第六十六回

第六十六回 关云长单刀赴会 伏皇后为国捐生

却说孙权要索荆州，张昭献计曰：“刘备所倚仗者，诸葛亮耳。其兄诸葛瑾今仕于吴，何不将瑾老小执下，使瑾入川告其弟，令劝刘备交割荆州：‘如其不还，必累及我老小。’亮念同胞之情，必然应允。”权曰：“诸葛瑾乃诚实君子，安忍拘其老小？”昭曰：“明教知是计策，自然放心。”权从之，召诸葛瑾老小，虚监在府，一面修书打发诸葛瑾往西川去。不数日，早到成都，先使人报知玄德。玄德问孔明曰：“令兄此来为何？”孔明曰：“来索荆州耳。”玄德曰：“何以答之？”孔明曰：“只须如此如此。”

计会已定，孔明出郭接瑾。不到私宅，径入宾馆。参拜毕，瑾放声大哭。亮曰：“兄长有事但说，何故发哀？”瑾曰：“吾一家老小休矣！”亮曰：“莫非为不还荆州乎？因弟之故，执下兄长老小，弟心何安？兄休忧虑，弟自有计还荆州便了。”瑾大喜，即同孔明入见玄德，呈上孙权书。玄德看了，怒曰：“孙权既以妹嫁我，却乘我不在荆州，竟将妹子潜地取去，情理难容！我正要大起川兵，杀下江南，报我之恨，却还想来索荆州乎！”孔明哭拜于地，曰：“吴侯执下亮兄长老小，倘若不还，吾兄将全家被戮。兄死，亮岂能独生？望主公看亮之面，将荆州还了东吴，全亮兄弟之情！”玄德再三不肯，孔明只是哭求。玄德徐徐曰：“既如此，看军师面，分荆州一半还之，将长沙、零陵、桂阳三郡与他。”亮曰：“既蒙见允，便可写书与云长令交割三郡。”玄德曰：“子瑜到彼，须用善言求吾弟。吾弟性如烈火，吾尚惧之。切宜仔细。”

瑾求了书，辞了玄德，别了孔明，登途径到荆州。云长请入中堂，宾主相叙。瑾出玄德书曰：“皇叔许先以三郡还东吴，望将军即日交割，令瑾好回见吾主。”云长变色曰：“吾与吾兄桃园结义，誓共匡扶汉室。荆州本大汉疆土，岂得妄以尺寸与人？‘将在外，君命有所不受’。虽吾兄有书来，我却只不还。”瑾曰：“今吴侯执下瑾老小，若不得荆州，必将被诛。望将军怜之！”云长曰：“此是吴侯谲计，如何瞒得我过！”瑾曰：“将军何太无面目？”云长执剑在手曰：“休再言！此剑上并无面目！”关平告曰：“军师面上不好看，望父亲息怒。”云长曰：“不看军师面上，教你回不得东吴！”

瑾满面羞惭，急辞下船，再往西川见孔明。孔明已自出巡去了。瑾只得再见玄德，哭告云长欲杀之事。玄德曰：“吾弟性急，极难与言。子瑜可暂回，容吾取了东川、汉中诸郡，调云长往守之，那时方得交付荆州。”瑾不得已，只得回东吴见孙权，具言前事。孙权大怒曰：“子瑜此去，反覆奔走，莫非皆是诸葛亮之计？”瑾曰：“非也。吾弟亦哭告玄德，方许将三郡先还，又无奈云长恃顽不肯。”孙权曰：“既刘备有先还三郡之言，便可差官前去长沙、零陵、桂阳三郡赴任，且看如何。”瑾曰：“主公所言极善。”权乃令瑾取回老小，一面差官往三郡赴任。不一日，三郡差去官吏，尽被逐回，告孙权曰：“关云长不肯相容，连夜赶逐回吴。迟后者便要杀。”孙权大怒，差人召鲁肃责之曰：“子敬昔为刘备作保，借吾荆州，今刘备已得西川，不肯归还，子敬岂得坐视？”肃曰：“肃已思得一计，正欲告主公。”权问：“何计？”肃曰：“今屯兵于陆口，使人请关云长赴会。若云长肯来，以善言说之，如其不从，伏下刀斧手杀之。如彼不肯来，随即进兵，与决胜负，夺取荆州便了。”孙权曰：“正合吾意，可即行之。”阚泽进曰：“不可。关云长乃世之虎将，非等闲可及。恐事不谐，反遭其害。”孙权怒曰：“若如此，荆州何日可得！”便命鲁肃速行此计。肃乃辞孙权，至陆口召吕蒙、甘宁，商议设宴于陆口寨外临江亭上，修下请书，选帐下能言快语一人为使，登舟渡江。江口关平问了，遂引使人入荆州，叩见云长，具道鲁肃相邀赴会之意，呈上请书。云长看书毕，谓来人曰：“既子敬相请，我明日便来赴宴。汝可先回。”

