The
last chapter closed with the arrival of Li Yue who shouted out falsely that the
army was that of the two arch rebels Li Jue and Guo Si come to capture the
imperial cavalcade.
But
Yang Feng recognized the voice of Li Yue and said, "This is only the
cohort of Li Yue!"
He
bade Xu Huang go out to fight him.
Xu
Huang went and in the first bout the traitor fell. The White Wave rebels
scattered.
The
travelers got safely through Gu Pass. Here the Governor of Henei, Zhang Yang,
supplied them plentifully with food and other necessaries and escorted the
Emperor to Zhidao. For his timely help, the Emperor conferred upon Zhang Yang
the rank of a Regent General. Yang Feng moved his army to the northeast of
Luoyang and camped at Yewang.
Capital Luoyang was presently entered. Within the walls all was
destruction. The palaces and halls had been burned, the streets were overgrown
with grass and brambles and obstructed by heaps of ruins. The palaces and
courts were represented by broken roofs and toppling walls. A small
"palace" however was soon built, and therein the officers of court
presented their congratulations, standing in the open air among thorn bushes
and brambles.
The
reign style was changed from Prosperous Stability to Rebuilt Tranquillity, the
first year (AD 196).
The year was grievous with famine. The Luoyang people, even
reduced in numbers as they were to a few hundred families, had not enough to
eat and they prowled about stripping the bark off trees and grubbing up the
roots of plants to satisfy their starving hunger. Officers of the government of
all but the highest ranks went out into the country to gather fuel. Many people
were crushed by the falling walls of burned houses. At no time during the
decadence of Han did misery press harder than at this period.
A
poem written in pity for the sufferings of that time says:
Mortally wounded, the white serpent poured forth its life
blood at Mangdang Hills;
Blood-red pennons of war waved then in every quarter,
Chieftain with chieftain strove and raided each other's
borders,
Midst the turmoil and strife the Kingship even was
threatened.
Wickedness stalks in a country when the King is a weakling,
Brigandage always is rife, when a dynasty's failing,
Had one a heart of iron, wholly devoid of feeling,
Yet would one surely grieve at the sight of such desolation.
Imperial
Guardian Yang Biao memorialized the Throne, saying, "The decree issued to
me some time ago has never been acted upon. Now Cao Cao is very strong in the
Shandong Mountains, and it would be well to associate him in the government
that he might support the ruling house."
The
Emperor replied, "There was no need to refer to the matter again. Send a
messenger when you will."
So
the decree went forth and a messenger bore it into the Shandong Mountains.
Now
when Cao Cao had heard that the court had returned to Capital Luoyang, he
called together his advisers to consult.
Xun Yu laid the matter before Cao Cao and the council thus: "Eight
hundred years ago, Duke Wen of Jin supported Prince Xiang of the declining Zhou
Dynasty, and all the feudal lords backed Duke Wen. The Founder of the Hans, Liu
Bang, won the popular favor by wearing mourning for Emperor Yi of Chu. Now
Emperor Xian has been a fugitive on the dusty roads. To take the lead in
offering an army to restore him to honor is to have an unrivaled opportunity to
win universal regard. But you must act quickly, or someone will get in before
you!"
Cao Cao understood and at
once prepared his army to move. Just at this moment an imperial messenger was
announced with the very command Cao Cao wanted, and Cao Cao immediately set
out.
At
Luoyang everything was desolate. The walls had fallen, and there were no means
of rebuilding them, while rumors and reports of the coming of Li Jue and Guo Si
kept up a state of constant anxiety.
The
frightened Emperor spoke with Yang Feng, saying, "What can be done? There
is no answer from the East of Huashan, and our enemies are near!"
Then
Yang Feng and Han Xian said, "We, your ministers, will fight to the death
for you!"
But
Dong Cheng said, "The fortifications are weak and our military resources
small, so that we cannot hope for victory, and what does defeat mean? I see
nothing better to propose than a move into the East of Huashan Mountains."
