第五十三回

第五十三回 关云长义释黄汉升 孙仲谋大战张文远

却说孔明谓张飞曰：“前者子龙取桂阳郡时，责下军令状而去。今日翼德要取武陵，必须也责下军令状，方可领兵去。”张飞遂立军令状，欣然领三千军，星夜投武陵界上来。金旋听得张飞引兵到，乃集将校，整点精兵器械，出城迎敌。从事巩志谏曰：“刘玄德乃大汉皇叔，仁义布于天下，加之张翼德骁勇非常，不可迎敌，不如纳降为上。”金旋大怒曰：“汝欲与贼通连为内变耶？”喝令武士推出斩之。众官皆告曰：“先斩家人，于军不利。”金旋乃喝退巩志，自率兵出，离城二十里，正迎张飞。飞挺矛立马，大喝金旋。旋问部将：“谁敢出战？”众皆畏惧，莫敢向前。旋自骤马舞刀迎之，张飞大喝一声，浑如巨雷，金旋失色，不敢交锋，拨马便走。飞引众军随后掩杀。金旋走至城边，城上乱箭射下。旋惊视之，见巩志立于城上曰：“汝不顺天时，自取败亡，吾与百姓自降刘矣。”言未毕，一箭射中金旋面门，坠于马下，军士割头献张飞。巩志出城纳降，飞就令巩志赍印绶，往桂阳见玄德。玄德大喜，遂令巩志代金旋之职。

玄德亲至武陵安民毕，驰书报云长，言翼德、子龙各得一郡。云长乃回书上请曰：“闻长沙尚未取，如兄长不以弟为不才，教关某干这件功劳甚好。”玄德大喜，遂教张飞星夜去替云长守荆州，令云长来取长沙。云长既至，入见玄德、孔明。孔明曰：“子龙取桂阳，翼德取武陵，都是三千军去。今长沙太守韩玄，固不足道，只是他有一员大将，乃南阳人，姓黄，名忠，字汉升，是刘表帐下中郎将，与刘表之侄刘磐共守长沙，后事韩玄，虽今年近六旬，却有万夫不当之勇，不可轻敌。云长去，必须多带军马。”云长曰：“军师何故长别人锐气，灭自己威风？量一老卒，何足道哉！关某不须用三千军，只消本部下五百名校刀手，决定斩黄忠、韩玄之首，献来麾下。”玄德苦挡，云长不依，只领五百校刀手而去。孔明谓玄德曰：“云长轻敌黄忠，只恐有失，主公当往接应。”玄德从之，随后引兵望长沙进发。

却说长沙太守韩玄，平生性急，轻于杀戮，众皆恶之。是时听知云长军到，便唤老将黄忠商议。忠曰：“不须主公忧虑。凭某这口刀，这张弓，一千个来，一千个死！”原来黄忠能开二石力之弓，百发百中。言未毕，阶下一人应声而出曰：“不须老将军出战，只就某手中定活捉关某。”韩玄视之，乃管军校尉杨龄。韩玄大喜，遂令杨龄引军一千，飞奔出城。约行五十里，望见尘头起处，云长军马早到。杨龄挺枪出马，立于阵前骂战。云长大怒，更不打话，飞马舞刀，直取杨龄，龄挺枪来迎。不三合，云长手起刀落，砍杨龄于马下，追杀败兵，直至城下。韩玄闻之大惊，便教黄忠出马，玄自来城上观看。忠提刀纵马，引五百骑兵飞过吊桥。云长见一老将出马，知是黄忠，把五百校刀手一字摆开，横刀立马而问曰：“来将莫非黄忠否？”忠曰：“既知我名，焉敢犯我境！”云长曰：“特来取汝首级！”言罢，两马交锋。斗一百馀合，不分胜负。韩玄恐黄忠有失，鸣金收军，黄忠收军入城。云长也退军，离城十里下寨，心中暗忖：“老将黄忠，名不虚传：斗一百合，全无破绽。来日必用拖刀计，背砍赢之。”

次日早饭毕，又来城下搦战。韩玄坐在城上，教黄忠出马。忠引数百骑杀过吊桥，再与云长交马。又斗五六十合，胜负不分，两军齐声喝采。鼓声正急时，云长拨马便走，黄忠赶来。云长方欲用刀砍去，忽听得脑后一声响，急回头看时，见黄忠被战马前失，掀在地下。云长急回马，双手举刀猛喝曰：“我且饶你性命！快换马来厮杀！”黄忠急提起马蹄，飞身上马，奔入城中。玄惊问之，忠曰：“此马久不上阵，故有此失。”玄曰：“汝箭百发百中，何不射之？”忠曰：“来日再战，必然诈败，诱到吊桥边射之。”玄以自己所乘一匹青马与黄忠。忠拜谢而退，寻思：“难得云长如此义气！他不忍杀害我，我又安忍射他？若不射，又恐违了将令。”是夜踌躇未定。次日天晓，人报云长搦战，忠领兵出城。云长两日战黄忠不下，十分焦躁，抖擞威风，与忠交马。战不到三十馀合，忠诈败，云长赶来。忠想昨日不杀之恩，不忍便射，带住刀，把弓虚拽弦响，云长急闪，却不见箭；云长又赶，忠又虚拽，云长急闪，又无箭；只道黄忠不会射，放心赶来。将近吊桥，黄忠在桥上搭箭开弓，弦响箭到，正射在云长盔缨根上。前面军齐声喊起，云长吃了一惊，带箭回寨，方知黄忠有百步穿杨之能，今日只射盔缨，正是报昨日不杀之恩也。云长领兵而退。

