# San Kuo/Volume 2/Chapter 67

CHAPTER LXVII.
Ts‘ao Ts‘ao Conquers Hanchung; Chang Liao Spreads Terror at Chaoyao Ford.
The expedition against Hanchung went out in three divisions, with Hsiahou Yüan as leader of the van, Ts‘ao Ts‘ao in command of the centre and Ts‘ao Jên bringing up the rear. Hsiahou Tun was in charge of the commissariat. The spies soon carried the news into Hanchung, and Chang Lu called in his brother Wei to consult how to meet the attack.
Said Wei, “The strategical point to hold is Yangp‘ing Pass, and there should be half a score of stockades there with the forest to support them. You, my brother, should make your dépôt of supplies at Hanning.”
Thereupon two captains, Yang Ang and Yang Jên, were sent with Chang Wei to the Pass, and they built the stockades. Soon the vanguard of the enemy arrived and camped at a point fifteen li away. The soldiers were fatigued after the long march, and all lay down to rest without placing proper guards. Suddenly the camp was attacked in the rear by the two Yangs from different points. Hsiahou Yüan and Chang Ho mounted quickly and tried to beat off the attackers, but the enemy poured in all round, and Ts‘ao’s men suffered great loss. They returned to the main body to tell of their defeat, and their chief abused them for their want of care.
“Old soldiers like you should have known better and taken precautions against a raid of the camp when the enemy knew your men were exhausted by a long march.”
He even desired to put them to death as a warning, but their fellow-officers interceded and he spared them. Soon Ts‘ao himself marched in the van. Then he saw the dangerous and evil nature of the place, with its thick growth of trees, and as he knew nothing of the roads and was fearful of an ambush he returned to his camp.
Calling up his two henchmen, Hsü Ch‘u and Hsü Huang, he said, “Had I known the dangerous nature of the place I would never have come.”
Hsü Ch‘u replied, “The soldiers are here now, my lord, and you cannot recoil before the hardships.”
Next day Ts‘ao Ts‘ao with only his two guards rode out to reconnoitre the enemy’s camp. As they rode over the hills Ts‘ao Ts‘ao pointed out the position with his whip and said, “It will be very difficult to reduce a place as strong as this.”
​Just then there arose a shout in their rear and a shower of arrows fell about them. The two Yangs were attacking and the danger became great.
“Friend Hsü, you look after our lord;” cried Hsü Ch‘u, “I can hold the enemy.”
He galloped out and the two leaders took to flight, while their men scattered. In the meantime Hsü Huang led his master over the hills. Soon he met a troop of soldiers led by Hsiahou Yüan and Chang Ho, who had heard the sound of fighting and had come to the rescue, and Ts‘ao Ts‘ao got back safely to camp. The four captains were rewarded.
For fifty days the two armies held each other at bay without coming to a fight. At the end of this time, orders were given to retire.
“We have not tried the strength of the enemy,” said Chia Hsü. “You should not retire, my lord.”
“I see that they are always on the alert,” said Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. “I am only retiring to put them off their guard. By and by I will send some light horse to attack their rear. I shall defeat them then.”
“Ah! your skill is unfathomable!” cried Chia Hsü.
Two parties were then sent to get round behind the Pass by unfrequented roads, while Ts‘ao Ts‘ao broke up his camp and led his main body backward.
When Yang Ang heard of the retreat he thought it would be a good chance to attack, but Yang Jên, remembering the cunning of their opponent, opposed it. Yang Ang was wilful and said, “I shall go; you may come or not, as you wish.”
In spite of the protestations of his colleague, Yang Ang marched, taking with him the men of five camps and leaving only a few defenders. The day he set out was very foggy, so that one could hardly see his neighbour’s face, and soon the force got into difficulties and could not advance. They bivouacked on the road.
