第六十回

第六十回 张永年反难杨修 庞士元议取西蜀

却说那进计于刘璋者，乃益州别驾，姓张，名松，字永年。其人生得额头尖，鼻偃齿露，身短不满五尺，言语有若铜钟。刘璋问曰：“别驾有何高见，可解张鲁之危？”松曰：“某闻许都曹操，扫荡中原，吕布、二袁皆为所灭，近又破马超，天下无敌矣。主公可备进献之物，松亲往许都，说曹操兴兵取汉中，以图张鲁。则鲁拒敌不暇，何敢复窥蜀中耶？”刘璋大喜，收拾金珠锦绮，为进献之物，遣张松为使。松乃暗画西川地理图本藏之，带从人数骑，取路赴许都。早有人报入荆州，孔明便使人入许都打探消息。

却说张松到了许都馆驿中住定，每日去相府伺候，求见曹操。原来曹操自破马超回，傲睨得志，每日饮宴，无事少出，国政皆在相府商议。张松候了三日，方得通姓名，左右近侍先要贿赂，却才引入。操坐于堂上，松拜毕，操问曰：“汝主刘璋连年不进贡，何也？”松曰：“为路途艰难，贼寇窃发，不能通进。”操叱曰：“吾扫清中原，有何盗贼？”松曰：“南有孙权，北有张鲁，西有刘备，至少者亦带甲十馀万，岂得为太平耶？”操先见张松人物猥琐，五分不喜，又闻语言冲撞，遂拂袖而起，转入后堂。左右责松曰：“汝为使命，何不知礼，一味冲撞？幸得丞相看汝远来之面，不见罪责。汝可急急回去！”松笑曰：“吾川中无谄佞之人也。”忽然阶下一人大喝曰：“汝川中不会谄佞，吾中原岂有谄佞者乎？”

松观其人，单眉细眼，貌白神清。问其姓名，乃太尉杨彪之子杨修，字德祖，现为丞相门下掌库主簿。此人博学能言，智识过人。松知修是个舌辩之士，有心难之。修亦自恃其才，小觑天下之士。当时见张松言语讥讽，遂邀出外面书院中，分宾主而坐，谓松曰：“蜀道崎岖，远来劳苦。”松曰：“奉主之命，虽赴汤蹈火，弗敢辞也。”修问：“蜀中风土何如？”松曰：“蜀为西郡，古号益州。路有锦江之险，地连剑阁之雄。回还二百八程，纵横三万馀里。鸡鸣犬吠相闻，市井闾阎不断。田肥地茂，岁无水旱之忧；国富民丰，时有管弦之乐。所产之物，阜如山积。天下莫可及也！”修又问曰：“蜀中人物如何？”松曰：“文有相如[1]之赋，武有伏波之才，医有仲景[2]之能，卜有君平[3]之隐。九流三教，‘出乎其类，拔乎其萃’者，不可胜记，岂能尽数！”修又问曰：“方今刘季玉手下，如公者还有几人？”松曰：“文武全才，智勇足备，忠义慷慨之士，动以百数。如松不才之辈，车载斗量，不可胜记。”修曰：“公近居何职？”松曰：“滥充别驾之任，甚不称职。敢问公为朝廷何官？”修曰：“现为丞相府主簿。”松曰：“久闻公世代簪缨[4]，何不立于庙堂，辅佐天子，乃区区作相府门下一吏乎？”杨修闻言，满面羞惭，强颜而答曰：“某虽居下僚，丞相委以军政钱粮之重，早晚多蒙丞相教诲，极有开发，故就此职耳。”松笑曰：“松闻曹丞相文不明孔、孟之道，武不达孙、吴之机，专务强霸而居大位，安能有所教诲，以开发明公耶？”修曰：“公居边隅，安知丞相大才乎？吾试令公观之。”呼左右于箧中取书一卷，以示张松。松观其题曰“孟德新书”，从头至尾，看了一遍，共一十三篇，皆用兵之要法。松看毕，问曰：“公以此为何书耶？”修曰：“此是丞相酌古准今，仿《孙子十三篇》而作。公欺丞相无才，此堪以传后世否？”松大笑曰：“此书吾蜀中三尺小童，亦能暗诵，何为‘新书’？此是战国时无名氏所作，曹丞相盗窃以为己能，止好瞒足下耳！”修曰：“丞相秘藏之书，虽已成帙，未传于世。公言蜀中小儿暗诵如流，何相欺乎？”松曰：“公如不信，吾试诵之。”遂将《孟德新书》，从头至尾，朗诵一遍，并无一字差错。修大惊曰：“公过目不忘，真天下奇才也！”后人有诗赞曰：

古怪形容异，清高体貌疏。语倾三峡水，目视十行书。胆量魁西蜀，文章贯太虚。百家并诸子，一览更无馀。

当下张松欲辞回。修曰：“公且暂居馆舍，容某再禀丞相，令公面君。”松谢而退。

修入见操曰：“适来丞相何慢张松乎？”操曰：“言语不逊，吾故慢之。”修曰：“丞相尚容一祢衡，何不纳张松？”操曰：“祢衡文章，播于当今，吾故不忍杀之。松有何能？”修曰：“且无论其口似悬河，辩才无碍。适修以丞相所撰《孟德新书》示之，彼观一遍，即能暗诵。如此博闻强记，世所罕有。松言此书乃战国时无名氏所作，蜀中小儿，皆能熟记。”操曰：“莫非古人与我暗合否？”令扯碎其书烧之。修曰：“此人可使面君，教见天朝气象。”操曰：“来日我于西教场点军，汝可先引他来，使见我军容之盛，教他回去传说：吾即日下了江南，便来收川。”修领命。

至次日，与张松同至西教场。操点虎卫雄兵五万，布于教场中。果然盔甲鲜明，衣袍灿烂；金鼓震天，戈矛耀日；四方八面，各分队伍；旌旗飏彩，人马腾空。松斜目视之。良久，操唤松指而示曰：“汝川中曾见此英雄人物否？”松曰：“吾蜀中不曾见此兵革，但以仁义治人。”操变色视之，松全无惧意，杨修频以目视松。操谓松曰：“吾视天下鼠辈犹草芥耳。大军到处，战无不胜，攻无不取，顺吾者生，逆吾者死。汝知之乎？”松曰：“丞相驱兵到处，战必胜，攻必取，松亦素知。昔日濮阳攻吕布之时，宛城战张绣之日；赤壁遇周郎，华容逢关羽；割须弃袍于潼关，夺船避箭于渭水：此皆无敌于天下也！”操大怒曰：“竖儒怎敢揭吾短处！”喝令左右推出斩之。杨修谏曰：“松虽可斩，奈从蜀道而来入贡，若斩之，恐失远人之意。”操怒气未息。荀彧亦谏，操方免其死，令乱棒打出。

