第五十二回

第五十二回 诸葛亮智辞鲁肃 赵子龙计取桂阳

却说周瑜见孔明袭了南郡，又闻他袭了荆襄，如何不气？气伤箭疮，半晌方苏。众将再三劝解，瑜曰：“若不杀诸葛村夫，怎息我心中怨气！程德谋可助我攻打南郡，定要夺还东吴。”正议间，鲁肃至。瑜谓之曰：“吾欲起兵与刘备、诸葛亮共决雌雄，复夺城池。子敬幸助我。”鲁肃曰：“不可。方今与曹操相持，尚未分成败，主公现攻合淝不下。不争自家互相吞并，倘曹兵乘虚而来，其势危矣。况刘玄德旧曾与曹操相厚，若逼得紧急，献了城池，一同攻打东吴，如之奈何？”瑜曰：“吾等用计策，损兵马，费钱粮，他去图现成，岂不可恨！”肃曰：“公瑾且耐，容某亲见玄德，将理来说他。若说不通，那时动兵未迟。”诸将曰：“子敬之言甚善。”

于是鲁肃引从者径投南郡来，到城下叫门。赵云出问，肃曰：“我要见刘玄德有话说。”云答曰：“吾主与军师在荆州城中。”肃遂不入南郡，径奔荆州，见旌旗整列，军容甚盛，肃暗羡曰：“孔明真非常人也！”军士报入城中，说鲁子敬要见。孔明令大开城门，接肃入衙。讲礼毕，分宾主而坐。茶罢，肃曰：“吾主吴侯，与都督公瑾，教某再三申意皇叔：前者，操引百万之众，名下江南，实欲来图皇叔，幸得东吴杀退曹兵，救了皇叔。所有荆州九郡，合当归于东吴。今皇叔用诡计夺占荆襄，使江东空费钱粮军马，而皇叔安受其利，恐于理未顺。”孔明曰：“子敬乃高明之士，何故亦出此言？常言道：‘物必归主。’荆襄九郡，非东吴之地，乃刘景升之基业。吾主固景升之弟也，景升虽亡，其子尚在。以叔辅侄，而取荆襄，有何不可？”肃曰：“若果系公子刘琦占据，尚有可解。今公子在江夏，须不在这里[1]！”孔明曰：“子敬欲见公子乎？”便命左右：“请公子出来。”只见两从者从屏风后扶出刘琦。琦谓肃曰：“病躯不能施礼，子敬勿罪。”鲁肃吃了一惊，默然无语，良久言曰：“公子若不在，便如何？”孔明曰：“公子在一日，守一日；若不在，别有商议。”肃曰：“若公子不在，须将城池还我东吴。”孔明曰：“子敬之言是也。”遂设宴相待。

宴罢，肃辞出城，连夜归寨，具言前事。瑜曰：“刘琦正青春年少，如何便得他死？这荆州何日得还？”肃曰：“都督放心。只在鲁肃身上，务要讨荆襄还东吴。”瑜曰：“子敬有何高见？”肃曰：“吾观刘琦过于酒色，病入膏肓，现今面色羸瘦，气喘呕血，不足半年，其人必死。那时往取荆州，刘备须无得推故。”周瑜犹自忿气未消，忽孙权遣使至。瑜令请入，使曰：“主公围合淝，累战不捷。特令都督收回大军，且拨兵赴合淝相助。”周瑜只得班师回柴桑养病，令程普部领战船士卒，来合淝听孙权调用。

却说刘玄德自得荆州、南郡、襄阳，心中大喜，商议久远之计。忽见一人上厅献策，视之，乃伊籍也。玄德感其旧日之恩，十分相敬，坐而问之[2]。籍曰：“要知荆州久远之计，何不求贤士以问之？”玄德曰：“贤士安在？”籍曰：“荆襄马氏兄弟五人，并有才名：幼者名谡，字幼常；其最贤者，眉间有白毛，名良，字季常。乡里为之谚曰：‘马氏五常，白眉最良。’公何不求此人而与之谋？”玄德遂命请之。马良至，玄德优礼相待，请问保守荆襄之策。良曰：“荆襄四面受敌之地，恐不可久守。可令公子刘琦于此养病，招谕旧人以守之，就表奏公子为荆州刺史，以安民心。然后南征武陵、长沙、桂阳、零陵四郡，积收钱粮，以为根本。此久远之计也。”玄德大喜，遂问：“四郡当先取何郡？”良曰：“湘江之西，零陵最近，可先取之；次取武陵。然后湘江之东取桂阳；长沙为后。”玄德遂用马良为从事，伊籍副之。请孔明商议送刘琦回襄阳，替云长回荆州。便调兵取零陵，差张飞为先锋，赵云合后，孔明、玄德为中军，人马一万五千。留云长守荆州，糜竺、刘封守江陵。

