第六十七回

第六十七回 曹操平定汉中地 张辽威震逍遥津

却说曹操兴师西征，分兵三队：前部先锋夏侯渊、张郃；操自领诸将居中；后部曹仁、夏侯惇，押运粮草。早有细作报入汉中来。张鲁与弟张卫商议退敌之策，卫曰：“汉中最险无如阳平关，可于关之左右，依山傍林，下十馀个寨栅，迎敌曹兵。兄在汉宁，多拨粮草应付。”张鲁依言，遣大将杨昂、杨任，与其弟即日起程。军马到阳平关下寨已定，夏侯渊、张郃前军随到；闻阳平关已有准备，离关一十五里下寨。是夜，军士疲困，各自歇息。忽寨后一把火起，杨昂、杨任两路兵杀来劫寨。夏侯渊、张郃急上得马，四下里大兵拥入，曹兵大败，退见曹操。操怒曰：“汝二人行军许多年，岂不知‘兵若远行疲困，可防劫寨’？如何不作准备？”欲斩二人以明军法，众官告免。

操次日自引兵为前队，见山势险恶，林木丛杂，不知路径，恐有伏兵，即引军回寨，谓许褚、徐晃二将曰：“吾若知此处如此险恶，必不起兵来。”许褚曰：“兵已至此，主公不可惮劳。”次日，操上马，只带许褚、徐晃二人，来看张卫寨栅。三匹马转过山坡，早望见张卫寨栅。操扬鞭遥指，谓二将曰：“如此坚固，急切难下！”言未已，背后一声喊起，箭如雨发，杨昂、杨任分两路杀来。操大惊，许褚大呼曰：“吾当敌贼！徐公明善保主公！”说罢，提刀纵马向前，力敌二将。杨昂、杨任不能当许褚之勇，回马退去，其馀不敢向前。徐晃保着曹操奔过山坡，前面又一军到，看时却是夏侯渊、张郃二将，听得喊声，故引军杀来接应。于是杀退杨昂、杨任，救得曹操回寨。操重赏四将。自此两边相拒五十馀日，只不交战。曹操传令退军，贾诩曰：“贼势未见强弱，主公何故自退耶？”操曰：“吾料贼兵每日提备，急难取胜。吾以退军为名，使贼懈而无备，然后分轻骑抄袭其后，必胜贼矣。”贾诩曰：“丞相神机，不可测也。”于是令夏侯渊、张郃分兵两路，各引轻骑三千，取小路抄阳平关后，曹操一面引大军拔寨尽起。杨昂听得曹兵退，请杨任商议，欲乘势击之，杨任曰：“操诡计极多，未知真实，不可追赶。”杨昂曰：“公不往，吾当自去。”杨任苦谏不从。杨昂尽提五寨军马前进，只留些少军士守寨。是日，大雾迷漫，对面不相见。杨昂军至半路，不能行，且权扎住。

却说夏侯渊一军抄过山后，见重雾垂空，又闻人语马嘶，恐有伏兵，急催人马行动，大雾中误走到杨昂寨前。守寨军士，听得马蹄响，只道是杨昂兵回，开门纳之。曹军一拥而入，见是空寨，便就寨中放起火来，五寨军士，尽皆弃寨而走。比及雾散，杨任领兵来救，与夏侯渊战不数合，背后张郃兵到。杨任杀条大路，奔回南郑。杨昂待要回时，已被夏侯渊、张郃两个占了寨栅，背后曹操大队军马赶来，两下夹攻，四边无路。杨昂欲突阵而出，正撞着张郃，两个交手，被张郃杀死。败兵回投阳平关，来见张卫。原来卫知二将败走，诸营已失，半夜弃关，奔回去了。曹操遂得阳平关并诸寨。张卫、杨任回见张鲁，卫言二将失了隘口，因此守关不住。张鲁大怒，欲斩杨任，任曰：“某曾谏杨昂，休追操兵。他不肯听信，故有此败。任再乞一军前去挑战，必斩曹操。如不胜，甘当军令。”张鲁取了军令状。杨任上马，引二万军离南郑下寨。

却说曹操提军将进，先令夏侯渊领五千军，往南郑路上哨探，正迎着杨任军马，两军摆开。任遣部将昌奇出马，与渊交锋，战不三合，被渊一刀斩于马下。杨任自挺枪出马，与渊战三十馀合，不分胜负。渊佯败而走，任从后追来，被渊用拖刀计，斩于马下，军士大败而回。曹操知夏侯渊斩了杨任，即时进兵，直抵南郑下寨。张鲁慌聚文武商议。阎圃曰：“某保一人，可敌曹操手下诸将。”鲁问是谁，圃曰：“南安庞德，前随马超投主公，后马超往西川，庞德卧病不曾行。现今蒙主公恩养，何不令此人去？”

