第六十一回

第六十一回 赵云截江夺阿斗 孙权遗书退老瞒

却说庞统、法正二人，劝玄德就席间杀刘璋，西川唾手可得。玄德曰：“吾初入蜀中，恩信未立，此事决不可行。”二人再三说之，玄德只是不从。次日，复与刘璋宴于城中，彼此细叙衷曲，情好甚密。酒至半酣，庞统与法正商议曰：“事已至此，由不得主公了。”便教魏延登堂舞剑，乘势杀刘璋。延遂拔剑进曰：“筵间无以为乐，愿舞剑为戏。”庞统便唤众武士入，列于堂下，只待魏延下手。刘璋手下诸将，见魏延舞剑筵前，又见阶下武士手按刀靶，直视堂上，从事张任亦掣剑舞曰：“舞剑必须有对，某愿与魏将军同舞。”二人对舞于筵前。魏延目视刘封，封亦拔剑助舞。于是刘、泠苞、邓贤各掣剑出曰：“我等当群舞，以助一笑。”玄德大惊，急掣左右所佩之剑，立于席上曰：“吾兄弟相逢痛饮，并无疑忌。又非‘鸿门会’上，何用舞剑？不弃剑者立斩！”刘璋亦叱曰：“兄弟相聚，何必带刀？”命侍卫者尽去佩剑。众皆纷然下堂。玄德唤诸将士上堂，以酒赐之，曰：“吾弟兄同宗骨血，共议大事，并无二心，汝等勿疑。”诸将皆拜谢。刘璋执玄德之手而泣曰：“吾兄之恩，誓不敢忘！”二人欢饮至晚而散。玄德归寨，责庞统曰：“公等奈何欲陷备于不义耶？今后断勿为此。”统嗟叹而退。

却说刘璋归寨，刘等曰：“主公见今日席上光景乎？不如早回，免生后患。”刘璋曰：“吾兄刘玄德，非比他人。”众将曰：“虽玄德无此心，他手下人皆欲吞并西川，以图富贵。”璋曰：“汝等无间吾兄弟之情。”遂不听，日与玄德欢叙。忽报张鲁整顿兵马，将犯葭萌关，刘璋便请玄德往拒之。玄德慨然领诺，即日引本部兵望葭萌关去了。众将劝刘璋令大将紧守各处关隘，以防玄德兵变。璋初时不从，后因众人苦劝，乃令白水都督杨怀、高沛二人，守把涪水关，刘璋自回成都。玄德到葭萌关，严禁军士，广施恩惠，以收民心。

早有细作报入东吴，吴侯孙权会文武商议。顾雍进曰：“刘备分兵远涉山险而去，未易往还。何不差一军先截川口，断其归路，后尽起东吴之兵，一鼓而下荆襄？此不可失之机会也。”权曰：“此计大妙！”正商议间，忽屏风后一人大喝而出曰：“进此计者可斩之！欲害吾女之命耶！”众惊视之，乃吴国太也。国太怒曰：“吾一生惟有一女，嫁与刘备。今若动兵，吾女性命如何！”因叱孙权曰：“汝掌父兄之业，坐领八十一州，尚自不足，乃顾小利而不念骨肉！”孙权喏喏连声，答曰：“老母之训，岂敢有违！”遂叱退众官。国太恨恨而入。孙权立于轩下自思：“此机会一失，荆襄何日可得？”正沉吟间，只见张昭入问曰：“主公有何忧疑？”孙权曰：“正思适间之事。”张昭曰：“此极易也：今差心腹将一人，只带五百军，潜入荆州，下一封密书与郡主，只说国太病危，欲见亲女，取郡主星夜回东吴。玄德平生只有一子，就教带来，那时玄德定把荆州来换阿斗。如其不然，一任动兵，更有何碍？”权曰：“此计大妙！吾有一人，姓周，名善，最有胆量。自幼穿房入户，多随吾兄。今可差他去。”昭曰：“切勿漏泄。只此便令起行。”

于是密遣周善将五百人扮为商人，分作五船，更诈修国书，以备盘诘，船内暗藏兵器。周善领命，取荆州水路而来。船泊江边，善自入荆州，令门吏报孙夫人。夫人命周善入，善呈上密书。夫人见说国太病危，洒泪动问。周善拜诉曰：“国太好生病重，旦夕只是思念夫人。倘去得迟，恐不能相见。就教夫人带阿斗去见一面。”夫人曰：“皇叔引兵远出，我今欲回，须使人知会军师，方可以行。”周善曰：“若军师回言道：‘须报知皇叔，候了回命，方可下船’，如之奈何？”夫人曰：“若不辞而去，恐有阻当。”周善曰：“大江之中，已准备下船只，只今便请夫人上车出城。”孙夫人听知母病危急，如何不慌？便将七岁孩子阿斗藏在车中，随行带三十馀人，各跨刀剑，上马离荆州城，便来江边上船。府中人欲报时，孙夫人已到沙头镇，下在船中了。

