Replied Morton-Campbell, "The six territories 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."
"But do you not realize our lord's might and the strength of our country? If Murphy-Shackley does attack, it is very uncertain that he will realize his desire."
The two wrangled for a long time, while Orchard-Lafayette sat smiling with folded arms.
Presently Morton-Campbell asked, "Why do you smile thus, Master?"
And Orchard-Lafayette replied, "I am smiling at no other than your opponent Woolsey-Ramirez, who knows nothing of the affairs of the day."
"Master," said Woolsey-Ramirez, "what do you mean?"
"Why, this intention to submit is perfectly reasonable; it is the one proper thing."
"There!" exclaimed Morton-Campbell. "Orchard-Lafayette knows the times perfectly well, and he agrees with me."
"But, both of you, why do you say this?" said Woolsey-Ramirez.
Said Orchard-Lafayette, "Murphy-Shackley 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 Jeffery-Lewis, who did not understand the conditions and vigorously contended against him, with the result that he is now at Jiangxia-Waterford in a very parlous state. To submit is to secure the safety of wives and children, to be rich and honored. But the dignity of the country would be left to chance and fate--however, that is not worth consideration."
Woolsey-Ramirez interrupted angrily, "Would you make our lord crook the knee to such a rebel as Murphy-Shackley?"
"Well," replied Orchard-Lafayette, "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 Murphy-Shackley only got these two persons under his hand, his hordes and legions would just drop their weapons, furl their banners, and silently vanish away."
"What two persons could cause Murphy-Shackley to go away as you say?" asked Morton-Campbell.
"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 Murphy-Shackley could only get them, would he not go away rejoicing?"
"But who are the two?" asked Morton-Campbell again.
"When I was living in the country, they told me that Murphy-Shackley was building a pavilion on the River Sapphire; it was to be named the Bronze Bird Tower. It is an exceedingly handsome building, and he has sought throughout all the world for the most beautiful women to live in it. For Murphy-Shackley really is a sensualist.
"Now there are two very famous beauties in Wu, born of the Queen 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. Murphy-Shackley 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, the State Patriarch Queen, 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 Kissack-Valdez of Yue made to the king of Wu of the famous beauty Bloom-Apfel 1."
"How do you know Murphy-Shackley so greatly desires these two?" said Morton-Campbell.
"Because his son Oxford-Shackley, who is an able writer, at the command of his father wrote a poem 'An Ode to the Bronze Bird Terrace,' 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."
"Try," said Morton-Campbell.
So Orchard-Lafayette 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 built 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 Sapphire 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 have the two Queens; these beautiful ladies of Wu,
That he might rejoice with them morning and evening.
Look down; there is the grand beauty of an imperial city,
And the rolling vapors lie floating beneath.
He will rejoice in the multitude of scholars that assemble,
Answering to the felicitous dream of King Weatherford.
Look up; and there is the gorgeous harmony of springtime,
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 Kings Wurm and Houlihan
Could compare with that of the sacred understanding
That fortune! What beauty!
The gracious kindness spreads afar,
The imperial family is supported,
Peace reigns over all the empire,
Bounded only by the universe.
Bright as the glory of the sun and moon,
Ever honorable 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 forever,
And that joy shall never cease through all the ages.
Morton-Campbell 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!"
Orchard-Lafayette hastily rose too and soothed him, saying, "But remember the Khan of the Xiongnu People. The Han 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 common people."
"You do not know, Sir," replied Morton-Campbell. "Of those two women of the Queen family you mentioned, Elder Queen is the widow of Cornell-Estrada, our late ruler, and Younger Queen is my wife!"
Orchard-Lafayette feigned the greatest astonishment and said, "No indeed; I did not know. I blundered; a deadly fault; a deadly fault!"
"One of us two has to go, either the old rebel or I; we shall not both live. I swear that," cried Morton-Campbell.
"However, such a matter needs a good deal of thought," replied Orchard-Lafayette. "We must not make any mistake."