张鲁大喜，即召庞德至，厚加赏劳，点一万军马，令庞德出。离城十馀里，与曹兵相对，庞德出马搦战。曹操在渭桥时，深知庞德之勇，乃嘱诸将曰：“庞德乃西凉勇将，原属马超，今虽依张鲁，未称其心，吾欲得此人。汝等须皆与缓斗，使其力乏，然后擒之。”张郃先出，战了数合便退。夏侯渊也战数合退了。徐晃又战三五合也退了。临后许褚战五十馀合亦退。庞德力战四将，并无惧怯。各将皆于操前夸庞德好武艺，曹操心中大喜，与众将商议：“如何得此人投降？”贾诩曰：“某知张鲁手下，有一谋士杨松，其人极贪贿赂。今可暗以金帛送之，使谮庞德于张鲁，便可图矣。”操曰：“何由得人入南郑？”诩曰：“来日交锋，诈败佯输，弃寨而走，使庞德据我寨，我却于夤夜引兵劫寨，庞德必退入城。却选一能言军士，扮作彼军，杂在阵中，便得入城。”操听其计，选一精细军校，重加赏赐，付与金掩心甲一副，令披在贴肉，外穿汉中军士号衣，先于半路上等候。次日，先拨夏侯渊、张郃两枝军，远去埋伏，却教徐晃挑战，不数合败走。庞德招军掩杀，曹兵尽退。庞德却夺了曹操寨栅，见寨中粮草极多，大喜，即时申报张鲁，一面在寨中设宴庆贺。当夜二更之后，忽然三路火起：正中是徐晃、许褚，左张郃，右夏侯渊。三路军马，齐来劫寨。庞德不及提备，只得上马冲杀出来，望城而走，背后三路兵追来。庞德急唤开城门，领兵一拥而入。

此时细作已杂到城中，径投杨松府下谒见，具说：“魏公曹丞相久闻盛德，特使某送金甲为信。更有密书呈上。”松大喜，看了密书中言语，谓细作曰：“上覆魏公，但请放心。某自有良策奉报。”打发来人先回，便连夜入见张鲁，说庞德受了曹操贿赂，卖此一阵。张鲁大怒，唤庞德责骂，欲斩之。阎圃苦谏，张鲁曰：“你来日出战，不胜必斩！”庞德抱恨而退。次日，曹兵攻城，庞德引兵冲出。操令许褚交战。褚诈败，庞德赶来。操自乘马于山坡上唤曰：“庞令明何不早降？”庞德寻思：“拿住曹操，抵一千员上将！”遂飞马上坡。一声喊起，天崩地塌，连人和马，跌入陷坑内去，四壁钩索一齐上前，活捉了庞德，押上坡来。曹操下马，叱退军士，亲释其缚，问庞德肯降否。庞德寻思张鲁不仁，情愿拜降。曹操亲扶上马，共回大寨，故意教城上望见。人报张鲁，德与操并马而行，鲁益信杨松之言为实。

次日，曹操三面竖立云梯，飞炮攻打。张鲁见其势已极，与弟张卫商议，卫曰：“放火尽烧仓廪府库，出奔南山，去守巴中可也。”杨松曰：“不如开门投降。”张鲁犹豫不定。卫曰：“只是烧了便行。”张鲁曰：“我向本欲归命国家，而意未得达。今不得已而出奔，仓廪府库，国家之有，不可废也。”遂尽封锁。是夜二更，张鲁引全家老小，开南门杀出。曹操教休追赶，提兵入南郑，见鲁封闭库藏，心甚怜之，遂差人往巴中，劝使投降。张鲁欲降，张卫不肯。杨松以密书报操，便教进兵，松为内应。操得书，亲自引兵往巴中。张鲁使弟卫领兵出敌，与许褚交锋，被褚斩于马下。败军回报张鲁，鲁欲坚守，杨松曰：“今若不出，坐而待毙矣。某守城，主公当亲与决一死战。”鲁从之。阎圃谏鲁休出，鲁不听，遂引军出迎。未及交锋，后军已走，张鲁急退，背后曹兵赶来。鲁到城下，杨松闭门不开。张鲁无路可走，操从后追至，大叫：“何不早降！”鲁乃下马投拜。操大喜，念其封仓库之心，优礼相待，封鲁为镇南将军，阎圃等皆封列侯，于是汉中皆平。曹操传令各郡分设太守，置都尉，大赏士卒。惟有杨松卖主求荣，即命斩之于市曹示众。后人有诗叹曰：

妨贤卖主逞奇功，积得金银总是空。家未荣华身受戮，令人千载笑杨松！

曹操已得东川，主簿司马懿进曰：“刘备以诈力取刘璋，蜀人尚未归心。今主公已得汉中，益州震动。可速进兵攻之，势必瓦解。智者贵于乘时，时不可失也。”曹操叹曰：“‘人苦不知足，既得陇，复望蜀’耶？”刘晔曰：“司马仲达之言是也。若少迟缓，诸葛亮明于治国而为相，关、张等勇冠三军而为将，蜀民既定，据守关隘，不可犯矣。”操曰：“士卒远涉劳苦，且宜存恤。”遂按兵不动。

却说西川百姓，听知曹操已取东川，料必来取西川，一日之间，数遍惊恐。玄德请军师商议，孔明曰：“亮有一计，曹操自退。”玄德问何计。孔明曰：“曹操分军屯合淝，惧孙权也。今我若分江夏、长沙、桂阳三郡还吴，遣舌辩之士，陈说利害，令吴起兵袭合淝，牵动其势，操必勒兵南向矣。”玄德问：“谁可为使？”伊籍曰：“某愿往。”玄德大喜，遂作书具礼，令伊籍先到荆州，知会云长，然后入吴。到秣陵，来见孙权，先通了姓名，权召籍入。籍见权礼毕，权问曰：“汝到此何为？”籍曰：“昨承诸葛子瑜取长沙等三郡，为军师不在，有失交割，今传书送还。所有荆州南郡、零陵，本欲送还，被曹操袭取东川，使关将军无容身之地。今合淝空虚，望君侯起兵攻之，使曹操撤兵回南。吾主若取了东川，即还荆州全土。”权曰：“汝且归馆舍，容吾商议。”伊籍退出，权问计于众谋士。张昭曰：“此是刘备恐曹操取西川，故为此谋。虽然如此，可因操在汉中，乘势取合淝，亦是上计。”权从之，发付伊籍回蜀去讫，便议起兵攻操。令鲁肃收取长沙、江夏、桂阳三郡，屯兵于陆口，取吕蒙、甘宁回，又去馀杭取凌统回。

