Romance of the Three Kingdoms II (62 page)

Wei Yen agreed, and the visitor went back to the main camp and told Yang I what had passed.

Yang replied, "When near death the minister confided to me that Wei would turn traitor. I sent him the authority to test him, and now he has discovered himself as the minister foretold. So I will direct Chiang Wei to command the rearguard."

The coffer containing the remains of K'ung-ming was sent on in advance, and Chiang Wei took up his post to cover the retreat Meanwhile Wei Yen sat in his tent waiting for the return of Fei I and was perplexed at the delay. When the suspense became unbearable he sent Ma Tai to find out the reason. Ma returned and told him that Chiang Wei was covering the retreat and that most of the army had already gone.

Wei Yen was furious. "How dare he play with me, the pedantic blockhead?" cried he. "But he shall die for this. Will you help me?" said he, turning to Ma Tai.

Ma replied, "I have long hated him; certainly I am ready to attack him."

So Wei Yen broke camp and marched southward.

By the time Hsiahou Pa had reached the Shu camps they were all empty, and he hastened back with this news.

"Then he is really dead; let us pursue," said Ssuma I, much irritated at being misled.

"Be cautious," said Hsiahou. "Send an inferior leader first."

"No, I must go myself this time."

So Ssuma and his two lieutenants hastened to the Wuchang Plain. With shouts and waving flags, they rushed into the camps, only to find them quite deserted. Telling his lieutenants to bring up the remaining force with all speed Ssuma hastened in the wake of the retreating army. Coming to some hills, he saw them in the distance and pressed on still harder. Then suddenly a bomb exploded, a great shout broke the stillness, and the retiring army turned about and came toward him, ready for battle. In their midst fluttered a great banner bearing the words, "Prime Minister of Han, Marquis of Wuhsiang, Chuko Liang."

Ssuma I stopped, pale with fear. Then out from the army came some score of captains of rank, and they were escorting a small carriage, in which sat K'ung-ming as he had always appeared, in his hand the feather fan.

"Then he is still alive!" gasped Ssuma. "And I have rashly placed myself in his power."

As he pulled round his horse to flee, Chiang Wei shouted "Do not try to run away, O rebel; you have fallen into one of the minister's traps and had better stay."

The soldiers, seized with panic, fled, throwing off all their gear. They trampled each other down, and many perished. Their leader galloped fifty
li
without pulling rein. When at last two of his captains came up with him, and had stopped his flying steed by catching at the bridle, Ssuma clapped his hand to his head, crying, "Have I still a head?"

"Do not fear, General, the soldiers of Shu are now far away," they replied.

But he still panted with fear, and only after some time did he recognise that his two companions were Hsiahou Pa and Hsiahou Hui.

The three found their way by by-roads to their own camp, whence scouts were sent out in all directions. In a few days the natives brought news that the Shu army had really gone, and they said further that as soon as the retiring army had entered the valley they had raised a waiting for the dead and hoisted white flags. They also said that K'ung-ming was really dead, and Chiang Wei's rearguard consisted of only one company. The figure in the carriage was only a wooden image of the minister.

"While he lived I could guess what he would do; dead, I was helpless," said Ssuma.

The people had a saying that a dead Chuko was enough to scare off a live Ssuma.

In the depth of night a brilliant star
Fell from the northern sky;
Doubts stayed Ssuma when he would pursue
His dead, but fearsome enemy.
And even now the western men,
With scornful smile, will say,
"Oh, is my head on my shoulder still?
It was nearly lost today."

Now indeed Ssuma knew that his great rival was no more, so he retook the pursuit. But he never came up with the Shu army. As he took the homeward road he said to his officers, "We can now sleep in comfort."

As they marched back they saw the camps of their enemies, and were amazed at their skilful arrangement.

'Truly a wonderful genius?" sighed Ssuma.

The armies of Wei returned to Ch'angan; leaving officers to guard the various strategical points. Ssuma himself went on to the capital.

Yang I and Chiang Wei retired slowly and in good order till they neared the Tsanko road, when they donned mourning garb and began to wail for their dead. The soldiers threw themselves on the ground and wailed in sorrow. Some even wailed themselves to death.