黄忠回到城上来见韩玄，玄便喝左右捉下黄忠。忠叫曰：“无罪！”玄大怒曰：“我看了三日，汝敢欺我！汝前日不力战，必有私心；昨日马失，他不杀汝，必有关通[1]；今日两番虚拽弓弦，第三箭却止射他盔缨，如何不是外通内连？若不斩汝，必为后患！”喝令刀斧手推下城门外斩之。众将欲告，玄曰：“但告免黄忠者，便是同情！”刚推到门外，恰欲举刀，忽然一将挥刀杀入，砍死刀手，救起黄忠，大叫曰：“黄汉升乃长沙之保障，今杀汉升，是杀长沙百姓也！韩玄残暴不仁，轻贤慢士，当众共殛之！愿随我者便来！”众视其人，面如重枣，目若朗星，乃义阳人魏延也，自襄阳赶刘玄德不着，来投韩玄。玄怪其傲慢少礼，不肯重用，故屈沉于此。当日救下黄忠，教百姓同杀韩玄，袒臂一呼，相从者数百馀人。黄忠拦当不住，魏延直杀上城头，一刀砍韩玄为两段，提头上马，引百姓出城，投拜云长。云长大喜，遂入城。安抚已毕，请黄忠相见，忠托病不出。云长即使人去请玄德、孔明。

却说玄德自云长来取长沙，与孔明随后催促人马接应。正行间，青旗倒卷，一鸦自北南飞，连叫三声而去。玄德曰：“此应何祸福？”孔明就马上袖占一课，曰：“长沙郡已得，又主得大将。午时后定见分晓。”少顷，见一小校飞报前来，说：“关将军已得长沙郡，降将黄忠、魏延。耑等主公到彼。”玄德大喜，遂入长沙。云长接入厅上，具言黄忠之事。玄德乃亲往黄忠家相请，忠方出降，求葬韩玄尸首于长沙之东。后人有诗赞黄忠曰：

将军气概与天参，白发犹然困汉南。至死甘心无怨望，临降低首尚怀惭。宝刀灿雪彰神勇，铁骑临风忆战酣。千古高名应不泯，长随孤月照湘潭。

玄德待黄忠甚厚。云长引魏延来见，孔明喝令刀斧手推下斩之。玄德惊问孔明曰：“魏延乃有功无罪之人，军师何故欲杀之？”孔明曰：“食其禄而杀其主，是不忠也；居其土而献其地，是不义也。吾观魏延脑后有反骨，久后必反，故先斩之，以绝祸根。”玄德曰：“若斩此人，恐降者人人自危。望军师恕之。”孔明指魏延曰：“吾今饶汝性命。汝可尽忠报主，勿生异心；若生异心，我好歹取汝首级。”魏延喏喏连声而退。黄忠荐刘表侄刘磐——现在攸县闲居，玄德取回，教掌长沙郡。四郡已平，玄德班师回荆州，改油江口为公安，自此钱粮广盛，贤士归之，将军马四散屯于隘口。

却说周瑜自回柴桑养病，令甘宁守巴陵郡，令凌统守汉阳郡，二处分布战船，听候调遣。程普引其馀将士投合淝县来。原来孙权自从赤壁鏖兵之后，久在合淝，与曹兵交锋，大小十馀战，未决胜负，不敢逼城下寨，离城五十里屯兵。闻程普兵到，孙权大喜，亲自出营劳军。人报鲁子敬先至，权乃下马立待之，肃慌忙滚鞍下马施礼。众将见权如此待肃，皆大惊异。权请肃上马，并辔而行，密谓曰：“孤下马相迎，足显公否？”肃曰：“未也。”权曰：“然则何如而后为显耶？”肃曰：“愿明公威德加于四海，总括九州，克成帝业，使肃名书竹帛，始为显矣。”权抚掌大笑。同至帐中，大设饮宴，犒劳鏖兵将士，商议破合淝之策。

