|
Romance of the Three Kingdoms written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th
century, is a Chinese historical novel based upon events
in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty
and the Three Kingdoms era of China, starting in 169 and
ending with the reunification of the land in 280. Cao Cao declares himself
Chancellor and leads his troops to attack southern China
after uniting the north. He is defeated twice at Xinye
by Liu Bei's forces but Liu loses the city as well. Liu
leads his men and the civilians of Xinye on an exodus
southwards and they arrive at Jiangxia where Liu
establishes a foothold against Cao Cao. To resist Cao Cao, Liu
Bei sends Zhuge Liang to persuade Sun Quan (ruler of
Jiangdong, later of Eastern Wu) to form an alliance.
Zhuge succeeds in his diplomatic mission and remains in
Jiangdong as a temporary advisor to Sun Quan. Sun places
his general Zhou Yu in command of the armies of
Jiangdong (Eastern Wu) in preparation for an upcoming
war with Cao Cao. Zhou feels that Zhuge will become a
future threat to Eastern Wu and he tries to kill Zhuge
on a few occasions but he fails and decides to
co-operate with Zhuge for the time being. Cao Cao is
defeated at the Battle of Red Cliffs by the allied
forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei and he is forced to
retreat north. Chapter 45
At The Three Gorges, Cao Cao Loses
Soldiers;
Zhou Yu was very annoyed by the words of
Zhuge Jin, and a fierce hatred for Zhuge Liang took root
in his heart. He nourished a secret resolve to make away
with Zhuge Liang. He continued his preparations for war,
and when the troops were all mustered and ready, he went
in for a farewell interview with his lord. "You go on
first, Noble Sir," said Sun Quan. "I will then march to
support you." Zhou Yu took his leave and then, with
Cheng Pu and Lu Su, marched out with the army. He
invited Zhuge Liang to accompany the expedition, and
when Zhuge Liang cheerfully accepted, the four embarked
in the same ship. They set sail, and the fleet made for
Xiakou. About twenty miles from Three Gorges the fleet
anchored near the shore, and Zhou Yu built a stockade on
the bank near the middle of their line with the Western
Hills as a support. Other camps were made near his.
Zhuge Liang, however, took up his quarters in a small
ship.
When the camp dispositions were complete,
Zhou Yu sent to request Zhuge Liang to come and give him
advice. Zhuge Liang came. After the salutations were
ended, Zhou Yu said, "Cao Cao, though he had fewer
troops than Yuan Shao, nevertheless overcame Yuan Shao
because he followed the advice given by Xun You to
destroy Yuan Shao's supplies at Wuchao. Now Cao Cao has
over eight hundred thousand troops while I have but
fifty or sixty thousand. In order to defeat him, his
supplies must be destroyed first. I have found out that
the main depot is at the Iron Pile Mountains. As you
have lived hereabout, you know the topography quite
well, and I wish to entrust the task of cutting off
supplies to you and your colleagues Guan Yu, Zhang Fei,
and Zhao Yun. I will assist you with a thousand
soldiers. I wish you to start without delay. In this way
we can best serve our masters." Zhuge Liang saw through
this at once. He thought to himself, "This is a ruse in
revenge for my not having been persuaded to enter the
service of the South Land. If I refuse, I shall be
laughed at. So I will do as he asks and trust to find
some means of deliverance from the evil he intends."
Therefore Zhuge Liang accepted the task with alacrity,
much to the joy of Zhou Yu. After the leader of the expedition had
taken his leave, Lu Su went to Zhou Yu secretly and
said, "Why have you set him this task?" "Because I wish
to compass his death without appearing ridiculous. I
hope to get him killed by the hand of Cao Cao and
prevent his doing further mischief." Lu Su left and went
to see Zhuge Liang to find out if he suspected anything.
Lu Su found him looking quite unconcerned and getting
the soldiers ready to march. Unable to let Zhuge Liang
go without a warning, however, Lu Su put a tentative
question, "Do you think this expedition will succeed?"
Zhuge Liang laughingly replied, "I am an adept at all
sorts of fighting, with foot, horse, and chariots on
land and marines on the water. There is no doubt of my
success. I am not like you and your friend, only capable
in one direction." "What do you mean by our being
capable only in one direction?" said Lu Su. "I have
heard the street children in your country singing: "To
lay an ambush, hold a pass, Lu Su is the man to choose;
But when you on the water fight, Zhou Yu is the man to
use. "You are only fit for ambushes and guarding passes
on land, just as Zhou Yu only understands fighting on
the water," said Zhuge Liang. Lu Su carried this story
to Zhou Yu, which only incensed him the more against
Zhuge Liang. "How dare he flout me, saying I cannot
fight a land battle? I will not let him go. I will go
myself with ten thousand troops and cut off Cao Cao's
supplies." Lu Su went back and told this to Zhuge Liang,
who smiled and said, "Zhou Yu only wanted me to go on
this expedition because he wanted Cao Cao to kill me.
And so I teased him a little. But he cannot bear that.
