第八十三回

第八十三回 战猇亭先主得仇人 守江口书生拜大将

却说章武二年春正月，武威后将军黄忠随先主伐吴，忽闻先主言老将无用，即提刀上马，引亲随五六人，径到彝陵营中。吴班与张南、冯习接入，问曰：“老将军此来，有何事故？”忠曰：“吾自长沙跟天子到今，多负勤劳。今虽七旬有馀，尚食肉十斤，臂开二石之弓，能乘千里之马，未足为老。昨日主上言吾等老迈无用，故来此与东吴交锋，看吾斩将，老也不老！”

正言间，忽报吴兵前部已到，哨马临营。忠奋然而起，出帐上马，冯习等劝曰：“老将军且休轻进。”忠不听，纵马而去。吴班令冯习引兵助战。忠在吴军阵前，勒马横刀，单搦先锋潘璋交战，璋引部将史迹出马。迹欺忠年老，挺枪出战，斗不三合，被忠一刀斩于马下。潘璋大怒，挥关公使的青龙刀，来战黄忠。交马数合，不分胜负。忠奋力恶战，璋料敌不过，拨马便走。忠乘势追杀，全胜而回。路逢关兴、张苞，兴曰：“我等奉圣旨来助老将军。既已立了功，速请回营。”忠不听。

次日，潘璋又来搦战。黄忠奋然上马。兴、苞二人要助战，忠不从，吴班要助战，忠亦不从，只自引五千军出迎。战不数合，璋拖刀便走。忠纵马追之，厉声大叫曰：“贼将休走！吾今为关公报仇！”追至三十馀里，四面喊声大震，伏兵齐出，右边周泰，左边韩当，前有潘璋，后有凌统，把黄忠困在垓心。忽然狂风大起，忠急退时，山坡上马忠引一军出，一箭射中黄忠肩窝，险些儿落马。吴兵见忠中箭，一齐来攻。忽后面喊声大起，两路军杀来，吴兵溃散，救出黄忠，乃关兴、张苞也。二小将保送黄忠径到御前营中。忠年老血衰，箭疮痛裂，病甚沉重。先主御驾自来看视，抚其背曰：“令老将军中伤，朕之过也！”忠曰：“臣乃一武夫耳，幸遇陛下。臣今年七十有五，寿亦足矣。望陛下善保龙体，以图中原！”言讫，不省人事。是夜殒于御营。后人有诗叹曰：

老将说黄忠，收川立大功。重披金锁甲，双挽铁胎弓。胆气惊河北，威名镇蜀中。临亡头似雪，犹自显英雄。

先主见黄忠气绝，哀伤不已，敕具棺椁，葬于成都。先主叹曰：“五虎大将，已亡三人。朕尚不能复仇，深可痛哉！”乃引御林军直至猇亭，大会诸将，分军八路，水陆俱进。水路令黄权领兵，先主自率大军于旱路进发。时章武二年二月中旬也。

韩当、周泰听知先主御驾来征，引兵出迎。两阵对圆，韩当、周泰出马，只见蜀营门旗开处，先主自出，黄罗销金伞盖，左右白旄黄钺，金银旌节，前后围绕。当大叫曰：“陛下今为蜀主，何自轻出？倘有疏虞，悔之何及！”先主遥指骂曰：“汝等吴狗，伤朕手足，誓不与立于天地之间！”当回顾众将曰：“谁敢冲突蜀兵？”部将夏恂，挺枪出马。先主背后张苞挺丈八矛，纵马而出，大喝一声，直取夏恂。恂见苞声若巨雷，心中惊惧，恰待要走，周泰弟周平见恂抵敌不住，挥刀纵马而来。关兴见了，跃马提刀来迎。张苞大喝一声，一矛刺中夏恂，倒撞下马。周平大惊，措手不及，被关兴一刀斩了。二小将便取韩当、周泰，韩、周二人，慌退入阵。先主视之，叹曰：“虎父无犬子也！”用御鞭一指，蜀兵一齐掩杀过去，吴兵大败。那八路兵，势如泉涌，杀的那吴军尸横遍野，血流成河。

却说甘宁正在船中养病，听知蜀兵大至，火急上马，正遇一彪蛮兵，人皆披发跣足，皆使弓弩长枪搪牌刀斧，为首乃是番王沙摩柯，生得面如噀血，碧眼突出，使一个铁蒺藜骨朵[1]，腰带两张弓，威风抖擞。甘宁见其势大，不敢交锋，拨马而走，被沙摩柯一箭射中头颅。宁带箭而走，到于富池口，坐于大树之下而死。树上群鸦数百，围绕其尸。吴王闻之，哀痛不已，具礼厚葬，立庙祭祀。后人有诗叹曰：

吴郡甘兴霸，长江锦幔舟。酬君重知己，报友化仇雠。劫寨将轻骑，驱兵饮巨瓯。神鸦能显圣，香火永千秋。

却说先主乘势追杀，遂得猇亭，吴兵四散逃走。先主收兵，只不见关兴。先主慌令张苞等四面跟寻。原来关兴杀入吴阵，正遇仇人潘璋，骤马追之。璋大惊，奔入山谷内，不知所往。兴寻思只在山里，往来寻觅不见。看看天晚，迷踪失路。幸得星月有光，追至山僻之间，时已二更，到一庄上，下马叩门。一老者出问何人，兴曰：“吾是战将，迷路到此，求一饭充饥。”老人引入。兴见堂内点着明烛，中堂绘画关公神像，兴大哭而拜。老人问曰：“将军何故哭拜？”兴曰：“此吾父也。”老人闻言，即便下拜。兴曰：“何故供养吾父？”老人答曰：“此间皆是尊神地方。在生之日，家家侍奉，何况今日为神乎？老夫只望蜀兵早早报仇。今将军到此，百姓有福矣。”遂置酒食待之，卸鞍喂马。