The
Emperor agreed to this, and the journey began without further preparation.
There being few horses, the officers of the court had to march afoot.
Hardly a bowshot outside
the gate they saw a thick cloud of dust out of which came all the clash and
clamor of an advancing army. The Emperor and his Consort were dumb with fear.
Then
appeared a horseman; he was the messenger returning from the East of Huashan
Mountains.
He
rode up to the chariot, made an obeisance, and said, "General Cao Cao, as
commanded, is coming with all the military force of the East of Huashan; but
hearing that Li Jue and Guo Si had again approached the capital, he has sent
Xiahou Dun in advance. With Xiahou Dun are ten capable leaders and fifty
thousand cavalry. They will guard Your Majesty."
All
fear was swept away. Soon after Xiahou Dun and his staff arrived. Xiahou Dun,
Xu Chu, and Dian Wei were presented to the Emperor, who graciously addressed
them.
Then
one came to say a large army was approaching from the east, and at the
Emperor's command Xiahou Dun went to ascertain who these were. He soon returned
saying they were Cao Cao's infantry.
In
a short time Cao Hong, Li Dian, and Yue Jing came to the imperial chariot and
their names having been duly communicated.
Cao
Hong said, "When my brother, Cao Cao, heard of the approach of the rebels,
he feared that the advance guard he had sent might be too weak, so he sent me
to march quickly for reinforcement."
"General Cao Cao is indeed a trusty servant!" said the
Emperor.
Orders
were given to advance, Cao Hong leading the escort. By and by scouts came to
say that the rebels were coming up very quickly. The Emperor bade Xiahou Dun
divide his force into two parts to oppose them. Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong's
armies threw out two wings with cavalry in front and foot behind. They attacked
with vigor and beat off Li Jue and Guo Si's cohorts with a severe loss of ten
thousand.
Then
Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong begged the Emperor to return to Luoyang, and Xiahou Dun
guarded the city.
Next
day Cao Cao came with his great army, and having got them duly camped he went
into the city to audience. He knelt at the foot of the steps, but was called up
hither to stand beside the Emperor and be thanked.
Cao
Cao replied, "Having been the recipient of great bounty, thy servant owes
the state much gratitude. The measure of evil of the two rebels is full, but I
have two hundred thousand of good soldiers to oppose them, and those soldiers
are fully equal to securing the safety of Your Majesty and the Throne. The
preservation of the state sacrifice is the matter of real moment."
High honors were conferred on Cao Cao. He was appointed Commander of
Capital District, Minister of War, and granted Military Insignia.
The
two rebels, Li Jue and Guo Si, wished to attack Cao Cao's army while fatigued
from its long march.
But their adviser, Jia Xu, opposed this, saying, "There
was no hope of victory. He has both strong soldiers and brave leaders.
Submission may bring us amnesty."
Li
Jue was angry at the suggestion, crying, "Do you wish to dishearten the
army?"
And
he drew his sword on Jia Xu. But the other officers interceded and saved the
adviser.
That
same night Jia Xu stole out of the camp and, quite alone, took his way home to
his native village.
Soon
the rebels decided to offer battle. In reply, Cao Cao sent out Xu Chu, Cao Ren,
and Dian Wei with three hundred horse. These three leaders dashed into the
rebels army but quickly retired. This maneuver was repeated, and again repeated
before the real battle array was formed.
Then Li Xian and Li Bie, nephews of Li Jue, rode out.
At
once from Cao Cao's side dashed out Xu Chu and cut down Li Xian.
Li Bie was so startled that he fell out of the saddle. He too
was slain. The victor Xu Chu rode back to his own side with the two heads.
When
Xu Chu offered them to the chief, Cao Cao patted him on the back, crying,
"You are really my Fan Kuai!"
Next
a general move forward was made, Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong leading the two wings
and Cao Cao in the center. They advanced to the roll of the drum.
