# San Kuo/Volume 2/Chapter 86

CHAPTER LXXXVI.
A Philosophical Encounter; Fire Used to Destroy Ts‘ao Pei’s Army.
After his recent exploits Lu Hsün became the one hero of Wu. He was given the title “Pillar of the State,” was ennobled as “Marquis of Chiangling,” and received the Governorship of Chingchou. He became commander of all the military forces.
Chang Chao and Ku Yung, thinking the moment opportune for enhancing their lord’s dignity, sent in a memorial proposing that his rule should be designated by a distinctive style, and he assumed Huang-Wu as his nien-hao.
Then arrived a messenger from Wei, and he was called in to an assembly and bidden to state his business. He said, “Recently Shu sent to Wei for help, and, the situation being misunderstood, a force was despatched. Now this action is greatly regretted. In Wei it is thought desirable to set four armies in motion against Shu to capture it, and if Wu will assist, and success crown these efforts, Wei and Wu will share the conquered territory.”
Sun Ch'üan listened, but was not prepared to give a decided answer. He betook himself to his counsellors, who suggested that the sapient Lu Hsün should be consulted. So he was called, and his speech ran thus:—
“Ts‘ao P‘ei is too firmly established in the capital to be upset now, and if this offer of his be refused we shall provoke his enmity. Neither Wei nor Wu, so far as I see, has any man fit to oppose Chuko Liang. We must perforce consent and put our army in order. But we can wait till we see how the four armies speed. If Shu seems likely to fall and Chuko Liang is out-manoeuvred, then our army can be despatched and we will take the capital. If the four armies fail we shall have to consider.”
So Sun Ch'üan said to the envoy of Wei, “We are not ready at the moment, so we will choose a day to start later.' And with this answer the envoy left.
Next they made careful enquiries about the success or failure of the armies against Shu. They heard that the western tribes had turned back when they saw Ma Ch‘ao in command at Hsip‘ing Pass. The Mans had been perplexed at the tactics of Wei Yen and had retreated to their caves. The Shangyung leader, Mêng Ta, had set out, but half way had ​fallen ill and gone back, and Ts‘ao Chên’s army had been brought to a halt by the defensive preparations of Chao Yün, who had garrisoned every pass and occupied every point of vantage. They had eventually retreated, after being camped in Hsiehku for some time.
Knowing all this, Sun Ch'üan said to his officials, “Lu Hsün’s words were indeed prophetic; he made most perfect deductions. Any rash action on my part would place me on bad terms with Shu.”
Just then the coming of an envoy from Shu was announced.
Said Chang Chao, “This mission is also part of Chuko Liang’s scheme to divert danger from Shu. Têng Chih has come as envoy. ”
“That being so, how should I reply?” asked Sun Ch'üan.
“I will tell you. Set up a large cauldron and pour therein a quantity of oil. Light a fire beneath. When the oil is boiling, choose a goodly company of your tallest and brawniest fighting men, arm them and draw them up in lines between the palace gate and your throne room. Then summon the envoy, but before he can say a word upbraid him with being guilty of the same sort of treachery as Li Shê-ch‘i and worthy of the same fate of being boiled in oil. Then see what he will say.”
Sun Ch'üan followed this advice, and prepared the cauldron of oil and had the strong men ready. Then he bade them introduce the envoy.
Têng Chih came, his ceremonial dress in perfect order, and advanced as far as the gate. Seeing the grim array of fighting men armed, some with gleaming swords, some with great axes, some with long spears and some with short knives, he understood at once what was meant, but he never blenched. He advanced quite steadily and bravely till he reached the door of the hall. Even when he saw the boiling cauldron of oil and the savage executioners glaring at him he only smiled.
He was led to the front of the curtain behind which sat the prince, and he made the ordinary salutation of raising his extended arms, but he did not bow in obeisance.
The prince bade his attendants roll up the curtain, and called out, “Why do you not make an obeisance?”
Têng Chih boldly replied, “The envoy of the superior state does not make an obeisance to the ruler of a smaller country.”
