# San Kuo/Volume 2/Chapter 65

CHAPTER LXV.
Great Battle at Chiaming Pass; Liu Pei Takes the Governorship of Ichou.
It was Yen Pu who thus opposed sending help to Liu Chang. Then Ma Ch‘ao rose and said, “I have been the recipient of much kindness from my lord, which I feel I can never repay adequately. Now let me lead an army to take Chiaming Pass and capture Liu Pei. Then, my lord, Liu Chang will surely lose his twenty districts, and they shall be yours.”
This offer rejoiced Chang Lu, who sent away Huang Ch‘üan without an answer and told off two legions for Ma Ch‘ao to lead. As P‘ang Tê was too ill to take part in the expedition, Yang Po was sent in his place. The day to march was chosen.
Meanwhile, the messenger sent by Fa Chêng had returned to Fouch'êng to say Chêng Tu had advised his master to set fire to all the plains and valleys between the capital and the invaders, as well as the granaries, to move away the people and to stand solely on the defensive. This news caused Liu Pei and K‘ung-ming great anxiety, for it would be a grave danger to them. However, Fa Chêng was more sanguine.
“Do not be anxious,” said he, “the plan would be extremely harmful, but it will not be carried out. Liu Chang will not do that.”
Surely enough, very soon they heard that Liu Chang had not adopted the suggestion; he would not remove the people. It was a great relief to Yüan-tê.
Then said K‘ung-ming, “Now let us capture Mienchu quickly, for, that done, Ch'êngtu is as good as ours. ”
He therefore told off Huang Chung and Wei Yen to advance first. When Fei Kuan heard of their advance he ordered Li Yen to go out to stop them, and Li led out his three companies. The two sides being arrayed, Huang Chung rode out and fought some half hundred bouts with Li Yen. Neither was able to claim a victory, and so K‘ung-ming from the midst of the host ordered them to beat the gongs to cease from battle. When Huang Chung had got back to his side again he said, “O Commander, why did you sound the retirement just as I was getting the better of my opponent?”
“Because I saw that he was not to be overcome by mere force. To-morrow you shall fight again, and then you shall lead him into the hills by the ruse of pretended defeat. There will be a surprise awaiting him."
​Huang Chung agreed to try this ruse, and so on the morrow accepted Li Yen’s challenge when it was offered. After about the tenth bout he and his men pretended to be worsted and ran. Li pursued and was quickly lured into the mountains. Suddenly his danger flashed into his mind, and he turned to go back. But he found Wei Yen’s men drawn up across his path, while K‘ung-ming from a hill top near by cried, “You had better yield; if not, there are bows and crossbows on both sides of you all ready to avenge the death of our P‘ang T‘ung.”
Li dropped off his horse, threw aside his armour and offered submission. Not a man of his had been hurt. The prisoner was conducted to Yüan-tê, who was very affable and so won his heart that he offered to try to seduce Fei Kuan from his allegiance.
“Though he is related to Liu Chang, yet Fei and I are very close friends. Let me go and persuade him.”
Wherefore Li was sent back to the city to induce his chief to come over to Liu Pei’s side. He talked to such effect of the kindness and virtues of Liu Pei that Fei was won over, opened the city gates and admitted the invaders.
As soon as Yüan-tê had entered Mienchu he set out his men to take the capital. While thus engaged, a hasty messenger came to tell of the doings at Chiaming Pass, whereat had suddenly appeared an army from the east under Ma Ch‘ao and his captains. They had attacked, and the Pass would certainly be lost if help was not sent quickly.
“We need both Chang Fei and Chao Yün for this,” remarked K‘ung-ming. “Then we could oppose successfully.”
“But Tzu-lung is away,” said Yüan-tê. “However, I-tê is here. Let us send him quickly. ”
“Do not say anything, my lord,” said K‘ung-ming. “Let me stir him to fight his noblest.”
But as soon as Chang Fei heard of the danger he came rushing in, shouting, “I must say farewell, brother. I am off to fight Ma Ch‘ao.”
However, K‘ung-ming made as if he heard not and said to Yüan-tê, “That Ma Ch‘ao has invaded the Pass and we have no one to drive him back. Nobody can stand up to himunless we can get Kuan Yü from Chingchou. He could do it.”
