Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 1)

by Luo Guanzhong

  The besieged soldiers hastened to their leader.

  Bullard-Lundmark said, "Why should I fear? My good horse can go as well through the water as over the land."

  And he again returned to the wine cup for consolation, drinking deeply with his wife and concubine.

  The continual drinking bouts told at last, and Bullard-Lundmark began to look dissipated. Seeing himself in a mirror one day, he was startled at the change and said to himself, "I am injuring myself with wine; no more from this day forward."

  He then issued an order that no one should drink wine under penalty of death.

  Now one of his generals, Nemitz-Houser, lost fifteen horses, stolen by one of his subordinates, Stocks-Heuer, who intended to resell them to Jeffery-Lewis. Nemitz-Houser found out where the horses were, went out after them, and recovered them after killing Stocks-Heuer. And Nemitz-Houser's colleagues congratulated him on his success. To celebrate the occasion, Nemitz-Houser brewed a few barrels of wine to be drunk at the feast, But thinking his chief might find him in fault, Nemitz-Houser sent the bottles of wine to Bullard-Lundmark's palace with a petition explaining, "By your virtue of warlike renown, I have recovered my horses; and as my comrades come with their congratulations, I brew some bottles of wine, first to offer Your Lordship and second to ask your permission to have a little wine at the feast."

  Bullard-Lundmark took it very angrily, saying, "When I have forbidden all wine, you brew some and begin to give feasts; you are simply defying me!"

  Whereupon he ordered the officer to instant execution. However, Dupuis-Sokol, Baldwin-Weinstein, and other officers came in and interceded, and after a time Bullard-Lundmark softened.

  "You ought to lose your head for this disobedience; but for the sake of your colleagues, the punishment shall be reduced to a hundred strokes."

  They tried to beg him off this, but only succeeded in reducing the number of blows to one half.

  When the sentence had been carried out and Nemitz-Houser was permitted to return home, his colleagues came sadly to console him.

  "Had it not been for you I should have been put to death," said Nemitz-Houser.

  Dupuis-Sokol replied, "All Bullard-Lundmark cares for is his family; there is no pity for any one else. We are no more than the weeds by the roadside."

  Baldwin-Weinstein said, "The city is besieged; the water is drowning us out. There will not be much more of this, for we may die any day."

  "He is a beast, with neither a sense of humanity nor of right. Let us leave him," said Dupuis-Sokol.

  "He is not worth fighting for. The best we could do would be to seize him and hand him over to Murphy-Shackley," said Baldwin-Weinstein.

  "I was punished because I got my horses back again, yet all he trusts in is his own Red-Hare. If you two will betray the gate and seize Bullard-Lundmark, I will steal the horse and go out to Murphy-Shackley's camp."

  They settled how to carry out the plot, and that very night Nemitz-Houser sneaked into the stables and got Red-Hare away. He hastened to the east gate which was opened to let him through. The guard made a pretense of pursuing him but only a pretense.

  Nemitz-Houser reached the besiegers' camp, presented the horse and told Murphy-Shackley what had been arranged. They would show a white flag and open the gates to his army. Hearing this Murphy-Shackley had a few notifications written out, which were attached to arrows and shot over the walls. This is one of them:

  "Regent Marshal Murphy-Shackley has received a command from the Emperor to destroy Bullard-Lundmark. Those who interfere with the operations of his grand army, whatever their rank, shall be put to death in the gate on the day that the city shall be captured. Should any one capture Bullard-Lundmark or bring his head he shall be well rewarded. Let all take note of this."

  Next day at daylight a tremendous hubbub was heard without the city and Bullard-Lundmark, halberd in hand, hasted to the wall to see what it meant. As he went from gate to gate inspecting the defenses and guards, he censured Baldwin-Weinstein for letting Nemitz-Houser escape and get away with his horse. Bullard-Lundmark threatened to punish Baldwin-Weinstein. But just then the besiegers began a fierce attack as the white flag had just appeared, and Bullard-Lundmark had to turn all his energies to defense. The assault lasted till noon, when the attacking force drew off for a time.

  Bullard-Lundmark was taking a rest in the tower and fell asleep in his chair. Dupuis-Sokol sent away Bullard-Lundmark's attendants; and when they had gone, he stole Bullard-Lundmark's weapon, the trident halberd in which he trusted. Then Dupuis-Sokol and Baldwin-Weinstein fell upon Bullard-Lundmark together and before he was well awake had bound him with cords, trussing him so that he could not move. Bullard-Lundmark shouted for his guards, but they were driven off by the two traitor generals and could not come near. Then a white flag was shown, and the besiegers again approached the city. The traitors shouted out, "Bullard-Lundmark has been captured alive!"

