第八十二回

第八十二回 孙权降魏受九锡 先主征吴赏六军

却说章武元年秋八月，先主起大军至夔关，驾屯白帝城。前队军马已出川口，近臣奏曰：“吴使诸葛瑾至。”先主传旨教休放入。黄权奏曰：“瑾弟在蜀为相，必有事而来。陛下何故绝之？当召入，看他言语。可从则从；如不可，则就借彼口说与孙权，令知问罪有名也。”先主从之，召瑾入城。瑾拜伏于地，先主问曰：“子瑜远来，有何事故？”瑾曰：“臣弟久事陛下，臣故不避斧钺，特来奏荆州之事：前者，关公在荆州时，吴侯数次求亲，关公不允。后关公取襄阳，曹操屡次致书吴侯使袭荆州，吴侯本不肯许，因吕蒙与关公不睦，故擅自兴兵，误成大事。今吴侯悔之不及。此乃吕蒙之罪，非吴侯之过也。今吕蒙已死，冤仇已息。孙夫人一向思归，今吴侯令臣为使，愿送归夫人，缚还降将，并将荆州仍旧交还，永结盟好，共灭曹丕，以正篡逆之罪。”先主怒曰：“汝东吴害了朕弟，今日敢以巧言来说乎！”瑾曰：“臣请以轻重大小之事，与陛下论之。陛下乃汉朝皇叔，今汉帝已被曹丕篡夺，不思剿除，却为异姓之亲，而屈万乘之尊，是舍大义而就小义也。中原乃海内之地，两都皆大汉创业之方，陛下不取，而但争荆州，是弃重而取轻也。天下皆知陛下即位，必兴汉室，恢复山河，今陛下置魏不问，反欲伐吴，窃为陛下不取。”先主大怒曰：“杀吾弟之仇，不共戴天！欲朕罢兵，除死方休！不看丞相之面，先斩汝首！今且放汝回去，说与孙权：洗颈就戮！”诸葛瑾见先主不听，只得自回江南。

却说张昭见孙权曰：“诸葛子瑜知蜀兵势大，故假以请和为辞，欲背吴入蜀，此去必不回矣。”权曰：“孤与子瑜，有生死不易之盟，孤不负子瑜，子瑜亦不负孤。昔子瑜在柴桑时，孔明来吴，孤欲使子瑜留之，子瑜曰：‘弟已事玄德，义无二心。弟之不留，犹瑾之不往。’其言足贯神明。今日岂肯降蜀乎？孤与子瑜可谓神交，非外言所得间也。”正言间，忽报诸葛瑾回。权曰：“孤言若何？”张昭满面羞惭而退。瑾见孙权，言先主不肯通和之意。权大惊曰：“若如此，则江南危矣！”阶下一人进曰：“某有一计，可解此危。”视之，乃中大夫赵咨也。权曰：“德度有何良策？”咨曰：“主公可作一表，某愿为使，往见魏帝曹丕，陈说利害，使袭汉中，则蜀兵自危矣。”权曰：“此计最善。但卿此去，休失了东吴气象。”咨曰：“若有些小差失，即投江而死，安有面目见江南人物乎！”

权大喜，即写表称臣，令赵咨为使，星夜到了许都，先见太尉贾诩等并大小官僚。次日早朝，贾诩出班奏曰：“东吴遣中大夫赵咨上表。”曹丕笑曰：“此欲退蜀兵故也。”即令召入，咨拜伏于丹墀。丕览表毕，遂问咨曰：“吴侯乃何如主也？”咨曰：“聪明、仁智、雄略之主也。”丕笑曰：“卿褒奖毋乃太甚？”咨曰：“臣非过誉也。吴侯纳鲁肃于凡品，是其聪也；拔吕蒙于行阵，是其明也；获于禁而不害，是其仁也；取荆州兵不血刃，是其智也；据三江虎视天下，是其雄也；屈身于陛下，是其略也。以此论之，岂不为聪明、仁智、雄略之主乎？”丕又问曰：“吴主颇知学乎？”咨曰：“吴主浮江万艘，带甲百万，任贤使能，志存经略。少有馀闲，博览书传，历观史籍，采其大旨，不效书生寻章摘句而已。”丕曰：“朕欲伐吴，可乎？”咨曰：“大国有征伐之兵，小国有御备之策。”丕曰：“吴畏魏乎？”咨曰：“带甲百万，江汉为池[1]，何畏之有？”丕曰：“东吴如大夫者几人？”咨曰：“聪明特达者八九十人。如臣之辈，车载斗量，不可胜数。”丕叹曰：“‘使于四方，不辱君命’，卿可以当之矣。”