But as the leading companies entered upon the Tsanko road thew saw a great blaze in front, and, with a great shout, a cohort came out barring the way. The leaders were taken aback and sent to inform the general.

The regiments of Wei are nowhere near,
Then who are these soldiers that now appear?

The next chapter will tell who they were.

*
Six
mou
equal one acre, roughly.

CHAPTER CV
THE PLAN OF THE SILKEN BAG:
THE BRONZE STATUE WITH
THE DEW BOWL

Y
ang
I sent forward a man to find out what force this was that stood in his way, and the scout returned to say they were soldiers of Shu led by Wei Yen. Wei had burned the wooden roads and now barred the way.

Then said Yang, "Just before his death the late minister foretold that this man would one day turn traitor, and here it has come to pass. I did not expect to meet it thus, but now our road of retreat is cut, and what is to be done?"

Then replied Fei 1, "He certainly has slandered us to the Emperor and said that we were rebelling, and therefore he has destroyed the wooden roads in order to prevent our progress. First, therefore, we must memorialise the truth about him and then plan his destruction."

Chiang Wei said, "1 know a by-way hereabout that will lead us round to the rear of these covered roads. True it is precipitous and dangerous, but it will take us to our destination. It is called the Ch'ashan Path."

So they prepared a memorial and turned off in order to follow the narrow mountain road.

Meanwhile the King of Shu was troubled; he lost his appetite and was sleepless. Then he dreamed that the hill that protected his capital was riven and fell. This dream troubled him till morning, when he called in his officers of all ranks to ask them to interpret his vision.

When he had related his dream, Ch'iao Chou stood forth and said, "I saw a large red star fall yesternight; surely it forebodes a misfortune to the king or to his First Minister. Your Majesty's dream corresponds to what I saw."

The king's anxiety increased. Presently Li Fu returned and was summoned into the king's presence. He bowed his head and wept, saying, "The Prime Minister is dead."

He repeated Chuko's last messages and told all that he knew. The king was overcome with great sorrow, and wailed, crying, "Heaven smites me!" and he fell over and lay upon his couch. They led him within to the inner chambers, and when his Consort heard the sad tidings she also wailed without ceasing. And all the officers were distressed and wept, and the common people showed their grief.

The king was deeply affected, and for many days could hold no Court. And while thus prostrate with grief they told him that Wei Yen had sent up a memorial charging Yang I with rebellion. The astounded courtiers went to the king's chamber to talk over this thing, and his Consort was also there. The memorial was read aloud. It was much like this:—

"I, thy Minister and General, Wei Yen, 'Corrector of the West, and Marquis Cheng, humbly and with bowed head write that Yang I has assumed command of the army and is in rebellion. He has made off with the coffin of the late Prime Minister and wishes to lead enemies within our borders. As a precaution, and to hinder his progress, I have burned the covered ways and now report these matters."

The Latter Ruler said, "Wei Yen is a valiant warrior and could easily have overcome Yang I; why then did he destroy the covered ways?"

Wu, the
T'ai-hou,
said, "The late Emperor used to say that K'ung-ming knew that treachery lurked in the heart of Wei Yen, and he wished to put him to death; he only spared him because of his valour. We should not believe too readily this tale of his that Yang I has rebelled. Yang I is a scholar, and the late Prime Minister placed him in a position of great responsibility, thereby proving that he trusted him and valued him. If this statement is true, surely Yang would have gone over to Wei. Nothing should be done without due meditation."

As they were discussing this matter, an urgent memorial came from Yang I, and opening it, they read:—

"I, Yang I, leader of the retreating army, humbly and with trepidation, present this memorial. In his last moments the late Prime Minister made over to me the charge of the great emprise, and bade me carry out his plan without change. I have respected his charge. I ordered Wei Yen to command the rear-guard with Chiang Wei as his second. But Wei Yen refused obedience and led away his own army into HanChung. Then he burned the covered ways, tried to steal away the body of the late Commander-in-chief and behaved altogether unseemly. His rebellion came upon me suddenly and unexpectedly. I send this memorial in haste."