三更已后，忽门外又一人击户。老人出而问之，乃吴将潘璋亦来投宿。恰入草堂，关兴见了，按剑大喝曰：“歹贼休走！”璋回身便出。忽门外一人，面如重枣，丹凤眼，卧蚕眉，飘三缕美髯，绿袍金铠，按剑而入。璋见是关公显圣，大叫一声，神魂惊散；欲待转身，早被关兴手起剑落，斩于地上，取心沥血，就关公神像前祭祀。兴得了父亲的青龙偃月刀，却将潘璋首级，擐[2]于马项之下，辞了老人，就骑了潘璋的马，望本营而来。老人自将潘璋之尸拖出烧化。

且说关兴行无数里，忽听得人言马嘶，一彪军来到，为首一将，乃潘璋部将马忠也。忠见兴杀了主将潘璋，将首级擐于马项之下，青龙刀又被兴得了，勃然大怒，纵马来取关兴。兴见马忠是害父仇人，气冲牛斗，举青龙刀望忠便砍。忠部下三百军并力上前，一声喊起，将关兴围在垓心。兴力孤势危，忽见西北上一彪军杀来，乃是张苞。马忠见救兵到来，慌忙引军自退。关兴、张苞一处赶来。赶不数里，前面糜芳、傅士仁引兵来寻马忠，两军相合，混战一处。苞、兴二人兵少，慌忙撤退，回至猇亭，来见先主，献上首级，具言此事。先主惊异，赏犒三军。

却说马忠回见韩当、周泰，收聚败军，各分头守把，军士中伤者不计其数。马忠引傅士仁、糜芳于江渚屯扎。当夜三更，军士皆哭声不止。糜芳暗听之，有一伙军言曰：“我等皆是荆州之兵，被吕蒙诡计送了主公性命，今刘皇叔御驾亲征，东吴早晚休矣。所恨者，糜芳、傅士仁也。我等何不杀此二贼，去蜀营投降？功劳不小。”又一伙军言曰：“不要性急，等个空儿，便就下手。”

糜芳听毕，大惊，遂与傅士仁商议曰：“军心变动，我二人性命难保。今蜀主所恨者马忠耳，何不杀了他，将首级去献蜀主，告称：‘我等不得已而降吴，今知御驾前来，特地诣营请罪。’”仁曰：“不可。去必有祸。”芳曰：“蜀主宽仁厚德，目今阿斗太子是我外甥，彼但念我国戚之情，必不肯加害。”二人计较已定，先备了马。三更时分，入帐刺杀马忠，将首级割了，二人带数十骑，径投猇亭而来。伏路军人先引见张南、冯习，具说其事。次日，到御营中来见先主，献上马忠首级，哭告于前曰：“臣等实无反心；被吕蒙诡计，称言关公已亡，赚开城门，臣等不得已而降。今闻圣驾前来，特杀此贼，以雪陛下之恨。伏乞陛下恕臣等之罪。”先主大怒曰：“朕自离成都许多时，你两个如何不来请罪？今日势危，故来巧言，欲全性命！朕若饶你，至九泉之下，有何面目见关公乎！”言讫，令关兴在御营中，设关公灵位。先主亲捧马忠首级，诣前祭祀。又令关兴将糜芳、傅士仁剥去衣服，跪于灵前，亲自用刀剐之，以祭关公。忽张苞上帐哭拜于前曰：“二伯父仇人皆已诛戮，臣父冤仇，何日可报？”先主曰：“贤侄勿忧。朕当削平江南，杀尽吴狗，务擒二贼，与汝亲自醢[3]之，以祭汝父。”苞泣谢而退。

此时先主威声大振，江南之人尽皆胆裂，日夜号哭。韩当、周泰大惊，急奏吴王，具言糜芳、傅士仁杀了马忠，去归蜀帝，亦被蜀帝杀了。孙权心怯，遂聚文武商议。步骘奏曰：“蜀主所恨者，乃吕蒙、潘璋、马忠、糜芳、傅士仁也。今此数人皆亡，独有范疆、张达二人，现在东吴。何不擒此二人，并张飞首级，遣使送还，交与荆州，送归夫人，上表求和，再会前情，共图灭魏，则蜀兵自退矣。”权从其言，遂具沉香木匣，盛贮飞首，绑缚范疆、张达，囚于槛车之内，令程秉为使，赍国书，望猇亭而来。

却说先主欲发兵前进，忽近臣奏曰：“东吴遣使送张车骑之首，并囚范疆、张达二贼至。”先主两手加额[4]曰：“此天之所赐，亦由三弟之灵也！”即令张苞设飞灵位。先主见张飞首级在匣中面不改色，放声大哭。张苞自仗利刀，将范疆、张达万剐凌迟，祭父之灵。

祭毕，先主怒气不息，定要灭吴。马良奏曰：“仇人尽戮，其恨可雪矣。吴大夫程秉到此，欲还荆州，送回夫人，永结盟好，共图灭魏，伏候圣旨。”先主怒曰：“朕切齿仇人，乃孙权也。今若与之连和，是负二弟当日之盟矣。今先灭吴，次灭魏。”便欲斩来使，以绝吴情，多官苦告方免。程秉抱头鼠窜，回奏吴主曰：“蜀不从讲和，誓欲先灭东吴，然后伐魏。众臣苦谏不听，如之奈何？”

