第八十六回

第八十六回 难张温秦宓逞天辩 破曹丕徐盛用火攻

却说东吴陆逊，自退魏兵之后，吴王拜逊为辅国将军、江陵侯，领荆州牧，自此军权皆归于逊。张昭、顾雍启奏吴王，请自改元。权从之，遂改为黄武元年。忽报魏主遣使至，权召入。使命陈说：“蜀前使人求救于魏，魏一时不明，故发兵应之，今已大悔，欲起四路兵取川，东吴可来接应。若得蜀土，各分一半。”

权闻言，不能决，乃问于张昭、顾雍等。昭曰：“陆伯言极有高见，可问之。”权即召陆逊至。逊奏曰：“曹丕坐镇中原，急不可图，今若不从，必为仇矣。臣料魏与吴皆无诸葛亮之敌手，今且勉强应允，整军预备，只探听四路如何。若四路兵胜，川中危急，诸葛亮首尾不能救，主上则发兵以应之，先取成都，深为上策，如四路兵败，别作商议。”权从之，乃谓魏使曰：“军需未办，择日便当起程。”使者拜辞而去。权令人探得西番兵出西平关，见了马超，不战自退；南蛮孟获起兵攻四郡，皆被魏延用疑兵计杀退回洞去了；上庸孟达兵至半路，忽然染病不能行；曹真兵出阳平关，赵子龙拒住各处险道，果然“一将守关，万夫莫开”。曹真屯兵于斜谷道，不能取胜而回。

孙权知了此信，乃谓文武曰：“陆伯言真神算也。孤若妄动，又结怨于西蜀矣。”忽报西蜀遣邓芝到。张昭曰：“此又是诸葛亮退兵之计，遣邓芝为说客也。”权曰：“当何以答之？”昭曰：“先于殿前立一大鼎，贮油数百斤，下用炭烧。待其油沸，可选身长面大武士一千人，各执刀在手，从宫门前直摆至殿上，却唤芝入见。休等此人开言下说词，责以郦食其说齐故事[1]，效此例烹之，看其人如何对答。”

权从其言，遂立油鼎，命武士立于左右，各执军器，召邓芝入。芝整衣冠而入，行至宫门前，只见两行武士，威风凛凛，各持钢刀、大斧、长戟、短剑，直列至殿上。芝晓其意，并无惧色，昂然而行。至殿前，又见鼎镬内热油正沸，左右武士以目视之，芝但微微而笑。近臣引至帘前，邓芝长揖不拜。权令卷起珠帘，大喝曰：“何不拜！”芝昂然而答曰：“上国天使，不拜小邦之主。”权大怒曰：“汝不自料，欲掉三寸之舌，效郦生说齐乎！可速入油鼎！”芝大笑曰：“人皆言东吴多贤，谁想惧一儒生！”权转怒曰：“孤何惧尔一匹夫耶？”芝曰：“既不惧邓伯苗，何愁来说汝等也？”权曰：“尔欲为诸葛亮作说客，来说孤绝魏向蜀，是否？”芝曰：“吾乃蜀中一儒生，特为吴国利害而来。乃陈兵设鼎，以拒一使，何其局量[2]之不能容物耶！”

权闻言惶愧，即叱退武士，命芝上殿，赐坐而问曰：“吴、魏之利害若何？愿先生教我。”芝曰：“大王欲与蜀和，还是欲与魏和？”权曰：“孤正欲与蜀主讲和，但恐蜀主年轻识浅，不能全始全终耳。”芝曰：“大王乃命世之英豪，诸葛亮亦一时之俊杰；蜀有山川之险，吴有三江之固。若二国连和，共为唇齿，进则可以兼吞天下，退则可以鼎足而立。今大王若委贽称臣于魏，魏必望大王朝觐，求太子以为内侍，如其不从，则兴兵来攻，蜀亦顺流而进取，如此则江南之地，不复为大王有矣。若大王以愚言为不然，愚将就死于大王之前，以绝说客之名也。”言讫，撩衣下殿，望油鼎中便跳。权急命止之，请入后殿，以上宾之礼相待。权曰：“先生之言，正合孤意。孤今欲与蜀主连和，先生肯为我介绍乎？”芝曰：“适欲烹小臣者，乃大王也，今欲使小臣者，亦大王也。大王犹自狐疑未定，安能取信于人？”权曰：“孤意已决，先生勿疑。”

于是吴王留住邓芝，集多官问曰：“孤掌江南八十一州，更有荆楚之地，反不如西蜀偏僻之处也。蜀有邓芝，不辱其主，吴并无一人入蜀以达孤意。”忽一人出班奏曰：“臣愿为使。”众视之，乃吴郡吴人，姓张，名温，字惠恕，现为中郎将。权曰：“恐卿到蜀见诸葛亮，不能达孤之情。”温曰：“孔明亦人耳，臣何畏彼哉？”权大喜，重赏张温，使同邓芝入川通好。

却说孔明自邓芝去后，奏后主曰：“邓芝此去，其事必成。吴地多贤，定有人来答礼。陛下当礼貌之，令彼回吴，以通盟好。吴若通和，魏必不敢加兵于蜀矣。吴、魏宁靖，臣当征南，平定蛮方，然后图魏。魏削则东吴亦不能久存，可以复一统之基业也。”后主然之。

