第dì七qī十shí六liù回huí 徐xú公gōng明míng大dà战zhàn沔miǎn水shuǐ　　　关guān云yún长zhǎng败bài走zǒu麦mài城chéng

The fall of Chingchou put Mi Fang in a quandary, and before he could decide upon any course his ancient colleague Fu Shih-jên came to see him. He 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.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“You and I have both fed on the bounty of the Prince of Hanchung, and I cannot understand how you can turn against him.” “Kuan Yü went away hating both of us intensely, and 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.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Mi Fang hesitated. Before he could make up his mind, there came a messenger to say that the army was short of grain and he had been sent to demand white rice for the soldiers. Nanchün and Kungan were to send ten myriad tan at once. Delay would be most severely punished. This sudden demand was a shock to Mi Fang. “Where am I to get the rice?” said he despairingly to his friend and tempter. “Chingchou is now in the hands of Wu.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Do not dilly-dally,” said Fu Shih-jên. Thereupon he drew his sword and slew the messenger as he stood in the hall. “What have you done?” cried Mi Fang.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Kuan 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 Kuan Yü.” Just then they heard that Lü Mêng’s men had actually reached the city wall. Mi Fang saw that nothing could save his life but desertion, so he went out with Fu and gave in his allegiance to Lü Mêng, by whom he was led to Sun Ch'üan. Sun Ch'üan gave both of them presents, after which he proceeded to restore order and to reward his army for their services.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

​ At the time that great discussion about Chingchou was going on in the capital, a messenger arrived with a letter from Sun Ch'üan. It told the tale of the acquisition of Chingchou and begged Ts‘ao Ts‘ao to send an army to attack Kuan Yü in the rear, enjoining the utmost secrecy.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

At the meeting of advisers that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao summoned to consultation, Tung Chao said, “Now that the relief of Fanch'êng is contemplated it would be well to let the besieged know, so that they may not yield to depression. Moreover, if Kuan Yü hears that Chingchou is in the hands of Wu he will come back to try to recover it. Then let Hsü Huang take the chance to attack, and our victory will be complete.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Ts‘ao Ts‘ao agreed that the plan was good, and so he sent a messenger to urge Hsü Huang to attack. Ts‘ao himself led a large force to Yanglup‘o, south of Loyang, to rescue Tsao Jên.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Hsü 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 Loyang, and he wishes you to hasten to attack Kuan Yü in order to relieve Fanch'êng.” Just then the scouts came to report that Kuan Yü had encamped at Yench'êng and Liao Hua at Ssuchung. The enemy had built a line of twelve stockades. Hsü Huang ordered two of his lieutenants to Yench'êng to masquerade as if he himself was in command, by showing his ensigns. Hsü himself, at the head of a few veterans, went along the Mien River to attack Yench'êng in the rear.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

When Kuan P‘ing heard of the approach of Hsü Huang he prepared his own division to meet him. When both sides were arrayed, Kuan P‘ing rode out and engaged one Hsü Shang. After three encounters Hsü Shang had the worst of it and fled. Then the other lieutenant, Lü Chien, went out. He fought half a dozen bouts and also ran away. Thereupon Kuan P‘ing went in pursuit and smote the flying enemy for twenty li . But then there was an alarm of fire within the city, and Kuan P‘ing 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 Hsü Huang.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Hsü Huang shouted out, “Kuan P‘ing, my worthy nephew, it is strange that you do not recognise death when it stares you in the face. Your Chingchou has fallen into the hands of Wu and yet you act so madly.” Kuan P‘ing, whirling his sword, just rode hard at Hsü 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. Kuan P‘ing could not follow up his desire to continue the fight, but cut ​ his way out and made a dash for Ssuchung, where Liao Hua received him with the news of the disaster to Chingchou.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“People say that Chingchou has fallen to Lü Mêng, and the news has frightened the whole army; what is to be done?” said he. “It is only a malicious rumour; do not let it spread. If any one repeats it, put him to death.” Just then a man came running in to say that Hsü Huang was attacking the first stockade on the north. “If that goes,” said Kuan P‘ing, “the remainder will follow. But as we have the river at our back, they will not dare attack this. Let us go to the rescue.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

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 'deer-horns' ( chevaux de frise ): even a bird could not get in.” Kuan P‘ing 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, Kuan P‘ing said to his colleague, “Those men are stationed in an unsafe place; let us raid their camp to-night.” “You take half the force, General, and I will remain to keep the camp,” said Liao Hua.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

When night fell, the attacking force went out. But on reaching the camp not a man opposed them. The camp was empty. Then Kuan P‘ing knew he had been deceived, and turned to retreat. He was at once attacked on two sides by Hsü Shang and Lü Chien. Unable to stand, his men ran for the camp. The men of Wei followed, and presently the camp was surrounded. They were compelled to abandon the position and set off for Ssuchung. 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 Fanch'êng, but presently their way was barred by a force under Hsü Huang himself. By dint of hard fighting they got away and returned to their main camp, and Kuan P‘ing went to his father.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Hsü Huang has got possession of Yench'êng. Ts‘ao’s main army is on the way in three divisions, and many say that Chingchou is in the enemy’s hands.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Kuan Yü bade him be silent. “This is a fabrication of the enemy, said he, “but it may dishearten the soldiers. We know Lü Mêng is ill, and they have appointed that impractical fellow Lu Hsün to succeed him at Luk‘ou. There is nothing to fear.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

