CHAPTER XXXI.
Ts‘ao Ts‘ao Overcomes Yüan Shao:
Liu Pei Seeks Shelter with Liu Piao.
Ts‘ao lost no time in taking advantage of Yüan Shao’s flight, but smote hard at the retreating men. Yüan Shao without helmet or proper dress, and with few followers, crossed hastily to the north bank at Liyang. He was met by his General, Chiang I-chu, who took him in and comforted him and listened to the tale of misfortunes. Next Chiang called in the scattered remnants of the army, and when the soldiers heard that their old lord was alive they swarmed to him like ants so that he quickly became strong enough to attempt the march to Ch‘ichou. Soon the army set out and at night halted at Huang Hills.
That evening, sitting in his tent, Shao seemed to hear a far off sound of lamentation. He crept out quietly to listen and found it was his own soldiers telling each other tales of woe. This one lamented an elder brother lost, that one grieved for his younger brother abandoned; a third mourned a companion missing, a fourth, a relative cut off. And each beat his breast and wept. And all said, “Had he but listened to T‘ien Fêng we had not met this disaster.”
And Yüan Shao, very remorseful, said, “I did not hearken unto T‘ien Fêng and now my men have been beaten and I was nearly lost. How can I return and look him in the face?”
Next day the march was resumed and he met Fêng Chi with reinforcements, to whom he said, “I disregarded T‘ien Fêng’s advice and have brought myself to defeat. Now shall I be greatly ashamed to look him in the face.”
This tribute to T‘ien Fêng’s prescience roused the jealousy of Fêng Chi, who replied, “Yes; when he heard the news of your defeat, though he was a prisoner, he clapped his hands for joy and said, ‘Indeed, just as I foretold!’ ”
“How dare he laugh at me, the blockhead? Assuredly he shall die,” said Yüan.
Whereupon he wrote a letter and sent therewith a sword to slay the prisoner.
Meanwhile T‘ien’s gaoler came to him one day saying, “Above all men I felicitate you.”
“What is the joyful occasion ang why felicitate?” said T‘ien Fêng.
The gaoler replied, “General Yüan has been defeated and is on his way back; he will treat you with redoubled respect.”
“Now am I a dead man,” said T‘ien.
“Why say you that, Sir, when all men give you joy?”
“The General appears liberal but he is jealous and forgetful of honest advice. Had he been victorious he might have pardoned me; now that he has been defeated and put to shame I may not hope to live.”
But the gaoler did not believe him. Before long came the letter and the sword with the fatal order. The gaoler was dismayed, but the victim said, “I knew all too well that I should have to die.”
The gaoler wept. T‘ien Fêng said, “An able man born into this world who does not recognise and serve his true lord is ignorant. To-day I die, but I am not deserving of pity.”
Whereupon he committed suicide in the prison.
Chü Shou but yesterday was killed,
T‘ien ends his life his fate fulfilled;
Hopei’s main beams break one by one,
Mourn ye that House! its day is done.
Thus died T‘ien Fêng, pitied of all who heard of his fate. When Yüan Shao came home it was with troubled mind and distorted thoughts. He could not attend to the business of government and became so ill that his wife, who came of the Liu family, besought him to make his last dispositions.
Now three sons had been born to him, T‘an the eldest, who was commander at Ch‘ingchou; Hsi, who ruled over Yuchou; and Shang, borne to him by his second wife, who still lived. This youngest son was very handsome and noble looking, and his father’s favourite. So he was kept at home. After the defeat at Kuantu the lad’s mother was constantly urging that her son should be named as successor and Shao called together four of his counsellors to consider this matter. These four happened to be divided in their sympathies, Shên P‘ei and Fêng Chi being in favour of the youngest son, and Hsin P‘ing and Kuo T‘u supporters of the eldest.
When they met to consult, Yüan Shao said, “As there is nought but war and trouble outside our borders it is necessary that tranquillity within be early provided for and I wish to appoint my successor. My eldest son is hard and cruel, my second is mild and unfit. The third has the outward form of a hero, appreciates the wise and is courteous to his subordinates. I wish him to succeed, but I would that you tell me your opinions.”
Kuo T‘u said, “T‘an is your first born and he is in a position of authority beyond your control. If you pass over the eldest in favour of the youngest you sow the seeds of turbulence. The prestige of the army has been somewhat lowered and enemies are on our border. Should you add to our weakness by making strife between father and son, elder and younger brothers? Rather consider how the enemy may be repulsed and turn to the question of the heirship later.”