使者辞去，关平曰：“鲁肃相邀，必无好意。父亲何故许之？”云长笑曰：“吾岂不知耶？此是诸葛瑾回报孙权，说吾不肯还三郡，故令鲁肃屯兵陆口，邀我赴会，便索荆州。吾若不往，道吾怯矣。吾来日独驾小舟，只用亲随十馀人，单刀赴会，看鲁肃如何近我！”平谏曰：“父亲奈何以万金之躯，亲蹈虎狼之穴？恐非所以重伯父之寄托也。”云长曰：“吾于千枪万刃之中，矢石交攻之际，匹马纵横，如入无人之境，岂忧江东群鼠乎！”马良亦谏曰：“鲁肃虽有长者之风，但今事急，不容不生异心。将军不可轻往。”云长曰：“昔战国时赵人蔺相如，无缚鸡之力，于渑池会[1]上，觑秦国君臣如无物，况吾曾学万人敌[2]者乎！既已许诺，不可失信。”良曰：“纵将军去，亦当有准备。”云长曰：“只教吾儿选快船十只，藏善水军五百，于江上等候。看吾认旗起处，便过江来。”平领命自去准备。

却说使者回报鲁肃，说云长慨然应允，来日准到。肃与吕蒙商议：“此来若何？”蒙曰：“彼带军马来，某与甘宁各人领一军伏于岸侧，放炮为号，准备厮杀；如无军来，只于庭后伏刀斧手五十人，就筵间杀之。”计会已定。次日，肃令人于岸口遥望。辰时后，见江面上一只船来，梢公水手只数人，一面红旗，风中招，显出一个大“关”字来。船渐近岸，见云长青巾绿袍，坐于船上，傍边周仓捧着大刀。八九个关西大汉，各跨腰刀一口。鲁肃惊疑，接入庭内。叙礼毕，入席饮酒，举杯相劝，不敢仰视。云长谈笑自若。

酒至半酣，肃曰：“有一言诉与君侯，幸垂听焉。昔日令兄皇叔，使肃于吾主之前，保借荆州暂住，约于取川之后归还。今西川已得，而荆州未还，得毋失信乎？”云长曰：“此国家之事，筵间不必论之。”肃曰：“吾主只区区江东之地，而肯以荆州相借者，为念君侯等兵败远来，无以为资故也。今已得益州，则荆州自应见还。乃皇叔但肯先割三郡，而君侯又不从，恐于理上说不去。”云长曰：“乌林之役，左将军亲冒矢石，戮力破敌，岂得徒劳而无尺土相资？今足下复来索地耶？”肃曰：“不然。君侯始与皇叔同败于长坂，计穷力竭，将欲远窜，吾主矜念皇叔身无处所，不爱土地，使有所托足，以图后功。而皇叔愆德隳好[3]，已得西川，又占荆州，贪而背义，恐为天下所耻笑。惟君侯察之。”云长曰：“此皆吾兄之事，非某所宜与也[4]。”肃曰：“某闻君侯与皇叔桃园结义，誓同生死。皇叔即君侯也，何得推托乎？”云长未及回答，周仓在阶下厉声言曰：“天下土地，惟有德者居之。岂独是汝东吴当有耶！”云长变色而起，夺周仓所捧大刀，立于庭中，目视周仓而叱曰：“此国家之事，汝何敢多言！可速去！”仓会意，先到岸口，把红旗一招，关平船如箭发，奔过江东来。云长右手提刀，左手挽住鲁肃手，佯推醉曰：“公今请吾赴宴，莫提起荆州之事。吾今已醉，恐伤故旧之情。他日令人请公到荆州赴会，另作商议。”鲁肃魂不附体，被云长扯至江边。吕蒙、甘宁各引本部军欲出，见云长手提大刀，亲握鲁肃，恐肃被伤，遂不敢动。云长到船边，却才放手，早立于船首，与鲁肃作别。肃如痴似呆，看关公船已乘风而去。后人有诗赞关公曰：

藐视吴臣若小儿，单刀赴会敢平欺。当年一段英雄气，尤胜相如在渑池。

云长自回荆州。鲁肃与吕蒙共议：“此计又不成，如之奈何？”蒙曰：“可即申报主公，起兵与云长决战。”肃即时使人申报孙权。权闻之大怒，商议起倾国之兵，来取荆州。忽报：“曹操又起三十万大军来也！”权大惊，且教鲁肃休惹荆州之兵，移兵向合淝、濡须，以拒曹操。

却说操将欲起程南征，参军傅干，字彦材，上书谏操。书略曰：

干闻用武则先威，用文则先德；威德相济，而后王业成。往者天下大乱，明公用武攘之，十平其九，今未承王命者，吴与蜀耳。吴有长江之险，蜀有崇山之阻，难以威胜。愚以为：且宜增修文德，按甲寝兵，息军养士，待时而动。今若举数十万之众，顿长江之滨，倘贼凭险深藏，使我士马不得逞其能，奇变无所用其权，则天威屈矣。惟明公详察焉。

曹操览之，遂罢南征，兴设学校，延礼文士。于是侍中王粲、杜袭、卫凯、和洽四人，议欲尊曹操为“魏王”。中书令荀攸曰：“不可。丞相官至魏公，荣加九锡，位已极矣。今又进升王位，于理不可。”曹操闻之，怒曰：“此人欲效荀彧耶！”荀攸知之，忧愤成疾，卧病十数日而卒，亡年五十八岁。操厚葬之，遂罢“魏王”事。

