Having slain Ma T’eng, Ts’ao Ts’ao decided to set out on his expedition to the south. But then came the disquieting news of the military preparations of Liu Pei, whose objective was said to be Ssuch’uan. This caused him alarm, for, as he said, the bird’s wings would be fully grown if he obtained possession of the west. He recognised the difficulty, but from among his counsellors there arose one who said,“I know how to prevent Liu Pei and Sun Ch’uan from helping each other and both Chiangnan and Hsich’uan will be yours.”
Chill death struck down the heroes of the west,
Calamity approached the bold men of the south.
The next chapter will unfold the scheme.
CHAPTER LVIII
AN EXPEDITION FOR REVENGE: EXPEDIENTS TO CONCEAL IDENTITY
“W hat is this good plan of yours, friend Ch’en?” asked Ts’ao of the speaker, who was a civilian in his service named Chi’en Ch’un.
Ch’en replied,“Your two principal enemies are now firm allies, close as lips and teeth. But Liu Pei wants Hsich’uan and if you, O Minister, send a mighty host against Sun Ch’uan, he must ask help from his friend Liu, who, having his heart set on the west, will refuse it. Sun without this aid cannot stand and will become so weak that Chiangtung will be yours for the taking and Chingchou will follow in a tap of the drum. The west will follow and the whole Empire is yours.”
“Those are my thoughts put into words,” replied Ts’ao Ts’ao.
The expeditionary force of thirty legions set out for the south. Chang Liao of Hofei was in command of the supply department.
Sun Ch’uan speedily heard of the move and called in his advisers. At the council Chang Chao said,“Let us send to Lu Su to tell him to write at once to Liu Pei that he may help us. They are good friends and Liu will certainly respond favourably. Beside, since Liu Pei and Sun Ch’uan are now connected by marriage, there is no risk of refusal. With the support of Liu Pei there is no danger to our country.”
Sun Ch’uan listened to this advice and sent to Lu Su bidding him to ask help from Liu Pei. Accordingly, on receipt of this command, a letter was written to Liu Pei, who after reading it, retained the messenger at the guesthouse till K’ungming could arrive from Nanchun. As soon as he arrived Liu Pei showed him the letter. The adviser said,“It is not necessary for Chiangnan troops to move, nor need we send ours. I can prevent Ts’ao Ts’ao from even daring to look in a south-easterly direction.”
So he wrote a reply telling Lu Su he could lay aside all anxiety and rest content, for should the northern army approach, they would be forced backward at once.
The letter was given to the messenger and then Liu Pei asked his adviser how he could hope to roll back the huge army that Ts’ao had prepared to bring south.
He replied,“Ts’ao Ts’ao’s chief fear is Hsiliang. Now just lately he has slain Ma T’eng and his son as well, and the men of Hsiliang are grinding their teeth with rage. Now you must write and ask Ma Ch’ao to march through the pass and Ts’ao will have no leisure to think of any expedition to the south.”
The letter was written, sent by a trusty hand and duly delivered.
Now Ma Ch’ao was in Hsiliang. One night he had a vision. In his dream he saw himself lying out on a snowy plain and many tigers were coming up and biting him. He awoke in a fright and began to wonder what the dream portended. Failing to explain it, he told the dream to his officers. One of them ventured to say the portent was evil. This was one, P’ang Te, a junior officer.
“What is your interpretation?” asked Ma Ch’ao.
“Meeting with tigers on a snowy plain is a very inauspicious subject to dream about. Assuredly our old General is in trouble at the capital.”
And at that moment one came in in hot haste and cast himself on the earth weeping and crying,“Both your uncle and your brother are dead.”
It was Ma Tai and he told the story of the evil that had fallen through Huang K’uei and the plotted assassination that had miscarried and become known. They two had been put to death in the market place and he had escaped in disguise.
Ma Ch’ao fell to the ground and wept bitterly, grinding his teeth with rage at his enemy Ts’ao. They lifted him to his feet and led him away to repose.
