Zhuge Liang replied, “Zi-jing, you are a man of high intelligence. Why do you speak like that? You know the saying, that all things should return to their owner. These districts have never belonged to Wu, but were the land of Liu Biao, and my master is his brother. Though Liu Biao is dead, his son is here. Should not the uncle assist the nephew to recover his own land? What’s wrong with this?”
“If the rightful heir Liu Qi had claimed these cities it would have been understandable. But I presume he is at Jiangxia, and not here.”
“Would you like to see him?” said Zhuge Liang.
Then he told the servants to request Liu Qi to come. Presently the young man appeared behind the screen, supported by two attendants. Addressing Lu Su he said, “I am too weak to salute you properly. Please pardon me.”
Lu Su, taken aback, fell silent. After Liu Qi was helped in, he said, “But if the heir is no more, what then?”
“While he is alive we will support him to hold the districts. Should he be gone, then the matter can be further discussed.”
“Should he die, then you ought to return these cities to us,” said Lu Su.
“That’s reasonable,” agreed Zhuge Liang.
Then Zhuge Liang gave a banquet to entertain his guest and, that being over, Lu Su took his leave. He hastened back to his own camp and gave Zhou Yu an account of his mission.
“But what is there for us if Liu Qi dies?” said Zhou Yu. “He is in his very youth. When will these places be returned to us?”
“Rest assured, General,” said Lu Su. “I will guarantee the return of these places.”
“Have you some plans?” asked Zhou Yu.
“Well, I see Liu Qi has indulged too freely in wine and women. He looks miserably emaciated and he even gasps for breath. He is such a wreck beyond cure that I will not give him half a year’s life. Then I will go to Liu Bei and he will be unable to make any excuses.”
But Zhou Yu was still not appeased. Just then came a messenger from Sun Quan, who said, “Our lord is laying siege to Hefei but in several battles has had no victory. He now orders you to withdraw from here and go to Hefei to help him.”
So Zhou Yu was compelled to withdraw to Caisang, where he began to give attention to the recovery of his health. He sent Cheng Pu with the marine and land forces to Hefei, ready for Sun Quan’s use.
Liu Bei was exceedingly satisfied with the possession of his new territory and his thoughts turned to how he could secure his rule in the three cities. Yi Ji came to him to suggest a plan and, remembering how he had saved his life in the past, Liu Bei received him most graciously. He asked Yi Ji to take a seat and inquired about his proposal.
Yi Ji said, “If you need a plan to consolidate your occupation of the new districts, why not seek wise men and ask them for advice?”
“Where can I find these wise men?” asked Liu Bei.
Yi Ji replied, “In this district there is a certain Ma family whose five sons are all known to be men of ability. The youngest is called Ma Su and the ablest is Ma Liang, who has white hairs in his eyebrows. Villagers say that among the five sons, the one with the white eyebrows is the best. Why not get this man to draw up a plan for you, sir?”
So Liu Bei told his men to request Ma Liang’s presence. Ma Liang came and was received with great respect. When he was asked to suggest a plan for the security of the newly acquired district he said, “Besieged as it is on all sides Jingzhou will probably not be able to hold out for long. You should let Master Liu Qi remain here to nurse his illness and summon his father’s former officers to protect the place. Obtain an edict from the emperor to appoint him governor of Jingzhou and the people will be content. Then conquer the four neighboring towns of Wuling, Changsha, Guiyang, and Lingling and with the resources you will thus acquire, you will have the means for further plans. That should be your policy.”
“Which of the four districts should be taken first?” asked Liu Bei.
“The nearest, Lingling, which lies to the west of the Xiang River. Next, seize Wuling and after that, the other two.”
Ma Liang was given an appointment of office, with Yi Ji to assist him. Then Liu Bei consulted Zhuge Liang about sending Liu Qi to Xiangyang, so that Guan Yu could be free to return to Jingzhou. Then an army composed of 15,000 men began its march for an attack on Lingling, with Zhang Fei leading the van, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang commanding the main body, and Zhao Yun guarding the rear. Guan Yu was left to hold Jingzhou while Mi Zhu and Liu Feng were left to guard Jiangling.
