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Three Kingdoms Romance Luo Guanzhong Three Kingdoms Romance Table of Contents Three Kingdoms Romance

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Three Kingdoms Romance Luo Guanzhong Three Kingdoms Romance Table of Contents Three Kingdoms Romance.................................................................................................................................1 Luo Guanzhong........................................................................................................................................2 CHAPTER 1. Three Heroes Swear Brotherhood In The Peach Garden; One Victory Shatters The Rebels In Battlegrounds..........................................................................................................................7 CHAPTER 2. Zhang Fei Whips The Government Officer; He Jin Plots To Kill The Eunuchs............14 CHAPTER 3. In Wenming Garden, Dong Zhuo Denounces Ding Yuan; With Red−Hare, Li Su Bribes Lu Bu.........................................................................................................................................22 CHAPTER 4. The Deposition Of The Emperor: Prince Of Chenliu Becomes Emperor; Schemes Against Dong Zhuo: Cao Cao Presents A Sword.................................................................................29 CHAPTER 5. Cao Cao Appeals To The Powerful Lords; The Three Brothers Fight Against Lu Bu..........................................................................................................................................................35 CHAPTER 6. Burning The Capital, Dong Zhuo Commits An Atrocity; Hiding The Imperial Hereditary Seal, Sun Jian Breaks Faith.................................................................................................43 CHAPTER 7. Yuan Shao Fights Gongsun Zan At The River Pan; Sun Jian Attacks Liu Biao Across The Great River........................................................................................................................49 CHAPTER 8. Wang Yun Prepares The Chaining Scheme; Dong Zhuo Rages At Phoenix Pavilion.................................................................................................................................................55 CHAPTER 9. Lu Bu Kills Dong Zhuo For Wang Yun; Li Jue Attacks The Capital On Jia Xu's Advice...................................................................................................................................................61 CHAPTER 10. Gathering Arms, Ma Teng Moves To Rescue The Emperor; Commanding An Army, Cao Cao Marches to Avenges His Father..................................................................................69 CHAPTER 11. Liu Bei Rescues Kong Rong At Beihai; Lu Bu Defeats Cao Cao Near Puyang..........75 CHAPTER 12. Tao Qian Thrice Offers Xuzhou To Liu Bei; Cao Cao Retakes Yanzhou From Lu Bu In Battles.........................................................................................................................................83 CHAPTER 13. Li Jue and Guo Si Duel In Changan; The Emperor Establishes Anyi The New Capital...................................................................................................................................................89 CHAPTER 14. Cao Cao Moves The Court To Xuchang; Lu Bu Night−Raids Xuzhou.......................97 CHAPTER 15. Taishi Ci Fights With The Little Prince; Sun Ce Cuts Short The White Tiger King....................................................................................................................................................105 CHAPTER 16. In The Camp Gate, Lu Bu Shoots The Halberd; At River Yu, Cao Cao Suffers Defeat..................................................................................................................................................114 CHAPTER 17. Yuan Shu Marches Out An Army Of Seven Divisions; Cao Cao And Three Generals Join Forces...........................................................................................................................123 CHAPTER 18. Giving Counsels, Jia Xu Directs A Great Victory; Braving Battlefield, Xiahou Dun Loses An Eye..............................................................................................................................129 CHAPTER 19. Cao Cao Fights At Xiapi;...........................................................................................134 CHAPTER 20. Cao Cao Organizes A Hunting Expedition In Xutian; Dong Cheng Receives A Secret Command In The Palace..........................................................................................................143 CHAPTER 21. In A Plum Garden, Cao Cao Discusses Heroes; Using The Host's Forces, Guan Yu Takes Xuzhou...............................................................................................................................150 CHAPTER 22. Yuan Shao And Cao Cao Both Take The Field; Guan Yu And Zhang Fei Captures Two Generals.......................................................................................................................157 CHAPTER 23. Mi Heng Slips His Garment And Rails At Traitors; Ji Ping Pledges To Kill The Prime