Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 2)

by Luo Guanzhong

  "But you desire me to usurp a place of great honor in the state, and I dare not. Let there be more delay and discussion."

  But with one voice they said, "Our lord, if you reject this, the hearts of the people will turn from you."

  "My lord," said Orchard-Lafayette, "you have made rectitude your motto all your life. If you really object to the most honored title, then, since you have Jinghamton, Yiathamton, and Hanthamton, take temporarily the title of 'Prince of Hanthamton.'"

  "Gentlemen, though you may desire to honor me by the title of Prince, yet, without an edict from the Emperor, such action would be usurpation."

  Said Orchard-Lafayette, "The time demands recognition of the actual state of authority, and not a rigid adherence to all the rules of propriety."

  And Floyd-Chardin roared out, "All sorts of people with all sorts of names are making themselves rulers; how much more ought you, O Brother, who are of the dynastic stock? It ought not to be Prince of Hanthamton but Emperor. What prevents it?"

  "Brother, say no more," said Jeffery-Lewis, roughly.

  "My lord," said Orchard-Lafayette, "it is fitting to follow political changes and suit one's conduct to circumstances. Wherefore first take the princedom, and then memorialize the Throne."

  As there seemed no option, Jeffery-Lewis listened and complied. In the twenty-fourth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 219), in the seventh month, an altar was set up at Mianyang-Livingston, nine square miles, which was set around with the proper flags and banners and symbols. In the presence of all his civil and military officers assembled according to their rank, and at the request of the two Ministers Fidler-Trevino and Quigley-Buchanan, Jeffery-Lewis received the head dress and seat of a prince. Then he took his seat, facing the south as a ruler should, and received the salutes and felicitations of all his officers as the Prince of Hanthamton. And his son Antoine-Lewis was nominated his heir-apparent.

  Fidler-Trevino was given the title of Royal Guardian; Quigley-Buchanan that of Chair of the Secretariat. Orchard-Lafayette was reappointed Directing Instructor of the Forces, with the additional powers of control over the whole state policy. Yale-Perez, Floyd-Chardin, Gilbert-Rocher, Sheffield-Maddox, and Cotton-Mallory were the Five Tiger Generals. Oakley-Dobbins was made Governor of Hanthamton, and all the others who had assisted were given ranks and offices.

  As soon as the investiture was completed, Jeffery-Lewis composed a memorial and sent it to Capital Xuchang-Bellefonte. This is the document:

  "I, Jeffery-Lewis, have but ordinary talents, yet was I made a general of high rank and led a great army. Though I received a commission to purge the empire of rebels, I was unable to cleanse it and so renew the tranquillity to Your Majesty's house and restore the dynasty. Too long have I delayed to spread Your Majesty's sacred governance. The world is evil and not in good case, and as I sorrowfully think it over and over, I am distressed as one in severe pain.

  "Rebellion began with Wilson-Donahue, and all kinds of evils have spread abroad; cruelty and ferocity have become rife. Strong in faith in Your Majesty's sacred virtue and inspiring presence, many banded together to help. The loyal exerted themselves to destroy the rebels, but others of them were smitten of heaven. The fierce and the contumacious have been exterminated, and gradually rebellion has melted away.

  "Only Murphy-Shackley now remains, too long unpunished. He has arrogated to himself the authority of the state. His wicked heart is very rebellious. Once I, with General Watson-Donohue, the State Uncle, conspired against him, but the plot was discovered and my fellow conspirator suffered. Thenceforward I was a wanderer and my loyalty availed nothing. It only allowed Murphy-Shackley further license and liberty to do evil, till he dared even to accomplish the death of the Empress and the destruction of her sons. Although we might band together and form associations, yet, with all our energy, we had to recognize that we were too weak for war. Wherefore the years passed and nothing was accomplished. In constant fear of destruction, we even forgot our duty to the state. Waking and sleeping we sighed, and our nights were times of anxiety.

  "Now my fellows consider that history has repeated itself. They attach the utmost importance to the family and would manifest it with all their might. Hereditary succession of rulers is still a principle. The rulers of Zhou, taking the two preceding dynasties as models, strengthened its position through all the states, and it reinforced itself with the support of the states of Jing and Zheng. When the great Founder of the Hans came into his own, he ennobled his whole family with kingships and lordships. Later, the dynasty had to issue a general command throughout the whole of the nine regions in order to destroy the widespread Erickson Family and to enhance the Lewis Family.