Now is the critical moment, and Marquis Sun Quan and my
master must act in harmony if we are to succeed. If each
one tries to harm the other, the whole scheme will fail.
Cao Cao is no fool, and it is he who usually attack
enemies through cutting off their supplies. Do you not
think Cao Cao has already taken double precautions
against any surprise of his own depot? If Zhou Yu tries,
he will be taken prisoner. What he ought to do is to
bring about a decisive naval battle, whereby to
dishearten the northern soldiers, and then find some
other means to defeat them utterly. If you could
persuade him what his best course was, it would be
goodl." Without loss of time, Lu Su went to Zhou Yu
to relate what Zhuge Liang had told him. Zhou Yu shook
his head when he heard it and beat the ground with his
foot, saying, "This man is far too clever. He beats me
ten to one. He will have to be done away with, or the
South Land will suffer." Said Lu Su, "This is the moment
to use people. You must think of the country's good
first of all. When once Cao Cao is defeated, you may do
as you please." Zhou Yu had to confess the
reasonableness of this.
Liu Bei had ordered his nephew Liu Qi to
hold Jiangxia, while he and the bulk of the army
returned to Xiakou. Thence he saw the opposite bank
thick with banners and flags and glittering with every
kind of arms and armors. He knew then that the
expedition from the South Land had started. So he moved
all his force from Jiangxia to Fankou. Then he assembled
his officers and said to them, "Zhuge Liang went to Wu
some time ago, and no word has come from him, so I know
not how the business stands. Will anyone volunteer to go
to find out?" "I will go," said Mi Zhu. So presents were
prepared and gifts of flesh and wine, and Mi Zhu
prepared to journey to the South Land on the pretext of
offering a congratulatory feast to the army. He set out in a small ship and went down
river. He stopped opposite the camp, and the soldiers
reported his arrival to Zhou Yu, who ordered him to be
brought in. Mi Zhu bowed low and expressed the respect
which Liu Bei had for Zhou Yu and offered the various
gifts. The ceremony of reception was followed by a
banquet in honor of the guest. Mi Zhu said, "Zhuge Liang
has been here a long time, and I desire that he may
return with me." "Zhuge Liang is making plans with me,
and I could not let him return," said Zhou Yu. "I also
wish to see Liu Bei that we may make joint plans. But
when one is at the head of a great army, one cannot get
away even for a moment. If your master would only come
here, it would be very gracious on his part." Mi Zhu
agreed that Liu Bei might come and presently took his
leave. Then Lu Su asked Zhou Yu, "What is your
reason for desiring Liu Bei to come?" "Liu Bei is the
one bold and dangerous man and must be removed. I am
taking this opportunity to persuade him to come. When he
shall be slain, a great danger will cease to threaten
our interests." Lu Su tried to dissuade him from this
scheme, but Zhou Yu was deaf to all Lu Su said. Zhou Yu
even issued orders: "Arrange half a hundred executioners
to be ready to hide within the lining of the tent if Liu
Bei decides to come; and when I drop a cup, that will be
a signal for them to fall on and slay him." Mi Zhu returned and told Liu Bei that his
presence was desired by Zhou Yu. Suspecting nothing, Liu
Bei at once ordered them to prepare a fast vessel to
take him without loss of time. Guan Yu was opposed to
his going, saying, "Zhou Yu is artful and treacherous,
and there is no news from Zhuge Liang. Pray think more
carefully." Liu Bei replied, "I have joined my forces to
theirs in this attack on our common enemy. If Zhou Yu
wishes to see me and I refuse to go, it is a betrayal.
Nothing will succeed if both sides nourish suspicions."
"If you have finally decided to go, then will I go with
you," said Guan Yu. "And I also," cried Zhang Fei. But
Liu Bei said, "Let Guan Yu come with me while you and
Zhao Yun keep guard. Jian Yong will hold Exian. I shall
not be away long." So leaving these orders, Liu Bei embarked
with Guan Yu on a small boat. The escort did not exceed
twenty. The light craft traveled very quickly down the
river. Liu Bei rejoiced greatly at the sight of the war
vessels in tiers by the bank, the soldiers in their
breastplates, and all the pomp and panoply of war. All
was in excellent order. As soon as he arrived, the
guards ran to tell Zhou Yu. "How many ships has he?"
asked Zhou Yu. They replied, "Only one; and the escort
is only about a score." "His fate is sealed," said Zhou
Yu. Zhou Yu sent for the executioners and placed them in
hiding between the outer and inner tents, and when all
was arranged for the assassination he contemplated, he
went out to receive his visitor. Liu Bei came with his
brother and escort into the midst of the army to the
Commander's tent. After the salutations, Zhou Yu wished
Liu Bei to take the upper seat, but he declined saying,
"General, you are famous throughout all the empire,
while I am a nobody. Do not overwhelm me with too great
deference." So they took the positions of simple
friends, and refreshments were brought in. Now by chance Zhuge Liang came on shore and
heard that his master had arrived and was with the
Commander-in-Chief. The news gave Zhuge Liang a great
shock, and he said to himself, "What is to be done now?"
