第七十六回

第七十六回 徐公明大战沔水 关云长败走麦城

却说糜芳闻荆州有失，正无计可施。忽报公安守将傅士仁至，芳忙接入城，问其事故。士仁曰：“吾非不忠。势危力困，不能支持，我今已降东吴。将军亦不如早降。”芳曰：“吾等受汉中王厚恩，安忍背之？”士仁曰：“关公去日，痛恨吾二人，倘一日得胜而回，必无轻恕。公细察之。”芳曰：“吾兄弟久事汉中王，岂可一朝相背？”正犹豫间，忽报关公遣使至。接入厅上，使者曰：“关公军中缺粮，特来南郡、公安二处取白米十万石，令二将军星夜解去军前交割。如迟立斩。”芳大惊，顾谓傅士仁曰：“今荆州已被东吴所取，此粮怎得过去？”士仁厉声曰：“不必多疑！”遂拔剑斩来使于堂上。芳惊曰：“公如何斩之？”士仁曰：“关公此意，正要斩我二人。我等安可束手受死？公今不早降东吴，必被关公所杀。”正说间，忽报吕蒙引兵杀至城下。芳大惊，乃同傅士仁出城投降。蒙大喜，引见孙权，权重赏二人。安民已毕，大犒三军。

时曹操在许都，正与众谋士议荆州之事，忽报东吴遣使奉书至。操召入，使者呈上书信。操拆视之，书中具言吴兵将袭荆州，求操夹攻云长，且嘱：“勿泄漏，使云长有备也。”操与众谋士商议，主簿董昭曰：“今樊城被困，引颈望救，不如令人将书射入樊城，以宽军心，且使关公知东吴将袭荆州。彼恐荆州有失，必速退兵，却令徐晃乘势掩杀，可获全功。”操从其谋，一面差人催徐晃急战，一面亲统大兵，径往洛阳之南阳陵坡驻扎，以救曹仁。

却说徐晃正坐帐中，忽报魏王使至。晃接入问之，使曰：“今魏王引兵，已过洛阳，令将军急战关公，以解樊城之困。”正说间，探马报说：“关平屯兵在偃城，廖化屯兵在四冢，前后一十二个寨栅，连络不绝。”晃即差副将徐商、吕建假着徐晃旗号，前赴偃城与关平交战。晃却自引精兵五百，循沔水去袭偃城之后。

且说关平闻徐晃自引兵至，遂提本部兵迎敌。两阵对圆，关平出马，与徐商交锋，只三合，商大败而走。吕建出战，五六合亦败走。平乘胜追杀二十馀里，忽报城中火起。平知中计，急勒兵回救偃城。正遇一彪军摆开，徐晃立马在门旗下，高叫曰：“关平贤侄，好不知死！汝荆州已被东吴夺了，犹然在此狂为！”平大怒，纵马轮刀，直取徐晃。不三四合，三军喊叫，偃城中火光大起。平不敢恋战，杀条大路，径奔四冢寨来，廖化接着。化曰：“人言荆州已被吕蒙袭了，军心惊慌，如之奈何？”平曰：“此必讹言也。军士再言者斩之。”忽流星马到，报说正北第一屯被徐晃领兵攻打。平曰：“若第一屯有失，诸营岂得安宁？此间皆靠沔水，贼兵不敢到此。吾与汝同去救第一屯。”廖化唤部将分付曰：“汝等坚守营寨，如有贼到，即便举火。”部将曰：“四冢寨鹿角十重，虽飞鸟亦不能入，何虑贼兵！”于是关平、廖化尽起四冢寨精兵，奔至第一屯住扎。关平看见魏兵屯于浅山之上，谓廖化曰：“徐晃屯兵，不得地利，今夜可引兵劫寨。”化曰：“将军可分兵一半前去，某当谨守本寨。”

是夜，关平引一枝兵杀入魏寨，不见一人。平知是计，火速退时，左边徐商，右边吕建，两下夹攻。平大败回营，魏兵乘势追杀前来，四面围住。关平、廖化支持不住，弃了第一屯，径投四冢寨来，早望见寨中火起，急到寨前，只见皆是魏兵旗号。关平等退兵，忙奔樊城大路而走。前面一军拦住，为首大将，乃是徐晃也。平、化二人奋力死战，夺路而走，回到大寨，来见关公曰：“今徐晃夺了偃城等处，又兼曹操自引大军，分三路来救樊城，多有人言荆州已被吕蒙袭了。”关公喝曰：“此敌人讹言，以乱我军心耳！东吴吕蒙病危，孺子陆逊代之，不足为虑！”

