The
fall of Jingzhou put Mi Fang in a quandary. Before he could decide upon any
course, his old colleague Fu Shiren came to see him. Fu Shiren was admitted,
and when asked why he had come, he blurted out his business without beating
about the bush.
"I
am faithful enough, but I got into difficulties and danger and could not hold
on, so I have surrendered to Wu. And I advise you to do the same."
"You and I have both fed on the bounty of the Prince of Hanzhong,
and I cannot understand how you can turn against him."
"Guan
Yu went away hating both of us intensely. Even if he comes back victorious, I
do not think he will forgive us. Just think it over."
"My brother and I have followed the Prince these many years, and I
do not like leaving him like this."
Mi
Fang hesitated.
Before he could make up his mind, there came a messenger,
saying, "The army in Fancheng is short of grain, and I was sent to demand
white rice for the soldiers. Nanjun and Gongan are to send ten thousand carts
at once. Delay will be most severely punished."
Đang khi trò chuyện, thì có sứ giả của Quan Công
sai đến. Phương ra tiếp vào.
This
sudden demand was a shock to Mi Fang.
"Where
am I to get the rice?" said he despairingly to his friend and tempter.
"Jingzhou is now in the hands of Wu."
"Do not dilly-dally," said Fu Shiren. Thereupon he drew his
sword and slew the messenger as he stood in the hall.
"What
have you done?" cried Mi Fang.
"Guan
Yu wanted to slay us two and has forced me to this. Are we to fold our hands
and await death? Either you give in at once and go over to Wu, or you will be
put to death by Guan Yu."
Just
then they heard that Lu Meng's troops had actually reached the city wall. Mi
Fang saw that nothing could save his life but desertion, so he went out with Fu
Shiren and gave in his allegiance to Lu Meng, by whom he was led to Sun Quan.
Sun
Quan gave both of them presents, after which he proceeded to restore order and
to reward his army for their services.
At
the time that great discussion about Jingzhou was going on in Xuchang, a
messenger arrived with a letter from Sun Quan. It told the plan of attacking
Jingzhou and begged Cao Cao to send an army to attack Guan Yu in the rear,
enjoining the utmost secrecy.
Cao
Cao summoned his advisers to a meeting for consultation.
First
Secretary Dong Zhao said, "Now that Fancheng is surrounded, it would be
well to shoot letter into the city to let the besieged know, so that they may
not yield to depression. Then we will inform Guan Yu of the danger from the
south. If Guan Yu hears that Jingzhou is threatened by Wu, he will come back to
try to defend it. Then let Xu Huang take the chance to attack, and our victory
will be complete."
Cao
Cao agreed that the plan was good, and so he sent a messenger to urge Xu Huang
to attack. Cao Cao himself led a large force to Yangling Slope, south of
Luoyang, to rescue Cao Ren.
Xu
Huang was sitting in his tent when they told him that a messenger from the
Prince of Wei had arrived.
The
messenger was called in and said, "The Prince has led an army to Luoyang,
and he wishes you to hasten to attack Guan Yu in order to relieve
Fancheng."
Just
then the scouts came to report: "Guan Ping has encamped at Yencheng and
Liao Hua at Sizhong. The enemy have built a line of twelve stockades."
Xu
Huang ordered two of his generals---Lu Qian and Xu Shang---to Yencheng to
masquerade as if he himself was in command, by showing his ensigns. Xu Huang
himself, at the head of five hundred veterans, went along River Mian to attack
Yencheng in the rear.
When Guan Ping heard of the approach of Xu Huang, he prepared his own
division to meet him.
When both sides were
arrayed, Guan Ping rode out and engaged Xu Shang. After three encounters Xu
Shang had the worst of it and fled. Then the other general, Lu Qian, went out.
He fought half a dozen bouts and also ran away.
Thereupon
Guan Ping went in pursuit and smote the flying enemy for seven miles. But then
there was an alarm of fire within Yencheng, and Guan Ping knew that he had been
inveigled into the pursuit and was a victim.
So
he turned and set out for the city again. On his way he met a body of troops,
and standing under the great standard was Xu Huang.
Xu Huang shouted out, "Guan Ping, my worthy nephew, it is strange
that you do not recognize death when it stares you in the face. Your Jingzhou
has fallen into the hands of Wu, and yet you act so madly."
Guan Ping, whirling his
sword, just rode hard at Xu Huang, and they engaged. But after the third bout
there was a tremendous shouting among the soldiers, for the flames within the
city burst up higher than before. Guan Ping could not follow up his desire to
continue the fight, but cut his way out and made a dash for Sizhong, where Liao
Hua received him with the news of the disaster to Jingzhou.
