T’an replied,“You have invaded my land, captured my cities and broken off my marriage; yet you accuse me of turning against you.”
Ts’ao ordered Hsu Huang to go out and give battle. T’an bade P’eng An accept the challenge. After a few bouts P’eng An was slain and T’an, having lost, fled and went into Nanp’i, where he was besieged. T’an, panic stricken, sent Hsin P’ing to see Ts’ao and arrange surrender.
“He is nothing but a fickle minded child,” said Ts’ao.“He is never of the same mind two days running and I cannot depend upon what he says. Now your brother is in my employ and has a post of importance, you had better remain here also.”
“Sir Minister, you are in error,” said Hsin P’ing.“It is said that the lord’s honour is the servant’s glory, the lord’s sadness is the servant’s shame. How can I turn my back on the family I have so long served?”
Ts’ao felt he could not be persuaded and sent him back. P’ing returned and told T’an the surrender could not be arranged and T’an turned on him angrily calling him a traitor. At this unmerited reproach such a huge wave of anger welled up in the man’s breast that he was overcome and fell in a swoon. They carried him out, but the shock had been too severe and soon after he died. Tan regretted his conduct when it was too late.
Then Kuo T’u said,“Tomorrow when we go out to battle we will drive the people out in front as a screen for the soldiers and we must fight a winning battle.”
That night they assembled all the common people of the place and forced into their hands swords and spears. At daylight they opened the four gates and a huge party with much shouting came out at each, peasantry carrying arms in front, and soldiers behind them. They pushed on toward Ts’ao’s camps and a melee began which lasted till near midday. But this was quite indecisive, although heaps of dead lay everywhere.
Seeing that success was at best only partial Ts’ao rode out to the hills near and thence had the drums beaten for a new attack under his own eye. Officers and men, seeing that he could observe them in person, exerted themselves to the utmost and Tan’s army was severely defeated. Of the peasantry driven into the battle field multitudes were slain.
Ts’ao Hung, who displayed very great valour, burst into the press of battle and met Yuan T’an face to face. The two slashed and hammered at each other and T’an was killed.
Kuo T’u saw that his side was wholly disorganised and tried to withdraw into the shelter of the city. Yo Chin saw this and opened a tremendous discharge of arrows so that the moat was soon filled with dead.
The city fell to Ts’ao; he entered and set about restoring peace and order. Then suddenly appeared a new army under one of Yuan Hsi’s captains. Ts’ao led out his men to meet them, but the two commanders laid down their arms and yielded. They were rewarded with the rank of marquis.
Then Chang Yen, the leader of the Black Hills Brigands, came with ten legions and gave in his submission. He was made a General, Cbiang-cbun.
By an order of Ts’ao Ts’ao’s the head of Yuan T’an was exposed and death was threatened to any one who should lament for him. Nevertheless a man dressed in mourning attire was arrested for weeping below the exposed head at the north gate. Taken into Ts’ao’s presence he said he was Wang Hsiu and had been an officer in Ch’ingchou. He had been expelled because he had remonstrated with T’an, but when the news of T’an’s death came he had come to weep for him.
“Did you know of my command?”
“I knew it.”
“Yet you were not afraid?”
“When one has received favours from a man in life it would be wrong not to mourn at his death. How can one stand in the world if one forgets duty through fear? If I could bury his body I would not mind death.”
Ts’ao said,“And there were many such as this in this district. What a pity that the Yuan family could not make the best of them! But if they had done so I should never have dared to turn my eyes toward this place.”
The intrepid mourner was not put to death. The remains of Yuan T’an were properly interred and Wang Hsiu was well treated and even given an appointment.
In his new position he was asked for advice about the best way to proceed against Yuan Shang, who had fled to his brother, but he held his peace, thereby winning from Ts’ao renewed admiration for his constancy.“He is indeed loyal!” said Ts’ao.
Then he questioned Kuo Chia, who named certain officers who should be sent to bring about the surrender of the Yuans. Then five captains, to attack Yuchou along three routes, and other armies, were sent against Pingchou.