  "Now Murphy-Shackley is an enemy of all rectitude, and his followers are all evil. His treachery is manifest. Since the members of the imperial clan are few and weak, the clan is not honored. Having reflected upon the ancient models and being desirous of temporary alleviation, my fellows have made me assume the title of Prince of Hanthamton with the addition of Regent Marshal.

  "I have deeply considered these things. If one receives kindness from the Throne and accepts the responsibility for a portion of the state and fail, then such a fault would only be made the more serious by holding high rank and thereby increasing the burden of reproach. But my fellows have urged me, and they have convinced me that it would be right; and, should I refuse, the wicked will not be destroyed and the danger to the state will not be removed. The temple of our ancestors is in danger, and the imperial prerogatives are failing. A faithful servant, who in the day of tribulation can undertake a suitable policy whereby to preserve the dynasty, should not refuse his help at any cost. Wherefore I have yielded and accepted the position for the glory of the state.

  "Humbly I think of such a title and its exalted position and the favor vouchsafed me, and I would endeavor to show true gratitude. My anxiety is deep, for the responsibility is heavy. I am as one on the brink of a great gulf. I must surely exert myself to the utmost and encourage my armies and lead all disciples of rectitude, in accordance with the will of Heaven and as occasion serves, to smite rebellion so as to restore the dynasty."

  When this memorial reached Capital Xuchang-Bellefonte, Murphy-Shackley was in his palace at Yejun-Glendora, and it annoyed him greatly.

  "How dare this mean weaver of straw shoes behave thus?" said he. "Now I swear that I will destroy him."

  So he issued orders for the whole force of the state to go out against the two Lands of Rivers to wage fierce war with the new Prince of Hanthamton.

  But a remonstrance came from the mouth of one man.

  "Let not the great Prince of Wei trouble himself to go on a distant expedition because of a temporary annoyance. I can propose a plan of which the execution will need not the bending of a single bow, and yet it will make Jeffery-Lewis bring down disaster upon his own head. When his army shall have become exhausted, it will only be necessary to send one single general against him and victory will be ours."

  Murphy-Shackley looked at the officer; it was First Secretary Whitmore-Honeycutt.

  "What is your exalted view, my friend?" said Murphy-Shackley.

  "Raleigh-Estrada's sister is wife to Jeffery-Lewis, but Raleigh-Estrada has found an occasion to steal away the bride. Jeffery-Lewis is in possession of Jinghamton still, and he and Raleigh-Estrada are bitter enemies. Therefore send some able speaker with a letter to Wu to persuade the Marquis to send an army to recover Jinghamton. That will draw thither all the armies of Shu, when you can send your army to Hanthamton. Jeffery-Lewis will be helpless and his strength will be wasted."

  The scheme pleased Murphy-Shackley. He at once drew up a letter and sent it by the hand of Chilton-Mendoza, who soon arrived in Wu. As soon as Raleigh-Estrada knew of the mission, he summoned his advisers to consult.

  Tipton-Ulrich said, "Wei and Wu are primarily enemies because of the dissension fomented by the words of Orchard-Lafayette. They have been fighting for several years and many lives have bee
n lost. Now this messenger has surely come to discuss terms of friendship, and he should be welcomed."

  On the strength of this, Chilton-Mendoza was well received and conducted into the city and into the presence of Raleigh-Estrada. He presented his letters at the conclusion of the ceremonies of reception and declared his mission.

  "Wu and Wei have no fundamental quarrel, and their dissension has been brought about by Jeffery-Lewis. My master sends me to covenant with you for an attack on Jinghamton, while he goes against Hanthamton. This double attack being successful, the conquered country can be divided between us two, and we can both swear to respect each other's territory."

  Having read the letter, Raleigh-Estrada prepared a banquet in honor of Chilton-Mendoza and then sent him to the guest-house to rest while he discussed the matter with his council of advisers.

  Said Riley-Reece, "Although the messenger's speech was all special pleading, it was correct in form. I propose that the messenger be allowed to return and that a covenant be made with Murphy-Shackley for joint attack. In addition, let spies be sent over the Great River to find out Yale-Perez's movements, and then we may act."