忽报张辽差人来下战书。权拆书观毕，大怒曰：“张辽欺吾太甚！汝闻程普军来，故意使人搦战！来日吾不用新军赴敌，看我大战一场！”传令当夜五更，三军出寨，望合淝进发。辰时左右，军马行至半途，曹兵已到，两边布成阵势。孙权金盔金甲，披挂出马，左宋谦，右贾华，二将使方天画戟，两边护卫。三通鼓罢，曹军阵中，门旗两开，三员将全装惯带，立于阵前：中央张辽，左边李典，右边乐进。张辽纵马当先，专搦孙权决战。权绰枪欲自战，阵门中一将挺枪骤马早出，乃太史慈也，张辽挥刀来迎。两将战有七八十合，不分胜负。曹阵上李典谓乐进曰：“对面金盔者，孙权也。若捉得孙权，足可与八十三万大军报仇。”说犹未了，乐进一骑马，一口刀，从刺斜里径取孙权，如一道电光，飞至面前，手起刀落。宋谦、贾华急将画戟遮架，刀到处，两枝戟齐断，只将戟杆望马头上打。乐进回马，宋谦绰军士手中枪赶来。李典搭上箭，望宋谦心窝里便射，应弦落马。太史慈见背后有人堕马，弃却张辽，望本阵便回。张辽乘势掩杀过来，吴兵大乱，四散奔走。张辽望见孙权，骤马赶来。看看赶上，刺斜里撞出一军，为首大将，乃程普也，截杀一阵，救了孙权。张辽收军自回合淝。

程普保孙权归大寨，败军陆续回营。孙权因见折了宋谦，放声大哭。长史张曰：“主公恃盛壮之气，轻视大敌，三军之众，莫不寒心。即使斩将搴旗，威振疆埸[2]，亦偏将之任，非主公所宜也。愿抑贲、育[3]之勇，怀王霸之计。且今日宋谦死于锋镝之下，皆主公轻敌之故。今后切宜保重。”权曰：“是孤之过也，从今当改之。”少顷，太史慈入帐，言：“某手下有一人，姓戈，名定，与张辽手下养马后槽是弟兄。后槽被责怀怨，今晚使人报来，举火为号，刺杀张辽，以报宋谦之仇。某请引兵为外应。”权曰：“戈定何在？”太史慈曰：“已混入合淝城中去了。某愿乞五千兵去。”诸葛瑾曰：“张辽多谋，恐有准备，不可造次。”太史慈坚执要行。权因伤感宋谦之死，急要报仇，遂令太史慈引兵五千，去为外应。

却说戈定乃太史慈乡人，当日杂在军中，随入合淝城，寻见养马后槽，两个商议。戈定曰：“我已使人报太史慈将军去了，今夜必来接应。你如何用事？”后槽曰：“此间离中军较远，夜间急不能进，只就草堆上放起一把火，你去前面叫反，城中兵乱，就里刺杀张辽，馀军自走也。”戈定曰：“此计大妙！”是夜张辽得胜回城，赏劳三军，传令不许解甲宿睡。左右曰：“今日全胜，吴兵远遁，将军何不卸甲安息？”辽曰：“非也。为将之道，勿以胜为喜，勿以败为忧。倘吴兵度我无备，乘虚攻击，何以应之？今夜防备，当比每夜更加谨慎。”说犹未了，后寨火起，一片声叫反，报者如麻。张辽出帐上马，唤亲从将校十数人，当道而立。左右曰：“喊声甚急，可往观之。”辽曰：“岂有一城皆反者？此是造反之人，故惊军士耳。如乱者先斩！”无移时，李典擒戈定并后槽至。辽询得其情，立斩于马前。只听得城门外鸣锣击鼓，喊声大震。辽曰：“此是吴兵外应，可就计破之。”便令人于城门内放起一把火，众皆叫反，大开城门，放下吊桥。太史慈见城门大开，只道内变，挺枪纵马先入。城上一声炮响，乱箭射下，太史慈急退，身中数箭。背后李典、乐进杀出，吴兵折其大半，乘势直赶到寨前。陆逊、董袭杀出，救了太史慈，曹兵自回。孙权见太史慈身带重伤，愈加伤感。张昭请权罢兵，权从之，遂收兵下船，回南徐润州。比及屯住军马，太史慈病重，权使张昭等问安，太史慈大叫曰：“大丈夫生于乱世，当带三尺剑立不世之功，今所志未遂，奈何死乎！”言讫而亡，年四十一岁。后人有诗赞曰：

矢志全忠孝，东莱太史慈。姓名昭远塞，弓马震雄师。北海酬恩日，神亭酣战时。临终言壮志，千古共嗟咨！

孙权闻慈死，伤悼不已，命厚葬于南徐北固山下，养其子太史亨于府中。

却说玄德在荆州整顿军马，闻孙权合淝兵败，已回南徐，与孔明商议。孔明曰：“亮夜观星象，见西北有星坠地，必应折一皇族。”正言间，忽报公子刘琦病亡。玄德闻之，痛哭不已。孔明劝曰：“生死分定，主公勿忧，恐伤贵体。且理大事，可急差人到彼守御城池，并料理葬事。”玄德曰：“谁可去？”孔明曰：“非云长不可。”即时便教云长前去襄阳保守。玄德曰：“今日刘琦已死，东吴必来讨荆州，如何对答？”孔明曰：“若有人来，亮自有言对答。”过了半月，人报东吴鲁肃特来吊丧。正是：先将计策安排定，只等东吴使命来。未知孔明如何对答，且看下文分解。

[1] 关通——勾结、串连的意思。

[2] 疆埸（yì）——本义是疆界；俗用多混作“疆场”，则指战场。

[3] 贲（bēn）、育——贲，孟贲，战国时人；育，夏育，周朝时人，都是勇士。

CHAPTER 53. Guan Yu Releases Huang Zhong; Sun Quan Fights With Zhang Liao.