松归馆舍，连夜出城，收拾回川。松自思曰：“吾本欲献西川州郡与曹操，谁想如此慢人！我来时于刘璋之前，开了大口，今日怏怏空回，须被蜀中人所笑。吾闻荆州刘玄德仁义远播久矣，不如径由那条路回，试看此人如何，我自有主见。”于是乘马引仆从望荆州界上而来。前至郢州界口，忽见一队军马，约有五百馀骑，为首一员大将，轻妆软扮，勒马前问曰：“来者莫非张别驾乎？”松曰：“然也。”那将慌忙下马，声喏曰：“赵云等候多时。”松下马答礼曰：“莫非常山赵子龙乎？”云曰：“然也。某奉主公刘玄德之命，为大夫远涉路途，鞍马驱驰，特命赵云聊奉酒食。”言罢，军士跪奉酒食，云敬进之。松自思曰：“人言刘玄德宽仁爱客，今果如此。”遂与赵云饮了数杯，上马同行。来到荆州界首，是日天晚，前到馆驿，见驿门外百馀人侍立，击鼓相接。一将于马前施礼曰：“奉兄长将令，为大夫远涉风尘，令关某洒扫驿庭，以待歇宿。”松下马，与云长、赵云同入馆舍，讲礼叙坐。须臾，排上酒筵，二人殷勤相劝。饮至更阑，方始罢席，宿了一宵。

次日早膳毕，上马行不到三五里，只见一簇人马到，乃是玄德引着伏龙、凤雏，亲自来接。遥见张松，早先下马等候，松亦慌忙下马相见。玄德曰：“久闻大夫高名，如雷灌耳。恨云山遥远，不得听教。今闻回都，专此相接。倘蒙不弃，到荒州暂歇片时，以叙渴仰之思，实为万幸！”松大喜，遂上马并辔入城。至府堂上各各叙礼，分宾主依次而坐，设宴款待。饮酒间，玄德只说闲话，并不提起西川之事。松以言挑之曰：“今皇叔守荆州，还有几郡？”孔明答曰：“荆州乃暂借东吴的，每每使人取讨。今我主因是东吴女婿，故权且在此安身。”松曰：“东吴据六郡八十一州，民强国富，犹且不知足耶？”庞统曰：“吾主汉朝皇叔，反不能占据州郡，其他皆汉之蟊贼，却都恃强侵占地土。惟智者不平焉。”玄德曰：“二公休言。吾有何德，敢多望乎？”松曰：“不然。明公乃汉室宗亲，仁义充塞乎四海。休道占据州郡，便代正统而居帝位，亦非分外。”玄德拱手谢曰：“公言太过，备何敢当！”

自此一连留张松饮宴三日，并不提起川中之事。松辞去，玄德于十里长亭设宴送行。玄德举酒酌松曰：“甚荷大夫不外，留叙三日，今日相别，不知何时再得听教。”言罢，潸然泪下。张松自思：“玄德如此宽仁爱士，安可舍之？不如说之，令取西川。”乃言曰：“松亦思朝暮趋侍，恨未有便耳。松观荆州，东有孙权，常怀虎踞，北有曹操，每欲鲸吞，亦非可久恋之地也。”玄德曰：“故知如此，但未有安迹之所。”松曰：“益州险塞，沃野千里，民殷国富，智能之士，久慕皇叔之德。若起荆襄之众，长驱西指，霸业可成，汉室可兴矣。”玄德曰：“备安敢当此？刘益州亦帝室宗亲，恩泽布蜀中久矣，他人岂可得而动摇乎？”松曰：“某非卖主求荣，今遇明公，不敢不披沥肝胆。刘季玉虽有益州之地，禀性暗弱，不能任贤用能，加之张鲁在北，时思侵犯，人心离散，思得明主。松此一行，专欲纳款于操，何期逆贼恣逞奸雄，傲贤慢士，故特来见明公。明公先取西川为基，然后北图汉中，收取中原，匡正天朝，名垂青史，功莫大焉。明公果有取西川之意，松愿施犬马之劳，以为内应。未知钧意若何？”玄德曰：“深感君之厚意。奈刘季玉与备同宗，若攻之，恐天下人唾骂。”松曰：“大丈夫处世，当努力建功立业，著鞭在先。今若不取，为他人所取，悔之晚矣。”玄德曰：“备闻蜀道崎岖，千山万水，车不能方轨，马不能联辔，虽欲取之，用何良策？”松于袖中取出一图，递与玄德曰：“松感明公盛德，敢献此图。但看此图，便知蜀中道路矣。”玄德略展视之，上面尽写着地理行程，远近阔狭，山川险要，府库钱粮，一一俱载明白。松曰：“明公可速图之。松有心腹契友二人法正、孟达，此二人必能相助。如二人到荆州时，可以心事共议。”玄德拱手谢曰：“青山不老，绿水长存。他日事成，必当厚报。”松曰：“松遇明主，不得不尽情相告，岂敢望报乎？”说罢作别。孔明命云长等护送数十里方回。

张松回益州，先见友人法正。正字孝直，右扶风郿人也，贤士法真之子。松见正，备说：“曹操轻贤傲士，只可同忧，不可同乐。吾已将益州许刘皇叔矣，专欲与兄共议。”法正曰：“吾料刘璋无能，已有心见刘皇叔久矣。此心相同，又何疑焉？”少顷，孟达至。达字子庆，与法正同乡。达入，见正与松密语，达曰：“吾已知二公之意。将欲献益州耶？”松曰：“是欲如此。兄试猜之，合献与谁？”达曰：“非刘玄德不可。”三人抚掌大笑。法正谓松曰：“兄明日见刘璋，当若何？”松曰：“吾荐二公为使，可往荆州。”二人应允。

次日，张松见刘璋。璋问：“干事若何？”松曰：“操乃汉贼，欲篡天下，不可为言。彼已有取川之心。”璋曰：“似此如之奈何？”松曰：“松有一谋，使张鲁、曹操必不敢轻犯西川。”璋曰：“何计？”松曰：“荆州刘皇叔，与主公同宗，仁慈宽厚，有长者风。赤壁鏖兵之后，操闻之而胆裂，何况张鲁乎？主公何不遣使结好，使为外援，可以拒曹操、张鲁矣。”璋曰：“吾亦有此心久矣。谁可为使？”松曰：“非法正、孟达，不可往也。”璋即召二人入，修书一封，令法正为使，先通情好。次遣孟达领精兵五千，迎玄德入川为援。正商议间，一人自外突入，汗流满面，大叫曰：“主公若听张松之言，则四十一州郡，已属他人矣！”松大惊，视其人，乃西阆中巴人，姓黄，名权，字公衡，现为刘璋府下主簿。璋问曰：“玄德与我同宗，吾故结之为援，汝何出此言？”权曰：“某素知刘备宽以待人，柔能克刚，英雄莫敌。远得人心，近得民望，兼有诸葛亮、庞统之智谋，关、张、赵云、黄忠、魏延为羽翼。若召到蜀中，以部曲待之，刘备安肯伏低做小？若以客礼待之，又一国不容二主。今听臣言，则西蜀有泰山之安，不听臣言，则主公有累卵之危矣。张松昨从荆州过，必与刘备同谋。可先斩张松，后绝刘备，则西川万幸也。”璋曰：“曹操、张鲁到来，何以拒之？”权曰：“不如闭境绝塞，深沟高垒，以待时清。”璋曰：“贼兵犯界，有烧眉之急，若待时清，则是慢计也。”遂不从其言，遣法正行。又一人阻曰：“不可！不可！”璋视之，乃帐前从事官王累也。累顿首言曰：“主公今听张松之说，自取其祸。”璋曰：“不然。吾结好刘玄德，实欲拒张鲁也。”累曰：“张鲁犯界，乃癣疥之疾；刘备入川，乃心腹之大患。况刘备世之枭雄，先事曹操，便思谋害；后从孙权，便夺荆州。心术如此，安可同处乎？今若召来，西川休矣！”璋叱曰：“再休乱道！玄德是我同宗，他安肯夺我基业？”便教扶二人出。遂命法正便行。

