Romance of the three kin.., p.58
Romance of the Three Kingdoms II, page 58
So they ceased following. But then a roll of drums came from the side of the enemy as if a body of men were approaching. Ssuma told off some companies to repel them, but there only came into view a small force, and in their midst was a party of men dressed in black, the exact counterpart of the cavalcade he had first sent to pursue. In the chariot sat another K’ungming just like the one that had just disappeared.
“But just now he was sitting in that other chariot, how can he be here? It is most wonderful,” said Ssuma.
Shortly after they heard another roll of the drums, and as the sound died away there appeared another body of men, with a chariot in the midst, exactly like the last and also carrying a sitting figure of K’ungming.
“They must be magic soldiers,” said Ssuma.
The men were now feeling the strain of these weird appearances and began to get out of hand. They dared not stay to fight such beings, and some ran away. But before they had gone far, lo! another roll of drums, another cohort and another chariot with a similar figure seated therein.
The men of Wei were now thoroughly frightened, and even Ssuma himself began to feel doubtful whether these appearances should be ascribed to men or devils. He realised however, that he was in the midst of dangers, and he and his men ran away helter-skelter, never stopping till they reached Shangk’ui. They entered the city and closed the gates.
Having thus driven off the Wei soldiers, K’ungming proceeded to reap and gather the wheat, which was carried into Luch’eng and laid out to dry.
Ssuma remained shut up within the walls for three days. Then, as he saw his enemies retiring, he sent out some scouts, who presently returned with a Shu soldier they had captured. The prisoner was questioned.
“I was of the reaping party,” said the man. “They caught me when I was looking for some horses that had strayed.”
“What wonderful soldiers were they of yours that one saw here lately?” asked the general.
The man replied, “K’ungming was with one party of them, the others were led by Chiang Wei, Ma Tai and Wei Yen. There was a company of fighting men with each chariot and half a company of drummers. K’ungming was with the first party.”
“His comings and goings are not human,” said Ssuma sadly.
He sent for Kuo Huai to talk over plans. Said Kuo, “I hear the men of Shu are very few and they are occupied with gathering the grain; why not smite them?”
Ssuma told him his last experience of his opponent’s wiles.
“He threw dust in your eyes that time,” said Kuo with a smile. “However, now you know. What is the good of more talk? Let me attack the rear, while you lead against the front, and we shall take the city and K’ungming too.”
An attack was decided upon.
While the men were still busy with the wheat, K’ungming called up his captains, and said, “The enemy will attack tonight. There is a suitable place for an ambush in the newly reaped fields, but who will lead for me?”
Four captains offered themselves, and he posted them, each with two companies, outside the four corners of the city. They were to await the signal and then converge. When these had gone, K’ungming led out a small party of men and hid in the newly reaped fields.
In the meantime Ssuma was drawing near. It was dusk when he stood beneath the walls of Luch’eng.
Said he to his officers, “If we attacked by daylight we should find the city well prepard, so we will take advantage of the darkness The moat is shallow here, and there will be no difficulty in crossing it.”
The men bivouacked till the time should come to attack. About the middle of the first watch Kuo Huai arrived, and his force joined up with the others. This done, the drums began to beat, and the city was quickly surrounded. However, the defenders maintained such a heavy discharge of arrows, bolts and stones from the walls that the besiegers dared not close in.
Suddenly from the midst of the Wei army came the roar of a bomb, soon followed by others from different places. The soldiers were startled, but no one could say whence the sounds had proceeded. Kuo Huai went to search the wheat fields, and then the four armies from the corners of the city converged upon the Wei army. At the same time the defenders burst out of the city gates, and a great battle began. Wei lost many men.
After heavy fighting Ssuma extricated his army from the battle and made his way to a hill, which he set about holding and fortifying, while Kuo Huai got round to the rear of the city and called a halt.
K’ungming entered the city and sent his men to camp again at the four corners of the walls.
Kuo Huai went to see his chief, and said, “We have long been at grips with these men and are unable to drive them off. We have now lost another fight, and unless something is done we shall not get away at all.”
“What can we do?” asked Ssuma.
“You might write to Yung and Liang to send their forces to our help. I will try my fortune against Chienko and cut off Chuko’s retreat and supplies. That should bring about discontent and mutiny, and we can attack when we see the enemy in confusion.”
The letters were sent, and soon Sun Li came leading the men, foot and horse, of the two districts. The new arrivals were sent to help Kuo in the attack on Chienko.
After many days had passed without sight of the enemy, K’ungming thought it was time to make another move. Calling up Chiang Wei and Ma Tai, he said, “The men of Wei are well posted on the hills and refuse battle because, firstly, they think that we are short of food, and, secondly, they have sent an army against Chienko to cut off our supplies. Now each of you will take a legion and garrison the important points about here to show them that we are well prepared to defend ourselves. Then they will retire.”
After these two had gone, Chang Shih and Chang I came to see the general about the change of troops then due. They told him the reliefs had alredy left HanChung and that despatches from the leading divisions had come in. Four legions were due for relief.
“There is the order; carry it out,” replied K’ungming.
