Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (38 page)

The Prefect said, "The safety of this city is due entirely to Lu K'ai."

So Lu was called. He came and bowed.

K'ung-ming said, "Long since I heard of you as a remarkable man of this district. We are greatly indebted to you for its safety. Now we wish to conquer the
Mans
_;
have you any advice to offer?"

Lu K'ai then produced a map of the country and presented it, saying, "From the time of my appointment I have felt certain that the southern men would rise against you, and so I sent secret agents to map out the country and find the strategical points. From that information I prepared this map, which I call 'An Easy Scheme to Conquer the
Mans.'
I beg you, Sir, to accept it, as it may be of use."

Then K'ung-ming took Lu K'ai into his service as adviser and guide. With his help he advanced and penetrated deeply into the country.

While the army was advancing, there came a messenger from the Court. When he appeared, K'ung-ming saw it was Ma Su, and he was clothed in white. He was in mourning for his brother, Ma Liang, who had just died. He had come by special command of the Emperor with gifts of wine and silk.

When the ceremonies proper on receipt of a mandate from the Emperor had been performed, and the gifts distributed as instructed, Ma Su was asked to remain to talk over matters.

K'ung-ming said, "I have His Majesty's command to conquer these
Mans.
I hear you have some advice to offer, and I should be pleased if you would instruct me."

"Yes; I have one thing to say that may be worth thinking over. These people refuse to recognise our supremacy because they think their country is distant and difficult. If you should overcome them today, tomorrow they would revolt. Wherever your army marches they are overcome and submit, but the day you withdraw the army and attack Ts'ao P'ei they will renew their attack. In arms even it is best to attack hearts rather than cities; to fight with sentiment is better than to fight with weapons. It will be well if you can win them over."

"You read inmost thoughts," said K'ung-ming.

Then Ma Su was retained with the army as adviser, and the army marched on.

When the King of the
Mans,
Menghuo by name, heard how cleverly K'ung-ming had got rid of Yung K'ai, he called together the leaders of the "Three Ravines" to discuss matters.

The chief of the first Ravine was Chinhuansanchieh, of the second Tung-T'una and of the third Ahuinan. These having come to the king's place, he said to them, "Our country has been invaded, and we must exert our united strength to drive out the invaders. You three must lead your forces, and whoever conquers the enemy shall be chief of chiefs."

It was arranged that Chinhuansanchieh should march in the centre division, with the others on his flanks. Each division was five legions.

When the scouts made out that the
Man
armies were coming, they at once told K'ung-ming, who called Chao Yun and Wei Yen to his side, but gave them no orders. Next he sent for Wang P'ing and Ma Chung, and said to them, "I cannot send Chao Yun and Wei Yen against the
Marts
because they do not know the country. You two are to go, one against each wing, and the two veteran warriors shall support you. Get your men ready and start tomorrow at dawn."

Then the two Changs were sent against the centre army; they were to act with Wang and Ma. And once more K'ung-ming seemed to taunt the two veterans with ignorance.

The two heroes now began to feel hurt. Noticing this, K'ung-ming said, "I have no wish to pass you over, you two, but I fear that if you get too deeply into the country and should fall victims to the
Mans
that it will have an ill effect on the others."

"But what if we did know the geography of the country?" said Chao Yun.

"All I say to you is to be careful how you do anything," replied K'ung-ming.

The two old soldiers left and went together to the camp of Chao Yun.

Chao Yun said, "We are greatly ashamed at being put in the background because we do not know the country. We cannot bear this."

"Then let us ride out and survey," said his colleague. "Let us capture a few natives and make them show us the road, and let us defeat these savages."

They rode off. Before they had gone far they saw a cloud of dust in the distance. Climbing a hill to get a better view, they saw a small party of mounted
Mans
coming toward them. The two waited till they were near and then suddenly burst out. The
Mans,
taken entirely by surprise, ran away all but a few, who yielded themselves prisoners. The two warriors returned to camp.

The prisoners were given wine and food, and when they had satisfied their hunger they were questioned.

Said they, "The camp of the Chief Chinhuansanchieh is just in front, just by the entrance to the mountains. Near the camp, running east and west, is the Ravine of the Five Streams. The camps of the other two chiefs are behind."

The two leaders got together five companies, took the captured men as guides and marched out about the second watch. It was a clear night, and the moon gave light to march by.