言未毕，忽报徐晃兵至。公令备马，平谏曰：“父体未痊，不可与敌。”公曰：“徐晃与吾有旧，深知其能。若彼不退，吾先斩之，以警魏将。”遂披挂提刀上马，奋然而出。魏军见之，无不惊惧。公勒马问曰：“徐公明安在？”魏营门旗开处，徐晃出马，欠身而言曰：“自别君侯，倏忽数载，不想君侯须发已苍白矣！忆昔壮年相从，多蒙教诲，感谢不忘。今君侯英风震于华夏，使故人闻之，不胜叹羡！兹幸得一见，深慰渴怀。”公曰：“吾与公明交契深厚，非比他人，今何故数穷[1]吾儿耶？”晃回顾众将，厉声大叫曰：“若取得云长首级者，重赏千金！”公惊曰：“公明何出此言？”晃曰：“今日乃国家之事，某不敢以私废公。”言讫，挥大斧直取关公。公大怒，亦挥刀迎之。战八十馀合，公虽武艺绝伦，终是右臂少力。关平恐公有失，火急鸣金，公拨马回寨。忽闻四下里喊声大震，原来是樊城曹仁闻曹操救兵至，引军杀出城来，与徐晃会合，两下夹攻，荆州兵大乱。关公上马，引众将急奔襄江上流头。背后魏兵追至。关公急渡过襄江，望襄阳而奔。忽流星马到，报说：“荆州已被吕蒙所夺，家眷被陷。”关公大惊，不敢奔襄阳，提兵投公安来。探马又报：“公安傅士仁已降东吴了。”关公大怒。忽催粮人到，报说：“公安傅士仁往南郡，杀了使命，招糜芳都降东吴去了。”

关公闻言，怒气冲塞，疮口迸裂，昏绝于地。众将救醒，公顾谓司马王甫曰：“悔不听足下之言，今日果有此事！”因问：“沿江上下，何不举火？”探马答曰：“吕蒙使水手尽穿白衣，扮作客商渡江，将精兵伏于之中，先擒了守台士卒，因此不得举火。”公跌足叹曰：“吾中奸贼之谋矣！有何面目见兄长耶！”管粮都督赵累曰：“今事急矣，可一面差人往成都求救，一面从旱路去取荆州。”关公依言，差马良、伊籍赍文三道，星夜赴成都求救；一面引兵来取荆州，自领前队先行，留廖化、关平断后。

却说樊城围解，曹仁引众将来见曹操，泣拜请罪。操曰：“此乃天数，非汝等之罪也。”操重赏三军，亲至四冢寨周围阅视，顾谓众将曰：“荆州兵围堑鹿角数重，徐公明深入其中，竟获全功。孤用兵三十馀年，未敢长驱径入敌围。公明真胆识兼优者也！”众皆叹服。操班师还于摩陂驻扎，徐晃兵至，操亲出寨迎之，见晃军皆按队伍而行，并无差乱，操大喜曰：“徐将军真有周亚夫[2]之风矣！”遂封徐晃为平南将军，同夏侯尚守襄阳，以遏关公之师。操因荆州未定，就屯兵于摩陂，以候消息。

却说关公在荆州路上，进退无路，谓赵累曰：“目今前有吴兵，后有魏兵，吾在其中，救兵不至，如之奈何？”累曰：“昔吕蒙在陆口时，尝致书君侯，两家约好，共诛操贼，今却助操而袭我，是背盟也。君侯暂驻军于此，可差人遗书吕蒙责之，看彼如何对答。”关公从其言，遂修书遣使赴荆州来。

却说吕蒙在荆州，传下号令：凡荆州诸郡，有随关公出征将士之家，不许吴兵搅扰，按月给与粮米；有患病者，遣医治疗。将士之家，感其恩惠，安堵不动。忽报关公使至，吕蒙出郭迎接入城，以宾礼相待。使者呈书与蒙，蒙看毕，谓来使曰：“蒙昔日与关将军结好，乃一己之私见。今日之事，乃上命差遣，不得自主。烦使者回报将军，善言致意。”遂设宴款待，送归馆驿安歇。于是随征将士之家，皆来问信，有附家书者，有口传音信者，皆言家门无恙，衣食不缺。

使者辞别吕蒙，蒙亲送出城。使者回见关公，具道吕蒙之语，并说：“荆州城中，君侯宝眷并诸将家属，俱各无恙，供给不缺。”公大怒曰：“此奸贼之计也！我生不能杀此贼，死必杀之，以雪吾恨！”喝退使者。使者出寨，众将皆来探问家中之事，使者具言各家安好，吕蒙极其恩恤，并将书信传送各将。各将欣喜，皆无战心。