He made his way to the reception tent and stole a look
therein. He saw murder written on Zhou Yu's countenance
and noted the assassins hidden within the walls of the
tent. Then he got a look at Liu Bei, who was laughing
and talking quite unconcernedly. But when he noticed the
redoubtable figure of Guan Yu near his master's side, he
became quite calm and contented. "My lord faces no
danger," said Zhuge Liang, and he went away to the river
bank to await the end of the interview. Meanwhile the banquet of welcome proceeded.
After the wine had gone around several times, Zhou Yu
picked up a cup to give the signal agreed upon. But at
that moment Zhou Yu saw so fierce a look upon the face
of the trusty henchman who stood, sword in hand, behind
his guest, that Zhou Yu hesitated and hastily asked who
he was. "That is my brother, Guan Yu," replied Liu Bei.
Zhou Yu, quite startled, said, "Is he the slayer of Yan
Liang and Wen Chou?" "Exactly; he it is," replied Liu
Bei. The sweat of fear broke out all over Zhou Yu's body
and trickled down his back. Then he poured out a cup of
wine and presented it to Guan Yu. Just then Lu Su came
in, and Liu Bei said to him, "Where is Zhuge Liang? I
would trouble you to ask him to come." "Wait till we
have defeated Cao Cao," said Zhou Yu, "then you shall
see him." Liu Bei dared not repeat his request, but Guan
Yu gave him a meaningful look which Liu Bei understood
and rose, saying, "I would take leave now. I will come
again to congratulate you when the enemy has been
defeated and your success shall be complete." Zhou Yu
did not press him to remain, but escorted him to the
great gates of the camp, and Liu Bei left. When he reached the river bank, they found
Zhuge Liang awaiting them in their boat. Liu Bei was
exceedingly pleased, but Zhuge Liang said, "Sir, do you
know in how great danger you were today?" Suddenly
sobered, Liu Bei said, "No; I did not think of danger."
"If Guan Yu had not been there, you would have been
killed," said Zhuge Liang. Liu Bei, after a moment's
reflection, saw that it was true. He begged Zhuge Liang
to return with him to Fankou, but Zhuge Liang refused.
"I am quite safe," said Zhuge Liang. "Although I am
living in the tiger's mouth, I am as steady as the
Taishan Mountains. Now, my lord, return and prepare your
ships and soldiers. On the twentieth day of the eleventh
month, send Zhao Yun with a small ship to the south bank
to wait for me. Be sure there is no miscarriage." "What
are your intentions?" said Liu Bei. "When the southeast
wind begins, I shall return." Liu Bei would have
questioned him further, but Zhuge Liang pressed him to
go. So the boat started up river again, while Zhuge
Liang returned to his temporary lodging. The boat had not proceeded far when
appeared a small fleet of fifty ships sweeping down with
the current, and in the prow of the leading vessel stood
a tall figure armed with a spear. Guan Yu was ready to
fight. But when they were near, they recognized that was
Zhang Fei, who had come down fearing lest his brother
might be in some difficulty from which the strong arm of
Guan Yu might even be insufficient to rescue him. The
three brothers thus returned together.
After Zhou Yu, having escorted Liu Bei to
the gate of his camp, had returned to his quarters, Lu
Su soon came to see him. "Then you had cajoled Liu Bei
into coming, why did you not carry out your plan?" asked
Lu Su. "Because of that Guan Yu. He is a very tiger, and
he never left his brother for a moment. If anything had
been attempted, he would certainly have had my life." Lu
Su knew that Zhou Yu spoke the truth. Then suddenly they announced a messenger
with a letter from Cao Cao. Zhou Yu ordered them to
bring him in and took the letter. But when he saw the
superscription The First Minister of Han to
Commander-in-Chief Zhou Yu, he fell into a frenzy of
rage, tore the letter to fragments, and threw them on
the ground. "To death with this fellow!" cried he. "When
two countries are at war, their emissaries are not
slain," said Lu Su. "Messengers are slain to show one's
dignity and independence," replied Zhou Yu. The unhappy
bearer of the letter was decapitated, and his head sent
back to Cao Cao by the hands of his escort. Zhou Yu then
decided to move. The van under Gan Ning was to advance,
supported by two wings led by Han Dang and Jiang Qin.
Zhou Yu would lead the center body in support. The next
morning the early meal was eaten in the fourth watch,
and the ships got under weigh in the fifth with a great
beating of drums. Cao Cao was greatly angered when he heard
that his letter had been torn to fragments, and he
resolved to attack forthwith. His advance was led by the
Supreme Admiral Cai Mao, the Vice-Admiral Zhang Yun, and
others of the Jingzhou officers who had joined his side.