一日，曹操带剑入宫，献帝正与伏后共坐。伏后见操来，慌忙起身，帝见曹操，战栗不已。操曰：“孙权、刘备各霸一方，不尊朝廷，当如之何？”帝曰：“尽在魏公裁处。”操怒曰：“陛下出此言，外人闻之，只道吾欺君也。”帝曰：“君若肯相辅则幸甚，不尔，愿垂恩相舍。”操闻言，怒目视帝，恨恨而出。左右或奏帝曰：“近闻魏公欲自立为王，不久必将篡位。”帝与伏后大哭。后曰：“妾父伏完常有杀操之心，妾今当修书一封，密与父图之。”帝曰：“昔董承为事不密，反遭大祸，今恐又泄漏，朕与汝皆休矣！”后曰：“旦夕如坐针毡，似此为人，不如早亡！妾看宦官中之忠义可托者，莫如穆顺，当令寄此书。”乃即召穆顺入屏后，退去左右近侍。帝后大哭告顺曰：“操贼欲为‘魏王’，早晚必行篡夺之事。朕欲令后父伏完密图此贼，而左右之人，俱贼心腹，无可托者。欲汝将皇后密书，寄与伏完。量汝忠义，必不负朕。”顺泣曰：“臣感陛下大恩，敢不以死报！臣即请行。”后乃修书付顺。顺藏书于发中，潜出禁宫，径至伏完宅，将书呈上。完见是伏后亲笔，乃谓穆顺曰：“操贼心腹甚众，不可遽图。除非江东孙权、西川刘备，二处起兵于外，操必自往。此时却求在朝忠义之臣，一同谋之。内外夹攻，庶可有济。”顺曰：“皇丈可作书覆帝后，求密诏，暗遣人往吴、蜀二处，令约会起兵，讨贼救主。”伏完即取纸写书付顺。顺乃藏于头髻内，辞完回宫。

原来早有人报知曹操，操先于宫门等候。穆顺回遇曹操，操问：“那里去来？”顺答曰：“皇后有病，命求医去。”操曰：“召得医人何在？”顺曰：“还未召至。”操喝左右，遍搜身上，并无夹带，放行。忽然风吹落其帽，操又唤回，取帽视之，遍观无物，还帽令戴。穆顺双手倒戴其帽。操心疑，令左右搜其头发中，搜出伏完书来。操看时，书中言欲结连孙、刘为外应。操大怒，执下穆顺于密室问之，顺不肯招。操连夜点起甲兵三千，围住伏完私宅，老幼并皆拿下，搜出伏后亲笔之书，随将伏氏三族尽皆下狱。平明，使御林将军郗虑持节入宫，先收皇后玺绶。

是日，帝在外殿，见郗虑引三百甲兵直入。帝问曰：“有何事？”虑曰：“奉魏公命收皇后玺。”帝知事泄，心胆皆碎。虑至后宫，伏后方起，虑便唤管玺绶人索取玉玺而出。伏后情知事发，便于殿后椒房[5]内夹壁中藏躲。少顷，尚书令华歆引五百甲兵入到后殿，问宫人：“伏后何在？”宫人皆推不知。歆教甲兵打开朱户，寻觅不见，料在壁中，便喝甲士破壁搜寻。歆亲自动手揪后头髻拖出。后曰：“望免我一命！”歆叱曰：“汝自见魏公诉去！”后披发跣足，二甲士推拥而出。原来华歆素有才名，向与邴原、管宁相友善，时人称三人为一龙：华歆为龙头，邴原为龙腹，管宁为龙尾。一日，宁与歆共种园蔬，锄地见金。宁挥锄不顾，歆拾而视之，然后掷下。又一日，宁与歆同坐观书，闻户外传呼之声，有贵人乘轩而过。宁端坐不动，歆弃书往观。宁自此鄙歆之为人，遂割席分坐，不复与之为友。后来管宁避居辽东，常戴白帽，坐卧一楼，足不履地，终身不肯仕魏。而歆乃先事孙权，后归曹操，至此乃有收捕伏皇后一事。后人有诗叹华歆曰：

华歆当日逞凶谋，破壁生将母后收。助虐一朝添虎翼，骂名千载笑“龙头”！

又有诗赞管宁曰：

辽东传有管宁楼，人去楼空名独留。笑杀子鱼贪富贵，岂如白帽自风流。

且说华歆将伏后拥至外殿，帝望见后，乃下殿抱后而哭。歆曰：“魏公有命，可速行！”后哭谓帝曰：“不能复相活耶？”帝曰：“我命亦不知在何时也！”甲士拥后而去，帝捶胸大恸。见郗虑在侧，帝曰：“郗公！天下宁有是事乎！”哭倒在地。郗虑令左右扶帝入宫。华歆拿伏后见操，操骂曰：“吾以诚心待汝等，汝等反欲害我耶！吾不杀汝，汝必杀我！”喝左右乱棒打死。随即入宫，将伏后所生二子，皆酖杀之。当晚将伏完、穆顺等宗族二百馀口，皆斩于市。朝野之人，无不惊骇。时建安十九年十一月也。后人有诗叹曰：