法正离益州，径取荆州，来见玄德。参拜已毕，呈上书信。玄德拆封视之，书曰：

族弟刘璋，再拜致书于玄德宗兄将军麾下：久伏电天，蜀道崎岖，未及赍贡，甚切惶愧。璋闻“吉凶相救，患难相扶”，朋友尚然，况宗族乎？今张鲁在北，旦夕兴兵，侵犯璋界，甚不自安。专人谨奉尺书，上乞钧听。倘念同宗之情，全手足之义，即日兴师剿灭狂寇，永为唇齿，自有重酬。书不尽言，耑候车骑。

玄德看毕大喜，设宴相待法正。酒过数巡，玄德屏退左右，密谓正曰：“久仰孝直英名，张别驾多谈盛德。今获听教，甚慰平生。”法正谢曰：“蜀中小吏，何足道哉！盖闻马逢伯乐而嘶，人遇知己而死。张别驾昔日之言，将军复有意乎？”玄德曰：“备一身寄客，未尝不伤感而叹息。尝思鹪鹩尚存一枝，狡兔犹藏三窟[5]，何况人乎？蜀中丰馀之地，非不欲取，奈刘季玉系备同宗，不忍相图。”法正曰：“益州天府之国，非治乱之主，不可居也。今刘季玉不能用贤，此业不久必属他人。今日自付与将军，不可错失。岂不闻‘逐兔先得’[6]之语乎？将军欲取，某当效死。”玄德拱手谢曰：“尚容商议。”

当日席散，孔明亲送法正归馆舍。玄德独坐沉吟，庞统进曰：“事当决而不决者，愚人也。主公高明，何多疑耶？”玄德问曰：“以公之意，当复何如？”统曰：“荆州东有孙权，北有曹操，难以得志。益州户口百万，土广财富，可资大业。今幸张松、法正为内助，此天赐也，何必疑哉？”玄德曰：“今与吾水火相敌者，曹操也。操以急，吾以宽；操以暴，吾以仁；操以谲，吾以忠：每与操相反，事乃可成。若以小利而失信义于天下，吾不忍也。”庞统笑曰：“主公之言，虽合天理，奈离乱之时，用兵争强，固非一道。若拘执常理，寸步不可行矣，宜从权变。且‘兼弱攻昧’、‘逆取顺守’[7]，汤、武之道[8]也。若事定之后，报之以义，封为大国，何负于信？今日不取，终被他人取耳。主公幸熟思焉。”玄德乃恍然曰：“金石之言，当铭肺腑。”于是遂请孔明，同议起兵西行。孔明曰：“荆州重地，必须分兵守之。”玄德曰：“吾与庞士元、黄忠、魏延前往西川，军师可与关云长、张翼德、赵子龙守荆州。”孔明应允。于是孔明总守荆州；关公拒襄阳要路，当青泥隘口；张飞领四郡巡江；赵云屯江陵，镇公安。玄德令黄忠为前部，魏延为后军，玄德自与刘封、关平在中军，庞统为军师，马步兵五万，起程西行。临行时，忽廖化引一军来降，玄德便教廖化辅佐云长以拒曹操。

是年冬月，引兵望西川进发。行不数程，孟达接着，拜见玄德，说刘益州令某领兵五千远来迎接。玄德使人入益州，先报刘璋。璋便发书告报沿途州郡，供给钱粮。璋欲自出涪城亲接玄德，即下令准备车乘帐幔，旌旗铠甲，务要鲜明。主簿黄权入谏曰：“主公此去，必被刘备之害，某食禄多年，不忍主公中他人奸计。望三思之！”张松曰：“黄权此言，疏间宗族之义，滋长寇盗之威，实无益于主公。”璋乃叱权曰：“吾意已决，汝何逆吾！”权叩首流血，近前口衔璋衣而谏。璋大怒，扯衣而起。权不放，顿落门牙两个。璋喝左右推出黄权，权大哭而归。

璋欲行，一人叫曰：“主公不纳黄公衡忠言，乃欲自就死地耶！”伏于阶前而谏。璋视之，乃建宁俞元人也，姓李，名恢，叩首谏曰：“窃闻‘君有诤臣，父有诤子’。黄公衡忠义之言，必当听从。若容刘备入川，是犹迎虎于门也。”璋曰：“玄德是吾宗兄，安肯害吾？再言者必斩！”叱左右推出李恢。张松曰：“今蜀中文官各顾妻子，不复为主公效力，诸将恃功骄傲，各有外意。不得刘皇叔，则敌攻于外，民攻于内，必败之道也。”璋曰：“公所谋，深于吾有益。”次日，上马出榆桥门。人报：“从事王累，自用绳索倒吊于城门之上，一手执谏章，一手仗剑，口称如谏不从，自割断其绳索，撞死于此地。”刘璋教取所执谏章观之，其略曰：

益州从事臣王累，泣血恳告：窃闻“良药苦口利于病，忠言逆耳利于行”。昔楚怀王不听屈原之言，会盟于武关，为秦所困。今主公轻离大郡，欲迎刘备于涪城，恐有去路而无回路矣。倘能斩张松于市，绝刘备之约，则蜀中老幼幸甚，主公之基业亦幸甚！

刘璋观毕，大怒曰：“吾与仁人相会，如亲芝兰，汝何数侮于吾耶！”王累大叫一声，自割断其索，撞死于地。后人有诗叹曰：

倒挂城门捧谏章，拚将一死报刘璋。黄权折齿终降备，矢节何如王累刚！

刘璋将三万人马往涪城来，后军装载资粮钱帛一千馀辆，来接玄德。

却说玄德前军已到垫江。所到之处一者是西川供给，二者是玄德号令严明，如有妄取百姓一物者斩，于是所到之处，秋毫无犯。百姓扶老携幼，满路瞻观，焚香礼拜，玄德皆用好言抚慰。

却说法正密谓庞统曰：“近张松有密书到此，言于涪城相会刘璋，便可图之。机会切不可失。”统曰：“此意且勿言。待二刘相见，乘便图之。若预走泄，于中有变。”法正乃秘而不言。涪城离成都三百六十里，璋已到，使人迎接玄德。两军皆屯于涪江之上。玄德入城，与刘璋相见，各叙兄弟之情。礼毕，挥泪诉告衷情。饮宴毕，各回寨中安歇。

璋谓众官曰：“可笑黄权、王累等辈，不知宗兄之心，妄相猜疑。吾今日见之，真仁义之人也。吾得他为外援，又何虑曹操、张鲁耶？非张松则失之矣。”乃脱所穿绿袍，并黄金五百两，令人往成都赐与张松。时部下将佐刘、泠苞、张任、邓贤等一班文武官曰：“主公且休欢喜。刘备柔中有刚，其心未可测，还宜防之。”璋笑曰：“汝等皆多虑。吾兄岂有二心哉！”众皆嗟叹而退。