于是即降诏，命太常卿邢贞赍册封孙权为吴王，加九锡。赵咨谢恩出城。大夫刘晔谏曰：“今孙权惧蜀兵之势，故来请降。以臣愚见，蜀、吴交兵，乃天亡之也。今若遣上将提数万之兵，渡江袭之，蜀攻其外，魏攻其内，吴国之亡，不出旬日。吴亡则蜀孤矣。陛下何不早图之？”丕曰：“孙权既以礼服朕，朕若攻之，是沮天下欲降者之心，不若纳之为是。”刘晔又曰：“孙权虽有雄才，乃残汉骠骑将军、南昌侯之职，官轻则势微，尚有畏中原之心，若加以王位，则去陛下一阶耳[2]。今陛下信其诈降，崇其位号以封殖之，是与虎添翼也。”丕曰：“不然。朕不助吴，亦不助蜀。待看吴、蜀交兵，若灭一国，止存一国，那时除之，有何难哉？朕意已决，卿勿复言。”遂命太常卿邢贞同赵咨捧执册锡，径至东吴。

却说孙权聚集百官，商议御蜀兵之策。忽报：“魏帝封主公为王，礼当远接。”顾雍谏曰：“主公宜自称上将军、九州伯之位，不当受魏帝封爵。”权曰：“当日沛公受项羽之封[3]，盖因时也，何故却之？”遂率百官出城迎接。邢贞自恃上国天使，入门不下车。张昭大怒，厉声曰：“礼无不敬，法无不肃，而君敢自尊大，岂以江南无方寸之刃耶？”邢贞慌忙下车，与孙权相见，并车入城。忽车后一人放声哭曰：“吾等不能奋身舍命，为主并魏吞蜀，乃令主公受人封爵，不亦辱乎！”众视之，乃徐盛也。邢贞闻之，叹曰：“江东将相如此，终非久在人下者也！”

却说孙权受了封爵，众文武官僚拜贺已毕，命收拾美玉明珠等物，遣人赍进谢恩。早有细作报说：“蜀主引本国大兵，及蛮王沙摩柯番兵数万，又有洞溪汉将杜路、刘宁二枝兵，水陆并进，声势震天。水路军已出巫口，旱路军已到秭归。”时孙权虽登王位，奈魏主不肯接应，乃问文武曰：“蜀兵势大，当复如何？”众皆默然。权叹曰：“周郎之后有鲁肃，鲁肃之后有吕蒙，今吕蒙已亡，无人与孤分忧也！”言未毕，忽班部中一少年将奋然而出，伏地奏曰：“臣虽年幼，颇习兵书。愿乞数万之兵，以破蜀兵。”权视之，乃孙桓也。桓字叔武，其父名河，本姓俞氏，孙策爱之，赐姓孙，因此亦系吴王宗族。河生四子，桓居其长，弓马熟娴，常从吴王征讨，累立奇功，官授武卫都尉，时年二十五岁。权曰：“汝有何策胜之？”桓曰：“臣有大将二员，一名李异，一名谢旌，俱有万夫不当之勇。乞数万之众，往擒刘备。”权曰：“侄虽英勇，争奈年幼，必得一人相助方可。”虎威将军朱然出曰：“臣愿与小将军同擒刘备。”权许之，遂点水陆军五万，封孙桓为左都督，朱然为右都督，即日起兵。哨马探得蜀兵已至宜都下寨，孙桓引二万五千军马，屯于宜都界口，前后分作三营，以拒蜀兵。

却说蜀将吴班领先锋之印，自出川以来，所到之处，望风而降，兵不血刃，直到宜都，探知孙桓在彼下寨，飞奏先主。时先主已到秭归，闻奏怒曰：“量此小儿，安敢与朕抗耶！”关兴奏曰：“既孙权令此子为将，不劳陛下遣大将，臣愿往擒之。”先主曰：“朕正欲观汝壮气。”即命关兴前往。兴拜辞欲行，张苞出曰：“既关兴前去讨贼，臣愿同行。”先主曰：“二侄同行甚妙，但须谨慎，不可造次。”