What Zhuge Liang required from Zhang Fei was a formal recognition of responsibility for success. Said Zhuge Liang, “When Zhao Yun went on his expedition, he gave written guarantee of being responsible for success, and you ought to do the same now that you are starting for Wuling. In that case you may have men and start.”

So Zhang Fei gave the required document and received joyfully the three thousand of soldiers he had demanded. He set out at once and traveled without rest till he reached Wuling.

When the Governor of Wuling, Jin Xuan by name, heard that an expedition against him was afoot, he mustered his officers and recruited brave soldiers and put his weapons in order ready for the struggle. And his army moved out of the city.

A certain secretary, Gong Zhi, remonstrated with his chief for opposing a scion of the imperial house, saying, “Liu Bei is of the Hans, and recognized as an uncle of the Emperor. All the world knows he is kindly and righteous. Added to that his brother Zhang Fei is extraordinarily bold. We cannot face them in battle with hope of success. Our best course is to give in.”

But his master angrily replied, “Do you want to play the traitor and take the side of the rebels and help them?”

Jin Xuan called in the lictors and told them to put Gong Zhi to death. The other officers interceded for Gong Zhi, saying, “It augers ill to start an expedition by slaying your own officer.”

So the Governor merely sent Gong Zhi sway. He himself led the army out of the city. After marching seven miles, he met with Zhang Fei's army.

Zhang Fei at once rode to the front, spear ready to thrust, and opened with a shout. Jin Xuan turned to his officers and asked who would go out to fight him, but no one replied; they were too afraid.

So the Governor himself galloped out, flourishing his sword. Seeing him advance, Zhang Fei shouted in a voice of thunder. Poor Jin Xuan was seized with panic, turned pale and could not go on. He turned his steed and fled. Then Zhang Fei and his army went in pursuit and smote the fugitives, chasing them to the city wall.

Here the fugitives were greeted by a flight of arrows from their own wall. Greatly frightened, Jin Xuan looked up to see what this meant, and there was Gong Zhi, who had opposed him, standing on the wall.

“You brought defeat upon yourself because you opposed the will of God,” cried the traitor. “I and the people with me are determined to yield to Liu Bei.”

Just as Gong Zhi finished speaking, an arrow wounded Jin Xuan in the face and he fell to the ground. Thereupon his own troops cut off his head, which they forthwith presented to Zhang Fei. Gong Zhi then went out and made formal submission, and Zhang Fei bade him take his letter and the seal to Guiyang to Liu Bei, who was pleased to hear of Zhang Fei's success and gave the governorship to Gong Zhi. Soon after Liu Bei came to Wuling in person and soothed the people.

This done he wrote to Guan Yu telling him Zhao Yun and Zhang Fei had gained a territory each.

Guan Yu at once wrote back and said, “Changsha is yet to be taken; and if I am not thought too feeble, I would like to be sent to attack it.”

Liu Bei agreed and sent Zhang Fei to relieved his brother, whom Liu Bei ordered to return and prepare for an expedition to Changsha. Guan Yu came and went in to see his elder brother and Zhuge Liang.

At this interview Zhuge Liang said, “Zhao Yun has taken Guiyang, and Zhang Fei Wuling. Both successful warriors have done their work with three thousand troops. The Governor of Changsha, Han Xuan, was not worth mentioning, but there was a certain general with him, named Huang Zhong, who had to be reckoned with.

“Huang Zhong is a native of Nanyang. He used to be in the service of Liu Biao and was a colleague Liu Biao's nephew, Liu Pan, when he was in command of Changsha. After Liu Biao's death, he joined Han Xuan when he took command of the city. Now, although he is nearly sixty, he is a man to be feared and a warrior of a thousand. You ought to take a larger number of troops.”

Guan Yu replied, “Instructor, what makes you damp another man's ardor to fight and do away with your own dignity? I do not think the old leader need be discussed, and I do not think I require three companies of soldiers. Give me my own five hundred of swordsmen, and I will have the heads of both Han Xuan and Huang Zhong to sacrifice to our standard.”

Liu Bei resisted this decision of Guan Yu, but Guan Yu would not give way. He just took his five hundred and set out.

“If he is not careful how he attacks Huang Zhong, there will be a mishap,” said Zhuge Liang. “You must go to support him.”

Liu Bei accordingly, at the head of another and larger party, set out toward Changsha.

Governor Han Xuan of Changsha was of hasty temperament with small compunction in matters of life and death and was universally hated. When he heard of the army coming against him, he called his veteran leader, Huang Zhong, to ask advice.