却说玄德归到寨中，庞统入见曰：“主公今日席上见刘季玉动静乎？”玄德曰：“季玉真诚实人也。”统曰：“季玉虽善，其臣刘、张任等皆有不平之色，其间吉凶未可保也。以统之计，莫若来日设宴，请季玉赴席，于壁衣中埋伏刀斧手一百人，主公掷杯为号，就筵上杀之。一拥入成都，刀不出鞘，弓不上弦，可坐而定也。”玄德曰：“季玉是吾同宗，诚心待吾，更兼吾初到蜀中，恩信未立，若行此事，上天不容，下民亦怨。公此谋，虽霸者亦不为也。”统曰：“此非统之谋，是法孝直得张松密书，言事不宜迟，只在早晚当图之。”言未已，法正入见，曰：“某等非为自己，乃顺天命也。”玄德曰：“刘季玉与吾同宗，不忍取之。”正曰：“明公差矣。若不如此，张鲁与蜀有杀母之仇，必来攻取。明公远涉山川，驱驰士马，既到此地，进则有功，退则无益。若执狐疑之心，迁延日久，大为失计。且恐机谋一泄，反为他人所算。不若乘此天与人归[9]之时，出其不意，早立基业，实为上策。”庞统亦再三相劝。正是：人主几番存厚道，才臣一意进权谋。未知玄德心下如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 相如——司马相如，西汉时的文学家。

[2] 仲景——张机，字仲景，东汉时有名的医学家。

[3] 君平——严遵，字君平，西汉时著名的卜者。

[4] 簪缨——簪，簪子，结发戴冠用的；缨，冠系，系帽子用的：官僚贵族身分的标志。

[5] “鹪鹩一枝”、“狡兔三窟”——都是成语。鹪鹩，小鸟，一棵小树枝即可栖身。古人说兔子为了安全，要打三个洞穴。二语本义不同，此处则借喻凡是生物，都有安身之地。

[6] “逐兔先得”——古代俗语：“万人逐兔，一人获之，贪者悉止，分定故也。”意思是：谁先抓到手，就算是谁该当占有，别人不能再争。

[7] “兼弱攻昧”、“逆取顺守”——前语见《尚书》，意思是：对力量弱的就加以吞并，对政治昏乱的就出兵攻打。后语见《汉书》，意思是：用武力征讨来夺取天下，胜利后则用封建政治的欺骗手法来保持政权。这都是封建统治者的斗争策略。

[8] 汤、武之道——指商汤灭夏桀、周武王灭商纣的事情。相传：桀、纣残暴，所以汤、武用武力把他们灭掉。

[9] 天与人归——“天意”赞许，人心归附。

CHAPTER 60. Zhang Song Turns The Tables On Yang Xiu; Pang Tong Proposes The Occupation Of Shu.

The man who proposed the plan spoken of in the last chapter was Zhang Song, who belonged to Yiazhou and held the small office of Supernumerary Charioteer. His appearance was grotesque. He had a broad forehead, protuberant at the temples like a countryman's hoe, and a pointed head. His nose was flat and his teeth protruded. He was a dwarf in stature but had a deep voice like a great bell.

“What proposal have you to offer that may avert this danger?” asked the Imperial Protector.

“My proposal is that we gain the support of Cao Cao. As we know, he has made a clean sweep of the empire. Lu Bu went first, and both the Yuans followed, all exterminated. Lately he has destroyed Ma Chao. In short he is the one man against whom no one can stand. Therefore, my lord, prepare me worthy gifts to take to the capital, and I will get Cao Cao to march an army against Hanzhong, which will keep this Zhang Lu occupied so that we shall be left alone.”

This met Liu Zhang's views, and so he prepared gold and pearls and rich stuffs, worthy presents for the man of power. And when these were ready, he appointed Zhang Song his emissary. Zhang Song in the meantime occupied his leisure in secretly copying maps and plans of the west country. When all was ready, he started with a small escort.

They heard this in Jingzhou, and Zhuge Liang sent a trusty person to the capital to keep him informed as to all the doings.

Zhang Song arrived in Xuchang, and, after he had established himself in his lodging, he made daily visits to the Prime Minister's palace to try to obtain an interview. But the last success had filled Cao Cao with insufferable pride, and he did nothing but give banquets. He never appeared except for the most important affairs, and even carried on the business of the state in his own residence. So Zhang Song waited many days. But when he got to know the persons who were nearest the Prime Minister, he bribed them and obtained an audience.

Cao Cao was seated in the high place, and after his visitor had finished his salutations, he said, “Your master Liu Zhang has sent no tribute for several years; why?”

“Because the roads are dangerous and thieves and robbers infest them. Intercourse is restricted.”

Cao Cao interrupted in a loud harsh voice, saying, “What thieves and robbers are there when I have cleansed the empire?”

“How can you say the land is tranquil when one sees Sun Quan in the south, Zhang Lu and Liu Bei in the west, and every one of these with armies reckoned in legions? The weakest of them has one hundred thousand troops.”

The mean appearance of the emissary had prejudiced Cao Cao from the outset; and when Cao Cao heard these blunt words, he suddenly shook out his sleeves, rose and left the hall.

Those in attendance were annoyed with Zhang Song and said, “How can you behave so rudely when you come on a mission? Your whole attitude was blunt and discourteous. Happily for you, our lord remembered you had come from afar and did not take open notice of your fault. The best thing for you is to go home again as quickly as you can.”

But Zhang Song smiled.

“We have no plausible flatterers and glib talkers in our western country,” said he.

At this, one from below the steps called out, “So you call us plausible and glib then; and you have none such in your country, eh?”

Zhang Song looked around and saw the speaker was a man with thin delicate eyebrows crossing narrow eyes set in a pale spiritual face. He asked his name. It was Yang Xiu, son of the former Regent Marshal Yang Biao. The young man was then employed as Chief of the Secretariat of the Prime Minister. He was deeply read and had the reputation of being a clever controversialist, as Zhang Song knew. So on one side was a desire to confound and on the other overweening pride in his own ability, with contempt for other scholars. Perceiving the ridicule in Zhang Song's speech, Yang Xiu invited him to go to the library where they could talk more freely. There, after they had got settled in their respective places, Yang Xiu began to talk about the west.

“Your roads are precipitous and wearisome,” said Yang Xiu.

“But at our lord's command we travel, even through fire and water; we never decline,” replied Zhang Song.

“What sort of a country is this Yiazhou?”

“Yiazhou is a name for the group of western counties and territories known of old as the state of Shu. The roads are intersected by streams, and the land bristles with steep mountains. The circuit is over two hundred stations and marches and the area over one hundred thousand square miles. The population is dense, villages being so close that the crowings of cocks in one waken the people in the next, and the dogs barking in this excite the curs in that. The soil is rich and well cultivated, and droughts or famines are equally unknown. Prosperity is general and the music of pipes and strings can always be heard. The produce of the fields is piled mountain high. There is no place its equal.”

“But what of the people?”

“Our administrators are talented as Sima Xiangru; our soldiers able as Ma Yuan; our physicians are expert as Zhang Ji; our diviners are profound as Yan Zun. Our schools of philosophy and our culture stand forth as models, and we have more remarkable people than I can enumerate. How should I ever finish the tale of them?”

