תמונות בעמוד
PDF
ePub

Just then there arose a shout in their rear and a shower of arrows fell about them. The two Yangs were attacking and the danger became great.

"Friend Hsü, you look after our lord;" cried Hsü Ch'u, "I can hold the enemy."

He galloped out and the two leaders took to flight, while their men scattered. In the meantime Hsü Huang led his master over the hills. Soon he met a troop of soldiers led by Hsiahou Yüan and Chang Ho, who had heard the sound of fighting and had come to the rescue, and Ts'ao Ts'ao got back safely to camp. The four captains were rewarded.

For fifty days the two armies held each other at bay without coming to a fight. At the end of this time, orders were given to retire.

"We have not tried the strength of the enemy," said Chia Hsü. "You should not retire, my lord."

"I see that they are always on the alert," said Ts'ao Ts'ao. "I am only retiring to put them off their guard. By and by I will send some light horse to attack their rear. I shall defeat

them then."

"Ah! your skill is unfathomable!" cried Chia Hsü.

Two parties were then sent to get round behind the Pass by unfrequented roads, while Ts'ao Ts'ao broke up his camp and led his main body backward.

When Yang Ang heard of the retreat he thought it would be a good chance to attack, but Yang Jên, remembering the cunning of their opponent, opposed it. Yang Ang was wilful and said, "I shall go; you may come or not, as you wish."

In spite of the protestations of his colleague, Yang Ang marched, taking with him the men of five camps and leaving only a few defenders. The day he set out was very foggy, so that one could hardly see his neighbour's face, and soon the force got into difficulties and could not advance. They bivouacked on the road.

Now, Hsiahou Yüan was out with a reconnoitring force behind the hills when they heard the voices of men and the neighing of horses. In the dense fog they could see nothing, but fearing an ambush they hastened to retire. They lost their way and presently stumbled on the deserted camp. The few defenders thought their comrades had returned, so they threw open the gates to let them in. One camp was empty and there they raised a great blaze, which frightened those in the other camps so that they fled. As soon as the fog cleared, Yang Jên came to the rescue, but as more of Ts'ao's men came up, the force was too strong for him and he quickly fled toward Nanch'êng. By and by, when Yang Ang returned, he found his camp in the possession of Ts'ao Ts'ao's men.

Soon Ts'ao Ts'ao's main army came up, and Yang was between two forces. There seemed no other way but to make a

dash for it. Falling in with Ho, the two engaged and Yang Ang fell. Those who escaped carried the news of the disaster to Chang Wei, who abandoned the Pass and fled.

So the invaders took possession of the Pass, and its late defenders, Chang Wei and Yang Jên, had to go back and report failure. Chang Wei laid the blame on his companion, saying the Pass could not be held after its supporting positions had been lost. Chang Lu threatened to behead Yang Jên for his failure. Yang said he had tried to prevent the rashness of his brother and begged to be allowed to make another attack. If he failed he would abide by the consequences without protest.

Chang Lu took his formal pledge to succeed, gave him two legions and sent him away. He marched to Nanch'êng and made a stockade.

Before Ts'ao Ts'ao made any further advance he sent Hsiahou Yüan, with half a legion, to reconnoitre the road and they fell in with the force led by Yang Jên. Both sides drew up their battle array. From Yang's side went out Ch'ang Ch'i to engage Hsiahou Yüan, who disposed of him in the third bout. Then Yang Jên set his spear and rode to the front. They two fought near two score bouts and neither could claim victory. Then Hsiahou Yüan pretended defeat and fled. The other rushed in pursuit. The fugitive suddenly employed the Parthian stab and killed his pursuer. His men ran away.

As soon as Ts'ao Ts'ao knew of the death of this leader of the other side he brought up his army, marched straightway to Nanch'êng and camped.

Chang Lu became alarmed and called a council.

"I can propose a man able to stand against the best leader of the enemy," said Yen Pu.

"Who is he?" asked Chang Lu.