权大惊，举止失措。阚泽出班奏曰：“现有擎天之柱，如何不用耶？”权急问何人。泽曰：“昔日东吴大事，全任周郎；后鲁子敬代之；子敬亡后，决于吕子明；今子明虽丧，现在陆伯言在荆州。此人名虽儒生，实有雄才大略，以臣论之，不在周郎之下，前破关公，其谋皆出于伯言。主上若能用之，破蜀必矣。如或有失，臣愿与同罪。”权曰：“非德润之言，孤几误大事。”张昭曰：“陆逊乃一书生耳，非刘备敌手，恐不可用。”顾雍亦曰：“陆逊年幼望轻，恐诸公不服。若不服则生祸乱，必误大事。”步骘亦曰：“逊才堪治郡耳，若托以大事，非其宜也。”阚泽大呼曰：“若不用陆伯言，则东吴休矣！臣愿以全家保之！”权曰：“孤亦素知陆伯言乃奇才也！孤意已决，卿等勿言。”

于是命召陆逊。逊本名陆议，后改名逊，字伯言，乃吴郡吴人也，汉城门校尉陆纡之孙，九江都尉陆骏之子。身长八尺，面如美玉，官领镇西将军。当下奉召而至，参拜毕，权曰：“今蜀兵临境，孤特命卿总督军马，以破刘备。”逊曰：“江东文武，皆大王故旧之臣，臣年幼无才，安能制之？”权曰：“阚德润以全家保卿，孤亦素知卿才。今拜卿为大都督，卿勿推辞。”逊曰：“倘文武不服，何如？”权取所佩剑与之曰：“如有不听号令者，先斩后奏。”逊曰：“荷蒙重托，敢不拜命。但乞大王于来日会聚众官，然后赐臣。”阚泽曰：“古之命将，必筑坛会众，赐白旄黄钺、印绶兵符，然后威行令肃。今大王宜遵此礼，择日筑坛，拜伯言为大都督，假节钺，则众人自无不服矣。”权从之，命人连夜筑坛完备，大会百官，请陆逊登坛，拜为大都督、右护军镇西将军，进封娄侯，赐以宝剑印绶，令掌六郡八十一州兼荆楚诸路军马。吴王嘱之曰：“阃以内，孤主之，阃以外，将军制之[5]。”

逊领命下坛，令徐盛、丁奉为护卫，即日出师，一面调诸路军马，水陆并进。文书到猇亭，韩当、周泰大惊曰：“主上如何以一书生总兵耶？”比及逊至，众皆不服。逊升帐议事，众人勉强参贺。逊曰：“主上命吾为大将，督军破蜀。军有常法，公等各宜遵守。违者王法无亲，勿致后悔。”众皆默然。周泰曰：“目今安东将军孙桓，乃主上之侄，现困于彝陵城中，内无粮草，外无救兵。请都督早施良策，救出孙桓，以安主上之心。”逊曰：“吾素知孙安东深得军心，必能坚守，不必救之。待吾破蜀后，彼自出矣。”众皆暗笑而退。韩当谓周泰曰：“命此孺子为将，东吴休矣！公见彼所行乎？”泰曰：“吾聊以言试之，早无一计。安能破蜀也！”

次日，陆逊传下号令，教诸将各处关防，牢守隘口，不许轻敌。众皆笑其懦，不肯坚守。次日，陆逊升帐唤诸将曰：“吾钦承王命，总督诸军，昨已三令五申，令汝等各处坚守，俱不遵吾令，何也？”韩当曰：“吾自从孙将军平定江南，经数百战，其馀诸将，或从讨逆将军，或从当今大王，皆披坚执锐，出生入死之士。今主上命公为大都督，令退蜀兵，宜早定计，调拨军马，分头征进，以图大事，乃只令坚守勿战，岂欲待天自杀贼耶？吾非贪生怕死之人，奈何使吾等堕其锐气？”于是帐下诸将，皆应声而言曰：“韩将军之言是也。吾等情愿决一死战！”陆逊听毕，掣剑在手，厉声曰：“仆虽一介书生，今蒙主上托以重任者，以吾有尺寸可取[6]，能忍辱负重故也。汝等只各守隘口，牢把险要，不许妄动。如违令者皆斩！”众皆愤愤而退。

却说先主自猇亭布列军马，直至川口，接连七百里，前后四十营寨，昼则旌旗蔽日，夜则火光耀天。忽细作报说：“东吴用陆逊为大都督，总制军马。逊令诸将各守险要不出。”先主问曰：“陆逊何如人也？”马良奏曰：“逊虽东吴一书生，然年幼多才，深有谋略，前袭荆州，皆系此人之诡计。”先主大怒曰：“竖子诡计，损朕二弟，今当擒之！”便传令进兵。马良谏曰：“陆逊之才，不亚周郎，未可轻敌。”先主曰：“朕用兵老矣，岂反不如一黄口孺子耶！”遂亲领前军，攻打诸处关津隘口。

韩当见先主兵来，差人报知陆逊。逊恐韩当妄动，急飞马自来观看，正见韩当立马于山上。远望蜀兵，漫山遍野而来，军中隐隐有黄罗盖伞。韩当接着陆逊，并马而观。当指曰：“军中必有刘备，吾欲击之。”逊曰：“刘备举兵东下，连胜十馀阵，锐气正盛。今只乘高守险，不可轻出，出则不利。但宜奖励将士，广布守御之策，以观其变。今彼驰骋于平原广野之间，正自得志，我坚守不出，彼求战不得，必移屯于山林树木间。吾当以奇计胜之。”

韩当口虽应诺，心中只是不服。先主使前队搦战，辱骂百端。逊令塞耳休听，不许出迎，亲自遍历诸关隘口，抚慰将士，皆令坚守。先主见吴军不出，心中焦躁。马良曰：“陆逊深有谋略。今陛下远来攻战，自春历夏，彼之不出，欲待我军之变也。愿陛下察之。”先主曰：“彼有何谋？但怯敌耳。向者数败，今安敢再出！”先锋冯习奏曰：“即今天气炎热，军屯于赤火之中，取水深为不便。”先主遂命各营，皆移于山林茂盛之地，近溪傍涧，待过夏到秋，并力进兵。冯习遂奉旨，将诸寨皆移于林木阴密之处。马良奏曰：“我军若动，倘吴兵骤至，如之奈何？”先主曰：“朕令吴班引万馀弱兵，近吴寨平地屯住，朕亲选八千精兵，伏于山谷之中。若陆逊知朕移营，必乘势来击，却令吴班诈败，逊若追来，朕引兵突出，断其归路，小子可擒矣。”文武皆贺曰：“陛下神机妙算，诸臣不及也！”

