“I shall recommend that you two be sent to Jingzhou on a mission.”
They thought that a suitable scheme.
And when the lately arrived messenger saw his master and was asked how he had fared, Zhang Song said, “Cao Cao is a rebel who desires to get the whole empire into his hands. I need hardly tell you that. But he also hankers after this region.”
“Then what will become of us?” said Liu Zhang.
“I have a plan to check both our enemies. Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle, now in Jingzhou, is a relative of yours, and he is generous and well disposed. This is a matter of common knowledge. Cao Cao was simply overwhelmed at the result of the battle at the Red Cliffs, and Zhang Lu more so. Now my plan is that you ally yourself with your distinguished relative against Cao Cao and Zhang Lu.”
“I have been thinking thus for a long-time; can you recommend a suitable emissary?”
“The only ones are Fa Zheng and Meng Da.”
These two were summoned and, meanwhile, a letter was prepared. Fa Zheng was to proceed as emissary to open up friendly relations, and Meng Da would follow in due course with an army to welcome Liu Bei into the Western Land of Rivers.
While still discussing the details of the policy, a person forced his way in, his face all running with sweat, and cried out, “My lord, your land of forty-one counties will be lost to you and pass to another if you listen to Zhang Song.” Zhang Song turned a startled look on the intruder, who was Huang Quan of Xiliang, First Secretary in the Imperial Protector's palace.
The Imperial Protector said, “Why do you use such language? Liu Bei is of my family, and so I am seeking his support.”
Said Huang Quan, “I know all about him; he is liberal minded to gain people to his side, and his softness can overcome the hardest. He is bolder than any other. He gains humans' hearts from afar off, and those near him look up to him. He also has the wisest advisers and the boldest warriors. But if you call him here as a soldier, think you that he will be content to remain in a lowly condition? And if you treat him as an honored guest, can a state stand two rulers? Hear me, my lord, and you stand secure as Taishan Mountains; be deaf to my words, and your position is as precarious as a pile of eggs. This Zhang Song has lately come home through Jingzhou where he has certainly been plotting with Liu Bei. Slay this man; and make an end of Liu Bei. That will be for the happiness of this land.”
“But how else am I to fend off my two enemies?”
“Fortify your country, dig out your moats, and raise your ramparts. Then you can wait on events.”
“If these rebels invade this land, the position will be critical, as when fire singes one's eyebrows. It is idle talk to tell me to wait on events.”
No notice was taken of Huang Quan, and Fa Zheng was about to set out when another interfered, crying, “No, no!”
This was a secretary, Wang Lei.
With bowed head Wang Lei stood and said, “My lord will bring misfortune upon himself if he listens to this Zhang Song.”
“Not so; I make an alliance with Liu Bei in order to withstand Zhang Lu.”
“Zhang Lu's invasion would be but a skin disease. Liu Bei's entry into this country would be a mortal malady. Liu Bei is an unscrupulous brave; he was once in Cao Cao's service and plotted against him. Then he hung on to Sun Quan and seized Jingzhou. This shows his character and his designs. Think you that you two can dwell together? If you invite him, then Shu is lost!”
“No more wild talk!” cried Liu Zhang angrily. “Liu Bei is of my clan and family and will not ravish me of my possessions.”
He bade the guards escort both men outside and ordered Fa Zheng to set out. So he did, and before long came to Jingzhou. When the salutations were over, Fa Zheng presented his letter, which Liu Bei opened and read:
“I, Liu Zhang, a younger brother of our family, now write to General Liu Bei. From my humble place long have I
gazed in your direction, but the roads of the Western Land of Rivers are precipitous, and I have failed to send my tribute. This is to my shame. The victims of misfortune aid each other, and those in trouble support each other. If friends act thus, how much more should members of the same family? Now Zhang Lu is mustering an army of invasion on my northern frontier, much to the injury of my tranquillity. Wherefore I send this letter that you may know of my distress; and if you remember the kindly bonds of family and will play a brotherly part and lead your armies to destroy these ruffians, you will be my eternal protector and I shall be ever grateful. This letter leaves much unsaid, but I await your coming.”