Then the natural hesitation of Yüan Shao asserted itself and he could not make up his mind. Soon came news that his sons, T‘an and Hsi, and his nephew, Kao Kan, were coming with large armies to help him and he turned his attention to preparations for fighting Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.
When Ts‘ao Ts‘ao drew up his victorious army on the banks of the Yellow River a certain aged native brought an offering of food and sauce to bid him welcome. His venerable and hoary appearance led Ts‘ao to treat him with the highest respect and he invited him to be seated and said to him, “Venerabie Sir, what may be your age?”
“I am nearly a hundred,” replied the ancient.
“I should be very sorry if my men had disturbed your village,” said Ts‘ao.
“In the days of the Emperor Huan a yellow star was seen over by way of Ch‘u and Sung in the southwest. A certain man of Liaotung, Yin K‘uei, who was learned in astrology, happened to be passing the night here and he told us that the star foretold the arrival in these parts, fifty years hence, of a true and honest man from Lian and P‘ei. Lo! that is exactly fifty years ago. Now Yüan Pên-ch‘u is very hard on the people and they hate him. You, Sir, having raised this army in the cause of humanity and righteousness, out of pity for the people and to punish crimes, and having destroyed the hordes of Yüan Shao at Kuantu, just fulfil the prophecy of Yin K‘uei and the millions of the land may look now for tranquillity.”
“How dare I presume that I am he?” said Ts‘ao with a smile.
Wine was served and refreshments brought in and the old gentleman was sent away with presents of silk stuffs. And an order was issued to the army that if any one killed so much as a fowl or a dog belonging to the villagers he should be punished as for murder. And the soldiers obeyed with fear and trembling while Ts‘ao rejoiced in his heart.
It was told Ts‘ao that the total army from the four prefectures under the Yüan family amounted to twenty-three legions and they were camped at Ts‘ang-t‘ing. Ts‘ao then advanced nearer them and made a strong camp.
Soon after the two armies were arrayed over against each other. On one side Ts‘ao rode to the front surrounded by his captains, and on the other appeared Yüan Shao supported by his three sons, his nephew and his officers.
Ts‘ao spoke first, “Pên-ch‘u, your schemes are poor, your strength is exhausted, why still refuse to think of surrender? Are you waiting till the sword shall be upon your neck? Then it will be too late.”
Yüan Shao turned to those about him saying, “Who dares go out?”
His son Shang was anxious to exhibit his prowess in the presence of his father so he flourished his pair of swords and rode forth. Ts‘ao pointed him out to his officers and asked if any one knew him and they replied that he was the youngest son. Before they had finished speaking from their own side rode out one Shih Huan, armed with a spear. The two champions fought a little while and suddenly Shang whipped up his horse, made a feint and fled. His opponent followed. Yüan Shang took his bow, fitted an arrow, turned in his saddle and shot at Shih Huan, wounding him in the left eye. He fell from the saddle and died on the spot.
Yüan Shao seeing his son thus get the better of his opponent, gave the signal for attack and the whole army thundered forward. The onslaught was heavy, but presently the gongs on both sides sounded the retire and the battle ceased.
When he had returned to camp Ts‘ao took counsel to find a plan to overcome Yüan Shao. Then Ch‘êng Yü proposed the plan of the Ten Ambushes and persuaded Ts‘ao to retire upon the river, placing men in ambush as he went. Thus would Shao be inveigled into pursuit as far as the river, when Ts‘ao’s men would be forced to make a desperate stand or be driven into the water.
Ts‘ao accepted this suggestion and told off five companies to lie in ambush on one side of the road of retreat and five on the other, while Hsü Chu commanded the advanced front.
Next day the ten companies started first and placed themselves right and left as ordered. In the night Ts‘ao ordered the advanced front to feign an attack on the camp, which roused all the enemy in all their camps. This done Hsü Chu retreated and the Shao army came in pursuit. The roar of battle went on without cessation and at dawn Ts‘ao’s army rested on the river and could retreat no farther. Then Ts‘ao shouted, “There is no road in front, so all must fight to the death.”
The retreating army turned about and advanced vigorously. Hsü Chu simply flew to the front, smote and killed a half score captains and threw Yüan Shao’s army into confusion. They tried to turn and march back, but Ts‘ao Ts‘ao was close behind. Then the drums of the enemy were heard and right and left there appeared a company, one pair of the ambushed parties. Yüan Shao collected about him his three sons and his nephew and they were enabled to cut their way out and flee. Ten li further on they fell into another ambush and here many men were lost so that their corpses lay over the country-side and the blood filled the water courses. Another ten li and they met the third pair of companies barring their road.