So the home-going legions prepared to withdraw. Just then came the news of reinforcements for the enemy from Yung and Liang and a report of actual attacks on Luch’eng and Chienko. In the face of such important news, Yang I went to ask if the change of forces was to take place or be postponed for a time.
K’ungming replied, “I must keep faith with the men. Since the order for the periodical exchange of men has been issued it must be carried out. Beside, the men due for relief are all prepared to start, their expectations have been roused and their relatives await them. In the face of yet greater difficulties I would let them go.”
So orders were given for the time-expired men to march that day. But when the legionaries heard it a sudden movement of generosity spread among them, and they said they did not wish to go, but would prefer to remain to fight.
“But you are due for home; you cannot stay here,” said the general.
They reiterated that they all wished to stay instead of going home.
“Since you wish to stay and fight with me you can go out of the city and camp ready to encounter the men of Wei as soon as they arrive. Do not give them time to rest or recover breath, but attack vigorously at once. You will be fresh and fit, waiting for those fagged with a long march.”
So they gripped their weapons and joyfully went out of the city to array themselves in readiness.
Now the Hsiliang men had travelled by double marches, and so were worn out and needed rest. But while they were pitching their tents the men of Shu fell upon them lustily, leaders full of spirit, men full of energy. The weary soldiers could make no proper stand, and retired. The men of Shu followed, pressing on them till corpses littered the whole plain and blood flowed in runnels.
It was a victory for K’ungming, and he came out to welcome the victors and led them into the city and distributed rewards.
Just then arrived an urgent letter from Li Yen, then at Jungp’ing, and when K’ungming had torn it open he read:— “News has just come that Wu has sent an envoy to Loyang and entered into an alliance with Wei whereby Wu is to attack us. The army of Wu has not yet set out, but I am anxiously awaiting your plans.”
Doubts and fears crowded in upon K’ungming’s mind as he read. He summoned his officers:
“As Wu is coming to invade our land, we shall have to retire quickly,” said he. “If I issue orders for the Ch’ishan force to withdraw, Ssuma will not dare to pursue while we are camped here.”
The Ch’ishan force broke camp and marched in two divisions. Chang Ho watched them go, but was too fearful of the movement being some ruse to attempt to follow. He went to see Ssuma.
“The enemy have retired, but I know not for what reason.”
“K’ungming is very crafty, and you will do well to remain where you are and keep a careful lookout. Do nothing till their grain has given out, when they must retire for good.”
Here Wei Yen stepped forward, saying, “But we should seize the occasion of their retreat to smite them. Are they tigers that you fear to move? How the world will laugh at us.”
But Ssuma was obstinate and ignored the protest.
When K’ungming knew that the Ch’ishan men had got away safely, he called Yang I and Ma Chung and gave them secret orders to lead a legion of bowmen and crossbowmen out by the Wooden Gate of Chienko and place them in ambush on both sides of the road.
“If the men of Wei pursue, wait till you hear a bomb. When you hear the bomb, at once barricade the road with timber and stones so as to impede them. When they halt, shoot at them with the bows and the crossbows.”
Wei Yen and Kuan Hsing were told to attack the rear of the enemy.
These orders given, the walls of the city were decorated lavishly with flags, and at various points within the city were piled straw and kindling wood ready to raise a blaze as though the city was on fire. The soldiers were sent out along the road from the Wooden Gate.
The spies of Wei returned to headquarters to say that most of the Shu soldiers had left, only a few being in the city. In doubt, Ssuma went himself to look, and when he saw the smoke rising from within the walls and the fluttering flags he said, “The city is deserted.” He sent men in to confirm this, and they said the place was empty.
“Then K’ungming is really gone; who will pursue?”
“Let me,” replied Chang Ho.
“You are too impulsive,” said Ssuma.
“I have been leader of the van from the first day of this expedition; why not use me today, when there is work to be done and glory to be gained?”
“Because the utmost caution is necessary. They are retreating, and they will leave an ambush at every possible point.”
“I know that, and you need not be afraid.”
“Well; you wish to go and may, but whatever happens you must he prepared for.”
“A really noble man is prepared to sacrifice self for country, never mind what happens.”
“Then take half a legion and start; Wei P’ing shall follow with two legions of horse and foot to deal with any ambush that may discover itself. I will follow later with three companies to help where need be.”
So Chang Ho set out and advanced quickly. Thirty li out he heard a roll of drums, and suddenly appeared from a wood a cohort led by a captain of high rank, who galloped to the front crying, “Whither would you go, O rebel leader?”
Chang Ho swiftly turned and engaged Wei Yen, for it was he who led, but after a few passes Wei fled. Chang rode after him along the road he had come by and then stopped and turned again. All went well till he came to a slope, when there arose shouts and yells and another body of soldiers came out.
Chang Ho, do not run away!” cried this leader, who was Kuan Hsing.
Kuan galloped close, and Chang did not flee. They fought, and after half a score of passes Kuan seemed to have the worst of the encounter and fled. Chang Ho followed. Presently they neared a dense wood. Chang was fearful of entering in, so he sent forward men to search the thickets. They could find no danger, and Chang again pursued.
