San Kuo/Volume 2/Chapter 82
CHAPTER LXXXII.
Sun Ch‘uan Submits to Wei and Is Rewarded; the First Ruler Attacks Wu and Rewards His Army.
In the eighth month of the year Chang-wu (22I a d.) the First Ruler marched at the head of his army and camped at Paitich'êng (City of the White Emperor), through the K‘uei Pass. His advanced guard had reached Ch‘uank‘ou when his attendants told him that Chuko Chin had come as a messenger from Wu. He told them not to admit him. But Huang Ch'üan said, “His brother being your Prime Minister he is certainly come on some important mission. Your Majesty ought to see him and hear what he says. If his proposals are admissible, then agree; if not, he can be made use of to take knowledge of your intentions to Sun Ch'üan and let him know that you intend to punish his crime.”
Then the First Ruler gave way, and the messenger was brought in. He bowed down to the earth.
“Sir, you have come a long journey; what is its object?” said the First Ruler.
“My brother has long served Your Majesty; I have come at the risk of my life to discuss Chingchou affairs. When Kuan the Noble was at Chingchou my master repeatedly sought to ally the two families by marriage, but was refused. When he attacked Hsiangyang, Ts‘ao Ts‘ao wrote again and again urging my master to attack Chingchou. But he was unwilling, and it was the enmity between your brother and Lü Mêng that led to the attack and the unfortunate success. My master is now very sorry for it, but it was Lü Mêng’s doing. However, Lü Mêng is now dead and his enmity has died with him Moreover, the Lady Sun is always thinking over returning to you. My master now proposes to send back the lady, to hand over to you those officers who surrendered and to restore Chingchou. If the two houses swear perpetual amity then they may join forces against Ts‘ao P‘ei and punish his usurpation.”
To this harangue the First Ruler only replied, “You of East Wu killed my brother; yet you dare to come with your artful talk!”
Chuko Chin said, “I only wish to discuss the relative importance of the issues. Your Majesty is an Imperial Uncle, and Ts‘ao P‘ei has seized the throne of your House. Yet you do not think of destroying the usurper, but on the other hand you disregard the most honourable position in the world for the sake of a so-called brother, a connection of another name. Surely this is rejecting the chief for the subordinate, the main issue for a detail. The country concerned is a part of the empire, and the two capitals, Loyang and Ch‘angan, are both famous as places whence the two, one the founder, the other the restorer, of the Hans, initiated their mighty task. Your Majesty takes no thought of these, but would dispute over Chingchou; in other words, the important is adandoned for the worthless. All the world knows of your assumption of the dignity of Emperor and that you will assuredly restore the Hans and rescue their territory; only now you do not try to deal with Ts‘ao, you only desire to attack Wu. I venture to think you have made a bad choice.”
All this argument only added fuel to the fire.
“The slayer of my brother shall not live in the same world as I. You ask me not to fight. I will cease when I have slain your master. Were it not for the sake of your brother I would behead you at once. As it is, you may go; and you may tell your master to cleanse his neck ready for the blade of the executioner.”
Chuko Chin saw that the position was hopeless and took his leave.
But while he had been absent, calumny had not been idle. Chang Chao, one day when he was with Sun Ch'üan, insinuated doubts of Chuko’s honesty.
“He knows something of the strength of the armies of Shu, and he made this mission of his an excuse to get out of danger. He will not return.' ”
The marquis replied, “I and he are sworn friends; friends to the death. I shall not wrong him nor will he betray me. When he was at Ch‘aisang and his famous brother paid him a visit, I wanted my friend Chuko to persuade his brother to remain with me. His reply was that his brother would not remain any more than he himself would go: each would be faithful to his salt. That was quite clear enough. How could he desert me after that? Our friendship has something of the divine in it, and no talk from outside can sow dissension between us.”
Even as he spoke the servants told him that Chuko Chin had returned.
“What do you think now?” said Sun Ch‘üan.
