Cao
Cao lost no time in taking advantage of Yuan Shao's flight, but smote hard at
the retreating army. Yuan Shao without helmet or proper dress, and with few
followers, crossed hastily to the north bank at Liyang. He was met by one of
his generals, Jiang Yiqu, who took him in and comforted him and listened to the
tale of misfortunes.
Next Jiang Yiqu called in the scattered remnants of the army,
and when the soldiers heard that their old lord was alive they swarmed to him
like ants, so that Yuan Shao quickly became strong enough to attempt the march
to Jizhou. Soon the army set out and at night halted at Huang Hills.
That evening, sitting in his tent, Yuan Shao seemed to hear a
far off sound of lamentation. He crept out quietly to listen and found it was
his own soldiers telling each other tales of woe. 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. And each beat his
breast and wept.
And all said, "Had he but listened to Tian Feng, we had not met
this disaster!" Yuan Shao, very remorseful,
said, "I did not hearken unto Tian Feng, and now my soldiers have been
beaten and I was nearly lost. How can I return and look him in the face?"Next day the march was
resumed, and Yuan Shao met Peng Ji with reinforcements, to whom he said,
"I disregarded Tian Feng's advice and have brought myself to defeat. Now
shall I be greatly ashamed to look him in the face."This tribute to Tian Feng's
prescience roused the jealousy of Peng Ji, who replied, "Yes. When he
heard the news of your defeat, though he was a prisoner, he clapped his hands
for joy and said, 'Indeed, just as I foretold!'"
"How dare he laugh at me, the blockhead? Assuredly he
shall die!" said Yuan Shao.
Whereupon Yuan Shao wrote a letter and sent therewith a sword to slay
the prisoner.
Meanwhile Tian Feng's gaoler came to him one day, saying,
"Above all humans I felicitate you."
"What is the joyful occasion and why felicitate?"
said Tian Feng.
The gaoler replied, "Imperial Protector Yuan Shao has
been defeated and is on his way back. He will treat you with redoubled
respect."
"Now am I a dead man!" said Tian Feng.
"Why say you that, Sir, when all people give you
joy?"
"The Imperial Protector appears liberal, but he is
jealous and forgetful of honest advice. Had he been victorious, he might have
pardoned me. Now that he has been defeated and put to shame, I may not hope to
live."
But the gaoler did not
believe Tian Feng. Before long came the letter and the sword with the fatal
order.
The gaoler was dismayed, but the victim said, "I knew
all too well that I should have to die."
The gaoler wept.
Tian Feng said, "An able person born into this world who
does not recognize and serve the right lord is ignorant. Today I die, but I am
not deserving of pity."
Whereupon he cut his throat in the prison.
Ju Shou but yesterday was
killed,
Tian Feng ends his life his
fate fulfilled;
The Yellow River's main beams
break one by one,
Mourn ye that Yuan House! Its
day is done.
Thus died Tian Feng, pitied
of all who heard of his fate.
When Yuan Shao came home in Jizhou, he was with troubled mind and
distorted thoughts. He could not attend to the
business of government and became so ill that his second wife, who came of the
Liu family and had replaced the first wife after her death, besought him to
make his last dispositions. Now three sons had been
born to Yuan Shao: Yuan Tan the eldest, who was the Commander of Qingzhou; Yuan
Xi, who ruled over Youzhou; and Yuan Shang, borne to him by Lady Liu. This
youngest son was very handsome and noble looking, and his father's favorite. So
he was kept at home.
After the defeat at Guandu, the lad's mother was constantly
urging that her son should be named as successor, and Yuan Shao called together
four of his counselors to consider this matter. These four happened to be
divided in their sympathies: Shen Pei and Peng Ji being in favor of the
youngest son, and Xin Ping and Guo Tu supporters of the eldest.
When they met to consult, Yuan Shao said, "As there is
nought but war and trouble outside our borders, it is necessary that
tranquillity within be early provided for, and I wish to appoint my successor.