The
rebels fell back before them and presently fled. They pursued, Cao Cao himself
leading, sword in hand. The slaughter went on till night. Ten thousands were killed
and many more surrendered.
Li
Jue and Guo Si went west, flying in panic like dogs from a falling house.
Having no place of refuge they took to the hills and hid among the brushwood.
Cao
Cao's army returned and camped again near the capital.
Then
Yang Feng and Han Xian said one to another, "This Cao Cao has done a great
service, and he will be the man in power. There will be no place for us."
So
they represented to the Emperor that they wished to pursue the rebels, and
under this excuse withdrew their army and camped at Daliang.
One
day the Emperor sent to summon Cao Cao to audience. The messenger was called
in. Cao Cao noticed that the messenger looked remarkably well and could not
understand it seeing that everyone else looked hungry and famine stricken.
So
Cao Cao said, "You look plump and well, Sir, how do you manage it?"
"Only
this: I have lived meager for thirty years."
Cao
Cao nodded, "What office do you hold?"
"I
am a graduate recommended for filial piety and honesty. I had offices under
Yuan Shao and Zhang Yang, but came here when the Emperor returned. Now I am one
of the secretaries. I am a native of Dingtao, and my name is Dong Zhao."
Cao
Cao got up from his place and crossed over, saying, "I have heard of you.
How happy I am to meet you!"
Then
wine was brought into the tent, and Xun Yu was called in and introduced. While
they were talking, a man came in to report that a party was moving eastward.
Cao
Cao ordered to find out whose people these were, but Dong Zhao knew at once.
"They
are old leaders under the rebels, Yang Feng and the White Wave General Han
Xian. They are running off because you have come, Illustrious Sir!"
"Do
they mistrust me?" said Cao Cao.
"They are not worthy of your attention. They are a poor lot."
"What
of this departure of Li Jue and Guo Si?"
"Tigers
without claws, birds without wings---they will not escape you very long. They
are not worth thinking about."
Cao
Cao saw that he and his guest had much in common, so he began to talk of
affairs of state.
Said
Dong Zhao, "You, Illustrious Sir, with your noble army have swept away
rebellion and have become the mainstay of the Throne, an achievement worthy of
the ancient Five Protectors. But the officials will look at it in very
different ways and not all favorably to you. I think you would not be wise to
remain here, and I advise a change of capital to Xuchang. However, it must be
remembered that the restoration of the capital has been published far and wide
and the attention of all the people is concentrated on Luoyang, hoping for a
period of rest and tranquillity. Another move will displease many. However, the
performance of extraordinary deed may mean the acquisition of extraordinary merit.
It is for you to decide."
"Exactly
my own inclination!" said Cao Cao, seizing his guest's hand. "But are
there not dangers? Yang Feng at Daliang and the court officials!"
"That
is easily managed. Write to Yang Feng 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 where there is, and where there is no danger of
scarcity. When they hear it, they will approve."
Cao
Cao had now decided; and as his guest took leave, Cao Cao seized his hands once
more, saying, "I shall need your advice in future affairs."
Dong
Zhao thanked and left. Thereafter Cao Cao and his advisers secretly discussed
the change of capital.
Now
Court Counselor Wang Li, who was an astrologer, said to Liu Cai, Royal Clan
Recorder, "I have been studying the stars. Since last spring Venus has
been nearing the Guard star in the neighborhood of the Measure, and the Cowherd
(the Great Bear and Vega) crossing the River of Heaven. Mars has been
retrograding and came into conjunction with Venus in the Gate of Heaven, so
that metal (Venus) and fire (Mars) are mingled. Thence must emerge a new ruler.
The aura of the Hans is exhausted, and the ancient states of Jin and Wei must
increase."
A
secret memorial was presented to the Emperor, saying:
"The
Mandate of Heaven has its course, and the five elements---metal, wood, water,
fire, and earth---are out of proportion. Earth attacking fire is Wei attacking
Han, and the successor to the empire of Han is in Wei."
