# San Kuo/Volume 2/Chapter 73

CHAPTER LXXIII.
Yuan-te Becomes Prince of Hanchung; Yün-ch‘ang Attacks and Occupies Hsiangyang.
When Ts‘ao Ts‘ao retired to Hsiehku, K‘ung-ming considered it to mean the abandonment of his attempt to acquire possession of Hanchung, and he sent out several parties to harass and hasten his retreat by guerilla attacks. For this reason the retreating army had to keep on the move. Beside, he was suffering from his wound, and marched as hurriedly as possible. But it was a dejected army. The leading legions once encountered fire on both flanks, which had been raised by men placed in ambush while Ma Ch‘ao’s main force kept driving the army before it. Every man in the Ts‘ao army was dispirited, and there was no more courage in them. They pressed forward day and night alike without halting to rest. It was only after reaching Chingchao that they had some repose.
Then Yüan-tê sent Liu Fêng, Mêng Ta and Wang P‘ing to take Shangyung. Shên T‘ang and his colleagues, knowing that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao had retreated, offered their submission. After confidence had been restored among the people, Yüan-tê rewarded his army generously, and they were all joyful.
It was after this that the general body of the officers decided to urge Yüan-tê to assume the title of “Emperor,” but they dared not tell him so. However, they sent up a petition to K‘ung-ming, who replied that he had already decided on this course. So he and Fa Chêng headed a deputation that went in to see their lord.
They said, “Now that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao really holds the reins of authority the people are without a king. Our lord, your kindness and sense of justice have spread throughout the empire. You have restored peace over this 'Land of Streams,' and your becoming Emperor would be according to God’s will and the desire of the people. Then by right and title you could destroy rebels. This matter should not be delayed and we pray you to choose the auspicious day.”
But Yuan-tê evinced great surprise, and replied, “Your words, O Commander of the Army, are wrong. Although I am of the imperial house, yet I am but a minister; and to do this thing would be rebellion against Han.”
K‘ung-ming replied, “Not so. To-day the empire is riven and many of the bolder spirits have seized upon, and claim ​the rule of, various portions. The talented of the empire and the virtuous among officers, who have risked death and lost their lives in serving those above them, all desire to have the opportunity of serving an Emperor and doing service for a Throne. Now, if you insist on modestly maintaining your righteous way I fear that you will lose popular support. My lord, I would that you should reflect upon this.”
“But you desire me to usurp a place of great honour in the state, and I dare not. Let there be more delay and discussion.”
But with one voice they said, “Our lord, if you reject this the hearts of the people will turn from you.”
“My lord,” said K‘ung-ming, “you have made rectitude your motto all your life. If you really object to the most honoured title, then, since you have Chingchou and Hsiangyang, take the title temporarily of 'Prince of Hanchung.”
“Gentlemen, though you may desire to honour me by the title of 'Prince,' yet, without an edict from the Emperor, such action would be usurpation.”
Said K‘ung-ming, “The time demands recognition of the actual state of authority, and not a rigid adherence to all the rules of propriety.”
And Chang Fei roared out, “All sorts of people with all sorts of names are making themselves rulers; how much more ought you, O Brother, who are of the dynastic stock? It ought not to be 'Prince of Hanchung' but 'Emperor.' What prevents it?”
“Brother, say no more,” said Yüan-tê, roughly.
“My lord,” said K‘ung-ming, “it is fitting to follow political changes and suit one’s conduct to circumstances. Wherefore first take the princedom and then memorialise the Throne.”
As there seemed no option, Yüan-tê listened and complied. In the twenty-fourth year (219 a.d.), in the seventh month, an altar was set up at Mienyang (in Hupeh), square and nine li about, which was set around with the proper flags and banners and symbols, and thereon, in the presence of all his officers assembled according to their rank, and at the request of the two ministers Hsü Ching and Fa Chêng, Yüan-tê received the head dress and seal of a prince. Then he took his seat, facing the south as a ruler should, and received the salutes and felicitations of all his officers as Prince of Hanchung.