“If you do not control that tongue of yours, but will let it wag, you will be like that fellow Li who went to talk to Ch‘i. You will soon find yourself in the cauldron.”
Then Têng Chih laughed aloud. “People say there are many sages in Wu; no one would believe that they would be frightened of a simple scholar.”
This reply only increased Sun Ch'üan’s anger, and he said, “Who fears a fool like you?”
​“If you fear not the envoy, why so anxious about what he may have to say?”
“Because you come here as spokesman of Chuko Liang and you want me to sever with Wei and turn to your country; is not that your message?”
“I am a simple scholar of Shu, and I am come to explain matters to the state of Wu. But here I find armed men and a boiling cauldron all prepared against a simple envoy. How can I form any other opinion than that you will not allow me to speak?”
As soon as Sun Ch'üan heard these words he bade the soldiers go, and called the envoy into the hall. There he invited him to a seat and said, “What is the real matter between Wei and Wu? I desire that you would inform me. ”
Then Têng replied, “Do you, great Prince, desire to discuss peace with Wei or with Shu?”
“I really desire to discuss peace with the lord of Shu. But he is young and inexperienced and ignorant, and unable to carry a matter through.”
“Prince, you are a valiant warrior, just as Chuko Liang is a great minister. Now Shu has the strength of its geographical difficulties just as Wu has the protection of its three rivers. If these two countries are at peace they are mutually protective. They may swallow up the rest of the empire, or they may stand secure alone. If you send tribute to Wei, and acknowledge yourself one of its ministers, you will be expected to attend at court, and your heir-apparent will become a servant in that court; and if you disobey, an army will be sent to attack you. Shu also will come down the river and invade your country. Then this country will be yours no longer. And if you listen not to these words of mine, and refuse my offer, I shall commit suicide before your face and so justify the post I have as an envoy.”
As he spake these last words he gathered up his robes and marched down the hall as though he was just going to jump into the cauldron.
“Stop him!” cried Sun Ch'üan, and they did so. Then he requested Têng to go into an inner apartment, where he treated the envoy as a guest of the highest honour.
“O Master,” said Sun Ch'üan; “your words exactly express my thoughts, and I desire to make a league of peace with your country. Are you willing to be the intermediary?”
“Just now it was you, O Prince, who wished to boil this poor servant; now it is also you who wish to use him. How can such a doubtful person be trusted?”
“My mind is made up,” replied Sun Ch'üan. “Do not doubt me, Master.”
Têng Chih was detained, and a conclave of officers gathered.
​Said Sun Ch'üan to the assembly, “Under my hand are all the four score and one districts of the east, and I have the lands of Chingchou and Ch‘u to boot, yet I am not so well off as that little country of Shu, for Shu has Têng Chih for an envoy, and he glorifies his lord. I have no one to send to declare my wishes to Shu.”
Then one stepped forth and said he would go. The speaker was Chang Wên, of Wu, who held an office of no great rank.
“Sir, I fear that when you reach Shu and are in the presence of Chuko Liang you will not explain my real sentiments,” said Sun.
Chang Wên replied, “Think you that I shall fear him? He also is but a man.”
Sun Ch'üan conferred great gifts on Chang Wên, and sent him on the return mission to Shu to negotiate the league of peace.
While Têng Chih was absent, K‘ung-ming said to his lord, “This mission to Wu will succeed, and of the many wise men in the east one will come as return envoy. Your Majesty should treat him with courtesy, and let him return to Wu to complete the league. For if we have an alliance with Wu, Wei will not dare to send an army against us. And if we are safe from those quarters, I will lead an expedition to subdue the Mans in the south country. After that we can deal with Wei. If Wei is reduced, Wu will not last long, and the whole empire will again be under one ruler.”
Presently the report reached the capital that Têng Chih and Chang Wên, as envoy of Wu, would soon arrive. The king and court assembled to receive them honourably. The envoy of Wu carried himself as one who had attained his desires, and advanced boldly. Having made his salute, the Later Ruler gave him to sit on a brocaded stool on his left hand. A banquet followed at which Chang Wên was treated with much honour. At the end of the banquet the whole court escorted the envoy to the guest-house where he was to lodge.