“And how many such as you, Sir, do you think there are at the orders of your Imperial Protector?”

“Our officers are all geniuses: wise, bold, loyal, righteous, and magnanimous. As for poor simpletons like me, they are counted by hundreds; there are cartloads of them, bushels of them. No one could count them.”

“What office may you hold then?” Zhang Song replied, “Mine can hardly be called an office. I am a Supernumerary Charioteer. But, Sir, what state affairs may you control?”

“I am the First Secretary in the Palace of the Prime Minister,” replied Yang Xiu.

“They say that members of your family held office for many generations, and I do not understand why you are not in court service actually assisting the Emperor, instead of filling the post of a mere clerk in the private palace of the Prime Minister.”

Yang Xiu's face suffused with shame at this rebuke, but he mastered himself and replied, “Though I am among the minor officials, yet my duties are of great importance, and I am gaining experience under the Prime Minister's guidance. I hold the office for the sake of the training.”

Zhang Song smiled, saying, “If what I have heard is true, Cao Cao's learning throws no gleaming light on the way of Confucius or Mencius, nor does his military skill illumine the art of Sun Zi or Wu Qi. He seems to understand the doctrine of brute force and holding on to what advantages he can seize, but I see not how he can give you any valuable training or enlighten your understanding.”

“Ah, Sir; that comes of dwelling in out-of-the-way parts. How could you know of the magnificent talents of the great Prime Minister? But I will show you something.”

Yang Xiu called up an attendant and bade him bring a book from a certain case. He showed this to his guest, who read the title “The New Book of Cao Cao”. Then Zhang Song opened it and read it through from the beginning, the whole thirteen chapters. They all dealt with the art of war.

“What do you take this to be?” asked Zhang Song, when he had finished.

“This is the great Prime Minister's discussion of the art of ancient and modern war composed on the model of Sun Zi's Treatise on the Art of War. You may be disdainful of the Prime Minister's talents, but will this not go down to posterity?”

“This book! Every child in Yiazhou knows this by heart. What do you mean by calling it a new book? It was written by some obscure person of the time of the Warring States, and Cao Cao has plagiarized it. But he has deceived no one but you, Sir.”

“But what is the use of your sarcastic insult in saying that your school children know the book by rote? It has never been given to the world, although copies have been made. It belongs to his private library.”

“Do you disbelieve me? Why, I know it and could repeat it.”

Then Zhang Song repeated the whole book, word for word, from beginning to end.

Yang Xiu said, “You remember it like this after only one reading! Really you are marvelous.”

He boasted not a handsome face,

Nor was his body blessed with grace.

His words streamed like a waterfall,

He read a book and knew it all.

Shu's glories could he well rehearse,

His lore embraced the universe.

Or text or note of scholiast

Once read, his memory held fast. At leave-taking Yang Xiu said, “Remain a while in your lodgings till I can petition our Prime Minister to give you another interview.”

Zhang Song thanked him and left. By and bye Yang Xiu went to see Cao Cao on the matter of receiving the emissary from the west and said, “Sir, why did you formerly treat Zhang Song so off-hand?”

“He spoke very rudely; that is why.”

“But you bore with Mi Heng; why not with this man?”

“Mi Heng's reputation for scholarship stood highest of all, and I could not bear to put him to death. But what ability has this Zhang Song?”

“To say nothing about his speech being like the River of Heaven, nothing daunts his talent for dialectic. I happened to show him your new treatise; he read it over once and could repeat it. From this, it is evident he is cultured and has a prodigious memory. There are few like him in the world. But he said the book was the work of an obscure person of a few hundred years back, and every school child in his country knew it.”

“It only shows that the ancients and I are in secret sympathy,” replied Cao Cao.

However, Cao Cao ordered the book to be torn up and burned.

“Then may I bring him to see you, Sir, that he may see the glory of our court.”

Cao Cao grudgingly consented, saying “I am reviewing troops tomorrow on the western parade ground. You may bring him there and let him see what my army looks like. He will be able to talk about it when he goes home. When I have dealt with the south, I shall take the west in hand.”

Hence the very next day Yang Xiu took Zhang Song over to the west parade ground, where a review of the Tiger Guard was to be held. There were fifty thousand of them, and when drawn up in order, they made a very brave show with their gleaming helmets and bright new uniforms. Their drums rolled to shake the heavens, and their weapons glittered in the sun. Their discipline and order were perfect; their gay banners fluttered in the breeze. They looked ready to fly even, so alert and smart were they.

Zhang Song glanced at them contemptuously. After a long time Cao Cao called up Zhang Song and, pointing to his army, said, “Have you ever seen such fine bold fellows in Yiazhou?”

“We never see this military parade in Yiazhou; we govern the people by righteousness.”

Cao Cao changed color and looked hard at the bold speaker, who gazed back at him without the least sign of fear.

Yang Xiu shot a quick glance at Zhang Song, but Cao Cao went on, saying, “I regard the rat-class of the world as of no more importance than so many weeds, and for my army to reach a place is to overcome it, to give battle is to conquer, to besiege is to take. Those who are with me, live; but those who oppose me, die. Do you understand?”

“O Prime Minister, I know well that when you march out your army, you always conquer. I knew it when you attacked Lu Bu at Puyang; and when you fought Zhang Xiu at Wancheng; and when you met Zhou Yu at the Red Cliffs; and when in Huarong Valley encountered Guan Yu; and on that day when you cut off your beard and threw away your robe at Tong Pass; and when you hid in a boat to escape the arrows on the River Wei. On all these occasions, no one could stand against you.”

It made Cao Cao very angry to be thus twitted with his misfortunes and he said, “You stuck-up pedant! How dare you thus bring up all my failures?”

Cao Cao called to his attendants to eject the bold disputant and put him to death.

Yang Xiu ventured to argue with him, saying, “You may behead him, but he came from the west bearing tribute, and his death would have a very evil effect on all distant peoples.”

But Cao Cao was too angry to be reasonable and persisted. However, Xun Yu also remonstrated, and Zhang Song was not put to death. But he was beaten and ejected. He returned to his lodging and left the city that night, reflecting upon what he had intended and what he had accomplished.

Thought he, “I did not expect such arrogance when I came with the intention of giving him a region. When I get back, Liu Zhang will expect great things. Now I am returning empty handed and a failure to endure the laughter of my fellow country people. I will not go back. I have heard of the virtues of Liu Bei, and I will go to him and see what manner of man he is. Then I can decide what to do.”

So with his little escort and following he made for Jingzhou. He had reached the boundaries of Wuchang when he met a body of horsemen, at the head of whom rode a general in simple undress, who pulled up, saying, “Surely you are the Charioteer Zhang Song.”

“I am he,” said Zhang Song.

The general quickly dismounted and humbly said, “I have expected you these many days. I am Zhao Yun.”

Zhang Song dismounted and returned the salutation, saying, “Then you are no other than the Fine Man of Changshan.”

“No other,” was the reply. “And my lord Liu Bei bade me await you here and offer you refreshment after your long and toilsome journey.”

At this some soldiers brought forward wine and food which they offered kneeling.

Zhang Song said, “I am come because the world says Liu Bei is liberal and kindly disposed.”