Cao Cao went as hastily as possible to the meeting of
the three rivers and saw the ships of the South Land
sailing up. In the bow of the foremost ship from the
south stood a fine figure of a warrior, who cried, "I am
Gan Ning. I challenge anyone to combat!" Cai Mao sent
his young brother, Cai Xun, to accept the challenge. But
as Cai Xun's ship approached, Gan Ning shot an arrow and
Cai Xun fell. Gan Ning pressed forward, his crossbowmen
keeping up a heavy discharge which Cao Cao's troops
could not stand. The wings of Han Dang from the left and
Jiang Qin from the right also joined in. Cao Cao's
soldiers, being mostly from the dry plains of the north,
did not know how to fight effectually on water, and the
southern ships had the battle all their own way. The
slaughter was very great. However, after a contest
lasting till afternoon, Zhou Yu thought it more prudent,
in view of the superior numbers of his enemy, not to
risk further the advantage he had gained. So he beat the
gongs as the signal to cease battle and recall the
ships. Cao Cao was worsted, but his ships returned
to the bank, where a camp was made and order was
restored. Cao Cao sent for his defeated leaders and
reproached them, saying, "You did not do your best. You
let an inferior force overcome you." Cai Mao defended
himself, saying, "The Jingzhou marines have not been
exercised for a long time, and the others have never
been trained for naval warfare at all. A naval camp must
be instituted, the northern soldiers trained, and the
Jingzhou force drilled. When they have been made
efficient, they will win victories." "You are the
Supreme Admiral. If you know what should be done, why
have you not done it?" said Cao Cao. "What is the use of
telling me this?" So Cai Mao and Zhang Yun organized a naval
camp on the river bank. They established twenty-four
"Water Gates," with the large ships outside as a sort of
rampart, and under their protection the smaller ships
went to and fro freely. At night when the lanterns and
torches were lit, the very sky was illuminated, and the
water shone red with the glare. On land the smoke of the
camp fires could be traced for one hundred mile without
a break.
Zhou Yu returned to camp and feasted his
victorious fighting force. A messenger bore the joyful
tidings of victory to his master Sun Quan. When night
fell, Zhou Yu went up to the summit of one of the hills
and looked out over the long line of bright lights
stretching toward the west, showing the extent of the
enemy's camp. He said nothing, but a great fear came in
upon him. Next day Zhou Yu decided that he would go in
person to find out the strength of the enemy. So he bade
them prepare a small squadron which he manned with
strong, hardy men armed with powerful bows and stiff
crossbows. He also placed musicians on each ship. They set sail and started up the stream.
When they got opposite Cao Cao's camp, the heavy stones
that served as anchors were dropped, and the music was
played while Zhou Yu scanned the enemy's naval camp.
What he saw gave him no satisfaction, for everything was
most admirable. He said, "How well and correctly built
is that naval base! Anyone knows the names of those in
command?" "They are Cai Mao and Zhang Yun," said his
officers. "They have lived in the south a long time,"
said Zhou Yu, "and are thoroughly experienced in naval
warfare. I must find some means of removing them before
I can effect anything." Meanwhile on shore the sentinels
had told Cao Cao that the enemy craft were spying upon
them, and Cao Cao ordered out some ships to capture the
spies. Zhou Yu saw the commotion of the commanding flags
on shore and hastily gave the order to unmoor and sail
down stream. The squadron at once got under way and
scattered; to and fro went the oars, and each ship
seemed to fly. Before Cao Cao's ships could get out
after them, they were all far away. Cao Cao's ships took
up the chase but soon saw pursuit was useless. They
returned and reported their failure.
Zhou Yu received his friend in full
ceremonial garb. A crowd of officers in rich silken
robes were about him. The guest appeared, his sole
attendant a lad dressed in a simple blue gown. Jiang Gan
bore himself proudly as he advanced, and Zhou Yu made a
low obeisance. "You have been well I hope since last we
met," said Jiang Gan. "You have wandered far and
suffered much in this task of emissary in Cao Cao's
cause," said Zhou Yu. "I have not seen you for a very
long time," said the envoy much taken aback, "and I came
to visit you for the sake of old times. Why do you call
me an emissary for the Cao Cao's cause?" "Though I am
not so profound a musician as Shi Kuang* of old, yet I
can comprehend the thought behind the music," replied
Zhou Yu. "As you choose to treat your old friend like
this, I think I will take my leave," said Jiang Gan.
Zhou Yu laughed again, and taking Jiang Gan by the arm,
said, "Well, I feared you might be coming on his behalf
to try to persuade me. But if this is not your
intention, you need not go away so hastily." So they two
entered the tent. When they had exchanged salutes and
were seated as friends, Zhou Yu bade them call his
officers that he might introduce them. There soon appeared civil and military
officials, all dressed in their best. The military
officers were clad in glittering silver armor and the
staff looked very imposing as they stood ranged in two
lines. The visitor was introduced to them all. Presently
a banquet was spread, and while they feasted, the
musicians played songs of victory and the wine
circulated merrily. Under the mellowing influence, Zhou
Yu's reserve seemed to thaw and he said, "Jiang Gan is
an old fellow student of mine, and we are pledged
friends. Though he has arrived here from the north, he
is no artful pleader so you need not be afraid of him."