不一日，吕蒙、甘宁先到。蒙献策曰：“现今曹操令庐江太守朱光屯兵于皖城，大开稻田，纳谷于合淝，以充军实。今可先取皖城，然后攻合淝。”权曰：“此计甚合吾意。”遂教吕蒙、甘宁为先锋，蒋钦、潘璋为合后，权自引周泰、陈武、董袭、徐盛为中军。时程普、黄盖、韩当在各处镇守，都未随征。

却说军马渡江，取和州，径到皖城。皖城太守朱光使人往合淝求救，一面固守城池，坚壁不出。权自到城下看时，城上箭如雨发，射中孙权麾盖。权回寨，问众将曰：“如何取得皖城？”董袭曰：“可差军士筑起土山攻之。”徐盛曰：“可竖云梯，造虹桥，下观城中而攻之。”吕蒙曰：“此法皆费日月而成，合淝救军一至，不可图矣。今我军初到，士气方锐，正可乘此锐气，奋力攻击。来日平明进兵，午未时便当破城。”权从之。次日五更饭毕，三军大进，城上矢石齐下。甘宁手执铁链，冒矢石而上。朱光令弓弩手齐射，甘宁拨开箭林，一链打倒朱光。吕蒙亲自擂鼓，士卒皆一拥而上，乱刀砍死朱光，馀众多降。得了皖城，方才辰时。张辽引军至半路，哨马回报皖城已失，辽即回兵归合淝。

孙权入皖城，凌统亦引军到。权慰劳毕，大犒三军，重赏吕蒙、甘宁诸将，设宴庆功。吕蒙逊甘宁上坐，盛称其功劳。酒至半酣，凌统想起甘宁杀父之仇，又见吕蒙夸美之，心中大怒，瞪目直视良久，忽拔左右所佩之剑，立于筵上曰：“筵前无乐，看吾舞剑。”甘宁知其意，推开果桌起身，两手取两枝戟挟定，纵步出曰：“看我筵前使戟。”吕蒙见二人各无好意，便一手挽牌，一手提刀，立于其中曰：“二公虽能，皆不如我巧也。”说罢，舞起刀牌，将二人分于两下。早有人报知孙权，权慌跨马，直至筵前。众见权至，方各放下军器。权曰：“吾常言二人休念旧仇，今日又何如此？”凌统哭拜于地，孙权再三劝止。至次日，起兵进取合淝，三军尽发。

张辽为失了皖城，回到合淝，心中愁闷。忽曹操差薛悌送木匣一个，上有操封，傍书云：“贼来乃发”。是日报说孙权自引十万大军，来攻合淝，张辽便开匣观之。内书云：“若孙权至，张、李二将军出战，乐将军守城。”张辽将教帖[1]与李典、乐进观之。乐进曰：“将军之意若何？”张辽曰：“主公远征在外，吴兵以为破我必矣。今可发兵出迎，奋力与战，折其锋锐，以安众心，然后可守也。”李典素与张辽不睦，闻辽此言，默然不答。乐进见李典不语，便道：“贼众我寡，难以迎敌，不如坚守。”张辽曰：“公等皆是私意，不顾公事。吾今自出迎敌，决一死战。”便教左右备马。李典慨然而起曰：“将军如此，典岂敢以私憾而忘公事乎？愿听指挥。”张辽大喜曰：“既曼成肯相助，来日引一军于逍遥津北埋伏。待吴兵杀过来，可先断小师桥，吾与乐文谦击之。”李典领命，自去点军埋伏。

却说孙权令吕蒙、甘宁为前队，自与凌统居中，其馀诸将陆续进发，望合淝杀来。吕蒙、甘宁前队兵进，正与乐进相迎。甘宁出马与乐进交锋，战不数合，乐进诈败而走。甘宁招呼吕蒙一齐引军赶去。孙权在第二队，听得前军得胜，催兵行至逍遥津北，忽闻连珠炮响，左边张辽一军杀来，右边李典一军杀来。孙权大惊，急令人唤吕蒙、甘宁回救时，张辽兵已到。凌统手下，止有三百馀骑，当不得曹军势如山倒。凌统大呼曰：“主公何不速渡小师桥！”言未毕，张辽引二千馀骑，当先杀至。凌统翻身死战。孙权纵马上桥，桥南已折丈馀，并无一片板。孙权惊得手足无措，牙将谷利大呼曰：“主公可约马退后，再放马向前，跳过桥去。”孙权收回马来有三丈馀远，然后纵辔加鞭，那马一跳飞过桥南。后人有诗曰：

的卢当日跳檀溪，又见吴侯败合淝。退后着鞭驰骏骑，逍遥津上玉龙飞。

孙权跳过桥南，徐盛、董袭驾舟相迎。凌统、谷利抵住张辽。甘宁、吕蒙引军回救，却被乐进从后追来，李典又截住厮杀，吴兵折了大半。凌统所领三百馀人，尽被杀死。统身中数枪，杀到桥边，桥已折断，绕河而逃。孙权在舟中望见，急令董袭棹舟接之，乃得渡回。吕蒙、甘宁皆死命逃过河南。这一阵杀得江南人人害怕，闻张辽大名，小儿也不敢夜啼。众将保护孙权回营，权乃重赏凌统、谷利，收军回濡须，整顿船只，商议水陆并进，一面差人回江南，再起人马来助战。

却说张辽闻孙权在濡须将欲兴兵进取，恐合淝兵少难以抵敌，急令薛悌星夜往汉中，报知曹操，求请救兵。操同众官议曰：“此时可收西川否？”刘晔曰：“今蜀中稍定，已有提备，不可击也。不如撤兵去救合淝之急，就下江南。”操乃留夏侯渊守汉中定军山隘口，留张郃守蒙头岩等隘口。其馀军兵拔寨都起，杀奔濡须坞来。正是：铁骑甫能平陇右，旌旄又复指江南。未知胜负如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 教帖——公侯、大臣的命令。这里即指曹操的来书。

CHAPTER 67. Cao Cao Conquers Hanzhong; [At Xiaoyao Ford, Zhang Liao Strikes Terror]

Zhang Liao Spreads Terror At Flageolet Ford.

The expedition against the Eastern Land of Rivers went out in three divisions. Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He were Leaders of the Van; Cao Cao with his commanders marched in the center; and Cao Ren brought up the rear. Xiahou Dun was in charge of the commissariat.

The spies soon carried the news into Hanzhong, and Zhang Lu called in his brother Zhang Wei to consult how to meet the attack.

Said Zhang Wei, “The strategic point to hold is Yangping Pass, and there should be ten stockades there with the forest and hills to support them. You, my brother, should make your depot of supplies at Hanning.”

Thereupon two generals, Yang Ang and Yan Ren, were sent with Zhang Wei to the Pass, and they built ten stockades.

Soon Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He arrived and learned the Pass had prepared a defense. They camped at a point five miles away. The soldiers were fatigued after the long march, and all lay down to rest without placing proper guards.

Suddenly the camp was attacked in the rear by Yang Ang and Yan Ren from different points. Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He mounted quickly and tried to beat off the attackers, but the enemy poured in all round, and their army suffered great loss. They returned to the main body to tell of their defeat, and their chief abused them for their want of care.

“Old soldiers like you should have known better and taken precautions against a raid of the camp when the enemy knew your soldiers were exhausted by a long march.”

Cao Cao even desired to put them to death as a warning, but their fellow-officers interceded and he spared them. Soon Cao Cao himself marched in the van. Then he saw the dangerous and evil nature of the place, with its thick growth of trees; and as he knew nothing of the roads and was fearful of an ambush, he returned to his camp.

Calling up his two leaders, Xu Chu and Xu Huang, he said, “Had I known the dangerous nature of the place, I would never have come.”

Xu Chu replied, “The soldiers are here now, my lord, and you cannot recoil before the hardships.”

Next day Cao Cao with only Xu Chu and Xu Huang rode out to reconnoiter the enemy's camp. As they rode over the hills, Cao Cao pointed out the position with his whip and said, “It will be very difficult to reduce a place as strong as this.”

Just then there arose a shout in their rear, and a shower of arrows fell about them. Yang Ang and Yan Ren were attacking and the danger became great. “Friend Xu Huang, you look after our lord!” cried Xu Chu, “I can hold the enemy.”

Xu Chu galloped out, and the two leaders could not stand Xu Chu and took to flight, while their troops scattered. In the meantime Xu Huang led his master over the hills. Soon he met an army of soldiers led by Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He, who had heard the sound of fighting and had come to the rescue, and Cao Cao got back safely to camp. The four generals were rewarded.

For fifty days the two armies held each other at bay without coming to a fight. At the end of this time, orders were given to retire in the camp of Cao Cao.

“We have not tried the strength of the enemy,” said Jia Xu. “You should not retire, my lord.”

“I see that they are always on the alert,” said Cao Cao. “I am only retiring to put them off their guard. By and by I will send some light horse to attack their rear. I shall defeat them then.”

“Ah! Your skill is unfathomable!” cried Jia Xu.

Three thousand horsemen led by Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He got round behind the Yangping Pass by unfrequented roads, while Cao Cao broke up his camp and led his main body backward.

When Yang Ang heard of the retreat, he thought it would be a good chance to attack, but Yan Ren opposed it, saying, “Cao Cao is full of ruses. The occasion is unclear; we should not lead an attack.”

Yang Ang was willful and said, “I shall go; you may come or not, as you wish.”

In spite of the protestations of his colleague, Yang Ang marched, taking with him the soldiers of five camps and leaving only a few defenders. The day he set out was very foggy, so that one could hardly see his neighbor's face, and soon the force got into difficulties and could not advance. They bivouacked on the road.

Now, Xiahou Yuan was out with a reconnoitering force behind the hills when they heard the voices of troops and the neighing of horses. In the dense fog they could see nothing; but fearing an ambush, they hastened to retire. Somehow they lost their way and presently stumbled on the deserted camp of Yang Ang. The few defenders thought their comrades had returned, so they threw open the gates to let the troops of Cao Cao in. They found an empty camp, and they raised a great blaze, which frightened those few defenders in the other camps so that they fled.

As soon as the fog cleared, Yan Ren came to the rescue. But as Yan Ren and Xiahou Yuan were fighting, Zhang He suddenly appeared and attacked from the rear. Between two armies, Yan Ren forced his way through and quickly fled toward Nanzheng.

By and by, when Yang Ang returned, he found his camp in the possession of Cao Cao's troops. Soon Cao Cao's main army came up, and Yang Ang was between two forces. There seemed no other way but to make a dash for it. Falling in with Zhang He, the two engaged, and Yang Ang fell. Those who escaped carried the news of the disaster to Zhang Wei, who abandoned Yangping Pass and fled.

So the invaders took possession of the Pass, and its late defenders, Zhang Wei and Yan Ren, had to go back and report failure. Zhang Wei laid the blame on his generals, saying the Pass could not be held after its supporting positions had been lost. Zhang Lu threatened to behead Yan Ren for his failure.

But Yan Ren said, “Yang Ang did not listen to my advice, and the defeat followed. Now I volunteer to make another attack. If I fail to take Cao Cao's head, I will abide by the consequences without protest.” Zhang Lu took his formal pledge to succeed, gave him twenty thousand troops and sent him away. Yan Ren marched to Nanzheng and made a stockade.

Before Cao Cao made any further advance, he sent Xiahou Yuan, with five thousand troops, to reconnoiter the road, and they fell in with the force led by Yan Ren. Both sides drew up their battle array. From Yan Ren's side went out one general named Chang Qi to engage Xiahou Yuan. Before the fourth bout was fought, Xiahou Yuan disposed of Chang Qi. Then Yan Ren set his spear and rode to the front. They two fought near forty bouts and neither could claim victory. Then Xiahou Yuan pretended defeat and fled. The other rushed in pursuit. The fugitive suddenly employed the “swinging-horse stab” and killed his pursuer. Yan Ren's troops ran away.

As soon as Cao Cao knew of the death of Yan Ren, he brought up his army, marched straightway to Nanzheng and camped.

Zhang Lu became alarmed and called a council.

“I can propose a man able to stand against the best leader of the enemy,” said Yan Pu.

“Who is he?” asked Zhang Lu.

“Pang De of Nanan. Pang De surrendered at the same time as Ma Chao, but could not go with Ma Chao into Yiazhou as he was ill. You have treated him generously; he will save you.”

Pang De was summoned. He came, and Zhang Lu loaded him with gifts and gave him a force of ten thousand troops, with which he marched and camped three miles from the city, near the besieging force.

His camp made, Pang De rode out and challenged. Now Cao Cao, remembering Pang De's boldness at the battle of River Wei Bridge, was desirous of winning the warrior for himself, so he told his generals, saying, “Pang De is a bold general of Xiliang formerly serving under Ma Chao. Though he is now under Zhang Lu, that is not his real wish. I want to win him over. So you should try to weary him by prolonging the fights, and so make him captive.”

Wherefore first rode out Zhang He to answer the challenger. He fought a few bouts and returned. Then Xiahou Yuan did the same thing. So did Xu Huang. Lastly went Xu Chu, who kept up the fight to half a hundred bouts before he retired. Still Pang De showed no signs of fatigue nor of fear, and all those who had fought with him praised his prowess and skill.

“If only I could win him over to my side!” said Cao Cao longingly.

Said Jia Xu, “I know one of Zhang Lu's subordinates, Yang Song. He is avaricious and open to bribes. You might send him secret presents and get him to slander Pang De to his master so as to weaken Pang De's position.”

“But how can one get at this man? He is in Nanzheng.”

“In the next battle, pretend defeat, flee, and let Pang De take possession of this camp. Return in the night in force and drive him out, and he must retreat into the city. Let one of our own people with a persuasive tongue mingle with his troops, disguised as one of his soldiers, and so gain entrance into the city.”

A subtle agent was found, and goodly gifts were his in advance, and he was entrusted with a golden breastplate as a bribe. He put it on and over it put on the dress of an ordinary soldier of Hanzhong. And he made his way quietly to a point on the road along which the soldiers of Hanzhong would retreat into the city. There he waited.

Next day, two parties under Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He were sent to lie in ambush, and Xu Huang was sent to challenge, but with orders to be defeated. The scheme went well, and as Pang De came on to smite, Cao Cao's army retired before Pang De till he found himself at their very camp. And therein he entered and was exceedingly pleased to find fodder and forage in great quantities.

Having sent off a messenger to his chief, Pang De spread a feast in celebration of the victory; and when night came on they slept. But about the second watch there was an alarm from three directions, and the camp was threatened by three forces: Xu Chu and Xu Huang attacking in the center, Zhang He from the left, and Xiahou Yuan from the right. It was the night-attack arranged by Cao Cao, and Pang De could not make any defense. He got to horse, cut his way through, and made for the city. With the attackers in close pursuit, Pang De reached the gate, got it opened, and rushed in.

And the false soldier got in amid the confusion. He made his way quickly to Yang Song's residence and saw him. He told Yang Song, saying, “The Great Prime Minister, Duke of Wei, knows you by reputation and holds you in great esteem. And as a token thereof he has sent you his golden breastplate and a confidential letter as well.”

Yang Song took it all in, read the letter, and said, “I will reply by and by, and the Duke of Wei needs feel no anxiety for I shall find a means of proving my gratitude. You may return.”

Soon after, Yang Song went to see Zhang Lu and told him, saying, “Pang De has been defeated because he has been bribed by Cao Cao.”

Forthwith Zhang Lu summoned his general, abused him, and threatened to put him to death. Yan Pu, however, protested and proposed to test Pang De in another encounter.

Zhang Lu then said, “Tomorrow, if you lose, I will take your head!”

Pang De retired full of resentment.

The next day Cao Cao attacked, and Pang De went out to repel him. Cao Cao sent out Xu Chu, but bade him pretend defeat. When Pang De pursued, Cao Cao rode toward the hills, where he halted and presently got speech with Pang De, calling out, “Pang De! Why not surrender?”

But Pang De thought within himself that to capture Cao Cao would be a fine exploit, so he boldly faced his escort and rode up the hills. But there arose a great shouting as if heaven and earth were clashing together, and he and his followers went headlong into ditches and pits that had been dug. Out flew Cao Cao's troops with ropes and hooks, and Pang De was a prisoner.

When he was taken to Cao Cao, he was received with the greatest kindness. Cao Cao himself dismounted, loosed the captive's bonds, and asked him, “Do you surrender?”

Pang De thought of the ill-treatment he had just received at the hands of his master and of his injustice, and gave in. At once Pang De was helped to mount a horse by Cao Cao himself and led to the great camp.

Soldiers placed for the purpose on the city wall saw what happened and reported to Zhang Lu: “Pang De has ridden off on friendly terms with Cao Cao.” Whereby Zhang Lu was persuaded that Yang Song had spoken truly.

Soon after, scaling ladders were set against the city walls, and catapults threw in great stones. The danger being imminent, Zhang Wei counseled, saying, “Set all supplies on fire and flight to the Southern Mountains, where we might be able to defend Bazhong.”

On the other hand, Yang Song said, “The best course is to throw open the gates and surrender.”

Zhang Lu could not decide which to do. His brother, Zhang Wei, maintained that burning everything and flight was the only course.

Zhang Lu said, “I have been always loyal at heart and desired to return to allegiance when circumstances would permit. I have been unable to attain my desire, but now fight seems the only course open to me. However, the granaries and treasures, the public offices and the government property of all kinds must be kept safe.”

So the public buildings were all carefully barred and sealed. The same night, in the late evening, Zhang Lu and his family went out through the south gate and found their way through. Cao Cao let them go unpursued. When Cao Cao entered the city and saw the proofs of Zhang Lu's care of the government property, he compassionated the Governor's misfortunes. He then sent a messenger into Bazhong to induce Zhang Lu to surrender. Zhang Lu was disposed to do so, but his brother would not hear of it. Yang Song wrote a secret letter to Cao Cao urging him to attack and promising treacherous aid.

Cao Cao presently attacked, and Zhang Wei came out to meet him. But his opponent was the mighty Xu Chu, who made short work of him. The beaten soldiers fled back into the city, which Zhang Lu then decided to defend.

As this would not give Yang Song the chance to carry out his treacherous scheme, he persuaded his master, saying, “If we stay passive, death will surely come. My lord should go out and fight the enemy to the conclusion, leaving me to defend the city.”

Zhang Lu took this advice, although it was opposed by Yan Pu, and went out. But before his van got near the enemy, his rear ranks began to desert, and Zhang Lu retreated. Cao Cao pursued him to the city walls, where Zhang Lu found the gates shut against him.

“Surrender, O Zhang Lu!” cried Cao Cao.

There being now no way open, Zhang Lu dismounted, prostrated himself, and gave in. Because of this and his care of the public property, Cao Cao treated him with great kindness and consoled him with the title of General Who Guards the South. Yan Pu and many others also were enrolled among the nobles. To each county was appointed a Military Commander, in addition to the Governor. All the soldiers were feasted and rewarded.

Then Yang Song, who had sold his master, came and sued for honors. He was condemned to public execution and exposure.

Selling one's lord may make great service,

But the gains thereof are vanity;

No glory clings to his house but a shameful death;

Wherefore Yang Song is an object of contempt forever.

When the Eastern Land of Rivers was quite subdued, First Secretary Sima Yi said, “The people of Shu are not loyal to Liu Bei because of his uprooting the late ruler, Liu Zhang; and if on the strength of your present success you press forward, Liu Bei will become as a shattered tile. The wise person takes the occasion when it serves, and this should not be missed.”

Cao Cao sighed, “There is no end—as human want has no limit; now that I have Hanzhong, I am forced into taking Yiazhou.”

Liu Ye supported his colleague, saying, “Sima Yi spoke well. If you delay, Zhuge Liang will have become top minister, while Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and the other bold warriors will be at the head of the army. If the people of Shu once settle down, and the points of vantage are held, you will not be able to overcome them.”

Cao Cao replied, “My soldiers have marched far and suffered much; beside we must show pity.”

Wherefore he rested his army for a time.

Meanwhile the populace of Yiazhou, having heard of Cao Cao's success in the Eastern Land of Rivers, concluded that the Western Land of Rivers would suffer next, and fear spread among them. Whereupon Liu Bei called in the Directing Instructor and asked his advice.

Zhuge Liang replied, “I can make Cao Cao retreat of his own accord.”

“What is that plan?”

“A part of Cao Cao's army is camped at Hefei because of the fear of Sun Quan. If now we restore three territories of Jingzhou—Changsha, Jiangxia, and Guiyang—, and send a specious person to talk, we can make Sun Quan attack Hefei, which will lead to Cao Cao going southward and not looking to the west.”

“Who is a fit person for the messenger?” said Liu Bei.

And Yi Ji replied, “I will go.”

Liu Bei, well-satisfied, wrote letters and prepared gifts, with which Yi Ji went, calling in at Jingzhou City on the way to tell Guan Yu. Then he went on to the capital city of Moling and saw Sun Quan.

After the greetings, Sun Quan asked, “On what business do you come?”

Yi Ji replied, “On a former occasion Zhuge Jin would have had the three territories of Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang, but for the absence of the Directing Instructor, which prevented the actual transfer. Now I am the bearer of letters giving Changsha, Guiyang, and Jiangxia back to you. Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang wanted to restore all the territories of Jingzhou, including those of Nanjun and Lingling, but now that Cao Cao has got possession of Eastern Land of Rivers, there is no place for General Guan Yu. Hefei is weak, and we hope you will attack it so as to make Cao Cao withdraw to the south and let my master take the Eastern Land of Rivers, when he will restore the whole of the Jingzhou Region.”

“Go back to the guest-house and let me take counsel in this matter,” said Sun Quan.

As soon as Yi Ji had gone, the Marquis of Wu turned to his officers and asked what should be done.

Zhang Zhao said, “All this is because Liu Bei fears that Cao Cao will attack him. However, since Cao Cao is absent in Hanzhong, it would be well to seize the opportunity and attack Hefei.” Sun Quan accepted the advice. After he had sent the messenger away, he began to prepare for the expedition. He left Lu Su in command over the three territories of Changsha, Jiangxia, and Guiyang. Then Sun Quan encamped at Lukou, withdrew Generals Lu Meng and Gan Ning, and sent to Yuhang for General Ling Tong.

Very soon, Lu Meng and Gan Ning returned, and the former suggested a plan, saying, “Cao Cao has sent Zhu Guang, Governor of Lujiang, to camp at the city of Huancheng and plant grain for the supply of Hefei. Let us first take Huancheng and then attack Hefei.”

“This scheme is just after my own heart,” said Sun Quan.

So Sun Quan appointed Lu Meng and Gan Ning as Van Leaders; Jiang Qin and Pan Zhang as Rear Guards; he himself with Zhou Tai, Xu Sheng, Dong Xi, commanded the center. But the Commanders Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang were not called to take part in this expedition as they were guarding certain especial places.

The army crossed the river and captured Hezhou on the way. Governor Zhu Guang sent an urgent message to Hefei for help and set himself to strengthen his fortifications for a siege. Sun Quan went very near the city walls of Huancheng to observe its defense, and a flight of arrows greeted him, some striking his great official parasol. He went back to camp and asked his officers to offer plans of attack.

Then Dong Xi said, “Pile up great hills of earth and attack from the summits.”

Said Xu Sheng, “Set up long ladders and construct platforms whence you can look over the city walls and thus attack.”

But Lu Meng said, “All such plans need a long time to prepare, and in the meantime the soldiers of Cao Cao will arrive from Hefei. Do not try such long-drawn-out schemes, but take advantage of the fine, fresh spirit of our newly arrived troops and attack impetuously. Their elan will carry the wall. If you attack tomorrow at dawn, the city will fall before noon.”

So the early meal was taken at the fifth watch, and the army went to the attack. The defenders sent down showers of arrows and stones. Gan Ning took an iron chain in his hand and climbed up the wall. They shot at him with bows and crossbows, but he turned aside the arrows and bolts, and he threw the chain round Governor Zhu Guang to pull him down. Lu Meng beat the drum for the attack. The soldiers made a rush forward to climb the wall, and they slew Zhu Guang. His officers and soldiers gave in, and so Huancheng fell to Sun Quan. It was still a long time to noon.

In the meantime Zhang Liao was marching to the aid of the city. Half-way he heard that the city had fallen, and so he returned to Hefei.

Soon after the conqueror's entry into Huancheng, Ling Tong came there with his army. The next few days were devoted to feasting the army. Special rewards were given to the two generals who had done such good work at the capture; and at the banquet to the officers, Gan Ning was seated in the seat of honor, which his colleague, Lu Meng, readily yielded to him for his late prowess.

But as the cup of felicitation was passing round, Ling Tong's thoughts turned to the enmity he bore Gan Ning for having slain his father, and the praises which Lu Meng now heaped upon Gan Ning filled Ling Tong's heart with bitterness. For some time he glared savagely at Gan Ning, and then he determined on revenge. Drawing his sword, he suddenly rose to his feet and cried, “There is nothing to amuse the assembly. I will give them a display of swordsmanship.” Gan Ning quickly saw his real intention. He pushed back his table and laid hold of a halberd in each hand, crying, “And you may also watch an adept in the use of this weapon!”

Lu Meng saw the evil meaning of both, and assuming his sword and shield, he hastily stepped between the two warriors, saying, “Neither of you gentlemen is so dexterous as I.”

So he forced the two combatants asunder, while some one ran to tell Sun Quan. The Marquis hastily jumped into the saddle and rode to the banquet hall. At sight of their lord, they all three lowered their weapons.

“I have bidden you two to forget this old enmity,” said Sun Quan. “Why do you revive it today?”

