and this halting and bro$en force marched as fast as possible to the #est. )oming to a river they as$ed the natives its name and #ere told it #as the *an River, and near it ,iu 'ei made a temporary camp. !hen the local people found out #ho #as in the camp, they presented flesh and #ine. + feast #as given upon a sandy ban$ of the *an River. +fter they had drun$ a#hile, ,iu 'ei addressed his faithful follo#ers, saying, C+ll you, 3air Sirs, have talents fitting you to be advisers to a monarch, but your destiny has led you to follo# poor me. 1y fate is distressful and full of misery. Today I have not a spot to call my o#n, and I am indeed leading you astray. Therefore I say you should abandon me and go to some illustrious lord #here you may be able to become famous.C +t these #ords they all covered their faces and #ept. 8uan Bu said, C'rother, you are #rong to spea$ thus. !hen the great 3ounder of *an contended #ith 2iang Bu, he #as defeated many times, but he #on at the Fine61ile 1ountains and that achievement #as the foundation of a dynasty that endured for four centuries. Victory and defeat are but ordinary events in a soldier(s career, and #hy should you give upGC CSuccess and failure both have their seasons,C said Sun &ian, Cand #e are not to grieve. 9ingDhou, #hich your illustrious relative, ,iu 'iao, commands, is a rich and prosperous country. ,iu 'iao is of your house, #hy not go to himGC COnly that I fear he may not receive me,C said ,iu 'ei. CThen let me go and prepare the #ay. I #ill ma$e ,iu 'iao come out to his borders to #elcome you.C So #ith his lord(s approval, Sun &ian set off immediately and hastened to 9ingDhou. !hen the ceremonies of greeting #ere over, ,iu 'iao as$ed the reason of the visit. Said Sun &ian, CThe princely ,iu 'ei is one of the heroes of the day, although >ust at the moment he may lac$ soldiers and leaders. *is mind is set upon restoring the dynasty to its pristine glory, and at Runan the t#o commanders, ,iu 7i and 8ong Du, though bound to him by no ties, #ere content to die for the sa$e of his ideals. Bou, Illustrious Sir, li$e ,iu 'ei, are a scion of the imperial stoc$. Fo# the 7rincely One has recently suffered defeat and thin$s of see$ing a home in the east #ith Sun &uan. I have ventured to dissuade him, saying that he should not turn from a relative and go to a mere ac uaintance; telling him that you, Sir, are #ell $no#n as courteous to the #ise and condescending to scholars, so that they floc$ to you as the #aters flo# to the east sea,

and that certainly you #ould sho# $indness to one of the same ancestry. !herefore he has sent me to eAplain matters and re uest your commands.C C*e is my brother,C said ,iu 'iao, Cand I have long desired to see him, but no opportunity has occurred. I should be very happy if he #ould come.C )ai 1ao, #ho #as sitting by, here bro$e in, CFo, no= ,iu 'ei first follo#ed ,u 'u, then he served )ao )ao, and neAt he >oined himself to Buan Shao. +nd he stayed #ith none of these, so that you can see #hat manner of man he is. If he comes here, )ao )ao #ill assuredly come against us and fight. 'etter cut off this messenger(s head and send it as an offering to )ao )ao, #ho #ould re#ard you #ell for the service.C Sun &ian sat unmoved #hile this harangue #as pronounced, saying at the end, CI am not afraid of death. ,iu 'ei, the 7rincely One, is true and loyal to the state and so out of sympathy #ith ,u 'u, or )ao )ao, or Buan Shao. It is true he follo#ed these three, but there #as no help for it. Fo# he $no#s your chief is a member of the family, so that both are of the same ancestry, and that is #hy he has come far to >oin him. *o# can you slander a good man li$e thatGC ,iu 'iao bade )ai 1ao be silent and said, CI have decided, and you need say no more.C !hereat )ai 1ao sul$ily left the audience chamber. Then Sun &ian #as told to return #ith the ne#s that ,iu 'ei #ould be #elcome, and Imperial 7rotector ,iu 'iao #ent ten miles beyond the city to meet his guest. !hen ,iu 'ei arrived, he behaved to his host #ith the utmost politeness and #as #armly #elcomed in return. Then ,iu 'ei introduced his t#o s#orn brothers and friends and they entered 9ingDhou )ity #here ,iu 'ei finally #as lodged in the Imperial 7rotector(s o#n residence. +s soon as )ao )ao $ne# #hither his enemy had gone, he #ished to attac$ ,iu 'iao, but )heng Bu advised against any attempt so long as Buan Shao, the dangerous enemy, #as left #ith po#er to inflict damage. *e said, C1y lord should return to the capital to refresh the soldiers so that they may be ready for a north and south campaign in the mild spring #eather.C )ao )ao accepted his advice and set out for the capital. In the first month of the eighth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D ./J0, )ao )ao once again began to thin$ of #ar, and sent to garrison Runan as a precaution against ,iu 'iao. Then, after arranging for the safety of the capital, he marched a large army to 8uandu, the camp of the year before, and aimed at 9iDhou. +s to Buan Shao, #ho had been suffering from blood6spitting but #as no# in better health, he began to thin$ of measures against 2uchang, but Shen 7ei dissuaded him, saying, CBou are not yet recovered from the fatigues of last year. It #ould be better to ma$e your position impregnable and set to improving the army.C

!hen the ne#s of )ao )ao(s approach arrived, Buan Shao said, CIf #e allo# the foe to get close to the city before #e march to the river, #e shall have missed our opportunity. I must go out to repel this army.C *ere his son Buan Shang interposed, C3ather, you are not sufficiently recovered for a campaign and should not go so far. ,et me lead the army against this enemy.C Buan Shao consented, and he sent to &ingDhou and BouDhou and 'ingDhou to call upon his other t#o sons and his nephe# to attac$ )ao )ao at the same time as his o#n army. +gainst Runan they beat the drum, +nd from 9iDhou the armies come. To #hom the victory #ill be seen in the neAt chapter. Chapter (2 "i@ho& Ta5en0 +&an Shang Strives; ,iver Zhang C&t0 :&n +o& Schemes' Buan Shang #as puffed up #ith pride after his victory over Shi *uan and, #ithout deigning to #ait the arrival of his brothers, he marched out #ith thirty thousand troops to ,iyang to meet the army of )ao )ao. "hang ,iao came out to challenge him, and Buan Shang, accepting the challenge rode out #ith spear set. 'ut he only lasted to the third bout #hen he had to give #ay. "hang ,iao smote #ith full force and Buan Shang, uite bro$en, fled pell6mell to 9iDhou. *is defeat #as a heavy shoc$ to his father Buan Shao, #ho had a severe fit of hemorrhage at the ne#s and s#ooned. ,ady ,iu, his #ife, got him to bed as uic$ly as possible, but he did not rally; and she soon sa# it #as necessary to prepare for the end. So she sent for Shen 7ei and 7eng 9i that the succession might be settled. They came and stood by the sic$ man(s bed, but by this time he could no longer spea$. *e only made motions #ith his hands. !hen his #ife put the formal uestion, CIs Buan Shang to succeedGC Buan Shao nodded his head. Shen 7ei at the bedside #rote out the dying man(s testament. 7resently Buan Shao uttered a loud moan, a fresh fit of bleeding follo#ed, and he passed a#ay. 'orn of a line of nobles famous for generations, *e himself in his youth #as #ay#ard al#ays and headstrong, Vainly he called to his side generals s$illed and courageous, 8athered beneath his banner countless legions of soldiers, 3or he #as timid at heart, a lamb dressed as a tiger, 1erely a co#ardly chic$en, phoeniA6feathered but spurless.

7itiful #as the fate of his house; for #hen he departed 'rother #ith brother strove and uarrels arose in the household. Shen 7ei and some others set about the mourning ceremonies for the dead man. *is #ife, ,ady ,iu, put to death five of his favorite concubines, and such #as the bitterness of her >ealousy that, not content #ith this, she shaved off the hair and slashed the faces of their poor corpses lest their spirits should meet and re>oin her late husband in the land of shades beneath the Fine 8olden Springs. *er son follo#ed up this piece of cruelty by slaying all the relatives of the unhappy concubines lest they should avenge their deaths. Shen 7ei and 7eng 9i declared Buan Shang successor #ith the titles of Regent 1arshal and Supreme Imperial 7rotector of the four regions of 9iDhou, &ingDhou, BouDhou, and 'ingDhou and sent in a report of the death of the late Imperial 7rotector. +t this time Buan Tan, the eldest son, had already marched out his army to oppose )ao )ao. 'ut hearing of his father(s death, he called in 8uo Tu and 2in 7ing to consult as to his course of action. CIn your absence, my lord,C said 8uo Tu, Cthe t#o advisers of your younger brother #ill certainly set him up as lord, #herefore you must act uic$ly.C CThose t#o, Shen 7ei and 7eng 9i, have already laid their plans,C said 2in 7ing. CIf you go, you #ill meet #ith some misfortune.C CThen #hat should I doGC as$ed Buan Tan. 8uo Tu replied, C8o and camp near the city, and #atch #hat is ta$ing place #hile I enter and in uire.C +ccordingly 8uo Tu entered the city and sought an intervie# #ith the young Imperial 7rotector. C!hy did not my brother comeGC as$ed Buan Shang after the usual salutes. 8uo Tu said, C*e cannot come as he is in the camp un#ell.C C'y the command of my late father, I ta$e the lordship. Fo# I confer upon my brother the ran$ of 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry, and I #ish him to go at once to attac$ )ao )ao, #ho is pressing on the borders. I #ill follo# as soon as my army is in order.C CThere is no one in our camp to give advice,C said 8uo Tu. CI #ish to have the services of Shen 7ei and 7eng 9i.C CI also need the help of these t#o,C said Buan Shang. C+nd as I am al#ays #or$ing at schemes, I do not see ho# I can do #ithout them.C

CThen let one of these t#o go,C replied 8uo Tu. Buan Shang could do no other than accede to this re uest, so he bade the t#o men cast lots #ho should go. 7eng 9i dre# the lot and #as appointed, receiving a seal of office. Then he accompanied 8uo Tu to the camp. 'ut #hen he arrived and found Buan Tan in perfect health, he gre# suspicious and resigned. Buan Tan angrily refused to accept his resignation and #as disposed to put him to death, but 8uo Tu privately dissuaded him, saying, C)ao )ao is on the borders, and 7eng 9i must be $ept here to allay your brother(s suspicions. +fter #e have beaten )ao )ao, #e can at once ma$e an attempt on 9iDhou.C Buan Tan agreed and forth#ith bro$e up his camp to march against the enemy. *e reached ,iyang and lost no time in offering battle. *e chose for his champion !ang "hao and, #hen !ang "hao rode out, )ao )ao sent 2u *uang to meet him. These t#o had fought but a fe# bouts #hen !ang "hao #as slain. +t once )ao )ao(s army pressed for#ard, and Buan Tan suffered a severe defeat. Buan Tan dre# off his army and retired into ,iyang, #hence he sent to his brother for reinforcements. Buan Shang and his adviser Shen 7ei discussed the matter and only five thousand troops #ere sent. )ao )ao hearing of the dispatch of this meager force sent ,i Dian and Bue 9ing to #aylay them, and the half legion #as destroyed. !hen Buan Tan heard of the inade uate force sent and their destruction, he #as very #rath and roundly abused 7eng 9i. 7eng 9i replied, C,et me #rite to my lord and pray him to come himself.C So 7eng 9i #rote and the letter #as sent. !hen it arrived, Buan Shang again consulted Shen 7ei. The )ounselor said, C8uo Tu, your elder brother(s adviser, is very guileful. 3ormerly he left #ithout discussion because )ao )ao #as on the border. If )ao )ao be defeated, there #ill certainly be an attempt on you. The better plan is to #ithhold assistance and use )ao )ao(s hand to destroy your rival.C Buan Shang too$ his advice and no help #as sent. !hen the messenger returned to ,iyang #ithout success, Buan Tan #as very angry and sho#ed it by putting 7eng 9i to death. *e also began to tal$ of surrendering to )ao )ao. Soon spies brought ne#s of this to Buan Shang, and again Shen 7ei #as called in. Buan Shang said, CIf Buan Tan goes over to )ao )ao, they #ill both attac$ 9iDhou, and #e shall be in great danger.C 3inally Shen 7ei and 8eneral Su Bou #ere left to ta$e care of the defense of the city, and Buan Shang marched his army to the rescue of his brother. C!ho dares lead the vanGC said Buan Shang.

T#o brothers named ,u 2iang and ,u 5uang volunteered, and thirty thousand troops #ere given them. They #ere the first to reach ,iyang. Buan Tan #as pleased that Buan Shang had decided to play a brotherly part and come to his aid, so he at once abandoned all thought of going over to the enemy. *e being in the city, Buan Shang camped outside, ma$ing that an oA6horn formation of their strategic position. 'efore long Buan 2i, the second brother, and their cousin, 8ao 8an, arrived #ith their legions and also camped outside the city. 4ngagements too$ place daily, and Buan Shang suffered many defeats. On the other hand )ao )ao #as victorious and elated. In the second month of the eighth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D ./J0, )ao )ao made separate attac$s on all four armies and #on the day against each. Then the Buans abandoned ,iyang, and )ao )ao pursued them to 9iDhou, #here Buan Tan and Buan Shang #ent into the city to defend it, #hile their brother and cousin camped about ten miles a#ay ma$ing a sho# of great force. !hen )ao )ao had made many attac$s #ithout success, 8uo 9ia proffered the follo#ing plan. *e said, CThere is dissension among the Buans because the elder has been superseded in the succession. The brothers are about e ually strong and each has his party. If #e oppose them, they unite to assist each other; but if #e have patience, they #ill be #ea$ened by family strife. !herefore send first a force to reduce ,iu 'iao in 9ingDhou, and let the fraternal uarrels develop. !hen they have fully developed, #e can smite them and settle the matter.C )ao )ao approved of the plan. So leaving 9ia 2u as 8overnor of ,iyang and )ao *ong as guard at 8uandu, the army #ent a#ay to#ard 9ingDhou. The t#o brothers Buan Tan and Buan Shang congratulated each other on the #ithdra#al of their enemy, and their brother Buan 2i and their cousin 8ao 8an marched their armies bac$ to their o#n districts. Then the uarrels began. Buan Tan said to his confidants 8uo Tu and 2in 7ing, CI, the eldest, have been prevented from succeeding my father, #hile the youngest son, born of a second #ife, received the main heritage. 1y heart is bitter.C Said 8uo Tu, C)amp your army outside, invite your brother and Shen 7ei to a ban uet, and assassinate them. The #hole matter is easily settled.C +nd Buan Tan agreed. It happened that +dviser !ang 2iu came >ust then from &ingDhou #hom Buan Tan too$ into his confidence. !ang 2iu opposed the murder plan, saying, C'rothers are as one(s limbs. *o# can you possibly succeed if at a moment of conflict #ith an enemy you cut off one of your handsG If you abandon your brother and sever relationship, #hom #ill you ta$e in all the #orld as a relationG That fello#

8uo Tu is a dangerous mischief6ma$er, #ho #ould so# dissension bet#een brothers for a momentary advantage, and I beg you to shut your ears and not listen to his persuasions.C This #as displeasing to Buan Tan, and he angrily dismissed !ang 2iu, #hile he sent the treacherous invitation to his brother. Buan Shang and Shen 7ei tal$ed over the matter. Shen 7ei said, CI recogniDe one of 8uo Tu(s stratagems and if you go, my lord, you #ill be the victim of their plot. Rather stri$e at them at once.C !hereupon Buan Shang rode out to battle. *is brother Buan Tan, seeing him come #ith fifty thousand troops, $ne# that his treachery had been discovered, so he also too$ the field. !hen the forces #ere near enough, Buan Tan opened on Buan Shang #ith a volley of abuse. CBou poisoned my father and usurped the succession. Fo# you come out to slay your elder brotherGC The battle #ent against Buan Tan. Buan Shang himself too$ part in the fight, ris$ing the arro#s and the stones. *e urged on his troops and drove his brother off the field. Buan Tan too$ refuge in 7ingyuan. Buan Shang dre# off his army to his o#n city. Buan Tan and 8uo Tu decided upon a ne# attac$, and this time they chose 8eneral )en 'i as ,eader of the Van. Buan Shang #ent to meet him. !hen both sides had been arrayed and the banners #ere flying and the drums beating, )en 'i rode out to challenge and railed at his opponent. +t first Buan Shang #as going to ans#er the challenge himself, but ,u 5uang had advanced. ,u 5uang and )en 'i met but had fought only a fe# bouts #hen )en 'i fell. Buan Tan(s soldiers #ere once more defeated and ran a#ay to 7ingyuan. Shen 7ei urged his master to press for the advantage, and Buan Tan #as driven into the city, #here he fortified himself and #ould not go out. So the city #as besieged on three sides. Buan Tan as$ed his strategist #hat should be done neAt, and 8uo Tu said, CThe city is short of food, the enemy is flushed #ith victory, and #e cannot stand against them. 1y idea is to send someone to offer surrender to )ao )ao and thus get him to attac$ 9iDhou. Bour brother #ill be forced to return thither, #hich #ill leave you free to >oin in the attac$. !e may capture Buan Shang. Should )ao )ao begin to get the better of your brother(s army, #e #ill lend our force to help Buan Shang against )ao )ao; and as )ao )ao(s base of supply is distant, #e shall drive him off. +nd #e can seiDe on 9iDhou and begin our great design.C CSupposing this scheme be attempted, #ho is the man for a messengerGC CI have one 2in 7i, 2in 7ing(s younger brother. 2in 7i is the magistrate here in this very place. *e is a fluent spea$er and good scholar and suited to your purpose.C

So 2in 7i #as summoned and came readily enough. ,etters #ere given him and an escort of three thousand soldiers too$ him beyond the border. *e traveled as uic$ly as possible. +t that time )ao )ao(s camp #as at the 2iping 7ass and he #as attac$ing ,iu 'iao, #ho had sent ,iu 'ei out to offer the first resistance. Fo battle had yet ta$en place. Soon after his arrival, 2in 7i #as admitted to the 7rime 1inister(s presence. +fter the ceremonies of greeting, )ao )ao as$ed the ob>ect of the visit. 2in 7i eAplained that Buan Tan #anted assistance and presented his dispatches. )ao )ao read them and told the messenger to #ait in his camp #hile he called his officers to a council. The council met. )heng Bu said, CBuan Tan has been forced into ma$ing this offer because of the pressure of his brother(s attac$. 7ut no trust in him.C ,u &ian and 1an )hong said, CBou have led your armies here for a special purpose. *o# can you abandon that and go to assist Buan TanGC C8entlemen, not one of you is giving good advice,C interposed 2un Bou. CThis is ho# I regard it. Since there is universal trouble, in the midst of #hich ,iu 'iao remains uietly content #ith his position bet#een the River "hang and the River *an, it is evident that he has no ambition to enlarge his borders. The Buans hold four regions and have many legions of soldiers. *armony bet#een the t#o brothers means success for the family, and none can foresee #hat #ill happen in the empire. Fo# ta$e advantage of this fraternal conflict and let them fight till they are #ea$ened and have to yield to our 7rime 1inister. Then Buan Shang can be removed, and #hen the times are suitable, Buan Tan can be destroyed in his turn. Thus peace #ill ensue. This present combination of circumstances is to be ta$en advantage of to full measure.C )ao )ao realiDed the truth of this and treated 2in 7i #ell. +t a ban uet )ao )ao said, C'ut is this surrender of Buan Tan real or falseG Do you really thin$ that Buan Shang(s army is sure to overcome himGC 2in 7i replied, CIllustrious Sir, do not in uire into the degree of sincerity; rather regard the situation. The Buans have been suffering military losses for years and are po#erless #ithout, #hile their strategists are put to death #ithin. The brothers seiDe every chance to spea$ evil of each other, and their country is divided. +dd to this famine, supplemented by calamities and general eAhaustion, and everybody, #ise as #ell as simple, can see that the catastrophe is near and the time ordained of *eaven for the destruction of the Buans is at hand. Fo# you have a force attac$ing the capital of 9iDhou666Be>un666and if Buan Shang #ill not return to give aid, the place of refuge is lost. If he helps, then Buan Tan #ill follo# up and smite him, ma$ing use of your po#er to destroy the remnant of his brother(s army, >ust as the autumn gale s#eeps a#ay the fallen leaves. Fo# ,iu 'iao(s 9ingDhou is rich, the government peaceful, the people submissive, and it cannot be sha$en. 1oreover, there is no greater threat to it than the Forth of Bello# River. If that be reduced, then the tas$ is complete. I pray you, Sir, thin$ of it.C

CI am sorry that I did not meet you earlier,C said )ao )ao, much gratified #ith this speech. 3orth#ith orders #ere given to return and attac$ 9iDhou. ,iu 'ei, fearing this retirement #as only a ruse, allo#ed it to proceed #ithout interference and himself returned to 9ingDhou. !hen Buan Shang heard that )ao )ao had crossed the Bello# River, he hastily led his army bac$ to Be>un, ordering ,u 2iang and ,u 5uang to guard the rear. Buan Tan started from 7ingyuan #ith a force in pursuit. *e had proceeded only a doDen miles #hen he heard a bomb and t#o bodies of troops came out in front of him and chec$ed his progress. Their leaders #ere ,u 2iang and ,u 5uang. Buan Tan reined in and addressed them, saying, C!hile my father lived, I never treated you badly. !hy do you support my brother and try to in>ure meGC The t#o generals had no reply to ma$e, but they dismounted and bo#ed before him yielding submission. Buan Tan said, CDo not surrender to me but to the 7rime 1inister.C +nd he led them bac$ to camp, #here he #aited the arrival of )ao )ao and then presented the pair. )ao )ao received them #ell. *e promised his daughter to Buan Tan to #ife, and he appointed the t#o brothers as advisers. !hen Buan Tan as$ed )ao )ao to attac$ 9iDhou, the reply #as@ CSupplies are short and difficult to transport. I must turn the #aters of River 9i into the !hite River #hereby to convey my grain and after#ards I can advance.C Ordering Buan Tan to remain in 7ingyuan, )ao )ao retired into camp at ,iyang. The t#o brothers ,u 2iang and ,u 5uang, #ho #ere renegades from Buan Shang, #ere no# raised to noble ran$ and follo#ed the army as supernumeraries. 8uo Tu noted this advancement and said to Buan Tan, C*e has promised you a daughter to #ife. I fear that bodes no good. Fo# he has given titles of nobility to the t#o ,us and ta$en them #ith him. This is a bait for the northern people, and at the same time he intends evil to#ard us. Bou, my lord, should have t#o generals( seals engraved and send them secretly to the brothers so that you may have friends at court ready for the day #hen )ao )ao shall have bro$en your brother(s po#er, and #e can begin to #or$ against him.C The seals #ere engraved and sent. +s soon as the ,u brothers received them, they informed )ao )ao, #ho smiled, saying, C*e #ants your support so he sends you seals as officers. I #ill consider it as soon as Buan Shang has been dealt #ith. In the meantime you may accept the seals till I shall decide #hat to do.C

Thencefor#ard )ao )ao planned Buan Tan(s doom. Shen 7ei and his master also discussed the current situation. Buan Shang said, C)ao )ao is getting grain into the !hite River, #hich means an attac$ on 9iDhou. !hat is to be doneGC Shen 7ei replied, CSend letters to Bin 5ai, )ommander of !uan, bidding him camp at 1aocheng to secure the road to Shangdang, and direct 9u 8u, son of 9u Shou, to maintain *andan as a distant auAiliary. Then you may advance on 7ingyuan and attac$ )ao )ao.C The plan seemed good. Buan Shang left Shen 7ei and )hen ,in in charge of Be>un, appointed t#o )ommanders 1a Ban and "hang "i as Van ,eaders, and set out hastily for 7ingyuan. !hen Buan Tan heard of the approach of his brother(s army, he sent urgent messages to )ao )ao, #ho said to himself, CI am going to get 9iDhou this time.C 9ust at this time it happened that 2un Bou came do#n from the capital. !hen he heard that Buan Shang #as attac$ing his brother Buan Tan, he sought )ao )ao and said, CBou, Sir, sit here on guard. +re you #aiting till *eaven(s thunder shall stri$e the t#o BuansGC CI have thought it all out,C said )ao )ao. Then he ordered )ao *ong to go and fight against Be>un, #hile he led another army against Bin 5ai in 1aocheng. Bin 5ai could ma$e no ade uate defense and #as $illed by 2u )hu. *is soldiers ran a#ay and presently >oined )ao )ao(s army. FeAt )ao )ao led the army to *andan, and 9u 8u came out to fight him. "hang ,iao advanced to fight #ith 9u 8u, and after the third encounter 9u 8u #as defeated and fled. "hang ,iao #ent after him, and #hen their t#o horses #ere not far apart, "hang ,iao too$ his bo# and shot. The fleeing #arrior fell as the bo#string t#anged. )ao )ao completed the rout, and 9u 8u(s force #as bro$en up. Fo# )ao )ao led his armies to an attac$ on Be>un. )ao *ong had arrived before, and a regular siege began. The army encompassed the city and began by thro#ing up great mounds. They also tunneled subterranean #ays. !ithin the city Shen 7ei turned his #hole care to the defense and issued the severest commands. The )ommander of the 4ast 8ate, 3eng ,i, got intoAicated and failed to $eep his #atch for #hich he #as severely punished. 3eng ,i resented this, snea$ed out of the city, #ent over to the besiegers, and told them ho# the place could be attac$ed. CThe earth #ithin the 7early 8ate is solid enough to be tunneled, and entrance can be effected there,C said the traitor. So 3eng ,i #as sent #ith three hundred men to carry out his plan under cover of dar$ness.

+fter 3eng ,i had deserted to the enemy, Shen 7ei #ent every night to the #all to inspect the soldiers on duty. The night of the sapping he #ent there as usual and sa# that there #ere no lights outside the city and all #as perfectly uiet. So he said to himself, C3eng ,i is certain to try to come into the city by an underground road.C !hereupon he ordered his troops to bring up stones and pile them on the cover of the tunnel opening. The opening #as stopped up and the attac$ing party perished in the tunnel they had eAcavated. )ao )ao having failed in this attempt abandoned the scheme of underground attac$. *e dre# off the army to a place above the River *uan to a#ait till Buan Shang should return to relieve the city. Buan Shang heard of the defeat of Bin 5ai and 9u 8u, and the siege of his o#n city, and bethought himself of relieving it. One of his commanders, 1a Ban, said, CThe high road #ill surely be ambushed. !e must find some other #ay. !e can ta$e a by6road from the !est *ills and get through by River 3u, #hence #e can fall upon )ao )ao(s camp.C The plan #as acceptable and Buan Shang started off #ith the main body, 1a Ban and "hang "i being rear guard. )ao )ao(s spies soon found out this move, and #hen they reported it, he said, CIf Buan Shang comes by the high road, I shall have to $eep out of the #ay; but if by the !est *ills( by6road, I can settle him in one battle. +nd I thin$ he #ill sho# a blaDe as a signal to the besieged that they may ma$e a sortie. I shall prepare to attac$ both.C So )ao )ao made his preparations. Fo# Buan Shang #ent out by River 3u east to#ard Bangping, and near this he camped. Thence to Be>un #as five miles. River 3u ran beside the camp. *e ordered his soldiers to collect fire#ood and grass ready for the blaDe he intended to ma$e at night as his signal. *e also sent ,i 1u, a civil officer, disguised as an officer of )ao )ao(s army, to inform Shen 7ei of his intentions. ,i 1u reached the city #all safely and called out to the guards to open. Shen 7ei recogniDed his voice and let him in. Thus Shen 7ei $ne# of the arrangements for his relief, and it #as agreed that a blaDe should be raised #ithin the city so that the sortie could be simultaneous #ith Buan Shang(s attac$. Orders #ere given to collect inflammables. Then said ,i 1u, C+s your food supply is short, it #ould be #ell for the old people, the feeble soldiers and the #omen to surrender. This #ill come upon them as a surprise, and #e #ill send the soldiers out behind them.C Shen 7ei promised to do all this, and neAt day they hoisted on the #all a #hite flag #ith the #ords The populace of 9iDhou surrender= on it.

C*o ho= This means no food,C said )ao )ao. CThey are sending a#ay the non6combatants to escape feeding them. +nd the soldiers #ill follo# behind them.C )ao )ao bade "hang ,iao and 2u *uang laid an ambush of three thousand troops on both sides #hile he #ent near the #all in full state. 7resently the gates #ere opened and out came the people supporting their aged fol$s and leading their little ones by the hand. 4ach carried a #hite flag. +s soon as the people had passed the gate, the soldiers follo#ed #ith a rush. Then )ao )ao sho#ed a red flag, and the ambushing soldiers led by "hang ,iao and 2u *uang fell upon the sortie. The troops tried to return and )ao )ao(s force made a direct attac$. The chase continued to the dra#bridge, but there )ao )ao(s force met #ith a tremendous sho#er of arro#s and crossbo# bolts #hich chec$ed the advance. )ao )ao(s helmet #as struc$ and the crest carried a#ay. *is leaders came to pull him bac$, and the army retired. +s soon as )ao )ao had changed his dress and mounted a fresh horse, he set out at the head of the army to attac$ Buan Shang(s camp. Buan Shang led the defense. The attac$ came simultaneously from many directions. The defenders #ere uite disorganiDed and presently defeated. Buan Shang led his troops bac$ by the !est *ills and made a camp under their shelter. Thence he sent messengers to urge 1a Ban and "hang "i to bring up the supports. *e did not $no# that )ao )ao had sent ,u 2iang and ,u 5uang to persuade these t#o into surrender and that they had already passed under )ao )ao(s banner, and he had conferred upon them the title of lordship. 9ust before going to attac$ the !est *ills, )ao )ao sent ,u 2iang, ,u 5uang, 1a Ban, and "hang "i to seiDe the source of Buan Shang(s supplies. Buan Shang had realiDed he could not hold the hills, so he #ent by night to ,an$ou. 'efore he could get camped, he sa# flaring lights springing up all around him and soon an attac$ began. *e #as ta$en abac$ and had to oppose the enemy #ith his men half armed, his steeds unsaddled. *is army suffered, and he had to retreat another fifteen miles. 'y that time his force #as too enfeebled to sho# any resistance, and as no other course #as possible, he sent the Imperial 7rotector of BuDhou, Bin 5u, to )ao )ao(s camp and as$ that he might surrender. )ao )ao feigned to consent, but that night he sent "hang ,iao and 2u *uang to raid Buan Shang(s camp. Then it became flight, abandoning everything, seals, emblems of office, and even personal clothing. Buan Shang made for the "hongshan 1ountains. Then )ao )ao came to attac$ 9iDhou )ity, and to help out this 2un Bou suggested dro#ning the city by turning the course of the River "hang. )ao )ao adopted the suggestion and at once sent a small number of men to dig a channel to lead the #ater to the city. +ll told, it #as seventeen miles. Shen 7ei sa# the diggers from the city #all and noticed that they made only a shallo# channel.

*e chuc$led, saying to himself, C!hat is the use of such a channel to dro#n out the city from a deep riverGC So he made no preparations to $eep out the #ater. 'ut as soon as night came on, )ao )ao increased his army of diggers tenfold and by daylight the channel #as deepened to t#enty spans and the #ater #as flo#ing in a great stream into the city #here it already stood some spans deep. So this misfortune #as added to the lac$ of food. 2in 7i no# displayed the captured seal and garments of Buan Shang hung out on spears, to the great shame of their late o#ner, and called upon the people of the city to surrender. This angered Shen 7ei, #ho avenged the insult by putting to death on the city #all the #hole of the 2in family #ho #ere #ithin the city. There #ere eighty of them, and their severed heads #ere cast do#n from the #alls. 2in 7i #ept eAceedingly. Shen 7ei(s nephe# Shen Rong, one of the gate #ardens, #as a dear friend of 2in 7i, and the murder of 2in 7i(s family greatly distressed him. *e #rote a secret letter offering to betray the city and tied it to an arro#, #hich he shot out among the besiegers. The soldiers found it, gave it to 2in 7i #ho too$ it to his chief. )ao )ao issued an order@ CThe family of the Buans should be spared #hen the city should be ta$en and that no one #ho surrendered should be put to death.C The neAt day the soldiers entered by the #est gate, opened for them by Shen Rong. 2in 7i #as the first to prance in on horsebac$ and the army follo#ed. !hen Shen 7ei, #ho #as on the southeast of the city, sa# the enemy #ithin the gates, he placed himself at the head of some horsemen and dashed to#ard them. *e #as met and captured by 2u *uang #ho bound him and led him outside the city. On the road they met 2in 7i, #ho ground his teeth #ith rage at the murderer of his relatives and then struc$ the prisoner over the head #ith his #hip, crying, C1urder= 'lood drin$er= Bou #ill meet your death=C Shen 7ei retorted, CTraitor= Seller of the city= I am very sorry I #as not to have slain you before.C !hen the captive #as ta$en into )ao )ao(s presence, )ao )ao said, CDo you $no# #ho opened the gate to let me inGC CFo; I $no# not.C CIt #as your nephe# Shen Rong #ho gave up the gate,C said )ao )ao. C*e #as al#ays unprincipled, and it has come to this=C said Shen 7ei.

CThe other day #hen I approached the city, #hy did you shoot so hard at meGC CI am sorry #e shot too little.C C+s a faithful adherent of the Buans, you could do no other#ise. Fo# #ill you come over to meGC CFever; I #ill never surrender.C 2in 7i thre# himself on the ground #ith lamentations, saying, C4ighty of my people murdered by this ruffian. I pray you slay him, O 7rime 1inister=C C+live, I have served the Buans;C said Shen 7ei, Cdead, I #ill be their ghost= I am no flattering time6server as you are. 5ill me=C )ao )ao gave the order. They led him a#ay to put him to death. On the eAecution ground he said to the eAecutioners, C1y lord is in the north, I pray you not to ma$e me face the south.C So Shen 7ei $nelt facing the north and eAtended his nec$ for the fatal stro$e. !ho of all the official throng In the Forth #as true li$e Shen 7eiG Sad his fate= *e served a fool, 'ut faithful, as the ancient humans. Straight and true #as every #ord, Fever from the road he s#erved. 3aithful unto death, he died 8aDing to#ard the lord he(d served. Thus died Shen 7ei and from respect for his character )ao )ao ordered that he be buried honorably on the north of the city. The 7rime 1inister then entered the city of Be>un. +s he #as starting, he sa# the eAecutioners hurrying for#ard a prisoner #ho proved to be )hen ,in. CBou #rote that manifesto for Buan Shao. If you had only directed your diatribe against me, it #ould not have mattered. 'ut #hy did you shame my forefathersGC said )ao )ao. C!hen the arro# is on the string, it must fly,C replied )hen ,in. Those about )ao )ao urged him to put )hen ,in to death, but he #as spared on account of his genius and given a civil post.

Fo# )ao )ao(s eldest son #as named )ao 7i. +t the ta$ing of the cities he #as eighteen years of age. !hen he #as born a dar$ purplish halo hung over the house for a #hole day. One #ho understood the meaning of such manifestations had secretly told )ao )ao that the halo belonged to the imperial class and portended honors #hich could not be put into #ords. +t eight the lad could compose very s$illfully, and he #as #ell read in ancient history. Fo# he #as an adept at all military arts and very fond of fencing. *e had gone #ith his father on the eApedition to 9iDhou. !hen Be>un had fallen, he led his escort in the direction of the Buan family d#elling, and #hen he reached it, he strode in, s#ord in hand. !hen some commander #ould have stayed him, saying that by order of the 7rime 1inister no one #as to enter the house, )ao 7i bade them begone. The guards fell bac$ and he made his #ay into the private rooms, #here he sa# t#o #omen #eeping in each other(s arms. *e #ent for#ard to slay them. 3our generations of honors, gone li$e a dream, 3ate follo#s on ever surely, though slo# she seems. The fate of the t#o #omen #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter (( 1 Ga##ant Warrior) Cao Pi =arries -ad4 Zhen; 1n %8piring Star) G&o "ia Sett#es -iaodong' +s #as said, )ao 7i, having made his #ay into the Buans( palace, sa# t#o #omen there #hom he #as about to $ill. Suddenly a red light shone in his eyes, and he paused. ,o#ering his s#ord he said, C!ho are youGC CThy handmaid is the #ido# of the late Buan Shao, ,ady ,iu,C said the elder of the t#o, Cand this is the #ife of Buan 2i, his second son. She #as of the "hen family. !hen Buan 2i #as sent to command in BouDhou, her family ob>ected to her going so far from home and she stayed behind.C )ao 7i dre# ,ady "hen to#ard him and loo$ed at her closely. *er hair hung disordered, her face #as dusty and tear6stained, but #hen, #ith the sleeve of his inner garment, he had #iped s#ay these disfigurements, he sa# a #oman of eA uisite loveliness, #ith a compleAion clear as >ade touched #ith the tender bloom of a flo#er petal, a #oman indeed beautiful enough to ruin a $ingdom%. CI am the son of the 7rime 1inister,C said he turning to the elder #oman. CI #ill guarantee your safety, so you need fear nothing.C *e then put by his s#ord and sat do#n at the upper end of the room.

+s )ao )ao #as entering the gate of the con uered city of Be>un, 2u Bou rode up very uic$ly, passed him, and pointed #ith his #hip at the gate, saying, CSir 7rime 1inister, you #ould not have been here but for my plans=%C )ao )ao laughed, but his generals #ere very annoyed. !hen )ao )ao reached the residence, he stopped at the gate and as$ed, C*as anyone had gone inGC The guard at the gate said, CBour son is #ithin.C )ao )ao called him out and chided him, but the #ife of the late Imperial 7rotector interposed, saying, C'ut not for your son #e had not been saved. I desire to present to you a lady, of the "hen family, as a handmaid to your son.C )ao )ao bade them bring out the girl and she bo#ed before him. +fter loo$ing at her intently, he said, C9ust the #ife for him=C +nd he told )ao 7i to ta$e ,ady "hen to #ife. +fter the con uest of 9iDhou had been made uite sure, )ao )ao made a ceremonial visit to the Buan family cemetery, #here he sacrificed at the tomb of his late rival, bo#ed his head, and lamented bitterly. Turning to his generals, he said, CFot long ago #hen Buan Shao and I #or$ed together in military matters, he as$ed me, saying, (If this disturbance does not cease, #hat fronts should be heldG( +nd I replied as$ing him #hat he thought. *e said, (In the Forth of Bello# River, to the south I #ould hold the Bello# River; on the north, guard against Ban and Dai% and absorb the hordes from the 8obi Desert. Thence south#ard I #ould try for the empire, and do you not thin$ I might succeedG( I replied saying, (I depend upon the #isdom and force of the #orld directed by scholars; then every thing #ould be possible.( These #ords seem as if spo$en only yesterday, and no# he is gone. Thin$ing over it I cannot refrain from tears.C *is officers #ere deeply affected. )ao )ao treated the #ido# generously, giving her gold and sil$s and food to her content. *e also issued a further order that the taAes in the Forth of Bello# River #ould be remitted in consideration of the sufferings of the people during the #arli$e operations. *e sent up a memorial to the Throne and formally became Imperial 7rotector of 9iDhou. One day 2u )hu, riding in at the east gate, met 2u Bou, #ho called out to him, C!ould you fello#s be riding through here if it had not been for meGC 2u )hu replied, C!e fello#s, those #ho survive and those #ho perished, ris$ed our lives in bloody battle to get this city, so do not brag of your deeds=C

CBou are a lot of bloc$heads, not #orth tal$ing about,C said 2u Bou. 2u )hu in his anger dre# his s#ord and ran 2u Bou through. Then he too$ 2u Bou(s head and #ent to tell )ao )ao the reason. Said )ao )ao, C*e and I #ere old friends, and #e could >o$e together. !hy did you $ill himGC )ao )ao blamed 2u )hu very severely and gave orders that 2u Bou should be buried honorably. )ao )ao in uired for any #ise and reputable people #ho #ere $no#n to be living in the region and #as told@ C)ommander )ui Ban, of Dong#u, #ho had on many occasions given valuable advice to Buan Shao. +s the advice #as not follo#ed, he had pleaded indisposition and remained at home.C )ao )ao sent for this man, gave him an office and said to him, C+ccording to the former registers, there are three hundred thousand households in the region so that one may #ell call it a ma>or region.C )ui Ban replied, CThe empire is rent, and the country is torn; the Buan brothers are at #ar, and the people have been stripped na$ed. Bet, Sir, you do not hasten to in uire after local conditions and ho# to rescue the people from misery, but first compute the possibilities of taAation. )an you eApect to gain the support of our people by such meansGC )ao )ao accepted the rebu$e, changed the policy, than$ed him, and treated him all the better for it. +s soon as 9iDhou #as settled, )ao )ao sent to find out the movements of Buan Tan. *e heard Buan Tan #as ravaging 8anling, +nping, 'ohai, and *e>ian. 1oreover, the scouts brought the ne#s that Buan Shang had fled to "hongshan, and Buan Tan led an eApedition against him, but Buan Shang #ould not face a battle. *e had gone a#ay to BouDhou to his brother Buan 2i. Buan Tan, having gathered Buan Shang(s troops, prepared for another attempt on 9iDhou. !hereupon )ao )ao summoned him. Buan Tan refused to come, and )ao )ao sent letters brea$ing off the marriage bet#een Buan Tan and his daughter. Soon after )ao )ao led an eApedition against Buan Tan and marched to 7ingyuan, #hereupon Buan Tan sent to ,iu 'iao to beg assistance. ,iu 'iao sent for ,iu 'ei to consult about this. ,iu 'ei said, C)ao )ao is very strong no# that he has overcome 9iDhou, and the Buans #ill be unable to hold out for long. Fothing is to be gained by helping Buan Tan, and it may give )ao )ao the loophole he is al#ays loo$ing for to attac$ this place. 1y advice is to $eep the army in condition and devote all our energies to defense.C C+greed; but #hat shall #e sayGC said ,iu 'iao. C!rite to both the brothers as peacema$er in gracious terms.C

+ccordingly ,iu 'iao #rote thus to Buan Tan@ C!hen the superior person #ould escape danger, that person does not go to an enemy state. I heard recently that you had croo$ed the $nee to )ao )ao, #hich #as ignoring the enmity bet#een him and your father, re>ecting the duties of brotherhood, and leaving behind you the shame of an alliance #ith the enemy. If your brother, the successor to 9iDhou, has acted unfraternally, your duty #as to bend your inclination to follo# him and #ait till the state of affairs had settled. !ould it not have been very noble to bring about the redress of #rongsGC +nd to Buan Shang, ,iu 'iao #rote@ CBour brother, the ruler of &ingDhou, is of an impulsive temperament and confuses right #ith #rong. Bou ought first to have destroyed )ao )ao in order to put an end to the hatred #hich your father bore him and, #hen the situation had become settled, to have endeavored to redress the #rongs. !ould not that have been #ellG If you persist in follo#ing this mista$en course, remember the hound and the hare, both so #earied that the peasant got them all.C 3rom this letter Buan Tan sa# that ,iu 'iao had no intention of helping him, and feeling he alone could not #ithstand )ao )ao. *e abandoned 7ingyuan and fled to Fanpi, #hither )ao )ao pursued him. The #eather #as very cold and the river #as froDen, so that the grain boats could not move. !herefore )ao )ao ordered the inhabitants to brea$ the ice and to# the boats. !hen the peasants heard the order they ran a#ay. )ao )ao angrily #ished to arrest and behead them. !hen they heard this, they #ent to his camp in a body and offered their heads to the s#ord. CIf I do not $ill you, my order #ill not be obeyed,C said )ao )ao. CBet supposing I cut off your heads, but I cannot bear to do that severity. &uic$ly flee to the hills and hide so that my soldiers do not capture you.C The peasants left #eeping. Then Buan Tan led out his army against )ao )ao. !hen both sides #ere arrayed, )ao )ao rode to the front. 7ointing #ith his #hip at his opponent, )ao )ao railed at him, saying, CI treated you #ell. !hy then have you turned against meGC Buan Tan replied, CBou have invaded my land, captured my cities, and bro$en off my marriage. Bet you accuse me of turning against you=C )ao )ao ordered 2u *uang to go out and give battle. Buan Tan bade 7eng +n accept the challenge. +fter a fe# bouts 7eng +n #as slain; and Buan Tan, having lost, fled and #ent into Fanpi, #here he #as besieged. Buan Tan, panic6stric$en, sent 2in 7ing to see )ao )ao and arrange surrender.

C*e is nothing but a tic$le6minded child,C said )ao )ao. C*e is never of the same mind t#o days running, and I cannot depend upon #hat he says. Fo# your brother 2in 7i is in my employ and has a post of importance, you had better remain here also.C CSir 7rime 1inister, you are in error,C said 2in 7ing. CIt is said that the lord(s honor is the servant(s glory; the lord(s sadness is the servant(s shame. *o# can I turn my bac$ on the family I have so long servedGC )ao )ao felt he could not be persuaded and sent him bac$. 2in 7ing returned and told Buan Tan the surrender could not be arranged. Buan Tan turned on him angrily, saying, CBour brother is #ith )ao )ao, and you #ant to betray me also=C +t this unmerited reproach such a huge #ave of anger #elled up in 2in 7ing(s breast that he #as overcome and fell in a s#oon. They carried him out, but the shoc$ had been too severe, and soon after he died. Buan Tan regretted his conduct #hen it #as too late. Then 8uo Tu said, CTomorro# #hen #e go out to battle, #e #ill drive the people out in front as a screen for the soldiers, and #e must fight a #inning battle.C That night they assembled all the common people of the place and forced into their hands s#ords and spears. +t daylight they opened the four gates, and a huge party #ith much shouting came out at each, peasantry carrying arms in front, and soldiers behind them. They pushed on to#ard )ao )ao(s camps, and a melee began lasted till near midday. 'ut this #as uite indecisive, although heaps of dead lay every#here. Seeing that success #as at best only partial, )ao )ao rode out to the hills near and thence had the drums beaten for a ne# attac$ under his o#n eye. *is officers and troops, seeing that he could observe them in person, eAerted themselves to the utmost, and Buan Tan(s army #as severely defeated. Of the peasantry driven into the battlefield, multitudes #ere slain. )ao *ong, #ho displayed very great valor, burst into the press of battle and met Buan Tan face to face. The t#o slashed and hammered at each other, and Buan Tan #as $illed. 8uo Tu sa# that his side #as #holly disorganiDed and tried to #ithdra# into the shelter of Fanpi. Bue 9ing sa# this and opened a tremendous discharge of arro#s so that 8uo Tu fell and the moat #as soon filled #ith dead. The city of Fanpi fell to )ao )ao. *e entered and set about restoring peace and order. Then suddenly appeared a ne# army under t#o of Buan 2i(s generals, 9iao )hu and "hang Feng. )ao )ao led out his troops to meet them, but the t#o commanders laid do#n their arms and yielded. They #ere re#arded #ith the ran$ of lordship.

Then "hang Ban, the leader of the 'lac$ *ills 'rigands, came #ith one hundred thousand troops and gave in his submission. *e #as made 8eneral !ho 7acifies the Forth. 'y an order of )ao )ao, the head of Buan Tan #as eAposed, and death #as threatened to anyone #ho should lament for him. Fevertheless a man dressed in mourning attire #as arrested for #eeping belo# the eAposed head at the north gate. Ta$en into )ao )ao(s presence, he said he #as !ang 2iu and had been an officer in &ingDhou. *e had been eApelled because he had remonstrated #ith Buan Tan. 'ut #hen the ne#s of Buan Tan(s death came, he had come to #eep for his late master. CDid you $no# of my commandGC said )ao )ao. CI $ne# it.C CBet you #ere not afraidGC C!hen one has received favors from a man in life, it #ould be #rong not to mourn at his death. *o# can one stand in the #orld if one forgets duty through fearG If I could bury his body, I #ould not mind death.C )ao )ao said, C+nd there #ere many such as this in the north. !hat a pity that the Buan family could not ma$e the best of them= 'ut if they had done so, I should never have dared to turn my eyes to#ard this place.C The intrepid mourner #as not put to death. The remains of Buan Tan #ere properly interred, and !ang 2iu #as #ell treated and even given an appointment. In his ne# position !ang 2iu #as as$ed for advice about the best #ay to proceed against Buan Shang, #ho had fled to his second brother, but !ang 2iu remained silent, thereby #inning from )ao )ao rene#ed admiration for his constancy. C*e is indeed loyal=C said )ao )ao. Then he uestioned 8uo 9ia, #ho advised him, saying, C8ive Buan 2i(s former generals the command and as$ them to attac$ BouDhou.C !hereupon 9iao )hu and "hang Feng #ere given the command and reinforced by the armies under ,u 2iang, ,u 5uang, 1a Ban, and "hang "i to bring about the surrender of Buan 2i and Buan Shang. Then siA generals, to attac$ BouDhou along three routes. Other armies led by ,i Dian, Bue 9ing, and "hang Ban #ere sent against 8ao 8an at 'ingDhou. The t#o Buan 2i and Buan Shang heard of )ao )ao(s advance #ith dismay for they had no hope of successful resistance. Therefore they abandoned BouDhou and hastily marched into ,iaoAi to see$ refuge #ith the !uhuan tribespeople in the frontier !uhuan State.

Then !uhuan )hu, ne# Imperial 7rotector of BouDhou, #as not disposed to incur the enmity of the po#erful )ao )ao, so he called his subordinates together to s#ear them to support him. !uhuan )hu said, CI understand that )ao )ao is the most po#erful man of the day, and I am going to support him, and those #ho do not go #ith me I shall put to death.C 4ach in turn smeared his lips #ith the blood of sacrifice and too$ the oath, till it came to the turn of *an *eng. Instead he dashed his s#ord to the ground, crying, CI have received great promotions and benefits from the Buans. Fo# my lord has been van uished. 1y $no#ledge #as po#erless to save him, and my bravery insufficient to cause me to die for him@ I have failed in my duty. 'ut I refuse to commit the cro#ning act of treachery and ally myself #ith )ao )ao.C This speech made the others turn pale. The chief said, C3or a great underta$ing, there must be lofty principles. *o#ever, success does not necessarily depend upon universal support, and since *an *eng is actuated by such sentiments, then let him follo# his conscience.C So !uhuan )hu turned *an *eng out of the assembly. !uhuan )hu then #ent out of the city to meet and #elcome )ao )ao(s army and rendered his submission. *e #as #ell received and the title given him of 8eneral !ho 8uards the Forth. Then the scouts came to report@ C8enerals ,i Dian, Bue 9ing, and "hang Ban had marched to 'ingDhou, but that 8ao 8an had occupied *uguan 7ass and could not be dislodged.C So )ao )ao marched thither himself. The defender still maintaining his position, )ao )ao as$ed for plans. 2un Bou proposed that a band should go over pretending to be deserters. )ao )ao assented and then called the t#o ,u 2iang and ,u 5uang, to #hom he gave #hispered orders. They left #ith their companies. Soon they came near the pass and called out, saying, C!e are old officers in Buan Shao(s armies forced into surrender to )ao )ao. !e find him so false and he treats us so meanly that #e #ant to return to help our old master. !herefore uic$ly open your gates to us.C 8ao 8an #as suspicious, but he let the t#o officers come up to the pass; and #hen they had stripped off their armor and left their horses, they #ere permitted to enter. +nd they said to 8ao 8an, C)ao )ao(s troops are ne# to the country and not settled. Bou ought to fall upon their camp this very evening. If you approve, #e #ill lead the attac$.C 8ao 8an decided to trust them and prepared to attac$, giving the t#o brothers the leadership of ten thousand soldiers. 'ut as they dre# near )ao )ao(s camp, a great noise arose behind them and they found themselves in an ambush attac$ed on all sides. RealiDing too late that he had been the

victim of a ruse, 8ao 8an retreated to the pass, but found it occupied by ,i Dian and Bue 9ing. 8ao 8an then made the best of his #ay to the )hieftain of the 2iongnu 7eople. )ao )ao gave orders to hold the passes and sent companies in pursuit. !hen 8ao 8an reached the boundary of the 2iongnu State, he met )e 2ian, the 5han of the northern tribespeople. 8ao 8an dismounted and made a lo# obeisance, saying, C)ao )ao is con uering and absorbing all the borders and your turn, O 5ing, #ill come uic$ly. I pray you help me and let us smite together for the safety of the northern regions.C )e 2ian the 5han replied, CI have no uarrel #ith )ao )ao. !hy then should he invade my landG Do you desire to embroil me #ith himGC *e #ould have nothing to do #ith 8ao 8an and sent him s#ay. +t his #its( end, 8ao 8an decided to try to >oin ,iu 'iao and go south#ard so far on his >ourney as Shanglu #hen he #as ta$en prisoner and put to death by 8overnor !ang Ban. *is head #as sent to )ao )ao, and !ang Ban received lordship for this service. Thus 'ingDhou #as con uered. Then )ao )ao began to discuss the overthro# of the !uhuan State. )ao *ong, spea$ing in the name of other officials, said, CThe t#o Buan 2i and Buan Shang are nearly done for and too #ea$ to be feared. They have fled far into the Sea of Sand. If #e pursue them thither, it may bring do#n ,iu 'iao and ,iu 'ei upon the capital. Should #e be unable to rescue it, the misfortune #ould be immense. !herefore #e beg you to return to 2uchang.C 'ut 8uo 9ia #as of different advice. CBou are #rong,C said he. CThough the prestige of our lord fills the empire, yet the peoples of the desert, relying upon their inaccessibility, #ill not be prepared against us. !herefore I say attac$, and #e shall con uer them. 'eside Buan Shao #as $ind to the nomads, and the t#o brothers have been more so. They must be destroyed. +s for ,iu 'iao he is a mere gossip, #ho needs not cause the least anAiety. +nd ,iu 'ei is unfit for any heavy responsibility and #ill ta$e no trouble over a light one. Bou may leave the base #ith perfect safety and ma$e as long an eApedition as you choose. Fothing #ill happen.C CBou spea$ #ell, O 8uo 9ia,C said )ao )ao. *e led his legions, heavy and light, to the edge of the desert, #ith many #agons. The eApedition marched into the 8obi Desert. The rolling ocean of yello# sand spread its #aves before them, and they sa# far and near the eddying sand pillars, and felt the fierce #inds that drove them for#ard. The road became precipitous and progress difficult. )ao )ao began to thin$ of returning and spo$e thereof to 8uo 9ia, #ho had advised the >ourney.

8uo 9ia had speedily fallen victim to the effects of the climate, and at this time he lay in his cart very ill. )ao )ao(s tears fell as he said, C1y friend, you are suffering for my ambition to subdue the 8obi Desert. I cannot bear to thin$ you should be ill.C CBou have al#ays been very good to me,C said the sic$ man, Cand I can never repay #hat I o#e you.C CThe country is eAceedingly precipitous, and I am thin$ing of going bac$. !hat thin$ youGC 8uo 9ia replied, CThe success of an eApedition of this $ind depends upon celerity. To stri$e a sudden blo# on a distant spot #ith a heavy baggage train is difficult. To ensure success the need is light troops and a good road to stri$e uic$ly before an enemy has time to prepare. Fo# you must find guides #ho $no# the road #ell.C Then the sic$ adviser #as left at BeDhou for treatment, and they sought among the natives for some persons to serve as guides. Tian )hou, one of Buan Shao(s old generals, $ne# those parts #ell, and )ao )ao called him and uestioned him. Tian )hou said, C'et#een autumn and summer this route is under #ater, the shallo# places too heavy for #heeled traffic, the deep parts insufficient for boats. It is al#ays difficult. Therefore you #ould do better to return and at ,ulong cross the 'aitan 7ass into the desert. Then advance to ,iucheng and smite before there is time to prepare. One sudden rush #ill settle 5ing 1ao Dun.C 3or this valuable information and plan, Tian )hou #as made 8eneral !ho )alms the Forth, and #ent in advance as leader and guide. FeAt after him came "hang ,iao, and )ao )ao brought up the rear. They advanced by double marches. Tian )hou led "hang ,iao to !hite !olf *ills, #here they came upon Buan 2i, Buan Shang, and 5ing 1ao Dun and a force of ten thousand cavalry. "hang ,iao galloped to inform his chief, and )ao )ao rode up to the top of an eminence to survey the foe. *e sa# a large mass of cavalry #ithout any military formation advancing in a disorderly cro#d. Said he, CThey have no formation. !e can easily rout them.C Then he handed over his ensign of command to "hang ,iao #ho, #ith 2u )hu, Bu 9in, and 2u *uang, made a vigorous attac$ from four different points, #ith the result that the enemy #as thro#n into confusion. "hang ,iao rode for#ard and sle# 5ing 1ao Dun, and the other generals gave in. Buan 2i and Buan Shang #ith a fe# thousand of horse got a#ay east into ,iaodong. )ao )ao then led his army into ,iucheng. 3or his services, Tian )hou #as conferred the ran$ of ,ord of ,iucheng and )ommander of that county.

'ut Tian )hou declined the ran$, saying #ith tears, CI am a renegade and a fugitive. It is my good fortune that you spared my life, and ho# can I accept a ran$ for betraying ,ulongG I #ould rather die than accept the lordship.C )ao )ao recogniDed that reason #as on Tian )hou(s side and conferred upon him the office of )ourt )ounselor. )ao )ao then pacified the 2iongnu )hieftains, collected a large number of horses, and at once set out on the home#ard march. The season #as #inter, cold and dry. 3or seventy miles there #as no #ater, and grain also #as scanty. The troops fed on horse flesh. They had to dig very deep, three or four hundred spans to find #ater. !hen )ao )ao reached BeDhou, he re#arded those #ho had remonstrated #ith him against the eApedition. *e said, CI too$ some ris$ in going so far, but by good fortune I have succeeded. !ith the aid of *eaven I have secured victory. I could not be guided by your advice, but still they #ere counsels of safety, and therefore I re#ard you to prove my appreciation of advice and that hereafter you may not fear to spea$ your minds.C +dviser 8uo 9ia did not live to see the return of his lord. *is coffin #as placed on the bier in a hall of the government offices, and )ao )ao #ent thither to sacrifice to his manes. )ao )ao mourned for him, crying, C+las= *eaven has smitten me@ 8uo 9ia is dead=C Then turning to his officers he said, CBou, gentlemen, are of the same age as myself, but he #as very young to die. I needed him for the future generation, and unhappily he has been torn from me in the flo#er of his age. 1y heart and my bo#els are torn #ith grief.C The servants of the late adviser presented his last testament, #hich they said his dying hand had #ritten, and he had told them to say, CIf the 7rime 1inister shall follo# the advice given herein, then ,iaodong #ill be secure.C )ao )ao opened the cover and read, nodding his head in agreement and uttering deep sighs. 'ut no other person $ne# #hat #as #ritten therein. Shortly after, 2iahou Dun at the head of a delegation presented a petition, saying, C3or a long time the 8overnor of ,iaodong, 8ongsun 5ang, has been contumacious, and it bodes ill for peace that the Buan brothers have fled to him. !ould it not be #ell to attac$ before they move against youGC CI need not trouble your tiger courage, Sirs,C said )ao )ao smiling. C!ait a fe# days and you #ill see the heads of our t#o enemies sent to me.C They could not believe it.

+s has been related the t#o Buan 2i and Buan Shang escaped to the east #ith a fe# hundreds of horse. The 8overnor of ,iaodong #as a son of 8ongsun Du the !arli$e, the 8eneral of *an. 8ongsun 5ang #as a native of 2iangping. !hen he heard that Buan 2i and Buan Shang #ere on their #ay to his territory, he called a council to decide upon his plan. +t the council 8ongsun 8ong rose, saying, C!hen Buan Shao #as alive, he nourished the plan of adding this territory to his o#n. Fo# his sons, homeless, #ith a bro$en army and no officers, are coming here. It seems to me li$e the dove stealing the magpie(s nest. If #e offer them shelter, they #ill assuredly intrigue against us. I advise that they be inveigled into the city, put to death, and their heads sent to )ao )ao, #ho #ill be most grateful to us.C Said the 8overnor 8ongsun 5ang, CI have one fear@ )ao )ao #ill come against us. If so, it #ould be better to have the help of the Buans against him.C CThen you can send spies to ascertain #hether )ao )ao(s army is preparing to attac$ us. If it is, then save the Buans alive; if not, then follo# my advice.C It #as decided to #ait till the spies came bac$. In the meantime, Buan 2i and Buan Shang had ta$en counsel together as they approached ,iaodong, saying, C,iaodong has a large army, strong enough to oppose )ao )ao. !e #ill go thither and submit till #e can slay the 8overnor and ta$e possession. Then #hen #e are strong enough, #e #ill attac$ and recover our o#n land.C !ith these intentions they #ent into the city. They #ere received and lodged in the guests( uarters. 'ut #hen they #ished to see 8ongsun 5ang, he put them off #ith the eAcuse of indisposition. *o#ever, before many days the spies returned #ith the ne#s that )ao )ao(s army #as uiescent and there #as no hint of any attac$. Then 8ongsun 5ang called Buan 2i and Buan Shang into his presence. 'ut before they came he hid s#ordsmen and aA6men behind the arras in the hall. !hen the visitors came and had made their salutations, 8ongsun 5ang bade them be seated. Fo# it #as bitterly cold and on the couches #here they #ere sitting #ere no coverings. So Buan Shang said, C1ay #e have cushionsGC The host said, C!hen your heads ta$e that long, long >ourney, #ill there be any cushionsGC 'efore Buan Shang could recover from his fright, 8ongsun 5ang shouted, C!hy do you not beginGC +t this out rushed the assassins and the heads of the t#o brothers #ere cut off as they sat. 7ac$ed in a small #ooden boA they #ere sent to )ao )ao at BeDhou.

+ll this time )ao )ao had been calmly #aiting. *is impatient officers had petitioned in a body, saying, C,et(s march to the capital to #ard off ,iu 'iao(s threat if #e are not going to attac$ the east.C )ao )ao said, CI am #aiting for the heads of the enemy. !e #ill go as soon as the heads arrive.C In their secret hearts they laughed. 'ut then, surely enough, messenger soon came from ,iaodong bringing the heads. Then they #ere greatly surprised. +nd #hen the messenger presented 8ongsun 5ang(s letters, )ao )ao cried, C9ust as 8uo 9ia said=C *e amply re#arded the messenger, and the 8overnor of ,iaodong #as made ,ord of 2iangping and 8eneral of the ,eft +rmy. !hen the officers as$ed #hat had happened, )ao )ao told them #hat the late adviser had predicted. *e read to them the dead officer(s testament, #hich ran something li$e this@ CBuan 2i and Buan Shang are going to ,iaodong. Illustrious Sir, you are on no account to attac$, for 8ongsun 5ang has long lived in fear lest the Buans should absorb his country. !hen they arrive, 8ongsun 5ang #ill hesitate. If you attac$, he #ill save the Buans to help him; if you #ait, they #ill #or$ against each other. This is evident.C The officers simply >umped #ith surprise to see ho# perfectly events had been foreseen. Then )ao )ao at the head of all his officers performed a grand sacrifice before the coffin of the #ise 8uo 9ia. *e had died at the age of thirty6eight, after eleven years of meritorious and #onderful service in #ars. !hen *eaven permitted 8uo 9ia(s birth, It made him ablest man on earth. *e $ne# by rote all histories, 3rom him #ar $ept no mysteries. ,i$e 3an ,i(s, his plans #ere uite decisive, +s )hen 7ing(s, his stro$es #ere most incisive. Too soon he ran his earthly race, Too soon the great beam fell from place. !hen )ao )ao returned to 9iDhou, he sent off the coffin of his late adviser to )apital 2uchang #here it #as interred. Then )heng Bu and others said, C+s the north has been overcome, it is time to settle the south.C )ao )ao #as pleased and said, CThat has long occupied my thoughts.C The last night he spent in 9iDhou, )ao )ao #ent to the eastern corner to#er and stood there regarding the s$y. *is only companion #as 2un Bou.

7resently )ao )ao said, CThat is a very brilliant glo# there in the south. It seems too strong for me to do anything there.C C!hat is there that can oppose your heaven6high prestigeGC said 2un Bou. Suddenly a beam of golden light shot up out of the earth. CSurely a treasure is buried there,C remar$ed 2un Bou. They #ent do#n from the city #all, called some guards, and led them to the point #hence the light proceeded. There the men #ere ordered to dig. The southern s$ies #ith portents glo#, The northern lands their treasures sho#. !hat the diggers found #ill appear in the neAt chapter. Chapter (/ Behind The Screen) -ad4 Cai verhears 1 Secret; 1cross The Tan Torrent) The *i#& Horse Carries Its =aster' The diggers at the spot #hence the golden light proceeded presently unearthed a bronDe bird. ,oo$ing at it, )ao )ao turned to his companion, saying, C!hat is the portentGC CBou #ill remember that the mother of the praise#orthy 5ing Shun% dreamed of a >ade bird before his birth, so certainly it is a felicitous omen,C said 2un Bou. )ao )ao #as very pleased, and he ordered forth#ith the building of a lofty to#er to celebrate the find, and they began to dig foundations and cut timber, to burn tiles and to smooth bric$s for the 'ronDe 'ird To#er on the ban$s of the River "hang. )ao )ao set a year for the building. *is younger son, )ao "hi, said, CIf you build a terraced to#er, you should add t#o others, one on each side. The center to#er as the tallest should be called the 'ronDe 'ird To#er. The side to#ers named 9ade Dragon To#er and 8olden 7hoeniA To#er. Then connect these by flying bridges and the effect #ill be noble.C C1y son, your #ords are very good; and by and bye #hen the building is complete, I can solace my old age therein.C )ao )ao had five sons, but this one )ao "hi #as the most clever and his essays #ere particularly elegant. *is father #as very fond of him and, seeing that the young man too$ an interest in the building, )ao )ao left him #ith his elder brother )ao 7i at Be>un to superintend the #or$, #hile he led a half6a6million army that had recently been captured from the Buans bac$ to )apital 2uchang.

!hen he arrived, he distributed re#ards liberally and memorialiDed the Throne obtaining the title of the 7ure ,ord for the late 8uo 9ia. +nd he too$ 8uo 9ia(s son, 8uo Be, to be brought up in his o#n family. FeAt )ao )ao began to consider the reduction of ,iu 'iao(s po#er. 2un Bou said, CThe 8rand +rmy has only >ust returned from the north and needs rest. !ait half a year that the soldiers may recover from the fatigue of the campaign, and both ,iu 'iao and Sun &uan #ill fall at the first roll of the drums.C 7resently )ao )ao approved of this plan. To enrich his troops, he assigned certain lands to them to till #hile they rested. In 9ingDhou, ,iu 'iao had been very generous to ,iu 'ei ever since he had come as a fugitive see$ing shelter. One day at a ban uet there came ne#s that t#o generals, "hang !u and )hen Sun, #ho had tendered their submission, had suddenly begun plundering the people in 9iangAia. They evidently meant rebellion. CIf they really rebel, it #ill cause a lot of trouble,C said ,iu 'iao, rather dismayed. CDo not let that trouble you. I #ill go and settle it,C said ,iu 'ei. 7leased #ith this proposal, ,iu 'iao told off thirty thousand troops and placed them under his friend, and the army marched as soon as the orders #ere issued. In a short time it reached the scene, and the t#o malcontents came out to fight. ,iu 'ei, 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, and "hao Bun too$ their stand beneath the great banner and loo$ed over at the enemy. "hang !u #as riding a handsome prancing horse, and ,iu 'ei said, C*e certainly has a fine steed.C +s he spo$e, "hao Bun galloped out #ith his spear set and dashed to#ard the enemy. "hang !u came out to meet him, but the combat #as very brief for "hang !u #as soon $illed by a spear thrust. Thereupon "hao Bun laid a hand upon the bridle of the fallen man(s horse to lead it bac$ to his o#n side. The slain rebel(s companion )hen Sun at once rode after "hao Bun, #hereupon "hang 3ei uttered a loud shout and rode out to meet him. !ith one thrust "hang 3ei sle# the rebel. Their follo#ers no# scattered, and ,iu 'ei speedily restored order in 9iangAia and returned to 9ingDhou )ity. ,iu 'iao, grateful for this service, rode out to the boundary to #elcome the victors. They reentered the city and grand ban uets #ere instituted, at #hich they emptied great goblets in congratulations over the victory. +t one of these ban uets the Imperial 7rotector said, C!ith such heroism as my brother has sho#n, 9ingDhou has one upon #hom to rely. 'ut a source of sorro# is the borders #ith the lands

of Bue, !u, and Shu%, from #hich a raid may come at any time. "hang ,u of Shu and Sun &uan of Bue and !u are to be feared.C C'ut I have three bold generals,C said ,iu 'ei, C uite e ual to any tas$ you can set them. Send "hang 3ei to $eep #ard on the southern border of Bue, 8uan Bu to guard the city of 8uDi against "hang ,u in the #est, and "hao Bun holding the Three 8orges #ill protect you from Sun &uan. !hy need you grieveGC The scheme appealed strongly to the Imperial 7rotector, but )ai 1ao did not approve. So he spo$e to his sister, ,iu 'iao(s #ife, saying, C,iu 'ei is putting his troops in such commanding positions all round the region. That is the danger.C ,ady )ai, thus influenced by her brother, undertoo$ to remonstrate, and that night began by saying to ,iu 'iao, CSome in the 9ingDhou army seem to have a great li$ing for ,iu 'ei. They are al#ays coming and going. Bou ought to ta$e precautions. I do not thin$ you should let ,iu 'ei stay in the city. !hy not send him on some missionGC C,iu 'ei is a good man,C replied the Imperial 7rotector. CI thin$ others differ from you,C said the lady. ,iu 'iao said nothing but muttered to himself. Soon after he #ent out of the city to see ,iu 'ei and noticed he #as riding a very handsome horse. They told him it #as a priDe ta$en from the recently con uered rebels; and as he praised it very #armly, ,iu 'ei presented it to him. ,iu 'iao #as delighted and rode it bac$ to the city. 5uai Bue sa# it and as$ed #here it had come from. The Imperial 7rotector told him it #as a gift from ,iu 'ei. 5uai Bue said, C1y passed6a#ay brother, 5uai ,iang, $ne# horses very #ell, and I am not a bad >udge. This horse has tear6trac$s running do#n from its eyes and a #hite blaDe on its forehead. It is called a Dilu horse, and it is a danger to his master. That is #hy "hang !u #as $illed. I advise you not to ride it.C ,iu 'iao began to thin$. Soon after he as$ed ,iu 'ei to a ban uet and in the course of it said, CBou $indly presented me #ith a horse lately, and I am most grateful. 'ut you may need it on some of your eApeditions and, if you do not mind, I #ould li$e to return it.C ,iu 'ei rose and than$ed him. The Imperial 7rotector continued, CBou have been here a long time, and I fear I am spoiling your career as a #arrior. Fo# 2inye in 2iangyang is no poverty6stric$en to#n. *o# #ould you li$e to garrison it #ith your o#n troopsGC

,iu 'ei naturally too$ the offer as a command and set out as soon as he could, ta$ing leave of the Imperial 7rotector the neAt day. +nd so he too$ up his uarters in 2inye. !hen he left 9ingDhou )ity, he noticed in the gate a person ma$ing him emphatic salutations, and the man presently said, CBou should not ride that horse.C ,iu 'ei loo$ed at the man and recogniDed in the spea$er one of the secretaries of ,iu 'iao named Bi 9i, a native of Shanyang. So ,iu 'ei hastily dismounted and as$ed #hy. Bi 9i replied, CBesterday I heard that 5uai Bue told the Imperial 7rotector that that horse #as a Dilu horse and brought disaster to its o#ner. That is #hy it #as returned to you. *o# can you mount it againGC CI am deeply touched by your affection,C replied ,iu 'ei, Cbut a person(s life is governed by fate, and #hat a horse can interfere #ith thatGC Bi 9i admitted his superior vie#, and thereafter he $ept in touch #ith ,iu 'ei #herever he #ent. The arrival of ,iu 'ei in 2inye #as a matter of re>oicing to all the inhabitants, and the #hole administration #as reformed. In the spring of the t#elfth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D ./?0, ,iu 'ei(s #ife, ,ady 8an, game birth to a son #ho #as named ,iu Shan. The night of his birth a crane settled on the roof of the house, screeched some forty times and then fle# a#ay #est#ard. 9ust at the time of birth a miraculous incense filled the chamber. ,ady 8an one night had dreamed that she #as loo$ing up at the s$y, and the constellation of the 8reat 'ear had fallen do#n her throat. +nd she conceived soon after. !hile )ao )ao #as absent from the capital on his northern eApedition, ,iu 'ei #ent to ,iu 'iao and said to him, C!hy do you not ta$e this opportunity to march against the capitalG +n empire might follo# from that.C CI am #ell placed here,C #as the reply. C!hy should I attempt other thingsGC ,iu 'ei said no more. Then the Imperial 7rotector invited him into the private apartments to drin$. !hile they #ere so engaged, ,iu 'iao suddenly began to sigh despondently. CO brother, #hy do you sigh thusGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. CI have a secret sorro# that is difficult to spea$ about,C said ,iu 'iao. ,iu 'ei #as on the point of as$ing #hat it #as #hen ,ady )ai came and stood behind the screen, #hereat ,iu 'iao hung his head and became silent. 'efore long host and guest bade each other fare#ell, and ,iu 'ei #ent bac$ to his o#n place at 2inye.

That #inter they heard that )ao )ao had returned from ,iucheng, and ,iu 'ei sighed #hen he reflected that his friend had paid no heed to his advice. HneApectedly a messenger came from the capital city #ith a re uest that ,iu 'ei #ould go thither to consult #ith the Imperial 7rotector. So he started at once #ith the messenger to 9ingDhou )ity. *e #as received very $indly, and #hen the salutations #ere over, the t#o men #ent into the private uarters at the rear to dine. 7resently ,iu 'iao said, C)ao )ao has returned, and he is stronger than ever. I am afraid he means to absorb this region. I am sorry I did not follo# your advice for I have missed an opportunity.C CIn this period of disruption, #ith strife on every side, one cannot pretend that there #ill be no more opportunities. If you only ta$e #hat that offers, there #ill be nothing to regret.C C!hat you say, brother, is uite to the point,C replied ,iu 'iao. They dran$ on for a time till presently ,iu 'ei noticed that his host #as #eeping, and #hen he as$ed the cause of these tears, ,iu 'iao replied, CIt is that secret sorro# I spo$e of to you before. I #ished to tell you, but there #as no opportunity that day.C CO brother, #hat difficulty have you, and can I assist youG I am entirely at your service.C C1y first #ife, of the )hen family, bore me a son ,iu &i, my eldest. *e gre# up virtuous but #ea$ly and unfitted to succeed me in my office. ,ater I too$ a #ife of the )ai family, #ho bore me a son named ,iu "ong, fairly intelligent. If I pass over the elder in favor of the younger, there is the breach of the rule of primogeniture. 'ut if I follo# la# and custom, there are the intrigues of the )ai family and clan to be rec$oned #ith. 3urther, the army is in the hollo# of their hands. There #ill be trouble, and I cannot decide #hat to do.C ,iu 'ei said, C+ll eAperience proves that to set aside the elder for the younger is to ta$e the #ay of confusion. If you fear the po#er of the )ai faction, then gradually reduce its po#er and influence, but do not let doting affection lead you into ma$ing the younger your heir.C ,iu 'iao pondered silent. 'ut ,ady )ai had had a suspicion #hy her lord had summoned ,iu 'ei and #hat #as the sub>ect of discussion, so she had determined to listen secretly. She #as behind the screen #hen the matter #as tal$ed over, and she conceived deep resentment against ,iu 'ei for #hat he had said. On his side, ,iu 'ei felt that his advice had fallen upon a forbidden sub>ect, and he arose and #al$ed across the room. +s he did so he noticed that he #as getting heavy and stiff, and a furtive tear stole do#n his chee$ as he thought of the past. !hen he returned and sat do#n, his host noticed the traces of #eeping and as$ed the cause of his sorro#.

CIn the past I #as al#ays in the saddle, and I #as slender and lithe. Fo# it is so long since I rode that I am getting stout, and the days and months are slipping by666#asted. I shall have old age on me in no time, and I have accomplished nothing. So I am sad.C CI have heard a story that #hen you #ere at 2uchang at the season of green plums, you and )ao )ao #ere discussing heroes. Bou mentioned this name and that to him as humans of parts, and he re>ected everyone of them. 3inally he said that you and he #ere the only t#o persons of real #orth in the #hole empire. If he #ith all his po#er and authority did not dare to place himself in front of you, I do not thin$ you need grieve about having accomplished nothing.C +t this flattering speech ,iu 'ei, as #ine #as getting the better of him and in a half maudlin manner, replied, CIf I only had a starting point, then I #ould not be afraid of anyone in a #orld full of fools.C *is host said no more and the guest, feeling that he had slipped up in speech, rose as if drun$, too$ leave, and staggered out saying he must return to his lodging to recover. The episode has been celebrated in a poem@ !hen #ith croo$ing fingers counting, )ao )ao rec$oned up the forceful *umans of real determination, Only t#o he found; and one #as ,iu 'ei. 'ut by inaction *e had gro#n both fat and slothful; Bet the months and years in passing 3retted him #ith nought accomplished. Though ,iu 'iao $ept silence #hen he heard the #ords of ,iu 'ei, yet he felt the more uneasy. +fter the departure of his guest, he retired into the inner uarters #here he met his #ife. ,ady )ai said, CI happened to be behind the screen >ust no# and so heard the #ords of ,iu 'ei. They betray scant regard for other people and mean that he #ould ta$e your territory if he could. If you do not remove him, it #ill go ill #ith you.C *er husband made no reply, but only shoo$ his head. Then ,ady )ai too$ counsel #ith her $insman )ai 1ao, #ho said, C,et me go to the guest6house and slay him forth#ith, and #e can report #hat #e have done.C *is sister consented and he #ent out, and that night told off a party of soldiers to do the foul deed. Fo# ,iu 'ei sat in his lodging by the light of a single candle till about the third #atch, #hen he prepared to retire to bed. *e #as startled by a $noc$ at his door and in came Bi 9i, #ho had heard

of the plot against his ne# master and had come in the dar$ness to #arn him. *e related the details of the plot and urged speedy departure. CI have not said fare#ell to my host. *o# can I go a#ayGC said ,iu 'ei. CIf you go to bid him fare#ell, you #ill fall a victim to the )ai faction,C said Bi 9i. So ,iu 'ei said a hasty good6bye to his friend, called up his escort, and they all mounted and rode a#ay by the light of the stars to#ard 2inye. Soon after they had left the soldiers arrived at the guest6house, but their intended victim #as already #ell on his #ay. Faturally the failure of the plot chagrined the treacherous )ai 1ao, but he too$ the occasion to scribble some calumnious verses on one of the partitions. Then he #ent to see ,iu 'iao to #hom he said, C,iu 'ei has treacherous intentions, as can be seen from some lines #ritten on the #all. +nd his hurried departure is suspicious.C ,iu 'iao felt doubtful, but he #ent to the guest6house and there on the #all he read this poem@ Too long, far too long I have dreamed life a#ay, 8aDing at scenery day after day. + dragon can never be $ept in a pond, *e should ride on the thunder to heaven and beyond. 8reatly angered by #hat he read, ,iu 'iao dre# his s#ord and s#ore to slay the #riter. 'ut before he had gone many paces, his anger had already died do#n, and he said to himself, CI have seen much of the man, but have never $no#n him #rite verses. This is the handi#or$ of someone #ho #ishes to so# discord bet#een us.C So saying, he turned bac$ and #ith the point of his s#ord scraped a#ay the poem. Then, putting up his s#ord, he mounted and rode home. 'y and bye )ai 1ao reminded him, saying, CThe soldiers are a#aiting your orders to go to 2inye and arrest ,iu 'ei.C (There is no hurry,C he replied. )ai 1ao sa# his brother6in6la#(s hesitation and again sought his sister. She said, CSoon there is to be the great gathering at 2iangyang, and #e can arrange something for that day.C FeAt day )ai 1ao petitioned the Imperial 7rotector, saying, C!e have had several fruitful harvests recently. I pray you, Sir, attend the 3ull *arvest 3estival at 2iangyang. It #ould be an encouragement to the people.C

CI have been feeling my old trouble lately. I certainly cannot go,C replied he, Cbut my t#o sons can go to represent me and to receive the guests.C CThey are full young,C replied )ai 1ao. CThey may ma$e some mista$es.C CThen go to 2inye and re uest ,iu 'ei to receive the guests,C said ,iu 'iao. Fothing could have pleased )ai 1ao more, for this #ould bring ,iu 'ei #ithin reach of his plot. !ithout loss of time he sent to ,iu 'ei re uesting him to go to preside at the 3estival. It has been said that ,iu 'ei made the best of his #ay home to 2inye. *e felt that he had offended by that slip in speech, but determined to $eep silence about it and attempt no eAplanation. So he discussed it #ith nobody. Then came the message as$ing him to preside at the 3estival, and he needed counsel. Sun &ian said, CBou have seemed #orried and preoccupied lately, and I thin$ something unto#ard happened at 9ingDhou. Bou should consider #ell before you accept this invitation.C Thereupon ,iu 'ei told his confidants the #hole story. 8uan Bu said, CBou yourself thin$ your speech offended the Imperial 7rotector, but he said nothing to sho# displeasure. Bou need pay no attention to the babble of outsiders li$e Bi 9i. 2iangyang is uite near and, if you do not go, ,iu 'iao #ill begin to suspect something really is #rong.C CBou spea$ #ell,C said ,iu 'ei. Said "hang 3ei, C'an uets are no good; gatherings are no better. It is best not to go.C C,et me ta$e three hundred horse and foot as escort@ There #ill be no trouble then,C said "hao Bun. CThat is the best course,C said ,iu 'ei. They soon set out for the gathering place, and )ai 1ao met them at the boundary and #as most affable and courteous. Soon arrived the Imperial 7rotector(s sons at the head of a great company of officers, civil and military. Their appearance put ,iu 'ei more at ease. *e #as conducted to the guest6house, and "hao Bun posted his men so as to guard it completely, #hile he himself, armed, remained close to his chief. ,iu &i said to ,iu 'ei, C1y father is feeling un#ell and could not come, #herefore he begs you, Hncle ,iu 'ei, to preside at the various ceremonies and give encouragement to the officers #ho administer the region.C

CReally I am unfit for such responsibilities,C said ,iu 'ei. C'ut my brother(s command must be obeyed.C FeAt day it #as reported that the officials from forty6t#o counties of nine territories of 9ingDhou had all arrived. Then )ai 1ao said to 5uai Bue, CThis ,iu 'ei is the villain of the age and if left alive #ill certainly #or$ harm to us. *e must be got rid of no#.C CI fear you #ould forfeit everybody(s favor if you harmed him,C replied 5uai Bue. CI have already secretly spo$en in these terms to the Imperial 7rotector,C said )ai 1ao, Cand I have his #ord here.C CSo it may be regarded as settled. Then #e can prepare.C )ai 1ao added, C1y brothers are ready. )ai *e is posted on the road to the 2ian *ills from the east gate; )ai "hong and )ai 2un are on the north and south roads. Fo guard is needed on the #est as the Tan Torrent is uite safeguard enough. 4ven #ith legions, ,iu 'ei could not get over that.C 5uai Bue replied, CI notice that "hao Bun never leaves him. I feel sure he eApects some attac$.C CI have placed five hundred men in ambush in the city.C C!e #ill tell !en 7ing and !ang !ei to invite all the military officers to a ban uet at one of the pavilions outside the city, and "hao Bun #ill be among them. Then #ill be our opportunity.C )ai 1ao thought this a good device for getting "hao Bun out of the #ay. Fo# oAen and horses had been slaughtered and a grand ban uet prepared. ,iu 'ei rode to the residence on the horse of ill omen, and #hen he arrived, the steed #as led into the bac$ part of the enclosure and tethered there. Soon the guests arrived, and ,iu 'ei too$ his place as master of the feast, #ith the t#o sons of the Imperial 7rotector, one on each side. The guests #ere all arranged in order of ran$. "hao Bun stood near his lord s#ord in hand as a faithful henchman should do. Then !en 7ing and !ang !ei came to invite "hao Bun to the ban uet they had prepared for the military officers. 'ut he declined. *o#ever, ,iu 'ei told him to go, and, after some demur, he #ent. Then )ai 1ao perfected his final arrangements, placing his people surrounding the place li$e a ring of iron. The three hundred guards that formed the escort of ,iu 'ei #ere sent a#ay to the guest6house. +ll #ere ready and a#aiting the signal. +t the third course, Bi 9i too$ a goblet of #ine in his hands and approached ,iu 'ei, at the same time giving him a meaningful loo$. Then in a lo# voice he said, C1a$e an eAcuse to get s#ay.C

,iu 'ei understood and presently rose and #ent to the inner chamber, and then he #ent to the bac$yard. There he found Bi 9i, #ho had gone thither after presenting the cup of #ine. Bi 9i then told him, saying, C)ai 1ao plots to $ill you, and all the roads have been guarded eAcept that to the #est. 1y lord, you must lose no time to depart.C ,iu 'ei #as uite ta$en abac$. *o#ever, he got hold of the Dilu horse, opened the door of the garden, and led it out. Then he too$ a flying leap into the saddle and galloped off #ithout #aiting for the escort. *e made for the #est gate. +t the gate the #ardens #anted to uestion him, but he only #hipped up his steed and rode through. The guards at the gate ran off to report to )ai 1ao, #ho uic$ly #ent in pursuit #ith five hundred soldiers. +s has been said ,iu 'ei burst out at the #est gate. 'efore he had gone far, there rolled before him a river barring the #ay. It #as the Tan Torrent, many score spans in #idth, #hich pours its #aters into the River 2iang. Its current #as very s#ift. ,iu 'ei reached the ban$ and sa# the river #as unfordable. So he turned his horse and rode bac$. Then, not far off, he sa# a cloud of dust and $ne# that his pursuers #ere therein. *e thought that it #as all over. *o#ever, he turned again to#ard the s#ift river, and seeing the soldiers no# uite near, plunged into the stream. + fe# paces, and he felt the horse(s fore legs floundering in front, #hile the #ater rose over the s$irt of his robe. Then he plied the #hip furiously, crying, CDilu, Dilu, #hy betray meGC !hereupon the good steed suddenly reared up out of the #ater and, #ith one tremendous leap, #as on the #estern ban$. ,iu 'ei felt as if he had come out of the clouds. In after years the famous court official, Su Dongpo, #rote a poem on this leap over the Tan Torrent@ I(m gro#ing old, the leaves are sere, 1y sun slopes #est#ard, soon #ill sin$, +nd I recall that yesteryear I #andered by Tan River brin$. Irresolute, anon I paused, +non advanced, and gaDed around, I mar$ed the autumn(s reddened leaves, +nd #atched them eddying to the ground. I thought of all the mighty deeds Of him #ho set the *ouse of *an On high, and all the struggles since, The battlefields, the blood that ran.

I sa# the nobles gathered round The board, set in the 'an uet *all; +mid them, one, above #hose head There hung a s#ord about to fall. I sa# him uit that festive throng +nd #est#ard ride, a lonely #ay; I sa# a s uadron follo# s#ift, Intent the fugitive to slay. I sa# him reach the River Tan, !hose s#irling current rushes by; +do#n the ban$ he galloped fast, CFo# leap, my steed=C I heard him cry. *is steed(s hoofs churn the s#ollen stream; !hat chills he that the #aves run highG *e hears the sound of clashing steel, Of thundering s uadrons coming nigh. +nd up#ard from the foaming #aves I sa# t#o peerless beings soar; One #as a destined #estern $ing, +nd him another dragon bore. The Tan still rolls from east to #est. Its roaring torrent never dry. Those dragons t#ain, ah= !here are theyG Bes, #hereG 'ut there is no reply. The setting sun, in dar$ relief +gainst the glo#ing #estern s$y. Thro#s out the everlasting hills !hile, saddened, here I stand and sigh. *umans died to found the $ingdoms three, !hich no# as misty dreams remain. Of greatest deeds the traces oft +re faint that fleeting years retain. Thus ,iu 'ei crossed the rolling river. Then he turned and loo$ed bac$ at the other ban$ #hich his pursuers had >ust gained. C!hy did you run s#ay from the feastGC called out )ai 1ao.

C!hy did you #ish to harm a person #ho has done you no in>uryGC replied ,iu 'ei. CI have never thought of such a thing. Do not listen to #hat people say to you.C 'ut ,iu 'ei sa# that his enemy #as fitting an arro# to his bo#string, so he #hipped up his steed and rode a#ay south#est. C!hat spirits aided himGC said )ai 1ao to his follo#ers. Then )ai 1ao turned to go bac$ to the city, but in the gate he sa# "hao Bun coming out at the head of his company of guards. 'y #ondrous leap the dragon steed his rider(s life could save, Fo# follo#s him, on vengeance bent, his master(s henchman brave. The neAt chapters #ill tell #hat fate befell the traitor. Chapter (2 -i& Bei =eets 1 ,ec#&se 1t >an@hang; Shan F& Sees 1 >o.#e -ord 1t :in4e' 9ust as )ai 1ao #as going into the city, he met "hao Bun and his three hundred coming out. It had happened that, #hile at the ban uet, "hao Bun had noticed some movement of soldiers and horses and had at once gone to the ban uet6hall to see if all #as #ell #ith his lord. 1issing ,iu 'ei from his place, "hao Bun had become anAious and gone to the guest6house. There he heard that )ai 1ao had gone off to the #est gate #ith troops. So he uic$ly too$ his spear, mounted and #ent, he and the escort, in hot haste along the same road. 1eeting )ai 1ao near the gate, he said, C!here is my lordGC C*e left the ban uet6hall uite suddenly, and I $no# not #hither he has gone,C #as the reply. Fo# "hao Bun #as cautious and careful and had no desire to act hastily, so he urged his horse for#ard till he came to the river. There he #as chec$ed by a torrent #ithout ford or bridge. +t once he turned bac$ and shouted after )ai 1ao, CBou invited my lord to a feast. !hat means this going after him #ith a s uadron of horseGC )ai 1ao replied, CIt is my duty to guard the officials of forty6t#o counties #ho have assembled here, as I am the )hief )ommander.C C!hither have you driven my lordGC as$ed "hao Bun. CThey tell me he rode uite alone out through the #est gate, but I have not seen him.C

"hao Bun #as anAious and doubtful. +gain he rode to the river and loo$ed around. This time he noticed a #et trac$ on the farther side. *e thought to himself that it #as almost an impossible crossing for a person and a horse, so he ordered his follo#ers to scatter and search. 'ut they also could find no trace of ,iu 'ei. "hao Bun turned again to the city. 'y the time he had reached the #all, )ai 1ao had gone #ithin. *e then uestioned the gate #ardens, and they all agreed in saying that ,iu 'ei had ridden out at full gallop. That #as all they $ne#. 3earing to reenter the city lest he should fall into an ambush, "hao Bun started for 2inye. +fter that marvelous life6saving leap over the Tan Torrent, ,iu 'ei felt elated but rather daDed. *e could not help telling himself, C1y safety is due to an especial interposition of 7rovidence.C 3ollo#ing a tortuous path, he urged his steed to#ard FanDhang. 'ut the sun san$ to the #est and his destination seemed yet a long #ay off. Then he sa# a young co#herd seated on the bac$ of a buffalo and playing on a short flute. CIf I #ere only as happy=C sighed ,iu 'ei. *e chec$ed his horse and loo$ed at the lad, #ho stopped his beast, ceased playing on the pipe, and stared fiAedly at the stranger. CBou must be ,iu 'ei, the general #ho fought the Bello# Scarves,C said the boy presently. ,iu 'ei #as ta$en abac$. C*o# can you $no# my name, a young rustic li$e you living in such a secluded placeGC said he. COf course I do not $no# you, but my master often has visitors, and they all tal$ about ,iu 'ei, the tall man #hose hands hang do#n belo# his $nees and #hose eyes are very prominent. They say he is the most famous man of the day. Fo# you, 8eneral, are >ust such a man as they tal$ about, and surely you are he.C C!ell, #ho is your masterGC C1y master(s name is Sima *ui. *e belongs to Bingchuan and his Taoist appellation is !ater 1irror.C C!ho are your master(s friends that you mentionedGC CThey are 7ang Degong and 7ang Tong of 2iangyang.C C+nd #ho are theyGC

CHncle and nephe#. 7ang Degong is ten years older than my master; the other is five years younger. One day my master #as up in a tree pic$ing mulberries #hen 7ang Tong arrived. They began to tal$ and $ept it up all day, my master did not come do#n till the evening. 1y master is very fond of 7ang Tong and calls him brother.C C+nd #here does your master liveGC CIn that #ood there, in front,C said the co#herd pointing to it. CThere he has a farmstead.C CI really am ,iu 'ei, and you might lead me to your master that I may salute him.C The co#herd led the #ay for about one mile, #hen ,iu 'ei found himself in front of a farm house. *e dismounted and #ent to the center door. Suddenly came to his ear the sound of a lute most s$illfully played and the air #as eAtremely beautiful. *e stopped his guide and #ould not allo# him to announce a visitor, but stood there rapt by the melody. Suddenly the music ceased. *e heard a deep laugh and a man appeared, saying, C+midst the clear and subtle sounds of the lute, there suddenly rang out a high note as though some noble man #as near.C CThat is my master,C said the lad pointing. ,iu 'ei sa# before him a figure slender and straight as a pine tree, a very Cchosen vesselC. *astening for#ard he saluted. The s$irt of his robe #as still #et from the river. CBou have escaped from a grave danger today, Sir,C said !ater 1irror. ,iu 'ei #as startled into silence, and the co#herd said to his master, CThis is ,iu 'ei.C !ater 1irror as$ed him to enter; and #hen they #ere seated in their relative positions as host and guest, ,iu 'ei glanced round the room. Hpon the boo$shelves #ere piled boo$s and manuscripts. The #indo# opened upon an eA uisite picture of pines and bamboos and a lute lay upon a stone couch. The room sho#ed refinement in its last degree. C!hence come you, Illustrious SirGC as$ed the host. C'y chance I #as passing this #ay and the lad pointed you out to me. So I came to bo# in your honored presence. I cannot tell #hat pleasure it gives me.C !ater 1irror laughed, saying, C!hy this mysteryG !hy must you conceal the truthG Bou have certainly >ust escaped from a grave danger.C Then ,iu 'ei told the story of the ban uet and the flight.

CI $ne# it all from your appearance,C said his host. CBour name has long been familiar, but #hence comes it that, up to the present, you are only a homeless devilGC CI have suffered many a chec$ during my life,C said ,iu 'ei, Cand through one of them am I here no#.C CIt should not be so. 'ut the reason is that you still lac$ the one person to aid you.C CI am simple enough in myself, I $no#. 'ut I have Sun &ian, 1i "hu, and 9ian Bong on the civil side, and for #arriors I have 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, and "hao Bun. These are all most loyal helpers, and I depend upon them not a little.C CBour fighting generals are good@ 3it to oppose a legion. The pity is you have no really able adviser. Bour civilians are but pallid students of boo$s, not people fitted to #eave and control destiny.C CI have al#ays yearned to find one of those marvelous recluses #ho live among the hills till their day arrive. So far I have sought in vain.C CBou $no# #hat the Teacher )onfucius said, (In a hamlet of ten households there must be one true person.( )an you say there is no oneGC CI am simple and uninstructed. I pray you enlighten me.C CBou have heard #hat the street children sing@ CIn eight and nine years begins decay, 3our years, then comes the fateful day, !hen destiny #ill sho# the #ay, +nd the dragon flies out of the mire= CThis song #as first heard #hen the ne# reign style #as adopted. The first line #as fulfilled #hen Imperial 7rotector ,iu 'iao lost his first #ife, and #hen his family troubles began. The neAt line relates to the approaching death of ,iu 'iao, and there is not a single person among all his cro#d of officers #ho has the least ability. The last t#o lines #ill be fulfilled in you, 8eneral.C ,iu 'ei started up in surprise, crying, C*o# could such a thing beGC !ater 1irror continued, C+t this moment the marvelously clever people of the earth are all here and you, Sir, ought to see$ them.C C!here are theyG !ho are theyGC said ,iu 'ei uic$ly. CIf you could find either Sleeping Dragon or Boung 7hoeniA, you could restore order in the empire.C

C'ut #ho are these t#oGC *is host clapped his hands, smiled and said, C8ood, very good=C !hen ,iu 'ei persisted and pressed home his uestions, !ater 1irror said, CIt is getting late. Bou might stay the night here, 8eneral, and #e #ill tal$ over these things tomorro#.C *e called to a lad to bring #ine and food for his guest and his horse #as ta$en to the stable and fed. +fter ,iu 'ei had eaten, he #as sho#n to a chamber opening off the main room and #ent to bed. 'ut the #ords of his host #ould not be banished, and he lay there only doDing till far into the night. Suddenly he became fully a#a$e at the sound of a $noc$ at the door and a person entering. +nd he heard his host say, C!here are you fromGC ,iu 'ei rose from his couch and listened secretly. *e heard the visitor reply, CIt has long been said that ,iu 'iao treated good people and bad people as they each should be treated. So I #ent to see for myself. 'ut that reputation is undeserved. *e does treat good people correctly but he cannot use them, and he treats #ic$ed people in the right #ay, all but dismissing them. So I left a letter for him and #ent a#ay. +nd here I am.C !ater 1irror replied, CBou, capable enough to be the adviser of a $ing, ought to be able to find someone fit to serve. !hy did you cheapen yourself so far as to go to ,iu 'iaoG 'eside, there is a real hero right under your eyes and you do not $no# him.C CIt is >ust as you say,C replied the stranger. ,iu 'ei listened #ith great >oy for he thought this visitor #as certainly one of the t#o he #as advised to loo$ for. ,iu 'ei #ould have sho#n himself then and there, but he thought that #ould loo$ strange. So he #aited till daylight, #hen he sought out his host. C!ho #as it came last nightGC said ,iu 'ei. C+ friend of mine,C #as the reply. ,iu 'ei begged for an introduction. !ater 1irror said, C*e #ants to find an enlightened master, and so he has gone else#here.C !hen ,iu 'ei as$ed his name, his host only replied, C8ood, good=C +nd #hen ,iu 'ei as$ed #ho they #ere #ho #ent by the names of Sleeping Dragon and Boung 7hoeniA, he only elicited the same reply.

,iu 'ei then, bo#ing lo# before his host, begged him to leave the hills and help him to bring about the restoration of the ruling house to its prerogatives. 'ut !ater 1irror replied, C7eople of the hills and #oods are une ual to such a tas$. *o#ever, there must be many far abler than I #ho #ill help you if you see$ them.C !hile they #ere tal$ing, they heard outside the farm the shouts of troops and neighing of horses, and a servant came in to say that a general #ith a large company of soldiers had arrived. ,iu 'ei #ent out hastily to see #ho these #ere and found "hao Bun. *e #as much relieved, and "hao Bun dismounted and entered the house. C,ast night, on my return to 2inye,C said "hao Bun, CI could not find you, my lord, so I follo#ed at once and traced you here. I pray you return uic$ly, as I fear an attac$ on the city.C So ,iu 'ei too$ leave of his host, and the #hole company returned to 2inye. 'efore they had gone far another army appeared, and, #hen they had come nearer, they sa# 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei. They met #ith great >oy, and ,iu 'ei told them of the #onderful leap his horse had made over the torrent. +ll eApressed surprise and pleasure. +s soon as they reached the city, a council #as called and "hao Bun said, CBou ought first of all to indite a letter to ,iu 'iao telling him all these things.C The letter #as prepared and Sun &ian bore it to the seat of government in 9ingDhou )ity. *e #as received, and ,iu 'iao at once as$ed the reason of ,iu 'ei hasty flight from the festival. !hereupon the letter #as presented, and the bearer related the machinations of )ai 1ao and told of the escape and the amaDing leap over the Tan Torrent. ,iu 'iao #as very angry, sent for )ai 1ao, and berated him soundly, saying, C*o# dare you try to hurt my brotherGC +nd he ordered )ai 1ao out to eAecution. ,iu 'iao(s #ife, )ai 1ao(s sister, prayed for a remission of the death penalty, but ,iu 'iao refused to be appeased. Then spo$e Sun &ian, saying, CIf you put )ai 1ao to death, I fear Hncle ,iu 'ei #ill be unable to remain here.C Then )ai 1ao #as reprieved, but dismissed #ith a severe reprimand. ,iu 'iao sent his elder son ,iu &i bac$ #ith Sun &ian to apologiDe. !hen ,iu &i reached 2inye, ,iu 'ei #elcomed him and gave a ban uet in his honor.

+fter some little drin$ing, the chief guest suddenly began to #eep and presently said, C1y step mother, ,ady )ai, al#ays cherishes a #ish to put me out of the #ay, and I do not $no# ho# to avoid her anger. )ould you advise me, HncleGC ,iu 'ei eAhorted him to be careful and perfectly filial and nothing could happen. Soon after, the young man too$ his leave and #ept at parting. ,iu 'ei escorted ,iu &i #ell on his #ay and, pointing to his steed, said, CI o#e my life to this horse. *ad it not been for him, I had been already belo# the Fine 8olden Springs.C CIt #as not the strength of the horse, but your noble fortune, Hncle.C They parted, the young man #eeping bitterly. On reentering the city, ,iu 'ei met a person in the street #earing a hempen turban, a cotton robe confined by a blac$ girdle, and blac$ shoes. *e came along singing a song@ CThe universe is rived, O= Fo# nears the end of all. The noble mansion ua$es, O= !hat beam can stay the fallG + #ise one #aits his lord, O= 'ut hidden in the glen, The see$er $no#s not him, O= For me, of common humans.C ,iu 'ei listened. CSurely this is one of the people !ater 1irror spo$e of,C thought he. *e dismounted, spo$e to the singer, and invited him into his residence. Then #hen they #ere seated, he as$ed the stranger(s name. CI am from Bingchuan, and my name is San 3u. I have $no#n you by repute for a long time, and they said you appreciated humans of ability. I #anted to come to you but every #ay of getting an introduction seemed closed. So I bethought me of attracting your notice by singing that song in the mar$et place.C ,iu 'ei thought he had found a treasure and treated the ne#comer #ith the greatest $indness. Then San 3u spo$e of the horse that he had seen ,iu 'ei riding and as$ed to loo$ at it. So the animal #as brought round. CIs not this a Dilu horseGC said San 3u. C'ut though it is a good steed, it ris$s his master. Bou must not ride it.C CIt has already fulfilled the omens,C said ,iu 'ei, and he related the story of the leap over the Tan Torrent. C'ut that #as saving his master, not ris$ing him. It #ill surely harm someone in the end. 'ut I can tell you ho# to avert the omen.C

CI should be glad to hear it,C said ,iu 'ei. CIf you have an enemy against #hom you bear a grudge, give him this horse and #ait till it has fulfilled the evil omens on this person, then you can ride it in safety.C ,iu 'ei changed color. C!hat, Sir= Bou are but a ne# ac uaintance, and you #ould advise me to ta$e an evil course and to harm another for my o#n advantageG Fo, Sir= I cannot listen.C *is guest smiled, saying, C7eople said you #ere virtuous. I could not as$ you directly, so I put it that #ay to test you.C ,iu 'ei(s eApression changed. *e rose and returned the compliment, saying, C'ut ho# can I be virtuous #hile I lac$ your teachingGC C!hen I arrived here, I heard the people saying@ CSince ,iu 'ei came here, O blessed day= !e(ve had good luc$, long may he stay= CSo you see, the effects of your virtue eAtend to the ordinary people.C Thereupon San 3u #as made )ommanding +dviser of the army. The one idea that held )ao )ao after his return from 9iDhou #as the capture of 9ingDhou. *e sent )ao Ren and ,i Dian, #ith the t#o brothers ,u 2iang and ,u 5uang #ho had surrendered, to camp at 3ancheng #ith thirty thousand troops and so threaten 9ingDhou and 2iangyang. Thence he sent spies to find out the #ea$ points. Then the t#o ,u 2iang and ,u 5uang petitioned )ao Ren, saying, C,iu 'ei is strengthening his position at 2inye and laying in large supplies. Some great scheme is afoot, and he should be chec$ed. Since our surrender #e have performed no note#orthy service and, if you #ill give us five thousand soldiers, #e promise to bring you the head of ,iu 'ei.C )ao Ren #as only too glad, and the eApedition set out. The scouts reported this to ,iu 'ei #ho turned to San 3u for advice. San 3u said, CThey must not be permitted to cross the boundary. Send 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei left and right, each #ith one thousand troops, one to attac$ the enemy on the march, the other to cut off the retreat. Bou and "hao Bun #ill ma$e a front attac$.C 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei started, and then ,iu 'ei #ent out at the gate #ith t#o thousand troops to oppose the enemy. 'efore they had gone far they sa# a great cloud of dust behind the hills. This

mar$ed the approach of the ,u brothers. 7resently, both sides being arrayed, ,iu 'ei rode out and stood by his standard. *e called out, C!ho are you #ho thus #ould encroach on my territoryGC CI am the great 8eneral ,u 5uang, and I have the order of the 7rime 1inister to ma$e you prisoner=C said the leader. ,iu 'ei ordered "hao Bun to go out, and the t#o generals engaged. Very soon "hao Bun #ith a spear thrust had disposed of his opponent, and ,iu 'ei gave the signal to attac$. ,u 2iang could not maintain his position and led his troops off. Soon his force found themselves attac$ed by an army rushing in from the side led by 8uan Bu. The loss #as more than a half, and the remainder fled for safety. +bout three miles farther on they found their retreat barred by an army under "hang 3ei, #ho stood in the #ay #ith a long spear ready to thrust, crying out, C"hang 3ei is #aiting=C "hang 3ei bore do#n upon ,u 2iang, #ho #as slain #ithout a chance of stri$ing a blo#. The troops again fled in disorder. They #ere pursued by ,iu 'ei, and the greater part $illed or captured. Then ,iu 'ei returned into 2inye #here he re#arded San 3u and feasted his victorious soldiers. Some of the defeated troops too$ the ne#s of the deaths of the leaders and the capture of their comrades to )ao Ren at 3ancheng. )ao Ren, much distressed, consulted ,i Dian #ho advised, saying, CThe loss is due to our underestimation of our enemy. Fo# #e should stay #here #e are, hold on, and re uest reinforcements.C CFot so,C said )ao Ren. C!e cannot support calmly the death of t#o leaders and the loss of so many soldiers. !e must avenge them uic$ly. 2inye is but a crossbo#6slug of a place and not #orth disturbing the 7rime 1inister for.C C,iu 'ei is a man of metal,C said ,i Dian. CDo not esteem him lightly.C C!hat are you afraid ofGC said )ao Ren. CThe Rule of !ar says (To $no# your enemy and yourself is the secret of victory,(C replied ,i Dian. CI am not afraid of the battle, but I do not thin$ #e can con uer.C CBou are a traitor=C cried )ao Ren angrily. CThen I #ill capture ,iu 'ei myself.C CDo so. I #ill guard this city,C said ,i Dian.

CIf you do not go #ith me, it is a proof that you are a traitor,C retorted )ao Ren. +t this reproach, ,i Dian felt constrained to >oin the eApedition. So they told off t#enty five thousand troops #ith #hich they crossed the River Bu for 2inye. The officers all $eenly felt the shame of many slain, The chief determines on revenge and marches out again. !hat measure of success the eApedition met #ith #ill be related in the neAt chapter. Chapter (3 Shan F&;s Strateg40 Fan5o& Is Capt&red; :& Sh&;s 1!!ection0 Zh&ge -iang Is ,ecommended' In hot anger, )ao Ren lost no time in marching out to avenge the loss of so many of his army. *e hastily crossed the River Bu to attac$ 2inye and trample it in the dust. !hen San 3u got bac$ into the city, he said to ,iu 'ei, C!hen )ao Ren, no# at 3ancheng, hears of his losses, he #ill try to retrieve them and #ill come to attac$ us.C C!hat is the counter moveGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. C+s he #ill come #ith all his force, his o#n city #ill be left undefended. !e #ill surprise it.C C'y #hat ruseGC The adviser leaned over and #hispered to his chief. !hatever the plan #as, it pleased ,iu 'ei, #ho made arrangements. Soon the scouts reported )ao Ren crossing the river #ith a mighty host. C9ust as I guessed,C said San 3u, hearing of it. Then he suggested that ,iu 'ei should lead out one army against the invaders. ,iu 'ei did so, and, #hen the formation #as complete, "hao Bun rode to the front as champion and challenged the other side. ,i Dian rode out and engaged. +t about the tenth bout ,i Dian found he #as losing and retired to#ard his o#n side. "hao Bun pressed after him, but #as chec$ed by a heavy discharge of arro#s from the #ings. Then both sides stopped the battle and retired to their camps. ,i Dian reported to his chief@ COur enemy are brave, very full of spirit, and #e #ill be hard to overcome. !e had better retreat to 3ancheng and #ait for reinforcements.C )ao Ren angrily replied, CBou damped the army(s spirit before #e started, and no# you betray us. Bou have been bought, and you deserve death.C

)ao Ren called in the eAecutioners, and they led a#ay their victim. 'ut the other officers came to intercede, and ,i Dian #as spared. *o#ever, he #as transferred to the command of the rear, #hile )ao Ren himself led the attac$. FeAt day the drums beat an advance and )ao Ren, having dra#n up his soldiers, sent a messenger over to as$ if ,iu 'ei recogniDed his plan of battle array. So San 3u #ent on a hill and loo$ed over it. Then he said to ,iu 'ei, CThe arrangement is called (The 4ight Doc$ed 8ates,( and the names of the gates are 'irth, 4Ait, 4Apanse, !ound, 3ear, +nnihilation, Obstacle, and Death. If you enter by one of the three 'irth, 4Ait, or 4Apanse you succeed. If by one of the gates !ound, 3ear, or +nnihilation, you sustain in>uries. The other t#o gates Obstacles and Death #ill bring the end. Fo#, though the eight gates are all there uite correct, the central $ey6post is lac$ing, and the #hole formation can be thro#n into confusion by entry from the southeast and eAit due #est.C !herefore certain orders #ere issued and "hao Bun, leading five hundred troops, rode out on his prancing steed to brea$ the array. *e burst in, as directed, at the southeast and, #ith great clamor and fighting, reached the center. )ao Ren made for the north, but "hao Bun, instead of follo#ing him, made a dash #est#ard and got through. Thence he turned round to the southeast again and smote till )ao Ren(s army #as in disarray. ,iu 'ei gave a general advance signal, and the victory #as complete. The beaten enemy retired. San 3u forbade pursuit, and they returned. The loss of the battle convinced )ao Ren of the #isdom of his colleague ,i Dian, and he sent for ,i Dian to consult. CThey certainly have some very able person in ,iu 'ei(s army since my formation #as so uic$ly bro$en,C said )ao Ren. C1y chief anAiety is about 3ancheng,C said ,i Dian. CI #ill raid their camp this night,C said )ao Ren. CIf I succeed, #e #ill decide upon #hat should be done neAt. If I fail, #e #ill return to 3ancheng.C CTheir camp #ill be #ell prepared against such a thing, and you #ill fail,C said ,i Dian. C*o# can you eApect to fight successfully #hen you are so full of doubtsGC said )ao Ren, angrily. *e held no more converse #ith his cautious colleague, but himself too$ command of the van and set out. ,i Dian #as relegated to the rear. The attac$ on the enemy(s camp #as fiAed for the second #atch. Fo# as San 3u #as discussing plans #ith his chief a #hirl#ind from the northeast #ent by, #hich San 3u said, CThere #ill be a raid on the camp tonight.C

C*o# shall #e meet itGC said ,iu 'ei. CThe plans are uite ready,C #as the reply. San 3u #hispered them to the chief. So at the second #atch, #hen the enemy arrived, they sa# fires on all sides, the stoc$ades and huts burning. )ao Ren understood at once that all hope of a surprise #as vain, and he turned to get a#ay as uic$ly as possible. This #as the signal for "hao Bun to fall on, and that cut )ao Ren(s return road. *e hastened north to#ard the river, and reached the ban$, but, #hile #aiting for boats to cross the stream, up came "hang 3ei and attac$ed. 'y dint of great efforts and #ith the support of ,i Dian, )ao Ren got into a boat, but most of the soldiers #ere dro#ned in the stream. +s soon as he got to the farther shore, he bolted for 3ancheng. *e reached the #all and hailed the gate, but, instead of a friendly #elcome, he heard the rolling of drums, #hich #as soon follo#ed by the appearance of a body of troops. 8uan Bu led them. CI too$ the city a long time ago=C shouted 8uan Bu. This #as a severe shoc$ to )ao Ren, #ho turned to flee. +s soon as he faced about, 8uan Bu attac$ed and $illed many of his force. The remnant hastened to 2uchang. On the road the beaten general #ondered #ho had advised his opponents #ith such success, and he as$ed the natives for the ans#er. !hile the defeated )ao Ren had to find his #ay bac$ to the capital, ,iu 'ei had scored a great success. +fter#ards he marched to 3ancheng, #here he #as #elcomed by 1agistrate ,iu 1i, himself a scion of the ruling family, #ho had been born in )hangsha. ,iu 1i received ,iu 'ei as a guest in his o#n house and gave ban uets and treated him eAceedingly #ell. In the train of the 1agistrate, ,iu 'ei sa# a very handsome and distinguished6loo$ing young man, and as$ed #ho he #as. ,iu 1i replied, C*e is my nephe#, 5ou 3eng, son of ,ord 5ou of ,uo. I have ta$en care of him after his parents died.C ,iu 'ei had ta$en a great li$ing for the lad and proposed to adopt him. *is guardian #as #illing, and so the adoption #as arranged. The young man(s name #as changed to ,iu 3eng. !hen ,iu 'ei left, he too$ his adopted son #ith him. ,iu 3eng #as then made to bo# before 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei as uncles. 8uan Bu #as doubtful of the #isdom of adopting another son, saying, CBou have a son. !hy do you thin$ it necessary to adopt anotherG It may cause confusion.C C*o#G I shall treat him as a father should, and he #ill serve me as befits a son.C 8uan Bu #as displeased.

Then ,iu 'ei and San 3u began further discussions of strategy, and they decided to leave "hao Bun #ith one thousand soldiers to guard 3ancheng, and they returned to 2inye. In the meantime )ao )ao(s defeated generals had gone bac$. !hen they sa# the 7rime 1inister, )ao Ren thre# himself on the ground #eeping and ac$no#ledging his faults. *e told the tale of his losses. CThe fortune of #ar,C said )ao )ao. C'ut I should li$e to $no# #ho laid ,iu 'ei(s plans.C CThat #as San 3u,C said )ao Ren. C!ho is heGC as$ed )ao )ao. )heng Bu said, CThe man is not San 3u. !hen young this man #as fond of fencing and used to ta$e up the uarrels of other people and avenge their #rongs. +t the end of 4mperor ,ing, he $illed a man to avenge his friend, and then he let do#n his hair, muddled his face, and #as trying to escape #hen a lictor caught him and uestioned him. *e #ould not reply. So they carted him through the streets beating a drum and as$ing if anyone recogniDed him. Fobody dared o#n to $no#ing him, even if they did so. *o#ever, his comrades managed to release him secretly, and he ran a#ay under some other name. Then he turned to study and #andered hither and thither #herever scholars #ere to be found. *e #as a regular disputant #ith Sima *ui. *is real name is 2u Shu and he comes from Bingchuan. San 3u is merely an assumed name.C C*o# does he compare #ith yourselfGC as$ed )ao )ao. CTen times cleverer.C CIt is a pity. If able people gather to ,iu 'ei, his #ings #ill soon gro#. !hat is to be doneGC C2u Shu is there no#. 'ut if you #anted him, it #ould not be difficult to call him,C replied )heng Bu. C*o# could I ma$e him comeGC said )ao )ao. C*e is noted for his affection for his mother. *is father died young, leaving his mother a #ido# #ith one other son. Fo# that son is dead, and his mother, ,ady 2un, has no one to care for her. If you sent and got his mother here and told her to #rite and summon her son, he #ould surely come.C )ao )ao sent #ithout loss of time and had the old lady brought to the capital, #here he treated her eAceedingly #ell. 7resently he said, CI hear you have a very talented son, #ho is no# at 2inye helping on that rebel ,iu 'ei against the government. There he is li$e a >e#el in a muc$ heap@ It is a pity. Supposing

you #ere to call him, I could spea$ of him before the 4mperor, and he might get an important office.C )ao )ao bade his secretaries bring along paper and in$, #ith #hich ,ady 2un could #rite to her son. C!hat sort of a man is ,iu 'eiGC as$ed she. )ao )ao replied, C+ common sort of person from "huo, irresponsible enough to style himself Imperial Hncle, and so claiming some sort of connection #ith the *ans. *e is neither trust#orthy nor virtuous. 7eople say he is a superior man as far as eAternals go, but a mean man by nature.C ,ady 2un ans#ered in a hard voice, C!hy do you malign him so bitterlyG 4veryone $no#s he is a descendant of one of the *an princes and so related to the *ouse. *e has condescended to ta$e a lo#ly office and is respectful to all people. *e has a reputation for benevolence. 4veryone, young and old, co#herds and fire#ood cutters, all $no# him by name and $no# that he is the finest and noblest man in the #orld. If my son is in his service, then has he found a fitting master. Bou, under the name of a *an minister, are really nothing but a *an rebel. )ontrary to all truths, you tell me ,iu 'ei is a rebel, #hereby you try to induce me to ma$e my son leave the light for dar$ness. +re you devoid of all sense of shameGC +s ,ady 2un finished spea$ing, she pic$ed up the in$stone to stri$e )ao )ao. This so enraged him that he forgot himself and the need for caution and bade the eAecutioners lead off the old #oman and put her to death. +dviser )heng Bu, ho#ever, stopped this act, saying, CThis old lady #ished to die. 'ut if you $ill her, your reputation #ill be damaged and hers enhanced. 'eside that #ill add a $een desire for revenge to the motives #hich led 2u Shu to labor in the interest of ,iu 'ei. Bou had better $eep her here so that 2u Shu(s body and his thoughts may be in different places. *e can not devote all his energies to helping our enemy #hile his mother is here. If you $eep her, I thin$ I can persuade the son to come and help you.C So the outspo$en old lady #as saved. She #as given uarters and cared for. Daily )heng Bu #ent to as$ after her health, falsely claiming to being a s#orn brother of her son(s, and so entitled to serve her and treat her as a filial son #ould have done. *e often sent her gifts and #rote letters to her so that she had to #rite in reply. +nd thereby he learned her hand#riting so that he could forge a ChomeC letter. !hen he could do this #ithout fear of detection, he #rote one and sent it by the hand of a trusty person to 2inye. One day a man arrived in uiring for one San 3u. *e claimed to have a letter from home for him. The soldiers led the man to San 3u. The man said he #as an official carrier of letters and had been told to bring this one. San 3u uic$ly tore it open and read@

COn your brother(s death recently I #as left alone@ Fo relative #as near, and I #as lonely and sad. To my regret, the 7rime 1inister )ao )ao inveigled me into coming to the capital, and no# he says you are a rebel, and he has thro# me into bonds. *o#ever, than$s to )heng Bu, my life has been spared so far, and, if you #ould only come and submit too, I should be uite safe. !hen this reaches you, remember ho# I have toiled for you and come at once, that you may prove yourself a filial son. !e may together find some #ay of escape to our o#n place and avoid the dangers that threaten me. 1y life hangs by a thread, and I loo$ to you to save me. Bou #ill not re uire a second summon.C Tears gushed from 2u Shu(s eyes as he read, and #ith the letter in his hand he #ent to see$ his chief, to #hom he told the true story of his life. CI heard that ,iu 'iao treated people #ell and #ent to him. I happened to arrive at a time of confusion. I sa# he #as of no use, so I left him very soon. I arrived at the retreat of Sima *ui the !ater 1irror late one night and told him, and he blamed me for not $no#ing a master #hen I sa# one. Then he told me of you and I sang that #ild song in the streets to attract your attention. Bou too$ me; you used me. 'ut no# my aged mother is the victim of )ao )ao(s #iles. She is in prison, and he threatens to do #orse. She has #ritten to call me, and I must go. I hoped to be able to render you faithful service, but, #ith my dear mother a captive, I should be useless. Therefore I must leave you and hope in the future to meet you again.C ,iu 'ei bro$e into loud moans #hen he heard that his adviser #as to leave. CThe bond bet#een mother and son is divine,C said ,iu 'ei, Cand I do not need to be reminded #here your duty lies. !hen you have seen your venerable mother, perhaps I may have again the happiness of receiving your instruction.C *aving said fare#ell, 2u Shu prepared to leave at once. *o#ever, at ,iu 'ei(s #ish, he consented to stay over the night. Then Sun &ian said privately to his master, C2u Shu is indeed a genius, but he has been here long enough to $no# all our secrets. If you let him go over to )ao )ao, he #ill be in his confidence, and that #ill be to our detriment. Bou ought to $eep him at all costs and not let him go. !hen )ao )ao sees 2u Shu does not come, he #ill put the mother to death, and that #ill ma$e 2u Shu the more Dealous in your service, for he #ill burn to avenge his mother(s death.C CI cannot do that. It #ould be very cruel and vile to procure the death of his mother that I might retain the son(s services. If I $ept him, it #ould lead to a rupture of the parental lien, and that #ould be a sin I #ould rather die than commit.C 'oth #ere grieved and sighed. ,iu 'ei as$ed the parting guest to a ban uet, but he declined, saying, C!ith my mother a prisoner I can s#allo# nothing, nay, though it #ere bre#ed from gold or distilled from >e#els.C

C+las= Bour departure is as if I lost both my hands,C said ,iu 'ei. C4ven the liver of a dragon or the marro# of a phoeniA #ould be bitter in my mouth.C They loo$ed into each other(s eyes and #ept. They sat silent till da#n. !hen all #as ready for the >ourney, the t#o rode out of the city side by side. +t Daisy 7avilion they dismounted to drin$ the stirrup cup. ,iu 'ei lifted the goblet and said, CIt is my mean fortune that separates me from you, but I hope that you may serve #ell your ne# lord and become famous.C 2u Shu #ept as he replied, CI am but a poor ignorant person #hom you have $indly employed. Hnhappily I have to brea$ our intercourse in the middle, but my venerable mother is the real cause. Though )ao )ao use all manner of means to coerce me, yet #ill I never plan for him.C C+fter you are gone, I shall only bury myself in the hills and hide in the forests,C said ,iu 'ei. 2u Shu said, CI had in my heart for you the position of leader of the chieftains, but my plans have been altogether upset by my mother. I have been of no advantage to you, nor should I do any good by remaining. 'ut you ought to see$ some person of lofty #isdom to help you in your great enterprise. It is unseemly to be do#ncast.C CI shall find none to help better than you, my master.C C*o# can I permit such eAtravagant praiseGC said 2u Shu. CI am only a useless bloc$head.C +s he moved off, he said to the follo#ers, COfficers, I hope you #ill render the 7rincely One good service, #hereby to #rite his name large in the country(s annals and cause his fame to glo# in the pages of history. Do not be li$e me, a person #ho has left his #or$ half done.C They #ere all deeply affected. ,iu 'ei could not bring himself to part from his friend. *e escorted him a little further, and yet a little further, till 2u Shu said, CI #ill not trouble you, O 7rincely One, to come further. ,et us say our fare#ell here.C ,iu 'ei dismounted, too$ 2u Shu by the hands, and said, C+las= !e part. 4ach goes his #ay, and #ho $no#s if #e shall meet againGC *is tears fell li$e rain and 2u Shu #ept also. 'ut the last goodbyes #ere said. !hen the traveler had gone, ,iu 'ei stood gaDing after the little party and #atched it slo#ly disappear. +t the last glimpse he bro$e into lamentation. C*e is gone= !hat shall I doGC One of the trees shut out the traveler from his sight, and ,iu 'ei pointed at it, saying, C!ish that I could cut do#n every tree in the countryside=C

C!hyGC said his officers. C'ecause they hinder my sight of 2u Shu.C Suddenly they sa# 2u Shu galloping bac$. Said ,iu 'ei, C*e is returning@ )an it he that he is going to stayGC So he hastened for#ard to meet 2u Shu, and #hen they got near enough, he cried, CThis return is surely for no slight reason.C )hec$ing his horse, 2u Shu said, CIn the turmoil of my feelings, I forgot to say one #ord. There is a person of #onderful s$ill living about seven miles from the city of 2iangyang. !hy not see$ himGC C)an I trouble you to as$ him to visit meGC C*e #ill not condescend to visit you. Bou must go to him. 'ut if he consents, you #ill be as fortunate as the "hou #hen they got the aid of ,u !ang%, or the *an #hen "hang ,iang% came to help.C C*o# does the un$no#n compare #ith yourselfGC C!ith meG )ompared #ith him I am as a #orn6out carthorse to a palomino, an old duc$ to a phoeniA. This man often compares himself #ith the ancient sages 8uan "hong% and Bue Bi% but, in my opinion, he is far their superior. *e has the talent to measure the heavens and mete the earth. *e is a man #ho overshado#s every other in the #orld.C CI #ould $no# his name.C C*e belongs to ,angye, and his name is "huge ,iang. *e is of the family of the former 8eneral "huge 3eng. *is father, "huge 8ui, #as the Deputy 8overnor of Taishan but died young, and the young fello# #ent #ith his uncle "huge 2uan to 9ingDhou. Imperial 7rotector ,iu 'iao #as an old friend of his uncle, and "huge ,iang became settled in 2iangyang. Then his uncle died, and he and his younger brother, "huge 9un, returned to their farm in Fanyang and #or$ed as farmers. They used to amuse themselves #ith the composition of songs in the ,iangfu style. COn their land #as a ridge of hills called the Sleeping Dragon, and the elder of the brothers too$ it as a name and called himself 1aster Sleeping Dragon. This is your man. *e is a veritable genius. Bou ought really to visit him. +nd if he #ill help you, you need feel no more anAiety about peace in the empire.C C!ater 1irror spo$e that time of t#o persons, Sleeping Dragon and Boung 7hoeniA, and said if only one of them could be got to help me all #ould be #ell. Surely he, #hom you spea$ of, is one of them.C

CBoung 7hoeniA is 7ang Tong of 2iangyang, and Sleeping Dragon is "huge ,iang.C ,iu 'ei >umped #ith delight, CFo# at last I $no# #ho the mysterious ones are. *o# I #ish they #ere here= 'ut for you I should have still been an unclued man,C said he. Someone has celebrated in verse this intervie# #here 2u Shu from horsebac$ recommended "huge ,iang@ ,iu 'ei heard that his able friend 1ust leave him, #ith saddened heart, 3or each to the other had gro#n very dear, 'oth #ept #hen it came to part. 'ut the parting guest then mentioned a name That echoed both loud and deep, ,i$e a thunder clap in a spring6time s$y, +nd there #a$ened a dragon from sleep. Thus #as "huge ,iang recommended to ,iu 'ei, and 2u Shu rode a#ay. Fo# ,iu 'ei understood the speech of the hermit !ater 1irror, and he #o$e as one from a drun$en sleep. +t the head of his officers, he retoo$ the road to the city and having prepared rich gifts set out, #ith his brothers, for Fanyang. Hnder the influence of his emotions at parting, 2u Shu had mentioned the name and betrayed the retreat of his friend. Fo# he thought of the possibility that "huge ,iang #ould be un#illing to play the part of helper in ,iu 'ei(s scheme, so 2u Shu determined to go to visit him. *e therefore too$ his #ay to Sleeping Dragon Ridge and dismounted at the cottage. +s$ed #hy he had come, 2u Shu replied, CI #ished to serve ,iu 'ei of BuDhou, but my mother has been imprisoned by )ao )ao, and has sent to call me. Therefore I have had to leave him. +t the moment of parting I commended you to him. Bou may eApect him speedily and I hope, Sir, you #ill not refuse your aid but #ill consent to use your great talents to help him.C "huge ,iang sho#ed annoyance and said, C+nd so you have made me a victim of the #orld(s sacrifice.C So saying, "huge ,iang shoo$ out his sleeves and left the room. The guest shamefacedly retired, mounted his horse, and hastened on his #ay to the capital to see his mother. To help the lord he loved right #ell, *e summoned the aid of another !hen he too$ the distant home#ard #ay +t the call of a loving mother. !hat #as the se uel #ill appear in the follo#ing chapters.

Chapter (6 Sima H&i ,ecommends 1 Scho#ar To -i& Bei; -i& Bei Pa4s Three Bisits To The S#eeping *ragon ,idge' +s has been said 2u Shu hastened to the capital. !hen )ao )ao $ne# 2u Shu had arrived, he sent t#o of his confidants, 2un Bu and )heng Bu to receive the ne#comer at the city gate, and so 2u Shu #as led first to the 7rime 1inister(s palace. C!hy did such an illustrious scholar as you bo# the $nee to ,iu 'eiGC said )ao )ao. CI am young, and I fled to avoid the results of certain escapades. I spent some time as a #anderer and so came to 2inye #here I became good friends #ith him. 'ut my mother is here, and #hen I thought of all her affection, I could no longer remain absent.C CFo# you #ill be able to ta$e care of your mother at all times. +nd I may have the privilege of receiving your instructions.C 2u Shu then too$ his leave and hastened to his mother(s d#elling. !eeping #ith emotion, he made his obeisance to her at the door of her room. 'ut she #as greatly surprised to see him and said, C!hat have you come here forGC CI #as at 2inye, in the service of ,iu 'ei of BuDhou, #hen I received your letter. I came immediately.C *is mother suddenly gre# very angry. Stri$ing the table she cried, CBou shameful and degenerate son= 3or years you have been a vagabond in spite of all my teaching. Bou are a student and $no# the boo$s. Bou must then $no# that loyalty and filial piety are often opposed. Did you not recogniDe in )ao )ao a traitor, a man #ho flouts his $ing and insults the mighty onesG Did you not see that ,iu 'ei #as virtuous and upright as all the #orld $no#sG 1oreover, he is of the *ouse of *an, and #hen you #ere #ith him you #ere serving a fitting master. Fo# on the strength of a scrap of forged #riting, #ith no attempt at any in uiry, you have left the light and plunged into dar$ness and earned a disgraceful reputation. Truly you are stupid. *o# can I bear to loo$ upon youG Bou have besmirched the fair fame of your forefathers and are of no use in the #orld=C The son remained bo#ed to the earth, not daring to lift his eyes #hile his mother delivered this vilifying tirade. +s she said the last #ord, she rose suddenly and left the room. Soon after one of the servants came out to say ,ady 2un had hanged herself. 2u Shu rushed in to try to save her, but #as too late. + eulogy of her conduct has been #ritten thus@ !ise 1other 2un, fair is your fame, The storied page glo#s #ith your name,

3rom duty(s path you never strayed, The family(s reno#n you made. To train your son no pains you spared, 3or your o#n body nothing cared. Bou stand sublime, from us apart, Through simple purity of heart. 'rave ,iu 'ei(s virtues you eAtolled, Bou blamed )ao )ao, the basely bold. Of blaDing fire you felt no fear, Bou blenched not #hen the s#ord came neat, 'ut dreaded lest a #illful son Should dim the fame his fathers #on. Bes, 1other 2un #as of one mold !ith famous heroes of old, !ho never shran$ from in>ury, +nd even #ere content to die. 3air meed of praise, #hile still alive, !as yours, and ever #ill survive. *ail= 1other 2un, your memory, !hile time rolls on, shall never. +t sight of his mother dead, 2u Shu fell in a s#oon and only recovered consciousness after a long time. 'y and bye )ao )ao heard of it and sent mourning gifts, and in due course #ent in person to condole and sacrifice. The body #as interred on the south of the capital, and the dead #oman(s unhappy son $ept vigil at her tomb. *e steadily re>ected all gifts from )ao )ao. +t that time )ao )ao #as contemplating an attac$ on the south. *is adviser 2un Bu dissuaded him, saying, CThe #inter is not favorable for this campaign. 1y lord should a#ait milder #eather.C +nd )ao )ao yielded. 'ut he began to prepare, and led the River "hang(s #aters aside to form a la$e, #hich he called the + uamarine ,a$e, #here he could accustom his soldiers to fight on the #ater. +s has been said, ,iu 'ei prepared gifts to offer to "huge ,iang on his visit. One day his servants announced a stranger of eAtraordinary appearance, #earing a lofty headdress and a #ide belt. CSurely this is he,C said ,iu 'ei, and, hastily arranging his dress, he #ent to #elcome the visitor. 'ut the first glance sho#ed him that it #as the recluse of the mountains, Sima *ui. *o#ever, ,iu 'ei #as glad to see him and led him into the inner apartment as he #ould an old friend.

There ,iu 'ei conducted him to the seat of honor and made his obeisance, saying, CSince leaving you that day in the mountains, I have been over#helmed #ith military preparations and so have failed to visit you as courtesy demanded. Fo# that the brightness has descended upon me, I hope this dereliction of duty may be pardoned.C CI hear 2u Shu is here. I have come eApressly to see him,C replied !ater 1irror bluntly. C*e has lately left for 2uchang. + messenger came #ith a letter telling of the imprisonment of his mother.C CThen he has >ust fallen into )ao )ao(s trap, for that letter #as a forgery. I have $no#n his mother to be a very noble #oman. 4ven if she #ere imprisoned by )ao )ao, she #ould not summon her son li$e that. )ertainly the letter #as a forgery. If the son did not go, the mother #ould be safe; if he #ent, she #ould be a dead #oman.C C'ut ho#GC as$ed ,iu 'ei dismayed. CShe is a #oman of the highest principles, #ho #ould be greatly mortified at the sight of her son under such conditions.C ,iu 'ei said, C9ust as your friend #as leaving, he mentioned the name of a certain "huge ,iang. !hat thin$ you of himGC !ater 1irror laughed, saying, CIf 2u Shu #anted to go, he #as free to go. 'ut #hy did he #ant to provo$e "huge ,iang into coming out and sho#ing compassion for someone elseGC C!hy do you spea$ li$e thatGC as$ed ,iu 'ei *e replied, C3ive persons, "huge ,iang of Fanyang, )ui "houping of 'oling, Shi 8uangyuan of Bingchuan, 1eng 8ong#ei of Runan, and 2u Shu of Bingchuan #ere the closest of friends. They formed a little coterie devoted to meditation on essential refinement. Only "huge ,iang arrived at a perception of its meaning. *e used to sit among them #ith his arms about his $nees muttering and then, pointing to his companions, he #ould say, (Bou, gentlemen, #ould become governors and protectors if you #ere in official life.( C!hen they as$ed him #hat #as his ambition, he #ould only smile and al#ays compared himself #ith the great ancient scholars 8uan "hong and Bue Bi. Fo one could gauge his talents.C C*o# comes it that Bingchuan produces so many able humansGC said ,iu 'ei. CThat old astrologer, Bin 5ui, used to say that the stars clustered thic$ over the region, and so there #ere many #ise people.C Fo# 8uan Bu #as there. !hen he heard "huge ,iang so highly praised, he said, C8uan "hong% and Bue Bi% are the t#o most famous leaders mentioned in the Spring and +utumn and the

!arring States 7eriods. They #ell overtopped the rest of human$ind. Is it not a little too much to say that "huge ,iang compares #ith these t#oGC CIn my opinion he should not be compared #ith these t#o, but rather #ith t#o others,C said !ater 1irror. C!ho are these t#oGC as$ed 8uan Bu. COne of them is ,u !ang, #ho laid the foundations of the "hou Dynasty so firmly that it lasted eight hundred years; and the other "hang ,iang, #ho made the *an glorious for four centuries.C 'efore the surprise called forth by this startling statement had subsided, !ater 1irror #al$ed do#n the steps and too$ his leave. ,iu 'ei #ould have $ept him if he could, but he #as obdurate. +s he stal$ed proudly a#ay, he thre# up his head and said, CThough Sleeping Dragon has found his lord, he has not been born at the right time. It is a pity=C C!hat a #ise hermit=C #as ,iu 'ei(s comment. Soon after the three brothers set out to find the abode of the #ise man. !hen they dre# near the Sleeping Dragon Ridge, they sa# a number of peasants in a field hoeing up the #eeds, and as they #or$ed they sang@ CThe earth is a chec$ered board, +nd the s$y hangs over all, Hnder it humans are contending, Some rise, but a many fall. 3or those #ho succeed this is #ell, 'ut for those #ho go under rough. There(s a doDing dragon hard by, 'ut his sleep is not deep enough.C Lyip, yip, yipM,iu 'ei and his brothers stopped to listen to the song and, calling up one of the peasants, as$ed #ho made it. CIt #as made by 1aster Sleeping Dragon,C said the laborer. CThen he lives hereabout. !hereGC CSouth of this hill there is a ridge called the Sleeping Dragon, and close by is a sparse #ood. In it stands a modest cottage. That is #here 1aster "huge ,iang ta$es his repose.C ,iu 'ei than$ed him and the party rode on. Soon they came to the ridge, most aptly named, for indeed it lay #rapped in an atmosphere of calm beauty. + poet #rote of it thus@

Fot far from 2iangyang There stands, clear cut against the s$y, + lofty ridge, and at its foot + gentle stream goes gliding by. The contour, curving up and do#n, +lthough by resting cloud it(s marred, +rrests the eye; and here and there The flan$ by #aterfalls is scarred. There, li$e a sleeping dragon coiled, Or phoeniA hid among thic$ pines, Bou see, secure from prying eyes, + cot, reed6built on rustic lines. The rough6>oined doors, pushed by the #ind, S#ing idly open and disclose The greatest genius of the #orld 4n>oying still his calm repose. The air is full of #oodland scents, +round are hedgero#s trim and green, )lose6gro#ing intercrossed bamboos Replace the painted door#ay screen. 'ut loo$ #ithin and boo$s you see 'y every couch, near every chair; +nd you may guess that common persons +re very seldom #elcomed there. The hut seems far from human $en, So far one might eApect to find !ild forest deniDens there, trained To serve in place of human$ind. !ithout a hoary crane might stand +s #arden of the outer gate; !ithin a long6armed gibbon come To offer fruit upon a plate. 'ut enter; there refinement reigns; 'rocaded sil$ the lutes protect, +nd burnished #eapons on the #alls The green of pines outside reflect.

3or he #ho d#ells #ithin that hut Is talented beyond compare, +lthough he lives the simple life +nd harvest seems his only care. *e #aits until the thunderous call Shall bid him #a$e, nor sleep again; Then #ill he forth and at his #ord 7eace over all the land shall reign. ,iu 'ei soon arrived at the door of the retreat, dismounted, and $noc$ed at the rough door of the cottage. + youth appeared and as$ed #hat he #anted. ,iu 'ei replied, CI am ,iu 'ei, 8eneral of the *an Dynasty, ,ord of Bicheng, Imperial 7rotector of BuDhou, and Hncle of the 4mperor. I am come to salute the 1aster.C CI cannot remember so many titles,C said the lad. CThen simply say that ,iu 'ei has come to in uire after him.C CThe 1aster left this morning early.C C!hither has he goneGC C*is movements are very uncertain. I do not $no# #hither he has gone.C C!hen #ill he returnGC CThat also is uncertain. 7erhaps in three days, perhaps in ten.C The disappointment #as $een. C,et us go bac$, since #e cannot see him,C said "hang 3ei. C!ait a little time,C said ,iu 'ei. CIt #ould be better to return,C said 8uan Bu, Cthen #e might send to find out #hen this man had come bac$.C So ,iu 'ei agreed, first saying to the boy, C!hen the 1aster returns, tell him that ,iu 'ei has been here.C They rode a#ay for some miles. 7resently ,iu 'ei stopped and loo$ed bac$ at the surroundings of the little cottage in the #ood.

The mountains #ere pictures ue rather than grand, the #ater clear rather than profound, the plain #as level rather than eAtensive, the #oods luAuriant rather than thic$. 8ibbons ranged through the trees, and cranes #aded in the shallo# #ater. The pines and the bamboos vied #ith each other in verdure. It #as a scene to linger upon. !hile ,iu 'ei stood regarding it, he sa# a figure coming do#n a mountain path. The man(s bearing #as lofty. *e #as handsome and dignified. *e #ore a comfortable6loo$ing bonnet on his head, and a blac$ robe hung about his figure in easy folds. *e used a staff to help him do#n the steep path. CSurely that is he=C said ,iu 'ei. *e dismounted and #al$ed over to greet the stranger, #hom he saluted deferentially, saying, C+re you not 1aster Sleeping Dragon, SirGC C!ho are you, 8eneralGC said the stranger. CI am ,iu 'ei.C CI am not "huge ,iang, but I am a friend of his. 1y name is )ui "houping.C C,ong have I $no#n of you= I am very glad to see you,C replied ,iu 'ei. C+nd no# I pray you be seated >ust #here #e are, and let me receive your instruction.C The t#o men sat do#n in the #ood on a stone, and the t#o brothers ranged themselves by ,iu 'ei(s side. )ui "houping began, saying, C8eneral, for #hat reason do you #ish to see "huge ,iangGC ,iu 'ei replied, CThe empire is in confusion, and troubles gather every#here. I #ant your friend to tell me ho# to restore order.C CBou, Sir, #ish to arrest the present disorder, although you are a $indly man and, from the oldest anti uity, the correction of disorder has demanded stern measures. On the day that ,iu 'ang first put his hand to the #or$ and sle# the #ic$ed ruler of &in, order began to replace disorder. 8ood government began #ith the Supreme +ncestor -') ./;0, and endured t#o hundred years666t#o centuries of tran uillity. Then came !ang 1ang(s rebellion, and disorder too$ the place of order. +non, arose ,iu 2iu, #ho restored the *an Dynasty, and order once more prevailed. !e have had t#o centuries of order and tran uillity, and the time of trouble and battles is due. The restoration of peace #ill ta$e time. It cannot be uic$ly accomplished. Bou, Sir, #ish to get "huge ,iang to regulate times and seasons, to repair the cosmos, but I fear the tas$ is indeed difficult, and to attempt it #ould be a vain eApenditure of mental energy. Bou $no# #ell that he #ho goes #ith the favor of *eaven travels an easy road; he #ho goes contrary meets difficulties. One cannot escape one(s lot; one cannot evade fate.C

C1aster,C replied ,iu 'ei, Cyour insight is indeed deep, and your #ords of #ide meaning. 'ut I am a scion of the *ouse of *an and must help it. Dare I tal$ of the inevitable and trust to fateGC )ui "houping replied, C+ simple deniDen of the mountain #ilds is unfitted to discuss the affairs of empire. 'ut you bade me spea$ and I have spo$en666perhaps some#hat madly.C C1aster, I am grateful for your instruction. 'ut $no# you #hither "huge ,iang has goneGC CI also came to see him, and I $no# not #here he is,C said )ui "houping. CIf I as$ed you, 1aster, to accompany me to my poor bit of territory, #ould you comeGC CI am too dilatory, too fond of leisure and ease, and no longer have any ambitions. 'ut I #ill see you another time.C +nd #ith these #ords )ui "houping saluted and left. The three brothers also mounted and started home#ard. 7resently "hang 3ei said, C!e have not found "huge ,iang, and #e have had to listen to the #ild ravings of this so6called scholar. There is the #hole result of this >ourney.C C*is #ords #ere those of a deep thin$er,C replied ,iu 'ei. Some days after the return to 2inye, ,iu 'ei sent to find out #hether "huge ,iang had returned, and the messenger came bac$ saying that he had. !herefore ,iu 'ei prepared for another visit. +gain "hang 3ei sho#ed his irritation by remar$ing, C!hy must you go hunting after this villagerG Send and tell him to come.C CSilence=C said ,iu 'ei, CThe Teacher 1encius said, (To try to see the sage #ithout going his #ay is li$e barring a door you #ish to enter.( "huge ,iang is the greatest sage of the day. *o# can I summon himGC So ,iu 'ei rode a#ay to ma$e his visit, his t#o brothers #ith him as before. It #as #inter and eAceedingly cold. 3loating clouds covered the #hole s$y. 'efore they had gone far, a bitter #ind began to blo# in their faces, and the sno# began to fly. Soon the mountains #ere of >ade and the trees of silver. CIt is very cold and the earth is froDen hard, no fighting is possible no#,C said "hang 3ei. CBet #e are going all this #ay to get advice #hich #ill be useless to us. !here is the sense of itG ,et us rather get bac$ to 2inye out of the cold.C ,iu 'ei replied, CI am set upon proving my Deal to "huge ,iang. 'ut if you, my brother, do not li$e the cold, you can return.C

CI do not fear death@ Do you thin$ I care for the coldG 'ut I do care about #asting my brother(s energies,C said "hang 3ei. CSay no more,C said ,iu 'ei, and they traveled on. !hen they dre# near the little #ood, they heard singing in a roadside inn and stopped to listen. This #as the song@ +lthough possessed of talent rare, This man has made no name; +las= The day is brea$ing late That is to sho# his fame. O friends you $no# the ,u !ang(s tale@ The aged man constrained to leave *is cottage by the sea, To follo# in a prince(s train *is counselor to be. 4ight hundred feudal chieftains met !ho came #ith one accord; The happy omen, that #hite fish, That leapt the boat aboard; The gory field in distant #ilds. !hence flo#ed a crimson tide, +nd him ac$no#ledged chief in #ar !hose virtues none denied; That "hang ,iang, a 8aoyang rustic, 3ond of #ine, #ho left, his native place +nd #ent to serve so faithfully The man of handsome face; +nd one #ho spo$e of ruling chiefs In tones so bold and free, 'ut sitting at the festive board !as full of courtesy; +nd one, that #as he #ho laid in dust !alled cities near four score 'ut humans of doughty deeds li$e these On earth are seen no more. Fo# had these humans not found their lord !ould they be $no#n to fameG Bet having found, they served him #ell +nd so achieved a name. The song ended, the singer(s companion tapping the table sang@

!e had a famous founder, !ho dre# his shining s#ord, )leansed all the land #ithin the seas +nd made himself its lord. In time his son succeeded him, +nd so from son to son The lordship passed, held firm until 3our hundred years had run. Then da#ned a day of #ea$lier sons, The fiery virtue failed, Then ministers betrayed their trust, )ourt intrigues vile prevailed. The omens came; a serpent )oiled on the dragon throne, !hile in the hall of audience Hnholy haloes shone. Fo# bandits s#arm in all the land +nd noble strives #ith chief, The common people, sore perpleAed, )an no#here find relief. ,et(s dro#n our sorro#s in the cup, 'e happy #hile #e may, ,et those #ho #ish run after fame That is to last for aye. The t#o men laughed loud and clapped their hands as the second singer ceased. ,iu 'ei thought full surely the longed for sage #as there, so he dismounted and entered the inn. *e sa# the t#o merry6ma$ers sitting opposite each other at a table. One #as pale #ith a long beard; the other had a stri$ingly refined face. ,iu 'ei saluted them and said, C!hich of you is 1aster Sleeping DragonGC C!ho are you, SirGC as$ed the long6bearded one. C!hat business have you #ith Sleeping DragonGC CI am ,iu 'ei. I #ant to in uire of him on ho# to restore tran uillity to the #orld.C C!ell, neither of us is your man, but #e are friends of his. 1y name is Shi 8uangyuan and my friend here is 1eng 8ong#ei.C CI $no# you both by reputation,C said ,iu 'ei gladly. CI am indeed fortunate to meet you in this haphaDard #ay. !ill you not come to Sleeping Dragon(s retreat and tal$ for a timeG I have horses here for you.C

C!e idle fol$s of the #ilds $no# nothing of tran uiliDing states. 7lease do not trouble to as$. 7ray mount again and continue searching Sleeping Dragon.C So he remounted and #ent his #ay. *e reached the little cottage, dismounted, and tapped at the door. The same lad ans#ered his $noc$, and he as$ed #hether the 1aster had returned. C*e is in his room reading,C said the boy. 9oyful indeed #as ,iu 'ei as he follo#ed the lad in. In front of the middle door he sa# #ritten this pair of scrolls@ 'y purity inspire the inclination; 'y repose affect the distant. +s ,iu 'ei #as loo$ing at this couplet, he heard someone singing in a subdued voice and stopped by the door to peep in. *e sa# a young man close to a charcoal braDier, hugging his $nees #hile he sang@ CThe phoeniA dies high, O= +nd only #ill perch on a magnolia tree. The scholar is hidden, O= Till his lord appear he can patient be. *e tills his fields, O= *e is #ell6content and loves his home, *e a#aits his day, O= *is boo$s and his lute to leave and roam. +s the song ended ,iu 'ei advanced and saluted, saying, C1aster, long have I yearned for you, but have found it impossible to salute you. ,ately !ater 1irror spo$e of you and I hastened to your d#elling, only to come a#ay disappointed. This time I have braved the elements and come again and my re#ard is here. I see your face, and I am indeed fortunate.C The young man hastily returned the salute and said, C8eneral, you must be that ,iu 'ei of BuDhou #ho #ishes to see my brother.C CThen, 1aster, you are not Sleeping Dragon=C said ,iu 'ei, starting bac$. CI am his younger brother, "huge 9un. *e has another elder brother, "huge 9in, no# #ith Sun &uan in the South ,and as a counselor. "huge ,iang is the second of our family.C CIs your brother at homeGC COnly yesterday he arranged to go a >aunt #ith )ui "houping.C C!hither have they goneGC

C!ho can sayG They may ta$e a boat and sail a#ay among the la$es, or go to gossip #ith the priests in some remote mountain temple, or #ander off to visit a friend in some far a#ay village, or be sitting in some cave #ith a lute or a chessboard. Their goings and comings are uncertain and nobody can guess at them.C C!hat very poor luc$ have I= T#ice have I failed to meet the great sage.C C7ray sit a fe# moments, and let me offer you some tea.C C'rother, since the master is not here, I pray you remount and go,C said "hang 3ei. CSince I am here, #hy not a little tal$ before #e go home againGC said ,iu 'ei. Then turning to his host he continued, C)an you tell me if your #orthy brother is s$illed in strategy and studies #or$s on #arGC CI do not $no#.C 8rumbled "hang 3ei, CThe #ind and sno# are getting #orse. !e ought to go bac$.C ,iu 'ei turned on him angrily and told him to stop. "huge 9un said, CSince my brother is absent, I #ill not presume to detain you longer. I #ill return your call soon.C C7lease do not ta$e that trouble. In a fe# days I #ill come again. 'ut if I could borro# paper and in$, I #ould leave a note to sho# your #orthy brother that I am Dealous and earnest.C "huge 9un produced the Cfour treasuresC of the scholar, and ,iu 'ei, tha#ing out the froDen brush bet#een his lips, spread the sheet of delicate note6paper and #rote@ C,iu 'ei has long admired your fame. *e has visited your d#elling t#ice, but to his great regret he has gone empty a#ay. *e humbly remembers that he is a distant relative of the 4mperor, that he has undeservedly en>oyed fame and ran$. !hen he sees the proper government #rested aside and replaced by pretense, the foundation of the state crumbling a#ay, hordes of braves creating confusion in the country, and an evil cabal behaving unseemly to#ard the rightful 7rince, then his heart and gall are torn to shreds. Though he has a real desire to assist, yet is he deficient in the needful s$ill. !herefore he turns to the 1aster, trusting in his $indness, graciousness, loyalty, and righteousness. !ould the 1aster but use his talent, e ual to that of ,u !ang, and perform great deeds li$e "hang ,iang, then #ould the empire be happy and the throne #ould be secure. CThis is #ritten to tell you that, after purification of mind #ith fasting and of body #ith fragrant baths, ,iu 'ei #ill come again to prostrate himself in your honored presence and receive enlightenmentC

The letter #ritten and given to "huge 9un, ,iu 'ei too$ his leave, eAceedingly disappointed at this second failure. +s he #as mounting, he sa# the serving lad #aving his hand outside the hedge and heard him call out, CThe old 1aster is coming=C ,iu 'ei loo$ed and then sa# a figure seated on a don$ey leisurely >ogging along over a bridge. The rider of the don$ey #ore a cap #ith long flaps do#n to his shoulders, and his body #as #rapped in a foA fur robe. + youth follo#ed him bearing a >ar of #ine. +s he came through the sno# he hummed a song@ CThis is eve, the s$y is overcast, The north #ind comes #ith icy blast, ,ight sno#fla$es #hirl do#n until + #hite pall covers dale and hill. 7erhaps above the topmost s$y !hite dragons strive for mastery, The armor scales from their forms riven +re scattered over the #orld #ind6driven. +mid the storm there >ogs along + simple #ight #ho croons a song. (O poor plum trees, the gale doth tear Bour blossoms off and leave you bare.(C C*ere at last is Sleeping Dragon,C thought ,iu 'ei, hastily slipping out of the saddle. *e saluted the don$ey rider as he neared and said, C1aster, it is hard to ma$e #ay against this cold #ind. I and my companions have been #aiting long.C The rider got off his don$ey and returned the bo#, #hile "huge 9un from behind said, CThis is not my brother. It is his father6in6la# *uang )henyan.C ,iu 'ei said, CI chanced to hear the song you #ere singing. It is very beautiful.C *uang )henyan replied, CIt is a little poem I read in my son in6la#(s house, and I recalled it as I crossed the bridge and sa# the plum trees in the hedge. +nd so it happened to catch your ear, Foble Sir.C C*ave you seen your son6in6la# latelyGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. CThat is >ust #hat I have come to do no#.C +t this ,iu 'ei bade him fare#ell and #ent on his #ay. The storm #as very grievous to bear, but #orse than the storm #as the grief in his heart as he loo$ed bac$ at Sleeping Dragon Ridge.

One #inter(s day through sno# and #ind + prince rode forth the sage to find; +las= *is >ourney #as in vain, +nd sadly turned he home again. The stream stood still beneath the bridge + sheet of ice draped roc$ and ridge, *is steed benumbed #ith biting cold 'ut cra#led as he #ere stiff and old. The sno#fla$es on the rider(s head !ere li$e pear6blossoms ne#ly shed, Or li$e the #illo#6cat$ins light They brushed his chee$ in headlong flight. *e stayed his steed, he loo$ed around, The sno# lay thic$ on tree and mound, The Sleeping Dragon Ridge lay #hite + hill of silver, glistening bright. +fter the return to 2inye, the time slipped a#ay till spring #as near. Then ,iu 'ei cast lots to find the propitious day for another >ourney in search of "huge ,iang. The day being selected, he fasted for three days and then changed his dress ready for the visit. *is t#o brothers vie#ed the preparations #ith disapproval and presently made up their minds to remonstrate. The sage and the fighting generals never agree, + #arrior despises humility. The neAt chapter #ill tell #hat they said. )hapter J< Zh&ge -iang P#ans For The Three $ingdoms; S&n ?&an 1ttac5s :ia5o& To Ta5e ,evenges' Fothing discouraged by t#o unsuccessful visits to the retreat of the sage #hose advice he sought to secure, ,iu 'ei made preparations for a third visit. *is brothers disapproved, and 8uan Bu said, C'rother, you have sought him t#ice. Surely this is sho#ing even too much deference. I do not believe in this fame of his for learning. *e is avoiding you and dare not submit to the test. !hy so obstinately hold this ideaGC CBou are #rong, my brother. In the Spring and +utumn 7eriod 7rince *uan of &i paid five visits to the 4astern Suburb before he got to see 8uan "hong%. +nd my desire to see "huge ,iang is even greater than his.C CI thin$ you are mista$en,C said "hang 3ei. C*o# can this villager be such a marvel of #isdomG Bou should not go again and, if he #ill not come, I #ill bring him #ith a hempen rope.C

C*ave you forgotten the great 5ing !en(s visit to ,u !ang%, the old man of the River !eiG If 5ing !en could sho# such deference to a #ise man, #here am I too deferentialG If you #ill not go, your brother and I #ill go #ithout you,C said ,iu 'ei. CIf you t#o go, ho# can I hang bac$GC said "hang 3ei. CIf you go, then you must be polite.C "hang 3ei said he #ould not forget himself, and the three set out. !hen they #ere a uarter of mile from the little cottage, ,iu 'ei dismounted, deciding to sho# his respect by approaching the house on foot. Very soon he met "huge 9un, #hom he saluted #ith great deference, in uiring #hether his brother #as at home. C*e returned last evening. Bou can see him today, 8eneral.C +s "huge 9un said this, he #ent off #ith some s#agger. C3ortune favors me this time,C said ,iu 'ei. CI am going to see the 1aster.C CThat #as a rude fello#,C said "hang 3ei. CIt #ould not have hurt him to have conducted us to the house. !hy did he go off li$e thatGC C4ach one has his o#n affairs,C said ,iu 'ei. C!hat po#er have #e over himGC Soon the three stood at the door, and they $noc$ed. The serving lad came out and as$ed their business. ,iu 'ei said very deferentially, CI #ould trouble the servant of the genius, gentle page, to inform the 1aster that ,iu 'ei #ishes to pay his respects to him.C C1y master is at home, but he is asleep.C CIn that case do not announce me.C ,iu 'ei bade his t#o brothers #ait at the door uietly, and he himself entered #ith careful steps. There #as the man he sought, lying asleep on the couch, stretched on a simple mat. ,iu 'ei saluted him #ith >oined hands at a respectful distance. The time passed and still the sleeper did not #a$e. The t#o brothers left #ithout, beginning to feel impatient, also came in, and "hang 3ei #as annoyed at seeing his revered elder brother respectfully standing by #hile another slept. C!hat an arrogant fello# is this 1asterGC said he. CThere is our brother #aiting, #hile he sleeps on perfectly carelessly. I #ill go to the bac$ of the place and let off a bomb and see if that #ill rouse him.C

CFo, no; you must do nothing of the $ind,C #hispered 8uan Bu, and then ,iu 'ei told them to go out again. 9ust then ,iu 'ei noticed that the 1aster moved. *e turned over as though about to rise, but, instead, he faced the #all and again fell asleep. The serving lad made as if he #ould rouse his master, but ,iu 'ei forbade him to be disturbed, and ,iu 'ei #aited yet another #eary hour. Then "huge ,iang #o$e up repeating to himself the lines@ C)an any $no# #hat fate is hisG Bet have I felt throughout my life, The day #ould come at last to uit The calm retreat for toil and strife.C +s he finished, he turned to the lad, saying, C*ave any of the usual people comeGC C,iu 'ei, the Hncle of the 4mperor is here,C said the boy. C*e has been #aiting a long time.C C!hy did you not tell meGC said he, rising from the couch. CI must dress.C "huge ,iang rose and turned into a room behind to dress. In a short time he reappeared, his clothing properly arranged, to receive his visitor. Then ,iu 'ei sa# coming to#ard him a young man of medium height #ith a refined face. *e #ore a head6#rap and a long crane6#hite go#n. *e moved #ith much dignity as though he #as rather more than mortal. ,iu 'ei bo#ed, saying, CI am one of the offshoots of the *an family, a simple person from "huo. I have long $no#n the 1aster(s fame, #hich has indeed thundered in my ear. T#ice I have come to visit you, #ithout success. Once I left my name on your #riting table. Bou may have my note.C "huge ,iang replied, CThis hermit is but a dilatory person by temperament. I $no# I have to than$ you for more than one vain visit, and I am ashamed to thin$ of them.C These courteous remar$s and the proper bo#s eAchanged, the t#o men sat in their relative positions as host and guest, and the serving lad brought tea. Then "huge ,iang said, C3rom your letter I $no# that you grieve for both people and government. If I #ere not so young and if I possessed any talent, I #ould venture to uestion you.C ,iu 'ei replied, CSima *ui and 2u Shu have both spo$en of you. )an it be that their #ords #ere vainG I trust, O 1aster, that you #ill not despise my #orthlessness but #ill condescend to instruct me.C

CThe t#o men you spea$ of are very profound scholars. I am but a peasant, a mere farmer, and #ho am I that I should tal$ of empire politicsG Those t#o misled you #hen they spo$e of me. !hy do you re>ect the beautiful >e#el for a #orthless pebbleGC C'ut your abilities are #orld embracing and marvelous. *o# can you be content to allo# time to pass #hile you idle a#ay life in these secluded hauntsG I con>ure you, O 1aster, to remember the inhabitants of the empire and remove my crass ignorance by besto#ing instruction upon me.C C'ut #hat is your ambition, 8eneralGC ,iu 'ei moved his seat nearer to his host and said, CThe *ans are sin$ing@ Designing ministers steal a#ay their authority. I am #ea$, yet I desire to restore the state to its right mind. 'ut my ignorance is too vast, my means are too slender, and I $no# not #here to turn. Only you, 1aster, can lighten my dar$ness and preserve me from falling. *o# happy should I be if you #ould do so=C "huge ,iang replied, COne bold person after another has arisen in various parts of the empire ever since the days of the rebel Dong "huo. )ao )ao #as not so po#erful as Buan Shao, but he overcame Buan Shao by seiDing the favorable moment and using his soldiers properly. Fo# he is all6po#erful@ *e rules an immense army and, through his control of the court, the various feudal lords as #ell. Bou cannot thin$ of opposing him. Then the Suns have held their territory in the South ,and for three generations. Their position in that old state of !u may not appear too secure, but they have popularity to appeal to. Bou can gain support but #in no success there. CThe Region of 9ingDhou rests on the t#o Rivers *an and 1ian to the north, and their interests lie in all to the south of these rivers. On the east they touch !u, and on the #est they eAtend to the ancient states of 'a and Shu. This is the area in #hich decisive battles have to be #on, and one must hold it in order to be secure, and *eaven has virtually made it yours. CThe Region of BiDhou in the #est is an important place, fertile and eAtensive, a country favored of *eaven and that through #hich the 3ounder of *an obtained the empire. Its ruler ,iu "hang is ignorant and #ea$. The people are noble and the country prosperous, but he does not $no# ho# to hold it all, and all the able people of the region are yearning for an enlightened prince. C+s you are a scion of the 3amily, #ell $no#n throughout the land as trusty and righteous, a #hole6hearted hero, #ho greatly desires to #in the support of the #ise, if you get possession of BiDhou and 9ingDhou, if on the #est you are in harmony #ith the Rong Tribes, on the south #in over the ancient states of Bi and Viet, ma$e an alliance #ith Sun &uan of !u, and maintain good government, you can a#ait confidently the day #hen *eaven shall offer you the desired opportunity. Then you may depute a #orthy leader to go to the northeast #hile you ta$e command of an eApedition to the north#est, and #ill you not find the #armest #elcome prepared for you by the peopleG This done, the completion of the tas$ #ill be easy. The *ans #ill be restored. +nd these are my counsels in all these operations, if you #ill only underta$e them.C

"huge ,iang paused #hile he bade the lad bring out a map. +s this #as unrolled "huge ,iang #ent on, CThere you see the fifty6four counties of the #est. Should you #ish to ta$e the overlordship, you #ill yield the *eaven(s favor to )ao )ao in the north, and you #ill relin uish the 4arth(s advantage to Sun &uan in the south. Bou, 8eneral, #ill hold the *uman(s heart and complete the trinity. 9ingDhou is to be ta$en first as a home, the River ,ands% neAt for the foundation of domination. !hen you are firmly established, you can lay your plans for the attainment of the #hole empire.C +s "huge ,iang ceased his harangue, ,iu 'ei left his place and saluted him, saying, CBour #ords, O 1aster, render everything so clear that the clouds are s#ept aside and I see the clear s$y. 'ut 9ingDhou belongs to ,iu 'iao, my $insman, and BiDhou to another $insman ,iu "hang. I could hardly ta$e the lands from them.C CI have studied the stars and I $no# ,iu 'iao is not long for this #orld. 3urther, ,iu "hang is not the sort of man to endure. 'oth places #ill certainly fall to you.C ,iu 'ei bo#ed his ac$no#ledgments. +nd so, in one conversation, "huge ,iang proved that he, #ho had lived in complete retirement all his life, $ne# and foresa# the tripod division into #hich the empire #as to brea$. True, indeed, is it that throughout all the ages no one has ever e ualed his intelligence and mastery of the situation. 'ehold, #hen ,iu 'ei frets that he is #ea$, Then Sleeping Dragon is not far to see$; !hen he desires to $no# ho# things #ill hap, The 1aster, smiling, sho#s him on the map. CThough I be of small repute and scanty virtue,C said ,iu 'ei, CI hope, O 1aster, you #ill not despise me for my #orthlessness, but #ill leave this retreat to help me. I #ill assuredly listen most reverently to your #ords.C "huge ,iang replied, CI have long been happy on my farm and am fond of my leisure. I fear I cannot obey your command.C ,iu 'ei #ept. CIf you #ill not, O 1aster, #hat #ill become of the peopleGC The tears rolled do#n unchec$ed upon the lapel and sleeves of ,iu 'ei(s robe. This proved to "huge ,iang the sincerity of his desire. *ence, "huge ,iang said, C8eneral, if you #ill accept me, I #ill render #hat trifling service I can.C ,iu 'ei #as greatly delighted. *e called in 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei to ma$e their bo# and brought out the gifts he had prepared. "huge ,iang refused all the gifts. CThese are not gifts to engage your services, but mere proof of my regard,C said ,iu 'ei.

Then the presents #ere accepted. They all remained that night at the farm. FeAt day "huge 9un returned, and his brother said to him, CHncle ,iu 'ei has come thrice to see me, and no# I must go #ith him. 5eep up the farm in my absence and do not let the place go to ruin. +s soon as my #or$ is accomplished, I #ill certainly return.C Then, turning from his humble home, *e thought of peaceful days to come, !hen he should ta$e the home#ard #ay +nd never beyond the valley stray. 'ut duty $ept him in the #est, +nd there he found his place of rest. +n old poem may be uoted here@ The 3ounder of *an seiDed his gleaming blade +nd at 1angdang *ills the blood of the #hite sna$e flo#ed. *e con uered &in, destroyed )hu, and entered 2ianyang. +fter t#o centuries of rule the line #as near bro$en, 'ut ,iu 2iu restored the glory at )apital ,uoyang. +nd his children occupied the throne Till decay began in the days of *uan and ,ing. The 4mperor 2ian removed the capital to 2uchang, +nd, #ithin the four seas, all #as confusion. 'old spirits started up in fierce contention. )ao )ao, seiDed the favorable moment +nd the imperial authority passed into his hands. !hile the Suns made to themselves + glorious heritage at the 8reat River, Solitary and poor, ,iu 'ei #andered from place to place, Till he found a haven in 2inye. Sorely distressed he #as at the sorro#s of the people, 'ut Sleeping Dragon conceived a noble ambition, !ithin his breast #ere thoughts Of great things to be accomplished by force of arms. Then, because of the parting #ords of 2u Shu, +nd by the thrice repeated visits to his retreat, The great hero found and $ne# his mentor. !hen the age of "huge ,iang #as but thrice nine years, *e turned from his boo$s, put aside his lute, +nd left the peaceful fields he had loved, Hnder his guidance 9ingDhou #as ta$en +nd the t#o ,ands of the Rivers con uered. *e unrolled great schemes, as one all $no#ing, In speech, he #ent to and fro in the #orld,

The sound of #ar drums rolled from his tongue, The #ords from his heart stirred one to the utmost depths. The dragon pranced, the tiger glared, +nd peace #as brought to the #orld. Through all the ages his fame shall never decay. +fter ta$ing leave of "huge 9un, ,iu 'ei and his follo#ers left for 2inye, #ith "huge ,iang as companion. !hen they too$ up their abode there, "huge ,iang #as treated as a mentor, eating at the same table, sleeping on the same couch as ,iu 'ei. They spent #hole days conversing over the affairs of the empire. "huge ,iang said, C)ao )ao is training his troops for naval service in + uamarine ,a$e, and hence certainly intends to invade the country south of the 8reat River. !e ought to send our spies to ascertain #hat )ao )ao and Sun &uan are really doing.C So spies #ere dispatched. Fo# after Sun &uan succeeded to the heritage of his father and brother, he sent far and #ide to invite people of ability to aid him. *e established lodging places for them in 5uai>i in !u, and directed 8u Bong and "hang *ong to #elcome and entertain all those #ho came. +nd year by year they floc$ed in, one recommending another. +mong them #ere 5an "e of 5uai>i, Ban 9un of 7engcheng, 2ue Bong of 'eishan, )heng 'ing of Runan, "hu *uan of !u>un, ,u 9i of the same place, "hang !en of !ucheng, ,uo Tong of 5uai>i, and !u )an of !ushang. +ll these scholars #ere treated #ith great deference. 1any able leaders came also. +mong them #ere ,u 1eng of Runan, ,u 2un of !u>un, 2u Sheng of ,angye, 7an "hang of Dong>un, and Ding 3eng of ,u>iang. Thus Sun &uan obtained the assistance of many people of ability both in peace and #ar and all #ent #ell #ith him. In the seventh year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D ./.0, )ao )ao had bro$en the po#er of Buan Shao. Then he sent a messenger to the South ,and ordering Sun &uan to send his son to court to serve in the retinue of the 4mperor. Sun &uan, ho#ever, hesitated to comply #ith this re uest, and the matter #as the sub>ect of much discussion. *is mother, ,ady !u, sent for "hou Bu and "hang "hao and as$ed their advice. "hang "hao said, C)ao )ao #ishes a son to be present at court as a hostage #hereby he has a hold upon us, as formerly #as the case #ith all the feudal chiefs. If #e do not comply #ith this re uest, he #ill doubtless attac$ the region. There is some peril.C "hou Bu said, COur lord has succeeded to the heritage and has a large army of veterans and ample supplies. *e has able officers ready to do his bidding. So #hy should he be compelled to send a hostage to any personG To send a hostage is to be forced into >oining )ao )ao, and to carry out his behests, #hatever they be. Then #e shall be in his po#er. It #ould be better not to send, but rather to #ait patiently the course of events and prepare plans to attac$.C

CThat is also my opinion,C said the Do#ager. So Sun &uan dismissed the messenger but did not send his son. )ao )ao resented this and had since nourished schemes against the South ,and. 'ut their realiDation had been delayed by the dangers on the north and, so far, no attac$ had been made. ,ate in the eighth year -+D ./J0, Sun &uan led his armies against *uang "u and fought on the 8reat River, #here he #as successful in several battles. One of Sun &uan(s leaders, ,ing )ao, led a fleet of light vessels up the river and bro$e into 2ia$ou but #as $illed by an arro# of 8an Fing, a general of *uang "u. ,ing )ao left a son, ,ing Tong, fifteen years of age, #ho led another eApedition to recover his father(s corpse and #as so far successful. +fter that, as the #ar #as inclined to go against him, Sun &uan returned again to his o#n country. Fo# Sun &uan(s younger brother, Sun Bi, #as 8overnor of Dangyang. *e #as a hard man and given to drin$ and, in his cups, very harsh to his people, ordering the infliction of severe floggings. T#o of his officers, 1ilitary Inspector 8ui ,an and Secretary Dai Buan, bore their chief a grudge and sought to assassinate him. They too$ into their confidence one 'ian *ong, of the escort, and the three plotted to $ill their master at a great assembly of officials at Dangyang amid the ban uets. Sun Bi(s #ife, ,ady 2u, #as s$illed in divination, and on the day of the great ban uet she cast a most inauspicious lot. !herefore she besought her husband to stay a#ay from the assembly. 'ut he #as obstinate and #ent. The faithless guardsman follo#ed his master in the dus$ #hen the gathering dispersed, and stabbed him #ith a dagger. The t#o prime movers at once seiDed 'ian *ong and beheaded him in the mar$et place. Then they #ent to Sun Bi(s residence, #hich they plundered. 8ui ,an #as ta$en #ith the beauty of the dead 8overnor(s #ife and told her, CI had avenged the death of your husband, and you must go #ith me.C ,ady 2u pleaded, saying, CIt is too soon after my husband(s death to thin$ of remarriage. 'ut as soon as the thirty6day mourning sacrifices are over, I #ill be yours.C She thus obtained a respite, #hich she utiliDed to send for t#o old generals of her husband, Sun 8ao and 3u Bing. They came and she tearfully told her tale. C1y husband had great faith in you. Fo# 8ui ,an and Dai Buan have compassed his death and have laid the crime on 'ian *ong. They have plundered my house and carried off my servants. !orse than this, 8ui ,an insists that I shall be his #ife. To gain time I have pretended to favor this proposal, and I pray you no# send the ne#s to my husband(s brother and beg him to slay these t#o miscreants and avenge this #rong. I #ill never forget your $indness in this life or the neAt.C +nd she bo#ed before them.

They #ept also and said, C!e #ere much attached to our master; and no# that he has come to an untimely end, #e must avenge him. Dare #e not carry out your behestsGC So they sent a trusty messenger to Sun &uan. On the day of the sacrifices ,ady 2u called in her t#o friends and hid them in a secret chamber. Then the ceremonies #ere performed in the great hall. These over, she put off her mourning garb, bathed and perfumed herself, and assumed an eApression of >oy. She laughed and tal$ed as usual, so that 8ui ,an re>oiced in his heart, thin$ing of the pleasure that #as to be his. !hen night came she sent a servant girl to call her suitor to the palace, #here she entertained him at supper. !hen he had #ell drun$, she suggested that they should retire and led him to the chamber #here her friends #ere #aiting. *e follo#ed #ithout the least hesitation. +s soon as she entered the room, she called out, C!here are you, 8eneralsGC Out rushed Sun 8ao and 3u Bing, and the drun$en 8ui ,an, incapable of any resistance, #as dispatched #ith daggers. FeAt ,ady 2u invited Dai Buan to a supper, and he #as slain in similar fashion. +fter that, she sent to the houses of her enemies and sle# all therein. This done, she resumed her mourning garb, and the heads of the t#o men #ere hung as a sacrifice before the coffin of her husband. Very soon her brother6in6la# came #ith an army, and hearing the story of the deeds of the t#o generals from the #ido#, gave them the )ommanderships and put them over Dangyang. !hen Sun &uan left, he too$ the #ido# to his o#n home so that she #ould be cared for. +ll those #ho heard of her brave conduct #ere loud in praise of her virtue@ 3ull of resource and virtuous, fe# in the #orld are li$e her, 8uilefully #rought she and compassed the death of the lusty assassins, 3aithful servants are al#ays ready to deal #ith rebellion, Fone can ever eAcel that heroine famous in !u. The brigandage that had troubled the South ,and had all been suppressed, and a large fleet of seven thousand battleships #as in the 8reat River ready for service. Sun &uan appointed "hou Bu to be the Supreme +dmiral and )ommander6in6)hief over all military forces. In the t#elfth year -+D ./?0, the Do#ager !u, feeling her end approaching, called to her the t#o advisers "hou Bu and "hang "hao and spo$e thus@ CI came of a family of the old !u, but losing my parents in early life. 1y brother !u 9ing and I #ent into the old Bue, and then I married into this family. I bore my husband four sons, not #ithout premonitions of the greatness to be theirs. !ith my first, Sun )e, I dreamed of the moon and #ith my second, Sun &uan, of the sun, #hich omens #ere interpreted by the soothsayer as signs of their great honor. Hnhappy Sun )e died young, but Sun &uan inherited, and it is he #hom I pray you both assist #ith one accord. Then may I die in peace.C

+nd to her son she said, CThese t#o you are to serve as they #ere your teachers and treat them #ith all respect. 1y younger sister and I both #ere #ives to your father, and so she is also a mother to you, and you are to serve her after I am gone as you no# serve me. +nd you must treat your sister #ith affection and find a handsome husband for her.C Then she died and her son mourned for her that year. The follo#ing year, they began to discuss an attac$ upon *uang "u. "hang "hao said, CThe armies should not move during the period of mourning.C *o#ever, "hou Bu, more to the point, said, CVengeance should not be postponed on that account. It could not #ait upon times and seasons.C Still Sun &uan halted bet#een t#o opinions and #ould not decide. Then came )ommander ,u 1eng #ho said to his master, C!hile I #as at Dragon 8orge, one leader of *uang "u, 8an Fing from ,ing>iang, offered to surrender. I found out all about him. *e is something of a scholar, is forceful, fond of #andering about as a fighter6errant. *e assembled a band of outla#s #ith #hom he roamed over the rivers and la$es, #here he #ould terroriDe everybody. *e #ore a bell at his #aist, and at the sound of this bell everyone fled and hid. *e fitted his boats #ith sails of 2ichuan brocade, and people called him the (7irate #ith Sil$en Sails.( CThen he reformed. *e and his band #ent to ,iu 'iao, but they left him #hen they sa# he #ould never accomplish anything, and no# they #ould serve under your banner, only that *uang "u detains them at 2ia$ou. 3ormerly #hen you #ere attac$ing *uang "u, he o#ed the recovery of 2ia$ou to this same 8an Fing, #hom he treated #ithout liberality. !hen )ommander Su 3ei recommended 8an Fing for promotion, *uang "u said, (*e is unsuited for any high position as, after all, he is no more than a pirate.( CSo 8an Fing became a disappointed and resentful man. Su 3ei tried to #in him over to good humor and invited him to #ine parties and said, (I have put your name for#ard many times, but our chief says he has no place suitable for you. *o#ever, time slips a#ay and man(s life is not very long. One must ma$e the most of it. I #ill put you for#ard for the magistracy of 4Aian, #hence you may be able to advance.( CSo 8an Fing got a#ay from 2ia$ou and #ould have come to you then, but he feared that he #ould not be #elcomed, since he had assisted *uang "u and $illed ,ing )ao. I told him you #ere al#ays ready to #elcome able people and #ould nourish no resentment for former deeds. +fter all, every person #as bound to do his best for his master. *e #ould come #ith alacrity if he only felt sure of a #elcome. I pray you eApress your pleasure.C This #as good ne#s for Sun &uan and he said, C!ith his help, I could destroy *uang "u.C Then Sun &uan bade ,u 1eng bring 8an Fing to see him.

!hen the salutations #ere over, the chief said, C1y heart is entirely captivated by your coming. I feel no resentment against you. I hope you #ill have no doubts on that score, and I may as #ell tell you that I desire some plan for the destruction of *uang "u.C 8an Fing replied, CThe dynasty is decadent and #ithout influence. )ao )ao #ill finally absorb the country do#n to the river unless he is opposed. ,iu 'iao provides nothing against the future, and his sons are uite unfitted to succeed him. Bou should lay your plans to oust him at once before )ao )ao anticipates you. The first attac$ should be made on *uang "u, #ho is getting old and avaricious, so that everyone hates him. *e is totally unprepared for a fight and his army is undisciplined. *e #ould fall at the first blo#. If he #ere gone, you #ould control the #estern passes and could con uer the lands of 'a and Shu%. +nd you #ould be securely established.C CThe advice is most valuable,C said Sun &uan, and he made his preparations. "hou Bu #as appointed )ommander6in6)hief; ,u 1eng #as Van ,eader; Dong 2i and 8an Fing #ere 8enerals. Sun &uan himself #ould command the main army of one hundred thousand troops. The spies reported that to *uang "u #ho, at the ne#s of an eApedition against him, called his officers together to consult. *e placed Su 3ei in chief command. *e also appointed )hen 9iu and Deng ,ong as Van ,eaders, and prepared for general defense. *e had t#o hundreds of #arships under the command of )hen 9iu and Deng ,ong. On these he placed strong bo#s and stiff crossbo#s to the number of more than a thousand and secured the boats to heavy ha#sers so that they formed a barrier in the river. +t the approach of the southern fleet, the drums beat for the ships to attac$. Soon arro#s and bolts fle# thic$, forcing bac$ the invaders, #ho #ithdre# till several miles of #ater lay bet#een them and the defenders. C!e must go for#ard,C said 8an Fing to Dong 2i. So they chose a hundred light craft and put pic$ed men on them, fifty to a boat. T#enty #ere to ro# the boats and thirty to fight. These latter #ere armored s#ordsmen. )areless of the enemy(s missiles these boats advanced, got to the defenders( fleet, and cut the ha#sers of their ships so that they drifted hither and thither in confusion. 8an Fing leaped upon one boat and $illed Deng ,ong. )hen 9iu left the fleet and set out for the shore. ,u 1eng dropped into a small boat and #ent among the larger ships setting them on fire. !hen )hen 9iu had nearly reached the ban$, ,u 1eng rec$less of death #ent after him, got ahead, and struc$ him full in the breast so that he fell. 'efore long Su 3ei came along the ban$ #ith reinforcements, but it #as too late. The armies of the South ,and had already landed, and there #as no hope of repelling them. Su 3ei fled into the open country, but he #as made prisoner.

Su 3ei #as ta$en to Sun &uan #ho ordered that he be put into a cage6cart and $ept till *uang "u should be captured. Then he #ould eAecute the pair. +nd the attac$ #as pressed on. Day and night they #rought to capture 2ia$ou. *e sees his ships cut loose and burned, 'y the Sil$6sailed 7irate he once spurned. 3or *uang "u(s fate, see neAt chapter. Chapter (9 1t "ing@ho& The Son ! -i& Biao Thrice Begs 1dvice; 1t Bowang S#ope The *irecting Instr&ctor P#ans His First Batt#e' Fo# Sun &uan fought against 2ia$ou. !hen *uang "u recogniDed that he #as beaten and could not maintain his position, he abandoned 9iangAia and too$ the road to 9ingDhou. 8an Fing, foreseeing this, had laid an ambush outside the east gate of 9iangAia. Soon after the fugitive, #ith a small follo#ing, had burst out of the gate, he found his road bloc$ed. 3rom horsebac$, *uang "u said, CI treated you #ell in the past. !hy do you no# press me so hardGC 8an Fing angrily shouted, CI did good service for you, and yet you treated me as a pirate. Fo# #hat have you to sayGC There #as nothing to be said, and *uang "u turned his horse to escape. 'ut 8an Fing thrust aside his troops and himself rode in pursuit. Then he heard a shouting in his rear and sa# 8eneral )heng 7u coming up. 3earing lest this other pursuer should overpass him and score the success he desired for himself, 8an Fing fitted an arro# to his bo# and shot at the fugitive. *uang "u #as hit and fell from his steed. Then 8an Fing cut off his head. +fter this, >oining himself to )heng 7u, the t#o returned bearing the ghastly trophy to their lord. Sun &uan ordered them to place it in a boA to be ta$en bac$ home and offered as a sacrifice to the manes of his father. *aving re#arded the soldiers for the victory and promoted 8an Fing, Sun &uan neAt discussed the advisability of sending a force to hold 9iangAia. 'ut his adviser, "hang "hao, said, CIt is impossible to try to hold one distant city alone. It is better to return home and prepare for the eApedition that ,iu 'iao #ill surely send in revenge. !e #ill meet and defeat his #orn army, push home the attac$, and capture his #hole region.C Sun &uan sa# the advice #as #ise, so he left 9iangAia and led his army home to the South ,and. Fo# Su 3ei #as still confined, but he got someone to go to 8an Fing to beg him to plead for mercy. 8an Fing had eApected this although the prisoner had said no #ord, and he #as averse from leaving his friend and one6time protector to perish.

CI should not have forgotten him even if he had said nothing,C said 8an Fing. !hen the army had returned, Sun &uan gave orders for Su 3ei(s eAecution that his head might be offered #ith that of *uang "u. Then 8an Fing #ent in to his lord and said, #eeping, C,ong ago, if it had not been for Su 3ei, my bones #ould have been rotting in some ditch and ho# then could I have rendered service under your bannerG Fo# he deserves death, but I cannot forget his $indness to me, and I pray you ta$e a#ay the honors you have besto#ed on me as a set6off to his crime.C Sun &uan replied, CSince he once sho#ed $indness to you, I #ill pardon him for your sa$e. 'ut #hat can be done if he run a#ayGC CIf he be pardoned and escape death, he #ill be immeasurably grateful and #ill not go a#ay. If he should, then #ill I offer my life in eAchange.C So the condemned man escaped death, and only one head #as offered in sacrifice. +fter the sacrificial ceremonies, a great ban uet #as spread in honor of the victories. +s it #as proceeding, suddenly one of the guests burst into loud lamentations, dre# his s#ord, and rushed upon 8an Fing. 8an Fing hastily rose and defended himself #ith the chair on #hich he had been sitting. The host loo$ed at the assailant and sa# it #as ,ing Tong, #hose father ,ing )ao had fallen under an arro# shot by 8an Fing. The son #as no# burning to avenge his father(s death. *astily leaving his place, Sun &uan chec$ed the angry officer, saying, CIf he sle# your noble father, then remember each #as fighting for his lord for #hom he #as bound to eAert himself to the utmost. 'ut no# that you both are under one flag and are of one house, you may not recall an ancient in>ury. Bou must regard my interests continually.C ,ing Tong beat his head upon the floor and cried, saying, C'ut ho# can I not avenge thisG It is a blood feud, and #e may not both live under the same s$y.C The guests interfered, beseeching the man to forgo his revenge, and at last he ceased from his murderous intention. 'ut he sat glaring #rathfully at his enemy. So soon after 8an Fing #as dispatched #ith five thousand troops and one hundred #arships to guard 2ia$ou, #here he #as beyond the reach of ,ing Tong(s #rath. Then Sun &uan promoted ,ing Tong, and so he #as some#hat appeased. 3rom about this time the South ,and enlarged her fleets, and soldiers #ere sent to various points to guard the river ban$s. The brother of the chieftain, Sun 5uang, #as placed in command at !u>un, and Sun &uan himself, #ith a large army, camped at )haisang. "hou Bu, )ommander6in6)hief of the army and Supreme +dmiral of the navy, #as on the 7oyang ,a$e training the naval forces, and general preparations #ere made for defense and attac$.

'y his spies, ,iu 'ei had tidings of the doings in the lo#er portion of the 8reat River, and $ne# of the death of *uang "u. So he consulted "huge ,iang as to his action. !hile they #ere discussing matters, there arrived a messenger from ,iu 'iao, begging ,iu 'ei to go to see him. "huge ,iang advised him to go and said, CThis call is to consult you about avenging *uang "u. Bou must ta$e me #ith you and let me act as the circumstances direct. There are advantages to be got.C ,eaving 8uan Bu in command at 2inye, ,iu 'ei set forth, ta$ing "hang 3ei #ith five hundred soldiers as his escort. On the #ay he discussed the course of action #ith his adviser, #ho said, C3irst you must than$ ,iu 'iao for having saved you from the evil that )ai 1ao planned against you at 2iangyang. *o#ever, you must not underta$e any eApedition against the South ,and but say you must return to 2inye to put your army in good order.C !ith this admonition ,iu 'ei came to 9ingDhou and #as lodged in the guest6house. "hang 3ei and the escort camped #ithout the #alls. In due course ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang #ere received, and after the customary salutations, ,iu 'ei apologiDed for his conduct at the ban uet. The host said, C!orthy brother, I $no# you #ere the victim of a vile plot; and I should have put the prime mover to death for it, had there not been so universal a prayer for mercy. *o#ever, I remitted that penalty. I hope you do not consider that I #as #rong.C C)ai 1ao hall little to do #ith it. I thin$ it #as due to his subordinates,C replied ,iu 'ei. ,iu 'iao said, C9iangAia is lost, as you $no#, and *uang "u is dead. So I have as$ed you to come that #e might ta$e measures of vengeance.C C*uang "u #as harsh and cruel and never used his people in the proper #ay@ That #as the real cause of his fall. 'ut have you reflected #hat )ao )ao may do on the north if #e attac$ the southGC CI am getting old and #ea$, and I am unable to manage affairs properly. !ill you aid me, brotherG +fter I am gone you #ill have this region.C C!hy do you say this, my brotherG Thin$ you that I am e ual to such a tas$GC *ere "huge ,iang glanced at ,iu 'ei #ho continued, C'ut give me a little time to thin$ it over.C +nd at this point he too$ his leave. !hen they had reached their lodging, "huge ,iang said, C!hy did you decline his offer of the region.C

C*e has al#ays been most $ind and courteous. I could not ta$e advantage of his #ea$ness.C C+ perfectly $ind and gracious lord,C sighed "huge ,iang. Soon after the son of the Imperial 7rotector, ,iu &i, #as announced, and ,iu 'ei received him and led him in. The young man began to #eep, saying, C1y mother cannot bear the sight of me. 1y very life is in danger. )an you not save me, HncleGC C1y #orthy nephe#, this is a family affair. Bou should not come to me.C "huge ,iang #ho #as present, smiled. ,iu 'ei turned to him to $no# #hat he should do. CThis is a family affair. I cannot touch it=C replied "huge ,iang. The young man soon left, and #hen ,iu 'ei #as saying good6bye, he #hispered, CI #ill get "huge ,iang to return your call, and you can do so and so. *e #ill advise you.C ,iu &i than$ed him and left. FeAt day #hen the call #as to be returned, ,iu 'ei pretended to be suffering from colic and made that an eAcuse to send "huge ,iang to return the call. The adviser #ent, and #hen he had reached the palace, dismounted, and #as led in, ,iu &i conducted him into one of the inner rooms. !hen the tea had been brought, ,iu &i said, CI am an ob>ect of my stepmother(s disli$e. )an you advise me #hat to doGC C+s a mere stranger guest, I can hardly have anything to do #ith your o#n (bone and flesh( matters. If I did, and the story got abroad, much harm might ensue.C !ith this he rose to ta$e leave. 'ut ,iu &i #as un#illing to say fare#ell, and he said, CBour glory has turned in my direction. Bou cannot mean to go a#ay so pointlessly.C ,iu &i led his visitor into a private chamber and had refreshments brought. !hile they ate and dran$, ,iu &i repeated his first re uest@ !hat #as he to do since his stepmother disli$ed him. CIt is not the sort of thing I can advise in,C replied "huge ,iang, as he rose for the second time to ta$e leave. C1aster, if you #ill not reply, that is #ell. 'ut #hy incontinently leave meGC

So the adviser once more seated himself, and ,iu &i said, CThere is an ancient #riting I should li$e to sho# you.C +nd he led his visitor to a small upper room. C!here is the #ritingGC said "huge ,iang. Instead of ans#ering ,iu &i #ept, saying, C1y stepmother cannot bear me. 1y life is in danger. O 1aster, #ill you not say a #ord to save meGC "huge ,iang flushed and rose to go a#ay. 'ut he found the ladder by #hich they had mounted had been removed. +gain ,iu &i besought some advice, saying, C1aster, you fear lest it may get abroad= Is that #hy you are silentG *ere #e are bet#een earth and s$y, and #hat you say #ill come out of your mouth directly into my ear. Fo other soul can hear. Fo# can you tell me #hat to doGC CSo# not dissension among relatives,C said "huge ,iang. CIs it possible for me to ma$e any plan for youGC CThen is my life indeed in danger,C said the young man. CI #ill die at your feet.C So saying, ,iu &i pulled out a dagger and threatened to ma$e an end of himself. "huge ,iang chec$ed him, saying, CThere is a #ay.C CI pray you tell me.C CBou have heard of the old tale of the brothers Shen Sheng and )hong 4r%, have you notG Shen Sheng stayed at home and died; his brother )hong 4r #ent a#ay and lived in peace. Fo# that *uang "u is gone and 9iangAia is #ea$ly defended, #hy do you not as$ to be sent there to guard itG Then you #ould be out of the #ay of harm.C ,iu &i than$ed him. Then he called to his people to restore the ladder, and he escorted "huge ,iang do#n to the level ground. "huge ,iang returned to ,iu 'ei and related the #hole intervie#. The young man soon acted on the advice given him, but his father #ould not at first consent to let him go. To settle his doubts ,iu 'iao sent for ,iu 'ei, #ho said, C9iangAia is important, and your son is the most suitable man to defend it. Bou must let him go. The southeast #ill be defended by your son. The north#est I #ill loo$ after.C CI hear that )ao )ao has been training a naval force, and I am afraid he has intentions against us. !e must be on our guard.C

CI $no# all about it. Bou need feel no anAiety,C said ,iu 'ei. *e too$ leave of his relative and #ent home #hile ,iu &i received command of three thousand soldiers and #ent to guard 9iangAia. +t this time )ao )ao suppressed the three highest officers of state and eAercised their functions himself as the 7rime 1inister. *e appointed as his general secretaries 1ao 9ie and )ui Ban, and as literary secretary Sima Bi. Sima Bi of *enei #as grandson of Sima 9uan, 8overnor of Bingchuan; son of Sima 3ang, 8overnor of 9ingDhao; and younger brother of Sima ,ang, Secretary 8eneral. )ao )ao then called his officers to a council to discuss an eApedition against the south. 2iahou Dun opened the debate, saying, C,iu 'ei is drilling his army at 2inye, and is a source of danger. *e should be destroyed.C +ccordingly 2iahou Dun #as appointed )ommanding 8eneral, and four assistants666Bu 9in, ,i Dian, 2iahou ,an, and *an *ao666#ere given him. !ith these he led one hundred thousand troops to 'o#ang, #hence he could observe 2inye. 2un Bu #as opposed to this and said, C,iu 'ei is a famous #arrior, and he has lately ta$en to himself as his Directing Instructor "huge ,iang. )aution is needed.C 2iahou Dun replied, C,iu 'ei is a mean rat. I #ill certainly ta$e him prisoner.C CDo not despise him,C said 2u Shu. CRemember he has "huge ,iang to help him, and so he is li$e a tiger #ho has gro#n #ings.C )ao )ao said, C!ho is this "huge ,iangGC C*e has ta$en a Taoist cognomen of Sleeping Dragon. *e is a perfect genius, god and devil combined, the greatest marvel of the age. Do not despise him.C C*o# does he stand as compared #ith youGC as$ed )ao )ao. CThere is no comparison. I am a mere glo#6#orm spar$; he is the glory of the full moon,C replied 2u Shu. CBou are mista$en,C replied 2iahou Dun. CThis "huge ,iang of yours is of no account. !ho #ould fear himG If I do not ta$e him and his master prisoners in the first battle, then here is my head, a free gift to our lord, the 7rime 1inister.C C*asten to comfort me #ith ne#s of victory,C said )ao )ao. 2iahou Dun hastened to depart.

The advent of "huge ,iang and the eAtravagant deference sho#n him did not please ,iu 'ei(s s#orn brothers #ho grumbled, saying, C*e is very young, although he is clever and learned. Our brother really treats him too #ell. !e have not seen any evidence of his #onderful s$ill.C ,iu 'ei replied, CBou do not $no# his #orth. I have him as if the fish has got into the #ater again. 7ray do not discuss this matter further, my brothers.C They #ithdre#, silent but dissatisfied. One day a man presented ,iu 'ei #ith a ya$(s tail, and he at once put it in his cap as an ornament. "huge ,iang came in and noticed it at once. CThen you have renounced all ambitions, my lord. Bou are >ust going to attend to this sort of thing,C "huge ,iang uietly remar$ed. ,iu 'ei snatched off his cap and flung it a#ay, saying, CI #as only amusing myself #ith the thing.C C*o# do you thin$ you stand compared #ith )ao )aoGC as$ed "huge ,iang. CInferior.C CBes; your army is less than ten thousand, and the chances are ten thousand to one that he #ill attac$. *o# can #e meet himGC CI am greatly distressed about it, but I see no #ay.C CBou might recruit, and I #ill train them. Then #e might be able to oppose him.C So recruiting began and three thousand #ere enlisted. "huge ,iang set about drilling them diligently. Soon they heard that 2iahou Dun #as leading an army of one hundred thousand troops against them. !hen he heard it, "hang 3ei said to his brother, 8uan Bu, C!e #ill get this "huge ,iang to go and fight them.C 9ust at that moment they #ere summoned to their brother, #ho as$ed their advice. C!hy not send the (!ater,( brotherGC said "hang 3ei. C3or method I rely on "huge ,iang; but for action I put my faith in you, my brothers. +re you going to fail meGC

They #ent out, and "huge ,iang #as called. CI fear your brothers #ill not obey me,C said "huge ,iang. C!herefore, if I am to direct the campaign, you must give me a seal of office and a s#ord of authority.C So ,iu 'ei gave him both. +rmed #ith these ensigns of po#er, "huge ,iang assembled the officers to receive their orders. C!e #ill go >ust to see #hat he #ill do,C said "hang 3ei to 8uan Bu. In the assembly "huge ,iang spo$e, saying, COn the left of 'o#ang are Bushan *ills. On the right is +nlin 3orest. There #e #ill prepare an ambush. 8uan Bu #ill go to Bushan *ills #ith one thousand soldiers. *e is to remain there uiescent till the enemy has passed; but #hen he sees a flame in the south, that #ill be the signal to attac$. *e #ill first burn their baggage train. "hang 3ei #ill go to a valley behind +nlin 3orest. !hen he sees the signal, he is to go to the old stores depot at 'o#ang and burn that. ,iu 3eng and 8uan 7ing #ill ta$e five hundred soldiers each to the south, prepare combustibles and be ready #ith them beyond 'o#ang Slope. The enemy #ill arrive about dus$, and then the t#o generals can start the blare. "hao Bun, no# recalled from 3ancheng, is to lead the attac$, but he is to lose and not #in. +nd our lord is to command the reserve. See that each one obeys these orders and let there be no mista$es.C Then said 8uan Bu, C+ll of us are to go out to meet the enemy, but I have not yet heard #hat you are going to do.C CI am going to guard the city.C "hang 3ei burst into a laugh, C!e are to go out to bloody battle, and you are to stay uietly at home uite comfortable.C C*ere is the s#ord and here the seal=C replied the strategist, displaying the emblems of authority. CDisobedience of orders #ill be death.C ,iu 'ei said, CDo you not understand that the plans elaborated in a little chamber decide success over thousands of milesG Do not disobey the command, my brothers.C "hang 3ei #ent out smiling cynically. 8uan Bu remar$ed, C,et us a#ait the result. If he fails, then #e can loo$ to it.C The brothers left. Fone of the officers understood anything of the general line of strategy and, though they obeyed orders, they #ere not #ithout doubts and misgivings. "huge ,iang said to ,iu 'ei, CBou may no# lead your soldiers to the hills and camp till the enemy shall arrive tomorro# evening. Then you are to abandon the camp and move a#ay retreating till

the signal is seen. Then you #ill advance and attac$ #ith all force. 1i "hu, 1i 3ang, and I #ill guard the city.C In the city "huge ,iang prepared ban uets to celebrate the victory and also prepared the boo$s to record eAceptional services. ,iu 'ei noted all these things, but his heart #as also troubled not a little. )ao )ao(s army of one hundred thousand troops in due course reached 'o#ang. Then half of them, the veterans, #ere told off for the first attac$, and the remainder #ere to guard the baggage train and supplies. Thus they marched in t#o divisions. The season #as autumn and a chilly #ind began to blo#. They pressed for#ard. 7resently they sa# a cloud of dust ahead of them, and 2iahou Dun ordered the ran$s to be reformed. *e uestioned the guides as to the name of the place. CThe place in front is 'o#ang Slope, and behind us is the River ,uo,C #as the reply. Then 2iahou Dun rode to the front to reconnoiter, leaving Bu 9in and ,i Dian to finish setting out the battle array. 7resently 2iahou Dun began to laugh and, #hen they as$ed the cause of this merriment, he replied, C2u Shu praised "huge ,iang to the very s$ies as something more than human. 'ut no# that I see ho# he has placed his soldiers and the stuff he has put into his vanguard, it seems to me that he is sending dogs or sheep against tigers and leopards. I bragged a little #hen I said I #ould ta$e him prisoner, but I am going to ma$e good my boast.C Then he rode for#ard at full speed. "hao Bun rode to meet him, and 2iahou Dun opened a volley of abuse, CBou lot, follo#ers of ,iu 'ei, are only li$e #raiths follo#ing devils=C This angered "hao Bun and a combat began. In a little time "hao Bun turned and retreated as if he #as #orsted. 2iahou Dun pressed after him and $ept up the chase for some three miles. Then "hao Bun suddenly turned again and offered fight, but only to retreat after a fe# passes. Seeing these tactics *an *ao, one of 2iahou Dun(s generals, rode up to his chief and urged him to use caution, saying, CI fear he is trying to lead us into an ambush.C C!ith such antagonists as these, I should not fear even Ten +mbushes,C replied 2iahou Dun, pressing for#ard eagerly. 9ust as he reached the slope, he heard the roar of a bomb and out came ,iu 'ei to attac$.

C*ere is your ambush=C said 2iahou Dun, laughing. CI #ill get to 2inye this evening before I have done.C 2iahou Dun urged his soldiers for#ard, and his opponents retired in measure as he advanced. +s evening came on, thic$ clouds overcast the #hole s$y. The #ind increased but the leader still urged his troops after the retreating foe. The t#o generals in the rear came to a narro# part of the road #ith reeds and rushes thic$ all round them. CThose #ho despise the enemy are beaten,C said ,i Dian to Bu 9in. C+#ay south there the roads are narro#, and streams and mountains ma$e the country difficult. The forests are dense, and if the enemy used fire #e should be lost.C CBou are right,C replied Bu 9in. CI #ill get on and #arn the )ommanding 8eneral. 7erhaps he #ill stop. Bou can halt those #ho come up.C Bu 9in rode for#ard shouting at the top of his voice, C*alt the train=C 2iahou Dun sa# him coming up and as$ed #hat #as the matter. Bu 9in said, CThe roads here are narro# and difficult. +round us are thic$ forests. !hat if they use fireGC 2iahou Dun(s ferocity had then some#hat abated and he turned his steed to#ard his main body. Then there arose a shout behind him. + rushing noise came from in the reeds and great tongues of flame shot up here and there. These spread and soon the fire #as in Cthe four uarters and the eight sides,C and fanned by a strong #ind. 2iahou Dun(s troops #ere thro#n into confusion and trampled each other do#n. 1any perished. "hao Bun turned on them again to ma$e a slaughter. 2iahou Dun dashed through the fire and smo$e to escape. Fo# ,i Dian sa# that things #ere going very badly, so he turned to get bac$ to 'o#ang but fell upon a body of troops in the #ay, led by 8uan Bu. *e desperately dashed into their midst and managed to get clear. Bu 9in sa# the supplies #ere being destroyed and there #as nothing left to guard, so he escaped along a bye6path. T#o other generals, #ho came to try to save the baggage train, met "hang 3ei; and 2iahou ,an #as slain forth#ith, but *an *ao managed to flee. FeAt morning the countryside #as stre#n #ith corpses and drenched #ith blood. The armies met on 'o#ang Slope +nd "huge ,iang fought #ith fire; + perfect strategist, he bent +ll humans to his desire.

'ut poor )ao )ao, his enemy, *e trembled in his shoes 'efore the man, #ho(d never fought 'ut yet could armies use. 2iahou Dun dre# up the battered remains of his army and led them bac$ to 2uchang. "huge ,iang ordered his armies to collect. +s 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei rode home#ard, they confessed, saying, C"huge ,iang is really a fine strategist=C 'efore long they sa# 1i "hu and 1i 3ang leading out a small body of soldiers. +mong them #as a light carriage in #hich the Directing Instructor "huge ,iang #as seating. 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei dismounted and bo#ed before him. The remaining bodies came in. The spoil #as distributed among the soldiers and all returned to 2inye, #here the populace lined the roads to bid them #elcome. C!e o#e our lives to the 7rince=C they cried to ,iu 'ei. Said "huge ,iang, C2iahou Dun has been driven off, but )ao )ao #ill come #ith a stronger force.C C+nd #hat shall #e doGC replied ,iu 'ei. C1y plan is uite ready,C said "huge ,iang. +l#ays battles, no#here rest for horse or human; 1ust rely on ruses, dodging #here one can. The plan prepared against )ao )ao #ill be unfolded in the neAt chapter. Chapter /< -ad4 Cai ,eno&nces "ing@ho&; Zh&ge -iang B&rns :in4e' !hen ,iu 'ei as$ed ho# his adviser hoped to repel )ao )ao, "huge ,iang replied, C2inye is a small city and unfitted for our lengthy occupation. ,iu 'iao is ill and failing fast, so this is the time to ta$e his region as a base #here #e may be safe against )ao )ao.C CBou spea$ #ell, but ,iu 'iao has sho#n me great $indness, and I could not bear to serve him an ill turn.C CIf you do not ta$e this opportunity, you #ill regret it ever after,C said "huge ,iang. CI #ould rather perish than do #hat is #rong.C

C!e #ill discuss it again,C replied "huge ,iang. !hen 2iahou Dun reached the capital, he presented himself to his master in bonds and craved death. 'ut his master loosed him and let him tell his tale. +nd 2iahou Dun said, CI #as the victim of "huge ,iang(s evil machinations@ *e attac$ed #ith fire.C C+s a soldier from your youth, you should have remembered that fire #as a li$ely #eapon in narro# roads.C C,i Dian and Bu 9in reminded me. I am sorry enough no#.C )ao )ao re#arded ,i Dian and Bu 9in #ho had #arned their leader. C,iu 'ei as strong as he is no# certainly is a menace to our eAistence, and he must be uic$ly destroyed,C said 2iahou Dun. C*e is one of my anAieties,C replied )ao )ao. CSun &uan is the other. The rest do not count. !e must ta$e this chance to s#eep the south clean.C Then orders #ere issued to prepare an army of five hundred thousand troops, in five divisions of ten legions each. 4ach division had t#o leaders@ )ao Ren and )ao *ong #ere in command of the first division; "hang ,iao and "hang *e, the second; 2iahou Dun and 2iahou Buan, the third; Bu 9in and ,i Dian, the fourth. The fifth body #as led by )ao )ao himself. The van #as commanded by 2u )hu. The ChorseC day of the seventh moon of the thirteenth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity #as fiAed for the march -+D ./<0. The *igh 1inister, 5ong Rong, offered a remonstrance. *e said, C,iu 'ei and ,iu 'iao are both of the Imperial *ouse and should not be attac$ed #ithout grave reasons. Sun &uan in the siA territories of the South ,and is terrible as a crouching tiger and, #ith the 8reat River as his defense, he is very secure. If, Sir 7rime 1inister, you underta$e this un>ustifiable eApedition, you #ill forfeit the respect of the #orld, I fear.C C+ll three of them are disobedient ministers and rebels, and ho# can I fail to punish themGC replied )ao )ao. )ao )ao #as angry, and bade the adviser go from his presence. 7resently )ao )ao gave formal orders that he #ould put to death anyone #ho remonstrated on the sub>ect of his eApedition. 5ong Rong #ent forth from the 7alace sadly. )asting his eyes up to heaven, he cried, C!here is the chance of success #hen the perfectly inhumane attac$s the perfectly humaneG *e must be defeated=C

One of the clients of the Imperial Inspector )hi ,u, #hom 5ong Rong had al#ays treated contemptuously and disdainfully, happened to hear this apostrophe and told his patron #ho carried the tale to )ao )ao. )hi ,u also added to it, saying, C5ong Rong habitually spea$s disrespectfully of the )hief 1inister and has been very friendly #ith 1i *eng. In fact the insults that 1i *eng had hurled at you had been deliberately arranged and intrigued by 5ong Rong. 5ong Rong and 1i *eng seemed to admire each other hugely, and 1i *eng used to say, ()onfucius is not dead, because 5ong Rong is he,( and the other used to reply, (+nd his treasured disciple, Ban *ui, has risen again, because 1i *eng is he.(C )hi ,u(s tale angered )ao )ao, #ho ordered the arrest eAecution of the high minister. Fo# 5ong Rong had t#o sons, both young, #ho #ere sitting at home playing chess, #hen one of their servants ran in and said, CBour father has >ust been carried off for eAecution. !hy do you not run a#ayGC The youths replied, C!hen the nest is pulled do#n, are the eggs left unbro$enGC 4ven at that moment the same eAecutors came and carried off the #hole household. The t#o youths #ere beheaded. The father(s corpse #as eAposed in the streets. 1inister "hi 2i #ept over the corpse. This public eAhibition of sympathy re$indled )ao )ao(s anger, and he #as going to punish it #ith death. *o#ever, this additional punishment #as prevented by +dviser 2un Bu, #ho said, CBou should not slay a righteous man #ho came to mourn over his friend(s corpse. "hi 2i had often #arned 5ong Rong against the danger his severe rectitude might lead him into.C "hi 2i too$ up the remains of father and sons and buried them. 5ong Rong, #ho d#elt on the north sea shore, + noble reputation bore; !ith him all guests #arm #elcome found, +nd ceaselessly the #ine #ent round. 3or s$ill in letters he #as famed, In speech, he du$es and princes shamed, *istorians his merits tell, Recorders say that he did #ell. +fter #rea$ing his #rath on 5ong Rong, )ao )ao issued the order to march. 2un Bu #as left in command of the capital.

+bout this time the Imperial 7rotector of 9ingDhou became seriously ill, and he summoned ,iu 'ei to his chamber. ,iu 'ei #ent accompanied by his t#o brothers, 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei, and Directing Instructor "huge ,iang. ,iu 'iao said, CThe disease has attac$ed my very vitals, and my time is short. I confide my orphans to your guardianship. 1y sons is unfit to succeed to my place, and I pray you, my brother, administer the region after my death.C ,iu 'ei #ept, saying, CI #ill do my utmost to help my nephe#s. !hat else could I do, indeedGC 4ven at this moment came the ne#s of the march of )ao )ao(s armies, and ,iu 'ei, ta$ing hasty leave of his $insman, #as forced to hurry to his station. The evil tidings aggravated the sic$ man(s condition, and he began to ma$e his last arrangements. In his testament he appointed ,iu 'ei the guardian of his son ,iu &i, #ho #as to succeed in the lordship. This arrangement greatly angered his #ife, ,ady )ai. She closed the inner doors against all and confided to her o#n partisans, of #hom )ai 1ao and "hang Bun #ere her confidants, the $eeping of the outer gates. The heir #as at 9iangAia, and he came to ma$e filial in uiries as soon as his father(s condition became serious. 'ut )ai 1ao refused him admittance and said, CBour father sent you to guard 9iangAia. Such a very responsible post should by no means have been uitted #ithout orders. Suppose it #as attac$ed, #hat might not happenG If your father sees you, he #ill be very angry, and it #ill ma$e him #orse. That #ould be most undutiful, and you should return to your command at once.C ,iu &i stood out for some time, but admittance #as denied him in spite of his tears. So he returned to his post. 1ean#hile ,iu 'iao rapidly gre# #orse. *e anAiously loo$ed for his son, but ,iu &i came not. Suddenly ,iu 'iao uttered piercing shrie$s and then passed a#ay. !hen the Buans #ere lords of the north, +nd ,iu 'iao held the ban$ of the river, It seemed, so strong #ere they both, That they #ould endure forever. 'ut the family affairs troubled their states, +nd, meddling, confusion made; It #as mournful indeed to see *o# uic$ly the houses decayed. So Imperial 7rotector ,iu 'iao died. Then the #ido# and her partisans too$ counsel together and forged a testament conferring the lordship of 9ingDhou on the second son ,iu "ong before they published the ne#s of the death.

The #rongful heir #as then fourteen years of age. 'ut he #as a cunning boy, so he assembled the officials and said, C1y father has passed a#ay, and my elder brother is at 9iangAia. 1ore than that, our uncle is at 2inye. Bou have made me lord, but if my brother and uncle come here #ith an army to punish me for usurping the lordship, #hat eAplanation can I offerGC +t first no one replied. Then +dviser ,i 8ui rose and said, CBou spea$ #ell. Fo# hasten to send letters of mourning to your brother and as$ him to come and ta$e his inheritance. +lso call upon ,iu 'ei to come and assist in the administration. Then shall #e be safe against our enemies666)ao )ao on the north and Sun &uan on the south. I consider this the most eAcellent plan.C 'ut )ai 1ao replied harshly, C!ho are you to spea$ thus #ildly and oppose the testament of our late lordGC ,i 8ui began to abuse him, saying, CBou and your party have fabricated this testament, setting aside the rightful heir. Fo# the #hole region is in the hands of the )ai family. If our dead lord $ne# your doings, he #ould slay you=C )ai 1ao ordered the lictors to ta$e ,i 8ui a#ay to eAecution. *e #as hurried out, but his tongue ceased not. So the younger son #as placed in his father(s seat, and the )ai clan shared among them the #hole military authority of the region. The defense of 9ingDhou #as confided to ,iu 2in and Deng Bi, #hile ,ady )ai and her son too$ up their residence in 2iangyang so as to be out of the reach of the rightful heir and his uncle. They interred the remains of the late Imperial 7rotector on the east of 2iangyang, near the ban$ of the *an River. Fo notice of the death #as sent to ,iu &i, the son, or to ,iu 'ei, his uncle. ,iu "ong arrived at 2iangyang, but, before he had had time to recover from the fatigue of the >ourney, the startling ne#s of the approach of )ao )ao(s great army came in. *e summoned 5uai Bue and )ai 1ao and others to as$ counsel. One of the secretaries, 3u 2uan, offered his advice, saying, CFot only are #e threatened by a great army from the north, but the elder son, #ho is the real heir, at 9iangAia, and his uncle at 2inye, are to be rec$oned #ith. These t#o have not been notified of the death, and they #ill resent that. !e shall be in sad case if they also march against us. 'ut if you #ill adopt my suggestion, then our people #ill be as steady as Taishan 1ountains and our young lord(s position and ran$ #ill be assured.C C!hat is your planGC as$ed the young lord. CTo offer the #hole region to )ao )ao, #ho #ill treat our young master most liberally.C

C!hat advice=C said ,iu "ong angrily. C+m I to yield my heritage to another before I have even fairly succeeded to itGC CThe advice is good,C said 5uai Bue. COpportunism is a policy, and possibilities need consideration. In the name of government, )ao )ao is fighting against his neighbors. If our lord opposes him, he #ill be termed contumacious. 'eside, any misfortune on our borders before our young lord is #ell established #ill react upon the internal administration, and our people #ill be panic6stric$en at the mere ne#s of the approach of a hostile army. *o# could #e then offer any resistanceGC ,iu "ong replied, CIt is not that I disagree #ith you, but I should be a laughing stoc$ to the #hole #orld #ere I to abandon my heritage #ithout an effort.C *e #as interrupted by a spea$er #ho said, CIf their advice is good, #hy not follo# itGC They turned to#ard the spea$er #ho #as a certain !ang )an of Shanyang, a lean, cadaverous individual much belo# the middle height of a man. *o#ever, his talents did not conform to his physical appearance. !hen he #as yet a youth, he #ent to visit 1inister )ai Bong, then a vice6chairman of the Secretariat; and although many guests of eAalted ran$ #ere present, the host hastened to #elcome the ne#comer #ith the greatest deference. The others #ere astonished and as$ed #hy he #as so respectful to a mere youth. C*e is a young man #ith the highest gifts,C said )ai Bong. !ang )an #as #idely read and had a most retentive memory, better than any of his contemporaries. If he glanced at a roadside monument as he passed, he remembered every #ord of the inscription. If he sa# people playing chess and the board #as suddenly overthro#n, he could replace every pip in its proper place. *e #as a good mathematician and his poems #ere eA uisite. +t seventeen he #as appointed a court official but did not ta$e up the appointment. !hen the disturbance in the empire gre# serious, he sought refuge in 9ingDhou, #here he #as received #ith great honor as guest of the Imperial 7rotector. !hat he said #as this, C8eneral, ho# do you compare #ith )ao )aoGC CInferior,C replied ,iu "ong. !ang )an continued, C)ao )ao has many soldiers and bold leaders. *e is able and resourceful. *e too$ ,u 'u at 2iapi and bro$e the po#er of Buan Shao at 8uandu. *e pursued ,iu 'ei into ,ongyou and destroyed 1ao Dun at !hite !olf *ills. The destruction of such firmly established men sho#s his invincible character. Fo# he is on the #ay here, and it #ill be very difficult to #ithstand him. The plan proposed is the best you can eApect, and you should not delay and hesitate till it is too late for ought but regret.C C!orthy Sir, you indeed spea$ to the point. I must inform my mother,C said the young ruler.

'ut >ust then they sa# his mother appear from behind a screen. She had been listening to all that #as said. C!hy refer to me #hen three such gentlemen coincide in their opinionsGC said ,ady )ai. So ,iu "ong decided, and the letter of surrender #as composed and entrusted to one Song "hong to convey secretly to )ao )ao. Song "hong #ent straight to !ancheng and presented the letter. It #as received #ith >oy, and the bearer #ell re#arded. The submission #as accepted, and )ao )ao said, CTell ,iu "ong to go out to meet me in the open country, and he #ill be in perpetual tenure of his land.C Song "hong left the city and too$ the home#ard #ay. *e had nearly reached the ferry #hen he fell in #ith a party of horse. On a closer loo$ he sa# the leader #as 8uan Bu. The messenger tried to escape observation, but #as presently captured and ta$en to the leader to be uestioned. +t first he prevaricated but on being closely uestioned told the #hole story. Then he #as carried off to 2inye and made to retell his story to ,iu 'ei #ho heard it #ith lamentations. "hang 3ei said, CThis being so, I propose that #e put this fello# to death, then cross the river, attac$ 2iangyang, and ma$e an end of the )ai tribe and ,iu "ong as #ell. Then #e can attac$ )ao )ao.C 'ut ,iu 'ei replied, C*old on. I have something more to say.C Then turning to the prisoner, ,iu 'ei shouted, C!hen they did all this, #hy did you not come to tell meG +s things are no#, there is nothing to be gained by $illing you. Bou may go.C Song "hong stammered his than$s, thre# his arms over his head, and ran a#ay. ,iu 'ei #as very sad. 7resently Bi 9i from 9iangAia #as announced. ,iu 'ei #as very fond of this man and #ent do#n the steps to #elcome him. Then said Bi 9i, CThe heir has heard that his father is dead, but his stepmother and her family are $eeping bac$ the ne#s so that they may set up ,iu "ong. *e $no#s the ne#s is true, as he sent a special messenger to find out. *e thin$s you, O 7rince, may not $no# and has sent me to inform you, and his letter begs you to lead all the troops you can to 2iangyang to help him assert his claims.C ,iu 'ei opened and read the letter. Then he said, CBes; you $no# that the younger son has usurped the lordship, but you have not heard that he has already sent to offer 9ingDhou to )ao )ao.C This ne#s shoc$ed Bi 9i, #ho as$ed, C*o# $no# you thisGC

,iu 'ei told of the capture of Song "hong. Bi 9i said, CBou can go to 2iangyang as if to attend the mourning ceremonies and so dra# ,iu "ong into coming out of the city to #elcome you. Then you can seiDe him, slay his party, and ta$e the region.C CBour advice is good,C said "huge ,iang, Cand my lord ought to ta$e it.C ,iu 'ei #ept, saying, CIn his last intervie#, my brother confided his son and heir to my care. If I lay hands upon another son and seiDe upon the inheritance, ho# shall I be able to loo$ my brother in the face #hen I meet him by and by beyond the graveGC CIf you do not act in this #ay no#, ho# #ill you repel )ao )ao, #ho has already reached !anchengGC said "huge ,iang. COur best plan is to ta$e refuge in 3ancheng,C replied ,iu 'ei. 9ust about this time the spies came to say that )ao )ao(s army had reached 'o#ang. So Bi 9i #as sent off #ith instructions to ta$e measures for the defense of 9iangAia, #hile ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang discussed plans for meeting the enemy. "huge ,iang said, C1y lord should not #orry. !e have burned the army of )ao )ao at 'o#ang Slope, so #e #ill see them fallen into another ruse in 2inye. This is no place to live in. !e #ill move over to 3ancheng.C Then notices #ere posted at all the gates that all the people, #ithout any eAception, #ere to follo# their ruler at once to the ne# city to escape danger. 'oats #ere prepared and the people sent a#ay under the direction of Sun &ian. 1i "hu sa# to the safe conveyance of the families of the officials. Then the officers assembled for orders. "huge ,iang gave directions, C8uan Bu is to go to the upper of the !hite River #ith one thousand troops. *is men are to carry bags to fill #ith sand and earth to dam the river till the enemy shall be heard, about the third #atch neAt day. Then the #aters are to be freed to dro#n one of the armies. *e is then to march do#n river. C"hang 3ei is to go to the 'oling 3erry, #here the current is slo#. +fter the #aters of the !hite River have been let loose on )ao )ao(s soldiers, they #ill try to get over the river at the ferry. They are to be attac$ed by "hang 3ei and his one thousand troops. C"hao Bun is to divide three thousand troops into four parties and ta$e one to the east gate. The other three are for the other gates. The roofs of the houses #ithin the city #alls are piled #ith sulfur, saltpeter, and other combustibles. The intention is to set fire to the city #hen the army of the enemy has entered it for shelter. There #ill be a strong breeDe neAt day in the evening #hich

#ill fan the flames. !hen this #ind begins to blo#, fire arro#s are to be shot into the city from all sides. !hen the flames are high, there is to be a great shouting outside to add to the general terror. The east gate is to be left free for escape, but the flying men are to be smitten after passing the gate. C1i 3ang and ,iu 3eng are to ta$e command of t#o thousand troops, one half #ith red flags and the other half #ith blue. They are to go to 1agpie Tail Slope, about ten miles from the city and camp. !hen they see )ao )ao(s army coming along, the red flags are to move left and the blue right to confuse the enemy so that they shall be afraid to advance further. Then an ambush is to be laid to smite the enemy #hen the fire in 2inye starts. +fter that 1i 3ang and ,iu 3eng are to go to the river to meet us. C+fter the battle, all generals shall gather at 3ancheng.C +ll the orders given, the various leaders #ent their #ay to ta$e up their positions and a#ait the burning of the city. "huge ,iang and ,iu 'ei #ent a#ay to an eminence #hence they could #atch #hat happened and #here they #ould a#ait the reports of victory. )ao *ong and )ao Ren, #ith their one hundred thousand troops, preceded by 2u )hu leading three thousand of mailed men, marched to#ard 2inye. They formed a mighty host and reached 1agpie Tail Slope about noon. ,oo$ing ahead, they sa# #hat seemed a goodly army #ith many blue and red flags. 2u )hu pressed for#ard. +s he neared, the flags moved from side to side, and he hesitated. *e began to thin$, CIt could be an ambush. It is un#ise to advance.C 3inally 2u )hu decided to go no farther and called a halt, and he rode bac$ to the main body to see )ao Ren. CThose troops are only ma$e6believe,C said )ao Ren. C+dvance, there is no ambush. I #ill hasten up the supports.C So 2u )hu rode to his o#n command again and advanced. !hen he reached the #ood #here he had seen the flags, he sa# no one at all. It #as then late in the afternoon but he decided to move on. Then he heard from the hills the sound of musical instruments and, loo$ing up, sa# on the hill top t#o umbrellas surrounded by many banners. There sat ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang uietly drin$ing. +ngry at their coolness, 2u )hu sought for a #ay up, but logs of #ood and great stones #ere thro#n do#n, and he #as driven bac$. 3urther, from the rear of the hills came a confused roar. *e could find no #ay to attac$, and the sun began to set. Then )ao Ren and )ao *ong arrived and ordered an attac$ on 2inye that he might have a place to rest in. They marched to the #alls and found the gates #ide open. They entered and found a deserted city. Fo one #as visible.

CThis sho#s they are done,C said )ao *ong. CThey have all run a#ay, people and all. !e may as #ell occupy the city and rest our soldiers ready for tomorro#.C The soldiers #ere fatigued #ith marching and hungry as #ell, so they lost no time in scattering among the houses and setting about preparing food in the deserted $itchens. The leaders too$ up their uarters in the state residence to rest. +fter the first #atch the #ind began to blo#. Soon after the gate guards reported that a fire had started. CThe careless men have let spar$s fly about,C said )ao Ren. *e thought no more about it >ust then, but along came other reports of li$e nature, and soon he realiDed that fires brea$ing out in all uarters #ere not due to accident. So he gave orders to evacuate the city. Soon the #hole city seemed on fire, and a red glo# hung in the s$y. The army #as beset #ith fire fiercer than #hat 2iahou Dun had eAperienced at 'o#ang Slope. Thrice #ic$ed #as )ao )ao, but he #as bold; Though all in the capital he controlled, Bet #ith this he #as not content, So south#ard his ravaging army #ent. 'ut, the autumn #ind aiding, the Spirit of 3ire !rought to his army destruction dire. Officers and troops dashing through the smo$e and fire in utter confusion sought some #ay of escape, and hearing that the east gate #as free, they made for that uarter. Out they rushed pell6 mell, many being trodden do#n and trampled to death. Those #ho got through too$ the road to the east. 'ut presently there #as a shouting behind them, and "hao Bun(s company came up and attac$ed. Then )ao )ao(s troops scattered, each fleeing for his life. Fo stand #as made. + little later 1i 3ang and ,iu 3eng came to ta$e another toll. The fleeing )ao Ren then had very fe# follo#ers, and those left him #ere scorched and burned. They directed their #ay to the !hite River, >oyfully remembering that the river #as shallo# and fordable. +nd they #ent do#n into the stream and dran$ their fill, humans shouting and horses neighing. 1eantime 8uan Bu, higher up its course, had dammed the river #ith sandbags so that its #aters #ere collected in a la$e. To#ard evening he had seen the red glo# of the burning city and began to loo$ out for his signal. +bout the fourth #atch, he heard do#n stream the sounds of soldiers and horse and at once ordered the brea$ing of the dam. The #ater rushed do#n in a torrent and over#helmed the men >ust then in the bed of the river. 1any #ere s#ept a#ay and dro#ned. Those #ho escaped made their #ay to #here the stream ran gently and got a#ay.

7resently )ao Ren and his troops reached the 'oling 3erry. *ere, #here they thought there #ould be safety, they found the road barred. CBou )ao )ao brigands=C shouted "hang 3ei. C)ome and receive your fate=C !ithin the city the red flame leaps out; On the river ban$ burning anger is met. !hat happened #ill appear in later chapters. Chapter /1 -i& Bei -eads His Peop#e ver The ,iver; Zhao +&n ,esc&es The Chi#d -ord 1t *ang4ang' The last chapter closed #ith the attac$ made by "hang 3ei as soon as his brother had let loose the #aters on the doomed army. *e met #ith 2u )hu and a combat began, but a fight #ith such a #arrior #as not to 2u )hu(s taste and he ran a#ay. "hang 3ei follo#ed till he came upon ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang, and the three #ent upstream till they came to the boats that had been prepared by ,iu 3eng and 1i 3ang, #hen they all crossed over and marched to#ard 3ancheng. +s soon as they disembar$ed, "huge ,iang ordered the boats and rafts to be burned. )ao Ren gathered in the remnants of his army and camped at 2inye, #hile his colleague )ao *ong #ent to tell their lord the evil tidings of defeat. C*o# dare he, this rustic "huge ,iang=C eAclaimed )ao )ao angrily. )ao )ao then hastily sent an over#helming army to camp near the place and gave orders for enormous #or$s against the city, leveling hills and turning rivers to launch a violent assault on 3ancheng from every side at once. Then ,iu Be came in to see his lord and said, CSir, you are ne# to this region, and you should #in over the people(s hearts. ,iu 'ei has moved all the people from 2inye to 3ancheng. If #e march through the country, the people #ill be ground to po#der. It #ould be #ell to call upon ,iu 'ei first to surrender, #hich #ill prove to the people that you have a care for them. If he yields, then #e get 9ingDhou #ithout fighting.C )ao )ao agreed and as$ed #ho #ould be a suitable messenger. ,iu Be suggested 2u Shu. C*e is a close friend of ,iu 'ei, and he is here #ith the army,C said ,iu Be. C'ut he #ill not come bac$,C ob>ected )ao )ao. CIf he does not return, he #ill be a laughing stoc$ to the #hole #orld. *e #ill come bac$.C

2u Shu #as sent for, and )ao )ao said, C1y first intention #as to level 3ancheng #ith the ground. 'ut out of pity for its people, you may carry an offer to ,iu 'ei that if he #ill surrender, he #ill not only not be punished but he shall be given ran$. 'ut if he holds on his present misguided course, the #hole of his follo#ers shall be destroyed. Fo# you are an honest man and so I confide this mission to you, and I trust you #ill not disappoint me.C 2u Shu said nothing but accepted his orders and #ent to the city, #here he #as received by both ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang. They en>oyed a tal$ over old times before 2u Shu mentioned the ob>ect of his mission. Then he said, C)ao )ao has sent me to invite you to surrender, thereby ma$ing a bid for popularity. 'ut you ought also to $no# that he intends to attac$ the city from every point, that he is damming up the !hite River(s #aters to be sent against you, and I fear you #ill not be able to hold the city. Bou ought to prepare.C ,iu 'ei as$ed 2u Shu to remain #ith them, but 2u Shu said, CThat is impossible, for all the #orld #ould ridicule me if I stayed. 1y old mother is dead, and I never forget my resentment. 1y body may be over there, but I s#ear never to form a plan for )ao )ao. Bou have the Sleeping Dragon to help you and need have no anAiety about the ultimate achievement of your underta$ing. 'ut I must go.C +nd 2u Shu too$ his leave. ,iu 'ei felt he could not press his friend to stay. 2u Shu returned to )ao )ao(s camp and reported that ,iu 'ei had no intention of surrender. This angered )ao )ao #ho gave orders to begin the advance and siege. !hen ,iu 'ei as$ed #hat "huge ,iang meant to do, "huge ,iang replied, C!e shall abandon 3ancheng and ta$e 2iangyang.C C'ut #hat of the people #ho have follo#ed usG They cannot be abandoned.C CBou can tell them to do as they #ish. They may come if they li$e, or remain here.C They sent 8uan Bu to prepare boats and told Sun &ian to proclaim to the people that )ao )ao #as coming, that the city could not be defended, and those #ho #ished to do so might cross the river #ith the army. +ll the people cried, C!e #ill follo# the 7rince even if it be to death=C They started at once, some lamenting, some #eeping, the young helping the aged, parents leading their children, the strong soldiers carrying the #omen. +s the cro#ds crossed the river, from both ban$s arose the sound of lamentation. ,iu 'ei #as much affected as he sa# all this from the boat. C!hy #as I ever born,C said he, Cto be the cause of all this misery to the peopleGC

*e made to leap into the river, but they held him bac$. +ll #ere deeply sympathetic. !hen the boat reached the southern shore, he loo$ed bac$ at the #eeping cro#ds #aiting still on the other ban$ and #as again moved to tears. *e bade 8uan Bu hasten the boats before he mounted and rode on. !hen 2iangyang came in sight, they sa# many flags flying on the #alls and that the moat #as protected by barbed barriers. ,iu 'ei chec$ed his horse and called out, C,iu "ong, good nephe#= I only #ish to save the people and nothing more. I pray you uic$ly open the gates.C 'ut ,iu "ong #as too frightened to appear. )ai 1ao and "hang Bun #ent up to one of the fighting to#ers and ordered the soldiers to shoot arro#s do#n on those #ithout the #alls. The people gaDed up at the to#ers and #ept aloud. Suddenly there appeared a general, #ith a small follo#ing, #ho cried out, C)ai 1ao and "hang Bun are t#o traitors. The princely ,iu 'ei is a most upright man and has come here to preserve his people. !hy do you repulse himGC +ll loo$ed at this man. *e #as of eight6span height, #ith a face dar$ bro#n as a ripe date. *e #as from Biyang and named !ei Ban. +t that moment he loo$ed very terrible, #hirling his s#ord as if about to slice up the gate guards. They lost no time in thro#ing open the gate and dropping the bridge. C)ome in, Hncle ,iu 'ei,C cried !ei Ban, Cand bring your army to slay these traitors=C "hang 3ei plunged for#ard to ta$e )ai 1ao and "hang Bun, but he #as chec$ed by his brother, #ho said, CDo not frighten the people=C Thus !ei Ban let in ,iu 'ei. +s soon as he entered, he sa# a general galloping up #ith a fe# men. The ne#comer yelled, C!ei Ban, you nobody= *o# dare you create troubleG Do you not $no# me, 8eneral !en 7ingGC !ei Ban turned angrily, set his spear, and galloped for#ard to attac$ the general. The soldiers >oined in the fray and the noise of battle rose to the s$ies. CI #anted to preserve the people, and I am only causing them in>ury,C cried ,iu 'ei distressed. CI do not #ish to enter the city.C C9iangling is an important point. !e #ill first ta$e that as a place to d#ell in,C said "huge ,iang. CThat pleases me greatly,C said ,iu 'ei.

So they led the people thither and a#ay from 2iangyang. 1any of the inhabitants of that city too$ advantage of the confusion to escape, and they also >oined themselves to ,iu 'ei. 1ean#hile, #ithin the inhospitable city, !ei Ban and !en 7ing fought. The battle continued for four or five #atches, all through the middle of the day, and nearly all the combatants fell. Then !ei Ban got a#ay. +s he could not find ,iu 'ei, he rode off to )hangsha and sought an asylum #ith 8overnor *an 2uan. ,iu 'ei #andered a#ay from the city of 2iangyang that had refused shelter. Soldiers and people, his follo#ing numbered more than a hundred thousand. The carts numbered scores of thousands, and the burden bearers #ere innumerable. Their road led them past the tomb of ,iu 'iao, and ,iu 'ei turned aside to bo# at the grave. *e lamented, saying, CShameful is thy brother, lac$ing both in virtue and in talents. I refused to bear the burden you #ished to lay upon me, #herein I #as #rong. 'ut the people committed no sin. I pray your glorious spirit descend and rescue these people.C *is prayer #as fraught #ith sorro#, and all those about him #ept. 9ust then a scout rode up #ith the ne#s that 3ancheng #as already ta$en by )ao )ao and that his army #ere preparing boats and rafts to cross the river. The generals of ,iu 'ei said, C9iangling is a defensible shelter, but #ith this cro#d #e can only advance very slo#ly, and #hen can #e reach the cityG If )ao )ao pursue, #e shall be in a parlous state. Our counsel is to leave the people to their fate for a time and press on to 9iangling.C 'ut ,iu 'ei #ept, saying, CThe success of every great enterprise depends upon humanity. *o# can I abandon these people #ho have >oined meGC Those #ho heard him repeat this noble sentiment #ere greatly affected. In time of stress his heart #as tender to#ard the people, +nd he #ept as he #ent do#n into the ship, 1oving the hearts of soldiers to sympathy. 4ven today, in the countryside, 3athers and elders recall the 7rincely One(s $indness. The progress of ,iu 'ei, #ith the cro#d of people in his train, #as very slo#. CThe pursuers #ill be upon us uic$ly,C said "huge ,iang. C,et us send 8uan Bu to 9iangAia for succor. ,iu &i should be told to bring soldiers and prepare boats for us at 9iangling.C ,iu 'ei agreed to this and #rote a letter #hich he sent by the hands of 8uan Bu and Sun &ian and five hundred troops. "hang 3ei #as put in command of the rear guard. "hao Bun #as told to guard ,iu 'ei(s family, #hile the others ordered the march of the people.

They only traveled three or four miles daily and the halts #ere fre uent. 1ean#hile )ao )ao #as at 3ancheng, #hence he sent troops over the river to#ard 2iangyang. *e summoned ,iu "ong, but ,iu "ong #as too afraid to ans#er the call. Fo persuasion could get him to go. !ang !ei said to him privately, CFo# you can overcome )ao )ao if you are #ise. Since you have announced surrender and ,iu 'ei has gone a#ay, )ao )ao #ill relaA his precautions, and you can catch him una#ares. Send a #ell6prepared but uneApected force to #aylay him in some commanding position, and the thing is done. If you #ere to ta$e )ao )ao prisoner, your fame #ould run throughout the empire, and the land #ould be yours for the ta$ing. This is a sort of opportunity that does not recur, and you should not miss it.C The young man consulted )ai 1ao, #ho called !ang !ei an evil counselor and spo$e to him harshly. CBou are mad= Bou $no# nothing and understand nothing of destiny,C said )ai 1ao. !ang !ei angrily retorted, saying, C)ai 1ao is the betrayer of the country, and I #ish I could eat him alive=C The uarrel #aAed deadly, and )ai 1ao #anted to slay !ang !ei. 'ut eventually peace #as restored by 5uai Bue. Then )ai 1ao and "hang Bun #ent to 3ancheng to see )ao )ao. )ai 1ao #as by instinct specious and flattering, and #hen his host as$ed concerning the resources of 9ingDhou, he replied, CThere are fifty thousand of horse, one hundred fifty thousand of foot, and eighty thousand of marines. 1ost of the money and grain are at 9iangling. The rest is stored at various places. There are ample supplies for a year.C C*o# many #ar vessels are thereG !ho is in commandGC said )ao )ao. CThe ships, of all siDes, number seven thousands, and #e t#o are the commanders.C Hpon this )ao )ao conferred upon )ai 1ao the title of the ,ord !ho )ontrols the South, and Supreme +dmiral of the Faval 3orce; and "hang Bun #as his Vice6+dmiral #ith the title of the ,ord !ho 'rings Obedience. !hen they #ent to than$ )ao )ao for these honors, he told them, saying, CI am about to propose to the Throne that ,iu 'iao(s son should be perpetual Imperial 7rotector of 9ingDhou in succession to his late father.C !ith this promise for their young master and the honors for themselves, they retired.

Then 2un Bou as$ed )ao )ao, C!hy these t#o evident self6see$ers and flatterers have been treated so generouslyGC )ao )ao replied, CDo I not $no# all about themG Only in the north, #here #e have been, #e $no# very little of #ar by #ater, and these t#o men do. I #ant their help for the present. !hen my end is achieved, I can do as I li$e #ith them.C ,iu "ong #as highly delighted #hen his t#o chief supporters returned #ith the promise )ao )ao had given them. Soon after he gave up his seal and military commission and proceeded to #elcome )ao )ao, #ho received him very graciously. )ao )ao neAt proceeded to camp near 2iangyang. The populace, led by )ai 1ao and "hang Bun, #elcomed him #ith burning incense, and he on his part put forth proclamations couched in comforting terms. )ao )ao presently entered the city and too$ his seat in the residence in state. Then he summoned 5uai Bue and said to him graciously, CI do not re>oice so much at gaining 9ingDhou as at meeting you, friend 5uai Bue.C )ao )ao made 5uai Bue 8overnor of 9iangling and ,ord of 3ancheng; !ang )an, 3u 2uan, and 5uai Bue(s other adherents #ere all ennobled. ,iu "ong became Imperial 7rotector of &ingDhou in the north and #as ordered to proceed to his region forth#ith. ,iu "ong #as greatly frightened and said, CI have no #ish to become an actual official. I #ish to remain in the place #here my father and mother live.C Said )ao )ao, CBour protectorship is uite near the capital, and I have sent you there as a full official to remove you from the intrigues of this place.C In vain ,iu "ong declined the honors thus thrust upon him@ *e #as compelled to go and he departed, ta$ing his mother #ith him. Of his friends, only !ang !ei accompanied him. Some of his late officers escorted him as far as the river and then too$ their leave. Then )ao )ao called his trusty officer Bu 9in and said, C3ollo# ,iu "ong and put him and his mother to death. Our #orries are thus removed.C Bu 9in follo#ed the small party. !hen he dre# near he shouted, CI have an order from the great 7rime 1inister to put you both to death, mother and son= Bou may as #ell submit uietly.C ,ady )ai thre# her arms about her son, lifted up her voice and #ept. Bu 9in bade his soldiers get on #ith their bloody #or$. Only !ang !ei made any attempt to save his mistress, and he #as soon $illed. The t#o, mother and son, #ere soon finished, and Bu 9in returned to report his success. *e #as richly re#arded.

FeAt )ao )ao sent to discover and seiDe the family of "huge ,iang, but they had already disappeared. "huge ,iang had moved them to the Three 8orges. It #as much to )ao )ao(s disgust that the search #as fruitless. So 2iangyang #as settled. Then 2un Bou proposed a further advance. *e said, C9iangling is an important place, and very rich. If ,iu 'ei gets it, it #ill be difficult to dislodge him.C C*o# could I have overloo$ed thatGC said )ao )ao. Then he called upon the officers of 2iangyang for one #ho could lead the #ay. They all came eAcept !en 7ing. )ao )ao sent for him and soon he came also. C!hy are you lateGC as$ed )ao )ao. !en 7ing said, CTo be a minister and see one(s master lose his o#n boundaries is most shameful. Such a person has no face to sho# to anyone else, and I #as too ashamed to come.C *is tears fell fast as he finished this speech. )ao )ao admired his loyal conduct and re#arded him #ith office of 8overnorship of 9iangAia and a title of ,ordship, and also bade him open the #ay. The spies returned and said, C,iu 'ei is hampered by the cro#ds of people #ho have follo#ed him. *e can proceed only three or four miles daily, and he is only one hundred miles a#ay.C )ao )ao decided to ta$e advantage of ,iu 'ei(s plight, so he chose out five thousand of tried horsemen and sent them after the cavalcade, giving them a limit of a day and a night to come up there#ith. The main army #ould follo#. +s has been said ,iu 'ei #as traveling #ith a huge multitude of follo#ers, to guard #hom he had ta$en #hat precautions #ere possible. "hang 3ei #as in charge of the rear guard, and "hao Bun #as to protect his lord(s family. 8uan Bu had been sent to 9iangAia. One day "huge ,iang came in and said, CThere is as yet no ne#s from 9iangAia. There must be some difficulties.C CI #ish that you yourself #ould go there,C said ,iu 'ei. C,iu &i #ould remember your former $indness to him and consent to anything you proposed.C "huge ,iang said he #ould go and set out #ith ,iu 3eng, the adopted son of ,iu 'ei, ta$ing an escort of five hundred troops.

+ fe# days after, #hile on the march in company #ith three of his commanders6669ian Bong, 1i "hu, and 1i 3ang666a sudden #hirl#ind rose >ust in front of ,iu 'ei, and a huge column of dust shot up into the air hiding the face of the sun. ,iu 'ei #as frightened and as$ed, C!hat might that portendGC 9ian Bong, #ho $ne# something of the mysteries of nature, too$ the auspices by counting secretly on his fingers. 7ale and trembling, he announced, C+ calamity is threatening this very night. 1y lord must leave the people to their fate and flee uic$ly.C CI cannot do that,C said ,iu 'ei. CIf you allo# your pity to overcome your >udgment, then misfortune is very near,C said 9ian Bong. Thus spo$e 9ian Bong to his lord, #ho then as$ed #hat place #as near. *is people replied, CDangyang is uite close, and there is a very famous mountain near it called 7rospect 1ountain.C Then ,iu 'ei bade them lead the #ay thither. The season #as late autumn, >ust changing to #inter, and the icy #ind penetrated to the very bones. +s evening fell, long6dra#n ho#ls of misery #ere heard on every side. +t the middle of the fourth #atch, t#o hours after midnight, they heard a rumbling sound in the north#est. ,iu 'ei halted and placed himself at the head of his o#n guard of t#o thousand soldiers to meet #hatever might come. 7resently )ao )ao(s men appeared and made fierce onslaught. Defense #as impossible, though ,iu 'ei fought desperately. 'y good fortune >ust at the crisis "hang 3ei came up, cut an alley through, rescued his brother, and got him a#ay to the east. 7resently they #ere stopped by !en 7ing. CTurncoat= )an you still loo$ humans in the faceGC cried ,iu 'ei. !en 7ing #as over#helmed #ith shame and led his troops a#ay. "hang 3ei, no# fighting, protected his brother till da#n. 'y that time ,iu 'ei had got beyond the sound of battle, and there #as time to rest. Only a fe# of his follo#ers had been able to $eep near him. *e $ne# nothing of the fate of his officers or the people.

*e lifted up his voice in lamentation, saying, C1yriads of living souls are suffering from love of me, and my officers and my loved ones are lost. One #ould be a graven image not to #eep at such loss=C Still plunged in sadness, presently he sa# hurrying to#ard him 1i 3ang, #ith an enemy(s arro# still stic$ing in his face. 1i 3ang eAclaimed, C"hao Bun has gone over to )ao )ao=C ,iu 'ei angrily bade him be silent, crying, CDo you thin$ I can believe that of my old friendGC C7erhaps he has gone over,C said "hang 3ei. C*e must see that #e are nearly lost and there are riches and honors on the other side.C C*e has follo#ed me faithfully through all my misfortunes. *is heart is firm as a roc$. Fo riches or honors #ould move him,C said ,iu 'ei. CI sa# him go a#ay north#est,C said 1i 3ang. C!ait till I meet him,C said "hang 3ei. CIf I run against him, I #ill $ill him=C C'e#are ho# you doubt him,C said ,iu 'ei. C*ave you forgotten the circumstances under #hich your brother 8uan Bu had to slay )ai Bang to ease your doubts of himG "hao Bun(s absence is due to good reason #herever he has gone, and he #ould never abandon me.C 'ut "hang 3ei #as not convinced. Then he, #ith a score of his men, rode to the ,ong Slope 'ridge. Seeing a #ood near the bridge, an idea suddenly struc$ him. *e bade his follo#ers cut branches from the trees, tie them to the tails of the horses, and ride to and fro so as to raise a great dust as though an army #ere concealed in the #ood. *e himself too$ up his station on the bridge facing the #est #ith spear set ready for action. So he $ept #atch. Fo# "hao Bun, after fighting #ith the enemy from the fourth #atch till daylight, could see no sign of his lord and, moreover, had lost his lord(s family. *e thought bitterly #ithin himself, C1y master confided to me his family and the child lord ,iu Shan; and I have lost them. *o# can I loo$ him in the faceG I can only go no# and fight to the death. !hatever happen, I must go to see$ the #omen and my lord(s son.C Turning about he found he had but some forty follo#ers left. *e rode uic$ly to and fro among the scattered soldiers see$ing the lost #omen. The lamentations of the people about him #ere enough to ma$e heaven and earth #eep. Some had been #ounded by arro#s, others by spears; they had thro#n a#ay their children, abandoned their #ives, and #ere flying they $ne# not #hither in cro#ds. 7resently "hao Bun sa# a man lying in the grass and recogniDed him as 9ian Bong.

C*ave you seen the t#o mothersGC cried he. 9ian Bong replied, CThey left their carriage and ran a#ay ta$ing the child lord ,iu Shan in their arms. I follo#ed but on the slope of the hill I #as #ounded and fell from my horse. The horse #as stolen. I could fight no longer, and I lay do#n here.C "hao Bun put his colleague on the horse of one of his follo#ers, told off t#o soldiers to support 9ian Bong, and bade 9ian Bong ride to their lord and tell him of the loss. CSay,C said "hao Bun, Cthat I #ill see$ the lost ones in heaven or hell, through good or evil. +nd if I find them not, I #ill die in the battlefield.C Then "hao Bun rode off to#ard the ,ong Slope 'ridge. +s he #ent, a voice called out, C8eneral "hao Bun, #here are you goingGC C!ho are youGC said "hao Bun, pulling up. COne of the 7rincely One(s carriage guards. I am #ounded.C CDo you $no# anything of the t#o ladiesGC CFot very long ago I sa# ,ady 8an go south #ith a party of other #omen. *er hair #as do#n, and she #as barefootedC *earing this, #ithout even another glance at the spea$er, "hao Bun put his horse at full gallop to#ard the south. Soon he sa# a small cro#d of people, male and female, #al$ing hand in hand. CIs ,ady 8an among you=C he called out. + #oman in the rear of the party loo$ed up at him and uttered a loud cry. *e slipped off his steed, stuc$ his spear in the sand, and #ept, CIt #as my fault that you #ere lost. 'ut #here are ,ady 1i and our child lordGC ,ady 8an replied, CShe and I #ere forced to abandon our carriage and mingle #ith the cro#d on foot. Then a band of soldiers came up, and #e #ere separated. I do not $no# #here they are. I ran for my life.C +s she spo$e, a ho#l of distress rose from the cro#d of fugitives, for a thousand of soldiers appeared. "hao Bun recovered his spear and mounted ready for action. 7resently he sa# among the soldiers a prisoner bound upon a horse, and the prisoner #as 1i "hu. 'ehind 1i "hu follo#ed a general gripping a huge s#ord. The troops belonged to the army of )ao Ren, and the general #as )hunyu Dao. *aving captured 1i "hu, he #as >ust ta$ing him to his chief as a proof of his pro#ess.

"hao Bun shouted and rode at the captor #ho #as speedily slain by a spear thrust and his captive #as set free. Then ta$ing t#o of the horses, "hao Bun set ,ady 8an on one and 1i "hu too$ the other. They rode a#ay to#ard ,ong Slope 'ridge. 'ut there, standing grim on the bridge, #as "hang 3ei. +s soon as he sa# "hao Bun, he called out, C"hao Bun, #hy have you betrayed our lordGC CI fell behind because I #as see$ing the ladies and our child lord,C said "hao Bun. C!hat do you mean by tal$ing of betrayalGC CIf it had not been that 9ian Bong arrived before you and told me the story, I should hardly have spared you.C C!here is the masterGC said "hao Bun. CFot far a#ay, in front there,C said "hang 3ei. C)onduct ,ady 8an to him. I am going to loo$ for ,ady 1i,C said "hao Bun to his companion, and he turned bac$ along the road by #hich he had come. 'efore long he met a leader armed #ith an iron spear and carrying a s#ord slung across his bac$, riding a curvetting steed, and leading ten other horsemen. !ithout uttering a #ord "hao Bun rode straight to#ard him and engaged. +t the first pass "hao Bun disarmed his opponent and brought him to earth. *is follo#ers galloped a#ay. This fallen officer #as no other than 2iahou 4n, )ao )ao(s s#ord6bearer. +nd the s#ord on 2iahou 4n(s bac$ #as his master(s. )ao )ao had t#o s#ords, one called CTrust in 8odC and the other C'lue 'ladeC. Trust in 8od #as the #eapon )ao )ao usually #ore at his side, the other being carried by his s#ord6bearer. The 'lue 'lade #ould cut clean through iron as though it #ere mud, and no s#ord had so $een an edge. 'efore "hao Bun thus fell in #ith 2iahou 4n, the later #as simply plundering, depending upon the authority implied by his office. ,east of all thought he of such sudden death as met he at "hao Bun(s hands. So "hao Bun got possession of a famous s#ord. The name 'lue 'lade #as chased in gold characters so that he recogniDed its value at once. *e stuc$ it in his belt and again plunged into the press. 9ust as he did so, he turned his head and sa# he had not a single follo#er left. *e #as uite alone. Fevertheless not for a single instant thought he of turning bac$. *e #as too intent upon his uest. To and fro, bac$ and forth, he rode uestioning this person and that.

+t length a man said, C+ #oman #ith a child in her arms, and #ounded in the thigh so that she cannot #al$, is lying over there through that hole in the #all.C "hao Bun rode to loo$ and there, beside an old #ell behind the bro$en #all of a burned house, sat the mother clasping the child to her breast and #eeping. "hao Bun #as on his $nees before her in a moment. C1y child #ill live then since you are here,C cried ,ady 1i. C7ity him, O 8eneral= 7rotect him, for he is the only son of his father(s flesh and blood. Ta$e him to his father, and I can die content.C CIt is my fault that you have suffered,C replied "hao Bun. C'ut it is useless to say more. I pray you ta$e my horse, #hile I #ill #al$ beside and protect you till #e get clear.C She replied, CI may not do that. !hat #ould you do #ithout a steedG 'ut the boy here I confide to your care. I am badly #ounded and cannot hope to live. 7ray ta$e him and go your #ay. Do not trouble more about me.C CI hear shouting,C said "hao Bun. CThe soldiers #ill be upon us again in a moment. 7ray mount uic$ly=C C'ut really I cannot move,C she said. CDo not let there be a double loss=C +nd she held out the child to#ard him as she spo$e. CTa$e the child=C cried ,ady 1i. C*is life and safety are in your hands.C +gain and again "hao Bun besought her to get on his horse, but she #ould not. The shouting dre# nearer and nearer, "hao Bun spo$e harshly, saying, CIf you #ill not do #hat I say, #hat #ill happen #hen the soldiers come upGC She said no more. Thro#ing the child on the ground, she turned over and thre# herself into the old #ell. +nd there she perished. The #arrior relies upon the strength of his charger, +foot, ho# could he bear to safety his young princeG 'rave mother= !ho died to preserve the son of her husband(s line; *eroine #as she, bold and decisive= Seeing that ,ady 1i had resolved the uestion by dying, there #as nothing more to be done. "hao Bun pushed over the #all to fill the #ell, and thus ma$ing a grave for the lady. Then he loosened his armor, let do#n the heart6protecting mirror, and placed the child in his breast. This done he slung his spear and remounted.

"hao Bun had gone but a short distance, #hen he sa# a horde of enemy led by Ban 1ing, one of )ao *ong(s generals. This #arrior used a double edged, three pointed #eapon and he offered battle. *o#ever, "hao Bun disposed of him after a very fe# bouts and dispersed his troops. +s the road cleared before him, "hao Bun sa# another detachment barring his #ay. +t the head of this #as a general eAalted enough to display a banner #ith his name "hang *e of *e>ian. "hao Bun never #aited to parley but attac$ed. *o#ever, this #as a more formidable antagonist, and half a score bouts found neither any nearer defeat. 'ut "hao Bun, #ith the child in his bosom, could only fight #ith the greatest caution, and so he decided to flee. "hang *e pursued, and as "hao Bun thought only of thrashing his steed to get a#ay, and little of the road, suddenly he #ent crashing into a pit. On came his pursuer, spear at poise. Suddenly a brilliant flash of light seemed to shoot out of the pit, and the fallen horse leapt #ith it into the air and #as again on firm earth. + bright glory surrounds the child of the imperial line, no# in danger, The po#erful charger forces his #ay through the press of battle, 'earing to safety him #ho #as destined to the throne t#o score years and t#o; +nd the general thus manifested his godli$e courage. This apparition frightened "hang *e, #ho abandoned the pursuit forth#ith, and "hao Bun rode off. 7resently he heard shouts behind, C"hao Bun, "hao Bun, stop=C and at the same time he sa# ahead of him t#o generals #ho seemed disposed to dispute his #ay. 1a Ban and "hang "i follo#ing and 9iao )hu and "hang Feng in front, his state seemed desperate, but "hao Bun uailed not. +s the men of )ao )ao came pressing on, "hao Bun dre# )ao )ao(s o#n s#ord to beat them off. Fothing could resist the blue blade s#ord. +rmor, clothing, it #ent through #ithout effort and blood gushed forth in fountains #herever it struc$. So the four generals #ere soon beaten off, and "hao Bun #as once again free. Fo# )ao )ao from a hilltop of the 7rospect 1ountain sa# these deeds of derring6do and a general sho#ing such valor that none could #ithstand him, so )ao )ao as$ed of his follo#ers #hether any $ne# the man. Fo one recogniDed him. So )ao *ong galloped do#n into the plain and shouted out, C!e should hear the name of the #arrior=C CI am "hao Bun of )hangshan=C replied "hao Bun. )ao *ong returned and told his lord, #ho said, C+ very tiger of a leader= I must get him alive.C

!hereupon he sent horsemen to all detachments #ith orders that no arro#s #ere to be fired from an ambush at any point "hao Bun should pass@ *e #as to be ta$en alive. +nd so "hao Bun escaped most imminent danger, and ,iu Shan(s safety, bound up #ith his savior(s, #as also secured. On this career of slaughter #hich ended in safety, "hao Bun, bearing in his bosom the child lord ,iu Shan, cut do#n t#o main banners, too$ three spears, and sle# or #ounded of )ao )ao(s generals half a hundred, all men of reno#n. 'lood dyed the fighting robe and crimsoned his buff coat; Fone dared engage the terrible #arrior at Dangyang; In the days of old lived the brave "hao Bun, !ho fought in the battlefield for his lord in danger. *aving thus fought his #ay out of the press, "hao Bun lost no time in getting a#ay from the battle field. *is #hite battle robe #as soa$ed in blood. On his #ay, near the rise of the hills, he met #ith t#o other bodies of troops under t#o brothers, "hong 9in and "hong Shen. One of these #as armed #ith a massive aA, the other a halberd. +s soon as they sa# "hao Bun, they $ne# him and shouted, C&uic$ly dismount and be bound=C *e has only escaped from the tiger cave, To ris$ the dragon pool(s sounding #ave. *o# "hao Bun escaped #ill be neAt related. Chapter /2 Screaming Zhang Fei Tri&mphs 1t -ong S#ope Bridge; *e!eated -i& Bei Goes To HanDin' +s related in the last chapter t#o generals appeared in front of "hao Bun, #ho rode at them #ith his spear ready for a thrust. "hong 9in #as leading, flourishing his battle6aA. "hao Bun engaged and very soon unhorsed him. Then "hao Bun galloped a#ay. "hong Shen rode up behind ready #ith his halberd, and his horse(s nose got so close to the other(s tail that "hao Bun could see in his armor the reflection of the play of "hong Shen(s #eapon. Then suddenly, and #ithout #arning, "hao Bun #heeled round his horse so that he faced his pursuer, and their t#o steeds struc$ breast to breast. !ith his spear in his left hand, "hao Bun #arded off the halberd stro$es, and in his right he s#ung the blue blade s#ord. One slash and he had cut through both helmet and head. "hong Shen fell to the ground, a corpse #ith only half a head on his body. *is follo#ers fled, and "hao Bun retoo$ the road to#ard ,ong Slope 'ridge. 'ut in his rear arose another tumultuous shouting, seeming to rend the very s$y, and !en 7ing came up behind. *o#ever, although the man #as #eary and his steed spent, "hao Bun got close to the bridge #here he sa# standing, all ready for any fray, "hang 3ei.

C*elp me, "hang 3ei=C he cried and crossed the bridge. C*asten=C cried "hang 3ei, CI #ill $eep bac$ the pursuers=C +bout seven miles from the bridge, "hao Bun sa# ,iu 'ei #ith his follo#ers reposing in the shade of some trees. *e dismounted and dre# near, #eeping. The tears also started to ,iu 'ei(s eyes #hen he sa# his faithful commander. Still panting from his eAertions, "hao Bun gasped out, C1y fault666death is too light a punishment. ,ady 1i #as severely #ounded. She refused my horse and thre# herself into a #ell. She is dead, and all I could do #as to fill in the #ell #ith the rubbish that lay around. 'ut I placed the babe in the breast of my fighting robe and have #on my #ay out of the press of battle. Than$s to the little lord(s grand luc$ I have escaped. +t first he cried a good deal, but for some time no# he has not stirred or made a sound. I fear I may not have saved his life after all.C Then "hao Bun opened his robe and loo$ed@ The child #as fast asleep. C*appily, Sir, your son is unhurt,C said "hao Bun as he dre# him forth and presented him in both hands. ,iu 'ei too$ the child but thre# it aside angrily, saying, CTo preserve that suc$ling I very nearly lost a great commander=C "hao Bun pic$ed up the child again and, #eeping, said, C!ere I ground to po#der, I could not prove my gratitude.C 3rom out )ao )ao(s host a tiger rushed, *is #ish but to destroy; Though ,iu 'ei(s consort lost her life, "hao Bun preserved her boy. CToo great the ris$ you ran to save This child,C the father cried. To sho# he rated "hao Bun high, *e thre# his son aside. !en 7ing and his company pursued "hao Bun till they sa# "hang 3ei(s bristling mustache and fiercely glaring eyes before them. There he #as seated on his battle steed, his hand grasping his terrible serpent spear, guarding the bridge. They also sa# great clouds of dust rising above the trees and concluded they #ould fall into an ambush if they ventured across the bridge. So they stopped the pursuit, not daring to advance further. In a little time )ao Ren, 2iahou Dun, 2iahou Buan, ,i Dian, Bue 9ing, "hang ,iao, 2u )hu, "hang *e, and other generals of )ao )ao came up, but none dared advance, frightened not only by "hang 3ei(s fierce loo$, but lest they should become victims of a ruse of "huge ,iang. +s they

came up, they formed a line on the #est side, halting till they could inform their lord of the position. +s soon as the messengers arrived and )ao )ao heard about it, he mounted and rode to the bridge to see for himself. "hang 3ei(s fierce eye scanning the hinder position of the army opposite him sa# the sil$en umbrella, the aAes and banners coming along, and concluded that )ao )ao came to see for himself ho# matters stood. So in a mighty voice he shouted@ CI am "hang 3ei of Ban. !ho dares fight #ith meGC +t the sound of this thunderous voice, a terrible ua$ing fear seiDed upon )ao )ao, and he bade them ta$e the umbrella a#ay. Turning to his follo#ers, he said, C8uan Bu had said that his brother "hang 3ei #as the sort of man to go through an army of a hundred legions and ta$e the head of its commander6in6chief, and do it easily. Fo# here is this terror in front of us, and #e must be careful.C +s he finished spea$ing, again that terrible voice #as heard, CI am "hang 3ei of Ban.!ho dares fight #ith meGC )ao )ao, seeing his enemy so fierce and resolute, #as too frightened to thin$ of anything but retreat. "hang 3ei, seeing a movement going on in the rear, once again shoo$ his spear and roared, C!hat mean youG Bou #ill not fight nor do you run a#ay=C This roar had scarcely begun #hen one of )ao )ao(s staff, 2iahou 9ie, reeled and fell from his horse terror6stric$en, paralyDed #ith fear. The panic touched )ao )ao and spread to his #hole surroundings, and he and his staff galloped for their lives. They #ere as frightened as a suc$ling babe at a clap of thunder or a #ea$ #oodcutter at the roar of a tiger. 1any thre# a#ay their spears, dropped their cas ues and fled, a #ave of panic6stric$en humanity, a tumbling mass of terrified horses. Fone thought of ought but flight, and those #ho ran trampled the bodies of fallen comrades under foot. "hang 3ei #as #rathful; and #ho dared To accept his challengeG 3ierce he glared; *is thunderous voice rolled out, and then In terror fled )ao )ao(s armed soldiers. 7anic6stric$en )ao )ao galloped #est#ard #ith the rest, thin$ing of nothing but getting a#ay. *e lost his headdress, and his loosened hair streamed behind him. 7resently "hang ,iao and 2u )hu came up #ith him and seiDed his bridle; fear had deprived him of all self6control. CDo not be frightened,C said "hang ,iao. C+fter all "hang 3ei is but one man and not #orthy of eAtravagant fear. If you #ill only return and attac$, you #ill capture your enemy.C

That time )ao )ao had some#hat overcome his panic and become reasonable. T#o generals #ere ordered bac$ to the bridge to reconnoiter. "hang 3ei sa# the disorderly rout of the enemy but he dared not pursue. *o#ever, he bade his score or so of dust6raising follo#ers to cut loose the branches from their horses( tails and come to help destroy the bridge. This done he #ent to report to his brother and told him of the destruction of the bridge. C'rave as you are, brother, and no one is braver, but you are no strategist,C said ,iu 'ei. C!hat mean you, brotherGC C)ao )ao is very deep. Bou are no match for him. The destruction of the bridge #ill bring him in pursuit.C CIf he ran a#ay at a yell of mine, thin$ you he #ill dare returnGC CIf you had left the bridge, he #ould have thought there #as an ambush and #ould not have dared to pass it. Fo# the destruction of the bridge tells him #e are #ea$ and fearful, and he #ill pursue. *e does not mind a bro$en bridge. *is legions could fill up the biggest rivers that #e could get across.C So orders #ere given to march, and they #ent by a bye6road #hich led diagonally to *an>in by the road of 1inyang. The t#o generals sent by )ao )ao to reconnoiter near ,ong Slope 'ridge returned, saying, CThe bridge has been destroyed. "hang 3ei has left.C CThen he is afraid,C said )ao )ao. )ao )ao at once gave orders to set ten thousand men at #or$ on three floating bridges to be finished that night. ,i Dian said, CI fear this is one of the #iles of "huge ,iang. So be careful.C C"hang 3ei is >ust a bold #arrior, but there is no guile about him,C said )ao )ao. *e gave orders for immediate advance. ,iu 'ei #as ma$ing all speed to *an>in. Suddenly there appeared in his trac$ a great cloud of dust #hence came loud rolls of drums and shoutings. ,iu 'ei #as dismayed and said, C'efore us rolls the 8reat River; behind is the pursuer. !hat hope is there for usGC

'ut he bade "hao Bun organiDe a defense. Fo# )ao )ao in an order to his army had said, C,iu 'ei is a fish in the fish $ettle, a tiger in the pit. )atch him this time, or the fish #ill get bac$ to the sea and the tiger escape to the mountains. Therefore every general must use his best efforts to press on.C In conse uence every leader bade those under him hasten for#ard. +nd they #ere pressing on at great speed, #hen suddenly a body of soldiers appeared from the hills and a voice cried, CI have #aited here a long time=C The leader #ho had shouted this bore in his hand the green6dragon saber and rode Red *are, for indeed it #as no other than 8uan Bu. *e had gone to 9iangAia for help and had returned #ith a #hole legion of ten thousand. *aving heard of the battle, he had ta$en this very road to intercept pursuit. +s soon as 8uan Bu appeared, )ao )ao stopped and said to his officers, C*ere #e are, tric$ed again by that "huge ,iang=C !ithout more ado he ordered a retreat. 8uan Bu follo#ed him some three miles and then dre# off to act as guard to his elder brother on his #ay to the river. There boats #ere ready, and ,iu 'ei and family #ent on board. !hen all #ere settled comfortably in the boat, 8uan Bu as$ed #here #as his sister, the second #ife of his brother, ,ady 1i. Then ,iu 'ei told him the story of Dangyang. C+las=C said 8uan Bu. C*ad you ta$en my advice that day of the hunting in 2utian, #e should have escaped the misery of this day.C C'ut,C said ,iu 'ei, Con that day it #as (!are damaged #hen pelting rats.(C 9ust as ,iu 'ei spo$e, he heard #ar drums on the south ban$. + fleet of boats, thic$ as a flight of ants, came running up #ith s#elling sails before the fair #ind. *e #as alarmed. The boats came nearer. There ,iu 'ei sa# the #hite clad figure of a man #earing a silver helmet #ho stood in the pro# of the foremost ship. The leader cried, C+re you all right, my uncleG I am very guilty.C It #as ,iu &i. *e bo#ed lo# as the ship passed, saying, CI heard you #ere in danger from )ao )ao, and I have come to aid you.C ,iu 'ei #elcomed ,iu &i #ith >oy, and his soldiers >oined in #ith the main body, and the #hole fleet sailed on, #hile they told each other their adventures. HneApectedly in the south#est there appeared a line of fighting ships s#ishing up before a fair #ind.