Soon after arrived a messenger with a letter from Liu Pei, which read like this:—“In these latter days of the hapless Hans, when the rebellious and tyrannical Ts’ao monopolises all power, to the injury of the Emperor and the wretchedness of the people, I, Liu Pei, recall that I and your father were recipients of an edict and we swore to exterminate the recreant. Now your father has suffered death at the hands of the tyrant and you must avenge him. As the holy books say, you cannot let the same sky cover you nor the same sun shine upon you and your father’s murderer. If you can lead your men to attack Ts’ao on one side I will march my armies to prevent his retreat and he will be taken and all his evil crew can be exterminated. Then and thus will your father be avenged and the Hans can be restored. I might add more but I will await your reply.”
Wiping his tears, Ma Ch’ao wrote a reply which was returned by the bearer.
The Hsiliang army was then mustered; horse and foot were assembled. Just before the day that had been fixed for the start the Governor of the district, Han Sui, sent for Ma Ch’ao, to whom he showed a letter from Ts’ao Ts’ao promising the Marquisate of Hsiliang as a reward for sending Ma Ch’ao a prisoner to the capital.
“Bind us both, Uncle, and send us thither, you need not move a single spear,” said the younger man prostrating himself.
But Han Sui raised him saying,“Your father and I were sworn brothers; think you I would harm you? Rather will I help if you are going to fight.”
Ma Ch’ao expressed his gratitude. The unhappy bearer of Ts’ao Ts’ao’s letter was dragged forth and beheaded. This done the two took count of their armies. Han Sui had eight divisions under as many commanders, all to be relied upon to follow Han Sui, while the younger man had twenty legions counting those under P’ang Te and Ma Tai. Such were the forces with which they could attack Changan the capital.
The commander of that city was Chung Yu. As soon as he heard what was afoot he sent a fleet messenger to Ts’ao and prepared for defence. He led his force out into the open plain and arrayed it for battle.
Ma Tai, with a legion and half, came on first, pouring over the countryside like a flood. Chung Yu would parley with him, but he came forward, sword in hand, to attack. However, the defender did not take the challenge but turned and fled. Ma Tai followed in pursuit. Soon the main body of the invaders arrived and they surrounded the city, which Chung Yu set about defending.
Changan had been the capital of the western Hans and so was well fortified with a solid wall and a deep moat, safe against the most terrific attacks. The new armies besieged the city for ten days without success. Then P’ang Te proposed a plan. Said he,“Since the land about the city is barren and the water bitter, the people must have communication with the country around in order to live. Further they have no fuel. Ten days of siege must have exhausted the supplies in the city, wherefore if we relax for a time—well, you will see. We shall capture the city without moving a finger.”
“Your plan seems excellent,” said Ma Ch’ao, when he heard what it was.
Thereupon they sent orders to each division to retire and Ma Ch’ao covered the retreat. Next day Chung Yu went up on the walls to look around and saw that the besiegers had gone. However, suspecting a ruse, he sent out spies, who returned to say the soldiers had really moved away to a distance. Wherefore he felt much relieved and allowed both soldiers and people to go out into the country to cut the much-needed firewood and bring in water. The city gates, thrown wide open, were thronged with those passing in and out.
This continued for five days and then they heard that Ma Chaos army was returning. A panic ensued. The people rushed into the city and the gates were once more barred.
The captain of the west gate was Chung Chin, brother of Chung Yu. About the third watch of the night a t
orch was seen moving just inside the gate and when the captain went to see what was wrong, and was passing the gateway, a man suddenly galloped up and slashed at him with a sword. At the same time he shouted “Here is P’ang Tel” The captain of the gate was taken aback, could not defend himself and was cut down. The gate guard was soon disposed of, the gates were shattered and the soldiers outside came pouring in. Chung Yu escaped by the opposite gate and left the City in the hands of his enemies. He reached Chang Pass, where he fortified himself and sent news of the misfortune to Ts’ao Ts’ao.
Ts’ao Ts’ao threw aside all plans for his expedition to the south when Changan was lost. He at once ordered that the unfortunate Chung Yu at Chang Pass should be replaced by Ts’ao Hung and Hsu Huang, who had a legion under their command. They were told to hold the Pass at all costs for at least ten days, or they should pay for its loss with their heads. After ten days the Pass would be no concern of theirs, for Ts’ao Ts’ao would be there with the main army.