马良曰：“近闻诸葛丞相在东川点看各处隘口，恐魏兵入寇。陛下何不将各营移居之地，画成图本，问于丞相？”先主曰：“朕亦颇知兵法，何必又问丞相？”良曰：“古云：‘兼听则明，偏听则蔽。’望陛下察之。”先主曰：“卿可自去各营，画成四至八道图本，亲到东川去问丞相。如有不便，可急来报知。”马良领命而去。于是先主移兵于林木阴密处避暑。早有细作报知韩当、周泰。二人听得此事，大喜，来见陆逊曰：“目今蜀兵四十馀营，皆移于山林密处，依溪傍涧，就水歇凉。都督可乘虚击之。”正是：蜀主有谋能设伏，吴兵好勇定遭擒。未知陆逊可听其言否，且看下文分解。

[1] 铁蒺藜骨朵——古兵器，用铁或硬木作成。一头是柄，一头是长圆形的，上面附有铁刺。

[2] 擐（juǎn）——拴、系。（另一义同贯，擐甲即贯甲，穿着铠甲。）

[3] 醢（hǎi）——原指肉酱，这里作动词用，是剁成肉酱的意思。

[4] 两手加额——古人表示庆幸时的一种手式，举双手放在额部。

[5] 阃（kǔn）以外，将军制之——阃，城门的门限。阃外，指京城以外的所有疆土。这是古代对出征的大将授以全权，君主不牵制、不干扰他的指挥权的意思。

[6] 尺寸可取——承认有些少的长处。尺、寸，长度不大。这是对自己有才能的一种谦逊说法。

CHAPTER 83. Fighting At Xiaoting, The First Ruler Captures An Enemy; Defending The Three Gorges, A Student Takes Supreme Command.

In spring, the first month of the second year of Manifest Might (AD 221), the veteran warrior Huang Zhong was among the officers who followed the First Ruler to war against Wu. When he heard his master talk of old and incapable leaders, he girded on his sword and with a few faithful followers made his way to the camps at Yiling. He was welcomed by Wu Ban, the commander in charge of the siege there.

“For what reason do you come, O Veteran General?” asked he.

“I have followed the Emperor ever since he left Changsha, and I have done diligent service. I am now over seventy, but my appetite is still good for ten pounds of meat, and I can still stretch the strongest bow, and I can still ride five hundred miles without fatigue. I am not weak or worn out. But our master has been talking of old and useless leaders, and I am come to take part in the fight with Wu. If I slay one of their leaders, he will see I may be old but not worn out.”

Just about that time the leading division of the Wu army drew near the camp. Huang Zhong hastily rose, went out of the tent, and mounted to go into the battle.

“Aged General, be careful,” said the generals.

But Huang Zhong paid no attention and set off at full speed. However, Wu Ban and Feng Xi rode out to help him. As soon as he saw the array of the enemy, he pulled up and challenged Commander Pan Zhang of the vanguard. Pan Zhang sent out one of his generals, Shi Ji, to take the challenge. Shi Ji despised his seed antagonist and rode lightly forth with his spear set, but in the third bout Huang Zhong cut him down. This angered Pan Zhang who flourished the green-dragon saber, the great sword of the old warrior Guan Yu which had passed into his possession, and took up the battle. These two fought several bouts, and neither was victor, for Huang Zhong was brimful of energy. His antagonist, seeing that he could not overcome the old man, galloped off. Huang Zhong pursued and smote his army and scored a full victory.

On his way back Huang Zhong fell in with the two youthful generals, Guan Xing and Zhang Bao.

“We come by the sacred command to aid you if necessary. And now that you have scored so complete a victory, we pray you return to the main camp,” said they.

But the veteran would not. Next day Pan Zhang came to challenge again, and Huang Zhong at once accepted. Nor would he allow Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to come with him, or accept assistance from any other.

He led out five thousand troops. Before many bouts had been exchanged, Pan Zhang made a feint and got away. Huang Zhong pursued, shouting to him not to flee.

“Flee not, for now will I avenge the death of Guan Yu!” cried he.

Huang Zhong pursued some ten miles, but presently he fell into an ambush and found himself attacked from all sides—Zhou Tai on the left, Han Dang on the right, Ling Tong from behind, and the erstwhile flying Pan Zhang turned to attack the front—, so that Huang Zhong was surrounded and hemmed in. Huang Zhong forced his way to retreat. But suddenly a great storm came on, the wind blowing violently, and as Huang Zhong was passing some hills, an enemy cohort led by Ma Zhong came down the slopes, and one of the arrows wounded the veteran in the armpit. He nearly fell from his horse with the shock. The soldiers of Wu, seeing Huang Zhong wounded, came on all together, but soon the two youthful generals, Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, drove them off and scattered them. Thus they rescued Huang Zhong.

He was taken back to the main camp. But he was old and his blood was thin, and the wound gaped wide, so that he was near to die.

The First Ruler came to visit him and patted his back and said, “It is my fault, O Veteran General, that you have been hurt in the battle!”

“I am a soldier,” said the old man. “I am glad that I could serve Your Majesty. But now I am seventy-five, and I have lived long enough. Be careful of your own safety for the good of the state.”

These were his last words. He became unconscious and died that night. A poem was written of him:

First among veterans stands Huang Zhong,

Who won great merit in the conquest of Shu.

Old, he still donned his coat of mail.

And laid his hand to the curving bow.

His valor was the talk of all the North,

Fear of his might maintained the West.