Now, Hsiahou Yüan was out with a reconnoitring force behind the hills when they heard the voices of men and the neighing of horses. In the dense fog they could see nothing, but fearing an ambush they hastened to retire. They lost their way and presently stumbled on the deserted camp. The few defenders thought their comrades had returned, so they threw open the gates to let them in. One camp was empty and there they raised a great blaze, which frightened those in the other camps so that they fled. As soon as the fog cleared, Yang Jên came to the rescue, but as more of Ts‘ao’s men came up, the force was too strong for him and he quickly fled toward Nanch'êng. By and by, when Yang Ang returned, he found his camp in the possession of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s men.
Soon Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s main army came up, and Yang was between two forces. There seemed no other way but to make a ​dash for it. Falling in with Ho, the two engaged and Yang Ang fell. Those who escaped carried the news of the disaster to Chang Wei, who abandoned the Pass and fled.
So the invaders took possession of the Pass, and its late defenders, Chang Wei and Yang Jên, had to go back and report failure. Chang Wei laid the blame on his companion, saying the Pass could not be held after its supporting positions had been lost. Chang Lu threatened to behead Yang Jên for his failure. Yang said he had tried to prevent the rashness of his brother and begged to be allowed to make another attack. If he failed he would abide by the consequences without protest.
Chang Lu took his formal pledge to succeed, gave him two legions and sent him away. He marched to Nanch'êng and made a stockade.
Before Ts‘ao Ts‘ao made any further advance he sent Hsiahou Yüan, with half a legion, to reconnoitre the road and they fell in with the force led by Yang Jên. Both sides drew up their battle array. From Yang’s side went out Ch‘ang Ch‘i to engage Hsiahou Yüan, who disposed of him in the third bout. Then Yang Jên set his spear and rode to the front. They two fought near two score bouts and neither could claim victory. Then Hsiahou Yüan pretended defeat and fled. The other rushed in pursuit. The fugitive suddenly employed the Parthian stab and killed his pursuer. His men ran away.
As soon as Ts‘ao Ts‘ao knew of the death of this leader of the other side he brought up his army, marched straightway to Nanch'êng and camped.
Chang Lu became alarmed and called a council.
“I can propose a man able to stand against the best leader of the enemy,” said Yen Pu.
“Who is he?” asked Chang Lu.
“P‘ang Tê, of Nanan. He surrendered at the same time as Ma Ch‘ao, but could not go with him into Ssŭch‘uan as he was ill. If you treated him generously he would save you.' ”
P‘ang Tê was summoned. He came, was loaded with gifts and given a force of one legion, with which he marched and camped ten li from the city, near the besieging force.
His camp made, P‘ang Tê rode out and challenged. Now Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, remembering his boldness at the battle of the bridge over the Wei, was desirous of winning his help for himself, so he told his captains to try to weary him by prolonging the fights, and so make him captive.
Wherefore first rode out Chang Ho to answer the challenge. He fought a few bouts and returned. Then Hsiahou Yüan did the same thing. So did Hsü Huang. Lastly went Hsü Ch‘u, who kept up the fight to half a hundred bouts before he retired. Still P‘ang Tê showed no signs of fatigue nor of fear, and all those who had fought with him praised his prowess and skill.
​“If only I could win him over to my side!” said Ts‘ao Ts‘ao longingly.
Said Chia Hsü, “I know one of his subordinates, Yang Sung. He is avaricious and open to a bribe. You might send him secret presents and get him to slander P‘ang Tê to his master so as to weaken his position.”
“But how can one get at this man? He is in Nanch'êng.”
“In the next battle pretend defeat, flee and let P‘ang take possession of this camp. Return in the night in force and drive him out, and he must retreat into the city. Let one of your own people with a persuasive tongue mingle with his men, disguised as one of his soldiers, and so gain entrance into the city.”
A subtle agent was found, and goodly gifts were his in advance, and he was entrusted with a golden breastplate as a bribe. He put it on and over it put on the dress of an ordinary soldier of Hanchung. And he made his way quietly to a point on the road along which the soldiers of Hanchung would retreat into the city. There he waited.
Next, two parties were sent to lie in ambush and Hsü Huang was sent to challenge, but with orders to be defeated. The scheme went well, and as P‘ang Tê came on to smite, Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s men retired before him till he found himself at their very camp. And therein he entered and was exceedingly pleased to find fodder and forage in great quantities.
