# San Kuo/Volume 2/Chapter 118

CHAPTER CXVIII.
A Filial Prince Dies; Jealousy Between Leaders.
The news of the fall of Mienchou and the death in battle of the two Chukos, father and son, brought home to King Ch‘an that danger was very near, and he summoned a council. Then he heard that panic had seized upon the people, and they were leaving the city in crowds. Sorely he felt his helplessness. Soon they reported the enemy actually in the city, and many courtiers advised flight.
“Leave the city and flee south to Nanchung,” said they. “The country is difficult and easily defended. We can get the Mans to come and help us.”
But Ch‘iao Chou opposed. “No, no; that will not do. The Mans are old rebels, ungentle; to go to them would be a calamity.”
Then some proposed seeking refuge in Wu. “The men of Wu are our sworn allies, and this is a moment of extreme danger; let us go thither.”
But Ch‘iao Chou also opposed this. “In the whole course of past ages no Emperor has ever gone to another state. So far as I can see, Wei will presently absorb Wu, and certainly Wu will never overcome Wei. Imagine the disgrace of becoming a minister of Wu and then having to style yourself minister of Wei. It would double the mortification. Do neither. Wei will give Your Majesty a strip of land where the ancestral temple can be preserved, and the people will be saved from suffering. I desire Your Majesty to reflect well upon this.”
The distracted ruler retired from the council without having come to any decision. Next day confusion had become still worse. Ch‘iao Chou saw that matters were very urgent and presented a written memorial. The king accepted it and decided to yield.
But from behind a screen stepped out one of the king’s sons, Liu Shên, Prince of Peiti, who shouted at Ch‘iao, “You corrupt pedant, unfit to live among men! How dare you offer such mad advice in a matter concerning the existence of a dynasty? Has any Emperor ever yielded to the enemy?”
The Latter Ruler had seven sons in all, but the ablest, and the only one above the common level of men, was this Liu Shên.
​The king turned feebly to his son and said, “The ministers have decided otherwise; they advise surrender. You are the only one who thinks that boldness may avail, and would you drench the city in blood?”
The prince said, “While the late Emperor lived, this Ch‘iao had no voice in state affairs. Now he gives this wild advice and talks the most subversive language. There is no reason at all in what he says, for we have in the city many legions of soldiers, and Chiang Wei is undefeated. He will come to our rescue as soon as he knows our straits, and we can help him to fight. We shall surely succeed. Why listen to the words of this dryasdust? Why abandon thus lightly the work of our great forerunner?”
The king became angry at this harangue and turned to his son, saying, “Be silent! You are too young to understand.”
The prince beat his head upon the ground and implored his father to make an effort. “If we have done our best and defeat yet comes; if father and son, prince and minister have set their backs to the wall and died in one final effort to preserve the dynasty, then in the shades we shall be able to look the Former Ruler in the face, unashamed. But what if we surrender?”
The appeal left the king unmoved. The prince cried, “Is it not shameful in one day to throw down all that our ancestors built up with so great labour? I would rather die.”
The king, now very angry, bade the courtiers thrust the young man out of the palace. Then he ordered Ch‘iao Chou to prepare the formal Act of Surrender. When it was written, two officers, with Ch‘iao Chou, were sent with it and the hereditary seal to the camp of Teng Ai to offer submission.
Every day Têng’s horsemen rode to the city to see what was afoot. It was a glad day when they returned reporting the hoisting of the flag of surrender. The general had not long to wait. The three messengers soon arrived and presented the letter announcing surrender and the seal therewith. Têng read the letter with great exultation, and took possession of the seal. He treated the envoys courteously and by their hands sent back a letter to allay any anxiety among the people. In due time they‘re-entered the city and bore this missive to the king, who read it with much satisfaction. Then he sent Chang Hsien to order Chiang Wei to surrender.
The President Li Hu carried to the victorious general a statistical statement of the resources of the kingdom: 280,000 households, 914,000 souls, 102,000 armed men of all ranks and 40,000 civil employés. Besides, there were granaries with much grain, gold and silver, silks of many qualities and many unenumerated but precious things in the various storehouses. The same officer arranged that the ceremony of surrender should take place on the first day of the twelfth month.
​The wrath of Prince Peiti swelled high as heaven when he heard that his father had actually arranged the date of his abdication. Girding on his sword, he was setting out for the palace when his Consort, the Lady Ts‘u, stopped him, saying, “My Prince, why does your face bear this look of terrible anger?”