After a few cups of wine, the two retook the road toward Jingzhou City, which they neared next day at evening. They went to the guest-house. Here they found a large number of people who received the visitor with the beating of drums and every sign of respect.

And the officer in command, bowing low, said, “My brother sent me to meet you after your long and dusty journey and prepare the guest-house for your reception. My name is Guan Yu.”

So Zhang Song and Zhao Yun dismounted and entered the guest-house, where hosts and guest exchanged formal salutations and took their seats. In a short time refreshments were served, and both men were most diligent in their attention to the traveler. This roadside banquet was prolonged to the time of setting the watch, when they prepared for rest.

Next morning, after the early meal, they mounted and continued their journey. Very soon they met Liu Bei himself, with an escort, and his two chief advisers, deferentially standing by the roadside. As soon as he recognized them, Zhang Song dismounted and walked toward them. Liu Bei received him with extreme respect.

“Your exalted name has been long known to me;” said Liu Bei, “it has reverberated through my ears. My one regret is that cloudy hills and long distances have hitherto prevented me from enjoying the advantage of your instruction. Hearing that you were passing through, I have come to meet you; and if you would be willing to notice me and condescend to rest for a time in my city, thus allowing me to satisfy my long disappointed desire to see you, I should indeed hold myself fortunate.”

Naturally the traveler's vanity was tickled, and he joyfully remounted. They rode bridle to bridle into the city. When they reached the residence, again they exchanged profound salutations and compliments before they took their various places as host and guest. And then a banquet was served. But all throughout Liu Bei refrained from saying a word about the west; he only chatted on general and common things.

The visitor noted this steady avoidance and resolved to probe his host's thoughts.

“How many counties are there in Jingzhou, where you are now, O Imperial Uncle?”

Zhuge Liang replied, “Jingzhou is only ours temporarily; we have borrowed it from the South Land. They are always sending messengers to demand its return. However, now that our lord has married their daughter, his position is more secure. But it is still temporary.”

“The South Land is large,” said Zhang Song, “yet their six territories and their eighty-one counties do not satisfy them. The people are strong and the land is fruitful.”

Said Pang Tong, “Our lord, being of the dynastic family, has never occupied a territory of the empire. Those others, thievish as they are, may indeed seize upon as much territory as they are strong enough to hold, but such deeds are not according to the wise person's heart.”

“Noble Sirs, pray say no more; what virtue have I that I should expect anything from the future?” said Liu Bei.

“Not so, indeed,” said Zhang Song. “Illustrious Sir, you are of the lineage of Han; your noble character is widely known. No one could say that your fate excludes all thoughts of occupying territory, where you might begin to set up authority and take an emperor's position.”

Liu Bei deprecated such a suggestion, “Sir, you go too far; this really is too much.”

The next three days were spent in banquets and wine parties, but all the time no mention was made of the Western Land of Rivers. And when, at the end of that time, Zhang Song took leave, his host was at the three-mile “parting road” to bid him farewell and offer refreshment.

When the moment came for the parting, Liu Bei raised his wine-cup and said, “I am sincerely grateful that you deigned to come here. You have prolonged your visit to three days, but now the moment of parting has come. Who knows when I may have the privilege of receiving your instructions again?”

As Liu Bei said this, the tears flowed, but he hid them while Zhang Song, willing to believe that this emotion was on his account, thought how wonderfully kind and noble his host must be to be thus affected. Quite overcome, Zhang Song decided to speak about the west.

So he said, “I have thought that I, too, would come to you one day, but so far I have found no way. In Jingzhou I see Sun Quan on the east, always ready to pounce; I see Cao Cao on the north, greedy to swallow. So this is not a wholly desirable place for you to remain in.”

“I know this but too well,” said Liu Bei, “but I have no secure place to go to.”

“Yiazhou is well protected, has much fertile soil, is populous and well governed. Its scholars are attracted by your virtue. If you marched your armies westward, you could easily become a real power there and restore the glory of the Hans.”

“But how dare I attempt this? The ruler is also of the Imperial House. The whole region is devoted to him for his good deeds, and no other person could attain such a hold.”

“I am no traitor,” said Zhang Song, “but in your presence I feel constrained to be perfectly open and plain. Liu Zhang, the Imperial Protector of Yiazhou, is naturally weak and can neither use the wise nor employ the capable. Then again Zhang Lu threatens the north. People are distracted and would gladly welcome an appreciative ruler. The journey I have just made was to propose to support Cao Cao and place the region under him, but I found him rebellious and set on evil, proud and arrogant. So I have turned aside to you. If you will take Yiazhou, you will have a base from which to deal with Hanzhong when you will, and the whole country beside. You will continue the rightful line, and your name will live in history. Would not that be real fame? If then you think of taking our country, I am willing to do what little I can as an ally within. But do you contemplate such a step?”

“I am deeply grateful that you think so well of me. But the Imperial Protector being a member of the family, I should lay myself open to general execration, were I to attack him.”

“When a hero finds himself in the world, his duty is to work out his destiny, to exert himself and perform his task as best as he can, to press forward among the foremost. At the moment the position is that, if you fail to seize this opportunity, some other will take possession of Yiazhou, and you will regret when too late.”

“And I have heard much of the difficult nature of the country, its many high mountains and numerous streams, and its narrow roads. How could such a country be invaded?”

Then Zhang Song drew the map from his sleeve, saying, “I am so deeply affected by your virtue that I offer you this map of the country, whereby its roads and rivers may be known.”

Liu Bei unrolled the map; it was covered with notes, on the lie of the land, lengths and widths, and such matters. Strategic points on rivers and hills were shown, and store-houses and granaries and treasuries. Everything was plainly stated.

Zhang Song went on, “Sir, you can prepare your plans promptly. I have two friends who will certainly help you. And when they come to see you, you may be perfectly frank with them. Their names are Fa Zheng and Meng Da.”

Liu Bei thanked him with joined hands.

Said he, “As the blue mountains grow not old and the green waters always remain, so shall I never forget. And when I shall have accomplished my task, you shall have no mean reward.”

Replied Zhang Song, “I look for no reward. Having met with an enlightened lord, I felt compelled to unbosom myself to him.” Zhang Song left soon after, and Guan Yu escorted him for several miles.

After arrival in Yiazhou, Zhang Song lost no time in sending for his friends, Fa Zheng and Meng Da. The former was the first to come, and he was told of Cao Cao's arrogance and haughtiness toward humans of parts.

“As for the man himself,” said Zhang Song, “he is a man to grieve with but not a person to rejoice with. I have promised Yiazhou to Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle, and I want your especial advice and assistance.”

“I think Liu Zhang is incapable,” said Fa Zheng, “and I have felt drawn to Liu Bei for some time past. So we are in sympathy here.”

Shortly after Meng Da arrived. Meng Da and Fa Zheng were fellow townsmen. When Meng Da entered the room and saw the other two in earnest and secret conversation, he said, “I know what you two are about; you are scheming to hand over Yiazhou to somebody.”

“It is really so; you have guessed right,” said Zhang Song.

“But to whom ought it to go?” said Fa Zheng.

“There is but one: Liu Bei,” said Meng Da.

All three clapped their hands and laughed.