The Prefect of Lingling was Liu Du. When he heard of the approach of Liu Bei’s army he called in his son, Liu Xian, for counsel. The son, quite confident, said, “Have no anxiety, father. They may have such strong officers as Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun, but we have our warrior, Xing Dao-rong, who is match for any number of men. He can withstand them.”
So Liu Xian and this warrior were entrusted with the job of subduing the invaders. At the head of 10,000 soldiers they set out and made a camp about thirty li from the city, using the shelter of some hills and a river. Soon their scouts brought news that Zhuge Liang was drawing near with an army. Xing Dao-rong went forth to oppose him. When both sides were deployed, Xing Dao-rong rode to the front, holding a heavy battle-ax in his hand. In a mighty voice he cried, “Rebels, how dare you enter our territory?”
From the center of the opposing army appeared a cluster of yellow flags; when the flags parted, there rolled out a four-wheeled carriage in which sat, very erect, a man dressed in a white robe, with a turban on his head and a feather fan in his hand. Beckoning Xing Dao-rong to approach with his fan, he said, “I am Zhuge Liang of Nanyang. I had but employed some of my little schemes and Cao Cao, with his million men, was utterly routed. How, then, can you hope to oppose me? I now offer you peace—it will be well for you to surrender.”
Xing Dao-rong laughed derisively. “Cao Cao’s defeat at the Red Cliff was owing to the plan of Zhou Yu—you had nothing to do with it. How dare you try to deceive me?”
So saying he swung up his battle-ax and came running toward Zhuge Liang. At this the carriage turned and retired within the lines, which closed up behind it. Xing Dao-rong came rushing on. As he reached his opponents’ battle line the men fell away on both sides and let him enter. In the distance he could see the yellow flags in the center and he concluded that Zhuge Liang must be there, so he pursued anxiously. At the foot of a hill the flags turned and stopped. Then suddenly they parted, but instead of the four-wheeled carriage there came a ferocious warrior, holding a long spear and mounted on a curvetting steed. It was Zhang Fei, who dashed at Xing Dao-rong with a tremendous roar.
Xing Dao-rong whirled up his battle-ax to meet Zhang Fei. But after four or five bouts he saw that there was no chance of victory for him, so he turned his horse and fled. Zhang Fei pursued, the air shaking with the thunder of his voice. At the same time the ambushers on both sides appeared amid tremendous shouting. Xing Dao-rong rushed desperately into their midst and broke through. But in front appeared another warrior barring the way, who called out, “I am Zhao Zi-long of Changshan.”
Xing Dao-rong knew that his opponent was too powerful for him—he could neither fight nor fly. So he dismounted and pleaded for submission. He was bound up and taken before Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. Liu Bei ordered him out for execution, but Zhuge Liang hastily checked him.
“We will accept your submission if you capture Liu Xian for us,” said Zhuge Liang.
The captive accepted the offer without the least hesitation, and when Zhuge Liang asked him how he intended to do it, he replied, “If you release me, I will use my cleverness of speech to convince Liu Xian. You can raid his camp this evening and I will be your helper on the inside. I will make Liu Xian a prisoner and will hand him over to you. He being captured, his father will surrender at once.”
Liu Bei doubted the good faith of the man, but Zhuge Liang said he could answer for him. Therefore he was set free and went back to his own camp, where he related all that had occurred to his master
Liu Xian.
“What can we do then?” asked Liu Xian.
“We can meet trick with trick. Put our soldiers in an ambush tonight outside our camp while within, everything will appear as usual. When Zhuge Liang comes we will capture him.”
The ambush was prepared. To their delight, at the second watch a troop really came out of the darkness and emerged at their camp gate. Each raider carried a torch and they began to set fire to all about them. Out dashed Liu Xian and Xing Dao-rong from two sides and the incendiaries immediately fled. The two pursued them, but when about ten li from the camp the fugitives suddenly disappeared. Much surprised, the two hastened to find their way back to their own camp.
The fire was still burning and from behind the flames they could see Zhang Fei coming out. Liu Xian called out to his companion not to enter the burning camp, but to go with him to attack Zhuge Liang’s stockade.