关公率兵取荆州，军行之次，将士多有逃回荆州者。关公愈加恨怒，遂催军前进。忽然喊声大震，一彪军拦住，为首大将，乃蒋钦也，勒马挺枪大叫曰：“云长何不早降！”关公骂曰：“吾乃汉将，岂降贼乎！”拍马舞刀，直取蒋钦。不三合，钦败走。关公提刀追杀二十馀里，喊声忽起，左边山谷中韩当领军冲出，右边山谷中周泰引军冲出，蒋钦回马复战，三路夹攻。关公急撤军回走。行无数里，只见南山冈上人烟聚集，一面白旗招，上写“荆州土人”四字，众人都叫：“本处人速速投降！”关公大怒，欲上冈杀之。山崦内又有两军撞出，左边丁奉，右边徐盛，并合蒋钦等三路军马，喊声震地，鼓角喧天，将关公困在垓心。手下将士，渐渐消疏。比及杀到黄昏，关公遥望四山之上，皆是荆州土兵，呼兄唤弟，觅子寻爷，喊声不住，军心尽变，皆应声而去。关公止喝不住，部从止有三百馀人。杀至三更，正东上喊声连天，乃是关平、廖化分两路兵杀入重围，救出关公。关平告曰：“军心乱矣，必得城池暂屯，以待援兵。麦城虽小，足可屯扎。”关公从之，催促残军前至麦城，分兵紧守四门，聚将士商议。赵累曰：“此处相近上庸，现有刘封、孟达在彼把守，可速差人往求救兵。若得这枝军马接济，以待川兵大至，军心自安矣。”

正议间，忽报吴兵已至，将城四面围定。公问曰：“谁敢突围而出，往上庸求救？”廖化曰：“某愿往。”关平曰：“我护送汝出重围。”关公即修书付廖化藏于身畔，饱食上马，开门出城。正遇吴将丁奉截住，被关平奋力冲杀，奉败走，廖化乘势杀出重围，投上庸去了。关平入城，坚守不出。

且说刘封、孟达自取上庸，太守申耽率众归降，因此汉中王加刘封为副将军，与孟达同守上庸。当日探知关公兵败，二人正议间，忽报廖化至。封令请入问之，化曰：“关公兵败，现困于麦城，被围至急。蜀中援兵，不能旦夕即至。特命某突围而出，来此求救。望二将军速起上庸之兵，以救此危。倘稍迟延，公必陷矣。”封曰：“将军且歇，容某计议。”

化乃至馆驿安歇，耑候发兵。刘封谓孟达曰：“叔父被困，如之奈何？”达曰：“东吴兵精将勇，且荆州九郡，俱已属彼，止有麦城，乃弹丸之地。又闻曹操亲督大军四五十万，屯于摩陂，量我等山城之众，安能敌得两家之强兵？不可轻敌。”封曰：“吾亦知之。奈关公是吾叔父，安忍坐视而不救乎？”达笑曰：“将军以关公为叔，恐关公未必以将军为侄也。某闻汉中王初嗣将军之时，关公即不悦。后汉中王登位之后，欲立后嗣，问于孔明，孔明曰：‘此家事也，问关、张可矣。’汉中王遂遣人至荆州问关公，关公以将军乃螟蛉之子，不可僭立，劝汉中王远置将军于上庸山城之地，以杜后患。此事人人知之，将军岂反不知耶？何今日犹沾沾以叔侄之义，而欲冒险轻动乎？”封曰：“君言虽是，但以何词却之？”达曰：“但言山城初附，民心未定，不敢造次兴兵，恐失所守。”封从其言。次日，请廖化至，言：“此山城初附之所，未能分兵相救。”化大惊，以头叩地曰：“若如此，则关公休矣！”达曰：“我今即往，一杯之水，安能救一车薪之火乎？将军速回，静候蜀兵至可也。”化大恸告求，刘封、孟达皆拂袖而入。廖化知事不谐，寻思须告汉中王求救，遂上马大骂出城，望成都而去。