"People
say that Jingzhou has fallen to Lu Meng, and the news has frightened the whole
army. What is to be done?" said Liao Hua.
"It
is only a malicious rumor. Do not let it spread. If anyone repeats it, put him
to death."
Just then a man came running in to say that Xu Huang was attacking the
first stockade on the north.
"If
that goes," said Guan Ping, "the remainder will follow. But as we
have River Mian at our back, they will not dare attack this. Let us go to the
rescue."
So
Liao Hua summoned his subordinate leaders and gave them orders to hold the camp
and make a signal if the enemy came.
"There
is no danger here," said they. "The camp is defended by a tenfold
line of thorny barriers. Even a bird could not get in."
Guan Ping and Liao Hua mustered all the veterans they had and went away
to the first stockade.
Seeing
the Wei soldiers camped on a low hill, Guan Ping said to his colleague,
"Those soldiers are stationed in an unsafe place. Let us raid their camp
tonight."
"You
take half the force, General, and I will remain to keep the camp," said
Liao Hua.
When night fell, the
attacking force went out. But on reaching the camp not a man opposed them. The
camp was empty.
Then
Guan Ping knew he had been deceived, and turned to retreat. He was at once
attacked on two sides by Xu Shang and Lu Qian from left and right.
Unable
to stand, his troops ran for the camp. The soldiers of Wei followed, and
presently the camp was surrounded. They were compelled to abandon the position
and set off for Sizhong. As they drew near they saw torches, and presently knew
by the ensigns displayed that the camp had also fallen to the enemy.
Retiring, they hastened
along the high road toward Fancheng, but presently their way was barred by a
force under Xu Huang himself.
By
dint of hard fighting they got away and returned to their main camp, and Guan
Ping went to his father.
Said
he, "Xu Huang has got possession of Yencheng. Cao Cao's main army is on
the way in three divisions. And many say that Jingzhou is in the enemy's
hands."
Guan
Yu bade him be silent.
"This is a fabrication of the enemy," said Guan Yu, "but
it may dishearten the soldiers. We know Lu Meng is ill, and they have appointed
that impractical fellow Lu Xun to succeed him at Lukou. There is nothing to
fear."
Then
news came that Xu Huang had arrived . At once Guan Yu bade them saddle his
charger.
"Father,
you are not strong enough to go into the battle," said Guan Ping.
"Xu Huang and I were once friends, and I know what he can do and
not do. I will give him the chance to retire. If he does not take it, then I
shall just slay him as a warning to the others."
Mounting
his charger, Guan Yu rode out as impetuously as of yore, and the sight of the
old warrior made to quake the hearts of the troops of Wei.
When
he came close enough to his enemy, Guan Yu checked his steed and said,
"Where is my friend Xu Huang?"
As
a reply, the gate of the battle opened, and Xu Huang appeared under the
standard.
With
a low bow Xu Huang said, "Some years have passed since I met you, Most
Excellent Marquis, but I had not expected to see you so gray. I have not
forgotten the old brave days, when we were together and you taught me so much,
and I am very grateful. Your new fame has spread throughout the whole empire,
and your old friends cannot but praise you. I am indeed glad that I have the
happiness to see you."
Guan Yu replied, "We have been excellent friends, Xu Huang---better
than most. But why have you pressed my son so hardly of late?"
Xu Huang suddenly turned to the officers about him and cried
fiercely, "I would give a thousand ounces of gold for this Guan Yu's
head."
Guan
Yu, greatly shocked, said, "What did you say that for?"
"Because
today I am on state business, and I have no inclination to let private
friendship override my public duty."
As he said this, he whirled his battle-ax and rode at Guan Yu, who,
greatly enraged, threw up his great saber to strike.
They fought a half score
bouts, but although his skill lacked nothing of its pristine vigor and excelled
all the world, the veteran warrior's right arm was still weak from the wound.
Guan
Ping saw that his father failed somewhat, and so hastily beat the gong for
retreat. Guan Yu rode back.
Suddenly the noise of a great shouting was heard. It came from the
troops in Fancheng, for Cao Ren, having heard of the arrival of troops of his
own side, had made a sortie and was about to attack to help Xu Huang. His army
fell on, and the army of Jingzhou were routed. Guan Yu, with as many of his
officers as could, fled away along the banks of River Xiang, hotly pursued by
the army of Wei.