But quite unexpectedly Wei Yen, who had formerly fled, got round ahead of Chang and now appeared again. The two fought a half score bouts and again Wei ran. Chang followed, but Kuan also got round to the front by a side road and so stopped the pursuit of Wei. Chang attacked furiously as soon as he was checked, this time so successfully that the men of Shu threw away their war-gear and ran. The road was thus littered with spoil, and the Wei men could not resist the temptation to gather it. They slipped from their horses and began to collect the arms.
The manoeuvres just described continued, Yen and Kuan one after the other engaging Chang and Chang pressing on after each one, but achieving nothing. And as evening fell the running fight had led both sides close to the Wooden Gate Road.
Then suddenly Wei’s men made a real stand, and he rode to the front yelling, “Yield, rebel! I have not fought yet and you have had it all your own way so far. Now we will fight to the death.”
Chang was furious and nothing loth, so he came on with his spear to meet Wei, who was flourishing his sword. They met; yet again, after a few bouts, Wei threw aside weapons, armour, helmet and all his gear, and even left his horse and went away along the Wooden Gate Road.
Chang Ho was filled with the lust to kill, and he could not let Wei escape. So he set out after him, although it was already dark. But suddenly lights appeared, and the sky became aglow; and at the same time huge boulders and great baulks of timber came rolling down the slopes and blocked the way.
Fear gripped Chang, for he saw he had blundered into an ambush. The road was blocked in front and behind and bordered by craggy precipices. Then, rat-tat-tat! came the sound of a rattle, and therewith flew clouds of arrows and showers of bolts. Chang Ho and many of his officers were killed.
With myriad shining bolts the air was filled,
The road was littered with brave soldiers killed;
The force to Chienko faring perished here,
The tale of valour grows from year to year.
Soon the second army of Wei came up, but too late to help. From the signs they knew that their comrades had been victims of a cruel trick, and they turned back. But as they faced about a shout was heard, and from the hilltops came, “I, Chuko Liang, am here!”
Looking up they saw his figure outlined against a fire. Pointing to the slain, he cried, “I have been hunting, as you see; only instead of slaying a horse (Ma, for Ssuma) I have killed a deer (Chang). But you may go in peace, and when you see your general, tell him that he will be my quarry one day.”
The soldiers told this to Ssuma when they returned, and he was deeply mortified, and blamed himself as the cause of the death of his colleague Chang Ho. And when he returned to Loyang the king wept at the death of his brave leader and had his body honourably buried.
K’ungming had no sooner reached HanChung than he prepared to go on to the capital and see his lord.
But Li Yen, who was in charge of the capital beside being responsible for supplying the army, said to the king, “Why does the Prime Minister return, for I have kept him fully supplied with all things needed for the army?”
Then the king sent Fei I into HanChung to enquire why the army had retired. And when he had arrived and showed the cause of his coming, K’ungming was greatly surprised and showed the letter from Li telling of the alliance and threatened invasion from Wu. Then Fei related the gist of Li’s memorial to the Throne. So K’ungming enquired carefully, and then it came out that Li had failed to find sufficient grain to keep the army supplied and so had sent the first lying letter to the army that it might retire before the shortage showed itself. His memorial to the Throne was designed to cover the former fault.
“The fool has ruined the great design of the state just to save his own skin,” cried K’ungming bitterly.
He called in the offender and sentenced him to death. But Fei I interceded, saying that the late Emperor had loved and trusted Li Yen, and so his life was spared. However, when Fei made his report the king was wroth and ordered Li Yen to suffer death.
But this time Chiang Wan intervened, saying, “Your late father named Li Yen as one of the guardians of your youth.” And the king relented. However, Li was stripped of all rank and exiled. But K’ungming gave Li’s sons employment.
Preparations then began for an expedition to start in three years. Plans were discussed, provisions were accumulated, weapons put in order and officers and men kept fit and trained. By his kindness to all men K’ungming won great Popularity, and the time passed quickly.
In the second month of the thirteenth year K’ungming presented a memorial saying, “I have been training the army for three years; supplies are ample and all is in order for an expedition. We may now attack Wei. If I cannot destroy these rebels, sweep away the evil hordes and bring about a glorious entry into the capital, then may I never again enter your Majesty’s presence.”
The king replied, “Our state is now firmly established, and Wei troubles us not at all; why not enjoy the present tranquillity, O Father-Minister?”
“Because of the mission left me by your father. I am ever scheming to destroy Wei, even in my dreams. I must strive my best and do my utmost to restore you to the ancient capital of your race and replace the Hans in their old palace.”
As he said this a voice cried, “An army may not go forth, O Minister!”
Ch’iao Chou had raised a last protest.
K’ungming’s sole thought was service,
Himself he would not spare;
But Ch’iao had watched the starry sky,
And read misfortune there.
The next chapter will give the arguments against fighting.
CHAPTER CII
SSUMA OCCUPIES THE RIVER BANKS:
CHUKO CONSTRUCTS “BULLOCKS”
AND “HORSES”
