第dì四sì十shí四sì回huí 孔kǒng明míng用yòng智zhì激jī周zhōu瑜yú　　　孙sūn权quán决jué计jì破pò曹cáo操cāo

The dying message which the Lady Wu recalled to Sun Ch'üan’s memory was, “For internal matters consult Chang Chao; for external policy Chou Yü.” Wherefore Chou Yü was summoned. But he was already on the way. He had been training his naval forces on Lake Pʻoyang when he heard of the approach of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s hosts and had started for Ch‘aisengchün without loss of time. So, before the messenger ordered to call him could start, he had already arrived. As he and Lu Su were close friends the latter went to welcome him and told him of all that had happened.

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“Have no anxiety,” said Chou Yü, “I shall be able to decide this. But go quickly and beg Kʻung-ming to come to see me.”

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So Lu Su went to seek out K‘ung-ming. Chou Yü had many other visitors. First came Chang Chao and his faction to find out what might be afoot. They were received, and after the exchange of the usual commonplaces, Chang Chao said, “Have you heard of our terrible danger?” “I have heard nothing,” said Chou Yü.

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“Ts‘ao Ts‘ao and his hordes are encamped up the river. He has just sent letters asking our lord to hunt with him in Chianghsia. He may have a desire to absorb this country but, if so, the details of his designs are still secret. We prayed our master to give in his submission and so avoid the horrors of war, but now Lu Su has returned bringing with him the Commander-in-Chief of Liu Pei’s army, Chuko Liang. He, desiring to avenge himself for the recent defeat, has talked our lord into a mind for war and Lu Su persists in supporting him. They only await your final decision.” “Are you and yours unanimous in your opinions?” “We are perfectly unanimous,” said Chang. Chou said, “The fact is I have also desired to submit for a long time. I beg you to leave me now and to-morrow we will see our master and I shall make up his mind for him.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

So they took their leave. Very soon came the military party led by Ch'êng P‘u. They were admitted and duly enquired after their host’s health. Then the leader said, “Have you heard that our country is about to pass under another’s government?” ​ “No; I have heard nothing,” replied the host. “We helped General Sun to establish his authority here and carve out this kingdom, and to gain that end we fought many a battle before we conquered the country. Now our lord lends his ear to his civil officers and desires to submit himself to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. This is a most shameful and pitiful course and we would rather die than follow it, so we hope you will decide to fight and you may depend upon our struggling to the last man.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“And are you unanimous, Generals?” asked Chou Yü. Huang Kai suddenly started up and smote his forehead saying, “They may take my head but I swear never to surrender.” “Not one of us is willing to surrender,” cried all the others. “My desire also is to decide matters with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao on the battlefield. How could we think of submission? Now I pray you retire, Generals, and when I see our lord I will settle his doubts.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

So the war party left. They were quickly succeeded by Chuko Ching and his faction. They were brought in and, after the usual courtesies, Ching said, “My brother has come down the river saying that Liu Pei desires to ally himself with our lord against Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. The civil and military hold different opinions as to the course to be pursued, but as my brother is so deeply concerned I am unwilling to say much on either side. We are awaiting your decision.” “And what do you think about it?” asked Chou Yü. “Submission is an easy road to tranquillity, while the result of war is hard to foretell.”

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Chou Yü smiled, “I shall have my mind made up. Come to-morrow to the palace and the decision shall be announced.”

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The trimmers took their leave. But soon after came Lü Mêng with his supporters, also desirous of discussing the same thing, and they told him that opinions differed greatly, some being for peace and others for war. One party constantly disputed with the other. “I must not say much now,” replied Chou Yü, “but you will see to-morrow in the palace, when the matter will be fully debated.” They went away leaving Chou Yü smiling cynically.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

About eventide Lu Su and K‘ung-ming came and Chou Yü went out to the main gate to receive them. When they had taken their proper seats, Lu Su spoke first, saying, “Ts‘ao Ts‘ao has come against the south with a huge army. Our master cannot decide whether to submit or give battle and waits for your decision. What is your opinion?” Chou Yü replied, “We may not oppose Ts‘ao Ts‘ao when he acts at the command of the Emperor. Moreover, he is very strong and to attack him is to take serious risks. In my opinion, opposition would mean defeat and, since submission ​ means peace, I have decided to advise our lord to write and offer surrender.”