The latter said, “Do not be distressed; this sword of mine and my bow are equal to the slaughter of all who may come.”

Huang Zhong had been very strong and could bend the three-hundred-pound bow and was a most perfect archer.

When Huang Zhong referred to his prowess, a certain man spoke up and said, “Let not the veteran General go out to battle. Trust to my right arm, and you shall have this Guan Yu a prisoner in your hands.”

The speaker was General Yang Ling. The Governor accepted his offer and told off a thousand troops to go with him, and they quickly rode out of the city. About fifteen miles from the city, they observed a great cloud of dust approaching and soon distinguished the invaders. Yang Ling set his spear and rode to the front to abuse and fight. Guan Yu made no reply to the abuse, but rode forward flourishing his sword. The warriors soon met, and in the third encounter Yang Ling was cut down. Guan Yu's army dashed forward and pursued the defeated force to the city wall.

When the Governor heard of this reverse, he ordered the veteran Huang Zhong to go out while he went up on the city wall to watch the fight.

Huang Zhong took his sword and crossed the drawbridge of Changsha at the head of his force. Guan Yu, seeing an old leader riding out, knew it must be Huang Zhong. Guan Yu halted his troops and placed them in line with their swords at the point. Then sitting there on horseback, he said, “He who comes is surely Huang Zhong, eh?”

“Since you know me, how dare you come within my boundaries?” replied the veteran.

“I have come expressly to get your head!”

Then the combat began. They fought a hundred and more bouts, and neither seemed nearer victory. At this point the Governor, fearing some mishap to his veteran general, beat the gong to retreat and the battle ceased, one side going into the city of Changsha and the other camping three miles away to the rear.

Guan Yu thought in his heart that the fame of the veteran opposed to him was well merited. He had fought a hundred bouts and discovered never a weak spot. He determined that in the next encounter he would use a “swinging-horse stab” and so overcome Huang Zhong.

Next day, the early meal eaten, Guan Yu came to the city wall and offered his challenge. The Governor seated himself on the city wall and bade his veteran warrior go out to accept it. At the head of a few horsemen, Huang Zhong dashed across the drawbridge. The two champions engaged, and at the end of half a hundred bouts neither had the advantage. On both sides the soldiers cheered lustily.

When the drums were beating most furiously, suddenly Guan Yu wheeled round his horse and fled. Of course Huang Zhong followed. Just as the moment for the feint arrived, Guan Yu heard behind him a tremendous crash and turned to see his pursuer lying prone upon the ground. Huang Zhong's steed had stumbled and thrown him.

Guan Yu turned, raised his sword in both hands, and cried in a fierce tone, “I spare your life, but quick! Get another horse and come again to battle.”

Huang Zhong pulled his horse to its feet hastily, leapt upon its back, and went into the city at full speed. The Governor was astonished and asked for an account of the accident.

“The horse is too old,” replied Huang Zhong.

“Why did you not shoot since your aim is so perfect?” asked the Governor.

“I will try again tomorrow,” said Huang Zhong. “Then I will run away as if overcome, and so tempt him to the drawbridge and then shoot him.”

Han Xuan gave the veteran a gray horse that he usually rode himself; Huang Zhong thanked him and retired.

But Huang Zhong could not forget Guan Yu's generous conduct, nor could he understand it. He could not make up his mind to shoot the man who had spared his life. Yet if he did not shoot, he betrayed his duty as a soldier. It was very perplexing, and the whole night spent in thinking it over found him still undecided.

At daybreak a man came in saying that Guan Yu was near the wall and challenging them again. So Huang Zhong gave order to go out.

Now Guan Yu, having fought for two days and not having overcome Huang Zhong, was very ill at ease. So he called up all his dignity when he went forth to fight that day. When they had got to the thirtieth bout, Huang Zhong fled as if he was overcome. Guan Yu pursued.

As he rode away, Huang Zhong thought in his heart, “He spared me only yesterday, and I cannot bear to shoot him today.”

Putting up his sword, Huang Zhong took his bow and twanged the string only; no arrow flew. Guan Yu dodged, but seeing no arrow in the air, he retook the pursuit. Again Huang Zhong twanged an arrowless bowstring, and again Guan Yu dodged, but no arrow came. Then Guan Yu said to himself, “He cannot shoot,” and pressed on in pursuit.

As they neared the city wall, the veteran stopped on the drawbridge, fitted an arrow, pulled the bow, and sent an arrow flying that just hit the base of the plume on Guan Yu's helmet.

The soldiers shouted at the display of marksmanship. Guan Yu was taken aback and set off for camp with the arrow still sticking. Then he heard that Huang Zhong's skill was said to be equal to piercing a willow leaf at a hundred paces, and Guan Yu understood that he owed this warning in the shape of an arrow in his plume to gratitude for sparing the veteran the preceding day.

Both withdrew. But when the veteran leader went up on the wall to see the Governor, he was at once seized.

“What have I done?” cried Huang Zhong.