Then Zhou Yu took off the commanding sword which he wore
as Commander-in-Chief and handed it to Taishi Ci,
saying, "You take this and wear it for the day as master
of the feast. This day we meet only as friends and speak
only of friendship, and if anyone shall begin a
discussion of the questions at issue between Cao Cao and
the South Land, just slay him." Taishi Ci took the sword
and seated himself in his place. Jiang Gan was not a
little overcome, but he said no word. Zhou Yu said, "Since I assumed command, I
have tasted no drop of wine; but today as an old friend
is present and there is no reason to fear him, I am
going to drink freely." So saying he quaffed a huge
goblet and laughed loudly. The rhinoceros cups went
swiftly round from guest to guest till all were half
drunk. Then Zhou Yu, laying hold of the guest's hand,
led him outside the tent. The guards who stood around
all braced themselves up and seized their shinning
weapons. "Do you not think my soldiers a fine lot of
fellows?" said Zhou Yu. "Strong as bears and bold as
tigers," replied Jiang Gan. Then Zhou Yu led him to the
rear of the tent whence he saw the grain and forage
piled up in mountainous heaps. "Do you not think I have
a fairly good store of grain and forage?" "Your troops
are brave and your supplies ample: The empire's gossip
is not baseless, indeed." Zhou Yu pretended to be quite intoxicated
and went on, "When you and I were students together, we
never looked forward to a day like this, did we?" "For a
genius like you, it is nothing extraordinary," said the
guest. Zhou Yu again seized his hand, and they sat down.
"A man of the time, I have found a proper lord to serve.
In his service, we rely upon the right feeling between
minister and prince outside, and at home we are firm in
the kindly feeling of relatives. He listens to my words
and follows my plans. We share the same good or evil
fortune. Even when the great old persuaders like Su Qin,
Zhang Yi, Lu Jia, and Li Yiji lived again, even when
their words poured forth like a rushing river, their
tongues were as a sharp sword, it is impossible to move
such as I am!" Zhou Yu burst into a loud laugh as he
finished, and Jiang Gan's face had become clay-colored.
Zhou Yu then led his guest back into the tent, and again
they fell to drinking. Presently Zhou Yu pointed to the
others at table and said, "These are all the best and
bravest of the land of the south. One might call this
the 'Gathering of Heroes.'" They drank on till daylight
failed and continued after lamps had been lit. Zhou Yu
even gave an exhibition of sword play.
By this time it was getting late, and the
guest begged to be excused. "The wine is too much for
me," said Jiang Gan. His host bade them clear the table.
As all the others left, Zhou Yu said, "It has been many
a day since I shared a couch with my friend, but we will
do so tonight." Putting on the appearance of
irresponsible intoxication, he led Jiang Gan into the
tent and they went to bed. Zhou Yu simply fell, all
dressed as he was, and lay there emitting uncouth grunts
and groans, so that to the guest sleep was impossible.
Jiang Gan lay and listened to the various camp noises
without and his host's thunderous snores within. About
the second watch he rose and looked at his friend by the
dim light of the small lamp. He also saw on the table a
heap of papers, and coming out and looking at them
furtively, he saw they were letters. Among them he saw
one marked as coming from Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, Cao
Cao's Supreme Admiral and Vice-Admiral. He read it and
this is what it said: "We surrendered to Cao Cao, not for the
sake of pay but under stress of circumstances. Now we
have been able to hold these northern soldiers into this
naval camp but, as soon as occasion offers, we mean to
have the rebel's head to offer as a sacrifice to your
banner. From time to time there will be reports as
occasions serve, but you may trust us. This is our
humble reply to your letter." "Those two were connected with the South
Land in the beginning," thought Jiang Gan, so he
secreted the letter in his dress and began to examine
the others. But at that moment Zhou Yu turned over, and
so Jiang Gan hastily blew out the light and went to his
couch. Zhou Yu was muttering as he lay there as if
dreaming, saying, "Friend, I am going to let you see Cao
Cao's head in a day or two." Jiang Gan hastily made some
reply to load on his host to say more. Then came, "Wait
a few days; you will see Cao Cao's head. The old
wretch!" Jiang Gan tried to question him as to what he
meant, but Zhou Yu was fast asleep and seemed to hear
nothing. Jiang Gan lay there on his couch wide awake
till the fourth watch was beating. Then someone came in,
saying, "General, are you awake?" At that moment as if
suddenly awakened from the deepest slumber, Zhou Yu
started up and said, "Who is this on the couch?" The
voice replied, "Do you not remember, General? You asked
your old friend to stay the night with you. It is he, of
course." "I drank too much last night," said Zhou Yu in
a regretful tone, "and I forgot. I seldom indulge to
excess and am not used to it. Perhaps I said many things
I ought not." The voice went on, "A man has arrived from
the north." "Speak lower," said Zhou Yu, and turning
toward the sleeper, he called him by name. But Jiang Gan
affected to be sound asleep and made no sign. Zhou Yu
crept out of the tent, while Jiang Gan listened with all
his ears. He heard the man say, "Cai Mao and Zhang Yun,
the two commanders, have come." But listening as he did
with straining ears, he could not make out what
followed. Soon after Zhou Yu reentered and again
called out his companion's name. But no reply came, for
Jiang Gan was pretending to be in the deepest slumber
and to hear nothing. Then Zhou Yu undressed and went to
bed. As Jiang Gan lay awake, he remembered that Zhou Yu
was known to be meticulously careful in affairs, and if
in the morning Zhou Yu found that a letter had
disappeared, he would certainly slay the offender. So
Jiang Gan lay there till near daylight and then called
out to his host. Getting no reply, he rose, dressed, and
stole out of the tent. Then he called his servant and
made for the camp gate. "Whither are you going, Sir?"