And his son Liu Ch‘an was nominated his heir-apparent.
Hsü Ching was given the title of Royal Preceptor; Fa Chêng that of a president of a Board. Chuko Liang was reappointed Commander-in-chief of the Forces, with the additional powers of control over the whole state policy. The two brothers, with Chao Yün, Huang Chung and Ma Ch‘ao, were the Five Tiger Leaders. Wei Yen was made Governor of Hanchung, and all the others who had assisted were given ranks and offices.
​As soon as the investiture was completed, Liu Pei composed a memorial and sent it to the capital. This is the document:—
“I, Pei, have but ordinary talents, yet was I made a general of high rank and led a great army. Though I received a commission to purge the empire of rebels I was unable to cleanse it and so renew the tranquillity to Your Majesty’s house and restore the dynasty. Too long have I delayed to spread Your Majesty’s sacred governance. The world is evil and not in good case, and as I sorrowfully think it over and over I am distressed as one in severe pain.
“Rebellion began with Tung Cho, and all kinds of evils have spread abroad; cruelty and ferocity have become rife. Strong in faith in Your Majesty’s sacred virtue and inspiring presence, many banded together to help. The loyal exerted themselves to destroy the rebels, but others of them were smitten of heaven. The fierce and the contumacious have been exterminated, and gradually rebellion has melted away.
“Only Ts‘ao Ts‘ao now remains, too long unpunished. He has arrogated to himself the authority of the state. His wicked heart is very rebellious. Once I, with the officer of high rank Tung Ch'êng, conspired against him, but the plot was discovered and my fellow conspirator suffered. Thenceforward I was a wanderer and my loyalty availed nothing. It only allowed Ts‘ao further licence and liberty to do evil, till he dared even to accomplish the death of the Empress and the destruction of her sons. Although we might band together and form associations, yet, with all our energy, we had to recognise that we were too weak for war. Wherefore the years passed and nothing was accomplished. In constant fear of destruction, we even forgot our duty to the state. Waking and sleeping we sighed, and our nights were times of anxiety.
“Now my fellows consider that history has repeated itself. They attach the utmost importance to the family and would manifest it with all their might. Hereditary succession of rulers is still a principle. The Rulers of Chou, taking the two preceding dynasties as models, strengthened its position through all the states, and it reinforced itself with the support of Chin and Chêng. When the great Founder of the Hans came into his own he ennobled his whole family. Later, the dynasty had to issue a general command throughout the whole of the nine divisions in order to destroy the widespread family of Lu.
“Now Ts‘ao is an enemy of all rectitude, and his followers are all evil. His treachery is manifest. Since the members of the imperial clan are few and weak the clan is not honoured. Having reflected upon the ancient models and being desirous of temporary alleviation, my fellows have made me assume the title of Prince of Hanchung' with the addition of Ta-ssŭ-ma. ​I have deeply considered these things. If one receive kindness from the Throne and accept the responsibility for a portion of the state and fail, then such a fault would only be made the more serious by holding high rank and thereby increasing the burden of reproach. But my fellows have urged me, and they have convinced me that it would be right; and, should I refuse, the wicked will not be destroyed and the danger to the state will not be removed. The temple of your ancestors is in danger, the imperial prerogatives are failing. A faithful servant, who in the day of tribulation can undertake a suitable policy whereby to preserve the dynasty, should not refuse his help at any cost. Wherefore I have yielded and accepted the position for the glory of the state.
“Humbly I think of such a title and its exalted position and the favour vouchsafed me, and I would endeavour to show true gratitude. My anxiety is deep, for the responsibility is heavy. I am as one on the brink of a great gulf. I must surely exert myself to the utmost and encourage my armies and lead all disciples of rectitude, in accordance with the will of heaven and as occasion serves, to smite rebellion so as to restore the dynasty.”
When this memorial reached the capital, Ts‘ao Ts‘ao was in his palace at Puyeh and it annoyed him greatly.
“How dare this mean weaver of straw shoes behave thus?” said he. “Now I swear that I will destroy him.”
