第dì七qī十shí五wǔ回huí 关guān云yún长zhǎng刮guā骨gǔ疗liáo毒dú　　　吕lǚ子zi明míng白bái衣yī渡dù江jiāng

At the sight of Kuan Yü falling from his charger, Ts‘ao Jên led his men out of the city to follow up with an attack, but Kuan P‘ing drove him off and escorted his father back to camp. There the arrow was extracted, but the head had been poisoned. The wound was deep, and the poison had penetrated to the bone. The right arm was discoloured and swollen and useless. Kuan P‘ing consulted with the other leaders and proposed that, as fighting was impossible for the moment, they should withdraw to Chingchou, where his father’s wound could be treated. Having decided upon this, they went to see the wounded warrior. “What have you come for?” asked Kuan Yü when they entered.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Considering that you, Sir, have been wounded in the right arm, we fear the result of the excitement of battle. Moreover, you can hardly take part in a fight just now and we therefore propose that the army retire till you are recovered.” Kuan Yü replied angrily, “I am on the point of taking the city, and if I succeed I must press forward to the capital, Hsütu, and destroy that brigand Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, so that the Hans may be restored to their own. Think you that I can vitiate the whole campaign because of a slight wound? Would you dishearten the army?” Kuan P‘ing and his colleagues said no more, but somewhat unwillingly withdrew.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Seeing that their leader would not retire and the wound showed no signs of healing, the various captains enquired far and near for a good surgeon to attend their general. One day a person arrived in a small ship and, having landed and come up to the gate of the camp, was led in to see Kuan P‘ing. The visitor wore a square-cut cap and a loose robe. In his hand he carried a small black bag. He said his name was Hua T‘o and he belonged to Ch‘iaochun. He had heard of the wound sustained by the famous hero and had come to heal it.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Surely you must be the physician who treated Chou T‘ai,” said Kuan P‘ing. ​ “I am.” Taking with him the other captains, Kuan P‘ing went in to see his father. He found him engaged in a game of wei-ch‘i, although his arm was very painful. But he kept up appearances so as not to discourage the men. When they told him that a physician had come, he consented to see him. So Hua T‘o was introduced, asked to take a seat and, after the tea of ceremony, was shown the injured arm.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“This was caused by an arrow,” said the doctor. “There is some 'blackhead' poison in the wound, and it has penetrated to the bone. Unless the wound is soon treated the arm will become useless.” “What do you propose to do?” asked Kuan. “I know how to cure the wound, but I think you will be afraid of the remedy.” “Am I likely to be afraid of that when I am not even afraid of death? Death is only a return home after all.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Then Hua said, “This is what I shall do. In a private room I shall erect a post with a ring attached. I shall ask you, Sir, to insert your arm in the ring, and I shall bind it firmly to the post. Then I shall cover your head with a quilt so that you cannot see, and with a scalpel I shall open up the flesh right down to the bone. Then I shall scrape away the poison. This done, I shall dress the wound with a certain preparation, sew it up with a thread, and there will be no further trouble. But I think you may quail at the severity of the treatment."

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Kuan Yü smiled. “It all sounds easy enough,” said he; “but why the post and the ring?” Refreshments were then served, and after a few cups of wine the warrior extended his arm for the operation. With his other hand he went on with his game. Meanwhile the surgeon prepared his knife and called a lad to hold a basin beneath the limb. “I am just going to cut; do not start,” said Hua T‘o. “When I consented to undergo the treatment did you think I was like the generality of people, afraid of pain?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

The surgeon then performed the operation as he had predescribed. He found the bone much discoloured, but he scraped it clean. “ Hsi, hsi ,” went the knife over the surface, and all those near covered their eyes and turned pale. But Kuan Yü went on with his game, only drinking a cup of wine now and again, and his face betrayed no sign of pain. When the wound had been cleansed, sewn up and dressed, the patient stood up smiling and said, “This arm is now as good as it ever was; there is no pain. Indeed, Master Leech, you are a marvel.” “I have spent my life in the art,” said Hua T‘o; “but I have never seen such a patient as you, Sir. You are the real marvel.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

To cure an illness one must sort the surgeon from the physician, yet few in this world possess such wondrous art.

GLM · 2026 · machine-generated

In awe-inspiring might none match the warrior Guan; in healing art, none rival Hua Tuo's hand.