“Why do you despise me, O Commander?” cried Chang Fei. “Did I not once drive back a whole army? Think you that I mind a stupid fool like Ma Ch‘ao.' ”
Kʻung-ming said, “Yes, I-tê; but when you forced back the waters and broke the bridge you succeeded because your enemies were doubtful. If they had known, General, you would not have come off so easily. All the world knows this Ma Ch‘ao and has heard about his six battles at the Wei Bridge; and how he made Ts‘ao Ts‘ao cut off his beard and ​throw away his robe. He very nearly slew him too. This is no lightsome task like that, and even your brother might fail.”
“All I care for is to go, and if I do not overcome this fellow, I will take the consequences.”
“Well, if you will put that in writing, you may lead the attack. And I will ask our lord to lead another army to back you up this time. He can leave the defence of this town to me till Chao Yün returns.”
“I also want to go,” said Wei Yen.
Wei Yen was allowed to go with a half company of light horse in advance of Chang Fei. Yüan-tê marched third. Wei Yen and his scouts soon arrived at the Pass and there fell in with Yang Po. They engaged; but after a few bouts Yang fled.
At this success Wei Yen was seized with ambition to rival it and try to snatch the credit that would fall to Chang Fei. So he pursued. But he presently came across a line of battle all drawn up, the commander being Ma Tai. Wei Yen, thinking it was the redoubtable Ma Ch‘ao, rode toward him whirling his sword. Soon Ma Tai turned and ran away, and Wei Yen followed him. However, Ma Tai presently turned back and shot an arrow, which wounded his pursuer in the left arm, so that he left the pursuit and turned his face the other way. Then Ma Tai came after him and chased Wei Yen nearly up to the Pass.
Here Ma Tai was suddenly confronted by a fierce thunder-roaring leader who dashed down from the Pass as on a flying steed.
It was Chang Fei, who had just arrived. Hearing the noise of battle below the Pass he had come to learn what it meant and saw the arrow wound Wei Yen. Soon he was in the saddle and off to the rescue, but before he engaged he would ascertain if the foeman was worthy of his steel.
“Who are you? Tell your name,” cried Chang Fei, “then I may fight with you.”
“I am Ma Tai of Hsiliang.”
“As you are not Ma Ch‘ao go away quickly, for you are no match for me. You may bid Ma Ch‘ao himself come, and tell him that Chang I-tê of the north is here.
“How dare you treat me with contempt?” cried Ma Tai in hot anger, and he came galloping up with his spear set ready to thrust. But after a half score bouts he fled. Chang Fei was about to pursue when a rider came up to him hastily, crying, “Do not pursue, my brother.”
The rider was Yüan-tê, and Chang Fei stopped. The two returned together to the Pass.
“I knew your impulsive temper, and so I followed you. Since you have got the better of him you may well rest and recuperate for the fight to-morrow with Ma Ch‘ao.”
​The rolling of drums at dawn next day declared the arrival of Ma Ch‘ao. Yüan-tê looked at the array from a point of vantage and saw Ma Ch‘ao emerge from the shadow of his great standard. He wore a lion helmet and his belt was clasped with the shaggy head of a wild beast. His breastplate was silver and his robe of white. As his dress and bearing were not as other men’s so were his abilities superior. And Yüan-tê looked at him admiringly.
“He justifies what people say,” said Liu Pei. “Handsome Ma Ch‘ao.”
Chang Fei was for going down at once, but his brother once more checked him, saying, “No; not yet. Avoid the first keenness of his fighting ardour.' ”
Thus below was Ma Ch‘ao challenging Chang Fei, while, above, Chang Fei was fretting at being unable to settle Ma Ch‘ao. Time after time Fei was setting out, but each time his brother checked him. And so it continued till past midday, when Yüan-tê, noticing signs of fatigue and weariness among Ma Ch‘ao’s men, decided that it was time to let Chang Fei try his fortune. Whereupon he chose out a half company of horsemen to accompany his brother and let the party go.