Having sent off a messenger to his chief, he spread a feast in celebration of the victory; and when night came on they slept. But about the second watch there was an alarm from three directions, and the camp was threatened by three forces. It was the night-attack arranged by Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, and P‘ang Tê could not make any defence. He got to horse, cut his way through and made for the city. With the attackers in close pursuit he reached the gate, got it opened and rushed in.
And the traitor got in in the confusion. He made his way quickly to Yang Sung’s residence and saw him. He told him that the great minister, Duke Wei, knew him by reputation and held him in great esteem and as a token thereof had sent him his golden breastplate and a confidential letter as well. Yang took it all in, read the letter and said, “I will reply by and by, and the duke need feel no anxiety for I shall find a means of proving my gratitude. You may return.”
Soon after, he went to see Chang Lu and told him that P‘ang Tê had been defeated because he had been bribed. Forthwith Chang Lu summoned his general, abused him and threatened to put him to death. Yen Pu, however, protested and proposed to test P‘ang in another encounter. If he lost that, he might be put to death.
P‘ang Tê retired full of resentment. The next day Ts‘ao Ts‘ao attacked, and P‘ang went out to repel him. Ts‘ao sent ​out his favourite Hsü Ch‘u, but bade him pretend defeat. When P‘ang pursued, Ts‘ao rode toward the hills, where he halted and presently got speech with P‘ang. He proposed surrender.
But P‘ang thought within himself that to capture Ts‘ao would be a fine exploit, so he boldly faced his escort and rode up the hill. But there arose a great shouting as if heaven and earth were clashing together and he and his followers went headlong into ditches and pits that had been dug. Out flew men with ropes and hooks, and P‘ang was a prisoner.
When he was taken to Ts‘ao he was received with the greatest kindness. Ts‘ao himself dismounted, loosed the captive’s bonds and asked him if he would surrender. P‘ang thought of the ill-treatment he had just received at the hands of his master and of his injustice, and gave in. At once he was helped to mount a horse by Ts‘ao himself and led to the great camp.
Men placed for the purpose on the city wall saw what happened and told Chang Lu that his leader had ridden off on friendly terms with Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, whereby Chang Lu was persuaded that Yang Sung had spoken truly.
Soon after, scaling ladders were set against the city walls and catapults threw in great stones. The danger being imminent, Chang Wei counselled the destruction of all supplies and flight to Nanshan, where they might be able to defend Pachung. On the other hand, Yang Sung said the best course was to throw open the gates and surrender. Chang Lu could not decide which to do. His brother, Wei, maintained that burning everything and flight was the only course.
Chang Lu said, “I have been always loyal at heart and desired to return to allegiance when circumstances would permit. I have been unable to attain my desire, but now fight seems the only course open to me. However, the granaries and treasures, the public offices and the government property of all kinds must be kept safe.”
So the public buildings were all carefully barred and sealed. The same night, in the late evening, Chang and his family went out through the south gate and found their way through. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao let them go unpursued. When Ts‘ao entered the city and saw the proofs of Chang Lu’s care of the government property he compassionated the man’s misfortunes. He then sent a messenger into Pachung to induce him to surrender. Chang Lu was disposed to do so, but his brother would not hear of it. Nor would Yang Sung, who wrote a secret letter to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao urging him to attack and promising treacherous aid.
Ts‘ao presently attacked, and Chang Wei came out to meet him. But his opponent was the mighty Hsü Ch‘u, who made short work of him. The beaten soldiers went back into the city, which Chang Lu then decided to defend. As this would not ​give Yang Sung the chance to carry out his treacherous scheme, he persuaded his master to go out and fight, leaving him to defend the city. Chang Lu took this advice, although it was opposed by Yen Pu, and went out. But before his van got near the enemy, his rear ranks began to desert, and Chang retreated. Ts‘ao pursued him to the city walls, where Chang found the gates shut against him. There being now no way open, Chang dismounted, prostrated himself and gave in. Because of this and his care of the public property, Ts‘ao treated him with great kindness and consoled him with the title of General, “Guardian of the South.” Yen Pu and many others also were enrolled among the nobles. To each district was appointed a military officer styled Tu-yü, in addition to the Prefect. All the soldiers were feasted and rewarded.