Cao
Cao heard of these sayings and memorials and sent a man to the astrologer to
say, "Your loyalty is well known, but the ways of Heaven are past finding
out. The less said the better."
Then
Cao Cao discussed with Xun Yu.
The
adviser expounded the meaning thus: "The virtue of Han was fire; your
element is earth. Xuchang is under the influence of earth, and so your fortune
depends on getting there. Fire can overcome earth, as earth can multiply wood.
Dong Zhao and Wang Li agree, and you have only to hide your time."
So
Cao Cao made up his mind.
Next
day at court he said, "Luoyang is deserted and cannot be restored, nor can
it be supplied easily with food. Xuchang is a noble city, resourceful and close
to Luyang, which is a grain basin. It is everything that a capital should be. I
venture to request that the court move thither."
The Emperor dared not oppose and the officials were too overawed to have
any independent opinion, so they chose a day to set out. Cao Cao commanded the
escort, and the officials all followed.
When
they had traveled a few stages, they saw before them a high mound and from
behind this there arose the beating of drums.
Then
Yang Feng and Han Xian came out and barred the way. In front of all stood Xu
Huang, who shouted, "Cao Cao is stealing away the Emperor!"
Cao
Cao rode out and took a good look at this man. He seemed a fine fellow; and in
his secret soul Cao Cao greatly admired him, although he was an enemy. Then Cao
Cao ordered Xu Chu to go and fight Xu Huang.
The
combat was battle-ax against broadsword, and the two men fought more than half
a hundred bouts without advantage to either side. Cao Cao then beat the gongs
and drew off his troops.
In the camp a council was
called. Cao Cao said, "The two rebels themselves need not be discussed;
but Xu Huang is a fine general, and I was unwilling to use any great force
against him. I want to win him over to our side."
Then
stepped out Man Chong, replying, "Do not let that trouble you. I will have
a word with him. I shall disguise myself as a soldier this evening and steal
over to the enemy's camp to talk to him. I shall incline his heart toward
you."
That night Man Chong, duly disguised, got over to the other side and
made his way to the tent of Xu Huang, who sat there by the light of a candle.
Xu Huang was still wearing his coat of mail.
Suddenly
Man Chong ran out in front and saluted, saying, "You have been well since
we parted, old friend?"
Xu
Huang jumped up in surprise, gazed into the face of the speaker a long time,
and presently said, "What! You are Man Chong of Shanyang? What are you
doing here?"
"I am an officer in General Cao Cao's army. Seeing my old friend
out in front of the army today, I wanted to say a word to him. So I took the risk
of stealing in this evening, and here I am."
Xu
Huang invited Man Chong in, and they sat down.
Then
said Man Chong, "There are very few as bold as you on earth. Why then do
you serve such as your present chiefs, Yang Feng and Han Xian? My master is the
most prominent man in the world---a man who delights in wise people and
appreciates soldiers as everyone knows. Your valor today won his entire
admiration, and so he took care that the attack was not vigorous enough to
sacrifice you. Now he has sent me to invite you to join him. Will you not leave
darkness for light and help him in his magnificent task?"
Xu Huang sat a long time pondering over the offer. Then he said, with a
sigh, "I know my masters are doomed to failure, but I have followed their
fortunes a long time and do not like to leave them."
"But
you know the prudent bird selects its tree, and the wise servant chooses his
master. When one meets a worthy master and lets him go, one is very
reckless."
"I
am willing to do what you say," said Xu Huang, rising.
"Why
not put these two to death as an introductory gift?" said Man Chong.
"It
is very wrong for a servant to slay his master. I will not do that."
"True.
You are really a good man."
Then
Xu Huang, taking only a few horsemen of his own men with him, left that night
and deserted to Cao Cao.
Soon
someone took the news to Yang Feng, who at the head of a thousand strong
horsemen, set out to capture the deserter.