He was soon undeceived. The news came that Hsü Huang had arrived. At once Kuan Yü bade them saddle his charger. ​ “Father, you are not strong enough to go into the battle,” said Kuan P‘ing. “Hsü Huang and I were once friends, and I know what he can do and not do. I will give him the chance to retire, and if he does not take it then I shall just slay him as a warning to the others.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Mounting his charger, Kuan Yü rode out as impetuously as of yore, and the sight of the old warrior made to quake the hearts of the men of Wei. When he came close enough to his enemy, Kuan checked his steed and said, “Where is my friend Hsü?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

As a reply, the gate of the camp opened and Hsü Huang appeared under the standard. With a low bow he said, “Some years have passed since I met you, most excellent Marquis, but I had not expected to see you so grey. I have not forgotten the old brave days, when we were together and you taught me so much, and I am very grateful. New your fame has spread throughout the whole of China, and your old friends cannot but praise you. I am indeed glad that I have the happiness to see you.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Kuan Yü replied, “We have been excellent friends, Mingkung; better than most. But why have you pressed my son so hardly of late?” Hsü Huang suddenly turned to the officers about him and cried fiercely, “I would give a thousand for this Yün-ch‘ang’s head.” Kuan Yü, greatly shocked, said, “What did you say that for?”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Because to-day I am on state business, and I have no inclination to let private friendship over-ride my public duty.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

As he said this, he whirled his battle-axe and rode at Kuan Yü, who, greatly enraged, threw up his great sword to strike. They fought a half score bouts, but although his skill lacked nothing of its pristine vigour and excelled all the world, the old warrior’s right arm was still weak from the wound. Kuan P‘ing saw that his father failed somewhat, and so hastily beat the gong for retreat. Kuan Yü rode back.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Suddenly the noise of a great shouting was heard; it came from the troops of the city, for Ts‘ao Jên, having heard of the arrival of men of his own side, had made a sortie and was about to attack to help Hsü Huang. His men fell on, and the army of Chingchou were routed. Kuan Yü, with as many of his officers as could, fled away along the banks of the Hsiang River, hotly pursued by the army of Wei. Crossing the river, he made for Hsiangyang. Thence he marched for Kungan. But the scouts told him that that city was in the hands of Wu. Then some of the men he had despatched for supplies came in and reported the murder of their officer and the further treachery of Mi Fang. The story ​ filled him with boundless rage. It was too much. The wound re-opened, and he fell in a swoon.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Wang Fu, you were right,” said he when he recovered con sciousness. “How I regret that I did not heed what you said! And now —— —.” “But why were the beacon fires not lighted?” continued he presently. “Lü Mêng’s men in the guise of traders came over the river. There were soldiers hidden in the koulu ships, and they seized the beacon guards, so preventing them from kindling the fires.” Kuan Yü 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 outspake the commissariat officer Chao Lei, saying, “We are in straits. Send to Ch'êngtu for help, and let us take the land road to Chingchou to try to recover it.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

So three messengers were sent by different routes to ask for help, while the army set out to return to Chingchou, Kuan Yü leading and Liao Hua with Kuan P‘ing keeping the rear. The siege of Fanch'êng being thus raised, Ts‘ao Jên 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 Ts‘ao Ts‘ao; and he rewarded the armies. When he visited Ssuchung and had inspected the captured stockades, he remarked on the defences. “Hsü 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.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“Aye,” said they with him, for they could not but agree. Ts‘ao’s army marched back to Mop‘o and there camped. When Hsü Huang returned, Ts‘ao went out of the stockade to meet him, and noted with joy the excellent order and discipline that his army showed. Every man was in his place, the ranks perfectly kept, all without a trace of disorder. “He has the spirit of Chou A-fu,” said Ts‘ao, and on the spot conferred on his captain the title of “Pacificator of the South.” Hsü was sent soon after to share in the defence of Hsiangyang to meet Kuan Yü's army.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Chingchou being still in turmoil, Ts‘ao remained at Mop‘o waiting for news.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

Kuan Yü found himself at a standstill on the road to Chingchou with the army of Wu in front and the men of Wei coming up behind. What was to be done? He discussed the position with Chao Lei, who proposed a halt to try to shame Lü Mêng into aiding him. Said he, “When Lü Mêng was at Luk‘ou he used to write to you often, and you agreed to join hands in the destruction of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. Now he is a traitor and fighting on the other ​ side. Send a letter and reproach him. Perhaps we may get a satisfactory reply.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

So the letter was written and sent. Meanwhile, by Lü Mêng’s special command, the most complete protection was given to the families of all the officers who were serving under Kuan Yü, 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 Kuan Yü's letter came, the messenger was led into the city and well treated. When Lü 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.”

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

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, Lü Mêng himself escorted him to the outskirts and set him on his way.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

On his return to the army, he gave to Kuan Yü the message of Lü Mêng and told him that the family were all well and safe and well cared for. This, however, did not greatly please Kuan Yü, for he saw in this merely a plan to gain favour and popularity.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain

“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 Lü Mêng prevailed. And therewith died down the spirit of fighting.

Brewitt-Taylor · 1925 · public domain