忽报东吴遣张温与邓芝入川答礼。后主聚文武于丹墀，令邓芝、张温入。温自以为得志，昂然上殿，见后主施礼。后主赐锦墩，坐于殿左，设御宴待之，后主但敬礼而已。宴罢，百官送张温到馆舍。次日，孔明设宴相待。孔明谓张温曰：“先帝在日，与吴不睦，今已晏驾。当今主上，深慕吴王，欲捐旧忿，永结盟好，并力破魏。望大夫善言回奏。”张温领诺。酒至半酣，张温喜笑自若，颇有傲慢之意。

次日，后主将金帛赐与张温，设宴于城南邮亭之上，命众官相送。孔明殷勤劝酒，正饮酒间，忽一人乘醉而入，昂然长揖，入席就坐。温怪之，乃问孔明曰：“此何人也？”孔明答曰：“姓秦，名宓，字子勑，现为益州学士。”温笑曰：“名称学士，未知胸中曾‘学事’否？”宓正色而言曰：“蜀中三尺小童，尚皆就学，何况于我？”温曰：“且说公何所学？”宓对曰：“上至天文，下至地理，三教九流，诸子百家，无所不通；古今兴废，圣贤经传，无所不览。”温笑曰：“公既出大言，请即以天为问，天有头乎？”宓曰：“有头。”温曰：“头在何方？”宓曰：“在西方。《诗》云：‘乃眷西顾。’以此推之，头在西方也。”温又问：“天有耳乎？”宓答曰：“天处高而听卑。《诗》云：‘鹤鸣九皋，声闻于天。’无耳何能听？”温又问：“天有足乎？”宓曰：“有足。《诗》云：‘天步艰难。’无足何能步？”温又问：“天有姓乎？”宓曰：“岂得无姓！”温曰：“何姓？”宓答曰：“姓刘。”温曰：“何以知之？”宓曰：“天子姓刘，以故知之。”温又问曰：“日生于东乎？”宓对曰：“虽生于东，而没于西。”

此时秦宓语言清朗，答问如流，满座皆惊。张温无语。宓乃问曰：“先生东吴名士，既以天事下问，必能深明天之理。昔混沌既分，阴阳剖判，轻清者上浮而为天，重浊者下凝而为地。至共工氏战败，头触不周山，天柱折，地维缺[3]，天倾西北，地陷东南。天既轻清而上浮，何以倾其西北乎？又未知轻清之外，还是何物？愿先生教我。”张温无言可对，乃避席而谢曰：“不意蜀中多出俊杰！恰闻讲论，使仆顿开茅塞。”孔明恐温羞愧，故以善言解之曰：“席间问难，皆戏谈耳。足下深知安邦定国之道，何在唇齿之戏哉！”温拜谢。孔明又令邓芝入吴答礼，就与张温同行。张、邓二人拜辞孔明，望东吴而来。

却说吴王见张温入蜀未还，乃聚文武商议。忽近臣奏曰：“蜀遣邓芝同张温入国答礼。”权召入。张温拜于殿前，备称后主、孔明之德，愿求永结盟好，特遣邓尚书又来答礼。权大喜，乃设宴待之。权问邓芝曰：“若吴、蜀二国同心灭魏，得天下太平，二主分治，岂不乐乎？”芝答曰：“‘天无二日，民无二王’。如灭魏之后，未识天命所归何人。但为君者，各修其德，为臣者，各尽其忠，则战争方息耳。”权大笑曰：“君之诚款，乃如是耶！”遂厚赠邓芝还蜀。自此吴、蜀通好。

却说魏国细作人探知此事，火速报入中原。魏主曹丕听知，大怒曰：“吴、蜀连和，必有图中原之意也。不若朕先伐之。”于是大集文武，商议起兵伐吴。此时大司马曹仁、太尉贾诩已亡。侍中辛毗出班奏曰：“中原之地，土阔民稀，而欲用兵，未见其利。今日之计，莫若养兵屯田十年，足食足兵，然后用之，则吴、蜀方可破也。”丕怒曰：“此迂儒之论也！今吴、蜀连和，早晚必来侵境，何暇等待十年！”即传旨起兵伐吴。司马懿奏曰：“吴有长江之险，非船莫渡。陛下必御驾亲征，可选大小战船，从蔡、颍而入淮，取寿春，至广陵渡江口径取南徐，此为上策。”丕从之。于是日夜并工，造龙舟十只，长二十馀丈，可容二千馀人，收拾战船三千馀只。魏黄初五年秋八月，会聚大小将士，令曹真为前部，张辽、张郃、文聘、徐晃等为大将先行，许褚、吕虔为中军护卫，曹休为合后，刘晔、蒋济为参谋官。前后水陆军马三十馀万，克日起兵。封司马懿为尚书仆射，留在许昌，凡国政大事，并皆听懿决断。