As
they drew close, Yang Feng called out, "Betrayer! Stop there!"
But
Yang Feng fell into an ambush. Suddenly the whole mountain side was lit up with
torches and out sprang Cao Cao's troops, he himself being in command.
"I
have been waiting here a long time. Do not run away!" cried Cao Cao.
Yang
Feng was completely surprised and tried to draw off, but was quickly
surrounded.
Then
Han Xian came to his rescue, and a confused battle began. Yang Feng succeeded
in escaping, while Cao Cao kept up the attack on the two disordered armies. A
great number of the rebels gave in, and the leaders found they had too few men
left to maintain their independence, so they betook themselves to Yuan Shu.
When Cao Cao returned to
camp, the newly surrendered general was presented and well received. Then again
the cavalcade set out for the new capital. In due time they reached Xuchang,
and they built palaces and halls, an ancestral temple and an altar, terraces
and public offices. The walls were repaired, storehouses built and all put in
order.
Then
came the rewards for Cao Cao's adherents and others. Dong Cheng and thirteen
others were raised to rank of lordship. All good service was rewarded; certain
others again, who deserved it, were punished, all according to Cao Cao's sole
decision.
Cao
Cao made himself Prime Minister, Regent Marshal, and Lord of Wuping. Xun Yu was
made Imperial Counselor and Chair of the Secretariat; Xun You, Minister of War;
Guo Jia, Minister of Rites and Religion; Liu Ye, Minister of Works; Mao Jie,
Minister of Agriculture, and together with Ren Jun, they were put over the
supervision of military farms and stores. Cheng Yu was appointed Lord of
Dongping; Dong Zhao, Magistrate of Luoyang; Man Chong, Magistrate of Xuchang.
Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Lu Qian, Li Dian, Yue Jing, Yu Jin,
and Xu Huang were made Commanders; Xu Chu and Dian Wei, Commanders of Capital
District. All good service received full recognition.
Cao
Cao was then the one man of the court. All memorials went first to him and were
then submitted to the Throne.
When
state matters were in order, Cao Cao gave a great banquet in his private
quarters to all his advisers, and affairs outside the capital were the subject
of discussion.
Then
Cao Cao said, "Liu Bei has his army at Xuzhou, and he carries on the
administration of the region. Lu Bu fled to Liu Bei when defeated, and Liu Bei
gave Lu Bu Xiaopei to live in. If these two agreed to join forces and attack,
my position would be most serious. What precautions can be taken?"
Then
rose Xu Chu, saying, "Give me fifty thousand of picked soldiers, and I
will give the Prime Minister both their heads!"
Xun
Yu said, "O Leader, you are brave, but we must consider the present
circumstance. We cannot start a sudden war just as the capital has been
changed. However, there is a certain ruse known as 'Rival Tigers and One Prey'.
Liu Bei has no decree authorizing him to govern the region. You, Sir Prime
Minister, can procure one for him, and when sending it, and so conferring upon
him the right in addition to his might, you can enclose a private note telling
him to get rid of Lu Bu. If he does, then he will have lost a vigorous warrior
from his side, and he could be dealt with as occasions serve. Should he fail,
then Lu Bu will slay him. This is the 'Rival Tigers and One Prey' ruse: They
wrangle and bite each other."
Cao
Cao agreed that this was a good plan, so he memorialized for the formal
appointment, which he sent to Liu Bei. Liu Bei was created General Who Conquers
the East, Lord of Yicheng, and Imperial Protector of Xuzhou as well. At the
same time a private note was enclosed.
In
Xuzhou, when Liu Bei heard of the change of capital, he began to prepare a
congratulatory address. In the midst of this an imperial messenger was
announced and was met which all ceremony outside the gate. When the epistle had
been reverently received, a banquet was prepared for the messenger.
The messenger said, "This decree was obtained for you by Prime
Minister Cao Cao."