,iu &i said, C+ll my troops are here, and no# there is an enemy barring the #ay. If they are not )ao )ao(s ships, they must be from the South ,and. !e have a poor chance. !hat no#GC ,iu 'ei #ent to the pro# and gaDed at them. 7resently he made out a figure in a turban and Taoist robe sitting in the bo#s of one of the boats and $ne# it to be "huge ,iang. 'ehind him stood Sun &ian. !hen they #ere uite near, ,iu 'ei as$ed "huge ,iang ho# he came to be there. +nd "huge ,iang reported #hat he had done, saying, C!hen I reached 9iangAia, I sent 8uan Bu to land at *an>in #ith reinforcements, for I feared pursuit from )ao )ao and $ne# that road you #ould ta$e instead of 9iangling. So I prayed your nephe# to go to meet you, #hile I #ent to 2ia$ou to muster as many soldiers as possible.C The ne#6comers added to their strength, and they began once more to consider ho# their po#erful enemy might be overcome. Said "huge ,iang, C2ia$ou is strong and a good strategic point. It is also rich and suited for a lengthy stay. I #ould as$ you, my lord, to ma$e it a permanent camp. Bour nephe# can go to 9iangAia to get the fleet in order and prepare #eapons. Thus #e can create t#o threatening angles for our position. If #e all return to 9iangAia, the position #ill be #ea$ened.C ,iu &i replied, CThe Directing Instructor(s #ords are eAcellent, but I #ish rather my uncle stayed a#hile in 9iangAia till the army #as in thorough order. Then he could go to 2ia$ou.C CBou spea$ to the point, nephe#,C replied ,iu 'ei. Then leaving 8uan Bu #ith five thousand troops at 2ia$ou he, #ith "huge ,iang and his nephe#, #ent to 9iangAia. !hen )ao )ao sa# 8uan Bu #ith a force ready to attac$, he feared lest a greater number #ere hidden a#ay behind, so he stopped the pursuit. *e also feared lest ,iu 'ei should ta$e 9iangling, so he marched thither #ith all haste. The t#o officers in command at 9ingDhou )ity, Deng Bi and ,iu 2in, had heard of the death of their lord ,iu "ong at 2iangyang and, $no#ing that there #as no chance of successful defense against )ao )ao(s armies, they led out the people of 9ingDhou to the outs$irts and offered submission. )ao )ao entered the city and, after restoring order and confidence, he released *an Song and gave him the dignified office of Director of +mbassadorial Receptions. *e re#arded the others. Then said )ao )ao, C,iu 'ei has gone to 9iangAia and may ally himself #ith the South ,and, and the opposition to me #ill be greater. )an he be destroyedGC

2un Bou said, CThe splendor of your achievements has spread #ide. Therefore you might send a messenger to invite Sun &uan to a grand hunting party at 9iangAia, and you t#o could seiDe ,iu 'ei, share 9ingDhou #ith Sun &uan, and ma$e a solemn treaty. Sun &uan #ill be too frightened not to come over to you, and your end #ill be gained.C )ao )ao agreed. *e sent the letters by a messenger, and he prepared his army666horse and foot and marines. *e had in all eight hundred thirty thousand troops, but he called them a million. The attac$ #as to be by land and #ater at the same time. The fleet advanced up the river in t#o lines. On the #est it eAtended to 9ingAia, on the east to &ichun. The stoc$ades stretched one hundred miles. The story of )ao )ao(s movements and successes reached Sun &uan, then in camp at )haisang. *e assembled his strategists to decide on a scheme of defense. ,u Su said, C9ingDhou is contiguous to our borders. It is strong and defensive, its people are rich. It is the sort of country that an emperor or a $ing should have. ,iu 'iao(s recent death gives an eAcuse for me to be sent to convey condolence and, once there, I shall be able to tal$ over ,iu 'ei and the officers of the late Imperial 7rotector to combine #ith you against )ao )ao. If ,iu 'ei does as I #ish, then success is yours.C Sun &uan thought this a good plan, so he had the necessary letters prepared, and the gifts, and sent ,u Su #ith them. +ll this time ,iu 'ei #as at 9iangAia #here, #ith "huge ,iang and ,iu &i, he #as endeavoring to evolve a good plan of campaign. "huge ,iang said, C)ao )ao(s po#er is too great for us to cope #ith. ,et us go over to the South ,and and as$ help from Sun &uan. If #e can set north and south at grips, #e ought to be able to get some advantage from our intermediate position bet#een them.C C'ut #ill they be #illing to have anything to do #ith usGC said ,iu 'ei. CThe South ,and is a large and populous country, and Sun &uan has ambitions of his o#n.C "huge ,iang replied, C)ao )ao #ith his army of a million holds the *an River and a half of the 8reat River. The South ,and #ill certainly send to find out all possible about the position. Should any messenger come, I shall borro# a little boat and ma$e a little trip over the river and trust to my little lithe tongue to set north and south at each other(s throats. If the south #ins, #e #ill assist in destroying )ao )ao in order to get 9ingDhou. If the north #ins, #e shall profit by the victory to get the South ,and. So #e shall get some advantage either #ay.C CThat is a very fine vie# to ta$e,C said ,iu 'ei. C'ut ho# are you going to get hold of anyone from the South ,and to tal$ toGC

,iu 'ei(s uestion #as ans#ered by the arrival of ,u Su, and as the ship touched the ban$ and the envoy came ashore, "huge ,iang laughed, saying, CIt is done=C Turning to ,iu &i he as$ed, C!hen Sun )e died, did your country send any condolencesGC CIt is impossible there #ould be any mourning courtesies bet#een them and us. !e had caused the death of his father, Sun 9ian.C CThen it is certain that this envoy does not come to present condolences but to spy out the land.C So he said to ,iu 'ei, C!hen ,u Su as$s about the movements of )ao )ao, you #ill $no# nothing. If he presses the matter, say he can as$ me.C *aving thus prepared their scheme, they sent to #elcome the envoy, #ho entered the city in mourning garb. The gifts having been accepted, ,iu &i as$ed ,u Su to meet ,iu 'ei. !hen the introductory ceremonies #ere over, the three men #ent to one of the inner chambers to drin$ a cup of #ine. 7resently ,u Su said to ,iu 'ei, C'y reputation I have $no#n you a long time, Hncle ,iu 'ei, but till today I have not met you. I am very gratified at seeing you. Bou have been fighting )ao )ao, though, lately, so I suppose you $no# all about him. *as he really so great an armyG *o# many, do you thin$, he hasGC C1y army #as so small that #e fled #henever #e heard of his approach. So I do not $no# ho# many he had.C CBou had the advice of "huge ,iang, and you used fire on )ao )ao t#ice. Bou burned him almost to death so that you can hardly say you $no# nothing about his soldiers,C said ,u Su. C!ithout as$ing my adviser, I really do not $no# the details.C C!here is "huge ,iangG I should li$e to see him,C said ,u Su. So they sent for him, and he #as introduced. !hen the ceremonies #ere over, ,u Su said, CI have long admired your genius but have never been fortunate enough to meet you. Fo# that I have met you, I hope I may spea$ of present politics.C Replied "huge ,iang, CI $no# all )ao )ao(s infamies and #ic$ednesses, but to my regret #e #ere not strong enough to #ithstand him. That is #hy #e avoided him.C CIs the Imperial Hncle going to stay hereGC CThe 7rincely One is an old friend of !u 9u, 8overnor of )hang#u, and intends to go to him.C

C!u 9u has fe# troops and insufficient supplies. *e cannot ensure safety for himself. *o# can he receive the HncleGC said ,u Su. C)hang#u is not one to remain in long, but it is good enough for the present. !e can ma$e other plans for the future.C ,u Su said, CSun &uan is strongly posted in the siA southern territories and is eAceedingly #ell supplied. *e treats able people and scholars #ith the greatest courtesy and so they gather round him. Fo# if you are see$ing a plan for your 7rince, you cannot do better than send some friend to confer #ith him.C CThere have never been any relations bet#een my master and yours,C said "huge ,iang. CI fear there #ould be nothing but a #aste of #ords. 'esides, #e have no one to send.C CBour elder brother "huge 9in is there as adviser and is longing to see you. I am but a simple #ight, but I should be pleased to discuss affairs #ith my master and you.C C'ut "huge ,iang is my Directing Instructor,C said ,iu 'ei, Cand I cannot do #ithout him. *e cannot go.C ,u Su pressed him. ,iu 'ei pretended to refuse permission. CIt is important. I pray you give me leave to go,C said "huge ,iang. Then ,iu 'ei consented. +nd they soon too$ leave and the t#o set out by boat for Sun &uan(s head uarters. + little boat sailed do#n the stream !ith "huge ,iang #ell content; 3or he could see his enemies To fiery perdition sent. The result of this >ourney #ill appear in the follo#ing chapter. Chapter /( Zh&ge -iang *isp&tes With The So&thern Scho#ars; -& S& *eno&nces The =aDorit4 pinion' In the boat on the #ay to )haisang, the t#o travelers beguiled the time by discussing affairs. ,u Su impressed upon his companion, saying, C!hen you see my master, do not reveal the truth about the magnitude of )ao )ao(s army.C CBou do not have to remind me,C replied "huge ,iang, Cbut I shall $no# ho# to reply.C

!hen the boat arrived, "huge ,iang #as lodged in the guests( uarters, and ,u Su #ent alone to see his master. ,u Su found Sun &uan actually at a council, assembled to consider the situation. ,u Su #as summoned thereto and uestioned at once upon #hat he had discovered. CI $no# the general outline, but I #ant a little time to prepare my report,C replied ,u Su. Then Sun &uan produced )ao )ao(s letter and gave it to ,u Su. CThat came yesterday. I have sent the bearer of it bac$, and this gathering is to consider the reply,C said he. ,u Su read the letter@ C!hen I, the 7rime 1inister, received the imperial command to punish a fault, my banners #ent south and ,iu "ong became my prisoner, #hile the people of 9ingDhou floc$ed to my side at the first rumor of my coming. Hnder my hand are one million strong and a thousand able leaders. 1y desire is, 8eneral, that #e go on a great hunting eApedition into 9iangAia and together attac$ ,iu 'ei. !e #ill share his land bet#een us, and #e #ill s#ear perpetual amity. If happily you #ould not be a mere loo$er6on, I pray you reply uic$ly.C C!hat have you decided upon, my lordGC as$ed ,u Su as he finished the letter. CI have not yet decided.C Then "hang "hao said, CIt #ould be imprudent to #ithstand )ao )ao(s hundred legions bac$ed by the imperial authority. 1oreover, your most important defense against him is the 8reat River; and since )ao )ao has gained possession of 9ingDhou, the river is his ally against us. !e cannot #ithstand him, and the only #ay to tran uillity, in my opinion, is submission.C CThe #ords of the spea$er accord #ith the manifest decree of providence,C echoed all the assembly. Sun &uan remaining silent and thoughtful. "hang "hao again too$ up the argument, saying, CDo not hesitate, my lord. Submission to )ao )ao means tran uillity to the people of the South ,and and safety for the inhabitants of the siA territories.C Sun &uan still remained silent. *is head bent in deep thought. 7resently he arose and paced slo#ly out at the door, and ,u Su follo#ed him. Outside he too$ ,u Su by the hand, saying, C!hat do you desireGC C!hat they have all been saying is very derogatory to you. + common person might submit. Bou cannot.C

C!hyG *o# do you eAplain thatGC CIf people li$e us servants submitted, #e #ould >ust return to our village or continue holding our offices, and everything #ould go on as before. If you submit, #hither #ill you goG Bou #ill be created a lord of some humble fief, perhaps. Bou #ill have one carriage, no more; one saddle horse, that is all. Bour retinue #ill be some ten. !ill you be able to sit facing the south and call yourself by the $ingly title of (The Solitary(G 4ach one in that cro#d of hangers6on is thin$ing for himself, is purely selfish, and you should not listen to them, but ta$e a line of your o#n and that uic$ly. Determine to play a bold game=C Sun &uan sighed, CThey all tal$ and tal$@ They miss my point of vie#. Fo# you have >ust spo$en of a bold game, and your vie# is the same as mine. Surely 8od has eApressly sent you to me. Still )ao )ao is no# the stronger by all Buan Shao(s and ,iu 'iao(s armies, and he has possession of 9ingDhou. I fear he is almost too po#erful to contend #ith.C CI have brought bac$ #ith me "huge ,iang, the younger brother of our "huge 9in. If you uestioned him, he #ould eAplain clearly.C CIs 1aster Sleeping Dragon really hereGC CReally here, in the guest6house.C CIt is too late to see him today. 'ut tomorro# I #ill assemble my officials, and you #ill introduce him to all my best. +fter that #e #ill debate the matter.C !ith these instructions ,u Su retired. FeAt day he #ent to the guest6house and conveyed Sun &uan(s commands to the guest, particularly saying, C!hen you see my master, say nothing of the magnitude of )ao )ao(s army.C "huge ,iang smiled, saying, CI shall act as circumstances dictate. Bou may be sure I shall ma$e no mista$es.C "huge ,iang #as then conducted to #here the high officers, civil and military to the number of forty and more, #ere assembled. They formed a dignified conclave as they sat in stately ran$s #ith their tall headdresses and broad girdles. "hang "hao sat at the head, and "huge ,iang first saluted him. Then, one by one, he eAchange the formal courtesies #ith them all. This done he too$ his seat in the guest(s chair. They, on their part, noted #ith interest "huge ,iang(s refined and elegant manner and his commanding figure, thin$ing #ithin themselves, C*ere is a persuader fitted for discourse.C

"hang "hao led the #ay in trying to bait the visitor. *e said, CBou #ill pardon the most insignificant of our official circle, myself, if I mention that people say you compare yourself #ith those t#o famous men of talent, 8uan "hong and Bue Bi. Is there any truth in thisGC CTo a trifling eAtent I have compared myself #ith them,C replied "huge ,iang. CI have heard that ,iu 'ei made three >ourneys to visit you #hen you lived in retirement in your simple d#elling in the Sleeping Dragon Ridge, and that #hen you consented to serve him, he said he #as as luc$y as a fish in getting home to the ocean. Then he desired to possess the region about 9ingDhou. Bet today all that country belongs to )ao )ao. I should li$e to hear your account of all that.C "huge ,iang thought, CThis "hang "hao is Sun &uan(s first adviser. Hnless I can nonplus him, I shall never have a chance #ith his master.C So he replied, CIn my opinion the ta$ing of the region around the *an River #as as simple as turning over one(s hand. 'ut my master ,iu 'ei is both righteous and humane and #ould not stoop to filching the possession of a member of his o#n house. So he refused the offer of succession. 'ut ,iu "ong, a stupid lad, misled by specious #ords, submitted to )ao )ao and fell victim to his ferocity. 1y master is in camp at 9iangAia, but #hat his future plans may be cannot be divulged at present.C "hang "hao said, C'e it so; but your #ords and your deeds are something discordant. Bou say you are the e ual of the t#o famous ones. !ell, 8uan "hong, as minister of 7rince *uan, put his master at the very head of the feudal nobles, ma$ing his master(s #ill supreme in all the land. Hnder the able statesmanship of Bue Bi, the feeble state of Ban con uered &i, reducing nearly seventy of its cities. These t#o #ere men of most commanding and conspicuous talent. C!hen you lived in retirement, you smiled scornfully at ordinary people, passed your days in idleness, nursing your $nees and posing in a superior manner, implying that if you had control of affairs, ,iu 'ei #ould be more than human; he should bring good to everybody and remove all evil; rebellion and robbery #ould be no more. 7oor ,iu 'ei, before he obtained your help, #as an outcast and a vagabond, stealing a city here and there #here he could. !ith you to help him, he #as to become the cynosure of every eye, and every lisping school child #as to say that he #as a tiger #ho had gro#n #ings; the *ans #ere to be restored and )ao )ao and his faction eAterminated; the good old days #ould be restored, and all the people #ho had been driven into retirement by the corruption of political life #ould #a$e up, rub the sleep out of their eyes, and be in readiness to lift the cloud of dar$ness that covered the s$y and gaDe up at the glorious brilliancy of the sun and moon, to pull the people out of fire and #ater and put all the #orld to rest on a couch of comfort. That #as all supposed to happen forth#ith. C!hy then, #hen you #ent to 2inye, did not )ao )ao(s army thro# aside their arms and armors and flee li$e ratsG !hy could you not have told ,iu 'iao ho# to give tran uillity to his peopleG !hy could you not aid his orphan son to protect his frontiersG Instead you abandoned 2inye and

fled to 3ancheng; you #ere defeated at Dangyang and fled to 2ia$ou #ith no place to rest in. Thus, after you had >oined ,iu 'ei, he #as #orse off than before. !as it thus #ith 8uan "hong and Bue BiG I trust you do not mind my blunt speech.C "huge ,iang #aited till "hang "hao had closed his oration, then laughed and said, C*o# can the common birds understand the long flight of the cranesG ,et me use an illustration. + man has fallen into a terrible malady. 3irst the physician must administer hashish, then soothing drugs until his viscera shall be calmed into harmonious action. !hen the sic$ man(s body shall have been reduced to uietude, then may he be given strong meats to strengthen him and po#erful drugs to correct the disorder. Thus the disease #ill be uite eApelled, and the man restored to health. If the physician does not #ait till the humors and pulse are in harmony, but thro#s in his strong drugs too early, it #ill be difficult to restore the patient. C1y master suffered defeat at Runan and #ent to ,iu 'iao. *e had then less than one thousand soldiers and only three generals6668uan Bu, "hang 3ei, and "hao Bun. That #as indeed a time of eAtreme #ea$ness. 2inye #as a secluded, rustic to#n #ith fe# inhabitants and scanty supplies, and my master only retired there as a temporary refuge. *o# could he even thin$ of occupying and holding itG Bet, #ith insufficient force, in a #ea$ city, #ith untrained men and inade uate supplies, #e burned 2iahou Dun at 'o#ang Slope, dro#ned )ao Ren and )ao *ong and their army in the !hite River, and set them in terror as they fled. I doubt #hether the t#o ancient heroes #ould have done any better. +s to the surrender of ,iu "ong, ,iu 'ei $ne# nothing of it. +nd he #as too noble and too righteous to ta$e advantage of a $insman(s straits to seiDe his inheritance. +s for the defeat at Dangyang, it must be remembered that ,iu 'ei #as hampered #ith a huge voluntary follo#ing of common people, #ith their aged relatives and their children, #hom he #as too humane to abandon. *e never thought of ta$ing 9iangling, but #illingly suffered #ith his people. This is a stri$ing instance of his magnanimity. CSmall forces are no match for large armies. Victory and defeat are common episodes in every campaign. The great 3ounder of the *ans suffered many defeats at the hands of 2iang Bu, but ,iu 'ang finally con uered at 8aiAia, and that battle #as decisive. !as not this due to the strategy of *an 2in% #ho, though he had long served ,iu 'ang, had never #on a victory. Indeed real statesmanship and the restoration of stable government is a master plan far removed from the vapid discourses and debates of a lot of bragging babblers and specious and deceitful tal$ers, #ho, as they themselves say, are immeasureably superior to the rest of human$ind but #ho, #hen it comes to deeds and decisions to meet the infinite and constant vicissitudes of affairs, fail to thro# up a single capable person. Truly such people are the laughing stoc$ of all the #orld.C "hang "hao found no reply to this diatribe. 'ut another in the assembly lifted up his voice, saying, C'ut #hat of )ao )ao(s present positionG There he is, encamped #ith one hundred legions and a thousand leaders. !hither he goes he is invincible as #riggling dragon, and #hither he loo$s he is as fearsome as roaring tiger. *e seems to have ta$en 9iangAia already, as #e see.C

The spea$er #as Bu 3an. +nd "huge ,iang replied, C)ao )ao has ac uired the s#arms of Buan Shao and stolen the cro#ds of ,iu 'iao. Bet I care not for all his mob legions.C Bu 3an smiled icily, saying, C!hen you got thrashed at Dangyang and in desperation sent this #ay and that to as$ help, even then did you not careG 'ut do you thin$ big tal$ really ta$es people inGC "huge ,iang replied, C,iu 'ei had a fe# thousand scrupulous soldiers to oppose against a million fierce brutes. *e retired to 2ia$ou for breathing space. The South ,and have strong and good soldiers, and there are ample supplies, and the 8reat River is a defense. Is no# a time for you to convince your lord to bend the $nee before a renegade, to be careless of his honor and reputationG +s a fact ,iu 'ei is not the sort of man to fear such a rebel as )ao )ao.C Bu 3an had nothing to reply. FeAt, 'u "hi, #ho #as among those seated, said, C!ill you tal$ of our southern land #ith a tongue li$e the tongues of the persuaders "hang Bi and Su &in in the ancient timeGC "huge ,iang replied, CBou regard those t#o as mere speculative tal$ers; you do not recogniDe them also as heroes. Su &in% bore the 7rime 1inisters( seals of siA federated states; "hang Bi% #as t#ice 7rime 1inister of the state of &in. 'oth #ere men of conspicuous ability #ho brought about the reformation of their governments. They are not to be compared #ith those #ho uail before the strong and overbear the #ea$, #ho fear the dagger and run a#ay from the s#ord. Bou, Sir, have listened to )ao )ao(s crafty and empty threat, and it has frightened you into advising surrender. Dare you ridicule Su &in and "hang BiGC 'u "hi #as silenced. Then suddenly another inter>ected the uestion, C!hat do you thin$ of )ao )aoGC It #as 2ue "ong #ho had spo$en. +nd "huge ,iang replied, C)ao )ao is one of the rebels against the dynasty. !hy as$ about himGC CBou are mista$en,C said 2ue "ong. CThe *ans have outlasted their allotted time, and the end is near. )ao )ao already has t#o6thirds of the empire, and people are turning to him. Bour master has not recogniDed the fateful moment, and to contend #ith a man so strong is to try to smash stones #ith eggs. 3ailure is certain.C "huge ,iang angrily replied, C!hy do you spea$ so undutiful #ords, as if you $ne# neither father nor princeG ,oyalty and filial duty are the essentials of a person(s being. 3or a minister of *an, correct conduct demands that one is pledged to the destruction of anyone #ho does not follo# the canon of a minister(s duty. )ao )ao(s forbears en>oyed the bounty of *an, but instead of sho#ing gratitude, he nourishes in his bosom thoughts of rebellion. The #hole #orld is incensed against

him, and yet you #ould claim for him the indication of destiny. Truly you are a man #ho $no#s neither father nor prince, a man un#orthy of any #ords, and I decline to argue #ith you further.C The blush of shame overspread 2ue "ong(s face, and he said no more. 'ut another, ,u 9i, too$ up the dispute and said, C+lthough )ao )ao overa#es the 4mperor and in his name coerces the nobles, yet he is the descendant of the Supreme +ncestor(s 7rime 1inister )ao Shen; #hile your master, though he says he is descended from a prince, has no proof thereof. In the eyes of the #orld, ,iu 'ei is >ust a #eaver of mats, a seller of stra# shoes. !ho is he to strive #ith )ao )aoGC "huge ,iang laughed and replied, C+re you not that ,u 9i #ho poc$eted the orange #hen you #ere sitting among Buan Shu(s guests%G ,isten to me@ I have a #ord to say to you. Inasmuch as )ao )ao is a descendant of a minister of state, he is by heredity a servant of the *ans. 'ut no# he has monopoliDed all state authority and $no#s only his o#n arbitrary #ill, heaping every indignity upon his lord. Fot only does he forget his prince, but he ignores his ancestors; not only is he a rebellious servant of *an, but the renegade of his family. ,iu 'ei of BuDhou is a noble scion of the imperial family upon #hom the 4mperor has conferred ran$, as is recorded in the annals. *o# then can you say there is no evidence of his imperial originG 'eside, the very founder of the dynasty #as himself of lo#ly origin, and yet he became emperor. !here is the shame in #eaving mats and selling shoesG Bour mean, immature vie#s are unfit to be mentioned in the presence of scholars of standing.C This put a stop to ,u 9i(s flo# of elo uence. 'ut another of those present said, C"huge ,iang(s #ords are overbearing, and he distorts reason. It is not proper argument, and he had better say no more. 'ut I #ould as$ him #hat classical canon he studied.C "huge ,iang loo$ed at his interlocutor, #ho #as Ban 9un, and said, CThe dryasdusts of every age select passages and choose phrases. !hat else are they good forG Do they ever initiate a policy or manage an affairG Bi Bin, #ho #as a farmer in the state of Shen, and ,u !ang, the fisherman of the River !ei, "hang ,iang and )hen 7ing, "heng Bu and 8eng Ban%666all #ere men of transcendent ability, but I have never in uired #hat classical canon they follo#ed or on #hose essays they formed their style. !ould you li$en them to your rusty students of boo$s, #hose >ourneyings are comprised bet#een their brush and their in$stone, #ho spend their days in literary futilities, #asting both time and in$GC Fo reply #as forthcoming. Ban 9un hung his head #ith shame. 'ut another disputant, )heng Deshu by name, suddenly shouted, CBou are mightily fond of big #ords, Sir, but they do not give any proof of your scholarship after all. I am inclined to thin$ that a real scholar #ould >ust laugh at you.C

"huge ,iang replied, CThere is the noble scholar, loyal and patriotic, of perfect rectitude and a hater of any croo$edness. The concern of such a scholar is to act in full sympathy #ith his day and leave to future ages a fine reputation. There is the scholar of the mean type, a pedant and nothing more. *e labors constantly #ith his pen, in his callo# youth composing odes and in hoary age still striving to understand the classical boo$s completely. Thousands of #ords flo# from his pen, but there is not a solid idea in his breast. *e may, as did Bang 2iong, glorify the age #ith his #ritings and yet stoop to serve a tyrant such as !ang 1ang. Fo #onder Bang 2iong thre# himself out of a #indo#; he had to. That is the #ay of the scholar of mean type. Though he composes odes by the hundred, #hat is the use of himGC )heng Deshu could ma$e no reply. The other officers no# began to hold this man of torrential speech in #holesome fear. Only t#o of them, "hang !en and ,uo Tong, had failed to challenge him, but #hen they #ould have tried to pose "huge ,iang, suddenly someone appeared from #ithout and angrily shouted, CThis is not paying fit respect to a guest. Bou have among you the most #onderful man of the day, and you all sit there trying to entangle him in speech #hile our archenemy )ao )ao is nearing our borders. Instead of discussing ho# to oppose )ao )ao, you are all #rangling and disputing.C +ll eyes turned to#ard the spea$er. It #as *uang 8ai of ,ingling, #ho #as the )hief of the )ommissariat of the South ,and. *e turned to address "huge ,iang, saying, CThere is a saying that though something may be gained by tal$, there is more to be got by silence. !hy not give my lord the advantage of your valuable advice instead of #asting time in discussion #ith this cro#dGC CThey did not understand,C replied "huge ,iang, Cand it #as necessary to enlighten them, so I had to spea$.C +s *uang 8ai and ,u Su led the guest to#ard their master(s apartments, they met his brother "huge 9in. "huge ,iang saluted him #ith the deference due to an elder brother. "huge 9in said, C!hy have you not been to see me, brotherGC CI am no# in the service of ,iu 'ei of BuDhou, and it is right that public affairs precede private obligations. I cannot attend to any private matters till my #or$ is done. Bou must pardon me, brother.C C+fter you have seen 1ar uis Sun &uan, you #ill come and tell me your ne#s,C said he as he left. +s they #ent along to the audience chamber, ,u Su again cautioned "huge ,iang against any rash speech, saying, CDo not tell the magnitude of )ao )ao(s forces. 7lease remember.C The latter nodded but made no other reply. !hen they reached the hall, Sun &uan came do#n the steps to #elcome his guests and #as eAtraordinarily gracious. +fter the mutual salutations, the

guest #as given a chair #hile the 1ar uis( officials #ere dra#n up in t#o lines, on one side the civil, on the other the military. ,u Su stood beside "huge ,iang and listened to his introductory speech. +s "huge ,iang spo$e of ,iu 'ei(s intentions, he glanced up at his host. *e noted the green eyes and purple beard and the dignified commanding air of the man and thought #ithin himself, C)ertainly in appearance this is no common man. *e is one to be incited perhaps, but not to be persuaded. It #ill be better to see #hat he has to say first, then I #ill try to stir him to action.C The serving of tea being no# finished, Sun &uan began #ith the usual gracious ceremonial eApressions. C,u Su has often spo$en of your genius,C said the host. CIt is a great pleasure to meet you. I trust you #ill confer upon me the advantage of your instruction.C CI am neither clever nor learned,C #as the reply. CIt humiliates me to hear such #ords.C CBou have been at 2inye lately, and you helped your master to fight that decisive battle #ith )ao )ao, so you must $no# eAactly the measure of his military strength.C C1y master(s army #as small and his generals #ere fe#; the city #as paltry and lac$ed supplies. *ence no stand could be made against such a force as )ao )ao had.C C*o# many has he in allGC C*orse and foot, land and marine, he has a million.C CIs there not some doubt about thatGC said Sun &uan, surprised. CFone #hatever. !hen )ao )ao #ent to BanDhou, he had the t#o hundred thousand soldiers of &ingDhou. *e gained five or siA hundred thousand more #hen Buan Shao fell. *e has three or four hundred thousand troops ne#ly recruited in the capital. ,ately he has ac uired t#o or three hundred thousand troops in 9ingDhou. +nd if these be rec$oned up, the total is not less than a million and a half. *ence I said a million for I #as afraid of frightening your officers.C ,u Su #as much disturbed and turned pale. *e loo$ed meaningfully at the bold spea$er, but "huge ,iang #ould not see. Sun &uan #ent on to as$ if his archenemy had a corresponding number of leaders. C)ao )ao has enough administrators and strategists to control such a host, and his capable and veteran leaders are more than a thousand; perhaps more than t#o thousand.C C!hat #ill be )ao )ao(s neAt move no# that he has overcome 9ingDhouGC

C*e is camped along the river, and he has collected a fleet. If he does not intend to invade the South ,and, #hat can his intentions beGC CSince that is his intention, it is a case of fight or not fight. I #ish you #ould decide that for me.C CI have something I could say, but I fear, Sir, you #ould not care to hear it.C CI am desirous of hearing your most valuable opinion.C CStrife has prevailed for a long time; and so you have raised your army in the South ,and and ,iu 'ei collected his forces south of the *an River to act in contest for the empire against )ao )ao. Fo# )ao )ao has overcome most of his difficulties, and his recent con uest of 9ingDhou has #on him great and #ide reno#n. Though there might be one bold enough to tac$le him, yet there is no foothold for such. That is ho# ,iu 'ei has been forced to come here. 'ut, 8eneral, I #ish you to measure your forces and decide #hether you can venture to meet )ao )ao and that #ithout loss of time. If you cannot, then follo# the advice of your councilors@ )ease your military preparations and yield, turn your face to the north and serve.C Sun &uan did not reply. 'ut his guest #ent on, CBou have the reputation of being reasonable, but I $no# also you are inclined to hesitate. Still this matter is most important, and evil #ill be uic$ly upon you if you do not decide.C Then replied Sun &uan, CIf #hat you say represents the actual conditions, #hy does not ,iu 'ei yieldGC C!ell, you $no# Tian *eng%, that hero of the state of &i@ *is character #as too noble for him to submit to any shame. It is necessary to remember that ,iu 'ei also is an off6shoot from the Dynastic 3amily, beside being a man of great reno#n. 4veryone loo$s up to him. *is lac$ of success is simply the #ill of *eaven, but manifestly he could not bo# the $nee to anyone.C These last #ords touched Sun &uan to the uic$, and he could not control his anger. *e shoo$ out his sleeves, rose, and left the audience chamber. Those present smiled at each other as they dispersed. 'ut ,u Su #as annoyed and reproached "huge ,iang for his maladroit #ay of tal$ing to Sun &uan, saying, C,uc$ily for you, my lord is too large6minded to rebu$e you to your face, for you spo$e to him most contemptuously.C "huge ,iang thre# bac$ his head and laughed. C!hat a sensitive fello# it is=C cried he. CI $no# ho# )ao )ao could be destroyed, but he never as$ed me. So I said nothing.C CIf you really do $no# ho# that could be done, I #ill certainly beg my lord to as$ you.C

C)ao )ao(s hosts in my eyes are but as s#arms of ants. I have but to lift my hand, and they #ill be crushed,C said "huge ,iang. ,u Su at once #ent into his master(s private room, #here he found Sun &uan still very irritable and angry. C"huge ,iang insulted me too deeply,C said Sun &uan. CI have already reproached him,C said ,u Su, Cand he laughed and said you #ere too sensitive. *e #ould not give you any advice #ithout being as$ed for it. !hy did you not see$ advice from him, my lordGC +t once Sun &uan(s anger changed to >oy. *e said, CSo he had a plan ready, and his #ords #ere meant to provo$e me. I did despise him for a moment, and it has very nearly lost me.C So Sun &uan returned to the audience chamber #here the guest #as still seated and begged "huge ,iang to continue his speech. Sun &uan spo$e courteously, saying, CI offended you >ust no#. I hope you are not implacable.C C+nd I also #as rude,C replied "huge ,iang. CI entreat pardon.C *ost and guest retired to the inner room #here #ine #as served. +fter it had gone round several times, Sun &uan said, CThe enemies of )ao )ao #ere ,u 'u, ,iu 'iao, Buan Shao, Buan Shu, ,iu 'ei, and my poor self. Fo# most of these are gone, and only ,iu 'ei and I remain. I #ill never allo# the land of !u to be dictated to by another. The only one #ho could have #ithstood )ao )ao #as ,iu 'ei, but he has been defeated lately and #hat can he do no# against such forceGC "huge ,iang replied, C+lthough defeated, ,iu 'ei still has 8uan Bu #ith ten thousand veterans. +nd ,iu &i still leads the troops of 9iangAia, another ten thousand. )ao )ao(s army is far from home, and the soldiers are #orn out. They made a frantic effort to come up #ith my master, and the light horse marched one hundred miles in a day and a night. This #as the final $ic$ of the crossbo# spring, and the bolt #as not s#ift enough to penetrate even the thin sil$en vesture of ,u. The army can do no more. They are northern people, uns$illed in #ater #arfare, and the people of 9ingDhou are un#illing supporters. They have no desire to help )ao )ao. Fo# if you, 8eneral, #ill assist ,iu 'ei, )ao )ao #ill certainly be bro$en, and he must retire north#ards. Then your country and 9ingDhou #ill be strong, and the tripod #ill be firmly established. 'ut the scheme must be carried out #ithout delay, and only you can decide.C Sun &uan >oyfully replied, CBour #ords, 1aster, open up the road clearly. I have decided and shall have no further doubts.C

So the orders #ere issued forth#ith to prepare for a >oint attac$ on )ao )ao. +nd Sun &uan bade ,u Su bear the ne#s of his decision to all his officers. *e himself escorted "huge ,iang to the guest6 uarters and sa# to his comfort. !hen "hang "hao heard of the decision he met his colleagues and said to them, COur master has fallen into the trap set by this "huge ,iang.C They #ent in a body to their lord and said, C!e hear you are going to attac$ )ao )ao. 'ut ho# do you stand #hen compared #ith Buan ShaoG In those days )ao )ao #as comparatively #ea$, and yet he overcame. !hat is he li$e today #ith his countless legionsG *e is not to be lightly attac$ed, and to listen to "huge ,iang(s advice to engage in a conflict is li$e carrying fuel to a fire.C Sun &uan made no reply, and 8u Bong too$ up the argument. 8u Bong said, C,iu 'ei has been defeated, and he #ants to borro# our help to beat his enemy. !hy must our lord lend himself to his schemesG 7ray listen to our leader(s #ords.C Doubts again surged up in the mind of Sun &uan. !hen the troop of advisers had retired, ,u Su came in, saying, CThey came to eAhort you not to fight, but to compel you to surrender. +ll this is simply because they #ish to secure the safety of their families. They distort their sense of duty to serve their o#n ends, and I hope you #ill not ta$e their advice.C Sun &uan being sun$ in thought and saying nothing, ,u Su #ent on, CIf you hesitate, you #ill certainly be led astray by the ma>ority and66666C CRetire for a time,C said his master. CI must thin$ it over carefully.C So ,u Su left the chamber. +mong the soldiers some #ished for #ar, but of the civil officers, all #ere in favor of surrender; and so there #ere many discussions and much conflict of opinion. Sun &uan #ent to his private apartments greatly perpleAed. There his #orry #as easily discernible, and he neither ate nor slept. *e #as uite unable to decide finally upon a course of action. Then ,ady !u, the sister of his late mother, #hom he also regarded as his o#n mother, as$ed him #hat so troubled him, and he told her of the threatened danger of )ao )ao and the different opinions his advisers held one and another and all his doubts and fears. CIf I fight, I might fail. 'ut if I offer to surrender, perhaps )ao )ao #ill not tolerate me,C said he. Then she replied, C*ave you forgotten the last #ords of my sisterGC +s to one recovering from a fit of drun$enness, or #a$ing out of a dream, so came to him the dying #ords of the mother #ho bore him.

*is mother(s advice he called to mind, CIn "hou Bu(s counsels you safety find.C !hat happened #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter // Zh&ge -iang Stirs Zho& +& To 1ctions; S&n ?&an *ecides To 1ttac5 Cao Cao' The dying message #hich ,ady !u recalled to Sun &uan(s memory #as, C3or internal matters consult "hang "hao; for eAternal policy "hou Bu.C !herefore "hou Bu #as summoned. 'ut "hou Bu #as already on the #ay. *e had been training his naval forces on 7oyang ,a$e #hen he heard of the approach of )ao )ao(s hosts and had started for )haisang #ithout loss of time. So, before the messenger ordered to call him could start, he had already arrived. +s he and ,u Su #ere close friends, the latter #ent to #elcome him and told him of all that had happened. C*ave no anAiety,C said "hou Bu. CI shall be able to decide this. 'ut go uic$ly and beg "huge ,iang to come to see me.C So ,u Su #ent to see$ out "huge ,iang. "hou Bu had many other visitors. 3irst came "hang "hao, "hang *ong, 8u Bong, and 'u "hi to represent their faction to find out #hat might be afoot. They #ere received, and after the eAchange of the usual commonplaces, "hang "hao said, C*ave you heard of our terrible dangerGC CI have heard nothing,C said "hou Bu. C)ao )ao and his hordes are encamped up the *an River. *e has >ust sent letters as$ing our lord to hunt #ith him in 9iangAia. *e may have a desire to absorb this country but, if so, the details of his designs are still secret. !e prayed our master to give in his submission and so avoid the horrors of #ar, but no# ,u Su has returned bringing #ith him the Directing Instructor of ,iu 'ei(s army, "huge ,iang. "huge ,iang, desiring to avenge himself for the recent defeat, has tal$ed our lord into a mind for #ar, and ,u Su persists in supporting that policy. They only a#ait your final decision.C C+re you all unanimous in your opinionsGC C!e are perfectly unanimous,C said "hang "hao.

"hou Bu said, CThe fact is I have also desired to submit for a long time. I beg you to leave me no#, and tomorro# #e #ill see our master, and I shall ma$e up his mind for him.C So they too$ their leave. Very soon came the military party led by )heng 7u, *uang 8ai, and *an Dang. They #ere admitted and duly in uired after their host(s health. Then the leader )heng 7u said, C*ave you heard that our country is about to pass under another(s governmentGC CFo; I have heard nothing,C replied the host. C!e helped 8eneral Sun &uan to establish his authority here and carve out this $ingdom, and to gain that end #e fought many a battle before #e con uered the country. Fo# our lord lends his ear to his civil officers and desires to submit himself to )ao )ao. This is a most shameful and pitiful course, and #e #ould rather die than follo# it. So #e hope you #ill decide to fight, and you may depend upon our struggling to the last person.C C+nd are you unanimous, 8eneralsGC as$ed "hou Bu. *uang 8ai suddenly started up and smote his forehead, saying, CThey may ta$e my head, but I s#ear never to surrender.C CFot one of us is #illing to surrender,C cried all the others. C1y desire also is to decide matters #ith )ao )ao on the battlefield. *o# could #e thin$ of submissionG Fo# I pray you retire, 8enerals, and #hen I see our lord, I #ill settle his doubts.C So the #ar party left. They #ere uic$ly succeeded by "huge 9in, ,u 3an, and their faction. They #ere brought in and, after the usual courtesies, "huge 9in said, C1y brother has come do#n the river saying that ,iu 'ei desires to ally himself #ith our lord against )ao )ao. The civil and military hold different opinions as to the course to be pursued. 'ut as my brother is so deeply concerned, I am un#illing to say much on either side. !e are a#aiting your decision.C C+nd #hat do you thin$ about itGC as$ed "hou Bu. CSubmission is an easy road to tran uillity, #hile the result of #ar is hard to foretell.C "hou Bu smiled, CI shall have my mind made up. )ome tomorro# to the palace, and the decision shall be announced.C The trimmers too$ their leave. 'ut soon after came ,u 1eng, 8an Fing, and their supporters, also desirous of discussing the same thing, and they told him that opinions differed greatly, some being for peace and others for #ar. One party constantly disputed #ith the other.

CI must not say much no#,C replied "hou Bu, Cbut you #ill see tomorro# in the palace, #hen the matter #ill be fully debated.C They #ent a#ay leaving "hou Bu smiling cynically. +bout eventide ,u Su and "huge ,iang came, and "hou Bu #ent out to the main gate to receive them. !hen they had ta$en their proper seats, ,u Su spo$e first, saying, C)ao )ao has come against the South ,and #ith a huge army. Our master cannot decide #hether to submit or give battle and #aits for your decision. !hat is your opinionGC "hou Bu replied, C!e may not oppose )ao )ao #hen he acts at the command of the 4mperor. 1oreover, he is very strong, and to attac$ him is to ta$e serious ris$s. In my opinion, opposition #ould mean defeat and, since submission means peace, I have decided to advise our lord to #rite and offer surrender.C C'ut you are #rong=C stammered ,u Su. CThis country has been under the same rule for three generations and cannot be suddenly abandoned to some other. Our late lord Sun )e said that you #ere to be consulted on matters beyond the border, and #e depended upon you to $eep the country as secure and solid as the Taishan 1ountains. Fo# you adopt the vie# of the #ea$lings and propose to yield= I cannot believe you mean it.C Replied "hou Bu, CThe siA territories contain countless people. If I am the means of bringing upon them the misery of #ar, they #ill hate me. So I have decided to advise submission.C C'ut do you not realiDe our lord(s might and the strength of our countryG If )ao )ao does attac$, it is very uncertain that he #ill realiDe his desire.C The t#o #rangled for a long time, #hile "huge ,iang sat smiling #ith folded arms. 7resently "hou Bu as$ed, C!hy do you smile thus, 1asterGC +nd "huge ,iang replied, CI am smiling at no other than your opponent ,u Su, #ho $no#s nothing of the affairs of the day.C C1aster,C said ,u Su, C#hat do you meanGC C!hy, this intention to submit is perfectly reasonable. It is the one proper thing.C CThere=C eAclaimed "hou Bu. C"huge ,iang $no#s the times perfectly #ell, and he agrees #ith me.C C'ut, both of you, #hy do you say thisGC said ,u Su.

Said "huge ,iang, C)ao )ao is an eAcellent commander, so good that no one dares oppose him. Only very fe# have ever attempted it, and they have been eAterminated666the #orld $no#s them no more. The only eAception is ,iu 'ei, #ho did not understand the conditions and vigorously contended against him, #ith the result that he is no# at 9iangAia in a very parlous state. To submit is to secure the safety of #ives and children, to be rich and honored. 'ut the dignity of the country #ould be left to chance and fate666ho#ever, that is not #orth consideration.C ,u Su interrupted angrily, C!ould you ma$e our lord croo$ the $nee to such a rebel as )ao )aoGC C!ell,C replied "huge ,iang, Cthere is another #ay, and a cheaper. There #ould be no need to (lead the sheep and shoulder #ine pots( for presents, nor any need to yield territory and surrender seals of office. It #ould not even be necessary to cross the river yourselves. +ll you #ould re uire is a simple messenger and a little boat to ferry a couple of persons across the river. If )ao )ao only got these t#o under his hand, his hordes and legions #ould >ust drop their #eapons, furl their banners, and silently vanish a#ay.C C!hat t#o persons could cause )ao )ao to go a#ay as you sayGC as$ed "hou Bu. CT#o persons #ho could be easily spared from this populous country. They #ould not be missed any more than a leaf from a tree or a grain of millet from a granary. 'ut if )ao )ao could only get them, #ould he not go a#ay re>oicingGC C'ut #ho are the t#oGC as$ed "hou Bu again. C!hen I #as living in the country, they told me that )ao )ao #as building a pavilion on the River "hang. It #as to be named the 'ronDe 'ird To#er. It is an eAceedingly handsome building, and he has sought throughout all the #orld for the most beautiful #omen to live in it. 3or )ao )ao really is a sensualist. CFo# there are t#o very famous beauties in !u, born of the &iao family. So beautiful are they that birds alight and fishes dro#n, the moon hides her face and the flo#ers blush for shame at sight of them. )ao )ao has declared #ith an oath that he only #ants t#o things in this #orld@ The imperial throne in peace and the sight of those t#o #omen on the 'ronDe 'ird Terraces. 8iven these t#o, he #ould go do#n to his grave #ithout regret. This eApedition of his, his huge army that threatens this country, has for its real aim these t#o #omen. !hy do you not buy these t#o from their father, the State 7atriarch &iao, for any sum ho#ever large and send them over the riverG The ob>ect of the army being attained, it #ill simply be marched a#ay. This is the use that 3an ,i% of Bue made to the $ing of !u of the famous beauty 2i Shi%.C C*o# do you $no# )ao )ao so greatly desires these t#oGC said "hou Bu. C'ecause his son )ao "hi, #ho is an able #riter, at the command of his father #rote a poem (+n Ode to the 'ronDe 'ird Terrace,( theme only allo#ing allusions to the family fitness for the throne.

*e has s#orn to possess these t#o #omen. I thin$ I can remember the poem, if you #ish to hear it. I admire it greatly.C CTry,C said "hou Bu. So "huge ,iang recited the poem@ C,et me follo# in the footsteps of the enlightened ruler that I may re>oice, +nd ascend the storied terrace that I may gladden my heart, That I may see the #ide eAtent of the palace, That I may gaDe upon the plans of the virtuous one. *e has established the eAalted gates high as the hills, *e has built the lofty to#ers piercing the blue vault, *e has set up the beautiful building in the midst of the heavens, !hence the eye can range over the cities of the #est. On the ban$s of the rolling River "hang he planned it, !hence abundance of fruits could be loo$ed for in his gardens. The t#o to#ers rise, one on either flan$, This named 8olden 7hoeniA, that 9ade Dragon. *e #ould have the t#o &iaos, these beautiful ladies of !u, That he might re>oice #ith them morning and evening. ,oo$ do#n; there is the grand beauty of an imperial city, +nd the rolling vapors lie floating beneath. *e #ill re>oice in the multitude of scholars that assemble, +ns#ering to the felicitous dream of 5ing !en. ,oo$ up; and there is the gorgeous harmony of springtime, +nd the singing of many birds delighting the ear; The lofty s$y stands over all. The house desires success in its double underta$ing, That the humane influence may be poured out over all the #orld, That the perfection of reverence may be offered to the Ruler. Only the richly prosperous rule of 5ings !u and *uan )ould compare #ith that of the sacred understanding That fortune= !hat beauty= The gracious $indness spreads afar, The imperial family is supported, 7eace reigns over all the empire, 'ounded only by the universe. 'right as the glory of the sun and moon, 4ver honorable and ever enduring, The Ruler shall live to the age of the eastern emperor, The dragon banner shall #ave to the farthest limit. *is glorious chariot shall be guided #ith perfect #isdom, *is thoughts shall reform all the #orld,

3elicitous produce shall be abundant, +nd the people shall rest firm. 1y desire is that these to#ers shall endure forever, +nd that >oy shall never cease through all the ages. "hou Bu listened to the end but then suddenly >umped up in a tremendous rage. Turning to the north and pointing #ith his finger, he cried, CBou old rebel, this insult is too deep=C "huge ,iang hastily rose too and soothed him, saying, C'ut remember the 5han of the 2iongnu 7eople. The *an emperor gave him a princess of the family to #ife although he had made many incursions into our territory. That #as the price of peace. Bou surely #ould not grudge t#o more #omen from among the common people.C CBou do not $no#, Sir,C replied "hou Bu. COf those t#o #omen of the &iao family you mentioned, 4lder &iao is the #ido# of Sun )e, our late ruler, and Bounger &iao is my #ife=C "huge ,iang feigned the greatest astonishment and said, CFo indeed@ I did not $no#. I blundered666a deadly fault666a deadly fault=C COne of us t#o has to go@ 4ither the old rebel or I. !e shall not both live. I s#ear that=C cried "hou Bu. C*o#ever, such a matter needs a good deal of thought,C replied "huge ,iang. C!e must not ma$e any mista$e.C "hou Bu replied, CI hold a sacred trust from my late lord, Sun )e. I #ould not bo# the $nee to any such as )ao )ao. !hat I said >ust no# #as to see ho# you stood. I left 7oyang ,a$e #ith the intention of attac$ing the north, and nothing can change that intention, not even the s#ord at my breast or the aA on my nec$. 'ut I trust you #ill lend an arm, and #e #ill smite )ao )ao together.C CShould I be happy enough not to be re>ected, I #ould render such humble service as I could. 7erhaps presently I might be able to offer a plan to oppose him.C CI am going to see my lord tomorro# to discuss this matter,C said "hou Bu. "huge ,iang and ,u Su then left. FeAt day at da#n Sun &uan #ent to the council chamber, #here his officials, civil and military, #ere already assembled. They numbered about siAty in all. The civil, #ith "hang "hao at their head, #ere on the right; the military, #ith )heng 7u as their leader, #ere ranged on the left. +ll #ere in full ceremonial dress, and the s#ords of the soldiers clan$ed on the pavement. Soon "hou Bu entered.

!hen Sun &uan had finished the usual gracious remar$s, "hou Bu said, CI hear that )ao )ao is encamped on the river and has sent a dispatch to you, my lord. I #ould as$ #hat your opinion is.C Thereupon the dispatch #as produced and handed to "hou Bu. +fter reading it through he said, smiling, CThe old thief thin$s there are no people in this land that he #rites in this contemptuous strain.C C!hat do you thin$, SirGC as$ed Sun &uan. C*ave you discussed this #ith the officialsGC as$ed "hou Bu. C!e have been discussing this for days. Some counsel surrender and some advise fight. I am undecided, and therefore I have as$ed you to come and decide the point.C C!ho advise surrenderGC as$ed "hou Bu. C"hang "hao and his party are firmly set in this opinion.C "hou Bu then turned to "hang "hao and said, CI should be pleased to hear #hy you are for surrender, 1aster.C Then "hang "hao replied, C)ao )ao has been attac$ing all opponents in the name of the 4mperor, #ho is entirely in his hands. *e does everything in the name of the government. ,ately he has ta$en 9ingDhou and thereby increased his prestige. Our defense against him #as the 8reat River, but no# he also has a large fleet and can attac$ by #ater. *o# can #e #ithstand himG !herefore I counsel submission till some chance shall offer.C CThis is but the opinion of an ill6advised student,C said "hou Bu. C*o# can you thin$ of abandoning this country that #e have held for three generationsGC CThat being so,C said Sun &uan, C#here is a plan to come fromGC CThough )ao )ao assumes the name of the 7rime 1inister of the empire, he is at heart a rebel. Bou, O 8eneral, are able in #ar and brave. Bou are the heir to your father and brother. Bou command brave and tried soldiers, and you have plentiful supplies. Bou are able to overrun the #hole country and rid it of every evil. There is no reason #hy you should surrender to a rebel. C1oreover, )ao )ao has underta$en this eApedition in defiance of all the rules of #ar. The north is unsubdued. 1a Teng and *an Sui threaten his rear, and yet he persists in his southern march. This is the first point against )ao )ao. The northern soldiers are unused to fighting on the #ater. )ao )ao is relin uishing his #ell6tried cavalry and trusting to ships. That is the second point against him. +gain, #e are no# in full #inter and the #eather is at its coldest so there is no food for the horses. That is the third point against. Soldiers from the central state marching in a #et country among la$es and rivers #ill find themselves in an unaccustomed climate and suffer from malaria.

That is the fourth point against. Fo# #hen )ao )ao(s armies have all these points against them, defeat is certain, ho#ever numerous they may be, and you can ta$e )ao )ao captive >ust as soon as you #ish. 8ive me a fe# legions of veterans, and I #ill go and destroy him.C Sun &uan started up from his place, saying, CThe rebellious old rascal has been #anting to overthro# the *ans and set up himself for years. *e has rid himself of all those he feared, save only myself, and I s#ear that one of us t#o shall go no#. 'oth of us cannot live. !hat you say, noble friend, is >ust #hat I thin$, and *eaven has certainly sent you to my assistance.C CThy servant #ill fight a decisive battle,C said "hou Bu, Cand shrin$ not from any sacrifice. Only, 8eneral, do not hesitate.C Sun &uan dre# the s#ord that hung at his side and slashed off a corner of the table in front of him, eAclaiming, C,et any other person mention surrender, and he shall be served as I have served this table=C Then he handed the s#ord to "hou Bu, at the same time giving him a commission as )ommander6 in6)hief and Supreme +dmiral, )heng 7u being Vice6+dmiral. ,u Su #as also nominated as +ssistant )ommander. In conclusion Sun &uan said, C!ith this s#ord you #ill slay any officer #ho may disobey your commands.C "hou Bu too$ the s#ord and turning to the assembly said, CBou have heard our lord(s charge to me to lead you to destroy )ao )ao. Bou #ill all assemble tomorro# at the riverside camp to receive my orders. Should any be late or fail, then the full rigor of military la#666the seven prohibitions and the fifty6four capital penalties666there provided, #ill be enforced.C "hou Bu too$ leave of Sun &uan and left the chamber. The various officers also #ent their several #ays. !hen "hou Bu reached his o#n place, he sent for "huge ,iang to consult over the business in hand. *e told "huge ,iang of the decision that had been ta$en and as$ed for a plan of campaign. C'ut your master has not yet made up his mind,C said "huge ,iang. CTill he has, no plan can be decided upon.C C!hat do you meanGC CIn his heart, Sun &uan is still fearful of )ao )ao(s numbers and frets over the ine uality of the t#o armies. Bou #ill have to eAplain a#ay those numbers and bring him to a final decision before anything can be effected.C C!hat you say is eAcellent,C said "hou Bu, and he #ent to the palace that night to see his master.

Sun &uan said, CBou must have something of real importance to say if you come li$e this at night.C "hou Bu said, CI am ma$ing my dispositions tomorro#. Bou have uite made up your mindGC CThe fact is,C said Sun &uan, CI still feel nervous about the disparity of numbers. Surely #e are too fe#. That is really all I feel doubtful about.C CIt is precisely because you have this one remaining doubt that I am come. +nd I #ill eAplain. )ao )ao(s letter spea$s of a million of marines, and so you feel doubts and fears and do not #ait to consider the real truth. ,et us eAamine the case thoroughly. !e find that he has of central regions( soldiers, say, some one hundred fifty thousand troops, and many of them are sic$. *e only got seventy or eighty thousand northern soldiers from Buan Shao, and many of those are of doubtful loyalty. Fo# these sic$ men and these men of doubtful loyalty seem a great many, but they are not at all fearsome. I could smash them #ith fifty thousand soldiers. Bou, my lord, have no further anAiety.C Sun &uan patted his general on the bac$, saying, CBou have eAplained my difficulty and relieved my doubts. "hang "hao is a fool #ho constantly bars my eApeditions. Only you and ,u Su have any real understanding of my heart. Tomorro# you and ,u Su and )heng 7u #ill start, and I shall have a strong reserve ready #ith plentiful supplies to support you. If difficulties arise, you can at once send for me, and I #ill engage #ith my o#n army.C "hou Bu left. 'ut in his innermost heart, he said to himself, CIf that "huge ,iang can gauge my master(s thoughts so very accurately, he is too clever for me and #ill be a danger. *e #ill have to be put out of the #ay.C "hou Bu sent a messenger over to ,u Su to tal$ over this last scheme. !hen he had laid it bare, ,u Su did not favor it. CFo, no,C said ,u Su, Cit is self6destruction to ma$e a#ay #ith your ablest officer before )ao )ao shall have been destroyed.C C'ut "huge ,iang #ill certainly help ,iu 'ei to our disadvantage.C CTry #hat his brother "huge 9in can do to persuade him. It #ould be an eAcellent thing to have these t#o in our service.C CBes, indeed,C replied "hou Bu. FeAt morning at da#n, "hou Bu #ent to his camp and too$ his seat in the council tent. The armed guards too$ up their stations right and left, and the officers ranged themselves in lines to listen to the orders.

Fo# )heng 7u, #ho #as older than "hou Bu but #as made second in command, #as very angry at being passed over, so he made a pretense of indisposition and stayed a#ay from this assembly. 'ut he sent his eldest son, )heng "i, to represent him. "hou Bu addressed the gathering, saying, CThe la# $no#s no partiality, and you #ill all have to attend to your several duties. )ao )ao is no# more absolute than ever #as Dong "huo, and the 4mperor is really a prisoner in 2uchang, guarded by the most cruel soldiers. !e have a command to destroy )ao )ao, and #ith your #illing help #e shall advance. The army must cause no hardship to the people any#here. Re#ards for good service and punishments for faults shall be given impartially.C *aving delivered this charge, "hou Bu told off *an Dang and *uang 8ai as ,eaders of the Van, and ordered the ships under their o#n command to get under #ay and go to the Three 8orges. They #ould get orders by and bye. Then he appointed four armies #ith t#o leaders over each@ The first body #as under 9iang &in and "hou Tai; the second, 7an "hang and ,ing Tong; the third, Taishi )i and ,u 1eng; the fourth, ,u 2un and Dong 2i. ,u 3an and "hu "hi #ere appointed inspectors, to move from place to place and $eep the various units up to their #or$ and acting #ith due regard to the general plan. ,and and marine forces #ere to move simultaneously. The eApedition #ould soon start. *aving received their orders, each returned to his command and busied himself in preparation. )heng "i, the son of )heng 7u, returned and told his father #hat arrangements had been made, and )heng 7u #as amaDed at "hou Bu(s s$ill. Said he, CI have al#ays despised "hou Bu as a mere student #ho #ould never be a general, but this sho#s that he has a leader(s talent. I must support him.C So )heng 7u #ent over to the uarters of the )ommander6in6)hief and confessed his fault. *e #as received $indly and all #as over. FeAt "hou Bu sent for "huge 9in and said to him, C4vidently your brother is a genius, a man born to be a $ing(s counselor. !hy then does he serve ,iu 'eiG Fo# that he is here, I #ish you to use every effort to persuade him to stay #ith us. Thus our lord #ould gain able support and you t#o brothers #ould be together, #hich #ould be pleasant for you both. I #ish you success.C "huge 9in replied, CI am ashamed of the little service I have rendered since I came here, and I can do no other than obey your command to the best of my ability.C Thereupon he #ent a#ay to his brother, #hom he found in the guest6house. The younger brother received him; and #hen he had reached the inner rooms, "huge ,iang bo#ed respectfully and, #eeping, told his eAperiences since they parted and his sorro# at their separation. Then "huge 9in, #eeping also, said, C'rother, do you remember the story of 'o Bi and Shu &i%, the brothers #ho #ould not be separatedGC

C+h, "hou Bu has sent him to tal$ me over,C thought "huge ,iang. So he replied, CThey #ere t#o of the noble people of old days. Bes, I $no#.C CThose t#o, although they perished of hunger near the Shouyang *ills, yet never separated. Bou and I, born of the same mother and suc$led at the same breast, yet serve different masters and never meet. +re you not ashamed #hen you thin$ of such eAamples as 'o Bi and Shu &iGC "huge ,iang replied, CBou are tal$ing no# of love, but #hat I stand for is duty. !e are both men of *an, and ,iu 'ei is of the family. If you, brother, could leave the South ,and and >oin me in serving the rightful branch, then on the one side #e should be honored as 1inisters of *an, and on the other #e should be together as people of the same flesh and blood should be. Thus love and duty #ould both receive their proper meed. !hat do you thin$ of it, my brotherGC CI came to persuade him and lo= It is I #ho is being tal$ed over,C thought "huge 9in. *e had no fitting reply to ma$e, so he rose and too$ his leave. Returning to "hou Bu, he related the story of the intervie#. C!hat do you thin$GC as$ed "hou Bu. C8eneral Sun &uan has treated me #ith great $indness, and I could not turn my bac$ on him,C replied "huge 9in. CSince you decide to remain loyal, there is no need to say much. I thin$ I have a plan to #in over your brother.C The #isest people see eye to eye, 3or each but sees the right; 'ut should their several interests clash, They all the fiercer fight. The means by #hich "hou Bu tried to get the support of "huge ,iang #ill be described in the neAt chapter. Chapter /2 1t The Three Gorges) Cao Cao -oses So#diers; In The Gathering ! Heroes) "iang Gan Is Trapped' "hou Bu #as very annoyed by the #ords of "huge 9in, and a fierce hatred for "huge ,iang too$ root in his heart. *e nourished a secret resolve to ma$e a#ay #ith "huge ,iang. *e continued his preparations for #ar, and #hen the troops #ere all mustered and ready, he #ent in for a fare#ell intervie# #ith his lord. CBou go on first, Foble Sir,C said Sun &uan. CI #ill then march to support you.C

"hou Bu too$ his leave and then, #ith )heng 7u and ,u Su, marched out #ith the army. *e invited "huge ,iang to accompany the eApedition, and #hen "huge ,iang cheerfully accepted, the four embar$ed in the same ship. They set sail, and the fleet made for 2ia$ou. +bout t#enty miles from Three 8orges the fleet anchored near the shore, and "hou Bu built a stoc$ade on the ban$ near the middle of their line #ith the !estern *ills as a support. Other camps #ere made near his. "huge ,iang, ho#ever, too$ up his uarters in a small ship. !hen the camp dispositions #ere complete, "hou Bu sent to re uest "huge ,iang to come and give him advice. "huge ,iang came. +fter the salutations #ere ended, "hou Bu said, C)ao )ao, though he had fe#er troops than Buan Shao, nevertheless overcame Buan Shao because he follo#ed the advice given by 2un Bou to destroy Buan Shao(s supplies at !uchao. Fo# )ao )ao has over eight hundred thousand troops #hile I have but fifty or siAty thousand. In order to defeat him, his supplies must be destroyed first. I have found out that the main depot is at the Iron 7ile 1ountains. +s you have lived hereabout, you $no# the topography uite #ell, and I #ish to entrust the tas$ of cutting off supplies to you and your colleagues 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, and "hao Bun. I #ill assist you #ith a thousand soldiers. I #ish you to start #ithout delay. In this #ay #e can best serve our masters.C "huge ,iang sa# through this at once. *e thought to himself, CThis is a ruse in revenge for my not having been persuaded to enter the service of the South ,and. If I refuse, I shall be laughed at. So I #ill do as he as$s and trust to find some means of deliverance from the evil he intends.C Therefore "huge ,iang accepted the tas$ #ith alacrity, much to the >oy of "hou Bu. +fter the leader of the eApedition had ta$en his leave, ,u Su #ent to "hou Bu secretly and said, C!hy have you set him this tas$GC C'ecause I #ish to compass his death #ithout appearing ridiculous. I hope to get him $illed by the hand of )ao )ao and prevent his doing further mischief.C ,u Su left and #ent to see "huge ,iang to find out if he suspected anything. ,u Su found him loo$ing uite unconcerned and getting the soldiers ready to march. Hnable to let "huge ,iang go #ithout a #arning, ho#ever, ,u Su put a tentative uestion, CDo you thin$ this eApedition #ill succeedGC "huge ,iang laughingly replied, CI am an adept at all sorts of fighting, #ith foot, horse, and chariots on land and marines on the #ater. There is no doubt of my success. I am not li$e you and your friend, only capable in one direction.C C!hat do you mean by our being capable only in one directionGC said ,u Su. CI have heard the street children in your country singing@

CTo lay an ambush, hold a pass, ,u Su is the man to choose; 'ut #hen you on the #ater fight, "hou Bu is the man to use. CBou are only fit for ambushes and guarding passes on land, >ust as "hou Bu only understands fighting on the #ater,C said "huge ,iang. ,u Su carried this story to "hou Bu, #hich only incensed him the more against "huge ,iang. C*o# dare he flout me, saying I cannot fight a land battleG I #ill not let him go. I #ill go myself #ith ten thousand troops and cut off )ao )ao(s supplies.C ,u Su #ent bac$ and told this to "huge ,iang, #ho smiled and said, C"hou Bu only #anted me to go on this eApedition because he #anted )ao )ao to $ill me. +nd so I teased him a little. 'ut he cannot bear that. Fo# is the critical moment, and 1ar uis Sun &uan and my master must act in harmony if #e are to succeed. If each one tries to harm the other, the #hole scheme #ill fail. )ao )ao is no fool, and it is he #ho usually attac$ enemies through cutting off their supplies. Do you not thin$ )ao )ao has already ta$en double precautions against any surprise of his o#n depotG If "hou Bu tries, he #ill be ta$en prisoner. !hat he ought to do is to bring about a decisive naval battle, #hereby to dishearten the northern soldiers, and then find some other means to defeat them utterly. If you could persuade him #hat his best course #as, it #ould be #ell.C !ithout loss of time, ,u Su #ent to "hou Bu to relate #hat "huge ,iang had told him. "hou Bu shoo$ his head #hen he heard it and beat the ground #ith his foot, saying, CThis man is far too clever. *e beats me ten to one. *e #ill have to be done a#ay #ith, or the South ,and #ill suffer.C Said ,u Su, CThis is the moment to use people. Bou must thin$ of the country(s good first of all. !hen once )ao )ao is defeated, you may do as you please.C "hou Bu had to confess the reasonableness of this. ,iu 'ei had ordered his nephe# ,iu &i to hold 9iangAia, #hile he and the bul$ of the army returned to 2ia$ou. Thence he sa# the opposite ban$ thic$ #ith banners and flags and glittering #ith every $ind of arms and armors. *e $ne# then that the eApedition from the South ,and had started. So he moved all his force from 9iangAia to 3an$ou. Then he assembled his officers and said to them, C"huge ,iang #ent to !u some time ago, and no #ord has come from him, so I $no# not ho# the business stands. !ill anyone volunteer to go to find outGC CI #ill go,C said 1i "hu.

So presents #ere prepared and gifts of flesh and #ine, and 1i "hu prepared to >ourney to the South ,and on the preteAt of offering a congratulatory feast to the army. *e set out in a small ship and #ent do#n river. *e stopped opposite the camp, and the soldiers reported his arrival to "hou Bu, #ho ordered him to be brought in. 1i "hu bo#ed lo# and eApressed the respect #hich ,iu 'ei had for "hou Bu and offered the various gifts. The ceremony of reception #as follo#ed by a ban uet in honor of the guest. 1i "hu said, C"huge ,iang has been here a long time, and I desire that he may return #ith me.C C"huge ,iang is ma$ing plans #ith me, and I could not let him return,C said "hou Bu. CI also #ish to see ,iu 'ei that #e may ma$e >oint plans. 'ut #hen one is at the head of a great army, one cannot get a#ay even for a moment. If your master #ould only come here, it #ould be very gracious on his part.C 1i "hu agreed that ,iu 'ei might come and presently too$ his leave. Then ,u Su as$ed "hou Bu, C!hat is your reason for desiring ,iu 'ei to comeGC C,iu 'ei is the one bold and dangerous man and must be removed. I am ta$ing this opportunity to persuade him to come. !hen he shall be slain, a great danger #ill cease to threaten our interests.C ,u Su tried to dissuade him from this scheme, but "hou Bu #as deaf to all ,u Su said. "hou Bu even issued orders@ C+rrange half a hundred eAecutioners to be ready to hide #ithin the lining of the tent if ,iu 'ei decides to come; and #hen I drop a cup, that #ill be a signal for them to fall on and slay him.C 1i "hu returned and told ,iu 'ei that his presence #as desired by "hou Bu. Suspecting nothing, ,iu 'ei at once ordered them to prepare a fast vessel to ta$e him #ithout loss of time. 8uan Bu #as opposed to his going, saying, C"hou Bu is artful and treacherous, and there is no ne#s from "huge ,iang. 7ray thin$ more carefully.C ,iu 'ei replied, CI have >oined my forces to theirs in this attac$ on our common enemy. If "hou Bu #ishes to see me and I refuse to go, it is a betrayal. Fothing #ill succeed if both sides nourish suspicions.C CIf you have finally decided to go, then #ill I go #ith you,C said 8uan Bu. C+nd I also,C cried "hang 3ei. 'ut ,iu 'ei said, C,et 8uan Bu come #ith me #hile you and "hao Bun $eep guard. 9ian Bong #ill hold 4Aian. I shall not be a#ay long.C

So leaving these orders, ,iu 'ei embar$ed #ith 8uan Bu on a small boat. The escort did not eAceed t#enty. The light craft traveled very uic$ly do#n the river. ,iu 'ei re>oiced greatly at the sight of the #ar vessels in tiers by the ban$, the soldiers in their breastplates, and all the pomp and panoply of #ar. +ll #as in eAcellent order. +s soon as he arrived, the guards ran to tell "hou Bu. C*o# many ships has heGC as$ed "hou Bu. They replied, COnly one; and the escort is only about a score.C C*is fate is sealed,C said "hou Bu. "hou Bu sent for the eAecutioners and placed them in hiding bet#een the outer and inner tents, and #hen all #as arranged for the assassination he contemplated, he #ent out to receive his visitor. ,iu 'ei came #ith his brother and escort into the midst of the army to the )ommander(s tent. +fter the salutations, "hou Bu #ished ,iu 'ei to ta$e the upper seat, but he declined saying, C8eneral, you are famous throughout all the empire, #hile I am a nobody. Do not over#helm me #ith too great deference.C So they too$ the positions of simple friends, and refreshments #ere brought in. Fo# by chance "huge ,iang came on shore and heard that his master had arrived and #as #ith the )ommander6in6)hief. The ne#s gave "huge ,iang a great shoc$, and he said to himself, C!hat is to be done no#GC *e made his #ay to the reception tent and stole a loo$ therein. *e sa# murder #ritten on "hou Bu(s countenance and noted the assassins hidden #ithin the #alls of the tent. Then he got a loo$ at ,iu 'ei, #ho #as laughing and tal$ing uite unconcernedly. 'ut #hen he noticed the redoubtable figure of 8uan Bu near his master(s side, he became uite calm and contented. C1y lord faces no danger,C said "huge ,iang, and he #ent a#ay to the river ban$ to a#ait the end of the intervie#. 1ean#hile the ban uet of #elcome proceeded. +fter the #ine had gone around several times, "hou Bu pic$ed up a cup to give the signal agreed upon. 'ut at that moment "hou Bu sa# so fierce a loo$ upon the face of the trusty henchman #ho stood, s#ord in hand, behind his guest, that "hou Bu hesitated and hastily as$ed #ho he #as. CThat is my brother, 8uan Bu,C replied ,iu 'ei. "hou Bu, uite startled, said, CIs he the slayer of Ban ,iang and !en )houGC

C4Aactly; he it is,C replied ,iu 'ei. The s#eat of fear bro$e out all over "hou Bu(s body and tric$led do#n his bac$. Then he poured out a cup of #ine and presented it to 8uan Bu. 9ust then ,u Su came in, and ,iu 'ei said to him, C!here is "huge ,iangG I #ould trouble you to as$ him to come.C C!ait till #e have defeated )ao )ao,C said "hou Bu, Cthen you shall see him.C ,iu 'ei dared not repeat his re uest, but 8uan Bu gave him a meaningful loo$ #hich ,iu 'ei understood and rose, saying, CI #ould ta$e leave no#. I #ill come again to congratulate you #hen the enemy has been defeated and your success shall be complete.C "hou Bu did not press him to remain, but escorted him to the great gates of the camp, and ,iu 'ei left. !hen he reached the river ban$, they found "huge ,iang a#aiting them in their boat. ,iu 'ei #as eAceedingly pleased, but "huge ,iang said, CSir, do you $no# in ho# great danger you #ere todayGC Suddenly sobered, ,iu 'ei said, CFo; I did not thin$ of danger.C CIf 8uan Bu had not been there, you #ould have been $illed,C said "huge ,iang. ,iu 'ei, after a moment(s reflection, sa# that it #as true. *e begged "huge ,iang to return #ith him to 3an$ou, but "huge ,iang refused. CI am uite safe,C said "huge ,iang. C+lthough I am living in the tiger(s mouth, I am as steady as the Taishan 1ountains. Fo#, my lord, return and prepare your ships and soldiers. On the t#entieth day of the eleventh month, send "hao Bun #ith a small ship to the south ban$ to #ait for me. 'e sure there is no miscarriage.C C!hat are your intentionsGC said ,iu 'ei. C!hen the southeast #ind begins, I shall return.C ,iu 'ei #ould have uestioned him further, but "huge ,iang pressed him to go. So the boat started up river again, #hile "huge ,iang returned to his temporary lodging. The boat had not proceeded far #hen appeared a small fleet of fifty ships s#eeping do#n #ith the current, and in the pro# of the leading vessel stood a tall figure armed #ith a spear. 8uan Bu #as ready to fight. 'ut #hen they #ere near, they recogniDed that #as "hang 3ei, #ho had come do#n fearing lest his brother might be in some difficulty from #hich the strong arm of 8uan Bu might even be insufficient to rescue him.

The three brothers thus returned together. +fter "hou Bu, having escorted ,iu 'ei to the gate of his camp, had returned to his uarters, ,u Su soon came to see him. CThen you had ca>oled ,iu 'ei into coming, #hy did you not carry out your planGC as$ed ,u Su. C'ecause of that 8uan Bu. *e is a very tiger, and he never left his brother for a moment. If anything had been attempted, he #ould certainly have had my life.C ,u Su $ne# that "hou Bu spo$e the truth. Then suddenly they announced a messenger #ith a letter from )ao )ao. "hou Bu ordered them to bring him in and too$ the letter. 'ut #hen he sa# the superscription The 3irst 1inister of *an to )ommander6in6)hief "hou Bu, he fell into a frenDy of rage, tore the letter to fragments, and thre# them on the ground. CTo death #ith this fello#=C cried he. C!hen t#o countries are at #ar, their emissaries are not slain,C said ,u Su. C1essengers are slain to sho# one(s dignity and independence,C replied "hou Bu. The unhappy bearer of the letter #as decapitated, and his head sent bac$ to )ao )ao by the hands of his escort. "hou Bu then decided to move. The van under 8an Fing #as to advance, supported by t#o #ings led by *an Dang and 9iang &in. "hou Bu #ould lead the center body in support. The neAt morning the early meal #as eaten in the fourth #atch, and the ships got under #eigh in the fifth #ith a great beating of drums. )ao )ao #as greatly angered #hen he heard that his letter had been torn to fragments, and he resolved to attac$ forth#ith. *is advance #as led by the Supreme +dmiral )ai 1ao, the Vice6 +dmiral "hang Bun, and others of the 9ingDhou officers #ho had >oined his side. )ao )ao #ent as hastily as possible to the meeting of the three rivers and sa# the ships of the South ,and sailing up. In the bo# of the foremost ship from the south stood a fine figure of a #arrior, #ho cried, CI am 8an Fing. I challenge anyone to combat=C )ai 1ao sent his young brother, )ai 2un, to accept the challenge. 'ut as )ai 2un(s ship approached, 8an Fing shot an arro# and )ai 2un fell. 8an Fing pressed for#ard, his crossbo#men $eeping up a heavy discharge #hich )ao )ao(s troops could not stand. The #ings of *an Dang from the left and 9iang &in from the right also >oined in. )ao )ao(s soldiers, being mostly from the dry plains of the north, did not $no# ho# to fight effectually on #ater, and the southern ships had the battle all their o#n #ay. The slaughter #as

very great. *o#ever, after a contest lasting till afternoon, "hou Bu thought it more prudent, in vie# of the superior numbers of his enemy, not to ris$ further the advantage he had gained. So he beat the gongs as the signal to cease battle and recall the ships. )ao )ao #as #orsted, but his ships returned to the ban$, #here a camp #as made and order #as restored. )ao )ao sent for his defeated leaders and reproached them, saying, CBou did not do your best. Bou let an inferior force overcome you.C )ai 1ao defended himself, saying, CThe 9ingDhou marines have not been eAercised for a long time, and the others have never been trained for naval #arfare at all. + naval camp must be instituted, the northern soldiers trained, and the 9ingDhou force drilled. !hen they have been made efficient, they #ill #in victories.C CBou are the Supreme +dmiral. If you $no# #hat should be done, #hy have you not done itGC said )ao )ao. C!hat is the use of telling me thisGC So )ai 1ao and "hang Bun organiDed a naval camp on the river ban$. They established t#enty6 four C!ater 8ates,C #ith the large ships outside as a sort of rampart, and under their protection the smaller ships #ent to and fro freely. +t night #hen the lanterns and torches #ere lit, the very s$y #as illuminated, and the #ater shone red #ith the glare. On land the smo$e of the camp fires could be traced for one hundred mile #ithout a brea$. "hou Bu returned to camp and feasted his victorious fighting force. + messenger bore the >oyful tidings of victory to his master Sun &uan. !hen night fell, "hou Bu #ent up to the summit of one of the hills and loo$ed out over the long line of bright lights stretching to#ard the #est, sho#ing the eAtent of the enemy(s camp. *e said nothing, but a great fear came in upon him. FeAt day "hou Bu decided that he #ould go in person to find out the strength of the enemy. So he bade them prepare a small s uadron #hich he manned #ith strong, hardy men armed #ith po#erful bo#s and stiff crossbo#s. *e also placed musicians on each ship. They set sail and started up the stream. !hen they got opposite )ao )ao(s camp, the heavy stones that served as anchors #ere dropped, and the music #as played #hile "hou Bu scanned the enemy(s naval camp. !hat he sa# gave him no satisfaction, for everything #as most admirable. *e said, C*o# #ell and correctly built is that naval base= +nyone $no#s the names of those in commandGC CThey are )ai 1ao and "hang Bun,C said his officers. CThey have lived in the south a long time,C said "hou Bu, Cand are thoroughly eAperienced in naval #arfare. I must find some means of removing them before I can effect anything.C

1ean#hile on shore the sentinels had told )ao )ao that the enemy craft #ere spying upon them, and )ao )ao ordered out some ships to capture the spies. "hou Bu sa# the commotion of the commanding flags on shore and hastily gave the order to unmoor and sail do#n stream. The s uadron at once got under #ay and scattered; to and fro #ent the oars, and each ship seemed to fly. 'efore )ao )ao(s ships could get out after them, they #ere all far a#ay. )ao )ao(s ships too$ up the chase but soon sa# pursuit #as useless. They returned and reported their failure. +gain )ao )ao found fault #ith his officers and said, CThe other day you lost a battle, and the soldiers #ere greatly dispirited. Fo# the enemy have spied out our camp. !hat can be doneGC In eager response to his uestion one stepped out, saying, C!hen I #as a youth, "hou Bu and I #ere fello# students and pledged friends. 1y three6inch tongue is still good, and I #ill go over and persuade him to surrender.C )ao )ao, re>oiced to find so speedy a solution, loo$ed at the spea$er. It #as 9iang 8an of 9iu>iang, one of the counseling staff in the camp. C+re you a good friend of "hou BuGC said )ao )ao. CRest content, O 7rime 1inister,C replied 9iang 8an. CIf I only get on the other side of the river, I shall succeed.C C!hat preparations are necessaryGC as$ed )ao )ao. C9ust a youth as my servant and a couple of ro#ers. Fothing else.C )ao )ao offered him #ine, #ished him success, and sent him on his #ay. )lad in a simple #hite robe and seated in his little craft, the messenger reached "hou Bu(s camp and bade the guards say that an old friend 9iang 8an #ished to see him. The commander #as in his tent at a council #hen the message came, and he laughed as he said to those about him, C+ persuader is coming.C Then he #hispered certain instructions in the ear of each one of them, and they #ent out to a#ait his arrival. "hou Bu received his friend in full ceremonial garb. + cro#d of officers in rich sil$en robes #ere about him. The guest appeared, his sole attendant a lad dressed in a simple blue go#n. 9iang 8an bore himself proudly as he advanced, and "hou Bu made a lo# obeisance. CBou have been #ell I hope since last #e met,C said 9iang 8an.

CBou have #andered far and suffered much in this tas$ of emissary in )ao )ao(s cause,C said "hou Bu. CI have not seen you for a very long time,C said the envoy much ta$en abac$, Cand I came to visit you for the sa$e of old times. !hy do you call me an emissary for the )ao )ao(s causeGC CThough I am not so profound a musician as Shi 5uang% of old, yet I can comprehend the thought behind the music,C replied "hou Bu. C+s you choose to treat your old friend li$e this, I thin$ I #ill ta$e my leave,C said 9iang 8an. "hou Bu laughed again, and ta$ing 9iang 8an by the arm, said, C!ell, I feared you might be coming on his behalf to try to persuade me. 'ut if this is not your intention, you need not go a#ay so hastily.C So they t#o entered the tent. !hen they had eAchanged salutes and #ere seated as friends, "hou Bu bade them call his officers that he might introduce them. They soon appeared civil and military officials, all dressed in their best. The military officers #ere clad in glittering silver armor and the staff loo$ed very imposing as they stood ranged in t#o lines. The visitor #as introduced to them all. 7resently a ban uet #as spread, and #hile they feasted, the musicians played songs of victory and the #ine circulated merrily. Hnder the mello#ing influence, "hou Bu(s reserve seemed to tha# and he said, C9iang 8an is an old fello# student of mine, and #e are pledged friends. Though he has arrived here from the north, he is no artful pleader so you need not be afraid of him.C Then "hou Bu too$ off the commanding s#ord #hich he #ore as )ommander6in6)hief and handed it to Taishi )i, saying, CBou ta$e this and #ear it for the day as master of the feast. This day #e meet only as friends and spea$ only of friendship, and if anyone shall begin a discussion of the uestions at issue bet#een )ao )ao and the South ,and, >ust slay him.C Taishi )i too$ the s#ord and seated himself in his place. 9iang 8an #as not a little overcome, but he said no #ord. "hou Bu said, CSince I assumed command, I have tasted no drop of #ine; but today as an old friend is present and there is no reason to fear him, I am going to drin$ freely.C So saying he uaffed a huge goblet and laughed loudly. The rhinoceros cups #ent s#iftly round from guest to guest till all #ere half drun$. Then "hou Bu, laying hold of the guest(s hand, led him outside the tent. The guards #ho stood around all braced themselves up and seiDed their shinning #eapons. CDo you not thin$ my soldiers a fine lot of fello#sGC said "hou Bu.

CStrong as bears and bold as tigers,C replied 9iang 8an. Then "hou Bu led him to the rear of the tent #hence he sa# the grain and forage piled up in mountainous heaps. CDo you not thin$ I have a fairly good store of grain and forageGC CBour troops are brave and your supplies ample@ The empire(s gossip is not baseless, indeed.C "hou Bu pretended to be uite intoAicated and #ent on, C!hen you and I #ere students together, #e never loo$ed for#ard to a day li$e this, did #eGC C3or a genius li$e you, it is nothing eAtraordinary,C said the guest. "hou Bu again seiDed his hand, and they sat do#n. C+ man of the time, I have found a proper lord to serve. In his service, #e rely upon the right feeling bet#een minister and prince outside, and at home #e are firm in the $indly feeling of relatives. *e listens to my #ords and follo#s my plans. !e share the same good or evil fortune. 4ven #hen the great old persuaders li$e Su &in%, "hang Bi%, ,u 9ia%, and ,i Bi>i% lived again, even #hen their #ords poured forth li$e a rushing river, their tongues #ere as a sharp s#ord, it is impossible to move such as I am=C "hou Bu burst into a loud laugh as he finished, and 9iang 8an(s face had become clay6colored. "hou Bu then led his guest bac$ into the tent, and again they fell to drin$ing. 7resently "hou Bu pointed to the others at table and said, CThese are all the best and bravest of the land of the south. One might call this the (8athering of *eroes.(C They dran$ on till daylight failed and continued after lamps had been lit. "hou Bu even gave an eAhibition of s#ord play and sang this song@ !hen a man is in the #orld, O, *e ought to do his best. +nd #hen he(s done his best, O. *e ought to have his rest. +nd #hen I have my rest, O, I(ll uaff my #ine #ith Dest. +nd #hen I(m drun$ as drun$ can be, O, I(ll sing the madman(s litany. + burst of applause greeted the song. 'y this time it #as getting late, and the guest begged to be eAcused. CThe #ine is too much for me,C said 9iang 8an.

*is host bade them clear the table. +s all the others left, "hou Bu said, CIt has been many a day since I shared a couch #ith my friend, but #e #ill do so tonight.C 7utting on the appearance of irresponsible intoAication, he led 9iang 8an into the tent and they #ent to bed. "hou Bu simply fell, all dressed as he #as, and lay there emitting uncouth grunts and groans, so that to the guest sleep #as impossible. 9iang 8an lay and listened to the various camp noises #ithout and his host(s thunderous snores #ithin. +bout the second #atch he rose and loo$ed at his friend by the dim light of the small lamp. *e also sa# on the table a heap of papers, and coming out and loo$ing at them furtively, he sa# they #ere letters. +mong them he sa# one mar$ed as coming from )ai 1ao and "hang Bun, )ao )ao(s Supreme +dmiral and Vice6+dmiral. *e read it and this is #hat it said@ C!e surrendered to )ao )ao, not for the sa$e of pay but under stress of circumstances. Fo# #e have been able to hold these northern soldiers into this naval camp but, as soon as occasion offers, #e mean to have the rebel(s head to offer as a sacrifice to your banner. 3rom time to time there #ill be reports as occasions serve, but you may trust us. This is our humble reply to your letter.C CThose t#o #ere connected #ith the South ,and in the beginning,C thought 9iang 8an, so he secreted the letter in his dress and began to eAamine the others. 'ut at that moment "hou Bu turned over, and so 9iang 8an hastily ble# out the light and #ent to his couch. "hou Bu #as muttering as he lay there as if dreaming, saying, C3riend, I am going to let you see )ao )ao(s head in a day or t#o.C 9iang 8an hastily made some reply to load on his host to say more. Then came, C!ait a fe# days; you #ill see )ao )ao(s head. The old #retch=C 9iang 8an tried to uestion him as to #hat he meant, but "hou Bu #as fast asleep and seemed to hear nothing. 9iang 8an lay there on his couch #ide a#a$e till the fourth #atch #as beating. Then someone came in, saying, C8eneral, are you a#a$eGC +t that moment as if suddenly a#a$ened from the deepest slumber, "hou Bu started up and said, C!ho is this on the couchGC The voice replied, CDo you not remember, 8eneralG Bou as$ed your old friend to stay the night #ith you. It is he, of course.C CI dran$ too much last night,C said "hou Bu in a regretful tone, Cand I forgot. I seldom indulge to eAcess and am not used to it. 7erhaps I said many things I ought not.C The voice #ent on, C+ man has arrived from the north.C

CSpea$ lo#er,C said "hou Bu, and turning to#ard the sleeper, he called him by name. 'ut 9iang 8an affected to be sound asleep and made no sign. "hou Bu crept out of the tent, #hile 9iang 8an listened #ith all his ears. *e heard the man say, C)ai 1ao and "hang Bun, the t#o commanders, have come.C 'ut listening as he did #ith straining ears, he could not ma$e out #hat follo#ed. Soon after "hou Bu reentered and again called out his companion(s name. 'ut no reply came, for 9iang 8an #as pretending to be in the deepest slumber and to hear nothing. Then "hou Bu undressed and #ent to bed. +s 9iang 8an lay a#a$e, he remembered that "hou Bu #as $no#n to be meticulously careful in affairs, and if in the morning "hou Bu found that a letter had disappeared, he #ould certainly slay the offender. So 9iang 8an lay there till near daylight and then called out to his host. 8etting no reply, he rose, dressed, and stole out of the tent. Then he called his servant and made for the camp gate. C!hither are you going, SirGC said the #atchmen at the gate. CI fear I am in the #ay here,C replied 9iang 8an, Cand so I have ta$en leave of the )ommander6in6 )hief for a time. So do not stop me.C *e found his #ay to the river ban$ and reembar$ed. Then, #ith flying oars, he hastened bac$ to )ao )ao(s camp. !hen he arrived, )ao )ao as$ed at once ho# he had sped, and he had to ac$no#ledge failure. C"hou Bu is very clever and perfectly high6minded,C said 9iang 8an. CFothing that I could say moved him in the least.C CBour failure ma$es me loo$ ridiculous,C said )ao )ao. C!ell, if I did not #in over "hou Bu, I found out something for you. Send a#ay these people, and I #ill tell you,C said 9iang 8an. The servants #ere dismissed, and then 9iang 8an produced the letter he had stolen from "hou Bu(s tent. *e gave it to )ao )ao. )ao )ao #as very angry and sent for )ai 1ao and "hang Bun at once. +s soon as they appeared, he said, CI #ant you t#o to attac$.C )ai 1ao replied, C'ut the soldiers are not yet sufficiently trained.C CThe soldiers #ill be #ell enough trained #hen you have sent my head to "hou Bu, ehGC

'oth commanders #ere dumb6founded, having not the least idea #hat this meant. They remained silent for they had nothing to say. )ao )ao bade the eAecutioners lead them a#ay to instant death. In a short time their heads #ere produced. 'y this time )ao )ao had thought over the matter, and it da#ned upon him that he had been tric$ed. + poem says@ Fo one could stand against )ao )ao, Of sin he had full share, 'ut "hou Bu #as more treacherous, +nd caught him in a snare. T#o commanders to save their lives, 'etrayed a former lord, Soon after, as #as very met. 'oth fell beneath the s#ord. The death of these t#o naval commanders caused much consternation in the camp, and all their colleagues as$ed the reason for their sudden eAecution. Though )ao )ao $ne# they had been victimiDed, he #ould not ac$no#ledge it. So he said, CThese t#o had been remiss, and so had been put to death.C The others #ere aghast, but nothing could be done. T#o other officers, 1ao 9ie and Bu 9in, #ere put in command of the naval camp. Spies too$ the ne#s to "hou Bu, #ho #as delighted at the success of his ruse. CThose t#o )ai 1ao and "hang Bun #ere my only source of anAiety,C said he. CFo# they are gone@ I am uite happy.C ,u Su said, C8eneral, if you can continue li$e this, you need not fear )ao )ao.C CI do not thin$ any of them sa# my game,C said "hou Bu, CeAcept "huge ,iang. *e beats me, and I do not thin$ this ruse #as hidden from him. Bou go and sound him. See if he $ne#.C "hou Bu(s treacherous plot succeeded #ell, Dissension so#n, his rivals fell. Drun$ #ith success #as he, but sought To $no# #hat cynic "huge ,iang thought. !hat passed bet#een ,u Su and "huge ,iang #ill neAt be related. Chapter /3

Csing Strateg4) Zh&ge -iang Borrows 1rrows; "oining 1 ,&se) H&ang Gai 1ccepts P&nishment' ,u Su departed on his mission and found "huge ,iang seated in his little craft. CThere has been so much to do that I have not been able to come to listen to your instructions,C said ,u Su. CThat is truly so,C said "huge ,iang, Cand I have not yet congratulated the )ommander6in6)hief.C C!hat have you #ished to congratulate him uponGC C!hy Sir, the matter upon #hich he sent you to find out #hether I $ne# about it or not. Indeed I can congratulate him on that.C ,u Su turned pale and gasped, saying, C'ut ho# did you $no#, 1asterGC CThe ruse succeeded #ell thus played off on 9iang 8an. )ao )ao has been ta$en in this once, but he #ill soon rise to it. Only he #ill not confess his mista$e. *o#ever, the t#o men are gone, and the South ,and is freed from a grave anAiety. Do you not thin$ that is a matter for congratulationG I hear 1ao 9ie and Bu 9in are the ne# admirals, and in their hands lie both good and evil for the fate of the northern fleet.C ,u Su #as uite dumbfounded. *e stayed a little time longer passing the time in ma$ing empty remar$s, and then too$ his leave. +s he #as going a#ay, "huge ,iang cautioned him, saying, CDo not let "hou Bu $no# that I $no# his ruse. If you let him $no#, he #ill see$ some chance to do me harm.C ,u Su promised. Fevertheless he #ent straight to his chief and related the #hole thing >ust as it happened. CReally he must be got rid of,C said "hou Bu. CI have uite decided to put the man out of the #ay.C CIf you slay him, #ill not )ao )ao laugh at youGC COh, no; I #ill find a legitimate #ay of getting rid of him so that he shall go to his death #ithout resentment.C C'ut ho# can you find a legitimate #ay of assassinating himGC CDo not as$ too much. Bou #ill see presently.C Soon after all the officers #ere summoned to the main tent, and "huge ,iang(s presence #as desired. *e #ent contentedly enough.

!hen all #ere seated, "hou Bu suddenly addressed "huge ,iang, saying, CI am going to fight a battle #ith the enemy soon on the #ater. !hat #eapons are the bestGC COn a great river arro#s are the best,C said "huge ,iang. CBour opinion and mine agree. 'ut at the moment #e are short of them. I #ish you #ould underta$e to supply about a hundred thousand arro#s for the naval fight. +s it is for the public service, you #ill not decline, I hope.C C!hatever tas$ the )ommander6in6)hief lays upon me, I must certainly try to perform,C replied "huge ,iang. C1ay I in uire by #hat date you re uire the hundred thousand arro#sGC C)ould you have them ready in ten daysGC CThe enemy #ill be here very soon. Ten days #ill be too late,C said "huge ,iang. CIn ho# many days do you estimate the arro#s can be readyGC C,et me have three days. Then you may send for your hundred thousand.C CFo >o$ing, remember=C said "hou Bu. CThere is no >o$ing in #ar time.C CDare I >o$e #ith the )ommander6in6)hiefG 8ive me a formal military order. If I have not completed the tas$ in three days, I #ill ta$e my punishment.C "hou Bu, secretly delighted, sent for the secretaries and prepared the commission then and there. Then he dran$ to the success of the underta$ing and said, CI shall have to congratulate you most heartily #hen this is accomplished.C CThis day is too late to count,C said "huge ,iang. COn the third from tomorro# morning send five hundred small boats to the river side to convey the arro#s.C They dran$ a fe# more cups together, and then "huge ,iang too$ his leave. +fter he had gone, ,u Su said, CDo you not thin$ there is some deceit about thisGC C)learly it is not I= It is he #ho has signed his o#n death #arrant,C said "hou Bu. C!ithout being pressed in the least, he as$ed for a formal order in the face of the #hole assembly. 4ven if he gre# a pair of #ings, he could not escape. Only I #ill >ust order the #or$ers to delay him as much as they can, and not supply him #ith materials, so that he is sure to fail. +nd then, #hen the certain penalty is incurred, #ho can criticiDeG Bou can go and in uire about it all and $eep me informed.C So off #ent ,u Su to see$ "huge ,iang, #ho at once reproached him #ith having blabbed about the former business.

"huge ,iang said, C*e #ants to hurt me, as you $no#, and I did not thin$ you could not $eep my secret. +nd no# there is #hat you sa# today, and ho# do you thin$ I can get a hundred thousand arro#s made in three daysG Bou #ill simply have to rescue me.C CBou brought the misfortune on yourself, and ho# can I rescue youGC said ,u Su. CI loo$ to you for the loan of t#enty vessels, manned each by thirty people. I #ant blue cotton screens and bundles of stra# lashed to the sides of the boats. I have good use for them. On the third day, I shall underta$e to deliver the fiAed number of arro#s. 'ut on no account must you let "hou Bu $no#, or my scheme #ill be #rec$ed.C ,u Su consented, and this time he $ept his #ord. *e #ent to report to his chief as usual, but he said nothing about the boats. *e only said, C"huge ,iang is not using bamboo or feathers or glue or varnish, but has some other #ay of getting arro#s.C C,et us a#ait the three days( limit,C said "hou Bu, puDDled though confident. On his side ,u Su uietly prepared a score of light s#ift boats, each #ith its cre# and the blue screens and bundles of grass complete and, #hen these #ere ready, he placed them at "huge ,iang(s disposal. "huge ,iang did nothing on the first day, nor on the second. On the third day at the middle of the fourth #atch, "huge ,iang sent a private message as$ing ,u Su to come to his boat. C!hy have you sent for me, SirGC as$ed ,u Su. CI #ant you to go #ith me to get those arro#s.C C!hither are you goingGC CDo not as$. Bou #ill see.C Then the t#enty boats #ere fastened together by long ropes and moved over to the north ban$. The night proved very foggy and the mist #as very dense along the river, so that one person could scarcely see another. In spite of the fog, "huge ,iang urged the boats for#ard as if into the vast fairy $ingdom. There is a poem on these river fogs@ 1ighty indeed is the 8reat River= Rising far in the #est, in the 4mei and 1in 1ountains, 7lo#ing its #ay through !u, east flo#ing, resistless, S#elled by its nine tributary streams, rolling do#n from the far north,

+ided and helped by a hundred rivulets s#irling and foaming, Ocean receives it at last #elcoming, >oyful, its #aters. Therein abide sea nymphs and #ater gods, 4normous #hales a thousand fathoms long, Fine6headed monstrous beasts, reptiles and octopi, Demons and uncouth creatures #ondrous strange. In faith it is the home and safe retreat Of devils and sprites, and #ondrous gro#ths, +nd e$e the battle ground of valiant humans. +t times occur strange strife of elements, !hen dar$ness strives on light(s domains that encroach, !hereat arises in the vaulted dome of blue !hite #reaths of fog that to#ard the center roll. Then dar$ness falls, too dense for any torch Illumine; only clanging sounds can pass. The fog at first appears, a vaporous #reath Scarce visible. 'ut thic$ening fast, it veils The Southern *ills, the painted leopard(s home. +nd spreads afar, until the northern sea ,eviathans are amaDed and lose their course. +nd denser yet it touches on the s$y. +nd spreads a heavy mantle over the earth. Then, #ide as is the high pitched arch of heaven, Therein appears no single rift of blue. Fo# mighty #hales lead up their spouses to sport Hpon the #aves, the sinuous dragons dive Deep do#n and, breathing, s#ell the heaving sea, The earth is moist as #ith the early rains, +nd spring(s creative energy is chilled. 'oth far and #ide and high the damp fog spreads, 8reat cities on the eastern ban$ are hid, !ide ports and mountains in the south are lost, !hole fleets of battle ships, a thousand $eels, *ide in the misty depths; frail fishing boats *igh riding on a #ave are seen666and lost. The gloom increases and the domed s$y 8ro#s dar$ and dar$er as the sun(s light fails. The daylight dies, dim t#ilight(s reign begins, The ruddy hills dissolve and lose their hue. The s$ill of matchless 5ing Bu #ould fail to sound The depth and height; and ,i ,ou(s eye, though $een, )ould never pierce this gloom. Fo# is the time, O sea and river gods, to use your po#ers. The gliding fish and creeping #ater fol$

+re lost; there is no trac$ for bird or beast. 3air 7englai Isles are hidden from our sight, The lofty gates of heaven have disappeared. Fature is blurred and indistinct, as #hen + driving rain storm hurries over the earth. +nd then, perhaps, #ithin the heavy haDe, + noisome serpent vents his venom foul +nd plagues descend, or impish demons #or$ Their #ic$ed #ills. Ills fall on humans but do not stay, *eaven(s cleansing breath s#eeps them s#ay, 'ut #hile they last the mean ones cry, The nobler suffer silently. The greatest turmoil is a sign Of uic$ return to state benign. The little fleet reached )ao )ao(s naval camp about the fifth #atch, and "huge ,iang gave orders to form line lying pro#s #est, and then to beat the drums and shout. C'ut #hat shall #e do if they attac$ usGC eAclaimed ,u Su. "huge ,iang replied #ith a smile, CI thin$ their fleet #ill not venture out in this fog. 8o on #ith your #ine, and let us be happy. !e #ill go bac$ #hen the fog lifts.C +s soon as the shouting from the river #as heard by those in the camp, the t#o admirals, 1ao 9ie and Bu 9in, ran off to report to )ao )ao, #ho said, C)oming up in a fog li$e this means that they have prepared an ambush for us. Do not go out, but get all the force together and shoot at them.C *e also sent orders to the ground camps to dispatch siA thousand of archers and crossbo#men to aid the marines. The naval forces #ere then lined up shooting on the ban$ to prevent a landing. 7resently the soldiers arrived, and ten thousand and more soldiers #ere shooting do#n into the river, #here the arro#s fell li$e rain. 'y and bye "huge ,iang ordered the boats to turn round so that their pro#s pointed east and to go closer in so that many arro#s might hit them. "huge ,iang ordered the drums to be $ept beating till the sun #as high and the fog began to disperse, #hen the boats got under #ay and sailed do#n stream. The #hole t#enty boats #ere bristling #ith arro#s on both sides. +s they left, "huge ,iang as$ed all the cre#s to shout derisively, C!e than$ you, Sir 7rime 1inister, for the arro#s=C

They told )ao )ao, but by the time he came, the light boats helped by the s#ift current #ere seven miles long do#n the river and pursuit #as impossible. )ao )ao sa# that he had been duped and #as very sorry, but there #as no help for it. On the #ay do#n "huge ,iang said to his companion, C4very boat must have five or siA thousand arro#s and so, #ithout the eApenditure of an ounce of energy, #e must have more than ten myriad arro#s, #hich tomorro# can be shot bac$ again at )ao )ao(s army to his great inconvenience.C CBou are really superhuman,C said ,u Su. C'ut ho# did you $no# there #ould be a thic$ fog todayGC COne cannot be a leader #ithout $no#ing the #or$ings of heaven and the #ays of earth. One must understand the secret gates and the interdependence of the elements, the mysteries of tactics and the value of forces. It is but an ordinary talent. I calculated three days ago that there #ould be a fog today, and so I set the limit at three days. "hou Bu #ould give me ten days, but neither artificers nor materials, so that he might find occasion to put me to death as I $ne#. 'ut my fate lies #ith the Supreme, and ho# could "hou Bu harm meGC ,u Su could not but agree. !hen the boats arrived, five hundred soldiers #ere in readiness on the ban$ to carry a#ay the arro#s. "huge ,iang bade them go on board the boats, collect them and bear them to the tent of the )ommander6in6)hief. ,u Su #ent to report that the arro#s had been obtained and told "hou Bu by #hat means. "hou Bu #as amaDed and sighed sadly, saying, C*e is better than I. *is methods are more than human.C Thic$ lies the fog on the river, Fature is shrouded in #hite, Distant and near are confounded, 'an$s are no longer in sight. 3ast fly the pattering arro#s, Stic$ in the boats of the fleet. Fo# can full tale be delivered, "huge ,iang is victor complete. !hen, shortly after his return, "huge ,iang #ent to the tent of the )ommander6in6)hief, he #as #elcomed by "hou Bu, #ho came for#ard to greet him, saying, CBour superhuman predictions compel one(s esteem.C CThere is nothing remar$able in that trifling tric$,C replied he. "hou Bu led him #ithin and #ine #as brought. Then "hou Bu said, C1y lord sent yesterday to urge me to advance, but I have no master plan ready. I #ish you #ould assist me, 1aster.C

C'ut #here should I, a man of poor everyday ability, find such a plan as you desireGC CI sa# the enemy(s naval camp >ust lately, and it loo$ed very complete and #ell organiDed. It is not an ordinary place to attac$. I have thought of a plan, but I am not sure it #ill ans#er. I should be happy if you #ould decide for me.C C8eneral,C replied "huge ,iang, Cdo not say #hat your plan is, but each of us #ill #rite in the palm of his hand and see #hether our opinions agree.C So brush and in$ #ere sent for, and "hou Bu first #rote on his o#n palm, and then passed the pen to "huge ,iang #ho also #rote. Then getting close together on the same bench, each sho#ed his hand to the other, and both burst out laughing, for both had #ritten the same #ord, C3ire.C CSince #e are of the same opinion,C said "hou Bu, Cthere is no longer any doubt. 'ut our intentions must be $ept secret.C C'oth of us are public servants, and #hat #ould be the sense of telling our plansG I do not thin$ )ao )ao #ill be on his guard against this, although he has had t#o eAperiences. Bou may put your scheme into force.C They finished their #ine and separated. Fot an officer $ne# a #ord of the general(s plans. Fo# )ao )ao had eApended a myriad arro#s in vain and #as much irritated in conse uence. *e deeply desired revenge. Then 2un Bou proposed a ruse, saying, CThe t#o strategists on the side of the enemy are "hou Bu and "huge ,iang, t#o men most difficult to get the better of. ,et us send someone #ho shall pretend to surrender to them but really be a spy on our behalf and a helper in our schemes. !hen #e $no# #hat is doing, #e can plan to meet it.C CI had thought of that myself,C replied )ao )ao. C!hom do you thin$ the best person to sendGC C)ai 1ao has been put to death, but all his clan and family are in the army, and his t#o younger brothers are >unior generals. Bou have them most securely in your po#er and may send them to surrender. The ruler of the South ,and #ill never suspect deceit there.C )ao )ao decided to act on this plan, and in the evening summoned )ai "hong and )ai *e to his tent, #here he told them, saying, CI #ant you t#o pretend to surrender to the South ,and so that you can gather intelligence and sent it bac$. !hen all done, you #ill be richly re#arded. 'ut do not betray me.C COur families are in 9ingDhou, and that place is yours,C replied they. CShould #e dare betrayG Bou need have no doubts, Sir. Bou #ill soon see the heads of both "hou Bu and "huge ,iang at your feet.C

)ao )ao gave them generous gifts. Soon after the t#o men, each #ith his five hundred soldiers, set sail #ith a fair #ind for the opposite ban$. Fo# as "hou Bu #as preparing for the attac$, the arrival of some northern ships #as announced. They bore the t#o younger brothers of )ai 1ao, #ho had come as deserters. They #ere led in and, bo#ing before the general, said, #eeping, COur innocent brother has been put to death, and #e desire vengeance. So #e have come to offer allegiance to you. !e pray you appoint us to the vanguard.C "hou Bu appeared very pleased and made them presents. Then he ordered them to >oin 8an Fing in leading the van. They than$ed him and regarded their scheme as already a success. 'ut "hou Bu gave 8an Fing secret orders, saying, CThey have come #ithout their families, and so I $no# their desertion is only pretense. They have been sent as spies, and I am going to meet their ruse #ith one of my o#n. They shall have some information to send. Bou #ill treat them #ell, but $eep a careful guard over them. On the day our soldiers start the offense, they shall be sacrificed to the flag. 'ut be very careful that nothing goes #rong.C 8an Fing #ent a#ay. Then ,u Su came to tell "hou Bu, saying, C4veryone agrees in thin$ing the surrender of )ai "hong and )ai *e feigned and they should be re>ected.C C'ut they #ish to revenge the death of their brother,C said the 8eneral. C!here is the pretenseG If you are so suspicious, you #ill receive nobody at all.C ,u Su left much pi ued and #ent to see "huge ,iang to #hom he told the story. "huge ,iang only smiled. C!hy do you smileGC said ,u Su. CI smile at your simplicity. The 8eneral is playing a game. Spies cannot easily come and go, so these t#o have been sent to feign desertion that they may act as spies. The 8eneral is meeting one ruse #ith another. *e #ants them to give false information. Deceit is not to be despised in #ar, and his scheme is the correct one to employ.C Then ,u Su understood. That night as "hou Bu #as sitting in his tent, *uang 8ai came to see him privately. "hou Bu said, CBou have surely some #ise plan to propose that you come at night li$e this.C *uang 8ai replied, CThe enemy are more numerous than #e, and it is #rong to delay. !hy not burn them outGC

C!ho suggested that to youGC CI thought of it myself. Fobody suggested it,C replied *uang 8ai. CI >ust #anted something li$e this, and that is #hy I $ept those t#o pretended deserters. I #ant them to give some false ne#s. The pity is that I have no one to feign desertion to the other side and #or$ my plan.C C'ut I #ill carry out your plan,C said *uang 8ai. C'ut if you cannot sho# some in>ury, you #ill not be believed,C said "hou Bu. CThe Sun family have been very generous to me, and I #ould not resent being crushed to death to repay them,C said *uang 8ai. The 8eneral bo#ed and than$ed him, saying, CIf you #ould not ob>ect to some bodily suffering, then the South ,and #ould indeed be happy.C C5ill me. I do not mind,C repeated *uang 8ai as he too$ his leave. FeAt day the drums called all the officers together to the 8eneral(s tent, and "huge ,iang came #ith the others. "hou Bu said, CThe enemy(s camps eAtend about one hundred miles so that the campaign #ill be a long one. 4ach leader is to prepare supplies for three months.C Scarcely had he spo$en #hen *uang 8ai started up, crying, CSay not three months. 'e ready for thirty months, and even then it #ill not be ended. If you can destroy them this month, then all is #ell. If you cannot, then it #ere better to ta$e "hang "hao(s advice, thro# do#n your #eapons, turn to the north, and surrender.C "hou Bu(s anger flared up, and he flushed, crying, COur lord(s orders #ere to destroy )ao )ao, and #hoever mentioned the #ord surrender should be put to death= Fo#, the very moment #hen the t#o armies are to engage, you dare tal$ of surrender and damp the ardor of my army= If I do not slay you, ho# can I support the othersGC *e ordered the lictors to remove *uang 8ai and eAecute him #ithout delay. *uang 8ai then flamed up in turn, saying, CThis is the third generation since I #ent #ith 8eneral Sun 9ian, and #e overran the southeast. !hence have you sprung upGC This made "hou Bu perfectly furious, and *uang 8ai #as ordered to instant death. 'ut 8an Fing interfered. Said he, C*e is a veteran officer of the South ,and. 7ray pardon him=C

C!hat are you prating aboutGC cried "hou Bu. CDare you come bet#een me and my dutyGC Turning to the lictors, "hou Bu ordered them to drive 8an Fing forth #ith blo#s. The other officials fell on their $nees entreating pity for *uang 8ai. C*e is indeed most #orthy of death, but it #ould be a loss to the army. !e pray you forgive him. Record his fault for the moment; and after the enemy shall have been defeated, then put him to death.C 'ut "hou Bu #as implacable. The officers pleaded #ith tears. +t length he seemed moved, saying, C*ad you not interceded, he should certainly have suffered death. 'ut no# I #ill mitigate the punishment to a beating. *e shall not die.C "hou Bu turned to the lictors and bade them deal the culprit one hundred blo#s. +gain his colleagues prayed for remission, but "hou Bu angrily pushed over the table in front of him and roared to the officers to get out of the #ay and let the sentence be eAecuted. So *uang 8ai #as stripped, thro#n to the ground, and fifty blo#s #ere given. +t this point the officers again prayed that he be let off. "hou Bu sprang from his chair and pointing his finger at *uang 8ai said, CIf you dare flout me again, you shall have the other fifty. If you are guilty of any disrespect, you shall be punished for both faults=C !ith this he turned into the inner part of the tent, gro#ling as he #ent, #hile the officers helped their beaten colleague to his feet. *e #as in a deplorable state. *is bac$ #as cut in many places, and the blood #as flo#ing in streams. They led him to his o#n uarters and on the #ay he s#ooned several times. *is case seemed most pitiable. ,u Su #ent to see the suffering officer and then called on "huge ,iang in his boat. ,u Su related the story of the beating and said, CThough the other officers have been co#ed into silence, I thin$ thought you, Sir, might have interceded. Bou are a guest and not under "hou Bu(s orders. !hy did you stand by #ith your hands up your sleeves and say never a #ordGC CBou insult me,C said "huge ,iang smiling. C!hy do you say thatG I have never insulted you@ Fever since the day #e came here together.C CDo you not $no# that terrible beating #as but a ruseG *o# could I try to dissuade "hou BuGC Then ,u Su began to perceive, and "huge ,iang continued, saying, C)ao )ao #ould not be ta$en in unless there #as some real bodily suffering. "hou Bu is going to send *uang 8ai over as a

deserter, and "hou Bu #ill see to it that the t#o )ao )ao(s spies duly tell the tale. 'ut #hen you see the 8eneral, you must not tell him that I sa# through the ruse. Bou say that I am very angry li$e the others.C ,u Su #ent to see "hou Bu and as$ed, C!hy have you so cruelly beaten a proved and trusty officerGC CDo the officers resent itGC as$ed "hou Bu. CThey are all upset about it.C C+nd #hat does your friend thin$GC C"huge ,iang also resents it in his heart, and he thin$s you have made a mista$e.C CThen I have deceived him for once,C said "hou Bu gleefully. C!hat mean youGC cried ,u Su. CThat beating that *uang 8ai got is part of my ruse. I am sending him to )ao )ao as a deserter, and so I have supplied a reason for desertion. Then I am going to use fire against the enemy.C ,u Su $ept silence, but he recogniDed that "huge ,iang #as again right. 1ean#hile *uang 8ai lay in his tent, #hither all his colleague officers #ent to condole #ith him and in uire after his health. 'ut *uang 8ai #ould say never a #ord. *e only lay sighing deeply from time to time. 'ut #hen the Strategist 5an "e came, *uang 8ai told them to bring him to the room #here he lay. Then he bade the servants go a#ay. 5an "e said, CSurely you must have some serious uarrel #ith the 8eneral.C CI have none,C said *uang 8ai. CThen this beating is >ust part of a ruseGC C*o# did you guessGC said *uang 8ai. C'ecause I #atched the 8eneral, and I guessed about nine tenths of the truth.C *uang 8ai said, CBou see I have been very generously treated by the Sun family, all three of them, and have no means of sho#ing my gratitude eAcept by offering to help in this ruse. True I suffer, but I do not regret that. +mong all those I $no# in the army, there is not one I am intimate #ith eAcept yourself. Bou are true, and I can tal$ #ith you as a friend.C

CI suppose you #ish me to present your surrender letter to )ao )ao. Is that itGC C9ust that; #ill you do itGC said *uang 8ai. 5an "e consented >oyfully. 4ven the #arrior(s body is but a sta$e in the game, The friend so ready to help him proves that their hearts are the same. 5an "e(s reply #ill be read in the neAt chapter. Chapter /6 $an Ze Presents The Treachero&s -etter; Pang Tong S&ggests Chaining The Ships Together' 5an "e #as from Shanyin, a son of a humble family. *e loved boo$s, but as he #as too poor to buy, he used to borro#. *e had a #onderfully tenacious memory, #as very elo uent and no co#ard. Sun &uan had employed him among his advisers, and he and *uang 8ai #ere eAcellent friends. Fo# *uang 8ai had thought of 5an "e to present the treacherous letter to )ao )ao, as 5an "e(s gifts made him most suitable. 5an "e accepted #ith enthusiasm, saying, C!hen you, my friend, have suffered so much for our lord, could I spare myselfG Fo; #hile a person lives, he must go on fulfilling his mission, or he is no better than the herbs that rot in the field.C *uang 8ai slipped off the couch and came over to salute him. C*o#ever, this matter must speed,C continued 5an "e. CThere is no time to lose.C CThe letter is already #ritten,C said *uang 8ai. 5an "e received it and left. That night he disguised himself as an old fisherman and started in a small punt for the north shore, under the cold, glittering light of the stars. Soon he dre# near the enemy(s camp and #as captured by the patrol. !ithout #aiting for day, they informed )ao )ao, #ho said at once, CIs he not >ust a spyGC CFo,C said they, Che is alone, >ust an old fisherman. +nd he says he is an adviser in the service of the South ,and named 5an "e, and he has come on secret business.C C'ring him,C said )ao )ao, and 5an "e #as led in.

)ao )ao #as seated in a brilliantly lighted tent. *e #as leaning on a small table, and as soon as he sa# the prisoner, he said harshly, CBou are an adviser of 4ast !u. !hat then are you doing hereGC C7eople say that you greedily #elcome people of ability. I do not thin$ your uestion a very proper one. O friend *uang 8ai, you made a mista$e,C said 5an "e. CBou $no# I am fighting against 4ast !u, and you come here privately. !hy should I not uestion youGC C*uang 8ai is an old servant of !u, one #ho has served three successive rulers. Fo# he has been cruelly beaten, for no fault, before the face of all the officers in "hou Bu(s camp. *e is grievously angry about this and #ishes to desert to your side that he may be revenged. *e discussed it #ith me, and as #e are inseparable, I have come to give you his letter as$ing #hether you #ould receive him.C C!here is the letterG said )ao )ao. The missive #as produced and presented. )ao )ao opened it and read@ CI, *uang 8ai, have been generously treated by the Sun family and have served them single6 heartedly. ,ately they have been discussing an attac$ #ith our forces on the enormous army of the central government. 4veryone $no#s our fe# are no match for such a multitude, and every officer of the South ,and, #ise or foolish, recogniDes that uite #ell. *o#ever, "hou Bu #ho, after all, is but a youth and a shallo# minded simpleton, maintains that success is possible and rashly desires to smash stones #ith an egg. 'eside, he is arbitrary and tyrannical, punishing for no crime, and leaving meritorious service unre#arded. I am an old servant and for no reason have been shamed in the sight of people. !herefore I hate him in my heart. CBou, O 7rime 1inister, treat people #ith sincerity and are ready to #elcome ability and so I, and those under my leadership, desire to enter your service #hereby to ac uire reputation and remove the shameful stigma. The commissariat, #eapons, and the supply ships that I am commanding #ill also come over to you. In perfect sincerity I state these matters. I pray you not to doubt me.C ,eaning there on the lo# table by his side, )ao )ao turned this letter over and over and read it again and again. Then he smac$ed the table, opened his eyes #ide #ith anger, saying, C*uang 8ai is trying to play the personal in>ury tric$ on me, is heG +nd you are in it as the intermediary to present the letter. *o# dare you come to sport #ith meGC )ao )ao ordered the lictors to thrust forth the messenger and ta$e off his head. 5an "e #as hustled out, his face untroubled. On the contrary, he laughed aloud. +t this )ao )ao told them to bring him bac$ and harshly said to him, C!hat do you find to laugh at no# that I have foiled you and your ruse has failedGC

CI #as not laughing at you. I #as laughing at my friend(s simplicity.C C!hat do you mean by his simplicityGC CIf you #ant to slay, slay. Do not trouble me #ith a multitude of uestions.C CI have read all the boo$s on the art of #ar, and I am #ell versed in all #ays of misleading the enemy. This ruse of yours might have succeeded #ith many, but it #ill not do for me.C C+nd so you say that the letter is a vicious tric$GC said 5an "e. C!hat I say is that your little slip has sent you to the death you ris$ed. If the thing #as real and you #ere sincere, #hy does not the letter name a time of coming overG !hat have you to say to thatGC 5an "e #aited to the end and then laughed louder than ever, saying, CI am so glad you are not frightened but can still boast of your $no#ledge of the boo$s of #ar. Fo# you #ill not lead a#ay your soldiers. If you fight, "hou Bu #ill certainly capture you. 'ut ho# sad to thin$ I die at the hand of such an ignorant fello#=C C!hat mean youG I, ignorantGC CBou are ignorant of any strategy and a victim of unreason. Is not that sufficientGC C!ell then, tell me #here is any fault.C CBou treat #ise people too badly for me to tal$ to you. Bou can finish me and let there be an end of it.C CIf you can spea$ #ith any sho# of reason, I #ill treat you differently.C CDo you not $no# that #hen one is going to desert one(s master and become a renegade, one cannot say eAactly #hen the chance #ill occurG If one binds one(s self to a fiAed moment and the thing cannot be done >ust then, the secret #ill be discovered. One must #atch for an opportunity and ta$e it #hen it comes. Thin$@ Is it possible to $no# eAactly #henG 'ut you $no# nothing of common sense. +ll you $no# is ho# to put good people to death. So you really are an ignorant fello#=C +t this )ao )ao changed his manner, got up, and came over to the prisoner bo#ing, CI did not see clearly. That is uite true. I offended you, and I hope you #ill forget it.C CThe fact is that *uang 8ai and I are both inclined to desert to you. !e even yearn for it as a child desires its parents. Is it possible that #e should play you falseGC CIf you t#o could render me so great a service, you shall certainly be richly re#arded.C

C!e do not desire ran$ or riches. !e come because it is the #ill of *eaven and the plain #ay of duty.C Then #ine #as set out, and 5an "e #as treated as an honored guest. !hile they #ere drin$ing, someone came in and #hispered in )ao )ao(s ear. *e replied, C,et me see the letter.C !hereupon the man pulled out and gave him a letter, #hich evidently pleased him. CThat is from the t#o )ai brothers,C thought 5an "e. CThey are reporting the punishment of my friend, and that #ill be a proof of the sincerity of his letter.C Turning to#ard 5an "e, )ao )ao said, CI must as$ you to return to settle the date #ith your friend. +s soon as I $no#, I #ill have a force #aiting.C CI cannot return. 7ray, Sir, send some other one you can trust.C CIf someone else should go, the secret #ould be discovered.C 5an "e refused again and again but at last gave #ay, saying, CIf I am to go, I must not #ait here. I must be off at once.C )ao )ao offered him gold and sil$s, #hich #ere refused. 5an "e started, left the camp, and reembar$ed for the south ban$, #here he related all that had happened to *uang 8ai. CIf it had not been for your persuasive tongue, then had I undergone this suffering in vain,C said *uang 8ai. CI #ill no# go to get ne#s of the t#o )ai brothers,C said 5an "e. C4Acellent,C said *uang 8ai. 5an "e #ent to the camp commanded by 8an Fing. !hen they #ere seated, 5an "e said to his host, CI #as much distressed #hen I sa# ho# disgracefully you #ere treated for your intercession on behalf of *uang 8ai.C 8an Fing smiled. 9ust then the t#o )ai brothers came, and host and guest eAchanged glances. 8an Fing said, CThe truth is "hou Bu is over confident, and he rec$ons us as nobody. !e count for nothing. 4veryone is tal$ing of the #ay I #as insulted.C +nd he shouted and gritted his teeth and smac$ed the table in his #rath.

5an "e leaned over to#ard his host and said something in a very lo# voice, at #hich 8an Fing bent his head and sighed. )ai *e and )ai "hong gathered from this scene that both 8an Fing and 5an "e #ere ripe for desertion and determined to probe them. C!hy, Sir, do you anger himG !hy not be silent about your in>uriesGC said they. C!hat $no# you of our bitternessGC said 5an "e. C!e thin$ you seem much inclined to go over to )ao )ao,C said they. 5an "e at this lost color. 8an Fing started up and dre# his s#ord, crying, CThey have found out. They must die to $eep their mouths shut=C CFo, no,C cried the t#o in a flurry. C,et us tell you something uite secret=C C&uic$, then=C cried 8an Fing. So )ai *e said, CThe truth is that #e are only pretended deserters, and if you t#o gentlemen are of our #ay of thin$ing, #e can manage things for you.C C'ut are you spea$ing the truthGC said 8an Fing. CIs it li$ely #e should say such a thing if it #ere untrueGC cried both at the same moment. 8an Fing put on a pleased loo$ and said, CThen this is the very heaven6given chance.C CBou $no# #e have already told )ao )ao of the *uang 8ai affair and ho# you #ere insulted.C CThe fact is I have given the 7rime 1inister a letter on behalf of *uang 8ai, and he sent me bac$ again to settle the date of *uang 8ai(s desertion,C said 5an "e. C!hen an honest person happens upon an enlightened master, his heart #ill al#ays be dra#n to#ard him,C said 8an Fing. The four then dran$ together and opened their hearts to each other. The t#o )ai "hong and )ai *e #rote a private letter to their master saying 8an Fing has agreed to >oin in our plot and play the traitor, and 5an "e also #rote, and they sent the letters secretly to )ao )ao. 5an "e(s letter said@ C*uang 8ai has found no opportunity so far. *o#ever, #hen he comes, his boat can be recogniDed by a blac$, indented flag. That shall mean he is on board.C

*o#ever, #hen )ao )ao got these t#o letters, he #as still doubtful and called together his advisers to tal$ over the matter. Said he, COn the other side 8an Fing has been put to shame by the )ommander6in6)hief #hom he is prepared to betray for the sa$e of revenge. *uang 8ai has been punished and sent 5an "e to propose that he should come over to our side. Only I still distrust the #hole thing. !ho #ill go over to the camp to find out the real truthGC Then 9iang 8an spo$e up, saying, CI failed in my mission the other day and am greatly mortified. I #ill ris$ my life again and, this time, I shall surely bring good ne#s.C )ao )ao approved of him as messenger and bade him start. 9iang 8an set out in a small craft and speedily arrived in the Three 8orges, landing near the naval camp. Then he sent to inform "hou Bu. *earing #ho it #as, "hou Bu chuc$led, saying, CSuccess depends upon this man.C Then "hou Bu called ,u Su and told him to call 7ang Tong to come and do certain things for him. This 7ang Tong #as from 2iangyang. +nd he had gone to the east of the river to get a#ay from the strife. ,u Su had recommended him to "hou Bu, but he had not yet presented himself. !hen "hou Bu sent ,u Su to as$ #hat scheme of attac$ he #ould recommend against )ao )ao, 7ang Tong had said to ,u Su, CBou must use fire against him. 'ut the river is #ide and if one ship is set on fire, the others #ill scatter unless they are fastened together so that they must remain in one place. That is the one road to success.C ,u Su too$ this message to the 8eneral, #ho pondered over it and then said, CThe only person #ho can manage this is 7ang Tong himself.C C)ao )ao is very #ily,C said ,u Su. C*o# can 7ang Tong goGC So "hou Bu #as sad and undecided. *e could thin$ of no method till suddenly the means presented itself in the arrival of 9iang 8an. "hou Bu at once sent instructions to 7ang Tong ho# to act, and then sat himself in his tent to a#ait his visitor 9iang 8an. 'ut the visitor became ill at ease and suspicious #hen he sa# that his old student friend did not come to #elcome him, and he too$ the precaution of sending his boat into a retired spot to be made fast before he #ent to the 8eneral(s tent. !hen "hou Bu sa# 9iang 8an, "hou Bu put on an angry face and said, C1y friend, #hy did you treat me so badlyGC

9iang 8an laughed and said, CI remembered the old days #hen #e #ere as brothers, and I came eApressly to pour out my heart to you. !hy do you say I treated you badlyGC CBou came to persuade me to betray my master, #hich I #ould never do unless the sea dried up and the roc$s perished. Remembering the old times, I filled you #ith #ine and $ept you to sleep #ith me. +nd you, you plundered my private letters and stole a#ay #ith never a #ord of fare#ell. Bou betrayed me to )ao )ao and caused the death of my t#o friends on the other side and so caused all my plans to miscarry. Fo# #hat have you come forG )ertainly, it is not out of $indness to me. I #ould cut you in t#o, but I still care for our old friendship. I #ould send you bac$ again, but #ithin a day or t#o I shall attac$ that rebel. If I let you stay in my camp, my plans #ill lea$ out. So I am going to tell my attendants to conduct you to a certain retired hut in the !estern *ills, and $eep you there till I shall have #on the victory. Then I #ill send you bac$ again.C 9iang 8an tried to say something, but "hou Bu #ould not listen. *e turned his bac$ and #ent into the recesses of his tent. The attendants led the visitor off, set him on a horse, and too$ him a#ay over the hills to the small hut, leaving t#o soldiers to loo$ after him. !hen 9iang 8an found himself in the lonely hut, he #as very depressed and had no desire to eat or sleep. 'ut one night, #hen the stars #ere very brilliant, he strolled out to en>oy them. 7resently he came to the rear of his lonely habitation and heard, near by, someone crooning over a boo$. +pproaching #ith stealthy steps, he sa# a tiny cabin half hidden in a cliff #hence a slender beam or t#o of light stole out bet#een the rafters. *e #ent nearer and peeping in, sa# a man reading by the light of a lamp near #hich hung a s#ord. +nd the boo$ #as Sun "i(s classic CThe +rt of !ar.C CThis is no common person,C thought 9iang 8an, and so he $noc$ed at the door. The door #as opened by the reader, #ho bade him #elcome #ith cultivated and refined ceremony. 9iang 8an in uired his name. The host replied, CI am 7ang Tong.C CThen you are surely the 1aster $no#n as Boung 7hoeniA, are you notGC CBes; I am he.C C*o# often have I heard you tal$ed about= Bou are famous. 'ut #hy are you hidden a#ay in this spotGC CThat fello# "hou Bu is too conceited to allo# that anyone else has any talent, and so I live here uietly. 'ut #ho are you, SirGC CI am 9iang 8an.C Then 7ang Tong made him #elcome and led him in, and the t#o sat do#n to tal$.

C!ith your gifts, you #ould succeed any#here,C said 9iang 8an. CIf you #ould enter )ao )ao(s service, I #ould recommend you to him.C CI have long desired to get a#ay from here. +nd if you, Sir, #ill present me, there is no time li$e the present. If "hou Bu heard of my #ish, he #ould $ill me, I am sure.C So #ithout more ado, they made their #ay do#n the hill to the #ater(s edge to see$ the boat in #hich 9iang 8an had come. They embar$ed and, ro#ing s#iftly, they soon reached the northern shore. +t the central camp, 9iang 8an landed and #ent to see$ )ao )ao to #hom he related the story of the discovery of his ne# ac uaintance. !hen )ao )ao heard that the ne#comer #as 1aster Boung 7hoeniA, )ao )ao #ent to meet him personally, made him very #elcome, and soon they sat do#n to tal$ on friendly terms. )ao )ao said, C+nd so "hou Bu in his youth is conceited and annoys his officers and re>ects all their advice@ I $no# that. 'ut your fame has been long $no#n to me, and no# that you have been gracious enough to turn my #ay, I pray you not to be thrifty of your advice.C CI, too, $no# #ell that you are a model of military strategy,C said 7ang Tong, Cbut I should li$e to have one loo$ at your disposition.C So horses #ere brought, and the t#o rode out to the lines, host and visitor on e ual terms, side by side. They ascended a hill #hence they had a #ide vie# of the land base. +fter loo$ing all round 7ang Tong remar$ed, C!u &i the 8reat 8eneral%, came to life again, could not do better, nor Sun "i the 3amed Strategist% if he reappeared= +ll accords #ith the precepts. The camp is beside the hills and is flan$ed by a forest. The front and rear are #ithin sight of each other. 8ates of egress and ingress are provided, and the roads of advance and retirement are bent and bro$en.C C1aster, I entreat you not to overpraise me, but to advise me #here I can ma$e further improvements,C said )ao )ao. Then the t#o men rode do#n to the naval camp, #here t#enty four gates #ere arranged facing south. The cruisers and the battleships #ere all lined up so as to protect the lighter crafts #hich lay inside. There #ere channels to pass to and fro and fiAed anchorages and stations. 7ang Tong surveying all this smiled, saying, CSir 7rime 1inister, if this is your method of #arfare, you en>oy no empty reputation.C Then pointing to the southern shore, he #ent on, C"hou Bu= "hou Bu= Bou are finished. Bou #ill have to die.C )ao )ao #as mightily pleased. They rode bac$ to the chief tent and #ine #as brought. They discussed military matters, and 7ang Tong held forth at length. Remar$s and comments flo#ed

freely bet#een the t#o, and )ao )ao formed an eAalted opinion of his ne# adherent(s abilities and treated him #ith the greatest honor. 'y and bye the guest seemed to have succumbed to the influence of many cups and said, C*ave you any capable medical people in your armyGC C!hat are they for, 1asterGC said )ao )ao. CThere is a lot of illness among the marines, and you ought to find some remedy.C The fact #as that at this time )ao )ao(s men #ere suffering from the climate. 1any #ere vomiting and not a fe# had died. It #as a source of great anAiety to him, and #hen the ne#comer suddenly mentioned it, of course he had to as$ advice. 7ang Tong said, CBour marine force is eAcellent, but there is >ust one defect. It is not uite perfect.C )ao )ao pressed him to say #here the imperfection lay. CI have a plan to overcome the ailment of the soldiers so that no one shall be sic$ and all fit for service.C C!hat is this eAcellent schemeGC said )ao )ao. CThe river is #ide, and the tides ebb and flo#. The #inds and #aves are never at rest. Bour troops from the north are unused to ships, and the motion ma$es them ill. If your ships, large and small, #ere classed and divided into thirties, or fifties, and >oined up stem to stem by iron chains and boards spread across them, to say nothing of soldiers being able to pass from one to the neAt, even horses could move about on them. If this #ere done, then there #ould be no fear of the #ind and the #aves and the rising and falling tides.C )oming do#n from his seat, )ao )ao than$ed his guest, saying, CI could never defeat the land of the south #ithout this scheme of yours.C CThat is only my idea,C said 7ang Tong. CIt is for you to decide about it.C Orders #ere then issued to call up all the blac$smiths and set them to #or$, night and day, forging iron chains and great bolts to loc$ together the ships. +nd the soldiers re>oiced #hen they heard of the plan. In the Red )liffs( fight they used the flame, The #eapon here #ill be the same. 'y 7ang Tong(s advice the ships #ere chained, 4lse "hou Bu had not that battle gained.

7ang Tong further told )ao )ao, saying, CI $no# many bold people on the other side #ho hate "hou Bu. If I may use my little tongue in your service, I can induce them to come over to you. If "hou Bu be left alone, you can certainly ta$e him captive. +nd ,iu 'ei is of no account.C C)ertainly if you could render me so great a service, I #ould memorialiDe the Throne and obtain for you one of the highest offices,C said )ao )ao. CI am not doing this for the sa$e of #ealth or honors, but from a desire to succor human$ind. If you cross the river, I pray you be merciful.C CI am *eaven(s means of doing right and could not bear to slay the people.C 7ang Tong than$ed him and begged for a document that #ould protect his o#n family. )ao )ao as$ed, C!here do they liveGC C+ll are near the river ban$.C +nd )ao )ao ordered a protection declaration to be prepared. *aving sealed it, he gave it to 7ang Tong. 7ang Tong said, CBou should attac$ as soon as I have gone, but do not let "hou Bu doubt anything.C )ao )ao promised secrecy, and the #ily traitor too$ his leave. 9ust as he #as about to embar$, he met a man in a Taoist robe, #ith a bamboo comb in his hair, #ho stopped him. The man said, CBou are very bold. *uang 8ai is planning to use the (personal in>ury ruse(, and 5an "e has presented the letter of pretended desertion. Bou have proffered the fatal scheme of chaining the ships together lest the flames may not completely destroy them. This sort of mischievous #or$ may have been enough to deceive )ao )ao, but I sa# it all.C 7ang Tong become helpless #ith fear666his viscera flo#n a#ay, his spirit scattered. 'y guileful means one may succeed, The victims too find friends in need. The neAt chapter #ill tell #ho the stranger #as. Chapter /7 BanE&et n The Great ,iver) Cao Cao Sings 1 Song; Batt#e n Water) The >orthern So#diers Fight With Chained Ships'

In the last chapter 7ang Tong #as brought up #ith a sudden shoc$ #hen someone seiDed him and said of his scheme. Hpon turning to loo$ at the man, 7ang Tong sa# it #as 2u Shu, an old friend, and his heart revived. ,oo$ing around and seeing no one near, 7ang Tong said, CIt #ould be a pity if you upset my plan. The fate of the people of all the eighty6one southern counties is in your hands.C 2u Shu smiled, saying, C+nd #hat of the fate of these eight hundred thirty thousand soldiers and horse of the northGC CDo you intend to #rec$ my scheme, 2u ShuGC CI have never forgotten the $indness of Hncle ,iu 'ei, nor my oath to avenge the death of my mother at )ao )ao(s hands. I have said I #ould never thin$ out a plan for him. So am I li$ely to #rec$ yours no#, brotherG 'ut I have follo#ed )ao )ao(s army thus far; and after they shall have been defeated, good and bad #ill suffer ali$e and ho# can I escapeG Tell me ho# I can secure safety, and I se# up my lips and go a#ay.C 7ang Tong smiled, CIf you are as high6minded as that, there is no great difficulty.C CStill I #ish you #ould instruct me.C So 7ang Tong #hispered something in his ear, #hich seemed to please 2u Shu greatly, for he than$ed him most cordially and too$ his leave. Then 7ang Tong betoo$ himself to his boat and left for the southern shore. *is friend gone, 2u Shu mischievously spread certain rumors in the camp, and neAt day #ere to be seen every#here soldiers in small groups, some tal$ing, others listening, heads together and ears stretched out, till the camps seemed to buDD. Some of the officers #ent to )ao )ao and told him, saying, C+ rumor is running around the camps that *an Sui and 1a Teng are marching from 2iliang to attac$ the capital.C This troubled )ao )ao, #ho called together his advisers to council. Said he, CThe only anAiety I have felt in this eApedition #as about the possible doings of *an Sui and 1a Teng. Fo# there is a rumor running among the soldiers, and though I $no# not #hether it be true or false, it is necessary to be on one(s guard.C +t this point 2u Shu said, CBou have been $ind enough to give me an office, Sir, and I have really done nothing in return. If I may have three thousand troops, I #ill march at once to San 7ass and guard this entrance. If there be any pressing matter, I #ill report at once.C

CIf you #ould do this, I should be uite at my ease. There are already troops beyond the 7ass, #ho #ill be under your command, and no# I #ill give you three thousand of horse and foot, and "ang 'a shall lead the van and march uic$ly.C 2u Shu too$ leave of the 7rime 1inister and left in company #ith "ang 'a. This #as 7ang Tong(s scheme to secure the safety of 2u Shu. + poem says@ )ao )ao marched south, but at his bac$ There rode the fear of rear attac$. 7ang Tong(s good counsel 2u Shu too$, +nd thus the fish escaped the hoo$. )ao )ao(s anAiety diminished after he had thus sent a#ay 2u Shu. Then he rode round all the camps, first the land forces and then the naval. *e boarded one of the large ships and thereon set up his standard. The naval camps #ere arranged along t#o lines, and every ship carried a thousand bo#s and crossbo#s. !hile )ao )ao remained #ith the fleet, it occurred the full moon of the eleventh month of the thirteenth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D ./<0. The s$y #as clear; there #as no #ind; and the river lay unruffled. *e prepared a great ban uet, #ith music, and thereto invited all his leaders. +s evening dre# on, the moon rose over the eastern hills in its immaculate beauty, and beneath it lay the broad belt of the river li$e a band of pure sil$. It #as a great assembly, and all the guests #ere clad in gorgeous sil$s and embroidered robes, and the arms of the fighting soldiers glittered in the moonlight. The officers, civil and military, #ere seated in their proper order of precedence. The setting, too, #as eA uisite. The Southern *ills #ere outlined as in a picture; the boundaries of )haisang lay in the east; the river sho#ed #est as far as 2ia$ou; on the south lay the 3an 1ountains, on the north #as the 'lac$ 3orest. The vie# stretched #ide on every side. )ao )ao(s heart #as >ubilant, and he harangued the assembly, saying, C1y one aim since I enlisted my first small band of volunteers has been the removal of evil from the state, and I have s#orn to cleanse the country and restore tran uillity. Fo# there is only left this land of the south to #ithstand me. I am at the head of a hundred legions. I depend upon you, gentlemen, and have no doubt of my final success. +fter I have subdued the South ,and, there #ill be no trouble in all the country. Then #e shall en>oy #ealth and honor and revel in peace.C They rose in a body and eApressed their appreciation, saying, C!e trust that you may soon report complete victory, and #e shall all repose in the shade of your good fortune.C In his elation, )ao )ao bade the servants bring more #ine and they dran$ till late at night.

!armed and mello#ed, the host pointed to the south ban$, saying, C"hou Bu and ,u Su $no# not the appointed time. *eaven is aiding me bringing upon them the misfortune of the desertion of their most trusted friends.C CO 7rime 1inister, say nothing of these things lest they become $no#n to the enemy,C said 2un Bou. 'ut the 7rime 1inister only laughed. CBou are all my trusty friends,C said he, Cboth officers and humble attendants. !hy should I refrainGC 7ointing to 2ia$ou, he continued, CBou do not rec$on for much #ith your puny force, ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang. *o# foolish of you to attempt to sha$e the Taishan 1ountains=C Then turning to his officers, he said, CI am no# fifty6four; and if I get the South ,and, I shall have the #here#ithal to re>oice. In the days of long ago, the 7atriarch Du$e &iao in the south and I #ere great friends, and #e came to an agreement on certain matters, for I $ne# his t#o daughters6664lder &iao and Bounger &iao666#ere lovely beyond #ords. Then by some means, they became #ives to Sun )e and "hou Bu. 'ut no# my palace of rest is built on the River "hang, and victory over the South ,and #ill mean that I marry these t#o fair #omen. I #ill put them in the 'ronDe 'ird To#er, and they shall re>oice my declining years. 1y desires #ill then be completely attained.C *e smiled at the anticipation. Du 1u, a famous poet of the Tang Dynasty, in one poem says@ + bro$en halberd buried in the sand, !ith deep rust eaten, ,oud tells of ancient battles on the strand, !hen )ao )ao #as beaten. *ad eastern #inds "hou Bu(s plan refused to aid +nd fan the blaDe, The t#o fair &iaos, in the 'ronDe 'ird(s shade, !ould have been loc$ed at spring age. 'ut suddenly amid the merriment #as heard the hoarse cry of a raven flying to#ard the south. C!hy does the raven thus cry in the nightGC said )ao )ao to those about him. CThe moon is so bright that it thin$s it is day%,C said they, Cand so it leaves its tree.C )ao )ao laughed. 'y this time he #as uite intoAicated. *e set up his spear in the pro# of the ship and poured a libation into the river and then dran$ three brimming goblets.

+s he lo#ered the spear, he said, CThis is the spear that bro$e up the Bello# Scarves, captured ,u 'u, destroyed Buan Shao, and subdued Buan Shu, #hose armies are no# mine. In the north it reached to ,iaodong, and it stretched out over the #hole south. It has never failed in its tas$. The present scene moves me to the depths, and I #ill sing a song in #hich you shall accompany me.C +nd so he sang@ C!hen goblets are brimming then sang is near birth, 'ut life is full short and has fe# days of mirth, ,ife goes as the de# drops fly s#iftly a#ay, 'eneath the glance of the glo#ing hot ruler of day. *uman(s life may be spent in the noblest enterprise, 'ut sorro#ful thoughts in his heart oft arise. ,et us #ash clean a#ay the sad thoughts that intrude, !ith bumpers of #ine such as Du 5ang once bre#ed. 8one is my day of youthful fire +nd still ungained is my desire. The deer feed on the level plain +nd >oyful call, then feed again. 1y noble guests are gathered round. The air is trilled #ith >oyful sound. 'right my future lies before me. +s the moonlight on this plain; 'ut I strive in vain to reach it. !hen shall I my #ish attainG Fone can ans#er; and so sadness 8rips my inmost heart again. 3ar north and south, !ide east and #est, !e safety see$; Vain is the uest. *uman(s heart oft yearns 3or converse s#eet. +nd my heart burns !hen old friends greet. The stars are paled by the full moon(s light, The raven #ings his south#ard flight. +nd thrice he circles round a tree, Fo place thereon to rest finds he. They #eary not the mountains of great height, The #aters deep of depth do not complain, Du$e "hou no leisure found by day or night Stern toil is his #ho #ould the empire gain.C

The song made they sang it #ith him and #ere all eAceedingly merry, save one guest #ho suddenly said, C!hen the great army is on the point of battle and lives are about to be ris$ed, #hy do you, O 7rime 1inister, spea$ such ill #ordsGC )ao )ao turned uic$ly to#ard the spea$er, #ho #as ,iu 3u, Imperial 7rotector of BangDhou. This ,iu 3u sprang from *efei. !hen first appointed to his post, he had gathered in the terrified and frightened people and restored order. *e had founded schools and encouraged the people to till the land. *e had long served under )ao )ao and rendered valuable service. !hen ,iu 3u spo$e, )ao )ao dropped his spear to the level and said, C!hat ill6omened #ords did I useGC CBou spo$e of the moon paling the stars and the raven flying south#ard #ithout finding a resting place. These are ill6omened #ords.C C*o# dare you try to belittle my endeavorGC cried )ao )ao, very #rathful. +nd #ith that he smote ,iu 3u #ith his spear and sle# him. The assembly bro$e up, and the guests dispersed in fear and confusion. FeAt day, #hen )ao )ao had recovered from his drun$en bout, he #as very grieved at #hat he had done. !hen the murdered man(s son, ,iu 2i, came to crave the body of his father for burial, )ao )ao #ept and eApressed his sorro#. CI am guilty of your father(s death. I #as drun$ yesterday. I regret the deed eAceedingly. Bour father shall be interred #ith the honors of a minister of the highest ran$.C )ao )ao sent an escort of soldiers to ta$e the body to the homeland for burial. + fe# days after, the t#o leaders of the naval force, 1ao 9ie and Bu 9in, came to say the ships #ere all connected together by chains as had been ordered, and all #as no# ready. They as$ed for the command to start. Thereupon the leaders of both land and naval forces #ere assembled on board a large ship in the center of the s uadron to receive orders. The various armies and s uadrons #ere distinguished by different flags@ 1ao 9ie and Bu 9in led the central naval s uadron #ith yello# flag; "hang *e, the leading s uadron, red flag; ,u &ian, the rear s uadron, blac$ flag; !en 7ing, the left s uadron, blue flag; and ,i Tong, the right s uadron, #hite flag. On shore 2u *uang commanded the horsemen #ith red flag; ,i Dian, the vanguard, blac$ flag; Bue 9ing, the left #ing, blue flag; and 2iahou Buan, the right #ing, #hite flag. 2iahou Dun and )ao *ong #ere in reserve, and the general staff #as under the leadership of 2u )hu and "hang ,iao. The other leaders #ere ordered to remain in camps, but ready for action. +ll being ready, the s uadron drums beat the roll thrice, and the ships sailed out under a strong north#est #ind on a trial cruise. !hen they got among the #aves, they #ere found to be as steady and immovable as the dry land itself. The northern soldiers sho#ed their delight at the absence of

motion by capering and flourishing their #eapons. The ships moved on, the s uadrons $eeping uite distinct. 3ifty light cruisers sailed to and fro $eeping order and urging progress. )ao )ao #atched his navy from the )ommand Terrace and #as delighted #ith their evolutions and maneuvers. Surely this meant complete victory. *e ordered the recall and the s uadrons returned in perfect order to their base. Then )ao )ao #ent to his tent and summoned his advisers. *e said, CIf *eaven had not been on my side, should I have got this eAcellent plan from the Boung 7hoeniAG Fo# that the ships are attached firmly to each other, one may traverse the river as easily as #al$ing on firm earth.C CThe ships are firmly attached to each other,C said )heng Bu, Cbut you should be prepared for an attac$ by fire so that they can scatter to avoid it.C The 8eneral laughed. CBou loo$ a long #ay ahead,C said he, Cbut you see #hat cannot happen.C C)heng Bu spea$s much to the point,C said 2un Bou. C!hy do you laugh at himGC )ao )ao said, C+nyone using fire depends upon the #ind. This is no# #inter and only #est #inds blo#. Bou #ill get neither east nor south #inds. I am on the north#est, and the enemy is on the southeast ban$. If they use fire, they #ill destroy themselves. I have nothing to fear. If it #as the tenth moon, or early spring, I #ould provide against fire.C CThe 7rime 1inister is indeed #ise,C said the others in chorus. CFone can e ual him.C C!ith northern troops unused to shipboard, I could never have crossed the river but for this chaining plan,C said )ao )ao. Then he sa# t#o of the secondary leaders stand up, and they said, C!e are from the north, but #e are also sailors. 7ray give us a small s uadron, and #e #ill seiDe some of the enemy(s flags and drums for you that #e may prove ourselves adepts on the #ater.C The spea$ers #ere t#o men #ho had served under Buan Shao, named 9iao )hu and "hang Feng. CI do not thin$ naval #or$ #ould suit you t#o, born and brought up in the north,C said )ao )ao. CThe southern soldiers are thoroughly accustomed to ships. Bou should not regard your lives as a child(s plaything.C They cried, CIf #e fail, treat us according to army la#s=C

CThe fighting ships are all chained together, there are only small, t#enty6men boats free. They are unsuitable for fighting.C CIf #e too$ large ships, #here #ould be the #onderful in #hat #e #ill doG Fo; give us a score of the small ships, and #e #ill ta$e half each and go straight to the enemy(s naval port. !e #ill >ust seiDe a flag, slay a leader, and come home.C CI #ill let you have the t#enty ships and five hundred of good, vigorous marines #ith long spears and stiff crossbo#s. 4arly tomorro# the main fleet shall ma$e a demonstration on the river, and I #ill also tell !en 7ing to support you #ith thirty ships.C The t#o men retired greatly elated. FeAt morning, very early, food #as prepared, and at the fifth #atch all #as ready for a start. Then from the naval camp rolled out the drums and the gongs clanged, as the ships moved out and too$ up their positions, the various flags fluttering in the morning breeDe. +nd the t#o intrepid leaders #ith their s uadron of small scouting boats #ent do#n the lines and out into the stream. Fo# a fe# days before the sound of )ao )ao(s drums had been heard on the southern ban$, "hou Bu had #atched the maneuvers of the northern fleet on the open river from the top of a hill till the fleet had gone in again. So #hen the sound of drums #as again heard, all the southern army #ent up the hills to #atch the northern fleet. +ll they sa# #as a s uadron of small ships bounding over the #aves. +s the northern fleet came nearer, the ne#s #as ta$en to "hou Bu #ho called for volunteers to go out against them. *an Dang and "hou Tai offered themselves. They #ere accepted and orders #ere issued to the camps to remain ready for action but not to move till told. *an Dang and "hou Tai sailed out each #ith a small s uadron of five ships in line. The t#o braggarts from the north, 9iao )hu and "hang Feng, really only trusted to their boldness and luc$. Their ships came do#n under the po#erful stro$es of the oars. +s they neared, the t#o leaders put on their heart6protectors, gripped their spears, and each too$ his station in the pro# of the leading ship of his division. 9iao )hu(s ship led and as soon as he came near enough, his troops began to shoot at *an Dang, #ho fended off the arro#s #ith his buc$ler. 9iao )hu t#irled his long spear as he engaged his opponent. 'ut, at the first thrust, he #as $illed. *is comrade "hang Feng #ith the other ships #as coming up #ith great shouts, #hen "hou Tai sailed up at an angle, and these t#o s uadrons began shooting arro#s at each other in clouds. "hou Tai fended off the arro#s #ith his shield and stood gripping his s#ord firmly till his ships came #ithin a fe# spans of the enemy(s ships, #hen he leaped across and cut do#n "hang Feng. "hang Feng(s dead body fell into the #ater. Then the battle became confused, and the attac$ing ships ro#ed hard to get a#ay. The southerners pursued but soon came in sight of !en 7ing(s supporting fleet. Once more the ships engaged and the forces fought #ith each other.

"hou Bu #ith his officers stood on the summit of a mountain and #atched his o#n and the enemy ships out on the river. The flags and the ensigns #ere all in perfect order. Then he sa# !en 7ing and his o#n fleets engaged in battle, and soon it #as evident that the former #as not a match for his o#n sailors. !en 7ing turned about to retire, *an Dang and "hou Tai pursued. "hou Bu fearing lest his sailors should go too far, then hoisted the #hite flag of recall. To his officers "hou Bu said, CThe masts of the northern ships stand thic$ as reeds. )ao )ao himself is full of #iles. *o# can #e destroy himGC Fo one replied, for >ust then the great yello# flag that flapped in the breeDe in the middle of )ao )ao(s fleet suddenly fell over into the river. "hou Bu laughed. CThat is a bad omen,C said he. Then an eAtra violent blast of #ind came by, and the #aves rose high and beat upon the ban$. + corner of his o#n flag flic$ed "hou Bu on the chee$, and suddenly a thought flashed through his mind. "hou Bu uttered a loud cry, staggered, and fell bac$#ard. They pic$ed him up. There #as blood upon his lips, and he #as unconscious. 7resently, ho#ever, he revived. +nd once he laughed, then gave a cry, This is hard to ensure a victory. "hou Bu(s fate #ill appear as the story unfolds. Chapter /9 n SevenAStar 1#tar) Zh&ge -iang Sacri!ices To The Winds; 1t Three Gorges) Zho& +& -i.erates The Fire' In the last chapter "hou Bu #as seiDed #ith sudden illness as he #atched the fleets of his enemy. *e #as borne to his tent, and his officers came in multitudes to in uire after him. They loo$ed at each other, saying, C!hat a pity our general should be ta$en ill, #hen )ao )ao(s legions threaten so terribly= !hat #ould happen if )ao )ao attac$edGC 1essengers #ith the evil tidings #ere sent to Sun &uan, #hile the physicians did their best for the invalid. ,u Su #as particularly sad at the illness of his patron and #ent to see "huge ,iang to tal$ it over. C!hat do you ma$e of itGC said "huge ,iang. C8ood luc$ for )ao )ao; bad for us,C said ,u Su.

CI could cure him,C said "huge ,iang laughing. CIf you could, !u #ould be very fortunate,C said ,u Su. ,u Su prayed "huge ,iang to go to see the sic$ man. They #ent, and ,u Su entered first. "hou Bu lay in bed, his head covered by a uilt. C*o# are you, 8eneralGC said ,u Su. C1y heart pains me. 4very no# and again I feel faint and diDDy.C C*ave you ta$en any remediesGC C1y gorge rises at the thought. I could not.C CI sa# "huge ,iang >ust no#, and he says he could heal you. *e is >ust outside, and I #ill call him if you li$e.C C+s$ him to come in.C "hou Bu bade his servants help him to a sitting position, and "huge ,iang entered. CI have not seen you for days,C said "huge ,iang. C*o# could I guess that you #ere un#ellGC C*o# can anyone feel secureG !e are constantly the playthings of luc$, good or bad.C CBes. *eaven(s #inds and clouds are not to be measured. Fo one can rec$on their comings and goings, can theyGC "hou Bu turned pale and a lo# groan escaped him, #hile his visitor #ent on, CBou feel depressed, do you notG +s though troubles #ere piling up in your heartGC CThat is eAactly ho# I feel,C said "hou Bu. CBou need cooling medicine to dissipate this sense of oppression.C CI have ta$en a cooling draught, but it has done no good.C CBou must get the humors into good order before the drugs #ill have any effect.C "hou Bu began to thin$ "huge ,iang $ne# #hat #as really the matter and resolved to test him. C!hat should be ta$en to produce a favorable temperGC said "hou Bu. CI $no# one means of producing a favorable temper,C replied "huge ,iang.

CI #ish you #ould tell me.C "huge ,iang got out #riting materials, sent a#ay the servants, and then #rote a fe# #ords@ CTo defeat )ao )ao Bou have to use fire; +ll are in your #ish, 'ut #ind from the east.C This he gave to the sic$ general, saying, CThat is the origin of your illness.C "hou Bu read the #ords #ith great surprise, and it confirmed his secret opinion that "huge ,iang really #as rather more than human. *e decided that the only course #as to be open and tell him all. So he said, CSince you $no# the cause of the disease, #hat do you recommend as treatmentG The need of a remedy is very urgent.C CI have no great talent,C said "huge ,iang, Cbut I have had to do #ith humans of no ordinary gifts from #hom I have received certain magical boo$s called ()oncealing 1ethod(. I can call the #inds and summon the rains. Since you need a southeast breeDe, 8eneral, you must build an altar on the Southern *ills, the +ltar of the Seven Stars. It must be nine spans high, #ith three steps, surrounded by a guard of one hundred and t#enty humans bearing flags. On this altar I #ill #or$ a spell to procure a strong southeast gale for three days and three nights. Do you approveGC CFever mind three #hole days,C said "hou Bu. COne day of strong #ind #ill serve my purpose. 'ut it must be done at once and #ithout delay.C CI #ill sacrifice for a #ind for three days from the t#entieth day of the moon. !ill that suit youGC "hou Bu #as delighted and hastily rose from his couch to give the necessary orders. *e commanded that five hundred men should be sent to the mountains to build the altar, and he told off the guard of one hundred and t#enty to bear the flags and be at the orders of "huge ,iang. "huge ,iang too$ his leave, #ent forth, and rode off #ith ,u Su to the mountains #here they measured out the ground. *e bade the soldiers build the altar of red earth from the southeast uarter. It #as t#o hundred and forty spans in circuit, s uare in shape, and of three tiers, each of three spans, in all nine spans high. On the lo#est tier he placed the flags of the t#enty6eight ChousesC of the heavens and four constellations@ On the east seven, #ith blue flags; on the north seven, #ith blac$ flags; on the #est seven, #ith #hite flags; and on the south seven, #ith red flags. +round the second tier he placed siAty6four yello# flags, corresponding to the number of the diagrams of the 'oo$ of Divination, in eight groups of eight.

3our men #ere stationed on the highest platform, each #earing a Taoist headdress and a blac$ sil$ robe embroidered #ith the phoeniA and confined #ith #ide sashes. They #ore scarlet boots and s uare6cut s$irts. On the left front stood a man supporting a tall pole bearing at its top a plume of light feathers to sho# by their least movement the #ind(s first breathing. On the right front #as a man holding a tall pole #hereon #as a flag #ith the symbol of the seven stars to sho# the direction and force of the #ind. On the left rear stood a man #ith a s#ord, and on the right rear a man #ith a censer. 'elo# the altar #ere forty6four men holding flags, umbrellas, spears, lances, yello# banners, #hite aAes, red banderoles, and blac$ ensigns. +nd these #ere spaced about the altar. On the appointed day "huge ,iang, having chosen a propitious moment, bathed his body and purified himself. Then he robed himself as a Taoist, loosened his loc$s, and approached the altar. *e bade ,u Su retire, saying, CReturn to the camp and assist the 8eneral in setting out his forces. Should my prayers avail not, do not #onder.C So ,u Su left him. Then "huge ,iang commanded the guards on no account to absent themselves, to maintain strict silence, and to be reverent. Death #ould be the penalty of disobedience. FeAt, #ith solemn steps he ascended the altar, faced the proper uarter, lighted the incense, and sprin$led the #ater in the basins. This done he gaDed into the heavens and prayed silently. The prayer ended he descended and returned to his tent. +fter a brief rest he allo#ed the soldiers by turns to go a#ay to eat. Thrice that day he ascended the altar and thrice descended, but there #as no sign of the #ind. During that time, "hou Bu, #ith )heng 7u and ,u Su and other military officials on duty, sat #aiting in the tent till the #ished6for #ind should blo# and the attac$ could be launched. 1essengers #ere also sent to Sun &uan to prepare to support the for#ard movement. *uang 8ai had his fire ships ready, t#enty of them. The fore parts of the ships #ere thic$ly studded #ith large nails, and they #ere loaded #ith dry reeds, #ood soa$ed in fish oil, and covered #ith sulfur, saltpeter, and other inflammables. The ships #ere covered in #ith blac$ oiled cloth. In the pro# of each #as a blac$ dragon flag #ith indentations. + fighting ship #as attached to the stern of each to propel it for#ard. +ll #ere ready and a#aited orders to move. 1ean#hile )ao )ao(s t#o spies, )ai *e and )ai "hong, #ere being guarded carefully in an outer camp far from the river ban$ and daily entertained #ith feasting. They #ere not allo#ed to $no# of the preparations. The #atch #as so close that not a tric$le of information reached the prisoners. 7resently, #hile "hou Bu #as anAiously a#aiting in his tent for the desired #ind, a messenger came to say that Sun &uan had anchored at a place thirty miles from the camp, #here he a#aited ne#s from the )ommander6in6)hief.

,u Su #as sent to #arn all the various commanders to be ready, the ships and their #eapons, sails and oars, all for instant use, and to impress upon them the penalties of being caught unprepared. The soldiers #ere indeed ready for the fight and yearning for the fray. 'ut the s$y remained obstinately clear, and as night dre# nigh no breath of air stirred. C!e have been ca>oled,C said "hou Bu. CIndeed #hat possibility is there of a southeast #ind in mid#interGC C"huge ,iang #ould not use vain and deceitful #ords,C replied ,u Su. To#ards the third #atch, the sound of a movement arose in the air. Soon the flags fluttered out. +nd #hen the )ommander6in6)hief #ent out to ma$e sure, he sa# they #ere flo#ing to#ard the north#est. In a very short time the southeast #ind #as in full force. "hou Bu #as, ho#ever, frightened at the po#er of the man #hose help he had invo$ed. *e said, CReally the man has po#er over the heavens and authority over the earth. *is methods are incalculable, beyond the $en of god or devil. *e cannot be allo#ed to live to be a danger to our land of the south. !e must slay him soon to fend off later evils.C So "hou Bu resolved to commit a crime to remove his dangerous rival. *e called t#o of the generals of his guard, Ding 3eng and 2u Sheng, and said to them, C4ach of you ta$e a party of one hundred troops, one along the river, the other along the road, to the altar on the mountains. +s soon as you get there, #ithout as$ing uestions or giving reasons, you are to seiDe and behead "huge ,iang. Rich re#ard #ill be given #hen you bring his head bac$.C 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng #ent off on their errand, the former leading dagger and aA6men going as fast as oars could propel them along the river, the latter at the head of archers and bo#men on horsebac$. The southeast #ind buffeted them as they #ent on their #ay. *igh #as raised the Seven Stars +ltar, On it prayed the Sleeping Dragon 3or an eastern #ind, and straight#ay 'le# the #ind. *ad not the #iDard 4Aercised his mighty magic Fought had "hou Bu(s s$ill availed. Ding 3eng first arrived. *e sa# the guards #ith their flags, dropped off his steed, and marched to the altar, s#ord in hand. 'ut he found no "huge ,iang. !hen he as$ed the guards, they told him, saying, C*e has >ust gone do#n.C Ding 3eng ran do#n the hill to search. There he met his fello# 2u Sheng, and they >oined forces.

7resently a simple soldier told them, saying, CThe evening before a small, fast boat anchored there near a sand spit, and "huge ,iang #as seen to go on board. Then the boat #ent up river.C So 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng divided their party into t#o, one to go by #ater, the other by land. 2u Sheng bade his boatmen put on all sail and ta$e every advantage of the #ind. 'efore very long he sa# the fugitive(s boat ahead, and #hen near enough, stood in the pro# of his o#n and shouted, CDo not flee, O Instructor of the +rmy= The 8eneral re uests your presence.C "huge ,iang, #ho #as seated in the stern of his boat, >ust laughed aloud, saying, CReturn and tell the 8eneral to ma$e good use of his soldiers. Tell him I am going up river for a spell and #ill see him again another day.C C7ray #ait a little #hile,C cried 2u Sheng. CI have something most important to tell you=C CI $ne# all about it, that "hou Bu #ould not let me go and that he #anted to $ill me. That is #hy "hao Bun #as #aiting for me. Bou had better not approach nearer.C Seeing the other ship had no sail, 2u Sheng thought he #ould assuredly come up #ith it and so maintained the pursuit. Then #hen he got too close, "hao Bun fitted an arro# to the bo#string and, standing up in the stern of his boat, cried, CBou $no# #ho I am, and I came eApressly to escort the Directing Instructor. !hy are you pursuing himG One arro# #ould $ill you, only that #ould cause a breach of the peace bet#een t#o houses. I #ill shoot and >ust give you a specimen of my s$ill.C !ith that he shot, and the arro# #hiDDed overhead cutting the rope that held up the sail. Do#n came the sail trailing in the #ater and the boat s#ung round. Then "hao Bun(s boat hoisted its sail, and the fair #ind speedily carried it out of sight. On the ban$ stood Ding 3eng. *e bade his comrade come to the shore and said, C"huge ,iang is too clever for anyone; and "hao Bun is bravest of the brave. Bou remember #hat he did at Dangyang, at the ,ong Slope 'ridge. +ll #e can do is to return and report.C So they returned to camp and told their master about the preparations that "huge ,iang had made to ensure safety. "hou Bu #as indeed puDDled at the depth of his rival(s insight. CI shall have no peace day or night #hile he lives,C said "hou Bu. C+t least #ait till )ao )ao is done #ith,C said ,u Su. +nd "hou Bu $ne# ,u Su spo$e #isely. *aving summoned the leaders to receive orders, first "hou Bu gave orders to 8an Fing@ CTa$e #ith you the false deserter )ai "hong and his soldiers, and go along the south ban$, sho#ing the

flags of )ao )ao, till you reach the 'lac$ 3orest >ust opposite the enemy(s main store of grain and forage. Then you are to penetrate as deeply as possible into the enemy(s lines and light a torch as a signal. )ai *e is to be $ept in camp for another purpose.C The neAt order #as@ CTaishi )i is to lead t#o thousand troops as uic$ly as possible to *uangDhou and cut the enemy(s communications #ith *efei. !hen near the enemy, he is to give a signal. If he sees a red flag, he #ill $no# that our lord, Sun &uan, is at hand #ith reinforcements.C 8an Fing and Taishi )i had the farthest to go and started first. Then ,u 1eng #as sent into the 'lac$ 3orest #ith three thousand troops as a support to 8an Fing #ho #as ordered to set fire to )ao )ao(s depot. + fourth party of three thousand troops #as led by ,ing Tong to the borders of Biling and attac$ as soon as the signal from the forest #as seen. + fifth party of three thousand under Dong 2i #ent to *anyang to fall upon the enemy along the River *an. Their signal #as a #hite flag; and a siAth division of three thousand commanded by 7an "hang #ould support them. !hen these siA parties had gone off. *uang 8ai got ready his fire ships and sent a soldier #ith a note to tell )ao )ao that he #as coming over that evening. 3our naval s uadrons #ere told off to support *uang 8ai. The four s uadrons, each of three hundred ships, #ere placed under four commanders@ *an Dang, "hou Tai, 9iang &in, and )hen !u. T#enty fire ships preceded each fleet. "hou Bu and )heng 7u #ent on board one of the large ships to direct the battle. Their guards #ere Ding 3eng and 2u Sheng. ,u Su, 5an "e, and the advisers #ere left to guard the camp. )heng 7u #as greatly impressed #ith "hou Bu(s ordering of the grand attac$. Then came a messenger bearing a mandate from Sun &uan ma$ing ,u 2un ,eader of the Van. *e #as ordered to go to &ichun. Sun &uan himself #ould support ,u 2un. "hou Bu also sent t#o command units, one to the !estern *ills to ma$e fire signals, and the other to the Southern *ills to hoist flags. So all being prepared they #aited for dus$. ,iu 'ei #as at 2ia$ou anAiously a#aiting the return of his adviser. Then appeared a fleet, led by ,iu &i, #ho had come to find out ho# matters #ere progressing. ,iu 'ei sent to call him to the battle to#er and said, CThe southeast #ind had begun to blo#, and that "hao Bun had gone to meet "huge ,iang.C Fot long after a single sail #as seen coming up before the #ind, and ,iu 'ei $ne# it #as "huge ,iang, the Directing Instructor of the +rmy. So ,iu 'ei and ,iu &i #ent do#n to meet the boat. Soon the vessel reached the shore, and "huge ,iang and "hao Bun disembar$ed.

,iu 'ei #as very glad, and after they had in uired after each other(s #ell6being, "huge ,iang said, CThere is no time to tell of any other things no#. +re the soldiers and ships readyGC CThey have long been ready,C replied ,iu 'ei. CThey only a#ait you to direct ho# they are to be used.C The three then #ent to the tent and too$ their seats. "huge ,iang at once began to issue orders@ C"hao Bun, #ith three thousand troops is to cross the river and go to the 'lac$ 3orest by the minor road. *e #ill choose a dense >ungle and prepare an ambush. Tonight, after the fourth #atch, )ao )ao #ill hurry along that #ay. !hen half his troops have passed, the >ungle is to be fired. )ao )ao #ill not be #holly destroyed but many #ill perish.C CThere are t#o roads,C said "hao Bun. COne leads to the southern regions and the other to 9ingDhou. I do not $no# by #hich he #ill come.C CThe south road is too dangerous. )ao )ao #ill certainly pass along the 9ingDhou road, so that he may get a#ay to 2uchang.C Then "hao Bun #ent a#ay. FeAt "huge ,iang said to "hang 3ei, CBou #ill ta$e three thousand troops over the river to cut the road to Biling. Bou #ill ambush in the *ulu Valley. )ao )ao, not daring to go to South Biling, #ill go to Forth Biling. Tomorro#, after the rain, he #ill halt to refresh his troops. +s soon as the smo$e is seen to rise from their coo$ing fires, you #ill fire the hill side. Bou #ill not capture )ao )ao, but you #ill render eAcellent service.C So "hang 3ei left. FeAt #as called 1i "hu, 1i 3ang, and ,iu 3eng. They #ere to ta$e command of three s uadrons and go along the river to collect beaten soldiers and their #eapons. The three left. Then "huge ,iang said to ,iu &i, CThe country around !uchang is very important, and I #ish you to ta$e command of your o#n troops and station them at strategic points. )ao )ao, being defeated, #ill flee thither, and you #ill capture him. 'ut you are not to leave the city #ithout the best of reasons.C +nd ,iu &i too$ leave. Then "huge ,iang said to ,iu 'ei, CI #ish you to remain uietly and calmly in 3an$ou, in a high to#er, to #atch "hou Bu #or$ out his great scheme this night.C +ll this time 8uan Bu has been silently #aiting his turn, but "huge ,iang said no #ord to him. !hen 8uan Bu could bear this no longer, he cried, CSince I first follo#ed my brother to battle many years ago, I have never been left behind. Fo# that great things are afoot, is there no #or$ for meG !hat is meant by itGC

CBou should not be surprised. I #anted you for service at a most important point, only that there #as a something standing in the #ay that prevented me from sending you,C said "huge ,iang. C!hat could stand in the #ayG I #ish you #ould tell me.C CBou see )ao )ao #as once very $ind to you, and you cannot help feeling grateful. Fo# #hen his soldiers have been beaten, he #ill have to flee along the *uarong Road. If I sent you to guard it, you #ould have to let him pass. So I #ill not send you.C CBou are most considerate, Instructor. 'ut though it is true that he treated me #ell, yet I sle# t#o of his most redoubtable opponents, Ban ,iang and !en )hou, by #ay of repayment, beside raising a siege. If I happened upon him on this occasion, I should hardly let him go.C C'ut #hat if you didGC CBou could deal #ith me by military rules.C CThen put that in #riting.C So 8uan Bu #rote a formal underta$ing and gave the document to "huge ,iang. C!hat happens if )ao )ao does not pass that #ayGC said 8uan Bu. CI #ill give you a #ritten engagement that he #ill pass.C Then "huge ,iang continued, COn the hills by the *uarong Valley, you are to raise a heap of #ood and grass to ma$e a great column of smo$e and mislead )ao )ao into coming.C CIf )ao )ao sees a smo$e, he #ill suspect an ambush and #ill not come,C said 8uan Bu. CBou are very simple,C said "huge ,iang. CDo you not $no# more of #ar(s ruses than thatG )ao )ao is an able leader, but you can deceive him this time. !hen he sees the smo$e, he #ill ta$e it as a subterfuge and ris$ going that #ay. 'ut do not let your $indness of heart rule your conduct.C Thus #as his duty assigned 8uan Bu, and he left, ta$ing his adopted son 8uan 7ing, his general "hou )ang, and five hundred s#ordsmen. Said ,iu 'ei, C*is sense of rectitude is very profound. I fear if )ao )ao should come that #ay, my brother #ill let him pass.C CI have consulted the stars lately, and the rebel )ao )ao is not fated to come to his end yet. I have purposely designed this manifestation of $indly feeling for 8uan Bu to accomplish and so act handsomely.C CIndeed there are fe# such far6seeing humans as you are,C said ,iu 'ei.

The t#o then #ent to 3an$ou #hence they might #atch "hou Bu(s evolutions. Sun &ian and 9ian Bong #ere left on guard of 2ia$ou. )ao )ao #as in his great camp in conference #ith his advisers and a#aiting the arrival of *uang 8ai. The southeast #ind #as very strong that day, and )heng Bu #as insisting on the necessity for precaution. 'ut )ao )ao laughed, saying, CThe !inter Solstice depends upon the sun and nothing else. There is sure to be a southeast #ind at some one or other of its recurrences. I see nothing to #onder at.C 9ust then they announced the arrival of a small boat from the other shore #ith a letter from *uang 8ai. The bearer of the letter #as brought in and presented it. )ao )ao read it@ C"hou Bu has $ept such strict #atch that there has been no chance of escape. 'ut no# some grain is coming do#n river, and I, *uang 8ai, have been named as escort commander #hich #ill give me the opportunity I desire. I #ill slay one of the $no#n generals and bring his head as an offering #hen I come. This evening at the third #atch, if boats are seen #ith dragon toothed flags, they #ill be the grain boats.C This letter delighted )ao )ao #ho, #ith his officers, #ent to the naval camp and boarded a great ship to #atch for the arrival of *uang 8ai. In the South ,and, #hen evening fell, "hou Bu sent for )ai *e and bade the soldiers bind him. The unhappy man protested, saying, CI have committed no crime=C 'ut "hou Bu said, C!hat sort of a fello# are you, thin$ you, to come and pretend to desert to my sideG I need a small sacrifice for my flag, and your head #ill serve my purpose. So I am going to use it.C )ai *e being at the end of his tether unable to deny the charge suddenly cried, CT#o of your o#n side, 5an "e and 8an Fing, are also in the plot=C CHnder my directions=C said "hou Bu. )ai *e #as eAceedingly repentant and sad, but "hou Bu bade them ta$e )ai *e to the river ban$ #here the blac$ standard had been set up and there, after the pouring of a libation and the burning of paper, )ai *e #as beheaded, his blood being a sacrifice to the flag. This ceremony over, the ships started, and *uang 8ai too$ his place on the third ship. *e merely #ore breast armor and carried a $een blade. On his flag #ere #ritten four large characters Van ,eader *uang 8ai. !ith a fair #ind his fleet sailed to#ard the Red )liffs. The #ind #as strong and the #aves ran high. )ao )ao in the midst of the central s uadron eagerly scanned the river #hich rolled do#n under the bright moon li$e a silver serpent #rithing in

innumerable folds. ,etting the #ind blo# full in his face, )ao )ao laughed aloud for he #as no# to obtain his desire. Then a soldier pointing to the river said, CThe #hole south is one mass of sails, and they are coming up on the #ind.C )ao )ao #ent to a higher point and gaDed at the sails intently, and his officers told him that the flags #ere blac$ and dragon shaped, and indented, and among them there fle# one very large banner on #hich #as a name *uang 8ai. CThat is my friend, the deserter=C said he >oyfully. C*eaven is on my side today.C +s the ships dre# closer, )heng Bu said, CThose ships are treacherous. Do not let them approach the camp.C C*o# $no# you thatGC as$ed )ao )ao. +nd )heng Bu replied, CIf they #ere laden #ith grain, they #ould lie deep in the #ater. 'ut these are light and float easily. The southeast #ind is very strong, and if they intend treachery, ho# can #e defend ourselvesGC )ao )ao began to understand. Then he as$ed #ho #ould go out to stop the approaching fleet, and !en 7ing volunteered, saying, CI am #ell used to the #aters.C Thereupon !en 7ing sprang into a small light craft and sailed out, follo#ed by ten cruisers #hich came at his signal. Standing in the pro# of his ship, !en 7ing called out to those advancing to#ard them, CBou southern ships are not to approach= Such are the orders of the 7rime 1inister. Stop there in mid stream=C The soldiers all yelled to them to lo#er their sails. The shout had not died a#ay #hen a bo#string t#anged, and !en 7ing rolled do#n into the ship #ith an arro# in the left arm. )onfusion reigned on his ship, and all the others hurried bac$ to their camp. !hen the ships #ere about a mile of distant, *uang 8ai #aved his s#ord and the leading ships bro$e forth into fire, #hich, under the force of the strong #ind, soon gained strength and the ships became as fiery arro#s. Soon the #hole t#enty dashed into the naval camp. +ll )ao )ao(s ships #ere gathered there, and as they #ere firmly chained together not one could escape from the others and flee. There #as a roar of bombs and fireships came on from all sides at once. The face of the three rivers #as speedily covered #ith fire #hich fle# before the #ind from one ship to another. It seemed as if the universe #as filled #ith flame.

)ao )ao hastened to#ard the shore. *uang 8ai, #ith a fe# troops at his bac$, leaped into a small boat, dashed through the fire, and sought )ao )ao. )ao )ao, seeing the imminence of the danger, #as ma$ing for the land. "hang ,iao got hold of a small boat into #hich he helped his master; none too soon, for the ship #as burning. They got )ao )ao out of the thic$ of the fire and dashed for the ban$. *uang 8ai, seeing a handsomely robed person get into a small boat, guessed it must be )ao )ao and pursued. *e dre# very near and he held his $een blade ready to stri$e, crying out, CBou rebel= Do not flee. I am *uang 8ai.C )ao )ao ho#led in the bitterness of his distress. "hang ,iao fitted an arro# to his bo# and aimed at the pursuer, shooting at short range. The roaring of the gale and the flames $ept *uang 8ai from hearing the t#ang of the string, and he #as #ounded in the shoulder. *e fell and rolled over into the #ater. *e fell in peril of #ater !hen flames #ere high; 4re cudgel bruises had faded, +n arro# struc$. *uang 8ai(s fate #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 2< Zh&ge -iang Foresees The H&arong Ba##e4 %pisode; G&an +& -i!ts His Sa.er To ,e#ease Cao Cao' The last chapter closed #ith *uang 8ai in the #ater #ounded, )ao )ao rescued from immediate danger, and confusion rampant among the soldiers. 7ressing for#ard to attac$ the naval camp, *an Dang #as told by his soldiers that someone #as clinging to the rudder of his boat and shouting to him by his familiar name. *an Dang listened carefully and in the voice at once he recogniDed that *uang 8ai #as calling to him for help. CThat is my friend *uang 8ai=C cried he, and they uic$ly pulled the #ounded leader out of the #ater. Then they sa# *uang 8ai #as #ounded for the arro# still stuc$. *an Dang bit out the shaft of the arro# but the point #as deeply buried in the flesh. They hastily pulled off his #et garments and cut out the metal arro#head #ith a dagger, tore up one of the flags, and bound up the #ound. Then *an Dang gave *uang 8ai his o#n fighting robe to put on and sent him off in a small boat bac$ to camp.

*uang 8ai(s escape from dro#ning must be ta$en as proof of his natural affinity for, or sympathy #ith, #ater. +lthough it #as the period of great cold and he #as heavy #ith armor #hen he fell into the river, yet he escaped #ith life. In this great battle at the >unction of the three rivers, the Three 8orges, #hen fire seemed to spread #ide over all the #ide surface of the #ater, #hen the earth ua$ed #ith the roar of battle, #hen land forces closed in on both #ings and four battle s uadrons advanced on the front, #hen the ferocity of fire ans#ered the clash of #eapons and #eapons #ere aided by fire, under the thrusts of spears and the flights of arro#s, burnt by fire and dro#ned by #ater, )ao )ao lost an incalculable number of troops. +nd a poet #rote@ !hen !ei and !u together strove 3or the mastery, In the Red )liffs fight the tall ships Vanished from the sea, 3or there the fierce flames, leaping high. 'urned them utterly. So "hou Bu for his liege lord 8ot the victory. +nd another poem runs@ The hills are high, the moon shines faint. The #aters stretch afar; I sigh to thin$ ho# oft this land *as suffered stress of #ar; +nd I recall ho# southerners Shran$ from the northern army(s might, +nd ho# a favoring eastern gale *elped them to #in the fight. !hile fire #as consuming the naval base of )ao )ao, 8an Fing made )ai "hong guide him into the innermost recesses of )ao )ao(s camp. Then 8an Fing sle# )ai "hong #ith one slash of his s#ord. +fter this 8an Fing set fire to the >ungle; and at this signal, ,u 1eng put fire to the grass in ten places near to each other. Then other fires #ere started, and the noise of battle #as on all sides. )ao )ao and "hang ,iao, #ith a small party of horsemen, fled through the burning forest. They could see no road in front; all seemed on fire. 7resently 1ao 9ie and !en 7ing, #ith a fe# more horsemen, >oined them. )ao )ao bade the soldiers see$ a #ay through. "hang ,iao pointed out, saying, CThe only suitable road is through the 'lac$ 3orest.C +nd they too$ it.

They had gone but a short distance #hen they #ere overta$en by a small party of the enemy, and a voice cried, C)ao )ao, stop=C It #as ,u 1eng, #hose ensign soon appeared against the fiery bac$ground. )ao )ao urged his small party of fugitives for#ard, bidding "hang ,iao defend him from ,u 1eng. Soon after )ao )ao sa# the light of torches in front, and from a gorge there rushed out another force. +nd the leader cried, C,ing Tong is here=C )ao )ao #as scared. *is liver and gall both seemed torn from #ithin. 'ut >ust then on his half right, he sa# another company approach and heard a cry, C3ear not, O 7rime 1inister, I am here to rescue you=C The spea$er #as 2u *uang, and he attac$ed the pursuers and held them off. + move to the north seemed to promise escape, but soon they sa# a camp on a hill top. 2u *uang #ent ahead to reconnoiter and found the officers in command #ere )ao )ao(s 8enerals 1a Ban and "hang "i, #ho had once been in the service of Buan Shao. They had three thousand of northern soldiers in camp. They had seen the s$y redden #ith the flames, but $ne# not #hat #as afoot so dared ma$e no move. This turned out luc$y for )ao )ao #ho no# found himself #ith a fresh force. *e sent 1a Ban and "hang "i, #ith a thousand troops, to clear the road ahead #hile the others remained as guard. +nd he felt much more secure. The t#o #ent for#ard, but before they had gone very far, they heard a shouting and a party of soldiers came out, the leader of them shouting, CI am 8an Fing of !u=C Fothing daunted the t#o leaders, but the redoubtable 8an Fing cut do#n 1a Ban. +nd #hen his brother #arrior "hang "i set his spear and dashed for#ard, he too fell beneath a stro$e from the fearsome s#ord of 8an Fing. 'oth leaders dead, the soldiers fled to give )ao )ao the bad ne#s. +t this time )ao )ao eApected aid from *efei, for he $ne# not that Sun &uan #as barring the road. 'ut #hen Sun &uan sa# the fires and so $ne# that his soldiers had #on the day, he ordered ,u 2un to give the ans#ering signal. Taishi )i seeing this came do#n and his force >oined up #ith that of ,u 2un, and they #ent against )ao )ao. +s for )ao )ao, he could only get a#ay to#ard Biling. On the road )ao )ao fell in #ith "hang *e and ordered him to protect the retreat. )ao )ao pressed on as uic$ly as possible. +t the fifth #atch he #as a long #ay from the glare and he felt safer. *e as$ed, C!hat is this placeGC They told him, CIt is #est of the 'lac$ 3orest and north of Bidu.C

Seeing the thic$ly cro#ded trees all about him, and the steep hills and narro# passes, )ao )ao thre# up his head and laughed. Those about him as$ed, C!hy are you, Sir, so merryGC +nd he said, CI am only laughing at the stupidity of "hou Bu and the ignorance of "huge ,iang. If they have only set an ambush there, as I #ould have done, #hy, there is no escape.C )ao )ao had scarcely finished his eAplanation #hen from both sides came a deafening roll of drums and flames sprang up to heaven. )ao )ao nearly fell off his horse666he #as so startled. +nd from the side dashed in a troop, #ith "hao Bun leading, #ho cried, CI am "hao Bun, and long have I been #aiting here=C )ao )ao ordered 2u *uang and "hang *e to engage this ne# opponent, and he himself rode off into the smo$e and fire. "hao Bun did not pursue; he only captured the banners, and )ao )ao escaped. The faint light of da#n sho#ed a great blac$ cloud all around, for the southeast #ind had not ceased. Suddenly began a heavy do#npour of rain, #etting everyone to the s$in, but still )ao )ao maintained his headlong flight till the starved faces of the soldiers made a halt imperative. *e told the men to forage in the villages about for grain and the means of ma$ing a fire. 'ut #hen these had been found and they began to coo$ a meal, another pursuing party came along, and )ao )ao again #as terrified. *o#ever, these proved to be ,i Dian and 2u )hu escorting some of his advisers #hom he sa# #ith >oy. !hen giving the order to advance again, )ao )ao as$ed, C!hat places lay aheadGC They told him, CThere are t#o roads. One #as the high#ay to South Biling, and the other a mountain road to Forth Biling.C C!hich is the shorter #ay to 9ianglingGC as$ed )ao )ao. CThe best #ay is to ta$e the south road through *ulu Valley,C #as the reply. So )ao )ao gave orders to march that #ay. 'y the time *ulu Valley #as reached, the soldiers #ere almost starving and could march no more; horses too #ere #orn out. 1any had fallen by the roadside. + halt #as then made, food #as ta$en by force from the villagers, and as there #ere still some boilers left, they found a dry spot beside the hills #here they could rest and coo$. +nd there they began to prepare a meal, boiling grain, and roasting strips of horse flesh. Then they too$ off their #et clothes and spread them to dry. The beasts, too, #ere unsaddled and turned out to graDe. Seated comfortably in a some#hat open spot, )ao )ao suddenly loo$ed up and began to laugh loud and long.

*is companions, remembering the se uel of his last laugh, said, CFot long since, Sir, you laughed at "hou Bu and "huge ,iang. That resulted in the arrival of "hao Bun and great loss of troops to us. !hy do you no# laughGC CI am laughing again at the ignorance of the same t#o men. If I #ere in their place, and conducting their campaign, I should have had an ambush here, >ust to meet us #hen #e #ere tired out. Then, even if #e escaped #ith our lives, #e should suffer very severely. They did not see this, and therefore I am laughing at them.C 4ven at that moment behind them rose a great yell. Thoroughly startled, )ao )ao thre# aside his breastplate and leaped upon his horse. 1ost of the soldiers failed to catch theirs, and then fires sprang up on every side and filled the mouth of the valley. + force #as arrayed before them and at the head #as the man of ancient Ban, "hang 3ei, seated on his steed #ith his great spear leveled. C!hither #ould you flee, O rebelGC shouted he. The soldiers gre# cold #ithin at the sight of the terrible #arrior. 2u )hu, mounted on a bare6 bac$ed horse, rode up to engage him, and "hang ,iao and 2u *uang galloped up to his aid. The three gathered about "hang 3ei and a melee began, #hile )ao )ao made off at top speed. The other leaders set off after him, and "hang 3ei pursued. *o#ever, )ao )ao by dint of hard riding got a#ay, and gradually the pursuers #ere out6distanced. 'ut many had received #ounds. +s they #ere going. the soldiers said, CThere are t#o roads before us. !hich shall #e ta$eGC C!hich is the shorterGC as$ed )ao )ao. CThe high road is the more level, but it is fifteen miles longer than the bye road #hich goes to *uarong Valley. Only the latter road is narro# and dangerous, full of pits and difficult.C )ao )ao sent men up to the hill tops to loo$ around. They returned, saying@ CThere are several columns of smo$e rising from the hills along the bye road. The high road seems uiet.C Then )ao )ao bade them lead the #ay along the bye road. C!here smo$e arises there are surely soldiers,C remar$ed the officers. C!hy go this #ayGC C'ecause the ('oo$ of !ar( says that the hollo# is to be regarded as solid, and the solid as hollo#. That fello# "huge ,iang is very subtle and has sent people to ma$e those fires so that #e should not go that #ay. *e has laid an ambush on the high road. I have made up my mind, and I #ill not fall a victim to his #iles.C CO 7rime 1inister, your conclusions are most admirable. Fone other can e ual you,C said the officers.

+nd the soldiers #ere sent along the bye road. They #ere very hungry and many almost too #ea$ to travel. The horses too #ere spent. Some had been scorched by the flames, and they rode for#ard resting their heads on their #hips. The #ounded struggled on to the last of their strength. +ll #ere soa$ing #et and all #ere feeble. Their arms and accouterments #ere in a deplorable state, and more than half had been left upon the road they had traversed. 3e# of the horses had saddles or bridles, for in the confusion of pursuit they had been left behind. It #as the time of greatest #inter cold, and the suffering #as indescribable. Foticing that the leading party had stopped, )ao )ao sent to as$ the reason. The messenger returned, saying, CThe rain #ater collected in the pits ma$es the ground a mire, and the horses cannot not move.C )ao )ao raged. *e said, C!hen soldiers come to hills, they cut a road; #hen they happen upon streams, they bridge them. Such a thing as mud cannot stay an army.C So he ordered the #ea$ and #ounded to go to the rear and come on as they could, #hile the robust and able #ere to cut do#n trees, and gather herbage and reeds to fill up the holes. +nd it #as to be done #ithout delay, or death #ould be the punishment of the disobedient or remiss. So the soldiers dismounted and felled trees and cut bamboos, and they leveled the road. +nd because of the imminence and fear of pursuit, a party of one hundred under "hang ,iao, 2u )hu, and 2u *uang #as told off to hasten the #or$ers and slay any that idled. The soldiers made their #ay along the shallo#er parts, but many fell, and cries of misery #ere heard the #hole length of the #ay. C!hat are you ho#ling forGC cried )ao )ao. CThe number of your days is fiAed by fate. +nyone #ho ho#ls shall be put to death.C The remnant of the army, no# divided into three, one to march slo#ly, a second to fill up the #ater#ays and hollo#s, and a third to escort )ao )ao, gradually made its #ay over the precipitous road. !hen the going improved a little and the path #as moderately level, )ao )ao turned to loo$ at his follo#ing and sa# he had barely three hundred soldiers. +nd these lac$ed clothing and armor and #ere tattered and disordered. 'ut he pressed on, and #hen the officers told him the horses #ere uite spent and must rest, he replied, C7ress on to 9ingDhou, and there #e shall find repose.C So they pressed on. 'ut they had gone only one or t#o miles #hen )ao )ao flourished his #hip and bro$e once again into loud laughter. C!hat is there to laugh atGC as$ed the officers.

C7eople say those t#o, "hou Bu and "huge ,iang, are able and crafty. I do not see it. They are a couple of incapables. If an ambush had been placed here, #e should all be prisoners.C )ao )ao had not finished this speech #hen the eAplosion of a bomb bro$e the silence, and a company of five hundred troops #ith s#ords in their hands appeared and barred the #ay. The leader #as 8uan Bu, holding his green6dragon saber, bestriding the Red *are. +t this sight, the spirits of )ao )ao(s soldiers left them, and they gaDed into each others( faces in panic. CFo# #e have but one course,C said )ao )ao. C!e must fight to the death.C C*o# can #eGC said the officers. CThough the leaders may have some strength left, the horses are spent.C )heng Bu said, CI have al#ays heard that 8uan Bu is haughty to the proud but $indly to the humble; he despises the strong, but is gentle #ith the #ea$. *e discriminates bet#een love and hate and is al#ays righteous and true. Bou, O 7rime 1inister, have sho#n him $indness in the past. If you #ill remind him of that, #e shall escape this evil.C )ao )ao agreed to try. *e rode out to the front, bo#ed lo# and said, C8eneral, I trust you have en>oyed good health.C CI had orders to a#ait you, O 7rime 1inister,C replied 8uan Bu, bo#ing in return, Cand I have been eApecting you these many days.C CBou see before you one )ao )ao666defeated and #ea$. I have reached a sad pass, and I trust you, O 8eneral, #ill not forget the $indness of former days.C CThough indeed you #ere $ind to me in those days, yet I sle# your enemies for you and relieved the siege of 'aima. +s to the business of today, I cannot allo# private feelings to out#eigh public duty.C CDo you remember my siA generals, slain at the five passesG The noble person values righteousness. Bou are #ell versed in the histories and must recall the action of Bu 8ong, the archer, #hen he released his master "i "huo, for he determined not to use "i "huo(s teaching to $ill "i "huo.C 8uan Bu #as indeed a very mountain of goodness and could not forget the great $indness he had received at )ao )ao(s hands, and the magnanimity )ao )ao had sho#n over the deeds at the five passes. *e sa# the desperate straits to #hich his benefactor #as reduced, and tears #ere very near to the eyes of both. *e could not press )ao )ao hard. *e pulled at the bridle of his steed and turned a#ay saying to his follo#ers, C'rea$ up the formation=C

3rom this it #as evident that his design #as to release )ao )ao, #ho then #ent on #ith his officers. !hen 8uan Bu turned to loo$ bac$, they had all passed. *e uttered a great shout, and )ao )ao(s soldiers >umped off their horses and $nelt on the ground crying for mercy. 'ut he also had pity for them. Then "hang ,iao, #hom he $ne# #ell, came along and #as allo#ed to go free also. )ao )ao, his army lost, fled to the *uarong Valley; There in the throat of the gorge met he 8uan Bu. 8rateful #as 8uan Bu, and mindful of former $indness, !herefore slipped he the bolt and freed the imprisoned dragon. *aving escaped this danger, )ao )ao hastened to get out of the valley. +s the throat opened out, he glanced behind him and sa# only forty6seven horsemen. +s evening fell, they reached 9iangling, and they came upon an army that they too$ to be more enemies. )ao )ao thought the end had surely come, but to his delight they #ere his o#n soldiers and he regained all his confidence. )ao Ren, #ho #as the leader, said, CI heard of your misfortunes, my lord, but I #as afraid to venture far from my charge, else I #ould have met you before.C CI thought I #ould never see you again,C said )ao )ao. The fugitives found repose in the city, #here "hang ,iao soon >oined them. *e also praised the magnanimity of 8uan Bu. !hen )ao )ao mustered the miserable remnant of his officers, he found nearly all #ere #ounded and he bade them rest. )ao Ren poured the #ine of consolation #hereby his master might forget his sorro#s. +s )ao )ao dran$ among his familiars, he became eAceedingly sad. !herefore they said, CO 7rime 1inister, #hen you #ere in the cave of the tiger and trying to escape, you sho#ed no sign of sorro#. Fo# that you are safe in a city, #here you have food and the horses have forage, #here all you have to do is to prepare for revenge, suddenly you lose heart and grieve. !hy thusGC Replied )ao )ao, CI am thin$ing of my friend 8uo 9ia@ *ad he been alive, he #ould not have let me suffer this loss.C *e beat his breast and #ept, saying, C+las for 8uo 9ia= I grieve for 8uo 9ia= I sorro# for 8uo 9ia=C The reproach shamed the advisers, #ho #ere silent.

FeAt day )ao )ao called )ao Ren and said, CI am going to the capital to prepare another army for revenge. Bou are to guard this region and, in case of necessity, I leave #ith you a sealed plan. Bou are only to open the cover #hen hard6pressed, and then you are to act as directed. The South ,and #ill not dare to loo$ this #ay.C C!ho is to guard *efei and 2iangyangGC C9ingDhou is particularly your care, and 2iahou Dun is to hold 2iangyang. +s *efei is most important, I am sending "hang ,iao thither #ith good aids of ,i Dian and Bue 9ing. If you get into difficulties, send at once to tell me.C *aving made these dispositions, )ao )ao set off at once #ith a fe# follo#ers. *e too$ #ith him the officers #ho had come over to his side #hen 9ingDhou fell into his hands. )ao Ren placed )ao *ong in charge of Biling and 9iangling. +fter having allo#ed the escape of )ao )ao, 8uan Bu found his #ay bac$ to head uarters. 'y this time the other detachments had returned bringing spoil of horses and #eapons and supplies of all $inds. Only 8uan Bu came bac$ empty6handed. !hen he arrived, "huge ,iang #as #ith his brother congratulating him on his success. !hen 8uan Bu #as announced, "huge ,iang got up and #ent to #elcome him, bearing a cup of #ine. C9oy= O 8eneral,C said "huge ,iang. CBou have done a deed that overtops the #orld. Bou have removed the empire(s #orst foe and ought to have been met at a distance and felicitated.C 8uan Bu muttered inaudibly, and "huge ,iang continued, CI hope it is not because #e have omitted to #elcome you on the road that you seem sad.C Turning to those about him, "huge ,iang said, C!hy did you not tell us 8uan Bu #as comingGC CI am here to as$ for death,C said 8uan Bu. CSurely )ao )ao came through the valleyGC CBes; he came that #ay, and I could not help it. I let him go.C CThen #hom have you capturedGC CFo one.C CThen you remembered the old $indness of )ao )ao and so allo#ed him to escape. 'ut your acceptance of the tas$ #ith its conditions is here. Bou #ill have to suffer the penalty.C "huge ,iang called in the lictors and told them to ta$e a#ay 8uan Bu and put him to death.

8uan Bu ris$ed life #hen he spared )ao )ao in direst need, +nd age6long admiration gained 3or $indly deed. !hat actually befell #ill he seen in the neAt chapter. Chapter 21 Cao ,en Fights The So&th -and;s Troops; Zh&ge -iang 1ngers Zho& +&' 8uan Bu #ould have died there but for his elder brother, #ho said to "huge ,iang, C!e three pledged ourselves to live and die together. +lthough my brother 8uan Bu has offended, I cannot bear to brea$ our oath. I hope you #ill only record this against him and let him atone later for the fault by some specially meritorious service.C So the sentence #as remitted. In the meantime, "hou Bu mustered his officers and called over his soldiers, noted the special services of each, and sent full reports to his master. The soldiers #ho had surrendered #ere all transported across the river. +ll this done they spread the feast of victory. The neAt step #as to attac$ and capture Fan>un. The van of the army camped on the river ban$. There #ere five camps and the )ommander6in6)hief(s tent #as in the center. *e summoned his officers to a council. +t this moment Sun &ian arrived #ith congratulations from ,iu 'ei. "hou Bu received him and, having saluted in proper form, Sun &ian said, C1y lord sent me on this special mission to felicitate the 8eneral on his great virtue and offer some un#orthy gifts.C C!here is ,iu 'eiGC as$ed "hou Bu. C*e is no# encamped at Bou$ou, the mouth of River Bou.C CIs "huge ,iang thereGC as$ed "hou Bu, ta$en abac$. C'oth are there,C said Sun &ian. CThen return uic$ly, and I #ill come in person to than$ them.C The presents handed over, Sun &ian #as sent bac$ forth#ith to his o#n camp. Then ,u Su as$ed "hou Bu #hy he had started #hen he heard #here ,iu 'ei #as camped. C'ecause,C replied "hou Bu, Ccamping at the mouth of River Bou means that he has the intention of ta$ing Fan>un. *aving spent much military energy and spared no eApenditure, #e thought the territory should fall to us easily. Those others are opposed to us, and they #ish to get the

advantage of #hat #e have already accomplished. *o#ever, they must remember that I am not dead yet.C C*o# can you prevent themGC as$ed ,u Su. CI #ill go myself and spea$ #ith them. If all goes #ell, then, let it be so. In case it does not, then I shall immediately settle up #ith ,iu 'ei #ithout #aiting for Fan>un to be ta$en.C CI should li$e to accompany you,C said ,u Su. The 8eneral and his friend started, ta$ing #ith them a guard of three thousand light horse. *aving arrived at Bou$ou, they sought out Sun &ian, #ho, in turn, #ent in to see ,iu 'ei and told him "hou Bu had come to render than$s. C!hy has he comeGC as$ed ,iu 'ei of his Directing Instructor. C*e is not li$ely to come out of simple politeness. Surely he has come in connection #ith Fan>un.C C'ut if he brings an army, can #e stand against itGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. C!hen he comes, you may reply thus and thus.C Then they dre# up the #arships in the river and ranged the soldiers upon the ban$. !hen the arrival of "hou Bu #as formally announced, "hao Bun, #ith some horsemen, #ent to #elcome him. !hen "hou Bu sa# #hat bold soldiers they loo$ed, he began to feel uncomfortable, but he #ent on his #ay. 'eing met at the camp gates by ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang, he #as ta$en in to the chief tent, #here the ceremonies #ere performed and preparations for a ban uet had been made. 7resently ,iu 'ei raised his cup in felicitation on the recent victory gained by his guest. The ban uet proceeded. +fter a fe# more courses "hou Bu said, COf course you are camped here #ith no other idea than to ta$e Fan>unGC ,iu 'ei said, C!e heard you #ere going to ta$e the place and came to assist. Should you not ta$e it, then #e #ill occupy it.C "hou Bu laughed, saying, C!e of the South ,and have long #ished for this territory. Fo# that it is #ithin our grasp, #e naturally shall ta$e it.C ,iu 'ei said, CThere is al#ays some uncertainty. )ao )ao left )ao Ren to guard the region, and you may be certain that there is good strategy behind )ao Ren, to say nothing of his boldness as a #arrior. I fear you may not get it.C

C!ell, if #e do not ta$e it then, Sir, you may have it,C said "hou Bu. C*ere are #itnesses to your #ords,C said ,iu 'ei, naming ,u Su, "huge ,iang, and those at table. CI hope you #ill never repent #hat you have >ust said.C ,u Su stammered and seemed un#illing to be cited as one of the #itnesses, but "hou Bu said, C!hen the #ord of a noble person has gone forth, it is ended. *e never regrets.C CThis speech of yours, Sir, is very generous,C inter>ected "huge ,iang. CThe South ,and shall try first. 'ut if the place does not fall, there is no reason #hy my lord should not capture it.C The t#o visitors then too$ their leave and rode a#ay. +s soon as they had left, ,iu 'ei turned to "huge ,iang and said, CO 1aster, you bade me thus reply to "hou Bu. 'ut though I did so, I have turned it over and over in my mind #ithout finding any reason in #hat I said. I am alone and #ea$, #ithout a single foot of land to call my o#n. I desired to get possession of Fan>un that I might have, at least, a temporary shelter, yet I have said that "hou Bu may attac$ it first. If it falls to the South ,and, ho# can I get possessionGC "huge ,iang laughed and replied, C3irst I advised you to attac$ 9ingDhou, but you #ould not listen. Do you rememberGC C'ut it belonged to ,iu 'iao, and I could not bear to attac$ it then. Fo# it belongs to )ao )ao, I might do so.C CDo not be anAious,C replied the adviser. C,et "hou Bu go and attac$ it. Some day, my lord, I shall ma$e you sit in the high place thereof.C C'ut #hat design have youGC CSo and so,C said "huge ,iang, #hispering. ,iu 'ei #as satisfied #ith the reply, and only strengthened his position at Bou$ou. In the meantime "hou Bu and ,u Su returned to their o#n camp, and the latter said, C!hy did you tell ,iu 'ei that he might attac$ Fan>unGC CI can ta$e it #ith a flic$ of my finger,C replied "hou Bu, Cbut I >ust manifested a little pretended $indliness.C Then he in uired among his officers for a volunteer to attac$ the city. 9iang &in offered himself, and #as put in command of the vanguard, #ith 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng as helpers. *e #as given five thousand of veterans, and they moved across the river. "hou Bu promised to follo# #ith supports.

On the other side )ao Ren ordered )ao *ong to guard Biling, and so hold one corner of an oA6 horn defense. !hen the ne#s came that the South ,and(s force had crossed the River *an, )ao Ren said, C!e #ill defend and not offer battle.C 'ut 8eneral Fiu 9in said impetuously, CTo let the enemy approach the #alls and not offer battle is timidity. Our troops, lately #orsted, need heartening and must sho# their mettle. ,et me have five hundred of veterans, and I #ill fight to a finish.C )ao Ren could not #ithstand this offer, and so the five hundred #ent out of the city. +t once Ding 3eng came to challenge the leader, and they fought a fe# bouts. Then Ding 3eng pretended to be defeated, gave up the fight, and retreated into his o#n lines. Fiu 9in follo#ed him hard. !hen he had got #ithin the South ,and(s formation, at a signal from Ding 3eng, the army closed round and Fiu 9in #as surrounded. *e pushed right and left, but could find no #ay out. Seeing Fiu 9in in the toils, )ao Ren, #ho had #atched the fight from the #all, donned his armor and came out of the city at the head of his o#n bold company of horsemen and burst in among the forces of the South ,and to try to rescue his colleague. 'eating bac$ 2u Sheng, )ao Ren fought his #ay in and presently rescued Fiu 9in. *o#ever, having got out, )ao Ren sa# several score of horsemen still in the middle unable to ma$e their #ay out, #hereupon he turned again to the battle and dashed in to their rescue. This time he met 9iang &in on #hom )ao Ren and Fiu 9in made a violent attac$. Then his brother )ao )hun came up #ith supports, and the great battle ended in a defeat for the troops of the South ,and. So )ao Ren #ent bac$ victor, #hile the unhappy 9iang &in returned to report his failure. "hou Bu #as very angry and #ould have put to death his hapless subordinate but for the intervention of the other officers. Then "hou Bu prepared for another attac$ #here he himself #ould lead. 'ut 8an Fing said, C8eneral, do not be in too great hurry. ,et me go first and attac$ Biling, the supporting angle of the oA6horn formation. +fter that the con uest of Fan>un #ill be easy.C "hou Bu accepted the plan and 8an Fing, #ith three thousand troops, #ent to attac$ Biling. !hen ne#s of the approaching army reached him, )ao Ren called to his side )hen 9iao, #ho said, CIf Biling be lost, then Fan>un is lost too. So help must be sent uic$ly.C Thereupon )ao )hun and Fiu 9in #ere sent by secret #ays to the aid of )ao *ong. )ao )hun sent a messenger to the city to as$ that they should cause a diversion by a sortie at the time the reinforcements should arrive. So #hen 8an Fing dre# near, )ao *ong #ent out to meet and engage him. They fought a score of rounds, but )ao *ong #as overcome at last, and 8an Fing too$ the city. *o#ever, as evening fell the reinforcements under )ao )hun and Fiu 9in came up, and the captor #as surrounded in the

city he had ta$en. The scouts #ent off immediately to tell "hou Bu of this sudden change of affairs #hich greatly alarmed him. C,et us hasten to his rescue,C said )heng 7u. COur place is of the greatest importance,C said "hou Bu, Cand I am afraid to leave it undefended lest )ao Ren should attac$.C C'ut 8an Fing is one of our first leaders and must be rescued,C said ,u 1eng. CI should li$e to go myself to his aid, but #hom can I leave here in my placeGC said "hou Bu. C,eave ,ing Tong here,C said ,u 1eng. CI #ill push on ahead, and you can protect my advance. In less than ten days #e shall be singing the paean of victory.C C+re you #illingGC said "hou Bu to the man #ho #as to act for him. ,ing Tong said, CIf the ten6day period is not eAceeded, I may be able to carry on for that time. I am une ual to more than that.C ,ing Tong(s consent pleased "hou Bu #ho started at once, leaving ten thousand troops for the defense of the camp. ,u 1eng said to his chief, CSouth of Biling is a little6used road that may prove very useful in an attac$ on Fan>un. ,et us send a party to fell trees and barricade this road so that horses cannot pass. In case of defeat, the defeated #ill ta$e this road and #ill be compelled to abandon their horses, #hich #e shall capture.C "hou Bu approved, and the men set out. !hen the main army dre# near Biling, "hou Bu as$ed #ho #ould try to brea$ through the besiegers, and "hou Tai offered himself. *e girded on his s#ord, mounted his steed, and burst straight into the )ao *ong(s army. *e got through to the city #all. 3rom the city #all 8an Fing sa# the approach of his friend "hou Tai and #ent out to #elcome him. "hou Tai told him the )ommander6in6)hief #as on the #ay to his relief, and 8an Fing at once bade the defenders prepare from #ithin to support the attac$ of the rescuers. !hen the ne#s of the approach of "hou Bu had reached Biling, )ao *ong, )ao )hun, and Fiu 9in had sent to tell )ao Ren, #ho #as at Fan>un, and at the same time they prepared to repel the assailants. +s the army of the South ,and came near, they at once attac$ed. Simultaneously 8an Fing and "hou Tai #ent out to attac$ on t#o sides, and the troops of )ao *ong #ere thro#n into confusion. The soldiers of the South ,and fell on lustily, and the three leaders all fled by a bye road, but,

finding the #ay barred #ith felled trees and other obstacles, they had to abandon their horses and go afoot. In this #ay the troops of the South ,and gained some five hundred steeds. "hou Bu, pressing on as uic$ly as possible to#ard Fan>un, came upon )ao Ren and his army marching to save Biling. The t#o armies engaged and fought a battle #hich lasted till late in the evening. Then both dre# off, and )ao Ren #ithdre# into the city. During the night he called his officers to a council. Then said )ao *ong, CThe loss of Biling has brought us to a dangerous pass. Fo# it seems the time to open the guide6letter of the 7rime 1inister, and see #hat plans he arranged for our salvation in this peril.C CBou but say #hat I thin$,C replied )ao Ren. !hereupon he tore open the guide6letter and read it. *is face lighted up #ith >oy, and he at once issued orders to have the morning meal prepared at the fifth #atch. +t daylight the #hole army moved out of the city through three gates, but they left a semblance of occupation in the shape of banners on the #alls. "hou Bu #ent up to the to#er of observation and loo$ed over the city. *e sa# that the flags along the battlements had no guards behind them, and he noticed that all troops carried bundles at their #aists behind so that they #ere ready for a long march. Thought "hou Bu to himself, C)ao Ren must be prepared for a long march.C So "hou Bu #ent do#n from the to#er of observation and sent out an order for t#o #ings of the army to be ready. One of these #as to attac$ and, in case of its success, the other #as to pursue at full speed till the clanging of the gongs should call them to return. *e too$ command of the leading force in person, and )heng 7u commanded the other. Thus they advanced to attac$ the city. The armies being arrayed facing each other, the drums rolled out across the plain. )ao *ong rode forth and challenged, and "hou Bu, from his place by the standard, bade *an Dang respond. The t#o champions fought near t#o score bouts, and then )ao *ong fled. Thereupon )ao Ren came out to help him, and "hou Tai rode out at full speed to meet him. These t#o eAchanged a half score passes and then )ao Ren tied. )ao Ren(s army fell into confusion. Thereupon "hou Bu gave the signal for the advance of both his #ings, and the forces of )ao Ren #ere sore smitten and defeated. "hou Bu pursued to the city #all, but )ao Ren(s troops did not enter the city. Instead, they #ent a#ay north#est. *an Dang and "hou Tai pressed them hard. "hou Bu, seeing the city gates standing #ide open and no guards upon the #alls, ordered the raiding of the city. + fe# score horsemen rode in first, "hou Bu follo#ed and #hipping his steed.

+s he galloped into the enclosure around the gate, )hen 9iao stood on the defense to#er. !hen he sa# "hou Bu enter, in his heart he applauded the god6li$e perspicacity of the 7rime 1inister )ao )ao. Then #as heard the clap6clap of a #atchman(s rattle. +t this signal the archers and crossbo#men let fly, and the arro#s and bolts fle# forth in a sudden fierce sho#er, #hile those #ho had #on their #ay to the van of the inrush #ent headlong into a deep trench. "hou Bu managed to pull up in time, but turning to escape, he #as #ounded in the left side and fell to the ground. Fiu 9in rushed out from the city to capture the chief, but 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng at the ris$ of their lives got him a#ay safe. Then the troops of )ao Ren dashed out of the city and #rought confusion among the troops of the South ,and, #ho trampled each other do#n and many more fell into the trenches. )heng 7u tried to dra# off, but )ao Ren and )ao *ong came to#ard him from different directions, and the battle #ent hardly against the soldiers of "hou Bu, till help came from ,ing Tong, #ho bore bac$ their assailants. Satisfied #ith their success, )ao Ren led his forces into the city, #hile the losers marched bac$ to their o#n camp. "hou Bu, sorely #ounded, #as ta$en to his o#n tent and the army physician called in. !ith iron forceps, he eAtracted the sharp bolt and dressed the #ound #ith a lotion designed to counteract the poison of the metal. 'ut the pain #as intense, and the patient re>ected all nourishment. The physician said, CThe missile had been poisoned, and the #ound #ill re uire a long time to heal. Bou, 8eneral, must be $ept uiet and especially free from any irritation, #hich #ill cause the #ound to reopen.C Thereupon )heng 7u gave orders that each division #as to remain in camp. Three days later, Fiu 9in came #ithin sight and challenged the men of the South ,and to battle, but they did not stir. The enemy hurled at them taunts and insults till the sun had fallen lo# in the s$y, but it #as of no avail and Fiu 9in #ithdre#. FeAt day Fiu 9in returned and repeated his insulting abuse. )heng 7u dared not tell the #ounded general. The third day, #aAing bolder, the enemy came to the very gates of the stoc$ade, the leader shouting that he had come for the purpose of capturing "hou Bu. Then )heng 7u called together his officers, and they discussed the feasibility of retirement into the South ,and that they might see$ the opinion of Sun &uan. Ill as he #as, "hou Bu still retained control of the eApedition. *e $ne# that the enemy came daily to the gates of his camp and reviled him, although none of his officers told him. One day )ao Ren came in person, and there #as much rolling of drums and shouting. )heng 7u, ho#ever, steadily refused to accept the challenge and #ould not let anyone go out. Then "hou Bu summoned the officers to his bedside and said, C!hat mean the drums and the shoutingGC

CThe soldiers are drilling,C #as the reply. C!hy do you deceive meGC said "hou Bu angrily. CDo I not $no# that our enemies come day by day to our gates and insult usG Bet )heng 7u suffers this in silence and ma$es no use of his po#ers and authority.C *e sent for )heng 7u and, #hen he arrived, as$ed him #hy he acted thus. C'ecause you are ill, and the physician said you #ere on no account to be provo$ed to anger. !herefore, although the enemy challenged us to battle, I $ept it from you.C C+nd if you do not fight, #hat thin$ you should be doneGC said "hou Bu. +nd they all said they desired to return to the South ,and till he had recovered from his #ound, #hen they #ould ma$e another eApedition. "hou Bu lay and listened. Suddenly he sprang up, crying, CThe noble person #ho has eaten of his lord(s bounty should die in his lord(s battles. To return home dead and #rapped in a horse(s hide is a happy fate. +m I the sort of people to bring to nought the grand designs of my lordGC So spea$ing he proceeded to gird on his armor, and he mounted his horse. The #onder of the officers only redoubled #hen their 8eneral placed himself at the head of some hundreds of horsemen and #ent out of the camp gates to#ard the enemy, then fully arrayed. )ao Ren, their general, stood beneath the great standard. +t sight of the opponents, )ao Ren flourished his #hip and began to hurl abuse at them, C"hou Bu, you babe= I thin$ your fate has met you. Bou dare not face my army=C The stream of insult never ceased. 7resently "hou Bu could stand it no longer. Riding out to the front he cried, C*ere I am, base churl. ,oo$ at me=C The #hole )ao Ren(s army #ere ta$en abac$. 'ut )ao Ren turned to those about him and said, C,et us all revile him=C +nd the #hole army yelled insults. "hou Bu gre# angry and sent 7an "hang out to fight. 'ut before he had delivered his first blo#, "hou Bu suddenly uttered a loud cry, and he fell to the ground #ith blood gushing from his mouth. +t this )ao Ren(s army rushed to the battle, and the army of the South ,and pressed for#ard to meet them. + fierce struggle #aged around the 8eneral(s body, but he #as borne off safely and ta$en to his tent.

CDo you feel betterGC as$ed )heng 7u anAiously. CIt #as a ruse of mine,C #hispered "hou Bu in reply. C'ut #hat avails itGC CI am not suffering, but I did that to ma$e our enemies thin$ I #as very ill and so oppose them by deceit. I #ill send a fe# trusty men to pretend desertion and tell them I am dead. That #ill cause them to try a night raid on the camp, and #e shall have an ambush ready for them. !e shall get )ao Ren easily.C CThe plan seems eAcellent,C said )heng 7u. Soon from the tent there arose the sound of #ailing as for the dead. The soldiers around too$ up the cry and said one to another, CThe 8eneral is dead of his #ound,C and they all put on the symbols of mourning. 1ean#hile )ao Ren #as consulting #ith his officers. Said he, C"hou Bu lost his temper, and that has caused his #ound to reopen and brought on that flo# of blood. Bou sa# him fall to the ground, and he #ill assuredly die soon.C 9ust then there came in one #ho said that a fe# men had come over from the enemy as$ing to be allo#ed to >oin the army of )ao Ren. +mong them #ere t#o of )ao )ao(s men #ho had been made prisoners. )ao Ren sent for the deserters and uestioned them. They told him, saying, C"hou Bu(s #ound reopened at his anger, and he died in the camp that day. The leaders are all clothing in #hite and in mourning. !e desert because #e have been put to shame by the second in command.C 7leased at this ne#s, )ao Ren at once began to arrange to ma$e a night attac$ on the camp and, if possible, get the head of the dead general to send to the capital. CSuccess depends upon promptitude, so act #ithout delay,C said )hen 9iao. Fiu 9in #as told off as Van ,eader, )ao Ren himself led the center, #hile the rear #as commanded by )ao *ong and )ao )hun. )hen 9iao and a small force #ere left to guard Fan>un. +t the first #atch they left the city and too$ the #ay to#ard "hou Bu(s camp. !hen they dre# near, not a soldier #as visible in the camp, but flags and banners and spears #ere all there, evidently to $eep up an appearance of preparation. 3eeling at once that they had been tric$ed, they turned to retreat. 'ut a bomb eAploded, and this #as the signal for an attac$ on all four sides. *an Dang and 9iang &in pressed in from the east; "hou Tai and 7an "hang, from the #est; )hen !u and ,u 1eng,

from the north; and 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng, from the south. The result #as a severe defeat for the raiders, and the army of )ao Ren #as entirely bro$en and scattered abroad so that no one part of the beaten army could aid the other. )ao Ren, #ith a fe# horsemen got out of the press and presently met )ao *ong. The t#o leaders ran a#ay together, and by the fifth #atch they had got near Fan>un. Then they heard a beating of drums, and ,ing Tong appeared barring the #ay. There #as a small s$irmish, and )ao Ren #ent off at an angle. 'ut he fell in #ith 8an Fing, #ho attac$ed him vigorously. )ao Ren dared not go bac$ to Fan>un, but he made for 2iangyang along the main road. The forces of the South ,and pursued him for a time and then desisted. "hou Bu and )heng 7u then made their #ay to Fan>un #here they #ere startled to see flags on the #alls and every sign of occupation. 'efore they had recovered from their surprise, there appeared one #ho cried, C7ardon, 8eneral= I had orders from the Directing Instructor to ta$e this city. I am "hao Bun of )hangshan.C "hou Bu #as fiercely angry and gave orders to assault the city, but the defenders sent do#n flights and flights of arro#s, and his troops could not stay near the rampart. So he #ithdre# and too$ counsel. In the meantime he decided to send 8an Fing #ith a force of several thousand to capture 9ingDhou )ity, and ,ing Tong #ith another army to ta$e 2iangyang. Fan>un could be ta$en later. 'ut even as these orders #ere being given, the scouts came in hurriedly to report, saying, C+fter Fan>un fell, "huge ,iang, suddenly forging a military commission, induced the guards of 9ingDhou )ity to leave it and go to the rescue of )ao Ren. !hereupon "hang 3ei occupied the capital.C Soon after another messenger came, saying, C2iahou Dun, at 2iangyang, received from "huge ,iang dispatches, supported by a commission in due form, saying that )ao Ren #as in danger and needed help, #hereupon 2iahou Dun marched off, and 8uan Bu seiDed that city.C Thus the t#o cities that "hou Bu #anted had fallen, #ithout the least effort, into the hands of his rival ,iu 'ei. C*o# did "huge ,iang get this military commission #ith #hich he has imposed on the generalsGC as$ed "hou Bu. )heng 7u replied, C*e seiDed that of )hen 9iao and so has got all this region into his po#er.C "hou Bu uttered a great cry, for at that moment his #ound had suddenly burst open. + city falls, but not to us the gain; The guerdon is another(s; ours the pain. The neAt chapter #ill say #hat befell "hou Bu.

Chapter 22 Zh&ge -iang >egotiates With -& S&; Zhao +&n Capt&res G&i4ang' "hou Bu(s anger at seeing that his rival, "huge ,iang, had surprised Fan>un, and at hearing the same ne#s of 9ingDhou and 2iangyang, #as but natural. +nd this sudden fit of rage caused his #ound to reopen. *o#ever, he soon recovered. +ll his officers besought him to accept the situation. 'ut he said, C!hat but the death of that bump$in "huge ,iang #ill assuage my angerG If )heng 7u can but aid me in an attac$ on Fan>un, I can certainly restore it to the South ,and.C Soon ,u Su came in, to #hom "hou Bu said, CI simply must fight ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang till it is decided #hich shall have the upper hand. I must also recapture the cities. 7erhaps you can assist me.C CIt cannot be done,C replied ,u Su. C!e are no# at grips #ith )ao )ao, and victory or defeat is undecided. Our lord has not been successful in overcoming *efei. Do not fight near home, or it #ill be li$e people of the same household destroying each other. Should )ao )ao ta$e advantage of this position to ma$e a sudden descent, #e should be in a parlous condition. 3urther, you must remember that ,iu 'ei and )ao )ao are united by the bonds of old friendship. If the pressure becomes too great, ,iu 'ei may relin uish these cities, offer them to )ao )ao, and >oin forces #ith him to attac$ the south. That #ould be a real misfortune.C CI cannot help being angry,C said "hou Bu, Cto thin$ that #e should have used our resources for their benefit. They get all the advantage.C C!ell, let me go and see ,iu 'ei and tal$ reason to him. If I can arrive at no understanding, then attac$ at once.C C4Acellent proposal=C cried all present. So ,u Su, #ith his escort, #ent a#ay to Fan>un to carry out his proposal and try to arrange matters. *e reached the city #all and summoned the gate, #hereat "hao Bun came out to spea$ #ith him. CI have something to say to ,iu 'ei,C said he. CI #ish to see him.C C1y lord and "huge ,iang are in 9ingDhou,C #as the reply. ,u Su turned a#ay and hasted to 9ingDhou. *e found the #alls bedec$ed #ith flags and everything in eAcellent order. In his heart he admired the sight, and thought #hat an able person #as the commander of that army.

The guards reported his arrival, and "huge ,iang ordered them to thro# #ide the gate. ,u Su #as led to the government house and, after the usual eAchange of salutes, "huge ,iang and his visitor too$ their respective seats. *aving finished the tea, ,u Su said, C1y master, 1ar uis Sun &uan, and the commander of his army, "hou Bu, have sent me to lay before the Imperial Hncle their vie#s. !hen )ao )ao led his huge host south#ard, he gave out that it #as for the con uest of the South ,and. 'ut really his intention #as to destroy ,iu 'ei. *appily our army #as able to repulse that mighty host and so saved him. !herefore 9ingDhou #ith its nine territories of forty6t#o counties ought to belong to us. 'ut by a treacherous move, your master has occupied 9ingDhou and 2iangyang, so that #e have spent our treasure in vain and our armies have fought to no purpose. The Imperial Hncle has reaped the benefits to the full. This is not as it should be.C "huge ,iang replied, C,u Su, you are a man of high intelligence. !hy do you hold such languageG Bou $no# the saying that all things return to their o#ner. These places have never belonged to the South ,and, but #ere of the patrimony of ,iu 'iao, and though he is dead, his son remains. Should not the uncle assist the nephe# to recover his o#nG )ould my master have refrainedGC CIf the nephe# ,iu &i, the rightful heir, had occupied these cities, there #ould have been something to say. 'ut he is at 9iangAia and not here.C C!ould you li$e to see himGC said "huge ,iang. +t the same time he ordered the servants to re uest ,iu &i to come. Thereupon ,iu &i at once appeared, supported by t#o attendants. +ddressing ,u Su, ,iu &i said, CI am too #ea$ to perform the correct ceremonies. I pray you pardon me, ,u Su.C ,u Su said not a #ord. *e #as too much ta$en abac$. *o#ever, he recovered himself presently and said, C'ut if the heir had not been here, #hat thenGC CThe heir is living but from day to day. Should he go, then666there #ill be something to tal$ about.C CShould he die, then you ought to return these cities to us.C CBou state the eAact facts,C said "huge ,iang. Then a ban uet #as prepared and, that over, ,u Su too$ his leave. *e hastened bac$ to his o#n camp and gave "hou Bu an account of his mission. C'ut #hat is there for us in the chance of ,iu &i(s deathGC said "hou Bu. C*e is in his very first youth. !hen #ill these places fall to usGC

CRest content, 8eneral. ,et me guarantee the return of these places.C C'ut ho# can youGC as$ed "hou Bu. C,iu &i has indulged too freely in #ine and #omen. *e is a #rec$ and rotten to the core, miserably emaciated and panting for breath. I #ill not give him half a year(s life. Then I #ill go to ,iu 'ei, and he #ill be unable to deny the re uest.C 'ut "hou Bu #as still unmollified. Suddenly came a messenger from Sun &uan, #ho said, COur lord is laying siege to *efei but in several battles has had no victory. *e no# orders you to #ithdra# from here and go to *efei to help him.C Thereupon "hou Bu marched bac$ to )haisang. *aving reached home, he began to give attention to the recovery of his health. *e sent )heng 7u #ith the marine and land forces to *efei ready for Sun &uan(s call. ,iu 'ei #as eAceedingly #ell satisfied #ith the possession of his ne# region, and his thoughts turned to more ambitious schemes. Then a certain man came to him to suggest a plan. This man #as Bi 9i and, remembering the $indly feeling of other days, ,iu 'ei received him most graciously. !hen Bi 9i #as seated, and his host had as$ed #hat he proposed, he said, CBou #ish for a plan to accomplish yet greater deeds. !hy not see$ #ise people and as$ themGC C!here are these #ise people to be foundGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. Bi 9i replied, CIn this region there is a certain family named 1a, five brothers, all of #hom are $no#n as men of ability. The youngest is called 1a Su. The ablest is 1a ,iang, #ho has #hite hairs in his eyebro#s, and the villagers have a little rhyming couplet that means (There are five sons in the family 1a, but #hite eyebro#s is the best of them.( Bou should get this man to dra# up a plan for you.C So ,iu 'ei told them to re uest his presence. 1a ,iang came and #as received #ith great respect. *e #as as$ed to suggest a plan for the security of the ne#ly ac uired region, and he said, C+ttac$ed as it is on all sides, this region is not one in #hich one is permanently secure. Bou should let ,iu &i remain here till he is recovered from his present illness, but the actual protection of the place is to be placed in the hands of trusty friends. Obtain an edict appointing him Imperial 7rotector of 9ingDhou, and the people #ill be content. Then con uer !uling, )hangsha, 8uiyang, and ,ingling. +nd #ith the resources you #ill thus ac uire, you #ill have the means for further plans. That should be your policy.C C!hich of the four territories should be first ta$enGC as$ed ,iu 'ei.

CThe nearest, ,ingling, #hich lies in the #est of River 2iang. The neAt is !uling, and after these the other t#o.C 1a ,iang #as given an appointment as Imperial 7rotector +ssistant, #ith Bi 9i as his second. Then ,iu 'ei consulted "huge ,iang about sending ,iu &i to 2iangyang, so that 8uan Bu could be free to return. FeAt they made preparations to attac$ ,ingling, and "hang 3ei #as to lead the van. "hao Bun #as to guard the rear, #hile ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang #ere to command the main body. + fifteen thousand troops #ere left to hold 9ingDhou. 1i "hu and ,iu 3eng #ere left to guard 9iangling. The 8overnor of ,ingling #as ,iu Du. !hen danger thus threatened, he called in his son ,iu 2iang, and they discussed the case. The son #as very self6confident and said to his father, C*ave no anAiety. They may have the $no#n and famous #arriors, "hang 3ei and "hao Bun, but #e have our leader, 2ing Darong, #ho is match for any number of men. *e can #ithstand them.C So ,iu 2iang, #ith the famous leader, #as entrusted #ith the defense. +t the head of a full ten thousand troops, they made a camp about ten miles from the city, #ith the shelter of hills and a river. Their scouts brought ne#s that "huge ,iang #as close at hand #ith one army. 2ing Darong decided to chec$ his advance and #ent forth to oppose him. !hen both sides #ere arrayed, 2ing Darong rode to the front. In his hand he held a battle6aA called )leaver of 1ountains. In a mighty voice he cried, CRebels, ho# comes it that you have dared to enter our territoryGC 3rom the center of the opposing army, #here appeared a cluster of yello# flags, there came out a small four6#heeled carriage in #hich sat, very erect, a certain man dressed in #hite, #ith a turban on his head. In one hand he held a feather fan, #ith #hich he signed to the #arrior to approach. +t the same time he said, CI am "huge ,iang of Fanyang, #hose plans bro$e up the countless legions of )ao )ao so that nothing of them returned #hence they started. *o# then can you hope to oppose meG I no# offer you peace, and it #ill be #ell for you to surrender.C 2ing Darong laughed derisively, saying, CTheir defeat #as o#ing to the plan of "hou Bu. Bou had nothing to do #ith it. *o# dare you try to deceive meGC So saying he s#ung up his battle6aA and came running to#ard "huge ,iang. 'ut "huge ,iang turned his carriage and retired #ithin the lines #hich closed up behind him. 2ing Darong came rushing on. +s he reached the array, the troops fell a#ay on both sides and let him enter. !ell #ithin he loo$ed round for his chief opponent. Seeing a yello# flag moving along uietly, he concluded that "huge ,iang #as #ith it and so follo#ed it. !hen the flag had gone over the shoulder of a hill it stopped. Then suddenly as if the earth had opened and s#allo#ed it up, the four6#heeled carriage disappeared, #hile in its place came a ferocious #arrior, #ith a long serpent

halberd in his hand and mounted on a curvetting steed. It #as "hang 3ei, #ho dashed at 2ing Darong #ith a tremendous roar. Fothing daunted, 2ing Darong #hirled up his battle6aA and #ent to meet "hang 3ei. 'ut after four or five bouts, 2ing Darong sa# that there #as no chance of victory for him, so he turned his horse and ran. "hang 3ei pursued, the air sha$ing #ith the thunder of his voice. Then the ambushing troops appeared. 2ing Darong, nothing daunted, rushed into their midst. 'ut in front appeared another #arrior barring the #ay, #ho called out, CDo you $no# meG I am "hao Bun of )hangshan.C 2ing Darong $ne# that all #as over. *e could neither fight nor fly. So he dismounted and gave in. *e #as fettered and ta$en to camp, #here #ere ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang. ,iu 'ei ordered him out to eAecution, but "huge ,iang hastily chec$ed him. C!e #ill accept your submission if you capture ,iu 2iang for us,C said "huge ,iang. The captive accepted the offer #ithout the least hesitation. !hen "huge ,iang as$ed ho# he intended to do it, he replied, CIf you #ill set me free, I shall be cunning of speech. If you raid the camp this evening, you #ill find me your helper on the inside. I #ill ma$e ,iu 2iang a prisoner and #ill hand him over to you. *e being captured, his father #ill surrender at once.C ,iu 'ei doubted the good faith of the man, but "huge ,iang said, C2ing Darong is not deceiving.C !herefore 2ing Darong #as set free and #ent bac$ to camp, #here he related all that had occurred. C!hat can #e doGC as$ed ,iu 2iang. C!e can meet tric$ #ith tric$. 7ut soldiers in ambush tonight outside our camp #hile #ithin everything #ill appear as usual. !hen "huge ,iang comes #e shall capture him.C The ambush #as prepared. +t the second #atch an army came out of the dar$ness and appeared in the gate. 4ach carried a torch and they began to set fire to all about them. Out dashed ,iu 2iang and 2ing Darong, and the incendiaries forth#ith fled. The t#o #arriors pursued them, but the fugitives ran and then suddenly disappeared at about three miles from the camp. 1uch surprised the t#o turned to #end their #ay bac$ to their o#n camp. It #as still burning for no one had eAtinguished the flames. Soon from behind them came out "hang 3ei. ,iu 2iang called out to his companion, saying, CDo not enter the burning camp, but to go to attac$ "huge ,iang(s stoc$ade.C

Thereupon they turned again, but at a distance of three miles "hao Bun and an army suddenly debouched upon their road. "hao Bun attac$ed and sle# 2ing Darong by a spear thrust. ,iu 2iang turned to flee, but "hang 3ei #as close upon him and made him prisoner. *e #as thro#n across a horse, bound, and ta$en to camp. !hen he sa# "huge ,iang, ,iu 2iang said, CThe ruse #as 2ing Darong(s evil counsel. I #as forced to follo#.C "huge ,iang ordered them to loose his bonds, had him properly dressed, and gave him #ine to cheer him and help him forget his troubles. !hen he #as recovered, he #as told to go to his father and persuade him to yield. C+nd if he does not, the city shall be destroyed and everyone put to death,C said "huge ,iang as ,iu 2iang left. The son returned to the city and told his father these things. ,iu Du at once decided to yield and forth#ith hoisted the flag of surrender, opened the gates, and #ent out ta$ing his seal of office #ith him. *e #as reappointed to his governorship, but his son #as sent to 9ingDhou for service #ith the army. The people of ,ingling all re>oiced greatly at the change of rulers. ,iu 'ei entered the city, calmed and reassured the people, and re#arded his army. 'ut he at once began to thin$ of the neAt move and as$ed for an officer to volunteer to ta$e 8uiyang. "hao Bun offered, but "hang 3ei vehemently proposed himself for the command of the eApedition. So they #rangled and contended. Then said "huge ,iang, CHndoubtedly "hao Bun #as first to volunteer, #herefore he is to go.C Still "hang 3ei opposed and insisted on going. They #ere told to decide the dispute by dra#ing lots, and "hao Bun dre# the #inning lot. "hang 3ei #as still very angry and grumbled, CI #ould not have #anted any helpers@ 9ust three thousand soldiers and I #ould have done it.C CI also only #ant three thousand soldiers,C said "hao Bun. C+nd if I fail, I am #illing to suffer the penalties.C "huge ,iang #as pleased that "hao Bun recogniDed his responsibility so fully, and #ith the commission he gave "hao Bun three thousand of veterans. Though the matter #as thus settled, "hang 3ei #as discontented and pressed his claim till ,iu 'ei bade him desist and retire.

!ith his three thousand troops, "hao Bun too$ the road to 8uiyang. The 8overnor, "hao 3an, soon heard of his approach and hastily called his officers to ta$e counsel. T#o of them, )hen Bing and 'ao ,ong, offered to meet the invaders and turn them bac$. These t#o #arriors belonged to 8uiyang and had made themselves famous as hunters. )hen Bing used a C3lying 3or$,C and 'ao ,ong could dra# a bo# #ith such force that he had been $no#n to send an arro# through t#o tigers. So strong #ere they, as #ell as bold. They stood before "hao 3an and said, C!e #ill lead the #ay against ,iu 'ei.C The 8overnor replied, CI $no# that ,iu 'ei is of the imperial family, and "huge ,iang is eAceedingly resourceful. 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei are very bold. 'ut the commander of this force is "hao Bun #ho, on one occasion, faced a hundred legions of )ao )ao and never blenched. Our small force here cannot stand against such people. !e shall have to yield.C C,et me go out to fight,C said )hen Bing. CIf I cannot capture "hao Bun, then you can yield.C The 8overnor could not resist him and gave his consent. Then )hen Bing, #ith three thousand troops, #ent forth. Soon the t#o armies came #ithin sight of each other. !hen )hen Bing(s army #as dra#n up, he girded on his flying for$ and rode to the front. "hao Bun gripped his spear and rode to meet him. "hao Bun began to rail at )hen Bing, saying, C1y master is the brother of ,iu 'iao to #hom belonged this land. Fo# he is supporting his nephe#, the heir and son of ,iu 'iao. *aving ta$en 9ingDhou, I am come to soothe and comfort the people here. !hy then do you oppose meGC C!e are supporters of the 7rime 1inister )ao )ao and are no follo#ers of your master,C #as the reply. "hao Bun, #aAing angry, firmly grasped his spear and rode for#ard. *is opponent t#irled the flying for$ and advanced. The horses met, but after four or five encounters )hen Bing, realiDing that there #as no hope of victory, turned and fled. "hao Bun follo#ed. Suddenly turning, )hen Bing got close to "hao Bun and flung the for$. "hao Bun deftly caught it and thre# it bac$. )hen Bing dodged a#ay, but "hao Bun soon caught him up, seiDed, dragged him out of the saddle, and thre# him to the ground. Then "hao Bun called up his soldiers, and they bound the prisoner. )hen Bing #as ta$en to the camp, #hile his troops scattered and fled. CI thought you #ould not dare a combat #ith me,C said "hao Bun to the prisoner #hen they had returned to camp. C*o#ever, I am not going to put you to death. Bou are free. 'ut persuade your master to yield.C )hen Bing as$ed pardon, put his hands over his head, and fled li$e a frightened rat. !hen he reached his city, he told the 8overnor all these things.

C1y original desire #as to yield, but you insisted on fighting, and this is #hat it has brought you to.C So spo$e the 8overnor. *e bade )hen Bing begone and then prepared his letter of submission and put up his seal. !ith a small party, "hao 3an #ent out of the city and #ended his #ay to "hao Bun(s camp. "hao Bun received him graciously, offered him #ine, and then accepted the seal of office. +fter the #ine had gone round several times, "hao 3an became tal$ative, saying, C8eneral, your surname is the same as mine, and five centuries ago #e #ere one family. Bou are from )hangshan, and so am I. 1oreover #e are from the same village. If you do not mind, #e might s#ear brotherhood. I should be very happy.C "hao Bun #as pleased and they compared ages. They #ere of the same year. *o#ever, "hao Bun #as the elder by four months, and so "hao 3an made his bo# as younger brother. The t#o men, having so many things in common, #ere very pleased #ith each other and seemed fitted to be close friends. +t eventide the feast bro$e up, and the late 8overnor returned to his d#elling. FeAt day "hao 3an re uested "hao Bun to enter the city, #here, after "hao Bun had assured the people of their safety, he #ent to a ban uet at the state residence. !hen they had become mello# #ith #ine, the 8overnor invited "hao Bun into the inner uarters, #here #ine #as again served. !hen "hao Bun #as a little intoAicated, his host bade a #oman come forth and offer a cup of #ine to the guest. The #oman #as dressed entirely in #hite sil$, and her beauty #as such as to overthro# cities and ruin states. C!ho is sheGC as$ed "hao Bun. C1y sister6in6la#. She is of the 3an family.C "hao Bun at once changed his loo$ and treated her #ith deference. !hen she had offered the cup, the host told her to be seated and >oin the party, but "hao Bun declined this addition to the evening, and the lady #ithdre#. C!hy did you trouble your sister6in6la# to present #ine to me, brotherGC as$ed "hao Bun. CThere is a reason,C said the host smiling. CI pray you let me tell you. 1y brother died three years ago and left her a #ido#. 'ut this cannot be regarded as the end of the story. I have often advised her to marry again, but she said she #ould only do so if three conditions #ere satisfied in one man(s person. The suitor must be famous for literary grace and #arli$e eAploits, secondly, handsome and highly esteemed and, thirdly, of the same name as our o#n. Fo# #here in all the #orld #as such a combination li$ely to be foundG Bet here are you, brother, dignified, handsome, and prepossessing, a man #hose name is $no#n all over the #ide #orld and of the desired name.

Bou eAactly fulfill my sister(s ambitions. If you do not find her too plain, I should li$e her to marry you and I #ill provide a do#ry. !hat thin$ you of such an alliance, such a bond of relationshipGC 'ut "hao Bun rose in anger, shouting, C+s I have >ust s#orn brotherhood #ith you, is not your sister6in6la# my sister6in6la#G *o# could you thin$ of bringing such confusion into the relationshipGC Shame suffused "hao 3an(s face, and he said, CI only thought of being $ind to you. !hy are you so very rude to meGC "hao 3an loo$ed right and left to his attendants #ith murder in his eye. "hao Bun raised his fist and $noc$ed him do#n. Then he strode out of the place, mounted, and rode out of the city. "hao 3an at once called in his t#o generals. )hen Bing said, C*e has gone a#ay in a rage, #hich means that #e shall have to fight him.C CI greatly fear you #ill lose,C said "hao 3an. C!e #ill pretend to be deserters,C said 'ao ,ong, Cand so get among his soldiers. !hen you challenge him, #e #ill suddenly catch him.C C!e shall have to ta$e some others #ith us,C said )hen Bing. C3ive hundred troops #ill be ample,C said 'ao ,ong. So in the night the t#o men and their follo#ers ran over to "hao Bun(s camp to desert. "hao Bun understood the tric$ they #ould play, but he called them in, and they said, C!hen "hao 3an tempted you #ith that fair lady, he #anted to ma$e you drun$ and get you into the private apartments so that he might murder you and send your head to )ao )ao. Bes; he #as as #ic$ed as that even. !e sa# you go a#ay in anger, and #e thought that #ould mean grave trouble for us, and so #e have deserted.C "hao Bun listened #ith simulated >oy, and he had #ine served to the t#o men, and pressed them to drin$ so that they #ere uite overcome. !hen this #as done, he had both bound #ith cords, called up their follo#ers, and as$ed them #hether this #as real or pretended desertion, and they told him the truth. Then he gave the soldiers #ine and said, CThose #ho #anted to harm me are your leaders and not you. If you do as I tell you, you shall be #ell re#arded.C

The soldiers thre# themselves to the ground and promised obedience. Thereupon the t#o leaders666)hen Bing and 'ao ,ong666#ere beheaded. Their five hundred troops #ere made to lead the #ay and act as screen for a #hole thousand of horsemen, and the party set out at full speed for 8uiyang. !hen they got there, they summoned the gate and said that they had slain "hao Bun and had got bac$. +nd they #ished to spea$ #ith the 8overnor. Those on the #all lighted flares and inspected those at the gate. Surely enough they #ore the uniforms of their o#n people, and "hao 3an #ent out to them. *e #as immediately seiDed and made prisoner. Then "hao Bun entered the city, restored order, and sent off s#ift messengers to ,iu 'ei #ho at once, #ith his adviser, came to 8uiyang. !hen they had ta$en their seats, the late 8overnor #as brought in and placed at the foot of the steps. In response to "huge ,iang(s uestions, "hao 3an related the story of the proposed marriage. Said "huge ,iang to "hao Bun, C'ut this seems a fine pro>ect. !hy did you receive the proposal so roughlyGC "hao Bun said, C"hao 3an and I had >ust s#orn brotherhood, and so marriage #ith his sister6in6la# #ould have called do#n on my head universal blame. That is one reason. +nother is that I should have made his sister fail to $eep her dutiful chastity. +nd thirdly, I did not $no# #hether I might trust such a proposal from one #ho had >ust yielded to force. 1y lord, your position as a recent victor #as one of danger, and could I ris$ the failure of your plans for my sa$eGC ,iu 'ei said, C'ut no# that the plan has been carried out, and #e are victors, #ould you care to marry herGC C+ll my fear is for the building of a reputation. 3amily can come later.C CBou are indeed right honorable,C said ,iu 'ei. "hao 3an #as released and restored to the governorship. "hao Bun #as conspicuously re#arded. 'ut "hang 3ei #as angry and disappointed. CSo "hao Bun gets all the praise, and I am #orth nothing,C cried he. C9ust give me three thousand soldiers, and I #ill ta$e !uling and bring you the 8overnor.C This pleased "huge ,iang, #ho said, CThere is no reason #hy you should not go, but I #ill only re uire one condition of you.C !ondrous, the plans of the general, so doth he con uer in battle; Soldiers $eenly competing gain reno#n in the fighting. The condition that "huge ,iang made #ill appear in the neAt chapter. Chapter 2(

G&an +& ,e#eases H&ang Zhong; S&n ?&an Fights With Zhang -iao' !hat "huge ,iang re uired from "hang 3ei #as a formal recognition of responsibility for success. Said "huge ,iang, C!hen "hao Bun #ent on his eApedition, he gave #ritten guarantee of being responsible for success. Bou ought to do the same no# that you are starting for !uling. In that case you may have men and start.C So "hang 3ei gave the re uired document and received >oyfully the three thousand of soldiers he had demanded. *e set out at once and traveled #ithout rest till he reached !uling. !hen the 8overnor of !uling, 9in 2uan by name, heard that an eApedition against him #as afoot, he mustered his officers and recruited brave soldiers and put his #eapons in order ready for the struggle. +nd his army moved out of the city. + certain secretary, 8ong "hi, remonstrated #ith his chief for opposing a scion of the imperial house, saying, C,iu 'ei is of the *ans, and recogniDed as an uncle of the 4mperor. +ll the #orld $no#s he is $indly and righteous. +dded to that his brother "hang 3ei is eAtraordinarily bold. !e cannot face them in battle #ith hope of success. Our best course is to give in.C 'ut his master angrily replied, CDo you #ant to play the traitor and ta$e the side of the rebels and help themGC 9in 2uan called in the lictors and told them to put 8ong "hi to death. The other officers interceded for 8ong "hi, saying, CIt augers ill to start an eApedition by slaying your o#n officer.C So the 8overnor merely sent 8ong "hi s#ay. *e himself led the army out of the city. +fter marching seven miles, he met #ith "hang 3ei(s army. "hang 3ei at once rode to the front, spear ready to thrust, and opened #ith a shout. 9in 2uan turned to his officers and as$ed #ho #ould go out to fight him, but no one replied. They #ere too afraid. So the 8overnor himself galloped out, flourishing his s#ord. Seeing him advance, "hang 3ei shouted in a voice of thunder. 7oor 9in 2uan #as seiDed #ith panic, turned pale and could not go on. *e turned his steed and fled. Then "hang 3ei and his army #ent in pursuit and smote the fugitives, chasing them to the city #all. *ere the fugitives #ere greeted by a flight of arro#s from their o#n #all. 8reatly frightened, 9in 2uan loo$ed up to see #hat this meant, and there #as 8ong "hi, #ho had opposed him, standing on the #all.

CBou brought defeat upon yourself because you opposed the #ill of 8od,C cried the traitor. CThe people and I are determined to yield to ,iu 'ei.C 9ust as 8ong "hi finished spea$ing, an arro# #ounded 9in 2uan in the face and he fell to the ground. Thereupon his o#n troops cut off his head, #hich they forth#ith presented to "hang 3ei. 8ong "hi then #ent out and made formal submission, and "hang 3ei bade him ta$e his letter and the seal to 8uiyang to ,iu 'ei, #ho #as pleased to hear of "hang 3ei(s success and gave the governorship to 8ong "hi. Soon after ,iu 'ei came to !uling in person and soothed the people. This done he #rote to 8uan Bu telling him "hao Bun and "hang 3ei had gained a territory each. 8uan Bu at once #rote bac$ and said, C)hangsha is yet to be ta$en. If I am not thought too feeble, I #ould li$e to be sent to attac$ it.C ,iu 'ei agreed and sent "hang 3ei to relieved his brother, #hom ,iu 'ei ordered to return and prepare for an eApedition to )hangsha. 8uan Bu came and #ent in to see his elder brother and "huge ,iang. +t this intervie# "huge ,iang said, C"hao Bun has ta$en 8uiyang, and "hang 3ei !uling. 'oth successful #arriors have done their #or$ #ith three thousand troops. The 8overnor of )hangsha, *an 2uan, #as not #orth mentioning, but there #as a certain general #ith him, named *uang "hong, #ho had to be rec$oned #ith. C*uang "hong is a native of Fanyang. *e used to be in the service of ,iu 'iao and #as a colleague ,iu 'iao(s nephe#, ,iu 7an, #hen he #as in command of )hangsha. +fter ,iu 'iao(s death, he >oined *an 2uan #hen he too$ command of the city. Fo#, although he is nearly siAty, he is a man to be feared and a #arrior of a thousand. Bou ought to ta$e a larger number of troops.C 8uan Bu replied, CInstructor, #hat ma$es you damp another man(s ardor to fight and do a#ay #ith your o#n dignityG I do not thin$ the old leader need be discussed, and I do not thin$ I re uire three companies of soldiers. 8ive me my o#n five hundred of s#ordsmen, and I #ill have the heads of both *an 2uan and *uang "hong to sacrifice to our standard.C ,iu 'ei resisted this decision of 8uan Bu, but 8uan Bu #ould not give #ay. *e >ust too$ his five hundred and set out. CIf he is not careful ho# he attac$s *uang "hong, there #ill be a mishap,C said "huge ,iang. CBou must go to support him.C ,iu 'ei accordingly, at the head of another and larger party, set out to#ard )hangsha. 8overnor *an 2uan of )hangsha #as of hasty temperament #ith small compunction in matters of life and death and #as universally hated. !hen he heard of the army coming against him, he called his veteran leader, *uang "hong, to as$ advice.

The latter said, CDo not be distressed. This s#ord of mine and my bo# are e ual to the slaughter of all #ho may come.C *uang "hong had been very strong and could bend the three6hundred6pound bo# and #as a most perfect archer. !hen *uang "hong referred to his pro#ess, a certain man spo$e up and said, C,et not the Veteran 8eneral go out to battle. Trust to my right arm, and you shall have this 8uan Bu a prisoner in your hands.C The spea$er #as 8eneral Bang ,in. The 8overnor accepted his offer and told off a thousand troops to go #ith him, and they uic$ly rode out of the city. +bout fifteen miles from the city, they observed a great cloud of dust approaching and soon distinguished the invaders. Bang ,in set his spear and rode to the front to abuse and fight. 8uan Bu made no reply to the abuse, but rode for#ard flourishing his s#ord. The #arriors soon met, and in the third encounter Bang ,in #as cut do#n. 8uan Bu(s army dashed for#ard and pursued the defeated force to the city #all. !hen the 8overnor heard of this reverse, he ordered the veteran *uang "hong to go out #hile he #ent up on the city #all to #atch the fight. *uang "hong too$ his s#ord and crossed the dra#bridge of )hangsha at the head of his force. 8uan Bu, seeing an old leader riding out, $ne# it must be *uang "hong. 8uan Bu halted his troops and placed them in line #ith their s#ords at the point. Then sitting there on horsebac$, he said, C*e #ho comes is surely *uang "hong, ehGC CSince you $no# me, ho# dare you come #ithin my boundariesGC replied the veteran. CI have come eApressly to get your head=C Then the combat began. They fought a hundred and more bouts, and neither seemed nearer victory. +t this point the 8overnor, fearing some mishap to his veteran general, beat the gong to retreat and the battle ceased, one side going into the city of )hangsha and the other camping three miles a#ay to the rear. 8uan Bu thought in his heart that the fame of the veteran opposed to him #as #ell merited. *e had fought a hundred bouts and discovered never a #ea$ spot. *e determined that in the neAt encounter he #ould use a Cs#inging6horse stabC and so overcome *uang "hong. FeAt day, the early meal eaten, 8uan Bu came to the city #all and offered his challenge. The 8overnor seated himself on the city #all and bade his veteran #arrior go out to accept it. +t the head of a fe# horsemen, *uang "hong dashed across the dra#bridge. The t#o champions engaged, and at the end of half a hundred bouts neither had the advantage. On both sides the soldiers cheered lustily.

!hen the drums #ere beating most furiously, suddenly 8uan Bu #heeled round his horse and fled. Of course *uang "hong follo#ed. 9ust as the moment for the feint arrived, 8uan Bu heard behind him a tremendous crash and turned to see his pursuer lying prone upon the ground. *uang "hong(s steed had stumbled and thro#n him. 8uan Bu turned, raised his s#ord in both hands, and cried in a fierce tone, CI spare your life, but uic$= 8et another horse and come again to battle.C *uang "hong pulled his horse to its feet hastily, leapt upon its bac$, and #ent into the city at full speed. The 8overnor #as astonished and as$ed for an account of the accident. CThe horse is too old,C replied *uang "hong. C!hy did you not shoot since your aim is so perfectGC as$ed the 8overnor. CI #ill try again tomorro#,C said *uang "hong. CI #ill run a#ay as if overcome, and so tempt him to the dra#bridge and then shoot him.C *an 2uan gave the veteran a gray horse that he usually rode himself. *uang "hong than$ed him and retired. 'ut *uang "hong could not forget 8uan Bu(s generous conduct, nor could he understand it. *e could not ma$e up his mind to shoot the man #ho had spared his life. Bet if he did not shoot, he betrayed his duty as a soldier. It #as very perpleAing, and the #hole night spent in thin$ing it over found him still undecided. +t daybrea$ a man came in saying that 8uan Bu #as near the #all and challenging them again. So *uang "hong gave order to go out. Fo# 8uan Bu, having fought for t#o days and not having overcome *uang "hong, #as very ill at ease. So he called up all his dignity #hen he #ent forth to fight that day. !hen they had got to the thirtieth bout, *uang "hong fled as if he #as overcome. 8uan Bu pursued. +s he rode a#ay, *uang "hong thought in his heart, C*e spared me only yesterday, and I cannot bear to shoot him today.C 7utting up his s#ord, *uang "hong too$ his bo# and t#anged the string only. Fo arro# fle#. 8uan Bu dodged, but seeing no arro# in the air, he retoo$ the pursuit. +gain *uang "hong t#anged an arro#less bo#string, and again 8uan Bu dodged, but no arro# came. Then 8uan Bu said to himself, C*e cannot shoot,C and pressed on in pursuit. +s they neared the city #all, the veteran stopped on the dra#bridge, fitted an arro#, pulled the bo#, and sent an arro# flying that >ust hit the base of the plume on 8uan Bu(s helmet.

The soldiers shouted at the display of mar$smanship. 8uan Bu #as ta$en abac$ and set off for camp #ith the arro# still stic$ing. Then he heard that *uang "hong(s s$ill #as said to be e ual to piercing a #illo# leaf at a hundred paces, and 8uan Bu understood that he o#ed this #arning in the shape of an arro# in his plume to gratitude for sparing the veteran the preceding day. 'oth #ithdre#. 'ut #hen the veteran leader #ent up on the #all to see the 8overnor, he #as at once seiDed. C!hat have I doneGC cried *uang "hong. CI have seen these last three days that you #ere fooling me. Bou #ere slac$ the day before yesterday, #hich proved you had some sinister intention. Besterday, #hen your horse stumbled and he spared you, it sho#ed that you #ere in league #ith him. +nd today you t#ice t#anged a vain bo#string, #hile at the third shot you only hit your opponent(s helmet. Dare you say there is no secret understanding in all thisG If I do not put you to death, it #ill assuredly redound to my o#n hurt.C *an 2uan ordered *uang "hong to be eAecuted outside the city gate. *an 2uan also met the intercession of the officers by saying, C+nyone #ho pleads for the condemned shall be regarded as in the plot.C The eAecutioners had hustled the old man out of the city and the s#ord #as in the air and on the point of descending, #hen a man suddenly dashed in, cut do#n the lictor, and rescued *uang "hong. C*uang "hong is our bul#ar$=C shouted he. CTo destroy him is to destroy the )hangsha people. This 8overnor is too fierce and cruel, too lightly values good people, and is too arrogant to#ard his officers. !e ought rather to $ill him, and those #ho #ill, let them follo# me.C +ll eyes turned to#ard this bold spea$er, #ho #as bronDed and had eyes li$e the )o#herd(s star. Some of them $ne# him as !ei Ban, a native of Biyang. *e #ould have follo#ed ,iu 'ei from 2iangyang but, unable to come up #ith him, had gone into the service of *an 2uan. *an 2uan too$ eAception to his arrogant carriage and lac$ of polish and neglected him. +nd so !ei Ban had remained in the city #ithout office. +fter the rescue of *uang "hong, !ei Ban called upon the people to ma$e an end of the 8overnor. *e #aved his arm and shouted to the people. Soon he had a follo#ing of several hundreds. *uang "hong could not stop them. In a very short time, !ei Ban had dashed up on the #all, and *an 2uan lay dead. Ta$ing his head, !ei Ban rode off out of the city to lay the bloodstained trophy at the feet of 8uan Bu, #ho forth#ith #ent into the city to restore confidence. !hen the people #ere all uiet, 8uan Bu sent to re uest *uang "hong to come to see him, but the old general pleaded illness. FeAt 8uan Bu sent the good ne#s to his brother and to "huge ,iang and as$ed them to come.

Soon after 8uan Bu had left to capture )hangsha, ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang had follo#ed him up #ith supports in case of need. !hile on the march, a blac$ flag #as furled bac$#ards and a cro# fle# over from north to south croa$ing thrice as it passed. C!hat good or evil things do these omens presageGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. !ith hands hidden #ithin his long sleeves, "huge ,iang performed a rapid calculation on his fingers of the auspices and replied, C)hangsha is ta$en and a great leader mastered. !e shall $no# soon after noon.C Sure enough a simple soldier presently came galloping along #ith the #elcome tidings of the capture of the city, and saying that the t#o city #arriors #ho had aided them #ere near #aiting the arrival of ,iu 'ei. Soon after they arrived, ,iu 'ei entered the city, #here he #as escorted to the magistracy and heard the recital of *uang "hong(s deeds. ,iu 'ei #ent in person to *uang "hong(s house and in uired for him, #hereupon *uang "hong came forth and yielded formally. *uang "hong re uested to be permitted to bury the remains of the late 8overnor on the east of the city. ,ofty as is heaven above earth #as the spirit of the general, !ho, even in his old age, suffered sorro#s in the south; )heerfully had he approached death, #ith no thought of resentment, 'ut, bo#ing before the con ueror, he hung his head and #as ashamed. 7raise the s#ord, gleaming sno#6#hite, and the glory of super6human bravery, )onsider the mail6clad steed snuffing the #ind and re>oicing in the battle, That #arrior(s name shall stand high and its brightness be undiminished, !hile the cold moon sheds her light on the #aters of River 2iang. ,iu 'ei #as generous to#ard the veteran leader #ho had come under his banner. 'ut #hen !ei Ban #as introduced, "huge ,iang suddenly ordered him to be thrust forth and put to death. C*e has merit; he has committed no fault,C eAclaimed ,iu 'ei. C!hy slay himGC 'ut "huge ,iang replied, CIngratitude. To eat a man(s bread and slay him is most disloyal; to live on his land and offer his territory to another is most #rong. *e #ill certainly turn against his ne# master. !herefore it is #ell to put him to death and prevent him from doing harm.C CIf #e slay this man, others #ho may #ish to surrender #ill be deterred by the danger. I pray you forgive him.C "huge ,iang pointed his finger at !ei Ban and said, CBou are pardoned. Bou #ould do #ell to be perfectly faithful to your lord as #ell as grateful. Do not let a single thought stray else#here, or I #ill have your head by fair means or foul.C !ei Ban made a lo# obeisance.