Here they lost heart and bolted for an old camp of their own that was near, and bade their men prepare a meal. But just as the food was ready to eat down came Chang Liao and Chang Ho and burst into the camp.
Yüan Shao mounted and fled as far as Ts‘angt‘ing, when he was tired and his steed spent. But there was no rest, for Tsʻao came in close pursuit. It seemed now a race for life. But presently Shao found his onward course again blocked and he groaned aloud.
“If we do not make most desperate efforts we are all captives,” said he, and they plunged forward. His second son and his nephew were wounded by arrows and most of his men were dead or had disappeared. He gathered his sons into his arms and wept bitterly. Then he fell into a swoon. He was picked up, but his mouth was full of blood which ran forth in a bright scarlet stream. He sighed saying, “Many battles have I fought and little did I think to be driven to this. Heaven is afflicting me. You had better return each to his own and swear to fight this Tsʻao to the end.”
Then he bade Hsin P‘ing and Kuo T‘u as quickly as possible follow Yüan T‘an to his district and prepare to give battle to the enemy lest he should invade. Yüan Hsi was told to go to Yuchou and Kao Kan to Pingchou.
So each started to prepare men and horses for repulsing Tsʻao Ts‘ao. Yuan Shao with his youngest son and the remnant of his officers went away to Ch‘ichou and military operations were suspended for a time.
Meanwhile Ts‘ao Ts‘ao was distributing rewards to his army for the late victory and his men were scouting all about Ch‘ichou. He soon learned that Yüan Shao was ill and that his youngest son and Shên P‘ei were in command of the city, while his brothers and cousin had returned each to his own. Ts‘ao’s advisers were in favour of a speedy attack. But he objected, saying “Ch‘ichou is large and well supplied; Shên P‘ei is an able strategist and it behoves me to be careful. I would rather wait till the autumn when the crops have been gathered in so that the people will not suffer.”
While the attack was being talked over there came letters from Hsün Yu saying that Liu Pei was strengthening himself at Junan and, when he had heard that Ts‘ao was going to attack Ch‘ichou, he had said he would take the opportunity to march on the capital. Wherefore the Minister would do well to hasten homeward to defend it. This news disconcerted Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. He left Ts‘ao Hung in command on the river bank, with orders to maintain the appearance of strength there, while he led the main part of his army to meet the threatened attack from Junan.
It has to be said now that Liu Pei, his brothers and supporters, having gone forth with the intention of attacking the capital, had reached a point near Jang Hills when Ts‘ao came upon them. So Liu Pei camped by the hills and divided his army into three, sending his brothers with one division each to entrench themselves, south-east and south-west, respectively of the main body which he and Chao Yün commanded.
When Ts‘ao came near, Yüan-tê beat his drums and went out to where Ts‘ao had already arrayed his men. Ts‘ao called Liu Pei to a parley, and when the latter appeared under his great standard, Ts‘ao pointed his whip at him and railed saying, “I treated you as a guest of the highest consideration; why then do you turn your back on righteousness and forget kindness?”
Yüan-tê replied, “Under the name of Minister you are really a rebel. I am a direct descendant of the family and I have a secret decree from the throne to take such offenders as you.”
As he said these words he produced and recited the decree which is known as the “Girdle Mandate.”
Ts‘ao grew very angry and ordered Hsü Ch‘u to go out to battle, and, as Liu Pei’s champion, out rode Chao Yün with spear ready to thrust. The two warriors exchanged thirty bouts without advantage to either. Then there arose an earth rending shout and up came the two brothers, Yün-ch‘ang from the south-east and Fei from the south-west. The three armies then began a great attack, which proved too much for Ts‘ao’s men, fatigued by a long march, and they were worsted and fled. Yüan-tê having scored this victory returned to camp.
Next day he sent out Chao Yün again to challenge the enemy, but it was not accepted and Ts‘ao’s army remained ten days without movement. Then Chang Fei offered a challenge which also was not accepted. And Yüan-tê began to feel anxious.
Then unexpectedly came news that the enemy had stopped a train of supplies and at once Chang Fei went to the rescue. Worse still was the news that followed, that an army had got in behind to attack Junan.
Quite dismayed, Yüan-tê said, “If this be true I have enemies in front and rear and have no place to go.”
He then sent Yün-ch‘ang to try to recover the city and thus both his brothers were absent from his side. One day later a horseman rode up to say Junan had fallen, its defender Liu P‘i was a fugitive and Yün-ch‘ang surrounded. To make matters worse the news came that Chang Fei, who had gone to rescue Kung Tu, was in like case.