This letter greatly pleased Liu Bei. He made a banquet for the bearer thereof, and when they had mellowed themselves with wine, he dismissed the attendants and spoke to Fa Zheng in confidence.
“Friend, I have long admired you, and Zhang Song extolled your virtues. I shall always feel grateful for this opportunity of hearing you.”
Fa Zheng bowed, saying, “That is too great praise for a humble emissary from Shu. But they say that horses always neighed in recognition of Bo Le, the supreme judge of horses, and when a person has found his lord, he dies for him. Have you thought further of Zhang Song's proposals, General?”
“I have always been a wanderer, often in suffering and sorrow. I have often thought of the wren for even that tiny bird has a twig to rest on; and of the cunning hare, that secures safety with three openings to its burrow. Does not a person need at least a shelter? Your land of the west is fertile and a temptation, but its ruler is of my family, and I cannot plot against him.”
“Yes; Yiazhou is a very paradise. But without a ruler it cannot exist. Liu Zhang knows not how to use the wise people, and his heritage must speedily pass to another. Today it is offered to your hands, and you must not miss the opportunity. You know the saying, that the leader in the hunt gets the quarry. If you will only consent, I will serve you to the death.”
Liu Bei signified his gratitude.
Said he, “Let me reflect for a time and take advice.”
The banquet terminated and the guest left. Zhuge Liang conducted Fa Zheng to his lodging while his master sat thinking.
Then Pang Tong said, “You must decide; not to decide is foolish. You are of high intelligence, my lord, and why do you hesitate?”
“What should my reply be?” asked Liu Bei.
“You know these surroundings, and with them you cannot attain your ends. Now before you lies a populous, fertile, and rich land, a base with the greatest possibilities. You have the promise of assistance from two men within, and it seems like a gift of providence. Why hesitate?”
“Now there are two men in the world as mutually antagonistic as fire and water. My opposite is Cao Cao. He is impetuous and I am long suffering; he is cruel and I am humane; he feigns while I am true. In all particulars I act the direct contrary to him. I refuse to risk the loss of the confidence and trust of the world for a trifling advantage.”
Pang Tong smiled at these sentiments, saying, “My lord's words are quite in accord with abstract rectitude, but such ideas scarcely suit the days of rebellion. There are other ways of fighting than with warlike weapons, but to adhere too obstinately to the idea of abstract rectitude is to do nothing. One must be an opportunist, annex the weak and attack the willfully deluded, seize the recalcitrant and protect the docile. These were the teachings of the great Kings Tang and Wu. If after the settlement you reward with righteousness and make of the land a great country, will you be guilty of a breach of trust? Remember if you do not take it now, another will.”
Liu Bei, a prey to confused emotions, replied, “These words are as jewels; they should be engraved on my very heart.” Thereupon he summoned Zhuge Liang to settle the details of an army to march west.
Zhuge Liang said, “This is an important place and must be very well defended.”
Liu Bei replied, “I, Pang Tong, and my two generals Huang Zhong and Wei Yan will go into the west; you and our three best generals — Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun — can defend Jingzhou.”
Guan
Yu was told off for Xiangyang and the narrow pass at Qingni, Zhang Fei commanded four cities along the river, and Zhao Yun camped at Jiangling. For the march westward, Huang Zhong led the van, Wei Yan had the rearguard, while Liu Bei moved in the center with Liu Feng and Guan Ping as his aids. Pang Tong was Commander of the whole army.
Just as the fifty thousand troops were starting, there came Liao Hua to offer his service; he and his troops were attached to Guan Yu.
It was in the winter that the expedition started. Soon they met the force under Meng Da, five thousand soldiers, to act as escort into Yiazhou. Liu Bei informed Liu Zhang that he had started, and the latter sent orders to the counties along the road to entertain them well on the march.
The Imperial Protector proposed to go out in person to welcome Liu Bei and ordered carriages to be prepared and tents and banners. All the escort were dressed in glittering armor. At this Secretary Huang Quan, the sturdy opponent of the invitation to Liu Bei, again remonstrated.