二人拜辞先主，会合先锋，一同进兵，列成阵势。孙桓听知蜀兵大至，合寨多起。两阵对圆，桓领李异、谢旌立马于门旗之下，见蜀营中，拥出二员大将，皆银盔银铠，白马白旗，上首张苞挺丈八点钢矛，下首关兴横着大砍刀。苞大骂曰：“孙桓竖子！死在临时，尚敢抗拒天兵乎！”桓亦骂曰：“汝父已作无头之鬼，今汝又来讨死，好生不智！”张苞大怒，挺枪直取孙桓。桓背后谢旌，骤马来迎。两将战有三十馀合，旌败走，苞乘胜赶来。李异见谢旌败了，慌忙拍马轮蘸金斧接战。张苞与战二十馀合，不分胜负。吴军中裨将谭雄，见张苞英勇，李异不能胜，却放一冷箭，正射中张苞所骑之马。那马负痛奔回本阵，未到门旗边，扑地便倒，将张苞掀在地上。李异急向前轮起大斧，望张苞脑袋便砍。忽一道红光闪处，李异头早落地。原来关兴见张苞马回，正待接应，忽见张苞马倒，李异赶来，兴大喝一声，劈李异于马下，救了张苞。乘势掩杀，孙桓大败。各自鸣金收军。

次日，孙桓又引军来。张苞、关兴齐出。关兴立马于阵前，单搦孙桓交锋。桓大怒，拍马轮刀，与关兴战三十馀合，气力不加，大败回阵。二小将追杀入营，吴班引着张南、冯习驱兵掩杀。张苞奋勇当先，杀入吴军，正遇谢旌，被苞一矛刺死，吴军四散奔走。蜀将得胜收兵，只不见了关兴。张苞大惊曰：“安国有失，吾不独生！”言讫，绰枪上马。寻不数里，只见关兴左手提刀，右手活挟一将。苞问曰：“此是何人？”兴笑答曰：“吾在乱军中，正遇仇人，故生擒来。”苞视之，乃昨日放冷箭的谭雄也。苞大喜，同回本营，斩首沥血，祭了死马。遂写表差人赴先主处报捷。

孙桓折了李异、谢旌、谭雄等许多将士，力穷势孤，不能抵敌，即差人回吴求救。蜀将张南、冯习谓吴班曰：“目今吴兵势败，正好乘虚劫寨。”班曰：“孙桓虽然折了许多将士，朱然水军现今结营江上，未曾损折。今日若去劫寨，倘水军上岸，断我归路，如之奈何？”南曰：“此事至易。可教关、张二将军，各引五千军伏于山谷中，如朱然来救，左右两军齐出夹攻，必然取胜。”班曰：“不如先使小卒诈作降兵，却将劫寨事告与朱然。然见火起，必来救应，却令伏兵击之，则大事济矣。”冯习等大喜，遂依计而行。

却说朱然听知孙桓损兵折将，正欲来救，忽伏路军引几个小卒上船投降。然问之，小卒曰：“我等是冯习帐下士卒，因赏罚不明，特来投降，就报机密。”然曰：“所报何事？”小卒曰：“今晚冯习乘虚要劫孙将军营寨，约定举火为号。”朱然听毕，即使人报知孙桓。报事人行至半途，被关兴杀了。朱然一面商议，欲引兵去救应孙桓。部将崔禹曰：“小卒之言，未可深信。倘有疏虞，水陆二军尽皆休矣。将军只宜稳守水寨，某愿替将军一行。”然从之，遂令崔禹引一万军前去。是夜，冯习、张南、吴班分兵三路，直杀入孙桓寨中，四面火起，吴兵大乱，寻路奔走。

且说崔禹正行之间，忽见火起，急催兵前进。刚才转过山来，忽山谷中鼓声大震，左边关兴，右边张苞，两路夹攻。崔禹大惊，方欲奔走，正遇张苞，交马只一合，被苞生擒而回。朱然听知危急，将船往下水退五六十里去了。孙桓引败军逃走，问部将曰：“前去何处城坚粮广？”部将曰：“此去正北彝陵城，可以屯兵。”桓引败军急望彝陵而走。方进得城，吴班等追至，将城四面围定。关兴、张苞等解崔禹到秭归来。先主大喜，传旨将崔禹斩却，大赏三军。自此威风震动，江南诸将无不胆寒。

