第dì二èr十shí六liù回huí 袁yuán本běn初chū败bài兵bīng折zhé将jiāng　　　关guān云yún长zhǎng挂guà印yìn封fēng金jīn

As the last chapter closed Yüan-tê had been condemned to die. He spoke up, however, and said, “Pray hear one word, Illustrious Sir, before you decide. I have lost sight of my brother since my misfortune at Hsüchou and know not whether Yün-ch‘ang be dead or alive. There are many men in the world who resemble him. Is every red-faced man with a beard named Kuan? Should you not rather seek some evidence?” Now Yüan Shao was impulsive and facile by nature and when Yüan-tê spoke thus, he suddenly turned upon Chu Shou, saying, “By wrongly regarding what you said I nearly killed an innocent man.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Then he requested Yüan-tê once more to resume his seat in the tent and advise him how to avenge Yen Liang. Soon from the lower end a voice was heard , saying, “Yen Liang and I were as brothers and can I allow any other to avenge his death?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

The speaker was a man of middle height with a face like a unicorn, a famous leader from Hopei, named Wên Ch‘ou. Yüan Shao was pleased and said, “You are the only man who can do it. I will give you ten legions and you can cross the Yellow River, and quickly smite that rebel Ts‘ao.” “You cannot do it; he will fail,” said Chu Shou. “The proper course is to hold Yenching and detach a force to Kuantu. If you rashly cross the river and anything goes wrong not a soul will return.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Yüan Shao said, “That is always the way with you fellows, always delaying and taking the dash out of the soldiers. You put off to-day and postpone tomorrow till success has become impossible. Do you forget that promptitude is what the soldier honours?” The adviser withdrew sadly, saying, “Superiors do not curb their ambitions: inferiors must strive to render service. Eternal is the Yellow River, shall I cross it?” Thereafter he feigned illness and went no more to the Council.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Yüan-tê said, “I have received much kindness at your hands and have been unable to show my gratitude. I would accompany General Wên that I may repay your bounty and also that I may hear news of my brother.” ​ Yüan Shao gladly consented and ordered Wên Ch‘ou to share his command with Yüan-tê. But the former objected saying that Yüan-tê had been so often defeated that it would augur ill for success this time. He proposed to give Yüan-tê command of the rear guard, and this being approved, three legions were told off under Liu Pei’s special command to follow the main body.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

The prowess displayed by Kuan Yü in the bold attack on Yen Liang redoubled Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s respect for him and he memorialised the throne that Kuan Yü receive the title of Marquis of Hanshout‘ing and a seal was cast for him. Just then came the unexpected news that Yüan Shao’s army had moved toward the Yellow River and was in position above Yenching. Ts‘ao first sent to transfer the inhabitants to Hsiho and then led out an army to oppose Yuan Shao. He issued an order to face about, thus placing the rear companies in front. The commissariat wagons were also placed in the van.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“What is this reversal for?” asked Lu Ch‘ien. Ts‘ao replied, “When the supplies are in rear they are liable to be plundered. So I have put them first.” “But if you meet the enemy and they steal them?” “Wait till the enemy appears; I shall know what to do.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Lü Ch‘ien was much exercised at this new move of the Minister’s. In the meantime the supply train moved along the river toward Yenching. Presently the foremost troops raised a great shout and Ts‘ao sent to see what it meant. The messenger came back to say Wên Ch‘ou’s army was approaching , and the supply train had been abandoned and was at the mercy of the enemy. Thereupon Ts‘ao pointed to two mounds saying, “We will take refuge here for the present.” All those near him hastened to the mounds. There Ts‘ao ordered them all to loosen their dress, lay aside their breastplates and rest a time. The horsemen turned their steeds loose.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Wên Ch‘ou’s men approached under cover. As they drew near one after another the officers told Ts‘ao saying, “The rebels are near: we ought to catch the horses and go back to Paima.” But the adviser, Hsün Yu, checked them saying, “These are a bait for the enemy: why retire?” Ts‘ao glanced across at him and said, “He understands; do not say anything.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Now having got possession of the supply carts the enemy next came to seize the horses. By this time they had all broken ranks and were scattered, each man going his own way. Then suddenly Ts‘ao gave the order to go down from the mounds and smite them. The surprise was complete. Wên Ch‘ou’s army was in confusion and Ts‘ao’s men surrounded them. Wên Ch‘ou ​ made a stand, but those about him trampled each other down and he could do nothing but flee. And he fled. Then standing on the top of a mound Ts‘ao pointed to the flying leader calling out, “There is one of the most famous captains of the north; who can capture him?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Chang Liao and Hsü Huang both mounted and dashed after him, crying, “Wên Ch‘ou, do not run away!” Looking round, the fugitive saw two pursuers and then he set aside his spear, took his bow and adjusted an arrow, which he shot at Chang Liao. “Cease shooting, you rebel!” shouted Hsü Huang. Chang Liao ducked his head and the shaft went harmlessly by, save that it carried away the tassel of his cap. He only pressed harder in pursuit. The next arrow however struck his horse in the head and the animal stumbled and fell, throwing his rider to the earth.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Then Wên Ch‘ou turned to come back. Hsü Huang, whirling his battle axe, stood in his way to stop him. But he saw behind Wên several more horsemen coming to help him and as they would have been too many for him he fled. Wên pursued along the river bank. Suddenly he saw coming toward him with banners fluttering in the breeze, a small party of horse, and the leader carried a great sword. “Stop!” cried Yün-ch‘ang, for it was he, and he attacked at once. At the third bout Wên Ch‘ou’s heart failed him and he wheeled and fled, following the windings of the river. But Kuan Yü’s steed was fast and soon caught up. One blow, and the hapless Wên Ch‘ou fell.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