On the second day there was a banquet at the Prime Minister’s palace, and K‘ung-ming broached the real business. He said, “Our late ruler was not on friendly terms with Wu. But that is all changed, as is demonstrated by these banquets, and our present king is disposed to be very friendly. It is hoped that the former enmity may be entirely forgotten and the two countries swear eternal friendship and alliance in their common end, the destruction of Wei. I look to you, Sir, to speak in favour of this league.”
Chang Wên said that he would support the plan. The wine went merrily round, and as the envoy became mellow he laughed freely and swaggered and put on a proud demeanour.
The king gave Chang Wên rich presents of gold and stuffs and prepared a parting banquet for him in the south guest-​chamber, and all the court assembled to take leave of him. The Prime Minister paid him assiduous attention and pressed him to drink. While this banquet was in progress, a man suddenly came in as if he were already drunk, made a proud sort of salutation to the company and at once took a seat. His conduct seemed strange to Chang Wên, who asked who the new comer was.
“He is a man named Ch‘in Fu, a learned education officer of Ichou,” replied K‘ung-ming.
“He may be that,” said Chang with a laugh, “but I wonder if he has any learning at all inside him.”
Ch‘in Fu listened without changing countenance, and said, “Since our children are all learned, of course I am more so.”
“What may have been your special studies, Sir?” said Chang Wên.
“Everything; astronomy on one hand, geography on the other; the three teachings and the nine systems; all the philosophers; history all through and all sacred books and traditions. There is nothing I have not read.”
“Since you talk so big,” said Chang, “I should like to ask you a few questions on celestial matters. Now has the sky (t‘ien) a head?”
“Yes; it has a head.”
“Where is it?”
“In the western quarter; the Odes say, 'God turned his head kindly toward the west,' and further it follows from this that the head is in the west.' ”
“Well; has the sky ears?”
“O yes. The sky is above and listens to all things below. The Odes say, 'The crane calls from the midst of the marsh, his cry is heard by the sky (t‘ien).' How could the sky hear without ears?”
“Has the sky feet?”
“It has; the Odes say, ' t‘ien (heaven) treads down difficulties.' If there were no feet how could it tread?”
“Has heaven a name?”
“Why not?”
“Then what is it?”
“Liu.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because the Emperor’s family name is Liu, and he is the Son of Heaven. That is how I know.”
“Does the sun spring from the east?”
“Though it does, yet it disappears in the west.”
All this time Ch‘in Fu’s repartees had flashed back clear and perfect; they came so naturally as to astonish all the guests. Chang Wên had no word to reply to them. Then it became Ch‘in’s turn.
​“You are a famous scholar in your own land, Sir, and since you have asked so many questions about t‘ien I take it you are well up in all celestial matters. When original chaos resolved into its two elements, yin and yang, or female and male, the lighter portion, or ether, rose and became t‘ien, sky, and the grosser sank and solidified into ti, earth. When Kung Kung’s rebellion was crushed, its head struck the Puchou (Imperfect) Mountain, the supports of heaven were broken and the bonds of earth were destroyed. Heaven fell over to the north-west, and earth sank into the south-east. Since heaven was ethereal and had floated to the top, how could it fall over? Another thing I do not know is what is beyond the ether. I should be glad if you would explain, Master.”
Chang Wên had no reply ready, but he rose from his place and bowed his acknowledgements, saying, “I knew not that there was so much ability in this land. I am happy to have heard such a discourse. Now all obstructions have disappeared, and I see quite clearly.”
But K‘ung-ming, fearing lest the guest should feel mortified, soothed him with fair words, saying, “This is all play upon words, the sort of puzzles one propounds at a merry feast. You, honoured Sir, know that the tranquillity and safety of states are no matters to joke with.”