said the watchmen at the gate. "I fear I am in the way
here," replied Jiang Gan, "and so I have taken leave of
the Commander-in-Chief for a time. So do not stop me."
He found his way to the river bank and
reembarked. Then, with flying oars, he hastened back to
Cao Cao's camp. When he arrived, Cao Cao asked at once
how he had sped, and he had to acknowledge failure.
"Zhou Yu is very clever and perfectly high-minded," said
Jiang Gan. "Nothing that I could say moved him in the
least." "Your failure makes me look ridiculous," said
Cao Cao. "Well, if I did not win over Zhou Yu, I found
out something for you. Send away these people, and I
will tell you," said Jiang Gan. The servants were
dismissed, and then Jiang Gan produced the letter he had
stolen from Zhou Yu's tent. He gave it to Cao Cao. Cao
Cao was very angry and sent for Cai Mao and Zhang Yun at
once. As soon as they appeared, he said, "I want you two
to attack." Cai Mao replied, "But the soldiers are not
yet sufficiently trained." "The soldiers will be well
enough trained when you have sent my head to Zhou Yu,
eh?" Both commanders were dumb-founded, having not the
least idea what this meant. They remained silent for
they had nothing to say. Cao Cao bade the executioners
lead them away to instant death. In a short time their
heads were produced. By this time Cao Cao had thought
over the matter, and it dawned upon him that he had been
tricked. The death of these two naval commanders
caused much consternation in the camp, and all their
colleagues asked the reason for their sudden execution.
Though Cao Cao knew they had been victimized, he would
not acknowledge it. So he said, "These two had been
remiss, and so had been put to death." The others were
aghast, but nothing could be done. Two other officers,
Mao Jie and Yu Jin, were put in command of the naval
camp. Spies took the news to Zhou Yu, who was
delighted at the success of his ruse. "Those two Cai Mao
and Zhang Yun were my only source of anxiety," said he.
"Now they are gone: I am quite happy." Lu Su said,
"General, if you can continue like this, you need not
fear Cao Cao." "I do not think any of them saw my game,"
said Zhou Yu, "except Zhuge Liang. He beats me, and I do
not think this ruse was hidden from him. You go and
sound him. See if he knew." Chapter 46
Using Strategy, Zhuge Liang Borrows Arrows; Joining A Ruse, Huang Gai Accepts
Punishment.
Lu Su departed on his mission and found
Zhuge Liang seated in his little craft. "There has been
so much to do that I have not been able to come to
listen to your instructions," said Lu Su. "That is truly
so," said Zhuge Liang, "and I have not yet congratulated
the Commander-in-Chief." "What have you wished to
congratulate him upon?" "Why Sir, the matter upon which
he sent you to find out whether I knew about it or not.
Indeed I can congratulate him on that." Lu Su turned
pale and gasped, saying, "But how did you know, Master?"
"The ruse succeeded well thus played off on Jiang Gan.
Cao Cao has been taken in this once, but he will soon
rise to it. Only he will not confess his mistake.
However, the two men are gone, and the South Land is
freed from a grave anxiety. Do you not think that is a
matter for congratulation? I hear Mao Jie and Yu Jin are
the new admirals, and in their hands lie both good and
evil for the fate of the northern fleet." Lu Su was quite dumbfounded. He stayed a
little time longer passing the time in making empty
remarks, and then took his leave. As he was going away,
Zhuge Liang cautioned him, saying, "Do not let Zhou Yu
know that I know his ruse. If you let him know, he will
seek some chance to do me harm." Lu Su promised.
Nevertheless he went straight to his chief and related
the whole thing just as it happened. "Really he must be
got rid of," said Zhou Yu. "I have quite decided to put
the man out of the way." "If you slay him, will not Cao
Cao laugh at you?" "Oh, no; I will find a legitimate way
of getting rid of him so that he shall go to his death
without resentment." "But how can you find a legitimate
way of assassinating him?" "Do not ask too much. You
will see presently."
Soon after all the officers were summoned
to the main tent, and Zhuge Liang's presence was
desired. He went contentedly enough. When all were
seated, Zhou Yu suddenly addressed Zhuge Liang, saying,
"I am going to fight a battle with the enemy soon on the
water. What weapons are the best?" "On a great river
arrows are the best," said Zhuge Liang. "Your opinion
and mine agree. But at the moment we are short of them.