曹瞒凶残世所无，伏完忠义欲何如。可怜帝后分离处，不及民间妇与夫！

献帝自从坏了伏后，连日不食。操入曰：“陛下无忧，臣无异心。臣女已与陛下为贵人，大贤大孝，宜居正宫。”献帝安敢不从？于建安二十年正月朔，就庆贺正旦之节，册立曹操女曹贵人为正宫皇后，群下莫敢有言。

此时曹操威势日甚，会大臣商议收吴灭蜀之事。贾诩曰：“须召夏侯惇、曹仁二人回，商议此事。”操即时发使，星夜唤回。夏侯惇未至，曹仁先到，连夜便入府中见操。操方被酒而卧，许褚仗剑立于堂门之内。曹仁欲入，被许褚当住。曹仁大怒曰：“吾乃曹氏宗族，汝何敢阻当耶？”许褚曰：“将军虽亲，乃外藩镇守之官，许褚虽疏，现充内侍。主公醉卧堂上，不敢放入。”仁乃不敢入。曹操闻之，叹曰：“许褚真忠臣也！”不数日，夏侯惇亦至，共议征伐。惇曰：“吴、蜀急未可攻，宜先取汉中张鲁，以得胜之兵取蜀，可一鼓而下也。”曹操曰：“正合吾意。”遂起兵西征。正是：方逞凶谋欺弱主，又驱劲卒扫偏邦。未知后事如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 渑（miǎn）池会——战国时秦、赵互为敌国。一次，秦昭襄王约赵惠文王会于渑池（今河南渑池县西），原想恃强借机侮辱赵王，因为有蔺相如在会上保护赵王，智勇兼施，奋不顾身，秦王终于没有占到便宜。

[2] 万人敌——指兵法，古代的军事学。

[3] 愆（qiān）德隳（huī）好——愆，犯过失。愆德，损害道义。隳，败坏。隳好，破坏交情。

[4] 非某所宜与也——不是我所应当过问、干预的。

[5] 椒房——后妃所住的宫室。

CHAPTER 66. Armed With Sword, Guan Yu Goes To A Feast Alone; For The State, Empress Fu Offers Her Life.

The scheme, which Zhang Zhao had in mind, he laid before his master thus: “The one man upon whom Liu Bei relies most is Zhuge Liang. Now his brother is in your service and in your power. All you have to do is to seize Zhuge Jin's family and send him west to see Zhuge Liang and make Zhuge Liang persuade Liu Bei to return Jingzhou. If Liu Bei refuses, the family of Zhuge Jin will suffer, and Zhuge Liang will not be able to resist the claims of brotherhood.”

“But Zhuge Jin is a loyal and true gentleman. I could not lay hands upon his family!” said Sun Quan.

“Explain the ruse to him; that will set his mind at rest,” said Zhang Zhao.

Sun Quan consented and issued the command to confine the family of his retainer in the palace but not really imprison them. Then he wrote a letter for Zhuge Jin to take with him on his mission. Before many days Zhuge Jin reached Chengdu and sent to inform Liu Bei of his arrival.

Liu Bei at once sought the advice of Zhuge Liang.

“Why think you your brother has come?”

“He has come to force the return of Jingzhou.”

“How shall I answer him?”

“You must do so and so,” said Zhuge Liang.

The plan of action being prepared, Zhuge Liang went out of the city to welcome his brother; but instead of taking him to his own residence, Zhuge Liang took him to the guest-house. When the greetings were over, the visitor suddenly lifted up his voice and wept.

“If you have any trouble, my brother, tell; why do you weep thus?” asked Zhuge Liang.

“Alas! My family are lost!” cried he.

“I suppose it is in the matter of the return of Jingzhou? If your family have been seized on my account, how can I bear it calmly? But do not be anxious, my brother. I shall certainly find some way out of the difficulty.”

This reply pleased Zhuge Jin, and the two brothers went to visit Liu Bei.

The letter of Sun Quan was presented, but when Liu Bei had read it he said, angrily, “He is related to me by marriage, and he has profited by my absence from Jingzhou to steal away his sister. That is a sort of kindliness I find it hard to bear. When I am just going to lead my army to the South Land to take vengeance, is it likely he will get Jingzhou out of me?”

At this point Zhuge Liang prostrated himself weeping at his lord's feet and said, “The Marquis of Wu has seized my brother's family, and he will put them all to death if the land be not given up. Can I remain alive if such a fate befall them? I pray my lord for my sake to give back the region and prevent any breach between my brother and me.”

But Liu Bei refused. He seemed obdurate, but Zhuge Liang persisted in his entreaty. Finally Liu Bei reluctantly consented.

“Since things are so, and the Instructor pleads for it, I will return half,” said he. “I will give up three territories—Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang.”

“Then, as you have consented, prepare letters ordering Guan Yu to yield these three territories,” said Zhuge Jin.

Liu Bei said, “When you see my brother, you must use most gracious words to him, for his nature is as a fierce fire, and even I fear what he may do. So be very careful.”

Zhuge Jin, having got the letter, took his leave and went straightway to Jingzhou. He asked for an interview, and was received in the grand reception hall.

When both were seated in their respective places, the emissary produced the letter of Liu Bei, saying, “The Imperial Uncle has promised to return three territories to my master, and I hope, General, you will hand them over at once and let me return.”