Ma Ch‘ao seeing Chang Fei coming with so small a force, signalled with his spear to his array to retire a bowshot, and Chang Fei’s men halted. When all his men had taken their places, Fei set his spear and rode out.
“Do you know who I am?” shouted Fei, “I am Chang Fei of Yen.”
Ma Ch‘ao replied, “My family having been noble for many generations I am not likely to know any rustic dolts.”
This reply upset Chang Fei, and in a moment the two steeds were rushing toward each other, both men with poised spears. The fight began and continued for a hundred bouts. Neither had the advantage.
“A veritable tiger of a leader,” sighed Yüan-tê.
But he felt that Chang Fei was running a risk, wherefore he sounded the gong as a signal to cease the fight. And each drew off to his own side. Chang Fei rested his steed for a time, then, leaving his helmet, he wound a turban about his head, mounted and rode out to renew the fight. Ma Ch‘ao also came out, and the duel continued.
Presently Yüan-tê thought his brother in danger. So he girded on his armour and went down into the plain plain. He watched till they had fought another hundred bouts, and then as both seemed to wax fiercer than ever he gave the signal again to cease the battle.
Both drew off and returned each to his own side. It was then getting late, and Yüan-tê said to his brother, “You had better retire for to-day; he is a terrible opponent. Try him again to-morrow.”
​But Chang Fei’s spirit was roused, and was it likely that such advice would be palatable?
“No,” shouted he, “I will die and not come back.”
“But it is late; you cannot go on fighting,” said Yüan-tê.
“Let them bring torches, and we will have a night battle,” said Fei.
Ma Ch‘ao having mounted a fresh steed, now rode out and shouted, “Dare you try a night battle, Chang Fei?”
Chang Fei’s excitement rose higher. He hastily changed horses with his brother and rode forth.
“If I do not capture you, I will not go back to the Pass,” said Fei.
“And if I do not overcome you I will not return to the camp,” said Ma.
Both sides cheered. They lit many torches till it seemed as light as day, and the two great captains went to the front to fight. At the twentieth bout Ma Ch‘ao turned his steed and fled.
“Whither are you going?” called out Fei.
The fact was that Ma Ch‘ao had begun to see he could not win in direct and simple combat, so he thought to try a ruse. By a false flight, as though he knew he had lost, he would inveigle Chang Fei into pursuit. He picked up a copper hammer secretly and kept a careful watch on his opponent for the most favourable moment to strike. But his enemy’s flight only put Chang Fei upon his guard, and when the moment came for the blow with the hammer he dodged, so that the weapon flew harmlessly past his ear. Then Fei turned his horse. Whereupon Ma Ch‘ao began to pursue. Then Fei pulled up, took his bow, fitted an arrow to the string and let fly at Ma. But Ma also dodged, and the arrow flew by. Then each returned to his own side.
Then Yüan-tê came out to the front of his battle line and called out, “Note well, O Ma Ch‘ao, that I, who have never treated men other than with kindness and justice and truth and sincerity, swear that I will not take advantage of your period of repose to pursue or attack. Wherefore you may rest awhile in peace.”
Ma Ch‘ao, hearing these words, withdrew to the rear, and the other captains one by one returned, while Yüan-tê drew off his army toward the Pass.
Early next day Chang Fei was once more going down out of the Pass to fight, when they told him that the Commander-in-chief, Chuko Liang, had arrived. Yüan-tê went to receive him, and K‘ung-ming at once began to speak of Ma Ch‘ao.
“He is the most terrible leader of the age; if he fights a desperate battle with Chang Fei loss will ensue. So I have come as quickly as I could. I left Mienchu in safe hands. I think I have a little ruse left that will bring Ma over to our side.”
​“Now I have seen the man. I greatly admire him,” said Yüan-tê. “If we could only win him over!”
“Then listen” said K‘ung-ming. “Chang Lu greatly desires the title of “Prince of Hanning” and among his most intimate subordinates I know one open to bribery. So we will send a person secretly to see him and give him gold and silver and so win his support. This done, we will write to Chang and tell him that you are set upon taking Hsich'üan from its present ruler, which will give an opportunity to wipe out the enmity he has so long nourished against Liu Chang, and that the reward of his remaining firmly on our side to the end will be that you will memorialise the Throne for the coveted title for him. This will make him order Ma to return, and, when that is done, I shall find a means of winning him over.”