Tardy he bowed his snow-white head to death,

Fighting to the end—in very truth a hero.

The First Ruler was very sad when he heard of Huang Zhong's death and made him a grave in Chengdu.

“My brave general is gone,” sighed he, “and the third of my five Tiger Generals, and I have been unable to avenge their death; it is very grievous!”

So the Emperor led the Imperial Guard to Xiaoting, where he summoned a great assembly. He divided his forces into eight parts ready for an attack by land and water. The marines were placed under Huang Quan, and he himself led the land forces. It was then the second month of the second year.

When Han Dang and Zhou Tai heard that the army of Shu was approaching, they marched toward it. When near, the two armies were arrayed. The two leaders of Wu rode out and saw the First Ruler riding out under the great standard with his staff about him. A silken umbrella splashed with gold was over his head; right and left were white banners, golden axes, and other insignia of an emperor.

Then Han Dang spoke, “Your Majesty is now Ruler of Shu; why do you risk your life in the battlefield? It would be most regrettable if any untoward event happened.”

The First Ruler pointed the finger of scorn at the speaker and said, “You rats of Wu bereft me of my brother, and I have sworn that you shall not live with me under the same sky!”

“Who dares plunge in among the enemy?” asked Han Dang, turning to those in his train.

The Marching General Xia Xun set his spear and rode to the front, and as he did so Zhang Bao with a roar galloped out to meet him. But this thunderous voice affrighted Xia Xun, and he sought to flee. Then Zhou Tai's brother, Zhou Ping, seeing that his colleague was panic-stricken, flourished his sword and rode out too. At once Guan Xing dashed to the front. Zhang Bao roared again and thrusting at Xia Xun and unhorsing him. This disconcerted Zhou Ping and enfeebled his defense, so that Guan Xing speedily slew him with a slash. Then the two youths rode furiously at Han Dang and Zhou Tai. They sought refuge in their battle array.

“The tiger fathers have not begotten curs of sons,” said the First Ruler with a sigh of satisfaction.

Then he waved his whip as a signal to fall on, and the Wu army suffered a great defeat. The Shu force of the eight divisions was irresistible as a river in flood, and the slaughter was immense.

Gan Ning was in his ship ill, but he roused himself when he heard the armies of Shu had come, and mounted to go into the battle. Soon he met a cohort of the Mang soldiers. These warriors wore their hair loose and went barefoot. Their weapons were bows and crossbows and long spears and swords and axes. And they had shields to ward off blows. They were led by their own King Shamo Ke. His face was spotted with red as if splashed with blood, and his eyes were green and big. He rushed among Gan Ning's troops wielding a spiked iron mace with bone pendants, and he had two bows slung at his belt. He was terrible to look upon.

Gan Ning recognized that he had no chance of victory against such a man and did not engage Shamo Ke, but turned his steed to flee. But as Gan Ning fled, Shamo Ke shot an arrow that pierced Gan Ning's skull. Wounded as he was, Gan Ning rode on to Fuchikou, but there he dismounted and sat under a tree, where he died. On the tree were many hundreds of crows, and they gathered round the corpse as if to protect the corpse.

The Prince of Wu was sore grieved at the news of Gan Ning's death, and had the remains buried honorably. Moreover, he raised a temple in Fuchikou to Gan Ning's memory.

Gan Ning was first of warriors in Wu,

With silken sails he stemmed the Great River's tide,

Right loyally he served his prince, and true,

He made two ill friends put their hate aside.

Light horse led he by night a camp to raid,

And first he warmed his soldiers with generous wine.

In his resting place the holy crows welcome guests,

And fragrant incense smolders at his shrine.

This victory gave the First Ruler possession of Xiaoting. But at the muster after the battle, Guan Xing did not appear. Search parties were sent to find him, and they went far and wide beating the country around.

However, the dashing young soldier was only following in his father's foe. When Guan Xing had got in among the army of Wu, he had caught sight of Pan Zhang, his especial enemy, and galloped in pursuit. In terror, Pan Zhang took to the hills and disappeared in one of the valleys.

In seeking him, Guan Xing lost his way and went to and fro till it grew dark without finding a way out. It was clear moonlight. Near midnight he came to a farm, where he dismounted and knocked at the door. A venerable old man appeared and asked who he was.

“I am a leader of the army, and I have lost my way. I beg a meal, for I am starving,” said Guan Xing.

The old man led him into a hall lit by many candles, and there he saw in the family altar a picture of Guan Yu. At once he began to wail and bowed before it.

“Why do you wail thus?” asked the old man.

“This is my father,” said Guan Xing.

At this, the old man prostrated himself before his guest.

“Why should you treat my father with such respect?” asked Guan Xing.

“This place is sacred to his honored spirit. While he lived the people served him, and now that he is a spirit should they not revere him the more? I have been waiting for the armies of Shu to avenge his death, and it is indeed the great good fortune of the people that you have come.”

Then the host brought forth wine and food and served his guest. Moreover, he unsaddled and fed his horse.

In the third watch a knocking came at the door, and when the old man opened it, the visitor was no other than Pan Zhang, the General of Wu. He also asked shelter.

As Pan Zhang came in, Guan Xing recognized him and drew his sword, crying, “Stay, you ruffian! Do not flee!”

Pan Zhang turned and would have gone out, but on the threshold suddenly appeared a figure of ruddy complexion with bright eyes and heavy eyebrows, and a long, flowing beard. And it wore a green robe and golden armor and was armed with a huge sword.

Pan Zhang shrank back, for he recognized that was Guan Yu in spirit form. He uttered a shriek and became as one distraught, but before he could turn, Guan Xing raised his sword; it fell, and Pan Zhang lay dead. Taking the heart-blood of his dead enemy, Guan Xing poured it in libation before the picture of his father. After that he took possession of his father's green-dragon saber, curved as the young moon.

