Luo Guanzhong

“ And Lü Pu left.
“He is doomed,” thought Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. He ought to have struck then, but Ts‘ao knew Cho was very powerful and he was afraid; he wanted to make sure of his blow.
Now Tung Cho’s corpulence was such that he could not remain long sitting, so he rolled over and lay face inwards. “Now is the time,” thought the assassin, and he gripped the good sword firmly. But just as he was going to strike, his victim happened to look up and in a mirror he saw the reflection of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao behind him with a sword in his hand. ”

“ And you say you can do no better than remain a subordinate!”
“If I could only find a master to serve!” said Lü Pu.
“The clever bird chooses the branch whereon to perch; the wise servant selects the master to serve. Seize the chance when it comes, for repentance ever comes too late.”
“Now you are in the government. Who think you is really the bravest of all?”, asked Lü Pu.
“I despise the whole lot except Tung Cho. He is one who respects wisdom and reveres scholarship; he is discriminating in his rewards and punishments. Surely he is destined to be a really great man.” ”

“ I shall first propose you in marriage to Lü Pu and then, after you are betrothed, I shall present you to Tung Cho and you will take every opportunity to force them asunder and turn away their countenances from each other, cause the son to kill his adopted father and so put an end to the great evil. Thus you may restore the altars of the land that it may live again. All this lies within your power; will you do it?”
“Thy handmaid has promised not to recoil from death itself. You may use my poor self in any way and I must do my best.” ”

“ Presently Kuo Chia came and Ts‘ao Ts‘ao said, “I have been advised to kill Liu Pei; what of such a scheme?”
“A bad scheme,” said Kuo. “You are the popular champion, pledged to relieve the people from oppression and only by truth and rectitude can you secure the support of the noble-minded. Your only fear is lest they stay away. Now Liu Pei is famous. He has come to you for help and protection and to put him to death would be to alienate all good men and put fear into the hearts of all the able advisers. Hampered by these difficulties where will you find those whose help you need? ”

“ Kuan Yü finished the letter with a bitter cry. “I always wanted to find my brother, but I did not know where he was. How can he think such evil of me?” said he.
“Yüan-tê looks for you very eagerly, and if you are still bound by the old pledge you should go quickly,” said the messenger.
“Any one born into the world without the one essential virtue of sincerity is no true man. I came here openly and can go in no other way. Now will I write a letter which I will ask you to bear to my brother, that as soon as I can take leave of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao I will bring the ladies and come to him.” ”

“ After a number of courses almost in silence, Lü Pu spoke, saying, “I wish you two gentlemen to listen to me and put an end to your strife.”
Liu Pei made no reply but Chi Ling said, “I have come with an army of ten legions at the express bidding of my master to take Liu Pei. How can I cease the strife? I must fight.”
“What!” exclaimed Chang Fei drawing his sword. “Few as we are we regard you no more than a lot of children. What are you compared with a million Yellow Turbans? You dare to hurt our brother!” ”

“ His mother saw that it was useless to try persuasion, but she told his attendants to do some good deeds secretly whereby the evil should be turned aside.
That night about the third watch, as Sun Ts‘ê lay in his chamber, he suddenly felt a chill breeze, which seemed to extinguish the lamps for a moment, although they soon brightened again, and he saw in the lamp light the form of Yü Chi standing near his bed.
Sun said, “I am the sworn foe of witchcraft and I will purge the world of all such as deal in magic. You are a spirit and how dare you approach me?” ”

“ Ts‘ao led soldiers to the cemetery and stood by while it was desecrated, the coffin destroyed and the poor corpse exposed. They stole the gold and jewels of the dead. This deed brought tears to the eyes of the Emperor and rent the hearts of all men. Ts‘ao also appointed ‘Openers-of-Grave-Mounds’ and ‘Seekers-for-Gold,’ whose tracks were marked by desecrated graves and exhumed bodies. Indeed, while assuming the position of the highest officer of State, he indulged the inclination of a bandit, polluting the State, oppressing the people, a bane to gods and men. ”

“ Lü Pu acquiesced and had the two arrested. But the son, Ch‘ên Têng, only laughed. “What is this anxiety about?” said he. “These seven armies are no more to me than so many heaps of rotting straw. They are not worth thinking about.”
“If you can show us how to overcome them I will spare your life,” said Lü.
“General, if you will listen to a poor stupid fool the city will be perfectly safe.”
“Let us hear what you have to say.”
“Yüan Shu’s men are numerous but they are only a flock of crows; they are not an army under a leader. There is no mutual confidence. ”

“ We will rescue each other in difficulty, we will aid each other in danger. We swear to serve the state and save the people. We ask not the same day of birth but we seek to die together. May Heaven, the all-ruling, and Earth, the all-producing, read our hearts, and if we turn aside from righteousness or forget kindliness may Heaven and man smite us!”
They rose from their knees. The two others bowed before Yüan-tê as their elder brother and Chang Fei was to be the youngest of the trio. ”