So he issued orders for the whole force of the state to go out against Hsich‘uan to wage fierce war with the new Prince of Hanchung.
But a remonstrance came from the mouth of Ssŭma I.
“Let not the great Prince trouble himself to go on a distant expedition because of a temporary annoyance. I can propose a plan of which the execution will need not the bending of a single bow, and yet it will make Liu Pei bring down disaster upon his own head. When his army shall have become exhausted, it will only be necessary to send one single captain against him and victory will be ours.”
“What is your exalted view, my friend?” said Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.
“Sun Ch'üan’s sister is wife to Liu Pei, but Sun has found an occasion to steal away the bride. Liu Pei is in possession of Chingchou still, and he and Sun are bitter enemies. Therefore send some able speaker with a letter to Wu to persuade him to send an army to recover Chingchou. That will draw thither all the armies of Hsich‘uan, when you can send your army to Han and Ch‘uan. Liu Pei will be helpless and his strength will be wasted.”
The scheme pleased Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. He at once drew up a letter and sent it by the hand of Man Ch‘ung, who soon arrived in Chiangtung. As soon as Sun Ch'üan knew of the mission, he summoned his advisers to consult.
​Chang Chao said, “Wei and Wu are primarily enemies because of the dissension fomented by the words of Chuko. They have been fighting for several years and many lives have been lost. Now this messenger has surely come to discuss terms of friendship, and he should be welcomed.
On the strength of this, Man Ch‘ung was well received and conducted into the city and into the presence of Sun Ch'üan. He presented his letters at the conclusion of the ceremonies of reception and declared his mission.
“Wu and Wei have no fundamental quarrel, and their dissension has been brought about by Liu Pei. My master sends me to covenant with you for an attack on Chingchou, while he goes against Han and Ch‘uan. This double attack being successful, the conquered country can be divided between you two and you can both swear to respect each other’s territory.”
Having read the letter, Sun Ch'üan prepared a banquet in honour of Man Ch‘ung and then sent him to the guest-house to rest while he discussed the matter with his council of advisers.
Said Ku Yung, “Although the messenger’s speech was all special pleading it was correct in form. I propose that the messenger be allowed to return and that a covenant be made with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao for joint attack. In addition, let spies be sent over the river to find out Kuan Yü's movements, and then we may act.”
Chuko Chin said, “I hear that since Kuan Yü has been in Chingchou, Liu Pei has found him a wife, who has borne him a son and a daughter. The daughter is too young to have been betrothed, wherefore let me go to ask her in marriage with your heir. If Kuan Yü agree, then we can arrange with him to attack Ts‘ao. If Kuan Yü refuse, then let us aid Ts‘ao in an attack on Chingchou.”
Sun took this advice. So he sent Man Ch‘ung away and sent Chuko Chin to Chingchou to try to arrange the betrothal. Chuko Chin was received; and when the time came to state the reason for his coming, Kuan Yü asked him bluntly what he had come for.
“I have come seeking to ally the two houses. My master, the Marquis of Wu, has a son who is quite clever. Hearing that you have a daughter, General, I ask her in marriage, whereby the two houses may join in an attack on Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. This would be an admirable result and I pray you to consider the proposal.”
But the warrior flared up. “How can my tiger daughter marry with a dog’s whelp? Were it not for your brother I would take your head. Say no more!”
Kuan Yü called his servants to hustle forth the hapless messenger, who ran away with his hands over his head too astonished to look any one in the face. And reaching his ​own place he dared not hide the manner of his reception, but told the whole truth.
“What ruffianism!” exclaimed the marquis.
Thereupon he ordered the council again to consider an attack on Chingchou.
Pu Chih rose and said, “It has been long manifest that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao wishes to usurp the Throne, but he is afraid of Liu Pei. Now we are to attack Shu with an army. The marriage has brought us misfortune indeed.”
“But I also want the place,” said Sun Ch‘üan.
Said Pu Chih, “Ts‘ao Jên is already camped at Fanch'êng in Hsiangyang and in no danger from the river. If Ts‘ao can take Chingchou by land why does he not take it? However, he wants you, my lord, to send your army, and you can judge his real intention from this. Send to Ts‘ao and tell him to make Ts‘ao Jên attack by land. Then Kuan Yü must take the army from Chingchou to Fanch'êng. When he has left Chingchou you can send an army to seize it.”
Sun Ch'üan thought the scheme good and sent letters with these proposals to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. Ts‘ao adopted the plan, and having sent the messenger back to Wu, he next sent Man Ch‘ung to help Ts‘ao Jên at Fanch'êng as assistant adviser in the matter of attack. He also sent despatches to Wu to ask for the assistance of Sun Ch'üan’s marine force.
Having laid on Wei Yen the task of holding eastern Ch‘uan, the Prince of Hanchung, with his officers, returned to Ch'êngtu and began to set his new house in order. A palace was begun and public guest-houses were built, and between Ch'êngtu and Paishui, at selected places, they built four hundred rest-houses and post stations. The prince also set himself to accumulate great stores of grain and forage and to fill his arsenals with weapons with the design of mastering the capital and the whole country.
Then his spies told him of the treaty between Ts‘ao and Wu, with designs upon Chingchou, and he hastily called in K‘ungming to ask what should be done.
“I felt that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao would try to do this,” said K‘ungming, “and most of the advisers in Wu will persuade Ts‘ao to order Ts‘ao Jên to begin the campaign.”
“But what am I to do?” asked the prince.
“First send a special messenger to Kuan Yü with his new title, telling him to capture Fanch'êng, which will so damp the ardour of the enemy that he will break off himself.”
Therefore the prince sent Fei Shih, a high official from his Board of War, to take the patent of his new title to Kuan Yü, who received the delegate with great deference and conducted him into the city. After they had arrived at the official residence, Kuan Yü enquired what new title had been conferred upon him.
​“Chief of the Five Tiger Generals,” replied the delegate.
“And who are the five?”
“Their names are Kuan, Chang, Chao, Ma and Huang.”
“The second is my brother,” said Kuan Yü discontentedly. “Ma comes of a famous family and Chao Yün has been with my elder brother so long that he is as a brother. It is right for him to be put on a level with me. But what sort of a man is this Huang Chung that he is ranked with us? The really great man does not stand shoulder to shoulder with any old soldier that comes along.”
And he refused both title and seal.
“You do wrong to refuse,” said Fei Shih. “Of old, Hsiao Ho and Ts‘ao Ts‘an helped the Founder of the Han Dynasty in his great enterprise and were very dear friends, while Han Hsin was but a runaway leader from Ch‘u. Yet Han Hsin became a prince, and so was placed over the heads of the other two. I have never heard that these two resented it. The prince has his Five Tiger Generals, but he is still your brother and all that that means. As his brother you are he and he is you. Is there any comparison with any other? The prince has always treated you with the greatest kindness. You are one in sorrow and joy, sharers of disaster and good fortune. No such question as that of a mere title ought to reckon at all. I pray you, Sir, to reflect.”
Kuan Yü understood, and thanked the messenger for having prevented him from making a great mistake. He then received the seal with all humility.
Next Fei Shih produced the edict ordering the capture of Fanch'êng. Kuan Yü lost no time in obeying its command. He appointed Fushih Jên and Mi Fang leaders of the van to take the first army out of the city into camp. This done, a banquet was prepared for the messenger, and they sat late at their wine. While still at table there was an alarm of fire in the new camp, and Kuan Yü hastened out of the city to see. He found that the two captains had also been feasting and the fire had started behind their tent, a spark having fallen into some explosives, whence it spread and destroyed the whole camp and all that was in it. Kuan Yü and his men did what they could to put out the fire and then re-entered the city. There he summoned the two captains before him, abused them for their lack of care and sentenced them to death.
However, Fei Shih interceded for them, saying, “It is not well to put two leaders to death at the beginning of a campaign, before even the army has marched. You might reprieve them at least.”