Having hacked off the head of his fallen enemy, he fastened it to his bridle. Then he took leave of his aged host, saddled his enemy's horse, and rode away toward his own camp. The old man dragged the corpse of the dead commander outside and burned it.

Guan Xing had not gone very far when he heard the neighing of horses and soon met a troop led by Ma Zhong, one of Pan Zhang's generals, who was looking for his chief. Ma Zhong fell into a great rage when he saw the head of Pan Zhang swinging at the neck of Pan Zhang's horse and Guan Xing beheld the famous sword in his hand. Ma Zhong galloped up furiously, and Guan Xing, who recognized an enemy of his late father, rushed to meet him. Just as he would strike, however, Ma Zhong's troops galloped up to support their general, and Guan Xing was surrounded. He was in dire danger, but just opportunely came up a troop of horse led by his cousin Zhang Bao. At this, Ma Zhong, thinking discretion the better part, drew off his army and rode away.

The two cousins pursued him. Before they had gone far, they met another force under Mi Fang and Fu Shiren, who had come out to seek Ma Zhong. The two bodies of soldiers met and fought, but the troops of Shu were too few for victory and drew off. Thence they made their way to headquarters in Xiaoting, where they told their adventures and presented the head of Pan Zhang. The First Ruler was very pleased and rewarded all armed forces.

Ma Zhong went back and rejoined Han Dang and Zhou Tai. Then they collected their troops, many wounded, and stationed them in various points. Ma Zhong, together with Mi Fang and Fu Shiren, marched to the river bank and encamped. The night they arrived, many soldiers were groaning with the pain of their wounds.

Mi Fang, who was listening unknown to them, heard one of them say, “We are Jingzhou soldiers and victims of Lu Meng's vile machinations. If we had only remained under Liu Bei! Now he is Emperor and has set out to destroy Wu, and he will do it one day. But he has a special grudge against Mi Fang and Fu Shiren. Why should we not kill these two and go over to Shu? They will think we have done well.”

Another said, “Do not be hasty; we will do it presently when there is a chance.”

Mi Fang started as he heard this. He told Fu Shiren, saying, “The troops are mutinous, and we ourselves are in danger. Ma Zhong is an object of especial hatred to the Ruler of Shu; suppose we kill him and surrender. We can say we were compelled to give in to Wu, but as soon as the news of the Emperor came near we wanted to get back.”

“It will not do,” said Fu Shiren. “If we go, they will kill us.”

“No; the Ruler of Shu is liberal and kind. And the heir, Liu Shan, is my nephew. They will surely not do any harm to a connection.”

In the end they decided to go. And in the third watch they made their way into their chief's tent and stabbed him to death. Then they cut off his head, and with their grisly trophy and a few followers they set off for the camp of the Ruler of Shu.

They arrived at the outposts and were taken to see Zhang Nan and Feng Xi, to whom they told their tale. Next day they went into the main camp and were admitted to the presence of the First Ruler, to whom they offered their trophy.

And they threw themselves on the ground and wept, saying “We are not traitors. We were the victims of Lu Meng's wickedness. He said that Guan Yu was dead and tricked us into giving up the city. We could not help surrendering. When we heard the Sacred Chariot had come, we slew Ma Zhong to satisfy your vengeance, and we implore forgiveness.”

But the First Ruler was angry, and said, “I left Chengdu a long time ago; why did you not come to confess your fault before? Now you find yourselves in danger and so you come with this specious tale to try to save your lives. If I pardon you, how shall I look my brother in the face when we meet beneath the Nine Golden Springs?”

Then he bade Guan Xing set up an altar to his father in the camp, and thereon the First Ruler offered the head of Ma Zhong in sacrifice before the tablet of Guan Yu. This done, he had Guan Xing strip the two deserters make them kneel before the altar, and presently with his own hand he hewed them in pieces as a sacrifice.

Presently Zhang Bao came in and wailed before him, saying, “The two enemies of my uncle have been slain, but when will vengeance be taken upon those of my father?”

“Do not grieve, my nephew,” said the First Ruler, “I am going to lay waste the South Land and slay the whole of the curs that live there. I will assuredly capture the two murderers of your father, and you shall hack them to pieces as a sacrifice.”

Zhang Bao went away, still weeping. About this time the fear of the First Ruler was very great among the people of the South Land, who stood in dread of him so that they grieved night and day. Han Dang and Zhou Tai were rather frightened too, and they sent a report to their master of the assassination of Ma Zhong and what had befallen the assassins.

Then Sun Quan was distressed and called together his counselors. At this meeting Bu Zhi proposed submission and self-humiliation for the sake of peace.

Said he, “There were five persons—Lu Meng, Pan Zhang, Ma Zhong, Mi Fang, and Fu Shiren—whom Liu Bei had a grudge against, and they are all dead. Now the objects of his hate are the murderers of Zhang Fei—Fan Jiang and Zhang Da. Why not send back Zhang Fei's head, and these two assassins, and give up Jingzhou and restore Lady Sun and ask for peace and alliance against Wei? This will make the army of Shu retire, and we shall have peace.”

This proposal seemed good. So the head of Zhang Fei was enclosed in a sandalwood box; Fan Jiang and Zhang Da were bound and put in a cage-cart. All these were sent, with letters, by the band of Cheng Bing to the camp at Xiaoting.

The First Ruler was about to march farther east when they told him that a messenger had come from the South Land and what he had brought.

The Ruler struck his forehead with both hands, saying, “This is the direct gift of Heaven through my youngest brother's spirit.”

He bade Zhang Bao prepare an altar whereon to sacrifice the heads of his father's assassins. When he opened the box and saw the fresh features of Zhang Fei, he broke into wailing for the dead. Then the son hewed Fan Jiang and Zhang Da in pieces and offered them upon the altar.