When Ts‘ao Ts‘ao saw from the mound that the leader of the enemy had fallen, he gave the signal for a general onset and many of the northmen were driven into the river. And the carts with supplies and all the horses were quickly recovered.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Now Kuan Yü, at the head of a few horsemen, was thrusting here and striking there at the moment when Yüan-tê, with the three reserve legions, appeared on the battle field. At once they told him that the red-faced, long-bearded warrior was there and had slain Wên Ch‘ou. He hastily pressed forward to try to get a look at the warrior. He saw across the river a large body of horse and the banners bore the words “Kuan Yün-ch‘ang, Marquis of Hanshout‘ing.” “Then it is my brother and he is really with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao,” said Yüan-tê, secretly thanking God that he was safe.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

He made an attempt to wait about till he could call to Kuan Yü, but a great mass of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s soldiers came rushing down and he was forced to retire. Yüan Shao, bringing reinforcements, reached Kuantu and built a stockade. Two advisers went in to see him and said, “Again that fellow Kuan has been in the battle; he killed Wên Ch‘ou. Liu Pei pretends ignorance of him.” ​ Their master was angry and railed at Pei. “The long-eared rebel! How dare he do such a thing?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Soon Yüan-tê appeared; again Shao ordered him out to instant execution. “What crime have I committed?” asked Yüan-tê. “You sent your brother to slay one of my generals. Is that no crime?” “Pray let me explain before I die. Ts‘ao hated me and has always done so. Now he has found out where I am and, fearing that I may help you, has got my brother to destroy your two generals, feeling sure that when you heard of it you would be angry and put me to death. You cannot fail to see this.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“What he says is sense,” said Shao, “and you two nearly brought on me the reproach of injuring the good.” He ordered his attendants to retire and asked Yüan-tê to come and sit by him. Yüan-tê came saying, “I am deeply thankful, Illustrious Sir, for your great kindness, for which I can never be sufficiently grateful. Now I desire to send some confidential messenger with a secret letter to my brother to tell him where I am, and I am sure he will come without a moment’s delay. He will help you to destroy Ts‘ao Ts‘ao to make up for having destroyed your two officers. Do you approve of this?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“If I got Yün-ch‘ang he would be ten times better than the two men I have lost,” replied Shao. So Yüan-tê prepared a letter. But there was no one to take it. Yüan Shao ordered the army to withdraw to Wu-yang, where they made a large camp. For some time nothing was done.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Then Tsʻao Ts‘ao sent Hsiahou Tun to defend the strategical point at Kuantu while he led the bulk of the army back to the capital. There he gave many banquets in honour of the services of Kuan Yü and then he told Lü Ch‘ien that putting the supplies in the front of the army had been meant as a bait to draw the enemy to destruction. “Only Hsün Yu understood that,” said he in conclusion.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Every one present praised his ingenuity. Even while the banquet was proceeding there arrived news of a rising of Yellow Turban rebels at Junan. They were very strong and Ts‘ao Hung had been defeated in several engagements. Now he begged for help. Kuan Yü, hearing this said, “I should like to have the opportunity of performing some service by destroying these rebels.” “You have already rendered noble services for which you have not been properly requited. I could hardly trouble you again,” said Ts‘ao. “I have been idle too long; I shall get ill,” said Kuan Yü.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