Guan Yu's countenance changed, and he said, “The oath sworn in the Peach Garden bound me and my brother to support the dynasty of Han. Jingzhou is a portion of their domain, and how can any part be given to another? When a leader is in the field, he receives no orders, not even those of his prince. Although you have brought letters from my brother, yet will I not yield the territories.”

“But the Marquis of Wu has laid hands upon my family, and they will be slain if the land be not given up. I crave your pity, O General!”

“This is but a ruse on his part, but it does not deceive me!”

“Why are you so pitiless?”

Guan Yu drew his sword, saying, “Let us have no more. This sword is pitiless!”

“It will put the Instructor to shame,” said Guan Ping. “I pray you not to be angry, my father.”

“Were it not for my respect for the Instructor, you would never go back to the South Land,” said Guan Yu to Zhuge Jin.

Zhuge Jin, overwhelmed with shame, took his leave, sought his ship, and hastily returned to Chengdu to see his brother. But Zhuge Liang had gone away upon a journey. However, he saw Liu Bei and related what had happened, and said that Guan Yu was going to slay him.

“My brother is hasty,” said Liu Bei. “It is difficult to argue with him. But return home for the present, and when I have finished my conquest of Hanzhong, I will transfer Guan Yu to another post, and then I may be able to return Jingzhou.”

Zhuge Jin had no choice but to accept this reply and carry the unsatisfactory news to his master, who was greatly annoyed and said, “This running to and fro was nothing more than one of your brother's tricks.”

The unhappy messenger denied, saying, “No, no! Zhuge Liang had interceded with many tears and obtained the promise to return three territories from Liu Bei. It was the obstinacy of Guan Yu that spoiled all.”

“Since Liu Bei said he would return three territories, we may send officials to take over their administration. Think you that might be done?” said Sun Quan.

“What you say, my lord, seems most proper.”

The family of Zhuge Jin were restored to liberty, and officers were sent to take charge of the three territories of Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang. But they quickly returned, saying, “Guan Yu would have none of us, but had chased us away at once with threats to kill us if we did not hasten!”

Sun Quan then summoned Lu Su and laid the blame on him.

“You are Liu Bei's guarantor in this matter; how can you sit quietly looking on while Liu Bei fails to perform his contract?” said Sun Quan.

“I have thought out a plan and was just going to impart it to you,” said Lu Su.

“And what is your plan?”

Lu Su said, “There is a camp at Lukou; invite Guan Yu to a banquet there and try to persuade him. If he still remains obstinate, have some assassins ready to slay him. Should he refuses the banquet, then we must try conclusions with an army.”

“This suits me,” said Sun Quan, “and it shall be done.”

“It should not be done,” interrupted Kan Ze. “The man is as bold as a tiger and not at all like common humans. The plan will fail and result in more harm.”

“Then when may I expect to get my Jingzhou?” asked Sun Quan, angrily.

Sun Quan ordered Lu Su to carry out his plan, and Lu Su went to Lukou forthwith and settled the preliminaries of the banquet with Lu Meng and Gan Ning. The place selected was by the river. Then Lu Su wrote a letter and found a persuasive person to deliver it. The messenger set out and sailed across the river to the post, where he was received by Guan Ping, who conducted him to his father.

“As Lu Su invites me, I will come tomorrow; you may return,” was Guan Yu's reply.

After the messenger had gone, Guan Ping said to his father, “Why did you promise to go? I think Lu Su means you no good.”

“Do you think I do not know? This has all come out of my refusal to yield those three territories. They are going to try coercion at this banquet. If I refuse, they will think I fear them. I will go tomorrow in a small ship with just my ten personal guards, and we shall see whether Lu Su will dare to come near me.” “But, Father, why risk your priceless self in the very den of a tiger? I think you are not giving due importance to my uncle's charge.”

“I have been in the midst of million blades and arrows, yet I have been riding through all directions like traveling through a meadow of no one; think you that I shall begin to show fear of a few such rats as those?”

Nor was the son alone in remonstrance. Ma Liang also warned his chief.

“Although Lu Su has a great repute, yet now he is pushed hard. He certainly is badly disposed toward you, and you must be careful, General.”

Guan Yu replied, “I have given my word, and shall I withdraw from it? In the days of the Warring States, Liu Xiangru of the state of Zhao had not the force even to bind a chicken, yet in the assembly at Shengchi Lake he regarded not the prince and the ministers of the powerful state of Qin, but did his duty without fear of consequences. Have I not learned to face any number of foes? I cannot break my promise.”

“If you must go,” said Ma Liang, “at least go prepared.”

“Tell my son to choose out ten fast ships and five hundred of good marines and be in readiness to help me at need. And when he sees a red flag waved, he can come over to my aid.”

The order was given and the little squadron was got ready.

The messenger returned to his master and told him that Guan Yu had boldly accepted the invitation, and Lu Su and Lu Meng took counsel together.

“What do you think of this?” asked Lu Su.

“If Guan Yu comes with a force, Gan Ning and I will be in readiness for him by the river-side. And you will hear our bomb as a signal that we are attacking. If he has no force with him, the assassins can set on during the banquet.”