却说孙桓令人求救于吴王，吴王大惊，即召文武商议曰：“今孙桓受困于彝陵，朱然大败于江中。蜀兵势大，如之奈何？”张昭奏曰：“今诸将虽多物故[4]，然尚有十馀人，何虑于刘备？可命韩当为正将，周泰为副将，潘璋为先锋，凌统为合后，甘宁为救应，起兵十万拒之。”权依所奏，即命诸将速行。此时甘宁已患痢疾，带病从征。

却说先主从巫峡建平起，直接彝陵界分，七百馀里，连结四十馀寨，见关兴、张苞屡立大功，叹曰：“昔日从朕诸将，皆老迈无用矣，复有二侄如此英雄，朕何虑孙权乎！”正言间，忽报韩当、周泰领兵来到。先主方欲遣将迎敌，近臣奏曰：“老将黄忠，引五六人投东吴去了。”先主笑曰：“黄汉升非反叛之人也。因朕失口误言老者无用，彼必不服老，故奋力去相持矣。”即召关兴、张苞曰：“黄汉升此去必然有失。贤侄休辞劳苦，可去相助。略有微功，便可令回，勿使有失。”二小将拜辞先主，引本部军来助黄忠。正是：老臣素矢忠君志，年少能成报国功。未知黄忠此去如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 池——指城壕、护城河。这是比喻的话。

[2] 去陛下一阶耳——比皇上只差一级罢了。

[3] 沛公受项羽之封——刘邦、项羽共同灭秦之后，刘邦当时因势力不及项羽，曾接受项羽所给的“汉王”的封号。

[4] 物故——死亡。

CHAPTER 82. Sun Quan Submits To Wei, Receiving The Nine Dignities; The First Ruler Attacks Wu, Rewarding Six Armies.

In the eighth month of the first year of Manifest Might (AD 221) the First Ruler marched at the head of his army and camped at Baidicheng (City of the White Emperor), through the Kui Pass. His advanced guard had gone beyond the Lands of Rivers when his attendants told him that Zhuge Jin had come as a messenger from Wu. He told them not to admit him.

But Huang Quan said, “His brother being your Prime Minister, Zhuge Jin is certainly come on some important mission. Your Majesty ought to see him and hear what he says. If his proposals are admissible, then agree; if not, he can be made use of to take knowledge of your intentions to Sun Quan and let Sun Quan know that you intend to punish his crime.”

Then the First Ruler gave way, and the messenger was brought in. He bowed down to the earth.

“Zhuge Jin, you have come a long journey; what is its object?” said the First Ruler.

“My brother has long served Your Majesty; I have come at the risk of my life to discuss Jingzhou affairs. When Guan Yu was at Jingzhou, my master repeatedly sought to ally the two families by marriage, but was refused. When Guan Yu attacked Xiangyang, Cao Cao wrote again and again urging my master to attack Jingzhou. But the Marquis was unwilling, and it was the enmity between your brother and Lu Meng that led to the attack and the unfortunate success.

“My master is now very sorry for it, but it was Lu Meng's doing. However, Lu Meng is now dead and his enmity has died with him. Moreover, Lady Sun is always thinking over returning to you. My master now proposes to send back the lady, to bind and hand over to you those officers who surrendered, and to restore Jingzhou. If the two houses swear perpetual amity, then they may join forces against Cao Pi and punish his usurpation.”

To this harangue the First Ruler only replied, “You of Eastern Wu killed my brother; yet you dare to come with your artful talk!”

Zhuge Jin said, “I only wish to discuss the relative importance of the issues. Your Majesty is an Imperial Uncle, and Cao Pi has seized the throne of your House. Yet you do not think of destroying the usurper, but on the other hand you disregard the most honorable position in the world for the sake of a so-called brother, a connection of another name. Surely this is rejecting the chief for the subordinate, the main issue for a detail.

“The Middle Land is the biggest part of the empire, and the two capitals, Luoyang and Changan, are both famous as places whence the two, one the Founder, the other the Restorer, of the Hans, initiated their mighty task. Your Majesty takes no thought of these, but would dispute over Jingzhou; in other words, the important is abandoned for the worthless.

“All the world knows of your assumption of the dignity of Emperor and that you will assuredly restore the Hans and rescue their territory; only now you do not try to deal with Wei, you only desire to attack Wu. I venture to think you have made a bad choice.”

All this argument only added fuel to the fire.

“The slayer of my brother shall not live in the same world as I. You ask me not to fight. I will cease when I have slain your master. Were it not for the sake of your brother, I would behead you at once. As it is, you may go; and you may tell your master to cleanse his neck ready for the blade of the executioner.”