Minister....................................................................................................................................165 CHAPTER 24. Cao Cao Murdered The Consort Dong; Liu Bei Flees To Yuan Shao.......................173 CHAPTER 25. Besieged In Tushan Mountains, Guan Yu Makes Three Conditions; The Rescue At Baima, Cao Cao Is Released..........................................................................................................177 CHAPTER 26. Yuan Shao Loses Another Leader; Guan Yu Abandons Rank And Wealth..............184 i Three Kingdoms Romance Table of Contents Three Kingdoms Romance CHAPTER 27. The Man of Beautiful Beard Rides On A Solitary Journey; Guan Yu Slays Six Generals Through Five Passes............................................................................................................190 CHAPTER 28. Putting Cai Yang To Death, The Brothers' Doubts Disappear; Meeting At Gucheng, Lord and Liege Fortify Each Other....................................................................................197 CHAPTER 29. The Little Chief Of The South Slays Yu Ji; The Green Eyed Boy Lays Hold On The South............................................................................................................................................205 CHAPTER 30. Shunning Advice, Yuan Shao Loses Leaders and Granaries; Using Strategy, Cao Cao Scores Victory At Guandu...........................................................................................................212 CHAPTER 31. Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan Shao In Cangting; Liu Bei Seeks Shelter With Liu Biao In Jingzhou.................................................................................................................................220 CHAPTER 32. Jizhou Taken: Yuan Shang Strives; River Zhang Cut: Xun You Schemes................227 CHAPTER 33. A Gallant Warrior, Cao Pi Marries Lady Zhen; An Expiring Star, Guo Jia Settles Liaodong.............................................................................................................................................235 CHAPTER 34. Behind The Screen, Lady Cai Overhears A Secret; Across The Tan Torrent, The Dilu Horse Carries Its Master.............................................................................................................243 CHAPTER 35. Liu Bei Meets A Recluse At Nanzhang; Shan Fu Sees A Noble Lord At Xinye.......250 CHAPTER 36. Shan Fu's Strategy: Fankou Is Captured; Xu Shu's Affection: Zhuge Liang Is Recommended.....................................................................................................................................255 CHAPTER 37. Sima Hui Recommends A Scholar To Liu Bei; Liu Bei Pays Three Visits To The Sleeping Dragon Ridge.......................................................................................................................261 CHAPTER 38. Zhuge Liang Plans For The Three Kingdoms; Sun Quan Attacks Xiakou To Take Revenges....................................................................................................................................270 CHAPTER 39. At Jingzhou The Son Of Liu Biao Thrice Begs Advice; At Bowang Slope The Directing Instructor Plans His First Battle..........................................................................................277 CHAPTER 40. Lady Cai Discusses The Renunciation of Jingzhou; Zhuge Liang Burns Xinye.......283 CHAPTER 41. Liu Bei Leads His People Over The River; Zhao Yun Rescues The Child Lord At Dangyang.......................................................................................................................................289 CHAPTER 42. Screaming Zhang Fei Stops The Enemy At Long Slope Bridge; Defeated Liu Bei Goes To Hanjin............................................................................................................................297 CHAPTER 43. Zhuge Liang Disputes With The Scholars Of The South Land; Lu Su Denounces The Majority Opinion.........................................................................................................................302 CHAPTER 44. Zhuge Liang Stirs Zhou Yu To Actions; Sun Quan Decides To Attack Cao Cao.....309 CHAPTER 45. In The Three Gorges, Cao Cao Loses Soldiers; In The Meeting Of Heroes, Jiang Gan Is Lured Into A Ruse...................................................................................................................316 CHAPTER 46. Using Strategy, Zhuge Liang Borrows Arrows; Joining A Ruse, Huang Gai Accepts Punishment............................................................................................................................324 CHAPTER 47. Kan Ze Presents The Treacherous Letter; Pang Tong Suggests Chaining The Ship Together......................................................................................................................................331 CHAPTER 48. Banquet On The Great River, Cao Cao Sings A Song; Battle On Open Water, The Northern Soldiers Fight With The Chained Ships.......................................................................337 CHAPTER 49. On The Seven Stars Altar, Zhuge Liang Sacrifices To The Winds; At Three Gorges, Zhou Yu Liberates The