Yüan-tê wrote a letter and sent it by the hand of Sun Ch‘ien together with gold and pearls. Sun went by secret roads to give these to Yang Sung. And when he found Yang and explained his mission in private, he was quickly led into the presence of Chang Lu.
“How can Yüan-tê memorialise the Throne to confer on me the rank of prince when he is but a simple General himself?” asked Chang Lu, when he understood the offer and its conditions.
“He is an Imperial Uncle;” said Yang Sung, “with such a rank he could present such a memorial.”
Chang Lu assented. He sent orders to Ma Ch‘ao to cease fighting, and Sun Ch‘ien remained as the guest of Yang Sung till he should see whether Ma Ch‘ao would obey the command. Before long the messenger returned with a word from Ma that he could not cease fighting till he had been successful. A second messenger returned with a similar response.
“This Ma is untrustworthy,” said Yang Sung. “He will not withdraw his soldiers because he contemplates rebellion. That is the real reason.”
He set stories afloat that Ma Ch‘ao desired to make himself the ruler of Shu and had said that he would no longer be content with subordinate rank. And he meant to avenge the death of his father. The rumours came to the ear of Chang Lu, and he asked Yang Sung what should be done. Yang proposed that he should give Ma Ch‘ao a limit of a month in order to accomplish his task, provided he consented to three conditions. And if he would not agree he would have to be put to death.
So a messenger was sent to declare the three conditions, which were: the capture of Hsich'üan, the head of Liu Chang and the repulse of the Chingchou troops.
“If he fails in any one of these just bring his head,” said Chang.
​While the messenger went to carry these orders Chang Wei was sent as guard at one of the strategic points which would control Ma’s army in case of rebellion.
When Ma Ch‘ao heard the three demands made on him he was greatly troubled, saying, “What can such a charge mean?”
After taking counsel with his son it seemed best to suspend fighting, and the army rested. But Yang had not yet attained his end, so he dropped another hint that Ma Ch‘ao’s return with an army would be a danger, and hence all the points of vantage on the homeward road were guarded so that he should not return. Thus Ma Ch‘ao was helpless and could see no way out of the difficulty.
Then K‘ung-ming said to his lord, “Now is my chance to use my little three inches of unworn tongue; Ma Ch‘ao is in a fix. I am going to his camp to persuade him to come over to your side.”
“But I do not like you to run such a risk, my Master. You are my most necessary support, and if anything happened to you, what should I do?”
K‘ung-ming was set upon going and persisted in his request. Yüan-tê again and again refused. At this juncture a messenger came with letters from Chao Yün. Yüan-tê called him in and questioned him. He was Li Hui of Chienning, the man who had formerly remonstrated so earnestly with Liu Chang.
“You once pleaded with your master to keep me out; why are you here now?”
“Because the prudent bird chooses its perch and the wise man his master. I did attempt to dissuade Liu of Ichou from a course which I felt to be disastrous, and thereby fulfilled my duty as his servant. He rejected my counsel and I knew he would fail. Your liberality, O General, has won over all the province, and success must be yours. I wish to serve under your banner.”
“Your services will surely be of great advantage to me, Sir,” said Yüan-tê.
Then Li began to talk of Ma Ch‘ao. “I knew him when we were in Shênsi together. He is now in great straits, and I may be able to talk him over. What say you?”
“Just the man to go instead of me,” interjected K‘ung-ming. “But what arguments will you use?”
Li Hui leaned over and whispered in his ear thus—and thus—What he said seemed to please K‘ung-ming mightily, and he was bidden to go forthwith.
Arrived at the camp, he sent in his name, at which Ma Ch‘ao remarked, “Yes; I know him; a glib and specious talker. I know what he has come for too.”
So he placed a score of armed ruffians in hiding about his tent and told them to cut the visitor to pieces if the signal was given.
​Then the guest was led in and came walking proudly. His host remained seated stiff and upright. He spoke roughly, saying, “What are you come for?”
“I am here as bearer of a message.”