Zhuge Jin saw that the position was hopeless and took his leave to return to the South Land.

But while Zhuge Jin had been absent, Zhang Zhao said to Sun Quan, “He knows something of the strength of the armies of Shu, and he made this mission of his an excuse to get out of danger. He will not return.”

The Marquis replied, “He and I are sworn friends—friends to the death. I shall not wrong him, nor will he betray me. When he was at Chaisang and Zhuge Liang came to our country, I wanted my friend Zhuge Jin to persuade his brother to remain with me. His reply was that his brother would not remain any more than he himself would go: each would be faithful to his salt. That was quite clear enough. How could he desert me after that? Our friendship has something of the divine in it, and no talk from outside can sow dissension between us.”

Even as Sun Quan spoke, the servants told him that Zhuge Jin had returned.

“What do you think now?” said Sun Quan.

Zhang Zhao retired overwhelmed with shame. The luckless messenger unfolded his tale of failure.

“Then the South Land is in great danger,” said Sun Quan, as he heard the story.

But a certain man here interposed, saying, “I have a way out of the difficulty.”

He was Counselor Zhao Zi.

“What good scheme do you propose, friend Zhao Zi?” said Sun Quan.

“Let my lord draw up a document, which I will take to Cao Pi in Wei, making a full statement of the case, and get him to attack Hanzhong and so draw off the danger from our land.”

“Though the suggestion is good, yet shall we not lose something of our dignity by that?” said Sun Quan.

“If there is any such thing, I will simply jump into the river—I could not look the South Land's people in the face again.”

Sun Quan was satisfied and composed the memorial, styling himself “Minister.” Therein Zhao Zi was duly appointed messenger. He took the document and soon reached Capital Xuchang, where he first sought out the High Minister Jia Xu, and then saw the others.

Next day, Jia Xu stood forth one day at court and said, “Eastern Wu has sent a high officer, Zhao Zi, with a memorial.”

“Because he wants the armies of Shu driven off,” said Cao Pi, smiling, and as if completing the sentence. But he summoned Zhao Zi, who, having prostrated himself in the outer court, handed in his memorial. After reading it, Cao Pi said, “What sort of an over-lord is the Marquis?”

“Intelligent, clear-sighted, wise, brave, and perspicacious,” was the reply.

Cao Pi laughed, “Your praise is none too enthusiastic.”

“I do not wish to overstate,” replied Zhao Zi, “but my master has shown various qualities at different times. He made use of Lu Su among the officials of high ranks, which shows his intelligence. He chose Lu Meng as leader of all armies, which showed his clear-sightedness. He captured Yu Jin but did not hurt him, which shows his kindliness. He took Jingzhou without slaughter, which shows his wisdom. He maintains the Three Rivers so as to command the respect of the empire, which shows his boldness. Lastly, he bows before Your Majesty, which shows his perspicacity. You see now that my epithets are justifiable.”

“Is he at all learned?”

“Sire, remember he commands a large fleet of ten thousand battleships and a huge army of million armored soldiers. He endeavors to find wise and capable people to help him, and his mind is full of plans and projects. When he has a little leisure, he reads the histories and the annals, for the sake of the general lessons to be learned therefrom. He is no dryasdust pedant seeking remarkable passages and culling model sentences.”

“Do you think I could overcome Wu?”

“If a large state has military force to attack, a small one has also preparations for defense.”

“Does Wu fear Wei?”

“How can you think so, considering our army of million armored soldiers and the defensive moats we have in the River Han and the Great River?”

“How many such persons as high minister does Wu possess?”

“Nearly a hundred intelligent and specially qualified ministers like your servants; of my sort of ordinary knowledge there are too many to reckon up.”

Cao Pi sighed, saying, “The book says 'Going on mission without losing the dignity of the master.' That is the sort of man you are!”

Thereupon he issued the mandate ordering Xing Zhen, Minister of Ceremonies and Sacrifices, to be his ambassador to Wu, bearing for Sun Quan the title of “Prince of Wu” and allowing him to use the “Nine Signs of Honors.”

But when the messenger had gone out of the city, Liu Ye went to remonstrate, saying, “Sun Quan has done this for fear of the armies of Shu. In my opinion, if Shu and Wu fight, heaven will make an end of one country. If you will send an army across the river to attack, and Shu attack at the same time, Wu as a state will disappear. If Wu goes, then Shu will be left alone and can be dealt with when you will.”