But this sacrifice did not appease the First Ruler's anger, and he still desired to destroy Wu. Whereupon Ma Liang remonstrated.

“Your enemies are now all dead: you are avenged. Wu has sent a high officer with large concessions and awaits your reply.”

But the First Ruler angrily replied, “The one I would grind to pieces is Sun Quan. To act as he proposes and enter into alliance would be treachery to my two brothers and a breach of our oath. Now I will exterminate Wu, and Wei shall follow.”

He wished also to put the messenger to death to annihilate all emotions with Wu, but relented when his officers insistently interceded.

Poor Cheng Bing ran off terrified, glad to escape with life. He went back and told the Prince of Wu how implacable his enemy seemed.

Said he, “The Ruler of Shu, not listening to words of peace, was determined to level Wu before attacking Wei. Those under him protested in vain. What is to be done?”

Sun Quan was frightened and bewildered.

Seeing this, Kan Ze stepped forward and said, “Since there is a sky-supporting pillar, why not use it?”

“Whom do you refer to?” asked Sun Quan. “You once had perfect confidence in Zhou Yu, and he was followed by Lu Su, equally able. Lu Meng succeeded and you pinned your faith upon him. Though now Lu Meng is dead, yet there is Lu Xun. And he is quite near, in Jingzhou. He is reputed to be a scholar, but really he is a bold and capable man, no whit inferior to Zhou Yu, in my opinion. The plan that broke Guan Yu was his. If anyone can destroy Shu, it is he. If he fails, then I will stand the same punishment as may be his.”

“If you had not spoken thus, my whole scheme might have gone amiss,” said Sun Quan.

“Lu Xun is a student,” said Zhang Zhao. “He is no match for Liu Bei. You may not use him.”

Gu Yong also said, “He is too young and too inexperienced. I fear he will not be obeyed, and that will be mischievous.”

Bu Zhi also said, “He is well enough to control a region, but he is not fit for a big matter.”

Kan Ze got desperate, shouting, “It is the only hope. I will guarantee him with the lives of all my house!”

“I know he is able,” said Sun Quan, “and I have now made up my mind he is the man. Gentlemen, that is enough.”

Lu Xun was called home. Lu Xun was originally named Lu Yi. He was a native of Wu County in Wu, grandson of Lu Jun, who was Commandant of the City Gates, and son of Lu Yu, Commander of Jiujiang. He was eight spans in height, with a beautiful face, like the finest jade.

When Lu Xun arrived at court and made his bow, Sun Quan said to him, “I wish to send you in supreme command of all the forces against Shu.”

“Sir, you have numerous old and tried officers under your command; I am very young and not at all clever,” replied Lu Xun.

“Kan Ze goes bail for you and pledges his whole house. Moreover, I know your abilities. You must be Commander-in-Chief and may not refuse the appointment.”

“But what will happen if the officers do not support me?”

“Here is authority!” said Sun Quan, taking his own sword from his side and giving it to Lu Xun. “Slay the disobedient and report afterwards.”

“I am grateful for this proof of confidence, but I dare not accept forthwith. I pray you assemble all the officers and confer the office upon me in their presence.”

Said Kan Ze, “The ancient fashion was to set up a platform and thereon present to the leader-elect a white yak's tail and a golden ax with the seal of office and commission. Thereafter his dignity and the reverence due from others were beyond all question. It would be well, O Prince, to follow the old rule. Choose a good day and appoint Lu Xun before all the world, and no one will refuse support.”

An altar was begun at once. They worked at it day and night, and as soon as it was finished a great assembly was called. Then Lu Xun was requested to ascend and make his bow on receiving his appointment as Commander-in-Chief, Leader of the Senior, General Who Guards the West, and Lord of Fenglou. The sword of authority and the seal of office were presented. His powers extended over the six territories and the eighty-one counties of the South Land, over the forces in Jingzhou and Wu. And in charging him Sun Quan said, “Domestic affairs belong to me; outer affairs are under your direction.”

Lu Xun then descended. He chose Xu Sheng and Ding Feng as commanders of his guards, and the army lost no time in taking the field. The various dispositions of horse and foot were made, and dispatches were sent to the outlying commanders.

When the dispatch reached Han Dang and Zhou Tai, who were camping near Xiaoting, they were alarmed, saying, “Why did the Prince appoint a mere bookish student to the commandership of all armed forces?”

So when the new Commander-in-Chief came, they showed their discontent by a lack of hearty support. Lu Xun went to his tent to receive the reports, and there the majority of the officers manifested only sullen respect and unwilling deference.

Then Lu Xun addressed them, saying, “By order of my superior I am Commander-in-Chief, and my commission is to destroy Shu. You, gentlemen, all know the ordinary military rules, and you would do well to obey them. The law is no respecter of persons, as those who disobey will find out. Do not have to regret when it is too late.”

They nodded in sullen acquiescence. Then Zhou Tai said, “There is Sun Huan, nephew of our Prince; he is surrounded at Yiling and is short of food. I venture to request you to send relief to him and get him out, so that the Prince's heart may be comforted.”

“I know all about him. His soldiers are faithful, and he can easily maintain his position. There is no need to go to his aid. When Shu is broken, he will be free to come out.”

They all sniggered as they left the tent, and Han Dang did not fail to express his contempt for the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief.

“This will be the end of Wu,” said he to his colleague. “Did you note what he said?”

“I tried him just to see what he would do,” said Zhou Tai. “You see he had no plan ready; he destroys Shu indeed!”

Next day general orders were issued for defense and prohibitions against giving battle, which provoked more laughter at the incapable pedant, as they thought him in command, and secret resolves to disobey. Moreover, the officers showed their contempt by a general disregard of orders.

So once more Lu Xun assembled them and said, “You know I am in command; yet the recent orders for defense have been disregarded. Why?”