Kuan Yü's anger had by no means subsided, but he recalled the two peccant captains and said, “Were it not that I have the greatest regard for the President Fei here I had let the sentence take its course. Now I will only flog you.”
​So the two officers received forty blows each and were degraded from leading the van. Their seals were taken away and one was sent to Nanchün, the other to Kungan.
“Now be warned,” said Kuan Yü. “If, when I return from my victories, there is the least sign of disorder on your part, you will suffer for both faults.”
The two men flushed crimson and went out.
Then two new officers were appointed, Liao Hua and Kuan P‘ing. Next Kuan Yü took command of the main army, and he had two advisers. Then it was that Hu Hua’s son, Hu Pan, came to Chingchou and joined Kuan, who loved him for the sake of his father and the good service he had rendered. Kuan Yü sent him to the Prince of Hanchung in the train of Fei Shih.
The day that Kuan Yü sacrificed to his standard before starting, he was lying in his tent resting when suddenly there dashed into his tent a huge boar, very large, as big as a bullock and quite black. It bit his foot. He jumped up to kill the creature, when it squealed with the sound of tearing cloth—and he awoke. But he had a pain in his foot.
The dream perplexed him, and he could not explain it. He related it to his son, who interpreted it happily, saying that the boar was something of a royal beast, like the dragon, and coming to his feet meant a rise for his adopted father. When the dream got noised abroad, for he told his officers, some interpreted it as auspicious and some the reverse.
“When a man nears sixty he ought not to be greatly disturbed by the thought of death,” said Kuan Yü. “After all, I am a man.”
Just about that time came an edict from the Prince of Hanchung making him Chief General, with honourable insignia of rank and control over the nine districts in Chingchou and Hsiangyang. When the officers congratulated him on his new honours they did not forget the dream.
“This shows what a dream of boars means.”
This new distinction pleased Kuan Yü greatly and he had no more perplexing doubts. Soon he marched away along the great road to the point of danger.
Ts‘ao Jên was in the city when he heard that the great warrior was coming against him. He was much put about, and inclined to trust solely to defence. But his next command, Chai Yüan, did not support this course and argued against it.
“Our prince has ordered you to act in concert with Wu and take Chingchou. For the other side to come against such a combination is to walk in the way of death; certainly we have no occasion to avoid a conflict.”
On the other hand the newly sent adviser inculcated caution. Said he, “Kuan is brave and cunning and one not to be met lightly. I think defence is best.”
​Then Hsiahou Ts‘un said contemptuously, “This is all the talk of a lot of book-folk. When the flood approaches bank up to keep it out. Let the enemy come and we shall only have to sit still and receive our reward, for we are sure of victory.”
Ts‘ao Jên was won over to the side of the men of action. He placed Man Ch‘ung in command of the defences while he went outside to beat off Kuan Yü. When the two forces met, Kuan Yü called to his side Kuan P‘ing and Liao Hua, to whom he gave certain orders. These two advanced, settled their array and Liao Hua then rode out and offered a challenge. Chai Yüan accepted it; but soon after the combat began Liao Hua made as if he was defeated and turned to leave the field. Chai Yüan went after him. The Chingchou men retired twenty li or so.
Soon the Chingchou soldiers came again and offered battle, when Hsiahou Ts‘un and Chai Yüan both went out. The manoeuvre of the preceding day was repeated. But suddenly there was a detonation behind the men of Ts‘ao and the rolling of drums as for attack. Ts‘ao Jên hastily called upon his men to return. They did so; but Kuan P‘ing and Liao Hua then turned and followed on their heels so that the men of Ts‘ao were thrown into confusion.
Ts‘ao Jên by this time had seen that a trap had been laid and he had fallen therein, so he hastily marched with one army to Hsiangyang. He got to within a short distance of the city when he saw before him a handsome banner waving in the wind, and out came the great warrior with his sword ready to slay. Ts‘ao Jên was powerless from fear, and, fighting being impossible, he turned off in a diagonal direction for Hsiangyang. Nor was he pursued.