却说关公在麦城盼望上庸兵到，却不见动静。手下止有五六百人，多半带伤，城中无粮，甚是苦楚。忽报城下一人教休放箭，有话来见君侯。公令放入，问之，乃诸葛瑾也。礼毕茶罢，瑾曰：“今奉吴侯命，特来劝谕将军。自古道：‘识时务者为俊杰。’今将军所统汉上九郡，皆已属他人矣，止有孤城一区，内无粮草，外无救兵，危在旦夕。将军何不从瑾之言：归顺吴侯，复镇荆襄，可以保全家眷。幸君侯熟思之。”关公正色而言曰：“吾乃解良一武夫，蒙吾主以手足相待，安肯背义投敌国乎？城若破，有死而已。玉可碎而不可改其白，竹可焚而不可毁其节：身虽殒，名可垂于竹帛也。汝勿多言，速请出城，吾欲与孙权决一死战！”瑾曰：“吴侯欲与君侯结秦、晋之好，同力破曹，共扶汉室，别无他意。君侯何执迷如是？”言未毕，关平拔剑而前，欲斩诸葛瑾。公止之曰：“彼弟孔明在蜀，佐汝伯父，今若杀彼，伤其兄弟之情也。”遂令左右逐出诸葛瑾。瑾满面羞惭，上马出城，回见吴侯曰：“关公心如铁石，不可说也。”孙权曰：“真忠臣也！似此如之奈何？”吕范曰：“某请卜其休咎。”权即令卜之。范揲蓍成象，乃“地水师卦”[3]，更有玄武临应，主敌人远奔。权问吕蒙曰：“卦主敌人远奔，卿以何策擒之？”蒙笑曰：“卦象正合某之机也。关公虽有冲天之翼，飞不出吾罗网矣！”正是：龙游沟壑遭虾戏，凤入牢笼被鸟欺。毕竟吕蒙之计若何，且看下文分解。

[1] 数（shuò）穷——屡次窘逼。

[2] 周亚夫——西汉时的名将，以治军严整著称。他驻军细柳防备匈奴，连皇帝的前驱都不轻易放入营地，见皇帝时仍带着武器，只作揖，不下拜，汉文帝大加赞叹。

[3] “地水师卦”——《师》是《易经》里的一个卦名，由坎（）下坤（）上组成；《易经》里把坤代表地，坎代表水，所以叫做“地水师卦”。

CHAPTER 76. Xu Huang Fights At The River Mian; Guan Yu Retreats To Maicheng.

The fall of Jingzhou put Mi Fang in a quandary; and before he could decide upon any course, his old colleague Fu Shiren came to see him. Fu Shiren was admitted, and when asked why he had come, he blurted out his business without beating about the bush.

“I am faithful enough, but I got into difficulties and danger and could not hold on, so I have surrendered to Wu. And I advise you to do the same.”

“You and I have both fed on the bounty of the Prince of Hanzhong, and I cannot understand how you can turn against him.”

“Guan Yu went away hating both of us intensely; and even if he comes back victorious, I do not think he will forgive us. Just think it over.”

“My brother and I have followed the Prince these many years, and I do not like leaving him like this.”

Mi Fang hesitated.

Before he could make up his mind, there came a messenger, saying, “The army in Fankou is short of grain, and I was sent to demand white rice for the soldiers. Nanjun and Gongan are to send ten thousand carts at once. Delay will be most severely punished.”

This sudden demand was a shock to Mi Fang.

“Where am I to get the rice?” said he despairingly to his friend and tempter. “Jingzhou is now in the hands of Wu.”

“Do not dilly-dally,” said Fu Shiren. Thereupon he drew his sword and slew the messenger as he stood in the hall.

“What have you done?” cried Mi Fang.

“Guan Yu wanted to slay us two and has forced me to this. Are we to fold our hands and await death? Either you give in at once and go over to Wu, or you will be put to death by Guan Yu.”

Just then they heard that Lu Meng's troops had actually reached the city wall. Mi Fang saw that nothing could save his life but desertion, so he went out with Fu Shiren and gave in his allegiance to Lu Meng, by whom he was led to Sun Quan. Sun Quan gave both of them presents, after which he proceeded to restore order and to reward his army for their services.

At the time that great discussion about Jingzhou was going on in Xuchang, a messenger arrived with a letter from Sun Quan. It told the tale of the acquisition of Jingzhou and begged Cao Cao to send an army to attack Guan Yu in the rear, enjoining the utmost secrecy.

At the meeting of advisers that Cao Cao summoned to consultation, First Secretary Dong Zhao said, “Now that the relief of Fankou is contemplated, it would be well to shoot letter into the city to let the besieged know, so that they may not yield to depression and to inform Guan Yu. If Guan Yu hears that Jingzhou is in the hands of Wu, he will come back to try to recover it. Then let Xu Huang take the chance to attack, and our victory will be complete.”

Cao Cao agreed that the plan was good, and so he sent a messenger to urge Xu Huang to attack. Cao Cao himself led a large force to Yangling Slope, south of Luoyang, to rescue Cao Ren.

Xu Huang was sitting in his tent when they told him that a messenger from the Prince of Wei had arrived.