Fire..................................................................................................342 CHAPTER 50. Zhuge Liang Foresees The Huarong Valley Episode; Guan Yu Lifts His Saber To Release Cao Cao............................................................................................................................349 CHAPTER 51. Cao Ren Fights The South Land's Troops; Zhuge Liang Angers Zhou Yu...............355 CHAPTER 52. Zhuge Liang Negotiates With Lu Su; Zhao Yun Captures Guiyang..........................361 CHAPTER 53. Guan Yu Releases Huang Zhong; Sun Quan Fights With Zhang Liao......................367 ii Three Kingdoms Romance Table of Contents Three Kingdoms Romance CHAPTER 54. The Dowager Marchioness Sees Her Son−In−Law At A Temple; The Imperial Uncle Takes A Worthy Consort..........................................................................................................374 CHAPTER 55. Liu Bei Rouses The Spirit Of Lady Sun; Zhuge Liang A Second Time Angers Zhou Yu..............................................................................................................................................381 CHAPTER 56. Cao Cao Feasts In The Bronze Bird Tower; Zhuge Liang Provokes Zhou Yu A Third Time..........................................................................................................................................387 CHAPTER 57. Sleeping−Dragon Mourns At Chaisang; Blooming−Phoenix Intervenes At Leiyang...............................................................................................................................................394 CHAPTER 58. Ma Chao Launches An Expedition For Revenge; Cao Cao Flees The Field In Disguise..............................................................................................................................................402 CHAPTER 59. Xu Chu Strips For A Fight With Ma Chao; Cao Cao Writes A Letter To Sow Dissension...........................................................................................................................................409 CHAPTER 60. Zhang Song Turns The Tables On Yang Xiu; Pang Tong Proposes The Occupation Of Shu..............................................................................................................................416 CHAPTER 61. In The River, Zhao Yun Recovers Liu Shan; With One Letter, Sun Quan Repulses Cao Cao...............................................................................................................................426 CHAPTER 62. Taking Of River Virgo Pass, Yang Huai and Gao Pei Are Slain; Siege Of Luocheng, Huang Zhong and Wei Yan Rival.....................................................................................433 CHAPTER 63. Zhuge Liang Mourns For Pang Tong; Zhang Fei Releases Yan Yan.........................441 CHAPTER 64. Zhuge Liang Plans For The Capture Of Zhang Ren; Yang Fu Borrows Soldiers To Destroy Ma Chao...........................................................................................................................448 CHAPTER 65. Ma Chao Battles At Jiameng Pass; Liu Bei Takes The Protectorship Of Yiazhou....455 CHAPTER 66. Armed With Sword, Guan Yu Goes To A Feast Alone; For The State, Empress Fu Offers Her Life..............................................................................................................................463 CHAPTER 67. Cao Cao Conquers Hanzhong;....................................................................................470 CHAPTER 68. Gan Ning's Hundred Horsemen Raid The Northern Camp; Zuo Ci's Flung−Down Cup Fools Cao Cao.......................................................................................................477 CHAPTER 69. Guan Lu Sees Things In The Book Of Changes; Five Loyal Subjects Die For Their State...........................................................................................................................................484 CHAPTER 70. Zhang Fei Takes Wakou Pass By Tactics; Huang Zhong Captures Tiandang Mountain By Stratagem......................................................................................................................492 CHAPTER 71. At The Capture Of Opposite Hill, Huang Zhong Scores A Success; On The River Han, Zhao Yun Conquers A Host.............................................................................................499 CHAPTER 72. Zhuge Liang's Wit Takes Hanzhong; Cao Cao's Army Retires To The Ye Valley....506 CHAPTER 73. Liu Bei Becomes Prince Of Hanzhong; Guan Yu Attacks Xiangyang......................512 CHAPTER 74. Pang De Takes His Coffin On A Decisive Campaign; Guan Yu Drowns The Seven Armies......................................................................................................................................519 CHAPTER 75. Guan Yu Has A Scraped−Bone Surgery; Lu Meng In White Robe Crosses The River....................................................................................................................................................525 CHAPTER 76. Xu Huang Fights At The River Mian; Guan Yu Retreats To Maicheng....................531 CHAPTER 77. Guan Yu Manifests His Sacredness At Mount of The Jade Spring; Cao Cao Is Possessed At