The Three Kingdoms Volume 2 (57 page)

“You are mistaken,” said Liu Gui. “The sage has said that the most sincere mind is able to prophecy. We go and quiz this man of high intelligence so that we may know what to do and what to avoid.”

Therefore they went to the foot of the mountains and sought the hermit’s retreat from a woodcutter who, pointing to one of the highest hills, said that the recluse lived on the very summit. They climbed up to the spot where they found a small hut. At their summons a lad in Taoist garb came out to speak with them. He asked their names and conducted them to the recluse who, seated on a rush cushion, received them. They made a low obeisance, told him the reason of their coming, and asked about their future.

“How can a poor Taoist recluse know of your fortunes, good or evil?” he said.

However, after Liu Gui’s repeated bows and pleas, the hermit told the lad to bring paper and ink and he wrote eight lines, which he handed to the inquirer.

A dragon and a phoenix,

Fly into the west.

But the Phoenix Fledgling shall fall to the earth,
And the Sleeping Dragon shall soar to the sky;
There shall be successes and failures,
For such is the eternal law.

See that you act when occasion offers,
Lest you descend to the Nine Springs.

Having read the oracle, Liu Gui pressed the seer to reveal to them their individual fate but he only replied, “Why ask these things? None can escape his fate.” Liu Gui ventured to question him further, but his eyelids closed as if he slumbered. Nor would he offer a word more, and the four officers took their leave and descended the hill.

“We must have faith in what he says,” said Liu Gui.

“What is to be gained by listening to the ravings of a mad man?” replied Zhang Ren.

So they continued their journey to Luocheng. When they arrived Liu Gui suggested that two of them should guard the city while the other two should station themselves beneath the shelter of some hills in front of the city. Ling Bao and Deng Xian volunteered to encamp outside. Thus, taking 20,000 men, they went to establish two camps some sixty
li
away, hoping to be able to keep the invaders from nearing the city.

After capturing Fushui Pass, Liu Bei began to consult his advisor as to how to seize Luocheng, the next city to be captured. Scouts had reported the arrival of the four officers sent by Liu Zhang and the two camps set up sixty
li
from the city. Liu Bei assembled his officers and asked them who would go to attack the camps. The veteran Huang Zhong offered himself.

“Take your own men and go, General,” said Liu Bei. “A goodly reward shall be yours if you capture the two camps.”

Huang Zhong gladly thanked his lord and was just leaving to muster his men when suddenly out stood a youthful officer, saying, “General Huang is advanced in years and unsuitable to go on such an expedition. Incapable as I am, I would like to take his place.”

The speaker was Wei Yan.

Huang Zhong replied, “I already have my commission—how dare you try to supplant me?”

“Because the task is beyond an old man’s strength,” said Wei Yan. “I was told that those two men guarding the camps are famous officers of this region. They are full of vigor and strength, and, veteran as you are, I fear you will be unable to overcome them. If you fail, our lord’s great design will be hindered. Therefore I ask that I replace you—my intentions are kindly.”

This reminder of his old age angered the veteran. “Old, did you say? Do you dare to compete with me?” he challenged.

“Sure I do. And our lord shall be the judge. The winner shall undertake this expedition. Do you agree?”

Huang Zhong ran down the steps and called to his men to bring his sword.

Liu Bei hastened to stop this contest and said, “I rely on both of you to take the west country. When two tigers fight one is sure to lose, and the loss of either of you is more than I could bear. Do not quarrel and be reconciled.”

“You two need not squabble,” said Pang Tong. “Since there are two camps to be taken and two officers to fight, each of you two can take your own men and seize one camp. The first to capture a camp will have rendered the greater service.”

This decision pacified them and it was decided that Huang Zhong should go against Ling Bao, and Wei Yan, against Deng Xian. After they had marched away Pang Tong recommended Liu Bei to follow them lest they should quarrel on the way. So leaving the city in the care of his advisor, Liu Bei also departed, taking with him Liu Feng, his son by adoption, and Guan Ping, his nephew by adoption. They also took 5,000 soldiers with them.