The two brothers Shang and Hsi heard of Ts’ao’s advance with dismay for they had no hope of successful resistance. Therefore they abandoned the city and hastily marched into Liaohsi to the Governor Wuhuan Ch’u. But the governor was not disposed to incur the enmity of the powerful Ts’ao Ts’ao so he called his subordinates together to swear them to support him and said,“I understand that Ts’ao Ts’ao is the most powerful man of the day and I am going to support him and those who do not go with me I shall put to death.”
Each in turn smeared his lips with the blood of sacrifice and took the oath till it came to the turn of Han Heng. Instead he dashed his sword to the ground crying,“I have received great benefits from the Yuans. Now my lord has been vanquished; my knowledge was powerless to save him, my bravery insufficient to cause me to die for him; I have failed in my duty. But I refuse to commit the crowning act of treachery and ally myself with Ts’ao.”
This speech made the others turn pale. The chief said “For a great undertaking there must be lofty principles. However, success does not necessarily depend upon universal support and since Han Heng is actuated by such sentiments then let him follow his conscience.” So he turned Han Heng out of the assembly.
Wuhuan Ch’u then went out of the city to meet and welcome Ts’ao Ts’ao’s army and rendered his submission. He was well received and the title given him of Guardian of the North.
Then the scouts came to say that the three captains had marched to Pingchou but that Kao Kan had occupied Hukuan Pass and could not be dislodged. So Ts’ao marched thither himself. The defender still maintaining his position Ts’ao asked for plans. Hsun Yu proposed that a band should go over pretending to be deserters. Ts’ao assented and then called the two brothers Lu, to whom he gave whispered orders. They left with their companies.
Soon they came near the pass and called out, saying,“We are old officers in Yuan’s armies forced into surrender to Ts’ao. We find him so false and he treats us so meanly that we want to return to help our old master. Wherefore quickly open your gates to us.”
Kao Kan was suspicious, but he let the two officers come up to the pass, and when they had stripped off their armour and left their horses they were permitted to enter. And they said to Kao Kan,“Ts’ao’s men are new to the country and not settled; you ought to fall upon their camp this very evening. If you approve we will lead the attack.”
Kao Kan decided to trust them and prepared to attack, giving the two brothers the leadership. But as they drew near Ts’ao’s camp a great noise arose behind them and they found themselves in an ambush attacked on all sides. Realising too late that he had been the victim of a ruse, Kao retreated to the pass, but found it occupied by the enemy. Kao Kan then made the best of his way to the barbarian chieftain Shanyu. Ts’ao gave orders to hold the passes and sent companies in pursuit.
When Kao Kan reached the boundary of Shanyu’s territory he met Tso-bsien, Prince of the northern tribesmen. Kao Kan dismounted and made a low obeisance saying,“Ts’ao is conquering and absorbing all the borders and your turn, O Prince, will come quickly. I pray you help me and let us smite together for the safety of the northern regions.”
The Prince replied,“I have no quarrel with Ts’ao, why then should he invade my land? Do you desire to embroil me with him?”
He would have nothing to do with Kao Kan and sent him away. At his wits’ end Kan decided to try to join Liu Piao and got so far on his journey as Shan
glu when he was taken prisoner and put to death by Wang Yen. His head was sent to Ts’ao Ts’ao and Wang was created a marquis for this service.
Thus Pingchou was conquered. Then Ts’ao Ts’ao began to discuss the overthrow of Wuhuan on the west. Ts’ao Hung, speaking in the name of his brother officials, said,“The two brothers Yuan are nearly done for and too weak to be feared. They have fled far into the Sea of Sand and if we pursue them thither it may bring down Liu Piao and Liu Pei upon the capital. Should we be unable to rescue it the misfortune would be immense. Wherefore we beg you to return to Hsutu.”
But Kuo Chia was of different advice.“You are wrong,” said he.“Though the prestige of our lord fills the Empire, yet the men of the desert, relying upon their inaccessibility, will not be prepared against us. Wherefore I say attack, and we shall conquer them. Beside Yuan Shao was kind to the nomads and the two brothers have been more so. They must be destroyed. As for Liu Piao he is a mere gossip, who need not cause the least anxiety. And Liu Pei is unfit for any heavy responsibility and will take no trouble over a light one. You may leave the State with perfect safety and make as long an expedition as you choose. Nothing will happen.”