Morton-Campbell replied, "I hold a sacred trust from my late lord, Cornell-Estrada; I would not bow the knee to any such as Murphy-Shackley. What I said just now was to see how you stood. I left Poyang Lake with the intention of attacking the north, and nothing can change that intention,
not even the sword at my breast or the ax on my neck. But I trust you will lend an arm, and we will smite Murphy-Shackley 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 tomorrow to discuss this matter," said Morton-Campbell.
Orchard-Lafayette and Woolsey-Ramirez then left. Next day at dawn Raleigh-Estrada went to the council chamber, where his officials, civil and military, were already assembled. They numbered about sixty in all. The civil, with Tipton-Ulrich at their head, were on the right; the military, with Terry-Chadwick 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 Morton-Campbell entered and, when Raleigh-Estrada had finished the usual gracious remarks, Morton-Campbell said, "I hear that Murphy-Shackley is encamped on the river and has sent a dispatch to you, my lord; I would ask what your opinion is."
Thereupon the dispatch was produced and handed to Morton-Campbell.
After reading it through he said, smiling, "The old thief thinks there are no people in this land that he writes in this contemptuous strain."
"What do you think, Sir?" asked Raleigh-Estrada.
"Have you discussed this with the officials'" asked Morton-Campbell.
"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 Morton-Campbell.
"Tipton-Ulrich and his party are firmly set in this opinion."
Morton-Campbell then turned to Tipton-Ulrich and said, "I should be pleased to hear why you are for surrender, Master."
Then Tipton-Ulrich replied, "Murphy-Shackley 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 Jinghamton and thereby increased his prestige. Our defense against him was the Great 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 Morton-Campbell. "How can you think of abandoning this country that we have held for three generations?"
"That being so," said Raleigh-Estrada, "where is a plan to come from?"
"Though Murphy-Shackley assumes the name of the Prime 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, Murphy-Shackley has undertaken this expedition in defiance of all the rules of war. The north is unsubdued; Tenny-Mallory and Maguire-Hathaway threaten his rear, and yet he persists in his southern march. This is the first point against Murphy-Shackley. The northern soldiers are unused to fighting on the water; Murphy-Shackley 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 Murphy-Shackley's armies have all these points against them, defeat is certain, however numerous they may be, and you can take Murphy-Shackley captive just as soon as you wish. Give me a few legions of veterans and I will go and destroy him."
Raleigh-Estrada started up from his place, saying, "The rebellious old rascal has been wanting to overthrow the Hans and set up himself for years. He has rid himself of all those he feared, save only myself, and I swear that one of us two shall go now. Both of us cannot live. What you say, Noble Friend, is just what I think, and Heaven has certainly sent you to my assistance."
"Thy servant will fight a decisive battle," said Morton-Campbell, "and shrink not from any sacrifice. Only, General, do not hesitate."
Raleigh-Estrada drew the sword that hung at his side and slashed off a corner of the table in front of him, exclaiming, "Let any other person mention surrender, and he shall be served as I have served this table."
Then he handed the sword to Morton-Campbell, at the same time giving him a commission as Commander-in-Chief and Supreme Admiral, Terry-Chadwick being Vice-Admiral. Woolsey-Ramirez was also nominated as Commanding Assistant.
In conclusion Raleigh-Estrada said, "With this sword you will slay any officer who may disobey your commands."
Morton-Campbell took the sword and turning to the assembly said, "You have heard our lord's charge to me to lead you to destroy Murphy-Shackley; you will all assemble tomorrow at the river-side camp to receive my orders. Should any be late or fail, then the full rigor of military law--the seven prohibitions and the fifty-four capital penalties--there provided, will be enforced."
Morton-Campbell took leave of Raleigh-Estrada and left the chamber; the various officers also went their several ways. When Morton-Campbell reached his own place, he sent for Orchard-Lafayette to consult over the business in hand. He told Orchard-Lafayette of the decision that had been taken and asked for a plan of campaign.
"But your master has not yet made up his mind," said Orchard-Lafayette. "Till he has, no plan can be decided upon."
"What do you mean?"