Shortly after, Hsiahou Ts‘un came. He fell into a rage at the sight of the old warrior and went to fight him. He was slain in the first encounter. His colleague fled, but Kuan P‘ing captured and slew him. Then the pursuit was continued, and the loss on Ts‘ao’s side was very heavy. Many were drowned in the Hsiang River. This phase ended with Ts‘ao Jên defending Fanch'êng and Kuan in possession of Hsiangyang. His was the victory.
“You have obtained this city very easily,” said the Transport Officer Wang Fu, “but the task is not ended. Ts‘ao’s men have been beaten and their courage broken, but there is danger from the side of Wu. Lü Mêng is at Luk‘ou, and he has long cherished the desire to lay hands on Chingchou. Suppose he now attacks; what will happen?”
“I was e‘en thinking of that myself. You may go and attend to this matter. You will certainly be able to find certain elevated spots on the river bank, not too far apart, suitable for alarm beacons, whence could be signalled any attempt of the men of Wu to cross the river. Fifty men could guard ​each station. Let there be a flame by night and a smoke by day. If they cross the river I must go and smite them.”
Wang Fu replied, “Fushih Jên and Mi Fang are defending important places and doing it well. But there ought to be a commander-in-chief over Chingchou.”
“There is no need for anxiety; P‘an Chün is guarding the city.”
“The objection is the character of P‘an Chün. He is jealous and selfish and not a fit man for the task. I think you would do well to replace him by Chao Lei, now of the commissariat. He is loyal, trusty, clean-handed and straight, a much more desirable man for the post.”
“I know P‘an Chün very well, but I have delegated him for that duty and cannot change now. The work your friend has to do in the supplies is also most important. I do not think you need be anxious. Just get along with those beacons for me.”
Wang Fu, annoyed, took his leave. Then Kuan P‘ing was bidden to prepare ships ready to cross the river and attack Fanch'êng, whither Ts‘ao Jên had retired after his defeat.
Now Ts‘ao Jên said to Man Ch‘ung, “Neglecting your advice I lost my men, my two captains and the city of Hsiangyang. What am I to do now?”
“Kuan Yü is very dangerous, too brave and skilful for you to try to defeat. You had better remain on the defensive,” replied Man Ch‘ung.
Just about this time came the tidings that Kuan Yü was crossing the river on the way to attack. Man maintained his policy, that of defence. But the subordinate leader Lu Ch‘ang was for going out to meet the enemy.
“I ask for a few companies,” said Lu, “and I will meet the enemy on the way.”
“You cannot do any good,” said Man.
“According to the advice of you and the other bookish officials there is only one thing to do. But will defence drive off the enemy? The proper way is to attack your enemy while he is crossing a river, and as Kuan Yü is doing that now, why not attack now? It will be quite another matter if you let him reach the walls and get possession of the moat.”
As a result of his arguments and protest, Lu got command of two companies, whom he led to the river. And there he found Kuan Yü already arrayed for battle. Kuan Yü at once rode out, and the bold Lu was going to attack him. But his men were panic-stricken at the sight of Kuan Yü's fierce countenance and ran away. Lu Ch‘ang called them to come back, but they would not stop, and as Kuan Yü came on with a rush, the army of Ts‘ao again lost the day. Many were slain, and the remainder ran into Fanch'êng. Ts‘ao Jen sent off a hasty messenger for help and a letter to Ch‘angan to tell what ​Kuan Yü had done and how Fanch'êng was in imminent danger of falling
The letter reached Ts‘ao, who chose a certain one among his officers and asked if he could relieve Fanch'êng. The man at once stepped out and said he could.
The man was Yü Chin.
“Let me have some captain to lead the van,” said he.
“Who volunteers?” asked Ts‘ao, looking around.
“I do,” cried a man; “I will give my poor services for what they are worth. And I will capture this fellow Kuan and bring him as an offering before your standard.”
The men of Wei began the war E‘er Wu had sent out spies.
But who was the man bold enough to say he would capture Kuan Yü? For his name see the next chapter.