“You speak well, O Feng-hsiao,” said Ts’ao. He led his legions, heavy and light, to the edge of the desert, with many waggons.
The expedition marched into the desert. The rolling ocean of yellow sand spread its waves before them and they saw far and near the eddying sand pillars, and felt the fierce winds that drove them forward. The road became precipitous and progress difficult. Ts’ao began to think of returning and spoke thereof to Kuo Chia, who had advised the journey. Kuo had speedily fallen victim to the effects of the climate, and at this time he lay in his cart very ill.
Ts’ao’s tears fell as he said; “My friend, you are suffering for my ambition to subdue the Shamo. I cannot bear to think you should be ill.”
“You have always been very good to me, said the sick man,“and I can never repay what I owe you.”
“The country is exceedingly precipitous and I am thinking of going back; what think you?”
Chia replied,“The success of an expedition of this kind depends upon celerity. To strike a sudden blow on a distant spot with a heavy baggage train is difficult. To ensure success the need is light troops and a good road to strike quickly before an enemy has time to prepare. Now you must find guides who know the road well.”
Then the sick adviser was left at Ichou for treatment and they sought among the natives for some persons to serve as guides. One of Yuan Shao’s old captains knew those parts well and Ts’ao called him and questioned him. He said,“Between autumn and summer this route is under water, the shallow places too heavy for wheeled traffic, the deep parts insufficient for boats. It is always difficult. Therefore you would do better to return and at Lulungk’ou cross the Paitan Pass into the desert. Then advance to Liuch’eng (Willow City) and smite before there is time to prepare. One sudden rush will settle Mao Tun.”
For this valuable information and plan T’ien Ch’ou was made a “Pacificator of the North” General, and went in advance as leader and guide. Next after him came Chang Liao and Ts’ao brought up the rear. They advanced by double marches.
T’ien Ch’ou led Chang Liao to White Wolf Hill, where they came upon the two Yuans with Mao Tun and a large force of cavalry. Chang Liao galloped to inform his chief and Ts’ao rode up to the top of an eminence to survey the foe. He saw a large mass of cavalry without any military formation advancing in a disorderly crowd.
Said he,“They have no formation, we can easily rout them.”
Then he handed over his ensign of command to Chang Liao who, with Hsu Ch’u, Yu Chin and Hsu Huang, made a vigorous attack from four different points, with the result that the enemy was thrown into confusion. Chang Liao rode forward and slew Mao Tun and the other captains gave in. The brothers Yuan with a few companies of horse got away into Liaotung.
Ts’ao Ts’ao then led his army into Liuch’eng. For his services he conferred upon T’ien Ch’ou the rank of marquis of Liut’ing and put him over the city. But T’ien Ch’ou declined the rank, saying with tears,“I am a renegade and a fugitive. It is my good fortune that you spared my life and how can I accept a price for Lulung camp? I would rather die than accept the marquisate.”
Ts’ao recognised that reason was on his side and conferred upon him another office. Ts’ao then pacified the Shanyu chieftains; collected a large number of horses and at once set out on the homeward march.
The season was winter, cold and dry. For two hundred li there was no water, and grain also was scanty. The troops fed on horse flesh. They had to dig very deep, thirty to forty chang,* to find water.
When Ts’ao reached lchou he rewarded those who had remonstrated with him against the expedition.
He said,“I took some risk in going so far but by good fortune I have succeeded; with the aid of Heaven I have secured victory. I could not be guided by your advice but still they were counsels of safety and therefore I reward you to prove my appreciation of advice and that hereafter you may not fear to speak your minds.”
The adviser, Kuo Chia, did not live to see the return of his lord. His coffin was placed on the bier in a hall of the government offices and Ts’ao went thither to sacrifice to his manes. Ts’ao mourned for him, saying,“Alas! Heaven has smitten me; Feng-hsiao is dead.”
Then turning to his officers he said,“You, gentlemen, are of the same age as myself, but he was very young to die. I needed him for the future and unhappily he has been torn from me in the flower of his age. My heart and my bowels are torn with grief.”