周善方欲开船，只听得岸上有人大叫：“且休开船，容与夫人饯行！”视之，乃赵云也。原来赵云巡哨方回，听得这个消息，吃了一惊，只带四五骑，旋风般沿江赶来。周善手执长戈，大喝曰：“汝何人，敢当主母！”叱令军士一齐开船，各将军器出来，摆列在船上。风顺水急，船皆随流而去。赵云沿江赶叫：“任从夫人去，只有一句话拜禀。”周善不睬，只催船速进。赵云沿江赶到十馀里，忽见江滩斜缆一只渔船在那里。赵云弃马执枪，跳上渔船。只两人驾船前来，望着夫人所坐大船追赶。周善教军士放箭，赵云以枪拨之，箭皆纷纷落水。离大船悬隔丈馀，吴兵用枪乱刺。赵云弃枪在小船上，掣所佩青剑在手，分开枪搠，望吴船涌身一跳，早登大船，吴兵尽皆惊倒。赵云入舱中，见夫人抱阿斗于怀中，喝赵云曰：“何故无礼！”云插剑声喏曰：“主母欲何往？何故不令军师知会？”夫人曰：“我母亲病在危笃，无暇报知。”云曰：“主母探病，何故带小主人去？”夫人曰：“阿斗是吾子，留在荆州，无人看觑。”云曰：“主母差矣。主人一生，只有这点骨血，小将在当阳长坂坡百万军中救出，今日夫人却欲抱将去，是何道理？”夫人怒曰：“量汝只是帐下一武夫，安敢管我家事！”云曰：“夫人要去便去，只留下小主人。”夫人喝曰：“汝半路辄入船中，必有反意！”云曰：“若不留下小主人，纵然万死，亦不敢放夫人去。”夫人喝侍婢向前揪捽，被赵云推倒，就怀中夺了阿斗，抱出船头上。欲要傍岸，又无帮手；欲要行凶，又恐碍于道理——进退不得。夫人喝侍婢夺阿斗，赵云一手抱定阿斗，一手仗剑，人不敢近。周善在后梢挟住舵，只顾放船下水。风顺水急，望中流而去。赵云孤掌难鸣，只护得阿斗，安能移舟傍岸？

正在危急，忽见下流头港内一字儿使出十馀只船来，船上磨旗擂鼓。赵云自思：“今番中了东吴之计！”只见当头船上一员大将，手执长矛，高声大叫：“嫂嫂留下侄儿去！”原来张飞巡哨，听得这个消息，急来油江夹口，正撞着吴船，急忙截住。当下张飞提剑跳上吴船，周善见张飞上船，提刀来迎，被张飞手起一剑砍倒，提头掷于孙夫人前。夫人大惊曰：“叔叔何故无礼？”张飞曰：“嫂嫂不以俺哥哥为重，私自归家，这便无礼！”夫人曰：“吾母病重，甚是危急，若等你哥哥回报，须误了我事。若你不放我回去，我情愿投江而死！”

张飞与赵云商议：“若逼死夫人，非为臣下之道，只护着阿斗过船去罢。”乃谓夫人曰：“俺哥哥大汉皇叔，也不辱没嫂嫂。今日相别，若思哥哥恩义，早早回来。”说罢，抱了阿斗，自与赵云回船，放孙夫人五只船去了。后人有诗赞子龙曰：

昔年救主在当阳，今日飞身向大江。船上吴兵皆胆裂，子龙英勇世无双！

又有诗赞翼德曰：

长坂桥边怒气腾，一声虎啸退曹兵。今朝江上扶危主，青史应传万载名。

二人欢喜回船。行不数里，孔明引大队船只接来。见阿斗已夺回，大喜。三人并马而归。孔明自申文书往葭萌关，报知玄德。

却说孙夫人回吴，具说张飞、赵云杀了周善，截江夺了阿斗。孙权大怒曰：“今吾妹已归，与彼不亲，杀周善之仇，如何不报！”唤集文武，商议起军攻取荆州。正商议调兵，忽报曹操起军四十万来报赤壁之仇。孙权大惊，且按下荆州，商议拒敌曹操。人报长史张辞疾回家，今已病故，有哀书上呈。权拆视之，书中劝孙权迁居秣陵，言秣陵山川有帝王之气，可速迁于此，以为万世之业。孙权览书大哭，谓众官曰：“张子纲劝吾迁居秣陵，吾如何不从！”即命迁治建业，筑石头城。吕蒙进曰：“曹操兵来，可于濡须水口筑坞以拒之。”诸将皆曰：“上岸击贼，跣足入船，何用筑城？”蒙曰：“兵有利钝，战无必胜。如猝然遇敌，步骑相促，人尚不暇及水，何能入船乎？”权曰：“‘人无远虑，必有近忧’。子明之见甚远。”便差军数万筑濡须坞，晓夜并工，刻期告竣。