The first camp was reached about the fourth watch. The
Man
soldiers were already awake and preparing their morning meal, as they intended to attack at daylight. The vigorous and unexpected attack of the two captains threw the camp into confusion; the chief was slain and his head cut off.

Then Wei Yen took half the force and went west to the second camp. By the time he reached it day had dawned. They also had news of his coming, and drew up the camp to oppose. But when they had got clear, there was a great uproar behind them at the stockade gates, and confusion followed. The reason was the arrival of Wang P'ing. Between the two bodies the
Mans
were beaten. Their chief, Tungt'una, got away. Wei Yen's men followed, but they could not catch him.

When Chao Yun led his men to attack the third camp in the rear, Ma Chung made an attack on the front. They scored a success, but the chief, Ahuinan, escaped.

They returned to headquarters, and K'ung-ming said, "The three parties of
Mans
have fled; where is the head of the first of the three chiefs?"

Chao Yun produced it. At the same time he reported that the other two chiefs had escaped by abandoning their horses and going over the hill. They could not be followed.

"They are already prisoners," said K'ung-ming with a laugh.

The fighting men could not credit it. But soon after the two chiefs were brought in. When some expressed surprise and admiration, K'ung-ming said, "I had studied the map and knew the positions of the camps. I taunted Chao Yun and Wei Yen into making a supreme effort at the same time that I sent other forces, because I knew the first two were the only men for the task. I felt certain the two chiefs would run away along those small roads, and I set men on those roads to wait for them. They also were supported."

They all bowed, saying, "The Prime Minister's calculations are divine and incomprehensible."

The two captive chiefs were then called. As soon as they appeared, K'ung-ming loosed their bonds, gave them refreshments and released them, bidding them offend no more. They thanked him for their liberty, and disappeared along a by-road.

Then K'ung-ming said to his captains, "Tomorrow Menghuo will come in person to make an attack. We shall probably capture him again."

Then he summoned Chao Yun and Wei Yen and gave them orders. They left, each with a half legion. Next he sent Wang P'ing. And then he sat in his tent to wait for the result.

The King of the
Mans
was sitting in his tent when the scouts told him that his three chiefs had been captured and their armies scattered. It made him very angry, and he quickly got his army ready to march. Soon he met Wang P'ing, and, when the armies were arrayed, Wang P'ing rode out to the front. The flaunting banners of his foes then opened out, and he saw their ranks. Many captains were on horseback. In the middle was the king, who advanced to the front. He wore a golden, inlaid head-dress; his belt bore a lion's face as clasp; his boots had pointed toes and were green; he rode a frizzy-haired horse the colour of a hare; he carried at his waist a pair of swords chased with the pine-tree device.

He looked haughtily at his foes, and then, turning to his captains, said, "It has always been said that Chuko Liang is a wonderful soldier, but I see that is false. Look at this array with its banners all in confusion and the ranks in disorder. There is not a weapon among all the swords and spears better than ours. If I had only realised this before I would have fought them long ago. Who dares go out and capture a Shu captain to show them what sort of warriors we are?"

At once a captain rode toward the leader, Wang P'ing. His name was Huanmangyachang; his weapon was a huge headsman's sword, and he rode a dun pony. Riding up to Wang P'ing, the two engaged.

Wang P'ing only fought a short time, and then fled. The king at once ordered his men on in quick pursuit, and the men of Shu retreated a score or so of
li
before the
Mans
were near enough to fight. Just as the
Mans
thought their enemies were in their power, a great shouting arose and two cohorts appeared, one on either flank, and attacked. The
Mans
could not retreat, and as another force under Kuan So also turned upon them, the
Mans
were surrounded and lost the day. Menghuo and some of his captains fought their way out and made for the Chintai Mountains. The men of Shu followed and forced them forward, and presently there appeared, in front, Chao Yun.

The king hastily changed his route to go deeper into the mountains, but Chao Yun's men spread around, and the
Mans
could not make a stand. Here some were captured. Menghuo and a few horsemen got away into a valley, which however, soon became too narrow for the horses to advance. The king then left his horse and crawled up the mountains, but very soon he fell upon Wei Yen, who had been sent to lie in wait in that very valley. So he was again prisoner.