I wish you would undertake to supply about a hundred
thousand arrows for the naval fight. As it is for the
public service, you will not decline, I hope." "Whatever
task the Commander-in-Chief lays upon me, I must
certainly try to perform," replied Zhuge Liang. "May I
inquire by what date you require the hundred thousand
arrows?" "Could you have them ready in ten days?" "The
enemy will be here very soon. Ten days will be too
late," said Zhuge Liang. "In how many days do you
estimate the arrows can be ready?" "Let me have three
days. Then you may send for your hundred thousand." "No
joking, remember!" said Zhou Yu. "There is no joking in
war time." "Dare I joke with the Commander-in-Chief?
Give me a formal military order. If I have not completed
the task in three days, I will take my punishment." Zhou Yu, secretly delighted, sent for the
secretaries and prepared the commission then and there.
Then he drank to the success of the undertaking and
said, "I shall have to congratulate you most heartily
when this is accomplished." "This day is too late to
count," said Zhuge Liang. "On the third from tomorrow
morning send five hundred small boats to the river side
to convey the arrows." They drank a few more cups
together, and then Zhuge Liang took his leave. After he
had gone, Lu Su said, "Do you not think there is some
deceit about this?" "Clearly it is not I! It is he who
has signed his own death warrant," said Zhou Yu.
"Without being pressed in the least, he asked for a
formal order in the face of the whole assembly. Even if
he grew a pair of wings, he could not escape. Only I
will just order the workers to delay him as much as they
can, and not supply him with materials, so that he is
sure to fail. And then, when the certain penalty is
incurred, who can criticize? You can go and inquire
about it all and keep me informed."
On his side Lu Su quietly prepared a score
of light swift boats, each with its crew and the blue
screens and bundles of grass complete and, when these
were ready, he placed them at Zhuge Liang's disposal.
Zhuge Liang did nothing on the first day, nor on the
second. On the third day at the middle of the fourth
watch, Zhuge Liang sent a private message asking Lu Su
to come to his boat. "Why have you sent for me, Sir?"
asked Lu Su. "I want you to go with me to get those
arrows." "Whither are you going?" "Do not ask. You will
see." Then the twenty boats were fastened together by
long ropes and moved over to the north bank. The night proved very foggy and the mist
was very dense along the river, so that one person could
scarcely see another. In spite of the fog, Zhuge Liang
urged the boats forward as if into the vast fairy
kingdom. The little fleet reached Cao Cao's naval camp
about the fifth watch, and Zhuge Liang gave orders to
form line lying prows west, and then to beat the drums
and shout. "But what shall we do if they attack us?"
exclaimed Lu Su. Zhuge Liang replied with a smile, "I
think their fleet will not venture out in this fog. Go
on with your wine, and let us be happy. We will go back
when the fog lifts." As soon as the shouting from the river was
heard by those in the camp, the two admirals, Mao Jie
and Yu Jin, ran off to report to Cao Cao, who said,
"Coming up in a fog like this means that they have
prepared an ambush for us. Do not go out, but get all
the force together and shoot at them." He also sent
orders to the ground camps to dispatch six thousand of
archers and crossbowmen to aid the marines. The naval
forces were then lined up shooting on the bank to
prevent a landing. Presently the soldiers arrived, and
ten thousand and more soldiers were shooting down into
the river, where the arrows fell like rain. By and bye Zhuge Liang ordered the boats to
turn round so that their prows pointed east and to go
closer in so that many arrows might hit them. Zhuge
Liang ordered the drums to be kept beating till the sun
was high and the fog began to disperse, when the boats
got under way and sailed down stream. The whole twenty
boats were bristling with arrows on both sides. As they
left, Zhuge Liang asked all the crews to shout
derisively, "We thank you, Sir Prime Minister, for the
arrows!" They told Cao Cao, but by the time he came, the
light boats helped by the swift current were seven miles
long down the river and pursuit was impossible. Cao Cao
saw that he had been duped and was very sorry, but there
was no help for it. On the way down Zhuge Liang said to his
companion, "Every boat must have five or six thousand
arrows and so, without the expenditure of an ounce of
energy, we must have more than ten myriad arrows, which
tomorrow can be shot back again at Cao Cao's army to his
great inconvenience." "You are really superhuman," said
Lu Su. "But how did you know there would be a thick fog
today?" "One cannot be a leader without knowing the
workings of heaven and the ways of earth. One must
understand the secret gates and the interdependence of
the elements, the mysteries of tactics and the value of
forces. It is but an ordinary talent. I calculated three
days ago that there would be a fog today, and so I set
the limit at three days. Zhou Yu would give me ten days,
but neither artificers nor materials, so that he might
find occasion to put me to death as I knew. But my fate
lies with the Supreme, and how could Zhou Yu harm me?"
Lu Su could not but agree. When the boats arrived, five hundred
soldiers were in readiness on the bank to carry away the
arrows. Zhuge Liang bade them go on board the boats,
collect them and bear them to the tent of the
Commander-in-Chief. Lu Su went to report that the arrows
had been obtained and told Zhou Yu by what means. Zhou
Yu was amazed and sighed sadly, saying, "He is better
than I. His methods are more than human." When, shortly
after his return, Zhuge Liang went to the tent of the
Commander-in-Chief, he was welcomed by Zhou Yu, who came
forward to greet him, saying, "Your superhuman
predictions compel one's esteem." "There is nothing
remarkable in that trifling trick," replied he. Zhou Yu
led him within and wine was brought.
Then Zhou Yu said, "My lord sent yesterday to urge me to advance, but I have no master plan ready. I wish you would assist me, Master." "But where should I, a man of poor everyday ability, find such a plan as you desire?" "I saw the enemy's naval camp just lately, and it looked very complete and well organized. It is not an ordinary place to attack. I have thought of a plan, but I am not sure it will answer. I should be happy if you would decide for me." "General," replied Zhuge Liang, "do not say what your plan is, but each of us will write in the palm of his hand and see whether our opinions agree." So brush and ink were sent for, and Zhou Yu first wrote on his own palm, and then passed the pen to Zhuge Liang who also wrote. Then getting close together on the same bench, each showed his hand to the other, and both burst out laughing, for both had written the same word, "Fire." "Since we are of the same opinion," said Zhou Yu, "there is no longer any doubt. But our intentions must be kept secret." "Both of us are public servants, and what would be the sense of telling our plans? I do not think Cao Cao will be on his guard against this, although he has had two experiences. You may put your scheme into force." They finished their wine and separated. Not an officer knew a word of the general's plans.
Now Cao Cao had expended a myriad arrows
in vain and was much irritated in consequence. He
deeply desired revenge. Then Xun You proposed a ruse,
saying, "The two strategists on the side of the enemy
are Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang, two men most difficult to
get the better of. Let us send someone who shall
pretend to surrender to them but really be a spy on
our behalf and a helper in our schemes. When we know
what is doing, we can plan to meet it." "I had thought
of that myself," replied Cao Cao. "Whom do you think
the best person to send?" "Cai Mao has been put to
death, but all his clan and family are in the army,
and his two younger brothers are junior generals. You
have them most securely in your power and may send
them to surrender. The ruler of the South Land will
never suspect deceit there." Cao Cao decided to act on
this plan, and in the evening summoned Cai Zhong and
Cai He to his tent, where he told them, saying, "I
want you two pretend to surrender to the South Land so
that you can gather intelligence and sent it back.
When all done, you will be richly rewarded. But do not
betray me." "Our families are in Jingzhou, and that
place is yours," replied they. "Should we dare betray?
You need have no doubts, Sir. You will soon see the
heads of both Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang at your feet."
Cao Cao gave them generous gifts. Soon after the two
men, each with his five hundred soldiers, set sail
with a fair wind for the opposite bank.
That night as Zhou Yu was sitting in his
tent, Huang Gai came to see him privately. Zhou Yu
said, "You have surely some wise plan to propose that
you come at night like this." Huang Gai replied, "The
enemy are more numerous than we, and it is wrong to
delay. Why not burn them out?" "Who suggested that to
you?" "I thought of it myself. Nobody suggested it,"
replied Huang Gai. "I just wanted something like this,
and that is why I kept those two pretended deserters.
I want them to give some false news. The pity is that
I have no one to feign desertion to the other side and
work my plan." "But I will carry out your plan," said
Huang Gai. "But if you cannot show some injury, you
will not be believed," said Zhou Yu. "The Sun family
have been very generous to me, and I would not resent
being crushed to death to repay them," said Huang Gai.
The General bowed and thanked him, saying, "If you
would not object to some bodily suffering, then the
South Land would indeed be happy." "Kill me. I do not
mind," repeated Huang Gai as he took his leave.
Meanwhile Huang Gai lay in his tent,
whither all his colleague officers went to condole
with him and inquire after his health. But Huang Gai
would say never a word. He only lay sighing deeply
from time to time. But when the Strategist Kan Ze
came, Huang Gai told them to bring him to the room
where he lay. Then he bade the servants go away. Kan
Ze said, "Surely you must have some serious quarrel
with the General." "I have none," said Huang Gai.
"Then this beating is just part of a ruse?" "How did
you guess?" said Huang Gai. "Because I watched the
General, and I guessed about nine tenths of the
truth." Huang Gai said, "You see I have been very
generously treated by the Sun family, all three of
them, and have no means of showing my gratitude except
by offering to help in this ruse. True I suffer, but I
do not regret that. Among all those I know in the
army, there is not one I am intimate with except
yourself. You are true, and I can talk with you as a
friend." "I suppose you wish me to present your
surrender letter to Cao Cao. Is that it?" "Just that;
will you do it?" said Huang Gai. Kan Ze consented
joyfully. |