*aving given in #ith good grace, *uang "hong introduced a nephe# of ,iu 'iao, named ,iu 7an, then living in BuAian near by. ,iu 'ei gave ,iu 7an the governorship of )hangsha. +ll being tran uil at the four territories, ,iu 'ei and his army returned to 9ingDhou )ity. The name of Bou$ou #as changed to 8ongan, and soon all #as prosperous. +ble people from all sides came to assist in the administration. 8uards #ere placed at strategic points. !hen "hou Bu #ent to )haisang to recover from his #ound, he left 8an Fing in command at 'aling and ,ing Tong at *anyang. The fleet #as shared bet#een these t#o places to be ready to move #hen re uired. The remainder of the force #as under )heng 7u, and he #ent to *efei, #here Sun &uan had been since the fight at the Red )liffs. Sun &uan #as still fighting the northern army, and in half a score encounters, small and great, neither had gained a decided advantage. Sun &uan could not approach the city but entrenched himself about fifteen miles a#ay. !hen Sun &uan heard of the coming of reinforcements of )heng 7u, he #as very pleased and #ent in person to meet and #elcome the leaders. ,u Su #as in advance of the main body, and Sun &uan dismounted and stood by the roadside to greet him. +s soon as he sa# this, ,u Su slid out of the saddle and made his obeisance. 'ut the officers #ere amaDed at the attitude of Sun &uan, and still more so #hen Sun &uan as$ed ,u Su to remount and ride by his side. 7resently Sun &uan said secretly to ,u Su, CI, the ,one One, dismounted to greet you as you sa#. !as that manifestation enough for youGC CFo,C replied ,u Su. CThen #hat further can I doGC CI #ant to see your authority and virtue spread over the four seas and enfold the nine regions%, and you yourself playing your part as emperor. Then #ill my name be inscribed in the annals, and I shall indeed be $no#n.C Sun &uan clapped his hands and laughed gleefully. !hen they reached the camp, a ban uet #as prepared and the services of the ne# arrivals #ere praised and glorified. The destruction of *efei #as one day under discussion, #hen one came in to say that "hang ,iao had sent a #ritten challenge to battle. Sun &uan tore open the cover, and #hat he read therein made him very #rath. CThis "hang ,iao has insulted me grossly,C said he. C*e hears that )heng 7u has arrived and sends a challenge. Tomorro#, O ne#ly6come #arriors, you shall see me fight #ith him. Bou shall have no share in the battle.C

Orders #ere given that neAt morning the army #ould move out of camp and advance on *efei. 4arly in the morning, #hen they had advanced about half#ay, they met the army of )ao )ao and prepared for battle. Sun &uan, #ith helmet of gold and breastplate of silver, rode to the front #ith Song &ian and 9ia *ua, each armed #ith a halberd to support him and guard him one on each side. !hen the third roll of the drum ceased, the center of )ao )ao(s army opened to allo# the eAit of three #arriors, all fully armed. They #ere "hang ,iao, supported by ,i Dian and Bue 9ing. "hang ,iao, the central figure, especially designated Sun &uan as the ob>ect of his challenge. Sun &uan too$ his spear and #as about to accept the challenge, from #hen the ran$s behind him came out Taishi )i, #ho galloped forth #ith his spear ready to thrust. "hang ,iao #hirled up his s#ord to stri$e the ne#comer, and the t#o fought near a hundred bouts #ithout a decisive blo#. Then said ,i Dian to Bue 9ing, C*e there opposite us #ith the golden helm is Sun &uan. )ould #e but capture him, the loss of our eight hundred thirty thousand soldiers at the Red )liffs #ould be amply avenged.C So spea$ing Bue 9ing rode out, alone, >ust one man and one s#ord, and #ent sidelong to#ard the t#o combatants. Then suddenly, s#ift as a flash of lightning, he ran for#ard and slashed at Sun &uan. 'ut Sun &uan(s t#o guards #ere too uic$ for him. Hp #ent the t#o halberds of Song &ian and 9ia *ua guarding their lord(s head. The blo# fell, but on the crossed halberds #hich #ere shorn through near the head, and in another moment they #ere hammering a#ay on the head of Bue 9ing(s steed #ith the shafts of their bro$en #eapons and forcing it bac$. Song &ian snatched a spear from a soldier near and #ent in pursuit of Bue 9ing, but ,i Dian, on the other side, fitted an arro# to his bo# and aimed at Song &ian(s heart from behind. +nd Song &ian fell as the bo#string t#anged. Then Taishi )i, seeing his colleague fell, left off the fight #ith "hang ,iao and returned to his o#n line. +t this "hang ,iao fell on in a s#ift attac$, and the army of Sun &uan, thro#n into confusion, scattered and fled. "hang ,iao, having distinguished Sun &uan in the distance, galloped in pursuit and had nearly come up #ith him, #hen )heng 7u happily rushed in from one side of the line of fight, stayed the pursuit, and saved his master. "hang ,iao #ithdre# to *efei. Sun &uan #as escorted bac$ to his main camp, #here his beaten soldiers gradually re>oined him and their ran$s #ere reformed. !hen Sun &uan $ne# of the death of Song &ian, he #as greatly pained and #ept aloud. 'ut +dviser "hang *ong reproached him, saying, C1y lord, you relied too much upon your martial pro#ess and lightly engaged in battle #ith a formidable enemy. 4very person in the army #as chilled #ith fear, and you lost a general and some of your banners. It is not for you to eAhibit pro#ess on the actual battlefield and encroach upon the duties of a general. Rather curb and repress such physical feats as those ancient 2ia Bu and 1eng 'en, and contemplate schemes of eAercising princely virtues #ith the hegemony of all the feudal states. It is because of your ill6

regulated action in engaging in battle that Song &ian perished at the hands of your enemies. *ereafter you should regard as most important your personal safety.C CBes; it is indeed a fault,C said Sun &uan. CI #ill reform.C Soon after, Taishi )i entered the tent and said, CIn my command there is a certain 8e Ding, brother of a groom in the army of "hang ,iao. This servant is deeply resentful on account of a punishment inflicted upon him and is anAious to be revenged. *e has sent over to say that he #ill sho# a signal tonight #hen he has assassinated "hang ,iao in revenge for the death of your late leader Song &ian. I #ish to ta$e some troops over to a#ait this signal to attac$.C C!here is 8e DingGC as$ed Sun &uan. C8e Ding has mingled #ith the enemy and gone into the city. ,et me have five thousand soldiers.C "huge 9in said, C"hang ,iao is full of guile. I thin$ you #ill find him prepared for your coming. 'e careful.C +s Taishi )i urged his chief to let him go, and Sun &uan #as deeply hurt by the death of his leader, the permission #as given and the force started. Fo# here it must be said that Taishi )i and this 8e Ding #ere natives of the same place. 8e Ding had made his #ay into the city #ithout detection, found his brother, and the t#o had arranged their plot. 8e Ding also told him, saying, CTaishi )i #ill come over tonight to help us. !hat need to be done no#GC *is brother, the groom, said, C+s the troops of Sun &uan are far a#ay, I fear they cannot be here tonight, so #e #ill ma$e a huge bonfire of stra# and then you can rush out and cry treachery. That #ill thro# all into confusion and #ill give a chance to $ill "hang ,iao.C CThis is an eAcellent plan,C said 8e Ding. Fo# after the victory, "hang ,iao returned to the city and re#arded his soldiers, but he issued orders that no one #as to doff his armor or sleep. *is attendants said, CBou have gained a great victory today, and the enemy are far a#ay. Bou might doff your armor and get some repose.C 'ut "hang ,iao replied, CThat is not the #ay of a leader. + victory is no reason for re>oicing, nor should a defeat cause sadness. If those of the South ,and suspect that I am unprepared, they #ill attac$. +nd #e must be ready to repel them. 'e ready tonight and be doubly careful.C

Scarcely had he said this than a fire started and cries of CTreachery=C arose. 1any rushed to tell the leader, #ho #ent out and called together his guard of about half a score. They too$ up a commanding position in the #ay. Those about him said, CThe shouts are insistent. Bou ought to go and see #hat it means.C C+ #hole city cannot be traitors,C said "hang ,iao. CSome discontented person has frightened the soldiers. If I see anyone doing so, I #ill slay him.C Soon after this ,i Dian dragged up 8e Ding and his fello# traitor. +fter a fe# brief uestions, they #ere beheaded. Then arose a great noise, shouting and the rolling of drums #as heard outside the gate. CThat means the troops of South ,and are there to help,C said "hang ,iao. C'ut #e #ill destroy them by a simple ruse.C *e bade them light torches and yell CTreachery= Rebellion=C and thro# open the city gates and let do#n the dra#bridge. !hen Taishi )i sa# the gates s#ing open, he thought his scheme #as going #ell and in full confidence rode in at the gate. 'ut >ust at the entrance a signal bomb suddenly eAploded, and the enemy arro#s came do#n on him li$e pelting rain. Then he $ne# he had fallen into a snare and turned to ride out. 'ut he #as #ounded in many places. +nd in the pursuit that follo#ed, more than half the troops under Taishi )i #ere cut off. +s he dre# near his o#n lines, a rescue force led by ,u 2un and Dong 2i came to his aid, and the )ao )ao(s soldiers ceased from pursuit. Sun &uan #as eAceedingly sad #hen he learned that his faithful general had been grievously #ounded. Then "hang "hao prayed him to cease from #ar, and Sun &uan #as content. They gathered in their soldiers to their ships and sailed to FanAu and RunDhou #here they camped. 1ean#hile Taishi )i #as dying. !hen his lord #ent to as$ ho# he fared, he cried, C!hen a #orthy person is born into a turbulent #orld, he has to be a soldier and gird on a three6span s#ord to step on the mountains to mend the s$y. I have not rendered great service. !hy must I die before I have attained my desireGC These #ere his last #ords. *e #as forty6one years of age. Single minded and perfectly loyal, Such #as Taishi )i, in Donglai, 3ar distant frontiers rang #ith his eAploits, Riding or archery, all humans he eAcelled, One in 'ohai #ho admired his valor, )ared for his mother #hile he #as fighting,

*o# he roared in the battle at Shenting= Dying, he spo$e as a hero; +ll through the ages people sigh for his fate. Sun &uan #as eAceedingly grieved #hen this second of his leaders died. *e gave orders to bury his remains most honorably outside the north #all of FanAu on 'eigu *ill and too$ his son, Taishi *eng, into his o#n palace to be brought up. In 9ingDhou, #hen ,iu 'ei heard of the series of misfortunes that had befallen Sun &uan and of his retirement to FanAu, he and "huge ,iang discussed their plans. Said "huge ,iang, CI #as studying the s$y and sa# a falling star in the north#est. The imperial family is to suffer a loss.C "huge ,iang had scarcely said this #hen they brought ne#s of the death of ,iu &i, son of ,iu 'iao. ,iu 'ei at once began to #ail bitterly. 'ut his adviser said to him, C,ife and death are beyond our control, #herefore #eep not, my lord, for grief harms the body. Rather consider #hat is necessary to be done. Send someone to assume control and ma$e arrangements for the interment.C C!ho can goGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. CFo other than 8uan Bu.C So they sent 8uan Bu to guard the city of 2iangyang. ,iu 'ei at once began to feel troubled about his promise to surrender 9ingDhou on the death of ,iu &i. "huge ,iang did not consider this a matter of moment. "huge ,iang said, CI #ill have some#hat to say to anyone #ho comes to as$ fulfillment of the promise.C In half a month it #as announced that ,u Su #ould come to mourn at the funeral. To claim the promise one #ill come, 'ut they #ill send him empty home. !hat reply "huge ,iang made may be read in the neAt chapter. Chapter 2/

The *owager =archioness Sees Her SonAInA-aw; The Imperia# Cnc#e Ta5es 1 Worth4 Consort' ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang #ent out of the city to #elcome the envoy of the South ,and and led him to the guest6house. +fter the usual greetings, ,u Su said, C*earing of the death of your nephe#, my lord Sun &uan has prepared some gifts and sent me to ta$e his place at the funeral sacrifices. 8eneral "hou Bu also sends regards to the Imperial Hncle and to you, 1aster "huge ,iang.C 'oth rose at once and than$ed him for the courtesy. Then the gifts #ere handed over and a ban uet prepared, and #hile it #as in progress, the guest brought up the real ob>ect of his visit. CBou said, Sir, that 9ingDhou should be returned to us after the death of ,iu &i. Fo# that that event has happened, rendition becomes due, and I should be glad to $no# #hen the transfer can ta$e place.C C!e #ill discuss that later. In the meantime let us go on #ith our #ine,C said ,iu 'ei. So the feasting continued. Some time later ,u Su returned to the sub>ect, but this time his host remained silent. *o#ever, "huge ,iang, changing color, said, C,u Su, you are unreasonable. Bou could not #ait till some other has to eAplain this matter to you. 3rom the very foundation of the empire by our illustrious ancestor, the great heritage has descended in due course till today #hen, unhappily, evil doers have risen among the po#erful and they have seiDed upon such portions as they could. 'ut #ith 8od(s favor and help, unity is nearly restored. 1y lord is a scion of the Imperial *ouse, a great great grandson of 4mperor 9ing. Fo#, as the 4mperor(s Hncle, should he not have a share of the empireG 1oreover, ,iu 'iao #as my lord(s elder brother, and there is certainly nothing eAtraordinary in one brother(s succession to another(s estate. C!hat is your masterG The son of a petty official on the ban$s of the River &iantang, absolutely #ithout merit so far as the state is concerned. 9ust because he is po#erful, he holds actual possession of siA territories and eighty6one counties, #hich has #hetted his insatiable appetite till he no# desires to s#allo# the #hole empire. The land is the estate of the ,iu family and my lord, #ho is of that name, has no share thereof, #hile your master, #hose name is Sun, #ould dispute #ith, and even fight him. 'eside, at the battle at the Red )liffs my lord did good service and ac uired great merit #hile his commanders ris$ed their lives. !as it solely the strength of your southern soldiers that #on that fightG *ad I not brought that southeast #ind that meant so much for "hou Bu, could he have done anythingG *ad the South ,and been con uered, it is needless to say that the t#o paramount beauties #ould no# be gracing the 'ronDe 'ird 7alace. +nd as for yourself and other officers, insignificant though your families be, could you have been sure to surviveG 9ust no# my lord did not reply because he #as #illing to believe rather that a scholar of your abilities #ould understand #ithout a detailed eAplanation, and I trust no# that you #ill.C

This speech absolutely shut the guest(s mouth for a time, and he said no #ord in reply. 'ut after an interval he said, C!hat you say, "huge ,iang, I thin$ is devoid of reason, and means much unpleasantness for me.C C!hat unpleasantnessGC as$ed "huge ,iang. The guest replied, C!hen ,iu 'ei #as in serious straits at Dangyang, I conducted you across the river and introduced you to my lord. I opposed "hou Bu #hen he #as going to capture 9ingDhou, and then it came to agreement that the place #as to be ours #hen the young man died. +nd I pledged myself to that. Fo# ho# can I go bac$ and say you brea$ your promiseG 'oth my lord and "hou Bu #ill hold me guilty. I #ould not mind death so much, but I fear that my master #ill be very #rathful and ma$e #ar on the Imperial Hncle, #ho #ill have no place of refuge and he #ill loo$ ridiculous in the eyes of the #orld for no reason.C Replied "huge ,iang, CI care not for )ao )ao #ith his million troops and the 4mperor in name at his bac$, and do you thin$ I fear such a youngster as "hou BuG *o#ever, as it may cause you some loss of consideration, I #ill try to persuade my master to put the matter in #riting and give you a paper to the effect that he is temporarily occupying 9ingDhou as a base. !hen he can obtain possession of some other city, this shall be returned to you. !hat thin$ you the South ,and #ould say to thisGC C!ait till #hat other place #as obtainedGC said ,u Su. C1y master can scarcely thin$ of attac$ing the 1iddle ,and yet, but ,iu "hang in BiDhou is ignorant and #ea$, and my master #ill attac$ him. If he gets the #estern region, then this place #ill be given up to you.C ,u Su had no alternative and accepted the offer. ,iu 'ei #ith his o#n hand #rote the pledge and sealed it. "huge ,iang being named as guarantor also signed the document. CSince I belong to this side of the compact and one can hardly have a guarantor of the same party, I #ould trouble you, ,u Su, also to sign. It #ill loo$ better #hen you reach the South ,and again,C said "huge ,iang. ,u Su said, CI $no# that your master is perfectly honorable and #ill adhere to the bargain.C +nd so ,u Su signed. Then he received the document in formal style and too$ his departure. *e #as sent off #ith every mar$ of great respect, both ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang attending him to his boat. There the Directing Instructor delivered him a last eAhortation, C!hen you see your master, spea$ discreetly and eAplain fully so as not to create a bad impression. If he re>ects our document, #e may get angry and #e #ill ta$e his #hole country. The one thing no# is for our t#o houses to live in harmony and not give our common enemy, )ao )ao, an opportunity against us.C

,u Su #ent do#n into his ship. *e reached )haisang and there sa# "hou Bu, #ho said, C!ell, ho# did you speed #ith your demand for 9ingDhouGC C*ere is the document,C said ,u Su, giving it to "hou Bu to read. CBou have been victimiDed by "huge ,iang=C said "hou Bu, stamping his foot #ith irritation. CIn name it may be temporary occupation, but in fact it is humbug. They say the place is to be returned #hen they get the #est. !ho $no#s #hen that #ill beG Suppose ten years@ Then it #ill be ten years before they give us 9ingDhou. !hat is the use of such a document as thisG +nd you are a guarantor of its due performance= If they do not give us the city, you get into trouble. Suppose our lord finds you in the #rong, #hat thenGC ,u Su #as dumbfounded. !hen he had some#hat recovered his self6possession, he said, CI thin$ ,iu 'ei #ill be true to me.C CBou, my friend, are simple and sincere. ,iu 'ei is a scoundrel adventurer, and "huge ,iang is a slippery customer. They and you are utterly different.C C!hat then is to be doneGC cried ,u Su distressfully. CBou are my dear friend, and your $indness in freely offering your store of grain to relieve my army is still fresh in my memory. Of course I #ill save you. Do not be anAious, but #ait a fe# days till #e get ne#s of #hat is doing on the north of the river, and then #e can decide upon a plan.C ,u Su passed some very uneasy days. Then the scouts came bac$ saying that in 9ingDhou everything seemed in eAcellent order and the #hite flags #ere flying every#here, #hile outside the city they #ere building a magnificent mausoleum for ,ady 8an, #ife of ,iu 'ei. +ll the soldiers #ere in mourning. !hen "hou Bu $ne# #ho #as dead, he said to ,u Su, C1y scheme is made. Bou #ill see ,iu 'ei >ust stand still to be bound, and #e shall get 9ingDhou li$e turning a hand.C C!hat is the main spring of your planGC said ,u Su. C,iu 'ei #ill #ant to remarry, and our lord has a sister, Sun Ren. She is a tough lady, #hose #omen guards number many hundreds, all armed #ith #eapons of #ar. *er apartments also are full of such things. I #ill #rite to our lord to send an intermediary to arrange that the lady shall #ed ,iu 'ei at her family home, and thus #e shall entice ,iu 'ei to FanAu. 'ut instead of marrying a #ife, ,iu 'ei #ill find himself a prisoner, and then #e #ill demand 9ingDhou as ransom. !hen they have handed over the region, I shall find something else to say and nothing #ill fall on your head.C ,u Su #as very grateful. Then "hou Bu #rote letters to his master, and a s#ift boat #as chosen to ta$e ,u Su to see the 1ar uis of !u.

+fter the lending of 9ingDhou had been discussed, ,u Su presented the document given him by ,iu 'ei. C!hat is the use of such nonsense as thisGC said Sun &uan, #hen he had read it. CThere is another letter from 8eneral "hou Bu. +nd he says that if you #ill employ his scheme, you can recover 9ingDhou,C replied ,u Su. *aving read that letter, Sun &uan #as more pleased and began to consider #ho #as the best person to send. Suddenly he cried, CI have it. ,u 3an is the man to send.C Sun &uan called ,u 3an and said to him, CI have >ust heard that ,iu 'ei has lost his #ife. I have a sister #hom I should li$e to marry to him and so ma$e a bond of union bet#een our t#o houses. Thus #e should be united against )ao )ao and in support of the *ouse of *an. Bou are the one man to be intermediary, and I hope you #ill go to 9ingDhou and see to this.C Hnder these orders, ,u 3an at once began to prepare his ships for the voyage and soon started. ,iu 'ei #as greatly distressed at the death of ,ady 8an, fretting for her day and night. One day #hen he #as tal$ing #ith his adviser, they announced the arrival of ,u 3an #ho had come on a mission from the South ,and. COne of "hou Bu(s devices,C said "huge ,iang smiling, Cand it is all on account of this region. I #ill >ust retire behind the screen and listen. 'ut you, my lord, agree to #hatever the messenger proposes. Then let the messenger be ta$en to the guest6house #hile #e arrange #hat is to be done.C So the envoy #as introduced. 'o#s having been eAchanged, host and guest being seated in due order and the tea drun$, ,iu 'ei opened the intervie#. CBou must have some commands for me, Sir, since you come thus.C CFe#s has >ust been received that you, O Imperial Hncle, have >ust been bereaved of your consort. I venture to hope you #ould not ob>ect to an advantageous match, and I have come to propose one. +re you disposed to listenGC CTo lose one(s #ife in middle age is truly a great misfortune,C said ,iu 'ei. C!hile her body is still #arm, I cannot listen to proposals for another marriage.C ,u 3an said, C+ man #ithout a #ife is li$e a house #ithout a ridge pole. +t your age, one should not live an incomplete life. I am come on the part of 1ar uis Sun &uan, #ho has a sister, beautiful as she is, accomplished and #ell fitted to be a mate for you. Should the t#o families become allied as formerly #ere &in and 9in%, then that ruffian )ao )ao #ould never dare so much as loo$ this

#ay. Such an alliance #ould be to the benefit of both our houses and of the state. I hope, O Imperial Hncle, that you #ill fairly consider the proposal. *o#ever, since the young girl(s mother is dotingly fond of her, the mother does not #ish her to go far a#ay, and so I must as$ you to come into our country for the #edding.C CDoes the 1ar uis $no# of your comingGC C*o# dare I come #ithout his $no#ledgeGC CI am no longer young,C said ,iu 'ei. CI am fifty and griDDled. This fair damsel, the sister of the 1ar uis, is no# in the flo#er of her youth and no mate for me.C C+lthough the damsel is a #oman, yet in mind she surpasses many a man, and she has said she #ill never #ed anyone #ho is un$no#n to fame. Fo#, Sir, you are reno#ned throughout the four seas. 1arriage #ith you #ould be the chaste maiden mating #ith the born gentleman. Of #hat conse uence is the difference in ageGC CSir, stay here a#hile, and I #ill give you a reply tomorro#,C said ,iu 'ei. So that day the envoy #as entertained at a ban uet and then conducted to the guest6house to repose, #hile, late as it #as, ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang discussed their plans. CI $ne# #hat he had come about,C said the adviser. C!hile he #as tal$ing, I consulted the oracle and obtained an eAcellent sign. !herefore you may accept the proposal and send Sun &ian bac$ #ith this envoy to arrange the details. !hen the promise has been ratified, #e #ill choose a day and you shall go to complete the ceremony.C C*o# can I thus go into enemy territoryG "hou Bu has #anted to slay me for a long time.C C,et "hou Bu employ all his ruses. Thin$ you he can get beyond meG ,et me act for you, and his calculations #ill al#ays fail half#ay. Once Sun &uan(s sister is in your po#er, there #ill be no fear for 9ingDhou.C Still ,iu 'ei doubted in his mind. *o#ever, Sun &ian #as sent to the South ,and, #ith definite instructions, and traveled thither #ith ,u 3an. +t the intervie# Sun &uan said, CI #ish my sister could induce ,iu 'ei to live here #ith us. *e #ould come to no harm.C Sun &ian too$ his leave. +nd returning to 9ingDhou, he told the bridegroom elect, saying, CSun &uan(s sole desire is for our lord to go over and complete the marriage.C *o#ever, ,iu 'ei feared and #ould not go.

"huge ,iang said, CI have prepared three plans, but I need "hao Bun to carry them out. *e #ill be sent as your guard.C So "huge ,iang called in "hao Bun, gave him three sil$en bags, and #hispered in his ear, saying, C*ere are three schemes enclosed in three bags. !hen you escort our lord to the South ,and, you #ill ta$e these #ith you and act as they direct.C "hao Bun hid the three sil$en bags in his breast so that they should be at hand #hen re uired. "huge ,iang neAt sent the #edding gifts, and #hen these had been received, the preliminaries #ere settled. It #as then the early #inter of the fourteenth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D ./I0. The bridegroom elect, his escort, and the intermediary left the city of 9ingDhou #ith a fleet of ten fast ships to sail do#n the river to FanAu. "huge ,iang remained to guard and rule the region. 'ut ,iu 'ei #as far from feeling comfortable. They arrived and the ships #ere made fast. This done, the time had come for the first of the sil$en bags to be opened. +nd so it #as. Thereupon "hao Bun gave each of his five hundred guards his instructions, and they #ent their several #ays. FeAt "hao Bun told ,iu 'ei #hat he #as to do@ To pay his visit first to the State 7atriarch &iao, #ho #as the father6in6la# of Sun )e and of "hou Bu. The State 7atriarch &iao resided in FanAu and to his house, leading sheep and bearing #ine >ars, #ent the bridegroom elect. *aving made his obeisance, ,iu 'ei eAplained that as ,u 3an had arranged, he had come to marry a #ife. In the meantime the five hundred guards, all in gala dress, had scattered over the city place buying all sorts of things, as they said, for the #edding of ,iu 'ei #ith the daughter of the Sun *ouse. They spread the ne#s far and #ide and the #hole to#n tal$ed about it. !hen Sun &uan heard of ,iu 'ei(s arrival, he bade ,u 3an #ait upon him and ta$e him to the guest6house. 1ean#hile the State 7atriarch &iao #ent to the Do#ager 1archioness, mother of Sun &uan, to congratulate her on the happy event. C!hat happy eventGC e>aculated the old lady. CThe betrothal of your beloved daughter to ,iu 'ei. +nd he has arrived too, as surely you $no#.C C1y poor old self does not $no#,C said the Do#ager. CI have heard nothing of all this.C She at once summoned her son and also sent her servants out into the to#n to see #hat #as going about. They uic$ly returned to say@ CThe #hole city $no# of the coming #edding, and the bridegroom is no# at the guest6house. 1oreover, he has come #ith a large escort, and they are spending

freely, buying por$ and mutton and fruits, all in readiness for the #edding feasting. ,u 3an and Sun &ian are the intermediaries on each side, and they are in the guest6house too.C The Do#ager 1archioness #as terribly ta$en abac$ and upset so that, #hen Sun &uan arrived, he found his mother beating her breast and #eeping bitterly. C!hat has disturbed you, 1otherGC as$ed he. C!hat you have >ust done,C said she. CBou have treated me as a nonentity. !hen my elder sister lay dying, #hat did she tell youGC Sun &uan began to be frightened, but he said boldly, C7lease spea$ out plainly, 1other. !hat is this great sorro#GC C!hen a son is gro#n, he ta$es a #ife; and #hen a girl is old enough, she goes to her husband. +nd that is right and proper. 'ut I am the mother, and you ought to have told me that your sister #as to become the #ife of ,iu 'ei. !hy did you $eep me in the dar$G It #as my place to promise her in marriage.C C!hence comes this storyGC said the 1ar uis, really much frightened. CDo you pretend ignoranceG There is not a soul in the city #ho does not $no#= 'ut you have succeeded in $eeping me in the dar$.C CI heard it several days ago,C said the State 7atriarch &iao. C+nd I came >ust no# to offer my felicitations.C CThere is no such thing,C said Sun &uan. CIt is >ust one of the ruses of "hou Bu to get hold of 9ingDhou. *e has used this means to inveigle ,iu 'ei here and hold him captive till 9ingDhou is restored to us. +nd if they #ill not give it bac$, then ,iu 'ei #ill be put to death. That is the plot. There is no real marriage.C 'ut the Do#ager #as in a rage and vented her #rath in abusing "hou Bu. She said, C"hou Bu is a pretty sort of governor over the siA territories and eighty6one counties, if he cannot find any means of recovering one region eAcept ma$ing use of my child as a decoy. Truly this is a fine deed, to spoil the #hole of my child(s life and condemn her to perpetual #ido#hood, because he #ants to use the fair damsel ruse to slay a man= !ho #ill ever come to tal$ of marriage #ith her after thisGC Said the State 7atriarch &iao, C'y this means you may indeed recover 9ingDhou, but you #ill be a shameful laughing stoc$ to all the #orld. !hat can be doneGC Sun &uan had nothing to say. *e could only hang his head, #hile the Do#ager abused his general.

The State 7atriarch &iao tried to soothe her, saying, C+fter all ,iu 'ei, the Imperial Hncle, is a scion of the reigning family. Bou can do nothing better no# than to #elcome him as a son6in6la# and not let this ugly story get abroad.C CI am afraid their ages do not match,C interposed Sun &uan. C,iu 'ei is a very famous man,C said the State 7atriarch &iao. CThere can be no shame in having such a son6in6la#.C CI have never seen him,C said the Do#ager. C+rrange that I may get a loo$ at him tomorro# at the S#eet De# Temple. If he displeases me, you may #or$ your #ill on him. 'ut if I am satisfied #ith him, then I shall simply let the girl marry him.C Fo# Sun &uan #as above all things filial and at once agreed to #hat his mother said. *e #ent out, called in ,u 3an, and told him to arrange a ban uet for the morro# at the temple so that the Do#ager 1archioness might see the bridegroom. C!hy not order 9ia *ua to station some men in the #ings of the templeG Then if the Do#ager be not pleased, #e can call them out and fall upon him,C said ,u 3an. +ccordingly the ambush #as prepared and five hundred ruffians posted to act as the Do#ager(s attitude might determine. !hen the State 7atriarch &iao too$ his leave and had reached his house, he sent to tell ,iu 'ei, saying, CTomorro# the 1ar uis and the Do#ager 1archioness #ished to see you. So be careful=C ,iu 'ei and his faithful henchman discussed their plans. "hao Bun said, CThe morro# bodes rather ill than #ell. *o#ever, your escort shall be there.C FeAt day the Do#ager 1archioness and the State 7atriarch &iao #ent to the Temple of S#eet De# as had been arranged. Sun &uan came #ith a number of his strategists; and #hen all #ere assembled, ,u 3an #as sent to the guest6house to re uest ,iu 'ei to come. *e obeyed the summons, but as a precaution he put on a light coat of mail under his brocaded robe. *is follo#ers too too$ their s#ords upon their bac$s and follo#ed close. *e mounted his steed, and the cavalcade set out for the temple. +t the door of the temple he met Sun &uan on #hom the visitor(s brave demeanor #as not lost. +fter they had eAchanged salutations, Sun &uan led ,iu 'ei into the presence of his mother. C9ust the son6in6la# for me=C said the Do#ager delighted #ith the appearance of ,iu 'ei. C*e has the air of an emperor and a loo$ li$e the sun,C remar$ed the State 7atriarch &iao. C!hen one remembers also that his fair fame has spread over the #hole earth, you may #ell be congratulated on getting such a noble son6in6la#.C

,iu 'ei bo#ed, in ac$no#ledgment of his reception. Soon after they #ere all seated at the ban uet in the temple, "hao Bun entered and too$ his place beside ,iu 'ei. C!ho is thisGC as$ed the Do#ager. CThis is "hao Bun of )hangshan.C CThen he must be the hero of Dangyang, #ho saved the little ,iu Shan.C CBes; this is he,C replied ,iu 'ei. C+ fine general=C said the Do#ager, and she gave him #ine. 7resently "hao Bun said to his master, CI have seen a lot of armed ruffians hidden a#ay in the purlieus of the temple. They can be there for no good, and you should as$ the Do#ager to get them sent a#ay.C Thereupon ,iu 'ei $nelt at the feet of the Do#ager and, #eeping, said, CIf you #ould slay me, let it be here.C C!hy do you say thisGC as$ed she. C'ecause there are assassins in hiding in the #ings of the temple. !hat are they there for if not to $ill meGC The Do#ager #rathfully turned on Sun &uan, C!hat are armed men doing there today, #hen ,iu 'ei is to become my son6in6la# and the pair are my son and daughterGC Sun &uan said he did not $no# and sent ,u 3an to in uire. ,u 3an put the blame on 9ia *ua. The Do#ager summoned him and upbraided him severely. *e had nothing to say, and she told them to put him to death. 'ut ,iu 'ei interceded, saying, CThe general(s death #ill do me harm and ma$e it hard for me to stay at your side.C The State 7atriarch &iao also interceded, and she only ordered the general out of her presence. *is subordinates also scattered and ran li$e frightened rats. 'y and bye, strolling out of the ban uet room into the temple grounds, ,iu 'ei came to a boulder. Dra#ing his s#ord he loo$ed up to heaven and prayed, saying, CIf I am to return to 9ingDhou and achieve my intent to become a chief ruler, then may I cleave this boulder asunder #ith my s#ord. 'ut if I am to meet my doom in this place, then may the s#ord fail to cut this stone.C Raising his s#ord he smote the boulder. Spar$s fle# in all directions, and the boulder lay split in t#ain.

It happened that Sun &uan had seen the blo#, and he said, C!hy do you thus hate that stoneGC ,iu 'ei replied, CI am near my fifth decade and have so far failed to rid the state of evil. I greatly regret my failure. Fo# I have been accepted by the Do#ager as her son6in6la#, and this is a critical moment in my life. So I implored of *eaven a portent that I might destroy )ao )ao as I #ould that boulder and restore the dynasty. Bou sa# #hat happened.C CThat is only to deceive me,C thought Sun &uan. Dra#ing his o#n s#ord, he said, C+nd I also as$ of *eaven an omen, that if I am to destroy )ao )ao, I may also cut this roc$.C So he spo$e. 'ut in his secret heart he prayed, CIf I am to recover 9ingDhou and eAtend my borders, may the stone be cut in t#ain.C *e smote the stone and it split in t#ain. +nd to this day there are cross cuts in the stone, #hich is still preserved. One #ho sa# this relic #rote a poem@ The shining blades fell and the roc$ #as shorn through, The metal rang clear and the spar$s #idely fle#. Thus fate then declared for the dynasties t#o +nd the tripartite rule there began. 'oth put up their s#ords and returned hand in hand to the ban uet hall. +fter some more courses, Sun &ian gave his master a #arning loo$, and ,iu 'ei said, CI pray you eAcuse me as my drin$ing po#ers are very small.C !herefore Sun &uan escorted him to the gate. +s they #al$ed do#n loo$ing at high land and rolling river spreading in glorious panorama before their eyes, ,iu 'ei eAclaimed, CReally this is the finest scene in the #hole #orld=C These #ords are recorded on a tablet in the Temple of the S#eet De#, and one #ho read them #rote a poem@ 3rom the riverside hills the rain clears off, +nd the blac$ clouds roll a#ay, +nd this is the place of >oy and mirth +nd never can sorro# stay. +nd here t#o heroes of ages past Decided their parts to play, +nd the lofty heights flung bac$ #ind and #ave Then, as they do today.

Bes, they stood both entranced by the beautiful scene. +nd gradually along the vast river the #ind #hipped the #aves into sno#y foam and raised them high to#ard heaven. +nd in the midst of the #aves appeared a tiny leaf of a boat riding over the #aves as if all #as perfect calm. CThe northern people are riders and the southern people sailors. It is said uite true,C sighed ,iu 'ei. Sun &uan hearing this remar$ too$ it as a reproach to his horsemanship. 'idding his servants lead up his steed, Sun &uan leaped into the saddle and set off, full gallop, do#n the hill. Then #heeling he came up again at the same speed. CSo the southerners cannot ride, ehGC said Sun &uan laughing. Fot to be outdone, ,iu 'ei lifted the s$irts of his robe, >umped upon his horse and repeated the feat. The t#o steeds stood side by side on the declivity, the riders flourishing their #hips and laughing. Thence for#ard that hillside #as $no#n as the CSlope !here the *orses Stood,C and a poem #as #ritten about it@ Their galloping steeds #ere of noble breed, +nd both of spirit high, +nd the riders t#ain from the hill6crest gaDed +t the river rolling by. One of them mastered the #estern mountains. One ruled by the eastern sea; +nd the hill to this very day Still is the Slope !here the *orses Stood. !hen they rode side by side into FanAu, the people met them #ith acclamations. ,iu 'ei made his #ay to the guest6house and there sought advice from Sun &ian as to the date of the #edding. Sun &ian advised, CIt should be fiAed as early as possible so that no further complications could arise.C So neAt day ,iu 'ei #ent to the State 7atriarch &iao and told him in plain #ords, C1any the people of the place mean harm to me, and I cannot stay here long. I must return soon.C CDo not be anAious,C said the State 7atriarch &iao. CI #ill tell the Do#ager 1archioness, and she #ill protect you.C ,iu 'ei bo#ed to eApress his than$s.

The State 7atriarch &iao sa# the Do#ager, and she #as very angry #hen she heard the reason for ,iu 'ei(s desire to leave. C!ho #ould dare harm my son6in6la#GC cried she. 'ut she made ,iu 'ei move into the library of the palace as a precaution, and she chose a day for the celebration of the #edding. 'ut his soldiers could not $eep guard at the library and #ere removed from his commands. ,iu 'ei eAplained to his hostess, and #hen she understood this, she gave her son6in6la# and his people rooms in her o#n palace so that he might be uite safe. ,iu 'ei #as very happy, and there #ere fine ban uets, and the bride and bridegroom duly plighted their troth. +nd #hen it gre# late and the guests had gone, the ne#ly #edded pair #al$ed through the t#o lines of red torches to the nuptial apartment. To his eAtreme surprise, ,iu 'ei found the chambers furnished #ith spears and s#ords and banners and flags, #hile every #aiting6maid had girded on a s#ord. !alls hung #ith spears the bridegroom sa#, +nd armed #aiting6maids; *is heart fell bac$ on all its fears Of #ell6laid ambuscades. !hat happened #ill be related in the neAt chapter. Chapter 22 -i& Bei ,o&ses The Spirit ! -ad4 S&n; Zh&ge -iang 1 Second Time 1ngers Zho& +&' The bridegroom turned pale. 'ridal apartments lined #ith #eapons of #ar and #aiting maids armed= 'ut the house$eeper of the lady said, CDo not be frightened, O *onorable One= 1y lady has al#ays had a taste for #arli$e things, and her maids have all been taught fencing as a pastime. That is all it is.C CFot the sort of thing a #ife should ever loo$ at,C said ,iu 'ei. CIt ma$es me feel cold, and you may have them removed for a time.C The house$eeper #ent to her mistress and said, CThe #eapons in your chamber displease the handsome one. 1ay #e remove themGC ,ady Sun laughed, saying, C+fraid of a fe# #eapons after half a life time spent in slaughter=C 'ut she ordered their removal and bade the maids ta$e off their s#ords #hile they #ere at #or$.

That night ,iu 'ei and ,ady Sun conversed under the moonlight, and the night passed happily enough. FeAt day ,iu 'ei distributed gifts among the maids to secure their good #ill. *e also sent Sun &ian to 9ingDhou #ith ne#s of the #edding, #hile he gave himself up to feasting and en>oyment. The Do#ager loved him more every day. The results of the plot to destroy ,iu 'ei #ere thus very different from the originators( intention. Sun &uan sent to his general@ C1y mother had insisted upon marrying her daughter to ,iu 'ei; and so by >uggling #ith the fictitious, #e had made it real. !hat is to be doneGC The ne#s troubled "hou Bu day and night, but eventually he thought but another scheme #hich he embodied in a letter sent to his master. *ere is the outline of the missive@ C)ontrary to eApectation, the plot that I, "hou Bu, contrived has turned the #rong #ay. *o#ever, since by >uggling #ith deceit, #e have ended in a solid truth. Our future plans must start from the actual present facts. To the boldness of the adventurer ,iu 'ei is added the aid of such great leaders as 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, and "hao Bun, not to mention that he has a strategist li$e "huge ,iang. *e is not the man to remain long in a lo#ly position. !herefore I can thin$ of no better plan than to enervate him by surrounding him #ith softness and $eeping him in the South ,and, a prisoner of luAury. Therefore build for him a fine palace to blunt the edge of his determination and surround him #ith sensuous luAury. In this #ay the affection of his brothers #ill be alienated, and "huge ,iang #ill be driven a#ay. !hen this result has been attained, #e can smite him and so end a great matter. If #e be at all careless, I fear the recumbent dragon may fly to the s$ies; it is no beast to be $ept in a pond. 1y lord, I pray you consider this thoroughly.C The letter #as sho#n to "hang "hao #ho said, C1y idea is identical #ith his. ,iu 'ei began life in a humble position and for years has been a #anderer. *e has never tasted the delights of #ealth. 8ive him the means of luAury, a beautiful d#elling, fair #omen, gold and sil$en attire. +s he en>oys them, the thoughts of "huge ,iang and his brothers #ill fade a#ay and they, on their side, #ill be filled #ith rancor. Thus can #e lay our plans for recovering 9ingDhou. I recommend action as "hou Bu says and uic$ly.C Sun &uan then set about redecorating the 4astern 7alace and laying out the grounds. *e filled the rooms #ith beautiful furniture for his sister and her husband. *e also sent fair damsels and musicians by the score, and many and beautiful vessels in gold and silver, and sil$en stuffs. +nd his mother #as delighted at his $indness to her son6in6la#. Indeed ,iu 'ei #as soon so immersed in sensuous pleasure that he gave no thought to return. "hao Bun and the company under him led an idle life in the front portion of the 4astern 7alace, save that at times they #ent outside the city for archery and horse6racing. +nd thus passed the year.

Suddenly "hao Bun remembered the orders he had received and the three bags #ith the plans in them. It #as time to open the second one for the end of the year #as nigh. *is orders #ere only to open the third #hen danger #as very near and there appeared no #ay out. +s already remar$ed, the year #as dra#ing to a close, and "hao Bun sa# his lord daily becoming more and more the slave of pleasure. ,iu 'ei never appeared among his guards no#. So the bag #as opened and in pursuance of the #onderful scheme thereby discovered, "hao Bun #ent to the hall of the palace and as$ed to see his master. The maid in attendance #ent #ithin and said, C"hao Bun has some important matter on #hich to see the master.C ,iu 'ei called him in and as$ed #hat the business #as. "hao Bun assumed an attitude of great concern and said, C1y lord, you are living happily secluded in these beautiful apartments. Do you never thin$ of 9ingDhouGC C'ut #hat is the matter that you seem so disturbedGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. CToday early "huge ,iang sent a messenger to say that )ao )ao #as trying to avenge his last defeat and #as leading five hundred thousand troops to attac$ 9ingDhou, #hich #as in great danger. +nd he #ished you to return.C CI must spea$ to my #ife,C said ,iu 'ei. CIf you consult her, she #ill be un#illing for you to return. It #ould be better to say nothing but to start this evening. Delay may do great damage.C CRetire for a time. I must act discreetly,C said ,iu 'ei. "hao Bun urged the need to return several times more, but finally #ent a#ay. ,iu 'ei #ent into his #ife(s rooms and began to #eep silently. Seeing his tears, ,ady Sun said, C!hy are you so sad, my husbandGC ,iu 'ei replied, CI have been driven hither and thither all my life. I #as never able to do my duty to my parents, nor have I been able to sacrifice to my ancestors. I have been very unfilial. The ne# year is at hand, and its approach dis uiets me greatly.C CDo not try to deceive me,C said ,ady Sun. CI heard and I $no# all. 9ust no# "hao Bun came to tell you 9ingDhou #as threatened and you #ish to return home. That is #hy you put for#ard this eAcuse.C

Then ,iu 'ei fell on his $nees and said, C!hy should I dissemble, O !ife, since you $no#G I do not #ish to go, but if 9ingDhou be lost, I shall be an ob>ect of ridicule to everyone. I do desire to go, but I cannot leave you. Fo# you $no# #hy I am grieved.C She replied, CI am your handmaid, and #hithersoever you go, it is my duty to follo#.C CBes; your heart is right, but the difficulty is your mother and the 1ar uis. They #ill be un#illing. If you #ould have pity on me and let me go for a time66666C +nd again the tears gushed forth. CDo not be so sad, my husband,C said ,ady Sun. CI #ill implore my mother to let us go, and she #ill surely allo# it.C C4ven supposing the Do#ager permits, I am sure the 1ar uis #ill hinder.C ,ady Sun said nothing for a long time #hile she #eighed the matter thoroughly. 7resently she spo$e, COn Fe# Bear(s Day you and I #ill go to court and present our congratulations. Then #e #ill give the eAcuse of a sacrifice on the river ban$ and go a#ay #ithout formal leave. !ill that suit youGC ,iu 'ei $nelt at her feet and eApressed his gratitude. CI should be never so grateful,C said he. CDead or alive I #ould remember your love. 'ut this must be a perfect secret.C This having been decided and the arrangements made. ,iu 'ei gave "hao Bun secret orders, saying, C,ead your company out of the city and be on the road on Fe# Bear(s morn. !e are going a#ay.C Sun &uan held a grand court on the Fe# Bear(s Day of the fifteenth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D .:/0. ,iu 'ei and his bride #ent into the Do#ager 1archioness( presence, and ,ady Sun said, C1y husband has been thin$ing of his ancestors, #ho lie in the county of "huo, and grieves that he cannot do his duty by them. Today #e #ish to go to the river side and offer sacrifice to#ard the north. It is our duty to inform you.C C+ very filial proceeding,C said the Do#ager. CI should not thin$ of stopping you. +lthough you have never $no#n your husband(s parents, yet you may go #ith him to sacrifice as it is proper for a #ife to do.C

'oth than$ed the Do#ager 1archioness and #ent out, re>oicing at having so far hood#in$ed Sun &uan. ,ady Sun got into her carriage ta$ing only a little clothing #ith her, #hile ,iu 'ei follo#ed #ith a small escort. They #ent out of the city of FanAu and met "hao Bun at the place arranged. Then #ith a guard in front and rear, they left the precincts of the city, traveling as uic$ly as they could. That day, at the ne# year ban uet, Sun &uan dran$ freely so that he had to be helped to his chamber, and the guests left. 'efore very long the escape of the fugitives became $no#n, but it #as then dar$, and #hen they tried to tell Sun &uan, they could not rouse him. *e slept heavily until the fifth #atch. The neAt morning, #hen Sun &uan heard the story, he as$ed advice of his counselors. "hang "hao said, CThey have got a#ay today, but trouble #ill surely come of it. Therefore, pursue after them #ithout loss of time.C So )hen !u and 7an "hang, #ith five hundred of veterans, #ere sent out #ith orders to use all speed both by day and by night and bring bac$ the fugitives. They left. Sun &uan(s anger burned hot against ,iu 'ei. In his #rath he seiDed his >ade in$stone and dashed it to the ground #here it shivered to pieces. Said )heng 7u, C1y lord, your #rath is in vain, for I do not thin$ your generals #ill catch the runa#ays.C C!ill they dare to disobey my orderGC said Sun &uan. COur young lady had al#ays delighted to loo$ upon #ar and is very fierce and determined. +ll the officers fear her. Fo# she has gone #ith her husband of her o#n free #ill; and those sent in pursuit, if once they loo$ upon her countenance, #ill not dare to lay hands on her.C Sun &uan(s #rath burned the more fiercely at these #ords. *e dre# the s#ord girded at his side and called up 9iang &in and "hou Tai, saying, CBou t#o ta$e this s#ord and bring bac$ the heads of my sister and ,iu 'ei. +nd if you do not, I #ill put you to death.C !ith this order they set out in pursuit, leading a #hole thousand troops. 1ean#hile ,iu 'ei and his #ife #ere pressing for#ard #ith all speed. !hen night fell, they rested for a time by the roadside, but not for long. 9ust as they reached the confines of )haisang, they turned and sa# a great cloud of dust and the soldiers said that a force #as coming in pursuit. C!hat shall #e do if they come up #ith usGC said ,iu 'ei eAcitedly to "hao Bun. C1y lord, you go on in front and I #ill prevent pursuit.C

+s they turned the foot of a hill, they sa# a troop of soldiers bloc$ing their road in front. T#o generals #ere there and they bello#ed, C,iu 'ei, dismount and yield yourself captive. !e are here by order of )ommander "hou Bu, and you have $ept us #aiting long=C Fo# the thought had come to "hou Bu that ,iu 'ei #ould try to flee, and so he had sent 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng, #ith three thousand troops, to intercept him at this critical spot. They had made a camp there and $ept a loo$out from the hilltops, for "hou Bu had calculated that ,iu 'ei #ould certainly pass that #ay. So #hen ,iu 'ei and his cavalcade appeared, they all buc$led on their arms and barred the #ay. 8reatly fearing, ,iu 'ei rode bac$ to consult "hao Bun, to #hom he said, CIn front a force barring the road; in rear pursuers. There is no escape. !hat can #e doGC CDo not be alarmed, my lord. The Directing Instructor gave me three plans enclosed in three sil$en bags. T#o have been used and have ans#ered admirably. There is yet the third, and my orders #ere to open the bag in such a strait as this. This is a day of great danger such as calls me to open the bag.C Thereupon "hao Bun opened the bag and handed it to ,iu 'ei. +s soon as ,iu 'ei had seen the contents, he hastened to ,ady Sun(s carriage and began to #eep, saying, CI have something private to say, and I must tell you.C C!hat have you to tell me, my husbandG Tell me the #hole truth,C replied she. CBour brother and "hou Bu formerly made a plot for you to marry me, not for your sa$e, but to get me into their po#er and hold me so that they might recover 9ingDhou. They #ere set on my murder, and you #ere the bait #ith #hich to hoo$ me. )areless of conse uences I came, for I $ne# that the spirit of a heroine d#elt in your bosom and you #ould pity me. ,ately I heard that harm #as intended me, and so I made danger to 9ingDhou the eAcuse to escape. *appily for me you have remained true and come #ith me. 'ut no# the 1ar uis is pursuing us, and "hou Bu(s soldiers are in front. Only you, my #ife, can eAtricate us from this danger; and if you refuse, then slay me #here I stand that I may thus sho# my gratitude for your $indness.C ,ady Sun gre# angry and said, CThen does my brother forget that I am his sisterG *o# #ill he ever loo$ me in the faceG I can eAtricate us from this danger.C Thereupon she bade her people push the carriage to the front. She rolled up the curtains and herself called out, C2u Sheng, Ding 3eng, are you turned traitors thenGC The t#o generals slid out of their saddles, dropped their arms, and stood mee$ly in front of the carriage.

C!e are no traitors,C said they. C!e have the )ommander6in6)hief(s orders to camp here and a#ait ,iu 'ei.C C"hou Bu is an interfering scoundrel,C cried she. C!e of the land of the south have never harmed you, and ,iu 'ei, the Hncle of the 8reat 3amily, is my husband. I have already told my mother and my brother of our >ourney, and no# I find you #ith an army at the foot of these hills preventing our passage. Is it that you #ould plunder us of our valuablesGC The t#o generals mumbled dissent. They #ould not dare such a thing. C!e pray you, O ,ady, stay your anger. This is no plan of ours. !e do but obey our 8eneral(s orders.C CSo you fear "hou Bu and not me=C cried she scornfully. CThin$ you that if he slays you, I #ill not slay himGC She bro$e into a torrent of abuse of "hou Bu. Then she bade them push her carriage for#ard. The t#o leaders thought #ithin themselves, C!e are but men of lo#ly ran$. !e dare not dispute #ith ,ady Sun.C 'eside they sa# "hao Bun #as bursting #ith #rath. So they ordered their troops to stand aside and leave the road clear. The cavalcade had only gone a fe# miles #hen up came the pursuers. The t#o generals told the ne#6comers #hat had happened. CBou #ere #rong to let them pass,C said )hen !u and 7an "hang. C!e have orders from the 1ar uis himself to arrest them.C Thereupon all four #ent in pursuit. !hen the noise of the approaching force reached the ears of ,iu 'ei, he said to his #ife, CThey are again pursuing us. !hat no#GC C*usband, go on in front. "hao Bun and I #ill $eep them off.C So ,iu 'ei and a small company #ent on to#ard the river ban$, #hile "hao Bun reined up beside the lady(s carriage and set out his troops ready for battle. +nd #hen the four generals came up, they dismounted and stood #ith folded arms. C!hat are you doing here, 8eneralsGC as$ed ,ady Sun. C!e have orders from our lord to re uest you and ,iu 'ei to return.C

)almly but bitterly she said, CSo this is the sort of fools you are= Bou #ould ma$e dissension bet#een brother and sister. 'ut I am a #ife on my #ay to my husband(s home. For am I leaving clandestinely, for I had my mother(s gracious permission. Fo# #e, husband and #ife, are going to 9ingDhou. If even my brother #ere here himself, he #ould let us pass in all politeness. 'ut you, because you have #eapons in your hands, #ould slay us=C She abused the four men to their faces so that they loo$ed from one to another in shame. +nd each in his heart thought, CSay #hat one #ill, after all they t#o are brother and sister and the Do#ager 1archioness is the controlling po#er. Sun &uan is most obedient and #ould never dare oppose his mother(s decision. !hen the reaction comes, then indeed #e shall certainly be found in the #rong. !e had better be $ind.C +nother thing #as that one of the t#o they sought, ,iu 'ei, #as not there and "hao Bun loo$ed angry and dangerous. 3inally, muttering to themselves, they gave #ay and #ith one accord retired and left the road open. ,ady Sun passed through. C!e four #ill go to see the )ommander6in6)hief and report,C said 2u Sheng. 'ut that did not please them all, and they stood irresolute. 7resently they sa# a column of troops s#eeping do#n on them li$e a hurricane. These #ere 9iang &in and "hou Tai #ith their company. C*ave you fello#s seen ,iu 'eiGC they cried as they rushed up. C*e has >ust passed along.C C!hy did you not arrest himGC C'ecause of #hat ,ady Sun said.C CThat is >ust as the 1ar uis feared, and so he gave us this s#ord and told us first to slay his sister and then ,iu 'ei. +nd if #e disobey, he #ill put us to death.C C!hat can be doneG They are far a#ay by no#.C 9iang &in said, C+fter all they are but a fe# and on foot. They cannot travel very fast. ,et 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng go to "hou Bu to tell him, and he can send fast boats to pursue them on the river #hile #e follo# up on the ban$. !e must get them either on #ater or land, and #e must not listen to #hat they say.C !hereupon t#o #ent bac$ to report and four to the river ban$. 1ean#hile ,iu 'ei had got a long #ay from )haisang and reached ,oving Shore. *e no# felt calmer. *e #ent along the ban$ of the river see$ing a boat, but there #as no craft on the broad bosom of the stream. *e bo#ed his head in deep sorro#.

"hao Bun bade him be of good courage, saying, C1y lord, you have >ust escaped from the tiger(s >a#s and had not far to go. 1oreover, I suspect "huge ,iang has something prepared for us.C 'ut his master #as despondent. *is thoughts #ere bac$ to the pleasures he had en>oyed but a fe# hours since in the house of his #ife, and the tears rolled do#n his chee$s. + poem has been #ritten on this episode@ 'y the ban$ of the deep flo#ing 8reat River Once #as a #edding, +nd the ruling houses of t#o states yet to be !ere allied by marriage. See the beautiful maiden stepping slo#ly To the golden bridal chamber= Bet #as the marriage but a ruse. Its author vainly imagined that a hero, Sin$ing in amorous toils, !ould forget his high intent. ,iu 'ei bade "hao Bun go along the ban$ to see$ some boats. Then the soldiers told him there #as a huge cloud of dust on the road. +scending one of the hills, he loo$ed bac$ #hence they had come and sa# the #hole earth as it #ere covered #ith an advancing host. *e sighed and said, C!e have fled before them no# for days, #orn out our soldiers and >aded our horses, and all to die in a strange place.C *e #atched the enemy coming nearer and nearer. Then as things began to loo$ most desperate, he sa# a line of some t#enty boats all in the act of setting their sails. C'y good luc$ here are some ships,C said "hao Bun. C,et us get on board, ro# to the further ban$, and see #hat can be done.C ,iu 'ei and his bride hastened do#n the ban$ and #ent into a ship. The soldiers #ere embar$ed. Then they sa# in the hold of the ship someone in Taoist dress. That person came up #ith a smile, saying, C1y lord, again you see "huge ,iang. *e has #aited a long time.C +ll the soldiers on board #ere from 9ingDhou, and ,iu 'ei re>oiced at the sudden happy turn of affairs. 'efore long the four pursuing leaders reached the ban$. "huge ,iang pointed to them and laughed, saying, CI foresa# this a long time ago. Bou may return and tell "hou Bu not to use the (3air Damsel Tric$( again.C

Those on the ban$ sent a flight of arro#s at the ships, but they #ere already too far a#ay. The four generals on the ban$ loo$ed very foolish. +s the boats #ere sailing along, a great noise #as heard on the river behind them, and there appeared a huge fleet of #ar ships, sailing under the flag of "hou Bu. *e also #as there in command of the fleet, and he #as supported by *uang 8ai and *an Dang. They seemed li$e a drove of horses and came along s#ift as a falling star. They gained on the fugitives rapidly. "huge ,iang ordered the boats to ro# over to the north ban$, and the party landed. They had started off a#ay from the shore before "hou Bu could land. "hou Bu(s marines, eAcept the leaders, #ere all afoot, but they $ept up the pursuit, follo#ing as uic$ly as they could. "hou Bu led the pursuit, closely follo#ed by *uang 8ai, *an Dang, 2u Sheng, and Ding 3eng. !hen "hou Bu(s force reached the borders of *uangDhou, ,iu 'ei and his party #ere not far a#ay, and so they pressed the pursuit. 'ut there #ere only horses for a fe# leaders in front, and suddenly the rolling of drums struc$ "hou Bu(s ears, and from out a gully dashed a troop of s#ordsmen led by 8uan Bu. "hou Bu #as too surprised and unprepared to do anything but flee. "hou Bu fled for his life and 8uan Bu pursued. +t different points ,iu 'ei(s generals, *uang "hong and !ei Ban, came out and attac$ed, so that the troops of the South ,and suffered a great defeat, and "hou Bu barely escaped. +s he came to the river and #as going do#n into his ship, the soldiers of ,iu 'ei on the ban$ >eered at him on account of the miscarriage of his scheme, shouting, C8eneral "hou Bu has given Hncle ,iu 'ei a #ife and has lost his soldiers=C "hou Bu #as so annoyed that he #ould have gone up the ban$ to fight again, but his generals restrained him. *e uttered, C1y schemes are a failure and a defeat, and ho# can I face my master againGC +ll at once he cried aloud and fell bac$ in a s#oon. *is #ound had reopened. The generals came to his help, but it #as long before he recovered consciousness. T#ice had he played his tric$ +nd t#ice had he lost the game; *is heart #as full of resentment, *e #as over#helmed #ith shame. The fate of "hou Bu #ill appear in the neAt chapter. Chapter 23 Cao Cao Feasts In The Bron@e Bird Tower; Zh&ge -iang Provo5es Zho& +& 1 Third Time'

The ambuscade into #hich "hou Bu had fallen had been prepared by the orders of "huge ,iang and #as triple. *o#ever, *uang 8ai and *an Dang contrived to get clear and found refuge in the ships, though #ith the loss of many troops. !hen "hou Bu #as in safety and loo$ed about him, he sa# ,iu 'ei and ,ady Sun safely resting on a hilltop. *o# could such a sight fail to put him in a rageG +nd #ith the access of rage, his #ound, not yet healed, burst open once again. *e s#ooned and fell. They raised him and his ship set sail. "huge ,iang ordered no pursuit, the southern fleet departed undisturbed, and ,iu 'ei proceeded to 9ingDhou )ity, #here #ere great re>oicings in honor of his recent marriage. 1ean#hile "hou Bu had gone to )haisang #hile 9iang &in and those #ith him bore to FanAu the sad tidings to Sun &uan. *e #as angry beyond #ords, and his first thought #as to send an army under )heng 7u to ta$e 9ingDhou. "hou Bu also #rote from his sic$ bed urging his lord to ta$e vengeance. 'ut "hang "hao $ne# better and said it could not be done. Said he, C)ao )ao has never forgotten his defeat at the Red )liffs, but he dares not attempt to avenge himself #hile the Sun family are friendly #ith ,iu 'ei. If in any moment of anger you t#o fall upon each other, )ao )ao #ill certainly seiDe the opportunity and your position #ill be dangerous.C 8u Bong supported "hang "hao, saying, C'eyond all doubt )ao )ao has his spies here. +s soon as he hears of any rift in the friendship bet#een the Sun and ,iu families, he #ill desire to come to an understanding #ith the latter, and ,iu 'ei, #ho fears your po#er, #ill accept his offer and ta$e his side. Such an alliance #ill be a continual menace to the land south of the river. Fo; the plan for the occasion is to secure the friendship of ,iu 'ei by memorialiDing that he be made Imperial 7rotector of 9ingDhou. This #ill ma$e )ao )ao afraid to send any army against the South ,and. +t the same time it #ill raise $indly feelings in the heart of ,iu 'ei and #in his support. Bou #ill be able to find someone #ho #ill provo$e a uarrel bet#een )ao )ao and ,iu 'ei and set them at each other, and that #ill be your opportunity. In this #ay you #ill succeed.C CThese are good #ords,C said Sun &uan, Cbut have I a messenger #ho can accomplish such a missionGC CThere is such a man, one #hom )ao )ao respects and loves.C C!ho is heGC C!hat prevents you from employing *ua 2inG *e is ready to hand.C !herefore *ua 2in #as given letters and bidden go to the capital, 2uchang, #hither he proceeded at once and sought to see )ao )ao. They told him that )ao )ao and all his friends #ere at Be>un, celebrating the completion of the 'ronDe 'ird To#er. So thither he #ent. )ao )ao had indeed never forgotten his great defeat at the Red )liffs and nourished schemes to avenge it, but he feared the combination of his t#o chief enemies, and that fear restrained him.%

In the spring of the fifteenth year -+D .:/0 the great To#er #as completed, and )ao )ao invited a vast assembly to celebrate its inauguration #ith ban uets and re>oicings. The feast #as on the ban$ of River "hang. The 'ronDe 'ird Terrace stood in the center, flan$ed by t#o others named the Terrace of the 9ade Dragon and the Terrace of the 8olden 7hoeniA. 4ach to#er #as a hundred spans high, and t#o bridges connected them. 8old and >ade vied #ith each other in the many apartments. +t the opening ceremony, )ao )ao #ore a golden headdress inlaid #ith >e#els and a robe of green brocaded sil$, girded #ith a belt of >ade. On his feet #ere pearl6encrusted shoes. So clad he too$ his seat as host, #hile his officers, civil and military, #ere dra#n up belo# the terrace. 3or the military officers #as arranged an archery competition, and one of his attendants brought forth a robe of red crimson 2ichuan sil$ as a priDe. This #as suspended from one of the drooping branches of a #illo# tree, beneath #hich #as the target. The distance #as a hundred paces. The competitors #ere divided into t#o bands, those of )ao )ao(s o#n family being dressed in red and the others in green. They all had carved bo#s and long arro#s and #ere mounted. They stood holding in their steeds till the signal should be given for the games to begin. 4ach #as to shoot one arro#, and the robe #as the guerdon for hitting the target in the red; misses #ere to pay a forfeit of drin$ing a cup of cold #ater. +s soon as the signal #as given, a red6robed youth rode uic$ly forth. *e #as )ao 2iu. S#iftly he galloped to and fro thrice. Then he ad>usted the notch of his arro# to the string, pulled the bo# to its full, and the arro# fle# straight to the bull(s eye. The clang of the gongs and the roll of the drums announced the feat, #hich astonished them all. +nd )ao )ao, as he sat on the terrace, #as delighted. C+ very promising colt of my o#n,C said he to those about him, and he sent a messenger for the red robe that the #inner might receive it from his o#n hands. 'ut suddenly from the green side rode out one #ho cried, CIt #ere more fitting to let outsiders compete for the 7rime 1inister(s sil$en robe. It is not right that members of the family monopoliDe the contest.C )ao )ao loo$ed at the spea$er, #ho #as !en 7ing. +nd some of the officers cried, C,et us see #hat his shooting is li$e=C So !en 7ing fitted an arro# to the string and fired also from horsebac$ #hile galloping. To the surprise of the onloo$ers, he also made a bull(s eye, #hich #as honored by another salute from gongs and drums. C&uic$ly bring me the robe,C cried !en 7ing.

'ut at once from the ran$s of the red6robed another competitor dashed for#ard, shouting fiercely, C*o# can you #in #hat has been already #onG 'ut let me sho# you ho# I can shoot an arro# that shall overcome both your shots.C *e dre# his bo# to the full, and the arro# fle# straight to the heart of the red. The surprised onloo$ers sa# that this ne# competitor #as )ao *ong, #ho no# became also a claimant for the robe. *o#ever, yet another archer came forth from the green6robed ran$s, playing #ith his bo# and crying, C!hat is there amaDing in your shooting, you threeG See ho# I can shoot.C This man #as "hang *e. *e put his horse to the gallop, then turned his bac$ and, shooting bac$#ards, also hit the center of the red. Thus four arro#s #ere no# stic$ing in the bull(s eye, and all agreed that it #as marvelous archery. CI thin$ the robe should be mine,C said "hang *e. 'efore he could finish spea$ing, a fifth competitor came out from the red robes and shouted, CBou shot bac$#ards; but that is commonplace enough. ,oo$ #hile I shoot better than you all.C The spea$er #as 2iahou Buan. *e galloped off to the very limit, and then bending his body over bac$#ards he sent his arro# right in among the other four. +s the gongs and drums bro$e out, 2iahou Buan put aside his bo# and rode up, saying, CIs not that a better shot than any of its predecessorsGC Then came out another from the greens #ho cried, C,eave the robe there for me, 2u *uang, to #in.C C!hat can you do that is better than my shotGC said 2iahou Buan. CThat you hit the bull(s eye is no great feat. Bou #ill see me #in the sil$en robe after all.C So spea$ing, 2u *uang fitted an arro# to his bo#. Then loo$ing around, he aimed at the #illo# t#ig from #hich the robe hung do#n and shot thereat so true that his arro# cut it through, and the robe fluttered to the ground. +t once 2u *uang dashed along, pic$ed up the robe and slipped it on. Then riding s#iftly to the terrace, he than$ed the 7rime 1inister. Fo one present could #ithhold unstinted praise, and 2u *uang #as turning to ride a#ay. 'ut another green clad general leaped out, saying, C!here #ould you go #ith that robeG &uic$ly leave it for me=C +ll eyes turned to this man #ho #as 2u )hu.

2u *uang cried, CThe robe has already been ad>udged to me. !ould you dare ta$e it by forcesC 2u )hu made no reply but galloped up to snatch the robe. +s 2u )hu(s horse dre# near, 2u *uang struc$ at his rival a blo# #ith his bo#. 'ut 2u )hu seiDed the bo# #ith one hand #hile #ith the other he simply lifted his opponent out of his seat. !herefore 2u *uang let go the bo# and the neAt moment lay spra#ling on the ground. 2u )hu slipped out of the saddle too, and they began to pommel each other #ith their fists. )ao )ao sent one to separate them. 'ut in the struggle, the robe had been torn and soiled. )ao )ao called the angry rivals before him; and they came, one darting fierce loo$s of hate, the other grinding his teeth #ith rage. CFever mind the robe. I see only your magnificent courage,C said )ao )ao smiling. C!hat does a robe more or less matterGC !hereupon )ao )ao called the generals to him one by one, and to each he presented a robe of 2ichuan sil$. They than$ed him for the generous gifts, and he then commanded them to ta$e their seats in due order. Then to the strains of a band of music, #herein each performer vied #ith all the others, the naval and military officers too$ their places. )ivil officers of repute and generals of reno#n dran$ one to another, and hearty felicitations #ere eAchanged. )ao )ao loo$ed around to those about him, saying, CSince the military officers have competed in mounted archery for our en>oyment and displayed their boldness and their s$ill, you, 8entlemen Scholars, stuffed full of learning as you are, can surely mount the terrace and present some complimentary odes to ma$e the occasion a perfect success.C C!e are most #illing to obey your commands,C they replied, all bo#ing lo#. +t that time there #as a band of four scholars named !ang ,ang, "hong Bao, !ang )an, and )hen ,in, and each of them presented a poem. 4very poem sang the praises of )ao )ao(s valuable services and great merits and said he #as #orthy to receive the highest trust of all. !hen )ao )ao had read them, he laughed, saying, CBou gentlemen are really too flattering. +s a fact I am but an ignoramus #ho began life #ith a simple bachelor(s degree and recommendations for filial devotion. +nd #hen the troubles began, I built for myself a little cottage in the country near &iao, #here I could study in spring and summer and spend the rest of the year in hunting till the empire #as once more tran uil and I could emerge and ta$e office. CTo my surprise, I #as chosen for a small military office #hich changed my intentions, and I determined to repress the rebellion and so ma$e a name for myself. I thought that I might #in an inscription on my tomb to the effect that it covered the remains of the (,ord )ao )ao !ho Restores Order in the !est.( That #ould have been ample for a life(s #or$. I recall no# ho# I destroyed Dong "huo and smote the Bello# Scarves; then I made a#ay #ith Buan Shu and bro$e the po#er of ,u 'u; neAt I eAterminated Buan Shao; and at the death of ,iu 'iao, I had subdued the #hole empire.

C+s a minister of state I have attained the topmost pinnacle of honor, and I have no more to hope for. !ere it not for poor me, I $no# not ho# many there #ould be styling themselves emperors and dubbing themselves princes. )ertain there be #ho, seeing my great authority, thin$ I have some ulterior aim. 'ut they are uite #rong. I ever bear in mind #hat )onfucius said of 5ing !en of "hou%, that he #as perfectly virtuous, and this saying is ever engraved on my mind. If I could, I #ould do a#ay #ith my armies and retire to my fief #ith my simple title of ,ord of !uping. +las= I cannot. I am afraid to lay do#n my military po#ers lest I should come to harm. Should I be defeated, the state #ould totter; and so I may not ris$ real misfortune for the sa$e of an empty reputation for $indness. There be some of you #ho do not $no# my heart.C +s he closed, they all rose and bo#ed their heads, saying, CFone are your e uals, O 7rime 1inister, not even Du$e of "hou% or the great 1inister Bi Bin%.C + poem has been #ritten referring to this@ *ad Du$e "hou, the virtuous, died, #hile foul6mouthed slander #as spreading vile rumors; Or !ang 1ang, the treacherous, #hile he #as noted for the deference paid to learned men; Fone #ould have $no#n their real characters. +fter this oration )ao )ao dran$ many cups of #ine in uic$ succession till he became very intoAicated. *e bade his servants bring him brush and in$stone so that he might compose a poem. 'ut as he #as beginning to #rite, they announced, CThe 1ar uis of !u has sent *ua 2in as an envoy and presented a memorial to appoint ,iu 'ei Imperial 7rotector of 9ingDhou. Sun &uan(s sister is no# ,iu 'ei(s #ife, #hile on the River *an, the greater part of the nine territories is under ,iu 'ei(s rule.C )ao )ao #as seiDed #ith ua$ing fear at the ne#s and thre# the pen on the floor. )heng Bu said to him, CO 7rime 1inister, you have been among fighting soldiers by myriads and in danger from stones and arro#s many a time and never uailed. Fo# the ne#s that ,iu 'ei has got possession of a small tract of country thro#s you into a panic. !hy is it thusGC )ao )ao replied, C,iu 'ei is a dragon among humans. +ll his life hitherto he has never found his element, but no# that he has obtained 9ingDhou@ It is as if the dragon, once captive, had escaped to the mighty deep. There is good reason for me to ua$e #ith fear.C CDo you $no# the reason of the coming of *ua 2inGC said )heng Bu. CFo; I $no# not,C said the 7rime 1inister. C,iu 'ei is Sun &uan(s one terror, and Sun &uan #ould attac$ ,iu 'ei #ere it not for you, O 7rime 1inister. Sun &uan feels you #ould fall upon him #hile he #as smiting his enemy.

!herefore he has ta$en this means of calming ,iu 'ei(s suspicions and fears and at the same time directing your enmity to#ard ,iu 'ei and from himself.C )ao )ao nodded. CBes,C he said. )heng Bu continued, CFo# this is my plan to set Sun &uan and ,iu 'ei at one another and give you the opportunity to destroy both. It can be done easily.C C!hat is your planGC as$ed )ao )ao. CThe one prop of the South ,and is "hou Bu. Remove it by memorialiDing that "hou Bu be appointed 8overnor of Fan>un. Then get )heng 7u made 8overnor of 9iangAia, and cause the 4mperor to retain this *ua 2in in the capital to a#ait some important post. "hou Bu #ill assuredly attac$ ,iu 'ei, and that #ill be our chance. Is not the scheme goodGC C3riend )heng Bu, you are a man after my o#n heart.C !herefore )ao )ao summoned the emissary from the South ,and and over#helmed him #ith gifts. That day #as the last of the feastings and merry6ma$ings; and )ao )ao, #ith all the company, returned to the capital #here he forth#ith presented a memorial assigning "hou Bu and )heng 7u to the governorships of Fan>un and 9iangAia, and *ua 2in #as retained at the capital #ith a post of ministry. The messenger bearing the commissions for their ne# offices #ent do#n to the South ,and, and both "hou Bu and )heng 7u accepted the appointments. *aving ta$en over his command, the former thought all the more of the revenge he contemplated and, to bring matters to a head, he #rote to Sun &uan as$ing him to send ,u Su and rene# the demand for the rendition of 9ingDhou. !herefore ,u Su #as summoned, and his master said to him, CBou are the guarantor in the loan of 9ingDhou to ,iu 'ei. *e still delays to return it, and ho# long am I to #aitGC CThe #riting said plainly that the rendition #ould follo# the occupation of BiDhou.C Sun &uan shouted bac$, CBes, it said so= 'ut so far they have not moved a soldier to the attac$. I #ill not #ait till old age has come to us all.C CI #ill go and in uireGC said ,u Su. So he #ent do#n into a ship and sailed to 9ingDhou. 1ean#hile ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang #ere at 9ingDhou gathering in supplies from all sides, drilling their troops, and training their armies. 3rom all uarters people of learning floc$ed to their side. In the midst of this they heard of ,u Su(s coming, and ,iu 'ei as$ed "huge ,iang #hat he thought.

"huge ,iang replied, C9ust lately Sun &uan concerned himself #ith getting you appointed Imperial 7rotector of 9ingDhou@ That #as calculated to inspire )ao )ao #ith fear. )ao )ao obtained for "hou Bu the governorship of Fan>un@ That #as designed to stir up strife bet#een our t#o houses and set us fighting so that he might accomplish his o#n ends. This visit of ,u Su means that "hou Bu, having ta$en over his ne# governorship, #ishes to force us out of this place.C CThen ho# shall #e replyGC CIf ,u Su introduces the sub>ect, you #ill at once set up loud lamentations. !hen the sound of lamentation is at its height, I #ill appear and tal$ over your visitor.C Thus they planned, and ,u Su #as duly received #ith all honor. !hen the salutations #ere over and host and guest #ere about to be seated, ,u Su said, CSir, no# that you are the husband of a daughter of !u, you have become my lord, and I dare not sit in your presence.C ,iu 'ei laughed. CBou are an old friend,C said he. C!hy this eAcessive humilityGC So ,u Su too$ his seat. +nd #hen tea had been served, the guest said, CI have come at the order of my master to discuss the sub>ect of 9ingDhou. Bou, O Imperial Hncle, have had the use of the place for a long time. Fo# that your t#o houses are allied by marriage, there should be the most friendly relations bet#een you t#o, and you should hand it bac$ to my master.C +t this ,iu 'ei covered his face and began to cry. C!hat is the matterGC as$ed the guest. ,iu 'ei only #ept the more bitterly. Then "huge ,iang came in from behind a screen, saying, CI have been listening. Do you $no# #hy my lord #eeps so bitterlyGC CReally I $no# not.C C'ut it is easy to see. !hen my lord got the temporary occupation of 9ingDhou, he gave the promise to return it #hen he had got the !est River ,and. 'ut reflect. ,iu "hang of BiDhou is my lord(s younger brother, and both of them are blood relations of the ruling family. If my lord #ere to move an army to capture another region, he fears the blame of the ignorant. +nd if he yields this place before he has another, #here could he restG Bet #hile he retains this place, it seems to shame you. The thing is hard on both sides, and that is #hy he #eeps so bitterly.C The close of "huge ,iang(s speech seemed to move ,iu 'ei to greater grief, for he beat his breast and stamped his feet and #ept yet more bitterly.

,u Su attempted to console him, saying, C'e not so distressed, O Hncle. ,et us hear #hat "huge ,iang can propose.C "huge ,iang said, CI #ould beg you to return to your master and tell him all. Tell him of this great trouble, and entreat him to let us stay here a little longer.C C'ut suppose he refuses@ !hat thenGC said ,u Su. C*o# can he refuse since he is related by marriage to my masterGC said "huge ,iang. CI shall eApect to hear glad tidings through you.C ,u Su #as really the first of generous people. Seeing ,iu 'ei in such distress, he could do no other than consent and say he #ould do so. ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang both than$ed him most cordially, and after a ban uet the emissary #ent do#n into his ship to return. On the #ay ,u Su called in to see "hou Bu at )haisang and told him. 'ut "hou Bu stamped his foot #ith rage and said, C1y friend, you have been fooled again. ,ong ago #hen ,iu 'ei #as dependent on ,iu 'iao, he al#ays cherished the intention to supplant him. Thin$ you that he really pities ,iu "hangG This sort of evasive policy #ill certainly cause you much trouble. *o#ever, I have a scheme #hich I thin$ "huge ,iang #ill not be able to get the better of. Only you #ill have to ma$e another >ourney.C CI should be pleased to hear your fine scheme,C said ,u Su. CDo not go to see our master. Return to 9ingDhou and say to ,iu 'ei that since his family and the Suns are related by marriage, they really form but one house, and since he has ualms about attac$ing the #est, #e #ill do it for him. Thus, the South ,and #ill march an army under this preteAt, but really go to 9ingDhou, and #e shall ta$e him unprepared. The road to the #est runs through his city, and #e #ill call upon him for supplies. *e #ill come out to than$ the army, and #e #ill assassinate him #hereby #e shall revenge ourselves and at the same time remove a source of future evil.C This seemed an eAcellent plan to ,u Su, and he returned at once to 9ingDhou. 'efore receiving him, ,iu 'ei tal$ed over the matter #ith his adviser. Said "huge ,iang, C,u Su has not seen the 1ar uis of !u. *e has called in at )haisang, and he and "hou Bu have decided upon some scheme, #hich he is to tal$ you into accepting. *o#ever, let him tal$. Bou, my lord, only #atch me; and #hen I nod my head, then you agree to #hatever he may propose.C ,u Su #as then admitted and said, CThe 1ar uis of !u praises the noble virtue of the Imperial Hncle; and after consultation #ith his officers, he has determined to ta$e the #estern country on the Imperial Hncle(s behalf and, that done, 9ingDhou can be eAchanged for it #ithout further delay.

*o#ever, #hen the army marches through, it #ill be eApected of you to contribute some necessary supplies.C "huge ,iang here nodded his head rapidly, at the same time saying, C!e could hardly have hoped for such $indness.C +nd ,iu 'ei saluted #ith >oined hands and said, CThis is due to your friendly efforts on our behalf.C C!hen the brave army arrives, #e shall certainly come out to meet it and entertain the soldiers,C said "huge ,iang. ,u Su felt great satisfaction and #as uite happy at his success. *e too$ his leave and #ent home#ard. 'ut ,iu 'ei as yet did not understand. C!hat is their intentionGC said he. *is adviser smiled, saying, C"hou Bu(s end is very near. The ruse he is no# trying #ould not ta$e in a child.C C!hyGC CThis is the ruse $no#n as ('orro# a Road to Destroy the *ost(. Hnder the pretense of ta$ing the #est, they intend to capture this place; and #hen you go out to compliment the army, you #ill be seiDed and they #ill dash into the city #hich they hope to find unprepared.C C+nd #hat are #e to doGC C*ave no anAiety, my lord. +ll #e have to do is to prepare a hidden bo# to get the fierce tiger; to spread the enticing bait to hoo$ the great leviathan. !ait till "hou Bu comes. If he is not $illed, he #ill be nine6tenths a corpse. !e #ill call in "hao Bun for orders and give him secret instructions, and I #ill dispose the others.C +nd ,iu 'ei #as glad. ,et "hou Bu lay #hat plans he #ill, "huge ,iang anticipates his s$ill; That land of rivers fair bait did loo$, 'ut he forgot the hidden hoo$. ,u Su hastened bac$ to "hou Bu to tell him that all #as going as he desired and ,iu 'ei #ould come out to #elcome the army. "hou Bu laughed #ith glee, saying, C+t last= Fo# they #ill fall into my trap.C

"hou Bu bade ,u Su prepare a petition for the information of the 1ar uis, and he ordered )heng 7u to bring up reinforcements. *e himself had nearly recovered from the arro# #ound and felt #ell. *e made his dispositions for the advance, appointing 8an Fing Van ,eader, 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng the )ommanders of the body, and ,ing Tong and ,u 1eng Rear 8uards. The army numbered fifty thousand troops, and "hou Bu marched #ith the second division. !hile voyaging in his ship, he #as al#ays smiling to thin$ ho# he #as to have "huge ,iang at last. +t 2ia$ou he in uired, CIs there anyone to #elcome the brave armyGC They told him, CThe Imperial Hncle has sent 1i "hu to greet us.C +nd 1i "hu #as called. C!hat of the preparations for the armyGC as$ed "hou Bu as soon as 1i "hu came. C1y master has seen to that. +ll is prepared,C said 1i "hu. C!here is the Imperial HncleGC as$ed "hou Bu. C*e is at the city of 9ingDhou, #aiting outside the #alls to offer you the cup of greeting.C CThis eApedition is on your account,C said "hou Bu. C!hen one underta$es so long a march and such a tas$, the re#ards for the army must be very substantial.C *aving got this idea of #hat "hou Bu eApected, 1i "hu returned to his o#n city, #hile the southern battle ships in close order sailed up the river and too$ their places along the ban$. +s they #ent on, the most perfect tran uillity seemed to reign on all sides. Fot a ship #as visible any#here, and no one hindered. "hou Bu pressed for#ard till he came uite near 9ingDhou, and still the #ide river lay calm. 'ut the spies #ho came bac$ reported t#o #hite flags flying on the city #alls. Still not a person #as seen, and "hou Bu began to feel suspicious. *e had his ship navigated in shore, and he himself landed on the ban$, #here he mounted a horse and, #ith a small army of three thousand veterans under 8an Fing, 2u Sheng, and Ding 3eng, traveled along the land road. 'y and bye he came to the city #all. There #as no sign of life. Reining in his steed, he bade them challenge the gate. Then someone from the #all as$ed, C!ho is thereGC The soldiers of the South ,and replied, CThe )ommander6in6)hief of the South ,and, "hou Bu, in person.C Immediately #as heard the thud of a club, and the #all became alive #ith troops all armed. +nd from the to#er came out "hao Bun #ho said, C!hy are you here, 8eneralGC

CI am going to ta$e the #est for you,C replied "hou Bu. CDo you not $no#GC CThe Directing Instructor $no#s that you #ant to try the ruse of ('orro# a Road to Destroy the *ost(. +nd so he stationed me here. +nd my master bade me say that he and the ruler of the !est River ,and are both members of the reigning family so that he could not thin$ of such baseness as attac$ing BiDhou. If you people of the South ,and do so, he #ill be forced to go a#ay into the mountains and become a recluse. *e could not bear to lose the confidence of human$ind.C +t this "hou Bu turned his horse as if to return. 9ust then his scouts came up to report@ C+rmed bands are moving to#ard us from all four sides, led by 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, *uang "hong, and !ei Ban. Their number is un$no#n, but the sound of their tramping sha$es the heavens. They say they #ant to capture the )ommander6in6)hief.C +t these tidings "hou Bu(s eAcitement became so intense that he fell to the ground #ith a great cry, and the old #ound reopened. The game #as no# too deep; in vain he sought + countermove; his efforts came to nought. ,ater chapters #ill sho# #hat #as "hou Bu(s fate. Chapter 26 S#eeping *ragon =o&rns 1t Chaisang; +o&ng Phoeni8 Intervenes 1t -ei4ang' In the last chapter it #as said that a sudden rage filled the bosom of "hou Bu, and he fell to the ground. Then he #as carried to his boat. It only added to his rage and mortification to be told that ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang could be seen on the top of one of the hills apparently feasting and en>oying some music. *e lay grinding his teeth #ith veAation. CThey say I shall never be able to get BiDhou= 'ut I #ill666I s#ear I #ill.C Soon after Sun &uan(s brother Sun *u arrived, and "hou Bu told him his veAations. C1y brother sent me to assist you,C said Sun *u. "hou Bu ordered Sun *u to press the army for#ard for BiDhou, and they got to 'a iu. There they stopped, for the scouts reported large forces under ,iu 'ei(s generals666,iu 3eng and 8uan 7ing666 barring the #ater route in the 8reat River. This failure did not ma$e the )ommander6in6)hief any calmer. +bout this time a letter from "huge ,iang arrived, #hich ran li$e this@

CSince our parting at )haisang I have thought of you often. Fo# comes to me a report that you desire to ta$e the !est River ,and, #hich I regret to say I consider impossible. The people there are strong, and the country is precipitous and defensible. Imperial 7rotector ,iu "hang may be #ea$ #ithin, but he is strong enough to defend himself. CFo# indeed, 8eneral, you #ould go far and you #ould render great services, yet can anyone foretell the final resultG Fo; not even !u &i the 8reat 8eneral could say for certain, nor could Sun "i the 3amed Strategist be sure of a successful issue. )ao )ao suffered severe defeat at the Red )liffs. Thin$ you he #ill ever cease to hope for revengeG Fo# if you underta$e a long eApedition, #ill he not seiDe the occasion to fall upon the South ,and and grind it to po#derG Such a deed #ould be more than I could bear, and I venture to #arn you of the possible danger if haply you may condescend to regard it.C The letter made "hou Bu feel very sorro#ful, and he sighed deeply. *e called for paper and in$ and #rote to the 1ar uis of !u. *aving done this, he said to his assembled officers, CI have honestly tried to do my best for our house, but my end is at hand. The number of my days is accomplished. Bou must continue to aid our master till his end shall be achieved66666C *e stopped, for he had s#ooned. Slo#ly he regained consciousness; and as he loo$ed up to heaven, he sighed heavily, CO 8od, since thou made "hou Bu, #hy did thou also create "huge ,iangGC Soon after he passed a#ay. *e #as only thirty6siA. The battle at the Red )liffs made him famous; Though young in years he gained a veteran(s reputation. Deep feeling, his music declared its intensity; Subtle, #ith eAcess hospitality he foiled a plot; 7ersuasive, he obtained a large gift of grain from ,u Su; )apable, he led an army of millions. 'a iu #as his deathbed, there his fate met him. Sadly indeed they mourned him. +fter his death his generals sent his dying memorial to the 1ar uis of !u, #ho #as most deeply affected and #ept aloud at the sad tidings of his death. !hen Sun &uan opened the letters, he sa# that ,u Su #as named as the dead general(s successor, This is the letter@ C7ossessing but ordinary abilities, there #as no reason #hy I should have been the recipient of your confidence and high office, but I have not spared myself in the leadership of the great army under my command that thereby I might prove my gratitude. Bet none can measure life, and the number of our days is ordained by fate. 'efore I could achieve even my poor intentions, my feeble

body has failed me. I regret it #ithout measure. I die #ith )ao )ao threatening and our northern borders disturbed, and #ith ,iu 'ei in your family as though you #ere feeding a fierce tiger. Fone can foretell the fate of the empire in these nervous days of stress and of peculiar anAiety for you. C,u Su is most loyal, careful in all matters and a fitting man to succeed to my office. !hen a person is near death, his #ords are #ise. If I may haply retain your regard, I may die but I shall not decay.C C"hou Bu should have been a $ing(s counselor=C cried Sun &uan, amid his tears. C*e has left me alas= too soon, and #hom have I to lean uponG 'ut he recommends ,u Su, and I can do nothing better than ta$e that advice.C !hereupon Sun &uan appointed ,u Su to the vacant command, )ommandership6in6)hief. Sun &uan also sa# that the coffin of his beloved general #as sent to )haisang ready for the funeral sacrifices. The night of "hou Bu(s death, "huge ,iang #as gaDing up at the heavens #hen he sa# a star of a general fall to the earth. C"hou Bu is dead,C said he #ith a smile. +t da#n he sent to tell ,iu 'ei, #ho sent people to find out, and they came bac$ to say it #as true that "hou Bu had died. CFo# that this has come to pass, #hat should #e doGC said ,iu 'ei. C,u Su #ill succeed,C said "huge ,iang. C+nd I see in the heavens signs of an assembly of generals in the southeast, so I shall go there. The mourning for "hou Bu #ill serve as a preteAt. I may find some able leaders there to be of help to you.C CI am afraid lest the generals of the South ,and harm you,C said ,iu 'ei. C!hile "hou Bu lived, I did not fear. Is there anything to dread no# that he is goneGC *o#ever, "huge ,iang too$ "hao Bun as commander of his escort #hen he embar$ed for 'a iu, and on the road he heard of ,u Su(s succession to the late general(s post. +s the coffin of "hou Bu had been sent to )haisang, "huge ,iang continued his >ourney thither and, on landing, #as $indly received by ,u Su. The officers of the South ,and did not conceal their enmity, but the sight of the redoubtable "hao Bun, al#ays close at hand, $ept them from trying to hurt "huge ,iang. The officers brought by "huge ,iang #ere arranged in order before the bier, and he himself poured the libation. Then he $nelt and read this threnody@

C+las, "hou Bu= *apless are you in your early death. ,ength of days is in the hands of 8od, yet do humans suffer and my heart is deeply grieved for you. I pour this libation that your spirit may en>oy its fragrance. CI lament you. I lament your younger days passed in the companionship of Sun )e, #hen, preferring eternal principles to material #ealth, you abode in a humble cottage. CI lament your ripe strength #hen you guarded distant 'a iu, putting fear into the heart of ,iu 'iao, destroying rebels, and ensuring safety. CI lament the grace of your manhood. 1arried to a fair maid of the &iao family, son6in6la# of a great minister, you #ere such as #ould add luster to the *an )ourt. CI lament your resolute purpose #hen you opposed the pledge6giving to )ao )ao. +s in the beginning your #ings drooped not, so in the end your pinions spread #ide. CI lament your abandon, #hen your false friend, 9iang 8an, came to you at 7oyang ,a$e. There you manifested your lofty ideals. CI lament your magnificent talents, proved in civil administration as in military science. !ith fire attac$ing the fierce enemy at the Red )liffs, you brought his strength to #ea$ness. CI recall you as you #ere but yesterday, bold and successful, and I #eep your untimely death. 7rostrate I #eep tears of sorro#. ,oyal and upright in heart, noble and spiritual by nature, your life has been but three decades, but your fame #ill endure for ages. CI mourn for your affection. 1y bo#els #rithe #ith sorro#, and my deep6seated sadness #ill never cease. The very heavens are dar$ened; the army is sad; your lord sheds tears; your friends #eep floods. CScanty of ability am I, yet even of me you begged plans and sought schemes to aid the South ,and to repulse )ao )ao, to restore the *ans and comfort the ,ius. 'ut #ith you as the firm corner stone and your perfect dispositions, could the final result cause any anAietyG C+las, my friend= The uic$ and the dead are ever separate; they mingle never. If in the deep shades spirits have understanding, you no# read my inmost heart, yet hereafter there #ill be none on earth to comprehend. C+las, the pain= CDeign to accept this my sacrifice.C The sacrifice finished, "huge ,iang bo#ed to the ground and $eened #hile his tears gushed forth in floods. *e #as deeply moved.

Those #ho stood on guard by the bier said one to another, C7eople lied #hen they said these t#o #ere enemies. ,oo$ at the sincerity sho#n in sacrifice.C +nd ,u Su #as particularly affected by the display of feeling and thought, C7lainly "huge ,iang loved "hou Bu much, but "hou Bu #as not broadminded enough and #ould have done "huge ,iang to death.C 'efore Sleeping Dragon emerged from his Fanyang retreat, + brilliant man had descended upon this earth; Since, O +Dure *eaven, ye made "hou Bu, !hy needed Bello# 4arth produce an "huge ,iangG ,u Su gave a ban uet for "huge ,iang after #hich the guest left. 9ust as "huge ,iang #as embar$ing, his arm #as clutched by a person in Taoist dress #ho said #ith a smile, CBou eAasperated literally to death the man #hose body lies up there. To come here as a mourner is an open insult to the South ,and. It is as good as to say they have no other left.C "huge ,iang turned to loo$, and he sa# it #as no other than 7ang Tong, or the Boung 7hoeniA. Then "huge ,iang laughed in his turn, and they t#o hand in hand #ent do#n into the ship, #here they tal$ed heart to heart for a long time. 'efore leaving, "huge ,iang gave his friend a letter and said, CI do not thin$ that Sun &uan #ill use you as you merit. If you find life here distasteful, then you may come to 9ingDhou and help to support my master. *e is liberal and virtuous and #ill not disdain #hat you have spent your life in learning.C Then they parted, and "huge ,iang #ent alone to 9ingDhou. ,u Su had the coffin of "hou Bu ta$en to !uhu, #here Sun &uan received it #ith sacrifices and lamentations. The dead leader #as buried in his native place. "hou Bu(s family consisted of t#o sons and a daughter, the children being named "hou 2un, "hou Bin, and "hou Bing. Sun &uan treated them #ith generosity and tenderness. ,u Su #as not satisfied that he #as the fittest successor to his late chief and said, C"hou Bu #as not right in recommending me, for I have not the re uisite ability and am unfitted for this post. 'ut I can commend to you a certain able man, conversant #ith all $no#ledge, and a most capable strategist, not inferior to the old 8uan "hong or Bue Bi, one #hose plans are as good as those of Sun "i and !u &i, the most famous masters of the +rt of !ar. "hou Bu often too$ his advice, and "huge ,iang believes in him. +nd he is at hand.C This #as good ne#s for Sun &uan, #ho as$ed the man(s name, and #hen he heard it #as 7ang Tong or Boung 7hoeniA, he replied, CBes; I $no# him by reputation. ,et him come.C

!hereupon 7ang Tong #as invited to the palace and introduced. The formal salutations over, Sun &uan #as disappointed #ith the man(s appearance, #hich #as indeed eAtraordinary. 7ang Tong had bushy eyebro#s, a turned6up nose, and a stubby beard. So Sun &uan #as pre>udiced against 7ang Tong. C!hat have you studied,C as$ed Sun &uan, Cand #hat are you master ofGC 7ang Tong replied, COne must not be narro# and obstinate; one must change #ith circumstances.C C*o# does your learning compare #ith that of "hou BuGC as$ed Sun &uan. C1y learning is not to be compared #ith his in the least. 1ine is far greater.C Fo# Sun &uan had al#ays loved his late general, and he could not bear to hear him disparaged. This speech of 7ang Tong only increased his disli$e. So Sun &uan said, CBou may retire, Sir. I #ill send for you #hen I can employ you.C 7ang Tong uttered one long sigh and #ent a#ay. !hen he had gone, ,u Su said, C1y lord, #hy not employ himGC C!hat good #ould resultG *e is >ust one of those mad fello#s.C C*e did good service at the Red )liffs fight, ho#ever, for it #as he #ho got )ao )ao to chain his ships together.C CIt #as simply that )ao )ao #ished to chain his ships together. Fo credit #as due to this fello#. In any case I give you my #ord that I #ill not employ him. That much is certain.C ,u Su #ent out and eAplained to 7ang Tong that the failure #as not due to lac$ of recommendation, but simply a #him of Sun &uan, and he must put up #ith it. The disappointed suitor hung his head and sighed many times #ithout spea$ing. CI fear you are doomed to constant disappointment here,C said ,u Su. CThere is nothing you can hope for, ehGC 'ut still 7ang Tong #as silent. C!ith your #onderful gifts, of course you #ill be successful #hithersoever you may go. Bou may ta$e my #ord for that. 'ut to #hom #ill you goGC CI thin$ I #ill >oin )ao )ao,C said 7ang Tong suddenly.

CThat #ould be hinging a gleaming pearl into dar$ness. Rather go to ,iu 'ei, #ho #ould appreciate you and employ you fittingly.C CThe truth is that I have been thin$ing of this for a long time,C said 7ang Tong. CI #as only >o$ing >ust no#.C CI #ill give you a letter to ,iu 'ei. +nd if you go to him, you must try to maintain peace bet#een him and my lord and get them to act together against )ao )ao.C CThat has been the one desire of my life.C 7ang Tong too$ the letter offered by ,u Su and soon made his #ay to 9ingDhou )ity. *e arrived at a moment that "huge ,iang #as absent on an inspection >ourney, but the door$eeper announced him and said he had come to thro# in his lot #ith ,iu 'ei. *e #as received, for he #as no stranger in name. !hen 7ang Tong #as admitted, he made the ordinary salutation but did not ma$e an obeisance and this, coupled #ith his ugly face, did not please his host. CBou have come a long and arduous >ourney,C said ,iu 'ei. +t this point the suitor should have produced his letters from "huge ,iang and ,u Su, but did not. Instead he replied, CI hear, O Imperial Hncle, that you are #elcoming the #ise and receiving scholars, #herefore I have come to >oin your service.C CThe country is decently peaceful no#, and unfortunately there is no office vacant. 'ut a#ay to the northeast there is a small magistracy, ,eiyang, #hich needs a chief. I can offer you that post until there should be something more fitting.C 7ang Tong thought this rather poor #elcome for a person of his talent. 'ut his friend #as absent, so he could do nothing but control his annoyance and accept. *e too$ his leave and started. 'ut #hen he arrived at his post, he paid no attention to business at all. *e gave himself up entirely to dissipation. The taAes #ere not collected nor #ere la#suits decided. Fe#s of this reaching ,iu 'ei, #ho #as angry and said, C*ere is this stiff6nec$ed pedant thro#ing my administration into disorder.C So ,iu 'ei sent "hang 3ei to the county #ith orders to ma$e a general inspection of the #hole county and loo$ into any irregularities and disorders. 'ut as ,iu 'ei thought there might be some tact needed, Sun &ian #as also sent as coad>utor. In due course the in uisitors arrived at ,eiyang, #here they #ere received by the officials and #elcomed by the people at the boundary. 'ut the 1agistrate did not appear.

C!here is the 1agistrateGC as$ed "hang 3ei. C4ver since his arrival, a hundred days ago and more, he has attended to no business, but spends his days from morn to night in #ine6bobbing and is al#ays intoAicated. 9ust no# he is sleeping off a debauch and is not yet risen.C This raised "hang 3ei(s choler, and he #ould have dismissed the offender forth#ith had not his colleague said, C7ang Tong is a man of great ability, and it #ould be #rong to deal #ith him thus summarily. ,et us in uire into it. If he is really so guilty, #e #ill punish his offense.C So they #ent to the magistracy, too$ their seats in the *all of 9ustice, and summoned the 1agistrate before them. *e came #ith dress all disordered and still under the influence of #ine. C1y brother too$ you for a decent person,C said "hang 3ei, angrily, Cand sent you here as magistrate. *o# dare you thro# the affairs of the county into disorderGC CDo you thin$ I have done as you say, 8eneralGC said 7ang Tong. C!hat affairs have I disorderedGC CBou have been here over a hundred days and spent the #hole time in dissipation. Is not that disorderlyGC C!here #ould be the difficulty in dealing #ith the business of a trifling county li$e thisG I pray you, 8eneral, sit do#n for a #hile till I have settled the cases.C Thereupon 7ang Tong bade the cler$s bring in all the arrears and he #ould settle them at once. So they brought in the piles of papers and ordered the suitors to appear. They came and $nelt in the hall #hile the magistrate, brush in hand, noted this and minuted that, all the #hile listening to the pleadings. Soon all the difficulties and disputes #ere ad>usted, and never a mista$e #as made, as the satisfied bo#s of the people proved. 'y midday the #hole of the cases #ere disposed of, and the arrears of the hundred days settled and decided. This done, the 1agistrate thre# aside his pen and turned to the in uisitors, saying, C!here is the disorderG !hen I can ta$e on )ao )ao and Sun &uan as easily as I can read this paper, #hat attention from me is needed for the business of this paltry placeGC "hang 3ei #as astonished at the man(s ability, rose from his seat, and crossed over, saying, CBou are indeed a marvel, 1aster. I have not treated you respectfully enough, but no# I shall commend you to my brother #ith all my might.C Then 7ang Tong dre# forth ,u Su(s letter and sho#ed it to "hang 3ei. C!hy did you not sho# this to my brother #hen you first sa# himGC as$ed "hang 3ei.

CIf I had had a chance, I #ould have done so. 'ut is it li$ely that one #ould >ust ta$e advantage of a letter of commendation to ma$e a visitGC "hang 3ei turned to his colleague and said, CBou >ust saved a #ise man for us.C Sun &ian and "hang 3ei left the magistracy and returned to ,iu 'ei to #hom they related #hat had happened. ,iu 'ei then seemed to be conscious of his error and said, CI have been #rong. I have behaved un>ustly to a learned person.C "hang 3ei then gave his brother the letter in #hich ,u Su had recommended 7ang Tong. Opening it he read@ C7ang Tong is not the sort of person to be met #ith in any day(s march. 4mploy him in some capacity #here eAtra ordinary talent is re uired, and his po#ers #ill declare themselves. 'e#are of >udging him by his loo$s, or you may lose the advantage of his abilities, and some other #ill gain him. This #ould be a misfortune.C !hile ,iu 'ei #as feeling cast do#n at the mista$e he had made, as sho#n by the letter, they announced the return of "huge ,iang. Soon "huge ,iang entered the hall, and the first uestion he put after the formal salutations #as@ CIs Directing6Instructor 7ang Tong uite #ellGC C*e is in charge of ,eiyang,C replied ,iu 'ei, C#here he is given to #ine and neglects his business.C "huge ,iang laughed, saying, C1y friend 7ang Tong has eAtraordinary abilities and ten times my $no#ledge. I gave him a letter for you, my lord. Did he present itGC CThis very day I have received a letter, but from ,u Su. I have had no letter #ritten by you.C C!hen a person of transcendent abilities is sent to a paltry post, he al#ays turns to #ine out of simple ennui,C said "huge ,iang. CIf it had not been for #hat my brother said, I should have lost a great scholar,C said ,iu 'ei. Then he lost no time, but sent "hang 3ei off to the northeast to re uest 7ang Tong to come to 9ingDhou )ity. !hen he arrived, ,iu 'ei #ent out to meet him and at the foot of the steps as$ed pardon for his mista$e. Then 7ang Tong produced the letter that "huge ,iang had given him. !hat ,iu 'ei read therein #as this@ C+s soon as the Boung 7hoeniA shall arrive, he should be given an important post.C

,iu 'ei re>oiced indeed as he read it, and he said, C!ater 1irror said of the t#o men, Sleeping Dragon and Boung 7hoeniA, that any man #ho obtained the help of either of them could restore the empire #hen he #ould. +s I no# have them both, surely the *ans #ill rise again.C Then he appointed 7ang Tong as Vice Directing Instructor and 8eneral, and the t#o strategists began training the army for its #or$ of sub>ugation. Fe#s of these doings came to the capital, 2uchang, and )ao )ao #as told of ,iu 'ei(s t#o strategists and of the army in training and the stores accumulating and the league bet#een his t#o chief enemies. +nd he $ne# that he had to eApect an attac$ sooner or later. So he summoned his strategists to a council for a ne# campaign. Said 2un Bu, CSun &uan should be first attac$ed, because of the recent death of their ablest general "hou Bu. ,iu 'ei #ill follo#.C )ao )ao replied, CIf I go on such a distant eApedition, 1a Teng #ill fall upon the capital. !hile I #as at the Red )liffs, there #ere sinister rumors of this, and I must guard against it.C 2un Bu said, CThe best thing that occurs to me is to obtain for 1a Teng the title of 8eneral !ho Subdues the South and send him against the South ,and. Thus he can be enticed to the capital and got rid of. Then you can have no fear of marching south#ard.C )ao )ao approved, and soon 1a Teng #as summoned from 2iliang, a frontier territory in the #est. 1a Teng #as a descendant of the famous leader 1a Buan%, 8eneral !ho &uells the !aves. *is father(s name #as 1a Sui. 1a Sui had held a minor magistracy in Tianshui in the reign of 4mperor *uan, but had lost it and drifted #est into the !est Valley ,and #here he got amongst the &iang 7eoples, one of #hose #omen he too$ to #ife. She bore him a son, 1a Teng. 1a Teng #as rather over the common height, and bold6loo$ing. *e #as of a mild disposition and very popular. 'ut in the reign of 4mperor ,ing, these &iangs made trouble, and then 1a Teng raised a force and put it do#n. 3or his services he received the tile of 8eneral !ho )orrects the !est. *e and *an Sui, #ho #as $no#n as )ommander !ho 8uards the !est, #ere pledged brothers. On receipt of the summons to the capital, 1a Teng too$ his eldest son, 1a )hao, into his confidence and told him some of his former life. C!hen Dong )heng got the 8irdle 4dict from the 4mperor, #e formed a society, of #hich ,iu 'ei #as one, pledged to put do#n rebellion. *o#ever, #e accomplished nothing, for Dong )heng #as put to death and ,iu 'ei #as unfortunate, #hile I escaped to the #est. *o#ever, I hear that ,iu 'ei no# holds 9ingDhou, and I am inclined to carry out the plan #e made so long ago. 'ut here I am summoned by )ao )ao and #hat is to be doneGC

1a )hao replied, C)ao )ao has the command of the 4mperor to call you. If you do not go, that #ill mean disobeying an imperial command and you #ill be punished. Obey the summons in so far as to go to the capital, #here you may be able to arrange to carry out your original intention.C 'ut 1a Teng(s nephe#, 1a Dai, held other opinions and opposed this. Said he, C)ao )ao(s designs are unfathomable. If you go, Hncle, I fear you #ill suffer.C C,et me lead the army against the capital,C said 1a )hao. C)an #e not purge the empire of evilGC 'ut his father said, CBou must ta$e command of the &iang troops for the defense of our territory here. I #ill ta$e #ith me your t#o brothers and your cousin. !hen )ao )ao $no#s that you have the &iangs at your call and that *an Sui is prepared to assist, he #ill hardly dare to #or$ any harm to me.C C3ather, if you must go, be careful not to enter the city till you $no# eAactly #hat plots and machinations are afoot.C CI #ill certainly ta$e great care, so do not be too anAious,C said the father. The order of march #as prepared. The governor too$ five thousand troops, #ith his t#o sons6661a 2iu and 1a Tie666as ,eaders of the Van and his nephe# 1a Dai bringing up the rear. These set out along the tortuous road to the capital. +t seven miles distance from 2uchang they camped. !hen )ao )ao heard of 1a Teng(s arrival, he called to him 1inister *uang 5ui and said to him, C1a Teng is to be sent against the south, and I shall send you as +dviser. Bou are first to go to his camp and eApress my congratulations on his arrival and say that as 2iliang is so distant and transport very difficult, he is not to ta$e too large an army of his o#n. I #ill send a large force. +lso tell him to come in soon for audience of the 4mperor. I #ill send him supplies.C !ith these instructions *uang 5ui #ent to 1a Teng, #ho brought out #ine and entertained him #ell. In his cups the messenger gre# confidential and said, C1y father perished at the hands of ,i 9ue and 8uo Si, and I have al#ays nourished resentment. Fo# there is another rebel in po#er #ronging our 7rince.C C!ho is thatGC as$ed 1a Teng. CThe #rong doer is that rebel )ao )ao, of course. Do you mean to say you do not $no#GC *o#ever, 1a Teng #as careful. *e thought it very li$ely that these #ords #ere but a trap for him, so he pretended to be greatly shoc$ed and begged his guest to be careful lest he be overheard. 'ut *uang 5ui cared not, shouting, CThen you have uite forgotten the 8irdle 4dict, ehGC

1a Teng began to see *uang 5ui #as sincere and presently became confidential in turn and told his guest all his schemes. C)ao )ao #ants you to go in to audience. There is no good intention there. Do not go,C said *uang 5ui. CBou lead your army up close to the city and get )ao )ao to come and revie# them. !hen he comes, assassinate him.C They t#o settled ho# this plan could be #or$ed out and the messenger, still hot #ith anger and eAcitement, returned to his home. Seeing *uang 5ui so disturbed in mind, his #ife, ,ady "hi, as$ed him #hat #as #rong. 'ut he #ould tell her nothing. *o#ever, he had a concubine, ,i )hunAiang. +nd it happened that she had an intrigue #ith the #ife(s younger brother, 1iao "e, #ho much desired to marry her. The concubine #ho also sa# her lord(s displeasure, spo$e of it to her paramour, and he told her she could probably dra# from him #hat #as #rong by a leading uestion. C+s$ him #hat is the truth about t#o men, ,iu 'ei and )ao )aoG !ho is the #ic$ed one,C suggested 1iao "e. That evening *uang 5ui #ent to the apartments of his concubine, and she presently put the uestion proposed by her lover. *er lord, still rather intoAicated, said, CBou are not an official; still you $no# right from #rong as #ell as I. 1y enemy, and the man I #ould slay if I could, is )ao )ao.C C'ut #hyG +nd if you #ish to slay him, #hy do you not do somethingGC said she. CI have done something. I have settled #ith 8eneral 1a Teng to assassinate )ao )ao at the revie#.C ,i )hunAiang of course told her paramour, #ho told )ao )ao, and )ao )ao made his arrangements to defeat the scheme. *e called up his trusty generals and gave them orders for the morro# and, this done, he arrested *uang 5ui and all his household. FeAt day, as arranged, 1a Teng and his #estern troops came close up to the #all, and among the flags and banners he discerned that of the 7rime 1inister himself, #hereby he $ne# that )ao )ao #ould hold the revie# in person. So 1a Teng rode for#ard. Suddenly a bomb eAploded, and at this signal there appeared bodies of armed troops in four directions@ Right and left, front and rear, led by 2u )hu, 2iahou Buan, )ao *ong, and 2u *uang. The #estern forces #ere uite hemmed in. 1a Teng then sa# the mista$e he had made, and he and his t#o sons fought valiantly to free themselves from the trap. The youngest son6661a Tie666soon fell in the volleys of arro#s. 3ather and son rode this #ay and that, see$ing a #ay out, but failed on every side. 'oth #ere sorely #ounded; and #hen their steeds fell from their many arro# #ounds, both #ere captured.

1a Teng, 1a 2iu, and the miserable *uang 5ui #ho could not $eep his counsel, #ere brought before )ao )ao. *uang 5ui loudly protested his innocence. )ao )ao then called in the #itness 1iao "e. CThat #orthless scoundrel has spoiled all my plans=C cried 1a Teng against *uang 5ui. CFo# I cannot slay the rebel and purge my country. 'ut it is the #ill of 8od=C 3ather and son #ere dragged forth, the father uttering volleys of abuse all the time. +nd so three men #ere eAecuted in this adventure. The sons and father share one niche of fame, 3or purest loyalty their praise the same. To their o#n hurt the rebels they #ithstood, )ontent to die to ma$e their pledges good. In blood the solemn oath they did indite To slay the #ic$ed and preserve the right. + #orthy father(s #orthy sons by #estern bride, Old !aves &ueller(s name his grandson glorified. CI desire no other re#ard than ,i )hunAiang as #ife,C said the betrayer, 1iao "e. )ao )ao smiled and said, C3or her sa$e then you have brought a #hole household to death. !hat advantage #ould there be in preserving such a miscreantGC So )ao )ao bade the eAecutioners put both the traitor and the #oman to death, #ith *uang 5ui(s household. Those #ho sa# the fearful vengeance sighed at its cruelty. Through passion base a loyal man #as slain, +nd she #ho shared his passion shared his fate; The man they served #as pitiless in hate, +nd thus a mean man(s treachery #as vain. )ao )ao did not desire to rouse the rancor of the army of 2iliang, #herefore he proclaimed to them, CThe intended treachery of your leaders #as theirs alone.C *o#ever, he sent to secure the passes so that 1a Dai should not escape. +s has been said, 1a Dai led the rearguard. 'efore long the fugitives from the main army came and told him #hat had occurred at the capital. This frightened him so much that he abandoned his army and escaped disguised as a trader. *aving slain 1a Teng, )ao )ao decided to set out on his eApedition to the south. 'ut then came the dis uieting ne#s of the military preparations of ,iu 'ei, #hose ob>ective #as said to be the #est.

This caused )ao )ao alarm, for he said, CThe bird(s #ings #ill be fully gro#n if he obtains possession of the !est River ,and.C +s )ao )ao recogniDed the difficulty, from among his counselors there arose one #ho said, CI $no# ho# to prevent ,iu 'ei and Sun &uan from helping each other, and both the south and the #est #ill be yours.C )hill death struc$ do#n the heroes of the #est, )alamity approached the bold leaders of the south. The neAt chapter #ill unfold the scheme. Chapter 27 =a Chao -a&nches 1n %8pedition For ,evenge; Cao Cao F#ees The Fie#d In *isg&ise' C!hat is this good plan of yours, friend )hen &unGC as$ed )ao )ao of the spea$er, #ho #as a civilian in his service. )hen &un replied, CBour t#o principal enemies666,iu 'ei and Sun &uan666are no# firm allies, close as lips and teeth. 'ut ,iu 'ei #ants the !est River ,and and if you, O 7rime 1inister, send a mighty host against Sun &uan, Sun &uan must as$ help from his friend ,iu 'ei, #ho, having his heart set on the #est, #ill refuse it. Sun &uan #ithout this aid cannot stand and #ill become so #ea$ that the South ,and #ill be yours for the ta$ing, and 9ingDhou #ill follo# in a tap of the drum. The #est #ill follo# and the #hole empire is yours.C CThose are my thoughts put into #ords,C replied )ao )ao. The eApeditionary force of three hundred thousand troops set out for the south. "hang ,iao of *efei #as in command of the supply department. Sun &uan speedily heard of the move and called in his advisers. +t the council "hang "hao said, C,et us send to ,u Su to tell him to #rite at once to ,iu 'ei that he may help us. They are good friends, and ,iu 'ei #ill certainly respond favorably. 'eside, since ,iu 'ei and our lord are no# connected by marriage, there is no ris$ of refusal. !ith the support of ,iu 'ei, there is no danger to our country.C Sun &uan listened to this advice and sent to ,u Su bidding him to as$ help from ,iu 'ei. +ccordingly, on receipt of this command, a letter #as #ritten to ,iu 'ei, #ho after reading it, retained the messenger at the guest6house till "huge ,iang could arrive from Fan>un. +s soon as he arrived, ,iu 'ei sho#ed him the letter.

The adviser said, CIt is not necessary for the South ,and(s troops to move, nor need #e send ours. I can prevent )ao )ao from even daring to loo$ in the southeast direction.C So "huge ,iang #rote a reply telling ,u Su@ CBou can lay aside all anAiety and rest content, for if the northern army approach, they #ill be forced bac$#ard at once.C The letter #as given to the messenger, and then ,iu 'ei as$ed his adviser, C*o# could the Instructor hope to roll bac$ the huge army of three hundred thousand troops that )ao )ao is preparing to bring southGC "huge ,iang replied, C)ao )ao(s chief fear is 2iliang. Fo# >ust lately he has slain 1a Teng and his sons as #ell, and the people of 2iliang are grinding their teeth #ith rage. Fo# you must #rite and as$ 1a )hao to march through the pass, and )ao )ao #ill have no leisure to thin$ of any eApedition to the south.C The letter #as #ritten, sent by a trusty hand, and duly delivered. Fo# 1a )hao #as in 2iliang. One night he had a vision. In his dream he sa# himself lying out on a sno#y plain and many tigers #ere coming up and biting him. *e a#o$e in a fright and began to #onder #hat the dream portended. 3ailing to eAplain it, he told the dream to his officers. One of them ventured to say the portent #as evil. This #as 8eneral 7ang De. C!hat is your interpretationGC as$ed 1a )hao. C1eeting #ith tigers on a sno#y plain is a very inauspicious sub>ect to dream about. +ssuredly our old 8eneral is in trouble at the capital.C +nd at that moment one entered in hot haste and cast himself on the earth, #eeping and crying, CThe Hncle and his sons are dead=C It #as 1a Dai, the nephe# of 1a Teng. +nd he told the story of the evil@ CHncle 1a Teng and *uang 5ui had planned to assassinate )ao )ao, but the plot had miscarried and become $no#n. 1a Tie fell in the battlefield, Hncle 1a Teng and 1a 2iu #ere put to death in the mar$et place, and I escaped in disguise.C 1a )hao fell to the ground and #ept bitterly, grinding his teeth #ith rage at his enemy )ao )ao. They lifted him to his feet and led him a#ay to repose. Soon after arrived a messenger #ith a letter from ,iu 'ei, #hich read li$e this@ CIn these latter days of the hapless *ans, #hen the rebellious and tyrannical )ao )ao monopoliDes all po#er, to the in>ury of the 4mperor and the #retchedness of the people, I, ,iu 'ei, recall that your father and I #ere recipients of an edict and #e s#ore to eAterminate the recreant. Fo# your

father has suffered death at the hands of the tyrant, and you must avenge him. +s the holy boo$s say, you cannot let the same s$y cover you nor the same sunshine upon you and your father(s murderer. If you can lead your army to attac$ )ao )ao on one side, I #ill march my armies to prevent his retreat, and he #ill be ta$en, and all his evil cre# can be eAterminated. Then and thus #ill your father be avenged, and the *ans can be restored. I might add more, but I #ill a#ait your reply.C !iping his tears, 1a )hao #rote a reply #hich #as returned by the bearer. The 2iliang army #as then mustered; horse and foot #ere assembled. 9ust before the day that had been fiAed for the start, the Imperial 7rotector of 2iDhou, *an Sui, sent for 1a )hao, to #hom he sho#ed a letter from )ao )ao promising the ,ordship of 2iliang as a re#ard for sending 1a )hao a prisoner to the capital. C'ind us both, Hncle, and send us thither= Bou need not move a single spear,C said the younger man prostrating himself. 'ut *an Sui raised him, saying, CBour father and I #ere s#orn brothers. Thin$ you I #ould harm youG Rather #ill I help if you are going to fight.C 1a )hao eApressed his gratitude. The unhappy bearer of )ao )ao(s letter #as dragged forth and beheaded. This done, the t#o too$ count of their armies. *an Sui had eight divisions under eight commanders666Bang &iu, )heng Bin, *ou 2uan, ,iang 2ing, )heng Bi, ,i 5an, 1a !an, and "hang *an666all to be relied upon to follo# *an Sui. 1a )hao had t#o leaders, 7ang De and 1a Dai. The total force #as t#o hundred thousand troops #ith #hich the commanders march to )hangan. The 8overnor of that city #as "hong Bao. +s soon as he heard #hat #as afoot, he sent a fleet messenger to )ao )ao and prepared for defense. *e led his force out into the open plain and arrayed it for battle. 1a Dai, #ith fifteen thousand, came on first, pouring over the countryside li$e a flood. "hong Bao #ould parley #ith him, but 1a Dai came for#ard, s#ord in hand, to attac$. *o#ever, the defender did not ta$e the challenge but turned and fled. 1a Dai follo#ed in pursuit. Soon the main body of the invaders arrived, and they surrounded the city, #hich "hong Bao set about defending. )hangan had been the capital of the !estern *an and so #as #ell fortified #ith a solid #all and a deep moat, safe against the most terrific attac$s. The ne# armies besieged the city for ten days #ithout success. Then 7ang De proposed a plan. Said he, CSince the land about the city is barren and the #ater bitter, the people must have communication #ith the country around in order to live. 3urther they have no fuel. Ten days of siege must have eAhausted the supplies in the city, #herefore if #e relaA for a time666#ell, you #ill see. !e shall capture the city #ithout moving a finger.C

CBour plan seems eAcellent,C said 1a )hao, #hen he heard #hat it #as. Thereupon they sent orders to each division to retire, and 1a )hao covered the retreat. FeAt day "hong Bao #ent up on the #alls to loo$ around and sa# that the besiegers had gone. *o#ever, suspecting a ruse, he sent out spies, #ho returned to say the soldiers had really moved a#ay to a distance. !herefore he felt much relieved and allo#ed both soldiers and people to go out into the country to cut the much needed fire#ood and bring in #ater. The city gates, thro#n #ide open, #ere thronged #ith those passing in and out. This continued for five days, and then they heard that 1a )hao(s army #as returning. + panic ensued. The people rushed into the city, and the gates #ere once more barred. The 8eneral of the #est gate #as "hong 9ing, brother of "hong Bao. +bout the third #atch of the night, a torch #as seen moving >ust inside the gate; and #hen "hong 9ing #ent to see #hat #as #rong, and #as passing the gate#ay, a man suddenly galloped up and slashed at him #ith a s#ord. +t the same time the attac$er shouted, C*ere is 7ang De=C "hong 9ing #as ta$en abac$, could not defend himself and #as cut do#n. The gate guard #as soon disposed of, the gates #ere shattered, and the soldiers of 1a )hao and *an Sui came pouring in. "hong Bao escaped by the opposite gate and left the city in the hands of his enemies. *e reached Tong 7ass, #here he fortified himself and sent ne#s of the misfortune to )ao )ao. )ao )ao thre# aside all plans for his eApedition to the south #hen )hangan #as lost. *e at once gave orders, C)ao *ong and 2u *uang are to march your ten thousand troops to Tong 7ass to support "hong Bao. Bou are to hold the 7ass at all costs for ten days, or you #ill pay for its loss #ith your heads. +fter ten days the 7ass #ill be no concern of yours, for I #ill be there #ith the main army.C )ao Ren said, C)ao *ong short of temper is unfitted to hold the 7ass. 4verything could happen.C )ao )ao replied, CBou #ill go to reinforce him.C )ao *ong and 2u *uang made all haste to Tong 7ass and too$ over the command from "hong Bao. They confined themselves to defense; and though 1a )hao appeared every day and reviled and shouted shameful things of the three generations of )ao )ao(s family, the guardians of the 7ass remained uiet. 'ut )ao *ong fretted at the daily insults and #ould have led the defenders out to fight had not his colleague restrained him. C1a )hao only #ishes to provo$e you to come out, but remember our orders and go not. The 7rime 1inister has some master plan.C

So spo$e 2u *uang. 'ut the advice #as hard to follo#, for 1a )hao(s soldiers too$ turns in reviling the defenders of the 7ass, resting neither day nor night. +nd 2u *uang found it hard to curb his colleague(s impatience. Thus it continued till the ninth day. Then the defenders sa# that their enemies had turned all their horses loose and #ere lolling about on the grass and sleeping as if uite fatigued. Thereupon )ao *ong bade them saddle his horse, told off three thousand troops, and soon this small force #as dashing do#n to catch the besiegers unprepared. The soldiers of 1a )hao at once fled, leaving their steeds and thro#ing aside their #eapons. )ao *ong could not resist pursuit and chased them. +t this time 2u *uang #as higher up the road ta$ing in cartloads of grain and forage. 'ut #hen he heard #hat his impulsive colleague had done, he hastily got a force together and #ent to his rescue. *e shouted to )ao *ong to return. Suddenly a great shouting arose near 2u *uang, and out dashed 1a Dai to attac$. 'oth )ao *ong and 2u *uang turned to flee, but the drums rolled and t#o bodies of troops led by 1a )hao and 7ang De came out from behind the hills. Then a battle began #hich #ent against )ao )ao(s troops from the first. They fell fast, but some of them cut an alley through the press and made for the 7ass. Their enemies flooded into the 7ass in close pursuit, and they had to abandon their post and flee #hither they could find a #ay. 7ang De pursued after )ao *ong, but )ao Ren came to his rescue and they both fled. 1a )hao and 7ang De too$ the 7ass. )ao *ong made all haste to his master to give him the evil tidings. C!hen I gave you the limit of ten days, #hy did you leave the 7ass on the ninthGC CThose soldiers from 2iliang hurled every sort of insult at us,C replied )ao *ong. C+nd #hen I thought I had them unprepared, I too$ the opportunity. 'ut I fell victim to their cunning.C CBou are young and impetuous. 'ut, 2u *uang, you ought to have $no#n.C 2u *uang said, C*e #ould not listen, though I told him many times. +nd that day I #as ta$ing in stores in another part of the 7ass. +s soon as they told me, I felt sure there #ould be some misfortune, and so I hastened after him, but it #as too late.C )ao )ao #as annoyed and ordered )ao *ong to be put to death. 'ut his colleague officers begged that he might be pardoned, and as he had confessed his fault, he #as allo#ed to go free and unpunished. )ao )ao advanced to Tong 7ass.

)ao Ren said, C!e should establish a strong stoc$ade before attac$ing.C So trees #ere felled and a strong stoc$ade built. They made three camps@ )ao Ren #as in the left; 2iahou Buan, the right; and )ao )ao himself #as in the center one. Soon after, )ao )ao and all his officers in a body rushed to attac$ the 7ass. They ran against the 2iliang troops posted on t#o sides, halted and formed their array. This done, )ao )ao rode to the center standard #hence he loo$ed at his opponents. *e sa# before him a body of fine troops, everyone #ith the bearing of a hero. +nd the leader, 1a )hao, #as #orthy of them, #ith his vivid face as if po#dered and red lips as if colored, his supple hips and broad shoulders, his deep voice and fierce strength. *e #as #earing silver helmet and armor and gripping a long spear as he sat there on his charger. 7ang De and 1a Dai supported him, and )ao )ao admired 1a )hao in his secret heart. *o#ever, )ao )ao urged for#ard his steed and shouted to 1a )hao, C!hy are you arrayed against the *ans, #hom your father and grandfather served faithfullyGC 1a )hao ground his teeth and cursed )ao )ao, CRebel= 'etrayer of both prince and people= 1urderer of my father and brothers= 1y hate for you is to the death@ The same s$y shall not continue to cover us, for I #ill ta$e you captive and satiate my appetite on your living flesh.C !ith this he set his spear and rode over to#ard )ao )ao as if to slay him. 'ut Bu 9in came out from behind and engaged 1a )hao in battle. These t#o fought some half score bouts, and then Bu 9in had to flee. "hang *e, ho#ever, too$ his place and the t#o #arriors eAchanged t#enty passes. Then "hang *e, too, ran a#ay. FeAt to come forth #as ,i Tong. 1a )hao(s martial pro#ess #as no# at its height, and he made short #or$ of ,i Tong, #ho #ent out of the saddle at the first blo#. Then 1a )hao flourished his spear at the troops behind him as a signal for them to come on, #hich they did li$e a flood. They over#helmed )ao )ao(s forces, and 1a )hao, 7ang De, and 1a Dai rode for#ard to try to capture )ao )ao. They came close. )ao )ao heard one of his pursuers shout to another, C)ao )ao is he in the red dress=C So he hastily tore off his red robe and thre# it a#ay. *e also heard one say C)ao )ao is he #ith the long beard=C +t once )ao )ao too$ the s#ord that he #ore at his side and sa#ed off some of the beard. Bet again a soldier recogniDed him and told 1a )hao that )ao )ao had no# cut his beard, #hereupon the order #ent forth to capture short beards. +nd then )ao )ao #rapped the corner of a flag about nec$ and >o#l and fled.

7anic seiDed upon the soldiers at Tong 7ass; 3rightened, )ao )ao flung off his brocade robe +nd, terror6stric$en, sa#ed his beard off #ith a s#ord. The fame of 1a )hao rose even to the s$y. )ao )ao had got clear of the battle and #as getting calmer. Then again the sound of hoofs fell upon his ears. +nd on loo$ing round, he perceived 1a )hao uite close. *e and those near #ere panic6stric$en, and all scattered for their lives, careless of the fate of their leader. C)ao )ao, do not flee=C cried 1a )hao coming nearer. The #hip dropped from )ao )ao(s nerveless hand as he sa# his enemy coming closer and closer. 'ut >ust as 1a )hao had leveled his spear for a thrust, )ao )ao slipped behind a tree, changed the direction of his flight and so escaped, #hile 1a )hao struc$ the tree. *e uic$ly pulled out his spear, but the delay gave the fugitive an advantage, although it did not uite free him from pursuit, for 1a )hao #as soon again galloping on his trac$. +s they dre# near the slope of some hills, a bold general suddenly appeared, #ho cried, CDo not hurt my lord=C This #as )ao *ong, and he #ent to#ard 1a )hao, #hirling his s#ord. 1a )hao #as stopped, and this saved )ao )ao(s life. )ao *ong and 1a )hao fought half a hundred bouts till )ao *ong began to gro# #eary and become uncertain of his stro$es. +nd #hen, shortly after, 2iahou Buan appeared #ith some thirty horsemen, 1a )hao found it prudent to retire. Then )ao )ao #as escorted to his camp defended by )ao Ren. *e found the camps #ere still unharmed and the losses had not been great. +s he sat in his tent, )ao )ao said, C*ad I not spared )ao *ong, I should have fallen at the hands of 1a )hao today.C So he called in his rescuer and re#arded him #ell. +nd they got together the scattered troops and strengthened the camp, deepening the moat and raising the rampart. 1a )hao came daily and challenged anyone to combat and abused them all shamefully, but, by the order of the 7rime 1inister, these insults #ere treated #ith silent contempt. COur enemies use long spears,C said the officers. C!e #ill meet them #ith bo#s and crossbo#s.C CThey may have long spears,C replied )ao )ao, Cbut #hether I give battle or not depends on my decision. *o# can they thrust at us if #e do not go outG +ll you have to do is to ta$e no notice of them, and they #ill speedily retire.C The officers #ondered. They said one to another, CThe 7rime 1inister came out on this eApedition of his o#n #ill and #as foremost in the fight. !hy does he accept defeat so easilyGC

+fter some days the spies reported@ C1a )hao has been reinforced by t#enty thousand &iangs, the tribespeople beyond the frontier.C )ao )ao too$ the ne#s gleefully. *is officers as$ed him #hy the ne#s pleased him. *e replied, C!ait till I have defeated them, and I #ill eAplain.C Three days later there #as a report of further reinforcements, and )ao )ao not only smiled but gave a ban uet. *is officers ridiculed him in secret. Then said )ao )ao, CBou gentlemen laugh because I cannot destroy 1a )hao. !ell then, can anyone of you propose a planGC Then rose 2u *uang and said, CO 7rime 1inister, you have a large force here, and the enemy also accumulate their strength on the 7ass. This means that on the #est side of Bello# River, behind their bac$, they are unprepared. If you can get an army secretly across the river and cross the )attail 3erry, you #ill cut off their retreat. Then if you can march do#n and smite them on the ban$s of River !ei, they can get no reinforcements and must fail.C C!hat you propose is >ust #hat I thin$,C said )ao )ao. So 2u *uang #as placed over four thousand troops, and #ith "hu ,ing, marched to the #est of Bello# River and hid in the gullies. They #ere to #ait till )ao )ao crossed the Bello# River so that both could stri$e together. Then )ao )ao ordered )ao *ong to prepare boats and rafts. )ao Ren #as left in command of the camps. )ao )ao himself marched to the east ban$ of Bello# River first, and from there attempted to cross to the #est ban$. !hen 1a )hao heard of the ne# military movements, he said, CI understand. The 7ass is left, rafts are being prepared@ That means that he is going to cross to the #est side and cut off my retreat. I must coast along the river and $eep him off. If I can do that, his food #ill run short #ithin t#enty days in the east ban$, and that #ill cause a mutiny. Then I #ill travel south along the river and attac$.C *an Sui did not approve this plan. *e uoted the military maAim to stri$e #hen troops #ere half over the river. C+ttac$ from the south #hen his army is in the act of crossing, and his army #ill be dro#ned in the river,C said he. CHncle, your #ords are good,C replied 1a )hao. +nd the spies #ent forth to find out the time of crossing the river.

!hen )ao )ao(s preparations #ere complete and all #as ready, he sent three parties of soldiers over the river first. They reached the ferry at the first sign of da#n, and the veterans #ere sent over first and lay out a camp. )ao )ao and his guard too$ up station on the east ban$ to #atch the crossing. Very soon the sentinels reported, C+ general dressed all in #hite is approaching.C 4veryone $ne# it must be 1a )hao. This terrified them and they made a rush to get into the boats. The river ban$ became a scene of shouting men struggling #ho could first embar$. )ao )ao sat #atching and never stirred. *e only issued orders to stop the confusion. 1ean#hile, the yelling of the troops and the neighing of the horses of the approaching army came nearer and nearer. Suddenly a general >umped out of one of the boats and shouted to )ao )ao@ CThe rebels are close= 8et into a boat, O 7rime 1inister=C CThe rebels are near. !hat matterGC replied )ao )ao simply to the spea$er, #ho #as 2u )hu. +nd he turned round to loo$ at them. +s a fact 1a )hao #as very close, not a hundred paces a#ay, and 2u )hu laid hold of )ao )ao and dragged him do#n the ban$. The boat had already pushed off and #as ten spans from the ban$, but 2u )hu too$ )ao )ao on his bac$ and leaped on board. The boat #as small and in danger of being overturned, #herefore 2u )hu dre# his s#ord and chopped a#ay at the hands clinging to the side so that the soldiers fell bac$ into the #ater. The boat #ent do#n stream, 2u )hu standing in the pro# poling as hard as he could. *is master crouched out of sight at his feet. !hen 1a )hao sa# the boat in midstream drifting do#n #ith the current, he too$ his bo# and arro#s and began to shoot. *e also ordered his brave generals to go along the river and shoot so that a sho#er of arro#s fell about the boat. 2u )hu fearing )ao )ao #ould be #ounded, protected him #ith a saddle #hich he held over him #ith his left hand, for 1a )hao(s shooting #as not in vain. 1any of the soldiers #or$ing the boat #ere #ounded. Some had fallen overboard, #hile more lay in the bottom of the boat. The boat itself got out of control and #as #hirled hither and thither by the current. 2u )hu straddled over the tiller and tried thus to guide the boat, #hile he poled #ith one hand and #ith the other held the protecting saddle over )ao )ao(s head. Then the 1agistrate of !einan, Ding 3ei, #ho from a hill top sa# that )ao )ao #as very closely pressed, even in danger of his life, drove out from his camp all the cattle and horses there, so that they scattered over the hillside. This #as too much for the born &iang herdsmen of the plains. +t sight of the beasts, they left the river and ran off to secure the cattle. For had they any inclination to pursue their enemy. +nd so )ao )ao escaped. +s soon as they reached the #est ban$ of Bello# River -#hich #as also the north ban$ of River !ei0, the boat #as scuttled. The rumor had spread that )ao )ao #as on

the river and in danger, so all his officers came to his aid. 'ut he #as no# safe on shore. 2u )hu(s double armor #as stuc$ full of arro#s. The officers escorted )ao )ao to the camp #here they made their obeisance and eApressed the hope that he had not suffered seriously. CThe rebels very nearly caught me today,C said he smiling. CThey #ould have got across the river had they not been enticed a#ay by the freeing of the cattle and horses,C said 2u )hu. C!ho #as it that dre# them offGC said )ao )ao. Someone #ho $ne# told him. 'efore long 1agistrate Ding 3ei came in to pay his respects, and )ao )ao than$ed him. CI should have been a prisoner but for your happy thought,C said )ao )ao. +nd the 1agistrate received a ran$ of )ommander in the army. CThough they have gone, yet they #ill assuredly return tomorro#,C said Ding 3ei. CBou must prepare to repel them.C C1y preparations are all made,C #as the reply. )ao )ao ordered his generals to spread themselves along the river ban$ and thro# up mounds as shelters for camps. If they sa# the enemy approaching, the soldiers #ere to be #ithdra#n from behind the mounds, leaving the ensigns all flying, so as to give the impression that each camp contained a garrison. +long the river they #ere to dig ditches and put up sheds, thus to entice the enemy there and their army #ould stumble into the pits and fall easy victims. 1a )hao returned to *an Sui and told him, saying, CI #ould have captured )ao )ao, but a certain bold general had ta$en him on his bac$ and leaped #ith him into a boat.C *an Sui replied, CI have heard that )ao )ao had a body guard of the bravest and strongest soldiers under the command of Dian !ei and 2u )hu. They are called the Tiger 8uard. Fo# as Dian !ei is dead, the man you sa# must have been 2u )hu. *e is both brave and po#erful and goes by the name of Tiger ,ust. Bou #ill do #ell to avoid him.C CI $no# his name, too,C said 1a )hao. C)ao )ao no# means to attac$ our rear,C continued *an Sui. C,et us attac$ first, before he can establish camps and stoc$ades. If once he can do that, it #ill be difficult to dislodge him.C C1y idea is that #e should hold the north ban$ of River !ei, and prevent him from crossing south.C

C!orthy nephe#, $eep guard here #hile I go along the ban$ of the river and fight )ao )ao.C CIf you #ill ta$e 7ang De as your Van ,eader, I am content,C said 1a )hao. So *an Sui and 7ang De, #ith fifty thousand troops, #ent a#ay do#n to the River !ei, #hile )ao )ao again #arned his generals to entice the enemy. 7ang De #as in advance #ith a goodly s uadron of iron6clad horsemen, and they burst along at full speed. Then there arose a confused shouting as they all #ent plunging into the ditches prepared for them. 7ang De soon leaped out, gained the level ground, and laid about him #ith all his might. *e sle# many )ao )ao(s soldiers and presently got out of the thic$ of the fight. 'ut *an Sui had also been involved, and 7ang De #ent afoot to try to aid him. On the #ay he met )ao Bong, a general of )ao Ren. 7ang De cut )ao Bong do#n. Then mounting the dead man(s steed, he rode for#ard fiercely, slaying as he passed. *e reached his leader #hom he led a#ay southeast. The troops of )ao )ao pursued him, but 1a )hao came #ith reinforcements and drove them off. 1a )hao rescued a great number, and they continued fighting till evening #hen they #ithdre# and mustered their troops. T#o commanders, )heng Bin and "hang *an, #ere missing, and a couple of hundred soldiers had been $illed #hen they fell into the pits. 1a )hao and *an Sui discussed #hat should neAt be done. CIf #e give the enemy time, he #ill ma$e himself strong on the north ban$. I thin$ #e can do no better than to raid his camp tonight,C said 1a )hao. C!e must have a force and supports for it,C said *an Sui. So it #as decided that 1a )hao should lead the stri$ing force #ith 7ang De and 1a Dai as supports. They #ould start at nightfall. Fo# )ao )ao(s troops #ere on the north ban$ of River !ei, and he gave his generals orders, saying, CThe rebels #ill try to surprise us as they are deceived by my not having set up stoc$ades. Bou #ill place your soldiers in ambush. +t the bomb signal, you #ill rush out from four directions to capture them.C +t nightfall 1a )hao sent out a small scouting party headed by )heng Bi. Seeing nothing, )heng Bi penetrated deep into the enemy(s lines. 7resently, a bomb #as eAploded. Out leapt the hidden troops, and in a fe# moments the #hole scouting party #ere $illed. )heng Bi #as cut do#n by the blade of 2iahou Buan. 'ut close at hand came the main army led by 1a )hao, 1a Dai, and 7ang De that rushed into the ambush forces. !ait for the foe all undismayed. 7lace your men in ambuscade.

8enerals striving to outvie +re not beaten easily. !ho got the advantage #ill presently be told. Chapter 29 :& Ch& Strips For 1 Fight With =a Chao; Cao Cao Writes 1 -etter To Sow *issension' The fight narrated in the last chapter lasted till morn #hen each side dre# off, 1a )hao camping on the River !ei, #hence he $ept up harassing attac$s both day and night. )ao )ao, also camped in the bed of the same river, began to construct three floating bridges out of his rafts and boats so as to facilitate communication #ith the south ban$. )ao Ren established a stoc$ade near the camp, #hich he barricaded #ith his carts and #agons. 1a )hao determined to destroy this stoc$ade, so his troops collected stra# and each man marched #ith a bundle and too$ fire #ith him. *an Sui(s forces #ere to fight. !hile one party attac$ed, the other party piled up the stra#, #hich they lit, and soon there #as a fierce fire all around. The defenders could do nothing against it, so they abandoned the stoc$ade and ran a#ay. +ll the transport and bridges #ere destroyed. It #as a great victory for the 2iliang army and gave them the command of the River !ei. )ao )ao #as sad at the failure to ma$e good his strong camp and fearful of his defenselessness. Then 2un Bou proposed a mud #all. So three thousand soldiers #ere set to build a mud rampart. The enemy seeing this harassed the #or$men #ith perpetual attac$s at different points so that the #or$ #ent slo#ly. 'eside, the soil #as very sandy, and the #all #ould not stand but collapsed as fast as it #as built. )ao )ao felt helpless. It #as the ninth month of the siAteenth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D .::0, and the fierce cold of #inter #as >ust coming on. Ominous clouds covered the s$y day after day #ith never a brea$. One day as )ao )ao sat in his tent, very disheartened, a stranger #as announced and #as led in. *e #as an old man #ho said he had a suggestion to offer. *e #as tall, as delicate as a crane and as refined as a pine tree. *e gave his name as ,ou "ibo and said he came from 9ingDhao. *e #as a recluse and a Taoist, his religious name being 7lum6'lossom Dreamer. )ao )ao received him #ith great courtesy, and presently the venerable one began, saying, CO 7rime 1inister, you have long been striving to ma$e a camp on the river. Fo# is your opportunity. !hy not beginGC CThe soil is too sandy to stand,C said )ao )ao. C'ut if you have some other plan to propose, pray tell me #hat it is, O *ermit.C CBou are more than human, O 7rime 1inister, in the art of #ar, and you surely $no# the times and seasons. It has been overcast for many days, and these clouds foretell a north #ind and intense

cold. !hen the #ind begins to blo#, you should hurry your army to carry up the earth and sprin$le it #ith #ater. 'y da#n your #all #ill be complete.C )ao )ao seiDed upon the suggestion. *e offered his aged visitor a re#ard, but the venerable one #ould receive nothing. That night the #ind came do#n in full force. 4very man possible #as set to earth6carrying and #etting. +s they had no other means of carrying #ater, they made stuff bags #hich they filled #ith #ater and let out the #ater over the earth. +nd so as they piled the earth, they froDe it solid #ith #ater, and by da#n the #all #as finished and stood firm. !hen his scouts told 1a )hao that the enemy had built a #all, he rode out and sa# it. 1a )hao #as greatly perpleAed and began to suspect help from the gods. *o#ever, very soon after, he got his #hole army together and sounded an attac$. )ao )ao himself rode out of the camp, #ith only the redoubtable 2u )hu in attendance, and advanced to#ard the enemy. 3lourishing his #hip he called out, CI, )ao )ao, am here alone, and I beg 1a )hao to come out to parley #ith me.C Thereupon 1a )hao rode out, his spear set ready to thrust. CBou despised me because I had no #all to my camp, but lo= in one single night, 8od has made me a #all. Do you not thin$ it time to give inGC 1a )hao #as so enraged that he almost rushed at )ao )ao, but he #as not too angry to notice the henchman behind him, glaring in angry fashion, #ho held a gleaming s#ord in his grip. 1a )hao thought this man could be no other than 2u )hu, so he determined to find out. !ith a flourish of his #hip, he said, C!here is the noble (1ar uis Tiger( that I hear you have in your campGC +t this 2u )hu lifted his s#ord and roared, CI am 2u )hu of &iao=C 3rom 2u )hu(s eyes shot gleams of supernatural light and his attitude #as so terror6stri$ing that 1a )hao dared not move. *e turned his steed and retired. )ao )ao and his doughty follo#er returned to their camp. +s they t#o passed bet#een the armies, not a man there but felt a uiver of fear. CThey $no# our friend 2u )hu over there as 1ar uis Tiger,C said )ao )ao #hen he returned. +nd thereafter the soldiers all called 2u )hu by that name.

CI #ill capture that fello# 1a )hao tomorro#,C said 2u )hu. C1a )hao is very bold,C said his master. C'e careful=C CI s#ear to fight him to the death,C said 2u )hu. Then 2u )hu sent a #ritten challenge to his enemy saying that the 1ar uis Tiger challenged 1a )hao to a decisive duel on the morro#. 1a )hao #as very angry #hen he received the letter. CDare he insult me soGC cried he. Then he #rote his pledge to slay Tiger ,ust on the morro#. FeAt day both armies moved out and arrayed in order of battle. 1a )hao gave 7ang De and 1a Dai command of the t#o #ings, #hile *an Sui too$ the center. 1a )hao too$ up his station in front of the center and shouted, C!here is the Tiger ,ustGC )ao )ao, #ho #as on horsebac$ by the standard, turned and said, C1a )hao is no less bold than ,u 'u=C +s he spo$e, 2u )hu rode forth #hirling his s#ord and the duel began. They fought over a hundred bouts, and neither had the advantage. 'ut then, their steeds being spent #ith galloping to and fro, each retired #ithin his o#n lines and obtained a fresh mount. The contest #as rene#ed, and a hundred more encounters too$ place, still #ithout victory to either. Suddenly 2u )hu galloped bac$ to his o#n side, stripped off his armor, sho#ing his magnificent muscles and, na$ed as he #as, leaped again into the saddle and rode out to continue the battle. +gain the champions engaged, #hile both armies stood aghast. Thirty bouts more, and 2u )hu, summoning up all his force, plunged to#ard 1a )hao #ith his s#ord held high to stri$e. 'ut 1a )hao avoided the stro$e and rode in #ith his spear pointing directly at his opponent(s heart. Thro#ing do#n his s#ord, 2u )hu dashed aside the spear, #hich passed underneath his arm. Then ensued a struggle for the spear, and 2u )hu by a mighty effort snapped the shaft so that each held one half. Then the duel #as continued, each be laboring the other #ith the pieces of the bro$en spear. +t this point )ao )ao began to fear for his champion and so ordered t#o of his generals, 2iahou Buan and )ao *ong, to go out and ta$e a hand. +t this 7ang De and 1a Dai gave the signal to their armored horsemen to attac$. They rode in, and a melee began in #hich )ao )ao(s troops #ere #orsted, and the great champion 2u )hu received t#o arro# #ounds in the shoulder. So the troops of )ao )ao retreated to their stoc$ade, 1a )hao follo#ing them to the river. )ao )ao(s army lost more than half their number.

)ao )ao barred his gates and allo#ed none to go out. 1a )hao #ent do#n to the river. !hen he sa# *an Sui, he said, CI have seen some #ic$ed fighters, but none to match that 2u )hu. *e is aptly nic$named Tiger ,ustC Thin$ing that by strategy he might get the better of 1a )hao, )ao )ao secretly sent t#o bodies of troops across the river to the south ban$ to ta$e up position so that he might attac$ in front and rear. One day from his ramparts, )ao )ao sa# 1a )hao and a fe# horsemen ride close up to the #alls and then gallop to and fro li$e the #ind. +fter gaDing at them for a long time, )ao )ao tore off his helmet and dashed it on the ground, saying, CIf that 1a )hao is not $illed, may I never $no# my place of burial=C 2iahou Buan heard his master, and his heart burned #ithin him. *e cried, C1ay I die here at once if I do not destroy that rebel=C !ithout more ado, 2iahou Buan flung open the gates and rode out #ith his company. )ao )ao tried to stop this mad rush, but it #as no good. So, fearing 2iahou Buan might come to grief, )ao )ao rode out after him. +t sight of the soldiers of )ao )ao, 1a )hao faced his troops about, eAtended them in line and, as the enemy approached, dashed for#ard to the attac$. Then noticing )ao )ao himself among them, 1a )hao left 2iahou Buan and rode straight for )ao )ao. 7anic seiDed )ao )ao and he rode for his life, #hile his troops #ere thro#n into confusion. It #as during the pursuit of this portion of the )ao )ao(s army that 1a )hao #as told of a force of the enemy on the south of River !ei. RealiDing the danger, he abandoned the pursuit, called in his forces, and #ent to his o#n camp, there to consult #ith *an Sui. C!hat no#G )ao )ao has crossed to the south of the river, and #e can be attac$ed in the rear,C said 1a )hao. )ommander ,i 5an said, CThen you had better come to an agreement, sacrifice some territory, and ma$e peace. Then both can repose through the #inter and a#ait the changes and chances that may come #ith the spring #armth.C C*e is #ise,C said *an Sui, Cand I advise the same.C 'ut 1a )hao hesitated. Others eAhorted him to ma$e peace, and at length he agreed. So Bang &iu and *ou 2uan #ere sent as messengers of peace to the camp of )ao )ao. CBou may return. I #ill send my reply,C said )ao )ao #hen they had declared the purport of their mission. +nd they left. Then 9ia 2u said to )ao )ao, C!hat is your opinion, O 7rime 1inisterGC

C!hat is yoursGC as$ed )ao )ao. C!ar allo#s deceit, therefore pretend to agree. Then #e can try some means of so#ing suspicions bet#een *an Sui and 1a )hao so that #e may thereby destroy both.C )ao )ao clapped his hands for very >oy, saying, CThat is the best idea of all= 1ost suitable= Bou and I agree in our ideas. I #as >ust thin$ing of that.C So an ans#er #as returned@ C,et me gradually #ithdra# my soldiers, and I #ill give bac$ the land belonging to you on the #est of Bello# River.C +nd at the same time )ao )ao ordered the construction of a floating bridge to help in the #ithdra#al to the east side. !hen the reply arrived, 1a )hao said to *an Sui, C+lthough he agrees to peace, yet he is evil and crafty. !e must remain prepared against his machinations. Hncle, you and I #ill ta$e turns in #atching )ao )ao and 2u *uang on alternate days. So shall #e be safe against his treachery.C They agreed and began the regular alternate #atch. Soon )ao )ao got to $no# #hat they #ere doing, and he turned to 9ia 2u, saying, CI am succeeding.C C!ho $eeps the loo$6out on the north ban$ tomorro#GC as$ed )ao )ao. C*an Sui,C replied someone. FeAt day )ao )ao at the head of a large party of his generals rode out of the camp, and the officers presently spread out right and left, he himself remaining a solitary rider visible in the center. *an Sui did not $no# that )ao )ao had come out. 7resently )ao )ao called out, CDo any of you soldiers #ant to see )ao )aoG *ere I am uite alone. I have not four eyes nor a couple of mouths, but I am very $no#ing.C The soldiers turned pale #ith fright. Then )ao )ao called up a man and told him to go and see *an Sui and say, CSir, the 7rime 1inister humbly as$s you to come and confer #ith him.C Thereupon *an Sui #ent out, and seeing )ao )ao #ore no armor, *an Sui also thre# off his and rode out clad in a light robe. 4ach rode up to the other till their horse(s heads nearly touched, and there they stood tal$ing. Said )ao )ao, CBour father and I #ere granted filial degrees at the same time, and I used to treat him as an uncle. 1oreover, you and I set out to serve the court at the same time, too, and yet #e have not met for years. *o# old may you be no#, 8eneralGC

CI am forty,C replied *an Sui. CIn those old days in the capital, #e #ere both very young and never thought about middle age. If #e could only restore tran uillity to the state, that #ould be a matter of re>oicing.C +fter that they chatted long about old times, but neither said a #ord on military matters. They gossiped for a couple of hours before they too$ leave of each other. It #as not long before someone told 1a )hao of this meeting, and he #ent over to his ally to as$ about it. C!hat #as it )ao )ao came out to discuss today GC said 1a )hao. C*e >ust recalled the old days #hen #e #ere together in the capital.C CDid he say nothing about military mattersGC CFot a #ord; and I could not tal$ about them alone.C 1a )hao #ent out #ithout a #ord, but he felt suspicious. !hen )ao )ao returned to his camp, he said to 9ia 2u, CDo you $no# #hy I tal$ed #ith him thus publiclyGC CIt may be an eAcellent idea,C said 9ia 2u, Cbut it is not sufficient simply to estrange t#o people. I can improve on it, and #e #ill ma$e them uarrel and even $ill each other.C C!hat is your schemeGC C1a )hao is brave but not very astute. Bou #rite a letter #ith your o#n hand to *an Sui himself and put in it some rambling statements about some harm that is going to happen. Then blot it out and #rite something else. +fter#ards you #ill send it to *an Sui, ta$ing care that 1a )hao shall $no# all about it. 1a )hao #ill demand to read the letter, and #hen he sees that the important part of the letter has been changed, he #ill thin$ that *an Sui has made the changes lest his secrets should lea$ out. This #ill fit into the private tal$ you had #ith *an Sui the other day, and the suspicion #ill gro# until it has brought about trouble. I can also secretly corrupt some of *an Sui(s subordinates, and get them to #iden the breach. Then #e can settle 1a )hao.C CThe scheme loo$s eAcellent,C said )ao )ao. +nd he #rote the letter as suggested, and then erased and changed it, after #hich he sealed it securely and sent it across to *an Sui.

Surely enough someone told 1a )hao about the letter, #hich increased his doubts, and he came to *an Sui(s uarters to as$ to see it. *an Sui gave it to him, and the erasures and alterations struc$ 1a )hao at once. C!hy are all these alterations hereGC as$ed he. CIt came li$e that. I do not $no#.C CDoes anyone send a rough draft li$e thisG It seems to me, Hncle, that you are afraid I shall $no# something or other too #ell, and so you have changed the #ording.C CIt must be that )ao )ao has sealed up the rough draft by mista$e.C CI do not thin$ so. *e is a careful man and #ould not ma$e such a mista$e. Bou and I, Hncle, have been allies in trying to slay the rebel. !hy are you turning against me no# GC CIf you doubt my #ord, I #ill tell you #hat you can do. Tomorro#, in full vie# of the army, I #ill get )ao )ao to come out and tal$. Bou can hide in behind the ran$s ready to $ill me if I am false.C CThat being so, I shall $no# that you are true, Hncle.C This arrangement made, neAt day *an Sui #ith five generals in his train666,i 5an, 1a !an, Bang &iu, *ou 2uan, and ,iang 2ing666rode to the front, #hile 1a )hao concealed himself behind the great standard. *an Sui sent over to say that he #ished to spea$ to the 7rime 1inister. Thereupon at his command, )ao *ong, #ith a train of ten horsemen rode out, advanced straight to *an Sui, leaned over to him and said, loudly enough to be heard plainly, C,ast night the 7rime 1inister uite understood. ,et there be no mista$e.C Then #ithout another #ord on either side )ao *ong rode a#ay. 1a )hao had heard. *e gripped his spear and started galloping out to slay his companion in arms. 'ut the five generals chec$ed him and begged him to go bac$ to camp. !hen *an Sui sa# him, he said, CFephe#, trust me, really I have no evil intentions.C 'ut 1a )hao, burning #ith rage, #ent a#ay. Then *an Sui tal$ed over the matter #ith his five generals. C*o# can this be cleared upGC C1a )hao trusts too much to his strength,C said Bang &iu. C*e is al#ays inclined to despise you, Sir. If #e overcome )ao )ao, do you thin$ he #ill give #ay to youG I thin$ you should rather ta$e care of your o#n interests, go over to the 7rime 1inister(s side, and you #ill surely get ran$ one day.C

CI #as his father(s pledged brother and could not bear to desert him,C said *an Sui. CIt seems to me that as things have come to this pass@ Bou simply have to no#.C C!ho #ould act as go6bet#eenGC as$ed *an Sui. CI #ill,C said Bang &iu. Then *an Sui #rote a private letter #hich he confided to Bang &iu, #ho soon found his #ay over to the other camp. )ao )ao #as only too pleased, and he promised that *an Sui should be made ,ord of 2iliang and Bang &iu its 8overnor. The other confederates should be re#arded in other #ays. Then a plot #as planned@ !hen the preparations for the act of treachery #ere complete, a bonfire #as to be lighted in *an Sui(s camp, and all #ould try to do a#ay #ith 1a )hao. Bang &iu #ent bac$ and related all this to his chief, and *an Sui felt elated at the success of his overtures. + lot of #ood #as collected in camp at the bac$ of his tent ready for the signal blaDe, and the five generals got ready for the foul deed. It #as decided that 1a )hao should be persuaded into coming to a ban uet, and there they #ould slay him then. +ll this #as done, but not #ithout some hesitation and delay, and some ne#s of the plot reached 1a )hao. *e found out the careful preparations that had been made and resolved to act first. ,eaving 1a Dai and 7ang De in reserve, he chose a fe# trusted leaders and #ith stealthy steps made his #ay into *an Sui(s tent. There he found *an Sui and his five confederates deep in conversation. *e >ust caught a #ord or t#o that Bang &iu said, C!e must not delay, no# is the time.C In burst 1a )hao raging and yelling, CBou herd of rebels= !ould you dare to plot against meGC They #ere ta$en abac$. 1a )hao sprang at *an Sui and slashed at his face. *an Sui put up his hand to #ard off the blo#, and his hand #as cut off. The five dre# their s#ords and set on 1a )hao and his men, #ho rushed outside. Soon 1a )hao #as hemmed in by the five, but he $ept them at bay by #onderful s#ordsmanship. +nd as the s#ords flashed, the red blood flo#ed. Soon 1a !an #as do#n and ,iang 2ing disabled; then the other three fled. 1a )hao ran bac$ into the tent to finish *an Sui, but the servants had removed him. Then a torch #as lit, and soon there #as commotion all through the camp. 1a )hao mounted his horse, for 7ang De and 1a Dai had no# arrived, and the real fight began. )ao )ao(s troops poured in from all sides@ 2u )hu and 2u *uang #ere in front and behind; 2iahou Buan and )ao *ong to the left and right. 1ean#hile, the 2iliang soldiers fought #ith each other. ,osing sight of his generals, 1a )hao and one hundred riders got to the head of the floating bridge over the River !ei >ust about da#n. There he fell across ,i 5an coming over the bridge #ith an army. 1a )hao set his spear and rode at him full tilt. ,i 5an turned do#n his spear and fled. 3rom behind 1a )hao, Bu 9in came up in pursuit. 'ut unable to get near enough to seiDe 1a )hao, Bu 9in sent an arro# flying after him. 1a )hao(s ear caught the t#ang of the bo#string, and

he dodged the arro#, #hich fle# on and $illed ,i 5an. 1a )hao turned to attac$ his pursuer, #ho galloped a#ay, and then he returned and too$ possession of the bridge. &uic$ly )ao )ao(s troops gathered about him, and the fiercest among them, the Tiger 8uard, shot arro#s at 1a )hao, #hich he #arded off #ith his spear shaft so that they fell harmless to the earth. 1a )hao and his troops rode to and fro stri$ing a blo# #herever there #as a chance, but the enemy #ere very thic$ about him, and he could not force his #ay out. In desperation he cut an alley north#ards and got through, but uite alone. Of his follo#ers everyone fell. Still he $ept on dashing this #ay and that, till he #as brought do#n by a crossbo# bolt. *e lay upon the ground and his enemies #ere pressing in. 'ut at the critical moment, an army came in from the north#est and rescued him. 7ang De and 1a Dai had come up in the very nic$ of time. Thus 1a )hao #as rescued, and they set him on one of the soldiers( horses, and he again too$ up the battle. ,eaving a trail of blood in his rear, he got a#ay north#est. *earing that his enemy had got a#ay, )ao )ao gave order to his generals, C7ursue him day and night, and rich re#ards are for him dead or alive. 3or his head the re#ards are a thousand ounces of gold and the lordship of a fief of ten thousand families. If anyone captures 1a )hao, the re#ard is the ran$ of general.C )onse uently the pursuit #as hot as everyone #as anAious to #in reno#n and re#ard. 1ean#hile careless of all but flight, 1a )hao galloped on, and one by one his follo#ers dropped by the #ay. The footmen #ho #ere unable to $eep up #ere captured till very fe# remained, and only some scores of riders #ere left. They traveled to#ard ,intao, a city in !est Valley ,and. )ao )ao in person >oined the pursuit and got to +nding, but there 1a )hao #as still far in advance, so he gave up and returned. 8radually the generals did the same, all coming bac$ to )hangan. 7oor *an Sui, #ith the loss of his left hand, #as an invalid, but he #as re#arded #ith the ,ordship of 2iliang. Bang &iu and *ou 2uan #ere given noble ran$s and offices in !ei$ou. Then orders #ere given to lead the #hole army bac$ to the capital. Bang 3u, a military adviser from ,iangDhou, came to )hangan to point out the danger of #ithdra#al. C1a )hao has the boldness of ,u 'u and the heart of a barbarian. Hnless you destroy him this time, he #ill come again and he #ill be both bolder and stronger, and the #hole #est #ill be lost. !herefore you should not #ithdra# your army.C )ao )ao said, CI #ould be uite #illing to finish the sub>ugation. 'ut there is much to do in the capital, and the south is still to con uer. So I cannot remain. 'ut you, Sir, might secure this region for me. Do you consentGC Bang 3u did consent. +nd he brought to )ao )ao(s notice !ei 5ang, #ho #as made Imperial 7rotector of ,iangDhou, #ith >oint military po#ers.

9ust before Bang 3u left, he said to )ao )ao, C+ strong force ought to be left in )hangan, as a reserve in case they be re uired.C CThat has been already dealt #ith,C replied )ao )ao. )ontentedly enough Bang 3u too$ leave and #ent a#ay. )ao )ao(s generals as$ed him to eAplain his recent policy, saying, CSince the first outbrea$ at Tong 7ass, O 7rime 1inister, the north ban$ of River !ei #as undefended. !hy did you not cross to the north ban$ from the east of the Bello# RiverG 'ut instead you engaged in the attac$ of the 7ass for many days before crossing to the north ban$.C +nd he replied, CThe rebels first held the 7ass. *ad I forth#ith ta$en the east side of the Bello# River, the rebels #ould have defended the camps one by one and mustered at all the ferries, and I should never have got across to the #est side -#hich #as also the north ban$ of River !ei0. So I massed troops against Tong 7ass and made the rebels guard the south ban$ of River !ei, so that the north ban$ #as left open. Thus 2u *uang and "hu ,ing could move there, and I #as able later to cross over to >oin them. Then I made the raised road and the mud rampart to deceive the enemy and cause them to thin$ I #as #ea$ and thus embolden them up to the point of attac$ing #ithout proper preparation. Then I used the clever device of causing dissension in their ran$s and #as able in one day to destroy the stored up energy of all their forces. (It #as a thunder clap before you could cover your ears.( Bes, indeed, the mutations of the art of #ar can be called infinite.C C'ut one thing more puDDled us,C said the officers, Cand #e as$ you to eAplain it. !hen you heard the enemy #as reinforced, you seemed to gro# happier. !hy #as thatGC C'ecause Tong 7ass is distant from 2uchang. If the rebels had ta$en advantage of all defensible points and held them, they could not have been uelled in less than a couple of years. !hen they came on altogether, they made a multitude but they #ere not unanimous. They easily uarreled and, disunited, #ere easily overcome. So I had reason to re>oice that they came on altogether.C CIndeed no one can e ual you in strategy,C said his officers, bo#ing lo# before him. CStill, remember that I rely on you,C said )ao )ao. Then he issued substantial re#ards to the army and appointed 2iahou Buan to the command at )hangan. The soldiers #ho had surrendered #ere distributed among the various troops. 2iahou Buan recommended "hang 9ia of 8aoling, as his aids. So the army returned to )apital 2uchang #here it #as #elcomed by the 4mperor in state chariot. +s a re#ard for his service, )ao )ao #as given the court privileges of omitting his distinctive name #hen he #as received in audience and of proceeding to#ard the court #ithout assuming the appearance of frantic haste. 3urther he might go to court armed and booted, as did the *an 3ounding 1inister 2iao *e of old. !hence his prestige and importance #aAed mightily.

The fame of these doings penetrated #est into *anDhong, and one of the first to be moved to indignation #as "hang ,u, 8overnor of *anning. This "hang ,u #as a native of 7ei%. *e #as a grandson of "hang ,ing #ho retired to 1ount *umming, in the 4ast River ,and%, #here he had composed a #or$ on Taoism for the purpose of deluding the multitude. Bet all the people respected "hang ,ing, and #hen he died his son, "hang *eng, carried on his #or$, and taught the same doctrines. Disciples had to pay a fee in rice, five carts. The people of his day called him the Rice Thief. +fter "hang *eng passed a#ay, his son "hang ,u follo#ed his step. "hang ,u styled himself 1aster Superior, and his disciples #ere called )ommonly Devil Soldiers. + headman #as called ,ibationer, and those #ho made many converts #ere called )hief ,ibationers. 7erfect sincerity #as the ruling tenet of the cult, and no deceit #as permitted. !hen anyone fell ill, an altar #as set up and the invalid #as ta$en into the Room of Silence #here he could reflect upon his sins and confess openly. Then he #as prayed for. The director of prayers #as called Superintending ,ibationer. !hen praying for a person, they #rote his name and his confession on a slip and made three copies thereof, called CThe !riting of the Three 8odsC. One copy #as burned on the mountain top as a means of informing *eaven; another #as burned to inform 4arth; and the third #as sun$ in #ater to tell the )ontroller of the !aters. If the sic$ person recovered, he paid as fee five carts of rice. They had 7ublic *ouses of )harity #herein the poor found rice and flesh and means of coo$ing. +ny #ayfarer #as allo#ed to ta$e of these according to the measure of his appetite. Those #ho too$ in eAcess #ould invite punishment from on high. Offenses #ere pardoned thrice; after#ards offenders #ere punished. They had no officials but all #ere sub>ect to the control of the ,ibationers. This sort of cult had been spreading in *anDhong for some thirty years and had escaped repression so far because of the remoteness of the region. +ll the 8overnment did #as to give "hang ,u the title of 8eneral !ho 8uards the South and the post of 8overnor of *anning and ta$e means to secure from him a full uota of local tribute. !hen the reports of )ao )ao(s success against the #est, and his prestige and influence, reached the *anDhong people, "hang ,u met #ith his counselors to discuss the matter. Said "hang ,u, C1a Teng has died, and 1a )hao defeated, thus the north#est has fallen. )ao )ao(s neAt ambition #ill be the south#est, and *anDhong #ill be his first attac$. I should act first by assuming the title of 7rince of *anDhong and superintending the defense.C In reply one Ban 7u said, CThe army of this region counts one hundred thousand, and there are ample supplies of everything. 4ast River ,and is a natural stronghold #ith its mountains and rivers. Fo# 1a )hao(s soldiers are ne#ly defeated, and the fugitives from the "i#u Valley are

very numerous. !e can add them to our army by several ten6thousands more. 1y advice is that as ,iu "hang of BiDhou is #ea$, #e should ta$e possession of the forty6one counties of !est River ,and, and then you may set up your sovereign as soon as you li$e.C This speech greatly pleased "hang ,u, #ho then began to concert measures #ith his brother, "hang !ei, to raise an army. Stories of the movement reached BiDhou, #hose Imperial 7rotector #as ,iu "hang. + son of ,iu Ban%, a descendant from 7rince 8ong of the Imperial *ouse. 7rince 8ong had been moved out to 9ingling several generations ago, and the family had settled there. ,ater, ,iu Ban became Imperial 7rotector of BiDhou, and #hen he died in due course in the first year of 7rosperous Stability -+D :IE0, his son #as recommended for the vacant 7rotectorship. There #as enmity bet#een ,iu "hang and "hang ,u, for ,iu "hang had put to death "hang ,u(s mother and brother. +fter that ,iu "hang dispatched 7ang 2i as 8overnor of 'aAi to #ard off "hang ,u. 'ut ,iu "hang had al#ays been feeble, and #hen he received ne#s from his commander of "hang ,u(s movements, his heart san$ #ithin him for fear, and he hastily called in his advisers. +t the council one haughtily said, C1y 1aster, be not alarmed. I am no genius, but I have a bit of a healthy tongue, and #ith that I #ill ma$e "hang ,u afraid even to loo$ this #ay.C !hen plots did gro# about the #est, It suited 9ingDhou(s plans the best. The spea$er(s name and lineage #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 3< Zhang Song T&rns The Ta.#es n +ang :i&; Pang Tong Proposes The cc&pation ! Sh&' The man #ho proposed the plan spo$en of in the last chapter #as "hang Song, #ho belonged to BiDhou and held the small office of Supernumerary )harioteer. *e had a broad forehead, protuberant at the temples li$e a countryman(s hoe, and a pointed head. *is nose #as flat and his teeth protruded. *e #as a d#arf in stature but had a deep voice li$e a great bell. C!hat proposal have you to offer that may avert this dangerGC as$ed the Imperial 7rotector. C1y proposal is that #e gain the support of )ao )ao. +s #e $no#, he has made a clean s#eep of the empire. ,u 'u #ent first, and both the Buans follo#ed, all eAterminated. ,ately he has destroyed 1a )hao. In short he is the one man against #hom no one can stand. Therefore, my lord, prepare me #orthy gifts to ta$e to the capital, and I #ill get )ao )ao to march an army against *anDhong, #hich #ill $eep this "hang ,u occupied so that #e shall be left alone.C

This met ,iu "hang(s vie#s, and so he prepared gold and pearls and rich stuffs, #orthy presents for the man of po#er. +nd #hen these #ere ready, he appointed "hang Song his emissary. "hang Song in the meantime occupied his leisure in secretly copying maps and plans of the #est country. !hen all #as ready, he started #ith a small escort. They heard this in 9ingDhou, and "huge ,iang sent a trusty person to the capital to $eep him informed as to all the doings. "hang Song arrived in 2uchang, and, after he had established himself in his lodging, he made daily visits to the 7rime 1inister(s palace to try to obtain an intervie#. 'ut the last success over 1a )hao had filled )ao )ao #ith insufferable pride, and he did nothing but give ban uets. *e never appeared eAcept for the most important affairs, and even carried on the business of the state in his o#n residence. So "hang Song #aited many days. 'ut #hen he got to $no# the persons #ho #ere nearest the 7rime 1inister, he bribed them and obtained an audience. )ao )ao #as seated in the high place, and after his visitor had finished salutations, he said, CBour master ,iu "hang has sent no tribute for several years. !hyGC C'ecause the roads are dangerous, and thieves and robbers infest them. Intercourse is restricted.C )ao )ao interrupted in a loud harsh voice, saying, C!hat thieves and robbers are there #hen I have cleansed the empireGC C*o# can you say the land is tran uil #hen one sees Sun &uan in the south, "hang ,u and ,iu 'ei in the #est, and everyone of these #ith armies rec$oned in legionsG The #ea$est of them has one hundred thousand troops.C The eAtraordinary appearance of the emissary had pre>udiced )ao )ao from the outset; and #hen )ao )ao heard these blunt #ords, he suddenly shoo$ out his sleeves, rose and left the hall. Those in attendance #ere annoyed #ith "hang Song and said, C*o# can you behave so rudely #hen you come on a missionG Bour #hole attitude #as blunt and discourteous. *appily for you, our lord remembered you had come from afar and did not ta$e open notice of your fault. The best thing for you is to go home again as uic$ly as you can.C 'ut "hang Song smiled. C!e have no plausible flatterers and glib tal$ers in the River ,ands,C said he. +t this, one from belo# the steps called out, CSo you call us plausible and glib then. +nd you have none such in your country, ehGC "hang Song loo$ed around and sa# the spea$er #as a man #ith thin delicate eyebro#s crossing narro# eyes set in a pale spiritual face. *e as$ed his name. It #as Bang 2iu, son of the former Regent 1arshal Bang 'iao. The young man #as then employed as )hair of the Secretariat of the

7rime 1inister(s palace. *e #as deeply read and had the reputation of being a clever controversialist, as "hang Song $ne#. So on one side #as a desire to confound and on the other over#eening pride in his o#n ability, #ith contempt for other scholars. 7erceiving the ridicule in "hang Song(s speech, Bang 2iu invited him to go to the library #here they could tal$ more freely. There, after they had got settled in their respective places, Bang 2iu began to tal$ about the #est. CBour roads are precipitous and #earisome,C said Bang 2iu. C'ut at our lord(s command #e travel, even through fire and #ater. !e never decline,C replied "hang Song. C!hat sort of a country is this BiDhouGC CBiDhou is a name for the group of #estern counties and territories $no#n of old as the state of Shu. The roads are intersected by streams, and the land bristles #ith steep mountains. The circuit is over t#o hundred stations and marches and the area over one hundred thousand s uare miles. The population is dense, villages being so close that the cro#ings of coc$s in one #a$en the people in the neAt, and the dogs bar$ing in this eAcite the curs in that. The soil is rich and #ell cultivated, and droughts or famines are e ually un$no#n. 7rosperity is general, and the music of pipes and strings can al#ays be heard. The produce of the fields is piled mountain high. There is no place its e ual.C C'ut #hat of the peopleGC COur administrators are talented as ,iu 2iangru%; our soldiers able as 1a Buan%; our physicians are eApert as "hang 9i%; our diviners are profound as Ban "un%. Our schools of philosophy and our culture stand forth as models, and #e have more remar$able people than I can enumerate. *o# should I ever finish the tale of themGC C+nd ho# many such as you, Sir, do you thin$ there are at the orders of your Imperial 7rotectorGC COur officers are all geniuses@ !ise, bold, loyal, righteous, and magnanimous. +s for poor simpletons li$e me@ They are counted by hundreds; there are cartloads of them, bushels of them. Fo one could count them.C C!hat office may you hold thenGC "hang Song replied, C1ine can hardly be called an office. I am a Supernumerary )harioteer. 'ut, Sir, #hat state affairs may you controlGC CI am the 3irst Secretary in the 7alace of the 7rime 1inister,C replied Bang 2iu. CThey say that members of your family held office for many generations, and I do not understand #hy you are not in court service actually assisting the 4mperor, instead of filling the post of a mere cler$ in the private palace of the 7rime 1inister.C

Bang 2iu(s face suffused #ith shame at this rebu$e, but he mastered himself and replied, CThough I am among the minor officials, yet my duties are of great importance, and I am gaining eAperience under the 7rime 1inister(s guidance. I hold the office for the sa$e of the training.C "hang Song smiled, saying, CIf #hat I have heard is true, )ao )ao(s learning thro#s no gleaming light on the #ay of )onfucius or 1encius, nor does his military s$ill illumine the art of Sun "i or !u &i. *e seems to understand the doctrine of brute force and holding on to #hat advantages he can seiDe, but I see not ho# he can give you any valuable training or enlighten your understanding.C C+h, Sir, that comes of d#elling in out6of6the6#ay parts. *o# could you $no# of the magnificent talents of the great 7rime 1inisterG 'ut I #ill sho# you something.C Bang 2iu called up an attendant and bade him bring a boo$ from a certain case. *e sho#ed this to his guest, #ho read the title CThe Fe# 'oo$ of )ao )aoC. Then "hang Song opened it and read it through from the beginning, the #hole thirteen chapters. They all dealt #ith the art of #ar. C!hat do you ta$e this to beGC as$ed "hang Song, #hen he had finished. CThis is the great 7rime 1inister(s discussion of the art of ancient and modern #ar composed on the model of Sun "i(s Treatise on the +rt of !ar. Bou may be disdainful of the 7rime 1inister(s talents, but #ill this not go do#n to posterityGC CThis boo$= 4very child in BiDhou $no#s this by heart. !hat do you mean by calling it a ne# boo$G It #as #ritten by some obscure person of the time of the !arring States, and )ao )ao has plagiariDed it. 'ut he has deceived no one but you, Sir.C C'ut #hat is the use of your sarcastic insult in saying that your school children $no# the boo$ by roteG It has never been given to the #orld, although copies have been made. It belongs to his private library.C CDo you disbelieve meG !hy, I $no# it and could repeat it.C Then "hang Song repeated the #hole boo$, #ord for #ord, from beginning to end. Bang 2iu said, CBou remember it li$e this after only one reading= Really you are marvelous.C *e boasted not a handsome face, For #as his body blessed #ith grace. *is #ords streamed li$e a #aterfall, *e read a boo$ and $ne# it all. Shu(s glories could he #ell rehearse, *is lore embraced the universe. Or teAt or note of scholiast Once read, his memory held fast.

+t leave6ta$ing Bang 2iu said, CRemain a #hile in your lodgings till I can petition our 7rime 1inister to give you another intervie#.C "hang Song than$ed him and left. 'y and bye Bang 2iu #ent to see )ao )ao on the matter of receiving the emissary from the #est and said, CSir, #hy did you formerly treat "hang Song so off6handGC C*e spo$e very rudely. That is #hy.C C'ut you bore #ith 1i *eng%. !hy not #ith this manGC C1i *eng(s reputation for scholarship stood highest of all, and I could not bear to put him to death. 'ut #hat ability has this "hang SongGC CTo say nothing about his speech being li$e the River of *eaven, nothing daunts his talent for dialectic. I happened to sho# him your ne# treatise; he read it over once and could repeat it. 3rom this, it is evident he is cultured and has a prodigious memory. There are fe# li$e him in the #orld. 'ut he said the boo$ #as the #or$ of an obscure person of a fe# hundred years bac$, and every school child in his country $ne# it.C CIt only sho#s that the ancients and I are in secret sympathy,C replied )ao )ao. *o#ever, )ao )ao ordered the boo$ to be torn up and burned. CThen may I bring him to see you, Sir, that he may see the glory of our court.C )ao )ao grudgingly consented, saying CI am revie#ing troops tomorro# on the #estern parade ground. Bou may bring him there and let him see #hat my army loo$s li$e. *e #ill be able to tal$ about it #hen he goes home. !hen I have dealt #ith the south, I shall ta$e the #est in hand.C *ence the very neAt day Bang 2iu too$ "hang Song over to the #est parade ground, #here a revie# of the Tiger 8uard #as to be held. There #ere fifty thousand of them, and #hen dra#n up in order, they made a very brave sho# #ith their gleaming helmets and bright ne# uniforms. Their drums rolled to sha$e the heavens, and their #eapons glittered in the sun. Their discipline and order #ere perfect. Their gay banners fluttered in the breeDe. They loo$ed ready to fly even, so alert and smart #ere they. "hang Song glanced at them contemptuously. +fter a long time )ao )ao called up "hang Song and, pointing to his army, said, C*ave you ever seen such fine bold fello#s in BiDhouGC C!e never see this military parade in BiDhou. !e govern the people by righteousness.C

)ao )ao changed color and loo$ed hard at the bold spea$er, #ho gaDed bac$ at him #ithout the least sign of fear. Bang 2iu shot a uic$ glance at "hang Song, but )ao )ao #ent on, saying, CI regard the rat6class of the #orld as of no more importance than so many #eeds, and for my army to reach a place is to overcome it, to give battle is to con uer, to besiege is to ta$e. Those #ho are #ith me, live; but those #ho oppose me, die. Do you understandGC CO 7rime 1inister, I $no# #ell that #hen you march out your army, you al#ays con uer. I $ne# it #hen you attac$ed ,u 'u at 7uyang; and #hen you fought "hang 2iu at !ancheng; and #hen you met "hou Bu at the Red )liffs; and #hen in *uarong Valley you encountered 8uan Bu; and on that day #hen you cut off your beard and thre# a#ay your robe at Tong 7ass; and #hen you hid in a boat to escape the arro#s on the Bello# River. On all these occasions, no one could stand against you.C It made )ao )ao very angry to be thus t#itted #ith his misfortunes and he said, CBou stuc$6up pedant= *o# dare you thus bring up all my failuresGC )ao )ao called to his attendants to e>ect the bold disputant and put him to death. Bang 2iu ventured to argue #ith him, saying, CBou may behead him, but he came from the #est bearing tribute, and his death #ould have a very evil effect on all distant peoples.C 'ut )ao )ao #as too angry to be reasonable and persisted. *o#ever, 2un Bu also remonstrated, and "hang Song #as not put to death. 'ut he #as beaten and e>ected. *e returned to his lodging and left the city that night, reflecting upon #hat he had intended and #hat he had accomplished. Thought he, CI did not eApect such arrogance #hen I came #ith the intention of giving him a region. !hen I get bac$, ,iu "hang #ill eApect great things. Fo# I am returning empty handed and a failure to endure the laughter of my fello# country people. I #ill not go bac$. I have heard of the virtues of ,iu 'ei, and I #ill go to him and see #hat manner of man he is. Then I can decide #hat to do.C So #ith his little escort and follo#ing he made for 9ingDhou. *e had reached the boundaries of !uchang #hen he met a body of horsemen, at the head of #hom rode a general in simple dress. The general pulled up, saying, CSurely you are the )harioteer "hang Song.C CI am he,C said "hang Song. The general uic$ly dismounted and humbly said, CI have eApected you these many days. I am "hao Bun.C "hang Song dismounted and returned the salutation, saying, CThen you are no other than the 3ine 1an of )hangshan.C

CFo other,C #as the reply. C+nd my lord ,iu 'ei bade me a#ait you here and offer you refreshment after your long and toilsome >ourney.C +t this some soldiers brought for#ard #ine and food #hich they offered $neeling. "hang Song said, CI am come because the #orld says ,iu 'ei is liberal and $indly disposed.C +fter a fe# cups of #ine, the t#o retoo$ the road to#ard 9ingDhou )ity, #hich they neared neAt day at evening. They #ent to the guest6house. *ere they found a large number of people #ho received the visitor #ith the beating of drums and every sign of respect. +nd the officer in command, bo#ing lo#, said, C1y brother sent me to meet you after your long and dusty >ourney and prepare the guest6house for your reception. 1y name is 8uan Bu.C So "hang Song and "hao Bun dismounted and entered the guest6house, #here hosts and guest eAchanged formal salutations and too$ their seats. In a short time refreshments #ere served, and both men #ere most diligent in their attention to the traveler. This roadside ban uet #as prolonged to the time of setting the #atch, #hen they prepared for rest. FeAt morning, after the early meal, they mounted and continued their >ourney. Very soon they met ,iu 'ei himself, #ith an escort, and his t#o chief advisers, deferentially standing by the roadside. +s soon as he recogniDed them, "hang Song dismounted and #al$ed to#ard them. ,iu 'ei received him #ith eAtreme respect. CBour eAalted name has been long $no#n to me,C said ,iu 'ei. C+nd it has reverberated through my ears. 1y one regret is that cloudy hills and long distances have hitherto prevented me from en>oying the advantage of your instruction. *earing that you #ere passing through, I have come to meet you. +nd if you #ould be #illing to notice me and condescend to rest for a time in my city, thus allo#ing me to satisfy my long disappointed desire to see you, I should indeed hold myself fortunate.C Faturally the traveler(s vanity #as tic$led, and he >oyfully remounted. They rode bridle to bridle into the city. !hen they reached the residence, again they eAchanged profound salutations and compliments before they too$ their various places as host and guest. +nd then a ban uet #as served. 'ut all throughout ,iu 'ei refrained from saying a #ord about the #est. *e only chatted on general and common things. The visitor noted this steady avoidance and resolved to probe his host(s thoughts. C*o# many counties are there in 9ingDhou, #here you are no#, O Imperial HncleGC "huge ,iang replied, C9ingDhou is only ours temporarily. !e have borro#ed it from the South ,and. They are al#ays sending messengers to demand its return. *o#ever, no# that our lord has married their daughter, his position is more secure. 'ut it is still temporary.C

CThe South ,and is large,C said "hang Song, Cyet their siA territories and their eighty6one counties do not satisfy them. The people are strong and the land is fruitful.C Said 7ang Tong, COur lord, being of the dynastic family, has never occupied a territory of the empire. Those others, rebellious as they are, may indeed seiDe upon as much territory as they are strong enough to hold. 7eople of reasons do not approve such #rongs.C CFoble Sirs, pray say no more. !hat virtue have I that I should eApect anything from the futureGC said ,iu 'ei. CFot so, indeed,C said "hang Song. CIllustrious Sir, you are of the lineage of *an. Bour noble character is #idely $no#n. Fo one could say that your fate eAcludes all thoughts of occupying territory, #here you might begin to set up authority and ta$e an emperor(s position.C ,iu 'ei deprecated such a suggestion, CSir, you go too far. This really is too much.C The neAt three days #ere spent in ban uets and #ine parties, but all the time no mention #as made of !est River ,and. +nd #hen, at the end of that time, "hang Song too$ leave, his host #as at the three6mile Cparting roadC to bid him fare#ell and offer refreshment. !hen the moment came for the parting, ,iu 'ei raised his #ine6cup and said, CI am sincerely grateful that you deigned to come here. Bou have prolonged your visit to three days, but no# the moment of parting has come. !ho $no#s #hen I may have the privilege of receiving your instructions againGC +s ,iu 'ei said this, the tears flo#ed, but he hid them #hile "hang Song, #illing to believe that this emotion #as on his account, thought ho# #onderfully $ind and noble his host must be to be thus affected. &uite overcome, "hang Song decided to spea$ about the #est. So he said, CI have thought that I, too, #ould come to you one day, but so far I have found no #ay. In 9ingDhou I see Sun &uan on the east, al#ays ready to pounce; I see )ao )ao on the north, greedy to s#allo#. So this is not a #holly desirable place for you to remain in.C CI $no# this but too #ell,C said ,iu 'ei, Cbut I have no secure place to go to.C CBiDhou is #ell protected, has much fertile soil, is populous and #ell governed. Its scholars are attracted by your virtue. If you marched your armies #est#ard, you could easily become a real po#er there and restore the glory of the *ans.C C'ut ho# dare I attempt thisG The ruler is also of the Imperial *ouse. The #hole region is devoted to him for his good deeds, and no other person could attain such a hold.C CI am no traitor,C said "hang Song, Cbut in your presence I feel constrained to be perfectly open and plain. ,iu "hang, the Imperial 7rotector of BiDhou, is naturally #ea$ and can neither use the #ise nor employ the capable. Then again "hang ,u threatens on the north. 7eople are distracted

and #ould gladly #elcome an appreciative ruler. The >ourney I have >ust made #as to propose to support )ao )ao and place the region under him, but I found him rebellious and set on evil, proud and arrogant. So I have turned aside to you. If you #ill ta$e BiDhou, you #ill have a base from #hich to deal #ith *anDhong #hen you #ill, and the #hole empire beside. Bou #ill continue the rightful line, and your name #ill live in history. !ould not that be real fameG If then you thin$ of ta$ing our region, I am #illing to do #hat little I can as an ally #ithin. 'ut do you contemplate such a stepGC CI am deeply grateful that you thin$ so #ell of me. 'ut the Imperial 7rotector being a member of the family, I should lay myself open to general eAecration, #ere I to attac$ him.C C!hen a hero finds himself in the #orld, his duty is to #or$ out his destiny, to eAert himself and perform his tas$ as best as he can, to press for#ard among the foremost. +t the moment the position is that, if you fail to seiDe this opportunity, some other #ill ta$e possession of BiDhou, and you #ill regret #hen too late.C C+nd I have heard much of the difficult nature of the country, its many high mountains and numerous streams, and its narro# roads. *o# could such a country be invadedGC Then "hang Song dre# the map from his sleeve, saying, CI am so deeply affected by your virtue that I offer you this map of the country, #hereby its roads and rivers may be $no#n.C ,iu 'ei unrolled the map. It #as covered #ith notes, on the lie of the land, lengths and #idths, and such matters. Strategic points on rivers and hills #ere sho#n, and store6houses and granaries and treasuries. 4verything #as plainly stated. "hang Song #ent on, CSir, you can prepare your plans promptly. I have t#o friends #ho #ill certainly help you. +nd #hen they come to see you, you may be perfectly fran$ #ith them. Their names are 3a "heng and 1eng Da.C ,iu 'ei than$ed him #ith >oined hands. Said ,iu 'ei, C+s the blue mountains gro# not old and the green #aters al#ays remain, so shall I never forget. +nd #hen I shall have accomplished my tas$, you shall have no mean re#ard.C Replied "hang Song, CI loo$ for no re#ard. *aving met #ith an enlightened lord, I felt compelled to unbosom myself to him.C "hang Song left soon after, and 8uan Bu escorted him for several miles. +fter arrival in BiDhou, "hang Song lost no time in visiting his close friend 3a "heng, #ho #as from 3ufeng. 3a "heng #as told of )ao )ao(s arrogance and haughtiness to#ard scholars and good people.

C+s for the man himself,C said "hang Song, Che is a man to grieve #ith but not a person to re>oice #ith. I have promised BiDhou to ,iu 'ei, the Imperial Hncle, and I #ant your especial advice and assistance.C CI thin$ ,iu "hang is incapable,C said 3a "heng, Cand I have felt dra#n to ,iu 'ei for some time past. So #e are in sympathy here.C Shortly after 1eng Da arrived. 1eng Da and 3a "heng #ere fello# to#nsmen. !hen 1eng Da entered the room, he sa# the other t#o in earnest and secret conversation. +nd he said, CI $no# #hat you t#o are about. Bou are scheming to hand over BiDhou to somebody.C CIt is really so. Bou have guessed right,C said "hang Song. C'ut to #hom ought it to goGC said 3a "heng. CThere is but one@ ,iu 'ei,C said 1eng Da. +ll three clapped their hands and laughed. Then said 3a "heng to "hang Song, CBou #ill see our lord tomorro#. !hat about thatGC CI shall recommend that you t#o be sent to 9ingDhou on a mission.C They thought that a suitable scheme. +nd #hen the lately arrived messenger sa# his master and #as as$ed ho# he had fared, "hang Song said, C)ao )ao is a rebel #ho desires to get the #hole empire into his hands. I need hardly tell you that. 'ut he also han$ers after this region.C CThen #hat #ill become of usGC said ,iu "hang. CI have a plan to chec$ both our enemies. ,iu 'ei, the Imperial Hncle, no# in 9ingDhou, is a relative of yours, and he is generous and #ell disposed. This is a matter of common $no#ledge. )ao )ao #as simply over#helmed at the result of the battle at the Red )liffs, and "hang ,u more so. Fo# my plan is that you ally yourself #ith your distinguished relative against )ao )ao and "hang ,u.C CI have been thin$ing thus for a long time. )an you recommend a suitable emissaryGC CThe only ones are 3a "heng and 1eng Da.C

These t#o #ere summoned and, mean#hile, a letter #as prepared. 3a "heng #as to proceed as emissary to open up friendly relations, and 1eng Da #ould follo# in due course #ith an army to #elcome ,iu 'ei into the !est River ,and. !hile still discussing the details of the policy, a person forced his #ay in, his face all running #ith s#eat, and cried out, C1y lord, your land of forty6one counties #ill be lost to you and pass to another if you listen to "hang Song=C "hang Song turned a startled loo$ on the intruder, #ho #as *uang &uan of 2iliang, 3irst Secretary in the Imperial 7rotector(s palace. The Imperial 7rotector said, C!hy do you use such languageG ,iu 'ei is of my family, and so I am see$ing his support.C Said *uang &uan, CI $no# all about him. *e is liberal minded to gain people to his side, and his softness can overcome the hardest. *e is bolder than any other. *e gains humans( hearts from afar off, and those near him loo$ up to him. *e also has the #isest advisers in "huge ,iang and 7ang Tong, and the boldest #arriors such as 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, "hao Bun, *uang "hong, and !ei Ban. 'ut if you call him here as a soldier, thin$ you that he #ill be content to remain in a lo#ly conditionG +nd if you treat him as an honored guest, can a state stand t#o rulersG *ear me, my lord, and you stand secure as Taishan 1ountains; be deaf to my #ords, and your position is as precarious as a pile of eggs. This "hang Song has lately come home through 9ingDhou, #here he has certainly been plotting #ith ,iu 'ei. Slay this man; and ma$e an end of ,iu 'ei. That #ill be for the happiness of this land.C C'ut ho# else am I to fend off my t#o enemiesGC C3ortify your country, dig out your moats, and raise your ramparts. Then you can #ait on events.C CIf these rebels invade this land, the position #ill be critical, as #hen fire singes one(s eyebro#s. It is idle tal$ to tell me to #ait on events.C Fo notice #as ta$en of *uang &uan, and 3a "heng #as about to set out #hen another interfered, crying, CFo, no=C This #as a secretary, !ang ,ei. !ith bo#ed head !ang ,ei stood and said, C1y lord #ill bring misfortune upon himself if he listens to this "hang Song.C CFot so; I ma$e an alliance #ith ,iu 'ei in order to #ithstand "hang ,u.C C"hang ,u(s invasion #ould be but a s$in disease. ,iu 'ei(s entry into this country #ould be a mortal malady. ,iu 'ei is an unscrupulous brave. *e #as once in )ao )ao(s service and plotted

against him. Then he hung on to Sun &uan and seiDed 9ingDhou. This sho#s his character and his designs. Thin$ you that you t#o can d#ell togetherG If you invite him, then Shu is lost=C CFo more #ild tal$=C cried ,iu "hang angrily. C,iu 'ei is of my clan and family and #ill not ravish me of my possessions.C *e bade the guards escort both men outside and ordered 3a "heng to set out. So he did, and before long came to 9ingDhou. !hen the salutations #ere over, 3a "heng presented his letter, #hich ,iu 'ei opened and read@ CI, ,iu "hang, a younger brother of our family, no# #rite to 8eneral ,iu 'ei. 3rom my humble place long have I gaDed in your direction, but the roads of the !est River ,and are precipitous, and I have failed to send my tribute. This is to my shame. The victims of misfortune aid each other, and those in trouble support each other. If friends act thus, ho# much more should members of the same familyG Fo# "hang ,u is mustering an army of invasion on my northern frontier, much to the in>ury of my tran uillity. !herefore I send this letter that you may $no# of my distress. +nd if you remember the $indly bonds of family and #ill play a brotherly part and lead your armies to destroy these ruffians, you #ill be my eternal protector and I shall be ever grateful. This letter leaves much unsaid, but I a#ait your coming.C This letter greatly pleased ,iu 'ei. *e made a ban uet for the bearer thereof, and #hen they had mello#ed themselves #ith #ine, he dismissed the attendants and spo$e to 3a "heng in confidence. C3riend, I have long admired you, and "hang Song eAtolled your virtues. I shall al#ays feel grateful for this opportunity of hearing you.C 3a "heng bo#ed, saying, CThat is too great praise for a humble emissary from Shu. 'ut they say that horses al#ays neighed in recognition of 'o ,e, the supreme >udge of horses, and #hen a person has found his lord, he dies for him. *ave you thought further of "hang Song(s proposals, 8eneralGC CI have al#ays been a #anderer, often in suffering and sorro#. I have often thought of the #ren for even that tiny bird has a t#ig to rest on; and of the cunning hare, that secures safety #ith three openings to its burro#. Does not a person need at least a shelterG Bour land of the #est is fertile and a temptation, but its ruler is of my family, and I cannot plot against him.C CBes; BiDhou is a very paradise. 'ut #ithout a ruler it cannot eAist. ,iu "hang $no#s not ho# to use the #ise people, and his heritage must speedily pass to another. Today it is offered to your hands, and you must not miss the opportunity. Bou $no# the saying, that the leader in the hunt gets the uarry. If you #ill only consent, I #ill serve you to the death.C ,iu 'ei signified his gratitude. Said he, C,et me reflect for a time and ta$e advice.C The ban uet terminated and the guest left. "huge ,iang conducted 3a "heng to his lodging #hile his master sat thin$ing.

Then 7ang Tong said, CBou must decide666not to decide is foolish. Bou are of high intelligence, my lord, and #hy do you hesitateGC C!hat should my reply beGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. CBou $no# these surroundings666Sun &uan in the east and )ao )ao in the north666, and #ith them you cannot attain your ends. Fo# before you lies a populous, fertile, and rich land, a base #ith the greatest possibilities. Bou have the promise of assistance from t#o men #ithin, and it seems li$e a gift of providence. !hy hesitateGC CFo# there are t#o men in the #orld as mutually antagonistic as fire and #ater. 1y opposite is )ao )ao. *e is impetuous and I am long suffering; he is cruel and I am humane; he feigns #hile I am true. In all particulars I act the direct contrary to him. I refuse to ris$ the loss of the confidence and trust of the #orld for a trifling advantage.C 7ang Tong smiled at these sentiments, saying, C1y lord(s #ords are uite in accord #ith abstract rectitude, but such ideas scarcely suit the days of rebellion. There are other #ays of fighting than #ith #arli$e #eapons, but to adhere too obstinately to the idea of abstract rectitude is to do nothing. One must be an opportunist, anneA the #ea$ and attac$ the #illfully deluded, seiDe the recalcitrant and protect the docile. These #ere the teachings of the great 5ings Tang% and !u%. If after the settlement you re#ard #ith righteousness and ma$e of the land a great country, #ill you be guilty of a breach of trustG Remember if you do not ta$e it no#, another #ill.C ,iu 'ei, realiDing the truth in #hat 7ang Tong said, replied, CThese #ords are as >e#els. They should be engraved on my very heart.C Thereupon he summoned "huge ,iang to settle the details of an army to march #est. "huge ,iang said, CThis is an important place and must be very #ell defended.C ,iu 'ei replied, CI, 7ang Tong, and my t#o generals *uang "hong and !ei Ban #ill go into the #est. Bou and our three best generals6668uan Bu, "hang 3ei, and "hao Bun666can defend 9ingDhou.C 8uan Bu #as told off to hold 2iangyang and the narro# pass at &ingni, "hang 3ei commanded four territories along the river, and "hao Bun camped at 9iangling. 3or the march #est#ard, *uang "hong led the van, !ei Ban had the rearguard, #hile ,iu 'ei moved in the center #ith ,iu 3eng and 8uan 7ing as his aids. 7ang Tong #as )ommander of the #hole army. 9ust as the fifty thousand troops #ere starting, there came ,iao *ua to offer his service. *e and his troops #ere attached to 8uan Bu.

It #as in the #inter that the eApedition started. Soon they met the force under 1eng Da, five thousand soldiers, to act as escort into BiDhou. ,iu 'ei informed ,iu "hang that he had started, and the latter sent orders to the counties along the road to entertain them #ell on the march. The Imperial 7rotector proposed to go out in person to #elcome ,iu 'ei and ordered carriages to be prepared and tents and banners. +ll the escort #ere dressed in glittering armor. +t this Secretary *uang &uan, the sturdy opponent of the invitation to ,iu 'ei, again remonstrated. C1y lord, if you go out, you #ill be eAposed to danger. I have been in your service for many years, and I #ould prevent you from being the victim of another(s #iles. I pray you reflect.C "hang Song said, C*is #ords are those of one #ho #ould so# discord in a family and encourage the po#er of the robbers #ho threaten you. +ssuredly such action is to your detriment.C ,iu "hang then spo$e angrily to *uang &uan, saying, CI have decided, and #hy do you oppose meGC The ob>ector bo#ed his head and #ept. Then approaching nearer, he seiDed hold of the Imperial 7rotector(s robe #ith his teeth to hinder him. ,iu "hang angrily shoo$ his robe and rose from his seat, but *uang &uan still held on till t#o of his teeth fell out. Then the guards forced him a#ay, and he retired, still crying. +s ,iu "hang #as starting, another man cried, C1y lord, do you neglect the loyal #ords of your faithful *uang &uan to go to your deathGC +nd he thre# himself prostrate at the steps in remonstrance. *e #as ,i *ui of 9ianning. CThe prince may have ministers #ho remonstrate #ith him, and the father may have children #ho oppose,C said ,i *ui. C*uang &uan has spo$en faithfully, and you ought to listen. To let ,iu 'ei into this land is to #elcome the tiger into your gates.C C,iu 'ei is my brother and #ill not harm me,C said the Imperial 7rotector. C+nd any other #ho shall oppose me shall suffer death.C So ,i *ui #as thrust out. CThe officers of Shu regard the safety of their families and no longer render you service. The generals are arrogant, and each has some scheme of his o#n to further. If you do not get ,iu 'ei to oppose the enemy #ithout and your o#n people oppose you #ithin, surely you are on the road to ruin.C So spo$e "hang Song, and the Imperial 7rotector replied, CI $no# the plan is for my advantage.C !hereupon he mounted his horse to ride out to 4lm Tree 'ridge.

Then a messenger reported to him@ C!ang ,ei has suspended himself, head do#n#ards, at the city gate. In one hand he holds a #ritten remonstrance and in the other a $nife. +nd he says that if you heed him not, he #ill cut the rope and die at your feet.C ,iu "hang #ent to the gate, too$ the #riting and read@ C8ood medicine is bitter in the mouth but good for the disease; faithful #ords offend the ear but are good for the conduct. Of old 5ing *uai of )hu listened not to &u Buan, but attended the meeting at !u 7ass and #as captured by the state of &in. Sir, you are thoughtlessly leaving your place to go to #elcome ,iu 'ei, but I fear there is a #ay out and none in. )ould you but behead "hang Song in the mar$et place and have nothing to do #ith this league #ith ,iu 'ei, it #ould be for the happiness of old and young, and assure the safety of yourself.C +nger rose in ,iu "hang(s breast as he read. C!hy do you insult me #hen I go to meet a $indly man I feel as if I #ere about to en>oy the delight of seeing brotherGC +t this !ang ,ei gave a great cry, severed the rope, and fell to the ground battered and dead. *ead do#n#ards at the city gate one hung + last remonstrance in his outstretched hand. Resolved that, #ere his #ords re>ected, he !ould not survive defeat. Sincere #as he !ho, desperate, held to ,iu "hang(s sil$en robe Hntil his bro$en teeth released their grip. Sincere indeed, but ho# can he compare !ith stern !ang ,ei #ho #ent to a#ful deathG ,iu "hang #ith thirty thousand troops #ent out to #elcome his clansman, and there follo#ed one thousand #agons laden #ith supplies and rich stuffs. ,iu 'ei(s advanced guard had arrived at River Dian. During the march the people had brought presents, and ,iu 'ei had given an order to pay for everything, under penalty of death for disobedience. Thus no one suffered, and the people came out in trusting cro#ds to #atch the soldiers marching by and #elcome them in every #ay. ,iu 'ei soothed them #ith very gracious #ords. Then 3a "heng secretly sho#ed 7ang Tong a letter from "hang Song advocating the assassination of ,iu "hang near the place of #elcome. 7ang Tong said, CSay nothing about this. +fter the t#o ,ius have met, there may be opportunities, but this is too early to tal$. +ny plot #ould lea$ out.C So nothing #as said.

3ucheng, #here the meeting #as to ta$e place, #as one hundred t#enty miles from )apital )hengdu. ,iu "hang arrived first and sent messengers to #elcome ,iu 'ei. The t#o armies camped on the ban$ of River 3u. ,iu 'ei #ent into the city to see the Imperial 7rotector, and they met cordially as brothers should. 'oth shed a fe# tears, and by and bye they began a heart6to6heart tal$. Then follo#ed a ban uet, and after this each returned to his o#n camp. The Imperial 7rotector said, C*o# ridiculous have been proved the fears of *uang &uan and !ang ,ei= They do not understand the force of family affection. I see he is really a $indly and noble man, and #ith him as a support I shall fear neither )ao )ao nor "hang ,u. +nd I o#e all this to "hang Song.C To sho# his gratitude, ,iu "hang too$ off the green sil$en robe he #ore and sent it as a gift to "hang Song, together #ith five hundred ounces of gold. *o#ever, some of his officers #ere not so content, and a group of them bade him be#are. CDo not re>oice too soon, O 1aster,C said they, Cfor ,iu 'ei is hard enough #ithin in spite of his mild eAterior. Bou have not sounded him yet and should be on your guard.C CBou are all too anAious,C said ,iu "hang, laughing. C1y brother is no double6dealer, I am sure.C !hen ,iu 'ei had returned to his o#n tent, 7ang Tong came in to as$ #hat impression he had of his host of that day. C*e seems a very honest man,C said ,iu 'ei. C*e is good enough, but some of his servants are discontented at this turn of affairs, and I #ould not guarantee there #ill be no murders. If you too$ my advice, you #ould have ,iu "hang assassinated at the return ban uet. + hundred ruffians behind the arras, a signal from you, and the deed #ould be accomplished. +ll that #ould be needed, then #ould be a rush on )apital )hengdu. Fo s#ord need be dra#n, no arro# fitted to the string.C C*e is a brother of my house and has treated me #ith sincerity. I am a ne#6comer and so far un$no#n in this land. Such a deed #ould be abhorrent to all the #orld, and these people #ould resent it. I #ill not establish myself by such means.C CThe scheme is not mine. It originated in a private letter from "hang Song, #ho says it #ill have to be done some time.C +t this moment 3a "heng came in and said, CThis is not for ourselves. It is the #ill of heaven.C C,iu "hang and I are of the same house, and I #ould shudder at harming him,C said ,iu 'ei. CSir, you are #rong. If you act not as #e propose, then "hang ,u #ill ta$e Shu in revenge for the death of his mother. !hat is there for you at the end of your long marchG +dvance, and success is

yours; retreat, and you have nothing. +nd delays are most dangerous. +t any moment this scheme may lea$ out, and another #ill reap the profit. This is the day #hen *eaven smiles on you. +ct before ,iu "hang suspects you. 4stablish yourself.C So urged 3a "heng, and 7ang Tong bac$ed it. Their lord, by argument, they tried 3rom rectitude to turn aside. !hat ,iu 'ei hid in his heart #ill be eAplained in the neAt chapter. Chapter 31 In The ,iver) Zhao +&n ,ecovers -i& Shan; With ne -etter) S&n ?&an ,ep&#ses Cao Cao' In spite of the persuasion of 7ang Tong and 3a "heng, ,iu 'ei steadily refused to sanction the assassination of his host at the ban uet, Imperial 7rotector ,iu "hang, even if thereby he #as to gain possession of !est River ,and. The neAt day there #as another ban uet, this time in the city of 3ucheng, #hereat host and guest unbosomed themselves freely to each other and became eAceedingly friendly and affectionate. +ll #ere mello# #ith #ine, and 7ang Tong, tal$ing #ith 3a "heng, said, CSince our master #ill have nothing to do #ith our scheme, #e had better set !ei Ban(s s#ord6play to #or$ and ta$e advantage of the confusion to $ill ,iu "hang.C !ei Ban came in shortly after#ard, #ith his s#ord dra#n, and said, CThere being no other entertainment at this ban uet, may I sho# you a little fencing to amuse youGC Thereupon 7ang Tong called up some of the armed guards and ranged them along the lo#er part of the hall till !ei Ban should fall on. +t these preparations the officers of ,iu "hang stared #ith uestioning eyes to#ard the chief seats at the upper end. Then one of them, "hang Ren, dre# his s#ord, saying, C+n opponent is needed to ma$e fencing a success, so he and I #ill display our s$ill at the same time.C So they began. 7resently, at a glance from !ei Ban, ,iu 3eng came up and too$ position at his side. +t once three of the commanders of the #est follo#ed suit, saying, C+nd #e three #ill come in too. It may add to your amusement and help to raise a laugh.C

'ut to ,iu 'ei matters began to ta$e on a serious loo$. Dra#ing a s#ord of a servant, he stood out in the ban uet hall and cried, C!e brothers have perhaps honored our meeting #ith a little too much #ine. There is nothing to say against that, but this is no *ongmen 'an uet%, #here murder #as done. 7ut up your s#ords, or I #ill slay you=C C!hy #ear s#ords at all at a meeting of t#o brothersGC cried ,iu "hang, at the same time telling his servants to surround his officers and ta$e a#ay their #eapons. Disarmed, they sul$ily #ithdre#. Then ,iu 'ei called all the generals of ,iu "hang to the upper end of the ban uet hall, gave them #ine, and said, CBou need have no doubts. !e t#o brothers, of the same bone and blood, have tal$ed over the great design, and #e are one in purpose.C The officers bo#ed and retired. ,iu "hang too$ his guest by the hand, saying, C'rother, I shall never forget your $indness.C They sat drin$ing till late, both feeling very happy. !hen at length ,iu 'ei reached his camp, he blamed his strategist for having caused the confusion. C!hy did you endeavor to force me into committing a great #rongGC said ,iu 'ei. CThere must be no repetition of this.C 7ang Tong retired, sighing. !hen ,iu "hang reached his o#n camp, his leaders #aited on him and said, CSir, you sa# the real meaning of that occurrence at the ban uet, #e suppose. !e thin$ it prudent for you to retire at once into the city.C C1y brother is different from ordinary humans,C replied ,iu "hang. C*e may not incline to#ard murder himself, but those about him have but one desire666that is to eAploit this land of ours to their o#n advantage.C CDo not try to so# dissension bet#een us and ma$e us uarrel,C said their chief. +nd ,iu "hang too$ no heed of their remonstrance. One day, #hen he and ,iu 'ei #ere en>oying together relaAation from cares of state, the ne#s came that "hang ,u #as about to invade the !est River ,and at the 9iameng 7ass. Thereupon the Imperial 7rotector begged ,iu 'ei to go and defend it. ,iu 'ei consented and left immediately #ith his o#n especial band. +t once ,iu "hang(s officers too$ advantage of the guest(s departure to urge the Imperial 7rotector to place his o#n trusty generals in command at various strategic points, so as to guard against any attempts of the visitors to seiDe the land. +t first ,iu "hang #as un#illing and refused, but as they

prayed him most earnestly to do this he yielded and consented to ta$e some steps to safeguard himself. *e sent Bang *uai, )ommander of 'aishui, and 8ao 7ei to garrison River 3u 7ass. So ,iu "hang returned to )hengdu and his guest, ,iu 'ei, #ent a#ay to the point #here invasion threatened. +rrived there, ,iu 'ei soon #on the hearts of the people by the strict discipline he maintained over his army and by his gracious manner. Fe#s of these doings in the #est duly reached the south, and Sun &uan summoned his counselors as to his countermove. Then 8u Bong spo$e, saying, CI have an infallible plan to propose. ,iu 'ei and his army are no# far a#ay and separated from us by difficult country. Therefore he cannot return uic$ly, and my advice is to occupy the passes so that he cannot get through. Then send all your force against 9ingDhou and 2iangyang, and they #ill surely fall to you.C CThe plan seems eAcellent,C said Sun &uan. 'ut >ust then a voice #as heard from behind the screen, crying, CBou may >ust put to death the man #ho proposed that scheme for trying to compass the death of my daughter.C 4veryone started #ith surprise. It #as the Do#ager 1archioness( voice. 3urther, ,ady !u loo$ed very angry as she entered, saying, C!hat is to become of my only daughter, #ho is the #ife of ,iu 'eiGC She turned her #rathful eyes to Sun &uan and said, CBou #ere heir to your father and brother and obtained possession of all these lands #ithout the least effort. Bet you are dissatisfied and #ould forget the claims of your o#n flesh and blood and sacrifice your sister for the sa$e of adding a little to your lands.C CFo, no=C murmured Sun &uan, ashamed. CI #ould never thin$ of going contrary to my mother(s #ishes and orders.C *e abruptly dismissed the assembly, and #hen they had gone the old lady, still nursing her #rath, retired to her o#n apartments. ,eft alone beneath the portico, Sun &uan sighed sadly. CThis chance missed= !hen #ill 9ingDhou be mineGC thought he. !hile still deep in reverie, "hang "hao came up, saying, C!hat grieves my lordGC CFo great matter; only this last failure to gain my ends.C

CThe difficulty may be easily removed,C said "hang "hao. C)hoose some trusty man and charge him #ith a secret letter to ,ady Sun Ren saying that her mother is dangerously ill. 8ive him five hundred men as escort and tell him to ma$e his #ay privily into 9ingDhou )ity and deliver the letter. *earing her mother #ants her, she #ill rush home at once, and she might bring #ith her the only son of ,iu 'ei. ,iu 'ei #ill be glad enough to eAchange 9ingDhou for his son. If he #ill not, you can still send the army.C CThat sounds li$e a good plan,C said Sun &uan. C3urther, I have the man to carry it out successfully. *e is that "hou Shan, #ho #as a bold one. *e used to accompany my brother in his youth. *e is the man to go.C C5eep it a secret, then,C said "hang "hao, Cand let "hou Shan start uic$ly.C It #as decided that "hou Shan should ta$e #ith him about five hundred soldiers disguised as ordinary traders. *e had five vessels and distributed his men among them, #hile #eapons #ere hidden in the holds. Travel documents #ere forged to loo$ li$e veritable authority in case they #ere as$ed. "hou Shan set out along the river route for the city of 9ingDhou and #as not long on the #ay. *e anchored his ships under the ban$, landed, and #ent into the city to the residence, #here he bade the door$eepers announce him. *e #as admitted and led into the presence of ,ady Sun and presently gave her the secret letter. !hen she read that her mother #as in danger of death, she began to #eep bitterly and uestioned the messenger closely. "hou Shan invented a story, saying, CThe Do#ager 1archioness is really fretting for a sight of yours. If you do not go uic$ly, it #ill be too late. The Do#ager 1archioness also #ants to see little ,iu Shan once before she dies.C ,ady Sun replied, CBou $no# that the Imperial Hncle is far a#ay on military service, and I ought to inform the chief of the army before returning home.C C'ut #hat #ill you do if the chief says he must inform your husband and a#ait his consentGC said "hou Shan. CIf I #ent #ithout as$ing permission666but I fear that is impossible.C C1y ships are all ready in the river, and you have only to drive through the city,C said "hou Shan. Faturally the ne#s of her mother(s illness greatly disturbed the young #ife. In a short time her carriage #as ready, and she mounted, ta$ing ,iu Shan #ith her. She too$ an escort of thirty guards, all armed, and #as soon at the river side and had embar$ed before the palace people could report #hat she #as doing. 'ut >ust as the ships #ere starting, a voice #as heard, shouting, CDo not start yet= ,et me bid my lady fare#ell.C

The voice #as "hao Bun(s. *e had >ust returned from an inspection trip, and they had at once told him of ,ady Sun(s sudden departure. +s soon as he had recovered from his surprise, he dashed do#n to the river ban$ li$e a #hirl#ind, #ith only half a doDen follo#ers. *e arrived only >ust in time. The boat #as starting, and "hou Shan stood in the pro#, a long spear in his hand. C!ho are you that you dare hinder the movements of your mistressGC cried "hou Shan. "hou Shan bade his soldiers cast off and get under #ay, and also to prepare their #eapons to fight. The ship moved off #ith a fair #ind and a strong current beneath her $eel. 'ut "hao Bun follo#ed along the ban$. C1y lady may go or not as she pleases,C cried he, Cbut I have one #ord to say to her.C "hou Shan turned a deaf ear and only urged his soldiers to get greater speed on the ship. "hao Bun follo#ed do#n the ban$ for some three or more miles. Then he sa# a fishing boat made fast to the ban$. *e at once dismounted, cast off the rope, too$ his spear, and leaped into the boat. Then he made the t#o men ro# him to#ard the vessel in #hich sat ,ady Sun. +s he approached, the soldiers of the South ,and threatened him #ith their spears. Thereupon he thre# his spear into the bottom of the boat, dre# the glittering steel blade he #ore, dashed aside the opposing spears, and leaped upon the larger vessel. The guards of the South ,and fell bac$ in surprise and fear, and "hao Bun #ent do#n into the body of the ship. There sat ,ady Sun #ith little ,iu Shan in her arms. C!hy this rude intrusionGC said she angrily. The #arrior sheathed his s#ord and said humbly, C!hither may my mistress be going, and #hy goes she privilyGC C1y mother is ill and on the point of death. I had no time to inform any person of my departure,C said ,ady Sun. C'ut #hy ta$e the young master if you are going merely to see a sic$ personGC said "hao Bun. C,iu Shan is my son, and I #ould not leave him behind to be neglected.C C1istress, you have acted #rongly. 1y lord has but this one son of his body, and I rescued the child lord from among many thousand troops of )ao )ao in the great battle at ,ong Slope 'ridge in Dangyang. There is no reason for you to ta$e him a#ay.C ,ady Sun too$ refuge in anger. CBou leave my family affairs alone, you common soldier=C cried she. C1y lady, if you #ill go, then go, but leave the young master behind.C

CBou are a rebel, >umping on board the ship li$e that=C cried ,ady Sun. CIf you #ill not leave the young lord behind, I refuse to let you go, come #hat may,C said "hao Bun. ,ady Sun called in her maids to seiDe him, but he >ust pushed them off. Then he too$ the boy from her arms and ran out to the pro# of the ship. *e tried to get the vessel in to the ban$, but no one #ould aid him, and he thought it #ould be #rong to begin to slay indiscriminately. *e $ne# not #hat to do in such a uandary. +nd ,ady Sun #as screaming to her maids to ta$e the boy a#ay from him. 'ut he $ept too firm a grip on the child, and the good s#ord in his other hand $ept everyone at bay. "hou Shan #as at the helm, giving all his attention to getting the ship out into the current and a#ay do#n the river. *e steered for the middle of the stream, #here the #ind #as strong. "hao Bun, one hand ta$en up #ith holding the boy, #as uite unable to get the vessel in to#ard the shore. 9ust as things loo$ed most desperate, "hao Bun sa# a string of ships filing out from a cree$ lo#er do#n the stream, flags fluttering and drums beating. *e thought that certainly all #as over and he #as about to fall a victim to a stratagem of the South ,and, #hen he noticed a mighty #arrior standing in the pro# of the leading craft. *e #as armed #ith a long spear, and it #as "hang 3ei. "hang 3ei also shouted, CSister6in6la#= ,eave the child lord.C "hang 3ei had been out scouting #hen he heard the ne#s of his sister6in6la#(s sudden departure, and he at once made for the River Bu #ith the intention of intercepting her flight. *e had arrived >ust in the nic$ of time to cut off the ships of the South ,and. Very soon, s#ord in hand, he had boarded the vessel. +s "hang 3ei came on board, "hou Shan dre# his s#ord and advanced to#ard him, but one s#eep of "hang 3ei(s blade laid him on the dec$ dead. +nd the grim #arrior hung his head at the feet of ,ady Sun. C!hy this very unseemly behaviorGC cried ,ady Sun, no# uite frightened. CSister,C said "hang 3ei, Cyou thought very little of my brother #hen you set out on this mad >ourney. That #as behaving rudely.C C1y mother is very ill. It is a matter of life and death,C cried she. CIf I had #aited for your brother(s permission to go, I should have been too late. If you do not let me go no#, I #ill thro# myself into the river.C "hao Bun and "hang 3ei too$ counsel together. They said to each other, CIt is hardly the correct thing for servants to force their lord(s #ife into committing suicide. Suppose #e $eep the child and let the vessel go.C

Then they said, CO ,ady, #e cannot allo# the #ife of our eAalted brother to die a death of shame, and so #e #ill ta$e our leave. !e trust you #ill not forget our brother and that you #ill return uic$ly.C Ta$ing the child #ith them, they left the vessel, and the five ships of the South ,and continued their voyage do#n stream. One poet has praised the conduct of "hao Bun@ 'efore, "hao Bun saved ,iu Shan, !hat time his mother died; +gain li$e service he performs, Hpon the 8reat River(s tide. The soldiers of !u all in the ship, !ere stric$en do#n #ith fear Search all the #orld, you never find Of bold "hao Bun the peer. +nother has eulogiDed "hang 3ei@ +t ,ong Slope 'ridge, !ith rage "hang 3ei boiled, ,i$e #ild beast roared, +nd #arriors recoiled. 3rom danger no# *is prince is saved. On history(s page *is name is graved. &uite satisfied #ith their success, the t#o #arriors sailed home#ard. 'efore they had gone far, they met "huge ,iang #ith a s uadron of ships. *e #as very pleased to find they had recovered the child, and they three >oyfully returned to 9ingDhou, #hence an account of the #hole adventure #as #ritten to ,iu 'ei. !hen ,ady Sun reached her home, she related the story of the death of "hou Shan and the carrying off of the child. Faturally Sun &uan #as very #rath at the miscarriage of his scheme, and he resolved to attac$ 9ingDhou in revenge for his messenger(s murder. CFo# that my sister has returned home, there is no longer any family tie to prevent the attac$, and I #ill ta$e full measure of revenge for the death of my general,C said Sun &uan. So he called the council to consider the eApedition. 'ut before they could decide upon any plan, their deliberations #ere suddenly cut short by the ne#s that )ao )ao #as coming do#n upon the South ,and #ith four hundred thousand troops, burning to avenge his defeat at the Red )liffs. +ll thoughts no# turned to#ard repelling his attac$.

+dviser "hang *ong, #ho had retired to his home ill, had >ust died, and his testament #as sent to his lord to read. Therein he advised Sun &uan@ C1y lord, the seat of government should be removed to the old land of 1oling, #here the scenery seems to bear the impress of $ingly dignity, befitting a person #ho cherishes the ambition of founding an enduring dynasty.C Sun &uan read this document out to his councilors at this meeting, not #ithout many tears in memory of the #riter. *e told them, saying, C"hang *ong #as sincere till his death. I cannot #ithstand his last advice=C +nd Sun &uan at once gave orders to build a #alled city named Shidou in 1oling, and changed the name of the land to 9ianye%. *enceforth he intended to ma$e his capital there. +s a protection against )ao )ao, +dmiral ,u 1eng proposed building a rampart at River RuAu. Some other officers opposed this, saying, C!hen the enemy appears, you #ill have to land in order to attac$ him, and after that you #ill return to your ships. !hat is the use of a rampartGC ,u 1eng replied, COne must prepare against possibilities. Soldiers vary in $eenness and sometimes lose battles. If an urgent occasion arises, the soldiers may be unable to reach the #ater(s edge, and ho# then are they to embar$G They #ill then need shelter.C Sun &uan said, C7rovision against eventualities, such as he proposes, is good. +gainst a distant ris$ provide, and sorro# #al$s not by your side.C So they sent soldiers to build ramparts at River RuAu, and as the #or$ ceased not day or night the #all #as soon completed. In the capital )ao )ao(s influence and glory #aAed daily greater. *igh )ounselor Dong "hao proposed that the title of du$e should be conferred upon him. Dong "hao said, CIn all history, no one has rendered such services as you have, O 7rime 1inister, not even Du$e of "hou% or ,u !ang%. These thirty years you have eAposed yourself to all ris$s, been combed by the #ind and bathed by the rain, and you have s#ept evil from the empire, succored the distressed, and restored the *ans. !ho of all statesmen can ran$ #ith youG It #ould be fitting for you to become the Du$e of !ei% and receive the Fine Dignities, that your merit and virtue be $no#n to all.C Fo# the Fine Dignities, or signs of honor, #ere@ :. )hariots@ 8ilded chariots dra#n by eight horses .. )ourt dresses@ Dragon6embroidered robes, headdresses, and shoes J. 1usic at ban uets@ 'y royal bands

E. Red doors@ Symbols of #ealth K. Inner staircase@ 7rotection for every step ;. Imperial Tiger 8uard@ Three hundred at the gates ?. Imperial aAes@ )ommanding and ceremonial symbols <. 'o# and arro#s@ Red6lac uered bo# #ith a hundred arro#s I. ,ibation vessels@ 9ade tablets and libation cups *o#ever, all the courtiers #ere not of one mind. Said *igh +dviser 2un Bu, CThis should not be done, O 7rime 1inister. Bou raised a force by an appeal to the innate sense of righteousness of the people, and #ith that force you restored the *an authority. Fo# you should remain loyal and humble. The virtuous person loves people #ith a virtuous love and #ould not act in this #ay.C )ao )ao did not ta$e this opposition $indly. Dong "hao said, C*o# can #e disappoint the hopes of many because of the #ords of oneGC So a memorial #ent to the Throne, and )ao )ao(s ambitions and desires #ere gratified #ith the title of Du$e of !ei. The Fine Dignities #ere added. CI did not thin$ to see this day=C said 2un Bu, sighing. This remar$ #as repeated to the ne#ly created Du$e and angered him. *e too$ it to mean that 2un Bu #ould no longer aid him or favor his designs. In the #inter of the seventeenth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D .:.0, )ao )ao decided to send an army to con uer the South ,and, and he ordered 2un Bu to go #ith it%. 2un Bu understood from this that )ao )ao #ished his death, so he declined the appointment on the plea of illness. !hile 2un Bu #as at home, he received one day a boA such as one sent #ith presents of dainties. It #as addressed in )ao )ao(s o#n hand#riting. Opening it, 2un Bu found therein nothing. *e understood; so he too$ poison and died. *e #as fifty6t#o years of age. 2un Bu(s talents #ere to all people $no#n, That #as sad that at the door of po#er he tripped. 7osterity is #rong to class him #ith the noble "hang ,iang, 3or, nearing death, he dared not face his lord of *an. Fe#s of 2un Bu(s death came to )ao )ao in the form of the ordinary letter of mourning by his son, 2un Bun. Then )ao )ao #as sorry and gave orders for an imposing funeral. *e also obtained for the dead man the posthumous title of lordship. The northern army reached River RuAu, #hence )ao )ao sent a reconnaissance of thirty thousand troops led by )ao *ong do#n to the river.

Soon )ao *ong reported@ CThe enemy(s fleet blan$ets the river, but no sign of movements.C 3eeling suspicious, )ao )ao led his army to the river to #atch the enemy and deploy his troops. On the river he sa# displayed a fleet of ships all arranged in admirable order, the divisions being mar$ed by distinctive flags. The e uipment glittered in the sunlight. In the center #as a large ship #hereon #as a huge umbrella, and beneath the shade sat Sun &uan in the midst of his staff. CThat is the sort of son to have,C said )ao )ao in admiration, Cnot such piglets and puppies as ,iu 'iao(s.C Suddenly, at the eAplosion of a bomb, the ships got under #ay and came flying to#ard him, #hile a force moved out of River RuAu. )ao )ao(s soldiers at once retired in great haste. + company led by the green6eyed, purple6bearded Sun &uan made straight for )ao )ao, #ho hastily retreated. 'ut )ao )ao #as sore pressed by other Sun &uan(s commanders, *an Dang and "hou Tai, and it had gone hard #ith him but that 2u )hu came to his rescue and fought #ith the troops of the South ,and till his master could escape. 2u )hu fought some score bouts before he could dra# off and return to his o#n aide. !hen )ao )ao returned to camp, he conferred rich re#ards upon his henchman #ho had saved him, and he reprimanded his other leaders for their too hasty retirement. CBou blunt the $een spirits of the army. +nd if you do such a thing again, I #ill put you to death,C said )ao )ao. +bout midnight that night there arose great commotion at the gates of the camp. !hen )ao )ao #ent outside, he found that the enemy had crept up secretly and started a conflagration. The soldiers of the South ,and forced their #ay into the stoc$ade and #ent hither and thither, slaying till morning bro$e. Then )ao )ao and his army retired. )ao )ao #as greatly distressed by this misfortune. *e #as sitting in his tent poring over the 'oo$ of !ar #hen )heng Bu came in to see him. CO 7rime 1inister,C said )heng Bu, Cyou #ho $no# so thoroughly the art of #ar, have you forgotten the maAim to stri$e uic$lyG Bou had your army ready, but you postponed action and allo#ed your enemies to build the ramparts at River RuAu. Fo# you #ill find it hard to capture the place. It #ould be better no# to retreat on the capital and a#ait a more propitious moment.C )ao )ao listened, but said nothing. +fter a time )heng Bu #ent a#ay. )ao )ao remained seated in his tent, leaning on a small table by his side. +nd he fell asleep. Suddenly he heard a sound as of a rushing stream or galloping s uadrons of horse, and out of the river in front of him arose a huge red sun, so bright that his eyes #ere daDDled by it. ,oo$ing up at the s$y, he sa# t#o other suns as if reflections of this one. +nd as he #ondered, the first sun suddenly fle# up and then dropped among the hills in front of his camp #ith a roar li$e thunder.

This #o$e him. *e #as in his tent and had been dreaming, and the sentry at his tent door #as >ust reporting noon. Soon he had his horse saddled and rode out, #ith a small escort of fifty riders, to#ard the spot he had seen in his dream. +s he stood gaDing around him, an army of horse came along #ith Sun &uan at their head. Sun &uan #ore a glittering helmet and #as clad in silver armor. Seeing his chief enemy, Sun &uan sho#ed no sign of haste or dismay, but reined in his steed on a rise. 7ointing #ith his #hip at )ao )ao, Sun &uan said, C'ehold the all6po#erful minister #ho holds the 1iddle ,and in the hollo# of his hand= *e has reached the acme of #ealth and good fortune and yet he is not content, but must come to encroach upon our South ,and.C )ao )ao replied, CBou are disobedient, and the command of the 4mperor is to eAterminate you=C C!hat #ords=C cried Sun &uan #ith a laugh. C+re you not ashamedG 4veryone $no#s that you control every act of the 4mperor and you tyranniDe over the nobles. I am no rebel against the dynasty, but I do desire to capture you and reform the government.C )ao )ao gre# angry at this speech and bade his generals go over and ta$e Sun &uan prisoner. 'ut before they could obey, *an Dang and "hou Tai, )hen !u and 7an "hang led out t#o armies of soldiers from left and right at the sound of beating drums, and arro#s and crossbo# bolts began to fall li$e raindrops around )ao )ao. *e turned to retire, and the archers and bo#men follo#ed him. *o#ever, presently appeared 2u )hu, #ith the Tiger 8uards, #ho rescued )ao )ao and too$ him bac$ to his camp. The army of the South ,and had scored a victory, and they marched bac$ to River RuAu. +lone in his camp, )ao )ao thought, CThis Sun &uan certainly is no ordinary man, and by the presage of the sun in my dream he #ill become an emperor.C *e began to thin$ it #ould be #ell to retire from the eApedition, only that he feared the troops of the South ,and #ould eAult over him. So the t#o armies remained facing each other a #hole month, fighting occasional s$irmishes and battles in #hich victory fell sometimes to the one and sometimes to the other. +nd so it #ent on till the ne# year, and the spring rains filled the #atercourses to overflo#ing, and the soldiers #ere #ading in deep mud. Their sufferings #ere eAtreme, and )ao )ao became sad at heart. +t the council board his officers #ere divided, some being for retirement and others anAious to hold on till the #arm #eather. Their chief could not ma$e up his mind. Then there came a messenger from the South ,and bearing a letter of Sun &uan, #hich read@

CBou and I, O 7rime 1inister, are both servants of *an, but you are careless for the tran uillity of the people and thin$ only of battle, thereby causing great suffering. Is this conduct #orthy of a $indly personG C'ut spring #ith its heavy rains is at hand, and you #ould be #ise to retire #hile you can. If not, you may eApect a repetition of the misfortune at the Red )liffs. It #ould be #ell to consider this.C +nd on the bac$ of the letter #as a note in a line running thus@ CFo tran uillity for me #hile you live=C )ao )ao read the letter and laughed. CSun &uan spea$s the truth=C said he. *e re#arded the messenger and issued orders to retreat. The 8overnor of ,u>iang, "hu 8uang, #as left to guard *uancheng. The army marched for the capital. Sun &uan returned to 9ianye. +t a meeting of his advisers Sun &uan said, C)ao )ao has marched north, ,iu 'ei is at 9iameng 7ass. !hy should I not lead the army that has >ust repulsed the northern forces to ta$e 9ingDhouGC Thereupon "hang "hao offered another plan, saying, CDo not move a soldier. I $no# ho# to $eep ,iu 'ei from returning to 9ingDhou.C )ao )ao(s army march a#ay, Sun &uan(s thoughts then south#ard stray. The scheme proposed by "hang "hao #ill be unfolded in the neAt chapter. Chapter 32 Ta5ing ! ,iver F& Pass) +ang H&ai and Gao Pei 1re S#ain; Siege ! -&ocheng) H&ang Zhong and Wei +an ,iva#' "hang "hao proceeded to unfold his device@ CIf you underta$e any eApedition farther #est, )ao )ao #ill undoubtedly return to the attac$. Rather #rite t#o letters, one to ,iu "hang saying that ,iu 'ei has leagued himself #ith you against the #est, #hich #ill raise suspicions in the mind of ,iu "hang and cause him to attac$ his guest, and another letter persuading "hang ,u to march upon 9ingDhou, #hich #ill uproot ,iu 'ei. 'et#een these t#o conflicting matters, ,iu 'ei cannot give supports to all fronts, and #e can march against 9ingDhou.C Sun &uan approved, #rote the t#o letters, and sent them by t#o messengers.

In the meantime, ,iu 'ei had been #inning the hearts of the people about 9iameng 7ass, #here his army lay. !hen he received the ne#s of his #ife(s flight and of )ao )ao(s attac$ on RuAu, he called in 7ang Tong and laid the matter before him. CThe victor of RuAu, #hoever it is, #ill assuredly possess himself of our region of 9ingDhou,C said ,iu 'ei at the close. CBou need not trouble about that region,C said 7ang Tong. CI do not thin$ the South ,and or the 1iddle ,and #ill try to ta$e it so long as "huge ,iang is there. 'ut, my lord, #rite to ,iu "hang telling him you #ish to return on account of this threatening danger. It #ill be a plausible eAcuse. Bou may say that on account of )ao )ao(s attac$, Sun &uan has sent to you for help, and that as his country and yours are neighbors and dependent upon each other for safety you cannot refuse. 3urther, you #ill assure him that there is no danger of any invasion by "hang ,u. *o#ever, #e have too fe# troops for our purpose and insufficient grain, so you must also urge your relative to send you thirty or forty thousand of veterans and a plentiful supply of food. *e #ill not refuse, and #ith more soldiers and provisions #e can do as #e please.C ,iu 'ei agreed to this and sent a messenger to )hengdu. !hen his messenger reached the River 3u 7ass, Bang *uai and 8ao 7ei, #ho commanded the garrison, already $ne# of the design, and the former of the t#o generals #ent #ith him to the city. +fter reading the letter, the Imperial 7rotector as$ed Bang *uai, C!hy did you come #ith the messengerGC COnly because of that letter,C Bang *uai replied. CThis ,iu 'ei, from the day he first entered BiDhou, has been trying to #in over the hearts of your people by a display of $indness and virtue. *e certainly intends no good, and I thin$ you should refuse both the troops and the supplies he as$s. To help him is li$e adding fuel to a fire.C C!e are affectionate brothers, and I must help him,C said the Imperial 7rotector. C,iu 'ei is nothing but a vagabond s#ashbuc$ler,C someone cried, Cand if you $eep him here in the #est, you are loosing a tiger in your household. If you give him the troops and supplies he as$s, you are adding #ings to your tiger.C Turning #hence the voice proceeded, they recogniDed the spea$er as one ,iu 'a, a native of ,ingling. *is #ords thre# the Imperial 7rotector into a state of doubt and hesitation. *uang &uan also dissuaded him most earnestly, and finally ,iu "hang actually decided to send only four thousand of #orn6out soldiers and a paltry supply of grain. +t the same time fresh orders en>oining a diligent #atchfulness #ere sent to the guardians of the passes. !hen ,iu 'ei read the letter that accompanied the Imperial 7rotector(s miserable contribution to his strength, he #as furious and cried, CI have been spending myself in your defense, and this is

my re#ard= Bou are mean and greedy enough to stint my supplies. *o# can you eApect generous serviceGC ,iu 'ei tore the letter to fragments and eAecrated the #riter thereof. The bearer of the letter fled bac$ to the capital. Then said 7ang Tong, CBou have hitherto laid too much stress on humanity and righteousness. *o#ever, that is all over no#, and all affection bet#een you t#o is at an end, no# that you have torn up that letter.C CBes. +nd since that is so, #hat neAtGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. CI have three schemes ready in my mind. Bou may choose #hich pleases you.C C!hat are your three schemesGC CThe first, and best, is to send an army forth#ith and seiDe )hengdu. The second is to capture and put to death the t#o generals of the River 3u 7ass. They are the t#o most famous fighting men in this land. If you give out that you are returning to 9ingDhou, they #ill assuredly come to say fare#ell. SeiDe and put them to death, and the 7ass and 3ucheng are both yours. )hengdu #ill follo# soon. The third plan is to drop this role you have been playing, go bac$ to 9ingDhou and ma$e a regular invasion. 'ut if you ponder these schemes too long, you #ill get into such straits that nothing can save you.C ,iu 'ei replied, COf your three schemes, O Instructor, I find the first too summary and the last too slo#. I choose the second scheme, #hich is neither.C So a letter #as #ritten to ,iu "hang saying that )ao )ao #as sending an army against &ingni, and since the generals there #ere une ual to the defense, ,iu 'ei had to go to help. +s the matter #as pressing, there could be no personal leave6ta$ing. CI $ne# that the real desire of ,iu 'ei #as to return to 9ingDhou,C said "hang Song, #hen he heard of the letter to ,iu "hang. "hang Song then also composed a letter to ,iu 'ei. !hile he #as loo$ing about for a trusty person to ta$e it, his brother "hang Su, #ho #as the 8overnor of 8uanghan, came to see him. "hang Song hid the letter in his sleeve #hile he tal$ed #ith his brother. "hang Su noticed his anAious in uietude, #hich he could not eAplain. !ine #as brought in and, as the t#o brothers chatted over it, the letter dropped to the floor unnoticed by "hang Song. One of "hang Su(s servants sa# it, pic$ed it up, and gave it to his master, #ho opened and read it. This is about ho# it ran@ C!hat I said to you lately #as not mere meaningless tal$. !hy, then, postpone actionG The ancients valued the person #ho too$ by force and held by conciliation. If you act at once, the

#hole matter is in your hand. !hy abandon all and return to 9ingDhouG Surely I do not hear aright= !hen you get this letter, attac$ #ithout a moment(s delay and remember that I am your ally on the inside. +bove all, no delay=C CThis plot of my brother(s #ill end in the destruction of the #hole family,C said "hang Su. CI must get in the first #ord.C So at once he #ent in and laid the #hole matter before the Imperial 7rotector. CI have al#ays treated your brother so #ell=C said ,iu "hang, very angry. ,iu "hang issued orders to arrest "hang Song and behead him and all his household in the mar$et place. "hang Song, such as he have been but fe#, ,ittle thought he that a letter #ould betray !hen he plotted for another. 'ut success he never $ne#, 3or himself there opened out a gory #ay. *aving thus learned of a real conspiracy to deprive him of his heritage, ,iu "hang assembled his officers and as$ed their advice. *uang &uan spo$e out, saying, C7rompt action is needed. Send to every strategic point telling them to increase the garrisons and $eep careful guard and, above all, prevent the entrance of any person from 9ingDhou.C Such orders #ere sent to all points of vantage #here #ere garrisons. In the meantime, carrying out 7ang Tong(s scheme, ,iu 'ei had marched do#n to 3ucheng, #here he halted and sent in a messenger to invite the t#o generals to come forth and say fare#ell. 'ut they did not respond immediately to this invitation. C!hat is the real meaning of this retirementGC said one to the other. CThis ,iu 'ei ought to die,C said 8ao 7ei. C,et us hide daggers under our dress and stab him at the place of fare#ell. That #ill end all our lord(s troubles.C C+ most eAcellent plan,C said Bang *uai. So they t#o, ta$ing only a small escort of t#o hundred, #ent do#n out of the 7ass to say goodbye. 1ost of their forces #ere left in the camp. On the #ay do#n to River 3u, 7ang Tong had said to his master, CBou have need to be on your guard against those t#o if they come to bid you fare#ell. If they do not come, then the 7ass must be attac$ed #ithout delay.C

9ust as he said this, a violent gust of #ind overthre# the leading flag of the army, and ,iu 'ei as$ed #hat this portended. CThat means a surprise. Those t#o intend to assassinate you, so be on your guard.C +ccordingly, ,iu 'ei put on double armor and girded on his s#ord in readiness. !hen the t#o generals arrived, the army halted #hile the generals should pay the fare#ell visit. Then 7ang Tong said to his t#o generals, !ei Ban and *uang "hong, C*o#ever many soldiers come do#n from the 7ass, see to it that none return.C The t#o generals of !est River ,and, Bang *uai and 8ao 7ei, armed #ith hidden daggers, came up, their escort bearing gifts of sheep and #ine. They mar$ed no precautions being ta$en against an attac$ and began to thin$ their tas$ of murder #ould be an easy one. They #ere led in to #here ,iu 'ei sat under a tent, his adviser #ith him. They said, C!e hear, O Imperial Hncle, that you contemplate a long march, and therefore #e come to offer a fe# poor gifts to speed you on your #ay.C The cups of fare#ell #ere duly filled. Then ,iu 'ei replied, CBou have a heavy responsibility to defend the 7ass, 8enerals. I pray you drin$ first.C They dran$. Then ,iu 'ei said, CI have a secret matter to tal$ over #ith you.C So all the t#o hundred soldiers of the escort #ere sent a#ay and led to the midst of the camp. +s soon as they had gone, ,iu 'ei shouted, C1y generals, lay hands upon these t#o rebels=C Thereupon ,iu 3eng and 8uan 7ing rushed out from behind the tent. The t#o generals of the 7ass #ere ta$en abac$, but began to struggle. *o#ever, ,iu 3eng and 8uan 7ing each seiDed one man and held him. CBour lord and I are of the same house,C said ,iu 'ei. C!hy then have you plotted against me and conspired to so# enmity bet#een usGC 7ang Tong bade them search the captives, and the hidden daggers #ere found. So both #ere ordered to immediate eAecution. *o#ever, ,iu 'ei hesitated and #as un#illing to confirm the sentence and put them to death. 'ut his adviser insisted that they #ere #orthy of death for the assassination they had penned, and bade the eAecutioners fall on. So the t#o men #ere beheaded. Of their follo#ing not one had been allo#ed to slip a#ay. ,iu 'ei summoned the soldiers of the escort to his tent, gave them #ine to comfort them, and said, CBour leaders conspired to so# dissension bet#een brothers and #ere found #ith daggers hidden

beneath their clothing. They #ere assassins in intent and have met the fate they merited. Bou have committed no crime and need feel no alarm.C The soldiers than$ed him for his clemency #ith lo# obeisance. Then said 7ang Tong, CIf you #ill no# sho# the #ay so that our troops may capture the 7ass, you shall even be re#arded.C They consented. That same night the army set out, #ith the soldiers of the renegade escort leading the #ay. !hen they reached the 7ass they hailed the gate, saying, COpen the gate uic$ly= The generals have returned earlier than they eApected because of important business.C *earing the voices of their comrades, the gate guards had no suspicion of treachery and thre# open the gates. In rushed the enemy soldiers and so gained possession of River 3u 7ass #ithout shedding a drop of blood. The defenders came over to the side of ,iu 'ei and #ere liberally re#arded. This done, the army #as posted so as to guard the approaches and maintain #hat they had captured. The neAt fe# days #ere spent in ban uets and feasts in celebration of success. +t one of these feasts, ,iu 'ei turned to his adviser, saying, CThis is #hat one might call a >oyful occasion.C CTo employ #arli$e #eapons in ma$ing an attac$ upon the possession of another is not using them in the best #ay,C replied 7ang Tong. CFor is such attac$ the most proper occasion for re>oicing.C ,iu 'ei replied, CThe success of 5ing !u of "hou% #as celebrated #ith music. I suppose #eapons #ere not #ell used on that occasion either. !hy do you tal$ so #ide of reasonG Bou had better retire.C 7ang Tong laughed and #ithdre# from the table, #hile the attendants supported ,iu 'ei to his o#n chamber, #here he had a long sleep. +bout midnight he a#o$e from his #ine, and then the servants told him that he had driven s#ay his adviser from the feast. *e #as at once filled #ith remorse. FeAt day, having dressed early in full costume of ceremony, he too$ his seat in the great hall, summoned his adviser and apologiDed handsomely for his rude behavior the night before. CI dran$ too much last night and spo$e rudely. 7ray forgive me.C 7ang Tong, #ho had ta$en the #hole episode in very good part from the first, laughed and tal$ed as usual. 'ut ,iu 'ei #ent on, CReally I #as the only one to blame yesterday.C

C!e both slipped up. It #as not only you, my lord,C said 7ang Tong. Then ,iu 'ei laughed too, and the t#o #ere as good friends again as ever. !hen Imperial 7rotector ,iu "hang heard of the doings of his relative and guest, he said, CI did not thin$ that such things #ould come to pass.C The officers of BiDhou met to consider ho# to oppose the further advance of ,iu 'ei. *uang &uan said, C,et us send #ithout delay a force to hold ,uocheng, #hich is the very throat of the road he must ta$e. *e may have veteran soldiers and fiery generals, but he #ill not be able to pass.C So the four ablest generals666Deng 2iang, ,ing 'ao, ,iu 8ui, and "hang Ren666#ere told off for this duty, and they led fifty thousand troops. +s they marched, ,iu 8ui said, CIn the Sil$y *ills there is a #onderful Taoist #ho calls himself (The Super *uman of the Dar$ Void.( *e has the gift of second sight, so let us visit him as #e pass and in uire #hat our fortunes are to be.C C!hat should one see$ of a hermit #hen one is out to repulse an enemyGC said his colleague, "hang Ren, contemptuously. CBour vie# is #rong,C said ,iu 8ui. CThe *oly One -)onfucius0 has said that it is characteristic of the most entire sincerity to be able to fore$no#. So let us in uire of this man of high intelligence that #e may $no# #hat to do and #hat to avoid.C !hereupon they #ent up into the hills and sought the hermit(s retreat. They #ere a small party, on horsebac$. 1eeting a #ood6cutter, they in uired the #hereabouts of the d#elling of the #ise man, and he pointed to one of the highest hills, saying that the Sage lived on the very summit. They climbed up to the spot he had told them of and found a small hut. +t their summons, a lad in Taoist garb came out to spea$ #ith them. *e as$ed their names and led them into the presence of the Super *uman, #ho received them seated on a rush cushion. They made a lo# obeisance, told him the reason of their coming, and as$ed of the future. C*o# can a poor Taoist recluse $no# ought of fortunes, good or evilGC said he. *o#ever, after a time, as ,iu 8ui repeated his re uest again and again and comported himself most humbly, the hermit bade the lad bring paper and in$ and he #rote eight lines, #hich he handed to his uestioner. CSupported by dragon and phoeniA, So flies he #est#ard. 'ut the phoeniA shall fall to the earth. +nd the dragon shall soar to the s$y;

There shall be successes and failures, 3or such is the eternal la#. See that ye act #hen occasion offers, ,est ye descend to the Fine 8olden Springs.C *aving read the oracle, they pressed the seer to reveal them their individual fortunes, but he replied, C!hy as$ these thingsG Fone can escape his fate.C ,iu 8ui ventured to uestion the Sage further, but his eyelids dropped as if he slumbered. For #ould he vouchsafe a #ord more, and the four generals too$ leave and descended the hill. COne must have faith in such as he says,C said ,iu 8ui. C!hat is to be gained by listening to the sayings of a daft old manGC replied "hang Ren. So they continued their road to ,uocheng. !hen they arrived, ,iu 8ui said, C,uocheng is the throat of the road to )hengdu. !e must create a pincers defense for the city. T#o of us are to guard the ramparts #hile the other t#o are to station themselves in front of the city, #here is a point of vantage sheltered by some hills.C Thus Deng 2iang and ,ing 'ao #anted to build the ramparts outside the city. T#enty thousand troops #ere told off. The t#o generals #ent to establish t#o camps in t#o stoc$ades t#enty miles a#ay, hoping to be able to $eep the foe a#ay from the city. The River 3u 7ass being captured, ,iu 'ei too$ counsel #ith his adviser as to the neAt point to be attempted. This #as ,uocheng. The scouts reported@ C,iu "hang has sent four generals to the defense of that city, and t#o camps has been established t#enty miles a#ay to form an oA horn.C Then ,iu 'ei assembled his officers and as$ed #ho #ould go to attac$ the camps. The veteran *uang "hong offered himself. CVeteran 8eneral, ta$e your o#n troops and go,C said ,iu 'ei. C+ goodly re#ard shall be yours if you capture the t#o camps.C *uang "hong than$ed his lord and #as >ust leading a#ay his troops #hen suddenly up spo$e a youthful leader, saying, CThe 8eneral is too old to go on such an eApedition. I am of poor ability, but I #ish to ta$e his place.C The spea$er #as !ei Ban. *uang "hong replied, CI already have my commission. !hy should you #ish to supplant meGC

C'ecause the tas$ is beyond an old man(s strength,C said !ei Ban. CThe t#o generals in those camps #e $no# are the best and boldest in the country. They are strong, and, veteran as you are, I fear you #ill be unable to overcome them. If you fail, our lord(s great design #ill be hindered. Therefore I as$ that I may replace you, and my intent is $indly.C This reminder of his age angered the old man. COld, am IG Dare you compete #ith me in the use of #arli$e #eaponsGC said *uang "hong. CBes; I dare. +nd our lord shall be the >udge. The #inner shall underta$e this eApedition. Do you agreeGC *uang "hong ran do#n the steps and called to his soldiers to bring his s#ord. 'ut ,iu 'ei #ould stop this contest and said, CI have need of both of you in the tas$ that lies before me. !hen t#o tigers fight, one is sure to lose; and the loss of either of you is more than I could bear. 'e reconciled and uarrel no more.C CBou t#o must not uarrel,C said 7ang Tong. C'ut as there are t#o camps to be ta$en and t#o generals to fight, ta$e one each and let each lead his o#n troops. The first to capture his camp shall be held to have rendered the greater service and to have ac uired the greater merit.C This decision pacified them, and it #as settled that *uang "hong, the veteran, should go against ,ing 'ao, and !ei Ban, the younger leader, should attac$ Deng 2iang. 'ut after they had marched a#ay, 7ang Tong recommended, CBou, my lord, should follo# them lest they should uarrel on the #ay.C So leaving the city of 3ucheng in care of his adviser, ,iu 'ei also marched, ta$ing #ith him ,iu 3eng, his adopted son, and 8uan 7ing, his nephe# by adoption. They too$ five thousand troops. +fter having received the command to ta$e one of the camps, *uang "hong #ent to his o#n camp and issued orders for the morning meal to be ready very early, and for everyone to be in marching order by daybrea$. !hen the time arrived, his army set out, ta$ing the road through a gully to the left of the hills. 'ut early as *uang "hong started, his rival had stolen a march on him. !ei Ban had sent over the night before to find out the hour fiAed for *uang "hong(s start and had arranged his o#n departure a #atch earlier, by #hich he #ould be able to reach his ob>ective at da#n. +fter !ei Ban(s troops had ta$en their early meal, they removed the bells from the horses end put gags in their o#n mouths to prevent tal$ing, and all6silently the army stole out of the camp >ust as the other party #ere eating their brea$fast. The ensigns #ere furled and #eapons covered lest the glint of steel should betray their movement.

Thus far successful in getting the start of his rival, !ei Ban thought as he rode along #hat a fine score he #ould ma$e if he anticipated *uang "hong also in his attac$ and captured the camp of ,ing 'ao before *uang "hong could get there. !ei Ban at once deviated from his o#n line and marched to#ard the camp defended by ,ing 'ao, of #hich the capture had been assigned to *uang "hong. 9ust before arrival, !ei Ban halted his troops and bade them prepare the drums and ensigns and their #eapons. 4arly as it #as, yet the camp commander #as on the alert, for the advancing force had been observed by his scouts. +t the first sign of attac$, the defenders poured out in full force. !ei Ban galloped up and made straight for ,ing 'ao. These t#o fought t#enty or so of bouts, and then the troops of !est River ,and came up and >oined in the battle. The troops of 9ingDhou under !ei Ban having marched a long distance, #ere fatigued and could not #ithstand this onslaught, so they fell bac$. !ei Ban heard the confused sound of hoofs behind him and, giving up all thought of finishing his encounter #ith ,ing 'ao, turned his horse and fled. The troops of !est River ,and $ept up the pursuit, and the attac$ers #ere defeated and retired. They had gone about t#o miles #hen another army of BiDhou appeared from behind some hills. They advanced #ith heating drums. Their leader, Deng 2iang, shouted to !ei Ban to surrender, but !ei Ban heeded him not; #hipping up his steed he fled the faster. *o#ever, the tired horse tripped and fell on its $nees, thro#ing its rider to the ground. Deng 2iang(s forces came galloping up, and he himself set his spear to thrust and slay !ei Ban. 'efore the spear could get #here it #as supposed to be, t#ang= #ent a bo#string, and Deng 2iang lay prone upon the earth. ,ing 'ao, Deng 2iang(s colleague, rode up uic$ly to his rescue, but >ust then a body of horse came dashing do#n the hill, and their leader shouted, C8eneral *uang "hong is here=C !ith uplifted s#ord *uang "hong rode to#ard ,ing 'ao, #ho turned his steed and galloped off to the rear. *uang "hong pursued, and the army of BiDhou #ere thro#n into confusion. So *uang "hong #as able to rescue his colleague !ei Ban. *uang "hong had thus slain Deng 2iang and forced his #ay up to the gate of the camp. Once again ,ing 'ao came and engaged *uang "hong. The t#o had fought some ten bouts #hen appeared another body of soldiers. Thereupon ,ing 'ao fled again, and this time he made for the other camp, abandoning his o#n to the troops of 9ingDhou. 'ut #hen he dre# near his camp, he sa# no longer the familiar flags of his o#n side. Instead, alien banners fluttered in the breeDe. *e chec$ed his steed and stared at the ne# force. The leader #as a general #earing a silver breastplate and clad in a sil$en robe, no other than ,iu 'ei himself. On his left #as his son and on his right rode his nephe#. C!hither #ould you comeGC cried ,iu 'ei. CThe camp is ours. I have captured it.C

Fo# ,iu 'ei had led his troops in the trac$ of the other t#o armies ready to help either in case of need. *e had come across the empty and undefended camp and ta$en possession. ,eft #ith no place of refuge, ,ing 'ao set off along a by#ay to try to get bac$ to ,uocheng. *e had not gone far #hen he fell into an ambush and #as ta$en prisoner. 'ound #ith cords he #as ta$en to the camp of ,iu 'ei. The ambush had been prepared by !ei Ban, #ho, $no#ing he had committed a fault that could in no #ise be eAplained a#ay, had collected as many of his soldiers as he could find and made some of the captured soldiers of BiDhou guide him to a spot suitable for laying an ambush. ,iu 'ei had hoisted the flag of amnesty for his enemies, and #henever any soldier of the !est River ,and laid do#n his #eapons and stripped off his armor he #as spared. +lso all the #ounded #ere granted life. ,iu 'ei told his enemies that they had liberty of choice. *e said, CBou soldiers have parents and #ives and little ones at home, and those #ho #ish to return to them are free to go. If any #ish to >oin my army, they also #ill be received.C +t this proof of generosity the sound of re>oicing filled the land. *aving made his camp, *uang "hong came to ,iu 'ei and said, C!ei Ban should be put to death for disobedience=C The culprit #as summoned and came, bringing #ith him his prisoner. ,iu 'ei decided that the merit of capturing an enemy should be set against his fault and bade him than$ his rescuer, en>oining upon them both to uarrel no more. !ei Ban bo#ed his head and confessed his fault, and *uang "hong #as handsomely re#arded. The prisoner #as then ta$en before ,iu 'ei to decide upon his fate. ,iu 'ei loosened ,ing 'ao(s bonds by his o#n hands and gave him the cup of consolation. +fter he had drun$, ,iu 'ei as$ed if he #as #illing to surrender. CSince you give me my life, I can do no other,C said he. C1oreover, my t#o companions, ,iu 8ui and "hang Ren, and I are s#orn to live or die together. If you #ill release me, I #ill return and bring them also to you and there#ith you #ill get possession of ,uocheng.C ,iu 'ei gladly accepted the offer. *e gave ,ing 'ao clothing and a horse and bade him go to the city to carry out his plan. CDo not let him go,C said !ei Ban. CIf you do, you #ill never see him again.C ,iu 'ei replied, CIf I treat humans #ith $indness and >ustice, they #ill not betray my trust.C So the prisoner #as set free.

!hen ,ing 'ao reached the city and sa# his t#o friends, he told them, saying, CI sle# many of the enemy and escaped by mounting the steed of one of them.C ,ing 'ao said no #ord of having been captured. 1essengers #ere sent in haste to )hengdu for help. The loss of his general, Deng 2iang, disturbed the Imperial 7rotector greatly. *e called his advisers together to consult. Then his eldest son, ,iu 2un, said, C3ather, let me go to defend ,uocheng.C CBou may go, my son, but #ho is there to go #ith youGC One !u Bi at once offered himself. *e #as brother6in6la# to ,iu "hang. ,iu "hang said, CIt is #ell that you go, brother6in6la#, but #ho #ill second youGC !u Bi at once recommended t#o men, !u ,an and ,ei Tong, #ho #ere appointed to assist in the command. T#enty thousand troops #ere given them, and they set out for ,uocheng. ,iu 8ui and "hang Ren came out to #elcome them and told them #hat had happened. !u Bi said, CIf the enemy dra# near to the #alls, it #ill be hard to drive them off again. !hat do you t#o thin$ should be doneGC ,ing 'ao replied, CThe city lies along River 3u and the current is strong. The enemy camp lies lo# at the foot of the hills. !ith five thousand people I can cut the river ban$s, flood their camp, and dro#n ,iu 'ei and his army #ith him.C The plan #as approved, and ,ing 'ao #ent a#ay to carry it out. !u ,an and ,ei Tong #ere told off to supervise the #or$ers. They began to prepare the tools for cutting the ban$. ,eaving *uang "hong and !ei Ban in command of the t#o camps, ,iu 'ei #ent a#ay to 3ucheng to consult #ith 7ang Tong, the army(s instructor. Intelligence had been received that Sun &uan had sent a messenger to see$ to ma$e a league #ith "hang ,u to ma$e a >oint attac$ upon the 9iameng 7ass, and ,iu 'ei #as alarmed lest it should come to pass. CIf they do that, I am ta$en in the rear and helpless in both advance and retreat,C said he. C!hat do you counsel, O InstructorGC 7ang Tong turned to 1eng Da, saying, CBou are a native of Shu and #ell s$illed in its topography. !hat can be done to ma$e the 7ass secureGC C,et me ta$e a certain man #ith me, and I #ill defend it myself and ans#er for its safety.C C!ho is heGC as$ed ,iu 'ei.

C*e #as formerly an officer under ,iu 'iao. *is name is *uo 9un, and he is a native of Fan>un in the south.C This offer #as accepted, and the t#o generals departed. +fter the council, #hen 7ang Tong returned to his lodging, the door$eeper told him that a visitor had arrived. !hen 7ang Tong #ent out to receive him, he sa# a huge tall fello# eight cubits in stature and of noble countenance. *is hair had been cut short and hung upon his nec$. *e #as poorly dressed. C!ho may you be, 1asterGC as$ed 7ang Tong. The visitor made no reply, but #ent at once straight up the room and lay upon the couch. 7ang Tong felt very suspicious of the man and repeated his uestion. 7ressed again, the visitor said, CDo let me rest a little. Then I #ill tal$ #ith you about everything in the #orld.C This ans#er only added to the mystery and increased the host(s suspicion, but he had #ine and food brought in, of #hich the guest partoo$ ravenously. *aving eaten, he lay do#n and fell asleep. 7ang Tong #ag greatly puDDled and thought the man must be a spy. *e sent for 3a "heng, met him in the courtyard, and told him about the strange visitor. CSurely it can be no other than 7eng Bang,C said 3a "heng. 3a "heng #ent inside and loo$ed. Immediately the visitor >umped up, saying, CI hope you have been #ell since #e parted last=C 'ecause t#o old friends meet again, + river(s fatal flood is chec$ed. The neAt chapter #ill eAplain #ho the stranger #as. Chapter 3( Zh&ge -iang =o&rns For Pang Tong; Zhang Fei ,e#eases +an +an' 3a "heng and the ne# comer met #ith every sign of >oy, clapping their hands and laughing #ith pleasure. CThis is 7eng Bang of 8uanghan, one of our heroes. *is blunt speech, ho#ever, offended Imperial 7rotector ,iu "hang, #ho put him to shame by shaving his head, loading him #ith fetters, and forcing him into a monastery. That is #hy his hair is short.C

The introduction made, 7ang Tong treated the stranger #ith all the courtesy due to a guest and as$ed #hy he had come. CTo save a myriad of your soldiers( lives. I #ill eAplain fully #hen I see 8eneral ,iu 'ei.C + message #as sent to ,iu 'ei, #ho came over to see the visitor. C*o# many troops have you, 8eneralGC as$ed 7eng Bang, #hen ,iu 'ei arrived. ,iu 'ei told him. C+s a leader you cannot be ignorant of the lie of the land. Bour camps over there are on River 3u. If the river be diverted and the enemy hold your army in front and rear, not a soul can escape.C ,iu 'ei realiDed that this #as true. 7eng Bang continued, CIn the heaven, the bo#l of the Dipper lies to#ard the #est, and Venus stands over against us. The aspect is ominous of evil, and some misfortune threatens. It must be #arded off.C ,iu 'ei offered 7eng Bang an appointment as an adviser. Then he sent messages to the generals at the camps telling them to $eep most vigilant loo$6out to guard against the cutting of the river ban$. !hen this message came, *uang "hong and !ei Ban agreed together to ta$e duty day and night about and maintain the strict #atch necessary in the presence of an enemy near at hand. They arranged means of communication in case either met #ith a body of the enemy. One very stormy night, ,ing 'ao ventured out #ith a strong party of five thousand and #ent along the river ban$ to see$ a suitable place for the breach. 'ut a sudden shouting in his rear told him that the army of 9ingDhou #ere on the alert, and he at once retired. !ei Ban came in pursuit and, as he pressed nearer, ,ing 'ao(s troops hurried for#ard, trampling each other do#n in their haste. Suddenly ,ing 'ao and !ei Ban ran against each other, and they engaged. The fight #as very short, for !ei Ban soon too$ his opponent prisoner. !u ,an and ,ei Tong #ho came to ,ing 'ao(s rescue #ere easily beaten off, and ,ing 'ao #as carried a#ay. !hen !ei Ban reached the 7ass, ,iu 'ei sa# ,ing 'ao and greatly blamed him for his base ingratitude. CI treated you generously and set you free, yet you repaid me #ith ingratitude. I cannot forgive again.C So the prisoner #as beheaded, and his captor #as re#arded. + ban uet #as given in honor of 7eng Bang. Soon after this came a letter from "huge ,iang, by the hand of 1a ,iang, #ho reported all calm in 9ingDhou and told ,iu 'ei that he need feel no anAiety. Opening the letter, ,iu 'ei read@

CI have been ma$ing some astrological calculations. This is the last year of the cycle, the bo#l of the Dipper is in the #estern uarter, and the planet Venus approaches ,uocheng. The configuration is inimical to leaders, and the utmost caution is necessary.C *aving read this and sent 1a ,iang a#ay, ,iu 'ei said, CI #ill return myself to 9ingDhou and discuss the matter.C 'ut 7ang Tong opposed this, for he thought in his heart that "huge ,iang(s #arning #as due to a >ealous desire to prevent him from #inning the glory of conducting a victorious campaign in !est River ,and. Therefore 7ang Tong said, CI also have made calculations, and I read the signs to mean that the time is favorable for you to get possession of this land, and no evil is foresho#n. Therefore be not of doubtful heart, my lord, but advance boldly.C ,iu 'ei #as #on over and decided to follo# 7ang Tong(s advice. *e ordered *uang "hong and !ei Ban to lead. 7ang Tong as$ed of 3a "heng #hat roads there #ere to follo#, and the latter dre# a map, #hich #as found to agree eAactly #ith that left by "hang Song. 3a "heng said, CForth of the mountains is a high road leading to the east gate. South of the mountains is another path leading to the #est gate. 'oth these roads are suitable for the advance of an army.C So 7ang Tong said to ,iu 'ei, C!ith !ei Ban to lead the #ay, I #ill go along the southern road, #hile you, my lord, #ill advance along the high road, #ith *uang "hong in the van. !e #ill attac$ ,uocheng at the same time.C ,iu 'ei replied, CI #as trained as a mounted archer and am accustomed to by6roads, #herefore, O Instructor, I thin$ you should ta$e the high road and let me ta$e the other.C CThere #ill be opposition on the high road, and you are the best to deal #ith it. ,et me ta$e the by6 road.C CFo; this does not suit me,C replied ,iu 'ei. C+ spirit bearing a massive iron club appeared to me in a dream and struc$ my right arm, so that I suffered great pain. I feel sure this eApedition #ill turn out badly.C 7ang Tong replied, C!hen a soldier goes into battle, he may be $illed, or he may be #ounded. *e accepts #hichever is his fate. 'ut should one hesitate because of a dreamGC CThe real reason of my hesitation is the letter from "huge ,iang. !herefore I #ish you to remain and guard River 3u 7ass. Do you agree to thatGC

7ang Tong smiled, saying, C"huge ,iang has indeed filled your mind #ith doubts. The real thing is that he is un#illing to let me have the merit of accomplishing a great underta$ing alone. That is #hy he has #ritten this. +nd your doubts and hesitations have produced the dream. 'ut I see nothing ill6omened, and I am prepared for any sacrifice and mean >ust #hat I say. 7ray, my lord, say no more, but prepare to set forth.C So the order #ent forth that the morning meal #as to be ta$en early and the army #as to march at da#n. *uang "hong and !ei Ban #ere to ta$e the lead, one along each road. These t#o set out first, and in due time ,iu 'ei and 7ang Tong mounted and follo#ed. Suddenly 7ang Tong(s horse shied and stumbled, thro#ing him off. ,iu 'ei >umped do#n and seiDed the horse by the bridle, saying, C!hy do you ride this #retched beastGC CI have ridden him a long time, and he has never done this before,C #as the reply. C+ shying steed ris$s a person(s life,C said ,iu 'ei. CRide my horse, #hich is thoroughly trained and #ill never fail you. 8ive me yours.C They eAchanged horses. CI am deeply affected by your $indness,C said 7ang Tong. CI could never repay you if I suffered death a thousand times.C Soon their #ays diverged. +fter his adviser had left, ,iu 'ei felt ill at ease and rode gloomily. !hen the ne#s of ,ing 'ao(s capture and death reached ,uocheng, !u Bi and ,iu 8ui too$ counsel together. Their colleague, "hang Ren, said, CI $no# a by6road on the southeast #hich is of great importance, and I pray you let me guard it #hile you t#o hold the city.C So as soon as the ne#s of the advancing armies came, "hang Ren led three thousand troops to this by6road and placed them in ambush. They remained hidden #hile !ei Ban passed and made no attac$. The main body under 7ang Tong soon follo#ed. The soldiers in ambush sa# a rider on a fine #hite horse and pointed him out to one another, saying, CThat surely is ,iu 'ei on the #hite horse=C Their leader "hang Ren re>oiced too, and he gave certain orders. 7ang Tong hastened for#ard. 'y and by the mountain road narro#ed to a defile #ith dense thic$ets on either hand, and as the season #as #hen summer changes into autumn, the foliage #as thic$ and impenetrable. *is heart alarmed him, and presently he reined in his steed and as$ed if any $ne# the name of that place.

One of the soldiers of BiDhou #ho had >oined his army said, CThis is called (The 3allen 7hoeniA Slope(.C 7ang Tong shuddered. C+n evil omen for me, since Boung 7hoeniA is my Taoist name. There is no luc$ for me here.C *e decided to retire. 'ut as he gave the order, the roar of a bomb rent the air and arro#s began to fly to#ard him thic$ as s#arming locusts. +ll the hidden men #ere shooting at the rider of the #hite horse. +nd there, #ounded by many arro#s, poor 7ang Tong died at the age of thirty6siA. + poem says@ Deep in the blue recesses of 2ian *ills ,ay hid the modest cot of 7ang Tong. 'ut no# each village urchin $no#s his story, +nd any village rustic tells his eAploits. *e $ne# the empire must be triply rent, +nd far he traveled lonely, to and fro. Fone $ne# that *eaven #ould cast do#n his star, 3orbidding his return in glory clad. + song #as also #ritten referring to 7ang Tong@ They #ere t#o, the 7hoeniA and the Dragon, +nd they #ould travel far to the #est; 'ut on the road thither The 7hoeniA died on the mountain slope. The #ind drives off the rain, The rain sends off the #ind. It #as the day of the *an restoration, !hen the #est #as attained, 'ut in the attainment The Dragon #as alone. Fot only #as the leader of the eApedition slain, but more than half of his soldiers fell in the narro# road that fatal day%. Some of the troops in the van escaped and ran off to tell !ei Ban of the mishap to the army, and he halted and turned bac$ to help. *o#ever, it #as difficult to march bac$, and he could not hac$ a #ay through, for the road #as held by "hang Ren, and archers and crossbo#men occupied all the heights. Then one of the renegades proposed that they should try to return along the high road, and they started for ,uocheng this #ay. 'ut in front of them arose a great cloud of dust, betraying the approach of an enemy. !u ,an and ,ei Tong, the defenders of the city, #ere moving to#ard them, and !ei Ban #as bet#een the t#o armies closed in li$e the $ernel of a nut. !ei Ban fought hard to

get through. !hen his case seemed most desperate and hopeless, he observed signs of confusion in the army that lay bet#een him and the city. Soon that army turned and faced the other #ay. *e pressed for#ard and presently sa# troops of his o#n side, led by the veteran *uang "hong. CI #ill rescue you, !ei Ban=C shouted *uang "hong, as he came near. Fo# the defenders of ,uocheng found themselves bet#een t#o enemies, and they #ere smitten heavily. They could not chec$ !ei Ban and *uang "hong, #ho got close to the very #alls of ,uocheng. Seeing them near, ,iu 8ui, #ho had been left to defend the city, poured out against them. Thereupon *uang "hong and !ei Ban, in spite of the nearness of the army of ,iu 'ei, refused battle and turned s#ay from the city. ,iu 'ei(s army made a dash for t#o stoc$ades, but #hen "hang Ren came along the by6road, and the other three defenders of the city came on, the stoc$ades could not be held, and ,iu 'ei(s army had to retire. Fo# fighting and no# marching, the army of ,iu 'ei strove hard to reach River 3u 7ass, but "hang Ren pressed close. *o#ever, ,iu 3eng and 8uan 7ing came up, and not only drove bac$ the pursuers but chased them some seven miles. 3inally, ,iu 'ei and his troops reached the 7ass, #eary and dispirited. *is son and nephe# returned from the pursuit #ith many horses they had captured from the flying enemy. *o#ever, nothing had been gained and the victory lay rather #ith the army of the !est River ,and. ,iu 'ei sent to in uire about 7ang Tong. One of the fugitives from the army finally reached River 3u 7ass and told ,iu 'ei of the sad ne#s666man and horse #ounded to death. ,iu 'ei turned his face to the #est and mourned bitterly. +lthough the body of the slain leader lay far a#ay, they instituted sacrifice to call the spirit, and all the generals $eened for him. Then said *uang "hong, CFo# that our leader is no more, certainly the enemy #ill return to attac$ the 7ass. !hat is to be doneG I thin$ #e had better send to 9ingDhou for "huge ,iang and get him to lay plans for getting possession of the !est River ,and.C +nd even then came in one to say that the enemy under "hang Ren had come and #ere no# offering a challenge at the rampart. *uang "hong and !ei Ban #ished to go forth to fight, but ,iu 'ei disapproved, saying, C!e have suffered a severe chec$, and the soldiers are lo#6spirited. ,et us rather remain on the defensive until the Directing Instructor can arrive.C *uang "hong and !ei Ban made no ob>ection, but set themselves to guard the 7ass most vigilantly, #hile a letter #as #ritten to "huge ,iang and sent by the hand of 8uan 7ing. *e set forth at once, and ,iu 'ei gave himself up to holding the 7ass. In 9ingDhou, it #as the seventh day of the seventh moon, and in the evening "huge ,iang invited his officers to a ban uet. )onversation turned to#ard the enterprise in the !est River ,and.

Suddenly a large and brilliant meteor appeared falling in the #est, illuminating the #hole s$y. It so disturbed the host that he dashed his #ine cup to the ground, covered his face, and burst into tears. C+las= +las=C The guests eagerly as$ed him #hy he #ept. "huge ,iang replied, CI $ne# by my calculations that the bo#l of the Dipper #ould be in the #est at this season and that the auspices #ould be unfavorable to leaders of armies, and lo= the *eavens have gone against our army. !hen Venus #as about to stand over ,uocheng, I #rote to our lord #arning him to be very cautious. I never contemplated the falling of the star this evening. Fo# 7ang Tong is no more.C +gain he fell to #eeping. C1y lord has lost an arm=C moaned he. The guests #ere rather disturbed, but they only half believed that such a misfortune had happened. C!e shall hear the sad ne#s in a very fe# days,C said "huge ,iang. The ban uet ended sadly enough, and the guests #ent their #ays. + fe# days later, #hile "huge ,iang #as sitting #ith 8uan Bu and a fe# others, they reported the arrival of 8uan 7ing #ith letters from the #est. !hen the letters #ere opened, they $ne# that 7ang Tong had fallen the same evening that the meteor had appeared. "huge ,iang #ailed, and the others #ept #ith him. Then "huge ,iang said, CI must go to help our lord. *e is hemmed in at the 7ass and cannot move.C CIf you go a#ay, #ho #ill guard this regionGC as$ed 8uan Bu. CIt is of very great importance.C COur lord has not #ritten plainly, but I $no# #hat #as in his mind.C Then he sho#ed the letter to the others and said, C7rovision for the defense of this region is laid upon me, and I am to find one e ual to the tas$. I read the letter to mean that he desires 8uan Bu to underta$e the defense, and I $no# that 8uan Bu #ill do it for the sa$e of the pledge ta$en long ago in the 7each 8arden. The tas$ is no light one.C 8uan Bu accepted #ithout hesitation or thought of eAcuse. + special ban uet #as prepared at #hich the seal #as to be handed over to him. C+ll the future rests #ith you, 8eneral,C said "huge ,iang as he raised the symbol of office to place it in the hands of the commander. C!hen a person of honor accepts such a tas$, he is only released by death,C replied 8uan Bu.