The king and his followers were taken to the main camp, where K'ung-ming was waiting with wine and meat ready for the captives. But his tent was now guarded by a seven-deep force of men all well armed with glittering weapons, beside the lictors bearing the golden axes, a present from the Emperor, and other insignia of rank. The feather-hatted drummers and clarion players were in front and behind, and the Imperial Guards were extended on both sides. The whole was very imposing and awe-inspiring.

K'ung-ming was seated at the top of it all and watched the captives as they came forward in crowds. When they were all assembled, he ordered their bonds to be loosed, and then he addressed them.

"You are all simple and well-disposed people who have been led into trouble by Menghuo. I know your fathers and mothers, your brothers and wives; and your children are anxiously watching from the doorways for your return, and they are cut to the quick row that the news of defeat and capture has reached their ears. They are weeping bitter tears for you. And so I will set you all free to go home and comfort them."

After they had been given food and wine and a present of grain, he sent them all away. They went off grateful for the kindness shown them, but they wept as they thanked K'ung-ming.

Then the guards were told to bring the King before the tent. He came, bound, being hustled forward. He knelt in front of the great leader, who said, "Why did you rebel after the generous treatment you have received from our Emperor?"

"The two Ch'uan belonged to others, and your lord took it from them by force, and gave himself the title of 'Emperor.' My people have lived here for ages, and you and yours invaded my country without the least excuse. How can you talk of rebellion to me?"

"You are my prisoner; will you submit or are you still contumacious?"

"Why should I submit? You happened to find me in a narrow place; that is all."

"If I release you, what then?"

"If you release me I shall return, and when I have set my army in order I shall come to fight you again. However, if you catch me once more I will submit."

The king's bonds were loosed; he was clothed and refreshed, given a horse and caparisons and sent with a guide to his own camp.

Once more the captured chieftain is let go,
To yield barbarians are ever slow.

Further results of this war will be related in the next chapter.

CHAPTER LXXXVIII
CROSSING THE RIVER LU:
BINDING OF THE BARBARIAN KING:
RECOGNISING A PRETENDED SURRENDER:
CAPTURE OF MENGHUO

T
he
officers did not approve of the release of the King of the
Mans,
and they came to the tent of K'ung-ming and said, "Menghuo is the most important personage of all the
Mans,
and his capture is the key to restoring order in the south. Why then, O Minister, did you release him?"

"I can capture him just as easily as I can get something out of my pocket. What I want to do is to overcome and win his heart, so that peace may follow of itself."

They listened, but they had no great confidence in the success of the policy of conciliation.

In the meantime Menghuo had reached the Lu River, and there he fell in with some of his defeated men, who were trying to get news of their king's fate. They were surprised, but glad, to see him, and asked how he had been able to get back.

The king lied, saying, "They confined me in a tent, and I broke out in the night. I slew a half score of my guards and ran. And then I met one of their spies, killed him, and that is how I got this horse."

They never doubted his word, and very joyfully they hurried him over the river to a camping place. Then all the notables assembled from the various ravines, and the soldiers that had escaped death were mustered and got into shape as a fighting force.

The two leaders in the late campaign, Tungt'una and Ahuinan, were in one of the ravines, and the king sent to ask them to come. They were afraid, but they could not disobey, and they came with an escort. When all had assembled, the king proclaimed as follows:—"I know Chuko Liang is too full of ruses for us to conquer him in a fight; we should only fall victims to other base devices. However, we must remember that his men have marched far and the weather is sultry, which are factors in our favour. Beside, the Lu River is our rampart. We will have boats and rafts on the south side, and we will build a mud wall. With such good defences we can afford to wait and see what the enemy intends."

His speech met with approval, and his plan was carried out. The wall was supported by the hills and strengthened by fighting turrets, upon which were placed large bows and crossbows and balistae. The defences looked as if they were permanent. Moreover, each ravine sent supplies in plenty. And having made these preparations, Menghuo felt comfortable and safe.

K'ung-ming had advanced, and his leading division was now close to the river. However, no boats or rafts could be found to cross, and the current was too strong to think of fording. Beside, they could see the formidable defences on the farther bank, the mud wall and the turrets all fully manned. The weather was burning hot, for it was the fifth mouth, and the soldiers could not tolerate their armour nor even their clothing.

When K'ung-ming had inspected the river, he returned to his tent and assembled his officers, to whom he read this order: "The enemy is securely established on the south bank ready to repel our attack. Yet, having come so far, we cannot return empty. For the present you will all seek what shelter you can find in the forests, and rest and refresh your men."