"P'ang Tê, of Nanan. He surrendered at the same time as Ma Ch'ao, but could not go with him into Ssuch'uan as he was ill. If you treated him generously he would save you."

P'ang Tê was summoned. He came, was loaded with gifts and given a force of one legion, with which he marched and camped ten li from the city, near the besieging force.

His camp made, P'ang Tê rode out and challenged. Now Ts'ao Ts'ao, remembering his boldness at the battle of the bridge over the Wei, was desirous of winning his help for himself, so he told his captains to try to weary him by prolonging the fights, and so make him captive.

Wherefore first rode out Chang Ho to answer the challenge. He fought a few bouts and returned. Then Hsiahou Yüan did the same thing. So did Hsü Huang. Lastly went Hsü Ch'u, who kept up the fight to half a hundred bouts before he retired. Still P'ang Tê showed no signs of fatigue nor of fear, and all those who had fought with him praised his prowess and skill.

"If only I could win him over to my side!" said Ts'ao Ts'ao longingly.

Said Chia Hsü, "I know one of his subordinates, Yang Sung. He is avaricious and open to a bribe. You might send him secret presents and get him to slander P'ang Tê to his master so as to weaken his position."

"But how can one get at this man? He is in Nanch'êng."

"In the next battle pretend defeat, flee and let P'ang take possession of this camp. Return in the night in force and drive him out, and he must retreat into the city. Let one of your own people with a persuasive tongue mingle with his men, disguised as one of his soldiers, and so gain entrance into the city."

A subtle agent was found, and goodly gifts were his in advance, and he was entrusted with a golden breastplate as a bribe. He put it on and over it put on the dress of an ordinary soldier of Hanchung. And he made his way quietly to a point on the road along which the soldiers of Hanchung would retreat into the city. There he waited.

Next, two parties were sent to lie in ambush and Hsü Huang was sent to challenge, but with orders to be defeated. The scheme went well, and as P'ang Tê came on to smite, Ts'ao Ts'ao's men retired before him till he found himself at their very camp. And therein he entered and was exceedingly pleased to find fodder and forage in great quantities.

Having sent off a messenger to his chief, he spread a feast in celebration of the victory; and when night came on they slept. But about the second watch there was an alarm from three directions, and the camp was threatened by three forces. It was the night-attack arranged by Ts'ao Ts'ao, and P'ang Tê could not make any defence. He got to horse, cut his way through and made for the city. With the attackers in close pursuit he reached the gate, got it opened and rushed in.

And the traitor got in in the confusion. He made his way quickly to Yang Sung's residence and saw him. He told him that the great minister, Duke Wei, knew him by reputation and held him in great esteem and as a token thereof had sent him his golden breastplate and a confidential letter as well. Yang took it all in, read the letter and said, "I will reply by and by, and the duke need feel no anxiety for I shall find a means of proving my gratitude. You may return."

Soon after, he went to see Chang Lu and told him that P'ang Tê had been defeated because he had been bribed. Forthwith Chang Lu summoned his general, abused him and threatened to put him to death. Yen Pu, however, protested and proposed to test P'ang in another encounter. If he lost that, he might be put to death.

P'ang Tê retired full of resentment. The next day Ts'ao Ts'ao attacked, and P'ang went out to repel him. Ts'ao sent

out his favourite Hsü Ch'u, but bade him pretend defeat. When P'ang pursued, Ts'ao rode toward the hills, where he halted and presently got speech with P'ang. He proposed surrender.

But P'ang thought within himself that to capture Ts'ao would be a fine exploit, so he boldly faced his escort and rode up the hill. But there arose a great shouting as if heaven and earth were clashing together and he and his followers went headlong into ditches and pits that had been dug. Out flew men with ropes and hooks, and P'ang was a prisoner.