The messenger was called in and said, “The Prince has led an army to Luoyang, and he wishes you to hasten to attack Guan Yu in order to relieve Fankou.”

Just then the scouts came to report: “Guan Ping has encamped at Yencheng and Liao Hua at Sizhong. The enemy have built a line of twelve stockades.”

Xu Huang ordered two of his generals—Lu Qian and Xu Shang—to Yencheng to masquerade as if he himself was in command, by showing his ensigns. Xu Huang himself, at the head of five hundred veterans, went along River Mian to attack Yencheng in the rear.

When Guan Ping heard of the approach of Xu Huang, he prepared his own division to meet him. When both sides were arrayed, Guan Ping rode out and engaged Xu Shang. After three encounters Xu Shang had the worst of it and fled. Then the other general, Lu Qian, went out. He fought half a dozen bouts and also ran away. Thereupon Guan Ping went in pursuit and smote the flying enemy for seven miles. But then there was an alarm of fire within Yencheng, and Guan Ping knew that he had been inveigled into the pursuit and was a victim. So he turned and set out for the city again. On his way he met a body of troops, and standing under the great standard was Xu Huang.

Xu Huang shouted out, “Guan Ping, my worthy nephew, it is strange that you do not recognize death when it stares you in the face. Your Jingzhou has fallen into the hands of Wu, and yet you act so madly.”

Guan Ping, whirling his sword, just rode hard at Xu Huang, and they engaged. But after the third bout there was a tremendous shouting among the soldiers, for the flames within the city burst up higher than before. Guan Ping could not follow up his desire to continue the fight, but cut his way out and made a dash for Sizhong, where Liao Hua received him with the news of the disaster to Jingzhou.

“People say that Jingzhou has fallen to Lu Meng, and the news has frightened the whole army; what is to be done?” said Liao Hua.

“It is only a malicious rumor; do not let it spread. If any one repeats it, put him to death.”

Just then a man came running in to say that Xu Huang was attacking the first stockade on the north.

“If that goes,” said Guan Ping, “the remainder will follow. But as we have River Mian at our back, they will not dare attack this. Let us go to the rescue.”

So Liao Hua summoned his subordinate leaders and gave them orders to hold the camp and make a signal if the enemy came. “There is no danger here,” said they. “The camp is defended by a tenfold line of thorny barriers; even a bird could not get in.”

Guan Ping and Liao Hua mustered all the veterans they had and went away to the first stockade. Seeing the Wei soldiers camped on a low hill, Guan Ping said to his colleague, “Those soldiers are stationed in an unsafe place; let us raid their camp tonight.”

“You take half the force, General, and I will remain to keep the camp,” said Liao Hua.

When night fell, the attacking force went out. But on reaching the camp not a man opposed them. The camp was empty. Then Guan Ping knew he had been deceived, and turned to retreat. He was at once attacked on two sides by Xu Shang and Lu Qian from left and right. Unable to stand, his troops ran for the camp. The soldiers of Wei followed, and presently the camp was surrounded. They were compelled to abandon the position and set off for Sizhong. As they drew near they saw torches, and presently knew by the ensigns displayed that the camp had also fallen to the enemy. Retiring, they hastened along the high road toward Fankou, but presently their way was barred by a force under Xu Huang himself. By dint of hard fighting they got away and returned to their main camp, and Guan Ping went to his father.

“Xu Huang has got possession of Yencheng; Cao Cao's main army is on the way in three divisions; and many say that Jingzhou is in the enemy's hands.”

Guan Yu bade him be silent.

“This is a fabrication of the enemy,” said Guan Yu, “but it may dishearten the soldiers. We know Lu Meng is ill, and they have appointed that impractical fellow Lu Xun to succeed him at Lukou. There is nothing to fear.”

Then news came that Xu Huang had arrived . At once Guan Yu bade them saddle his charger.

“Father, you are not strong enough to go into the battle,” said Guan Ping.

“Xu Huang and I were once friends, and I know what he can do and not do. I will give him the chance to retire; and if he does not take it, then I shall just slay him as a warning to the others.”

Mounting his charger, Guan Yu rode out as impetuously as of yore, and the sight of the old warrior made to quake the hearts of the troops of Wei.

When he came close enough to his enemy, Guan Yu checked his steed and said, “Where is my friend Xu Huang?”

As a reply, the gate of the battle opened, and Xu Huang appeared under the standard. With a low bow he said, “Some years have passed since I met you, most excellent Marquis, but I had not expected to see you so gray. I have not forgotten the old brave days, when we were together and you taught me so much, and I am very grateful. Your new fame has spread throughout the whole empire, and your old friends cannot but praise you. I am indeed glad that I have the happiness to see you.”