Crossing the river, he made
for Xiangyang.
Suddenly
the scouts reported: "Jingzhou has been taken by Lu Meng. Your family is
now in the hand of enemy."
Guan Yu was shocked.
Thence
he marched for Gongan.
But the scouts told him: "Fu Shiren has yielded Gongan to the hands
of Wu."
Then
some of the men he had dispatched for supplies came in and reported: "Fu
Shiren murdered the officer and persuade Mi Fang to surrender to Wu."
The story filled Guan Yu with boundless rage. It was too much. The wound
reopened, and he fell in a swoon.
"Wang
Fu, you were right," said he when he recovered consciousness. "How I
regret that I did not heed what you said!"
"But
why were the beacon fires not lighted?" continued he presently.
Said
the scouts, "Lu Meng's marines in the guise of traders came over the
river. There were soldiers hidden in the ships, and they seized the beacon
guards, so preventing them from kindling the fires."
Guan
Yu sighed. Beating the ground with his foot, he said, "Indeed I have
fallen into their trap. How shall I look my brother in the face?"
Then
outspoke Commissariat Commander Zhao Lei, saying, "We are in straits. Send
to Chengdu for help, and let us take the land road to Jingzhou to try to
recover it."
So
Guan Yu sent Ma Liang and Yi Ji to Shu to ask for help.
The
messengers rode out swiftly by different routes, while the army set out to
return to Jingzhou, Guan Yu leading and Liao Hua with Guan Ping keeping the
rear.
The
siege of Fancheng being thus raised, Cao Ren went to see his master. With tears
he acknowledged his fault and asked pardon.
"It
was the will of heaven, and no fault of yours," said Cao Cao.
And
he rewarded the armies.
When
he visited Sizhong and had inspected the captured stockades, he remarked on the
defenses, saying, "Xu Huang was very clever to overcome these. With my
thirty years of war, I should not have dared to penetrate such opposition. He
is valiant and wise, and both in a high degree."
"Aye,"
said they with him, for they could not but agree.
Cao
Cao's army marched back to Mopo and there camped. When Xu Huang returned, Cao
Cao went out of the stockade to meet him, and netted with joy when seeing the
excellent order and discipline that his army showed. Every soldier was in his
place, the ranks perfectly kept, all without a trace of disorder.
"General
Xu Huang has the spirit of the old Zhou Yafu," said Cao Cao, and on the
spot conferred on his commander the title of General Who Pacifies the South. Xu
Huang was sent soon after to share in the defense of Xiangyang with Xiahou
Shang and to meet Guan Yu's army.
Jingzhou
being still in turmoil, Cao Cao remained at Mopo waiting for news.
Guan
Yu found himself at a standstill on the road to Jingzhou with the army of Wu in
front and the men of Wei coming up behind.
"What
is to be done," he discussed the position with Zhao Lei, "when we
cannot advance nor retreat and the aid has not come?"
Zhao
Lei proposed a halt to try to shame Lu Meng into aiding Cao Cao.
Said he, "When Lu Meng was at Lukou, he used to write to you often,
and you agreed to join hands in the destruction of Cao Cao. Now he is a traitor
and fighting on the other side. Send a letter and reproach him. Perhaps we may
get a satisfactory reply."
So the letter was written
and sent to Jingzhou.
Meanwhile,
by Lu Meng's special command, the most complete protection was given to the
families of all the officers who were serving under Guan Yu, and they were kept
supplied with all they required. Even the ailing members of their households
were treated by physicians free of charge. The result was that they were quite
won over to the new order of things, and there was no attempt to disturb it.
When Guan Yu's letter came, the messenger was led into the city and well
treated.
When Lu Meng read the letter, he said to the bearer thereof, "You
must understand the different circumstances. When your general and I were
leagued together, it was a personal matter between us two. Now things have
changed. I am sent here with certain orders and am not my own master. I would
trouble you, O messenger, to return and explain thus to your master and in good
words."
|
The bearer of the letter
was entertained at a banquet and sent to repose himself in the guest-house,
where the families of the absent officers sought him to have news of their
husbands and fathers.
Moreover,
they brought him letters and gave him messages for the officers, and the whole
tenor of these letters and messages was that they were all in good health, all
their needs were supplied, and they lacked nothing.
When
he left the city, Lu Meng himself escorted him to the outskirts and set him on
his way.
On
his return to the army, he gave to Guan Yu the message of Lu Meng and told him
that the families were all well and safe and well cared for. This, however, did
not greatly please Guan Yu.