却说曹操在许都，威福日甚。长史董昭进曰：“自古以来，人臣未有如丞相之功者，虽周公、吕望莫可及也。栉风沐雨三十馀年，扫荡群凶，与百姓除害，使汉室复存，岂可与诸臣宰同列乎？合受魏公之位，加‘九锡’以彰功德。”——你道那九锡？

侍中荀彧曰：“不可。丞相本兴义兵，匡扶汉室，当秉忠贞之志，守谦退之节。君子爱人以德，不宜如此。”曹操闻言，勃然变色。董昭曰：“岂可以一人而阻众望？”遂上表请尊操为魏公，加九锡。荀彧叹曰：“吾不想今日见此事！”操闻，深恨之，以为不助己也。建安十七年冬十月，曹操兴兵下江南，就命荀彧同行。彧已知操有杀己之心，托病止于寿春。忽曹操使人送饮食一盒至，盒上有操亲笔封记，开盒视之，并无一物。彧会其意，遂服毒而亡，年五十岁。后人有诗叹曰：

文若才华天下闻，可怜失足在权门。后人休把留侯比，临没无颜见汉君。

其子荀恽，发哀书报曹操。操甚懊悔，命厚葬之，谥曰敬侯。

且说曹操大军至濡须，先差曹洪领三万铁甲马军，哨至江边。回报云：“遥望沿江一带，旗幡无数，不知兵聚何处。”操放心不下，自领兵前进，就濡须口排开军阵。操领百馀人上山坡，遥望战船，各分队伍，依次摆列，旗分五色，兵器鲜明。当中大船上青罗伞下，坐着孙权，左右文武，侍立两边。操以鞭指曰：“生子当如孙仲谋！若刘景升儿子，豚犬耳！”忽一声响动，南船一齐飞奔过来，濡须坞内又一军出，冲动曹兵。曹操军马退后便走，止喝不住。忽有千百骑赶到山边，为首马上一人，碧眼紫髯，众人认得正是孙权。权自引一队马军来击曹操。操大惊，急回马时，东吴大将韩当、周泰，两骑马直冲将上来。操背后许褚纵马舞刀，敌住二将，曹操得脱归寨。许褚与二将战三十合方回。操回寨，重赏许褚，责骂众将：“临敌先退，挫吾锐气！后若如此，尽皆斩首！”是夜二更时分，忽寨外喊声大震。操急上马，见四下里火起，却被吴兵劫入大寨。杀至天明，曹兵退五十馀里下寨。操心中郁闷，闲看兵书。程昱曰：“丞相既知兵法，岂不知‘兵贵神速’乎？丞相起兵，迁延日久，故孙权得以准备，夹濡须水口为坞，难于攻击。不若且退兵还许都，别作良图。”操不应，程昱出。

操伏几而卧，忽闻潮声汹涌，如万马争奔之状。操急视之，见大江中推出一轮红日，光华射目，仰望天上，又有两轮太阳对照。忽见江心那轮红日，直飞起来，坠于寨前山中，其声如雷。猛然惊觉，原来在帐中做了一梦。帐前军报道午时，曹操教备马，引五十馀骑，径奔出寨，至梦中所见落日山边。正看之间，忽见一簇人马，当先一人，金盔金甲，操视之，乃孙权也。权见操至，也不慌忙，在山上勒住马，以鞭指操曰：“丞相坐镇中原，富贵已极，何故贪心不足，又来侵我江南？”操答曰：“汝为臣下，不尊王室。吾奉天子诏，特来讨汝！”孙权笑曰：“此言岂不羞乎？天下岂不知你挟天子令诸侯？吾非不尊汉朝，正欲讨汝以正国家耳。”操大怒，叱诸将上山捉孙权。忽一声鼓响，山背后两彪军出：右边韩当、周泰，左边陈武、潘璋。四员将带三千弓弩手乱射，矢如雨发。操急引众将回走，背后四将赶来甚急。赶到半路，许褚引众虎卫军敌住，救回曹操。吴兵齐奏凯歌，回濡须去了。操还营自思：“孙权非等闲人物。红日之应，久后必为帝王。”于是心中有退兵之意，又恐东吴耻笑，进退未决。两边又相拒了月馀，战了数场，互相胜负。直至来年正月，春雨连绵，水港皆满，军士多在泥水之中，困苦异常，操心甚忧。当日正在寨中与众谋士商议，或劝操收兵，或云目今春暖，正好相持，不可退归，操犹豫未定。忽报东吴有使赍书到。操启视之，书略曰：

孤与丞相，彼此皆汉朝臣宰。丞相不思报国安民，乃妄动干戈，残虐生灵，岂仁人之所为哉？即日春水方生，公当速去。如其不然，复有赤壁之祸矣。公宜自思焉。

书背后又批两行云：“足下不死，孤不得安。”

曹操看毕，大笑曰：“孙仲谋不欺我也。”重赏来使，遂下令班师，命庐江太守朱光镇守皖城，自引大军回许昌。孙权亦收军回秣陵。权与众将商议：“曹操虽然北去，刘备尚在葭萌关未还。何不引拒曹操之兵，以取荆州？”张昭献计曰：“且未可动兵。某有一计，使刘备不能再还荆州。”正是：孟德雄兵方退北，仲谋壮志又图南。不知张昭说出甚计来，且看下文分解。

CHAPTER 61. In The River, Zhao Yun Recovers Liu Shan; With One Letter, Sun Quan Repulses Cao Cao.

In spite of the persuasion of Pang Tong and Fa Zheng, Liu Bei steadily refused to sanction the assassination of his host at the banquet, Imperial Protector Liu Zhang, even if thereby he was to gain possession of the Western Land of Rivers.

The next day there was another banquet, this time in the city of Fucheng, whereat host and guest unbosomed themselves freely to each other and became exceedingly friendly and affectionate.

All were mellow with wine, and Pang Tong, talking with Fa Zheng, said, “Since our master will have nothing to do with our scheme, we would better set Wei Yan's sword-play to work and take advantage of the confusion to kill Liu Zhang.”

Wei Yan came in shortly afterward, with his sword drawn, and said, “There being no other entertainment at this banquet, may I show you a little fencing to amuse you?”

Thereupon Pang Tong called up some of the armed guards and ranged them along the lower part of the hall till Wei Yan should fall on.

At these preparations the officers of Liu Zhang stared with questioning eyes toward the chief seats at the upper end, and one of them, Zhang Ren, drew his sword, saying, “An opponent is needed to make fencing a success, so he and I will display our skill at the same time.”

So they began. Presently, at a glance from Wei Yan, Liu Feng came up and took position at his side.

At once three of the commanders of the west followed suit, saying, “And we three will come in too; it may add to your amusement and help to raise a laugh.”

But to Liu Bei matters began to take on a serious look. Drawing a sword of a servant, he stood out in the banquet hall and cried, “We brothers have perhaps honored our meeting with a little too much wine; there is nothing to say against that, but this is no Hongmen Banquet, where murder was done. Put up your swords, or I will slay you!”

“Why wear swords at all at a meeting of two brothers?” cried Liu Zhang, at the same time telling his servants to surround his officers and take away their weapons.

Disarmed, they sulkily withdrew, and then Liu Bei called all the generals of Liu Zhang to the upper end of the banquet hall, gave them wine, and said, “You need have no doubts; we two brothers, of the same bone and blood, have talked over the great design, and we are one in purpose.”

The officers bowed and retired.

Liu Zhang took his guest by the hand, saying, “Brother, I shall never forget your kindness.” They sat drinking till late, both feeling very happy. When at length Liu Bei reached his camp, he blamed his strategist for having caused the confusion.

“Why did you endeavor to force me into committing a great wrong?” said Liu Bei. “There must be no repetition of this.”

Pang Tong retired, sighing.

When Liu Zhang reached his own camp, his leaders waited on him and said, “Sir, you saw the real meaning of that occurrence at the banquet, we suppose. We think it prudent for you to retire at once into the city.”

“My brother is different from ordinary humans,” replied Liu Zhang.

“He may not incline toward murder himself, but those about him have but one desire—that is to exploit this land of ours to their own advantage.”

“Do not try to sow dissension between us and make us quarrel,” said their chief.

And Liu Zhang took no heed of their remonstrance. One day, when he and Liu Bei were enjoying together relaxation from cares of state, the news came that Zhang Lu was about to invade the Western Land of Rivers at the Jiameng Pass. Thereupon the Imperial Protector begged Liu Bei to go and defend it. Liu Bei consented and left immediately with his own especial band.

At once Liu Zhang's officers took advantage of the guest's departure to urge the Imperial Protector to place his own trusty generals in command at various strategic points, so as to guard against any attempts of the visitors to seize the land. At first Liu Zhang was unwilling and refused, but as they prayed him most earnestly to do this he yielded and consented to take some steps to safeguard himself. He sent Yang Huai, Commander of Baishui, and Gao Pei to garrison River Fu Pass.

So Liu Zhang returned to Chengdu and his guest, Liu Bei, went away to the point where invasion threatened. Arrived there, Liu Bei soon won the hearts of the people by the strict discipline he maintained over his army and by his gracious manner.

News of these doings in the west duly reached the south, and Sun Quan summoned his counselors as to his countermove.

Then Gu Yong spoke, saying, “I have an infallible plan to propose. Liu Bei and his army are now far away and separated from us by difficult country. Therefore he cannot return quickly, and my advice is to occupy the passes so that he cannot get through. Then send all your force against Jingzhou and Xiangyang, and they will surely fall to you.”

“The plan seems excellent,” said Sun Quan.

But just then a voice was heard from behind the screen, crying, “You may just put to death the man who proposed that scheme for trying to compass the death of my daughter.”

Every one started with surprise. It was the Dowager Marchioness' voice. Further, Lady Wu looked very angry as she entered, saying, “What is to become of my only daughter, who is the wife of Liu Bei?”

She turned her wrathful eyes to Sun Quan and said, “You were heir to your father and brother and obtained possession of all these lands without the least effort. Yet you are dissatisfied and would forget the claims of your own flesh and blood and sacrifice your sister for the sake of adding a little to your lands.”

“No, no!” murmured Sun Quan, ashamed. “I would never think of going contrary to my mother's wishes and orders.”

He abruptly dismissed the assembly, and when they had gone the old lady, still nursing her wrath, retired to her own apartments.

Left alone beneath the portico, Sun Quan sighed sadly.

“This chance missed! When will Jingzhou be mine?” thought he.

While still deep in reverie, Zhang Zhao came up, saying, “What grieves my lord?”

“No great matter; only this last failure to gain my ends.”

“The difficulty may be easily removed,” said Zhang Zhao. “Choose some trusty man and charge him with a secret letter to Princess Sun Ren saying that her mother is dangerously ill. Give him five hundred men as escort and tell him to make his way privily into Jingzhou City and deliver the letter. Hearing her mother wants her, she will rush home at once, and she might bring with her the only son of Liu Bei. Liu Bei will be glad enough to exchange Jingzhou for his son. If he will not, you can still send the army.”

“That sounds like a good plan,” said Sun Quan. “Further, I have the man to carry it out successfully. He is that Zhou Shan, who was a bold one. He used to accompany my brother in his youth. He is the man to go.”

“Keep it a secret, then,” said Zhang Zhao, “and let Zhou Shan start quickly.”

It was decided that Zhou Shan should take with him about five hundred soldiers disguised as ordinary traders. He had five vessels and distributed his men among them, while weapons were hidden in the holds. Papers were was forged to look like veritable authority in case they were asked.

Zhou Shan set out along the river route for the city of Jingzhou and was not long on the way. He anchored his ships under the bank, landed, and went into the city to the residence, where he bade the doorkeepers announce him. He was admitted and led into the presence of Lady Sun and presently gave her the secret letter. When she read that her mother was in danger of death, she began to weep bitterly and questioned the messenger closely.

Zhou Shan invented a story, saying, “The Dowager Marchioness is really fretting for a sight of yours; and if you do not go quickly, it will be too late. The Dowager Marchioness also wants to see little Liu Shan once before she dies.”

Lady Sun replied, “You know that the Imperial Uncle is far away on military service, and I ought to inform the chief of the army before returning home.”

“But what will you do if the chief says he must inform your husband and await his consent?” said Zhou Shan.

“If I went without asking permission—but I fear that is impossible.” “My ships are all ready in the river, and you have only to drive through the city,” said Zhou Shan.

Naturally the news of her mother's illness greatly disturbed the young wife. In a short time her carriage was ready, and she mounted, taking Liu Shan with her. She took an escort of thirty guards, all armed, and was soon at the river side and had embarked before the palace people could report what she was doing.

But just as the ships were starting, a voice was heard, shouting, “Do not start yet; let me bid my lady farewell.”

The voice was Zhao Yun's; he had just returned from an inspection trip, and they had at once told him of Lady Sun's sudden departure. As soon as he had recovered from his surprise, he dashed down to the river bank like a whirlwind, with only half a dozen followers. He arrived only just in time; the boat was starting, and Zhou Shan stood in the prow, a long spear in his hand.

“Who are you that you dare hinder the movements of your mistress?” cried Zhou Shan.

Zhou Shan bade his soldiers cast off and get under way, and also to prepare their weapons to fight. The ship moved off with a fair wind and a strong current beneath her keel.

But Zhao Yun followed along the bank.

“My lady may go or not as she pleases,” cried he, “but I have one word to say to her.”

Zhou Shan turned a deaf ear and only urged his soldiers to get greater speed on the ship. Zhao Yun followed down the bank for some three or more miles. Then he saw a fishing boat made fast to the bank. He at once dismounted, cast off the rope, took his spear, and leaped into the boat. Then he made the two men row him toward the vessel in which sat Lady Sun.

As he approached, the soldiers of the South Land threatened him with their spears. Thereupon he threw his spear into the bottom of the boat, drew the glittering steel blade he wore, dashed aside the opposing spears, and leaped upon the larger vessel. The guards of the South Land fell back in surprise and fear, and Zhao Yun went down into the body of the ship. There sat Lady Sun with little Liu Shan in her arms.

“Why this rude intrusion?” said she angrily.

The warrior sheathed his sword and said humbly, “Whither may my mistress be going, and why goes she privily?”

“My mother is ill and on the point of death; I had no time to inform any person of my departure,” said Lady Sun.

“But why take the young master if you are going merely to see a sick person?” said Zhao Yun.

“Liu Shan is my son, and I would not leave him behind to be neglected.”

“Mistress, you have acted wrongly. My lord has but this one son of his body, and I rescued the child lord from among many thousand troops of Cao Cao in the great battle at Long Slope Bridge in Dangyang. There is no reason for you to take him away.”

Lady Sun took refuge in anger. “You leave my family affairs alone, you common soldier!” cried she. “My lady, if you will go, then go, but leave the young master behind.”

“You are a rebel, jumping on board the ship like that!” cried Lady Sun.

“If you will not leave the young lord behind, I refuse to let you go, come what may,” said Zhao Yun.

Lady Sun called in her maids to seize him, but he just pushed them off. Then he took the boy from her arms and ran out to the prow of the ship. He tried to get the vessel in to the bank, but no one would aid him, and he thought it would be wrong to begin to slay indiscriminately. He knew not what to do in such a quandary. And Lady Sun was screaming to her maids to take the boy away from him. But he kept too firm a grip on the child, and the good sword in his other hand kept every one at bay.

Zhou Shan was at the helm, giving all his attention to getting the ship out into the current and away down the river. He steered for the middle of the stream, where the wind was strong. Zhao Yun, one hand taken up with holding the boy, was quite unable to get the vessel in toward the shore.

Just as things looked most desperate, Zhao Yun saw a string of ships filing out from a creek lower down the stream, flags fluttering and drums beating. He thought that certainly all was over and he was about to fall a victim to a stratagem of the South Land, when he noticed a mighty warrior standing in the prow of the leading craft. He was armed with a long spear, and it was Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei also shouted, “Sister-in-Law! Leave the child lord.”

Zhang Fei had been out scouting when he heard the news of his sister-in-law's sudden departure, and he at once made for the River Yu with the intention of intercepting her flight. He had arrived just in the nick of time to cut off the ships of the South Land. Very soon, sword in hand, he had boarded the vessel. As Zhang Fei came on board, Zhou Shan drew his sword and advanced toward him, but one sweep of Zhang Fei's blade laid him on the deck dead. And the grim warrior hung his head at the feet of Lady Sun.

“Why this very unseemly behavior?” cried Lady Sun, now quite frightened.

“Sister,” said Zhang Fei, “you thought very little of my brother when you set out on this mad journey. That was behaving rudely.”

“My mother is very ill; it is a matter of life and death,” cried she. “If I had waited for your brother's permission to go, I should have been too late. If you do not let me go now, I will throw myself into the river.”

Zhao Yun and Zhang Fei took counsel together. They said to each other, “It is hardly the correct thing for servants to force their lord's wife into committing suicide. Suppose we keep the child and let the vessel go.”

Then they said, “O Lady, we cannot allow the wife of our exalted brother to die a death of shame, and so we will take our leave. We trust you will not forget our brother and that you will return quickly.”

Taking the child with them, they left the vessel, and the five ships of the South Land continued their voyage down stream. One poet has praised the conduct of Zhao Yun:

Before, Zhao Yun saved Liu Shan,

What time his mother died;

Again like service he performs,

Upon the Great River's tide.

The soldiers of Wu all in the ship,

Were stricken down with fear

Search all the world, you never find

Of bold Zhao Yun the peer.

Another has eulogized Zhang Fei:

At Long Slope Bridge,

With rage Zhang Fei boiled,

Like wild beast roared,

And warriors recoiled.

From danger now

His prince is saved.

On history's page

His name is graved.

Quite satisfied with their success, the two warriors sailed homeward. Before they had gone far, they met Zhuge Liang with a squadron of ships. He was very pleased to find they had recovered the child, and they three joyfully returned to Jingzhou, whence an account of the whole adventure was written to Liu Bei.

When Lady Sun reached her home, she related the story of the death of Zhou Shan and the carrying off of the child. Naturally Sun Quan was very wrath at the miscarriage of his scheme, and he resolved to attack Jingzhou in revenge for his messenger's murder.

“Now that my sister has returned home, there is no longer any family tie to prevent the attack, and I will take full measure of revenge for the death of my general,” said Sun Quan.

So he called the council to consider the expedition.

But before they could decide upon any plan, their deliberations were suddenly cut short by the news that Cao Cao was coming down upon the South Land with four hundred thousand troops, burning to avenge his defeat at the Red Cliffs. All thoughts now turned toward repelling his attack.

Adviser Zhang Hong, who had retired to his home ill, had just died, and his testament was sent to his lord to read. Therein he advised Sun Quan:

“My lord, the seat of government should be removed to the old land of Moling, where the scenery seems to bear the impress of kingly dignity, befitting a person who cherishes the ambition of founding an enduring dynasty.”

Sun Quan read this document out to his councilors at this meeting, not without many tears in memory of the writer.

He told them, saying, “Zhang Hong was sincere till his death. I cannot withstand his last advice!”

And Sun Quan at once gave orders to build a walled city named Shidou in Moling, and changed the name of the land to Jianye. Henceforth he intended to make his capital there.

As a protection against Cao Cao, Admiral Lu Meng proposed building a rampart at River Ruxu.

Some other officers opposed this, saying, “When the enemy appears, you will have to land in order to attack him, and after that you will return to your ships. What is the use of a rampart?”

Lu Meng replied, “One must prepare against possibilities. Soldiers vary in keenness and sometimes lose battles. If an urgent occasion arises, the soldiers may be unable to reach the water's edge, and how then are they to embark? They will then need shelter.” Sun Quan said, “Provision against eventualities, such as he proposes, is good. Against a distant risk provide, and sorrow walks not by your side.”

So they sent soldiers to build ramparts at River Ruxu, and as the work ceased not day or night the wall was soon completed.

In the capital Cao Cao's influence and glory waxed daily greater. High Counselor Dong Zhao proposed that the title of duke should be conferred upon him.

Dong Zhao said, “In all history, no one has rendered such services as you have, O Prime Minister, not even Duke Zhou or Lu Wang. These thirty years you have exposed yourself to all risks, been combed by the wind and bathed by the rain, and you have swept evil from the empire, succored the distressed, and restored the Hans. Who of all statesmen can rank with you? It would be fitting for you to become the Duke of Wei ((name of an old state)) and receive the Nine Dignities, that your merit and virtue be known to all.”

Now the Nine Dignities, or signs of honor, were:

.1. Chariots: Gilded chariots drawn by eight horses;

.2. Court dresses: Dragon-embroidered robes, headdresses, and shoes;

.3. Music at banquets: By royal bands;

.4. Red doors: Symbols of wealth;

.5. Inner staircase: Protection for every step;

.6. Imperial Tiger Guard: Three hundred at the gates;

.7. Imperial axes: Commanding and ceremonial symbols;

.8. Bow and arrows: Red-lacquered bow with a hundred arrows;

.9. Libation vessels: Jade tablets and libation cups.

However, all the courtiers were not of one mind.

Said High Adviser Xun Yu, “This should not be done, O Prime Minister. You raised a force by an appeal to the innate sense of righteousness of the people, and with that force you restored the Han authority. Now you should remain loyal and humble. The virtuous person loves people with a virtuous love and would not act in this way.”

Cao Cao did not take this opposition kindly.

Dong Zhao said, “How can we disappoint the hopes of many because of the words of one?”

So a memorial went to the Throne, and Cao Cao's ambitions and desires were gratified with the title of Duke of Wei. The Nine Dignities were added.

“I did not think to see this day!” said Xun Yu, sighing.

This remark was repeated to the newly created Duke and angered him. He took it to mean that Xun Yu would no longer aid him or favor his designs.

In the winter of the seventeenth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 212), Cao Cao decided to send an army to conquer the South Land, and he ordered Xun Yu to go with it. Xun Yu understood from this that Cao Cao wished his death, so he declined the appointment on the plea of illness. While Xun Yu was at home, he received one day a box such as one sent with presents of dainties. It was addressed in Cao Cao's own handwriting. Opening it, Xun Yu found therein nothing. He understood; he took poison and died. He was fifty-two years of age.

Xun Yu's talents were to all men known,

That was sad that at the door of power he tripped.

Posterity is wrong to class him with the noble Zhang Liang,

For, nearing death, he dared not face his lord of Han.

News of Xun Yu's death came to Cao Cao in the form of the ordinary letter of mourning by his son, Xun Yun. Then Cao Cao was sorry and gave orders for an imposing funeral. He also obtained for the dead man the posthumous title of lordship.

The northern army reached River Ruxu, whence Cao Cao sent a reconnaissance of thirty thousand troops led by Cao Hong down to the river.

Soon Cao Hong reported: “The enemy's fleet blankets the river, but no sign of movements.”

Feeling suspicious, Cao Cao led his army to the river to watch the enemy and deploy his troops. On the river he saw displayed a fleet of ships all arranged in admirable order, the divisions being marked by distinctive flags. The equipment glittered in the sunlight. In the center was a large ship whereon was a huge umbrella, and beneath the shade sat Sun Quan in the midst of his staff.

“That is the sort of son to have;” said Cao Cao in admiration, “not such piglets and puppies as Liu Biao'.”

Suddenly, at the explosion of a bomb, the ships got under way and came flying toward him, while a force moved out of River Ruxu. Cao Cao's soldiers at once retired in great haste. A company led by the green-eyed, red-bearded Sun Quan made straight for Cao Cao, who hastily retreated. But Cao Cao was sore pressed by other Sun Quan's commanders, Han Dang and Zhou Tai, and it had gone hard with him but that Xu Chu came to his rescue and fought with the troops of the South Land till his master could escape. Xu Chu fought some score bouts before he could draw off and return to his own aide.

When Cao Cao returned to camp, he conferred rich rewards upon his henchman who had saved him, and he reprimanded his other leaders for their too hasty retirement.

“You blunt the keen spirits of the army; and if you do such a thing again, I will put you to death,” said Cao Cao.

About midnight that night there arose great commotion at the gates of the camp; and when Cao Cao went outside, he found that the enemy had crept up secretly and started a conflagration. The soldiers of the South Land forced their way into the stockade and went hither and thither, slaying till morning broke. Then Cao Cao and his army retired.

Cao Cao was greatly distressed by this misfortune. He was sitting in his tent poring over the Book of War when Cheng Yu came in to see him.

“O Prime Minister,” said Cheng Yu, “you who know so thoroughly the art of war, have you forgotten the maxim to strike quickly? You had your army ready, but you postponed action and allowed your enemies to build the ramparts at River Ruxu. Now you will find it hard to capture the place. It would be better now to retreat on the capital and await a more propitious moment.”

Cao Cao listened, but said nothing; after a time Cheng Yu went away. Cao Cao remained seated in his tent, leaning on a small table by his side. And he fell asleep. Suddenly he heard a sound as of a rushing stream or galloping squadrons of horse, and out of the river in front of him arose a huge red sun, so bright that his eyes were dazzled by it. Looking up at the sky, he saw two other suns as if reflections of this one. And as he wondered, the first sun suddenly flew up and then dropped among the hills in front of his camp with a roar like thunder.

This woke him. He was in his tent and had been dreaming, and the sentry at his tent door was just reporting noon.

Soon he had his horse saddled and rode out, with a small escort, toward the spot he had seen in his dream. As he stood gazing around him, an army of horse came along with Sun Quan at their head. Sun Quan wore a glittering helmet and was clad in silver armor.

Seeing his chief enemy, Sun Quan showed no sign of haste or dismay, but reined in his steed on a rise and, pointing with his whip at Cao Cao, said, “Behold the all-powerful minister who holds the capital in the hollow of his hand! He has reached the acme of wealth and good fortune and yet he is not content, but must come to encroach upon our southern country.”

Cao Cao replied, “You are disobedient, and the command of the Emperor is to exterminate you!”

“What words!” cried Sun Quan with a laugh. “Are you not ashamed? Everyone knows that you control every act of the Emperor and you tyrannize over the nobles. I am no rebel against the dynasty, but I do desire to capture you and reform the government.”

Cao Cao grew angry at this speech and bade his generals go over and take Sun Quan prisoner. But before they could obey, Han Dang and Zhou Tai, Chen Wu and Pan Zhang led out two armies of soldiers from left and right at the sound of beating drums, and arrows and crossbow bolts began to fall like raindrops around Cao Cao. He turned to retire, and the archers and bowmen followed him. However, presently appeared Xu Chu, with the Tiger Guard, who rescued Cao Cao and took him back to his camp. The army of the South Land had scored a victory, and they marched back to River Ruxu.

Alone in his camp, Cao Cao thought, “This Sun Quan certainly is no ordinary man, and by the presage of the sun in my dream he will become an emperor.”

He began to think it would be well to retire from the expedition, only that he feared the troops of the South Land would exult over him. So the two armies remained facing each other a whole month, fighting occasional skirmishes and battles in which victory fell sometimes to the one and sometimes to the other.

And so it went on till the new year, and the spring rains filled the watercourses to overflowing, and the soldiers were wading in deep mud. Their sufferings were extreme, and Cao Cao became sad at heart. At the council board his officers were divided, some being for retirement and others anxious to hold on till the warm weather. Their chief could not make up his mind.

Then there came a messenger from the South Land bearing a letter of Sun Quan, which read:

“You and I, O Prime Minister, are both servants of Han, but you are careless for the tranquillity of the people and think only of battle, thereby causing great suffering. Is this conduct worthy of a kindly person?

“But spring with its heavy rains is at hand, and you would be wise to retire while you can. If not, you may expect a repetition of the misfortune at the Red Cliffs. It would be well to consider this.”

And on the back of the letter was a note in two lines running thus: “No tranquillity for me while you live!”

Cao Cao read the letter and laughed. “Sun Quan speaks the truth!” said he.

He rewarded the messenger and issued orders to retreat. The Governor of Lujiang, Zhu Guang, was left to guard Huancheng; the army marched for the capital.

Sun Quan returned to Moling.

At a meeting of his advisers he said, “Cao Cao has marched north, Liu Bei is at Jiameng Pass; why should I not lead the army that has just repulsed the northern forces to take Jingzhou?”

Thereupon Zhang Zhao offered another plan, saying, “Do not move a soldier; I know how to keep Liu Bei from returning to Jingzhou.”

Cao Cao's army march away,

Sun Quan's thoughts then southward stray.

The scheme proposed by Zhang Zhao will be unfolded in the next chapter.