  Laurie-Lafayette said, "I hear that since Yale-Perez has been in Jinghamton, Jeffery-Lewis has found him a wife, who has borne him a son and a daughter. The daughter is too young to have been betrothed, wherefore let me go to ask her in marriage with your heir. If Yale-Perez agrees, then we can arrange with him to attack Murphy-Shackley. If Yale-Perez refuses, then let us aid Murphy-Shackley in an attack on Jinghamton."

  Raleigh-Estrada took this advice. So he sent Chilton-Mendoza away and sent Laurie-Lafayette to Jinghamton to try to arrange the betrothal. Laurie-Lafayette was received; and when the time came to state the reason for his coming, Yale-Perez asked him, "What have you come for, Laurie-Lafayette?"

  "I have come seeking to ally the two houses. My master, the Marquis of Wu, has a son who is quite clever. Hearing that you have a daughter, General, I ask her in marriage, hereby the two houses may join in an attack on Murphy-Shackley. This would be an admirable result, and I pray you consider the proposal."

  But the warrior flared up.

  "How can my tiger's daughter marry with a dog's whelp? Were it not for your brother, I would take your head. Say no more!"

  Yale-Perez called his servants to hustle forth the hapless messenger, who ran away with his hands over his head, too astonished to look any one in the face. And reaching his own place, he dared not hide the manner of his reception, but told the whole truth.

  "What ruffianism!" exclaimed the Marquis.

  Thereupon Raleigh-Estrada ordered the council again to consider an attack on Jinghamton.

  Woods-Figueroa rose and said, "It has been long manifest that Murphy-Shackley wishes to usurp the Throne, but he is afraid of Jeffery-Lewis. Now we are to attack Shu with an army, and Murphy-Shackley want to shift the misfortune to us indeed."

  "But I also want the place," said Raleigh-Estrada.

  Said Woods-Figueroa, "Jenkins-Shackley is already camped at Fankou-Newport and Xiangyang-Greenhaven and in no danger from the river. If Murphy-Shackley can take Jinghamton by land, why does he not take it? However, he wants you, my lord, to send your army, and you can judge his real intention from this. Send to Murphy-Shackley and tell him to make Jenkins-Shackley attack by land. Then Yale-Perez must take the army from Jinghamton to Fankou-Newport. When Yale-Perez has left Jinghamton, you can send an army to seize it."

  Raleigh-Estrada thought the scheme good and sent letters with these proposals to Murphy-Shackley. Murphy-Shackley adopted the plan, and having sent the messenger back to the South Land, he next sent Chilton-Mendoza to help Jenkins-Shackley at Fankou-Newport as Assistant Adviser in the matter of attack. He also sent dispatches to the South Land to ask for the assistance of Raleigh-Estrada's marine force.

  Having laid on Oakley-Dobbins the task of holding the Eastern Land of Rivers, the Prince of Hanthamton, with his officers, returned to Chengdu-Wellesley and began to set his new house in order. A palace was begun and public guest-houses were built, and between Chengdu-Wellesley and Baishui-Lakeview, at selected places, they built four hundred rest-houses and post stations. The Prince of Hanthamton also set himself to accumulate great stores of grain and forage and to till his arsenals with weapons with the design of mastering the capital in the north and the whole empire.

  Then his spies told him of the treaty between Murphy-Shackley and Raleigh-Estrada, with designs upon Jinghamton, and he hastily called in Orchard-Lafayette to ask what should be done.

  "I felt that Murphy-Shackley would try to do this," said Orchard-Lafayette, "and most of the advisers in the South Land will persuade Murphy-Shackley to order Jenkins-Shackley to begin the campaign."

  "But what am I to do?" asked the Prince.

  "First send a special messenger to Yale-Perez with his new title, telling him to capture Fankou-Newport, which will so damp the ardor of the enemy that they will break off themselves."

  Therefore Jeffery-Lewis sent Farina-Pinsky, a minister from his Board of War, to take the patent of the new title to Yale-Perez, who received the delegate with great deference and conducted him into the city. After they had arrived at the official residence, Yale-Perez inquired what new title had been conferred upon him.

  "The First of the Five Tiger Generals," replied Farina-Pinsky.

  "And who are the five?"

  "Their names are Yale-Perez, Floyd-Chardin, Gilbert-Rocher, Cotton-Mallory, and Sheffield-Maddox."