The Empress Dowager listened to the end. Then, turning to the nobles, she said, "What is your opinion now?"

Chiang Wan replied, "Yang I is hasty and intolerant, but he has rendered great services in supplying the army. He has long been a trusted colleague of the late Prime Minister, who, being near his end, entrusted to him the conduct of affairs. Certainly he is no rebel. On the other hand, Wei Yen is bold and ambitious and thinks himself everybody's superior. Yang I is the only one who has openly been of different opinion, and hence Wei hates him. When he saw Yang placed over his head in command of the army he refused his support. Then he burned the covered ways in order to cut off Yang's retreat, and maligned him, hoping to bring about his fall. I am ready to guarantee Yang's fealty to the extent of my whole house, but I would not answer for Wei Yen."

Tung Yun followed, "Wei Yen has always been conceited and discontented. His mouth was full of hate and resentment and only fear of the late Prime Minister held him in check. The minister's death gave him his opportunity, and he turned traitor. This is certainly the true state of the case. Yang I is able, and his employment by the late minister is proof of his loyalty."

"If this is true and Wei is really a rebel, what should be done?" asked the king.

"I think the late minister has framed some scheme by which to get rid of Wei Yen. If Yang had not felt secure he would scarcely have set out to return through the valleys. Your Majesty may feel sure that Wei will fall into some trap. We have received, almost at the same time, two memorials from two men, each bringing against the other a charge of rebellion. Let us wait."

Just then Fei I arrived. He was summoned into the royal presence and told the story of Wei Yen's revolt.

The king replied, "In that case I should do well to send Tung Yun with temporary authority to clear up the situation and attempt to persuade Wei with kind words."

So Tung Yun left on this mission. At this time Wei Yen was camped at Nanku, which was a commanding position. He thought his plan was succeeding well. It had not occurred to him that Yang and Chiang could get past him by any by-way. On the other hand, Yang, thinking that HanChung was lost sent Ho P'ing with three companies on in front while he followed with the coffin.

When this little army had got to the rear of Wei's position they announced their presence with rolling drums. The scouts quickly told Wei, who at once armed himself, took his sword and rode out to confront Ho P'ing. When both sides were arrayed Ho rode to the front and began to revile his opponent.

"Where is that rebel Wei Yen?" cried Ho.

"You aided that traitor Yang," cried Wei, no way backward with his tongue; "how dare you abuse me?"

Ho waxed more indignant. "You rebelled immediately after the late chief's death, before even his body was cold. How could you?"

Then shaking his whip at the followers of Wei, he cried, "And you soldiers are Hsich'uan men. Your fathers and mothers, wives and children and your friends are still in the land. Were you treated unkindly that you have joined a traitor and aid his wicked schemes? You ought to have returned home and waited quietly the rewards that would have been yours."

The soldiers were touched by his words; they cheered, and more than a half ran away.

Wei was now raging. He whirled up his sword and galloped forward straight for Ho P'ing, who went to meet him with his spear ready. They fought several bouts, and then Ho rode away as if defeated. Wei followed, but Ho's men began to shoot and Wei was driven backward. As he got near his own men he saw many captains leaving their companies and going away. He rode after them and cut some of them down. But this did not stay the movement; they continued to go. The only steady portion of his own army was that commanded by Ma Tai. They stood their ground.

"Will you really help me?" said Wei Yen. "I will surely remember you in the day of success."

The two of then went in pursuit of Ho P'ing, who fled before them. However, it was soon evident that Ho was not to be overtaken, and the pursuers halted. Wei mustered his now small force.

"What if we go over to Wei?" said he.

"I think your words unwise," said Ma. "Why should we join anyone? A really strong man would try to carve out his own fortune and not be ready to crook the knee to another. You are able enough and brave enough to be more than a match for any man in the west. No one would care to stand up to you. I pledge myself to go with you to the seizure of HanChung, and thence we will attack the west."

