Lu Pu

“ 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.” ”

“ 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. ”

“ Looking up they saw an immense umbrella of black gauze fluttering in the west wind.
“Certainly there is Tung Cho,” cried Chang Fei. “What is the use of pursuing Lü Pu? Better far seize the chief rebel and so pluck up the evil by the roots.”
And he whipped up his steed toward the Pass.
To quell rebellion seize the leader if you can;
If you need a wondrous service then first find a wondrous man. ”

“ Lü Pu joined battle; he was flurried and scarce knew what was happening. And soon Chang Fei came up once more. By desperate efforts Lü Pu and his men cut their way through the press and got free. After this they started for Hsiaop‘ei as fast as they could travel and Hou Ch‘êng helped to keep the pursuers at bay. ”

“ Liu Pei first followed Lü Pu, then he served Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, and next he joined himself to Yüan Shao. And he stayed with none of these, so that you can see what manner of man he is. If he come here Tsʻao Tsʻao will assuredly come against us and fight. Better cut off this messenger’s head and send it as an offering to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, who would reward you well for the service.”
Sun Ch‘ien sat unmoved while this harangue was pronounced, saying at the end, “I am not afraid of death. Liu, the Princely One, is true and loyal to the State and so out of sympathy with Lü Pu, or Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, or Yüan Shao. ”

“ He was admitted forthwith.
“Worthy brother, have you been well since we last met?”
“How long it is since we last saw each other!” replied Pu, bowing in return. “And where are you now?”
“I am an officer in the Tiger Company. When I learned you were a strong supporter of the throne I could not say how I rejoiced. I have come now to present to you a really fine horse, a thousand li a day horse, one that crosses rivers and goes up mountains as if they were the level plain. He is called The Hare. He will be a fitting aid to your valour.”
Lü Pu bade them lead out the horse. ”

“ At the interview Lü Pu said, “I did not wish to take the city, but your brother behaved very badly, drinking and flogging the soldiers, and I came to guard it lest some evil should befall.”
“But I had long wished to yield it to you,” said Yüan-tê.
Thereupon Lü Pu pretended to wish to retire in favour of Yüan-tê who, however, would not hear of it. He returned and took up his quarters in Hsiaop‘ei, but his two brothers would not take the situation kindly and were very discontented.
Said Yüan-tê, “One must bow to one’s lot. It is the will of Heaven and one cannot struggle against fate.” ”

“ Lu had a daughter, who when born was able to talk, [210] and became very clever and beautiful as she grew up. She was the idol of her parents, and had been asked in marriage by many suitors, but would not accept any of them; and when her father and mother inquired her motives for refusal, she told them the story of her engagement in her former life. “Silly child,” said they, reckoning up the time, and laughing at her; “that Mr. Chang would now be about fifty years of age, a changed and feeble old man. Even if he is still alive, his hair will be white and his teeth gone.” ”

“ As they advanced the news came to Wang Yün and he consulted Lü Pu.
“They are a lot of rats,” said he. “Never mind how many there are of them. Be not in the least anxious.”
So Lü Pu and Li Su went to oppose them. The latter was in advance and met Niu Fu. They fought; Niu Fu was outmatched and retired. But unexpectedly Niu Fu returned in a night attack, found Li Su quite unprepared and drove his force some thirty li, slaying many. ”

“ Great Battle Between Lu Ts‘ui and Kuo Ssŭ:
The Emperor Rescued.
The last chapter told of the defeat of Lü Pu, and his gathering the remnant of his army at Haipin. When all his lieutenants had joined him he began to feel strong enough to try conclusions with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao once again.
Said Ch‘ên Kung, who was opposed to this course, “He is too strong; seek some place where you can rest a time before trying.” ”

“ But they searched him and found a letter, the secret reply to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s letter to Liu Pei. The messenger and the letter were both taken straight to Lü Pu. He questioned the man, who said he had been sent to Liu Pei with a letter and was now taking back the reply. He knew nothing more. He was ignorant of the contents of the letter. So Lü Pu tore it open and read:—“I have received your commands concerning the destruction of Lü Pu and dare I for a moment venture to disregard them? But my force is weak and I must act with extreme circumspection. ”

“ Lü Pu-wei came with his protégé to Ch'in, where he became his Prime Minister, and after the prince's death in 247 B.C. Lü Pu-wei became the regent for his young son Shih Huang-ti (then called Cheng) . For the first time in Chinese history a merchant, a commoner, had reached one of the highest positions in the state. It is not known what sort of trade Lü Pu-wei had carried on, but probably he dealt in horses, the principal export of the state of Chao. As horses were an absolute necessity for the armies of that time, it is easy to imagine that a horse-dealer might gain great political influence. ”

“ Leaving his brothers at the camp Liu Pei, with Sun Ch‘ien and Mi Chu, went to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, who received him with the greatest respect. The story of Lü Pu’s perfidy was again related.
“He has no sense of right,” said Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. “You and I, my brother, will attack him together.”
Yüan-tê was very grateful. A banquet was then prepared and it was late evening before the visitor left for his own camp.
Hsün Yü then had an interview with his master and said, “If you are not on your guard Liu Pei will be your undoing. You ought to destroy him. He is too much of the hero.” ”

“ Ts‘ao said, “I wish to attack Lü Pu. I fear not Yüan Shao, but Liu Piao and Chang Hsiu may attack me in the rear.”
Hsün Yü replied. “Both these latter have been too recently defeated to do anything so rash. But Lü Pu is a bold fighting man, and if he joined forces with Yüan Shu and they set themselves to conquer Huai and Ssŭ [1] the problem would be difficult.”
Then spoke Kuo Chia, “Let us take advantage of the moment before they have fully made up their mind. Smite before they are fully prepared.” And Ts‘ao Ts‘ao did so. Five legions with four captains were sent in advance. ”