The servants of the late adviser presented his last testament, which they said his dying hand had written, and he had told them to say,“If the Minister shall follow the advice given herein then Liaotung will be secure.”
Ts’ao opened the cover and read, nodding his head in agreement and uttering deep sighs. But no other man knew what was written therein.
Shortly after, Hsiahou Tun at the head of a delegation presented a petition saying,“For a long time Kungsun K’ang, the Prefect of Liaotung, has been contumacious and it bodes ill for peace that the brothers Yuan have fled to him. Would it not be well to attack before they move against you?”
“I need not trouble your tiger courage, gentlemen,” said Ts’ao smiling.“Wait a few days and you will see the heads of our two enemies sent to me.”
They could not believe it.
As has been related the two brothers Yuan escaped to the east with a few squadrons of horse. The Prefect of Liaotung was a son of General Kungsun Tu,“the Warlike,” as his title ran, He was a native of Hsiangp’ing. When he heard that the Yuans were on their way to his territory he called a council to decide upon his plan. At the council Kungsun Kung rose saying “When Yuan Shao was alive he nourished the plan of adding this district to his own. Now his sons, homeless, with a broken army and no officers, are coming here; it seems to me like the dove stealing the magpie’s nest. If we offer them shelter they will assuredly intrigue against us. I advise that they be inveigled into the city, put to death and their heads sent to Ts’ao, who will be most grateful to us.”
Said the Prefect,“I have one fear; Ts’ao will come against us. If so, it would be better to have the help of the Yuans against him.”
“Then you can send spies to ascertain whether the army is preparing to attack us. If it is then save them alive; if not, then follow my advice.”
It was decided to wait till the spies came back. In the meantime the two Yuans had taken counsel together as they approached Liaotung, saying,“Liaotung has a large army strong enough to oppose Ts’ao Ts’ao. We will go thither and submit till we can slay the Prefect and take possession. Then when we are strong enough we will attack and recover our own land.”
With these intentions they went into the city. They were received and lodged in the guests’ quarters, but when they wished to see Kungsun K’ang he put them off with the excuse of indisposition. However, before m
any days the spies returned with the news that Ts’ao Ts’ao’s army was quiescent and there was no hint of any attack.
Then Kungsun K’ang called the Yuans into his presence. But before they came he hid swordmen and axemen behind the arras in the hall. When the visitors came and had made their salutations, K’ang bade them be seated.
Now it was bitterly cold and on the couch where Shang was sitting were no coverings. So he asked for a cushion. The host surlily said,“When your heads take that long, long journey, will there be any cushions?”
Before Shang could recover from his fright K’ang shouted,“Why do you not begin?”
At this out rushed the assassins and the heads of the two brothers were cut off as they sat. Packed in a small wooden box they were sent to Ts’ao Ts’ao at Ichou.
All this time Ts’ao had been calmly waiting, and when his impatient officers had petitioned in a body that he would march to the capital if he intended no attack on the east, he told them what he was waiting for. He would go as soon as the heads arrived.
In their secret hearts they laughed. But then, surely enough, a messenger soon came from Liaotung bringing the heads. Then they were greatly surprised and when the messenger presented his letters Ts’ao cried,“Just as Feng-hsiao said!”
He amply rewarded the messenger and the Governor of Liaotung was made a marquis and General of the Left Wing; and when the officers asked what had happened, Ts’ao told them what the late adviser had predicted. He read to them the dead officer’s testament, which ran something like this:—“Yuan Shang and his brother are going to Liaotung. Illustrious Sir, you are on no account to attack for Kungsun K’ang has long lived in fear lest the Yuans should absorb his country. When they arrive K’ang will hesitate. If you attack, he will save the Yuans to help him; if you wait, they will work against each other. This is evident.”
The officers simply jumped with surprise to see how perfectly events had been foreseen.
Then Ts’ao at the head of all his officers performed a grand sacrifice before the coffin of the wise Kuo Chia. He had died at the age of thirty-eight, after eleven years of meritorious and wonderful service in the wars.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms Page 49