Luoyang........................................................................................................................537 CHAPTER 78. Treating A Headache, A Famous Physician Dies; Giving The Last Words, The Crafty Hero Departs............................................................................................................................543 CHAPTER 79. Brother Oppressing Brother: Cao Zhi Composes Poems; Nephew Harming Uncle: Liu Feng Receives Punishment...............................................................................................549 CHAPTER 80. Cao Pi Deposes The Emperor, Taking Away The Fortunes of Hans; Liu Bei iii Three Kingdoms Romance Table of Contents Three Kingdoms Romance Assumes The Throne, Continuing The Heritage................................................................................555 CHAPTER 81. Eager For Vengeance, Zhang Fei Is Assassinated; Athirst Of Retribution, The First Ruler Goes To War.....................................................................................................................561 CHAPTER 82. Sun Quan Submits To Wei, Receiving The Nine Dignities; The First Ruler Attacks Wu, Rewarding Six Armies...................................................................................................567 CHAPTER 83. Fighting At Xiaoting, The First Ruler Captures An Enemy; Defending The Three Gorges, A Student Takes Supreme Command.........................................................................573 CHAPTER 84. Lu Xun Burns All Consecutive Camps; Zhuge Liang Plans The Eight−Array Maze....................................................................................................................................................581 CHAPTER 85. The First Ruler Confides His Son To The Guardian's Care; Zhuge Liang Calmly Settles The Five Attacks.....................................................................................................................588 CHAPTER 86. Using Words, Qin Mi Overcomes Zhang Wen; Setting Fire, Xu Sheng Defeats Cao Pi..................................................................................................................................................595 CHAPTER 87. Conquering The South Mang, The Prime Minister Marches The Army; Opposing Heaven Troops, The King Of The Mangs Is Captured......................................................602 CHAPTER 88. Crossing River Scorpio—The Mang King Is Bound The Second Time; Recognizing A Pretended Surrender—Meng Huo Is Captured The Third Time...............................609 CHAPTER 89. The Lord of Wuxiang Uses The Fourth Ruse; The King of Mang Is Captured The Fifth Time....................................................................................................................................615 CHAPTER 90. Chasing Off Wild Beasts, The Prime Minister Defeats The Mangs For The Sixth Time; Burning Rattan Armors, Zhuge Liang Captures Meng Huo The Seventh Time......................622 CHAPTER 91. Sacrificing At River Scorpio, The Prime Minister Marches Homeward; Attacking Wei, The Lord Of Wuxiang Presents A Memorial............................................................630 CHAPTER 92. Zhao Yun Slays Five Generals; Zhuge Liang Takes Three Cities.............................637 CHAPTER 93. Jiang Wei Goes Over To Zhuge Liang; Zhuge Liang's Reviles Kill Wang Lang......643 CHAPTER 94. Zhuge Liang Defeats The Qiangs In A Snowstorm; Sima Yi Quickly Captures Meng Da..............................................................................................................................................650 CHAPTER 95. Ma Su's Disobedience Causes The Loss Of Jieting; Zhuge Liang's Lute Repulses Sima Yi...............................................................................................................................................657 CHAPTER 96. Shedding Tears, Zhuge Liang Puts Ma Su To Death; Cutting Hair, Zhou Fang Beguiles Cao Xiu................................................................................................................................664 CHAPTER 97. Sending A Second Memorial, Zhuge Liang Renews The Attack On Wei; Forging A Letter, Jiang Wei Defeats The Northern Army.................................................................670 CHAPTER 98. Pursuing The Shu Army, Wang Shuang Meets His Death; Raiding Chencang, Zhuge Liang Scores A Victory...........................................................................................................676 CHAPTER 99. Zhuge Liang Defeats The Wei Army; Sima Yi Invades The Western Land Of Rivers..................................................................................................................................................682 CHAPTER 100. Raiding A Camp, The Shu Soldiers Defeat Cao Zhen; Contesting Array Battles, Zhuge Liang Shames Sima Yi...............................................................................................689 CHAPTER 101. Going Out From Longshang, Zhuge Liang Dresses As A God; Dashing Toward Saber Pass, Zhang He Falls Into A Snare...........................................................................................695 CHAPTER 102. Sima Yi Occupies The Banks Of River Taurus; Zhuge Liang Constructs Mechanical Bullocks