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“But you are wrong,” stammered Lu Su. “This country has been under the same rule for three generations and cannot be suddenly abandoned to some other. San Ts'ê said that you were to be consulted on matters beyond the border and we depended upon you to keep the country as secure and solid as Mount T‘ai. Now you adopt the view of the weaklings and propose to yield! I cannot believe you mean it.”

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Replied Chou Yü, “The six districts contain countless people. If I am the means of bringing upon them the misery of war they will hate me. So I have decided to advise submission.”

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“But do you not realise our lord’s might and the strength of our country? If Ts‘ao does attack it is very uncertain that he will realise his desire.”

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The two wrangled for a long time, while K‘ung-ming sat smiling with folded arms. Presently Chou Yü asked why he smiled thus and he replied, “I am smiling at no other than your opponent Lu Su, who knows nothing of the affairs of the day.” “Master,” said Lu Su, “What do you mean?” “Why, this intention to submit is perfectly reasonable; it is the one proper thing.” “There!” exclaimed Chou Yü, “K‘ung-ming knows the times perfectly well and he agrees with me.” “But, both of you, why do you say this?” said Lu.

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Said K‘ung-ming, “Ts‘ao is an excellent commander, so good that no one dares oppose him. Only very few have ever attempted it and they have been exterminated; the world knows them no more. The only exception is Liu Pei, who did not understand the conditions and vigorously contended against him, with the result that he is now at Chianghsia in a very parlous state. To submit is to secure the safety of wives and children, to be rich and honoured. But the dignity of the country would be left to chance and fate —— — However, that is not worth consideration.”

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Lu Su interrupted angrily, “Would you make our lord crook the knee to such a rebel as he?” “Well,” replied K‘ung-ming, “there is another way, and a cheaper; there would be no need to 'lead the sheep and shoulder wine pots' for presents, nor any need to yield territory and surrender seals of office. It would not even be necessary to cross the river yourselves. All you would require is a simple messenger and a little boat to ferry a couple of people across the river. If Ts‘ao only got these two persons under his hand, his hordes and legions would just drop their weapons, furl their banners and silently vanish away.”

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“What two persons could cause Ts‘ao Ts‘ao to go away as you say?” asked Chou Yü. ​ “Two persons who could be easily spared from this populous country. They would not be missed any more than a leaf from a tree or a grain of millet from a granary. But if Ts‘ao could only get them, would he not go away rejoicing!”

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“But who are the two?” asked Chou Yü again. “When I was living in the country they told me that Ts‘ao was building a pavilion on the Chang River; it was to be named the Bronze Bird Pavilion. It is an exceedingly handsome building and he has sought throughout all the world for the most beautiful women to live in it. For Ts‘ao really is a sensualist.” “Now there are two very famous beauties in Chiantung, born of the Ch‘iao family. So beautiful are they that birds alight and fishes drown, the moon hides her face and the flowers blush for shame at sight of them. Ts‘ao has declared with an oath that he only wants two things in this world, the imperial throne in peace and the sight of those two women on the Bronze Bird Terraces. Given these two he would go down to his grave without regret. This expedition of his, his huge army that threatens this country, has for its real aim these two women. Why do you not buy these two from their father for any sum however large and send them over the river? The object of the army being attained, it will simply be marched away. This is the use that Fan Li made of the famous beauty Hsi Shih.”

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“How do you know he so greatly desires these two?” said Chou Yü. “Because his son, who is an able writer, at the command of his father wrote a poem 'An Ode to the Bronze Bird Terrace,' the theme only allowing allusions to the family fitness for the throne. He has sworn to possess these two women. I think I can remember the poem, if you wish to hear it. I admire it greatly.”