Guan Yu replied, “We have been excellent friends, Xu Huang—better than most. But why have you pressed my son so hardly of late?”

Xu Huang suddenly turned to the officers about him and cried fiercely, “I would give a thousand ounces of gold for this Guan Yu's head.” Guan Yu, greatly shocked, said, “What did you say that for?”

“Because today I am on state business, and I have no inclination to let private friendship override my public duty.”

As he said this, he whirled his battle-ax and rode at Guan Yu, who, greatly enraged, threw up his great saber to strike. They fought a half score bouts, but although his skill lacked nothing of its pristine vigor and excelled all the world, the old warrior's right arm was still weak from the wound. Guan Ping saw that his father failed somewhat, and so hastily beat the gong for retreat. Guan Yu rode back.

Suddenly the noise of a great shouting was heard; it came from the troops in Fankou, for Cao Ren, having heard of the arrival of troops of his own side, had made a sortie and was about to attack to help Xu Huang. His army fell on, and the army of Jingzhou were routed. Guan Yu, with as many of his officers as could, fled away along the banks of River Xiang, hotly pursued by the army of Wei. Crossing the river, he made for Xiangyang.

Suddenly the scouts reported: “Jingzhou has been taken by Lu Meng. Your family is now in the hand of enemy.”

Guan Yu was shocked; thence he marched for Gongan. But the scouts told him: “Fu Shiren has yielded Gongan to the hands of Wu.”

Then some of the men he had dispatched for supplies came in and reported: “Fu Shiren murdered the officer and persuade Mi Fang to surrender to Wu.”

The story filled Guan Yu with boundless rage. It was too much. The wound reopened, and he fell in a swoon.

“Wang Fu, you were right,” said he when he recovered consciousness. “How I regret that I did not heed what you said! And now.”

“But why were the beacon fires not lighted?” continued he presently.

“Lu Meng's marines in the guise of traders came over the river. There were soldiers hidden in the ships, and they seized the beacon guards, so preventing them from kindling the fires.”

Guan Yu sighed. Beating the ground with his foot, he said, “Indeed I have fallen into their trap. How shall I look my brother in the face?”

Then outspoke Commissariat Commander Zhao Lei, saying, “We are in straits. Send to Chengdu for help, and let us take the land road to Jingzhou to try to recover it.”

So three messengers were sent by different routes to ask for help, while the army set out to return to Jingzhou, Guan Yu leading and Liao Hua with Guan Ping keeping the rear.

The siege of Fankou being thus raised, Cao Ren went to see his master. With tears he acknowledged his fault and asked pardon.

“It was the will of heaven, and no fault of yours,” said Cao Cao; and he rewarded the armies.

When he visited Sizhong and had inspected the captured stockades, he remarked on the defenses, saying, “Xu Huang was very clever to overcome these. With my thirty years of war, I should not have dared to penetrate such opposition. He is valiant and wise, and both in a high degree.”

“Aye,” said they with him, for they could not but agree.

Cao Cao's army marched back to Mopo and there camped. When Xu Huang returned, Cao Cao went out of the stockade to meet him, and netted with joy when seeing the excellent order and discipline that his army showed. Every soldier was in his place, the ranks perfectly kept, all without a trace of disorder.

“General Xu Huang has the spirit of the old Zhou Yafu,” said Cao Cao, and on the spot conferred on his commander the title of General Who Pacifies the South. Xu Huang was sent soon after to share in the defense of Xiangyang with Xiahou Shang to meet Guan Yu's army.

Jingzhou being still in turmoil, Cao Cao remained at Mopo waiting for news.

Guan Yu found himself at a standstill on the road to Jingzhou with the army of Wu in front and the men of Wei coming up behind.

“What is to be done,” he discussed the position with Zhao Lei, “when we cannot advance nor retreat and the aid has not come?”

Zhao Lei proposed a halt to try to shame Lu Meng into aiding Cao Cao.

Said he, “When Lu Meng was at Lukou, he used to write to you often, and you agreed to join hands in the destruction of Cao Cao. Now he is a traitor and fighting on the other side. Send a letter and reproach him. Perhaps we may get a satisfactory reply.”

So the letter was written and sent to Jingzhou. Meanwhile, by Lu Meng's special command, the most complete protection was given to the families of all the officers who were serving under Guan Yu, and they were kept supplied with all they required. Even the ailing members of their households were treated by physicians free of charge. The result was that they were quite won over to the new order of things, and there was no attempt to disturb it. When Guan Yu's letter came, the messenger was led into the city and well treated.