Next day a look-out was kept on the bank, and early in the day a single ship came along. It was manned by very few men, and a simple red flag flew out on the breeze showing but two words, “Guan Yu”. Presently they could see him, a handsome figure in a green robe and navy-blue turban. Beside him stood Zhou Cang, his sword-bearer, and near him were eight or nine fine-looking men, each with a sword at his side.

Guan Yu landed and was received by the trembling Lu Su, who conducted him to the hall, bowed his greetings, and led him to the banquet chamber. When Guan Yu drank to his host, Lu Su dared not raise his eyes, but Guan Yu was perfectly composed.

When they had become mellow with wine, Lu Su said, “I have a word to say to you, Sir, if haply I may have your attention. You know that your illustrious brother, the Imperial Uncle, made me surety with my master that Jingzhou would be returned after Yiazhou had been taken. Well, now that country is in his possession, but Jingzhou is still unreturned. Is not this a breach of good faith?”

“This is a government affair,” said Guan Yu. “Such matters should not be introduced at a banquet.”

“My master only has petty possessions in the east, and he allowed the temporary loan of Jingzhou out of consideration for the need in which you then were. But now you have Yiazhou, and Jingzhou should be given up. The Imperial Uncle has even yielded three territories, but you, Sir, seem unwilling to let them go. This seems hard to explain on reasonable grounds.”

Guan Yu replied, “My brother braved the arrows and the stones in the battle at Wuling and with all his strength drove back the enemy; did he get a single foot of land for all his efforts? Now you come to force this place out of him.”

“No; I do not,” said Lu Su. “But at the time that you and your brother suffered defeat at Dangyang, when you were helpless and in the greatest straits, fugitives you knew not whither, then my master was moved with pity and did not grudge the land. So he gave your brother a foothold whence he might be able to accomplish other ends. But your brother has presumed upon long-suffering. He has attained his end—the country of his desire—and still he occupies Jingzhou. Such greed and such treachery will make the whole world laugh him to shame, as you know quite well.”

“All that is no affair of mine; it is my brother's. I cannot yield the land.”

“I know that by the oath in the Peach Garden you three were to live or die together. But your brother has consented to yield; how are you going to get out of that?”

Guan Yu was at a loss to reply. However, Zhou Cang burst into the conversation, roaring out, “Only the virtuous get hold of territory, does that mean only you people of East Wu?”

Guan Yu's anger now showed itself. His face changed; he rose in his place, took his sword from his sword-bearer and said fiercely, “How dare you talk like this at a discussion of state matters? Go! And go quickly!”

Zhou Cang understood. He left the hall, made his way to the river and waved the red call-flag. The ships of Guan Ping darted across like arrows and were ready for action.

The mighty sword in his right hand, Guan Yu laid hold of Lu Su with his left and, simulating intoxication, said, “You have kindly invited me today, Sir, but do not say anything about Jingzhou, for I am so drunk that I may forget our old friendship. Some other day I hope to invite you to Jingzhou, and then we will talk about that matter.”

Poor Lu Su's soul almost left his body with fright as he was led down to the river bank in the grip of his guest. Lu Meng and Gan Ning, who Lu Su had placed in ambush, dared not act and so made no move lest they should bring about the doom of Lu Su. When they got to the bank, Guan Yu released his host, got on board, and then said farewell. Lu Su stood stupidly staring at the ship while a fair breeze bore it quickly out of sight.

This episode has been commemorated in verse:

He showed his contempt for the soldiers of Wu

By going alone to their traitor feast;

As Liu Xiangru of old he was much bolder;

As the Shengchi Lake game was played again.

Guan Yu took his homeward way, while Lu Su and his two confederates talked over what had occurred.

“What can be done now?” said Lu Su.

“The only thing is to tell our master and let him send an army,” replied Lu Meng.

Lu Su sent a messenger to Sun Quan, who, in his wrath, was for sending every available soldier at once against Jingzhou.

But at this crisis there came news that Cao Cao was raising a huge army with the intention of attacking the South Land. So hasty orders were sent to Lu Su to make no move, but to send all the troops he could from Hefei and Ruxu toward the north to repel Cao Cao.

However, Cao Cao did not march south. One of his military advisers, Fu Gan, sent in a memorial against the scheme:

“I, Fu Gan, understand that inspiring fear is the chief consideration in war, as inculcating virtue is in government.

These two combined in one person fit him to be a prince. Formerly, in the days of disturbance, you, Illustrious Sir, attacked the rebels and restored tranquillity almost everywhere, the only regions unsubdued and not under your control being Wu and Shu. The former of these is protected by the Great River, the latter secured by its mountains, and both difficult to conquer by force of arms. My humble opinion is that it is more fitting to increase the authority of civil government, to lay aside arms and rest weapons, to cease from war and train your soldiers until the times shall be favorable. If your mighty legions be now sent to camp on the river bank and the rebels should take refuge behind their natural defenses, your soldiers will be unable to prove their prowess; and should extraordinary strategies be planned, the rebels will not be available. In such a case your high prestige would be impaired. I trust, Illustrious Sir, you will deign to examine this.”

After reading this, Cao Cao ceased to think of an expedition against the south. Instead, he established schools and set himself to attract people of ability.