“My lord, if you go out, you will be exposed to danger. I have been in your service for many years, and I would prevent you from being the victim of another's wiles. I pray you reflect.”
Zhang Song said, “His words are those of one who would sow discord in a family and encourage the power of the robbers who threaten you. Assuredly such action is to your detriment.”
Liu Zhang then spoke angrily to Huang Quan, saying, “I have decided, and why do you oppose me?”
The objector bowed his head and wept. Then approaching nearer, he seized hold of the Imperial Protector's robe with his teeth to hinder him. Liu Zhang angrily shook his robe and rose from his seat, but Huang Quan still held on till two of his teeth fell out. Then the guards forced him away, and he retired, still crying.
As Liu Zhang was starting, another man cried, “My lord, do you neglect the loyal words of your faithful Huang Quan to go to your death?”
And he threw himself prostrate at the steps in remonstrance. He was Li Hui of Jianning.
“The prince may have ministers who remonstrate with him, and the father may have children who oppose,” said Li Hui. “Huang Quan has spoken faithfully, and you ought to listen. To let Liu Bei into this land is to welcome the tiger into your gates.”
“Liu Bei is my brother and will not harm me,” said the Imperial Protector. “And any other who shall oppose me shall suffer death.”
So Li Hui was thrust out.
“The officers of Shu regard the safety of their families and no longer render you service. The generals are arrogant, and each has some scheme of his own to further. If you do not get Liu Bei to oppose the enemy without and your own people oppose you within, surely you are on the road to ruin.”
So spoke Zhang Song, and the Imperial Protector replied, “I know the plan is for my advantage.”
Whereupon he mounted his horse to ride out to Elm Tree Bridge.
Then a messenger reported to him: “Wang Lei has suspended himself, head downwards, at the city gate. In one hand he holds a written remonstrance and in the other a knife. And he says that if you heed him not, he will cut the rope and die at your feet.”
Liu Zhang went to the gate, took the writing and read:
“Good medicine is bitter in the mouth but good for the disease; faithful words offend the ear but are good for the
conduct. Of old King Huai of Chu listened not to Qu Yuan, but attended the meeting at Wu Pass and was captured by the state of Qin. Sir, you are thoughtlessly leaving your place to go to welcome Liu Bei, but I fear there is a way out and none in. Could you but behead Zhang Song in the market place and have nothing to do with this league with Liu Bei, it would be for the happiness of old and young, and assure the safety of yourself.”
Anger rose in Liu Zhang's breast as he read.
“Why do you insult me when I go to meet a kindly man I feel as if I were about to enjoy the delight of seeing brother?”
At this Wang Lei gave a great cry, severed the rope, and fell to the ground battered and dead.
Head downwards at the city gate one hung
A last remonstrance in his outstretched hand.
Resolved that, were his words rejected, he
Would not survive defeat. Sincere was he
Who, desperate, held to Liu Zhang's silken robe
Until his broken teeth released their grip.
Sincere indeed, but how can he compare
With stern Wang Lei who went to awful death?
Liu Zhang with thirty thousand troops went out to welcome his clansman, and there followed one thousand wagons laden with supplies and rich stuffs.
Liu Bei's advanced guard had arrived at River Moonstone. During the march the people had brought presents, and Liu Bei had given an order to pay for everything, under penalty of death for disobedience. Thus no one suffered, and the people came out in trusting crowds to watch the soldiers marching by and welcome them in every way. Liu Bei soothed them with very gracious words.
Then Fa Zheng secretly showed Pang Tong a letter from Zhang Song advocating the assassination of Liu Zhang near the place of welcome.
Pang Tong said, “Say nothing about this; after the two Lius have met, there may be opportunities, but this is too early to talk. Any plot would leak out.”
So nothing was said. Fucheng, where the meeting was to take place, was one hundred twenty miles from Capital Chengdu. Liu Zhang arrived first and sent messengers to welcome Liu Bei. The two armies camped on the bank of River Fu. Liu Bei went into the city to see the Imperial Protector, and they met cordially as brothers should. Both shed a few tears, and by and bye they began a heart-to-heart talk. Then followed a banquet, and after this each returned to his own camp. The Imperial Protector said, “How ridiculous have been proved the fears of Huang Quan and Wang Lei! They do not understand the force of family affection. I see he is really a kindly and noble man, and with him as a support I shall fear neither Cao Cao nor Zhang Lu. And I owe all this to Zhang Song.”