He replied, “The army of Wei is at the gates, and my father has made his Act of Surrender. To-morrow he and all his ministers are going out of the city to submit formally, and the dynasty will end. But rather than bow the knee to another I will die and go into the presence of the late Emperor in the realms below.”
“How worthy; how worthy!” replied she. “And if my lord must die, I, thy handmaid, prays that she may die first. Then may my Prince depart.”
“But why should you die?”
“The Prince dies for his father and the handmaid for her husband. One eternal principle guides us all. When the husband dies the wife follows without question. ”
Thereupon she dashed herself against a pillar, and so she died. Then the prince slew his three sons and cut off the head of his Consort that he might sever all ties to life lest he be tempted to live. Bearing the head of the princess in his hand, he went to the Temple of the Former Ruler, where he bowed his head, saying, “Thy servant is ashamed at seeing the kingdom pass to another. Therefore has he slain his Consort and his sons that nothing should induce him to live and forego death.”
This announcement recited, he made yet another to his ancestors. “My ancestors, if you have spiritual intelligence yon know the feelings of your descendant.”
Then he wept sore till his eyes ran blood, and he committed suicide. The men of Shu grieved deeply for him, and a poet has praised his noble deed.
Both king and courtiers, willing, bowed the knee, One son alone was grieved and would not live. The western kingdom fell to rise no more, A noble prince stood forth, for aye renowned As one who died to save his forbears' shame. With grievous mien and falling tears he bowed His head, declaring his intent to die. While such a memory lingers none may say That Han has perished.
When the king knew of the death of his son, he sent men to bury him.
Soon the main body of the Wei army came. The king and all his courtiers to the number of three score went out at the north gate to bow their heads in submission, the king with his ​face covered as far as the grave, taking a coffin with him. But Têng Ai with his own hands raised Liu Ch‘an from the ground and took off the napkin from his face. The coffin was burned. Then the victorious leader and the vanquished king returned into the city side by side.
Wei’s legions entered Shu, And the ruler thereof saved his life At the price of his honour and his throne. Huang Hao’s vicious counsels had brought disaster Against which Chiang Wei’s efforts were vain. How bright shone the loyalty of the faithful one! How noble was the fortitude of the prince, grandson of the First Ruler! Alas! it led him into the way of sorrow. And the plans of the Former Ruler, Excellent and far-reaching, Whereby he laid the foundations of a mighty state, Were brought to nought in one day.
The common people rejoiced at the magnanimity of the victor and met the returning cavalcade with burning incense and flowers. The title of General of Cavalry was given to the late king and other ranks were given to the ministers who had surrendered.
Têng Ai requested the king to issue one more proclamation from the palace to reassure the people, and then the conquerors took formal possession of the state and its granaries and storehouses. Two officers were sent into the provinces to explain the new situation and pacify malcontents, and another was sent to exhort Chiang Wei to yield peaceably. A report of the success was sent to Loyang.
Huang Hao, the eunuch whose evil counsels had wrought such ruin to his master, was looked upon as a danger, and Têng decided to put him to death. However, he was rich and by means of bribes he escaped the death penalty.
Thus perished the House of Han. Reflecting on its end a poet recalled the exploits of Chuko Liang, Marquis of War, and he wrote a poem.
The denizens of tree-tops, apes and birds, Most lawless of created things, yet knew And feared his mordant pen. The clouds and winds Conspired to aid him to defend his lord. But nought awaited the leader’s precepts, wise To save; with base content the erstwhile king Too soon surrendered, yielding all but life. In gifts Chuko was peer with Kuan and Yo, His hapless death compared with Kuan and Chang’s; Sad sight, his temple on the river’s brink! It wrings the heart more than the tearful verse Of Liang Fu-yin, the poet he most loved.
​In due time Chiang Hsien reached Chienko, and gave the general the king’s command to surrender to the invaders. Chiang Wei was dumb with amazement at the order; his officers ground their teeth with rage and mortification. Their hair stood on end with anger: they drew their swords and slashed at stones in their wrath, shouting they would rather die than yield thus. The roar of their angry lamentation was heard for miles.
But Chiang Wei soothed them with kindly words, saying, “Captains, grieve not; even yet I can restore the House of Han.”
“How?” cried they.
And he whispered low in their ears.
The flag of surrender fluttered over the ramparts of Chienko, and a messenger went to Chung Hui’s camp. When Chiang Wei and his captains drew near, Chung Hui went out to meet them. “Why have you been so long in coming?” was his greeting.
Chiang Wei looked him straight in the face and said, without a tremor, but through falling tears, “The whole armies of the state are under me, and I am here far too soon. ”
Chung wondered what this cryptic remark might mean, but said nothing more. The two saluted each other and took their seats, Chiang being placed in the seat of honour.
Chiang Wei said, “I hear that every detail of your plans, from the time you left Huainan till now, has been accomplished. The good fortune of the Ssŭma family is owing to you, and so I am the more content to bow my head and yield to you. Had it been Têng Ai I should have fought to the death, for I would not have surrendered to him.”
Then Chung Hui broke an arrow in twain, and they two swore close brotherhood. Their friendship became closeknit. Chiang Wei was continued in command of his own army, at which he secretly rejoiced. Chiang Hsien went back to Ch'êngtu.
As conqueror, Têng Ai arranged for the administration of the newly-gained territory. He made Shih Tsuan Governor of Ichou and appointed many others to various posts. He also built a tower in Mienchu in commemoration of his conquest.
At a great banquet, where most of the guests were men of the newly-conquered province, Têng Ai drank too freely and in his cups became garrulous. With a patronising wave of his hand, he said to his guests, “You are lucky in that you have had to do with me. Things might well have been otherwise, and you might all have been put to death.”
The guests rose in a body and expressed their gratitude. Just at that moment Chiang Hsien arrived from his visit to Chiang Wei to say that he and his army had surrendered to Chung Hui. Têng Ai thereupon conceived a great hatred for ​Chung, and soon after he wrote to Loyang a letter something like this:—
“I would venture to remark that misleading rumours of war should precede actual attack. Now that Shu has been overcome, the manifest next move is against Wu, and in present circumstances victory would easily follow an attack. But after a great effort, both leaders and led are weary and unfit for immediate service. Therefore of this army two legions should be left west of Shênsi and with them two legions of the men of Shu, to be employed in boiling salt so as to improve the finances. Moreover, ships should be built ready for an expedition down the river. When these preparations shall be complete, then send an envoy into Wu to lay before its rulers the truth about its position. It is possible that matters may be settled without any fighting. Further, generous treatment of Liu Ch‘an will tend to weaken Sun Hsiu, but if Liu Ch‘an be removed to the capital, the men of Wu will be perplexed and doubtful about what may happen to them, and they will not be amenable. Therefore it seems the most fitting to leave the late King of Shu here. Next year, in the winter season, he might be removed to the capital. For the present I would recommend that he be created Prince of Fufêng, and granted a sufficient revenue and suitable attendants. His sons also should receive ducal rank. In this way would be demonstrated that favourable treatment follows upon submission. Such a course would inspire fear of the might of Wei and respect for its virtue, and the result will be all that could be desired.”
Reading this memorial, the thought entered the mind of Ssǔma Chao that Têng Ai was exaggerating his own importance, wherefore he first wrote a private letter to Wei Kuan and then caused the king to issue an edict concerning the successful general. The edict ran thus:—
“General Têng has performed a glorious exploit, penetrating deeply into a hostile country and reducing to submission a usurping potentate. This task has been quickly performed; the clouds of war have already rolled away and peace reigns throughout Pa and Shu.
“The merits of Têng Ai surpass those of Po Ch‘i, who subdued the mighty state of Ch‘u and Han Hsin, who conquered Chao. Têng Ai is created T‘ai-yü, and We confer upon him a fief of 20,000 homesteads, and his two sons are ennobled, each with a fief of 1,000 homesteads.”
After the edict had been received with full ceremonies, the Inspector of the Forces, Wei Kuan, produced the private letter, which said that Têng’s proposals would have suitable consideration in due time.
Then said Têng, “A general in the field may decline to obey even the orders of his prince. My commission was to conquer the west; why are my plans hindered?”
​So he wrote a reply and sent it to the capital by the hand of the envoy. At that time it was common talk at court that Têng Ai intended to rebel, and when Ssŭma Chao read the letter his suspicions turned to certainty, and he feared. This was the letter:—
“General Têng, 'Conqueror of the West,' has reduced the chief of the revolt to submission and must have authority to act according as he sees best in order to settle the early stages of administration of the new territory. To await government orders for every step means long delays. According to the ‘Spring and Autumn' Annals a high officer, when abroad, has authority to follow his own judgment for the safety of the Throne and the advantage of the state.