“I have seen these last three days that you were fooling me; you were slack the day before yesterday, which proved you had some sinister intention. Yesterday, when your horse stumbled and he spared you, it showed that you were in league with him. And today you twice twanged a vain bowstring, while at the third shot you only hit your opponent's helmet. Dare you say there is no secret understanding in all this? If I do not put you to death, it will assuredly redound to my own hurt.”

Han Xuan ordered Huang Zhong to be executed outside the city gate. Han Xuan also met the intercession of the officers by saying, “Any one who pleads for the condemned shall be regarded as in the plot.”

The executioners had hustled the old man out of the city and the sword was in the air and on the point of descending, when a man suddenly dashed in, cut down the lictor, and rescued Huang Zhong.

“Huang Zhong is our bulwark;” shouted he, “to destroy him is to destroy the Changsha people. This Governor is too fierce and cruel, too lightly values good people, and is too arrogant toward his officers. We ought rather to kill him, and those who will, let them follow me.”

All eyes turned toward this bold speaker, who was bronzed and had eyes like the Cowherd's star. Some of them knew him as Wei Yan, a native of Yiyang. He would have followed Liu Bei from Xiangyang but, unable to come up with him, had gone into the service of Han Xuan. Han Xuan took exception to his arrogant carriage and lack of polish and neglected him. And so Wei Yan had remained in the city without office.

After the rescue of Huang Zhong, Wei Yan called upon the people to make an end of the Governor. He waved his arm and shouted to the people. Soon he had a following of several hundreds. Huang Zhong could not stop them. In a very short time, Wei Yan had dashed up on the wall, and Han Xuan lay dead. Taking his head, Wei Yan rode off out of the city to lay the bloodstained trophy at the feet of Guan Yu, who forthwith went into the city to restore confidence.

When the people were all quiet, Guan Yu sent to request Huang Zhong to come to see him, but the old general pleaded illness.

Next Guan Yu sent the good news to his brother and to Zhuge Liang and asked them to come.

Soon after Guan Yu had left to capture Changsha, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang had followed him up with supports in case of need. While on the march, a black flag was furled backwards and a crow flew over from north to south croaking thrice as it passed.

“What good or evil things do these omens presage?” asked Liu Bei.

With hands hidden within his long sleeves, Zhuge Liang performed a rapid calculation on his fingers of the auspices and replied, “Changsha is taken and a great leader mastered. We shall know soon after noon.”

Sure enough a simple soldier presently came galloping along with the welcome tidings of the capture of the city, and saying that the two city warriors who had aided them were near waiting the arrival of Liu Bei. Soon after they arrived, Liu Bei entered the city, where he was escorted to the magistracy and heard the recital of Huang Zhong's deeds.

Liu Bei went in person to Huang Zhong's house and inquired for him, whereupon Huang Zhong came forth and yielded formally. Huang Zhong requested to be permitted to bury the remains of the late Governor on the east of the city.

Lofty as is heaven above earth was the spirit of the general,

Who, even in his old age, suffered sorrows in the south;

Cheerfully had he approached death, with no thought of resentment,

But, bowing before the conqueror, he hung his head and was ashamed.

Praise the sword, gleaming snow-white, and the glory of super-human bravery,

Consider the mail-clad steed snuffing the wind and rejoicing in the battle,

That warrior's name shall stand high and its brightness be undiminished,

While the cold moon sheds her light on the waters of River Xiang.

Liu Bei was generous toward the veteran leader who had come under his banner. But when Wei Yan was introduced, Zhuge Liang suddenly ordered him to be thrust forth and put to death.

“He has merit; he has committed no fault,” exclaimed Liu Bei. “Why slay him?”

But Zhuge Liang replied, “Ingratitude; to eat a man's bread and slay him is most disloyal; to live on his land and offer his territory to another is most wrong. He will certainly turn against his new master. Wherefore it is well to put him to death and prevent him from doing harm.”

“If we slay this man, others who may wish to surrender will be deterred by the danger. I pray you forgive him.”

Zhuge Liang pointed his finger at Wei Yan and said, “You are pardoned. You would do well to be perfectly faithful to your lord as well as grateful. Do not let a single thought stray elsewhere, or I will have your head by fair means or foul.”

Wei Yan made a low obeisance.

Having given in with good grace, Huang Zhong introduced a nephew of Liu Biao, named Liu Pan, then living in Yuxian near by. Liu Bei gave Liu Pan the governorship of Changsha.

All being tranquil at the four territories, Liu Bei and his army returned to Jingzhou City. The name of Youkou was changed to Gongan, and soon all was prosperous. Able people from all sides came to assist in the administration. Guards were placed at strategic points.

When Zhou Yu went to Chaisang to recover from his wound, he left Gan Ning in command at Baling and Ling Tong at Hanyang. The fleet was shared between these two places to be ready to move when required. The remainder of the force was under Cheng Pu, and he went to Hefei, where Sun Quan had been since the fight at the Red Cliffs. Sun Quan was still fighting the northern army, and in half a score encounters, small and great, neither had gained a decided advantage. Sun Quan could not approach the city but entrenched himself about fifteen miles away.

When Sun Quan heard of the coming of reinforcements of Cheng Pu, he was very pleased and went in person to meet and welcome the leaders. Lu Su was in advance of the main body, and Sun Quan dismounted and stood by the roadside to greet him. As soon as he saw this, Lu Su slid out of the saddle and made his obeisance.

But the officers were amazed at the attitude of Sun Quan, and still more so when Sun Quan asked Lu Su to remount and ride by his side.

Presently Sun Quan said secretly to Lu Su, “I, the Lone One, dismounted to greet you as you saw; was that manifestation enough for you?”

“No,” replied Lu Su.

“Then what further can I do?”

“I want to see your authority and virtue spread over the four seas and enfold the nine regions, and you yourself playing your part as emperor. Then will my name be inscribed in the annals, and I shall indeed be known.”

Sun Quan clapped his hands and laughed gleefully.

When they reached the camp, a banquet was prepared and the services of the new arrivals were praised and glorified.

The destruction of Hefei was one day under discussion when one came in to say that Zhang Liao had sent a written challenge to battle. Sun Quan tore open the cover, and what he read therein made him very wrath.

“This Zhang Liao has insulted me grossly,” said he. “He hears that Cheng Pu has arrived and sends a challenge. Tomorrow, O newly-come warriors, you shall see me fight with him. You shall have no share in the battle.” Orders were given that next morning the army would move out of camp and advance on Hefei. Early in the morning, when they had advanced about halfway, they met the army of Cao Cao and prepared for battle. Sun Quan, with helmet of gold and breastplate of silver, rode to the front with Song Qian and Jia Hua, each armed with a halberd to support him and guard him one on each side.

When the third roll of the drum ceased, the center of Cao Cao's army opened to allow the exit of three warriors, all fully armed. They were Zhang Liao, supported by Li Dian and Yue Jin. Zhang Liao, the central figure, especially designated Sun Quan as the object of his challenge. Sun Quan took his spear and was about to accept the challenge, from when the ranks behind him came out Taishi Ci, who galloped forth with his spear ready to thrust. Zhang Liao whirled up his sword to strike the newcomer, and the two fought near a hundred bouts without a decisive blow.

Then said Li Dian to Yue Jin, “He there opposite us with the golden helm is Sun Quan; could we but capture him, the loss of our eight hundred thirty thousand soldiers at the Red Cliffs would be amply avenged.”

So speaking Yue Jin rode out, alone, just one man and one sword, and went sidelong toward the two combatants. Then suddenly, swift as a flash of lightning, he ran forward and slashed at Sun Quan. But Sun Quan's two guards were too quick for him. Up went the two halberds of Song Qian and Jia Hua guarding their lord's head. The blow fell, but on the crossed halberds which were shorn through near the head, and in another moment they were hammering away on the head of Yue Jin's steed with the shafts of their broken weapons and forcing it back.

Song Qian snatched a spear from a soldier near and went in pursuit of Yue Jin, but Li Dian, on the other side, fitted an arrow to his bow and aimed at Song Qian's heart from behind. And Song Qian fell as the bowstring twanged.

Then Taishi Ci, seeing his colleague fell, left off the fight with Zhang Liao and returned to his own line. At this Zhang Liao fell on in a swift attack, and the army of Sun Quan, thrown into confusion, scattered and fled.

Zhang Liao, having distinguished Sun Quan in the distance, galloped in pursuit and had nearly come up with him, when Cheng Pu happily rushed in from one side of the line of fight, stayed the pursuit, and saved his master. Zhang Liao withdrew to Hefei. Sun Quan was escorted back to his main camp, where his beaten soldiers gradually rejoined him and their ranks were reformed.

When Sun Quan knew of the death of Song Qian, he was greatly pained and wept aloud.

But Zhang Hong, the adviser, reproached him, saying, “My lord, you relied too much upon your martial prowess and lightly engaged in battle with a formidable enemy. Every person in the army was chilled with fear, and you lost a general and some of your banners. It is not for you to exhibit prowess on the actual battlefield and encroach upon the duties of a general. Rather curb and repress such physical feats as those ancient Xia Yu and Meng Ben, and contemplate schemes of exercising princely virtues with the hegemony of all the feudal states. It is because of your ill-regulated action in engaging in battle that Song Qian perished at the hands of your enemies. Hereafter you should regard as most important your personal safety.”

“Yes; it is indeed a fault,” said Sun Quan. “I will reform.”

Soon after, Taishi Ci entered the tent and said, “In my command there is a certain Ge Ding, brother of a groom in the army of Zhang Liao. This servant is deeply resentful on account of a punishment inflicted upon him and is anxious to be revenged. He has sent over to say that he will show a signal tonight when he has assassinated Zhang Liao in revenge for the death of your late leader Song Qian. I wish to take some troops over to await this signal to attack.” “Where is Ge Ding?” asked Sun Quan.