“But I cannot attack Sun Quan now that he has come over to my side. It would prevent anyone else from doing so. No; I will really accept his submission. It is the best course.”

Liu Ye said, “After all, though talented, he is but a General of the Flying Cavalry and Lord of Nanzhang of the decadent days of Han. His rank is low and his influence small, yet he still wants to contest the Middle Land. If you promote him to princely rank, he is only one step below yourself. While doubting the reality of his submission, you give him an exalted rank and increase his influence. Surely this is only giving wings to a tiger.”

“Not at all; I am helping neither Wu nor Shu. I am waiting till they are at grips, and if one goes under, there will be only one left to destroy. That will be easy. However, say no more, for I have decided.”

Whereupon Xing Zhen was bidden to take the mandate and the Nine Dignities and accompany Zhao Zi to Wu.

Sun Quan assembled his officers to discuss how the armies of Shu could be driven off. Then came the news of princely rank conferred by Wei; and by the rules of courtesy, the messenger bearing the edict should be met at a great distance from the capital. Gu Yong was opposed to accepting the rank.

“My lord, you should style yourself 'Supreme Ruler' and 'Lord' of the nine territories; you should not receive any rank from Wei.”

“But on one occasion Liu Bang received the princedom of Han (Hanzhong) from Xiang Yu; it depends upon the times. Why refuse?”

Sun Quan discussed the matter no more, but went out at the head of a great gathering of officers to welcome the messenger.

Xing Zhen, the bearer of the mandate from Wei, on first arrival comported himself haughtily as the representative of a superior country and an imperial ambassador. And when he entered the city, he did not descend from his carriage. Wherefore Zhang Zhao ventured to rebuke him.

“Everyone must obey the rules of courtesy as everyone must respect the laws. You, Sir, are behaving proudly as if there was no such thing as a sword in this country.”

Immediately the messenger descended from his chariot and was presented to Sun Quan. Afterwards they went in side by side.

As the cavalcade proceeded, a loud voice was heard in the rear of the two carriages, crying, “Here we are prevented from risking our lives in smashing Wei and swallowing Shu; and our lord receives a title from another man. Are not such things shameful?”

The man was Xu Sheng.

And the messenger sighed, saying, “If all the leaders and ministers of the South Land are like this, the lord of the country will not long be content to obey another.”

However, the title was accepted. And when he had received the felicitations of his officers, Sun Quan gave orders to collect beautiful works in jade and brilliant pearls, which were sent to Wei as return gifts.

Not long after came tidings of the forces under the ruler of Shu: “The First Ruler, together with King Shamo Ke of the Mang nations, leads his own army and a large number of tribesmen from the east and south; furthermore, he is aided by the two Han generals of Dongxi, Liu Ning and Du Lu, with their cohorts. They advance both by land and by water, a mighty host, of which the shouting shakes the heavens. The naval force has already come out at Wukou, and the land force has reached Zigui.” Although Sun Quan had been created a prince, yet Emperor Pi would not send a relieve army. And when the news came, the Prince of Wu asked present advice from his officers, but there was none to help him; they only muttered and were silent.

“Ah!” sighed he. “After Zhou Yu I had Lu Su, and Lu Meng succeeded Lu Su. But now they have all three gone, and there is no one to share my troubles!”

But just then a very youthful general stepped out from the ranks of the officials and said, with a lowly obeisance, “Though I am young, I am not a little versed in the books of war, and with a few legions I could destroy the power of Shu.”

Sun Quan recognized Sun Huan, the son of Yu He. Sun Ce loved the youth and gave him his own family name of Sun and so made him a member of his own clan. Yu He had four sons, of whom Sun Huan was the eldest. He was an expert archer and horseman and had accompanied his protector in several campaigns, where he had distinguished himself right well and had been given a rank. At this time he was twenty-five.

“How do you think you can overcome them?”

“There are two able commanders under my command named Xie Jing and Li Yi, both very brave. With a few legions I will capture Liu Bei.”

“Though you are brave, nephew, yet you are young and ought to have an assistant.”

Thereupon Tiger General Zhu Ran stepped forward, saying, “Let me go.”

Sun Quan consented, and he told off fifty thousand of soldiers and marines, over whom he placed Sun Huan and Zhu Ran as joint commanders. They were to start as soon as possible.