“Now seeing that Wu is still unsubdued, all interest centres upon this country, and schemes of settlement should not be nullified by strict adherence to rules and formalities. In war advances are made without thought of reputation, retreats without consideration of avoiding punishment. Though I do not possess the fortitude of the ancients, I shall not be deterred from acting for the benefit of the state by craven and selfish fears for my own reputation.”
In his perplexity Ssǔma Chao turned to Chia Ch‘ung for advice. Said he, “Têng Ai presumes upon his services to be haughty and imperious: his recalcitrancy is very evident. What shall I do?”
“Why not order Chung Hui to reduce him to obedience?” replied Chia.
Ssǔma Chao accepted the suggestion and issued an edict raising Chung Hui to presidential rank. After this the Inspector of the Forces, Wei Kuan, was set over both, with special orders to keep a watch upon Têng and guard against any attempt at insubordination.
The edict sent to Chung Hui ran as follows:—“General Chung, Conqueror of the West,' against whose might none can stand, before whom no one is strong, whose virtue conquers every city, whose wide net no one escapes, to whom the valiant army of Shu humbly submitted, whose plans never fail, whose every undertaking succeeds, is hereby made President of the Board of Revenue and raised to the rank of Marquis of a fief of 10,000 families. His two sons also have similar rank with a fief of 1,000 families.”
When this edict reached Chung Hui, he called in Chiang Wei and said to him, “Têng Ai has been rewarded more richly than I and is a T‘ai-yü. But Ssŭma suspects him of rebellion and has ordered Wei Kuan and myself to keep him in order. What does my friend Po-Yüeh think ought to be done?”
Chiang Wei replied, “They say Têng’s origin was ignoble and in his youth he was a farmer and breeder of cattle. However, he had good luck and has won a great reputation in this ​expedition. But this is due not to his able plans, but to the good fortune of the state. If you had not been compelled to hold me in check at Chienko he could not have succeeded. Now he wishes the late king to be created Prince Fufêng, whereby he hopes to win the goodwill of the men of Shu. But to me it seems that perfidy lies therein. The duke suspects him, it is evident.”
Chung complimented him. Chiang Wei continued, “If you will send away your people I have something to say to you in private.”
When this had been done and they two were alone, Chiang drew a map from his sleeve and spread it before Chung, saying, “Long ago, before he had left his humble cot, K‘ung-ming gave this to the Former Ruler and told him of the riches of Ichou and how well it was fitted for an independent state. Whereupon Ch'êngtu was seized as a first step towards attaining it. Now that Têng Ai has got to the same point it is small wonder that he has lost his balance.”
Chung asked many questions about the details of the features of the map, and Chiang explained in full. Toward the end, he asked how Têng could be got rid of.
“By making use of Duke Chin’s suspicions,” replied Chiang. “Send up a memorial to say that it looks as if Têng Ai really contemplated rebellion. You will receive direct orders to check the revolt.
So a memorial was sent to Loyang. It said that Têng Ai aimed at independence, nourished base designs, was making friends with the vanquished and was about to revolt.
At this news the court was much disturbed. Then to support his charges, Chung’s men intercepted Têng’s letters and re-wrote them in arrogant and rebellious terms. Ssŭma Chao was greatly angered and ordered an expedition into the Hsieh Valley to arrest Têng, he himself directing it under the leadership of the King of Wei, whom he compelled to go with him.
Then said Shao T‘i, “Chung Hui’s army outnumbers that of Têng Ai by six to one. You need not go; you need only order Chung to arrest Têng.”
“Have you forgotten?” said Ssŭma, smiling. “You said Chung Hui was a danger; I am not really going against Têng Ai, but against the other.”
“I feared lest you had forgotten,” said Shao. “I ventured to remind you, but the matter must be kept secret.”
The expedition set out. By this time Chung’s attitude had aroused Chia Chung’s suspicions, and he spoke of it to Ssŭma Chao, who replied, “If I sent you should I feel doubts? However, come to Ch‘angan and you will understand.”
The despatch of the army was reported to Chung Hui, who wondered what it might mean. He at once called in Chiang Wei to consult about the seizure of Têng Ai.
Lo! he is victor here, a king must yield; And there a threatening army takes the field.
The next chapter will relate the plan to arrest Têng Ai.