Yüan-tê tried to withdraw his men, fearing all the time an attack from Ts‘ao Ts‘ao. Suddenly the sentinels came in saying Hsü Ch‘u was at the camp gate offering a challenge, but no one dared accept it or go out. They waited till dawn, and then Yüan-tê bade the soldiers get a good meal and be ready to start. When ready the foot went out first, the horsemen next, leaving a few men in the camp to beat the watches and maintain an appearance of occupation.
After travelling a short distance they passed some mounds. Suddenly torchesblazed out and on the summit stood one who shouted, “Do not let Liu Pei run away; I, the Minister, am here awaiting him.”
Liu Pei dashed along the first clear road he saw.
Chao Yün said, “Fear not, my lord, only follow me,” and setting his spear he galloped in front opening a lane as he went. Yüan-tê gripped his double sword and followed close. As they were winning through, Hsü Ch‘u came in pursuit and engaged Chao Yün, and two other companies bore down as well. Seeing the situation so desperate Yüan-tê plunged into the wilds and fled. Gradually the sounds of battle became fainter and died away while he went deeper and deeper into the hills, a single horseman fleeing for his life. He kept on his way till daybreak, when a company suddenly appeared beside the road. Yüan-tê saw these men with terror at first, but was presently relieved to find they were led by the friendly Liu P‘i. They were a company of his defeated men escorting the family of their chief. With them also were Sun Ch‘ien, Chien Yung and Mi Fang.
They told him that the attack on their city had been too strong to be resisted and so they had been compelled to abandon the defence, that the enemy had followed them and only Kuan’s timely arrival had saved them.
“I do not know where my brother is,” said Liu Pei.
“All will come right if you will push on,” said Liu P‘ei.
They pushed on. Before they had gone far the heating of drums was heard and suddenly appeared Chang Ho with a company of soldiers. He cried, “Liu Pei, quickly dismount and surrender.”
Yüan-tê was about to retire when he saw a red flag waving from a rampart on the hills and down came rushing another body of men under Kao Lan. Thus checked in front and his retreat cut off, Yüan-tê looked up to Heaven and cried, “O Heaven, why am I brought to this state of misery? Nothing is left me now but death.” And he drew his sword to slay himself.
But Liu P‘i stayed his hand saying, “Let me try to fight a way out and save you.”
As he spoke Kao Lan’s force was on the point of engaging his. The two leaders met and in the third bout Liu P‘i was cut down. Liu Pei at once rushed up to fight, but just then there was sudden confusion in the rear ranks of the opponents and a warrior dashed up and thrust at Kao Lan with his spear. Kao Lan fell from his steed. The newcomer was Chao Yün.
His arrival was most opportune. He urged forward his steed thrusting right and left, and the enemy’s ranks broke and scattered. Then the first force under Chang Ho came into the fight and the leader and Chao Yün fought thirty or more bouts. However, this proved enough, for Ho turned his horse away recognising that he was worsted. Yün vigorously attacked, but was forced into a narrow space in the hills where he was hemmed in. While seeking for some outlet they saw Yün-ch‘ang, Kuan P‘ing and Chou Ts‘ang, with three hundred men, coming along. Soon Chang Ho was driven off and then they came out of the narrow defile and occupied a strong position among the hills where they made a camp.
Yüan-tê sent Yün-ch‘ang for news of the missing brother, Chang Fei. He had been attacked by Hsiahou Yüan, but had vigorously resisted, beaten him off and followed him up. Then Yo Chin had come along and surrounded Chang Fei. In this pass he was found by Yün-ch‘ang, who had heard of his plight from some of his scattered men met on the way. Now they drove off the enemy. The two brothers returned. Soon they heard of the approach of a large body of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s army. Yüan-tê then bade Sun Ch‘ien guard his family and sent him on ahead, while he and the others kept off the enemy, sometimes giving battle and anon marching. Seeing that Yüan-tê was retiring, Ts‘ao Ts‘ao let him go and left the pursuit.
When Yüan-tê collected his men he found they numbered only a thousand, and this halting and broken force marched as fast as possible to the west. Coming to a river they asked the natives its name and were told it was the Han, and near it Yüan-tê made a temporary camp. When the local people found out who was in the camp they presented flesh and wine.
A feast was given upon a sandy bank of the Han. After they had drunk awhile, Yüan-tê addressed his faithful followers, saying, “All you, fair Sirs, have talents fitting you to be advisers to a monarch, but your destiny has led you to follow poor me. My fate is distressful and full of misery. To-day I have not a spot to call my own and I am indeed leading you astray. Therefore I say you should abandon me and go to some illustrious lord where you may be able to become famous.”