Liu
Bei thanked him. Then the messenger drew forth his secret letter.
After reading it, Liu Bei said, "This matter can be easily
arranged."
The
banquet over and the messenger conducted to his lodging to seek repose. Liu
Bei, before going to rest, called in his councilors to consider the letter.
"There
need be no compunction about putting him to death," said Zhang Fei.
"Lu Bu is a bad man."
"But
he came to me for protection in his weakness: How can I put him to death? That
would be immoral," said Liu Bei.
"If
he was a good man, it would be difficult," replied Zhang Fei.
Liu Bei would not consent.
Next
day, when Lu Bu came to offer congratulations, he was received as usual. He
said, "I have come to felicitate you on the receipt of the imperial
bounty."
Liu
Bei thanked him in due form. But then he saw Zhang Fei draw his sword and come
up the hall as if to slay Lu Bu. Liu Bei hastily interfered and stopped Zhang
Fei.
Lu
Bu was surprised and said, "Why do you wish to slay me, Zhang Fei?"
"Cao
Cao says you are immoral and tells my brother to kill you," shouted Zhang
Fei.
Liu
Bei shouted again and again to Zhang Fei to go away, and he led Lu Bu into the
private apartments out of the way. Then he told Lu Bu the whole story and
showed him the secret letter.
Lu
Bu wept as he finished reading, "This is that miscreant's scheme for
sowing discord between us."
"Be not anxious, elder brother," said Liu Bei. "I pledge
myself not to be guilty of such an infamous crime."
Lu
Bu again and again expressed his gratitude, and Liu Bei kept him for a time.
They remained talking and drinking wine till late.
Asked
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei later, "Why not kill him?"
Liu
Bei said, "Because Cao Cao fears that Lu Bu and I may attack him, he is
trying to separate us and get us to swallow each other, while he steps in and
takes the advantage. Is there any other reason?"
Guan Yu nodded assent, but Zhang Fei said, "I want to get him out
of the way, lest he would trouble us later."
"That
is not what a noble man should do," said his elder brother.
Soon
the messenger was dismissed and returned to the capital with a the reply from
Liu Bei. The letter only said the instruction would take time to plan and
implement. But the messenger, when he saw Cao Cao, told him the story of Liu
Bei's pledge to Lu Bu.
Then
said Cao Cao, "The plan has failed. What next?"
Xun
Yu replied, "I have another trick called 'Tiger against Wolf' in which the
tiger is made to gobble up the wolf."
"Let
us hear it," said Cao Cao.
"Send to Yuan Shu to
say that Liu Bei has sent up a secret memorial to the Throne that he wishes to
subdue the southern regions around the Huai River. Yuan Shu will be angry and
attack him. Then you will order Liu Bei to dispose of Yuan Shu and so set them
destroying each other. Lu Bu will certainly think that is his chance and turn
traitor. This is the 'Tiger against Wolf' trick."
Cao
Cao thought this good and sent the messenger and also sent a false edict to Liu
Bei. When this came, the messenger was received with all the ceremonies, and
the edict ordered the capture of Yuan Shu.
After
the departure of the bearer, Liu Bei called Mi Zhu who pronounced it a ruse.
"It
may be," said Liu Bei, "but the royal command is not to be
disobeyed."
So
the army was prepared and the day fixed.
Sun
Qian said, "A trusty man must be left on guard of the city."
And
Liu Bei asked which of his brothers would undertake this task.
"I
will guard the city," said Guan Yu.
"I
am constantly in need of your advice, so how can we part?" said Liu Bei.
"I
will guard the city," said Zhang Fei.
"You will fail," said Liu Bei. "After one of your
drinking bouts, you will get savage and flog the soldiers. Beside you are rash
and will not listen to anyone's advice. I shall be uneasy all the time."
"Henceforth I will
drink no more wine, I will not beat the soldiers, and I will always listen to
advice," said Zhang Fei.