'ut that ill6omened #ord CdeathC displeased "huge ,iang, and even then he #ould have retracted but that 8uan Bu(s #ord had gone forth. "huge ,iang #ent on. CFo# if )ao )ao attac$ #hat is to be doneGC said "huge ,iang. CRepel him #ith all my strength.C C'ut if )ao )ao and Sun &uan attac$ you together, #hat thenGC C3ight both; half my force against each.C "huge ,iang said, CIn that case, 9ingDhou #ould be in danger. I #ill give you my advice in a fe# #ords, and if you remember them the region is safe.C C!hat are these fe# #ordsGC as$ed 8uan Bu. CForth, fight )ao )ao; south, ally #ith Sun &uan.C CThese #ords, O )ommander, are engraved on my heart.C Thereupon the seal #as placed in his hands. "huge ,iang also appointed tried and #orthy people to assist the ne# commander. 8uan Bu(s civil staff included 1a ,iang, 1i "hu, and Bi 9i; and on military side, he #as assisted by 1i 3ang, ,iao *ua, 8uan 7ing, and "hou )ang. This done, "huge ,iang began to prepare for his march to the River ,ands. "hang 3ei, #ith ten thousand troops, #as sent to fight his #ay into the country #est of 'aDhou and ,uocheng, and he #as to go #ith all speed. The earlier he got through, the greater merit #ould be his. "hao Bun #as to lead a force up the 8reat River and ma$e a >unction at ,uocheng. "huge ,iang, #ith his o#n body of fifteen thousand troops, #ould follo#. +mong those #ho follo#ed "huge ,iang #ere 9ian Bong and one 9iang !an. 9iang !an #as a noted scholar from ,ingling, and he held the office of Secretary. "huge ,iang and "hang 3ei set out the same day. 9ust before leaving, the Directing Instructor said to "hang 3ei, CDo not thin$ lightly of the soldiers of BiDhou, for there are many mighty #arriors among them. On the march restrain your soldiers from plunder and license lest the ordinary people be against us. !herever you halt, be compassionate and $indly and do not give #ay to anger and flog your soldiers. I shall eApect you to reach ,uocheng very soon.C "hang 3ei >oyously mounted and left. *e marched rapidly, and on the #ay all places that surrendered suffered nothing #hatever.

!hen they dre# near the county of 'aDhou, the scouts of !est River ,and sent out by the 8overnor of that place informed their master, Ban Ban. This Ban Ban #as one of the famous generals of BiDhou, and even then, although he #as rather old, he had lost none of his boldness and could still pull the stiffest bo# and #ield the heaviest s#ord. 'eing so famous, Ban Ban #as not the man to surrender at the first approach of an enemy. So #hen "hang 3ei came near, he cautiously encamped about three miles from the city. Thence he sent a messenger to summon the 8overnor to surrender. "hang 3ei said, CTell the old fool to give in, or I #ill trample do#n his #alls and leave no soul alive.C Ban Ban had never favored inviting ,iu 'ei into BiDhou. !hen he had first heard of the Imperial 7rotector(s intention, he said, CThis is li$e calling a tiger to protect a person #hen that person is alone on a bare hill side.C !hen he heard of the seiDure of River 3u 7ass, he #as very angry and offered again and again to lead an army and drive out the aggressors. *e had feared that his city #ould be attac$ed along this very road, so he had prepared his army, and #hen "hang 3ei(s message came, he mustered them, five thousand or so, to oppose him. Then a certain person said to Ban Ban, CBou must be careful ho# you oppose a man #ho by the mere sound of his voice scared the many legions of )ao )ao at ,ong Slope 'ridge. 4ven )ao )ao himself #as careful to $eep out of his #ay. Bour safety is in defense, lying behind your ramparts and #ithin your deep moats till hunger shall have van uished your enemies. This "hang 3ei has a very violent temper. If he is provo$ed, he vents his anger in flogging his soldiers. If you avoid battle, he #ill be irritated; and his cruelty to his soldiers #ill cause them to mutiny. Then you can attac$ and #ill succeed.C Ban Ban thought the advice good. *e therefore resolved only to defend, and he set all his soldiers on the #alls. !hen one of "hang 3ei(s soldiers came up to the gate and shouted for them to open, Ban Ban gave orders to open the gate and admit the man. !hen the soldier had come #ithin, he gave the submission demand as has been related before. 'ut the 8overnor #as eAceedingly angry and said, C3ool that you are= *o# dare you spea$ thus to meG Thin$ you that I, 8eneral Ban Ban, #ill surrender to such as him. 'y your mouth indeed #ill I send a message.C Then Ban Ban bade the eAecutioner cut off the man(s ears and nose. +nd thus mutilated he returned to "hang 3ei. !hen "hang 3ei heard of it, his #rath boiled up and he cursed the defender of the city. 8rinding his teeth and glaring #ith rage, he put on his armor, mounted his steed, and #ent up close to the #alls #ith a fe# mounted follo#ers, and challenged those on the ramparts to fight him. 'ut the defenders on the #alls only replied #ith shameful abuse, and none accepted the

challenge. "hang 3ei galloped again and again to the dra#bridge, only to be driven off each time #ith flights of arro#s. 'ut not a man came outside the #alls. +s the day closed in, the #arrior, still fuming #ith #rath, returned to his o#n camp. FeAt day "hang 3ei again led his troops to the foot of the #all and challenged. +gain the challenge #as refused. 'ut Ban Ban shot an arro# from the to#er that struc$ "hang 3ei(s helmet. This angered him still more. 7ointing the finger of disdain at his enemy, "hang 3ei cried, CI #ill capture you yet, you old fool, and then I #ill devour your flesh=C So again at eventide the troops of 9ingDhou returned to camp buc$ing their desire. On the third day "hang 3ei and his troops made the circuit of the city along the edge of the moat, hurling insults at their enemies. It so happened that the city #as set on a hill #ith rugged heights all round, so that going around it the assailants #ere sometimes on hill tops and sometimes on the level. !hile standing on one of the hills, "hang 3ei noticed that he could see clear do#n into the city. There stood the defenders in their ran$s, all ready for battle although none of them came out. +nd the common people #ent to and fro carrying bric$s and bringing stones to strengthen the defenses. Then "hang 3ei ordered his horsemen to dismount and his footmen to sit do#n so that they could not be seen from the city. *e hoped thus to cheat the defenders into thin$ing that there #ere none to attac$ and so induce them to come out. 'ut this also #as vain, for still the defenders declined battle, and another day #as lost. The army once more returned to camp. That night "hang 3ei sat in his tent trying to thin$ out some means to overcome an enemy that steadily refused to come out from behind the #alls. 7resently, ho#ever, the brain behind the $nitted bro#s conceived a plan. So neAt day, instead of sending all the troops to offer a challenge from the foot of the #all, "hang 3ei $ept most of them in camp and sent only a fe# to ho#l insults and hurl abuse. *e hoped by this means to inveigle Ban Ban out to attac$ the small number of troops. 'ut this also failed, and he #as left all day rubbing hid hands #ith impatience. Fever a man appeared #ithout the #all. 3oiled again, another ruse gre# up behind his bushy eyebro#s. *e set his troops to cut fire#ood and see$ out and eAplore the trac$s that lay about the city. Fo longer did they challenge the #all. +fter some days of this, Ban Ban began to #onder #hat mischief #as bre#ing, and he sent out spies, dressed as #ere the fire#ood cutters, to mingle #ith them and try to discover #hat #as afoot. That day, #hen the troops returned to camp, "hang 3ei sat in his tent stamping his foot #ith rage and eAecrating his enemy. CThe old fool= +ssuredly I shall die of disappointed #rath,C cried he.

9ust then he noticed three or four soldiers lur$ing about his tent door as if they #ished to spea$ #ith him. +nd one of them said, C8eneral, do not let your heart be hot #ithin you. These last fe# days #e have discovered a narro# road by #hich #e can snea$ past this city.C C!hy did you not come and tell me beforeGC cried he. C'ecause #e have only lately discovered it,C said they. CI #ill lose no time then,C said he. CThis very night let food be ready at the second #atch, and #e #ill brea$ camp and steal a#ay as silently as possible. I #ill lead the #ay, and you shall go #ith me as guides.C The re uisite orders #ere given. *aving made sure that the preparations for the march #ere really being made, the spies of the 8overnor returned into the city. CI guessed right then,C said Ban Ban gleefully #hen the spies reported their success. CI cannot bear the fool. *e #ill no# try to snea$ past #ith his commissariat follo#ing, and I #ill cut off his rear. *o# can he get throughG *e is very stupid to fall thus into my trap. +ll are to prepare for battle. The food is to be ready at the second #atch, and the army is to move out at the third. !e #ill hide in the #oods and thic$ets, till the greater part of the enemy(s army has passed and "hang 3ei has arrived in the very throat of the road. Then the blo# #ill be struc$.C They #aited till night had fallen. In due time the late meal #as ta$en, the soldiers donned their armor, stole silently out of the city, and hid as they had been told. The 8overnor himself. #ith a fe# of his generals, #ent out also, dismounted and hid in a #ood. They #aited till after the third #atch. Then "hang 3ei came along, urging his troops to the top of their speed. *is spear lay ready to thrust. *e loo$ed very handsome as he rode at the head of his army. The carts #ere one or t#o miles in the rear. !hen the soldiers had got #ell past, Ban Ban gave the signal. The drums rolled out, up sprang the hidden troops and fell on the baggage train. The #estern troops began to plunder. 'ut suddenly a gong clanged and along came a company of soldiers Ban Ban had not seen. +t the same time a voice #as heard shouting, COld rebel, do not flee= I have been #aiting for this chance a long time=C Ban Ban turned his head. The leader of this band #as a tall man #ith a leopard6li$e bullet head, round eyes, a sharp chin, and bristling tiger mustache. *e #as armed #ith a long serpent halberd and rode a blac$ steed. In a #ord, it #as "hang 3ei.

+ll around the gongs #ere clanging, and many troops of 9ingDhou #ere rushing to#ard Ban Ban, already too frightened to be able to defend himself. *o#ever, the t#o leaders engaged. Very soon "hang 3ei purposely gave his opponent an opening, and Ban Ban rushed in to cut do#n his enemy #ith his s#ord. 'ut "hang 3ei evaded the blo#, made a sudden rush, seiDed Ban Ban by the lace of his armor, and flung him on the ground. Ban Ban #as a prisoner, and in a moment #as fast bound #ith cords. The handsome leader #ho had passed first had not been "hang 3ei at all, but someone dressed and made up to resemble him. To add to the confusion, "hang 3ei had eAchanged the signals, ma$ing the gong the signal for his troops to fall on instead of the usual drum. +s the gongs clanged, more and more of the troops of 9ingDhou came into the fray. The troops of BiDhou could ma$e no fight, and most of them dropped their #eapons and surrendered. To reach the #alls of the city #as no# easy. +fter entering the gates, the leader ordered his soldiers not to hurt the people, and he put out proclamations to pacify the citiDens. 'y and by a party of eAecutioners brought in the prisoner. "hang 3ei too$ his seat in the great hall, and the late commander of the city #as brought before him by a party of eAecutioners. Ban Ban refused to $neel before his captor. C!hy did you not surrender at firstGC cried "hang 3ei, angrily grinding his teeth. C*o# dared you try to oppose meGC C'ecause you are a lot of unrighteous and la#less invaders=C replied Ban Ban #ithout the least sign of fear. CBou may behead me as you #ill, but I #ill not surrender to you.C "hang 3ei angrily gave the order for his eAecution. CStri$e, if you #ant to, fool. !hy so angryGC said Ban Ban. This bold defiance #as not lost upon "hang 3ei. Rising from his seat, he #ent do#n the steps, put aside the lictors, and began to loosen the prisoner(s bonds. Then he dressed Ban Ban in ne# garments and led him to the high place. !hen Ban Ban #as seated, "hang 3ei made a lo# bo#, saying, CI have al#ays $no#n you #ere a hero. Fo# I pray you not remember against me the roughness of my speech.C Ban Ban #as overcome #ith this $indness and forth#ith surrendered. + graybeard ruled in #estern Shu, )lear fame is his the #hole #orld through, +s radiant sun his loyalty. Hnmatched his soul(s nobility. !hen captive ta$en rather he

!ould suffer death than croo$ his $nee. 'aDhou he ruled for many a year, The #orld cannot produce his peer. + poet has also #ritten concerning "hang 3ei@ Ban Ban made prisoner, then the matchless one 4Achanged the s#ord for reason, and so #on The place he holds among the sacred ones Of the #est, to #hom they sacrifice today. Then "hang 3ei as$ed Ban Ban to suggest the means of overcoming the !est River ,and. Ban Ban replied, CI am but the defeated leader of a defeated force, indebted to the victor for my life. I have nothing but my humble services to offer, but I can tell you ho# to get possession of )hengdu #ithout dra#ing a bo# or shooting an arro#.C )ities yield in uic$ succession 'ecause of one old man(s secession. The proposal #ill be unfolded in the neAt chapter. Chapter 3/ Zh&ge -iang P#ans For The Capt&re ! Zhang ,en; +ang F& Borrows So#diers To *estro4 =a Chao' +s stated in the last chapter, "hang 3ei as$ed Ban Ban to tell him ho# he might con uer the #hole of the !est River ,and. This #as the reply@ C+ll the fortified posts bet#een this and ,uocheng are under my control, and the commanders of all the garrisons o#e to me their commissions. The only #ay for me to prove my gratitude is to ma$e them all yield, as I myself have done. ,et me lead the advance, and I #ill summon them one by one to surrender.C "hang 3ei than$ed him again and again, and the march on this plan began. !henever the army arrived at a post, Ban Ban summoned the commander, and there it ended. Occasionally, one #ould hesitate, #hen Ban Ban #ould say, CBou see I have submitted. *o# much more ought you to do soGC These bloodless victories follo#ed each other day after day, supporters rallying to the invaders #ithout uestion. They simply came. In the meantime, "huge ,iang #as preparing. *aving decided upon the date of departure, he #rote to inform ,iu 'ei and made ,uocheng the rendeDvous for the various armies. On receipt of this

letter, ,iu 'ei assembled his officers and eAplained to them its purport. *e bade them be ready to march on the t#enty6second day of the seventh month. 'oth river and land forces #ere to set out the same day. 'ut the fiery old man *uang "hong #as dissatisfied that there should be no local victory in the River 3u 7ass. *e said, CDay after day the enemy has come to challenge us, and day after day #e have refused. They must have gro#n laA, and I propose a night raid on their camp. !e shall catch them unprepared and shall score a victory.C ,iu 'ei agreed to try. *e arranged for a night raid, *uang "hong on the right, !ei Ban on the left, and the center force under his o#n command. They set out at the second #atch and soon arrived. They found "hang Ren(s troops unprepared, rushed the camp, and set it on fire. The flames #ere very fierce, and the troops of BiDhou fled in confusion and sought shelter in ,uocheng. They #ere admitted. +fter pursuing them for some distance, ,iu 'ei made a camp. FeAt day ,iu 'ei marched right up to the city to besiege it. "hang Ren $ept uiet #ithin and made no attempt to beat off the besiegers. On the fourth day ,iu 'ei led an attac$ on the #est gate, sending *uang "hong and !ei Ban to attac$ the east. The north and south gates #ere left to give the besieged a chance to escape if they #ould. Fo#, outside the south gate of ,uocheng the country #as rough and hilly, #hile the s#ift River 3u ran past the north. 3or this reason the city could not be surrounded. 3rom the city #all, "hang Ren #atched the progress of the attac$ and sa# ,iu 'ei the #hole day indefatigably going to and fro directing the assault. *e also sa# that as the sun dropped to#ard the #est, the attac$ing force sho#ed signs of #eariness. !herefore he sent his t#o generals, !u ,an and ,ei Tong, out of the city by the north gate #ith orders to ma$e their #ay around and attac$ *uang "hong and !ei Ban. "hang Ren set himself to go out by the south gate and steal around to attac$ ,iu 'ei. ,est the #ithdra#al of troops from the ramparts should discover his plans, he sent the populace up on the #alls to ma$e a sho# and bade them shout loudly to reinforce the rolling of the drums. +t sundo#n ,iu 'ei ordered the retirement of his army, and the rearmost company turned about to march bac$ to camp. +t this moment arose still louder shouting from the ramparts, and out at the south gate burst "hang Ren and his force. "hang Ren made straight for ,iu 'ei, #ho #as in the middle of his army. ,iu 'ei(s soldiers #ere thro#n into confusion. +s his t#o generals on the east side #ere also attac$ed, they could render no help, and ,iu 'ei fled to the hills. "hang Ren follo#ed and soon got very near. They #ere a #hole company pursuing one solitary man, and as ,iu 'ei plied his #hip he felt that the odds #ere much against him. 9ust then he sa# another company of soldiers ahead, emerging from a hill path. C+n ambush in front; pursuers in rear= Surely *eaven #ishes to destroy me=C cried ,iu 'ei.

'ut all #as not lost. +s they dre# nearer, he recogniDed his o#n troops, and the leader #ho dashed to meet him #as his brother "hang 3ei. "hang 3ei and Ban Ban had happened to ta$e that road, and "hang 3ei had hastened for#ard #hen he sa# the dust of conflict. "hang 3ei and "hang Ren soon came up #ith each other, and they fought ten bouts. 'y this time Ban Ban #ith the main body had come up, and "hang Ren turned and fled. "hang 3ei follo#ed and chased him as far as the city #all. The gate #as opened to allo# "hang Ren to enter and at once shut. The dra#bridge #as raised. Then "hang 3ei returned to his elder brother to report his arrival and the incidents of the #ay. *earing that "huge ,iang had not yet arrived, "hang 3ei re>oiced, saying, CSo I have the credit of first arrival, although he is traveling by river.C ,iu 'ei said, C'ut ho# is it you have come so uic$ly seeing the precipitous road you had to travelG Did you meet no oppositionGC "hang 3ei replied, CThe fact is I have ta$en the forty6five garrisons on the #ay by ma$ing use of 8eneral Ban Ban, #hom I captured. It #as not my o#n merit at all. I have come all the #ay #ithout the least effort.C "hang 3ei told the story of Ban Ban(s capture and services from beginning to end, and then presented the man himself. ,iu 'ei said, C8eneral, my brother(s speedy arrival is certainly o#ing to your help.C !hereupon ,iu 'ei too$ off the golden chain mantle he #as #earing and gave it to his ne# ally. Orders #ere given for a ban uet. !hile it #as being prepared, a messenger came to report, saying, C*uang "hong and !ei Ban had been fighting #ith !u ,an and ,ei Tong and had held their o#n, till enemy reinforcements led by !u Bi and ,iu 8ui arrived. *uang "hong and !ei Ban then fled east#ard.C "hang 3ei at once as$ed his brother to go #ith him to rescue them. 'oth #ent. !hen !u Bi and ,iu 8ui sa# the army of 9ingDhou coming, they retired into the city. !u ,an and ,ei Tong continued the pursuit. The coming of ,iu 'ei and "hang 3ei threatened their rear, and *uang "hong and !ei Ban turned and recommenced the battle. !u ,an and ,ei Tong #ere thus bet#een t#o fires and helpless. They offered to surrender and #ere received. ,iu 'ei returned to his o#n camp near the city.

The loss of his t#o generals grieved "hang Ren sorely. *e called his remaining t#o and as$ed advice. !u Bi and ,iu 8ui proposed, saying, CThis situation calls for one desperate battle, #here #e can hope to repel the enemy. 1ean#hile you should send to )hengdu to tell our master of our current plight.C "hang Ren agreed. Said he, CTomorro# I #ill go and challenge them. If they accept and come out to fight, I #ill feign retreat and inveigle them round to the north side of the city. +s they follo# me, a sortie must be made #hen they pass the gate so as to cut their army in t#o. !e ought to overcome them in this #ay.C C,et me lead the sortie,C said !u Bi. C8eneral ,iu 8ui can stay to help our lord(s son ,iu 2un guard the city.C This also #as agreed to. FeAt morning "hang Ren #ent out to offer the challenge, his troops #aving flags and shouting lustily. +t once "hang 3ei too$ up the challenge and rode out. *e stayed not to parley, but galloped up to "hang Ren and engaged him. +fter about ten bouts "hang Ren seemed to be getting #orsted, so he turned and fled, ta$ing the #ay around the north of the city. "hang 3ei pursued him #ith all speed. Then as he passed the gate, !u Bi made a sortie so that "hang 3ei #as bet#een t#o forces and unable to get clear. "hang Ren turned bac$ to attac$. "hang 3ei seemed in a parlous state. 'ut at this very moment a body of soldiers came up from the riverside and a fierce #arrior rode straight for !u Bi, and in the first bout made him prisoner; his troops #ere then forced bac$, and "hang 3ei #as free. It #as "hao Bun #ho had so opportunely appeared. C!here is the Directing InstructorGC as$ed "hang 3ei. C*e has arrived. I thin$ he has already seen our lord,C replied "hao Bun. The prisoner #as carried to the camp #here "huge ,iang #as. "hang 3ei dismounted and #ent in to greet him. "huge ,iang #as surprised, and said, C*o# comes it that you arrived before meGC ,iu 'ei told the story of "hang 3ei(s prudence and sagacity in dealing #ith Ban Ban. "huge ,iang congratulated "hang 3ei and said, C!hen "hang 3ei behaves #ith such s$ill, my lord(s good fortune is indeed ample.C !hen the prisoner #as ta$en in, ,iu 'ei as$ed him if he #ould surrender. !u Bi replied, C!hy not, seeing I am a prisonerGC

Thereupon ,iu 'ei himself loosed his bonds. "huge ,iang began to uestion him upon the defense. !u Bi told him the names of the officers, saying, CThe son of the Imperial 7rotector, ,iu 2un, and his generals ,iu 8ui and "hang Ren are the defenders. ,iu 8ui does not count for much, but "hang Ren is a man to be avoided.C CThen before #e can get the city, #e must capture "hang Ren,C said "huge ,iang. CThere is a bridge on the east. !hat is it calledGC CIt is $no#n as (8olden 8oose 'ridge(.C "huge ,iang rode over to the bridge and scrutiniDed the neighborhood. +fter his return to camp, he summoned *uang "hong and !ei Ban for orders. To them he said, COn the east of the city is a bridge called 8olden 8oose 'ridge, and about t#o miles south of this I sa# a dense gro#th of reed and sedge #hich #ould afford eAcellent shelter. !ei Ban is to lead a thousand spearmen to the left and attac$, but only attac$ horsemen. *uang "hong #ill lead a thousand s#ordsmen #ho are to cut the horses. !hen "hang Ren has lost most of his troops and horses, he #ill flee by the hill road, #here he #ill fall into an ambush of "hang 3ei.C FeAt "hao Bun #as called and given order, CBou are to lie in ambush close to the bridge, #hich you shall destroy as soon as "hang Ren has crossed. +fter that, you shall ta$e up a position beyond the bridge to prevent him from getting a#ay to the north. 3orced to the south, "hang Ren #ill fall into our hand.C These arrangements made, "huge ,iang himself #ent to challenge the enemy and try to bring them to battle. Imperial 7rotector ,iu "hang had sent t#o generals, "hang Bi and "huo Bing, to reinforce "hang Ren. "hang Ren sent "hang Bi to the help of ,iu 8ui in the city, #hile "huo Bing #as to march second #ith "hang Ren himself to encounter the enemy. "huge ,iang led across the bridge a mob of disorderly loo$ing soldiers, all in disarray, #hom he dre# up as if they #ere a fighting force. *e himself, dressed in a simple robe and toying #ith a fan, too$ his seat in a small four6#heeled carriage. + fe# horsemen caracoling gaily to and fro formed his escort. *aving crossed the bridge, "huge ,iang halted and pointed to "hang Ren, saying, CDare you #ithstand me and not surrender #hen )ao )ao(s million troops fled at my nameGC 'ut the enemy leader #as rather occupied #ith inspecting the disorderly lot of soldiers he sa# in front, all standing anyho# and not dra#n up into formation at all.

!ith a cynical smile, "hang Ren said, C7eople tal$ of "huge ,iang(s superhuman military genius. I say his reputation is false.C !ith that "hang Ren #hirled his spear about his head, and he dashed for#ard #ith all his troops. +s he came, "huge ,iang left his carriage, mounted a horse, and retired to the far side of the bridge. "hang Ren impetuously pursued and rushed over the 8olden 8oose 'ridge. It #as only #hen he had reached the other side that he sa# a body of soldiers on either hand. Then he $ne# that he had been led into a trap. +s soon as he had got across the bridge, the t#o bodies of soldiers under ,iu 'ei and Ban Ban came to the attac$. "hang Ren turned to get bac$ to the bridge, but "hao Bun had done his #or$ and the bridge #as in ruins. "hang Ren made to turn s#ay north, but "hao Bun(s troops stopped the #ay so he had to turn south#ard and follo#ed the course of the river. *e presently reached the place #here gre# the reeds and sedges. Out came !ei Ban and his company of spearmen, #ho stabbed at the horsemen fiercely #hile *uang "hong, #ith his s#ordsmen, cut do#n the horses. Soldiers and horses #ere soon lying on the ground. The fe# survivors #ere uic$ly made prisoners and bound #ith cords. Fo footman escaped. 'ut a fe# luc$y horsemen follo#ed "hang Ren and got a#ay to the hills. There they met "hang 3ei, #ho fell upon them #ith a mighty roar, scattered the fe# follo#ers, and captured the leader. Seeing "hang Ren a prisoner, his second in command "huo Bing turned to#ard "hao Bun and surrendered. Victorious, they returned to camp. ,iu 'ei re#arded "huo Bing. !hen the leader "hang Ren #as led in by "hang 3ei, "huge ,iang #as seated beside his lord. C!hy have you held out so long after all the other generals of BiDhou have yieldedGC said ,iu 'ei. C)an a loyal servant ta$e a second masterGC cried "hang Ren fiercely, his eyes glaring #ith hate. CBou do not $no# the times. Submission means life.C CI might submit today, but it #ould not endure. I should repent it. Bou had better slay me.C ,iu 'ei #as inclined to mercy, but the prisoner #as irreconcilable and $ept up a stream of furious abuse. So at last the order #as given for his eAecution, thus giving him a right to fame. + poem says@ Fo second lord the heroic servant $no#s, The #ay of death "hang Ren contented goes. )lear shines his fame as doth the heavenly moon That nightly lights the ramparts of ,uocheng To#n.

,iu 'ei grieved for "hang Ren, although "hang Ren had been an enemy, for he #as a brave man. "hang Ren #as given honorable burial, sepulture beside the 8olden 8oose 'ridge, #here all the passers6by #ould be reminded of his loyalty. FeAt day the army moved on to ,uocheng, Ban Ban and the other generals #ho had submitted leading the #ay. +t the gate they hailed the defenders, COpen the gates and surrender, #hereby the city should be saved from utter destruction=C 3rom the #all, ,iu 8ui abused the treacherous Ban Ban and too$ his bo# to shoot. 'ut >ust as ,iu 8ui #as fitting the arro# to the string, another man cut him do#n. Soon the gates #ere thro#n open and the city had yielded. +s ,iu 'ei entered the city by one gate, ,iu 2un, #ho had shared the command of the city, escaped by another gate and set off for )hengdu. ,iu 'ei put forth proclamations to allay the fears of the inhabitants of the city. *e in uired #ho had been on his side in cutting do#n ,iu 8ui and #as told it #as "hang Bi of !uyang. "hang Bi and all #ho had helped in the capture #ere amply re#arded. COur neAt city is )hengdu,C said "huge ,iang. C*o#ever, in the meantime there may be some trouble in pacifying the outlying counties, and hence it #ill be #ell for you to send "hang 3ei and "hao Bun #ith !u Bi, "hang Bi, Ban Ban, and "huo Bing leading the #ay, into the country along the river and )hangyang, Deyang, and 'aAi to reassure the people and to repress any rising that may ta$e place. There #ill be no need for any especial precautions in the neighborhood of )hengdu.C The #arriors #ent their #ays, and then "huge ,iang began to ma$e careful in uiries concerning the road to )hengdu. Those #ho had given in their allegiance to the invaders said, CThe only place #here you can eApect any serious defense is 1ianDhu. Once you have passed this, the capital lies at your mercy.C Then 3a "heng #as consulted. Said he, C!ith the fall of ,uocheng, the !est River ,and passed to you. ,et our lord only deal #ith the people $indly and >ustly, and there #ill be no need of #eapons. I can #rite such a letter to Imperial 7rotector ,iu "hang as shall ma$e him surrender at call.C CThat #ould be most eAcellent,C said "huge ,iang. The letter #as #ritten and sent by the hand of a messenger.

,iu 2un, son of the Imperial 7rotector, presently reached )hengdu and told his father of the loss of ,uocheng. The Imperial 7rotector at once called his counselors together. +dviser "heng Du said, C+lthough ,iu 'ei has been successful and captured cities and to#ns, yet his army is but small, his hosts are not near him, and he depends upon chance for his grain and has no proper supplies. Therefore our best plan is to remove the people of 'aAi and "itong to the farther side of River 3u, burn all the granaries, fortify the city, and let starvation defeat him. ,et us re>ect all challenges to battle, and in a hundred days his troops #ill go off of their o#n accord. Then #e can do #ith him as #e #ill.C CI li$e not the plan,C said ,iu "hang. COppose invaders in order that tran uillity may prevail is a #ell6#orn maAim, but till no# I have never heard of disturbing the people in order to oppose the march of an enemy. Bour #ords are not such as safety.C 9ust at the moment the letter from 3a "heng arrived. It #as opened and the Imperial 7rotector read@ CI #as sent to 9ingDhou to negotiate an alliance, but the opposition of those about you to their lord has resulted in the present situation. *o#ever, the ruler of 9ingDhou still remembers old friendship and is mindful of the ties of relationship. If you, my master, could reverse your policy and lend your support to your relative, I thin$ you #ould be generously treated. I hope you #ill consider this carefully.C ,iu "hang fle# into a passion. *e tore the letter to fragments and began to abuse its #riter, crying, CThat traitor, ingrate, and renegade= *o# dares he tal$ thus to meGC +nd ,iu "hang drove the bearer of the letter from his presence. *e then sent an army under the leadership of 3ei 8uan, his #ife(s brother, to reinforce 1ianDhu. 3ei 8uan at once recommended as his assistant one ,i Ban of Fanyang, and the t#o mustered their troops, thirty thousand, and set out for the city. +t this >uncture Dong *e, the 8overnor of BiDhou )ity, #rote advising to borro# aid from *anDhong. 'ut ,iu "hang re>ected this plan, saying, CIt #ill be useless to try to obtain help from a region under the influence of our relentless enemy "hang ,u.C Dong *e replied, C*e may be an enemy, but ,iu 'ei is in possession of ,uocheng, and the situation is eAtremely dangerous. !hen the lips are gone, the teeth are cold. If you clearly indicate the dangers to him, he must come to our help.C So a letter #as #ritten and sent to *anDhong.

T#o years had elapsed since 1a )hao had been defeated and gone over to the &iang tribes in the north#est. *e had made friends #ith them and #ith their aid had con uered portions of the !est Valley ,and. *is eApeditions had been very successful, the people opening their gates at the first summons. Only 9icheng had stood out, but ever this #as on the point of yielding. The 8overnor of 9icheng, !ei 5ang, had sent many urgent appeals for help to 2iahou Buan in )hangan, #ho, ho#ever, #ould do nothing #ithout his master(s order. !ei 5ang #as in despair, and at a council his officers advised him to yield. *o#ever, one of them, Bang 3u, earnestly opposed yielding, saying, C!e cannot surrender to a lot of rebels such as 1a )hao and his colleagues.C C!hat is there to hope forGC as$ed !ei 5ang despairingly. +lthough Bang 3u besought !ei 5ang #ith bitterness to hold out, it #as useless. !ei 5ang re>ected his advice, opened the city gates, and bo#ed his head in submission. CBou only yield no# as the last resource,C cried 1a )hao, angry at the delay he had suffered. CThis is no real submission.C !hereupon he put to death !ei 5ang and all his family to the number of t#o score. 'ut #hen they told 1a )hao that Bang 3u had been really responsible for the long delay, in that Bang 3u had urged his master to hold out, 1a )hao did not put him to death but praised him and said, CBang 3u had but done his duty.C 1a )hao further sho#ed his approval by employing Bang 3u and t#o of his friends in his o#n army. These t#o friends #ere named ,iang 5uan and "hao &u. One day Bang 3u #ent to his ne# chief and said, C1y #ife has died in ,intao. I #ish to ta$e leave for t#o months to bury her.C !herefore Bang 3u #as granted leave and #ent a#ay from the army. On the #ay, he #ent to his maternal cousin, 8eneral 9iang 2u, )ommander of ,icheng. The general(s mother, then an old lady of eighty6t#o #as Bang 3u(s aunt. !hen Bang 3u sa# her, he #ept before her, saying, C'ehold an unfortunate man= The city I had to defend is lost; my master is dead; and I have survived him. I am ashamed to loo$ you in the face. Fo# this 1a )hao ravages the countryside, and everyone hates him. Bet my cousin sits still and does nothing against 1a )hao. Is this fitting conduct for a state servantGC Bang 3u #ept bitterly. The old lady #as moved by his grief, called in her son and said to him reproachfully, CBou are the cause of the evil that has come upon the noble !ei 5ang.C

Then turning once more to#ard Bang 3u, she said, C'ut #hat can no# be doneG Bou have surrendered and, more than that, you have accepted service under your late enemy.C CIt is true,C replied Bang 3u. CI have surrendered and I have accepted service, but it is #ith the desire to preserve my miserable life till I can avenge my master.C C1a )hao is bold and difficult to destroy,C said 9iang 2u. CFot very difficult,C replied Bang 3u, Cfor though he is bold, yet he is uns$illful. +lready I have t#o friends ,iang 5uan and "hao &u by his side, and they #ould help against him if you, my brother, #ould only supply a force.C C!hat is to be gained by delayGC then said the old lady. CIs there anyone #ho #ill not have to dieG To perish in the #ay of loyalty and righteousness is to die in the right path. Do not thin$ of me, for if you do, and heed not the call of your cousin, then #ill I die at once so that you may be free to ma$e up your mind.C There #as no# no eAcuse for delay, and 9iang 2u had to act. *e summoned t#o of his officers, Bin 3eng and "hao +ng, and too$ counsel #ith them. Fo# "hao +ng had a son, "hao Bue, #ho #as an officer in the army of 1a )hao. !hen "hao +ng had to consent to ta$e part against his son(s chief, he became very unhappy and #ent home to tal$ over it #ith his #ife, ,ady !ang. *e said, CI have today been led into a scheme to destroy 1a )hao and avenge !ei 5ang. 'ut there is our son there in 1a )hao(s service, and 1a )hao #ill certainly put our son to death as soon as he hears that #e are arming against him. !hat is to be doneGC 'ut his #ife replied angrily, CShould anyone grudge even his life to avenge his liege lord or his fatherG *o# much less a sonG 1y lord, if you let the thought of your son stay your hand, then #ill I die forth#ith.C This decided the matter, and #ithout further parley "hao +ng decided to share the eApedition and set about preparations. The army #as soon on the #ay. 9iang 2u and Bang 3u camped at the city of ,icheng; "hao +ng and Bin 3eng camped at &ishan. The #ife of "hao +ng sold her ornaments and #ent in person to her husband(s camp to feast his soldiers. The fears of "hao +ng concerning the fate of his son #ere only too soon >ustified. +t the first ne#s of the march of an army against him, 1a )hao beheaded the young "hao Bue. Then 1a )hao marched his force, together #ith 7ang De and 1a Dai, to ,icheng, and the troops under 9iang 2u and Bang 3u #ent out to oppose it. The t#o leaders on the avenging side #ent to battle dressed in mourning #hite. They railed at 1a )hao, crying, C!ic$ed traitor= Rebel=C

1a )hao angrily dashed across to#ard them, and the fight began. 3rom the very first it #as seen that the defenders of the city could not hope to beat off the attac$, and they turned to flee. 1a )hao pursued them. 'ut soon he heard the shouting of soldiers behind him and found the other army led by "hao +ng and Bin 3eng #as attac$ing his rear. !herefore he #as bet#een t#o armies and had a double battle to fight. +s he turned to#ard that in his rear, 9iang 2u and Bang 3u returned again to the attac$. +nd #hile engaged #ith these t#o, there suddenly appeared a third force under 2iahou Buan, #ho had >ust received orders from )ao )ao to come against 1a )hao. Three attac$s at once #ere too much for 1a )hao, and he fled, his force in utter confusion. *e retreated all that night and at da#n reached his o#n city of 9icheng. *e hailed the gate, but a flight of arro#s #as the response. Soon after, ,iang 5uan and "hao &u appeared and reviled him from the ramparts above. 1ore than this, they dragged his #ife, ,ady Bang, up upon the #all, hac$ed her before his face, and thre# the bloody body at his feet. They follo#ed up this by the murder in li$e manner of his three sons and other members of his family to the number of ten and more. +nd all their dead bodies #ere flung from the #all. Rage and despair filled 1a )hao(s bosom; he almost fell from his steed. 'ut little time #as allo#ed to grieve, for 2iahou Buan #as nearly upon him. 5no#ing that he could not oppose this force #ith any chance of victory, he made no battle line, but set off #ith t#o of his generals, 1a Dai and 7ang De, to cut his #ay through such parties of the enemy as they might meet. Their sole ob>ect #as escape, so #hen they fell upon Bang 3u and 9iang 2u, they only fought to get through, and in the same #ay they cut an alley through the army under Bin 3eng and "hao +ng. *o#ever, they lost most of their fe# follo#ers, and at the end had only some siAty horsemen left. +bout the fourth #atch they came to ,icheng. In the dar$ness, the gate guards, thin$ing only of the return of their o#n troops, opened the gates and un#ittingly let in the enemy. Once in the city 1a )hao and his follo#ers began the slaughter, and everyone, soldier or common person, #as slain, till the city #as s#ept clear from the south gate to the very center. 7resently they came to the residence of 9iang 2u and dragged forth his aged mother. She sho#ed no sign of fear, but reviled 1a )hao till in his anger he sle# her #ith his o#n s#ord. Thence they #ent to the house of Bin 3eng and "hao +ng and sle# all they found therein. The only person #ho escaped the massacre #as ,ady !ang, #ife of "hao +ng, #ho had accompanied her husband. 'ut the city proved no place of safety. 2iahou Buan #ith his army appeared the follo#ing day, and 1a )hao fled before him to the #est. 'ut ere he had gone seven miles, he came face to face #ith another army dra#n up in battle array. Bang 3u #as the leader. 8rinding his teeth #ith rage, 1a )hao set his spear and rode at Bang 3u, #hile his t#o generals, 1a Dai and 7ang De, attac$ed the rear. Bang 3u #as overcome, and his seven brothers #ho had gone #ith him into the battle #ere slain. Bang 3u himself #as #ounded in five places, but still fought on till he #as #ounded do#n.

*o#ever, 2iahou Buan had not left pursuing 1a )hao. *e came up to the city, and 1a )hao fled. *is army #as no# reduced to the t#o generals and about five or siA of horsemen, and these fe# #ere left to go their #ay. )ao )ao(s general, 2iahou Buan, set himself to restore order and tran uillity in the region of 2iDhou, after #hich he apportioned its defense among 9iang 2u and other trust#orthy commanders. The #ounded leader Bang 3u #as sent to the capital in a carriage. !hen he arrived 2uchang, he sa# )ao )ao #ho offered him the title of ,ordship. 'ut Bang 3u declined the honor, saying, CI have neither the credit of a successful defense nor the merit of death #ith my master. Death should be my portion rather than honors. *o# could I accept the offerGC )ao )ao praised him and insisted on granting the lordship. *aving escaped from their pursuers, 1a )hao and his fe# follo#ers decided to ma$e for *anDhong and offer their services to 8overnor "hang ,u. "hang ,u received them gladly, for he thought #ith such help he could certainly get possession of BiDhou on the #est as #ell as repel )ao )ao on the east. 1ore than this, he thought to cement the friendship by giving 1a )hao a daughter to #ife. 'ut this displeased one of "hang ,u(s generals, Bang 'o. CThe misfortune that befell 1a )hao(s #ife and family #as entirely the fault of his o#n misconduct. !ould you give your daughter to such as he to #ifeGC said Bang 'o. "hang ,u again considered the matter and abandoned his intention. 'ut a certain busybody told 1a )hao #hat had been proposed and that Bang 'o had defeated the scheme. !hereupon 1a )hao #as very annoyed and sought to compass the death of Bang 'o. Bang 'o and his brother, Bang Song, on the other side conspired to destroy 1a )hao. +t this time a messenger from ,iu "hang of BiDhou arrived in *anDhong begging for assistance against the invader ,iu 'ei. "hang ,u refused help. 'ut then *uang &uan came on the same errand. *e first sa# Bang Song and tal$ed to him and brought him to favor the scheme. *uang &uan said, CThe 4ast and !est River ,ands, #hich stand neAt each other as the lips are close to the teeth, are interdependent. If BiDhou is lost, *anDhong has little chance to survive. On the other hand, once relieved by your help, Imperial 7rotector ,iu "hang #ill re#ard t#enty counties to *anDhong as compensation.C So *uang &uan #on over Bang Song, #ho led him to see his master. To "hang ,u again *uang &uan spo$e forcibly and laid the matter before him so cogently that "hang ,u promised his help. 'ut Ban 7u, one of "hang ,u(s officers, tried to dissuade him, saying, CThis plead for help and offering of t#enty counties are only their temporary tactics. ,iu "hang and you are old enemies. *is promise is not to be trusted.C

+nd another suddenly inter>ected, saying, CHseless I may be, but if you #ill give me troops, I #ill capture this ,iu 'ei and you #ill retain all your land.C The land(s true lord goes #est and then *anDhong sends forth its bravest men. !ho made this bold offerG The neAt chapter #ill tell. Chapter 32 =a Chao Batt#es 1t "iameng Pass; -i& Bei Ta5es The Protectorship ! +ia@ho&' It #as Ban 7u #ho thus opposed sending help to ,iu "hang. Then 1a )hao rose and said, CI have been the recipient of much $indness from my lord, #hich I feel I can never repay ade uately. Fo# let me lead an army to ta$e 9iameng 7ass and capture ,iu 'ei. Then, my lord, ,iu "hang #ill surely lose his t#enty counties, and they shall be yours.C This offer re>oiced "hang ,u, #ho sent a#ay *uang &uan #ith a promise to help. Then "hang ,u told off t#enty thousand for 1a )hao to lead. 7ang De #as too ill to ta$e part in the eApedition, so he remained in *anDhong. "hang ,u ordered Bang 'o to be +rmy Supervisor. 1a )hao and 1a Dai chose a day to march to 9iameng 7ass. 1ean#hile, the messenger sent to )hengdu by 3a "heng had returned to ,uocheng to report@ C"heng Du advised ,iu "hang to set fire to all the plains and valleys bet#een the capital and the invaders, as #ell as the granaries, to move s#ay the people, and to stand solely on the defensive.C This ne#s caused ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang great anAiety, for it #ould be a grave danger to them. *o#ever, 3a "heng #as more sanguine. CDo not be anAious,C said he, Cthe plan #ould be eAtremely harmful, but it #ill not be carried out. ,iu "hang #ill not do that.C Surely enough, very soon they heard that ,iu "hang had not adopted the suggestion; he #ould not remove the people. It #as a great relief to ,iu 'ei Then said "huge ,iang, CFo# let us capture 1ianDhu uic$ly, for, that done, )hengdu is as good as ours.C ,iu 'ei therefore told off *uang "hong and !ei Ban to advance first. !hen )ommander of 1ianDhu, 3ei 8uan, heard of their advance, he ordered ,i Ban to go out to stop them, and ,i Ban led out three thousand troops. The t#o sides being arrayed, *uang "hong rode out and fought some half hundred bouts #ith ,i Ban. Feither #as able to claim a victory, and so "huge ,iang from the midst of the host ordered them to beat the gongs to cease from battle.

!hen *uang "hong had got bac$ to his side again, he said, CO Instructor, #hy did you sound the retirement >ust as I #as getting the better of my opponentGC C'ecause I sa# that ,i Ban #as not to be overcome by mere force. Tomorro# you shall fight again, and then you shall lead him into the hills by the ruse of pretended defeat. There #ill be a surprise a#aiting him.C *uang "hong agreed to try this plan, and so on the morro# accepted ,i Ban(s challenge #hen it #as offered. +fter about the tenth bout, *uang "hong and his troops pretended to be #orsted and ran. ,i Ban pursued and #as uic$ly lured into the mountains. Suddenly his danger flashed into his mind, and he turned to go bac$. 'ut he found !ei Ban(s troops dra#n up across his path. 3rom a hill top near by, "huge ,iang cried, CBou had better yield= If not, there are bo#s and crossbo#s on both sides of you666all ready to avenge the death of our 7ang Tong.C ,i Ban dropped off his horse, thre# aside his armor, and offered submission. Fot a soldier of his had been hurt. The prisoner #as conducted to ,iu 'ei, #ho #as very affable and so #on ,i Ban(s heart that ,i Ban offered to try to seduce 3ei 8uan from his allegiance. CThough he is related to ,iu "hang, yet 3ei 8uan and I are very close friends. ,et me go and persuade him.C !herefore ,i Ban #as sent bac$ to the city to induce his chief to come over to ,iu 'ei(s side. ,i Ban tal$ed to such effect of the $indness and virtues of ,iu 'ei that 3ei 8uan #as #on over, opened the city gates, and admitted the invaders. +s soon as ,iu 'ei had entered 1ianDhu, he set out his forces to ta$e the capital. !hile thus engaged, a hasty messenger came to tell of the doings at 9iameng 7ass@ CThere suddenly appeared an army from the east under 1a )hao, 1a Dai, and Bang 'o. They are attac$ing, and the 7ass #ill certainly be lost if help is not sent uic$ly.C C!e need both "hang 3ei and "hao Bun for this,C remar$ed "huge ,iang. CThen #e could oppose successfully.C C'ut "hao Bun is a#ay,C said ,iu 'ei. C*o#ever, "hang 3ei is here. ,et us send him uic$ly.C CDo not say anything, my lord,C said "huge ,iang. C,et me stir him to fight his noblest.C 'ut as soon as "hang 3ei heard of the danger, he came rushing in, shouting, CI must say fare#ell, brother= I am off to fight 1a )hao.C

*o#ever, "huge ,iang made as if he heard not and said to ,iu 'ei, CThat 1a )hao has invaded 9iameng 7ass, and #e have no one to drive him bac$. Fobody can stand up to him, unless #e can get 8uan Bu from 9ingDhou. 8uan Bu could do it.C C!hy do you despise me, O InstructorGC cried "hang 3ei. CDid I not once drive bac$ a #hole army #ith my mere voiceG Thin$ you that I mind a stupid fool li$e 1a )haoGC "huge ,iang said, CBes, 8eneral; but #hen you forced bac$ the #aters and bro$e the bridge in the ,ong Slope, you succeeded because your enemies #ere doubtful. If they had $no#n, you #ould not have come off so easily. Fo#, all the #orld $no#s this 1a )hao and has heard about his siA battles at River !ei; and ho# he made )ao )ao cut off his beard and thro# a#ay his robe. 1a )hao very nearly sle# )ao )ao too. This is no lightsome tas$ li$e that, and even 8uan Bu might fail.C C+ll I care for is to go, and if I do not overcome this fello#, I #ill ta$e the conse uences.C C!ell, if you #ill put that in #riting, you may lead the attac$. +nd I #ill as$ our lord to lead another army to bac$ you up this time. *e can leave the defense of this to#n to me till "hao Bun returns.C CI also #ant to go,C said !ei Ban. !ei Ban #as allo#ed to go #ith five hundred of light horse in advance of "hang 3ei. ,iu 'ei marched third. !ei Ban and his scouts soon arrived at 9iameng 7ass and there fell in #ith Bang 'o. They engaged; but after a fe# bouts Bang 'o fled. +t this success !ei Ban #as seiDed #ith ambition to rival it and try to snatch the credit that #ould fall to "hang 3ei. So he pursued. 'ut he presently came across a line of battle all dra#n up, the commander being 1a Dai. !ei Ban, thin$ing it #as the redoubtable 1a )hao, rode to#ard him #hirling his s#ord. Soon 1a Dai turned and ran a#ay, and !ei Ban follo#ed him. *o#ever, 1a Dai presently turned bac$ and shot an arro#, #hich #ounded !ei Ban in the left arm, so that he left the pursuit and turned his face the other #ay. Then 1a Dai came after him and chased !ei Ban nearly up to the 7ass. *ere 1a Dai #as suddenly confronted by a fierce thunder6roaring leader #ho dashed do#n from the 7ass as on a flying steed. It #as "hang 3ei, #ho had >ust arrived. *earing the noise of battle belo# the 7ass, "hang 3ei had come to learn #hat it meant and sa# the arro# #ound of !ei Ban. Soon "hang 3ei #as in the saddle and off to the rescue. 'ut before he engaged, he #ould ascertain if the foe #as #orthy of his steel. C!ho are youG Tell your name,C cried "hang 3ei, Cthen I may fight #ith you.C CI am 1a Dai of 2iliang.C

C+s you are not 1a )hao, go a#ay uic$ly, for you are no match for me. Bou may bid 1a )hao himself come, and tell him that "hang 3ei of Ban is here.C C*o# dare you treat me #ith contemptGC cried 1a Dai in hot anger, and he came galloping up #ith his spear set ready to thrust. 'ut after a half score bouts he fled. "hang 3ei #as about to pursue #hen a rider came up to him hastily, crying, CDo not pursue, my brother.C The rider #as ,iu 'ei, and "hang 3ei stopped. The t#o returned together to the 7ass. CI $ne# your impulsive temper, and so I follo#ed you. Since you have got the better of him, you may #ell rest and recuperate for the fight tomorro# #ith 1a )hao.C The rolling of drums at da#n neAt day declared the arrival of 1a )hao. ,iu 'ei loo$ed at the array from a point of vantage and sa# 1a )hao emerge from the shado# of his great standard. 1a )hao #ore a lion helmet, and his belt #as clasped #ith the shaggy head of a #ild beast. *is breastplate #as silver and his robe of #hite. +s his dress and bearing #ere so eAtraordinary, so #ere his abilities superior. +nd ,iu 'ei loo$ed at him, sighing admiringly. C*e >ustifies #hat people say,C said ,iu 'ei, C*andsome 1a )hao.C "hang 3ei #as for going do#n at once, but his brother once more chec$ed him, saying, CFo; not yet. +void the first $eenness of his fighting ardor.C Thus belo# #as 1a )hao challenging "hang 3ei, #hile, above, "hang 3ei #as fretting at being unable to settle 1a )hao. Time after time "hang 3ei #as setting out, but each time his brother chec$ed him. +nd so it continued till past midday, #hen ,iu 'ei, noticing signs of fatigue and #eariness among 1a )hao(s army, decided that it #as time to let "hang 3ei try his fortune. !hereupon ,iu 'ei chose out five hundred horsemen to accompany his brother and let the party go. 1a )hao seeing "hang 3ei coming #ith so small a force, signaled #ith his spear to his array to retire a bo#shot, and "hang 3ei(s troops halted. !hen all his troops had ta$en their places, "hang 3ei set serpent halberd and rode out. CDo you $no# #ho I amGC shouted "hang 3ei. CI am "hang 3ei of Ban=C 1a )hao replied, C1y family having been noble for many generations. I am not li$ely to $no# any rustic dolts=C This reply upset "hang 3ei, and in a moment the t#o steeds #ere rushing to#ard each other, both men #ith poised spears. The fight began and continued for a hundred bouts. Feither had the advantage.

C+ veritable tiger of a leader,C sighed ,iu 'ei. 'ut ,iu 'ei felt that "hang 3ei #as running a ris$, #herefore he sounded the gong as a signal to cease the fight. +nd each dre# off to his o#n side. "hang 3ei rested his steed for a time, then, leaving his helmet, he #ound a turban about his head, mounted, and rode out to rene# the fight. 1a )hao also came out, and the duel continued. 7resently ,iu 'ei thought his brother in danger. So he girded on his armor and #ent do#n into the plain. *e #atched till they had fought another hundred bouts, and then as both seemed to #aA fiercer than ever, he gave the signal again to cease the battle. 'oth dre# off and returned each to his o#n side. It #as then getting late, and ,iu 'ei said to his brother, CBou had better retire for today. *e is a terrible opponent. Try him again tomorro#.C 'ut "hang 3ei(s spirit #as roused, and it #as unli$ely that such advice #ould be palatable. CFo,C shouted he, CI #ill die and not come bac$=C C'ut it is late. Bou cannot go on fighting,C said ,iu 'ei. C,et them bring torches, and #e #ill have a night battle,C said "hang 3ei. 1a )hao having mounted a fresh steed, no# rode out and shouted, CDare you try a night battle, "hang 3eiGC "hang 3ei(s eAcitement rose higher. *e hastily changed horses #ith his brother and rode forth. CIf I do not capture you, I #ill not go bac$ to the 7ass,C said "hang 3ei. C+nd if I do not overcome you, I #ill not return to the camp,C said 1a )hao. 'oth sides cheered. They lit many thousand torches till it seemed as light as day, and the t#o great generals #ent to the front to fight. +t the t#entieth bout 1a )hao turned his steed and tied. C!hither are you goingGC called out "hang 3ei. The fact #as that 1a )hao had begun to see he could not #in in direct and simple combat, so he thought to try a ruse. 'y a false flight, as though he $ne# he had lost, he #ould inveigle "hang 3ei into pursuit. *e pic$ed up a copper mace secretly and $ept a careful #atch on his opponent for the most favorable moment to stri$e. 'ut 1a )hao(s flight only put "hang 3ei upon his guard, and #hen the moment came for the blo# #ith the mace he dodged, so that the #eapon fle# harmlessly past his ear. Then "hang 3ei turned his horse. !hereupon 1a )hao began to pursue. Then "hang 3ei pulled up, too$ his bo#, fitted an arro# to the string, and let fly at 1a )hao. 'ut 1a )hao also dodged, and the arro# fle# by. Then each returned to his o#n side.

Then ,iu 'ei came out to the front of his battle line and called out, CFote #ell, O 1a )hao, that I, #ho have never treated people other than #ith $indness and >ustice and truth and sincerity, s#ear that I #ill not ta$e advantage of your period of repose to pursue or attac$. !herefore you may rest a#hile in peace.C 1a )hao, hearing these #ords, #ithdre# guarding the rear, and the other generals one by one returned, #hile ,iu 'ei dre# off his army to#ard the 7ass. 4arly neAt day "hang 3ei #as once more going do#n out of the 7ass to fight, #hen they told him that the Directing Instructor had arrived. ,iu 'ei #ent to receive him, and "huge ,iang at once began to spea$ of 1a )hao. C*e is the most terrible leader of the age. If he fights a desperate battle #ith "hang 3ei, loss of a general #ill ensue. So I have come as uic$ly as I could. I left 1ianDhu in the safe hands of "hao Bun and *uang "hong. I thin$ I have a little ruse left that #ill bring 1a )hao over to our side.C CFo# I have seen the man. I greatly admire him,C said ,iu 'ei. CIf #e could only #in him over=C CThen listen, my lord,C said "huge ,iang. C"hang ,u greatly desires the title of (7rince of *anDhong.( +mong his most intimate subordinates, I $no# Bang Song open to bribery. So #e #ill send a person secretly to see him and give him gold and silver and so #in his support. This done, #e #ill #rite to "hang ,u and tell him that you are set upon ta$ing BiDhou from its present ruler, #hich #ill give an opportunity to #ipe out the enmity he has so long nourished against ,iu "hang, and that the re#ard of his remaining firmly on our side to the end #ill be that you #ill memorialiDe the Throne for the coveted title for him. This #ill ma$e him order 1a )hao to return, and, #hen that is done, I shall find a means of #inning him over.C ,iu 'ei #rote a letter and sent it by the hand of Sun &ian together #ith gold and pearls. Sun &ian #ent by secret roads to give these to Bang Song. +nd #hen he found Bang Song and eAplained his mission in private, he #as uic$ly led into the presence of "hang ,u. C*o# can ,iu 'ei memorialiDe the Throne to confer on me the ran$ of a prince #hen he is but a simple 8eneral himselfGC as$ed "hang ,u, #hen he understood the offer and its conditions. C*e is an Imperial Hncle,C said Bang Song. C!ith such a ran$ he could present such a memorial.C "hang ,u assented. *e sent orders to 1a )hao to cease fighting, and Sun &ian remained as the guest of Bang Song till he should see #hether 1a )hao #ould obey the command. 'efore long the messenger returned #ith a #ord from 1a )hao that he could not cease fighting till he had been successful. + second and third messenger returned #ith a similar response. CThis 1a )hao is untrust#orthy,C said Bang Song. C*e #ill not #ithdra# his soldiers because he contemplates rebellion. That is the real reason.C

Bang Song set stories afloat rumoring@ C1a )hao desires to ma$e himself the ruler of the #est and has said that he #ill no longer be content #ith subordinate ran$. +nd he means to avenge the death of his father.C The rumors came to the ear of "hang ,u, and he as$ed Bang Song #hat should be done. Bang Song proposed, saying, C8ive 1a )hao a limit of a month in order to accomplish his tas$, provided he consents to three conditions. +nd if he does not agree, he #ill have to be put to death. The three conditions are the capture of !est River ,and, the head of ,iu "hang, and the repulse of the 9ingDhou troops. If he fails in anyone of these, >ust bring his head. 1ean#hile, "hang !ei should be sent as guard at one of the strategic points #hich #ill control 1a )hao(s army in case of rebellion.C !hen 1a )hao heard the three demands made on him, he #as greatly troubled, saying, C!hat can such a charge meanGC +fter ta$ing counsel #ith 1a Dai, it seemed best to suspend fighting, and the army returned. 'ut Bang Song had not yet attained his end, so he said to "hang ,u, C1a )hao(s return #ith an army #ill be a danger, and hence all the points of vantage on the home#ard road must be guarded so that to stop him.C Thus 1a )hao #as helpless and could see no #ay out of the difficulty. Then "huge ,iang said to his lord, CFo# is my chance to use my little three inches of un#orn tongue. 1a )hao is in a fiA. I am going to his camp to persuade him to come over to your side.C C'ut I do not li$e you to run such a ris$, Instructor. Bou are my most necessary support, and if anything happened to you, #hat should I doGC "huge ,iang #as set upon going and persisted in his re uest. ,iu 'ei again and again refused. +t this >uncture a messenger came #ith letters from "hao Bun. ,iu 'ei called him in and uestioned him. *e #as ,i *ui of 9ianning, the man #ho had formerly remonstrated so earnestly #ith ,iu "hang. CBou once pleaded #ith your master to $eep me out. !hy are you here no#GC C'ecause the prudent bird chooses its perch, and the #ise person his master. I did attempt to dissuade ,iu "hang of BiDhou from a course #hich I felt to be disastrous, and thereby fulfilled my duty as his servant. *e re>ected my counsel, and I $ne# he #ould fail. Bour liberality, O 8eneral, has #on over all the region, and success must be yours. I #ish to serve under your banner.C CBour services #ill surely be of great advantage to me, Sir,C said ,iu 'ei.

Then ,i *ui began to tal$ of 1a )hao, CI $ne# him #hen #e #ere in !est Valley ,and together. *e is no# in great straits, and I may be able to tal$ him over. !hat say youGC C9ust the man to go instead of me,C inter>ected "huge ,iang. C'ut #hat arguments #ill you useGC ,i *ui leaned over and #hispered in his ear thus and thus. !hat he said seemed to please "huge ,iang mightily, and he #as bidden to go forth#ith. +rrived at the camp, ,i *ui sent in his name, at #hich 1a )hao remar$ed, CBes; I $no# him666a glib and specious persuader. I $no# #hat he has come for, too.C So 1a )hao placed a score of armed ruffians in hiding about his tent and told them to cut the visitor to pieces if the signal #as given. Then the guest #as led in and came #al$ing proudly. *is host remained seated stiff and upright. 1a )hao spo$e roughly, saying, C!hat are you come forGC CI am here as persuader.C CThis s#ord here in the scabbard is ne#ly ground. Bou may try me by #ords, but if the #ords do not penetrate, I shall as$ you to try the s#ord.C ,i *ui smiled, saying, CO 8eneral, evil is not far off. *o#ever, I am thin$ing the ne#ly ground s#ord #ill not be tried on my head. Bou #ill #ant to try it on your o#n=C C!hat evil #ere you tal$ing aboutGC CThe #orst vilification could not hide the beauty of ,ady 2i Shi% of Bue, nor could the most fulsome praise gloDe over the ugliness of ,ady !uyan% of &i. The sun rises to the meridian and then declines; the moon #aAes to the full and then #anes. +ll things obey the one la#. Fo#, 8eneral, you are at enmity #ith )ao )ao for your father(s death, and in !est Valley ,and you carry a stubborn, grinding hate for your family(s death. Bou can neither rescue ,iu "hang by repulsing the army from 9ingDhou, nor can you settle Bang Song by getting an intervie# #ith "hang ,u. The #hole #orld no# holds no place for a person #ithout a lord; and if you eAperience further defeats, li$e that one on River !ei, or the loss of 9icheng, #ill you not be too shamed to loo$ any human in the faceGC 1a )hao bo#ed his head, saying, CBou spea$ #ell, Sir. 'ut I am helpless.C CFo# that you listen to me, I #ould as$ #hy those fearsome ruffians are in hiding by your tentGC continued ,i *ui. 1a )hao, suddenly stric$en #ith shame, ordered them to retire. ,i *ui continued his speech.

C,iu 'ei, the Imperial Hncle, is considerate to his subordinates, and I am certain he #ill succeed, and so I have forsa$en ,iu "hang to cleave to him. Bour honored father >oined him in destroying rebels. !hy do you not flee from dar$ness into the lightG Thereby you #ould avenge your father and become famous.C 1a )hao, convinced of the #isdom of the course thus recommended, proved his conversion by sending for Bang 'o and slaying him forth#ith. Ta$ing #ith him the head of his victim, 1a )hao accompanied ,i *ui to the 7ass and tendered his submission. ,iu 'ei #elcomed him #armly and treated him as a highly honored guest. 1a )hao bo#ed his head, saying, C1eeting you, O Illustrious ,ord, is li$e seeing the clear s$y #hen the clouds have been s#ept aside.C !hen Sun &ian returned from Bang Song(s place, ,iu 'ei detached a force to go to the capture of )hengdu, left t#o generals, 1eng Da and *uo 9un to guard 9iameng 7ass, and made a triumphant entry into 1ianDhu #ith the #elcome of "hao Bun and *uang "hong. T#o generals of !est River ,and, 1a *an and ,iu 9un, came to oppose ,iu 'ei, but "hao Bun #ent out against them #hile ,iu 'ei #as entertaining 1a )hao at a ban uet on the city #all. 4re it had concluded, "hao Bun sle# both the generals and brought their heads to the ban uet chamber. This eAploit put 1a )hao on his mettle and doubled his respect for the con uerors. C,et not my lord attac$,C said 1a )hao. CI #ill ma$e ,iu "hang surrender of his o#n accord. Should he resist, my brother 1a Dai and I #ill ta$e the city and offer it to you #ith both hands.C ,iu 'ei #as very pleased #ith the course of events. The day #as indeed one of re>oicing. 'ut ,iu "hang #as greatly distressed at the ne#s of his fresh misfortunes, #hich reached him #ith the return of his defeated soldiers. *e barred the gates and stopped all eAits. 'efore long came ne#s of the approach of 1a )hao #ith an army of rescue. The Imperial 7rotector then ventured to mount the #alls, and soon 1a )hao and 1a Dai rode up and stood belo# the ramparts. +nd 1a )hao called out, CI #ish to spea$ #ith ,iu "hang.C Then ,iu "hang sho#ed himself, and 1a )hao plunged into the matter #ithout more ado. CI too$ the leadership of "hang ,u(s army to rescue BiDhou, little thin$ing that, under the calumnious advice of Bang Song, "hang ,u #ould try to slay me. *o#ever, no# I have gone over to the side of ,iu 'ei, the Imperial Hncle, and advise you, Sir, to do the same, you and all your officers. Thereby you #ill all escape harm. If anyone holds on a misguided course, I shall ta$e the city.C Such #ords came as a shoc$, and ,iu "hang paled. *is feelings overcame him and he s#ooned.

!hen he came to his senses, he muttered, CI am stupid and I am sorry. 'etter open the gates and end it. The city #ill be saved.C CFo, no,C cried Dong *e. CThere are thirty thousand of good soldiers in the city and ample money and stores for a year to come. *old out=C 'ut ,iu "hang #as bro$en, saying, C1y father and I have ruled Shu for t#enty years and have done no particular good for the people. !e have fought for three years@ The grass has been be stained #ith the blood of my people. The fault is mine. I could not bear it, and so I see no better #ay than to surrender, #hereby I may bring peace to the people.C Those about him #ept. One man spo$e, saying, CBou spea$ as *eaven guides you.C Turning to#ard him they recogniDed a man of 'aAi named &iao "hou, #ho had the reputation of being an astrologer. CI have studied the aspect of the heavens and a multitude of stars gathered over the #est, one of #hich shone as the full moon@ + right royal star. +nd I recall a popular couplet of last year@ C!hen comes the ruler from the east, Then may you on ne# rice feast. CFone can #ithstand the decree of the 1ost *igh.C ,iu 'a and *uang &uan, #ho heard these #ords, #ere very angry at such a speech and rose up, s#ords in hand, to smite the spea$er. 'ut ,iu "hang stayed them. FeAt came ne#s that 2u 9ing, the 8overnor of the Shu District, had climbed the #all and gone over to the invaders. This #as the last blo#. ,iu "hang #ent home #eeping. FeAt day they reported that ,iu 'ei, the Imperial Hncle, had sent 9ian Bong as legate to visit ,iu "hang and he #as even then at the city gate. 9ian Bong #as admitted, and he entered, riding in a carriage and loo$ing about him most haughtily. Suddenly he #as hailed from the street by a man #ith a s#ord in his hand, #ho cried, CBou have got your #ish, #retched creature, and you seem to thin$ there is no one to compare #ith you. 'ut do not loo$ so contemptuously at us of Shu=C 9ian Bong uic$ly got out of his carriage to spea$ to the spea$er, #ho #as a man of 1ianDhu named &in 1i. C!orthy brother,C said 9ian Bong, CI did not recogniDe you. I pray you not to be angry.C 'oth then #ent to visit ,iu "hang, and they spo$e of the liberality and broad6mindedness of ,iu 'ei, said he had no intention to harm anyone, and praised him to such effect that ,iu "hang then

and there made up his mind finally that he #ould give up the struggle. So he treated 9ian Bong very honorably that day. +nd the neAt day, ta$ing his seal and insignia of office and his archives, he accompanied 9ian Bong out of the city and #ent to ,iu 'ei(s camp. ,iu 'ei came out in person to receive him. Ta$ing ,iu "hang by the hand, ,iu 'ei #ept, saying, CIt is not that I #ish to act cruelly or #rongly. I am the victim of circumstances and cannot help it.C They entered the camp together, #here the seal of office and the documents changed hands. +fter#ards they rode into the city side by side. The people gave ,iu 'ei a cordial #elcome, burning incense and illuminating the city. The victor #ent to the residence of the chief of the region, #here he too$ his seat and #as saluted by all the subordinate officials. *o#ever, *uang &uan and ,iu 'a stayed a#ay from the ceremony. This annoyed the more violent of ,iu 'ei(s supporters, and they #ished to $ill the delin uents. 'ut ,iu 'ei #ould not allo# violence and threatened condign punishment to anyone #ho might interfere #ith these t#o. !hen the reception #as over, ,iu 'ei #ent to visit the t#o recalcitrants, #hereupon both came out and made their obeisance. Said "huge ,iang to ,iu 'ei, C!e have van uished, and all opposition in BiDhou is at an end. 'ut there cannot be t#o rulers, so you must remove ,iu "hang to 9ingDhou.C C'ut I do not #ish to eAile him,C said ,iu 'ei. C*e lost his prestige through #ea$ness. If you are #ea$ and undecided, you also #ill not last long.C ,iu 'ei sa# his advice #as good, and so he gave a great ban uet #hereat he begged ,iu "hang to pac$ up his treasures and prepare to move. *e gave the dispossessed Imperial 7rotector the title 8eneral !ho Spreads 7restige. ,iu "hang #ent a#ay to 8ongan in 9ingDhou, ta$ing #ith him his family and all his possessions. ,iu 'ei thus became Imperial 7rotector of BiDhou. *e conferred gifts on the civil and military officers #ho >oined him, confirming their ran$s and titles. Ban Ban #as made 8eneral of the 3ront +rmy; 3a "heng, 8overnor of the Shu District; Dong *e and 2u 9ing, Imperial )ommanders; ,iu 'a, 8eneral of the ,eft +rmy; *uang &uan, 8eneral of the Right +rmy; !u Bi, 3ei 8uan, 7eng Bang, "huo Bing, ,i Ban, !u ,an, ,ei Tong, ,i *ui, "hang Bi, &in 1i, &iao "hou, ,u Bin, *uo 9un, Deng "hi, Bang *ong, "hou &un, 3ei Bi, 3ei Shi, 1eng Da, and others of Shu officers #hose aid had been conspicuous #ere given high ran$s and finer titles under the ne# rule, and the total of more than siAty of them #ere #ell re#arded. Faturally, honors #ere distributed freely to ,iu 'ei(s immediate helpers, to #hose efforts he o#ed his position. "huge ,iang #as held Directing Instructor; 8uan Bu, 8eneral !ho Destroys Rebels and ,ord of *anshou; "hang 3ei, 8eneral !ho Subdues Rebels and ,ord of 2in; "hao Bun,

8eneral !ho 8uards the !est; *uang "hong, 8eneral !ho )on uers the !est; !ei Ban, 8eneral !ho !ages Successful !ar; 1a )hao, 8eneral !ho 7acifies the !est. Sun &ian, 9ian Bong, 1i "hu, 1i 3ang, 1a ,iang, 1a Su, 9iang !an, Bi 9i, ,iu 3eng, 8uan 7ing, ,iao *ua, "hou )ang, and others, many of #hom had come to ,iu 'ei from 9ingDhou, received promotions and re#ards. In addition, a special gift of five hundred ounces of gold, a thousand ounces of silver, much copper money, and a thousand rolls of 2ichuan sil$, #as sent to 8uan Bu. +nd all the military and civil officers #ere given appointments and re#ards. *uge numbers of oAen and horses #ere slaughtered for ban uets to the army, and the contents of the granaries #ere given to the common people. So that there #ere great re>oicings. BiDhou being settled, ,iu 'ei neAt desired to confiscate the lands of the more famous of the inhabitants about )apital )hengdu and divide them among his officers. 'ut here "hao Bun and others dissuaded him, saying, CThe sufferings of the people have been severe and losses great. It #ould be #ise policy to let them settle do#n to their occupations as soon as possible. It #ould be #rong to re#ard our o#n people at the eApense of these people.C ,iu 'ei listened and gave in #ith good grace. To "huge ,iang, ,iu 'ei assigned the revision of the la#s, in #hich the punishments to be made, on the #hole, heavy. Then 3a "heng spo$e up, CThe founder of *an, ,iu 'ang, dre# up three chapters of la#, and the people #ere all profoundly affected by his virtue. I #ould rather that the la#s be fe# and liberal that people may be comforted.C "huge ,iang replied, CBou only loo$ at one side. The la#s of &in #ere fiercely cruel and provo$ed resentment among the people. It #as fitting that the Supreme +ncestor should temper them #ith $indness. Hnder the #ea$ administration of ,iu "hang, there has never been an efficient government, and there is a lac$ of respect for the la#. The proper relationship bet#een ruler and minister has been gradually obscured. 3avor has been the means of rising, and the highest in ran$ have been the basest. 5indness has been eAtended into license, and the most benefited have been the most contemptuous. +nd thereby have crept in many evils. Fo# I mean to inculcate respect for the dignity of the la#, and $indness shall follo# its attainment@ There shall be moderation in conferring ran$, but honor shall really follo# on such promotion. In the mutual cooperation of $indness and honor and in proper distinction bet#een superiors and inferiors lies the efficiency of a government.C 3a "heng had no argument to oppose. In due time all became perfectly tran uil, and all the forty6 one counties, #ith their respective garrisons, #ere peaceful and contented.

+s 8overnor of the Shu District, 3a "heng earned much hatred, busying himself in returning favors and avenging past deeds ho#ever small they #ere. One person told of the complaints to "huge ,iang, urging his reproof. 'ut "huge ,iang referred to his meritorious services, saying, C!hen our lord #as in 9ingDhou, fearful of )ao )ao on the north and trembling lest he be attac$ed from the east by Sun &uan, it #as 3a "heng #ho supported him, gave him directions, and added #ings to him so that he could soar this high. In these prosperous days one can hardly begin to discipline 3a "heng. )ould #e reasonably forbid him follo#ing some#hat his o#n #ayGC So no investigation #as made, but 3a "heng heard of the complaints and corrected his faults. One day, #hen ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang #ere resting and at leisure, 8uan 7ing arrived #ith a letter from his father, than$ing his elder brother for the handsome gifts. 1a$ing obeisance and handing in his letter, 8uan 7ing said, C1y father #as anAious to come into BiDhou to try conclusions #ith 1a )hao.C Said ,iu 'ei, CIf he #ere to come and fight, I fear they #ould not both survive.C CThere is nothing to be anAious about,C said "huge ,iang. CI #ill #rite to 8uan Bu.C ,iu 'ei feared that his brother(s impulsive temperament might lead to trouble, so he told "huge ,iang to compose a letter and send bac$ by 8uan 7ing. !hen 8uan 7ing came again to his father, the first uestion #as@ CDid you mention the contest #ith 1a )haoGC Then the letter #as produced, and this is #hat it said@ CI hear you are anAious to decide #hether of the t#ain, 1a )hao or yourself, is the better man. Fo# I can measure 1a )hao. *e may be unusually brave and bold, but he is only of the class of Bing 'u% and 7eng Bue% of old. *e might be a #orthy rival of your younger brother, but he is far from the standard set by you, O ,ord of the 'eautiful 'eard. Bou have a most important charge. If you come into the !est River ,and, and 9ingDhou should be lost, #ould you not be guilty of a terrible failureG I thin$ you #ill see this.C 8uan Bu stro$ed his long beard and smiled as he read the letter. CThe Instructor $no#s me thoroughly,C said he to himself. *e sho#ed the letter to his clients and friends and thought no more of going #est#ard.

The successes of ,iu 'ei in the #est had been duly noted by Sun &uan, #ho thought he #as surely no# going to obtain the much6coveted 9ingDhou. So he called in "hang "hao and 8u Bong to as$ advice. Sun &uan said, C!hen ,iu 'ei occupied 9ingDhou temporarily, he pledged he #ould return the region to the South ,and #hen he #ould possess BiDhou. Fo# he has ta$en the forty6one counties of !est River ,and. If 9ingDhou is not returned, I #ill ta$e it by force.C "hang "hao said, CI have already a scheme that #ill need no fighting. ,iu 'ei #ill offer the place to you #ith both hands.C In Shu there shine ne# sun and moon, !u dreams 9ingDhou #ill be his soon. !e shall see in the neAt chapter the scheme to recover the much6desired region. Chapter 33 1rmed With Sword) G&an +& Goes To 1 Feast 1#one; For The State) %mpress F& !!ers Her -i!e' The scheme, #hich "hang "hao had in mind, he laid before his master thus@ CThe one man upon #hom ,iu 'ei relies most is "huge ,iang. Fo# his brother is in your service and in your po#er. +ll you have to do is to seiDe "huge 9in(s family and send him #est to see "huge ,iang and ma$e "huge ,iang persuade ,iu 'ei to return 9ingDhou. If ,iu 'ei refuses, the family of "huge 9in #ill suffer, and "huge ,iang #ill not be able to resist the claims of brotherhood.C C'ut "huge 9in is a loyal and true gentleman. I could not lay hands upon his family=C said Sun &uan. C4Aplain the ruse to him. That #ill set his mind at rest,C said "hang "hao. Sun &uan consented and issued the command to confine the family of his retainer in the palace but not really imprison them. Then he #rote a letter for "huge 9in to ta$e #ith him on his mission. 'efore many days "huge 9in reached )hengdu and sent to inform ,iu 'ei of his arrival. ,iu 'ei at once sought the advice of "huge ,iang. C!hy thin$ you your brother has comeGC C*e has come to force the return of 9ingDhou.C C*o# shall I ans#er himGC CBou must do so and so,C said "huge ,iang.

The plan of action being prepared, "huge ,iang #ent out of the city to #elcome his brother. 'ut instead of ta$ing him to his o#n residence, "huge ,iang too$ him to the guest6house. !hen the greetings #ere over, the visitor suddenly lifted up his voice and #ept. CIf you have any trouble, my brother, pray tell. !hy do you #eep thusGC as$ed "huge ,iang. C+las= 1y family are lost=C cried he. CI suppose it is in the matter of the return of 9ingDhouG If your family have been seiDed on my account, ho# can I bear it calmlyG 'ut do not be anAious, my brother. I shall certainly find some #ay out of the difficulty.C This reply pleased "huge 9in, and the t#o brothers #ent to visit ,iu 'ei. The letter of Sun &uan #as presented, but #hen ,iu 'ei had read it he said, angrily, C*e is related to me by marriage, and he has profited by my absence from 9ingDhou to steal a#ay his sister. That is a sort of $indliness I find it hard to bear. !hen I am >ust going to lead my army to the South ,and to ta$e vengeance, is it li$ely he #ill get 9ingDhou out of meGC +t this point "huge ,iang prostrated himself #eeping at his lord(s feet and said, CThe 1ar uis of !u has seiDed my brother(s family, and he #ill put them all to death if the land be not given up. )an I remain alive if such a fate befall themG I pray my lord for my sa$e to give bac$ the region and prevent any breach bet#een my brother and me.C 'ut ,iu 'ei refused. *e seemed obdurate, but "huge ,iang persisted in his entreaty. 3inally ,iu 'ei reluctantly consented. CSince things are so, and the Instructor pleads for it, I #ill return half,C said he. CI #ill give up three territories666)hangsha, ,ingling, and 8uiyang.C CThen, as you have consented, prepare letters ordering 8uan Bu to yield these three territories,C said "huge 9in. ,iu 'ei said, C!hen you see my brother, you must use most gracious #ords to him, for his nature is as a fierce fire, and even I fear #hat he may do. So be very careful.C "huge 9in, having got the letter, too$ his leave and #ent straight#ay to 9ingDhou. *e as$ed for an intervie#, and #as received in the grand reception hall. !hen both #ere seated in their respective places, the emissary produced the letter of ,iu 'ei, saying, CThe Imperial Hncle has promised to return three territories to my master, and I hope, 8eneral, you #ill hand them over at once and let me return.C 8uan Bu(s countenance changed, and he said, CThe oath s#orn in the 7each 8arden bound me and my brother to support the dynasty of *an. 9ingDhou is a portion of their domain, and ho# can any

part be given to anotherG !hen a leader is in the field, he receives no orders, not even those of his prince. +lthough you have brought letters from my brother, yet #ill I not yield the territories.C C'ut the 1ar uis of !u has laid hands upon my family, and they #ill be slain if the land be not given up. I crave your pity, O 8eneral=C CThis is but a ruse on his part, but it does not deceive me=C C!hy are you so pitilessGC 8uan Bu dre# his s#ord, saying, C,et us have no more. This s#ord is pitiless=C CIt #ill put the Instructor to shame,C said 8uan 7ing. CI pray you not to be angry, my father.C C!ere it not for my respect for the Instructor, you #ould never go bac$ to the South ,and,C said 8uan Bu to "huge 9in. "huge 9in, over#helmed #ith shame, too$ his leave, sought his ship, and hastily returned to )hengdu to see his brother. 'ut "huge ,iang had gone a#ay upon a >ourney. *o#ever, he sa# ,iu 'ei and related #hat had happened, and said that 8uan Bu #as going to slay him. C1y brother is hasty,C said ,iu 'ei. CIt is difficult to argue #ith him. 'ut return home for the present, and #hen I have finished my con uest of *anDhong, I #ill transfer 8uan Bu to another post, and then I may be able to return 9ingDhou.C "huge 9in had no choice but to accept this reply and carry the unsatisfactory ne#s to his master. Sun &uan #as greatly annoyed and said, CThis running to and fro #as nothing more than one of your brother(s tric$s.C The unhappy messenger denied, saying, CFo, no= "huge ,iang had interceded #ith many tears and obtained the promise to return three territories from ,iu 'ei. It #as the obstinacy of 8uan Bu that spoiled all.C CSince ,iu 'ei said he #ould return three territories, #e may send officials to ta$e over their administration. Thin$ you that might be doneGC said Sun &uan. C!hat you say, my lord, seems most proper.C The family of "huge 9in #ere restored to liberty, and officers #ere sent to ta$e charge of the three territories of )hangsha, ,ingling, and 8uiyang. 'ut they uic$ly returned, saying, C8uan Bu #ould have none of us, but had chased us a#ay at once #ith threats to $ill us if #e did not hasten=C

Sun &uan then summoned ,u Su and laid the blame on him. CBou are ,iu 'ei(s guarantor in this matter. *o# can you sit uietly loo$ing on #hile ,iu 'ei fails to perform his contractGC said Sun &uan. CI have thought out a plan and #as >ust going to impart it to you,C said ,u Su. C+nd #hat is your planGC ,u Su said, CThere is a camp at ,u$ou. Invite 8uan Bu to a ban uet there and try to persuade him. If he still remains obstinate, have some assassins ready to slay him. Should he refuses the ban uet, then #e must try conclusions #ith an army.C CThis suits me,C said Sun &uan, Cand it shall be done.C CIt should not be done=C interrupted 5an "e. CThe man is as bold as a tiger and not at all li$e common humans. The plan #ill fail and result in more harm.C CThen #hen may I eApect to get my 9ingDhouGC as$ed Sun &uan, angrily. Sun &uan ordered ,u Su to carry out his plan, and ,u Su #ent to ,u$ou forth#ith and settled the preliminaries of the ban uet #ith ,u 1eng and 8an Fing. The place selected #as by the river. Then ,u Su #rote a letter and found a persuasive person to deliver it. The messenger set out and sailed across the river to the post, #here he #as received by 8uan 7ing, #ho conducted him to his father. C+s ,u Su invites me, I #ill come tomorro#. Bou may return,C #as 8uan Bu(s reply. +fter the messenger had gone, 8uan 7ing said to his father, C!hy did you promise to goG I thin$ ,u Su means you no good.C CDo you thin$ I do not $no#G This has all come out of my refusal to yield those three territories. They are going to try coercion at this ban uet. If I refuse, they #ill thin$ I fear them. I #ill go tomorro# in a small ship #ith >ust my ten personal guards, and #e shall see #hether ,u Su #ill dare to come near me.C C'ut, 3ather, #hy ris$ your priceless self in the very den of a tigerG I thin$ you are not giving due importance to my uncle(s charge.C CI have been in the midst of million blades and arro#s, yet I have been riding through it li$e traveling through a meado# of no one. Thin$ you that I shall begin to sho# fear of a fe# such rats as thoseGC For #as the son alone in remonstrance. 1a ,iang also #arned his chief.

C+lthough ,u Su has a great repute, yet no# he is pushed hard. *e certainly is badly disposed to#ard you, and you must be careful, 8eneral.C 8uan Bu replied, CI have given my #ord, and shall I #ithdra# from itG In the days of the !arring States, ,iu 2iangru% of the state of "hao had not the force even to bind a chic$en, yet in the assembly at Shengchi ,a$e he regarded not the prince and the ministers of the po#erful state of &in, but did his duty #ithout fear of conse uences. *ave I not learned to face any number of foesG I cannot brea$ my promise.C CIf you must go,C said 1a ,iang, Cat least go prepared.C CTell my son to choose out ten fast ships and five hundred of good marines and be in readiness to help me at need. +nd #hen he sees a red flag #aved, he can come over to my aid.C The order #as given, and the little s uadron #as got ready. The messenger returned to his master and told him that 8uan Bu had boldly accepted the invitation, and ,u Su and ,u 1eng too$ counsel together. C!hat do you thin$ of thisGC as$ed ,u Su. CIf 8uan Bu comes #ith a force, 8an Fing and I #ill be in readiness for him by the riverside. +nd you #ill hear our bomb as a signal that #e are attac$ing. If he has no force #ith him, the assassins can set on during the ban uet.C FeAt day a loo$6out #as $ept on the ban$, and early in the day a single ship came along. It #as manned by very fe# men, and a simple red flag fle# out on the breeDe sho#ing but one #ord, 8uan. 7resently they could see him, a handsome figure in a green robe and navy6blue turban. 'eside him stood "hou )ang, his s#ord6bearer, and near him #ere eight or nine fine6loo$ing men, each #ith a s#ord at his side. 8uan Bu landed and #as received by the trembling ,u Su, #ho conducted him to the hall, bo#ed his greetings, and led him to the ban uet chamber. !hen 8uan Bu dran$ to his host, ,u Su dared not raise his eyes, but 8uan Bu #as perfectly composed. !hen they had become mello# #ith #ine, ,u Su said, CI have a #ord to say to you, Sir, if haply I may have your attention. Bou $no# that your illustrious brother, the Imperial Hncle, made me surety #ith my master that 9ingDhou #ould be returned after BiDhou had been ta$en. !ell, no# that country is in his possession, but 9ingDhou is still unreturned. Is not this a breach of good faithGC CThis is a government affair,C said 8uan Bu. CSuch matters should not be introduced at a ban uet.C C1y master only has petty possessions in the east, and he allo#ed the temporary loan of 9ingDhou out of consideration for the need in #hich you then #ere. 'ut no# you have BiDhou, and 9ingDhou

should be given up. The Imperial Hncle has even yielded three territories, but you, Sir, seem un#illing to let them go. This seems hard to eAplain on reasonable grounds.C 8uan Bu replied, C+fter the Red )liffs, my brother braved the arro#s and the stones in the battle at !uling and #ith all his strength drove bac$ the enemy. Did he get a single foot of land for all his effortsG Fo# you come to force this place out of him.C CFo, I do not,C said ,u Su. C'ut at the time that you and your brother suffered defeat at Dangyang, #hen you #ere helpless and in the greatest straits, fugitives you $ne# not #hither, then my master #as moved #ith pity and did not grudge the land. So he gave your brother a foothold #hence he might be able to accomplish other ends. 'ut your brother has presumed upon long6suffering. *e has attained his end666the country of his desire666and still he occupies 9ingDhou. Such greed and such treachery #ill ma$e the #hole #orld laugh him to shame, as you $no# uite #ell.C C+ll that is no affair of mine; it is my brother(s. I cannot yield the land.C CI $no# that by the oath in the 7each 8arden you three #ere to live or die together. 'ut your brother has consented to yield@ *o# are you going to get out of thatGC 'efore 8uan Bu could reply, ho#ever, "hou )ang burst into the conversation, roaring out, COnly the virtuous get hold of territory@ Does that mean only you people of 4ast !uGC 8uan Bu(s anger no# sho#ed itself. *is face changed; he rose in his place, too$ his s#ord from his s#ord6bearer, and said fiercely, C*o# dare you tal$ li$e this at a discussion of state mattersG 8o= +nd go uic$ly=C "hou )ang understood. *e left the hall, made his #ay to the river and #aved the red call6flag. The ships of 8uan 7ing darted across li$e arro#s and #ere ready for action. The mighty s#ord in his right hand, 8uan Bu laid hold of ,u Su #ith his left and, simulating intoAication, said, CBou have $indly invited me today, Sir, but do not say anything about 9ingDhou, for I am so drun$ that I may forget our old friendship. Some other day I hope to invite you to 9ingDhou, and then #e #ill tal$ about that matter.C 7oor ,u Su(s soul almost left his body #ith fright as he #as led do#n to the river ban$ in the grip of his guest. ,u 1eng and 8an Fing, #ho ,u Su had placed in ambush, dared not act and so made no move lest they should bring about the doom of ,u Su. !hen they got to the ban$, 8uan Bu released his host, got on board, and then said fare#ell. ,u Su stood dumbfounded, staring at the ship, #hile a fair breeDe bore it uic$ly out of sight. This episode has been commemorated in verse@ *e sho#ed his contempt for the soldiers of !u 'y going alone to their traitor feast;

+s ,iu 2iangru of old he #as much bolder; +s the Shengchi ,a$e game #as played again. 8uan Bu too$ his home#ard #ay, #hile ,u Su and his t#o confederates tal$ed over #hat had occurred. C!hat can be done no#GC said ,u Su. CThe only thing is to tell our master and let him send an army,C replied ,u 1eng. ,u Su sent a messenger to Sun &uan, #ho, in his #rath, #as for sending every available soldier at once against 9ingDhou. 'ut at this crisis there came ne#s that )ao )ao #as raising a huge army #ith the intention of attac$ing the South ,and. So hasty orders #ere sent to ,u Su to ma$e no move, but to send all the troops he could to#ard *efei and RuAu in the north to repel )ao )ao. *o#ever, )ao )ao did not march south. One of his military advisers, 3u 8an, sent in a memorial against the scheme@ CI, 3u 8an, understand that inspiring fear is the chief consideration in #ar, as inculcating virtue is in government. These t#o combined in one person fit him to be a prince. 3ormerly, in the days of disturbance, you, Illustrious Sir, attac$ed the rebels and restored tran uillity almost every#here, the only regions unsubdued and not under your control being !u and Shu. The former of these is protected by the 8reat River, the latter secured by its mountains, and both difficult to con uer by force of arms. C1y humble opinion is that it is more fitting to increase the authority of civil government, to lay aside arms and rest #eapons, to cease from #ar and train your soldiers until the times shall be favorable. If your mighty legions be no# sent to camp on the river ban$ and the rebels should ta$e refuge behind their natural defenses, your soldiers #ill be unable to prove their pro#ess; and should eAtraordinary strategies be planned, the rebels #ill not be available. In such a case your high prestige #ould be impaired. I trust, Illustrious Sir, you #ill deign to eAamine this.C +fter reading this, )ao )ao ceased to thin$ of an eApedition against the south. Instead, he established schools and set himself to attract people of ability. +bout the same time four of his officers666!ang )an, Du 2i, !ei 5ai, and *e *e666conceived the idea of getting for )ao )ao the honor of C7rince of !eiC. 'ut 2un Bou opposed this course, saying, CThe 7rime 1inister(s ran$ is already that of CDu$eC, and he has received the additional honor of the Fine Dignities, so that his position is eAtremely high. If he advances to the ran$ of $ingship, it #ill be inconsistent #ith reasonableness.C 'ut )ao )ao #as annoyed at this opposition and said, CDoes the man #ish to emulate 2un BuGC

!hen 2un Bou heard of )ao )ao(s anger, he #as grieved and fell ill, so that in a fe# days he died. *e #as fifty6eight years of age. )ao )ao had his remains interred honorably, and he stayed his ambition for princely ran$. 'ut there came a day #hen )ao )ao entered the 7alace #earing his s#ord and made his #ay to the apartment #here the 4mperor and the 4mpress #ere seated. The 4mpress rose in a fright, and the 4mperor gaDed at his minister in terror. CSun &uan and ,iu 'ei have each seiDed a portion of the empire and no longer respect the court. !hat is to be doneGC To this abrupt speech the 4mperor replied, CThe matter lies #ithin your province.C )ao )ao ans#ered, angrily, CIf such a remar$ be $no#n outside, they #ill say I treat my prince #ithout respect=C CIf you #ill help me, I shall be most happy,C said *is 1a>esty. CIf not, then I trust to your $indness to let me alone.C +t this )ao )ao glared at the 4mperor and #ent out full of resentment. The courtiers said, CIt is said that the Du$e of !ei desires to become 7rince of !ei, and soon he #ill aspire to the throne.C 'oth the 4mperor and his consort #ept. 7resently *er 1a>esty said, C1y father, 3u !an, has long nourished a desire to slay this man. Fo# I #ill indite a secret letter to my father to accomplish his end.C CRemember the former attempt #ith Dong )heng. The plot #as discovered and great misery ensued. I fear that this #ill lea$ out also, and both of us #ill be undone.C Said the 4mpress, C!e pass our days in constant discomfort, li$e sitting on a rug full of needles. If life is to be li$e this, one #ere better dead. 'ut I $no# one loyal man among the attendants to #hom I may entrust the letter. That one is 1u Shun, and he #ill deliver it.C Thereupon 4mpress 3u summoned 1u Shun #ithin, and having sent a#ay all others, they told their distress to the faithful one. 4mperor 2ian said, CThat fello# )ao )ao desires the dignity of a prince, and soon he #ill aspire to the throne itself. I, the 4mperor, #ish to order the father of my consort to ma$e a#ay #ith the man, but the difficulty is that all the courtiers are his creatures and there is none #hom I can trust save yourself. I desire you to convey this secret letter to 3u !an. I $no# your loyalty and am sure you #ill prove no betrayer.C

CI am the recipient of much graciousness for #hich not even death #ould prove my gratitude. Thy servant prays that he may be allo#ed to underta$e this.C The letter #as given to 1u Shun, #ho hid it in his hair, made his #ay out of the precincts and handed it to its o#ner. 3u !an recogniDed the hand#riting of his daughter and read it. Turning to the messenger, 3u !an said, CBou $no# the fello#(s creatures are many, and one must act #ith eAtreme caution against him. Hnless #e have the aid of Sun &uan(s and ,iu 'ei(s armies, )ao )ao #ill certainly attain his ends. In this matter #e must gain the support of every loyal and faithful one in the court so that #ithin and #ithout there may be a simultaneous attac$.C CThen, O 3ather of the 4mpress, #rite a letter in reply as$ing for a secret edict, so that #e may send to the south and the #est to >oin in the attac$.C So 3u !an composed a reply, #hich he gave to 1u Shun to ta$e into the 7alace. This time also the letter #as concealed in his hair. 'ut there #as a traitor, and )ao )ao heard of the letters. So he #aited at a 7alace gate for 1u Shun to come out. C!here are you goingGC as$ed )ao )ao, #hen 1u Shun appeared. CThe 4mpress is indisposed and has bidden me call a physician.C C!here is the summon for the physicianGC CThere is no summon.C )ao )ao bade his guards search 1u Shun, but they did not find the letter. So he #as allo#ed to go. 'ut >ust then a gust of #ind ble# off his hat, and it struc$ )ao )ao that that had not been eAamined. So 1u Shun #as called bac$. Fothing #as found in the hat, but #hen it #as given bac$ 1u Shun put it on #ith both hands. There #as something suspicious about the movement, and )ao )ao bade the searchers eAamine his hair. Therein the letter of 3u !an #as found. )ao )ao read it, #hich said that Sun &uan and ,iu 'ei #ere to be induced to help. The unhappy 1u Shun #as ta$en a#ay into a secret place and interrogated, but he #ould confess nothing. That night three thousand soldiers surrounded the d#elling of 3u !an, #ho #as arrested #ith all his family. Searching the house, they found the first letter in the hand#riting of the 4mpress. 3u !an and his family #ere then consigned to a gaol.

+t da#n, a party of Imperial 8uards, under )hi ,u, bearing ensigns of authority, entered the 3orbidden )ity #ith orders to ta$e a#ay the seal of the 4mpress. On the #ay they met the 4mperor, #ho as$ed the reason for a company of armed guards being in the 7alace. CI have orders from the Du$e of !ei to get the 4mpress(s seal,C said )hi ,u. The 4mperor gre# alarmed. !hen )hi ,u reached the apartments of the 4mpress, she had >ust risen. )hi ,u ordered to ta$e the seal of the 4mpress and #ent a#ay. +s soon as the 4mpress $ne# of this, she recogniDed her danger and hid herself in the hollo# #alls of her private apartments behind one of the ceremonial halls. She had not been long in hiding #hen *ua 2in #ith a company of five hundred armed soldiers appeared and as$ed #here she #as. The 7alace people said they did not $no#. The red doors of the hall #ere burst open, and *ua 2in loo$ed in, but he sa# no lady there. It occurred to him #here she might be hidden, and he ordered his men to brea$ open the #all. !ith his o#n hands, he laid hold of the lady(s hair and dragged her forth. CSpare my life=C pleaded she. CBou may say #hat you have to say to the Du$e=C cried he. She pulled do#n her hair and $ic$ed off her shoes, but a couple of soldiers pushed her along in front of them outside. It may be said here that this *ua 2in had a reputation for learning. *e and t#o others, 'ing Buan and 8uan Fing, all good friends, made a little coterie #hich #as $no#n as CThe DragonC. *ua 2in #as the CheadC; 'ing Buan, the CbellyC; and 8uan Fing, the CtailC. One day 8uan Fing and *ua 2in #ere hoeing in their garden to gro# some vegetables, #hen they turned up an ingot of gold. 8uan Fing #ent on #ith his labors #ithout giving a second glance at the find, but *ua 2in pic$ed it up. +fter regarding it a moment, he thre# it a#ay again. +nother day 8uan Fing and *ua 2in #ere reading together #hen there arose a great shouting outside the #indo# of the study. + minister from the 7alace #as passing. 8uan Fing too$ no notice, but $ept his eyes on his boo$; *ua 2in rose and #ent to the #indo#. 3or this, 8uan Fing despised his companion and the t#o parted for good. Sometime after, in the disturbance of the empire, 8uan Fing fled into ,iaodong, #here he led the life of hermit. *e #ore a #hite cap and lived in the upper part of a house, never touching the ground #ith his feet. *e #ould have nothing to do #ith )ao )ao and #ould not enter his service. 'ut *ua 2in led a totally different life. 3or a time he #as #ith Sun &uan; then he #ent over to )ao )ao and served him. +nd here he is found actually laying hands upon the 4mpress. *is conduct in this particular is the sub>ect of a poem@

That #as a dastardly thing that *ua 2in did, !hen he bro$e don the #all #here the 4mpress hid +nd dragged her forth by the hair. *e lent his aid to a foul, foul crime +nd eAecrations throughout all time, *ave been, and shall be, his share. + poet also #rote concerning 8uan Fing@ 4ast of ,iaodong, so stories tell Is 8uan Fing(s to#er, #here long he d#elt. Ignoble #ealth #as *ua 2in(s uest, The hermit(s simple life #as best. +s *ua 2in hurried the unhappy #oman out of the hall, the 4mperor sa# her. *e #ent over and clasped her to his bosom, #eeping. *ua 2in tried to force her on#ard, saying, CThe Du$e of !ei ordered no delay=C C1y doom is sealed,C #ept the 4mpress. C+nd I $no# not #hen my turn #ill come,C sighed the 4mperor. The soldiers hustled the 4mpress on#ard, leaving *is 1a>esty beating his breast in despair. C)an it be that such things happen in the #orldGC cried the 4mperor to )hi ,u, #ho stood by. +nd the 4mperor s#ooned. )hi ,u made the courtiers pic$ him up, and they bore him into the 7alace. 1ean#hile, the unhappy 4mpress had been ta$en before )ao )ao. CI have dealt #ell #ith you,C said he angrily, Cand you re uited me by plotting my murder. It is the death of one of us, I see.C *e ordered the eAecutioners to beat her till she died. +fter this, he #ent into the 7alace, seiDed her t#o sons and had them poisoned. In the evening of the same day the #hole households of 1u Shun and 3u !an #ere put to death publicly. Such terrible deeds spread terror every#here. They happened in the eleventh month of the nineteenth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D .:E0. +s )ao )ao stands first in cruelty, So stands 3u !an in loyalty. + married pair of lo# estate, *ad not been torn apart by fate.

The 4mperor grieved bitterly over the loss of his consort, and in his despair refused all food. )ao )ao did not #ish him to die of starvation and loneliness, so he proposed his o#n daughter as consort. C'e not sad,C said )ao )ao. CThy servant is no rebel. 1y daughter is already in your palace as a secondary lady. She is #ise and dutiful, fit to be your consort and occupy the first ran$.C 4mperor 2ian dared not refuse, and therefore at the ne# year -+D .:K0, in the time of the festivities, ,ady )ao(s name #as inscribed on the dynastic rolls as 4mpress. +nd no one of the courtiers dared protest. !herefore )ao )ao became even more po#erful. 'ut it pleased him not to have rivals in the land, so he again thought of subduing ,iu 'ei and Sun &uan. 9ia 2u proposed, saying, C2iahou Dun and )ao Ren, #ho are serving on the frontiers, should be called to give their advice.C They #ere sent for, and )ao Ren #as the first to arrive. +s a relative, he felt he had the right to see the great minister #ithout delay and #ent directly to the palace. 'ut it happened that )ao )ao had been drin$ing heavily, and his faithful henchman, 2u )hu, #ould not admit the ne# arrival. CI am of the family,C said )ao Ren, angry at the hindrance. CDare you stop meGC C8eneral, you may be a relative, but here you are but an officer from the frontier. I am of little account, but a duty lies on me here in the palace. Our lord is overcome #ith #ine and asleep, and I dare not allo# you to enter.C The refusal came to )ao )ao(s $no#ledge, and he commended the loyalty of 2u )hu. Soon after, 2iahou Dun came and #as called to the council. 2iahou Dun gave his opinion, saying, CThe t#o rivals should be left until "hang ,u of *anDhong has been subdued. The great army that can overcome "hang ,u #ill be in condition to attac$ the !est River ,and, and it #ill be con uered #ithout difficulty.C The advice coincided #ith )ao )ao(s o#n idea, and so he prepared an eApedition for the #est. 'y a crime he sho#ed his po#er over a feeble $ing; This done, at once he hastened to destroy his neighbor. !hat happened #ill be told in later chapters. Chapter 36

Cao Cao ConE&ers Han@hong; Zhang -iao Terrori@es :iao4ao' The eApedition against the 4ast River ,and #ent out in three divisions. 2iahou Buan and "hang *e #ere ,eaders of the Van; )ao )ao #ith his commanders marched in the center; and )ao Ren brought up the rear. 2iahou Dun #as in charge of the commissariat. The spies soon carried the ne#s into *anDhong, and "hang ,u called in his brother "hang !ei to consult ho# to meet the attac$. Said "hang !ei, CThe strategic point to hold is Bangping 7ass, and there should be ten stoc$ades there #ith the forest and hills to support them. Bou, my brother, should ma$e your depot of supplies at *anning.C Thereupon t#o generals, Bang +ng and Ban Ren, #ere sent #ith "hang !ei to the 7ass, and they built ten stoc$ades. Soon 2iahou Buan and "hang *e arrived and learned the 7ass had prepared a defense. They camped at a point five miles a#ay. The soldiers #ere fatigued after the long march, and all lay do#n to rest #ithout placing proper guards. Suddenly the camp #as attac$ed in the rear by Bang +ng and Ban Ren from different points. 2iahou Buan and "hang *e mounted uic$ly and tried to beat off the attac$ers, but the enemy poured in all round, and their army suffered great loss. They returned to the main body to tell of their defeat, and their chief abused them for their #ant of care. COld soldiers li$e you should have $no#n better and ta$en precautions against a raid of the camp #hen the enemy $ne# your troops #ere eAhausted by a long march.C )ao )ao even desired to put them to death as a #arning, but their fello# officers interceded, and he spared them. Soon )ao )ao himself marched in the van. Then he sa# the dangerous and evil nature of the place, #ith its thic$ gro#th of trees. +s he $ne# nothing of the roads and #as fearful of an ambush, he returned to his camp. )alling up his t#o leaders, 2u )hu and 2u *uang, he said, C*ad I $no#n the dangerous nature of the place, I #ould never have come.C 2u )hu replied, CThe soldiers are here no#, my lord, and you cannot recoil before the hardships.C FeAt day )ao )ao #ith only 2u )hu and 2u *uang rode out to reconnoiter the enemy(s camp. +s they rode over the hills, )ao )ao pointed out the position #ith his #hip and said, CIt #ill be very difficult to reduce a place as strong as this.C

9ust then there arose a shout in their rear, and a sho#er of arro#s fell about them. Bang +ng and Ban Ren #ere attac$ing, and the danger became great. C3riend 2u *uang, you loo$ after our lord=C cried 2u )hu. CI can hold the enemy.C 2u )hu galloped out, and the t#o leaders could not stand 2u )hu and too$ to flight, #hile their troops scattered. In the meantime 2u *uang led his master over the hills. Soon he met an army of soldiers led by 2iahou Buan and "hang *e, #ho had heard the sound of fighting and had come to the rescue, and )ao )ao got bac$ safely to camp. The four generals #ere re#arded. 3or fifty days the t#o armies held each other at bay #ithout coming to a fight. +t the end of this time, orders #ere given to retire in the camp of )ao )ao. C!e have not tried the strength of the enemy,C said 9ia 2u. CBou should not retire, my lord.C CI see that they are al#ays on the alert,C said )ao )ao. CI am only retiring to put them off their guard. 'y and by I #ill send some light horse to attac$ their rear. I shall defeat them then.C C+h= Bour s$ill is unfathomable=C cried 9ia 2u. Three thousand horsemen led by 2iahou Buan and "hang *e got round behind the Bangping 7ass by unfre uented roads, #hile )ao )ao bro$e up his camp and led his main body bac$#ard. !hen Bang +ng heard of the retreat, he thought it #ould be a good chance to attac$. 'ut Ban Ren opposed it, saying, C)ao )ao is full of ruses. The occasion is unclear. !e should not lead an attac$.C Bang +ng #as #illful and said, CI shall go. Bou may come or not, as you #ish.C In spite of the protestations of his colleague, Bang +ng marched, ta$ing #ith him the soldiers of five camps and leaving only a fe# defenders. The day he set out #as very foggy, so that one could hardly see his neighbor(s face, and soon the force got into difficulties and could not advance. They bivouac$ed on the road. Fo#, 2iahou Buan #as out #ith a reconnoitering force behind the hills #hen they heard the voices of troops and the neighing of horses. In the dense fog they could see nothing; but fearing an ambush, they hastened to retire. Someho# they lost their #ay and presently stumbled on the deserted camp of Bang +ng. The fe# defenders thought their comrades had returned, so they thre# open the gates to let the troops of )ao )ao in. They found an empty camp, and they raised a great blaDe, #hich frightened those fe# defenders in the other camps so that they fled. +s soon as the fog cleared, Ban Ren came to the rescue. 'ut as Ban Ren and 2iahou Buan #ere fighting, "hang *e suddenly appeared and attac$ed from the rear. 'et#een t#o armies, Ban Ren forced his #ay through and uic$ly fled to#ard FanDheng.

'y and by, #hen Bang +ng returned, he found his camp in the possession of )ao )ao(s troops. Soon )ao )ao(s main army came up, and Bang +ng #as bet#een t#o forces. There seemed no other #ay but to ma$e a dash for it. 3alling in #ith "hang *e, the t#o engaged, and Bang +ng fell. Those #ho escaped carried the ne#s of the disaster to "hang !ei, #ho abandoned Bangping 7ass and fled. So the invaders too$ possession of the 7ass, and its late defenders, "hang !ei and Ban Ren, had to go bac$ and report failure. "hang !ei laid the blame on his generals, saying, CThe 7ass could not be held after its supporting positions had been lost.C "hang ,u threatened to behead Ban Ren for his failure. 'ut Ban Ren said, CBang +ng did not listen to my advice, and the defeat follo#ed. Fo# I volunteer to ma$e another attac$. If I fail to ta$e )ao )ao(s head, I #ill abide by the conse uences #ithout protest.C "hang ,u too$ his formal pledge to succeed, gave him t#enty thousand troops, and sent him a#ay. Ban Ren marched to FanDheng and made a stoc$ade. 'efore )ao )ao made any further advance, he sent 2iahou Buan, #ith five thousand troops, to reconnoiter the road, and they fell in #ith the force led by Ban Ren. 'oth sides dre# up their battle array. 3rom Ban Ren(s side #ent out one general named )hang &i to engage 2iahou Buan. 'efore the fourth bout #as fought, 2iahou Buan disposed of )hang &i. Then Ban Ren set his spear and rode to the front. They t#o fought near forty bouts and neither could claim victory. Then 2iahou Buan pretended defeat and fled. The other rushed in pursuit. The fugitive suddenly employed the Cs#inging6horse stabC and $illed his pursuer. Ban Ren(s troops ran a#ay. +s soon as )ao )ao $ne# of the death of Ban Ren, he brought up his army, marched straight#ay to FanDheng and camped. "hang ,u became alarmed and called a council. CI can propose a man able to stand against the best leader of the enemy,C said Ban 7u. C!ho is heGC as$ed "hang ,u. C7ang De of Fanan. 7ang De surrendered at the same time as 1a )hao, but could not go #ith 1a )hao into BiDhou as he #as ill. Bou have treated him generously. *e #ill save you.C 7ang De #as summoned. *e came, and "hang ,u loaded him #ith gifts and gave him a force of ten thousand troops, #ith #hich he marched and camped three miles from the city, near the besieging force. *is camp made, 7ang De rode out and challenged.

Fo# )ao )ao, remembering 7ang De(s boldness at the battle of River !ei 'ridge, #as desirous of #inning the #arrior for himself. So )ao )ao told his generals, saying, C7ang De is a bold general of 2iliang formerly serving under 1a )hao. Though he is no# under "hang ,u, that is not his real #ish. I #ant to #in him over. So you should try to #eary him by prolonging the fights, and so ma$e him captive.C !herefore first rode out "hang *e to ans#er the challenger. *e fought a fe# bouts and returned. Then 2iahou Buan did the same thing. So did 2u *uang. ,astly #ent 2u )hu, #ho $ept up the fight to half a hundred bouts before he retired. Still 7ang De sho#ed no signs of fatigue nor of fear, and all those #ho had fought #ith him praised his pro#ess and s$ill. CIf only I could #in him over to my side=C said )ao )ao longingly. Said 9ia 2u, CI $no# one of "hang ,u(s subordinates, Bang Song. *e is avaricious and open to bribes. Bou might send him secret presents and get him to slander 7ang De to his master so as to #ea$en 7ang De(s position.C C'ut ho# can one get at this manG *e is in FanDheng.C CIn the neAt battle, pretend defeat, flee, and let 7ang De ta$e possession of this camp. Return in the night in force and drive him out, and he must retreat into the city. ,et one of our o#n people #ith a persuasive tongue mingle #ith his troops, disguised as one of his soldiers, and so gain entrance into the city.C + subtle agent #as found, and goodly gifts #ere his in advance, and he #as entrusted #ith a golden breastplate as a bribe. *e put it on and over it put on the dress of an ordinary soldier of *anDhong. +nd he made his #ay uietly to a point on the road along #hich the soldiers of *anDhong #ould retreat into the city. There he #aited. FeAt day, t#o parties under 2iahou Buan and "hang *e #ere sent to lie in ambush, and 2u *uang #as sent to challenge, but #ith orders to be defeated. The scheme #ent #ell, and as 7ang De came on to smite, )ao )ao(s army retired before 7ang De till he found himself at their very camp. +nd therein he entered and #as eAceedingly pleased to find fodder and forage in great uantities. *aving sent off a messenger to his chief, 7ang De spread a feast in celebration of the victory; and #hen night came on they slept. 'ut about the second #atch there #as an alarm from three directions, and the camp #as threatened by three forces@ 2u )hu and 2u *uang attac$ing in the center, "hang *e from the left, and 2iahou Buan from the right. It #as the night attac$ arranged by )ao )ao, and 7ang De could not ma$e any defense. *e got to horse, cut his #ay through, and made for the city. !ith the attac$ers in close pursuit, 7ang De reached the gate, got it opened, and rushed in. +nd the false soldier got in amid the confusion. *e made his #ay uic$ly to Bang Song(s residence and sa# him.

*e told Bang Song, saying, CThe 8reat 7rime 1inister, Du$e of !ei, $no#s you by reputation and holds you in great esteem. +nd as a to$en thereof he has sent you his golden breastplate and a confidential letter as #ell.C Bang Song too$ it all in, read the letter, and said, CI #ill reply by and by, and the Du$e of !ei needs feel no anAiety for I shall find a means of proving my gratitude. Bou may return.C Soon after, Bang Song #ent to see "hang ,u and told him, saying, C7ang De has been defeated because he has been bribed by )ao )ao.C 3orth#ith "hang ,u summoned his general, abused him, and threatened to put him to death. Ban 7u, ho#ever, protested and proposed to test 7ang De in another encounter. "hang ,u then said, CTomorro#, if you lose, I #ill ta$e your head=C 7ang De retired full of resentment. The neAt day )ao )ao attac$ed, and 7ang De #ent out to repel him. )ao )ao sent out 2u )hu, but bade him pretend defeat. !hen 7ang De pursued, )ao )ao rode to#ard the hills, #here he halted and presently got speech #ith 7ang De. )ao )ao called out, C7ang De= !hy not surrenderGC 'ut 7ang De thought #ithin himself that to capture )ao )ao #ould be a fine eAploit, so he boldly faced his escort and rode up the hills. 'ut there arose a great shouting as if heaven and earth #ere clashing together, and he and his follo#ers #ent headlong into ditches and pits that had been dug. Out fle# )ao )ao(s troops #ith ropes and hoo$s, and 7ang De #as a prisoner. !hen he #as ta$en to )ao )ao, he #as received #ith the greatest $indness. )ao )ao himself dismounted, loosed the captive(s bonds, and as$ed him, CDo you surrenderGC 7ang De thought of the ill6treatment he had >ust received at the hands of his master and of his in>ustice, and gave in. +t once 7ang De #as helped to mount a horse by )ao )ao himself and led to the great camp. Soldiers placed for the purpose on the city #all sa# #hat happened and reported to "hang ,u@ C7ang De has ridden off on friendly terms #ith )ao )ao.C !hereby "hang ,u #as persuaded that Bang Song had spo$en truly. Soon after, scaling ladders #ere set against the city #alls, and catapults thre# in great stones. The danger being imminent, "hang !ei counseled, saying, CSet all supplies on fire and flight to the Southern 1ountains, #here #e might be able to defend 'aDhong.C

On the other hand, Bang Song said, CThe best course is to thro# open the gates and surrender.C "hang ,u could not decide #hich to do. *is brother, "hang !ei, maintained that burning everything and flight #as the only course. "hang ,u said, CI have been al#ays loyal at heart and desired to return to allegiance #hen circumstances #ould permit. I have been unable to attain my desire, but no# fight seems the only course open to me. *o#ever, the granaries and treasures, the public offices, and the government property of all $inds must be $ept safe.C So the public buildings #ere all carefully barred and sealed. The same night, in the late evening, "hang ,u and his family #ent out through the south gate and found their #ay through. )ao )ao let them go unpursued. !hen )ao )ao entered the city and sa# the proofs of "hang ,u(s care of the government property, he compassionated the 8overnor(s misfortunes. *e then sent a messenger into 'aDhong to induce "hang ,u to surrender. "hang ,u #as disposed to do so, but his brother #ould not hear of it. Bang Song #rote a secret letter to )ao )ao urging him to attac$ and promising treacherous aid. )ao )ao presently attac$ed, and "hang !ei came out to meet him. 'ut his opponent #as the mighty 2u )hu, #ho made short #or$ of him. The beaten soldiers fled bac$ into the city, #hich "hang ,u then decided to defend. +s this #ould not give Bang Song the chance to carry out his treacherous scheme, he persuaded his master, saying, CIf #e stay passive, death #ill surely come. 1y lord should go out and fight the enemy to the conclusion, leaving me to defend the city.C "hang ,u too$ this advice, although it #as opposed by Ban 7u, and #ent out. 'ut before his van got near the enemy, his rear ran$s began to desert, and "hang ,u retreated. )ao )ao pursued him to the city #alls, #here "hang ,u found the gates shut against him. CSurrender, O "hang ,u=C cried )ao )ao. There being no# no #ay open, "hang ,u dismounted, prostrated himself, and gave in. 'ecause of this and his care of the public property, )ao )ao treated him #ith great $indness and consoled him #ith the title of 8eneral !ho 8uards the South. Ban 7u and many others also #ere enrolled among the nobles. To each county #as appointed a 1ilitary )ommander, in addition to the 8overnor. +ll the soldiers #ere feasted and re#arded. Then Bang Song, #ho had sold his master, came and sued for honors. *e #as condemned to public eAecution and eAposure. Selling one(s lord may ma$e great service, 'ut the gains thereof are vanity; Fo glory clings to his house but a shameful death, !herefore Bang Song is an ob>ect of contempt forever.

!hen the 4ast River ,and #as uite subdued, 3irst Secretary Sima Bi said, CThe people of Shu are not loyal to ,iu 'ei because of his uprooting the late ruler, ,iu "hang. If on the strength of your present success you press for#ard, ,iu 'ei #ill become as a shattered tile. The #ise person ta$es the occasion #hen it serves, and this should not be missed.C )ao )ao sighed, CThere is no end666as human #ant has no limit@ Fo# that I have *anDhong, I am forced into ta$ing BiDhou.C ,iu Be supported his colleague, saying, CSima Bi spo$e #ell. If you delay, "huge ,iang #ill have become top minister, #hile 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, and the other bold #arriors #ill be at the head of the army. If the people of Shu once settle do#n, and the points of vantage are held, you #ill not be able to overcome them.C )ao )ao replied, C1y soldiers have marched far and suffered much. 'eside #e must sho# pity.C !herefore he rested his army for a time. 1ean#hile the populace of BiDhou, having heard of )ao )ao(s success in the 4ast River ,and, concluded that the !est River ,and #ould suffer neAt, and fear spread among them. !hereupon ,iu 'ei called in the Directing Instructor and as$ed his advice. "huge ,iang replied, CI can ma$e )ao )ao retreat of his o#n accord.C C!hat is that planGC C+ part of )ao )ao(s army is camped at *efei because of the fear of Sun &uan. If no# #e restore three territories of 9ingDhou666)hangsha, 9iangAia, and 8uiyang666, and send a specious person to tal$, #e can ma$e Sun &uan attac$ *efei, #hich #ill lead to )ao )ao going south#ard and not loo$ing to the #est.C C!ho is a fit person for the messengerGC said ,iu 'ei. +nd Bi 9i replied, CI #ill go.C ,iu 'ei, #ell6satisfied, #rote letters and prepared gifts, #ith #hich Bi 9i #ent, calling in at 9ingDhou )ity on the #ay to tell 8uan Bu. Then he #ent on to the capital city of 9ianye and sa# Sun &uan. +fter the greetings, Sun &uan as$ed, COn #hat business do you comeGC Bi 9i replied, COn a former occasion "huge 9in #ould have had the three territories of )hangsha, ,ingling, and 8uiyang, but for the absence of the Directing Instructor, #hich prevented the actual transfer. Fo# I am the bearer of letters giving )hangsha, 8uiyang, and 9iangAia bac$ to you. ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang #anted to restore all the territories of 9ingDhou, including those of 2iangyang, Fan>un, and ,ingling. 'ut no# that )ao )ao has got possession of 4ast River ,and,

there is no place for 8eneral 8uan Bu. *efei is #ea$, and #e hope you #ill attac$ it so as to ma$e )ao )ao #ithdra# to the south and let my master ta$e the 4ast River ,and, #hen he #ill restore the #hole of the 9ingDhou Region.C C8o bac$ to the guest6house, and let me ta$e counsel in this matter,C said Sun &uan. +s soon as Bi 9i had gone, the 1ar uis of !u turned to his officers and as$ed #hat should be done. "hang "hao said, C+ll this is because ,iu 'ei fears that )ao )ao #ill attac$ him. *o#ever, since )ao )ao is absent in *anDhong, it #ould be #ell to seiDe the opportunity and attac$ *efei.C Sun &uan accepted the advice. +fter he had sent the messenger a#ay, he began to prepare for the eApedition. *e left ,u Su in command over the three territories of )hangsha, 9iangAia, and 8uiyang. Then Sun &uan encamped at ,u$ou, #ithdre# 8enerals ,u 1eng and 8an Fing, and sent to Buhang for 8eneral ,ing Tong. In a fe# days, ,u 1eng and 8an Fing returned. ,u 1eng suggested a plan, saying, C)ao )ao has sent "hu 8uang, 8overnor of ,u>iang, to camp at the city of *uancheng and plant grain for the supply of *efei. ,et us first ta$e *uancheng first, and then attac$ *efei.C CThis scheme is >ust after my o#n heart,C said Sun &uan. So Sun &uan appointed ,u 1eng and 8an Fing as Van ,eaders; 9iang &in and 7an "hang as Rear 8uards; he himself #ith "hou Tai, )hen !u, Dong 2i, and 2u Sheng commanded the center. 'ut the )ommanders )heng 7u, *uang 8ai, and *an Dang #ere not called to ta$e part in this eApedition as they #ere guarding certain especial places. The army crossed the river and captured *eDhou on the #ay. 8overnor "hu 8uang sent an urgent message to *efei for help and set himself to strengthen his fortifications for a siege. Sun &uan #ent very near the city #alls of *uancheng to observe its defense, and a flight of arro#s greeted him, some stri$ing his great official parasol. *e #ent bac$ to camp and as$ed his officers to offer plans of attac$. Then Dong 2i said, C7ile up great hills of earth and attac$ from the summits.C Said 2u Sheng, CSet up long ladders and construct platforms #hence you can loo$ over the city #alls and thus attac$.C 'ut ,u 1eng said, C+ll such plans need a long time to prepare, and in the meantime the soldiers of )ao )ao #ill arrive from *efei. Do not try such long6dra#n6out schemes, but ta$e advantage of the fine, fresh spirit of our ne#ly arrived troops and attac$ impetuously. Their elan #ill carry the #all. If you attac$ tomorro# at da#n, the city #ill fall before noon.C

So the early meal #as ta$en at the fifth #atch, and the army #ent to the attac$. The defenders sent do#n sho#ers of arro#s and stones. 8an Fing too$ an iron chain in his hand and climbed up the #all. They shot at him #ith bo#s and crossbo#s, but he turned aside the arro#s and bolts, and he thre# the chain round 8overnor "hu 8uang to pull him do#n. ,u 1eng beat the drum for the attac$. The soldiers made a rush for#ard to climb the #all, and they sle# "hu 8uang. *is officers and soldiers gave in, and so *uancheng fell to Sun &uan. It #as still a long time to noon. In the meantime "hang ,iao #as marching to the aid of the city. *alf6#ay he heard that the city had fallen, and so he returned to *efei. Soon after the con ueror(s entry into *uancheng, ,ing Tong came there #ith his army. The neAt fe# days #ere devoted to feasting the army. Special re#ards #ere given to the t#o generals #ho had done such good #or$ at the capture; and at the ban uet to the officers, 8an Fing #as seated in the seat of honor, #hich his colleague, ,u 1eng, readily yielded to him for his late pro#ess. 'ut as the cup of felicitation #as passing round, ,ing Tong(s thoughts turned to the enmity he bore 8an Fing for having slain his father, and the praises #hich ,u 1eng no# heaped upon 8an Fing filled ,ing Tong(s heart #ith bitterness. 3or some time he glared savagely at 8an Fing, and then he determined on revenge. Dra#ing his s#ord, ,ing Tong suddenly rose to his feet and cried, CThere is nothing to amuse the assembly. I #ill give them a display of s#ordsmanship=C 8an Fing uic$ly sa# his real intention. *e pushed bac$ his table and laid hold of a halberd in each hand, crying, C+nd you may also #atch an adept in the use of this #eapon=C ,u 1eng sa# the evil meaning of both, and assuming his s#ord and shield, he hastily stepped bet#een the t#o #arriors, saying, CFeither of you gentlemen is so deAterous as I.C So he forced the t#o combatants asunder, #hile someone ran to tell Sun &uan. The 1ar uis hastily >umped into the saddle and rode to the ban uet hall. +t sight of their lord, they all three lo#ered their #eapons. CI have bidden you t#o to forget this old enmity,C said Sun &uan. C!hy do you revive it todayGC ,ing Tong prostrated himself in tears. Sun &uan eAhorted him to forget his uarrel, and once again there #as peace. The neAt day the army set out for *efei. 'ecause of the loss of *uancheng, "hang ,iao grieved greatly. )ao )ao had sent by the hands of 2ue Ti a small cas$et sealed #ith his o#n seal and bearing outside the #ords, CIf rebels come, open this.C

So #hen he received the ne#s of the coming of a po#erful army, "hang ,iao opened the cas$et and read the letter therein@ CIf Sun &uan comes to attac$ *efei, the t#o 8enerals ,i Dian and "hang ,iao are to go out to oppose him, and Bue 9ing is to be left to guard the #alls.C "hang ,iao sent the letter to the t#o men named therein. C!hat do you thin$ to doGC said Bue 9ing. "hang ,iao replied, COur lord is a#ay, and !u is coming to attac$ for certain. !e must go out to repel them and eAert ourselves to the utmost to inflict defeat upon their advanced guard. Thus #e shall appease the fears of the populace, and then #e can hold as best #e may.C 'ut ,i Dian #as silent, for he #as ever unfriendly to "hang ,iao. Then seeing his colleague inclined to hold off, Bue 9ing said, CI am for remaining on the defensive, since the enemy is so much more numerous than #e.C C8entlemen, it seems you are selfish and not devoted to the common #eal,C said "hang ,iao. CBou may have your private reasons for #hat you do, but I intend to go out and try to repel the enemy. I #ill fight them to the death.C Thereupon "hang ,iao bade his servants saddle his steed. +t this, ,i Dian(s better feelings #ere aroused, and he rose, saying, C*o# can I be careless of the common #eal and indulge my private feelingsG I am ready to follo# you and do as you command.C "hang ,iao #as elated at this moral victory, and said, CSince I can depend upon your help, my friend, then I #ould as$ you to lie in ambush on the north of 2iaoyao 3ord in order to destroy the 2iaoshi 'ridge there as soon as the army of !u has crossed. I, #ith my friend Bue 9ing, #ill smite the enemy.C ,i Dian #ent a#ay to muster his troops and prepare the ambush. +s has been recorded, the leaders of the advance guard of the southern army #ere the veterans ,u 1eng and 8an Fing. Sun &uan and ,ing Tong #ere in the center; the other generals follo#ed them. The leaders of the van met Bue 9ing first, and 8an Fing rode out and challenged him. +fter a fe# bouts, Bue 9ing pretended to be defeated and fled. 8an Fing called to his colleague to >oin in the pursuit. !hen Sun &uan heard that this advance guard had been successful, he hastened his army to 2iaoyao 3ord. 'ut then there came a series of eAplosions, and up came "hang ,iao and ,i Dian, one on each flan$. Sun &uan #as unprepared for this and sent messengers to call off the pursuit

and as$ for help from ,u 1eng and 8an Fing. 'efore it could arrived, "hang ,iao had come up. 1anifestly, ,ing Tong, #ho had #ith him only a small troop of three hundred horse, could not long #ithstand the army of )ao )ao, but he faced them and fought bravely. 7resently ,ing Tong cried to his lord, C)ross the 2iaoshi 'ridge and run bac$, my lord=C Sun &uan galloped for the bridge, but the southern end had been already bro$en do#n and there #as a #ide breach bet#een the end of the bridge and the shore. Fot a single plan$ #as there by #hich to cross. !hat could be doneG Sun &uan #as in a uandary, and helpless. C8o bac$ and >ump for it=C yelled one of the generals, 8u ,i by name. Sun &uan did so. 'ac$ing his horse some thirty spans or so, he then gave it its head and lashed it #ith his #hip. The good beast leaped, cleared the chasm and his master #ee safe on the southern shore. Once Dilu leant across the Tan Torrent #ide, +nd #hen defeat did Sun &uan of !u betide, +nd death came threateningly at 2iaoyao 3ord, *is steed too leapt, and saved him from the s#ord. *aving reached the farther shore, Sun &uan embar$ed on one of the boats of 2u Sheng and Dong 2i and #as ro#ed to a place of safety, #hile ,ing Tong and 8u ,i #ere still fighting #ith "hang ,iao(s army. 8an Fing and ,u 1eng, coming to their aid, #ere pursued by Bue 9ing, and ,i Dian also stayed their progress. 'ut the soldiers of the South ,and fought bravely; half of their force fell, and ,ing Tong(s troop of three hundred horse perished all, #hile ,ing Tong himself #as #ounded, but found his #ay to the bridge. 3inding it destroyed, he fled along the stream. 7resently he #as seen by Sun &uan from the boat and ta$en on board by Dong 2i. 8an Fing and ,u 1eng also cut their #ays bac$ to the southern shore. The terrible slaughter at this battle put such fear into the minds of the people of the South ,and that the name of "hang ,iao $ept the very children uiet at night. !hen Sun &uan reached his camp, he richly re#arded ,ing Tong and 8u ,i. Then he led his army bac$ to RuAu and began to put his ships in order so that the army and navy might act in unison. *e also sent home for reinforcements. "hang ,iao reflected that he had insufficient force to meet another attac$ if it should be supported by the navy of the South ,and, so he sent 2ue Ti through the night to carry an urgent message to his master in *anDhong. !hen the messenger arrived, )ao )ao sa# that his #estern eApedition #ould have to yield to the urgency of home defense. *o#ever, he called in his counselors and put a direct uestion to them. C)an #e ta$e !est River ,and no#, or notGC

CShu is too #ell prepared; #e cannot,C replied ,iu Be. CIt is better to go to the succor of *efei, and then go do#n the river to ta$e the South ,and.C !herefore, leaving 2iahou Buan to station at the Ding>un 1ountain to guard *anDhong, and "hang *e to $eep 1ount 1engtou 7ass, )ao )ao bro$e up his camp and #ent to#ard RuAu #ith all his commanders. The armored horsemen had con uered *anDhong, The ensigns to#ard the south #ere turned again. The subse uent course of the #ar #ill be unfolded in later chapters. Chapter 37 Gan >ing;s H&ndred Horsemen ,aid The >orthern Camp; Z&o Ci;s F#&ngA*own C&p Foo#s Cao Cao' Sun &uan #as occupied in ordering his army at RuAu #hen he heard of the coming of )ao )ao from *anDhong #ith four hundred thousand troops to the relief of *efei. *e told off a fleet of fifty large ships to lie in the port, #hile )hen !u #ent up and do#n the river ban$s on the loo$6out. CIt #ould be #ell to inflict a defeat upon )ao )ao(s army before they recover from the long march. It #ould dishearten them,C said "hang "hao. ,oo$ing around at the officers in his tent, Sun &uan said, C!ho is bold enough to go forth and fight this )ao )ao and so ta$e the $een edge off the spirit of his armyGC +nd ,ing Tong offered himself, saying, CI #ill go=C C*o# many soldiers do you re uireGC CThree thousand troops #ill suffice,C replied ,ing Tong. 'ut 8an Fing struc$ in, saying, COnly a hundred horse #ould be needed. !hy send three thousandGC ,ing Tong #as angry, and he and 8an Fing began to #rangle even in the presence of their chief. C)ao )ao(s army is too strong to be attac$ed rec$lessly,C said Sun &uan. 3inally he gave the commission to ,ing Tong #ith his three thousand, bidding him reconnoiter >ust outside RuAu, and fight the enemy if he met him. 1arching out, ,ing Tong very soon sa# a great cloud of dust, #hich mar$ed the approach of an army. +s soon as they came near enough, "hang ,iao, #ho led the van, engaged #ith ,ing Tong,

and they fought half a hundred bouts #ithout sign of victory for either. Then Sun &uan began to fear for his champion, so he sent ,u 1eng to eAtricate ,ing Tong from the battle and escort him home. !hen ,ing Tong had come bac$, his rival 8an Fing #ent to Sun &uan and said, CFo# let me have the hundred horsemen, and I #ill raid the enemy(s camp this night. If I lose a soldier or a mount, I #ill claim no merit.C Sun &uan commended his courage and chose a hundred of his best veterans, #hom he placed under 8an Fing(s command for the raid. Sun &uan also gave him as a feast for the soldiers fifty flas$s of #ine and seventy five pounds of mutton. Returning to the tents, 8an Fing dre# up his little force and made them sit do#n in ro#s. Then he filled t#o silver goblets #ith #ine and solemnly dran$ to them. FeAt he said, C)omrades, tonight our orders are to raid the camp of the enemy. !herefore fill your goblets and call up all your strength for the tas$.C 'ut the men did not #elcome his #ords. Instead they loo$ed one at another uncertain. Seeing them in this mood, 8an Fing adopted a fierce tone, dre# his s#ord and cried, C!hat are you #aiting forG If I, a leader of ran$, can ris$ my life, cannot youGC 1oved by the angry face of the leader, the men rose, bo#ed their heads and said, C!e #ill fight to the last=C Then the #ine and meat #ere distributed to them and each one ate his fill. The second #atch #as chosen as the hour to start, and each man stuc$ a #hite goose plume in his cap #hereby they could recogniDe each other in the dar$ness. +t the time appointed they buc$led on their armor, mounted and, galloping a#ay, uic$ly came to )ao )ao(s camp. *astily thro#ing aside the thorny barriers, they burst in #ith a yell that rose to the very heavens. They made straight for the center, hoping to slay )ao )ao himself. 'ut the troops of the leader(s brigade had made a rampart of their carts #ithin #hich they #ere sheltered as if in an iron tun, so that the raiders failed to find a #ay in. *o#ever, 8an Fing and his small force dashed hither and thither, cutting and slashing, till )ao )ao(s men #ere uite be#ildered and frightened. They had no notion of the number of their assailants. +ll their efforts only increased the confusion. !herefore the hundred men had it all their o#n #ay and rushed from point to point slaying #homever they met. 'ut soon the drums beat in every camp and torches #ere lit and shouts arose, and it #as time for the raiders to get a#ay. 8an Fing led his little body of troops out through the south gate #ith never a soldier trying to stop him, and rode for his o#n camp. *e met "hou Tai, #ho had been sent to help him in case of need;

but the need had not arisen, and the hundred heroes #ith their leader rode bac$ in triumph. There #as no pursuit. + poem #as #ritten praising this eAploit@ The drums of #ar ma$e earth to sha$e !hen the South ,and comes near even devils ua$e. 7eople long #ill tell of that night raid, That 8an Fing(s goose6plumed #arriors made. On his return, 8an Fing too$ the tale of his men at the camp gate, not a man nor a horse #as missing. *e entered to the sound of drum and fife and the shouting of his men. C,ong life=C shouted they, as Sun &uan came to #elcome them. 8an Fing dismounted and prostrated himself. *is lord raised him, and too$ him by the hand, saying, CThis eApedition of yours must have given those rebels a sha$ing. I had yielded to your desire only I #ished to give you the opportunity to manifest your valor. I did not #ish to let you be sacrificed.C 8an Fing(s eAploit #as re#arded #ith gifts, a thousand rolls of sil$ and a hundred $een s#ords, all of #hich he distributed among his soldiers. Sun &uan #as very proud of his subordinate(s doughty deed, and said, C)ao )ao may have his "hang ,iao, but I can match him #ith my friend 8an Fing.C Soon "hang ,iao came to proffer another challenge, and ,ing Tong, impatient at being eAcelled by his rival and enemy, begged that he might go out to fight. *is re uest #as granted, and he marched out a short distance from RuAu #ith five thousand troops. Sun &uan, #ith 8an Fing in his train, #ent out to loo$ on at the encounter. !hen both armies had come out on the plain and #ere arrayed, "hang ,iao, #ith ,i Dian and Bue 9ing, one on either side, advanced to the front. ,ing Tong, s#ord in hand, galloped out to#ards him and, at "hang ,iao(s command, Bue 9ing too$ the challenge and #ent to open the combat. They fought half a hundred bouts, and neither seemed to have the better of the other. Then )ao )ao, hearing of the great contest going on, rode up to the battlefield and too$ position under the great standard, #hence he could see the fighting. Seeing both combatants #ere #aAing desperate, he thought to decide the struggle by an unfair blo#. *e bade )ao 2iu let fly a secret arro#, #hich )ao 2iu did by creeping up under cover of "hang ,iao. It struc$ ,ing Tong(s steed, #hich reared and thre# its rider. Bue 9ing dashed for#ard to thrust at the fallen #arrior #ith his spear, but before the blo# could be given, the t#ang of another bo# #as heard and an arro# speeding by hit Bue 9ing full in the face. *e fell from his horse. Then both sides rushed for#ard to

rescue their champions. The gongs clanged, and the combat ceased. ,ing Tong returned to his camp and reported himself to his master. CThe arro# that saved you #as shot by 8an Fing,C said Sun &uan. ,ing Tong turned to his rival and bo#ed lo#. CI could not have supposed you #ould have rendered me such a service, Sir,C said he to 8an Fing. This episode ended the strife and enmity bet#een the t#o leaders, #ho thereafter s#ore perpetual friendship. On the other side )ao )ao sa# to it that Bue 9ing(s #ound #as dressed. FeAt day he launched an attac$ against RuAu along five different lines. *e himself led one army in the center; on the left "hang ,iao and ,i Dian led t#o armies; on the right 2u *uang and 7ang De commanded the other t#o. 4ach army #as ten thousand strong, and they marched to give battle on the river ban$. The cre#s and fighting troops of the South ,and(s naval s uadron #ere greatly frightened by the approach of these armies. CBou have eaten the bread of your prince, and you must give loyal service. !hy fearGC said 2u Sheng. Thereupon he put some hundreds of his best men into small boats, #ent along the ban$, and bro$e into the legion under ,i Dian. 1ean#hile Dong 2i on the ships beat drums and cheered them on. 'ut a great storm came on, lashing the river to fury, and the #aves rolled mountains high. The larger ships rolled as if they #ould overturn, and the soldiers of !u #ere frightened. They started to get do#n into the bul$ier cargo6boats to save their lives. 'ut Dong 2i threatened them #ith his s#ord, cutting do#n some half score of the mutineers. C1y orders are to hold this point against the enemy,C shouted he. C!e dare not abandon the ships=C *o#ever, the #ind increased, and presently the bold Dong 2i #as thro#n into the river by the rolling of his ship and #as dro#ned, together #ith his men. 2u Sheng dashed hither and thither among ,i Dian(s army, slaying right and left. )hen !u, hearing the noise of battle, set out for the river ban$. On his #ay )hen !u met 7ang De and the legion under him. + melee ensued. Then Sun &uan #ith "hou Tai and his troops >oined in. The small force from the ships that had attac$ed ,i Dian #as no# surrounded. So Sun &uan gave the signal for an onslaught that should rescue them. This failed, and Sun &uan #as himself surrounded in turn and soon in desperate straits. 3rom a height, )ao )ao sa# his difficulties and sent in 2u )hu to cut Sun &uan(s column in halves so that neither half could aid the other.

!hen "hou Tai had cut an alley out of the press and reached the riverside, he loo$ed for his master. 'ut Sun &uan #as no#here visible, so "hou Tai dashed once again into the battle. )oming to his o#n troops, he cried, C!here is our lordGC They pointed to #here the press #as most dense. "hou Tai stiffened and dashed in. 7resently he reached his lord(s side and cried out, C1y lord, follo# me, and I #ill hac$ a #ay out=C "hou Tai fought his #ay out to the river ban$. Then he turned to loo$, and Sun &uan #as not behind him. So he turned bac$, forced his #ay in, and once again found his #ay to his master(s side. CI cannot get out. The arro#s are too thic$=C said Sun &uan. CThen go first, my lord, and I #ill follo#=C Sun &uan then urged his steed as fast as he could go, and "hou Tai $ept off all pursuit. "hou Tai sustained many #ounds and the arro#s rattled on his helmet, but he got clear at last and Sun &uan #as safe. +s they neared the river ban$, ,u 1eng came up #ith some of the naval force and escorted Sun &uan do#n to the ships. CI o#e my safety to "hou Tai, #ho thrice came to my aid,C said Sun &uan. C'ut 2u Sheng is still in the thic$ of the fight, and ho# can #e save himGC CI #ill go to his rescue,C cried "hou Tai. !hirling his spear, "hou Tai again plunged into the battle and presently brought his colleague safely out of the press. 'oth #ere severely #ounded. ,u 1eng ordered his troops to $eep up a rapid flight of arro#s so as to command the ban$, and in this #ay the t#o leaders #ere enabled to get on board the ships. Fo# )hen !u had engaged the legion under 7ang De. 'eing inferior in force and no aid being forthcoming, )hen !u #as forced into a valley #here the trees and undergro#th #ere very dense. *e tried to turn, but #as caught by the branches, and #hile so entangled he #as $illed by 7ang De. !hen )ao )ao sa# that Sun &uan had escaped from the battle to the river ban$, he urged his steed for#ard in pursuit. *e sent flights of arro#s to#ard the fugitives. 'y this time ,u 1eng(s troops had emptied their uivers, and he began to be very anAious. 'ut >ust then a fleet of ships sailed up led by ,u 2un, the son6in6la# of Sun )e, #ho came #ith one hundred thousand marines and drove bac$ )ao )ao(s army. Then he landed to pursue. *e captured many thousands of horses and sle# many men, so that )ao )ao #as uite defeated and retired. Then they sought and found the body of )hen !u among the slain.

Sun &uan #as much grieved #hen he came to $no# that )hen !u had been slain and Dong 2i dro#ned, and #ept sore. 1en #ere sent to see$ for Dong 2i(s body, #hich at last #as found. 'oth generals #ere buried #ith great honors. +s a recompense for "hou Tai(s services in Sun &uan(s rescue, Sun &uan prepared in his honor a great ban uet, #here Sun &uan himself offered "hou Tai a goblet of #ine and complimented and embraced him #hile the tears coursed do#n his chee$s. CT#ice you saved my life, careless of your o#n,C cried Sun &uan, Cand you have received many #ounds. It is as if your s$in had been engraved and painted. !hat sort of a man should I be if I did not treat you as one of my o#n flesh and bloodG )an I regard you, Foble Sir, merely as a unit in my armyG Bou are my meritorious minister. I share the glory you have #on and mine are your >oys and sorro#s.C Then Sun &uan bade "hou Tai open his dress and eAhibit his #ounds for all the assembly to see. The s$in #as gashed all over as if his body had been scored #ith a $nife. Sun &uan pointed to the #ounds, one after another, and as$ed ho# each one had been received. +nd, as "hou Tai told him, for every #ound Sun &uan made him drin$ off a goblet of #ine till he became thoroughly intoAicated. Sun &uan then presented him #ith a green sil$ parasol and bade him use it on all occasions as a sign of the glory that #as his. 'ut Sun &uan found his opponents too stable. +t the end of a month the t#o armies #ere both at RuAu and neither had #on a victory. Then said "hang "hao and 8u Bong, C)ao )ao is too strong, and #e cannot overcome him by mere force. If the struggle continues longer, you #ill only lose more soldiers. Bou had better see$ to ma$e peace.C Sun &uan follo#ed this advice and dispatched 'u "hi on a peace mission to )ao )ao(s camp. Sun &uan offered a yearly tribute. )ao )ao also sa# that the South ,and #as too strong to be overcome, and consented. )ao )ao insisted, CThe 1ar uis should first send a#ay his army, and then I #ould retire.C 'u "hi returned #ith this message, and Sun &uan sent a#ay the greater part, leaving only "hou Tai and 9iang &in to hold RuAu. The army returned to )apital 9ianye. )ao )ao left )ao Ren and "hang ,iao in charge of *efei, and he marched the army bac$ to )apital 2uchang. On arrival, all )ao )ao(s officers, military and civil, persuaded him to become 7rince of !ei. Only the )hair of the Secretariat, )ui Ban, spo$e strongly against the scheme. CBou are, then, the only man #ho $no#s not the fate of 2un Bu,C said his colleagues.

CSuch times= Such deeds=C cried )ui Ban. CBou are guilty of rebellion, but you may commit it yourselves. I #ill bear no part in it.C )ertain enemies told )ao )ao, and )ui Ban #as thro#n into prison. +t his trial he glared li$e a tiger, and his very beard curled #ith contempt. *e raged and cursed at )ao )ao for a betrayer of his prince, and a rebel. The interrogating magistrate reported his conduct to )ao )ao, #ho ordered )ui Ban to be beaten to death in prison. )ui Ban of &inghe, 3irm and unyielding #as he, !ith beard crisp curling and gleaming eyes, !hich sho#ed the man of stone and iron #ithin. *e drove the evil from his presence, +nd his glory is fair and high. 3or loyalty to his lord of *an, *is fame shall increase as the ages roll. In the t#enty6first year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -.:;0, in the fifth month of that year, a great memorial signed by many officers #ent up to 4mperor 2ian, praying@ CThe Du$e of !ei has rendered so great services that no minister before him, in *eaven as #ell as on 4arth, not even Bi Bin% and the Du$e of "hou%, could match his manifest merits to the state. Thus, the title of $ingship should be granted to him.C The memorial #as approved, and a draft edict #as prepared by the famous "hong Bao to ma$e )ao )ao 7rince of !ei. Thrice )ao )ao #ith seeming modesty pretended to decline the honor, but thrice #as his refusal re>ected. 3inally he made his obeisance and #as enrolled as 7rince of !ei #ith the usual insignia and privileges, a coronet #ith t#elve strings of beads and a chariot #ith gilt shafts, dra#n by siA steeds. Hsing the formalities of the Son of 8od, he decorated his imperial chariot #ith bells and had the roads cleared #hen he passed along. *e built himself a 7alace at Be>un. Then he began to discuss the appointment of an heir6apparent. *is principal #ife, ,ady Ding, #as #ithout issue; but a concubine, ,ady ,iu, had borne him a son, )ao +ng, #ho had been $illed in battle at the siege of !ancheng #hen )ao )ao fought against "hang 2iu. + second concubine, ,ady 'ian, had borne him four sons@ )ao 7i, )ao "hang, )ao "hi, and )ao 2iong. !herefore he elevated ,ady 'ian to the ran$ of &ueen of !ei in place of ,ady Ding. The third son, )ao "hi, #as very clever and a ready master of composition. )ao )ao #ished him to be named the heir. Then the eldest son, )ao 7i sought from the *igh +dviser 9ia 2u a plan to secure his rights of primogeniture, and 9ia 2u told him to do so and so. Thereafter, #henever the father #ent out on any military eApedition, )ao "hi #rote fulsome panegyrics, but )ao 7i #ept so copiously at

bidding his father fare#ell that the courtiers #ere deeply affected and remar$ed that though )ao "hi #as crafty and clever, he #as not so sincerely filial as )ao 7i. )ao 7i also bought over his father(s immediate attendants, #ho then rang the praises of his virtues so loud that )ao )ao #as strongly disposed to name him as the heir after all. +fter hesitating a long time, the matter #as referred to 9ia 2u. CI #ish to name my heir. !ho shall it beGC said )ao )ao. 9ia 2u #ould not say, and )ao )ao as$ed #hy. CI #as >ust recalling the past in my mind and could not reply at once,C said 9ia 2u. C!hat #ere you recallingGC CI #as thin$ing of t#o fathers, Buan Shao and ,iu 'iao, and their sons.C )ao )ao laughed. Soon after this he declared his eldest son his heir. In the #inter of that year, in the tenth month, the building of the 7alace of the ne# 7rince of !ei #as completed, and the furnishing begun. 3rom all parts #ere collected rare flo#ers and uncommon trees to beautify the gardens. One agent #ent into the South ,and and sa# Sun &uan, to #hom he presented a letter from )ao )ao as$ing that he might be allo#ed to proceed to !enDhou to get some oranges. +t that period Sun &uan #as in a most complaisant mood to#ard )ao )ao, so from the orange trees in his o#n city, he pic$ed forty loads of very fine fruits and sent them immediately to Be>un. On the #ay, the bearers of the oranges fell tired, and they had to stop at the foot of a certain hill. There came along an elderly man, blind of one eye and lame of one leg, #ho #ore a #hite rattan headdress and a blac$ loose robe. *e saluted the bearers and stayed to tal$. 7resently he said, CBour burdens are heavy, O 7orters. 1ay this old Taoist lend you a shoulderG !hat do you sayGC Faturally they #ere pleased enough, and the amiable #ayfarer bore each load for t#o miles. !hen they resumed their burdens, they noticed that the loads seemed lighter than before, and they felt rather suspicious. !hen the Taoist #as ta$ing his leave of the officer in charge of the party, he said, CI am an old friend from the same village as the 7rince of !ei. 1y name is "uo )i. +mong Taoists I bear the appellation of ('lac$ *orn(. !hen you get to the end of your >ourney, you may say that I #as in uiring after your lord.C "uo )i shoo$ do#n his sleeves and left. In due course the orange bearers reached the ne# 7alace, and the oranges #ere presented. 'ut #hen )ao )ao cut one open, it #as but an empty shell of a

thing@ There #as no pulp beneath the rind. )ao )ao #as rather puDDled and called in the porters, #ho told him of their falling in #ith the mysterious Taoist on the #ay. 'ut )ao )ao scouted the idea of that being the reason. 'ut >ust then the #arden of the gate sent to say that a certain Taoist named "uo )i #as at the gate and #ished to see the $ing. CSend him in,C said )ao )ao. C*e is the man #e met on the #ay,C said the porters #hen he appeared. )ao )ao said curtly, C!hat sorcery have you been eAercising on my beautiful fruitGC C*o# could such a thing happenGC said the Taoist. Thereupon he cut open an orange and sho#ed it full of pulp, most delicious to the taste. 'ut #hen )ao )ao cut open another, that again #as empty, nothing but rind. )ao )ao #as more than ever perpleAed. *e bade his visitor be seated, and, as "uo )i as$ed for refreshment, #ine and food #ere brought in. The Taoist ate ravenously, consuming a #hole sheep, and dran$ in proportion. Bet he sho#ed no sign of intoAication or repletion. C'y #hat magic are you hereGC said )ao )ao. CI am but a poor Taoist. I #ent into 9ialing in Shu, and on 4mei 1ountain%, I studied the #ay for thirty long years. One day I heard my name called from out the roc$y #all of my cell. I loo$ed, but could see nothing. The same thing happened neAt day, and so on for many days. Then suddenly, #ith a roar li$e thunder, the roc$ split asunder, and I sa# a sacred boo$ in three volumes called (The 'oo$ of )oncealing 1ethod(666the first volume #as named ()oncealing *eaven(, the second ()oncealing 4arth(, and the third ()oncealing *uman(. 3rom the first volume I learned to ascend to the clouds astride the #ind, to sail up into the great void itself; from the second to pass through mountains and penetrate roc$s; from the third, to float light as vapor, over the seas, to become invisible at #ill or change my shape, to fling s#ords and pro>ect daggers so as to decapitate a man from a distance. Bou, O 7rince, have reached the acme of glory. !hy not no# #ithdra# and, li$e me, become a disciple of the TaoistsG !hy not travel to 4mei 1ountain and there mend your #ays so that I may be ueath my three volumes to you GC COft have I reflected upon this course and struggled against my fate, but #hat can I doG There is no one to maintain the government,C replied )ao )ao. CThere is ,iu 'ei of BiDhou, a scion of the dynastic family. )ould you not ma$e #ay for himG If you do not, I may have to send one of my flying s#ords after your head one day.C CBou are one of his secret agents,C said )ao )ao, suddenly enraged. CSeiDe him=C cried he to his lictors.

They did so, #hile the Taoist laughed. +nd "uo )i continued to laugh as they dragged him do#n to the dungeons, #here they beat him cruelly. +nd #hen they had finished, the Taoist lay there gently respiring in a sound sleep, >ust as if he felt nothing #hatever. This enraged )ao )ao still more, and he bade them put the priest into the large #ooden collar and nail it securely and then chain him in a cell. +nd )ao )ao set guards over him, and the guards sa# the collar and chains >ust fall off #hile the victim lay fast asleep not in>ured in the least. The Taoist lay in prison seven days #ithout food or #ater. 'ut #hen they #ent to loo$ at him, he #as sitting upright on the ground, uite #ell and rosy loo$ing. The gaolers reported these things to )ao )ao, #ho had the prisoner brought in. CI do not mind going #ithout food for years,C said the victim, #hen )ao )ao uestioned him, Cyet I could eat a thousand sheep in a day.C )ao )ao #as at the end of his resources. *e could prevail nothing against such a man. That day there #as to be a great ban uet at the ne# 7alace, and guests came in cro#ds. !hen the ban uet #as in progress and the #ine cup passing freely, suddenly the same Taoist appeared. *e had #ooden clogs on his feet. +ll faces turned in his direction and not a fe# #ere afraid; others #ondered. Standing there in front of the great assembly, the Taoist said, CO 7o#erful 7rince, here today you have every delicacy on the table and a glorious company of guests. Bou have rare and beautiful ob>ects from all parts of the #orld. Is there anything lac$ingG If there be anything you #ould li$e, name it and I #ill get it for you.C )ao )ao replied, CThen I #ant a dragon(s liver to ma$e soup@ )an you get thatGC C!here(s the difficultyGC replied "uo )i. !ith a pencil the Taoist immediately s$etched a dragon on the #hite#ashed #all of the ban uet hall. Then he flic$ed his sleeve over it, the dragon(s belly opened of itself, and therefrom "uo )i too$ the liver all fresh and bloody. CBou had the liver hidden in your sleeve,C said )ao )ao, incredulous. CThen there shall be another test,C said the Taoist. CIt is #inter and every plant outside is dead. !hat flo#er #ould you li$e, O 7rince. Fame any one you #ill.C CI #ant a peony,C said )ao )ao. C4asy,C said the Taoist.

+t this re uest they brought out a flo#er6pot, #hich #as placed in full vie# of the guests. Then he spurted some #ater over it, and in a very short time up came a peony #ith t#o fully eApanded flo#ers. The guests #ere astonished, and they as$ed the Taoist to be seated and gave him #ine and food. The coo$ sent in some minced fish. CThe best mince is made from the perch of River Song,C said the Taoist. C*o# can you get fish five hundred miles a#ayGC said )ao )ao. CFot at all difficult. Tell someone to get a rod and hoo$, and fish in the pond >ust belo# this ban uet hall.C They did so, and very soon several beautiful perches lay on the steps. CI have al#ays $ept some of these in my ponds, of course,C said )ao )ao. CO 7rince, do you thin$ to deceive meG +ll perches have t#o gills eAcept the River Song perch, #hich has t#o pairs. That is the distinguishing feature.C The guests cro#ded round to loo$, and, surely enough, the fish had four gills. CTo coo$ this perch one needs purple sprout ginger though,C said the Taoist. C)an you also produce thatGC as$ed )ao )ao. C4asily.C "uo )i told them to bring in a silver bo#l, #hich the magician filled #ith #ater. Very soon the ginger filled the bo#l, and he presented it to the host. )ao )ao put out his hand to pic$ some, #hen suddenly a boo$ appeared in the bo#l and the title #as )ao )ao(s Fe# Treatise on the +rt of !ar. *e too$ it out and read it over. Fot a #ord of his treatise #as missing. )ao )ao became more mystified. "uo )i too$ up a >ade cup that stood on the table, filled it #ith fine #ine, and presented it to )ao )ao. CDrin$ this, O 7rince, and you #ill live a thousand years.C CDrin$ of it first yourself,C said )ao )ao. The Taoist too$ the >ade pin from his headdress and dre# it across the cup as if dividing the #ine into t#o portions.

Then he dran$ one half and handed the cup #ith the other half to )ao )ao. 'ut )ao )ao angrily refused it. The Taoist then thre# the cup into the air, #here it #as transformed into a #hite dove #hich circled round the ban uet hall and then fle# a#ay. +ll faces #ere turned up#ard follo#ing the flight of the dove, and so no one had noticed the going of the Taoist. 'ut he #as gone; and soon the gate #arden reported that he had left the 7alace. Said )ao )ao, C+ magician li$e this ought to be put to death, or he #ill do some mischief.C The redoubtable 2u )hu and a company of three hundred armed men #ere sent to arrest the Taoist. They sa# the Taoist, still #earing his #ooden clogs, not far ahead but striding along uic$ly. 2u )hu rode after "uo )i, but in spite of all his horse could do, he could not come up #ith "uo )i. 2u )hu $ept up the chase right to the hills, #hen he met a shepherd lad #ith a floc$ of sheep. +nd there #al$ed the Taoist among the sheep. The Taoist disappeared. The angry #arrior sle# the #hole floc$ of sheep, #hile the shepherd lad loo$ed on #eeping. Suddenly the boy heard a voice from one of the severed heads, telling him to replace the heads on the bodies of his sheep. Instead of doing so, he fled in terror, covering his face. Then he heard a voice calling to him, CDo not run a#ay. Bou shall have your sheep again.C *e turned, and lo= the sheep #ere all alive again, and "uo )i #as driving them along. The boy began to uestion him, but the Taoist made no reply. !ith a flic$ of his sleeves, he #as gone. The shepherd lad #ent home and told all these marvels to his master, #ho could not conceal such a story, and it reached )ao )ao. Then s$etches of the Taoist #ere sent every#here #ith orders to arrest him. !ithin three days #ere arrested in the city and outside three or four hundred persons all blind of one eye, lame of one leg, and #earing a rattan headdress, a blac$ loose robe and #ooden clogs. They #ere all ali$e and all ans#ered to the description of the missing Taoist. There #as a great hubbub in the street. )ao )ao ordered his officer to sprin$le the cro#d of Taoists #ith the blood of pigs and goats in order to eAorcise the #itchcraft and ta$e them a#ay to the drill ground on the south of the city. Thither he follo#ed them #ith his guards, #ho surrounded the cro#d of arrested persons and sle# everyone. 'ut from the nec$ of each one, after the head #as severed, there floated up into the air a #reath of blac$ vapor, and all these #reaths drifted to#ard a center #here they >oined up into the image of another "uo )i, #ho presently bec$oned to him a #hite crane out of the s$y, mounted it and sat as on a horse. )lapping his hands, the Taoist cried merrily, CThe rats of the earth follo# the golden tiger, and one morning the doer of evil shall be no more.C The soldiers shot arro#s at both bird and man. +t this a tremendous storm burst over the city. Stones #ere driven along, sand #as #hirled about, and all the corpses arose from the ground, each holding his o#n head in his hands. They rushed to#ard )ao )ao as if to stri$e him. The officials covered their eyes, and none dared to loo$ another in the face.

The po#er of a bold man #ill overturn a state, The art of a necromancer also produces #onders. Read the neAt chapter and you #ill $no# the fate of )ao )ao. Chapter 39 G&an -& Sees Things In The Boo5 ! Changes; Five -o4a# S&.Dects *ie For Their State' The sight of the corpses of his victims rising to their feet in the storm and running to#ard him #as too much for )ao )ao, and he s#ooned. *o#ever, the #ind uic$ly fell and the corpses disappeared. *is follo#ers assisted )ao )ao to his palace, but he #as very ill. + poet celebrated the episode of the murdered Taoist@ *e studied his magical boo$s, *e #as learned in mystical lore, +nd #ith magical fleetness of foot *e could travel the #ide #orld over. The magical arts that he $ne#, *e employed in an earnest essay To reform the bad heart of )ao )ao. 'ut in vain; )ao )ao held on his #ay. )ao )ao(s illness seemed beyond the art of the physicians, and drugs seemed of no avail. It happened that 1inister 2u "hi came from the capital to visit the prince, #ho bade the latter ta$e a cast from the C'oo$ of )hangesC. C*ave you ever heard of 8uan ,uG *e is more than human in his s$ill at divination,C said 2u "hi. CI have heard a lot about him, but I do not $no# ho# clever he is. Bou tell me about him,C replied )ao )ao. C*e is from 7ingyuan. *is face is ugly and coarse; he drin$s to eAcess and is rather dissipated. *is father #as an elder of ,angye. Since a lad 8uan ,u loved to study the stars, staying up all night to #atch them, in spite of the prohibition of his father and mother. *e used to say that if domestic fo#ls and #ild geese $ne# the seasons naturally, ho# much more should humans. *e often used to play #ith other children at dra#ing pictures of the s$y on the ground, putting in the sun, moon, and stars. !hen he gre# older he studied the ('oo$ of )hanges( very deeply and observed the #inds. *e #as a marvelous calculator and eAcellent physiognomist. C*is fame reached the ears of Shan "ichun, the 8overnor of ,angye, #ho called him to his residence for an intervie#. There #ere present some hundred or so other guests, everyone of #hom could be called able of speech.

C(I am young and not over6bold,( said 8uan ,u to the 8overnor. (I pray you give me three flas$s of #ine to loosen my tongue.( The re uest #as astonishing, but the #ine #as brought in, and #hen he had drun$ it, 8uan ,u, loo$ing contemptuously at the other guests, said, (Fo# I am ready. +re these the opponents you have got together for me to contend #ithG +re these gentlemen sitting around me disputantsG( C(I myself am anAious for a match #ith you,( said Shan "ichun. Then they began upon the meaning of the 'oo$ of )hanges. 8uan ,u(s #ords poured forth li$e a torrent, and his ideas #ere most recondite. The 8overnor replied, stating difficulties; 8uan ,u s#ept them a#ay in a stream of elo uence. So it #ent on the #hole day #ithout a pause even for refreshment. Feither Shan "ichun nor his other guests could help praising 8uan ,u and agreeing #ith him. C*is fame spread #ide after this encounter, and people spo$e of him as the (Supernatural 'oy.( +fter this he became famous in another #ay. There #as a certain 8uo 4n, a common man, #ho had t#o brothers. +ll three became lame, and they called in 8uan ,u to cast lots and discover the reason. 8uan ,u said, ('y the lots there is a female demon in your family tomb, an aunt, the #ife of one of your father(s brothers. Some years ago, in a time of famine, for the sa$e of a fe# carts of grain, she #as pushed into a #ell and a great stone #as thro#n in on her, crushing her head so that she suffered intensely. She complained to the 1ost *igh, and your lameness is the retribution for that crime. Fo prayers #ill avert the evil.( The three brothers #ept and ac$no#ledged their guilt. C8overnor !ang 9i of +nping, heard of the diviner(s fame and invited him to come on a visit, and he #ent. It happened that another guest of the 8overnor #as the magistrate of 2indu, #hose #ife suffered from headaches and his son from pains in the heart. 8uan ,u #as as$ed to discover the reason. *e cast lots and said that at the #est corner of the main hall there #ere buried t#o corpses, one of a man #ho held a spear, the other of a man #ho had a bo# and arro#s. The #all #as built across them. The spearman(s master had gashed his head, and so his head pained. The archer(s master had stabbed him in the heart, and so his heart suffered anguish. They dug #here 8uan ,u indicated and, about eight spans do#n, found t#o coffins, one #ith a spear inside and the other #ith a strung bo# and #ooden arro#s. +ll #ere much decayed. 8uan ,u bade them remove the bones and bury them three miles outside the #alls. Thereafter the #oman and her son suffered no more. C+ certain "huge Buan, 1agistrate of 8uantao, ne#ly promoted to 8overnor, #as leaving for his ne# post, and 8uan ,u #ent to see him off. One of the guests mentioned that 8uan ,u could divine #hat #as hidden from sight. The 8overnor doubted such po#ers and said he #ould put a test. *e got a s#allo#(s egg, a #asp(s nest, and a spider, and concealed them in three separate boAes. *e as$ed 8uan ,u to guess the contents. The divination made, 8uan ,u #rote three uatrains@ (The latent life #ill declare itself; It #ill cling to your lordly hall, Or male or female, flung into space,

!ide #ings #ill prevent its fall. This seems to indicate a s#allo#(s egg. (+ many6chambered d#elling Is hanging to your eaves. 4ach room has a poisonous tenant; !ho(ll be flying #hen he leaves. This ans#ers to a #asp(s nest. (Therein is a long6legged, trembling thing, !ho spins a thread from his inside +nd spreads a fine spun net for flies; *e profits most at eventide. +nd this it a spider.( CThe guests #ere amaDed. C+n old #oman in his village having lost a co#, came to consult him. +fter the divination, he told her that seven men had ta$en a#ay the co# and #ere coo$ing and eating it on the ban$ of a certain mountain stream. She had better go there uic$ly and see #ho they #ere. If she #ent #ith all speed, she #ould find the s$in and the flesh. The #oman #ent and found the seven men hidden behind a small shanty, boiling beef. 1ost of the co#(s flesh #as still there. She told 8overnor ,iu 'in, #ho arrested the seven men and punished them. Then the 8overnor as$ed the old lady ho# she got to $no# eAactly #ho the offenders #ere, and she told him. C8overnor ,iu 'in #as dubious, too. *e sent for 8uan ,u and put him to the follo#ing test. *e placed his seal and a pheasant feather in a boA and as$ed #hat #ere the contents. The reply #as@ (S uare #ithin, #ithout so round, 'eauteous colors here abound; The >e#el #ithin is held secure +nd #hat it #itnesses is sure. Is not this a seal in its bagG (There(s a bird on the precipice steep, Its body #ith flame seems aglo#. Its #ings are barred yello# and blac$. +t sunrise it never fails to cro#. +nd I thin$ this hints at a pheasant feather. C8overnor ,iu 'in treated the marvelous diviner #ith great honor.

COne day 8uan ,u sa# a youth plo#ing a field. +fter #atching him for a long time, 8uan ,u suddenly as$ed his name and age. The young man said, (1y name is "hao Bang, and I am nineteen. 7ray, #ho may you be, SirG( C(I am 8uan ,u; you may have heard of me. I see an air of early death about you, and you #ill be done #ith life in three days. It is a pity that one so handsome should die so young.( C"hao Bang forsoo$ his plo#, hurried home and told his father. The father at once set out to find 8uan ,u, and, having found 8uan ,u, thre# himself on the ground and besought the diviner to save his son. C(*o# can I avert the doomG It is fate,( said 8uan ,u. C(+las= I have but this one son, I pray you save him.( C+nd the son added his tears and prayers to those of his father. 8uan ,u #as deeply touched. Then he turned to the lad and said, (Bou get ready some good #ine and some venison. Tomorro# go into the forest on the south there, and underneath a lofty tree you #ill see t#o men seated on boulders playing chess. One of them #ill be dressed in #hite, and he #ill be facing the south. *e is very evil loo$ing. The other #ill be seated opposite, dressed in red. *e is very handsome. They #ill be deeply absorbed in their game and #ill not notice #ho offers them food and #ine, #hich you #ill humbly present on your $nees. !hen they have eaten and drun$, you #ill prostrate yourself and #ith tears pray them to grant you length of days. Bou #ill gain an increased span of life, but, above all things, do not mention that I told you #hat to do.( CThe father $ept 8uan ,u as a guest, and the neAt day the son follo#ed out his instructions. *e entered the forest and soon came upon the t#o men seated beneath a pine, playing chess. They seemed oblivious to all around them. "hao Bang presented the #ine and the food, and the t#o men ate absent6mindedly, for the game #ent on. 'ut #hen "hao Bang thre# himself on the ground and implored the gift of long life, they seemed startled. C(This must be some of 8uan ,u(s doing,( said Red Robe. (Still, as #e have accepted a gift at his hand, #e must have pity on him.( C*e #ho #as dressed in #hite then lifted up a boo$ that hung at his side and loo$ed therein. C(Bou are nineteen this year,( said !hite Dress to "hao Bang. (Bou ought to die. 'ut #e #ill insert a number nine over the number one and so ma$e it read ninety6nine, and that is the age you #ill attain. 'ut #hen you go bac$, tell 8uan ,u he is not to betray the secrets of fate, or *eaven #ill surely punish him.( CThen Red Robe too$ out a pen and added the figure. + gust of #ind passed, and the t#o old men #ere transformed into t#o cranes that rose into the s$y and fle# a#ay. "hao Bang came bac$ home and told #hat he had seen. 8uan ,u told him the red6robed man #as the Southern Dipper )onstellation, and the #hite6robed, the Forthern Dipper.

C('ut the Forthern Dipper consists of nine stars, and there #as only one man,( ob>ected the lad. C(Separately they are nine, but they combine to form one. The Forthern Dipper records deaths; the Southern Dipper, births. Fo# the eAtra figure has been added, you need have no anAiety. Bou #ill live long. C3ather and son both than$ed him most sincerely, but thereafter 8uan ,u #as very careful ho# he divined for people lest he should betray celestial secrets. CFo#, this man is at 7ingyuan, and you, O 7rince, can see$ your fate of him. !hy not call himGC )ao )ao #as greatly glad. 8uan ,u #as sent for and came. +s soon as the salutations #ere over, )ao )ao as$ed him to cast lots for him. 8uan ,u at once found the cause and said, CBour illness is only due to magical machinations. It should not create anAiety.C )ao )ao #as much relieved in his mind, and his health began to improve. FeAt )ao )ao #ished to $no# about the conditions in the empire(s affairs. +fter the necessary calculations the prophet said@ CThree and eight cross; !here the army halt, The yello# boar meets the tiger; It causes the loss of one limb.C Then )ao )ao as$ed him to in uire #hether his life should be long or not. 8uan ,u replied@ CIn the ,ion 7alace The talents of ancestors are preserved. The 7rince(s #ay is securely rene#ed, +nd his son and grandson shall come to high honor.C Then )ao )ao as$ed concerning himself. CDivination concerning the fate of the universe may not be fore$no#n. !ait a time and I #ill loo$ into it.C )ao )ao #as pleased and #ould li$e to $eep such a man near him, so he offered him the post of *istoriographer -#ho #as also soothsayer0 at his court, but it #as declined.

C1y destiny is mean, my luc$ despicable. I am not e ual to such an office and dare not underta$e it,C said 8uan ,u. C!hy notGC said )ao )ao. C1y forehead has no lofty fullness; my eyes no steady eApression; my nose no bridge; my feet no round, solid heels; my bac$ lac$s the triple armor -of shoulder blades and intervening muscles0; and my breast the three mar$s -li$e the character indicating #ealth0. I can only control evil spirits securely; I cannot rule living humans.C C!hat thin$ you of my physiognomyGC C!hat can a minister of eAtremely eAalted ran$ li$e yourself desire furtherGC said 8uan ,u. )ao )ao pressed him to say. The soothsayer only laughed. Then )ao )ao as$ed him to loo$ at the many officers of all $inds standing around. C4veryone of them is a servant e ual to the administration of the empire,C said 8uan ,u. 'ut #hen )ao )ao as$ed #hether good or bad fortune #as to be his, the soothsayer #ould not give a clear and full reply. + poem says@ 8uan ,u #as a seer of old. Stars to him their secrets told. 1ysteries, occult and dim, !ere as daylight unto him. *is so subtle intellect )ould the shade of death detect, 'ut the secrets of his s$ill Died #ith him,666are secrets still. +gain )ao )ao as$ed him to divine concerning his rivals !u and Shu. 8uan ,u said, CThe south >ust lost a famous leader, and the #est is encroaching on your territory.C )ao )ao(s doubts as to the accuracy of one of these events #ere soon set at rest, for a messenger came from *efei to report@ C,u Su, the Supreme )ommander of the South ,and, has died in ,u$ou.C Then )ao )ao sent hurriedly into *anDhong, and the scout returned to report@ C"hang 3ei and 1a )hao have ta$en the 2iabian 7ass and are threatening *anDhong.C

)ao )ao #as angry and inclined to march at once against the invaders. 'ut he consulted the great soothsayer, #ho advised him not to move. CDo not act in haste. In the coming spring there #ill be a conflagration in 2uchang,C said 8uan ,u. *aving been #itness of the verification of 8uan ,u(s #ords, )ao )ao #as in no mood to neglect the #arning. *e stayed on in his palace, but he sent )ao *ong #ith fifty thousand troops to assist in the defense of 4ast River ,and, #hile 2iahou Dun, #ith thirty thousand troops, #ent to 2uchang to $eep careful #atch and be ready against any surprises. *e placed *igh 1inister !ang 'i in command of the Imperial 8uard. Sima Bi #arned )ao )ao against this !ang 'i, saying, CThe man is given to #ine, and slac$. *e is not a fit person for such a post.C )ao )ao replied, C*e is very fit. *e has follo#ed me through all difficulties and dangers. *e is loyal and diligent, solid as stone or iron.C !ang 'i #as appointed and led the guard into camp at the capital, outside the 4ast 8ate of the Imperial 7alace. Fo# there #as a certain 8eng 9i, a ,uoyang man, #ho had long been employed in the 7rime 1inister(s palace in a subordinate capacity and after#ard had been promoted to a post of 1inister. *e and 1inister !ei *uang #ere close friends. These t#o #ere greatly distressed at )ao )ao(s advance to princely ran$, and more especially at his use of the imperial chariots. In the early months of the t#enty6third year -+D .:<0, 8eng 9i and !ei *uang came to a secret eAchange of vie#s on )ao )ao(s conduct. 8eng 9i said, CThe man is rebellious and #ic$ed, every day behaving #orse. *e intends to go farther, and ho# can #e, as servants of the dynasty, help him in his #ic$ednessGC !ei *uang said, CI have a friend named 9in Bi, #ho also is a servant of *an and an enemy of )ao )ao(s. *e is a descendant of the old 8reat 1inister 9in 1idi%. 'eside, he is friendly #ith !ang 'i. If #e all tried our best, #e ought to succeed.C C'ut if he is friendly !ang 'i, he #ill not assist us=C said 8eng 9i. C,et us go and sound him,C said !ei *uang. So the t#o #ent to see 9in Bi, #ho received them in his private rooms. There they tal$ed. Said !ei *uang, CO virtuous 9in Bi, #e $no# you are on most friendly terms #ith )ommander !ang 'i, and so have come to beg a favor.C

C!hat is it you as$GC CThe 7rince of !ei #ill soon receive the abdication of the 4mperor and himself ascend to the seat of the mighty. Then you and your friend !ang 'i #ill advance to places of great honor. !hen that day comes, #e pray you not forget us, but recommend us for employment. !e should feel no shallo# gratitude for your $indness.C 9in Bi flic$ed do#n his sleeves and arose loo$ing very angry. +t that instant arrived the tea for the visitors. *e snatched it a#ay from the serving man and emptied it on the floor. !ei *uang started up in feigned alarm. C*o# have I offended you, my good friendGC cried he. CI have been friends #ith you because you are descendants of people #ho have served the *ans faithfully. Fo#, instead of trying to repay the debt of gratitude you ought to feel, you turn aside to assist one #ho is their enemy, thin$ you that I can regard you as friendsG *o# could I loo$ the #orld in the faceGC C'ut if it be destiny, one cannot help it,C said 8eng 9i. COne must accept it.C 9in Bi gre# still more angry, so that the t#o visitors #ere convinced that at heart he #as loyal to the dynasty. Then they began to tell him the true state of the case. Said they, COur real desire is to destroy this rebel, and #e have come to as$ your help in that. !hat #e said at first #as only a test to find out #hat you thought.C CThin$ you, #ith my ancestry, generation after generation in the confidence and service of the *ans, that I #ould #illingly follo# a rebelG If you, Sirs, really thin$ of restoring the dynasty, pray tell me your plans.C CThough #e have the desire to prove our gratitude, yet #e lac$ the means to destroy the enemy,C said !ei *uang. Said 9in Bi, C!e desire helpers #ithin and supporters #ithout. If #e could slay !ang 'i, #e could use his name and troops to help the 4mperor. !ith the help of ,iu 'ei, the Imperial Hncle, #e should be able to destroy the rebel )ao )ao.C *earing 9in Bi(s plan, the others clapped their hands in approval. C+nd I have t#o friends outside of the city #ho #ill go #ith us,C said 9in Bi. C'oth of them have the murder of a father to avenge. !e can get their helps.C C!ho are theyGC

CThey are sons of the great physician 9i 7ing and are called 9i 1ao and 9i 1u. )ao )ao put their father to death for his connection #ith the plot organiDed by Dong )heng, #hen Dong )heng received the secret edict conveyed in the robe and girdle, #hich #as conferred upon him by the 4mperor. The t#o sons escaped that time by flight, but they have since secretly returned to the capital. !ith their help all #ill go #ell.C 8eng 9i and !ei *uang re>oiced at the prospect of further help, and a messenger #as sent to call in the t#o 9i brothers. Soon they arrived, and the plot #as laid before them. They #ere deeply affected and shed copious tears. Their #rath rose to the s$y, and they s#ore to aid in the destruction of the rebel. COn the fifteenth day of the first month there #ill be grand illuminations in the city,C said 9in Bi, Cand felicitations #ill continue on every side. 8eng 9i and !ei *uang #ill each lead out their retainers and ma$e their #ay uic$ly to !ang 'i(s camp to #ait till they see the fire begin. Then they #ill dash in, slay !ang 'i, and follo# me inside the 7alace. !e #ill then re uest the 4mperor to ascend the To#er of the 3ive 7hoeniAes, assemble his officers, and issue orders to destroy the rebels. The t#o 9i brothers #ill ma$e their #ay into the city and set fires going. Then all #ill raise their voices and summon the populace to their aid. They are to hold up any rescue force in the city till the 4mperor has issued the edict and disturbance is allayed, #hen they #ill rush to#ard Be>un and seiDe )ao )ao. Then a messenger #ill be dispatched #ith a summons for ,iu 'ei, the Imperial Hncle. !e #ill begin our #or$ that night at the second #atch, and #e #ill escape the ill success that attended Dong )heng(s attempt.C +ll five s#ore before *eaven to be true, and they smeared their lips #ith blood in earnest of their oath. +fter this, each returned to his o#n home to prepare arms and call up their people. 8eng 9i and !ei *uang each had four or five hundred retainers, #hom they armed. 9i 1ao and 9i 1u also got together three hundred men. They gave out a story of a hunting party to eAplain the gathering. !hen the preparations #ere complete, and before the time fiAed for the rising, 9in Bi #ent to see !ang 'i. Said 9in Bi, C4verything in the #orld seems no# tran uil, and the po#er of the 7rince of !ei eAtends over all the land. It is a season of >oy and felicitation, and you can organiDe a lantern festivity, and people shall hang out lanterns and put up decorations for the occasion.C So !ang 'i issued guidelines for a 3east of ,anterns in the city. The night of full moon #as very clear, moon and stars most brilliant. The people of the capital too$ advantage of the night and thronged the streets and the mar$et places. The lanterns #ere hung out in profusion, and all #ent merrily.

Fo official interfered #ith the cro#d; Fo one thought of the flight of time; +ll #as simple gaiety. That night the )ommander of the Imperial 8uards, !ang 'i, and his officers had a feast in their camp. 9ust after the second #atch had begun, they heard a great shouting in the camp, and someone came in to say that a fire had started in the rear. !ang 'i hurriedly left the table and #ent outside. *e sa# flames leaping up and rolling by and heard shouts of C5ill=C rising on every side and echoing to the very s$y. *e thought the camp had certainly mutinied, and, >umping on his horse, #ent out at the south gate. 9ust outside he ran against 8eng 9i, #ho loosed an arro# #hich struc$ him in the shoulder. *e nearly fell #ith the shoc$, but he got a#ay to#ard the #est gate. *e found he #as pursued by armed men, so he got flurried, dismounted, and #ent on foot. 7resently he came to the house of 9in Bi and hammered at the door. Fo# the fire that had created such a scare had been raised by 9in Bi(s o#n people sent for that purpose, and 9in Bi had follo#ed them to fight #hen the time came. *ence there #as no one but the #oman fol$s left in his house. !hen the #omen heard the clamor at the door, they thought 9in Bi had come bac$. 9in Bi(s #ife, from the door of the #omen(s uarter, called out, C*ave you $illed !ang 'iGC This #as a shoc$, but it told !ang 'i that his uondam friend #as no# an enemy. !herefore !ang 'i fled further to the house of )ao 2iu and told him, C8eng 9i and 9in Bi have raised a disturbance.C )ao 2iu immediately armed himself, got to horse, and led out a thousand troops. *e found fires on all sides, and the To#er of the 3ive 7hoeniAes #as in flames. The 4mperor had fled into the recesses of the 7alace, but )ao )ao(s friends and partisans #ere defending the 7alace gates li$e grim death. In the city the cro#d #as shouting one to another@ CSlay )ao )ao and restore the *ans=C !hen 2iahou Dun had received thirty thousand troops and the command to $eep #atch and #ard over the capital, he had gone into camp three miles from the city. !hen he sa# the conflagration start, he set the army in motion and surrounded the city. *e also sent reinforcements to )ao 2iu #ithin. Inside the city the fighting #ent on all night. Fo one >oined the conspirators; the small band #ere left to their o#n efforts. Soon it #as reported that 9in Bi, 9i 1ao, and 9i 1u #ere slain. 8eng 9i and !ei *uang found their #ay to one of the gates, but there they met 2iahou Dun(s main force and #ere made prisoners. The handful of men #ith them #ere cut to pieces. !hen the fighting subsided, 2iahou Dun #ent into the city and set his troops to put out the fires. *e also laid hands on the #hole households of the five conspirators. Then he sent a report to )ao

)ao, #ho sent bac$ orders to eAecute the t#o conspirators and put to death in public all the members of the five families. *e #as also to arrest every official and send the #hole batch to Be>un for interrogations. 2iahou Dun sent his t#o chief prisoners to the place of eAecution. They shouted against )ao )ao. C,iving #e have failed to slay you, )ao )ao. Dead #e #ill be malicious spirits smiting rebels in all places=C The eAecutioner smote 8eng 9i on the mouth #ith his s#ord, so that the blood gushed out, but he continued to shout as long as he could. !ei *uang, his fello#6conspirator, dashed his temples on the ground, crying, C*o# I hate him=C and ground his teeth till he bro$e them to fragments. +nd they both died of hatred and eAhaustion. !ho can #ith outstretched hands uphold the s$y Or thrones maintain by simple loyaltyG *an(s day #as done; t#o #ould avert the doom, 'ut failed, and carried anger to the tomb. 2iahou Dun carried out his chief(s orders and sent the officials he had arrested to Be>un. There )ao )ao set up t#o flags, one red and one #hite, in the drill ground and sent all the officials thither. Then he addressed them. CIn this late rebellion some of you #ent out to eAtinguish the fire, some of you stayed #ithin doors. ,et those #ho #ent forth to put out the fire ta$e their stand by the red flag, and those #ho remained in their houses go to the #hite flag.C The officials thought #ithin themselves, C)ertainly there can be nothing #rong in trying to put out a fire,C so they nearly all placed themselves under the red flag. Only about a third #ent to the #hite. Then the order #as given to seiDe all those by the red flag. They protested. C!e are guiltless=C cried they. )ao )ao said, C+t that time you intended not to put out the flames but to aid the rebels.C *e sent them all do#n to River "hang and had them put to death on the ban$. There #ere more than three hundred victims. *e re#arded those #ho #ere under the #hite flag and sent them to their homes in the capital. !ang 'i died from his #ound and #as buried #ith great honor.

)ao 2iu #as placed over the guards; "hong Bao #as created 7rime 1inister of the princedom of !ei; *ua 2in became *igh 1inister. The occasion #as ta$en to create siA grades of the title of ,ordship #ith three divisions each, eighteen in all. There #ere seventeen grades of 1ar uis !est of the 7ass. +nd all these had golden seals of office #ith purple ribbons. There #ere also siAteen ran$s of Interior 1ar uis and 4Aterior 1ar uis. They had silver seals #ith tortoise ornaments on the bac$ and blac$ ribbons. There #ere five classes of 1inister #ith three grades in each class. These had brass seals, #ith chain ornaments and ribbons. +nd #ith all these various gradations of ran$s and nobility reorganiDed, the court #as entirely reformed. There #ere ne# ran$s and ne# people in office. )ao )ao then remembered the #arning about a conflagration in the capital and #ished to re#ard 8uan ,u for his prescience, but he #ould receive nothing. 1ean#hile, in 4ast River ,and, )ao *ong #ith an army of fifty thousand #ent into *anDhong. *e placed 2iahou Buan and "hang *e in command at points of importance, #hile he #ent on to the attac$. +t that time "hang 3ei and ,ei Tong #ere holding 'aAi. 1a )hao marched to 2iabian and sent !u ,an out as Van ,eader to reconnoiter. *e fell in #ith )ao *ong, and !u ,an #as going to retire. 'ut 8eneral Ren 5ui advised against this. Said Ren 5ui, CThe enemy are ne#ly arrived. !hy not fight and ta$e the $een edge off their prideG If #e do not fight, ho# can #e loo$ our chief in the face #hen #e returnGC So it #as decided to offer battle, and Ren 5ui rode out and challenged )ao *ong. The challenge #as accepted, and the #arriors advanced. )ao *ong cut Ren 5ui do#n in the third encounter and pressed the advantage, and !u ,an #as beaten off. !hen !u ,an returned and told 1a )hao, he #as blamed. C!hy did you attac$ #ithout orders and bring about this defeatGC CIt #as the fault of Ren 5ui, #ho disobeyed orders.C CDefend the 7ass most carefully. Do not engage,C said 1a )hao. 1a )hao sent a report to )apital )hengdu and a#aited orders for a further action. )ao *ong suspected some ruse #hen 1a )hao remained so long inactive, and retired to FanDheng. *ere he #as visited by "hang *e, #ho as$ed, C8eneral, #hy did you retire after the successful attac$ and slaughter of one of the enemy leadersGC CSeeing that 1a )hao declined to come out to fight, I suspected some ruse,C replied )ao *ong. C'eside, #hen I #as at Be>un that #onderful soothsayer, 8uan ,u, foretold the loss of a leader here. I heeded #hat he said and so #as careful.C

"hang *e laughed, CBou have been a leader of soldiers for half your life, and yet you heed the sayings of a soothsayer= I may be of small #it, but I #ould ta$e 'aAi #ith my o#n troops, and the possession of 'aAi #ould be the $ey to the #hole of Shu.C CThe defender of 'aAi is "hang 3ei,C said )ao *ong. C*e is no ordinary man to meet. One must be careful.C C+ll of you fear this "hang 3ei, but I do not. I loo$ upon him as a mere nobody. I shall have to capture him this time.C C'ut if you fail, #hat thenGC CThen I shall be content to pay the penalty according to military rules.C )ao *ong made him put his underta$ing in #riting, and then "hang *e marched to the attac$. The proud are often defeat; ,ightsome attac$s oft fail. The follo#ing chapter #ill tell ho# "hang *e fared. Chapter 6< Zhang Fei Ta5es Wa5o& Pass With Tactics; H&ang Zhong Capt&res Tiandang =o&ntain B4 Stratagem' "hang *e(s army, #ith #hich he felt so sure of victory, consisted of thirty thousand troops, and they #ere in three camps666)amp Dang u, )amp 1engtou, and )amp Dangshi666#hich #ere protected by the hills. !hen "hang *e marched, he left half the soldiers in each camp as defenders. The ne#s soon reached 'aAi, and "hang 3ei called in his colleague ,ei Tong to give his opinion. ,ei Tong said, CThe country is bad and the hills full of danger in the area of ,angDhong. ,et us lay an ambush. Bou, 8eneral, go out to give battle, and I #ill help you by a sudden, uneApected attac$. !e ought to get "hang *e.C !hereupon "hang 3ei gave five thousand troops to ,ei Tong, and himself led out ten thousand troops to a point ten miles from ,angDhong. *aving set them in order, he rode out and challenge "hang *e to single combat. "hang *e galloped out to meet him. +fter the thirtieth or so bout, "hang *e(s ran$s suddenly began to shout and soon sho#ed signs of confusion. The reason #as the appearance of the banners of Shu from the cover of some hills. "hang *e dared not continue to fight, and he fled. "hang 3ei pursued him. ,ei Tong also appeared in his road and attac$ed, and so, #ith enemies on both sides, "hang *e forced his #ay out and lost

the day. 'oth "hang 3ei and ,ei Tong continued to smite him, even into the night, till he got bac$ to his camp at Dang u. "hang *e reverted to his old plan of defending the three camps, rolling do#n logs and hurling stones. 'ut he remained behind his defenses. "hang 3ei made a camp three miles off. FeAt day "hang 3ei #ent forth and offered battle, but "hang *e too$ no notice. "hang *e ascended to the summit of the hill and dran$ #ine to the accompaniment of trumpets and drums, but he #ould not fight. "hang 3ei bade his soldiers shout insults, but these had no effect. ,ei Tong #as sent up the hill, but the rolling logs and hurtling stones forced him to retire. Then the defenders of the other t#o camps came out to the attac$, and ,ei Tong #as discomfited. FeAt day "hang 3ei again offered battle, but there #as no response. +gain the soldiers yelled every form of insult, but "hang *e from the hill top only replied by similar abuse. "hang 3ei #as at his #its( ends; and this game #as played for more than fifty days. Then "hang 3ei made a strong stoc$ade >ust in front of the hill, and therein he sat day after day drin$ing till he became half drun$. +nd #hen he #as so, he reviled his opponent. +bout this time ,iu 'ei sent gifts to the army, and #hen the messenger #ent bac$, he told ,iu 'ei that his brother #as giving himself over to #ine. This made ,iu 'ei anAious, so he lost no time in as$ing advice from "huge ,iang. "huge ,iang #as >ocular, saying, CSince that is so, let us send him fifty vessels of the best bre# of )hengdu. *e probably has but poor stuff in the camp.C C'ut he has al#ays had a #ea$ness for #ine, and he has failed because of it. Bet you #ould encourage him to drin$ by sending him more #ineGC C1y lord, is it that you do not understand your brother even after all these yearsG *e is brave and steady, yet #hen #e first invaded !est River ,and, he released Ban Ban, #hich #as not #hat a mere brave #ould have done. *e is face to face #ith "hang *e, and has been for nearly t#o months, and day after day he drin$s and rages and insults his enemy openly. *e treats "hang *e #ith most perfect contempt. 'ut this is not only the #ine cup; it is a deep plan to get the better of "hang *e.C CThis may be so,C replied ,iu 'ei, Cbut let us not rely upon it too much. ,et !ei Ban go to help him.C "huge ,iang sent !ei Ban #ith the #ine, and the carts set out, each flying a yello# flag #ith a #riting in large characters@ 3ine !ine for the 3rontier +rmy. !hen !ei Ban reached the army, he handed over the #ine, #hich he said #as a gift from the ,ord of Shu. +nd "hang 3ei received it #ith due respect.

"hang 3ei told !ei Ban and ,ei Tong each to ta$e a thousand troops and move out on the t#o #ings, ready to act #hen they sa# a red flag displayed. +nd then he had the #ine laid out and called up some soldiers to drin$ #ith a great display of flags and a rolling of drums. The spies reported all these doings on the hill6top, and "hang *e came out to loo$ for himself. There he sa# his opponent drin$ing, and t#o of the soldiers #ere boAing before "hang 3ei for his amusement. C*e despises me too much,C said "hang *e. +nd "hang *e gave orders to prepare for a night attac$ on the enemy camp. *is o#n troops in )amp Dang u should do the raiding, and those from )amp 1engtou and )amp Dangshi #ere to support them. There #as little moon that night, and "hang *e too$ advantage of the obscurity to steal do#n the side of the hill. *e got uite close to the enemy camp and stood for a time loo$ing at "hang 3ei sitting amid a blaDe of lamps and drin$ing. Suddenly "hang *e dashed for#ard #ith a yell, and at the same moment his drums on the hill6top rolled out their defiance. "hang 3ei never stirred. "hang *e rushed at him and delivered a mighty thrust #ith his spear. "hang 3ei toppled over666it #as a "hang 3ei of stra#. "hang *e chec$ed and turned his steed. +t that moment he heard a string of detonations, and a #arrior appeared before him barring his #ay. It #as the real "hang 3ei, as the round head and thundering voice speedily made manifest. !ith the serpent halberd set, "hang 3ei rode to#ard "hang *e. The t#o #arriors fought many bouts under the gleaming lights. Fo help came to "hang *e. In vain he yearned for the assistance, #hich the t#o camps #ere to bring him. *e did not $no# that his reinforcements had been driven bac$ by !ei Ban and ,ei Tong, and that the t#o camps, 1engtou and Dangshi, #ere no# in possession of his enemies. +s the help did not come, "hang *e #as po#erless; and, to add to his discomfiture, the glare of fire out in the moutains of Dang u told him of the seiDure of his third camp by "hang 3ei(s rear force. Fothing could be done, and "hang *e cut an alley, forced out of the press, and fled to !a$ou 7ass. The victory #as all to "hang 3ei. The ne#s of the success delighted ,iu 'ei, and he $ne# then that "hang 3ei(s drin$ing had been part of a stratagem to entice his enemy into the open and defeat them. "hang *e reached !a$ou 7ass, but #ith the loss of t#o6thirds of his army of thirty thousand troops. *e stood on defense and sent urgent messages to )ao *ong to come to his rescue. )ao *ong angrily replied, C*e disobeyed my orders and marched. *e has lost an important point and no# he sends to me for help=C !hile refusing aid, )ao *ong sent to urge his colleague to go out and fight. 'ut "hang *e too greatly feared.

+t length "hang *e decided upon a plan of action. *e sent out t#o parties into ambush and said to them, CI #ill pretend defeat and fly. They #ill follo#, and you can cut off their retreat.C !hen he did march out, he met ,ei Tong. The t#o engaged in battle, and "hang *e presently ran a#ay. ,ei Tong pursued and fell into the ambush. Then "hang *e returned and sle# ,ei Tong. *is troops #ent bac$ and told "hang 3ei, #ho came up to provo$e another fight. "hang *e again tried his stratagem, but "hang 3ei did not pursue. +gain and again the ruse #as tried, but "hang 3ei $ne# it #as only a ruse and simply retired to his o#n camp. *e said to !ei Ban, C"hang *e has compassed the death of ,ei Tong by leading him into an ambush, and he #ants to inveigle me into another. !hat say you to meeting tric$ #ith tric$GC C'ut ho#GC said !ei Ban. CTomorro# I #ill lead the army for#ard, you follo#ing me #ith some reliable soldiers. !hen his army come out from their ambush, you can smite them, sending half your men against each party. !e #ill secretly fill the by6roads #ith loads of combustibles, entice the enemy among them and start a fire. In the confusion, I shall try to capture "hang *e. So #ill #e avenge our comrade(s death.C So "hang 3ei #ent out, and "hang *e(s troops came and began to fight. +fter a half score bouts, "hang *e ran a#ay, and this time "hang 3ei pursued. "hang *e, no# fleeing, no# stopping to eAchange a blo# or t#o, led "hang 3ei through the hills to a valley. *ere, suddenly changing front to rear and rear to front, "hang *e halted, made a camp, and offered battle. It #as no# the time #hen "hang *e eApected his hidden troops to appear and surround "hang 3ei. 'ut none appeared. *e $ne# not that his ambush had been bro$en up by !ei Ban(s army and driven into the valley #here the road #as filled #ith cartloads of combustibles, and that the valley even then #as all aflame. Then "hang 3ei came to the attac$, and the rout #as complete. "hang *e, fighting desperately, got through to the !a$ou 7ass and there mustered the remnant of his force. *e strengthened the position and remained behind his ramparts. "hang 3ei and !ei Ban then tried to ta$e the 7ass, but day after day they failed. "hang 3ei, seeing no hope of success, retired seven miles and bivouac$ed. 3rom this point he sent out scouts under !ei Ban to eAplore the country. !hile going along, they observed some burden6bearers, men and #omen, going up a very retired path, pulling do#n the creepers, and pushing aside the grasses. CThat is the #ay to ta$e !a$ou 7ass,C cried "hang 3ei, pointing #ith his #hip to the #ayfarers. *e ordered his soldiers not to scare the people, but to call a fe# gently and bring them to him. They soon had several standing before their leader, #ho spo$e to them $indly and put them at ease.

C!hence come youGC as$ed "hang 3ei. C!e belong to *anDhong and are going home. !e heard that you #ere out fighting and the high road to ,angDhong #as bloc$aded, and so #e have come across the 1ist Torrent and "itong 1ountains and do#n River 8ui>in. !e are going to our homes in *anDhong.C C)an one reach !a$ou 7ass by this roadG +nd ho# far is itGC The country people replied, C+ small road leads past to the rear of the 7ass from "itong 1ountains.C 3or this piece of information "hang 3ei re#arded them by ta$ing them into his camp and giving them a good meal. Then he sent off !ei Ban to ma$e a frontal attac$ on the 7ass, #hile he himself #ith five hundred light horse attac$ed it from the rear by #ay of 1ount "itong. "hang *e #as grieved and disappointed that )ao *ong sent no help, and the ne#s of !ei Ban(s attac$ only added to his sorro#. 'ut he girded on his armor and #as about to ride out #hen they told him that fires had started at half a doDen places behind the 7ass. They most li$ely indicated soldiers. *o#ever, he #ent out to meet them, and, to his horror, #hen the flags opened out, his eyes fell on the figure of "hang 3ei. +#ay he ran along a by6road. 'ut his steed #as not fast, and as "hang 3ei pressed him close, "hang *e dismounted and ran up the mountain side. So "hang *e escaped. *e had, ho#ever, some ten follo#ers, and it #as a small and de>ected party that presently found its #ay into FanDheng. *e sa# )ao *ong, and )ao *ong #as very angry at his plight. CI told you not to go, but you #ere #illful. +nd you gave in your #ritten pledge. Bou have lost all your soldiers, yet you do not commit suicide. !hat #ill you do neAtGC )ao *ong ordered the lictors to put "hang *e to death. 'ut 1arching 8eneral 8uo *uai, interceded. C+n army is easily raised; a leader is hard to find. Though "hang *e is guilty, he is a great favorite #ith our prince. I thin$ you should spare him. Rather give him command of another army and send him to ta$e 9iameng 7ass and so hold up the soldiers at all the stations. *anDhong #ill be tran uil of its o#n accord. If he fails a second time, you can punish him for both faults.C )ao *ong #as satisfied to do this, and instead of dealing #ith his fault, he gave "hang *e five thousand troops and told him to ta$e 9iameng 7ass. The )ommanders of the 7ass #ere 1eng Da and *uo 9un. They #ere at variance6661eng Da desiring to go out to meet "hang *e, but *uo 9un being in favor of defense. 1eng Da being set on having his #ay #ent out, gave battle, and #as defeated. *uo 9un reported this to the capital, #here ,iu 'ei at once called in the Directing Instructor to as$ advice. "huge ,iang assembled all the chief generals into the hall.

C9iameng 7ass is in danger. !e must get "hang 3ei from ,angDhong to drive off "hang *e,C said "huge ,iang. 3a "heng replied, C"hang 3ei is encamped at !a$ou 7ass, and ,angDhong is no less important than 9iameng 7ass. I do not thin$ he should be recalled. )hoose one among the generals to go and defeat "hang *e.C "huge ,iang laughed, C"hang *e is reno#ned in !ei. Fo ordinary leader #ill avail. "hang 3ei is the only man to send, the only one e ual to the tas$.C Then among the generals one started up crying angrily, CInstructor, #hy do you thus despise usG I #ill use #hat little s$ill I have in slaying our enemy and #ill lay his head at the foot of our standard.C The spea$er #as Veteran 8eneral *uang "hong, and all eyes centered on him. C3riend *uang "hong, you are bold enough, but #hat about your ageG I fear you are no match for "hang *e.C *uang "hong(s #hite beard bristled, and he said, CI $no# I am old. 'ut these t#o arms can still pull the four6hundred6fifty6pound bo#, and the vigor of my body is not yet departed. +m I not strong enough to meet such a poor thing as "hang *eGC C8eneral, you are nearly seventy. )an you still hold you are not agedGC *uang "hong tore do#n the hall. SeiDing one of the great s#ords off the rac$, he #hirled it as if it fle#. +nd the stiffest bo# that hung on the #all, he pulled till it snapped. C!ell, if you #ill go, #ho #ill second youGC said "huge ,iang. CI #ould prefer Veteran 8eneral Ban Ban. +nd if there is the least anAiety, #ell, here is this hoary head.C ,iu 'ei #as pleased to let these t#o go to fight "hang *e. *o#ever, "hao Bun put in a protest. C"hang *e has already got through 9iameng 7ass, so that the fighting #ill be no child(s play, and the loss of that 7ass endangers the #hole of BiDhou. It is no tas$ to set to a couple of old men.C Replied "huge ,iang, CBou regard the t#o as too old to succeed, but I thin$ the attainment of *anDhong depends upon these t#o.C "hao Bun and many others sniggered as they #ent from the hall. They did not agree #ith "huge ,iang. In due course the t#o Veteran 8enerals arrived at the 7ass.

+t sight of them, 1eng Da and *uo 9un, the defenders of the 7ass, laughed in their hearts, thin$ing@ C"huge ,iang has slipped up in his calculations in sending such a pair of dotards on such an important mission.C *uang "hong said to Ban Ban, CBou see the behavior of these peopleG They are laughing at us because #e are old. Fo# #e #ill do something that #ill #in admiration from all the #orld.C CI should be glad to hear your orders,C replied Ban Ban. The t#o generals came to a decision ho# to act. *uang "hong led his army do#n belo# to meet "hang *e in the open plain. 'oth dre# up their array. !hen "hang *e rode out and sa# his venerable opponent, he laughed in his face. CBou must be very old, and yet you are unashamed to go into the battle, ehGC said "hang *e. CBou menial=C replied the veteran. CDo you despise me for my ageG Bou #ill find my good s#ord, ho#ever, $een enough.C So he urged for#ard his steed and rode at "hang *e. The t#o chargers met and a score of bouts #ere fought. Then suddenly a great shouting came from the rear. Ban Ban had come up and fallen upon the rear portion of "hang *e(s army. Thus attac$ed on t#o sides, "hang *e #as defeated. The pursuit did not cease #ith nightfall, and "hang *e #as driven bac$ near thirty miles. )ontented #ith this success, *uang "hong and Ban Ban #ent into their camp, #here they rested their soldiers for a time. !hen )ao *ong heard of "hang *e(s ne# defeat, he #as going to eAact the penalty. 'ut 8uo *uai persuaded him to forbear. CIf he is pressed too hard, he may ta$e refuge in Shu,C said 8uo *uai. CRather send him help. Bou #ill thus $eep a hold over him and prevent his desertion.C !herefore 2iahou Shang and *an *ao #ere sent #ith reinforcements. 2iahou Shang #as a nephe# of 2iahou Dun, and *an *ao #as the brother of *an 2uan, the late 8overnor of )hangsha. They had five thousand troops. The t#o generals soon reached "hang *e, and as$ed ho# no# the situation #as going. CThat old man *uang "hong is really a hero,C said "hang *e, Cand #ith Ban Ban(s help he is very formidable.C C!hen I #as at )hangsha, I heard the old man #as very fierce. *e and !ei Ban yielded the city to ,iu 'ei and $illed my o#n brother. Fo# that I shall meet him, I can have my revenge,C said *an *ao. So he and 2iahou Shang led out the ne# army.

Fo#, by means of spies *uang "hong had got a thorough $no#ledge of the country. Ban Ban said, C*ereabout there is a mountain named Tiandang 1ountain #herein )ao *ong has stored his supplies. If #e can gain its possession, #e shall reduce the enemy to #ant and #e shall get *anDhong.C *uang "hong replied, CI thin$ so, too, and so let us do so and so.C Ban Ban agreed #ith him and marched off #ith a body of troops to carry out his part in the stratagem. +t ne#s of the coming of ne# armies, *uang "hong marched out to meet them. *e found *an *ao in front of his array, and *an *ao began to abuse the veteran, shouting out, CDisgraceful old ruffian=C Then *an *ao #hipped up his steed and set his spear at *uang "hong. 2iahou Shang also rode out and too$ part in the combat. The veteran held them both at bay for some half score bouts and then fled. They pursued him for seven miles, #hen they reached and seiDed his camp. *uang "hong, ho#ever, uic$ly made another defense of brush#ood. FeAt day 2iahou Shang and *an *ao rene#ed the pursuit, #hich ended #ith the capture of the temporary camp of the day before. +nd they had advanced seven miles further. Then they called upon "hang *e to protect the rear camp. !hen "hang *e came up, he dissuaded them from continuing. C*uang "hong has retreated before you for t#o days. There is some deep stratagem behind this,C said "hang *e. 2iahou Shang scoffed at him, saying, CBou are such a co#ard that you have been defeated many times. Fo# say no more, but let us accomplish something.C "hang *e retired much mortified and shamed. FeAt day the t#o generals again #ent out to battle, and again *uang "hong fled from them for seven miles. The t#o generals pursued as uic$ly as they could. The day after, *uang "hong fled #ithout any pretense of sho#ing fight, eAcept at short intervals. *e got to 9iameng 7ass and #ent on the defensive. The pursuers $noc$ed at the very gate of the 7ass and made a camp close by. Then 1eng Da secretly #rote to ,iu 'ei that *uang "hong had been repeatedly defeated and no# #as in the 7ass and unable to go out. ,iu 'ei became alarmed and consulted "huge ,iang, #ho said, CThe old general is ma$ing the enemy over6confident666to their ultimate destruction.C 'ut "hao Bun did not share this opinion, nor did many others, and ,iu 'ei decided to send ,iu 3eng to reinforce his aged general.

The young man came to the 7ass and sa# *uang "hong, #ho as$ed him, C8eneral, #hat ma$es you come hereGC C1y father heard that you have sustained several defeats, and he has sent me,C said ,iu 3eng. C'ut I am only employing the ruse of leading on the enemy,C said *uang "hong, smiling. CBou #ill see tonight that in one battle I shall regain all the camps and capture their supplies and many horses. I have only lent the camps to them to store their supplies. Tonight I shall leave *uo 9un to guard the 7ass, #hile 8eneral 1eng Da #ill gather up the spoils for us. Fo#, young Sir, you shall see the destruction of the enemy.C That same night, at the second #atch, *uang "hong left the 7ass #ith five thousand troops. 'ut no# 2iahou Shang and *an *ao, seeing no move from the 7ass for many days, had become careless and so their camps #ere unable to resist. Their troops had no time to don their armors or to saddle their horses. +ll the leaders did #as to flee for their lives, #hile their troops trampled each other do#n and #ere $illed in great numbers. +ll three camps #ere recovered by da#n, and in them #ere found all sorts of military e uipment. *orses and their caparisons also fell to the victors, and all the booty #as carried off by 1eng Da and stored in the 7ass. *uang "hong pressed on his victory. ,iu 3eng ventured to say, COur soldiers need repose.C C)an you seiDe the tiger(s #helps #ithout going into the tiger(s denGC cried *uang "hong. +nd he urged on his steed. The soldiers also #ere eager. "hang *e(s o#n army #as thro#n into confusion by the flying men from the defeated armies, and he could not maintain his station, but #as forced to retreat. They abandoned all their stoc$ades and rushed to the ban$ of River *an. Then "hang *e sought the t#o generals #ho had brought about the misfortune and said to them, CThis is Tiandang 1ountain, #here our stores are. )lose by is 1icang 1ountain. The t#o mountains are the very source of life of the *anDhong army. ,ose them, and *anDhong is gone too. !e must see to their security.C 2iahou Shang said, C1y uncle, 2iahou Buan, #ill loo$ out for the defense of 1icang 1ountain, #hich is neAt to his station at Ding>un 1ountain; there need be no anAiety about that. +nd my brother, 2iahou De, guards Tiandang 1ountain. ,et us go to him and help to protect that.C "hang *e and the t#o generals set out at once. They reached the mountain and told 2iahou De all that had happened. CI have one hundred thousand troops in camp here,C replied he. CBou may ta$e some of them and recover your lost camps.C CFo,C replied "hang *e. CThe only proper course is to defend.C

+lmost as they spo$e the rolling of drums and the clang of gongs #ere heard, and the loo$6outs came to say that *uang "hong #as near. CThe old ruffian does not $no# much of the art of #ar,C said 2iahou De #ith a laugh. C+fter all, he is only a brave.C C'e not mista$en@ *e is crafty and not only bold,C said "hang *e. CThis move is against the rules and not at all crafty. *e is #orn from a long march and his soldiers are fatigued, and they are deep in an enemy(s country.C CFevertheless, be careful ho# you attac$,C said "hang *e. CBou #ould still do #ell to depend upon defense only.C C8ive me three thousand good soldiers, and I #ill cut him to pieces,C cried *an *ao. They told off the three companies for him, and do#n he #ent into the plain. +s he approached, *uang "hong arrayed his army. ,iu 3eng put in a note of #arning, saying, CThe sun is setting, and our men are #eary. ,et us retire for the fight tomorro#.C 'ut *uang "hong paid little attention, saying, CI do not hold #ith your ob>ections. This is the one 8od6given opportunity to ma$e good, and it #ould be a sin not to ta$e it.C So saying, the drums rolled for a great attac$. *an *ao came for#ard #ith his troops, and the aged general #ent to#ard him #hirling his s#ord. In the first encounter *an *ao fell. +t this the soldiers of Shu gave a yell and #ent a#ay up the hill, #hereupon "hang *e and 2iahou Shang hastily moved out to #ithstand them. 'ut a great red glare sprang into the s$y from behind the hill, and a shouting arose. *astily 2iahou De led off his troops to meet the danger there and #ent straight into the arms of Ban Ban. The Veteran 8eneral(s arm rose, the s#ord fell, and 2iahou De dropped from his steed to rise no more. This ambush, into #hich the dead general had rushed, had been carefully prepared by *uang "hong, #ho had sent Ban Ban a#ay before he marched himself and given Ban Ban orders #hat to do. It #as the brush#ood that Ban Ban(s men had spent the time in collecting that no# sent forth the flames reaching up to the heavens and filling the valleys. Ban Ban, after slaying 2iahou De, came round the hill to aid in the attac$ so that the defenders #ere ta$en both in front and rear. They could do nothing and presently left the battlefield and rushed to#ard Ding>un 1ountain to see$ refuge #ith 2iahou Buan. 1ean#hile the victors too$ steps to hold the position they had #on and sent the good ne#s of victory to )apital )hengdu. +nd #hen the ne#s arrived, ,iu 'ei called together all his officers to re>oice.

Then said 3a "heng, CFot long ago "hang ,u submitted to )ao )ao, and thereby )ao )ao got possession of *anDhong uite easily. Instead of follo#ing up this by an advance #est#ard, he left t#o generals to guard it and #ent south. That #as a mista$e. Fo#, my lord, do not ma$e a mista$e yourself, but ta$e advantage of the present favorable position, #ith "hang *e ne#ly defeated and Tiandang 1ountain captured, to attac$ *anDhong and you #ill have it at once. Once that is yours, you can train your army and amass supplies ready for a stro$e against the arch6rebel himself. This 8od6given advantage #ill be confirmed to you, and you should not miss it.C 'oth ,iu 'ei and "huge ,iang sa# the #isdom of this scheme and prepared to act. "hao Bun and "hang 3ei #ere to lead the van, #hile ,iu 'ei #ith "huge ,iang commanded the main army of one hundred thousand troops. + day #as chosen to set out, and orders #ere sent to everyone to $eep careful guard for BiDhou. It #as a certain auspicious day in the seventh month of the t#enty6third year that the army marched -+D .:<0. Reaching 9iameng 7ass, *uang "hong and Ban Ban #ere summoned and #ell re#arded for their services. ,iu 'ei said to *uang "hong, C7eople said you #ere old, 8eneral, but the Directing Instructor of the army $no# you better than they, and you have rendered amaDing service. Still, Ding>un 1ountain is yet to be captured, and it is both a great central store and a ma>or defense of FanDheng. If #e could get Ding>un 1ountain, #e could be uite easy about the #hole region of *anDhong. Thin$ you that you are e ual to ta$ing Ding>un 1ountainGC To this harangue of ,iu 'ei, the veteran nobly ans#ered that he #as #illing to try and #as ready to start #hen they #ould. Said "huge ,iang hastily, CDo not be hasty. Bou are brave enough, 8eneral, but 2iahou Buan is a man of different stamp from "hang *e. 2iahou Buan is a real strategist and tactician; so much so that )ao )ao relies upon him as his defense against 2iliang. It #as he #ho #as set to defend )hangan #hen threatened by 1a )hao. Fo# he is in *anDhong, and )ao )ao puts his #hole confidence in him and his s$ill as a leader. Bou have overcome "hang *e, but it is not certain you #ill con uer this man. I thin$ I must send do#n to 9ingDhou for 8uan Bu for this tas$.C *uang "hong hotly replied, COld ,ian 7o% #as eighty years old and yet he ate a bushel of rice and ten pounds of flesh, so that his vigor frightened the nobles and not one dared encroach upon the borders of the state of "hao. I am not yet seventy. Bou call me old, O Instructor; then I #ill not ta$e any helper, but go out simply #ith my o#n three thousand troops, and #e #ill lay 2iahou Buan(s head at your feet.C "huge ,iang refused to allo# him to go; *uang "hong insisted. +t last "huge ,iang consented, but said he #ould send an overseer. They put upon his mettle the man #ho #as to go, Bouth(s vigor may be lesser #orth than age(s po#ers, #e $no#.

The neAt chapter #ill tell #ho the overseer #as. Chapter 61 1t pposite Hi##) H&ang Zhong Scores 1 S&ccess; n The ,iver Han) Zhao +&n ConE&ers 1 Host' CIf you are really determined to underta$e this eApedition, I shall send 3a "heng #ith you,C said "huge ,iang to the veteran leader. CBou #ill have to discuss everything #ith him. I shall also dispatch supports and reinforcements.C *uang "hong agreed, and the eApedition set out. Then "huge ,iang eAplained to ,iu 'ei, CI purposely tried to spur on the old general that he #ill really eAert himself, else he fears he #ill not do much. 'ut he #ill need reinforcement.C +fter this, "huge ,iang ordered "hao Bun to march after the first army and help, if help #as needed. So long as the old man #as victorious, "hao Bun #as to do nothing; if he #as in difficulties, then "hao Bun #as to rescue. +lso, three thousand troops under ,iu 3eng and 1eng Da #ere sent out among the hills to ta$e position at strategic points and set up many banners and ma$e a brave sho# in order to spread the impression of huge forces, and so frighten and perpleA the enemy. In addition, "huge ,iang sent to 2iabian 7ass to tell 1a )hao #hat part to play in the campaign. Ban Ban #as to hold ,angDhong and 'aAi in place of "hang 3ei and !ei Ban, #ho also #ent in eApedition in *anDhong. The refugees, "hang *e and 2iahou Shang, reached 2iahou Buan(s camp and told their doleful tale, CTiandang 1ountain has been captured, and 2iahou De and *an *ao have died #ith the loss. ,iu 'ei is about to invade *anDhong. Send a s#ift messenger to inform the 7rince of !ei and as$ for help.C The ne#s #as sent to )ao *ong, #ho bore it uic$ly to )apital 2uchang. )ao )ao lost no time in calling a council. Then *igh 1inister ,iu Be said, CThe loss of *anDhong #ould sha$e the #hole 1iddle ,and. Bou, O 7rince, must not shrin$ from toil and hardship, but must yourself go to lead the army.C CThis state of things comes of my not heeding your #ords before, gentle Sir,C said )ao )ao, then repentant. *o#ever, )ao )ao hastily prepared and issued an edict to raise an army of four hundred thousand troops #hich he #ould lead.

The army #as ready in the seventh month, the early autumn, in the t#enty6third year -+D .:<0, and marched in three divisions. The leading division #as under 2iahou Dun, )ao )ao commanded the center, and )ao 2iu #as the rear guard. )ao )ao rode a #hite horse, beautifully caparisoned. *is guards #ere clad in embroidered sil$. They carried the huge red parasol #oven of sil$ and gold threads. 'eside him in t#o lines #ere the symbols of $ingly dignity, the golden melons, silver aAes, stirrups, clubs, spears, and lances; banderoles embroidered #ith the sun and moon, dragon and phoeniA, all #ere borne aloft. *is imperial escort of t#enty6five thousand stout #arriors led by bold officers, marched in five columns of five thousand each, under banners of the five colors, blue, yello#, red, #hite, and blac$. The five companies made a brave sho# as they marched, each column under its o#n flag #ith soldiers in armors and horses in caparisons all of one color and all glittering in the sun. +s they debouched through Tong 7ass, )ao )ao noticed in the distance a thic$ #ood, very luAuriant, and as$ed those near him #hat it #as called. CThis place is the Indigo 3ield,C they replied. C+nd in that #ood is the estate of the late 1inister )ai Bong. *is daughter, )ai Ban, and her present husband, Dong Si, live there.C Fo# )ao )ao and )ai Bong had been eAcellent friends at one time. )ai Bong(s daughter had been first married to !ei "hongdao. Then she #as abducted by the frontier tribes and ta$en a#ay to the north, #here she had borne t#o sons. She had composed a ballad called C4ighteen StanDas for the 1ongol 3lageolet,C #hich #as #idespread to the empire. )ao )ao had been moved by pity for her sorro#s and sent a messenger #ith a thousand ounces of gold to ransom her. The 7rince of the frontier 2iongnu State, )e 2ian the 5han, overa#ed by )ao )ao(s strength, had restored her to )ai Bong. Then )ao )ao gave her in marriage to Dong Si.% Ordering his escort to march on, )ao )ao #ent up to the gate #ith only a fe# attendants, dismounted, and in uired after the lady of the house. +t this time Dong Si #as absent at his post, and the lady #as alone. +s soon as she heard #ho her visitor #as, she hastened to #elcome him and led him into the reception room. !hen )ao )ao #as seated and she had performed the proper salutations, she stood respectfully at his side. 8lancing round the room, )ao )ao sa# a rubbing of a tablet hanging on the #all. So he got up to read it, and as$ed his hostess about it. CIt is a tablet of )ao 4, or the fair ,ady )ao. In the time of the 4mperor *e -+D ://0, in the 2iongnu State there #as a certain magician named )ao 2u, #ho could dance and sing li$e the very Spirit of 1usic. On the fifth of the fifth month he #as out in a boat, and being intoAicated, fell overboard and #as dro#ned. *e had a daughter, )ao 4, then fourteen years of age. She #as greatly distressed and sought the body of her father for seven days and nights, #eeping all the #hile. Then she thre# herself into the #aves, and five days later she floated to the surface #ith her father(s body in her arms. The villagers buried them on the ban$, and the magistrate reported the occurrence to the 4mperor as a #orthy instance of daughterly affection and remar$able piety.

C+ later magistrate had the story inscribed by *andan )hun in memory of the event. +t that time *andan )hun #as only thirteen, but the composition of the inscription #as so perfect that neither >ot nor tittle could be added, and yet he had #ritten it impromptu #ithout revision. The stone #as set up beside the grave, and both inscription and story #ere the admiration of all the people of that day. 1y father #ent to see it. It #as evening, but in the obscurity he felt out the inscription #ith his fingers. *e got hold of a pencil and #rote eight large characters on the reverse of the stone and, later, some person recutting the stone engraved these eight #ords as #ell.C )ao )ao then read the eight #ords; they formed an enigma. ,iterally they read, Cyello# sil$, young #ife, a daughter(s child, pestle and mortar.C C)an you eAplainGC as$ed )ao )ao of his hostess. CFo; although it is a #riting of my father(s, thy handmaid cannot interpret it,C she replied. Turning to the strategists of his staff, )ao )ao said, C)an anyone of you eAplain itGC 'ut no one made any reply. Suddenly, they heard one voice, CI have grasped the meaning of it.C The man #ho said he had fathomed the meaning #as 3irst Secretary Bang 2iu. CDo not tell me yet. ,et me thin$ it out,C said )ao )ao. Soon after they too$ leave of the lady, #ent out of the farm, and rode on. +bout one mile from the farm, the meaning suddenly da#ned upon )ao )ao. *e laughingly turned to Bang 2iu, saying, CFo#, you may try.C CThis is the solution of the enigma,C said Bang 2iu. C(Bello# sil$( is sil$ threads of natural color, and the character for (sil$( placed beside that for (color( forms a #ord meaning (finally, decidedly(. The (young #ife( is a (little female(, and the character for (female( #ith (little(, or (fe#(, placed beside it forms a #ord meaning (admirable, fine(. The (daughter(s child( is (daughter( and (child(, #hich side by side ma$e the #ord (good(. +nd a (pestle and mortar( suggest pounding together the five bitter herbs in a receptacle@ The character for (receptacle( and (bitter( form a #ord meaning (to tell(. So the four #ords are (Decidedly fine and #ell told.(C )ao )ao #as astonished at Bang 2iu(s cleverness, and said, C9ust #hat I made it.C Those around greatly #ondered at Bang 2iu(s ingenuity and $no#ledge. In less than a day they reached FanDheng, #here )ao *ong #elcomed them. *e told the tale of "hang *e(s misfortunes. CTo suffer defeat is no crime,C said )ao )ao. CThat and victory are things that happen constantly in #ar.C

C,iu 'ei has sent *uang "hong to ta$e Ding>un 1ountain,C said )ao *ong. C2iahou Buan, hearing you #ere coming, O 7rince, has been defending the position and not going out to give battle.C C'ut standing al#ays on the defensive is sho#ing #ea$ness,C said )ao )ao. Thereupon he bade a man carry an authority ensign to the 1ountain )ommander and so order him to attac$ the enemy. C2iahou Buan is very stern and infleAible, and he may be carried too far and fall victim to some vile ruse,C said ,iu Be. !herefore the 7rince #rote a letter to him to accompany the authority ensign. +nd #hen the messenger arrived and the letter #as opened, it read@ C4very leader must eAercise a combination of infleAibility and yielding. 'oldness is not the only thing that counts; if he ma$es it so, then is he a mere creature to fight. Fo# I am camped at FanDheng ready to #atch the deeds of your admirable pro#ess and capacity, and all I have to say is, (Do not disgrace your previous reputation.(C The letter pleased the )ommander mightily. *aving sent a#ay the bearer, 2iahou Buan called in "hang *e to consult. CThe 7rince has a great army at FanDheng ready to destroy ,iu 'ei. !e have been on the defense here long enough, and it is time #e rendered some solid service. Tomorro# I am going out to battle, and hope to capture *uang "hong.C CBour opponent combines ready resource #ith boldness and prevision,C said "hang *e. C'eside, he has 3a "heng to aid him; and you must be cautious, for the country is very difficult and dangerous. Bou had better $eep on the defensive.C C*o# shall #e be able to loo$ our prince in the face #hen other leaders render good servicesG *o#ever, you >ust $eep the hill, and I #ill go out to battle.C Then an order #as issued as$ing #ho #ould go out to reconnoiter and provo$e a battle. 2iahou Shang volunteered. 2iahou Buan said to him, CBou are not to ma$e a real stand, but merely to begin the fight. Bou are to lose and not #in, for a grand ruse is ready for the enemy.C *e eAplained his plans, and 2iahou Shang #ent a#ay #ith a small column. Fo# *uang "hong and his helper 3a "heng #ere camped uite close to the Ding>un 1ountain. They had endeavored to entice 2iahou Buan out into the field to fight, but failed to attac$ him as he stood in that difficult, mountainous country. So thus far no advance had been made. 'ut as soon

as 2iahou Shang(s troops appeared and seemed to offer battle, *uang "hong #as ready to march out to meet them at once. 'ut 8eneral )hen Shi, offered his services. CDo not trouble yourself to move, O 8eneral,C said )hen Shi, Cfor I #ill go out to fight them.C *uang "hong consented, and placed three thousand troops under )hen Shi, #ho #ent out of the valley and set his army in array. +nd #hen 2iahou Shang came up and, as arranged, merely fought a fe# bouts and ran a#ay. )hen Shi follo#ed to ta$e advantage of his success. 'ut he #as soon brought to a standstill by the rolling of logs and hurling of stones on the part of his opponents. +s he turned to retire, 2iahou Buan brought out his troops and attac$ed. )hen Shi had no chance against them and #as uic$ly made prisoner. 1any of his soldiers >oined the enemy, but a fe# escaped to their o#n side and told *uang "hong of the misfortune. *uang "hong at once as$ed advice from 3a "heng, #ho said, CThis 2iahou Buan is easily provo$ed to anger, and being angry he is bold #ithout discretion. Bour #ay no# is to #or$ up the enthusiasm of your soldiers, then brea$ camp and advance. Do this in a series of marches, and you #ill eAcite him up to the point of giving battle, #hen you can capture him. They call this the (Ruse of the Interchange of *ost and 8uest(.C So *uang "hong collected all the things his soldiers li$ed, and made them presents, till the sound of re>oicing filled the #hole valley and the men #ere hot to fight. Then camp #as bro$en, and the army marched for#ard a certain distance. Then they encamped. +fter some days( rest the march #as repeated; and then again. !hen tidings of the advance reached 2iahou Buan, he proposed to go out and fight. CFo, no,C said the prudent "hang *e. CThis is a #ell $no#n ruse, and you should remain on the defensive. Bou #ill lose if you fight.C 2iahou Buan #as not the man to stomach this moderate advice, so he sent out 2iahou Shang to give battle. +s soon as this force reached the camp of *uang "hong, the Veteran 8eneral mounted and rode out to fight. In the very first bout he captured 2iahou Shang. Those #ho escaped told ho# their leader had been captured, and 2iahou Buan at once sent to offer an eAchange of prisoners. This #as agreed to, to be effected the follo#ing day in front of both armies. So neAt day both sides #ere arrayed in a spot #here the valley #idened, the t#o leaders on horsebac$ beneath their respective standards. 'eside each stood his prisoner. Feither #as encumbered #ith robe or helmet, but each #ore thin, simple dress. +t the first beat of the drum each started to race over to his o#n side. 9ust as 2iahou Shang reached the ran$s of his o#n side, *uang "hong shot an arro# and #ounded him in the bac$. The #ounded man did not fall, but #ent on. 'ut 2iahou Buan, mad #ith rage, could contain himself no longer. *e galloped straight at *uang "hong, #hich #as eAactly #hat the latter #anted to irritate him into doing. The fight that then

ensued #ent on for t#enty bouts, #hen suddenly the gongs clanged out from 2iahou Buan(s side and he dre# off. *uang "hong pressed on and shattered the army of !ei. !hen 2iahou Buan reached his o#n side, he as$ed #hy the gong had sounded. C'ecause #e sa# the banners of Shu through openings in the mountains in several places, and #e feared an ambush,C said "hang *e. 2iahou Buan believed him and did not return to the battlefield. *e simply remained defensive. 'efore long, *uang "hong had got uite near to 2iahou Buan(s camp, and then he as$ed further advice from his colleague. 3a "heng pointed over to the hills and said, CThere rises a steep hill on the #est of Ding>un 1ountain, difficult of access, but from its summit one has a complete vie# of the defenses of the enemy. If you can ta$e this hill, the mountain lies in the hollo# of your hand.C *uang "hong loo$ed up and sa# the top of the hill #as a small tableland and there #ere very fe# defenders there. So that evening he left his camp, dashed up the hill, drove out the small host of one hundred under 2iahou Buan(s 8eneral Du 2i and too$ it. It #as >ust opposite to Ding>un 1ountain. Then said 3a "heng, CFo# ta$e up position half #ay up the hill, #hile I go to the top. !hen the enemy appears, I #ill sho# a #hite flag. 'ut you #ill remain uiet till the enemy become tired and remiss, #hen I #ill hoist a red flag. That #ill be the signal for attac$.C *uang "hong cheerfully prepared to act on this plan. In the meantime Du 2i, #ho had been driven from the hill6top, had run bac$ and reported the loss of the hill to 2iahou Buan. C!ith *uang "hong in occupation of that hill, I simply must give battle,C said 2iahou Buan. "hang *e strongly dissuaded him, saying, CThe #hole thing is but a ruse of 3a "heng. 8eneral, you had better defend our position.C 'ut 2iahou Buan #as obstinate. C3rom the top of that hill the #hole of our position is visible, our strength and our #ea$ness. I must fight.C In vain #ere the remonstrances repeated. 2iahou Buan set out his troops to surround the opposite hill and then began to vent his rage at his enemy so as to incite *uang "hong to give battle. Then the #hite flag #as hoisted. *o#ever, 2iahou Buan #as allo#ed to fume and rage in vain. *e tried every form of insult, but no one appeared. In the afternoon the soldiers became #eary and dispirited. 7lainly their eagerness had gone; and 3a "heng unfurled the red flag.

Then the drums rolled out, and the men of Shu shouted till the earth seemed to sha$e as the hoary old leader rode out and led his force do#n the slope #ith a roar as of an earth ua$e. 2iahou Buan #as too surprised to defend himself. *is chief enemy rushed straight to his standard. !ith a thundering shout, *uang "hong raised his s#ord and cleft 2iahou Buan through bet#een the head and shoulders so that he fell in t#o pieces. *oary headed is he, but he goes up to battle; 8ray haired, yet rec$lessly mighty; !ith his strong arms he bends the bo#, The arro#s fly. !ith the s#iftness of the #ind he rides, The #hite s#ord gleams. The sound of his voice is as the roar of a tiger, *is steed is fleet as a dragon in flight. Victory is his and its rich re#ards, 3or he eAtends the domain of his lord. +t the death of their general, the soldiers of !ei fled for their lives, and *uang "hong attac$ed Ding>un 1ountain. "hang *e came out to oppose the army of Shu, but, attac$ed at t#o points by *uang "hong and )hen Shi, he could not stand. *e lost the day and fled. *o#ever, before he had gone far, another cohort flashed out from the hills and barred his #ay. +nd the leader cried out, C"hao Bun of )hangshan is here=C )onfused and uncertain #hat to do, "hang *e led his troops to#ard Ding>un 1ountain. 'ut a body of soldiers came out to stop him. The leader #as Du 2i, #ho said, CThe mountain is in the hands of ,iu 3eng and 1eng Da=C So "hang *e and Du 2i >oined their forces and #ent to River *an, #here they camped. Thence they sent to tell )ao )ao of their defeat. +t the ne#s of the death of 2iahou Buan, )ao )ao uttered a great cry and then he understood the prediction of the soothsayer, 8uan ,u, that the cast sho#ed opposition@ It #as the t#enty6fourth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -three and eight cross0; the yello# boar -the month 2iahou Buan died0 had met the tiger; the eApedition had suffered a loss indeed by the death of a general, and the death had ta$en place at the mount $no#n as C+rmy *altC -Ding>un0. The affection bet#een )ao )ao and his general had been very close, for he considered 2iahou Buan as his limb. )ao )ao sent to in uire the #hereabouts of 8uan ,u, but no one $ne#. )ao )ao nourished feelings of resentment against the slayer of his friend, and he led his army out against Ding>un 1ountain to avenge 2iahou Buan(s death. 2u *uang led the van. !hen the army reached River *an, "hang *e and Du 2i >oined them.

They said to )ao )ao, CDing>un 1ountain is lost. 'efore marching farther, the stores in 1icang 1ountain should be moved to the Forthern 1ountain.C +nd )ao )ao agreed. *uang "hong cut off the head of 2iahou Buan and too$ it to ,iu 'ei #hen he reported his victory. 3or these services, ,iu 'ei conferred upon him the title 8eneral !ho )on uers the !est, and great ban uets #ere given in his honor. !hile these #ere going on, 8eneral "hang "hu brought the ne#s@ C)ao )ao(s army of t#o hundred thousand troops is on the #ay to avenge 2iahou Buan(s loss; and the supplies on 1icang 1ountain are being moved to the Forthern 1ountain.C Then said "huge ,iang, C)ao )ao is certainly short of supplies. If #e can burn #hat he has and destroy his baggage train, he #ill have but little spirit left to fight.C CI am #illing to underta$e the tas$,C said *uang "hong. CRemember )ao )ao is a different sort of man from 2iahou Buan.C ,iu 'ei said, C"hang *e is the 4scort ,eader of the train. Though 2iahou Buan #as the 1ountain )ommander, after all he #as but a bold #arrior. It #ould have been ten times better to have $illed "hang *e.C CI #ill go and $ill him,C said the aged general, firing up. CThen go #ith "hao Bun,C said "huge ,iang. C+ct in concert and see #ho can do best.C *uang "hong agreed to this condition, and "hang "hu #as sent #ith him as 1arching 8eneral. Soon after the army had marched out, "hao Bun as$ed of his colleague, C!hat plan have you prepared against )ao )ao(s army of t#o hundred thousand in their ten camps, and ho# are the stores of grain and forage to be destroyedGC CI am going to lead,C said *uang "hong. CFo #ait. I am going first,C said "hao Bun. C'ut I am the senior leader. Bou are only my second,C said *uang "hong. CFo; you and I are e ual in responsibility and both anAious to render good service. !e are no rivals. ,et us cast lots for #ho is to lead the #ay.C They did so, and the Veteran 8eneral gained precedence.

CSince you have #on the right to ma$e the first attempt, you must let me help you,C said "hao Bun. CFo# let us decide upon a fiAed time, and if you have returned by that time, I shall not need to stir. 'ut if at that time you have not come bac$, then I shall come to reinforce you.C CThat suits me admirably,C said *uang "hong. So they decided upon noon as the time. "hao Bun #ent bac$ to his o#n camp, #here he called in his Deputy 8eneral, "hang Bi, and said, C1y friend *uang "hong is going to try to burn the stores tomorro#. If he has not returned at noon, I am to go to aid him. Bou are to guard our camp, #hich is in a dangerous place by the river, but you are not to move out unless compelled.C *uang "hong #ent bac$ to his camp and said to his general, "hang "hu, CI have slain 2iahou Buan and co#ed "hang *e. I am going to destroy the enemy(s store of grain tomorro#, ta$ing #ith me most of the troops. Bou are to come and assist me. + meal for the men is to be ready about midnight tonight, and #e shall move at the fourth #atch. !e shall march to the foot of their hill, capture "hang *e, and then start the fire.C +ll being ready, they set out666*uang "hong leading666and stole across River *an to the foot of the hills. +s the sun got up out of the east, they sa# before them mountains of grain and only a fe# guards on #atch. These fled at first sight of the army of Shu. The horsemen dismounted and began to collect brush#ood and pile it round the grain heaps. 9ust as they #ere starting the fire, there appeared a cohort led by "hang *e, #ho at once began a fight #ith *uang "hong. Then )ao )ao heard of the fight and sent 2u *uang to help. 2u *uang came up in the rear, and *uang "hong #as surrounded. "hang "hu #ith three thousand troops tried to get a#ay to their camp, but they #ere intercepted by !en 7ing; and more troops of !ei coming up by the rear, "hang "hu also #as surrounded. 'oth #ere in difficulties. 1ean#hile, time passed and noon came #ith no ne#s of *uang "hong. !herefore "hao Bun girded on his armor, too$ three thousand troops #ith him and #ent to his aid. 9ust as he #as leaving, he again #arned "hang Bi to $eep good #atch. C8uard the camp most carefully. See that you have archers and crossbo#men on both sides.C CBes, yes,C said "hang Bi. "hao Bun rode off, spear in hand, and #ent out to give battle #here he could find the enemy. Soon he fell in #ith one of !en 7ing(s companies led by 8eneral 1urong ,ie. "hao Bun plunged in, cut 1urong ,ie do#n, and disposed of the troops of !ei. Then he came to the real press. + cohort barred his #ay, led by 8eneral 9iao 'ing. C!here are the soldiers of ShuGC cried "hao Bun. C+ll $illed=C cried 9iao 'ing.

"hao Bun angrily dashed for#ard and thrust 9iao 'ing through so that he died. The cohort scattered, and "hao Bun #ent on to the foot of Forthern 1ountain, #here he found *uang "hong surrounded. !ith a yell "hao Bun dashed at the encircling ring, thrusting this #ay and shoving that, so that everyone shran$ and recoiled before him. The mighty spear laid lo# his opponents li$e the #hirl#ind scatters the petals of the #ild pear tree till they lie on the bosom of the earth li$e sno#fla$es. 7anic seiDed "hang *e and 2u *uang so that they dared not stand in his #ay, and thus "hao Bun fought his #ay through and rescued his fello# #arrior. Then they fought their #ay out and none could #ithstand them. )ao )ao had been #atching the course of the fighting from a high place, and #hen he sa# a doughty #arrior forcing his #ay into the press and all going do#n before him, he as$ed of his officers if they $ne# #ho the leader #as. CThat is "hao Bun of )hangshan,C replied one #ho $ne#. CSo the hero of Dangyang is still alive,C said )ao )ao, marveled. Then )ao )ao gave general orders to his soldiers not to attac$ "hao Bun #ithout being sure of success, no matter #here they met him. *aving rescued his colleague and got clear of the battle, "hao Bun #as told "hang "hu hemmed in on a hill not far off. !herefore "hao Bun #ent to his relief before going bac$ to his o#n camp. *e had little need to fight, for )ao )ao(s soldiers no sooner sa# the name emblaDoned on the banners than they fled #ithout more ado. 'ut it filled )ao )ao #ith rage to see his troops falling a#ay before "hao Bun, #ho marched on as though no one #ould thin$ of standing in his #ay, and )ao )ao #ent in pursuit himself #ith his officers. "hao Bun reached his o#n camp, #here he #as #elcomed by "hang Bi. 'ut a cloud of dust #as seen in the distance, and they $ne# )ao )ao #as in that cloud and coming upon them. C,et us bar the gates #hile #e ma$e preparation,C said "hang Bi. CDo not bar the gates,C said "hao Bun. C*ave you never heard of my eAploit at Dangyang, #hen I laughed at )ao )ao(s many legionsG Fo# that I have an army at my bac$ and generals to help, #hat is there to fearGC Then "hao Bun placed the archers and the bo#men in a covered position outside, #hile he thre# do#n all the #eapons and flags #ithin. +nd no drums beat. 'ut he himself, alone, stood outside the gate of the camp. It #as dus$ #hen "hang *e and 2u *uang neared the camp of the army of Shu. They sa# that the ensigns and #eapons had been overthro#n, and no drums beat at their approach. They also sa# the one figure of the doughty #arrior at the gate, and then they halted and dared advance no

farther. !hile they hesitated, )ao )ao arrived and urged his army to march uic$er. They ans#ered #ith a shout and made a dash for#ard, but they sa# the one figure at the gate, and every man halted. +nd before long, one by one they turned about and #ent a#ay. Then "hao Bun gave a signal to his troops to come out of the moat, and the archers and bo#men began to shoot. The soldiers of )ao )ao $ne# not in the dus$ ho# many their enemies #ere, but terror seiDed upon them and they ran, each trying to be first. +nd as they ran, the drums rolled, and the soldiers of Shu shouted and pursued, till the flight became a perfect rout and a confused mass of troops reached the ban$s of River *an. The press continuing, many soldiers of )ao )ao #ere forced into the river and #ere dro#ned. "hao Bun, *uang "hong, and "hang "hu follo#ed close on the heels of the routed army. !hile )ao )ao #as ma$ing off #ith all speed, t#o other generals of Shu, ,iu 3eng and 1eng Da, came from 1icang 1ountain and set fire to all the army stores of food and forage in Forthern 1ountain. Then )ao )ao abandoned the stores in Forthern 1ountain and set out hastily for FanDheng. "hang *e and 2u *uang could ma$e no stand, and they also abandoned their camps, #hich "hao Bun at once occupied. 'eside the stores of food, the victors collected countless #eapons along the ban$s of the river. They sent ne#s of the victory to ,iu 'ei, #ho came #ith "huge ,iang to the scene of the victory, and there they heard the full story of "hao Bun(s pro#ess. ,iu 'ei #as very glad, and #hen he had seen the steepness and difficulties of the surrounding hills, he understood the fine deeds of valor that had been done. Turning to "huge ,iang, ,iu 'ei said, CTruly, the man is brave all through=C 'ehold "hao Bun of )hangshan, !hose #hole body is valor; 3ormerly he fought at Dangyang, +nd his courage today is no less. *e rushes into the array to manifest heroism; Surrounded by his enemies, *e is dauntless and daring. Devils ho#l and spirits cry, The s$y is afraid and earth trembles. Such is "hao Bun, the brave, !hose #hole body is valor. 3or his services ,iu 'ei gave "hao Bun the title of 8eneral !ho 7ossesses Tiger 7ro#ess. +nd the soldiers of his army #ere re#arded, and there #as ban ueting to a late hour. Soon it #as reported@ C)ao )ao is coming again do#n through the 2ie Valley to try to capture River *an.C

'ut ,iu 'ei laughed, saying, C*e #ill not succeed, for I thin$ that #e shall gain command of the river.C Then ,iu 'ei led his army #est of the river to oppose )ao )ao. !hen )ao )ao dre# near, he sent out 2u *uang to lead the van and open the battle. + 8eneral named !ang 7ing said, CI $no# the country #ell, and I #ish to help 8eneral 2u *uang to destroy the army of Shu.C !ang 7ing #as sent as second in command. )ao )ao camped on the north of Ding>un 1ountain, and his advanced guard marched a#ay ma$ing for River *an. +nd #hen they reached the ban$, 2u *uang gave orders to cross to the other side. CTo cross the river is #ell,C said !ang 7ing, Cbut #hat if you have to retreatGC COf old, #hen *an 2in% made his array #ith a river in his rear, he said that out of the place of death one could return to life.C CBou are mista$en no#. The cases are not the same, for then *an 2in $ne# his opponents #ere uns$illful. *ave you rec$oned upon the s$ill of our opponents, "hao Bun and *uang "hongGC CBou may lead the footmen to hold the enemy #hile I destroy them #ith the horsemen,C said 2u *uang. Then bridges #ere built and the army crossed. + man of !ei #ildly uoted *an 2in, + minister of Shu #ould be another "hang ,iangG !ho #on the victory #ill neAt be revealed. Chapter 62 Zh&ge -iang;s Wit Ta5es Han@hong; Cao Cao;s 1rm4 ,etires To The +e Ba##e4' In spite of the most earnest dissuasion, 2u *uang crossed the river and camped. *uang "hong and "hao Bun as$ed to be allo#ed to go against the host of )ao )ao, and ,iu 'ei gave his consent. Then said *uang "hong, C2u *uang has been bold enough to come. !e #ill not go out against him till evening, #hen his soldiers are fatigued. Then #e #ill fall upon him one on either side.C

"hao Bun consented, and each retired to a stoc$ade. 2u *uang appeared and for a long time tried to dra# them into a fight, but they refused to go forth. Then 2u *uang ordered his bo#men to begin to shoot straight before them, and the arro#s and bolts fell in the Shu camp. *uang "hong said, C*e must be thin$ing of retreat, or he #ould not shoot thus. Fo# is our time to smite him.C Then the scouts reported that the rearmost bodies of the enemy had begun to retreat. The drums of Shu rolled a deafening peal, and *uang "hong(s army from the left and "hao Bun(s army from the right came to the attac$, and the double fight began. 2u *uang #as badly defeated, and the flying soldiers #ere forced to River *an, #here many #ere dro#ned. 'ut 2u *uang escaped after fighting desperately, and #hen he got bac$ to camp, he blamed his colleague !ang 7ing for not having come to his aid. C*ad I done so, these camps #ould have been left unguarded,C said !ang 7ing. CI tried to dissuade you from going, but you #ould not hear me, and you brought about this reverse yourself.C 2u *uang in his #rath tried to slay !ang 7ing, but !ang 7ing escaped to his o#n camp. In the night, !ang 7ing set fire on both camps, and great confusion reigned in the lines. 2u *uang ran a#ay, but !ang 7ing crossed the river and surrendered to "hao Bun, #ho led him to ,iu 'ei. !ang 7ing told ,iu 'ei all about River *an and the country near by. CI shall surely capture *anDhong no# that you are here to help me, friend !ang 7ing,C said ,iu 'ei. ,iu 'ei made !ang 7ing 8eneral and +rmy 8uide. 2u *uang reported !ang 7ing(s defection, #hich made )ao )ao very angry. )ao )ao placed himself at the head of a force and tried to reta$e the ban$ of the river. "hao Bun, thin$ing his troops too fe#, retired to the #est side, and the t#o armies lay on opposite sides of the stream. ,iu 'ei and his adviser came do#n to vie# the position. "huge ,iang sa# in the upper course of the stream a hill #hich might #ell screen a thousand soldiers. So "huge ,iang returned to camp, called in "hao Bun and said, C8eneral, you lead five hundred troops, #ith drums and horns, and place them in ambush behind the hill, to a#ait certain orders #hich #ill come some time during the night or at da#n. !hen you hear a detonation, you are not to appear, only give a long roll of the drums at every report.C "hao Bun departed to play his part in the drama, #hile "huge ,iang #ent to a hill #hence he could overloo$ the scene. !hen neAt the army of )ao )ao approached the camp of Shu and offered battle, not a man came out, nor #as an arro# or a bolt shot. They retired #ithout any result. 'ut in the depths of the night,

#hen all the lights in the camp #ere eAtinguished and all appeared tran uil and restful, "huge ,iang eAploded a bomb, and at once "hao Bun beat his drums and blared his trumpets. )ao )ao(s soldiers a#o$e in alarm, thin$ing it #as a night raid. They rushed out, but there #as no enemy, and as the hubbub ceased they #ent bac$ to sleep. Soon after there #as another bomb, and again the drums and the trumpets seeming to sha$e the earth itself, and the fearsome roar echoing along the valleys and from the hills again scared )ao )ao(s soldiers. Thus the night passed in constant alarms. The neAt night #as the same, and the neAt. On the fourth day )ao )ao bro$e up his camp, marched his troops ten miles to the rear and pitched his camp in a clear, #ide space among the hills. "huge ,iang #as pleased at the result of his ruse. Said he, smiling, C)ao )ao is s$illed in #ar, but still he is not proof against all deceitful tric$s.C The troops of Shu then crossed the river and camped #ith the stream behind them. !hen ,iu 'ei as$ed the neAt move, he #as told, but also told to $eep the plan a secret. Seeing ,iu 'ei thus encamped, )ao )ao became doubtful and anAious, and, to bring things to a decision, he sent a #ritten declaration of #ar, to #hich "huge ,iang replied that they #ould fight a battle on the morro#. On the morro# the armies faced each other half #ay bet#een the t#o camps in front of the 1ountain of 3ive 'orders, and there they arrayed. )ao )ao presently rode up stood beside his banner, #ith his officers right and left and the dragon and phoeniA banners fluttering in the #ind. *is drums rolled thrice, and then he summoned ,iu 'ei to a parley. ,iu 'ei rode out supported by ,iu 3eng, 1eng Da, and other leaders. Then )ao )ao insolently flouriDshed his #hip and vilified his opponent. C,iu 'ei, you have forgotten $indness and lost the sense of right. Bou are a rebel against the government.C ,iu 'ei ans#ered, CI am related to the imperial family, and I hold an edict authoriDing me to seiDe all rebels. Bou have dared to lift up your hand against 4mpress 3u, made yourself a $ing, and arrogantly presume to an imperial chariot. If you are not a rebel, #hat are youGC Then )ao )ao ordered 2u *uang out to give battle, and ,iu 3eng #ent to meet him. +s the combat began, ,iu 'ei retired #ithin the ran$s of his array. ,iu 3eng #as no match for his opponent, and fled. )ao )ao issued an order to capture ,iu 'ei, saying, C*e #ho captures ,iu 'ei #ill be made 7rince of *anDhong=C +t this the army of !ei uttered one great roar of rage, then they came surging on. The troops of Shu fled to#ard the river abandoning everything, even thro#ing aside their #eapons, #hich

littered the road. 'ut as )ao )ao(s army pressed for#ard, he suddenly clanged the gongs, called a halt and dre# off. C!hy did you call us off, O 7rince, >ust as #e #ere on the point of successGC said his commanders. C'ecause I sa# the enemy had encamped #ith the river in their rear, #hich #as very suspicious. They also abandoned their steeds and #eapons, #hich made me doubt. !herefore I could only retire. 'ut retain your armor. ,et not a person ta$e off his harness on pain of death. Fo# retire as uic$ly as you can march.C +s )ao )ao turned about to retire, "huge ,iang hoisted the signal to attac$, and the retreating soldiers #ere harassed on every side both night and day till they #ere all disordered. )ao )ao ordered his army to retire to FanDheng. 7resently they sa# flames rising all around, and soon it #as $no#n that their city of refuge #as in the hands "hang 3ei and !ei Ban, #ho, after Ban Ban had ta$en the command of ,angDhong, had launched a double attac$ and captured FanDheng. Disappointed and saddened, )ao )ao bade them march to Bangping 7ass. ,iu 'ei #ith the main army follo#ed them to 'aoDhou and FanDheng and there pacified the people and restored confidence. C)ao )ao #as eAceedingly uic$ly overcome this time,C said ,iu 'ei. C*o# #as thatGC C*e has al#ays been of a suspicious nature,C said "huge ,iang, Cand that has led to many failures although he is a good leader of armies. I have defeated him by playing upon his doubts.C C*e is rather #ea$ened no#,C said ,iu 'ei. C)an you not devise a plan to drive him a#ay finallyGC CThat is all thought out.C FeAt "hang 3ei and !ei Ban #ere sent along t#o different roads to cut off )ao )ao(s supplies. T#o other cohorts led by *uang "hong and "hao Bun #ere bidden to go and fire the hills and forests. +ll these four armies had natives of the place to act as guides and sho# the #ay. )ao )ao(s scouts sent out from Bangping 7ass returned to report@ CThe roads far and near are bloc$ed by the troops of Shu, and every place seems to be burning. Fo soldier is seen.C )ao )ao $ne# not #hat to do. Then other scouts told him, COur stores are being plundered by "hang 3ei and !ei Ban.C +t this, )ao )ao called for a volunteer to drive off the plunderers; and 2u )hu offered. *e #as given a thousand veterans, and #ent do#n the 7ass to act as escort of the grain #agons. The officers in charge of the transport #ere very glad to receive a general of such reno#n.

C4Acept for you, O 8eneral, the grain could never reach Bangping 7ass.C They entertained 2u )hu #ith the #ine and food on the carts; and he ate and dran$ copiously, so that he became very intoAicated. +nd in that state he insisted on marching, urging the convoy to start at once. CThe sun has nearly set,C said the transport officers, Cand the road near 'aoDhou is bad and dangerous, so that #e cannot pass there at night.C CI can face any danger,C boasted the drun$en general. CI am brave as a myriad men put together. !hat do you thin$ I fearG 'eside, there is a good moon tonight, >ust the sort of thing to ta$e grain carts along by.C 2u )hu too$ the lead, s#ord in hand. 'y the second #atch they #ere passing 'aoDhou. +bout half the train had passed #hen the rolling drums and the blare of horns came do#n to them through a rift in the hills. It #as soon follo#ed by the appearance of a cohort led by "hang 3ei. !ith spear ready, he came racing do#n straight for 2u )hu, #ho, #hirling his s#ord, dashed to the front to meet the enemy. 'ut 2u )hu #as too drun$ to stand against such a #arrior. +fter a fe# bouts he received a spear thrust in the shoulder, turned round in his saddle, and fell from his horse. *is men rushed to his help, and they carried him a#ay as they retreated, #hile "hang 3ei too$ the #hole transport train of fodder and forage a#ay to his o#n camp. The defeated escort carried their #ounded leader bac$ to )ao )ao(s camp, #here he #as placed in the care of physicians. Then )ao )ao himself led out his army to fight a decisive battle #ith the army of Shu. ,iu 'ei #ent out to meet him, and, #hen both sides #ere arrayed, ,iu 3eng #ent out to challenge. )ao )ao at once let loose a torrent of taunts and reproaches. CSeller of shoes, you are al#ays sending out this pretended son of yours to fight for you. If I only call my golden6bearded son )ao "hang, your so6called son #ill be chopped to mincemeat=C These #ords enraged ,iu 3eng, #ho raised his spear and galloped to#ard )ao )ao. )ao )ao bade 2u *uang do battle #ith the young man, and ,iu 3eng at once ran a#ay. )ao )ao led on his legions, but he #as harassed by the eAplosion of bombs, the beating of drums, and the blare of trumpets that came from every side. *e concluded that he #as being led into an ambush, and he hastened to retire. The retreat #as unfortunate, for the soldiers trampled upon each other and many #ere $illed. +non they all ran off to Bangping 7ass as uic$ly as they could. 'ut the soldiers of Shu came right up to the #alls of the 7ass, and some burned the east gate #hile others shouted at the #est. Others, again, burned the north gate #hile drums rolled at the south. ,eaders and led #ere ali$e harassed and frightened, and presently they left the 7ass and ran a#ay. They #ere pursued and sore smitten.

The road to safety #as not easy. In one direction "hang 3ei barred the #ay, #hile "hao Bun attac$ed the rear. Then *uang "hong came from 'aoDhou and pressed a slaughter on the flan$. )ao )ao(s army lost many troops, and he #as severely defeated in this triple attac$. *is commanders gathered about him and too$ him off to#ard the 2ie Valley. *ere a great cloud of dust #as seen in the distance. CIf that is an ambush, it is the last of me,C sighed )ao )ao. The soldiers came nearer, and then )ao )ao recogniDed not a enemy but his second son, )ao "hang. +s a lad )ao "hang #as a good horseman and an eApert archer. *e #as more po#erful than most men and could overcome a #ild beast #ith his bare hands. )ao )ao did not approve of the young man(s bent, and often #arned him to study instead. CBou do not study, but only love your bo# and your horse; this is the courage of a mere person. Thin$ you that this ma$es for an honorable careerGC 'ut )ao "hang replied, CThe really noble person ought to imitate such grand men as !ei &ing% and *uo &ubing%. They #on their reputation in the 8obi Desert, #here they led a mighty host of hundred thousand, able to overrun the #hole #orld and go any#here. !hat have I to do #ith scholarshipGC )ao )ao used to as$ his sons #hat career they found admirable, and )ao "hang al#ays replied that he #ould be a leader of armies. C'ut #hat should a leader be li$eGC as$ed )ao )ao. C*e should be endued #ith firmness and courage, never turn aside from a difficulty, but be in the van of his officers and troops. Re#ards should be certain; and so should punishments.C )ao )ao smiled #ith pleasure. In the t#enty6third year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D .:<0, the !uhuan 7eoples revolted in Daichun, and )ao )ao sent this son #ith fifty thousand troops to suppress them. 9ust as )ao "hang #as leaving, his father read him a homily on his duty. C+t home #e are father and son, but #hen a tas$ is given you, you have to consider your duty as a servant of your ruler. The la# $no#s no $indness, and you must be#are.C !hen the eApedition reached the north of Daichun, )ao "hang led the array and smote as far as Sanggan in the 8obi Desert, and peace #as restored. *e had lately heard that his father #as at Bangping 7ass, and had come to help him to fight. *is coming greatly pleased his father, #ho said, CFo# that my golden6bearded son has arrived, #e can destroy ,iu 'ei for certain.C

Then the army #as marched bac$ again and pitched camp at the 2ie Valley. Someone told ,iu 'ei of the arrival of )ao "hang, and he as$ed for a volunteer to go out against the ne#comer. ,iu 3eng offered. 1eng Da also desired to go, and ,iu 'ei decided to let both go. CVie #ith each other,C said he. 4ach general had five thousand troops, and ,iu 3eng led the #ay. )ao "hang rode out and engaged him, and in the third bout ,iu 3eng #as overcome and ran off. Then 1eng Da advanced, and a battle #as >ust beginning #hen he sa# that )ao )ao(s troops #ere in confusion. The cause #as the sudden coming of 1a )hao and !u ,an. 'efore the enemy had recovered from the panic, 1eng Da attac$ed on another side. 1a )hao(s force, #ho had been nursing their courage for a long time, fought brilliantly, so that none could #ithstand their onslaught, and they #on the day. 'ut in his flight, )ao "hang met !u ,an, and he thrust and sle# !u ,an #ith his spear. +fter a great fight, )ao )ao ordered his army to retire into camp at the 2ie Valley. *ere he remained many days, prevented from advancing by 1a )hao and fearing the ridicule of Shu if he should retreat. One day, #hile he #as anAiously trying to decide #hat to do, his coo$ sent in some chic$en broth. *e noticed in the broth some chic$en tendons, and this simple fact led him into a train of reflection. *e #as still deep in thought #hen 2iahou Dun entered his tent to as$ the #atch#ord for that night. )ao )ao at once involuntarily replied, C)hic$en tendon.C The #ord #as passed on in orders. !hen 3irst Secretary Bang 2iu sa# the order that the #atch#ord #as Cchic$en tendon,C he told all his people to pac$ up their belongings ready for the march. One #ho sa# this #ent and told 2iahou Dun, #ho sent for Bang 2iu and as$ed #hy he had pac$ed up. Bang 2iu replied, C'y tonight(s orders I see that the 7rince of !ei is soon going to retire. ()hic$en tendons( are tasteless things to eat, and yet it is a pity to #aste them. Fo# if #e advance, #e cannot con uer; and if #e retire, #e fear #e shall loo$ ridiculous. There being no advantage here, the best course is to retire. Bou #ill certainly see the 7rince of !ei retreat before long. I have made my preparations so as not to be hurried and confused at the last moment.C CBou seem to $no# the 7rince(s inmost heart,C said 2iahou Dun, and he bade his servants pac$. The other generals seeing this, also made preparations for departure. )ao )ao(s mind #as too perturbed for sleep. In the night he got up, too$ a steel battle6aA in his hand, and #andered privily through the camp. !hen he got to 2iahou Dun(s tents, he sa# everything pac$ed and ready for a move. 1uch surprised, he made his #ay bac$ to his o#n tent and sent for that officer. C!hy is everything in your camp pac$ed as if ready for the marchGC

C3irst Secretary Bang 2iu seems to have private $no#ledge of the 7rince(s design to retire,C said 2iahou Dun. )ao )ao summoned Bang 2iu and uestioned him, and Bang 2iu replied #ith the chic$en tendon incident. C*o# dare you invent such a story and disturb the hearts of my armyGC )ao )ao called in his lictors and told them to ta$e Bang 2iu a#ay and behead him and hang his head at the camp gate. Bang 2iu #as a man of acute and ingenious mind, but inclined to sho# off. *is lac$ of restraint over his tongue had often #ounded )ao )ao(s susceptibilities. Once )ao )ao #as having a pleasance laid out, and #hen it #as completed, he #ent to inspect the #or$. *e uttered no #ord of praise or blame; he >ust #rote the #ord C+liveC on the gate and left. Fobody could guess #hat he meant till Bang 2iu heard of it. C(8ate( #ith (+live( inside it ma$es the #ord for (#ide(,C said he. CThe 7rime 1inister thin$s the gates are too #ide.C Thereupon they rebuilt the outer #alls on an altered plan. !hen complete, )ao )ao #as as$ed to go and see it. +nd he #as then delighted. C'ut #ho guessed #hat I meantGC said he. CBang 2iu,C replied his people. )ao )ao thereafter lauded Bang 2iu(s ingenuity, but in his heart he feared. +nother time )ao )ao received a boA of cream cheese from 1ongolia. )ao )ao >ust scribbled three #ords COne )ream 'oAC on the top and left it on the table. The #ords seemed to have no meaning. 'ut Bang 2iu happened to come in, sa# the boA, and at once handed a spoonful of the contents to each guest in the room. !hen )ao )ao as$ed #hy he did this, he eAplained that that #as the interpretation of the #ords on the boA, #hich, resolved into primary symbols, read, C4ach person a mouthful.C C)ould I possibly disobey your ordersGC said he. )ao )ao laughed #ith the others, but hatred #as in his heart. )ao )ao lived in constant fear of assassination, and said to his attendants, C,et none of you come near me #hen I am sleeping, for I am li$ely to slay people in my dreams.C One day he #as en>oying a siesta, and his uilt fell off. One of the attendants sa# it and hastened to cover him again. )ao )ao suddenly leaped from the couch, cut do#n the intruder #ith his

s#ord, and lay do#n again to sleep. Some time after he a#o$e, simulated surprise and as$ed #ho had $illed his attendant. !hen they told him, )ao )ao #ept aloud for the dead man and had him buried in a fine grave. 1ost people thought that )ao )ao had slain the man #hile asleep, but Bang 2iu $ne# better. +t the funeral of the victim Bang 2iu remar$ed, CThe 7rime 1inister #as in no dream, but only you #ere asleep.C This only increased the hatred. )ao )ao(s third son, )ao "hi, too$ great delight in Bang 2iu(s cleverness and often invited him, #hen they #ould tal$ the #hole night. !hen )ao )ao #as considering the nomination of his heir and desired to name )ao "hi, )ao 7i got to hear of the proposal to set him aside in favor of his younger brother, so he secretly re uested the 1aster of the )ourt Singers, !u "hi, to come and discuss this matter. Then fearing that someone might see his visitor, )ao 7i got a large bas$et made, in #hich his friend #as smuggled into the 7alace. )ao 7i gave out that the bas$et contained rolls of sil$. Bang 2iu heard the truth and informed )ao )ao, #ho sent guards to #atch at the gates. )ao 7i, in alarm, told !u "hi, #ho said, C'e not afraid, but to fill a bas$et actually #ith rolls of sil$ on the morro# and have it carried in as before.C The searchers peeped into the bas$et and found the rolls of sil$. They told )ao )ao the result of their search, and )ao )ao began to thin$ Bang 2iu #as plotting against his son. This also added to his hatred. +nother time )ao )ao, #ishing to compare the abilities of his t#o sons )ao 7i and )ao "hi, told them both to go out of the city, at the same time ordering the gate #ardens to forbid their eAit. )ao 7i first came to the gate, #as stopped by the #ardens, and returned to his palace. 'ut his brother )ao "hi consulted Bang 2iu, #ho said, CBou have received orders from the 7rince to go out. Simply cut do#n any #ho may try to prevent you.C !hen )ao "hi #ent to the gate and #as stopped, he shouted out to the #ardens, CI have the 7rince(s order to go out. Dare you stop meGC *e sle# the man #ho #ould have prevented him. !herefore )ao )ao considered his younger son the more able. 'ut #hen some other person told him that the device came from Bang 2iu, he #as angry and too$ a disli$e to his son )ao "hi. Bang 2iu also used to coach )ao "hi in preparing replies to li$ely uestions, #hich #ere learned by heart and uoted #hen necessary. )ao )ao #as al#ays as$ing this son his opinion on military matters, and )ao "hi al#ays had a fluent reply ready. *is father #as not #ithout suspicions,

#hich #ere turned into certainties #hen )ao 7i gave his father the #ritten replies #hich )ao 7i had bribed a servant to filch from his brother(s apartments. )ao )ao #as uite angry. C*o# dare he thro# dust in my eyes li$e thisGC said )ao )ao. Bang 2iu very nearly lost his life for his share in that business. Fo# sending him to eAecution on the charge of destroying the morale of the soldiers #as only a subterfuge. Bang 2iu #as but thirty6 four #hen he met his end. Talented #as Bang 2iu, 'orn of an illustrious stoc$, *is pen traced #onderful characters, In his breast #ere beautiful #ords. !hen he tal$ed, his hearers #ere astonished, *is alert responses overpast everyone. *e died because of misdirected genius +nd not because he foretold retreat. )ao )ao thus put to death the prime mover and simulated anger against 2iahou Dun. *e threatened to eAecute 2iahou Dun, but listened to those #ho begged him to sho# mercy. C8et out of this=C said he. FeAt he issued an order to advance on the morro#. The army moved out of the valley and came face to face #ith the troops of Shu led by !ei Ban. *e summoned !ei Ban to surrender, but received abuse and contumely in return. 7ang De #ent out to fight !ei Ban. 'ut #hile the combat #as in progress, fires bro$e out in )ao )ao(s camp, and a soldier came flying to say that the rear and center camps had been seiDed by 1a )hao. 3earing lest this should lead to a rout, he dre# his s#ord and stood before the army, crying out, CDeath for any officer #ho flinches=C !herefore the men of !ei pressed for#ard valiantly, and !ei Ban, pretending defeat, retreated. *aving driven bac$ this army, )ao )ao gave the signal to turn to#ard camp and fight #ith 1a )hao. *e too$ up his station on the top of a hill #hence he could survey the field. Suddenly a cohort appeared >ust belo# him, and the leader cried, C!ei Ban is here=C !ei Ban fitted an arro# to his bo#, shot, and #ounded )ao )ao right in his lip. )ao )ao turned and fell. !ei Ban thre# aside his bo#, seiDed his s#ord, and came charging up the hill to finish his enemy. 'ut #ith a shouting 7ang De flashed in. CSpare my lord=C cried 7ang De.

*e rushed up and drove !ei Ban bac$#ard. Then they too$ )ao )ao a#ay. 1a )hao also retired, and the #ounded prince slo#ly returned to his o#n camp. )ao )ao #as #ounded full in the face, and the arro# $noc$ed out t#o of his front teeth. !hen in the hands of the physicians, he lay thin$ing over Bang 2iu(s #ords. In a repentant mood he had Bang 2iu(s remains decently interred. Then he gave the order to retreat. 7ang De #as the rear guard. )ao )ao set out home#ard in a padded carriage, escorted by his Tiger 8uards. 'efore they had gone far, there #as an alarm of fire and ambush in the 2ie Valley. The soldiers of !ei #ere all fear6stric$en. That #as something li$e the danger once at Tong 7ass met, Or li$e the fight at the Red )liffs #hich no one could never forget. *o# )ao )ao fared #ill neAt be told. )hapter ?J -i& Bei Becomes Prince ! Han@hong; G&an +& 1ttac5s :iang4ang' !hen )ao )ao retired to the 2ie Valley, "huge ,iang considered it to mean the abandonment of his attempt to ac uire possession of *anDhong. So "huge ,iang sent out 1a )hao and a doDen parties to harass and hasten )ao )ao(s retreat. 3or this reason the retreating army had to $eep on the move. 'eside, )ao )ao #as suffering from his #ound, and he marched as hurriedly as possible. 'ut it #as a de>ected army, #hen the leading legions encountered fire on both flan$s, #hich had been raised by troops placed in ambush #hile 1a )hao(s main force $ept driving the army before it. 4veryone in the )ao )ao army #as dispirited, and there #as no more courage in them. They pressed for#ard day and night ali$e #ithout halting to rest. It #as only after reaching 9ingDhao that they had some repose. *aving con uered *anDhong, ,iu 'ei sent ,iu 3eng, 1eng Da, and !ang 7ing to ta$e Shangyong. The )ommander of the city, Shen Dan, and his colleagues, $no#ing that )ao )ao had retreated, offered their submission. +fter confidence had been restored among the people, ,iu 'ei re#arded his army generously, and they #ere all >oyful. It #as after this that the general body of the officers decided to urge ,iu 'ei to assume the title of C4mperorC, but they dared not tell him so. *o#ever, they sent up a petition to "huge ,iang. *e replied, CI have already decided on this course.C So "huge ,iang and 3a "heng headed a deputation that #ent in to see their lord.