却说零陵太守刘度，闻玄德军马到来，乃与其子刘贤商议。贤曰：“父亲放心。他虽有张飞、赵云之勇，我本州上将邢道荣，力敌万人，可以抵对。”刘度遂命刘贤与邢道荣引兵万馀，离城三十里，依山靠水下寨。探马报说：“孔明自引一军到来。”道荣便引军出战。两阵对圆，道荣出马，手使开山大斧，厉声高叫：“反贼安敢侵我境界！”只见对阵中，一簇黄旗出。旗开处，推出一辆四轮车，车中端坐一人，头戴纶巾，身披鹤氅，手执羽扇，用扇招邢道荣曰：“吾乃南阳诸葛孔明也。曹操引百万之众，被吾聊施小计，杀得片甲不回。汝等岂堪与我对敌？我今来招安汝等，何不早降？”道荣大笑曰：“赤壁鏖兵，乃周郎之谋也，干汝何事，敢来诳言！”轮大斧竟奔孔明。孔明便回车望阵中走，阵门复闭。道荣直冲杀过来，阵势急分两下而走。道荣遥望中央一簇黄旗，料是孔明，乃只望黄旗而赶。抹过山脚，黄旗扎住，忽地中央分开，不见四轮车，只见一将挺矛跃马，大喝一声，直取道荣，乃张翼德也。道荣轮大斧来迎，战不数合，气力不加，拨马便走。翼德随后赶来，喊声大震，两下伏兵齐出。道荣舍死冲过，前面一员大将，拦住去路，大叫：“认得常山赵子龙否！”道荣料敌不过，又无处奔走，只得下马请降。子龙缚来寨中见玄德、孔明。玄德喝教斩首，孔明急止之，问道荣曰：“汝若与我捉了刘贤，便准你投降。”道荣连声愿往。孔明曰：“你用何法捉他？”道荣曰：“军师若肯放某回去，某自有巧说。今晚军师调兵劫寨，某为内应，活捉刘贤，献与军师。刘贤既擒，刘度自降矣。”玄德不信其言。孔明曰：“邢将军非谬言也。”遂放道荣归。道荣得放回寨，将前事实诉刘贤。贤曰：“如之奈何？”道荣曰：“可将计就计。今夜将兵伏于寨外，寨中虚立旗幡，待孔明来劫寨，就而擒之。”刘贤依计。

当夜二更，果然有一彪军到寨口，每人各带草把，一齐放火。刘贤、道荣两下杀来，放火军便退。刘贤、道荣两军乘势追赶，赶了十馀里，军皆不见。刘贤、道荣大惊，急回本寨，只见火光未灭，寨中突出一将，乃张翼德也。刘贤叫道荣：“不可入寨，却去劫孔明寨便了。”于是复回军。走不十里，赵云引一军刺斜里杀出，一枪刺道荣于马下。刘贤急拨马奔走，背后张飞赶来，活捉过马，绑缚见孔明。贤告曰：“邢道荣教某如此，实非本心也。”孔明令释其缚，与衣穿了，赐酒压惊，教人送入城说父投降，如其不降，打破城池，满门尽诛。刘贤回零陵见父刘度，备述孔明之德，劝父投降。度从之，遂于城上竖起降旗，大开城门，赍捧印绶出城，竟投玄德大寨纳降。孔明教刘度仍为郡守，其子刘贤赴荆州随军办事。零陵一郡居民，尽皆喜悦。

玄德入城安抚已毕，赏劳三军。乃问众将曰：“零陵已取了，桂阳郡何人敢取？”赵云应曰：“某愿往。”张飞奋然出曰：“飞亦愿往！”二人相争。孔明曰：“终是子龙先应，只教子龙去。”张飞不服，定要去取。孔明教拈阄，拈着的便去。又是子龙拈着。张飞怒曰：“我并不要人相帮，只独领三千军去，稳取城池。”赵云曰：“某也只领三千军去。如不得城，愿受军令。”孔明大喜，责了军令状，选三千精兵付赵云去。张飞不服，玄德喝退。

赵云领了三千人马，径往桂阳进发。早有探马报知桂阳太守赵范，范急聚众商议。管军校尉陈应、鲍隆愿领兵出战，原来二人都是桂阳岭山乡猎户出身，陈应会使飞叉，鲍隆曾射杀双虎。二人自恃勇力，乃对赵范曰：“刘备若来，某二人愿为前部。”赵范曰：“我闻刘玄德乃大汉皇叔，更兼孔明多谋，关、张极勇。今领兵来的赵子龙，在当阳长坂百万军中，如入无人之境。我桂阳能有多少人马？不可迎敌，只可投降。”应曰：“某请出战。若擒不得赵云，那时任太守投降不迟。”赵范拗不过，只得应允。

陈应领三千人马出城迎敌，早望见赵云领军来到。陈应列成阵势，飞马绰叉而出。赵云挺枪出马，责骂陈应曰：“吾主刘玄德，乃刘景升之弟，今辅公子刘琦同领荆州，特来抚民。汝何敢迎敌！”陈应骂曰：“我等只服曹丞相，岂顺刘备！”赵云大怒，挺枪骤马，直取陈应，应捻叉来迎。两马相交，战到四五合，陈应料敌不过，拨马便走，赵云追赶。陈应回顾赵云马来相近，用飞叉掷去，被赵云接住，回掷陈应。应急躲过，云马早到，将陈应活捉过马，掷于地下，喝军士绑缚回寨。败军四散奔走。云入寨叱陈应曰：“量汝安敢敌我！我今不杀汝，放汝回去。说与赵范，早来投降。”陈应谢罪，抱头鼠窜，回到城中，对赵范尽言其事。范曰：“我本欲降，汝强要战，以致如此。”遂叱退陈应，赍捧印绶，引十数骑出城投大寨纳降。

云出寨迎接，待以宾礼，置酒共饮，纳了印绶。酒至数巡，范曰：“将军姓赵，某亦姓赵，五百年前，合是一家。将军乃真定人，某亦真定人，又是同乡。倘得不弃，结为兄弟，实为万幸。”云大喜，各叙年庚。云与范同年，云长范四个月，范遂拜云为兄。二人同乡，同年，又同姓，十分相得。至晚席散，范辞回城。次日，范请云入城安民。云教军士休动，只带五十骑随入城中。居民执香伏道而接。云安民已毕，赵范邀请入衙饮宴。酒至半酣，范复邀云入后堂深处，洗盏更酌。云饮微醉，范忽请出一妇人，与云把酒。子龙见妇人身穿缟素，有倾国倾城之色，乃问范曰：“此何人也？”范曰：“家嫂樊氏也。”子龙改容敬之。樊氏把盏毕，范令就坐，云辞谢。樊氏辞归后堂。云曰：“贤弟何必烦令嫂举杯耶？”范笑曰：“中间有个缘故，乞兄勿阻：先兄弃世已三载，家嫂寡居，终非了局，弟常劝其改嫁。嫂曰：‘若得三件事兼全之人，我方嫁之：第一要文武双全，名闻天下；第二要相貌堂堂，威仪出众；第三要与家兄同姓。’你道天下那得有这般凑巧的？今尊兄堂堂仪表，名震四海，又与家兄同姓，正合家嫂所言。若不嫌家嫂貌陋，愿陪嫁资，与将军为妻，结累世之亲，如何？”云闻言大怒而起，厉声曰：“吾既与汝结为兄弟，汝嫂即吾嫂也，岂可作此乱人伦之事乎！”赵范羞惭满面，答曰：“我好意相待，如何这般无礼！”遂目视左右，有相害之意。云已觉，一拳打倒赵范，径出府门，上马出城去了。

范急唤陈应、鲍隆商议。应曰：“这人发怒去了，只索与他厮杀。”范曰：“但恐赢他不得。”鲍隆曰：“我两个诈降在他军中，太守却引兵来搦战，我二人就阵上擒之。”陈应曰：“必须带些人马。”隆曰：“五百骑足矣。”当夜二人引五百军径奔赵云寨来投降。云已心知其诈，遂教唤入。二将到帐下，说：“赵范欲用美人计赚将军，只等将军醉了，扶入后堂谋杀，将头去曹丞相处献功：如此不仁！某二人见将军怒出，必连累于某，因此投降。”赵云佯喜，置酒与二人痛饮。二人大醉，云乃缚于帐中，擒其手下人问之，果是诈降。云唤五百军入，各赐酒食，传令曰：“要害我者，陈应、鲍隆也，不干众人之事。汝等听吾行计，皆有重赏。”众军拜谢。将降将陈、鲍二人当时斩了，却教五百军引路，云引一千军在后，连夜到桂阳城下叫门。城上听时，说陈、鲍二将军杀了赵云回军，请太守商议事务。城上将火照看，果是自家军马。赵范急忙出城，云喝左右捉下。遂入城，安抚百姓已定，飞报玄德。

玄德与孔明亲赴桂阳。云迎接入城，推赵范于阶下。孔明问之，范备言以嫂许嫁之事。孔明谓云曰：“此亦美事，公何如此？”云曰：“赵范既与某结为兄弟，今若娶其嫂，惹人唾骂，一也；其妇再嫁，使失大节，二也；赵范初降，其心难测，三也。主公新定江汉，枕席未安，云安敢以一妇人而废主公之大事？”玄德曰：“今日大事已定，与汝娶之，若何？”云曰：“天下女子不少，但恐名誉不立，何患无妻子乎？”玄德曰：“子龙真丈夫也！”遂释赵范，仍令为桂阳太守，重赏赵云。

张飞大叫曰：“偏子龙干得功！偏我是无用之人！只拨三千军与我去取武陵郡，活捉太守金旋来献！”孔明大喜曰：“翼德要去不妨，但要依一件事。”正是：军师决胜多奇策，将士争先立战功。未知孔明说出那一件事来，且看下文分解。

[1] 须不在这里——“须”有“本来”“该是”等义。这句话实际相当于“根本不在这里！”是一种责难、辩驳的语气。

[2] 坐而问之——让他坐下来问他话。这是不当作一般下属，表示分外优待的礼遇。

CHAPTER 52. Zhuge Liang Negotiates With Lu Su; Zhao Yun Captures Guiyang.

Zhou Yu's anger at seeing that his rival, Zhuge Liang, had surprised Nanjun, and at hearing the same news of Jingzhou and Xiangyang, was but natural. And this sudden fit of rage caused his wound to reopen. However, he soon recovered. All his officers besought him to accept the situation, but he said, “What but the death of that bumpkin Zhuge Liang will assuage my anger? If Cheng Pu can but aid me in an attack on Nanjun, I can certainly restore it to my country.”

Soon Lu Su came in, to whom Zhou Yu said, “I simply must fight Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang till it is decided which shall have the upper hand. I must also recapture the city. Perhaps you can assist me.”

“It cannot be done,” replied Lu Su. “We are now at grips with Cao Cao, and victory or defeat is undecided. Our lord has not been successful in overcoming Hefei. Do not fight near home, or it will be like people of the same household destroying each other; and should Cao Cao take advantage of this position to make a sudden descent, we should be in a parlous condition. Further, you must remember that Liu Bei and Cao Cao are united by the bonds of old friendship; if the pressure becomes too great, Liu Bei may relinquish these cities, offer them to Cao Cao, and join forces with him to attack our country. That would be a real misfortune.”

“I cannot help being angry” said Zhou Yu, “to think that we should have used our resources for their benefit. They get all the advantage.”

“Well, let me go and see Liu Bei and talk reason to him. If I can arrive at no understanding, then attack at once.”

“Excellent proposal!” cried all present.

So Lu Su, with his escort, went away to Nanjun to carry out his proposal and try to arrange matters. He reached the city wall and summoned the gate, whereat Zhao Yun came out to speak with him.

“I have something to say to Liu Bei;” said he, “I wish to see him.”

“My lord and Zhuge Liang are in Jingzhou,” was the reply.

Lu Su turned away and hasted to Jingzhou. He found the walls bedecked with flags and everything in excellent order. In his heart he admired the sight, and thought what an able person was the commander of that army.

The guards reported his arrival, and Zhuge Liang ordered them to throw wide the gate. Lu Su was led to the government house and, after the usual exchange of salutes, Zhuge Liang and his visitor took their respective seats.

Having finished the tea, Lu Su said, “My master, Marquis Sun Quan, and the commander of his army, Zhou Yu, have sent me to lay before the Imperial Uncle their views. When Cao Cao led his huge host southward, he gave out that it was for the conquest of the South Land; really his intention was to destroy Liu Bei. Happily our army was able to repulse that mighty host and so saved him. Wherefore Jingzhou with its nine territories of forty-one counties ought to belong to us. But by a treacherous move, your master has occupied Jingzhou and Xiangyang, so that we have spent our treasure in vain and our armies have fought to no purpose. The Imperial Uncle has reaped the benefits to the full. This is not as it should be.”

Zhuge Liang replied, “Lu Su, you are a man of high intelligence; why do you hold such language? You know the saying that all things turn to their owner. These places have never belonged to the South Land, but were of the patrimony of Liu Biao, and though he is dead, his son remains. Should not the uncle assist the nephew to recover his own? Could my master have refrained ?”

“If the nephew Liu Qi, the rightful heir, had occupied these cities there would have been something to say. But he is at Jiangxia and not here.”

“Would you like to see him?” said Zhuge Liang.

At the same time he ordered the servants to request Liu Qi to come. Thereupon Liu Qi at once appeared, supported by two attendants.

Addressing Lu Su he said, “I am too weak to perform the correct ceremonies; I pray you pardon me, Lu Su.”

Lu Su said not a word; he was too much taken aback. However, he recovered himself presently and said, “But if the heir had not been here, what then?”

“The heir is living but from day to day; should he go, then—there will be something to talk about.”

“Should he die, then you ought to return these cities to us.”

“You state the exact facts,” said Zhuge Liang.

Then a banquet was prepared and, that over, Lu Su took his leave. He hastened back to his own camp and gave Zhou Yu an account of his mission.

“But what is there for us in the chance of Liu Qi's death?” said Zhou Yu. “He is in his very first youth. When will these places fall to us?”

“Rest content, General; let me guarantee the return of these places.”

“But how can you?” asked Zhou Yu.

“Liu Qi has indulged too freely in wine and women; he is a wreck and rotten to the core, miserably emaciated and panting for breath. I will not give him half a year's life. Then I will go to Liu Bei, and he will be unable to deny the request.”

But Zhou Yu was still unmollified. Suddenly came a messenger from Sun Quan, who said, “Our lord is laying siege to Hefei but in several battles has had no victory. He now orders you to withdraw from here and go to Hefei to help him.”

Thereupon Zhou Yu marched back to Chaisang. Having reached home, he began to give attention to the recovery of his health. He sent Cheng Pu with the marine and land forces to Hefei ready for Sun Quan's call. Liu Bei was exceedingly well satisfied with the possession of his new region, and his thoughts turned to more ambitious schemes. Then a certain man came to him to suggest a plan. This man was Yi Ji and, remembering the kindly feeling of other days, Liu Bei received him most graciously.

When Yi Ji was seated, and his host had asked what he proposed, he said, “You wish for a plan to accomplish yet greater deeds; why not seek wise people and ask them?”

“Where are these wise people to be found?” asked Liu Bei.

Yi Ji replied, “In this region there is a certain family named Ma, five brothers, all of whom are known as men of ability. The youngest is called Ma Su. The ablest is Ma Liang, who has white hairs in his eyebrows, and the villagers have a little rhyming couplet that means 'There are five sons in the family Ma, but white eyebrows is the best of them.' You should get this man to draw up a plan for you.”

So Liu Bei told them to request his presence. Ma Liang came and was received with great respect.

He was asked to suggest a plan for the security of the newly acquired region, and he said, “Attacked as it is on all sides, this region is not one in which one is permanently secure. You should let Liu Qi remain here till he is recovered from his present illness; the actual protection of the place being left in the hands of trusty friends. Obtain an edict appointing him Imperial Protector of Jingzhou, and the people will be content. Then conquer Wuling, Changsha, Guiyang, and Lingling; and with the resources you will thus acquire, you will have the means for further plans. That should be your policy.”

“Which of the four territories should be first taken?” asked Liu Bei.

“The nearest, Lingling, which lies in the west of River Xiang. The next is Wuling, and after these the other two.”

Ma Liang was given an appointment as Imperial Protector Assistant, with Yi Ji as his second. Then Liu Bei consulted Zhuge Liang about sending Liu Qi to Xiangyang, so that Guan Yu could be free to return. Next they made preparations to attack Lingling, and Zhang Fei was to lead the van. Zhao Yun was to guard the rear, while Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang were to command the main body. A fifteen thousand troops were left to hold Jingzhou. Mi Zhu and Liu Feng were left to guard Jiangling.

The Governor of Lingling was Liu Du. When danger thus threatened, he called in his son Liu Xian, and they discussed the case.

The son was very self-confident and said to his father, “Have no anxiety. They may have the known and famous warriors, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun, but we have our leader, Xing Darong, who is match for any number of men. He can withstand them.”

So Liu Xian, with the famous leader, was entrusted with the defense. At the head of a full ten thousand troops, they made a camp about ten miles from the city, with the shelter of hills and a river. Their scouts brought news that Zhuge Liang was close at hand with one army. Xing Darong decided to check his advance and went forth to oppose him. When both sides were arrayed, Xing Darong rode to the front.

In his hand he held a battle-ax called Cleaver of Mountains. In a mighty voice he cried, “Rebels, how comes it that you have dared to enter our territory?”

From the center of the opposing army, where appeared a cluster of yellow flags, there came out a small four-wheeled carriage in which sat, very erect, a certain man dressed in white, with a turban on his head. In one hand he held a feather fan, with which he signed to the warrior to approach. At the same time he said, “I am Zhuge Liang of Nanyang, whose plans broke up the countless legions of Cao Cao so that nothing of them returned whence they started. How then can you hope to oppose me? I now offer you peace, and it will be well for you to surrender.”

Xing Darong laughed derisively, saying, “Their defeat was owing to the plan of Zhou Yu; you had nothing to do with it. How dare you try to deceive me?”

So saying he swung up his battle-ax and came running toward Zhuge Liang. But Zhuge Liang turned his carriage and retired within the lines which closed up behind him. Xing Darong came rushing on. As he reached the array, the troops fell away on both sides and let him enter. Well within he looked round for his chief opponent. Seeing a yellow flag moving along quietly, he concluded that Zhuge Liang was with it and so followed it. When the flag had gone over the shoulder of a hill it stopped. Then suddenly as if the earth had opened and swallowed it up, the four-wheeled carriage disappeared, while in its place came a ferocious warrior, with a long octane-serpent halberd in his hand and mounted on a curvetting steed. It was Zhang Fei, who dashed at Xing Darong with a tremendous roar.

Nothing daunted, Xing Darong whirled up his battle-ax and went to meet Zhang Fei. But after four or five bouts, Xing Darong saw that there was no chance of victory for him, so he turned his horse and ran. Zhang Fei pursued, the air shaking with the thunder of his voice.

Then the ambushing troops appeared. Xing Darong, nothing daunted, rushed into their midst. But in front appeared another warrior barring the way, who called out, “Do you know me? I am Zhao Yun of Changshan.”

Xing Darong knew that all was over; he could neither fight nor fly. So he dismounted and gave in. He was fettered and taken to camp, where were Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. Liu Bei ordered him out to execution, but Zhuge Liang hastily checked him.

“We will accept your submission if you capture Liu Xian for us,” said Zhuge Liang.

The captive accepted the offer without the least hesitation, and when Zhuge Liang asked how he intended to do it, he replied, “If you will set me free, I shall be cunning of speech. If you raid the camp this evening, you will find me your helper on the inside. I will make Liu Xian a prisoner and will hand him over to you. He being captured, his father will surrender at once.”

Liu Bei doubted the good faith of the man, but Zhuge Liang said, “Xing Darong is not deceiving.”

Wherefore Xing Darong was set free and went back to camp, where he related all that had occurred.

“What can we do?” asked Liu Xian.

“We can meet trick with trick. Put soldiers in ambush tonight outside our camp while within everything will appear as usual. When Zhuge Liang comes we shall capture him.”

The ambush was prepared. At the second watch an army came out of the darkness and appeared in the gate. Each carried a torch and they began to set fire to all about them. Out dashed Liu Xian and Xing Darong, and the incendiaries forthwith fled. The two warriors pursued them, but the fugitives ran and then suddenly disappeared at about three miles from the camp. Much surprised the two turned to wend their way back to their own camp.

It was still burning for no one had extinguished the flames. Soon from behind them came out Zhang Fei. Liu Xian called out to his companion, saying, “Do not enter the burning camp, but to go to attack Zhuge Liang's stockade.”

Thereupon they turned again, but at a distance of three miles Zhao Yun and an army suddenly debouched upon their road. Zhao Yun attacked and slew Xing Darong by a spear thrust. Liu Xian turned to flee, but Zhang Fei was close upon him and made him prisoner. He was thrown across a horse, bound, and taken to camp. When he saw Zhuge Liang, Liu Xian said, “The ruse was Xing Darong's evil counsel; I was forced to follow.”

Zhuge Liang ordered them to loose his bonds, had him properly dressed, and gave him wine to cheer him and help him forget his troubles. When he was recovered, he was told to go to his father and persuade him to yield.

“And if he does not, the city shall be destroyed and every one put to death,” said Zhuge Liang as Liu Xian left.

The son returned to the city and told his father these things. Liu Du at once decided to yield and forthwith hoisted the flag of surrender, opened the gates, and went out taking his seal of office with him. He was reappointed to his governorship, but his son was sent to Jingzhou for service with the army.

The people of Lingling all rejoiced greatly at the change of rulers. Liu Bei entered the city, calmed and reassured the people and rewarded his army.

But he at once began to think of the next move and asked for an officer to volunteer to take Guiyang. Zhao Yun offered, but Zhang Fei vehemently proposed himself for the command of the expedition. So they wrangled and contended.

Then said Zhuge Liang, “Undoubtedly Zhao Yun was first to volunteer, wherefore he is to go.”

Still Zhang Fei opposed and insisted on going. They were told to decide the dispute by drawing lots, and Zhao Yun drew the winning lot.

Zhang Fei was still very angry and grumbled, “I would not have wanted any helpers: just three thousand soldiers and I would have done it.”

“I also only want three thousand soldiers,” said Zhao Yun. “And if I fail, I am willing to suffer the penalties.”

Zhuge Liang was pleased that Zhao Yun recognized his responsibility so fully, and with the commission gave Zhao Yun three thousand of veterans.

Though the matter was thus settled, Zhang Fei was discontented and pressed his claim till Liu Bei bade him desist and retire.

With his three thousand troops, Zhao Yun took the road to Guiyang. The Governor, Zhao Fan, soon heard of his approach and hastily called his officers to take counsel. Two of them, Chen Ying and Bao Long, offered to meet the invaders and turn them back.

These two warriors belonged to Guiyang and had made themselves famous as hunters. Chen Ying used a “Flying Fork,” and Bao Long could draw a bow with such force that he had been known to send an arrow through two tigers. So strong were they, as well as bold.

They stood before Zhao Fan and said, “We will lead the way against Liu Bei.”

The Governor replied, “I know that Liu Bei is of the imperial family, and Zhuge Liang is exceedingly resourceful. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are very bold. But the commander of this force is Zhao Yun who, on one occasion, faced a hundred legions of Cao Cao and never blenched. Our small force here cannot stand against such people. We shall have to yield.”

“Let me go out to fight,” said Chen Ying. “If I cannot capture Zhao Yun, then you can yield.”

The Governor could not resist him and gave his consent. Then Chen Ying, with three thousand troops, went forth; and soon the two armies came within sight of each other. When Chen Ying's army was drawn up, he girded on his flying fork and rode to the front. Zhao Yun gripped his spear and rode to meet him.

Zhao Yun began to rail at Chen Ying, saying, “My master is the brother of Liu Biao to whom belonged this land. Now he is supporting his nephew, the heir and son of Liu Biao. Having taken Jingzhou, I am come to soothe and comfort the people here. Why then do you oppose me?”

“We are supporters of the Prime Minister Cao Cao and are no followers of your master,” was the reply.

Zhao Yun, waxing angry, firmly grasped his spear and rode forward. His opponent twirled the flying fork and advanced. The horses met, but after four or five encounters Chen Ying, realizing that there was no hope of victory, turned and fled. Zhao Yun followed. Suddenly turning, Chen Ying got close to Zhao Yun and flung the fork. Zhao Yun deftly caught it and threw it back. Chen Ying dodged away, but Zhao Yun soon caught him up, seized, dragged him out of the saddle, and threw him to the ground. Then Zhao Yun called up his soldiers and they bound the prisoner. Chen Ying was taken to the camp, while his troops scattered and fled.

“I thought you would not dare a combat with me,” said Zhao Yun to the prisoner when they had returned to camp. “However, I am not going to put you to death. You are free. But persuade your master to yield.”

Chen Ying asked pardon, put his hands over his head, and fled like a frightened rat. When he reached his city, he told the Governor all these things.

“My original desire was to yield, but you insisted on fighting, and this is what it has brought you to.”

So spoke the Governor. He bade Chen Ying begone and then prepared his letter of submission and put up his seal. With a small party, Zhao Fan went out of the city and wended his way to Zhao Yun's camp. Zhao Yun received him graciously, offered him wine, and then accepted the seal of office.

After the wine had gone round several times, Zhao Fan became talkative, saying, “General, your surname is the same as mine, and five centuries ago we were one family. You are from Changshan, and so am I. Moreover we are from the same village. If you do not mind, we might swear brotherhood. I should be very happy.”

Zhao Yun was pleased and they compared ages. They were of the same year. However, Zhao Yun was the elder by four months, and so Zhao Fan made his bow as younger brother. The two men, having so many things in common, were very pleased with each other and seemed fitted to be close friends.

At eventide the feast broke up, and the late Governor returned to his dwelling. Next day Zhao Fan requested Zhao Yun to enter the city, where, after Zhao Yun had assured the people of their safety, he went to a banquet at the state residence. When they had become mellow with wine, the Governor invited Zhao Yun into the inner quarters, where wine was again served. When Zhao Yun was a little intoxicated, his host bade a woman come forth and offer a cup of wine to the guest.

The woman was dressed entirely in white silk, and her beauty was such as to overthrow cities and ruin states.

“Who is she?” asked Zhao Yun.

“My sister-in-law; she is of the Fan family.”

Zhao Yun at once changed his look and treated her with deference. When she had offered the cup, the host told her to be seated and join the party, but Zhao Yun declined this addition to the evening and the lady withdrew.