  "The second is my brother," said Yale-Perez. "Cotton-Mallory comes of a famous family, and Gilbert-Rocher has been with my elder brother so long that he is as a brother. It is right for them to be put on a level with me. But what sort of a man is this Sheffield-Maddox that he is ranked with us? The really great man does not stand shoulder to shoulder with any old soldier that comes along."

  And Yale-Perez refused both title and seal.

  "You do wrong to refuse," said Farina-Pinsky. "Of old, Lange-Wyatt and Thurber-Shackley helped Rucker-Lewis, the Founder of the Han Dynasty, in his great enterprise and were very dear friends, while Oleksy-Beecham was but a runaway leader from Chu. Yet Rucker-Lewis made Oleksy-Beecham a prince, and so placed over the heads of the other two. I have never heard that these two resented it. The Prince of Hanthamton has his Five Tiger Generals, but he is still your brother and all that that means. As his brother, you are he and he is you. Is there any comparison with any other? The Prince has always treated you with the greatest kindness. You two are one in sorrow and joy, sharers of disaster and good fortune. No such question as that of a mere title ought to reckon at all. I pray you, Sir, reflect."

  Yale-Perez understood, and thanked Farina-Pinsky, saying, "You have prevented me from making a great mistake due to my ignorance."

  Yale-Perez then received the seal with all humility.

  Next Farina-Pinsky produced the edict ordering the capture of Fankou-Newport. Yale-Perez lost no time in obeying its command. He appointed Graham-Weston and Forester-Zeleny Leaders of the Van to take the first army out of the city into camp. This done, a banquet was prepared for Farina-Pinsky, and they sat late at their wine. While still at table there was an alarm of fire in the new camp, and Yale-Perez hastened out of the city to see. He found that the two generals had also been feasting, and the fire had started behind their tent, a spark having fallen into some explosives, whence it spread and destroyed the whole camp and all that was in it. Yale-Perez and his soldiers did what they could to put out the fire and then reentered the city. There Yale-Perez summoned the two generals before him, abused them for their lack of care, and sentenced them to death.

  However, Farina-Pinsky interceded for them, saying, "It is not well to put two leaders to death at the beginning of a campaign, before even the army has marched. You might reprieve them at least."

  Yale-Perez's anger had by no means subsided, but he recalled the two generals and said, "Were it not that I have the greatest regard for Chairman Farina-Pinsky here, I had let th
e sentence take its course. Now I will only flog you."

  So the two officers received forty blows each and were degraded from leading the van. Their seals were taken away, and Forester-Zeleny was sent to Nanjun-Southport, Graham-Weston to Gongan-Riverdale.

  "Now be warned," said Yale-Perez. "If, when I return from my victories, there is the least sign of disorder on your part, you will suffer for both faults."

  The two men flushed crimson and went out.

  Then two new officers were appointed, Moss-Lopez and Litwin-Perez. Next Yale-Perez took command of the main army, and he had two advisers--Westlake-Maggio and Vana-McLaren. Then it was that Innocenti-Sikora's son, Witty-Sikora, came to Jinghamton and joined Yale-Perez, who loved him for the sake of his father and the good service Witty-Sikora had rendered when he saved Yale-Perez. Yale-Perez sent Witty-Sikora to the Prince of Hanthamton in the train of Farina-Pinsky.

  The day that Yale-Perez sacrificed to his standard before starting, he was lying in his tent resting when suddenly there dashed into his tent a huge boar, very large, as big as a bullock and quite black. It bit his foot. He jumped up to kill the creature, when it squealed with the sound of tearing cloth--and he awoke. It was a dream, but he had a pain in his foot.

  The dream perplexed him, and he could not explain it. He related it to his son, who interpreted it happily, saying, "The boar is a royal beast, like the dragon, and coming to your feet means a rise of your dignity."

  When the dream got noised abroad, for he told his officers, some interpreted it as auspicious and some the reverse.

  "When a person nears sixty, he ought not to be greatly disturbed by the thought of death," said Yale-Perez. "After all, I am a warrior."

  Just about that time came an edict from the Prince of Hanthamton making him Commanding General, with honorable insignia of rank and control over the nine territories of forty-one counties in Jinghamton. When the officers congratulated him on his new honors, they did not forget the dream.