“Ge Ding has mingled with the enemy and gone into the city. Let me have five thousand soldiers.”

Zhuge Jin said, “Zhang Liao is full of guile; I think you will find him prepared for your coming. Be careful.”

As Taishi Ci urged his chief to let him go, and Sun Quan was deeply hurt by the death of his leader, the permission was given and the force started.

Now here it must be said that Taishi Ci and this Ge Ding were natives of the same place. Ge Ding had made his way into the city without detection, found his brother, and the two had arranged their plot. Ge Ding also told him, saying, “Taishi Ci will come over tonight to help us; what need to be done now?”

His brother, the groom, said, “As the troops of Sun Quan are far away, I fear they cannot be here tonight, so we will make a huge bonfire of straw and then you can rush out and cry treachery. That will throw all into confusion and will give a chance to kill Zhang Liao.”

“This is an excellent plan,” said Ge Ding.

Now after the victory, Zhang Liao returned to the city and rewarded his soldiers, but he issued orders that no one was to doff his armor or sleep. His attendants said, “You have gained a great victory today, and the enemy are far away. You might doff your armor and get some repose.”

But Zhang Liao replied, “That is not the way of a leader. A victory is no reason for rejoicing, nor should a defeat cause sadness. If those of the South Land suspect that I am unprepared, they will attack; and we must be ready to repel them. Be ready tonight and be doubly careful.”

Scarcely had he said this than a fire started and cries of “Treachery!” arose. Many rushed to tell the leader, who went out and called together his guard of about half a score. They took up a commanding position in the way.

Those about him said, “The shouts are insistent; you ought to go and see what it means.”

“A whole city cannot be traitors,” said Zhang Liao. “Some discontented person has frightened the soldiers. If I see any one doing so, I will slay him.”

Soon after this Li Dian dragged up Ge Ding and his fellow traitor. After a few brief questions, they were beheaded.

Then arose a great noise, shouting and the rolling of drums was heard outside the gate.

“That means the troops of South Land are there to help,” said Zhang Liao. “But we will destroy them by a simple ruse.”

He bade them light torches and yell “Treachery! Rebellion!” and throw open the city gates and let down the drawbridge.

When Taishi Ci saw the gates swing open, he thought his scheme was going well and in full confidence rode in at the gate. But just at the entrance a signal bomb suddenly exploded, and the enemy arrows came down on him like pelting rain. Then he knew he had fallen into a snare and turned to ride out. But he was wounded in many places. And in the pursuit that followed, more than half the troops under Taishi Ci were cut off. As he drew near his own lines, a rescue force led by Lu Xun and Dong Xi came to his aid, and the Cao Cao's soldiers ceased from pursuit.

Sun Quan was exceedingly sad when he learned that his faithful general had been grievously wounded; and when Zhang Zhao prayed him to cease from war, Sun Quan was content. They gathered in their soldiers to their ships and sailed to Nanxu and Runzhou where they camped.

Meanwhile Taishi Ci was dying.

When his lord went to ask how he fared, he cried, “When a worthy person is born into a turbulent world, he has to be a soldier and gird on a three-span sword to step on the mountains to mend the sky. I have not rendered great service. Why must I die before I have attained my desire?”

These were his last words; he was forty-one years of age.

Single minded and perfectly loyal,

Such was Taishi Ci, in Donglai,

Far distant frontiers rang with his exploits,

Riding or archery, all humans he excelled,

One in Bohai who admired his valor,

Cared for his mother while he was fighting,

How he roared in the battle at Shenting!

Dying, he spoke as a hero;

All through the ages people sigh for his fate.

Sun Quan was exceedingly grieved when this second of his leaders died. He gave orders to bury his remains most honorably outside the north wall of Nanxu on Beigu Hill and took his son, Taishi Heng, into his own palace to be brought up.

In Jingzhou, when Liu Bei heard of the series of misfortunes that had befallen Sun Quan and of his retirement to Nanxu, he and Zhuge Liang discussed their plans.

Said Zhuge Liang, “I was studying the sky and saw a falling star in the northwest. The imperial family is to suffer a loss.”

Zhuge Liang had scarcely said this when they brought news of the death of Liu Qi, son of Liu Biao.

Liu Bei at once began to wail bitterly. But his adviser said to him, “Life and death are beyond our control, wherefore weep not, my lord, for grief harms the body. Rather consider what is necessary to be done. Send some one to assume control and make arrangements for the interment.”

“Who can go?” asked Liu Bei.

“No other than Guan Yu.”

So they sent Guan Yu to guard the city of Xiangyang.

Liu Bei at once began to feel troubled about his promise to surrender Jingzhou on the death of Liu Qi. Zhuge Liang did not consider this a matter of moment.

Zhuge Liang said, “I will have somewhat to say to any one who comes to ask fulfillment of the promise.” In half a month it was announced that Lu Su would come to mourn at the funeral.

To claim the promise one will come,

But they will send him empty home.

What reply Zhuge Liang made may be read in the next chapter.