And Horses.......................................................................................................702 CHAPTER 103. In Gourd Valley, Sima Yi Is Trapped; In Wuzhang Hills, Zhuge Liang Invokes The Stars.............................................................................................................................................710 CHAPTER 104. A Falling Star: The Prime Minister Ascends To Heaven; A Wooden Statue: The Commander−in−Chief Is Terrified..............................................................................................717 iv Three Kingdoms Romance Table of Contents Three Kingdoms Romance CHAPTER 105. The Lord of Wuxiang Leaves A Plan In The Silken Bag; The Ruler of Wei Removes The Bronze Statue With The Dew Bowl............................................................................723 CHAPTER 106. Suffering Defeat, Gongsun Yuan Meets His Death In Xiangping; Pretending Illness, Sima Yi Deceives Cao Shuang...............................................................................................731 CHAPTER 107. The Ruler of Wei Hands Over The Power To Sima Yi; Jiang Wei Is Defeated At Ox Head Hills................................................................................................................................738 CHAPTER 108. In The Snow, Ding Feng Wins A Victory; At A Banquet, Sun Jun Executes A Secret Plan..........................................................................................................................................746 CHAPTER 109. A Ruse Of A Han General: Sima Zhao Is Surrounded; Retribution For The House Of Wei: Cao Fang Is Dethroned..............................................................................................752 CHAPTER 110. Riding Alone, Wen Yang Repulses A Brave Force; Following The River, Jiang Wei Defeats The Enemy.....................................................................................................................758 CHAPTER 111. Deng Ai Outwits Jiang Wei;.....................................................................................764 CHAPTER 112. Rescuing Shouchun, Yu Quan Dies Nobly; Attacking Changcheng, Jiang Wei Mobilizes............................................................................................................................................769 CHAPTER 113. Ding Feng Makes A Plan To Slay Sun Chen; Jiang Wei Arrays A Battle To Defeat Deng Ai...................................................................................................................................775 CHAPTER 114. Driving To The South Gate, Cao Mao Plunges Into Death; Abandoning Stores, Jiang Wei Defeats The Wei Army......................................................................................................781 CHAPTER 115. Listening To Slander, The Latter Ruler Recalls His Army; Living In Farms, Jiang Wei Avoids Disaster..................................................................................................................787 CHAPTER 116. On Hanzhong Roads, Zhong Hui Divides The Army; In Dingjun Mountain, The Martial Lord Shows His Apparition............................................................................................792 CHAPTER 117. Deng Ai Gets Through The Yinping Mountains; Zhuge Zhan Falls In The Battlefield Of Mianzhu.......................................................................................................................798 CHAPTER 118. Weeping At The Ancestral Temple, A Filial Prince Dies; Marching To The Western Land Of Rivers, Two Leaders Competes.............................................................................804 CHAPTER 119. The False Surrender: A Wit Scheme Becomes A Vain Plan; The Abdication: Later Seeds Learns From The Ancient...............................................................................................810 CHAPTER 120. Recommending Du Yu, An Old General Offers New Plans; Capturing Of Sun Hao, Three Kingdoms Becomes One..................................................................................................818 v Three Kingdoms Romance 1 Three Kingdoms Romance Luo Guanzhong This page formatted 2004 Blackmask Online. http://www.blackmask.com Translated by CH Brewitt−Taylor. A reprint of this title (ISBN: 1−59654−114−8) is available from silkpagoda.com • CHAPTER 1. Three Heroes Swear Brotherhood In The Peach Garden; One Victory Shatters The Rebels In Battlegrounds. • CHAPTER 2. Zhang Fei Whips The Government Officer; He Jin Plots To Kill The Eunuchs. • CHAPTER 3. In Wenming Garden, Dong Zhuo Denounces Ding Yuan; With Red−Hare, Li Su Bribes Lu Bu. • CHAPTER 4. The Deposition Of The Emperor: Prince Of Chenliu Becomes Emperor; Schemes Against Dong Zhuo: Cao Cao Presents A Sword. • CHAPTER 5. Cao Cao Appeals To The Powerful Lords; The Three Brothers Fight Against Lu Bu. • CHAPTER 6. Burning The Capital, Dong Zhuo Commits An Atrocity; Hiding The Imperial Hereditary Seal, Sun Jian Breaks Faith. • CHAPTER 7. Yuan Shao Fights Gongsun Zan At The River Pan; Sun Jian Attacks Liu Biao Across The Great River. • CHAPTER 8. Wang Yun Prepares The Chaining Scheme; Dong Zhuo Rages At Phoenix Pavilion. • CHAPTER 9. Lu Bu Kills Dong Zhuo For Wang Yun; Li Jue Attacks The Capital