Chang Chao retired overwhelmed with shame. The luckless messenger unfolded his tale of failure.
“Then the south is in great danger,” said Sun Ch'üan, as he heard the story.
But a certain man here interposed saying he could find a way out of the difficulty. He was Chao Tsu.
“What good scheme do you propose, friend Chao?” said Sun Ch'üan.
“Let my lord draw up a document, which I will take to Ts‘ao P‘ei in Wei, making a full statement of the case, and get him to attack Hanchung and so draw off the danger from our land.”
“Though the suggestion is good, yet shall we not lose something of our dignity by that?” said Sun Ch'üan.
“If there is any such thing I will simply jump into the river: I could not look our people in the face again.”
Sun Ch'üan was satisfied and composed the memorial, styling himself “Minister.” Therein Chao was duly appointed messenger. He took the document and soon reached the capital, where he first sought out the T‘ai-yü, Chia Hsü, and then saw certain others.
Soon after, Chia Hsü stood forth one day at court and said, “Eastern Wu has sent a high officer, Chao Tzŭ, with a memorial.”
“Because he wants the Shu armies driven off,” said Ts‘ao P‘ei, smiling, and as if completing the sentence. But he summoned Chao, who, having prostrated himself in the outer court, handed in his memorial. After reading it, P‘ei said, “What sort of an over-lord is the marquis?”
“Intelligent, clear-sighted, wise, brave and perspicacious,” was the reply.
P‘ei laughed, “Your praise is none too enthusiastic.”
“I do not wish to overstate,” replied Chao Tzu, “but my master has shown various qualities at different times. He made use of Lu Su at all times, which shows he is intelligent. He chose Lü Mêng as leader of an army, which showed his clear-sightedness. He captured Yü Chin but did not hurt him, which shows his kindliness. He took Chingchou without slaughter, which shows his wisdom. He maintains the three Chiangs so as to command the respect of the world, which shows his boldness. Lastly, he bows before Your Majesty, which shows his perspicacity. You see now that my epithets are justifiable.”
“Is he at all learned?”
“Sire, remember he commands a large fleet and a huge army. He endeavours to find wise and capable men to help him, and his mind is full of plans and projects. When he has a little leisure he reads the histories and the annals, for the sake of the general lessons to be learned therefrom. He is no dryasdust pedant seeking remarkable passages and culling model sentences.”
“Do you think I could overcome Wu?”
“If a large state has military force to attack, a small one has also preparations for defence.”
“Does Wu fear me?”
“How can you think so, considering our army and the defensive moat we have in the river?”
“How many such persons as yourself does Wu possess?”
“Nearly a hundred, intelligent and specially qualified ministers like your servant; of 'one cart' or 'one bushel' capacity there are too many to reckon up.”
Ts‘ao P‘ei sighed, saying, “You would do credit to your mission wherever you were sent. That is the sort of man you are.”
Thereupon he issued the mandate ordering the T‘ai-ch‘ang, Hsing Chên, to be his ambassador to Sun Ch'üan, bearing for him the title of “Prince of Wu” and the “Nine Gifts.”
But when the messenger had gone out of the city, Liu Yeh went to remonstrate, saying, “Sun Ch'üan has done this for fear of the armies of Shu. In my opinion, if Shu and Wu fight, heaven will make an end of him. If you will send an army across the river to attack, and Shu attack at the same time, Wu as a state will disappear. If Wu goes, then Shu will be left alone and can be dealt with when you will.”
“But I cannot attack him now that he has come over to my side. It would prevent anyone else from doing so. No; I will really accept his submission. It is the best course."
Liu Yeh said, “After all, though talented, he is but P‘iao-chi Chiang-chün and a marquis of the decadent days of Han. His rank is low and his influence small, and he still fears the central government. If you promote him to princely rank he is only one step below yourself. While doubting the reality of his submission, you give him an exalted rank and increase his influence. Surely this is only giving wings to a tiger.”