The envoy bowed. Then Têng Chih was ordered to return to Wu and thank its ruler for his courtesy, and he was to accompany Chang Wên. So both, having taken leave of the Prime Minister, set out on their journey to the east.
In the meantime Sun Ch'üan was beginning to feel perplexed at the long delay of his envoy. He had summoned a council to discuss this question, when the report came that his own envoy had returned, and Têng was with him. They were brought in forthwith; and Chang Wên, having made his obeisance, began to discourse upon the virtue of the King of Shu and K‘ung-ming and to lay before his lord the proposal for a league of peace. Têng Chih, the President of a Board, was empowered to discuss this matter.
Turning to Têng, Sun Ch'üan said, “Would it not be a happy result if tranquillity should be restored to the empire by the destruction of Wei, and Wu and Shu should share its administration?”
“The sky knows not two suns,” replied Têng, “nor can the people recognise two kings. If Wei be destroyed, no one can say upon whom the divine command will devolve. But one who becomes a prince must perfect his virtue, and those who become ministers must be wholly loyal. In this way strife will cease.”
Sun Ch'üan smiled, saying, “And your sincerity is like this, eh?”
Têng Chih was dismissed with rich gifts, and after this Wu and Shu were good friends.
​The negotiations between his two rivals were reported in the capital without loss of time, and Ts‘ao P‘ei was very angry.
“If they have made an alliance it can only mean that they cherish the intention of destroying the capital. My best move is to strike first.”
He called a great council. This council lacked the presence of Ts‘ao Jên and Chia Hsü, who had both died, but Hsin P‘i stepped forward and said, “The country is extensive, but the population so sparse that no successful army could be raised just now. My advice is to wait ten years, spending that period in forming an army and in cultivating the land till stores and weapons shall have been accumulated. Then both our rivals may be destroyed.”
“This is only the distorted opinion of a perverted pedant. Having made this league, the two countries may fall upon us at any moment. This matter cannot be postponed for ten years,” said the king.
An edict appeared commanding the enlistment of soldiers and the formation of an army. Ssŭma I then pointed out that ships were necessary, as Wu was protected by the Great River, and he proposed a plan of campaign.
“Your Majesty must lead. The navy can advance by way of the Huai, taking Shouch‘un. When you reach Kuangling, the river is to be crossed and Nanhsü is to be captured.”
This plan was accepted, and the construction of dragon ships was put in hand and went on day and night. Ten were built two hundred feet long to carry two companies (of a thousand) each. They also collected three thousand fighting ships.
In the autumn of the fifth year the various captains assembled, and Ts‘ao Chên was appointed leader of the first corps. Chang Liao, Chang Ho, Wên P‘ing and Hsü Huang were chief leaders. Hsü Ch‘u and Lü Wên were guards of the centre, and Ts‘ao Ho commanded the rear guard. The strategists were Liu Yeh and Chiang Chi. In all, land and marine forces numbered over thirty legions. When the starting day was decided upon, Ssuma I was made President of the Board of War with the Lordship of the Archery, and left in the capital with the powers of a regent.
Passing over the story of how the Wei army started, history shifts the scene to Wu, where the spies told the king’s attendants of the dangers, and the latter hastened to inform the king. They said Ts‘ao P‘ei was leading in person and the danger was great.
When Sun Ch'üan met his council, Ku Yung said, “My lord, you can call upon Shu for help according to the treaty. Write to K‘ung-ming and get him to send out an army through Hanchung so as to divert part of Wei’s army. Also send an army to Nanhsü to oppose them there.”
“I shall have to recall Lu Hsün,” said the prince. “He is the only man to undertake this great task.”
​“Do not move him if you can help it; he is necessary for the protection of Chingchou.”
“Yes, I know; but there is no other strong enough.”
At these words Hsü Shêng advanced, saying, “I know I am not very able, but I desire to be given an army to meet this danger. If Ts‘ao P‘ei crosses the river in person I will make him prisoner and present him at the gate of your palace. If he does not come over here I will slay so many of his men that his army shall not dare even to look this way.”