“ At once Yüan-tê saw he was no ordinary man and asked who he was.
“Chang Fei is my name; I am usually called I-tê” replied the stranger. “I live near here where I have a farm; and I am a wine-seller and a butcher as well. And I like to become acquainted with worthy men. Your sighs as you read the notice drew me toward you.”
Yüan-tê replied, “I am of the Imperial Family, Liu by name, and my distinguishing name is Pei. An I could I would destroy these rebels and restore peace to the land, but alas! I am helpless.” ”

“ And Mi Hêng is no less capable. Should he be got, then all possibilities may be realised; the dragon may curvet through the celestial streets and soar along the Milky Way; fame will extend to the poles of the universe and hang in the firmament with rainbow glory. He would be the glory of all the present Ministers and enhance the majesty of the Palace itself. The air Chun-t‘ien will acquire new beauties and the Palace will contain an excellent treasure. Men like Mi Hêng are but few. ”

“ Sun Ts‘ê rose from his place and went and leaned over the railing to look at the man. He saw a Taoist priest in snowy garb leaning on his staff in the middle of the road, while the crowd about him burnt incense and made obeisance.
“What wizard fellow is this? Bring him here!” said Sun.
“This is Yü Chi,” said the attendants. “He lives in the east and goes to and fro distributing charms and draughts. He has cured many people as everybody will tell you, and they say he is a saint. He must not be profaned.” ”

“ No! who are you, that you dare utter such bold words? The Emperor is the son of the lawful consort and has done no wrong. Why then should he be deposed? Are you a rebel?”
The speaking was Ting Yüan, governor of Chinchow.
Cho glared at him. “There is life for those who are with me, death for those against,” roared he.
He drew his sword and made for the objector. But the watchful Li Ju had noticed standing behind Ting Yüan a particularly dangerous looking henchman of his, who was now handling his spear threateningly, and whose eyes were blazing with anger. ”

“ Liu Pei said, “This being so, you go first and give me time to see Kungsun Tsan from whom I may borrow more men and horses. I will come anon.”
“You surely will not break your promise?” said the Prefect.
“What manner of man think you that I am?” said Yüan-tê. “The wise one said, ‘Death is common to all: the man without truth cannot maintain himself.’ Whether I get the men or not, certainly I shall myself come.”
So the plan was agreed to. Mi Chu set out to return forthwith while K‘ung Jung prepared for his expedition. ”

“ Ts‘ao pointed his finger first at his guest and then at himself, saying, “The only heroes in the world are you and I.”
Yüan-tê gasped and the spoon and chopsticks rattled to the flooor. Now just at that moment the storm burst with a tremendous peal of thunder and rush of rain. Yüan-tê stooped down to recover the fallen articles, saying, “What a shock! and it was quite close.”
“What! are you afraid of thunder?” said Ts‘ao.
Yüan-tê replied, “The wise man paled at a sudden peal of thunder or fierce gust of wind. Why should one not fear?” ”

“ T‘ien Fêng struck the ground with his staff. “It is such a pity!” cried he. “Just as an unique opportunity presents itself everything is spoiled by the illness of a child.”
He went out. Sun Ch‘ien saw that no help could be hoped for and set out to return. When he had arrived and related what he had seen Yüan-tê was quite alarmed and asked what could be done.
“Do not be troubled, brother,” said Chang Fei. “We can destroy Ts‘ao Ts‘ao merely by a sudden attack before his army shall have time to camp.” ”

“ So he bade the would-be pursuer begone and say no more about pursuit.
“You were exceedingly good to Kuan Yü,” said Ch‘êng Yü, “but he went off very rudely. He certainly left a screed behind with his reasons, but he affronted you and that is no light matter. Now to let him join Yüan Shao is to add wings to a tiger. You had better catch him and put him to death so as to guard against future evil.”
Ts‘ao replied, “But he had my promise and can I break my word? Each has his master. Do not pursue.” ”

“ To use such enormous powers against the eunuchs would resemble lighting up a furnace to burn a hair. But act promptly; use your powers and smite at once and all the Empire will be with you. But to summon forces to the capital, to gather many bold men into one spot, each with his own schemes, is to turn one’s weapons against one’s own person, to place one’s self in the power of another. Nothing but failure can come of it, nothing but confusion. ”

“ Then suddenly the host arose and drew his sword, saying, “He who is above us being weak and irresolute is unfit for the duties of his high place. Wherefore I, as of old did I Yin and Ho Kuang, will set aside this Emperor giving him the title of Prince Hung-nung and I will place on the throne the present Prince of Ch‘ên-liu. And those who do not support me will suffer death.”
Fear seized them in its grip and they were silent, all but Yüan Shao who said that the Emperor was innocent of any fault and to set him aside in favour of a commoner was rebellion and nothing else. ”

“ There Tung Cho, sword in hand, faced the gathering and said, “The Emperor is a weakling unequal to the burden of ruling this land. Now listen ye to the document I have prepared.”
And Li Ju read as follows:—“The dutiful Emperor Ling too soon left his people. The Emperor is the cynosure of all the people of this land. Upon the present Emperor Heaven has conferred but small gifts: in dignity and deportment he is deficient and in mourning he is remiss. Only the most complete virtue can grace the imperial dignity. ”