“ Do not say such a thing,” said Wang, putting his hand over the other’s mouth. “You will bring trouble on poor me.”
“When a man is born great he cannot be patient for long under another man’s domination,” said Lü Pu.
“It needs some one greater than the Minister to limit the scope of such talents as yours.”
Lü Pu said, “I would not mind killing the old wretch were it not for the relation in which we stand. I fear to provoke the hostile criticism of posterity.”
His host smiled. “Your name is Lü; his is Tung. Where was the paternal feeling when he threw the halberd at you?” ”

“ But he could not help going to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao and I think you will pity him.”
Lü Pu replied, “We two are old friends; how could I bear to harm his wife and children?”
Whereupon he sent the family to Hsüchou with Mi Chu to take care of them. Next Lü led his army into Shantung to Yenchou, leaving Kao Shun and Chang Liao to guard Hsiaop‘ei. ”

“ The General Ts‘ao Ts‘ao has received a command to destroy Lü Pu. 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 Lü Pu or bring his head he shall be well rewarded. ”

“ Liu Yüan-tê saw the position was too desperate for him to reach his residence and he must abandon all his family. So he hastened through the city and left by the west gate out at which he and his scanty following fled for very life.
When Lü Pu reached the residence he was met by Mi Chu who said, “The hero does not destroy a man’s wife. Your rival for the Empire is Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, and my master, always mindful of the good turn you did him at your gate, would not be ungrateful. ”

“ Then he went to offer the head to Lü Pu. Lü Pu enquired into the matter and when a follower told him the truth, he put the double traitor to death.
Then he advanced against the rebels and fell in with Li Ts‘ui’s force. Without giving them time to form in battle array, he attacked. Horses curvetting and spears set, the men dashed in irresistibly and Li Ts‘ui, making no stand, fell back a long way. He took up a position under a hill and thence sent to call his fellows to council.
Li Ts‘ui said, “Lü Pu though brave in battle is no strategist and so not really formidable. ”

“ He said, “I am but a simple officer in the palace of a minister; you are an exalted officer of State, why am I treated thus?”
“Because in the whole land there is no warrior your equal. Poor Yün bows not to an officer’s rank; he bows to his ability.”
This gratified Lü Pu mightily and his host continued to praise and flatter and ply him with wine and to talk of the virtues of the minister and his henchman.
Lü Pu laughed and drank huge goblets.
Presently most of the attendants were sent away, only a few kept to press the guest to drink. ”

“ The fighting then ceased and after their return to camp another council met.
Tsʻao Tsʻao said, “No one can stand against the prowess of Lü Pu. Let us call up all the lords and evolve some good plan. If only Lü Pu were taken, his master could easily be killed.”
While the council was in progress again came Lü Pu to challenge them and again they moved out against him. This time Kungsun Tsan, flourishing his spear, went to meet the enemy. After a very few bouts Tsan turned and fled, Lü Pu following at the topmost speed of “The Hare.” ”

“ Once well outside the city Chang Fei collected his men and they rode off toward the south.
Lü Pu having surprised the city set himself to restore order. He put a guard over the residence of Liu Pei so that no one should disturb the family.
Chang Fei with his few followers went to his brother’s camp and told his story of treachery and surprise. All were greatly distressed.
“Success is not worth rejoicing over; failure is not worth grieving over,” said Liu Pei with a sigh. ”

“ When they had come he threw Han Yin into prison and sent a reply to Yüan Shu saying curtly that the girl’s trousseau was not ready and she could not be married till it was.
Han Yin was sent back to the capital. Lü Pu was hesitating what course to adopt, when he heard that Liu Pei was enlisting soldiers and buying horses for no apparent reason.
“He is simply doing his duty; there is nothing to be surprised at,” said Lü Pu. ”

“ When Han saw Lü he spoke of the immense respect his master had for him and his desire to ensure perpetual alliance between the two families by a marriage, an alliance such as existed between the states Ts‘in and Chin.
Lü Pu was well disposed toward the scheme, but went in to consult his wife. Now Lü Pu had two wives and one concubine. He first married a lady of the Yen family and she was the legal wife. Then he took Little Cicada as a concubine, and while he was living at Hsiaop‘ei he had married a secondary wife, a daughter of Ts‘ao Pao. She had died quite young leaving no issue. ”

“ Ts‘ao was pleased to hear of the rupture of the marriage arrangement, and forthwith put Han Yin to death in the market place.
However, Ch‘ên Têng sent a secret remonstrance to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, vilifying Lü Pu as cruel, stupid and facile and advising his destruction.
“I know Lü Pu quite well,” said Ts‘ao. “He is a wolf with a savage heart, and it will be hard to feed him for long. ”

“ Then the signal-bombs exploded; out rushed the men and all their leaders dashed forward. Lü Pu was at a loss and fled into the open country. One of his captains was killed by an arrow. Two thirds of his men were lost and the beaten remainder went to tell Ch‘ên Kung what had come to pass.
“We had better leave” said he. “An empty city cannot be held.”
So he and Kao Shun, taking their chief’s family with them, abandoned Tingt‘ao. When Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s soldiers got into the city they met with no resistance, one leader burned himself to death, the other fled to Yüan Shu. ”

“ Lü Pu rode back and told his adviser what he had seen. “This Ts‘ao Ts‘ao is very crafty and full of wiles,” said the adviser; “great care in necessary.”
“I will use fire this time and burn out his ambush,” said Lü Pu.
Next morning he rode out and there he saw flags flying everywhere in the wood. He ordered his men forward to set fire on all sides. But to his surprise no one rushed out to make for the stockade. Still he heard the beating of drums and doubt filled his mind. Suddenly he saw a party of soldiers move out from the shelter of the stockade. ”