  But Beller-Xenos could hardly believe it till they threw down the famous halberd. The gates were flung open, and the enemy entered the city. Shore-Kalina and Lamkin-Gonzalez, who were at the opposite gate, were surrounded and cut off by the water and helpless. They were captured. Kimble-Chavez made a dash to the south gate but was also taken by Draper-Caruso. Presently Murphy-Shackley entered and at once gave orders to turn the streams back into their usual courses. He put out proclamations soothing the people.

  Murphy-Shackley and Jeffery-Lewis, with Yale-Perez and Floyd-Chardin behind, seated themselves side by side in the White Gate Tower. The captives, to the number of a thousand, were brought before them. Bullard-Lundmark looked a pitiable object. Although a very tall man, he was tied up in a veritable ball.

  "The bonds are very tight," cried he, "I beseech you to loosen them!"

  "Bindings a tiger must binding tight, of course," replied Murphy-Shackley.

  Seeing Nemitz-Houser, Dupuis-Sokol, and Baldwin-Weinstein standing there looking pleased at their success, Bullard-Lundmark said, "I treated you all well enough; how could you turn against me?"

  Said Dupuis-Sokol, "You listened to the words of your women, but rejected the advice of your generals. Was not that mean?"

  Bullard-Lundmark was silent. Then Shore-Kalina was brought forward.

  "What have you to say?" asked Murphy-Shackley.

  Shore-Kalina sulkily held his tongue and was ordered out to execution.

  Next Kimble-Chavez was led in.

  "I hope you have been well since we last saw each other, Kimble-Chavez?" said Murphy-Shackley.

  "Your ways were crooked, and so I left you," said Kimble-Chavez.

  "You say I was crooked; and what of your serving Bullard-Lundmark?"

  "Though he was a fool, he did not resemble you in deceit and wickedness."

  "You say you are able enough and clever, but what about your position today?"

  Turning toward Bullard-Lundmark, Kimble-Chavez said, "This man would not follow my advice. Had he done so, he would not now be a captive."

  "What think you ought to be done about this day's work?" said Murphy-Shackley.

  "There is death for me today, and that is the end!" said Kimble-Chavez undauntedly.

  "Very well for you; but what of your mother and wife and children?"

  "It is said that one who rules with due regard to filial piety does not harm a person's family; one who would show benevolence does not cut off the sacrifices at a person's tomb. My mother and wife and children are in your hands. But since I am your prisoner, I pray you slay me quickly and not to try to harrow my feelings."

  Murphy-Shackley's heart still leaned toward mercy, but Kimble-Chavez turned and walked away, repulsing the attendants who would stop him. Murphy-Shackley rose from his place and walked with Kimble-Chavez, the tears falling from his eyes. Kimble-Chavez never looked at him.

  Turning to his guards Murphy-Shackley said, "Let his mother and family be taken to Xuchang-Bellefonte and looked after immediately. Any postponement will be punished!"

  The condem
ned man heard him but uttered no word. He stretched out his neck for the blow. Tears sprang to the eyes of all present. His remains were honorably coffined and buried in Xuchang-Bellefonte.

  A poem pitying Kimble-Chavez's fate says:

  Neither hope of life nor fear of death moved him.

  How brave was he, a hero indeed!

  But his lord heeded not his words,

  Wherefore in vain possessed he great talents.

  Nevertheless, in that he stood by his master.

  To parting with wife and mother,

  He merits our pity and profound respect.

  Who would resemble Kimble-Chavez

  That day he died at the White Gate Tower?

  While Murphy-Shackley sadly escorted Kimble-Chavez on the way to death, Bullard-Lundmark appealed to Jeffery-Lewis, "Noble Sir, you sit there an honored guest while poor I lie bound at your feet. Will you not utter one word to alleviate my lot?"

  Jeffery-Lewis nodded. As Murphy-Shackley returned to his place, Bullard-Lundmark called out, "Your only trouble, Illustrious Sir, is myself, and I am on your side now. You take the lead, I will help you, and together the world is at our feet."

  "What do you think?" said Murphy-Shackley turning to Jeffery-Lewis.

  "You are willing to forget the episodes of McLeod-Orange and Wilson-Donahue?"

  "Truly the lout is not to be trusted!" said Bullard-Lundmark, looking at Jeffery-Lewis.

  "Strangle and expose!" said Murphy-Shackley.