My eldest son is hard and cruel, my second is mild and unfit. The third has the
outward form of a hero, appreciates the wise, and is courteous to his
subordinates. I wish him to succeed, but I wish that you tell me your
opinions."
Guo Tu said, "Yuan 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 sow the seeds of turbulence. The prestige of the army has been
somewhat lowered and enemies are on our border. Should you add to our weakness
by making strife between father and son, elder and younger brothers? Rather
consider how the enemy may be repulsed and turn to the question of the heirship
later." Then the natural hesitation
of Yuan Shao asserted itself, and he could not make up his mind.Soon came news that his
sons Yuan Tan was coming from Qingzhou with sixty thousand troops, Yuan Xi
coming from Youzhou with fifty thousand troops, and his nephew Gao Gan coming
from Bingzhou with fifty thousand troops to help him, and he turned his
attention to preparations for fighting Cao Cao.
When Cao Cao drew up his victorious army on the banks of
Yellow River, the aged natives brought an offering of food and sauce to bid him
welcome. Their venerable and hoary appearances led Cao Cao to treat them with
the highest respect.
He invited them to be seated and said to them,
"Venerable Sirs, what may be your age?"
"We are nearly a hundred," replied the old
villagers.
"I should be very sorry if my army had disturbed your
village," said Cao Cao.
One of them said, "In the days of the Emperor Huan a
yellow star was seen over by way of the ancient states of Chu and Song in the
southwest. Yin Kui of Liaodong, who was 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 Yellow
River. Lo! That is exactly fifty years ago. Now Yuan Shao is very hard on the
people and they hate him. You, 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 Yuan Shao at Guandu, just fulfill the
prophecy of Yin Kui. The millions of the land may look now for
tranquillity."
"How dare I presume that I am he?" said Cao Cao
with a smile.
Wine was served and refreshments brought in, and the old
gentlemen were sent away with presents of silk stuffs. And an order was issued
to the army that if anyone killed so much as a fowl or a dog belonging to the
villagers, he should be punished as for murder. And the soldiers obeyed with
fear and trembling while Cao Cao rejoiced in his heart.
It was told Cao Cao that the total army from the four regions
under the Yuan family amounted to two hundred thirty thousand soldiers and they
were camped at Cangting. Cao Cao then advanced nearer to them and made a strong
camp.
Next day the two armies were arrayed over against each other.
On one side Cao Cao rode to the front surrounded by his commanders, and on the
other appeared Yuan Shao supported by his three sons, his nephew, and his
leaders.
Cao Cao spoke first, "Yuan Shao, your schemes are poor,
your strength is exhausted, why still refuse to think of surrender? Are you
waiting till the sword shall be upon your neck? Then it will be too late."
Yuan Shao turned to those about him, saying, "Who dares go
out?" His son Yuan Shang was anxious to exhibit his prowess in the
presence of his father, so he flourished his pair of swords and rode forth.
Cao Cao pointed him out to his officers and asked,
"Anyone knows him?"
"He is the youngest son of Yuan Shao," was the
reply.
Before they had finished speaking, from their own side rode out Shi
Huan, armed with a spear. The two champions fought a little while and suddenly Yuan
Shang whipped up his horse, made a feint and fled. His opponent followed. Yuan
Shang took his bow, fitted an arrow, turned in his saddle, and shot at Shi
Huan, wounding him in the left eye. Shi Huan fell from the saddle and died on
the spot.
Yuan Shao seeing his son
thus get the better of his opponent, gave the signal for attack, and the whole
army thundered forward. The onslaught was heavy, but presently the gongs on both
sides sounded the retire and the battle ceased.
When he had returned to camp, Cao Cao took counsel to find a plan to
overcome Yuan Shao. Then Cheng Yu proposed the plan of the "Ten
Ambushes" and persuaded Cao Cao to retire upon the river, placing troops
in ambush as he went. Thus would Yuan Shao be inveigled into pursuit as far as
the river, when Cao Cao's army would be forced to make a desperate stand or be
driven into the water.Cao Cao accepted this suggestion and told off ten companies
of five thousand soldiers each to lie in ten ambush on two sides of the road of
retreat. The arrangement of the ambushes were thus: On the left, first company
under Xiahou Dun; second company, Zhang Liao; third company, Li Dian; fourth
company, Yue Jing; fifth company, Xiahou Yuan; on the right, first company was
under Cao Hong; second company, Zhang He; third company, Xu Huang; fourth company,
Yu Jin; fifth company, Gao Lan. Xu Chu commanded the advanced front.