Then he sent Lu K'ai to a distance to select a cool spot, and there he made two stockades. Within the stockades he built huts for the men and sheds for the horses, so that they were sheltered from the intense heat.

However, a junior captain, Chiang Wan, was ready to carp at these shelters, and went to K'ung-ming, saying, "These shelters of Lu K'ai's are very unsuitable. He has made the same mistake as that which led to the defeat of our former king at the hands of Wu. He has not taken into account the surroundings of the stockades, and if the Mans should come over and start a fire, there could be no rescue."

"Do not anticipate trouble," said the Commander-in-chief, smiling. "I have provided against all such dangers."

The fault-finder did not know what the chief meant to do, but he said no more. Then Ma Tai arrived from Ch'engtu, and he brought summer medicines and further supplies of grain. He saw K'ung-ming, and then proceeded to distribute the supplies he had brought according to orders.

Then K'ung-ming said, "What force have you brought?"

"Three companies," was the reply.

"My men are weary and worn out;
I
want to use yours. You have no objections?"

"Of course not; they are equally government troops. They are ready even to die for you if you wish."

"This Menghuo is established on the river, and we have no means of crossing. But I am anxious to intercept his supplies, so that his men may mutiny."

"How can you do it?"

"Some distance lower down there is a place called Shak'ou, where the current is slow; you could cross there on rafts. I wish you and your men to cross and cut the road of supplies. After that you are to arrange with the two leaders whose lives I spared to be your allies on the inside, and we shall succeed."

Ma Tai went off gladly enough, and marched his men to Sha'kou, where they set about the crossing at once. And as the water was shallow they did not trouble to make rafts, but just tucked up their clothes and waded in. But half-way across, the men began to fall over; and when they had been rescued and taken to the bank many of them began to bleed from the nose and mouth and died. In great alarm, Ma Tai sent hasty messages to K'ung-ming, who called in the guides and asked what this meant. They told him that it happened so every year. In the hot season, poisonous miasma collected over the waters of the Lu River, especially during the heat of the day. Anyone who drank the water would surely die. Travellers who wished to cross had to wait till night, because the cooler waters did not breathe out the poisonous vapours. Further, the natives said the crossing should be attempted On a full stomach.

K'ung-ming bade the local guides point out the best crossing place. He sent some well-seasoned soldiers to Ma Tai to lash together poles into rafts at Shak'ou, and in the night the crossing was safely accomplished. Further, the guides then led the men of Shu over to where the grain road of the
Mans
led through a narrow valley, called Chiashan Gorge, where, for part of the way, only single file was possible as the road was only wide enough for a man and a horse.

Ma Tai at once occupied this valley and stationed a force there. And a stockade was put up with tents inside. Presently a convoy of grain came along, and it was captured. The men ran off to the Icing's great camp and told him.

Menghuo, thinking all was safe during the hot season, was enjoying himself; wine and music were the order of the day, and military matters were far from his thoughts. In his cups he admitted K'ung-ming was ruseful, but said his army had nothing to fear.

"If I attempt to oppose Chuko Liang I shall certainly fall a victim to some wile of his. However, my waiting policy is a safe one. With our defences, and the river to back them, we can wait for the heat to overcome these men of Shu, who cannot stand the hot season. They will have to retreat, and then we can harass them. And we will capture this Chuko."

He lay back and laughed at the thought. However, one chief, more prudent than the others, stood forth and said. "Remember the shallows at Shak'ou, it would be very serious if the men of Shu got across there secretly. It ought to be guarded."

"You belong to these parts. Do you not know that I want the enemy to try to get across there? Why, they will all perish in the water."

"But what if the natives tell them to cross only in the night?"

"Do not be so anxious," said Menghuo. "Our own people will not help the enemy that far."

It was just then that intelligence came that the men of Shu had crossed the river and, moreover, had seized the Chiashan Gorge. The flags showed that the commander was Ma Tai.

Menghuo affected indifference. "This sort of fellow is not worth talking about," said he.

He sent a junior officer named Mangyachang with three companies to recapture the gorge and reopen the grain road.