When Lu Meng read the letter, he said to the bearer thereof, “You must understand the different circumstances. When your general and I were leagued together, it was a personal matter between us two. Now things have changed. I am sent here with certain orders and am not my own master. I would trouble you, O Messenger, to return and explain thus to your master and in good words.”

The bearer of the letter was entertained at a banquet and sent to repose himself in the guest-house, where the families of the absent officers sought him to have news of their husbands and fathers. Moreover, they brought him letters and gave him messages for the officers, and the whole tenor of these letters and messages was that they were all in good health, all their needs were supplied, and they lacked nothing. When he left the city, Lu Meng himself escorted him to the outskirts and set him on his way.

On his return to the army, he gave to Guan Yu the message of Lu Meng and told him that the families were all well and safe and well cared for. This, however, did not greatly please Guan Yu, for he saw in this merely a plan to gain favor and popularity.

“The brigand! If I cannot slay him while I live, I will after I am dead. My hate shall not go unappeased.” He roughly dismissed the messenger, who went out and was at once surrounded by those whose families were in the city and who desired to have news of them. And when he gave them the letters and messages and told them all were well, there was great rejoicing among the men in the camp, and kindly feelings for Lu Meng prevailed. And therewith died down the spirit of fighting.

Guan Yu led the army to attack Jingzhou, but day by day the men deserted and ran away to the very city they were moving to attack. So day by day Guan Yu's bitterness and anger increased, and he advanced in angry haste. One day there was a great shouting and the noise of drums, and he found his way blocked.

“Why do you not surrender, friend Guan Yu?” said the leader of this body, Jiang Qin.

“Could I give in to a rebel; I, a servant of the Hans and a leader of their army?” roared Guan Yu in a passion.

Thereupon he whipped his horse forward and swung up his sword to strike. However, Jiang Qin would not fight. The two exchanged a few blows, and Jiang Qin fled. Guan Yu followed. When he had gone a long way, there suddenly appeared from a gully near him Han Dang, while Zhou Tai came out from the other side. Thereupon Jiang Qin wheeled round and once more came to do battle, so that three forces were opposed to Guan Yu. Unable to withstand these, he retreated.

Before he had gone very far, he saw signs of many people bivouacking among the hills, and presently made out, on a huge white banner that flapped in the breeze, the words “Natives of Jingzhou”, and the people about were calling out, “All the inhabitants of this place have surrendered.”

Guan Yu felt like rushing up and cutting these people to pieces, but just then two other cohorts appeared led by Ding Feng and Xu Sheng, who supported Jiang Qin. The three bodies of troops then set on with shouting and loud beating of drums that seemed to make the very earth tremble. And Guan Yu was like the kernel in a nut, quite surrounded.

This was not all. He saw the number of his followers diminishing every moment. He fought on till dusk, and looking about him he saw all the hills crowded with Jingzhou folks and heard them calling brother for brother and son for father, till his soldiers' hearts had melted within them. One by one they ran to their relatives, heedless of their leader and his voice. Presently he had but three hundred left, but with them he kept up the battle till the third watch. Then there was another shouting in another note, for his leaders, Guan Ping, his son, and Liao Hua, came to his help. And they rescued him.

“The soldiers' hearts are all melted,” said Guan Ping. “We must find some place wherein to camp till help can arrive. There is Maicheng, small, but sufficient; let us camp there.”

Guan Yu consented, and the exhausted army hurried thither as quickly as they could.

The small force was divided among the four gates to guard.

Zhao Lei said, “This place is near Shangyong where Meng Da and Liu Feng station. We should send for their help. If their army marches to our relief until the grand army of Shu comes, the morale of our army will improve.”

But disappointments dogged them. Very soon the army of Wu came up and laid siege to the city.

“Who will try to break through and go away to Shangyong for assistance?” asked Guan Yu. “I will go,” said Liao Hua.

“And I will escort you past the danger zone,” said Guan Ping.

Guan Yu wrote his letter, which Liao Hua concealed next his skin, and having eaten a full meal, he rode out at the gate. The leader of the enemy, Ding Feng, tried to check him, but Guan Ping fought vigorously and drove him away. So Liao Hua escaped the siege and reached Shangyong, while Guan Ping returned. Then they barred the gates and hold their defense.

Now, having captured Shangyong, Liu Feng and Meng Da had remained to guard it. Liu Feng had been created Governor General, and together with Meng Da, to defend that city. When they heard of the defeat of Guan Yu, they took counsel what to do. When Liao Hua came, he was admitted into the city. He told the tale of Guan Yu's straits, and asked for help.