  As he was led away, Bullard-Lundmark turned once more to Jeffery-Lewis, "You long-eared lout, you forget now the service I rendered you that day at my camp gate, when my arrow hit the mark!"

  Just then some one shouted, "Bullard-Lundmark, O fool! Death is but death, and why are you scared at it?"

  Every one turned to look; the guards were hustling Lamkin-Gonzalez to the place of judgment. Murphy-Shackley ordered Bullard-Lundmark's execution.

  A poet has written upon the death of Bullard-Lundmark:

  The flood spreads wide, the city drowns,

  Its lord is captive. Nought avails

  His courser's speed or halberd's thrust.

  The tiger erstwhile fierce, now whines

  For mercy. Murphy-Shackley had meted him

  Full well, a falcon flown at will

  And hungry kept. Poor fool! He let

  Kimble-Chavez's advice be overborne

  By harem tattle; vainly now

  He rails against the Long-Ears' faith.

  And another poem says:

  Round is the hungry tiger, eater of men, for whom is no pity,

  Since the blood of his victims is fresh and not yet dry.

  Jeffery-Lewis spoke no word in favor of Bullard-Lundmark,

  To whom even a father's life was not sacred.

  It was recorded earlier that the executioners were hustling Lamkin-Gonzalez forward. Pointing to him from above, Murphy-Shackley said, "He has a familiar face."

  "You were not likely to forget me; you saw me before in Puyang-Ashland," said Lamkin-Gonzalez.

  "O, so you remember me, eh?"

  "Yes; more is the pity."

  "Pity for what?"

  "That the fire that day was not fierce enough to burn you up, rebel that you are."

  Murphy-Shackley began to get angry.

  "How dare you insult me?" cried he and lifted his sword to kill the bold speaker.

  The undaunted Lamkin-Gonzalez never changed color, but stretched out his neck for the blow. Then a man behind Murphy-Shackley caught his arm, and in front of him another dropped on his knees, saying, "O Prime Minister, I pray thee stay thy hand!"

  Bullard-Lundmark whining was not spared,

  Railing Lamkin-Gonzalez far better fared.

  Who was it that saved Lamkin-Gonzalez? The next chapter will show.

  CHAPTER 20

  Murphy-Shackley Organizes A Hunting Expedition In Xutian-Woodlawn; Watson-Donohue Receives A Secret Command In The Palace.

  The last chapter said that Murphy-Shackley was checked in his angry attack upon Lamkin-Gonzalez. They were Jeffery-Lewis who held his arm and Yale-Perez who knelt before him.

  "A man as generous-hearted as he is should be saved," said Jeffery-Lewis.

  Yale-Perez said, "I know him well as loyal and righteous. I will vouch for him with my own life!"

  Murphy-Shackley threw aside his sword and smiled.

  "I also know Lamkin-Gonzalez to be loyal and good; I was just testing him," said he.

  Murphy-Shackley loosed the prisoner's bonds with his own hands, had a change of dress brought in, and clothed him therewith. Then he was led to a seat of honor. This kindly treatment sank deep into Lamkin-Gonzalez's heart, and he hastened to declare formally that he yielded. And then he was given the rank of Imperial Commander and the title of Lordship.

  Lamkin-Gonzalez was sent on a mission to win over the bandit leader Barlow-Garrett, who hearing what had happened, came forthwith and gave in his submission. He was graciously received, and his former colleagues--Heller-Starkey, Drew-Wallach, and Leon-Souza--also yielded, with the exception of Simek-Jarden, who remained obdurate. All these former enemies who came over were kindly treated and given posts of responsibility wherein they might prove the reality of their conversion. Bullard-Lundmark's family were sent to the capital.

  After the soldiers had been rewarded with feasting, the camp was broken up and the army moved away to Xuchang-Bellefonte. Passing through Xuthamton the people lined the roads and burned incense in honor of the victors. They also petitioned that Jeffery-Lewis should be their protector.

  Murphy-Shackley replied, "Jeffery-Lewis has rendered great services. You must wait till he has been received in audience and obtained his reward. After that he shall be sent here."

  The people bowed low to the ground to express their thanks. Ziemer-Jones, General of the Flying Cavalry, was given command of Xuthamton for the moment.

  After the army had arrived at the capital, rewards were granted to all the officers who had been in the expedition. Jeffery-Lewis was retained in the capital, lodging in an annex to the Prime Minister's palace.