Stamping his foot, Guan Yu said, "This is merely a ruse to gain
favor and popularity. The brigand! If I cannot slay him while I live, I will
after I am dead. My hate shall not go unappeased."
He roughly dismissed the
messenger, who went out and was at once surrounded by those whose families were
in the city and who desired to have news of them. And when he gave them the
letters and messages and told them all were well, there was great rejoicing
among the men in the camp, and kindly feelings for Lu Meng prevailed. And
therewith died down the spirit of fighting.
Guan
Yu led the army to attack Jingzhou, but day by day the men deserted and ran
away to the very city they were moving to attack.
So
day by day Guan Yu's bitterness and anger increased, and he advanced in angry
haste. One day there was a great shouting and the noise of drums, and he found
his way blocked.
"Why do you not surrender, friend Guan Yu?" said the leader of
this body, Jiang Qin.
"Could
I give in to a rebel---I, a servant of the Hans and a leader of their army?"
roared Guan Yu in a passion.
Thereupon he whipped his horse forward and swung up his sword to strike.
However, Jiang Qin would not fight. The two exchanged a few blows, and Jiang
Qin fled. Guan Yu followed.
When he had gone a long
way, there suddenly appeared from a gully near him Han Dang, while Zhou Tai
came out from the other side. Thereupon Jiang Qin wheeled round and once more
came to do battle, so that three forces were opposed to Guan Yu.
Unable to withstand these,
he retreated.
Before he had gone very
far, he saw signs of many people bivouacking among the hills, and presently
made out, on a huge white banner that flapped in the breeze, the words Natives
of Jingzhou, and the people about were calling out, "All the inhabitants
of this place have surrendered."
Guan Yu felt like rushing
up and cutting these people to pieces, but just then two other cohorts appeared
led by Ding Feng and Xu Sheng, who supported Jiang Qin. The three bodies of
troops then set on with shouting and loud beating of drums that seemed to make
the very earth tremble. And Guan Yu was like the kernel in a nut, quite
surrounded.
This was not all. He saw the number of his followers diminishing
every moment. He fought on till dusk, and looking about him he saw all the
hills crowded with Jingzhou folks and heard them calling siblings for brother
and children for father, till his soldiers' hearts had melted within them. One
by one they ran to their relatives, heedless of their leader and his voice.
Presently he had but three hundred left, but with them he kept up the battle
till the third watch. Then there was another shouting in another note, for his
leaders, Guan Ping, his son, and Liao Hua, came to his help. And they rescued
him.
"The
soldiers' hearts are all melted," said Guan Ping. "We must find some
place wherein to camp till help can arrive. There is Maicheng, small, but sufficient.
Let us camp there."
Guan
Yu consented, and the exhausted army hurried thither as quickly as they could.
The small force was divided among the four gates to guard.
Zhao Lei said, "This place is near Shangyong where Meng Da and Liu
Feng station. We should send for their help. If their army marches to our
relief until the grand army of Shu comes, the morale of our army will
improve."
But
disappointments dogged them. Very soon the army of Wu came up and laid siege to
the city.
"Who
will try to break through and go away to Shangyong for assistance?" asked
Guan Yu.
"I will go," said Liao Hua.
"And
I will escort you past the danger zone," said Guan Ping.
Guan Yu wrote his letter, which Liao Hua concealed next to his skin, and
having eaten a full meal, he rode out at the gate.
The
leader of the enemy, Ding Feng, tried to check him, but Guan Ping fought vigorously
and drove him away.
So
Liao Hua escaped the siege and reached Shangyong, while Guan Ping returned.
Then they barred the gates and hold their defense.
Now,
having captured Shangyong, Liu Feng and Meng Da had remained to guard it. Liu
Feng had been created Governor General, and together with Meng Da, to defend
that city. When they heard of the defeat of Guan Yu, they took counsel what to
do. When Liao Hua came, he was admitted into the city. He told the tale of Guan
Yu's straits, and asked for help.
Said
Liao Hua, "Guan Yu is closely besieged in Maicheng. Help from the west
will be a long time in coming, so I have been sent to beg your assistance. I
hope you will march the Shangyong troops thither as quickly as possible, for
any delay will be fatal."
Liu Feng replied, "Sir, go to the rest-house for a time till we can
decide."
So
Liao Hua went, and the two leaders talked over the matter.
Liu
Feng said, "This is bad news. What is to be done?"