“ Then Tien Wei spun round and flung the darts. With every fling a man fell from the saddle and never a dart missed.
Having thus slain half a score the remainder fled and Tien quickly remounted his steed, set his twin lance and rushed again into the fight with a vigour that none could withstand. One by one his opponents yielded and he was able to lead Ts‘ao Ts‘ao safely out of the press of battle. Ts‘ao and his captains went to their camp.
But as evening fell the noise of pursuit fell on their ears and soon appeared Lü Pu himself. “Ts‘ao, you rebel, do not flee!” ”

“ You must confess that the State has rewarded you liberally. True, Kuo has seized the officers of State, but you have done the same to “The Most Revered.” Who is worse than the other?”
Li angrily drew his sword and shouted, “Did the Son of Heaven send you to mock and shame me?”
But Yang Fêng checked him. “Kuo Ssŭ is still alive,” said he, “and to slay the imperial messenger would be giving him a popular excuse to raise an army against you. And all the nobles would join him.” ”

“ The guards hustled him away and were just about to carry out their orders when another minister stopped them, saying, “Strike not! Wait till I have spoken with His Majesty.”
It was the Ssŭ-tu, Chên Tan. He went in to the Emperor, to whom he said, “For what fault is Liu the Censor to be put to death?” “He has vilified my servants; and has insulted me,” said the Emperor.
“All the Empire would eat the flesh of the eunuchs if they could, and yet, Sire, you respect them as if they were your parents. They have no merit, but they are created nobles. ”

“ When Ts‘ao Ts‘ao returned to his palace Hsün Yü and his fellow advisers went in to see him. Hsün Yü said, “It is no advantage to you, Illustrious Sir, that the Emperor recognises Liu as an uncle.”
“He may be recognised 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 pretence of having him near his sovereign and he will be entirely in my hands. I have nothing to fear. The man I fear is Yang Piao, who is a relative of the two Yüans. ”

“ Yüan-tê replied, “Not to let brigands surrender is well. But the city is surrounded as by an iron barrel. If the rebels’ request be refused they will be desperate and fight to the death and a myriad such men cannot be withstood. In the city there are many times that number, all doomed to death. Let us withdraw from one corner and only attack the opposite. They will all assuredly flee and have no desire to fight. We shall take them.”
Chu Chien saw that the advice was good and followed it. As predicted the rebels ran out, led by Han Chung. ”

“ Lü Pu stood forth and said, “Do not fear, my father, I look upon all the lords without the Pass as so much stubble and with the men of our fierce army I will put every one of them to death and hang their heads at the gates of the capital.”
“With your aid I can sleep secure,” said Tung Cho.
But some one behind Lü Pu broke in upon his speech saying “A butcher’s knife to kill a chicken! There is no need for the Marquis to go: I will cut off their heads every one as easily as I would take a thing out of my pocket.” ”

“ At sight of the yellow umbrella Li Ts‘ui and Kuo Ssŭ checked their men and they all shouted “Long life O Emperor!” (Wan-sui!) . The Emperor stood by the tower and addressed them, “Nobles, what means it that you enter the capital in this unruly manner and without my summons?”
The two leaders looked up and said, “Tung Cho, Your Majesty’s Minister, has been slain by Wang Yün and we are here to avenge him. We are no rebels, Sire. Let us only have Wang Yün and we draw off our men.” ”

“ Kungsun Tsan told them it was Kuan Yü, brother of Liu Yüan-tê.
“And what is he?”
“He is in the train of Liu Yüan-tê as a mounted archer.”
“An insult to us all!” roared the chief’s brother from his place. “Have we no leader? How dare an archer speak thus before us? Let us beat him forth!”
But Tsʻao Tsʻao intervened. “Peace, O Kung-lu! Since he speaks great words, he is certainly valiant. Let him try. If he fail, then you may reproach him.”
“Hua Hsiung will laugh at us if we send a mere archer to fight him,” said the chief.”
“He looks no common person. ”

“ He sent for a score of sturdy gaolers who carried off the prisoner to the inner apartments to be interrogated. Ts‘ao took his seat in a pavilion and the hapless physician, tightly bound, was thrown to the ground before him. The prisoner maintained a bold front.
Ts‘ao said, “I thought you were a physician; how dared you try to poison me? Some one incited you to this crime and if you tell me I will pardon you.”
“You are a rebel; you flout your Prince and injure your betters. The whole world wishes to kill you. Do you think I am the only one?” ”

“ What are you doing here?”
“I am an officer in General Ts‘ao’s army. Seeing my old friend out in front of the army to-day I wanted to say a word to him. So I took the risk of stealing in this evening and here I am.”
Hsü Huang invited him in and they sat down. Then said Man Ch‘ung, “There are very few as bold as you on the earth; why then do you serve such as your present chiefs? My master is the most prominent man in the world, a man who delights in wise men and appreciates soldiers as every one knows. ”