At these words they all covered their faces and wept. Yün-ch‘ang said, “Brother, you are wrong to speak thus. When the great Founder of Han contended with Hsiang Yü he was defeated many times, but he won at Chiuli Hill and that achievement was the foundation of a Dynasty that endured for four centuries. Victory and defeat are but ordinary events in a soldier’s career and why should you give up?”
“Success and failure both have their seasons,” said Sun Ch‘ien, “and we are not to grieve. Chingchou, which your illustrious relative, Liu Piao, commands, is a rich and prosperous country. Liu Piao is of your house, why not go to him?”
“Only that I fear he may not receive me,” said Liu Pei.
“Then let me go and prepare the way. I will make Liu Ching-hsing come out to his borders to welcome you.”
So with his lord’s approval Sun Ch‘ien set off immediately and hastened to Chingchou. When the genuflexions and ceremonies of greeting were over Liu Piao asked the reason of the visit.
Said Sun, “The Princely Liu is one of the heroes of the day although just at the moment he may lack soldiers and leaders. His mind is set upon restoring the Dynasty to its pristine glory, and at Junan the two commanders, Liu and Kung, though bound to him by no ties, were content to die for the sake of his ideals. You, illustrious Sir, like Liu Pei, are a scion of the Imperial stock. Now the Princely One has recently suffered defeat and thinks of seeking a home in the east with Sun Chung-mou (Sun Ch‘üan). I have ventured to dissuade him, saying that he should not turn from a relative and go to a mere acquaintance; telling him that you, Sir, are well known as courteous to the wise and condescending to scholars, so that they flock to you as the waters flow to the east, and that certainly you would show kindness to one of the same ancestry. Wherefore he has sent me to explain matters and request your commands.”
“He is my brother,” said Piao, “and I have long desired to see him, but no opportunity has occurred. I should be very happy if he would come.”
Ts‘ai Mao, who was sitting by, here broke in with “No, no! Liu Pei first followed Lü Pu, then he served Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, and next he joined himself to Yüan Shao. And he stayed with none of these, so that you can see what manner of man he is. If he come here Tsʻao Tsʻao will assuredly come against us and fight. Better cut off this messenger’s head and send it as an offering to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, who would reward you well for the service.”
Sun Ch‘ien sat unmoved while this harangue was pronounced, saying at the end, “I am not afraid of death. Liu, the Princely One, is true and loyal to the State and so out of sympathy with Lü Pu, or Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, or Yüan Shao. It is true he followed these three, but there was no help for it. Now he knows your chief is a member of the family, so that both are of the same ancestry, and that is why he has come far to join him. How can you slander a good man like that?”
Liu Piao bade Ts‘ao Mao be silent and said, “I have decided and you need say no more.”
Whereat Ts‘ai Mao sulkily left the audience chamber.
Then Sun Ch‘ien was told to return with the news that Yüan-tê would be welcome and Prefect Liu Piao went thirty li beyond his boundaries to meet his guest. When Yüan-tê arrived he behaved to his host with the utmost politeness and was warmly welcomed in return. Then Liu Pei introduced his two sworn-brothers and friends and they entered Chingchou, where Liu Pei finally was lodged in the Prefect’s own residence.
As soon as Ts‘ao Ts‘ao knew whither his enemy had gone he wished to attack Liu Piao, but Ch‘êng Yü advised against any attempt so long as Yüan Shao, the dangerous enemy, was left with power to inflict damage. He advised return to the capital to refresh the men so that they might be ready for a campaign in the mild spring weather.
Tsʻao accepted his advice and set out for the capital. In the first month of the eighth year of the period “Established Tranquillity,” Ts‘ao Ts‘ao once again began to think of war, and sent to garrison Junan as a precaution against Liu Piao. Then, after arranging for the safety of the capital, he marched a large army to Kuantu, the camp of the year before.
As to Yüan Shao, who had been suffering from blood-spitting but was now in better health, he began to think of measures against Hsütu, but Shên P‘ei dissuaded him saying, “You are not yet recovered from the fatigues of last year. It would be better to make your position impregnable and set to improving the army.”
When the news of Ts‘ao’s approach arrived, Yüan said, “If we allow the foe to get close to the city before we march to the river we shall have missed our opportunity. I must go out to repel this army.”
Here his son interposed, “Father, you are not sufficiently recovered for a campaign and should not go so far. Let me lead the army against this enemy.”
Yüan consented, and he sent to Ch‘ingchou and Yuchou and Pingchou to call upon his other two sons and his nephew to attack Ts‘ao Ts‘ao at the same time as his own army.
Against Junan they beat the drum,
And from Ch‘ichou the armies come.
To whom the victory will be seen in the next chapter.