Sun Ch'üan was pleased to find a willing volunteer, and replied, “Noble Sir, what anxiety need I feel if I have your protection?”
Hsu was given the title of “Protector of the East” and made Commander-in-chief of all the forces in Nanhsü. As soon as he had received his orders, he retired. He gave command to gather enormous quantities of weapons, and had many flags and banners made for the protection of the river banks.
But another impetuous young leader was anxious to take more vigorous measures, and he stood forth, saying, “My lord has laid upon you, O General, a heavy responsibility, but if you really desire to capture the ruler of Wei you should send an army to meet him on the north side in Huainan. I fear failure if you wait till the northern men have come this far.”
The young man was Sun Shao, cousin of the Prince of Wu. He had already the title of “Leader of Wide Prestige,” and was in command at Kuangling. Though young and impetuous, he was very valiant.
“Ts‘ao P‘ei’s army is strong and its leaders famous. I hold that we may not cross the river to meet him, but wait the arrival of his ships on the other side. Then I shall carry out my plan,” said Hsü.
“I have three companies of my own, and I know the country about Kuangling thoroughly. Let me go across the river and fight a battle. I will willingly undergo the penalty if I fail,” said the younger Sun.
However, Hsü Shêng refused, and all the pleadings of his impetuous captain were vain. And when he still persisted, the Commander-in-chief grew angry and said, “What control shall I have if you are allowed to disobey orders?” He ordered the lictors to take him out and put him to death.
They led him away, and forthwith the black flag was hoisted. But one of Sun Shao’s captains went off in hot haste to tell Sun Ch'üan, who came immediately to try to save his favourite.
Happily the execution had not been accomplished when the prince appeared on the scene, and he bade the executioners disperse. The youth was saved. He began to press his claim to the prince. “I have been at Kuangling, and if we do not attack the enemy there, but let him get down to the river, there will be an end of Wu.”
​Sun Ch'üan went into the camp, and Hsü Shêng came to receive him. When the prince was seated in his tent, he said, “O Prince, you placed me in command of the force to repulse Wei. Now this captain of mine, Sun Shao, is disobedient and should suffer death. I would ask why he should be pardoned."
“He is naturally hot and impetuous. He has been guilty of disobedience, but I hope you will overlook his fault.”
“The law is none of my making, nor is it yours, O Prince; it is a state penalty, and if relationship is enough to evade it, where is discipline?”
“He has offended, and you have the right to judge and punish. But although his real name was Yü, yet my brother loved him and gave him our family name. He has rendered me good service, and if he should be put to death I should fail in my fraternal duty.”
“Since you have intervened, O Prince, I remit the death penalty.”
Sun Ch'üan bade his nephew thank his chief, but the youth would not make an obeisance. On the contrary, he loudly maintained the correctness of his view. “I can only lead my men against Ts‘ao and so die,” cried he. “I cannot consent to the other plan.”
Hsü Shêng’s countenance changed. The recalcitrant young man was ordered to leave the tent.
“He will not be any loss,” said Sun Ch‘üan, “and I will not employ him again.”
Then the prince left and returned to his own place. That night they reported to Hsü Shêng that Sun Shao had gone secretly over the river with his own force, and the commander, who did not wish him to come to harm, as evidently that would displease the prince, sent a force to support him. Ting Fêng was chosen to command this reinforcement, and he was told what to do.
The Ruler of Wei, in his dragon ships, reached Kuangling, and the van got to the river bank. He came to survey the position.
“How many soldiers are on the other bank?” asked Ts‘ao.
Ts‘ao Chên replied, “I have not seen a single one; nor are there any flags or encampments.”
“That is a ruse; I will go and find out.”
So he set out to cross the river in one of the dragon ships. He anchored under the bank. On his boat were displayed the emblems proper to an imperial equipage, and they shone out bravely. Seated in the ship, the prince looked up and down the south bank, but not a man was visible.
“Do you think we should cross?” asked the prince of his strategists.