"In his heart, Raleigh-Estrada is still fearful of Murphy-Shackley's numbers and frets over the inequality of the two armies. You will have to explain away those numbers and bring him to a final decision before anything can be effected."
"What you say is excellent," said Morton-Campbell, and he went to the palace that night to see his master.
Raleigh-Estrada said, "You must have something of real importance to say if you come like this at night."
Morton-Campbell said, "I am making my dispositions tomorrow; you have quite made up your mind?"
"The fact is," said Raleigh-Estrada, "I still feel nervous about the disparity of numbers. Surely we are too few. That is really all I feel doubtful about."
"It is precisely because you have this one remaining doubt that I am come. And I will explain. Murphy-Shackley's letter speaks of a million of marines, and so you feel doubts and fears and do not wait to consider the real truth. Let us examine the case thoroughly. We find that he has of central regions' soldiers, say, some one hundred fifty thousand troops, and many of them are sick. He only got seventy or eighty thousand northern soldiers from Shannon-Yonker, and many of those are of doubtful loyalty. Now these sick men and these men of doubtful loyalty seem a great many, but they are not at all fearsome. I could smash them with fifty thousand soldiers. You, my lord, have no further anxiety."
Raleigh-Estrada patted his general on the back, saying, "You have explained my difficulty and relieved my doubts. Tipton-Ulrich is an old fool who constantly bars my expeditions. Only you and Woolsey-Ramirez have any real understanding of my heart. Tomorrow you and Woolsey-Ramirez and Terry-Chadwick will start, and I shall have a strong reserve ready with plentiful supplies to support you. If difficulties arise, you can at once send for me, and I will engage with my own army."
Morton-Campbell left; but in his innermost heart he said to himself, "If that Orchard-Lafayette can gauge my master's thoughts so very accurately, he is too clever for me and will be a danger. He will have to be put out of the way."
Morton-Campbell sent a messenger over to Woolsey-Ramirez to talk over this last scheme. When he had laid it bare, Woolsey-Ramirez did not favor it.
"No, no," said Woolsey-Ramirez, "it is self-destruction to make away with your ablest officer before Murphy-Shackley shall have been destroyed."
"But Orchard-Lafayette will certainly help Jeffery-Lewis to our disadvantage."
"Try wha
t his brother Laurie-Lafayette can do to persuade him. It would be an excellent thing to have these two in our service."
"Yes, indeed," replied Morton-Campbell.
Next morning at dawn, Morton-Campbell went to his camp and took his seat in the council tent. The armed guards took up their stations right and left, and the officers ranged themselves in lines to listen to the orders.
Now Terry-Chadwick, who was older than Morton-Campbell but was made second in command, was very angry at being passed over, so he made a pretense of indisposition and stayed away from this assembly. But he sent his eldest son, Taylor-Chadwick, to represent him.
Morton-Campbell addressed the gathering, saying, "The law knows no partiality, and you will all have to attend to your several duties. Murphy-Shackley is now more absolute than ever was Wilson-Donahue, and the Emperor is really a prisoner in Xuchang-Bellefonte, guarded by the most cruel soldiers. We have a command to destroy Murphy-Shackley, and with your willing help we shall advance. The army must cause no hardship to the people anywhere. Rewards for good service and punishments for faults shall be given impartially."
Having delivered this charge, Morton-Campbell told off Ferrara-Hanson and Looby-Hurtado as Leaders of the Van, and ordered the ships under his own command to get under way and go to the Three Gorges. They would get orders by and bye. Then he appointed four armies with two leaders over each: the first body was under Montague-Bushell and Lockett-Neumark; the second, Mayhew-Evanoff and Sawyer-Linscott; the third, Sousa-Templeton and Dabney-Prager; the fourth, Newell-Sanchez and Nunez-Donovan. Schiller-Lufkin and Bisbee-Zurawski were appointed inspectors, to move from place to place and keep the various units up to their work and acting with due regard to the general plan. Land and marine forces were to move simultaneously. The expedition would soon start.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 2) Page 6