Next day the ten companies started first and placed themselves right and
left as ordered. In the night Cao Cao ordered the advanced front to feign an
attack on the camp, which roused all the enemy in all their camps. This done, Xu Chu retreated
and Yuan Shao's army came in pursuit.The roar of battle went on without cessation, and at dawn Cao
Cao's army rested on the river and could retreat no farther.
Then Cao Cao shouted, "There is no road in front, so all
must fight or die."
The retreating army turned
about and advanced vigorously. Xu Chu simply flew to the front, smote and
killed ten generals and threw Yuan Shao's army into confusion. They tried to turn and
march back, but Cao Cao was close behind. Then the drums of the enemy were
heard, and right and left there appeared two ambush companies of Gao Lan and
Xiahou Yuan.Yuan Shao collected about
him his three sons and his nephew, and they were enabled to cut an alley out
and flee.Three miles further on they
fell into another ambush of Yue Jing and Yu Jin, and here many troops of Yuan
Shao were lost so that their corpses lay over the countryside and the blood
filled the water courses. Another three miles and they met the third pair of Li
Dian and Xu Huang barring their road.Here they lost heart and
bolted for an old camp of their own that was near, and bade their men prepare a
meal. But just as the food was ready to eat, down came Zhang Liao and Zhang He
and burst into the camp.
Yuan Shao mounted and fled as far as Cangting, when he was
tired and his steed spent. But there was no rest, for Cao Cao came in close
pursuit. It seemed now a race for life.
But presently Yuan Shao found his onward course again blocked
by Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong, and he groaned aloud.
"If we do not make most desperate efforts, we are all
captives!" said he. And they plunged forward.
His second son Yuan Xi and his nephew Gao Gan were wounded by arrows, and most
of his soldiers were dead or had disappeared. He gathered his sons into his
arms and wept bitterly. Then he fell into a swoon. He was picked up, but his
mouth was full of blood which ran forth in a bright scarlet stream.
He sighed, saying,
"Many battles have I fought, and little did I think to be driven to this.
Heaven is afflicting me. You had better return each to his own territory and
swear to fight this Cao Cao to the end."
Then Yuan Shao bade Xin Ping and Guo Tu as quickly as
possible follow Yuan Tan to Qingzhou and prepare to give battle to Cao Cao lest
he should invade. Yuan Xi was told to go to Youzhou and Gao Gan to Bingzhou.
So each started to prepare armies and horses for repulsing Cao Cao. Yuan
Shao with his youngest son Yuan Shang and the remnant of his officers went away
to Jizhou, and military operations were suspended for a time. Meanwhile Cao Cao was distributing rewards to his army for
the late victory, and his spies were scouting all about Jizhou. He soon learned
that Yuan Shao was ill, and that the youngest son Yuan Shang and Shen Pei were
in command of the city, while his brothers and cousin had returned each to his
own. Cao Cao's advisers were in favor of a speedy attack.
But he objected, saying, "Jizhou is large and well
supplied. Shen Pei is an able strategist. And it behooves me to be careful. I
would rather wait till the autumn when the crops have been gathered in so that
the people will not suffer."
While the attack was being talked over there came letters
from Xun Yu:
"Liu Bei was strengthening
himself at Runan with the force of Liu Pi and Gong Du and, when he heard that
you was attacking Jizhou, he said he would take the opportunity to march on the
capital. Wherefore you, Sir, should hasten homeward to defend Xuchang."
This news disconcerted Cao Cao. He left Cao Hong in command
on the river bank, with orders to maintain the appearance of strength there,
while he led the main part of his army to meet the threatened attack from
Runan.