They said, CFo# that )ao )ao really holds the reins of authority, the people are #ithout a true sovereign. Our lord, your $indness and sense of >ustice have spread throughout the empire. Bou have restored peace over the t#o River ,ands, and your becoming an emperor #ould be according to 8od(s #ill and the desire of the people. Then by right and title you could destroy rebels. This matter should not be delayed, and #e pray you choose the auspicious day.C 'ut ,iu 'ei evinced great surprise, and replied, CBour #ords, O Instructor, are #rong. +lthough I am of the imperial house, yet I am but a minister. +nd to do this thing #ould be rebellion against *an.C "huge ,iang replied, CFot so. Today the empire is riven, and many of the bolder spirits have seiDed upon and claim the rule of various portions. The talented of the empire and the virtuous among officers, #ho have ris$ed death and lost their lives in serving those above them, all desire to have the opportunity of serving a true emperor and doing service for a true throne. Fo#, if you insist on modestly maintaining your righteous #ay, I fear that you #ill lose popular support. 1y lord, I #ish that you should reflect upon this.C C'ut you desire me to usurp a place of great honor in the state, and I dare not. ,et there be more delay and discussion.C 'ut #ith one voice they said, COur lord, if you re>ect this, the hearts of the people #ill turn from you=C C1y lord,C said "huge ,iang, Cyou have made rectitude your motto all your life. If you really ob>ect to the most honored title, then, since you have 9ingDhou, BiDhou, and *anDhong, ta$e temporarily the title of (7rince of *anDhong(.C C8entlemen, though you may desire to honor me by the title of 7rince, yet, #ithout an edict from the 4mperor, such action #ould be usurpation.C Said "huge ,iang, CThe time demands recognition of the actual state of authority, and not a rigid adherence to all the rules of propriety.C +nd "hang 3ei roared out, C+ll sorts of people #ith all sorts of names are ma$ing themselves rulers@ *o# much more ought you, brother, #ho are of the dynastic stoc$G It ought not to be 7rince of *anDhong but 4mperor. !hat prevents itGC C'rother, say no more,C said ,iu 'ei, roughly. C1y lord,C said "huge ,iang, Cit is fitting to follo# political changes and suit one(s conduct to circumstances. !herefore first ta$e the princedom, and then memorialiDe the Throne.C ,iu 'ei declined t#o or three times; but as there seemed no other option, he listened and complied. In the t#enty6fourth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity -+D .:I0, in the seventh month, an altar #as set up at 1ianyang, half a s uare mile, #hich #as set around #ith the proper flags and

banners and symbols. In the presence of all his civil and military officers assembled according to their ran$, and at the re uest of the t#o 1inisters 2u 9ing and 3a "heng, ,iu 'ei received the headdress and seat of a prince. Then he too$ his seat, facing the south as a ruler should, and received the salutes and felicitations of all his officers as the 7rince of *anDhong. +nd his son ,iu Shan #as nominated his heir6apparent. 2u 9ing #as given the title of Imperial 8uardian; 3a "heng that of )hair of the Secretariat. "huge ,iang #as reappointed Directing Instructor of the 3orces, #ith the additional po#ers of control over the #hole state policy. 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, "hao Bun, *uang "hong, and 1a )hao #ere the 3ive Tiger 8enerals. !ei Ban #as made 8overnor of *anDhong, and all the others #ho had assisted #ere given ran$s and offices. +s soon as the investiture #as completed, ,iu 'ei composed a memorial and sent it to )apital 2uchang. This is the document@ CI, ,iu 'ei, have but ordinary talents, yet #as I made a general of high ran$ and led a great army. Though I received a commission to purge the empire of rebels, I #as unable to cleanse it and so rene# the tran uillity to Bour 1a>esty(s house and restore the dynasty. Too long have I delayed to spread Bour 1a>esty(s sacred governance. The #orld is evil and not in good case, and as I sorro#fully thin$ it over and over, I am distressed as one in severe pain. CRebellion began #ith Dong "huo, and all $inds of evils have spread abroad; cruelty and ferocity have become rife. Strong in faith in Bour 1a>esty(s sacred virtue and inspiring presence, many banded together to help. The loyal eAerted themselves to destroy the rebels, but others of them #ere smitten of heaven. The fierce and the contumacious have been eAterminated, and gradually rebellion has melted a#ay. COnly )ao )ao no# remains, too long unpunished. *e has arrogated to himself the authority of the state. *is #ic$ed heart is very rebellious. Once I, #ith 8eneral Dong )heng, the State Hncle, conspired against him, but the plot #as discovered and my fello# conspirator suffered. Thencefor#ard I #as a #anderer and my loyalty availed nothing. It only allo#ed )ao )ao further license and liberty to do evil, till he dared even to accomplish the death of the 4mpress and the destruction of her sons. +lthough #e might band together and form associations, yet, #ith all our energy, #e had to recogniDe that #e #ere too #ea$ for #ar. !herefore the years passed and nothing #as accomplished. In constant fear of destruction, #e even fear more lest our duty to the state be forgotten. !a$ing and sleeping #e sighed, and our nights #ere times of anAiety. CFo# my fello#s consider that history has repeated itself. They attach the utmost importance to the family and #ould manifest it #ith all their might. *ereditary succession of rulers is still a principle. The rulers of "hou, ta$ing the t#o preceding dynasties as models, strengthened its clan(s position through all the states, and it reinforced itself #ith the support of the states of 9ing and "heng. !hen the great 3ounder of *an came into his o#n, he ennobled his #hole family #ith $ingships and lordships. ,ater, the dynasty had to issue a general command throughout the #hole of the nine regions in order to destroy the #idespread ,u 3amily and to enhance the ,iu 3amily%.

CFo# )ao )ao is an enemy of all rectitude, and his follo#ers are all evil. *is treachery is manifest. Since the members of the imperial clan are fe# and #ea$, the clan is not honored. *aving reflected upon the ancient models and being desirous of temporary alleviation, my fello#s have made me assume the title of 7rince of *anDhong #ith the addition of Regent 1arshal. CI have deeply considered these things. If one receives $indness from the Throne and accepts the responsibility for a portion of the state and fail, then such a fault #ould only be made the more serious by holding high ran$ and thereby increasing the burden of reproach. 'ut my fello#s have urged me, and they have convinced me that it #ould be right; and, should I refuse, the #ic$ed #ill not be destroyed and the danger to the state #ill not be removed. The temple of our ancestors is in danger, and the imperial prerogatives are failing. + faithful servant, #ho in the day of tribulation can underta$e a suitable policy #hereby to preserve the dynasty, should not refuse his help at any cost. !herefore I have yielded and accepted the position for the glory of the state. C*umbly I thin$ of such a title and its eAalted position and the favor vouchsafed me, and I #ould endeavor to sho# true gratitude. 1y anAiety is deep, for the responsibility is heavy. I am as one on the brin$ of a great gulf. I must surely eAert myself to the utmost and encourage my armies and lead all disciples of rectitude, in accordance #ith the #ill of *eaven and as occasion serves, to smite rebellion so as to restore the dynasty.C !hen this memorial reached )apital 2uchang, )ao )ao #as in the 7alace at Be>un, and it annoyed him greatly. C*o# dare this mean #eaver of stra# shoes behave thusGC said he. CFo# I s#ear that I #ill destroy him.C So he issued orders for the #hole force of the state to go out against the t#o River ,ands to #age fierce #ar #ith the ne# 7rince of *anDhong. 'ut a remonstrance came from the mouth of one man. C,et not the great 7rince of !ei trouble himself to go on a distant eApedition because of a temporary annoyance. I can propose a plan of #hich the eAecution #ill need not the bending of a single bo#, and yet it #ill ma$e ,iu 'ei bring do#n disaster upon his o#n head. !hen his army shall have become eAhausted, it #ill only be necessary to send one single general against him and victory #ill be ours.C )ao )ao loo$ed at the officer. It #as 3irst Secretary Sima Bi. C!hat is your eAalted vie#, my friendGC said )ao )ao. CSun &uan(s sister is #ife to ,iu 'ei, but Sun &uan has found an occasion to steal a#ay the bride. ,iu 'ei is in possession of 9ingDhou still, and he and Sun &uan are bitter enemies. Therefore send some able spea$er #ith a letter to !u to persuade the 1ar uis to send an army to recover

9ingDhou. That #ill dra# thither all the armies of Shu, #hen you can send your army to *anDhong. ,iu 'ei #ill be helpless, and his strength #ill be #asted.C The scheme pleased )ao )ao. *e at once dre# up a letter and sent it by the hand of 1an )hong, #ho soon arrived in !u. +s soon as Sun &uan $ne# of the mission, he summoned his advisers to consult. "hang "hao said, C!ei and !u are primarily enemies because of the dissension fomented by the #ords of "huge ,iang. !e have been fighting for several years, and many lives have been lost. Fo# this messenger has surely come to discuss terms of friendship, and he should be #elcomed.C On the strength of this, 1an )hong #as #ell received and conducted into the city and into the presence of Sun &uan. *e presented his letters at the conclusion of the ceremonies of reception and declared his mission. C!u and !ei have no fundamental uarrel, and their dissension has been brought about by ,iu 'ei. 1y master sends me to covenant #ith you for an attac$ on 9ingDhou, #hile he goes against *anDhong. This double attac$ being successful, the con uered regions can be divided bet#een us t#o, and #e can both s#ear to respect each other(s territory.C *aving read the letter, Sun &uan prepared a ban uet in honor of 1an )hong and then sent him to the guest6house to rest #hile he discussed the matter #ith his council of advisers. Said 8u Bong, C+lthough the messenger(s speech #as all special pleading, it #as correct in form. I propose that the messenger be allo#ed to return and that a covenant be made #ith )ao )ao for >oint attac$. In addition, let spies be sent over the 8reat River to find out 8uan Bu(s movements, and then #e may act.C "huge 9in said, CI hear that since 8uan Bu has been in 9ingDhou, ,iu 'ei has found him a #ife, #ho has borne him a son and a daughter. The daughter is too young to have been betrothed, #herefore let me go to as$ her in marriage #ith your heir. If 8uan Bu agrees, then #e can arrange #ith him to attac$ )ao )ao. If 8uan Bu refuses, then let us aid )ao )ao in an attac$ on 9ingDhou.C Sun &uan too$ this advice. So he sent 1an )hong a#ay and sent "huge 9in to 9ingDhou to try to arrange the betrothal. "huge 9in #as received. !hen the time came to state the reason for his coming, 8uan Bu as$ed him, C!hat have you come for, "huge 9inGC CI have come see$ing to ally the t#o houses. 1y master, the 1ar uis of !u, has a son #ho is uite clever. *earing that you have a daughter, 8eneral, I as$ her in marriage, hereby the t#o houses may >oin in an attac$ on )ao )ao. This #ould be an admirable result, and I pray you consider the proposal.C 'ut the #arrior flared up.

C*o# can a tiger(s daughter marry #ith a dog(s #helpG !ere it not for your brother, I #ould ta$e your head. Say no more=C 8uan Bu called his servants to hustle forth the hapless messenger, #ho ran a#ay #ith his hands over his head, too astonished to loo$ anyone in the face. +nd reaching his o#n place, he dared not hide the manner of his reception, but told the #hole truth. C!hat ruffianism=C eAclaimed the 1ar uis. Thereupon Sun &uan ordered the council again to consider an attac$ on 9ingDhou. 'u "hi rose and said, CIt has been long manifest that )ao )ao #ishes to usurp the Throne, but he is afraid of ,iu 'ei. Fo# #e are to attac$ Shu #ith an army, and so )ao )ao #ants to shift the misfortune to us indeed.C C'ut I also #ant the place,C said Sun &uan. Said 'u "hi, C)ao Ren is already camped at 3ancheng and 2iangyang and in no danger from the river. If )ao )ao can ta$e 9ingDhou by land, #hy does he not ta$e itG *o#ever, he #ants you, my lord, to send your army, and you can >udge his real intention from this. Send to )ao )ao and tell him to ma$e )ao Ren attac$ by land. Then 8uan Bu must ta$e the army from 9ingDhou to 3ancheng. !hen 8uan Bu has left 9ingDhou, you can send an army to seiDe it.C Sun &uan thought the scheme good and sent letters #ith these proposals to )ao )ao. )ao )ao adopted the plan, and having sent the messenger bac$ to the South ,and, he neAt sent 1an )hong to help )ao Ren at 3ancheng as +dviser in the matter of attac$. *e also sent dispatches to the South ,and to as$ for the assistance of Sun &uan(s marine force. *aving laid on !ei Ban the tas$ of holding the 4ast River ,and, the 7rince of *anDhong, #ith his officers, returned to )hengdu and began to set his ne# house in order. + 7alace #as begun and public guest6houses #ere built, and bet#een )hengdu and 'aishui, at selected places, they built four hundred rest6houses and post stations. The 7rince of *anDhong also set himself to accumulate great stores of grain and forage and to till his arsenals #ith #eapons #ith the design of mastering the capital in the north and the #hole empire. Then his spies told him of the treaty bet#een )ao )ao and Sun &uan, #ith designs upon 9ingDhou, and he hastily called in "huge ,iang to as$ #hat should be done. CI felt that )ao )ao #ould try to do this,C said "huge ,iang, Cand most of the advisers in the South ,and #ill persuade )ao )ao to order )ao Ren to begin the campaign.C C'ut #hat am I to doGC as$ed the 7rince. C3irst send a special messenger to 8uan Bu #ith his ne# title, telling him to capture 3ancheng, #hich #ill so damp the ardor of the enemy that they #ill brea$ off themselves.C

Therefore ,iu 'ei sent 3ei Shi, a minister from his 'oard of !ar, to ta$e the patent of the ne# title to 8uan Bu, #ho received the delegate #ith great deference and conducted him into the city. +fter they had arrived at the official residence, 8uan Bu in uired #hat ne# title had been conferred upon him. CThe first of the 3ive Tiger 8enerals,C replied 3ei Shi. C+nd #ho are the fiveGC CTheir names are 8uan Bu, "hang 3ei, "hao Bun, 1a )hao, and *uang "hong.C CThe second is my brother,C said 8uan Bu, C1a )hao comes of a famous family, and "hao Bun has been #ith my elder brother so long that he is as a brother. It is right for them to be put on a level #ith me. 'ut #hat sort of a man is this *uang "hong that he is ran$ed #ith usG The really great man does not stand shoulder to shoulder #ith any soldier that comes along.C +nd 8uan Bu refused both title and seal. CBou do #rong to refuse,C said 3ei Shi. COf old, 2iao *e% and )ao Shen% helped ,iu 'ang, the 3ounder of the *an Dynasty, in his great enterprise and #ere very dear friends, #hile *an 2in% #as but a runa#ay leader from )hu. Bet ,iu 'ang made *an 2in a prince, and so placed over the heads of the other t#o. I have never heard that these t#o resented it. The 7rince of *anDhong has his 3ive Tiger 8enerals, but he is still your brother and all that that means. +s his brother, you are he and he is you. Is there any comparison #ith any otherG The 7rince has al#ays treated you #ith the greatest $indness. Bou t#o are one in sorro# and >oy, sharers of disaster and good fortune. Fo such uestion as that of a mere title ought to rec$on at all. I pray you, Sir, reflect.C 8uan Bu understood, and than$ed 3ei Shi, saying, CBou have prevented me from ma$ing a great mista$e due to my ignorance.C 8uan Bu then received the seal #ith all humility. FeAt 3ei Shi produced the edict ordering the capture of 3ancheng. 8uan Bu lost no time in obeying its command. *e appointed 3u Shiren and 1i 3ang ,eaders of the Van to ta$e the first army out of the city into camp. This done, a ban uet #as prepared for 3ei Shi, and they sat late at their #ine. !hile still at table there #as an alarm of fire in the ne# camp, and 8uan Bu hastened out of the city to see. *e found that the t#o generals had also been feasting, and the fire had started behind their tent, a spar$ having fallen into some eAplosives, #hence it spread and destroyed the #hole camp and all that #as in it. 8uan Bu and his soldiers did #hat they could to put out the fire and then reentered the city. There 8uan Bu summoned the t#o generals before him, abused them for their lac$ of care, and sentenced them to death.

*o#ever, 3ei Shi interceded for them, saying, CIt is not #ell to put t#o leaders to death at the beginning of a campaign, before even the army has marched. Bou might reprieve them at least.C 8uan Bu(s anger had by no means subsided, but he recalled the t#o generals and said, C!ere it not that I have the greatest regard for )hairman 3ei Shi here, I had let the sentence ta$e its course. Fo# I #ill only flog you.C So the t#o officers received forty blo#s each and #ere degraded from leading the van. Their seals #ere ta$en a#ay, and 1i 3ang #as sent to Fan>un, 3u Shiren to 8ongan. CFo# be #arned,C said 8uan Bu. CIf, #hen I return from my victories, there is the least sign of disorder on your part, you #ill suffer for both faults.C The t#o men flushed crimson and #ent out. Then t#o ne# officers #ere appointed, ,iao *ua and 8uan 7ing. FeAt 8uan Bu too$ command of the main army, and he had t#o advisers6661a ,iang and Bi 9i. Then it #as that *u *ua(s son, *u 'an, came to 9ingDhou and >oined 8uan Bu, #ho loved him for the sa$e of his father and the good service *u 'an had rendered #hen he saved 8uan Bu. 8uan Bu sent *u 'an to the 7rince of *anDhong in the train of 3ei Shi. The day that 8uan Bu sacrificed to his standard before starting, he #as lying in his tent resting #hen suddenly there dashed into his tent a huge boar, very large, as big as a bulloc$ and uite blac$. It bit his foot. *e >umped up to $ill the creature, #hen it s uealed #ith the sound of tearing cloth666and he a#o$e. It #as a dream, but he had a pain in his foot. The dream perpleAed him, and he could not eAplain it. *e related it to his son, #ho interpreted it happily, saying, CThe boar is a royal beast, li$e the dragon, and coming to your feet means a rise of your dignity.C !hen the dream got noised abroad, for he told his officers, some interpreted it as auspicious and some the reverse. C!hen a person nears siAty, he ought not to be greatly disturbed by the thought of death,C said 8uan Bu. C+fter all, I am a #arrior.C 9ust about that time came an edict from the 7rince of *anDhong ma$ing him )ommanding 8eneral, #ith honorable insignia of ran$ and control over the nine territories of forty6one counties in 9ingDhou. !hen the officers congratulated him on his ne# honors, they did not forget the dream. CThis sho#s #hat a dream of boars means.C This ne# distinction pleased 8uan Bu greatly, and he had no more perpleAing doubts. Soon he marched a#ay along the great road to the point of danger.

)ao Ren #as in 2iangyang #hen he heard that 8uan Bu #as coming against him. *e #as much put about, and inclined to trust solely to defense. 'ut his neAt command, "hai Buan, did not support this course and argued against it. CThe 7rince of !ei has ordered you to act in concert #ith !u and ta$e 9ingDhou. 3or the other side to come against such a combination is to #al$ in the #ay of death. )ertainly #e have no occasion to avoid a conflict.C On the other hand the ne#ly sent +dviser 1an )hong inculcated caution. Said he, C8uan Bu is brave and cunning and one not to be met lightly. I thin$ defense is best.C Then 8eneral 2iahou )un said contemptuously, CThis is all the tal$ of a lot of boo$6fol$s. !hen the flood approaches, ban$ up to $eep it out. ,et the enemy come #ith their tired soldiers, and #e shall go out, defeat them, and receive our re#ard, for #e are sure of victory.C )ao Ren #as #on over to the side of those of action. *e placed 1an )hong in command of the defenses of 3ancheng, #hile he #ent outside to beat off 8uan Bu. !hen the t#o forces met, 8uan Bu called to his side 8uan 7ing and ,iao *ua, to #hom he gave certain orders. These t#o advanced, settled their array, and ,iao *ua then rode out and offered a challenge. "hai Buan accepted it. 'ut soon after the combat began, ,iao *ua made as if he #as defeated and turned to leave the field. "hai Buan #ent after him. The 9ingDhou troops retired seven miles or so. Soon the 9ingDhou soldiers came again and offered battle, #hen 2iahou )un and "hai Buan both #ent out. The maneuver of the preceding day #as repeated, and the 9ingDhou army retreated another seven miles. 'ut suddenly there #as a detonation behind the army of )ao )ao, and the rolling of drums as for attac$. )ao Ren hastily called upon his troops to return. They did so; but 8uan 7ing and ,iao *ua then turned and follo#ed on their heels so that the troops of )ao )ao #ere thro#n into confusion. )ao Ren by this time had seen that a trap had been laid and he had fallen therein, so he hastily marched #ith one army to 2iangyang. *e got to #ithin a short distance of the city #hen he sa# before him a handsome banner #aving in the #ind, and out came 8uan Bu #ith his green6dragon saber ready to slay. )ao Ren #as po#erless from fear, and, fighting being impossible, he turned off into a bye6road for 2iangyang. Then 2iahou )un came. *e fell into a rage at the sight of the old #arrior and #ent to fight him. 'ut 2iahou )un #as slain in the first encounter. "hai Buan fled, but 8uan 7ing pursued and sle# him. Then the pursuit #as continued, and the loss of )ao )ao(s side #as very heavy. 1ore than half #ere dro#ned in River 2iang. Seeing the situation #as desperate, )ao Ren fled to 3ancheng. 8uan Bu got possession of 2iangyang. CBou have obtained this city very easily,C said the 1arching 8eneral, !ang 3u, Cbut the tas$ is not ended. )ao )ao(s army have been beaten and their courage bro$en, but there is danger from the

side of !u. ,u 1eng is at ,u$ou, and he has long cherished the desire to lay hands on 9ingDhou. Suppose he no# attac$s@ !hat #ill happenGC CI #as even thin$ing of that myself. Bou may go and attend to this matter. Bou #ill certainly be able to find certain elevated spots on the river ban$, about seven miles apart, suitable for alarm beacons, #hence could be signaled any attempt of the marines of !u to cross the river. 3ifty soldiers could guard each station. ,et there be a flame by night and a smo$e by day. If they cross the river, I must go and smite them.C !ang 3u replied, C3u Shiren and 1i 3ang are defending important places, but they may not be able to defend the 7asses #ell. There ought to be a commander6in6chief over 9ingDhou )ity.C CThere is no need for anAiety. +rmy Inspector 7an 9un is guarding the city.C CThe ob>ection is the character of 7an 9un. *e is >ealous and selfish and not a fit person for the tas$. I thin$ you #ould do #ell to replace him by "hao ,ei, no# of the )hief of the )ommissariat. "hao ,ei is loyal, trusty, clean6handed, and straight, a much more desirable man for the post.C CI $no# 7an 9un very #ell, but I have delegated him for that duty and cannot change no#. The #or$ "hao ,ei has to do in the supplies is also most important. I do not thin$ you need be anAious. 9ust get along #ith those beacons for me.C !ang 3u, disappointed, too$ his leave. Then 8uan 7ing #as bidden to prepare ships ready to cross the river and attac$ 3ancheng, #hither )ao Ren had retired after his defeat. Fo# )ao Ren said to 1an )hong, CFeglecting your advice, I lost soldiers, t#o generals, and the city of 2iangyang. !hat am I to do no#GC C8uan Bu is very dangerous, too brave and s$illful for us to try to defeat. !e had better remain on the defensive,C replied 1an )hong. 9ust about this time came the tidings that 8uan Bu #as crossing the river on the #ay to attac$. 1an )hong maintained his policy of defense. 'ut one of )ao Ren(s generals, ,u )hang, #as for going out to meet the enemy. CI as$ for a fe# thousand troops,C said ,u )hang, Cand I #ill meet the enemy on the #ay.C CBou cannot do any good,C said 1an )hong. C+ccording to the advice of you and the other boo$ish officials, there is only one thing to do. 'ut #ill defense drive off the enemyG The proper #ay is to attac$ your enemy #hile he is crossing a river, and as 8uan Bu is doing that no#, #hy not attac$G It #ill be uite another matter if you let him reach the #alls and get possession of the moat.C

+s a result of his arguments and protest, ,u )hang got command of t#o thousand troops, #hom he led to the river. +nd there he found 8uan Bu already arrayed for battle. 8uan Bu at once rode out, and the bold ,u )hang #as going to attac$ him. 'ut his soldiers #ere panic6stric$en at the sight of 8uan Bu(s fierce countenance and ran a#ay. ,u )hang called them to come bac$, but they #ould not stop, and as 8uan Bu came on #ith a rush, the army of !ei again lost the day. 1any #ere slain, and the remainder ran into 3ancheng. )ao Ren sent off a hasty messenger for help and a letter to 2uchang to tell #hat 8uan Bu had done and ho# 3ancheng #as in imminent danger of falling. The letter reached )ao )ao, #ho chose a certain general among his leaders and assigned the tas$, CBou go and defend 3ancheng=C The man at once stepped out and accepted the assignment. *e #as Bu 9in. C,et me have another general to lead the van,C said Bu 9in. C!ho volunteersGC as$ed )ao )ao, loo$ing around. CI do=C cried a man, CI #ill give my poor services for #hat they are #orth. +nd I #ill capture this fello# 8uan Bu and bring him as an offering before your standard.C The soldiers of !ei began the #ar 4ven before !u had sent out armies. 'ut #ho #as the man bold enough to say he #ould capture 8uan BuG 3or his name see the neAt chapter. Chapter 6/ Pang *e Ta5es His Co!!in To The Fie#d; G&an +& *rowns The Seven 1rmies' The bold and self6confident leader of )ao )ao(s army #ho promised to ma$e an end of 8uan Bu #as 7ang De. )ao )ao #as glad to find such a man. CThat fello# 8uan Bu has a great reputation, and in the #hole empire he has no rival. *e has not met his match yet, but no# you are going, he #ill find all his #or$ cut out.C So spo$e )ao )ao. *e conferred on Bu 9in the title of 8eneral !ho )orrects the South and on 7ang De that of 8eneral !ho )orrects the !est, and he made 7ang De ,eader of the Van. The t#o generals marched out #ith their seven armies to 3ancheng. These seven armies #ere composed of sturdy fello#s from the north, led by t#o of their o#n 1arching )ommanders named Dong *eng and Dong )hao. *earing #ho #as to command them,

these t#o, supported by their generals, #ent to see Bu 9in and represented that the ,eader of the Van #as unsuitable. Dong *eng said, CSir 8eneral, the eApedition you lead is for the relief of 3ancheng, and it can confidently eApect victory. 'ut is it #ise to place such as 7ang De in command of the vanGC C!hyGC said Bu 9in, surprised. C'ecause 7ang De #as once under the command of 1a )hao. *e had no alternative but to surrender and fight for !ei. 'ut his former chief is no# in high honor in Shu, one of the 3ive Tiger 8enerals, and his o#n brother 7ang Rou is there, too, as an officer. To send 7ang De as ,eader of the Van >ust no# seems li$e trying to eAtinguish a fire #ith oil. !ould it not be #ell to inform the 7rince of !ei and as$ him to eAchange this man for anotherGC !ithout further argument or delay, Bu 9in #ent to see the 7rince and laid before him the ob>ections to 7ang De(s appointment. +s soon as )ao )ao understood, he summoned 7ang De to the steps and bade him yield his seal as ,eader of the Van. CO 7rince, #hy do you re>ect my servicesG I #as >ust about to do my best for you.C CI do not doubt you, but 1a )hao is no# in the #est, and your brother also666both in the service of ,iu 'ei. I myself have no doubts, but it is #hat all the cro#d are saying. !hat can I doGC 7ang De too$ off his headdress and prostrated himself, bitter tears rolling do#n his chee$s. CSince I surrendered to you, O 7rince, I have eAperienced much $indness, so that I #ould undergo any sufferings to sho# my gratitude. I hope you #ill trust me. !hen my brother and I #ere at home together, his #ife #as a #ic$ed #oman, and I sle# her #hile I #as drun$. 1y brother has never forgiven me, but is permeated #ith hate for me. *e s#ears never to see me again, and #e are enemies. 3or my old master, 1a )hao, I have profound contempt. *e is bold, but only that, and #as in a pitiable and de>ected state #hen he found his #ay to the #est. Fo#, li$e me, he serves his o#n master, but our friendship is at an end. *o# could I thin$ of another after your $indness to meGC )ao )ao raised 7ang De from the ground and soothed him, saying, CI have al#ays $no#n #hat a noble man you are, and #hat I said >ust no# #as to satisfy the feelings of other people. Fo# you can strive to #in fame. If you do not turn your bac$ on me, I shall not on you.C Then 7ang De too$ his leave and returned to his house, #here he ordered the artificers to ma$e him a coffin. FeAt he invited all his friends to a ban uet, and the coffin #as set out in the reception room for all to see. +nd they as$ed one another, C!hat can that inauspicious thing mean putting out on the eve of a campaignGC

'y and by, drin$ing to them, 7ang De said, CThe 7rince of !ei has been generous to me, and I am pledged to sho# my gratitude to the death. I am about to go out against this 8uan Bu, and I have to $ill him or he must $ill me. If he does not $ill me, I must commit suicide, and so I have prepared #hat is necessary. I #ill not return leaving my tas$ unachieved.C The terrible omen saddened the guests, and they fell to sighing. Then 7ang De called in his #ife, ,ady ,i, and bade her bring their son 7ang *ui, #hom he commended to her care. CI have been appointed ,eader of the Van of this ne# eApedition against 8uan Bu, and my duty bids me see$ death or glory on the battlefield. If I die, our son is in your special care. +las, the child has been born ill6starred, and #hen he gro#s up he #ill have to avenge a father.C 'oth mother and son #ept as they bade him fare#ell. !hen the army marched, the coffin #as carried in its train. 7ang De bade his officers, saying, CI #ill fight to the end #ith 8uan Bu. 7lace my body therein if I fall in combat. +nd if I slay him, then #ill I bring his head in this coffin as an offering to our 7rince.C Then out spo$e his five hundred veterans and said, CIf you are li$e this, O 8eneral, then #e also #ill follo# you to the end.C The vanguard then marched a#ay. + certain man told the story of these happenings to )ao )ao, #ho #as very pleased, saying, CI have no anAiety #ith such a general to lead my armies.C 'ut 9ia 2u said, CI am anAious for 7ang De(s safety. *e is over6bold and imprudent to fight #ith 8uan Bu to the death.C )ao )ao thought such an act #ould be un#ise, and he hastily sent a messenger #ith an edict #arning 7ang De against his antagonist. CThis 8uan Bu lac$s neither cunning nor valor. Bou are to be most cautious in engaging him. If you can con uer, then con uer; but if there be any doubt, remain on the defensive.C C*o# highly does our 7rince regard this fello# 8uan Bu=C said 7ang De to his officers #hen he heard this ne# command. C'ut I thin$ I shall be able to ta$e the $een edge off his thirty6year reputation.C CThe command of the 7rince is to be obeyed,C said Bu 9in. 7ang De hastened to 3ancheng in all the pomp and panoply of #ar, his gongs clanging, his drums rolling as he marched.

8uan Bu #as sitting in his tent #hen his spies came to report@ CSeven armies of the north under Bu 9in are approaching. They are ten miles a#ay. The Van ,eader is 7ang De, #ho brings #ith him a coffin. +s he marches, he slanders you, 8eneral, and vo#s to fight a decisive battle #ith you.C Rage too$ possession of 8uan Bu. *is face changed color, his beard shoo$, and he roared out, CThere is never a fighting man in all the #orld #ho has heard my name #ithout trembling. Does this fello# dare disdain meGC Then he ordered 8uan 7ing to attac$ 3ancheng #hile he #ent out to stay the impudent boaster #ho dared him. C3ather,C said 8uan 7ing, CTaishan 1ountain in its ma>esty does not uarrel #ith a pebble. ,et me go and fight this 7ang De.C C!ell, my son, go and try. I #ill support you.C So 8uan 7ing too$ his s#ord, mounted his steed, and #ent out #ith his troops. 'oth sides being dra#n up for battle. On the side of !ei there fle# a single blac$ flag on #hich #as inscribed 7ang De, )orrector of the !est in #hite. The leader himself #ore a blue robe #ith a silver helmet and rode a #hite charger. *e stood out in front bac$ed by his five hundred veterans, and a fe# foot soldiers #ere there too, bearing the gruesome coffin. 8uan 7ing #as very angry, crying out, CTurncoat= Traitor=C C!ho is thatGC as$ed 7ang De of his follo#ers. + certain one replied, CThat is 8uan Bu(s adopted son, 8uan 7ing.C 7ang De cried, CI have an edict from the 7rince of !ei to ta$e your father(s head. Bou are but a #ea$ling, and I #ill spare you. 'ut call your father=C 8uan 7ing dashed for#ard flourishing his s#ord. 7ang De #ent to meet him, and there follo#ed thirty odd bouts #ith no advantage to either. 'oth sides then dre# off to rest. Soon the ne#s of this combat reached 8uan Bu, and he #as not pleased. *e sent ,iao *ua to assault the city #hile he #ent to do battle #ith 7ang De. 8uan 7ing met his father and related the story of the indecisive fight. So 8uan Bu rode out #ith his green6dragon saber ready, and he shouted to 7ang De, C)ome uic$ly and be slain=C The drums reechoed as 7ang De rode out and replied, CThe edict from the 7rince of !ei tells me to ta$e your head. In case you disbelieve it, here is the coffin ready to receive it. If you fear death, do#n from your horse and surrender=C

CI hold you for a simple fool,C cried 8uan Bu. C!hat can you doG It is a pity to stain my blade #ith the blood of such a rat.C Then he galloped Red *are out to#ard 7ang De, flourishing the saber. 7ang De #hirled his blade and came to meet him, and they t#o fought a hundred bouts. +nd as they fought, the lust of battle seemed to gro# and both armies #ere lost in amaDement. 'ut the army of !ei began to fear for their champion, and the gongs sounded the retirement. +t the same time 8uan 7ing began to thin$ of his father(s fatigue, and his gongs clanged too. So that both armies dre# off at the same time. C7eople rumor 8uan Bu is a mighty man of #ar. Today I really believe that,C said 7ang De, #hen he had got bac$ among his o#n line. Then his chief, Bu 9in, came to see him and said, CO 8eneral, you fought the great combat of a hundred bouts, #hich ended indecisively. I thin$ it #ould be prudent to retire out of his #ay, and therefore blunting his spirit.C 'ut 7ang De replied haughtily, C!hat ma$es you so softG Bet the 7rince gave you the command of the seven armies= 'ut tomorro# I #ill fight again and that to the death. I s#ear I #ill never give #ay.C Bu 9in could not overcome 7ang De(s decision, so he #ent bac$ to his o#n camp. !hen 8uan Bu had got bac$ to his camp, he eAtolled 7ang De, saying, C*is s#ordsmanship is perfect. *e is my #orthy enemy.C CThe ne#6born calf fears not the tiger,C said 8uan 7ing. C'ut if you slay this fello#, my father, you have only $illed a common soldier of the &iang tribes beyond the frontier. If any accident occurs, then you #ill have the reproach of not having considered your brother(s charge.C C*o# can my resentment be assuaged save by the death of this manGC returned 8uan Bu. CI have decided to fight, so say no more.C FeAt day 8uan Bu too$ the field first, and 7ang De uic$ly came out. 'oth arrayed their troops and then #ent to the front at the same moment. This time neither spo$e, but the combat began forth#ith. It #ent on for fifty bouts, and then 7ang De pulled his horse, sheathed his s#ord, and fled. 8uan Bu #ent in pursuit, and 8uan 7ing follo#ed lest there should be need of him. 8uan Bu roared out reviling to his flying foe, CTraitor= Bou #ant to use the (s#inging6horse stab(, but here I am, never afraid of that.C 'ut the fact #as that 7ang De had only pretended to try for a foul stro$e in order to cover a resort to his bo#. *e pulled in his horse, fitted an arro# to the string, and #as >ust on the point of shooting #hen 8uan 7ing, #ho #as sharp6eyed, shouted out a #arning.

CThe bandit is going to shoot=C 8uan Bu sa# it, but the bo#string t#anged, and the arro# came flying. *e #as not nimble enough to avoid it, and it #ounded his left arm. 8uan 7ing at once #ent to his father(s assistance and led him a#ay to the camp. 7ang De #ished to follo# up this advantage and came bac$ #hirling his s#ord, but, ere he could stri$e, the gongs of his o#n side rang out. *e thought there #as something amiss in the rear and stopped. The signal for retreat had been sounded by Bu 9in out of >ealousy, for he had seen that 8uan Bu had been #ounded, and he grudged his colleague the glory #hich #ould eclipse his o#n. 7ang De obeyed, but #hen he got bac$, he #anted to $no# #hy retreat had been sounded on the very verge of a great success. C!hy did the gongs clangGC as$ed 7ang De. C'ecause of our 7rince(s #arning. Though 8uan Bu #as #ounded, I feared some tric$ on his part. *e is very cunning.C CI should have $illed him if you had not done that,C said 7ang De. C*aste ma$es slo# going. Bou can postpone your fight #ith him,C said Bu 9in. 7ang De, though ignorant of the real reason #hy he #as made to miss success at the critical moment, #as still very veAed. 8uan Bu #ent bac$ to camp, and the arro#6head #as puled out of the #ound. *appily it had not penetrated very deeply, and the usual remedies against in>uries by metal #ere applied. 8uan Bu #as very bitter against his enemy and declared, CI s#ear I #ill have my revenge for this arro#.C CFever mind anything but recovering no#,C said his officers. CRest and get #ell; then you may fight again. 'efore long, 7ang De rene#ed his challenge, and 8uan Bu #as for going out to fight; ho#ever, he yielded to the entreaties of his officers. +nd #hen 7ang De set his soldiers to reviling the #arrior, 8uan 7ing sa# to it that his father never heard it. +fter ten days of challenges hurled uselessly at an army that ignored them, 7ang De too$ council #ith Bu 9in. C4vidently 8uan Bu is helpless from the effects of that arro#6#ound. !e ought to advance all our seven armies against him #hile he is ill and destroy his camp. Thereby #e shall relieve 3ancheng.C Thus spo$e 7ang De, but >ealousy of the glory that might accrue to his neAt in command again made Bu 9in urge caution and obedience to the command of the 7rince of !ei. Bu 9in refused to

move his army in spite of 7ang De(s repeated persuasion. Still more, Bu 9in led the armies to a ne# camping ground behind the hills some three miles north of 3ancheng. There his o#n army prevented communication by the main road, #hile he sent 7ang De into a valley in the rear so that 7ang De could do nothing. To 8uan 7ing(s great >oy, 8uan Bu(s #ound soon healed. Soon after they heard of Bu 9in(s ne# camp, and as 8uan 7ing could assign no reason for the change, and suspected some ruse, he told his father, #ho #ent up to a high place to reconnoiter. ,oo$ing round, 8uan Bu noted that there seemed much slac$ness about everything666from flags to soldiers666in 3ancheng, that the relief armies #ere camped in a valley to the north, and that River 2iang seemed to run very s#iftly. +fter impressing the topography on his mind, he called the guides and as$ed the name of the gully about three miles north of the city. C"eng$ou Stream,C #as the reply. *e chuc$led. CI shall capture Bu 9in,C said he. Those #ith him as$ed ho# he $ne# that. *e replied, C!hy, ho# can any fish last long in such a trapGC Those in his train gave but little #eight to #hat he said, and presently he #ent bac$ to his o#n tent. It #as >ust then the time for the autumn rains, and a heavy do#npour came on, lasting several days. Orders #ere given to get ready boats and rafts and such things. 8uan 7ing could not thin$ #hat such preparations meant in a dry land campaign. So he as$ed his father. CDo you not $no# evenGC replied his father. COur enemies have camped in difficult ground instead of the open country and are cro#ded in the dangerous valley there. +fter some days of this rain, River 2iang #ill s#ell, and I shall send people to dam up all the outlets and so let the #ater rise very high. !hen at its highest, I shall open the dams and let the #ater out over 3ancheng. That valley #ill be flooded too, and all the soldiers #ill become a uatic animals.C The !ei armies had camped in the gully, and after several days of heavy rain, +rmy Inspector )heng *e ventured to spea$ to his commander. *e said, CThe army is camped near the mouth of a stream in a depression. There are hills around us, but they are too far off to $eep the #ater a#ay. Our soldiers are already suffering from these heavy rains, and, moreover, they say the 9ingDhou troops have moved to higher ground. 1ore than that, at River *an they are preparing boats and rafts so that they can ta$e advantage of the floods if there are any. Our army #ill be in great danger, and something should be done.C

'ut Bu 9in scoffed at his #ords, saying, CBou fool= Do you #ant to in>ure the spirit of our soldiersG Tal$ no more, or your head #ill be fallen.C )heng *e #ent a#ay greatly ashamed. Then )heng *e #ent to 7ang De, #ho sa# the force of his #ords and said, C!hat you said is eAcellent. If Bu 9in #ill not move camp tomorro#, I myself #ill do so.C So )heng *e left it at that. That night there came a great storm. +s 7ang De sat in his tent, he heard the sound as of ten thousand horses in stampede and a roar as of the drums of #ar seeming to sha$e the earth. *e #as alarmed, left his tent, and mounted his charger to go and see #hat it meant. Then he sa# the rolling #aters coming in from every side and the seven armies flying from the flood, #hich speedily rose to the height of ten spans. Bu 9in, 7ang De, and several other officers sought safety by rushing up the hills. +s day da#ned, 8uan Bu and his marines came along in large boats #ith flags flying and drums beating. Bu 9in sa# no #ay of escape, and his follo#ing #as reduced to about fifty or siAty soldiers. They all said they surrendered. 8uan Bu made them strip and then too$ them on board. +fter that he #ent to capture 7ang De, #ho #as standing on a hilloc$ #ith Dong *eng, Dong )hao, )heng *e, and his five hundred troops, all #ithout armors. 7ang De sa# his archenemy approach #ithout a sign of fear, and even #ent boldly to meet him. 8uan Bu surrounded the party #ith his boats, and the archers began to shoot. !hen more than half the troops had been struc$ do#n, the survivors became desperate. Dong *eng and Dong )hao pressed their chief to give in, saying, C!e have lost more than half of our men. Surrender is the only course=C 'ut 7ang De only raged, saying, CI have received great $indness from the 7rince. Thin$ you that I #ill bo# the head to any otherGC 7ang De cut do#n Dong *eng and Dong )hao right in the battlefield and then shouted, C+nyone #ho says surrender shall be as these t#o=C So the survivors made a desperate effort to beat off their enemies, and they held their o#n up to midday. Then 8uan Bu(s marines redoubled their efforts, and the arro#s and stones rained do#n upon the defenders, #ho fought desperately hand to hand #ith their assailants. CThe valorous leader fears death less than desertion; the brave #arrior does not brea$ faith to save his life=C cried 7ang De. CThis is the day of my death, but I #ill fight on to the last. +nd you, 8eneral, should fight to your end, too.C

So )heng *e pressed on till he fell into the #ater by an arro# of 8uan Bu, and then the soldiers yielded. 7ang De fought on. Then one of the boats happened to close in to the ban$. !ith a tremendous leap 7ang De lighted on it and slashed at the marines, $illing ten of them. The others >umped overboard and s#am a#ay. Then 7ang De one hand still holding his s#ord, tried to maneuver the boat across the river to 3ancheng. 'ut there came drifting do#n a raft, #hich collided #ith and upset his boat so that he #as struggling in the #ater. FeAt a general on the raft >umped into the #ater, gripped him, put him on the boat again. The captor #as "hou )ang, a s$illful #aterman #ho, having lived in 9ingDhou for many years, #as thoroughly eApert in boat navigation. 'eside, he #as very po#erful and so #as able to ma$e 7ang De a prisoner. In this flood perished the #hole of the seven armies, eAcept the fe# that saved themselves by s#imming. These latter, having no #ay of escape, surrendered to the victors. In the depth of night rolled the #ar drums, Summoning the #arriors as to battle; 'ut the enemy #as no man, 3or the #aters had risen and the flood came. This #as the plan of 8uan Bu, the crafty, To dro#n his enemies. 1ore than human #as he in cunning. The ages hand on his fame +s his glory #as told in his o#n day. 8uan Bu then returned to the higher ground, #here his tent #as pitched and therein too$ his seat to receive his prisoners. The lictors brought up Bu 9in, #ho prostrated himself humbly. C*o# dared you thin$ to oppose meG To eAecute you #ould be li$e $illing a hog. It #ould be soiling #eapons for nothing,C said 8uan Bu, stro$ing his beard. Bu 9in #as hound and sent to the prison in 9ingDhou. CI #ill decide your fate #hen I return,C said 8uan Bu. The general having thus dealt #ith the chief, 7ang De #as sent for. *e came, pride and anger flashing from his eyes. *e did not $neel but stood boldly erect. CBou have a brother in *anDhong, and your old chief #as 1a )hao, also in high honor in Shu. !ould you not better >oin themGC CRather than surrender to you, I #ould perish beneath the s#ord,C cried 7ang De.

*e reviled his captors #ithout ceasing till, losing patience at last, 8uan Bu sent him to his death. 7ang De #as beheaded. *e stretched out his nec$ for the headsman(s s#ord. Out of pity he #as honorably buried. The floods #ere still out, and ta$ing advantage of them, the troops of 9ingDhou boarded the boats to move to#ard 3ancheng, #hich no# stood out as a mere island #ith #aves brea$ing against the #alls. The force of the #aters being great, the city #all #as beginning to give #ay, and the #hole population, male and female, aged and young, #ere carrying mud and bric$s to strengthen it. Their efforts seemed vain, and the leaders of )ao )ao(s army #ere very desperate. Some of the generals #ent to see )ao Ren, #ho said, CFo ordinary person(s strength can fend off today(s danger. If #e can hold out till nightfall, #e may escape by boat. !e shall lose the city, but #e shall save our s$ins.C 'ut 1an )hong interposed before the boats could be got ready. *e said, CFo= Fo= Though the force of these mountainous #aters is great, #e only have to #ait ten days or so, and the flood #ill have passed. Though 8uan Bu has not assaulted this city, yet he has sent another army to 9iaAia, #hich indicates he dares not advance lest #e should fall upon his rear. Remember, too, that to retire from this city means the abandonment of everything south of the Bello# River. Therefore I decide that you defend this place.C )ao Ren saluted 1an )hong as he concluded his harangue, saying, C!hat a tremendous error I should have committed had it not been for you, Sir=C Then riding his #hite charger he #ent up on the city #alls, gathered his officers around him, and pledged himself not to surrender. CThe 7rince(s command being to defend this city, I shall defend it to the last. +nd I shall put to death anyone #ho even mentions abandonment,C said he. C+nd #e desire to defend it to out last gasp,C chimed in his officers. Then they sa# to it that the means of offense #ere good. 1any hundreds of archers and crossbo#men #ere stationed on the #all and $ept #atch night and day. The old and the young of ordinary people #ere made to carry earth and stones to strengthen the #all. +fter some ten days the flood #as at an end. Then the ne#s of 8uan Bu(s success against the !ei campaign got abroad, and the terror of his name spread #ider and #ider. +bout the same time, too, his second son, 8uan 2ing, came to visit his father in camp. 8uan Bu thought this a good opportunity to send his report of success to )apital )hengdu and entrusted to 8uan 2ing a dispatch mentioning each officer(s services and re uesting promotion for them. 8uan 2ing accordingly too$ leave of his father and left.

+fter 8uan 2ing(s departure, the army #as divided into t#o halves, one under 8uan Bu to attac$ 3ancheng, and the other to go to 9iaAia. One day 8uan Bu rode over to the north gate. *alting his steed, he pointed #ith his #hip to#ard the defenders on the #all, and called out, CBou lot of rats #ill not give in then= !hat are you #aiting forGC )ao Ren, #ho #as among his soldiers on the #all, sa# that 8uan Bu had no armor on, so he ordered his men to shoot. The archers and bo#men at once sent a great flight of arro#s and bolts that #ay. 8uan Bu hastily pulled the reins to retire, but an arro# struc$ him in the arm. The shoc$ of the blo# made him turn in the saddle, and he fell from his horse. 9ust no# a mighty army perished 'y the river(s overflo#; + crossbo# bolt from the city #all ,ays a valiant #arrior lo#. !hat further befell 8uan Bu #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 62 G&an +& Has 1 ScrapedABone S&rger4; -& =eng Crosses The ,iver In White ,o.e' +t the sight of 8uan Bu falling from his charger, )ao Ren led his army out of the city to follo# up #ith an attac$, but 8uan 7ing drove him off and escorted his father bac$ to camp. There the arro# #as eAtracted, but the arro# head had been poisoned. The #ound #as deep, and the poison had penetrated to the bone. The right arm #as discolored and s#ollen and useless. 8uan 7ing consulted #ith the other leaders and proposed, saying, C+s fighting is impossible for the moment, #e should #ithdra# to 9ingDhou, #here my father(s #ound can be treated.C *aving decided upon this, they #ent to see the #ounded #arrior. C!hat have you come forGC as$ed 8uan Bu #hen they entered. C)onsidering that you, Sir, have been #ounded in the right arm, #e fear the result of the eAcitement of battle. 1oreover, you can hardly ta$e part in a fight >ust no#, and #e therefore propose that the army retire till you are recovered.C 8uan Bu replied angrily, CI am on the point of ta$ing the city, and if I succeed, I must press for#ard to )apital 2uchang, and destroy that brigand )ao )ao, so that the *ans may be restored to their o#n. Thin$ you that I can vitiate the #hole campaign because of a slight #oundG !ould you dishearten the armyGC

8uan 7ing and his colleagues said no more, but some#hat un#illingly #ithdre#. Seeing that their leader #ould not retire and the #ound sho#ed no signs of healing, the various generals in uired far and near for a good surgeon to attend their general. One day a person arrived in a small ship and, having landed and come up to the gate of the camp, #as led in to see 8uan 7ing. The visitor #ore a s uare6cut cap and a loose robe. In his hand he carried a small blac$ bag. *e said, C1y name is *ua Tuo, and I belong to &iao. I have heard of the #ound sustained by the famous general and have come to heal it.C CSurely you must be the physician #ho treated "hou Tai in the South ,and,C said 8uan 7ing. CI am.C Ta$ing #ith him the other generals, 8uan 7ing #ent in to see his father. 8uan Bu #as engaging in a game of chess #ith 1a ,iang, although his arm #as very painful. 'ut 8uan Bu $ept up appearances so as not to discourage the troops. !hen they told him that a physician had come, he consented to see him. *ua Tuo #as introduced, as$ed to ta$e a seat and, after the tea of ceremony, #as sho#n the in>ured arm. CThis #as caused by an arro#,C said the doctor. CThere is poison in the #ound, and it has penetrated to the bone. Hnless the #ound is soon treated, the arm #ill become useless.C C!hat do you propose to doGC as$ed 8uan Bu. CI $no# ho# to cure the #ound, but I thin$ you #ill be afraid of the remedy.C C+m I li$ely to be afraid of that #hen I am not even afraid of deathG Death is only a return home after all.C Then *ua Tuo said, CThis is #hat I shall do. In a private room I shall erect a post #ith a steel ring attached. I shall as$ you, Sir, to insert your arm in the ring, and I shall bind it firmly to the post. Then I shall cover your head #ith a uilt so that you cannot see, and #ith a scalpel I shall open up the flesh right do#n to the bone. Then I shall scrape a#ay the poison. This done, I shall dress the #ound #ith a certain preparation, se# it up #ith a thread, and there #ill be no further trouble. 'ut I thin$ you may uail at the severity of the treatment.C 8uan Bu smiled. CIt all sounds easy enough,C said he. C'ut #hy the post and the ringGC

Refreshments #ere then served, and after a fe# cups of #ine, the #arrior eAtended his arm for the operation. !ith his other hand he #ent on #ith his game of chess. 1ean#hile the surgeon prepared his $nife and called a lad to hold a basin beneath the limb. CI am >ust going to cut. Do not start,C said *ua Tuo. C!hen I consented to undergo the treatment, did you thin$ I #as afraid of painGC The surgeon then performed the operation as he had pre6described. *e found the bone much discolored, but he scraped it clean. !hen the $nife #ent over the surface of the bone and made horrible sounds, all those near covered their eyes and turned pale. 'ut 8uan Bu #ent on #ith his game, only drin$ing a cup of #ine no# and again, and his face betrayed no sign of pain. !hen the #ound had been cleansed, se#n up and dressed, the patient stood up smiling and said, CThis arm is no# as good as it ever #as. There is no pain. Indeed, 1aster, you are a marvel.C CI have spent my life in the art,C said *ua Tuo, Cbut I have never seen such a patient as you, Sir. Bou are as if not from the earth but heaven.C *ere as surgeons, there physicians, all boast their s$ill; 'itter fe# are those that cure one #hen one(s really ill. +s for superhuman valor rivals 8uan Bu had none, So for holy touch in healing *ua Tuo stood alone. !hen the cure #as #ell advanced, 8uan Bu gave a fine ban uet in honor of *ua Tuo and offered him a fee of a hundred ounces of gold. 'ut *ua Tuo declined it, saying, CI had come to treat you, O 8eneral, from admiration of your great virtue and not for money. +lthough your #ound is cured, you must be careful of your health, and especially avoid all eAcitement for a hundred days, #hen you #ill be as #ell as ever you #ere.C Then *ua Tuo, having prepared dressings for the #ound, too$ his leave, refusing fees to the very last. *aving captured Bu 9in and accomplished the death of 7ang De, 8uan Bu became more famous and more fear6inspiring through the empire than even before. )ao )ao called together his advisers to help him decide upon #hat he should do. Said )ao )ao, CI must ac$no#ledge this 8uan Bu as the one man #ho, in s$ill and valor, overtops the #hole #orld. ,ately he has obtained possession of 9ingDhou and the territory near it, and has so become very terrible. *e is a tiger #ith #ings added. 7ang De is no more; Bu 9in is his prisoner; the armies of !ei have lost their morale; and if he led his armies to 2uchang, #e should be helpless. I can only thin$ of avoiding the peril by removal of the capital. !hat thin$ youGC

CFo; do not ta$e that step,C said Sima Bi, rising to reply. CBu 9in and all the others you lost #ere victims of the flood and slain in battle. These losses do no harm at all to your great plan. The Suns and ,ius are no longer friends since 8uan Bu has accomplished his desire. Bou may send a messenger into !u to foment the uarrel and cause Sun &uan to send his armies to attac$ the army of 8uan Bu from the rear, promising that, #hen things are tran uil, you #ill re#ard the south to Sun &uan. In this #ay you #ill relieve 3ancheng.C *ere 1inister 9iang 9i said, CSima Bi spea$s #ell, and the messenger should lose no time. Do not move the capital and disturb the people.C )ao )ao therefore did not carry out his first proposal. 'ut he #as sad at the loss of Bu 9in, and spo$e of him affectionately, CBu 9in had follo#ed me faithfully for thirty years, yet in that moment of truth he #as less than 7ang De.C It #as necessary to send someone #ith the letters to !u and also to find another leader #illing to face 8uan Bu. )ao )ao had not long to #ait for the latter, as an officer stepped out from the ran$s of those in #aiting and offered himself. It #as 2u *uang. 2u *uang(s offer #as accepted, and he #as given fifty thousand of veterans. ,u &ian #as sent as his second, and the army marched to Bangling Slope, #here they halted to see if any support #as coming from the southeast. Sun &uan fell in #ith the scheme of )ao )ao as soon as he had read )ao )ao(s letter. *e at once prepared a reply for the messenger to ta$e bac$, and then gathered his officers, civil and military, to consult. "hang "hao #as the first spea$er. C!e $no# 8uan Bu has captured one leader and slain another. This has added greatly to his fame and reputation. )ao )ao #as going to move the capital rather than ris$ an attac$. !e also $no# that 3ancheng is in imminent danger. )ao )ao has as$ed for our help; but #hen he has gained his end, I doubt #hether he #ill hold to his promise.C 'efore Sun &uan had replied they announced the arrival of ,u 1eng, #ho had come in a small ship from ,u$ou #ith a special message. *e #as at once called in and as$ed #hat it #as. Said ,u 1eng, CThe armies of 8uan Bu being absent at 3ancheng, the opportunity should be ta$en to attac$ 9ingDhou.C C'ut I #ish to attac$ 2uDhou in the north. !hat of this planGC said Sun &uan. CIt #ould be better to attac$ 9ingDhou, and so get control of the 8reat River. )ao )ao is far a#ay to the north and too occupied to regard the east. 2uDhou is #ea$ly held and could be ta$en easily, but the lie of the land favors the use of an army rather than a navy force. If you capture it, it #ill not be easy to hold. 'ut once you hold 9ingDhou, you can evolve other schemes.C

CReally, my desire #as to attac$ 9ingDhou, but I #ished to hear #hat you #ould say to the other plan. Fo#, Sir, ma$e me a plan speedily, and I #ill act upon it.C So ,u 1eng too$ his leave and #ent bac$ to ,u$ou. 'ut soon they heard that 8uan Bu had had beacon to#ers erected at short distances all along the 8reat River, and that the army of 9ingDhou #as being put into most efficient condition. CIf this is so, it is hard to ma$e a plan that #ill ensure success,C said ,u 1eng. CI have already advised my master to attac$ 9ingDhou, but I am unable to meet this complication.C Therefore he made illness an eAcuse to stay at home, and sent to inform Sun &uan, #ho #as very distressed at the ne#s. Then said ,u 2un, CThe illness is feigned. *e is uite #ell.C CIf you $no# that so #ell, go and see,C said Sun &uan. +#ay #ent ,u 2un and speedily arrived at ,u$ou, #here he sa# ,u 1eng, #ho indeed appeared to be in perfect health. For did his face bear any signs of recent illness. CThe 1ar uis of !u has sent me to in uire after your honorable complaint,C said ,u 2un. C*o# distressed I am that the state of my #retched carcass has caused the 1ar uis the inconvenience of in uiringC replied ,u 1eng. CThe 1ar uis placed a very heavy responsibility on your shoulders, but you are not ma$ing the best use of the opportunity. *o#ever, #hat is the real origin of your distressGC ,u 1eng sat gaDing at his visitor a long time #ithout replying. CI have a little remedy,C said ,u 2un. CDo you thin$ you might use itGC ,u 1eng dismissed the servants, and #hen the t#o #ere alone, he said, CThis remedy, my friend, please tell me #hat it is.C CBour ailment is due simply to the efficiency of the 9ingDhou soldiers. I $no# ho# to $eep the beacons from flaring, and I can ma$e the defenders of 9ingDhou come to you #ith their hands tied. !ould that cure youGC C1y friend, you spea$ as if you sa# into my inmost heart. 7ray unfold your good scheme.C C8uan Bu thin$s himself too much of a hero for anyone to dare to face him, and his only anAiety is yourself. Fo# you must ta$e advantage of this eAcuse you have made of illness actually to resign this post, so that the pretense may be $ept up and another person be appointed to your place. ,et this person, your successor, humbly praise 8uan Bu till that general becomes so conceited that he

#ill #ithdra# all the troops from 9ingDhou to send them against 3ancheng. !hen 9ingDhou is left undefended then is our chance, and the city #ill fall into our hands.C CThe plan seems most eAcellent,C said ,u 1eng. !herefore ,u 1eng(s malady #aAed #orse, so that he #as confined to bed. *e gave ,u 2un his letter of resignation to carry bac$ to Sun &uan. The messenger hastened bac$ and eAplained the ruse to his master, #ho soon after issued a command for ,u 1eng to retire and attend to the recovery of his health. 'ut ,u 1eng came to Sun &uan to discuss the matter of a successor. Sun &uan said to him, C+s to the appointment at ,u$ou, you $no# "hou Bu recommended ,u Su, #ho at his last moment proposed you. Fo# you ought to be able to mention some other talented and #ell6$no#n officer to succeed you.C CIf you choose a #ell6$no#n man, 8uan Bu #ill certainly be on his guard against him. Fo# ,u 2un is deep and farseeing, but he has no #idespread fame. *ence no particular notice #ould be ta$en of his appointment and no countermeasures ta$en. So he is the most suitable person to send.C Sun &uan agreed and thereupon promoted ,u 2un to the ran$ of 8eneral of the Right +rmy and +dmiral of the Right 3leet, and sent him to defend the port. CI am very young,C said ,u 2un, Cand feel une ual to such a post.C C,u 1eng has proposed you, and you #ill not ma$e any mista$es. 7ray do not decline,C said Sun &uan. So the appointment #as made, and ,u 2un set out at once. !hen he had assumed charge of the cavalry, the infantry, and the marines, he set about dra#ing up a letter to 8uan Bu, and he selected fine horses and beautiful sil$s and good #ines and delicacies suitable for gifts to go #ith the letter. *e sent all by the hand of a trusty messenger to 3ancheng. The ne#s of the change of command reached 8uan Bu #hen he lay ill from the effects of his #ound and unable to conduct any military operations. )lose upon the ne#s came the letter and the gifts from ,u 2un, and the bearer #as called in to see the #arrior. C3riend Sun &uan #as not very prudent #hen he made a )ommanding 8eneral out of a mere youth,C said 8uan Bu, pointing to the messenger. The messenger said, C8eneral ,u 2un sends this letter and some presents, #hich he hopes you #ill accept. *e also sends his felicitations, and #ould re>oice if the t#o houses could become friends.C

8uan Bu read the letter, #hich #as couched in most modest language, and then thre# bac$ his head and laughed aloud. *e bade the attendants receive the various gifts, and sent the bearer a#ay. The messenger forth#ith returned to ,u$ou and reported to ,u 2un, C8uan Bu seemed very gratified, and he felt no anAiety and danger to#ard the South ,and.C Spies #ere sent out to report on proceedings, and they returned to say that half the troops of 9ingDhou had been sent to assist in the siege of 3ancheng. That city #as to be seriously assaulted as soon as 8uan Bu had recovered. This ne#s #as promptly sent on to Sun &uan, #ho at once called in ,u 1eng to decide upon the neAt move. CFo# is the favorable moment to get possession of 9ingDhou,C said Sun &uan. CI propose to send you and my brother, Sun 9iao, to lead the army.C This Sun 9iao #as really only a cousin, as he #as the second son of Sun &uan(s uncle, Sun 9ing. 'ut ,u 1eng ob>ected. C1y lord, if you thin$ to employ me, then employ me only; if Sun 9iao, then Sun 9iao only. Bou cannot have forgotten that "hou Bu and )heng 7u #ere associate commanders, and although the final decision lay #ith "hou Bu, yet the other presumed upon his seniority and there #as some unfriendliness bet#een the t#o. +ll ended #ell because )heng 7u recogniDed the ability of his colleague and so supported him. I $no# I am not so clever as "hou Bu, but Sun 9iao(s consanguinity #ill be a greater obstacle than mere length of service, and I fear he may not be #holly #ith me.C Sun &uan sa# the force of the contention, and appointed ,u 1eng to sole command #ith Sun 9iao to help him in the commissariat. ,u 1eng than$ed his lord for his commission, soon got his thirty thousand marines together, and assembled eighty ships for the eApedition. ,u 1eng dressed a number of sailors in the plain #hite costumes of ordinary merchants and put them on board to #or$ his vessels. *e concealed his veterans in the compartments. *e selected seven generals666*an Dang, 9iang &in, "hu Ran, 7an "hang, "hou Tai, 2u Sheng, and Ding 3eng666to serve under him and settled the order of their successive movements. The remainder of the forces #as left #ith Sun &uan as supports and reserves. ,etters #ere also #ritten to )ao )ao that he might cooperate by sending his army to attac$ 8uan Bu in the rear, and to ,u 2un that he #ould act in concert. Then the sailors in plain #hite dress navigated the ships to River 2unyang as uic$ly as possible, and then crossed to the north ban$. !hen the beacon6$eepers came do#n to uestion them, the men of !u said, C!e are traders forced into the ban$ by contrary #inds.C

+nd they offered gifts to the beacon6$eepers, #ho accepted them and let the ships come to an anchor close to the shore. +t about the second #atch the soldiers came out of hiding in the holds of the transports, suddenly fell upon the beacon6$eepers and made them prisoners, officers and soldiers. FeAt the signal for a general landing #as given, and all the soldiers from the eighty ships #ent ashore. The guard stations #ere attac$ed, and all the troops captured and carried off to the ships, not one being allo#ed to escape. Then the force of !u hurried off to the city of 9ingDhou, having so far carried out their plans that no one $ne# of their coming. Fearing 9ingDhou, ,u 1eng spo$e $indly to his captives, and gave them gifts and comforted them in order to induce them to get the gates opened for him to enter the city. *e #on them over to his side, and they promised to aid him. They #ould sho# a flare as a signal that the gates #ere free. So they #ent in advance and arrived at the gates about midnight. They called the #atch. The #ardens of the gate, recogniDing their voices, opened for them. Once #ithin, they shouted and lit the flares. Immediately the soldiers of !u came in #ith a rush and #ere soon in possession. The first order issued by ,u 1eng #as to spare the people. Instant death should be the punishment for any murder or robbery. The various officials in the city #ere retained in their offices and continued their functions. Special guards #ere set over 8uan Bu(s family d#elling, and none dared brea$ open any other house. + messenger #as sent #ith tidings to Sun &uan. One very #et day ,u 1eng, #ith a fe# horsemen as escort, #as going round the #alls and visiting the gates. One of the soldiers too$ from a passer6by a broad6brimmed hat and put it on over his helmet to $eep his armor dry. ,u 1eng sa# it, and the offender #as seiDed. *e #as a fello#6 villager of ,u 1eng, but that did not save him. CBou are an old ac uaintance, but you $ne# my order. !hy did you disobey itGC CI thought the rain #ould spoil my uniform, and I too$ the hat to protect it. I did not ta$e it for my o#n advantage, but to protect state property. Spare me, O 8eneral, for the sa$e of our common d#elling6place.C CI $no# you #ere protecting your armor, but still it #as disobedience to the order against ta$ing anything from the people.C The soldier #as beheaded, and his head eAposed as a #arning. 'ut #hen all #as over, ,u 1eng had the body buried decently and #ept at the grave for the loss of his friend. Fever after this #as there the least laAity of discipline. !hen Sun &uan visited the city, ,u 1eng met him at the boundary and led him to the official residence, #here Sun &uan issued re#ards and commendations. This done, Sun &uan ordered 7an 9un to ta$e charge of the ne# possession. Bu 9in, #ho #as in prison, #as freed and sent bac$ to

)ao )ao. !hen the people had been comforted and the soldiers re#arded, there #as a great ban uet in honor of the success of the eApedition. Then said Sun &uan to ,u 1eng, C!e have got the city of 9ingDhou, but no# 3u Shiren is holding 8ongan and 1i 3ang Fan>un. *o# can #e get these t#o territoriesGC Suddenly Bu 3an started up and offered his services. CBou #ill need neither bo#s nor arro#s,C said Bu 3an, Cunless my little tongue is #orn out. I can persuade 3u Shiren to surrender.C C3riend Bu 3an, ho# #ill you do itGC as$ed Sun &uan. C3u Shiren and I are very old friends, ever since #e #ere boys. If I eAplain the matter to him, I am sure he #ill come over to this side.C So Bu 3an, #ith an escort, left uic$ly for 8ongan, #here his friend #as in command. Fo# #hen 3u Shiren heard of the capture of 9ingDhou, he closed his gates. Bu 3an arrived, but #as refused entrance. So Bu 3an #rote a letter, attached it to an arro#, and shot it over the city #all. + soldier pic$ed it up and too$ it to his commander, #ho found therein much persuasion to surrender. *aving read all this, he thought #ithin himself, CI thin$ I should do #ell in surrender, for at his departure 8uan Bu #as very bitter against me.C !ithout further ado, he bade the #ardens open the gate, and his friend came in. +fter their greetings they tal$ed of old times, and Bu 3an praised Sun &uan(s magnanimity and liberality and greatness generally. So finally 3u Shiren decided to eAchange masters and #ent a#ay, ta$ing #ith him his seal of office. *e #as presented to Sun &uan, #ho reappointed him to the command of 8ongan under its ne# lord. ,u 1eng thought the appointment imprudent and said to Sun &uan, C8uan Bu is yet uncon uered. !e should not put 3u Shiren in 8ongan. Instead, send him to Fan>un to induce his former colleague and fello# 1i 3ang to >oin him in desertion to the enemy.C ,u 1eng(s advice #as follo#ed, and 3u Shiren #as recalled. C8o to Fan>un and #in over 1i 3ang, and I #ill re#ard you richly,C said Sun &uan. 3u Shiren accepted the mission and duly left for Fan>un. 9ingDhou(s defenders failed #hen tried, So !ang 3u(s #ords #ere >ustified.

3or the events of the >ourney see the neAt chapter. Chapter 63 :& H&ang Fights 1t The ,iver =ian; G&an +& ,etreats To =aicheng' The fall of 9ingDhou put 1i 3ang in a uandary. 'efore he could decide upon any course, his old colleague 3u Shiren came to see him. 3u Shiren #as admitted, and #hen as$ed #hy he had come, he blurted out his business #ithout beating about the bush. CI am faithful enough, but I got into difficulties and danger and could not hold on, so I have surrendered to !u. +nd I advise you to do the same.C CBou and I have both fed on the bounty of the 7rince of *anDhong, and I cannot understand ho# you can turn against him.C C8uan Bu #ent a#ay hating both of us intensely. 4ven if he comes bac$ victorious, I do not thin$ he #ill forgive us. 9ust thin$ it over.C C1y brother and I have follo#ed the 7rince these many years, and I do not li$e leaving him li$e this.C 1i 3ang hesitated. 'efore he could ma$e up his mind, there came a messenger, saying, CThe army in 3ancheng is short of grain, and I #as sent to demand #hite rice for the soldiers. Fan>un and 8ongan are to send ten thousand carts at once. Delay #ill be most severely punished.C This sudden demand #as a shoc$ to 1i 3ang. C!here am I to get the riceGC said he despairingly to his friend and tempter. C9ingDhou is no# in the hands of !u.C CDo not dilly6dally,C said 3u Shiren. Thereupon he dre# his s#ord and sle# the messenger as he stood in the hall. C!hat have you doneGC cried 1i 3ang. C8uan Bu #anted to slay us t#o and has forced me to this. +re #e to fold our hands and a#ait deathG 4ither you give in at once and go over to !u, or you #ill be put to death by 8uan Bu.C 9ust then they heard that ,u 1eng(s troops had actually reached the city #all. 1i 3ang sa# that nothing could save his life but desertion, so he #ent out #ith 3u Shiren and gave in his allegiance

to ,u 1eng, by #hom he #as led to Sun &uan. Sun &uan gave both of them presents, after #hich he proceeded to restore order and to re#ard his army for their services. +t the time that great discussion about 9ingDhou #as going on in 2uchang, a messenger arrived #ith a letter from Sun &uan. It told the plan of attac$ing 9ingDhou and begged )ao )ao to send an army to attac$ 8uan Bu in the rear, en>oining the utmost secrecy. )ao )ao summoned his advisers to a meeting for consultation. 3irst Secretary Dong "hao said, CFo# that 3ancheng is surrounded, it #ould be #ell to shoot letter into the city to let the besieged $no#, so that they may not yield to depression. Then #e #ill inform 8uan Bu of the danger from the south. If 8uan Bu hears that 9ingDhou is threatened by !u, he #ill come bac$ to try to defend it. Then let 2u *uang ta$e the chance to attac$, and our victory #ill be complete.C )ao )ao agreed that the plan #as good, and so he sent a messenger to urge 2u *uang to attac$. )ao )ao himself led a large force to Bangling Slope, south of ,uoyang, to rescue )ao Ren. 2u *uang #as sitting in his tent #hen they told him that a messenger from the 7rince of !ei had arrived. The messenger #as called in and said, CThe 7rince has led an army to ,uoyang, and he #ishes you to hasten to attac$ 8uan Bu in order to relieve 3ancheng.C 9ust then the scouts came to report@ C8uan 7ing has encamped at Bencheng and ,iao *ua at SiDhong. The enemy have built a line of t#elve stoc$ades.C 2u *uang ordered t#o of his generals666,u &ian and 2u Shang666to Bencheng to mas uerade as if he himself #as in command, by sho#ing his ensigns. 2u *uang himself, at the head of five hundred veterans, #ent along River 1ian to attac$ Bencheng in the rear. !hen 8uan 7ing heard of the approach of 2u *uang, he prepared his o#n division to meet him. !hen both sides #ere arrayed, 8uan 7ing rode out and engaged 2u Shang. +fter three encounters 2u Shang had the #orst of it and fled. Then the other general, ,u &ian, #ent out. *e fought half a doDen bouts and also ran a#ay. Thereupon 8uan 7ing #ent in pursuit and smote the flying enemy for seven miles. 'ut then there #as an alarm of fire #ithin Bencheng, and 8uan 7ing $ne# that he had been inveigled into the pursuit and #as a victim. So he turned and set out for the city again. On his #ay he met a body of troops, and standing under the great standard #as 2u *uang. 2u *uang shouted out, C8uan 7ing, my #orthy nephe#, it is strange that you do not recogniDe death #hen it stares you in the face. Bour 9ingDhou has fallen into the hands of !u, and yet you act so madly.C 8uan 7ing, #hirling his s#ord, >ust rode hard at 2u *uang, and they engaged. 'ut after the third bout there #as a tremendous shouting among the soldiers, for the flames #ithin the city burst up

higher than before. 8uan 7ing could not follo# up his desire to continue the fight, but cut his #ay out and made a dash for SiDhong, #here ,iao *ua received him #ith the ne#s of the disaster to 9ingDhou. C7eople say that 9ingDhou has fallen to ,u 1eng, and the ne#s has frightened the #hole army. !hat is to be doneGC said ,iao *ua. CIt is only a malicious rumor. Do not let it spread. If anyone repeats it, put him to death.C 9ust then a man came running in to say that 2u *uang #as attac$ing the first stoc$ade on the north. CIf that goes,C said 8uan 7ing, Cthe remainder #ill follo#. 'ut as #e have River 1ian at our bac$, they #ill not dare attac$ this. ,et us go to the rescue.C So ,iao *ua summoned his subordinate leaders and gave them orders to hold the camp and ma$e a signal if the enemy came. CThere is no danger here,C said they. CThe camp is defended by a tenfold line of thorny barriers. 4ven a bird could not get in.C 8uan 7ing and ,iao *ua mustered all the veterans they had and #ent a#ay to the first stoc$ade. Seeing the !ei soldiers camped on a lo# hill, 8uan 7ing said to his colleague, CThose soldiers are stationed in an unsafe place. ,et us raid their camp tonight.C CBou ta$e half the force, 8eneral, and I #ill remain to $eep the camp,C said ,iao *ua. !hen night fell, the attac$ing force #ent out. 'ut on reaching the camp not a man opposed them. The camp #as empty. Then 8uan 7ing $ne# he had been deceived, and turned to retreat. *e #as at once attac$ed on t#o sides by 2u Shang and ,u &ian from left and right. Hnable to stand, his troops ran for the camp. The soldiers of !ei follo#ed, and presently the camp #as surrounded. They #ere compelled to abandon the position and set off for SiDhong. +s they dre# near they sa# torches, and presently $ne# by the ensigns displayed that the camp had also fallen to the enemy. Retiring, they hastened along the high road to#ard 3ancheng, but presently their #ay #as barred by a force under 2u *uang himself. 'y dint of hard fighting they got a#ay and returned to their main camp, and 8uan 7ing #ent to his father. Said he, C2u *uang has got possession of Bencheng. )ao )ao(s main army is on the #ay in three divisions. +nd many say that 9ingDhou is in the enemy(s hands.C 8uan Bu bade him be silent.

CThis is a fabrication of the enemy,C said 8uan Bu, Cbut it may dishearten the soldiers. !e $no# ,u 1eng is ill, and they have appointed that impractical fello# ,u 2un to succeed him at ,u$ou. There is nothing to fear.C Then ne#s came that 2u *uang had arrived. +t once 8uan Bu bade them saddle his charger. C3ather, you are not strong enough to go into the battle,C said 8uan 7ing. C2u *uang and I #ere once friends, and I $no# #hat he can do and not do. I #ill give him the chance to retire. If he does not ta$e it, then I shall >ust slay him as a #arning to the others.C 1ounting his charger, 8uan Bu rode out as impetuously as of yore, and the sight of the old #arrior made to ua$e the hearts of the troops of !ei. !hen he came close enough to his enemy, 8uan Bu chec$ed his steed and said, C!here is my friend 2u *uangGC +s a reply, the gate of the battle opened, and 2u *uang appeared under the standard. !ith a lo# bo# 2u *uang said, CSome years have passed since I met you, 1ost 4Acellent 1ar uis, but I had not eApected to see you so gray. I have not forgotten the old brave days, #hen #e #ere together and you taught me so much, and I am very grateful. Bour ne# fame has spread throughout the #hole empire, and your old friends cannot but praise you. I am indeed glad that I have the happiness to see you.C 8uan Bu replied, C!e have been eAcellent friends, 2u *uang666better than most. 'ut #hy have you pressed my son so hardly of lateGC 2u *uang suddenly turned to the officers about him and cried fiercely, CI #ould give a thousand ounces of gold for this 8uan Bu(s head.C 8uan Bu, greatly shoc$ed, said, C!hat did you say that forGC C'ecause today I am on state business, and I have no inclination to let private friendship override my public duty.C +s he said this, he #hirled his battle6aA and rode at 8uan Bu, #ho, greatly enraged, thre# up his great saber to stri$e. They fought a half score bouts, but although his s$ill lac$ed nothing of its pristine vigor and eAcelled all the #orld, the old #arrior(s right arm #as still #ea$ from the #ound. 8uan 7ing sa# that his father failed some#hat, and so hastily beat the gong for retreat. 8uan Bu rode bac$. Suddenly the noise of a great shouting #as heard. It came from the troops in 3ancheng, for )ao Ren, having heard of the arrival of troops of his o#n side, had made a sortie and #as about to attac$ to help 2u *uang. *is army fell on, and the army of 9ingDhou #ere routed. 8uan Bu, #ith

as many of his officers as could, fled a#ay along the ban$s of River 2iang, hotly pursued by the army of !ei. )rossing the river, he made for 2iangyang. Suddenly the scouts reported@ C9ingDhou has been ta$en by ,u 1eng. Bour family is no# in the hand of enemy.C 8uan Bu #as shoc$ed. Thence he marched for 8ongan. 'ut the scouts told him@ C3u Shiren has yielded 8ongan to the hands of !u.C Then some of the men he had dispatched for supplies came in and reported@ C3u Shiren murdered the officer and persuade 1i 3ang to surrender to !u.C The story filled 8uan Bu #ith boundless rage. It #as too much. The #ound reopened, and he fell in a s#oon. C!ang 3u, you #ere right,C said he #hen he recovered consciousness. C*o# I regret that I did not heed #hat you said=C C'ut #hy #ere the beacon fires not lightedGC continued he presently. Said the scouts, C,u 1eng(s marines in the guise of traders came over the river. There #ere soldiers hidden in the ships, and they seiDed the beacon guards, so preventing them from $indling the fires.C 8uan Bu sighed. 'eating the ground #ith his foot, he said, CIndeed I have fallen into their trap. *o# shall I loo$ my brother in the faceGC Then outspo$e )ommissariat )ommander "hao ,ei, saying, C!e are in straits. Send to )hengdu for help, and let us ta$e the land road to 9ingDhou to try to recover it.C So 8uan Bu sent 1a ,iang and Bi 9i to Shu to as$ for help. The messengers rode out s#iftly by different routes, #hile the army set out to return to 9ingDhou, 8uan Bu leading and ,iao *ua #ith 8uan 7ing $eeping the rear. The siege of 3ancheng being thus raised, )ao Ren #ent to see his master. !ith tears he ac$no#ledged his fault and as$ed pardon. CIt #as the #ill of heaven, and no fault of yours,C said )ao )ao. +nd he re#arded the armies. !hen he visited SiDhong and had inspected the captured stoc$ades, he remar$ed on the defenses, saying, C2u *uang #as very clever to overcome these. !ith my thirty years of #ar, I should not have dared to penetrate such opposition. *e is valiant and #ise, and both in a high degree.C

C+ye,C said they #ith him, for they could not but agree. )ao )ao(s army marched bac$ to 1opo and there camped. !hen 2u *uang returned, )ao )ao #ent out of the stoc$ade to meet him, and netted #ith >oy #hen seeing the eAcellent order and discipline that his army sho#ed. 4very soldier #as in his place, the ran$s perfectly $ept, all #ithout a trace of disorder. C8eneral 2u *uang has the spirit of the old "hou Bafu%,C said )ao )ao, and on the spot conferred on his commander the title of 8eneral !ho 7acifies the South. 2u *uang #as sent soon after to share in the defense of 2iangyang #ith 2iahou Shang and to meet 8uan Bu(s army. 9ingDhou being still in turmoil, )ao )ao remained at 1opo #aiting for ne#s. 8uan Bu found himself at a standstill on the road to 9ingDhou #ith the army of !u in front and the men of !ei coming up behind. C!hat is to be done,C he discussed the position #ith "hao ,ei, C#hen #e cannot advance nor retreat and the aid has not comeGC "hao ,ei proposed a halt to try to shame ,u 1eng into aiding )ao )ao. Said he, C!hen ,u 1eng #as at ,u$ou, he used to #rite to you often, and you agreed to >oin hands in the destruction of )ao )ao. Fo# he is a traitor and fighting on the other side. Send a letter and reproach him. 7erhaps #e may get a satisfactory reply.C So the letter #as #ritten and sent to 9ingDhou. 1ean#hile, by ,u 1eng(s special command, the most complete protection #as given to the families of all the officers #ho #ere serving under 8uan Bu, and they #ere $ept supplied #ith all they re uired. 4ven the ailing members of their households #ere treated by physicians free of charge. The result #as that they #ere uite #on over to the ne# order of things, and there #as no attempt to disturb it. !hen 8uan Bu(s letter came, the messenger #as led into the city and #ell treated. !hen ,u 1eng read the letter, he said to the bearer thereof, CBou must understand the different circumstances. !hen your general and I #ere leagued together, it #as a personal matter bet#een us t#o. Fo# things have changed. I am sent here #ith certain orders and am not my o#n master. I #ould trouble you, O messenger, to return and eAplain thus to your master and in good #ords.C The bearer of the letter #as entertained at a ban uet and sent to repose himself in the guest6house, #here the families of the absent officers sought him to have ne#s of their husbands and fathers. 1oreover, they brought him letters and gave him messages for the officers, and the #hole tenor of these letters and messages #as that they #ere all in good health, all their needs #ere supplied, and they lac$ed nothing. !hen he left the city, ,u 1eng himself escorted him to the outs$irts and set him on his #ay.

On his return to the army, he gave to 8uan Bu the message of ,u 1eng and told him that the families #ere all #ell and safe and #ell cared for. This, ho#ever, did not greatly please 8uan Bu. Stamping his foot, 8uan Bu said, CThis is merely a ruse to gain favor and popularity. The brigand= If I cannot slay him #hile I live, I #ill after I am dead. 1y hate shall not go unappeased.C *e roughly dismissed the messenger, #ho #ent out and #as at once surrounded by those #hose families #ere in the city and #ho desired to have ne#s of them. +nd #hen he gave them the letters and messages and told them all #ere #ell, there #as great re>oicing among the men in the camp, and $indly feelings for ,u 1eng prevailed. +nd there#ith died do#n the spirit of fighting. 8uan Bu led the army to attac$ 9ingDhou, but day by day the men deserted and ran a#ay to the very city they #ere moving to attac$. So day by day 8uan Bu(s bitterness and anger increased, and he advanced in angry haste. One day there #as a great shouting and the noise of drums, and he found his #ay bloc$ed. C!hy do you not surrender, friend 8uan BuGC said the leader of this body, 9iang &in. C)ould I give in to a rebel666I, a servant of the *ans and a leader of their armyGC roared 8uan Bu in a passion. Thereupon he #hipped his horse for#ard and s#ung up his s#ord to stri$e. *o#ever, 9iang &in #ould not fight. The t#o eAchanged a fe# blo#s, and 9iang &in fled. 8uan Bu follo#ed. !hen he had gone a long #ay, there suddenly appeared from a gully near him *an Dang, #hile "hou Tai came out from the other side. Thereupon 9iang &in #heeled round and once more came to do battle, so that three forces #ere opposed to 8uan Bu. Hnable to #ithstand these, he retreated. 'efore he had gone very far, he sa# signs of many people bivouac$ing among the hills, and presently made out, on a huge #hite banner that flapped in the breeDe, the #ords Fatives of 9ingDhou, and the people about #ere calling out, C+ll the inhabitants of this place have surrendered.C 8uan Bu felt li$e rushing up and cutting these people to pieces, but >ust then t#o other cohorts appeared led by Ding 3eng and 2u Sheng, #ho supported 9iang &in. The three bodies of troops then set on #ith shouting and loud beating of drums that seemed to ma$e the very earth tremble. +nd 8uan Bu #as li$e the $ernel in a nut, uite surrounded. This #as not all. *e sa# the number of his follo#ers diminishing every moment. *e fought on till dus$, and loo$ing about him he sa# all the hills cro#ded #ith 9ingDhou fol$s and heard them calling siblings for brother and children for father, till his soldiers( hearts had melted #ithin them. One by one they ran to their relatives, heedless of their leader and his voice. 7resently he had but three hundred left, but #ith them he $ept up the battle till the third #atch. Then there #as another shouting in another note, for his leaders, 8uan 7ing, his son, and ,iao *ua, came to his help. +nd they rescued him.

CThe soldiers( hearts are all melted,C said 8uan 7ing. C!e must find some place #herein to camp till help can arrive. There is 1aicheng, small, but sufficient. ,et us camp there.C 8uan Bu consented, and the eAhausted army hurried thither as uic$ly as they could. The small force #as divided among the four gates to guard. "hao ,ei said, CThis place is near Shangyong #here 1eng Da and ,iu 3eng station. !e should send for their help. If their army marches to our relief until the grand army of Shu comes, the morale of our army #ill improve.C 'ut disappointments dogged them. Very soon the army of !u came up and laid siege to the city. C!ho #ill try to brea$ through and go a#ay to Shangyong for assistanceGC as$ed 8uan Bu. CI #ill go,C said ,iao *ua. C+nd I #ill escort you past the danger Done,C said 8uan 7ing. 8uan Bu #rote his letter, #hich ,iao *ua concealed neAt to his s$in, and having eaten a full meal, he rode out at the gate. The leader of the enemy, Ding 3eng, tried to chec$ him, but 8uan 7ing fought vigorously and drove him a#ay. So ,iao *ua escaped the siege and reached Shangyong, #hile 8uan 7ing returned. Then they barred the gates and hold their defense. Fo#, having captured Shangyong, ,iu 3eng and 1eng Da had remained to guard it. ,iu 3eng had been created 8overnor 8eneral, and together #ith 1eng Da, to defend that city. !hen they heard of the defeat of 8uan Bu, they too$ counsel #hat to do. !hen ,iao *ua came, he #as admitted into the city. *e told the tale of 8uan Bu(s straits, and as$ed for help. Said ,iao *ua, C8uan Bu is closely besieged in 1aicheng. *elp from the #est #ill be a long time in coming, so I have been sent to beg your assistance. I hope you #ill march the Shangyong troops thither as uic$ly as possible, for any delay #ill be fatal.C ,iu 3eng replied, CSir, go to the rest6house for a time till #e can decide.C So ,iao *ua #ent, and the t#o leaders tal$ed over the matter. ,iu 3eng said, CThis is bad ne#s. !hat is to be doneGC C!u is very po#erful,C replied his colleague. CFo# they have control over the #hole region of 9ingDhou, save this small clod of earth called 1aicheng. )ao )ao is at hand #ith five hundred thousand troops, and #e cannot stand against the t#o mighty forces. I say #e must not move.C CI $no# all this. 'ut 8uan Bu is my uncle, and I cannot bear to sit still and not try to save him.C

CSo you hold him as an uncle=C said 1eng Da #ith a smile. CBet I do not thin$ he holds you much as a nephe#. !hen the 7rince of *anDhong adopted you, 8uan Bu #as greatly annoyed. +nd after the 7rince had accepted his ne# dignity and #as nominating his heir, I heard he consulted "huge ,iang, #ho said the affair #as one to be decided #ithin the family and declined to advise. Then the 7rince sent to as$ 8uan Bu(s advice. Did 8uan Bu name youG Fot at all. Bou #ere only a son by adoption and could have no place in the succession. 3urther, 8uan Bu advised that you be sent to a distance lest you might cause trouble. This is common $no#ledge, and I am surprised that you are ignorant of it. Bet today you ma$e capital out of the relationship and are #illing to run a great ris$ to support it.C C8ranted that #hat you say is true, still #hat reply can #e giveGC CSimply say that this city is still unsettled, and you dare not move lest it be lost.C ,iu 3eng too$ his colleague(s vie#, sent for the messenger and told him. ,iao *ua #as greatly disappointed. *e thre# himself on the ground and $noc$ed his head, imploring assistance. CIf you act thus, there is an end of 8uan Bu=C cried ,iao *ua. C!ill a cup of #ater eAtinguish a #agon load of blaDing #oodGC said 1eng Da. C*asten bac$ and a#ait patiently for the coming of help from the #est.C ,iao *ua rene#ed his entreaties. The t#o commanders simply rose, shoo$ out their sleeves, and left him. ,iao *ua sa# that things had gone against him and thought his best course #ould be to go at once to )hengdu. *e rode out of the city cursing its defenders and #ent a#ay #est. 8uan Bu from his fortress loo$ed anAiously, but vainly, for the coming of the eApected aid. *e #as in a sorry plight. *is army numbered but a fe# hundred, many #ounded; there #as no food. Then someone came to the foot of the #all and, calling out to the defenders on the #all not to shoot, said he had a message for the commander. *e #as allo#ed to enter. It #as "huge 9in. !hen he had made his salutations and ta$en tea, he began his harangue. CI come at the command of my master, the 1ar uis of !u, to persuade you to a #ise course. 3rom of old it has al#ays been recogniDed that the hero must bo# to circumstances. The region #ith its nine territories and forty6t#o counties that you ruled have come under another, #ith the eAception of this single city. !ithin, there is no food, #ithout, no help, so that it must fall uic$ly. !herefore, O 8eneral, #hy not hear me and >oin your fortunes to those of !uG Bou shall be restored to your governorship, and you #ill preserve your family. If haply, Sir, you #ould reflect thereon.C 8uan Bu replied, uite calmly, CI am a simple soldier from the village of 9ieliang, yet my lord and I have become brothers. *o# can I betray himG If the city may fall, then I can but die. 9ade may be shattered, but its #hiteness remains; bamboo may be burned, but its >oints stand straight. 1y

body may be bro$en, but my name shall live true in history. Say no more, but leave the city, I beg. I #ill fight Sun &uan to the end.C C1y master desires to enter into such a league #ith you as did &in and 9in in former days%, that you may mutually assist to destroy )ao )ao and restore the *ans. That is his idea, and #hy do you persist in this #rong courseGC +s "huge 9in finished this speech, 8uan 7ing, #ho #as by, dre# his s#ord to slay him. 'ut his father chec$ed him. CRemember his brother is in Shu, helping your uncle. If you hurt him, you #ill in>ure the principle of fraternity.C 8uan Bu then bade his servants lead "huge 9in a#ay. "huge 9in #ent, his face covered #ith shame, and left the city. !hen he reached his master, he told of 8uan Bu(s obduracy and re>ection of all argument. C*e is indeed a loyal servant=C said Sun &uan. CStill, #hat is to be done neAtGC CTa$e some casts in the 'oo$ of )hanges,C said ,u 3an. So the lots #ere ta$en and eAplained to mean that the 1ar uis( enemies should flee to a distance. Then Sun &uan as$ed ,u 1eng, saying, CIf he flies to a distance, ho# can he be capturedGC CThe divination eAactly fits in #ith my schemes,C replied ,u 1eng. C4ven if 8uan Bu had #ings to soar to the s$ies, he #ould not escape my net.C The dragon in a puddle is the sport of shrimps, The phoeniA in a cage is moc$ed of small birds. The scheme of ,u 1eng #ill be unfolded in the neAt chapter. Chapter 66 Cao Cao Is Possessed 1t -&o4ang; G&an +& =ani!ests 1t The "ade Spring =o&nt' Sun &uan having as$ed ,u 1eng for a plan, ,u 1eng replied, CThis 8uan Bu has very fe# soldiers left, and he #ill not venture along the high road. Forth of 1aicheng is a ris$y path, and he #ill try to escape along that. Therefore you must lay an ambush for him seven miles a#ay from the city, but do not stop him. ,et him go by, and then harass his rear. Thus he #ill be forced into ,in>u. Set another small ambush near there, and you #ill capture your enemy. 3or the present, attac$ the city vigorously on all sides but one, leaving the north gate for escape.C

'efore carrying out this plan, Sun &uan bade ,u 3an consult the auspices. ,u 3an did so, announcing, CThe enemy #ill flee to#ard the north#est, but #ill be caught that night before midnight.C So "hu Ran #as sent in command of the first ambush, and 7an "hang #as the second. The troops sent #ere all veterans. !hen 8uan Bu mustered his fighting men in the city of 1aicheng, he had but three hundred. The food #as done. That night many soldiers of !u came to the city #alls and called to their friends by name, and many of these slipped over the #all and deserted, reducing the small force still further. Fo rescue force appeared, and 8uan Bu #as at the end of his resources. +gain he be#ailed to !ang 3u, saying, CI regret that I have neglected your #ise #arning. In this danger #hat is to be doneGC CI thin$ even if ,u !ang% could come to life again, he #ould be helpless in this case,C replied !ang 3u, #eeping. Said "hao ,ei, C,iu 3eng and 1eng Da have surely decided not to send help from Shangyong. ,et us abandon this miserable place, try to get to BiDhou, and recover the army. !e may then tempt our fortune once more.C CI agree #ith you that that is the best plan,C said 8uan Bu. Then he ascended the #alls and surveyed the country. Foting that the #ea$est side #as the north, he called in some of the inhabitants and in uired the nature of the country on that side. They replied, CThere are only paths there, but by them one may get into the !est River ,and.C C!e #ill go that #ay tonight,C said 8uan Bu. !ang 3u opposed it, saying, C8eneral, you #ill surely fall into an ambush. The main road #ill be safer.C CThere may be an ambush, but do I fear thatGC said the old #arrior. Orders #ere given to be ready to march. C+t least be very cautious,C said !ang 3u. CI #ill defend this city to the very last. I only need a hundred troops. Fever #ill #e surrender. Only I hope, 1ost Foble 8eneral, that you #ill send me speedy help.C The t#o parted in tears. !ang 3u and "hou )ang remaining to guard 1aicheng. 8uan Bu, 8uan 7ing, and "hao ,ei marched #ith their #ea$ force out of the north gate. 8uan Bu, his green6

dragon saber ready to hand, #ent first. +bout the third #atch, seven miles lay bet#een them and the city. There they sa# a deep cleft in the hills #herefrom rolled the sound of beaten drums. +nd men #ere shouting. Soon appeared a large force #ith "hu Ran at their head. *e came dashing for#ard, and summoned the small party, saying, C8uan Bu, do not run= Surrender and live=C 'ut 8uan Bu #hipped his steed to a gallop and bore do#n on the leader #ith anger in his eyes. Then "hu Ran ran a#ay. 8uan Bu follo#ed him till there came the loud boom of a large drum, and out sprang troops from all sides. 8uan Bu dared not engage such a number, and fled in the direction of ,in>u. "hu Ran came up behind and attac$ed the flying soldiers, so that 8uan Bu(s follo#ing gradually became smaller and smaller. Still he struggled on. + fe# miles farther the drums rolled again, and torches lit up all round. This #as 7an "hang(s ambush, and he appeared flourishing his s#ord. 8uan Bu #hirled his blade and #ent to meet him, but 7an "hang ran a#ay after a couple of bouts. *o#ever, 8uan Bu sa# they #ere too many for him, and sought refuge among the mountains. *is son follo#ed, and #hen he got #ithin spea$ing distance, 8uan 7ing gave him the mournful tidings@ C"hao ,ei has fallen in the melee=C 8uan Bu #as very sad, and bade his son try to protect the rear #hile he should force his #ay for#ard. !ith about ten men he reached "huAi, a place #ith mountains on both sides. +t their foot #as a thic$ mass of reeds and dried grass. The trees gre# very close. It #as then the fifth #atch. 7resently the small party stumbled into another ambush, and the ambushing soldiers thrust forth hoo$s and thre# ropes. 4ntangled in these, 8uan Bu(s horse fell, and 8uan Bu reeled out of the saddle. In a moment 1a "hong, the 1arching 8eneral of 7an "hang, made him a prisoner. 8uan 7ing dashed to his rescue, but before he could do anything, he also #as surrounded and held. 3ather and son #ere both captives. !ith great >oy Sun &uan heard of the success of his plans. In the morning, he assembled all his officers in his tent to a#ait the arrival of the prisoners. 'efore long, 1a "hong came hustling his prisoner before his lord. CI have long had a friendly feeling for you,C said Sun &uan to 8uan Bu, Con account of your great virtues. Fo# I #ould have made a covenant and alliance #ith you, if you #ould. Bou and your son have long held yourselves to be invincible, but you see you are my prisoners today. Bet I hope to #in you over to my side.C 'ut 8uan Bu only ans#ered roughly, CBou green6eyed boy= Bou purple6bearded rat= I made a covenant in the 7each 8arden #ith my brothers to uphold the *ans. Thin$ you that I #ill stand

side by side #ith a rebel such as you areG I am a victim of your vile schemes, but I can only die once. +nd there is no need of many #ords.C C*e is a real hero, and I love him,C said Sun &uan to those standing near. CI #ill treat him #ell and endeavor to #in him over. Do you thin$ it #ellGC Said the 3irst Secretary "uo 2ian, C!hen )ao )ao had hold of this man, )ao )ao treated him lavishly #ell. )ao )ao created him a mar uis; in three6day interval )ao )ao held a small ban uet, in five days a great one; )ao )ao gave him gold and presented him #ith silver; all this, hoping to retain him at his side. 'ut )ao )ao failed. The man bro$e through his gates, sle# his siA generals in five passes and #ent a#ay. Today )ao )ao fears him, and almost moved the capital for dread of him. Fo# he is in your po#er, destroy him, or you #ill rue the day. 4vil #ill come if you spare him.C Sun &uan reflected for some time. CBou are right,C said he presently, and gave the order for eAecution. So father and son met their fate together in the #inter of the t#enty6fourth year -+D .:I0 in the tenth month. 8uan Bu #as fifty6eight. + poem says@ 7eerless indeed #as our ,ord 8uan Bu, of the latter days, *ead and shoulders stood he out among the best; 8odli$e and terrible in #ar, elegant and refined in peace, Resplendent as the noonday sun in the heavens, *aloed as are the noblest of those early days, *e stands, the brightest model for all ages, +nd not only for the strenuous days he lived in. +nd another@ See$ ye a noble oneG Then ta$e ye the #ay of 9ieliang, !atch ye ho# all people revere 8uan Bu, 4ach eAcelling others to honor him, *im, one of the three brothers of the 7each 8arden Oath, !ho have #on sacrifices, as emperor and $ing. Incomparable their aura spreads through the #orld; They are resplendent as the great lights of the firmament; Temples to our ,ord 8uan Bu abound, no village lac$s one, Their venerable trees at sundo#n are the resting places for birds.

So 8uan Bu ended his life. *is famous steed, Red *are, also captured #ith its master, #as sent to Sun &uan, #ho gave it as a re#ard to his captor, 1a "hong. 'ut Red *are survived its master only a short time. It refused to feed, and soon died. 3oreboding of misfortune came to !ang 3u #ithin the city of 1aicheng. *is bones felt cold, and his flesh crept. *e said to his colleague "hou )ang, CI have had a terrible dream in #hich I sa# our lord all dripping #ith gore. I #ould uestion him, but I #as overcome #ith dread. 1ay it augur no evil tidings=C 9ust then the troops of !u came up to the city #all and displayed the gory heads of the t#o, father and son. !ang 3u and "hou )ang #ent up on the #all to see if the dread to$ens #ere real. There #as no doubt. !ang 3u #ith a despairing cry thre# himself over the #all and perished, "hou )ang died by his o#n hand. Thus 1aicheng fell to !u. The eAecution of 8uan Bu gave Sun &uan undisputed possession of the #hole of the 9ingDhou Region. *e re#arded his soldiers and spread a great feast at #hich ,u 1eng #as in the seat of honor. Sun &uan made a speech, saying, C+fter long #aiting, the desire of my heart has come to me very easily through the magnificent efforts of my friend ,u 1eng.C ,u 1eng bo#ed and bo#ed deprecatingly, but Sun &uan continued, C1y good "hou Bu #as superior to most humans, and he defeated )ao )ao at the Red )liffs. +las= *e died too soon. 1y good ,u Su succeeded him. In his first intervie#, he inaugurated the general policy of creating a state. That #as the first instance of his $een insight. !hen )ao )ao descended upon my country, and everyone counseled me to yield, he advised me to summon my good "hou Bu to oppose and smite )ao )ao. That #as the second instance of his $een insight. *e made only one fault@ *e advised me to let ,iu 'ei occupy 9ingDhou. Fo# today my good ,u 1eng has succeeded, and in that he far surpasses both his predecessors.C Then Sun &uan filled a goblet and in person presented it to the guest of the evening. ,u 1eng too$ the cup, but as he raised it, a sudden change came over him. Dashing the cup to the ground, ,u 1eng seiDed Sun &uan, crying, CO green6eyed boy= O purple6 bearded rat= Do you $no# meGC )onsternation seiDed the #hole assembly, but many rushed to the rescue of their lord, #ho had been thro#n to the floor by the guest he had so lately complimented. Rushing for#ard over Sun &uan(s body, ,u 1eng sat himself in the host(s seat, his eyebro#s staring stiff and his eyes glaring. C+fter I uelled the Bello# Scarves, I #ent hither and thither for thirty years. Fo# I have fallen victim to your base plots, and you have overcome me. ,iving, I have been unable to gorge upon

the flesh of my enemy; dead, I #ill pursue the spirit of this bandit ,u 1eng. I am the ,ord of *anshou, 8uan Bu=C Terror6stric$en, Sun &uan #as the first to fall prostrate, and all his officers follo#ed him. Thereupon ,u 1eng fell over dead, #ith blood gushing from the seven orifices of his body. In due time the body #as coffined and interred. ,u 1eng #as created posthumously 8overnor of Fan>un and ,ord of )hanling. *is son, ,u 'a, #as given hereditary nobility. +fter this visitation Sun &uan lived in constant terror. Soon "hang "hao came in from 9ianye to see him and blame him for the murder. C1y lord, by the slaughter of 8uan Bu you have brought misfortune very near to this state. Bou $no# the oath s#orn in the 7each 8arden. Fo# ,iu 'ei has the force of the t#o River ,ands at his bac$, "huge ,iang as adviser, and those heroes "hang 3ei, "hao Bun, *uang "hong, and 1a )hao to carry out his behests. !hen ,iu 'ei hears of the death of both father and son, he #ill set in motion the #hole force he has to avenge them, and I fear you cannot stand such an onslaught.C Sun &uan started up in a fright. CBes; I have made a little mista$e,C said he. C'ut seeing it is so, #hat shall I doGC CBou need have no fear,C replied "hang "hao. CI have a plan to fend off the armies of the #est from our borders and $eep 9ingDhou uite safe.C C!hat is your planGC as$ed Sun &uan. C)ao )ao #ith his many legions is greedily aiming at the #hole empire. If ,iu 'ei #ants revenge, he #ill ally himself #ith )ao )ao, and, should they combine against the South ,and, #e should be in great danger. Therefore I advise you to send 8uan Bu(s head to )ao )ao to ma$e it appear that )ao )ao #as the prime cause of his destruction. This should divert ,iu 'ei(s eAtreme hatred to#ard )ao )ao and send the armies of Shu against !ei instead of to#ard !u. +fter carefully considering the #hole matter, I counsel this as the best course of action.C Sun &uan thought the move #orth ma$ing, and so the head of the great #arrior #as placed in a boA and sent off as uic$ly as possible to )ao )ao. +t this time )ao )ao(s army had marched bac$ from 1opo to ,uoyang. !hen he heard of the coming of the gruesome gift, he #as glad at heart. Said he, CSo 8uan Bu is dead. Fo# I can stic$ to my mat and sleep soundly at night.C 'ut Sima Bi sa# through the ruse and said from his place by the steps, CThis is a tric$ to divert evil from !u.C

C!hat do you meanG *o#GC said )ao )ao. CThe 7each 8arden Oath bound the three brothers to live and die together. Fo# !u is fearful of revenge for the eAecution of one of the three and sends the head to you to cause ,iu 'ei(s #rath to fasten on you, O 7rince. Sun &uan #ishes ,iu 'ei to attac$ you instead of himself, the real perpetrator of the crime. Then he #ill find a #ay of accomplishing his ends #hile you t#o are uarreling.C CBou are right, friend,C said )ao )ao. C+nd no# ho# can #e escapeGC CI thin$ escape is easy. Bou have the head of 8uan Bu. 1a$e a #ooden image of the remainder of the body, and bury the #hole #ith the rites suitable to a minister of state. !hen ,iu 'ei hears of this, he #ill turn his hate to#ard Sun &uan and raise all his forces to attac$ him. If you #ill thin$ it out, you #ill see that #hichever is victor the other #ill be smitten; and if #e get one of the t#o, the other #ill follo# before very long.C )ao )ao #as pleased #ith the solution. Then he ordered the messenger to come in #ith the boA, #hich #as opened, and he loo$ed upon the face of the dead. The features had not changed; the face bore the same appearance as of old. )ao )ao smiled. CI hope you have been #ell since our last meeting, 8uan Bu,C said )ao )ao. To his horror, the mouth opened, the eyes rolled, and the long beard and hair stiffened. )ao )ao fell to the ground in a s#oon. They rushed to him, but it #as a long time before he recovered consciousness. C8eneral 8uan Bu is indeed a spirit,C he said. The messenger #ho had brought the dead #arrior(s head told the story of 8uan Bu cursing and reviling Sun &uan, and of #hat had befallen ,u 1eng. )ao )ao, filled #ith dread, prepared sacrifices and performed the rites for the honored dead. +n effigy #as carved out of heavy fragrant #ood and buried outside the south gate #ith all the rites of a princely noble, a huge concourse of officials of all grades follo#ing in the procession. +t the funeral )ao )ao himself bo#ed before the coffin and poured a libation. *e also conferred on the dead the posthumous title of 7rince of 9ingDhou, and appointed guardians of the tomb. The messenger #as sent bac$ to !u. Fo# the spirit of 8uan Bu did not dissipate into space, but #andered through the void till it came to a certain spot in Dangyang on a famous hill $no#n as the 1ount of the 9ade Spring. There lived a venerable 'uddhist priest #hose name in the faith #as Transverse 7eace. *e #as originally of the State 8uardian Temple in the River Si 7ass and abbot of that temple. In the course of roaming about the #orld, he had reached this place. 4ntranced #ith its natural beauty, he had built himself

a shelter of boughs and grass, #here he sat in meditation on the C!ayC. *e had a novice #ith him to beg food and to attend to his simple #ants. This night, about the third #atch, the moon #as bright and the air serene. Transverse 7eace sat in his usual attitude in the silence of the mountains. Suddenly he heard a great voice calling in the upper air, C8ive bac$ my head= 8ive bac$ my head=C 8aDing up#ard Transverse 7eace sa# the shape of a man mounted on a red horse. In the hand #as a shining blade li$e unto the green6dragon saber. T#o military figures #ere #ith him, one on either side. *e on the left had a #hite face; he on the right #as s#arthy of countenance #ith a curly beard. +nd they follo#ed the figure #ith the shining blade. They floated along on a cloud #hich came to rest on the summit of the mountain. The recluse recogniDed the figure as that of 8uan Bu, so #ith his ya$(s tail flagellum he smote the lintel of his hut and cried, C!here is 8uan BuGC The spirit understood, and the figure dismounted, glided do#n, and came to rest at the door of the hut. Interlacing its fingers, it stood in a reverential attitude and said, C!ho is my teacher, and #hat is his name in the faithGC CIn the State 8uardian Temple in River Si 7ass, I once sa# you, O Foble Sir, and I #as not li$ely to forget your face,C replied the priest. CI am deeply grateful for the help you gave me. 1isfortune has befallen me, and I have ceased to live. I #ould see$ the pure instruction and beg you to indicate the obscure #ay.C C,et us not discuss former #rongdoings nor present correct actions. ,ater events are the inevitable result of former causes. I $no# that ,u 1eng has in>ured you. Bou call aloud for the return of your head. 'ut #ho #ill also return the heads of your several victims666Ban ,iang, !en )hou, and the commanders of the five passesGC Thereupon 8uan Bu seemed suddenly to comprehend, bo#ed in to$en of assent, and disappeared. +fter this appearance to the recluse, his spirit #andered hither and thither about the mountain, manifesting its sacred character and guarding the people. Impressed by his virtue, the inhabitants built a temple on the 1ount of the 9ade Spring, #herein they sacrificed at the four seasons. In later days, one #rote a couplet for the temple, the first member reading@ CRuddy faced, reflecting the honest heart #ithin, out6riding the #ind on the Red *are steed, mindful of the Red 4mperor;C

CIn the light of clear lamp, reading the histories, resting on the 8reen6Dragon saber curved as the young moon, heart pure as the aDure heaven.C 1ean#hile in Shu, having con uered 4ast River ,and, the 7rince of *anDhong returned to his capital )hengdu. 3a "heng memorialiDed, saying, CO 7rince, thy consorts has passed a#ay, and the ,ady Sun has returned to her maiden home, perhaps never to come again. *uman relations should not be set at nought, #herefore another consort should be sought, so that all things may be correctly ordered #ithin the 7alace.C The 7rince having signified his acceptance of the principle, 3a "heng continued, CThere is the sister of !u Bi, comely and good, and declared by the physiognomist as destined to high honor. She #as betrothed to ,iu 1ao, son of ,iu Ban, but he died in youth, and she has remained un#edded. Ta$e her as a #ife.C CIt is incompatible #ith propriety. ,iu 1ao and I are of the same ancestry.C C+s to the degree of relationship, #ould it differ from the marriage bet#een Du$e !en of 9in and ,ady *uai BingGC Hpon this precedent the 7rince gave his consent and #edded the lady, and she bore to him t#o sons, the elder of #hom #as named ,iu Bung and the younger ,iu ,i. 1ean#hile, the #hole land of Shu #as prospering, the people #ere tran uil, and the state #as becoming #ealthy. The fields in both River ,ands yielded bountiful harvests. Suddenly there came one #ho told of the attempt of Sun &uan to ally himself #ith 8uan Bu by marriage, and the indignant re>ection of the proposal. C9ingDhou is in danger,C said "huge ,iang. CRecall and replace 8uan Bu.C Then began to arrive a series of messengers from 9ingDhou, bearers of ne#s of the moves in the game. +t first they brought good tidings, then evil. 8uan 2ing came first to tell of the dro#ning of the seven armies of Bu 9in. Then one reported the installation of beacon to#ers along the river ban$, and other preparations #hich seemed as near perfect as any could be. +nd ,iu 'ei(s anAiety ceased. 'ut evil tidings #ere on the #ay. ,iu 'ei #as ill at ease and felt a creepiness of the s$in that boded evil. *e #as restless by day and sleepless by night. One night he rose from his couch and #as reading by the light of a candle #hen dro#siness overcame him, and he fell asleep over the lo# table by his side. *e dreamed. + cold gust of #ind s#ept through the chamber, almost putting out the candle flame. !hen it brightened again he glanced up and sa# a figure standing near the light.

C!ho are you, #ho thus come by night to my chamberGC as$ed he. The figure made no reply, and ,iu 'ei got up to go over and see #ho it #as. Then the figure too$ the shape of his brother. 'ut it avoided him, retreating as he advanced. ,iu 'ei said, C'rother, there is nothing #rong, I hope. 'ut surely something of great importance brings you here thus in the dead of the night. +nd #hy do you avoid me, your brother, #ho loves you as himselfGC Then the figure #ept and said, C'rother, send your armies to avenge me.C +s 8uan Bu said that, a chilly blast #ent through the room, and the figure disappeared. 9ust then ,iu 'ei a#o$e and $ne# that he had dreamed. The drums #ere beating the third #atch as he a#o$e. *e felt greatly #orried and disturbed. So he #ent into the front portion of the 7alace and sent for "huge ,iang. Soon he came, and ,iu 'ei told him of the vision. CBou have been thin$ing too deeply of 8uan Bu lately, my lord,C said "huge ,iang. CThere is no need to be distressed.C 'ut ,iu 'ei could not find comfort, and "huge ,iang #as long in calming his feelings and arguing a#ay his fancies. +s "huge ,iang left the building, he met 2u 9ing, #ho said, CInstructor, I #ent to your residence to deliver a very secret piece of ne#s, and they told me to find you here.C C!hat is your secretGC CThere is a report about that !u has got possession of 9ingDhou; ,u 1eng has ta$en it. +nd more than that, 8uan Bu is dead. I had to come to tell you.C CI sa# it in the s$y some nights ago. + large star of a general fell over against 9ingDhou, and I $ne# some evil had befallen 8uan Bu. 'ut I feared the effect upon our master, and I forbore to say anything.C They did not $no# that ,iu 'ei #as standing >ust #ithin the door. Suddenly ,iu 'ei rushed out, seiDed "huge ,iang by the sleeve and said, C!hy did you hide from meG !hy, #hen you had such terrible ne#sGC C'ecause it is only a rumor,C replied they. CIt is too improbable for belief. !e pray you not to be distressed.C C'y our oath #e live or die together@ *o# can I go on living if he is lostGC

The t#o men soothed their lord as best they could. 'ut even as they spo$e to him, one of the private attendants said that 1a ,iang and Bi 9i had arrived. ,iu 'ei called them in and uestioned them eagerly. They said, C9ingDhou has indeed been lost, and 8uan Bu begs for instant help.C The letters they brought had not been read before ,iao *ua #as ushered in. *e prostrated himself and, #eeping, told the story of the refusal of help on the part of ,iu 3eng and 1eng Da. CThen is my brother lost=C cried ,iu 'ei. CIf those t#o have really behaved so badly, the offense is even too great for death,C said "huge ,iang. C'ut calm yourself, O 7rince. I #ill see about an army and lead it to the rescue.C CIf 8uan Bu is gone, I cannot live,C moaned ,iu 'ei. CTomorro# I myself #ill set out #ith an army to rescue him.C ,iu 'ei sent off a messenger to "hang 3ei in ,angDhong and gave orders to muster horse and foot for instant departure. 'efore day da#ned other messengers arrived, giving step by step the se uence of the tragedy@ C8uan Bu had cut his #ay to ,in>u at night and been captured by a general of !u. *e had refused to bend, and both father and son had gone to the Fine Springs.C !hen he heard of the final catastrophe, ,iu 'ei uttered a great cry and fell s#ooning. *is mind #ent bac$ to the pledge of days gone by; )ould he live still and let his brother dieG !hat happened #ill be told in the neAt chapter. Chapter 67 Treating 1 Headache) 1 Famo&s Ph4sician *ies; Giving The -ast Words) The Cra!t4 Hero *eparts' +s has been said, the 7rince of *anDhong s#ooned on hearing the terrible ne#s of the death of the t#o 8uans, father and son. *is officers #ent to his help, and #hen he had recovered sufficiently, they led him to his private apartments. C1y lord, control your grief,C said "huge ,iang. C,ife and death are fiAed by fate. 8uan Bu brought the evil upon himself by his harshness and haughtiness. Bou must no# ta$e care of your health and mature your vengeance.C

C!hen #e s#ore brotherhood in the 7each 8arden, #e pledged ourselves to live or die together. !hat en>oyment of riches and honors is there for me no# that my brother is goneGC 9ust then he sa# 8uan Bu(s son, 8uan 2ing, coming in #eeping in deep distress. +t sight of the youth, ,iu 'ei uttered a great cry and again san$ to the earth. 'y and by he came to, and spent the #hole day #eeping and s#ooning at intervals. 3or three days he refused all nourishment, and he #ept so bitterly that his garments #ere #etted, and there #ere spots of blood. "huge ,iang and the others tried every means to soothe him, but he #as inconsolable. CI s#ear I #ill not live under the same heaven as Sun &uan,C cried he. CIt is said that the head of your brother has been sent to )ao )ao, but )ao )ao has buried the remains #ith the rites of a princely noble,C said "huge ,iang. C!hy did he do thatGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. C'ecause Sun &uan thought thereby to bring evil upon )ao )ao. 'ut )ao )ao sa# through the subterfuge and has buried your brother #ith great honor so that your anger may burn against !u.C CI #ant to send my armies to punish !u and appease my #rath,C said ,iu 'ei. CFo; you may not do that. !u #ishes to move you to smite !ei, and !ei #ishes you to attac$ !u, each harboring the malevolent design of ta$ing advantage of the uarrel. Bou #ould do #ell, my lord, to $eep your armies at home. 7ut on mourning for 8uan Bu, and #ait till !ei and !u are at #ar. That #ill be your time.C The other officers supported "huge ,iang, and ,iu 'ei listened. 7resently his grief spent itself, and he began to ta$e food again. +n edict #as promulgated en>oining mourning dress upon all officials. The 7rince #ent outside the south gate to summon the spirit home, and sacrificed and #ailed a #hole day for the dead #arrior, his brother. In ,uoyang, although )ao )ao had given honorable burial to the remains of 8uan Bu, yet he #as continually haunted by the dead man(s spirit. 4very night #hen he closed his eyes, he sa# 8uan Bu as he $ne# the #arrior so #ell in the flesh. These visions made him nervous, and he sought the advice of his officers. Some suggested the building of ne# rooms for his o#n use. CThere is much #itchcraft and malign influence in this old 7alace at ,uoyang. 'uild a ne# 7alace for your o#n occupation,C said they. CI #ould, and it should be called (The Fe# 3oundation(,C said he. C'ut #here is the good architectGC 9ia 2u said, CThere is one Su Bue, a very cunning artificer in ,uoyang.C

Su Bue #as called and set to #or$ on the plans for a nine6hall pavilion for )ao )ao(s o#n use. It had verandahs and upper rooms as #ell. *is plans pleased )ao )ao greatly. CBou have planned >ust such a place as I #ished, only #here #ill you find the main beam for such a buildingGC CI $no# a certain tree that #ill serve,C said the architect. C+bout ten miles from the city there is the 7ool of the ,eaping Dragon. Fear it is a shrine, and beside that gro#s a fine pear tree. It is over a hundred spans high, and that #ill serve for the roof tree.C )ao )ao at once sent people to fell the tree. 'ut after one #hole day of labor they came bac$ to say they could ma$e no impression on it neither #ith sa# nor aA. )ao )ao, doubting their #ord, #ent to see. !hen he had dismounted and stood by the tree, he could not but admire its siDe and proportions, as it rose above him tall, straight and branched till the #ide6spreading and symmetrical top reached into the clouds. 'ut he bade the men attac$ it again. Then a fe# aged people of the village came and said, CThe tree has stood here some centuries and is the haunt of a spirit. !e thin$ it should not be cut do#n.C )ao )ao gre# annoyed, saying, CI have gone to and fro in the #orld no# some thirty years, and there is no one, from the 4mperor to the commoner, #ho does not fear me. !hat spirit is there #ho dares oppose my #ishGC Dra#ing the s#ord he #as #earing, )ao )ao #ent up to the tree and slashed at the trun$. The tree groaned as he struc$, and blood stains spattered his dress. Terror6stric$en, he thre# do#n the s#ord, mounted his horse and galloped off. 'ut that evening #hen he retired to rest, he could not sleep. *e rose, #ent into the outer room, and sat there leaning on a lo# table. Suddenly a man appeared #ith his hair unbound, dressed in blac$ and carrying a na$ed s#ord. The visitor came straight to#ard )ao )ao, stopped in front of him and, pointing, cried out, C'ehold the Spirit of the 7ear Tree= Bou may desire to build your nine6hall pavilion, and you may contemplate rebellion. 'ut #hen you began to attac$ my sacred tree, the number of your days #as accomplished. I am come no# to slay you.C C!here are the guardsGC shouted )ao )ao in terror. The figure struc$ at him #ith the s#ord. )ao )ao cried out and then a#o$e. *is head #as aching unbearably. They sought the best physicians for him, but they failed to relieve the terrible pain. Sympathy for their lord #as universal among )ao )ao(s subordinates. *ua 2in one day said to his master, C1y lord, have you heard of *ua TuoGC

CDo you mean him of &iao #ho cured "hou TaiGC CBes; that is he,C replied *ua 2in. CI have heard something of his fame, but I $no# nothing of his capabilities in his art.C C*e is very clever; there are fe# so s$illful. If one is ill and calls him in, he $no#s immediately #hether to use drugs, or the needle, or the cutlery, and the patient finds relief at once. ,et one suffer from an internal complaint and drugs are ineffectual, #ith a dose of hashish he thro#s the patient into a state of perfect insensibility and then opens the abdomen and #ashes the affected organs #ith a medicament. The patient feels no pain. !hen the cleansing is complete, he se#s up the #ound #ith thread, dresses it, and in a month or less the patient is #ell. This sho#s you ho# s$illful he is. COne day *ua Tuo #as traveling, #hen he heard a man by the #ayside groaning #ith pain. (That is dyspepsia,( said *ua Tuo. +nd further uestions confirmed the diagnosis. *e prescribed long draughts of the >uice of garlic as an emetic, and the man vomited a #orm. +fter this the man #as uite #ell. C)hen Deng, the 8overnor of 8uangling, suffered from a heavy feeling at the heart. *is face #as red and congested, and he had no appetite. *ua Tuo gave him a drug, and he thre# up many internal #riggling parasites #ith red heads. The 8overnor as$ed #hat had caused the trouble, and *ua Tuo told him that he ate too much strong smelling fish. *e could cure )hen Deng this once, but in three years the disease #ould recur, and then nothing could save him. Three later )hen Deng died. C+nother man had a tumor bet#een the eyes, and it itched intolerably. *ua Tuo eAamined it and said there #as a bird in it. The tumor #as opened, and, surely enough, a canary fle# out. The patient #as relieved. C+ dog bit a man(s toe, and t#o tumorous gro#ths ensued, one of #hich itched intolerably and the other pained severely. *ua Tuo said the painful one contained ten needles, and the other a couple of chess pips, blac$ and #hite. *e opened the t#o s#ellings, and the contents #ere as he had said. Really he is of the same class of physician as masters 'ian &ue% and "ang 5ong of old times. *e lives at 9incheng, not far a#ay, and could be here very soon.C )ao )ao summoned him. +s soon as he arrived, *ua Tuo felt the pulse and made careful eAamination. C7rince, your headaches are due to a malignant humor #ithin the brain case. The humor is too thic$ to get out. S#allo#ing drugs #ill do no good. 'ut I propose to administer a dose of hashish, then open the brain case and remove the thic$ened humor. That #ill be a radical cure.C CBou mean you #ant to $ill meGC cried )ao )ao angrily.

CO 7rince, you have heard ho# I cured 8uan Bu of the poison that had got into his bonesG I scraped them, and he did not hesitate a moment. Bour malady is trifling, and #hy do you mistrust meGC C+ painful arm may be scraped, but ho# can you cut open a man(s headG The fact is you have conspired #ith some of 8uan Bu(s friends to ta$e this opportunity to ma$e a#ay #ith me in revenge for his death.C )ao )ao told his lictors to hale *ua Tuo to gaol, and there he #as tortured to try to find #ho #ere his accomplices. 9ia 2u pleaded for him, saying, CThe man possesses rare s$ills. To $ill him is to #aste his talents.C 'ut the intervention #as of no avail. CThe man #ants to get a chance to $ill me. *e is the same sort of scoundrel as 9i 7ing.C The #retched physician #as sub>ected to #orse sufferings. *is gaoler #as a certain !u, nic$named CThe 8aolerC by nearly everybody. *e #as $indly disposed to *ua Tuo and sa# that *ua Tuo #as #ell fed. *ua Tuo conceived a li$ing for his gaoler and said to him one day, CI am doomed, I $no#. The pity is that my 'lac$ 'ag treatise on medicine may be lost. Bou have been most $ind to me, and as I have no other #ay of recompensing you, I #ill give you a letter to my #ife telling her to send the 'lac$ 'ag, and I #ill give it to you that you may carry on my art.C !u the 8aoler re>oiced greatly, saying, CIf I have that boo$, I #ill thro# a#ay the menial position of gaoler, travel about the country healing sic$ fol$s, and spread your virtue.C The letter #as #ritten and given to !u the 8aoler, #ho lost no time in traveling to 9incheng to meet #ith *ua Tuo(s #ife, and she gave him the 'lac$ 'ag to bring bac$ to *ua Tuo. +fter *ua Tuo had read through the boo$ carefully, he presented it to !u the 8aoler, #ho too$ it home and hid it a#ay. Ten days after this, *ua Tuo died in prison. !u the 8aoler bought a coffin and had him buried. This done, he uitted the prison and #ent home. 'ut #hen he as$ed for the boo$, he found that his #ife had discovered it and #as using it to light the fire. *e snatched a#ay #hat #as left of it, but a #hole volume #as missing, and #hat #as left amounted only to several pages. *e vented his anger in cursing his #ife. 'ut she retorted, saying, CIf you become such a learned person as *ua Tuo, you #ill only die in prison li$e him. !hat good did it all do himGC

It struc$ !u the 8aoler that there #as something in #hat she said, and he ceased grumbling at her. 'ut the upshot of all this #as that the learning in the CTreatise of the 'lac$ 'agC #as finally lost to the #orld, for #hat #as left only contained the recipes relating to domestic animals. *ua Tuo #as the ablest of physician, Seeing #hat diseases #ere lur$ing #ithin beings. +las= That he died, and his #ritings 3ollo#ed him to the Fine 8olden Springs. 1ean#hile, )ao )ao became #orse, the uncertainty of the intentions of his rivals aggravating his disease not a little. Then they said an envoy had come #ith letter from !u, and it ran li$e this@ CThy servant, Sun &uan, has long seen destiny indicates Bour *ighness as master of all, and loo$s for#ard #ith confidence to your early accession to the dignity of the Son of 8od. If you #ill send your armies to destroy ,iu 'ei and s#eep rebellion from the t#o River ,ands, thy servant at the head of his armies #ill submit and accept his land as a fief.C )ao )ao laughed as he read this, and he said to his officers, CIs this youth trying to put me on a furnaceGC 'ut 1inister )hen &un and the attendants seriously replied, CO 7rince, the *ans have been feeble too long, #hile your virtues and merits are li$e the mountains. +ll the people loo$ to you, and #hen Sun &uan ac$no#ledged himself as your minister, he is but responsive to the #ill of 8od and the desire of humans. It is #rong that you oppose #hen such contrary influences #or$ to a common end, and you must soon ascend to the high place.C )ao )ao smiled. CI have served the *ans for many years. 4ven if I have ac uired some merit, yet I have been re#arded #ith a princedom and high ran$. I dare not aspire to greater things. If the finger of heaven points to me, then shall I be as 5ing !en of "hou%.C C+s Sun &uan ac$no#ledges himself your servant and promises obedience, you, my lord, can confer a title upon him and assign to him the duty of attac$ing ,iu 'ei,C said Sima Bi. +pproving of the suggestion, )ao )ao gave Sun &uan the titles of 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry and ,ord of FanDhang, and appointed him to the Imperial 7rotectorship of 9ingDhou. 3orth#ith this command #as sent a#ay to Sun &uan. )ao )ao(s condition gre# #orse daily. One night he had a dream of three horses feeding out of the same manger. FeAt day he told it to 9ia 2u, saying, CI sa# three horses feeding on the same manger before the family of 1a Teng #as harmed. ,ast night I sa# the same dream again. *o# do you interpret itGC CThe horses #ere feeding on bounty@ It is auspicious to dream of dignity,C replied 9ia 2u. C+nd naturally such an honor comes to the )aos. I do not thin$ you need feel any misgivings.C

)ao )ao #as comforted. )ao )ao dreamed three steeds together fed, The vision seers could not eAplain, Fone guessed ho# soon, #hen )ao )ao #as dead, One dynasty #ould rule again. +h, yes; )ao )ao had vainly #rought; Of none avail each #ic$ed #ile, 3or, later, in !ei court, there fought +gainst him one #ith e ual guile. That night )ao )ao became #orse. +s he lay on his couch he felt diDDy and could not see, so he rose and sat by a table, upon #hich he leaned. It seemed to him that someone shrie$ed, and, peering into the dar$ness, he perceived the forms of many of his victims666the 4mpress 3u, the )onsort Dong, 3u !an, Dong )heng, and more than t#enty other officials666, and all #ere bloodstained. They stood in the obscurity and #hispered, demanding his life. *e rose, lifted his s#ord and thre# it #ildly into the air. 9ust then there #as a loud crash, and the south#est corner of the ne# building came do#n. +nd )ao )ao fell #ith it. *is attendants raised him and bore him to another palace, #here he might lie at peace. 'ut he found no peace. The neAt night #as disturbed by the ceaseless #ailing of men and #omen(s voices. !hen day da#ned, )ao )ao sent for his officers, and said to them, CThirty years have I spent in the turmoil of #ar and have al#ays refused belief in the supernatural. 'ut #hat does all this meanGC CO 7rince, you should summon the Taoists to offer sacrifices and prayers,C said they. )ao )ao sighed, saying, CThe !ise Teacher said, (*e #ho offends against heaven has no one to pray to.( I feel that my fate is accomplished, my days have run, and there is no help.C 'ut he #ould not consent to call in the priests. FeAt day his symptoms #ere #orse. *e #as panting and could no longer see distinctly. *e sent hastily for 2iahou Dun, #ho came at once. 'ut as 2iahou Dun dre# near the doors, he too sa# the shado#y forms of the slain 4mpress and her children and many other victims of )ao )ao(s cruelty. *e #as overcome #ith fear and fell to the ground. The servants raised him and led him a#ay, very ill. Then )ao )ao called in four of his trusty advisers666)ao *ong, )hen &un, 9ia 2u, and Sima Bi666 that they might hear his last #ishes. )ao *ong, spea$ing for the four, said, CTa$e good care of your precious self, O 7rince, that you may uic$ly recover.C

'ut )ao )ao said, CThirty and more years have I gone up and do#n, and many bold leaders have fallen before me. The only ones that remain are Sun &uan in the south and ,iu 'ei in the #est. I have not yet slain them. Fo# I am very ill, and I shall never again stand before you; #herefore my family affairs must be settled. 1y first born666)ao +ng, son of ,ady ,iu666fell in battle at !ancheng, #hen he #as young. The ,ady 'ian bore four sons to me, as you $no#. The third, )ao "hi, #as my favorite, but he #as vain and unreliable, fond of #ine and laA in morals. Therefore he is not my heir. 1y second son, )ao "hang, is valiant, but imprudent. The fourth, )ao 2iong, is a #ea$ly and may not live long. 1y eldest, )ao 7i, is steady and serious; he is fit to succeed me; and I loo$ to you to support him.C )ao *ong and the others #ept as they heard these #ords, and they left the chamber. Then )ao )ao bade his servants bring all of the rare incenses and fragrances that he burned every day, and he handed out to his handmaids. +nd he said to them, C+fter my death you must diligently attend to your #omanly labors. Bou can ma$e sil$en shoes for sale, and so earn your o#n living.C *e also bade them go on living in the 'ronDe 'ird 7avilion and celebrate a daily sacrifice for him, #ith music by the singing #omen, and presentation of the eatables laid before his tablet. FeAt he commanded that seventy6t#o sites for a tomb should be selected near 9iang#u, that no one should $no# his actual burying place, lest his remains should be dug up. +nd #hen these final orders had been given, he sighed a fe# times, shed some tears, and died. *e #as siAty6siA, and passed a#ay in the first month of the t#enty6fifth year of Rebuilt Tran uillity 4ra -+D ../0.% + certain poet composed C+ Song of Be>unC eApressing sympathy for )ao )ao, #hich is given here@ I stood in Be>un and sa# the River "hang 8o gliding by. I thought no common human 4ver rose from such a place. Or he #as great In #ar, a poet, or an artist s$illed. 7erchance a model minister, or son, Or famous for fraternal duty sho#n. The thoughts of heroes are not ours to >udge, For are their actions for our eyes to see. + man may stand the first in merit; then *is crimes may brand him chief of criminals. +nd so his reputation(s fair and foul; *is literary gifts may bear the mar$ Of genius; he may be a ruler born; 'ut this is certain@ *e #ill stand above

*is fello#s, herding not #ith common people. Ta$es he the field, then is he bold in fight; !ould he a mansion build, a palace springs. In all things great, his genius masters him. +nd such #as )ao )ao. *e could never be Obedient; he a rebel #as, foredoomed. *e seiDed and ruled, but hungered for more po#er; 'ecame a prince, and still #as not content. +nd yet this man of glorious career !hen gripped by sic$ness, #ept as might a child. 3ull #ell he $ne#, #hen on the bed of death, That all is vanity and nothing #orth. *is latest acts #ere $indly. Simple gifts Of fragrant incense gave he to the maids. +h= The ancients( splendid deeds or secret thoughts !e may not measure #ith our puny rule. 'ut criticiDe them, pedants, as ye may The mighty dead #ill smile at #hat you say. +s )ao )ao breathed his last, the #hole of those present raised a great #ailing and lamentation. The ne#s #as sent to the members of the family, the *eir )ao 7i, ,ord of Banling )ao "hang, ,ord of ,inDi )ao "hi, and ,ord of 2iaohuai )ao 2iong. They #rapped the body in its shroud, enclosed it in a silver shell, and laid it in a golden coffin, #hich #as sent at once home to Be>un. The eldest son #ept aloud at the tidings and #ent out #ith all his follo#ing to meet the procession and escort the body of his father into his home. The coffin #as laid in a great hall beside the main building, and all the officials in deep mourning #ailed in the hall. Suddenly one stood out from the ran$s of the mourners and said, CI #ould re uest the heir to cease lamentation for the dead and devote himself to the present needs of state.C It #as Sima 3u, and he continued, CThe death of the 7rince #ill cause an upheaval in the empire, and it is essential that the heir should assume his dignity #ithout loss of time. There is not mourning alone to be seen to.C The others replied. CThe succession is settled, but the investiture can hardly proceed #ithout the necessary edict from the 4mperor. That must be secured.C Said )hen 9iao, #ho #as 1inister of !ar, C+s the 7rince died a#ay from home, it may be that disputes #ill ensue, and the country #ill be in danger.C Then )hen 9iao slashed off the sleeves of his robe #ith a s#ord and shouted fiercely, C!e #ill invest the prince forth#ith, and anyone #ho does not agree, let him be treated as this robe.C

Still fear held most of the assembly. Then arrived *ua 2in most haste from the capital. They #ondered #hat his sudden arrival meant. Soon he entered the hall and said, CThe 7rince of !ei is dead and the #orld is in commotion. !hy do you not invest his successor uic$lyGC C!e a#ait the command,C cried they in chorus, Cand also the order of 7rincess61other 'ian concerning the heirship.C CI have procured the imperial edict here,C cried he, pulling it out from his breast. They all >umped up and do#n to shout their congratulations. +nd *ua 2in read the edict. *ua 2in had al#ays been devoted to !ei. +s soon as he $ne# of )ao )ao(s death, he drafted this edict and got it sealed by 4mperor 2ian almost by force. *o#ever, there it #as@ Therein )ao 7i #as named as 7rince of !ei, 3irst 1inister, and Imperial 7rotector of 9iDhou.C )ao 7i thereupon too$ his seat in the princely place and received the eAultant congratulations of all the officers. This #as follo#ed by a great ban uet. *o#ever, all #as not to pass too smoothly. !hile the ban uet #as in progress, the ne#s came@ C)ao "hang, ,ord of Banling, #ith an army of one hundred thousand troops, is approaching from )hangan.C In a state of consternation, the ne# 7rince turned to his courtiers, saying, C!hat shall I doG This young, golden6bearded brother of mine, al#ays obstinate and determined and #ith no little military s$ill, is marching hither #ith an army to contest my inheritance.C C,et me go to see the 1ar uis. I can ma$e him desist,C said one of the guests. The others cried, COnly yourself, O 4Aalted One, can save us in this peril=C &uarrel bet#een t#o sons of )ao )ao 9ust as in the *ouse of Buan Shao. If you #ould $no# #ho proposed himself as envoy, read the neAt chapter. Chapter 69 Brother ppressing Brother0 Cao Zhi Composes Poems; >ephew Harming Cnc#e0 -i& Feng ,eceives P&nishment' +ll eyes turned to#ard the spea$er, *igh 1inister 9ia 5ui, and the young prince commanded him to underta$e the mission. So he #ent out of the city and sought to spea$ #ith )ao "hang. )ao "hang came uic$ly to the point.

C!ho has the late 7rince(s sealGC as$ed he. 9ia 5ui replied seriously, CThere is an eldest son to a house, and an heir6apparent to a state. Such a uestion from your lordship is unbecoming.C )ao "hang held his peace, and the t#o proceeded into the city to the gates of the 7alace. There 9ia 5ui suddenly as$ed him, CBou come as a mourner or as a rival claimantGC CI am come as a mourner. I never had any ulterior motive.C CThat being so. !hy bring in your soldiersGC !hereupon )ao "hang ordered his escort to retire, and entered the city alone. !hen the )ao brothers met, they fell into each other(s arms and #ept. Then )ao "hang yielded command of all his army, and he #as directed to go bac$ to Banling and guard it. *e obediently #ithdre#. )ao 7i, being no# firmly established, changed the name of the period of his rule to the 7rolonged !ealth 4ra, the 3irst Bear -+D ../0. *e made 9ia 2u 8rand )ommander, *ua 2in 7rime 1inister, and !ang ,ang *igh 1inister, and made many promotions. To the late 7rince, he gave the posthumous title of the 5ing of 8reat 1ight, and buried him in 8aoling. To the superintendence of the building of 5ing )ao(s tomb, )ao 7i nominated Bu 9in, but #ith malevolent intent. 3or #hen Bu 9in reached his post, he found the #alls of the rooms decorated #ith chal$ s$etches depicting the dro#ning of the seven armies and the capture of himself by 8uan Bu. 8uan Bu #as loo$ing very dignified and severe. 7ang De #as refusing to bo# to the victor, #hile Bu 9in himself #as lying in the dust pleading for his life. )ao 7i had chosen this method of putting Bu 9in to open shame, because Bu 9in had not preferred death to the dishonor of capture, and had sent an artist on purpose to depict the shameful scenes. !hen Bu 9in sa# them, shame and rage alternately too$ possession of him till he fell ill. Soon after he died. !ar #aged he for many a year, Bet fell prey to craven fear. Fone can $no# another(s heart, Dra#ing tigers, #ith bones start. Soon after the accession, *ua 2in memorialiDed the 7rince of !ei, saying, CThe ,ord of Banling has cut himself loose from his army and gone uietly to his post, but your other t#o brothers did not attend the funeral of their father. Their conduct should be in uired into and punished.C )ao 7i too$ up the suggestion and sent commissioners to each. They #ho #ere sent to the younger uic$ly returned to report@ C)ao 2iong, the ,ord of 2iaohuai, had hanged himself rather than suffer for his fault.C

)ao 7i ordered honorable burial for )ao 2iong and gave him the posthumous title of 7rince of 2iaohuai. Soon after, the envoy to ,inDi returned to report@ CThe ,ord of ,inDi, )ao "hi, is spending his time in dissipation, his especial boon companions being t#o brothers named Ding Bi and Ding Bin. They #ere very rude. !hen #e presented ourselves, )ao "hi sat bolt upright, but #ould not say a #ord. Ding Bi used insulting #ords, saying, (5ing )ao intended our lord to succeed, but #as turned there from by the slanderous tongues of certain among you. +s soon as he is dead, your master begins to thin$ of punishment for his o#n flesh and blood.( CThe other brother Ding Bin said, (In intellect our lord leads the age, and he ought to have been heir to his father. Fo#, not only does he not succeed, but he is treated in this harsh #ay by a lot of courtiers of your sort, ignorant of #hat genius means.( C+nd then )ao "hi, in a fit of anger, had ordered his lictors to beat the chief envoy and turn him out.C This treatment of his messenger annoyed )ao 7i greatly, and he dispatched a force of three thousand Imperial Tiger 8uards under 2u )hu to arrest his brother and all his immediate surroundings. !hen 2u )hu arrived ,inDi, the gate commander stopped him. 2u )hu sle# that general and entered the city, unchallenged. *e #ent to the residence and found )ao "hi and all his companions dead drun$. So he bound them, put them into carts, and sent them to court in Be>un. *e also arrested all the officers of the palace. )ao 7i(s first order #as to put to death Ding Bi and Ding Bin. The t#o brothers #ere not #holly base; they had a reputation for learning, and many #ere sorry for them. )ao 7i(s mother, ,ady 'ian, #as alarmed at the severity of the ne# rule, and the suicide of her youngest son #ounded her deeply. !hen she heard that )ao "hi had been arrested and his comrades put to death, she left her palace and #ent to see her eldest son. +s soon as he sa# her, the 7rince hastened to meet her. She began to #eep. CBour brother has al#ays had that #ea$ness for #ine, but #e let him go his #ay out of consideration for his undoubted ability. I hope you #ill not forget he is your brother and that I bore you both. Spare his life that I may close my eyes in peace #hen I set out for the deep springs.C CI also admire his ability, 1other, and have no intention to hurt him. 'ut I #ould reform him. *ave no anAiety as to his fate,C said )ao 7i. So the mother #as comforted and #ithdre#. The 7rince then #ent to a private room and bade them call his brother. Said *ua 2in, CSurely the 7rincess61other has >ust been interceding for your brother. Is it not soGC

CIt is so,C replied the 7rince. CThen let me say that )ao "hi is too clever to be content to remain in a humble station. If you do not remove him, he #ill do you harm.C CI must obey my mother(s command.C C7eople say your brother simply tal$s in literature. I do not believe it myself, but he might be put to the test. If he bears a false reputation, you can slay him; if #hat they say is true, then degrade him, lest the scholars of the land should babble.C Soon )ao "hi came, and in a state of great trepidation bo#ed lo# before his elder brother, confessing his fault. The 7rince addressed him, saying, CThough #e are brothers, yet the proper relation bet#een us of prince and minister must not be overloo$ed. !hy then did you behave indecorouslyG !hile the late 7rince lived, you made a boast of your literary po#ers, but I am disposed to thin$ you may have made use of another(s pen. Fo# I re uire you to compose a poem #ithin the time ta$en to #al$ seven paces, and I #ill spare your life if you succeed. If you fail, then I shall punish you #ith rigor.C C!ill you suggest a themeGC as$ed )ao "hi. Fo# there #as hanging in the hall a blac$ and #hite s$etch of t#o bulls that had been fighting at the foot of a #all, and one of them had >ust fallen dead into a #ell. )ao 7i pointed to the s$etch and said, CTa$e that as the sub>ect. 'ut you are forbidden to use the #ords (t#o bulls, one bull, fighting, #all(s foot, falling, #ell, and dead(.C )ao "hi too$ seven paces and then recited this poem@ CT#o butcher(s victims lo#ing #al$ed along, 4ach head bore curving bones, a sturdy pair, They met >ust by a hilloc$, both #ere strong, 4ach #ould avoid a pit ne#ly dug there. They fought une ual battle, for at length One lay belo# a gory mass, inert. It #as not that they #ere of une ual strength Though #rathful both, one did not strength eAert.C This eAhibition of s$ill amaDed the 7rince and the #hole court. )ao 7i thought he #ould use another test, so he bade his brother improvise on the theme of their fraternal relationship, the #ords CbrotherhoodC or CbrotherC being barred. !ithout seeming to reflect, )ao "hi rattled off this rhyme@

CThey #ere boiling beans on a beanstal$ fire; )ame a plaintive voice from the pot, (O #hy, since #e sprang from the selfsame root, Should you $ill me #ith anger hotG(C The allusion in these verses to the cruel treatment of one member of a family by another #as not lost upon )ao 7i, and he dropped a fe# silent tears. The mother of both men came out at this moment from her abiding place and said, CShould the elder brother thus oppress the youngerGC The 7rince >umped from his seat, saying, C1y mother, the la#s of the state cannot be nullified.C )ao "hi #as degraded to the ran$ of ,ord of +nAiang. *e accepted the decision #ithout a murmur and at once left his brother(s court by horse. )ao 7i(s accession #as the signal for a set of ne# la#s and ne# commands. *is behavior to#ard 4mperor 2ian #as more intemperate than his father(s had ever been. The stories of his harshness reached )hengdu and almost frightened ,iu 'ei, #ho summoned his counselors to discuss #hat he should do. Said he, CSince the death of )ao )ao and the accession of his son, the position of the 4mperor has changed for the #orse. Sun &uan ac$no#ledges the lordship of !ei, and its influence is becoming too great. I am disposed to destroy Sun &uan in revenge for the death of my brother. That done. I #ill proceed to the )apital District and purge the #hole land of rebellion. !hat thin$ youGC Then ,iao *ua stood out from the ran$s of officers and thre# himself upon the earth, saying #ith tears, C,iu 3eng and 1eng Da #ere the true cause of the death of your brother and his adopted son. 'oth these renegades deserve death.C ,iu 'ei #as of the same opinion and #as going to send and arrest them forth#ith, but here "huge ,iang intervened and gave #iser advice. CThat is not the #ay. 8o slo#ly or you may stir up strife. 7romote these t#o and separate them. +fter that you may arrest.C The 7rince of *anDhong sa# the prudence of this procedure and stayed his hand. *e raised ,iu 3eng to the 8overnorship of 1ianDhu, and so separated the t#o delin uents. Fo# 7eng Bang and 1eng Da #ere old friends. *earing #hat #as afoot, the former hastened home and #rote #arning his friend. The letter #as confided to a trusty messenger to bear to 1eng Da. The messenger #as caught as he #ent out of the city and carried before 1a )hao, #ho thus got #ind of the business. *e then #ent to 7eng Bang(s house, #here, nothing being suspected, he #as received $indly and #ine #as brought in. The t#o dran$ for some time.

!hen 1a )hao thought his host sufficiently off his guard, he said, CThe 7rince of *anDhong used to loo$ on you #ith great favor. !hy does he do so no longerGC The host began to rave against his master. CThe obstinate old leather6belly= 'ut I #ill find some #ay to pay him out.C In order to see to #hat lengths he #ould go, 1a )hao led him on, saying, CTruth to tell, I have long hated the man too.C CThen you >oin 1eng Da and attac$, #hile I #ill #in over the people of 4ast and !est River ,ands. That #ill ma$e it easy enough,C said 7eng Bang. C!hat you propose is very feasible, but #e #ill tal$ it over again tomorro#,C said 1a )hao, and too$ leave. Ta$ing #ith him the captured man and the letter he carried, 1a )hao then proceeded to see the 7rince, to #hom he related the #hole story. ,iu 'ei #as very angry and at once had the intended traitor arrested and put in prison, #here he #as eAamined under torture to get at full details. !hile 7eng Bang lay in prison, bitterly but vainly repentant, ,iu 'ei consulted his adviser. CThat fello# 7eng Bang meant to turn traitor. !hat shall I do #ith himGC CThe fello# is something of a scholar, but irresponsible,C replied "huge ,iang. C*e is too dangerous to be left alive.C Thereupon orders #ere given that he should be allo#ed to commit suicide in gaol. The ne#s that 7eng Bang had been made a#ay frightened his sympathiDer and friend, 1eng Da, and put him in a uandary. 3urther, ,iu 3eng(s promotion and transfer to 1ianDhu arrived, and it frightened him still more. So he sought advice from t#o friends and commanders, the brothers Shen Dan and Shen Bi, #ho lived in Shangyong. C1y friend 7eng Bang and I did much for the 7rince of *anDhong. 'ut no# 7eng Bang is dead, and I am forgotten. 1ore than that, the 7rince #ishes to put me to death. !hat can I doGC said 1eng Da. Shen Dan replied, CI thin$ I can find a plan that #ill secure your safety.C C!hat is itGC as$ed 1eng Da, feeling happier. CDesertion. 1y brother Shen Bi and I have long desired to go over to !ei. Bou >ust #rite the 7rince of *anDhong a memorial resigning your service and beta$e yourself to the 7rince of !ei, #ho #ill certainly employ you in some honorable #ay. Then #e t#o #ill follo#.C

1eng Da sa# that this #as his best course, so he #rote a memorandum, #hich he gave to the messenger #ho had brought the recent dispatches to ta$e bac$ #ith him. That night 1eng Da left his post and #ent to !ei. The messenger returned to )hengdu, handed in 1eng Da(s memorial, and told the story of his desertion. The 7rince #as angry. *e tore open the letter and read@ CIn the humble opinion of thy servant, O 7rince, you have set out to accomplish a tas$ comparable #ith that of Bi Bin%, and to #al$ in the meritorious footsteps of ,u !ang% in building the fame of Du$es !en% and *uan%. !hen the great design #as rough6he#n, you had the support of the lands of the states of !u% and )hu%, #herefore many people of ability incontinently >oined you. Since I entered your service, I have committed many faults; and if I recogniDe them, ho# much more do you see them= Fo#, O 7rince, you are surrounded by famous people, #hile I, useless as a helper at home and inept as a leader abroad, should be shamed #ere I to ta$e a place among them. CIt is #ell $no#n that #hen 3an ,i% sa# certain eventualities, he #ent sailing on the la$es, and "i 3an% ac$no#ledged his faults and stayed by the rivers. Inasmuch as one cannot ta$e means of safeguarding one(s self at the critical and dangerous moment, I desire666as is my duty666to go a#ay as I came, untainted. 1oreover, I am stupid and #ithout use or merit, merely born in these days as the sport of circumstances. CIn the days of old, Shen Sheng%, though perfectly filial, incurred the suspicions of his father and died; !u "iAu%, though perfectly loyal, #as put to death. 1eng Tian%, though he eAtended the borders of &in, suffered the eAtreme penalty; and Bue Bi%, though he destroyed the might of &i, #as the victim of calumny. !henever I have read of these men, I have been moved to tears, and no# I am in li$e case and the more mortified. C,ately 9ingDhou #as over#helmed, and I, an officer of ran$, failed in my duty, not one in a hundred behaving as I should. Only I return 3angling and Shangyong and see$ service abroad. Fo# I desire you, O 7rince, graciously to understand, to sympathiDe #ith thy servant and to condone the step he is about to ta$e. Really I am but a mean man, incapable of great deeds. I $no# #hat I am doing, and I dare to say it is no small fault. CThey say that dissolution of bonds should not occasion recrimination, and the dismissed servant should ta$e leave #ithout heart6burning. I have ta$en your orders many times, and no#, O 7rince, you must act yourself. I #rite this #ith eAtreme trepidation.C 'ut the reading gave rise to great anger in the breast of the 7rince. CThe unmerited fello#=C said he. C*e turns traitor and dares to insult me by sending a letter of fare#ell.C ,iu 'ei #as >ust giving orders to send a force to seiDe the deserter, #hen "huge ,iang interposed, saying, CBou had better send ,iu 3eng to capture him and let the t#o tigers #orry each other to

#ea$ness. !hether ,iu 3eng succeeds or fails, he #ill have to come to the capital, and you can $ill him. Thus #ill you cut off t#o evils.C ,iu 'ei too$ his advice. Orders #ere sent to 1ianDhu, and ,iu 3eng obediently led out his troops. Fo# 1eng Da arrived #hen )ao 7i #as holding a great council. !hen the attendants told him that 8eneral 1eng Da of Shu had come, )ao 7i summoned him to enter. Said )ao 7i to him, CIs this a sincere surrenderGC 1eng Da replied, CI #as in fear of death for not having relieved 8uan Bu. That is my only reason for coming.C *o#ever, )ao 7i did not trust him. Then they reported that ,iu 3eng #as coming to arrest him, #ith a large army, and had attac$ed 2iangyang and #as challenging 1eng Da to battle. )ao 7i said, CBou seem to be true. 8o then to 2iangyang and ta$e ,iu 3eng. If you bring me his head, I shall no longer doubt.C 1eng Da replied, CI #ill convince him by argument. Fo soldiers #ill be needed. I #ill bring him to surrender too.C So 1eng Da #as made 8eneral !ho 4stablishes Strong +rms, ,ord of 7ingyang, and 8overnor of 2incheng, and sent to guard 2iangyang and 3ancheng. Fo# there #ere t#o generals there already, 2iahou Shang and 2u *uang, #ho engaged in reducing the surrounding territories. 1eng Da arrived, met his t#o colleagues, and #as told that ,iu 3eng #as fifteen miles from the city. !hereupon 1eng Da #rote him a letter urging him to surrender. 'ut ,iu 3eng #as in no mood to surrender. Instead he tore up the letter and put the messenger to death. CThe renegade has already made me offend against my duty to my uncle, and no# #ould sever me from my father so that I shall be reproached as disloyal and unfilial,C said ,iu 3eng. 1eng Da #ent out #ith his army to give battle. ,iu 3eng rode to the front, pointed #ith his s#ord at his opponent, and railed against him. CDeath is very near you=C replied 1eng Da. CBet you continue obstinately in the #ay of foolishness and #ill not understand.C ,iu 3eng rode out flourishing his s#ord. *e engaged 1eng Da, #ho ran a#ay before the conflict had #ell begun. ,iu 3eng pursued hotly to seven miles. Then he fell into an ambush and found himself attac$ed on t#o sides by 2iahou Shang and 2u *uang. +lso 1eng Da returned to the attac$. ,iu 3eng #as forced to fly. *e made straight for Shangyong, pursued all the #ay. !hen he reached the city and hailed the gate, he #as met by a volley of arro#s.

CI have surrendered to !ei=C cried Shen Dan from the city to#er. ,iu 3eng got furious and prepared to attac$ the #all, but the army of !ei #as close behind, and having no resting place, he set off for 3angling. *e arrived there to find the banners of !ei set out along the #alls. Then he sa# Shen Bi #ave a signal from the to#er, and at once there appeared from the shelter of the #all a body of soldiers, and the leading banner displayed 8eneral of the Right +rmy 2u *uang. ,iu 3eng #as #orsted by the ambush. Then he made for home. 'ut he #as pursued, and only a hundred riders of his remained to him #hen he regained )hengdu. See$ing an intervie# #ith his father, he found but scant sympathy. In response to his petition, made prostrate, and #eeping, ,iu 'ei said, CShameful son= *o# are you come to see me at allGC C1y uncle(s mishap #as not due to my refusal of help, but because 1eng Da th#arted me.C CBou eat as a man, you dress as a man; but you have no more the instincts of a man than an image of clay or #ood. !hat mean you by saying another #retch th#arted youGC ,iu 'ei bade the eAecutioners eApel ,iu 3eng and put him to death. 'ut the 7rince felt some compunction later #hen he heard of ,iu 3eng(s treatment to the messenger #ho had brought 1eng Da(s letter inviting him to become a traitor. +nd he gave #ay to grief for the death of 8uan Bu until he fell ill. So no military movements #ere made. +fter he had succeeded to the princedom, )ao 7i raised all his officers to high ran$ and had an army prepared of three hundred thousand, and maneuvered them over the southern territories and made great feasts in the county of &iao in the old state of 7ei, #hich #as the land of his ancestors. +s the grand army passed by, the aged villagers lined the roads offering gifts of #ine, >ust as #hen the 3ounder of the *ans returned home to 7ei. !hen it #as announced that the Regent 1arshal 2iahou Dun #as near death, )ao 7i hastened bac$ to Be>un, but arrived too late to see him. *e put on mourning for the great leader and instituted magnificent funeral ceremonies. In the eighth month of that same year -+D ../0, it #as reported that a phoeniA had been seen to bo# at Shiyi, and a >ilin had appeared at ,inDi, #hile a yello# dragon #as observed in Be>un. !hereupon Imperial )ommander ,i &u and 1inister 2u "hi discussed these appearances, and putting them all together they concluded, saying, CThose splendid signs presage that !ei is about to supplant *an, and the altar of abdication should be set up.C

7resently a deputation of forty high officers, both military and civil, led by *ua 2in, !ang ,ang, 2in 7i, 9ia 2u, ,iu Be, ,iu "i, )hen 9iao, )hen &un, and *uan 9ie #ent into the 3orbidden )ity and proposed to 4mperor 2ian that he should abdicate and yield to the 7rince of !ei, )ao 7i. It is time to set up the throne of !ei, +nd steal the land from the *ans. The neAt chapter #ill record the 4mperor(s reply. Chapter 7< Cao Pi *eposes The %mperor) Ta5ing 1wa4 The Fort&nes o! Hans; -i& Bei 1ss&mes The Throne) Contin&ing The Heritage' *ua 2in #as the spo$esman of the deputation of officers that #ent into the 3orbidden )ity, and he spo$e thus@ CSince the inauguration of the 7rince of !ei, virtue has spread to the four corners of the empire and humanity has permeated all the earth to a degree uneAcelled in all the ages, even in the days of the ancient rulers, 5ing Tang% and 5ing Bu%. !e, your servants, have ta$en account of these things and have reached the conclusion that the fortunes of *an is #orn out, #herefore #e trust Bour 1a>esty, in imitation of the great prototypes 5ing Bao% and 5ing Shun%, #ill yield the mountains, the rivers, and the peoples to a more able guardian and high priest of the sacrifices in the person of the 7rince of !ei, thereby pleasing *eaven and satisfying the hearts of humans, and enabling Bour 1a>esty to en>oy the happiness of freedom and repose from the eAacting duties of the chief ruler. The happiness of your ancestors and of humanity at large #ould thereby be enhanced. *aving thoroughly debated this matter, #e have come to lay it before you.C The 4mperor listened in amaDement, and for a time could not reply. Then, loo$ing at the assembly, he said sadly, C*o# can I abandon my empire for the sa$e of repose666the empire #on by my 8reat +ncestor, its 3ounder, #hen, #ith a three6span s#ord, he sle# the Sna$e and restored Right, and consolidated #hen he reduced &in and over#helmed )hu666the empire #hich has been handed do#n for four centuriesG Though I possess not brilliant talents, yet I have done no #rong. 8o bac$ and debate this again in a >ust and moderate spirit.C Then *ua 2in led for#ard 2u "hi and ,i &u nearer the throne, saying, CIf Bour 1a>esty thin$s #e may be mista$en, pray as$ these t#o, #ho #ill eAplain.C Said ,i &u, CSince the 7rince of !ei has ta$en his seat, the 9ilin has descended, the 7hoeniA has appeared, the Bello# Dragon has come forth, the 8rain of 3elicity has flourished, and S#eet De# has #atered the earth. +ll these things augur that *eaven decrees a change, and !ei must replace *an.C 2u "hi continued, CThe astrologers, #atching the aspect of the s$ies at night, have seen the blaDing light of the star of *an gradually fade a#ay and Bour 1a>esty(s o#n star become dim. On the other hand, the aspect of the s$y and the attitude of the earth have been #holly bright in favor

of !ei to a degree hard to state in #ords. 1oreover, the lots have been cast, and they gave the #ords (Devil, at the side, has been sent, there must be an inroad upon *an #ithout #ord(; another lot, (!ord, in east, light moves #est, t#o suns radiating as the air blo#s south(. These oracles gave t#o #ords #hich, >oined, compose 2u; (t#o suns, one on the other(, #hich is )hang. These signs are unmista$eable, for #hen put together the #hole reads, (!ei at 2uchang is to receive the abdication of *an.( If you consider, Bour 1a>esty must admit this.C C+ll empty #ords and madness, this tal$ of auguries and lots= Is it reasonable that I should suddenly abandon the great heritage for such nonsenseGC Then !ang ,ang said, C!aA and #ane has been the la# of all things from the beginning; every period of glory is follo#ed by one of obscurity. *as any rule endured forever or any *ouse never failedG The rule of *an, handed do#n through four centuries to Bourself, has lost its vigor, and the time has come to yield. Retirement may not be delayed, or confusion #ill ensue.C The 4mperor #ept aloud and retired to his private chamber, #hile the officers left the hall laughing. FeAt morning they assembled in the court, but the 4mperor did not appear. So they sent the 7alace officers to re uest his presence. Still he feared to sho# himself. 4mpress )ao as$ed him, C!hy do Bour 1a>esty not hold the court as usual, especially #hen you are re uested to go outGC C'ecause your brother #ishes to depose me and become 4mperor himself. *e has set the #hole host of officers against me to force me to abdicate, and I #ill not eApose myself to this compulsion.C C'ut #hat can have induced my brother to do such a dreadfully rebellious thingGC said she angrily. 9ust as she spo$e, )ao *ong and )ao 2iu, both armed, forced their #ay into the inner apartments and re uested *is 1a>esty to come to the *all of +udience. The 4mpress bro$e out into abuse@ CSo you are t#o of the disorderly rebels #ho, for the sa$e of your o#n ends, have conspired to upset all the good service of my father. Though he overshado#ed the #hole land, yet he never dared to aspire to the sacred Throne. 'ut my brother, #ho has only >ust succeeded him, sets no bounds to his ambition and temerity and #ould usurp the Throne. *eaven #ill surely cut off his offspring=C She #ept bitterly as she #ent a#ay, and the attendants sobbed and #ept too. 'ut )ao 2iu and )ao *ong still urged the 4mperor to go to the *all of +udience, and at last he had to yield. There *ua 2in too$ up the uestion again. CBour 1a>esty should act as #as advised yesterday and so avoid any misfortune.C

The 4mperor sobbed, C+ll of you have eaten of the bounty of *an for years, and among you are many #hose fathers and grandfathers #ere conspicuous for merit. *o# can you bring yourselves to act thus improperly to#ard meGC CIf Bour 1a>esty refuses to follo# advice, I fear that there #ill soon be trouble in the family. Really #e are not disloyal.C C!ho #ould dare to murder meGC cried the 4mperor. C4veryone $no#s that Bour 1a>esty lac$s the happy attributes of a successful ruler and that is #hy there is so much confusion in the country. If it #ere not for the presence of the 7rince of !ei in your court, many people #ould murder you. Bour 1a>esty has never yet learned ho# to treat people; is your sole desire to set people against youGC The 4mperor, alarmed at the violence of his language, shoo$ out his sleeves and rose to go a#ay. Then !ang ,ang glanced at *ua 2in, #ho rushed for#ard and seiDed the 4mperor by the sleeve. CIs it consent or notGC cried he angrily. COne #ord=C The 4mperor #as dumb #ith terror. C!here is the 5eeper of the SealGC shouted )ao *ong and )ao 2iu, dra#ing their s#ords. CThe 5eeper of the Seal is here,C said "u 'i, stepping calmly to the front. They tried to force the seal from him, but he cried, CThe Seal belongs to the 4mperor, and I #ill not yield it=C )ao *ong called up the eAecutioners and told them to behead him, #hich they did. "u 'i abused the ruffians to the last breath. Dethroned by #ic$ed traitors #as the ruling *ouse of *an, They falsely claimed as precedent the deeds of Bu and Tang. The cro#d of officers at court #ere all on )ao 7i(s side, Save one, "u 'i the 5eeper of the Seal, and loyally he died. The 4mperor #as in a state of ab>ect terror, and #hen he sa# the #hole court filling up #ith armed guards, all the soldiers of !ei and so enemies, he burst into tears. CBes; I #ill give up the throne to the 7rince, if haply I may be spared to live out the fe# years *eaven has assigned me,C #ailed he. CThe 7rince #ill al#ays ta$e care of Bour 1a>esty,C said 9ia 2u. CIt #ould be as #ell to prepare the abdication manifesto uic$ly so as to preserve tran uillity.C

Such a hint could not be missed, and )hen &un #as directed to draft the document. +s soon as it #as finished, *ua 2in and a host of officers, too$ it off to the 7rince of !ei(s palace and presented it, #ith the Imperial *ereditary Seal, in the name of the 4mperor. Very >oyfully, )ao 7i read this #riting@ CDuring the #hole of my thirty6t#o years of reign the land has been in a state of turmoil, but the spirits of my ancestors have preserved me in the midst of danger. Fo# from the signs of the heavens and the hearts of the people, I see that the virtue of the *ans is eAhausted, and happy fortune has devolved upon the *ouse of !ei, as may be seen from the success in #ar en>oyed by the late 5ing )ao and the resplendent virtue of the present 7rince, #hich ans#ers to the times. C'y all noble principles the empire is no private possession, but a public trust. !herefore the great 5ing Bao, to his eternal glory, passed over his o#n son. *o# I admire this deed= Fo# in imitation thereof I have resolved to abdicate in favor of my )hief 1inister, the 7rince of !ei, #ho #ill not, I hope, disappoint my #ishes.C )ao 7i heard this and #as going to accept it as final. 'ut Sima Bi said no@ C+lthough the declaration and the seal have been sent, yet decorum demands refusal at first so as to silence people(s criticism.C Then !ang ,ang drafted a memorial modestly declining the proposal of succession on the ground of unfitness and as$ing that some other be sought. !hen this reached the 4mperor, he #as much perturbed and as$ed #hat #as to be done neAt. Replied *ua 2in, C!hen his father #as offered a princedom, he declined thrice, but he finally accepted. !herefore Bour 1a>esty should rene# the offer. The 7rince #ill end by acceptance.C There #as no help for it, and so *uan 9ie #as bidden to draft another declaration of offer, #hich #as sent by the hand of the Officer of the Dynastic Temple, "hang Bin, together #ith the emblems and the seal. This ne# declaration read thus@ CTo the 7rince of !ei. Bou have sent your modest refusal of my offer to abdicate. 'ut I have long since seen that the virtue of *an is passing, and I could only rely upon the late 7rince, your father, #ho virtuously undertoo$ the great tas$ of removing the evil oppressors and purging the land. Fo# his son )ao 7i has succeeded. *is perfect virtue is resplendent, his fame universal and his benevolence is #afted to all parts. The divine choice rests upon him. CIn the days of old, Bao the 8reat #ould abdicate, and did so in favor of Shun, #ho possessed merit after his t#enty accomplishments; and the 8od6$ing Shun in the same manner handed the Throne to Bu after Bu had labored to control the flood#aters. The *ouse of *an succeeded in the course of ages to the #or$ of Bao and no# passes on the sacred trust, to promote the repose of the 4arth and manifest the command of *eaven.

C'y the hand of the 1inister "hang Bin, this is sent #ith the emblems and the seal.C 8reatly re>oicing, )ao 7i received this. 'ut he said to 9ia 2u, C+lthough I have received t#o such declarations, yet I fear that I may not escape being branded as a usurper by posterity.C CThat is easily arranged,C replied 9ia 2u. CDirect "hang Bin to ta$e the seal bac$ again, and tell *ua 2in to cause the 4mperor to set up a Terrace of +bdication and select an auspicious day for the ceremony. Then assemble all the officers at the terrace, and cause the 4mperor to offer the seal #ith his o#n hands and surrender the empire to you. Thus can you dissipate all doubts and prevent any caviling.C So the seal #as once more re>ected #ith a memorial to say so. "hang Bin returned, and the 4mperor in uired of the courtiers ho# he #as to understand this act. Then *ua 2in said, CBour 1a>esty can set up a Terrace of +bdication and assemble nobles, officers, and common people to #itness the act of abdication. Thereafter the descendants of your *ouse shall receive favor at the hands of !ei.C The 4mperor consented and sent officials in the Office of Imperial )eremonies to select a site at 3anyang. +nd there they built a terrace of three stories, and they chose an auspicious day of the tenth month for the act of abdication. On the appointed day, 4mperor 2ian re uested )ao 7i to ascend the terrace and receive his abdication. +t the foot of the terrace stood the officials, more than four hundred, and the Imperial 8uards and the Tiger 8uards, and soldiers to the number of three hundred thousand. Thereupon the 4mperor presented the seal, #hich )ao 7i received into his hands. Then all those about the terrace $nelt to listen to the reading of the manifesto@ CTo the 7rince of !ei. In days of old, Bao yielded the empire to Shun, and Shun in turn gave it to Bu. The #ill of *eaven does not follo# the #ay of mortals, but see$s the virtuous. The rule of *an has lost its virility and the times are out of >oint. !hen my turn came to rule, great disorder arose, and evils stal$ed abroad till the empire #as in danger of subversion. I trusted to the military genius of the late 7rince of !ei to restore order and purge a#ay the evil, #hereby to ensure tran uillity to my *ouse. !hat could my single hand do to correct this and ensure peace for my Fine DomainsG CThe present 7rince has succeeded to his father. *e is also resplendent in virtue, capable as !u the 1ilitary 5ing and !en the Scholar 5ing of the great tas$, brilliant in the glory of his father. The spirit of the empire is upon him; gods and humans declare his #orth. To him be the bright re#ard, and let him accept this mandate. 3or all say his capabilities fit him to stand beside Bu. C+s did my great predecessor, I respectfully retire that he may be set up. The revolution of *eaven brings the glory upon his person, and he #ill accept the high office and comfort all people by reverently obeying the decree of *eaven.C

The reading finished, the 7rince of !ei, )ao 7i, proceeded to the terrace and ascended to the place of the 4mperor. Then 9ia 2u, at the head of the great concourse of officers, came to the foot of the terrace, and a court #as held. The year of reign #as changed from 7rolonged !ealth, the first year, to Bello# Da#n, the first year -+D ../0, and the government became that of 8reat !ei. +n edict #as then published proclaiming a general amnesty, and the title of C3ounder of the DynastyC #as conferred upon the late 7rince, )ao )ao. Then said *ua 2in, C+s heaven has but one sun, so the people can have but one ruler. The *ans have abdicated, and it is fitting that they #ithdra# to a distance. I pray for an edict naming the place of residence of the ,iu family.C Ta$ing the late 4mperor by the arm, *ua 2in led him for#ard and made him $neel belo# the terrace to hear the command. Then the ne# 4mperor 7i conferred upon him the title of Du$e of Shanyang, bidding him depart forth#ith. Thereupon *ua 2in dre# his s#ord and in a harsh voice said, CIt is an old rule that the setting up of one emperor means the degradation of another. Fo#, through the gracious $indness of *is 1a>esty, you are spared personal in>ury and created a du$e. 7roceed at once and return not to court #ithout eApress command.C The late 4mperor 2ian controlled his emotion, than$ed the 4mperor 7i for his clemency and left on horsebac$. 'ut those #ho sa# the departure could not help a feeling of pity for him. Said )ao 7i to his courtiers, CFo# I understand the story of Shun and Bu.C Then they all shouted@ CO Ruler, may thy life be eternal=C The ruling policy of *an had failed them, Dangers pressed in upon the *ouse, +nd the land they had held so long 7assed from them forever. ,ittle thought he, #ho then snatched their scepter, That the precedent he then claimed !ould be used in due time by another To >ustify the destruction of his o#n *ouse. The officials then re uested )ao 7i to ma$e a solemn declaration to *eaven and 4arth, #hich he did #ith humble obeisance. 'ut at this moment a sudden storm burst #hirling up the dust and rolling along stones till no one could see the face of his neighbor. +ll the lights on the terrace #ere eAtinguished. The ne#ly enthroned 4mperor #as terrified and fell prostrate. *e #as borne a#ay unconscious. !hen he revived, he #as assisted into the 7alace, but for many days he #as too ill to hold a court.

!hen he had some#hat recovered, he met his courtiers and received their felicitations. *e re#arded *ua 2in #ith the post of 1inister of the Interior, and !ang ,ang #ith that of 1inister of !or$s. +ll the officers #ere advanced in ran$. 'ut as his recovery #as slo#, he began to thin$ there #as too much #itchcraft about the palaces at 2uchang and left it for ,uoyang, #here he erected a large palace compleA. The tale of these doings reached )hengdu and caused great grief to the 7rince of *anDhong, for he heard the rumors that the late 4mperor had been put to death%. *e issued an order for mourning to be #orn and instituted sacrifices, and he conferred the posthumous title of 4mperor 2ian the 3ilial on the late 4mperor. This #orry brought on an illness, so that he could not transact the business of the court, #hich #as left in the hands of "huge ,iang. Then "huge ,iang and some of his colleagues too$ counsel one #ith another, saying, CThe empire cannot be one single day #ithout its ruler, #herefore #e desire that our 7rince should be honored #ith the title of (4mperor(.C &iao "hou said, CThere have been auspicious indications. + yello# vapor has been seen in the north#est of )hengdu rising to the clouds, and the star of emperor has greatly increased in splendor and shined li$e the moon. These signs mean that our 7rince is to become 4mperor in succession to the *ouse of *an. There can be no doubt.C !hereupon "huge ,iang and 2u 9ing, at the head of a large number of officers, presented a memorial re uesting the 7rince to assume the title of 4mperor. 'ut ,iu 'ei ob>ected. CO Fobles, do you desire to set my feet in the #ay of disloyalty and #rong6doingGC CFot so,C said "huge ,iang. C'ut )ao 7i has usurped the Throne, #hile you are a scion of the *ouse. It is right and proper that you succeed and prolong the line.C 'ut the 7rince suddenly sho#ed anger, saying, C)an I imitate the deeds of such a rebelGC *e rose and left the chamber, going to his o#n apartments. So the officials dispersed. 'ut three days later "huge ,iang again led a deputation to the court, and they re uested that the 7rince should come forth and hear them. *e came, and they all prostrated themselves. 2u 9ing spo$e, CThe late 4mperor of the *ans has been slain by )ao 7i. Bou, O 7rince, #ill fail both in loyalty and rectitude if you do not assume the succession and destroy the #rong6doers. The #hole empire re uests you to rule that you may avenge the death of the late 4mperor, and the people #ill be disappointed if you do not accede to their #ishes.C The 7rince replied, C+lthough I am descended from the grandson of 4mperor 9ing, I have not been of the least advantage. If I assumed the title of (4mperor(, ho# #ould that act differ from usurpationGC

"huge ,iang pleaded #ith him again and again, but the 7rince remained obdurate. Then "huge ,iang bethought that #here argument failed a ruse might succeed. So having arranged the parts his several colleagues #ere to play, he pleaded illness and remained at home. 7resently it #as told the 7rince that his adviser(s condition #as becoming serious, #herefore ,iu 'ei #ent to see him as he lay on his couch. C!hat illness affects you, my )ommander6in6)hiefGC as$ed ,iu 'ei. C1y heart is sad li$e unto burning, and I shall soon die.C C!hat is it that causes you such griefGC 'ut "huge ,iang did not reply. +nd #hen the uestion #as repeated again and again he said nothing, but >ust lay #ith his eyes closed as if he #as too ill to spea$. The 7rince, ho#ever, pressed him to reply, and then #ith a deep sigh "huge ,iang said, C8reat 7rince, from the day I left my humble cottage to follo# you, you have al#ays listened to my #ords and accepted my advice, and no# this #estern domain, the #hole of the t#o River ,ands is yours >ust as I said it #ould be. 'ut this usurpation of )ao 7i means the annihilation of the *ans and the cessation of their sacrifices, #herefore my colleagues and I desired you to become 4mperor in order to crush this upstart !ei and restore the *ans. !e all #or$ed for this end, never thin$ing that you #ould refuse so obstinately to accede to our #ishes. Fo# the officers are all annoyed, and they #ill drift a#ay before very long. If you are left alone and !u and !ei come to attac$, it #ill be difficult for you to hold on to #hat you have. Do you not thin$ this sufficient reason for me to feel grievedGC CHnless I refused, the #hole #orld #ould blame me. I am afraid,C replied the 7rince. &uoting )onfucius the Teacher, "huge ,iang replied, C(If names be not correct, language is not in accordance #ith the truth of things.( In other #ords, if one be not really straight, people #ill not spea$ of one favorably. O 7rince, you are straight, and people spea$ of you favorably. !hat more is there to sayG Bou $no# #hen *eaven offers and you refuse, you are certainly to blame.C C!hen you have recovered, it shall be done,C said the 7rince. Hp leapt "huge ,iang from his bed, tapped at the screen in front of a door#ay and in rushed a number of high officers, #ho prostrated themselves, crying, CSo you have consented, O 7rince= Then choose the day for the ceremony.C They #ere all the most trusted of his court@ Imperial 8uardian 2u 9ing, 8eneral !ho 'rings 7eace to *an 1i "hu; ,ord of &ingyi 2iang 9u, ,ord of Bang uan ,iu 'ao, Deputy 8overnor "hao "uo; 3irst Secretary Bang *ong, )ounselor Du &iong, Secretary "hang Shuang, 1inister ,ai 8ong, 1inister *uang &uan, 1inister *e "ong, Doctorate Scholar Bin 1o, 1inister &iao "hou, 8rand )ommander Bin )hun, Imperial )ommander "hang Si, Treasurer !ang 1ou, Doctorate Scholar Bi 9i, )ounselor &in 1i, and many others.

The 7rince #as greatly startled, and said, CBou are committing me to doing #hat is dishonorable=C 'ut "huge ,iang said, CSince consent has been given, let a terrace be built and a day chosen for the great ceremony.C The 7rince #as escorted bac$ to his palace, and +cademician 2u )i and *igh )ounselor 1eng 8uang #ere told off to see to the building of the terrace at 1ount !udan south of )hengdu. +nd #hen all #as ready, a great concourse of officers solemnly escorted the 7rince, seated in a carriage of the imperial pattern, to the ground prepared, and he #ent up to the altar and performed the appointed sacrifice. This done, the solemn announcement #as read in a loud voice by &iao "hou@ COn this t#elfth day of the fourth month of the t#enty6fifth year of the Rebuilt Tran uillity 4ra, ,iu 'ei, the 4mperor, ma$es this solemn announcement to *eaven and 4arth. CThe dynasty of *an has possessed the empire for years #ithout end. 3ormerly !ang 1ang rebelled against his sovereign, and ,iu 2iu the 3ounder of ,atter *an rose in his #rath and put !ang 1ang to death, thus restoring the prerogatives of the great sacrifices to him #ho rightly eAercised them. ,ately )ao )ao, po#erful and cruel, sle# the 4mpress, and his crimes cry aloud to *eaven for vengeance. *is son, )ao 7i, carrying evils into every uarter, then seiDed the scepter. C1y officials and leaders, regarding the dynasty as having been overthro#n, thin$ it fitting that I, ,iu 'ei, #ould continue the line. +s successor to my t#o #arrior ancestors, ,iu 'ang and ,iu 2iu, I #ill punish as *eaven decrees. C3earing lest my virtue be inade uate to the Imperial Throne, I consulted the voices of the people, and all, even the most distant, have said that the mandate of *eaven may not be disobeyed, the great tas$ of my ancestors may not discontinue, the land must have a lord, and they aver the cynosure of all eyes is myself. CFo# I, respecting the mandate of *eaven and fearing lest the great achievements of ,iu 'ang and ,iu 2iu may be overthro#n, have reverently selected this auspicious day to ascend the altar, sacrifice, and announce my assumption of the Imperial Seal in order to comfort all the people, re>oice the ancestors of the Dynastic *ouse, and bring eternal tran uillity to all domains.C !hen the reading #as ended, and the sacrifice and the prayer, "huge ,iang, in the name of all those assembled, presented the Imperial Seal. The 7rince received it in both hands, laid it upon the altar, and again declined acceptance, saying, CI, ,iu 'ei, am unfitted. I pray that another, more able, may be chosen.C

'ut "huge ,iang said, COur lord has settled the empire, and his merits are manifest to the #hole #orld. 1oreover, he is of the Dynastic 3amily, and it is fitting that he succeed. Fo# that the great announcement has been made, such self6abnegation is impossible.C So all the officers shouted, C4ternal life to the 4mperor=C +nd they did obeisance. Then the style of the reign #as announced to be 1anifest 1ight, the first year -+D ../0. The ,ady !u #as declared 4mpress, and the eldest son, ,iu Shan, #as declared *eir6+pparent. The second son ,iu Bung #as made 7rince of ,u, and the third son ,iu ,i, 7rince of ,iang -the ancient states of ,u and ,iang0. "huge ,iang became 7rime 1inister, and 2u 9ing, 1inister of the Interior. 1any others #ere promoted, and a general amnesty #as proclaimed, so that there #as great re>oicing throughout all the length and breadth of the t#o River ,ands. FeAt day the first court #as held, and after the ceremonial prostration, and #hen they #ere all arranged in due order, the 3irst Ruler made a pronouncement. CIn the 7each 8arden I and my brothers 8uan Bu and "hang 3ei pledged ourselves to live and die together. Hnhappily my brother 8uan Bu came to his end at the hands of Sun &uan of !u, and I must avenge him lest I fail to fulfill the oath. Therefore #ill I devote the #hole force of my $ingdom to the destruction of !u and the capture of its rebellious chief, #hereby to #ipe a#ay my reproach.C 'ut >ust as he closed this oration, an officer thre# himself do#n at the foot of the throne, crying, CIt may not be so=C +ll eyes turned to this man. *e #as Tiger 8eneral "hao Bun. CDire vengeance #ill I #rea$=C so cried the 5ing, *is minister replied, CDo no such thing.C !hat arguments #ere used #ill appear in the neAt chapter. Chapter 71 %ager For Bengeance) Zhang Fei Is 1ssassinated; 1thirst ! ,etri.&tion) The First ,&#er Goes To War' "hao Bun #as opposed to the attempt to fight !u, and spo$e against the plan. CThe real rebel #as not Sun &uan, but )ao )ao. Fo# it is his son #ho has usurped the Imperial Throne and called forth the anger of gods and humans. Bou should first aim at the ,and !ithin the 7asses by camping on the River !ei, from #hich to attac$ the rebel. +fter that the loyal people in the 4ast of the 7ass #ill cart their grains and herd their horses to #elcome your army. If you leave River !ei out of consideration in order to fight !u, your military force #ill be engaged, and could you disengage it uic$ly in case of necessityG It is #orth reflection.C

The 3irst Ruler replied, CSun &uan sle# my brother. 3urthermore, 3u Shiren, 1i 3ang, 7an "hang, and 1a "hong are on his side, all of #hom I hate so much that I could eat their flesh #ith gusto and devour their relatives, #hereby I should have my vengeance. !hy, Foble Sir, do you obstruct meGC C'ecause the enmity against )ao )ao is a public matter; vengeance for the manner of your brother(s end is private. The empire should be placed first.C C!hat care I for myriads of s uare miles of territory as long as my brother is unavengedGC So "hao Bun(s remonstrance #as disregarded, and orders #ent forth to prepare an army against !u. The 3irst Ruler also sent into the 3ive Valleys to borro# the aid of fifty thousand of tribesmen. *e sent a messenger to ,angDhong conferring on "hang 3ei the ran$ of 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry and the title of ,ord of 2iAiang. "hang 3ei became also 8overnor of ,angDhong. !hen "hang 3ei heard the tidings of 8uan Bu(s death at the hands of Sun &uan, he #ept very bitterly day and night, so that his raiment #as soa$ed #ith his tears. *is subordinates tried to cheer him #ith #ine, but he over6dran$, and this increased his ill6humor, #hich he vented on any offender in his camp. Some of his people even died under the lash. 4very day he gaDed south#ard, grinding his teeth #ith rage and glaring. *e #ept and groaned #ithout ceasing. Then a messenger #as announced. *e #as summoned immediately, and "hang 3ei at once tore open and read his dispatches. !hen "hang 3ei read the edict, he accepted his ne# ran$ in all humility, bo#ing north#ard to#ard the imperial mandate. Then he gave a ban uet to the messenger. *e said, C1y enmity for the death of my brother is deep as the sea. !hy do not the officers at the court propose an avenging eApeditionGC The messenger replied, C1ost of them favor first the destruction of !ei. !u is to follo#.C C!hat sort of tal$ is thisGC cried "hang 3ei angrily. C!hen #e three s#ore brotherhood in the 7each 8arden, #e pledged ourselves to die together. Fo#, alas= my brother has perished by the #ay, and can #e en>oy #ealth or honors #ithout himG I must see the Son of *eaven and pray to be allo#ed to lead the van. I #ill #ear mourning, and in that garb I #ill smite !u and capture the bandit that rules there. Sun &uan shall be sacrificed to my brother(s manes in virtue of our oath.C "hang 3ei accompanied the messenger to )apital )hengdu. In the meantime the 3irst Ruler had been training his armies. Day after day he #ent to the drill ground, and he decided upon a day to start, and he #ould accompany the eApedition. Thereupon a number of courtiers #ent to the palace of the 7rime 1inister to tal$ #ith "huge ,iang, trying to get this intention modified. They said, CIt is not in accordance #ith the importance due to the 4mperor(s position that he should go in personal command of this army, particularly as he has but lately assumed his throne. Bou, Sir, hold the #eighty post of adviser in such a matter, and #hy do you not dissuade himGC

CI have done so, most sincerely and repeatedly, but he #ill not listen. 'ut no# you all come #ith me to the drill ground, and #e #ill try once more.C So they proceeded thither, #ith "huge ,iang at their head, and he said, CBour 1a>esty has but lately ta$en the imperial seat. If the eApedition #as one to march north#ard to destroy the rebels against *an and in the interest of rectitude, it #ould be perfectly correct for the 4mperor to lead the army. 'ut an officer of high ran$ should more properly be sent against !u. !hy should Bour 1a>esty eApose yourself to such fatiguesGC The 3irst Ruler #as touched by the depth of his minister(s concern and the sincerity of his counsel, and #as on the point of yielding #hen the arrival of "hang 3ei #as announced. "hang 3ei #as immediately summoned and came to the pavilion on the drill ground, #here he thre# himself on the ground and clasped the 3irst Ruler(s feet, #eeping bitterly. The 3irst Ruler >oined in the lamentation. CBour 1a>esty is no# ruler and too uic$ly forgets the oath in the 7each 8arden. !hy is our brother(s death not avengedGC The 3irst Ruler replied, C1any officers dissuade me from such a course. I cannot act rashly.C C!hat do others $no# of our oathG If Bour 1a>esty #ill not go, then let me sacrifice myself to avenge our brother. If I cannot, then #ould I rather die and see your face no more.C CThen #ill I go #ith you,C said the 3irst Ruler. C'ring your o#n troops from ,angDhong, and I #ill bring my veterans to meet you at 9iangDhou. !e #ill both attac$ !u and #ipe out the reproach.C +s "hang 3ei rose to ta$e leave, the 3irst Ruler said to him, CI $no# that your #ea$ness for #ine leads you astray, and you become very cruel in your cups, and hog your people, and $eep the beaten ones near you. They may be dangerous, and it is certainly the road to misfortune. Fo# you must be more $indly and not give #ay to passion as before.C Thus admonished, "hang 3ei said fare#ell and left. Soon after, #hen the 3irst Ruler #as preparing to march out, *igh 1inister &in 1i memorialiDed, saying, CThat Bour 1a>esty, the ,ord of a 1yriad )hariots, should ris$ his person in #hat is not the #ay of perfect rectitude is not #hat the ancients #ould have done. I pray that this may be reflected upon.C 'ut the 3irst Ruler replied, C8uan Bu and I #ere as one body, and the #ay of perfect rectitude is here. *ave you forgottenGC 'ut the officer remained at his feet and said, CI fear disaster if Bour 1a>esty disregards your servant(s #ords.C

The 3irst Ruler replied angrily, C!hy do you use such bad #ords #hen I desire to marchGC *e bade the eAecutioners thrust forth and put to death the bold spea$er. Still &in 1i(s face sho#ed no sign of fear. *e only smiled, saying, CI die #ithout regret. It is a pity that this ne#ly established state should be overturned ere it be #ell begun.C Other officials interceding, the death punishment #as remitted, but the faithful officer #as committed to prison. CBour fate #ill be decided #hen the +rmy of Vengeance return,C said the 3irst Ruler. "huge ,iang sent up a memorial in favor of &in 1i, saying@ CI, "huge ,iang, address Bour 1a>esty in my o#n name and those of my colleagues. !e regard as most grievous the recent events666!u(s perfidy, by #hich 9ingDhou #as lost, the star of a great general #as brought do#n, and the pillar holding the s$y #as bro$en666, and #e shall never forget. 'ut it is to be remembered that the crime of overturning the Throne of *an rests on )ao )ao, and the fault of driving a#ay the ,iu 3amily lies not on Sun &uan. !e venture to thin$ that the destruction of !ei #ould cause the submission of !u, #herefore #e beg consideration of the valuable #ords of &in 1i. Thus the army #ill be spared needless eAertion and occasion given to ma$e other plans for the prosperity of the Throne and the happiness of the people.C 'ut having listened to the memorial, the 3irst Ruler thre# it to the floor, saying, CI have decided, and no remonstrance should be raised=C Then he appointed the 7rime 1inister to ta$e care of his son and the t#o River ,ands. Then the 8enerals of the 3lying )avalry6661a )hao and 1a Dai666, together #ith the 8eneral !ho Defends the Forth, !ei Ban, #ere ordered to guard *anDhong against !ei. The Tiger 8eneral "hao Bun #as to be in reserve and to control the supplies; *uang &uan and )heng 9in #ere made )ounselors; 1a ,iang and )hen "hen, Secretaries; *uang "hong, the Van ,eader, assisted by the 1arching 8enerals 3eng 2i and "hang Fan; 3u Tong and "hang Bi, 1arching )ommanders of the )enter +rmy; "hao Rong and ,iao )hun, the rear guards. The #hole army, including the borro#ed foreign troops, numbered seven hundred fifty thousand, and high6ran$ officials amounted several hundred. +nd the CtigerC day of the seventh month of the first year of 1anifest 1ight #as selected as the most propitious day for the start. +s soon as "hang 3ei had got bac$ to his post, he issued orders that his soldiers should be ready to march in three days and the #hole body #as to be in mourning, #hite uniforms and #hitened arms. 9ust after the order appeared, t#o generals named 3an 9iang and "hang Da came to their chief, saying, CThe time allo#ed is insufficient to ma$e #hite flags and armors. 7ray give us more time, 8eneral.C

CI am hot to avenge my brother=C roared "hang 3ei. C1y only regret is that I cannot reach the miserable #retch(s country tomorro#. Do you dare to disobey my orderGC "hang 3ei called in the lictors, had the t#o officers bound to trees, and ordered each to receive fifty lashes. +t the close of the flogging, he said, CFo# you #ill be ready tomorro#. If you are not, I #ill put you to death as an eAample=C The t#o generals returned to their place, spitting blood and hot #ith anger. They said one to another, C!e have been beaten today. !hat about tomorro#G This man(s temper is unbearable; and if things are not ready, #e shall suffer death.C CSuppose #e slay him,C suddenly said "hang Da, Csince if #e do not, he #ill $ill us.C C'ut ho# can #e get near himGC CIf #e are to have a chance to live, he #ill get drun$ and go to bed tonight; if #e are to die, he #ill remain sober.C They made all their arrangements for the crime. That day "hang 3ei #as greatly disturbed in his mind and restless. *e told some of his subordinates, saying, CI feel nervous and creepy and shivery and cannot not rest. !hat does it meanGC CThis is due to too much brooding over the loss of your brother,C said they. Then "hang 3ei bade them bring in #ine, and he dran$ #ith his officers. 7resently he became uite intoAicated and lay do#n on a couch in his tent. 1ean#hile the t#o assassins had follo#ed all his doings, and #hen they $ne# he #as lying on his couch intoAicated and incapable, they #ent into the tent, each armed #ith a #ater6sharp dagger. They got rid of the attendants by saying they had confidential matters to tal$ about and so got into the inner rooms. 'ut even then they dared do nothing, for "hang 3ei slept al#ays #ith open eyelids, and he lay on his couch as if still a#a$e. *o#ever, huge snores soon convinced them that their victim really slept, and they crept to the side of the couch. Then both stabbed simultaneously deep into the body. "hang 3ei uttered one cry and lay still. So he died at the hand of assassins at the age of fifty6 five years.

*e #ho #hipped the inspector in +nAi, !ho s#ept vile rebels from the land of *an, +nd thereby #on great glory for the ,ius, !hose valor shone at Tiger Trap 7ass, !ho turned the tide of victory at ,ong Slope 'ridge, !ho freed Ban Ban and thus #on a friend That helped him and his brothers con uer Shu, !hose #isdom defeated "hang *e to get *anDhong, Is dead, the victim of assassins( blo#s. Fot his avenge his brother(s death on !u, ,angDhong #ill grieve him all the ages through. *aving done their victim to death, 3an 9iang and "hang Da hac$ed off his head, and made off for !u #ithout loss of time. 3leeing #ith them #ere a fe# doDen close subordinates. !hen the deed #as $no#n, they had got too far for capture. The assassination #as reported in a memorial by a commander of "hang 3ei named *u 'an, #ho had left 9ingDhou to see the 3irst Ruler and then had been sent to serve under "hang 3ei. *e #rote a memorial to the 3irst Ruler and bade the eldest son, "hang 'ao, prepare a coffin for the remains. +fter the ceremony, leaving his younger brother, "hang Shao, to hold ,angDhong, "hang 'ao #ent to see the 4mperor. The day of departure had already come, and the 3irst Ruler had left the capital. "huge ,iang and many officers had escorted him out of the city for three miles and ta$en leave. Returning to )hengdu, "huge ,iang felt ill at ease, and he remar$ed to his colleagues, CIf 3a "heng had been alive, he #ould have been able to interdict this eApedition.C One night the 3irst Ruler felt nervous and shuddered from time to time. *e could not sleep, so he #ent out of his tent and loo$ed up at the stars. Suddenly he sa# a bright meteor fall in the north#est, and began to #onder #hat the portent meant. *e sent at once to as$ "huge ,iang to tell him. "huge ,iang sent bac$ the reply@ CThis means the loss of a great leader, and there #ill be bad ne#s in a fe# days.C So the army #as halted and did not march. Then the arrival of a message from *u 'an of ,angDhong #as announced. The 3irst Ruler(s foreboding increased, and he stamped his foot, saying, C+las= 1y other brother is gone=C Opening the letter he found it #as indeed so. +s he read the ne#s of the assassination, he uttered a loud cry and fell in a s#oon. *e #as raised, and presently they brought him bac$ to life.

FeAt day they reported a body of horsemen coming. The 3irst Ruler #ent out of the camp to loo$ at them and presently sa# a young general, dressed all in #hite armor, s#eeping forth in uite a terror. The 3irst Ruler recogniDed that #as "hang 'ao. +s soon as "hang 'ao reached the 3irst Ruler(s presence, he dismounted and bo#ed to the earth, #eeping, C1y father has been $illed by 3an 9iang and "hang Da. They have gone over to !u, ta$ing my father(s head #ith them=C The ne#s #as very grievous, and the 3irst Ruler burst into tears and even refused food. *is officers remonstrated, saying, CFo# Bour 1a>esty has the loss of t#o brothers to avenge, and you must not destroy yourself.C So after a time he began to eat and drin$, and he then offered the leadership of the van to "hang 'ao, saying, C+re you and *u 'an #illing to lead your troops to attac$ !u and to avenge your fatherGC C3or my country or for my father, I #ould shrin$ from no sacrifice,C said the young man. 9ust as the force for the young man(s leadership #as being organiDed, another party of horsemen approached, also dressed in #hite armors. This #as a small force under 8uan 2ing, son of 8uan Bu. The youth also thre# himself to the ground and #ept. +t sight of 8uan 2ing, thoughts stirred in the 3irst Ruler(s breast, and he burst into tears. Feither reason nor persuasion could stop them. CI thin$ of the plain and simple days of long ago #hen #e pledged ourselves one to the other. Fo# I am 4mperor. *o# I should re>oice to share my good fortune #ith them= 'ut they have met violent deaths, and the sight of these t#o youths #rings my heart to the very core.C CBoung gentlemen, please retire,C said the officers to the t#o youthful generals, Cand let our Sacred One repose his dragon body.C They #ent. Said the attendants, CBour 1a>esty is no longer young. Bou are over siAty, remember, and it is not fitting that you give #ay to such eAtreme sorro#.C C'ut my brothers666dead,C #ailed the 3irst Ruler. C*o# can I live #ithout themGC *e bro$e into a fresh paroAysm and beat his head on the ground. C!hat can be doneGC as$ed the officers one to another. C*e is in such trouble= *o# can #e comfort himGC

1a ,iang said, CSire, it is bad for the army to spend #hole days in #ailing and tears #hen leading against the enemy.C +nd then )hen "hen said, CThere is a certain hermit living among the 'lue 1ountains, near )hengdu, #ho is said to be three hundred years old. *e is called ,i Bin, and people say he is a seer. ,et us tell *is 1a>esty and let him send for this old man that he may $no# #hat the future may have in store. It #ill have more #eight than anything #e can say.C They #ent to the 3irst Ruler and told him. *e agreed to summon the seer and sent )hen "hen #ith the command. Soon the messenger reached the to#n near the hills and as$ed the people #here the prophet d#elt. They led him far into a secluded valley li$e a fairy village, very unli$e any ordinary spot. Soon a lad came to receive the visitor. CBou are surely )hen "hen.C )hen "hen #as startled that the lad $ne# him, and still more so at the familiar address, and said, CO superhuman boy, ho# do you $no# my name so #ellGC C,ast evening my master told me that a messenger #ith an imperial command #ould come today and mentioned your name.C CTruly he is more than #ise,C said )hen "hen. C*is reputation is not unfounded.C So the t#o proceeded to the old man(s abode, and )hen "hen declared his errand. The old man said he #as too aged to travel. C'ut the 4mperor anAiously desires to see you face to face, if haply you #ould not mind ma$ing the effort.C In the end, and after much persuasion, ,i Bin consented and #ent. The 3irst Ruler received him affably, surprised at the contrast bet#een his hoary head and fresh boyish compleAion. The venerable one had green eyes, #ith s uare and spar$ling pupils. *is carriage #as erect, and he stood straight as a pine tree. CThis is no common man,C thought the 3irst Ruler, and he treated him #ith distinguished courtesy. The seer said, CI am but an old man of the barren hill country, #ithout learning or #isdom. Bou shame me, O 4mperor, by calling me, and I $no# not #hy.C C1y t#o brothers and I s#ore a mutual oath some thirty years ago. 'ut no# my both brothers have gone, both by violent deaths. I #ould lead a great army to avenge them and #ish to $no# ho# the eApedition #ill end. *earing that you, Venerable Sir, are learned in the deeper mysteries, I sent for you and beg you to tell me.C C'ut this is fate. It is not for an old man li$e me to $no#.C

'ut the 3irst Ruler pressed him to say. *o#ever, the aged one got paper and a brush and #rote Csoldiers, horses, #eaponsC again and again on many sheets of paper. *aving done this, he suddenly tore them into fragments. 3urther, he dre# a picture of a tall man lying supine and another above him digging a grave. +nd over all he #rote C#hiteC. +fter this he bo#ed and departed, leaving the 3irst Ruler annoyed. CThis is only a demented man. !hat he says is not #orthy of confidence,C said the 3irst Ruler. +nd he burned the paper. Then he ordered an advance at full speed. "hang 3ei(s son, "hang 'ao, came in, saying, C*u 'an and his army have come. I pray that I may be appointed to lead the van.C The 3irst Ruler admired his noble intent and gave him a Van ,eader(s seal. 'ut >ust as "hang 'ao #as attaching the seal to his girdle, another youth boldly stepped forth and said, C,eave that seal to me=C It #as 8uan 2ing, son of 8uan Bu. CI have already received my commission,C said "hang 'ao. C!hat abilities have you for such a tas$GC cried 8uan 2ing. CThat I have been training as a soldier since my boyhood. I can shoot and never miss.C CI should li$e to see your pro#ess,C said the 3irst Ruler, Cthat I may decide #ho is the better.C "hang 'ao ordered some of his people to set up a flag at a hundred paces, and on the flag he dre# a heart in red. Then he too$ his bo# and shot three arro#s, each of #hich #ent through the heart. Those present commended the performance. Then 8uan 2ing seiDed his bo#, saying, C!hat is it to hit such a mar$GC 9ust as he said this a floc$ of #ild geese fle# over his head. CI #ill hit the third of the flying geese,C said he. *e shot; and the third fell. C3ine=C cried all the assembly as one voice. 'ut "hang 'ao #as enraged. ,eaping on his steed, he seiDed the long serpent halberd left him by his father, crying, CDare you try a real combatGC

8uan 2ing too$ up the challenge at once. *e sprang into the saddle, too$ his great saber, and galloped out. CBou can use the spear, thin$ you that I cannot #ield a s#ordGC cried he. The t#o impetuous youths #ere on the point of a battle #hen the 3irst Ruler bade them hold. CDo not behave so badly=C cried he. 'oth dropped out of the saddle, thre# aside their #eapons, ran to his feet, and begged pardon. CBoung men, from the time I left my native place "huo and s#ore brotherhood #ith your fathers, they #ere as my o#n flesh and blood. Bou t#o are also brothers, and you should help each other in vengeance rather than uarrel and dispute. Bou have lost the sense of rectitude #hile your fathers( deaths are still recent, and #hat #ill happen in futureGC 'oth fell at his feet and implored forgiveness. C!hich of you t#o is the elderGC as$ed the 3irst Ruler. CI am the elder by a year,C said "hang 'ao. The 3irst Ruler then bade 8uan 2ing bo# to "hang 'ao as to an elder brother, and there, in front of all, they bro$e an arro# as a pledge that each #ould al#ays succor the other. Then the 3irst Ruler issued a mandate appointing *u 'an the Van ,eader, and the t#o young men #ere enrolled as his o#n escort. The advance began on land and on #ater, and they made a brave sho# as they moved against the land of !u. In the meantime the t#o assassins, 3an 9iang and "hang Da, #ith the grim evidence of their deed, duly reached !u and told their story to the 1ar uis #ho received them. Then Sun &uan said to his assembled officers, C,iu 'ei has declared himself 4mperor and is leading against us in person a great host of more than seven hundred thousand. !hat shall #e do, for the danger is imminentGC They all turned pale and loo$ed one at another. Then "huge 9in spo$e out. CI have been in your service these many years and have never >ustified the favor you have sho#n me. I #ill ris$ my life and go to this ,iu 'ei of Shu that I may tal$ to him plainly and prove to him the advantages of friendship and alliance against )ao 7i.C

This offer pleased Sun &uan, #ho then appointed "huge 9in as his messenger to try to induce the 3irst Ruler to $eep the peace. 1essengers pass #hen states are at #rangle; 1ay this one succeed and unravel this tangle= !hat fortune attended this messenger #ill be related in the neAt chapter. Chapter 72 S&n ?&an S&.mits To Wei) ,eceiving The >ine *ignities; The First ,&#er 1ttac5s W&) ,ewarding Si8 1rmies' In the eighth month of the first year of 1anifest 1ight -+D ..:0 the 3irst Ruler marched at the head of his army and camped at 'aidicheng -)ity of the !hite 4mperor0, through the 5ui 7ass. *is advanced guard had gone beyond the River ,ands #hen his attendants told him that "huge 9in had come as a messenger from !u. *e told them not to admit "huge 9in. 'ut *uang &uan said, C*is brother being your 7rime 1inister, "huge 9in is certainly come on some important mission. Bour 1a>esty ought to see him and hear #hat he says. If his proposals are admissible, then agree; if not, he can be made use of to ta$e $no#ledge of your intentions to Sun &uan and let Sun &uan $no# that you intend to punish his crime.C Then the 3irst Ruler gave #ay, and the messenger #as brought in. *e bo#ed do#n to the earth. C"huge 9in, you have come a long >ourney. !hat is its ob>ectGC said the 3irst Ruler. C1y brother has long served Bour 1a>esty; I have come at the ris$ of my life to discuss 9ingDhou affairs. !hen 8uan Bu #as at 9ingDhou, my master repeatedly sought to ally the t#o families by marriage, but #as refused. !hen 8uan Bu attac$ed 2iangyang, )ao )ao #rote again and again urging my master to attac$ 9ingDhou. 'ut the 1ar uis #as un#illing, and it #as the enmity bet#een your brother and ,u 1eng that led to the attac$ and the unfortunate success. C1y master is no# very sorry for it, but it #as ,u 1eng(s doing. *o#ever, ,u 1eng is no# dead, and his enmity has died #ith him. 1oreover, ,ady Sun is al#ays thin$ing over returning to you. 1y master no# proposes to send bac$ the lady, to bind and hand over to you those officers #ho surrendered, and to restore 9ingDhou. If the t#o houses s#ear perpetual amity, then #e may >oin forces against )ao 7i and punish his usurpation.C To this harangue the 3irst Ruler only replied, CBou of 4ast !u $illed my brother. Bet you dare come #ith your artful tal$=C "huge 9in said, CI only #ish to discuss the relative importance of the issues. Bour 1a>esty is an Imperial Hncle, and )ao 7i has seiDed the throne of your *ouse. Bet you do not thin$ of destroying the usurper, but on the other hand you disregard the most honorable position in the

#orld for the sa$e of a so6called brother, a connection of another name. Surely this is re>ecting the chief for the subordinate, the main issue for a detail. CThe 1iddle ,and is the biggest part of the empire, and the t#o capitals, ,uoyang and )hangan, are both famous as places #hence the t#o, one the 3ounder, the other the Restorer, of the *ans, initiated their mighty tas$. Bour 1a>esty ta$es no thought of these, but #ould dispute over 9ingDhou. In other #ords, the important is abandoned for the #orthless. C+ll the #orld $no#s of your assumption of the dignity of 4mperor and that you #ill assuredly restore the *ans and rescue their territory. Only no# you do not try to deal #ith !ei, you only desire to attac$ !u. I venture to thin$ you have made a bad choice.C +ll this argument only added fuel to the fire. CThe slayer of my brother shall not live in the same #orld as I. Bou as$ me not to fight. I #ill cease #hen I have slain your master. !ere it not for the sa$e of your brother, I #ould behead you at once. +s it is, you may go; and you may tell your master to cleanse his nec$ ready for the blade of the eAecutioner.C "huge 9in sa# that the position #as hopeless and too$ his leave to return to the South ,and. 'ut #hile "huge 9in had been absent, "hang "hao said to Sun &uan, C"huge 9in $no#s something of the strength of the Shu armies, and he made this mission an eAcuse to get out of danger. *e #ill not return.C The 1ar uis replied, C*e and I are s#orn friends666friends to the death. I shall not #rong him, nor #ill he betray me. !hen he #as at )haisang and "huge ,iang came to our country, I #anted my friend "huge 9in to persuade his brother to remain #ith me. *is reply #as that his brother #ould not remain any more than he himself #ould go@ 4ach #ould be faithful to his salt. That #as uite clear enough. *o# could he desert me after thatG Our friendship has something of the divine in it, and no tal$ from outside can so# dissension bet#een us.C 4ven as Sun &uan spo$e, the servants told him that "huge 9in had returned. C!hat do you thin$ no#GC said Sun &uan. "hang "hao retired over#helmed #ith shame. The luc$less messenger unfolded his tale of failure. CThen the South ,and is in great danger,C said Sun &uan, as he heard the story. 'ut a certain man here interposed, saying, CI have a #ay out of the difficulty.C *e #as )ounselor "hao "i. C!hat good scheme do you propose, friend "hao "iGC said Sun &uan.

C,et my lord dra# up a document, #hich I #ill ta$e to )ao 7i in !ei, ma$ing a full statement of the case, and get him to attac$ *anDhong and so dra# off the danger from our land.C CThough the suggestion is good, yet shall #e not lose something of our dignity by thatGC said Sun &uan. CIf there is any such thing, I #ill simply >ump into the river666I could not loo$ the South ,and(s people in the face again.C Sun &uan #as satisfied and composed the memorial, styling himself C1inisterC. Therein "hao "i #as duly appointed messenger. *e too$ the document and soon reached )apital 2uchang, #here he first sought out the *igh 1inister 9ia 2u, and then sa# the others. FeAt day, 9ia 2u stood forth one day at court and said, C4ast !u has sent a high officer, "hao "i, #ith a memorial.C C'ecause he #ants the armies of Shu driven off,C said )ao 7i, smiling. 'ut he summoned "hao "i, #ho, having prostrated himself in the outer court, handed in his memorial. +fter reading it, )ao 7i said, C!hat sort of an over6lord is the 1ar uisGC CIntelligent, clear6sighted, #ise, brave, and perspicacious,C #as the reply. )ao 7i laughed, CBour praise is none too enthusiastic.C CI do not #ish to overstate,C replied "hao "i, Cbut my master has sho#n various ualities at different times. *e made use of ,u Su among the officials of high ran$s, #hich sho#s his intelligence. *e chose ,u 1eng as leader of all armies, #hich sho#ed his clear6sightedness. *e captured Bu 9in but did not hurt him, #hich sho#s his $indliness. *e too$ 9ingDhou #ithout slaughter, #hich sho#s his #isdom. *e maintains the Three Rivers so as to command the respect of the empire, #hich sho#s his boldness. ,astly, he bo#s before Bour 1a>esty, #hich sho#s his perspicacity. Bou see no# that my epithets are >ustifiable.C CIs he at all learnedGC CSire, remember he commands a large fleet of ten thousand battleships and a huge army of million armored soldiers. *e endeavors to find #ise and capable people to help him, and his mind is full of plans and pro>ects. !hen he has a little leisure, he reads the histories and the annals, for the sa$e of the general lessons to be learned therefrom. *e is no dryasdust pedant see$ing remar$able passages and culling model sentences.C CDo you thin$ I could overcome !uGC

CIf a large state has military force to attac$, a small one has also preparations for defense.C CDoes !u fear !eiGC as$ed )ao 7i. C*o# can you thin$ so, considering our army of million armored soldiers and the defensive moats #e have in the River *an and the 8reat RiverGC C*o# many such persons as high minister does !u possessGC CFearly a hundred intelligent and specially ualified ministers li$e your servants; of my sort of ordinary $no#ledge there are too many to rec$on up.C )ao 7i sighed, saying, CThe boo$ says (8oing on mission #ithout losing the dignity of the master.( That is the sort of man you are=C Thereupon he issued the mandate ordering 2ing "hen, 1inister of )eremonies and Sacrifices, to be his ambassador to !u, bearing for Sun &uan the title of C7rince of !uC and allo#ing him to use the CFine Signs of *onorsC. 'ut #hen the messenger had gone out of the city, ,iu Be #ent to remonstrate, saying, CSun &uan has done this for fear of the armies of Shu. In my opinion, if Shu and !u fight, heaven #ill ma$e an end of one country. If you #ill send an army across the 8reat River to attac$, and Shu attac$ at the same time from the #est, !u as a state #ill disappear. If !u goes, then Shu #ill be left alone and can be dealt #ith #hen you #ill.C C'ut I cannot attac$ Sun &uan no# that he has come over to my side. It #ould prevent anyone else from doing so. Fo; I #ill really accept his submission. It is the best course.C ,iu Be said, C+fter all, though talented, he is but a 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry and ,ord of FanDhang of the decadent days of *an. *is ran$ is lo# and his influence small, yet he still #ants to contest the 1iddle ,and. If you promote him to $ingly ran$, he is only one step belo# yourself. !hile doubting the reality of his submission, you give him an eAalted ran$ and increase his influence. Surely this is only giving #ings to a tiger.C CFot at all; I am helping neither !u nor Shu. I am #aiting till they are at grips, and if one goes under, there #ill be only one left to destroy. That #ill be easy. *o#ever, say no more, for I have decided.C !hereupon 2ing "hen #as bidden to ta$e the mandate and the Fine Dignities and accompany "hao "i to !u. Sun &uan assembled his officers to discuss ho# the armies of Shu could be driven off. Then came the ne#s of princely ran$ conferred by !ei. 'y the rules of courtesy, the messenger bearing the edict should be met at a great distance from the capital, but 8u Bong #as opposed to accepting the ran$.

C1y lord, you should style yourself (Supreme Ruler( and (,ord( of the nine territories. Bou should not receive any ran$ from !ei.C C'ut on one occasion ,iu 'ang received the princedom of *an -*anDhong0 from 2iang Bu. I have to depend upon circumstances. !hy refuseGC Sun &uan discussed the matter no more, but #ent out at the head of a great gathering of officers to #elcome the messenger. 2ing "hen, the bearer of the mandate from !ei, on first arrival comported himself haughtily as the representative of a superior country and an imperial ambassador. +nd #hen he entered the city, he did not descend from his carriage. !herefore "hang "hao ventured to rebu$e him. C4veryone must obey the rules of courtesy as everyone must respect the la#s. Bou, Sir, are behaving proudly as if there #as no such thing as a s#ord in this country.C Immediately the messenger descended from his chariot and #as presented to Sun &uan. +fter#ards they #ent in side by side. +s the cavalcade proceeded, a loud voice #as heard in the rear of the t#o carriages, crying, C*ere #e are prevented from ris$ing our lives in smashing !ei and s#allo#ing Shu; and our lord receives a title from another man. +re not such things shamefulGC The man #as 2u Sheng. +nd 2ing "hen sighed, saying, CIf all the leaders and ministers of the South ,and are li$e this, the 7rince of !u #ill not long be content to obey another.C *o#ever, the title #as accepted. +nd #hen he had received the felicitations of his officers, Sun &uan gave orders to collect beautiful #or$s in >ade and brilliant pearls, #hich #ere sent to !ei as return gifts. Fot long after came tidings of the forces of Shu@ CThe 3irst Ruler, together #ith 5ing Shamo 5e of the 1ang nations, leads his o#n army and a large number of tribesmen from the east and south. 3urthermore, he is aided by the t#o Shu generals of DongAi, ,iu Fing and Du ,u, #ith their cohorts. They advance both by land and by #ater, a mighty host, of #hich the shouting sha$es the heavens. The naval force has already come out at !u$ou, and the land force has reached "igui.C +lthough Sun &uan had been created a prince, yet 4mperor 7i #ould not send a relieve army. !hen the terrible ne#s came, the 7rince of !u as$ed present advice from his officers, saying, C*o# are #e going to meet those forcesGC 'ut there #as none to help him. They only muttered and #ere silent.

C+h=C sighed he. C+fter "hou Bu I had ,u Su, and ,u 1eng succeeded ,u Su. 'ut no# they have all three gone, and there is no one to share my troubles=C 'ut >ust then a very youthful general stepped out from the ran$s of the officials and said, #ith a lo#ly obeisance, CThough I am young, I am not a little versed in the boo$s of #ar, and #ith a fe# legions I could destroy the po#er of Shu.C Sun &uan recogniDed Sun *uan, the son of Sun *u. Sun *u #as originally from the Bu family, and he had served under Sun 9ian, Sun &uan(s father. Sun 9ian loved the youth and gave him his o#n family name of Sun and so made him a member of his o#n clan. Sun *u had four sons, of #hom Sun *uan #as the eldest. Sun *uan #as an eApert archer and horseman and had accompanied Sun &uan in several campaigns, #here he had distinguished himself right #ell and had been given a ran$ of )ommander. +t this time he #as t#enty6five. C*o# do you thin$ you can overcome themGC CThere are t#o able commanders under my command named 2ie 9ing and ,i Bi, both very brave. !ith a fe# legions I #ill capture ,iu 'ei.C CThough you are brave, nephe#, yet you are young and ought to have an assistant.C Thereupon Tiger 8eneral "hu Ran stepped for#ard, saying, C,et me go.C Sun &uan consented. *e promoted Sun *uan to 8eneral of the ,eft +rmy, and he told off fifty thousand of soldiers and marines, over #hom he placed Sun *uan and "hu Ran as >oint commanders. They #ere to start as soon as possible. The scouts reported that the army of Shu #as camped at Bidu, and Sun *uan led half his army to the borders of that county and camped in three stoc$ades. Fo# the Shu 8eneral *u 'an had received his seal as ,eader of the Van. 3rom the day he left the borders of the River ,ands, he had had uninterrupted success. 4veryone had submitted at the mere rumor of his coming. *e had conducted his campaign #ith unstained s#ords as far as Bidu. !hen he heard that Sun *uan #as camped there to oppose his progress, he sent bac$ rapid messengers to the 3irst Ruler, #ho #as then at "igui. The 3irst Ruler got angry, saying, CSo they thin$ this youth is able to #ithstand meGC CSince this nephe# of Sun &uan has been made a leader,C said 8uan 2ing, Cit is unnecessary to send a leader of high ran$. ,et me go.C CI #as >ust #ishing to see #hat you could do,C said the 3irst Ruler, and he gave him orders to go. 9ust as 8uan 2ing #as leaving, "hang 'ao stepped forth and as$ed permission to go too.

CThen both go, my nephe#s,C said the 4mperor. C'ut you must be prudent and not hasty.C So they too$ leave, collected their troops and advanced. Sun *uan, hearing of the coming of a large army, called out all his troops and dre# up his array. *is t#o famous generals, ,i Bi and 2ie 9ing, #ere placed by the great standard. They #atched the soldiers of Shu filing out and noted t#o leaders in silver helmets and silver armors, riding on #hite horses, and the flags #ere #hite. 3irst came "hang 'ao #ith a long spear, and then 8uan 2ing carrying a great saber. CSun *uan, you tiny rascal, your time has come=C cried "hang 'ao abusively. C*o# dare you stand against the forces of *eavenGC CBour father is a headless devil,C cried Sun *uan, no #ay bac$#ard in reviling, Cand you are going >ust no# to >oin him. Don(t you seeGC Then "hang 'ao rode at Sun *uan. 3rom behind his chief, 2ie 9ing dashed out to meet him. They fought nearly forty bouts, and then 2ie 9ing ran a#ay #ith "hang 'ao in pursuit. !hen ,i Bi sa# his comrade overcome, he #hipped up his steed and came into the fray, #hirling his silvered battle6aA. "hang 'ao fought t#enty bouts #ith him, but neither got the better. Then in the army of !u, a marching general named Tan 2iong, seeing that his t#o comrades could not overcome "hang 'ao, shot a treacherous arro# from the ran$s and #ounded "hang 'ao(s steed. 3eeling the pang of the #ound, the horse bolted bac$ to its o#n side, but fell before it reached it, thro#ing its rider spra#ling on the ground. Seeing this, ,i Bi turned and rode to#ard the prostrate leader to slay him #ith his battle6aA. 'ut >ust as he #as about to deliver his blo#, lo= a red flash came bet#een, and his head rolled along the earth. The red flash #as 8uan 2ing(s great s#ord. Seeing the horse fall and ,i Bi coming up, he had rushed in and dealt that fatal blo#. +nd he had saved "hang 'ao from death. Then they attac$ed and lay on so that Sun *uan suffered a great defeat. Then each side beat the retreat and dre# off. FeAt day Sun *uan came out to offer battle again, and the t#o cousins #ent forth together. 8uan 2ing, from horsebac$ by the main standard, challenged his enemy. Sun *uan rode out fiercely, and they t#o fought near thirty bouts. 'ut Sun *uan #as not strong enough and dre# off. The t#o youths follo#ed and reached his camp. *u 'an, together #ith 3eng 2i and "hang Fan, also launched another attac$. "hang 'ao helped them #ith all his force and #as the first to force his #ay into the ran$s of !u. *e came across 2ie 9ing, #hom he sle# #ith a spear thrust. The soldiers of !u scattered and fled, and the victory #as on the side of Shu. 'ut 8uan 2ing #as missing. "hang 'ao #as desperate, saying, CIf something #rong happens to 8uan 2ing, I #ill not live=C So he girded on his huge spear and rode far and #ide see$ing him. 7resently he met 8uan 2ing, bearing his s#ord in his left hand, #hile his right held a captive.

C!ho is thisGC as$ed "hang 'ao. CIn the melee I met an enemy,C said 8uan 2ing, Cand I too$ him prisoner.C Then "hang 'ao recogniDed Tan 2iong, the man #ho had let fly the treacherous arro# that had brought do#n his horse. The t#o returned to camp, #here they sle# their prisoner and poured a libation of his blood to the dead horse. +fter this they dre# up a report of the victory for the 3irst Ruler. Sun *uan had lost his generals666 ,i Bi, 2ie 9ing, and Tan 2iong666as #ell as several other officers and many troops. *is army #as too #ea$ened to continue the campaign, so he halted and sent bac$ to !u for reinforcements. Then 8enerals "hang Fan and 3eng 2i said to *u 'an, CThe po#er of !u is bro$en. ,et us raid their encampment.C 'ut *u 'an said, CThough so many have been lost, there are many left. "hu Ran(s marine force is in a strong position on the river and is untouched. If you carry out your plan and the marines land in force and cut off our retreat, #e shall be in difficulties.C CThat is easily met,C said "hang Fan. C,et each of the t#o leaders 8uan 2ing and "hang 'ao ta$e five thousand troops and go into ambush in the valleys to guard against any such move.C Said *u 'an, CI thin$ it better to send some persons to pretend to be deserters. ,et them tell "hu Ran of the plan to raid the camp, and "hu Ran #ill come to the rescue as soon as he sees fire. Then the ambushing soldiers can attac$ him.C They thought this a fine plan, and they made the necessary arrangements. *earing of the ill success and losses of his colleague Sun *uan, "hu Ran #as already thin$ing of going to his help, #hen a fe# deserters appeared and hoarded his ship. *e uestioned them, and they said, C!e are 3eng 2i(s soldiers, and #e have deserted because of unfair treatment. !e have a secret to tell.C C!hat secret can you betrayGC CTonight 3eng 2i is going to ma$e an attac$ upon 8eneral Sun *uan(s camp. *e thin$s it is a good chance. They are going to raise a fire as a signal.C "hu Ran sa# no reason to doubt the men, and he sent off at once to tell Sun *uan. 'ut the messenger never arrived, as 8uan 2ing intercepted and sle# him. Then "hu Ran deliberated upon going to help.

CBou cannot trust #hat those soldiers said,C said )ui Bu, one of the commanders. C'oth army and navy #ill be lost if anything goes #rong. Fo, 8eneral; rather $eep careful #atch and let me go.C "hu Ran sa# this #as the #iser plan, so he gave )ui Bu ten thousand troops, and )ui Bu left. That night *u 'an, "hang Fan, and 3eng 2i made an attac$ on Sun *uan(s camp from three directions, and the soldiers #ere scattered and fled. Then the three generals set the #hole camp on fire. )ui Bu sa# the flames as he marched and pressed on. Then >ust as he #as passing some hills, he came upon the ambush, and 8uan 2ing and "hang 'ao poured out from left and right. Ta$en by surprise, )ui Bu could only try to flee, but he met "hang 'ao, #ho made him prisoner. !hen "hu Ran heard the ne#s, he #as panic6stric$en and dropped do#n6river t#enty miles. The remnant of Sun *uan(s troops ran a#ay, follo#ing their leader. +s they fled, Sun *uan in uired, CIs there any city ahead that has good defense and granaryGC They told him, saying, CTo the north is Biling, #here #e can camp.C So they #ent thither. 9ust as they reached the #all, their pursuers came up and the city #as besieged in all four sides. 8uan 2ing and "hang 'ao brought the captive )ui Bu bac$ to "igui and sa# the 3irst Ruler, #ho re>oiced at their success. The prisoner #as put to death, and the soldiers #ere re#arded. The effect of these victories spread far, so that the leaders in !u had no inclination to fight. !hen the 7rince of !u received Sun *uan(s call for help, he #as frightened and $ne# not #hat to do. So he called a great council, and he said, CSun *uan is besieged in Biling, and "hu Ran has been defeated on the river. !hat can be doneGC Then "hang "hao said, CThough several of your commanders are dead, yet have you many left. *alf a score is enough to relieve your anAiety. Send *an Dang as )ommander, #ith "hou Tai as his second, 7an "hang as Van ,eader, ,ing Tong as Rear 8uard, 8an Fing in reserve. Bou #ant one hundred thousand troops.C Sun &uan made the appointments as proposed. 8an Fing #as very seriously ill >ust then, but he accepted the tas$. Fo# the 3irst Ruler had made a line of forty camps from !u$ou and 9ianping to Biling, spreading t#enty6five miles of distance. *e #as eAceedingly pleased #ith his t#o nephe#s, #ho had distinguished themselves again and again, and he said, CThe generals that have follo#ed me since the early days have got aged, and

thus no longer a big use. 'ut no# that I have such t#o valorous nephe#s, I have no fear for Sun &uan.C Then he heard of the coming of Sun &uan(s army under *an Dang and "hou Tai, and he #ished to select a commander to oppose the !u army. 'ut those near him reported@ C*uang "hong and a half doDen other officers have run off to !u=C C*uang "hong is no traitor,C said the 3irst Ruler, smiling. CIt is only that he heard #hat I happened to say about old and useless leaders. *e #ill not accept he is useless and #ants to prove he is not.C Then he called 8uan 2ing and "hang 'ao and said to them, C*uang "hong may fail in this enterprise of his, so I hope you t#o #ill not mind going to his assistance. +s soon as there is some success to report, get him to return and do not let him come to grief.C So the t#o got their troops together and #ent off to assist the aged #arrior. !hen young, success is easy, thine at #ill, The aged servant fails, though #illing still. The neAt chapter #ill relate the outcome of *uang "hong(s eApedition. Chapter 7( Fighting 1t :iaoting) The First ,&#er Capt&res 1n %nem4; *e!ending The Three Gorges) 1 St&dent Ta5es S&preme Command' In spring, the first month of the second year of 1anifest 1ight -+D ..:0, the veteran #arrior *uang "hong #as among the officers #ho follo#ed the 3irst Ruler to #ar against !u. !hen he heard his master tal$ of old and incapable leaders, he girded on his s#ord and #ith a fe# faithful follo#ers made his #ay to the camps at Biling. *e #as #elcomed by *u 'an, the commander in charge of the siege there. C3or #hat reason do you come, O Veteran 8eneralGC as$ed he. CI have follo#ed the 4mperor ever since he left )hangsha, and I have done diligent service. I am no# over seventy, but my appetite is still good for ten pounds of meat, and I can still stretch the strongest bo#, and I can still ride five hundred miles #ithout fatigue. I am not #ea$ or #orn out. 'ut our master has been tal$ing of old and useless leaders, and I am come to ta$e part in the fight #ith !u. If I slay one of their leaders, he #ill see I may be old but not #orn out.C 9ust about that time the leading division of the !u army dre# near the camp. *uang "hong hastily rose, #ent out of the tent, and mounted to go into the battle. C+ged 8eneral, be careful=C said the generals.

'ut *uang "hong paid no attention and set off at full speed. *o#ever, *u 'an and 3eng 2i rode out to help him. +s soon as he sa# the array of the enemy, he pulled up and challenged )ommander 7an "hang of the vanguard. 7an "hang sent out one of his generals, Shi 9i, to ta$e the challenge. Shi 9i despised his seed antagonist and rode lightly forth #ith his spear set, but in the third bout *uang "hong cut him do#n. This angered 7an "hang #ho flourished the green6dragon saber, the great s#ord of the old #arrior 8uan Bu #hich had passed into his possession, and too$ up the battle. These t#o fought several bouts, and neither #as victor, for *uang "hong #as brimful of energy. *is antagonist, seeing that he could not overcome the old man, galloped off. *uang "hong pursued and smote his army and scored a full victory. On his #ay bac$ *uang "hong fell in #ith the t#o youthful generals, 8uan 2ing and "hang 'ao. C!e come by the sacred command to aid you if necessary. +nd no# that you have scored so complete a victory, #e pray you return to the main camp,C said they. 'ut the veteran #ould not. FeAt day 7an "hang came to challenge again, and *uang "hong at once accepted. For #ould he allo# 8uan 2ing and "hang 'ao to come #ith him, or accept assistance from any other. *e led out five thousand troops. 'efore many bouts had been eAchanged, 7an "hang made a feint and got a#ay. *uang "hong pursued, shouting to him not to flee. C3lee not, for no# #ill I avenge the death of 8uan Bu=C cried he. *uang "hong pursued some ten miles, but presently he fell into an ambush and found himself attac$ed from all sides666"hou Tai on the left, *an Dang on the right, ,ing Tong from behind, and the erst#hile flying 7an "hang turned to attac$ the front666, so that he #as surrounded and hemmed in. *uang "hong forced his #ay to retreat. 'ut suddenly a great storm came on, the #ind blo#ing violently, and as *uang "hong #as passing some hills, an enemy cohort led by 1a "hong came do#n the slopes, and one of the arro#s #ounded the veteran in the armpit. *e nearly fell from his horse #ith the shoc$. The soldiers of !u, seeing *uang "hong #ounded, came on all together, but soon the t#o youthful generals, 8uan 2ing and "hang 'ao, drove them off and scattered them. Thus they rescued *uang "hong. *e #as ta$en bac$ to the main camp. 'ut he #as old and his blood #as thin, and the #ound gaped #ide, so that he #as near to die. The 3irst Ruler came to visit him and patted his bac$ and said, CIt is my fault, O Veteran 8eneral, that you have been hurt in the battle=C CI am a soldier,C said the old man. CI am glad that I could serve Bour 1a>esty. 'ut no# I am seventy6five, and I have lived long enough. 'e careful of your o#n safety for the good of the state.C

These #ere his last #ords. *e became unconscious and died that night. + poem #as #ritten of him@ 3irst among veterans stands *uang "hong, !ho #on great merit in the con uest of Shu. Old, he still donned his coat of mail, +nd laid his hand to the curving bo#. *is valor #as the tal$ of all the north, 3ear of his might maintained the #est. Tardy he bo#ed his sno#6#hite head to death, 3ighting to the end666in very truth a hero. *uang "hong passed a#ay, and the 3irst Ruler loo$ed on, very sad. *e made *uang "hong a grave in )hengdu and ordered an honorable burial there. C1y brave general is gone,C sighed he, Cand the third of my five Tiger 8enerals, and I have been unable to avenge their death. It is very grievous=C So the 4mperor led the Imperial 8uards to 2iaoting, #here he summoned a great assembly. *e divided his forces into eight parts ready for an attac$ by land and #ater. The marines #ere placed under *uang &uan, and he himself led the land forces. It #as then the second month of the second year of 1anifest 1ight 4ra -+D ..:0. !hen *an Dang and "hou Tai heard that the army of Shu #as approaching, they marched to#ard it. !hen near, the t#o armies #ere arrayed. The t#o leaders of !u rode out and sa# the 3irst Ruler riding out under the great standard #ith his staff about him. + sil$en umbrella splashed #ith gold #as over his head; right and left #ere #hite banners, golden aAes, and other insignia of an emperor. Then *an Dang spo$e, CBour 1a>esty is no# the Ruler of Shu. !hy do you ris$ your life in the battlefieldG It #ould be most regrettable if any unto#ard event happened.C The 3irst Ruler pointed the finger of scorn at the spea$er and said, CBou rats of !u bereft me of my brother, and I have s#orn that you shall not live #ith me under the same s$y=C C!ho dares plunge in among the enemyGC as$ed *an Dang, turning to those in his train. 1arching 8eneral 2ia 2un set his spear and rode to the front, and so did "hang 'ao #ith a roar gallop out to meet him. 'ut this thunderous voice affrighted 2ia 2un, and he sought to flee. Then "hou Tai(s brother, "hou 7ing, seeing that his colleague #as panic6stric$en, flourished his s#ord and rode out too. +t once 8uan 2ing dashed to the front. "hang 'ao roared again and thrusting at 2ia 2un and unhorsing him. This disconcerted "hou 7ing and enfeebled his defense, so that 8uan 2ing speedily sle# him #ith a slash. Then the t#o youths rode furiously at *an Dang and "hou Tai. They sought refuge in their battle array.

CThe tiger fathers have not begotten curs of sons,C said the 3irst Ruler #ith a sigh of satisfaction. Then he #aved his #hip as a signal to fall on, and the !u army suffered a great defeat. The Shu force of the eight divisions #as irresistible as a river in flood, and the slaughter #as immense. 8an Fing #as in his ship ill, but he roused himself #hen he heard the armies of Shu had come, and mounted to go into the battle. Soon he met a cohort of the 1ang soldiers. These #arriors #ore their hair loose and #ent barefoot. Their #eapons #ere bo#s and crossbo#s and long spears and s#ords and aAes. +nd they had shields to #ard off blo#s. They #ere led by their o#n 5ing Shamo 5e. *is face #as spotted #ith red as if splashed #ith blood, and his eyes #ere green and big. *e rushed among 8an Fing(s troops #ielding a spi$ed iron mace #ith bone pendants, and he had t#o bo#s slung at his belt. *e #as terrible to loo$ upon. 8an Fing recogniDed that he had no chance of victory against such a man and did not engage Shamo 5e, but turned his steed to flee. 'ut as 8an Fing fled, Shamo 5e shot an arro# that pierced 8an Fing(s s$ull. !ounded as he #as, 8an Fing rode on to 3uchi$ou, but there he dismounted and sat under a big tree, #here he died. On the tree #ere many hundreds of cro#s, and they gathered round the corpse as if to protect it. The 7rince of !u #as sore grieved at the ne#s of 8an Fing(s death, and had the remains buried honorably. 1oreover, he raised a temple in 3uchi$ou to 8an Fing(s memory%. 8an Fing #as first of #arriors in !u, !ith sil$en sails he stemmed the 8reat River(s tide, Right loyally he served his prince, and true, *e made t#o ill friends put their hate aside. ,ight horse led he by night a camp to raid, +nd first he #armed his soldiers #ith generous #ine. In his resting place the holy cro#s #elcome guests, +nd fragrant incense smolders at his shrine. This victory gave the 3irst Ruler possession of 2iaoting. 'ut at the muster after the battle, 8uan 2ing did not appear. Search parties #ere sent to find him, and they #ent far and #ide beating the country around. *o#ever, the dashing young soldier #as only follo#ing in his father(s foe. !hen 8uan 2ing had got in among the army of !u, he had caught sight of 7an "hang, his especial enemy, and galloped in pursuit. In terror, 7an "hang too$ to the hills and disappeared in one of the valleys. In see$ing him, 8uan 2ing lost his #ay and #ent to and fro till it gre# dar$ #ithout finding a #ay out. It #as clear moonlight. Fear midnight he came to a farm, #here he dismounted and $noc$ed at the door. + venerable old man appeared and as$ed #ho he #as.

CI am a leader of the army, and I have lost my #ay. I beg a meal, for I am starving,C said 8uan 2ing. The old man led him into a hall lit by many candles, and there he sa# in the family altar a picture of 8uan Bu. +t once he began to #ail and bo#ed before it. C!hy do you #ail thusGC as$ed the old man. CThis is my father,C said 8uan 2ing. +t this, the old man prostrated himself before his guest. C!hy should you treat my father #ith such respectGC as$ed 8uan 2ing. CThis place is sacred to his honored spirit. !hile he lived the people served him, and no# that he is a spirit should they not revere him the moreG I have been #aiting for the armies of Shu to avenge his death, and it is indeed the great good fortune of the people that you have come.C Then the host brought forth #ine and food and served his guest. 1oreover, he unsaddled and fed his horse. In the third #atch a $noc$ing came at the door, and #hen the old man opened it, the visitor #as no other than 7an "hang, the 8eneral of !u. *e also as$ed shelter. +s 7an "hang came in, 8uan 2ing recogniDed him and dre# his s#ord, crying, CStay, you ruffian= Do not flee=C 7an "hang turned to flee. 'ut before he could turn, 8uan 2ing raised his s#ord@ It fell, and 7an "hang lay dead. Ta$ing the heart6blood of his dead enemy, 8uan 2ing poured it in libation before the picture of his father. +fter that he too$ possession of his father(s green6dragon saber, curved as the young moon. *aving hac$ed off the head of his fallen enemy, he fastened it to his bridle. Then he too$ leave of his aged host, saddled his enemy(s horse, and rode a#ay to#ard his o#n camp. The old man dragged the corpse of the dead commander outside and burned it. 8uan 2ing had not gone very far #hen he heard the neighing of horses and soon met a troop led by 1a "hong, one of 7an "hang(s generals, #ho #as loo$ing for his chief. 1a "hong fell into a great rage #hen he sa# the head of 7an "hang s#inging at the nec$ of 8uan 2ing(s horse and beheld the famous s#ord in his hand. 1a "hong galloped up furiously, and 8uan 2ing, #ho recogniDed an enemy of his late father, rushed to meet him. 9ust as he #ould stri$e, ho#ever, 1a "hong(s three hundred troops galloped up to support their general, and 8uan 2ing #as surrounded. *e #as in dire danger, but >ust opportunely came up a troop of horse led by his cousin "hang 'ao. +t this, 1a "hong, thin$ing discretion the better part, dre# off his army and rode a#ay.

The t#o cousins pursued him. 'efore they had gone far, they met another force under 1i 3ang and 3u Shiren, #ho had come out to see$ 1a "hong. The t#o bodies of soldiers met and fought, but the troops of Shu #ere too fe# for victory and dre# off. Thence they made their #ay to head uarters in 2iaoting, #here they told their adventures and presented the head of 7an "hang. The 3irst Ruler #as very pleased and re#arded all armed forces. 1a "hong #ent bac$ and re>oined *an Dang and "hou Tai. Then they collected their troops, many #ounded, and stationed them in various points. 1a "hong, together #ith 1i 3ang and 3u Shiren, marched to the river ban$ and encamped. The night they arrived, many soldiers #ere groaning #ith the pain of their #ounds. 1i 3ang, #ho #as listening un$no#n to them, heard one of them say, C!e are 9ingDhou soldiers and victims of ,u 1eng(s vile machinations. If #e had only remained under ,iu 'ei= Fo# he is 4mperor and has set out to destroy !u, and he #ill do it one day. 'ut he has a special grudge against 1i 3ang and 3u Shiren. !hy should #e not $ill these t#o and go over to ShuG They #ill thin$ #e have done #ell.C +nother said, CDo not be hasty. !e #ill do it presently #hen there is a chance.C 1i 3ang started as he heard this. *e told 3u Shiren, saying, CThe troops are mutinous, and #e ourselves are in danger. 1a "hong is an ob>ect of especial hatred to the Ruler of Shu. Suppose #e $ill him and surrender. !e can say #e #ere compelled to give in to !u, but as soon as the ne#s of the 4mperor came near, #e #anted to get bac$.C CIt #ill not do,C said 3u Shiren. CIf #e go, they #ill $ill us.C CFo; the Ruler of Shu is liberal and $ind. +nd the heir, ,iu Shan, is my nephe#. They #ill surely not do any harm to a connection.C In the end they decided to go. +nd in the third #atch they made their #ay into their chief(s tent and stabbed him to death. Then they cut off his head, and #ith their grisly trophy and a fe# doDen follo#ers they set off for the camp of the Ruler of Shu. They arrived at the outposts and #ere ta$en to see "hang Fan and 3eng 2i, to #hom they told their tale. FeAt day they #ent into the main camp and #ere admitted to the presence of the 3irst Ruler, to #hom they offered their trophy. +nd they thre# themselves on the ground and #ept, saying C!e are not traitors. !e #ere the victims of ,u 1eng(s #ic$edness. *e said that 8uan Bu #as dead and tric$ed us into giving up the cities. !e could not help surrendering. !hen #e heard the Sacred )hariot had come, #e sle# 1a "hong to satisfy your vengeance, and #e implore forgiveness.C 'ut the 3irst Ruler #as angry, and said, CI left )hengdu a long time ago. !hy did you not come to confess your fault beforeG Fo# you find yourselves in danger, and so you come #ith this specious

tale to try to save your lives. If I pardon you, ho# shall I loo$ my brother in the face #hen #e meet beneath the Fine 8olden SpringsGC Then he bade 8uan 2ing set up an altar to his father in the camp, and thereon the 3irst Ruler offered the head of 1a "hong in sacrifice before the tablet of 8uan Bu. This done, he had 8uan 2ing strip the t#o deserters and ma$e them $neel before the altar. +nd presently #ith his o#n hand, 8uan 2ing he#ed them in pieces as a sacrifice. 7resently "hang 'ao came in and #ailed before the 3irst Ruler, saying, CThe t#o enemies of my uncle have been slain, but #hen #ill vengeance be ta$en upon those of my fatherGC CDo not grieve, my nephe#,C said the 3irst Ruler, CI am going to lay #aste the South ,and and slay the #hole of the curs that live there. I #ill assuredly capture the t#o murderers of your father, and you shall hac$ them to pieces as a sacrifice.C "hang 'ao #ent a#ay, still #eeping. +bout this time the fear of the 3irst Ruler #as very great among the people of the South ,and, #ho stood in dread of him so that they grieved night and day. *an Dang and "hou Tai #ere rather frightened too, and they sent a report to their master of the assassination of 1a "hong and #hat had befallen the assassins. Then Sun &uan #as distressed and called together his counselors. +t this meeting 'u "hi proposed submission and self6humiliation for the sa$e of peace. Said he, CThere #ere five persons666,u 1eng, 7an "hang, 1a "hong, 1i 3ang, and 3u Shiren666 #hom ,iu 'ei had a grudge against, and they are all dead. Fo# the ob>ects of his hate are the murderers of "hang 3ei6663an 9iang and "hang Da. !hy not send bac$ "hang 3ei(s head, and these t#o assassins, and give up 9ingDhou and restore ,ady Sun and as$ for peace and alliance against !eiG This #ill ma$e the army of Shu retire, and #e shall have peace.C This proposal seemed good. So the head of "hang 3ei #as enclosed in a sandal#ood boA; 3an 9iang and "hang Da #ere bound and put in a cage6cart. +ll these #ere sent, #ith letters, by the hand of )heng 'ing to the camp at 2iaoting. The 3irst Ruler #as about to march farther east #hen they told him that a messenger had come from the South ,and and #hat he had brought. The Ruler struc$ his forehead #ith both hands, saying, CThis is the direct gift of *eaven through my youngest brother(s spirit.C *e bade "hang 'ao prepare an altar #hereon to sacrifice the heads of his father(s assassins. !hen he opened the boA and sa# the fresh features of "hang 3ei, he bro$e into #ailing for the dead. Then the son he#ed 3an 9iang and "hang Da in pieces and offered them upon the altar.

'ut this sacrifice did not appease the 3irst Ruler(s anger, and he still desired to destroy !u. !hereupon 1a ,iang remonstrated. CBour enemies are no# all dead@ Bou are avenged. !u has sent a high officer #ith large concessions and a#aits your reply.C 'ut the 3irst Ruler angrily replied, CThe one I #ould grind to pieces is Sun &uan. To act as he proposes and enter into alliance #ould be treachery to my t#o brothers and a breach of our oath. Fo# I #ill eAterminate !u, and !ei shall follo#.C *e #ished also to put the messenger to death to annihilate all emotions #ith !u, but relented #hen his officers insistently interceded. 7oor )heng 'ing ran off terrified, glad to escape #ith life. *e #ent bac$ and told the 7rince of !u ho# implacable his enemy seemed. Said he, CThe Ruler of Shu, not listening to #ords of peace, #as determined to level !u before attac$ing !ei. Those under him protested in vain. !hat is to be doneGC Sun &uan #as frightened and be#ildered. Seeing this, 5an "e stepped for#ard and said, CSince there is a s$y6supporting pillar, #hy not use itGC C!hom do you refer toGC as$ed Sun &uan. CBou once had perfect confidence in "hou Bu, and he #as follo#ed by ,u Su, e ually able. ,u 1eng succeeded and you pinned your faith upon him. Though no# ,u 1eng is dead, yet there is ,u 2un. +nd he is uite near, in 9ingDhou. *e is #ell6$no#n to be a scholar, but really he is a bold and capable man, no #hit inferior to "hou Bu, in my opinion. The plan that bro$e 8uan Bu #as his. If anyone can destroy Shu, it is he. If he fails, then I #ill stand the same punishment as may be his.C CIf you had not spo$en thus, my #hole scheme might have gone amiss,C said Sun &uan. C,u 2un is a student,C said "hang "hao. C*e is no match for ,iu 'ei. Bou may not use him.C 8u Bong also said, C,u 2un is too young and too ineAperienced. I fear he #ill not be obeyed, and that #ill be mischievous.C 'u "hi added, C,u 2un is #ell enough to control a region, but he is not fit for a big matter.C 5an "e got desperate, shouting, CIt is the only hope. I #ill guarantee him #ith the lives of all my house=C

CI $no# he is able,C said Sun &uan, Cand I have no# made up my mind he is the man. 8entlemen, that is enough.C ,u 2un #as called home. ,u 2un #as originally named ,u Bi. *e #as a native of !u>un in !u, grandson of ,u 9un, #ho #as )ommander of the )ity 8ates of the *an, and son of ,u Bu, )ommander of 9iu>iang. *e #as eight spans in height, #ith a beautiful face, li$e the finest >ade. !hen ,u 2un arrived at court and made his bo#, Sun &uan said to him, CI #ish to send you in supreme command of all the forces against Shu.C CSir, you have numerous old and tried officers under your command. I am very young and not at all clever,C replied ,u 2un. C5an "e goes bail for you and pledges his #hole house. 1oreover, I $no# your abilities. Bou must be )ommander6in6)hief and may not refuse the appointment.C C'ut #hat #ill happen if the officers do not support meGC C*ere is authority=C said Sun &uan, ta$ing his o#n s#ord from his side and giving it to ,u 2un. CSlay the disobedient and report after#ards.C CI am grateful for this proof of confidence, but I dare not accept forth#ith. I pray you assemble all the officers and confer the office upon me in their presence.C Said 5an "e, CThe ancient fashion #as to set up a platform and thereon present to the leader6elect a #hite ya$(s tail and a golden aA #ith the seal of office and commission. Thereafter his dignity and the reverence due from others #ere beyond all uestion. It #ould be #ell, O 7rince, to follo# the old rule. )hoose a good day and appoint ,u 2un before all the #orld, and no one #ill refuse support.C +n altar #as begun at once. They #or$ed at it day and night, and as soon as it #as finished a great assembly #as called. Then ,u 2un #as re uested to ascend and ma$e his bo# on receiving his appointment as )ommander6in6)hief, 8eneral of the Right +rmy, 8eneral !ho 8uards the !est, and ,ord of 3englou. The s#ord of authority and the seal of office #ere presented. *is po#ers eAtended over the siA territories and the eighty6one counties of the South ,and, over the forces in 9ingDhou and !u. +nd in charging him Sun &uan said, CDomestic affairs belong to me; outer affairs are under your direction.C ,u 2un then descended. *e chose 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng as commanders of his guards, and the army lost no time in ta$ing the field. The various dispositions of horse and foot and navy #ere made, and dispatches #ere sent to the outlying commanders.

!hen the dispatch reached *an Dang and "hou Tai, #ho #ere camping near 2iaoting, they #ere alarmed, saying, C!hy did the 7rince appoint a mere boo$ish student to the commandership of all armed forcesGC So #hen the ne# )ommander6in6)hief came, they sho#ed their discontent by a lac$ of hearty support. ,u 2un #ent to his tent to receive the reports, and there the ma>ority of the officers manifested only sullen respect and un#illing deference. Then ,u 2un addressed them, saying, C'y order of my superior I am )ommander6in6)hief, and my commission is to destroy Shu. Bou, gentlemen, all $no# the ordinary military rules, and you #ould do #ell to obey them. The la# is no respecter of persons, as those #ho disobey #ill find out. Do not have to regret #hen it is too late.C They nodded in sullen ac uiescence. Then "hou Tai said, CThere is Sun *uan, nephe# of our 7rince. *e is surrounded at Biling and is short of food. I venture to re uest you to send relief to him and get him out, so that the 7rince(s heart may be comforted.C CI $no# all about him. *is soldiers are faithful, and he can easily maintain his position. There is no need to go to his aid. !hen Shu is bro$en, he #ill be free to come out.C They all sniggered as they left the tent, and *an Dang did not fail to eApress his contempt for the ne#ly appointed )ommander6in6)hief. CThis #ill be the end of !u,C said he to his colleague. CDid you note #hat he saidGC CI tried him >ust to see #hat he #ould do,C said "hou Tai. CBou see he had no plan ready. *e destroys Shu indeed=C FeAt day general orders #ere issued for defense and prohibitions against giving battle, #hich provo$ed more laughter at the incapable pedant, as they thought him in command, and secret resolves to disobey. 1oreover, the officers sho#ed their contempt by a general disregard of orders. So once more ,u 2un assembled them and said, CBou $no# I am in command. Bet the recent orders for defense have been disregarded. !hyGC Then *an Dang spo$e up, CSome of us follo#ed 8eneral Sun )e #hen he first subdued the South ,and. Others #on fame in destroying rebels, or in follo#ing the present 7rince in his campaigns. +ll of us have donned our armors and gripped our #eapons in many bloody fights. Fo#, Sir, you have been placed in supreme command to repulse Shu, and there should be some plan of campaign made for us at once, some dispositions of our forces, and some definite advance to#ard that end. Instead of that #e are told to strengthen our defenses and are forbidden to fight. !hat are

#e to #ait forG !ill *eaven destroy our opponents for usG !e are not afraid to die. !hy is our $eenness left to be eaten a#ay and our energies #asted in idlenessG( +ll the others applauded this speech and cried that the spea$er had eApressed their o#n ideas. C8eneral *an Dang >ust says #hat #e thin$@ ,et us fight a decisive battle,C they cried. The ne# commander #aited till the uproar had subsided; then dra#ing his s#ord, he shouted, CThat I am a student is true. 'ut I have been entrusted #ith a great tas$, a tas$ for #hich the 7rince of !u considers me competent and for the performance of #hich I am prepared to bear all the responsibilities. +s for you, you #ill do #ell to act on the defensive as I ordered and not allo# yourselves to be led astray into any attac$s. +nd I shall put the disobedient to death=C This speech had little effect, and they dispersed grumbling and murmuring. 1ean#hile the Ruler of Shu had made a long chain of forty camps from 2iaoting to the borders of the River ,ands, spreading out t#o hundred miles. These base camps loo$ed very imposing #ith their fluttering banners by day and their fires at night. Then the spies came in and reported@ C!u appointed ,u 2un as )ommander6in6)hief. ,u 2un ordered his commanders to defend strategic points and not to engage in battle.C C!hat sort of a man is this ,u 2unGC said the 3irst Ruler. C*e is a scholar among the people of !u, and, though young, he is very talented,C replied 1a ,iang. C*is schemes are very deep. *e #as the author of the villainous and crafty plan of attac$ on 9ingDhou.C C*is crafty scheme caused the deaths of my brothers. 'ut no# I shall have him=C said the 3irst Ruler angrily. *e gave orders to advance. 'ut 1a ,iang ventured to remonstrate and dissuade him. C'e very careful,C said he. CThis ,u 2un is no #hit inferior to "hou Bu.C CI have gro#n old in the field,C said the 4mperor. CDon(t you thin$ me a match for this callo# youthGC *e confirmed the order to go for#ard, and they attac$ed passes and fords and redoubts #herever they #ere. *an Dang notified his chief of the movement of the Shu army, and ,u 2un, still rather dubious of the strict obedience to his orders, hastened to the point of danger. *e found *an Dang on a hill surveying the enemy(s force, #hich advanced li$e a great #ave. +midst the army they sa# a #ide yello# umbrella, and *an Dang pointed it out.

CThat must be ,iu 'ei,C said he. CI should li$e to $ill him.C C)areful,C said ,u 2un. CSo far he has scored victory after victory, and his soldiers are very $een and confident. 1aintain a careful defense on high grounds and do not go out to battle. If you do, you #ill lose. Impress that upon your officers and soldiers and ma$e them understand the strategy, #hile you follo# the enemy(s moves. They are hastening into the #ide open space, and I do not #ish to hinder them. For #ill I accept any challenge to battle, but #ait till they have moved their camps into the forest and among the trees. Then I shall have a scheme ready.C *an Dang agreed so far as #ords #ent, but in his heart he #as still ill6conditioned. !hen the Shu army dre# near, a small force came to challenge. They shouted all sorts of abuse and hurled reproaches to put their opponents to shame, but ,u 2un too$ no notice and bade his troops stop their ears. *e #ould not allo# them to go out to battle, but he #ent from fort to redoubt, encouraging the soldiers to remain carefully on the defensive. The 3irst Ruler(s heart burned #ithin him at this refusal to come out to battle. Said 1a ,iang, C,u 2un is a deep and crafty fello#. *e recogniDes the disadvantages of Bour 1a>esty(s troops in being far from their base, and from spring to autumn he #ill not come out to fight till some move occurs that he may profit by.C C!hat ruse can he be contemplatingGC said the 3irst Ruler. CThe real fact is that he is afraid. Their army has suffered nothing but defeat times and again. They dare not meet us.C One day the leader of the van, 3eng 2i, memorialiDed the 3irst Ruler, saying, CThe #eather is scorching, and the troops are camped in the full glare of sun. 'eside, #ater is scarce and hard to get.C Thereupon orders #ere given to move the camps into the shade of the forest close by and near the streams till the summer heats should have passed. This order given, 3eng 2i moved the camp to a retired and shady spot for his troops. 1a ,iang said, CIf our soldiers move, the enemy #ill rush out on us and #e shall be hard set.C CI #ill provide for that,C said the 3irst Ruler. CI #ill send *u 'an #ith ten thousand of our inferior troops to camp near their lines. 'ut I #ill choose eight thousand of veterans and place them in ambush. *u 'an #ill have orders to flee before the soldiers of !u and lead them into my ambush if they come out, and I #ill cut off their retreat. !e ought to capture this precocious youth.C C+ genius in plans, a marvel of prevision=C cried all those about him as this plan #as unfolded. CFone of us can approach you in cleverness.C So they felicitated their ruler.

'ut 1a ,iang said, CThey say the 7rime 1inister is on a tour of inspection of the defenses in the eastern portion of Shu, seeing that they are in good order against any attac$ on the part of !ei. !hy not send him a s$etch of your present dispositions of troops and as$ his opinionGC CI also am not entirely ignorant of the art of #ar, and I see no reason to see$ advice,C #as the cold reply. CThere is an old saying about hearing both sides,C said 1a ,iang. C!ell, then you go round to all the camps and ma$e a map and ta$e it to the 7rime 1inister. If he finds any fault, you may come and tell me.C So 1a ,iang #ent, #hile the 3irst Ruler busied himself #ith getting his army into shelter from the fierce heat of summer. *is move #as no secret, and the scouts soon told *an Dang and "hou Tai, #ho re>oiced at the ne#s and soon #ent to tell ,u 2un. C+ll the enemies( forty camps had been moved into the shade. Fo#, Sir, you can attac$=C said they. That #as not a bad plan, an ambush to set, Thus thought he his chiefest opponent to get. !hether ,u 2un acted upon the suggestion of his subordinates #ill be seen in the neAt chapter. )hapter <E ,u 2un 'urns +ll )onsecutive )amps; Zh&ge -iang P#ans The %ightA1rra4 =a@e' The last chapter closed #ith the report that the 3irst Ruler had shifted camp in search of cool shade, and the ne#s #as very #elcome to ,u 2un. *e #ent forth#ith to assure himself of the truth of the report and observe the ne# position. + level plain lay at his feet, #hereon he sa# something short of ten thousand Shu troops, the greater part of #hom appeared invalids. On the banner of their leader he read the name Van ,eader *u 'an. C!e consider these troops children,C said "hou Tai. C,et me and 8eneral *an Dang go out and smite them. I #ill give the formal guarantee of victory.C The )ommander6in6)hief made no reply, but remained gaDing out before him. 7resently he said, CIt seems to me that an air of slaughter is rising over there from that valley. Surely there is an ambush there. These poor troops in the foreground are nothing but a bait. Fo, 8entlemen, do not leave your positions.C

Those #ho heard this too$ it only as another proof of the imbecility of their pedant commander. FeAt day *u 'an(s soldiers approached closer and challenged to battle, s#aggering about and brandishing their #eapons and shouting volleys of abuse #ithout end. They manifested contempt by thro#ing off their armor and clothing and moving to and fro #ith the utmost carelessness, bare bodies and na$ed forms, blatantly unready to fight. Some even sat or lay asleep. 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng came to the commander(s tent to complain, saying, CThose Shu soldiers despise us so much. ,et us go out and punish them=C 'ut ,u 2un only smiled, saying, CBou see things from the vie# point of brute courage. Bou seem not to $no# the principles of #ar laid do#n by Sun "i% and !u &i%. This display is only meant to entice us into fight. Bou #ill see the pretense yourselves in about three days.C CIn three days the change of camp #ill be complete, and the enemy #ill be too strongly posted for our success,C said they. CI am >ust letting them move their camp.C 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng left the tent also sniggering. 'ut on the third day the officers #ere assembled at a loo$6out point, #hence they sa# that the army under *u 'an had left. CThere is still a deadly loo$ over the valley,C said ,u 2un, pointing to the hills. C,iu 'ei #ill soon appear.C Very soon they sa# a #hole army all #ell accoutered pass across the field escorting the 3irst Ruler. +nd the sight too$ a#ay all their courage. CThat is #hy I #ould not listen to those of you #ho #anted to fight *u 'an,C said ,u 2un. CFo# that the ambush has been #ithdra#n, #e can settle them in about ten days.C CThe proper time to attac$ #as #hen they began to transfer their camp. Fo# they are fully established #ith encampments stretching t#o hundred miles. *aving spent seven or eight months in strengthening #here they might be attac$ed, #ill it not be difficult to destroy themGC said they. CI see you do not understand ho# to carry on #ar. This man ,iu 'ei is a capable and crafty man. !hen he first started on this eApedition his methods #ere of the best, and he $ept them so for a long time, so #e have to avoid him. !hen his troops are #orn out and his thoughts cease to be clear, that #ill be our day to attac$.C +t last they agreed #ith their chief.

The general discoursed on #ar, +ccording to the boo$; Right craftily the bait for #hales !as put upon the hoo$. !hen $ingdoms three #ere carved out, Though famous men #ere many, ,u 2un the hero of !u +t least stands high as any. ,u 2un had already had the plan #hereby the Shu army #as to be crushed, and at this stage he #rote to the 7rince of !u in full details, even naming a day for the victory. C!e have found another remar$ably able leader,C said the 7rince, Cand I have no further anAiety. They all said he #as a useless pedant, and only I $ne# better. Reading this letter sho#s him nothing at all of a pedant.C Then the 7rince of !u mustered the remainder of his soldiers to hold in reserve. 1ean#hile the 3irst Ruler had sent orders to hasten the marines do#n the river and ta$e up stations along the ban$s deep in the territory of !u. *o#ever, *uang &uan spo$e against this, saying, CIt is easy enough for the ships to go do#n, but ho# about returningG ,et me ma$e the first advance, and Bour 1a>esty may follo#. That #ill ma$e it more than probable that nothing #ill go #rong.C CThose !u enemy are afraid,C ob>ected the 3irst Ruler, Cand I #ant to ma$e a dash at them. !here is the difficultyGC Though many others had spo$en against the proposal, the 3irst Ruler did not give up the notion of going into the forefront of the attac$. Then dividing the army into t#o portions, he placed *uang &uan in command on the Forth of the 8reat River, to $eep a #atch on !ei, #hile he commanded on the South of the 8reat River. They made encampments and stations along the ban$. The spies of !ei duly reported these doings to the Ruler of !ei@ CShu marches against !u, erecting forty base camps along t#o hundred miles of #oods and hills. 1oreover, the Ruler of Shu places *uang &uan in command of the Forth of the 8reat River. *uang &uan(s marines patrolled as far as thirty miles daily. !e do not $no# their intention.C The Ruler of !ei laughed aloud #hen he heard the details of the long line of camps and the encampments among the trees and all this. C,iu 'ei is going to be defeated,C said he. C*o# do you $no#GC as$ed his courtiers.

C'ecause ,iu 'ei does not $no# ho# to #age #ar. *o# can he beat off an enemy along a front of t#o hundred milesG The maAims of #ar forbid to camp in open plains, among marshes, amid precipitous heights and obstacles. *e #ill be defeated at the hand of ,u 2un, and #e shall hear of it in about ten days.C *is officers felt more than doubtful and entreated their master to prepare an army to guard against *uang &uan, and to attac$ Shu if the occasion #ould allo#. 'ut the Ruler of !ei replied, CI do not plan to attac$ Shu. If successful, ,u 2un #ill lead all his force #est#ard into !est River ,and, and the South ,and #ill be defenseless. I shall pretend to send an army to help. I shall send them in three divisions, and I shall overcome !u easily.C They all bo#ed ac uiescence and approval. Then orders #ent out appointing )ao Ren to lead an army out to RuAu, )ao 2iu to ta$e a second out to Dong$ou, and )ao "hen to command a third aiming at Fan>un, and the three armies #ere to combine on a given date for a sudden attac$ on !u. The Ruler of !ei #ould himself bring up the reinforcement in this southern campaign. *aving reached )hengdu, 1a ,iang lost no time in seeing the 7rime 1inister and presenting the plan of the armies as they #ere in the field. Said 1a ,iang, CFo# the forces are on both sides of the 8reat River eAtending along a front of t#o hundred miles, #ith forty stations, each beside a mountain stream or in a pleasantly shaded forest. +t our lord(s command, I prepared this map, and he sent me to as$ your opinion.C C!ho advised such an arrangementG *e ought to be put to death, #hoever it #as=C cried "huge ,iang, tapping the table at his side. CIt is entirely our lord(s o#n #or$. Fo other had any hand in it,C said 1a ,iang. CThe life and energy of the *ans are done indeed,C said "huge ,iang sorro#fully. COur lord has committed those very faults #hich the rules of the +rt of !ar lay do#n as to be particularly avoided. The camps are made #here free movement is impossible, and nothing can save him if the enemy use fire. 'eside, #hat defense is possible along a t#o6hundred6mile frontG Disaster is at hand, and ,u 2un sees it all, #hich eAplains his obstinate refusal to come out into the open. 8o bac$ as uic$ly as you can, and tell our lord that this #ill not do, that it must be changed at once.C C'ut if I am too late666if !u has already attac$ed and #on666, #hat thenGC CThe enemy #ill not dare to follo# up their victory by a march on )hengdu. So this capital is secure.C C!hy #ill they notGC C!ei is behind their bac$@ That is #hy. Our lord #ill be compelled to shelter in 'aidicheng. I have already placed ten thousand troops in hiding at 3ishbelly )ree$.C

C*ave youG I have been up and do#n that cree$ three or four times #ithout seeing a soldier. I do not see the reason of telling lies to me,C said 1a ,iang. CBou #ill see. Do not as$ so many uestions.C !ith the precious instructions #hich he had persuaded "huge ,iang to dra# up, 1a ,iang hastened bac$ to the imperial camp, #hile "huge ,iang #ent to the capital to prepare a relief eApedition. The soldiers of Shu had become slac$ and idle and no longer maintained ade uate defense, #herefore ,u 2un perceived that his moment had arrived, and called his generals to his tent to receive orders. CThere has been no fighting since I received our lord(s command. I have spent the time in ac uiring a $no#ledge of the enemy. +s a preliminary operation I #ant to capture a camp on the south ban$. !ho volunteersGC Out stepped *an Dang and "hou Tai and ,ing Tong, all three at once, each crying that he #anted to be sent. 'ut they #ere sent bac$. The )ommander6in6)hief did not #ant any of them. Then he called up the >unior general, )hunyu Dan, and said, CBou #ill ta$e the fourth camp on the south side. The commander of that post is 3u Tong. Bou may have five thousand troops. I shall support you.C )hunyu Dan too$ the order and #as gone. Then ,u 2un summoned 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng and said, C4ach of you #ill ta$e three thousand troops and bivouac t#o miles from the camp, so that if )hunyu Dan is repulsed and pursued, you can rescue him.C )hunyu Dan marched bet#een the lights and reached the camp he #as to capture >ust after the third #atch. *is drums rolled, and he attac$ed at once. The defenders came out led by 3u Tong, #ho, spear ready to thrust, rode straight to#ard the leader of the attac$ and forced him bac$. Suddenly there arose the roll of other drums, and a cohort under "hao Rong barred the #ay. )hunyu Dan turned off along another road, escaping #ith loss of many troops. 'ut he #as not yet safe. Some distance farther he ran against the 1ang tribesmen leader Shamo 5e. *o#ever, )hunyu Dan avoided him also and #ent on his #ay, pursued no# by three parties. Soon he reached the spot t#o miles from the camp, and here the t#o leaders of Shu6662u Sheng and Ding 3eng666, #ho had been placed ready to afford succor, came out and stopped the pursuit. !hen the enemy had retired, )hunyu Dan #as escorted bac$ to camp. *e #as #ounded, and #ith the arro# still undra#n he appeared before ,u 2un and apologiDed for his failure.