Then said Fa Zheng to Zhang Song, “You will see our lord tomorrow; what about that?”

“I shall recommend that you two be sent to Jingzhou on a mission.”

They thought that a suitable scheme.

And when the lately arrived messenger saw his master and was asked how he had fared, Zhang Song said, “Cao Cao is a rebel who desires to get the whole empire into his hands. I need hardly tell you that. But he also hankers after this region.”

“Then what will become of us?” said Liu Zhang.

“I have a plan to check both our enemies. Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle, now in Jingzhou, is a relative of yours, and he is generous and well disposed. This is a matter of common knowledge. Cao Cao was simply overwhelmed at the result of the battle at the Red Cliffs, and Zhang Lu more so. Now my plan is that you ally yourself with your distinguished relative against Cao Cao and Zhang Lu.”

“I have been thinking thus for a long-time; can you recommend a suitable emissary?”

“The only ones are Fa Zheng and Meng Da.”

These two were summoned and, meanwhile, a letter was prepared. Fa Zheng was to proceed as emissary to open up friendly relations, and Meng Da would follow in due course with an army to welcome Liu Bei into the Western Land of Rivers.

While still discussing the details of the policy, a person forced his way in, his face all running with sweat, and cried out, “My lord, your land of forty-one counties will be lost to you and pass to another if you listen to Zhang Song.” Zhang Song turned a startled look on the intruder, who was Huang Quan of Xiliang, First Secretary in the Imperial Protector's palace.

The Imperial Protector said, “Why do you use such language? Liu Bei is of my family, and so I am seeking his support.”

Said Huang Quan, “I know all about him; he is liberal minded to gain people to his side, and his softness can overcome the hardest. He is bolder than any other. He gains humans' hearts from afar off, and those near him look up to him. He also has the wisest advisers and the boldest warriors. But if you call him here as a soldier, think you that he will be content to remain in a lowly condition? And if you treat him as an honored guest, can a state stand two rulers? Hear me, my lord, and you stand secure as Taishan Mountains; be deaf to my words, and your position is as precarious as a pile of eggs. This Zhang Song has lately come home through Jingzhou where he has certainly been plotting with Liu Bei. Slay this man; and make an end of Liu Bei. That will be for the happiness of this land.”

“But how else am I to fend off my two enemies?”

“Fortify your country, dig out your moats, and raise your ramparts. Then you can wait on events.”

“If these rebels invade this land, the position will be critical, as when fire singes one's eyebrows. It is idle talk to tell me to wait on events.”

No notice was taken of Huang Quan, and Fa Zheng was about to set out when another interfered, crying, “No, no!”

This was a secretary, Wang Lei.

With bowed head Wang Lei stood and said, “My lord will bring misfortune upon himself if he listens to this Zhang Song.”

“Not so; I make an alliance with Liu Bei in order to withstand Zhang Lu.”

“Zhang Lu's invasion would be but a skin disease. Liu Bei's entry into this country would be a mortal malady. Liu Bei is an unscrupulous brave; he was once in Cao Cao's service and plotted against him. Then he hung on to Sun Quan and seized Jingzhou. This shows his character and his designs. Think you that you two can dwell together? If you invite him, then Shu is lost!”

“No more wild talk!” cried Liu Zhang angrily. “Liu Bei is of my clan and family and will not ravish me of my possessions.”

He bade the guards escort both men outside and ordered Fa Zheng to set out. So he did, and before long came to Jingzhou. When the salutations were over, Fa Zheng presented his letter, which Liu Bei opened and read:

“I, Liu Zhang, a younger brother of our family, now write to General Liu Bei. From my humble place long have I gazed in your direction, but the roads of the Western Land of Rivers are precipitous, and I have failed to send my tribute. This is to my shame. The victims of misfortune aid each other, and those in trouble support each other. If friends act thus, how much more should members of the same family? Now Zhang Lu is mustering an army of invasion on my northern frontier, much to the injury of my tranquillity. Wherefore I send this letter that you may know of my distress; and if you remember the kindly bonds of family and will play a brotherly part and lead your armies to destroy these ruffians, you will be my eternal protector and I shall be ever grateful. This letter leaves much unsaid, but I await your coming.”

This letter greatly pleased Liu Bei. He made a banquet for the bearer thereof, and when they had mellowed themselves with wine, he dismissed the attendants and spoke to Fa Zheng in confidence.

“Friend, I have long admired you, and Zhang Song extolled your virtues. I shall always feel grateful for this opportunity of hearing you.”

Fa Zheng bowed, saying, “That is too great praise for a humble emissary from Shu. But they say that horses always neighed in recognition of Bo Le, the supreme judge of horses, and when a person has found his lord, he dies for him. Have you thought further of Zhang Song's proposals, General?”

“I have always been a wanderer, often in suffering and sorrow. I have often thought of the wren for even that tiny bird has a twig to rest on; and of the cunning hare, that secures safety with three openings to its burrow. Does not a person need at least a shelter? Your land of the west is fertile and a temptation, but its ruler is of my family, and I cannot plot against him.”

“Yes; Yiazhou is a very paradise. But without a ruler it cannot exist. Liu Zhang knows not how to use the wise people, and his heritage must speedily pass to another. Today it is offered to your hands, and you must not miss the opportunity. You know the saying, that the leader in the hunt gets the quarry. If you will only consent, I will serve you to the death.”

Liu Bei signified his gratitude.

Said he, “Let me reflect for a time and take advice.”

The banquet terminated and the guest left. Zhuge Liang conducted Fa Zheng to his lodging while his master sat thinking.

Then Pang Tong said, “You must decide; not to decide is foolish. You are of high intelligence, my lord, and why do you hesitate?”

“What should my reply be?” asked Liu Bei.

“You know these surroundings, and with them you cannot attain your ends. Now before you lies a populous, fertile, and rich land, a base with the greatest possibilities. You have the promise of assistance from two men within, and it seems like a gift of providence. Why hesitate?”

“Now there are two men in the world as mutually antagonistic as fire and water. My opposite is Cao Cao. He is impetuous and I am long suffering; he is cruel and I am humane; he feigns while I am true. In all particulars I act the direct contrary to him. I refuse to risk the loss of the confidence and trust of the world for a trifling advantage.”

Pang Tong smiled at these sentiments, saying, “My lord's words are quite in accord with abstract rectitude, but such ideas scarcely suit the days of rebellion. There are other ways of fighting than with warlike weapons, but to adhere too obstinately to the idea of abstract rectitude is to do nothing. One must be an opportunist, annex the weak and attack the willfully deluded, seize the recalcitrant and protect the docile. These were the teachings of the great Kings Tang and Wu. If after the settlement you reward with righteousness and make of the land a great country, will you be guilty of a breach of trust? Remember if you do not take it now, another will.”

Liu Bei, a prey to confused emotions, replied, “These words are as jewels; they should be engraved on my very heart.” Thereupon he summoned Zhuge Liang to settle the details of an army to march west.

Zhuge Liang said, “This is an important place and must be very well defended.”

Liu Bei replied, “I, Pang Tong, and my two generals Huang Zhong and Wei Yan will go into the west; you and our three best generals—Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun—can defend Jingzhou.”