"I
fear the mouth does not correspond to the heart," said Mi Zhu.
"I
have followed my elder brother these many years and never broken faith. Why
should you be contemptuous?" said Zhang Fei.
Liu
Bei said, "Though you say this, I do not feel quite satisfied. I will
order Adviser Chen Deng to help you and keep you sober. Then you will not make
any mistake."
Chen Deng was willing to undertake this duty, and the final orders were
given.
The
army of thirty thousand, horse and foot, left Xuzhou and marched toward
Nanyang.
When
Yuan Shu heard that a memorial had been presented proposing to take possession
of his territories, he broke out into abuse of Liu Bei.
"You
weaver of mats! You plaiter of straw shoes! You have been smart enough to get
possession of a large region and elbow your way into the ranks of the nobles. I
was just going to attack you, and now you dare to scheme against me! How I
detest you!"
So
Yuan Shu at once gave orders to prepare an army of one hundred thousand, under
Ji Ling, to attack Xuzhou.
The
two armies met at Xuyi, where Liu Bei was encamped in a plain with hills behind
and a stream on his flank, for his army was small.
Ji
Ling was a native of the East of Huashan Mountains. He used a very heavy
three-edged sword.
After he had made his camp, he rode out and began abusing his opponents,
shouting, "Liu Bei, you rustic bumpkin, how dare you invade this
land?"
"I
have a decree ordering me to destroy the Governor who behaves improperly. If
you oppose, you will be assuredly punished," replied Liu Bei.
Ji Ling angrily rode out brandishing his weapon.
But
Guan Yu cried, "Fool, do not attempt to fight!"
And Guan Yu rode out to meet him.
Then
they two fought and after thirty bouts neither had an advantage. Then Ji Ling
cried out for a rest.
So
Guan Yu turned his horse away, rode back to his own array and waited for Ji
Ling.
When
the moment came to renew the combat, Ji Ling sent out one of his officers, Xun
Zheng, to take his place.
But
Guan Yu said, "Tell Ji Ling to come. I must settle with him who shall be
tiger and who shall be deer!"
"You---a reputationless leader and unworthy to fight with our
general!" replied Xun Zheng.
This
reply angered Guan Yu, who made just one attack on Xun Zheng and brought him to
the ground.
At
this success Liu Bei urged on the army, and Ji Ling's troops were defeated.
They
retired to the mouth of River Huaiyin and declined all challenges. However,
many of their troops were sent into Liu Bei's camp for harassment, and many of
them were slain. The two armies thus stood facing each other.
In Xuzhou, after Liu Bei had started on his expedition, Zhang Fei placed
his colleague and helper, Chen Deng, in charge of the administration of the
region, keeping military affairs under his own supervision. After thinking over
the matter or some time, he gave a banquet to all the military officers.
When
they were all seated, he made a speech: "Before my brother left, he bade
me keep clear of the wine cup for fear of accidents. Now, gentlemen, you may
drink deep today. But from tomorrow wine is forbidden, for we must keep the
city safe. So take your fill."
And
with this he and all his guests rose to drink together.
The
wine bearer came to Cao Bao who declined it, saying, "I never drink as I
am forbidden by religion."
"What!
A fighting man does not drink wine!" said the host. "I want you to
take just one cup."
Cao
Bao was afraid to offend, so he drank.
Now
Zhang Fei drank huge goblets with all his guests on every hand and so swallowed
a huge quantity of liquor. He became quite intoxicated. Yet he would drink more
and insisted on a cup with every guest.
It
came to the turn of Cao Bao who declined.
"Really,
I cannot drink," said Cao Bao.
"You
drank just now: Why refuse this time?"
Zhang
Fei pressed him, but still Cao Bao resisted.
Then
Zhang Fei in his drunken madness lost control of his temper and said, "If
you disobey the orders of your general, you shall be beaten one hundred
strokes!"
And he called in his guards.