The two captains made all haste to the Pass and took over the command from Chung Yu. They confined themselves to defence and though Ma Ch’ao appeared every day and reviled and said shameful things of the three generations of Ts’ao Ts’ao’s family, the guardians of the Pass remained quiet. But Ts’ao Hung fretted at the daily insults and would have led the defenders out to fight had not his colleague restrained him.
“Ma Ch’ao only wishes to provoke you to come out, but remember our orders and go not. The Minister has some master plan.”
So spake Hsu Huang. But the advice was hard to follow for Ma Ch’ao’s men took turns in reviling the defenders of the Pass, resting neither day nor night. And Hsu Huang found it hard to curb his colleague’s impatience.
Thus it continued till the ninth day. Then the defenders saw that their enemies had turned all their horses loose and were lolling about on the grass and sleeping as if quite fatigued. Thereupon Ts’ao Hung bade them saddle his horse, told off three companies and soon this small force was dashing down to catch the besiegers unprepared. They at once fled leaving their steeds and throwing aside their weapons. Ts’ao Hung could not resist pursuit and chased them.
At this time Hsu Huang was higher up the road taking in cartloads of grain and forage, but when he heard what his impulsive colleague had done he hastily got some men together and went to his rescue. He shouted to Ts’ao Hung to return.
Suddenly a great shouting arose near him and out dashed Ma Tai to attack. Both Ts’ao and Hsu turned to flee, but the drums rolled and two bodies of men came out from behind the hills. Then a battle began which went against them from the first. The Ts’ao men fell fast, but some of them thrust through the press and made for the Pass. Their enemies came in close pursuit and they had to abandon their post and flee whither they could find a way.
Ts’ao Hung made all haste to his master to give him the evil tidings.
“When I gave you the limit of ten days, why did you leave the Pass on the ninth?”
“Those men from Hsiliang hurled every sort of insult at us,” replied Ts’ao Hung,“And when I thought I had them unprepared I took the opportunity. But I fell victim to their cunning.”
“You are young and impetuous. But, Hsu Huang, you ought to have known.”
“He would not listen though I told him many times. And that day I was taking in stores in another part of the Pass. As soon as they told me I felt sure there would be some misfortune and so I hastened after him, but it was too late.”
Ts’ao Ts’ao was annoyed and ordered Ts’ao Hung to be put to death. But his brother-officers begged that he might be pardoned, and as he had confessed his fault, he was allowed to go free and unpunished.
Ts’ao Ts’ao advanced to Chang Pass and Ts’ao Jen said it would be well to establish a strong stockade before attacking. So trees were felled and a strong stockade built. They made three camps and Ts’ao himself was in the centre one.
Soon after, Ts’ao and all his officers in a body rushed to attack the Pass. They ran against the Hsiliang men posted on two sides, halted and formed their array. This done, Ts’ao rode to the centre standard whence he looked at his opponents.
He saw before him a body of fine men, every one with the bearing of a hero. And the leader, Ma Ch’ao, was worthy of them, with his pale face and red lips, his supple hips and broad shoulders, his deep voice and fierce strength. He was wearing a silver helmet and gripped a long spear as he sat there on his charger. P’ang Te and Ma Tai supported him and Ts’ao Ts’ao admired him in his secret heart. However, Ts’ao urged forward his steed and shouted to Ma Ch’ao,“Why are you arrayed against the Hans, whom your father and grandfather served faithfully?”
Ma ground his teeth and cursed Ts’ao Ts’ao for a rebel, a betrayer of both prince and people, the murderer of his father and brother.“My hate for you is to the death, the same sky shall not continue to cover us for I will take you captive and satiate my appetite on your living flesh.”
With this he set his spear and rode over toward Ts’ao Ts’ao as if to slay him. But Yu Chin came out from behind and engaged Ma Ch’ao in battle. These two fought some half score bouts and then Yu Chin had to flee. Chang Ho, however, took his place and the two heroes exchanged a score of passes. Then Chang Ho, too, ran away.
Next to come forth was Li T’ung. Ma Ch’ao’s martial prowess was now at its height and he made short work of Li T’ung, who went out of the saddle at the first blow. Then Ma Ch’ao flourished his spear at the men behind him as a signal for them to come on, which they did like a flood. They overwhelmed Ts’ao’s men and Ma Ch’ao and his colleague rode forward to try to capture Ts’ao Ts’ao.