About the same time four of his officers—Wang Can, Du Xi, Wei Kai, and He He—conceived the idea of getting for Cao Cao the honor of “Prince of Wei”.

But Xun You opposed this course, saying, “The Prime Minister's rank is already that of “Duke,” and he has received the additional honor of the Nine Dignities, so that his position is extremely high. If he advances to the rank of kingship, it will be inconsistent with reasonableness.”

But Cao Cao was annoyed at this opposition and said, “Does the man wish to emulate Xun Yu?”

When Xun You heard of Cao Cao's anger, he was grieved and fell ill, so that in a few days he died. He was fifty-eight years of age. Cao Cao had his remains interred honorably, and he stayed his ambition for princely rank.

But there came a day when Cao Cao entered the palace wearing his sword and made his way to the apartment where the Emperor and the Empress were seated. The Empress rose in a fright, and the Emperor gazed at his minister in terror.

“Sun Quan and Liu Bei have each seized a portion of the empire and no longer respect the court; what is to be done?”

To this abrupt speech the Emperor replied, “The matter lies within your province.”

Cao Cao answered, angrily, “If such a remark be known outside, they will say I treat my prince without respect!”

“If you will help me, I shall be most happy;” said His Majesty, “if not, then I trust to your kindness to let me alone.”

At this Cao Cao glared at the Emperor and went out full of resentment.

The courtiers said, “It is said that the Duke of Wei desires to become Prince of Wei, and soon he will aspire to the throne.”

Both the Emperor and his consort wept.

Presently Her Majesty said, “My father, Fu Wan, has long nourished a desire to slay this man. Now I will indite a secret letter to my father to accomplish his end.”

“Remember the former attempt with Dong Cheng. The plot was discovered and great misery ensued. I fear that this will leak out also, and both of us will be undone.”

Said the Empress, “We pass our days in constant discomfort, like sitting on a rug full of needles. If life is to be like this, one were better dead. But I know one loyal man among the attendants to whom I may entrust the letter. That one is Mu Shun, and he will deliver it.”

Thereupon Empress Fu summoned Mu Shun within, and having sent away all others, they told their distress to the faithful one.

Emperor Xian said, “That fellow Cao Cao desires the dignity of a prince, and soon he will aspire to the throne itself. I, the Emperor, wish to order the father of my consort to make away with the man, but the difficulty is that all the courtiers are his creatures and there is none whom I can trust save yourself. I desire you to convey this secret letter to Fu Wan. I know your loyalty and am sure you will prove no betrayer.”

“I am the recipient of much graciousness for which not even death would prove my gratitude. Thy servant prays that he may be allowed to undertake this.”

The letter was given to Mu Shun, who hid it in his hair, made his way out of the precincts and handed it to its owner. Fu Wan recognized the handwriting of his daughter and read it.

Turning to the messenger, Fu Wan said, “You know the fellow's creatures are many, and one must act with extreme caution against him. Unless we have the aid of Sun Quan's and Liu Bei's armies, Cao Cao will certainly attain his ends. In this matter we must gain the support of every loyal and faithful one in the court so that within and without there may be a simultaneous attack.”

“Then, O Father of the Empress, write a letter in reply asking for a secret edict, so that we may send to the south and the west to join in the attack.”

So Fu Wan composed a reply, which he gave to Mu Shun to take into the Palace. This time also the letter was concealed in his hair.

But there was a traitor, and Cao Cao heard of the letters. So he waited at the palace gate for Mu Shun to come out.

“Where are you going?” asked Cao Cao, when Mu Shun appeared.

“The Empress is indisposed and has bidden me call a physician.”

“Where is the summon for the physician?” “There is no summon.”

Cao Cao bade his guards search Mu Shun, but they did not find the letter.

So he was allowed to go. But just then a gust of wind blew off his hat, and it struck Cao Cao that that had not been examined. So Mu Shun was called back. Nothing was found in the hat, but when it was given back Mu Shun put it on with both hands. There was something suspicious about the movement, and Cao Cao bade the searchers examine his hair.

Therein the letter of Fu Wan was found. Cao Cao read it; it said that Sun Quan and Liu Bei were to be induced to help. The unhappy Mu Shun was taken away into a secret place and interrogated, but he would confess nothing.

That night three thousand soldiers surrounded the dwelling of Fu Wan, who was arrested with all his family. Searching the house, they found the first letter in the handwriting of the Empress. Fu Wan and his family were then consigned to a gaol.

At dawn, a party of Imperial Guards, under Chi Lu, bearing ensigns of authority, entered the Palace with orders to take away the seal of the Empress. On the way they met the Emperor, who asked the reason for a company of armed guards being in the Palace.

“I have orders from the Duke of Wei to get the Empress' seal,” said Chi Lu.

The Emperor grew alarmed. When Chi Lu reached the apartments of the Empress, she had just risen. Chi Lu ordered to take the seal of the Empress and went away.

As soon as the Empress knew of this, she recognized her danger and hid herself in the hollow walls of her private apartments behind one of the ceremonial halls. She had not been long in hiding when Hua Xin with a company of five hundred armed soldiers appeared and asked where she was. The palace people said they did not know. The red doors of the hall were burst open, and Hua Xin looked in, but he saw no lady there. It occurred to him where she might be hidden, and he ordered his men to break open the wall. With his own hands, he laid hold of the lady's hair and dragged her forth.