CIt #as no fault of yours,C said the )ommander6in6)hief. CI #anted to test the force of our enemy. 1y plan of attac$ is uite ready.C CThe enemy is very strong and #ill not be easily overcome,C said 2u Sheng and Ding 3eng. C!e have no# suffered great loss to no purpose.C CThis plan of mine #ould not hood#in$ "huge ,iang, but happily he is not here. *is absence #ill allo# me to score a great success.C Then he summoned his generals to receive orders@ C"hu Ran is to lead the marine force. *e is to advance neAt day afternoon, #hen the southeast #ind #ill serve. *is ships are laden #ith reeds and stra#, #hich are to be used as ordered. *an Dang is to attac$ the north ban$, "hou Tai the south. 4ach soldier, in addition to his #eapons, is to carry a bundle of stra# or reeds, #ith sulfur and saltpeter hidden therein, and each has a piece of tinder. They are to advance, and, #hen they reach the Shu camps, they are to start a conflagration. 'ut they are to burn only alternate camps, t#enty in all, leaving the others untouched. They are to advance and pursue the enemy until they capture ,iu 'ei.C The leaders received the orders and so set out. The 3irst Ruler #as in his o#n camp, pondering over a plan to destroy the armies of !u, #hen suddenly the staff that bore the great standard in front of his o#n tent fell over and lay on the ground. There #as no #ind to account for this, so he turned to )heng 9in and as$ed #hat it might portend. CIt means only one thing@ The troops of !u #ill raid the camp tonight,C said )heng 9in. CThey #ill not dare after the slaughter of yesterday.C C'ut suppose that #as only a reconnaissance. !hat thenGC 9ust then a report came in that some troops of !u could be seen, very far off, going along the hills east#ard. CThey are soldiers meant to put us in confusion,C said the 3irst Ruler. CTell the generals not to move, but let 8uan 2ing and "hang 'ao, #ith a small mounted force, go out to reconnoiter.C It #as dus$ #hen these t#o returned, and they then reported@ C3ire is seen among the camps on the north ban$.C The 4mperor hastily bade 8uan 2ing go to rescue the north camps and "hang 'ao to the south to find out #hat #as really happening. +nd they started. +bout the middle of the first #atch the #ind got up and ble# strong from the east. Then fire arose from the camp on the left of the 3irst Ruler(s o#n. *e #as starting to eAtinguish this flame #hen

another fire began in the camp on his right. !ith the aid of the strong breeDe both fires became fierce, and soon the trees caught. + confused roar sho#ed the gathering strength of the fire. The soldiers of the burning camps #ere rushing into the 3irst Ruler(s o#n camp to escape the fire, and in their confusion they trampled on each other, so that many died. 'ehind them came the troops of !u bent on slaughter. Ignorant of ho# many they might be, the 3irst Ruler mounted and dashed for 3eng 2i(s camp, but that also #as in flames, #hich seemed to rise to the very s$y. 'y this time flames #ere rising from both sides of the river, so that everything #as as visible as by day. 3eng 2i leaped to his horse and fled, follo#ed by a band of his mounted troops. This small force ran against the soldiers of !u under 2u Sheng. + melee ensued, thereupon the 3irst Ruler turned and galloped #est. 2u Sheng then left 3eng 2i and #ent in pursuit. 7resently the 4mperor sa# a party of soldiers in the #ay and became greatly alarmed. This #as Ding 3eng(s army, and the 3irst Ruler #as bet#een t#o foes. In his terror he sa# no possibility of safety, no road #as open. 9ust at this moment another cohort bro$e through to his side and rescued him. The leader #as "hang 'ao, and he led the Imperial 8uards, #ho fled, ta$ing the 3irst Ruler #ith them. +s they marched along, they fell in #ith another force of Shu; the leader #as 3u Tong, and he >oined up #ith them. The !u army #as still follo#ing #hen the fugitives reached Saddle *ill. The t#o leaders, "hang 'ao and 3u Tong, #ere urging their lord to go to the top of this and out of immediate danger. Soon ,u 2un arrived #ith his army and began to surround the hill. "hang 'ao and 3u Tong held the road up the hill and $ept the enemy from ascending. 3rom the summit could be seen flames all around, and the 3irst Ruler #itnessed the corpses of his soldiers lay about in heaps or floated in the streams. FeAt day, the soldiers of !u set themselves to firing the hill. The 3irst Ruler(s remaining escort fled for their lives li$e rats, and their lord #as in despair. Suddenly he sa# a general follo#ed by a doDen horsemen cutting an alley through and coming up the hill. +s he dre# nearer the 4mperor recogniDed 8uan 2ing. 8uan 2ing uic$ly leapt do#n, prostrated himself and said, CBour 1a>esty, the fire is gaining all round, and this place is not safe. I re uest you to try to reach 'aidicheng, and as many as possible #ill gather there.C C!ho #ill dare stay behind to $eep off the enemyGC said the 3irst Ruler. 3u Tong volunteered, saying, CI #ill fight to death to guard the rear=C It #as dus$ #hen they started. 8uan 2ing led the #ay, "hang 'ao protected the 3irst Ruler, and 3u Tong guarded the rear. They got their lord safely do#n the hill and a#ay. +s soon as the troops of !u noticed the flight, they pressed for#ard, each anAious to gain $udos by the capture of the 4mperor(s person. 8reat armies of !u, blotting out the s$y and hiding the earth, #ent #est#ard in pursuit.

The 3irst Ruler ordered his soldiers to ma$e fires of their clothing and other things in the road so as to hinder pursuit. "hu Ran marched up from the river to try to intercept the flight, and the noise of his drums #as terrifying. The 3irst Ruler thought there #as no possibility of escape from this force, and cried, CThis is the end=C *is t#o nephe#s dashed to the front to try to cut a #ay through, but returned #ounded and bleeding. +nd the noise of the pursuers came constantly nearer as they found their #ay along the valleys. +bout the first glimpse of da#n the case seemed uite desperate. 'ut >ust at the #orst they sa# "hu Ran(s soldiers suddenly begin to brea$ up and scatter, tumbling into streams and rolling do#n precipices. Soon the reason #as evident@ + fearsome general leading a cohort came to their relief. Once again the 3irst Ruler #as rescued from pressing danger, and this time the rescuer #as "hao Bun. *e had been in 9iangDhou, and ne#s of the straits of his lord had reached him there. *e had set out forth#ith. Then he had seen the glo# of the burnings and had marched to#ard it. +nd thus he had arrived >ust at the moment to save his master #hen danger #as most imminent. +s soon as ,u 2un heard that "hao Bun had appeared, he ordered his troops to stop pursuit and retire. "hao Bun happening upon "hu Ran, engaged him forth#ith and in the first encounter sle# "hu Ran #ith a spear thrust. +nd so the army of !u #ere dispersed and retired, and the 3irst Ruler got safely to the #all of 'aidicheng. 'ut on the #ay thither his thoughts #ent bac$ to his companions in misfortune, and he in uired after them anAiously. CThough I am safe, ho# about the other generals and soldiersGC as$ed the 3irst Ruler. CThe pursuers are close upon us, and #e cannot #ait for anything,C said "hao Bun. CI #ish Bour 1a>esty to get into the city as uic$ly as possible. !hile you are reposing yourself, #e may try to rescue some of the leaders.C !hen the 3irst Ruler entered 'aidicheng, he #as in sore straits, only having about a hundred men left. + poet #rote concerning this victory of ,u 2un@ *e grips the spear, he $indles fire, the camps are s#ept a#ay; ,iu 'ei to the !hite 4mperor )ity flees, lonely and sad today. 'ut ,u 2un(s meteoric fame no# shoots through Shu and !ei, 3or boo$ish people the 7rince of !u has naught but good to say.

'ut 3u Tong, #ho commanded the rearguard, #as surrounded by the enemy in all eight directions. Ding 3eng shouted to him, CBou had better surrender= 1any soldiers of Shu have fallen, more have surrendered, and your lord is a prisoner. Bou have no hope against us #ith your scanty force.C 'ut 3u Tong replied, CShall I, a servant of *an, give in to the curs of !uGC Hndaunted, he rode at his opponents and fought many bouts. 'ut his strength and valor availed naught. Struggle as he #ould, he could not ma$e his #ay out. +nd so he fell among his enemies. + poem celebrates his valiancy@ !u, at Biling, strove #ith Shu, 3lames, not s#ords, used crafty ,u 2un. !orthy of a place among *an generals Is the hero named 3u Tong. The 1inister )heng 9in, having got clear of the battle, rode s#iftly to the river ban$ and called to the marines to >oin in the battle. They landed, but #ere soon scattered. One of )heng 9in(s generals shouted to him@ CThe soldiers of !u are upon us. ,et us find a #ay to escape, ,ibationer )heng 9in=C 'ut )heng 9in shouted bac$, CSince I first follo#ed my lord, I have never yet turned my bac$ upon the foe.C The enemy surrounded )heng 9in, and, as he could do no more, he too$ his s#ord and sle# himself. Foble among the #arriors of Shu #as )heng 9in, *e $ept his s#ord for the service of his prince. !hen danger pressed near he #avered not, !herefore his fame remains forever bright. Fo# *u 'an and "hang Fan had been besieging Biling. Then came 3eng 2i and told of the need of their lord, and they led off their army to rescue him. !hereupon Sun *uan #as set free as ,u 2un had foretold #ould happen. +s soon as Sun *uan #as free, he set off in pursuit of *u 'an, "hang Fan, and 3eng 2i. These t#o marched until they met an army of !u face to face, and so #ere bet#een t#o forces. + desperate battle #as fought, and both "hang Fan and 3eng 2i perished therein. 3eng 2i #as loyal #ithout peer; "hang Fan #as righteous, fe# have e ualed him.

In battle on the flaming shore they died, +nd the histories record their deeds. *u 'an bro$e through. *e #as pursued, but he luc$ily fell in #ith "hao Bun and got safely to 'aidicheng. The 1ang tribesmen 5ing Shamo 5e #as flying from the battle field #hen he met "hou Tai, #ho sle# him after a short fight. The t#o Shu generals Du ,u and ,iu Fing surrendered to !u, as did many soldiers. Of the stores and #eapons in the camps of Shu nothing #as saved. !hen the story of the disaster to Shu reached the South ,and, and #ith it the report that the 3irst Ruler had been $illed in battle, ,ady Sun gave #ay to #ild grief. She rode do#n to the river ban$ and, gaDing #est#ard, #ept and lamented. Then she thre# herself into the stream and #as dro#ned. 7osterity erected a temple on the shore called CThe Shrine of the 'old 'eautyC, and one #ho described it #rote a poem@ The Ruler, defeated, fled to 'aidicheng, Through thunderous tiding, ,ady Sun committed suicide. Today the #ater still flo#s by the carved stone To sho# #here and #hy this heroine died. There could be no uestion that this eAploit brought tremendous glory to ,u 2un. +nAious to push his advantage as far as possible, ,u 2un led his eAultant army #est#ard. 'ut as he dre# near to 5ui 7ass, he suddenly pulled up his horse, remar$ing that he sa# an aura of death about the mountain side in front. C!e may not yet advance farther. I suspect an ambush.C So they retreated three miles and camped in a #ide open space. +nd the army #as arrayed ready against any sudden attac$. 1ean#hile, scouts #ere sent out. They returned reporting no soldiers. ,u 2un doubted and #ent up to the summit of a hill #hence he could see over the country. The aura #as still visible to him, and so he dispatched other people to spy. 'ut he received the same report@ Fot a soldier, not a horse. Still, as the sun got lo#er and lo#er in the #est, he sa# the same appearance accentuated, and he began to feel grave doubts. *e sent a confidant to loo$ once more. This man came bac$, saying, CThere is not a single soldier, but I have noticed on the river ban$ nearly a hundred heaps of boulders.C The )ommander6in6)hief, still doubting, called in several of the natives and uestioned them about the stones.

C!ho put them thereG !hy did they loo$ so ghastlyGC as$ed ,u 2un. C!e do not $no#. This place is called 3ishbelly )ree$. !hen "huge ,iang #as going #est into the River ,ands, he came along here #ith a lot of soldiers and heaped up the boulders li$e that on the sandy beach. !e have seen vapors rising from the boulders; they seemed to come from inside them.C ,u 2un decided to go and loo$ at these boulders himself. So he rode off, #ith a small escort. ,oo$ed do#n from a declivity, the stones #ere evidently arranged #ith a design related to the eight points of the compass. There #ere doors and door6sills and lintels. CThis loo$s li$ely to drive a person out of his senses,C he said. CI #onder #hether it is any good.C They rode do#n #ith intent to eAamine the mysterious arrangement more closely and #ent in among the stones. 7resently one of the escort called attention to the increasing dar$ness and said, CThe sun is setting. !e ought to be returning to camp.C 'ut as ,u 2un glanced round to loo$ for an eAit, a sudden s uall came on and the dust #hirled up, obscuring both s$y and earth. +nd in the s#irl the stones reared themselves up li$e steep mountains, pointed li$e s#ords, and the dust and sand shaped themselves into #aves and hilloc$s one behind the other. The roar of the boiling river #as as the drums before a battle. CThis is some tric$ of "huge ,iang,C said ,u 2un in a scared voice, Cand I have been caught.C *e #ould go out, but he had uite lost his #ay and could find no eAit. +s he stopped to consider #hat he should do, an old man suddenly appeared. The old man said, CDoes the 8eneral #ish to go outGC CI greatly desire that you #ould pilot me out, O 4lder=C replied he. ,eaning on his staff, the old man led the #ay and #ith uiet dignity conducted ,u 2un outside. *e had no difficulty in finding his #ay and paused not a single instant. !hen they #ere once again on the slope, ,u 2un as$ed his aged guide #ho he #as. CI am "huge ,iang(s father6in6la#. 1y name is *uang )henyan. 1y son6in6la# placed these boulders here as you see them, and he said they represented the 4ight6+rray 1aDe. They are li$e eight doors, and according to the scheme are named@ 8ate of Rest, 8ate of ,ife, 8ate of In>ury, 8ate of Obstruction, 8ate of 7rospect, 8ate of Death, 8ate of Surprise, and 8ate of Openings. CThey are capable of infinite mutations and #ould be e ual to a hundred thousand soldiers. +s he #as leaving, he told me that if any leader of !u became maDed in them, I #as not to conduct him outside. 3rom a precipice near by I sa# you, 8eneral, enter in at the 8ate of Death. +s I guessed

you #ere ignorant of the scheme, I $ne# you #ould be entangled. 'ut I am of a good disposition and could not bear that you should be entrapped #ithout possibility of escape, so I came to guide you to the 8ate of ,ife.C C*ave you studied this matter, SirGC as$ed ,u 2un. CThe variations are ineAhaustible, and I could not learn them all.C ,u 2un dismounted, bo#ed lo# before the old man and then rode a#ay. The famous poet Du 3u #rote some verses #hich run something li$e this@ 7lanner of three $ingdoms, no small praise Is his666Inventor of the 4ight +rrays. +nd for that famous boulders, on the river(s brim, 3irm #as set the denouncement of !u(s #him. ,u 2un too$ his #ay to his camp in deep thought. CThis "huge ,iang is #ell named Sleeping Dragon,C said he. CI am not his e ual.C Then, to the amaDement of all, ,u 2un gave orders to retire. The officers ventured to remonstrate, seeing that they had been so successful. C8eneral, you have utterly bro$en the enemy, and ,iu 'ei is shut up in one small city. It seems the time to smite, and yet you retire because you have come across a mysterious arrangement of stones.C CI am not afraid of the stones, and it is not on their account that I retire. 'ut I fear )ao 7i. *e is no less resourceful than his father, and #hen he hears I am marching into Shu, he #ill certainly attac$ us. *o# could I return thenGC The home#ard march began. On the second day the scouts brought a report@ CThree !ei generals #ith three armies are debouching at three different points and moving to#ard the borders of !u666)ao Ren to RuAu, )ao 2iu to Dong$ou, and )ao "hen to Fan>un. Their intentions are unclear.C C9ust as I thought,C said ,u 2un. C'ut I am ready for them.C C+nd no# the #est is mine,C the victor thought, 'ut danger from the north discretion taught. The story of the retreat #ill be told in the neAt chapter.

Chapter 72 The First ,&#er Con!ides His Son To The G&ardian;s Care; Zh&ge -iang Ca#m#4 Sett#es The Five 1ttac5s' In summer, the siAth month of the second year of 1anifest 1ight -+D ..:0 ,u 2un destroyed the army of Shu at Biling. The 3irst Ruler sought refuge in 'aidicheng, of #hich "hao Bun then undertoo$ the defense. !hen 1a ,iang returned only to find his lord defeated, he #as more distressed than he could say. *e announced #hat "huge ,iang had said concerning the plans. The 3irst Ruler sighed, saying, CIf I had listened to the 7rime 1inister(s advice, the defeat #ould not have happened. Fo# ho# can I face the officials if I return to my capitalGC So he promulgated a command to change the guest6house into the 7alace of 4ternal 7eace. *e #as deeply grieved #hen they told him 3eng 2i, )heng 9in, 3u Tong, "hang Fan, 5ing Shamo 5e, and many of his generals had died loyally in his cause. FeAt he heard people say@ C*uang &uan, #ho had been given command of the army on the north ban$, had given in to !ei. Bour 1a>esty should deliver his #hole family to the authority and hold them responsible for the renegade.C 'ut the 3irst Ruler only said, CThe army #as uite cut off by !u from the south ban$, and he had no alternative but to surrender. Really, I betrayed him, not he me. !hy should I ta$e vengeance on his familyGC So he continued the issue of the renegade(s pay to his family. !hen *uang &uan surrendered, he #as led into the presence of the Ruler of !ei. )ao 7i said, CBou have surrendered to me because you desired to imitate the admirable conduct of )hen 7ing and *an 2in of old%.C 'ut *uang &uan replied, #eeping, CThe Ruler of Shu has been very $ind to me, and he gave me the leadership of the army on the Forth of the 8reat River. ,u 2un cut me off so that I could not return to Shu, and I #ould not surrender to !u, #herefore I have yielded to Bour 1a>esty. Defeated as I am, I should be only too happy if my life #ere spared, but I have no claim to the credit of the virtuous ones of old.C The reply satisfied the Ruler of !ei, and he conferred on him the title 8eneral !ho 8uards the South. 'ut *uang &uan, ho#ever, declined the offer. Then one of the courtiers said, C+ spy has reported that all of your family have been put to death by the Ruler of Shu.C 'ut the leader replied that he could not believe it.

CThe Ruler of Shu and his officials trust each other. *e $no#s my heart, and he #ould not in>ure my family.C +nd the Ruler of !ei agreed #ith his opinion. + poem has been #ritten upbraiding *uang &uan@ That #as a pity that *uang &uan grudged to die; Though he yielded to !ei, not !u, Bet he croo$ed the $nee in an alien court. !hich the loyal cannot do. )ao 7i sought advice from 9ia 2u concerning his design of bringing the #hole country under his o#n rule. CI #ish to bring the #hole empire under my rule. !hich shall I first reduce, Shu or !uGC C,iu 'ei is an able #arrior, and "huge ,iang is a most capable administrator. Sun &uan possesses discrimination, and his general, ,u 2un, occupies all the strategic positions of importance; the natural obstacles, the intervening rivers and spreading la$es, #ould be hard to overcome. I do not thin$ you have any leader to match either of these t#o men. 4ven #ith the prestige of Bour 1a>esty(s o#n presence, no one could guarantee the result. The better course is to hold on and a#ait the outcome of the struggle bet#een those t#o.C CI have already dispatched three armies against !u. )an it be that they #ill failGC The )hair of the Secretariat, ,iu Be, held the same opinion as his colleague. Said he, C,u 2un has >ust #on a great victory over the Shu force of seven hundred thousand, and all his army is full of confidence. 3urther, there are the la$es and the rivers, #hich are natural difficulties hard to cope #ith. +nd again, ,u 2un is resourceful and #ell prepared.C The Ruler of !ei said, C3ormerly, Sir, you urged me to attac$ !u. !hy do you no# give contrary adviceGC C'ecause times have changed. !hen !u #as suffering defeat after defeat, the country #as depressed and might be smitten. Fo# this great victory has changed all that, and their morale has increased a hundred times. I say no# they may not be attac$ed.C C!ell, but I have decided to attac$. So say no more,C said the Ruler of !ei. *e then led the Imperial 8uards out to support his three armies.

'ut the scouts soon brought ne#s >ustifying the opinion of his advisers@ C+ force of !u has been sent to oppose each of our three armies. ,u 3an leads an army against )ao 2iu at Dong$ou, "huge 9in against )ao "hen at Fan>un, and "hu *uan against )ao Ren at RuAu.C ,iu Be pointed this out and again said, C!u has prepared, and no success can be eApected.C Still )ao 7i #as obstinate, and marched. The !u leader, "hu *uan, #ho had been sent against )ao Ren at RuAu, #as a young man of t#enty6seven. *e #as bold and resourceful, and Sun &uan held him in great regard. *earing that )ao Ren #as going to attac$ 2ianAi, "hu *uan led the bul$ of his troops to defend it, leaving only five thousand troops in RuAu. Then he heard that the van of the enemy, fifty thousand under 8eneral )hang Diao, #ith the aid of "huge &ian and !ang Shuang, had made a dash for RuAu, so he hastened bac$ and found the officers #ere in great fear. Dra#ing his s#ord, he made a speech, CSuccess depends upon the leader rather than on the number of soldiers. The +rt of !ar says that the value of one soldier #ho inhabits the place e uals that of t#o soldiers #ho come from afar; and those #ho are hosts, ho#ever in small number, can overcome those #ho are guests. Fo# the enemy is #eary from a long march, and I and you, my men, can hold this place together. !e have the 8reat River to defend us on the south, and #e are bac$ed by the mountains on the north. Success should be ours easily, and #e are as hosts at home a#aiting the arrival of our #eary visitors. This #ill give us victory in every fight. 4ven if )ao 7i comes, #e need feel no anAiety. *o# much less care #e for )ao Ren and his troopsGC "hu *uan he issued orders to furl all the banners and to silence all the drums as if the city #as empty of defenders. In time, )hang Diao and his veterans of the van came to the city. Fot a person #as visible, and he hastened for#ard #ith all speed. 'ut as he neared the city, suddenly a bomb #ent off. Immediately up rose a forest of flags, and out dashed "hu *uan #ith his s#ord dra#n. +nd he made for )hang Diao. In the third encounter "hu *uan cut do#n )hang Diao, and the troops of !u, rushing to the attac$, thoroughly routed the invaders, slaying innumerable soldiers. 'eside scoring a complete victory, "hu *uan too$ much spoil of flags and #eapons and horses. )ao Ren himself, coming up later, #as attac$ed by the troops from 2ianAi and #as also routed. *e fled home to his master #ith the ne#s of defeat and destruction. +nd before the Ruler of !ei could decide #hat course to ta$e in regard to this loss, the ne#s came of the defeat of his another army@ C)ao "hen and 2iahou Shang #ere besieging Fan>un #hen "huge 9in from #ithin and ,u 2un from #ithout attac$ed in concert. The t#o generals suffered a great loss.C Immediately, another report came@ C)ao 2iu has been defeated by ,u 3an at Dong$ou.C So all three armies had failed and #ere lost.

)ao 7i sighed and said sadly, CThis has come from my #illfulness and neglect of the advice of 9ia 2u and ,iu Be.C The summer of that year #as very unhealthy, and a pestilence s#ept a#ay the soldiers more than half the number. So they #ere marched home to )apital ,uoyang. The t#o countries #ere at enmity though they #ere not fighting. 1ean#hile the 3irst Ruler #as failing. *e remained in his 7alace of 4ternal 7eace at 'aidicheng and presently #as confined to his couch. 8radually he became #orse, and in the fourth moon of the third year of 1anifest 1ight -+D ...0 his condition became serious. *e himself felt the end #as near, and he #as depressed and #ept for his t#o lost brothers till the sight of his eyes suffered. *e #as morose and ill6tempered@ *e could not bear any of his court near him, drove a#ay his servants and lay upon his couch sad and solitary. One evening as thus he lay, a sudden gust of #ind came into the chamber, almost eAtinguishing the candles. +s they burned bright again, he sa# t#o men standing in the shade behind them. CI told you I #as #orried,C said the 3irst Ruler, Cand bade you leave me. !hy have you come bac$G 8o=C 'ut they remained and did not go. !herefore the 3irst Ruler rose and #ent over to loo$ at them. +s he dre# near he sa# one #as 8uan Bu and the other "hang 3ei. C+re you still alive, then, brothersGC said he. C!e are not men; #e are shades,C said 8uan Bu. CThe Supreme One has conferred spirithood upon us in consideration of our faithfulness throughout life, and ere long, brother, #e three shall be together again.C The 3irst Ruler clutched at the figures and burst into tears; then he a#o$e. The t#o figures #ere no longer there. *e called in his people and as$ed the hour. They told him the third #atch. CI am not much longer for this #orld,C said he #ith a sigh. 1essengers #ere sent to )apital )hengdu to summon the 7rime 1inister and other high officers of state to receive the 4mperor(s last instructions. They came, "huge ,iang bringing the t#o younger sons, 7rince of ,u ,iu Bung and 7rince of ,iang ,iu ,i. The eldest, the heir6apparent, #as left in charge of the capital. "huge ,iang sa# at once that his master #as very ill. *e bo#ed to the ground at the foot of the Dragon )ouch. The dying 4mperor bade him come near and sit beside him, and he patted his 1inister on the bac$, saying, CThe attainment of emperorship #as your #or$. ,ittle thought you that I should prove so stupid as not to follo# your advice and so bring about the late disasters. 'ut I am deeply

sorry, and no# I shall not live long. 1y heir is a degenerate, but I must leave him to do the best he can #ith the great inheritance.C +nd the tears flo#ed in streams. CI trust Bour 1a>esty #ill fulfill the hopes of the people by a speedy recovery,C said "huge ,iang, also in tears. Turning his head, the 3irst Ruler sa# 1a Su, 1a ,iang(s brother, at the bedside. *e bade him retire. !hen 1a Su had left the chamber, the 3irst Ruler said, CDo you thin$ 1a Su is cleverGC C*e is one of the ablest people in the empire,C said "huge ,iang. CI do not thin$ so. I thin$ his #ords eAceed his deeds. Do not ma$e much use of him. !atch him carefully.C *aving said this, he bade them summon the high officers of state to the chamber. Ta$ing paper and pen, the 3irst Ruler #rote his testament. *e handed it to the 7rime 1inister #ith a sigh and said, CI am no great scholar, and I only $no# the rough outlines of #hat should be $no#n. 'ut the Teacher has said@ (+ bird(s song is sad #hen death is near, and a dying person(s #ords are good.( I #as #aiting that #e might aid each other in the destruction of the )aos and the restoration of the *ans, but ere the #or$ is complete I am called a#ay, and this last command of mine I confide to you as 7rime 1inister to be handed to my son and heir, ,iu Shan. 1y #ords are to be ta$en seriously. I trust that you #ill instruct and guide my son.C "huge ,iang and all those present #ept and prostrated themselves, saying, C!e pray Bour 1a>esty repose yourself. !e #ill do our utmost #hereby to prove our gratitude for the $indness #e have received.C +t the 3irst Ruler(s command the attendants raised "huge ,iang from the earth. !ith one hand the dying man brushed a#ay the falling tears, #hile #ith the other he grasped "huge ,iang(s hand. +nd he said, CThe end is near. I have something more to say as to a close general.C C!hat holy command has Bour 1a>esty to giveGC said "huge ,iang. The 3irst Ruler said, CBou are many times more clever than )ao 7i, and you must safeguard the $ingdom and complete the great #or$. If my son can be helped, help him. 'ut if he proves a fool, then ta$e the throne yourself and be a ruler.C

Such a speech almost startled "huge ,iang out of his senses. + cold s#eat bro$e out all over his body, and his limbs threatened to cease to support him. *e fell on his $nees, saying, CI could never do other#ise than #ear myself to the bone in the service of your son, #hom I #ill serve till death.C *e $noc$ed his head upon the ground till blood ran do#n. The dying man called "huge ,iang closer, and at the same time ma$ing his t#o sons come near, he said to them, C1y sons, remember your father(s #ords. +fter my death you are to treat the 7rime 1inister as you #ould your father and be not remiss, for thereby you #ill fulfill your father(s hopes.C *e made the t#o 7rinces pay to "huge ,iang the obeisance due to a father. Said "huge ,iang, C!ere I destroyed and ground into the earth, I should be unable to repay the $indness I have eAperienced.C Turning to the assembled officers, the 3irst Ruler said, C+s you have seen, I have confided my orphan son to the care of the 7rime 1inister and bidden my sons treat him as a father. Bou too, Sirs, are to treat him #ith deference. This is my dying re uest and charge to you.C Turning to "hao Bun, he said, CBou and I have gone together through many dangers and difficulties. Fo# comes the parting of our #ays. Bou #ill not forget our old friendship, and you must see to it that my sons follo# my precepts.C CI shall never dare to give other than my best,C said "hao Bun. CThe fidelity of the dog and horse is mine to give and shall be theirs.C Then the 3irst Ruler turned to the others, CFoble Sirs, I am unable to spea$ to you one by one and lay a charge upon each individual. 'ut I say to you@ 1aintain your self6respect.C These #ere his last #ords. *e #as siAty6three, and he died on the t#enty6fourth day of the fourth month -+D ...0. + poem #as #ritten by Du 3u on his death@ The 4mperor set out to destroy the land that lay through the Three 8orges, 3ailed he and breathed his last in the 7alace of 4ternal 7eace, The 7alace fair of his thoughts lay not this side the highlands. 'eautiful chambers are vainly sought in his rural temple, Fo# are the pines near his shrine nesting places for herons, Through the courts aged peasants saunter, en>oying their leisure, Fearby often is found a shrine to this famous strategist, 7rince and minister(s needs are no# but offerings in season. Thus died the 3irst Ruler. +ll present lifted up their voices and #ept.

The 7rime 1inister led the procession that escorted the coffin to the capital, and the heir, ,iu Shan, came to the outs$irts of the city, as a dutiful son should, to receive the remains #ith due respect. The coffin #as laid in the 8reat *all of the 7alace, #herein they lamented and performed the ceremonies appointed. +t the end of these the testament #as opened and read@ CI first fell ill from a simple ailment. Other disorders follo#ed, and it became evident that I should not recover. CThey say that death at fifty cannot be called premature. +s I have passed siAty, I may not resent the call. 'ut #hen I thin$ of you and your brothers, I regret. Fo# I say to you, strive and strive again. Do not do evil because it is a small evil; do not leave undone a small good because it is a small good. Only #ith #isdom and virtue people can be #on. 'ut your father(s virtue #as but slender, and do not imitate. C+fter my death you are to conduct the affairs of the state #ith the 7rime 1inister. Bou are to treat him as a father and serve him #ithout remissness. Bou and your brothers are to see$ instructions. This is my final and simple command.C !hen the officials had read this, "huge ,iang said, CThe state cannot go a single day #ithout a ruler, #herefore I beg you to install the heir as successor to the great line of *an.C Thereupon the ceremony #as performed, and the ne# 4mperor too$ his place. The style of the reign #as changed to C'eginning 7rosperityC. "huge ,iang #as made ,ord of !uAiang and Imperial 7rotector of BiDhou. Then they buried the late 4mperor at *uiling #ith the posthumous style of ,iu 'ei the 8lorious 4mperor. The 4mpress, of the !u family, #as formally created 4mpress Do#ager. The late )onsort 8an became the 8lorious 4mpress, and the ,ady 1i #as granted similar, also posthumous, ran$. There #ere promotions in ran$ and re#ards for all, and a general amnesty #as proclaimed. 'efore long, $no#ledge of these things came to the 1iddle ,and, and a report #as sent to )apital ,uoyang and made $no#n to the Ruler of !ei. )ao 7i felt relieved and #as glad of the death of his rival, saying, C,iu 'ei is dead@ I am no longer #orried. +n attac$ during the critical moment can bring a victory over Shu.C 'ut 9ia 2u dissuaded him, saying, C,iu 'ei is gone, but surely he has confided the care of the state to "huge ,iang, #ho is indebted to him so deeply. *e #ill eAhaust every effort to support his young lord. Bou may not hastily attac$.C +s 9ia 2u tendered this remonstrance, a man suddenly stepped out from the serried ran$s of courtiers and said fiercely, CIf you neglect this moment, can you eApect a more favorable opportunityGC

+ll eyes turned to the spea$er. It #as Sima Bi. The interruption greatly pleased )ao 7i, #ho at once as$ed ho# it #as to be done. Sima Bi propounded his plan in the follo#ing speech@ CIt #ould be very difficult to obtain success #ith our o#n resources. *ence #e must use five armies and attac$ all round at the same time, so as to divide "huge ,iang.C C!here are the five armies to come fromGC said )ao 7i. Sima Bi #ent on, CThe first is to be got from ,iaodong, from the 2ianbi State. Bou must #rite to 5ing 5ebi Feng and send him presents of gold and sil$s so that he may send one hundred thousand &iang troops from ,iaoAi to attac$ 2iping 7ass. Secondly, the $ing of the 1ang Tribes, 1eng *uo, must be persuaded to lead one hundred thousand troops to attac$ the south of Shu666 BiDhou, Bongchang, "angge, and Buesui. Thirdly, you must send an ambassador to !u #ith fair promises of an increase of territory, and so induce Sun &uan to march one hundred thousand troops to the attac$ of the Three 8orges, ma$ing 3ucheng his ob>ective. The fourth army can be got from 8eneral 1eng Da in Shangyong, #ho can muster one hundred thousand troops to attac$ *anDhong. ,astly, our o#n force of one hundred thousand troops may be placed under )ao "hen, #ho #ill attac$ by #ay of Bangping 7ass. !ith five hundred thousand troops ma$ing simultaneous attac$s along five different directions, it #ould be hard for "huge ,iang to hold his o#n, even if he had the talent of ,u !ang% himself.C The scheme delighted )ao 7i, #ho at once cast about for four glib6tongued messengers. *e also issued a commission to )ao "hen as )ommander6in6)hief #ith the order to ta$e Bangping 7ass. +t this time "hang ,iao and most others of the veterans #ho had served )ao )ao #ere $eeping #atch in various stations and passes and fords in 9iDhou, 2uDhou, &ingDhou, and *efei. They #ere not summoned for this eApedition to the #est. +fter the accession of ,iu Shan, the ,atter Ruler, many of those #ho had served his father gradually died after the decease of their master. The #or$ of the administration of the country, the choice of officials, la#6ma$ing, taAation, decision of legal cases, #as all done by the 7rime 1inister. +s the ,atter Ruler had no consort, the courtiers, headed by "huge ,iang, proposed, saying, CThe daughter of the late 8eneral of the 3lying )avalry "hang 3ei is prudent, and she is no# seventeen. Bour 1a>esty should ma$e her 4mpress.C So ,ady "hang #as married to the 4mperor and became 4mpress "hang. It #as in the autumn of the first year of 'eginning 7rosperity -+D ..J0 that the ,atter Ruler heard of the plans and intentions of !ei against his state.

The persons #ho told him gave him full details said@ C!ei has mustered five armies of one hundred thousand each to march against the River ,ands. The first army led by )ommander6in6 )hief )ao "hen is heading to Bangping 7ass. The second army from Shangyong led by the rebel 1eng Da is planning to attac$ *anDhong. The third army from !u is threatening the Three 8orges. The fourth army under 5ing 5ebi Feng of the &iang tribes is marching to 2iping 7ass. +nd the fifth army by 1eng *uo of the 1ang nations is approaching the southern border near BiDhou, Bongchang, "angge, and Buesui. The border stations have sent flying re uests for help. !e have informed the 7rime 1inister. 'ut his conduct puDDles us. !e do not $no# #hy he does not ta$e some action instead of remaining shut up in his palace all the time.C The ,atter Ruler became really alarmed, and he sent one of his personal attendants to call the 7rime 1inister to court. The servant #as gone a long time, and then returned to say@ CThe servants in the residence said the 7rime 1inister #as ill and not to be seen.C The young 4mperor(s distress increased, and he sent t#o *igh 1inisters666Dong Bun and Du &iong666to "huge ,iang, saying they #ere to see him even if he #as on his couch and tell him the dreadful ne#s of invasion. They #ent; but they got no farther than the gate. The $eepers of the gate refused them admission. 'ut Du &iong said, CThe 3irst Ruler had confided his son to the 7rime 1inister. It has not been long since *is 1a>esty(s accession to the Throne that )ao 7i threatens to invade our territories #ith five armies. This is urgent military matter. *o# can the 7rime 1inister ma$e illness as an eAcuse not to appearGC The #ardens of the gate #ent inside #ith #hat #as said. +fter $eeping them #aiting a long time, the #ardens returned, saying, CThe 7rime 1inister is rather better and #ill be at court in the morning.C The t#o ministers sighed deeply as they #ended their #ay to the 4mperor(s palace. FeAt morning a great cro#d of officers assembled at the gate of the 7rime 1inister(s residence to #ait for him to appear. 'ut he did not come out. It began to gro# late, and many of them #ere tired of #aiting, and the cro#d dispersed. Du &iong #ent again to the 4mperor and suggested, saying, CBour 1a>esty should go in person and try to get "huge ,iang to say #hat should be done.C The ,atter Ruler then returned to his palace #ith the officials and told the 4mpress Do#ager his trouble. She #as also alarmed. C!hat can he meanGC said she. CThis does not loo$ li$e acting in the spirit of the charge laid upon him by the late 4mperor. ,et me go myself.C

COh no,C said Dong Bun. CBour 1a>esty must not go. !e thin$ all is #ell, and the 7rime 1inister certainly understands and #ill do something. 'eside, you must let *is 1a>esty go first, and if the 7rime 1inister still sho#s remissness, then Bour 1a>esty can summon him to the Temple of the Dynasty and as$ him.C So it #as left at that. +nd the neAt day the 4mperor rode in his chariot to the gate of his minister. !hen the door$eepers sa# the imperial chariot appear, they fell upon their $nees to #elcome the 4mperor. C!here is the 7rime 1inisterGC as$ed he. C!e do not $no#. 'ut #e have orders not to let in the cro#d of officers.C The 4mperor then descended and #ent on foot right in to the third gate. Then he sa# "huge ,iang leaning on a staff beside a fishpond loo$ing at the fish. The ,atter Ruler approached, and stood behind him for a long time. 7resently the ,atter Ruler said slo#ly and #ith dignity, CIs the 7rime 1inister really en>oying himselfGC "huge ,iang started and loo$ed round. !hen he sa# #ho the spea$er #as, he suddenly dropped his staff and prostrated himself. CI ought to be put to death ten thousand times=C said "huge ,iang. 'ut the 4mperor put forth his hand and helped him to rise, saying, C)ao 7i threatens immediate invasion from five points. !hy #ill you not come forth and attend to businessGC "huge ,iang laughed. *e conducted the 4mperor into an inner room, and, #hen he #as seated, "huge ,iang addressed the 4mperor, saying, C)ould it be possible that I #as ignorant of these five armiesG I #as not loo$ing at the fishes; I #as thin$ing.C C'ut, this being so, #hat shall #e doGC CI have already turned bac$ that 5ebi Feng of the &iangs, and 1eng *uo of the 1angs, and the rebel leader 1eng Da, and the army from !ei. I have also thought out a plan to circumvent the army from !u, but I need a special sort of person to carry it out. I #ant an envoy, an able tal$er, one capable of persuading other people. It #as because I have not found such a person yet that I #as so deeply in thought. 'ut Bour 1a>esty may set your mind at rest and not be anAious.C The ,atter Ruler heard this half terrified and half glad. CSurely your superhuman devices are too deep for the mortal. 'ut may I as$ ho# these armies have been made to turn bac$GC

CSince *is ,ate 1a>esty bade me ta$e the best care of your #elfare, I dare not be remiss for a single moment. Some officers in )hengdu are ignorant of that refinement of #ar #hich consists in not allo#ing the enemy to guess your plans. *o# could I let them $no# anythingG !hen I heard that 5ebi Feng, the $ing of &iangs, might invade, I remembered that 1a )hao(s forefathers #ere friendly #ith those tribespeople and they had a high opinion of 1a )hao, calling him 8eneral !ho 7ossesses *eavenly 7restige. So I sent orders by dispatch to 1a )hao to hold the 2iping 7ass, and to prepare ambushes in certain places and change them daily so as to $eep the &iangs off. That settled them. CI sent hastily to the south to order !ei Ban to move certain bodies of troops about through the south#est territories, to be seen and then to disappear, to go in and come out, and to march to and fro, so that the 1angs should be perpleAed. The 1angs are brave, but prone to doubts and hesitations, and they #ould not advance in the face of the un$no#n. *ence there is nothing to fear in that uarter. CI also $ne# that 1eng Da and our ,i Ban #ere s#orn friends. I had left ,i Ban in charge of the 7alace of 4ternal 7eace. I sent ,i Ban a letter and urged him to #rite to 1eng Da, so that 1eng Da #ould feign illness and not move his army. CI sent "hao Bun to occupy Bangping 7ass and all the strategic positions on the #ay by #hich )ao "hen #ould march, and bade him defend only and not go to the battle. If our troops refuse to come out, )ao "hen #ill certainly have to retire. So all those four are settled. 'ut for greater security I have sent "hang 'ao and 8uan 2ing each #ith thirty thousand troops to camp at points #hence they can uic$ly help any of the others #ho may need it. +nd none of these arrangements are $no#n here. CFo# there is only !u left to deal #ith. *ad the other four armies succeeded and Shu been in danger, Sun &uan #ould have come to the attac$. If the others fail, I $no# he #ill not budge, for he #ill remember that )ao 7i has >ust sent three armies to attac$ his country. +nd this being so, I #ant someone #ith a ready tongue and ingenious mind to go and tal$ plainly to Sun &uan. So far I have not found such a person, and I am perpleAed. I regret that I have given Bour 1a>esty occasion to ma$e this >ourney.C CThe 4mpress Do#ager also #anted to come,C said the 4mperor. C'ut no# you have spo$en, O 1inister 3ather, I am as one a#a$ened from a dream. I shall grieve no more.C They t#o dran$ a fe# cups of #ine together, and the 7rime 1inister escorted his master to his chariot. + ring of courtiers #ere #aiting, and they could not help remar$ing the happiness that shone in their master(s face. The ,atter Ruler too$ his leave and returned to his palace, but the courtiers did not $no# #hat to thin$. Fo# "huge ,iang had noted a certain man among the cro#d #ho smiled and loo$ed uite happy. "huge ,iang loo$ed at him intently and then recollected his name, #hich #as Deng "hi of 2inye, a descendant of )ommander Deng Bu of *an%. Deng "hi #as currently the )hair of the )ensus

'oard. "huge ,iang sent a man privately to detain Deng "hi, and #hen all the others had gone, "huge ,iang led him into the library for a chat. 7resently he came to the matter near his heart. CThe three states have become a fact,C said "huge ,iang. CFo# if our state #anted to absorb the other t#o and restore the condition of one rule, #hich country should it attac$ firstGC CThough !ei is the real rebel, yet !ei is strong and #ould be very difficult to overthro#. +ny move against it #ould have to develop slo#ly. +s our 4mperor has but lately succeeded his father and the people are none too decided in his favor, I should propose a treaty of mutual defense #ith !u. This #ould obliterate the enmity of *is ,ate 1a>esty and #ould have important results. *o#ever, you, Sir, may have another opinion. !hat is itGC CThat is #hat I have been thin$ing of this long time, but I had not the person for the tas$. Fo# I have found him.C C!hat do you #ant the person to doGC said Deng "hi. CI #ant him to go as envoy to !u to negotiate such a treaty. +s you understand the position so #ell, you #ill surely do honor to your prince(s commission as envoy. There is no other #ho #ould succeed.C CI fear I am not e ual to such a tas$@ I am not clever enough and too ignorant.C CI #ill inform the 4mperor tomorro# and beg him to appoint you. Of course you #ill accept.C Deng "hi consented and then too$ his leave. +s promised, "huge ,iang memorialiDed, and the ,atter Ruler consented that the mission should be entrusted to Deng "hi. +nd he started. The din of #ar #ill cease in !u, !hen Shu(s desires are $no#n. 3or the success or failure of this mission read the neAt chapter. Chapter 73 Csing Words) ?in =i vercomes Zhang Wen; Setting Fire) :& Sheng *e!eats Cao Pi' +fter his recent eAploits, ,u 2un became the one hero of !u. *e #as given the title 8eneral !ho Hpholds the State, #as ennobled as ,ord of 9iangling, and received the 8overnorship of 9ingDhou. *e became Supreme )ommander of all the military forces. "hang "hao and 8u Bong, thin$ing the moment opportune for enhancing their lord(s dignity, sent in a memorial proposing that his rule should be designated by a distinctive style, and Sun &uan assumed CBello# 1ight 4raC as his reign style -+D ...0.

Then arrived a messenger from !ei, and he #as called in to an assembly and bidden to state his business. The messenger said, CRecently Shu sent to !ei for help, and, the situation being misunderstood, the Ruler of !ei dispatched a force against !u. Fo# this action is greatly regretted. In !ei it is thought desirable to set four armies in motion against Shu to capture it. Fo# if !u #ill assist, and success cro#ns these efforts, !ei and !u #ill share the con uered territory.C Sun &uan listened, but #as not prepared to give a decided ans#er. *e betoo$ himself to his counselors, "hang "hao and 8u Bong. They said, C,u 2un is the man of profound $no#ledge. *e should be consulted.C So ,u 2un #as called, and his speech ran thus@ C)ao 7i is too firmly established in the 1iddle ,and to be upset no#; and if this offer of his be refused, #e shall provo$e his enmity. Feither !ei nor !u, so far as I see, has anyone fit to oppose "huge ,iang. !e must perforce consent and put our army in order. 'ut #e can #ait till #e see ho# the four armies speed. If Shu seems li$ely to fall and "huge ,iang is outmaneuvered, then our army can be dispatched and #e #ill ta$e )apital )hengdu. If the four armies fail, #e shall have to consider.C So Sun &uan said to the envoy of !ei, C!e are not ready at the moment, so #e #ill choose a day to start later.C +nd #ith this ans#er the envoy left. FeAt they made careful in uiries about the success or failure of the four armies against Shu. The spies reported@ CThe #estern &iangs under 5ing 5ebi Feng have turned bac$ #hen they sa# 1a )hao in command at 2iping 7ass. The southern 1angs led by 1eng *uo have been perpleAed at the tactics of !ei Ban and have retreated to their territories. The Shangyong leader, 1eng Da, have set out, but half #ay have fallen ill and gone bac$. +nd )ao "hen(s army, #hile marching to#ard Bangping 7ass, have been brought to a halt by the defensive preparations of "hao Bun, #ho has garrisoned every pass and occupied every point of vantage; they have eventually retreated, after being camped in the 2ie Valley for some time.C 5no#ing all this, Sun &uan said to his officials, C,u 2un(s #ords #ere indeed prophetic; he made most perfect deductions. +ny rash action on my part #ould place me on bad terms #ith Shu.C 9ust then the coming of an envoy from Shu #as announced. Said "hang "hao, CThis mission is also part of "huge ,iang(s scheme to divert danger from Shu. Deng "hi has come as envoy.C CThat being so, ho# should I replyGC as$ed Sun &uan.

CI #ill tell you. Set up a large cauldron and pour therein a uantity of oil. ,ight a fire beneath. !hen the oil is boiling, choose a goodly company of your tallest and bra#niest fighting guards, arm them and dra# them up in lines bet#een the 7alace gate and your throne room. Then summon Deng "hi. 'ut before he can say a #ord, fore#arn him that he #ill have the same fate of being boiled in oil if being guilty of the same sort of treachery as ,i Bi>i% #hen he #as a persuader to the state of &i. Then see #hat Deng "hi #ill say.C Sun &uan follo#ed this advice, and prepared the cauldron of oil and had the strong guards ready. Then he bade them introduce the envoy. Deng "hi came, his ceremonial dress in perfect order, and advanced as far as the gate. Seeing the grim array of fighting men armed, some #ith gleaming s#ords, some #ith great aAes, some #ith long spears, and some #ith short $nives, he understood at once #hat #as meant, but he never blenched. *e advanced uite steadily and bravely till he reached the door of the hall. 4ven #hen he sa# the boiling cauldron of oil and the savage eAecutioners glaring at him, he only smiled. *e #as led to the front of the curtain behind #hich sat the 7rince of !u, and he made the ordinary salutation of raising his eAtended arms, but he did not bo# in obeisance. The 7rince bade his attendants roll up the curtain, and called out, C!hy do you not ma$e an obeisanceGC Deng "hi replied, CThe envoy of the superior state does not ma$e an obeisance to the ruler of a smaller country.C CIf you do not control that tongue of yours, but #ill let it #ag, you #ill be li$e that fello# ,i Bi>i #ho #ent to tal$ to &i. Bou #ill soon find yourself in the cauldron.C Then Deng "hi laughed aloud, saying, C7eople say there are many sages in !u. Fo one #ould believe that they #ould be frightened of a simple scholar.C This reply only increased Sun &uan(s anger, and he said, C!ho fears an unmerited fool li$e youGC CIf you fear not the envoy, #hy so anAious about #hat he may have to sayGC C'ecause you come here as spo$esman of "huge ,iang, and you #ant me to sever #ith !ei and turn to your country. Is not that your messageGC CI am a simple scholar of Shu, and I am come to eAplain matters to the state of !u. 'ut here I find armed guards and a boiling cauldron all prepared against an envoy. *o# can I form any other opinion than that you #ill not allo# me to spea$GC +s soon as Sun &uan heard these #ords, he bade the soldiers go, and called the envoy into the hall.

There he invited Deng "hi to a seat and said, C!hat is the real matter bet#een !ei and !uG I desire that you #ould inform me.C Then Deng "hi replied, CDo you, great 7rince, desire to discuss peace #ith !ei or #ith ShuGC CI really desire to discuss peace #ith the Ruler of Shu. 'ut he is young and ineAperienced and ignorant, and unable to carry a matter through.C C7rince, you are a valiant #arrior, >ust as "huge ,iang is a great minister. Fo# Shu has the strength of its mountainous geography >ust as !u has the protection of its three rivers. If these t#o countries are at peace, they are mutually protective. They may s#allo# up the rest of the empire, or they may stand secure alone. If you send tribute to !ei and ac$no#ledge yourself one of its ministers, you #ill be eApected to attend at court, and your heir6apparent #ill become a servant in that court; and if you disobey, an army of !ei #ill be sent to attac$ you. Shu also #ill come do#n the river and invade your country. Then the South ,and #ill be yours no longer. +nd if you listen not to these #ords of mine, and refuse my offer, I shall commit suicide before your face and so >ustify the post I have as an envoy.C +s Deng "hi spo$e these last #ords, he gathered up his robes and marched do#n the hall as though he #as >ust going to >ump into the cauldron. CStop him=C cried Sun &uan, and they did so. Then he re uested Deng "hi to go into an inner apartment, #here he treated the envoy as a guest of the highest honor. CO 1aster,C said Sun &uan, Cyour #ords eAactly eApress my thoughts, and I desire to ma$e a league of peace #ith your country. +re you #illing to be the intermediaryGC C9ust no# it #as you, O 7rince, #ho #ished to boil this poor servant. Fo# it is also you #ho #ishes to use him. *o# can such a doubtful person be trustedGC C1y mind is made up,C replied Sun &uan. CDo not doubt me, 1aster.C Deng "hi #as detained, and a conclave of officers gathered. Said Sun &uan to the assembly, CHnder my hand are all eighty6one counties of the southeast, and I have the lands of 9ingDhou to boot, yet I am not so #ell off as that little country of Shu, for Shu has Deng "hi for an envoy, and he glorifies his lord. I have no one to send to declare my #ishes to Shu.C Then one stepped forth and said he #ould go. The spea$er #as "hang !en of !ucheng, #ho held the office of Imperial )ommander.

CSir, I fear that #hen you reach Shu and are in the presence of "huge ,iang, you #ill not eAplain my real sentiments,C said Sun &uan. "hang !en replied, CThin$ you that I shall fear himG *e also is but a man.C Sun &uan conferred great gifts on "hang !en, and sent him on the return mission to Shu to negotiate the league of peace. !hile Deng "hi #as absent, "huge ,iang said to his lord, CThis mission to !u #ill succeed, and of the many #ise people in the east one #ill come as return envoy. Bour 1a>esty should treat him #ith courtesy, and let him return to !u to complete the league. 3or if #e have an alliance #ith !u, !ei #ill not dare to send an army against us. +nd if #e are safe from those uarters, I #ill lead an eApedition to subdue the 1angs in the south country. +fter that #e can deal #ith !ei. If !ei is reduced, !u #ill not last long, and the #hole empire #ill again be under one ruler.C 7resently the report reached the capital that Deng "hi and "hang !en, as envoy of !u, #ould soon arrive. The ,atter Ruler assembled the courtiers to receive them honorably. The envoy of !u carried himself as one #ho had attained his desires, and advanced boldly. *aving made his salute, the ,atter Ruler gave him to sit on a brocaded stool on his left hand. + ban uet follo#ed at #hich "hang !en #as treated #ith much honor. +t the end of the ban uet, the #hole court escorted the envoy to the guest6house #here he #as to lodge. On the second day there #as a ban uet at the 7rime 1inister(s palace, and "huge ,iang broached the real business. *e said, COur 3irst Ruler #as not on friendly terms #ith !u. 'ut that is all changed, as is demonstrated by these ban uets, and our present 4mperor is disposed to be very friendly. It is hoped that the former enmity may be entirely forgotten and the t#o countries s#ear eternal friendship and alliance in their common end666the destruction of !ei. I loo$ to you, Sir, to spea$ in favor of this league.C "hang !en said that he #ould support the plan. The #ine #ent merrily round, and as the envoy became mello#, he laughed freely and s#aggered and put on a proud demeanor. FeAt day the ,atter Ruler gave "hang !en rich presents of gold and studs and prepared a parting ban uet for him in the south guest6chamber, and all the court assembled to ta$e leave of him. The 7rime 1inister paid him assiduous attention and pressed him to drin$. !hile this ban uet #as in progress, a man suddenly came in as if he #ere already drun$, made a proud sort of salutation to the company and at once too$ a seat. *is conduct seemed strange to "hang !en, #ho as$ed, C!ho is the ne# comer, Sir 7rime 1inisterGC C*e is a man named &in 1i, a Doctorate +cademician of BiDhou,C replied "huge ,iang.

C*e may be that,C said "hang !en #ith a laugh, Cbut I #onder if he has any learning at all inside him.C &in 1i listened #ithout changing countenance, and said, CSince our children are all learned, of course I am more so.C C!hat may have been your special studies, SirGC said "hang !en. C1any things@ +stronomy on one hand, geography on the other, the three teachings and the nine systems, many philosophers, history all through, and many sacred boo$s and traditions.C CSince you tal$ so big,C said "hang !en, CI should li$e to as$ you a fe# uestions on celestial matters. Fo# has the s$y a headGC CBes, it has a head.C C!here is itGC CIn the #estern uarter. The Odes say, (8od turns his head $indly to#ard the #est,( and further it follo#s from this that the head is in the #est.C C!ell, has the s$y earsGC COh, yes. The s$y is above and listens to all things belo#. The Odes say, (The crane calls from the midst of the marsh, its cry is heard by the s$y.( *o# could the s$y hear #ithout earsGC C*as the s$y feetGC CIt has. The Odes say, (*eaven treads do#n difficulties.( If there #ere no feet, ho# could it treadGC C*as heaven a nameGC C!hy notGC CThen #hat is itGC C,iu.C C*o# do you $no# thatGC C'ecause the 4mperor(s family name is ,iu, and he is the Son of *eaven. That is ho# I $no#.C CDoes the sun spring from the eastGC CThough it does, yet it sets in the #est.C

+ll this time &in 1i(s repartees had flashed bac$ clear and perfect. They came so naturally as to astonish all the guests. "hang !en had no #ord to reply to them. Then it became &in 1i(s turn, CBou are a famous scholar in your o#n land, Sir; and since you have as$ed so many uestions about *eaven, I ta$e it you are I #ell up in all celestial matters. !hen original chaos resolved into its t#o elements yin and yang, the lighter portion rose and became s$y, and the grosser san$ and solidified into earth. !hen 8ong 8ong(s rebellion #as crushed, his head struc$ the Imperfect 1ountain, the pillar, #hich upholds heaven, #as bro$en and the bonds of earth #ere destroyed. *eaven fell over to the north#est, and earth san$ into the southeast. Since heaven #as ethereal and had floated to the top, ho# could it fall overG +nother thing I do not $no# is #hat is beyond the ether. I should be glad if you #ould eAplain, 1aster.C "hang !en had no reply ready, but he rose from his place and bo#ed his ac$no#ledgment, saying, CI $ne# not that there #as so much ability in this land. I am happy to have heard such a discourse. Fo# all obstructions have disappeared, and I see uite clearly.C 'ut "huge ,iang, fearing lest the guest should feel mortified, soothed him #ith fair #ords, saying, CThis is all play upon #ords, the sort of puDDles one propounds at a merry feast. Bou, honored Sir, $no# that the tran uillity and safety of states are no matters to >o$e #ith.C The envoy bo#ed. Then Deng "hi #as ordered to return to !u and than$ its ruler for his courtesy, and he #as to accompany "hang !en. So both, having ta$en leave of the 7rime 1inister, set out on their >ourney to the east. In the meantime Sun &uan #as beginning to feel perpleAed at the long delay of his envoy. *e had summoned a council to discuss this uestion, #hen the report came that his o#n envoy had returned, and Deng "hi #as #ith him. They #ere brought in forth#ith. "hang !en, having made his obeisance, began to discourse upon the virtue of the Ruler of Shu and "huge ,iang and to lay before his lord the proposal for a league of peace. Deng "hi, the )hair of the Secretariat, #as empo#ered to discuss this matter. Turning to Deng "hi, Sun &uan said, C!ould it not be a happy result if tran uillity should be restored to the empire by the destruction of !ei, and !u and Shu should share its administrationGC CThe s$y $no#s not t#o suns,C replied Deng "hi, Cnor can the people recogniDe t#o $ings. If !ei be destroyed, no one can say upon #hom the divine command #ill devolve. 'ut one #ho becomes an overlord must perfect his virtue, and those #ho become ministers must be #holly loyal. In this #ay strife #ill cease.C Sun &uan smiled, saying, C+nd your sincerity is beyond uestion.C Deng "hi #as dismissed #ith rich gifts, and after this !u and Shu #ere good friends. The negotiations bet#een his t#o rivals #ere reported in )apital ,uoyang #ithout loss of time, and )ao 7i #as very angry.

CIf they have made an alliance, it can only mean that they cherish the intention of s#allo#ing the 1iddle ,and. 1y best move is to stri$e first.C *e called a great council. This council lac$ed the presence of Regent 1arshal )ao Ren and 8rand )ommander 9ia 2u, #ho had both died. In the council )ounselor 2in 7i stepped for#ard and said, CThe 1iddle ,and is eAtensive, but the population so sparse that no successful army could be raised >ust no#. 1y advice is to #ait ten years, spending that period in forming an army and in cultivating the land till stores and #eapons shall have been accumulated. Then both our rivals may be destroyed.C CThis is only the distorted opinion of a perverted pedant. *aving made this league, Shu and !u may fall upon us at any moment. This matter cannot be postponed for ten years,C said the Ruler of !ei. +n edict appeared commanding the enlistment of soldiers and the formation of an army to subdue !u. Sima Bi then said, C'attleships are necessary, as !u is protected by the 8reat River. Bour 1a>esty must lead small and big vessels. The navy can advance by #ay of River *uai, ta$ing Shouchun. !hen you reach 8uangling, the river is to be crossed and FanAu is to be captured. Then !u #ill be subdued.C This plan #as accepted, and the construction of dragon ships #as put in hand and #ent on day and night. Ten #ere built t#o hundred spans long to carry t#o thousand marines each. They also collected three thousand fighting ships. In the autumn of the fifth year of Bello# Da#n -+D ..E0 the various generals assembled, and )ao "hen #as appointed leader of the first corps. "hang ,iao, "hang *e, !en 7ing, and 2u *uang #ere )hief )ommanders; 2u )hu and ,u &ian #ere guards of the )enter +rmy; and )ao 2iu commanded the rear guard; the strategists #ere ,iu Be and 9iang 9i. In all, land and marine forces numbered over three hundred thousand troops. !hen the starting day #as decided upon, Sima Bi #as made )hair of the Secretariat and left in the capital #ith the po#ers of Regent 1arshal. The spies told the 7rince of !u(s attendants of the dangers, and the latter hastened to inform the 7rince. They said, C)ao 7i is leading the dragon fleet and commanding three hundred thousand marines and ground forces against the South ,and, and the danger is very great.C !hen Sun &uan met his council, 8u Bong said, C1y lord, you can call upon Shu for help according to the treaty. !rite to "huge ,iang and get him to send out an army through *anDhong so as to divert part of !ei(s army. +lso you send an army to FanAu to oppose them there.C CI shall have to recall ,u 2un,C said the 7rince. C*e is the only man to underta$e this great tas$.C

CDo not move him if you can help it. *e is necessary for the protection of 9ingDhou.C CBes, I $no#. 'ut there is no other strong enough to help me.C +t these #ords 2u Sheng advanced, saying, CI $no# I am not very able, but I desire to be given an army to meet this danger. If )ao 7i crosses the river in person, I #ill ma$e him prisoner and present him at the gate of the 7alace. If he does not come over here, I #ill slay so many of his soldiers that his army shall not dare even to loo$ south#ard.C Sun &uan #as pleased to find a #illing volunteer, and replied, CFoble Sir, #hat anAiety need I feel if I have your protectionGC 2u Sheng #as given the title of 8eneral !ho 7rotects the 4ast and made )hief )ommander of all the forces in FanAu and 9ianye. +s soon as he had received his orders, he retired. *e gave command to gather enormous uantities of #eapons, and had many flags and banners made for the protection of the river ban$s. 'ut another impetuous young leader #as anAious to ta$e more vigorous measures, and he stood forth, saying, C1y lord has laid upon you, O 8eneral, a heavy responsibility. 'ut if you really desire to destroy the invading force and capture )ao 7i, you should send an army to meet him on the north side in the South of River *uai. I fear failure if you #ait till the northern troops have come this far.C The young man #as Sun Shao, nephe# of the 7rince of !u. Sun Shao #as born to a Bu family, and he #as adopted by Sun )e and given the Sun family name. *e had already the title of 8eneral !ho 7ossesses !ide 7restige, and #as in command at 8uangling. Though young and impetuous, he #as very valiant. Said 2u Sheng, C)ao 7i(s army is strong and its leaders famous. I hold that #e may not cross the river to meet him, but #ait the arrival of his ships on the other side. Then I shall carry out my plan.C CI have three thousand troops of my o#n, and I $no# the country about 8uangling thoroughly. ,et me go across the river and fight a battle. I #ill #illingly undergo the penalty if I fail,C said Sun Shao. *o#ever, 2u Sheng refused, and all the pleadings of his impetuous general #ere vain. +nd #hen Sun Shao still persisted, the )ommander gre# angry and said, C!hat control shall I have if you are allo#ed to disobey ordersGC 2u Sheng ordered the lictors to ta$e Sun Shao out and put him to death. They led him a#ay, and forth#ith the blac$ flag #as hoisted. 'ut one of Sun Shao(s generals #ent off in hot haste to tell Sun &uan, #ho came immediately to try to save his favorite. *appily the

eAecution had not been accomplished #hen the 7rince appeared on the scene, and he bade the eAecutioners disperse. The youth #as saved. Sun Shao began to press his claim to the 7rince, saying, CI have been at 8uangling, and if #e do not attac$ the enemy there, but let him get do#n to the river, there #ill be an end of !u.C Sun &uan #ent into the camp, and 2u Sheng came to receive him. !hen the 7rince #as seated in his tent, 2u Sheng said, CO 7rince, you placed me in command of the force to repulse !ei. Fo# this general of mine, Sun Shao, is disobedient and should suffer death. I #ould as$ #hy he should be pardoned.C C*e is naturally hot and impetuous. *e has been guilty of disobedience, but I hope you #ill overloo$ his fault.C CThe la# is none of my ma$ing, nor is it yours, O 7rince. It is a state penalty, and if relationship is enough to evade it, #here is disciplineGC C*e has offended, and you have the right to >udge and punish. 'ut although his real name is Bu Shao, yet my brother Sun )e loved him and gave him our family name. 3urther, Sun Shao has rendered me good service. If he should be put to death, I should fail in my fraternal duty.C CSince you have intervened, O 7rince, I remit the death penalty.C Sun &uan bade his nephe# than$ his chief, but the youth #ould not ma$e an obeisance. On the contrary, he loudly maintained the correctness of his vie#. C,eading troops against )ao 7i is the only #ay,C cried Sun Shao. CI cannot consent to your other plan even under the penalty of death=C 2u Sheng(s countenance changed. The recalcitrant young man #as ordered to leave the tent by Sun &uan. C*e #ill not be any loss to us,C said Sun &uan to 2u Sheng, Cand I #ill not employ him again.C Then the 7rince left and returned to his o#n place. That night they reported to 2u Sheng that Sun Shao had gone secretly over the river #ith his o#n three thousand troops. 2u Sheng did not #ish him to come to harm, as evidently that #ould displease the 7rince. So 2u Sheng sent a force to support him. Ding 3eng #as chosen to command this reinforcement, and he #as told #hat to do. The Ruler of !ei, in his dragon ships, reached 8uangling, and the van got to the river ban$. *e came to survey the position.

C*o# many soldiers are on the other ban$GC as$ed )ao 7i. )ao "hen replied, CI have not seen a single one. For are there any flags or encampments.C CThat is a ruse. I #ill go and find out.C So )ao 7i set out to cross the river in one of the dragon ships. *e anchored under the ban$. On his boat #ere displayed the imperial emblems of dragon, phoeniA, sun, moon, and they shone out bravely. Seated in the ship, the 4mperor loo$ed up and do#n the south ban$, but not a man #as visible. CDo you thin$ #e should crossGC as$ed the 4mperor of his strategists. ,iu Be replied, CIf the rules of #ar mean anything, they ought to be prepared. !e thin$ Bour 1a>esty should eAercise caution. !ait a fe# days and #atch. Then perhaps the van might be sent to ma$e a reconnaissance.C CSo I thin$,C said the Ruler of !ei. C'ut as it is no# late, #e #ill pass the night on the river.C It #as a dar$ night, and the ships #as brilliantly lighted up; it seemed li$e day on board. 'ut all along the south ban$ there appeared no glimmer of light. C!hat do you thin$ it meansGC said )ao 7i. The courtiers replied, CThey heard that Bour 1a>esty(s heavenly army #as coming, and ran a#ay li$e so many rats.C The Ruler of !ei laughed to himself. !hen daylight came there came #ith it a thic$ fog, so that nothing on the ban$ could be seen. +fter a time, a breeDe ble# off the fog, and then, to their immense surprise, they found that the #hole length of the South of the 8reat River as far as they could see #as one battlement, #ith to#ers at intervals, #hile spears and s#ords glittered in the sun and flags and pennons fluttered in the breeDe. In >ust a short time several reports came@ C+ long #all by the 8reat River has gro#n up in a night and stood there #ith carts and masts of ships lying along it, stretching some one hundred miles from Shidou to FanAu.C The fact #as that the #all #as an imitation, and the #arriors that manned it #ere bundles of reeds dressed in soldiers( uniforms. +nd this #as 2u Sheng(s tactic. 'ut the sight chilled the ardor of the invaders. C1y hosts of troops are no use against such #arriors. !e can do nothing against those talents of the South ,and,C said )ao 7i.

*e thought over this sadly enough. 'ut no# the #ind had increased in force, and #hite combers began to heave up in the river, and #aters bro$e over his boat, drenching the dragon robes. The ship seemed as if it #ould roll right over. So )ao "hen sent out small boats to rescue his master and his people. 'ut they #ere too affrighted to move. !herefore !en 7ing, #ho #as in charge, leaped on board and helped the 4mperor do#n into one of the smaller craft, #hich then fle# a#ay before the #ind and got safely into a cree$. Soon came a hasty messenger to report@ C"hao Bun is marching out through Bangping 7ass and threatening )hangan.C This frightened )ao 7i so badly that he decided to retreat, and gave orders to retire. The #hole army #ere in a mood to run a#ay, and moved off to#ard the north, pursued by the troops of !u. To hasten the march, the Ruler of !ei bade his soldiers abandon all the imperial paraphernalia and impediments. The dragon ships #ithdre# into River *uai one by one. +s they moved in disorder, suddenly arose the sounds of an enemy force, shouts and the rolling of drums and the blaring of trumpets, and a cohort marched do#n obli uely on to their line. +nd at the head #as Sun Shao. The troops of !ei could ma$e no effective stand, and many #ere slain, #hile large numbers #ere driven into the river and dro#ned. 'y dint of great efforts, the 4mperor #as saved and got a#ay up the river. 'ut #hen they had sailed about ten miles, they sa# ahead a tract of blaDing reeds. The enemy had poured fish oil over the dry reeds and set them afire. The #ind #as spreading the flames do#n river to#ard the fleet of !ei, and the heat #as intense. The dragon ships had to stop. )ao 7i #as put into a smaller craft and ta$en on shore. *is larger ships #ere presently set on fire and destroyed. They mounted the 4mperor on a horse and moved along the ban$, but soon they fell in #ith another body of troops. This time it #as the supports under Ding 3eng. "hang ,iao rode ahead to engage the leader, but #as soon #ounded by an arro# of Ding 3eng in the loins. *o#ever, he #as helped a#ay by 2u *uang, and the Ruler of !ei #as gotten safely out of the turmoil. The loss of soldiers #as heavy, and a huge booty of horses, carts, ships, and #eapons fell to the victors. So the !ei armies #ent a#ay north thoroughly beaten, #hile 2u Sheng had scored a great success. Sun &uan richly re#arded him. "hang ,iao got to 2uchang, but only to die from the effects of his #ound. *e #as honorably buried by the Ruler of !ei. It has been said that "hao Bun #as threatening )hangan. 'ut soon after he #ent through Bangping 7ass, the 7rime 1inister of Shu sent a dispatch to recall him because 8eneral Bong 5ai in BiDhou had >oined himself #ith the 1angs and invaded the four southern territories. So "hao Bun returned. 1ean#hile 1a )hao #as ordered to ta$e command of Bangping 7ass. The 7rime

1inister #as about to go to subdue the nations along the south border. *e #as then preparing at )hengdu for this eApedition. 3irst !u met !ei and drove them north, Then Shu against the 1angs #ent south. The story of this campaign #ill follo# in the neAt chapters. Chapter 76 ConE&ering The So&th =ang) The Prime =inister =arches The 1rm4; pposing Heaven Troops) The $ing ! The =angs Is Capt&red' !ith 7rime 1inister "huge ,iang(s administration of affairs in the t#o River ,ands began a period of happiness and prosperity for the people. Tran uillity prevailed, and the state of society #as #ell nigh perfect@ Doors unbolted at night, property left by the roadside remaining untouched till the o#ner returned for it. 1oreover, the harvests #ere rich year after year, and old and young, #ith fair, round bellies, #ell lined, simply sang #ith >oy. The people hastened to fulfill their state duties and vied #ith each other in the performance of all arts. +s a natural conse uence all military preparations #ere perfect, the granaries bursting #ith grain and the treasury full to overflo#ing.% Such #as the state of things #hen, in the third year of 'eginning 7rosperity -+D ..K0, the ne#s came from BiDhou to the capital to report@ CThe 1ang 5ing, 1eng *uo, leading one hundred thousand 1ang tribesmen, has invaded the south and is laying #aste the country. Bong 5ai, the 8overnor of 9ianning, a descent of the *an ,ord Bong )hi of Shifang, had >oined 1eng *uo to rebel. "hu 'ao and 8ao Ding, the 8overnors of "angge and Buesui, have yielded to the invaders. 'ut the 8overnor of Bongchang, !ang 5ang, is staunchly holding out. The three rebels666Bong 5ai, 8ao Ding, and "hu 'ao666, #ho had >oined the invaders, are no# acting as guides and assisting in the attac$ on Bongchang, #hich has remained faithful. 8overnor !ang 5ang, ably assisted by ,u 5ai, his Deputy 8overnor, is ma$ing a all6out effort to defend the city #ith only its ordinary inhabitants as fighting men. The position is very desperate.C !hen this ne#s came, "huge ,iang #ent into the 7alace and thus memorialiDed to his lord, CThe contumacy of the 1angs is a real danger to our state. I feel it incumbent upon me to lead an eApedition to reduce the tribespeople to obedience.C 'ut the ,atter Ruler #as afraid, and said, CSun &uan is in the east, and )ao 7i the north. If you abandon me and either of them comes, #hat shall I doGC CBour 1a>esty need have no fear. !e have >ust concluded a league of peace #ith !u, and I thin$ they #ill be true to their pledge. ,i Ban in 'aidicheng is uite a match for ,u 2un. )ao 7i(s recent defeat has ta$en the $eenness out of his army, so that he #ill not feel inclined to ma$e any eApeditions further. 1a )hao is in command at the passes bet#een !ei and *anDhong. I shall also

leave 8uan 2ing and "hang 'ao #ith forces to reinforce any point #here danger may appear. I can assure Bour 1a>esty that no unto#ard event #ill happen. CI am going to s#eep clean the 1ang country, so that #e may have a free hand to attac$ !ei #hen the day comes. Thus I shall be enabled to re uite the honor paid me by your father the 3irst Ruler, #ho came thrice to see$ me and #ho doubled my obligation #hen he confided to me the care of his son.C CIndeed I am young and ignorant,C replied the ,atter Ruler, Cand can only eAist #ith you to decide for me.C +t that moment )ounselor !ang ,ian, a man of Fanyang, stepped for#ard, crying, CFo, no, Sir; you may not go= The South 1ang is a #ild country ree$ing #ith malaria. It is #rong that an officer of state in such an eAalted and responsible position should go a#ay on a distant eApedition. These rebels and tribespeople are but an irritation, not a disease, and an ordinary leader #ould be enough to send against them. *e #ould not fail.C "huge ,iang replied, CThis country of the 1angs is distant and mostly tribal. To pacify them #ill be difficult, and I feel I ought to go. !hen to be harsh and #hen to sho# leniency are matters to be decided on at the moment, and instructions cannot be easily given to another.C "huge ,iang steadily opposed all !ang ,ian(s efforts to bring about a change of intention, and he soon too$ leave of the ,atter Ruler and made ready to start. 9iang !an #as +rmy )ounselor of the eApedition; 3ei Bi, Secretary; Dong 9ue and 3an 9ian, +rmy Inspectors; "hao Bun and !ei Ban, )ommanders; !ang 7ing and "hang Bi, Deputy )ommanders. 'eside these #ere other half a hundred leaders and officers of Shu, and the #hole force #as five hundred thousand troops. Soon after the force marched south to BiDhou, 8uan Suo, the third son of 8uan Bu, appeared and #ished to see "huge ,iang. +nd 8uan Suo said to him, C+fter the fall of 9ingDhou, I #as hidden by the 'ao family from #here I #anted to go to the River ,ands to as$ the 3irst Ruler for a revenge for my father. 'ut I fell in illness, #hich #as long and severe, and I only >ust recovered. I #as then traveling to#ard )hengdu to meet #ith the ,atter Ruler, #hen I met the army in the south eApedition. I $no# that vengeance has been ta$en on the murderers of my father. +nd no# I #ant to present myself to the 7rime 1inster.C "huge ,iang #as greatly affected to see him. *e sent ne#s of the young man(s arrival to the court and gave 8uan Suo a post of Van ,eader. The army, foot and horse, marched in the best of order, eating #hen hungry, drin$ing #hen thirsty, camping at night, and moving by day. Fo plundering #as permitted, and the people suffered not at all.

!hen Bong 5ai and his fello# rebels heard that "huge ,iang #as marching against them, they called their troops together and formed three divisions, 8ao Ding in the center, Bong 5ai on the left, and "hu 'ao on the right. They mustered about fifty thousand troops in each army, and they #ent to oppose the march of the Shu army. 8ao Ding sent 4 *uan to lead the van. This 4 *uan #as nine spans tall in stature, and savage of countenance. *is #eapon #as a t#o6bladed halberd. *e #as very valiant and could face many #arriors. *e led his o#n cohort out in advance of the main body and fell in #ith the leading bodies of the Shu army immediately after they had got into BiDhou. The t#o sides dre# up for battle. The arrays being complete, !ei Ban rode out and vilified the rebels, shouting, CO malcontent= 'e uic$ to surrender=C Instead, 4 *uan galloped out and fought #ith !ei Ban. +fter a fe# bouts !ei Ban seemed to be bested and fled. 'ut this #as only a ruse. +s 4 *uan follo#ed, the gongs clanged and from left and right poured out "hang Bi and !ang 7ing. !ei Ban turned around, and three generals besieged and captured 4 *uan. *e #as ta$en to the tent of "huge ,iang, #ho bade his attendants loose his bonds, gave him #ine, and comforted him. Then "huge ,iang as$ed, C!hom do you belong toGC 4 *uan replied, CI am one of the generals under 8ao Ding.C CI $no# 8ao Ding as a loyal and good sort, but he has been led a#ay by this Bong 5ai. Fo# I shall release you, but you are to bring 8ao Ding to his senses and see to it that he comes to surrender and avoids grave disaster.C 4 *uan than$ed him and #ithdre#. *e #ent to his o#n side and soon sa# 8ao Ding. *e told 8ao Ding #hat "huge ,iang had said, and "huge ,iang(s $indly feeling deeply affected 8ao Ding. FeAt day, Bong 5ai came over to 8ao Ding(s camp to visit him. +fter the eAchange of salutations, Bong 5ai as$ed, C*o# did 4 *uan manage to returnGC C"huge ,iang released him out of pure $indness,C replied 8ao Ding. CThis is a ruse of his to separate you from me@ *e #ishes to ma$e us enemies.C 8ao Ding almost believed this too, and he #as much perpleAed. 9ust then the #atchers reported that the leaders of Shu had come up and #ere offering battle. So Bong 5ai led out thirty thousand troops to ta$e up the challenge. 'ut after the third encounter he fled. !ei Ban pursued him and smote for a distance of seven miles.

FeAt day Bong 5ai challenged, but the soldiers of Shu refused to fight, and remained #ithin their lines for three days. On the fourth day Bong 5ai and 8ao Ding divided their troops into t#o parts and came to attac$ the camp. Fo# "huge ,iang had told !ei Ban to #ait for this double attac$, and so #hen it came to pass, both divisions fell into an ambush and suffered great loss, many being $illed and more captured. The prisoners #ere ta$en to the camp, and the soldiers belonging to the t#o leaders666Bong 5ai and 8ao Ding666#ere confined separately. Then "huge ,iang told the soldiers to let it be $no#n that only those belonging to 8ao Ding #ould be spared, the others #ould be put to death. !hen time had been given for this story to spread among the prisoners, Bong 5ai(s troops #ere brought up to the commander(s tent. C!hose soldiers #ere youGC as$ed "huge ,iang. C8ao Ding(s,C cried they all, falsely. Then they #ere all pardoned, and, after being given #ine and food, they #ere ta$en to the frontier and set free. FeAt the real 8ao Ding(s soldiers #ere brought for#ard, and the same uestion #as put to them. C!e all really belong to 8ao Ding(s command,C said they. In li$e manner they #ere pardoned and refreshed #ith #ine and food. Then "huge ,iang addressed them, saying, CBong 5ai has >ust sent a messenger to as$ that he may surrender, and he offers to bring #ith him the heads of 8ao Ding and "hu 'ao as a proof of merit. 'ut I #ill not receive him, and you, since you are 8ao Ding(s soldiers, shall be released and allo#ed to return to him. 'ut let there be no ingratitude and fighting again, for if there is, I certainly #ill not pardon you neAt time.C So they than$ed their liberator and #ent a#ay. +s soon as they reached their o#n camp, they told the #hole story. Then 8ao Ding sent a spy to the camp of Bong 5ai to find out #hat #as doing. There the spy met those #ho had been released, and they #ere all tal$ing about "huge ,iang(s $indness, and many of them #ere inclined to desert their o#n camp for the other. +lthough this seemed very satisfactory, yet 8ao Ding did not feel convinced, and he sent another man to "huge ,iang(s camp to try to verify the rumor. 'ut this man #as captured and ta$en before the )ommander6in6)hief, #ho pretended that he thought the spy belonged to Bong 5ai. "huge ,iang said to him, C!hy has your leader failed to send me the heads of 8ao Ding and "hu 'ao as he promisedG Bou lot are not very clever, and #hat are you come to spy outGC The soldier muttered and mumbled in confusion.

'ut "huge ,iang gave the man #ine and food, and then #rote a letter #hich he handed to the spy, saying, CBou give this letter to your commander, Bong 5ai, and tell him to get the >ob done uic$ly.C The spy too$ the letter and got a#ay. +s soon as he reached camp, he gave the letter to 8ao Ding and also the message. 8ao Ding read the missive and became very angry. CI have ever been true to him, and yet he #ants to $ill me. It is hard to be either friendly or reasonable.C Then he decided to ta$e 4 *uan into his confidence, and called him. 4 *uan #as much pre>udiced in favor of "huge ,iang, and said, C"huge ,iang is a most benevolent man, and it #ould be ill to turn our bac$s upon him. It is Bong 5ai(s fault that #e are no# rebels, and our best course #ould be to slay him and beta$e ourselves to "huge ,iang.C C*o# could it be doneGC as$ed 8ao Ding. CInvite him to a ban uet. If he refuses, it means he is a traitor, and then you can attac$ him in front #hile I #ill lie in #ait behind his camp to capture him as he runs a#ay.C They agreed to try this plan. The ban uet #as prepared, and Bong 5ai invited. 'ut as Bong 5ai(s mind #as full of suspicion from #hat his returned soldiers had said, he #ould not come. That night, as soon as dar$ness fell, 8ao Ding attac$ed his camp. Fo# the soldiers #ho had been released #ere imbued #ith the goodness of 8ao Ding all uite ready to help him fight. On the other hand, Bong 5ai(s troops mutinied against him, and so Bong 5ai mounted his steed and fled. 'efore he had gone far, he found his road bloc$ed by the cohort under 4 *uan, #ho galloped out #ith his halberd and confronted the fugitive. Bong 5ai could not defend himself, and #as struc$ do#n. 4 *uan decapitated him. +s soon as they $ne# he #as dead, his troops >oined themselves to 8ao Ding, #ho then #ent and surrendered to "huge ,iang. "huge ,iang received 8ao Ding sitting in state in his tent, but at once ordered the lictors to decapitate 8ao Ding. 'ut 8ao Ding said, CInfluenced by your $indness, Sir, I have brought the head of my colleague as a proof of the sincerity of my surrender. !hy should I dieGC CBou come #ith false intent. Do you thin$ you can hood#in$ meGC said "huge ,iang, laughing. C!hat proof have you that I am falseGC

"huge ,iang dre# a letter from his boA, and said, C"hu 'ao sent this secretly to say he #ished to surrender, and he said you and Bong 5ai #ere s#orn friends to death. *o# could you suddenly change your feelings and slay himG That is ho# I $no# your treachery.C C"hu 'ao only tried to ma$e trouble,C cried 8ao Ding, $neeling. "huge ,iang still refused to believe him, and said, CI cannot believe you #ithout more solid proof. If you #ould slay "hu 'ao, I could ta$e that as proving you #ere sincere in your surrender.C CDo not doubt me. !hat if I go and capture this manGC CIf you did that, my doubts #ould be set at rest.C Thereupon 8ao Ding and his subordinate, 4 *uan, led a#ay their troops to the camp of "hu 'ao. !hen they #ere about three miles from his camp, "hu 'ao appeared #ith a cohort. +s soon as they recogniDed each other, "hu 'ao hastily came for#ard to parley. 'ut 8ao Ding cried out to him, C!hy did you #rite a letter to the 7rime 1inister and so intrigue #ith him to get me $illedGC "hu 'ao stared open mouthed and could not reply. Then 4 *uan rode out from behind his chief and struc$ "hu 'ao #ith his halberd so that he fell to the ground. Thereupon 8ao Ding shouted, CThe soldiers should either yield or be slain=C +nd they yielded in a body. 8ao Ding then #ent bac$ to "huge ,iang and offered the head of the man >ust slain. "huge ,iang laughed again. CI have made you $ill both these as a proof of loyalty.C Then he created 8ao Ding 8overnor of BiDhou and chief of three territories, #hile 4 *uan #as made 8eneral. Thus the three rebel divisions #ere disposed of and troubled the peace no more. 8overnor !ang 5ang of Bongchang then came out of the city and #elcomed "huge ,iang. !hen "huge ,iang had made his entry into that city, he called !ang 5ang and as$ed, C!ho has aided you in the defense of this cityGC The 8overnor said, CThe safety of this city is due entirely to ,u 5ai.C So ,u 5ai #as called. *e came and bo#ed. "huge ,iang said, C,ong since I heard of you as a remar$able person of this area. !e are greatly indebted to you for its safety. Fo# #e #ish to con uer the 1angs. *ave you any advice to offerGC

,u 5ai then produced a map of the country and presented it, saying, C3rom the time of my appointment, I have felt certain that the southern tribespeople #ould rise against you, and so I sent secret agents to map out the country and find the strategic points. 3rom that information I prepared this map, #hich I call (The 7lan to Subdue the 1angs.( I beg you, Sir, to accept it, as it may be of use.C "huge ,iang #ere very glad. *e too$ ,u 5ai into his service as +dviser and +rmy 8uide. !ith ,u 5ai(s help, "huge ,iang advanced and penetrated deeply into the country. !hile the army #as advancing, there came a messenger from the court. !hen he appeared, "huge ,iang sa# it #as 1a Su, and he #as clothed in #hite. *e #as in mourning for his brother, 1a ,iang, #ho had >ust died. *e said, CI come by special command of the 4mperor #ith gifts of #ine and sil$s for the soldiers.C !hen the ceremonies proper on receipt of a mandate from the 4mperor had been performed, and the gifts distributed as instructed, 1a Su #as as$ed to remain to tal$ over matters. "huge ,iang said, CI have *is 1a>esty(s command to con uer these 1angs. I hear you have some advice to offer, and I should be pleased if you #ould instruct me.C CBes; I have one thing to say that may be #orth thin$ing over. These people refuse to recogniDe our supremacy, because they thin$ their country is distant and difficult. If you should overcome them today, tomorro# they #ould revolt. !herever your army marches, they are overcome and submit; but the day you #ithdra# the army and attac$ )ao 7i, they #ill rene# their attac$. In arms even it is best to attac$ hearts rather than cities; to fight #ith sentiment is better than to fight #ith #eapons. It #ill be #ell if you can #in them over.C CBou read my inmost thoughts,C said "huge ,iang. Then 1a Su #as retained #ith the army as +dviser, and the army marched on. !hen the 5ing of the 1angs, 1eng *uo, heard ho# cleverly "huge ,iang had got rid of Bong 5ai, he called together the leaders of the CThree RavinesC to discuss matters. The chief of the first Ravine #as 9inhua San>ie, of the second Dongtu Fa, and of the third +hui Fan. These having come to the 5ing(s place, he said to them, C"huge ,iang of Shu and his 8rand +rmy has invaded our country, and #e must eAert our united strength to drive out the invaders. Bou three must lead your forces, and #hoever con uers the enemy shall be chief of chiefs.C It #as arranged that 9inhua San>ie should march in the center division, Dongtu Fa on the left, and +hui Fan on the right. 4ach division #as fifty thousand tribesmen. !hen the scouts made out that the 1ang armies #ere coming, they at once told "huge ,iang, #ho called "hao Bun and !ei Ban to his side, but gave them no orders.

FeAt he sent for !ang 7ing and 1a "heng, and said to them, CI cannot send "hao Bun and !ei Ban against the 1angs because they do not $no# the country. Bou t#o are to go, one against each #ing, and the t#o veteran #arriors shall support you. 8et your troops ready and start tomorro# at da#n.C !ang 7ing and 1a "heng too$ the orders and #ent out. Then "hang Bi and "hang Fi #ere given orders@ CBou t#o are to march against the center army. Bou are to act #ith !ang 7ing and 1a "heng tomorro#. I #ant to send "hao Bun and !ei Ban, but I am still afraid they do not $no# the country #ell.C "hang Bi and "hang Fi also received the orders and #ent out. "hao Bun and !ei Ban no# began to feel hurt. Foticing this, "huge ,iang said, CI have no #ish to pass you over, you t#o, but I fear that if you get too deeply into the country and should fall victims to the 1angs, it #ill have an ill effect on the others.C C'ut #hat if #e did $no# the geography of the countryGC said "hao Bun. C+ll I say to you is to be careful ho# you do anything,C replied "huge ,iang. The t#o soldiers left and #ent together to the camp of "hao Bun. "hao Bun said, C!e are greatly ashamed at being put in the bac$ground because #e do not $no# the country. !e cannot bear this.C CThen let us ride out and survey,C said his colleague. C,et us capture a fe# natives and ma$e them sho# us the road, and let us defeat these tribesmen.C They rode off. 'efore they had gone far they sa# a cloud of dust in the distance. )limbing a hill to get a better vie#, they sa# a small party of mounted 1angs coming to#ard them. The t#o #aited till they #ere near and then suddenly burst out. The 1angs, ta$en entirely by surprise, ran a#ay all but a fe#, #ho yielded themselves prisoners. The t#o #arriors returned to camp. The prisoners #ere given #ine and food. !hen they had satisfied their hunger, they #ere uestioned. Said they, CThe camp of )hief 9inhua San>ie is >ust in front, >ust by the entrance to the mountains. Fear the camp, running east and #est, is the 3ive Valleys. The camps of the other t#o chiefs666 Dongtu Fa and +hui Fan666are behind.C

*aving listening to this information, "hao Bun and !ei Ban got together five thousand troops, too$ the captured men as guides, and marched out about the second #atch. It #as a clear night, and the moon gave light to march by. The first camp #as reached about the fourth #atch. The 1ang soldiers #ere already a#a$e and preparing their morning meal, as they intended to attac$ at daylight. Suddenly "hao Bun and !ei Ban gave a signal of attac$, and their troops poured for#ard. The vigorous and uneApected attac$ of the t#o generals thre# the camp into confusion. "hao Bun fought into the center of the camp and encountered 9inhua San>ie. 'oth leaders engaged, and "hao Bun sle# 9inhua San>ie by a spear thrust. Then "hao Bun dismounted and cut off the head of the )hief. FeAt !ei Ban too$ half the force and #ent #est to the second camp, #hile "hao Bun marched east to the third one. 'y the time they reached the camps, day had da#ned. The 1angs also had ne#s of !ei Ban(s coming, and dre# up the camp to oppose. 'ut #hen they had got clear, there #as a great uproar behind them at the stoc$ade gates, and confusion follo#ed. The reason #as the arrival of !ang 7ing. 'et#een the t#o bodies, the 1angs #ere beaten. Their )hief, Dongtu Fa, forced his #ay out and got a#ay. !ei Ban(s soldiers follo#ed, but they could not catch him. !hen "hao Bun led his troops east to attac$ the third camp in the rear, 1a "heng made an attac$ on the front. They scored a success, but the )hief +hui Fan escaped. They returned to head uarters, and "huge ,iang said, CThe three parties of 1angs have fled, and Dongtu Fa and +hui Fan escaped. !here is the head of 9inhua San>ieGC "hao Bun produced it. +t the same time he reported@ CDongtu Fa and +hui Fan escaped by abandoning their horses and going over the hills. Therefore, #e could not be follo#ed.C CThey are already prisoners,C said "huge ,iang #ith a laugh. The fighting men could not credit it. 'ut soon after "hang Fi brought out Dongtu Fa; and "hang Bi, +hui Fan. !hen the Shu leaders eApressed surprise and admiration, "huge ,iang said, CI had studied the map and $ne# the positions of the camps. I taunted "hao Bun and !ei Ban into ma$ing a supreme effort into the camp of 9inhua San>ie. +t the same time I sent other forces under !ang 7ing and 1a "heng, #ith the purpose to support "hao Bun and !ei Ban and to force Dongtu Fa and +hui Fan to flee. I felt certain the t#o chiefs #ould run a#ay along those small roads, and I set soldiers under "hang Fi and "hang Bi on those roads to #ait for them. They also #ere supported.C They all bo#ed, saying, CThe 7rime 1inister(s calculations are divine and incomprehensible.C The t#o captive chiefs #ere then called. +s soon as they appeared, "huge ,iang loosed their bonds, gave them refreshments, and released them, bidding them offend no more. They than$ed him for their liberty, and disappeared along a by6road.

Then "huge ,iang said to his generals, CTomorro# 1eng *uo #ill come in person to ma$e an attac$. !e shall probably capture him again.C Then he summoned "hao Bun and !ei Ban and gave them orders. They left, each #ith five thousand troops. FeAt he sent !ang 7ing and 8uan Suo a#ay #ith instructions. +nd then he and other officers sat in his tent to #ait for the result. The 5ing of the 1angs #as sitting in his tent #hen the scouts told him that his three chiefs had been captured and their armies scattered. It made him very angry, and he uic$ly got his army ready to march. Soon he met !ang 7ing and 8uan Suo, and, #hen the armies #ere arrayed, !ang 7ing rode out to the front, saber in his hand. The flaunting banners of the array formation of his foes then opened out, and he sa# their ran$s. 1any generals #ere on horsebac$ on both sides. In the middle #as the 5ing, #ho advanced to the front. *e #ore a golden, inlaid headdress; his belt bore a lion(s face as clasp; his boots had pointed toes and #ere green; he rode a friDDy6haired horse the color of a red hare; he carried at his #aist a pair of s#ords chased #ith the pine amber. *e loo$ed haughtily at his foes, and then, turning to his generals, said, CIt has al#ays been said that "huge ,iang is a #onderful strategist, but I see that is false. ,oo$ at this array #ith its banners all in confusion and the ran$s in disorder. There is not a #eapon among all the s#ords and spears better than ours. If I had only realiDed this before, I #ould have fought them long ago. !ho dares go out and capture a Shu general to sho# them #hat sort of #arriors #e areGC +t once a general rode to#ard the leader !ang 7ing. *is name #as 1angya )hang. *is #eapon #as a huge headsman(s s#ord, and he rode a dun pony. Riding up to !ang 7ing, the t#o engaged. !ang 7ing only fought a short time, and then fled. 1eng *uo at once ordered his troops on in uic$ pursuit, and the troops of Shu retreated seven miles or so before the 1angs #ere near enough to fight. 9ust as the 1angs thought their enemies #ere in their po#er, a great shouting arose and t#o cohorts appeared, "hang Fi from the left and "hang Bi from the right, and attac$ed. The 1angs could not retreat, and as the force under !ang 7ing and 8uan Suo also turned upon them, the 1angs #ere surrounded and lost the day. 1eng *uo and some of his generals fought their #ay out and made for the 'rocade 1ountains. The troops of Shu follo#ed and forced them for#ard, and presently there appeared, in front, "hao Bun. 1eng *uo hastily changed his route to go deeper into the mountains, but "hao Bun(s soldiers spread around, and the 1angs could not ma$e a stand. *ere many #ere captured. 1eng *uo and a fe# horsemen got a#ay into a valley, #hich, ho#ever, soon became too narro# for the horses to advance. 1eng *uo then left his horse and cra#led up the mountains, but very soon he fell upon !ei Ban, #ho had been sent #ith five hundred troops to lie in #ait in that very valley. 1eng *uo tried to struggle but soon #as captured. The 5ing and his follo#ers #ere ta$en to the main camp, #here "huge ,iang #as #aiting #ith #ine and meat ready for the captives. 'ut his tent #as no# guarded by soldiers all #ell armed #ith sno#6glittering #eapons, beside the lictors bearing the golden aAes, a present from the

4mperor, and other insignia of ran$. The feather6hatted drummers and clarion players #ere in front and behind, and the Imperial 8uards #ere eAtended on both sides. The #hole #as very imposing and a#e6inspiring. "huge ,iang #as seated at the top of it all and #atched the captives as they came for#ard in cro#ds. !hen they #ere all assembled, he ordered their bonds to be loosed, and then he addressed them. CBou are all simple and #ell6disposed people #ho have been led into trouble by 1eng *uo. I $no# your fathers and mothers, your brothers and #ives, and your children are anAiously #atching from the door#ays for your return, and they are cut to dear suffering that the ne#s of defeat and capture has reached their ears. They are #eeping bitter tears for you. +nd so I #ill set you all free to go home and comfort them.C +fter they had been given food and #ine and a present of grain, he sent them all a#ay. They #ent off grateful for the $indness sho#n them, and they #ept as they than$ed "huge ,iang. Then the guards #ere told to bring the 5ing before the tent. *e came, bound, being hustled for#ard. *e $nelt in front of the )ommander6in6)hief. "huge ,iang said, C!hy did you rebel after the generous treatment you have received from our 4mperorGC CThe t#o River ,ands belonged to others, and your lord too$ it from them by force, and gave himself the title of 4mperor. 1y people have lived here for ages, and you and your cohorts invaded my country #ithout the least eAcuse. *o# can you tal$ of rebellion to meGC CBou are my prisoner. !ill you submit or are you still contumaciousGC C!hy should I submitG Bou happened to find me in a narro# place. That is all.C CIf I release you, #hat thenGC CIf you release me I shall return, and #hen I have set my army in order, I shall come to fight you again. *o#ever, if you catch me once more, I #ill submit.C The 5ing(s bonds #ere loosed. *e #as clothed and refreshed, given a horse and caparisons, and sent #ith a guide to his o#n camp. Once more the captured chieftain is let go, To yield tribesmen are ever slo#. 3urther results of this #ar #ill be related in the neAt chapter. Chapter 77

Crossing ,iver -&AAAThe =ang $ing Is Bo&nd The Second Time; ,ecogni@ing 1 Pretended S&rrenderAAA=eng H&o Is Capt&red The Third Time' The officers did not approve of the release of the 5ing of the 1angs, and they came to the tent of "huge ,iang and said, C1eng *uo is the most important personage of all the 1angs, and his capture is the $ey to restoring order in the south. !hy then, O 1inister, did you release himGC CI can capture him >ust as easily as I can get something out of my poc$et. !hat I #ant to do is to overcome and #in his heart, so that peace may follo# of itself.C They listened, but they had no great confidence in the success of the policy of conciliation. In the meantime 1eng *uo had reached the River ,u, and there he fell in #ith some of his defeated leaders, #ho #ere trying to get ne#s of their 5ing(s fate. They #ere surprised, but glad, to see him, and as$ed, C*o# #ere Bour *ighness able to get bac$GC The 5ing lied, saying, CThey confined me in a tent, and I bro$e out in the night. I sle# more than ten guards and ran. +nd then I met one of their sentries, $illed him, and that is ho# I got this horse.C They never doubted his #ord, and very >oyfully they hurried him over the river to a camping place. Then all the notables assembled from the various ravines, and the soldiers that had escaped death #ere mustered and got into shape as a fighting force. The t#o leaders in the late campaign, Dongtu Fa and +hui Fan, #ere in one of the ravines, and 1eng *uo sent to as$ them to come. They #ere afraid, but they could not disobey, and they came #ith an escort. !hen all had assembled, the 5ing proclaimed as follo#s@ CI $no# "huge ,iang is too full of ruses for us to con uer him in a fight; #e should only fall victims to other base devices. *o#ever, #e must remember that his soldiers have marched far and the #eather is sultry, #hich are factors in our favor. 'eside, River ,u is our rampart. !e #ill have boats and rafts on the south side, and #e #ill build a mud #all. !ith such good defenses #e can afford to #ait and see #hat the enemy intends.C *is speech met #ith approval, and his plan #as carried out. The #all #as supported by the hills and strengthened by fighting turrets, upon #hich #ere placed large bo#s and crossbo#s and arro#s and stones. The defenses loo$ed as if they #ere permanent. 1oreover, each ravine sent supplies in plenty. +nd having made these preparations, 1eng *uo felt comfortable and safe. "huge ,iang had advanced, and his leading division #as no# close to the river.

Spies came bac$ to report@ CFo boats or rafts can be found to cross, and the current is too strong to thin$ of fording. 'eside, #e can see the formidable defenses on the farther ban$, the mud #all and the turrets all fully manned.C The #eather #as burning hot, for it #as the fifth month, and the soldiers could not tolerate their armor nor even their clothing. !hen "huge ,iang had inspected the river, he returned to his tent and assembled his officers, to #hom he read this order@ CThe enemy is securely established on the south ban$ ready to repel our attac$. Bet, having come so far, #e cannot return empty. 3or the present you #ill all see$ #hat shelter you can find in the forests, and rest and refresh your troops.C Then he sent ,u 5ai to a distance to select a cool stretch of thirty miles, and there he made four stoc$ades. !ithin the stoc$ades he built huts for the soldiers and sheds for the horses, so that they #ere sheltered from the intense heat. The four camps #ere stationed by !ang 7ing, "hang Fi, "hang Bi, and 8uan Suo. *o#ever, 9iang !an, observed these shelters and #ent to "huge ,iang, saying, CThese shelters of ,u 5ai are very unsuitable. *e has made the same mista$e as that #hich led to the defeat of the 3irst Ruler at the hands of !u. *e has not ta$en into account the surroundings of the stoc$ades; and if the 1angs should come over and start a fire, there could be no rescue.C CDo not anticipate trouble,C said the )ommander6in6)hief, smiling. CI have provided against all such dangers.C 9iang !an did not $no# #hat the chief meant to do, but he said no more. Then 1a Dai arrived from the River ,ands, and he brought summer medicines and further supplies of grain. *e sa# "huge ,iang, and then proceeded to distribute the supplies he had brought according to orders. Then "huge ,iang said, C!hat force have you broughtGC CThree thousand,C replied 1a Dai. C1y people are #eary and #orn out. I #ant to use yours. Bou have no ob>ectionsGC COf course not. They are e ually government troops. They are ready even to die for you if you #ish.C CThis 1eng *uo is established on the river, and #e have no means of crossing. 'ut I am anAious to intercept his supplies, so that his troops may mutiny.C C*o# can you do itGC CSome fifty miles lo#er do#n River ,u there is a place called Sha$ou, #here the current is slo# and shallo# because of sand. Bou could cross there on rafts. I #ish you and your soldiers to cross

and cut the road of supplies. +fter that you are to arrange #ith the t#o leaders666Dongtu Fa and +hui Fan666#hose lives I spared, to be your allies on the inside, and #e shall succeed.C 1a Dai #ent off gladly enough, and marched his troops to Sha$ou, #here they set about the crossing at once. +nd as the #ater #as shallo#, they did not trouble to ma$e rafts, but >ust tuc$ed up their clothes and #aded in. 'ut half6#ay across, the men began to fall over; and #hen they had been rescued and ta$en to the ban$, many of them began to bleed from the nose and mouth and died. In great alarm, 1a Dai sent hasty messages to "huge ,iang, #ho called in the native guides and as$ed #hat this meant. They told him, CIt happens so every year. In the hot season, poisonous miasma collects over the #aters of the River ,u, especially during the heat of the day. +nyone #ho drin$s the #ater #ill surely die. Travelers #ho #ish to cross have to #ait till night, because the cooler #aters do not breathe out the poisonous vapors. 3urther, the crossing should be attempted on a full stomach.C "huge ,iang bade the local guides point out the best crossing place. *e sent five hundred #ell6 seasoned soldiers to 1a Dai to lash together poles into rafts at Sha$ou, and in the night the crossing #as safely accomplished. 3urther, the guides then led t#o thousand men of Shu over to #here the grain road of the 1angs led through a narro# valley, called 9iashan 8orge, #here, for part of the #ay, only single file #as possible as the road #as only #ide enough for a soldier and a horse. 1a Dai at once occupied this valley and stationed a force there. +nd a stoc$ade #as put up #ith tents inside. 7resently a convoy of grain came along, and it #as captured, more than a hundred #agons. The guards ran off to 1eng *uo(s great camp and told him. 1eng *uo, thin$ing all #as safe during the hot season, #as en>oying himself. !ine and music #ere the order of the day, and military matters #ere far from his thoughts. In his cups he admitted "huge ,iang #as ruseful, but said his army had nothing to fear. Said he, CIf I attempt to oppose "huge ,iang, I shall certainly fall a victim to some #ile of his. *o#ever, my #aiting policy is a safe one. !ith our defenses, and the river to bac$ them, #e can #ait for the heat to overcome these men of Shu, #ho cannot stand the hot season. They #ill have to retreat, and then #e can harass them. +nd #e #ill capture this "huge ,iang.C *e lay bac$ and laughed at the thought. *o#ever, one chief, more prudent than the others, stood forth and said, CRemember the shallo#s at Sha$ou. It #ould be very serious if the soldiers of Shu got across there secretly. It ought to be guarded.C CBou belong to these areas. Do you not $no# that I #ant the enemy to try to get across thereG !hy, they #ill all perish in the #ater.C C'ut #hat if the natives tell them to cross only in the nightGC

CDo not be so anAious,C said 1eng *uo. COur o#n people #ill not help the enemy that far.C It #as >ust then that intelligence came@ CThe troops of Shu, un$no#n in number, have crossed the river and, moreover, have seiDed the 9iashan 8orge. The flags sho# the #ords (8eneral !ho 7acifies The Forth, 1a Dai(.C 1eng *uo affected indifference. CThis sort of fello# is not #orth tal$ing about,C said he. *e sent 8eneral 1angya )hang #ith three thousands troops to recapture the gorge and reopen the grain road. !hen 1a Dai sa# the 1ang soldiers approaching, he placed t#o thousand troops in front of the hills and dre# up the troops in formal array. Then 1angya )hang rode out to give battle. This #as but a small engagement, as the general of the tribespeople fell at the first stro$e of 1a Dai(s s#ord. The 1angs ran a#ay at once. They returned to the 5ing(s camp and told him #hat had happened. !hereupon he called up all his generals and as$ed for another to go up against 1a Dai. CI #ill go,C cried Dongtu Fa. The 5ing gave him three thousand troops. +fter he had gone, 1eng *uo thought it #ould be #ise to $eep others from crossing the river. So he sent a force of three thousand under +hui Fan to guard Sha$ou. Dongtu Fa duly arrived at the gorge and made a camp. 1a Dai came out to meet him. +mong the soldiers in his cohort #ere some #ho recogniDed the leader of the 1angs and told 1a Dai certain things about ho# he had been captured and liberated. So 1a Dai galloped to#ard him, shouting, CO you ingrate= *o# could you forget the debt to the 7rime 1inisterG *ave you $no#n no shameGC Dongtu Fa #as very greatly ashamed and turned red in the face, and turned his horse before stri$ing a blo#. 1a Dai follo#ed and fell on, slaying many of the 1angs. Then both sides #ithdre#. Dongtu Fa #ent bac$ and told the 5ing that 1a Dai #as too strong for him. 'ut 1eng *uo #as angry, and cried, CBou are a traitor= I $no# "huge ,iang #as good to you, and that is #hy you #ould not fight.C

1eng *uo ordered Dongtu Fa out to eAecution. *o#ever, the notables and chiefs interceded, and the death penalty #as remitted, but the unhappy leader #as severely beaten, one hundred stro$es #ith the heavy staff. The chiefs #ere mostly on the side of the beaten general and against the 5ing(s policy. They #ent to the tent of Dongtu Fa and said, CThough #e live in the 1ang country, #e have never had any thoughts of rebellion against the Imperial 8overnment, nor has the 1iddle 5ingdom ever encroached upon our land. !e must o#n that 1eng *uo(s superior po#er forced us into this rising, and #e could not help ourselves. "huge ,iang is too clever for us, and no one can guess #hat he may do. 4ven )ao )ao and Sun &uan fear him; ho# much more must #eG 1oreover, #e have received $indness at his hands and o#e him our lives. !e ought to sho# our gratitude. Fo# let us at all ris$s slay this 1eng *uo and submit to "huge ,iang so that our people may not suffer.C Dongtu Fa said, CI do not $no# your inner sentiments.C +t this, all those #ho had been prisoners and released cried #ith one voice, C!e desire to go to 1eng *uo.C Thereupon Dongtu Fa too$ in his hand a sharp s#ord, placed himself at the head of more than a hundred malcontents, and rushed into the great camp. +t that moment 1eng *uo #as, as usual, intoAicated and lay in his tent. The mutineers rushed in. They found t#o generals on guard. CBou also received $indness from "huge ,iang and ought to repay it,C cried Dongtu Fa. They replied, CBou do not have to slay him. ,et us carry him a prisoner to the 7rime 1inister.C So they bound the 5ing securely, too$ him do#n to the river, and crossed in a boat to the northern ban$. There they halted, #hile they sent a messenger to "huge ,iang. Fo# "huge ,iang $ne# #hat had been happening, and he had issued orders for every camp to prepare their #eapons. +ll being ready, he told the chiefs to bring up their prisoner, and bade the others return to their camps. Dongtu Fa #ent first and told the matter to "huge ,iang, #ho praised his Deal and gave him presents. Then he retired #ith the chiefs, and the eAecutioners brought in 1eng *uo. CBou said once before that if you #ere captured again, you #ould give in,C said "huge ,iang, smiling. CFo# #ill you yieldGC CThis capture is not your #or$,C replied 1eng *uo. CIt is the #or$ of these minions of mine #ho #ant to hurt me. I #ill not yield on this.C CIf I free you again, #hat thenGC

CI am a 1ang, and so I am not #holly ignorant of #ar. If you, O 1inister, let me return to my ravines, I #ill muster another army and fight a decisive battle #ith you. If you capture me again, then I #ill incline my heart and o#n myself beaten and yield. I #ill not go bac$ on my promise again.C CIf you refuse to yield neAt time you are captured, I shall hardly pardon you.C +t "huge ,iang(s orders the cords #ere loosed and refreshments #ere brought for the prisoner. CRemember,C said "huge ,iang, CI have never failed yet. I have never failed to #in a battle or to ta$e a city I have assaulted. !hy do you 1angs not yieldGC 1eng *uo only nodded his head; he said nothing. +fter the #ine, "huge ,iang and 1eng *uo rode round the camps together, and the 5ing sa# all the arrangements and the piles of stores and heaps of #eapons. +nd after the inspection "huge ,iang said, CBou are silly not to yield to me. Bou see my veteran soldiers, my able generals, my stores of all $inds and #ar gear. *o# can you hope to prevail against meG If you #ill yield, I #ill inform the 4mperor, and you shall retain your $ingship, and your sons and grandsons shall succeed as perpetual guardians of the 1ang country. Do you not thin$ it #ould be #ellGC 1eng *uo replied, CIf I did yield, the people of my valleys #ould not be content. If you release me once more, I #ill see to it that my o#n people $eep the peace and bring them round to unanimity of feeling, and then they #ill not oppose any more.C "huge ,iang #as glad, and they returned to the main camp to feast until dus$, #hen 1eng *uo too$ his leave. "huge ,iang ordered a craft and #ent to see him across River ,u. 'ut 1eng *uo(s first act on his return to his o#n camp #as to send one of his people to Dongtu Fa(s and +hui Fan(s camps, and pretend to as$ them to come to meet a messenger from "huge ,iang. !hen the t#o generals came, 1eng *uo ordered assassins #ho had been placed hidden to do a#ay #ith the t#o leaders. Their corpses #ere thro#n into a gully. Then he sent his friends to guard the most important strategic points, #hile he marched to fight a battle #ith 1a Dai. 'ut #hen he got near the valley, he sa# no signs of the enemy. *e uestioned the inhabitants, and they said, CThe Shu army, #ith all their stores, recrossed the river last night and >oined the main body in the northern ban$.C 1eng *uo then returned to his o#n ravine and discussed matters #ith his brother, 1eng Bou, saying, CI $no# all the details of the enemy(s force from #hat I sa# in their camp.C +nd 1eng *uo gave his brother certain instructions, #hich 1eng Bou at once began to carry out. 1eng Bou loaded a hundred men #ith gold and >e#els and pearls and ivory and rhinoceros horn, crossed River ,u, and #as on his #ay to the main camp of the Shu army, #hen he heard the sound

of drums and a cohort under 1a Dai poured out to stop him. 1eng Bou did not eApect to meet an enemy, and #as surprised. 'ut 1a Dai only as$ed #hat he had come for. +nd #hen he had heard, 1eng Bou #as detained #hile a message #as sent to "huge ,iang. The messenger arrived #hile a council #as in progress, the matter under discussion being ho# to pacify the 1angs. They announced, CThe brother of 1eng *uo has come bearing gifts of gold and pearls.C "huge ,iang turned to 1a Su, saying, C5no# you #hy this man has comeGC CI dare not say plainly, but let me #rite it,C said 1a Su. C!rite it, then.C So 1a Su #rote and handed the paper to his chief, #ho had no sooner read it than he clapped his hands #ith >oy, crying, C!hat you say is eAactly #hat I thin$. 'ut you may $no# I have already made arrangements for the capture of 1eng *uo.C Then "hao Bun #as called, and some orders #ere #hispered into his ear. FeAt !ei Ban came, and he also #ent off #ith secret orders. !ang 7ing, 1a "heng, and 8uan Suo also came, and left #ith particular instructions. +ll these things done, the bearer of gifts #as called. 1eng Bou came and bo#ed lo# at the door of the tent, saying, CThe brother of my house, 1eng *uo, having received great $indness at your hands in sparing his life, feels bound to offer a paltry gift. *e has presumed to collect a fe# pearls and some gold and other trifling >e#els by #ay of something to give your soldiers. +nd hereafter he #ill send tribute to your 4mperor.C C!here is your brother at this momentGC as$ed "huge ,iang. C*aving been the recipient of your great bounty, he has gone to the Silver 7it Ravine to collect some treasures. *e #ill soon return.C C*o# many soldiers have you broughtGC COnly about a hundred. I should not dare to bring any large number. They are >ust porters.C They #ere brought in for "huge ,iang(s inspection. They had blue eyes and s#arthy faces, auburn hair and purple beards. They #ore earrings, their hair #as fuDDy, and they #ent barefoot. They #ere tall and po#erful. "huge ,iang made them sit do#n, and bade his generals press them to drin$ and treat them #ell and compliment them.

1ean#hile, 1eng *uo #as anAious about the reception that #ould be given to his brother and the treatment of his gifts, so he sat in his tent eApecting the messenger at any moment. Then t#o men came, and he uestioned them eagerly. They said, CThe presents have been accepted, and even the porters have been invited to drin$ in the tent and have been regaled #ith beef and flesh in plenty. O 5ing, your brother sends the ne#s that all #ill be ready at the second #atch for the attac$. *e #ill support you from #ithin.C This #as pleasing ne#s, and 1eng *uo prepared his thirty thousand troops ready to march out to the camp. They #ere divided into three divisions. The 5ing called up his chieftains and notables, and said, C,et each army carry the means of ma$ing fire, and as soon as they arrive let a light be sho#n as a signal. I am coming to the main camp to capture "huge ,iang.C !ith these orders they marched, and they crossed River ,u at sunset. The 5ing, #ith a hundred generals as escort, pressed on at once to#ard the main camp of Shu. They met #ith no opposition. They even found the main gate open, and 1eng *uo and his party rode straight in. 'ut the camp #as a desert; not a soldier #as visible. 1eng *uo rode right up to the large tent and pushed open the flap. It #as brilliantly lighted #ith lamps, and lying about under their light #ere his brother and all his men, dead drun$. "huge ,iang had ordered 1a Su and ,u 5ai to entertain 1eng Bou and his men #ith #ine and dance performances. The #ine they had been pressed to drin$ #hile the plays #ere going on had been heavily drugged, and they had fallen do#n almost as soon as they had s#allo#ed it. One or t#o #ho had recovered a little could not spea$@ They only pointed to their mouths. 1eng *uo then sa# that he had been the simple victim of another ruse. *o#ever, he pic$ed up his brother and the others and started off to return to his main army. 'ut as he turned, torches began to flash out and drums to beat. The 1angs #ere frightened and too$ to their heels. 'ut they #ere pursued, and the pursuing cohort #as led by !ang 7ing. The 5ing bore a#ay to the left to escape, but again a cohort appeared in front of him; !ei Ban #as there. 1eng *uo tried the other side, and #as stopped by "hao Bun. *e #as in a trap and attac$ed on three sides and no fourth to escape by. *e abandoned everything, ma$ing one #ild rush for the River ,u. +s he reached the river ban$, he sa# a bar$ on the river #ith 1ang soldiers on board. *ere #as safety. *e hailed the boat and >umped on board as soon as it touched the ban$. Fo sooner had he embar$ed than suddenly he #as seiDed and bound. The boat, #hich 1a Dai had provided and prepared, #as part of the general plan, and the 1ang soldiers therein #ere 1a Dai(s soldiers disguised.

1any of 1eng *uo(s troops accepted the chance of surrender held out by "huge ,iang, #ho soothed them and treated them #ell and did not in>ure one of them. The remains of the conflagration #ere stamped out, and in a short time 1a Dai brought along his prisoner. +t the same time "hao Bun led in his brother, 1eng Bou. !ei Ban, 1a Su, !ang 7ing, and 8uan Suo also brought their prisoners, chiefs or notables, to the camp of the 7rime 1inister. "huge ,iang loo$ed at the 5ing and laughed. CThat #as but a shallo# ruse of yours to send your brother #ith presents to pretend to submit to me. Did you really thin$ I should not see through itG 'ut here you are once more in my po#er. Fo# do you yieldGC CI am a prisoner o#ing to the gluttony of my brother and the po#er of your poisonous drugs. If I had only played his part myself and left him to support me #ith soldiers, I should have succeeded. I am the victim of fate and not of my o#n incapacity. Fo, I #ill not yield.C CRemember this is the third time. !hy notGC said "huge ,iang. 1eng *uo dropped his head and made no ans#er. C+h, #ell. I #ill let you go once more,C said "huge ,iang. CO 1inister, if you #ill let me and my brother go, #e #ill get together our family and clients and fight you once more. If I am caught that time, then I #ill confess myself beaten to the ground, and that shall be the end.C C)ertainly I shall scarcely pardon you neAt time,C said "huge ,iang. CBou had better be careful. Diligently tac$le your 'oo$ of Strategy; loo$ over your list of confidants. If you can apply a good plan at the proper moment, you #ill not have any need for late regrets.C 1eng *uo and his brother and all the chiefs #ere released from their bonds. They than$ed "huge ,iang for his clemency and #ent a#ay. 'y the time the released prisoners had got bac$ to the river, the army of Shu had crossed to the farther side and had captured the 1ang defenses, the Shu flags fluttering in the breeDe. +s 1eng *uo passed the camp, he sa# 1a Dai sitting in state. 1a Dai pointed his s#ord at the 5ing as he passed, and said, CFeAt time you are caught, you #ill not escape.C !hen 1eng *uo came to his o#n camp, he found "hao Bun in possession and all in order. "hao Bun #as seated beneath the large banner, #ith his s#ord dra#n, and as the 5ing passed.

"hao Bun also said, CDo not presume on the $indness of the 7rime 1inister because you have been generously treated.C 1eng *uo grunted and passed on. 9ust as he #as going over the frontier hills, he sa# !ei Ban and a company dra#n up on the slopes. !ei Ban shouted, CSee to it@ !e have got into the inmost recesses of your country and have ta$en all your defensive positions. Bet you are foolish enough to hold out. FeAt time you are caught, you #ill be uite destroyed. There #ill be no more pardons.C 1eng *uo and his company ran a#ay #ith their arms over their heads. 4ach one returned to his o#n ravine. In the fifth moon, #hen the sun is fierce, 1arched the army into the #ild land, To the River ,u, bright and clear, 'ut deadly #ith miasma. "huge ,iang the leader cared not, 7ledged #as he to subdue the south, Thereby to repay the 3irst Ruler(s deference #ith service. !herefore he attac$ed the 1angs. Bet seven times he freed their captured $ing. +fter the crossing of the river, the Shu soldiers #ere feasted. Then "huge ,iang addressed his officers@ CI let 1eng *uo see our camp the second time he #as our prisoner, because I #anted to tempt him into raiding it. *e is something of a soldier, and I dangled our supplies and resources before his eyes, $no#ing he #ould try to burn them and that he #ould send his brother to pretend to submit that thereby he could get into our camp and have a chance to betray us. I have captured and released him three times, trying to #in him over. I do not #ish to do him any harm. I no# eAplain my policy that you may understand I am not #asting your efforts and you are still to #or$ your best for the government.C They all bo#ed, and one said, CO 7rime 1inister, you are indeed perfect in everyone of the three gifts@ !isdom, benevolence, and valor. Fot even ,u !ang% or "hang ,iang% can e ual you=C Said "huge ,iang, C*o# can I eApect to e ual our men of oldG 'ut my trust is in your strength, and together #e shall succeed.C This speech of their leader(s pleased them all mightily. In the meantime 1eng *uo, upset at the three captures, hastened home to his o#n Silver 7it Ravine, #hence he sent trusted friends #ith gifts to the 4ight Fations and the Finety6three Sees and all the 1ang uarters and clans to borro# shields and s#ords and #arriors and braves. *e got together one hundred thousand soldiers. They all assembled on an appointed day, massing li$e

clouds and s#eeping in li$e mists gathering on the mountains, each and all obeying the commands of the 5ing 1eng *uo. +nd the scouts $ne# it all, and they told "huge ,iang, #ho said, CThis is #hat I #as #aiting for, that the 1angs should have an opportunity of $no#ing our might.C Thereupon he seated himself in a small carriage and #ent out to #atch. O let our enemy(s courage glo# That our greater might may sho#. The story of the campaign #ill be continued in the neAt chapter. Chapter 79 The -ord o! W&8iang Cses The Fo&rth ,&se; The $ing o! =ang Is Capt&red The Fi!th Time' "huge ,iang(s small carriage #as escorted by only a fe# horsemen. *earing that a sluggish river, the !est 4r River, lay in the #ay, and having no boat, "huge ,iang bade the escort cut do#n some trees and ma$e a raft. They did so, but the raft san$. So "huge ,iang turned to ,u 5ai, #ho said, CThere is close by a mountain covered #ith bamboos. I have heard of these bamboos, and some are several spans in girth. !e can ma$e a bridge of them for the army to cross.C So thirty thousand soldiers #ere sent to the mountains, #here they cut do#n many thousands of bamboos, and floated them do#n river. Then at the narro#est point they made a bridge a hundred spans or so in length. FeAt the main army #as brought do#n to the river and camped in line along the ban$. The camp #as protected by a moat, crossed by a floating bridge, and a mud rampart. On the south ban$ they constructed three large stoc$ades so as to prepare for the coming of the 1ang soldiers. They had not long to #ait. 1eng *uo #as hot #ith rage and came uic$ly #ith an army of one hundred thousand. +s soon as he got near the river, he led out ten thousand fierce #arriors, armed #ith big s#ords and shield, and challenged the first stoc$ade. "huge ,iang #ent forth in simple state. *e #ore a sil$ cap and a crane6#hite robe and held in his hand a feather fan. *e sat in a four6horse carriage, and his generals rode right and left. The 5ing of the 1ang #as clad in mail of rhinoceros hide and #ore a bright red cas ue. In his left hand he bore a shield, and his right gripped a s#ord. *e rode a red oA. +s soon as he sa# his enemies, he opened his mouth and poured forth abuse and insults, #hile his #arriors, huge and bold, darted to and fro brandishing their #eapons.

"huge ,iang at once ordered the army to retire #ithin the stoc$ades and bar the gates. The 1angs came close up to the stoc$ade and pranced about na$ed, shouting in derision. !ithin the stoc$ade the Shu generals gre# very angry, and they #ent in a body to see their leader. They all said, C!e volunteer to march out and fight until death=C 'ut "huge ,iang #ould not listen. 7resently he said, CThese men are not submissive to the Imperial 8overnment and are naturally fierce and turbulent. In that mood #e are no match for them. 'ut all #e have to do is to remain on guard for a fe# days till their ferocity has spent itself. Then I have a plan that #ill overcome them.C Days passed, and the army of Shu made no move; they only maintained the defensive. "huge ,iang #atched the besiegers from an eminence, and sa# the first vigor of their advance give #ay to careless idleness. Then "huge ,iang called together his generals and as$ed, CDare you give battle no#GC They all re>oiced at the suggestion. So he called them t#o by t#o or one by one and gave them secret orders. "hao Bun and !ei Ban #ent in first. !ang 7ing and 1a "heng follo#ed. To 1a Dai he said, CI am going to abandon these stoc$ades and retire north of the river. +s soon as #e have crossed, you are to cut loose the floating bridge and move it do#n the stream so that "hao Bun and !ei Ban may cross.C To "hang Bi he said, CBou are to remain by the camp and light it up at night666as if it is still occupied. !hen 1eng *uo pursues, then you are to cut off his retreat.C ,ast of all, 8uan Suo #as to escort "huge ,iang(s carriage. The soldiers marched out of the camp at evening, and the lamps #ere hung up as usual. The 1angs sa# this from a distance and dared not attac$. 'ut the neAt morning at da#n 1eng *uo led his troops to the stoc$ades and found all #as uiet. *e #ent close up and sa# they #ere all empty and bare; not a soldier #as there. 8rain and fodder lay about among empty carts. +ll #as in confusion, suggesting hasty departure. CThey have abandoned the camp,C said 1eng Bou to his brother. C'ut this is only a ruse.C Said 1eng *uo, CI thin$ that "huge ,iang has important ne#s from the capital that has made him leave #ithout his baggage train li$e this. 4ither !u has invaded or !ei has attac$ed. They left these lamps burning to ma$e us thin$ the camps #ere occupied, but they ran a#ay leaving everything behind. If #e pursue, #e cannot go #rong.C

So the 5ing urged his army on#ard, himself heading the leading division. !hen they reached the ban$ of the !est 4r River, they sa# on the farther side that the camps #ere all in order and the banners flying as usual li$e a brightly tinted cloud of sil$. +long the ban$ stood a #all of cloth. They dared not attac$. 1eng *uo said to his brother, CThis means that "huge ,iang fears lest #e may pursue. That is only a temporary halt, and they #ill retire in a couple of days.C The 1angs camped on the river ban$ #hile they sent into the mountains to cut bamboos to ma$e rafts. The boldest of the soldiers #ere placed in front of the camp till the rafts should be ready to cross. ,ittle did 1eng *uo suspect that the army of Shu #as already #ithin his borders. One day #hen the #ind ble# violently, the 1angs sa# great flames spring up around them, and at the same time the rolling of drums heralded an attac$. The 1angs, instead of going out to meet the enemy, began to force their #ay out of the Shu attac$. 1eng *uo became alarmed and fled #ith all his clans and dependents. They fought their #ay through and made a dash for their former camp. 9ust as they reached it, there appeared a cohort of the enemy led by "hao Bun. 1eng *uo turned off #est and sought refuge in the mountains. 'ut he #as fiercely attac$ed by a cohort under 1a Dai. !ith a small remnant of follo#ers, he got a#ay into a valley. Soon he sa# in the #est, north, and south clouds of smo$e rising and the glo# of torches, so that he #as forced to halt. *o#ever, the east remained clear, and presently he fled in that direction. +s he #as crossing the mouth of a gully, he noticed a fe# horsemen outlined against a thic$ #ood and sa# they #ere escorting a small carriage. +nd in that carriage sat "huge ,iang. "huge ,iang laughed, and said, CSo 5ing of the 1angs has got here= Bou have been defeated. I have #aited for you a long time.C 1eng *uo angrily turned to his follo#ers and said, CThrice have I been the victim of this man(s base #iles and have been put to shame. Fo# chance has sent him across my path, and you must attac$ him #ith all your energy. ,et us cut him to pieces and those #ith him.C The 1ang horsemen, #ith 1eng *uo shouting to encourage them, pushed for#ard in hot haste to#ard the #ood. 'ut in a fe# moments they all stumbled and disappeared into some pits that had been dug in the #ay. +nd >ust then !ei Ban emerged from the #ood. One by one the 1angs #ere pulled out of the pits and bound tight #ith cords. "huge ,iang returned to his camp, #here the captors of the 5ing could bring in their prisoner. "huge ,iang busied himself in soothing the other 1ang prisoners. 1any of the notables and chiefs of the tributaries had beta$en themselves to their o#n ravines and villages #ith their follo#ers. 1any of those #ho remained came over and yielded to Shu. They #ere #ell fed and assured of safety, and allo#ed to go to their o#n. They #ent off gladly enough.

'y and by "hang Bi brought up the 5ing(s brother, 1eng Bou. "huge ,iang reproached him for his brother(s behavior. CBour brother is a misguided simpleton. Bou ought to remonstrate #ith him and persuade him to change his course. *ere you are, a captive for the fourth time. +re you not ashamedG *o# can you have the effrontery to loo$ anyone in the faceGC + deep flush of shame passed over 1eng Bou(s face, and he thre# himself to the earth begging forgiveness. "huge ,iang said, CIf I put you to death, it shall not be today. This time I pardon you, but you are to tal$ to your brother.C So 1eng Bou #as loosed from his bonds and allo#ed to get up. *e #ent a#ay #eeping. Very soon !ei Ban brought up 1eng *uo, and to him "huge ,iang simulated great rage, saying, C!hat can you say no#G Bou see you are in my hands again.C CI am again an unfortunate victim,C said 1eng *uo. COnce more I have blundered into your net, and no# I shall die #ith unclosed eyes.C "huge ,iang shouted to the lictors to ta$e him a#ay and behead him. 1eng *uo never blenched at the sentence, but he turned to his captor and said, CIf you freed me only once more, I #ould #ipe out the shame of all four captures.C "huge ,iang smiled at the bold reply and bade the lictors loose his bonds, and the attendants served him #ith #ine. 1eng *uo #as invited to sit in the commander(s tent. Said "huge ,iang, C3our times you have been treated generously and yet you are still defiant. !hyGC CThough I am #hat you call a barbarian, I #ould scorn to employ your vile ruses. +nd that is #hy I remain defiant.C CI have liberated you four times. Do you thin$ you can give battle againGC CIf you catch me again, I #ill incline my heart to yield and I #ill give everything in my ravine to re#ard your army. I #ill also ta$e an oath not to cause any further trouble.C "huge ,iang smiled, but let him go. The 5ing than$ed him and left. +s soon as he #as set at liberty, 1eng *uo got together several thousand of his adherents and #ent a#ay south#ard. 'efore long he fell in #ith his brother, 1eng Bou, #ho had got together an

army and #as on his #ay to avenge his brother. +s soon as they sa# each other, the brothers fell upon each other(s nec$s and #ept. They related their eAperiences. 1eng Bou said, C!e cannot stand against the enemy. !e have been defeated several times. Fo# I thin$ #e had better go into the mountains and hide in some dar$ gully #here they cannot find us. Those soldiers of Shu #ill never stand the summer heat. They must retire.C C!here can #e hideGC as$ed his brother. CI $no# a valley a#ay south#est from us called ('ald Dragon Ravine(, and the 5ing, Duo Si, is a friend of mine. ,et us ta$e refuge #ith him.C CVery #ell. 8o and arrange it,C said 1eng *uo. So 1eng Bou #ent. !hen he got there and tal$ed to the chief, 5ing Duo Si lost no time but came out #ith his soldiers to #elcome 1eng *uo, #ho then entered the valley. +fter the eAchange of salutations, 1eng *uo eAplained his case. Duo Si said, CO 5ing, rest content. If those men from the River ,ands come here, I #ill see to it that not one goes home. +nd "huge ,iang #ill meet his death here too.C Faturally, 1eng *uo #as pleased. 'ut he #anted to $no# ho# his host could feel so secure. Duo Si said, CIn this ravine there are only t#o roads, the one you came by and another by the north#est. The road you traveled along is level and soft, and the #aters are s#eet. *umans and horses may both use it. 'ut if #e close the mouth of the ravine #ith a barricade, then no one, ho#ever strong, can get in. The other road is precipitous, dangerous, and narro#. The only path is beset #ith venomous serpents and scorpions, and as evening comes on there are malarial eAhalations #hich are dangerous till past noon the neAt day. The road is only practicable bet#een t#o #atches before sunset. Then the #ater is undrin$able. The road is very difficult. CThen again there are four streams actually poisonous. One is called (The Dumb Spring(. Its #ater is pleasant to the palate, but it ma$es people dumb and they die in a fe# days. + second fountain is called (The Destruction Spring( and is hot. 'ut if a person bathes therein, his flesh rots till his bones protrude and he dies. The third is (The 'lac$ Spring(. Its #ater is clear. If it be sprin$led on a person(s body, his limbs turn blac$ and presently he dies. The fourth is (The !ea$ Spring(, ice cold. If a person drin$ of this #ater his breath is chilled, he becomes #ea$ as a thread and soon dies. Feither birds nor insects are found in this region, and no one but the *an 8eneral 1a Buan, #ho #as styled 8eneral !ho &uells the !aves for this eAploit, has ever passed. Fo# the northeast road shall be bloc$ed, and you may hide here perfectly safe from those troops of Shu, for, finding that #ay bloc$ed, they #ill try the other road, #hich is #aterless save for the four deadly springs. Fo matter ho# many they be, they #ill perish, and #e need no #eapons.C

CFo# indeed I have found a place to live in,C cried 1eng *uo, stri$ing his forehead. Then loo$ing to the north he said, C4ven "huge ,iang(s #onderful cunning #ill be of no avail. The four springs alone #ill defeat him and avenge my army.C The t#o brothers settled do#n comfortably as guests of 5ing Duo Si, #ith #hom they spent the days in feasting. In the meantime, as the 1angs did not appear, "huge ,iang gave orders to leave the !est 4r River and push south. It #as then the siAth month, and blaDing hot. + poet sang about the bitter heat of the south@ The hills are sere, the valleys dry, + raging heat fills all the s$y, Throughout the #hole #ide universe Fo spot eAists #here heat is #orse. +nother poem runs@ The glo#ing sun darts out fierce rays, Fo cloud gives shelter from the blaDe. In parching heat there pants a crane, The #hale s#ims through the hissing main. The broo$(s cool margin no# I love, Or idle stroll through bamboo grove. I #ould not march to deserts far In leathern >er$in donned for #ar. 9ust at the moment of setting out south#ard, the spies brought ne#s of 1eng *uo(s retreat@ C1eng *uo has fled into the 'ald Dragon Ravine, and there he has barricaded the entrance. The valley is garrisoned; the hills are precipitous and even impassable.C So "huge ,iang called in ,u 5ai and uestioned him, but he did not $no# eAactly the conditions. Then out spo$e 9iang !an, saying, C1eng *uo(s repeated captures have bro$en his spirit so that he dare not ta$e the field again. Our soldiers are eAhausted #ith this intense heat, and little is to be gained by prolonging the campaign. The best move #ould be to return to our o#n country.C CIf #e do this, #e shall fall victims to 1eng *uo(s scheme,C said "huge ,iang. CIf #e retreated, he #ould certainly follo#. 'eside, having advanced so far, it #ould be fruitless to turn bac$ no#.C !ang 7ing #as sent on #ith the advanced guard and some of the 1angs as guides to see$ an entrance on the north#est. They found the road and came to the first spring666the Dumb Spring666, of #hich the thirsty men and horses dran$ freely.

!ang 7ing returned to report his success, but by the time he reached camp, he and all his soldiers #ere speechless. They could only point to their mouths. "huge ,iang $ne# they had been poisoned, and #as alarmed. *e #ent for#ard in his light chariot to find out the cause. *e came to the spring. The #ater #as very deep and dar$ green. + mass of vapor hung about the surface rising and falling. They #ould not touch the #ater. "huge ,iang #ent up the hills to loo$ around, but could see nothing eAcept a rampart of mountains. + deep silence hung over all, unbro$en by the cry even of a bird. *e #as perpleAed. 7resently he noticed an old temple a#ay up among the crags. 'y the aid of the lianas and creepers he managed to clamber up, and in a chamber he#n out of the roc$ he sa# the figure of an officer. 'eside it #as a tablet saying the temple #as dedicated to 1a Buan%, the famous general #ho had preceded him in that country. The natives had erected it to sacrifice to the leader #ho had headed the campaign against the 1angs. "huge ,iang, much impressed, bo#ed before the image of the great leader, and said, CBour humble servant received a sacred trust, the protection of the son of the 3irst Ruler. That son, the present 4mperor, sent him here to subdue the 1angs that the land might be free from peril #hen he decided to attac$ !ei and ta$e possession of !u and thereby restore the glory of *an. 'ut the soldiers are ignorant of the country, and some of them have drun$ of a poisonous spring so that they have become dumb. Bour servant earnestly prays your honored spirit, out of regard for the $indness and >ustice of the present 4mperor, to reveal your spiritual character and manifest your holiness by safeguarding and assisting the army.C *aving prayed thus, "huge ,iang left the temple. !hile see$ing some native #hom he might uestion, he sa# in the distance, on a hill opposite, an aged man leaning on a staff. *e approached, and as he dre# nearer, "huge ,iang noted his eAtraordinary appearance. !hen he had reached the temple, "huge ,iang as$ed the venerable visitor to #al$ in. +fter the salutations, the old man sat on the stones, and "huge ,iang opened the conversation #ith the usual uestions. The old gentleman replied, CSir 1inister, I $no# you #ell by repute, and am happy to meet you. 1any of the 1angs o#e their lives to you, and all have been deeply impressed by your $indness.C Then "huge ,iang returned to the matter nearest his heart, the mystery of the spring. The old man told him, CThat is the Dumb Spring that your soldiers have drun$, and they #ill die in a fe# days. 'esides that, there are other three poisonous streams called Destruction Spring, 'lac$ Spring, and !ea$ Spring. +ll miasma gathers there in the four streams, and it only vaporiDes during the t#o #atch before sunset.C CIn short, the 1angs cannot be con uered,C said "huge ,iang #hen the old man had finished. C+nd !u cannot be repressed, nor !ei overcome. +nd the *ans cannot be restored. So, I fail in the tas$ set me by my 7rince@ I #ish that I might die.C

C'e not so cast do#n, O 1inister,C said the aged one. CI can lead you to a place #here you may counteract all this.C CI #ould as$ for your instruction, Venerable One,C said "huge ,iang. C!hat eAalted advice have you to confer upon meG I hope you #ill instruct me.C C!est of this, not far off, is a valley, and seven miles from its entrance is a stream called the (Spring of 4ternal 7eace(, near #hich there lives a recluse $no#n as the *ermit of the Stream. *e has not left the valley these t#enty years. 'ehind his hut there gushes out a spring of #ater, called the (Spring of 7eace and 9oy(. This is the antidote to your poison. 'athing in its #aters is a cure for s$in diseases and for malaria. 1oreover, near the hut gro#s an herb called the (garlic6leaved fragrance(. )he#ing a leaf of this safeguards one from malaria. Bou can do no better than go to the hut of the recluse forth#ith and get these remedies.C "huge ,iang humbly than$ed his aged counselor, and said, CVenerable Sir, I am profoundly affected by your merciful $indness and compassion. 1ay I as$ again by #hat name may call youGC The old man rose and entered the temple, saying, CI am the Spirit of this mountain, sent by 1a Buan to guide you.C +s he said this, he shouted at the solid roc$ behind the temple, and it opened of itself and let him in. "huge ,iang(s astonishment #as beyond #ords. *e made another obeisance to the Spirit of the temple and #ent do#n by the #ay he had come. Then he returned to his camp. FeAt day, bearing incense and gifts, !ang 7ing and his stric$en men #ent #est to the spot #hich the old man had indicated. They luc$ily found the valley and follo#ed its narro# road till they came to a small, farm6li$e enclosure, #here tall pines and lofty cypresses, luAuriant bamboos, and gorgeous flo#ers sheltered a fe# simple huts. +n eA uisite perfume pervaded the #hole place. "huge ,iang re>oiced to recogniDe the spot and at once $noc$ed at the door. + lad ans#ered his $noc$, and "huge ,iang #as telling his name #hen the host came out uic$ly, saying, CSurely my visitor is the 7rime 1inister of the *an DynastyGC "huge ,iang sa# at the door a man #ith a bamboo comb holding bac$ his hair, grass shoes on his feet, and a robe of #hite girded in by a blac$ girdle. *e had green eyes and yello#ed hair. C8reat Scholar, ho# did you $no# #ho I #asGC said "huge ,iang. C*o# could I not have heard of your eApedition to the southGC *e invited "huge ,iang to enter.

!hen they had seated themselves in their relative positions as host and guest, "huge ,iang said, C1y former 7rince, the 3irst Ruler, confided to me the care of his son and successor. That son, no# 4mperor, gave me a command to lead an army to this country, get the 1angs on our side, and spread our culture among them. 'ut no# to my disappointment 1eng *uo, the 5ing, has hidden himself in the 'ald Dragon Ravine, and some of my soldiers on the #ay to see$ him dran$ of a certain fountain and are dumb. 'ut last evening the former leader of an eApedition, 1a Buan, manifested his sacred presence and told me that you, 4Aalted Sir, had a remedy for this evil, and I pray you of your pity to give me of the potent fluid #hereby my soldiers( lives may be saved.C The recluse replied, CI am only a #orthless old man of the #ild #oods and un#orthy of the visit of such as you, O 1inister. The #ater you desire flo#s out at the bac$ of my cottage, and you may ta$e #hat you #ill of it.C The serving lad then sho#ed !ang 7ing and his dumb companions to the Spring of 7eace and 9oy, and he dipped up the #aters for them to drin$. +s soon as they had drun$, they coughed up some poisoned mucus and could spea$. The lad also led the soldiers to the Spring of 4ternal 7eace #here they could bathe. In the cottage the recluse regaled "huge ,iang #ith tea made of cypress seeds and a conserve of pine flo#ers. *e also told his guest, saying, CIn this region, the lands are full of serpents and scorpions, and the lily flo#ers blo#n into the springs by the #ind ma$e them unfit to drin$. *o#ever, if you dig #ells, you #ill find good #ater.C Then "huge ,iang begged some of the garlic6leaved herb as an antidote against malaria. The recluse said the soldiers could pluc$ as much as they #anted. +nd so everyone put a leaf in his mouth and thus became malaria6proof. "huge ,iang, #ith a lo# bo# then begged to be told the name of his benefactor. CI am 1eng *uo(s eldest brother,C said the recluse, smiling. C1y name is 1eng 9ie.C "huge ,iang started. CDo not be afraid,C said the recluse. C,et me eAplain. !e #ere three brothers of the same parents, the eldest being myself. Our parents are both dead. 1y brother 1eng *uo, being headstrong and vicious, has never been amenable to culture. I have tal$ed to him many times, but he $ept his o#n course. 3inally, under an assumed name, I retired to this spot. I am ashamed for my brother(s rebellion, #hich has put you, O 1inister, to the trouble of ma$ing this eApedition into a barren country, but it has given me the privilege of seeing you. 3or my responsibility in this I deserve to die a thousand times, as I o#n to your face, and I beg your pardon.C

"huge ,iang sighed, saying, CFo# I believe that story of the t#o brothers666Robber ,iu "hi and Foble ,iu 2iahui. This is the same thing over again. 7eople reno#ned for villainy and virtue may come from the same stoc$.C Then he said to his host, C!ould you #ish me to represent your merits to the 4mperor and get you created a $ingGC C*o# can you thin$ I desire honors or #ealth #hen I am here because of my contempt for all such thingsGC "huge ,iang then #ished to ma$e him certain presents, but the recluse #ould have none of them. So ta$ing leave of his host, "huge ,iang #ent bac$ to his camp. In the southern eApedition #hen the 1angs #ere subdued, "huge ,iang found a high6born recluse in a shady solitude. Hp till then the gloomy forests #ere thought destitute of men, That no curling smo$e #reath ever floated up#ards from the glen. +s soon as "huge ,iang reached camp, he set the soldiers digging for #ater. They dug to a great depth but found none; nor #ere they more successful #hen they tried other places. They #ere very discouraged. Then "huge ,iang in the depths of the night burned incense and prayed to 8od@ CHn#orthy as is thy servant "huge ,iang, he has received favor from the 8reat *an and no# has been ordered to subdue the 1angs. +las= Fo# our #ater is spent and my soldiers and animals are parched #ith thirst. If Thy #ill be to preserve the line of *ans, then give, I beseech Thee, s#eet #ater; but if their course is run, then may Thy servant and those #ith him die in this place.C The morning after this prayer the #ells #ere full of s#eet #ater. The 1angs must be con uered; "huge ,iang led a great array, Though his s$ill #as superhuman, yet he held the righteous #ay; +s the #ells gave forth s#eet #ater #hen 8eng 8ong(s head bo#ed full lo#, So the reverent prayers of "huge ,iang made the lo#er springs to flo#. The soldiers( spirits revived #ith the supply of #ater, and the army soon advanced by hill paths to the Valley of the 'ald Dragon, #here they camped. !hen 1eng *uo heard the ne#s, he #as greatly ta$en abac$. CThese troops do not appear to have suffered either thirst or fever,C said he. COur springs have lost their po#er.C 5ing Duo Si heard it, but doubted. *e and 1eng *uo ascended into a high hill #hence they could see their enemies. They sa# no signs of illness or distress. +ll #ent on calmly and uietly in the

camps, #ater carrying and coo$ing, eating and attending to the cattle. Duo Si(s hair stood on end as he loo$ed at them. CThese are not human soldiers,C said he, shivering. CThey must be sent from *eaven.C COur t#o brothers #ill fight one fierce battle #ith these troops of Shu and die therein,C said 1eng *uo, C!e cannot #ait calmly to be put into bonds.C C'ut, O 5ing, if your army should be beaten, my #hole family #ill also perish. ,et us encourage the people of the ravines. ,et us $ill bulloc$s and slaughter horses to feed them, and urge them to go through fire and #ater to rush right up to the camp of the enemy and seiDe upon victory.C So there #as great feasting before the 1angs too$ the field. 9ust as this #as going on, there arrived one Bang 3ang, 5ing of t#enty6one ravines in the #est, and he led thirty thousand troops. 1eng *uo re>oiced eAceedingly, saying, CThis addition to our forces shall surely bring us victory.C So he and Duo Si #ent out of their o#n valley to #elcome Bang 3ang. Bang 3ang said, CI have #ith me thirty thousand troops in iron mail, brave and intrepid #arriors, #ho can fly over mountains and bound across the pea$s. They of themselves are a match for the enemy even if the enemy numbered a hundred legions. +nd, moreover, my five sons, all trained in arms, are #ith me, all to help you, O 5ings.C The five sons #ere brought in and presented. They #ere handsome young fello#s, bold and martial loo$ing. 3ather and sons #ere entertained at a ban uet. *alf#ay through the feast Bang 3ang proposed a diversion. CThere is but scanty amusement in the field,C said Bang 3ang, Cand so I have brought along some native singing girls #ho have been taught fencing and such things. If you care for it, they might give an eAhibition.C The feasters hailed the suggestion #ith >oy, and soon thirty maidens came to the front of the tent. Their hair hung about their shoulders, and they #ere barefooted. They danced and s$ipped and #ent through their performance outside. The guests inside clapped their hands and applauded their s$ill, and the soldiers >oined in the choruses. 7resently, at a signal from their father, t#o of Bang 3ang(s sons bore t#o goblets to 1eng *uo and 1eng Bou. 1eng *uo and 1eng Bou too$ the cups and #ere raising them to their lips #hen Bang 3ang shouted a single #ord of command, and, instantly, the cupbearers had the t#o brothers out of their seats and helpless in their hands. +t this, Duo Si >umped up to run a#ay, but Bang 3ang gripped him, and he #as a prisoner too. The 1ang maidens ranged themselves in a line along the front of the tent so that none dared approach.

C!hen the hare dies the foA mourns,C said 1eng *uo. COne sympathiDes #ith one(s o#n as a rule. !e are both chiefs and have been friends. I $no# not #hy you should in>ure me.C CI had to repay "huge ,iang the 1inister for his compassion on me and my people, and there #as no #ay till you rebelled. !hy should I not offer up a rebel in propitiationGC ,eaving 1eng *uo, 1eng Bou, and Duo Si in the hands of Bang 3ang, the 1ang #arriors dispersed, each man returning to his o#n valley. Bang 3ang then too$ the prisoners to the camp of Shu, #here he bo#ed at the tent door, saying, CI and my sons and the sons of my brother are grateful to you for much $indness, #herefore #e bring to you as an offering the persons of these rebels.C "huge ,iang re#arded Bang 3ang and bade them bring for#ard 1eng *uo. CThis time are you prepared to yieldGC said the 7rime 1inister. CIt is not your ability, but the treachery of my o#n people that has brought me to this. If you #ish to slay, slay. 'ut I #ill not yield.C CBou $no# you #ere the cause of my army entering into a #aterless land, #here there #ere those four evil streams, and yet my soldiers #ere not poisoned and came to no harm. Does it not seem to you li$e evidence of a superior protecting po#erG !hy #ill you follo# this misguided road and al#ays be obstinateGC 1eng *uo replied, C1y fathers have long held the Silver 7it Ravine, and the three rivers and the t#o forests are their ramparts. If you can ta$e that stronghold, then #ill I and my heirs forever ac$no#ledge your po#er and yield.C CI am going to liberate you once more,C said "huge ,iang, Cand you may put your army in order if you #ill and fight a decisive battle. 'ut after that, if you are my prisoner and are still refractory and unsubmissive, I shall have to eAterminate your #hole family.C "huge ,iang ordered the lictors to loose the prisoner(s bonds and let him go. +fter he had gone, the other t#o, 1eng Bou and Duo Si, #ere led in and they also received their liberty. They #ere given #ine and food. but they #ere confused and could not loo$ "huge ,iang in the face. They #ere given horses to travel on. The #ay has been long and no# danger is near, 'ut faith in their leader banishes fear. The neAt chapter #ill tell ho# 1eng *uo reorganiDed his army and #hose the victory #as. Chapter 9<

Chasing !! Wi#d Beasts) The Prime =inister *e!eats The =angs For The Si8th Time; B&rning ,attan 1rmors) Zh&ge -iang Capt&res =eng H&o The Seventh Time' +ll the prisoners #ere released. Bang 3ang and his sons #ere re#arded #ith ran$s, and his people #ere given presents. They eApressed their gratitude and returned to their o#n, #hile 1eng *uo and his brother hastened home to Silver 7it Ravine. Outside this ravine #ere three rivers666River ,u, River 8annan, and River 2icheng. These three streams united to form the Three Rivers. )lose to the ravine on the north #as a #ide and fruitful plain; on the #est #ere salt #ells. The River ,u flo#ed about seventy miles to the south#est, and due south #as a valley called the ,iangdu Ravine. There #ere hills in, as #ell as surrounding, the ravine, and in these they found silver666#hence the name CSilver 7itC. + palace compleA had been built in the ravine, #hich the 1ang $ings had made their stronghold, and there #as an ancestral temple, #hich they called C3amily SpiritsC, #here they solemniDed sacrifices of bulls and horses at the four seasons. They called these sacrifices CIn uiring of the SpiritsC. *uman sacrifices #ere offered also, humans of Shu or of their o#n people belonging to other villages. The sic$ s#allo#ed no drugs, but prayed to a chief sorcerer, called CDrug DemonC. There #as no legal code, the only punishment for every transgression being death. !hen girls #ere gro#n and became #omen, they bathed in a stream. 1en and #omen #ere $ept separate, and they married #hom they #illed, the parents having no control in that particular. There #as no formal vocational training. In good seasons the country produced grain, but if the harvest failed, they #ould ma$e soup out of serpents and eat boiled elephant flesh. +ll over the country the head of the family of greatest local consideration #as termed C5ing of the RavineC, and the neAt in importance #as called a CFotableC. + mar$et #as held in the city of Three Rivers, on the first day of every moon, and another on the fifteenth. 8oods #ere brought in and bartered. In his o#n ravine, 1eng *uo gathered his family and clan to the number of a thousand or more and addressed them@ CI have been put to shame by the leaders of Shu many times, and I have s#orn to ta$e revenge for the insults. *as anyone any proposal to ma$eGC Thereupon a certain one replied, saying, CI can produce a man able to defeat "huge ,iang.C The assembly turned to the spea$er, #ho #as a brother of 1eng *uo(s #ife. *e #as the head of eight tribes of the Southern 1angs, and #as named )hief Dai ,ai. C!ho is the manGC as$ed 1eng *uo. )hief Dai ,ai replied, C*e is 1u ,u, 5ing of the 'ana Ravine. *e is a master of #itchcraft #ho can call up the #ind and invo$e the rain. *e rides upon an elephant and is attended by tigers, leopards, #olves, venomous sna$es, and scorpions. 'eside, he has under his hand thirty thousand

superhuman soldiers. *e is very bold. O 5ing, #rite him a letter and send him presents, #hich I #ill deliver. If he #ill consent to lend his aid, #hat fear have #e of ShuGC 1eng *uo #as pleased #ith the scheme and ordered Dai ,ai to draft a letter. Then he ordered Duo Si to defend Three Rivers and ma$e the first line of defense. "huge ,iang led his troops near the city of Three Rivers. Ta$ing a survey of the country, he noted that the city #as surrounded by the three rivers and could only be reached by a ban$ on one face, so he sent !ei Ban and "hao Bun to march along the road and attac$. 'ut #hen they reached the rampart, they found it #ell defended by bo#s and crossbo#s. The defenders of the city #ere adepts in the use of the crossbo#, and they had one sort #hich discharged ten arro#s at once. 3urthermore, the arro#s #ere poisoned, and a #ound meant certain death. The t#o generals sa# that they could not succeed, and so retired. !hen "huge ,iang heard of the poisoned arro#s, he mounted his light chariot and #ent to see for himself. *aving regarded the defenses, he returned to his camp and ordered a retirement of three miles. This move delighted the 1angs, #ho congratulated each other on their success in driving off the besiegers, #ho, as they concluded, had been frightened a#ay. So they gave themselves up to re>oicing and $ept no #atch. For did they even send out scouts. The army of Shu made a strong camp in their ne# halting place and closed the gates for defense. 3or five days they gave no sign. One evening, >ust at sunset, a slight breeDe began to blo#. Then "huge ,iang issued an order@ C4very man should provide himself #ith a coat by the first #atch. If anyone lac$s, he #ill be put to death.C Fone of the generals $ne# #hat #as in the #ind, but the order #as obeyed. FeAt, each man #as ordered to fill his coat #ith earth. This order appeared e ually strange, but it #as carried out. !hen all #ere ready, they #ere told@ CBou are to carry the earth to the foot of the city #all, and the first arrivals #ill be re#arded.C So they ran #ith all speed #ith the dry earth and reached the #all. Then #ith the earth they #ere ordered to ma$e a raised #ay, and the first soldier on the #all #as promised a re#ard. The #hole of the one hundred thousand troops of Shu, and their native allies, having thro#n their burdens of earth near the #all, then uic$ly rushed up the incline, and #ith one great shout #ere on the #all. The archers on the #all #ere seiDed and dragged do#n. Those #ho got clear ran a#ay into the city. 5ing Duo Si #as slain in the melee that follo#ed on this attac$. The soldiers of Shu moved through the city slaying all they met. Thus #as the city captured and #ith it great booty of >e#els, #hich #ere made over to the army as a re#ard for their pro#ess. The fe# soldiers #ho escaped #ent a#ay and told 1eng *uo@ CThe city of Three Rivers #as lost, and 5ing Duo Si slain=C

1eng *uo #as much distressed. 'efore he had recovered, they told him@ CThe army of Shu has come over and is encamped at the mouth of Silver 7it Ravine.C 9ust as he #as in the very depths of distress, a laugh came from behind the screen. + #oman appeared, saying, CThough you are brave, ho# silly you are= Though I am a #oman, but I #ant to go out and fight.C The #oman #as his #ife, ,ady "hurong. She #as a descendant of the "hurong family of the Southern 1ang. She #as eApert in the use of the flying s#ord and never missed her aim. 1eng *uo rose and bo#ed to her. ,ady "hurong thereupon mounted a horse and forth#ith marched out at the head of a hundred generals, leading fifty thousand troops of the ravines, and set out to drive off the troops of Shu. 9ust as the host got clear of the Silver 7it 7alace, it #as stopped by a cohort led by "hang Fi. +t once the 1angs deployed, and the lady leader armed herself #ith five s#ords such as she used. In one hand she held an eighteen6foot signal staff, and she sat a curly6haired, reddish horse. "hang Fi #as secretly troubled at the sight before him, but he engaged the lady commander. +fter a fe# passes the lady turned her steed and bolted. "hang Fi #ent after her, but a s#ord came flying through the air directly at him. *e tried to fend off #ith one hand, but it #ounded his arm, and he fell to the ground. The 1angs gave a loud shout; some of them pounced on the unluc$y leader and made him prisoner. Then 1a "heng, hearing his comrade had been ta$en, rushed out to rescue, but only to be surrounded. *e sa# the lady commander holding up her staff and made a dash for#ard, but >ust then the 1angs thre# hoo$s and pulled do#n his steed, and he #as also a prisoner. 'oth generals #ere ta$en into the ravine and led before the 5ing. *e gave a ban uet in honor of his #ife(s success, and during the feast the lady bade the lictors put the t#o prisoners to death. They hustled the t#o generals in and #ere >ust going to carry out their orders #hen 1eng *uo chec$ed them. CFo; five times has "huge ,iang set me at liberty. It #ould be un>ust to put these to death. )onfine them till #e have ta$en their chief, then #e may eAecute them.C *is #ife #as merry #ith #ine and did not ob>ect. So their lives #ere spared. The defeated soldiers returned to their camp. "huge ,iang too$ steps to retrieve the mishap by sending for 1a Dai, "hao Bun, and !ei Ban, to each of #hom he gave special and private orders. FeAt day the 1ang soldiers reported to the 5ing that "hao Bun #as offering a challenge. ,ady "hurong forth#ith mounted and rode out to battle. She engaged "hao Bun, #ho soon fled. The lady #as too prudent to ris$ pursuit, and rode home. Then !ei Ban repeated the challenge, and he

also fled as if defeated. 'ut again the lady declined to pursue. FeAt day "hao Bun repeated his challenge and ran a#ay as before. ,ady "hurong signaled no pursuit. 'ut at this !ei Ban rode up and opened a volley of abuse and oblo uy. This proved too much, and she gave the signal to go after him and led the #ay. !ei Ban increased his pace, and the lady commander doubled hers, and she and her follo#ers pressed into a narro# road along a valley. Suddenly behind her #as heard a noise, and !ei Ban, turning his head, sa# the lady tumble out of her saddle. She had rushed into an ambush prepared by 1a Dai@ *er horse had been tripped up by ropes. She #as captured, bound, and carried off to the Shu camp. Some of her people endeavored to rescue her, but they #ere driven off. "huge ,iang seated himself in his tent to see his prisoner, and ,ady "hurong #as led up. *e bade them remove her bonds, and she #as conducted to another tent, #here #ine #as laid before her. Then a message #as sent to 1eng *uo to say that she #ould be eAchanged for the t#o captive leaders. The 5ing agreed, and 1a "heng and "hang Fi #ere set free. +s soon as they arrived, the lady #as escorted by "huge ,iang himself to the mouth of the ravine, #here 1eng *uo #elcomed her both gladly and angrily. Then they told 1eng *uo of the coming of the 5ing of the 'ana Ravine, and he #ent out to meet 1u ,u. 1u ,u rode up on his #hite elephant, dressed in sil$s, and #ith many gold and pearl ornaments. *e #ore a double s#ord at his belt, and he #as follo#ed by the motley pac$ of fighting animals that he fed, gamboling and dancing about him. 1eng *uo made him a lo# obeisance and then poured out his tale of #oes. 1u ,u promised to avenge his #rongs and #as led off to a ban uet #hich had been prepared. FeAt day the deliverer #ent out to battle, #ith his pac$ of #ild creatures in his train. "hao Bun and his colleague !ei Ban uic$ly made their array of footmen and then too$ their station in front side by side and studied their opponents. The 1ang banners and #eapons #ere all eAtraordinary. 1ost of the #arriors #ore no armor and none #ore any clothing. Their faces #ere sunburned. They carried four sharp pointed $nives in their belts. Signals #ere not given by drum or trumpet, but by a gong. 5ing 1u ,u had t#o s#ords in his belt and carried a hand bell. *e urged his #hite elephant for#ard and emerged from bet#een his flags. C!e have spent all our life in the battlefields, but #e have never seen the li$e of this before,C said "hao Bun. +s they tal$ed to one another, they noticed that the opposing leader #as mumbling something that might be a spell or a curse, and from time to time he rang his bell. Then suddenly the #ind got up, stones began to roll and sand to fly, and there #as a sound as of a heavy sho#er of rain. FeAt a

horn rang out, and thereupon the tigers and the leopards, and the #olves and the serpents, and all the other #ild beasts came do#n on the #ind snapping and cla#ing. *o# could the soldiers of Shu stand such a thing as thatG So they retreated, and the 1angs came after them fiercely, chasing and slaying their enemies as far as the city of Three Rivers. "hao Bun and !ei Ban mustered their defeated troops and #ent to their leader to confess their failure. "huge ,iang, ho#ever, #as neither angry nor de>ected. CThe fault is not yours,C he said. C,ong ago, #hen I #as still in my rustic hut, I $ne# the 1angs possessed certain po#ers over beasts, and I provided against this adventure before #e left Shu. Bou #ill find t#enty big sealed carts in the baggage train. !e #ill use half of them no#.C *e bade his staff bring for#ard ten of the red boA6carts; the other ten blac$ carts #ere left untouched. They all #ondered #hat #ould happen. Then the carts #ere opened, and they turned out to be carved and colored models of huge #ild beasts, #ith coats of #orsted, teeth and cla#s of steel; each could accommodate ten people. )hoosing one hundred beasts, he told off a thousand troops and bade them stuff the mouths of the beasts full of inflammables. FeAt day the army of Shu marched out to the attac$ and #ere arrayed at the entrance to the Silver 7it Ravine. The 1ang soldiers #ent into the ravine and told their $ing. 1u ,u, thin$ing himself perfectly invincible, did not hesitate, but marched out, ta$ing 1eng *uo #ith him. "huge ,iang, dressed in the simple robe of a Taoist, #ent out in his light chariot. In his hand he held a feather fan. 1eng *uo, #ho recogniDed his enemy, pointed him out to 1u ,u. CThat is "huge ,iang in that small chariot. If #e can only capture him, our tas$ is done.C Then 1u ,u began to mutter his spells and to ring his bell. +s before, the #ind got up and ble# #ith violence, and the #ild beasts came on. 'ut at a #ave of the simple feather fan, lo= the #ind turned and ble# the other #ay. Then from out of the host of Shu there burst the horrible #ild beasts. The real #ild beasts of the 1ang sa# rushing do#n upon them huge creatures, #hose mouths vomited flames and #hose nostrils breathed out blac$ smo$e. They came along #ith >ingling bells, snapping and cla#ing, and the real beasts turned tail and fled in among the host of their o#n side, trampling them do#n as they sped. "huge ,iang gave the signal for a general onset, and his troops rushed for#ard #ith beating drums and blaring trumpets. 1u ,u #as $illed in the melee. 1eng *uo(s #hole clan fled in panic and tore up among the hills out of the #ay. +nd thus the Silver 7it Ravine #as ta$en. FeAt day, as "huge ,iang #as telling off parties to search for and capture the 5ing, it #as announced that the brother6in6la# of 1eng *uo, )hief Dai ,ai, having vainly tried to persuade the 5ing to yield, had made prisoners of him and his #ife and all his clan and #ere bringing them to "huge ,iang.

*earing this, "hang Fi and 1a "heng #ere called and received certain orders, upon #hich they hid themselves in the #ings of the tent #ith a large body of sturdy #arriors. This done, "huge ,iang ordered the $eepers to open the gates, and in came )hief Dai ,ai #ith 1eng *uo and his people in custody. +s Dai ,ai bo#ed at the entrance of the hall, "huge ,iang called out, C,et my strong captors appear=C +t once out came the hidden men, and every t#o of them laid hands upon a prisoner and bound him. CDid you thin$ your paltry ruse #ould deceive meGC said "huge ,iang. C*ere you are a second time captured by your o#n people and brought before me that you might surrender. The first time I did not hurt you. 'ut no# I firmly believe this surrender is part of a plot to $ill me.C Then he called out to his guards to search the prisoners. They did so, and on every man they found a sharp $nife. CDid you not say that if your family #ere ta$en prisoners you #ould yieldG *o# no#GC said "huge ,iang. C!e have come of our o#n #ill and at the ris$ of our lives. The credit is not yours. Still I refuse to yield,C replied 1eng *uo. CThis is the siAth time I have captured you, and yet you are obstinate. !hat do you eApectGC CIf you ta$e me a seventh time, then I #ill turn to you and never rebel again.C C!ell, your stronghold is no# destroyed. !hat have I to fearGC said "huge ,iang. *e ordered the bonds to be loosed, saying, CIf you are caught again and lie to me once more, I shall certainly not be inclined to let you off.C 1eng *uo and his people put their hands over their heads and ran off li$e rats. The defeated 1angs #ho had fled #ere of thousands, and more than half of them #ere #ounded. They fell in #ith their 5ing, #ho restored #hat order #as possible and felt glad that he had still some leaders left. Then he and the )hief Dai ,ai too$ counsel together. C!hither can #e goGC said 1eng *uo. COur stronghold is in the hands of the enemy.C Dai ,ai replied, CThere is but one country that can overcome these troops. That is the !uguo 5ingdom. It lies t#o hundred miles to the southeast. The 5ing of that state is named !utu 8u. *e is a giant of t#elve spans. *e does not eat grain, but lives on serpents and venomous beasts. *e #ears scaly armor, #hich is impenetrable to s#ords and arro#s. *is #arriors #ear rattan armor.

This rattan gro#s in gullies, climbing over roc$s and #alls. The inhabitants cut the rattans and steep them in oil for half a year. Then they are dried in the sun. !hen dry they are steeped again, and so on many times. Then they are plaited into helmets and armor. )lad in this, the men float across rivers, and it does not get #et. Fo #eapon can penetrate it. The soldiers are called the Rattan +rmy. Bou may see$ aid from this $ing, and #ith his help you can ta$e "huge ,iang as easily as a sharp $nife cleaves a bamboo.C 1eng *uo #ent to the !uguo 5ingdom and sa# the 5ing. The people of this country do not live in houses, but d#ell in caves. 1eng *uo told the story of his #oes. +nd 5ing !utu 8u said, CI shall muster all my men to avenge you.C 1eng *uo bo#ed lo# and eApressed great gratitude. !utu 8u called up t#o generals named 2i Fi and Tu +n and gave them thirty thousand of the rattan6armored soldiers and bade them march northeast. They came to a river called the River of 7each 3lo#ers, on both ban$s of #hich gro# many peach trees. Bear after year the leaves of these trees fall into the river and render it poisonous to all but the natives. 'ut to the natives it is a stimulant #hich doubles their vigor. They camped on the ban$ of this river to a#ait the coming of the army of Shu. Fo# "huge ,iang #as informed of the >ourney of 1eng *uo and its results, and he $ne# #hen the rattan6clad army camped at the ford. *e also $ne# that 1eng *uo had collected all the soldiers of his o#n that he could help. "huge ,iang at once marched to the ford. *e uestioned the natives, and they told him that the peach leaves #ere falling and the #ater of the river #as undrin$able. So he retired t#o miles and camped. Only !ei Ban #as left to hold the ban$ of the River of 7each 3lo#ers. FeAt day !utu 8u led the !uguo #arriors across the stream, and, #ith a rolling of drums, !ei Ban #ent out to meet them. The !uguo men poured forth. The soldiers of Shu shot at them, but neither arro#s nor bolts penetrated their armors; they rolled off harmless. For could s#ords cut or spears enter. The enemy, thus protected and armed #ith big s#ords and prongs, #ere too much for the troops of Shu, #ho had to run a#ay. *o#ever, they #ere not pursued. !hen, on the retreat, they came to the 7each 3lo#ers 3ord, they sa# the 1angs crossing as if #al$ing on the #ater. Some of them #ere tired, so they too$ off their rattan breastplates, sat upon them and floated to the other side. !hen "huge ,iang heard the report of his general, he summoned ,u 5ai and called in some natives. ,u 5ai said, CI have heard of the !uguo 5ingdom as perfectly tribal among the 1ang nations. I have also heard of the rattan armor, #hich can #ithstand all thrusts, and the harmful River of

7each 3lo#ers. The Southern 1angs are so untameable that victory #ill mean little. !e #ould rather retreat.C CFo, no,C said "huge ,iang merrily, C#e have had too much difficulty in getting here to go bac$ so easily. I shall have a counter6plan for these people tomorro#.C *aving provided for the defense of his camp, he gave strict orders to his generals not to go out to fight, "huge ,iang #ent to reconnoiter. *e rode in his light chariot #ith a fe# natives as guides. *e came to the ford, and from a secluded spot in the mountains on the north ban$, he loo$ed about him. The #hole country #as mountainous and difficult, impassable for any carriage. So he got out and #ent afoot. 7resently, from a hill he sa# a long #inding valley, li$e a huge serpent. The sides #ere very precipitous and bare. *o#ever, a road ran through the middle. C!hat is the name of the valleyGC as$ed "huge ,iang. CIt is called ()oiled Serpent Valley(,C said the guides. C+t the other end you come into the high road to Three Rivers. The road goes by a valley called (Talang See(.C CThe very thing,C said "huge ,iang gladly. CSurely this is providence. I shall score a great success here.C *aving seen enough, he retraced his steps, found his chariot, and returned to camp. +rrived at the camp, 1a Dai #as called and put in charge of the preparations. "huge ,iang gave him an order@ CI #ill give you the ten blac$ painted carts, and you are to get a thousand long bamboo poles. Open the carts, and follo# my instructions there. Then you are to $eep the t#o ends of the )oiled Serpent Valley. *alf a month is the deadline, and all of these must be performed #ith the most perfect secrecy under military la# and punishment.C FeAt "hao Bun #as sent to a point on the Three Rivers road; !ei Ban to camp at the 7each 3lo#ers 3ord. "huge ,iang told !ei Ban, CIf the 1angs come over the river, you are to abandon the camp and march to#ard a certain #hite flag you #ill see. 3urther, in half a month you #ould have to ac$no#ledge defeat some fifteen times and abandon seven camps. On no account are you to come to intervie# me even after fourteen defeats.C !ei Ban #ent off, not a little hipped at the prospect, but prepared to obey. FeAt, "hang Bi #as sent to ma$e a stoc$ade at a certain indicated point, and "hang Fi and 1a "heng #as told to lead the 1ang soldiers #ho had surrendered, and other orders #ere given. 1eng *uo had begun to have a real terror of "huge ,iang, and he #arned 5ing !utu 8u of !uguo, saying, CThis "huge ,iang is eAceedingly crafty. +mbush is one of his favorite ruses, so

you should #arn your soldiers that on no account should they enter a valley #here the trees are thic$.C C8reat 5ing, you spea$ #ith reason,C said !utu 8u. CI have al#ays heard that the people of the 1iddle 5ingdom are full of #iles, and I #ill see that your advice is follo#ed. I #ill go in front to fight, and you may remain in the rear to give orders.C 7resently the scouts told them of the arrival of the troops of Shu on the ban$ of the 7each 3lo#ers River. !utu 8u sent his t#o generals6662i Fi and Tu +n666to cross the river and engage them. The t#o sides met, but !ei Ban soon suffered a defeat and left the field. The 1angs #ere afraid to pursue as they dreaded an ambush. In the meantime, !ei Ban laid out another camp. The 1angs crossed the river in greater force. !ei Ban came out to meet them, but again fled after a very short fight. This time the 1angs pursued, but having lost their hold of the enemy after three miles, and coming then to the late camp of the Shu army, #hich seemed uite safe, they occupied it. FeAt day 2i Fi and Tu +n as$ed their 5ing !utu 8u to come to the camp, and they reported #hat had happened. !utu 8u decided to ma$e a general advance to drive the troops of Shu before him. They fled, even casting aside their breastplates and thro#ing a#ay their arms; they #ere in such haste to flee. +nd the troops of Shu #ent to#ard a #hite flag that appeared in the distance. They found a camp already made, #hich they occupied. Soon, ho#ever, !utu 8u came near, and as he pressed for#ard !ei Ban abandoned this camp and fled. !hen the 1angs reached the camp, they too$ up uarters therein. Soon after they set out to rene# the pursuit, but !ei Ban turned bac$ and chec$ed them. This #as only a temporary chec$, for he fled after three encounters, going to#ard a #hite flag in the distance. This sort of thing continued daily until the soldiers of Shu had been defeated and driven out of the field fifteen times and had abandoned their camp on seven different occasions. The 1angs #ere no# hot in pursuit and pressed on #ith all their might, !utu 8u being in the forefront of the pursuers. 'ut then they came to a thic$ umbrageous #ood, and he halted, for he sa# flags moving about behind the sheltering trees. C9ust as you foretold,C said !utu 8u to 1eng *uo. CThe men of Shu li$e using ambush.C CBes; "huge ,iang is going to be #orsted this time. !e have beaten off his troops no# daily for half a month and #on fifteen successive victories. *is troops simply run #hen they hear the #ind. The fact is he has eAhausted all his craft and has tried every ruse. Fo# our tas$ is nearly done.C !utu 8u #as greatly cheered and began to feel contempt for his enemy.

The siAteenth day of the long fight found !ei Ban leading his oft6defeated troops once more against the rattan6protected foe. 5ing !utu 8u on his #hite elephant #as #ell in the forefront. *e had on a cap #ith symbols of the sun and moon and streamers of #olf(s beard, a fringed garment studded #ith gems, #hich allo#ed the plates or scales of his cuirass to appear, and his eyes seemed to flash fire. *e pointed the finger of scorn at !ei Ban and began to revile him. !ei Ban #hipped up his steed and fled. The 1angs pressed after him. !ei Ban made for the )oiled Serpent Valley, for he sa# a #hite flag calling him thither. !utu 8u follo#ed in hot haste, and as he sa# only bare hills #ithout a sign of vegetation, he felt uite confident that no ambush #as laid. So he follo#ed into the valley. There he sa# some score of blac$ painted carts in the road. The soldiers said to each other, CThe carts must be the commissariat #agons of the enemy, abandoned in their hasty flight #hen they heard of the coming of Bour 1a>esty.C This only urged the 5ing to greater speed, and he #ent on to#ard the other mouth of the valley, for the soldiers of Shu had disappeared. *o#ever, he sa# piles of timber being tumbled do#n across the trac$ and great boulders rolled do#n the hill side into the road. The pursuers cleared a#ay the obstacles. !hen they had done so and advanced a little, they sa# certain #heeled vehicles in the road, some large, some small, laden #ith #ood and stra#, #hich #as burning. !utu 8u #as suddenly frightened and ordered a retreat. 'ut he heard much shouting in the rear, and they told him@ CThe eAit has been bloc$ed #ith #ood6 laden carts, #hich on being bro$en open are found to contain eAplosive, and they are all on fire.C *o#ever, seeing that the valley #as barren and devoid of grass and #ood, !utu 8u #as not in the least alarmed and merely bade his soldiers search for a #ay round. Then he sa# torches being hurled do#n the mountain side. These torches rolled till they came to a certain spot, #here they ignited the fuses leading to the po#der. Then the ground suddenly heaved #ith the eAplosion of bombs beneath. The #hole valley #as soon full of flames, darting and playing in all directions, and #herever they met #ith rattan armor the rattan caught fire, and thus the #hole army, huddled and cro#ded together, burned in the midst of the valley. "huge ,iang loo$ed on from the heights above and sa# the 1angs burned. 1any of the dead had been mangled and torn by the eAplosions of the mines. The air #as full of suffocating vapor. "huge ,iang(s tears fell fast as he sa# the slaughter, and he sighed, saying, CThough I am rendering great service to my country, yet I have sacrificed many lives. 1y life shall be shortened for this.C Those #ho #ere #ith him #ere also deeply affected. 5ing 1eng *uo #as in his camp a#aiting ne#s of success #hen he sa# a cro#d of 1ang soldiers come along, and they bo#ed before him and told him, C5ing !utu 8u is fighting a great battle

and is about to surround "huge ,iang in the Valley of the )oiled Serpent. 'ut he needs help. !e are the natives of the local ravines, and #e ourselves had no alternative #hen #e yielded to Shu. 'ut no# #e have returned to your allegiance and are #illing to come to help Bour 1a>esty.C So 1eng *uo placed himself at the head of his clansmen and those #ho had >ust come to him, and lost no time in marching out. *e bade them lead him to the spot. 'ut #hen he reached the valley and sa# the destruction, he $ne# he had been made a victim again. +s he made to retire, there appeared a body of his enemy on each side under "hang Fi and 1a "heng, and they began to attac$. 1eng *uo #as ma$ing #hat stand he could #hen a great shouting arose. The 1angs #ere nearly all disguised soldiers of Shu, and they uic$ly surrounded him and his clansmen to ma$e them prisoners. 1eng *uo galloped clear and got into the hills. 7resently he fell upon a small chariot, #ith a fe# guards about it, and therein sat "huge ,iang, simply dressed and holding a fan. C!hat no#, rebel 1eng *uoGC cried "huge ,iang. 'ut 1eng *uo had galloped a#ay. *e #as soon stopped by 1a Dai and lay a helpless prisoner bound hand and foot. *is #ife, ,ady "hurong, and the other members of his family #ere also ta$en. "huge ,iang returned to camp and seated himself in the high place in his o#n tent. *e #as still sad at the thought of the sacrifice of life. *e said to his officers, CThere #as no help for it; I had to use that plan. 'ut it has sadly in>ured my inner virtue. 8uessing that the enemy #ould suspect an ambush in every thic$et, I sent people to #al$ about in #ooded places #ith flags. Really there #as no ambush. I bade !ei Ban lose battle after battle >ust to lead the enemy on and harden their hearts. !hen I sa# the Valley of the )oiled Serpent, #ith its bare sides of smooth roc$ and the road in its depths, I recogniDed #hat could be done and sent 1a Dai to arrange the contents of the blac$ carts, the mines, #hich I had prepared long ago for this purpose. In every bomb #ere nine others, and they #ere buried thirty paces apart. They #ere connected by fuses laid in hollo# bamboos that they might eAplode in succession, and the force #as enormous. "hao Bun prepared those carts laden #ith stra# and rolled do#n the piles of timber and boulders that bloc$ed the mouth. !ei Ban led !utu 8u on and on till he had enticed the 5ing into the valley, #hen he too$ up a position to escape. Then the burning began. They say that #hat is good for #ater is not much good for fire, and the oil6soa$ed rattan, eAcellent as a protection against s#ords and arro#s, #as most inflammable, catching fire at sight. The 1angs #ere so stubborn that the only #ay #as to use fire, or #e should never have scored a victory. 'ut I much regret that the destruction of the people of !uguo has been so complete. *eaven shall not overloo$ this crime.C The officers #ere deeply moved.

Then 1eng *uo #as summoned. *e appeared and fell upon his $nees. *is limbs #ere freed from the bonds, and he #as sent into a side tent for refreshment. The chief prisoners #ere 1eng *uo, ,ady "hurong, 1eng Bou, and Dai ,ai. There #ere many of his clan as #ell. +s they #ere eating and drin$ing, a messenger appeared in the door of the tent and addressed the 5ing@ CThe 7rime 1inister is ashamed and does not #ish to see you again, Sir. *e has sent me to release you. Bou may enlist another army if you can and once more try a decisive battle. Fo# you may go.C 'ut instead of going 1eng *uo began to #eep. CSeven times a captive and seven times released=C said the 5ing. CSurely there #as never anything li$e it in the #hole #orld. I am not entirely devoid of a sense of propriety and rectitude. Does he thin$ that I feel no shameGC Thereupon he and all his follo#ers fell upon their $nees and cra#led to the tent of the )ommander6in6)hief and begged pardon, saying, CO 1inister, you are the ma>esty of *eaven. !e people of the south #ill offer no more opposition.C CThen you yieldGC said "huge ,iang, sighing. CI and my children and grandchildren are deeply affected by your all6pervading and life6giving mercy. Fo# ho# can #e not yieldGC "huge ,iang as$ed 1eng *uo to come up into the tent and be seated, and he prepared a ban uet of felicitation. +lso he confirmed 1eng *uo in his $ingship and restored all the places that had been captured. 4veryone #as over#helmed #ith "huge ,iang(s generosity, and they all #ent a#ay re>oicing. + poem has praised "huge ,iang(s action@ *e rode in his chariot green, In his hand >ust a feather fan, Seven times he released a $ing +s part of his con uering plan. *aving chosen a beautiful spot !here the valleys debauch on the plain, ,est his $indness should ever be forgot, The van uished erected a fane. *igh )ounselor 3ei Bi ventured to remonstrate #ith "huge ,iang on his policy. *e said, CBou, O 1inister, have led the army this long >ourney into the #ilds and have reduced the 1ang country, and have brought about the submission of the $ing. !hy not appoint officials to share in the administration and hold the landGC

"huge ,iang replied, CThere are three difficulties. To leave foreigners implies leaving a guard for them@ There is the difficulty of feeding the guard. The 1angs have lost many of their relatives. To leave foreigners #ithout the guard #ill invite a calamity@ This is the second difficulty. +mong the 1angs, dethronements and murders are fre uent, and there #ill be enmities and suspicions. 3oreigners and they #ill be mutually distrustful@ This is the third difficulty. If I do not leave our people, I shall not have to send supplies, #hich ma$es for peace and freedom from trouble.C They had to agree that the policy #as #ise. The $indness of the con ueror #as re#arded by the gratitude of these southern people, and they even erected a shrine in his honor, #here they sacrificed at the four seasons. +s "huge ,iang and 1eng *uo declared peace, the >oy spread to all ravines and villages. +nd the people sent gifts of >e#els, cinnabar, lac uer, medicines, plo#ing cattle, and chargers for the use of the army. +nd they pledged themselves not to rebel. !hen the feastings to the soldiers #ere finished, the army marched home#ard to Shu. !ei Ban #as in command of the advanced column. *e marched to the River ,u. 'ut on his arrival the clouds gathered and a gale ble# over the face of the #aters. 'ecause of the force of the gale, the army could not advance. !ei Ban then returned and reported the matter to his chief. "huge ,iang called in 1eng *uo to as$ #hat this might mean. The 1angs beyond the border have yielded no# at last, The #ater demons raging mad #on(t let the Shu men go past. The neAt chapter #ill contain 1eng *uo(s eAplanation.

Chapter 99 Zhuge Liang Defeats The Wei Army; Sima Yi Invades The West River Land.

The fourth month of Beginning Prosperity, seventh year (AD 229), found Zhuge Liang camped at ishan in three camps, !aiting to attac" #ei$ #hen %ima &i reached 'hangan, the officer in command, Zhang (e, to)d him a)) that had happened$ (e gave Zhang (e the post of Leader of the *an, !ith Dai Ling as his Assistant +enera) and a hundred thousand troops, and then marched out to!ard the enemy, camping on ,iver #ei-s south .an"$ #hen the )oca) commanders +uo (uai and %un Li !ent to see the ne! 'ommander/in/'hief, he as"ed, 0(ave you fought any .att)e !ith %hu10

02ot yet,0 said they$ %ima &i said, 0The enemy had a )ong march3 their chance )ay in attac"ing 4uic")y$ As they have not attac"ed, they have some deep )aid scheme to !or" out$ #hat ne!s have you from the counties of #est *a))ey Land10 +uo (uai rep)ied, 0The scouts say that the greatest care is .eing ta"en in every county$ But there is no ne!s from #udu and &inping$0 05 must send someone to fight a decisive .att)e !ith them there$ &ou get a!ay as 4uic")y and privi)y as you can to the rescue of those t!o cities, and then attac" the rear of the %hu army so as to thro! them into disorder$0 They set out to o.ey these orders, and on the !ay they fe)) to discussing %ima &i$ 0(o! does %ima &i compare !ith Zhuge Liang10 said +uo (uai$ 0Zhuge Liang is .y far the .etter,0 rep)ied %un Li$ 0Though Zhuge Liang may .e the c)everer, yet this scheme of our )eader-s sho!s him to .e superior to most peop)e$ The enemy may have got those t!o cities$ &et !hen !e une6pected)y fa)) upon their rear, they !i)) certain)y .e disordered$0 %oon after this a scout came in to report7 0#ang Ping has captured &inping, and #udu is in possession of 8iang #ei$ 9urthermore, the %hu army is not far in front$0 %aid %un Li, 0There is some crafty scheme afoot$ #hy are they prepared for .att)e in the open !hen they ho)d t!o cities1 #e had .etter retire$0 +uo (uai agreed, and they issued orders to face a.out and retreat$ 8ust then a .om. e6p)oded, and, at the same time, there sudden)y appeared from the cover of some hi))s a sma)) .ody of troops$ :n the f)ag that came for!ard they read (an Prime ;inister Zhuge Liang, and in the midst of the company they sa! him, seated in a sma)) chariot$ :n his )eft !as +uan <ing, and on his right Zhang Bao$ They !ere 4uite ta"en a.ac"$

Zhuge Liang )aughed and said, 0Do not run a!ay= Did you thin" that your )eader-s ruse !ou)d ta"e me in1 %ima &i sent a cha))enge to fight every day, indeed, !hi)e you !ere to s)ip round .ehind my army and attac"= 5 have the t!o cities///#udu and &inping$ 5f you have not come to surrender, then hurry up and fight a .att)e !ith me$0 By no! +uo (uai and %un Li !ere rea))y frightened$ Then .ehind them there rose a shout as of .att)e, and #ang Ping and 8iang #ei .egan to smite them in the rear, !hi)e +uan <ing and Zhang Bao .ore do!n upon them in front$ They !ere soon utter)y .ro"en, and the t!o )eaders escaped .y scram.)ing up the hi))side$ Zhang Bao sa! them, and !as urging his steed for!ard to catch them, !hen unhappi)y he and his horse !ent over together into a gu))y$ #hen they pic"ed him up, they found that he had .een "ic"ed in the head and !as .ad)y hurt$ Zhuge Liang sent him .ac" to 'hengdu$ 5t has .een said that +uo (uai and %un Li escaped$ They got .ac" to %ima &i-s camp and said, 0#udu and &inping !ere .oth in the enemy-s possession, and Zhuge Liang had prepared an am.ush, so that !e !ere attac"ed front and rear$ #e )ost the day and on)y escaped on foot$0 05t is no fau)t of yours,0 said %ima &i$ 0The fact is he is sharper than 5$ 2o! go to defend &ongcheng and ;eicheng and remain on the defensive$ Do not go out to give .att)e$ 5 have a p)an to defeat them$0 These t!o having )eft, %ima &i ca))ed in Zhang (e and Dai Ling and said, 0Zhuge Liang has captured #udu and &inping$ (e must restore order and confidence among the peop)e of these p)aces and so !i)) .e a.sent from his camp$ &ou t!o !i)) ta"e ten thousand troops each, start tonight and ma"e your !ay 4uiet)y to the rear of the %hu army$ Then you !i)) attac" vigorous)y$ #hen you have done that, 5 sha)) )ead out the army in front of them and array ready for .att)e$ #hi)e they are in disorder, 5 sha)) ma"e my attac"$ Their camp ought to .e captured$ 5f 5 can !in the advantage of these hi))s, their defeat !i)) .e easy$0 These t!o )eft, Dai Ling marching on the )eft and Zhang (e on the right$ They too" .y/roads and got !e)) to the rear of the %hu army$ 5n

the third !atch they struc" the high road and >oined forces$ Then they marched to!ard the enemy$ After a.out ten mi)es there !as a ha)t in front$ The t!o )eaders ga))oped up to see !hat had caused it, and found many stra!/carts dra!n across the road$ 0The enemy has .een prepared,0 said Zhang (e$ 0#e shou)d return$0 8ust as they ordered the troops to turn a.out, torches .ro"e into f)ame a)) over the hi))s, the drums ro))ed, trumpets .)ared, and so)diers sprang out on every side$ At the same time Zhuge Liang shouted from the hi))/top, 0Dai Ling and Zhang (e, )isten to my !ords= &our master rec"oned that 5 shou)d .e .usy restoring order in the t!o cities and so shou)d not .e in my camp$ #herefore he sent you to ta"e the camp, and you have >ust fa))en into my snare$ As you are )eaders of no great importance, 5 sha)) not harm you$ Dismount and yie)d$0 Zhang (e-s !rath .)a?ed forth at this, and he pointed at Zhuge Liang, crying, 0&ou peasant out of the !oods, invader of our great country= (o! dare you use such !ords to me1 #ait ti)) 5 catch you7 5 !i)) tear you to shreds=0 (e ga))oped for!ard to ascend the hi)), his spear ready for the thrust$ But the arro!s and stones pe)ted too 4uic")y$ Then he turned and dashed in among the %hu so)diers, scattering them right and )eft$ (e got c)ear, .ut he sa! Dai Ling !as not !ith him$ At once he turned .ac", fought his !ay to his comrade and .rought Dai Ling out safe)y$ Zhuge Liang on the hi))/top !atched this !arrior and sa! he !as a right doughty fighting man$ 05 have heard that so)diers stood aghast !hen Zhang 9ei fought his great fight !ith Zhang (e$ 2o! 5 can >udge Zhang (e-s va)or for myse)f$ (e !i)) do harm to %hu one day if 5 spare him$ (e !i)) have to .e removed$0 Then Zhuge Liang returned to his camp$ By this time %ima &i had comp)eted his .att)e )ine and !as !aiting the moment of disorder in the %hu army to attac"$ Then he sa! Zhang (e and Dai Ling come )imping .ac" de>ected and crestfa))en$

They said, 0Zhuge Liang foresta))ed us$ (e !as !e)) prepared, and so !e !ere 4uite defeated$0 0(e is more than human=0 e6c)aimed %ima &i$ 0#e must retreat$0 %o the !ho)e army retired into the fortified camps and !ou)d not come out$ Thus a great victory fe)) to %hu, and their .ooty !as immense7 #eapons and horses innumera.)e$ Zhuge Liang )ed his army .ac" to camp$ Thereafter he sent parties to offer a cha))enge at the gate of the #ei camp every day, .ut the so)diers remained o.stinate)y .ehind their she)ters and !ou)d not appear$ #hen this had continued ha)f a month Zhuge Liang gre! sad$ Then came 9ei &i from 'apita) 'hengdu !ith an edict of the @mperor$ 9ei &i !as received !ith a)) respect, and incense !as .urnt as propriety demanded$ This done, the command !as unsea)ed, and Zhuge Liang read7 0The fai)ure at 8ieting !as rea))y due to the fau)t of ;a %u$ (o!ever, you he)d yourse)f responsi.)e and .)amed yourse)f very severe)y$ 5t !ou)d have .een a serious matter for me to have !ithstood your intentions, and so 5 did !hat you insisted on$ 0(o!ever, that !as a g)orious e6p)oit )ast year !hen #ang %huang !as s)ain$ This year, +uo (uai has .een driven .ac" and the iangs have .een reduced3 the t!o counties of #udu and &inping have .een captured3 you have driven fear into the hearts of a)) evi) doers and thus rendered magnificent services$ 0But the !or)d is in confusion, and the origina) evi) has not .een destroyed$ &ou fi)) a great office, for you direct the affairs of the state$ 5t is not !e)) for you to remain under a c)oud for any )ength of time and c)oa" your grand virtue, !herefore 5 restore you to the ran" of Prime ;inister and pray you not to dec)ine the honor$0 Zhuge Liang heard the edict to the end and then said, 0;y tas" is not yet accomp)ished$ (o! can 5 return to my duties as Prime ;inister1 5 must rea))y dec)ine to accept this$0 9ei &i said, 05f you dec)ine this, you f)out the desires of the @mperor and a)so sho! contempt for the fee)ings of the army$ At any rate accept for the moment$0

Then Zhuge Liang hum.)y .o!ed ac4uiescence$ 9ei &i too" )eave and returned$ %eeing that %ima &i remained o.stinate)y on the defensive, Zhuge Liang thought of a p)an .y !hich to dra! him$ (e gave orders to .rea" camp and retire$ #hen the scouts to)d %ima &i, he said, 0#e may not move$ 'ertain)y there is some deep craftiness in this move$0 Zhang (e said, 05t must mean that their food is e6hausted$ #hy not pursue10 05 rec"on that Zhuge Liang )aid up amp)e supp)ies )ast year$ 2o! the !heat is ripe, and he has p)enty of every sort$ Transport might .e difficu)t, .ut yet he cou)d ho)d out ha)f a year$ #hy shou)d he run a!ay1 (e sees that !e reso)ute)y refuse .att)e, and he is trying some ruse to inveig)e us into fighting$ %end out spies to a distance to see !hat is going on$0 They reconnoitered a )ong !ay round, and the scouts returned to say that a camp had .een formed ten mi)es a!ay$ 0Ah, then he is not running a!ay,0 said %ima &i$ 0,emain on the defensive sti)) more strict)y and do not advance$0 Ten days passed !ithout further ne!s3 nor did the so)diers of %hu offer the usua) cha))enge$ Again spies !ere sent far afie)d, and they reported a further retreat of ten mi)es and a ne! encampment$ 0Zhuge Liang is certain)y !or"ing some scheme,0 said %ima &i$ 0Do not pursue$0 Another ten days passed and spies !ent out$ The enemy had gone ten mi)es farther and encamped$ Zhang (e said, 0#hat ma"es you so over/suspicious1 5 can see that Zhuge Liang is retreating into (an?hong, on)y he is doing it gradua))y and arousing our suspicion$ #hy not pursue .efore it is too )ate$ Let me go and fight one .att)e$0 02o,0 said %ima &i$ 0A defeat !ou)d destroy the mora)e of our so)diers, and 5 !i)) not ris" it$ Zhuge Liang-s vi)e tric"s are innumera.)e$0

05f 5 go and get .eaten, 5 !i)) stand the fu)) rigor of mi)itary punishment,0 said Zhang (e$ 0#e)), if you are set on going, !e !i)) divide the army$ &ou ta"e your !ing and go, .ut you !i)) have to fight your .est$ 5 !i)) fo))o! to he)p in case of need$ Tomorro! you shou)d march on)y ha)f!ay and rest your troops for the .att)e$0 %o Zhang (e got independent command of thirty thousand troops and too" Dai Ling as his second in command, and he had a fe! score of genera)s as assistants$ (a)f!ay they camped$ Then %ima &i, )eaving a su.stantia) guard for his camp, set out a)ong the same road !ith fifty thousand troops$ Zhuge Liang "ne! the movements of the army of #ei and !hen Zhang (e-s army camped to rest$ 5n the night he summoned his genera)s and to)d them$ 0The enemy are coming in pursuit and !i)) fight desperate)y$ &ou !i)) have to fight everyone of you )i"e ten, .ut 5 !i)) set an am.ush to attac" their rear$ :n)y a !ise and .o)d )eader is fit for this tas"$0 #ang Ping stepped forth and said he !as !i))ing to go on this e6pedition$ 0But if you fai), !hat then10 said Zhuge Liang$ 0Then there is the mi)itary ru)e$0 Zhuge Liang sighed$ 0#ang Ping is most )oya)$ (e is !i))ing to ris" !ounds and death in his country-s service$ (o!ever, the enemy are in t!o divisions, one coming in front, the other trying to get round to the rear$ #ang Ping is crafty and .o)d, .ut he cannot .e in t!o p)aces at once, so 5 must have yet another genera)$ 5s it that among you there is no other !i))ing to devote himse)f to death10 (e did not !ait )ong for a rep)y$ Zhang &i stepped to the front$ 0Zhang (e is a most famous )eader in #ei and va)orous .eyond a)) compare$ &ou are not a match for him,0 said Zhuge Liang$ 05f 5 fai), may my head fa)) at the tent door,0 said Zhang &i$ 0%ince you !ish to go, 5 accept you$ @ach of you sha)) have ten thousand veterans$ &ou !i)) hide in the va))eys ti)) the enemy come

up, and you !i)) )et them pass$ Then you !i)) fa)) upon their rear$ 5f %ima &i comes, you must divide the army, Zhang &i to ho)d the rear and #ang Ping to chec" the advance$ But they !i)) fight desperate)y, and 5 must find a !ay to aid you$0 #hen they had gone, 8iang #ei and Liao (ua !ere ca))ed, and Zhuge Liang said, 05 am going to give you a si)"en .ag$ &ou are to proceed secret)y into those mountains in front$ #hen you see that Zhang &i and #ang Ping are in great straits !ith the enemy, then open the .ag and you !i)) find a p)an of escape$0 After this he gave secret instructions to four other genera)s///(u Ban, #u &i, ;a Zheng, and Zhang 2i///to o.serve the enemy and, if the enemy seemed confident of victory, to retire, fighting at interva)s, ti)) they sa! +uan <ing come up, !hen they cou)d turn and fight their .est$ Then ca))ing +uan <ing, he said to them, 0(ide in the va))eys !ith five thousand troops ti)) you see a red f)ag f)utter out, and then fa)) on the enemy$0 Zhang (e and Dai Ling hurried a)ong )i"e a rain s4ua)) ti)) they !ere sudden)y confronted .y ;a Zheng, Zhang 2i, #u &i, and (u Ban$ Zhang (e dashed to!ard his enemy, and then they retired, stopping at interva)s to fight$ The #ei army pursued for a.out seven mi)es$ 5t !as the si6th moon and very hot, so that so)diers and horses s!eated profuse)y$ #hen they had gone ten mi)es farther, the so)diers and horses !ere panting and near)y spent$ Then Zhuge Liang, !ho had !atched the fighting from a hi)), gave the signa) for +uan <ing to emerge and >oin .att)e$ ;a Zheng, Zhang 2i, (u Ban, and #u &i a)) )ed on their troops$ Zhang (e and Dai Ling fought !e)), .ut they cou)d not e6tricate themse)ves and retire$ Present)y, !ith a ro)) of drums, #ang Ping and Zhang &i came out and made for the rear to cut the retreat$ 0#hy do you not fight to death10 shouted Zhang (e to his genera)s !hen he sa! the ne! dangers$ The so)diers of #ei dashed this !ay and that, .ut !ere stayed at every attempt$ Then there !as heard another ro)) of drums, and %ima &i came up in the rear$ (e at once signa)ed to his genera)s to surround #ang Ping and Zhang &i$

0:ur minister is tru)y !onderfu)$ The .att)e goes >ust as he foreto)d,0 cried Zhang &i$ 0(e !i)) sure)y send he)p no!, and !e !i)) fight to the death$0 Thereupon the %hu force !ere divided into t!o parties$ #ang Ping )ed one army to ho)d up Zhang (e and Dai Ling3 Zhang &i )ed the other division to oppose %ima &i$ :n .oth sides the fighting !as "een and continued a)) the day$ 9rom their station on a hi)), 8iang #ei and Liao (ua !atched the .att)e$ They sa! that the #ei force !as very strong and their side !as in danger and s)o!)y giving !ay$ 02o! sure)y is the moment to open the .ag,0 said 8iang #ei$ %o the .ag !as opened, and they read the )etter$ 5t said7 05f %ima &i comes and #ang Ping and Zhang &i seem hard pressed, you are to divide forces and go off to attac" %ima &i-s camp, !hich !i)) cause him to retire, and then you can attac" him as his army is in disorder$ The actua) capture of the camp is not of great moment$0 %o 8iang #ei and Liao (ua divided the force and started for the enemy-s camp$ 2o! %ima &i had rea))y feared that he !ou)d fa)) victim to some ruse of Zhuge Liang, so he had arranged for messengers and ne!s to meet him at interva)s a)ong the road$ %ima &i !as pressing his troops to fight !hen a messenger ga))oped up to report7 0The so)diers of %hu are ma"ing for the main camp .y t!o directions$0 %ima &i !as frightened and changed co)or$ (e turned on his genera)s, saying, 05 "ne! Zhuge Liang !ou)d p)an some tric", .ut you did not .e)ieve me$ &ou forced me to pursue, and no! the !ho)e scheme has gone astray$0 Thereupon he gathered in his army and turned to retire$ The troops !ent hurried)y and got into disorder$ Zhang &i came up .ehind, causing huge damage to the #ei army$ Zhang (e and Dai Ling, having .ut fe! troops )eft, sought refuge among the hi))s$ The victory !as to %hu, and +uan <ing came up he)ping in the rout !herever there appeared a chance to stri"e$

%ima &i, defeated, hurried to the camp$ But !hen he reached it, the army of %hu had a)ready )eft$ (e gathered in his .ro"en army and a.used his genera)s as the cause of his fai)ure$ 0&ou are a)) ignorant of the proper !ay to !age !ar, and thin" it simp)y a matter of va)or and rude strength$ This is the resu)t of your un.rid)ed desire to go out and give .att)e$ 9or the future no one of you !i)) move !ithout definite orders, and 5 !i)) app)y strict mi)itary )a! to any !ho diso.ey$0 They !ere a)) great)y ashamed and retired to their 4uarters$ 5n this fight the )osses of #ei !ere very heavy, not on)y in so)diers, .ut in horses and !eapons$ Zhuge Liang )ed his victorious army to their camp$ (e intended to advance again, !hen a messenger arrived from 'apita) 'hengdu !ith the sad ne!s that Zhang Bao had died$ #hen they to)d Zhuge Liang he uttered a great cry, .)ood gushed from his mouth and he fe)) in a s!oon$ (e !as raised and ta"en to his tent, .ut he !as too i)) to march and had to "eep his .ed$ (is genera)s !ere much grieved$ A )ater poet sang7 9ierce and va)iant !as Zhang Bao, %triving hard to ma"e a name3 %ad the gods shou)d interfere And !ithho)d a hero-s fame= Zhuge Liang !ept his end 5n the !estern !inds .)o!ing$ 9or he "ne! the !arrior gone, This grieving is .eyond "no!ing$ Zhuge Liang-s i))ness continued$ Ten days )ater he summoned to his tent Dong 8ue and 9an 8ian, and said, 05 fee) void and am too i)) to carry on, and the .est thing for me is to return into (an?hong and get !e))$ &ou are to "eep my a.sence perfect)y secret, for %ima &i !i)) certain)y attac" if he hears$0 Zhuge Liang issued orders to .rea" up the camp that night, and the army retired into (an?hong forth!ith$ %ima &i on)y heard of it five days )ater, and he "ne! that again he had .een out!itted$

0The man appears )i"e a god and disappears )i"e a demon$ (e is too much for me,0 sighed %ima &i$ %ima &i set certain genera)s over the camp and p)aced others to guard the commanding positions, and he a)so marched home!ard$ As soon as the %hu army !as sett)ed in (an?hong, Zhuge Liang !ent to 'hengdu for treatment$ The officia)s of a)) ran"s came to greet him and escort him to his pa)ace$ The Latter ,u)er a)so came to in4uire after his condition and sent his o!n physicians to treat him$ %o gradua))y he recovered$ 5n Beginning Prosperity, eighth year and seventh month (AD 2AB), 'ao Zhen, the +rand 'ommander in #ei, had recovered, and he sent a memoria) to his master, saying, 0%hu has invaded more than once and threatened 'hangan$ 5f this state .e not destroyed, it !i)) u)timate)y .e our ruin$ The autumn coo)ness is no! here$ The army is in good form, and it is the time most favora.)e for an attac" on %hu$ 5 desire to ta"e %ima &i as co))eague and march into (an?hong to e6terminate this !retched horde and free the .orders from trou.)e$0 Persona))y, the ,u)er of #ei approved, .ut he consu)ted Liu &e, saying, 0'ao Zhen proposes an attac" on %hu$ (o! a.out that10 Liu &e rep)ied, 0The +rand 'ommander spea"s !e))$ 5f that state .e not destroyed, it !i)) .e to our hurt$ &our ;a>esty shou)d give effect to his desire$0 The ,u)er of #ei nodded$ #hen Liu &e !ent home, a cro!d of officers f)oc"ed to in4uire, saying, 0#e heard the @mperor has consu)ted you a.out an e6pedition against %hu7 #hat thin" you10 02o such thing,0 said Liu &e$ 0%hu is too difficu)t a country to invade$ 5t !ou)d .e a mere !aste of humans and !eapons$0 They )eft him$ Then &ang 8in !ent into the @mperor and said, 05t is said that yesterday Liu &e advised &our ;a>esty to fa)) upon %hu$ Today !hen !e ta)"ed !ith him, he said %hu cou)d not .e attac"ed$ This is treating &our ;a>esty !ith indignity, and you shou)d issue a command to punish him$0

#herefore 'ao ,ui ca))ed in Liu &e and as"ed him to e6p)ain$ Liu &e rep)ied, 05 have studied the detai)s$ %hu cannot .e attac"ed$0 'ao ,ui )aughed$ 5n a short time &ang 8in )eft$ Then Liu &e said, 0&esterday 5 advised &our ;a>esty to attac" %hu$ That .eing a matter of state po)icy shou)d .e divu)ged to no person$ The essentia) of a mi)itary move is secrecy$0 Then 'ao ,ui understood, and thereafter Liu &e !as he)d in greater consideration$ Ten days )ater %ima &i came to court, and 'ao Zhen-s memoria) !as sho!n him$ %ima &i rep)ied, 0The moment is opportune$ 5 do not thin" there is any danger from #u$0 'ao Zhen !as created ;inister of #ar, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est, and 'ommander/in/'hief of the #estern @6pedition3 %ima &i !as made +rand 'ommander, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est, and !as second in command3 and Liu &e !as made 5nstructor of the Army$ These three then )eft the court, and the army of four hundred thousand troops marched to 'hangan, intending to dash to %a.er Pass and attac" (an?hong$ The army !as >oined .y +uo (uai and %un Li$ The defenders of (an?hong .rought the ne!s to Zhuge Liang, then 4uite recovered and engaged in training his army and e)a.orating the 0@ight Arrays0$ A)) !as in an efficient state and ready for an attac" on 'hangan$ #hen Zhuge Liang heard of the intended attac", he ca))ed up Zhang 2i and #ang Ping and gave orders7 0&ou are to )ead one thousand troops to 'hencang and garrison that road so as to chec" the #ei army$0 The t!o rep)ied, 05t is said the #ei army num.ers four hundred thousand, though they pretend to have eight hundred thousand$ But they are very numerous, and a thousand troops is a very sma)) force to meet them$0

Zhuge Liang rep)ied, 05 !ou)d give you more, .ut 5 fear to ma"e it hard for the so)diers$ 5f there .e a fai)ure, 5 sha)) not ho)d you responsi.)e$ 5 send you thus3 you may .e sure there is a meaning in it$ 5 o.served the stars yesterday, and 5 see there !i)) .e a tremendous rain this month$ The army of #ei may consist of any num.er of )egions, .ut they !i)) .e una.)e to penetrate into a mountainous country$ %o there is no need to send a )arge force$ &ou !i)) come to no harm, and 5 sha)) )ead the main .ody into (an?hong and rest for a month !hi)e the enemy retreats$ Then 5 sha)) smite them$ ;y strong army needs on)y one hundred thousand to defeat their !orn four hundred thousand$ Do not say any more, .ut get off 4uic")y$0 This satisfied #ang Ping and Zhang 2i, and they )eft, !hi)e Zhuge Liang )ed the main .ody out to!ard (an?hong$ ;oreover, every station !as ordered to )ay in a stoc" of !ood and stra! and grain enough for a !ho)e month-s use, ready against the autumn rains$ A month-s ho)iday !as given, and food and c)othing !ere issued in advance$ The e6pedition !as postponed for the present$ #hen 'ao Zhen and %ima &i approached 'hencang and entered the city, they cou)d not find a sing)e house$ They 4uestioned some of the peop)e near, !ho said, 0Zhuge Liang had .urned everything .efore he )eft$0 Then 'ao Zhen proposed to advance a)ong the road, .ut %ima &i opposed, saying that the stars foreto)d much rain$ 05 have !atched the (eaven, and the stars- movement signa)s )ong rains$ 5f !e get deep in a difficu)t country and are a)!ays victorious, it is a)) very !e))$ But if !e )ose, !e sha)) not get out again$ Better remain in this city and .ui)d !hat she)ter !e can against the rains$0 'ao Zhen fo))o!ed his advice$ 5n the midd)e of the month the rain .egan, and came do!n in a de)uge so that the surrounding country !as three feet under !ater$ The e4uipment of the so)diers !as soa"ed, and the so)diers themse)ves cou)d get no p)ace to s)eep$ 9or a !ho)e month the rain continued$ The horses cou)d not .e fed, and the so)diers grum.)ed incessant)y$ They sent to Luoyang, and the ,u)er of #ei himse)f ceremonia))y prayed for fine !eather, .ut !ith no effect$ ;inister #ang %u sent up a memoria)7

0The histories say that !hen supp)ies have to .e conveyed a )ong distance, the so)diers are starved3 if they have to gather .rush!ood .efore they can coo", then the army is not fu)) fed$ This app)ies to ordinary e6peditions in an ordinary country$ 5f, in addition, the army has to march through a difficu)t country and roads have to .e cut, the )a.or is dou.)ed$ 2o! this e6pedition is hindered .y rain and steep and s)ippery hi))s3 movement is cramped and supp)ies can on)y .e maintained !ith difficu)ty$ A)) is most unpropitious to the army$ 0'ao Zhen has .een gone over a month and has on)y got ha)f through the va))ey$ ,oad ma"ing is monopo)i?ing a)) energies, and the fighting so)diers have to !or" on them$ The state of affairs is the opposite to idea), and the fighting so)diers dis)i"e it$ 05 may 4uote certain para))e)s$ Cing #u of Zhou attac"ed the )ast "ing of %hang Dynasty3 he !ent through the pass, .ut returned$ 5n recent times @mperors 'ao and Pi, attac"ing %un uan, reached the river, and !ent no farther$ Did they not recogni?e )imitations and act according)y1 5 pray &our ;a>esty remem.er the grave difficu)ties caused .y the rain and put an end to this e6pedition$ By and .y another occasion !i)) arise for using force, and in the >oy of overcoming difficu)ties the peop)e !i)) forget death$0 The ,u)er of #ei cou)d not ma"e up his mind, .ut t!o other memoria)s .y &ang 9u and (ua <in fo))o!ed, and then he issued the command to return, !hich !as sent to 'ao Zhen and %ima &i$ 'ao Zhen and %ima &i had a)ready discussed the a.andonment of the e6pedition$ 'ao Zhen had said, 0#e have had rain for a !ho)e month, and the so)diers are do!nhearted and thin" on)y of getting home again$ (o! can !e stop them10 %ima &i rep)ied, 0,eturn is .est$0 05f Zhuge Liang pursue, ho! sha)) !e repu)se him10 0#e can )eave an am.ush$0 #hi)e they !ere discussing this matter, the @mperor-s command arrived$ #hereupon they faced a.out and marched home!ard$

2o! Zhuge Liang had rec"oned upon this month of rain and so had had his troops camped in a safe p)ace$ Then he ordered the main army to assem.)e at ,ed %)ope and camp there$ (e summoned his officers to his tent and said, 05n my opinion the enemy must retire, for the ,u)er of #ei !i)) issue such an order$ To retreat needs preparation, and if !e pursue, !e !i)) fa)) in their trap$ %o !e !i)) )et them retire !ithout mo)estation$ %ome other p)an must .e evo)ved$0 %o !hen #ang Ping sent ne!s of the retreat of the enemy, the messenger carried .ac" the order not to pursue$ 5t is on)y )ost )a.or to cover retreat #hen your enemy does not pursue$ By !hat means Zhuge Liang intended to defeat #ei !i)) .e to)d in the ne6t chapter$ Chapter !! Raiding A Camp" The Shu S#$diers Defeat Ca# Zhen; C#ntesting Array %att$es" Zhuge Liang Shames Sima Yi.

#hen the %hu officers got to "no! that the #ei army had gone .ut they !ere not to pursue, they !ere inc)ined to discontent and !ent in a .ody to the Prime ;inister-s tent and said, 0The rain has driven the enemy a!ay$ %ure)y it is the moment to pursue$0 Zhuge Liang rep)ied, 0%ima &i is an a.)e )eader !ho !ou)d not retreat !ithout )eaving an am.ush to cover it$ 5f !e pursue !e sha)) fa)) victims$ Let him go in peace, and 5 sha)) then get through the <ie *a))ey and ta"e ishan, ma"ing use of the enemy-s )ac" of defense$0 0But there are other !ays of ta"ing 'hangan,0 said they$ 0#hy on)y ta"e ishan10 0Because ishan is the first step to 'hangan, and 5 !ant to gain the advantage of position$ And every transportation from the #est *a))ey Land must come this !ay$ 5t rests on ,iver #ei in front and is .ac"ed .y the <ie *a))ey$ 5t gives the greatest freedom of movement and is a natura) maneuvering ground$ That is !hy 5 !ant it$0 They .o!ed to his !isdom$

Then Zhuge Liang dispatched #ei &an, Zhang 2i, Du iong, and 'hen %hi for +u *a))ey3 and he sent ;a Dai, #ang Ping, Zhang &i, and ;a Zheng for the <ie *a))ey3 a)) !ere to meet at the ishan ;ountains$ (e )ed the main army himse)f, !ith +uan <ing and Liao (ua in the van$ #hen the #ei army retreated, 'ao Zhen and %ima &i remained in the rear superintending the movement$ They sent a reconnoitering party a)ong the o)d road to 'hencang, and they returned saying no enemy !as to .e seen$ Ten days )ater the )eaders, !ho had commanded in the am.ush, >oined the main .ody saying that they had seen no sign of the enemy$ 'ao Zhen said, 0This continuous autumn rain has rendered a)) the p)an" trai)sD impassa.)e$ (o! cou)d the so)diers of %hu "no! of our retreat10 0They !i)) appear )ater,0 said %ima &i$ 0(o! can you "no!10 0These )ate five dry days they have not pursued, .ecause they thin" !e sha)) have )eft a rearguard in am.ush$ Therefore they have )et us get !e)) a!ay$ But after !e have gone, they !i)) try to occupy ishan$0 'ao Zhen !as not convinced$ 0#hy do you dou.t10 as"ed %ima &i$ 05 thin" Zhuge Liang !i)) certain)y advance .y !ay of the t!o va))eys, and you and 5 shou)d guard the entrances$ 5 give them ten days, and if they do not appear, 5 !i)) come to your camp painted in the face to o!n my mista"e$0 05f the army of %hu do appear, 5 !i)) give you the gird)e and the steed that the @mperor gave me,0 rep)ied 'ao Zhen$ And they sp)it their force, 'ao Zhen ta"ing up his station on the !est of ishan in the <ie *a))ey, and %ima &i going to the east in the +u *a))ey$ As soon as the camp !as sett)ed, %ima &i )ed a cohort into hiding in the va))ey$ The remainder of the force !as p)aced in detachments on the chief roads$

%ima &i disguised himse)f as a so)dier and !ent among the so)diers to get a private survey of a)) the camps$ 5n one of them he happened upon a >unior officer !ho !as comp)aining, saying, 0The rain has drenched us for days, and they !ou)d not retire$ 2o! they have camped here for a !ager$ They have no pity for us so)diers$0 %ima &i returned to his tent and assem.)ed his officers$ (au)ing out the grum.)er, %ima &i said to him, angri)y, 0The state feeds and trains so)diers a thousand days for one hour-s service$ (o! dare you give vent to your sp)een to the detriment of discip)ine10 The man !ou)d not confess, so his comrades !ere ca))ed to .ear !itness$ %ti)) he !ou)d not o!n up$ 05 am not here for a !ager, .ut to overcome %hu,0 said %ima &i$ 02o! you a)) have done !e)) and are going home, .ut on)y this fe))o! comp)ains and is gui)ty of mutinous conduct$0 %ima &i ordered the )ictors to put him to death, and in a short time they produced his head$ The others !ere terrified, .ut %ima &i said, 0A)) you must do your utmost to guard against the enemy$ #hen you hear a .om. e6p)ode, rush out on a)) sides and attac"$0 #ith this order they retired$ 2o! #ei &an, Zhang 2i, 'hen %hi, and Du iong, !ith t!enty thousand troops, entered the +u *a))ey$ As they !ere marching, Adviser Deng Zhi came$ 05 .ear an order from the Prime ;inister$ As you go out of the va))ey, .e!are of the enemy,0 said Deng Zhi$ 'hen %hi said, 0#hy is the Prime ;inister so fu)) of dou.ts1 #e "no! the so)diers of #ei have suffered severe)y from the rain and must hasten home$ They !i)) not )ay any am.ush$ #e are doing dou.)e marches and sha)) gain a great victory$ #hy are !e to de)ay10 Deng Zhi rep)ied, 0&ou "no! the Prime ;inister-s p)ans a)!ays succeed$ (o! dare you diso.ey his orders10

'hen %hi smi)ed, saying, 05f he !as rea))y so resourcefu), !e shou)d not have )ost 8ieting$0 #ei &an, reca))ing that Zhuge Liang had re>ected his p)an, a)so )aughed, and said, 05f he had )istened to me and gone out through Zi!u *a))ey, not on)y 'hangan .ut Luoyang too !ou)d .e ours$ 2o! he is .ent on ta"ing ishan$ #hat is the good of it1 (e gave us the order to advance and no! he stops us$ Tru)y the orders are confusing$0 Then said 'hen %hi, 05 !i)) te)) you !hat 5 !i)) do$ 5 sha)) ta"e on)y five thousand troops, get through the +u *a))ey, and camp at ishan$ Then you !i)) see ho! ashamed the Prime ;inister !i)) )oo"$0 Deng Zhi argued and persuaded, .ut to no avai)7 The !i))fu) )eader hurried on to get out of the va))ey$ Deng Zhi cou)d on)y return as 4uic")y as possi.)e and report$ 'hen %hi proceeded$ (e had gone a fe! mi)es !hen he heard a .om., and he !as in an am.ush$ (e tried to !ithdra!, .ut the va))ey !as fu)) of the enemy and he !as surrounded as in an iron cas"$ A)) his efforts to get out fai)ed$ Then there !as a shout, and #ei &an came to the rescue$ #ei &an saved his comrade, .ut 'hen %hi-s five thousand troops !as reduced to a.out five hundred, and these !ounded$ The #ei so)diers pursued, .ut t!o other divisions of Zhang 2i and Du iong prevented the pursuit, and fina))y the army of #ei retired$ 'hen %hi and #ei &an !ho had critici?ed Zhuge Liang-s po!ers of prevision no )onger dou.ted that he sa! very c)ear)y$ They regretted their o!n shortsightedness$ #hen Deng Zhi to)d his chief of the .ad .ehavior of 'hen %hi and #ei &an, Zhuge Liang on)y )aughed$ %aid he, 0#ei &an has .een disposed to diso.ey and resent$ (o!ever, 5 va)ue his va)or, and so 5 have emp)oyed him$ But he !i)) do rea) harm some day$0 Then came a messenger, !ho reported, 0'hen %hi had fa))en into an am.ush and )ost more than four thousand troops$ (e has )ed his remained five hundred horse .ac" to the gorge$0

Zhuge Liang sent Deng Zhi .ac" again to +u *a))ey to conso)e !ith 'hen %hi and so "eep him from actua) mutiny$ Then Zhuge Liang ca))ed to his tent ;a Dai and #ang Ping, and said, 05f there are any troops of #ei in the <ie *a))ey, you are to go across the mountains, marching .y night and concea)ing yourse)ves .y day, and ma"e for the east of ishan$ #hen you arrive, ma"e a fire as a signa)$0 2e6t he gave orders to ;a Zheng and Zhang 2i, saying, 0&ou are to fo))o! the .y/roads to the !est of ishan$ &ou are a)so to march .y night and concea) .y day$ Then you are to >oin up !ith ;a Dai and #ang Ping$ The four of you sha)) ma"e a >oint attac" on 'ao Zhen-s camp$ 5 sha)) )ead the army through the va))ey and attac" the camp in the center$0 After the four +enera)s )eft, +uan <ing and Liao (ua a)so received secret orders$ The armies marched rapid)y$ 2ot )ong after starting, t!o other detachments )ed .y (u Ban and #u &i received secret orders and )eft the main .ody$ The dou.ts a.out the coming of the %hu army made 'ao Zhen care)ess, and he a))o!ed his so)diers to .ecome s)ac" and rest$ (e on)y thought of getting through the a))otted ten days, !hen he !ou)d have the )augh against his co))eague$ %even of the days had passed, !hen a scout reported a fe! odd men of %hu in the va))ey$ 'ao Zhen sent in Liang !ith five thousand troops to reconnoiter and "eep them at a distance$ in Liang he )ed his troops to the entrance of the va))ey$ As soon as he arrived, the enemy retired$ in Liang !ent after them, .ut they had disappeared$ (e !as perp)e6ed and pu??)ed, and !hi)e trying to decide, he to)d the troops to dismount and rest$ But a)most immediate)y he heard a shout, and am.ushing troops appeared in front of him$ (e >umped on his horse to )oo" a.out him, and sa! a great c)oud of dust rising among the hi))s$ (e disposed his troops for defense, .ut the shouting 4uic")y came nearer, and then (u Ban and #u &i appeared advancing to!ards him$ ,etreat !as impossi.)e for +uan <ing and Liao (ua had .)oc"ed the road$

The hi))s !ere on .oth sides, and from the hi))/tops came shouts of 0Dismount and yie)d=0 ;ore than ha)f did surrender$ s)ain .y Liao (ua$ in Liang rode out to fight, .ut he !as

Zhuge Liang put the #ei so)diers !ho had come over to his side in one of the rear divisions$ #ith their dress and arms, he disguised five thousand of his o!n troops so that they )oo"ed )i"e his enemies, and then he sent this division///under +uan <ing, Liao (ua, #u &i, and (u Ban///to raid 'ao Zhen-s camp$ Before they reached the camp, they sent one of their num.er ahead as a ga))oper to te)) 'ao Zhen that there had .een on)y a fe! men of %hu and they had a)) .een chased out of sight, and so )u)) him into security$ This ne!s satisfied 'ao Zhen$ But >ust then a trusty messenger from %ima &i came !ith a message7 0:ur troops have fa))en into an am.ush, and many have .een "i))ed$ Do not thin" any more a.out the !ager7 That is cance)ed$ But ta"e most carefu) precautions$0 0But there is not a sing)e so)dier of %hu near,0 said 'ao Zhen$ (e to)d the messenger to go .ac"$ 8ust then they to)d him in Liang-s army had returned, and he !ent out to meet them$ 8ust as he got near, someone remar"ed that some torches had f)ared up in the rear of his camp$ (e hastened thither to see$ As soon as he !as out of sight, the four )eaders !aved on their troops and dashed up to the camp$ At the same time ;a Dai and #ang Ping came up .ehind, and ;a Zheng and Zhang &i came out$ The so)diers of #ei !ere trapped and he)p)ess$ They scattered and f)ed for )ife$ 'ao Zhen, protected .y his genera)s, f)ed a!ay east!ard$ The enemy chased them c)ose)y$ As 'ao Zhen f)ed there arose a great shouting, and up came an army at fu)) speed$ 'ao Zhen thought a)) !as )ost, and his heart san", .ut it !as %ima &i, !ho drove off the pursuers$ Though 'ao Zhen !as saved, he !as a)most too ashamed to sho! his face$

Then said %ima &i, 0Zhuge Liang has sei?ed ishan, and !e cannot remain here$ Let us go to ,iver #ei, !hence !e may try to recover our )ost ground$0 0(o! did you "no! 5 !as in danger of defeat10 as"ed 'ao Zhen$ 0;y messenger to)d me that you said there !as not a sing)e so)dier of %hu near, and 5 "ne! Zhuge Liang !ou)d try to sei?e your camp$ %o 5 came to your he)p$ The enemy-s p)an succeeded, .ut !e !i)) say no more a.out that !ager$ #e must .oth do our .est for the country$0 But the fright and e6citement made 'ao Zhen i)), and he too" to his .ed$ And !hi)e the army !ere in such a state of disorder, %ima &i !as afraid to advise a return$ They camped at ,iver #ei$ After this adventure Zhuge Liang hastened .ac" to ishan$ After the so)diers had .een feasted and services recogni?ed, the four discontented )eaders///#ei &an, 'hen %hi, Du iong, and Zhang 2i/// came to the tent to apo)ogi?e$ 0#ho caused the )oss10 said Zhuge Liang$ #ei &an said, 0'hen %hi diso.eyed orders and rushed into the va))ey$0 0#ei &an to)d me to,0 said 'hen %hi$ 0#ou)d you sti)) try to drag him do!n after he rescued you10 said Zhuge Liang$ 0(o!ever, !hen orders have .een diso.eyed, it is use)ess to try and g)o?e it over$0 Zhuge Liang sentenced 'hen %hi to death, and he !as )ed a!ay$ %oon they .rought his head into the presence of the assem.)ed genera)s$ Zhuge Liang spared #ei &an as there !as yet !or" for him to accomp)ish$ After this, Zhuge Liang prepared to advance$ The scouts reported that 'ao Zhen !as i)), .ut !as .eing treated .y doctors in his tent$ The ne!s p)eased Zhuge Liang, and he said to his officers, 05f 'ao Zhen-s i))ness is s)ight, they !i)) sure)y return to 'hangan$ They must .e de)ayed .y his serious sic"ness$ (e stays on so that his so)diers may not )ose heart$ 2o! 5 !i)) !rite him such a )etter that he !i)) die$0

Then he ca))ed up the so)diers of #ei !ho had yie)ded, and said to them, 0&ou are #ei troops, and your fami)ies are a)) over there7 5t is !rong for you to serve me$ %uppose 5 )et you go home10 They than"ed him, fa))ing prostrate and !eeping$ Then Zhuge Liang continued, 09riend 'ao Zhen and 5 have a compact, and 5 have a )etter for him !hich you sha)) ta"e$ The .earer !i)) .e !e)) re!arded$0 They received the )etter and ran home to their o!n tents, !here they gave their 'ommander/in/'hief the )etter$ 'ao Zhen !as too i)) to rise, .ut he opened the cover and read7 0The Prime ;inister of (an, Zhuge Liang, to the ;inister of #ar, 'ao Zhen7 0&ou !i)) permit me to say that a )eader of an army shou)d .e a.)e to go and come, to .e faci)e and o.durate, to advance and retire, to sho! himse)f !ea" or strong, to .e immova.)e as mountains, to .e inscruta.)e as the operations of nature, to .e infinite as the universe, to .e ever)asting as the .)ue void, to .e vast as the ocean, to .e da??)ing as the )ights of heaven, to foresee droughts and f)oods, to "no! the nature of the ground, to understand the possi.i)ities of .att)e arrays, to con>ecture the e6ce))encies and defects of the enemy$ 0A)as= :ne of your sort, ignorant and inferior, rising impudent)y in heaven-s vau)t, has had the presumption to assist a re.e) to assume the imperia) sty)e and state at Luoyang, to send some misera.)e so)diers into <ie *a))ey$ There they happened upon drenching rain$ The difficu)t roads !earied .oth so)diers and horses, driving them frantic$ #eapons and armors )ittered the countryside, s!ords and spears covered the ground$ &ou, the 'ommander/in/'hief, !ere heart/.ro"en and co!ed, your genera)s f)ed )i"e rats$ &ou dare not sho! your faces at home, nor can you enter the ha))s of state$ The historians- pens !i)) record your defeats3 the peop)e !i)) recount your infamies7 -%ima &i is frightened !hen he hears of .att)e fronts, 'ao Zhen is a)armed at mere rumors$- ;y so)diers are fierce and their steeds strong3 my great genera)s are eager as tigers and ma>estic as dragons$ 5 sha)) s!eep the ;idd)e Land .are and ma"e #ei deso)ate$0

'ao Zhen-s !rath rose as he read$ At the end it fi))ed his .reast$ And he died that evening$ %ima &i sent his coffin to Luoyang on a !agon$ #hen the ,u)er of #ei heard of the death of 'ao Zhen, he issued an edict urging %ima &i to prosecute the !ar, to raise a great army, and to fight !ith Zhuge Liang$ %ima &i sent a dec)aration of !ar one day in advance, and Zhuge Liang rep)ied that he !ou)d fight on the morro!$ After the envoy had )eft, Zhuge Liang said, 0'ao Zhen must have died=0 (e ca))ed 8iang #ei .y night to receive secret orders$ (e a)so summoned +uan <ing and to)d him !hat to do$ 2e6t morning the !ho)e force marched to the .an" of ,iver #ei and too" up a position in a !ide p)ain !ith the river on one f)an" and hi))s on the other$ The t!o armies sa)uted each other-s appearance !ith heavy f)ights of arro!s$ After the drums had ro))ed thrice the #ei center opened at the great standard and %ima &i appeared, fo))o!ed .y his officers$ :pposite !as Zhuge Liang, in a four/horse chariot, !aving his feather fan$ %ima &i addressed Zhuge Liang, 0:ur master-s ascension of the Throne !as after the manner of Cing &ao, !ho a.dicated in favor of Cing %hun$ T!o emperors have succeeded and have their seat in the ;idd)e Land$ Because of his )i.era)ity and graciousness, my )ord has suffered the ru)e of %hu and #u )est the peop)e shou)d suffer in a strugg)e$ &ou, !ho are .ut a p)o!man from 2anyang, ignorant of the !ays of (eaven, !ish to invade us, and you shou)d .e destroyed$ But if you !i)) e6amine your heart and repent of your fau)t and retire, then each may maintain his o!n .orders, and a sett)ed state of three "ingdoms !i)) .e attained$ Thus the peop)e may .e spared distress, and you !i)) save your )ife$0 Zhuge Liang smi)ed and rep)ied, 0:ur 9irst ,u)er entrusted to me the custody of his orphan son7 Thin" you that 5 sha)) fai) to e6ert myse)f to the uttermost to destroy re.e)s against his authority1 &our so)diers of the 'ao fami)y !i)) soon .e e6terminated .y (an$ &our ancestors !ere servants of (an and for generations ate of their .ounty$ &et, instead of giving gratefu) service, you assist usurpers$ Are you not ashamed10

The f)ush of shame spread over %ima &i-s face, .ut he rep)ied, 0#e !i)) try the test of .att)e$ 5f you can con4uer, 5 p)edge myse)f to .e no )onger a )eader of armies$ But if you are defeated, then you !i)) retire at once to your o!n vi))age and 5 !i)) not harm you$0 0Do you desire a contest of genera)s, or of !eapons, or of .att)e array10 as"ed Zhuge Liang$ 0Let us try a contest of .att)e array,0 rep)ied %ima &i$ 0Then dra! up your array that 5 may see,0 said Zhuge Liang$ %ima &i !ithdre! !ithin the )ine and signa)ed to his officers !ith a ye))o! f)ag to dra! up their troops$ #hen he had finished, he rode again to the front, saying, 0Do you recogni?e my formation10 0The )east of my genera)s can do as !e)),0 said Zhuge Liang, smi)ing$ 0This is ca))ed the -Disorder/in/:rder- formation$0 02o! you try !hi)e 5 )oo" on,0 said %ima &i$ Zhuge Liang entered the )ines and !aved his fan$ Then he came out and said, 0Do you recogni?e that10 0:f course$ This is the -@ight Arrays-$0 0&es3 you seem to "no! it$ But dare you attac"10 0#hy not, since 5 "no! it10 rep)ied %ima &i$ 0Then you need on)y try$0 %ima &i entered the ran"s and ca))ed to him three genera)s///Dai Ling, Zhang (u, and &ue 'hen///to !hom he said, 0That formation consists of eight gates///Birth, @6it, @6panse, #ound, 9ear, Annihi)ation, :.stac)e, and Death$ &ou !i)) go in from the east at the +ate of Birth, turn to the south!est and ma"e your !ay out .y the +ate of Annihi)ation$ Then enter at the north, at the @6it +ate, and the formation !i)) .e .ro"en up$ But .e cautious$0 They started !ith Zhang (u )eading, Dai Ling ne6t, and &ue 'hen in rear, each !ith thirty horsemen$ They made their !ay in at the +ate of Birth amid the app)ause of .oth sides$ But !hen they had got

!ithin they found themse)ves facing a !a)) of troops and cou)d not find a !ay out$ They hasti)y )ed their men round .y the .ase of the )ine to!ard the south!est to rush out there$ But they !ere stopped .y a f)ight of arro!s$ They .ecame confused and sa! many gates, .ut they had )ost their .earings$ 2or cou)d they aid each other$ They dashed hither and thither in disorder, .ut the formation !as as if gathering c)ouds and ro))ing mists$ Then a shout arose, and each one !as sei?ed and .ound$ They !ere ta"en to the center, !here Zhuge Liang sat in his tent, and the three )eaders !ith their ninety men !ere ranged in front$ 05ndeed you are prisoners$ Are you surprised10 said Zhuge Liang, smi)ing$ 0But 5 !i)) set you free to return to your )eader, and te)) him to read his .oo"s again, and study his tactics, .efore he comes to try conc)usions !ith me$ &ou are pardoned, .ut )eave your !eapons and horses here$0 %o they !ere stripped of their arms and armors and their faces in"ed$ Thus !ere they )ed on foot out of the array$ %ima &i )ost his temper at sight of his peop)e thus put to shame$ %aid he, 0After this disgrace, ho! can 5 face the other officers in the ;idd)e Land10 (e gave the signa) for the army to fa)) on and attac" the enemy, and, grasping his s!ord, )ed his .rave genera)s into the fray and commanded the attac"$ But >ust as the t!o armies came to .)o!s, +uan <ing came up fromt the south!est, his drums ro))ing and troops shouting, and attac"ed$ %ima &i to)d off a division from the rear to oppose +uan <ing, and again turned to urge on his main .ody$ Then the army of #ei !as thro!n into confusion .y another attac" from 8iang #ei, !ho came up si)ent)y and >oined in the .att)e$ Thus three sides of the #ei army !ere attac"ed .y three different divisions of the enemy, and %ima &i decided to retire$ (o!ever, this !as difficu)t$ The so)diers of %hu hemmed him in and came c)oser every moment$ At )ast, .y a desperate push, he cut an a))ey to!ard the south and freed his army$ But he had )ost si6 or seven out of every ten of his so)diers$

The #ei army !ithdre! to the south .an" of ,iver #ei and camped$ They strengthened their position and remained entire)y on the defensive$ Zhuge Liang mustered his victorious army and returned to ishan$

2o! Li &an sent an officer, +enera) +ou An, from Baidicheng !ith a convoy of grain$ +ou An !as a drun"ard and )oitered on the road so that he arrived ten days )ate$ Zhuge Liang, angry at the de)ay, up.raided him, saying, 0This grain is of the utmost importance to the army and you de)ay it$ Three days- de)ay ought to mean the death pena)ty$ #hat can you say to this de)ay of ten10 +ou An !as sentenced to death and hust)ed out$ But &ang &i ventured to intervene, saying, 0+ou An is a servant of Li &an, and Li &an has sent )arge supp)ies of a)) sorts from the #est ,iver Land$ The road is )ong and difficu)t$ 5f you put this man to death, perhaps others !i)) not underta"e transport duty$0 Zhuge Liang then .ade the e6ecutioners )oose the offender, give him eighty .)o!s, and )et him go$ This punishment fi))ed +ou An-s heart !ith .itter resentment, and, in the night, he deserted to the enemy, he and his ha)f do?en persona) staff$ (e !as ta"en .efore %ima &i and to)d the ta)e of his !rongs$ 0&our ta)e may .e true, .ut it is hard to trust it,0 said %ima &i$ 0Zhuge Liang is fu)) of gui)e$ (o!ever, you may render me a service, and if you do, 5 !i)) as" the ,u)er of #ei that you may .e a))o!ed to serve him and o.tain a post for you$0 0#hatever you as", 5 !i)) do the .est 5 can,0 rep)ied the deserter$ 0Then go to 'hengdu and spread a )ying report that Zhuge Liang is angry !ith the po!ers there and means to ma"e himse)f emperor$ This !i)) get him reca))ed, and that !i)) .e a merit to you$0 +ou An accepted the treacherous mission$ 5n 'hengdu he got ho)d of the eunuchs, and to)d them his )ying ta)e that the Prime ;inister !as too proud of his services and !as a.out to use his s!eeping po!ers to usurp the Throne$

The eunuchs .ecame a)armed for their o!n safety and to)d the @mperor a)) these things$ 05n such a case !hat am 5 to do10 as"ed the Latter ,u)er$ 0,eca)) him to the capita),0 said the eunuchs, 0and ta"e a!ay his mi)itary po!ers so that he cannot re.e)$0 The Latter ,u)er issued an edict reca))ing the army$ But 8iang #an stepped for!ard and said, 0The Prime ;inister has rendered many great services since he )ed out the army$ #herefore is he reca))ed10 05 have a private matter to consu)t him a.out,0 said the Latter ,u)er$ 05 must see him persona))y$0 %o the edict !as issued and sent to Zhuge Liang$ The messenger !as at once received as soon as he reached ishan$ 0The @mperor is young, and there is some >ea)ous persons .y his side,0 said Zhuge Liang sad)y$ 05 !as >ust going to achieve some so)id success$ #hy am 5 reca))ed1 5f 5 go not, 5 sha)) insu)t my Prince$ 5f 5 retire, 5 sha)) never get such a chance again$0 05f the army retire, %ima &i !i)) attac",0 said 8iang #ei$ 05 !i)) retire in five divisions$ Thus today this camp goes$ %upposing that there are a thousand so)diers in the camp, then 5 sha)) have t!o thousand coo"ing p)aces prepared, or if there are three thousand so)diers, then four thousand coo"ing p)ates sha)) .e got ready, and so on, increasing the coo"ing arrangements as the troops are sent a!ay$0 &ang &i said, 05n the days of o)d, !hen %un BinD !as attac"ing Pang 8uan, %un Bin decreased the coo"ing arrangements as the so)diers !ere increased$ #hy do you reverse this, : Prime ;inister10 0Because %ima &i is an a.)e )eader and !ou)d pursue if he "ne! !e !ere retreating$ But he !ou)d recogni?e the pro.a.i)ity of an am.ush3 and if he sees an increase in the coo"ing arrangements in a camp, he !i)) .e una.)e to conc)ude !hether the troops have gone or not, and he !i)) not pursue$ Thus 5 sha)) gradua))y !ithdra! !ithout )oss$0

The order for retreat !as given$ 'onfident of the effect that +ou An-s )ying report !ou)d produce, %ima &i !aited for the retreat of the %hu army to .egin$ (e !as sti)) !aiting !hen the scouts to)d him the enemy-s camps !ere empty$ #ishing to ma"e sure, he rode out himse)f !ith a sma)) reconnoitering party and inspected the empty camps$ Then he .ade them count the stoves$ 2e6t day he paid a second visit to another empty camp, and again the coo"ing stoves !ere counted$ The count sho!ed an increase of a ha)f$ 05 fe)t sure that Zhuge Liang !ou)d have more troops ready$ (e has increased the coo"ing arrangements, and so, if !e pursue, he !i)) .e ready for us$ 2o3 !e a)so !i)) retire and a!ait another opportunity$0 %o there !as no pursuit, and Zhuge Liang did not )ose a so)dier on his retreat to (an?hong$ By and .y, peop)e came in from the ,iver Lands to say that the retreat !as a fact, and that on)y the coo"ing arrangements had .een increased, not the so)diers$ %ima &i "ne! that he had .een tric"ed, and )oo"ing up the s"y, he sighed, 0Zhuge Liang imitated the ruse of %un Bin to rouse my suspicion$ (is thin"ing is superior to mine$0 And %ima &i set out for 'hangan$ #hen p)ayers of e4ua) s"i)) are matched, Then victory hovers .et!een3 Perhaps your opponent-s a genius, %o put on your )o!)iest mien$ #hat happened !hen Zhuge Liang returned to 'hengdu !i)) .e to)d ne6t$ Chapter ! &#ing 'ut (r#m L#ngshang" Zhuge Liang Dresses As A &#d; Dashing T#)ard Sa*er +ass" Zhang ,e (a$$s Int# A Snare.