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“Try,” said Chou Yü.

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Kongming then recited the Rhapsody on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, saying:

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Following the enlightened lord to roam and play, I climb the tiered terrace to glad my heart.

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I see the great mansion spread wide, I gaze on what his sage virtue built.

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Lofty gates rise towering, twin watchtowers float in highest heaven.

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A splendid tower stands mid-sky, linked by flying galleries to the west wall.

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Overlooking the Zhang River's long flow, I gaze on the garden fruits flourishing.

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Twin terraces are raised left and right, the Jade Dragon and the Golden Phoenix.

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Gathering the Two Qiaos in the southeast, rejoicing to share each dawn and dusk.

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Looking down on the royal capital's grand beauty, gazing on the drifting clouds and rosy mist.

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Glad that a host of talents gather, fulfilling the lucky dream of the Flying Bear.

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Looking up to the spring wind's gentle warmth, listening to the mournful song of a hundred birds.

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The cloud-sky stretches, now firmly set; the wishes of the house find twofold fulfillment.

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Spreading benevolent grace through the cosmos, offering full reverence to the high capital.

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Though Duke Huan and Lord Wen were great, how could they match this sage brightness?

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Perfect and beautiful! Benevolent favor spreads afar.

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Winged ministers aid our royal house, bringing peace to the four quarters.

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Matching heaven and earth in measure, equalling the sun and moon in radiance.

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Forever honored, without end, matching the lord's long life with the Lord of the East.

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Guiding dragon banners to roam afar, turning the phoenix carriage to circle round.

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Grace reaches to the four seas, fine things abound, the people are well.

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May this terrace stand firm forever, joy lasting to the end of time without end!

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So he recited the poem:— Let me follow in the footsteps of the enlightened ruler that I may rejoice, And ascend the storied terrace that I may gladden my heart, That I may see the wide extent of the palace, That I may gaze upon the plans of the virtuous one. He has established the exalted gates high as the hills, He has builded the lofty towers piercing the blue vault, He has set up the beautiful building in the midst of the heavens, Whence the eye can range over the cities of the west. On the banks of the rolling River Chang he planned it, Whence abundance of fruits could be looked for in his gardens. The two towers rise, one on either flank, This named Golden Phoenix, that Jade Dragon. He would seize the two Ch‘iao; these beautiful ladies of the south-east, That he might rejoice with them morning and evening. Look down; there is the grand beauty of an imperial city, And the rolling vapours lie floating beneath. He will rejoice in the multitude of scholars that assemble, Answering to the felicitous dream of King Wên. Look up; and there is the gorgeous harmony of spring-time, And the singing of many birds delighting the ear; The lofty sky stands over all. The house desires success in its double undertaking, That the humane influence may be poured out over all the world, That the perfection of reverence may be offered to the Ruler. Only the richly prosperous rule of Huan and Wên Could compare with that of the sacred understanding What fortune! what beauty! The gracious kindness spreads afar, The imperial family is supported, Peace reigns over all the world, Bounded only by the universe. Bright as the glory of the sun and moon, Ever honourable and ever enduring, The Ruler shall live to the age of the eastern emperor, The dragon banner shall wave to the farthest limit. His glorious chariot shall be guided with perfect wisdom, His thoughts shall reform all the world, Felicitous produce shall be abundant, And the people shall rest firm. My desire is that these towers shall endure for ever, And that joy shall never cease through all the ages.

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Chou Yü listened to the end but then suddenly jumped up in a tremendous rage. Turning to the north and pointing with his finger he cried, “You old rebel; this insult is too deep!” K‘ung-ming hastily rose too and, as if to soothe him, said, “But remember Shan Yü. The emperor gave him a princess of the family to wife although he had made many incursions into our territory. That was the price of peace. You surely would not grudge two more women from among the people.” “You do not know, Sir,” replied Chou Yü. “Of those two women you mentioned, the elder is the widow of Sun Ts'ê, our late ruler, and the younger is my wife.” K‘ung-ming feigned the greatest astonishment and said, “No indeed; I did not know. I blundered; a deadly fault; a deadly fault!”