The scouts reported that the army of Shu was camped at Yidu, and Sun Huan, Commander of the Left, led half his army to the borders of that county and camped in three stockades.

Now the Shu General Wu Ban had received his seal as leader of the van. From the day he left the borders of the Lands of Rivers, he had had uninterrupted success. Everyone had submitted at the mere rumor of his coming. He had conducted his campaign with unstained swords as far as Yidu. When he heard that Sun Huan was camped there to oppose his progress, he sent back rapid messengers to the First Ruler, who was then at Zigui.

The First Ruler got angry, saying, “So they think this youth is able to withstand me?”

“Since this nephew of Sun Quan has been made a leader,” said Guan Xing, “it is unnecessary to send a leader of high rank; let me go.”

“I was just wishing to see what you could do,” said the First Ruler, and he gave him orders to go.

Just as Guan Xing was leaving, Zhang Bao stepped forth and asked permission to go too.

“Then both go, my nephews,” said the Emperor. “But you must be prudent and not hasty.”

So they took leave, collected their troops and advanced. Sun Huan, hearing of the coming of a large army, called out all his troops and drew up his array. His two famous generals, Li Yi and Xie Jing, were placed by the great standard. They watched the soldiers of Shu filing out and noted two leaders in silver helmets and silver armors, riding on white horses, and the flags were white. First came Zhang Bao with a long spear, and then Guan Xing carrying a great saber.

“Sun Huan, you tiny rascal, your time has come!” cried Zhang Bao abusively. “How dare you stand against the forces of Heaven?”

“Your father is a headless devil,” cried Sun Huan, no way backward in reviling, “and you are going just now to join him; don't you see?”

Then Zhang Bao rode at Sun Huan. From behind his chief, Xie Jing dashed out to meet him. They fought nearly forty bouts, and then Xie Jing ran away with Zhang Bao in pursuit.

When Li Yi saw his comrade overcome, he whipped up his steed and came into the fray, whirling his silvered battle-ax. Zhang Bao fought twenty bouts with him, but neither got the better.

Then in the army of Wu, a marching general named Tan Xiong, seeing that his two comrades could not overcome Zhang Bao, shot a treacherous arrow from the ranks and wounded Zhang Bao's steed. Feeling the pang of the wound, the horse bolted back to its own side, but fell before it reached it, throwing its rider sprawling on the ground. Seeing this, Li Yi turned and rode toward the prostrate leader to slay him with his battle-ax. But just as he was about to deliver his blow, lo! a red flash came between, and his head rolled along the earth.

The red flash was Guan Xing's great sword. Seeing the horse fall and Li Yi coming up, he had rushed in and dealt that fatal blow. And he had saved Zhang Bao from death. Then they attacked and lay on so that Sun Huan suffered a great defeat. Then each side beat the retreat and drew off.

Next day Sun Huan came out to offer battle again, and the two cousins went forth together. Guan Xing, from horseback by the main standard, challenged his enemy. Sun Huan rode out fiercely, and they two fought near thirty bouts. But Sun Huan was not strong enough and drew off. The two youths followed and reached his camp. Wu Ban, together with Feng Xi and Zhang Nan, also launched another attack. Zhang Bao helped them with all his force and was the first to force his way into the ranks of Wu. He came across Xie Jing, whom he slew with a spear thrust. The soldiers of Wu scattered and fled, and the victory was on the side of Shu.

But Guan Xing was missing. Zhang Bao was desperate, saying, “If something wrong happens to Guan Xing, I will not live!”

So he girded on his huge spear and rode far and wide seeking him. Presently he met Guan Xing, bearing his sword in his left hand, while his right held a captive.

“Who is this?” asked Zhang Bao.

“In the melee I met an enemy,” cried Guan Xing, “and I took him prisoner.”

Then Zhang Bao recognized Tan Xiong, the man who had let fly the treacherous arrow that had brought down his horse. The two returned to camp, where they slew their prisoner and poured a libation of his blood to the dead horse.

After this they drew up a report of the victory for the First Ruler. Sun Huan had lost his generals—Li Yi, Xie Jing, and Tan Xiong—as well as many other officers and many troops. His army was too weakened to continue the campaign, so he halted and sent back to Wu for reinforcements. Then Generals Zhang Nan and Feng Xi said to Wu Ban, “The power of Wu is broken; let us raid their encampment.”