So they turned again, but hardly had they advanced ten li when Zhao Yun and his troop suddenly descended on the road. With one thrust of his spear Zhao Yun pierced Xing Dao-rong to death. Liu Xian turned to flee, but Zhang Fei was close upon him and captured him while he was still seated on his horse. He was bound and taken to camp. When he saw Zhuge Liang he laid the blame on his fallen officer, saying that he had listened to his evil counsel against his own wish. Zhuge Liang ordered guards to loosen his bonds and then gave him proper dress to wear and wine to calm him down. After he had recovered from his fright Zhuge Liang sent him back to his father to persuade him to yield.
“And if he does not, when the city is destroyed every one of your family will be put to death,” said Zhuge Liang as he left.
The son returned to the city and told his father of Zhuge Liang’s kindness in sparing his life and asked him to submit. Liu Du was persuaded and decided to yield. In no time the flag of surrender was hoisted, the gates were thrown wide open, and Liu Du went to Liu Bei’s camp to offer submission and present his seal of office. He was given back his former post, but his son was to leave for Jingzhou to serve in the army. The people of Lingling all rejoiced greatly at this peaceful change of rulers. Liu Bei entered the city, calming and reassuring the residents.
After rewarding his army he at once began to think of the next move and asked for an officer to volunteer to take Guiyang. Zhao Yun offered himself, and then Zhang Fei, too, vigorously proposed that he command the expedition. So they wrangled and competed.
Zhuge Liang said, “But Zi-long was the first to volunteer, so he is to go.”
Still Zhang Fei insisted on going. They were then told to decide the dispute by drawing lots and again it was Zhao Yun who drew the winning lot.
Zhang Fei cried in anger, “I don’t need any helpers—just give me 3,000 men and I will seize the city without difficulty.”
“Me, too,” said Zhao Yun. “And if I fail I’m willing to accept the penalty.”
Zhuge Liang was pleased and a written commission was at once prepared. Three thousand veteran soldiers were chosen and Zhao Yun soon departed. Zhang Fei was still discontented but his brother Liu Bei reproached him and told him to withdraw.
With his 3,000 men Zhao Yun took the road to Guiyang. The prefect, Zhao Fan, soon heard of his approach and hastily summoned his officers for a counsel. Two of them, Chen Ying and Bao Long, offered to meet the invaders and turn them back.
Now these two officers used to be hunters in the hills of Guiyang. Chen Ying used a flying fork and Bao Long could draw a bow with such force that he had been known to shoot down two tigers. Considering themselves very strong, they said to the prefect, “We will lead the van if Liu Bei comes.”
Prefect Zhao replied, “I hear that Liu Bei is of the imperial family; Zhuge Liang is exceedingly resourceful; and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are very powerful. And the commander of this force is Zhao Yun who, on one occasion, faced a million soldiers and never flinched. Our small force here cannot stand against such people. We will have to yield.”
“Let me go out to fight,” said Chen Ying. “If I cannot capture Zhao Yun then you can yield.”
The prefect could not dissuade him and finally gave his consent. Then Chen Ying, with 3,000 men, went out and soon the two armies came within sight of each other. When he had drawn up his force in battle array Chen Ying took his flying fork and galloped to the front. Gripping his spear, Zhao Yun rode forth to meet him.
“My master is the brother of Liu Biao, to whom this land belonged. Now he is supporting his nephew Liu Qi to rule Jingzhou. He has sent me to soothe and pacify the people here. Why then do you oppose me?”
“We only take orders from Prime Minister Cao,” replied Chen Ying. “Do you think we will surrender to your master?”
This reply put Zhao Yun in a rage. He raised his spear and rode directly at his opponent, who twirled his flying fork to engage him. The two horses met, but after four or five encounters Chen Ying, realizing that there was no hope of victory, turned to flee. Zhao Yun followed. Glancing back Chen Ying saw that Zhao Yun was coming near. He suddenly turned and flung the fork at Zhao Yun, who deftly caught it and threw it back. Chen Ying hastened to dodge away, but Zhao Yun soon fell upon him, dragged him out of the saddle, and threw him to the ground. Then he called up his soldiers to bind the prisoner and take him to the camp. All the men of the defeated army scattered and fled.
“How dare you combat me?” said Zhao Yun to the prisoner when they had returned to camp. “However, I am not going to put you to death. Go back and persuade your master to yield.”
Chen Ying asked for pardon and, putting his hands over his head, fled like a frightened rat. When he returned he told the prefect what had happened. “I meant to yield, but you insisted on fighting and this is what it has brought you to,” he said reproachfully.
Then he took his seal of office and went out to Zhao Yun’s camp to offer submission, accompanied by a small escort. Zhao Yun received him graciously, treated him with wine, and then accepted the seal of office. After the wine had gone round several times Zhao Fan, the prefect, said, “General, your surname is the same as mine, which means that five centuries ago we were one family. Moreover, we are from the same village. If you do not despise me, let us swear brotherhood. I should be very happy.”
Zhao Yun was pleased and they compared their ages. They were born in the same year but Zhao Yun was the elder by four months, and so Zhao Fan made his bow as younger brother. The two men, having so many things in common, seemed to be destined to be as close as brothers.
At eventide the feast broke up and the prefect returned to his dwelling inside the city. The next day he invited Zhao Yun to enter the city, where, after he had assured the people of their safety, Zhao Yun went to a banquet at his sworn brother’s official residence. When they had become mellow with wine the prefect invited Zhao Yun into an inner chamber, where wine was again served. Zhao Yun was a little intoxicated and suddenly his host asked a lady to come out and present a cup of wine to the guest. The lady, dressed in white, was exceptionally attractive. Indeed, her beauty was of the kind that could overthrow cities and ruin states.
“Who is she?” asked Zhao Yun.
“My sister-in-law, Lady Fan.”
Zhao Yun at once treated her with deference. When she had offered the cup the prefect told her to take a seat and join them in drinking, but Zhao Yun would not agree and the lady withdrew.
“Why did you trouble your sister-in-law to present wine to me, brother?” asked Zhao Yun.
“There is a reason,” said the prefect, smiling. “Please let me tell you. My brother died three years ago and left her a widow. I have often advised her to marry again, but she said she would only do so if her suitor could meet with three conditions: first, he must be famous for literary grace and martial arts; secondly, handsome and highly dignified; and thirdly, of the same surname as my brother’s. Now where in all the world is such a combination likely to be found? Yet here you are, brother, dignified, handsome and prepossessing, a man whose fame spreads across the four seas and of the desired su
rname. You exactly fulfill my sister-in-law’s requirements. If you don’t find her too ugly, I would like to present her to be your wife and I will provide a dowry. What do you think of such an alliance?”
But Zhao Yun rose in anger, shouting, “As I have just sworn brotherhood with you, isn’t your sister-in-law my sister-in-law? How could you think of bringing such confusion into the relationship.”
Shame suffused Zhao Fan’s face and he said, “I meant only kindness— why are you so very rude to me?”
So saying he looked at his attendants with murder in his eye. But Zhao Yun was already aware of his evil intention, he raised his fist and knocked the prefect down. Then he strode out, mounted his steed, and rode out of the city.
The prefect at once called in his two fighting men for counsel. Chen Ying said, “He has gone away in a rage, which means we will have to fight him.”
“But I fear we will lose,” said Zhao Fan.
“Let us pretend to be deserters,” suggested Bao Long, “and so get among his men. When you come to challenge him we will catch him by surprise.”
“We have to take some men with us,” said Chen Ying.
“Five hundred will do,” said Bao Long.
So that night the two men and their followers went to Zhao Yun’s camp to desert. Zhao Yun saw through the trick they were playing but he told the guards to bring them in.
They said, “Zhao Fan intended to tempt you with that fair lady. He wanted to make you drunk so that he might murder you and send your head to Cao Cao for a reward. Yes, he was as wicked as that. We saw you go away in anger and we thought that would mean trouble for us—so we have come to submit to you.”
The Three Kingdoms, Volume 2: The Sleeping Dragon: The Epic Chinese Tale of Loyalty and War in a Dynamic New Translation Page 24