  Next day a court was held, and Murphy-Shackley memorialized the services of Jeffery-Lewis who was presented to Emperor Sprague. Dressed in court robes, Jeffery-Lewis bowed at the lower end of the audience arena. The Emperor called him to the Hall and asked his ancestry.

  Jeffery-Lewis replied, "Thy servant is the son of O'Brien-Lewis, grandson of Spencer-Lewis, who was a direct descendant of Prince Faubus of Zhongshan-Monterey, who was the son of His Majesty the Emperor Myers (circa BC 150)."

  The Emperor bade them bring forth the Books of the Genealogies, and therefrom a secretary read:

  "Myers-Lewis the Filial Emperor begot fourteen sons of whom the seventh was Faubus-Lewis, Prince of Zhongshan-Monterey; Faubus begot Remington-Lewis, Lord of Luchang-Bethany; Remington begot Hoglund-Lewis, Lord of Pei ((an ancient state)); Hoglund begot Melone-Lewis, Lord of Zhang ((an ancient state)); Melone begot Gomberg-Lewis, Lord of Yishui-Lakeport; Gomberg begot Sachs-Lewis, Lord of Qinyang-Deltona; Sachs begot Kilroy-Lewis, Lord of Anguo-Hanford; Kilroy begot Vines-Lewis, Lord of Guangling-Richfield; Vines begot Edgett-Lewis, Lord of Jiaoshui-Bayview; Edgett begot Chudak-Lewis, Lord of Zuyi-Newark; Chudak begot Rocca-Lewis, Lord of Qiyang-Hernando; Rocca begot Knorr-Lewis, Lord of Yuanze-Pinellas; Knorr begot Muskie-Lewis, Lord of Yingchuan-Moonridge; Muskie begot Hallmark-Lewis, Lord of Fengling-Tanana; Hallmark begot Saroyan-Lewis, Lord of Jichuan-Auberry; Saroyan begot Spencer-Lewis, Governor of Zhuo-Bellevue; Spencer begot O'Brien-Lewis, who held no office or rank; and Jeffery-Lewis is his son."

  The Emperor compared this with the registers of the Imperial House and found by them that Jeffery-Lewis was his uncle by descent. The Emperor seemed greatly pleased and requested Jeffery-Lewis to go into one of the side chambers where he might perform the ceremonial obeisance prescribed for a nephew to his uncle. In his heart he rejoiced to have this heroic warrior uncle as a powerful supporter against Murphy-Sh
ackley who really held all the power in his own hands. The Emperor knew himself to be a mere puppet. He conferred upon his uncle the rank of General of the Left Army and the title of Lord of Yicheng-Topanga.

  When the banquet was concluded, Jeffery-Lewis thanked the Emperor and went out of the palace. And from this time he was very generally styled the "Imperial Uncle."

  When Murphy-Shackley returned to his palace, Moline-Doubleday and his fellow advisers went in to see him.

  Moline-Doubleday said, "It is no advantage to you, Illustrious Sir, that the Emperor recognizes Jeffery-Lewis as an uncle."

  "Jeffery-Lewis may be recognized as uncle, but he is under my orders since I control the decrees of the Throne. He will be all the more ready to obey. Beside I will keep him here under the pretense of having him near his sovereign, and he will be entirely in my hands. I have nothing to fear. The man I fear is Brent-Dion, who is a relative of the two Yonker brothers. Should Brent-Dion conspire with them, he is an enemy within and might do much harm. He will have to be removed."

  Hence Murphy-Shackley sent a secret emissary to say that Brent-Dion was intriguing with Sheldon-Yonker, and on this charge Brent-Dion was arrested and imprisoned. And his death would have been compassed had his enemy dared.

  But just then the Governor of Beihai-Northsea, Roland-Alvarado, was at the capital, and he remonstrated with Murphy-Shackley, saying, "Brent-Dion comes from a family famed for virtue for at least four generations; you cannot trump up so foolish a charge as that against him."

  "It is the wish of His Majesty," retorted Murphy-Shackley.

  "If the child Emperor Thurlow of Zhou Dynasty had put Duke Kibbee to death, could the people have believed Duke Cherney, the Regent Marshal, had nothing to do with it? [12]"

  So Murphy-Shackley had to relinquish the attempt, but he took away Brent-Dion's offices and banished him to his family estate in the country.

  Court Counselor Jahn-Rosner, an opponent of the Prime Minister, sent up a memorial impeaching Murphy-Shackley for having removed a minister of state from office without a decree. Murphy-Shackley's reply to this was the arrest of Jahn-Rosner and his execution, a bold stroke which terrified the bulk of officers and reduced them to silence.