Meanwhile Liu Bei, his brothers, and the leaders, having gone forth with
the intention of attacking the capital, had reached a point near the Rang
Mountains when Cao Cao came upon them.
So Liu Bei camped by the hills and divided his army into
three, sending Guan Yu and Zhang Fei with ten thousand troops each to entrench
themselves southeast and southwest respectively of the main body, which he and
Zhao Zilong commanded.
When Cao Cao came near, Liu Bei beat his drums and went out
to where Cao Cao had already arrayed his army.Cao Cao called Liu Bei to a parley, and when the latter
appeared under his great standard, Cao Cao pointed his whip at him and railed,
saying, "I treated you as a guest of the highest consideration. Why then
do you turn your back on righteousness and forget kindness?"
Liu Bei replied, "Under the name of Prime Minister you
are really a rebel. I am a direct descendant of the family, and I have a secret
decree from the Throne to take such offenders as you."
As he said these words, he produced and recited the decree which is
known as the "Girdle Mandate."Cao Cao grew very angry and
ordered Xu Chu to go out to battle. As Liu Bei's champion, out rode Zhao Zilong
with spear ready to thrust. The two warriors exchanged thirty bouts without
advantage to either.
Then there arose an
earth-rending shout and up came the two brothers, Guan Yu from the southeast
and Zhang Fei from the southwest. The three armies then began a great attack,
which proved too much for Cao Cao's troops, fatigued by a long march, and they
were worsted and fled. Liu Bei having scored this victory returned to camp. Next day he sent out Zhao
Zilong again to challenge the enemy, but it was not accepted and Cao Cao's army
remained ten days without movement. Then Zhang Fei offered a challenge which
also was not accepted. And Liu Bei began to feel anxious.
Then unexpectedly came news that the enemy had stopped a
train of supplies brought by Gong Du, and at once Zhang Fei went to the rescue.
Worse still was the news that followed, that an army led by Xiahou Dun had got
in behind to attack Runan.
Quite dismayed, Liu Bei said, "If this be true, I have
enemies in front and rear and have no place to go."
He then sent Guan Yu to try to recover the city and thus both
his brothers were absent from his side.
One day later a horseman rode up to say that Runan had
fallen, its defender Liu Pi had fled, and Guan Yu was surrounded. To make the
matters worse, the news came that Zhang Fei, who had gone to rescue Gong Du,
was in like case.
Liu Bei tried to withdraw his troops, fearing all the time an
attack from Cao Cao.
Suddenly the sentinels came in, saying: "Xu Chu is at
the camp gate offering a challenge."
Liu Bei did not allow his army to go out. They waited till
dawn, and then Liu Bei bade the soldiers get a good meal and be ready to start.
When ready the foot went out first, the horsemen next, leaving a few troops in
the camp to beat the watches and maintain an appearance of occupation.
After traveling some miles, they passed some mounds. Suddenly
torches blazed out, and on the summit stood one who shouted, "Do not let
Liu Bei run away! I, the Prime Minister, am here awaiting you!"
Liu Bei dashed along the first clear road he saw.
Zhao Zilong said, "Fear not, my lord, only follow me!"And setting his spear, Zhao Zilong galloped in front opening
an alley as he went. Liu Bei gripped his double swords and followed close.
As they were winning through, Xu Chu came in pursuit and
engaged Zhao Zilong, and two other companies led by Yu Jin and Li Dian bore
down as well. Seeing the situation so desperate, Liu Bei plunged into the wilds
and fled. Gradually the sounds of battle became fainter and died away while he
went deeper and deeper into the hills, a single horseman fleeing for his life.
He kept on his way till daybreak, when a company suddenly
appeared beside the road.
Liu Bei saw these men with terror at first, but was presently
relieved to find they were led by the friendly Liu Pi. They were a company of
his defeated army escorting the family of their chief. With them also were Sun
Qian, Jian Yong, and Mi Fang.
They told him, "The attack on Runan was too strong to be
resisted, and so we were compelled to abandon the defense, and the enemy
followed, and only Guan Yu's timely arrival saved us from destruction."