GLM · 2026 · machine-generated

​ Here as surgeons, there physicians, leeches boast their skill; Bitter few are those that cure one when one’s really ill. As for superhuman valour rivals Kuan had none, So for holy touch in healing Hua T‘o stood alone. When the cure was well advanced, Kuan Yü gave a fine banquet in honour of Hua T‘o and offered him a fee of a hundred taels. But he declined it. He had come to treat his patient from admiration of his great virtue and not for money.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Noble Marquis, although your wound is cured you must be careful of your health, and especially avoid all excitement for a hundred days, when you will be as well as ever you were.” Then Hua T‘o, having prepared dressings for the wound, took his leave, refusing fees to the very last. Having captured Yü Chin and accomplished the death of P‘ang Tê, Kuan Yü became more famous and more fear-inspiring through the whole country than even before. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao called together his advisers to help him decide upon what he should do.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Said Ts‘ao, “I must acknowledge this Kuan Yün-ch‘ang as the one man who, in skill and valour, overtops the whole world. Lately he has obtained possession of Chingchou and the district near it, and has so become very terrible. He is a tiger with wings added. P‘ang Tê is no more; Yü Chin is his prisoner; the armies of Wei have lost their morale; and if he led his armies here we should be helpless. I can only think of avoiding the peril by removal of the capital. What think you?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“No; do not take that step,” said Ssŭma I, rising to reply. “Yü Chin and all the others you lost were victims of the flood and slain in battle. These losses do no harm at all to your great plan. The Suns and Lius are no longer friends since Kuan Yü has accomplished his desire. You may send a messenger into Wu to foment the quarrel and cause Sun Ch‘üan to send his armies to attack the army of Kuan Yü from the rear, promising that, when things are tranquil, you will reward Sun with a slice of Chiangnan. In this way you will relieve Fanch'êng.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Here the Recorder Chiang Chi said, “Ssŭma I speaks well, and the messenger should lose no time. Do not move the capital or send an army.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Ts‘ao Ts‘ao therefore did not carry out his first proposal. But he was sad at the loss of Yü Chin, and spoke of him affectionately. “Yü Chin had followed me faithfully for thirty years, and I did not think I was sending him into danger. P‘ang Tê was not on the same footing as he.” It was necessary to send someone with the letters to Wu and also to find another leader willing to face Kuan Yü. Ts‘ao had not long to wait for the latter, as an officer stepped out from ​ the ranks of those in waiting and offered himself. It was Hsü Huang.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

His offer was accepted, and he was given five legions of veterans. Lü Chien was sent as his second, and the army marched to Yanglingp‘o, where they halted to see if any support was coming from the south-east. Sun Ch'üan fell in with the scheme of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao as soon as he had read his letter. He at once prepared a reply for the messenger to take back, and then gathered his officers, civil and military, to consult. Chang Chao was the first speaker.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“We know Kuan Yü has captured one leader and slain another. This has added greatly to his fame and reputation. Ts‘ao was going to move the capital rather than risk an attack. We also know that Fanch'êng is in imminent danger. Ts‘ao has asked for our help, but when he has gained his end I doubt whether he will hold to his promise.” Before Sun Ch'üan had replied they announced the arrival of Lü Mêng, who had come in a small ship from Luk‘ou with a special message. He was at once called in and asked what it was. Said Lü, “The armies of Kuan Yü being absent at Fanch‘êng, the opportunity should be taken to attack Chingchou.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“But I wish to attack Hsüchou in the north; what of this plan?” said Sun Ch'üan. “It would be better to attack Chingchou, and so get control of the Long River (Yangtse Kiang.). Ts‘ao Ts‘ao is far away to the north and too occupied to regard the east. Hsüchou is weakly held and could be taken easily, but the lie of the land favours the use of an army rather than a navy. If you capture it, it will not be easy to hold, but once you hold Chingchou you can evolve other schemes.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Really, my desire was to attack Chingchou, but I wished to hear what you would say to the other plan. Now, Sir, make me a plan speedily and I will act upon it.” So Lü Mêng took his leave and went back to Luk‘ou. But soon they heard that beacon towers were being erected at short distances all along the river, and that the Chingchou army was being put into most efficient condition. “If this is so, it is hard to make a plan that will ensure success,” said Lü Mêng. “I have already advised my master to attack Chingchou, but I am unable to meet this complication.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Therefore he made illness an excuse to stay at home, and sent to inform Sun Ch'üan, who was very distressed at the news. Then said Lu Hsün, “The illness is feigned; he is quite well.” “If you know that so well, go and see,” said Sun. ​ Away went Lu Hsün and speedily arrived at Luk‘ou, where he saw Lü Mêng, who indeed appeared to be in perfect health. Nor did his face bear any signs of recent illness. “The marquis has sent me to enquire after your honourable complaint,” said Lu Hsün. How distressed I am that the state of my wretched carcase has caused anyone the inconvenience of enquiring!” replied Lü Mêng.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“The marquis placed a very heavy responsibility on your shoulders, but you are not making the best use of the opportunity. However, what is the real origin of your distress?” Lü sat gazing at his visitor a long time without replying. “I have a little remedy,” said Lu Hsün. “Do you think I might use it?” Lü dismissed the servants, and when the two were alone he said, “This remedy, my friend, please tell me what it is.' ” “Your ailment is due simply to the efficiency of the Chingchou soldiers; and I know how to keep the beacons from flaring, and I can make the Chingchou defenders come to you with their hands tied. Would that cure you?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“My friend, you speak as if you saw into my inmost heart. Pray unfold your good scheme.” “Kuan Yü thinks himself too much of a hero for anyone to dare to face him, and his only anxiety is yourself. Now you must take advantage of this excuse you have made of illness actually to resign this post so that the farce may be kept up and another man be appointed. Let this man, your successor, humbly praise Kuan Yü till he becomes so conceited that he will withdraw all the troops from Chingchou to send them against Fanch'êng. When Chingchou is left undefended then is our chance, and the city will fall into our hands.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“The plan seems most excellent,” said Lü Mêng. Wherefore Lü Mêng’s malady waxed worse, so that he was confined to bed; and he gave Lu Hsün his letter of resignation to carry back to Sun Ch'üan. The messenger hastened back and explained the ruse to his master, who soon after issued a command for Lü Mêng to retire and attend to the recovery of his health.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