不说魏兵起程，却说东吴细作探知此事，报入吴国，近臣慌奏吴王曰：“今魏王曹丕，亲自乘驾龙舟，提水陆大军三十馀万，从蔡、颍出淮，必取广陵渡江，来下江南。甚为利害。”孙权大惊，即聚文武商议。顾雍曰：“今主上既与西蜀连和，可修书与诸葛孔明，令起兵出汉中，以分其势。一面遣一大将，屯兵南徐以拒之。”权曰：“非陆伯言不可当此大任。”雍曰：“陆伯言镇守荆州，不可轻动。”权曰：“孤非不知，奈眼前无替力之人。”言未尽，一人从班部内应声而出曰：“臣虽不才，愿统一军以当魏兵。若曹丕亲渡大江，臣必生擒，以献殿下；若不渡江，亦杀魏兵大半，令魏兵不敢正视东吴。”权视之，乃徐盛也。权大喜曰：“如得卿守江南一带，孤何忧哉！”遂封徐盛为安东将军，总镇都督建业、南徐军马。盛谢恩，领命而退，即传令教众官军多置器械，多设旌旗，以为守护江岸之计。

忽一人挺身出曰：“今日大王以重任委托将军，欲破魏兵以擒曹丕，将军何不早发军马渡江，于淮南之地迎敌？直待曹丕兵至，恐无及矣。”盛视之，乃吴王侄孙韶也。韶字公礼，官授扬威将军，曾在广陵守御，年幼负气[4]，极有胆勇。盛曰：“曹丕势大，更有名将为先锋，不可渡江迎敌。待彼船皆集于北岸，吾自有计破之。”韶曰：“吾手下自有三千军马，更兼深知广陵路势，吾愿自去江北，与曹丕决一死战。如不胜，甘当军令。”盛不从，韶坚执要去。盛只是不肯，韶再三要行。盛怒曰：“汝如此不听号令，吾安能制诸将乎？”叱武士推出斩之。刀斧手拥孙韶出辕门之外，立起皂旗。韶部将飞报孙权，权听知，急上马来救。武士恰待行刑，孙权早到，喝散刀斧手，救了孙韶。韶哭奏曰：“臣往年在广陵，深知地利。不就那里与曹丕厮杀，直待他下了长江，东吴指日休矣！”权径入营来。徐盛迎接入帐，奏曰：“大王命臣为都督，提兵拒魏。今扬威将军孙韶不遵军法，违令当斩，大王何故赦之？”权曰：“韶倚血气之壮，误犯军法，万希宽恕。”盛曰：“法非臣所立，亦非大王所立，乃国家之典刑也。若以亲而免之，何以令众乎？”权曰：“韶犯法，本应任将军处治，奈此子虽本姓俞氏，然孤兄甚爱之，赐姓孙，于孤颇有劳绩。今若杀之，负兄义矣。”盛曰：“且看大王之面，寄下死罪。”权令孙韶拜谢，韶不肯拜，厉声而言曰：“据吾之见，只是引军去破曹丕！便死也不服你的见识！”徐盛变色。权叱退孙韶，谓徐盛曰：“便无此子，何损于兵？今后勿再用之。”言讫自回。是夜，人报徐盛，说孙韶引本部三千精兵，潜地过江去了。盛恐有失，于吴王面上不好看，乃唤丁奉授以密计，引三千兵渡江接应。

却说魏主驾龙舟至广陵，前部曹真已领兵列于大江之岸。曹丕问曰：“江岸有多少兵？”真曰：“隔岸远望，并不见一人，亦无旌旗营寨。”丕曰：“此必诡计也。朕自往观其虚实。”于是大开江道，放龙舟直至大江，泊于江岸。船上建龙凤日月五色旌旗，仪銮簇拥，光耀射目。曹丕端坐舟中，遥望江南，不见一人，回顾刘晔、蒋济曰：“可渡江否？”晔曰：“兵法‘实实虚虚’。彼见大军至，如何不作整备？陛下未可造次。且待三五日，看其动静，然后发先锋渡江以探之。”丕曰：“卿言正合朕意。”

是日天晚，宿于江中。当夜月黑，军士皆执灯火，明耀天地，恰如白昼。遥望江南，并不见半点儿火光。丕问左右曰：“此何故也？”近臣奏曰：“想闻陛下天兵来到，故望风逃窜耳。”丕暗笑。乃至天晓，大雾迷漫，对面不见。须臾风起，雾散云收，望见江南一带皆是连城，城楼上枪刀耀日，遍城尽插旌旗号带。顷刻数次人来报：“南徐沿江一带，直至石头城，一连数百里，城郭舟车，连绵不绝，一夜成就。”曹丕大惊。原来徐盛束缚芦苇为人，尽穿青衣，执旌旗，立于假城疑楼之上。魏兵见城上许多人马，如何不胆寒？丕叹曰：“魏虽有武士千群，无所用之。江南人物如此，未可图也！”

正惊讶间，忽然狂风大作，白浪滔天，江水溅湿龙袍，大船将覆，曹真慌令文聘撑小舟急来救驾。龙舟上人立站不住，文聘跳上龙舟，负丕下得小舟，奔入河港。忽流星马报道：“赵云引兵出阳平关，径取长安。”丕听得，大惊失色，便教回军，众军各自奔走。背后吴兵追至，丕传旨教尽弃御用之物而走。龙舟将次入淮，忽然鼓角齐鸣，喊声大震，刺斜里一彪军杀到，为首大将乃孙韶也。魏兵不能抵当，折其大半，淹死者无数。诸将奋力救出魏主。魏主渡淮河，行不三十里，淮河中一带芦苇，预灌鱼油，尽皆火着，顺风而下，风势甚急，火焰漫空，绝住龙舟。丕大惊，急下小船傍岸时，龙舟上早已火着。丕慌忙上马。岸上一彪军杀来，为首一将乃丁奉也。张辽急拍马来迎，被奉一箭射中其腰，却得徐晃救了，同保魏主而走，折军无数。背后孙韶、丁奉夺得马匹、车仗、船只、器械，不计其数。魏兵大败而回。吴将徐盛全获大功，吴王重加赏赐。张辽回到许昌，箭疮迸裂而亡，曹丕厚葬之，不在话下。

却说赵云引兵杀出阳平关之次，忽报丞相有文书到，说益州耆帅雍闿结连蛮王孟获，起十万蛮兵，侵掠四郡，因此宣云回军，令马超坚守阳平关，丞相欲自南征。赵云乃急收兵而回。此时孔明在成都整饬军马，亲自南征。正是：方见东吴敌北魏，又看西蜀战南蛮。未知胜负如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 郦食其（yì jī）说（shuì）齐故事——楚汉相争时，郦食其作为刘邦的使者，劝说齐王田广归顺于汉，齐王听信了他的话，解除战备；汉的大将韩信却乘机袭击齐，齐王认为被郦出卖，就把他烹死。

[2] 局量——器量，度量。

[3] 共工氏战败，头触不周山，天柱折，地维缺——古代神话：共工氏与颛顼斗争，一怒之下，一头向不周山撞去，于是把撑天的柱子碰断了，大地的一角也被碰坏了。

[4] 负气——此处是意气很盛的意思。

CHAPTER 86. Using Words, Qin Mi Overcomes Zhang Wen; Setting Fire, Xu Sheng Defeats Cao Pi.

After his recent exploits, Lu Xun became the one hero of Wu. He was given the title General Who Upholds the State, was ennobled as Lord of Jiangling, and received the Governorship of Jingzhou. He became Supreme Commander of all the military forces.

Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong, thinking the moment opportune for enhancing their lord's dignity, sent in a memorial proposing that his rule should be designated by a distinctive style, and Sun Quan assumed Yellow Might as his reign style (AD 222).

Then arrived a messenger from Wei, and he was called in to an assembly and bidden to state his business.

The messenger said, “Recently Shu sent to Wei for help, and, the situation being misunderstood, the Ruler of Wei dispatched a force against Wu. Now this action is greatly regretted. In Wei it is thought desirable to set four armies in motion against Shu to capture it; and if Wu will assist, and success crown these efforts, Wei and Wu will share the conquered territory.”

Sun Quan listened, but was not prepared to give a decided answer. He betook himself to his counselors, Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong, who said, “Lu Xun is the man of profound knowledge; he should be consulted.”

So Lu Xun was called, and his speech ran thus: “Cao Pi is too firmly established in the Middle Land to be upset now; and if this offer of his be refused, we shall provoke his enmity. Neither Wei nor Wu, so far as I see, has any one fit to oppose Zhuge Liang. We must perforce consent and put our army in order. But we can wait till we see how the four armies speed. If Shu seems likely to fall and Zhuge Liang is outmaneuvered, then our army can be dispatched and we will take Capital Chengdu. If the four armies fail, we shall have to consider.”

So Sun Quan said to the envoy of Wei, “We are not ready at the moment, so we will choose a day to start later.”

And with this answer the envoy left.

Next they made careful inquiries about the success or failure of the four armies against Shu.

The spies reported: “The western Qiangs under Kebi Neng have turned back when they saw Ma Chao in command at Xiping Pass. The southern Mangs led by Meng Huo have been perplexed at the tactics of Wei Yan and have retreated to their territories. The Shangyong leader, Meng Da, have set out, but half way have fallen ill and gone back. And Cao Zhen's army, while marching toward Yangping Pass, have been brought to a halt by the defensive preparations of Zhao Yun, who has garrisoned every pass and occupied every point of vantage; they have eventually retreated, after being camped in the Xie Valley for some time.”

Knowing all this, Sun Quan said to his officials, “Lu Xun's words were indeed prophetic; he made most perfect deductions. Any rash action on my part would place me on bad terms with Shu.” Just then the coming of an envoy from Shu was announced.

Said Zhang Zhao, “This mission is also part of Zhuge Liang's scheme to divert danger from Shu. Deng Zhi has come as envoy.”

“That being so, how should I reply?” asked Sun Quan.

“I will tell you. Set up a large cauldron and pour therein a quantity of oil. Light a fire beneath. When the oil is boiling, choose a goodly company of your tallest and brawniest fighting guards, arm them and draw them up in lines between the palace gate and your throne room. Then summon Deng Zhi; but before he can say a word, forewarn him that he will have the same fate of being boiled in oil if being guilty of the same sort of treachery as Li Yiji when he was a persuader to the state of Qi. Then see what Deng Zhi will say.”

Sun Quan followed this advice, and prepared the cauldron of oil and had the strong guards ready. Then he bade them introduce the envoy.

Deng Zhi came, his ceremonial dress in perfect order, and advanced as far as the gate. Seeing the grim array of fighting men armed, some with gleaming swords, some with great axes, some with long spears, and some with short knives, he understood at once what was meant, but he never blenched. He advanced quite steadily and bravely till he reached the door of the hall. Even when he saw the boiling cauldron of oil and the savage executioners glaring at him, he only smiled.

He was led to the front of the curtain behind which sat the Prince of Wu, and he made the ordinary salutation of raising his extended arms, but he did not bow in obeisance.

The Prince bade his attendants roll up the curtain, and called out, “Why do you not make an obeisance?”

Deng Zhi boldly replied, “The envoy of the superior state does not make an obeisance to the ruler of a smaller country.”

“If you do not control that tongue of yours, but will let it wag, you will be like that fellow Li Yiji who went to talk to Qi. You will soon find yourself in the cauldron.”

Then Deng Zhi laughed aloud, saying, “People say there are many sages in Wu; no one would believe that they would be frightened of a simple scholar.”

This reply only increased Sun Quan's anger, and he said, “Who fears an unmerited fool like you?”

“If you fear not the envoy, why so anxious about what he may have to say?”

“Because you come here as spokesman of Zhuge Liang, and you want me to sever with Wei and turn to your country; is not that your message?”

“I am a simple scholar of Shu, and I am come to explain matters to the state of Wu. But here I find armed guards and a boiling cauldron all prepared against a simple envoy. How can I form any other opinion than that you will not allow me to speak?”

As soon as Sun Quan heard these words, he bade the soldiers go, and called the envoy into the hall. There he invited him to a seat and said, “What is the real matter between Wei and Wu? I desire that you would inform me.” Then Deng Zhi replied, “Do you, great Prince, desire to discuss peace with Wei or with Shu?”

“I really desire to discuss peace with the Ruler of Shu. But he is young and inexperienced and ignorant, and unable to carry a matter through.”

“Prince, you are a valiant warrior, just as Zhuge Liang is a great minister. Now Shu has the strength of its mountainous geography just as Wu has the protection of its three rivers. If these two countries are at peace, they are mutually protective. They may swallow up the rest of the empire, or they may stand secure alone. If you send tribute to Wei and acknowledge yourself one of its ministers, you will be expected to attend at court, and your heir-apparent will become a servant in that court; and if you disobey, an army of Wei will be sent to attack you. Shu also will come down the river and invade your country. Then this country will be yours no longer. And if you listen not to these words of mine, and refuse my offer, I shall commit suicide before your face and so justify the post I have as an envoy.”

As Deng Zhi spoke these last words, he gathered up his robes and marched down the hall as though he was just going to jump into the cauldron.

“Stop him!” cried Sun Quan, and they did so.

Then he requested Deng Zhi to go into an inner apartment, where he treated the envoy as a guest of the highest honor.

“O Master,” said Sun Quan, “your words exactly express my thoughts, and I desire to make a league of peace with your country. Are you willing to be the intermediary?”

“Just now it was you, O Prince, who wished to boil this poor servant; now it is also you who wish to use him. How can such a doubtful person be trusted?”

“My mind is made up,” replied Sun Quan. “Do not doubt me, Master.”

Deng Zhi was detained, and a conclave of officers gathered.

Said Sun Quan to the assembly, “Under my hand are all eighty-one counties of the southeast, and I have the lands of Jingzhou to boot, yet I am not so well off as that little country of Shu, for Shu has Deng Zhi for an envoy, and he glorifies his lord. I have no one to send to declare my wishes to Shu.”

Then one stepped forth and said he would go. The speaker was Zhang Wen of Wucheng, who held the office of Imperial Commander.

“Sir, I fear that when you reach Shu and are in the presence of Zhuge Liang, you will not explain my real sentiments,” said Sun Quan.

Zhang Wen replied, “Think you that I shall fear him? He also is but a man.”

Sun Quan conferred great gifts on Zhang Wen, and sent him on the return mission to Shu to negotiate the league of peace.

While Deng Zhi was absent, Zhuge Liang said to his lord, “This mission to Wu will succeed, and of the many wise people in the east one will come as return envoy. Your Majesty should treat him with courtesy, and let him return to Wu to complete the league. For if we have an alliance with Wu, Wei will not dare to send an army against us. And if we are safe from those quarters, I will lead an expedition to subdue the Mangs in the south country. After that we can deal with Wei. If Wei is reduced, Wu will not last long, and the whole empire will again be under one ruler.”

Presently the report reached the capital that Deng Zhi and Zhang Wen, as envoy of Wu, would soon arrive. The Latter Ruler assembled the courtiers to receive them honorably. The envoy of Wu carried himself as one who had attained his desires, and advanced boldly. Having made his salute, the Latter Ruler gave him to sit on a brocaded stool on his left hand. A banquet followed at which Zhang Wen was treated with much honor. At the end of the banquet, the whole court escorted the envoy to the guest-house where he was to lodge.

On the second day there was a banquet at the Prime Minister's palace, and Zhuge Liang broached the real business.

He said, “Our First Ruler was not on friendly terms with Wu. But that is all changed, as is demonstrated by these banquets, and our present Emperor is disposed to be very friendly. It is hoped that the former enmity may be entirely forgotten and the two countries swear eternal friendship and alliance in their common end—the destruction of Wei. I look to you, Sir, to speak in favor of this league.”

Zhang Wen said that he would support the plan. The wine went merrily round, and as the envoy became mellow, he laughed freely and swaggered and put on a proud demeanor.

Next day the Latter Ruler gave Zhang Wen rich presents of gold and studs and prepared a parting banquet for him in the south guest-chamber, and all the court assembled to take leave of him. The Prime Minister paid him assiduous attention and pressed him to drink. While this banquet was in progress, a man suddenly came in as if he were already drunk, made a proud sort of salutation to the company and at once took a seat.

His conduct seemed strange to Zhang Wen, who asked, “Who is the new comer, Sir Prime Minister?”

“He is a man named Qin Mi, a Doctorate Academician of Yiazhou,” replied Zhuge Liang.

“He may be that,” said Zhang Wen with a laugh, “but I wonder if he has any learning at all inside him.”

Qin Mi listened without changing countenance, and said, “Since our children are all learned, of course I am more so.”

“What may have been your special studies, Sir?” said Zhang Wen.

“Everything: astronomy on one hand, geography on the other, the three teachings and the nine systems, all the philosophers, history all through, and all sacred books and traditions. There is nothing I have not read.”

“Since you talk so big,” said Zhang Wen, “I should like to ask you a few questions on celestial matters. Now has the sky a head?”

“Yes; it has a head.”

“Where is it?”

“In the western quarter; the Odes say, 'God turns his head kindly toward the west,' and further it follows from this that the head is in the west.”

“Well; has the sky ears?” “Oh, yes. The sky is above and listens to all things below. The Odes say, 'The crane calls from the midst of the marsh, its cry is heard by the sky.' How could the sky hear without ears?”

“Has the sky feet?”

“It has; the Odes say, 'Heaven treads down difficulties.' If there were no feet, how could it tread?”

“Has heaven a name?”

“Why not?”

“Then what is it?”

“Liu.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because the Emperor's family name is Liu, and he is the Son of Heaven. That is how I know.”

“Does the sun spring from the east?”

“Though it does, yet it sets in the west.”

All this time Qin Mi's repartees had flashed back clear and perfect; they came so naturally as to astonish all the guests. Zhang Wen had no word to reply to them.

Then it became Qin Mi's turn, “You are a famous scholar in your own land, Sir; and since you have asked so many questions about Heaven, I take it you are I well up in all celestial matters. When original chaos resolved into its two elements, negativity and positivity (yin and yang), the lighter portion rose and became sky, and the grosser sank and solidified into earth. When Gong Gong's rebellion was crushed, his head struck the Imperfect Mountain, the pillar, which upholds heaven, was broken and the bonds of earth were destroyed. Heaven fell over to the northwest, and earth sank into the southeast. Since heaven was ethereal and had floated to the top, how could it fall over? Another thing I do not know is what is beyond the ether. I should be glad if you would explain, Master.”

Zhang Wen had no reply ready, but he rose from his place and bowed his acknowledgment, saying, “I knew not that there was so much ability in this land. I am happy to have heard such a discourse. Now all obstructions have disappeared, and I see quite clearly.”

But Zhuge Liang, fearing lest the guest should feel mortified, soothed him with fair words, saying, “This is all play upon words, the sort of puzzles one propounds at a merry feast. You, honored Sir, know that the tranquillity and safety of states are no matters to joke with.”

The envoy bowed. Then Deng Zhi was ordered to return to Wu and thank its ruler for his courtesy, and he was to accompany Zhang Wen. So both, having taken leave of the Prime Minister, set out on their journey to the east.

In the meantime Sun Quan was beginning to feel perplexed at the long delay of his envoy. He had summoned a council to discuss this question, when the report came that his own envoy had returned, and Deng Zhi was with him. They were brought in forthwith; and Zhang Wen, having made his obeisance, began to discourse upon the virtue of the Ruler of Shu and Zhuge Liang and to lay before his lord the proposal for a league of peace. Deng Zhi, the Chair of the Secretariat, was empowered to discuss this matter.

Turning to Deng Zhi, Sun Quan said, “Would it not be a happy result if tranquillity should be restored to the empire by the destruction of Wei, and Wu and Shu should share its administration?”

“The sky knows not two suns,” replied Deng Zhi, “nor can the people recognize two kings. If Wei be destroyed, no one can say upon whom the divine command will devolve. But one who becomes a prince must perfect his virtue, and those who become ministers must be wholly loyal. In this way strife will cease.”

Sun Quan smiled, saying, “And your sincerity is beyond question.”

Deng Zhi was dismissed with rich gifts, and after this Wu and Shu were good friends.

The negotiations between his two rivals were reported in Capital Luoyang without loss of time, and Cao Pi was very angry.

“If they have made an alliance, it can only mean that they cherish the intention of swallowing the Middle Land. My best move is to strike first.”

He called a great council. This council lacked the presence of Regent Marshal Cao Ren and High Counselor Jia Xu, who had both died.

In the council Counselor Xin Pi stepped forward and said, “The country is extensive, but the population so sparse that no successful army could be raised just now. My advice is to wait ten years, spending that period in forming an army and in cultivating the land till stores and weapons shall have been accumulated. Then both our rivals may be destroyed.”

“This is only the distorted opinion of a perverted pedant. Having made this league, Shu and Wu may fall upon us at any moment. This matter cannot be postponed for ten years,” said the Ruler of Wei.

An edict appeared commanding the enlistment of soldiers and the formation of an army to subdue Wu.

Sima Yi then said, “Battleships are necessary, as Wu is protected by the Great River. Your Majesty must lead small and big vessels. The navy can advance by way of River Huai, taking Shouchun. When you reach Guangling, the river is to be crossed and Nanxu is to be captured. Then Wu will be subdued.”

This plan was accepted, and the construction of dragon ships was put in hand and went on day and night. Ten were built two hundred spans long to carry two thousand marines each. They also collected three thousand fighting ships.

In the autumn of the fifth year of Yellow Dawn (AD 224) the various generals assembled, and Cao Zhen was appointed leader of the first corps. Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Wen Ping, and Xu Huang were Chief Commanders; Xu Chu and Lu Qian were guards of the center army; and Cao Xiu commanded the rear guard; the strategists were Liu Ye and Jiang Ji. In all, land and marine forces numbered over three hundred thousand troops. When the starting day was decided upon, Sima Yi was made Chair of the Secretariat and left in the capital with the powers of Regent Marshal.

The spies told the Prince of Wu's attendants of the dangers, and the latter hastened to inform the Prince.

They said, “Cao Pi is leading the dragon fleet and commanding three hundred thousand marines and ground forces against the South Land, and the danger is very great.” When Sun Quan met his council, Gu Yong said, “My lord, you can call upon Shu for help according to the treaty. Write to Zhuge Liang and get him to send out an army through Hanzhong so as to divert part of Wei's army. Also you send an army to Nanxu to oppose them there.”

“I shall have to recall Lu Xun,” said the Prince. “He is the only man to undertake this great task.”

“Do not move him if you can help it; he is necessary for the protection of Jingzhou.”

“Yes, I know; but there is no other strong enough to help me.”

At these words Xu Sheng advanced, saying, “I know I am not very able, but I desire to be given an army to meet this danger. If Cao Pi crosses the river in person, I will make him prisoner and present him at the gate of your palace. If he does not come over here, I will slay so many of his soldiers that his army shall not dare even to look southward.”

Sun Quan was pleased to find a willing volunteer, and replied, “Noble Sir, what anxiety need I feel if I have your protection?”

Xu Sheng was given the title of General Who Protects the East and made Chief Commander of all the forces in Nanxu and Jianye. As soon as he had received his orders, he retired. He gave command to gather enormous quantities of weapons, and had many flags and banners made for the protection of the river banks.

But another impetuous young leader was anxious to take more vigorous measures, and he stood forth, saying, “My lord has laid upon you, O General, a heavy responsibility; but if you really desire to destroy the invading force and capture Cao Pi, you should send an army to meet him on the north side in the South of River Huai. I fear failure if you wait till the northern troops have come this far.”

The young man was Sun Shao, nephew of the Prince of Wu. He had already the title of General Who Possesses Wide Prestige, and was in command at Guangling. Though young and impetuous, he was very valiant.

“Cao Pi's army is strong and its leaders famous. I hold that we may not cross the river to meet him, but wait the arrival of his ships on the other side. Then I shall carry out my plan,” said Xu Sheng.

“I have three thousand troops of my own, and I know the country about Guangling thoroughly. Let me go across the river and fight a battle. I will willingly undergo the penalty if I fail,” said Sun Shao.

However, Xu Sheng refused, and all the pleadings of his impetuous general were vain. And when he still persisted, the Commander grew angry and said, “What control shall I have if you are allowed to disobey orders?”

Xu Sheng ordered the lictors to take Sun Shao out and put him to death.

They led him away, and forthwith the black flag was hoisted. But one of Sun Shao's generals went off in hot haste to tell Sun Quan, who came immediately to try to save his favorite.

Happily the execution had not been accomplished when the Prince appeared on the scene, and he bade the executioners disperse. The youth was saved.

Sun Shao began to press his claim to the Prince, saying, “I have been at Guangling, and if we do not attack the enemy there, but let him get down to the river, there will be an end of Wu.” Sun Quan went into the camp, and Xu Sheng came to receive him. When the Prince was seated in his tent, Xu Sheng said, “O Prince, you placed me in command of the force to repulse Wei. Now this general of mine, Sun Shao, is disobedient and should suffer death. I would ask why he should be pardoned.”

“He is naturally hot and impetuous. He has been guilty of disobedience, but I hope you will overlook his fault.”

“The law is none of my making, nor is it yours, O Prince; it is a state penalty, and if relationship is enough to evade it, where is discipline?”

“He has offended, and you have the right to judge and punish. But although his real name is Yu Shao, yet my brother Sun Ce loved him and gave him our family name. He has rendered me good service, and if he should be put to death, I should fail in my fraternal duty.”

“Since you have intervened, O Prince, I remit the death penalty.”

Sun Quan bade his nephew thank his chief, but the youth would not make an obeisance. On the contrary, he loudly maintained the correctness of his view.

“I can only lead my troops against Cao Pi and so die,” cried Sun Shao. “I cannot consent to the other plan.”