"I do not know where my brother is," said Liu Bei.
"All will come right if you will push on," said Liu
Pi.
They pushed on. Before they had gone far, the beating of
drums was heard and suddenly appeared Zhang He with a thousand soldiers.
Zhang He cried, "Liu Bei, quickly dismount and
surrender!"
Liu Bei was about to retire when he saw a red flag waving from a rampart
on the hills and down came rushing another body of troops under Gao Lan. Thus checked in front and his retreat cut off, Liu Bei looked
up to Heaven and cried, "O Heaven, why am I brought to this state of
misery? Nothing is left me now but death!"
And he drew his sword to slay himself.
But Liu Pi stayed his hand, saying, "Let me try to fight
a way out and save you. Death is nothing to me!"
As he spoke Gao Lan's force
was on the point of engaging his. The two leaders met and in the third bout Liu
Pi was cut down.
Liu Bei at once rushed up to fight, but just then there was
sudden confusion in the rear ranks of the opponents, and a warrior dashed up
and thrust at Gao Lan with his spear. Gao Lan fell from his steed.
The newcomer was Zhao Zilong.
His arrival was most opportune. He urged forward his steed thrusting
right and left, and the enemy's ranks broke and scattered. Then the first force
under Zhang He came into the fight, and the leader and Zhao Zilong fought
thirty or more bouts. However, this proved enough, for Zhang He turned his
horse away recognizing that he was worsted. Zhao Zilong vigorously attacked,
but was forced into a narrow space in the hills where he was hemmed in. While
seeking for some outlet, they saw Guan Yu, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang, with three
hundred men, coming along. Soon Zhang He was driven off, and then Liu Bei's
troops came out of the narrow defile and occupied a strong position among the
hills where they made a camp. Liu Bei sent Guan Yu for news of the missing brother. Zhang
Fei had been attacked by Xiahou Yuan who had killed Gong Du, but Zhang Fei had
vigorously resisted, beaten him off, and followed him up. Then Yue Jing had come
along and surrounded Zhang Fei.
In this pass he was found by Guan Yu, who had heard of his plight from
some of his scattered soldiers met on the way. Now they drove off the enemy.
The two brothers returned. Soon they heard of the approach of a large body of
Cao Cao's army. Liu Bei then bade Sun Qian guard his family and sent him on
ahead, while he and the others kept off the enemy, sometimes giving battle and
anon marching.
Seeing that Liu Bei had retired too far, Cao Cao let him go
and left the pursuit.
When Liu Bei collected his army, he found they numbered only
a thousand, and this halting and broken force marched as fast as possible to
the west. Coming to a river they asked the natives its name and were told it
was the Han River, and near it Liu Bei made a temporary camp. When the local
people found out who was in the camp, they presented meat and wine.
A feast was given upon a sandy bank of the Han River.
After they had drunk awhile, Liu Bei addressed his faithful
followers, saying, "All you, Fair Sirs, have talents fitting you to be
advisers to a monarch, but your destiny has led you to follow poor me. My fate
is distressful and full of misery. Today I have not a spot to call my own, and
I am indeed leading you astray. Therefore I say you should abandon me and go to
some illustrious lord where you may be able to become famous."
At these words they all covered their faces and wept.
Guan Yu said, "Brother, you are wrong to speak thus.
When the great Founder of Han contended with Xiang Yu, he was defeated many
times, but he won at the Nine-Mile Mountains and that achievement was the
foundation of a dynasty that endured for four centuries. Victory and defeat are
but ordinary events in a soldier's career, and why should you give up?"
"Success and failure both have their seasons," said
Sun Qian, "and we are not to grieve. Jingzhou, which your illustrious
relative, Liu Biao, commands, is a rich and prosperous country. Liu Biao is of
your house, why not go to him?"
"Only that I fear he may not receive me," said Liu
Bei.
"Then let me go and prepare the way. I will make Liu Biao come out
to his borders to welcome you."So with his lord's
approval, Sun Qian set off immediately and hastened to Jingzhou.