They came close. Ts’ao heard one of his pursuers shout to another,“That is he in the red dress!” So he hastily tore off his red robe and threw it away. He also heard one say “That is Ts’ao Ts’ao with the long beard!” At once Ts’ao took the sword that he wore at his side and sawed off some of the beard. Yet again a soldier recognised him and told Ma Ch’ao that Ts’ao had now cut his beard, whereupon the order went forth to capture short beards. And then Ts’ao Ts’ao wrapped the corner of a flag about neck and jowl and fled.
Panic seized upon the soldiers at T’ung Pass,
Frightened, Meng-te flung off his brocade robe
And, terror-stricken, sawed his beard off with a sword.
The fame of Ma Ch’ao rose even to the sky.
Ts’ao had got clear of the battle and was getting calmer. Then again the sound of hoofs fell upon his ears and on looking round he perceived Ma Ch’ao quite close. He and those near were panicstricken, and all scattered for their lives, careless of the fate of their captain.
“Ts’ao Ts’ao, do not flee!” cried Ma coming nearer.
The whip dropped from Ts’ao Ts’ao’s nerveless hand as he saw his enemy coming closer and closer. But Just as Ma had levelled his spear for a thrust Ts’ao slipped behind a tree, changed the direction of his flight and so escaped, while Ma struck the tree. He quickly pulled out his spear but the delay gave the fugitive an advantage although it did not quite free him from pursuit, for Ma Ch’ao was soon again galloping on his track. As they drew near the slope of some hills a bold captain suddenly appeared, who cried,“Do not hurt my lord!”
This was Ts’ao Hung and he went toward Ma Ch’ao, whirling his sword. Ma Ch’ao was stopped and this saved Ts’ao Ts’ao’s life. Ts’ao Hung and Ma Ch’ao fought half a hundred bouts till both began to grow weary and become uncertain of their strokes. And when, shortly after, Hsiahou Yuan appeared with a half score of horse, Ma Ch’ao found it prudent to retire.
Then Ts’ao Ts’ao was escorted to his camp. Although he had lost Ts’ao Jen yet. the camps were still unharmed and the losses had not been great.
As he sat in his tent Ts’ao said,“Had I not spared Ts’ao Hung I should have fallen at the hands of Ma Ch’ao today.” So he called in his rescuer and rewarded him well. And they got together the scattered men and strengthened the camp, deepening the moat and raising the rampar
t. Ma Ch’ao came daily and challenged any one to combat and abused them all shamefully, but, by the order of the General these insults were treated with silent contempt.
“Our enemies use long spears,” said the officers.“We will meet them with bows and crossbows.”
“They may have long spears,” replied Ts’ao Ts’ao,“but whether I give battle or not depends on my decision. How can they thrust at us if we do not go out? All you have to do is to take no notice of them and they will speedily retire.”
The officers wondered. They said one to another,“The Minister came out on this expedition of his own will and was foremost in the fight; why does he accept defeat so easily?”
After some days the spies reported that Ma Ch’ao had been reinforced by the Ch’tang, the tribesmen beyond the frontier. Ts’ao Ts’ao took the news gleefully. His officers asked him why the news pleased him and Ts’ao Ts’ao replied,“Wait till I have defeated them and I will explain.”
Three days later there was a report of further reinforcements and Ts’ao not only smiled but gave a banquet. His officers ridiculed him in secret.
Then said Ts’ao Ts’ao,“You gentlemen laugh because I cannot destroy Ma Ch’ao. Well then, can any one of you propose a plan? “
Then rose Hsu Huang and said,“O Minister, you have a large force here and the enemy are strongly posted beyond the Pass. This means that on the west side of the river they are unprepared. If you can get an army secretly across the river and block the ferry you will cut off their retreat, and if you can smite them on the north side of the river they can get no reinforcements and must fail.”
“What you propose is just what I think,” said, Ts’ao Ts’ao.
So Hsu Huang was placed over four companies and with Chu Ling marched to the west of the river and hid in the gullies. They were to wait till Ts’ao Ts’ao crossed the river to the north so that both could strike together.
Then Ts’ao Ts’ao ordered Ts’ao Hung to prepare boats and rafts at the ferry. Ts’ao Jen was left in command of the camps.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms Page 82