Ling Tong prostrated himself in tears. Sun Quan exhorted him to forget his quarrel, and once again there was peace.

The next day the army set out for Hefei.

Because of the loss of Huancheng, Zhang Liao grieved greatly. Cao Cao had sent by the hands of Xue Ti a small casket sealed with his own seal and bearing outside the words, “If rebels come, open this.”

So when he received the news of the coming of a powerful army, Zhang Liao opened the casket and read the letter therein, which said, “If Sun Quan comes to attack Hefei, the two Generals Li Dian and Zhang Liao are to go out to oppose him, and Yue Jin is to be left to guard the walls.”

Zhang Liao sent the letter to the two men named therein.

“What do you think to do?” said Yue Jin.

Zhang Liao replied, “Our lord is away, and Wu is coming to attack for certain. We must go out to repel them and exert ourselves to the utmost to inflict defeat upon their advanced guard. Thus we shall appease the fears of the populace, and then we can hold as best we may.”

But Li Dian was silent, for he was ever unfriendly to Zhang Liao.

Then seeing his colleague inclined to hold off, Yue Jin said, “I am for remaining on the defensive since the enemy is so much more numerous than we.”

“Gentlemen, it seems you are selfish and not devoted to the common weal,” said Zhang Liao. “You may have your private reasons for what you do, but I intend to go out and try to repel the enemy. I will fight them to the death.”

Thereupon Zhang Liao bade his servants saddle his steed. At this, Li Dian's better feelings were aroused, and he rose, saying, “How can I be careless of the common weal and indulge my private feelings? I am ready to follow you and do as you command.”

Zhang Liao was elated at this moral victory, and said, “Since I can depend upon your help, my friend, then I would ask you to lie in ambush on the north of the Flageolet Ford in order to destroy the bridge there as soon as the army of Wu has crossed. I, with my friend Yue Jin, will smite the enemy.”

Li Dian went away to muster his troops and prepare the ambush. As has been recorded, the leaders of the advance guard of the southern army were the veterans Lu Meng and Gan Ning. Sun Quan and Ling Tong were in the center; the other generals followed them. The leaders of the van met Yue Jin first, and Gan Ning rode out and challenged him. After a few bouts, Yue Jin pretended to be defeated and fled. Gan Ning called to his colleague to join in the pursuit.

When Sun Quan heard that this advance guard had been successful, he hastened his army to the Flageolet Ford. But then there came a series of explosions, and up came Zhang Liao and Li Dian, one on each flank. Sun Quan was unprepared for this and sent messengers to call off the pursuit and ask for help from Lu Meng and Gan Ning. Before it could arrived, Zhang Liao had come up.

Manifestly, Ling Tong, who had with him only a small troop of three hundred horse, could not long withstand the army of Cao Cao, but he faced them and fought bravely and presently cried to his lord, “Cross the Flageolet Bridge and run back, my lord!”

Sun Quan galloped for the bridge, but the southern end had been already broken down and there was a wide breach between the end of the bridge and the shore. Not a single plank was there by which to cross. What could be done? Sun Quan was in a quandary, and helpless.

“Go back and jump for it!” yelled one of the generals, Gu Li by name.

Sun Quan did so. Backing his horse some thirty spans or so, he then gave it its head and lashed it with his whip.

The good beast leaped, cleared the chasm and his master wee safe on the southern shore.

Once Dilu leant across the Tan Torrent wide,

And when defeat did Sun of Wu betide,

And death came threateningly at Flageolet Ford,

His steed too leapt, and saved him from the sword.

Having reached the farther shore, Sun Quan embarked on one of the boats of Xu Sheng and Dong Xi and was rowed to a place of safety, while Ling Tong and Gu Li were still fighting with Zhang Liao's army. Gan Ning and Lu Meng, coming to their aid, were pursued by Yue Jin, and Li Dian also stayed their progress. But the soldiers of the South Land fought bravely; half of their force fell, and Ling Tong's troop of three hundred horse perished all, while Ling Tong himself was wounded, but found his way to the bridge. Finding it destroyed, he fled along the stream. Presently he was seen by Sun Quan from the boat and taken on board by Dong Xi. Gan Ning and Lu Meng also cut their ways back to the southern shore.

The terrible slaughter at this battle put such fear into the minds of the people of the South Land that the name of Zhang Liao kept the very children quiet at night.

When Sun Quan reached his camp, he richly rewarded Ling Tong and Gu Li. Then he led his army back to Ruxu and began to put his ships in order so that the army and navy might act in unison. He also sent home for reinforcements.

Zhang Liao reflected that he had insufficient force to meet another attack if it should be supported by the navy of the South Land, so he sent Xue Ti through the night to carry an urgent message to his master in Hanzhong. When the messenger arrived, Cao Cao saw that his western expedition would have to yield to the urgency of home defense. However, he called in his counselors and put a direct question to them.

“Can we take the Western Land of Rivers now, or not?” “Shu is too well prepared; we cannot,” replied Liu Ye. “It is better to go to the succor of Hefei and then go down the river to take the South Land.”

Wherefore, leaving Xiahou Yuan to station at the Dingjun Mountains to guard Hanzhong, and Zhang He to keep Mount Mengtou Pass, Cao Cao broke up his camp and went toward Ruxu with all his commanders.

The armored horsemen had conquered Hanzhong,

The ensigns toward the south were turned again.

The subsequent course of the war will be unfolded in later chapters.