When the ceremonies of greeting were over, Liu Biao asked the
reason of the visit.
Said Sun Qian, "The princely Liu Bei is one of the
heroes of the day, although just at the moment he may lack soldiers and
leaders. His mind is set upon restoring the dynasty to its pristine glory, and
at Runan the two commanders, Liu Pi and Gong Du, though bound to him by no
ties, were content to die for the sake of his ideals. You, Illustrious Sir,
like Liu Bei, are a scion of the imperial stock. Now the Princely One has
recently suffered defeat and thinks of seeking a home in the east with Sun
Quan. I have ventured to dissuade him, saying that he should not turn from a relative
and go to a mere acquaintance; telling him that you, Sir, are well known as
courteous to the wise and condescending to scholars, so that they flock to you
as the waters flow to the east sea, and that certainly you would show kindness
to one of the same ancestry. Wherefore he has sent me to explain matters and
request your commands."
|
"He is my brother," said Liu Biao, "and I have
long desired to see him, but no opportunity has occurred. I should be very
happy if he would come."
Cai Mao, who was sitting by, here broke in, "No, no! Liu Bei first
followed Lu Bu, then he served Cao Cao, and next he joined himself to Yuan
Shao. And he stayed with none of these, so that you can see what manner of man
he is. If he comes here, Cao Cao will assuredly come against us and fight.
Better cut off this messenger's head and send it as an offering to Cao Cao, who
would reward you well for the service."Sun Qian sat unmoved while
this harangue was pronounced, saying at the end, "I am not afraid of
death. Liu Bei, the Princely One, is true and loyal to the state and so out of
sympathy with Lu Bu, or Cao Cao, or Yuan Shao. It is true he followed these
three, but there was no help for it. Now he knows your chief is a member of the
family, so that both are of the same ancestry, and that is why he has come far
to join him. How can you slander a good man like that?"
Liu Biao bade Cai Mao be silent and said, "I have
decided, and you need say no more."
Whereat Cai Mao sulkily left the audience chamber.
Then Sun Qian was told to return with the news that Liu Bei would be
welcome, and Imperial Protector Liu Biao went ten miles beyond the city to meet
his guest.When Liu Bei arrived, he
behaved to his host with the utmost politeness and was warmly welcomed in
return. Then Liu Bei introduced his
two sworn brothers and friends and they entered Jingzhou City where Liu Bei
finally was lodged in the Imperial Protector's own residence.
As soon as Cao Cao knew whither his enemy had gone, he wished
to attack Liu Biao, but Cheng Yu advised against any attempt so long as Yuan
Shao, the dangerous enemy, was left with power to inflict damage.
He said, "My 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 weather."
Cao Cao accepted his advice and set out for the capital. In
the first month of the eighth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 203), Cao Cao
once again began to think of war, and sent to garrison Runan as a precaution
against Liu Biao. Then, after arranging for the safety of the capital, he
marched a large army to Guandu, the camp of the year before, and aimed at
Jizhou.
As to Yuan Shao, who had been suffering from blood-spitting
but was now in better health, he began to think of measures against Xuchang,
but Shen Pei dissuaded him, saying, "You are not yet recovered from the
fatigues of last year. It would be better to make your position impregnable and
set to improving the army."
When the news of Cao Cao's approach arrived, Yuan Shao said,
"If we allow the foe to get close to the city before we march to the
river, we shall have missed our opportunity. I must go out to repel this
army."
Here his son Yuan Shang interposed, "Father, you are not
sufficiently recovered for a campaign and should not go so far. Let me lead the
army against this enemy."
Yuan Shao consented, and he
sent to Qingzhou and Youzhou and Bingzhou to call upon his other two sons and
his nephew to attack Cao Cao at the same time as his own army.
Against Runan they beat the
drum,
And from Jizhou the armies
come.
To whom the victory will be seen in the next chapter.
|
Gong Du & Tian Feng |
|
Liu Pi & Jiang Yiqu |
|
Gao Lan & Yue Jin |