“Not at all; I am helping neither Wu nor Shu. I am waiting till they are at grips, and if one goes under there will be only one left to destroy. That will be easy. However, say no more, for I have decided.”
Whereupon Hsing Chên was bidden to take the mandate with the “Gifts” and accompany Chao Tzu to Wu.
Sun Ch'üan assembled his officers to discuss how the armies of Shu could be driven off. Then came the news of princely rank conferred by Wei, and by the rules of courtesy the messenger bearing the edict should be met at a great distance from the capital. Ku Yung was opposed to accepting the rank.
“My lord, you should style yourself 'Superior Chiang-chün' and earl of this country; you should not receive any rank from Wei.”
“But on one occasion Duke P‘ei received rank from Hsiang Yü; it depends upon the times. Why refuse?”
He discussed the matter no more, but went out at the head of a great gathering of officers to welcome the messenger.
f Hsing Chên, the bearer of the mandate from Wei, on first arrival comported himself haughtily as the representative of a superior country and an imperial ambassador. And when he entered the city he did not descend from his carriage. Wherefore Chang Chao ventured to rebuke him.
“Everyone must obey the rules of courtesy as everyone must respect the laws. You, Sir, are behaving proudly as if there was no such thing as a sword in the country.”
Immediately the messenger descended from his chariot and was presented to Sun Ch'üan. Afterwards they went in side by side.
As the cavalcade proceeded, a loud voice was heard in the rear of the two carriages, crying, “Here we are prevented from risking our lives in smashing Wei and swallowing Shu; and our lord receives a title from another man. Are not such things shameful?”
The man was Hsü Shêng. And the messenger sighed, saying, “If all the leaders and ministers of Chiangtung are like this, the lord of the country will not long be content to obey another.”
However, the title was accepted. And when he had received the felicitations of his officers, Sun gave orders to collect beautiful works in jade and brilliant pearls, which were sent as return gifts.
Not long after came tidings of the forces under the ruler of Shu. He led his own army and a large number of barbarians from the east and south, Mankuo and Samoko, and the Han Dynasty generals of Tunghsi. Tulu and Liu Ning, with their cohorts. They advanced both by land and by water, a mighty host, of which the shouting shook the heavens. The naval force had already come out at Wuk‘ou and the land force had reached Tzŭkuei.
Although Sun Ch'üan had been created a prince, yet the King of Wei would not help him.
And when the news came he asked present advice from his officers, but there was none to help him; they only muttered and were silent.
“Ah!” sighed he. “After Chou Yü I had Lu Su, and Lü Mêng succeeded him. But now they have all three gone and there’s no one to share my troubles!”
But just then a very youthful captain stepped out from the ranks of the officials and said, with a lowly obeisance, “Though I am young I am not a little versed in the books of war, and with a few legions I could destroy the power of Shu.”
Sun Ch'üan recognised Sun Huan, the son of Yü Ho. Sun Ch'üan loved the youth and gave him his own family name of Sun and so made him a member of his own clan. Yü Ho had four sons, of whom Sun Huan was the eldest. He was an expert archer and horseman and had accompanied his protector in several campaigns, where he had distinguished himself right well and had been given a rank. At this time he was twenty-five.
“How do you think you can overcome them?”
“There are two able captains under my command named Li I and Hsieh Ching, both very brave. With a few legions I will capture Liu Pei.”
“Though you are brave, nephew, yet you are young and ought to have an assistant.”
Thereupon the Hu-wei Chiang-chün, Chu Jan, stepped forward with, “Let me go.”
Sun Ch'üan consented, and he told off five legions of soldiers and marines, over whom he placed Sun Huan and Chu Jan as joint commanders. They were to start as soon as possible.
The scouts reported that the army of Shu was camped at Itu, and Sun Huan led half his men to the borders of that district and camped.