Then the traitor Yang Sung, who had sold his master, came and sued for honours. He was condemned to public execution and exposure.
To harm the wise and compass the death of one’s lord may appear signal service, But the gains thereof are vanity; No glory clings to the house of him who dies a shameful death; Wherefore Yang Sung is an object of contempt forever.
When the eastern Ch'üan was quite subdued the Recorder Ssuma I said, “The men of Shu are against Liu Pei because of his treatment of the late ruler, Liu Chang, and if on the strength of your present success you press forward, Liu Pei will become as a shattered tile. The wise man takes the occasion when it serves and this should not be missed.”
Ts‘ao Ts‘ao sighed. “There is no end; now that I have Shênsi I am forced into taking Shu.”
Liu Hua supported Ssŭma I, saying he spoke well. “If you delay, Chuko Liang will have become minister, while Kuan Yü, Chang Fei and the other bold warriors will be at the head of the army. If the man of Shu once settle down, and the points of vantage are held, you will not be able to overcome them.'
Ts‘ao replied, “My men have marched far and suffered much; beside we must show pity.”
Wherefore he rested his army for a time. Meanwhile the populace of West Shu, having heard of Ts‘ao’s success, concluded that they would suffer next, and fear spread among them. Whereupon Yüan-tê called in the Commander-in-chief and asked his advice. He replied that he could make Ts‘ao Ts‘ao retreat of his own accord.
“A part of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s army is camped at Hofei because of the fear of Sun Ch'üan. If now we restore those three districts they desire so greatly, and send a specious person to talk, we can make Sun Ch'üan attack Hofei, which will lead to Ts‘ao going southward.”
​“Who is a fit person for the messenger?” said Yüan-tê.
And I Chi replied, “I will go.”
Yüan-tê, well satisfied, wrote letters and prepared gifts, with which I Chi went, calling in at Chingchou on the way to tell Kuan Yü. Then he went on to Moling and saw Sun Ch‘üan. After the greetings, Sun Ch'üan asked on what business he had come.
I Chi replied, “On a former occasion Chuko Chin would have had the three districts but for the absence of the Commander-in-chief, which prevented the actual transfer. Now I am the bearer of letters giving them back to you. Chingchou, Nanchün and Moling were meant to be restored, and now that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao has got possession of Eastern Ch‘uan they are no place for General Kuan. Hofei is empty and we hope you will attack it so as to make Ts‘ao Ts‘ao withdraw to the south and let my master take East Ch‘uan, when he will restore the whole of the Chingchou district.”
“Go back to the guest-house and let me take counsel in this matter,” said Sun Ch'üan.
As soon as I Chi had gone, the marquis turned to his officers and asked what should be done.
Chang Chao said, “All this is because Liu Pei fears that Ts‘ao Ts‘ao will attack him. However, since Ts‘ao is absent in Hanchung it would be well to seize the opportunity and attack Hofei.”
Sun Ch'üan accepted the advice. After he had sent the messenger away he began to prepare for the expedition. He left Lu Su in command over the three districts of Changsha, Chianghsia and Kueiyang. Then he encamped at Luk‘ou, and withdrew Lü Mêng and Kan Ning and sent to Hangchou (Yühang) for Ling T‘ung.
Very soon, Lü Mêng and Kan Ning returned, and the former suggested a plan, saying, “Ts‘ao Ts‘ao has sent Chu Kuang, Prefect of Luchiang, to camp at Huanch'êng and plant grain for the supply of Hofei. Let us first take Huanch'êng and then attack Hofei.”
“This scheme is just after my own heart,” said Sun Ch‘üan. So he made dispositions accordingly, he himself with several generals, commanding the centre. But the famous warriors Ch'êng P‘u, Huang Kai and Han Tang were not called to take part in this expedition as they were guarding certain especial places.
The army crossed the river and captured Hochou on the way. The Prefect of Huanchou sent an urgent message to Hofei for help and set himself to strengthen his fortifications for a siege. Sun Ch'üan went very near the city to observe its defence, and a flight of arrows greeted him, some striking his great official parasol. He went back to camp and asked his officers to offer plans of attack.
​Then Tung Hsi said, “Pile up great hills of earth and attack from the summits.”
Said Hsü Shêng, “Set up long ladders and construct platforms whence you can look over the city walls and thus attack.”
But Lü Mêng said, “All such plans need a long time to prepare, and in the meantime the soldiers will arrive from Hofei. Do not try such long-drawn-out schemes, but take advantage of the fine, fresh spirit of our newly arrived men and attack impetuously. Their élan will carry the wall. If you attack to-morrow at dawn the city will fall before noon.”
So the early meal was taken at the fifth watch and the army went to the attack. The defenders sent down showers of arrows and stones. Kan Ning took an iron chain in his hand and climbed up the wall. They shot at him with bows and crossbows, but he turned aside the arrows and bolts and he threw the chain round the Prefect Chu Kuang to pull him down. Lü Mêng beat the drum for the attack. The soldiers made a rush forward to climb the wall, and they slew Chu Kuang. His officers and soldiers gave in, and so the city fell to Sun Ch'üan. It was still a long time to noon.
In the meantime Chang Liao was marching to the aid of the city. Half-way he heard that the city had fallen, and so he returned to Hofei.
Soon after the conqueror’s entry into Huanch'êng, Ling T‘ung came there with his army. The next few days were devoted to feasting the army. Especial rewards were given to the two captains who had done such good work at the capture, and at the banquet to the officers Kan Ning was seated in the seat of honour, which his colleague, Lü Mêng, readily yielded to him for his late prowess.
But as the cup of felicitation was passing round, Ling Tung’s thoughts turned to the enmity he bore Kan Ning for having slain his father, and the praises which Lü Mêng now heaped upon him filled Ling’s heart with bitterness. For some time he glared savagely at Kan Ning, and then he determined on revenge. Drawing his sword, he suddenly rose to his feet and cried, “There is nothing to amuse the assembly. I will give them a display of swordsmanship.”
Kan Ning quickly saw his real intention. He pushed back his table and laid hold of a ch‘i (halberd) in each hand, crying, “And you may also watch an adept in the use of this weapon.”
Lü Mêng saw the evil meaning of both, and assuming his sword and shield he hastily stepped between the two warriors, saying, “Neither of you gentlemen is so dexterous as I.”
So he forced the two combatants asunder, while some one ran to tell Sun Ch'üan. He hastily jumped into the saddle and rode to the banquet hall. At sight of their lord they all three lowered their weapons.
​“I have bidden you two to forget this old enmity,” said Sun Ch'üan. “Why do you revive it to-day?”
Ling T‘ung prostrated himself in tears. Sun Ch'üan exhorted him to forget his quarrel, and once again there was peace.
The next day the army set out for Hofei.
Because of the loss of Huanch'êng, Chang Liao grieved greatly. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao had sent a small casket sealed with his own seal and bearing outside the words, “If rebels come, open this.”
So when he received the news of the coming of a powerful army Chang Liao opened the casket and read the letter therein, which said, “If Sun Ch‘üan comes to attack Hofei the two captains Chang and Li are to go out to oppose him and Yüeh is to be left to guard the walls.” Chang Liao sent the letter to the two men named therein.
“What do you think to do?” said Yüeh Chin.
Chang Liao replied, “Our lord is away and Wu is coming to attack for certain. We must go out to repel them and exert ourselves to the utmost to inflict defeat upon their advanced guard. Thus we shall appease the fears of the populace and then we can hold as best we may.' ”
But Li Tien was silent, for he was ever unfriendly to Chang Liao. Then seeing his colleague inclined to hold off, Yüeh Chin said, “I am for remaining on the defensive since the enemy is so much more numerous than we.”
“Gentlemen, it seems you are selfish and not devoted to the common weal,” said Chang Liao. “You may have your private reasons for what you do, but I intend to go out and try to repel the enemy. I will fight them to the death.”
Thereupon he bade his servants saddle his steed. At this, Li Tien’s better feelings were aroused, and he rose saying, “How can I be careless of the common weal and indulge my private feelings? I am ready to follow you and do as you command.”
Chang Liao was elated at this moral victory, and said, “Since I can depend upon your help, my friend, then I would ask you to lie in ambush on the north of the Ch‘aoyao Ford in order to destroy the bridge there as soon as the army of Wu has crossed. I, with my friend Yüeh Chin, will smite the enemy.
Li Tien went away to muster his men and prepare the ambush. ”
As has been recorded, the leaders of the advance guard of the Wu army were the veterans Lü Mêng and Kan Ning. Sun Ch'üan and Ling T‘ung were in the centre; the other captains followed them. The leaders of the van met Yüeh Chin first, and Kan Ning rode out and challenged him. After a few bouts Yüeh pretended to be defeated and fled. Kan Ning called to his colleague to join in the pursuit.
​When Sun Ch'üan heard that this advance guard had been successful he hastened his men to the Ford. But then there came a series of explosions, and up came Chang Liao and Li Tien, one on each flank. Sun Ch'üan was unprepared for this and sent messengers to call off the pursuit and ask for help. Before it could arrive, Chang Liao had come up.
Manifestly, Ling T‘ung, who had with him only a small troop of horse, could not long withstand the army of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, but he faced them and fought bravely while his lord galloped for the bridge. The southern end had been already broken down and there was a wide breach between the end of the bridge and the shore. Not a single plank was there by which to cross. What could be done? Sun Ch'üan was in a quandary, and helpless.
“Go back and jump for it!” yelled one of the petty officers, Ku Li by name.
He did so. Backing his horse some thirty feet or so, he then gave him his head and lashed him with his whip.
The good beast leaped, cleared the chasm and his master was safe on the southern shore.
Once Tilu leapt across T‘an Torrent wide, And when defeat did Sun of Wu betide, And death came threateningly at Ch‘aoyao Ford, His steed too leapt, and saved him from the sword.
Having reached the farther shore, Sun Ch'üan embarked on a boat and was rowed to a place of safety, while Chang Liao’s army was held at bay. Kan Ning and Lü Mêng, coming to his aid, were pursued by Yüeh Chin, and Li Tien also stayed their progress. But the men of Wu fought bravely, and Ling T‘ung’s troop of horse perished to a man. While Ling himself was wounded, but found his way to the bridge. Finding it destroyed, he fled along the stream. Presently he was seen by Sun Ch'üan from the boat and taken on board. Kan Ning and Lü Mêng fled into Honan.
The terrible slaughter at this battle put such fear into the minds of the men from Chiangnan that the name of Chang Liao kept the very children quiet at night.
When Sun Ch'üan reached his camp he richly rewarded Ling T‘ung and the petty officer Ku Li. Then he led his army back to Juhsü and began to put his ships in order so that the army and navy might act in unison. He also sent home for reinforcements.
Chang Liao reflected that he had insufficient force to meet another attack if it should be supported by the navy of Wu, so he sent an urgent message to his master in Hanchung. When the messenger arrived, Ts‘ao Ts‘ao saw that his western expedition would have to yield to the urgency of home defence. However, he called in his counsellors and put a direct question to them.
​ “Can we take Western Shu now, or not?”
“The country is too well prepared; we cannot,” replied Liu Hua. “It is better to go to the succour of Hofei and then go down the river.”
Wherefore, leaving Hsiahou Yüan to guard what he had taken of Hanchung, and other reliable captains at other points of vantage, Ts‘ao broke up his camp and went toward Juhsü.
The armoured horsemen would have conquered Shên, The ensigns toward the south were turned again.
The subsequent course of the war will be unfolded in later chapters.