Then Han Dang spoke up, “Some of us followed General Sun Ce when he first subdued the South Land. Others won fame in destroying rebels, or in following the present Prince in his campaigns. All of us have donned our armors and gripped our weapons in many a bloody fight. Now, Sir, you have been placed in supreme command to repulse Shu, and there should be some plan of campaign made for us at once, some dispositions of our forces, and some definite advance toward that end. Instead of that we are told to strengthen our defenses and are forbidden to fight. What are we to wait for? Will Heaven destroy our opponents for us? We are not afraid to die. Why is our keenness left to be eaten away and our energies wasted in idleness?'

All the others applauded this speech and cried that the speaker had expressed their own ideas. “General Han Dang just says what we think: let us fight a decisive battle,” they cried.

The new general waited till the uproar had subsided; then drawing his sword, he shouted, “That I am a student is true. But I have been entrusted with a great task, a task for which the Prince of Wu considers me competent and for the performance of which I am prepared to bear all the responsibilities. As for you, you will do well to act on the defensive as I ordered and not allow yourselves to be led astray into any attacks. And I shall put the disobedient to death!”

This speech had little effect, and they dispersed grumbling and murmuring.

Meanwhile the Ruler of Shu had made a long chain of forty camps from Xiaoting to the borders of the Lands of Rivers, spreading out two hundred miles. These base camps looked very imposing with their fluttering banners by day and their fires at night.

Then the spies came in and reported: “Wu appointed Lu Xun as Commander-in-Chief. Lu Xun ordered his commanders to defend strategic points and not to engage in battle.”

“What sort of a man is this Lu Xun?” said the First Ruler.

“He is a scholar among the people of Wu, and, though young, he is very talented,” replied Ma Liang. “His schemes are very deep. He was the author of the villainous and crafty plan of attack on Jingzhou.”

“His crafty scheme caused the deaths of my brothers; but now I shall have him,” said the First Ruler angrily.

He gave orders to advance. But Ma Liang ventured to remonstrate and dissuade him.

“Be very careful;” said he, “this Lu Xun is no whit inferior to Zhou Yu.”

“I have grown old in the field,” said the Emperor. “Don't you think me a match for this callow youth?”

He confirmed the order to go forward, and they attacked passes and fords and redoubts wherever they were.

Han Dang notified his chief of the movement of the Shu army, and Lu Xun, still rather dubious of the strict obedience to his orders, hastened to the point of danger. He found Han Dang on a hill surveying the enemy's force, which advanced like a great wave. Amidst the army they saw a wide yellow umbrella, and Han Dang pointed it out.

“That must be Liu Bei,” said he. “I should like to kill him.”

“Careful,” said Lu Xun. “So far he has scored victory after victory, and his soldiers are very keen and confident. Maintain a careful defense on high grounds and do not go out to battle. If you do, you will lose. Impress that upon your officers and soldiers and make them understand the strategy while you follow the enemy's moves. They are hastening into the wide open space, and I do not wish to hinder them. Nor will I accept any challenge to battle, but wait till they have moved their camps into the forest and among the trees. Then I shall have a scheme ready.”

Han Dang agreed so far as words went, but in his heart he was still ill-conditioned. When the Shu army drew near, a small force came to challenge. They shouted all sorts of abuse and hurled reproaches to put their opponents to shame, but Lu Xun took no notice and bade his troops stop their ears. He would not allow them to go out to battle, but he went from fort to redoubt, encouraging the soldiers to remain carefully on the defensive.

The First Ruler's heart burned within him at this refusal to come out to battle.

Said Ma Liang, “Lu Xun is a deep and crafty fellow. He recognizes the disadvantages of Your Majesty's troops in being far from their base, and from spring to autumn he will not come out to fight till some move occurs that he may profit by.”

“What ruse can he be contemplate?” said the First Ruler. “The real fact is that he is afraid. Their army has suffered nothing but defeat times and again. They dare not meet us.”

One day the leader of the van, Feng Xi, memorialized the First Ruler, saying, “The weather is scorching, and the troops are camped in the full glare of sun. Beside, water is scarce and hard to get.”

Thereupon orders were given to move the camps into the shade of the forest close by and near the streams till the summer heats should have passed. This order given, Feng Xi moved the camp to a retired and shady spot for his troops.

Ma Liang said, “If our soldiers move, the enemy will rush out on us and we shall be hard set.”

“I will provide for that,” said the First Ruler. “I will send Wu Ban with ten thousand of our inferior troops to camp near their lines. But I will choose eight thousand of veterans and place them in ambush. Wu Ban will have orders to flee before the soldiers of Wu and lead them into my ambush if they come out, and I will cut off their retreat. We ought to capture this precocious youth.”

“A genius in plans, a marvel of prevision!” cried ail those about him as this plan was unfolded. “None of us can approach him in cleverness.”

So they felicitated their ruler.

But Ma Liang said, “They say the Prime Minister is on a tour of inspection of the defenses in the eastern portion of Shu, seeing that they are in good order against any attack on the part of Wei. Why not send him a sketch of your present dispositions of troops and ask his opinion?”

“I also am not entirely ignorant of the art of war, and I see no reason to seek advice,” was the cold reply.

“There is an old saying about hearing both sides,” said Ma Liang.

“Well, then you go round to all the camps and make a map and take it to the Prime Minister. If he finds any fault, you may come and tell me.”

So Ma Liang went, while the First Ruler busied himself with getting his army into shelter from the fierce heat of summer.

His move was no secret, and the scouts soon told Han Dang and Zhou Tai, who rejoiced at the news and soon went to tell Lu Xun.

“All the enemies' forty camps had been moved into the shade. Now, Sir, you can attack!” said they.

That was not a bad plan, an ambush to set,

Thus thought he his chiefest opponent to get.

Whether Lu Xun acted upon the suggestion of his subordinates will be seen in the next chapter.