Now Wu Pan had received his seal as leader of the van. From the day he left the borders of Shuch‘uan he had had uninterrupted success. Everyone had submitted at the mere rumour of his coming. He had conducted his campaign with unstained swords as far as Itu. When he heard that Sun Huan was camped there to oppose his progress he sent back rapid messengers to the First Ruler, who was then at Tzŭkuei. He was angry that so young a captain should be sent against him.
“Do they think this youth able to withstand me?”
“Since this son of his has been made a leader,” said Kuan Hsing, “it is unnecessary to send a leader of high rank; let me go.”
“I was just wishing to see what you could do.” said the First Ruler, and he gave him orders to go. Just as he was leaving, Chang Pao stepped forth and asked permission to go too.
“Then both go, my nephews,” said the king. “But you must be prudent and not hasty.”
So they took leave, collected their men and advanced. Sun Huan, hearing of the coming of a large army, called out all his men and drew up his array. His two famous captains were placed by the great standard. They watched the men of Shu filing out and noted two leaders in silver helmets and silver mail, riding on white horses. And the flags were white. First came Chang Pao with a long spear, and then Kuan Hsing carrying a great sword.
“Sun Huan, you stupid, your time has come,” cried Chang Pao abusively. “How dare you stand against the forces of the Emperor?”
“Your father is a headless devil,” cried Sun Huan, no way backward in reviling, “and you are going just now to join him; don‘t you see?”
Then Chang Pao rode at Sun Huan. From behind his chief, Hsieh Ching dashed out to meet him. They fought nearly two score bouts, and then Hsieh Ching ran away with Chang Pao in pursuit.
When Li I saw his comrade overcome he whipped up his steed and came into the fray, whirling his silvered battle-axe. Chang Pao fought a score of bouts with him, but neither got the better.
Then a certain minor captain named T‘an Hsiung, seeing that his two comrades could not overcome Chang Pao, shot a treacherous arrow from the ranks and wounded Chang Pao’s steed. Feeling the pang of the wound, the horse bolted back to his own side, but fell before he reached it, throwing his rider sprawling on the ground. Seeing this, Li I turned and rode toward the prostrate leader to slay him with his battleaxe. But just as he was about to deliver his blow, lo! a red flash came between, and his head rolled along the earth.
The red flash was Kuan Hsing’s great sword. Seeing the horse fall and Li I coming up, he had rushed in and dealt that fatal blow. And he had saved Chang Pao from death. Then they attacked and lay on so that Sun Huan suffered a great defeat. Then each side beat the retreat and drew off.
Next day Sun Huan came out to offer battle again, and the two cousins went forth together. Kuan Hsing, from horseback by the main standard, challenged his enemy. Sun Huan rode out fiercely, and they two fought near two score bouts. But he was not strong enough and drew off. The two youths followed and reached his camp. Wu Pan and two others fought well. Chang Pao helped them with all his force and was the first to force his way into the ranks of Wu. He came across Hsieh Ching, whom he slew with a spear thrust. The men of Wu scattered and fled, and the victory was on the side of Shu.
But Kuan Hsing was missing. Chang Pao was desperate, saying he would not survive his cousin. So he girded on his huge spear and rode far and wide seeking him. Presently he met Kuan Hsing, bearing his sword in his left hand, while his right held a captive.
“Who is this?” asked Chang Pao.
“In the mêlée I met an enemy,” cried Kuan Hsing, “and I took him prisoner.”
Then Chang Pao recognised the man who had let fly the treacherous arrow that had brought down his horse. The two returned to camp, where they slew their prisoner and poured a libation of his blood to the dead horse.
After this they drew up a report of the victory for the First Ruler. Sun Huan had lost his two famous captains as well as many other officers and many men. His army was too weakened to continue the campaign, so he halted and sent back to Wu for reinforcements.
Then Chang Nan and Fêng Hsi said to Wu Pan, “The power of Wu is broken; let us raid their encampment.”