Back in his own tent, Huang Zhong issued orders for the morning meal to be prepared at the fourth watch, and for the troop to be ready to set out by daybreak, taking the road through a gully to the left of the hills.

However, his rival had secretly sent a man to spy on his movements and had set his own departure time four hours earlier, meaning he would be able to reach his destination at dawn. After his men had taken their early meal they removed the bells from the horses and put gags in their own mouths to prevent talking, and with great stealth the army stole out of the camp. Their ensigns were furled and weapons covered lest the glint of steel should betray their movement.

Thinking that he had surpassed his rival in getting an earlier start, Wei Yan dreamed as he rode along what a fine figure he would cut if he could capture both camps. So he decided to attack Ling Bao’s camp before his rival could even get there and then, with his victorious troop, to also take the other camp. He at once ordered his men to deviate from their own course and take the mountain road on the left instead. By daylight he reached the camp defended by Ling Bao, the capture of which had been assigned to the old general. There he halted his men for a brief rest and then set out the drums, ensigns, and weapons.

Early as it was, yet the camp commander was on the alert, for the advancing force had been observed by his scouts. At a signal explosion the defenders of the camp attacked in full force. Wei Yan galloped up and made straight for Ling Bao. These two fought some thirty bouts when two more forces of Shu soldiers came up from two directions to join in the battle. The men of Han, as the force under Wei Yan may be called, having marched a long distance, were fatigued and could not withstand this onslaught, so they fell back. Wei Yan, hearing the confused sound of hoofs behind him, gave up his fight with Ling Bao, turned his horse, and fled. The men of Shu kept up the pursuit and the attackers were defeated and retired.

They had gone about only five
li
when another body of Shu men appeared from behind some hills. They advanced with beating drums. Their leader, Deng Xian, shouted to Wei Yan to surrender, but Wei Yan, whipping up his steed, fled even faster. However, the tired horse tripped and fell on its knees, throwing its rider to the ground. Deng Xian came galloping up and set his spear to slay Wei Yan. Before the spear could strike home, twang! sounded a bowstring, and Deng Xian lay flat upon the ground.

His comrade Ling Bao was about to go to his rescue when an enemy officer came dashing down the hill, and shouted: “The veteran general Huang Zhong is here.”

With uplifted sword Huang Zhong rode toward Ling Bao, who, unable to resist him, turned his steed and galloped away. Huang Zhong pursued, and the men of Shu were thrown into chaos. So Huang Zhong was able to rescue his rival Wei Yan. He had thus slain Deng Xian and forced his way up to the gate of the camp. Once again Ling Bao came on and engaged Huang Zhong. The two had fought a dozen bouts when the rear force swarmed forward, forcing Ling Bao to retreat again. This time he made for the other camp, abandoning his own to the men of Liu Bei.

But when he drew near he saw, instead of the familiar flags of his own side, alien banners fluttering in the wind. He checked his steed and stared at the new force. The leader was a general wearing a golden breastplate and clad in a silken robe—it was Liu Bei. On his left was his adopted son and on his right, his nephew.

“Where can you go?” cried Liu Bei. “I have captured the camp.”

Now Liu Bei had led his men in the track of his two officers ready to help either in case of need. He had come across the empty, undefended camp and taken possession.

Left without refuge, Ling Bao set off along a byway to try to get back to Luocheng. He had not gone far when he fell into an ambush set by Wei Yan, and was taken prisoner. Now Wei Yan, knowing he had committed a fault that could in no way be explained away, had collected his men together; and using some captured soldiers as guides, had laid an ambush and waited. He had Ling Bao bound with cords and sent to Liu Bei.

By then Liu Bei had hoisted the flag of pardon for the men of Shu, promising to spare the life of any soldier who would lay down his weapon and take off his armor. And if his men should harm those who surrendered, they would suffer the death penalty. Furthermore, he said to the men of Shu: “You men have parents and wives and little ones at home. Those who wish to return to them are free to go and those who wish to join my army will be received.”