On Jia Xu's Advice. • CHAPTER 10. Gathering Arms, Ma Teng Moves To Rescue The Emperor; Commanding An Army, Cao Cao Marches to Avenges His Father. • CHAPTER 11. Liu Bei Rescues Kong Rong At Beihai; Lu Bu Defeats Cao Cao Near Puyang. • CHAPTER 12. Tao Qian Thrice Offers Xuzhou To Liu Bei; Cao Cao Retakes Yanzhou From Lu Bu In Battles. • CHAPTER 13. Li Jue and Guo Si Duel In Changan; The Emperor Establishes Anyi The New Capital. • CHAPTER 14. Cao Cao Moves The Court To Xuchang; Lu Bu Night−Raids Xuzhou. • CHAPTER 15. Taishi Ci Fights With The Little Prince; Sun Ce Cuts Short The White Tiger King. • CHAPTER 16. In The Camp Gate, Lu Bu Shoots The Halberd; At River Yu, Cao Cao Suffers Defeat. • CHAPTER 17. Yuan Shu Marches Out An Army Of Seven Divisions; Cao Cao And Three Generals Join Forces. • CHAPTER 18. Giving Counsels, Jia Xu Directs A Great Victory; Braving Battlefield, Xiahou Dun Loses An Eye. • CHAPTER 19. Cao Cao Fights At Xiapi; • CHAPTER 20. Cao Cao Organizes A Hunting Expedition In Xutian; Dong Cheng Receives A Secret Command In The Palace. • CHAPTER 21. In A Plum Garden, Cao Cao Discusses Heroes; Using The Host's Forces, Guan Yu Takes Xuzhou. • CHAPTER 22. Yuan Shao And Cao Cao Both Take The Field; Guan Yu And Zhang Fei Captures Two Generals. • CHAPTER 23. Mi Heng Slips His Garment And Rails At Traitors; Ji Ping Pledges To Kill The Prime Minister. • CHAPTER 24. Cao Cao Murdered The Consort Dong; Liu Bei Flees To Yuan Shao. 2 Three Kingdoms Romance • CHAPTER 25. Besieged In Tushan Mountains, Guan Yu Makes Three Conditions; The Rescue At Baima, Cao Cao Is Released. • CHAPTER 26. Yuan Shao Loses Another Leader; Guan Yu Abandons Rank And Wealth. • CHAPTER 27. The Man of Beautiful Beard Rides On A Solitary Journey; Guan Yu Slays Six Generals Through Five Passes. • CHAPTER 28. Putting Cai Yang To Death, The Brothers' Doubts Disappear; Meeting At Gucheng, Lord and Liege Fortify Each Other. • CHAPTER 29. The Little Chief Of The South Slays Yu Ji; The Green Eyed Boy Lays Hold On The South. • CHAPTER 30. Shunning Advice, Yuan Shao Loses Leaders and Granaries; Using Strategy, Cao Cao Scores Victory At Guandu. • CHAPTER 31. Cao Cao Overcomes Yuan Shao In Cangting; Liu Bei Seeks Shelter With Liu Biao In Jingzhou. • CHAPTER 32. Jizhou Taken: Yuan Shang Strives; River Zhang Cut: Xun You Schemes. • CHAPTER 33. A Gallant Warrior, Cao Pi Marries Lady Zhen; An Expiring Star, Guo Jia Settles Liaodong. • CHAPTER 34. Behind The Screen, Lady Cai Overhears A Secret; Across The Tan Torrent, The Dilu Horse Carries Its Master. • CHAPTER 35. Liu Bei Meets A Recluse At Nanzhang; Shan Fu Sees A Noble Lord At Xinye. • CHAPTER 36. Shan Fu's Strategy: Fankou Is Captured; Xu Shu's Affection: Zhuge Liang Is Recommended. • CHAPTER 37. Sima Hui Recommends A Scholar To Liu Bei; Liu Bei Pays Three Visits To The Sleeping Dragon Ridge. • CHAPTER 38. Zhuge Liang Plans For The Three Kingdoms; Sun Quan Attacks Xiakou To Take Revenges. • CHAPTER 39. At Jingzhou The Son Of Liu Biao Thrice Begs Advice; At Bowang Slope The Directing Instructor Plans His First Battle. • CHAPTER 40. Lady Cai Discusses The Renunciation of Jingzhou; Zhuge Liang Burns Xinye. • CHAPTER 41. Liu Bei Leads His People Over The River; Zhao Yun Rescues The Child Lord At Dangyang. • CHAPTER 42. Screaming Zhang Fei Stops The Enemy At Long Slope Bridge; Defeated Liu Bei Goes To Hanjin. • CHAPTER 43. Zhuge Liang Disputes With The Scholars Of The South Land; Lu Su Denounces The Majority Opinion. • CHAPTER 44. Zhuge Liang Stirs Zhou Yu To Actions; Sun Quan Decides To Attack Cao Cao. • CHAPTER 45. In The Three Gorges, Cao Cao Loses Soldiers; In The Meeting Of Heroes, Jiang Gan Is Lured Into A Ruse. • CHAPTER 46. Using Strategy, Zhuge Liang Borrows Arrows; Joining A Ruse, Huang Gai Accepts Punishment. • CHAPTER 47. Kan Ze Presents The Treacherous Letter; Pang Tong Suggests Chaining The Ship Together. • CHAPTER 48. Banquet On The Great River, Cao Cao Sings A Song; Battle On Open Water, The Northern Soldiers Fight With The Chained Ships. • CHAPTER 49. On The Seven Stars Altar, Zhuge Liang Sacrifices To The Winds; At Three Gorges, Zhou Yu Liberates The Fire. • CHAPTER 50. Zhuge Liang Foresees The Huarong Valley Episode; Guan Yu Lifts His Saber To Release Cao Cao. • CHAPTER 51. Cao Ren Fights The South Land's Troops; Zhuge Liang Angers Zhou Yu. • CHAPTER 52. Zhuge Liang Negotiates With Lu Su; Zhao Yun Captures Guiyang. • CHAPTER 53. Guan Yu Releases Huang Zhong; Sun Quan Fights With Zhang Liao. • CHAPTER 54. The Dowager Marchioness Sees Her Son−In−Law At A Temple; The Imperial Uncle Takes A Worthy Consort. • CHAPTER 55. Liu Bei Rouses The Spirit Of Lady Sun; Zhuge Liang A Second Time Angers Zhou Yu. • CHAPTER 56. Cao Cao Feasts In The Bronze Bird Tower; Zhuge Liang Provokes Zhou Yu A Third Time. 3 Three Kingdoms Romance • CHAPTER 57. Sleeping−Dragon Mourns At Chaisang; Blooming−Phoenix Intervenes At Leiyang. • CHAPTER 58. Ma Chao Launches An Expedition For Revenge; Cao Cao Flees The Field In Disguise. • CHAPTER 59. Xu Chu Strips For A Fight With Ma Chao; Cao Cao Writes A Letter To Sow Dissension. • CHAPTER 60. Zhang Song Turns The Tables On Yang Xiu; Pang Tong Proposes The Occupation Of Shu. • CHAPTER 61. In The River, Zhao Yun Recovers Liu Shan; With One Letter, Sun