But Wu Pan said, “Though so many have been lost, there are many left. Chu Jan’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 we shall be in difficulties.”
“That is easily met,” said Chang Nan. “Let each of the two leaders Kuan and Chang take five companies and go into ambush in the valleys to guard against any such move.”
“I think it better to send some persons to pretend to be deserters. Let them tell Chu Jan of the plan to raid the camp, and Chu Jan will come to the rescue as soon as he sees fire. Then the ambushed men can attack him.”
They thought this a fine plan, and they made the necessary arrangements.
Hearing of the ill success and losses of his colleague, Chu Jan was already thinking of going to his help, when a few deserters appeared and boarded his ship and boarded his ship. He questioned them, and they said they were Fêng Hsi’s men, who had deserted because of unfair treatment. They had a secret to tell.
“What secret can you betray?”
“To-night Fêng is going to make an attack upon General Sun’s camp; he thinks it is a good chance. They are going to raise a fire as a signal.”
Chu Jan saw no reason to doubt the men, and he sent off at once to tell Sun Huan. But the messenger never arrived, as Kuan Hsing intercepted and slew him. Then he deliberated upon going to help.
“You cannot trust what those soldiers said,” said Ts‘ui Yü, one of the captains. “Both army and navy will be lost if anything goes agley. No, General; rather keep careful watch and let me go.”
Chu Jan saw this was the wiser plan, so he gave Ts‘ui a legion and he left. But that night an attack was made on Sun Huan’s camp, and the men were scattered and fled. Ts‘ui Yü saw the flames as he marched and pressed on. Then just as he was passing some hills he came upon the ambush, and the two cousins appeared, one on either side. Taken by surprise, Ts‘ui could only try to flee, but he met Chang Pao, who made him prisoner. When Chu Jan heard it he was panic-stricken and dropped down-river some distance.
The remnant of Sun Huan’s men ran away. As they went he enquired what places lay on their road. They told him that if he went north he would come to Illing, where they could camp. So they went thither.
Just as they reached the wall, their pursuers came up and the city was besieged. Kuan Hsing and Chang Pao went back to Tzŭkuei and saw the First Ruler, who rejoiced at their success. The prisoner was put to death, and the soldiers were rewarded. The effect of these victories spread far, so that the captains in Wu had no inclination to fight.
When the Prince of Wu received Sun Huan’s call for help he was frightened and knew not what to do. So he called a great council, and he said, “Sun Huan is besieged in Illing and Chu Jan has been defeated on the river; what can be done?”
Then Chang Chao said, “Though several of your captains are dead, yet have you some left. Half a score is enough to relieve your anxiety. Send Han Tang, with Chou T‘ai as his second, P‘an Chang as van-leader, Ling T‘ung as rear-guard; Kan Ning in reserve. You want ten legions.”
Sun Ch'üan made the appointments as proposed. Kan Ning was very seriously ill just then, but he accepted the task.
Now the First Ruler had made a line of forty camps from Wuhsia and Chien-p‘ing to Iling, at distances of seventy li apart. He was exceedingly pleased with his two nephews, who had distinguished themselves again and again, and thought how fortunate it was that they could help him at the time his old captains were failing.
When he heard of the coming of Sun Ch'üan’s army under newly appointed leaders, he wished to select a captain to oppose the Wu army. Then those near him told him that Huang Chung and a half dozen other officers had run off to Wu.
“Huang is no traitor,” said the ruler, smiling; “it is only that he heard what I happened to say about old and useless leaders. He will not confess he is old and wants to prove he is not.”
Then he called his two nephews and said to them, “Huang Chung may fail in this enterprise of his, so I hope you two will not mind going to his assistance. As soon as there is some success to report get him to return and do not let him come to grief.”
So the two got their men together and went off to assist the aged warrior.
When young, success is easy, thine at will,
The aged servant fails, though willing still.
The next chapter will relate the outcome of Huang Chung’s expedition.