When he was taken to Ts'ao he was received with the greatest kindness. Ts'ao himself dismounted, loosed the captive's bonds and asked him if he would surrender. P'ang thought of the ill-treatment he had just received at the hands of his master and of his injustice, and gave in. At once he was helped to mount a horse by Ts'ao himself and led to the great camp. i Men placed for the purpose on the city wall saw what happened and told Chang Lu that his leader had ridden off on friendly terms with Ts'ao Ts'ao, whereby Chang Lu was persuaded that Yang Sung had spoken truly.

Soon after, scaling ladders were set against the city walls and catapults threw in great stones. The danger being imminent, Chang Wei counselled the destruction of all supplies and flight to Nanshan, where they might be able to defend Pachung. On the other hand, Yang Sung said the best course was to throw open the gates and surrender. Chang Lu could not decide which to do. His brother, Wei, maintained that burning everything and flight was the only course.

Chang Lu said, "I have been always loyal at heart and desired to return to allegiance when circumstances would permit. I have been unable to attain my desire, but now fight seems the only course open to me. However, the granaries and treasures, the public offices and the government property of all kinds must be kept safe."

So the public buildings were all carefully barred and sealed. The same night, in the late evening, Chang and his family went out through the south gate and found their way through. Ts'ao Ts'ao let them go unpursued. When Ts'ao entered the city and saw the proofs of Chang Lu's care of the government property he compassionated the man's misfortunes. He then sent a messenger into Pachung to induce him to surrender. Chang Lu was disposed to do so, but his brother would not hear of it. Nor would Yang Sung, who wrote a secret letter to Ts'ao Ts'ao urging him to attack and promising treacherous aid.

Ts'ao presently attacked, and Chang Wei came out to meet him. But his opponent was the mighty Hsü Ch'u, who made short work of him. The beaten soldiers went back into the city, which Chang Lu then decided to defend. As this would not

give Yang Sung the chance to carry out his treacherous scheme, he persuaded his master to go out and fight, leaving him to defend the city. Chang Lu took this advice, although it was opposed by Yen Pu, and went out. But before his van got near the enemy, his rear ranks began to desert, and Chang retreated. Ts'ao pursued him to the city walls, where Chang found the gates shut against him. There being now no way open, Chang dismounted, prostrated himself and gave in. Because of this and his care of the public property, Ts'ao treated him with great kindness and consoled him with the title of General, "Guardian of the South." Yen Pu and many others also were enrolled among the nobles. To each district was appointed a military officer styled Tu-yü, in addition to the Prefect. All the soldiers were feasted and rewarded.

Then the traitor Yang Sung, who had sold his master, came and sued for honours. He was condemned to public execution and exposure.

To harm the wise and compass the death of one's lord may appear signal service,

But the gains thereof are vanity;

No glory clings to the house of him who dies a shameful death;
Wherefore Yang Sung is an object of contempt forever.

When the eastern Ch'üan was quite subdued the Recorder Ssuma I said, "The men of Shu are against Liu Pei because of his treatment of the late ruler, Liu Chang, and if on the strength of your present success you press forward, Liu Pei will become as a shattered tile. The wise man takes the occasion when it serves and this should not be missed."

Ts'ao Ts'ao sighed. "There is no end; now that I have Shênsi I am forced into taking Shu."

Liu Hua supported Ssuma I, saying he spoke well. "If you delay, Chuko Liang will have become minister, while Kuan Yü, Chang Fei and the other bold warriors will be at the head of the army. If the man of Shu once settle down, and the points of vantage are held, you will not be able to overcome them." Ts'ao replied, "My men have marched far and suffered much; beside we must show pity."

Wherefore he rested his army for a time. Meanwhile the populace of West Shu, having heard of Ts'ao's success, concluded that they would suffer next, and fear spread among them. Whereupon Yüan-tê called in the Commander-in-chief and asked his advice. He replied that he could make Ts'ao Ts'ao retreat of his own accord.

"A part of Ts'ao Ts'ao's army is camped at Hofei because of the fear of Sun Ch'üan. If now we restore those three districts they desire so greatly, and send a specious person to talk, we can make Sun Ch'üan attack Hofei, which will lead to Ts'ao going southward."

« הקודםהמשך »