By means of the artifice >ust descri.ed, Zhuge Liang !ithdre! his army safe)y into (an?hong, !hi)e %ima &i retreated upon 'hangan$

Zhuge Liang distri.uted the re!ards for success and then !ent to 'apita) 'hengdu for audience$ 0&our ;a>esty reca))ed me >ust as 5 !as a.out to advance upon 'hangan$ #hat is the important matter10 said the Prime ;inister$ 9or a )ong time the Latter ,u)er made no rep)y$ Present)y he said, 05 )onged to see your face once more, that is the on)y reason$0 Zhuge Liang rep)ied, 05 thin" my reca)) !as not on your o!n initiative$ %ome s)anderous persons has hinted that 5 cherished u)terior o.>ects$0 The Latter ,u)er, !ho indeed fe)t gui)ty and i)) at ease, made no rep)y$ Zhuge Liang continued, 0&our )ate father )aid me under an o.)igation !hich 5 am p)edged to fu)fi)) to the death$ But if vi)e inf)uences are permitted to !or" at home, ho! can 5 destroy the re.e)s !ithout10 0The fact is 5 reca))ed you .ecause of the ta)" of the eunuchs$ But 5 understand no! and am unuttera.)y sorry,0 said the Latter ,u)er$ Zhuge Liang interrogated the eunuchs and thus found out the .ase rumors that had .een spread a.road .y +ou An$ (e sent to arrest this man, .ut +ou An had a)ready f)ed and gone over to #ei$ The eunuchs !ho had inf)uenced the @mperor !ere put to death, and a)) the other eunuchs !ho !ere invo)ved !ere e6pe))ed from the Pa)ace$ The Prime ;inister a)so up.raided 8iang #an and 9ei &i for not having )oo"ed into the matter and set the %on of +od right$ The t!o ;inisters .o!ed their heads and admitted their fau)t$ Zhuge Liang then too" )eave of the Latter ,u)er and returned to the army$ (e !rote to Li &an to see to the necessary supp)ies and .egan preparations for a ne! e6pedition$ &ang &i said, 0The so)diers are !earied .y the many e6peditions, and the supp)ies are not regu)ar$ 5 thin" a .etter p)an !ou)d .e to send ha)f the army to ishan for three months, and at the end of that time e6change them for the other ha)f, and so on a)ternate)y$ 9or e6amp)e, if you have t!o hundred thousand troops, )et one hundred

thousand go into the fie)d and one hundred thousand remain$ 5n this !ay, using ten )egions and ten )egions, their energies !i)) .e conserved and you can gradua))y !or" to!ard the ;idd)e Land$0 05 agree !ith you,0 said Zhuge Liang$ 0:ur attac" is not a matter to .e achieved in haste$ The suggestion for an e6tended campaign is e6ce))ent=0 #herefore the army !as divided, and each ha)f !ent out for one hundred days- service at a time, !hen it !as re)ieved .y the other ha)f$ 9u)) pena)ties !ere provided for any )a6ity and fai)ure to maintain the periods of active service$ 5n the spring of the ninth year of Beginning Prosperity, the %hu army once more too" the he)d against #ei$ 5n #ei it !as the fifth year of 'a)m Peace (AD 2AE)$ #hen the ,u)er of #ei heard of this ne! e6pedition, he ca))ed %ima &i and as"ed his advice$ 02o! that my friend 'ao Zhen is no more, 5 am !i))ing to do a)) that one man can to destroy the re.e)s against &our ;a>esty-s authority,0 said %ima &i$ 'ao ,ui !as gratified .y this ready offer, and honored %ima &i !ith a .an4uet$ 2e6t day an edict !as issued for the army to move$ The ,u)er of #ei, riding in his state chariot, escorted %ima &i out of the city, and, after the fare!e))s, the 'ommander too" the road to 'hangan, !here the force !as gathering$ There !as assem.)ed a counci) of !ar$ Zhang (e offered his services, saying, 05 vo)unteer to guard &ongcheng and ;eicheng against the %hu army$0 But %ima &i said, 0:ur vanguard army is not strong enough to face the enemy-s !ho)e force$ ;oreover, to divide an army is not genera))y a successfu) scheme$ The .etter p)an !i)) .e to )eave a guard in %hanggui and send a)) the others to ishan$ #i)) you underta"e the Leadership of the *an10 Zhang (e consented, saying, 05 have a)!ays .een most )oya) and !i)) devote my energies entire)y to the service of the state$ %o far 5 have not had an ade4uate opportunity to prove my sincerity$ But no! that you confer upon me a post of such responsi.i)ity, 5 can on)y

say that no sacrifice can .e too great for me, and 5 !i)) do my utmost$0 %o Zhang (e !as appointed *an Leader, and then +uo (uai !as set over the defense of the counties of #est *a))ey Land$ :ther genera)s !ere distri.uted to other posts, and the march .egan to!ard ishan$ The spies reported7 0The main force of %hu is directed to!ard ishan, and the Leaders of the *an are #ang Ping and Zhang 2i$ The route chosen for their march is from 'hencang across %an Pass and to the <ie *a))ey$0 (earing this, %ima &i said to Zhang (e, 0Zhuge Liang is advancing in great force and certain)y intends to reap the !heat in #est *a))ey Land for his supp)y$ &ou get sufficient troops to ho)d ishan, !hi)e +uo (uai and 5 go to Tianshui and foi) the enemy-s p)an to gather the !heat$0 %o Zhang (e too" forty thousand troops to ho)d set out !est!ards to the #est *a))ey Land$ ishan, and %ima &i

#hen Zhuge Liang reached ishan and had sett)ed his army in camp, he sa! that the .an" of ,iver #ei had .een fortified .y his enemy$ 0That must .e the !or" of %ima &i,0 remar"ed Zhuge Liang to his genera)s$ 0But !e have not enough food in camp$ 5 have !ritten to Li &an to send grain, .ut it has not yet arrived$ The !heat in #est *a))ey Land is no! >ust ripe, and !e !i)) go and reap it$0 Leaving #ang Ping, Zhang 2i, (u Ban, and #u &i to guard for the camps, Zhuge Liang, !ith #ei &an, 8iang #ei, and severa) other genera)s, !ent over to Lucheng$ The +overnor of that city "ne! he cou)d not offer any rea) defense, so he opened the gates and yie)ded$ After ca)ming the peop)e, Zhuge Liang as"ed, 0#here is the ripe !heat to .e found10 The +overnor rep)ied, 0Longshang is the p)ace$0 %o Zhang &i and ;a Zheng !ere )eft to guard the city, and the remainder of the army !ent to Longshang$

But soon the )eading .ody returned to say, 0%ima &i has a)ready occupied that city$0 0(e guessed !hat 5 intended to do=0 said Zhuge Liang, ta"en a.ac"$ Zhuge Liang then retired, .athed and put on another dress$ 2e6t he .ade them .ring out three four/!hee)ed chariots, a)) e6act)y a)i"e, that !ere among the impedimenta of the army$ They had .een .ui)t in %hu some time .efore$ 8iang #ei !as to)d off to )ead a thousand troops as escort for one chariot, and five hundred drummers !ere appointed to accompany it$ The chariot !ith its escort and drummers !as sent a!ay .ehind the city$ 5n )i"e manner t!o other chariots !ere e4uipped and sent east and !est of the city under ;a Dai and #ei &an$ @ach chariot !as prope))ed .y a team of t!enty/four men, a)) dressed in .)ac", .arefooted and !ith )oosened hair$ @ach one of the team a)so had in hand a s!ord and a .)ac" seven/starred f)ag$ #hi)e the chariots !ere ta"ing up their positions, thirty thousand so)diers !ere ordered to prepare !agons and sic")es to cut and carry a!ay the grain$ 2e6t Zhuge Liang se)ected t!enty/four good so)diers, !hom he dressed and armed )i"e those sent a!ay !ith the three chariots$ These !ere to push his o!n chariot$ +uan <ing !as to)d to dress up as the +od of ')ouds and to !a)" in front of Zhuge Liang-s chariot ho)ding a .)ac" seven/starred f)ag$ These preparations comp)ete, Zhuge Liang mounted, and the chariot too" the road to!ard the #ei camp$ The appearance of a chariot !ith such attendants more than start)ed the enemy-s scouts, !ho did not "no! !hether the apparition !as that of a human or a demon$ They hastened to their 'ommander and to)d him$ %ima &i came out himse)f and sa! the cava)cade, and its centra) figure .eing Zhuge Liang, dressed as a Taoist mystic, !ith headdress, !hite ro.e, and a feather fan$ Around the chariot !ere t!enty/four hair/)oosened .eings, each !ith a s!ord in hand3 and )eading !as a .eing as a heaven/sent god !ith the seven/starred f)ag$ 0%ome of Zhuge Liang-s odd doings,0 said he$

And %ima &i ordered t!o thousand troops, saying, 0'hase as fast as you can, and .ring in the chariot, escort, and the seated figure$0 The so)diers !ent out to do their .idding$ But as soon as they appeared, the chariot retired and too" a road )eading to the %hu camp$ A)though the #ei so)diers !ere mounted, they cou)d not come up !ith the cava)cade$ #hat they did meet !ith !as a chi))y .ree?e and a co)d mist that ro))ed a.out them$ They found it uncanny and ha)ted, saying one to another, 0(o! e6traordinary it is that !e have .een pressing on and yet !e got no nearer$ #hat does it mean10 #hen Zhuge Liang sa! that the pursuit had ceased, he had his chariot pushed out again to the front and passed !ithin sight of the ha)ted troops$ At first they hesitated, .ut present)y too" up the pursuit once more$ #hereupon the chariot again retired, proceeding s)o!)y, .ut a)!ays "eeping out of reach$ And thus more than seven mi)es !ere covered and the chariot !as sti)) not captured$ Again the so)diers ha)ted, pu??)ed and perp)e6ed at this incomprehensi.)e chase$ But as soon as they stopped, the chariot came again to!ard them and they retoo" pursuit$ %ima &i no! came up !ith a strong force$ But he a)so ha)ted, and said to his genera)s, 0This Zhuge Liang is a master in the arts of necromancy and >ugg)ing and @ight +ates and "no!s ho! to ca)) up the Deities of %i6 Layers to his aid$ 5 "no! this tric" of his7 5t is the -+round ,o))ing- in the -Boo" of %i6 Layers Deities-, and it is vain to pursue$0 %o they ceased fo))o!ing$ But then a ro)) of drums came from the )eft side as if a .ody of troops !ere approaching$ %ima &i to)d off some companies to repe) them, .ut there on)y came into vie! a sma)) force, and in their midst !as a party of men dressed in .)ac", the e6act counterpart of the cava)cade he had first sent to pursue$ 5n the chariot sat another Zhuge Liang >ust )i"e the one that had >ust disappeared$ 0But >ust no! he !as sitting in that other chariot, !hich !e chased for fifteen mi)es$ (o! can he .e here10 said %ima &i$ %hort)y after they heard another ro)) of the drums, and as the sound died a!ay there appeared another .ody of men, !ith a chariot in

the midst, e6act)y )i"e the )ast and a)so carrying a sitting figure of Zhuge Liang$ 0They must .e heaven/sent so)diers,0 said %ima &i$ The so)diers !ere no! fee)ing the strain of these !eird appearances and .egan to get out of hand$ They dared not stay to fight such .eings, and some ran a!ay$ But .efore they had gone far, )o= another ro)) of drums, another cohort and another chariot !ith a simi)ar figure seated therein$ The so)diers of #ei !ere no! thorough)y frightened, and even %ima &i himse)f .egan to fee) dou.tfu) !hether these appearances shou)d .e ascri.ed to humans or devi)s$ (e rea)i?ed, ho!ever, that he !as in the midst of dangers as he did not "no! the num.er of the %hu so)diers, and he and his troops ran a!ay he)ter/s"e)ter, never stopping ti)) they reached %hanggui$ They entered the city and c)osed the gates$ (aving thus driven off the #ei so)diers, Zhuge Liang proceeded to reap and gather the !heat in Longshang, !hich !as carried into Lucheng and )aid out to dry$ %ima &i remained shut up !ithin the !a))s for three days$ Then, as he sa! his enemies retiring, he sent out some scouts, !ho present)y returned !ith a %hu so)dier they had captured$ The prisoner !as 4uestioned$ 05 !as of the reaping party,0 said the man$ 0They caught me !hen 5 !as )oo"ing for some horses that had strayed$0 0#hat !onderfu) so)diers !ere they of yours that one sa! here )ate)y10 as"ed %ima &i$ The man rep)ied, 0Zhuge Liang !as !ith one party of them, the others !ere )ed .y 8iang #ei, ;a Dai, and #ei &an$ There !as a thousand of fighting so)diers !ith each chariot and five hundred drummers$ Zhuge Liang !as !ith the first party$0 0(is comings and goings are not human,0 said %ima &i sad)y$ Then +uo (uai came, and he !as ca))ed to a counci)$

%aid +uo (uai, 05 hear the so)diers of %hu in Lucheng are very fe!, and they are occupied !ith gathering the grain$ #hy not smite them10 %ima &i to)d him his )ast e6perience of his opponent-s !i)es$ 0(e thre! dust in your eyes that time,0 said +uo (uai !ith a smi)e$ 0(o!ever, no! you "no!$ #hat is the good of more ta)"1 Let me attac" the rear, !hi)e you )ead against the front, and !e sha)) ta"e the city and Zhuge Liang too$0 An attac" !as decided upon$ 5n Lucheng, !hi)e the so)diers !ere sti)) .usy !ith the !heat, Zhuge Liang ca))ed up his genera)s, and said, 0The enemy !i)) attac" tonight$ There is a suita.)e p)ace for an am.ush in the ne!)y reaped fie)ds, .ut !ho !i)) )ead for me10 9our genera)s///8iang #ei, #ei &an, ;a Dai, and ;a Zheng///offered themse)ves, and he posted them, each !ith t!o thousand troops, outside the four corners of the city$ They !ere to a!ait the signa) and then converge$ #hen these had gone, Zhuge Liang )ed out a sma)) party of one hundred so)diers and hid in the ne!)y reaped fie)ds$ 5n the meantime %ima &i !as dra!ing near$ 5t !as dus" !hen he stood .eneath the !a))s of Lucheng$ %aid he to his officers, 05f !e attac"ed .y day)ight, !e shou)d find the city !e)) prepared$ %o !e !i)) ta"e advantage of the dar"ness$ The moat is sha))o! here, and there sha)) .e no difficu)ty in crossing it$0 The troops .ivouac"ed ti)) the time shou)d come to attac"$ A.out the midd)e of the first !atch +uo (uai arrived, and his force >oined up !ith the others$ This done, the drums .egan to .eat, and the city !as 4uic")y surrounded$ (o!ever, the defenders maintained such a heavy discharge of arro!s, .o)ts and stones from the !a))s that the .esiegers dared not c)ose in$ %udden)y from the midst of the #ei army came the roar of a .om., soon fo))o!ed .y others from different p)aces$ The so)diers !ere start)ed, .ut no one cou)d say !hence the sounds had proceeded$ +uo (uai !ent to search the !heat fie)ds, and then the four armies

from the corners of the city converged upon the #ei army$ At the same time the defenders .urst out of the city gates, and a great .att)e .egan$ #ei )ost many troops$ After heavy fighting %ima &i e6tricated his army from the .att)e and made his !ay to a hi)), !hich he set a.out ho)ding and fortifying, !hi)e +uo (uai got round to the rear of the city and ca))ed a ha)t$ Zhuge Liang entered the city and sent his troops to camp again at the four corners of the !a))s$ +uo (uai !ent to see his chief, and said, 0#e have )ong .een at grips !ith these so)diers and are una.)e to drive them off$ #e have no! )ost another fight$ Fn)ess something is done, !e sha)) not get a!ay at a))$0 0#hat can !e do10 as"ed %ima &i$ 0&ou might !rite to &ong?hou and Liang?hou to send their forces to our he)p$ 5 !i)) try my fortune against %a.er Pass and cut off Zhuge Liang-s retreat and supp)ies$ That shou)d .ring a.out discontent and mutiny, and !e can attac" !hen !e see the enemy in confusion$0 The )etters !ere sent, and soon %un Li came )eading the troops of &ong?hou and Liang?hou, foot and horse, of t!o hundred thousand$ The ne! arriva)s !ere sent to he)p +uo (uai in the attac" on %a.er Pass$ After many days had passed !ithout sight of the enemy, Zhuge Liang thought it !as time to ma"e another move$ 'a))ing up 8iang #ei and ;a Dai, he said, 0The so)diers of #ei are !e)) posted on the hi))s and refuse .att)e .ecause, first)y, they thin" that !e are short of food, and, second)y, they have sent an army against %a.er Pass to cut off our supp)ies$ 2o! each of you !i)) ta"e ten thousand troops and garrison the important points a.out here to sho! them that !e are !e)) prepared to defend ourse)ves$ Then they !i)) retire$0 After these t!o had gone, &ang &i came to see Zhuge Liang a.out the change of troops then due$ &ang &i said, 0: Prime ;inister, you have ordered the troops to .e a)ternated every one hundred days$ 2o! the time is due, and the rep)acing troops have a)ready )eft (an?hong and that dispatches

from the )eading divisions have come in$ (ere !e have eighty thousand troops, of !hich forty !i)) .e due for re)ief$0 0There is the order3 carry it out,0 rep)ied Zhuge Liang$ %o the forty thousand home/going so)diers prepared to !ithdra!$ 8ust then came the ne!s7 0%un Li has arrived !ith reinforcements of t!o hundred thousand troops from &ong?hou and Liang?hou$ +uo (uai and %un Li have gone to attac" %a.er Pass, and %ima &i is )eading an army against Lucheng$0 5n the face of such important ne!s, &ang &i !ent to discuss !ith Zhuge Liang$ %aid &ang &i, 0The #ei army are advancing against our critica) points$ %hou)d you, : Prime ;inister, postpone for a time the !ithdra!a) of the fie)d troops in order to strengthen our defense1 &ou can !ait for the ne! troops to arrive first$0 Zhuge Liang rep)ied, 05 must "eep faith !ith the so)diers$ %ince the order for the periodica) e6change of troops has .een issued, it must .e carried out$ Beside, the so)diers due for re)ief are a)) prepared to start, their e6pectations have .een roused and their re)atives a!ait them$ 5n the face of yet greater difficu)ties 5 !ou)d sti)) )et them go$0 %o orders !ere given for the time/e6pired so)diers to march that day$ But !hen the )egionaries heard it, a sudden movement of generosity spread among them$ And they said, 0%ince the Prime ;inister cares for us so much, !e do not !ish to go, .ut !i)) prefer to remain to fight the #ei army to death$0 0But you are due for home$ &ou cannot stay here,0 said Zhuge Liang$ They reiterated that they a)) !ished to stay instead of going home$ Zhuge Liang !as g)ad and said, 0%ince you !ish to stay and fight !ith me, you can go out of the city and camp ready to encounter the army of #ei as soon as they arrive$ Do not give them time to rest or recover .reath, .ut attac" vigorous)y at once$ &ou !i)) .e fresh and fit, !aiting for those fagged !ith a )ong march$0

%o they gripped their !eapons and >oyfu))y !ent out of the city to array themse)ves in readiness$ 2o! the &ong?hou and Liang?hou troops had trave)ed .y dou.)e marches, and so !ere !orn out and needed rest$ But !hi)e they !ere pitching their tents, the troops of %hu fe)) upon them )usti)y, )eaders fu)) of spirit, so)diers fu)) of energy$ The !eary so)diers cou)d ma"e no proper stand, and retired$ The troops of %hu fo))o!ed, pressing on them ti)) corpses )ittered the !ho)e p)ain and .)ood f)o!ed in runne)s$ 5t !as a victory for Zhuge Liang, and he came out to !e)come the victors and )ed them into the city and distri.uted re!ards$ 8ust then arrived an urgent )etter from Li &an, then at Baidicheng, and !hen Zhuge Liang had torn it open he read7 02e!s has >ust come that #u has sent an envoy to Luoyang and entered into an a))iance !ith #ei !here.y #u is to attac" us$ The army of #u has not yet set out, .ut 5 am an6ious)y a!aiting your p)ans$0 Dou.ts and fears cro!ded in upon Zhuge Liang-s mind as he read$ (e summoned his officers$ 0As #u is coming to invade our )and, !e sha)) have to retire 4uic")y,0 said he$ 05f 5 issue orders for the ishan force to !ithdra!, %ima &i !i)) not dare to pursue !hi)e !e are camped here$0 The ishan force .ro"e camp and marched in t!o divisions under #ang Ping, Zhang 2i, (u Ban, and #u &i$ Zhang (e !atched them go, .ut !as too fearfu) of the movement .eing some ruse to attempt to fo))o!$ (e !ent to see %ima &i$ 0The enemy have retired, .ut 5 "no! not for !hat reason$0 0Zhuge Liang is very crafty, and you !i)) do !e)) to remain !here you are and "eep a carefu) )oo"out$ Do nothing ti)) their grain has given out, !hen they must retire for good,0 said %ima &i$ (ere +enera) #ei Ping stepped for!ard, saying, 0But they are retreating from ishan$ #e shou)d sei?e the occasion of their retreat to smite them$ Are they tigers that you fear to move1 (o! the !or)d !i)) )augh at us10

But %ima &i !as o.stinate and ignored the protest$ #hen Zhuge Liang "ne! that the ishan troops had got a!ay safe)y, he ca))ed &ang &i and ;a Zheng and gave them secret orders to )ead ten thousand of .o!men and cross.o!men out .y the #ooden Path of %a.er Pass and p)ace them in am.ush on .oth sides of the road$ %aid he, 05f the so)diers of #ei pursue, !ait ti)) you hear a .om.$ #hen you hear the .om., at once .arricade the road !ith tim.er and stones so as to impede them$ #hen they ha)t, shoot at them !ith the .o!s and the cross.o!s$0 #ei &an and +uan <ing !ere to)d to attac" the rear of the enemy$ These orders given, the !a))s of Lucheng !ere decorated )avish)y !ith f)ags, and at various points !ithin the city !ere pi)ed stra! and "ind)ing !ood ready to ma"e some smo"e as though there !ere coo"ing activities in the city$ The so)diers !ere sent out a)ong the road to!ard %a.er Pass$ The spies of #ei returned to head4uarters to report7 0A )arge num.er of %hu so)diers have )eft, .ut !e do not "no! ho! many remain !ithin the city$0 5n dou.t, %ima &i !ent himse)f to )oo", and !hen he sa! the smo"e rising from !ithin the !a))s and the f)uttering f)ags, he said, 0The city is deserted=0 (e sent men in to confirm this, and they said the p)ace !as empty$ 0Then Zhuge Liang is rea))y gone$ #ho !i)) pursue10 0Let me,0 rep)ied Zhang (e$ 0&ou are too impu)sive,0 said %ima &i$ 05 have .een Leader of the *an from the first day of this e6pedition$ #hy not use me today, !hen there is !or" to .e done and g)ory to .e gained10 0Because the utmost caution is necessary$ They are retreating, and they !i)) )eave an am.ush at every possi.)e point$0 05 "no! that, and you need not .e afraid$0

0#e))3 you !ish to go and may, .ut !hatever happens you must .e prepared for$0 0A rea))y no.)e man is prepared to sacrifice se)f for country$ 2ever mind !hat happens$0 0Then ta"e five thousand troops and start$ #ei Ping sha)) fo))o! !ith t!enty thousand of horse and foot to dea) !ith any am.ush that may discover itse)f$ 5 !i)) fo))o! )ater !ith three thousand to he)p !here need .e$0 %o Zhang (e set out and advanced 4uic")y$ Ten mi)es out he heard a ro)) of drums, and sudden)y appeared from a !ood a cohort )ed .y #ei &an, !ho ga))oped to the front, crying, 0#hither !ou)d you go, : re.e) )eader10 Zhang (e s!ift)y turned and engaged #ei &an, .ut after some ten passes #ei &an f)ed$ Zhang (e rode after #ei &an a)ong the road for ten mi)es and then stopped to o.serve$ As he sa! no am.ush, he turned again and resumed the pursuit$ A)) !ent !e)) ti)) he came to a s)ope, !hen there arose shouts and ye))s and another .ody of so)diers came out$ 0Zhang (e, do not run a!ay=0 cried this )eader, !ho !as +uan <ing$ +uan <ing ga))oped c)ose, and Zhang (e did not f)ee$ They fought, and after ha)f a score of passes +uan <ing seemed to have the !orst of the encounter and f)ed$ Zhang (e fo))o!ed$ Present)y they neared a dense !ood$ Zhang (e !as fearfu) of entering in, so he sent for!ard scouts to search the thic"ets$ They cou)d find no danger, and Zhang (e again pursued$ But 4uite une6pected)y #ei &an, !ho had former)y f)ed, got round ahead of Zhang (e and no! appeared again$ The t!o fought a ha)f score .outs and again #ei &an ran$ Zhang (e fo))o!ed, .ut +uan <ing a)so got round to the front .y a side road and so stopped the pursuit of Zhang (e$ Zhang (e attac"ed furious)y as soon as he !as chec"ed, this time so successfu))y that the troops of %hu thre! a!ay their !ar/gear and ran$ The road !as thus )ittered !ith spoi), and the #ei so)diers cou)d not resist the temptation to gather it$ They s)ipped from their horses and .egan to co))ect the arms$

The maneuvers >ust descri.ed continued, #ei &an and +uan <ing one after the other engaging Zhang (e, and Zhang (e pressing on after each one, .ut achieving nothing$ And as evening fe)) the running fight had )ed .oth sides c)ose to the #ooden Path$ Then sudden)y #ei &an made a rea) stand, and he rode to the front, ye))ing, 0,e.e)= 5 have despised fighting you, .ut you have "ept pursuing me$ 2o! !e !i)) fight to the death=0 Zhang (e !as furious and nothing )oath, so he came on !ith his spear to meet #ei &an, !ho !as f)ourishing his s!ord$ They met3 yet again, after some ten .outs, #ei &an thre! aside !eapons, armor, he)met and a)) his gear, and )ed his defeated company s!ay a)ong the #ooden Path$ Zhang (e !as fi))ed !ith the )ust to "i)), and he cou)d not )et #ei &an escape$ %o he set out after #ei &an, a)though it !as a)ready dar"$ But sudden)y )ights appeared, and the s"y .ecame ag)o!, and at the same time huge .ou)ders and great .u)"s of tim.er came ro))ing do!n the s)opes and .)oc"ed the !ay$ 9ear gripped Zhang (e, and he cried, 05 have .)undered into an am.ush=0 The road !as .)oc"ed in front and .ehind and .ordered .y craggy precipices$ Then, rat/tat/tat= came the sound of a ratt)e, and there!ith f)e! c)ouds of arro!s and sho!ers of .o)ts$ Zhang (e, his more than one hundred genera)s, and his !ho)e pursuing army perished in the #ooden Path$ #ith myriad shining .o)ts the air !as fi))ed, The road !as )ittered !ith .rave so)diers "i))ed3 The force to %a.er Pass faring perished here3 The ta)e of va)or gro!s from year to year$ %oon the second army of #ei under #ei Ping came up, .ut too )ate to he)p$ 9rom the signs they "ne! that their comrades had .een victims of a crue) tric", and they turned .ac"$ But as they faced a.out, a shout !as heard, and from the hi))tops came, 05, Zhuge Liang, am here=0 Loo"ing up they sa! his figure si)houetted against a fire$

Pointing to the s)ain, Zhuge Liang cried, 05 have gone hunting in this !ood$ :n)y instead of s)aying a horse, 5 have "i))ed a deer$ But you may go in peace, and !hen you see your 'ommander, te)) him that he !i)) .e my 4uarry one day=0 The so)diers to)d this to %ima &i !hen they returned$ %ima &i !as deep)y mortified, saying, 0Letting friend Zhang (e die is my fau)t=0 And !hen he returned to Luoyang, the ,u)er of #ei !ept at the death of his .rave )eader and had his .ody searched and honora.)y .uried$ Zhuge Liang had no sooner reached (an?hong than he prepared to go on to 'apita) 'hengdu and see his )ord$ But Li &an, !ho !as in the capita), said to the Latter ,u)er, 0#hy does the Prime ;inister return, for 5 have "ept him fu))y supp)ied !ith a)) things needed for the army10 Then the Latter ,u)er sent 9ei &i into (an?hong to in4uire !hy the army had retired$ #hen 9ei &i had arrived and sho!ed the cause of his coming, Zhuge Liang !as great)y surprised$ Zhuge Liang sho!ed the )etter from Li &an, saying, 0Li &an !rote to !arn that @ast #u !as a.out to invade the country$0 9ei &i said, 0Li &an memoria)i?ed to the Throne, saying he had sent you supp)ies and "ne! not !hy &our @6ce))ency returned$0 %o Zhuge Liang in4uired carefu))y, and then it came out that Li &an had fai)ed to find sufficient grain to "eep the army supp)ied, and so had sent the first )ying )etter to the army that it might retire .efore the shortage sho!ed itse)f$ (is memoria) to the Throne !as designed to cover the former fau)t$ 0The foo) has ruined the great design of the state >ust to save his o!n s"in=0 cried Zhuge Liang .itter)y$ (e summoned the offender and sentenced him to death$

But 9ei &i interceded, saying, 0: Prime ;inister, the 9irst ,u)er had )oved and trusted Li &an !ith his son$ P)ease forgive him this time$0 And so Li &an-s )ife !as spared$ (o!ever, !hen 9ei &i made his report in 'hengdu, the Latter ,u)er !as !roth and ordered Li &an to suffer death$ But this time 8iang #an intervened, saying, 0&our )ate father named Li &an as one of the guardians of your youth$0 And the Latter ,u)er re)ented$ (o!ever, Li &an !as stripped of a)) ran"s and re)egated to Zitong$ Zhuge Liang !ent to 'hengdu and appointed Li Teng, Li &an-s son, as (igh 'ounse)or$ Preparations then .egan for another e6pedition$ P)ans !ere discussed, provisions !ere accumu)ated, !eapons put in order, and officers and so)diers "ept fit and trained$ By his "indness to the peop)e, Zhuge Liang !aited for three years .efore .eginning marching, and in the t!o ,iver Lands peop)e-s hearts fi))ed !ith >oys$ And the time passed 4uic")y$ 5n the second month of the t!e)fth year (AD 2AG), Zhuge Liang presented a memoria), saying, 05 have .een training the army for three years$ %upp)ies are amp)e, and a)) is in order for an e6pedition$ #e may no! attac" #ei$ 5f 5 cannot destroy these re.e)s, s!eep a!ay the evi) hordes, and .ring a.out a g)orious entry into the capita), then may 5 never again enter &our ;a>esty-s presence$0 The Latter ,u)er rep)ied, 0The empire has sett)ed on a tripod, and #u and #ei trou.)e us not at a))$ #hy not en>oy the present tran4ui))ity, : 9ather ;inister10 0Because of the mission )eft me .y your father$ 5 am ever scheming to destroy #ei, even in my dreams$ 5 must strive my .est and do my utmost to regain you the ;idd)e Land and restore the g)ory of the (ans$0 As Zhuge Liang said this, a voice cried, 0An army may not go forth, : Prime ;inister=0 iao Zhou had raised a )ast protest$

Zhuge Liang-s so)e thought !as service, (imse)f he !ou)d not spare3 But iao Zhou had !atched the starry s"y, And read misfortune there$ The ne6t chapter !i)) give the arguments against fighting$ Chapter !Sima Yi '..upies The %an/s 'f River Wei; Zhuge Liang C#nstru.ts 0e.hani.a$ %u$$#./s And ,#rses.

iao Zhou, !ho protested against the !ar, !as +rand (istorian$ (e !as a)so an astro)oger$ (e opposed the !ar, saying, 0;y present office invo)ves the direction of the o.servations on the Astro)ogica) Terrace, and 5 am .ound to report !hether the aspect fore.odes misfortune or promises happiness$ 2ot )ong since, severa) f)ights of thousands of .irds came from the south, p)unged into ,iver (an and !ere dro!ned$ This is an evi) augury$ ;oreover, 5 have studied the aspect of the s"y, and the -#o)f- conste))ation is inf)uencing the aspect of the p)anet *enus$ An aura of prosperity pervades the north$ To attac" #ei !i)) not .e to our profit$ Again, the peop)e in 'hengdu say that the cypress trees moan in the night$ #ith so many evi) omens, 5 !ish that the Prime ;inister shou)d not go forth to !ar, .ut remain at home to guard !hat !e have$0 0(o! can 510 said Zhuge Liang$ 0(is Late ;a>esty )aid upon me a heavy responsi.i)ity, and 5 must e6ert myse)f to the utmost in the endeavor to destroy these re.e)s$ The po)icy of a state cannot .e changed .ecause of inauspicious signs$0 Zhuge Liang !as not to .e deterred$ (e instructed the officia)s to prepare the +reat Bovine %acrifice in the Dynastic Temp)e$ Then, !eeping, he prostrated himse)f and made this dec)aration7 0Thy servant Zhuge Liang has made five e6peditions to ishan !ithout gaining any e6tension of territory$ (is fau)t !eighs heavi)y upon him$ 2o! once again he is a.out to march, p)edged to use every effort of .ody and mind to e6terminate the re.e)s against the (an (ouse, and to restore to the dynasty its g)ory in the ;idd)e Land$ To achieve this end, he !ou)d use the )ast remnant of his strength and cou)d die content$0

The sacrifice ended, he too" )eave of the Latter ,u)er and set out for (an?hong to ma"e the fina) arrangements for his march$ #hi)e so engaged, he received the une6pected ne!s of the death of +uan <ing$ (e !as great)y shoc"ed, and fainted$ #hen he had recovered consciousness, his officers did their utmost to conso)e him$ 0(o! pitifu)= #hy does (eaven deny )ong )ife to the )oya) and good1 5 have )ost a most a.)e genera) >ust as 5 am setting out and need him most$0 As a)) are .orn, so a)) must die3 Peop)e are as gnats against the s"y3 But )oya)ty or piety ;ay give them immorta)ity$ The armies of %hu num.ered three hundred forty thousand strong, and they marched in five divisions, !ith 8iang #ei and #ei &an in the van, and !hen they had reached ishan, Li (ui, the 'ommissary +enera), !as instructed to convey stores into the <ie *a))ey in readiness$ 5n #ei they had recent)y changed the sty)e of the year period to 0+reen Dragon0, .ecause a green dragon had .een seen to emerge from ;opo #e))$ The year of the fighting !as the second year (AD 2AG)$ The courtiers said to the ,u)er of #ei, 0The commanders of the passes report thirty or so )egions advancing in five divisions from %hu upon ishan$0 The ne!s distressed the ,u)er of #ei, !ho at once ca))ed in %ima &i and to)d him of the invasion$ %ima &i rep)ied, 0The aspect of the s"y is very auspicious for the ;idd)e Land$ The #o)f star has encroached upon the p)anet *enus, !hich .odes i)) for the ,iver Lands$ Thus Zhuge Liang is pitting his po!ers against (eaven, and !i)) meet defeat and suffer death$ And 5, .y virtue of &our ;a>esty-s good fortune, am to .e the instrument of destruction$ 5 re4uest to name four )eaders to go !ith me$0 0#ho are they1 2ame them,0 said the ,u)er of #ei$ 0They are the four sons of <iahou &uan7 <iahou Ba, <iahou #ei, <iahou (ui, and <iahou (e$ <iahou Ba and <iahou #ei are trained

archers and cava)iers3 <iahou (ui and <iahou (e are deep strategists$ A)) four desire to avenge the death of their father$ <iahou Ba and <iahou #ei shou)d .e Leaders of the *an3 <iahou (ui and <iahou (e shou)d .e ;arching +enera)s, to discuss and arrange p)ans for the repu)se of our enemy$0 0&ou remem.er the evi) resu)ts of emp)oying the Dynastic %on/in/ La! <iahou ;ao7 (e )ost his army and is sti)) too ashamed to return to court$ Are you sure these are not of the same "idney10 0They are not )i"e <iahou ;ao in the )east$0 The ,u)er of #ei granted the re4uest and named %ima &i as 'ommander/in/'hief !ith the fu))est authority$ #hen %ima &i too" )eave of the ,u)er of #ei, he received a command in 'ao ,ui-s o!n !riting7 0#hen you, 2o.)e %ir, reach the .an"s of ,iver #ei and have !e)) fortified that position, you are not to give .att)e$ The army of %hu, disappointed of their desire, !i)) pretend to retire and so entice you on, .ut you !i)) not pursue$ &ou !i)) !ait ti)) their supp)ies are consumed and they are compe))ed to retreat, !hen you may smite them$ Then you !i)) o.tain the victory !ithout distressing the army undu)y$ This is the .est p)an of campaign$0 %ima &i too" it !ith .o!ed head$ (e proceeded forth!ith to 'hangan$ #hen he had mustered the forces assem.)ed from a)) !estern counties, they num.ered four hundred thousand, and they !ere a)) camped on ,iver #ei$ 5n addition, fifty thousand troops !ere farther up the stream preparing nine f)oating .ridges$ The t!o Leaders of the *an, <iahou Ba and <iahou #ei, !ere ordered to cross the river and camp, and in rear of the main camp on the east a so)id earth rampart !as raised to guard against any surprises from the rear$ #hi)e these preparations !ere in progress, +uo (uai and %un Li came to the ne! camp$ +uo (uai said, 0#ith the troops of %hu at ishan, there is a possi.i)ity of their dominating ,iver #ei, going up on the p)ain, and pushing out a )ine to the northern hi))s !here.y to cut off a)) high!ays in the #est *a))ey Land$0

0&ou say !e)),0 said %ima &i$ 0%ee to it$ Ta"e command of a)) the #est *a))ey Land forces, occupy Beiyuan, and ma"e a fortified camp there$ But adopt a defensive po)icy$ #ait ti)) the enemy-s food supp)ies get e6hausted .efore you thin" of attac"$0 %o +uo (uai and %un Li )eft to carry out these orders$ ;ean!hi)e Zhuge Liang made five main camps at ishan, and .et!een <ie *a))ey and %a.er Pass he esta.)ished a )ine of fourteen )arge camps$ (e distri.uted the troops among these camps as for a )ong campaign$ (e appointed inspecting officers to ma"e dai)y visits to see that a)) !as in readiness$ #hen he heard that the army of #ei had camped in Beiyuan, he said to his officers, 0They camp there fearing that our ho)ding this area !i)) sever connection !ith #est *a))ey Land$ 5 am pretending to )oo" to!ard Beiyuan, .ut rea))y my o.>ective is ,iver #ei$ 5 am going to .ui)d a hundred or more )arge rafts and pi)e them !ith stra!, and 5 have five thousand of marines to manage them$ 5n the dar"ness of the night 5 sha)) attac" Beiyuan$ %ima &i !i)) come to the rescue$ 5f he is on)y a )itt)e !orsted, 5 sha)) cross the river !ith the rear divisions, then the )eading divisions !i)) em.ar" on the rafts, drop do!n the river, set fire to the f)oating .ridges, and attac" the rear of the enemy$ 5 sha)) )ead an army to ta"e the gates of the first camp$ 5f !e can get the south .an" of the river, the campaign !i)) .ecome simp)e$0 Then the genera)s too" orders and !ent to prepare$ The spies carried information of the doings of the troops of %hu to %ima &i, !ho said to his genera)s, 0Zhuge Liang has some crafty scheme, .ut 5 thin" 5 "no! it$ (e proposes to ma"e a sho! of ta"ing Beiyuan, and then, dropping do!n the river, he !i)) try to .urn our .ridges, thro! our rear into confusion, and then attac" our camps$0 %o he gave <iahou Ba and <iahou #ei orders7 0&ou are to )isten for the sounds of .att)e a.out Beiyuan$ 5f you hear the shouting, you are to march do!n to the river, to the hi))s on the south, and )ay an am.ush against the troops of %hu as they arrive$0 Zhang (u and &ue 'hen !ere to )ead t!o other forces, of t!o thousand of .o!men each, and )ie in hiding on the north .an" near the .ridges to "eep off the rafts that might come do!n on the current and "eep them from touching the .ridges$

Then he sent for +uo (uai and %un Li, and said, 0Zhuge Liang is coming to Beiyuan to cross the river secret)y$ &our ne! force is sma)), and you can hide ha)f !ay a)ong the road$ 5f the enemy cross the river in the afternoon, that !i)) mean an attac" on us in the evening$ Then you are to simu)ate defeat and run$ They !i)) pursue$ &ou can shoot !ith a)) your energy, and our marines and )and troops !i)) attac" at once$ 5f the attac" is in great force, )oo" out for orders$0 A)) these orders given, %ima &i sent his t!o sons %ima %hi and %ima Zhao to reinforce the front camp, !hi)e he )ed his o!n army to re)ieve Beiyuan$ Zhuge Liang sent #ei &an and ;a Dai to cross ,iver #ei and attac" Beiyuan, !hi)e the attempt to set fire to the .ridges !as confided to (u Ban and #u &i$ The genera) attac" on the #ei camp .y ,iver #ei !as to .e made .y three divisions7 The front division under #ang Ping and Zhang 2i, the midd)e division under 8iang #ei and ;a Zheng, the rear division under Liao (ua and Zhang &i$ The various divisions started at noon and crossed the river, !here they s)o!)y formed up in .att)e order$ #ei &an and ;a Dai arrived Beiyuan a.out dus"$ The scouts having informed the defenders of their approach, %un Li a.andoned his camp and f)ed$ This to)d #ei &an that his attac" !as e6pected, and he turned to retire$ At this moment a great shouting !as heard, and there appeared t!o .odies of the enemy under %ima &i and +uo (uai .earing do!n upon the attac"ers from )eft and right$ #ei &an and ;a Dai fought desperate)y to e6tricate themse)ves, .ut many of the so)diers of %hu fe)) into the river and dro!ned$ The others scattered$ (o!ever, #u &i came up and rescued the force from entire destruction, and moved across the river to ma"e camp$ (u Ban set ha)f his troops to navigate the rafts do!n the river to the .ridges$ But Zhang (u and &ue 'hen stationed near the .ridges shot c)ouds of arro!s at them, and the %hu )eader, (u Ban, !as !ounded$ (e fe)) into the river and !as dro!ned$ The cre!s of the rafts >umped into the !ater and got a!ay$ The rafts fe)) into the hands of the so)diers of #ei$ At this time the front division under #ang Ping and Zhang 2i !ere ignorant of the defeat of their Beiyuan army, and they !ent straight for the camps of #ei$ They arrived in the second !atch$

They heard )oud shouting, and #ang Ping said to Zhang 2i, 0#e do not "no! !hether the cava)ry sent to Beiyuan has .een successfu) or not$ 5t is strange that !e do not see a sing)e so)dier of the enemy$ %ure)y %ima &i has found out the p)an and prepared to frustrate the attac"$ Let us !ait here ti)) the .ridges have .een set on fire and !e see the f)ames$0 %o they ha)ted$ %oon after, a mounted messenger came up !ith orders7 0The Prime ;inister .ade you retire immediate)y, as the attac" on the .ridges has fai)ed$0 #ang Ping and Zhang 2i attempted to !ithdra!, .ut a .om. e6p)oded and the troops of #ei, !ho had ta"en a .y/road to their rear, at once attac"ed$ A great fire started a)so$ A disorder)y .att)e ensued, from !hich #ang Ping and Zhang 2i eventua))y forced their !ays out, .ut on)y !ith great )oss$ And !hen Zhuge Liang co))ected his army at ishan once more he found, to his sorro!, that he had )ost more than ten thousand troops$ 8ust at this time 9ei &i arrived front 'hengdu$ Zhuge Liang received him and, after the ceremonies !ere over, said, 05 !ou)d trou.)e you, %ir, to carry a )etter for me into @ast #u$ #i)) you underta"e the mission10 0'ou)d 5 possi.)y dec)ine any tas" you )aid upon me10 said 9ei &i$ %o Zhuge Liang !rote a )etter and sent it to %un uan$ 9ei &i too" it and hastened to 'apita) 8ianye, !here he sa! %un uan, the ,u)er of #u, and presented this )etter7 0The (ans have .een unfortunate, and the )ine of ru)ers has .een .ro"en$ The 'ao party have usurped the seat of government and sti)) ho)d the command$ ;y )ate master, @mperor Bei, confided a great tas" to me, and 5 must e6haust every effort to achieve it$ 2o! my army is at ishan, and the re.e)s are on the verge of destruction on ,iver #ei$ 5 hope &our ;a>esty, in accordance !ith your oath of a))iance, !i)) send a )eader against the north to assist .y ta"ing the ;idd)e Land, and the empire can .e shared$ The fu)) circumstances cannot .e to)d, .ut 5 hope you !i)) understand and act$0

%un uan !as p)eased at the ne!s and said to the envoy, 05 have )ong desired to set my arm in motion, .ut have not .een a.)e to arrange !ith Zhuge Liang$ After this )etter 5 !i)) )ead an e6pedition myse)f, and go to 8uchao and capture <incheng of #ei$ ;oreover, 5 !i)) send Lu <un and Zhuge 8in to camp at ;ian"ou and 8iang6ia, and ta"e <iangyang$ 5 !i)) a)so send another army under %un %hao and Zhang 'heng into +uang)ing to capture (uaiyang$ The tota) num.er !i)) .e three hundred thousand troops, and they sha)) start at once$0 9ei &i than"ed him and said, 05n such a case the ;idd)e Land !i)) fa)) forth!ith$0 A .an4uet !as prepared$ At this, %un uan said, 0#hom did the Prime ;inister send to )ead the .att)e10 9ei &i rep)ied, 0#ei &an !as the chief )eader$0 0A man .rave enough, .ut croo"ed$ :ne day he !i)) !or" a mischief un)ess Zhuge Liang is present$ But sure)y Zhuge Liang "no!s$0 0&our ;a>esty-s !ords are to the point,0 said the envoy$ 05 !i)) return at once and )ay them .efore Zhuge Liang$0 9ei &i 4uic")y too" )eave and hastened to ishan !ith his ne!s of the intended e6pedition of #u against #ei !ith three hundred thousand troops in three directions$ 0Did the ,u)er of #u say nothing e)se10 as"ed Zhuge Liang$ Then 9ei &i to)d him !hat had .een said a.out #ei &an$ 0Tru)y a comprehending ru)er,0 said Zhuge Liang, appreciative)y$ 0But 5 cou)d not .e ignorant of this$ (o!ever, 5 va)ue #ei &an .ecause he is very .o)d$0 0Then %ir, you ought to decide soon !hat to do !ith him$0 05 have a scheme of my o!n$0 9ei &i returned to 'hengdu, and Zhuge Liang resumed the ordinary camp duties of a )eader$ #hen Zhuge Liang !as in a counci) !ith his commanders, sudden)y a certain #ei )eader came and .egged to .e a))o!ed to surrender$ Zhuge Liang had the man .rought in and 4uestioned him$

05 am a )eader, Zheng #en .y name$ +enera) in Lang and 5 are o)d co))eagues$ ,ecent)y %ima &i transferred us and, sho!ing great partia)ity for my co))eague, appointed him Leader of the *an and thre! me out )i"e a !eed$ 5 !as disgusted and )eft, and 5 !ish to >oin your ran"s if you !i)) accept my service$0 8ust at that moment a so)dier came in to say that in Lang !ith a company had appeared in front of the tents and !as cha))enging Zheng #en$ %aid Zhuge Liang, 0(o! does this man stand !ith you in fighting s"i))10 05 shou)d >ust "i)) him,0 said Zheng #en$ 05f you !ere to s)ay him, that !ou)d remove my dou.ts$0 Zheng #en accepted the proposer !ith a)acrity, mounted his horse, and a!ay he !ent$ Zhuge Liang !ent out to see the fight$ There !as the cha))enger sha"ing his spear and revi)ing his )ate friend as re.e) and .rigand and horse/thief$ 0Traitor= +ive me .ac" my horse you sto)e=0 cried in Lang, ga))oping to!ard Zheng #en as soon as he appeared$ Zheng #en !hipped up his horse, !aved his s!ord, and !ent to meet the attac"$ 5n the first .out he cut do!n in Lang$ The #ei so)diers then ran a!ay$ The victor hac"ed off the head of his victim and returned to )ay it at Zhuge Liang-s feet$ %eated in his tent, Zhuge Liang summoned Zheng #en and .urst out7 0Ta"e him a!ay and .ehead him=0 05 have done nothing !rong=0 cried Zheng #en$ 0As if 5 do not "no! in Lang= The man you have >ust "i))ed !as not in Lang$ (o! dare1 you try to deceive me10 Zheng #en said, 05 !i)) o!n up$ But this !as his .rother Zhuge Liang smi)ed$ 0%ima &i sent you to try this on for some reason of his o!n, .ut he cou)d not thro! dust in my eyes$ 5f you do not te)) the truth, 5 !i)) put you to death$0 in ;ing$0

Thus caught, the fa)se deserter confessed and .egged his )ife$ Zhuge Liang said, 0&ou can save your )ife .y !riting a )etter to %ima &i te))ing him to come to raid our camp$ 5 !i)) spare you on this condition$ And if 5 capture %ima &i, 5 !i)) give you a)) the credit and re!ard you handsome)y$0 There !as nothing for it .ut to agree, and the )etter !as !ritten$ Then Zheng #en !as p)aced in confinement$ But 9an 8ian as"ed, 0(o! did you "no! this !as on)y a pretended desertion10 0%ima &i )oo"s to his peop)e,0 rep)ied Zhuge Liang$ 05f he made in Lang a )eading genera), in Lang !as certain)y a man of great mi)itary s"i)) and not the sort of man to .e overcome .y this fe))o! Zheng #en in the first encounter$ %o Zheng #en-s opponent certain)y !as not in Lang$ That is ho! 5 "ne!$0 They congratu)ated him on his perspicacity$ Then Zhuge Liang se)ected a certain persuasive spea"er from among his officers and !hispered certain instructions in his ear$ The officer at once )eft and carried the )etter >ust !ritten to the #ei camp, !here he as"ed to see the 'ommander/in/'hief$ (e !as admitted, and the )etter !as read$ 0#ho are you10 said %ima &i$ 05 am a man from the ;idd)e Land, a poor fe))o! stranded in %hu$ Zheng #en and 5 are fe))o! vi))agers$ Zhuge Liang has given Zheng #en a *an Leadership as a re!ard for !hat he has done, and Zheng #en got me to .ring this )etter to you and to say that he !i)) sho! a )ight tomorro! evening as a signa), and he hopes you !i)) )ead the attac" yourse)f$ Zheng #en !i)) !or" from the inside in your favor$0 %ima &i too" great pains to test the re)ia.i)ity of these statements, and he e6amined the )etter minute)y to see if it .ore any signs of fa.rication, .ut he found it !as Zheng #en-s !riting$ Present)y he ordered in refreshments for the .earer of the )etter, and then he said, 0#e !i)) fi6 today at the second !atch for the raid, and 5 !i)) )ead in person$ 5f it succeeds, 5 !i)) give you a good appointment as a re!ard$0

Ta"ing )eave, the so)dier retraced his steps to his o!n camp and reported the !ho)e intervie! to Zhuge Liang$ Zhuge Liang he)d his s!ord a)oft to!ard the 2orth %tar, too" the proper paces for an incantation, and prayed$ This done, he summoned #ang Ping, Zhang 2i, #ei &an, ;a Dai, ;a Zheng, and 8iang #ei, to !hom he gave certain instructions$ #hen they had gone to carry them out, he ascended a hi)), ta"ing !ith him a fe! score guards on)y$ %ima &i had .een ta"en in .y Zheng #en-s )etter and intended to )ead the night raid$ But the e)der of his sons, %ima %hi, e6postu)ated !ith his father$ 09ather, you are going on a dangerous e6pedition on the faith of a mere scrap of paper,0 said his son$ 05 thin" it imprudent$ #hat if something goes une6pected)y !rong1 Let some genera) go in your p)ace, and you come up in rear as a reserve$0 %ima &i sa! there !as reason in this proposa), and he fina))y decided to send in Lang, !ith ten thousand troops, and %ima &i himse)f !ou)d command the reserve$ The night !as fine !ith a .right moon$ But a.out the midd)e of the second !atch the s"y c)ouded over, and it .ecame very .)ac", so that a man cou)d not see his ne6t neigh.or$ 0This is providentia),0 chuc")ed %ima &i$ The e6pedition du)y started, so)diers !ith gags, and horses !ith cords round their mu??)es$ They moved s!ift)y and si)ent)y, and Lang made straight for the camp of %hu$

in

But !hen he reached it and entered, and sa! not a so)dier, he "ne! he had .een tric"ed$ (e ye))ed to his troops to retire, .ut )ights sprang up a)) round, and attac"s .egan from four sides$ 9ight as he !ou)d, in Lang cou)d not free himse)f$ 9rom .ehind the .att)e area %ima &i sa! f)ames rising from the camp of %hu and heard continuous shouting, .ut he "ne! not !hether it meant victory for his o!n army or to his enemy$ (e pressed for!ard to!ard the fire$ %udden)y, a shout, a ro)) of drums, and a .)are of trumpets c)ose at hand, a .om. that seemed to rend the earth, and #ei &an and 8iang #ei .ore do!n upon %ima &i, one

on each f)an"$ This !as the fina) .)o! to him$ :f every ten so)diers of #ei, eight or nine !ere "i))ed or !ounded, and the fe! others scattered to the four !inds$ ;ean!hi)e in Lang-s ten thousand troops !ere fa))ing under arro!s that came in )ocust/f)ights, and their )eader !as "i))ed$ %ima &i and the remnant of his army ran a!ay to their o!n camp$ After the third !atch the s"y c)eared$ Zhuge Liang from the hi))/top sounded the gong of retreat$ This o.scurity in the third !atch !as due to an incantation ca))ed 'oncea)ing ;ethod$ The s"y .ecame c)ear, .ecause Zhuge Liang performed another incantation to have the Deities of %i6 Layers s!eep a!ay the fe! f)oating c)ouds that sti)) persisted$ The victory !as comp)ete$ The first order on Zhuge Liang-s return to camp !as to put Zheng #en to death$ 2e6t he considered ne! p)ans for capturing the south .an"$ @very day .e sent a party to offer a cha))enge .efore the camps of the enemy, .ut no one accepted$ :ne day Zhuge Liang rode in his sma)) chariot to the front of the ishan ;ountains, "een)y scanned the course of ,iver #ei and carefu))y surveyed the )ie of the )and$ Present)y he came to a va))ey shaped )i"e a .ott)e/gourd, )arge enough to form a hiding p)ace for a !ho)e thousand so)diers in the inner recess, !hi)e ha)f as many more cou)d hide in the outer$ 5n rear the mountains !ere so c)ose that they )eft passage on)y for a sing)e horseman$ The discovery p)eased the genera) mighti)y, and he as"ed the guides !hat the p)ace !as ca))ed$ They rep)ied, 05t is ca))ed %hangfang *a))ey, and nic"named +ourd *a))ey$0 ,eturning to his camp, he ca))ed up t!o )eaders named Du ,ui and (u Zhong and !hispered into their ears certain secret orders$ 2e6t he ca))ed up a thousand craftspeop)e and sent them into the +ourd *a))ey to construct 0!ooden o6en and running horses0 for the use of the troops$ 9ina))y he set ;a Dai !ith five hundred troops to guard the mouth of the +ourd *a))ey and prevent a)) entrance and e6it$ Zhuge Liang said, 0Peop)e from outside cannot enter, from inside cannot e6it$ 5 !i)) visit the va))ey at irregu)ar interva)s to inspect the

!or"$ A p)an for the defeat of %ima &i is .eing prepared here and must .e "ept a profound secret$0 ;a Dai )eft to ta"e up the position$ The t!o genera)s, Du ,ui and (u Zhong, !ere superintendents of the !or" in the +ourd *a))ey$ Zhuge Liang came every day to give instructions$ :ne day &ang &i !ent to Zhuge Liang and said, 0The stores of grain are a)) at %a.er Pass, and the )a.or of transport is very heavy$ #hat can .e done10 Zhuge Liang rep)ied, smi)ing, 05 have had a scheme ready for a )ong time$ The tim.er that 5 co))ected and .ought in the ,iver Lands !as for the construction of !ooden transport anima)s to convey grain$ 5t !i)) .e very advantageous, as they !i)) re4uire neither food nor !ater and they can "eep on the move day and night !ithout resting$0 A)) those !ithin hearing said, 09rom o)d days ti)) no! no one has ever heard of such a device$ #hat e6ce))ent p)an have you, : Prime ;inister, to ma"e such marve)ous creatures10 0They are .eing made no! after my p)ans, .ut they are not yet ready$ (ere 5 have the s"etches for these mechanica) o6en and horses, !ith a)) their dimensions !ritten out in fu))$ &ou may see the detai)s$0 Zhuge Liang then produced a paper, and a)) the genera)s cro!ded round to )oo" at it$ They !ere a)) great)y astonished and )auded, 0The Prime ;inister is superhuman=0 A fe! days )ater the ne! mechanica) anima)s !ere comp)ete and .egan !or"$ They !ere 4uite )ife/)i"e and !ent over the hi))s in any desired direction$ The !ho)e army sa! them !ith de)ight$ They !ere .ut in charge of ,ight +enera) +ao <iang and a thousand so)diers to guide them$ They "ept going constant)y .et!een %a.er Pass and the front carrying grain for the use of the so)diers$ A)ong the %a.er Pass mountain roads The running horses .ore their )oads, And through <ie *a))ey-s narro! !ay The !ooden o6en paced each day$ : genera)s, use these means today, And transport trou.)es ta"e a!ay$

%ima &i !as a)ready sad enough at his defeat, !hen the spies to)d him of these !ooden .u))oc"s and horses of ne! design !hich the so)diers of %hu !ere using to convey their grain$ This trou.)ed him sti)) more, and he said to his genera)s, 05 "ne! the transportation from the ,iver Lands !as difficu)t3 therefore, 5 shut the gates and remained on the defensive !aiting for the enemy to .e starved$ #ith this device, they may never .e compe))ed to retreat for !ant of food$0 Then he ca))ed up Zhang (u and &ue 'hen and gave orders7 0@ach of you !ith five hundred troops !i)) goes to the <ie *a))ey .y .y/ roads$ #hen you see the %hu so)diers transport their grain .y, you are to )et them through, .ut on)y to attac" at the end and capture four or five of the !ooden horses and .u))oc"s$0 %o a thousand so)diers !ent on this service disguised as so)diers of %hu$ They made their !ay a)ong the .y/!ays .y night and hid$ Present)y the !ooden convoy came a)ong under the escort of +ao <iang$ 8ust as the end of it !as passing, they made a sudden rush, and captured a fe! of the 0anima)s0 !hich the so)diers of %hu a.andoned$ 5n high g)ee they too" them to their o!n camp$ #hen %ima &i sa! them, he had to confess they !ere very )ife/)i"e$ But !hat p)eased him most !as that he cou)d imitate them no! that he had mode)s$ 05f Zhuge Liang can use this sort of thing, it !ou)d .e strange if 5 cou)d not,0 said he$ (e ca))ed to him many c)ever craftspeop)e and made them then and there ta"e the machines to pieces and ma"e some e6act)y )i"e them$ 5n )ess than ha)f a month, they had comp)eted a coup)e of thousand after Zhuge Liang-s mode)s, and the ne! mechanica) anima)s cou)d move$ Then %ima &i p)aced 'en #ei, +enera) #ho +uards the 9rontiers, in charge of this ne! means of transport, and the 0anima)s0 .egan to p)y .et!een the camp and the #est *a))ey Land$ The #ei so)diers !ere fi))ed !ith >oys$ +ao <iang returned to camp and reported the )oss of a fe! of his !ooden o6en and horses$

05 !ished him to capture some of them,0 said Zhuge Liang, much p)eased$ 05 am >ust )aying out these fe!, and .efore )ong 5 sha)) get some very so)id he)p in e6change$0 0(o! do you "no!, : Prime ;inister10 said his officers$ 0Because %ima &i !i)) certain)y copy them3 and !hen he has done that, 5 have another p)an ready to p)ay on him$0 %ome days )ater Zhuge Liang received a report that the enemy !ere using the same sort of !ooden .u))oc"s and horses to .ring up supp)ies from <i?hou$ 0@6act)y as 5 thought,0 said .e$ 'a))ing #ang Ping, he said, 0Dress up a thousand so)diers as those of #ei, and find your !ay 4uic")y and secret)y to Beiyuan$ Te)) them that you are escort for the convoy, and ming)e !ith the rea) escort$ Then sudden)y turn on them so that they scatter$ 2e6t you !i)) turn the herd this !ay$ By and .y you !i)) .e pursued$ #hen that occurs, you !i)) give a turn to the tongues of the !ooden anima)s, and they !i)) .e )oc"ed from movement$ Leave them !here they are and run a!ay$ #hen the so)diers of #ei come up, they !i)) .e una.)e to drag the creatures and e4ua))y una.)e to carry them$ 5 sha)) have so)diers ready, and you !i)) go .ac" !ith them, give the tongues a .ac"!ard turn and .ring the convoy here, The enemy !i)) .e great)y astonished$0 2e6t he ca))ed Zhang 2i and said, 0Dress up five hundred so)diers in the costume of the Deities of the %i6 Layers so that they appear supernatura)$ 9it them !ith demon heads and !i)d .east shapes, and )et them stain their faces various co)ors so as to )oo" as strange as possi.)e$ +ive them f)ags and s!ords and .ott)e/gourds !ith smo"e issuing from com.usti.)es inside$ Let these so)diers hide among the hi))s ti)) the convoy approaches, !hen they !i)) start the smo"e, rush out sudden)y and drive off the !ooden anima)s$ 2o one !i)) dare pursue such uncanny company$0 #hen Zhang 2i had )eft, #ei &an and 8iang #ei !ere ca))ed$ 0&ou !i)) ta"e ten thousand troops, go to the .order of Beiyuan to receive the !ooden transport creatures and defend them against attac"$0

Then another five thousand under Zhang &i and Liao (ua !as sent to chec" %ima &i if he shou)d come, !hi)e a sma)) force under ;a Dai and ;a Zheng !as sent to .id defiance to the enemy near their camp on the south .an"$ %o one day !hen a convoy !as on its !ay from the #est *a))ey Land, the scouts in front sudden)y reported some so)diers ahead !ho said they !ere escort for the grain$ 'ommander 'en #ei ha)ted and sent to in4uire$ 5t appeared the ne!comers !ere rea))y the so)diers of #ei, ho!ever, and so he started once more$ The ne!comers >oined up !ith his o!n troops$ But .efore they had gone much farther, there !as a ye)), and the men of %hu .egan to "i)), !hi)e a voice shouted, 0#ang Ping is here=0 The convoy guard !ere ta"en a.ac"$ ;any !ere "i))ed, .ut the others ra))ied round 'en #ei and made some defense$ (o!ever, #ang Ping s)e! 'en #ei, and the others ran this !ay and that, !hi)e the convoy !as turned to!ard the %hu camp$ The fugitives ran off to Beiyuan and reported the mishap to +uo (uai, !ho set out hot foot to rescue the convoy$ #hen he appeared, #ang Ping gave the order to turn tongues, )eft the !ooden anima)s in the road, and ran a!ay$ +uo (uai made no attempt to pursue, .ut tried to put the !ooden anima)s in motion to!ard their proper destination$ But he cou)d not move them$ (e !as great)y perp)e6ed$ Then sudden)y there arose the ro)) of drums a)) round, and out .urst t!o parties of so)diers$ These !ere #ei &an and 8iang #ei-s troops, and !hen they appeared #ang Ping-s so)diers faced a.out and came to the attac" as !e))$ These three .eing too much for +uo (uai3 he retreated .efore them$ Thereupon the tongues !ere turned .ac" again and the !ooden herd set in motion$ %eeing this, +uo (uai came on again$ But >ust then he sa! smo"e cur)ing up among the hi))s and a )ot of e6traordinary creatures .urst out upon him$ %ome he)d s!ords and some f)ags, and a)) !ere terri.)e to )oo" at$ They rushed at the !ooden anima)s and urged them a!ay$ 0Tru)y these are supernatura) he)pers,0 cried +uo (uai, 4uite frightened$

The so)diers a)so !ere terror/stric"en and stood sti))$ (earing that his Beiyuan troops had .een driven off, %ima &i came out to the rescue$ ;id!ay a)ong the road, >ust !here it !as most precipitous, a cohort .urst out upon him !ith fierce ye))s and .ursting .om.s$ Fpon the )eading .anners he read (an +enera) Zhang &i and (an +enera) Liao (ua$ Panic sei?ed upon his army, and they ran )i"e !inds$ 5n the fie)d the craftier )eader on the convoy ma"es a raid, And his riva)-s )ife endangers .y an am.ush su.t)y )aid$ 5f you !ou)d "no! the upshot, read the ne6t chapter$ Chapter !1 In &#urd 2a$$ey" Sima Yi Is Trapped; In Wu3hang ,i$$s" Zhuge Liang Inv#/es The Stars.

(eavi)y smitten in the .att)e, %ima &i f)ed from the fie)d a )one)y horseman$ %eeing a thic" !ood in the distance, he made for its she)ter$ Zhang &i ha)ted the rear division !hi)e Liao (ua pressed for!ard after the fugitive, !hom he cou)d see threading his !ay among the trees$ And %ima &i indeed !as soon in fear of his )ife, dodging from tree to tree as his pursuer neared$ :nce Liao (ua !as actua))y c)ose enough to s)ash at his enemy, .ut Liao (ua missed the .)o! and his s!ord struc" a tree3 and .efore he cou)d pu)) his s!ord out of the !ood, %ima &i had got c)ear a!ay$ #hen Liao (ua got through into the open country, he did not "no! !hich !ay to go$ Present)y he noticed a go)den he)met )ying on the ground to the east, >ust )ate)y thro!n aside$ (e pic"ed it up, hung it on his sadd)e, and !ent a!ay east!ard$ But the crafty fugitive, having f)ung a!ay his he)met thus on the east side of the !ood, had gone a!ay !est, so that Liao (ua !as going a!ay from his 4uarry$ After some time Liao (ua fe)) in !ith 8iang #ei, !hen he a.andoned the pursuit and rode !ith 8iang #ei .ac" to camp$

The !ooden o6en and running horses having .een driven into camp, their )oads !ere put into the storehouse$ The grain that fe)) to the victors amounted to ten thousand carts or more$ Liao (ua presented the enemy-s he)met as proof of his pro!ess in the fie)d, and received a re!ard of the first grade of merit$ #ei &an !ent a!ay angry and discontented3 Zhuge Liang noticed this, .ut he said nothing$ *ery sad)y %ima &i returned to his o!n camp$ Bad ne!s fo))o!ed, for a messenger .rought )etters te))ing of an invasion .y three armies of #u$ The )etters said that forces had .een sent against them, and the ,u)er of #ei again en>oined upon his 'ommander/in/'hief a !aiting and defensive po)icy$ %o %ima &i deepened his moats and raised his ramparts$ ;ean!hi)e, !hen the %outh Land marched against the ;idd)e Land, 'ao ,ui sent three armies against the invaders7 Liu %hao )ed that to save 8iang6ia3 Tian Du )ed the <iangyang force3 'ao ,ui himse)f, !ith ;an 'hong, !ent into (efei$ This )ast !as the main army$ ;an 'hong )ed the )eading division to!ard La"e 'haohu$ Thence, )oo"ing across to the eastern shore, he sa! a forest of .att)eships, and f)ags and .anners cro!ded the s"y$ %o he returned to the main army and proposed an attac" !ithout )oss of time$ 0The enemy thin" !e sha)) .e fatigued after a )ong march, and so they have not trou.)ed to prepare any defense$ #e shou)d attac" this night, and !e sha)) overcome them$0 0#hat you say accords !ith my o!n ideas,0 said the ,u)er of #ei$ Then the ,u)er of #ei to)d off the cava)ry )eader, Zhang iu, to ta"e five thousand troops and try to .urn out the enemy !ith com.usti.)es$ ;an 'hong !as a)so to attac" from the eastern .an"$ 5n the second !atch of that night, the t!o forces set out and gradua))y approached the entrance to the )a"e$ They reached the marine camp uno.served, .urst upon it !ith a ye)), and the so)diers of #u f)ed !ithout stri"ing a .)o!$ The troops of #ei set fires going in every direction and thus destroyed a)) the ships together !ith much grain and many !eapons$

Zhuge 8in, !ho !as in command, )ed his .eaten troops to ;ian"ou, and the attac"ers returned to their camp much e)ated$ #hen the report came to Lu <un, he ca))ed together his officers and said, 05 must !rite to the @mperor to a.andon the siege of <incheng, that the army may .e emp)oyed to cut off the retreat of the #ei army !hi)e 5 !i)) attac" them in front$ They !i)) .e harassed .y the dou.)e danger, and !e sha)) .rea" them$0 A)) agreed that this !as a good p)an, and the memoria) !as drafted$ 5t !as sent .y the hand of a >unior officer, !ho !as to)d to convey it secret)y$ But this messenger !as captured at the ferry and ta"en .efore the ,u)er of #ei$ 'ao ,ui read the dispatch, then said !ith a sigh, 0This Lu <un of #u is rea))y very resourcefu)$0 The captive !as put into prison, and Liu %hao !as to)d off to defend the rear and "eep off %un uan-s army$ 2o! Zhuge 8in-s defeated so)diers !ere suffering from hot !eather i))nesses, and at )ength he !as compe))ed to !rite and te)) Lu <un, and as" that his army .e re)ieved and sent home$ (aving read this dispatch, Lu <un said to the messenger, 0;a"e my o.eisance to the +enera), and say that 5 !i)) decide$0 #hen the messenger returned !ith this rep)y, Zhuge 8in as"ed !hat !as doing in the 'ommander/in/'hief-s camp$ The messenger rep)ied, 0The so)diers !ere a)) outside p)anting .eans, and the officers !ere amusing themse)ves at the gates$ They !ere p)aying a game of s"i)), thro!ing arro!s into narro!/nec"ed vases$0 A)armed, Zhuge 8in himse)f !ent to his chief-s camp$ %aid he, 0'ao ,ui himse)f )eads the e6pedition, and the enemy is very strong$ (o! do you, : 'ommander, meet this pressing danger10 Lu <un rep)ied, 0;y messenger to the @mperor !as captured, and thus my p)ans !ere discovered$ 2o! it is use)ess to prepare to fight, and so !e had .etter retreat$ 5 have sent in a memoria) to engage the @mperor to retire gradua))y$0

Zhuge 8in rep)ied, 0#hy de)ay1 5f you thin" it .est to retire, it had .etter .e done 4uic")y$0 0;y army must retreat s)o!)y, or the enemy !i)) come in pursuit, !hich !i)) mean defeat and )oss$ 2o! you must first prepare your ships as if you meant to resist, !hi)e 5 ma"e a sem.)ance of an attac" to!ard <iangyang$ Fnder cover of these operations !e sha)) !ithdra! into the %outh Land, and the enemy !i)) not dare to fo))o!$0 %o Zhuge 8in returned to his o!n camp and .egan to fit out his ships as if for an immediate e6pedition, !hi)e Lu <un made a)) preparations to march, giving out that he intended to advance upon <iangyang$ The ne!s of these movements !ere du)y reported in the #ei camps$ #hen the )eaders heard it, they !ished to go out and fight$ But the ,u)er of #ei "ne! his opponent .etter than they and !ou)d not .ring a.out a .att)e$ %o he ca))ed his officers together and said to them, 0This Lu <un is very crafty$ Ceep carefu) guard, .ut do not ris" a .att)e$0 The officers o.eyed$ A fe! days )ater the scouts .rought in ne!s7 0The three armies of #u have retired=0 The ,u)er of #ei dou.ted and sent out some of his o!n spies, !ho confirmed the report$ #hen he thus "ne! it !as true, he conso)ed himse)f !ith the !ords, 0Lu <un "no!s the art of !ar even as did %un ZiD and #u iD$ The su.>ugation of the southeast is not for me this time$0 Thereupon 'ao ,ui distri.uted his genera)s among the various vantage points and )ed the main army .ac" into (efei, !here he camped ready to ta"e advantage of any change of conditions that might promise success$ ;ean!hi)e Zhuge Liang !as at ishan, !here he intended to ma"e a )ong so>ourn$ (e made his so)diers mi6 !ith the peop)e in #ei and share in the )a.or of the fie)ds, and the crops///the so)diers one/ third, the peop)e t!o/third$ (e gave strict orders against any

encroachment on the property of the farmers, and so they and the so)diers )ived together very amica.)y$ Then %ima &i-s son, %ima %hi, !ent to his father and said, 0These so)diers of %hu have despoi)ed us of much grain, and no! they are ming)ing !ith the peop)e of ishan and ti))ing the fie)ds a)ong the .an"s of ,iver #ei as if they intended to remain there$ This !ou)d .e a ca)amity for us$ #hy do you not appoint a time to fight a decisive .att)e !ith Zhuge Liang10 (is father rep)ied, 05 have the @mperor-s orders to act on the defensive and may not do as you suggest$0 #hi)e they !ere thus ta)"ing, one reported that #ei &an had come near and !as insu)ting the army and reminding them that he had the he)met of their )eader$ And he !as cha))enging them$ The genera)s !ere great)y incensed and desired to accept the cha))enge, .ut the 'ommander/in/'hief !as immova.)e in his decision to o.ey his orders$ 0The (o)y :ne says7 -5f one cannot suffer sma)) things, great matters are imperi)ed$- :ur p)an is to defend$0 %o the cha))enge !as not accepted, and there !as no .att)e$ After revi)ing them for some time, #ei &an !ent a!ay$ %eeing that his enemy !as not to .e provo"ed into fighting, Zhuge Liang gave orders to ;a Dai to .ui)d a strong stoc"ade in the +ourd *a))ey and therein to e6cavate pits and to co))ect )arge 4uantities of inf)amma.)es$ %o on the hi)) they pi)ed !ood and stra! in the shape of sheds, and a)) a.out they dug pits and .uried mines$ #hen these preparations !ere comp)ete, ;a Dai received instructions to .)oc" the road in rear of +ourd *a))ey and to )ay an am.ush at the entrance$ 05f %ima &i comes, )et him enter the va))ey, and then e6p)ode the mines and set fire to the stra! and the !ood,0 said Zhuge Liang$ 0A)so, set up seven star f)ags at the mouth of the va))ey and arrange a night signa) of seven )amps on the hi))$0 After ;a Dai had gone, #ei &an !as ca))ed in, and Zhuge Liang said to him, 0+o to the camp of #ei !ith five hundred troops and provo"e them to .att)e$ The important matter is to entice %ima &i out of his strongho)d$ &ou !i)) .e una.)e to o.tain a victory, so retreat that he

may pursue$ &ou are to ma"e for the signa), the seven star f)ags .y day or the seven )amps at night$ Thus you !i)) )ead him into the +ourd *a))ey, !here 5 have a p)an prepared for him$0 #hen #ei &an had gone, +ao <iang !as summoned$ 0Ta"e sma)) herds, forty or fifty at a time, of the !ooden o6en and running horses, )oad them up !ith grain and )ead them to and fro on the mountains$ 5f you can succeed in getting the enemy to capture them, you !i)) render a service$0 %o the transport !ooden catt)e !ere sent forth to p)ay their part in the scheme, and the remainder of the ishan so)diers !ere sent to !or" in the fie)ds$ (e gave orders to his genera)s, saying, 05f the enemy under other )eaders come to attac", you are to f)ee the fie)d$ :n)y in the case %ima &i comes in person, you are to attac" most vigorous)y the south .an" of the river and cut off the retreat$0 Then Zhuge Liang )ed his army a!ay to camp ne6t to the +ourd *a))ey$ <iahou (ui and <iahou (e !ent to their chief, %ima &i, and said, 0The enemy have set out camps and are engaged in fie)d !or" as though they intended to remain$ 5f they are not destroyed no!, .ut are a))o!ed to conso)idate their position, they !i)) .e hard to dis)odge$0 0This certain)y is one of Zhuge Liang-s ruses,0 said the chief$ 0&ou seem very afraid of him, 'ommander,0 retorted they$ 0#hen do you thin" you can destroy him1 At )east )et us t!o .rothers fight one .att)e that !e may prove our gratitude for the @mperor-s "indness$0 05f it must .e so, then you may go in t!o divisions,0 said %ima &i$ As the t!o divisions, five thousand troops each, !ere marching a)ong, they sa! coming to!ard them a num.er of the transport !ooden anima)s of the enemy$ They attac"ed at once, drove off the escort, captured them, and sent them .ac" to camp$ 2e6t day they captured more, !ith so)diers and horses as !e)), and sent them a)so to camp$ %ima &i ca))ed up the prisoners and 4uestioned them$

They to)d him, saying, 0The Prime ;inister understood that you !ou)d not fight, and so had to)d off the so)diers to various p)aces to !or" in the fie)ds, and therefore provide for future needs$ #e had .een un!itting)y captured$0 %ima &i set them free and .ade them .egone$ 0#hy spare them10 as"ed <iahou (e$ 0There is nothing to .e gained .y the s)aughter of a fe! common so)diers$ Let them go .ac" to their o!n and praise the "ind)iness of the #ei )eaders$ That !i)) s)ac"en the desire of their comrades to fight against us$ That !as the p)an .y !hich Lu ;eng captured 8ing?hou$0 Then he issued genera) orders that a)) %hu prisoners shou)d .e !e)) treated and sent a!ay free$ (o!ever, he "ept re!arding those of his army !ho had done !e))$ As has .een said, +ao <iang !as ordered to "eep pretended convoys on the move, and the so)diers of #ei attac"ed and captured them !henever they sa! them$ 5n ha)f a month they had scored many successes of this sort, and %ima &i-s heart !as cheered$ :ne day, !hen he had made ne! captures of so)diers, he sent for them and 4uestioned them again$ 0#here is Zhuge Liang no!10 0(e is no )onger at ishan, .ut in camp a.out three mi)es from the +ourd *a))ey$ (e is gathering a great store of grain there$0 After he had 4uestioned them fu))y, he set the prisoners free$ 'a))ing together his officers, he said, 0Zhuge Liang is not camped on ishan, .ut near the +ourd *a))ey$ Tomorro! you sha)) attac" the ishan camp, and 5 !i)) command the reserve$0 The promise cheered them, and they !ent a!ay to prepare$ 09ather, !hy do you intend to attac" the enemy-s rear10 as"ed %ima %hi$ 0 ishan is their main position, and they !i)) certain)y hasten to its rescue$ Then 5 sha)) ma"e for the va))ey and .urn the stores$ That !i)) render them he)p)ess and !i)) .e a victory$0

The son e6c)aimed his admiration for the p)an$ %ima &i .egan to march out, !ith Zhang (u and &ue 'hen fo))o!ing as the reserves$ 9rom the top of a hi)) Zhuge Liang !atched the #ei so)diers march and noticed that they moved in companies from three to five thousand, o.serving the front and the rear carefu))y as they marched$ (e guessed that their o.>ect !as the ishan camp$ %o he sent strict orders to his genera)s7 05f %ima &i )eads in person, you are to go off and capture the #ei camp and the south .an" of ,iver #ei$0 They received and o.eyed his orders$ #hen the troops of #ei had got near and made their rush to!ard the camp of %hu in ishan, the troops of %hu ran up a)so, ye))ing and pretending to reinforce the defenders$ %ima &i, seeing the %hu troops rushing to rescure ishan, sudden)y marched his center army-s guards !ith his t!o sons, changed his direction, and turned off for the +ourd *a))ey$ (ere #ei &an !as e6pecting him3 and as soon as he appeared, #ei &an ga))oped up and soon recogni?ed %ima &i as the )eader$ 0%ima &i, stay=0 shouted #ei &an as he came near$ (e f)ourished his s!ord, and %ima &i set his spear$ The t!o !arriors e6changed a fe! passes, and then #ei &an sudden)y turned his steed and .o)ted$ As he had .een ordered, he made direct for the seven star f)ags, and %ima &i fo))o!ed, the more readi)y as he sa! the fugitive had .ut a sma)) force$ The t!o sons of %ima &i rode !ith him, %ima %hi on the )eft, %ima Zhao on the right$ Present)y #ei &an and his troops entered the mouth of the va))ey$ %ima &i ha)ted a time !hi)e he sent for!ard a fe! scouts$ They returned and reported7 02ot a sing)e %hu so)dier is seen, .ut a many stra! houses are on the hi))s$0 %ima &i said, 0This must .e the store va))ey=0 (e )ed his army in eager)y$ But !hen he had got !e)) !ithin, %ima &i noticed that "ind)ing !ood !as pi)ed over the stra! huts3 and as he sa! no sign of #ei &an, he .egan to fee) uneasy$

0%upposing so)diers sei?e the entrance$ #hat then10 said he to his sons$ As he spo"e there arose a great shout, and from the hi))side came many torches, !hich fe)) a)) around them and set fire to the stra!, so that soon the entrance to the va))ey !as )ost in smo"e and f)ame$ They tried to get a!ay from the fire, .ut no road )ed up the hi))side$ Then fire/arro!s came shooting do!n, and the earth/mines e6p)oded, and the stra! and fire!ood .)a?ed high as the heavens$ The fire caused strong !inds, and the !inds aided the fire3 and the va))ey .ecame a fiery stove$ %ima &i, scared and he)p)ess, dismounted, c)asped his arms a.out his t!o sons, and !ept, saying, 0;y sons, !e three are doomed=0 As they stood !eeping, a fierce ga)e sudden)y sprang up, .)ac" c)ouds gathered, a pea) of thunder fo))o!ed, and rain poured do!n in torrents, speedi)y e6tinguishing the fire a)) through the va))ey$ The mines no )onger e6p)oded, and a)) the fiery contrivances ceased to !or" mischief$ 05f !e do not .rea" out no!, !hat .etter chance sha)) !e have10 cried %ima &i, and he )ed the so)diers to ma"e a dash for the out)et$ As they .ro"e out of the va))ey, they came upon reinforcements under Zhang (u and &ue 'hen, and so !ere once more safe$ ;a Dai !as not strong enough to pursue, and the so)diers of #ei got safe)y to the river$ But there they found their camp in the possession of the enemy, !hi)e +uo (uai and %un Li !ere on the f)oating .ridge strugg)ing !ith the troops of %hu$ %ima &i charged up hasti)y, and the troops of %hu retreated, !hereupon %ima &i crossed the river and ordered the .ridges .urned$ (e then occupied the north .an"$ The #ei army attac"ing the ishan camp !ere great)y distur.ed !hen they heard of the defeat of their 'ommander/in/'hief and the )oss of the camp on ,iver #ei$ The troops of %hu too" the occasion to stri"e !ith greater vigor, and so gained a great victory$ The .eaten army suffered heavy )oss$ Those !ho escaped f)ed across the river$ #hen Zhuge Liang from the hi))/top sa! that %ima &i had .een inveig)ed into the trap .y #ei &an, he re>oiced e6ceeding)y3 and

!hen he sa! the f)ames .urst forth, he thought sure)y his riva) !as done for$ Then, unhappi)y for him, (eaven thought it !e)) to send do!n torrents of rain, !hich 4uenched the fire and upset a)) his ca)cu)ations$ %oon after, the scouts reported the escape of his victims$ Zhuge Liang sighed, saying, 0(uman proposes3 +od disposes$ #e cannot !rest events to our !i))$0 9ierce fires roared in the va))ey, But the rain 4uenched them$ (ad Zhuge Liang-s p)an .ut succeeded, #here had .een the 8ins1 9rom the ne! camp on the north .an" of the river, %ima &i issued an order7 0The south shore has .een )ost$ 5f any of you proposes going out to .att)e again, he sha)) .e put to death=0 According)y no one spo"e of attac"ing, .ut a)) turned their energies to!ard defense$ +uo (uai !ent to the genera) to ta)" over p)ans$ (e said, 0The enemy have .een carefu))y spying out the country$ They are certain)y se)ecting a ne! position for a camp$0 %ima &i said, 05f Zhuge Liang goes out to #ugong (i))s, and thence east!ard a)ong the hi))s, !e sha)) .e in grave danger$ 5f he goes !est!ard a)ong ,iver #ei, and ha)ts on the #u?hang (i))s, !e need fee) no an6iety$0 They decided to send scouts to find out the movements of their enemy$ Present)y the scouts returned to say that Zhuge Liang had chosen the #u?hang (i))s$ 0:ur great @mperor of #ei has remar"a.)e fortune,0 said %ima &i, c)apping his hand to his forehead$ Then he confirmed the order to remain strict)y on the defensive ti)) some change of circumstances on the part of the enemy shou)d promise advantage$ After his army had sett)ed into camp on the #u?hang (i))s, Zhuge Liang continued his attempts to provo"e a .att)e$ Day after day,

parties !ent to cha))enge the army of #ei, .ut they resisted a)) provocation$ :ne day Zhuge Liang put a dress made of deer hide in a .o6, !hich he sent, !ith a )etter, to his riva)$ The insu)t cou)d not .e concea)ed, so the genera)s )ed the .earer of the .o6 to their chief$ %ima &i opened the .o6 and sa! the deer hide dress$ Then he opened the )etter, !hich read something )i"e this7 09riend %ima &i, a)though you are a 'ommander/in/'hief and )ead the armies of the ;idd)e Land, you seem .ut )itt)e disposed to disp)ay the firmness and va)or that !ou)d render a contest decisive$ 5nstead, you have prepared a comforta.)e )air !here you are safe from the "een edge of the s!ord$ Are you not very )i"e a deer1 #herefore 5 send the .earer !ith a suita.)e gift, and you !i)) hum.)y accept it and the humi)iation, un)ess, indeed, you fina))y decide to come out and fight )i"e a !arrior$ 5f you are not entire)y indifferent to shame, if you retain any of the fee)ings of a tiger, you !i)) send this .ac" to me and come out and give .att)e$0 %ima &i, a)though in!ard)y raging, pretended to ta"e it a)) as a >o"e and smi)ed$ 0%o he regards me as a deer,0 said he$ (e accepted the gift and treated the messenger !e))$ Before the messenger )eft, %ima &i as"ed him a fe! 4uestions a.out his master-s eating and s)eeping and hours of )a.or$ 0The Prime ;inister !or"s very hard,0 said the messenger$ 0(e rises ear)y and retires to .ed )ate$ (e attends persona))y to a)) cases re4uiring punishment of over t!enty of stro"es$ As for food, he does not eat more than a fe! pints of grain dai)y$0 05ndeed, Zhuge Liang eats )itt)e and !or"s much,0 remar"ed %ima &i to his genera)s$ 0'an he )ast )ong10 The messenger returned to his o!n side and reported to Zhuge Liang, saying, 0%ima &i too" the !ho)e episode in good part and sho!n no sign of anger$ (e on)y as"ed a.out the Prime ;inister-s hours of rest, and food, and such things$ (e said no !ord a.out mi)itary matters$ 5 to)d him that you ate )itt)e and !or"ed )ong hours, and then he said, -'an he )ast )ong1- That !as a))$0

0(e "no!s me,0 said Zhuge Liang, pensive)y$ 9irst %ecretary &ang &ong present)y ventured to remonstrate !ith his chief$ 05 notice,0 said &ang &ong, 0that you chec" the .oo"s persona))y$ 5 thin" that is need)ess )a.or for a Prime ;inister to underta"e$ 5n every administration the higher and su.ordinate ran"s have their especia) fie)ds of activity, and each shou)d confine his )a.ors to his o!n fie)d$ 5n a househo)d, for e6amp)e, the ma)e p)o!s and the fema)e coo"s, and thus operations are carried on !ithout !aste of energy, and a)) needs are supp)ied$ 5f one individua) strives to attend persona))y to every matter, he on)y !earies himse)f and fai)s to accomp)ish his end$ (o! can he possi.)y hope to perform a)) the various tas"s !e))1 0And, indeed, the ancients he)d this same opinion, for they said that the high officers shou)d attend to the discussion of !ays and means, and the )o!er shou)d carry out detai)s$ :f o)d, Bing 8iD !as moved to deep thought .y the panting of an o6, .ut in4uired not a.out the corpses of certain .ra!)ers !hich )ay a.out the road, for this matter concerned the magistrate$ 'hen PingD !as ignorant of the figures re)ating to ta6es, for he said these !ere the concern of the ta6 contro))ers$ : Prime ;inister, you !eary yourse)f !ith minor detai)s and s!eat yourse)f everyday$ &ou are !earing yourse)f out, and %ima &i has good reason for !hat he said$0 05 "no!///5 cannot .ut "no!,0 rep)ied Zhuge Liang !ith tears in his eyes$ 0But this heavy responsi.i)ity !as )aid upon me, and 5 fear no other !i)) .e so devoted as 5 am$0 Those !ho heard him !ept$ Thereafter Zhuge Liang appeared more and more harassed, and mi)itary operations did not speed$ :n the other side the officers of #ei resented .itter)y the insu)t that had .een put upon them !hen their )eader had .een presented !ith the deer hide dress$ They !ished to avenge the taunt, and !ent to their genera), saying, 0#e are reputa.)e genera)s of the army of a great state$ (o! can !e put up !ith such insu)ts from these so)diers of %hu1 #e pray you )et us fight them$0

05t is not that 5 fear to go out,0 said %ima &i, 0nor that 5 re)ish the insu)ts, .ut 5 have the @mperor-s command to ho)d on and may not diso.ey$0 The officers !ere not in the )east appeased$ #herefore %ima &i said, 05 !i)) send your re4uest to the Throne in a memoria)$ #hat thin" you of that10 They consented to a!ait the @mperor-s rep)y, and a messenger .ore to the ,u)er of #ei, in (efei, this memoria)7 05 have sma)) a.i)ity and high office$ &our ;a>esty )aid on me the command to defend and not fight ti)) the army of %hu had suffered .y the f)u6 of time$ But Zhuge Liang has no! sent me a gift of a deer hide dress, and my shame is very deep$ #herefore 5 advise &our ;a>esty that one day 5 sha)) have to fight in order to >ustify your "indness to me and to remove the shamefu) stigma that no! rests upon my army$ 5 cannot e6press the degree to !hich 5 am urged to this course$0 'ao ,ui read it and turned 4uestioning)y to his courtiers see"ing an e6p)anation$ %aid he, 0%ima &i has .een in o.stinate defense7 #hy does he !ant to attac" no!10 'ommander <in Pi rep)ied, 0%ima &i has no desire to give .att)e$ This memoria) is .ecause of the shame put upon the officers .y Zhuge Liang-s gift$ They are a)) in a rage$ (e !ishes for an edict to pacify them$0 'ao ,ui understood and gave to <in Pi an authority ensign and sent him to the ,iver #ei camp to ma"e "no!n that it !as the @mperor-s command not to fight$ %ima &i received the messenger !ith a)) respect, and it !as given out that any future reference to offering .att)e !ou)d .e ta"en as diso.edience to the @mperor-s especia) command in the edict$ The officers cou)d .ut o.ey$ %ima &i said to <in Pi, 02o.)e %ir, you interpreted my o!n desire correct)y=0

5t !as thencefor!ard understood that %ima &i !as for.idden to give .att)e$ #hen it !as to)d to Zhuge Liang, he said, 0This is on)y %ima &i-s method of pacifying his army$0 #ei 8iang as"ed, 0(o! do you "no!, : Prime ;inister10 0%ima &i has never had any intention of fighting$ %o he re4uested the edict to >ustify his strategy$ 5t is !e)) "no!n that a genera) in the fie)d ta"es no command from any person, not even his o!n prince$ 5s it )i"e)y that he !ou)d send a thousand mi)es to as" permission to fight if that !as a)) he needed1 The officers !ere .itter, and so %ima &i got the @mperor to assist him in maintaining discip)ine$ A)) this is meant to s)ac"en our so)diers$0 8ust at this time 9ei &i came from 'apita) 'hengdu$ (e !as ca))ed in to see the Prime ;inister, and Zhuge Liang as"ed the reason for his coming$ (e rep)ied, 0The ,u)er of #ei, 'ao ,ui, hearing that #u has invaded his country at three points, has )ed a great army to (efei and sent three armies under ;an 'hong, Tian Du, and Liu %hao, to oppose the invaders$ The stores and fight/materia) of #u have .een .urned, and the army of #u have fa))en victims to sic"ness$ A )etter from Lu <un containing a scheme of attac" fe)) into the hands of the enemy, and the ,u)er of #u has marched .ac" into his o!n country$0 Zhuge Liang )istened to the end3 then, !ithout a !ord, he fe)) in a s!oon$ (e recovered after a time, .ut he !as .ro"en$ (e said, 0;y mind is a)) in confusion$ This is a return of my o)d i))ness, and 5 am doomed$0 5)) as he !as, Zhuge Liang that night !ent forth from his tent to scan the heavens and study the stars$ They fi))ed him !ith fear$ (e returned and said to 8iang #ei, 0;y )ife may end at any moment$0 0#hy do you say such a thing10 08ust no! in the Triumvirate conste))ation the +uest %tar !as t!ice as .right as usua), !hi)e the (ost %tar !as dar"ened3 the supporting stars !ere a)so o.scure$ #ith such an aspect 5 "no! my fate$0

05f the aspect .e as ma)ignant as you say, !hy not pray in order to avert it10 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ 05 am in the ha.it of praying,0 rep)ied Zhuge Liang, 0.ut 5 "no! not the !i)) of +od$ (o!ever, prepare me forty/nine guards and )et each have a .)ac" f)ag$ Dress them in .)ac" and p)ace them outside my tent$ Then !i)) 5 from !ithin my tent invo"e the %even %tars of the 2orth$ 5f my master/)amp remain a)ight for seven days, then is my )ife to .e pro)onged for t!e)ve years$ 5f the )amp goes out, then 5 am to die$ Ceep a)) id)ers a!ay from the tent, and )et a coup)e of guards .ring me !hat is necessary$0 8iang #ei prepared as directed$ 5t !as then the eighth month, mid/autumn, and the ;i)"y #ay !as .ri))iant !ith scattered >ade$ The air !as perfect)y ca)m, and no sound !as heard$ The forty/nine men !ere .rought up and spaced out to guard the tent, !hi)e !ithin Zhuge Liang prepared incense and offerings$ :n the f)oor of the tent he arranged seven )amps, and, outside these, forty/nine sma))er )amps$ 5n the midst he p)aced the )amp of his o!n fate$ This done, he prayed7 0Zhuge Liang, .orn into an age of trou.)e, !ou)d !i))ing)y have gro!n o)d in retirement$ But (is ;a>esty, Liu Bei the +)orious @mperor, sought him thrice and confided to him the heavy responsi.i)ity of guarding his son$ (e dared not do )ess than spend himse)f to the utmost in such a tas", and he p)edged himse)f to destroy the re.e)s$ %udden)y the star of his )eadership has dec)ined, and his )ife no! nears its c)ose$ (e has hum.)y indited a dec)aration on this si)" piece to the +reat Fn"no!a.)e and no! hopes that (e !i)) gracious)y )isten and e6tend the num.er of his days that he may prove his gratitude to his prince and .e the savior of the peop)e, restore the o)d state of the empire and esta.)ish eterna))y the (an sacrifices$ (e dares not ma"e a vain prayer7 This is from his heart$0 This prayer ended, in the so)itude of his tent Zhuge Liang a!aited the da!n$ 2e6t day, i)) as he !as, he did not neg)ect his duties, a)though he spat .)ood continua))y$ A)) day he )a.ored at his p)ans, and at night he paced the magic steps, the steps of seven stars of Frsa ;a>or and Frsa ;inor$

%ima &i remained sti)) on the defensive$ :ne night as he sat ga?ing up at the s"y and studying its aspect, he sudden)y turned to <iahou Ba, saying, 0A )eadership star has >ust )ost position7 %ure)y Zhuge Liang is i)) and !i)) soon die$ Ta"e a reconnoitering party of one thousand to the #u?hang (i))s and find out$ 5f you see signs of confusion, it means that Zhuge Liang is i))$ 5 sha)) ta"e the occasion to smite hard$0 <iahou Ba )eft !ith an army$ 5t !as the si6th night of Zhuge Liang-s prayers, and the )amp of his fate sti)) .urned .right)y$ (e .egan to fee) a secret >oy$ Present)y 8iang #ei entered and !atched the ceremonies$ (e sa! Zhuge Liang !as )oosening his hair, his hand ho)ding a s!ord, his hee)s stepping on Frsa ;a>or and Frsa ;inor to ho)d the )eadership star$ %udden)y a great shouting !as heard outside, and #ei 8iang !as a.out to send someone to in4uire !hen #ei &an dashed in, crying, 0The #ei so)diers are upon us=0 5n his haste #ei &an had "noc"ed over and e6tinguished the Lamp of 9ate$ Zhuge Liang thre! do!n the s!ord and sighed, saying, 0Life and death are foreordained$ 2o prayers can a)ter them$0 %tunned, #ei &an fe)) to the earth and craved forgiveness$ 8iang #ei got angry and dre! his s!ord to s)ay the unhappy genera)$ 2ought is under man-s contro), 2or can he !ith fate contend$ The ne6t chapter !i)) unfo)d !hat happened$ Chapter !4 A (a$$ing Star5 The +rime 0inister As.ends T# ,eaven; A W##den Statue5 The C#mmander6In6Chief Is Terrified.

The unhappy #ei &an did not suffer the edge of the s!ord, for Zhuge Liang stayed the stro"e, saying, 05t is my fate///not his fau)t$0 %o 8iang #ei put up his s!ord$

Zhuge Liang spat a fe! mouthfu)s of .)ood, then san" !eari)y upon his couch$ %aid he, 0%ima &i thin"s 5 am dead, and he sent these fe! troops to ma"e sure$ +o and drive them off$0 #ei &an )eft the tent and )ed out a sma)) party to drive a!ay the troops of #ei, !ho f)ed as they appeared$ (e chased them to more than seven mi)es and returned$ Then Zhuge Liang sent #ei &an to his o!n camp and .ade him "eep a vigi)ant )oo"out$ Present)y 8iang #ei came in, !ent up to the sic" man-s couch, and as"ed ho! he fe)t$ Zhuge Liang rep)ied, 0;y death is very near$ ;y chief desire has .een to spend myse)f to the utmost to restore (an to its g)ory and to regain the ;idd)e Land$ But (eaven decrees it other!ise$ ;y end is not far a!ay$ 5 have !ritten a .oo" in t!enty/four chapters, EBG,EE2 !ords, treating the @ight 2eedfu)s, the %even 'autions, the %i6 9ears, and the 9ive Dreads of !ar$ But among a)) those a.out me there is no one fit to receive it and carry on my !or" save you$ 5 pray you not to despise it$0 (e gave the treatise to 8iang #ei, !ho received it so..ing$ 05 have a)so a p)an for a mu)tip)e cross.o!, !hich 5 have .een una.)e to e6ecute$ The !eapon shoots ten .o)ts of eight inches )ength at every discharge$ The s"etches are 4uite ready, and the !eapons can .e made according to them$0 8iang #ei too" the papers !ith a deep .o!$ The dying man continued, 0There is no part of %hu that causes an6iety, save the &inping ;ountains$ That must .e carefu))y guarded$ 5t is protected natura))y .y its )ofty precipices, .ut it !i)) sure)y .e the cause of great )osses$0 2e6t Zhuge Liang sent for ;a Dai, to !hom he gave certain !hispered instructions, and then said, 0&ou are to fo))o! out my instructions after my death$0 %oon after, &ang &i entered the tent and !ent to the couch$ (e received a si)"en .ag containing certain secret orders$

As Zhuge Liang gave it to him, he said, 0After my death, #ei &an !i)) turn traitor$ #hen that happens and the army is in danger, you !i)) find herein !hat to do$0 8ust as these arrangements !ere finished, Zhuge Liang fe)) into a s!oon, from !hich he did not revive ti)) )ate in the evening$ Then he set himse)f to compose a memoria) to the Latter ,u)er$ #hen this reached the Latter ,u)er, he !as great)y a)armed and at once sent 'hief %ecretary Li 9u to visit and confer !ith the dying minister$ Li 9u trave)ed 4uic")y to the #u?hang (i))s and !as )ed to the tent of the 'ommander/in/'hief$ (e de)ivered the Latter ,u)er-s command and in4uired after the sic" man-s !e)fare$ Zhuge Liang !ept, and he rep)ied, 0Fnhappi)y 5 am dying and )eaving my tas" incomp)ete$ 5 am in>uring my country-s po)icy and am in fau)t to the !or)d$ After my death you must aid the @mperor in perfect )oya)ty, and see that the o)d po)icy is continued, and the ru)es of government maintained$ Do not )ight)y cast out the peop)e 5 have emp)oyed$ ;y p)ans of campaign have .een confided to 8iang #ei, !ho can continue my po)icy for the service of the state$ But my hour dra!s near, and 5 must !rite my testament$0 Li 9u )istened, and then too" his )eave$ Zhuge Liang made one fina) effort to carry out his duties$ (e rose from his couch, !as he)ped into a sma)) carriage, and thus made a round of inspection of a)) the camps and posts$ But the co)d autumn !ind chi))ed him to the .one$ 05 sha)) never again )ead the army against the re.e)s,0 said he$ 0: A?ure (eaven, !hen !i)) this regret end10 Zhuge Liang returned to his tent$ (e .ecame rapid)y !ea"er and ca))ed &ang &i to his .edside$ %aid he, 0;a Dai, #ang Ping, Liao (ua, Zhang &i, Zhang 2i may .e depended on to the death$ They have fought many campaigns and .orne many hardships3 they shou)d .e retained in the pu.)ic service$ After my death )et everything go on as .efore, .ut the army is to .e gradua))y !ithdra!n$ &ou "no! the tactics to .e fo))o!ed, and 5 need

say )itt)e$ ;y friend 8iang #ei is !ise and .rave3 set him to guard the retreat$0 &ang &i received these orders, !eeping$ 2e6t, !riting materia)s !ere .rought in and the dying minister set himse)f to !rite his testament$ 5t is here given in su.stance7 0Life and death are the common )ot, and fate cannot .e evaded$ Death is at hand, and 5 desire to prove my )oya)ty to the end$ 5, thy servant Zhuge Liang, du)) of parts, !as .orn into a difficu)t age, and it fe)) to my )ot to guide mi)itary operations$ 5 )ed a northern e6pedition, .ut fai)ed to !in comp)ete success$ 2o! sic"ness has )aid ho)d upon me and death approaches, so that 5 sha)) .e una.)e to accomp)ish my tas"$ ;y sorro! is ine6pressi.)e$ 05 desire &our ;a>esty to c)eanse your heart and )imit your desires, to practice se)f/contro) and to )ove the peop)e, to maintain a perfect)y fi)ia) attitude to!ard your )ate father and to .e .enevo)ent to a)) the !or)d$ %ee" out the rec)use scho)ars that you may o.tain the services of the !ise and good3 repe) the !ic"ed and depraved that your mora) standard may .e e6a)ted$ 0To my househo)d .e)ong eight hundred mu).erry trees and a hundred acres of )and3 thus there is amp)e provision for my fami)y$ #hi)e 5 have .een emp)oyed in the service of the state, my needs have .een supp)ied from officia) sources, .ut 5 have not contrived to ma"e any additions to the fami)y estate$ At my death 5 sha)) not )eave any increased possessions, even an e6cess ro)) of si)", that may cause &our ;a>esty to suspect that 5 have !ronged you$0 (aving composed this document, the dying man turned again to &ang &i, saying, 0Do not !ear mourning for me, .ut ma"e a )arge coffer and therein p)ace my .ody, !ith seven grains of rice in my mouth$ P)ace a )amp at my feet and )et my .ody move !ith the army as 5 !as !ont to do$ 5f you refrain from mourning, then my )eadership star !i)) not fa)), for my inmost sou) !i)) ascend and ho)d it in p)ace$ %o )ong as my star retains its p)ace, %ima &i !i)) .e fearsome and suspicious$ 0Let the army retreat, .eginning !ith the rearmost division3 send it a!ay s)o!)y, one camp at a time$ 5f %ima &i pursues, array the army and offer .att)e, turn to meet him and .eat the attac"$ Let him approach ti)) he is very near and then sudden)y disp)ay the !ooden

image of myse)f that 5 have had carved, seated in my chariot in the midst of the army, !ith the genera)s right and )eft as usua)$ And you !i)) frighten %ima &i a!ay$0 &ang &i )istened to these !ords intent)y$ That night Zhuge Liang !as carried into the open and ga?ed up at the s"y$ 0That is my star,0 said he, pointing to one that seemed to .e )osing its .ri))iancy and to .e tottering in its p)ace$ Zhuge Liang-s )ips moved as if he muttered a spe))$ Present)y he !as .orne into his tent and for a time !as o.)ivious of a)) a.out him$ #hen the an6iety caused .y this state of coma !as at its height, Li 9u arrived$ (e !ept !hen he sa! the condition of the great )eader, crying, 05 have foi)ed the great designs of the state=0 (o!ever, present)y Zhuge Liang-s eyes reopened and fe)) upon Li 9u standing near his couch$ 05 "no! your mission,0 said Zhuge Liang$ 05 came !ith the roya) command to as" a)so !ho shou)d contro) the destinies of the state for the ne6t century,0 rep)ied Li 9u$ 05n my agitation 5 forgot to as" that$0 0After me, 8iang #an is the most fitting man to dea) !ith great matters$0 0And after 8iang #an10 0After him, 9ei &i$0 0#ho is ne6t after 9ei &i10 2o rep)y came, and !hen they )oo"ed more carefu))y, they perceived that the sou) of the Prime ;inister had passed$ Thus died Zhuge Liang, on the t!enty/third day of the eighth month in the t!e)fth year of Beginning Prosperity, at the age of fifty and four (AD 2AG)$ The poet Du 9u !rote some verses on his death$

A .right star )ast night fa))ing from the s"y, This message gave, 0The ;aster is no more$0 2o more in camps sha)) .o)d men tramp at his command3 At court no statesman ever !i)) fi)) the p)ace he he)d3 At home, his c)ients miss their patron "ind3 %ad for the army, !ho !ere )one)y in this !or)d$ 5n the green !ood stones and cree"s are crying, 2o more of his )ute, .irds have hushed singing$ And Bai 8uyi a)so !rote a poem7 #ithin the forest dim the ;aster )ived o.scure, Ti)), thrice returning, there the prince his mentor met$ As !hen a fish the ocean gains, desire !as fi))ed #ho))y the dragon freed cou)d soar a)oft at !i))$ As "ing-s son-s guardian none more ?ea)ous !as3 As minister, most )oya))y he !rought at court$ (is !ar memoria)s sti)) to us are )eft, And, reading them, the tears unconscious fa))$ 2o! in past days, 'ommander Liao Li in 'hangshui had a high opinion of his o!n a.i)ities and thought himse)f perfect)y fitted to .e Zhuge Liang-s second$ %o he neg)ected the duties of his proper post, sho!ed discontent and indiscip)ine, and !as constant)y s)andering the minister$ Thereupon Zhuge Liang degraded him and transferred him to ;inshan$ #hen Liao Li heard of Zhuge Liang-s death, he shed tears and said, 0Then, after a)), 5 sha)) remain a .ar.arian=0 Li &an a)so grieved deep)y at the sad tidings, for he had a)!ays hoped that Zhuge Liang !ou)d restore him to office and so give him the opportunity of repairing his former fau)ts$ After Zhuge Liang had died, he thought there !as no hope of reemp)oyment, and so he died$ Another poet, &uan #ei?hi, a)so !rote in praise of the great adviser$ (e fought disorder, he)ped a !ea" "ing3 ;ost ?ea)ous)y he "ept his master-s son$ 5n state/craft he e6ce))ed +uan Zhong, &ue &i, 5n !ar/craft he overpassed #u i, %un Zi$ #ith a!e the court his !ar memoria)s heard, #ith ma>esty his @ight Arrays !ere p)anned$

*irtue and !isdom .oth fi))ed in his heart, 9or thousand autumns, his fame !ou)d sti)) stay$ (eaven grieved and earth mourned on the night of Zhuge Liang-s death$ @ven the moon !as dimmed, as Zhuge Liang-s sou) returned to (eaven$ As the )ate commander had directed, 8iang #ei and &ang &i for.ade the mourning of his death$ (is .ody !as p)aced in the coffer as he had !ished, and three hundred of his trusted )eaders and so)diers !ere appointed to !atch it$ %ecret orders !ere given to #ei &an to command the rearguard, and then, one .y one, the camps !ere .ro"en up and the army .egan its home!ard march$ %ima &i !atched the s"ies$ :ne night a )arge red star !ith .right rays passed from the northeast to the south!est and dropped over the camps of %hu$ 5t dipped thrice and rose again$ %ima &i heard a)so a )o! rum.)ing in the distance$ (e !as p)eased and e6cited, and said to those a.out him, 0Zhuge Liang is dead=0 At once he ordered pursuit !ith a strong force$ But >ust as he passed his camp gates, dou.ts fi))ed his mind and he gave up the p)an$ 0Zhuge Liang is a master of mysteries7 (e can get aids from the Deities of the %i6 Layers$ 5t may .e that this is .ut a ruse to get us to ta"e the fie)d$ #e may fa)) victims to his gui)e$0 %o he ha)ted$ But he sent <iahou Ba !ith a fe! do?en scouts to reconnoiter the enemy-s camps$ :ne night as #ei &an )ay as)eep in his tent, he dreamed a dream$ 5n his vision t!o horns gre! out of his head$ #hen he a!o"e he !as much perp)e6ed to e6p)ain his dream$ ;arching +enera) Zhao Zhi came to see him, and #ei &an said, 0&ou are versed in the Boo" of 'hanges$ 5 have dreamed that t!o horns gre! upon my head, and !ou)d trou.)e you to e6pound the dream and te)) me its portent$0

Zhao Zhi thought a moment and rep)ied, 05t is an auspicious dream$ Dragon and 8i)in .oth have horns on the head$ 5t augurs transformation into an ascending creature$0 #ei &an, much p)eased, said, 05f the dream proves true as you said, 5 !i)) than" you !ith very generous gifts$0 Zhao Zhi )eft and present)y met 9ei &i, !ho as"ed !hence he came$ 09rom the camp of our friend #ei &an$ (e dreamed that he gre! horns upon his head, and 5 have given him an auspicious interpretation$ But rea))y it is inauspicious$ (o!ever, 5 did not !ish to annoy him$0 0(o! do you "no! it is inauspicious10 0The !ord for horn is composed of t!o parts, -"nife- a.ove and -use.e)o!, and so means that there is a "nife upon his head$ 5t is a terri.)e omen$0 0Ceep it secret,0 said 9ei &i$ Then 9ei &i !ent to the camp of #ei &an, and !hen they !ere a)one, he said, 0The Prime ;inister died )ast night in the third !atch$ (e )eft certain fina) orders, and among them, that you are to command the rearguard to "eep %ima &i at .ay !hi)e the army retreats$ 2o mourning is to .e !orn$ (ere is your authority, so you can march forth!ith$0 0#ho is acting in p)ace of the )ate minister10 as"ed #ei$ 0The chief command has .een de)egated to &ang &i, .ut the secret p)ans of campaign have .een entrusted to 8iang #ei$ This authority !as issued from &ang &i$0 #ei &an rep)ied, 0Though the Prime ;inister is dead, 5 am yet a)ive$ 'ounse)or &ang &i is on)y a civi) officer and une4ua) to this post$ (e ought to conduct the coffin home !hi)e 5 )ead the army against %ima &i$ 5 sha)) achieve success, and it is !rong to a.andon a !ho)e p)an of campaign .ecause of the death of one man, even if that .e the Prime ;inister$0 0The Prime ;inister-s orders !ere to retire, and these orders are to .e o.eyed$0

05f the Prime ;inister had )istened to me, !e shou)d no! have .een at 'hangan$ 5 am the *an Leader, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est, and Lord of 2an?heng$ 5 am not going to act as rearguard for any civi) officia),0 said #ei &an, angry$ 05t may .e as you say, +enera), .ut you must not do anything to ma"e us ridicu)ous$ Let me go .ac" to &ang &i and e6p)ain, and 5 may .e a.)e to persuade him to pass on to you the supreme mi)itary authority he ho)ds$0 #ei &an agreed, and 9ei &i !ent .ac" to the main camp and to)d &ang &i !hat had passed$ &ang &i rep)ied, 0#hen near death the Prime ;inister confided to me that #ei &an !ou)d turn traitor$ 5 sent him the authority to test him, and no! he has discovered himse)f as the Prime ;inister foreto)d$ %o 5 !i)) direct 8iang #ei to command the rearguard$0 The coffer containing the remains of Zhuge Liang !as sent on in advance, and 8iang #ei too" up his post to cover the retreat$ ;ean!hi)e #ei &an sat in his tent !aiting for the return of 9ei &i and !as perp)e6ed at the de)ay$ #hen the suspense .ecame un.eara.)e, he sent ;a Dai to find out the reason$ ;a Dai returned and to)d him7 08iang #ei is covering the retreat, and that most of the army has a)ready gone$0 #ei &an !as furious$ 0(o! dare he p)ay !ith me, the pedantic .)oc"head10 cried he$ 0But he sha)) die for this=0 Turning to ;a Dai, #ei &an said, 0#i)) you he)p me10 ;a Dai rep)ied, 05 have )ong hated &ang &i3 certain)y 5 am ready to attac" him$0 %o #ei &an .ro"e camp and marched south!ard$ By the time <iahou Ba had reached the %hu camps, they !ere a)) empty, and he hastened .ac" !ith this ne!s$ 0Then Zhuge Liang is rea))y dead= Let us pursue,0 said %ima &i, much irritated at .eing mis)ed$

0Be cautious,0 said <iahou Ba$ 0%end an su.ordinate )eader first$0 02o3 5 must go myse)f this time$0 %o %ima &i and his t!o sons hastened to the #u?hang (i))s$ #ith shouts and !aving f)ags, they rushed into the camps, on)y to find them 4uite deserted$ %ima &i said to his sons, 0&ou are to .ring up the remaining force !ith a)) speed, !hereas 5 !i)) )ead the vanguard$0 %ima &i hastened in the !a"e of the retreating army$ 'oming to some hi))s, he sa! them in the distance and pressed on sti)) harder$ Then sudden)y a .om. e6p)oded, a great shout .ro"e the sti))ness, and the retiring army turned a.out and came to!ard him, ready for .att)e$ 5n their midst f)uttered a great .anner .earing the !ords, Prime ;inister of (an, Lord of #u6iang, Zhuge Liang$ %ima &i stopped, pa)e !ith fear$ Then out from the army came some score of genera)s of ran", and they !ere escorting a sma)) carriage, in !hich sat Zhuge Liang as he had a)!ays appeared, in his hand the feather fan$ 0Then Zhuge Liang is sti)) a)ive=0 gasped %ima &i$ 0And 5 have rash)y p)aced myse)f in his po!er$0 As he pu))ed round his horse to f)ee, 8iang #ei shouted, 0Do not try to run a!ay, : re.e)= &ou have fa))en into one of the Prime ;inister-s traps and had .etter stay=0 The so)diers, sei?ed !ith panic, f)ed, thro!ing off a)) their gear$ They tramp)ed each other do!n, and many perished$ Their )eader ga))oped fifteen mi)es !ithout pu))ing rein$ #hen at )ast t!o of his genera)s came up !ith him, and had stopped his f)ying steed .y catching at the .rid)e, %ima &i c)apped his hand to his head, crying, 0(ave 5 sti)) a head10 0Do not fear, 'ommander, the so)diers of %hu are no! far a!ay,0 they rep)ied$ But he sti)) panted !ith fear, and on)y after some time did he recogni?e that his t!o companions !ere <iahou Ba and <iahou (ui$ The three found their !ay .y .y/roads to their o!n camp, !hence scouts !ere sent out in a)) directions$

5n a fe! days the natives .rought ne!s7 0The %hu army had rea))y gone, and as soon as the retiring army entered the va))ey, they raised a !ai)ing for the dead and hoisted !hite f)ags$ Zhuge Liang !as rea))y dead, and 8iang #ei-s rearguard consisted of on)y one thousand troops$ The figure in the carriage !as on)y a !ooden image of the Prime ;inister$0 0#hi)e he )ived, 5 cou)d guess !hat he !ou)d do3 dead, 5 !as he)p)ess=0 said %ima &i$ The peop)e had a saying that 0A dead Zhuge Liang can scare off a )ive %ima &i$0 5n the depth of night a .ri))iant star 9e)) from the northern s"y3 Dou.ts stayed %ima &i #hen he !ou)d pursue (is dead, .ut fearsome enemy$ And even no! the !estern peop)e, #ith scornfu) smi)e, !i)) say 0:h, is my head on my shou)der sti))1 5t !as near)y )ost today$0 2o! indeed %ima &i "ne! that his riva) !as no more, so he retoo" the pursuit$ But !hen he reached the ,ed (i))s, the %hu army had marched too far a!ay$ As he too" the home!ard road, he said to his officers, 0#e can no! s)eep in comfort$0 As they marched .ac", they sa! the camps of their enemies, and !ere ama?ed at their s"i))fu) arrangement$ 0Tru)y a !onderfu) genius=0 sighed %ima &i$ The armies of #ei returned to 'hangan$ Leaving officers to guard the various strategic points, %ima &i himse)f !ent on to Luoyang to see the audience$ &ang &i and 8iang #ei retired s)o!)y and in good order ti)) they neared the P)an" Trai), !hen they donned mourning gar. and .egan to !ai) for their dead$ The so)diers thre! themse)ves on the ground and !ai)ed in sorro!$ %ome even !ai)ed themse)ves to death$

But as the )eading companies entered upon the P)an" Trai), they sa! a great .)a?e in front, and, !ith a great shout, a cohort came out .arring the !ay$ The )eaders of the retreating army !ere ta"en a.ac" and sent to inform &ang &i$ The regiments of #ei are no!here near, Then !ho are these so)diers that no! appear1 The ne6t chapter !i)) te)) !ho they !ere$ Chapter !7 The L#rd #f Wu8iang Leaves A +$an In The Si$/en %ag; The Ru$er #f Wei Rem#ves The %r#n3e Statue With The De) %#)$.

&ang &i sent for!ard a man to find out !hat force this !as that stood in his !ay, and the scout returned to say they !ere so)diers of %hu )ed .y #ei &an$ #ei &an had .urned the P)an" Trai) and no! .arred the !ay$ Then said &ang &i, 08ust .efore his death the Prime ;inister foreto)d that this man !ou)d one day turn traitor, and here it has come to pass$ 5 did not e6pect to meet it thus, .ut no! our road of retreat is cut, and !hat is to .e done10 Then rep)ied 9ei &i, 0(e certain)y has s)andered us to the @mperor and said that !e !ere re.e))ing, and therefore he has destroyed the !ooden roads in order to prevent our progress first$ Therefore, !e must memoria)i?e to the Throne the truth a.out him and then p)an his destruction$0 8iang #ei said, 05 "no! a .y/!ay herea.out that !i)) )ead us round to the rear of these covered roads$ True it is precipitous and dangerous, .ut it !i)) ta"e us to our destination$ 5t is ca))ed the 'hashan ;ountain Path$0 %o they prepared a memoria) and turned off in order to fo))o! the narro! mountain road$ ;ean!hi)e in 'hengdu the Latter ,u)er of %hu !as trou.)ed3 he )ost his appetite and !as s)eep)ess$ Then he dreamed that the %i)"y (i))s that protected his capita) !as rived and fe))$ This dream trou.)ed

him ti)) morning, !hen he ca))ed in his officers of a)) ran"s to as" them to interpret his vision$ #hen he had re)ated his dream, iao Zhou stood forth and said, 0Last night 5 sa! a )arge red star fa)) from the northeast to the south!est$ %ure)y it fore.odes a misfortune to the 9irst ;inister$ &our ;a>esty-s dream corresponds to !hat 5 sa!$0 The Latter ,u)er-s an6iety increased$ Present)y Li 9u returned and !as summoned into the Latter ,u)er-s presence$ Li 9u .o!ed his head and !ept, saying, 0The Prime ;inister is dead=0 (e repeated Zhuge Liang-s )ast messages and to)d a)) that he "ne!$ The Latter ,u)er !as overcome !ith great sorro!, and !ai)ed, crying, 0(eaven smites me=0 And he fe)) over and )ay upon his couch$ They )ed him !ithin to the inner cham.ers3 and !hen @mpress #u, the @mpress Do!ager, heard the sad tidings, she a)so !ai)ed !ithout ceasing$ And a)) the officers !ere distressed and !ept, and the common peop)e sho!ed their grief$ The Latter ,u)er !as deep)y affected, and for many days cou)d ho)d no court$ And !hi)e thus prostrate !ith grief, they to)d him that #ei &an had sent up a memoria) charging &ang &i !ith re.e))ion$ The astounded courtiers !ent to the Latter ,u)er-s cham.er to ta)" over this thing, and @mpress #u !as a)so there$ The memoria) !as read a)oud$ 5t !as much )i"e this7 05, thy ;inister and +enera), #ei &an, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est and Lord of 2an?heng, hum.)y and !ith .o!ed head !rite that &ang &i has assumed command of the army and is in re.e))ion$ (e has made off !ith the coffin of the )ate Prime ;inister and !ishes to )ead enemies !ithin our .orders$ As a precaution, and to hinder his progress, 5 have .urned the P)an" Trai) and no! report these matters$0 The Latter ,u)er said, 0#ei &an is a va)iant !arrior and cou)d easi)y have overcome &ang &i$ #hy then did he destroy the P)an" Trai)10 @mpress #u said, 0The 9irst ,u)er used to say that Zhuge Liang "ne! that treachery )ur"ed in the heart of #ei &an, and he !ished to

put #ei &an to death3 he on)y spared #ei &an .ecause of his va)or$ #e shou)d not .e)ieve too readi)y this ta)e of his that &ang &i has re.e))ed$ &ang &i is a scho)ar and a civi) officer, and the )ate Prime ;inister p)aced him in a position of great responsi.i)ity, there.y proving that he trusted and va)ued &ang &i$ 5f !e .e)ieve this statement, sure)y &ang &i !i)) .e forced to go over to #ei$ 2othing shou)d .e done !ithout due meditation$0 As they !ere discussing this matter, an urgent memoria) came from &ang &i, and opening it, they read7 05, &ang &i, )eader of the retreating army, hum.)y and !ith trepidation, present this memoria)$ 5n his )ast moments the )ate Prime ;inister made over to me the charge of the great enterprise, and .ade me carry out his p)an !ithout change$ 5 have respected his charge$ 5 ordered #ei &an to command the rearguard !ith 8iang #ei as his second$ But #ei &an refused o.edience and )ed a!ay his o!n army into (an?hong$ Then he .urned the P)an" Trai), tried to stea) a!ay the .ody of the )ate 'ommander/in/'hief, and .ehaved a)together unseem)y$ (is re.e))ion came upon me sudden)y and une6pected)y$ 5 send this memoria) in haste$0 The @mpress Do!ager )istened to the end$ Then, turning to the officers, she said, 0#hat is your opinion no!10 8iang #an rep)ied, 0&ang &i is hasty and into)erant, .ut he has rendered great services in supp)ying the army$ (e has )ong .een a trusted co))eague of the )ate Prime ;inister, !ho, .eing near his end, entrusted to him the conduct of affairs$ 'ertain)y he is no re.e)$ :n the other hand, #ei &an is .o)d and am.itious and thin"s himse)f every.ody-s superior$ &ang &i is the on)y one !ho has open)y .een of different opinion, and hence #ei &an hates him$ #hen he sa! &ang &i p)aced over his head in command of the army, #ei &an refused his support$ Then #ei &an .urned the P)an" Trai) in order to cut off &ang &i-s retreat, and ma)igned him, hoping to .ring a.out his fa))$ 5 am ready to guarantee &ang &i-s fea)ty to the e6tent of my !ho)e house, .ut 5 !ou)d not ans!er for #ei &an$0 Dong &un fo))o!ed, 0#ei &an has a)!ays .een conceited and discontented$ (is mouth !as fu)) of hate and resentment, and on)y fear of the )ate Prime ;inister he)d him in chec"$ The Prime ;inister-s death gave him his opportunity, and he turned traitor$ This

is certain)y the true state of the case$ &ang &i is a.)e, and his emp)oyment .y the )ate Prime ;inister is proof of his )oya)ty$0 05f this is true and #ei &an is rea))y a re.e), !hat shou)d .e done10 as"ed the Latter ,u)er$ 8iang #an said, 05 thin" the )ate Prime ;inister has framed some scheme .y !hich to get rid of #ei &an$ 5f &ang &i had not fe)t secure, he !ou)d scarce)y have set out to return through the va))eys$ &our ;a>esty may fee) sure that #ei &an !i)) fa)) into some trap$ #e have received, a)most at the same time, t!o memoria)s from t!o men, each .ringing against the other a charge of re.e))ion$ Let us !ait$0 5n a short time another memoria) arrived from #ei &an, !ho accused &ang &i of re.e))ion$ The Latter ,u)er !as reading it, !hen a messenger from &ang &i !as announced !ith yet another memoria) )a.e)ing #ei &an a re.e)$ The court received severa) more memoria)s from .oth sides .)aming each other, and the officia)s did not "no! !hat to do$ 8ust then 9ei &i arrived$ (e !as summoned into the roya) presence and to)d the story of #ei &an-s revo)t$ The Latter ,u)er rep)ied, 05n that case 5 shou)d do !e)) to send Dong &un !ith the ensigns of authority to mediate the situation and attempt to persuade #ei &an !ith "ind !ords$0 %o Dong &un )eft on this mission$ At this time #ei &an !as camped at 2angu *a))ey, !hich !as a commanding position$ (e thought his p)an !as succeeding !e))$ 5t had not occurred to him that &ang &i and 8iang #ei cou)d get past him .y any .y/!ay$ :n the other hand, &ang &i, thin"ing that (an?hong !as )ost, sent (e Ping !ith three thousand troops on in front !hi)e he fo))o!ed !ith the coffin$ #hen (e Ping had got to the rear of 2angu *a))ey, they announced their presence !ith ro))ing drums$ The scouts 4uic")y to)d #ei &an, !ho at once armed himse)f, too" his s!ord, and rode out to confront (e Ping$ #hen .oth sides !ere arrayed, (e Ping rode to the front and .egan to revi)e his opponent$ 0#here is that re.e) #ei &an10 cried (e Ping$

0&ou aided that traitor &ang &i=0 cried #ei &an, no !ay .ac"!ard !ith his tongue$ 0(o! dare you a.use me10 (e Ping !a6ed more indignant$ 0&ou re.e))ed immediate)y after the )ate chief-s death, .efore even his .ody !as co)d$ (o! cou)d you10 Then sha"ing his !hip at the fo))o!ers of #ei &an, (e Ping cried, 0And you so)diers are %hu peop)e$ &our fathers and mothers, !ives and chi)dren, and your friends are sti)) in the )and$ #ere you treated un"ind)y that you have >oined a traitor and aid his !ic"ed schemes1 &ou ought to have returned home and !aited 4uiet)y the re!ards that !ou)d have .een yours$0 The so)diers !ere touched .y his !ords$ They cheered, and more than a ha)f ran a!ay$ #ei &an !as no! raging$ (e !hir)ed up his s!ord and ga))oped for!ard straight for (e Ping, !ho !ent to meet him !ith his spear ready$ They fought severa) .outs, and then (e Ping rode a!ay as if defeated$ #ei &an fo))o!ed, .ut (e Ping-s troops .egan to shoot and #ei &an !as driven .ac"!ard$ As he got near his o!n ran"s, #ei &an sa! many genera)s )eaving their companies and going a!ay$ (e rode after them and cut some of them do!n$ But this did not stay the movement3 they continued to go$ The on)y steady portion of his o!n army !as that commanded .y ;a Dai$ They stood their ground$ 0#i)) you rea))y he)p me10 said #ei &an$ 05 !i)) sure)y remem.er you in the day of success$0 The t!o then !ent in pursuit of (e Ping, !ho f)ed .efore them$ (o!ever, it !as soon evident that (e Ping !as not to .e overta"en, and the pursuers ha)ted$ #ei &an mustered his no! sma)) force$ 0#hat if !e go over to #ei10 said #ei &an$ 05 thin" your !ords un!ise,0 said ;a Dai$ 0#hy shou)d !e >oin anyone1 A rea))y strong person !ou)d try to carve out his o!n fortune and not .e ready to croo" the "nee to another$ &ou are far more a.)e and .rave than any )eader in the ,iver Lands$ 2o one !ou)d dare to stand up to you$ 5 p)edge myse)f to go !ith you to the sei?ure of (an?hong, and thence !e !i)) attac" the #est ,iver Land$0

%o they marched together to!ard 2an?heng, !here 8iang #ei stationed$ 9rom the city !a)) 8iang #ei sa! their approach and mar"ed their proud, martia) )oo"$ (e ordered the dra!.ridge to .e raised and sent to te)) his co))eague, &ang &i$ As they dre! near, .oth #ei &an and ;a Dai shouted out, 0%urrender=0 5n spite of the sma))ness of their fo))o!ing, 8iang #ei fe)t that ;a Dai acting !ith #ei &an !as a dangerous com.ination, and he !anted the advice of &ang &i$ 0#ei &an is va)orous, and he is having the he)p of ;a Dai$ (o! sha)) !e repe) them10 as"ed 8iang #ei$ &ang &i rep)ied, 08ust .efore his death, the Prime ;inister gave me a si)"en .ag, !hich he said 5 !as to open !hen #ei &an-s mutiny reached a critica) point$ 5t contains a p)an to rid ourse)ves of this traitor, and it seems that no! is the moment to see !hat shou)d .e done$0 %o &ang &i opened the .ag and dre! forth the )etter it he)d$ :n the cover he read, 0To .e opened !hen #ei &an is actua))y arrayed opposite you$0 %aid 8iang #ei, 0As this has a)) .een arranged for, 5 had .etter go out, and !hen his )ine is formed then you can come forth$0 8iang #ei donned his armor, too" his spear, and rode out, !ith three thousand troops$ They marched out of the city gates !ith the drums .eating$ The array comp)eted, 8iang #ei too" his p)ace under the great standard and opened !ith a vo))ey of a.use$ 0,e.e) #ei &an, the )ate Prime ;inister never harmed you$ #hy have you turned traitor10 #ei &an reined up, )o!ered his s!ord and rep)ied, 09riend 8iang #ei, this is no concern of yours$ Te)) &ang &i to come$0 2o! &ang &i !as a)so .eneath the standard, .ut hidden$ (e opened the )etter, and the !ords therein seemed to p)ease him, for he rode for!ard .)ithe)y$ Present)y he reined in, pointed to #ei &an and said, 0The Prime ;inister foresa! your mutiny and .ade me .e on my guard$ 2o! if

you are a.)e thrice to shout, -#ho dares "i)) me1-, then you !i)) .e a rea) hero, and 5 !i)) yie)d to you the !ho)e of (an?hong$0 #ei &an )aughed$ 0Listen, you o)d foo)= #hi)e Zhuge Liang )ived 5 feared him some!hat$ But he is dead and no one dares stand .efore me$ 5 !i)) not on)y shout the !ords thrice, .ut a myriad times$ #hy not10 #ei &an raised his s!ord, shoo" his .rid)e, and shouted, 0#ho dares "i)) me10 (e never finished$ Behind him someone shouted savage)y, 05 dare=0 and at the same moment #ei &an fe)) dead, cut do!n .y ;a Dai$ This !as the denouement, and !as the secret entrusted to ;a Dai >ust .efore Zhuge Liang-s death$ #ei &an !as to .e made to shout these !ords and s)ain !hen he )east e6pected it$ &ang &i "ne! !hat !as to happen, as it !as !ritten in the )etter in the si)"en .ag$ A poem says7 Zhuge Liang foresa! !hen freed from his restraint #ei &an !ou)d traitor prove$ The si)"en .ag 'ontained the p)an for his undoing$ #e see (o! it succeeded !hen the moment came$ %o .efore Dong &un had reached 2an?heng, #ei &an !as dead$ ;a Dai >oined his army to 8iang #ei-s, and &ang &i !rote another memoria), !hich he sent to the Latter ,u)er$ The Latter ,u)er issued an edict7 0#ei &an had paid the pena)ty of his crime$ (e shou)d .e honora.)y .uried in consideration of his former services$0 Then &ang &i continued his >ourney and in due time arrived at 'hengdu !ith the coffin of the )ate Prime ;inister$ The Latter ,u)er )ed out a )arge cava)cade of officers to meet the .ody at a point seven mi)es from the !a))s, and he )ifted up his voice and !ai)ed for the dead, and !ith him !ai)ed a)) the officers and the common peop)e, so that the sound of mourning fi))ed the !ho)e earth$ By roya) command the .ody !as .orne into the city to the pa)ace of the Prime ;inister, and his son Zhuge Zhan !as chief mourner$

#hen ne6t the Latter ,u)er he)d a court, &ang &i .ound himse)f, and confessed he had .een in fau)t$ The Latter ,u)er .ade them )oose his .onds and said, 02o.)e %ir, the coffin !ou)d never have reached home .ut for you$ &ou carried out the orders of the )ate Prime ;inister, !here.y #ei &an !as destroyed and a)) !as made secure$ This !as a)) your doing$0 &ang &i !as promoted to .e the 5nstructor of the 'enter Army, and ;a Dai !as re!arded !ith the ran" that #ei &an had forfeited$ &ang &i presented Zhuge Liang-s testament, !hich the Latter ,u)er read, !eeping$ By a specia) edict it !as commanded that soothsayers shou)d cast )ots and se)ect the site for the tom. of the great servant of the state$ Then 9ei &i said to the Latter ,u)er, 0#hen nearing his end, the Prime ;inister commanded that he shou)d .e .uried on Ding>un ;ountain, in open ground, !ithout sacrifice or monument$0 This !ish !as respected, and they chose a propitious day in the tenth month for the interment, and the Latter ,u)er fo))o!ed in the funera) procession to the grave on the Ding>un ;ountain$ The posthumous tit)e conferred upon the )ate Prime ;inister !as Zhuge Liang the Loya))y ;artia), and a temp)e !as .ui)t in ;ianyang !herein !ere offered sacrifices at the four seasons$ The poet Du 9u !rote a poem7 To Zhuge Liang stands a great memoria) ha)), 5n cypress shade, outside the 'hengdu #a)), The steps thereto are .right !ith ne! grass springing, (iding among the .ranches orio)es are singing$ The peop)e and army as"ed for his !isdoms, Fpon the throne, .ui)t for the father, sat the son$ But ere !as compassed a)) his p)ans conceived (e died3 and heroes since for him have ever grieved$ Another poem .y the same author says7 Zhuge Liang-s fair fame stands c)ear to a)) the !or)d3 Among "ing-s ministers he sure)y ta"es @6a)ted ran"3 for !hen the empire c)eft 5n three, a "ingdom for his )ord he !on

By su.t)e craft$ Throughout a)) time he stands A shining figure, c)ear against the s"y$ A"in !as he to famous &i &in, Lu #ang, &et stands !ith chiefs, )i"e <iao (e, 'ao %hen3 The fates for.ade that (an shou)d .e restored, #ar/!orn and !eary, yet he steadfast stood$ @vi) tidings came to the Latter ,u)er on his return to his capita)$ (e heard that uan Zong had marched out !ith a )arge army from #u and camped at the entrance to Ba4iu$ 2o one "ne! the o.>ect of this e6pedition$ 0(ere is #u .rea"ing their oath >ust as the Prime ;inister has died,0 cried the Latter ,u)er$ 0#hat can !e do10 Then said 8iang #an, 0;y advice is to send #ang Ping and Zhang 2i to camp at Baidicheng as a measure of precaution, !hi)e you send an envoy to #u to announce the death and period of mourning$ (e can there o.serve the signs of the times$0 0The envoy must have a ready tongue,0 said the Latter ,u)er$ :ne stepped from the ran"s of courtiers and offered himse)f$ (e !as Zong &u, a man of 2anyang, a ;i)itary Adviser$ %o he !as appointed as envoy !ith the commissions of announcing the death of the Prime ;inister and o.serving the conditions$ Zong &u set out for 'apita) 8ianye, arrived and !as ta"en in to the @mperor-s presence$ #hen the ceremony of introduction !as over and the envoy )oo"ed a.out him, he sa! that a)) !ere dressed in mourning$ But %un uan-s countenance !ore a )oo" of anger, and he said, 0#u and %hu are one house$ #hy has your master increased the guard at Baidicheng10 Zong &u rep)ied, 05t seemed as necessary for the !est to increase the garrison there as for the east to have a force at Ba4iu$ 2either is !orth as"ing a.out$0 0As an envoy you seem no !ay inferior to Deng Zhi,0 said %un smi)ing$ uan,

%un uan continued, 0#hen 5 heard that your Prime ;inister Zhuge Liang had gone to heaven, 5 !ept dai)y and ordered my officers to

!ear mourning$ 5 feared that #ei might ta"e the occasion to attac" %hu, and so 5 increased the garrison at Ba4iu .y ten thousand troops that 5 might .e a.)e to he)p you in case of need$ That !as my so)e reason$0 Zong &u .o!ed and than"ed the ,u)er of #u$ 05 !ou)d not go .ac" upon the p)edge .et!een us,0 said %un uan$

Zong &u said, 05 have .een sent to inform you of the mourning for the )ate Prime ;inister$0 %un uan too" up a go)d/tipped arro! and snapped it in t!ain, saying, 05f 5 .etray my oath, may my posterity .e cut off=0 Then the ,u)er of #u dispatched an envoy !ith incense and si)" and other gifts to .e offered in sacrifice to the dead in the )and of %hu$ Zong &u and the envoy too" )eave of the ,u)er of #u and >ourneyed to 'hengdu, !here they !ent to the Latter ,u)er$ Zong &u made a memoria), saying, 0The ,u)er of #u has !ept for our Prime ;inister and put his court into mourning$ The increased garrison at Ba4iu is intended to safeguard us from #ei, )est they ta"e the occasion of a pu.)ic sorro! to attac"$ And in to"en of his p)edge, the ,u)er of #u .ro"e an arro! in t!ain$0 The Latter ,u)er !as p)eased and re!arded Zong &u$ ;oreover, the envoy of #u !as generous)y treated$ According to the advice in Zhuge Liang-s testament, the Latter ,u)er made 8iang #an Prime ;inister and 'hair of the %ecretariat, !hi)e 9ei &i .ecame Deputy Prime ;inister and Deputy 'hair of the %ecretariat$ #u &i !as made 'ommander of the 9)ying 'ava)ry and 'ommander of (an?hong3 8iang #ei, +enera) #ho Fpho)ds the (an, Lord of Ping6iang, 'ommander/in/'hief, and 'ommander of (an?hong$ 2o! as &ang &i !as senior in service to 8iang #an, !ho had thus .een promoted over his head, and as he considered his services had .een inade4uate)y re!arded, he !as discontented and spo"e resentfu))y$

(e said to 9ei &i, 05f !hen the Prime ;inister died 5 had gone over to #ei, !ith the !ho)e army, 5 shou)d not have .een thus )eft out in the co)d$0 9ei &i secret)y reported this speech to the Latter ,u)er, !ho !as angered and thre! &ang &i into prison$ The Latter ,u)er intended putting him to death, .ut 8iang #an interceded, saying, 0&ang &i had fo))o!ed the )ate Prime ;inister in many campaigns and had had many good services$ &our ;a>esty shou)d not put him to death, .ut ta"e a!ay his ran"$0 And &ang &i !as reprieved$ (o!ever, he !as degraded and sent into (an>ia in (an?hong, !here he committed suicide through shame$ 5n the thirteenth year of Beginning Prosperity of %hu, the same year .eing the third year of +reen Dragon of #ei, and the fourth year of Domestic Peace of #u (AD 2AH), there !ere no mi)itary e6peditions$ 5n #ei, %ima &i !as created +rand 'ommander, !ith command over a)) the forces of #ei, and he departed for Luoyang$ The ,u)er of #ei, at <uchang, made preparations to .ui)d himse)f a pa)ace comp)e6$ At Luoyang he a)so .ui)t the (a)) of %unrise, the (a)) of the 9irmament, and the (a)) of 'omp)ete Patterns, a)) )ofty and of .eautifu) designs$ (e a)so raised a (a)) of Beautifu) Passions, a +reen 9)ageo)et To!er, and a Phoeni6 To!er$ (e a)so dug a 2ine Dragons Poo)$ :ver a)) these !or"s he p)aced Doctorate %cho)ar ;a 8un as superintendent of their .ui)ding$ 2othing !as spared that !ou)d contri.ute to the .eauty of these .ui)dings$ The .eams !ere carved, the rafters !ere painted, the !a))s !ere of go)den .ric"s, and the roofs of green ti)es$ They g)ittered and g)o!ed in the sun)ight$ The most cunning craftspeop)e in the !or)d !ere sought, many thousands of them, and myriads of ordinary !or"ers )a.ored day and night on these !or"s for the @mperor-s g)ory and p)easure$ But the strength of the peop)e !as spent in this toi), and they cried a)oud and comp)ained unceasing)y$ ;oreover, the ,u)er of #ei issued an edict to carry earth and .ring trees for the 9ragrant 9orest Par", and he emp)oyed officers of state in these )a.ors, carrying earth and transporting trees$ The ;inister of #or"s, Dong <un, ventured upon a remonstrance, sending a memoria)7

09rom the .eginning of ,e.ui)t Tran4ui))ity @ra, a generation ago, !ars have .een continuous and destruction rife$ Those !ho have escaped death are fe!, and these are o)d and !ea"$ 2o! indeed it may .e that the pa)aces are too sma)) and en)argement is desired, .ut !ou)d it not .e more fitting to choose the .ui)ding season so as not to interfere !ith cu)tivation1 &our ;a>esty has a)!ays va)ued many honora.)e officers, )etting them !ear .eautifu) headdresses, c)ad in handsome ro.es, and riding in decorated chariots to distinguish them from the common peop)e$ 2o! these officers are .eing made to carry tim.er and .ear earth, to s!eat and soi) their feet$ To destroy the g)ory of the state in order to raise a use)ess edifice is indescri.a.)e fo))y$ 'onfucius the Teacher said that princes shou)d treat ministers !ith po)ite consideration, and ministers shou)d serve princes !ith )oya)ty$ #ithout )oya)ty, !ithout propriety, can a state endure1 05 recogni?e that these !ords of mine mean death, .ut 5 am of no va)ue, a mere .u))oc"-s hair, and my )ife is of no importance, as my death !ou)d .e no )oss$ 5 !rite !ith tears, .idding the !or)d fare!e))$ 0Thy servant has eight sons, !ho !i)) .e a .urden to &our ;a>esty after his death$ 5 cannot say !ith !hat trepidation 5 a!ait my fate$0 0(as the man no fear of death10 said 'ao ,ui, great)y angered$ The courtiers re4uested the @mperor to put Dong <un to death, .ut 'ao ,ui remem.ered his rectitude and proven )oya)ty and on)y degraded him, adding a !arning to put to death those !ho !ou)d remonstrate$ A certain Zhang ;ao, in the service of the (eir Apparent, a)so ventured upon a remonstrance$ 'ao ,ui put him to death immediate)y$ Then 'ao ,ui summoned his ;aster of #or"s, ;a 8un, and said, 05 have .ui)t high terraces and )ofty to!ers !ith intent to ho)d intercourse !ith gods and goddesses, that 5 may o.tain from them the e)i6ir of )ife$0 Then ;a 8un rep)ied, 0:f the four and t!enty emperors of the )ine of Latter (an, on)y @mperor #uD en>oyed the throne very )ong and rea))y attained to o)d age$ That !as .ecause he dran" of the essence of the .ri))iancy of the sun and the .rightness of the moon$

5n the Pa)ace at 'hangan is the Terrace of 'ypress Beams, upon !hich stands the .ron?e figure of a man ho)ding up a De! Bo!), !hereinto disti))s, in the third !atch of the night, the vapor from the great conste))ation of the north$ This )i4uid is ca))ed 'e)estia) @)i6ir, or %!eet De!$ 5f ming)ed !ith po!dered >ade and s!a))o!ed, it restores youth to the aged$0 0Ta"e !or"ers to 'hangan immediate)y and .ring hither the .ron?e figure to set up in the 9ragrant 9orest Par",0 said the ,u)er of #ei$ As the ,u)er of #ei commanded, they too" ten thousand !or"ers to 'hangan, and they .ui)t a scaffo)d around the figure$ Then they attached ropes to hau) it do!n$ The terrace .eing t!o hundred feet high and the pedesta) ten cu.its in circumference, ;a 8un .ade his )a.orers first detach the .ron?e image$ They did so and .rought it do!n$ 5ts eyes !ere moist as !ith tears, and the !or"ers !ere affrighted$ Then sudden)y .eside the terrace sprang up a !hir)!ind, !ith dust and pe..)es f)ying thic" as a sho!er of rain, and there !as a tempestuous roar as of an earth4ua"e$ Do!n fe)) the pedesta), and the p)atform crum.)ed, crushing a thousand peop)e to death$ (o!ever, the .ron?e figure and the go)den .o!) !ere conveyed to Luoyang and presented to the @mperor$ 0#here is the pedesta)10 as"ed the ,u)er of #ei$ 05t is too heavy to transport,0 rep)ied the ;a 8un$ 05t !eighs a mi))ion and ha)f of pounds$0 #herefore the ,u)er of #ei ordered the pi))ar to .e .ro"en up and the meta) .rought, and from this he caused to .e cast t!o figures !hich he named %aints of #eng?hong$ They !ere p)aced outside the gate of the Board of #ar$ A pair of dragons and a pair of phoeni6es !ere a)so cast, the dragons forty feet high and the .irds thirty$ These !ere p)aced in front of the (a)) of Audience$ ;oreover, in the 9ragrant 9orest Par" the ,u)er of #ei p)anted !onderfu) f)o!ers and rare trees, and he a)so esta.)ished a menagerie of strange anima)s$ &ang 9u, Assistant 5mperia) +uardian, remonstrated !ith the @mperor on these e6travagances in a memoria)7

0As is !e)) "no!n, Cing &ao preferred his hum.)e thatched cottage, and a)) the !or)d en>oyed tran4ui))ity3 Cing &u contented himse)f !ith a sma)) modest pa)ace, and a)) the empire re>oiced$ 5n the days of &in and Zhou Dynasties the ha)) of the ru)er stood three feet a.ove the usua) height and its area !as nine mats$ The sage emperors and i))ustrious "ings had no decorated cham.ers in )ofty pa)aces .ui)t !ith the !ea)th, and .y the strength, of a !orn/out and despoi)ed peop)e$ 0@mperor 8ie .ui)t a >ade cham.er and e)ephant sta.)es3 @mperor Zhou erected a surpassing)y .eautifu) pa)ace comp)e6 and a Deer Terrace$ But these )ost the empire$ Cing Ling of 'hu .ui)t .eautifu) pa)aces, .ut he came to an evi) end$ The 9irst @mperor of in made the @pang Pa)ace, .ut ca)amity fe)) upon his son, for the empire re.e))ed and his house !as e6terminated in the second generation$ 0A)) those !ho have fai)ed to consider the means of the peop)e and given !ay to sensuous p)easures have perished$ &our ;a>esty has the e6amp)es of Cings &ao, &u, %hun, and Tang on the one hand, and the !arnings of Cings 8ie, Zhou, Ling, and the 9irst @mperor on the other$ To see" on)y se)f/indu)gence and thin" on)y of fine pa)aces !i)) sure)y end in ca)amity$ 0The prince is the first and the head3 his ministers are his )im.s3 they )ive or die together, they are invo)ved in the same destruction$ Though 5 am timorous, yet if 5 dared forget my duty, or fai)ed to spea" firm)y, 5 shou)d .e una.)e to move &our ;a>esty$ 2o! 5 have prepared my coffin and .athed my .ody ready for the most condign punishment$0 But the ,u)er of #ei disregarded this memoria) and on)y urged on the rapid comp)etion of the terrace$ Thereon he set up the .ron?e figure !ith the go)den .o!)$ ;oreover, he sent forth a command to se)ect the most .eautifu) !omen in the empire for his garden of de)ight$ ;any memoria)s !ere presented, .ut the ,u)er of #ei heeded them not$ 2o! the 'onsort of the ,u)er of #ei !as of the ;ao fami)y of (enei$ 5n ear)ier days, !hen he !as a prince, he had )oved her e6ceeding)y, and !hen he succeeded to the throne she .ecame @mpress ;ao$ Later he favored Lady +uo, and his 'onsort ;ao !as neg)ected$ Lady +uo !as .eautifu) and c)ever, and the ,u)er of #ei de)ighted in her$ (e neg)ected state affairs for her society and often spent a

month at a time in retirement !ith her$ @very day there !as some ne! gaiety$ 5n the spring, !hen the p)ants in the 9ragrant 9orest Par" !ere in f)o!er, the ,u)er of #ei and Lady +uo came to the garden to en>oy them and to feast$ 0#hy not invite the @mpress10 as"ed Lady +uo$ 05f she came, nothing !ou)d pass my )ips,0 rep)ied the ,u)er of #ei$ (e gave orders that his 'onsort shou)d .e "ept in ignorance of these re>oicings$ But !hen a month passed !ithout the appearance of the @mperor, @mpress ;ao and her )adies !ent to the B)ue 9)o!er Pavi)ion to entertain themse)ves$ (earing music, she as"ed !ho !as providing it, and they to)d her that the @mperor and Lady +uo !ere feasting in the grounds$ That day @mpress ;ao returned to her pa)ace fi))ed !ith sorro!$ 2e6t day she !ent out in her carriage and sa! the @mperor on a verandah$ 0&esterday &our ;a>esty !as !a)"ing in the north garden, and you had p)enty of music too,0 said she, smi)ing$ 'ao ,ui !as !roth and sent for a)) the attendants$ (e up.raided them !ith diso.edience, saying, 05 had for.idden you to te)) things to the @mpress, and you diso.eyed my command$0 #ith this he put them a)) to death$ @mpress ;ao feared and returned to her pa)ace$ Then an edict appeared forcing @mpress ;ao to commit suicide and raising Lady +uo to .e @mpress in her p)ace$ And no officer dared to utter a remonstrance$ 8ust after this the 5mperia) Protector of &ou?hou, +uan4iu 8ian, sent in a memoria), saying7 0+ongsun &uan of Liaodong has risen in revo)t, assumed the sty)e of Prince of &anD, and adopted a reign tit)e of @6tending (an$ +ongsun &uan has .ui)t himse)f a Pa)ace, esta.)ished an administration of his o!n, and is distur.ing the !ho)e north !ith p)undering$0

A counci) met to consider this memoria)$ #ithin, officia)s )a.or at igno.)e tas"s, and mean, #ithout, the g)int of !eapons on the .order may .e seen$ (o! the insurgents !ere attac"ed !i)) .e re)ated in the ne6t chapter$ Chapter !9 Suffering Defeat" &#ngsun Yuan 0eets ,is Death; +retending I$$ness" Sima Yi De.eives Ca# Shuang.

This +ongsun &uan !as a grandson of +ongsun Du the #ar)i"e, and a son of +ongsun Cang in Liaodong$ 5n the t!e)fth year of ,e.ui)t Tran4ui))ity, !hen 'ao 'ao !as pursuing &uan <iD and &uan %hangD, !ho had f)ed east!ard, +ongsun Cang had captured them, .eheaded them, and sent their heads to 'ao 'aoD$ 9or this service +ongsun Cang received the tit)e of Lord of <iangping$ After +ongsun Cang-s death, as his t!o sons///+ongsun (uang and +ongsun &uan///!ere young, his .rother +ongsun +ong too" the chiefship3 and 'ao Pi, .eside confirming the )ordship, gave him the ran" of +enera) of the 9)ying 'ava)ry$ 5n the second year of 'a)m Peace (AD 22I), the second son, +ongsun &uan, .eing no! gro!n up, !e))/educated and trained in mi)itary e6ercises, o.stinate and fond of fighting, too" a!ay his unc)e-s po!er and ru)ed the heritage of his father$ 'ao ,ui conferred upon him the tit)e of +enera) #ho #ie)ds 9erocity, and made him +overnor of Liaodong$ Then the ,u)er of #u, %un uan, an6ious to secure +ongsun &uan-s support, sent t!o envoys, Zhang ;i and <u &an, !ith gifts of go)d and gems and pear)s and offered +ongsun &uan the tit)e of Prince of &an$ 9earing that the ;idd)e Land !ou)d resent any da))ying !ith #u, +ongsun &uan s)e! the #u envoys and sent the heads to the ,u)er of #ei$ 9or this proof of fea)ty, 'ao ,ui gave him the tit)e of +rand +enera) and the Du"edom of &ue)ang$ (o!ever, +ongsun &uan !as dissatisfied, and his thoughts turned to!ard independence$ (e too" counci) !ith his officers and proposed to sty)e himse)f Prince of &an and to adopt a reign/tit)e of @6tending (an, the first year$

:ne genera), 8ia 9an, opposed this and said, 0;y )ord, the centra) authorities have treated you !e)) and honored you$ 5 fear that %ima &i is too s"i))fu) a )eader for re.e))ion to succeed$ &ou see even Zhuge Liang cannot defeat him$ (o! much )ess can you10 +ongsun &uan-s rep)y !as to condemn 8ia 9an to death$ (o!ever, Adviser Lun Zhi ventured upon further remonstrance$ 08ia 9an spo"e !e))$ The %acred :ne says that e6traordinary phenomena presage the destruction of a state$ 2o! this time portents are not !anting, and !onders have .een seen$ A dog, dressed in red and !earing a tur.an, !ent up to the roof and !a)"ing )i"e a man$ ;oreover, !hi)e a certain person )iving in a vi))age south of the city !as coo"ing his food, he sa! a chi)d in the pan, .oi)ed to death$ A great cave opened near the mar"et p)ace and thre! out a )arge, f)eshy .ody comp)ete)y human save that it )ac"ed )im.s$ %!ords cou)d not cut it3 arro!s cou)d not penetrate it$ 2o one "ne! !hat to ca)) it3 and !hen they consu)ted the soothsayers, they o.tained the rep)y, -5ncomp)ete shape, si)ent mouth7 A state is near destruction$- These prodigies are a)) inauspicious$ 9)ee from evi) and strive to !a)" in fair fortune-s !ay$ ;a"e no move !ithout most carefu) thought$0 This second remonstrance enraged +ongsun &uan sti)) more, and he sent Lun Zhi to death !ith 8ia 9an$ Both !ere e6ecuted in the pu.)ic p)ace$ +ongsun &uan then prepared to ma"e a .id for empire$ (e raised an army of one hundred fifty thousand, appointed Bei &an as 'ommander, and &ang Zuo as Leader of the *an$ This army set out for the ;idd)e Land$ ,u)er of #ei !as a)armed at the report of this rising, and sent for %ima &i$ %ima &i !as not great)y pertur.ed, and said, 0;y forty thousand troops !i)) .e e4ua) to the tas"$0 The ,u)er of #ei rep)ied, 0The tas" is heavy, for your troops are fe! and the road is )ong$0 0The strength of an army is not in num.ers, .ut in strategy$ Aided .y &our ;a>esty-s good fortune, 5 sha)) certain)y .e a.)e to .ring this fe))o! +ongsun &uan a captive to your feet$0

0#hat do you thin" !i)) .e the re.e)-s p)an10 as"ed the ,u)er of #ei$ 0(is high p)an !ou)d .e f)ight .efore our army can arrive3 his midd)e p)an !ou)d .e defending his position in Liaodong3 his )o! p)an !ou)d .e to try to ho)d <iangping$ 5n the )ast case 5 sha)) certain)y capture him$0 0(o! )ong !i)) the e6pedition ta"e10 0#e have to cover one thousand five hundred mi)es !hich !i)) ta"e a hundred days$ Attac" !i)) consume another hundred$ The return !i)) need a hundred, and !ith si6ty days to rest !e sha)) ta"e a year$0 0%uppose during that year !e are attac"ed .y #u or %hu$0 0;y p)ans provide for that$ &our ;a>esty need have no an6iety$0 The ,u)er of #ei .eing thus reassured, forma))y ordered %ima &i to underta"e the e6pedition$ (u Zun !as appointed to )ead the van$ (u Zun !ent and camped in Liaodong$ The scouts hastened to te)) +ongsun &uan, !ho sent Bei &an and &ang Zuo to camp at Liaosui !ith eighty thousand troops$ They surrounded their camp !ith a !a)) seven mi)es in circumference and p)aced thorny .arriers outside the rampart$ 5t seemed very secure$ (u Zun sa! these preparations and sent to te)) his chief$ %ima &i smi)ed$ 0%o the re.e) does not !ant to fight, .ut thin"s to !eary my so)diers,0 said %ima &i$ 02o! 5 am disposed to thin" that most of his army is !ithin that !a)), so that his strongho)d is empty and undefended$ 5 !i)) ma"e a dash at <iangping$ (e !i)) have to go to its rescue, and 5 !i)) smite him on the !ay$ 5 shou)d score a great success$0 %o %ima &i hastened to <iangping a)ong unfre4uented !ays$ ;ean!hi)e Bei &an and &ang Zuo, the t!o genera)s !ithin the !a))ed camp, discussed their p)ans$ &ang Zuo said, 0#hen the #ei army comes near, !e !i)) not fight$ They !i)) have come a )ong march and their supp)ies !i)) .e short,

so that they cannot ho)d out )ong$ #hen they retreat, !e sha)) find our opportunity$ These !ere the tactics %ima &i used against Zhuge Liang on ,iver #ei, and Zhuge Liang died .efore the end of the e6pedition$ #e !i)) try simi)ar means$0 Present)y the scouts reported that the #ei army had marched south$ Bei &an at once sa! the danger and said, 0They are going to attac" <iangping, !hich they "no! has fe! troops$ 5f that .ase .e )ost, this position is use)ess$0 %o they .ro"e up their camp and fo))o!ed the enemy$ #hen %ima &i heard it, he re>oiced, saying, 02o! they !i)) fa)) into the snare 5 have )aid for them$0 %ima &i sent <iahou Ba and <iahou #ei to ta"e up position on the ,iver 8i$ They !ere to attac" if the army of Liaodong came near them$ They had not )ong to !ait$ As soon as Bei &an and his army approached, <iahou Ba and <iahou #ei e6p)oded a .om., .eat the drums, !aved their f)ags, and came out, one force on each side$ Bei &an and &ang Zuo made a fight .ut soon f)ed to %houshan ;ountain, !here they fe)) in !ith +ongsun &uan and >oined the main army$ Then they turned to give .att)e to the #ei army$ Bei &an rode to the front and revi)ed the enemy, shouting, 0&ou re.e)s= Do not try tric"ery, .ut dare you fight in the open10 <iahou Ba rode out to accept the cha))enge, and after a fe! .outs Bei &an fe))$ 5n the confusion caused .y the death of their )eader, <iahou Ba urged on his troops and drove +ongsun &uan .ac" to <iangping, and +ongsun &uan too" refuge in the city$ The city !as surrounded$ 5t !as autumn, and the rain fe)) day after day !ithout ceasing$ At the end of the month, the p)ain !as under three feet of !ater, so that the grain .oats sai)ed straight from ,iver 8i to the city !a))s$ The .esiegers suffered much from the f)oods$ Pei 8ing, 'ommander of the Left, !ent to %ima &i and as"ed, 0The rain "eeps pouring do!n, and tents cannot .e pitched on mud$ ;ay the army .e moved to camp on the higher ground10 But %ima &i f)outed the suggestion$

0(o! can the army move a!ay >ust !hen success is in sight1 The re.e)s !i)) .e con4uered no! any day$ 5f any other spea"s a.out dra!ing off, he !i)) .e put to death$0 Pei 8ing agreed and !ent a!ay$ %oon after, 'hou Lian, 'ommander of the ,ight, came to see his chief and repeated the suggestion, saying, 0The so)diers are suffering from the rains$ : 'ommander, )et them camp on the hi))s$0 %ima &i got angry and said, 05 have sent the command, and you are against it=0 And he ordered 'hou Lian to .e e6ecuted$ (is head !as suspended at the camp gate as a !arning to others$ The so)diers dared to comp)ain any more$ Then %ima &i ordered the south camp to .e a.andoned, and the army marched seven mi)es south, thus a))o!ing the so)diers and peop)e in the city to come out to gather fue) and pasture their catt)e$ The attac"ing army cou)d not understand this move, and +enera) 'hen un spo"e a.out it$ 0#hen you .esieged %hangyong, : 'ommander, you attac"ed a)) round at eight points, and the city fe)) in eight days$ ;eng Da !as ta"en, and you !on a great success$ 2o! your forty thousand troops have .orne their armors many days over )ong marches and you do not press the attac", .ut "eep them in the mud and mire and )et the enemy gather supp)ies and feed their catt)e$ 5 do not "no! !hat your intention may .e$0 0%ir,0 rep)ied the 'ommander/in/'hief, 05 see you are ignorant of !ar after a))$ &ou do not understand the different conditions$ ;eng Da then had amp)e supp)ies and fe! troops, !hi)e !e !ere under e6act)y opposite conditions$ %o !e had to attac" vigorous)y and at once$ The suddenness of the attac" defeated the enemy$ But )oo" at present conditions$ The Liaodong troops are many and !e fe!3 they are on the verge of starvation, and !e are fu)) fed$ #hy shou)d !e force the attac"1 :ur )ine is to )et the so)diers desert and capture the city$ Therefore 5 )eave a gate open and the road free that they may run a!ay$0

'hen un then understood and ac"no!)edged the correctness of the strategy$ %ima &i sent to Luoyang to hasten supp)ies, that there shou)d .e no shortage$ (o!ever, the !ar !as not supported in the capita), for !hen the messenger arrived and the ,u)er of #ei summoned his courtiers, they said, 05n Liaodong the rain has .een continuous for a month, and the so)diers are in misery$ %ima &i ought to .e reca))ed, and the !ar rene!ed at a more convenient season$0 The ,u)er of #ei rep)ied, 0The )eader of our army is most capa.)e and .est a.)e to decide upon !hat shou)d .e done$ (e understands the conditions and is teeming !ith magnificent p)ans$ (e !i)) certain)y succeed$ #herefore, 2o.)e %irs, !ait a fe! days and )et us not .e an6ious a.out the resu)t$0 %o 'ao ,ui heeded not the voice of the dissentients, .ut too" care that provisions !ere sent$ After a fe! days the rain ceased, and fine, c)ear !eather fo))o!ed$ That night %ima &i !ent out of his tent that he might study the s"y$ %udden)y he sa! a very )arge and .right star start from a point over %houshan ;ountain and trave) over to!ard <iangping, !here it fe))$ The so)diers !ere rather frightened at this apparition, .ut the )eader re>oiced$ 09ive days from no! +ongsun &uan !i)) .e s)ain !here that star fe)),0 said he$ 0Therefore attac" !ith vigor$0 They opened the attac" the ne6t morning at da!n, thro!ing up .an"s and sapping the !a))s, setting up stone/thro!ing machines and rearing )adders$ #hen night came the attac" did not cease$ Arro!s fe)) in the city )i"e pe)ting rain$ #ithin the city, grain .egan to run short, and soon there !as none$ They s)aughtered .u))oc"s and horses for food$ The so)diers .egan to .e mutinous and no )onger fought !ith any spirit$ There !as ta)" of s)aying +ongsun &uan and yie)ding the city$ +ongsun &uan !as disheartened and frightened, and decided to sue for peace$ (e sent his Prime ;inister #ang 8ian and 5mperia) 'ensor Liu 9ei out of the city to .eg %ima &i to a))o! him to su.mit$ These t!o had to .e )et do!n from the !a))s .y ropes, as no other means of e6it !ere possi.)e$

#ang 8ian and Liu 9ei found their !ay to %ima &i and said, 0#e pray you, : 'ommander, retire seven mi)es and a))o! the officers to come forth and surrender$0 0#hy did not +ongsun &uan himse)f come10 said %ima &i$ 0(e is rude$0 (e put the t!o envoys to death and sent their heads .ac" into the city$ +ongsun &uan !as sti)) more a)armed, .ut he reso)ved to ma"e one more attempt$ This time he sent (igh 'ounse)or #ei &in as his envoy$ %ima &i received this messenger sitting in state in his tent !ith his officers standing right and )eft$ #ei &in approached on his "nees, and !hen he reached the door of the tent recited his petition$ 05 pray you, : 'ommander, turn your thunderous !rath from us$ #e !i)) send the son of our )eader, +ongsun <iu, the (eir Apparent, as hostage and a)) the officers sha)) appear .efore you .ound !ith cords$0 %ima &i rep)ied, 0There are five possi.)e operations for any army$ 5f you can fight, fight3 if you cannot fight, defend3 if you cannot defend, f)ee3 if you cannot f)ee, surrender3 if you cannot surrender, die$ These five courses are open to you, and a hostage !ou)d .e use)ess$ 2o! return and te)) your master$0 #ei &in put his hands over his head and f)ed )i"e a rat$ (e !ent into the city and re)ated !hat had happened to him$ The +ongsuns, father and son, reso)ved to f)ee$ They chose a thousand of mounted troops, and in the dead of night opened the south gate and got out$ They too" the road to the east and !ere re>oiced to find it c)ear$ A)) !ent !e)) for a distance of three mi)es, !hen a .om. e6p)oded$ This !as fo))o!ed .y a ro)) of drums and the .)are of trumpets3 and a cohort stood in the !ay$ The )eader !as %ima &i, supported .y his t!o sons///%ima %hi and %ima Zhao$ 0%top, : re.e)=0 cried the sons$ But +ongsun &uan )ashed his steed to a ga))op$ Then (u Zun, <iahou Ba, <iahou #ei, Zhang (u, and &ue 'hen, !ith their troops, came up and 4uic")y surrounded them so that they !ere he)p)ess$ +ongsun

&uan sa! that escape !as impossi.)e, so he came !ith his son, dismounted, and offered surrender$ %ima &i hard)y )oo"ed at the t!o men, .ut he turned to his officers and said, 0That night the star fe)) to this )and, and today, five days )ater, the omen .ecomes true$0 They a)) fe)icitated him, saying, 0The 'ommander is superhuman=0 +ongsun &uan and +ongsun <iu !ere s)ain !here they stood$ Then %ima &i turned to resume the siege of <iangping3 .ut .efore he had reached the !a))s, (u Zun-s army had entered$ %ima &i !ent in and !as received !ith great respect, the peop)e .urning incense as he passed$ (e !ent to the residence, and then the !ho)e of the +ongsun &uan-s c)an, and a)) !ho had assisted in his rising, !ere .eheaded$ They counted heads to the num.er of seventy$ The city ta"en and the re.e)s destroyed, %ima &i issued a proc)amation in order to restore confidence among the peop)e$ 'ertain persons to)d him, 08ia 9an and Lun Zhi had .een against the revo)t and had therefore suffered death$0 %o %ima &i honored their tom.s and conferred ran"s upon their chi)dren$ The contents of the treasury !ere distri.uted among the so)diers as re!ards, and then the army marched .ac" to Luoyang$ :ne night the ,u)er of #ei !as sudden)y a!a"ened .y a chi)) .)ast that e6tinguished a)) the )ights, .ut he sa! the form of the )ate @mpress ;ao, !ith a score or t!o of other Pa)ace attendants, coming to!ard the .ed !hereon he )ay, and as they approached they demanded his )ife$ (e !as very frightened and fe)) i)) so that he !as )i"e to die$ %o the t!o officers, Liu 9ang and %un Zu, !ere set over the privy counci), and he summoned his .rother 'ao &u, the Prince of &an, to the capita) to ma"e him ,egent ;arsha) to assist the (eir Apparent, 'ao 9ang$ (o!ever, 'ao &u .eing modest and retiring .y nature, dec)ined these high offices and their responsi.i)ities$ The ,u)er of #ei then turned to his t!o confidants, Liu 9ang and %un Zu, in4uired of them, saying, 0#ho of the fami)y is a suita.)e person to support the (eir Apparent10

As Liu 9ang and %un Zu had .oth received many favors from 'ao Zhen, they rep)ied, 02one is so fit as 'ao %huang, the son of 'ao Zhen$0 The ,u)er of #ei approved their choice, and thus 'ao %huang .ecame a great person$ Then Liu 9ang and %un Zu memoria)i?ed, saying, 0As 'ao %huang has .een chosen, 'ao &u, the Prince of &an, shou)d .e ordered to )eave the capita) and return to &an, his o!n p)ace$0 The ,u)er of #ei consented and issued an edict, !hich these t!o .ore to 'ao &u, saying, 0The edict in the @mperor-s o!n hand .ids you return to your o!n domain at once, and you are not to return to court !ithout a specia) command$0 'ao &u !ept, .ut he )eft forth!ith$ Thereupon 'ao %huang !as created ,egent ;arsha) and 'ourt Administrator$ But the ,u)er of #ei-s i))ness advanced rapid)y, and he sent messenger !ith authority ensign to ca)) %ima &i into the Pa)ace$ As soon as he arrived, he !as )ed to the @mperor-s cham.er$ 05 feared )est 5 shou)d not see you again,0 said the ,u)er of #ei$ 0But no! 5 can die content$0 The genera) .o!ed and said, 0:n the road they to)d me the sacred person !as not perfect)y !e))$ 5 grieved that 5 had not !ings to hasten hither$ But 5 am happy in that 5 no! .eho)d the dragon countenance$0 The heir, 'ao 9ang, !as summoned to the @mperor-s .edside and a)so 'ao %huang, Liu 9ang, %un Zu, and certain others$ Ta"ing %ima &i .y the hand, the dying @mperor said, 0#hen Liu Bei )ay dying at Baidicheng, he confided his son, so soon to .e an orphan, to the care of Zhuge Liang, !ho )a.ored in this tas" to the very end and !hose devotion on)y ceased !ith death$ 5f such conduct is possi.)e in the mere remnant of a dying dynasty continued in a sma)) state, ho! much more may 5 hope for it in a great country= ;y son is on)y eight years of age, and incapa.)e of sustaining the .urden of ru)ership$ (appi)y for him he has amp)e

merit and e6perience around him in the persons of yourse)f and his re)atives$ (e !i)) never )ac" friends for my sa"e$0 Turning to the young prince, he continued, 0;y friend %ima &i is as myse)f, and you are to treat him !ith the same respect and deference$0 'ao ,ui .ade %ima &i )ead the young prince for!ard$ The .oy thre! his arms around %ima &i-s nec" and c)ung to him$ 02ever forget the affection he has >ust sho!n,0 said 'ao ,ui, !eeping$ And %ima &i !ept a)so$ The dying man s!ooned3 a)though he cou)d not spea", his hand sti)) pointed to his son, and soon after he died$ 'ao ,ui had reigned thirteen years and !as thirty/si6 years of age$ (is death too" p)ace in the first month of the third year of %pectacu)ar Beginning (AD 2A9)$ 2o time !as )ost in enthroning the ne! @mperor, the supporters .eing %ima &i and 'ao %huang$ The ne! ru)er-s name !as 'ao 9ang$ (o!ever, he !as 'ao ,ui-s son on)y .y adoption$ (e had .een .rought up in the Pa)ace secret)y, and no one "ne! his rea) origin$ The posthumous tit)e of @mperor ,ui the Cno!)edgea.)e !as conferred upon the )ate ru)er, and he !as .uried in the +aoping Tom.s$ @mpress +uo !as given the tit)e of @mpress Do!ager$ The ne! reign !as sty)ed ,ight Beginning @ra, the first year (AD 2A9)$ %ima &i and 'ao %huang conducted the government, and in a)) matters 'ao %huang treated %ima &i !ith deference and too" no steps !ithout his "no!)edge$ 'ao %huang !as no stranger at court$ 'ao ,ui had respected him for his di)igence and care and had .een very fond of him, (e had had the freedom of the Pa)ace a)) his )ife$ (e had a host of five hundred c)ients and retainers$ Among them !ere five !ho))y )ight and foppish$ Their names !ere (e &an, Deng &ang, Li %heng, Ding ;i, and Bi +ui$ Deng &ang !as a descendant of 'ommander Deng &u of (anD$ Beside these five there !as another named (uan 9an, ;inister of Agricu)ture, a man of good parts, !ho had the so.ri4uet of 0Bag of #isdom0$ These si6 !ere 'ao %huang-s most trusted companions and confidants$

:ne day (e &an said, 0;y )ord, you shou)d not )et your great po!ers s)ip into the hands of any other, or you !i)) repent it$0 'ao %huang rep)ied, 0%ima &i as !e)) as 5 received the )ate @mperor-s sacred trust, and 5 mean to .e true$0 (e &an said, 0#hen your father and this %ima &i !ere !inning their victories in the !est, your father suffered much from this man-s temper, !hich u)timate)y .rought a.out his death$ #hy do you not )oo" into that10 'ao %huang seemed sudden)y to !a"e up$ (aving entered into an intrigue !ith the ma>ority of the officers a.out the court, then one day he presented to the ,u)er of #ei a memoria), saying, 0%ima &i shou)d .e promoted to the ran" of +uardian of the Throne for his great merits and services$0 The promotion !as made, and conse4uent)y %ima &i, no! a civi) officer, )et the !ho)e mi)itary authority fa)) into the hands of 'ao %huang$ (aving thus far succeeded, 'ao %huang ne6t appointed his .rothers to high mi)itary posts7 'ao <i as 'ommander of the 'enter Army3 'ao <un, 'ommander of the 5mperia) +uards3 'ao &an, 'ommander of the 'ava)ry$ @ach commanded three thousand of the Pa)ace guards, !ith right to go in and out of the Pa)ace at !i))$ ;oreover, three of his friends///(e &an, Deng &ang, and Ding ;i///!ere created 'hairs of three .oards3 Bi +ui, 'ommander of 'apita) District3 and Li %heng, +overnor of (enan$ These five and their patron !ere c)ose associates in a)) concerns of state$ 'ao %huang gathered a.out him )arger and sti)) )arger num.ers of supporters, ti)) %ima &i gave out that he !as i)) and remained in sec)usion$ (is t!o sons a)so resigned their offices$ 'ao %huang and his friends no! gave themse)ves up to dissipation, spending days and nights in drin"ing and music$ 5n their dress and the furniture of their ta.)e they copied the Pa)ace patterns$ Tri.ute in the shape of >e!e)s and curios !ent to the residence of 'ao %huang .efore it entered the @mperor-s pa)ace, and his comp)e6 s!armed !ith .eautifu) damse)s$ ;inister Zhang Dang of the 5nner Bureau toadied to 'ao %huang so far as to se)ect eighteen of the )ate @mperor-s handmaids and send them to the no! po!erfu) minister$

'ao %huang a)so chose for him a chorus of t!o score !e))/.orn )adies !ho !ere s"i))ed in music and dancing$ 'ao %huang a)so .ui)t for himse)f .eautifu) to!ers and pavi)ions and made to himse)f vesse)s of go)d and si)ver, the !or" of the most e6pert craftspeop)e, !hom he "ept constant)y emp)oyed$ 2o! (e &an heard of +uan Lu-s great s"i)) in divination and sent to Pingyuan to invite him to discuss a.out the Boo" of 'hanges$ #hen the soothsayer arrived, Deng &ang !as of the company to meet him, and he said to +uan Lu, 0&ou ca)) yourse)f a s"i))fu) diviner, .ut your speech does not resem.)e the )anguage of the Boo" of 'hanges$ (o! is that10 +uan Lu rep)ied, 0An interpreter does not use the )anguage of the origina)$0 (e &an )aughed, saying, 0'ertain)y good !ords are not !earisome$ But cast a )ot for me, and te)) me !hether 5 sha)) ever arrive at the highest office or not, for 5 have dreamed repeated)y that many .)ue f)ies sett)ed on my nose$0 +uan Lu rep)ied, 0+ao Cai and +ao &uan aided Cing %hun3 Du"e Zhou assisted the young @mperor 'heng of Zhou Dynasty3 a)) these !ere "ind)y and modest and en>oyed great happiness$ &ou, %ir, have come to high honors and !ie)d great po!ers, .ut those !ho esteem you are fe! and those !ho fear you, many$ &ou are not carefu) to !a)" in the !ay of good fortune$ 2o! the nose is an eminence$ 5f an eminence retains its characteristic, there.y it remains in honor$ But is it not that .)ue f)ies gather to fou) o.>ects and the )ofty fears a fa))1 5 !ou)d !ish you to give of your a.undance for the good of the poor and avoid !a)"ing in the !rong road$ Then indeed may you reach the highest dignity, and the .)ue f)ies !i)) disperse$0 0This is mere seni)e gossip,0 said Deng &ang$ 0The gift of age is to see that !hich is yet to come3 the gift of gossip is to perceive !hat is not said,0 rep)ied +uan Lu$ Thereupon he shoo" out his s)eeves and !ent a!ay$ 0(e is very mad, rea))y,0 said his t!o hosts$ +uan Lu !ent home$ #hen he sa! his unc)e, +uan Lu gave him an account of the intervie!$

(is unc)e !as a)armed at the pro.a.)e conse4uences, and said, 0#hy did you anger them1 They are too po!erfu) for you to offend$0 0#hat is there to fear1 5 have .een ta)"ing to t!o dead men$0 0#hat do you mean10 0Deng &ang-s gait is that of one !hose sine!s are )oosed from his .ones, and his pu)se is unsteady$ #hen he !ou)d stand, he totters as a man !ithout )im.s$ This is the aspect of a disem.odied sou)$ (e &an )oo"s as if his sou) !as a.out to 4uit its ha.itation$ (e is .)ood)ess, and !hat shou)d .e so)id in him is mere vapor$ (e )oo"s )i"e rotten !ood$ This is the aspect of a sou) even no! in the dar" va))ey$ Both these men !i)) certain)y soon die a vio)ent death, and none need fear them$0 (is unc)e )eft, cursing him for a madman$ 'ao %huang and his five friends !ere devoted to hunting and !ere often out of the city$ 'ao <i, a .rother of 'ao %huang, remonstrated !ith him a.out this and pointed out the dangers of such fre4uent a.sence on these e6cursions$ 0&ou are in an e6a)ted position and yet you are constant)y .eing out hunting$ 5f anyone too" advantage of this to !or" you evi), you might have to .e e6ceeding)y regretfu)$0 'ao %huang on)y sho!ed anger and rep)ied, 0The !ho)e mi)itary authority is in my hands, and !hat is there to fear10 (uan 9an, ;inister of Agricu)ture, a)so reasoned !ith him, .ut 'ao %huang !ou)d not )isten$ A.out this time the sty)e of the reign !as changed from ,ight Beginning, the tenth year, to Domestic 'a)m, the first year (AD 2G9)$ 2o! ever since 'ao %huang had en>oyed the monopo)y of mi)itary authority, he had never heard the truth a.out the state of hea)th of the man he had maneuvered out of po!er$ But !hen the ,u)er of #ei appointed Li %heng to the 5mperia) Protectorship of ing?hou, 'ao %huang .ade Li %heng go to ta"e )eave of %ima &i, at the same time to find out the true state of his hea)th$ %o Li %heng proceeded to the residence of the (igh ;inister and !as announced$

%ima &i sa! through the device at once and to)d his sons, saying, 0This is 'ao %huang-s !ish to find out my rea) condition$0 And he .ade them p)ay their parts in the scene he arranged, .efore the visitor !as admitted$ %ima &i thre! aside his headdress, so )etting his hair fa)) in disorder, stretched himse)f upon his couch, tum.)ed the .ed ding into confusion, got a coup)e of servant gir)s to support him, and then to)d his servants to )ead in the visitor$ Li %heng came in and !ent up to the sic" man, saying, 05t is a )ong time since 5 have seen you, and 5 did not "no! you !ere so serious)y i))$ (is ;a>esty is sending me to ing?hou, and 5 have come to pay my respects to you and .id you fare!e))$0 0Ah, Bing?hou is in the north3 you !i)) have to .e very carefu) there,0 said %ima &i feigning that he had not heard$ 05 am going as 5mperia) Protector of %heng$ ing?hou, not Bing?hou,0 said Li

0:h, you have >ust come from Bing?hou$0 0 ing?hou, in (uashang ;ountains$0 08ust .ac" from ing?hou, eh10 said %ima &i, smi)ing$

0(o! very i)) the 5mperia) +uardian is=0 said Li %heng to the servants$ 0The ;inister is deaf,0 said they$ 0+ive me paper and a pen,0 said Li %heng$ #riting materia)s !ere .rought, !hen Li %heng !rote !hat he !ished to say and put it .efore his host$ 0;y i))ness has made me very deaf$ Ta"e care of yourse)f on the !ay,0 said %ima &i$ Loo"ing up, he pointed to his mouth$ :ne of the gir)s .rought some .roth and he)d the cup for him to drin"$ (e put his )ips to the cup, .ut spi))ed the .roth a)) over his dress$

05 am very !ea" and i)),0 said he, 0and may die at any moment$ ;y sons are .ut poor things, .ut you !i)) instruct them$ #hen you see the ,egent ;arsha), you !i)) as" him to ta"e care of them for me, !i)) you not10 At this point %ima &i fe)) .ac" on the couch, panting, and Li %heng too" his )eave$ Li %heng to)d 'ao %huang !hat he had seen, and 'ao %huang re>oiced, thin"ing his riva) cou)d not )ast )ong$ 05f the o)d man died, 5 shou)d not .e the one to grieve,0 said 'ao %huang$ But no sooner had Li %heng gone than %ima &i rose from his couch and said to his sons, 0Li %heng !i)) ta"e a fu)) account of this to 'ao %huang, !ho !i)) not fear me any more$ But !ait ti)) 'ao %huang goes on his ne6t hunting trip, and !e !i)) see !hat can .e done$0 %oon after this, 'ao %huang proposed to the ,u)er of #ei, 'ao 9ang, to visit the +aoping Tom.s !here his father )ay and perform the fi)ia) sacrifices in person$ %o they !ent, a good)y company of officers in the train of the imperia) chariot, and 'ao %huang !ith a)) his .rothers and his friends !ent !ith the guards$ (uan 9an, ;inister of Agricu)ture, entreated him to remain in the city for fear of p)ots and risings$ 0&our Lordship are in charge of the capita) security, and you and your .rothers shou)d not )eave the city together$ %uppose there !ere a revo)t, !hat then10 But 'ao %huang as"ed angri)y and rude)y, 0#ho !ou)d dare ma"e trou.)e1 (o)d your !i)d tongue=0 And he !ent !ith the @mperor$ (is departure re>oiced the heart of %ima &i, !ho at once .egan 4uiet)y to muster his trusty friends and henchmen and put the finishing touches to the p)ot for the overthro! of his riva)$ 2o! terminates his forced inaction, (e must destroy the hosti)e faction$ 'ao %huang-s fate !i)) appear in the ne6t chapter$

Chapter !: The Ru$er #f Wei ,ands 'ver The +#)er T# Sima Yi; ;iang Wei Is Defeated At '8 ,ead ,i$$s.

%ima &i !as very p)eased to hear that 'ao %huang and his party !ere to fo))o! the ,u)er of #ei on a visit to the tom.s com.ined !ith a hunt, for it meant that the !ho)e enemy faction )eft the city$ According)y, 'ao %huang and his three .rothers 'ao <i, 'ao <un, 'ao &an, and his friends (e &an, Deng &ang, Ding ;i, Bi +ui, Li %heng, and others )eft the capita) !ith the @mperor$ As soon as they )eft, %ima &i entered !ith his authority as 5mperia) +uardian, gave +ao ,ou, ;inister of the 5nterior, provisiona) command of the army and sent him to sei?e the camp of 'ao %huang$ A simi)ar command !as given to #ang +uan, %upervisor of the Pa)ace, to rep)ace 'ao <i as 'ommander of the 'enter Army and to occupy his camp$ (aving secured his position thus, %ima &i and his supporters !ent to the pa)ace of the @mpress Do!ager$ They said to her, 0'ao %huang has .etrayed the trust p)aced in him .y the )ate @mperor and has ruined the government$ (is fau)t must .e e6piated$0 @mpress +uo rep)ied, 0#hat can .e done in the a.sence of the %on of (eaven10 05 have prepared p)ans for the destruction of these .ase ministers and !i)) see to it that no trou.)e happens to yourse)f$0 The @mpress !as much a)armed, .ut cou)d on)y act as she !as directed and agree$ %o t!o of %ima &i-s supporters, 'ommander 8iang 8i and (igh ;inister %ima 9u, copied out the memoria) he had prepared, and it !as sent to the ,u)er of #ei .y the hand of an eunuch$ Then the arsena)s !ere sei?ed$ %oon the ne!s of the rising came to the "no!)edge of the fami)y of 'ao %huang, and his !ife, Lady Liu, came out from the inner apartments and summoned Pan 8u, 'ommander of the +ates$ %he in4uired, 0The ;aster is outside, and %ima &i is revo)ting7 #hat does it mean10

0&our Ladyship need fee) no a)arm$ Let me go and find out the truth,0 said Pan 8u$ Thereupon Pan 8u, at the head of a severa) do?en .o!men, !ent up on the !a)) and )oo"ed around$ At that moment %ima &i !as crossing the court, and Pan 8u .ade his men shoot$ %ima &i cou)d not pass$ But %un iao, one of his genera)s, said, 0&ou must not shoot at the 5mperia) +uardian3 he is on pu.)ic service$0 Thrice %un iao urged his chief not to )et the men shoot, and so Pan 8u desisted$ %ima &i !ent across guarded .y his son %ima Zhao$ Then he !ent out of the city and camped on ,iver Luo at the 9)oating Bridge$ #hen the revo)ution .egan, one of 'ao %huang-s officers, Lu Zhu .y name, too" counse) !ith ;i)itary Adviser <in 'hang$ 02o! that this revo)t has .egun, !hat shou)d !e do10 0Let us go to the @mperor !ith !hat troops !e have,0 rep)ied <in 'hang$ 0Perhaps the .est course,0 rep)ied Lu Zhu$ And <in 'hang !ent into the inner cham.er to get ready to start$ There he met his sister, <in <ianying, !ho as"ed the meaning of a)) this haste$ 0(is ;a>esty is out on a hunt, and %ima &i has c)osed the gates of the city$ This is re.e))ion$0 05 do not thin" so$ (e on)y means to s)ay 'ao %huang, his riva),0 rep)ied she$ 0#hat !i)) .e the outcome of this10 as"ed her .rother$ 0'ao %huang is no match for %ima &i,0 rep)ied she$ 05f %ima &i as"s us to >oin him, shou)d !e10 as"ed <in 'hang$ <in <ianying rep)ied, 0&ou "no! !hat a true man shou)d do$ #hen a man is in danger, there is the greater need for sympathy$ To .e of 'ao %huang-s peop)e and desert him in an emergency is the greatest of evi)s$0

This speech decided <in 'hang, !ho !ent !ith Lu Zhu$ At the head of a some t!enty horsemen, they forced the gate and got out of the city$ #hen their escape !as reported to %ima &i, he thought that (uan 9an !ou)d sure)y try to fo))o! their e6amp)e, so he sent to ca)) him$ (o!ever, on the advice of his son, (uan 9an did not ans!er the summons, .ut decided to f)ee$ (e got into his carriage and drove hasti)y to the %outh +ate$ But the gate !as .arred$ The 'ommander of the +ate, %i 9an, !as an o)d dependant of (uan 9an$ (uan 9an pu))ed out from his s)eeve a s)ip of .am.oo and said, 0The @mpress-s command7 :pen the gate for me$0 0Let me )oo",0 said %i 9an$ 0#hat= (o! dare you, an o)d servant of mine, .ehave thus10 %i 9an )et (uan 9an pass$ As soon as he had got outside, (uan 9an shouted to %i 9an, 0%ima &i has raised a revo)t, and you had .etter fo))o! me=0 %i 9an rea)i?ed that he had made a mista"e, and chase after (uan 9an, .ut fai)ed to come up !ith him$ 0%o the -Bag of #isdom- has got a!ay too$ That is a pity, .ut !hat can !e do10 said %ima &i, !hen they reported the escape$ 0The poor horse a)!ays han"ers after the o)d sta.)e and manger$ 'ao %huang !ou)d not "no! ho! to use (uan 9an,0 rep)ied 8iang 8i$ Then %ima &i ca))ed to him <u &un and 'hen Tai and said, 0+o you to 'ao %huang and say that 5 have no other intention than to ta"e a!ay the mi)itary po!er from him and his .rothers$0 As soon as they had )eft, he ca))ed &in Damu and ordered 8iang 8i prepare a )etter to .e ta"en to 'ao %huang .y &in Damu$ %aid %ima &i, 0&ou are on good terms !ith the man and are the fittest person for this mission$ Te)) him that 8iang 8i and 5 are concerned so)e)y !ith the mi)itary po!ers in the hands of himse)f and his .rothers, as !e have s!orn pointing to ,iver Luo$0 %o &in Damu !ent his !ay$

:ut in the country 'ao %huang !as en>oying the hunting, f)ying his fa)cons and coursing his hounds$ %udden)y came the ne!s of the rising in the city and the memoria) against him$ (e a)most fe)) out of the sadd)e !hen they to)d him$ The eunuch handed in the memoria) to the ,u)er of #ei in the presence of 'ao %huang, !ho too" it and opened it$ A minister in attendance !as ordered to read it$ 5t said7 0%ima &i, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est and 5mperia) +uardian, !ith .o!ed head and trepidation, presents this memoria)$ :n my return from the e6pedition into Liaodong, (is )ate ;a>esty summoned &our ;a>esty, 'ao %huang, myse)f and certain others to his .edside, too" me .y the arm and impressed upon us a)) our duty in the years to .e$ 02o! 'ao %huang has .etrayed the trust p)aced in him, has disordered the "ingdom, usurped po!er at court, and sei?ed upon po!er in the regions$ (e has appointed Zhang Dang, Administrator of the 'ity, to contro) the court and spy upon &our ;a>esty$ (e is sure)y )ying in !ait to sei?e the empire$ (e has so!n dissension in the roya) fami)y and in>ured his o!n f)esh and .)ood$ The !ho)e )and is in confusion, and peop)e-s hearts are fu)) of fear$ A)) this is opposed to the in>unctions of (is Late ;a>esty and his commands to me$ 0%tupid and !orth)ess as 5 am, yet 5 dare not forget the !ords of (is Late ;a>esty$ ;y co))eagues, 8iang 8i and %ima 9u, agree that 'ao %huang is dis)oya) at heart, and great mi)itary po!ers shou)d not .e entrusted to him or his .rothers$ 05 have memoria)i?ed (er ;a>esty and o.tained her authority to act$ 0A)) mi)itary po!ers have .een !rested from the hands of 'ao %huang, 'ao <i, and 'ao <un, )eaving them on)y the simp)e tit)e of )ordships, so that hereafter they may .e una.)e to hinder or contro) &our ;a>esty-s actions$ 5f there .e any o.struction, the matter sha)) .e summari)y dea)t !ith$ 0A)though in i)) hea)th, as a precautionary measure 5 have camped at the 9)oating Bridge, !hence 5 !rite this$0 #hen they had made an end of reading, the ,u)er of #ei turned to 'ao %huang and said, 05n the face of such !ords !hat mean you to do10

'ao %huang !as at a )oss and turned to his younger .rother, saying, 0#hat no!10 'ao <i rep)ied, 05 remonstrated !ith you, .ut you !ere o.stinate and )istened not$ %o it has come to this$ %ima &i is fa)se and cunning .eyond measure$ 5f Zhuge Liang cou)d not get the .etter of him, cou)d !e hope to do so1 5 see nothing .ut to yie)d that hap)y !e may )ive$0 8ust at this moment arrived Adviser <in 'hang and 'ommander Lu Zhu$ 'ao %huang as"ed !hat tidings they .rought$ They rep)ied, 0The city is comp)ete)y and c)ose)y surrounded, %ima &i is camped on the river at the 9)oating Bridge, and you cannot return$ &ou must decide ho! to act at once$0 Then ga))oped up (uan 9an, !ho said, 0This is rea))y re.e))ion$ #hy not re4uest (is ;a>esty to proceed to <uchang ti)) regiona) troops can arrive and dea) !ith %ima &i10 'ao %huang rep)ied, 0(o! can !e go to another p)ace !hen a)) our fami)ies are in the city10 %aid (uan 9an, 0@ven a foo) in this crisis !ou)d thin" on)y of )ife$ &ou have the %on of (eaven !ith you here and command a)) the forces of the empire$ 2one !ou)d dare diso.ey you, and yet you march 4uiet)y to death$0 'ao %huang cou)d not decide to stri"e a .)o! for safety3 he did nothing .ut snive)$ (uan 9an continued, 0#e can reach <uchang tonight$ The stay in <uchang !ou)d .e .ut .rief, and there are amp)e supp)ies for years$ &ou have forces at your ca)) at the %outh Pass$ &ou ho)d the sea) of ;inister of #ar, and 5 have .rought it !ith me$ @verything is in your favor$ Act= Act at once= De)ay is death$0 0Do not hurry me,0 said 'ao %huang$ 0Let me thin" it over carefu))y$0 Then came <u &un and 'hen Tai, the t!o messengers of %ima &i, and said, 0The 5mperia) +uardian desires on)y to strip the mi)itary po!er of the ,egent ;arsha)$ 5f the ,egent ;arsha) yie)ds, he may return peacefu))y to the city$0 %ti)) 'ao %huang hesitated$

2e6t arrived &in Damu, saying, 0The 5mperia) +uardian had s!orn .y ,iver Luo to the sing)eness of his aim$ (ere is )etter of ;inister 8iang 8i$ The ,egent ;arsha) shou)d re)in4uish the mi)itary po!er and return to the Pa)ace in peace$0 #hen 'ao %huang seemed disposed to accept the assurance of %ima &i, (uan 9an inveighed against it, saying, 0&ou are a dead man if you )isten to the voice of these peop)e=0 2ight found 'ao %huang sti)) vaci))ating$ As t!i)ight faded into dar"ness he stood, s!ord in hand, sad, sighing and !eeping$ And morning found him sti)) trying to ma"e up his mind$ (uan 9an again urged him to decide upon some course$ 0&ou have had a !ho)e day and a !ho)e night for ref)ection and must decide,0 said he$ 05 !i)) not fight3 5 !i)) yie)d a))3 .eing a !ea)thy man is enough,0 said 'ao %huang, thro!ing do!n his s!ord$ (uan 9an )eft the tent !ai)ing$ 0'ao Zhen might .oast of his a.i)ities, .ut his sons are mere catt)e,0 said he, !eeping copious)y$ The t!o messengers, <u &un and 'hen Tai, .ade 'ao %huang offer his sea) of office to %ima &i, and it !as .rought$ But 9irst %ecretary &ang Zong c)ung to it and !ou)d not give it up, saying, 0A)as= That you, my )ord, shou)d resign your po!ers and ma"e such a pitifu) surrender$ 9or sure)y you !i)) not escape death in the eastern mar"et p)ace$0 0The 5mperia) +uardian !i)) sure)y "eep faith !ith me,0 said 'ao %huang$ The sea) !as .orne a!ay, and 'ao %huang-s genera)s and so)diers, thus re)eased from the .onds of discip)ine, dispersed and the hosts me)ted a!ay$ #hen the 'ao .rothers reached the 9)oating Bridge, they !ere ordered to go to their d!e))ings, and they !ent$ Their supporters !ere imprisoned to a!ait the edicts of the @mperor$ 'ao %huang and his friends, so )ate)y a))/po!erfu), entered the city a)one, !ithout even a servant fo))o!ing$

As (uan 9an approached the .ridge, %ima &i, from horse.ac", pointed his !hip disdainfu))y at him and said, 0#hat .rought you to this10 (uan 9an made no rep)y, .ut !ith head .ent fo))o!ed the others$ 5t !as decided to re4uest the @mperor to dec)are the hunt at an end and order a return to the city$ 'ao %huang, 'ao <i, and 'ao <un !ere confined in their o!n house, the gate !hereof !as fastened !ith a huge )oc", and so)diers !ere set to guard it round a.out$ They !ere sad and an6ious, not "no!ing !hat !ou)d .e their fate$ Then 'ao <i said, 0#e have .ut )itt)e food )eft$ Let us !rite and as" for supp)ies$ 5f %ima &i sends us food, !e may .e sure he does not intend harm$0 They !rote, and a hundred carts of supp)ies !ere sent$ This cheered them, and 'ao %huang said, 0:ur )ives are safe in the hands of %ima &i=0 %ima &i had Zhang Dang arrested and put to the 4uestion$ Zhang Dang said$ 05 am not the on)y one !ho has tried to su.vert the government$ (e &an, Deng &ang, Li %heng, Ding ;i, and Bi +ui are a)) invo)ved in the p)ot$0 %o they !ere arrested and, !hen interrogated, confessed that a revo)t had .een arranged for the third month$ %ima &i had them )oc"ed in one )ong !ooden co))ar$ The 'ommander of the +ates, %i 9an, testified7 0(uan 9an has imposed upon me !ith a pretended command from (er ;a>esty and so has escaped out of the city$ Beside he has said the 5mperia) +uardian !as a re.e)$0 Then said %ima &i, 0#hen a person ma)igns another and is fa)se, the punishment for such a crime as he imputes fa))s upon his o!n head$0 (uan 9an and those !ith him !ere thro!n into prison$ Present)y 'ao %huang and his .rothers, a)) persons connected !ith them, and their c)ans !ere put to death in the mar"et p)ace$ A)) the treasures of their houses !as sent to the pu.)ic treasury$

2o! there !as a certain !oman of the <iahou fami)y !ho had .een !ife to #en %hu, a second cousin of 'ao %huang$ @ar)y )eft a chi)d)ess !ido!, her father !ished her to marry again$ Lady <iahou refused and cut off her ears as a p)edge of constancy$ (o!ever, !hen the 'aos !ere a)) put to death, her father arranged another marriage for her3 !hereupon she cut off her nose$ (er o!n peop)e !ere chagrined at her o.stinate determination$ 09or !hom are you "eeping your vo!10 said they$ 0;an is .ut as the )ight dust upon the tender grass, and !hat is the good of muti)ating your .ody10 The !oman rep)ied, !eeping, 05 have heard that honora.)e persons do not .rea" a vo! of chastity for the sa"e of !ea)th, and the hearts of righteous persons are constant unto death regard)ess of a)) )osses$ #hi)e the house of 'ao en>oyed prosperity, 5 remained faithfu)3 ho! much more shou)d 5 .e true no! that it has fa))en upon evi) days1 'an 5 act )i"e a mere .east of the fie)d10 The story of her devotion came to the ears of %ima &i, !ho praised her conduct and a))o!ed her to adopt a son to rear as her o!n and so continue the fami)y$ A poem says7 #hat is a man to .e mindfu) of1 A grain of dust on a .)ade of grass3 %uch virtue as Lady <iahou had %tands out su.)ime as the ages pass$ This fair young !ife of gent)e mien Dared a)) to maintain her purpose high$ #hat peop)e though strong in the f)ush of )ife (ave e4ua)ed her in constancy1 After 'ao %huang had suffered death, 8iang 8i said to %ima &i, 0<in 'hang and Lu Zhu and others !ho had .een of his party had forced the gate and >oined the re.e)s$ &ang Zong had opposed the surrender of the sea) of the )ate minister$ They deserve punishment$0 (o!ever, no action !as ta"en against them$ 0They are righteous peop)e !ho serves their master faithfu))y,0 said %ima &i, and he even confirmed these men in their offices$

<in 'hang sighed, 0(ad 5 not )istened to the advice of my sister, 5 !ou)d have !a)"ed in the !ay of unrighteousness$0 A poet has praised his sister, <in <ianying$ 0&ou ca)) him )ord and ta"e his pay, Then stand .y him !hen danger nears$0 Thus to her .rother spo"e <in <ianying, And !on fair fame though end)ess years$ A genera) amnesty !as e6tended to a)) 'ao %huang-s partisans, and no officer !as removed or dismissed for having supported the )ate order of things$ A)) !ere )eft in possession of their property, and soon a)) !as tran4ui))ity$ (o!ever, it is to .e noted that (e &an and Deng &ang met the unhappy end that +uan Lu had foreto)d for them$ The seer +uan Lu !as deep)y read 5n a)) the )ore of the ancient sages$ Thus he cou)d see events to come As c)ear as those of former ages$ And he perceived the sou) of (e &an, A)ready in the va)e of g)oom$ And "ne! the outer she)) of Deng &ang #as hastening to an ear)y tom.$ After his recovery of po!er, %ima &i !as made Prime ;inister and received the 2ine Dignities$ %ima &i refused these honors, .ut the ,u)er of #ei insisted and !ou)d ta"e no denia)$ (is t!o sons !ere made assistants to their father, and a)) state affairs fe)) under the contro) of these three$ (o!ever, %ima &i remem.ered that one man, <iahou Ba, a mem.er of the 'ao c)an, sti)) commanded at &ong?hou$ 5n his position <iahou Ba might .e a rea) danger, and he must .e removed$ %o an edict !as issued ca))ing him to 'apita) Luoyang to discuss affairs$ Fpon receiving this ca)), <iahou Ba !as shoc"ed$ But instead of o.eying this ca)), he dec)ared himse)f a re.e), and he had a force of three thousand troops to support him$ As soon as this !as "no!n, +uo (uai marched to suppress the ma)content$ The t!o armies !ere soon face to face, and +uo (uai !ent to the front and .egan to revi)e his opponent$

0(o! cou)d you re.e) against the ru)ing house, you !ho are of the same c)an as our great founder, and you !ho have a)!ays .een treated generous)y10 <iahou Ba rep)ied, 0;y forefathers served the state right !e)), .ut !ho is this %ima &i that he has put to death my "inspeop)e and !ou)d no! destroy me1 #hat is his aim, if it .e not to usurp the Throne1 5f 5 can cut him off and so frustrate his design, 5 sha)) at )east .e no traitor to the state$0 +uo (uai rode for!ard to attac", and <iahou Ba advanced to the encounter$ They fought some ten .outs, and then +uo (uai turned and f)ed$ But this !as on)y a feint to )ead on his enemy, for ere <iahou Ba had gone far, he heard a shout .ehind him and turned to see 'hen Tai a.out to attac"$ At the same moment +uo (uai turned again, and thus <iahou Ba !as .et!een t!o fires$ (e cou)d effect nothing, so he f)ed, )osing many troops$ %oon he decided that his on)y course !as to f)ee to (an?hong and to surrender to the ,u)er of %hu$ #herefore he !ent into (an?hong to see if hap)y the Latter ,u)er !ou)d accept his services$ #hen 8iang #ei heard of his desire to surrender, he had dou.ts of <iahou Ba-s sincerity$ (o!ever, after due in4uiry 8iang #ei !as satisfied and a))o!ed the renegade from #ei to enter the city$ After ma"ing his o.eisance, <iahou Ba, !ith many tears, to)d the story of his !rongs$ 8iang #ei e6pressed sympathy$ %aid 8iang #ei, 05n the ancient time #ei ZiD )eft the court of Cing Zhou in disgust, and this act has assured to him ever)asting honor$ &ou may .e a.)e no! to assist in the restoration of the (ouse of (an, and you !i)) then stand no !hit inferior to any person of anti4uity$0 A .an4uet !as ordered, and !hi)e it !as .eing prepared the host ta)"ed of affairs in 'apita) Luoyang$ %aid 8iang #ei, 0The %imas are no! most po!erfu) and in a position to carry out any scheme they p)anned$ Thin" you that they have any intentions against %hu10 0The o)d traitor has enough to do !ith his re.e))ion3 he has no )eisure to trou.)e a.out any outside matters$ (o!ever, t!o other

young )eaders in #ei have )ate)y come to the front, and if %ima &i sent them against %hu and #u, it might go i)) !ith you .oth$0 0And !ho are these t!o10 0:ne is named Zhong (ui, a man of 'hangsha$ (e is a son of the former 5mperia) +uardian Zhong &ao$ As a mere .oy he !as noted for .eing .o)d and smart$ (is father used to ta"e him and his .rother, Zhong &u, to court$ Zhong (ui !as seven and his .rother a year o)der$ @mperor Pi noticed one day that the e)der .oy !as s!eating and as"ed him the reason$ Zhong &u rep)ied, -#henever 5 am frightened, the s!eat pours out$- Then @mperor Pi said to the other .oy, -&ou do not seem frightened$- And Zhong (ui rep)ied, -5 am so frightened that the s!eat cannot come out$- The @mperor !as discerned the e6traordinary a.i)ity of the .oy$ A )itt)e )ater Zhong (ui !as a)!ays studying .oo"s on !ar and tactics, and .ecame an a.)e strategist, so that he !on admiration from .oth %ima &i and 8iang 8i$ Zhong (ui is .eing a secretary in the Pa)ace$ 0The second man is Deng Ai from &iyang$ (e !as )eft an orphan very ear)y, .ut he !as am.itious and enterprising$ 5f he sa! )ofty mountains or !ide marshes, he a)!ays )oo"ed for those points !here so)diers might .e stationed or depots of provisions made or com.usti.)es )aid$ Peop)e ridicu)ed him, .ut %ima &i sa! there !as much to admire and emp)oyed the young man on his staff$ Deng Ai had an impediment in his speech, so that he ca))ed himse)f -Deng/ eng/eng/Ai-, and %ima &i used to ma"e fun of him and as"ed him one day ho! many there !ere of him since he ca))ed himse)f -Deng/eng/ eng/Ai-$ Deng Ai at once rep)ied, -There is on)y one phoeni6 !hen they say -: Phoeni6= : Phoeni6=-- This ready repartee sho!s the 4uic"ness of his inte))ect, and you may !e)) .e on your guard against him and the other, for they are to .e feared$0 05 do not thin" them !orth even ta)"ing a.out,0 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ 8iang #ei too" <iahou Ba to 'hengdu and presented him to the Latter ,u)er$ 8iang #ei said, 0%ima &i had s)ain 'ao %huang, and he !anted to .ait <iahou Ba, !ho yie)ded to %hu$ 2o! the %imas, father and sons, are ho)ding the supreme po!er, the young ,u)er 'ao 9ang is a !ea")ing, and #ei-s fortune is near its end$ 9or many years in (an?hong, our troops have .een !e)) trained, and our stores and depots fi))ed !ith amp)e supp)ies$ 2o! 5 !ish to )ead an e6pedition, using <iahou Ba

as guide, to con4uer the ;idd)e Land and to reesta.)ish the (ouse of (an in its o)d capita)$ This is ho! 5 cou)d sho! my gratitude to &our ;a>esty and fu)fi)) the desire of the )ate Prime ;inister$0 But 9ei &i, 'hair of the %ecretariat, opposed any e6pedition, saying, 0#e have )ate)y )ost .y death t!o trusty ministers, 8iang #an and Dong &un, and there is no one )eft fit to ta"e care of the government$ The attempt shou)d .e postponed3 no hasty move shou)d .e made$0 02ot so,0 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ 0Life is short$ :ur days f)ash .y as the g)int of a !hite horse across a chin" in the door$ #e are !aiting and !aiting$ Are !e never to try to restore (an to its o)d g)ory10 0,emem.er the saying of the !ise %un Zi7 -Cno! thyse)f and "no! thine enemy, then is victory sure$- #e are not the e4ua)s of the )ate Prime ;inister, and !here he fai)ed, are !e )i"e)y to succeed10 8iang #ei said, 05 !ou)d en)ist the aid of the iangs$ 5 have )ived near them in Longshang and "no! them !e))$ #ith their he)p, even if !e do not gain the !ho)e empire, !e can at )east con4uer and ho)d a)) !est of 'hangan$0 The Latter ,u)er here c)osed the discussion, saying, 0%ir, as you desire to con4uer #ei, do your .est$ 5 !i)) not damp your enthusiasm$0 Thus the Latter ,u)er-s consent !as given$ Then 8iang #ei )eft the court and .etoo" himse)f, !ith <iahou Ba, into (an?hong to prepare for a ne! e6pedition$ 0#e !i)) first send an envoy to the iangs to ma"e a )eague !ith them,0 said 8iang #ei$ 0Then !e !i)) march out .y the <iping Pass to &ong?hou, !here !e !i)) .ui)d up t!o ramparts in ushan in ushan ;ountains and garrison them$ The position is a point of vantage$ Then !e !i)) send supp)ies .eyond the pass .y )and and !ater!ays, and advance gradua))y, according to the p)an devised .y the )ate Prime ;inister$0 5n the autumn of the year (AD 2G9) they sent the t!o %hu genera)s, Li <in and +ou Ai, !ith fifteen thousand troops, to construct the t!o ramparts in ushan in ushan ;ountains, of !hich +ou Ai !as to ho)d the eastern and Li <in the !estern$

#hen the ne!s reached &ong?hou, the 5mperia) Protector, +uo (uai, sent a report to Luoyang and a)so dispatched 'hen Tai !ith a force of fifty thousand troops to oppose the troops of %hu$ #hen that army arrived, Li <in and +ou Ai )ed their troops to meet it$ But their armies !ere too !ea" to stand such a )arge force, and they once more retired into the city$ 'hen Tai ordered his army to )ay siege and occupy the road that )ed to (an?hong, so that supp)ies !ere cut off$ After some days, and !hen the so)diers of %hu .egan to fee) the pinch of hunger, +uo (uai came to see !hat progress his genera) !as ma"ing$ At sight of the position he re>oiced e6ceeding)y, and !hen he returned to camp he said to 'hen Tai, 05n this high country the city must .e short of !ater, !hich means that the .esieged must come out for supp)ies$ Let us cut off the streams that supp)y them, and they !i)) perish of thirst$0 %o the #ei so)diers !ere set to !or" to divert the streams a.ove the city, and the .esieged !ere soon distressed$ Li <in )ed out a strong force to try to sei?e the !ater sources and fought stu..orn)y, .ut !as at )ength !orsted and driven .ac" !ithin the !a))s$ After that Li <in and +ou Ai >oined their forces and made another attempt to go out and fight$ But the &ong?hou troops surrounded them, and a me)ee ensured unti) Li <in and +ou Ai fought their !ay .ac" to the city$ ;ean!hi)e the so)diers !ere parched !ith thirst$ +ou Ai discussed the circumstance !ith Li <in, saying, 05 do not understand the de)ay of 'ommander 8iang #ei-s reinforcements$0 Li <in said, 0Let me try to fight my !ay out and get he)p$0 %o the gates !ere opened, and Li <in rode out !ith some t!enty horsemen$ These !ere opposed and had to fight every inch of the !ay, .ut eventua))y Li <in !on though severe)y !ounded$ A)) his fo))o!ers had fa))en$ That night a strong north !ind .rought a heavy fa)) of sno!, and the .esieged !ere thus temporari)y re)ieved from the !ater famine$ They me)ted the sno! and prepared food$

Li <in, severe)y !ounded, made his !ay !est a)ong the hi)) paths$ After t!o days he fe)) in !ith 8iang #ei$ (e dismounted, prostrated himse)f, and to)d his story7 0 ushan had .een surrounded and cut off !ater supp)ies$ By )uc" it sno!ed, and our so)diers !ere part)y re)ieved$ But the situation !as very urgent$0 0The de)ay is not due to my s)ac"ness$ The iang a))ies !e depended upon have not come,0 said 8iang #ei$ 8iang #ei sent an escort !ith the !ounded Li <in to conduct him to 'hengdu, !here his !ounds cou)d .e treated$ Turning to <iahou Ba, 8iang #ei as"ed, 0The iangs do not come, and the #ei army is .esieging ushan$ +enera), do you have any p)an to propose10 <iahou Ba rep)ied, 05f !e !ait for the coming of the iangs, it )oo"s as if !e sha)) .e too )ate to re)ieve ushan$ 5t is very pro.a.)e that &ong?hou has .een )eft undefended, !herefore 5 propose that you go to!ard :6 (ead (i))s and !or" round to the rear of &ong?hou, !hich !i)) cause the #ei army to fa)) .ac" to re)ieve &ong?hou and so re)ieve our force$0 0The p)an appears e6ce))ent,0 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ And he set out$ #hen 'hen Tai "ne! that Li <in had escaped, he said to his chief, 02o! that this man has got out, he !i)) te)) 8iang #ei of the danger and 8iang #ei !i)) conc)ude that our efforts are concentrated on the ramparts and !i)) endeavor to attac" our rear$ Therefore 5 suggest, +enera), that you go to ,iver &ao and stop the supp)ies of our enemies, !hi)e 5 go to the :6 (ead (i))s and smite them$ They !i)) retreat as soon as they "no! their supp)ies are threatened$0 %o +uo (uai marched secret)y to ,iver &ao, !hi)e 'hen Tai !ent to the hi))s$ #hen the %hu army )ed .y 8iang #ei came near the :6 (ead (i))s, they heard a great shouting in front, and the scouts came in to report that the road !as .arred$ 8iang #ei himse)f rode out to )oo"$ 0%o you intended to attac" &ong?hou, did you10 shouted 'hen Tai$ 0But !e "no! it and have .een !atching for you a )ong time$0

8iang #ei rode forth to attac"$ 'hen Tai advanced !ith a f)ourish of his s!ord, and they engaged$ 'hen Tai soon ran a!ay$ Then the so)diers of %hu came for!ard and fe)) on, driving the so)diers of #ei .ac" to the summit of the hi))s$ But they ha)ted there, and 8iang #ei encamped at the foot of the hi))s, !hence he cha))enged the enemy every day$ But he cou)d gain no victory$ %eeing no resu)t after some days of this, <iahou Ba said, 0This is no p)ace to remain in$ #e can get no victory and are tempting fate .y remaining open to a surprise$ 5 thin" !e shou)d retire ti)) some .etter p)an can .e tried$0 8ust then it !as reported7 0The supp)ies road .y ,iver &ao has fa))en into the hands of +uo (uai=0 %hoc"ed !ith the ne!s, 8iang #ei .ade <iahou Ba march a!ay first, and he covered the retreat$ 'hen Tai pursued in five divisions a)ong five different roads, .ut 8iang #ei got possession of the meeting point and he)d them a)) in chec", fina))y forcing them .ac" on the hi))s$ But from this position 'hen Tai ordered his troops to shoot heavy discharges of arro!s and stones so that 8iang #ei !as forced to a.andon his position$ (e !ent to ,iver &ao, !here +uo (uai )ed his force out to attac"$ 8iang #ei !ent to and fro smiting !here he cou)d, .ut he !as surrounded and on)y got out .y a desperate effort and after suffering more than ha)f of his force$ 8iang #ei hastened to!ard &angping Pass, .ut fe)) in !ith another .ody of the enemy, at the head of !hich he sa! a fierce, youthfu) )eader, !ho at once rode out furious)y to attac"$ This )eader had a round face, )ong ears, and a s4uare mouth !ith thic" )ips$ Be)o! his )eft eye !as a )arge hairy mo)e$ 5t !as the e)der son of %ima &i$ (e !as +enera) of the 9)ying 'ava)ry, %ima %hi$ 0%imp)eton= (o! dare you stand in my !ay10 ye))ed 8iang #ei, as he rode for!ard !ith his spear set$ %ima %hi met the attac", and a fe! .outs !ere fought .efore %ima %hi f)ed$ 8iang #ei came off victor and so !as free to continue his !ay$ Present)y he reached the pass and !as !e)comed !ithin its she)tering !a))s$ %ima %hi soon fo))o!ed and attac"ed the Pass after his arriva), .ut those !ithin the ramparts rep)ied !ith the mu)tip)e cross.o!s !hich thre! ten .o)ts at each discharge$ 9or the army of %hu had made these engines of !ar after the design )eft .y Zhuge Liang$

:!ing to superior !eapons, %hu defeated #ei, #ei !ou)d never recover !hat !as )ost that day$ #hat .efe)) %ima %hi !i)) .e to)d in the ne6t chapter$ Chapter !< In The Sn#)" Ding (eng Wins A 2i.t#ry; At A %an=uet" Sun ;un >8e.utes A Se.ret +$an.

As has .een said, 8iang #ei, in his retreat, fe)) in !ith a force under %ima %hi, .arring his road$ 5t came a.out thus$ After 8iang #ei invaded &ong?hou, +uo (uai had sent a f)ying messenger to the capita), and the ,u)er of #ei summoned %ima &i for advice$ 5t had then .een decided to send reinforcements to &ong?hou, and fifty thousand troops had marched, )ed .y the son of the Prime ;inister$ :n the march %ima %hi had heard that the %hu army had .een .eaten .ac", and he had conc)uded they !ere !ea"$ %o he decided to meet them on the road and give .att)e$ 2ear the &angping Pass, ho!ever, the roads had .een )ined !ith troops armed !ith the mu)tip)e cross.o!s designed .y Zhuge Liang$ %ince Zhuge Liang-s death, )arge num.ers of these !eapons had .een made, and the .o)ts from them, !hich !ent in f)ights of ten, !ere poisoned$ 'onse4uent)y the #ei )osses !ere very heavy, and %ima %hi himse)f .are)y escaped !ith )ife$ (o!ever, eventua))y he returned to Luoyang$ 9rom the !a))s of ushan, the %hu genera), +ou Ai, !atched an6ious)y for the e6pected he)p$ As it came not, he u)timate)y surrendered$ And 8iang #ei, !ith a )oss of t!enty to thirty thousand so)diers, marched .ac" into (an?hong$ 5n the third year of Domestic 'a)m (AD 2HE), in the eighth month, %ima &i fe)) i))$ (is sic"ness increased rapid)y, and, fee)ing that his end !as near, he ca))ed his t!o sons to his .edside to hear his )ast !ords$ 05 have served #ei many years and reached the highest ran" possi.)e among ministers$ Peop)e have suspected me of u)terior aims, and 5 have a)!ays fe)t afraid of that$ After my death the government !i)) .e in your hands, and you must .e dou.)y carefu)$0 %ima &i passed a!ay even as he said these )ast !ords$ The sons informed the ,u)er of #ei, !ho conferred high honors upon the dead

and advanced his sons, %ima %hi to the ran" of ,egent ;arsha) !ith the )eadership of the 'hairs of the Boards, and %ima Zhao to the ran" of 'ommander of the 9)ying 'ava)ry$ ;ean!hi)e in the %outh Land, the ,u)er of #u, %un uan, had named his son %un Deng as his heir$ (is mother !as Lady <u$ But %un Deng died in the fourth year of the ,ed 'ro! @ra (AD 2GE)$ %o the second son %un (e !as chosen his successor$ (is mother !as Lady #ang$ A 4uarre) arose .et!een %un (e and Princess uan, !ho ma)igned him and intrigued against him, so that he !as set aside$ %un (e died of mortification$ Then the third son %un Liang !as named the (eir Apparent$ (is mother !as Lady Pan$ At this time o)d officia)s )i"e Lu <un and Zhuge 8in !ere dead, and the .usiness of the government, great and sma)), !as in the hands of Zhuge Ce, son of Zhuge 8in$ 5n the first year of +rand Beginning @ra (AD 2HE), on the first of the eighth month, a great storm passed over #u$ The !aves rose to a great height, and the !ater stood eight feet deep over the )o!/)ying )ands$ The pines and cypresses, !hich gre! at the cemetery of the 5mperia) Ancestors of #u, !ere uprooted and carried to the %outh +ate of 8ianye, !here they stuc", roots up!ard, in the road$ %un uan !as frightened and fe)) i))$ 5n the ear)y days of the ne6t year his i))ness .ecame serious, !hereupon he ca))ed in 5mperia) +uardian Zhuge Ce and ,egent ;arsha) Lu Dai to hear the dec)aration of his )ast !ishes$ %oon after he died, at the age of seventy/one$ (e had reigned for t!enty/four years$ 5n %hu/(an ca)endar it !as the fifteenth year of Long @n>oyment (AD 2H2)$ A hero, green/eyed and purp)e/.earded, (e ca))ed forth devotion from a))$ (e )orded the east !ithout cha))enge Ti)) death-s one imperative ca))$ Zhuge Ce immediate)y p)aced his )ate )ord-s son %un Liang on the throne, and the opening of the ne! reign !as mar"ed .y the adoption of the sty)e +reat Prosperity @ra, the first year (AD 2H2)$ A genera) amnesty !as proc)aimed$ The )ate ru)er received the posthumous sty)e of %un uan the +reat @mperor and !as .uried in 8iang)ing$

#hen these things !ere reported in the #ei capita), %ima %hi-s first thought !as to attac" the %outh Land$ But his p)ans !ere opposed .y 'hair of the %ecretariat 9u +u, saying, 0,emem.er !hat a strong defense to #u is the +reat ,iver$ The country has .een many times attac"ed .y our ancestors, .ut never con4uered$ ,ather )et us a)) ho)d !hat !e have ti)) the time .e e6pedient to possess the !ho)e empire$0 %ima %hi rep)ied, 0The !ay of (eaven changes thrice in a century, and no three/part division is permanent$ 5 !ish to attac" #u$0 %ima Zhao, his .rother, !as in favor of attac", saying 0The occasion is most opportune$ %un uan is ne!)y dead, and the present ru)er is a chi)d$0 An e6pedition !as decided upon$ #ang 'hang, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the %outh, !as sent !ith one hundred thousand troops against 2an>un$ +uan4iu 8ian, +enera) #ho +uards the %outh, !as given one hundred thousand troops to go against #uchang$ (u Zun, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the @ast, )ed one hundred thousand troops against Dong6ing$ They marched in three divisions$ %ima Zhao !as made 'ommander/in/'hief of the campaign$ 5n the !inter of that year, the tenth month, %ima Zhao marched the armies near to the #u frontiers and camped$ %ima Zhao ca))ed together #ang 'hang, +uan4iu 8ian, (u Zun, and various other commanders to decide upon p)ans$ (e said, 0The county of Dong6ing is most important to #u$ They have .ui)t a great rampart, !ith !a))s right and )eft to defend La"e 'haohu from an attac" in the rear$ &ou gent)emen !i)) have to e6ercise e6treme care$0 Then he .ade #ang 'hang and +uan4iu 8ian each to ta"e ten thousand troops and p)ace themse)ves right and )eft, .ut not to advance ti)) Dong6ing had .een captured$ #hen that city had fa))en, these t!o !ere to go for!ard at the same time$ (u Zun !as to )ead the van$ The first step !as to construct a f)oating .ridge to storm the rampart$ The t!o !a))s shou)d then .e captured$ 2e!s of the danger soon came to #u, and Zhuge Ce ca))ed a counci) to ta"e measures$

Then said Ding 9eng, +enera) #ho Pacifies the 2orth, 0Dong6ing is of the utmost importance as its )oss !ou)d endanger #uchang$0 05 agree !ith you,0 said Zhuge Ce$ 0&ou say >ust !hat 5 thin"$ &ou shou)d )ead three thousand marines up the river in thirty ships, !hi)e on )and Lu 8u, Tang Zi, and Liu Zang !i)) fo))o! in three directions !ith ten thousand troops each$ The signa) for the genera) attac" !i)) .e a c)uster of .om.s$0 Ding 9eng received the command, and, !ith three thousand marines and thirty .att)eships, he sai)ed in the +reat ,iver to Dong6ing$ (u Zun, the *an Leader of #ei, crossed on the f)oating .ridge, too" and camped on the rampart$ (e then sent (uan 8ia and (an Zong to assau)t the )eft and right f)an"ing forts, !hich !ere he)d .y the #u +enera)s uan &i and Liu Lue$ These forts had high !a))s and strong, and made a good resistance, so that the #ei force cou)d not overcome$ But uan &i and Liu Lue dared not venture out to attac" so strong a force as !as attac"ing them$ (u Zun made a camp at <utang$ 5t !as then the depth of !inter and intense)y co)d$ (eavy sno! fe))$ Thin"ing that no !ar)i"e operations !ere possi.)e in such !eather, (u Zun and his officers made a great feast$ 5n the midst of the feasting came one to report7 0Thirty ships are coming in the river$0 (u Zun !ent out to )oo" and sa! them come into the .an"$ (e made out a hundred troops on each$ As they !ere so fe!, he returned to the feast and to)d his officers, 0:n)y three thousand sai)ors$ There is nothing to .e a)armed at$0 +iving orders to "eep a carefu) !atch, they a)) returned to en>oy themse)ves$ Ding 9eng-s ships !ere a)) dra!n up in )ine$ Then he said to his officers, 0Today there is indeed a grand opportunity for a .rave so)dier to distinguish himse)f$ #e sha)) need the utmost freedom of movement, so thro! off your armor, )eave your he)mets, cast aside your )ong spears, and re>ect your heavy ha).erds$ %hort s!ords are the !eapons for today$0

9rom the shore the so)diers of #ei !atched the #u marines !ith amusement, ta"ing no trou.)e to prepare against an attac"$ But sudden)y a c)uster of .om.s e6p)oded, and simu)taneous)y !ith the roar Ding 9eng sprang ashore at the head of his troops$ They dashed up the .an" and made straight for the #ei camp$ The so)diers of #ei !ere ta"en comp)ete)y .y surprise and !ere he)p)ess$ (an Zong grasped one of the ha).erds that stood .y the door of the commander-s tent, .ut Ding 9eng sta..ed him in the .reast, and he ro))ed over$ (uan 8ia !ent round and came up on the )eft$ 8ust as he poised his spear to thrust, Ding 9eng gripped it under his arm$ (uan 8ia )et go and turned to f)ee, .ut Ding 9eng sent his s!ord f)ying after him and caught him in the shou)der$ (e turned and !as thrust through .y Ding 9eng-s spear$ The three companies of #u marines !ent to and fro in the camp of #ei s)aying as they !ou)d$ (u Zun mounted a horse and f)ed$ (is troops ran a!ay across the f)oating .ridge, .ut that gave !ay and many !ere thro!n into the !ater and dro!ned$ Dead .odies )ay a.out on the sno! in )arge num.ers$ The spoi) of mi)itary gear that fe)) to #u !as immense$ %ima Zhao, #ang 'hang, and +uan4iu 8ian, seeing the Dong6ing front had .een .ro"en, decided to retreat$ Zhuge Ce marched his army to Dong6ing, and he made great feastings and distri.ution of re!ards in ce)e.ration of victory$ Then he said to his )eaders, 0%ima Zhao has suffered a defeat and retreated to the north$ 5t is time to ta"e the ;idd)e Land=0 %o he to)d his officers that this !as his intention, and a)so sent a!ay )etters to %hu to engage the aid of 8iang #ei, promising that the empire shou)d .e divided .et!een them !hen they had ta"en it$ An army of t!o hundred thousand troops !as to)d off to invade the ;idd)e Land$ 8ust as it !as starting, a stream of !hite vapor !as seen emerging from the earth, and as it spread it gradua))y enve)oped the !ho)e army so that peop)e cou)d not see each other$ 05t is a !hite rain.o!,0 said 8iang &an, 0and it .odes i)) to the army$ 5 advise you, : 5mperia) +uardian, to return and not march against #ei$0

0(o! dare you utter such i))/omened !ords and .)unt the "eenness of my army10 cried Zhuge Ce, angri)y$ (e .ade the )ictors ta"e 8iang &an out and put him to death$ But 8iang &an-s co))eagues interceded for him, and he !as spared, .ut he !as stripped of a)) ran"$ :rders !ere issued to march 4uic")y$ Then Ding 9eng offered a suggestion, saying, 0#ei depends on <incheng for the defense of its passes$ 5t !ou)d .e a severe .)o! to %ima %hi if <incheng fa))s$0 Zhuge Ce !e)comed this suggestion and gave orders to march on <incheng$ They came up and found the city gates c)osed, !herefore they .egan to .esiege the city$ The 'ommander in the city, Zhang Te, sa! the )egions of #u at the !a))s, he)d a strict defense$ A hasty messenger !as sent to Luoyang, and %ecretary &u %ong to)d the Prime ;inister, %ima %hi$ &u %ong said, 0Zhuge Ce is )aying siege to <incheng$ The city shou)d not try to repu)se the attac", .ut simp)y ho)d out as )ong as possi.)e$ #hen the .esiegers have e6hausted their provisions, they !i)) .e compe))ed to retire$ As they retreat, !e can smite them$ (o!ever, it is necessary to provide against any invasion from %hu$0 According)y %ima Zhao !as sent to reinforce +uo (uai so as to "eep off 8iang #ei, !hi)e +uan4iu 8ian and (u Zun "ept the army of #u at .ay$ 9or months the army of Zhuge Ce .attered at <incheng !ithout success$ (e urged his genera)s to strenuous efforts, threatening to put to death anyone !ho !as di)atory$ At )ast his attac"s )oo"ed )i"e succeeding, for the northeast corner of the !a)) seemed sha"en$ Then Zhang Te, the 'ommander of <incheng, thought of a device$ (e sent a persuasive messenger !ith a)) the register documents to Zhuge Ce$ And the messenger said, 05t is a ru)e in #ei that if a city ho)ds out against attac" for a hundred days and reinforcement has not arrived, then its commander may surrender !ithout pena)ty to his fami)y$ 2o! <incheng has he)d out for over ninety days, and my master hopes you !i)) a))o! him to !ithstand the fe! days

necessary to comp)ete the hundred, !hen he !i)) yie)d$ (ere are a)) register documents that he desires to tender first$0 Zhuge Ce had no dou.ts that the story !as genuine$ (e ordered the army to retreat temporari)y, and the defenders en>oyed a rest$ But a)) Zhang Te rea))y desired !as time !herein to strengthen the !ea" ang)e of the !a))$ As soon as the attac"s ceased, the defenders pu))ed do!n the houses near the corner and repaired the !a)) !ith the materia)$ As soon as the repairs !ere comp)ete, Zhang Te thre! off a)) pretense and cried from the !a)), 05 have ha)f a year-s provisions yet and !i)) not surrender to any curs of #u=0 The defense .ecame as vigorous as .efore the truce$ Zhuge Ce !as enraged at .eing so tric"ed, and urged on the attac"$ But one day one of the thousands of arro!s that f)e! from the rampart struc" him in the forehead, and he fe))$ (e !as .orne to his tent, .ut the !ound inf)amed, and he .ecame very i))$ Their )eader-s i))ness disheartened the troops, and, moreover, the !eather .ecame very hot$ %ic"ness invaded the camp, so that so)diers and )eaders a)i"e !ished to go home$ #hen Zhuge Ce had recovered sufficient)y to resume command, he urged on the attac", .ut the genera)s said, 0The so)diers are sic" and unfit for .att)e$0 Zhuge Ce .urst into fierce anger, and said, 0The ne6t person !ho mentions i))ness !i)) .e .eheaded$0 #hen the report of this threat got a.road, the so)diers .egan to desert free)y$ Present)y 'ommander 'ai Lin, !ith his !ho)e company, !ent over to the enemy$ Zhuge Ce .egan to .e a)armed and rode through the camps to see for himse)f$ %ure)y enough, the so)diers a)) )oo"ed sic")y, !ith pa)e and puffy faces$ The siege had to .e raised, and Zhuge Ce retired into his o!n country$ But scouts .rought the ne!s of retreat to +uan4iu 8ian !ho )ed the #ei-s grand army to fo))o! and harass Zhuge Ce-s march and inf)icted a severe defeat$ ;ortified .y the course of events, after his return Zhuge Ce did not attend court he)d .y the ,u)er of #u, .ut pretended i))ness$

%un Liang, the ,u)er of #u, !ent to the residence to see his genera), and the officers came to ca))$ 5n order to si)ence comment, Zhuge Ce assumed an attitude of e6treme severity, investigating everyone-s conduct very minute)y, punishing rigorous)y any fau)t or shortcoming and meting out sentences of .anishment, or death !ith e6posure, ti)) everyone !a)"ed in terror$ (e a)so p)aced t!o of his o!n c)i4ues///Zhang &ue and Zhu @n///over the roya) guards, ma"ing them the teeth and c)a!s of his vengeance$ 2o! %un 8un !as a son of %un +ong and a great grandson of %un 8ing, .rother of %un 8ian$ %un uan )oved him and had put him in command of the guards$ %un 8un !as enraged at .eing superseded .y Zhang &ue and Zhu @n, the t!o creatures of Zhuge Ce$ ;inister Teng &in, !ho had an o)d 4uarre) !ith Zhuge Ce, said to %un 8un, 0This Zhuge Ce is as crue) as he is po!erfu)$ (e a.uses his authority, and no one is safe against him$ 5 a)so thin" he is aiming at something yet higher and you, %ir, as one of the ru)ing fami)y ought to put a stop to it$0 05 agree !ith you, and 5 !ant to get rid of him,0 rep)ied %un 8un$ 02o! 5 !i)) o.tain an edict condemning him to death$0 Both !ent in to see the ,u)er of #u, %un Liang, and they )aid the matter .efore him$ 05 am afraid of him, too,0 rep)ied %un Liang$ 05 have !anted to remove him for some time, .ut have found no opportunity$ 5f you !ou)d prove your )oya)ty, you !ou)d do it for me$0 Then said Teng &in, 0&our ;a>esty can give a .an4uet and invite him, and )et a fe! .raves .e ready hidden .ehind the curtains$ At a signa), as the dropping of a !ine cup, they might >ump out and s)ay him, and a)) further trou.)e !ou)d .e avoided$0 %un Liang agreed$ Zhuge Ce had never .een to court since his return from the unfortunate e6pedition$ Fnder a p)ea of indisposition he had remained moping at home$ :ne day he !as going out of his reception room !hen he sudden)y sa! coming in a person dressed in the mourning !hite$ 0#ho are you10 said he, rather rough)y$

The person seemed too terror/stric"en to rep)y or resist !hen he !as sei?ed$ They 4uestioned him, and he said, 05 !as in mourning for my father ne!)y dead, and had come into the city to see" a priest to read the )iturgy$ 5 had entered .y mista"e, thin"ing it !as a temp)e$0 The gate !ardens !ere 4uestioned$ They said, 0There are scores of us at the gate, !hich is never un!atched$ #e have not seen a man enter$0 Zhuge Ce raged and had the mourner and the gate !ardens put to death$ But that night he !as rest)ess and s)eep)ess$ By and .y he heard a rending sound that seemed to come from the reception ha)), so he arose and !ent to see !hat it !as$ The great main .eam had .ro"en in t!o$ Zhuge Ce, much distur.ed, returned to his cham.er to try once more to s)eep$ But a co)d !ind .)e!, and, shivering in the chi))y air, he sa! the figures of the mourner and the gate !ardens he had put to death$ They advanced to!ard him ho)ding their heads in their hands and seemed to threaten him$ (e !as frightened, and fe)) in a s!oon$ 2e6t morning, !hen !ashing his face, the !ater seemed tainted !ith the sme)) of .)ood$ (e .ade the maid thro! it a!ay and .ring more3 it made no difference, the odor !as sti)) there$ (e !as perp)e6ed and distressed$ Then came a messenger !ith an invitation to a roya) .an4uet$ (e had his carriage prepared$ As he !as passing through the gate, a ye))o! dog >umped up and caught ho)d of his garment and then ho!)ed )ugu.rious)y$ 0The dog even moc"s me=0 said he, annoyed, and he .ade his attendants ta"e it a!ay$ Then he set out for the Pa)ace$ Before he had gone far, he sa! a !hite rain.o! rise out of the earth and reach up to the s"y$ #hi)e he !as !ondering !hat this might portend, his friend Zhang &ue came up and spo"e a !ord of !arning$ 05 fee) dou.tfu) a.out the rea) purpose of this .an4uet,0 said Zhang &ue, 0and advise you not to go$0

Zhuge Ce gave orders to drive home again$ But .efore he had reached his o!n gate, the t!o conspirators///%un 8un and Teng &in/// rode up and as"ed, 0: 5mperia) +uardian, !hy are you turning .ac"10 05 fee) un!e)) and cannot see the @mperor today,0 rep)ied Zhuge Ce$ They rep)ied, 0This court is appointed to .e he)d especia))y to do honor to you and the army$ &ou have not yet reported, and there is a .an4uet for you$ &ou may .e i)), .ut you rea))y must go to court$0 Zhuge Ce yie)ded, and once more set his face to!ard the Pa)ace$ %un 8un and Teng &in !ent !ith him, and his friend Zhang &ue fo))o!ed$ The .an4uet !as spread !hen he arrived, and after he had made his o.eisance he !ent to his p)ace$ #hen the !ine !as .rought in, Zhuge Ce, thin"ing it might .e poisoned, e6cused himse)f from drin"ing, saying, 05 am current)y i)), and 5 cannot drin" !ine$0 0#i)) you have some of the medicated !ine .rought from your o!n residence10 said %un 8un$ 0&es3 5 cou)d drin" that,0 rep)ied he$ %o a servant !as sent for a supp)y that he might drin" !ith the other guests$ After severa) courses, the ,u)er of #u made an e6cuse and )eft the .an4uet ha))$ %un 8un !ent to the foot of the ha)) and changed his garments of ceremony for more home)y gar., .ut underneath these he put on armor$ Then sudden)y he raised his "een s!ord and ran up the ha)), shouting, 0The @mperor has issued an edict to s)ay a re.e)=0 Zhuge Ce, start)ed so that he dropped his cup, )aid his hand upon his s!ord$ But he !as too )ate3 his head ro))ed to the f)oor$ (is friend Zhang &ue dre! his s!ord and rushed at the assassin, .ut %un 8un evaded the fu)) force of the .)o! and !as on)y !ounded in the )eft finger$ %un 8un s)ashed .ac" at Zhang &ue and !ounded him in the right arm$ Then the .raves dashed in and finished Zhang &ue$ The .raves !ere then sent to arrest Zhuge Ce-s fami)y, !hi)e the .odies of Zhuge Ce and Zhang &ue !ere hasti)y ro))ed in matting,

thro!n into a cart, ta"en to the outside of the south gate, and tossed into a ru..ish pit$ #hi)e Zhuge Ce !as a.sent in the pa)ace, his !ife sat in the !omen-s 4uarters at home fee)ing strange)y un4uiet$ Present)y a maid came in and, !hen she dre! near, his !ife said, 0#hy does your c)othing sme)) of .)ood10 To her horror the maid sudden)y transformed into a !eird creature !ith ro))ing eyes and gritting teeth, that !ent dancing a.out the room and )eaping ti)) it touched the roof/.eams, shrie"ing a)) the time, 05 am Zhuge Ce, and 5 have .een s)ain .y that .astard %un 8un=0 By this time the !ho)e fami)y !ere frightened and .egan !ai)ing$ And a fe! minutes )ater the residence !as surrounded .y a cro!d of armed guards sent to murder the inmates, !hom they .ound, carried off to the mar"et p)ace, and put to the s!ord$ These things occurred in the tenth month of the second year of +reat Prosperity (AD 2HA)$ #hen Zhuge 8in )ived, he sa! his son-s a.i)ity disp)ay prominent)y, and he often sighed, saying, 0This son !i)) not safeguard the fami)y$0 :thers had a)so predicted an ear)y death$ Zhang i, (igh ;inister in #ei, used to say to %ima %hi, 0Zhuge Ce !i)) die soon$0 And !hen as"ed !hy, Zhang i rep)ied, 0'an a person )ive )ong !hen his dignity endangers that of his )ord10 After the conspiracy, %un 8un .ecame Prime ;inister in p)ace of his victim$ (e !as a)so p)aced in command of a)) the mi)itary forces, and .ecame very po!erfu)$ The contro) of a)) matters !as in his hands$ 5n 'hengdu, !hen the )etter of Zhuge Ce as"ing he)p from 8iang #ei arrived, 8iang #ei had audience !ith the Latter ,u)er and re4uested authority to raise an army against the north$ The army fought, .ut fought in vain, %uccess may cro!n a ne! campaign$ #ho !ere victorious !i)) appear in the ne6t chapter$ Chapter !9

A Ruse 'f A ,an &enera$5 Sima Zha# Is Surr#unded; Retri*uti#n (#r The ,#use 'f Wei5 Ca# (ang Is Dethr#ned.

5t !as the autumn of the si6teenth year of Long @n>oyment (AD 2HA), and 8iang #ei-s army of t!o hundred thousand !as ready to march against the north$ Liao (ua and Zhang &i !ere Leaders of the *an3 <iahou Ba !as Army %trategist3 Zhang 2i !as in command of the commissariat$ The army marched out .y the &angping Pass$ Discussing the p)an of campaign !ith <iahou Ba, 8iang #ei said, 0:ur former attac" on &ong?hou fai)ed, so this time they !i)) dou.t)ess .e even .etter prepared to resist$ #hat do you suggest10 <iahou Ba rep)ied, 02anan is the on)y !e))/provided p)ace in a)) Longshang$ 5f !e ta"e that, it !i)) serve as an e6ce))ent .ase$ :ur former i))/success !as due to the non/arriva) of the iangs$ Let us therefore send ear)y to te)) them to assem.)e at Longyou, after !hich !e !i)) move out at %hiying and march to 2anan .y !ay of Dongting$0 0&ou spo"e !e)),0 said 8iang #ei$ (e at once sent <i Zheng as his envoy, .earing gifts of go)d and pear)s and si)" to !in the he)p of the Cing of the iangs, !hose name !as ;i Dang$ The mission !as successfu)7 Cing ;i Dang accepted the presents and sent fifty thousand troops to 2anan under the iang +enera) @he %haoge$ #hen +uo (uai heard of the threatened attac", he sent a hasty memoria) to 'apita) Luoyang$ %ima %hi at once as"ed his )eaders, 0#ho !i)) go out to meet the army from the !est10 <u Zi vo)unteered, and as %ima %hi had a high opinion of his capacity, he appointed <u Zi as Leader of the *an$ The .rother of the Prime ;inister, %ima Zhao, !ent as 'ommander/in/'hief$ The #ei army set out for #est *a))ey Land, reached Dongting, and there fe)) in !ith 8iang #ei$ #hen .oth sides !ere arrayed <u Zi, !ho !ie)ded a mighty sp)itter/of/mountains a6 as his !eapon, rode out and cha))enged$ Liao (ua !ent forth to accept, .ut after a fe! .outs he too" advantage of a feint and f)ed$

Then Zhang &i set his spear and rode forth to continue the fight$ (e a)so soon f)ed and returned !ithin his o!n ran"s$ Thereupon <u Zi gave the signa) to fa)) on in force, and the army of %hu )ost the day$ They retired ten mi)es, %ima Zhao a)so dre! off his troops, and .oth sides encamped$ 0<u Zi is very formida.)e$ (o! can !e overcome him10 as"ed 8iang #ei$ 0Tomorro! ma"e pretense of defeat and so dra! them into an am.ush,0 rep)ied <iahou Ba$ 0But remem.er !hose son this %ima Zhao is,0 said 8iang #ei$ 0%ima Zhao cannot .e a novice in !ar$ 5f he sees a )i"e)y spot for an am.ush, he !i)) ha)t$ 2o! the troops of #ei have cut our transportation many times$ Let us do the same to them, and !e may s)ay this <u Zi$0 (e ca))ed in Liao (ua and Zhang &i and gave them secret orders, sending them in different directions$ Then he )aid iron thorns a)ong a)) the approaches and p)anted thorny .arriers as if ma"ing a permanent defense$ #hen the troops of #ei came up and cha))enged, the troops of %hu refused .att)e$ The scouts reported to %ima Zhao7 0The %hu supp)ies are coming up a)ong the rear of 5ron 'age ;ountain, and they are using the !ooden o6en and running horses as transport$ The %hu army are .ui)ding permanent defenses and are a!aiting the arriva) of their a))ies the iang tri.es$0 Then said %ima Zhao to <u Zi, 0#e former)y defeated the army of %hu .y cutting off supp)ies, and !e can do that again$ Let five thousand troops go out tonight and occupy the road$0 A.out the midd)e of the first !atch <u Zi marched across the hi))s$ #hen he came to the other side, he sa! a coup)e of hundred so)diers driving a hundred or so heads of mechanica) anima)s )aden !ith grain and forage$ (is army rushed do!n upon them !ith shouts, and the troops of %hu, seeing that their road !as impassa.)e, a.andoned their supp)ies and ran a!ay$ <u Zi too" possession of the supp)y train, !hich he sent .ac" to his o!n camp under the escort of ha)f his troops$ #ith the other ha)f he set out in pursuit$

A.out three mi)es a!ay, the road !as found .)oc"ed !ith carts set across the trac"$ %ome of his so)diers dismounted to c)ear the !ay$ But as they did so, the .rush!ood on .oth sides .urst into a .)a?e$ <u Zi at once dre! off his force and turned to retire, .ut coming to a defi)e he found the road again .)oc"ed !ith !agons, and again the .rush!ood .egan to .urn$ (e made a dash to escape, .ut .efore he cou)d get c)ear a .om. roared, and he sa! the troops of %hu coming do!n on him from t!o directions$ Liao (ua and Zhang &i from )eft and right fe)) on <u Zi !ith great fury, and the troops of #ei !ere !ho))y defeated$ <u Zi himse)f got c)ear, .ut !ithout any fo))o!ing$ (e strugg)ed on ti)) he and his steed !ere a)most spent !ith fatigue$ Present)y he sa! another company of the enemy in his !ay, and the )eader !as 8iang #ei$ Before he cou)d ma"e any resistance, 8iang #ei-s spear thrust him do!n, and as <u Zi )ay on the ground he !as cut to pieces$ ;ean!hi)e those troops of #ei !ho had .een sent to escort to camp the convoy of supp)ies !hich they had sei?ed !ere captured .y <iahou Ba$ They surrendered$ <iahou Ba then stripped them of their !eapons and c)othing and therein disguised some of his o!n so)diers$ (o)ding a)oft .anners of #ei, these disguised so)diers made for the #ei camp$ #hen they arrived, they !ere mista"en .y those in the camp for comrades, and the gates !ere thro!n open$ They rushed in and .egan to s)ay$ Ta"en !ho))y .y surprise, %ima Zhao )eaped upon his steed and f)ed$ But Liao (ua met him and drove him .ac"$ Then appeared 8iang #ei in the path of retreat, so that no road )ay open$ %ima Zhao made off for the hi))s, hoping to .e a.)e to ho)d out on the 5ron 'age ;ountain$ 2o! there !as on)y one road up the hi)), !hich rose steep)y on a)) sides$ And the hi)) had .ut one sma)) spring of !ater, enough to serve a hundred peop)e or so, !hi)e %ima Zhao-s force num.ered si6 thousand$ Their enemies had .)oc"ed the on)y road of escape$ This one fountain !as une4ua) to supp)ying the needs of the .e)eaguered army, and soon they !ere tormented !ith thirst$ 5n despair, %ima Zhao )oo"ed up to heaven and sighed, saying, 0Death !i)) sure)y come to me here=0 The host of #ei on 5ron 'age ;ountain #ere once fast he)d .y 8iang #ei-s s"i))3 #hen Pang 8uan first crossed the ;a)ing (i))s, (is strategy !as rec"oned fine

As <iang &u at the 2ine ;ountains3 Both .ent opponents to their !i))$ 5n this critica) situation %ecretary #ang Tao reminded his )eader of !hat +eng +ong had done in ancient time, saying, 0: +enera), !hy do you not imitate +eng +ong, !ho, .eing in great need, prostrated himse)f and prayed at a !e)), !herefrom he after!ards !as supp)ied !ith s!eet !ater10 %o the )eader !ent to the summit of the hi)) and "ne)t .eside the spring and grayed thus7 0The hum.)e %ima Zhao received a command to repu)se the army of %hu$ 5f he is to die here, then may this spring cease its f)o!, !hen he !i)) end his o!n )ife and )et his so)diers yie)d to the enemy$ But if his a))otted span of )ife .e not reached, then, : B)ue *au)t, increase the f)o! of !ater and save the )ives of this mu)titude$0 Thus he prayed3 and the !aters gushed forth in p)enty, so that they a)) 4uenched their thirst and )ived$ 8iang #ei had surrounded the hi)), ho)ding the army thereon as in a prison$ (e said to his officers, 05 have a)!ays regretted that our great Prime ;inister !as una.)e to capture %ima &i in the +ourd *a))ey, .ut no! 5 thin" his son is doomed to fa)) into our hands=0 (o!ever, ne!s of the dangerous position of %ima Zhao had come to +uo (uai, !ho set a.out a rescue$ 'hen Tai said to him, 08iang #ei has made a )eague !ith the iangs, and they have arrived to he)p him$ 5f you go a!ay to rescue %ima Zhao, the iangs !i)) attac" from the rear$ Therefore 5 !ou)d propose to send someone to the tri.espeop)e to try to create a diversion and get them to retire$ 5f they are disposed of, you may go to the rescue of %ima Zhao$0 +uo (uai sa! there !as much reason in this, and to)d 'hen Tai to ta"e a force of five thousand troops and go to the camp of the Cing of the iangs$ #hen 'hen Tai reached the camp, he thre! off his armor and entered !eeping and crying that he !as in danger of death$

(e said, 0+uo (uai sets himse)f up as superior to everyone and is trying to s)ay me$ Therefore 5 have come to offer my services to you$ 5 "no! a)) the secrets of the #ei army, and, if you !i)), this very night 5 can )ead you to their camp$ 5 have friends in the camp to he)p, and you can destroy it$0 Cing ;i Dang !as ta"en !ith the scheme, and sent his +enera) @he %haoge to go !ith 'hen Tai$ The deserters from #ei !ere p)aced in the rear, .ut 'hen Tai himse)f rode !ith the )eading .ody of the iangs$ They set out at the second !atch and soon arrived$ They found the gates open, and 'hen Tai rode in .o)d)y$ But !hen @he %haoge and his troops ga))oped in, there sudden)y arose a great cry as so)diers and horses !ent tum.)ing into great pits$ At the same time 'hen Tai came round in the rear and attac"ed, !hi)e +uo (uai appeared on the f)an"$ The iangs tramp)ed each other do!n, and many !ere "i))ed$ Those !ho escaped death surrendered, and the )eader, @he %haoge, committed suicide in a pit$ +uo (uai and 'hen Tai then hastened .ac" into the camp of the iangs$ ;i Dang, ta"en unprepared, rushed out of his tent to get to horse, .ut !as made prisoner$ (e !as ta"en .efore +uo (uai, !ho hasti)y dismounted, )oosed the prisoner-s .onds, and soothed him !ith "ind)y !ords$ 0:ur government has a)!ays regarded you as a )oya) and true friend,0 said +uo (uai$ 0#hy then are you he)ping our enemies10 ;i Dang san" to the ground in confusion, !hi)e +uo (uai continued, 05f you !i)) no! raise the siege of 5ron 'age ;ountain and drive off the troops of %hu, 5 !i)) memoria)i?e the Throne and o.tain a su.stantia) re!ard for you$0 ;i Dang agreed$ (e set out forth!ith, his o!n army )eading and the army of #ei in the rear$ At the third !atch he sent on a messenger to te)) 8iang #ei of his coming$ And the %hu )eader !as g)ad$ ;i Dang !as invited to come$ :n the march the so)diers of #ei had ming)ed !ith the iangs, and many of them !ere in the forefront of the army$ As they dre! near the camp, 8iang #ei gave order7 0The army are to camp outside$ :n)y the Cing can enter the gate$0 ;i Dang !ent up to!ard the gate !ith a hundred or more fo))o!ers, and 8iang #ei !ith <iahou Ba !ent to !e)come him$ 8ust as they

met, .efore ;i Dang cou)d say a !ord, the #ei genera)s dashed on past him and set on to s)ay$ 8iang #ei !as ta"en a.ac", )eaped on his steed and f)ed, !hi)e the mi6ed force of troops of #ei and iangs drove the camp defenders .efore them and sent them f)ying$ #hen 8iang #ei )eaped upon his steed at the gate, he had no !eapon in his hand, on)y his .o! and 4uiver hung at his shou)der$ 5n his hasty f)ight the arro!s fe)) out and the 4uiver !as empty, so !hen he set off for the hi))s !ith +uo (uai in pursuit, 8iang #ei had nothing to oppose to the spears of his pursuers$ As they came near he )aid hands upon his .o! and made as if to shoot$ The string t!anged and +uo (uai .)enched$ But as no arro! !ent f)ying .y, +uo (uai "ne! 8iang #ei had none to shoot$ +uo (uai therefore hung his spear, too" his .o! and shot$ 8iang #ei caught the arro! as it f)e! .y and fitted it to his .o!string$ (e !aited ti)) +uo (uai came 4uite near, !hen he pu))ed the string !ith a)) his force and sent the arro! f)ying straight at +uo (uai-s face$ +uo (uai fe)) even as the .o!string sang$ 8iang #ei pu))ed up and turned to finish his fa))en enemy, .ut the so)diers of #ei !ere near)y upon him, and he had on)y time to snatch up +uo (uai-s spear and ride off$ 2o! that 8iang #ei !as armed and their o!n )eader !ounded, the so)diers of #ei had no more desire to fight$ They pic"ed up their genera) and carried him to camp$ There the arro!/head !as pu))ed out, .ut the f)o! of .)ood cou)d not .e stanched, and +uo (uai died$ %ima Zhao descended from the hi)) as soon as 8iang #ei moved a!ay, and pursued some distance .efore returning$ <iahou Ba forced his !ay out and re>oined 8iang #ei as soon as he cou)d, and they marched a!ay together$ The )osses of %hu in this defeat !ere very heavy$ :n the road they dared not ha)t to muster or reform, .ut !ent he)ter/s"e)ter into (an?hong$ 5n that campaign, though the %hu army !ere defeated, they had "i))ed <u Zi and +uo (uai on the other side and had damaged the prestige of #ei$ Thus 8iang #ei-s achievement made up for his offense$ After re!arding the iangs for their he)p, %ima Zhao )ed his army .ac" to 'apita) Luoyang, !here he >oined his .rother %ima %hi in administering the government$ They !ere too strong for any of the officers to dare opposition, and they terrori?ed 'ao 9ang, the ,u)er of #ei, so that he shoo" !ith fright !henever he sa! %ima %hi at court, and fe)t as if need)es !ere .eing stuc" into his .ac"$

:ne day, !hen the ,u)er of #ei !as ho)ding a court, %ima %hi came into the ha)) !earing his s!ord$ 'ao 9ang hasti)y )eft his Dragon Throne to receive him$ 0#hat does this mean1 5s this the correct eti4uette for a prince !hen his minister approaches10 said %ima %hi, smi)ing$ 05 pray &our ;a>esty remem.er your dignity and )isten !hi)e the ministers address the Throne$0 'ourt .usiness then proceeded$ %ima %hi decided every 4uestion !ithout reference to the ,u)er of #ei3 and !hen %ima %hi retired, he sta)"ed haughti)y do!n the ha)) and !ent home, fo))o!ed .y his escort, !hich num.ered thousands of horse and foot$ #hen the ,u)er of #ei )eft the court, on)y three fo))o!ed him to the private apartments$ They !ere ;inister <iahou <uan, %ecretary Li 9eng, and (igh ;inister Zhang i$ Zhang i !as the father of his consort, @mpress Zhang$ %ending a!ay the servants, 'ao 9ang and these three !ent into a private cham.er$ %ei?ing his father/in/)a!-s hand, 'ao 9ang .egan to !eep, saying, 0That man %ima %hi treats me as a chi)d and regards the officers of state as if they !ere so many stra!s$ 5 am sure the throne !i)) .e his one day$0 And he !ept .itter)y$ %aid Li 9eng, 0Do not .e so sad, %ire$ 5 am .ut a poor sort of person$ But if &our ;a>esty !i)) give me authority, 5 !i)) ca)) together a)) the .o)d peop)e in the country and s)ay this man$0 05t !as from fear of this man that my .rother <iahou Ba !as forced to go over to %hu,0 said <iahou <uan$ 05f %ima %hi !ere destroyed, my .rother cou)d return$ 5 .e)ong to a fami)y re)ated to the ru)ers of the state for many generations, and 5 cannot sit sti)) !hi)e a !retch ruins the government$ Put my name in the command as !e)), and !e !i)) !or" together to remove him$0 0But 5 am afraid !e can not overcome him,0 said 'ao 9ang$ They !ept and said, 0#e p)edge ourse)ves to !or" together for the destruction of the tyrant, and to sho! our gratitude to &our ;a>esty=0

'ao 9ang them stripped himse)f of his innermost garment, gna!ed his finger ti)) the .)ood f)o!ed, and !ith his finger/tip traced a command in .)ood$ (e gave it to his father/in/)a!, Zhang i, saying, 0;y ancestor, @mperor 'ao, put to death Dong 'heng for >ust such a matter as this, so you must .e e6ceeding)y carefu) and maintain the greatest secrecy$0 0:h, !hy use such i))/omened !ords10 cried Li 9eng$ 0#e are not )i"e Dong 'heng, and %ima %hi cannot compare to the 9ounder$ (ave no dou.ts$0 The three conspirators too" )eave and !ent out carrying the edict !ith them$ Beside the Donghua +ate of the Pa)ace, they sa! %ima %hi coming to meet them !earing a s!ord$ 9o))o!ing him !ere many armed guards$ The three ministers too" the side of the road to )et the party go .y$ 0#hy are you three so )ate in )eaving the Pa)ace10 as"ed %ima %hi$ 0(is ;a>esty !as reading, and !e stayed !ith him,0 said Li 9eng$ 0#hat !as he reading10 0The histories of the <ia, %hang, and Zhou dynasties$0 0#hat 4uestions did the @mperor as" as he read those .oo"s10 0(e as"ed a.out &i &inD and ho! he uphe)d the %hang3 and the Du"e of ZhouD, ho! he acted !hen he !as regent$ And !e to)d (is ;a>esty that you !ere .oth &i &in and the Du"e Zhou to him$0 %ima %hi smi)ed grim)y and said, 0#hy did you compare me !ith those t!o !hen in your hearts you thin" me a re.e) )i"e #ang ;ang and Dong Zhuo10 0(o! shou)d !e dare !hen !e are your su.ordinates10 said the three ministers$ 0&ou are a )ot of f)atterers,0 said %ima %hi, angri)y$ 0And !hat !ere you crying a.out in that private cham.er !ith the @mperor10 0#e did no such thing$0

0&our eyes are sti)) red7 &ou cannot deny that$0 <iahou <uan then "ne! that the secrecy had .een sho!ed, so he .ro"e out into a vo))ey of a.use, crying, 0#e)), !e !ere crying .ecause of your conduct, .ecause you terrori?e over the @mperor and are scheming to usurp the Throne=0 0%ei?e him=0 roared %ima %hi$ <iahou <uan thre! .ac" his s)eeves and struc" at %ima %hi !ith his fists, .ut the )ictors pu))ed him .ac"$ Then the three !ere searched, and on Zhang i !as found the .)ood/stained garment of the @mperor$ They handed it to their chief, !ho recogni?ed the o.>ect of his search, the secret edict$ 5t said7 0The t!o %ima .rothers have sto)en a!ay a)) my authority and are p)otting to ta"e the Throne$ The edicts 5 have .een forced to issue do not represent my !ishes, and here.y a)) officers, civi) and mi)itary, may unite to destroy these t!o and restore the authority of the Throne$ These ends achieved, 5 !i)) re!ard those !ho he)p to accomp)ish them$0 %ima %hi, more angry than ever, said, 0%o you !ish to destroy me and my .rother$ This is too much=0 (e ordered his fo))o!ers to e6ecute the three on the pu.)ic ground .y !aist/.isection and to destroy their !ho)e c)ans$ The three revi)ed !ithout ceasing$ :n the !ay to the p)ace of e6ecution, they ground their teeth !ith rage, spitting out the pieces they .ro"e off$ They died muttering curses$ %ima %hi then !ent to the rear apartments of the Pa)ace, !here he found the @mperor ta)"ing !ith his 'onsort$ 8ust as he entered, she !as saying to the @mperor, 0The Pa)ace is fu)) of spies, and if this comes out, it !i)) mean trou.)e for me$0 %ima %hi strode in, s!ord in hand$ 0;y father p)aced &our ;a>esty on the throne, a service no )ess !orthy than that of Du"e Zhou3 5 have served &our ;a>esty as &i &in served his master$ 2o! is "indness met .y enmity and service regarded as a fau)t$ &our ;a>esty has p)otted !ith t!o or three insignificant officia)s to s)ay me and my .rother$ #hy is this10

05 had no such intention,0 said 'ao 9ang$ 5n rep)y %ima %hi dre! the garment from his s)eeve and thre! it on the ground$ 0#ho did this10 'ao 9ang !as over!he)med7 (is sou) f)e! .eyond the s"ies, his spirit )ied to the ninth heaven$ %ha"ing !ith fear, he said, 05 !as forced into it$ (o! cou)d 5 thin" of such a thing10 0To s)ander ministers .y charging them !ith re.e))ion is an aggravated crime,0 said %ima %hi$ 'ao 9ang "ne)t at his feet, saying, 0&es3 5 am gui)ty$ 9orgive me$0 05 .eg &our ;a>esty to rise7 The )a!s must .e respected=0 Pointing to @mpress Zhang, %ima %hi said, 0%he is of the Zhang house and must die=0 0%pare her=0 cried 'ao 9ang, !eeping .itter)y$ But %ima %hi !as o.durate$ (e .ade the )ictors )ead her a!ay, and she !as strang)ed !ith a !hite si)" cord at a Pa)ace gate$ 2o! 5 reca)) another year3 and )o= An empress .orne a!ay to shamefu) death$ Barefooted, !eeping .itter)y she shrie"s 09are!e)),0 torn from her consort-s arms$ (istory repeats itse)f3 time-s instrument, %ima %hi avenges this on 'ao 'ao-s heirs$ The day after these events, %ima %hi assem.)ed a)) the officers and addressed them thus7 0:ur present )ord is prof)igate and devoid of princip)e3 fami)iar !ith the vi)e and friend)y !ith the impure$ (e )ends a ready ear to s)ander and "eeps good peop)e at a distance$ (is fau)ts e6ceed those of the Prince of 'hangyiD of o)d, and he has proved himse)f unfit to ru)e$ #herefore, fo))o!ing the precedents of &i &inD and (uo +uangD, 5 have decided to put him aside and to set up another, there.y to maintain the sanctity of the ru)er and ensure tran4ui))ity$ #hat thin" you, %irs10

They a)) agreed, saying, 0+enera), you are right to p)ay the same part as &i &in and (uo +uang, there.y acting in accordance !ith (eaven and fu)fi))ing the desire of human"ind$ #ho dares dispute it10 Then %ima %hi, fo))o!ed .y the !ho)e of the officia)s, !ent to the Pa)ace of @ver)asting Peace and informed the @mpress Do!ager of his intention$ 0#hom do you propose to p)ace on the throne, +enera)10 she as"ed$ 05 have o.served that 'ao 8u, Prince of Pengcheng, is inte))igent, .enevo)ent, and fi)ia)$ (e is fit to ru)e the empire$0 %he rep)ied, 0(e is my unc)e, and it is not convenient$ (o!ever, there is 'ao ;ao, Du"e of +aogui, and grandson of @mperor Pi$ (e is of mi)d temperament, respectfu), and deferentia), and may .e set up$ &ou, %ir, and the high officers of state might favora.)y consider this$0 Then spo"e one, saying, 0(er ;a>esty spea"s !e))7 'ao ;ao shou)d .e raised to the throne$0 A)) eyes turned to!ard the spea"er, !ho !as %ima 9u, unc)e of %ima %hi$ The Du"e of +aogui !as summoned to the capita)$ The @mpress ca))ed 'ao 9ang into her presence in the (a)) of Princip)es and .)amed him, saying, 0&ou are vicious .eyond measure, a companion of )e!d men and a friend of vi)e !omen$ &ou are unfitted to ru)e$ Therefore resign the imperia) sea) and revert to your status of Prince of iD$ &ou are for.idden to present yourse)f at court !ithout specia) command$0 'ao 9ang, !eeping, thre! himse)f at her feet$ (e gave up the sea), got into his carriage and !ent a!ay$ :n)y a fe! faithfu) ministers restrained their tears and .ade him fare!e))$ 'ao 'ao, the mighty minister of (an, :ppressed the he)p)ess3 )itt)e then thought he That on)y t!o score s!ift)y passing years #ou)d .ring )i"e fate to his posterity$

The @mperor/e)ect 'ao ;ao !as the grandson of @mperor Pi, and son of 'ao Lin, Prince of Donghai$ #hen 'ao ;ao !as nearing the capita), a)) the officers attended to receive him at the 2anye +ate, !here an imperia) carriage a!aited him$ (e hasti)y returned their sa)utations$ 0The ru)er ought not to return these sa)utations,0 said +rand 'ommander #ang %u$ 05 a)so am a minister and must respond,0 rep)ied he$ They conducted him to the carriage to ride into the Pa)ace, .ut he refused to mount it, saying, 0(er ;a>esty has commanded my presence3 5 "no! not for !hat reason$ (o! dare 5 enter the Pa)ace in such a carriage10 (e !ent on foot to the (a)), !here %ima %hi a!aited him$ (e prostrated himse)f .efore %ima %hi$ %ima %hi hasti)y raised him and )ed him into the presence$ The @mpress Do!ager said, 05n your youth 5 noticed that you .ore the impress of ma>esty$ 2o! you are to .e the ,u)er of the @mpire$ &ou must .e respectfu) and moderate, diffusing virtue and .enevo)ence$ &ou must do honor to your ancestors///the former emperors$0 'ao ;ao modest)y dec)ined the proposed honor, .ut he !as compe))ed to accept it$ (e !as )ed out of the presence of the @mpress Do!ager and p)aced in the seat of empire in the (a)) of Princip)es$ The sty)e of the reign !as changed from Domestic 'a)m, the si6th year, to ,ight :rigin, the first year (AD 2HG)$ An amnesty !as granted$ (onors !ere heaped upon %ima %hi, !ho a)so received the go)den a6es, !ith the right to proceed )eisure)y !ithin the precincts, to address the Throne !ithout using his name, and to !ear arms at court$ ;any other officers a)so received promotions$ But in the spring of the second year of ,ight :rigin, it !as reported at court that +uan4iu 8ian, +enera) #ho +uards the @ast, and #en in, 5mperia) Protector of &ang?hou, !ere raising armies !ith the dec)ared design of restoring the deposed emperor$ %ima %hi disconcerted$

5f ministers of (an have a)!ays faithfu) .een, #ei )eaders, too, prove their )oya)ty are "een$ (o! this ne! menace !as met !i)) appear in the ne6t chapter$ Chapter ! Riding A$#ne" Wen Yang Repu$ses A %rave (#r.e; (#$$#)ing The River" ;iang Wei Defeats The >nemy.

5t has .een said that in the second year of ,ight :rigin (AD 2HJ) +uan4iu 8ian, of the %outh of ,iver (uai, +enera) #ho +uards the @ast, !as commanding the forces in ,iver (uai !hen he heard the ne!s %ima %hi deposed 'ao 9ang$ (e !as moved to great anger, and his e)dest son, +uan4iu Dian, fomented his father-s !rath, saying, 09ather, you are chief of a)) this region$ #ith this %ima %hi in such a position, the country is in danger, and you cannot sit sti)) and )oo" on$0 0;y son, you spea" !e))=0 rep)ied +uan4iu 8ian$ #hereupon he re4uested #en in, 5mperia) Protector of &ang?hou, to come and consu)t !ith him$ This #en in had .een a c)ient of 'ao %huang-s, and he hastened at the ca)) of the genera)$ #hen he arrived, he !as )ed into the private apartments, and, the sa)utations at an end, the t!o .egan to ta)" over the situation$ Present)y the host .egan to !eep, and his visitor as"ed the cause of his tears$ 0Thin" you that this conduct of %ima %hi does not tear my heart1 (e has deposed the @mperor and no! ho)ds in his grip a)) authority of the state$ Things are a)) upside do!n$0 #en in rep)ied, 0&ou are the chief of this region$ 5f you are !i))ing to p)ay the part, you ought to ta"e arms and s)ay this re.e)$ 5 !i)) he)p you, regard)ess of conse4uences$ ;y second son, #en &ang, is a good !arrior and a man of great va)or$ ;oreover, he hates %ima %hi and !ishes to avenge on the %ima .rothers the death of 'ao %huang$ (e !ou)d ma"e an e6ce))ent Leader of the *an$0 +uan4iu 8ian !as de)ighted to get such ready and !i))ing support, and the t!o poured a )i.ation in p)edge of mutua) good faith$ Then, pretending that they he)d an edict from the @mpress Do!ager, they summoned a)) the officers to %houchun, !here they .ui)t an a)tar on

the !est side and sacrificed a !hite horse, smearing their )ips !ith its .)ood in to"en of their oath$ They made this dec)aration7 0%ima %hi is a re.e) and devoid of rectitude$ #e have a secret edict commanding us to muster the forces of the %outh of ,iver (uai and put do!n this re.e))ion$0 Thus supported, +uan4iu 8ian )ed si6ty thousand troops to <iangcheng, !here he camped, !hi)e his fe))o!/conspirator #en in too" t!enty thousand troops to the front to go to and fro )ending he)p !here it !as needed$ Letters !ere sent a)) through the counties and territories ca))ing for assistance$ 2o! that mo)e .e)o! the )eft eye of %ima %hi used to pain at times, and he decided to have it removed$ The surgeon e6cised it, c)osed and dressed the !ound, and the patient rested 4uiet)y in his pa)ace ti)) it shou)d hea)$ 5t !as at this time that he received the dis4uieting ne!s of opposition to his authority$ #hereupon he ca))ed in +rand 'ommander #ang %u to discuss the matter$ %aid #ang %u, 0#hen +uan &u !as most famous, %un uan sent Lu ;eng to capture 8ing?hou .y surprise$ #hat did Lu ;eng do1 (e first !on over the officers of +uan &u .y ta"ing care of their fami)ies and thus .ro"e the po!er of his enemy )i"e a ti)e$ 2o! the fami)ies of a)) the officers in the %outh of ,iver (uai are here in the ;idd)e Land$ Treat them !e)), at the same time ta"ing care that they do not get a!ay, and you !i)) .e irresisti.)e$0 0&our !ords are good,0 said %ima %hi$ 0(o!ever, 5 cannot go out to !ar ti)) 5 have recovered$ &et, to send another is to ta"e great ris"s, and 5 sha)) fee) insecure$0 There !as a)so present %ecretary Zhong (ui, !ho here interposed, saying, 0The forces of the %outh of ,iver (uai and 'huD are very formida.)e$ 5f you send another, there is danger !hatever happens3 and if your )eader ma"es a serious mista"e, your !ho)e po)icy !i)) fai)$0 02o one .ut myse)f can succeed,0 cried %ima %hi, starting from his couch$ 05 must go$0

%o, in spite of i))ness, he reso)ved to )ead in person$ (e )eft his .rother in charge of affairs at Luoyang and set out, trave)ing in a padded carriage$ Zhuge Dan, +enera) #ho +uards the @ast, !as given command over a)) the forces of &u?hou and ordered to march from Anfeng and to ta"e possession of %houchun$ (u Zun, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the @ast, !ith the ing?hou forces, !as sent to .ar any retreat at iaosong$ #ang 8i, 5mperia) Protector of &u?hou and Army 5nspector, !as sent to capture 'hennan$ To his camp at <iangyang, %ima %hi summoned a)) his officers to a counci)$ ;inister Zheng ;ao spo"e first, saying, 0+uan4iu 8ian is fond of )aying p)ans, .ut s)o! to come to any decision$ (is fe))o!/ conspirator #en in is .o)d, .ut imprudent$ 2o! this scheme of theirs is too )arge for their minds$ But as their so)diers are fu)) of spirit, they shou)d not .e engaged )ight)y$ #e shou)d remain on the defensive ti)) their ardor has .urned out$ This is !hat Zhou &afuD of o)d time did$0 But Army 5nspector #ang 8i o.>ected, saying, 0This is not a rising of the peop)e, nor of the so)diers, .ut is the !or" of +uan4iu 8ian$ The peop)e are mere)y his too)s and cannot he)p themse)ves$ The re.e))ion !i)) go to pieces as soon as an army approaches the region$0 05 agree !ith you,0 rep)ied %ima %hi$ Then he advanced upon ,iver &ing and camped .y the .ridge$ #ang 8i said, 0The city of 2andun is an e6ce))ent camping ground$ :ccupy it at once, for if not the enemy !i)) do so$0 %ima %hi sent #ang 8i to carry out his o!n p)an$ ,eports of these movements of the enemy came to +uan4iu 8ian in <iangcheng, and an assem.)y of officers !as ca))ed$ The Leader of the *an, +e &ong, said, 02andun is an e6ce))ent site for a camp, !ith a river .eside it and hi))s at the rear$ 5f the #ei armies camp there, !e sha)) .e una.)e to dis)odge them$ Let us occupy it$0

%o the army set out$ But .efore they dre! near, the scouts reported a camp a)ready there$ 5t !as incredi.)e, and +uan4iu 8ian rode to the front to reconnoiter$ (e !as convinced .y the sight of f)ags and .anners over a)) the p)ain, f)uttering a.ove an order)y array of tents and huts$ The sight disconcerted him, and he rode .ac" to the main .ody not "no!ing !hat to do$ 8ust then a scout came in to say7 0%un 8un of #u has crossed the river to attac" %houchun$0 05f !e )ose that city, !e sha)) have no .ase,0 cried +uan4iu 8ian$ That same night he retreated upon <iangcheng$ %eeing the enemy retreat, %ima %hi ca))ed together his officers to ta)" it over$ 'hair of the %ecretariat 9u +u, !ho !as of the e6pedition, said, 0The retirement to <iangcheng !as o.vious)y due to #u-s threatened attac" upon %houchun$ +enera), you shou)d send three armies to attac" upon <iangcheng, Lo>ia, and %houchun$ The 5mperia) Protector of &an?hou, Deng Ai, is a man of tactics3 he shou)d .e sent against Lo>ia$ :ur main army !i)) reinforce them$0 (is p)an !as accepta.)e to %ima %hi, !ho sent )etters to &an?hou te))ing Deng Ai to march against Lo>ia, !here %ima %hi himse)f !ou)d soon meet him$ 'amped at <iangcheng, +uan4iu 8ian sent spies to Lo>ia to see !hat might .e happening there, for he feared it !ou)d .e attac"ed$ #hen he spo"e of his fears to #en in, the )atter said, 0+enera), you need not .e an6ious$ ;y son #en &ang and 5 !i)) ans!er for its safety$ +ive us .ut five thousand troops$0 9ather and son, !ith the five thousand troops, !ent to Lo>ia$ Before the main .ody arrived, the scouts reported7 0#ei .anners are f)ying on the !est of the city$ There are a.out ten thousand troops$ 5n their midst are seen authority ensigns such as !hite ya"s- tai)s, go)den a6es, purp)e um.re))as, and a f)ag .earing the !ord 'ommander$ Perhaps %ima %hi himse)f is at this camp$ The troops are pitching the camp rapid)y, .ut it is not yet comp)ete$0

#hen this !as reported to #en in, his son #en &ang, .earing his famous !hip of stee), !as .y his father-s side$ 0#e shou)d attac" .efore they have sett)ed do!n in camp, 9ather,0 said he$ 0Let us go 4uic")y and attac" on t!o sides$0 0#hen can !e start10 said the father$ 0Tonight at dus"$ &ou )ead ha)f the force round .y the south, and 5 !i)) march the other ha)f round .y the north, and !e !i)) meet in the third !atch at the #ei camp$0 The youth !ho propounded this p)an !as then eighteen, ta)) and strong$ (e !ore comp)ete armor and carried at his !aist a stee) !hip$ #hen the hour came to start, he too" his spear, s!ung himse)f into the sadd)e and set out$ That night %ima %hi, !ho had arrived and had at once set a.out sett)ing into camp, )ay on a couch in his tent, for he !as sti)) suffering pain from the surgery !ound .eneath his eye$ The tent !as surrounded .y severa) hundred armored guards$ Deng Ai had not arrived$ A.out the third !atch %ima %hi heard a great shouting and as"ed !hat it !as$ :ne rep)ied7 0An army has come round from the north and .urst into the )ines$ The )eader is too .o)d for anyone to face$0 %ima %hi .ecame much trou.)ed$ (is heart .urned !ithin him, and the e6citement caused the !ound to open, so that the eye.a)) protruded and .)ood f)o!ed free)y$ The pain .ecame intense, near)y un.eara.)e$ 5n his agony and a)arm )est his army shou)d .e thro!n into confusion, he )ay gna!ing the .ed c)othes ti)) they !ere in rags$ #en &ang-s force )ost no time, .ut attac"ed as soon as it arrived$ (e dashed into the camp, s)ashing and thrusting right and )eft, and everyone gave !ay .efore him$ 5f anyone stayed to oppose, the sharp spear or the terri.)e !hip did its !or", and that one fe))$ But after a time, seeing no sign of his father, #en &ang gre! an6ious$ And he had to retire severa) times .efore the fierce f)ights of arro!s and cross.o! .o)ts as he tried to reach the main tent$ A.out day)ight he heard shouts and thought they must mean the arriva) of his father !ith he)p$ But the shouting came from the north,

and his father !as to arrive .y the south road$ (e ga))oped out to get a c)earer vie!, and sa! a force s!eeping do!n )i"e a ga)e of !ind$ 5t !as not his father, .ut a .ody of the enemy, and the )eader !as Deng Ai$ Deng Ai rode for!ard shouting, 0,e.e), f)ee not=0 #en &ang had no intention to f)ee$ %etting his spear, he rode savage)y to!ard his opponent$ They engaged and fought ha)f a hundred .outs !ithout either gaining the advantage$ Then, the due) sti)) raging, the #ei army attac"ed in fu)) force, and #en &ang-s troops .egan to give !ay and run, so that soon he found himse)f a)one$ (o!ever, he got c)ear of the fight and !ent a!ay south$ But he !as pursued, for more than a hundred #ei genera)s p)uc"ed up courage to fo))o! !hen he ran a!ay$ They pressed on his hee)s ti)) near the Lo>ia Bridge, !hen it seemed that they must catch him$ Then he sudden)y pu))ed up his steed, turned and rode in among them, f)ogging !ith the terri.)e stee) !hip, and !herever it struc" there )ay !arriors and horses in confused heaps$ %o they )eft him, and he retoo" his !ay in peace$ Then the #ei genera)s met and said, 0Lo= (ere is a man !ho has driven us a)) .ac"!ard$ But !e are many and may not suffer that$0 #herefore they reformed and once again too" up pursuit$ 0&ou foo)s10 cried #en &ang, as he sa! them coming on$ 0(ave you then no regard for your )ives10 Again he fe)) upon them !ith the stee) !hip and s)e! many, so that the survivors retreated$ But yet again they found courage to come on, and yet again, .ut they had to fa)) .ac" .efore the )ash of that terri.)e !hip$ Defiance hur)ed at 'ao 'ao-s mighty host Arrayed near Long %)ope proc)aimed Zhao &un, A va)iant man3 and peer)ess stood he ti))$ At Lo>ia another hero faced, A)one, another host, and #en &ang-s name #as added to the ro)) of famous peop)e$

#en in never reached the appointed rende?vous$ 5n the dar"ness he )ost his !ay among the precipices and gu))ies, !hence he on)y got out as day da!ned$ (e sa! a)) the signs of a fight and a victory for #ei, .ut cou)d not discover !hither his son had gone$ %o he returned !ithout fighting, and in spite of pursuit, made his !ay safe)y to %houchun$ 2o! 'ommander &in Damu had accompanied %ima %hi on his e6pedition, .ut !as no friend of his$ (e had .een of the 'ao %huang-s party and .itter)y resented the death of his patron$ (e !as !atching for a chance to avenge him$ %eeing that %ima %hi !as i)), he thought to secure his end .y ma"ing friends !ith #en in$ %o he !ent in to see the sic" %ima %hi, and said, 0#en in had no sincere intention to re.e), .ut !as )ed astray .y +uan4iu 8ian$ 5f you !i)) )et me go and spea" !ith him, he !i)) come over to you at once$0 %ima %hi said he might go to try, and &in Damu put on his armor and rode after #en in$ By and .y he got near enough to shout$ 0Do you not recogni?e me1 5 am &in Damu$0 #en in stopped and )oo"ed .ac"$

&in Damu removed his he)met that his face might .e c)ear)y seen, and said, 0: 5mperia) Protector, !hy can you not .ear up for a fe! days10 &in Damu imp)ied that %ima %hi !as very near death, and he !ished #en in to remain at hand$ But #en in did not understand$ (e a.used &in Damu and even threatened that the .o!men shou)d shoot, and &in Damu cou)d on)y sorro!fu))y turn a!ay$ #hen #en in reached %houchun and found it occupied .y Zhuge Dan, he tried for <iangcheng$ But three armies under (u Zun, #ang 8i, and Deng Ai came up and attac"ed at once so that it seemed impossi.)e that his army cou)d ho)d out )ong$ %o he decided to f)ee to #u and serve %un 8un$ +uan4iu 8ian, then .ehind the !a))s of <iangcheng, heard that %houchun had fa))en, that his fe))o!/conspirator #en in had fai)ed and, !ith three armies against his city, "ne! that his case !as

desperate$ (e mustered a)) the forces in the city and marched out to try his fortune$ As he !ent forth, he fe)) in !ith Deng Ai$ (e .ade +e &ong go out to fight, .ut +e &ong fe)) in the first encounter, cut do!n .y Deng Ai himse)f$ The enemy came on in force$ +uan4iu 8ian fought ga))ant)y, .ut his army fe)) into confusion$ Then t!o other armies under #ang 8i and (u Zun came up, and he !as comp)ete)y surrounded$ 2othing cou)d .e done, and he f)ed from the fie)d !ith a do?en riders and made for %hen6ian$ (ere +overnor %ong Bai received him "ind)y and comforted him !ith a feast$ At the .an4uet +uan4iu 8ian dro!ned his sorro!s in the !ine cup ti)) he !as he)p)ess, !hen he !as s)ain .y his host$ (is head !as sent to the #ei army as proof of his death, and the rising came to an end$ Peace !as restored in the %outh of ,iver (uai$ %ima %hi gre! !orse$ ,ecovery .eing hope)ess, he ca))ed Zhuge Dan to his tent and gave him a sea) and conferred upon him the tit)e of +enera) #ho 'on4uers the @ast, !ith command of a)) the forces in &ang?hou, and soon after the army marched .ac" to <uchang$ The sic" man .egan to have visions$ 2ight after night he !as trou.)ed .y the apparitions of the three courtiers///Zhang i, Li 9eng, and <iahou <uan///he had put to death, and he "ne! that his end !as near$ (e sent for his .rother, %ima Zhao, !ho came and !ept .y his couch !hi)e he )istened to his e)der .rother-s )ast commands$ %aid %ima %hi, 0The responsi.i)ity of po!er is heavy, .ut !e must .ear it7 There is no possi.)e re)ief$ &ou must continue my p)ans and maintain my po)icy yourse)f, and you must .e e6ceeding)y carefu) ho! you entrust any other !ith po!er, )est you .ring a.out the destruction of our !ho)e c)an$0 Then %ima %hi handed the sea) of office to %ima Zhao, !eeping the !hi)e$ %ima Zhao !ou)d as" some 4uestions sti)), .ut !ith a deep groan as his eye popped out %ima %hi died$ 5t !as the second month of the second year of ,ight :rigin (AD 2HJ)$ %ima Zhao put on mourning for his .rother and informed the ,u)er of #ei, 'ao ;ao, of the death$ By specia) edict %ima Zhao !as ordered to remain at <uchang so as to guard against any attac"

from #u$ This order !as unp)easing to its recipient, .ut he fe)t dou.tfu) !hat to do$ %ima Zhao too" counse) !ith Zhong (ui, !ho said, 0The death of your .rother has distur.ed the country$ 5f you remain here, some shifting of po!er at the capita) !i)) sure)y !or" to your disadvantage$ 5t !i)) .e too )ate for regrets then$0 #herefore %ima Zhao )eft <uchang and camped on ,iver Luo$ This move a)armed 'ao ;ao$ Then +rand 'ommander #ang %u advised, saying, 0%ima Zhao has succeeded the office of his )ate .rother$ 5t is !e)) that &our ;a>esty shou)d p)acate him !ith a ne! tit)e$0 %o 'ao ;ao sent #ang %u !ith an edict creating %ima Zhao ,egent ;arsha), !ith contro) of the %ecretariat$ %ima Zhao came to Luoyang to than" the @mperor for these honors and stayed$ (encefor!ard a)) matters and the !ho)e government !ere under %ima Zhao-s hand$ #hen ne!s of these things came to 'hengdu, 8iang #ei thought the time had come to ma"e another .id for the empire, so he !rote a memoria) to the Latter ,u)er7 0%ima %hi having >ust died, his .rother, %ima Zhao, !ho succeeds, !i)) .e una.)e to )eave Luoyang unti) he has conso)idated his position$ #herefore 5 crave permission to attac" #ei$0 The Latter ,u)er agreed and .ade him raise an army$ %o he !ent into (an?hong to prepare for the e6pedition$ (o!ever, Zhang &i, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est, !as opposed to the e6pedition and said, 0%hu is not a .ig country, and its resources are not too a.undant$ Thus a far e6pedition shou)d .e avoided$ The state po)icy shou)d rather .e the improvement of conditions at home$ Thin"ing !e)) for the so)diers and the peop)e is the !ay to preserve the country$0 0&ou are mista"en,0 said 8iang #ei$ 0Before our great ;inister Zhuge Liang emerged from his reed hut in the !i)ds and undertoo" the affairs of a state, the three "ingdoms !ere a)ready a fact$ %i6 times he )ed armies to try to gain the northern portion of the empire, .ut fai)ed to attain his desire$ Fnhappi)y he died )eaving his design unaccomp)ished$ But he .e4ueathed to me the )egacy of his

intention, and 5 must .e a )oya) and !orthy e6ecutor$ 5f 5 die in the attempt, 5 !i)) perish !ithout regret$ 2o! is our opportunity, and if !e miss it, sha)) !e find a .etter10 0#hat you say is the rea) truth,0 said <iahou Ba$ 0Let us send first some )ight horse out .y Baohan to capture 2anan and there.y sett)e that county$0 Then said Zhang &i, 0Procrastination and de)ay have .een hitherto the causes of our fai)ure$ #e ought to o.ey the precepts of the .oo"s of !ar, stri"e !here the enemy is unprepared and appear !here he does not e6pect us$ A rapid march and a sudden .)o! !i)) find #ei unready, and !e sha)) succeed$0 %o 8iang #ei )ed an army of fifty thousand troops out .y Baohan$ #hen he reached ,iver &ao, the spies reported his arriva) to #ang 8ing, 5mperia) Protector of &ong?hou, !ho )ed out seventy thousand troops against him$ 8iang #ei gave certain orders to Zhang &i and <iahou Ba, and after they had marched, he dre! up the main .ody .y ,iver &ao$ #ang 8ing rode out to par)ey$ 0#u, %hu, and #ei are no! actua))y esta.)ished as a tripod$ #hy then have you invaded our .orders these many times10 8iang #ei rep)ied, 0Because %ima %hi deposed his prince !ithout cause, and it .ehooves the neigh.oring countries to punish such a crime$ ;oreover, your country is a riva) state$0 Then #ang 8ing turned and said to four of his genera)s, Zhang ;ing, (ua &ong, Liu Dan, and Zhu 9ang, 0&ou see that the enemy is dra!n up !ith a river at his .ac", so that his troops must con4uer or dro!n$ Though 8iang #ei is .o)d, you four can fight him at the same time and pursue if he retires$0 The four rode out t!o and t!o$ 8iang #ei stood through a fe! encounters, .ut then moved .ac"!ard to!ard his camp$ At this, #ang 8ing )ed on his main .ody to smite$ 8iang #ei f)ed to!ard the river$ As he dre! near he shouted, 0Danger, : +enera)s= 2o! do your utmost=0

(is genera)s turned on the foe and fought !ith such vigor that the #ei army !as defeated, and, as they turned a!ay, Zhang &i and <iahou Ba fe)) upon their rear$ %oon the #ei army !as hemmed in, and 8iang #ei rushed in among the host of #ei and thre! them into utter confusion$ They trod each other do!n in the press, and many fe)) into the river$ Dead .odies )ay a.out over severa) mi)es$ #ang 8ing and a hundred horsemen forced their !ay out and f)ed to Didao, !here they entered !ithin the !a))s and .arred the gates$ After 8iang #ei had re!arded and feasted his army, he !as for attac"ing Didao, .ut Zhang &i !as against this$ 0+enera), you have !on a great victory, !hich !i)) .ring you fame$ 5f you attempt more, things may go astray, and you !i)) on)y add )egs to your s"etch of a serpent$0 %aid 8iang #ei, 0#hen our army !ere defeated not )ong ago, they sti)) desired to overrun the !ho)e north$ 2o! our opponents have .een overcome, and that has .ro"en the spirit of their army, and this city can .e easi)y captured$ Do not damp the spirit of the so)diers$0 %o it !as decided to attac" Didao despite further remonstrances of Zhang &i$ 'hen Tai, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est and 'ommander of &ong?hou, !as >ust a.out to set out to avenge the defeat of #ang 8ing !hen Deng Ai, 5mperia) Protector of &an?hou, arrived !ith his army$ 'hen Tai !e)comed him, and !hen Deng Ai had said he had come .y imperia) edict to assist to defeat the army of %hu, 'hen Tai as"ed his p)ans$ Deng Ai rep)ied, 0They are victors on ,iver &ao$ 5f they en)ist the aid of the iangs to cause a diversion in the #est *a))ey Land and the Land #ithin the Passes and a)so o.tain the support of the four counties, it !i)) .e a misfortune for us$ 5f they do not thin" of that, .ut try to ta"e Didao, they !i)) on)y fritter a!ay their energies against a p)ace too strong)y fortified for them to capture$ Let us no! array our force a)ong the <iang)ing ;ountain, and then !e can advance and smite them$ #e sha)) get a victory$0 0That is !e)) said=0 cried 'hen Tai$

Then t!enty cohorts of fifty so)diers each !ere to)d off to find their !ay secret)y to the southeast of Didao and there hide in the va))eys$ They !ere then to disp)ay many ensigns and sound trumpets as if they !ere a very )arge force, and ma"e huge fires at night, so as to cause an6iety among the enemy$ And thus they !aited for the troops of %hu to come, !hi)e 'hen Tai and Deng Ai marched !ith forty thousand troops against the %hu army$ The army of %hu had marched to Didao and .egun the siege around the !ho)e circuit of the !a))s$ At the end of many days the fa)) of the city seemed no nearer, and 8iang #ei .egan to fret$ (e cou)d thin" of no p)an )i"e)y to succeed$ :ne eventide a horseman came in to report7 0T!o armies are approaching rapid)y, and the names on the .anners !ere +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est 'hen Tai and 5mperia) Protector of &an?hou Deng Ai$0 8iang #ei ca))ed in his co))eague <iahou Ba, !ho said, 05 have spo"en to you of Deng Ai many times$ (e is perspicacious, va)iant, resourcefu), and has a)!ays de)ighted in the study of mi)itary topography$ As he is coming, !e sha)) have to put forth a)) our energies$0 8iang #ei rep)ied, 0#e !i)) attac" .efore he can get a footho)d and !hi)e his so)diers are fatigued !ith the march$0 %o Zhang &i !as )eft to carry on the siege !hi)e the t!o )eaders !ent out to meet the ne! armies$ 8iang #ei !ent against Deng Ai, and <iahou Ba against 'hen Tai$ Before 8iang #ei had marched far, the sti))ness !as .ro"en .y the roar of a .om., and at once a)) a.out the %hu army arose the ro))ing of drums and the .)are of trumpets, soon fo))o!ed .y f)ames that shot up to the very s"y$ 8iang #ei rode to the front and sa! the ensigns of #ei a)) a.out him$ 05 have fa))en into a trap set .y Deng Ai=0 cried he$ (e sent orders to <iahou Ba and Zhang &i to !ithdra! immediate)y !hi)e he !ou)d cover their retreat$ #hen they had retired, he fo))o!ed them into (an?hong, harassed a)) a)ong the road .y the sounds of marching so)diers and g)impses of enemy .anners$ But these enemies never attac"ed$ 5t !as on)y after the army had

retreated to %a.er Pass that 8iang #ei "ne! a)) this !as ma"e/ .e)ieve$ (e camped in Zhongti$ 9or his services and success on ,iver &ao, 8iang #ei !as re!arded !ith the ran" of ,egent ;arsha)$ As soon as the ceremonies connected !ith his promotion !ere ended, he .egan again to ta)" of an e6pedition against #ei$ ,emem.er enough is as good as a feast, (aving s"etched a good sna"e don-t add )egs to the .east3 And in fighting remem.er that others are .o)d, And tigers have c)a!s though their teeth may .e o)d$ The resu)t of the ne! e6pedition !i)) .e to)d in the ne6t chapter$ Chapter Deng Ai 'ut)its ;iang Wei; Zhuge Dan %att$es Sima Zha#.