“If the rules of war mean anything, they ought to be prepared. We think Your Majesty should exercise caution. ​Wait a few days and watch. Then perhaps the van might be sent to make a reconnaissance.”
“So I think,” said the prince. “But as it is now late, we will pass the night on the river.”
It was a dark night, and the ship was brilliantly lighted up; it seemed like day on board. But all along the south bank there appeared no glimmer of light.
“What do you think it means?” said Ts‘ao.
The courtiers replied, “They heard that Your Majesty’s heavenly army was coming, and ran away like so many rats.”
The prince laughed to himself. When daylight came there came with it a thick fog, so that nothing on the bank could be seen. After a time a breeze blew off the fog, and then, to their immense surprise, they found that the whole length of the south bank as far as they could see was one battlement, with towers at intervals, while spears and swords glittered in the sun and flags and pennons fluttered in the breeze. Also the scouts began to report a similar wall at Nanhsü. A long stone wall had grown up in a night and stood there with carts and masts of ships lying along it.
This may be explained. The fact was that the wall was an imitation, and the warriors that manned it were bundles of reeds dressed in soldiers' uniforms. But the sight chilled the ardour of the invaders.
“My hosts of men are no use against such warriors; we can do nothing,” said Ts‘ao.
He thought over this sadly enough. But now the wind had increased in force, and white combers began to heave up in the river, and seas broke over his boat, drenching the dragon robes. The ship seemed as if she would roll right over. So Ts‘ao Chên sent out small boats to rescue his master and his men. But they were too affrighted to move. Wherefore Wen P‘ing, who was in charge, leaped on board and helped the prince down into one of the smaller craft, which then flew away before the wind and got safely into a creek.
Soon came a hasty messenger from the west to say that Chao Yün had marched out through Hsip‘ing Pass and threatened Ch‘angan. This frightened Ts‘ao P‘ei so badly that he decided to retreat, and gave orders to retire. The whole army were in a mood to run away, and moved off toward the north, pursued by the men of Wu. To hasten the march, the Prince of Wei bade his men abandon all the imperial paraphernalia and impediments. The dragon ships withdrew into the Huai River one by one.
As they moved in disorder, suddenly arose the sounds of an enemy force, shouts and the rolling of drums and the blaring of trumpets, and a cohort marched down obliquely on to their line. And at the head was Sun Shao.
​The men of Wei could make no effective stand, and many were slain, while large numbers were driven into the river and drowned. By dint of great efforts, the prince was saved and got away up the river. But when they had sailed about thirty li, they saw ahead a tract of blazing reeds. The enemy had poured fish oil over the dry reeds and set them alight. The wind was spreading the flames down river toward the men of Wei, and the heat was intense. The dragon ships had to stop.
Ts‘ao P‘ei was put into a smaller craft and taken on shore; his larger ships were presently set on fire and destroyed. They mounted the prince on a horse and moved along the bank, but soon they fell in with another body of men. This time it was the supports under Ting Fêng.
Chang Liao rode ahead to engage the leader, but was soon wounded by an arrow in the loins. However, he was helped away by Hsü Huang, and the prince was got safely out of the turmoil. The loss of men was heavy, and a huge booty of horses, carts, ships and weapons fell to the victors. So the Wei armies went away north thoroughly beaten, while Hsü Shêng had scored a great success. He was richly rewarded.
Chang Liao got to Hsüch‘ang, but only to die from the effects of his wound. He was honourably buried by the prince, but the story of his funeral will not be told.
It has been said that Chao Yün was threatening Chʻangan, but soon after he went through the Pass the Prime Minister of Shu sent a despatch to recall him because the aged General Yung K‘ai of Ichou had joined himself with the Mans and invaded the four districts. So Chao Yün returned. Meanwhile Ma Ch‘ao was put in charge of the Yangp‘ing Pass. The Prime Minister was about to go to invade the south. He was then preparing at Ch'êngtu for this expedition.
First Wu met Wei and drove them north, Then Shu against the Mans went forth.
The story of this campaign will follow in the next chapters.