“This sword here in the scabbard is newly ground. You may try me by words, but if the words do not penetrate I shall ask you to try the sword.”
Li Hui smiled, saying, “O, General, evil is not far off. However, I am thinking the newly ground sword will not be tried on my head. You will want to try it on your own.
“What evil were you talking about?”
“The worst vilification could not hide the beauty of Hsi-tzu nor could the most fulsome praise gloze over the ugliness of Wu-yen. The sun rises to the meridian and then declines; the moon waxes to the full and then wanes. All things obey the one law. Now, Sir, you are at enmity with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao for your father’s death, but Shênsi hates you with a stubborn, grinding hate. You can neither rescue Liu Chang by repulsing the army from Chingchou, nor can you settle Yang Sung by getting an interview with Chang Lu. The whole world now holds no place for a man without a lord, and if you experience further defeats, like that one on the Wei River, or the loss of Chich'êng, will you not be too shamed to look any man in the face?”
Ma Ch‘ao bowed his head. “You speak well, Sir. But I am helpless.”
“Now that you listen to me I would ask why those fearsome ruffians are in hiding by your tent?” continued Li Hui.
Ma, suddenly stricken with shame, ordered them to retire. Li Hui continued his speech.
“Liu, the Imperial Uncle, is considerate to his subordinates, and I am certain he will succeed, and so I have forsaken Liu Chang to cleave to him. Your honoured father joined him in destroying rebels. Why do you not flee from darkness into the light? Thereby you would avenge your father and become famous.”
Ma, convinced of the wisdom of the course thus recommended, proved his conversion by sending for Yang Sung and slaying him forthwith. Taking with him the head of his victim, he accompanied Li Hui to the Pass and tendered his submission. Yüan-tê welcomed him warmly and treated him as a highly honoured guest.
Ma Ch‘ao bowed his head, saying, “Meeting you, O illustrious lord, is like seeing the clear sky when the clouds have been swept aside.”
When Sun Ch‘ien returned, Yüan-tê detached certain forces to go to the capture of Ch'êngtu, left two captains to guard the Pass and made a triumphant entry into Mienchu. Two of the Shu captains came to oppose Yüan-tê, but Chao Yün went out ​against them while Yüan-tê was entertaining Ma Ch‘ao at a banquet on the city wall. Ere it had concluded, Chao Yün slew both the captains and brought their heads to the banquet chamber. This exploit put Ma Ch‘ao on his mettle and doubled his respect for the conquerors.
“Let not my lord attack,” said he. “I will make Liu Chang surrender of his own accord. Should he resist, my son and I will take the city and offer it to you with both hands.”
Yüan-tê was very pleased with the course of events; the day was indeed one of rejoicing. But Liu Chang was greatly distressed at the news of his fresh misfortunes, which reached him with the return of his defeated soldiers. He barred the gates and stopped all exit. Before long came news of the approach of Ma Ch‘ao with an army of rescue. The Governor then ventured to mount the walls, and soon Ma Chao and Ma Tai rode up and stood below the ramparts. And the former called out, “I wish to speak with Liu Chi-yü.”
Then Liu Chang showed himself, and Ma Ch‘ao plunged into the matter without more ado.
“I took the leadership of Chang Lu’s army to rescue Ichou, little thinking that, under the calumnious advice of Yang Sung, he would try to slay me. However, now I have gone over to the side of Liu, the Imperial Uncle, and advise you, Sir, to do the same, you and all your officers. Thereby you will all escape harm. If any one holds on a misguided course I shall take the city.”
Such words came as a shock, and Liu Chang paled. His feelings overcame him and he swooned. When he came to his senses he muttered, “I am stupid and I am sorry. Better open the gates and end it. The city will be saved.”
“No, no,” cried Yung Ho. “There are three legions of good soldiers in the city and ample money and stores for a year to come. Hold out.”
But Liu was broken. “My father and I have ruled here for twenty years and have done no particular good for the people. If we fight for three years the grass will be stained with the blood of my people and the fault will be mine. I could not bear it, and so I see no better way than to surrender, whereby I may bring peace to the people.”
Those about him wept. One man spoke, saying, “You speak as Heaven guides you. ”
Turning toward him they recognised a man of Pahsi named Ch‘iao Chou, who had the reputation of being an astrologer.