8iang #ei camped at Zhongti$ The army of #ei camped outside Didao$ #ang 8ing !e)comed 'hen Tai and Deng Ai and prepared a .an4uet to ce)e.rate the raising of the siege and a)so re!arded the army !ith gifts$ Then 'hen Tai sent up a memoria) to the ,u)er of #ei, 'ao ;ao, eu)ogi?ing the magnificent services of Deng Ai, !ho !as re!arded !ith the tit)e +enera) #ho Pacifies the #est$ 9or the time, Deng Ai !as )eft in the !est$ (e and 'hen Tai p)aced their men in cantonments in &ong?hou, Liang?hou, and the counties round a.out$ After Deng Ai had rendered his than"s to the @mperor, 'hen Tai spread a great feast in his honor, and in congratu)ating his guest, said, 08iang #ei s)ipped off in the night .ecause he !as .ro"en, and he !i)) never dare to return$0 05 thin" he !i)),0 rep)ied Deng Ai, smi)ing$ 05 can give five reasons !hy he shou)d$0 0#hat are they10 09irst, a)though the so)diers of %hu have retired, they have the se)f/ possessed and confident )oo" of ho)ding the victory3 our so)diers are rea))y !ea" and .ro"en$ %econd, the so)diers of %hu !ere trained and inspirited .y Zhuge Liang and are easy to mo.i)i?e3 our genera)s

are a)) of different periods of service, and our army indifferent)y trained$ Third, the %hu so)diers often use .oats for trave)ing, and so they move at )eisure and the troops arrive fresh3 ours do a)) their >ourneys on )and, and they arrive fatigued !ith marching$ 9ourth, again, Didao, Long6i, 2anan, and ishan are a)) p)aces suita.)e for defense or use as .att)e fie)ds, and thus the army of %hu can concea) their intentions and stri"e !here they !i))3 !e have to remain on guard at many points, thus dividing our forces3 !hen they concentrate, they have on)y to rec"on !ith a part of our force$ And fifth, if they come out .y !ay of Long6i and 2anan, they have the grain of the iangs to depend upon3 and if they choose ishan, they have the !heat there$ These are the five reasons !hy they shou)d ma"e another e6pedition$0 'hen Tai !as overcome !ith the c)ear vision of his ne! co))eague$ 0%ir, your foresight is god)i"e$ 5 thin" !e need fee) no an6iety a.out !hat the enemy can achieve$0 The t!o )eaders .ecame the .est of friends in spite of the difference of age$ Deng Ai spent his time in training the army, and garrisons !ere p)aced at a)) points !here surprise attac"s seemed possi.)e$ There !as feasting a)so at Zhongti, and the occasion !as ta"en to discuss a ne! attac" on #ei$ But Assistant 9an 8ian opposed$ 0+enera), your e6peditions have part)y fai)ed many times3 you have never scored a comp)ete victory$ But no! on ,iver &ao the army of #ei recogni?e your superiority, and !hy shou)d you try again1 There is sma)) chance of success, and you ris" a)) you have gained$0 8iang #ei rep)ied, 0&ou a)) regard on)y the )argeness and popu)ation of #ei and the time necessary for con4uest, .ut you do not see five reasons for victory$0 The assem.)y as"ed !hat these !ere$ 09irst, the fighting spirit of the so)diers of #ei has .een .ad)y .ro"en on ,iver &ao, !hi)e that of our so)diers, a)though !e retired, is unimpaired$ 5f !e attac", !e sha)) certain)y succeed$ %econd, our so)diers can trave) in .oats and so !i)) not .e !earied !ith marching3 their so)diers have to march to meet us$ Third, our so)diers are thorough)y trained3 theirs are recruits, a mere f)oc" of

cro!s, 4uite undiscip)ined$ 9ourth, !hen !e go out .y ishan, !e can sei?e upon the autumn !heat for food$ 9ina))y, they are scattered, having to defend various points, !hi)e !e can concentrate on any point !e !ish, and they !i)) find it difficu)t to .ring up reinforcements$ 5f !e miss this chance, can !e hope for a .etter10 <iahou Ba said, 0Deng Ai is young, .ut he is deep and crafty$ (e has certain)y ta"en great pains to secure the regions under his charge as +enera) #ho Pacifies the #est$ *ictory !i)) not .e so easy as it !as .efore$0 0#hy shou)d 5 fear him10 cried 8iang #ei, angri)y$ 0&ou shou)d not )aud the spirit of the enemy and .e)itt)e that of our o!n so)diers$ But in any case 5 have made up my mind and sha)) ta"e #est *a))ey Land$0 2o one dared to offer any further opposition$ 8iang #ei himse)f )ed the first army3 the others fo))o!ed in due order3 and thus the so)diers of %hu marched out of Zhongti to ishan$ Before they cou)d reach ishan, the scouts reported the hi))s a)ready occupied .y the armies of #ei$ 8iang #ei rode for!ard to verify this, and, sure)y enough, he sa! the #ei camps, nine in num.er, stretching over the hi))s )i"e a huge serpent, and a)) arranged to give each other support$ 0<iahou Ba spo"e on)y too !e)),0 said he$ 0The p)an of those camps is e6ce))ent and on)y our Zhuge Liang cou)d have )aid them out !ith e4ua) s"i))$0 ,eturning to his o!n army, he said to his officers, 0They must have "no!n of my coming, and 5 thin" Deng Ai is here too$ 2o! from this as .ase you are to send out dai)y sma)) reconnoitering parties sho!ing my .anner, .ut different f)ags and uniforms, .)ue, ye))o!, red, !hite, and .)ac", in turns$ #hi)e you are thus distracting attention, 5 !i)) )ead the main army .y Dongting to attac" 2anan$0 Bao %u !as sent to camp at the mouth of the *a))ey !hi)e the main army marched$ ishan ;ountains

As soon as Deng Ai had heard that the enemy !ou)d come out at ishan, he had camped there !ith his co))eague 'hen Tai$ But !hen days had passed !ithout anyone coming to f)ing a cha))enge, he

sent out spies to find out !here the %hu army !as )ur"ing$ They cou)d find nothing, and so Deng Ai !ent to the summit of a hi)) to )oo" around$ (e came to the conc)usion, saying, 08iang #ei must not .e in this camp$ (e must .e on his !ay to capture 2anan$ Those so)diers in the %hu camp !ere nothing .ut a feint, accentuated .y the dai)y change of uniform$ +oing to and fro for days, the horses )oo" tired, and their )eaders are certain)y none of the a.)est$ Therefore, +enera), 5 advise an attac" here$ 5f that succeeds, the Dongting road can .e occupied, and 8iang #ei !i)) .e una.)e to retreat$ 5 thin" 5 ought to try to re)ieve 2anan$ 5 !i)) go .y the #ucheng ;ountain, and if 5 occupy that, the enemy !i)) try to ta"e %hanggui$ 2ear that p)ace is a narro! and precipitous va))ey ca))ed B)oc" *a))ey, >ust the p)ace for an am.ush, !here 5 sha)) )ie in !ait ti)) 8iang #ei comes to ta"e the #ucheng ;ountain$0 'hen Tai rep)ied, 05 have .een here over t!enty years and have never "no!n so much of the mi)itary possi.i)ities of the p)ace$ &ou are very !onderfu) and must carry out your p)an$0 %o Deng Ai marched to!ard 2anan .y dou.)e marches$ %oon they came to the #ucheng ;ountain, !here they camped !ithout opposition$ (e sent his son Deng Zhong and %hi Zuan, each )eading five thousand troops, to )ie in !ait in the B)oc" *a))ey and not to .etray their presence$ 5n the meantime 8iang #ei !as marching .et!een Dongting and 2anan$ 2ear the #ucheng ;ountain, he turned to <iahou Ba and said, 0That hi)) is our point, and 2anan is c)ose$ 5 fear )est the artfu) Deng Ai may sei?e and fortify it$0 They hastened, an6ious to reach the hi)) .efore the enemy$ But it !as not to .e$ Present)y they heard the roar of .om.s and the .eating of drums, and then f)ags and .anners appeared, a)) of #ei$ And among them f)uttered the )eader-s standard, .earing t!o !ords Deng Ai$ This !as a sad disappointment$ The army of %hu ha)ted, and veteran so)diers of #ei came rushing do!n from various points on the hi)), too many for the troops of %hu to drive .ac"$ %o the advance guard

!as defeated$ 8iang #ei !ent to their he)p !ith his centra) .ody, .ut !hen he got near, the so)diers of #ei had retreated up to the hi))$ 8iang #ei !ent on to the foot of the hi)) and cha))enged, .ut no one came out to accept$ The so)diers of %hu .egan to shout a.use, and "ept it up ti)) )ate in the day, .ut they fai)ed to provo"e a fight$ As the army of %hu .egan to retire, the #ei drums .eat furious)y, yet no one appeared$ 8iang #ei turned a.out to ascend the hi)), .ut its defenders prevented that .y stones thro!n from a.ove$ (e hung on ti)) the third !atch, !hen he tried again$ But he fai)ed$ Thereupon he !ent do!n the hi)) and ha)ted, .idding his so)diers .ui)d a .arricade of !ood and .ou)ders$ The troops of #ei came on again, and the %hu troops scram.)ed to run to the o)d camp$ 2e6t day 8iang #ei .rought up many transport !agons and p)aced them on the s)ope as the nuc)eus of a camp$ But in the night a num.er of #ei troops came do!n !ith torches and set fire to them$ A fight ensued, !hich )asted ti)) da!n$ %eeing that a camp cou)d not .e made there, 8iang #ei retired to consider ne! p)ans !ith <iahou Ba$ 0%ince !e cannot ta"e 2anan, our ne6t .est p)an is to try for %hanggui, !hich is the storehouse of 2anan$0 Leaving <iahou Ba on the hi)), 8iang #ei )ed a force of veteran so)diers and .o)d officers a)ong the road to!ard %hanggui$ They marched a)) night, and da!n found them in a deep va))ey, !hich the guides said !as B)oc" *a))ey$ 0That sounds too much )i"e -'ut/off *a))ey-,0 said 8iang #ei$ 0And if a force he)d the mouth, !e shou)d .e in sorry straits$0 #hi)e hesitating !hether to advance farther or not, the )eading troops came .ac" to say7 0#e have seen a c)oud of dust .eyond the hi))s, !hich seems to indicate a .ody of so)diers in hiding$0 %o the order !as given to retire$ At that moment the armies under %hi Zuan and Deng Zhong came out and attac"ed$ 8iang #ei, a)ternate)y fighting and retreating, tried to get a!ay$ Then Deng Ai himse)f appeared, and the %hu army had enemies on three sides$ They !ere in grave danger, .ut <iahou Ba came to their rescue, and so 8iang #ei escaped$

8iang #ei proposed to return to ishan, .ut <iahou Ba said, 0#e cannot go thither, for 'hen Tai has destroyed the force under Bao %u, and he himse)f !as "i))ed$ A)) that !as )eft of that army has gone .ac" into (an?hong$0 5t !as no )onger a 4uestion of ta"ing the Dongting road$ 8iang #ei sought out .y/roads to march a)ong$ Deng Ai came in pursuit, and as he pressed hard on the rear, 8iang #ei sent the others on ahead !hi)e he covered the retreat$ %oon 'hen Tai came out from the hi))s, and 8iang #ei !as surrounded .y a shouting .ody of the enemy$ (e fought a)) directions, .ut cou)d not c)ear the !ay$ (e and his horse !ere very !eary !hen Zhang 2i, !ho had heard of his straits, came to his rescue !ith a .ody of cava)ry$ Zhang 2i cut his !ay in, and 8iang #ei immediate)y .ro"e the siege and got out$ Zhang 2i saved his genera), .ut )ost his o!n )ife in the me)ee$ 9ina))y 8iang #ei got .ac" into (an?hong$ 9rom (an?hong the death of Zhang 2i in .att)e !as reported to the Latter ,u)er, !ho .esto!ed suita.)e honors upon his fami)y$ The %hu peop)e .)amed 8iang #ei for the serious )oss of )ife of their re)atives in the mi)itary operations that had >ust fai)ed, and 8iang #ei, fo))o!ing the precedent in 8ieting of the )ate Lord of #u6iang, as"ed that he himse)f shou)d .e degraded in ran", retaining, ho!ever, the command$ (e !as put .ac" to +enera) of the ,ear Army$ The country .eing no! c)eared of the enemy, 'hen Tai and Deng Ai prepared a .an4uet in honor of victory and gave re!ards to the so)diers !ho had fought$ 'hen Tai sent a memoria) to the capita) upon the services of Deng Ai, and a specia) commission of %ima Zhao .rought Deng Ai higher ran"3 the tit)e of )ordship !as given to his son, Deng Zhong$ At this time the sty)e of the reign in #ei !as changed from ,ight :rigin, the third year, to +ent)e De! @ra, the first year (AD 2HJ)$ %ima Zhao commanded a)) the mi)itary forces and made himse)f @mpire 'ommander/in/'hief$ (e assumed great pomp, and !henever he moved outside his pa)ace, he !as escorted .y three thousand mai)/c)ad guards, .eside s4uadrons of cava)ry$ A)) po!er )ay in his hands, and he decided a)) 4uestions so that the court !as rather in his pa)ace than in that of the @mperor$

P)ans for ta"ing the fina) step constant)y occupied his thoughts$ The 4uestion of mounting the throne !as open)y mooted .y 8ia 'hong, a confidant, !ho !as a son of 'ommander 8ia Cui$ 8ia 'hong !as ho)ding the (igh 'ounse)or office in the Prime ;inister-s pa)ace$ 8ia 'hong said, 0%ir, a)) rea) authority is in your hands, and the country is not tran4ui)$ The on)y remedy is for you to .ecome actua) ru)er, and you shou)d find out !ho are your supporters$0 %ima Zhao rep)ied, 0This has .een in my thoughts a )ong time$ &ou might .e my emissary to the east to find out the fee)ing there$ &ou can pretend you go to than" the so)diers !ho too" part in the )ate campaign$ That !ou)d .e a good prete6t$0 According)y 8ia 'hong trave)ed into the %outh of ,iver (uai, !here he sa! Zhuge Dan, +enera) #ho +uards the @ast$ This officer !as from 2anyang and a cousin of the )ate Lord of #u6iang, Zhuge Liang$ Zhuge Dan had gone to #ei for emp)oyment, .ut had received no significant office !hi)e Zhuge Liang !as the Prime minister of %hu$ After Zhuge Liang-s death, Zhuge Dan-s promotion !as rapid$ (e !as no! Lord of +aoping and 'ommander of the south and east of ,iver (uai$ 8ia 'hong !ent to Zhuge Dan to as" him to convey to the army the appreciation of the so)diers- services$ 8ia 'hong !as received courteous)y, and at a .an4uet, !hen host and guest !ere .oth me))o! !ith !ine, 8ia 'hong set himse)f to discover Zhuge Dan-s fee)ings$ 8ia 'hong said, 0Late)y in Luoyang there has .een much ta)" of the !ea"ness and )ac" of a.i)ity of the @mperor and his unfitness to ru)e$ 2o! +enera) %ima Zhao comes of a fami)y noted for state service for three generations$ (is o!n services and virtues are high as the heavens, and he is the man .est fitted to ta"e the ru)ership of #ei$ 5s this not your opinion10 But Zhuge Dan did not favor the suggestion$ :n the contrary, he .ro"e out angri)y, 0&ou are a son of 8ia Cui of &u?hou, and your fami)y have received the .ounty of #ei$ &et you dare spea" of re.e))ion=0 8ia 'hong said, 05 on)y repeat !hat peop)e have said$0 Zhuge Dan said, 05f the state is in difficu)ty, then one ought to stand up for it even to the death=0

8ia 'hong said no more$ (e soon returned and to)d %ima Zhao !hat had .een said$ 0The rat=0 cried %ima Zhao, angri)y$ 0Zhuge Dan is e6ceeding)y popu)ar there in the %outh of ,iver (uai3 and if he is )eft too )ong, he !i)) do harm$0 %ima Zhao .egan to ta"e measures$ (e !rote private)y to &ue 'hen, 5mperia) Protector of &ang?hou, and sent a messenger to Zhuge Dan !ith an edict ma"ing him ;inister of #or"s$ This meant that Zhuge Dan had to come to the capita)$ But Zhuge Dan "ne! that 8ia 'hong had done him mischief, and he interrogated the messenger, !ho to)d him that &ue 'hen "ne! a)) a.out the matter$ 0(o! does he "no!10 0+enera) %ima Zhao sent him a private )etter$0 The messenger !as condemned to death$ Then Zhuge Dan p)aced himse)f at the head of his persona) guard and marched to &ang?hou$ The city gates !ere c)osed and the dra!.ridge raised$ (e summoned the gate, .ut no one ans!ered$ 0(o! dare this fe))o! &ue 'hen treat me thus10 cried Zhuge Dan$ (e ordered his troops to force the gate$ Ten of his .o)d genera)s dismounted, crossed the moat, and c)im.ed the ramparts, !here they s)e! a)) !ho opposed them and opened the gate$ The others entered, set fire to the houses, and .egan to fight their !ay to!ard the state residence$ The 5mperia) Protector sought refuge in a to!er, .ut Zhuge Dan made his !ay up and reproached his enemy, crying, 0&our father, &ue 8ing, en>oyed the .ounty of #ei$ &et you have not sought to repay the "indness of the ,u)ing (ouse, .ut you !ant to he)p the re.e) %ima Zhao=0 Before &ue 'hen !as a.)e to ans!er, Zhuge Dan s)e! him$ Then he sent to Luoyang a memoria) detai)ing %ima &i-s many fau)ts, and made preparations for !ar$ (e ca))ed up a)) the mi)itia of the south and east of ,iver (uai, to the tota) of one hundred thousand, and too" over the forty thousand troops !ho had surrendered on the fa))

of &ue 'hen and gathered supp)ies$ (e a)so sent Adviser #u +ang to #u for aid, offering his son Zhuge 8ing as a hostage for his good faith$ At this time %un 8un had died and his .rother, %un 'hen, !as Prime ;inister$ %un 'hen !as a man of crue) and vio)ent temper and had put many officers to death on his !ay to po!er///among them !ere +rand 'ommander Teng &in, +enera) Lu 8u, and ;inister #ang 'hun$ The ,u)er of #u, %un Liang, a)though inte))igent, !as he)p)ess in his hands$ The messenger, #u +ang, conducted Zhuge 8ing to the residence of %un 'hen in %hidou, !ho as"ed !hat he had come for$ #u +ang e6p)ained, 0Zhuge Dan is a cousin of the Lord of #u6iang in %hu$ Zhuge Dan had .een in service of #ei3 and seeing %ima Zhao depose the his prince and oppress good peop)e, he !ants to punish the tyrant$ But his force is not enough, and he as"s for your he)p$ To sho! his sincerity, he sends his son Zhuge 8ing as a to"en of good faith$0 #u +ang-s re4uest !as received favora.)y, and %un 'hen sent seventy thousand troops !ith a fu)) comp)ement of officers/// uan &i and uan Duan as 'ommanders, &u uan as ,ear +uard, Tang Zi and Zhu &i as Leaders of the *an, #en in as ;i)itary +uide$ They marched in three directions to attac" #ei$ #u +ang returned to %houchun report success$ Zhuge Dan thought a)) !as going !e)) and prepared the army for a genera) attac"$ 5n Luoyang, Zhuge Dan-s memoria) angered %ima Zhao, !ho !ished to set out to revenge the attac" at once, .ut 8ia 'hong preached caution$ 0;y )ord, you derived your po!er from your father and .rother, and peop)e have not had time to discover your o!n virtue$ 5f you )eave the court and there .e a revu)sion of fee)ing against you, you !i)) )ose a))$ ,ather re4uest the @mpress Do!ager and the %on of (eaven to go !ith you in the e6pedition, and nothing is to .e feared,0 said 8ia 'hong$ 0That is an e6ce))ent p)an$0

%ima Zhao !ent into the Pa)ace and proposed it to (er ;a>esty, saying, 0Zhuge Dan is in revo)t, and my co))eagues and 5 intend to punish him$ 5 .eg that you !i)) accompany the e6pedition as the )ate @mperor !ou)d have done$0 The @mpress !as afraid, .ut dared not refuse, and the ne6t day !as re4uested to set out !ith the ,u)er of #ei, 'ao ;ao$ 'ao ;ao said, 0+enera), you command a)) the armies and dispose them as you !i))$ #hy do you as" me to go10 %ima Zhao rep)ied, 0&our ;a>esty is !rong to hesitate$ &our ancestors trave)ed over the empire and !ished to unite the !ho)e under one ru)er$ #herever there !as a !orthy opponent, they !ent to face him$ &our ;a>esty shou)d fo))o! their e6amp)e and s!eep the )and c)ean$ #hy fear10 'ao ;ao, fearing his minister-s terri.)e po!er, consented, and an edict !as issued for the commands to mo.i)i?e t!o hundred si6ty thousand troops of t!o capita)s$ #ang 8i, +enera) #ho 'orrects the %outh, !as in command of the van, and 'hen ian, +enera) #ho Pacifies the @ast, !as second in command of the van$ %hi Bao, Army 5nspector, and Zhou 'ai, 5mperia) Protector of &ang?hou, )ed the 5mperia) @scort$ The army moved into the %outh of ,iver (uai )i"e a great f)ood$ Zhu &i, the Leader of the *an of #u, encountered them, and .oth sides dre! up for .att)e$ Zhu &i rode out and too" the cha))enge, .ut !as overcome .y #ang 8i in the third .out and he f)ed$ Tang Zi a)so rode out, .ut !as a)so .eaten in the third encounter .y #ang 8i$ Then #ang 8i ordered a fu)) attac"$ The troops of #u !ere .ro"en and retired fifteen mi)es and camped$ Thence they sent tidings of their i))/success to %houchun$ Zhuge Dan in %houchun )ed out his .o)d and strong so)diers to >oin forces !ith #en in and his t!o sons, #en &ang and #en (u$ Then they set out against %ima Zhao$ 2o! here is a chec" to the armies of #u, And #ei-s ga))ant men advance$ The ne6t chapter !i)) te)) ho! !ent victory$ Chapter -

Res.uing Sh#u.hun" Yu ?uan Dies @#*$y; Atta./ing Chang.heng" ;iang Wei 0#*i$i3es.

(earing of this threatened attac", %ima Zhao sought advice from t!o of his officers, (igh 'ounse)or Pei <iu and Pa)ace Assistant Zhong (ui$ Zhong (ui said, 0The #u army is he)ping our enemies for the sa"e of profit, and hence !e can seduce them !ith an offer of greater profit$0 %ima Zhao agreed in this opinion and reso)ved according)y$ As part of his p)an, he sent %hi Bao and Zhou 'ai to )ay am.ushes in different p)aces near %houchun$ As ordered .y %ima Zhao, #ang 8i and 'hen ian commanded an army of veterans on the rear, 'heng Zu )ed thirty thousand troops out to .ring on a .att)e, !hi)e 'hen 8un got together many !agons, herds of o6en, droves of horses, don"eys and mu)es, and heaps of mi)itary supp)ies, a)) of !hich he cro!ded together in the midst of the army$ This stuff !as meant to .e a.andoned as soon as the fight .egan, so that the enemy might .e tempted to p)under$ That day, Zhuge Dan )ed the center army, !hi)e Zhu &i and #en in commanded the )eft and right armies$ The armies .eing dra!n up, Zhuge Dan )oo"ed across at his opponents and sa! that the center of the #ei army !as ta"en up .y a disorder)y mass of transport$ Present)y he )ed on his troops to attac", and 'heng Zu, as .idden to do, gave !ay and f)ed, )eaving a )arge amount of spoi)$ #hen the so)diers of #u sa! such huge 4uantities of .ooty, theirs for the ta"ing, they )ost a)) desire to fight and scattered to gather the spoi)$ #hi)e thus occupied, sudden)y a .om. e6p)oded and, from )eft and right, do!n came %hi Bao and Zhou 'ai and the army of #ei upon the spoi)ers$ Zhuge Dan attempted to dra! off, .ut other forces under #ang 8i and 'hen ian appeared, and he !as heavi)y smitten$ Then came on %ima Zhao !ith his army, and Zhuge Dan f)ed to %houchun, !here he entered and shut the gates$ The army of #ei set do!n to the siege of the city, and the army of #u retired into camp at Anfeng$ The ,u)er of #ei, 'ao ;ao, !as )odging at this time in <iangcheng$

Then said Zhong (ui, 0Zhuge Dan has .een !orsted, .ut the city !herein he has ta"en refuge is !e)) supp)ied, and his a))ies, the troops of #u, are not distant$ (is position is strong$ :ur so)diers are .esieging the city a)) round, !hich means that those !ithin !i)) ho)d out for a )ong time, or they !i)) ma"e a desperate sortie$ Their a))ies a)so may fa)) upon us at the same time, and it !ou)d go hard !ith us$ Therefore, 5 advise that the attac" .e made on)y on three sides, )eaving the south gate open for them if they !ish to f)ee$ 5f they f)ee, !e can fa)) on the fugitives$ The troops of #u cannot have supp)ies for very )ong$ 5f !e sent some )ight cava)ry round .y their rear, !e might stay their fighting po!er !ithout a .att)e$0 0&ou are my Zhang LiangD,0 said %ima Zhao, stro"ing the .ac" of his adviser$ 0&our advice is e6ce))ent=0 %o #ang 8i, !ho !as on the south of the city, !as ordered to !ithdra!$ But in the #u camp at Anfeng !as much sadness at the !ant of success$ %un 'hen said to +enera) Zhu &i, 05f !e cannot succor %houchun, ho! can !e hope to overrun the ;idd)e Land1 2o! and here you have to !in a victory or die, for another defeat !i)) mean death$0 Zhu &i !ent .ac" to his camp and ta)"ed !ith &u uan$

&u uan said, 0The south gate of %houchun is free, and 5 !i)) )ead therein some of our troops to he)p Zhuge Dan$ Then you cha))enge the #ei army on one side, and !e !i)) come out from the city and attac" on the other side$0 Zhu &i thought the p)an good, and uan &i, uan Duan, and #en in !ere !i))ing to go into the city and share in the attac"$ They !ere a))o!ed to march in !ithout hindrance as the #ei genera)s had no orders to stop them$ #hen this !as reported to %ima Zhao, he said, 0This is a p)an to defeat our army .y ma"ing a front and rear attac"$0 %o he ca))ed #ang 8i and 'hen ian and to)d them to ta"e five thousand troops to "eep the road a)ong !hich Zhu &i !ou)d come and stri"e him in rear$

Zhu &i !as advancing to!ard the city !hen he heard a shouting in the rear, and soon the attac" .egan from t!o sides .y #ang 8i and 'hen ian$ (is army !as !orsted and returned to Anfeng$ #hen %un 'hen heard of this ne! defeat, he !as very angry$ 0#hat is the use of )eaders !ho a)!ays )ose10 cried he$ (e sentenced Zhu &i to death, and up.raided uan #ei, son of uan Duan, and said, 05f you do not drive off this army of #ei, )et me never again see your face, nor that of your father$0 Then %un 'hen returned to 'apita) 8ianye$ #hen this !as "no!n in the #ei camp, Zhong (ui said to his chief, 02o! the city of %houchun may .e attac"ed, for %un 'hen has gone a!ay, and there is no hope of succor for the .esieged$0 A vigorous assau)t .egan$ uan #ei tried to cut his !ay through and get into the city$ But !hen he sa! %houchun 4uite surrounded .y the enemy and no hope of success, he gave in and !ent over to %ima Zhao, .y !hom he !as !e)) received and given the ran" of +enera)$ Deep)y affected .y this "indness, uan #ei !rote to his father, uan Duan, and unc)e, uan &i, advising them to fo))o! his e6amp)e$ (e tied the )etter to an arro! and shot it over the !a))s$ uan &i found the )etter, and he and uan Duan, !ith their severa) thousand troops, came out and yie)ded$ #ithin the city Zhuge Dan !as very sad$ T!o advisers, 8iang Ban and 8iao &i, came to him and said, 0The food in the city is short, and the so)diers are many3 this can not )ast )ong$ +enera), you shou)d )et the #u troops to go out and ma"e a decisive fight !ith the #ei army$0 Zhuge Dan turned on them angri)y$ 0#hy do you te)) me to fight !hen 5 am set on ho)ding out to the very )ast1 5f you say that again, you sha)) die as traitors=0 0(e is )ost=0 said they, going a!ay$ 0#e can do no other than surrender or !e sha)) die too$0

That night 8iang Ban and 8iao &i s)ipped over the !a)) and surrendered$ Both !ere given emp)oyment$ :f those )eft in the city some !ere for fighting, .ut no one dared say so$ ;ean!hi)e Zhuge Dan sa! the #ei troops .ui)d earth !a))s to anticipate the e6pected f)oods of ,iver (uai$ This f)ood had .een the on)y hope of Zhuge Dan, !ho had trusted to .e a.)e to smite the .esiegers !hen it came to destroy the earth !a))$ (o!ever, that autumn !as dry, and the river did not s!e))$ #ithin the .esieged city the food diminished rapid)y, and soon starvation stared them in the face$ #en in and his sons !ere defending the citade), and they sa! their so)diers sin"ing one .y one for )ac" of food ti)) the sight .ecame un.eara.)e$ #en in !ent to Zhuge Dan !ith a proposa), saying, 0The northern troops shou)d .e sent a!ay in order to save food$0 (is suggestion ca))ed forth an out.urst of fierce !rath of Zhuge Dan$ 0Do you !ant to "i)) me that you propose to send the northern so)diers a!ay10 #en in suffered death$ (is t!o sons, #en &ang and #en (u, ran amo" !ith rage$ Armed !ith short s!ords, they attac"ed a)) they met and s)e! many scores in their desperate anger$ The fit over, they dropped do!n the !a)) and deserted to the #ei camp$ (o!ever, %ima Zhao had not forgotten that #en &ang had defied and he)d at .ay his !ho)e army once$ At first %ima Zhao thought to put #en &ang to death, .ut Zhong (ui interposed$ 0The rea) offender !as his father, #en in,0 said Zhong (ui, 0.ut he is dead, and these t!o come to you in desperation$ 5f you s)ay those !ho surrender, you !i)) strengthen the o.stinacy of those !ho remain in the city$0 There !as reason in this, and so their su.mission !as accepted$ They !ere )ed to %ima Zhao-s tent, and he soothed them !ith "ind !ords and gave them gifts and )ordships, and made them +enera)s$ After e6pressing their gratitude, they rode a.out the city on the horses he had given them, shouting, 0#e have received great

"indness at the hands of %ima Zhao, !ho not on)y has pardoned us .ut given us gifts$ #hy do you not a)) yie)d10 #hen their companions heard this, they said one to another$ 0This #en &ang !as an enemy, and yet he has .een !e)) received$ (o! much more may !e e6pect generous treatment10 The desire to surrender possessed them a))$ #hen Zhuge Dan heard it, he !as incensed and !ent round the posts night and day on the !atch for any !ho seemed inc)ined to go$ (e put many to death in these efforts to retain his authority$ Zhong (ui heard ho! things !ere going in the city and !ent in to %ima Zhao to say the moment to attac" had come$ %ima Zhao !as on)y too p)eased$ (e stimu)ated his troops, and they f)oc"ed to the ramparts and assau)ted vigorous)y$ Then the commander of the north gate, Zeng <uan, treacherous)y opened the gate and )et in the #ei so)diers$ #hen Zhuge Dan heard that the enemy !ere in the city, he ca))ed his guards and tried to escape$ (e too" his !ay a)ong the sma))er streets to the gate, .ut on the dra!.ridge he met (u 9en, !ho cut him do!n$ (is fo))o!ers !ere made prisoners$ #ang 8i fought his !ay to the !est gate, !here he fe)) in !ith the #u genera), &u uan$ 0#hy do you not yie)d10 shouted #ang 8i$ 0#here is the princip)e for yie)ding !hen 5 have my orders to rescue the city and so far have not succeeded10 Thro!ing off his he)met, he cried, 0The happiest death a man can die is on the .att)efie)d=0 #hir)ing his s!ord a.out, &u uan dashed among his enemies and fought ti)) he fe)) under many !ounds$ ;any !ere they !ho yie)ded at %houchun, Bo!ing their heads in the dust .efore %ima Zhao$ #u had produced its heroes, &et none !ere faithfu) to the death )i"e &u uan$ #hen %ima Zhao entered the city, he put to death the !ho)e fami)y of Zhuge Dan$ %ome of his guards fe)) into the hands of %ima Zhao a)ive, and he offered them their )ives if they !ou)d yie)d$

They a)) refused, saying, 0#e !ou)d rather share the fate of our )eader$0 They !ere sent out of the city to .e .eheaded, .ut orders !ere given to offer each one his )ife at the )ast moment$ Thus, .efore a person !as a.out to receive the fata) .)o!, that one !as as"ed to yie)d$ 2ot one accepted, and they a)) died$ 5n admiration for their fortitude, they !ere honora.)y interred .y order of %ima Zhao$ The )oya) servant f)ees not in the day of disaster3 %uch !ere they !ho fo))o!ed Zhuge Dan to the shades$ @ver and again .egins the %ong of Life-s Brevity$ 9aithfu) unto death !ere they, even as Tian (eng-s peop)eD As has .een said, many of the troops of #u surrendered$ Then said Pei <iu, 0The parents and chi)dren of these so)diers are )iving a)) over ,iver (uai$ 5f you spare them and they return home, they !i)) foment re.e))ion .y and .y$ The .est !ay is to .ury them$0 But Zhong (ui said, 02o$ #hen the ancients made !ar, their po)icy !as to maintain the state as a !ho)e, and so they on)y put to death the originators of trou.)e$ 5t !ou)d .e inhumane to s)ay a))$ ,ather )et them return home as !itnesses to your )i.era) po)icy$0 0That is .etter advice,0 said %ima Zhao$ %o the so)diers of #u !ere re)eased and a))o!ed to return home$ Tang Zi dared not return to his o!n p)ace in #u for fear of the crue) %un 'hen, so he !ent over to #ei, ta"ing his company !ith him$ (e !as !e)) received, and his peop)e !ere emp)oyed over the counties of the three rivers$ The country a.out ,iver (uai .eing no! 4uiet, %ima Zhao decided to march home!ard$ 8ust then the ne!s came7 08iang #ei, the %hu +enera), is attac"ing 'hangcheng and interfering !ith the supp)ies$0 And so a counci) !as ca))ed to discuss this matter$ At this time in %hu, the reign sty)e !as changed from Long @n>oyment, the t!entieth year, to #onderfu) %ight, the first year (AD 2HI)$ 5n (an?hong 8iang #ei had recruited t!o genera)s, 9u ian and

8iang %hu, .oth of !hom he )oved great)y, and set them to train the army, horse and foot$ Then came the ne!s7 0Zhuge Dan has set out to destroy %ima Zhao3 %un 'hen of #u has supported him !ith a )arge army3 and %ima Zhao has )ed the army himse)f, .ringing !ith him the @mpress Do!ager and the ,u)er of #ei$0 8iang #ei said, 0The great opportunity has come at )ast=0 %o he as"ed the Latter ,u)er-s authority to ma"e another e6pedition$ But ;inister not !e))$ iao Zhou heard this !ith grief, for interna) affairs !ere

%aid he, 0The court is sun" in dissipation, and the @mperor-s confidence is given to that eunuch, (uang (ao$ %tate affairs are neg)ected for p)easure, !hich is the @mperor-s so)e aim$ 8iang #ei has )ed many e6peditions and !asted the )ives of many so)diers, so that the state is fa))ing$0 iao Zhou then !rote an essay on 0@nemy Cingdoms,0 !hich he sent to 8iang #ei$ 0#hen one as"s .y !hat means the !ea" overcame the strong in past times, the ans!er is that those responsi.)e for the strong state made no strugg)e against genera) )a6ity, !hi)e those in po!er in a !ea" state too" carefu) steps for improvement$ 'onfusion fo))o!ed upon )a6ity and efficiency gre! out of di)igence, as is the universa) ru)e$ Cing #en of ZhouD devoted himse)f to the !e)fare of his peop)e, and !ith a sma)) num.er achieved great resu)ts3 +ou 8ianD sympathi?ed !ith a)), and !ith a !ea" force overcame a po!erfu) opponent$ These !ere their methods$ 0:ne may reca)) that in the past 'hu !as strong and (an !ea" !hen the empire !as divided .y agreement at the +reat 'ana)D$ Then, seeing that his peop)e !ere satisfied and sett)ed in their minds, Zhang LiangD !ent in pursuit of <iang &u and destroyed him$ 0But is it necessary to act )i"e Cing #en and +ou 8ian1 Listen to the rep)y$ 5n the days of %hang and Zhou, !hen imperia) ran"s had )ong e6isted and the re)ations .et!een prince and minister !ere firm)y esta.)ished, even such as the 9ounder of the (ans cou)d not have carved his !ay to a throne$ But !hen the dynasty of in had

suppressed the feuda) no.)es and set up mere representatives of its o!n po!er, and the peop)e !ere !ea" and ens)aved, the empire !as rived asunder, and there succeeded a time of contention, !hen every .o)d sou) strove !ith his neigh.or$ 0But !e are no! in other times$ %ince there is not the state of confusion that !aited on the end of in, .ut a state of things more near)y )i"e that of the period of the #arring %tates, in !hich si6 "ingdoms contended for the mastery, therefore one may p)ay the part of Cing #en$ 5f one !ou)d found a dynasty, then must that one !ait upon time and favora.)e destiny$ #ith these in his favor, the consummation !i)) fo))o! forth!ith, as the armies of Cings TangD and #uD fought .ut one .att)e$ Therefore have rea) compassion for the peop)e and !ait on opportunity$ 5f !ars are constant, and a mishap come, even the !isest !i)) .e una.)e to sho! the !ay of safety$0 0An effusion from the pen of a rotten pedant10 cried 8iang #ei !rathfu))y as he finished reading, and he dashed the essay on the ground in contempt$ The protest !as disregarded, and the army marched$ 05n your opinion !here shou)d !e .egin10 as"ed he of 9u ian$

9u ian rep)ied, 0The great storehouse of #ei is at 'hangcheng, and !e ought to .urn their grain and forage$ Let us go out .y the Luo *a))ey and cross the %hen ,idge$ After the capture of 'hangcheng, !e can go on to inchuan, and the con4uest of the ;idd)e Land !i)) .e near$0 0#hat you say >ust fits in !ith my secret p)ans,0 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ %o the army marched to the Luo *a))ey and crossed the %hen ,idge$ The 'ommander in 'hangcheng !as %ima #ang, a cousin of %ima Zhao$ (uge stores of grain !ere in the city, .ut its defenses !ere !ea"$ %o !hen %ima #ang heard of the approach of the %hu army, he and his t!o )eaders, #ang Zhen and Li Peng, made a camp seven mi)es from the !a))s to "eep any attac" at a distance$ #hen the enemy came up, %ima #ang and his t!o genera)s !ent forth from the ran"s to meet them$

8iang #ei stood in the front of his army and said, 0%ima Zhao has forced his prince to go !ith him to !ar, !hich p)ain)y indicates that he intends to emu)ate the deeds of Li 8ue and +uo %i$ ;y government has commanded me to punish this fau)t$ #herefore 5 say to you yie)d at once$ 9or if you persist in the !ay of error, you and yours sha)) a)) .e put to death=0 %ima #ang shouted .ac", 0&ou and yours are !ho))y strangers to any fee)ing of rectitude$ &ou have repeated)y invaded a superior state-s territory$ 5f you do not at once retire, 5 !i)) see to it that not even a .reastp)ate returns=0 #ith these !ords +enera) #ang Zhen rode out, his spear set ready to thrust$ 9rom the host of %hu came 9u ian to ta"e the cha))enge, and the t!o champions engaged$ After a fe! encounters 9u ian tempted his opponent .y feigning !ea"ness$ #ang Zhen thrust at the opening he gave$ 9u ian evaded the .)o!, snatched #ang Zhen out of the sadd)e, and .ore him off$ %eeing this, his co))eague, Li Peng !hir)ed up his s!ord and !ent pounding do!n to!ard the captor$ 9u ian !ent .ut s)o!)y, thus )uring Li Peng into rash pursuit$ #hen Li Peng !as near enough, 9u ian dashed his prisoner !ith a)) his strength to the earth, too" a firm grip on his four/edged .rand, and smote Li Peng fu)) in the face$ The .)o! "noc"ed out an eye, and Li Peng fe)) dead$ #ang Zhen had .een a)ready "i))ed .y the %hu troops as he )ay on the ground$ Both genera)s .eing dead, the troops of #ei f)ed into the city and .arred the gates$ 8iang #ei gave orders for the army to rest that night and ta"e the city on the morro! !ith a)) vigor$ 2e6t day, at da!n, the assau)t .egan$ The so)diers, fresh from their rest, vied !ith each other !ho shou)d .e first on the !a))$ They shot over the ramparts fire/arro!s and fire.om.s and .urned a)) the .ui)dings on the !a))$ They ne6t .rought up .rush!ood and pi)ed it against the rampart and set it a)ight, so that the f)ames rose high$ #hen the city seemed a.out to fa)), the defenders set up a ho!)ing and a )amentation that cou)d .e heard a)) around$ But sudden)y a great ro))ing of drums diverted the attention of the assai)ants from the city, and they turned their faces to see a great host of #ei so)diers marching up in a)) the g)ory of !aving .anners$ 8iang #ei

faced a.out to meet this attac" and too" his p)ace .eneath the great standard$ Present)y 8iang #ei made out a youthfu)/)oo"ing )eader riding in advance !ith his spear ready to thrust$ (e )oo"ed scarce)y more than t!enty years of age, his face !as smooth as if po!dered, and his )ips !ere crimson$ But from them came fierce !ords$ 0Do you recogni?e +enera) Deng10 cried he$ 0%o this is Deng Ai,0 thought 8iang #ei$ Thereupon 8iang #ei set his spear and rode out$ Both !ere adepts in arms and neither gave the other an opening, so that at the end of near ha)f a hundred .outs neither cou)d c)aim advantage$ The youth !ie)ded his spear !ith perfect s"i))$ 05f 5 cannot gain the advantage .y some ruse, ho! sha)) 5 !in10 thought 8iang #ei$ %o he turned aside his steed and dashed a)ong a certain road that )ed to the hi))s$ The youth fo))o!ed$ Present)y 8iang #ei s)ung his spear, )aid hands upon his .o!, chose !ith care a feathered arro!, and )aid it on the string$ But the youth !as 4uic" of eye, and as the .o!string sang, he .ent his head over the sadd)e and the arro! passed harm)ess)y .y$ The ne6t time 8iang #ei turned, he sa! his pursuer c)ose upon him, and a)ready the spear !as threatening his )ife$ But as the youth thrust, 8iang #ei evaded the .)o! and caught the shaft under his arm$ Thus deprived of his !eapon, the young man made for his o!n array$ 0#hat a pity= #hat a great pity=0 cried 8iang #ei, turning to pursue$ (e fo))o!ed the young genera) c)ose up to the standard$ But >ust as he came near, a !arrior came to the front, shouting, 08iang #ei, you foo), do not pursue my son !hen 5, Deng Ai, am here=0 8iang #ei !as ta"en a.ac"3 so he had on)y .een contending !ith Deng Zhong, the son of his rea) opponent$ A)though he !as astonished at the s"i)) and vigor of the youth, he no! "ne! that a

heavier tas" )ay .efore him and feared )est his steed !as then too far spent for the contest$ %o he said to Deng Ai, 0%eeing things are so, )et us .oth ho)d off our troops ti)) the morro!, !hen !e !i)) fight$0 Deng Ai, g)ancing around, sa! that the p)ace !as i))/suited for him, so he agreed to !ait, saying, 0Let us )ead off our armies then, and !hoever sha)) ta"e any secret advantage is a .ase fe))o!$0 Both sides retired into camp, Deng Ai on the .an" of ,iver #ei, and 8iang #ei on the hi))s$ Deng Ai sa! that the army of %hu had the advantage of position, so he !rote off at once to %ima #ang7 0+enera), !e shou)d not give .att)e, .ut !ait for reinforcements$ ;ean!hi)e the so)diers of %hu !i)) .e consuming their supp)y of grain, and !e !i)) attac" on three sides !hen they .egin to .e hungry$ 5 send my son Deng Zhong to you for further he)p in the defense of the city$0 8iang #ei sent a messenger to the #ei camp to de)iver a )etter of .att)e, the contest to ta"e p)ace the ne6t day$ Deng Ai open)y accepted$ But !hen morning came and 8iang #ei had arrayed his troops, his enemy had not appeared on the fie)d$ 2or !as there any sign of giving .att)e, no disp)ay of f)ags or ro))ing of drums a)) day$ At nightfa)) the army of %hu returned to camp, and 8iang #ei sent a )etter reproaching his opponent !ith his fai)ure to "eep his !ord$ Deng Ai treated the .earer of the )etter !ith great courtesy and e6p)ained, saying, 05 have .een indisposed today, .ut !i)) certain)y fight on the morro!$0 But the ne6t day passed a)so !ithout any move on the part of #ei3 and the same thing !ent on for five days$ Then said 9u ian to his chief, 0There is some "navery afoot, and !e must .e on our guard$0 0They must .e !aiting for reinforcements from #ithin the Passes that they may attac" on three sides,0 said 8iang #ei$ 0But no! !i)) 5 send into #u and get %un 'hen to stri"e at the same time as 5$0

8ust then scouts came to give the ne!s of the rout of the army of #u7 0%ima Zhao has defeated %houchun and "i))ed Zhuge Dan$ ;any in the #u army have gone over to #ei$ %ima Zhao has gone to Luoyang and is p)anning to march an army to attac" 'hangcheng$0 0%o our attac" on #ei is .ut a sham=0 said 8iang #ei, .itter)y$ 05t is on)y a picture of a ca"e$0 9our times he missed= (e hai)ed The fifth occasion >oyfu))y, and fai)ed$ The ne6t chapter !i)) te)) the story of the retreat$ Chapter 1 Ding (eng 0a/es A +$an T# S$ay Sun Chen; ;iang Wei Arrays A %att$e T# Defeat Deng Ai.

9earing )est reinforcements !ou)d strengthen his enemy .eyond his o!n po!er of resistance, 8iang #ei decided to retreat !hi)e he cou)d$ (e sent a)) his stores and .aggage a!ay first !ith the footmen, and "ept the cava)ry to cover the retirement$ The spies reported his movements to Deng Ai, !ho said, 0(e has gone .ecause he "ne! that the main army !ou)d soon .e upon him$ Let him go, and do not fo))o!$ 5f !e pursue, he !i)) p)ay us some evi) tric"$0 %couts !ere sent to "eep in touch !ith the retreating army, and !hen they returned they reported that preparations of dry !oods and stra!s had .een made in the Luo *a))ey to chec" any pursuit !ith fire$ The officers praised the prescience of Deng Ai, 0+enera), your ca)cu)ation is superhuman=0 #hen Deng Ai reported these matters to the capita), %ima Zhao !as very p)eased and confer more re!ards$ The Prime ;inister of #u, %un 'hen, !as great)y angered .y the desertion of so many of his so)diers and officers to #ei, and revenged himse)f .y putting their fami)ies to death$ The ,u)er of #u, %un Liang, disapproved of these acts of crue)ty, .ut he !as po!er)ess$

The young @mperor !as of an ingenious turn of mind$ :ne day he !ent to the #est Par" to eat of the ne!)y ripened p)ums$ (e .ade one of the eunuchs .ring some honey$ 5t !as .rought, .ut there !ere mouse droppings in it$ The ,u)er of #u ca))ed the store"eeper and .)amed him for care)essness$ The store"eeper said, 0#e are very carefu) to "eep the stores in good order, and the honey cannot not possi.)y have .een fou)ed in the storehouse$0 0(as anyone as"ed you for honey )ate)y10 as"ed the ,u)er of #u$ 0:ne of the eunuchs as"ed for some a fe! days ago$ 5 refused him$0 The ,u)er of #u ca))ed the named eunuch and said, 0&ou defi)ed the honey out of spite$0 The man denied it$ 05t is very easy to te)),0 said the ,u)er of #u$ 05f the dirt has .een )ying in the honey for some time it !i)) .e !et a)) through$0 Then the ,u)er of #u ordered them to cut one of the )umps, and it !as 4uite dry inside$ The eunuch then confessed$ This sho!s the ,u)er of #u !as 4uic"/!itted$ But c)ever as he !as, he cou)d not contro) his Prime ;inister, !hose re)atives !ere in command of a)) the garrisons and armies, so that he !as unassai)a.)e$ (is four .rothers a)) had high offices7 %un 8u !as +enera) #ho Terrifies Distant ,egions and 'ommander of 5mperia) +uards3 %un @n, +enera) #ho %ho!s Pro!ess3 %un +an, 5mperia) 'ommander3 and %un Can, 'ommander of 'hangshui$ :ne day the ,u)er of #u, musing over his sorro!s and fee)ing very misera.)e, .egan to !eep$ The officer in charge of the eunuchs, !ho !as an 5mperia) Brother/in/La!, stood .y$ 0%un 'hen ho)ds a)) rea) po!er and does as he !ishes, !hi)e 5 am despised,0 said the ,u)er of #u$ 0%omething must .e done$0 uan 8i said, 05 !ou)d thin" no sacrifice too great if &our ;a>esty !ou)d ma"e use of me$0 05f you cou)d muster the Pa)ace guards and he)p +enera) Liu 'heng to "eep the gates, 5 !ou)d go and murder that ruffian$ But you must

not )et anyone "no!3 for if you te)) your no.)e mother, !ho is a sister of %un 'hen, she !i)) te)) her .rother, and that !ou)d .e very serious for me$0 0#i)) &our ;a>esty give me a command that 5 may have authority to act !hen the time comes10 said uan 8i$ 0At the critica) moment 5 cou)d sho! the edict and ho)d .ac" %un 'hen-s supporters$0 The command !as given, and uan 8i !ent home$ But he cou)d not "eep his secret, and confided the p)an to his father, uan %hang$ (is father to)d his !ife, 0%un 'hen !i)) .e got rid of in three days$0 0:h, he deserves that,0 said she$ A)though she seemed to approve !ith her tongue, she sent a secret messenger !ith a )etter to the proposed victim$ That same night %un 'hen ca))ed in his four )eader .rothers, and the Pa)ace !as surrounded$ The conspirators !ere sei?ed, !ith Liu 'heng and uan %hang and a)) their fami)ies$ A.out da!n the ,u)er of #u !as distur.ed .y a commotion at the gates, and a servant to)d him, 0%un 'hen !ith his army has surrounded the 5nner Pa)ace=0 %un Liang "ne! that he had .een .etrayed$ (e turned on @mpress uan, !ho !as of the uan house, and reproached her$ 0&our father and .rother have upset a)) my p)ans=0 Dra!ing his s!ord, he !as dashing out !hen his 'onsort and her peop)e c)ung to his c)othing and he)d him .ac"$ After putting to death Liu 'heng-s and uan %hang-s parties, %un 'hen assem.)ed the officers in the court and addressed them thus7 0The @mperor is vicious and !ea", depraved and foo)ish and unfit for his high office$ #herefore he must .e deposed$ Any of you !ho oppose !i)) .e punished as for conspiracy$0 0#e sha)) o.ey your command, : +enera)=0 said the court officiers out of fear$ :n)y one of those present dared to say a !ord of protest$

5t !as 'hair of the %ecretariat (uan &i, !ho said, 0(o! dare you utter such !ords1 :ur @mperor is very inte))igent, and 5 !i)) not support you$ 5 !ou)d rather die=0 %un 'hen !rathfu))y dre! his s!ord and s)e! (uan &i$ Then %un 'hen !ent into the Pa)ace and said to %un Liang, 0: unrighteous and unen)ightened (ighness, your death !ou)d .e the on)y fitting reparation to ma"e to the empire, .ut out of consideration for your ancestors you are on)y deposed and degraded to prince)y ran" as Prince of Cuai>i$ 5 !i)) se)ect a !orthy successor$0 %ecretary Li Zong !as ordered to .ring in the roya) sea), !hich !as de)ivered to Deng 'heng$ The deposed ru)er retired !eeping$ The sage e6amp)e of the !ise &i &inD Perverted no! to traitor-s use !e see3 And (uo +uang-s faithfu) servicesD are made A c)oa" to cover vi)est treachery$ @ven a.)e princes are .ut toys of fate, And need our pity, fa))en from high estate$ %un 'hen then sent t!o ministers of the court, ,oya) ')an ,ecorder %un Cai and %ecretary Dong 'ao, !ent as envoys to (u)in to re4uest %un <iu, Prince of Langye, the si6th son of %un uan, to ascend the throne$ The @mperor/e)ect had had some premonition of the high honor to !hich he !as no! ca))ed, for in a dream he sa! he ascended into the s"ies seated on a dragon$ :n)y the dragon seemed to have no tai)$ (e !o"e up in a fright, and the ne6t day .rought the 5mperia) @nvoys, %un Cai and Dong 'ao$ %un <iu set out$ At ue his carriage !as stopped .y a venera.)e o)d man !ho c)aimed to .e +an <iu and offered fe)icitations$ 0&our ;a>esty shou)d move faster, for things may change s!ift)y,0 said the aged one$ %un <iu than"ed the o)d man$ At Busai Pavi)ion a!aited %un @n !ith a chariot, .ut %un <iu-s modesty !ou)d not a))o! him to mount it$ (e remained in his o!n simp)e carriage and therein trave)ed to the Pa)ace$ :fficia)s )ined the

road to sa)ute him, and he dismounted to return their sa)utations$ Then %un 'hen stood forth and .ade them ta"e the ne!)y/e)ected @mperor .y the arm and )ead him into the +reat (a)), !here, after thrice refusing the honor, he at )ast too" his seat in the Dragon Throne and received the >ade sea) passed from one ru)er to another$ #hen a)) the officers had made o.eisance, there !ere the usua) amnesties, promotions, and honors, and @terna) Tran4ui))ity, the first year (AD 2HI), !as the name of the ne! reign$ %un 'hen !as confirmed as Prime ;inister, !ith the 5mperia) Protectorship of 8ing?hou$ ;oreover, %un (ao, the son of his e)der .rother, !as created Lord of #ucheng$ %un 'hen, !ith five persons in his fami)y ho)ding )ordships and the !ho)e army under their command, !as immense)y po!erfu), a.)e to set up and pu)) do!n at !i))$ The ne! ,u)er of #u, %un <iu, secret)y feared him3 and a)though out!ard)y he sho!ed %un 'hen great favor, yet he "ept carefu) !atch over %un 'hen, !hose arrogance "ne! no .ounds$ 5n the !inter %un 'hen sent into the Pa)ace presents of o6en and !ine as .irthday gifts$ The ,u)er of #u dec)ined them$ %un 'hen !as very annoyed and too" the presents to Zhang Bu-s residence, !here they t!o dined together$ Zhang Bu !as the +enera) of the Left Army$ #hen !armed !ith !ine, %un 'hen said, 0#hen 5 deposed the present Prince of Cuai>i, many peop)e urged me to ta"e the throne myse)f$ But 5 acted magnanimous)y and set up this present @mperor$ 2o! 5 suffer the mortification of seeing my presents re>ected$ &ou !i)) see !hat !i)) come of this s)ight$0 Zhang Bu sho!ed sympathy, .ut the ne6t day he secret)y to)d the ,u)er of #u, and %un <iu-s fears increased so that he cou)d not rest$ %hort)y after this, %un 'hen sent a )arge .ody of troops under the command of ;inister ;eng Zong into camp at #uchang, and %un 'hen armed them from the state arsena)s$ #hereupon +enera) #ei ;iao and 5mperia) +uard %hi %huo secret)y memoria)i?ed the ,u)er of #u7 0%un 'hen has moved the troops outside and provided them !ith state arms$ This action points to re.e))ion$0

%un <iu !as shoc"ed, and ca))ed in Zhang Bu to consu)t, and he said, 0The *eteran +enera) Ding 9eng is an a.)e and trust!orthy officer$ (e shou)d .e consu)ted$0 %o Ding 9eng !as ca))ed and ta"en into the @mperor-s confidence$ 0(ave no an6iety,0 said Ding 9eng$ 05 !i)) find some !ay of ridding the state of this evi)$0 0#hat do you propose10 0#hen the !inter court is he)d, and a)) the officers are assem.)ed, spread a great .an4uet and invite %un 'hen$ 5 sha)) .e ready to act$0 #ei ;iao and %hi %huo !ere ta"en into the p)ot and !ere to do !hat !as possi.)e outside the Pa)ace, and Zhang Bu sa! to arrangements !ithin$ :ne night a heavy storm came on to .)o!, !hich tore up great trees .y the roots$ (o!ever, .y day)ight it had a.ated, and that morning an @mperor-s messenger arrived .earing an invitation to a .an4uet in the Pa)ace$ %un 'hen rose from his couch, and, as he did so, fe)) f)at on the ground as though he had .een pushed from .ehind$ This accident trou.)ed him, and he fe)t apprehensive, so he ca))ed ha)f a score of his trusty guards to act as his escort to the Pa)ace$ As he !as )eaving home, his fami)y .esought him not to go out, saying, 0The storm )ast night and the fa)) this morning are fearfu) omens$ &ou shou)d not go to that .an4uet$0 (o!ever, he made )ight of their fears and said, 0;y .rothers are ho)ding the army$ #ho !i)) dare come near me1 But if there is anything amiss, you >ust give a fire signa) from the Prime ;inister-s residence$0 %o %un 'hen too" his seat, and the carriage set out$ #hen he reached the court, the ,u)er of #u rose from his p)ace to !e)come him, and at ta.)e %un 'hen sat in the seat of honor$ The .an4uet proceeded$ 0There is a fire outside7 #hat does that mean10 said a guest present)y$ %un 'hen rose to go out, .ut the ,u)er of #u said, 0There is no danger, and there are p)enty of so)diers outside to ta"e care of that$0

8ust at that moment Zhang Bu entered at the head of thirty armed guards$ (e rushed up the .an4uet cham.er, shouting, 05 ho)d a command to s)ay the re.e) %un 'hen=0 5nstant)y the Prime ;inister !as sei?ed$ (e fe)) prostrate .efore the ,u)er of #u, "noc"ing his head on the ground and crying, 0%pare my )ife= @6i)e me to 8iao?houD, !here 5 !i)) do p)o! !or"$0 0Did you e6i)e any of your victims///Teng &in, Lu 8u, #ang 'hun, and others10 said the ,u)er of #u, angri)y$ The order !ent forth to carry out the e6ecution, and %un 'hen !as hust)ed out and put to death$ 2o sing)e person of his servants raised a hand to he)p him$ Then Zhang Bu read an edict7 0%un 'hen is the on)y cu)prit, and no other !i)) .e 4uestioned$0 Then at Zhang Bu-s re4uest, the ,u)er of #u !ent up on the To!er of the 9ive Phoeni6es$ Zhang Bu, #ei ;iao, and %hi %huo .rought the .rothers of the Prime ;inister .efore %un <iu, and he condemned them to death$ After this their fami)ies !ere s)ain, so that many hundreds suffered death$ 2ot content !ith a)) these things, the tom. of %un 8un !as .ro"en open and his corpse .eheaded$ ;agnificent tom.s !ere raised to his victims///Zhuge Ce, Teng &in, Lu 8u, #ang 'hun, and others$ Thus at )ast )oya)ty !as re!arded, and the .anished !ere permitted to return home !ith fu)) pardon$ The conspirators !ere re!arded$ 2e!s of this revo)ution !as sent into 'hengdu, and the Latter ,u)er sent an envoy into #u !ith fe)icitations$ 5n return, the ,u)er of #u sent <ue <u as his envoy to %hu$ #hen <ue <u returned, the ,u)er of #u 4uestioned a.out affairs in the !est, and <ue <u said, 0A)) affairs of state are in the hands of a certain eunuch named (uang (ao, and a)) the courtiers )oo" up to him as to a father$ At court p)ain truth is never heard, and the country peop)e )oo" sa))o! and starved$ The !ho)e country appears on the verge of destruction$ The .irds on the roof do not "no! that the .ui)ding is a.out to .e .urned$0

0Ah = 5f on)y Zhuge Liang the ;artia) Lord !as sti)) a)ive///ho! different a)) !ou)d .e=0 said %un <iu, !ith a sigh$ Letters !ere prepared saying that .eyond dou.t %ima Zhao intended usurpation, and !hen that came a.out in #ei, .oth #u and %hu !ou)d .e invaded$ #herefore .oth shou)d .e ready$ :n the arriva) of these )etters, 8iang #ei hastened to see" permission to attempt another e6pedition$ 'onsent .eing given, a )arge army marched into (an?hong in the !inter of the first year of #onderfu) %ight (AD 2HI)$ Liao (ua and Zhang &i !ere appointed Leaders of the *an, #ang (an and 8iang Bin as 'ommanders of the Left Army, and 8iang %hu and 9u ian as 'ommanders of the ,ight Army, !hi)e 8iang #ei and <iahou Ba )ed the main co)umn$ As"ed !hat he thought shou)d .e the first o.>ective, <iahou Ba rep)ied, 0There is no .etter fighting ground than ishan, as the tactics of the )ate Prime ;inister made evident, and it is the on)y good e6it$0 %o thither three armies marched, and they made three camps at the entrance to the va))ey$ At this time Deng Ai had a training camp at ishan dri))ing the Longyou troops$ The scouts to)d him7 0The %hu army have pitched three camps in the va))ey$0 (e ascended a hi)) to see and verify their reports$ (e seemed p)eased !hen he sa! the enemy camp$ 0They have >ust done as 5 foresa!,0 said Deng Ai$ 2o! Deng Ai had carefu))y considered the topography of the countryside, and so had not interfered !ith the %hu army !hen it !as on the march or sett)ing into camp$ ;oreover, he had e6cavated a su.terranean road to the spot !here he had thought they !ou)d ha)t, and their )eft camp had .een pitched >ust on it$ #ang (an and 8iang Bin commanded in that camp$ Deng Ai ca))ed his son Deng Zhong and %hi Zuan and sent them !ith ten thousand troops each to attac" the )eft camp, one on each f)an"$ Then he sent Zheng Lun and five hundred troops into the underground road, !hich opened in rear of the camp of #ang (an and 8iang Bin$

As the ne!)y made camp !as not yet !e)) fortified, #ang (an and 8iang Bin e6ercised great care and "ept their troops under arms a)) night, !atching !ith vigi)ance$ %o !hen the a)arm !as given, they had .ut to sei?e their !eapons and go out$ But as the t!o )eaders !ere mounting their steeds, Deng Zhong and %hi Zuan had attac"ed from !ithout, and Zheng Lun from !ithin$ Thus attac"ed from three sides, soon #ang (an and 8iang Bin found the position untena.)e and f)ed$ #hen 8iang #ei sa! that his )eft camp had .een attac"ed on three sides, he mounted and too" his position in front of the center camp$ 0Let no one move on pain of death=0 he shouted$ 0%tand sti))$ #hen the enemy approaches, shoot=0 The right camp !as ordered to stand fast$ (is defense !as effective$ A do?en of times the troops of #ei came for!ard, on)y to .e driven .ac" .efore the arro!s and .o)ts of the defenders$ Day)ight found the %hu camps sti)) firm, and the #ei troops dre! off$ 08iang #ei has indeed )earned of Zhuge Liang,0 said Deng Ai$ 0(is so)diers stood the night attac" !ithout f)inching, and the )eaders too" the chances of .att)e 4uite ca)m)y$ (e is a.)e$0 2e6t day, !hen #ang (an and 8iang Bin !ent to confess their fau)t, 8iang #ei said, 05t !as )ess your fau)t than mine, for 5 did not c)ear)y recogni?e the nature of the terrain$0 %o no pena)ty !as inf)icted$ The camp !as made stronger, and the su.terranean passage !as fi))ed !ith the .odies of the s)ain$ A cha))enge to .att)e for the fo))o!ing day !as sent to Deng Ai, !ho accepted it >oyfu))y$ 2e6t day the t!o armies !ere arrayed in front of the ishan ;ountains$ The troops of %hu arrayed according to the 0@ight 9ormations0 designed .y Zhuge Liang, !hich are ca))ed (eaven, @arth, #ind, ')oud, Bird, %erpent, Dragon, and Tiger$ #hi)e the maneuver !as in progress, Deng Ai recogni?ed it as the @ight +ates 9ormation and p)aced his troops according)y$ 8iang #ei then gripped his spear and rode out, saying, 0&ou have made a good imitation of my eight, .ut can you !or" variations10

0&ou ca)) these yours= Did you thin" that you a)one he)d the secret1 %ince 5 have made it, of course 5 "no! the variations$0 Deng Ai reentered his ran"s, gave the signa) officers certain orders, and the eight gates !ere evo)ved in rapid succession into si6ty/four gates$ Then he rode to the front again$ 0#hat of my evo)ution10 as"ed Deng Ai$ 02ot so .ad$ #ou)d you )i"e to try a surrounding move !ith me10 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ 0#hy not10 The t!o armies moved in order)y ran"s$ Deng Ai stood in the midst of his army giving the necessary orders$ Then the c)ash came, .ut his tactics did not grip$ Then 8iang #ei !aved a certain signa) f)ag, and his force sudden)y assumed the form of a serpent coi)ed on the ground !ith Deng Ai in the center$ %houts arose a)) a.out him, and Deng Ai cou)d not understand !hat had happened and .egan to fee) afraid$ +radua))y the troops of %hu c)osed in upon him, and he sa! no !ay of escape$ 0Deng Ai, you must surrender=0 cried the so)diers$ 05ndeed a moment of pride had )ed me into the trap of 8iang #ei=0 he sighed$ %udden)y from the north!est a cohort dashed in$ To Deng Ai-s great >oy they !ere so)diers of #ei, and they forced over the .att)e array and re)eased him$ The )eader !as %ima #ang$ But a)though Deng Ai had .een rescued, his nine camps !ere sei?ed .y his enemy and he had to retire$ (e )ed his army to the south of ,iver #ei and made a camp$ 0(o! did you "no! e6act)y !here to stri"e in that ma?e10 as"ed Deng Ai of his rescuer$ %ima #ang rep)ied, 05n my youth 5 !ent to study in 8ing?hou and !as friend)y !ith %hi +uangyuan and 'ui Zhouping$ They e6p)ained that formation to me$ 8iang #ei used !hat is "no!n as -The %erpent 'oi)-, and the on)y !ay to .rea" it is to attac" the head, !hich 5 sa! !as in the north!est$0

Deng Ai rep)ied, 0A)though 5 have studied formations, 5 do not "no! a)) the modifications$ But since you "no! a.out this, !e may .e a.)e to recover our camps$0 05 fear the )itt)e 5 have )earned !i)) not .e enough to overcome 8iang #ei$0 0Tomorro! you sha)) contend !ith him, and !hi)e his attention is engaged, 5 !i)) attac" the rear of ishan, and !e !i)) recover our camps$0 %o a force !as prepared to attac" on the morro!, and Deng Ai sent a )etter of cha))enge to a contest in tactics for the same day$ 8iang #ei mar"ed in to accept$ 8iang #ei said to his officers, 05n the secret .oo" that 5 received from the Prime ;inister, the variations of the formation are three hundred and si6ty/five, corresponding to the circuit of the heavens$ This cha))enge from them is as one going to teach he!ing to the +od of 'arpenters$ 5 thin" some ruse )ies .ehind this$ 'an you guess !hat it is10 Liao (ua rep)ied, 0#hi)e they engage your attention in this competition, they intend to attac" our rear$0 08ust so3 that is a)so my opinion,0 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ %o he prepared a counter/stro"e .y sending Liao (ua and Zhang &i to )ie in !ait at the .ac" of the hi))s !ith ten thousand troops$ 2e6t day 8iang #ei )ed a)) the troops from the nine camps out and dra!n up in front of the hi))s$ %ima #ang came out on the other side and present)y rode to the front to par)ey$ 0&ou have cha))enged me to a contest$ 2o! dra! up your army for me to see,0 said 8iang #ei$ %ima #ang did so and arrayed the eight diagrams$ 0That is !hat !e "no! as the :ctagon,0 said 8iang #ei$ 0But it is nothing !onderfu), on)y a sort of array fit for a .rigand-s raid$0 0&ou a)so have on)y sto)en another man-s tactics,0 rep)ied his adversary$

0(o! many modifications of this are there10 as"ed 8iang #ei$ 0%ince 5 have arranged this, natura))y 5 "no! the variations, of !hich there are nine nines, ma"ing eighty/one$0 0Try them$0 %ima #ang returned to his array and evo)ved many, fina))y riding out and as"ing his opponent if he recogni?ed them$ 0;y formation admits of three hundred and si6ty/five variations$ &ou are .ut a frog in a !e)) and "no! nothing of the deeper mysteries$0 2o! %ima #ang "ne! that so many variations !ere possi.)e, .ut had not studied them$ (o!ever, he put on a .o)d air and said contemptuous)y, 05 do not .e)ieve you$ Prove it=0 0+o and ca)) Deng Ai,0 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ 05 !i)) disp)ay them to him$0 0+enera) Deng Ai has e6ce))ent p)ans and does not thin" much of such tactics$0 0#hat p)ans1 5 suppose you mean a p)an to "eep me here !hi)e he tries a surprise attac" in the rear$0 %ima #ang !as aghast$ (e made a sudden dash for!ard, and a me)ee .egan$ 8iang #ei made a signa) !ith his !hip, and his force poured in from .oth !ings$ The troops of #ei !ere sei?ed !ith sudden panic, thre! do!n their !eapons and f)ed$ 2o! Deng Ai had hurried on Zheng Lun to ma"e the first attac"$ As Zheng Lun turned the corner of the hi)), a .om. e6p)oded$ At once the drums ro))ed and an am.ush discovered itse)f$ Liao (ua !as in command$ 2either side stayed to par)ey, and the )eaders engaged in sing)e com.at$ 5n the first encounter Liao (ua cut Zheng Lun do!n$ Deng Ai had not e6pected such preparation, and he hastened to !ithdra!$ Then Zhang &i came forth and attac"ed on the other side$ The army of #ei !as !orsted$ Deng Ai fought his !ay out, .ut he .ore four arro! !ounds upon his .ody$ (e got to the river, !here he found %ima #ang, and they discussed ho! to get a!ay$ But %ima #ang proposed another form of attac"$

0,ecent)y the ,u)er of %hu has had a favorite, @unuch (uang (ao, in !hom he p)aces a)) his trust and !ith !hom he spends his time in one round of p)easure$ Let us use the eunuch to so! distrust .et!een the @mperor and his genera) and so get 8iang #ei reca))ed$ 5n that !ay !e sha)) retrieve our defeat$0 %o Deng Ai assem.)ed his advisers and as"ed !ho cou)d go into %hu and get into communication !ith (uang (ao$ Dang 8un vo)unteered at once$ Deng Ai entrusted go)d and pear)s and precious things to him, and sent him into %hu to !in the treacherous a))iance of the eunuch$ As Dang 8un !ent, he a)so disseminated reports that 8iang #ei !as angry and intended to go over to #ei$ These rumors .ecame the common ta)" in 'hengdu, and everyone .e)ieved them$ (uang (ao carried them to the @mperor, and a messenger !as sent to ca)) the genera) to the capita)$ ;ean!hi)e 8iang #ei tried every day to .ring the enemy to give .att)e, .ut they remained o.stinate)y .ehind their defenses$ 8iang #ei .egan to thin" some evi) scheme !as afoot, !hen sudden)y he !as reca))ed .y 5mperia) @dict$ A)though ignorant of the reason, he cou)d not diso.ey3 and !hen he .egan the retreat, Deng Ai and %ima #ang "ne! that their p)ot had succeeded$ They .ro"e camp and set out to attac" the retreating army$ Because of court intrigues &ue &iD and &ue 9eiD fai)ed$ (o! matters !ent !i)) .e to)d in the ne6t chapter$ Chapter 4 Driving T# The S#uth &ate" Ca# 0a# +$unges Int# Death; A*and#ning St#res" ;iang Wei Defeats The Wei Army.

#hen the order to retreat !as given, Liao (ua said, 0A )eader in the fie)d is independent and need not o.ey even the command of his prince$0 Zhang &i said, 0The country .egins to resent these many years of !ar$ ,ather ta"e the occasion of the victory you have >ust !on to return and pacify the peop)e$0

05t is good,0 said 8iang #ei$ A systematic and order)y retirement .egan$ The army of #ei, )oth to forgo an opportunity, fo))o!ed, .ut the a.sence of the )east confusion gave them no chance$ As he sa! his enemy disappearing in perfect order, Deng Ai sighed, 08iang #ei is a !orthy inheritor of the !ar)i"e methods of Zhuge Liang$0 Deng Ai did not pursue .ut returned to his camp on ishan$

:n his return to 'hengdu, 8iang #ei had audience !ith the Latter ,u)er, !hereat he in4uired, saying, 0&our ;a>esty has commanded me to return for an important reason10 The Latter ,u)er rep)ied, 0Because you have .een so )ong on the frontier, 2o.)e %ir$ 5 thought the so)diers must .e !eary$ There !as no other reason$0 0&our ;a>esty, thy servant had got his camps on ishan and !as on the eve of comp)ete success$ To )eave off thus in the midd)e >ust p)ayed into the hands of our enemies$ %ure)y Deng Ai found means of so!ing distrust in me$0 The Latter ,u)er sat )ost in thought, and si)ent$ 8iang #ei continued, 05 am p)edged to destroy those re.e)s and prove my devotion to my country$ &our ;a>esty shou)d not )isten to the .a..)e of mean persons ti)) distrust gro!s in your heart$0 05 do not distrust you,0 said the Latter ,u)er after a )ong pause$ 0&ou may return into (an?hong and a!ait the ne6t favora.)e opportunity$0 8iang #ei )eft the court and .etoo" himse)f into (an?hong to the army$ Dang 8un !ent .ac" to the ishan camp and reported his success$

Deng Ai and %ima #ang re>oiced, saying, 05n the ,iver Lands, trou.)e is not far off !hen the ru)er and his servants do not )ive in harmony$0

They sent Dang 8un to Luoyang to te)) his o!n story to %ima Zhao, !ho a)so re>oiced, for he ardent)y desired to su.due %hu$ :n this matter %ima Zhao consu)ted 8ia 'hong, 'ommander of the 'enter +uard$ 0#hat do you thin" of an attac" upon %hu10 02ot to .e considered,0 said 8ia 'hong$ 0The @mperor does not trust you, and your departure !ou)d .e the .eginning of trou.)e for you$ Last year, !hen a ye))o! dragon !as seen in the 2ing)ing !e)) and a)) the officers !ere fe)icitating the @mperor upon such a very auspicious occurrence, the @mperor said, -5t is not auspicious3 >ust the reverse$ The dragon sym.o)i?es the ru)er$ To .e neither in heaven, nor on earth among the peop)e, .ut to .e in a !e)), is a dar" portent and .odes evi)$- (e !rote some verses, and one stan?a undou.ted)y points to you, my )ord$ 5t reads7 0The dragon )i"e a prisoner is, 2o )onger )eaps he in the a.yss$ (e soars not to the ;i)"y #ay 2or can he in the meado!s p)ay3 But coi)ed !ithin a disma) !e)), #ith s)imy creatures he must d!e)), ;ust c)ose his >a!s, his c)a!s retract, A)as= uite )i"e myse)f in fact$0 The recita) of the poem annoyed %ima Zhao$ 0This fe))o! is very )i"e 'ao 9ang, and if 5 do not remove him he !i)) hurt me,0 said he$ 05 !i)) see to it for you,0 said 8ia 'hong$ 5n the fifth year of %!eet De!, in #ei ca)endar (AD 2JE), during the fourth month, in summer, %ima Zhao had the effrontery to go to court armed$ (o!ever, the ,u)er of #ei received him !ith e6aggerated courtesy$ The courtiers said, 0The services of the ,egent ;arsha) are so magnificent, and his virtue so high that he shou)d .e re!arded !ith the tit)e -Du"e of 8in- and the 2ine Dignities$0 'ao ;ao hung his head and "ept si)ent$

And %ima Zhao himse)f said discontented)y, 0;y father and my .rother have a)) given great services to #ei, and yet 5 deserves not .eing a mere Du"e of 8in10 0%hou)d 5 dare not do !hat you re4uested10 said 'ao ;ao$ 0That poem a.out the Lur"ing Dragon ca))ed us s)imy creatures$ #hat sort of po)iteness is that10 said %ima Zhao$ The ,u)er of #ei had nothing to say, and the haughty minister )eft the cham.er, smi)ing crue))y$ 'ao ;ao retired, ta"ing !ith him ;inister #ang 8ing, Adviser #ang %hen, and +enera) of the 'ava)ry #ang &e, and they !ent to a privy cham.er to consu)t$ 'ao ;ao !as very sad$ (e said, 0There is no dou.t that %ima Zhao intends to usurp the throne///every.ody "no!s that$ But 5 !i)) not sit thereon patient)y a!aiting the indignity of .eing pushed off$ 'annot you gent)emen he)p me to "i)) him10 0(e may not .e s)ain,0 said #ang 8ing$ 0That !i)) not do$ 5n the o)d state of Lu, Cing Zhao cou)d not .ear !ith the 8i fami)y, and ran a!ay, thus )osing his country$ But this %ima Zhao and his fami)y have .een in po!er very )ong and have innumera.)e supporters, many of !hom are 4uite independent of any act of his !hether )oya) or dis)oya)$ They support him under any conditions$ &our ;a>esty-s guards are fe! and !ea" and incapa.)e///not the ones for any desperate effort$ 5t !ou)d .e most )amenta.)e if &our ;a>esty cou)d not .ear this tria)$ The correct course is to !ait and not act hasti)y$0 05f 5 can .ear this, !hat cannot 5 .ear10 said 'ao ;ao$ 0But 5 !i)) do something, and if 5 die, !hat matters10 (e !ent into the private apartments and spo"e to the @mpress Do!ager$ #ang %hen, #ang 8ing, and #ang &e sat outside ta)"ing$ 0This matter is coming to a head, and un)ess !e !ant to .e put to death and a)) our )oved ones !ith us, !e had .etter go and !arn %ima Zhao,0 said #ang %hen$

This advice angered #ang 8ing, and he said, 0The prince-s sorro! is the minister-s shame, and a shamed minister dies$ Dare you contemp)ate treachery10 #ang 8ing !ou)d have nothing to do !ith this visit to %ima Zhao, .ut the other t!o !ent to the Prime ;inister-s pa)ace to .etray their prince$ %hort)y after, 'ao ;ao appeared, ca))ed the officer of the guard, 8iao Bo, and .ade him muster his force, as many as he cou)d$ 8iao Bo got together a.out three hundred, and this )itt)e force marched out to the .eating of a drum as escort to a sma)) carriage, in !hich sat the ,u)er of #ei gripping his s!ord$ They proceeded south$ #ang 8ing stepped to the front and prayed 'ao ;ao to stay his steps and not go$ 0To go against %ima Zhao !ith such a force is driving the sheep into the tiger-s >a!s$ To die such a death is a vain sacrifice$ 2ot that 5 !ant to )ive, .ut this can do nothing,0 said #ang 8ing$ 0Do not hinder me$ 5 have made up my mind,0 rep)ied the ,u)er of #ei, heading to!ard the Dragon +ate$ Present)y 8ia 'hong came in sight$ (e !as armed and mounted on a fine horse$ Beside him rode t!o genera)s, 'heng Zu and 'heng 8i, and .ehind him fo))o!ed a .ody of mai)/c)ad guards, !ho shouted one to another as they rode$ Then 'ao ;ao he)d up his s!ord and cried, 05 am the %on of +od$ #ho are you thus .rea"ing into the 9or.idden 'ity1 Are you come to murder your )a!fu) ru)er10 The so)diers sudden)y stopped, for they !ere Pa)ace guards$ Then 8ia 'hong shouted to 'heng 8i, saying, 0#hat did Du"e %ima Zhao train you for if not for this day-s !or"10 'heng 8i too" his ha).erd and turned to 8ia 'hong, saying, 0Death or capture10 0Du"e %ima Zhao said the man had to die,0 rep)ied 8ia 'hong$ 'heng 8i rushed to!ard the carriage$

09oo)= (o! dare you10 cried the ,u)er of #ei$ But the shout !as cut short .y a thrust from the ha).erd fu)) in the .reast3 another thrust, and the point came out at the .ac", so that 'ao ;ao )ay there dead .eside his carriage$ 8iao Bo coming up to stri"e a .)o! in defense !as a)so s)ain, and the )itt)e escort scattered$ #ang 8ing, !ho had fo))o!ed, up.raided 8ia 'hong, shouting, 0,e.e) and traitor= (o! dare you "i)) the @mperor10 8ia 'hong got angry and .ade his )ictors arrest #ang 8ing and stop his tongue$ #hen they to)d %ima Zhao, he !ent into the Pa)ace, .ut the @mperor !as dead$ (e assumed an air of .eing great)y shoc"ed and .eat his head against the carriage, !eeping and )amenting the !hi)e$ (e sent to te)) a)) the officia)s of high ran"$ #hen 5mperia) +uardian %ima 9u sa! the dead .ody of the @mperor, he thre! himse)f .eside it, his head resting thereon, and !ept, saying, 05t is my fau)t that they s)e! &our ;a>esty=0 %ima 9u had a coffin .rought, and the remains !ere )aid therein and .orne to the #est (a))$ Therein %ima Zhao entered and summoned the chief officers to a counci)$ They came, a)) .ut ;inister 'hen Tai$ %ima Zhao noticed his a.sence and sent the 'hair of the %ecretariat <un &i, his unc)e, to ca)) him$ 'hen Tai !ept a)oud, saying, 0+ossips often c)ass me and my unc)e together$ &et today is my unc)e )ess virtuous than 5$0 (o!ever, 'hen Tai o.eyed the summons and came, dressed in the coarse !hite c)oth of mourning, and prostrated himse)f .efore the .ier$ %ima Zhao feigned to .e grieved a)so$ 0(o! can this day-s !or" .e >udged10 said %ima Zhao$ 05f on)y 8ia 'hong .e put to death, that !i)) on)y .e a s)ight atonement to satisfy the empire,0 rep)ied 'hen Tai$ %ima Zhao !as si)ent and thought )ong .efore he spo"e$ Then he said, 0(o! a.out a )itt)e )ess severe10

0That is on)y the .eginning$ 5 "no! not other punishments )ess severe$0 0'heng 8i is the ungod)y re.e) and actua) crimina)$ (e shou)d suffer the death of shame///and his fami)y, too,0 said %ima Zhao$ Thereupon 'heng 8i .ro"e out into a.use of %ima Zhao and revi)ed him, saying, 05t !as not my crime7 5t !as 8ia 'hong !ho passed on your o!n orders=0 %ima Zhao .ade them cut out his tongue and put him to death$ They did so3 and 'heng 8i and his .rother 'heng Zu !ere .oth put to death in the mar"et p)ace, and their fami)ies !ere e6terminated$ 0The @mperor must die,0 thus spo"e %ima Zhao fu)) p)ain 5n 8ia 'hong-s hearing3 and the @mperor !as s)ain$ A)though they "i))ed 'heng 8i, !ho dea)t the .)o!, The author of the crime !e a)) !e)) "no!$ #ang 8ing-s !ho)e househo)d !ere imprisoned$ (e himse)f !as standing in the courthouse !hen he sa! his mother, Lady Zhao, .eing .rought up a prisoner$ (e "noc"ed his head on the ground and !ept, saying, 0: unfi)ia) son to .ring distress upon a gent)e mother=0 But his mother )aughed$ 0#ho does not die10 cried she$ 0The on)y thing to .e feared is not dying the proper death$ #ho !ou)d regret dying )i"e this10 #hen ne6t day the fami)y !ere )ed out to e6ecution, .oth mother and son smi)ed as they !ent past$ But the !ho)e city !ept tears of sorro!$ ;other &uan !as famous at the rise of (an, ;other Zhao !as distinguished at the end of #ei, #ith purest virtue and unfa)tering heart, #ith reso)ution stern she p)ayed her part$ (er fortitude !as great as Taishan ;ountains, (er )ife .ut as the f)oating do!n did count, Li"e mother )i"e son, their fame never !i)) die, %o )ong as sha)) endure the earth and s"y$

5mperia) +uardian %ima 9u proposed that the .ody of the )ate @mperor shou)d receive a roya) funera), and %ima Zhao consented$ 8ia 'hong and those of his party urged %ima Zhao to assume the Throne and rep)ace #ei, .ut he refused$ 09ormer)y Cing #en had t!o/thirds of the empire, and yet he supported and served the state of &in to its end$ #herefore 'onfucius ca))ed him -'omp)ete of *irtue-$ @mperor 'ao of #ei !ou)d not rep)ace the (ans, nor !i)) 5 accept an a.dication of #ei$0 Those !ho heard this fe)t that in these !ords !as an imp)ication that he intended to p)ace his o!n son %ima &an on the throne, and they ceased to urge him to act$ 5n the si6th month of that year, 'ao (uang, Du"e of 'hangdao, !as raised to the throne as @mperor, the period/sty)e .eing changed to #onderfu) Beginning, the first year (AD 2JB)$ 'ao (uang !as a son of 'ao &u, Prince of &an, and a great grandson of 'ao 'ao$ %ima Zhao !as made Prime ;inister and Du"e of 8inD$ Beside, he received gifts of one hundred thousand go)d coins and ten thousand ro))s of si)"$ A)) the officers !ere promoted or received honors$ #hen these doings in #ei !ere to)d in %hu, 8iang #ei sei?ed upon them as prete6t for another !ar, to punish #ei for the deposition of its ru)er$ %o )etters !ere !ritten ca))ing upon #u to he)p, and a memoria) !as sent to the Throne$ The army raised !as one hundred fifty thousand, and there !ere many carts !ith .o6es made to fit them$ Liao (ua and Zhang &i !ere the Leaders of the *an$ Liao (ua !as to march to the Zi!u *a))ey, and Zhang &i to the Luo *a))ey, !hi)e 8iang #ei too" the <ie *a))ey road$ They marched at the same time and hastened to!ard ishan$ Deng Ai !as sti)) on the ishan ;ountains training the #ei so)diers !hen he heard that the %hu armies !ere once more on the !ar path$ (e ca))ed his officers together$ And Adviser #ang +uan said, 05 have a p)an to propose, .ut 5 !i)) not te)) it open)y$ (o!ever, 5 have !ritten it do!n for your consideration$0 Deng Ai too" the enve)op, opened, and read it$

0Though e6ce))ent, 5 fear it is not enough to .egui)e the )eader of %hu,0 said Deng Ai as he finished reading$ 05 am !i))ing to sta"e my )ife on it,0 said #ang +uan, 0and 5 !i)) )ead the !ay$0 0%ince you have such confidence you may try$ &ou ought certain)y to succeed$0 %o five thousand troops !ere put under the )eadership of #ang +uan, and they set out for the <ie *a))ey, !here they fe)) in !ith the scouts of 8iang #ei-s force$ %eeing these, their )eader, #ang +uan, shouted, 0#e are deserters$ Te)) your )eader=0 %o the scouts to)d 8iang #ei, !ho rep)ied, 0(o)d up the so)diers, )etting their )eader on)y come to me$0 #ang +uan !ent for!ard and "nee)ed .efore 8iang #ei, saying, 05 am a nephe! of #ang 8ing, and 5 hate %ima Zhao for !hat he has done to the @mperor and my fami)y, and 5 !ish to >oin you and my five thousand so)diers !ith me$ 5 a)so desire to .e sent against the re.e) army that 5 may avenge my unc)e$0 Then said 8iang #ei, 0%ince you are sincere in your desertion, 5 must .e sincere in my treatment of you$ The one thing my army needs is grain$ There is p)enty at the .order of the ,iver Lands$ 5f you can transport it to ishan, 5 can go straight!ay and ta"e the ishan camps of Deng Ai$0 This rep)y re>oiced #ang +uan, !ho sa! that 8iang #ei !as >ust going to !a)" into the trap$ %o he agreed at once$ 0But you !i)) not need five thousand troops to see after the transport$ Ta"e three thousand and )eave t!o thousand as guides for me$0 #ang +uan, thin"ing that suspicions !ou)d .e raised if he refused, too" the three thousand of his troops and marched a!ay, and the other t!o thousand !ere attached to the army of %hu$ Then <iahou Ba !as announced, and, !hen he !as come in, he said, 0: 'ommander, !hy have you .e)ieved the ta)e of this #ang +uan1 5n #ei 5 never heard that #ang +uan !as re)ated to #ang 8ing,

though it is true 5 never made particu)ar in4uiries$ &ou shou)d )oo" to it, for there is much pretense in his story$0 05 "no! #ang +uan is fa)se,0 said 8iang #ei, !ith a smi)e$ 0That is !hy 5 have ta"en a!ay many of his force$ 5 am meeting tric" !ith tric"$0 0(o! do you "no! for certain he is a fa)se10 0%ima Zhao is as crafty as 'ao 'ao$ 5f he s)e! a)) #ang 8ing-s fami)y, !ou)d he have )eft a nephe! and sent that nephe! to the pass .eyond his o!n reach !ith so)diers1 &ou sa! this, as did 5$0 %o 8iang #ei did not go out .y the <ie *a))ey, .ut he set an am.ush there ready for any move of #ang +uan$ And indeed, !ithin ten days, the am.ush caught a man !ith a )etter from #ang +uan to Deng Ai te))ing him !hat had come a.out$ 9rom the )etter and the .earer thereof, 8iang #ei )earned that #ang +uan !ou)d divert a convoy of grain to the #ei camps on the t!entieth and Deng Ai !as to send troops to &unshan *a))ey to he)p$ 8iang #ei .eheaded the courier$ Then he sent another )etter to Deng Ai .y a man dressed as a #ei so)dier, the date .eing a)tered to the fifteenth instead of the t!entieth$ As a preparation, 8iang #ei ordered many !agons to .e emptied of their grain and )aden !ith inf)amma.)es, covered !ith green c)oth$ The t!o thousand #ei so)diers !ere ordered to sho! f)ags .e)onging to the %hu transport corps$ Then 8iang #ei and <iahou Ba !ent into the va))eys in am.ush, !hi)e 8iang %hu !as ordered to march to the <ie *a))ey, and Liao (ua and Zhang &i !ere sent to capture ishan$ The )etter, apparent)y from #ang +uan, !as sufficient for Deng Ai, and he !rote .ac" to say it !as agreed$ %o on the fifteenth day, Deng Ai )ed out fifty thousand veteran troops and moved in sight near &unshan *a))ey$ And the scouts sa! end)ess carts of grain and fodder in the distance ?ig?agging through the mountains$ #hen Deng Ai got c)oser, he distinguished the uniforms of #ei$ (is staff urged him, saying, 05t is getting dar", : +enera)$ (urry to he)p #ang +uan escort the convoy out of the va))ey=0

0The mountains ahead are ha?ardous,0 said the genera)$ 05f .y any chance an am.ush has .een )aid, !e cou)d hard)y escape$ #e !i)) !ait here$0 But >ust then t!o horsemen came up at a ga))op and said, 08ust as +enera) #ang +uan !as crossing the frontier !ith the convoy, he !as pursued, and reinforcements are urgent)y needed=0 Deng Ai, rea)i?ing the importance of the re4uest, gave orders to press on!ard$ 5t !as the first !atch, and a fu)) moon !as shining as .right as day$ %houting !as heard .ehind the hi))s, and he cou)d on)y conc)ude it !as the noise of the .att)e in !hich #ang +uan !as engaged$ %o Deng Ai dashed over the hi))s$ But sudden)y a .ody of troops came out from the she)ter of a grove of trees, and at their head rode the %hu )eader, 9u ian$ 0Deng Ai, you are stupid= &ou have >ust fa))en into the trap set for you .y our genera)$ Dismount and prepare for death=0 Deng Ai ha)ted and turned to f)ee$ Then the !agons .urst into f)ame$ That f)ame !as a signa), and do!n came the army of %hu$ (e heard shouts a)) round him, 0A thousand ounces of go)d for anyone !ho captures Deng Ai, and a )ordship of ten thousand househo)ds as !e))=0 Terrified, Deng Ai dropped his arms, thre! aside his armor, s)ipped from his steed, ming)ed !ith the footmen, and !ith them scram.)ed up the hi))s$ The genera)s of %hu on)y )oo"ed for him among the mounted )eaders, never guessing that he had got a!ay among the common so)diers$ %o he !as not captured$ 8iang #ei gathered in his victorious army and !ent to meet #ang +uan and his convoy$ (aving made a)) arrangements, as he thought, comp)ete, #ang +uan !as patient)y a!aiting the deve)opment of his scheme$ But sudden)y a trusted su.ordinate came and to)d him, 0The ruse has .een discovered, and Deng Ai has a)ready suffered defeat=0 #ang +uan sent out some scouts, and the report !as confirmed, !ith the addition that the %hu armies !ere coming against him$

;oreover, c)ouds of dust !ere rising$ There !as no !ay of escape, so #ang +uan ordered his troops to set fire to the convoy, and soon huge f)ames !ere rising high into the air$ 0The case is desperate,0 cried #ang +uan$ 05t is a fight to the death=0 (e )ed his force !est!ard, .ut the army of %hu came in pursuit$ 8iang #ei thought #ang +uan !ou)d try at a)) costs to get .ac" to his o!n side, .ut instead, #ang +uan !ent on to!ard (an?hong$ As his troops !ere too fe! to ris" a .att)e, #ang +uan ordered them to .urn and destroy a)) mi)itary stations and even the P)an" Trai) as he !ent$ 9earing the )oss of (an?hong, 8iang #ei made a)) haste a)ong the .y/roads after #ang +uan$ %urrounded on a)) sides, #ang +uan >umped into the B)ac" Dragon ,iver and so died$ Those of his so)diers !ho survived !ere s)ain .y 8iang #ei$ Though a victory had .een !on and #ang +uan "i))ed, it !as cost)y$ ;any !agons and much grain had .een )ost, and the P)an" Trai) had .een destroyed$ 8iang #ei )ed his army into (an?hong$ Deng Ai made his !ay .ac" to ishan$ 9rom there he reported his defeat to the ,u)er of #ei and as"ed for degradation as a pena)ty$ (o!ever, %ima Zhao sa! that Deng Ai had rendered good services, so he did not degrade the genera), .ut, on the other hand, sent him magnificent gifts, !hich Deng Ai distri.uted to the fami)ies of the so)diers !ho had .een "i))ed$ %ima Zhao a)so sent him fifty thousand troops as reinforcement )est %hu shou)d attac" again$ 8iang #ei set a.out the restoration of the P)an" Trai) ready for the ne6t e6pedition$ ,epair the roads for marching feet to tread, The strife !i)) on)y cease !hen a)) are dead$ The ne6t chapter !i)) te)) !ho !on$ Chapter 7 Listening T# S$ander" The Latter Ru$er Re.a$$s ,is Army; Living In (arms" ;iang Wei Av#ids Disaster.

5n the autumn of the fifth year of #onderfu) %ight, in %hu/(an ca)endar (AD 2J2), 8iang #ei !as occupied !ith preparations for the

rene!a) of an attac"7 ;ending the hi)) roads, gathering stores, and mo.i)i?ing his .oats on the !ater!ays of (an?hong$ These things done, he memori?ed the Throne, as"ing permission to go again to the attac"7 0A)though 5 have not .een !ho))y victorious nor accomp)ished great things, yet 5 have put fear into the hearts of the #ei armies$ :ur so)diers have .een )ong under training, and they must no! .e used, or the army !i)) go to pieces for )ac" of e6ercise$ The so)diers are ready to die, the officers prepared for a)) ris"s, and 5 am determined to con4uer or perish$0 The Latter ,u)er did not consent at once$ As he !as hesitating, iao Zhou stood forth and said, 05 have o.served the heavens$ 5 have seen the )eadership stars in %hu du)) and o.scured$ This e6pedition !i)) .e disastrous, and 5 hope &our ;a>esty !i)) not approve$0 The Latter ,u)er rep)ied, 0Let us see the resu)ts of this campaign$ 5f it fai)s, then the !ar sha)) cease$0 iao Zhou tried to dissuade the Latter ,u)er t!o or three more times, .ut he fai)ed$ 5n despair he !ithdre! to his home, and retired on the prete6t of i))ness$ As the fina) preparations !ere .eing made, 8iang #ei said to Liao (ua, 0#e are p)edged to get through to the ;idd)e Land this time$ #hat do you advise to start !ith10 05 dare not presume to advise you, +enera)$ 9or years !e have .een fighting and giving the peop)e no rest$ 5n Deng Ai !e find a most formida.)e and resourcefu) opponent and an e6traordinari)y capa.)e man, so that you must e6ert yourse)f to the very utmost$0 8iang #ei !as annoyed$ %aid he, 0The )ate Prime ;inister made si6 attempts, a)) for the state$ 5 have attac"ed eight times$ #as anyone of those attac"s to serve my private ends1 This time 5 go to attac" Taoyang, and no one sha)) say me nay$ 5 !i)) punish opposition !ith death$0 8iang #ei )eft Liao (ua in charge of the .ase in (an?hong and marched !ith three hundred thousand troops to Taoyang$ (is

movements !ere reported in the confirmed the ne!s$

ishan camps, and Deng Ai-s spies

5t happened that %ima #ang !as !ith Deng Ai discussing mi)itary matters, and the former, !hen he heard it, said, 0That move is a decoy7 (e does not mean it$ #hat he rea))y intends is an attac" on ishan$0 0(o!ever, he has rea))y gone to Taoyang,0 said Deng Ai$ 0(o! can you "no!10 09ormer)y 8iang #ei has a)!ays opened !ith a march to those parts of the country !here !e have stored supp)ies$ Taoyang has no stores, so he thin"s !e sha)) not have ta"en care for its defense as !e sha)) concentrate our efforts on ishan$ But, if he can ta"e that p)ace, he can co))ect stores there, and get into touch !ith the iang tri.espeop)e and fina))y !or" out some grand p)an$0 0%upposing this true, !hat shou)d !e do10 05 advise the a.andonment of this p)ace and a march in t!o .odies to!ard Taoyang$ 5 "no! a sma)) to!n ca))ed (ou6ia, eight mi)es from Taoyang, !hich is the throat of the p)ace$ &ou go to Taoyang, hide your force, and open the gates$ Then act as 5 sha)) te)) you present)y$ 5 !i)) )ie in !ait at (ou6ia$ #e sha)) score a victory$0 Deng Ai gave %hi Zuan the command of the camps in the main .ody )eft$ ishan !hen

;ean!hi)e <iahou Ba )ed the van of the %hu army to!ard Taoyang$ As he dre! near, he noticed the p)ace seemed to have no defenses3 not a f)ag staff reared its head$ The gates stood !ide open$ (e !as too !ary to go straight in ho!ever, and said, 05s there any ruse in there10 (is genera)s said, 0#e thin" the city !as deserted !hen they heard your army coming$ A fe! peop)e !ere running a!ay a)ong the southern road$0 <iahou Ba rode south and sa! there that the north!est road, at a )itt)e distance from the city, !as cro!ded !ith fugitives$ 0The city is rea))y empty,0 said <iahou Ba$

(e )ed the !ay in a)) ready to fight, and the troops fo))o!ed$ As they came near to the curtain !a)), ho!ever, a .om. e6p)oded$ At this sound the drums .eat, trumpets .)ared, and f)ags sudden)y appeared$ At the same moment the dra!.ridge rose$ 0'aught=0 said <iahou Ba$ As he turned to retire, the arro!s and stones f)e! do!n in c)ouds, and under these <iahou Ba and many of his so)diers )ost their )ives$ ;ost a.)e strategist and .rave, <iahou Ba, out!itted here By Deng Ai, more prudent sti)), and s)ain, Deserves a pitying tear$ The f)ights of arro!s from the ramparts !as fo))o!ed .y a sortie, !hich .ro"e up the force of %hu entire)y, and the troops f)ed$ (o!ever, 8iang #ei came up and drove %ima #ang .ac" into the city$ The army of %hu camped .eside the !a))s$ 8iang #ei !as very grieved at the )oss of <iahou Ba$ That night Deng Ai came up secret)y and attac"ed the %hu camp$ At the same time the defenders !ithin the city made a sortie$ 8iang #ei cou)d not resist the dou.)e attac", and )eft the fie)d$ (e marched some seven mi)es and camped$ T!ice .eaten, the so)diers of %hu !ere very do!ncast$ 8iang #ei tried to conso)e them, saying, 0Loss or gain is the p)atitude of !ar$ But 5 am not !orried yet a.out our recent defeats, for a tota) victory !i)) sure)y come in this e6pedition if a)) of you strive your .est$ But remem.er, no mutiny= (e !ho ta)"s of retreat !i)) suffer death$0 Then Zhang &i said, 0#ith so many troops of #ei here, their camp at ishan must .e undefended$ 5 propose, +enera), that !hi)e you continue the contest here !ith Deng Ai, 5 go to try to capture the nine camps$ 5f 5 succeed, 'hangan !i)) .e at our mercy$0 The second division of the army !as detached to march on ishan, and 8iang #ei !ent do!n to (ou6ia to provo"e Deng Ai into fighting$ The cha))enge this time !as accepted forth!ith$ Deng Ai )ed his troops out and engaged !ith 8iang #ei in a fight, .ut after thirty .outs !ithout a decision, .oth retired to their camps$

9or days after this, 8iang #ei cha))enged again and again, .ut Deng Ai dec)ined and !ou)d not fight$ The %hu so)diers ho!)ed a.use and hur)ed insu)ts at their opponents, .ut a)) !ithout effect$ Then Deng Ai thought !ithin him, 0There must .e some reason for this persistence$ 5 thin" they have sent an army to try to sei?e ishan !hi)e they ho)d me here$ %hi Zuan and the force there are insufficient, and 5 sha)) have to go to the rescue$0 Deng Ai ca))ed his son Deng Zhong, and said, 0(o)d this p)ace most carefu))y$ Let them cha))enge as they may, do not go out$ Tonight 5 go to the he)p of ishan$0 5t !as night, and 8iang #ei !as in his tent, intent upon his p)ans, !hen he !as distur.ed .y a great shouting and drumming$ They to)d him Deng Ai had sudden)y appeared$ The genera)s as"ed )eave to go out to fight$ 0Let no one move=0 said 8iang #ei$ The fact !as Deng Ai had on)y made a demonstration at the camp of %hu on his !ay to reinforce ishan$ Then 8iang #ei said to his officers, 0The attac" of Deng Ai !as a feint$ (e has certain)y gone to re)ieve ishan$0 %o 8iang #ei decided to go to the aid of Zhang &i$ (e )eft 9u ian to guard the camp, and he marched a!ay !ith three thousand troops$ Zhang &i !as then actua))y attac"ing the #ei position on ishan$ %hi Zuan had fe! troops, and it )oo"ed as though the defenders must soon give in, !hen the sudden appearance of Deng Ai made a)) the difference$ The ons)aught of Deng Ai-s force drove off Zhang &i, and he !as forced to ta"e refuge .ehind the hi))s$ 2o road !as open to him$ #hen things )oo"ed !orst, he sa! the #ei so)diers sudden)y fa))ing .ac" in confusion$ 0+enera) 8iang #ei has come=0 they to)d him$ Zhang &i too" the opportunity to return to the attac", and the ta.)es !ere turned$ Deng Ai )ost the fight and retired into his camp, !hich 8iang #ei surrounded and attac"ed vigorous)y$ 5n 'hengdu the Latter ,u)er fe)) dai)y more and more under the ma)ign inf)uence of (uang (ao, !ho encouraged him in every form

of se)f/indu)gence and ministered to every desire for )u6ury and dissipation$ +overnment !as )eft to )oo" after itse)f$ At that time (igh ;inister Liu &ang had a very .eautifu) !ife, Lady (u$ :ne day she !ent into the Pa)ace to visit the @mpress, !ho "ept her there a !ho)e month$ Liu &ang !as not !ithout suspecting an intrigue !ith the Latter ,u)er and too" a .ruta) revenge$ (e .ound Lady (u, and made five hundred of his so)diers shame her to the )ast degree .y .eating her on the face !ith their .oots$ %he s!ooned many times$ The story got to the ears of the Latter ,u)er, and he ordered the officia)s concerned to investigate and decide the crime and its punishment$ The >udges found that7 0%o)diers are not proper persons to administer a punishment to a !oman, and the face is not a portion of the .ody to .e mortified7 The author of this crime ought to .e put to death$0 #herefore Liu &ang !as .eheaded$ As time !ent on the Latter ,u)er indu)ged in un.rid)ed sensua)ity, and gradua))y a)) good peop)e )eft the government, giving p)ace to the meanest, !ho soon s!armed there$ Among the sycophants of (uang (ao !as &an &un, +enera) of the ,ight Army, !hose )ac" of merit had not stood in the !ay of preferment$ (earing of 8iang #ei-s defeats at ishan, &an &un got his friend (uang (ao to propose to the Latter ,u)er, saying, 08iang #ei shou)d .e reca))ed as he has not .een a.)e to score a decisive victory$ &an &un can .e sent to rep)ace him$0 The Latter ,u)er agreed, and the edict !as issued$ :ne day, as 8iang #ei !as !or"ing out his p)an of attac" on the camps of #ei, three edicts came, a)) to the same effect, reca))ing him to the capita)$ Diso.edience .eing out of the 4uestion, 8iang #ei ceased a)) operations and sent the Taoyang force .ac" first$ Then gradua))y he and Zhang &i !ithdre! !ith the others$

Deng Ai in his camp !ondered at the ro))ing of drums one night, .ut ne6t day he heard that the %hu camps !ere empty$ (o!ever, he suspected some ruse and did not pursue$ Arrived in (an?hong, the army ha)ted, and 8iang #ei !ent on to the capita) in company !ith the messenger !ho had .rought his orders$ (ere he !aited ten days, and sti)) the Latter ,u)er he)d no court$ (e .egan to suspect mischief$ :ne day near a Pa)ace gate he met %ecretary +enera) <i Zheng, and as"ed, 0Do you "no! the reason for my reca))10 0#hat +enera)= Do you not "no!1 (uang (ao !anted to push &an &un into favor, so he intrigued for your reca))$ 2o! they have found out Deng Ai is too c)ever to .e tac")ed, and so they are not fighting any more$0 05 sha)) certain)y have to put this eunuch fe))o! out of the !ay,0 said 8iang #ei$ 0(ush= &ou are the successor of the ;artia) Lord, Zhuge Liang, the man to !hom he .e4ueathed his unfinished tas"$ &ou are too important to act hasti)y or indiscreet)y$ 5f the @mperor !ithdre! his support, it !ou)d go i)) !ith you$0 0%ir, !hat you say is true,0 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ (o!ever, soon after this 8iang #ei, !ith a sma)) party, got into the Pa)ace$ The Latter ,u)er !as en>oying himse)f !ith (uang (ao in the gardens$ They to)d (uang (ao, !ho at once hid himse)f among the roc"s .y a pond$ 8iang #ei approached his master and prostrated himse)f, saying, 0#hy did &our ;a>esty reca)) me1 5 had the enemy in my po!er at ishan !hen the trip)e edicts came$0 The Latter ,u)er hummed and ha!ed, .ut made no rep)y$ Then 8iang #ei .egan his rea) grievance$ 0This (uang (ao is !ic"ed and artfu) and seems to have the )ast say in everything$ The times of the @mperor Ling and the Ten ,egu)ar Attendants have returned$ &our ;a>esty may reca)) Zhang ,angD recent)y or Zhao +aoD in the o)d time$ 5f you !i)) on)y s)ay this man, the court !i)) .e purified, and you may return g)orious)y to the home of your fathers$0

The Latter ,u)er smi)ed, saying, 0(uang (ao is .ut a minor servant, one !ho runs errands for me$ 5f he tried to do as you say, he cou)d not$ 5 a)!ays !ondered !hy Dong &un seemed to hate poor (uang (ao so much$ 2o! you are the same$ 5 pray you, 2o.)e %ir, ta"e no notice of him$0 0Fn)ess &our ;a>esty gets rid of him, evi) is very c)ose,0 said 8iang #ei, .eating his head upon the ground$ The Latter ,u)er rep)ied, 05f you )ove anyone, you !ant him to )ive3 if you dis)i"e him, you desire his death$ 'an you not .ear !ith my one poor eunuch10 The Latter ,u)er .ade one of the attendants go and ca)) (uang (ao$ #hen (uang (ao approached the pavi)ion, the Latter ,u)er to)d him to as" pardon of 8iang #ei$ (uang (ao prostrated himse)f and !ept, saying, 05 am a)!ays in attendance upon the %acred :ne///that is a)) 5 do$ 5 never medd)e in state affairs$ 5 pray you, +enera), pay no heed to !hat peop)e say$ 5f you desire my death, 5 am in your hands, .ut pity me$0 And tears ran do!n his chee"s$ 8iang #ei !ent a!ay in i)) humor$ :utside he sought his friend <i Zheng and to)d him !hat had happened$ 0+enera), you are in grave danger,0 said <i Zheng$ 0And if you fa)), the country fa))s !ith you$0 0'an you advise me10 said 8iang #ei$ 0(o! can 5 secure the state and myse)f10 <i Zheng rep)ied, 0There is a p)ace of refuge for you in the #est *a))ey Land, and that is Ta?hong$ 5t is a rich county, and you can ma"e a cantonment there )i"e the ;artia) Lord did$ ,e4uest the @mperor to )et you go thither$ &ou can gather in corn and !heat for your armies, you can secure a)) the !est of Longyou, you can "eep #ei from trou.)ing (an?hong, you !i)) retain your mi)itary authority, so that no one !i)) dare intrigue against you, and you !i)) .e safe$ Thus you can ensure the safety of the state and yourse)f$ &ou shou)d )ose no time$0 0&our speech is go)d and >e!e)s=0 said 8iang #ei, gratefu))y$

#ithout )oss of time, 8iang #ei memoria)i?ed the Throne and o.tained the Latter ,u)er-s consent$ Then he returned to (an?hong, assem.)ed his officers, and to)d them his p)ans$ 0:ur many e6peditions have fai)ed to achieve success o!ing to )ac" of supp)ies$ 2o! 5 am a.out to ta"e eighty thousand troops to Ta?hong to form a cantonment and gro! !heat and corn ready for the ne6t e6pedition$ &ou are spent !ith much fighting and may no! repose !hi)e co))ecting grain and guarding (an?hong$ The armies of #ei are from home and have to drag their grain over the mountains$ They !i)) .e !orn out !ith the )a.or and must soon retire$ That !i)) .e the time to smite them, and success must .e ours$0 (u 8i !as set over (anshou, #ang (an of &uecheng, 8iang Bin over (ancheng, and 8iang %hu and 9u ian !ent to guard the passes$ After these arrangements had .een made, 8iang #ei !ent off to Ta?hong to gro! grain and mature his p)ans$ Deng Ai heard of these dispositions and discovered that the armies of %hu !ere distri.uted in forty camps, each connected !ith the ne6t )i"e the >oints of a huge serpent$ (e sent out his spies to survey the country, and they made a map !hich !as sent to the capita)$ But !hen the Du"e of 8in, %ima Zhao, sa! the memoria) and the map, he !as very angry$ 0This 8iang #ei has invaded our country many times, and !e have .een una.)e to destroy him$ (e is the one sorro! of my heart$0 %aid 8ia 'hong, 0(e has carried on the !or" of Zhuge Liang on)y too thorough)y, and it is hard to force him .ac"$ #hat you need is some crafty .rave to assassinate him, so remove this constant menace of !ar$0 But Assistant <un <u said, 0That is not the !ay$ Liu %han, the ,u)er of %hu, is steeped in dissipation and has given a)) his confidence to one favorite, @unuch (uang (ao$ The higher officers of state are concerned so)e)y !ith their o!n safety, and 8iang #ei has gone to Ta?hong on)y that he may save his )ife$ 5f you send an a.)e )eader and a strong army, victory is certain$ #here is the need for an assassin-s dagger10 0These are e6ce))ent !ords,0 said %ima Zhao, !ith a )augh, 0.ut if 5 !ou)d attac" %hu, !here is the )eader10

0Deng Ai is the a.)est )eader of the day,0 said <un <u$ 0+ive him Zhong (ui as his second, and the thing is done$0 0@6act)y !hat 5 thin"=0 said %ima Zhao$ %o he summoned Zhong (ui and said to him, 05 desire to send you as )eader against #u7 'an you go10 0;y )ord-s design is not against #u, .ut %hu,0 !as his rep)y$ 0(o! !e)) you "no! my inmost thought=0 said %ima Zhao$ 0But ho! !ou)d you conduct an e6pedition against %hu10 0Thin"ing that my )ord !ou)d desire to attac" %hu, 5 have a)ready prepared p)ans$ (ere they are$0 (e )aid out his maps, and thereon !ere sho!n the camps, and storehouses, and roads a)) comp)ete$ %ima Zhao !as high)y p)eased$ 0&ou are an e6ce))ent )eader,0 said he$ 0#hat say you to going !ith Deng Ai10 0The ,iver Lands is )arge, and there is space for more than one set of operations$ Deng Ai can .e sent a)ong another )ine$0 Zhong (ui !as given the tit)e of +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est and the insignia of a 'ommander/in/'hief over the forces of the Land #ithin the Passes and contro) of the armies of ing?hou, <u?hou, &an?hou, &u?hou, 8ing?hou, and &ang?hou$ At the same time a commission !ith authority ensign !as sent to Deng Ai giving him command of the forces .eyond the pass, !ith the tit)e of +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est$ And the time for an attac" on %hu !as sett)ed$ #hen %ima Zhao !as sett)ing the p)ans in the court, Deng Dun, +enera) of the 9ront Army, said, 0#hy are you sending our armies into a distant and dangerous country and thus inviting trou.)e1 8iang #ei has invaded this country many times, and the !ars have cost us many )ives$ #e shou)d rather see" safety in defense$0 05 am sending a righteous army against an unrighteous ru)er$ (o! dare you oppose my designs10

%ima Zhao ordered the e6ecutioners to put Deng Dun to death forth!ith, and they soon returned to )ay his head at the foot of the steps$ This frightened a)) those present, and they turned pa)e$ %ima Zhao said, 05t is si6 years since 5 con4uered the east, and the si6 years have .een spent in preparation$ 5 have )ong intended to reduce .oth #u and %hu$ 2o! 5 !i)) destroy %hu, and then )i"e a f)ood 5 !i)) descend upon #u and con4uer that$ That is the method -destroy +uo to capture &u-$ 5 can te)) very near)y !hat forces they have in %hu$ There are eighty or ninety thousand troops in the garrison of 'apita) 'hengdu, forty or fifty thousand on the frontier, !hi)e 8iang #ei has a.out si6ty thousand in his cantonments$ Against them !e can pit one hundred thousand troops .eyond the pass under Deng Ai, enough to ho)d 8iang #ei and "eep him from moving east, and Zhong (ui has t!o or three hundred thousand veterans !ithin the pass$ And they !i)) march in three divisions through Luo *a))ey and straight into (an?hong$ Liu %han, the ,u)er of %hu, is an o.)ivious foo) !ith his frontier cities in ruins, the popu)ace and officia)s 4ua"ing !ith fear$ The state !i)) not )ast )ong$0 The assem.)y praised this perspicacity$ Zhong (ui marched as soon as he received his sea) of office$ Lest his rea) o.>ect shou)d .e "no!n, he gave out that his force !as directed against #u$ To give co)or to the pretense, he had many )arge ships .ui)t in ing?hou, &an?hou, &u?hou, 8ing?hou, and &ang?hou$ (e a)so sent Tang Zi a)ong the coasta) regions of Deng?hou and Lai?hou to co))ect vesse)s$ @ven his chief, %ima Zhao, !as deceived and ca))ed him to as"7 05 commanded you to invade the ,iver)ands .y )and march$ #hy are you co))ecting ships10 Zhong (ui rep)ied, 05f %hu hears that !e intend to attac" the !est, they !i)) as" assistance from #u$ %o 5 pretend to attac" #u, and #u !i)) not dare to move under a year$ #hen %hu is .eaten, the ships !i)) .e ready and usefu) for an e6pedition into the east$0 %ima Zhao !as p)eased$ The day chosen for the march !as the third day of the seventh month in the fourth year of #onderfu) Beginning, in #ei ca)endar (AD 2JG)$ %ima Zhao escorted his )eader out of the city for three mi)es and then too" his )eave$

%hao Ti, ;inister of the #estern Affairs, !hispered a !ord of !arning$ 0;y )ord has sent Zhong (ui !ith a )arge army against %hu$ 5 thin" he is too am.itious to .e trusted !ith such po!ers10 0Thin" you 5 do not "no!10 said %ima Zhao$ 0Then !hy have you sent him a)one and !ithout a co))eague10 %ima Zhao said a fe! !ords to %hao Ti !hich put his dou.ts at rest$ Zhong (ui !ent a)one, a)though his master "ne!, :ccasion serving, he !ou)d .e untrue$ The ne6t chapter !i)) te)) the reader !hat %hao Ti heard$ Chapter 9 'n ,an3h#ng R#ads" Zh#ng ,ui Divides The Army; In DingAun 0#untain" The 0artia$ L#rd Sh#)s ,is Appariti#n.

The !ords !hispered in the ear of %hao Ti proved %ima Zhao-s su.t)ety$ %aid %ima Zhao, 0This morning the officers a)) maintained that %hu shou)d not .e attac"ed, .ecause they are timid$ 5f 5 )et them )ead the army, they !ou)d sure)y .e defeated$ &ou sa! Zhong (ui !as set upon his p)an, and he is not afraid$ %hu must therefore .e .eaten, and then the %hu peop)e-s hearts !i)) .e torn$ Beaten )eaders cannot .oast, and the officers of a .ro"en state are no fit guardians of its !e)fare$ #hen Zhong (ui turns against us, the peop)e of %hu cannot support him$ 9urther, our troops .eing victors, they !i)) !ish to return home and !i)) not fo))o! their )eader into revo)t$ (ence there is nothing to .e feared$ 5 "no! this, as you do, .ut it must remain our secret$0 %hao Ti sho!ed his admiration for %ima Zhao$ 5n his camp, >ust prior to his march, Zhong (ui assem.)ed his officers, among them !ere Army 5nspector #ei +uan, Assistant +enera) (u Lie, +enera)s Tian <u, Tian Zhang, &uan <ing, iu 8ian, <iahou <ian, #ang ;ai, (uangfu Cai, +ou Ai, and others, some eighty of them$

09irst)y 5 !ant a Leader of the *an,0 said Zhong (ui$ 0(e must .e s"i))ed in ma"ing roads and repairing .ridges$0 05 !i)) ta"e that post,0 said a voice, and the spea"er !as <u &i, son of the Tiger Leader <u 'hu$ 02o.ody is fitter=0 cried a)) present$ 0&ou sha)) have the sea),0 said Zhong (ui$ 0&ou are )ithe and strong and have the reno!n of your father to maintain$ Beside, a)) your co))eagues recommend you$ &our force sha)) .e five thousand of cava)ry and a thousand of footmen$ &ou are to march into (an?hong in three divisions, the center you !i)) )ead through the <ie *a))ey, the other t!o passing through the Luo and Zi!u *a))eys$ &ou must )eve) and repair the roads, put the .ridges in order, .ore tunne)s and .rea" a!ay roc"s$ Fse a)) di)igence, for any de)ay !i)) entai) punishment$0 <u &i !as to)d to set out immediate)y, and his chief !ou)d fo))o! !ith one hundred thousand troops$ 5n #est *a))ey Land, as soon as Deng Ai received his orders to attac" %hu, he sent %ima #ang to "eep the iangs in chec"$ 2e6t he summoned Zhuge <u, 5mperia) Protector of &ong?hou, #ang i, +overnor of Tianshui, ian (ong, +overnor of Long6i, and &ang <in, +overnor of 8incheng, and soon so)diers gathered in the #est *a))ey Land )i"e c)ouds$ :ne night Deng Ai dreamed a dream !herein he !as c)im.ing a )ofty mountain on the !ay into (an?hong$ %udden)y a spring of !ater gushed out at his feet and .oi)ed up !ith great force so that he !as a)armed$ (e a!o"e a)) in a s!eat and did not s)eep again, .ut sat a!aiting the da!n$ At day.rea" he summoned his guard %hao &uan, !ho !as s"i))ed in the Boo" of 'hanges, to)d him the dream and as"ed the interpretation$ %hao &uan rep)ied, 0According to the .oo", -!ater on a mountainsignifies the diagram 8ian, !hereunder !e find that the south!est augurs !e)), .ut the northeast is unpropitious$ 'onfucius said of 8ian that it meant advantage in the south!est, that is, success, .ut the northeast spe)t fai)ure, that is, there !as no road$ 5n this e6pedition,

+enera), you !i)) overcome %hu, .ut you !i)) not have a road to return$0 Deng Ai )istened, gro!ing more and more sad as the interpretation of his dream !as unfo)ded$ 8ust then came dispatches from Zhong (ui as"ing him to advance into (an?hong together$ Deng Ai at once sent Zhuge <u !ith fifteen thousand troops to cut off 8iang #ei-s retreat3 and #ang i !as to )ead fifteen thousand troops to attac" Ta?hong from the )eft3 ian (ong !as to march fifteen thousand troops to attac" Ta?hong from the right3 and &ang <in !ith fifteen thousand troops !as to .)oc" 8iang #ei at +ansong$ Deng Ai too" command of a force to go to and fro and reinforce !hatever .ody needed he)p$ ;ean!hi)e in the camp of Zhong (ui, a)) the officia)s came out to see him depart$ 5t !as a grand sight, the gay .anners shutting out the sun, .reastp)ates and he)mets g)ittering$ The so)diers !ere fit and the horses in good condition$ They a)) fe)icitated the )eader$ A)) save one3 for Adviser Liu %hi !as si)ent$ (e smi)ed grim)y$ Then +rand 'ommander #ang <iang made his !ay through the cro!d and said, 0Do you thin" these t!o///Zhong (ui and Deng Ai/// !i)) overcome %hu10 %aid Liu %hi, sighing, 0#ith such .rave so)diers and .o)d )eaders and their ta)ents, they !i)) overcome %hu certain)y$ :n)y 5 thin" neither !i)) ever come .ac"$0 0#hy do you say that10 But Liu %hi did not rep)y3 he on)y smi)ed$ And the 4uestion !as not repeated$ The armies of #ei !ere on the march !hen 8iang #ei heard of the intended attac"$ (e at once sent up a memoria)7 &our ;a>esty need to ma"e defensive arrangements .y commanding Zhang &i, Left 'ommander of the 9)ying 'ava)ry, to guard the &angping Pass, and Liao (ua, ,ight 'ommander of the 9)ying 'ava)ry, to guard the &inping Bridge in &inping$ These t!o p)aces are the most important points upon !hich depend the security of (an?hong$ %end a)so to engage the he)p of #u$ 5, thy hum.)e servant, sha)) gather so)diers in Ta?hong ready for the march$0

That year in %hu the reign/sty)e had .een changed from #onderfu) %ight, the fifth year, to 8oyfu) Prosperity, the first year (AD 2JA)$ #hen the memoria) of 8iang #ei came to the Latter ,u)er, it found him as usua) amusing himse)f !ith his favorite (uang (ao$ (e read the document and said to the eunuch, 0(ere 8iang #ei says that the #ei armies under Deng Ai and Zhong (ui are on the !ay against us$ #hat sha)) !e do10 0There is nothing of the sort$ 8iang #ei on)y !ants to get a name for himse)f, and so he says this$ &our ;a>esty need fee) no a)arm, for !e can find out the truth from a certain !ise !oman 5 "no!$ %he is a rea) prophetess$ ;ay 5 ca)) her10 The Latter ,u)er consented, and a room !as fitted up for the seance$ They prepared therein incense, f)o!ers, paper, cand)es, sacrificia) artic)es and so on, and then (uang (ao !ent !ith a chariot to .eg the !ise !oman to attend upon the Latter ,u)er$ %he came and !as seated on the Dragon 'ouch$ After the Latter ,u)er had "ind)ed the incense and repeated the prayer, the !ise !oman sudden)y )et do!n her hair, dropped her s)ippers, and capered a.out .arefoot$ After severa) rounds of this, she coi)ed herse)f up on a ta.)e$ (uang (ao then said, 0The spirit has no! descended$ %end everyone a!ay and pray to her$0 %o the attendants !ere dismissed, and the Latter ,u)er entreated the !ise !oman$ %udden)y she cried out, 05 am the guardian spirit of the #est ,iver Land$ &our ;a>esty, re>oices in tran4ui))ity3 !hy do you in4uire a.out other matters1 #ithin a fe! years the )and of #ei sha)) come under you, !herefore you need not .e sorro!fu)$0 %he then fe)) to the ground as in a s!oon, and it !as some time .efore she revived$ The Latter ,u)er !as !e)) satisfied !ith her prophesy and gave her )arge presents$ 9urther, he thereafter .e)ieved a)) she to)d him$ The immediate resu)t !as that 8iang #ei-s memoria) remained unans!ered3 and as the Latter ,u)er !as !ho))y given to p)easure, it !as easy for (uang (ao to intercept a)) urgent memoria)s from the commander$

;ean!hi)e Zhong (ui !as hastening to!ard (an?hong$ The *an Leader <u &i !as an6ious to perform some start)ing e6p)oit, and so he )ed his force to 2an?heng$ (e said to his officers, 05f !e can ta"e this pass, then !e can march direct)y into (an?hong$ The defense is !ea"$0 A dash !as made for the fort, each one vying !ith the rest to .e first$ But the 'ommander of 2an?heng !as Lu <u, and he had had ear)y information of the coming of his enemies$ %o on .oth sides of the .ridge he posted so)diers armed !ith mu)tip)e .o!s and cross.o!s$ As soon as the attac"ing force appeared, the signa) !as given .y a c)apper and a terrific discharge of arro!s and .o)ts opened$ ;any troops of #ei fe)), and the army of <u &i !as defeated$ <u &i returned and reported his misfortune$ Zhong (ui himse)f !ent !ith a hundred armored horsemen to see the conditions$ Again the machine .o!s )et f)y c)ouds of missi)es, and Zhong (ui turned to f)ee$ Lu <u )ed out five hundred troops to pursue$ As Zhong (ui crossed the .ridge at a ga))op, the road!ay gave, and his horse-s hoof !ent through so that he !as near)y thro!n$ The horse cou)d not free its hoof, and Zhong (ui s)ipped from his .ac" and f)ed on foot$ As he ran do!n the s)ope of the .ridge, Lu <u came at him !ith a spear, .ut one of Zhong (ui-s fo))o!ers, <un Cai .y name, shot an arro! at Lu <u and .rought him to the earth$ %eeing this )uc"y hit, Zhong (ui turned .ac" and signa)ed to his force to ma"e an attac"$ They came on !ith a dash, the defenders !ere afraid to shoot, as their o!n troops !ere ming)ed !ith the enemy, and soon Zhong (ui crushed the defense and possessed the pass$ The defenders scattered$ The pass .eing captured, <un Cai !as !e)) re!arded for the shot that had saved his genera)-s )ife$ (e !as promoted to Assistant +enera) and received presents of a horse and a suit of armor$ <u &i !as ca))ed to the tent, and Zhong (ui .)amed him for the )ac" of care in his tas", saying, 0&ou !ere appointed Leader of the *an to see that the roads !ere put in repair, and your specia) duty !as to see that the .ridges !ere in good condition$ &et on the .ridge >ust no! my horse-s hoof !as caught, and 5 near)y fe))$ (appi)y <un Cai

!as .y, or 5 had .een s)ain$ &ou have .een diso.edient and must .ear the pena)ty$0 The de)in4uent !as sentenced to death$ The other genera)s tried to .eg him off, p)eading, 0(is father is <u 'hu !ho had rendered good services to the state=0 0(o! can discip)ine .e maintained if the )a!s are not enforced10 said Zhong (ui$ The sentence !as carried out, and the unhappy <u &i-s head !as e6posed as a !arning$ This severity put fear into the hearts of the officers$ :n the side of %hu, #ang (an commanded at &uecheng, and 8iang Bin !as in (ancheng$ As the enemy came in great force, they dared not go out to meet them, .ut stood on the defensive !ith the gates of the cities c)osed$ Zhong (ui issued an order, 0%peed is the sou) of !ar7 2o ha)ts$0 Li Du !as ordered to )ay siege to &uecheng, and <un Cai !as to surround (ancheng$ The main army under Zhong (ui !ou)d capture the &angping Pass$ The %hu +enera) 9u ian commanded at the pass$ (e discussed p)ans !ith 8iang %hu, his second in command, and 8iang %hu !as !ho))y in favor of defense, saying, 0The enemy is too strong to thin" of any other course$0 05 do not agree,0 rep)ied 9u ian$ 0They are no! fatigued !ith marching, and !e need not fear them$ Fn)ess !e go out and attac", &uecheng and (ancheng !i)) fa))$0 8iang %hu made no rep)y$ %oon the enemy arrived, and .oth officers !ent up to the !a)) and )oo"ed out$ As soon as Zhong (ui sa! them, he shouted, 0#e have here a host of one hundred thousand$ 5f you yie)d, you sha)) have higher ran" than you ho)d no!$ But if you persist in ho)ding out then, !hen !e ta"e the pass, you sha)) a)) perish$ 8e!e)s and pe..)es !i)) share the same destruction=0

This threat angered 9u ian$ (e .ade 8iang %hu guard the !a))s, and he !ent do!n to give .att)e, ta"ing three thousand troops$ (e attac"ed, and Zhong (ui retreated$ 9u ian pursued$ But soon the army of #ei c)osed up their ran"s and counterattac"ed$ 9u ian turned to retire$ But !hen he reached his o!n defenses, he sa! they f)e! the f)ags of #ei///the .anners of %hu had gone$ 05 have yie)ded=0 cried 8iang %hu from the ramparts$ 9u ian shouted angri)y, 0Fngratefu) and treacherous rogue= (o! can you ever face the !or)d again10 But that did no good$ 9u ian turned to go once more into the .att)e$ (e !as soon surrounded$ (e fought desperate)y, .ut cou)d not !in c)ear$ (is troops fe)) one .y one, and !hen they !ere reduced to one out of ten, he cried, 0A)ive 5 have .een a servant of %hu3 dead 5 !i)) .e one of their spirits=0 9u ian forced his !ay into the thic"est of the fight$ Then his steed fe)), and as he !as grievous)y !ounded, he put an end to his o!n )ife$ The )oya)ty 9u ian sho!ed in stressfu) days #on him a thousand autumns- no.)e praise3 The .ase 8iang %hu )ived on, a )ife disgraced, :ne !ou)d prefer the death that 9u ian faced$ #ith the &angping Pass fa))ing into the hands of Zhong (ui !ere great .ooty of grain and !eapons$ (e feasted the army, and that night they rested in the city of &angan$ (o!ever, the night !as distur.ed .y sounds as of peop)e shouting, so that Zhong (ui got up and !ent out thin"ing there must .e an attac"$ But the sounds ceased, and he returned to his couch$ (o!ever, he and his army cou)d not s)eep$ 2e6t night the same thing happened, shoutings in the south!est$ As soon as day da!ned scouts !ent out to search, .ut they came .ac" to say they had gone three mi)es and found no sign of any %hu so)dier$ Zhong (ui did not fee) satisfied, so he too" a hundred cava)rymen and rode in the same direction to e6p)ore$ Present)y they happened upon a hi)) of sinister aspect overhung .y angry c)ouds, !hi)e the summit !as !reathed in mist$

0#hat hi)) is that10 as"ed Zhong (ui, pu))ing up to 4uestion the guides$ 05t is "no!n as the Ding>un ;ountain,0 !as the rep)y$ 05t is !here <iahou &uan met his death$0 This did not sound cheering at a)), and Zhong (ui turned .ac" to camp great)y depressed$ ,ounding the curve of a hi)), he came fu)) into a vio)ent gust of !ind and there sudden)y appeared a )arge .ody of horse coming do!n the !ind as if to attac"$ The !ho)e party ga))oped off panic/stric"en, Zhong (ui )eading the !ay$ ;any genera)s fe)) from their steeds$ &et !hen they arrived at the pass, not a man !as missing, a)though there !ere many !ith .ruises and cuts from the fa))s and many had )ost he)mets$ @veryone had seen phantom horsemen, !ho did no harm !hen they came near, .ut me)ted a!ay in the !ind$ Zhong (ui ca))ed the surrendered +enera) 8iang %hu and as"ed, 05s there any temp)e to any supernatura) .eing on the Ding>un ;ountain10 02o,0 rep)ied he, 0there is nothing .ut the tom. of Zhuge Liang$0 0Then this must have .een a manifestation of Zhuge Liang,0 said Zhong (ui$ 05 ought to sacrifice to him$0 %o he prepared presents and s)e! an o6 and offered sacrifice at the tom., and !hen the sacrifice had .een comp)eted, the !ind ca)med, and the dar" c)ouds dispersed$ There fo))o!ed a coo) .ree?e and a gent)e sho!er, and the s"y c)eared$ P)eased !ith the evidence of the acceptance of their offerings, the sacrificia) party returned to camp$ That night Zhong (ui fe)) as)eep in his tent !ith his head resting on a sma)) ta.)e$ %udden)y a coo) .ree?e .egan to .)o!, and he sa! a figure approaching c)ad in Taoist gar., tur.an, feather fan, !hite ro.e of Taoist cut .ound !ith a .)ac" gird)e$ The countenance of the figure !as as refined as >ade, the )ips a deep red and the eyes c)ear$ The figure moved !ith the ca)m serenity of a god$ 0#ho are you, %ir10 as"ed Zhong (ui, rising$ 0:ut of gratitude for your "ind)y visit this morning, 5 !ou)d ma"e a communication$ Though the (ans have dec)ined and the mandate of the @terna) cannot .e diso.eyed, yet the peop)e of the !est,

e6posed to the inevita.)e miseries of !ar, are to .e pitied$ After you have passed the frontier, do not s)ay ruth)ess)y$0 Then the figure disappeared !ith a f)ic" of the s)eeves of its ro.e, nor !ou)d it stay to ans!er any 4uestions$ Zhong (ui a!o"e and "ne! that he had .een dreaming, .ut he fe)t that the spirit of Zhuge Liang the ;artia) Lord had visited him, and he !as astonished$ (e issued an order that the )eading division of his army shou)d .ear a !hite f)ag !ith si6 !ords p)ain)y !ritten thereon, %ecure the state, comfort the peop)e, so that a)) might "no! that no vio)ence !as to .e feared$ 5f anyone !as s)ain !anton)y, then the offender shou)d pay !ith his o!n )ife$ This tender care !as great)y appreciated, so that the invaders !ere !e)comed in every step$ Zhong (ui soothed the peop)e, and they suffered no in>ury$ Those phantom armies circ)ing in the g)eam ;oved Zhong (ui to sacrifice at Zhuge Liang-s tom.3 9or the Lius had Zhuge Liang !rought unto the end, Though dead, he !ou)d the (an peop)e sti)) defend$ 8iang #ei at Ta?hong heard of the invasion and !rote to his three genera)s///Zhang &i, Liao (ua, and Dong 8ue///to march against the enemy, !hi)e he prepared to repu)se them if they came to his station$ %oon they came, and he !ent out to encounter them$ Their )eader !as #ang i, +overnor of Tianshui$ #hen near enough, #ang i shouted, 0:ur forces are num.ered .y mi))ions, our genera)s .y thousands$ T!o hundred thousand are marching against you, and 'hengdu has a)ready fa))en$ 5n spite of this you do not yie)d, !herefore it is evident you do not recogni?e the divine command=0 8iang #ei cut short this tirade .y ga))oping out !ith his spear set$ #ang i stood three .outs and then f)ed$ 8iang #ei pursued, .ut seven mi)es a!ay he met a cohort dra!n up across the road$ :n the .anner he read ian (ong, +overnor of Long6i$ 0Dead rat= 2o match for me,0 said 8iang #ei, smi)ing$

Despising this antagonist, he )ed his army straight on, and the enemy fe)) .ac"$ (e drove them .efore him for three more mi)es, and then came upon Deng Ai$ A .att)e at once .egan, and the )ust of .att)e he)d out in the .reast of 8iang #ei for a score of .outs$ But neither cou)d over.ear the other$ Then in the %hu rear arose the c)ang of gongs and other signs of coming foes$ 8iang #ei retired the !ay he had come, and present)y one came to report7 0The +overnor of 8incheng, &ang <in, has destroyed the camps at +ansong$0 This !as evi) tidings$ (e .ade his genera)s "eep his o!n standard f)ying and ho)d Deng Ai !hi)e he !ent to try to recover the camps$ :n the !ay he met &ang <in, .ut &ang <in had no stomach for a fight !ith 8iang #ei and made for the hi))s$ 8iang #ei fo))o!ed ti)) he came to a precipice do!n !hich the enemy !ere hur)ing .ou)ders and )ogs of !ood so that he cou)d not pass$ 8iang #ei turned to go .ac" to the .att)efie)d he had >ust )eft, .ut on the !ay he met the defeated %hu army, for Deng Ai had crushed his genera)s$ 8iang #ei >oined them .ut !as surrounded .y the #ei forces$ Present)y he got c)ear !ith a sudden rush and hastened to the great camp$ 2e6t came the ne!s7 0Zhong (ui has defeated the &angping Pass3 8iang %hu has surrendered, !hi)e 9u ian has fa))en in the fie)d$ (an?hong is no! in the possession of #ei$ #ang (an of &uecheng and 8iang Bin of (ancheng has a)so opened their gates and yie)ded to the invaders at the )oss of (an?hong$ (u 8i has gone to 'hengdu for he)p$0 This great)y trou.)ed 8iang #ei, so he .ro"e camp and set out for (an?hong$ That night the %hu army reached the 9rontier ,iver Pass$ An army under &ang <in .arred his !ay, and again 8iang #ei !as forced to fight$ (e rode out in a great rage, and as &ang <in f)ed, he shot at him thrice, .ut his arro!s missed$ Thro!ing aside his .o!, he gripped his spear and set off in pursuit, .ut his horse tripped and fe)), and 8iang #ei )ay on the ground$ &ang <in turned to s)ay his enemy no! that he !as on foot, .ut 8iang #ei thrust &ang <in-s horse in the head$ :ther #ei troops came up rescued &ang <in$

;ounting another steed of his fo))o!er, 8iang #ei !as >ust setting out again in pursuit !hen they reported that Deng Ai !as coming against his rear$ ,ea)i?ing that he cou)d not cope !ith this ne! force, 8iang #ei co))ected his troops in order to retreat into (an?hong$ (o!ever, the scouts reported7 0Zhuge <u, 5mperia) Protector of &ong?hou, is ho)ding &inping Bridge, our retreat path$0 %o 8iang #ei ha)ted and made a camp in the mountains$ Advance and retreat seemed e4ua))y impossi.)e$ (e cried in anguish, 0(eaven is destroying me=0 Then said 2ing %ui, one of his genera)s, 05f our enemies are .)oc"ing &inping Bridge, they can on)y have )eft a !ea" force in &ong?hou$ #e can ma"e .e)ieve to .e going thither through the Conghan *a))ey and so force them to a.andon the .ridge in order to protect the city$ #hen the .ridge is c)ear, you can ma"e a dash for %a.er Pass and p)an for a recapture of (an?hong$0 This p)an seemed to promise success, so 8iang #ei ordered them to march into the Conghan *a))ey, ma"ing as though they !ou)d go to &ong?hou$ #hen Zhuge <u, !ho !as at the &inping Bridge, heard this, he said in great shoc", 0&ong?hou is my o!n city, and head4uarters of the e6pedition$ 5f it !ou)d .e )ost, 5 !ou)d .e punished=0 %o Zhuge <u set off to its re)ief .y the south road$ (e )eft on)y a sma)) force at the .ridge$ 8iang #ei marched a)ong the north road for ten mi)es ti)) he guessed that Zhuge <u had a.andoned the .ridge, !hen he reversed his course, ma"ing the rearguard the van$ (e dispersed the sma)) force )eft at the .ridge head and .urned their camp$ Zhuge <u, as he marched, sa! the f)ames, and he turned .ac" to the .ridge, .ut he arrived too )ate$ The army of %hu had a)ready crossed, and he dared not pursue$ %oon after 8iang #ei crossed the .ridge, he sa! another force, .ut this !as )ed .y his o!n genera)s, Liao (ua and Zhang &i$ They to)d him, 0The Latter ,u)er, firm in his faith in a !ise !oman, !ou)d not send he)p to defend the frontiers$ #e heard (an?hong !as threatened, and thus marched there to its rescue, .ut then

Zhong (ui had ta"en the &angping Pass$ #e a)so heard you !ere surrounded here, so !e came to your he)p$0 The t!o armies ama)gamated and marched together$ Liao (ua said, 0#e are attac"ed a)) round, and the grain transportation is .)oc"ed$ 5t seems to me !isest to retire on the %a.er Pass and p)an other designs$0 But 8iang #ei !as dou.tfu)$ Then they heard that Deng Ai and Zhong (ui !ere approaching in ten divisions$ 8iang #ei !as disposed to stand, .ut Liao (ua said, 0This country of #hite #ater is )aced !ith .y/roads and is too narro! and difficu)t to fight in !ith any hope of success$ 5t !ou)d .e .etter to retreat to the %a.er Pass$ 5f !e )oss that pass, a)) paths !i)) .e c)osed to us$0 At )ast 8iang #ei consented, and the march .egan$ But as they neared the pass, they heard drums ro))ing and sa! f)ags f)uttering, !hich to)d them that the pass !as he)d$ (an?hong, that strong defense, is )ost3 And storm c)ouds gather round %a.er Pass$ #hat force !as at the pass !i)) .e to)d in the ne6t chapter$ Chapter : Deng Ai &ets Thr#ugh The Yinping 0#untains; Zhuge Zhan (a$$s In The %att$efie$d 'f 0ian3hu.

#hen Dong 8ue, +enera) #ho Fpho)ds the %tate, heard of the invasion of #ei in ten divisions, he .rought to the frontier t!enty thousand troops to %a.er Pass$ And !hen the dust sho!ed an approaching army, Dong 8ue thought it !ise to go to the Pass )est the coming armies shou)d .e enemies to .e stopped$ But Dong 8ue found that the ne!comers !ere 8iang #ei, Liao (ua, and Zhang &i$ (e )et them pass through$ Then he gave them the ne!s from the capita), .ad ne!s of the deeds of .oth the Latter ,u)er and (uang (ao$ (is tears fe)) as he to)d the ta)es$ 0But do not grieve,0 said 8iang #ei$ 0%o )ong as 5 )ive, 5 !i)) not a))o! #ei to come and con4uer %hu$ 2o! !e must defend this pass, and then evo)ve a strategy$0

They "ept good guard at %a.er Pass, !hi)e they discussed future p)ans$ 0Though !e are ho)ding this pass, yet 'hengdu is !e))/nigh empty of so)diers,0 said Dong 8ue$ 05f it !as attac"ed, it !ou)d go crac"=0 8iang #ei rep)ied, 0The natura) defenses of 'hengdu are e6ce))ent7 5t is hard to cross over the mountains and c)im. the steep roads$ 2o one needs fear$0 %oon after this, Zhuge <u appeared at the pass cha))enging the defenders$ 8iang #ei forth!ith p)aced himse)f at the head of five thousand troops and !ent do!n to meet the #ei army$ (e gained an easy victory, s)aying many of the enemy and ta"ing much spoi) in horses and !eapons$ #hi)e 8iang #ei !ent .ac" to the pass, the defeated Zhuge <u made his !ay to Zhong (ui-s camp, seven mi)es a!ay, to confess his fai)ure$ (is genera) !as very angry$ 0;y orders to you !ere to ho)d &inping Bridge so as to stop 8iang #ei, and you )ost it$ 2o! !ithout any orders you attac" and are defeated$0 08iang #ei p)ayed so many deceitfu) tric"s$ (e pretended to .e going to ta"e &ong?hou, and 5 thought that !as very important, so 5 sent troops to rescue it$ Then he mean)y got a!ay$ 5 fo))o!ed to the pass, .ut never thought he !ou)d come out and defeat my troops$0 Zhuge <u p)eaded thus, .ut he !as sentenced to die$ 2o! #ei +uan, Army 5nspector, said, 0Zhuge <u is rea))y a su.ordinate of Deng Ai and, admitting that he is in fau)t, his punishment shou)d not have .een pronounced .y you, : 'ommander$0 But Zhong (ui s!aggering)y rep)ied, 05 have a command from the @mperor and orders from the Prime ;inister to attac" %hu$ 5f Deng Ai himse)f offended, 5 !ou)d .ehead him$0 (o!ever, other )eaders interceded for Zhuge <u, and Zhong (ui did not put him to death, .ut sent him a caged prisoner to the capita) to .e >udged$ The surviving so)diers !ere added to Zhong (ui-s army$

This inso)ent speech of Zhong (ui !as du)y repeated to Deng Ai, !ho !as angry in his turn and said, 0(is ran" and mine are the same$ 5 have he)d a frontier post for years and sustained many fatigues in the country-s service$ #ho is he that he gives himse)f such airs10 (is son Deng Zhong endeavored to appease his !rath$ 09ather, if you cannot suffer sma)) things, you may upset the grand po)icy of the state$ Fnfriend)iness !ith him may do great harm, so 5 hope you !i)) .ear !ith him$0 Deng Ai sa! his son !as right, and said no more3 .ut he nourished anger in his heart$ #ith a sma)) escort he !ent to ca)) upon his co))eague$ #hen his coming !as announced, Zhong (ui as"ed his staff, 0(o! many so)diers are fo))o!ing Deng Ai10 0(e has on)y some t!enty horsemen,0 they rep)ied$ Zhong (ui had a )arge .ody of guards dra!n up a.out his tent, and then gave orders that his visitor shou)d .e )ed in$ Deng Ai dismounted, and the t!o men sa)uted each other$ But the visitor did not )i"e the )oo" on the faces of his host-s guards$ (e decided to find out !hat Zhong (ui !as thin"ing$ 0The capture of (an?hong is a piece of e6ce))ent fortune for the state,0 said Deng Ai$ 0The capture of %a.er Pass can no! .e accomp)ished easi)y$0 0#hat is your o!n idea, +enera)10 as"ed Zhong (ui$ Deng Ai tried to evade ans!ering the 4uestion, admitting he had no good suggestion$ But Zhong (ui pressed him to rep)y$ 9ina))y he said, 05n my simp)e opinion one might proceed .y .y/ roads from the pass through the &inping ;ountains to Deyang in (an?hong, and thence ma"e a surprise march to 'hengdu$ 8iang #ei must go to its defense, and you, +enera), can ta"e the %a.er Pass$0 0A very good p)an,0 said Zhong (ui$ 0&ou may start forth!ith, and 5 !i)) !ait here ti)) 5 hear ne!s of your success$0

They dran", and Deng Ai too" his )eave$ Zhong (ui !ent .ac" to his o!n tent fi))ed !ith contempt for Deng Ai-s p)an$ !hich he thought impractica.)e$ 0They say Deng Ai is a.)e$ 5 thin" he is of most ordinary capacity,0 said he to his officers$ 0But !hy10 said they$ 0Because the .y/roads .y &inping ;ountains are impassa.)e, nothing .ut )ofty c)iffs and steep hi))s$ A hundred defenders at a critica) point cou)d cut a)) communications, and Deng Ai-s army !ou)d starve to death$ 5 sha)) go .y the direct road, and there is no fear a.out the resu)t$ 5 sha)) overcome %hu$0 %o he prepared sca)ing )adders and stone/thro!ing machines and set himse)f to .esiege %a.er Pass$ Deng Ai !ent out to the main gate of the court$ #hi)e mounting, he said to his fo))o!ers, 0#hat did Zhong (ui thin" of me10 0(e )oo"ed as though he he)d a poor opinion of !hat you had said, +enera), and disagreed !ith you, a)though his !ords !ere fair enough$0 0(e thin"s 5 cannot ta"e 'hengdu$ %o 5 sha)) ta"e it=0 (e !as received at his o!n camp .y %hi Zuan and his son Deng Zhong, and a party of others of his genera)s, and they as"ed !hat the conversation had .een a.out$ 05 to)d Zhong (ui simp)e truth, .ut he thin"s 5 am >ust a common person of no a.i)ity to spea" of$ (e regards the capture of (an?hong as an incompara.)e feat of arms$ #here !ou)d he have .een if 5 had not he)d up 8iang #ei at Ta?hong1 But 5 thin" the capture of 'hengdu !i)) .eat that of (an?hong$0 That night the camp !as .ro"en up, and Deng Ai set his army out upon a )ong march a)ong the mountainous paths$ At t!enty mi)es from %a.er Pass they made a camp$ The scouts to)d Zhong (ui of his movement, and Zhong (ui )aughed at the attempt$ 9rom his camp Deng Ai sent a )etter to %ima Zhao$

Then he ca))ed his officers to his tent and as"ed them, saying, 05 am going to ma"e a dash for 'hengdu !hi)e it is sti)) undefended, and success !i)) mean unfading g)ory for us a))$ #i)) you fo))o! me10 0#e !i)) fo))o! you and o.ey your orders,0 cried they a))$ %o the fina) dispositions !ere made$ Deng Zhong and three thousand troops !ent first to improve the road$ (is troops !ore no armor, .ut they had a6es and .oring too)s$ They !ere to )eve) roads and .ui)d .ridges$ 2e6t !ent thirty thousand troops furnished !ith dry grain and ropes$ At every one hundred mi)es they !ere to ma"e a post of three thousand$ 5n autumn of that year, they )eft &inping, and in the tenth month they !ere in most precipitous country of the &inping ;ountains$ They had ta"en t!enty days to trave) t!o hundred and fifty mi)es$ They !ere in an uninha.ited country$ After garrisoning the various posts on the !ay, they had on)y t!o thousand so)diers )eft$ Before them stood a range named (eaven ')iffs, !hich no horse cou)d ascend$ Deng Ai c)im.ed up on foot to see his son and the troops !ith him opening up a road$ They !ere e6hausted !ith fatigue and !eeping$ Deng Ai as"ed !hy they !ere so sad, and his son rep)ied, 0#e have found an impassa.)e precipice a!ay to the north!est !hich !e cannot get through$ A)) our )a.or has .een in vain$0 Deng Ai said, 0#e have got over t!o hundred and fifty mi)es, and >ust .eyond is 8iangyou$ #e cannot go .ac"$ (o! can one get tiger cu.s e6cept .y going into tiger caves1 (ere !e are, and it !i)) .e a very great feat to capture 'hengdu$0 They a)) said they !ou)d go on$ %o they came to the precipice$ 9irst they thre! over their !eapons3 then the )eader !rapped himse)f in .)an"ets and ro))ed over the edge3 ne6t the genera)s fo))o!ed him, a)so !rapped in .)an"ets$ Those !ho had not .)an"ets !ere )et do!n .y cords round the !aist, and others c)inging to trees fo))o!ed one after another ti)) a)) had descended and the (eaven ')iffs !as passed$ Then they retoo" their armor and !eapons and !ent on their !ay$

They came across a stone .y the roadside$ 5t .ore a mysterious inscription, trans)ated )itera))y it read7 0This stone is a message of Zhuge Liang the Prime ;inister7 T!o fires !ere >ust founded3 armies pass .y here$ T!o so)diers compete3 .oth soon die$0D Deng Ai !as astonished$ Present)y he .o!ed .efore the stone and prayed to the spirit of Zhuge Liang$ 0: ;artia) Lord, immorta)= 5 grieve that 5 am not thy !orthy discip)e$0 The rugged )ofty mountain pea"s :f &inping, pierce the s"y, The som.er crane !ith !earied !ing 'an scarce)y over them f)y$ 5ntrepid Deng Ai in .)an"ets !rapped ,o))ed do!n the craggy steep, (is feat Zhuge Liang prophesied By insight !ondrous deep$ (aving crossed this great range of mountains !ithout discovery, Deng Ai marched for!ard$ Present)y he came to a roomy camp, empty and deserted$ (e !as to)d that !hi)e Zhuge Liang )ived, a thousand troops had .een "ept in garrison at this point of danger, .ut the Latter ,u)er had !ithdra!n them$ Deng Ai sighed at the thought$ (e said to his troops, 02o! retreat is impossi.)e, there is no road .ac"$ Before you )ies 8iangyou !ith stores in a.undance$ Advance and you )ive, retreat and you die$ &ou must fight !ith a)) your strength$0 0#e !i)) fight to the death=0 they cried$ The )eader !as no! afoot, doing dou.)e marches !ith his t!o thousand troops to!ard 8iangyou$ The commander at 8iangyou !as ;a ;iao$ (e heard the @ast ,iver Land had fa))en into the hands of the enemy$ Though some thing prepared for defense, yet his post had a !ide area to cover and guard, and he trusted 8iang #ei !ou)d defend the %a.er Pass$ %o he did not ta"e his mi)itary duties very serious)y, >ust maintaining the

dai)y dri))s and then going home to his !ife to cudd)e up to the stove and drin"$ (is !ife !as of the Li fami)y$ #hen she heard of the state of things on the frontier, she said to her hus.and, 05f there is so great danger on the .orders, ho! is it you are so unaffected10 0The affair is in 8iang #ei-s hands and is not my concern,0 rep)ied he$ 02everthe)ess, you fina))y have to guard the capita), and that is a heavy responsi.i)ity$0 0:, !e))= The @mperor trusts his favorite (uang (ao entire)y and is sun" in vice and p)easure$ Disaster is very near$ 5f the #ei armies get here, 5 sha)) yie)d$ 5t is no good ta"ing it serious)y$0 0&ou ca)) yourse)f a man= (ave you such a dis)oya) and treacherous heart1 5s it nothing to have he)d office and ta"en pay for years1 (o! can 5 .ear to )oo" upon your face10 ;a ;iao !as too ashamed to attempt to rep)y$ 8ust then his house servants came to te)) him that Deng Ai, !ith his t!o thousand troops, had found their !ay a)ong some road and had a)ready .ro"en into the city$ ;a ;iao !as no! frightened and hasti)y !ent out to find the )eader and offer his forma) su.mission$ (e !ent to the To!n (a)) and .o!ed on the steps, crying, 05 have )ong desired to come over to #ei$ 2o! 5 yie)d myse)f and my army and a)) the to!n$0 Deng Ai accepted his surrender and incorporated his army !ith his o!n force$ (e too" ;a ;iao into his service as guide$ Then came a servant !ith the ne!s7 0Lady Li has hanged herse)f=0 Deng Ai as"ed !hy she had done it, and ;a ;iao to)d him$ Deng Ai, admiring her rectitude, gave orders for an honora.)e .uria)$ (e a)so !ent in person to sacrifice$ @veryone e6to))ed her conduct$ #hen the ,u)er of %hu had !andered from the !ay, And the (ouse of (an fe)) )o!er, (eaven sent Deng Ai to smite the )and$ Then did a !oman sho! herse)f most no.)e, %o no.)e in conduct, That no )eader e4ua)ed her$

As soon as 8iangyou !as ta"en, the posts a)ong the road .y !hich the army had come !ere !ithdra!n, and there !as a genera) rende?vous at this point$ This done, they marched to!ard 9ucheng$ +enera) Tian <u remonstrated, saying, 0#e have >ust finished a )ong and peri)ous march and are !eary and !orn out$ #e ought to repose for a fe! days to recover$0 Deng Ai angri)y rep)ied, 0%peed is the one important matter in !ar$ Do not encourage any discontent$ 5 !i)) not have it$0 Tian <u !as sentenced to death$ But as many officers interceded for him, he !as pardoned$ The army pressed on to!ard 9ucheng$ As soon as they arrived, the officers yie)ded as if they thought Deng Ai had fa))en from the heavens$ %ome too" the ne!s to the capita), and the Latter ,u)er .egan to fee) a)armed$ (e hasti)y ca))ed for (uang (ao, !ho at once denied the report$ 0That is >ust fa)se rumor$ The spirits !ou)d not deceive &our ;a>esty,0 said (uang (ao$ The Latter ,u)er summoned the !ise !oman to the Pa)ace, .ut the messengers said she had gone no one "ne! !hither$ And no! urgent memoria)s and )etters fe)) in from every side )i"e a sno! storm, and messengers !ent to and fro in constant streams$ The Latter ,u)er ca))ed a court to discuss the danger, .ut no one had any p)an or suggestion to offer$ The courtiers >ust )oo"ed .)an")y into each other-s faces$ 9ina))y <i Zheng spo"e out, 05n this e6tremity &our ;a>esty shou)d ca)) in the he)p of the son of the ;artia) Lord$0 This son of Zhuge Liang !as named Zhuge Zhan$ (is mother !as .orn of the (uang fami)y and a daughter of (uang 'henyan$ %he !as singu)ar)y p)ain and e6traordinari)y ta)ented$ %he had studied everything, even .oo"s of strategy and magic$ Zhuge Liang in 2anyang had sought to marry her .ecause of her goodness, and she had studied !ith him for a)) their )ives$ %he had survived her hus.and .ut a short time, and her )ast !ords to her son had .een 0.e )oya) and fi)ia)0$

Zhuge Zhan had .een "no!n as a c)ever )ad and had married a daughter of the Latter ,u)er, so that he !as an 5mperia) %on/in/La!$ (is father-s ran", Lord of #u6iang, had descended to him$ 5n the fourth year of #onderfu) %ight (AD 2JE) Zhuge Zhan received the ran" of +enera) of the +uard as !e))$ But he had retired !hen (uang (ao, the eunuch, as first favorite, .egan to direct state affairs$ As suggested, the Latter ,u)er summoned Zhuge Zhan to court, and he said, !eeping, 0Deng Ai has defeated 9ucheng, and the capita) is serious)y threatened$ &ou must thin" of your father and rescue me=0 0;y father and 5 o!e too much to the 9irst ,u)er-s and &our ;a>esty-s "indness for me to thin" any sacrifice too great to ma"e for &our ;a>esty$ 5 pray that you give me command of the troops in the capita), and 5 !i)) fight a decisive .att)e$0 %o the so)diers, seventy thousand, !ere p)aced under Zhuge Zhan-s command$ #hen he had gathered a)) together, he said, 0#ho dares .e Leader of the *an10 (is son, Zhuge %hang, then nineteen, offered himse)f, saying, 0%ince my father commands the army, 5 vo)unteer to )ead the van=0 Zhuge %hang had studied mi)itary .oo"s and made himse)f an adept in the various e6ercises$ %o he !as appointed, and the army marched to find the enemy$ 5n the meantime the surrender genera), ;a ;iao, had given Deng Ai a very comp)ete map of the country sho!ing the !ho)e si6ty mi)es of road to 'hengdu$ (o!ever, Deng Ai !as dismayed !hen he sa! the difficu)ties ahead of him$ 05f they defend the hi))s in front, 5 sha)) fai)3 for if 5 am de)ayed, 8iang #ei !i)) come up, and my army !i)) .e in great danger$ The army must press on$0 (e ca))ed %hi Zuan and his son Deng Zhong and said, 0Lead one army straight to ;ian?hu to "eep .ac" any %hu so)diers sent to stop our march$ 5 !i)) fo))o! as soon as 5 can$ But hasten3 for if you )et the enemy foresta)) you, 5 !i)) put you to death$0 They !ent$ 2earing ;ian?hu they met the army under Zhuge Zhan$ Both sides prepared for .att)e$ The %hu armies adopted the @ight

Diagrams formation and present)y, after the usua) trip)e ro)) of drums, %hi Zuan and Deng Zhong sa! their opponents- ran"s open in the center, and therefrom emerge a )ight carriage in !hich sat a figure )oo"ing e6act)y as Zhuge Liang used to )oo" !hen he appeared on the .att)efie)d$ @very.ody "ne! the Taoist ro.es and the feather fan$ The standard .ore his name and tit)es The (an Prime ;inister Zhuge Liang$ The sight !as too much for Deng Zhong and %hi Zuan$ The co)d s!eat of terror poured do!n them, and they stammered out$ 05f Zhuge Liang is sti)) a)ive, that is the end of us=0 They )ed their army to f)ee$ The troops of %hu came on, and the army of #ei !as driven a!ay in defeat and chased a distance of seven mi)es$ Then the pursuers sighted Deng Ai, and they turned and retired$ #hen Deng Ai had camped, he ca))ed the t!o )eaders .efore him and reproached them for retreating !ithout fighting$ 0#e sa! Zhuge Liang )eading the enemy,0 said Deng Zhong, 0%o !e ran a!ay$0 0#hy shou)d !e fear, even if they .ring Zhuge Liang to )ife again1 &ou ran a!ay !ithout cause, and !e have )ost$ &ou ought .oth to .e put to death$0 (o!ever, they did not die, for their fe))o!s p)eaded for them, and Deng Ai-s !rath !as mo))ified$ Then the scouts came in to say7 0The )eader of the army is a son of Zhuge Liang, Zhuge Zhan$ The *an Leader is Zhuge Zhang-s son, Zhuge %hang$ They had set up on the carriage the o)d !ooden image of the )ate strategist$0 Deng Ai, ho!ever, said to Deng Zhong and %hi Zuan, 0This is the critica) stage$ 5f you )ose the ne6t .att)e, you !i)) certain)y )ose your )ives !ith it=0 At the head of ten thousand troops, they !ent out to .att)e once more$ This time they met the vanguard )ed .y Zhuge %hang, !ho rode out a)one, .o)d)y offering to repu)se the )eaders of #ei$ At Zhuge Zhan-s signa) the t!o !ings advanced and thre! themse)ves against the #ei )ine$ The center portion of the #ei )ine met them,

and the .att)e !ent to and fro many times, ti)) at )ength the force of #ei, after great )osses, had to give !ay$ Both Deng Zhong and %hi Zuan .eing .ad)y !ounded, they f)ed and the army of %hu pursued and drove the invaders into their camp$ %hi Zuan and Deng Zhong had to ac"no!)edge a ne! defeat, .ut, !hen Deng Ai sa! .oth !ere severe)y !ounded, he for.ore to .)ame them or decree any pena)ty$ To his officers Deng Ai said, 0This Zhuge Zhan !e)) continues the paterna) tradition$ T!ice they have .eaten us and s)ain great num.ers$ #e must defeat them, and that 4uic")y, or !e are )ost$0 Then ;i)itary 5nspector !ith a )etter10 iu Ben said, 0#hy not persuade their )eader

Deng Ai agreed and !rote a )etter, !hich he sent .y the hand of a messenger$ The !arden of the %hu camp gate )ed the messenger in to see Zhuge Zhan, !ho opened the )etter and read7 0Deng Ai, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est, !rites to Zhuge Zhan, +enera) of the +uard and Leader of the army in the fie)d$ 02o! having carefu))y o.served a)) the ta)ents of the time, 5 see not one of them is e4ua) to your most honored father$ 9rom the moment of his emergence from his retreat, he said that the country !as to .e in tripod division$ (e con4uered 8ing?hou and &i?hou and (an?hong and thus esta.)ished a position$ 9e! have .een his e4ua) in a)) history$ (e made si6 e6peditions from ishan, and, if he fai)ed, it !as not that he )ac"ed s"i))///it !as the !i)) of (eaven$ 0But no! this Latter ,u)er is du)) and !ea", and his "ing)y aura is a)ready e6hausted$ 5 have a command from the %on of (eaven to smite %hu !ith severity, and 5 a)ready possess the )and$ &our capita) must 4uic")y fa))$ #hy then do you not .o! to the !i)) of (eaven and fa)) in !ith the desires of peop)e .y acting right)y and coming over to our side1 5 !i)) o.tain the ran" of Prince of Langye for you, !here.y your ancestors !i)) .e rendered i))ustrious$ These are no vain !ords if happi)y you !i)) consider them$0 The )etter made Zhuge Zhan furious)y angry$ (e tore it to fragments and ordered the .earer thereof to .e put to death immediate)y$ (e a)so ordered the escort to .ear the head of the messenger to the camp of #ei and )ay it .efore Deng Ai$

Deng Ai !as very angry at this insu)t and !ished to go forth at once to .att)e$ But iu Ben dissuaded him$ 0Do not go out to .att)e,0 said he$ 0,ather overcome him .y some une6pected stro"e$0 %o Deng Ai )aid his p)ans$ (e sent #ang i, +overnor of Tianshui, and ian (ong, +overnor of Long6i, to )ie in !ait in the rear !hi)e he )ed the main .ody$ Zhuge Zhan happened to .e c)ose at hand see"ing .att)e$ #hen he heard the enemy !as near, he )ed out his army eager)y and rushed into the midst of the invaders$ Then Deng Ai f)ed as though !orsted, so )uring on Zhuge Zhan$ But !hen the pursuit had )asted some time, the pursuers !ere attac"ed .y those !ho )ay in !ait, and the %hu troops !ere defeated$ They ran a!ay into ;ian?hu$ Therefore Deng Ai .esieged ;ian?hu, and the troops of #ei shouted a.out the city and !atched the ramparts, thus "eeping the defenders c)ose shut in as if he)d in an iron .arre)$ Zhuge Zhan !as desperate, seeing no !ay of escape !ithout he)p from outside$ #herefore he !rote a )etter to @ast #u .egging for assistance, and he gave this )etter to Peng (e to .ear through the .esiegers$ Peng (e fought his !ay through and reached #u, !here he sa! the ,u)er of #u, %un <iu$ And he presented the )etter sho!ing the !retched p)ight of Zhuge Zhan and his urgent need$ Then the ,u)er of #u assem.)ed his officers and said to them, 0The )and of %hu .eing in danger, 5 cannot sit and )oo" on unconcerned$0 (e therefore decided to send fifty thousand troops, over !hom he set the *eteran +enera) Ding 9eng, !ith t!o a.)e assistants///%un &in and Ding 9ung$ (aving received his edict, Ding 9eng sent a!ay his commanders !ith t!enty thousand troops to ;ian?hu, and he himse)f !ent !ith thirty thousand troops to!ard %houchun$ The army marched in three divisions$ 5n the city of ;ian?hu, Zhuge Zhan !aited for the rescue !hich never came$ #eary of the hope)ess de)ay, he said to his genera)s, 0This )ong defense is use)ess$ 5 !i)) fight=0

Leaving his son Zhuge %hang and 'hair of the %ecretariat Zhang Zun///Zhang 9ei-s grandson///in the city, Zhuge Zhan put on his armor and )ed out three thousand troops through three gates to fight in the open$ %eeing the defenders ma"ing a sortie, Deng Ai dre! off and Zhuge Zhan pursued him vigorous)y, thin"ing Deng Ai rea))y f)ed .efore his force$ But there !as an am.ush, and fa))ing therein he !as 4uic")y surrounded as is the "erne) of a nut .y the she))$ 5n vain he thrust right and shoved )eft, he on)y )ost his troops in the raining arro!s and .o)ts$ The troops of #ei poured in more f)ights of arro!s, so that his army !ere a)) shattered$ Before )ong, Zhuge Zhan !as !ounded and fe))$ 05 am done,0 cried he$ 0But in my death 5 !i)) do my duty=0 (e dre! his s!ord and s)e! himse)f$ 9rom the city !a))s his son Zhuge %hang sa! the death of his father$ +irding on his armor he made to go out to fight$ But Zhang Zun to)d him, 0&oung genera), do not go out immediate)y=0 'ried Zhuge %hang, 0;y father and 5 and a)) our fami)y have received favors from the state$ ;y father has died in .att)e against our enemies, and can 5 )ive10 (e !hipped his horse and dashed out into the thic" of the fight, !here he died$ A poem has .een !ritten e6to))ing the conduct of .oth father and son$ 5n s"i)) he !as found !anting, not in )oya)ty, But the Lord-s !ord had gone forth, That the ,u)er of %hu !as to .e cut off, 2o.)e !ere Zhuge Liang-s descendants$ 5n commiseration of their )oya)ty, Deng Ai had .oth father and son .uried fitting)y$ Then he .egan attac"ing the city vigorous)y$ Zhang Zun, (uang 'hong, and Li iu, the defenders, ho!ever, he)d the city desperate)y, .ut to no avai) for their num.ers .eing sma)), and the three )eaders !ere s)ain$ This !as the end of the defense, and Deng Ai then entered as con4ueror$ (aving re!arded his army, he set out for 'hengdu$ The c)osing days of the Latter ,u)er !ere As had .een those of Liu Zhang$

The ne6t chapter !i)) te)) of the defense of 'hengdu$ Chapter < Weeping At The An.estra$ Temp$e" A (i$ia$ +rin.e Dies; 0ar.hing T# The West River Land" T)# Leaders C#mpetes.

The ne!s of the fa)) of ;ian?hu and the deaths in .att)e of Zhuge Zhan and Zhuge %hang, father and son, .rought home to the Latter ,u)er that danger !as very near, and he summoned a counci)$ Then the officia)s said, 0Panic has sei?ed upon the peop)e, and they are )eaving the city in cro!ds$ Their cries sha"e the very s"y=0 %ore)y he fe)t his he)p)essness$ %oon they reported the enemy !ere actua))y near the city, and many courtiers advised f)ight$ 0#e do not have enough troops to protect the capita)$ Leave the city and f)ee south to the seven counties of 2an?hong,0 said they$ 0The country is difficu)t and easi)y defended$ #e can get the ;angs to come and he)p us$0 But ;inister iao Zhou opposed, saying, 02o, no, that !i)) not do$ The ;angs are o)d re.e)s$ To go to them !ou)d .e a ca)amity$0 Then some proposed see"ing refuge in #u7 0The peop)e of #u are our s!orn a))ies, and this is a moment of e6treme danger$ Let us go thither$0 But iao Zhou a)so opposed this, saying, 05n the !ho)e course of past ages no emperor has ever gone to another state$ %o far as 5 can see, #ei !i)) present)y a.sor. #u, and certain)y #u !i)) never overcome #ei$ 5magine the disgrace of .ecoming a minister of #u and then having to sty)e yourse)f minister of #ei$ 5t !ou)d dou.)e the mortification$ Do neither$ %urrender to #ei, and #ei !i)) give &our ;a>esty a strip of )and !here the ancestra) temp)e can .e preserved, and the peop)e !i)) .e saved from suffering$ 5 desire &our ;a>esty to ref)ect !e)) upon this$0 The distracted Latter ,u)er retired from the counci) !ithout having come to any decision$ 2e6t day confusion had .ecome sti)) !orse$ iao Zhou sa! that matters !ere very urgent and presented a !ritten memoria)$ The Latter ,u)er accepted it and decided to yie)d$

But from .ehind a screen stepped out the fifth of the @mperor-s sons, Liu 'han, Prince of Beidi$ Liu 'han shouted at iao Zhou, 0&ou corrupt pedant, unfit to )ive among peop)e= (o! dare you offer such mad advice in a matter concerning the e6istence of a dynasty1 (as any emperor ever yie)ded to the enemy10 The Latter ,u)er had seven sons in a))///Liu ,ui, Liu Dao, Liu Zhong, Liu Zan, Liu 'han, Liu <ue, and Liu 8u$ But the a.)est, and the on)y one a.ove the common )eve) of peop)e, !as this Liu 'han$ The Latter ,u)er turned fee.)y to his son and said, 0The ministers have decided other!ise7 They advise surrender$ &ou are the on)y one !ho thin"s that .o)dness may avai), and !ou)d you drench the city in .)ood10 The Prince said, 0#hi)e the 9irst ,u)er )ived, this iao Zhou had no voice in state affairs$ 2o! he gives this !i)d advice and ta)"s the most su.versive )anguage$ There is no reason at a)) in !hat he says, for !e have in the city many )egions of so)diers, and 8iang #ei is undefeated in %a.er Pass$ (e !i)) come to our rescue as soon as he "no!s our straits, and !e can he)p him to fight$ #e sha)) sure)y succeed$ #hy )isten to the !ords of this dryasdust1 #hy a.andon thus )ight)y the !or" of our great forerunner10 The Latter ,u)er .ecame angry at this harangue and turned to his son, saying, 0Be si)ent= &ou are too young to understand (eaven-s !i))=0 Liu 'han .eat his head upon the ground and imp)ored his father to ma"e an effort$ 05f !e have done our .est and defeat yet comes, if parents and chi)dren, )ords and ministers have set their .ac"s to the !a)) and died in one fina) effort to preserve the dynasty, then in the shades of the 2ine +o)den %prings !e sha)) .e a.)e to )oo" the 9irst ,u)er in the face, unashamed$ But !hat if !e surrender10 The appea) )eft the Latter ,u)er unmoved$ The Prince cried, 05s it not shamefu) in one day to thro! do!n a)) that our ancestors .ui)t up !ith so great )a.or1 5 !ou)d rather die$0

The Latter ,u)er, no! very angry, .ade the courtiers thrust the young man out of the Pa)ace$ Then he ordered iao Zhou to prepare the forma) Act of %urrender$ After it had .een !ritten, three officers///Adviser Zhang %hao, 5mperia) %on/in/La! 'ommander Deng Liang, and ;inister iao Zhou///!ere sent !ith it and the (ereditary %ea) to the camp of Deng Ai to offer su.mission$ @very day Deng Ai-s horsemen rode to the city to see !hat !as afoot$ 5t !as a g)ad day !hen they returned reporting the hoisting of the f)ag of surrender$ The genera) had not )ong to !ait$ The three messengers soon arrived and presented the )etter announcing surrender and the sea) there!ith$ Deng Ai read the )etter !ith great e6u)tation, and too" possession of the sea)$ (e treated the envoys courteous)y, and .y their hands sent .ac" a )etter to a))ay any an6iety among the peop)e$ 5n due time they reentered the city and .ore this missive to the Latter ,u)er, and they to)d him they had .een treated !e))$ The Latter ,u)er read the )etter !ith much satisfaction$ Then he sent ;inister 8iang <ian to order 8iang #ei to surrender$ Then Li (u, 'hair of the %ecretariat, carried to the victorious Deng Ai the statistica) documents of the resources of the "ingdom7 2,IBB,BBB househo)ds, 9,EGB,BBB sou)s, EB2,BBB active armed so)diers of a)) ran"s, and GB,BBB civi) emp)oyees$ Besides, there !ere granaries !ith G,BBB,BBB carts of grain, treasuries !ith A,BBB pounds of go)d and si)ver and 2BB,BBB ro))s of si)"s of many 4ua)ities, and many unenumerated .ut precious things in the various storehouses$ Li (u arranged that the ceremony of surrender shou)d ta"e p)ace on the first day of the t!e)fth month$ The !rath of Prince Liu 'han s!e))ed high as heaven !hen he heard that his father had actua))y arranged the date of his a.dication$ +irding on his s!ord, he !as setting out for the Pa)ace !hen his 'onsort, Lady 'ui, stopped him, saying, 0;y Prince, !hy does your face .ear this )oo" of terri.)e anger10 (e rep)ied, 0The army of #ei is at the gates, and my father has made his Act of %urrender$ Tomorro! he and a)) his ministers are going out of the city to su.mit forma))y, and the dynasty !i)) end$

But rather than .o! the "nee to another, 5 !i)) die and go into the presence of the 9irst ,u)er in the rea)ms .e)o!$0 0(o! !orthy3 ho! !orthy=0 rep)ied she$ 0And if my )ord must die, 5, thy handmaid, prays that she may die first$ Then may my Prince depart$0 0But !hy shou)d you die10 0The Prince dies for his father and the handmaid for her hus.and$ :ne eterna) princip)e guides us a))$0 Thereupon she dashed herse)f against a pi))ar, and so she died$ Then Liu 'han s)e! his three sons and cut off the head of his 'onsort that he might sever a)) ties to )ife )est he .e tempted to )ive$ Bearing the head of the princess in his hand, he !ent to the Temp)e of the 9irst ,u)er, !here he .o!ed his head, saying, 0Thy servant is ashamed at seeing the "ingdom pass to another$ Therefore has he s)ain his 'onsort and his sons that nothing shou)d induce him to )ive and forego death$0 This announcement recited, he made yet another to his ancestors$ 0;y ancestors, if you have spiritua) inte))igence, you "no! the fee)ings of your descendant$0 Then he !ept sore ti)) his eyes ran .)ood, and he committed suicide$ The peop)e of %hu grieved deep)y for him, and a poet has praised his no.)e deed$ Both "ing and courtiers, !i))ing, .o!ed the "nee, :ne son a)one !as grieved and !ou)d not )ive$ The !estern "ingdom fe)) to rise no more, A no.)e prince stood forth, for aye reno!ned As one !ho died to save his for.ears- shame$ #ith grievous mien and fa))ing tears he .o!ed (is head, dec)aring his intent to die$ #hi)e such a memory )ingers none may say That the (an Dynasty has perished$ #hen the Latter ,u)er "ne! of the death of his son, he sent peop)e to .ury him$ %oon the main .ody of the #ei army came$ The Latter ,u)er and a)) his courtiers to the num.er of si6ty !ent out three mi)es from the

north gate to .o! their heads in su.mission, the Latter ,u)er .inding himse)f !ith cord and ta"ing a coffin !ith him$ But Deng Ai !ith his o!n hands )oosened the .onds and raised the Latter ,u)er from the ground$ The coffin !as .urned$ Then the victorious )eader and the van4uished @mperor returned into the city side .y side$ #ei-s )egions entered %hu, And the ru)er thereof saved his )ife At the price of his honor and his throne$ (uang (ao-s vicious counse)s had .rought disaster Against !hich 8iang #ei-s efforts !ere vain$ (o! .right shone the )oya)ty of the faithfu) one= (o! no.)e !as the grandson of the 9irst ,u)er= A)as= 5t )ed him into the !ay of sorro!$ And the p)ans of the 9irst ,u)er, @6ce))ent and far/reaching$ #here.y he )aid the foundations of a mighty state, #ere .rought to nought in one day$ The common peop)e re>oiced at the magnanimity of Deng Ai, and met the returning cava)cade !ith .urning incense and f)o!ers$ The tit)e of +enera) of the 9)ying 'ava)ry !as given to the Latter ,u)er and other ran"s !ere given to the ministers !ho had surrendered$ Deng Ai re4uested the Latter ,u)er to issue one more proc)amation from the Pa)ace to reassure the peop)e, and then the con4uerors too" forma) possession of the state and its granaries and storehouses$ T!o officers///+overnor of &i?hou Zhang %hao and ;inister Zhang 8ung///!ere sent into the counties and territories to e6p)ain the ne! situation and pacify ma)contents, and another messenger !as sent to e6hort 8iang #ei to yie)d peacea.)y$ A report of the success !as sent to 'apita) Luoyang$ (uang (ao, the eunuch !hose evi) counse)s had !rought such ruin to his master, !as )oo"ed upon as a danger, and Deng Ai decided to put him to death$ (o!ever, (uang (ao !as rich, and he gave .ri.es to Deng Ai-s peop)e, and so he escaped the death pena)ty$ Thus perished the (ouse of (an$ ,ef)ecting on its end a poet reca))ed the e6p)oits of Zhuge Liang the ;artia) Lord, and he !rote a poem$ The deni?ens of tree/tops, apes and .irds, ;ost )a!)ess of crested things, yet "ne!

And feared his mordant pen$ The c)ouds and !inds 'onspired to aid him to defend his )ord$ But nought a!aited the )eader-s precepts, !ise To save3 !ith .ase content the erst!hi)e "ing Too soon surrendered, yie)ding a)) .ut )ife$ 5n gifts Zhuge Liang !as peer !ith +uan Zhong and &ue &i, (is hap)ess death compared !ith Zhang 9ei-s and +uan &u-s3 %ad sight, his temp)e on the river-s .rin"= 5t !rings the heart more than the tearfu) verse :f the Liangfu songs he most )oved$ 5n due time ;inister 8iang <ian reached the %a.er Pass, and gave 8iang #ei the Latter ,u)er-s command to surrender to the invaders$ 8iang #ei !as dum. !ith ama?ement at the order3 his officers ground their teeth !ith rage and mortification$ Their hair stood on end !ith anger3 they dre! their s!ords and s)ashed at stones in their !rath$ %houted they, 0#hi)e !e are fighting to our death, the Latter ,u)er has yie)ded=0 The roar of their angry )amentation !as heard for mi)es$ But 8iang #ei soothed them !ith "ind)y !ords, saying, 0+enera)s, grieve not$ @ven yet 5 can restore the (ouse of (an=0 0(o!10 cried they$ And he !hispered )o! in their ears$ The f)ag of surrender f)uttered over the ramparts of %a.er Pass, and a messenger !ent to Zhong (ui-s camp$ #hen 8iang #ei and his genera)s dre! near, Zhong (ui !ent out to meet them$ 0#hy have you .een so )ong in coming10 said Zhong (ui$ 8iang #ei )oo"ed him straight in the face and said, !ithout a tremor, .ut through fa))ing tears, 0The !ho)e armies of the state are under me, and 5 am here far too soon=0 Zhong (ui !ondered a.out this firm remar", and said nothing more$ The t!o sa)uted each other and too" their seats, 8iang #ei .eing p)aced in the seat of honor$

8iang #ei said, 05 hear that every detai) of your p)ans, from the time you )eft the %outh of ,iver (uai ti)) no!, has .een accomp)ished$ The good fortune of the %ima fami)y is o!ing to you, and so 5 am the more content to .o! my head and yie)d to you$ (ad it .een Deng Ai, 5 shou)d have fought to the death, for 5 !ou)d not have surrendered to him=0 Then Zhong (ui .ro"e an arro! in t!ain, and they t!o s!ore c)ose .rotherhood$ Their friendship .ecame c)ose/"nit$ 8iang #ei !as continued in command of his o!n army, at !hich he secret)y re>oiced$ (e sent 8iang <ian .ac" to 'hengdu$ As con4ueror, Deng Ai arranged for the administration of the ne!)y/ gained territory$ (e made %hi Zuan 5mperia) Protector of &i?hou and appointed ian (ong, &ang <in, and many others to various posts$ (e a)so .ui)t a to!er in ;ian?hu in commemoration of his con4uest$ At a great .an4uet, !here most of the guests !ere peop)e of the ne!)y/con4uered )and, Deng Ai dran" too free)y and in his cups .ecame garru)ous$ #ith a patroni?ing !ave of his hand, he said to his guests, 0&ou are )uc"y in that you have had to do !ith me$ Things might !e)) have .een other!ise, and you might a)) have .een put to death, if you surrender to other )eader=0 The guests rose in a .ody and e6pressed their gratitude$ 8ust at that moment 8iang <ian arrived from his visit to 8iang #ei to say that 8iang #ei and his army had surrendered to Zhong (ui$ Deng Ai thereupon conceived a great hatred for Zhong (ui, and soon after he !rote to Luoyang a )etter something )i"e this7 05 !ou)d venture to remar" that mis)eading rumors of !ar shou)d precede actua) attac"$ 2o! that %hu has .een overcome, the manifest ne6t move is against #u, and in present circumstances victory !ou)d easi)y fo))o! an attac"$ But after a great effort, .oth )eaders and )ed are !eary and unfit for immediate service$ Therefore of this army t!enty thousand #ei troops shou)d .e )eft !est of Longyou, and !ith them t!enty thousand %hu troops, to .e emp)oyed in .oi)ing sa)t so as to improve the finances$ ;oreover, ships shou)d .e .ui)t ready for an e6pedition do!n the river$ #hen these preparations sha)) .e comp)ete, then send an envoy into #u to )ay .efore its ru)er the truth a.out its position$ 5t is possi.)e that matters may .e sett)ed !ithout any fighting$

09urther, generous treatment of Liu %han !i)) tend to !ea"en %un <iu3 .ut if Liu %han .e removed to Luoyang, the peop)e of #u !i)) .e perp)e6ed and dou.tfu) a.out !hat may happen to them, and they !i)) not .e amena.)e$ Therefore it seems the most fitting to )eave the )ate ,u)er of %hu here$ 2e6t year, in the !inter season, he might .e removed to the capita)$ 9or the present 5 !ou)d recommend that he .e created Prince of 9ufeng, and granted a sufficient revenue and suita.)e attendants$ (is sons a)so shou)d receive duca) ran"$ 5n this !ay !ou)d .e demonstrated that favora.)e treatment fo))o!s upon su.mission$ %uch a course !ou)d inspire fear of the might of #ei and respect for its virtue, and the resu)t !i)) .e a)) that cou)d .e desired$0 ,eading this memoria), the thought entered the mind of %ima Zhao that Deng Ai !as e6aggerating his o!n importance, !herefore he first !rote a private )etter and sent it .y the hand of #ei +uan to Deng Ai and then caused the ,u)er of #ei to issue an edict promoting Deng Ai$ The edict ran thus7 0+enera) Deng Ai has performed a g)orious e6p)oit, penetrating deep)y into a hosti)e country and reducing to su.mission a usurping potentate$ This tas" has .een 4uic")y performed7 The c)ouds of !ar have a)ready ro))ed a!ay, and peace reigns throughout Ba and %hu$ 0The merits of Deng Ai surpass those of Bai iD, !ho su.dued the mighty state of 'hu, and (an <inD, !ho con4uered the state of Zhao$ Deng Ai is created +rand 'ommander, and !e confer upon him a fief of t!enty thousand homesteads, and his t!o sons are enno.)ed, each !ith a fief of one thousand homesteads$0 After the edict had .een received !ith fu)) ceremonies, #ei +uan produced the private )etter, !hich said that Deng Ai-s proposa)s !ou)d have suita.)e consideration in due time$ Then said Deng Ai, 0A genera) in the fie)d may dec)ine to o.ey even the orders of his prince$ ;y commission !as to con4uer the !est$ #hy are my p)ans hindered10 %o he !rote a rep)y and sent it to the capita) .y the hand of the envoy$ At that time it !as common ta)" at court that Deng Ai intended to re.e)3 and !hen %ima Zhao read the )etter, his suspicions turned to certainty, and he feared$ This !as the )etter7

0Deng Ai, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est, has reduced the chief of the revo)t to su.mission, and must have authority to act according as he sees .est in order to sett)e the ear)y stages of administration of the ne! territory$ To a!ait government orders for every step means )ong de)ays$ According to the %pring and Autumn Anna)s a high officer, !hen a.road, has authority to fo))o! his o!n >udgment for the safety of the Throne and the advantage of the state$ 02o! seeing that #u is sti)) unsu.dued, a)) interest centers upon this country, and schemes of sett)ement shou)d not .e nu))ified .y strict adherence to ru)es and forma)ities$ 5n !ar advances are made !ithout thought of reputation, retreats !ithout consideration of avoiding punishment$ Though 5 do not possess the fortitude of the ancients, 5 sha)) not .e deterred from acting for the .enefit of the state .y craven and se)fish fears for my o!n reputation$0 5n his perp)e6ity %ima Zhao turned to 8ia 'hong for advice$ %aid he, 0Deng Ai presumes upon his services to .e haughty and imperious$ (is reca)citrance is very evident$ #hat sha)) 5 do10 0#hy not order Zhong (ui to reduce him to o.edience10 rep)ied 8ia 'hong$ %ima Zhao accepted the suggestion and issued an edict raising Zhong (ui to ;inister of the 5nterior$ After this he made #ei +uan the 5nspector of the 9orces and set #ei +uan over .oth armies, !ith specia) orders to "eep a !atch upon Deng Ai and guard against any attempt at insu.ordination$ The edict sent to Zhong (ui ran as fo))o!s7 0Zhong (ui, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est, against !hose might none can stand, .efore !hom no one is strong, !hose virtue con4uers every city, !hose !ide net no one escapes, to !hom the va)iant army of %hu hum.)y su.mitted, !hose p)ans never fai), !hose every underta"ing succeeds, is here.y made ;inister of the 5nterior and raised to the ran" of )ordship of a fief of ten thousand fami)ies$ (is t!o sons a)so have simi)ar ran" !ith a fief of one thousand fami)ies$0 #hen this edict reached Zhong (ui, he ca))ed in 8iang #ei and said to him, 0Deng Ai has .een re!arded more rich)y than 5 and is a +rand 'ommander$ But %ima Zhao suspects him of re.e))ion and

has ordered #ei +uan and myse)f to "eep him in order$ #hat does my friend 8iang #ei thin" ought to .e done10 8iang #ei rep)ied, 0They say Deng Ai-s origin !as igno.)e and in his youth he !as a farmer and .reeder of catt)e$ (o!ever, he had good )uc" and has !on a great reputation in this e6pedition$ But this is due not to his a.)e p)ans, .ut to the good fortune of the state$ 5f you had not .een compe))ed to ho)d me in chec" at %a.er Pass, he cou)d not have succeeded$ 2o! he !ishes the )ate ,u)er of %hu to .e created Prince of 9ufeng, !here.y he hopes to !in the good!i)) of the peop)e of %hu$ But to me it seems that perfidy )ies therein$ The Du"e of 8in suspects him, it is evident$0 Zhong (ui comp)imented him$ 8iang #ei continued, 05f you !i)) send a!ay your peop)e, 5 have something to say to you in private$0 #hen this had .een done and they t!o !ere a)one, 8iang #ei dre! a map from his s)eeve and spread it .efore Zhong (ui, saying, 0Long ago, .efore he had )eft his hum.)e cot$ Zhuge Liang gave this to the 9irst ,u)er and to)d him of the riches of &i?hou and ho! !e)) it !as fitted for an independent state$ #hereupon 'hengdu !as sei?ed as a first step to!ards attaining it$ 2o! that Deng Ai has got to the same point, it is sma)) !onder that he has )ost his .a)ance$0 Zhong (ui as"ed many 4uestions a.out the detai)s of the features of the map, and 8iang #ei e6p)ained in fu))$ To!ard the end, he as"ed ho! Deng Ai cou)d .e got rid of$ 0By ma"ing use of the Du"e of 8in-s suspicions,0 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ 0%end up a memoria) to say that it )oo"s as if Deng Ai rea))y contemp)ated re.e))ion$ &ou !i)) receive direct orders to chec" the revo)t$0 %o a memoria) !as sent to Luoyang$ 5t said that Deng Ai aimed at independence, nourished .ase designs, !as ma"ing friends !ith the van4uished, and !as a.out to revo)t$ At this ne!s the court !as much distur.ed$ Then to support his charges, Zhong (ui-s so)diers intercepted Deng Ai-s )etters and re!rote them in arrogant and re.e))ious terms$ %ima Zhao !as great)y angered and sent 8ia 'hong to )ead an e6pedition into the <ie *a))ey, he ordered Zhong (ui to arrest Deng Ai, and he himse)f directing a great march under the )eadership of the ,u)er of #ei, 'ao (uang, !hom he compe))ed to go !ith him$

Then said %hao Ti, 0Zhong (ui-s army outnum.ers that of Deng Ai .y si6 to one$ &ou need not go$ &ou need on)y order Zhong (ui to arrest Deng Ai$0 0(ave you forgotten10 said %ima Zhao, smi)ing$ 0&ou said Zhong (ui !as a danger$ 5 am not rea))y going against Deng Ai, .ut against the other$0 05 feared )est you had forgotten,0 said %hao Ti$ 05 ventured to remind you, .ut the matter must .e "ept secret$0 The e6pedition set out$ By this time Zhong (ui-s attitude had aroused 8ia 'hong-s suspicions, and he spo"e of it to %ima Zhao, !ho rep)ied, 05 have sent you7 %hou)d 5 have dou.ts a.out you, too1 (o!ever, come to 'hangan and things !i)) c)ear up$0 The dispatch of the army under %ima Zhao !as reported to Zhong (ui, !ho !ondered !hat it might mean$ (e at once ca))ed in 8iang #ei to consu)t a.out the sei?ure of Deng Ai$ Lo= (e is victor here, a "ing must yie)d3 And there a threatening army ta"es the fie)d$ The ne6t chapter !i)) re)ate the p)an to arrest Deng Ai$ Chapter 9 The (a$se Surrender5 A Wit S.heme %e.#mes A 2ain +$an; The A*di.ati#n5 Later Seeds Learns (r#m The An.ient.

As"ed to say !hat !as the .est p)an to secure the arrest of Deng Ai, 8iang #ei said, 0%end #ei +uan$ 5f Deng Ai tries to "i)) #ei +uan, he !i)) manifest the desire of his heart$ Then you can destroy him as a traitor$0 (ence #ei +uan !as sent, !ith some thirty men, to effect the arrest$ #ei +uan-s o!n peop)e sa! the danger of the enterprise and urged him not to go, saying, 0Zhong (ui c)ear)y !ants Deng Ai to "i)) you to prove his point=0 But #ei +uan said, 0Do not !orry$ 5 have a scheme prepared$0

#ei +uan first !rote a score or t!o of )etters, a)) in the same terms, saying7 0#ei +uan has orders to arrest Deng Ai, .ut no other persons !i)) .e dea)t !ith providing they su.mit 4uic")y$ ,e!ards a!ait those !ho o.ey the 5mperia) 'ommand$ (o!ever, the punishment for )aggards and those !ho are contumacious !i)) .e death to the !ho)e fami)y$0 #ei +uan sent these )etters to various officers !ho !ere serving under Deng Ai$ (e a)so prepared t!o cage carts$ #ei +uan and his sma)) party reached 'hengdu a.out coc"cro! and found !aiting for him most of the officers to !hom he had !ritten$ They at once yie)ded$ Deng Ai !as sti)) as)eep !hen the party reached his pa)ace, .ut #ei +uan entered and forced his !ay into Deng Ai-s cham.er$ (e roared out7 05 serve the %on of (eaven-s command to arrest Deng Ai and his son=0 The noise a!a"ened the s)eeper, !ho tum.)ed off his couch in a)arm$ But .efore Deng Ai cou)d do anything to defend himse)f, he !as sei?ed, secure)y .ound, and hudd)ed into one of the carts$ Deng Ai-s son, Deng Zhong, rushed in at the noise, .ut !as a)so made prisoner and thrust into the other cart$ ;any genera)s and attendants in the Pa)ace !ant to attempt a rescue, .ut .efore they had prepared, they sa! dust arose outside, and Zhong (ui !ith an army !as c)ose at hand, thus they scattered$ Zhong (ui and 8iang #ei dismounted at the Pa)ace gates and entered$ Zhong (ui, seeing .oth the Dengs prisoners, struc" the e)der a.out the head and face !ith his !hip and insu)ted him, saying, 0*i)e catt)e .reeder= (o! dare you have your o!n scheme10 2or !as 8iang #ei .ac"!ard$ 0&ou foo)= %ee !hat your good )uc" has .rought you today=0 cried he$ And Deng Ai rep)ied in "ind$ Zhong (ui at once sent off .oth the prisoners to Luoyang, and then entered 'hengdu in state$ (e added a)) Deng Ai-s army to his o!n forces, so that he .ecame very formida.)e$ 0Today 5 have attained the one desire of my )ife=0 cried Zhong (ui$

8iang #ei rep)ied, 0At the .eginning of (an, (an <in hear"ened not to Cuai Tong to esta.)ish his o!n "ingdom, and so .)undered into trou.)e at the #eiyang Pa)ace, !here he met his fateD$ 5n &ue, (igh ;inister #en Zhong !ou)d not fo))o! 9an Li into retirement on the )a"es, and so fe)) victim to a s!ordD$ 2o one !ou)d say these t!o/// (an <in and #en Zhong///!ere not .ri))iant, .ut they did not scent danger ear)y enough$ 2o!, %ir, your merit is great and your prestige over!he)ming that of your prince, .ut !hy do you ris" future dangers1 #hy not sai) off in a .oat )eaving no trace of your going1 #hy not go to @mei ;ountainD and !ander free !ith ;aster ,ed Pine10 Zhong (ui smi)ed$ 05 do not thin" your advice much to the point$ 5 am a young man, not forty yet, and thin" rather of going on than ha)ting$ 5 cou)d not ta"e up a do/nothing hermit-s )ife$0 05f you do not, then ta"e heed and prepare for dangers$ Thin" out a carefu) course, as you are !e)) a.)e to do$ &ou need not trou.)e any o)d foo) for advice$0 Zhong (ui )aughed )oud and ru..ed his hands together !ith g)ee$ 0(o! !e)) you "no! my thoughts, my friend=0 said Zhong (ui$ They t!o .ecame a.sor.ed in the p)ans for their grand scheme$ But 8iang #ei !rote a secret )etter to the Latter ,u)er, saying7 05 pray &our ;a>esty .e patient and put up !ith humi)iations for a season, for 8iang #ei, your hum.)e servant, !i)) have the country restored in good time$ The sun and moon are a)) the more g)orious !hen they .urst through the dar" c)ouds$ The (ouse of (an is not yet done$0 #hi)e Zhong (ui and 8iang #ei !ere p)anning ho! .est to out!it each other, .ut .oth .eing against #ei, there sudden)y arrived a )etter from %ima Zhao7 05 am at 'hangan !ith an army )est there shou)d .e any difficu)ty in disposing of Deng Ai$ 5 need you to come to discuss state affairs$0 Zhong (ui divined the rea) purport at once$

0(e suspects,0 said Zhong (ui$ 0(e "no!s 4uite !e)) that my army outnum.ers that of Deng Ai many times and 5 cou)d do !hat he !ishes easi)y$ There is more than that in his coming$0 (e consu)ted 8iang #ei, !ho said, 0#hen the prince suspects a minister, that minister dies$ (ave !e not seen Deng Ai10 0This decides me,0 rep)ied Zhong (ui$ 0%uccess, and the empire is mine3 fai)ure, and 5 go !est into %hu to .e another Liu Bei, .ut !ithout his mista"es$0 8iang #ei said, 0@mpress +uo of #ei has >ust died$ &ou can pretend she )eft you a command to destroy %ima Zhao, the rea) murderer of the @mperor$ &our ta)ents are 4uite sufficient to con4uer the empire$0 0#i)) you )ead the van10 said Zhong (ui$ 0#hen success is ours, !e !i)) share the spoi)$0 0The )itt)e 5 can do, 5 !i)) do most !i))ing)y,0 said 8iang #ei$ 0But 5 am not sure of the support of a)) our su.ordinates$0 0Tomorro! is the fifteenth day of the month, a 9east of Lanterns !i)) .e he)d$ #e can gather in the Pa)ace for the congratu)ations$ There !i)) .e grand i))uminations, and !e !i)) prepare a .an4uet for the officers, !hereat !e can "i)) a)) those !ho !i)) not fo))o! us$0 At this, the heart of 8iang #ei )eapt !ith >oy$ 5nvitations !ere sent out in the >oint names of the t!o conspirators, and the feast .egan$ After severa) courses, sudden)y Zhong (ui )ifted his cup and .ro"e into !ai)ing$ @veryone as"ed !hat !as the cause of this grief, and Zhong (ui rep)ied$ 0The @mpress has >ust died, .ut .efore her death she gave me an edict, !hich is here, recounting the crimes of %ima Zhao and charging him !ith aiming at the Throne$ 5 am commissioned to destroy him, and you a)) must >oin me in the tas"$0 The guests stared at each other in ama?ement, .ut no one uttered a !ord$ Then the host sudden)y dre! his s!ord, crying, 0(ere is death for those !ho oppose=0

2ot one !as .o)d enough to refuse, and, one .y one, they a)) signed a promise to he)p$ As further security, they !ere a)) "ept prisoners in the Pa)ace under carefu) guard$ 0They are not rea))y !ith us,0 said 8iang #ei$ 05 venture to re4uest you to .ury them a))$0 0A great pit has .een a)ready dug,0 rep)ied his .rother host$ 0And 5 have a )ot of c)u.s ready$ #e can easi)y c)u. those !ho disagree and .ury them in the pit$0 As 8iang #ei and Zhong (ui discussed the matter, +enera) iu 8ian, a man in the confidence of Zhong (ui, !as present$ (e had once served under Assistant +enera) (u Lie, !ho !as one of the imprisoned guests, and thus he found means to !arn his former chief$ (u Lie !ept and said, 0;y son, (u &uan, is in command of a force outside the city$ (e !i)) never suspect Zhong (ui capa.)e of such a crime, and 5 pray you te)) him$ 5f 5 am to die, it !i)) .e !ith )ess regret if my son can .e to)d$0 0Cind master, have no an6iety3 on)y )eave it to me,0 rep)ied iu 8ian$

(e !ent to Zhong (ui, and said, 0%ir, you are ho)ding in captivity a )arge num.er of officers, and they are suffering from )ac" of food and !ater$ #i)) you not appoint an officer to supp)y their needs10 Zhong (ui !as accustomed to yie)d to the !ishes of iu 8ian, and he made no difficu)ty a.out this$ (e to)d iu 8ian to see to it himse)f, on)y saying, 05 am p)acing great trust in you, and you must .e )oya)$ :ur secret must .e "ept$0 0;y )ord, you may .e 4uite content$ 5 "no! ho! to "eep a strict !atch !hen necessary$0 And iu 8ian a))o!ed to enter into the p)ace of confinement a trusty confidant of (u Lie, !ho gave him a )etter to his son (u &uan$ #hen (u &uan "ne! the !ho)e story, he !as astonished and to)d his su.ordinates, and they !ere great)y enraged$ They came to their commander-s tent to say7 0#e !ou)d rather die than fo))o! a re.e)=0

%o (u &uan fi6ed upon the eighteenth day of the month to attempt the rescue$ (e en)isted the sympathy of #ei +uan and got his army ready$ (e .ade iu 8ian te)) his father !hat !as afoot$ (u Lie then to)d his fe))o!/captives$ :ne day Zhong (ui said to 8iang #ei, 0Last night 5 dreamed a dream, that 5 !as .itten .y many serpents$ 'an you e6pound the vision10 8iang #ei rep)ied, 0Dreams of dragons and sna"es and sca)y creatures are e6ceeding)y auspicious$0 Zhong (ui !as on)y too ready to accept this interpretation$ Then he to)d 8iang #ei that a)) !as ready and they !ou)d put the crucia) 4uestion to each captive$ 05 "no! they are opposed to us, and you !ou)d do !e)) to s)ay them a)), and that right 4uic")y,0 rep)ied 8iang #ei$ 0+ood,0 rep)ied Zhong (ui$ (e .ade 8iang #ei !ith severa) ruffians "i)) the #ei )eaders among the captives$ But >ust as 8iang #ei !as starting to carry out these instructions, he !as sei?ed !ith a sudden spasm of the heart, so severe that he fainted$ (e !as raised from the earth and in time revived$ 8ust as he came to, a tremendous hu..u. arose outside the Pa)ace$ Zhong (ui at once sent to in4uire !hat !as afoot, .ut the noise !a6ed )ouder and )ouder, sounding )i"e the rush of a mu)titude$ 0The officers must .e raging,0 said Zhong (ui$ 0#e !ou)d .est s)ay them at once=0 But they to)d him7 0The outside so)diers are in the Pa)ace=0 Zhong (ui .ade them c)ose the doors of the (a)) of Audience, and he sent his o!n troops upon the roof to pe)t the incoming so)diers !ith ti)es$ ;any !ere s)ain on either side in the me)ee$ Then a fire .ro"e out$ The assai)ants .ro"e open the doors$ Zhong (ui faced them and s)e! a fe!, .ut others shot at him !ith f)ights of arro!s, and he fe)) and died$ They hac"ed off his head$ 8iang #ei ran to and fro s)aying a)) he met ti)) another heart spasm sei?ed him$ 09ai)ed=0 he shrie"ed, 0But it is the !i)) of (eaven=0

(e put an end to his o!n )ife$ (e !as fifty/nine$ ;any hundreds !ere s)ain !ithin the 9or.idden 'ity$ #ei +uan present)y ordered that the so)diers !ere to .e )ed .ac" to their various camps to a!ait the orders of the Du"e of 8in$ The so)diers of #ei, .urning for revenge of his many invasions, hac"ed the dead .ody of 8iang #ei to pieces$ They found his ga)) .)adder e6traordinari)y )arge, as )arge as a hen-s egg$ They a)so sei?ed and s)e! a)) the fami)y of the dead )eader$ %eeing that Deng Ai-s t!o enemies on the spot !ere .oth dead, his o)d so)diers .ethought themse)ves of trying to rescue him$ #hen #ei +uan, !ho had actua))y arrested Deng Ai, heard this, he feared for his )ife$ 05f Deng Ai )ives, 5 !i)) die in his hand=0 said #ei +uan$ 9urthermore, +enera) Tian <u said, 0#hen Deng Ai too" 8iangyou, he !ished to put me to death$ 5t !as on)y at the prayer of my friends that he )et me off$ ;ay 5 not have my revenge no!10 %o #ei +uan gave order$ At the head of five hundred cava)ry, Tian <u !ent in pursuit of the cage/carts$ (e came up !ith them at ;ian?hu and found that the t!o prisoners had >ust .een re)eased from the carts in !hich they !ere .eing carried to Luoyang$ #hen Deng Ai sa! that those coming up !ere so)diers of his o!n )ate command, he too" no thought for defense$ 2or did Tian <u !aste time in pre)iminaries$ (e !ent up to !here Deng Ai !as standing and cut him do!n$ (is so)diers fe)) upon the son, Deng Zhong, and s)e! him a)so, and thus father and son met death in the same p)ace$ A poem, pitying Deng Ai, !as !ritten7 #hi)e yet a .oy, Deng Ai )oved to s"etch and p)an3 (e !as an a.)e )eader as a man$ The earth cou)d hide no secrets from his eye, #ith e4ua) s"i)) he read the starry s"y$ Past every o.stac)e his !ay he !on, And on!ard pressed unti) his tas" !as done$ But fou)est murder c)osed a great career, (is spirit ranges no! a )arger sphere$ A poem !as a)so composed in pity for Zhong (ui7

:f mother !it Zhong (ui had no scanty share, And in due time at court did office .ear$ (is su.t)e p)ans shoo" %ima Zhao-s ho)d on po!er, (e !as !e)) named the Zhang Liang of the hour$ %houchun and %a.er Pass ramparts straight fe)) do!n, #hen he attac"ed, and he !on great reno!n$ Am.ition .ec"oned, he !ou)d for!ard press (is spirit home!ard !andered, .odi)ess$ Another poem, in pity of 8iang #ei, runs7 Tianshui .oasts of a hero, Ta)ent came forth from <i?hou, Lu #ang fathered his spirit, Zhuge Liang tutored his mind, *a)iant he ever pressed for!ard, 2or had a thought of returning, +rieved !ere the so)diers of (an #hen death rapt his sou) from his .ody$ And thus died a)) three )eaders$ ;any other genera)s a)so perished in the fighting, and !ith them died Zhang &i and other officers$ Liu ,ui, the heir/apparent, and +uan &i, Lord of (anshou and grandson of +uan &u, !ere a)so "i))ed .y the #ei so)diers$ Then fo))o!ed a time of great confusion and .)oodshed, !hich endured ti)) 8ia 'hong arrived and restored confidence and order$ 8ia 'hong set #ei +uan over the city of 'hengdu and sent the captive Latter ,u)er to Luoyang$ A fe! officers///9an 8ian, Zhang %hao, iao Zhou, and <i Zheng///accompanied the deposed emperor on this degrading >ourney$ Liao (ua and Dong 8ue made i))ness an e6cuse not to go$ They died of grief soon after$D At this time the year/sty)e of #ei !as changed from #onderfu) Beginning, the fifth year, to +reat +)ory, the first year (AD 2JG)$ 5n the third month of this year, since nothing cou)d .e done to assist %hu to recover its independence, the troops of #u under Ding 9eng !ere !ithdra!n and returned to their o!n )and$ 2o! %ecretary (ua 8iao sent up a memoria) to %un <iu, the ,u)er of #u, saying, 0#u and %hu !ere as c)ose as are one-s )ips to one-s teeth, and !hen the )ips are gone the teeth are co)d$ #ithout dou.t %ima Zhao !i)) no! turn his thoughts to attac"ing us, and &our ;a>esty must rea)i?e the danger and prepare to meet it$0

%un <iu "ne! that he spo"e tru)y, so he set Lu Cang, son of the )ate )eader Lu <un, over the army of 8ing?hou and the river ports !ith the tit)e +enera) #ho +uards the @ast3 %un &in !as sent to 2an6u3 and Ding 9eng !as ordered to set up severa) hundred garrisons a)ong the river .an"s$ 5n %hu !hen (uo &i, +overnor of 8ianning, heard that 'hengdu had .een ta"en, he dressed himse)f in !hite and !ai)ed during three days, facing !est to!ard the capita)$ 02o! that the capita) has fa))en and the ,u)er of %hu is a captive, it !ou)d .e !e)) to surrender,0 said his officers$ (uo &i rep)ied, 0There is a hindrance$ 5 "no! not ho! fares our )ord, !hether he is in comfort or in misery$ 5f his captors treat him generous)y, then !i)) 5 yie)d$ But perhaps they !i)) put him to shame3 and !hen the prince is shamed, the minister dies$0 %o certain persons !ere sent to Luoyang to find out ho! fared the Latter ,u)er$ %oon after the Latter ,u)er reached the capita) of #ei, %ima Zhao returned$ %eeing the Latter ,u)er at court, %ima Zhao up.raided him, saying, 0&ou deserved death for your vicious courses///corrupt mora)ity, unchec"ed se)f/indu)gence, contempt of good peop)e, and misgovernment///, !hich had .rought misfortune upon yourse)f=0 (earing this, the face of the Latter ,u)er turned to the co)or of c)ay !ith fear, and he !as speech)ess$ But the courtiers said, 0(e has )ost his "ingdom, he has surrendered !ithout a strugg)e, and he no! deserves pardon$0 Thus the Latter ,u)er suffered no in>ury, .ut !as created Du"e of An)e$ ;oreover, he !as assigned a residence and a revenue, and he received presents of si)", and servants !ere sent to !ait upon him, ma)es and fema)es in tota) one hundred$ (is son Liu Dao and the officers of %hu///9an 8ian, iao Zhou, <i Zheng, and others///!ere given ran"s of no.i)ity$ The Latter ,u)er e6pressed his than"s and )eft$

(uang (ao, !hose evi) inf)uence had .rought the "ingdom to nought, and !ho had oppressed the peop)e, !as put to death !ith ignominy in the pu.)ic p)ace$ #hen (uo &i heard a)) these things, he came !ith his officers and yie)ded su.mission$ 2e6t day the Latter ,u)er !ent to the residence of %ima Zhao to than" him for his .ounty, and a .an4uet !as prepared$ At the .an4uet they performed the music of #ei, !ith the dances, and the hearts of the officers of %hu !ere sad$ :n)y the Latter ,u)er appeared merry$ (a)f !ay through the feast, %ima Zhao said to 8ia 'hong, 0The man )ac"s fee)ing$ That is !hat has ruined him$ @ven if Zhuge Liang had )ived, he cou)d not have maintained such a man$ 5t is no !onder that 8iang #ei fai)ed$0 Turning to his guest, %ima Zhao said, 0Do you never thin" of %hu10 0#ith such music as this, 5 forget %hu,0 rep)ied the Latter ,u)er$ Present)y the Latter ,u)er rose and )eft the ta.)e to change dress$ <i Zheng !ent over to him and said, 0#hy did &our ;a>esty not say you missed %hu1 5f &our ;a>esty are 4uestioned again, !eep and say that in %hu are the tom.s of your forefathers and no day passes that &our ;a>esty do not grieve to .e so far a!ay$ The Du"e of 8in may )et &our ;a>esty return$0 The Latter ,u)er promised he !ou)d$ #hen the !ine had gone round severa) more times, %ima Zhao put the same 4uestion a second time7 0Do you never thin" of %hu10 The Latter ,u)er rep)ied as he had .een to)d$ (e a)so tried to !eep, .ut fai)ed to shed a tear$ %o he shut his eyes$ 05s not that >ust !hat <i Zheng to)d you to say10 as"ed %ima Zhao$ 05t is >ust as you say,0 !as the rep)y$ They a)) )aughed$ But rea))y %ima Zhao !as p)eased !ith the fran" ans!er and fe)t that nothing !as to .e feared from him$

Laughter )oving, p)easure pursuing, ,ipp)ing smi)es over a merry face, 2ever a thought of his former g)ory 5n his ca))ous heart finds p)ace$ 'hi)dish >oy in a change of d!e))ing, That he fee)s and that a)one3 ;anifest no! that he !as never #orthy to sit on his father-s throne$ The courtiers thought that so grand an e6p)oit as the con4uest of the ,iver Lands !as !orthy of high honor, so they memoria)i?ed the ,u)er of #ei, 'ao (uang, to confer the ran" Prince of 8in on %ima Zhao$ At that time, 'ao (uang ru)ed in name on)y, for he had no authority$ The !ho)e )and !as under %ima Zhao, !hose !i)) the @mperor himse)f dared not cross$ And so, in due course, the Du"e of 8in .ecame Prince of 8in$ After .eing made Prince of 8in, %ima Zhao posthumous)y created his father, %ima &i, the :rigina) Prince and his )ate e)der .rother, %ima %hi, the #onderfu) Prince$ The !ife of %ima Zhao !as the daughter of #ang %u$ %he .ore to him t!o sons, the e)der of !hom !as named %ima &an$ %ima &an !as huge of frame, his f)o!ing hair reached to the ground !hen he stood up, and .oth hands hung do!n .e)o! his "nees$ (e !as c)ever, .rave, and s"i))ed in the use of arms$ The second son, %ima &ou, !as mi)d of disposition, a fi)ia) son and a dutifu) .rother$ (is father )oved him dear)y$ As %ima %hi had died !ithout )eaving sons, this youth, %ima &ou, !as regarded as his son, to continue that )ine of the fami)y$ %ima Zhao used to say7 0The empire !as rea))y my .rother-s$0 Becoming a prince, it !as necessary for %ima Zhao to choose his heir, and he !ished to name his younger son %ima &ou$ But %han Tao remonstrated$ 05t is improper and infe)icitous to prefer the younger,0 said %han Tao$ And 8ia 'hong, (e Zeng, and Pei <iu fo))o!ed in the same strain$

0The e)der is c)ever, a.)e in !ar, one of the most ta)ented peop)e in the state and popu)ar$ #ith such natura) advantages he has a great destiny7 (e !as not .orn to serve$0 %ima Zhao hesitated, for he !as sti)) un!i))ing to a.andon his desire$ But t!o other officers///+rand 'ommander #ang <iang and ;inister of #or"s <un Cai///a)so remonstrated, saying, 0'ertain former dynasties have preferred the younger .efore the e)der and re.e))ion has genera))y fo))o!ed$ #e pray you ref)ect upon these cases$0 9ina))y %ima Zhao yie)ded and named his e)der son %ima &an as his successor$ 'ertain officers memoria)i?ed7 0This year a gigantic figure of a man descended from heaven in <iang!u$ (is height !as t!enty feet and his footprint measured over three feet$ (e had !hite hair and a hoary .eard$ (e !ore an un)ined ye))o! ro.e and a ye))o! cape$ (e !a)"ed )eaning on a .)ac"/hand)ed staff$ This e6traordinary man preached, saying, -5 am the "ing of the peop)e, and no! 5 come to te)) you of a change of ru)er and the coming of peace$- (e !andered a.out for three days and then disappeared$ @vident)y this portent refers to yourse)f, 2o.)e %ir, and no! you shou)d assume the imperia) headdress !ith t!e)ve strings of pear)s, set up the imperia) standard, and have the roads c)eared !hen you ma"e a progress$ &ou shou)d ride in the go)den/shafted chariot !ith si6 horses$ &our consort shou)d .e sty)ed -@mpress- and your heir -Apparent-$0 %ima Zhao !as great)y p)eased$ (e returned to his pa)ace, .ut >ust as he !as sitting do!n, he !as sudden)y sei?ed !ith para)ysis and )ost the use of his tongue$ (e 4uic")y gre! !orse$ (is three chief confidants, #ang <iang, (e Zeng, and <un Cai, together !ith many court officia)s, came to in4uire after his hea)th, .ut he cou)d not spea" to them$ (e pointed to!ard the heir apparent, %ima &an, and died$ 5t !as the eighth month of that year$ Then said (e Zeng, 0The care of the empire devo)ves upon the Prince of 8in7 Let us induct the heir$ Then !e can perform the sacrifices to the )ate prince$0 Thereupon %ima &an !as set up in his father-s p)ace$ (e gave (e Zeng the tit)e of Prime ;inister3 %ima #ang, ;inister of the 5nterior3 %hi Bao, 'ommander of the 9)ying 'ava)ry3 and conferred many

other tit)es and ran"s$ The posthumous tit)e of the 0%cho)ar Prince0 !as conferred upon his )ate father$ #hen the o.se4uies !ere finished, %ima &an summoned 8ia 'hong and Pei <iu into the Pa)ace, and said, 0'ao 'ao said that if the ce)estia) mandate rested upon him, he cou)d .e no more than Cing #en of ZhouD, !ho served as a regent on)y$ 5s this rea))y so10 8ia 'hong rep)ied, 0'ao 'ao !as in the service of (an and feared )est posterity shou)d reproach him !ith usurpation$ #herefore he spo"e thus$ 2everthe)ess he caused 'ao Pi to .ecome @mperor$0 0(o! did my father compare !ith 'ao 'ao10 as"ed %ima &an$ 0A)though 'ao 'ao !as universa))y successfu), yet the peop)e feared him and credited him !ith no virtue$ 'ao Pi-s ru)e !as mar"ed .y strife and )ac" of tran4ui))ity$ 2o sing)e year !as peacefu)$ Later the :rigina) Prince and #onderfu) Prince of your )ine rendered great services and disseminated compassion and virtue, so that they !ere .e)oved$ &our )ate father overcame %hu in the !est and !as universa))y reno!ned$ 'omparison !ith 'ao 'ao is impossi.)e$0 0%ti)) 'ao Pi succeeded the ru)e of (an$ 'an 5 not in )i"e manner succeed that of #ei10 8ia 'hong and Pei <iu .o!ed )o! and said, 0'ao Pi-s action may .e ta"en as a precedent to succeed an o)der dynasty$ #herefore prepare an a.dication terrace to ma"e the great dec)aration$0 %ima &an reso)ved to act prompt)y$ 2e6t day he entered the 9or.idden 'ity armed !ith a s!ord$ 2o court had .een he)d for many days, for 'ao (uang !as i)) at ease and fu)) of dread$ #hen %ima &an appeared, the ,u)er of #ei )eft his p)ace and advanced to met him$ %ima &an sat do!n$ 0By !hose merits did #ei succeed to empire10 he as"ed sudden)y$ 0'ertain)y success !as due to your forefathers,0 rep)ied 'ao (uang$ %ima &an smi)ed, saying, 0&our ;a>esty is uns"i))ed in de.ate, inept in !ar, and unfit to ru)e$ #hy not give p)ace to another more a.)e and virtuous10 'ao (uang-s )ips refused a rep)y$

But Zhang 8ie, one of the ministers, cried, 0&ou are !rong to spea" thus, : Prince$ (is ;a>esty-s ancestor con4uered east and !est, north and south, and !on the empire .y strenuous effort$ The present @mperor is virtuous and !ithout fau)t$ #hy shou)d he yie)d p)ace to another10 %ima &an rep)ied angri)y, 0The imperia) right )ay !ith the (ans, and 'ao 'ao coerced them as he did the no.)es$ 5n ma"ing himse)f the Prince of #ei, he usurped the throne of (an$ Three generations of my forefathers uphe)d the (ouse of #ei, so that their po!er is not the resu)t of their o!n a.i)ities, .ut of the )a.or of my house$ This is "no!n to a)) the !or)d, and am 5 not e4ua) to carrying on the ru)e of #ei10 05f you do this thing, you !i)) .e a re.e) and an usurper,0 said Zhang 8ie$ 0And !hat sha)) 5 .e if 5 avenge the !rongs of (an10 (e .ade the )ictors ta"e Zhang 8ie outside and .eat him to death, !hi)e the ,u)er of #ei !ept and .esought pardon for his faithfu) minister$ %ima &an rose and )eft$ 'ao (uang turned to 8ia 'hong and Pei <iu, saying, 0#hat shou)d 5 do1 %ome decision must .e ta"en$0 They rep)ied, 0Truth to te)), the measure of your fate is accomp)ished and you cannot oppose the !i)) of (eaven$ &ou must prepare to a.dicate as did @mperor <ian of the (ans$ ,esign the throne to the Prince of 8in and there.y accord !ith the design of (eaven and the !i)) of the peop)e$ &our persona) safety need not cause you an6iety$0 'ao (uang cou)d on)y accept this advice, and the terrace !as .ui)t$ The 0mouse0 day of the t!e)fth month !as chosen for the ceremony$ :n that day the ,u)er of #ei, dressed in fu)) ro.es of ceremony, and .earing the sea) in his hand, ascended the terrace in the presence of a great assem.)y$ The (ouse of #ei disp)aced the (ouse of (an And 8in succeeded #ei3 so turns fate-s !hee) And none escape its grinding$ Zhang 8ie the true

%tood in the !ay and died$ #e pity him$ *ain hope !ith one hand to hide Taishan ;ountains$ The @mperor/e)ect !as re4uested to ascend the high p)ace, and there received the great sa)ute$ 'ao (uang then descended, ro.ed himse)f as a minister and too" his p)ace as the first of su.>ects$ %ima &an no! stood upon the terrace, supported .y 8ia 'hong and Pei <iu$ 'ao (uang !as ordered to prostrate himse)f, !hi)e the command !as recited, and 8ia 'hong read7 09orty/five years have e)apsed since, in the t!enty/fifth year of ,e.ui)t Tran4ui))ity, the (ouse of (an gave p)ace to the (ouse of #ei$ But after forty/five years, the favor of (eaven has no! )eft the )atter (ouse and reverts to 8in$ The merits and services of the fami)y of %ima reach to the high heavens and pervade the earth$ The Prince of 8in is fitted for the high office and to continue the ru)e$ 2o! (is ;a>esty the @mperor confers upon you the tit)e of Prince of 'hen)iu$ &ou are to proceed to the city of 8inyong, !here you !i)) reside3 you are for.idden to come to court un)ess summoned$0 %ad)y 'ao (uang !ithdre! !ith tears in his eyes$ %ima 9u, +uardian of the Throne, !ept .efore the deposed @mperor and promised eterna) devotion$ 05 have .een a servant of #ei and !i)) never turn my .ac" upon the (ouse=0 said he$ %ima &an did not ta"e this amiss, and out of admiration he offered %ima 9u the princedom of Anping$ But %ima 9u dec)ined the offer$ The ne! @mperor !as no! seated in his p)ace, and a)) the officers made their sa)utations and fe)icitated him$ The very hi))s rang !ith 0#an shui= : Cing, )ive forever=0 Thus succeeded %ima &an, and the state !as ca))ed +reat 8in and a ne! year/sty)e !as changed from +reat +)ory, the second year, to +reat Beginning @ra, the first year (AD 2JH)$ An amnesty !as dec)ared$ %ince then #ei Dynasty ended$ The "ingdom of #ei had ended$ The 9ounder of the Dynasty of 8in Too" #ei as mode)3 thus the disp)aced emperor #as named a prince, !hen on the terrace high

(is throne he had renounced$ #e grieve !hen !e reca)) these deeds$ The ne! @mperor conferred posthumous ran" upon his grandfather, his unc)e, and his father7 %ima &i the :rigina) @mperor, %ima %hi the #onderfu) @mperor, and %ima Zhao the %cho)ar @mperor$ %ima &an .ui)t seven temp)es in honor of his ancestors7 %ima 8un, the (an +enera) #ho 'on4uers the #est3 %ima 8un-s son, %ima Liang, +overnor of &u?hang3 %ima Liang-s son, %ima 8uan, +overnor of &ingchuan3 %ima 8uan-s son, %ima 9ang, +overnor of 8ing?hao3 %ima 9ang-s son, %ima &i the :rigina) @mperor3 and %ima &i-s sons, %ima %hi the #onderfu) @mperor and %ima Zhao the %cho)ar @mperor$ A)) these things .eing accomp)ished, courts !ere he)d dai)y, and the one su.>ect of discussion !as the su.>ugation of #u$ The (ouse of (an has gone for aye, And #u !i)) 4uic")y fo))o!$ The story of the attac" upon #u !i)) .e to)d ne6t$ Chapter -! Re.#mmending Du Yu" An '$d &enera$ 'ffers @e) +$ans; Capturing 'f Sun ,a#" Three Bingd#ms %e.#mes 'ne.

#hen %un <iu, the ,u)er of #u, "ne! that the (ouse of #ei had fa))en .efore the 8ins, he a)so "ne! that the usurper-s ne6t thought !ou)d .e the con4uest of his o!n )and$ The an6iety made him i)), so that he too" to his .ed and !as )i"e to die$ (e then summoned to his .edside his Prime ;inister, Puyang <ing, and his heir, %un #an$ But they t!o came a)most too )ate$ The dying ,u)er, !ith his )ast effort, too" the ;inister .y the hand, .ut cou)d on)y point to his son$ Then he died$ Puyang <ing )eft the couch and ca))ed a meeting of the officers, !hereat he proposed to p)ace the heir on his father-s throne$ Then #an &u, 5nspector of the Left Army, rose and said, 0Prince %un #an is too youthfu) to ru)e in such trou.)ous times$ Let us confer the throne to %un (ao, Lord of #ucheng$0

Zhang Bu, +enera) of the Left Army, supported his e)ection, saying, 0%un (ao is a.)e and prompt in decision$ (e can hand)e the responsi.i)ities of an emperor$0 (o!ever, Puyang <ing !as dou.tfu) and consu)ted the @mpress Do!ager$ 0%ett)e this !ith the officia)s30 she rep)ied, 05 am a !ido! and "no! nothing of such matters$0 9ina))y %un (ao !on the day, and in the seventh month he !as enthroned as @mperor of #u, and the first year of his reign !as Prosperous Beginning (AD 2JG)$ %un (ao !as the son of %un (e, a former (eir Apparent, and grandson of %un uan the +reat @mperor$ The e6c)uded prince, %un #an, !as conso)ed !ith the tit)e of Prince of &u?hang$ Posthumous ran" !as given to his )ate father, %un (e the %cho)ar @mperor, and his mother, Lady (e, the %cho)ar @mpress$ The *eteran Leader Ding 9eng !as made 'ommander of the ,ight and Left Armies$ (o!ever, the year/sty)e !as changed to %!eet De! the very ne6t year$ The ne! ru)er soon proved himse)f crue) and oppressive and day .y day gre! more so$ %un (ao indu)ged in every form of vice and chose @unuch 'en (un as his confidant and favorite$ #hen Prime ;inister Puyang <ing and +enera) Zhang Bu ventured upon remonstrance, .oth, !ith a)) their fami)y, !ere put to death$ Thereafter none dared to spea"3 the mouth of every courtier !as shut tight$ Another year/sty)e, Treasured Paramount, !as adopted the ne6t year (2JJ), and the responsi.i)ity of the Prime ;inister-s office !as shared .y t!o officers, Lu Cuai the Left and #an &u the ,ight$ At this time the imperia) residence !as in #uchang$ The peop)e of &ang?hou shou)dered heavy tri.ute and suffered e6ceeding)y$ There !as no )imit to the ,u)er-s e6travagance$ The treasury !as s!ept c)ean, and the income of the roya) domain e6hausted$ At )ength Lu Cuai, Left Prime ;inister, ventured a memoria), saying7 02o natura) ca)amity has fa))en upon the peop)e, yet they starve3 no pu.)ic !or" is in progress, yet the treasury is empty$ 5 am distressed$ The country under the (ans has fa))en apart and three states have arisen therefrom$ Those ru)ed .y the 'aos and the Lius, as the resu)t

of their o!n fo))y, have .een )ost in 8in$ 9oo)ish 5 may .e, .ut 5 !ou)d protect the state for &our ;a>esty against the evi)s !e have seen in the other divisions$ This city of #uchang is not safe as a roya) residence$ There is a rhyme concerning it, the gist of !hich is that it is .etter to drin" the !ater of 8ianye than eat the fish of #uchang, .etter to die in 8ianye than to )ive in #uchang$ This sho!s the regard of the peop)e as !e)) as the !i)) of (eaven$ 2o! the pu.)ic storehouses are near)y empty3 they contain insufficient for a year-s use$ The officers of a)) grades ve6 and distress the peop)e and none pity them$ 05n former times the Pa)ace !omen num.ered )ess than a hundred3 for years past they have e6ceeded a thousand$ This is an e6travagant !aste of treasure$ The courtiers render no disinterested service, .ut are sp)it into c)i4ues and ca.a)s$ The honest are in>ured, and the good driven a!ay$ A)) these things undermine the state and !ea"en the peop)e$ 5 .eg &our ;a>esty to reduce the num.er of officers and remove grievances, to dismiss the Pa)ace !omen and se)ect honest officers, to the >oy of the peop)e and the tran4ui))ity of the state$0 But the ,u)er of #u !as disp)eased, thre! the memoria) a!ay, and sho!ed his contempt for the ;inister-s remonstrance .y .eginning to co))ect materia) for the .ui)ding of a ne! pa)ace comp)e6 to .e ca))ed the ,ef)ected Light Pa)ace$ (e even made the officers of the court go into the forest to fe)) trees for the !or"$ The ,u)er of #u ca))ed in the soothsayer %hang +uang and .ade him ta"e the cast and in4uire as to the attainment of empire$ %hang +uang cast a )ot and rep)ied, 0A)) is propitious, and in the year of the -mouse- your .)ue um.re))a !i)) enter Luoyang=0 And %un (ao !as p)eased$ (e said to ;inister (ua 8iao, 0The former ,u)ers )istened to your !ords and sent genera)s to various points and p)aced defensive camps a)ong the rivers$ And over a)) these !as set Ding 9eng$ 2o! my desire is to con4uer (an and avenge the !rongs of my .rother, the ,u)er of %hu$ #hat p)ace shou)d .e first con4uered10 (ua 8iao rep)ied, 02o! that 'hengdu has fa))en and the Throne there .een overturned, %ima &an !i)) assured)y desire to a.sor. this southern )and$ &our ;a>esty shou)d disp)ay virtue and restore

confidence to your peop)e$ That !ou)d .e the .est p)an$ 5f you engage in !ar, it !i)) .e )i"e thro!ing on hemp to put out a fire///the hemp on)y adds to the .)a?e$ This is !orthy of carefu) consideration$0 But %un (ao gre! angry and said, 05 desire to ta"e this opportunity to return to my rea) heritage$ #hy do you emp)oy this i))/omened )anguage1 #ere it not for your )ong service, no! !ou)d 5 s)ay you and e6pose your head as a !arning$0 (e .ade the )ictors hust)e ;inister (ua 8iao from his presence, and (ua 8iao )eft the court$ 05t is pitifu),0 said (ua 8iao$ 0@re )ong our si)"y, .eautifu) country !i)) pass to another=0 %o (ua 8iao retired$ And the ,u)er of #u ordered Lu Cang, +enera) #ho +uards the @ast, to camp his army at 8iang"ou in order to attac" <iangyang$ %pies reported this in Luoyang, and it !as to)d the ,u)er of 8in$ #hen %ima &an heard that the army of #u threatened to invade <iangyang, he ca))ed a counci)$ 8ia 'hong stood forth, saying, 05 hear the government of #u, under its present ru)er, %un (ao, is devoid of virtue, and the ,u)er of #u has turned aside out of the road$ &our ;a>esty shou)d send 'ommander &ang (u to oppose this army$ #hen interna) trou.)e sha)) arise, )et him attac", and victory !i)) then .e easy$0 The ,u)er of 8in issued an edict ordering &ang (u to prepare, and so he mustered his troops and set himse)f to guard the county$ &ang (u .ecame very popu)ar in <iangyang$ Any of the so)diers of #u !ho desired to desert to the other side !ere a))o!ed to come over$ (e emp)oyed on)y the fe!est possi.)e troops on patro) duty$ 5nstead he set his so)diers to ti)) the soi), and they cu)tivated an e6tensive area, !here.y the hundred days supp)ies !ith !hich they set out !ere soon increased to enough for ten years$ &ang (u maintained great simp)icity, !earing the )ightest of garments and no armor$ (is persona) escort and servants num.ered on)y a.out ten$

:ne day his officers came to his tent and said, 0The spies reported great )a6ity in the enemy-s camp$ 5t is time to ma"e an attac"=0 But &ang (u rep)ied, 0&ou must not despise Lu Cang, for he is a.)e and crafty$ 9ormer)y his master sent him to attac" <i)ing, and he s)e! Bu 'han and many of his genera)s, .efore 5 cou)d save that city$ %o )ong as Lu Cang remains in command, 5 sha)) remain on the defensive$ 5 sha)) not attac" ti)) there .e trou.)e and confusion among our enemies$ To .e rash and not a!ait the proper moment to attac" is to invite defeat$0 They found him !ise and said no more$ They on)y "ept the .oundaries$ :ne day &ang (u and his officers !ent out to hunt, and it happened that Lu Cang had chosen the same day to hunt$ &ang (u gave strict orders not to cross the .oundary, and so each hunted on)y on his o!n side$ Lu Cang !as astonished at the enemy-s scrupu)ous propriety$ (e sighed, 0The so)diers of &ang (u have so high a discip)ine that 5 may not ma"e any invasion no!$0 5n the evening, after .oth parties had returned, &ang (u ordered an inspection of the s)aughtered game and sent over to the other side any that seemed to have .een first struc" .y the so)diers of #u$ Lu Cang !as great)y p)eased and sent for the .earers of the game$ 0Does your )eader drin" !ine10 as"ed he$ They rep)ied, 0:n)y fine !ines does he drin"$0 05 have some very o)d !ine,0 rep)ied Lu Cang, smi)ing, 0and 5 !i)) give of it to you to .ear to your genera) as a gift$ 5t is the !ine 5 myse)f .re! and drin" on ceremonia) occasions, and he sha)) have ha)f in return for today-s courtesy$0 They too" the !ine and )eft$ 0#hy do you give him !ine10 as"ed Lu Cang-s officers$ 0Because he has sho!n "indness, and 5 must return courtesy for courtesy$0

#hen the gift of !ine arrived and the .earers to)d &ang (u the story of their reception, he )aughed$ 0%o he "no!s 5 can drin",0 said &ang (u$ (e had the >ar opened, and the !ine !as poured out$ :ne of his genera)s, 'hen &uan, .egged him to drin" moderate)y )est there shou)d .e some harm come of it$ 0Lu Cang is no poisoner,0 rep)ied &ang (u$ And he dran"$ The friend)y intercourse thus continued, and messengers fre4uent)y passed from one camp to the other$ :ne day the messengers said that Lu Cang !as un!e)) and had .een ai)ing for severa) days$ 05 thin" he suffers from the same comp)aint as 5,0 said &ang (u$ 05 have some remedies ready prepared and !i)) send him some$0 The drugs !ere ta"en over to the #u camp$ But the sic" man-s officers !ere suspicious and said, 0This medicine is sure)y harmfu)7 5t comes from the enemy$0 (o!ever, Lu Cang said, 02o3 o)d Fnc)e &ang (u !ou)d not poison a person$ Do not dou.t$0 (e dran" the decoction$ 2e6t day he !as much .etter$ #hen his staff came to congratu)ate him, he said, 05f our opponents ta"e their stand upon virtue and !e ta"e ours upon vio)ence, they !i)) drag us after them !ithout fighting$ %ee to it that the .oundaries .e !e)) "ept and that !e see" not to gain any unfair advantage$0 %oon after came a specia) envoy from the ,u)er of #u to urge upon Lu Cang prompt activity$ 0:ur @mperor sends orders for you to press for!ard,0 said the envoy$ 0&ou are not to a!ait a 8in invasion$0 0&ou may return, and 5 !i)) send up a memoria),0 rep)ied Lu Cang$

%o a memoria) !as !ritten and soon fo))o!ed the envoy to the capita), !hich .y this time !as 8ianye$ #hen the ,u)er of #u, %un (ao, read it, he found therein many arguments against attac"ing 8in and e6hortations to e6ercise a virtuous ru)e instead of engaging in hosti)ities$ 5t angered him$ 0They say Lu Cang has come to an understanding !ith the enemy, and no! 5 .e)ieve it=0 said the ,u)er of #u$ Thereupon he deprived Lu Cang of his command and too" a!ay his commission and degraded him into ;arching +enera)$ %un 8i, +enera) of the Left Army, !as sent to supersede Lu Cang$ And none dared to intervene$ %un (ao .ecame sti)) more ar.itrary and of his o!n !i)) changed the year/sty)e once more to the Phoeni6 (AD 2J9)$ Day .y day his )ife .ecame more !anton and vicious$ The so)diers in every camp murmured !ith anger and resentment, and at )ast three high officers///Prime ;inister #an &u, +enera) Liu Ping, and ;inister of Agricu)ture Lou <uan///.o)d)y and earnest)y remonstrated !ith the @mperor for his many irregu)arities$ They suffered death$ #ithin ten years more than forty ministers !ere put to death for doing their duty$ %un (ao maintained an e6travagant)y )arge guard of fifty thousand heavy cava)ry, and these so)diers !ere the terror of everyone$ 2o! !hen &ang (u, on the 8in side of the frontier, heard that his opponent Lu Cang had .een removed from his command and that the conduct of the ,u)er of #u had .ecome !ho))y unreasona.)e, he "ne! that the time !as near for him to con4uer #u$ #herefore he presented a memoria)7 0A)though fate is superior to human, yet success depends upon human effort$ 2o! as the geographic difficu)ties of the %outh Land are not as those of the ,iver Lands, !hi)e the ferocity of %un (ao e6ceeds that of Liu %han, the misery of the peop)e of #u e6ceeds that of the d!e))ers in %hu$ :ur armies are stronger than ever .efore, and if !e miss this opportunity to .ring the !ho)e )and under one ru)e, .ut continue to !eary our army !ith continua) !atching and cause the !or)d to groan under the .urden of mi)itarism, then our efficiency !i)) dec)ine and !e sha)) not endure$0

#hen %ima &an read this, he gave orders for the army to move$ But three officers///8ia 'hong, <un <u, and 9eng Dan///opposed it, and the orders !ere !ithdra!n$ &ang (u !as disappointed at the ne!s and said, 0#hat a pity it is that of ten affairs in the !or)d, one a)!ays meets !ith eight or nine ve6ations=0 5n the fourth year of Fniversa) Tran4ui))ity, in 8in ca)endar (AD 2KI), &ang (u !ent to court and as"ed )eave to retire on account of i)) hea)th$ Before granting him )eave to go, %ima &an as"ed, 0Do you have p)ans to propose to sett)e the empire10 &ang (u rep)ied, 0%un (ao is a very crue) ru)er and cou)d .e con4uered !ithout fighting$ 5f he !ere to die and a !ise successor sat upon his throne, &our ;a>esty !ou)d never .e a.)e to gain possession of #u$0 The ,u)er of 8in rea)i?ed the truth, and he said, 0%uppose your army attac"ed no!$ #hat then10 05 am no! too o)d and too i)) for the tas",0 rep)ied &ang (u$ 0%ome other .o)d and capa.)e )eader must .e found$0 &ang (u )eft the court and retired to his home$ To!ard the end of the year he !as nigh unto death, and the ,u)er of 8in !ent to visit him$ The sight of his master at his .edside .rought tears to the eyes of the faithfu) o)d )eader$ 05f 5 died a myriad times, 5 cou)d never re4uite &our ;a>esty,0 said &ang (u$ %ima &an a)so !ept, saying, 0;y great grief is that 5 cou)d not ta"e advantage of your a.i)ities to attac" #u$ #ho no! is there to carry out your design10 (esitating)y the sic" man rep)ied, 05 am dying and must .e !ho))y sincere$ +enera) Du &u is e4ua) to the tas", and is the one man to attac" #u$0 %ima &an said, 0(o! .eautifu) it is to .ring good peop)e into prominence= But !hy did you !rite a memoria) recommending certain peop)e and then .urn the draft so that no one "ne!10

The dying man ans!ered, 05 .o!ed .efore the officia)s in open court, .ut 5 did not .eseech the "indness of the private attendants$0 %o &ang (u died, and %ima &an !ai)ed for him and then returned to his pa)ace$ (e conferred on the dead )eader the posthumous ran" of 5mperia) +uardian and Lord of 8uping$ The traders c)osed their shops out of respect to his memory, and a)) the frontier camps !ere fi))ed !ith !ai)ing$ The peop)e of <iangyang, reca))ing that he )oved to !ander on the <ian (i))s, .ui)t there a temp)e to him and set up a stone and sacrificed regu)ar)y at the four seasons$ The passers/.y !ere moved to tears !hen they read &ang (u-s name on the ta.)et, so that it came to .e ca))ed 0The %tone of Tears0$ 5 sa! the fragments of a shattered stone :ne spring time on the hi))side, !hen, a)one, 5 !a)"ed to greet the sun$ The pines disti))ed Big drops of de! unceasing3 sadness fi))ed ;y heart$ 5 "ne! this !as the %tone of Tears, The stone of memory of )ong/past years$ :n the strength of &ang (u-s recommendation, Du &u !as made 'ommander of 8ing?hou, and the tit)e of +enera) #ho +uards the %outh !as conferred upon him$ (e !as a man of great e6perience, untiring in study and devoted to the Zuo *o)ume, the .oo" of commentaries composed .y Zuo iuming upon the %pring and Autumn Anna)s$ 5n hours of )eisure, a copy of Zuo *o)ume !as never out of his hand3 and !hen he !ent a.road, an attendant rode in front !ith the .e)oved .oo"$ (e !as said to .e 0Zuo mad0$ Du &u !ent to <iangyang and .egan .y .eing "ind to the peop)e and caring for his so)diers$ By this time #u had )ost .y death .oth Ding 9eng and Lu Cang$ The conduct of the ,u)er of #u !a6ed !orse and !orse$ (e used to give great .an4uets !hereat into6ication !as universa)$ (e appointed ,ectors of 9easts to o.serve a)) the fau)ts committed .y guests, and after these .an4uets a)) offenders !ere punished, some .y f)aying the face, others .y gouging out the eyes$ @veryone !ent in terror of these ,ectors$ #ang 8un, 5mperia) Protector of &i?hou, sent in a memoria) advising an attac" upon #u$ (e said7

0%un (ao is steeped in vice and shou)d .e attac"ed at once$ %hou)d he die and .e succeeded .y a good ru)er, !e might meet !ith serious opposition$ The ships 5 .ui)t seven years ago )ie id)e and rotting7 #e can use them$ 5 am seventy years of age and must soon die$ 5f any one of these three events happen///the death of %un (ao, the destruction of these ships, or my death///then success !i)) .e difficu)t to ensure$ 5 pray &our ;a>esty not to miss the tide$0 At the ne6t assem.)y of officers %ima &an said to them, 05 have decided to act$ 5 have received simi)ar advice from &ang (u and #ang 8un$0 At this arose ;inister #ang (un and said, 05 hear %un (ao intends to march north to the ;idd)e Land and has his army ready$ ,eport says it is formida.)e and !ou)d .e hard to defeat$ 5 counse) to a!ait another year ti)) that army has )ost its first vigor$0 A command to cease !ar)i"e preparations !as the resu)t of this counse)$ The ,u)er of 8in .etoo" himse)f to his private cham.er !here he engaged in a game of chess !ith %ecretary Zhang (ua as opponent$ #hi)e at the game, another memoria) arrived$ 5t !as from Du &u$ 5t read7 09ormer)y &ang (u e6p)ained his p)ans confidentia))y to &our ;a>esty, .ut did not )ay them .efore the court$ The resu)t has .een much de.ate and conf)ict of opinion$ 5n every pro>ect there are pros and cons, .ut in this the arguments are most)y in favor$ The !orst that can happen is fai)ure$ %ince )ast autumn the proposed attac" has .ecome genera))y "no!n, and, if !e stop no!, %un (ao !i)) .e frightened and remove the capita) to #uchang, repair his fortifications in the %outh Land, and move his threatened peop)e out of danger$ Then the southern capita) cannot .e assau)ted, nor is there anything )eft in the countryside to ro.$ (ence ne6t year-s attac" !i)) a)so fai)$0 8ust as the ,u)er of 8in finished reading, Zhang (ua pushed aside the .oard, rose and dre! his hands into his s)eeves, saying, 0&our ;a>esty-s s"i)) in !ar is a)most divine, your state is prosperous, and the army strong$ The ,u)er of #u is a tyrant, his peop)e are misera.)e, and his country mean$ 2o! you can easi)y con4uer him, and 5 pray that there .e no further hesitation=0 0(o! cou)d 5 hesitate after your discourse10 said %ima &an$

Thereupon he returned to the counci) cham.er and issued his commands$ Du &u !as made 'ommander/in/'hief and, !ith one hundred thousand troops, !as to attac" 8iang)ing3 %ima Zhou, Prince of Langye and +enera) #ho +uards the @ast, !as to attac" Tu?hong3 #ang (un, +enera) #ho 'on4uers the @ast, to go up against (eng>iang3 #ang ,ong, +enera) #ho @6hi.its Pro!ess, to move against #uchang3 (u 9en, +enera) #ho Pacifies the %outh, to attac" <ia"ou$ And a)) divisions, fifty thousand troops each, !ere under the orders of Du &u$ 5n addition to the )and forces, t!o )arge f)eets !ere to operate on the river under #ang 8un, +enera) #ho %ho!s Dragon 'ourage, and Tang Bin, +enera) #ho Possesses ;artia) Bravery$ ;arines and )ands troops amounted to more than t!o hundred thousand$ A separate force under &ang 8i, +enera) #ho (o)ds the %outh, !as sent a!ay to <iangyang to coordinate a)) forces$ The ,u)er of #u !as great)y a)armed at the ne!s of such armies and f)eets, and he ca))ed to him 4uic")y his Prime ;inister Zhang Ti, ;inister of the 5nterior (e Zhi, and ;inister of #or"s Teng <un, to consu)t ho! to defend his )and$ Zhang Ti proposed7 0%end 'ommander of the 9)ying 'hariots #u &an to meet the enemy at 8iang)ing3 'ommander of the 9)ying 'ava)ry %un <in to <ia"ou3 5 vo)unteer to ta"e command of a camp at 2iu?hu, together !ith the +enera) of the Left Army %hen Zong and +enera) of the ,ight Army Zhuge <ing, ready to )end he)p at any point$0 The ,u)er of #u approved his dispositions and fe)t satisfied that he !as safe .y )and$ But in the privacy of his o!n apartment he fe)t misera.)e, for he rea)i?ed that no preparations had .een made against an attac" .y !ater under the #ei )eader #ang 8un$ Then the favorite eunuch 'en (un as"ed the @mperor !hy he .ore a sad countenance, and %un (ao to)d him of his dread of the enemy navy$ 0The armies of 8in are coming, and 5 have dep)oyed troops for genera) defense$ :n)y the !ater front, .y !hich #ang 8un and his severa) thousand .att)eships sai) east a)ong the tide, ma"es me fee) so !orried$0 0But 5 have a scheme that !i)) smash a)) #ang 8un-s ships=0 cried 'en (un$

0#hat is it10 as"ed the ,u)er of #u, p)eased to hear this$ 05ron is p)entifu)$ ;a"e great chains !ith heavy )in"s and stretch them across the river at various points$ A)so forge many massive hammers and arrange them in the stream, so that !hen the enemy-s ships sai) do!n .efore the !ind, they !i)) co))ide !ith the hammers and .e !rec"ed$ Then they !i)) sai) no more$0 B)ac"smiths !ere soon at !or" on the river .an" !e)ding the )in"s and forging the hammers$ #or" !ent on day and night, and soon a)) the chains !ere p)aced in different points$ As has .een said Du &u !as to attac" 8iang)ing, and he sent +enera) Zhou Zhi !ith eight hundred sai)ors to sai) secret)y a)ong the +reat ,iver to capture &ue6iang$ There they !ere to ma"e an am.ush in the Bashan ;ountains and a great sho! of f)ags a)ong the .an" and among the trees$ Drums !ere to .e .eaten and .om.s e6p)oded during the day and many fires )ighted at night to give the appearance of a great army$ %o Zhou Zhi sai)ed to the Bashan ;ountains$ 2e6t day Du &u directed the army and the marine forces in a simu)taneous advance$ The scouts reported7 0The ,u)er of #u has sent the )and force under #u &an, the navy under Lu 8ing, and the vanguard under %un <in=0 Du &u )ed his forces for!ard$ The vanguard of #u, under %un <in, came up, and at the first encounter Du &u-s army retired$ %un <in )anded his marines and pursued$ But in the midst of the pursuit a signa) .om. sounded, and %un <in !as attac"ed on a)) sides .y the 8in troops$ (e tried to retire, .ut the army he had .een pursuing, Du &u-s force, turned .ac" too and >oined in the attac"$ #u-s )osses !ere very heavy, and %un <in hastened .ac" to the city$ But the eight hundred 8in so)diers of Zhou Zhi ming)ed !ith the #u army at the ramparts and so entered the gates$ The 8in so)diers raised signa) fires on the !a))s$ This maneuver ama?ed %un <in, and he said, 0The northern troops had sure)y f)o!n across the river into the city=0 %un <in made an effort to escape, .ut the )eader of 8in, Zhou Zhi, une6pected)y appeared and s)e! him$

Admira) Lu 8ing of the #u f)eet of that had accompanied %un <in sa! on the south shore, in the Bashan ;ountains, a great standard .earing the name 8in +enera) #ho +uards the %outh Du &u$ Lu 8ing .ecame a)armed and )anded to try to escape, .ut the 8in +enera) Zhang %hang soon found and s)e! him$ At his position at 8iang)ing, #u &an heard of these defeats and "ne! his position !as untena.)e, so he f)ed$ (o!ever, he !as soon captured and )ed into the presence of the victorious genera)$ 02o use sparing you,0 said Du &u, and he sentenced the prisoner to death$ Thus 8iang)ing !as captured and a)) the counties a)ong the ,iver <iang and ,iver &uan as far as (uang?hou, !hich surrendered at the first summons$ Du &u sent out officers to soothe the peop)e of the con4uered counties, and they suffered nothing from the so)diery$ 2e6t he marched to!ard #uchang, and that city a)so yie)ded$ %o the g)ory of Du &u .ecame very great$ (e then summoned his officers to a counci) to decide upon attac"ing 'apita) 8ianye$ (u 9en said, 0A one/century re.e))ion !i)) not .e reduced comp)ete)y at once$ The time of the spring rise of !aters is near, and our position is precarious$ #e shou)d do !e)) to a!ait the coming spring$0 Du &u rep)ied, 05n the days of o)d, &ue &i overcame the po!erfu) state i in one .att)e in 8i6i$ :ur prestige is no! high and success certain, easy as the sp)itting of a .am.oo, !hich seems to !e)come the "nife after the first fe! >oints have .een overcome$ #e sha)) meet no great opposition$0 %o Du &u gave orders to the various )eaders to move in concert against the capita) )and of 8ianye$ 2o! the 8in )eader #ang 8un had gone do!n the river !ith his nava) force$ 9rom his scouts he heard of the iron chains and the hammers that had .een )aid in the river to hinder his progress$ But he on)y )aughed$ (e constructed great rafts of tim.er and p)aced on them stra! effigies of so)diers in armors and sent them do!n river !ith the current$ The defenders of #u too" them for rea) troops and, a)armed .y their num.ers, f)ed in panic$ Then the great hammers

and chains !ere dragged a!ay as the rafts drifted on$ ;oreover, on the rafts they )aid great torches many fathoms )ong, and very thic", made of stra! soa"ed in )inseed oi)$ #hen the raft !as chec"ed .y a chain, the torches !ere )ighted and the chains e6posed to the heat ti)) they me)ted and .ro"e asunder$ Thus the rafts !ent do!n stream con4uering !herever they came$ Then the Prime ;inister of #u, Zhang Ti, sent t!o )eaders, +enera) of the Left Army %hen Zong and +enera) of the ,ight Army Zhuge <ing, to try to chec" the advance of the armies$ %hen Zong said to his co))eague, 0The forces a.ove have fai)ed to stop the enemy, and the enemy !i)) sure)y come here$ #e sha)) have to put forth a)) our strength$ 5f hap)y !e can succeed, the safety of our %outh Land is assured$ But suppose !e fight and )ose the .att)e, then is our country )ost$0 0%ir, you on)y say !hat is too true,0 said Zhuge <ing$ 8ust as they ta)"ed of these matters came reports of the approach of their enemies in irresisti.)e force$ The t!o )eaders !ere sei?ed !ith panic and !ent .ac" to see the Prime ;inister$ 0:ur country is )ost=0 cried Zhuge <ing$ 0#hy not run10 0#e a)) "no! that the )and is doomed,0 rep)ied Zhang Ti$ 0But if !e ma"e no defense, and no one dies for his country, sha)) !e not .e shamed10 Zhuge <ing )eft, !eeping3 and Zhang Ti !ent !ith %hen Zong to the army$ The invaders soon arrived, and the 8in +enera) Zhou Zhi !as the first to .rea" into the camp$ Zhang Ti resisted stu..orn)y, .ut !as soon s)ain in a me)ee, and %hen Zong !as "i))ed .y Zhou Zhi$ The army of #u !as defeated and scattered$ 8in-s army .anners !aved on Bashan ;ountains And trusty Zhang Ti in 8iang)ing fighting died3 (e accepted not that the "ing)y grace !as spent, (e rather chose to die than shame his side$ The armies of 8in con4uered at 2iu?hu and penetrated deep)y into the country of #u$ 9rom his camp #ang 8un sent a report of his victory to Luoyang, and %ima &an !as p)eased$

But 8ia 'hong again opposed further fighting, saying, 0The armies have .een )ong a.sent, and the so)diers !i)) suffer from the unhea)thiness of the southern country$ 5t !ou)d .e !e)) to ca)) them home$0 Zhang (ua spo"e against this course, saying, 0The 8in army has reached the very home and center of the enemy$ %oon #u courage !i)) fai), and the ,u)er of #u himse)f !i)) .e our prisoner$ To reca)) the army no! !ou)d .e to !aste the efforts a)ready made$0 The ,u)er of 8in inc)ined to neither side$ 8ia 'hong turned upon Zhang (ua savage)y, saying, 0&ou are !ho))y ignorant and understand nothing$ &ou are .ent upon !inning some sort of g)ory at the e6pense of our so)diers- )ives$ Death !ou)d .e too good for you=0 0#hy !rang)e10 said %ima &an$ 0Zhang (ua agrees !ith me, and he "no!s my !ishes$0 8ust at this moment came a memoria) from the )eader Du &u a)so recommending advance, !hereupon the ,u)er of 8in decided that the army shou)d go on$ The roya) mandate du)y reached the camp of #ang 8un, and the 8in navy !ent out to the attac" in great pomp$ The so)diers of #u made no defense, .ut surrendered at once$ #hen %un (ao, the ,u)er of #u, heard his armies had surrendered thus, he turned pa)e, and his courtiers said, 0#hat is to .e done1 (ere the northern army comes nearer every day and our troops >ust give in$0 0But !hy do they not fight10 said %un (ao$ The courtiers rep)ied, 0The one evi) of today is @unuch 'en (un$ %)ay him, and !e ourse)ves !i)) go out and fight to the death=0 0(o! can a eunuch harm a state10 cried %un (ao$ 0(ave !e not seen !hat (uang (ao did in %hu10 shouted the courtiers in chorus$

;oved .y sudden fury, the courtiers rushed into the Pa)ace, found the !retched o.>ect of their hate and s)e! him, and even feeding on his pa)pitating f)esh$ Then Tao 8un said, 0A)) my ships are sma)), .ut give me )arge vesse)s and 5 !i)) p)ace thereon t!enty thousand marines and go forth to fight$ 5 can defeat the enemy$0 (is re4uest !as granted, and the roya) guards !ere sent up the river to >oin .att)e, !hi)e another nava) force !ent do!n stream, )ed .y Leader of the *an Zhang <iang$ But a heavy ga)e came on$ The f)ags !ere .)o!n do!n and )ay over in the ships, and the marines !ou)d not em.ar"$ They scattered )eaving their )eader !ith on)y a fe! score men$ #ang 8un, the )eader of 8in, set sai) and !ent do!n the river$ After passing Three ;ountains, the sai)ing master of his ship said, 0The ga)e is too strong for the f)eet to go on$ Let us anchor ti)) the storm has moderated$0 But #ang 8un !ou)d not )isten$ Dra!ing his s!ord, he said, 05 !ish to capture 'apita) %hidouD, and !i)) not hear of anchoring$0 %o he compe))ed the sai)ing master to continue$ :n the !ay Zhang <iang, one of the )eaders of #u, came to offer surrender$ 05f you are in earnest, you !i)) )ead the !ay and he)p me,0 said #ang 8un$ Zhang <iang consented, returned to his o!n ship, and )ed the s4uadron$ #hen he reached the !a))s of %hidou, he ca))ed to the defenders to open the gates and a))o! the 8in army to enter$ The gates !ere opened$ #hen the ,u)er of #u heard that his enemies had actua))y entered the capita) city, he !ished to put an end to his )ife, .ut his officers prevented this$ %ecretary (u Zong and Pa)ace :fficer <ue ,ong said, 0&our ;a>esty, !hy not imitate the conduct of Liu %han of %hu, no! Du"e of An)e10 %o %un (ao no )onger thought of death, .ut !ent to offer su.mission$ (e .ound himse)f and too" a coffin !ith him$ (is officers fo))o!ed him$ (e !as gracious)y received, and the 8in

+enera) #ang 8un himse)f )oosened the .onds, and the coffin !as .urned$ The van4uished ,u)er !as treated !ith the ceremony due to a prince$ A poet of the Tang Dynasty !rote a fe! )ines on this surrender7 Ado!n the stream ride storied !arships ta))3 #ith massive chains some see" to stop their !ay$ But 8iang)ing-s independence fades a!ay, And soon 0#e yie)d0 is signa)ed from the !a))$ 9u)) oft 5 thin" of .ygone days and sigh, A)ong the stream, unmoved, the o)d hi))s rest, #hi)e 5 am home)ess on the earth-s .road .reast, #here grim o)d forts stand gray .eneath the s"y$ Therefore #u !as su.dued and ceased to e6ist as a state$ 5ts G regions, GA counties, AEA districts, H,2AB,BBB fami)ies, J2,BBB civi) officers, 2AB,BBB so)diers and mi)itary officers, 2A,BBB,BBB inha.itants, its stores of grain and over five thousand )arge ships, a)) fe)) .ooty to the victorious 8in Dynasty$ 5n the !omen-s 4uarters of the Pa)ace !ere found more than five thousand persons$ Proc)amations !ere issued3 treasuries and storehouses !ere sea)ed$ Tao 8un-s navy soon me)ted a!ay !ithout stri"ing a .)o!$ #ang 8un !as great)y e)ated at his success$ %ima Zhou, Prince of Langye, and +enera) #ang ,ong a)so arrived and congratu)ated each other$ #hen Du &u, the 'ommander/in/'hief, arrived, there !ere great feastings and re!ards for the so)diers$ The granaries !ere opened and do)es of grain issued to the peop)e, so that they a)so !ere g)ad of peace$ :n)y one city stood out///8ianping, under +overnor #u &ang$ (o!ever, he too surrendered !hen he heard the capita) had fa))en$ The tidings of a)) these successes reached 'apita) Luoyang >ust at the ce)e.ration of the .irthday of the ,u)er of 8in, and the re>oicings and congratu)ations !ere redou.)ed$ At one of the .an4uets the ,u)er of 8in did honor to the memory of the )ate &ang (u$ ,aising his !ine cup, and in a voice .ro"en .y emotion, he said, 0Today-s success is the merit of the 5mperia) +uardian$ 5 regret that he is not here to share our re>oicings$0

5n #u, %un <i, +enera) of the 9)ying 'ava)ry, !ent a!ay from the court and !ai)ed, facing the south$ 0A)as, ye .)ue heavens= #hat manner of man is this %un (ao to yie)d thus the heritage of his fami)y, !on .y the s!ord of +enera) %un 8ian the ;artia))y +)orious in the .rave days that are past10 ;eantime the victors marched home!ard, and %un (ao !ent to Luoyang to present himse)f at court$ 5n his capacity of minister, he prostrated himse)f at the feet of the @mperor of the 8in Dynasty in the (a)) of Audience$ (e !as a))o!ed a seat$ 05 set that seat for you )ong since,0 said the ,u)er of 8in$ 0Thy servant a)so set a seat for &our ;a>esty in the south,0 retorted %un (ao$ The ,u)er of 8in )aughed )oud)y$ Then 8ia 'hong turned to %un (ao and said, 05 hear, %ir, that !hen you !ere in the south, they gouged out peop)e-s eyes and f)ayed their faces$ #hat crimes !ere so punished10 0;urders of princes and ma)icious speech and dis)oya) conduct !ere so punished=0 8ia 'hong !as si)enced, for he !as ashamed$ %un (ao !as created Lord of +uiming$ (is sons and grandsons received minor ran"s and other grades !ere conferred upon his ministers !ho had fo))o!ed him in his surrender$ The sons and grandsons of the )ate Prime ;inister of #u, Zhang Ti, !ho had perished in .att)e, !ere given ran"s$ The victorious )eader, #ang 8un, !as re!arded !ith the tit)e +enera) #ho Fpho)ds the %tate$ And many other ran"s !ere conferred to the 8in officers$ The three states no! .ecame one empire under the ru)e of %ima &an of the 8in Dynasty$ That is domains under heaven, after a )ong period of union, tends to divide3 after a )ong period of division, tends to unite$ Liu %han, the @mperor of %hu/(an, passed a!ay in the seventh year of +reat Beginning, in 8in ca)endar (AD 2KE)$ 'ao (uang, the @mperor of #ei, passed a!ay in the first year of ;agnificent Peace (AD AB2)$ And %un (ao, the @mperor of #u, passed a!ay in the

fourth year of Prosperous Peace (AD 2IA)$ A)) three died of natura) causes$ A poet has summed up the history of these stirring years in a poem7 5t !as the da!ning of a g)orious day #hen first the 9ounder of the (ouse of (an <ianyang-s proud Pa)ace entered$ 2oontide came #hen Liu <iu the imperia) ru)e restored$ A)as, that Liu <ian succeeded in fu)) time And sa! the setting of the sun of po!er= (e 8in, the fee.)e, fe)) .eneath the .)o!s :f Pa)ace minions$ Dong Zhuo, vi)e though .o)d, Then ru)ed the court$ The p)ot #ang &un To oust him, fai)ed, recoi)ed on his o!n head$ The Li 8ue and +uo %i )it up the f)ame of !ar And .rigands s!armed )i"e ants through a)) the )and$ Then rose the va)iant and dep)oyed their might$ %un 'e carved out a "ingdom in the southeast, 2orth of &e))o! ,iver the &uans strove to ma"e their o!n$ Liu Zhang !ent !est and sei?ed on Ba and %hu, Liu Biao )aid ho)d on 8ing?hou and 'hu, Zhang Lu, in turn he)d (an?hong .y force$ ;a Teng and (an %ui "ept <i)iang$ Tao ian and +ongsun Zan .ui)t up 4uarters, Zhang <iu and Lu Bu cha))enged the .o)d$ But overtopping a)) 'ao 'ao the strong Became first minister, and to his side, Dre! many a.)e peop)e$ (e s!ayed the court, #ithout, he he)d the no.)es in his hand3 By force of arms he he)d the capita) Against a)) riva)s$ :f imperia) stoc" #as .orn Liu Bei, !ho !ith s!orn .rothers t!ain ;ade oath the dynasty shou)d .e restored$ These !andered home)ess east and !est for years, A petty force$ But Destiny !as "ind And )ed Liu Bei to 2anyang-s rustic cot, #here )ay %)eeping Dragon, he !ho A)ready that the empire must .e rent$ T!ice Liu Bei essayed in vain to see the sage :nce more he !ent1 And then his fortune turned$ 8ing?hou fe)) to him, fo))o!ed the ,iver Lands, A fitting .ase to .ui)d an empire on$ A)as= (e ru)ed there on)y three short years,

Then )eft his on)y son to Zhuge Liang-s care$ 9u)) no.)y Zhuge Liang p)ayed protector-s part, Fnceasing strove to !in first p)ace for %hu3 But 9ate for.ade3 one night for aye his star #ent do!n .ehind the rampart of the hi))s$ 8iang #ei the strong inherited his tas" And strugg)ed on for years$ But Zhong (ui and Deng Ai Attac"ed the (ans- )ast strongho)d, and it fe))$ 9ive sons of 'ao 'ao sat on the dragon throne, And %ima &an snatched the court from 'ao (uang$ Before him .o!ed the "ings of %hu and #u, LeM The Three Cingdoms ended here, JB years after the fa)) of (an$ @ven though the nove) ends !ith a union moment, the empire !as actua))y on the verge of .eing divided for another AGB years, unti) Tang Dynasty emerged (AD JEI)$ But those are other chapters in history7 0#hen the )ast (an emperor a.dicated in 22B, each of the !ar)ords proc)aimed himse)f ru)er, .eginning !hat is "no!n as the Three Cingdoms Period (22B/2JH)$ The northern state, #ei, !as the strongest, .ut .efore it had succeeded in unifying the rea)m, %ima &an, a #ei genera), )ed a successfu) coup in 2JH and founded the 8in Dynasty$ By 2IB he had reunited the north and south, .ut unity !as on)y temporary, as the 8in princes .egan fighting among themse)ves$ The non/'hinese groups of the north sei?ed the opportunity to attac", and .y AEK the 8in had )ost a)) contro) of 2orth 'hina$ 9or the ne6t 2HB years, 2orth 'hina !as fractured and ru)ed .y numerous non/'hinese dynasties, !hi)e the south !as ru)ed .y a se4uence of four short/)ived 'hinese dynasties, a)) centered at present/day 2an>ing Lthe city of %hidou, in 8ianyeM$0 (from @ncarta @ncyc)opedia)$ 'ontent to forfeit "ing)y po!er for )ife$ A)) do!n the ages rings the note of change, 9or fate so ru)es it3 none escapes its s!ay$ The three "ingdoms have vanished as a dream, The use)ess misery is ours to grieve$ T(@ @2DLeMD