To show his gratitude, Liu Zhang took off the green silken robe he wore and sent it as a gift to Zhang Song, together with five hundred ounces of gold.
However, some of his officers were not so content, and a group of them bade him beware.
“Do not rejoice too soon, O Master,” said they, “for Liu Bei is hard enough within in spite of his mild exterior. You have not sounded him yet and should be on your guard.”
“You are all too anxious;” said Liu Zhang, laughing, “my brother is no double-dealer, I am sure.”
When Liu Bei had returned to his own tent, Pang Tong came in to ask what impression he had of his host of that day.
“He seems a very honest man,” said Liu Bei.
“He is good enough, but some of his servants are discontented at this turn of affairs, and I would not guarantee there will be no murders. If you took my advice, you would have Liu Zhang assassinated at the return banquet. A hundred ruffians behind the arras, a signal from you, and the deed would be accomplished. All that would be needed, then would be a rush on Capital Chengdu. No sword need be drawn, no arrow fitted to the string.”
“He is a brother of my house and has treated me with sincerity. I am a new-comer and so far unknown in this land. Such a deed would be abhorrent to all the world, and these people would resent it. I will not establish myself by such means.”
“The scheme is not mine; it originated in a private letter from Zhang Song, who says it will have to be done some time.”
At this moment Fa Zheng came in and said, “This is not for ourselves; it is the will of heaven.”
“Liu Zhang and I are of the same house, and I would shudder at harming him.”
“Sir, you are wrong. If you act not as we propose, then Zhang Lu will take Shu in revenge for the death of his mother. What is there for you at the end of your long march? Advance, and success is yours; retreat, and you have nothing. And delays are most dangerous. At any moment this scheme may leak out, and another will reap the profit. This is the day when Heaven smiles on you. Act before
Liu Zhang suspects you; establish yourself.”
So urged Fa Zheng, and Pang Tong backed it.
Their lord, by argument, they tried
From rectitude to turn aside.
What Liu Bei hid in his heart will be explained in the next chapter.
CHAPTER 61. In The River, Zhao Yun Recovers Liu Shan; With One Letter, Sun Quan Repulses Cao Cao.
In spite of the persuasion of Pang Tong and Fa Zheng, Liu Bei steadily refused to sanction the assassination of his host at the banquet, Imperial Protector Liu Zhang, even if thereby he was to gain possession of the Western Land of Rivers.
The next day there was another banquet, this time in the city of Fucheng, whereat host and guest unbosomed themselves freely to each other and became exceedingly friendly and affectionate.
All were mellow with wine, and Pang Tong, talking with Fa Zheng, said, “Since our master will have nothing to do with our scheme, we would better set Wei Yan's sword-play to work and take advantage of the confusion to kill Liu Zhang.”
Wei Yan came in shortly afterward, with his sword drawn, and said, “There being no other entertainment at this banquet, may I show you a little fencing to amuse you?”
Thereupon Pang Tong called up some of the armed guards and ranged them along the lower part of the hall till Wei Yan should fall on.
At these preparations the officers of Liu Zhang stared with questioning eyes toward the chief seats at the upper end, and one of them, Zhang Ren, drew his sword, saying, “An opponent is needed to make fencing a success, so he and I will display our skill at the same time.”
So they began. Presently, at a glance from Wei Yan, Liu Feng came up and took position at his side.
At once three of the commanders of the west followed suit, saying, “And we three will come in too; it may add to your amusement and help to raise a laugh.”
But to Liu Bei matters began to take on a serious look. Drawing a sword of a servant, he stood out in the banquet hall and cried, “We brothers have perhaps honored our meeting with a little too much wine; there is nothing to say against that, but this is no Hongmen Banquet, where murder was done. Put up your swords, or I will slay you!”
Three Kingdoms Romance Page 88