“I have studied the aspect of the heavens and a multitude of stars gathered over Shu, one of which shone as the full moon; a right royal star. And I recall a popular couplet of last year:—
“When comes the ruler from the east, Then may you on new rice feast.”
​This is a sort of presage. None can withstand the decree of the Most High.”
Huang and Liu, who heard these words, were very angry at such a speech and rose up to smite the speaker. But Liu Chang stayed them.
Next came news that Hsü Ching, Prefect of the metropolitan district, had gone over to the invaders. This was the last blow. Liu Chang went home weeping.
Next day they reported that Liu Pei, the Imperial Uncle, had sent a secretary to visit Liu Chang and he was even then at the city gate. He was admitted, and Chien Yung entered, riding in a carriage and looking about him most haughtily. Suddenly he was hailed from the street by a man with a sword in his hand, who cried, “You have got your wish, wretched creature, and you seem to think there is no one to compare with you. But do not look so contemptuously at us of Shu.”
Chien quickly got out of his carriage to speak to the speaker, who was a man of Mienchu named Ts‘in Mi.
“Worthy brother,” said he, “I did not recognise you. I pray you not to be angry.”
Both then went to visit Liu Chang, and they spoke of the liberality and broad-mindedness of Liu Pei, said he had no intention to harm any one, and praised him to such effect that Liu Chang then and there made up his mind finally that he would give up the struggle. So he treated Chien very honourably that day. And the next day, taking his seal and insignia of office and his archives, he accompanied Chien out of the city and went to Yüan-tê's camp. Yüan-tê came out in person to receive him. Taking Liu Chang by the hand, he wept, saying, “It is not that I wish to act cruelly or wrongly; I am the victim of circumstances and cannot help it.”
They entered the camp together, where the seal of office and the documents changed hands. Afterwards they rode into the city side by side. The people gave Yüan-tê a cordial welcome, burning incense and illuminating the city. The victor went to the residence of the chief of the province, where he took his seat and was saluted by all the subordinate officials.
However, Huang Ch'üan and Liu Pa stayed away from the ceremony. This annoyed the more violent of Yüan-tê's supporters, and they wished to kill the delinquents. But Yüan-tê would not allow violence and threatened condign punishment to any one who might interfere with these two. When the reception was over he went to visit the two recalcitrants, whereupon both came out and made their obeisance.
Said K‘ung-ming, “We have vanquished, and all opposition is at an end. But there cannot be two rulers, so you must remove Liu Chang to Chingchou.”
​ “But I do not wish to exile him,” said Yüan-tê.
“He lost his prestige through weakness. If you are effeminately weak and undecided you also will not last long.”
Yüan-tê saw his advice was good, and so he gave a great banquet whereat he begged Liu Chang to pack up his treasures and prepare to move. He gave the dispossessed Prefect the title Chên-wei Chiang-chün (Captain of Wide-spread Prestige). Liu Chang went away to Chingchou, taking with him his family and all his possessions.
Yüan-tê thus became Governor of Ichou. He conferred gifts on the inferior officers who joined him, confirming their ranks and titles. Yen Yen was given a high rank in the army. Fa Chêng became Prefect of the District of Shu. Others of the Shu officers whose aid had been conspicuous were given high ranks and finer titles under the new rule, while the services of minor men to the number of three score or more were well rewarded.
Naturally, honours were distributed freely to Yüan-tê's immediate helpers, to whose efforts he owed his position. Chuko Liang became Master of the Forces; Kuan Yü, Tangk‘ou Chiang-chün (General, Destroyer of Rebels) and a Marquis; Chang Fei, General, Assailant of the West, and a Marquis; Chao Yün, General, Guardian of the Distant; Huang Chung, General, Guardian of the West; Wei Yen, General, Wager of Successful War; Ma Ch‘ao, General, Pacificator of the West. All the others, many of whom had come to Yüan-tê from Chingchou and Hsiangjang, received promotion and rewards.