​ Ts‘ao encouraged him to go and gave him five legions with Yü Chin and Yo Chin as captains under him. They were to leave soon. Then Hsün Yü said privily to his master, “He always cherishes the idea of returning to Liu Pei. He will leave you if he hears any news. Do not let him go on this expedition.” “If he does well this time I will not let him go into battle again,” said Ts‘ao.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

In due time the force led by Kuan Yü drew near the rebels and made their camp. One night, just outside his camp, two spies were caught and taken in to Kuan who in one of them recognised Sun Ch‘ien. The attendants being dismissed Kuan Yü questioned him. “After we lost sight of each other I have heard not a word of you; what are you doing here?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“After I escaped I drifted hither and thither till I had the good fortune to reach Junan and Liu P‘i took me in. But why are you with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, General? And where are your sisters-in-law? Are they well?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Kuan Yü told him all that had happened. “I have heard lately that Liu Pei is with Yüan Shao. I would have liked to go and join him, but I have not found a convenient opportunity. Now the two men I am with have taken the side of Yüan Shao against Ts‘ao. By good luck you were coming here so I got command of a small party of scouts to be able to see you and tell you. Presently our two leaders will pretend to be defeated and you, and the two ladies, can go over to Yüan Shao. And you will see your brother.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Since he is there I certainly must go at once to see him. But it is a misfortune that I have slain two of Yüan Shao’s generals. I fear things are not in my favour,” said Kuan. “Let me go first and see how the land lies; I will come back and tell you.” “I would risk a myriad deaths to see my brother,” said Kuan Yü. “But I must go to say farewell to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Sun Ch‘ien was sent away that night and next day Kuan Yü led out his men to offer battle. Kung Tu, in armour, went out to the front of the line of battle and Kuan Yü said, “You people, why have you risen against the government?” “Why do you blame us when you have turned your back on your own lord?” replied Kung Tu. “How have I turned my back on my lord?” “Liu Yüan-tê is with Yüan Pên-ch‘u and you are with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao; what is that?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Kuan Yü could not reply, but he whirled round his sword and rode forward. Tu fled and Kuan Yü followed. Tu turned and said to Kuan Yü, “I cannot forget my old chief’s kindness. Now attack as soon as you can and I will give up the defences.” ​ Kuan Yü understood and urged on his men. The leaders of the rebels pretended they were worsted and they all scattered. So the city was taken. Having pacified the people Kuan Yü quickly led his army back to the capital, where he was met by Ts‘ao, congratulated on his success and feasted.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

When this was all over Kuan Yü went to the dwelling of his sisters-in-law to pay his respects at their gate. “Have you been able to get any news of Uncle Liu in your two expeditions?” asked the Lady Kan. “None,” replied Kuan Yü. As he retired from the door he heard sounds of bitter weeping within.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Alas he is dead,” said they. “Our brother-in-law thinks we shall be greatly distressed and hides the truth from us.” One of the old soldiers, who acted as guard, hearing the sounds of perpetual grief, took pity on them and said, “Do not weep, ladies; your lord is with Yüan Shao in Hopei.” “How do you know that?” said they. “I went out with General Kuan and one of the soldiers told me.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

The two ladies summoned Kuan Yü and reproached him saying, “Uncle Liu never betrayed you and yet you remain here enjoying the bounty of Ts‘ao Tsʻao and forgetting the old times. And you tell us falsehoods.” Kuan Yü bowed his head. “My brother really is in Hopei, but I dared not tell you, lest it should become known. Something must be done but done carefully and it needs time.” “Brother-in-law, you should hasten,” said the Lady Kan. Kuan Yü withdrew feeling that he must evolve some scheme of departure without further loss of time. It caused him much uneasiness.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Yü Chin, having found out that Liu Pei was in the north, told Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, who at once sent Chang Liao to find out Kuan Yü’s intentions. Chang Liao entered jauntily and congratulated Kuan, saying, “They tell me you obtained news of your brother in the battlefield; I felicitate you.” “My lord was there indeed but I met him not. I see nothing to be glad about.” “Is there any difference between the relationship of you two and that of any other two brothers?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Kuan replied, “You and I stand in the relationship of friends: Yüan-tê and I are friends and brothers beside, and prince and minister in addition to both. Our relationship cannot be discussed in usual terms.” “Well, now that you know where your brother is, are you going to him?” “How can I go back on what I said before? I am sure you will explain fully to the Minister.” ​ Chang Liao went back and told his master who said, “I must find a way to keep him here.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain