第六十二回

第六十二回 取涪关杨高授首 攻雒城黄魏争功

却说张昭献计曰：“且休要动兵。若一兴师，曹操必复至。不如修书二封：一封与刘璋，言刘备结连东吴，共取西川，使刘璋心疑而攻刘备；一封与张鲁，教进兵向荆州来，着刘备首尾不能救应。我然后起兵取之，事可谐矣。”权从之，即发使二处去讫。

且说玄德在葭萌关日久，甚得民心。忽接得孔明文书，知孙夫人已回东吴。又闻曹操兴兵犯濡须，乃与庞统议曰：“曹操击孙权，操胜必将取荆州，权胜亦必取荆州矣。为之奈何？”庞统曰：“主公勿忧。有孔明在彼，料想东吴不敢犯荆州。主公可驰书去刘璋处，只推：‘曹操攻击孙权，权求救于荆州。吾与孙权唇齿之邦，不容不相援。张鲁自守之贼，决不敢来犯界。吾今欲勒兵回荆州，与孙权会同破曹操，奈兵少粮缺。望推同宗之谊，速发精兵三、四万，行粮十万斛相助。请勿有误。’若得军马钱粮，却另作商议。”

玄德从之，遣人往成都。来到关前，杨怀、高沛闻知此事，遂教高沛守关，杨怀同使者入成都，见刘璋呈上书信。刘璋看毕，问杨怀为何亦同来。杨怀曰：“专为此书而来。刘备自从入川，广布恩德，以收民心，其意甚是不善。今求军马钱粮，切不可与。如若相助，是把薪助火也。”刘璋曰：“吾与玄德有兄弟之情，岂可不助？”一人出曰：“刘备枭雄，久留于蜀而不遣，是纵虎入室矣。今更助之以军马钱粮，何异与虎添翼乎？”众视其人，乃零陵烝阳人，姓刘，名巴，字子初。刘璋闻刘巴之言，犹豫未决，黄权又复苦谏。璋乃量拨老弱军四千，米一万斛，发书遣使报玄德。仍令杨怀、高沛紧守关隘。刘璋使者到葭萌关见玄德，呈上回书，玄德大怒曰：“吾为汝御敌，费力劳心。汝今积财吝赏，何以使士卒效命乎？”遂扯毁回书，大骂而起。使者逃回成都。庞统曰：“主公只以仁义为重，今日毁书发怒，前情尽弃矣。”玄德曰：“如此，当若何？”庞统曰：“某有三条计策，请主公自择而行。”

玄德问：“那三条计？”统曰：“只今便选精兵，昼夜兼道径袭成都：此为上计。杨怀、高沛乃蜀中名将，各仗强兵拒守关隘，今主公佯以回荆州为名，二将闻知，必来相送，就送行处，擒而杀之，夺了关隘，先取涪城，然后却向成都：此中计也。退还白帝，连夜回荆州，徐图进取：此为下计。若沉吟不去，将至大困，不可救矣。”玄德曰：“军师上计太促，下计太缓，中计不迟不疾，可以行之。”

于是发书致刘璋，只说曹操令部将乐进引兵至青泥镇，众将抵敌不住，吾当亲往拒之，不及面会，特书相辞。书至成都，张松听得说刘玄德欲回荆州，只道是真心，乃修书一封，欲令人送与玄德。却值亲兄广汉太守张肃到，松急藏书于袖中，与肃相陪说话。肃见松神情恍惚，心中疑惑。松取酒与肃共饮，献酬之间，忽落此书于地，被肃从人拾得。席散后，从人以书呈肃。肃开视之，书略曰：

松昨进言于皇叔，并无虚谬，何乃迟迟不发？逆取顺守，古人所贵。今大事已在掌握之中，何故欲弃此而回荆州乎？使松闻之，如有所失。书呈到日，疾速进兵。松当为内应，万勿自误！

张肃见了，大惊曰：“吾弟作灭门之事，不可不首。”连夜将书见刘璋，具言弟张松与刘备同谋，欲献西川。刘璋大怒曰：“吾平日未尝薄待他，何故欲谋反！”遂下令捉张松全家，尽斩于市。后人有诗叹曰：

一览无遗世所稀，谁知书信泄天机。未观玄德兴王业，先向成都血染衣。

刘璋既斩张松，聚集文武商议曰：“刘备欲夺吾基业，当如之何？”黄权曰：“事不宜迟。即便差人告报各处关隘，添兵把守，不许放荆州一人一骑入关。”璋从其言，星夜驰檄各关去讫。

却说玄德提兵回涪城，先令人报上涪水关，请杨怀、高沛出关相别。杨、高二将闻报，商议曰：“玄德此回若何？”高沛曰：“玄德合死，我等各藏利刃在身，就送行处刺之，以绝吾主之患。”杨怀曰：“此计大妙。”二人只带随行二百人，出关送行，其馀并留在关上。玄德大军尽发，前至涪水之上，庞统在马上谓玄德曰：“杨怀、高沛若欣然而来，可提防之。若彼不来，便起兵径取其关，不可迟缓。”正说间，忽起一阵旋风，把马前“帅”字旗吹倒。玄德问庞统曰：“此何兆也？”统曰：“此警报也：杨怀、高沛二人必有行刺之意，宜善防之。”玄德乃身披重铠，自佩宝剑防备。人报杨、高二将前来送行，玄德令军马歇定。庞统分付魏延、黄忠：“但关上来的军士，不问多少，马步军兵，一个也休放回。”二将得令而去。

却说杨怀、高沛二人身边各藏利刃，带二百军兵，牵羊送酒，直至军前，见并无准备，心中暗喜，以为中计。入至帐下，见玄德正与庞统坐于帐中。二将声喏曰：“闻皇叔远回，特具薄礼相送。”遂进酒劝玄德。玄德曰：“二将军守关不易，当先饮此杯。”二将饮酒毕，玄德曰：“吾有密事与二将军商议，闲人退避。”遂将带来二百人尽赶出中军。玄德叱曰：“左右与吾捉下二贼！”帐后刘封、关平应声而出。杨、高二人急待争斗，刘封、关平各捉住一人。玄德喝曰：“吾与汝主是同宗兄弟，汝二人何故同谋，离间亲情？”庞统叱左右搜其身畔，果然各搜出利刃一口。统便喝斩二人，玄德还犹未决，统曰：“二人本意欲杀吾主，罪不容诛。”遂叱刀斧手斩杨怀、高沛于帐前。黄忠、魏延早将二百从人，先自捉下，不曾走了一个。玄德唤入，各赐酒压惊。玄德曰：“杨怀、高沛离间吾兄弟，又藏利刃行刺，故行诛戮。尔等无罪，不必惊疑。”众各拜谢。庞统曰：“吾今即用汝等引路，带吾军取关，各有重赏。”众皆应允。是夜二百人先行，大军随后。前军至关下叫曰：“二将军有急事回，可速开关。”城上听得是自家军，即时开关。大军一拥而入，兵不血刃，得了涪关，蜀兵皆降。玄德各加重赏，遂即分兵前后守把。次日劳军，设宴于公厅。玄德酒酣，顾庞统曰：“今日之会，可为乐乎？”庞统曰：“伐人之国而以为乐，非仁者之兵也。”玄德曰：“吾闻昔日武王伐纣，作乐象功，此亦非仁者之兵欤？汝言何不合道理？可速退！”庞统大笑而起，左右亦扶玄德入后堂。睡至半夜，酒醒，左右以逐庞统之言告知玄德。玄德大悔。次早穿衣升堂，请庞统谢罪曰：“昨日酒醉，言语触犯，幸勿挂怀。”庞统谈笑自若。玄德曰：“昨日之言，惟吾有失。”庞统曰：“君臣俱失，何独主公？”玄德亦大笑，其乐如初。

却说刘璋闻玄德杀了杨、高二将，袭了涪水关，大惊曰：“不料今日果有此事！”遂聚文武，问退兵之策。黄权曰：“可连夜遣兵屯雒县，塞住咽喉之路。刘备虽有精兵猛将，不能过也。”璋遂令刘、泠苞、张任、邓贤点五万大军，星夜往守雒县，以拒刘备。

四将行兵之次，刘曰：“吾闻锦屏山中有一异人，道号‘紫虚上人’，知人生死贵贱。吾辈今日行军，正从锦屏山过。何不试往问之？”张任曰：“大丈夫行兵拒敌，岂可问于山野之人乎？”曰：“不然。圣人云：‘至诚之道，可以前知。’吾等问于高明之人，当趋吉避凶。”于是四人引五六十骑至山下，问径樵夫。樵夫指高山绝顶上，便是上人所居。四人上山至庵前，见一道童出迎。问了姓名，引入庵中。只见紫虚上人坐于蒲墩之上，四人下拜，求问前程之事。紫虚上人曰：“贫道乃山野废人，岂知休咎？”刘再三拜问，紫虚遂命道童取纸笔，写下八句言语，付与刘。其文曰：

左龙右凤，飞入西川。雏凤坠地，卧龙升天。一得一失，天数当然。见机而作，勿丧九泉。

刘又问曰：“我四人气数如何？”紫虚上人曰：“定数难逃，何必再问！”又请问时，上人眉垂目合，恰似睡着的一般，并不答应。四人下山。刘曰：“仙人之言，不可不信。”张任曰：“此狂叟也，听之何益。”遂上马前行。既至雒县，分调人马，守把各处隘口。刘曰：“雒城乃成都之保障，失此则成都难保。吾四人公议，着二人守城，二人去雒县前面，依山傍险，扎下两个寨子，勿使敌兵临城。”泠苞、邓贤曰：“某愿往结寨。”刘大喜，分兵二万，与泠、邓二人，离城六十里下寨。刘、张任守护雒城。

却说玄德既得涪水关，与庞统商议进取雒城。人报刘璋拨四将前来，即日泠苞、邓贤领二万军离城六十里，扎下两个大寨。玄德聚众将问曰：“谁敢建头功，去取二将寨栅？”老将黄忠应声出曰：“老夫愿往。”玄德曰：“老将军率本部人马，前至雒城，如取得泠苞、邓贤营寨，必当重赏。”

黄忠大喜，即领本部兵马，谢了要行。忽帐下一人出曰：“老将军年纪高大，如何去得？小将不才愿往。”玄德视之，乃是魏延。黄忠曰：“我已领下将令，你如何敢搀越？”魏延曰：“老者不以筋骨为能。吾闻泠苞、邓贤乃蜀中名将，血气方刚。恐老将军近他不得，岂不误了主公大事？因此愿相替，本是好意。”黄忠大怒曰：“汝说吾老，敢与我比试武艺么？”魏延曰：“就主公之前，当面比试。赢得的便去，何如？”黄忠遂趋步下阶，便叫小校：“将刀来！”玄德急止之曰：“不可！吾今提兵取川，全仗汝二人之力。今两虎相斗，必有一伤。须误了我大事。吾与你二人劝解，休得争论。”庞统曰：“汝二人不必相争。即今泠苞、邓贤下了两个营寨。今汝二人自领本部军马，各打一寨。如先夺得者，便为头功。”于是分定黄忠打泠苞寨，魏延打邓贤寨。二人各领命去了。庞统曰：“此二人去，恐于路上相争。主公可自引军为后应。”玄德留庞统守城，自与刘封、关平引五千军随后进发。

却说黄忠归寨，传令来日四更造饭，五更结束，平明进兵，取左边山谷而进。魏延却暗使人探听黄忠甚时起兵，探事人回报：“来日四更造饭，五更起兵。”魏延暗喜，分付众军士二更造饭，三更起兵，平明要到邓贤寨边。军士得令，都饱餐一顿，马摘铃，人衔枚，卷旗束甲，暗地去劫寨。三更前后，离寨前进，到半路，魏延马上寻思：“只去打邓贤寨，不显能处，不如先去打泠苞寨，却将得胜兵打邓贤寨。两处功劳，都是我的。”就马上传令，教军士都投左边山路里去。天色微明，离泠苞寨不远，教军士少歇，排搠金鼓旗幡、枪刀器械。

早有伏路小军飞报入寨，泠苞已有准备了。一声炮响，三军上马，杀将出来。魏延纵马提刀，与泠苞接战。二将交马，战到三十合，川兵分两路来袭汉军。汉军走了半夜，人马力乏，抵当不住，退后便走。魏延听得背后阵脚乱，撇了泠苞，拨马回走。川兵随后赶来，汉军大败。走不到五里，山背后鼓声震地，邓贤引一彪军从山谷里截出来，大叫：“魏延快下马受降！”魏延策马飞奔，那马忽失前蹄，双足跪地，将魏延掀将下来。邓贤马奔到，挺枪来刺魏延。枪未到处，弓弦响，邓贤倒撞下马。后面泠苞方欲来救，一员大将，从山坡上跃马而来，厉声大叫：“老将黄忠在此！”舞刀直取泠苞。泠苞抵敌不住，望后便走。黄忠乘势追赶，川兵大乱。

黄忠一枝军救了魏延，杀了邓贤，直赶到寨前。泠苞回马与黄忠再战。不到十馀合，后面军马拥将上来，泠苞只得弃了左寨，引败军来投右寨。只见寨中旗帜全别，泠苞大惊，兜住马看时，当头一员大将，金甲锦袍，乃是刘玄德——左边刘封，右边关平——大喝道：“寨子吾已夺下，汝欲何往？”原来玄德引兵从后接应，便乘势夺了邓贤寨子。泠苞两头无路，取山僻小径，要回雒城。行不到十里，狭路伏兵忽起，搭钩齐举，把泠苞活捉了。原来却是魏延自知罪犯，无可解释，收拾后军，令蜀兵引路，伏在这里，等个正着。用索缚了泠苞，解投玄德寨来。

却说玄德立起免死旗，但川兵倒戈卸甲者，并不许杀害，如伤者偿命，又谕众降兵曰：“汝川人皆有父母妻子，愿降者充军，不愿降者放回。”于是欢声动地。黄忠安下寨脚，径来见玄德，说魏延违了军令，可斩之。玄德急召魏延，魏延解泠苞至。玄德曰：“延虽有罪，此功可赎。”令魏延谢黄忠救命之恩，今后毋得相争。魏延顿首伏罪，玄德重赏黄忠。使人押泠苞到帐下，玄德去其缚，赐酒压惊，问曰：“汝肯降否？”泠苞曰：“既蒙免死，如何不降？刘、张任与某为生死之交，若肯放某回去，当即招二人来降，就献雒城。”玄德大喜，便赐衣服鞍马，令回雒城。魏延曰：“此人不可放回。若脱身一去，不复来矣。”玄德曰：“吾以仁义待人，人不负我。”

却说泠苞得回雒城，见刘、张任，不说捉去放回，只说：“被我杀了十馀人，夺得马匹逃回。”刘忙遣人往成都求救。刘璋听知折了邓贤，大惊，慌忙聚众商议。长子刘循进曰：“儿愿领兵前去守雒城。”璋曰：“既吾儿肯去，当遣谁人为辅？”一人出曰：“某愿往。”璋视之，乃舅氏吴懿也。璋曰：“得尊舅去最好。谁可为副将？”吴懿保吴兰、雷铜二人为副将，点二万军马来到雒城。刘、张任接着，具言前事。吴懿曰：“兵临城下，难以拒敌，汝等有何高见？”泠苞曰：“此间一带，正靠涪江，江水大急。前面寨占山脚，其形最低。某乞五千军，各带锹锄前去，决涪江之水，可尽淹死刘备之兵也。”吴懿从其计，即令泠苞前往决水，吴兰、雷铜引兵接应。泠苞领命，自去准备决水器械。

却说玄德令黄忠、魏延各守一寨，自回涪城，与军师庞统商议。细作报说：“东吴孙权遣人结好东川张鲁，将欲来攻葭萌关。”玄德惊曰：“若葭萌关有失，截断后路，吾进退不得，当如之何？”庞统谓孟达曰：“公乃蜀中人，多知地理，去守葭萌关如何？”达曰：“某保一人与某同去守关，万无一失。”玄德问何人。达曰：“此人曾在荆州刘表部下为中郎将，乃南郡枝江人，姓霍，名峻，字仲邈。”玄德大喜，即时遣孟达、霍峻守葭萌关去了。

庞统退归馆舍，门吏忽报：“有客特来相访。”统出迎接，见其人身长八尺，形貌甚伟，头发截短，披于颈上，衣服不甚齐整。统问曰：“先生何人也？”其人不答，径登堂仰卧床上。统甚疑之，再三请问。其人曰：“且消停，吾当与汝说知天下大事。”统闻之愈疑，命左右进酒食。其人起而便食，并无谦逊，饮食甚多，食罢又睡。统疑惑不定，使人请法正视之，恐是细作。法正慌忙到来，统出迎接，谓正曰：“有一人如此如此。”法正曰：“莫非彭永言乎？”升阶视之。其人跃起曰：“孝直别来无恙！”正是：只为川人逢旧识，遂令涪水息洪流。毕竟此人是谁，且看下文分解。

CHAPTER 62. Taking Of River Virgo Pass, Yang Huai and Gao Pei Are Slain; Siege Of Luocheng, Huang Zhong and Wei Yan Rival.

Zhang Zhao proceeded to unfold his device: “If you undertake any expedition farther west, Cao Cao will undoubtedly return to the attack. Rather write two letters, one to Liu Zhang saying that Liu Bei has leagued himself with you against the west, which will raise suspicions in the mind of Liu Zhang and cause him to attack his guest, and another letter persuading Zhang Lu to march upon Jingzhou, which will uproot Liu Bei. Between these two conflicting matters, Liu Bei cannot give supports to all fronts, and we can march against Jingzhou.”

Sun Quan approved, wrote the two letters and sent them by two messengers.

In the meantime, Liu Bei had been winning the hearts of the people about Jiameng Pass, where his army lay. When he received the news of his wife's flight and of Cao Cao's threatened attack, he called in Pang Tong and laid the matter before him.

“The victor, whoever it is, will assuredly possess himself of our region of Jingzhou,” said Liu Bei at the close.

“You need not trouble about that region,” said Pang Tong. “I do not think the South Land or the Middle Land will try to take it so long as Zhuge Liang is there. But, my lord, write to Liu Zhang telling him you wish to return on account of this threatening danger. It will be a plausible excuse. You may say that on account of Cao Cao's attack, Sun Quan has sent to you for help, and that as his country and yours are neighbors and dependent upon each other for safety you cannot refuse. Further, you will assure him that there is no danger of any invasion by Zhang Lu. However, we have too few troops for our purpose and insufficient grain, so you must also urge your relative to send you thirty or forty thousand of veterans and a plentiful supply of food. He will not refuse, and with more soldiers and provisions we can do as we please.”

Liu Bei agreed to this and sent a messenger to Chengdu. When his messenger reached the River Fu Pass, Yang Huai and Gao Pei, who commanded the garrison, already knew of the design, and the former of the two generals went with him to the city.

After reading the letter, the Imperial Protector asked Yang Huai, “Why did you come with the messenger?”

“Only because of that letter,” Yang Huai replied. “This Liu Bei, from the day he first entered Yiazhou, has been trying to win over the hearts of your people by a display of kindness and virtue. He certainly intends no good, and I think you should refuse both the troops and the supplies he asks. To help him is like adding fuel to a fire.”

“We are affectionate brothers, and I must help him,” said the Imperial Protector.

“Liu Bei is nothing but a vagabond swashbuckler,” some one cried, “and if you keep him here in the west, you are loosing a tiger in your household. If you give him the troops and supplies he asks, you are adding wings to your tiger.” Turning whence the voice proceeded, they recognized the speaker as one Liu Ba, a native of Lingling. His words threw the Imperial Protector into a state of doubt and hesitation. Huang Quan also dissuaded him most earnestly, and finally Liu Zhang actually decided to send only four thousand of worn-out soldiers and a paltry supply of grain. At the same time fresh orders enjoining a diligent watchfulness were sent to the guardians of the passes.

When Liu Bei read the letter that accompanied the Imperial Protector's miserable contribution to his strength, he was furious and cried, “I have been spending myself in your defense, and this is my reward! You are mean and greedy enough to stint my supplies. How can you expect generous service?”

Liu Bei tore the letter to fragments and execrated the writer thereof. The bearer of the letter fled back to the capital.

Then said Pang Tong, “You have hitherto laid too much stress on humanity and righteousness. However, that is all over now, and all affection between you two is at an end, now that you have torn up that letter.”

“Yes. And since that is so, what next?” asked Liu Bei.

“I have three schemes ready in my mind. You may choose which pleases you.”

“What are your three schemes?”

“The first, and best, is to send an army forthwith and seize Chengdu. The second is to capture and put to death the two generals of the River Fu Pass. They are the two most famous fighting men in this land. If you give out that you are returning to Jingzhou, they will assuredly come to say farewell. Seize and put them to death, and the Pass and Fucheng are both yours. Chengdu will follow soon. The third plan is to drop this role you have been playing, go back to Jingzhou and make a regular invasion. But if you ponder these schemes too long, you will get into such straits that nothing can save you.”

Liu Bei replied, “Of your three schemes, O Instructor, I find the first too summary and the last too slow. I choose the second scheme, which is neither.”

So a letter was written to Liu Zhang saying that Cao Cao was sending an army against Qingni; the generals there were unequal to the defense, and Liu Bei had to go to help. As the matter was pressing, there could be no personal leave-taking.

“I knew that the real desire of Liu Bei was to return to Jingzhou,” said Zhang Song, when he heard of the letter to Liu Zhang.

Zhang Song then also composed a letter to Liu Bei. While he was looking about for a trusty person to take it, his brother Zhang Su, who was the Governor of Guanghan, came to see him. Zhang Song hid the letter in his sleeve while he talked with his brother. Zhang Su noticed his anxious inquietude, which he could not explain. Wine was brought in and, as the two brothers chatted over it, the letter dropped to the floor unnoticed by Zhang Song. One of Zhang Su's servants saw it, picked it up, and gave it to his master, who opened and read it.

This is about how it ran:

“What I said to you lately was not mere meaningless talk. Why, then, postpone action? The ancients valued the person who took by force and held by conciliation. If you act at once, the whole matter is in your hand. Why abandon all and return to Jingzhou? Surely I do not hear aright! When you get this letter, attack without a moment's delay and remember that I am your ally on the inside. Above all, no delay!”

“This plot of my brother's will end in the destruction of the whole family,” said Zhang Su. “I must get in the first word.”

So at once he went in and laid the whole matter before the Imperial Protector.

“I have always treated your brother so well!” said Liu Zhang, very angry.

Liu Zhang issued orders to arrest Zhang Song and behead him and all his household in the market place.

Zhang Song, such as he have been but few,

Little thought he that a letter would betray

When he plotted for another. But success he never knew,

For himself there opened out a gory way.

Having thus learned of a real conspiracy to deprive him of his heritage, Liu Zhang assembled his officers and asked their advice.

Huang Quan spoke out, saying, “Prompt action is needed. Send to every strategic point telling them to increase the garrisons and keep careful guard and, above all, prevent the entrance of any person from Jingzhou.”

Such orders were sent to all points of vantage where were garrisons.

In the meantime, carrying out Pang Tong's scheme, Liu Bei had marched down to Fucheng, where he halted and sent in a messenger to invite the two generals to come forth and say farewell. But they did not respond at once to this invitation.

“What is the real meaning of this retirement?” said one to the other.

“This Liu Bei ought to die,” said Gao Pei. “Let us hide daggers under our dress and stab him at the place of farewell. That will end all our lord's troubles.”

“A most excellent plan,” said Yang Huai.

So they two, taking only a small escort of two hundred, went down out of the Pass to say goodbye. Most of their forces were left in the camp.

On the way down to River Fu, Pang Tong had said to his master, “You have need to be on your guard against those two if they come to bid you farewell. If they do not come, then the Pass must be attacked without delay.”

Just as he said this, a violent gust of wind overthrew the leading flag of the army, and Liu Bei asked what this portended.

“That means a surprise; those two intend to assassinate you, so be on your guard.”

Accordingly, Liu Bei put on double armor and girded on his sword in readiness. When the two generals arrived, the army halted while the generals should pay the farewell visit.

Then Pang Tong said to his two generals, Wei Yan and Huang Zhong, “However many soldiers come down from the Pass, see to it that none return.”

The two generals of the Western Land of Rivers, Yang Huai and Gao Pei, armed with hidden daggers, came up, their escort bearing gifts of sheep and wine. They marked no precautions being taken against an attack and began to think their task of murder would be an easy one. They were led in to where Liu Bei sat under a tent, his adviser with him.

They said, “We hear, O Imperial Uncle, that you contemplate a long march, and therefore we come to offer a few poor gifts to speed you on your way.”

The cups of farewell were duly filled. Then Liu Bei replied, “You have a heavy responsibility to defend the Pass, Generals. I pray you drink first.”

They drank. Then Liu Bei said, “I have a secret matter to talk over with you.”

So all the two hundred soldiers of the escort were sent away and led to the midst of the camp.

As soon as they had gone, Liu Bei shouted, “My generals, lay hands upon these two rebels!”

Thereupon Liu Feng and Guan Ping rushed out from behind the tent. The two generals of the Pass were taken aback, but began to struggle. However, Liu Feng and Guan Ping each seized one man and held him.

“Your lord and I are of the same house;” said Liu Bei, “why then have you plotted against me and conspired to sow enmity between us?”

Pang Tong bade them search the captives, and the hidden daggers were found. So both were ordered to immediate execution. However, Liu Bei hesitated and was unwilling to confirm the sentence and put them to death. But his adviser insisted that they were worthy of death for the assassination they had penned, and bade the executioners fall on. So the two men were beheaded. Of their following not one had been allowed to slip away.

Liu Bei summoned the soldiers of the escort to his tent, gave them wine to comfort them, and said, “Your leaders conspired to sow dissension between brothers and were found with daggers hidden beneath their clothing. They were assassins in intent and have met the fate they merited. You have committed no crime and need feel no alarm.”

The soldiers thanked him for his clemency with low obeisance.

Then said Pang Tong, “If you will now show the way so that our troops may capture the Pass, you shall even be rewarded.”

They consented. That same night the army set out, with the soldiers of the renegade escort leading the way.

When they reached the Pass they hailed the gate, saying, “Open the gate quickly; the generals have returned earlier than they expected because of important business.”

Hearing the voices of their comrades, the gate guards had no suspicion of treachery and threw open the gates. In rushed the enemy soldiers and so gained possession of River Fu Pass without shedding a drop of blood. The defenders came over to the side of Liu Bei and were liberally rewarded. This done, the army was posted so as to guard the approaches and maintain what they had captured. The next few days were spent in banquets and feasts in celebration of success.

At one of these feasts, Liu Bei turned to his adviser, saying, “This is what one might call a joyful occasion.”

“To employ warlike weapons in making an attack upon the possession of another is not using them in the best way,” replied Pang Tong. “Nor is such attack the most proper occasion for rejoicing.”

Liu Bei replied, “The success of King Wu of Zhou was celebrated with music; I suppose weapons were not well used on that occasion either. Why do you talk so wide of reason? You would better retire.”

Pang Tong laughed and withdrew from the table, while the attendants supported Liu Bei to his own chamber, where he had a long sleep. About midnight he awoke from his wine, and then the servants told him that he had driven sway his adviser from the feast. He was at once filled with remorse. Next day, having dressed early in full costume of ceremony, he took his seat in the great hall, summoned his adviser and apologized handsomely for his rude behavior the night before.

“I drank too much last night and spoke rudely; pray forget it.”

Pang Tong, who had taken the whole episode in very good part from the first, laughed and talked as usual.

But Liu Bei went on, “Really I was the only one to blame yesterday.”

“We both slipped up; it was not only you, my lord,” said Pang Tong.

Then Liu Bei laughed too, and the two were as good friends again as ever.

When Imperial Protector Liu Zhang heard of the doings of his relative and guest, he said, “I did not think that such things would come to pass.”

The officers of Yiazhou met to consider how to oppose the further advance of Liu Bei, and Huang Quan said, “Let us send without delay a force to hold Luocheng, which is the very throat of the road he must take. He may have veteran soldiers and fiery generals, but he will not be able to pass.”

So the four ablest generals—Deng Xian, Ling Bao, Liu Gui, and Zhang Ren—were told off for this duty, and they led fifty thousand troops.

As they marched, Liu Gui said, “In the Silky Hills there is a wonderful Taoist who calls himself 'The Super Human of the Dark Void.' He has the gift of second sight, so let us visit him as we pass and inquire what our fortunes are to be.”

“What should one seek of a hermit when one is out to repulse an enemy?” said his colleague, Zhang Ren, contemptuously.

“Your view is wrong,” said Liu Gui. “The Holy One ((Confucius)) has said that it is characteristic of the most entire sincerity to be able to foreknow. So let us inquire of this man of high intelligence that we may know what to do and what to avoid.”

Whereupon they went up into the hills and sought the hermit's retreat. They were a small party, on horseback. Meeting a wood-cutter, they inquired the whereabouts of the dwelling of the wise man, and he pointed to one of the highest hills, saying that the Sage lived on the very summit. They climbed up to the spot he had told them of and found a small hut. At their summons, a lad in Taoist garb came out to speak with them. He asked their names and led them into the presence of the Super Human, who received them seated on a rush cushion. They made a low obeisance, told him the reason of their coming, and asked of the future.

“How can a poor Taoist recluse know ought of fortunes, good or evil?” said he.

However, after a time, as Liu Gui repeated his request again and again and comported himself most humbly, the hermit bade the lad bring paper and ink and he wrote eight lines, which he handed to his questioner.

“Supported by dragon and phoenix,

So flies he westward.

But the phoenix shall fall to the earth.

And the dragon shall soar to the sky;

There shall be successes and failures,

For such is the eternal law.

See that ye act when occasion offers,

Lest ye descend to the Nine Golden Springs.”

Having read the oracle, they pressed the seer to reveal them their individual fortunes, but he replied, “Why ask these things? None can escape his fate.”

Liu Gui ventured to question the Sage further, but his eyelids dropped as if he slumbered. Nor would he vouchsafe a word more, and the four generals took leave and descended the hill.

“One must have faith in such as he says,” said Liu Gui.

“What is to be gained by listening to the sayings of a daft old man?” replied Zhang Ren.

So they continued their road to Luocheng. When they arrived, they said, “Luocheng is the throat of the road to Chengdu. We must create a pincers defense for the city. Two of us are to guard the ramparts while the other two are to station themselves in front of the city, where is a point of vantage sheltered by some hills.”

Thus Deng Xian and Ling Bao wanted to build the ramparts outside the city. Twenty thousand troops were told off; the two generals went to establish two camps in two stockades twenty miles away, hoping to be able to keep the foe away from the city.

The River Fu Pass being captured, Liu Bei took counsel with his adviser as to the next point to be attempted. This was Luocheng.

The scouts reported: “Liu Zhang has sent four generals to the defense of that city, and two camps has been established twenty miles away to form an ox horn.”

Then Liu Bei assembled his officers and asked who would go to attack the camps. The veteran Huang Zhong offered himself.

“Veteran General, take your own troops and go,” said Liu Bei. “A goodly reward shall be yours if you capture the two camps.”

Huang Zhong thanked his lord and was just leading away his troops when suddenly up spoke a youthful leader, saying, “The General is too old to go on such an expedition; I am of poor ability, but I wish to take his place.” The speaker was Wei Yan.

Huang Zhong replied, “I already have my commission; why should you wish to supplant me?”

“Because the task is beyond an old man's strength,” said Wei Yan. “The two generals in those camps we know are the best and boldest in the country. They are strong, and, veteran as you are, I fear you will be unable to overcome them. If you fail, our lord's great design will be hindered. Therefore I ask that I may replace you, and my intent is kindly.”

This reminder of his age angered the old man.

“Old, am I? Dare you compete with me in the use of warlike weapons?” said Huang Zhong.

“Yes; I dare. And our lord shall be the judge. The winner shall undertake this expedition. Do you agree?”

Huang Zhong ran down the steps and called to his soldiers to bring his small sword.

But Liu Bei would stop this contest and said, “I have need of both of you in the task that lies before me. When two tigers fight, one is sure to lose; and the loss of either of you is more than I could bear. Be reconciled and quarrel no more.”

“You two must not quarrel,” said Pang Tong. “But as there are two camps to be taken and two generals to fight, take one each and let each lead his own troops. The first to capture his camp shall be held to have rendered the greater service and to have acquired the greater merit.”

This decision pacified them, and it was settled that Huang Zhong, the veteran, should go against Ling Bao, and Wei Yan, the younger leader, should attack Deng Xian.

But after they had marched away, Pang Tong recommended, “You, my lord, should follow them lest they should quarrel on the way.”

So leaving the city of Fucheng in care of his adviser, Liu Bei also marched, taking with him Liu Feng, his adopted son, and Guan Ping, his nephew by adoption. They took five thousand troops.

After having received the command to take one of the camps, Huang Zhong went to his own camp and issued orders for the morning meal to be ready very early, and for every one to be in marching order by daybreak. When the time arrived, his army set out, taking the road through a gully to the left of the hills.

But early as Huang Zhong started, his rival had stolen a march on him. Wei Yan had sent over the night before to find out the hour fixed for Huang Zhong's start and had arranged his own departure a watch earlier, by which he would be able to reach his objective at dawn. After Wei Yan's troops had taken their early meal, they removed the bells from the horses end put gags in their own mouths to prevent talking, and all-silently the army stole out of the camp just as the other party were eating their breakfast. The ensigns were furled and weapons covered lest the glint of steel should betray their movement.

Thus far successful in getting the start of his rival, Wei Yan thought as he rode along what a fine score he would make if he anticipated Huang Zhong also in his attack and captured the camp of Ling Bao before Huang Zhong could get there. Wei Yan at once deviated from his own line and marched toward the camp defended by Ling Bao, of which the capture had been assigned to Huang Zhong.

Just before arrival, Wei Yan halted his troops and bade them prepare the drums and ensigns and their weapons.

Early as it was, yet the camp commander was on the alert, for the advancing force had been observed by his scouts. At the first sign of attack, the defenders poured out in full force. Wei Yan galloped up and made straight for Ling Bao. These two fought twenty or so of bouts, and then the troops of the Western Land of Rivers came up and joined in the battle. The troops of Jingzhou under Wei Yan having marched a long distance, were fatigued and could not withstand this onslaught, so they fell back. Wei Yan heard the confused sound of hoofs behind him and, giving up all thought of finishing his encounter with Ling Bao, turned his horse and fled. The troops of the Western Land of Rivers kept up the pursuit, and the attackers were defeated and retired.

They had gone about two miles when another army of Yiazhou appeared from behind some hills. They advanced with heating drums. Their leader, Deng Xian, shouted to Wei Yan to surrender, but Wei Yan heeded him not; whipping up his steed he fled the faster. However, the tired horse tripped and fell on its knees, throwing its rider to the ground. Deng Xian's forces came galloping up, and he himself set his spear to thrust and slay Wei Yan. Before the spear could get where it was supposed to be, twang! went a bowstring, and Deng Xian lay prone upon the earth.

Ling Bao, Deng Xian's colleague, rode up quickly to his rescue, but just then a body of horse came dashing down the hill, and their leader shouted, “General Huang Zhong is here!”

With uplifted sword Huang Zhong rode toward Ling Bao, who turned his steed and galloped off to the rear. Huang Zhong pursued, and the army of Yiazhou were thrown into confusion. So Huang Zhong was able to rescue his colleague Wei Yan. Huang Zhong had thus slain Deng Xian and forced his way up to the gate of the camp. Once again Ling Bao came and engaged Huang Zhong. The two had fought some ten bouts when appeared another body of soldiers. Thereupon Ling Bao fled again, and this time he made for the other camp, abandoning his own to the troops of Jingzhou.

But when he drew near his camp, he saw no longer the familiar flags of his own side. Instead, alien banners fluttered in the breeze. He checked his steed and stared at the new force. The leader was a general wearing a silver breastplate and clad in a silken robe, no other than Liu Bei himself. On his left was his son and on his right rode his nephew.

“Whither would you come?” cried Liu Bei. “The camp is ours; I have captured it.”

Now Liu Bei had led his troops in the track of the other two armies ready to help either in case of need. He had come across the empty and undefended camp and taken possession.

Left with no place of refuge, Ling Bao set off along a byway to try to get back to Luocheng. He had not gone far when he fell into an ambush and was taken prisoner. Bound with cords he was taken to the camp of Liu Bei.

The ambush had been prepared by Wei Yan, who, knowing he had committed a fault that could in no wise be explained away, had collected as many of his soldiers as he could find and made some of the captured soldiers of Yiazhou guide him to a spot suitable for laying an ambush.

Liu Bei had hoisted the flag of amnesty for his enemies, and whenever any soldier of the Western Land of Rivers laid down his weapons and stripped off his armor he was spared. Also all the wounded were granted life. Liu Bei told his enemies that they had liberty of choice. He said, “You soldiers have parents and wives and little ones at home, and those who wish to return to them are free to go. If any wish to join my army, they also will be received.”

At this proof of generosity the sound of rejoicing filled the land.

Having made his camp, Huang Zhong came to Liu Bei and said, “Wei Yan should be put to death for disobedience!”

The culprit was summoned and came, bringing with him his prisoner. Liu Bei decided that the merit of capturing an enemy should be set against his fault and bade him thank his rescuer, enjoining upon them both to quarrel no more. Wei Yan bowed his head and confessed his fault, and Huang Zhong was handsomely rewarded.

The prisoner was then taken before Liu Bei to decide upon his fate. Liu Bei loosened Ling Bao's bonds by his own hands and gave Ling Bao the cup of consolation. After he had drunk, Liu Bei asked if he was willing to surrender.

“Since you give me my life, I can do no other,” said he. “Moreover, my two companions, Liu Gui and Zhang Ren, and I are sworn to live or die together. If you will release me, I will return and bring them also to you and therewith you will get possession of Luocheng.”

Liu Bei gladly accepted the offer. He gave Ling Bao clothing and a horse and bade him go to the city to carry out his plan.

“Do not let him go,” said Wei Yan. “If you do, you will never see him again.”

Liu Bei replied, “If I treat humans with kindness and justice, they will not betray my trust.”

So the prisoner was set free. When Ling Bao reached the city and saw his two friends, he told them, saying, “I slew many of the enemy and escaped by mounting the steed of one of them.”

Ling Bao said no word of having been captured. Messengers were sent in haste to Chengdu for help.

The loss of his general, Deng Xian, disturbed the Imperial Protector greatly. He called his advisers together to consult.

Then his eldest son, Liu Xun, said, “Father, let me go to defend Luocheng.”

“You may go, my son, but who is there to go with you?”

One Wu Yi at once offered himself. He was brother-in-law to Liu Zhang, who said, “It is well that you go, Brother-in-Law, but who will second you?”

Wu Yi at once recommended two men, Wu Lan and Lei Tong, who were appointed to assist in the command. Twenty thousand troops were given them, and they set out for Luocheng. Liu Gui and Zhang Ren came out to welcome them and told them what had happened.

Wu Yi said, “If the enemy draw near to the walls, it will be hard to drive them off again. What do you two think should be done?”

Ling Bao replied, “The city lies along River Fu and the current is strong. The enemy camp lies low at the foot of the hills; and with five thousand people I can cut the river banks, flood their camp, and drown Liu Bei and his army with him.”

The plan was approved, and Ling Bao went away to carry it out. Wu Lan and Lei Tong were told off to supervise the workers. They began to prepare the tools for cutting the bank.

Leaving Huang Zhong and Wei Yan in command of the two camps, Liu Bei went away to Fucheng to consult with Pang Tong, the army's instructor. Intelligence had been received that Sun Quan had sent a messenger to seek to make a league with Zhang Lu to make a joint attack upon the Jiameng Pass, and Liu Bei was alarmed lest it should come to pass.

“If they do that, I am taken in the rear and helpless in both advance and retreat,” said he. “What do you counsel, O Instructor?”

Pang Tong turned to Meng Da, saying, “You are a native of Shu and well skilled in its topography; what can be done to make the Pass secure?”

“Let me take a certain man with me, and I will defend it myself and answer for its safety.”

“Who is he?” asked Liu Bei.

“He was formerly an officer under Liu Biao. His name is Huo Jun, and he is a native of Nanjun in the south.”

This offer was accepted, and the two generals departed.

After the council, when Pang Tong returned to his lodging, the doorkeeper told him that a visitor had arrived. When Pang Tong went out to receive him, he saw a huge tall fellow eight cubits in stature and of noble countenance. His hair had been cut short and hung upon his neck. He was poorly dressed.

“Who may you be, Master?” asked Pang Tong.

The visitor made no reply, but went at once straight up the room and lay upon the couch. Pang Tong felt very suspicious of the man and repeated his question.

Pressed again, the visitor said, “Do let me rest a little; then I will talk with you about everything in the world.”

This answer only added to the mystery and increased the host's suspicion, but he had wine and food brought in, of which the guest partook ravenously. Having eaten, he lay down and fell asleep.

Pang Tong wag greatly puzzled and thought the man must be a spy. He sent for Fa Zheng, met him in the courtyard, and told him about the strange visitor.

“Surely it can be no other than Peng Yang,” said Fa Zheng.

Fa Zheng went inside and looked. Immediately the visitor jumped up, saying, “I hope you have been well since we parted last!”

Because two old friends meet again,

A river's fatal flood is checked.

The next chapter will explain who the stranger was.