Xu Sheng's countenance changed. The recalcitrant young man was ordered to leave the tent by Sun Quan.

“He will not be any loss,” said Sun Quan, “and I will not employ him again.”

Then the Prince left and returned to his own place. That night they reported to Xu Sheng that Sun Shao had gone secretly over the river with his own three thousand troops, and the Commander, who did not wish him to come to harm, as evidently that would displease the Prince, sent a force to support him. Ding Feng was chosen to command this reinforcement, and he was told what to do.

The Ruler of Wei, in his dragon ships, reached Guangling, and the van got to the river bank. He came to survey the position.

“How many soldiers are on the other bank?” asked Cao Pi.

Cao Zhen replied, “I have not seen a single one; nor are there any flags or encampments.”

“That is a ruse; I will go and find out.”

So Cao Pi set out to cross the river in one of the dragon ships. He anchored under the bank. On his boat were displayed the imperial emblems of dragon, phoenix, sun, moon, and they shone out bravely. Seated in the ship, the Emperor looked up and down the south bank, but not a man was visible.

“Do you think we should cross?” asked the Emperor of his strategists.

“If the rules of war mean anything, they ought to be prepared. We think Your Majesty should exercise caution. Wait a few days and watch. Then perhaps the van might be sent to make a reconnaissance.”

“So I think,” said the Ruler of Wei. “But as it is now late, we will pass the night on the river.”

It was a dark night, and the ships was brilliantly lighted up; it seemed like day on board. But all along the south bank there appeared no glimmer of light.

“What do you think it means?” said Cao Pi.

The courtiers replied, “They heard that Your Majesty's heavenly army was coming, and ran away like so many rats.”

The Ruler of Wei laughed to himself. When daylight came there came with it a thick fog, so that nothing on the bank could be seen. After a time, a breeze blew off the fog, and then, to their immense surprise, they found that the whole length of the South of the Great River as far as they could see was one battlement, with towers at intervals, while spears and swords glittered in the sun and flags and pennons fluttered in the breeze.

In just a short time several reports came: “A long wall by the Great River has grown up in a night and stood there with carts and masts of ships lying along it, stretching some one hundred miles from Shidou to Nanxu.”

The fact was that the wall was an imitation, and the warriors that manned it were bundles of reeds dressed in soldiers' uniforms. But the sight chilled the ardor of the invaders.

“My hosts of troops are no use against such warriors; we can do nothing against those talents of the South Land,” said Cao Pi.

He thought over this sadly enough. But now the wind had increased in force, and white combers began to heave up in the river, and waters broke over his boat, drenching the dragon robes. The ship seemed as if it would roll right over. So Cao Zhen sent out small boats to rescue his master and his people. But they were too affrighted to move. Wherefore Wen Ping, who was in charge, leaped on board and helped the Emperor down into one of the smaller craft, which then flew away before the wind and got safely into a creek.

Soon came a hasty messenger to report: “Zhao Yun is marching out through Yangping Pass and threatening Changan.”

This frightened Cao Pi so badly that he decided to retreat, and gave orders to retire. The whole army were in a mood to run away, and moved off toward the north, pursued by the troops of Wu. To hasten the march, the Ruler of Wei bade his soldiers abandon all the imperial paraphernalia and impediments. The dragon ships withdrew into River Huai one by one.

As they moved in disorder, suddenly arose the sounds of an enemy force, shouts and the rolling of drums and the blaring of trumpets, and a cohort marched down obliquely on to their line. And at the head was Sun Shao.

The troops of Wei could make no effective stand, and many were slain, while large numbers were driven into the river and drowned. By dint of great efforts, the Emperor was saved and got away up the river. But when they had sailed about ten miles, they saw ahead a tract of blazing reeds. The enemy had poured fish oil over the dry reeds and set them afire. The wind was spreading the flames down river toward the fleet of Wei, and the heat was intense. The dragon ships had to stop.

Cao Pi was put into a smaller craft and taken on shore; his larger ships were presently set on fire and destroyed. They mounted the Emperor on a horse and moved along the bank, but soon they fell in with another body of troops. This time it was the supports under Ding Feng. Zhang Liao rode ahead to engage the leader, but was soon wounded by an arrow of Ding Feng in the loins. However, he was helped away by Xu Huang, and the Ruler of Wei was got safely out of the turmoil. The loss of soldiers was heavy, and a huge booty of horses, carts, ships, and weapons fell to the victors.

So the Wei armies went away north thoroughly beaten, while Xu Sheng had scored a great success. Sun Quan richly rewarded him.

Zhang Liao got to Xuchang, but only to die from the effects of his wound. He was honorably buried by the Ruler of Wei.

It has been said that Zhao Yun was threatening Changan; but soon after he went through Yangping Pass, the Prime Minister of Shu sent a dispatch to recall him because Veteran General Yong Kai in Yiazhou had joined himself with the Mangs and invaded the four southern territories. So Zhao Yun returned. Meanwhile Ma Chao was ordered to take command of Yangping Pass. The Prime Minister was about to go to subdue the nations along the south border. He was then preparing at Chengdu for this expedition.

First Wu met Wei and drove them north,

Then Shu against the Mangs went south.

The story of this campaign will follow in the next chapters.