Quan Repulses Cao Cao. • CHAPTER 62. Taking Of River Virgo Pass, Yang Huai and Gao Pei Are Slain; Siege Of Luocheng, Huang Zhong and Wei Yan Rival. • CHAPTER 63. Zhuge Liang Mourns For Pang Tong; Zhang Fei Releases Yan Yan. • CHAPTER 64. Zhuge Liang Plans For The Capture Of Zhang Ren; Yang Fu Borrows Soldiers To Destroy Ma Chao. • CHAPTER 65. Ma Chao Battles At Jiameng Pass; Liu Bei Takes The Protectorship Of Yiazhou. • CHAPTER 66. Armed With Sword, Guan Yu Goes To A Feast Alone; For The State, Empress Fu Offers Her Life. • CHAPTER 67. Cao Cao Conquers Hanzhong; • CHAPTER 68. Gan Ning's Hundred Horsemen Raid The Northern Camp; Zuo Ci's Flung−Down Cup Fools Cao Cao. • CHAPTER 69. Guan Lu Sees Things In The Book Of Changes; Five Loyal Subjects Die For Their State. • CHAPTER 70. Zhang Fei Takes Wakou Pass By Tactics; Huang Zhong Captures Tiandang Mountain By Stratagem. • CHAPTER 71. At The Capture Of Opposite Hill, Huang Zhong Scores A Success; On The River Han, Zhao Yun Conquers A Host. • CHAPTER 72. Zhuge Liang's Wit Takes Hanzhong; Cao Cao's Army Retires To The Ye Valley. • CHAPTER 73. Liu Bei Becomes Prince Of Hanzhong; Guan Yu Attacks Xiangyang. • CHAPTER 74. Pang De Takes His Coffin On A Decisive Campaign; Guan Yu Drowns The Seven Armies. • CHAPTER 75. Guan Yu Has A Scraped−Bone Surgery; Lu Meng In White Robe Crosses The River. • CHAPTER 76. Xu Huang Fights At The River Mian; Guan Yu Retreats To Maicheng. • CHAPTER 77. Guan Yu Manifests His Sacredness At Mount of The Jade Spring; Cao Cao Is Possessed At Luoyang. • CHAPTER 78. Treating A Headache, A Famous Physician Dies; Giving The Last Words, The Crafty Hero Departs. • CHAPTER 79. Brother Oppressing Brother: Cao Zhi Composes Poems; Nephew Harming Uncle: Liu Feng Receives Punishment. • CHAPTER 80. Cao Pi Deposes The Emperor, Taking Away The Fortunes of Hans; Liu Bei Assumes The Throne, Continuing The Heritage. • CHAPTER 81. Eager For Vengeance, Zhang Fei Is Assassinated; Athirst Of Retribution, The First Ruler Goes To War. • CHAPTER 82. Sun Quan Submits To Wei, Receiving The Nine Dignities; The First Ruler Attacks Wu, Rewarding Six Armies. • CHAPTER 83. Fighting At Xiaoting, The First Ruler Captures An Enemy; Defending The Three Gorges, A Student Takes Supreme Command. • CHAPTER 84. Lu Xun Burns All Consecutive Camps; Zhuge Liang Plans The Eight−Array Maze. • CHAPTER 85. The First Ruler Confides His Son To The Guardian's Care; Zhuge Liang Calmly Settles The Five Attacks. • CHAPTER 86. Using Words, Qin Mi Overcomes Zhang Wen; Setting Fire, Xu Sheng Defeats Cao Pi. • CHAPTER 87. Conquering The South Mang, The Prime Minister Marches The Army; Opposing Heaven Troops, The King Of The Mangs Is Captured. • CHAPTER 88. Crossing River Scorpio—The Mang King Is Bound The Second Time; Recognizing A Pretended Surrender—Meng Huo Is Captured The Third Time. • CHAPTER 89. The Lord of Wuxiang Uses The Fourth Ruse; The King of Mang Is Captured The Fifth Time. 4 Three Kingdoms Romance • CHAPTER 90. Chasing Off Wild Beasts, The Prime Minister Defeats The Mangs For The Sixth Time; Burning Rattan Armors, Zhuge Liang Captures Meng Huo The Seventh Time. • CHAPTER 91. Sacrificing At River Scorpio, The Prime Minister Marches Homeward; Attacking Wei, The Lord Of Wuxiang Presents A Memorial. • CHAPTER 92. Zhao Yun Slays Five Generals; Zhuge Liang Takes Three Cities. • CHAPTER 93. Jiang Wei Goes Over To Zhuge Liang; Zhuge Liang's Reviles Kill Wang Lang. • CHAPTER 94. Zhuge Liang Defeats The Qiangs In A Snowstorm; Sima Yi Quickly Captures Meng Da. • CHAPTER 95. Ma Su's Disobedience Causes The Loss Of Jieting; Zhuge Liang's Lute Repulses Sima Yi. • CHAPTER 96. Shedding Tears, Zhuge Liang Puts Ma Su To Death; Cutting Hair, Zhou Fang Beguiles Cao Xiu. • CHAPTER 97. Sending A Second Memorial, Zhuge Liang Renews The Attack On Wei; Forging A Letter, Jiang Wei Defeats The Northern Army. • CHAPTER 98. Pursuing The Shu Army, Wang Shuang Meets His Death; Raiding Chencang, Zhuge Liang Scores A Victory. • CHAPTER 99. Zhuge Liang Defeats The Wei Army; Sima Yi Invades The Western Land Of Rivers. • CHAPTER 100. Raiding A Camp, The Shu Soldiers Defeat Cao Zhen; Contesting Array Battles, Zhuge Liang Shames Sima Yi. • CHAPTER 101. Going Out From Longshang, Zhuge Liang Dresses As A God; Dashing Toward Saber Pass, Zhang He Falls Into A Snare. • CHAPTER 102. Sima Yi Occupies The Banks Of River Taurus; Zhuge Liang Constructs Mechanical Bullocks And Horses. • CHAPTER 103. In Gourd Valley, Sima Yi Is Trapped; In Wuzhang Hills, Zhuge Liang Invokes The Stars. • CHAPTER 104. A Falling Star: The Prime Minister Ascends To Heaven; A Wooden Statue: The Commander−in−Chief Is Terrified. • CHAPTER 105. The Lord of Wuxiang Leaves A Plan In The Silken Bag; The Ruler of Wei Removes The Bronze Statue With The Dew Bowl. • CHAPTER 106. Suffering Defeat, Gongsun Yuan Meets His Death In Xiangping; Pretending Illness, Sima Yi Deceives Cao Shuang. • CHAPTER 107. The Ruler of Wei Hands Over The Power To Sima Yi; Jiang Wei Is Defeated At Ox Head Hills. • CHAPTER 108. In The Snow, Ding Feng Wins A Victory; At A Banquet, Sun Jun Executes A Secret Plan. • CHAPTER 109. A Ruse Of A Han General: Sima Zhao Is Surrounded; Retribution For The House Of Wei: Cao Fang Is Dethroned. • CHAPTER 110. Riding Alone, Wen Yang