But Wu Ban said, “Though so many have been lost, there are many left. Zhu Ran's marine force is in a strong position on the river and is untouched. If you carry out your plan and the marines land in force and cut off our retreat, we shall be in difficulties.”

“That is easily met,” said Zhang Nan. “Let each of the two leaders Guan Xing and Zhang Bao take five thousand troops and go into ambush in the valleys to guard against any such move.”

“I think it better to send some persons to pretend to be deserters. Let them tell Zhu Ran of the plan to raid the camp, and Zhu Ran will come to the rescue as soon as he sees fire. Then the ambushing soldiers can attack him.”

They thought this a fine plan, and they made the necessary arrangements.

Hearing of the ill success and losses of his colleague, Commander of the Right Zhu Ran was already thinking of going to his help, when a few deserters appeared and hoarded his ship.

He questioned them, and they said, “We are Feng Xi's soldiers, and we have deserted because of unfair treatment. We have a secret to tell.”

“What secret can you betray?”

“Tonight Feng Xi is going to make an attack upon General Sun Huan's camp; he thinks it is a good chance. They are going to raise a fire as a signal.”

Zhu Ran saw no reason to doubt the men, and he sent off at once to tell Sun Huan. But the messenger never arrived, as Guan Xing intercepted and slew him.

Then Zhu Ran deliberated upon going to help.

“You cannot trust what those soldiers said,” said Cui Yu, one of the commanders. “Both army and navy will be lost if anything goes wrong. No, General; rather keep careful watch and let me go.”

Zhu Ran saw this was the wiser plan, so he gave Cui Yu ten thousand troops, and Cui Yu left.

That night Wu Ban, Zhang Nan, and Feng Xi made an attack on Sun Huan's camp from three directions, and the soldiers were scattered and fled. Then the three generals set the whole camp on fire. Cui Yu saw the flames as he marched and pressed on. Then just as he was passing some hills, he came upon the ambush, and Guan Xing and Zhang Bao poured out from left and right. Taken by surprise, Cui Yu could only try to flee, but he met Zhang Bao, who made him prisoner.

When Zhu Ran heard the news, he was panic-stricken and dropped down-river twenty miles.

The remnant of Sun Huan's troops ran away, following their leader. As they went, Sun Huan inquired, “Is there any city ahead that has good defense and granary?”

They told him, saying, “To the north is Yiling, where we can camp.”

So they went thither. Just as they reached the wall, their pursuers came up and the city was besieged in all four sides.

Guan Xing and Zhang Bao brought the captive Cui Yu back to Zigui and saw the First Ruler, who rejoiced at their success. The prisoner was put to death, and the soldiers were rewarded. The effect of these victories spread far, so that the leaders in Wu had no inclination to fight.

When the Prince of Wu received Sun Huan's call for help, he was frightened and knew not what to do.

So he called a great council, and he said, “Sun Huan is besieged in Yiling, and Zhu Ran has been defeated on the river; what can be done?”

Then Zhang Zhao said, “Though several of your commanders are dead, yet have you some left. Half a score is enough to relieve your anxiety. Send Han Dang as Commander, with Zhou Tai as his second, Pan Zhang as Van Leader, Ling Tong as Rear Guard; Gan Ning in reserve. You want one hundred thousand troops.”

Sun Quan made the appointments as proposed. Gan Ning was very seriously ill just then, but he accepted the task.

Now the First Ruler had made a line of forty camps from Wukou and Jianping to Yiling, spreading twenty-five miles of distance.

He was exceedingly pleased with his two nephews, who had distinguished themselves again and again, and he said, “The generals that have followed me since the early days have got aged, and thus no longer a big use. But now that I have such two valorous nephews, I have no fear for Sun Quan.”

When he heard of the coming of Sun Quan's army under Han Dang and Zhou Tai, he wished to select a commander to oppose the Wu army.

Then those near him reported: “Huang Zhong and a half dozen other officers have run off to Wu.”

“Huang Zhong is no traitor;” said the First Ruler, smiling, “it is only that he heard what I happened to say about old and useless leaders. He will not confess he is old and wants to prove he is not.”

Then he called Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and said to them, “Huang Zhong may fail in this enterprise of his, so I hope you two will not mind going to his assistance. As soon as there is some success to report, get him to return and do not let him come to grief.”

So the two got their troops together and went off to assist the aged warrior.

When young, success is easy, thine at will,

The aged servant fails, though willing still.

The next chapter will relate the outcome of Huang Zhong's expedition.