“Guan Yu is closely besieged in Maicheng. Help from the west will be a long time in coming, so I have been sent to beg your assistance. I hope you will march the Shangyong troops thither as quickly as possible, for any delay will be fatal.”

Liu Feng replied, “Sir, go to the rest-house for a time till we can decide.”

So Liao Hua went, and the two leaders talked over the matter.

Liu Feng said, “This is bad news; what is to be done?”

“Wu is very powerful,” replied his colleague. “Now they have control over the whole region of Jingzhou, save this small clod of earth called Maicheng. Cao Cao is at hand with five hundred thousand troops, and we cannot stand against the two mighty forces. I say we must not move.”

“I know all this. But Guan Yu is my uncle, and I cannot bear to sit still and not try to save him.”

“So you hold him as an uncle!” said Meng Da with a smile. “Yet I do not think he holds you much as a nephew. When the Prince of Hanzhong adopted you, Guan Yu was greatly annoyed. And after the Prince had accepted his new dignity and was nominating his heir, I heard he consulted Zhuge Liang, who said the affair was one to be decided within the family and declined to advise. Then the Prince sent to ask Guan Yu's advice. Did Guan Yu name you? Not at all. You were only a son by adoption and could have no place in the succession. Further, Guan Yu advised that you be sent to a distance lest you might cause trouble. This is common knowledge, and I am surprised that you are ignorant of it. Yet today you make capital out of the relationship and are willing to run a great risk to support it.”

“Granted that what you say is true, still what reply can we give?”

“Simply say that this city is still unsettled, and you dare not move lest it be lost.”

Liu Feng took his colleague's view, sent for the messenger and told him. Liao Hua was greatly disappointed. He threw himself on the ground and knocked his head, imploring assistance.

“If you act thus, there is an end of Guan Yu!” cried Liao Hua.

“Will a cup of water extinguish a wagon load of blazing wood?” said Meng Da. “Hasten back and await patiently for the coming of help from the west.” Liao Hua renewed his entreaties. The two commanders simply rose, shook out their sleeves, and left him. Liao Hua saw that things had gone against him and thought his best course would be to go at once to Chengdu. He rode out of the city cursing its defenders and went away west.

Guan Yu from his fortress looked anxiously, but vainly, for the coming of the expected aid. He was in a sorry plight. His army numbered but a few hundred, many wounded; there was no food.

Then someone came to the foot of the wall and, calling out to the defenders on the wall not to shoot, said he had a message for the commander. He was allowed to enter; it was Zhuge Jin. When he had made his salutations and taken tea, he began his harangue.

“I come at the command of my master, the Marquis of Wu, to persuade you to a wise course. From of old it has always been recognized that the hero must bow to circumstances. The region with its nine territories and forty-one counties that you ruled have come under another, with the exception of this single city. Within, there is no food, without, no help, so that it must fall quickly. Wherefore, O General, why not hear me and join your fortunes to those of Wu? You shall be restored to your governorship, and you will preserve your family. If haply, Sir, you would reflect thereon.”

Guan Yu replied, quite calmly, “I am a simple soldier from the village of Jieliang. I am the 'hands and feet' of my lord. How can I betray him? The city may fall, and then I can but die. Jade may be shattered, but its whiteness remains; bamboo may be burned, but its joints stand straight. My body may be broken, but my fame shall live in history. Say no more, but leave the city, I beg. I will fight Sun Quan to the death.”

“My master desires to enter into such a league with you as did Jin and Qin in former days, that you may mutually assist to destroy Cao Cao and restore the Hans. That is his idea, and why do you persist in this wrong course?”

As Zhuge Jin finished this speech, Guan Ping, who was by, drew his sword to slay him. But his father checked him.

“Remember his brother is in Shu, helping your uncle. If you hurt him, you will injure the principle of fraternity.”

Guan Yu then bade his servants lead Zhuge Jin away. Zhuge Jin went, his face covered with shame, and left the city. When he reached his master, he told of Guan Yu's obduracy and rejection of all argument.

“He is indeed a loyal servant!” said Sun Quan. “Still, what is to be done next?”

“Take some casts in the Book of Changes,” said Lu Fan.

So the lots were taken and explained to mean that the Marquis' enemies should flee to a distance.

Then Sun Quan asked Lu Meng, saying, “If he flies to a distance, how can he be captured?”

“The divination exactly fits in with my schemes;” replied Lu Meng, “and though Guan Yu had wings to soar to the skies, he would not escape my net.”

The dragon in a puddle is the sport of shrimps,

The phoenix in a cage is mocked of small birds.

The scheme of Lu Meng will be unfolded in the next chapter.