At this proof of his generosity the sound of rejoicing filled the land.

Having made his camp, Huang Zhong came to Liu Bei and said, “Wei Yan should be put to death for disobedience.”

The culprit was summoned and came, bringing with him his prisoner. Liu Bei decided that the merit of capturing an important enemy officer exempted Wei Yan from punishment and told him to thank his rescuer Huang Zhong, prohibiting them both not to quarrel any more. Wei Yan bowed his head and admitted his fault, while Huang Zhong was handsomely rewarded.

The prisoner was then taken before Liu Bei, who loosened his bonds, gave him wine to relieve his fear, and asked him if he was willing to surrender.

“How can I not submit now that you have spared my life?” he said. “And I will do more than that. Liu Gui and Zhang Ren are sworn to live or die together with me. If you will release me I will return and bring them to you and thus you will gain possession of Luocheng.”

Liu Bei gladly accepted the offer. He gave Ling Bao clothing and a horse and asked him to go to the city to carry out his plan.

“Do not let him go,” said Wei Yan. “If you do, he will never come back again.”

Liu Bei replied, “If I treat men with kindness and justice they will not betray my trust.”

So the prisoner was set free. When he reached the city and saw his comrades he made up a story, saying that he had slain many of the enemy and had escaped by mounting the steed of one of his victims. Of his capture and release he said nothing. Messengers were sent in haste to Chengdu for help.

The loss of his officer, Deng Xian, disturbed the governor greatly. He called his advisors together for counsel. Then his eldest son Liu Xun said, “Father, let me go and defend Luocheng.”

The governor agreed and then he asked a volunteer to go with his son.

Wu Yi, the governor’s brother-in-law, at once offered himself. Two officers, called Wu Lan and Lei Tong, were then appointed to assist in the command. They were given 20,000 men, and the four departed for Luocheng. The officers came out of the city to welcome them and told them what had happened.

Wu Yi said, “If the enemy draws near it will be hard to drive them off again. What do you think should be done?”

Ling Bao replied, “The Fu River lies near and the current is strong. Where the enemy has set their camps the ground is the lowest. Give me 5,000 men with spades and shovels and I can turn the course of the river to flood their camps and drown Liu Bei and his army.”

The plan was approved, and Ling Bao went away to prepare the necessary tools. The two officers from Chengdu were to assist him.

Leaving Huang Zhong and Wei Yan in command of the two captured camps, Liu Bei went away to Fucheng to discuss further plans with his advisor Pang Tong. At this time spies brought in a report that Sun Quan had sent an envoy to form a league with Zhang Lu and urge him to attack Jiameng Pass. Liu Bei was alarmed. “If Jiameng Pass is taken I will have lost my way of retreat and my situation will be dangerous,” he said to Pang Tong. “What do you suggest, sir?”

Pang Tong turned to Meng De and said, “As a native of Shu you must be familiar with its topography. Would you like to go and keep the pass secure?”

“Let me recommend a man to accompany me and its safety will be guaranteed.”

“Who is he?” asked Liu Bei.

“He is called Huo Jun, formerly an officer under Liu Biao.”

This offer was accepted, and the two men departed.

That day when Pang Tong returned to his lodging, the doorkeeper told him that a visitor had arrived. Pang Tong went out to receive him and saw a large, tall, poorly dressed fellow whose hair had been cut short and hung upon his neck.

“Who are you, sir?” asked Pang Tong.

The visitor made no reply, but went straight into the room and lay upon the couch. Pang Tong, with rising suspicion, repeated his question several times. The visitor said, “Wait a minute and I will tell you about important things of the world.”

This answer only added to the mystery and increased the host’s suspicion, but he had wine and food brought in, which the guest ravenously devoured. Having eaten, he lay down again on the couch.

Pang Tong, greatly puzzled, suspected the man of being a spy. He sent for Fa Zheng, met him in the courtyard, and told him about the strange visitor.