"Wu
is very powerful," replied his colleague. "Now they have control over
the whole region of Jingzhou, save this small clod of earth called Maicheng.
Cao Cao is at hand with five hundred thousand troops, and we cannot stand
against the two mighty forces. I say we must not move."
"I know all this. But Guan Yu is my uncle, and I cannot
bear to sit still and not try to save him."
"So
you hold him as an uncle!" said Meng Da with a smile. "Yet I do not
think he holds you much as a nephew. When the Prince of Hanzhong adopted you,
Guan Yu was greatly annoyed. And after the Prince had accepted his new dignity
and was nominating his heir, I heard he consulted Zhuge Liang, who said the
affair was one to be decided within the family and declined to advise. Then the
Prince sent to ask Guan Yu's advice. Did Guan Yu name you? Not at all. You were
only a son by adoption and could have no place in the succession. Further, Guan
Yu advised that you be sent to a distance lest you might cause trouble. This is
common knowledge, and I am surprised that you are ignorant of it. Yet today you
make capital out of the relationship and are willing to run a great risk to
support it."
"Granted
that what you say is true, still what reply can we give?"
"Simply
say that this city is still unsettled, and you dare not move lest it be
lost."
Liu Feng took his colleague's view, sent for the messenger and told him.
Liao Hua was greatly disappointed. He threw himself on the ground and knocked
his head, imploring assistance.
"If
you act thus, there is an end of Guan Yu!" cried Liao Hua.
"Will a cup of water extinguish a wagon load of blazing wood?"
said Meng Da. "Hasten back and await patiently for the coming of help from
the west."
Liao
Hua renewed his entreaties. The two commanders simply rose, shook out their
sleeves, and left him.
Liao
Hua saw that things had gone against him and thought his best course would be
to go at once to Chengdu. He rode out of the city cursing its defenders and
went away west.
Guan Yu from his fortress
looked anxiously, but vainly, for the coming of the expected aid. He was in a
sorry plight. His army numbered but a few hundred, many wounded; there was no
food.
Then
someone came to the foot of the wall and, calling out to the defenders on the
wall not to shoot, said he had a message for the commander.
He
was allowed to enter. It was Zhuge Jin. When he had made his salutations and taken
tea, he began his harangue.
"I
come at the command of my master, the Marquis of Wu, to persuade you to a wise
course. From of old it has always been recognized that the hero must bow to
circumstances. The region with its nine territories and forty-two counties that
you ruled have come under another, with the exception of this single city.
Within, there is no food, without, no help, so that it must fall quickly.
Wherefore, O General, why not hear me and join your fortunes to those of Wu?
You shall be restored to your governorship, and you will preserve your family.
If haply, Sir, you would reflect thereon."
Guan Yu replied, quite calmly, "I am a simple soldier from the
village of Jieliang, yet my lord and I have become brothers. How can I betray
him? If the city may fall, then I can but die. Jade may be shattered, but its
whiteness remains; bamboo may be burned, but its joints stand straight. My body
may be broken, but my name shall live true in history. Say no more, but leave
the city, I beg. I will fight Sun Quan to the end."
"My
master desires to enter into such a league with you as did Qin and Jin in
former days, that you may mutually assist to destroy Cao Cao and restore the
Hans. That is his idea, and why do you persist in this wrong course?"
As
Zhuge Jin finished this speech, Guan Ping, who was by, drew his sword to slay
him. But his father checked him.
"Remember
his brother is in Shu, helping your uncle. If you hurt him, you will injure the
principle of fraternity."
Guan
Yu then bade his servants lead Zhuge Jin away.
Zhuge
Jin went, his face covered with shame, and left the city. When he reached his
master, he told of Guan Yu's obduracy and rejection of all argument.
"He
is indeed a loyal servant!" said Sun Quan. "Still, what is to be done
next?"
"Take
some casts in the Book of Changes," said Lu Fan.
So
the lots were taken and explained to mean that the Marquis' enemies should flee
to a distance.
Then
Sun Quan asked Lu Meng, saying, "If he flies to a distance, how can he be
captured?"
"The
divination exactly fits in with my schemes," replied Lu Meng. "Even
if Guan Yu had wings to soar to the skies, he would not escape my net."
The dragon in a puddle is the sport of shrimps,
The phoenix in a cage is mocked of small birds.
The scheme of Lu Meng will be unfolded in the next chapter.
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Wang
Ping & Liu Feng & Meng Da & Wu Lan
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Guan Ping
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Lu Qian & Liao Hua |
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Xu Huang & Jiang
Qin |