Here
Chen Deng interfered, saying, "Do you remember the strict injunctions of
your brother before he left?"
"You
civilians attend to your civil business and leave us alone," said Zhang
Fei.
The
only way of escape for the guest was to beg remission, and Cao Bao did so,
saying, "Sir, if you saw my son-in-law's face, you would pardon me."
"Who
is your son-in-law?"
"Lu Bu."
"I
did not mean to have you really beaten; but if you think to frighten me with Lu
Bu, I will! I will beat you as if I were beating him!" said Zhang Fei.
The guests interposed to
beg him off, but their drunken host was obdurate, and the unhappy guest
received fifty blows. Then at the earnest prayers of the others the remainder
of the punishment was remitted.
The banquet came to an end,
and the beaten Cao Bao went away burning with resentment. That night he sent a
letter to Xiaopei relating the insults he had received from Zhang Fei. The
letter told Lu Bu of Liu Bei's absence and proposed that a sudden raid should
be made that very night before Zhang Fei had recovered from his drunken fit.
Lu
Bu at once summoned Chen Gong and told him.
"Xiaopei
is only a place to occupy temporarily," said Chen Gong. "If you can
seize Xuzhou, do so. It is a good chance."
Lu
Bu got ready at once and soon on the way with five hundred cavalrymen, ordering
Chen Gong and Gao Shun to follow him with the main body.
Xiaopei
being only about fifteen miles away, Lu Bu was under the walls at the fourth
watch. It was clear moonlight. No one on the ramparts saw him.
Lu
Bu came up close to the wall and called out, "Liu Bei's secret messenger
has arrived!"
The
guards on the wall were Cao Bao's people, and they called him. Cao Bao came,
and when he saw who was there, he ordered the gates to be opened.
Lu Bu gave the secret
signal, and the soldiers entered shouting.
Zhang
Fei was in his apartment sleeping off the fumes of wine. His servants hastened
to arouse him and told him an enemy had got the gates open.
They
said, "Lu Bu got in, and there is fighting in the city!"
Zhang
Fei savagely got into his armor and laid hold of his mighty serpent halberd.
But as he was mounting his horse at the gate, the attacking soldiers came up.
He rushed at them but being
still half intoxicated made but a poor fight.
Lu
Bu knowing Zhang Fei's prowess did not press him hard, and Zhang Fei made his
way, with eighteen leading guards of Yan, to the east gate, and there went out,
leaving Liu Bei's family to their fate.
Cao Bao, seeing Zhang Fei
had but a very small force and was still half drunk as well, came in pursuit.
Zhang
Fei saw who it was and was mad with rage. He galloped toward Cao Bao and drove
him off after a few passes.
He
followed Cao Bao to the moat and wounded him in the back. Cao Bao's frightened
steed carried its master into the moat, and he was drowned.
Once
well outside the city Zhang Fei collected his troops, and they rode off toward
the south direction.
Lu
Bu having surprised the city set himself to restore order. He put guards over
the residence of Liu Bei so that no one should disturb the family.
Zhang
Fei with his few followers went to his brother's camp at Xuyi and told his
story of treachery and surprise. All were greatly distressed.
"Success is not worth rejoicing; failure is not worth
grieving," said Liu Bei with a sigh.
"Where
are our sisters?" asked Guan Yu.
"They
shared the fate of the city."
Liu
Bei nodded his head and was silent.
Guan
Yu with an effort controlled his reproaches and said, "What did you say
when you promised to guard the city, and what orders did our brother give you?
Now the city is lost and therewith our sisters-in-law. Have you done
well?"
Zhang Fei was overwhelmed
by remorse. He drew his sword to kill himself.
He raised the cup in pledge,
None might say nay;
Remorseful, drew the sword,
Himself to slay.
Zhang Fei's fate will be told in the next chapter.
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Liu Bei & Lu Bu &
Chen Gong
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|
Zhang Yang & Cao Bao |