So they marched together toward Nancheng, where was Chiang Wei. From the bridge he saw their approach and marked their proud, martial look. He ordered the drawbridge to be raised and sent to tell his colleague, Yang I.

As they drew near, both Wei and Ma shouted out, "Surrender!"

In spite of the smallness of their following, Chiang Wei felt that Ma Tai acting with Wei Yen was a dangerous combination, and he wanted the advice of Yang.

"How shall we repel them?" asked he.

Yang replied, "Just before his death the minister gave me a silken bag, which he said I was to open when Wei's mutiny reached a critical point. It contains a plan to rid ourselves of this traitor, and it seems that now is the moment to see what should be done."

So he opened the bag and drew forth the letter it held. On the cover he read, "To be opened when Wei Yen is actually arrayed opposite you."

Said Chiang, "As this has all been arranged for I had better go out, and when his line is formed then you can come forth."

Chiang donned his armour, took his spear and rode out, with three companies. They marched out of the city gates with the drums beating. The array completed, Chiang took his place under the great standard and opened with a volley of abuse.

"Rebel Wei, the late minister never harmed you
_;
why have you turned traitor?"

Wei Yen reined up, lowered his sword and replied, "Friend Chiang, this is no concern of yours; tell Yang I to come."

Now Yang was also beneath the standard, but hidden. He opened the letter, and the words therein seemed to please him, for he rode forward blithely. Presently he reined in, pointed to Wei and said, "The minister foresaw your mutiny and bade me be on my guard. Now if you are able thrice to shout, 'Who dares kill me will be a real noble!' I will yield to you the whole of HanChung."

Wei Yen laughed. "Listen, you old fool! While K'ung-ming lived I feared him somewhat. But he is dead and no one dares stand before me. I will not only shout the words thrice, but a myriad times. Why not?"

He raised his sword, shook his bridle and shouted, "Who dares kill me—"

He never finished. Behind him someone shouted savagely, "I dare kill you!" and at the same moment Wei fell dead, cut down by Ma Tai.

This was the denouement, and was the secret entrusted to Ma Tai just before K'ung-ming's death. Wei was to be made to shout these words and slain when he least expected it. Yang knew what was to happen, as it was written in the letter in the silken bag.

A poem says:—

Chuko foresaw when freed from his restraint
Wei Yen would traitor prove. The silken bag
Contained the plan for his undoing. We see
How it succeeded when the moment came.

So before Tung Yun had reached Nancheng Wei was dead. Ma Tai joined his men to Chiang's, and Yang wrote another memorial, which he sent to the king. The king issued an edict that as the guilty officer had paid the penalty of his crime he should be honourably buried in consideration of his former services.

Then Yang I continued his journey and in due time arrived at Ch'engtu with the coffin of the late minister. The king led out a large cavalcade of officers to meet the body at a point twenty
li
from the walls, and he lifted up his voice and wailed for the dead, and with him wailed all the officers and the common people, so that the sound of mourning filled the whole earth.

By royal command the body was borne into the city to the dead man's residence, and his son Chuko Chan was chief mourner.

When next the king held a Court Yang I appeared thereat bound, and confessed he had been in fault. The king bade them loose his bonds and said, "Noble Sir, the coffin would never have reached home but for you. You carried out the orders of the late minister, whereby Wei Yen was destroyed and all was made secure. This was all your doing."

Yang I was promoted to be the Master of the Centre Army, and Ma Tai was rewarded with the rank that Wei Yen had forfeited.

Yang I presented K'ung-ming's testament, which the king read, weeping. By a special edict it was commanded that soothsayers should cast lots and select the site for the tomb of the great servant of the state.

Then Fei said to the king, "When nearing his end the Prime Minister commanded that he should be buried on TingChun Hill, in open ground, without sacrifice or monument."

This wish was respected, and they chose a propitious day in the tenth month for the interment, and the king followed in the funeral procession to the grave on the TingChun Hill. The posthumous title conferred upon Chuko Liang was
Chung-wu,
"Loyally Martial," and a temple was built in Mienyang wherein were offered sacrifices at the four seasons.