When Ma Tai saw the
Man
soldiers approaching, he placed two companies in front of the hills and drew up the others in formal array. Then Mangyachang rode out to give battle. This was but a small engagement, as the barbarian fell at the first stroke of Ma Tai's sword. The
Mans
ran away at once.

They returned to the king's camp and told him what had happened. Whereupon he called up all his captains and asked for another to go up against Ma Tai.

"I will go," cried Tungt'una.

The king gave him three companies. After he had gone, Menghuo thought it would be wise to keep others from crossing the river. So he sent a force to guard Shak'ou.

Tungt'una duly arrived at the gorge and made a camp. Ma Tai came out to meet him. Among the men in his cohort were some who recognised the leader of the
Mans
and told Ma Tai certain things about how he had been captured and liberated. So Ma Tai galloped toward him, shouting out reproaches of ingratitude and so on. Tungt'una was very greatly ashamed and turned red in the face, and went away without striking a blow. Ma Tai followed and fell on, slaying many of the
Mans.
Tungt'una went back and told the king that Ma Tai was too strong for him.

But the king was angry, and cried, "You are a traitor! I know Chuko Liang was good to you, and that is why you would not fight."

He ordered Tungt'una out to execution. However, the notables and chiefs interceded, and the death penalty was remitted, but the unhappy leader was severely beaten, one hundred strokes with the heavy staff.

The chiefs were mostly on the side of the beaten captain and against the king's policy.

They said, "Though we live in the
Man
country we have never had any thoughts of rebellion against the Central Government, nor has China ever encroached upon our land. We must own that Menghuo's superior power forced us into this rising, and we could not help ourselves. K'ung-ming is too clever for us, and no one can guess what he may do. Even Ts'ao Ts'ao and Sun Ch'uan fear him, how much more must we? Moreover, we have received kindness at his hands and owe him our lives. We ought to show our gratitude. Now let us at all risks slay this Menghuo and submit to K'ung-ming so that our people may not suffer."

Tungt'una said, "I do not know your inner sentiments."

At this, all those who had been prisoners and released cried with one voice, "We desire to go to him."

Thereupon Tungt'una took in his hand a sharp sword, placed himself at the head of the malcontents and rushed into the great camp. At that moment Menghuo was, as usual, intoxicated and lay in his tent. The mutineers rushed in. They found two captains on guard.

"You also received kindness from K'ung-ming and ought to repay it," cried Tungt'una.

They replied, "You may not slay him; let us carry him a prisoner to K'ung-ming."

So they bound the king securely, took him down to the river and crossed in a boat to the northern bank. There they halted while they sent a messenger to K'ung-ming.

Now K'ung-ming knew what had been happening, and he had issued orders for every camp to prepare their weapons. All being ready, he told the chiefs to bring up their prisoner, and bade the others return to their camps. Tungt'una went first and told the matter to K'ung-ming, who praised his zeal and gave him presents. Then he retired to summon the chiefs. When they had arrived, the executioners brought in Menghuo.

"You said once before that if you were captured again you would give in," said K'ung-ming, smiling. "Now will you yield?"

"This capture is not your work," replied the king. "It is the work of these minions of mine who want to hurt me. I will not yield on this."

"If I free you again, what then?"

"I am only a
Man,
I know, but I am not wholly ignorant of war. If you, O Minister, let me return to my ravines I will muster another army and fight a decisive battle with you. If you capture me again then I will incline my heart and own myself beaten and yield. I will not go back on my promise again."

"If you refuse to yield next time you are captured, I shall hardly pardon you."

At K'ung-ming's orders the cords were loosed and refreshments were brought for the prisoner.

"Remember," said K'ung-ming, "I have never failed yet. I have never failed to win a battle or to take a city I have assaulted. Why do you
Mans
not yield?"

Menghuo only nodded his head; he said nothing. After the wine, K'ung-ming and Menghuo rode round the camps together, and the king saw all the arrangements and the piles of stores and heaps of weapons, and after the inspection he said, "You are silly not to yield to me. You see my veteran soldiers, my able captains, my stores of all kinds and war gear; how can you hope to prevail against me? If you will yield I will inform His Majesty, and you shall retain your kingship and your sons and grandsons shall succeed as perpetual guardians of the
Man
country. Do you not think it would be well?"

The king replied, "If I did yield, the men of my valleys would not be content. If you release me once more I will see to it that my own men keep the peace and bring them round to unanimity of feeling, and then they will not oppose any more."