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“One of us two has to go, either the old rebel or I; we shall not both live. I swear that,” cried Chou Yü. “However, such a matter needs a good deal of thought,” replied K‘ung-ming. “We must not make any mistake.” Chou Yü replied, “I hold a sacred trust from my late lord, Sun Ts'ê; I would not bow the knee to any such as Ts‘ao. What I said just now was to see how you stood. I left the lake with the intention of attacking the north, and nothing can change that intention, not even the sword at my breast or the axe on my neck. But I trust you will lend an arm and we will smite Ts‘ao Ts‘ao together.” “Should I be happy enough not to be rejected I would render such humble service as I could. Perhaps presently I might be able to offer a plan to oppose him.” ​ “I am going to see my lord to-morrow to discuss this matter,” said Chou Yü.

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K‘ung-ming and Lu Su then left. Next day at dawn Sun Ch'üan went to the council chamber, where his officials, civil and military, were already assembled. They numbered about three score in all. The civil, with Chang Chao at their head, were on the right; the military, with Ch'êng P‘u as their leader, were ranged on the left. All were in full ceremonial dress and the swords of the soldiers clanked on the pavement. Soon Chou Yü entered and, when Sun Ch'üan had finished the usual gracious remarks, he said, “I hear that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao is encamped on the river and has sent a despatch to you, my lord; I would ask what your opinion is.”

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Thereupon the despatch was produced and handed to Chou Yü. After reading it through he said, smiling, “The old thief thinks there are no men in this land that he writes in this contemptuous strain.” “What do you think, Sir?” asked Sun Ch'üan. “Have you discussed this with the officials?” asked Chou Yü.

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“We have been discussing this for days. Some counsel surrender and some advise fight. I am undecided and therefore I have asked you to come and decide the point.” “Who advise surrender?” asked Chou Yü. “Chang Chao and his party are firmly set in this opinion.” Chou Yü then turned to Chang Chao and said, “I should be pleased to hear why you are for surrender, Master.”

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Then Chang Chao replied, “Ts‘ao Ts‘ao has been attacking all opponents in the name of the Emperor, who is entirely in his hands. He does everything in the name of the government. Lately he has taken Chingchou and thereby increased his prestige. Our defence against him was the river, but now he also has a large fleet and can attack by water. How can we withstand him? Wherefore I counsel submission till some chance shall offer.” “This is but the opinion of an ill-advised student,” said Chou Yü. “How can you think of abandoning this country that we have held for three generations?”

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“That being so,” said Sun Ch'üan, “where is a plan to come from?” “Though Ts‘ao Ts‘ao assumes the name of a Minister of the empire, he is at heart a rebel. You, O General, are able in war and brave. You are the heir to your father and brother. You command brave and tried soldiers, and you have plentiful supplies. You are able to overrun the whole country and rid it of every evil. There is no reason why you should surrender to a rebel. Moreover, Ts‘ao has undertaken this expedition in defiance of all the rules of war. The north is unsubdued and Ma T'êng and Han Sui threaten his rear and yet he persists in his southern march. This is the first point against Ts‘ao. ​ The northern men are unused to fighting on the water; Ts‘ao is relinquishing his well-tried cavalry and trusting to ships. That is the second point against him. Again, we are now in full winter and the weather is at its coldest so there is no food for the horses. That is the third point against. Soldiers from the central state marching in a wet country among lakes and rivers will find themselves in an unaccustomed climate and suffer from malaria. That is the fourth point against. Now when Ts‘ao’s armies have all these points against them, defeat is certain, however numerous they may be, and you can take Ts‘ao captive just as soon as you wish. Give me a few companies of veterans and I will go and destroy him.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain