第五十六回

第五十六回 曹操大宴铜雀台 孔明三气周公瑾

却说周瑜被诸葛亮预先埋伏关公、黄忠、魏延三枝军马，一击大败。黄盖、韩当急救下船，折却水军无数。遥观玄德、孙夫人车马仆从，都停住于山顶之上。瑜如何不气？箭疮未愈，因怒气冲激，疮口迸裂，昏绝于地。众将救醒，开船逃去。孔明教休追赶，自和玄德归荆州庆喜，赏赐众将。

周瑜自回柴桑，蒋钦等一行人马自归南徐报孙权。权不胜忿怒，欲拜程普为都督，起兵取荆州。周瑜又上书，请兴兵雪恨。张昭谏曰：“不可。曹操日夜思报赤壁之恨，因恐孙、刘同心，故未敢兴兵。今主公若以一时之忿，自相吞并，操必乘虚来攻，国势危矣。”顾雍曰：“许都岂无细作在此？若知孙、刘不睦，操必使人勾结刘备。备惧东吴，必投曹操。若是，则江南何日得安？为今之计，莫若使人赴许都，表刘备为荆州牧。曹操知之，则惧而不敢加兵于东南，且使刘备不恨于主公。然后使心腹用反间之计，令曹、刘相攻，吾乘隙而图之，斯为得耳。”权曰：“元叹之言甚善，但谁可为使？”雍曰：“此间有一人，乃曹操敬慕者，可以为使。”权问何人，雍曰：“华歆在此，何不遣之？”权大喜，即遣歆赍表赴许都。歆领命起程，径到许都来见曹操。闻操会群臣于邺郡，庆赏铜雀台，歆乃赴邺郡候见。

操自赤壁败后，常思报仇，只疑孙、刘并力，因此不敢轻进。时建安十五年春，造铜雀台成，操乃大会文武于邺郡，设宴庆贺。其台正临漳河，中央乃铜雀台，左边一座名玉龙台，右边一座名金凤台，各高十丈，上横二桥相通，千门万户，金碧交辉。是日，曹操头戴嵌宝金冠，身穿绿锦罗袍，玉带珠履，凭高而坐，文武侍立台下。

操欲观武官比试弓箭，乃使近侍将西川红锦战袍一领，挂于垂杨枝上，下设一箭垛，以百步为界。分武官为两队：曹氏宗族俱穿红，其馀将士俱穿绿，各带雕弓长箭，跨鞍勒马，听候指挥。操传令曰：“有能射中箭垛红心者，即以锦袍赐之，如射不中，罚水一杯。”号令方下，红袍队中，一个少年将军骤马而出，众视之，乃曹休也。休飞马往来，奔驰三次，扣上箭，拽满弓，一箭射去，正中红心。金鼓齐鸣，众皆喝采。曹操于台上望见大喜，曰：“此吾家千里驹也！”方欲使人取锦袍与曹休，只见绿袍队中，一骑飞出，叫曰：“丞相锦袍，合让俺外姓先取，宗族中不宜搀越[1]。”操视其人，乃文聘也。众官曰：“且看文仲业射法。”文聘拈弓纵马一箭，亦中红心。众皆喝采，金鼓乱鸣。聘大呼曰：“快取袍来！”只见红袍队中，又一将飞马而出，厉声曰：“文烈先射，汝何得争夺？看我与你两个解箭！”拽满弓，一箭射去，也中红心，众人齐声喝采。视其人，乃曹洪也。洪方欲取袍，只见绿袍队里又一将出，扬弓叫曰：“你三人射法，何足为奇！看我射来！”众视之，乃张郃也。郃飞马翻身，背射一箭，也中红心。四枝箭齐齐的攒在红心里。众人都道：“好射法！”郃曰：“锦袍须该是我的！”言未毕，红袍队中一将飞马而出，大叫曰：“汝翻身背射，何足称异！看我夺射红心！”众视之，乃夏侯渊也。渊骤马至界口，纽回身一箭射去，正在四箭当中，金鼓齐鸣。渊勒马按弓大叫曰：“此箭可夺得锦袍么？”只见绿袍队里，一将应声而出，大叫：“且留下锦袍与我徐晃！”渊曰：“汝更有何射法，可夺我袍？”晃曰：“汝夺射红心，不足为异。看我单取锦袍！”拈弓搭箭，遥望柳条射去，恰好射断柳条，锦袍坠地。徐晃飞取锦袍，披于身上，骤马至台前声喏[2]曰：“谢丞相袍！”曹操与众官无不称羡。晃才勒马要回，猛然台边跃出一个绿袍将军，大呼曰：“你将锦袍那里去？早早留下与我！”众视之，乃许褚也。晃曰：“袍已在此，汝何敢强夺！”褚更不回答，竟飞马来夺袍。两马相近，徐晃便把弓打许褚。褚一手按住弓，把徐晃拖离鞍鞒。晃急弃了弓，翻身下马，褚亦下马，两个揪住厮打。操急使人解开，那领锦袍已是扯得粉碎。操令二人都上台，徐晃睁眉怒目，许褚切齿咬牙，各有相斗之意。操笑曰：“孤特视公等之勇耳。岂惜一锦袍哉？”便教诸将尽都上台，各赐蜀锦一匹，诸将各各称谢。操命各依位次而坐，乐声竞奏，水陆并陈。文官武将轮次把盏，献酬交错。

操顾谓众文官曰：“武将既以骑射为乐，足显威勇矣。公等皆饱学之士，登此高台，可不进佳章以纪一时之胜事乎？”众官皆躬身而言曰：“愿从钧命。”时有王朗、钟繇、王粲、陈琳一班文官，进献诗章。诗中多有称颂曹操功德巍巍、合当受命[3]之意。曹操逐一览毕，笑曰：“诸公佳作，过誉甚矣。孤本愚陋，始举孝廉，后值天下大乱，筑精舍于谯东五十里，欲春夏读书，秋冬射猎，以待天下清平，方出仕耳。不意朝廷征孤为典军校尉，遂更其意，专欲为国家讨贼立功，图死后得题墓道曰：‘汉故征西将军曹侯之墓’，平生愿足矣。念自讨董卓、剿黄巾以来，除袁术、破吕布、灭袁绍、定刘表，遂平天下。身为宰相，人臣之贵已极，又复何望哉？如国家无孤一人，正不知几人称帝，几人称王。或见孤权重，妄相忖度，疑孤有异心，此大谬也。孤常念孔子称文王之至德，此言耿耿在心。但欲孤委捐[4]兵众，归就所封武平侯之国[5]，实不可耳。诚恐一解兵柄，为人所害，孤败则国家倾危，是以不得慕虚名而处实祸也。诸公必无知孤意者。”众皆起拜曰：“虽伊尹、周公，不及丞相矣。”后人有诗曰：

周公恐惧流言日，王莽谦恭下士时。假使当年身便死，一生真伪有谁知！

曹操连饮数杯，不觉沉醉，唤左右捧过笔砚，亦欲作《铜雀台诗》。刚才下笔，忽报：“东吴使华歆表奏刘备为荆州牧，孙权以妹嫁刘备，汉上九郡大半已属备矣。”操闻之，手脚慌乱，投笔于地。程昱曰：“丞相在万军之中，矢石交攻之际，未尝动心。今闻刘备得了荆州，何故如此失惊？”操曰：“刘备，人中之龙也，生平未尝得水。今得荆州，是困龙入大海矣。孤安得不动心哉！”程昱曰：“丞相知华歆来意否？”操曰：“未知。”昱曰：“孙权本忌刘备，欲以兵攻之，但恐丞相乘虚而击，故令华歆为使，表荐刘备。乃安备之心，以塞丞相之望耳。”操点头曰：“是也。”昱曰：“某有一计，使孙、刘自相吞并，丞相乘间图之，一鼓而二敌俱破。”操大喜，遂问其计。程昱曰：“东吴所倚者，周瑜也。丞相今表奏周瑜为南郡太守、程普为江夏太守，留华歆在朝重用之，瑜必自与刘备为仇敌矣。我乘其相并而图之，不亦善乎？”操曰：“仲德之言，正合孤意。”遂召华歆上台，重加赏赐。当日筵散，操即引文武回许昌，表奏周瑜为总领南郡太守、程普为江夏太守，封华歆为大理少卿，留在许都。使命至东吴，周瑜、程普各受职讫。

周瑜既领南郡，愈思报仇，遂上书吴侯，乞令鲁肃去讨还荆州。孙权乃命肃曰：“汝昔保借荆州与刘备，今备迁延不还，等待何时？”肃曰：“文书上明白写着，得了西川便还。”权叱曰：“只说取西川，到今又不动兵，不等老了人！”肃曰：“某愿往言之。”遂乘船投荆州而来。

却说玄德与孔明在荆州广聚粮草，调练军马，远近之士多归之。忽报鲁肃到，玄德问孔明曰：“子敬此来何意？”孔明曰：“昨者孙权表主公为荆州牧，此是惧曹操之计。操封周瑜为南郡太守，此欲令我两家自相吞并，他好于中取事也。今鲁肃此来，又是周瑜既受太守之职，要来索荆州之意。”玄德曰：“何以答之？”孔明曰：“若肃提起荆州之事，主公便放声大哭。哭到悲切之处，亮自出来解劝。”计会已定，接鲁肃入府，礼毕，叙坐。肃曰：“今日皇叔做了东吴女婿，便是鲁肃主人，如何敢坐？”玄德笑曰：“子敬与我旧交，何必太谦？”肃乃就坐。茶罢，肃曰：“今奉吴侯钧命，专为荆州一事而来。皇叔已借住多时，未蒙见还。今既两家结亲，当看亲情面上，早早交付。”玄德闻言，掩面大哭。肃惊曰：“皇叔何故如此？”玄德哭声不绝。孔明从屏后出曰：“亮听之久矣。子敬知吾主人哭的缘故么？”肃曰：“某实不知。”孔明曰：“有何难见？当初我主人借荆州时，许下取得西川便还。仔细想来，益州刘璋是我主人之弟，一般都是[6]汉朝骨肉，若要兴兵去取他城池时，恐被外人唾骂。若要不取，还了荆州，何处安身？若不还时，于尊舅[7]面上又不好看。事实两难，因此泪出痛肠。”孔明说罢，触动玄德衷肠，真个捶胸顿足，放声大哭。鲁肃劝曰：“皇叔且休烦恼，与孔明从长计议。”孔明曰：“有烦子敬，回见吴侯，勿惜一言之劳，将此烦恼情节，恳告吴侯，再容几时。”肃曰：“倘吴侯不从，如之奈何？”孔明曰：“吴侯既以亲妹聘嫁皇叔，安得不从乎？望子敬善言回覆。”

鲁肃是个宽仁长者，见玄德如此哀痛，只得应允。玄德、孔明拜谢。宴毕，送鲁肃下船。径到柴桑，见了周瑜，具言其事。周瑜顿足曰：“子敬又中诸葛亮之计也！当初刘备依刘表时，常有吞并之意，何况西川刘璋乎？似此推调，未免累及老兄矣。吾有一计，使诸葛亮不能出吾算中。子敬便当一行。”肃曰：“愿闻妙策。”瑜曰：“子敬不必去见吴侯，再去荆州对刘备说：孙、刘两家，既结为亲，便是一家。若刘氏不忍去取西川，我东吴起兵去取。取得西川时，以作嫁资，却把荆州交还东吴。”肃曰：“西川迢递，取之非易。都督此计，莫非不可？”瑜笑曰：“子敬真长者也。你道我真个去取西川与他？我只以此为名，实欲去取荆州，且教他不做准备。东吴军马收川，路过荆州，就问他索要钱粮，刘备必然出城劳军。那时乘势杀之，夺取荆州，雪吾之恨，解足下之祸。”鲁肃大喜，便再往荆州来。玄德与孔明商议，孔明曰：“鲁肃必不曾见吴侯，只到柴桑和周瑜商量了甚计策，来诱我耳。但说的话，主公只看我点头，便满口应承。”计会已定。鲁肃入见，礼毕，曰：“吴侯甚是称赞皇叔盛德，遂与诸将商议，起兵替皇叔收川。取了西川，却换荆州，以西川权当嫁资。但军马经过，却望应些钱粮。”孔明听了，忙点头曰：“难得吴侯好心！”玄德拱手称谢曰：“此皆子敬善言之力。”孔明曰：“如雄师到日，即当远接犒劳。”鲁肃暗喜，宴罢辞回。玄德问孔明曰：“此是何意？”孔明大笑曰：“周郎死日近矣！这等计策，小儿也瞒不过！”玄德又问如何，孔明曰：“此乃‘假途灭虢’[8]之计也。虚名收川，实取荆州。等主公出城劳军，乘势拿下，杀入城来，‘攻其无备，出其不意’也。”玄德曰：“如之奈何？”孔明曰：“主公宽心，只顾‘准备窝弓以擒猛虎，安排香饵以钓鳌鱼’。等周瑜到来，他便不死，也九分无气。”便唤赵云听计：“如此如此，其馀我自有摆布。”玄德大喜。后人有诗叹云：

周瑜决策取荆州，诸葛先知第一筹。指望长江香饵稳，不知暗里钓鱼钩。

却说鲁肃回见周瑜，说玄德、孔明欢喜一节，准备出城劳军。周瑜大笑曰：“原来今番也中了吾计！”便教鲁肃禀报吴侯，并遣程普引军接应。周瑜此时箭疮已渐平愈，身躯无事，使甘宁为先锋，自与徐盛、丁奉为第二，凌统、吕蒙为后队，水陆大兵五万，望荆州而来。周瑜在船中，时复欢笑，以为孔明中计。前军至夏口，周瑜问：“荆州有人在前面接否？”人报：“刘皇叔使糜竺来见都督。”瑜唤至，问劳军如何，糜竺曰：“主公皆准备安排下了。”瑜曰：“皇叔何在？”竺曰：“在荆州城门外相等，与都督把盏。”瑜曰：“今为汝家之事，出兵远征。劳军之礼，休得轻易。”糜竺领了言语先回。战船密密排在江上，依次而进。看看至公安，并无一只军船，又无一人远接，周瑜催船速行。离荆州十馀里，只见江面上静荡荡的。哨探的回报：“荆州城上，插两面白旗，并不见一人之影。”瑜心疑，教把船傍岸，亲自上岸乘马，带了甘宁、徐盛、丁奉一班军官，引亲随精军三千人，径望荆州来。既至城下，并不见动静。瑜勒住马，令军士叫门。城上问是谁人，吴军答曰：“是东吴周都督亲自在此。”言未已，忽一声梆子响，城上军一齐都竖起枪刀。敌楼上赵云出曰：“都督此行，端的为何？”瑜曰：“吾替汝主取西川，汝岂犹未知耶？”云曰：“孔明军师已知都督‘假途灭虢’之计，故留赵云在此。吾主公有言：‘孤与刘璋，皆汉室宗亲，安忍背义而取西川？若汝东吴端的取蜀，吾当披发入山，不失信于天下也。’”周瑜闻之，勒马便回。只见一人打着令字旗，于马前报说：“探得四路军马，一齐杀到：关某从江陵杀来，张飞从秭归杀来，黄忠从公安杀来，魏延从孱陵小路杀来。四路正不知多少军马，喊声远近震动百馀里，皆言要捉周瑜。”瑜马上大叫一声，箭疮复裂，坠于马下。正是：一着棋高难对敌，几番算定总成空。未知周郎性命如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 搀越——不依次序、不讲礼让地抢先行事。

[2] 声喏——古代行礼时口中并作颂词，叫做唱喏。声，动词，发声，即“唱”意。

[3] 合当受命——该当做皇帝。“受命”，即受天命，封建统治者为了欺骗人民，把建立自己一姓的封建政权说成是“受天之命”，是“天”要他统治人民的。

[4] 委捐——放弃。

[5] 归就所封武平侯之国——指放弃兵权和丞相的职位，回到侯爵的封国，过虽有荣誉和物质享受、却无权势的退休生活。

[6] 一般都是——同样是。

[7] 尊舅——指孙权。舅，妻舅。

[8] 假途灭虢（ɡuó）——春秋时，晋国向虞国借路去攻打虢国；灭虢之后，回来的路上，乘机把虞国也灭掉了。假途，借路。

CHAPTER 56. Cao Cao Feasts In The Bronze Bird Tower; Zhuge Liang Provokes Zhou Yu A Third Time.

The ambuscade into which Zhou Yu had fallen had been prepared by the orders of Zhuge Liang and was triple. However, Huang Gai and Han Dang contrived to get clear and found refuge in the ships, though with the loss of many troops. When Zhou Yu was in safety and looked about him, he saw Liu Bei and Lady Sun safely resting on a hilltop. How could such a sight fail to put him in a rage? And with the access of rage, his wound, not yet healed, burst open once again. He swooned and fell. They raised him and his ship set sail. Zhuge Liang ordered no pursuit, the southern fleet departed undisturbed, and Liu Bei proceeded to Jingzhou City, where were great rejoicings in honor of his recent marriage.

Meanwhile Zhou Yu had gone to Chaisang while Jiang Qin and those with him bore to Nanxu the sad tidings to Sun Quan. He was angry beyond words and his first thought was to send an army under Cheng Pu to take Jingzhou. Zhou Yu also wrote from his sick bed urging his lord to take vengeance. But Zhang Zhao knew better and said it could not be done.

Said he, “Cao Cao has never forgotten his defeat at the Red Cliffs, but he dares not attempt to avenge himself while the Sun family are friendly with Liu Bei. If in any moment of anger you two fall upon each other, Cao Cao will certainly seize the opportunity and your position will be dangerous.”

Gu Yong supported Zhang Zhao, saying, “Beyond all doubt Cao Cao has his spies here. As soon as he hears of any rift in the friendship between the Sun and Liu families, he will desire to come to an understanding with the latter, and Liu Bei, who fears your power, will accept his offer and take his side. Such an alliance will be a continual menace to the land south of the river. No; the plan for the occasion is to secure the friendship of Liu Bei by memorializing that he be made Imperial Protector of Jingzhou. This will make Cao Cao afraid to send any army against the South Land. At the same time it will raise kindly feelings in the heart of Liu Bei and win his support. You will be able to find some one who will provoke a quarrel between Cao Cao and Liu Bei and set them at each other, and that will be your opportunity. In this way you will succeed.”

“These are good words,” said Sun Quan, “but have I a messenger who can accomplish such a mission?”

“There is such a man, one whom Cao Cao respects and loves.”

“Who is he?”

“What prevents you from employing Hua Xin? He is ready to hand.”

Wherefore Hua Xin was given letters and bidden go to the capital, Xuchang, whither he proceeded at once and sought to see Cao Cao. They told him that Cao Cao and all his friends were at Yejun, celebrating the completion of the Bronze Bird Tower. So thither he went.

Cao Cao had indeed never forgotten his great defeat at the Red Cliffs and nourished schemes to avenge it, but he feared the combination of his two chief enemies, and that fear restrained him. In the spring of the fifteenth year (AD 210) the great Tower was completed, and Cao Cao invited a vast assembly to celebrate its inauguration with banquets and rejoicings. The feast was on the bank of River Zhang. The Bronze Bird Terrace stood in the center, flanked by two others named the Terrace of the Jade Dragon and the Terrace of the Golden Phoenix. Each tower was a hundred spans high and two bridges connected them. Gold and jade vied with each other in the many apartments.

At the opening ceremony, Cao Cao wore a golden headdress inlaid with jewels and a robe of green brocaded silk, girded with a belt of jade. On his feet were pearl-encrusted shoes. So clad he took his seat as host, while his officers, civil and military, were drawn up below the terrace.

For the military officers was arranged an archery competition, and one of his attendants brought forth a robe of red crimson Xichuan silk as a prize. This was suspended from one of the drooping branches of a willow tree, beneath which was the target. The distance was a hundred paces. The competitors were divided into two bands, those of Cao Cao's own family being dressed in red and the others in green. They all had carved bows and long arrows and were mounted. They stood holding in their steeds till the signal should be given for the games to begin. Each was to shoot one arrow and the robe was the guerdon for hitting the target in the red; misses were to pay a forfeit of drinking a cup of cold water.

As soon as the signal was given, a red-robed youth rode quickly forth. He was Cao Xiu. Swiftly he galloped to and fro thrice. Then he adjusted the notch of his arrow to the string, pulled the bow to its full, and the arrow flew straight to the bull's eye.

The clang of the gongs and the roll of the drums announced the feat, which astonished them all. And Cao Cao, as he sat on the terrace, was delighted.

“A very promising colt of my own,” said he to those about him, and he sent a messenger for the red robe that the winner might receive it from his own hands.

But suddenly from the green side rode out one who cried, “It were more fitting to let outsiders compete for the Prime Minister's silken robe; it is not right that members of the family monopolize the contest.”

Cao Cao looked at the speaker, who was Wen Ping. And some of the officers cried, “Let us see what his shooting is like!”

So Wen Ping fitted an arrow to the string and fired also from horseback while galloping. To the surprise of the onlookers, he also made a bull's eye, which was honored by another salute from gongs and drums.

“Quickly bring me the robe,” cried Wen Ping.

But at once from the ranks of the red-robed another competitor dashed forward, shouting fiercely, “How can you win what has been already won? But let me show you how I can shoot an arrow that shall overcome both your shots.”

He drew his bow to the full, and the arrow flew straight to the heart of the red. The surprised onlookers saw that this new competitor was Cao Hong, who now became also a claimant for the robe.

However, yet another archer came forth from the green-robed ranks, playing with his bow and crying, “What is there amazing in your shooting, you three? See how I can shoot.”

This man was Zhang He. He put his horse to the gallop, then turned his back and, shooting backwards, also hit the center of the red. Thus four arrows were now sticking in the bull's eye, and all agreed that it was marvelous archery.

“I think the robe should be mine,” said Zhang He.

Before he could finish speaking, a fifth competitor came out from the red robes and shouted, “You shot backwards; but that is commonplace enough. Look while I shoot better than you all.”

The speaker was Xiahou Yuan. He galloped off to the very limit, and then bending his body over backwards he sent his arrow right in among the other four.

As the gongs and drums broke out, Xiahou Yuan put aside his bow and rode up, saying, “Is not that a better shot than any of its predecessors?”

Then came out another from the greens who cried, “Leave the robe there for me, Xu Huang, to win.”

“What can you do that is better than my shot?” said Xiahou Yuan.

“That you hit the bull's eye is no great feat. You will see me win the silken robe after all.”

So speaking, Xu Huang fitted an arrow to his bow. Then looking around, he aimed at the willow twig from which the robe hung down and shot thereat so true that his arrow cut it through, and the robe fluttered to the ground. At once Xu Huang dashed along, picked up the robe and slipped it on. Then riding swiftly to the terrace, he thanked the Prime Minister. No one present could withhold unstinted praise, and Xu Huang was turning to ride away when another green clad general leaped out, saying, “Where would you go with that robe? Quickly leave it for me!”

All eyes turned to this man who was Xu Chu.

Xu Huang cried, “The robe has already been adjudged to me; would you dare take it by forces”

Xu Chu made no reply but galloped up to snatch the robe. As Xu Chu's horse drew near, Xu Huang struck at his rival a blow with his bow. But Xu Chu seized the bow with one hand while with the other he simply lifted his opponent out of his seat. Wherefore Xu Huang let go the bow and the next moment lay sprawling on the ground. Xu Chu slipped out of the saddle too, and they began to pommel each other with their fists. Cao Cao sent one to separate them; but in the struggle, the robe had been torn and soiled. Cao Cao called the angry rivals before him; and they came, one darting fierce looks of hate, the other grinding his teeth with rage.

“Never mind the robe; I see only your magnificent courage,” said Cao Cao smiling. “What does a robe more or less matter?”

Whereupon Cao Cao called the generals to him one by one, and to each he presented a robe of Xichuan silk. They thanked him for the generous gifts, and he then commanded them to take their seats in due order. Then to the strains of a band of music, wherein each performer vied with all the others, the naval and military officers took their places. Civil officers of repute and generals of renown drank one to another, and hearty felicitations were exchanged.

Cao Cao looked around to those about him, saying, “Since the military officers have competed in mounted archery for our enjoyment and displayed their boldness and their skill, you, Gentlemen Scholars, stuffed full of learning as you are, can surely mount the terrace and present some complimentary odes to make the occasion a perfect success.” “We are most willing to obey your commands,” they replied, all bowing low.

At that time there was a band of four scholars named Wang Lang, Zhong Yao, Wang Can, and Chen Lin, and each of them presented a poem. Every poem sang the praises of Cao Cao's valuable services and great merits and said he was worthy to receive the highest trust of all.

When Cao Cao had read them, he laughed, saying, “You gentlemen are really too flattering. As a fact I am but an ignoramus who began life with a simple bachelor's degree and recommendations for filial devotion. And when the troubles began, I built for myself a little cottage in the country near Qiao, where I could study in spring and summer and spend the rest of the year in hunting till the empire was once more tranquil and I could emerge and take office.

“To my surprise, I was chosen for a small military office which changed my intentions, and I determined to repress the rebellion and so make a name for myself. I thought that I might win an inscription on my tomb to the effect that it covered the remains of the “Lord Cao Cao Who Restores Order in the West.” That would have been ample for a life's work. I recall now how I destroyed Dong Zhuo and smote the Yellow Scarves; then I made away with Yuan Shu and broke the power of Lu Bu; next I exterminated Yuan Shao; and at the death of Liu Biao, I had subdued the whole empire.

“As a minister of state I have attained the topmost pinnacle of honor, and I have no more to hope for. Were it not for poor me, I know not how many there would be styling themselves emperors and dubbing themselves princes. Certain there be who, seeing my great authority, think I have some ulterior aim. But they are quite wrong. I ever bear in mind what Confucius said of King Wen of Zhou, that he was perfectly virtuous, and this saying is ever engraved on my mind1. If I could, I would do away with my armies and retire to my fief with my simple title of Lord of Wuping. Alas! I cannot. I am afraid to lay down my military powers lest I should come to harm. Should I be defeated, the state would totter; and so I may not risk real misfortune for the sake of an empty reputation for kindness. There be some of you who do not know my heart.”

As he closed, they all rose and bowed their heads, saying, “None are your equals, O Prime Minister, not even Duke Zhou or the great Minister Yi Yin2.”

A poem has been written referring to this:

Had Duke Zhou, the virtuous, died, while foul-mouthed slander was spreading vile rumors;

Or Wang Mang, the treacherous, while he was noted for the deference paid to learned men;

None would have known their real characters.

After this oration Cao Cao drank many cups of wine in quick succession till he became very intoxicated. He bade his servants bring him brush and inkstone that he might compose a poem.

But as he was beginning to write, they announced, “The Marquis of Wu has sent Hua Xin as an envoy and presented a memorial to appoint Liu Bei Imperial Protector of Jingzhou. Sun Quan's sister is now Liu Bei's wife, while on the River Han, the greater part of the nine territories is under Liu Bei's rule.”

Cao Cao was seized with quaking fear at the news and threw the pen on the floor.

Cheng Yu said to him, “O Prime Minister, you have been among fighting soldiers by myriads and in danger from stones and arrows many a time and never quailed. Now the news that Liu Bei has got possession of a small tract of country throws you into a panic. Why is it thus?” Cao Cao replied, “Liu Bei is a dragon among humans. All his life hitherto he has never found his element, but now that he has obtained Jingzhou; it is as if the dragon, once captive, had escaped to the mighty deep. There is good reason for me to quake with fear.”

“Do you know the reason of the coming of Hua Xin?” said Cheng Yu.

“No; I know not,” said the Prime Minister.

“Liu Bei is Sun Quan's one terror, and Sun Quan would attack Liu Bei were it not for you, O Prime Minister. Sun Quan feels you would fall upon him while he was smiting his enemy. Wherefore he has taken this means of calming Liu Bei's suspicions and fears and at the same time directing your enmity toward Liu Bei and from himself.”

Cao Cao nodded; “Yes,” he said.

Cheng Yu continued, “Now this is my plan to set Sun Quan and Liu Bei at one another and give you the opportunity to destroy both; it can be done easily.”

“What is your plan?” asked Cao Cao.

“The one prop of the South Land is Zhou Yu; remove it by memorializing that Zhou Yu be appointed Governor of Nanjun. Then get Cheng Pu made Governor of Jiangxia, and cause the Emperor to retain this Hua Xin in the capital to await some important post. Zhou Yu will assuredly attack Liu Bei, and that will be our chance. Is not the scheme good?”

“Friend Cheng Yu, you are a man after my own heart.”

Wherefore Cao Cao summoned the emissary from the South Land and overwhelmed him with gifts. That day was the last of the feastings and merry-makings; and Cao Cao, with all the company, returned to the capital where he forthwith presented a memorial assigning Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu to the governorships of Nanjun and Jiangxia, and Hua Xin was retained at the capital with a post of ministry.

The messenger bearing the commissions for their new offices went down to the South Land, and both Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu accepted the appointments. Having taken over his command, the former thought all the more of the revenge he contemplated and, to bring matters to a head, he wrote to Sun Quan asking him to send Lu Su and renew the demand for the rendition of Jingzhou.

Wherefore Lu Su was summoned, and his master said to him, “You are the guarantor in the loan of Jingzhou to Liu Bei. He still delays to return it, and how long am I to wait?”

“The writing said plainly that the rendition would follow the occupation of Yiazhou.”

Sun Quan shouted back, “Yes it said so. But so far they have not moved a soldier to the attack. I will not wait till old age has come to us all.”

“I will go and inquire?” said Lu Su.

So he went down into a ship and sailed to Jingzhou.

Meanwhile Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang were at Jingzhou gathering in supplies from all sides, drilling their troops, and training their armies. From all quarters people of learning flocked to their side. In the midst of this they heard of Lu Su's coming, and Liu Bei asked Zhuge Liang what he thought.

Zhuge Liang replied, “Just lately Sun Quan concerned himself with getting you appointed Imperial Protector of Jingzhou; that was calculated to inspire Cao Cao with fear. Cao Cao obtained for Zhou Yu the governorship of Nanjun; that was designed to stir up strife between our two houses and set us fighting so that he might accomplish his own ends. This visit of Lu Su means that Zhou Yu, having taken over his new governorship, wishes to force us out of this place.”

“Then how shall we reply?”

“If Lu Su introduces the subject, you will at once set up loud lamentations. When the sound of lamentation is at its height, I will appear and talk over your visitor.”

Thus they planned, and Lu Su was duly received with all honor. When the salutations were over and host and guest were about to be seated, Lu Su said, “Sir, now that you are the husband of a daughter of Wu, you have become my lord, and I dare not sit in your presence.”

Liu Bei laughed. “You are an old friend,” said he. “Why this excessive humility?”

So Lu Su took his seat. And when tea had been served, the guest said, “I have come at the order of my master to discuss the subject of Jingzhou. You, O Imperial Uncle, have had the use of the place for a long time. Now that your two houses are allied by marriage, there should be the most friendly relations between you two, and you should hand it back to my master.”

At this Liu Bei covered his face and began to cry.

“What is the matter?” asked the guest.

Liu Bei only wept the more bitterly.

Then Zhuge Liang came in from behind a screen, saying, “I have been listening. Do you know why my lord weeps so bitterly?”

“Really I know not.”

“But it is easy to see. When my lord got the temporary occupation of Jingzhou, he gave the promise to return it when he had got the Western Land of Rivers. But reflect. Liu Zhang of Yiazhou is my lord's younger brother, and both of them are blood relations of the ruling family. If my lord were to move an army to capture another region, he fears the blame of the ignorant. And if he yields this place before he has another, where could he rest? Yet, while he retains this place it seems to shame you. The thing is hard on both sides, and that is why he weeps so bitterly.”

The close of Zhuge Liang's speech seemed to move Liu Bei to greater grief, for he beat his breast and stamped his feet and wept yet more bitterly.

Lu Su attempted to console him, saying, “Be not so distressed, O Uncle; let us hear what Zhuge Liang can propose.”

Zhuge Liang said, “I would beg you to return to your master and tell him all. Tell him of this great trouble and entreat him to let us stay here a little longer.” “But suppose he refuses; what then?” said Lu Su.

“How can he refuse since he is related by marriage to my master ?” said Zhuge Liang. “I shall expect to hear glad tidings through you.”

Lu Su was really the first of generous people; and seeing Liu Bei in such distress, he could do no other than consent and say he would do so. Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang both thanked him most cordially, and after a banquet the emissary went down into his ship to return.

On the way Lu Su called in to see Zhou Yu at Chaisang and told him. But Zhou Yu stamped his foot with rage and said, “My friend, you have been fooled again. Long ago when Liu Bei was dependent on Liu Biao, he always cherished the intention to supplant him; think you that he really pities Liu Zhang? This sort of evasive policy will certainly cause you much trouble. However, I have a scheme which I think Zhuge Liang will not be able to get the better of. Only you will have to make another journey.”

“I should be pleased to hear your fine scheme,” said Lu Su.

“Do not go to see our master. Return to Jingzhou and say to Liu Bei that since his family and the Suns are related by marriage, they really form but one house, and since he has qualms about attacking the west, we will do it for him. Thus, the South Land will march an army under this pretext, but really go to Jingzhou, and we shall take him unprepared. The road to the west runs through his city, and we will call upon him for supplies. He will come out to thank the army, and we will assassinate him whereby we shall revenge ourselves and at the same time remove a source of future evil.”

This seemed an excellent plan to Lu Su, and he returned at once to Jingzhou. Before receiving him, Liu Bei talked over the matter with his adviser.

Said Zhuge Liang, “Lu Su has not seen the Marquis of Wu, he has called in at Chaisang, and he and Zhou Yu have decided upon some scheme, which he is to talk you into accepting. However, let him talk; you, my lord, only watch me; and when I nod my head, then you agree to whatever he may propose.”

Lu Su was then admitted and said, “The Marquis of Wu praises the noble virtue of the Imperial Uncle; and after consultation with his officers, he has determined to take the western country on the Imperial Uncle's behalf and, that done, Jingzhou can be exchanged for it without further delay. However, when the army marches through, it will be expected of you to contribute some necessary supplies.”

Zhuge Liang here nodded his head rapidly, at the same time saying, “We could hardly have hoped for such kindness.”

And Liu Bei saluted with joined hands and said, “This is due to your friendly efforts on our behalf.”

“When the brave army arrives, we shall certainly come out to meet it and entertain the soldiers,” said Zhuge Liang.

Lu Su felt great satisfaction and was quite happy at his success; he took his leave and went homeward. But Liu Bei as yet did not understand.

“What is their intention?” said he.

His adviser smiled, saying, “Zhou Yu's end is very near. The ruse he is now trying would not take in a child.” “Why?”

“This is the ruse known as 'Borrow a Road to Exterminate the Host.' Under the pretense of taking the west, they intend to capture this place; and when you go out to compliment the army, you will be seized and they will dash into the city which they hope to find unprepared.”

“And what are we to do?”

“Have no anxiety; all we have to do is to prepare a hidden bow to get the fierce tiger; to spread the enticing bait to hook the great leviathan. Wait till Zhou Yu comes; if he is not killed, he will be nine-tenths a corpse. We will call in Zhao Yun for orders and give him secret instructions, and I will dispose the others.”

And Liu Bei was glad.

Let Zhou Yu lay what plans he will,

Zhuge Liang anticipates his skill;

That land of rivers fair bait did look,

But he forgot the hidden hook.

Lu Su hastened back to Zhou Yu to tell him that all was going as he desired and Liu Bei would come out to welcome the army.

Zhou Yu laughed with glee, saying, “At last! Now they will fall into my trap.”

Zhou Yu bade Lu Su prepare a petition for the information of the Marquis, and he ordered Cheng Pu to bring up reinforcements. He himself had nearly recovered from the arrow wound and felt well. He made his dispositions for the advance, appointing Gan Ning Van Leader, Xu Sheng and Ding Feng the Commanders of the body, and Ling Tong and Lu Meng Rear Guards. The army numbered fifty thousand troops, and Zhou Yu marched with the second division. While voyaging in his ship, he was always smiling to think how he was to have Zhuge Liang at last.

At Xiakou he inquired, “Is there any one to welcome the brave army?”

They told him, “The Imperial Uncle has sent Mi Zhu to greet us.”

And Mi Zhu was called.

“What of the preparations for the army?” asked Zhou Yu as soon as Mi Zhu came.

“My master has seen to that; all is prepared,” said Mi Zhu.

“Where is the Imperial Uncle?” asked Zhou Yu.

“He is at the city of Jingzhou, waiting outside the walls to offer you the cup of greeting.”

“This expedition is on your account,” said Zhou Yu. “When one undertakes so long a march and such a task, the rewards for the army must be very substantial.”

Having got this idea of what Zhou Yu expected, Mi Zhu returned to his own city, while the southern battle ships in close order sailed up the river and took their places along the bank. As they went on, the most perfect tranquillity seemed to reign on all sides. Not a ship was visible anywhere, and no one hindered. Zhou Yu pressed forward till he came quite near Jingzhou, and still the wide river lay calm. But the spies who came back reported two white flags flying on the city walls.

Still not a person was seen, and Zhou Yu began to feel suspicious. He had his ship navigated in shore, and he himself landed on the bank, where he mounted a horse and, with a small army of three thousand veterans under Gan Ning, Xu Sheng, and Ding Feng, traveled along the land road.

By and bye he came to the city wall. There was no sign of life. Reining in his steed, he bade them challenge the gate. Then some one from the wall asked, “Who is there?”

The soldiers of the South Land replied, “The Commander-in-Chief of the South Land, Zhou Yu, in person.”

Immediately was heard the thud of a club, and the wall became alive with troops all armed. And from the tower came out Zhao Yun who said, “Why are you here, General?”

“I am going to take the west for you;” replied Zhou Yu, “do you not know?”

“The Directing Instructor knows that you want to try the ruse of 'Borrowing a Road to Destroy the Host.' And so he stationed me here. And my master bade me say that he and the ruler of the Western Land of Rivers are both members of the reigning family so that he could not think of such baseness as attacking Yiazhou. If you people of the South Land do so, he will be forced to go away into the mountains and become a recluse. He could not bear to lose the confidence of humankind.”

At this Zhou Yu turned his horse as if to return. Just then his scouts came up to report: “Armed bands are moving toward us from all four sides, led by Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan. Their number is unknown, but the sound of their tramping shakes the heavens. They say they want to capture the Commander-in-Chief.”

At these tidings Zhou Yu's excitement became so intense that he fell to the ground with a great cry, and the old wound reopened.

The game was now too deep; in vain he sought

A countermove; his efforts came to nought.

Later chapters will show what was Zhou Yu's fate.