In addition, a special gift of five hundred “axes” (catties) of gold, a thousand “axes” of silver, much copper money and a thousand rolls of Ssuch‘uan silk, was sent to Kuan Yü. And all the military men were given appointments. Huge numbers of oxen and horses were slaughtered for banquets to the army and the contents of the granaries were given to the common people. So that there were great rejoicings.
Ichou being settled, Yüan-tê next desired to confiscate the lands of the more famous of the inhabitants about the capital and divide them among his officers. But here Chao Yün and others dissuaded him, saying that the sufferings of the people had been severe and losses great; it would be wise policy to let them settle down to their occupations as soon as possible. “It would be wrong to reward his own men at the expense of these persons.' Yüan-tê listened and gave in with good grace.
To Chuko Liang he assigned the revision of the laws, the punishments to be made, on the whole, heavy. Then Fa Chêng spoke up, “The founder of the Hans drew up three chapters of law, and the people were all profoundly affected by his virtue. I would rather that the laws be few and liberal that people may be comforted.”
​K‘ung-ming replied, “You only look at one side. The laws of Ts‘in were fiercely cruel and provoked resentment among the people; it was fitting that Kao Tsu should temper them with kindness. Under the weak administration of the late ruler there has never been an efficient government and there is a lack of respect for the law. The proper relationship between ruler and minister has been gradually obscured. Favour has been the means of rising, and the highest in rank have been the basest: kindness has been extended into licence and the most benefited have been the most contemptuous. And thereby have crept in many evils. Now I mean to inculcate respect for the dignity of the law, and kindness shall follow its attainment: there shall be moderation in conferring rank, but honour shall really follow on such promotion. In the mutual co-operation of kindness and honour and in proper distinction between superiors and inferiors lies the efficiency of a government.”
Fa Chêng had no argument to oppose. In due time all became perfectly tranquil, and all the forty-and-one districts, with their respective garrisons, were peaceful and contented. As Prefect of the metropolitan district, Fa Chêng earned much hatred, caring for no one but himself, and one man told of the complaints to K‘ung-ming, urging his dismissal.
But K‘ung-ming referred to his meritorious services. “When my lord was in Chingchou, fearful of his enemy on the north and trembling lest he be attacked from the east, Fa Chêng was his sure support. In these prosperous days one can hardly begin to discipline him. Could we reasonably forbid him following somewhat his own way?”
So no investigation was made, but Fa Chêng heard of the complaints and corrected his faults.
One day, when Yüan-tê and K‘ung-ming were resting and at leisure, Kuan P‘ing arrived with a letter from his father, thanking his elder brother for the handsome gifts. Handing in his letter, the son said his father was anxious to come into Ch'üan to try conclusions with Ma Ch‘ao.
Said Yüan-tê, “If he were to come and fight I fear they would not both survive.”
“There is nothing to be anxious about,” said K‘ung-ming. “I will write to Kuan Yü.”
Yüan-tê feared that his brother’s impulsive temperament might lead to trouble, so he told K‘ung-ming to compose a letter and send back by Kuan P‘ing.
When Kuan P‘ing came again to his father the first question was about the contest with Ma Ch‘ao. Then the letter was produced, and this is what it said: “I hear you are anxious to decide whether of the twain, Ma Ch‘ao and yourself is the better man. Now I can measure Ma Ch‘ao. He may be unusually brave and bold, but he is only of the class of Ching ​Pu and P'êng Yüeh. He might be a worthy rival of your younger brother, but he is far from the standard set by you, O Duke of the Beautiful Beard. You have a most important charge. If you come into Ssuch‘uan, and Chingchou should be lost, would you not be guilty of a terrible failure? I think you will see this.”
Kuan Yü stroked his long beard and smiled as he read the letter. “He knows me thoroughly,” said he to himself.
He showed the letter to his clients and friends and thought no more of going westward.
The successes of Liu Pei in the west had been duly noted by Sun Ch'üan, who thought he was surely now going to obtain the much-coveted Chingchou. So he called in Chang Chao and Ku Yung to ask advice.
Chang Chao was ready with a scheme that would need no fighting: Yüan-tê would offer the place with both hands.
In Shu there shine new sun and moon, Wu dreams Chingchou will be his soon.
We shall see in the next chapter the scheme to recover the much-desired district.