But Lü Mêng came to Sun Ch'üan to discuss the matter of a successor. Sun Ch'üan said to him, “As to the appintment at Luk‘ou, you know Chou Yü recommended Lu Su, who in turn proposed you. Now you ought to be able to mention some other talented and well-known officer to succeed you.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“If you choose a well-known man, Kuan Yü will certainly be on his guard against him. Now Lu Hsün is deep and farseeing, but he has no widespread fame. Hence no particular notice would be taken of his appointment and no countermeasures taken. So he is the most suitable person to send.” ​ “Sun Ch'üan agreed and thereupon promoted Lu Hsün to the rank of “General and Commander-in-chief of the Right,' and sent him to defend the port.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“I am very young,” said Lu Hsün, “and feel unequal to such a post.” “Lü Mêng has proposed you, and you will not make any mistakes. Pray do not decline,” said Sun. So the appointment was made, and Lu Hsün set out at once. When he had assumed charge of the cavalry, the infantry and the marines, he set about drawing up a letter to Kuan Yü, and he selected fine horses and beautiful silks and good wines and delicacies suitable for gifts to go with the letter. He sent all by the hand of a trusty messenger to Fanch‘êng.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

The news of the change of command reached Kuan Yü when he lay ill from the effects of his wound and unable to conduct any military operations. Close upon the news came the letter and the gifts from Lu Hsün, and the bearer was called in to see the great warrior. “Friend Sun was not very prudent when he made a general out of a mere scholar,” said Kuan, pointing to the messenger. The messenger said, “General Lu sends this letter and some presents, which he hopes you will accept. He also sends his felicitations, and would rejoice if the two houses could become friends.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Kuan Yü read the letter, which was couched in most modest language, and then threw back his head and laughed loud. He bade the attendants receive the various gifts, and sent the bearer away. The messenger forthwith returned to Luk‘ou and said the old warrior had seemed very gratified and would henceforward feel no anxiety that danger might threaten from their direction. Spies were sent out to report on proceedings, and they returned to say that half the troops had been sent to assist in the siege of Fanch'êng. That city was to be seriously assaulted as soon as Kuan Yü had recovered.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

This news was promptly sent on to Sun Ch'üan, who at once called in Lü Mêng to decide upon the next move.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Now is the favourable moment to get possession of Chingchou,” said Sun. “I propose to send you and my brother, Sun Chiao, to lead the army.” This Sun Chiao was really only a cousin, as he was the second son of Sun Ch'üan’s uncle. His secondary name was Shu-ming.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain