San Kuo/Volume 2/Chapter 101
CHAPTER CI.
Going Out from Shensi, Chuko Dresses as a God; Dashing Toward Chienko, Chang Ho Falls Into a Snare.
By means of the artifice just described, Chuko withdrew his army safely into Hanchung, while Ssŭma retreated upon Ch‘angan. K‘ung-ming distributed the rewards for success and then went to the capital for audience.
“Your Majesty recalled me just as I was about to advance upon Ch‘angan; what is the important matter?” said the minister.
For a long time the king made no reply. Presently he said, “I longed to see your face once more, that is the only reason."
K‘ung-ming replied, “I think my recall was not on your own initiative; some slanderous person has hinted that I cherished ulterior objects.”
The king, who indeed felt guilty and ill at ease, made no reply, and K‘ung-ming continued, “Your late father laid me under an obligation which I am pledged to fulfil to the death. But if vile influences are permitted to work at home, how can I destroy the rebels without?”
“The fact is I recalled you because of the talk of the eunuchs. But I understand now and am unutterably sorry.”
K‘ung-ming interrogated the eunuchs and thus found out the base rumours that had been spread abroad by Kou An. He sent to arrest this man, but he had already fled and gone over to Wei. The eunuchs who had influenced the king were put to death, and all the others were expelled from the palace. The Prime Minister also upbraided Chiang Wan and Fei I for not having looked into the matter and set the king right.
K‘ung-ming then took leave of the king and returned to the army. He wrote to Li Yen to see to the necessary supplies and began preparations for a new expedition.
Yang I said, “The soldiers are wearied by the many expeditions, and the supplies are not regular. I think a better plan would be to send half the army to Ch‘ishan for three months, and at the end of that time exchange them for the other half; and so on alternately. For example, if you have twenty legions, let ten legions go into the field and ten remain. In this way, using ten and ten, their energies will be conserved and you can gradually work toward the metropolis. ”
“I agree with you,” said K‘ung-ming. “Our attack is not a matter to be achieved in haste. The suggestion for an extended campaign is excellent.”
Wherefore the army was divided, and each half went out for one hundred days' service at a time, when it was relieved by the other half. Full penalties were provided for any laxity and failure to maintain the periods of active service.
In the spring of the ninth year of Chien-Hsing the army once more took the field against Wei. In Wei it was the fifth year of T‘ai-Ho.
When the King of Wei heard of this new expedition he called Ssŭma and asked his advice.
“Now that my friend Ts‘ao Chên is no more, I am willing to do all that one man can to destroy the rebels against Your Majesty’s authority.”
The king was gratified by this ready offer, and honoured Ssŭma with a banquet. Soon after came the news of actual attack and an edict issued for the army to move. The king, riding in his state chariot, escorted Ssǔma I out of the city, and, after the farewells, the general took the road to Chʻangan, where the force was gathering. There was assembled a council of war.
Chang Ho offered to guard Yung and Mei, but Ssŭma said, “Our leading army is not strong enough to face the enemy’s whole force. Moreover, to divide an army is not generally a successful scheme. The better plan will be to leave a guard in Shangk‘uei and send all the others to Ch‘ishan. Will you undertake the leadership of the van?”
Chang Ho consented, saying, “I have always been most loyal and will devote my energies entirely to the service of the state. So far I have not had an adequate opportunity to prove my sincerity, but now that you confer upon me a post of such responsibility I can only say that no sacrifice can be too great for me, and I will do my utmost.”
So Chang was appointed van-leader, and then Kuo Huai was set over Shênsi. Other captains were distributed to other posts, and the march began. The spies ascertained that the main force of Shu was directed toward Ch‘ishan, and the leaders of the van were Wang P‘ing and Chang I. The route chosen for their march was from Ch'ênts‘ang across Chienko, through Sankuan and the Hsieh Valley.
Hearing this, Ssŭma said, “K‘ung-ming is advancing in great force and certainly intends to reap the wheat in Shênsi for his supply. You get sufficient men to hold Ch‘ishan, while I and Kuo Huai go over and foil the enemy’s plan to gather the wheat.”
So Cang Ho took four legions to hold Ch‘ishan, and Ssŭma set out westwards.
When K‘ung-ming reached Ch‘ishan and had settled his men in camp, he saw that the bank of the River Wei had been fortified by his enemy.
“That must be the work of Ssŭma I,” remarked he to his captains. “But we have not enough food in camp. I have written to Li Yen to send grain, but it has not yet arrived. The wheat in Shênsi is now just ripe, and we will go and reap it.”
Leaving a guard for the camps, K‘ung-ming, with several captains, went over to Luch'êng. The Prefect of that city knew he could not offer any real defence, so he opened the gates and yielded. Then K‘ung-ming asked him where the ripe wheat was to be found, and Shênshang was named. So a few men were left in the city, and the remainder of the army went to Shênshang.
But soon the leading body returned to say that Ssŭma had already occupied that city.
“He guessed what I intended to do,” said K‘ung-ming, taken aback.
K‘ung-ming then retired, bathed and put on another dress. Next he bade them bring out three four-wheeled chariots, all exactly alike, that were among the impedimenta of the army. They had been built in Shu some time before.
Chiang Wei was told off to lead a company as escort for one chariot, and a half company of drummers were appointed to accompany it. The chariot with its escort and drummers was sent away behind the city. In like manner two other chariots were equipped and sent east and west of the city. Each chariot was propelled by a team of twenty men, all dressed in black, barefooted and with loosened hair. Each one of the team also had a sword or a black seven-starred bannerol.
While the chariots were taking up their positions the remaining men were ordered to prepare ropes and sickles to cut and carry away the grain.
Next K‘ung-ming selected twenty-four handsome soldiers, whom he dressed and armed like those sent away with the three chariots, save that all carried swords instead of some swords and some bannerols. These were to push his own chariot. Kuan Hsing was told to dress up as a sort of angel and to walk in front of K‘ung-ming’s chariot holding a black seven-starred bannerol. These preparations complete, K‘ungming mounted, and the chariot took the road toward the Wei camp.
The appearance of a chariot with such attendants more than startled the enemy’s scouts, who did not know whether the apparition was that of a man or a demon. They hastened to their general and told him. Ssŭma came out himself and saw the cavalcade, and its central figure dressed as a Taoist mystic, with head-dress, white robe and a feather fan.
“Some of K‘ung-ming’s odd doings,” said he, and he ordered a couple of companies to go out and bring in the chariot, escort and the seated figure.
The soldiers went out to do their bidding, but as soon as they appeared, the chariot retired and took a road leading to the rear of the Shu camp. Although the Wei soldiers were mounted, they could not come up with the cavalcade. What they did meet with was a chilly breeze and a cold mist that rolled about them.
They found it uncanny and halted, saying one to another, “How extraordinary it is that we have been pressing on and yet we got no nearer. What does it mean?”
When K‘ung-ming saw that the pursuit had ceased, he had his chariot pushed out again to the front and passed within sight of the halted men. At first they hesitated, but presently took up the pursuit once more. Whereupon the chariot again retired, proceeding slowly, but always keeping out of reach. And thus more than twenty li were covered and the chariot was still not captured.
Again the soldiers halted, puzzled and perplexed at this incomprehensible chase. But as soon as they stopped, the chariot came again toward them and they retook pursuit.
Ssǔma now came up with a strong force. But he also halted, and said to his men, “This K‘ung-ming is a past master in the arts of necromancy and juggling and knows how to call up spirits to his aid. I know this trick of his; it is one of the 'Six Chia,' and it is vain to pursue.”
So they ceased following. But then a roll of drums came from the side of the enemy as if a body of men were approaching. Ssŭma told off some companies to repel them, but there only came into view a small force, and in their midst was a party of men dressed in black, the exact counterpart of the cavalcade he had first sent to pursue. In the chariot sat another K‘ung-ming just like the one that had just disappeared.
“But just now he was sitting in that other chariot; how can he be here? It is most wonderful,” said Ssŭma.
Shortly after they heard another roll of the drums, and as the sound died away there appeared another body of men, with a chariot in the midst, exactly like the last and also carrying a sitting figure of K‘ung-ming.
“They must be magic soldiers,” said Ssǔma.
The men were now feeling the strain of these weird appearances and began to get out of hand. They dared not stay to fight such beings, and some ran away. But before they had gone far, lo! another roll of drums, another cohort and another chariot with a similar figure seated therein.
The men of Wei were now thoroughly frightened, and even Ssǔma himself began to feel doubtful whether these appearances should be ascribed to men or devils. He realised, however, that he was in the midst of dangers, and he and his men ran away helter-skelter, never stopping till they reached Shangk‘ui. They entered the city and closed the gates.
Having thus driven off the Wei soldiers, K‘ung-ming proceeded to reap and gather the wheat, which was carried into Luch'êng and laid out to dry.
Ssǔma remained shut up within the walls for three days. Then, as he saw his enemies retiring, he sent out some scouts, who presently returned with a Shu soldier they had captured. The prisoner was questioned.
“I was of the reaping party,” said the man. “They caught me when I was looking for some horses that had strayed.”
“What wonderful soldiers were they of yours that one saw here lately?” asked the general.
The man replied, “K‘ung-ming was with one party of them, the others were led by Chiang Wei, Ma Tai and Wei Yen. There was a company of fighting men with each chariot and half a company of drummers. K‘ung-ming was with the first party.”
“His comings and goings are not human,” said Ssŭma sadly.
He sent for Kuo Huai to talk over plans. Said Kuo, “I hear the men of Shu are very few and they are occupied with gathering the grain; why not smite them?”
Ssǔma told him his last experience of his opponent’s wiles.
“He threw dust in your eyes that time,” said Kuo with a smile. “However, now you know. What is the good of more talk? Let me attack the rear, while you lead against the front, and we shall take the city and K‘ung-ming too.”
An attack was decided upon.
While the men were still busy with the wheat, K‘ung-ming called up his captains, and said, “The enemy will attack tonight. There is a suitable place for an ambush in the newly reaped fields, but who will lead for me?”
Four captains offered themselves, and he posted them, each with two companies, outside the four corners of the city. They were to await the signal and then converge. When these had gone, K‘ung-ming led out a small party of men and hid in the newly reaped fields.
In the meantime Ssŭma was drawing near. It was dusk when he stood beneath the walls of Luch'êng.
Said he to his officers, “If we attacked by daylight we should find the city well prepard, so we will take advantage of the darkness The moat is shallow here, and there will be no difficulty in crossing it.”
The men bivouacked till the time should come to attack. About the middle of the first watch Kuo Huai arrived, and his force joined up with the others. This done, the drums began to beat, and the city was quickly surrounded. However, the defenders maintained such a heavy discharge of arrows, bolts and stones from the walls that the besiegers dared not close in.
Suddenly from the midst of the Wei army came the roar of a bomb, soon followed by others from different places. The soldiers were startled, but no one could say whence the sounds had proceeded. Kuo Huai went to search the wheat fields, and then the four armies from the corners of the city converged upon the Wei army. At the same time the defenders burst out of the city gates, and a great battle began. Wei lost many men.
After heavy fighting Ssǔma extricated his army from the battle and made his way to a hill, which he set about holding and fortifying, while Kuo Huai got round to the rear of the city and called a halt.
K‘ung-ming entered the city and sent his men to camp again at the four corners of the walls.
Kuo Huai went to see his chief, and said, “We have long been at grips with these men and are unable to drive them off. We have now lost another fight, and unless something is done we shall not get away at all.”
“What can we do?” asked Ssŭma.
“You might write to Yung and Liang to send their forces to our help. I will try my fortune against Chienko and cut off Chuko’s retreat and supplies. That should bring about discontent and mutiny, and we can attack when we see the enemy in confusion.”
The letters were sent, and soon Sun Li came leading the men, foot and horse, of the two districts. The new arrivals were sent to help Kuo in the attack on Chienko.
After many days had passed without sight of the enemy, K‘ung-ming thought it was time to make another move. Calling up Chiang Wei and Ma Tai, he said, “The men of Wei are well posted on the hills and refuse battle because, firstly, they think that we are short of food, and, secondly, they have sent an army against Chienko to cut off our supplies. Now each of you will take a legion and garrison the important points about here to show them that we are well prepared to defend ourselves. Then they will retire.”
After these two had gone, Chang Shih and Chang I came to see the general about the change of troops then due. They told him the reliefs had alredy left Hanchung and that despatches from the leading divisions had come in. Four legions were due for relief.
“There is the order; carry it out,” replied K‘ung-ming. So the home-going legions prepared to withdraw. Just then came the news of reinforcements for the enemy from Yung and Liang and a report of actual attacks on Luch'êng and Chienko. In the face of such important news, Yang I went to ask if the change of forces was to take place or be postponed for a time.
K‘ung-ming replied, “I must keep faith with the men. Since the order for the periodical exchange of men has been issued it must be carried out. Beside, the men due for relief are all prepared to start, their expectations have been roused and their relatives await them. In the face of yet greater difficulties I would let them go.”
So orders were given for the time-expired men to march that day. But when the legionaries heard it a sudden movement of generosity spread among them, and they said they did not wish to go, but would prefer to remain to fight.
“But you are due for home; you cannot stay here,” said the general.
They reiterated that they all wished to stay instead of going home.
“Since you wish to stay and fight with me you can go out of the city and camp ready to encounter the men of Wei as soon as they arrive. Do not give them time to rest or recover breath, but attack vigorously at once. You will be fresh and fit, waiting for those fagged with a long march.”
So they gripped their weapons and joyfully went out of the city to array themselves in readiness.
Now the Hsiliang men had travelled by double marches, and so were worn out and needed rest. But while they were pitching their tents the men of Shu fell upon them lustily, leaders full of spirit, men full of energy. The weary soldiers could make no proper stand, and retired. The men of Shu followed, pressing on them till corpses littered the whole plain and blood flowed in runnels.
It was a victory for K‘ung-ming, and he came out to welcome the victors and led them into the city and distributed rewards.
Just then arrived an urgent letter from Li Yen, then at Jungpʻing, and when K‘ung-ming had torn it open he read:—“News has just come that Wu has sent an envoy to Loyang and entered into an alliance with Wei whereby Wu is to attack us. The army of Wu has not yet set out, but I am anxiously awaiting your plans.”
Doubts and fears crowded in upon K‘ung-ming’s mind as he read. He summoned his officers:
“As Wu is coming to invade our land, we shall have to retire quickly,” said he. “If I issue orders for the Ch‘ishan force to withdraw, Ssǔma will not dare to pursue while we are camped here.”
The Ch‘ishan force broke camp and marched in two divisions. Chang Ho watched them go, but was too fearful of the movement being some ruse to attempt to follow. He went to see Ssŭma.
“The enemy have retired, but I know not for what reason.”
“K‘ung-ming is very crafty, and you will do well to remain where you are and keep a careful look-out. Do nothing till their grain has given out, when they must retire for good.”
Here Wei Yen stepped forward, saying, “But we should seize the occasion of their retreat to smite them. Are they tigers that you fear to move? How the world will laugh at us.”
But Ssǔma was obstinate and ignored the protest.
When K‘ung-ming knew that the Ch‘ishan men had got away safely, he called Yang I and Ma Chung and gave them secret orders to lead a legion of bowmen and crossbowmen out by the Wooden Gate of Chienko and place them in ambush on both sides of the road.
“If the men of Wei pursue, wait till you hear a bomb. When you hear the bomb, at once barricade the road with timber and stones so as to impede them. When they halt, shoot at them with the bows and the crossbows.”
Wei Yen and Kuan Hsing were told to attack the rear of the enemy.
These orders given, the walls of the city were decorated lavishly with flags, and at various points within the city were piled straw and kindling wood ready to raise a blaze as though the city was on fire. The soldiers were sent out along the road from the Wooden Gate.
The spies of Wei returned to headquarters to say that most of the Shu soldiers had left, only a few being in the city. In doubt, Ssǔma went himself to look, and when he saw the smoke rising from within the walls and the fluttering flags he said, “The city is deserted.” He sent men in to confirm this, and they said the place was empty.
“Then K‘ung-ming is really gone; who will pursue?”
“Let me,” replied Chang Ho.
“You are too impulsive,” said Ssǔma.
“I have been leader of the van from the first day of this expedition; why not use me to-day, when there is work to be done and glory to be gained?”
“Because the utmost caution is necessary. They are retreating, and they will leave an ambush at every possible point.”
“I know that, and you need not be afraid.”
“Well; you wish to go and may, but whatever happens you must be prepared for.”
“A really noble man is prepared to sacrifice self for country; never mind what happens.”
“Then take half a legion and start; Wei P‘ing shall follow with two legions of horse and foot to deal with any ambush that may discover itself. I will follow later with three companies to help where need be.”
So Chang Ho set out and advanced quickly. Thirty li out he heard a roll of drums, and suddenly appeared from a wood a cohort led by a captain of high rank, who galloped to the front crying, “Whither would you go, O rebel leader?”
Chang Ho swiftly turned and engaged Wei Yen, for it was he who led, but after a few passes Wei fled. Chang rode after him along the road he had come by and then stopped and turned again. All went well till he came to a slope, when there arose shouts and yells and another body of soldiers came out.
“Chang Ho, do not run away!” cried this leader, who was Kuan Hsing.
Kuan galloped close, and Chang did not flee. They fought, and after half a score of passes Kuan seemed to have the worst of the encounter and fled. Chang Ho followed. Presently they neared a dense wood. Chang was fearful of entering in, so he sent forward men to search the thickets. They could find no danger, and Chang again pursued.
But quite unexpectedly Wei Yen, who had formerly fled, got round ahead of Chang and now appeared again. The two fought a half score bouts and again Wei ran. Chang followed, but Kuan also got round to the front by a side road and so stopped the pursuit of Wei. Chang attacked furiously as soon as he was checked, this time so successfully that the men of Shu threw away their war-gear and ran. The road was thus littered with spoil, and the Wei men could not resist the temptation to gather it. They slipped from their horses and began to collect the arms.
The manœuvres just described continued, Yen and Kuan one after the other engaging Chang and Chang pressing on after each one, but achieving nothing. And as evening fell the running fight had led both sides close to the Wooden Gate Road.
Then suddenly Wei’s men made a real stand, and he rode to the front yelling, “Yield, rebel! I have not fought yet and you have had it all your own way so far. Now we will fight to the death.”
Chang was furious and nothing loth, so he came on with his spear to meet Wei, who was flourishing his sword. They met; yet again, after a few bouts, Wei threw aside weapons, armour, helmet and all his gear, and even left his horse and went away along the Wooden Gate Road.
Chang Ho was filled with the lust to kill, and he could not let Wei escape. So he set out after him, although it was already dark. But suddenly lights appeared, and the sky became aglow, and at the same time huge boulders and great baulks of timber came rolling down the slopes and blocked the way.
Fear gripped Chang, for he saw he had blundered into an ambush. The road was blocked in front and behind and bordered by craggy precipices. Then, rat-tat-tat! came the sound of a rattle, and therewith flew clouds of arrows and showers of bolts. Chang Ho and many of his officers were killed.
With myriad shining bolts the air was filled,
The road was littered with brave soldiers killed;
The force to Chienko faring perished here;
The tale of valour grows from year to year.
Soon the second army of Wei came up, but too late to help. From the signs they knew that their comrades had been victims of a cruel trick, and they turned back. But as they faced about a shout was heard, and from the hill-tops came, “I, Chuko Liang, am here!”
Looking up they saw his figure outlined against a fire. Pointing to the slain, he cried, “I have been hunting, as you see; only instead of slaying a horse (Ma, for Ssŭma) I have killed a deer (Chang). But you may go in peace, and when you see your general, tell him that he will be my quarry one day.”
The soldiers told this to Ssŭma when they returned, and he was deeply mortified, and blamed himself as the cause of the death of his colleague Chang Ho. And when he returned to Loyang the king wept at the death of his brave leader and had his body honourably buried.
K‘ung-ming had no sooner reached Hanchung than he prepared to go on to the capital and see his lord.
But Li Yen, who was in charge of the capital beside being responsible for supplying the army, said to the king, “Why does the Prime Minister return, for I have kept him fully supplied with all things needed for the army?”
Then the king sent Fei I into Hanchung to enquire why the army had retired. And when he had arrived and showed the cause of his coming, K‘ung-ming was greatly surprised and showed the letter from Li telling of the alliance and threatened invasion from Wu. Then Fei related the gist of Li’s memorial to the Throne. So K‘ung-ming enquired carefully, and then it came out that Li had failed to find sufficient grain to keep the army supplied and so had sent the first lying letter to the army that it might retire before the shortage showed itself. His memorial to the Throne was designed to cover the former fault.
“The fool has ruined the great design of the state just to save his own skin,” cried K‘ung-ming bitterly.
He called in the offender and sentenced him to death. But Fei I interceded, saying that the late Emperor had loved and trusted Li Yen, and so his life was spared. However, when Fei made his report the king was wroth and ordered Li Yen to suffer death.
But this time Chiang Wan intervened, saying, “Your late father named Li Yen as one of the guardians of your youth.” And the king relented. However, Li was stripped of all rank and exiled. But K‘ung-ming gave Li’s sons employment.
Preparations then began for an expedition to start in three years. Plans were discussed, provisions were accumulated, weapons put in order and officers and men kept fit and trained. By his kindness to all men K‘ung-ming won great popularity, and the time passed quickly.
In the second month of the thirteenth year K‘ung-ming presented a memorial saying, “I have been training the army for three years; supplies are ample and all is in order for an expedition. We may now attack Wei. If I cannot destroy these rebels, sweep away the evil hordes and bring about a glorious entry into the capital, then may I never again enter your Majesty’s presence.”
The king replied, “Our state is now firmly established, and Wei troubles us not at all; why not enjoy the present tranquillity, O Father-Minister?”
“Because of the mission left me by your father. I am ever scheming to destroy Wei, even in my dreams. I must strive my best and do my utmost to restore you to the ancient capital of your race and replace the Hans in their old palace.”
As he said this a voice cried, “An army may not go forth, O Minister!”
Ch‘iao Chou had raised a last protest.
K‘ung-ming’s sole thought was service,
Himself he would not spare;
But Ch‘iao had watched the starry sky,
And read misfortune there.
The next chapter will give the arguments against fighting.