“Spare my life!” pleaded she.

“You may say what you have to say to the Duke,” cried he.

She pulled down her hair and kicked off her shoes, but a couple of soldiers pushed her along in front of them outside.

It may be said here that this Hua Xin had a reputation for learning. He and two others, Bing Yuan and Guan Ning, all good friends, made a little coterie which was known as “The Dragon”. Hua Xin was the “head”; Bing Yuan, the “belly”; and Guan Ning, the “tail”. One day Guan Ning and Hua Xin were hoeing in their garden to grow some vegetables, when they turned up an ingot of gold. Guan Ning went on with his labors without giving a second glance at the find, but Hua Xin picked it up. After regarding it a moment, he threw it away again.

Another day Guan Ning and Hua Xin were reading together when there arose a great shouting outside the window of the study. A minister from the Palace was passing. Guan Ning took no notice, but kept his eyes on his book; Hua Xin rose and went to the window. For this, Guan Ning despised his companion and the two parted for good. Sometime after, in the disturbance of the empire, Guan Ning fled into Liaodong, where he led the life of hermit. He wore a white cap and lived in the upper part of a house, never touching the ground with his feet. He would have nothing to do with Cao Cao and would not enter his service.

But Hua Xin led a totally different life. For a time he was with Sun Quan; then he went over to Cao Cao and served him. And here he is found actually laying hands upon the Empress.

His conduct in this particular is the subject of a poem:

That was a dastardly thing that Hua Xin did,

When he broke don the wall where the Empress hid

And dragged her forth by the hair.

He lent his aid to a foul, foul crime

And execrations throughout all time,

Have been, and shall be, his share.

A poet also wrote concerning Guan Ning:

East of Liaodong, so stories tell

Is Guan Ning's tower, where long he dwelt.

Ignoble wealth was Hua Xin's quest,

The hermit's simple life was best.

As Hua Xin hurried the unhappy woman out of the hall, the Emperor saw her. He went over and clasped her to his bosom, weeping.

Hua Xin tried to force her onward, saying, “The Duke of Wei ordered no delay!”

“My doom is sealed,” wept the Empress.

“And I know not when my turn will come,” sighed the Emperor.

The soldiers hustled the Empress onward, leaving His Majesty beating his breast in despair.

“Can it be that such things happen in the world?” cried the Emperor to Chi Lu, who stood by.

And the Emperor swooned. Chi Lu made the courtiers pick him up, and they bore him into the Palace.

Meanwhile, the unhappy Empress had been taken before Cao Cao.

“I have dealt well with you,” said he angrily, “and you requited me by plotting my murder. It is the death of one of us, I see.”

He ordered the executioners to beat her till she died. After this, he went into the Palace, seized her two sons and had them poisoned. In the evening of the same day the whole households of Mu Shun and Fu Wan were put to death publicly. Such terrible deeds spread terror everywhere. They happened in the eleventh month of the nineteenth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 214).

As Cao Cao stands first in cruelty,

So stands Fu Wan in loyalty.

A married pair of low estate,

Had not been torn apart by fate.

The Emperor grieved bitterly over the loss of his consort, and in his despair refused all food. Cao Cao did not wish him to die of starvation and loneliness, so he proposed his own daughter as consort.

“Be not sad;” said Cao Cao, “thy servant is no rebel. My daughter is already in your palace as a secondary lady. She is wise and dutiful, fit to be your consort and occupy the first rank.”

Emperor Xian dared not refuse, and therefore at the new year (AD 215), in the time of the festivities, Lady Cao's name was inscribed on the dynastic rolls as Empress. And no one of the courtiers dared protest.

Wherefore Cao Cao became even more powerful. But it pleased him not to have rivals in the land, so he again thought of subduing Liu Bei and Sun Quan.

Jia Xu proposed, saying, “Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren, who are serving on the frontiers, should be called to give their advice.”

They were sent for, and Cao Ren was the first to arrive. As a relative, he felt he had the right to see the great minister without delay and went directly to the palace.

But it happened that Cao Cao had been drinking heavily, and his faithful henchman, Xu Chu, would not admit the new arrival.

“I am of the family,” said Cao Ren, angry at the hindrance. “Dare you stop me?”

“General, you may be a relative, but here you are but an officer from the frontier. I am of little account, but a duty lies on me here in the palace. Our lord is overcome with wine and asleep, and I dare not allow you to enter.”

The refusal came to Cao Cao's knowledge, and he commended the loyalty of Xu Chu.

Soon after, Xiahou Dun came and was called to the council.

Xiahou Dun gave his opinion, saying, “The two rivals should be left until Zhang Lu of Hanzhong has been subdued. The great army that can overcome Zhang Lu will be in condition to attack the Western Land of Rivers, and it will be conquered without difficulty.”

The advice coincided with Cao Cao's own idea, and so he prepared an expedition for the west.

By a crime he showed his power over a feeble king;

This done, at once he hastened to destroy his neighbor.

What happened will be told in later chapters.