Guan Yu was told off for Xiangyang and the narrow pass at Qingni, Zhang Fei commanded four cities along the river, and Zhao Yun camped at Jiangling. For the march westward, Huang Zhong led the van, Wei Yan had the rearguard, while Liu Bei moved in the center with Liu Feng and Guan Ping as his aids. Pang Tong was Commander of the whole army.

Just as the fifty thousand troops were starting, there came Liao Hua to offer his service; he and his troops were attached to Guan Yu.

It was in the winter that the expedition started. Soon they met the force under Meng Da, five thousand soldiers, to act as escort into Yiazhou. Liu Bei informed Liu Zhang that he had started, and the latter sent orders to the counties along the road to entertain them well on the march.

The Imperial Protector proposed to go out in person to welcome Liu Bei and ordered carriages to be prepared and tents and banners. All the escort were dressed in glittering armor. At this Secretary Huang Quan, the sturdy opponent of the invitation to Liu Bei, again remonstrated.

“My lord, if you go out, you will be exposed to danger. I have been in your service for many years, and I would prevent you from being the victim of another's wiles. I pray you reflect.”

Zhang Song said, “His words are those of one who would sow discord in a family and encourage the power of the robbers who threaten you. Assuredly such action is to your detriment.”

Liu Zhang then spoke angrily to Huang Quan, saying, “I have decided, and why do you oppose me?”

The objector bowed his head and wept. Then approaching nearer, he seized hold of the Imperial Protector's robe with his teeth to hinder him. Liu Zhang angrily shook his robe and rose from his seat, but Huang Quan still held on till two of his teeth fell out. Then the guards forced him away, and he retired, still crying.

As Liu Zhang was starting, another man cried, “My lord, do you neglect the loyal words of your faithful Huang Quan to go to your death?”

And he threw himself prostrate at the steps in remonstrance. He was Li Hui of Jianning.

“The prince may have ministers who remonstrate with him, and the father may have children who oppose,” said Li Hui. “Huang Quan has spoken faithfully, and you ought to listen. To let Liu Bei into this land is to welcome the tiger into your gates.”

“Liu Bei is my brother and will not harm me,” said the Imperial Protector. “And any other who shall oppose me shall suffer death.”

So Li Hui was thrust out.

“The officers of Shu regard the safety of their families and no longer render you service. The generals are arrogant, and each has some scheme of his own to further. If you do not get Liu Bei to oppose the enemy without and your own people oppose you within, surely you are on the road to ruin.”

So spoke Zhang Song, and the Imperial Protector replied, “I know the plan is for my advantage.”

Whereupon he mounted his horse to ride out to Elm Tree Bridge.

Then a messenger reported to him: “Wang Lei has suspended himself, head downwards, at the city gate. In one hand he holds a written remonstrance and in the other a knife. And he says that if you heed him not, he will cut the rope and die at your feet.”

Liu Zhang went to the gate, took the writing and read:

“Good medicine is bitter in the mouth but good for the disease; faithful words offend the ear but are good for the conduct. Of old King Huai of Chu listened not to Qu Yuan, but attended the meeting at Wu Pass and was captured by the state of Qin. Sir, you are thoughtlessly leaving your place to go to welcome Liu Bei, but I fear there is a way out and none in. Could you but behead Zhang Song in the market place and have nothing to do with this league with Liu Bei, it would be for the happiness of old and young, and assure the safety of yourself.”

Anger rose in Liu Zhang's breast as he read.

“Why do you insult me when I go to meet a kindly man I feel as if I were about to enjoy the delight of seeing brother?”

At this Wang Lei gave a great cry, severed the rope, and fell to the ground battered and dead.

Head downwards at the city gate one hung

A last remonstrance in his outstretched hand.

Resolved that, were his words rejected, he

Would not survive defeat. Sincere was he

Who, desperate, held to Liu Zhang's silken robe

Until his broken teeth released their grip.

Sincere indeed, but how can he compare

With stern Wang Lei who went to awful death?

Liu Zhang with thirty thousand troops went out to welcome his clansman, and there followed one thousand wagons laden with supplies and rich stuffs.

Liu Bei's advanced guard had arrived at River Moonstone. During the march the people had brought presents, and Liu Bei had given an order to pay for everything, under penalty of death for disobedience. Thus no one suffered, and the people came out in trusting crowds to watch the soldiers marching by and welcome them in every way. Liu Bei soothed them with very gracious words.

Then Fa Zheng secretly showed Pang Tong a letter from Zhang Song advocating the assassination of Liu Zhang near the place of welcome.

Pang Tong said, “Say nothing about this; after the two Lius have met, there may be opportunities, but this is too early to talk. Any plot would leak out.”

So nothing was said. Fucheng, where the meeting was to take place, was one hundred twenty miles from Capital Chengdu. Liu Zhang arrived first and sent messengers to welcome Liu Bei. The two armies camped on the bank of River Fu. Liu Bei went into the city to see the Imperial Protector, and they met cordially as brothers should. Both shed a few tears, and by and bye they began a heart-to-heart talk. Then followed a banquet, and after this each returned to his own camp. The Imperial Protector said, “How ridiculous have been proved the fears of Huang Quan and Wang Lei! They do not understand the force of family affection. I see he is really a kindly and noble man, and with him as a support I shall fear neither Cao Cao nor Zhang Lu. And I owe all this to Zhang Song.”

To show his gratitude, Liu Zhang took off the green silken robe he wore and sent it as a gift to Zhang Song, together with five hundred ounces of gold.

However, some of his officers were not so content, and a group of them bade him beware.

“Do not rejoice too soon, O Master,” said they, “for Liu Bei is hard enough within in spite of his mild exterior. You have not sounded him yet and should be on your guard.”

“You are all too anxious;” said Liu Zhang, laughing, “my brother is no double-dealer, I am sure.”

When Liu Bei had returned to his own tent, Pang Tong came in to ask what impression he had of his host of that day.

“He seems a very honest man,” said Liu Bei.

“He is good enough, but some of his servants are discontented at this turn of affairs, and I would not guarantee there will be no murders. If you took my advice, you would have Liu Zhang assassinated at the return banquet. A hundred ruffians behind the arras, a signal from you, and the deed would be accomplished. All that would be needed, then would be a rush on Capital Chengdu. No sword need be drawn, no arrow fitted to the string.”

“He is a brother of my house and has treated me with sincerity. I am a new-comer and so far unknown in this land. Such a deed would be abhorrent to all the world, and these people would resent it. I will not establish myself by such means.”

“The scheme is not mine; it originated in a private letter from Zhang Song, who says it will have to be done some time.”

At this moment Fa Zheng came in and said, “This is not for ourselves; it is the will of heaven.”

“Liu Zhang and I are of the same house, and I would shudder at harming him.”

“Sir, you are wrong. If you act not as we propose, then Zhang Lu will take Shu in revenge for the death of his mother. What is there for you at the end of your long march? Advance, and success is yours; retreat, and you have nothing. And delays are most dangerous. At any moment this scheme may leak out, and another will reap the profit. This is the day when Heaven smiles on you. Act before Liu Zhang suspects you; establish yourself.”

So urged Fa Zheng, and Pang Tong backed it.

Their lord, by argument, they tried

From rectitude to turn aside.

What Liu Bei hid in his heart will be explained in the next chapter.