“Why did you trouble your sister-in-law to present wine to me, Brother?” asked Zhao Yun.

“There is a reason,” said the host smiling. “I pray you let me tell you. My brother died three years ago and left her a widow. But this cannot be regarded as the end of the story. I have often advised her to marry again, but she said she would only do so if three conditions were satisfied in one man's person. The suitor must be famous for literary grace and warlike exploits, secondly, handsome and highly esteemed and, thirdly, of the same name as our own. Now where in all the world was such a combination likely to be found? Yet here are you, Brother, dignified, handsome, and prepossessing, a man whose name is known all over the wide world and of the desired name. You exactly fulfill my sister's ambitions. If you do not find her too plain, I should like her to marry you and I will provide a dowry. What think you of such an alliance, such a bond of relationship?”

But Zhao Yun rose in anger, shouting, “As I have just sworn brotherhood with you, is not your sister-in-law my sister-in-law? How could you think of bringing such confusion into the relationship?”

Shame suffused Zhao Fan's face, and he said, “I only thought of being kind to you; why are you so very rude to me?”

Zhao Fan looked right and left to his attendants with murder in his eye. Zhao Yun raised his fist and knocked him down.

Then he strode out of the place, mounted, and rode out of the city.

Zhao Fan at once called in his two generals.

Chen Ying said, “He has gone away in a rage, which means that we shall have to fight him.”

“I greatly fear you will lose,” said Zhao Fan.

“We will pretend to be deserters,” said Bao Long, “and so get among his soldiers. When you challenge him, we will suddenly catch him.”

“We shall have to take some others with us,” said Chen Ying.

“Five hundred troops will be ample,” said Bao Long. So in the night the two men and their followers ran over to Zhao Yun's camp to desert.

Zhao Yun understood the trick they would play, but he called them in, and they said, “When Zhao Fan tempted you with that fair lady, he wanted to make you drunk and get you into the private apartments so that he might murder you and send your head to Cao Cao. Yes; he was as wicked as that even. We saw you go away in anger, and we thought that would mean grave trouble for us, and so we have deserted.”

Zhao Yun listened with simulated joy, and he had wine served to the two men, and pressed them to drink so that they were quite overcome. When this was done, he had both bound with cords, called up their followers, and asked them whether this was real or pretended desertion, and they told him the truth.

Then he gave the soldiers wine and said, “Those who wanted to harm me are your leaders and not you. If you do as I tell you, you shall be well rewarded.”

The soldiers threw themselves to the ground and promised obedience. Thereupon the two leaders—Chen Ying and Bao Long—were beheaded. Their five hundred troops were made to lead the way and act as screen for a whole thousand of horsemen, and the party set out at full speed for Guiyang. When they got there, they summoned the gate and said that they had slain Zhao Yun and had got back. And they wished to speak with the Governor.

Those on the wall lighted flares and inspected those at the gate. Surely enough they wore the uniforms of their own people, and Zhao Fan went out to them. He was immediately seized and made prisoner. Then Zhao Yun entered the city, restored order, and sent off swift messengers to Liu Bei who at once, with his adviser, came to Guiyang.

When they had taken their seats, the late Governor was brought in and placed at the foot of the steps. In response to Zhuge Liang's questions, Zhao Fan related the history of the proposed marriage.

Said Zhuge Liang to Zhao Yun, “But this seems a fine project; why did you receive the proposal so roughly?”

Zhao Yun said, “Zhao Fan and I had just sworn brotherhood, and so marriage with his sister-in-law would have called down on my head universal blame. That is one reason. Another is that I should have made his sister fail to keep her dutiful chastity. And thirdly, I did not know whether I might trust such a proposal from one who had just yielded to force. My lord, your position as a recent victor was one of danger, and could I risk the failure of your plans for the sake of a woman?”

Liu Bei said, “But now that the plan has been carried out, and we are victors, would you care to marry her?”

“There are other women in the world. All my fear is for the building of a reputation. What is a family to me?”

“You are indeed right honorable,” said Liu Bei.

Zhao Fan was released and restored to the governorship. Zhao Yun was conspicuously rewarded.

But Zhang Fei was angry and disappointed.

“So Zhao Yun gets all the praise, and I am worth nothing,” cried he. “Just give me three thousand soldiers, and I will take Wuling and bring you the Governor.” This pleased Zhuge Liang, who said, “There is no reason why you should not go, but I will only require one condition of you.”

Wondrous, the plans of the general, so doth he conquer in battle;

Soldiers keenly competing gain renown in the fighting.

The condition that Zhuge Liang made will appear in the next chapter.