Repulses A Brave Force; Following The River, Jiang Wei Defeats The Enemy. • CHAPTER 111. Deng Ai Outwits Jiang Wei; • CHAPTER 112. Rescuing Shouchun, Yu Quan Dies Nobly; Attacking Changcheng, Jiang Wei Mobilizes. • CHAPTER 113. Ding Feng Makes A Plan To Slay Sun Chen; Jiang Wei Arrays A Battle To Defeat Deng Ai. • CHAPTER 114. Driving To The South Gate, Cao Mao Plunges Into Death; Abandoning Stores, Jiang Wei Defeats The Wei Army. • CHAPTER 115. Listening To Slander, The Latter Ruler Recalls His Army; Living In Farms, Jiang Wei Avoids Disaster. • CHAPTER 116. On Hanzhong Roads, Zhong Hui Divides The Army; In Dingjun Mountain, The Martial Lord Shows His Apparition. • CHAPTER 117. Deng Ai Gets Through The Yinping Mountains; Zhuge Zhan Falls In The Battlefield Of Mianzhu. • CHAPTER 118. Weeping At The Ancestral Temple, A Filial Prince Dies; Marching To The Western Land Of Rivers, Two Leaders Competes. • CHAPTER 119. The False Surrender: A Wit Scheme Becomes A Vain Plan; The Abdication: Later Seeds Learns From The Ancient. 5 Three Kingdoms Romance • CHAPTER 120. Recommending Du Yu, An Old General Offers New Plans; Capturing Of Sun Hao, Three Kingdoms Becomes One. 6 Three Kingdoms Romance CHAPTER 1. Three Heroes Swear Brotherhood In The Peach Garden; One Victory Shatters The Rebels In Battlegrounds. Domains under heaven, after a long period of division, tends to unite; after a long period of union, tends to divide. This has been so since antiquity. When the rule of the Zhou Dynasty weakened, seven contending kingdoms sprang up, warring one with another until the kingdom of Qin prevailed and possessed the empire. But when Qin's destiny had been fulfilled, arose two opposing kingdoms, Chu and Han, to fight for the mastery. And Han was the victor. The rise of the fortunes of Han began when Liu Bang the Supreme Ancestor slew a white serpent to raise the banners of uprising, which only ended when the whole empire belonged to Han (BC 202). This magnificent heritage was handed down in successive Han emperors for two hundred years, till the rebellion of Wang Mang caused a disruption. But soon Liu Xiu the Latter Han Founder restored the empire, and Han emperors continued their rule for another two hundred years till the days of Emperor Xian, which were doomed to see the beginning of the empire's division into three parts, known to history as The Three Kingdoms. But the descent into misrule hastened in the reigns of the two predecessors of Emperor Xian—Emperors Huan and Ling—who sat in the Dragon Throne about the middle of the second century. Emperor Huan paid no heed to the good people of his court, but gave his confidence to the Palace eunuchs. He lived and died, leaving the scepter to Emperor Ling, whose advisers were Regent Marshal Dou Wu and Imperial Guardian Chen Fan. Dou Wu and Chen Fan, disgusted with the abuses of the eunuchs in the affairs of the state, plotted the destruction for the power−abusing eunuchs. But Chief Eunuch Cao Jie was not to be disposed of easily. The plot leaked out, and the honest Dou Wu and Chen Fan were put to death, leaving the eunuchs stronger than before. It fell upon the day of full moon of the fourth month, the second year, in the era of Established Calm (AD 169), that Emperor Ling went in state to the Hall of Virtue. As he drew near the throne, a rushing whirlwind arose in the corner of the hall and, lo! from the roof beams floated down a monstrous black serpent that coiled itself up on the very seat of majesty. The Emperor fell in a swoon. Those nearest him hastily raised and bore him to his palace while the courtiers scattered and fled. The serpent disappeared. But there followed a terrific tempest, thunder, hail, and torrents of rain, lasting till midnight and working havoc on all sides. Two years later the earth quaked in Capital Luoyang, while along the coast a huge tidal wave rushed in which, in its recoil, swept away all the dwellers by the sea. Another evil omen was recorded ten years later, when the reign title was changed to Radiant Harmony (AD 179): certain hens suddenly crowed. At the new moon of the sixth month, a long wreath of murky cloud wound its way into the Hall of Virtue, while in the following month a rainbow was seen in the Dragon Chamber. Away from the capital, a part of the Five Mountains collapsed, leaving a mighty rift in the flank. Such were some of various omens. Emperor Ling, greatly moved by these signs of the displeasure of Heaven, issued an edict asking his ministers for an explanation of the calamities and marvels. A court counselor, Cai Yong, replied bluntly: “Falling rainbows and changes of fowls' sexes are brought about by the interference of empresses and eunuchs in state affairs.” The Emperor read this memorial with deep sighs, and Chief Eunuch Cao Jie, from his place behind the throne, anxiously noted these signs of grief. An opportunity offering, Cao Jie informed his fellows, and a charge was trumped up against Cai Yong, who was driven from the court and forced to retire to his country house. With this victory the eunuchs grew bolder. Ten of them, rivals in wickedness and associates in evil deeds, formed a powerful party known as the Ten Regular Attendants—Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, Cheng Kuang, Duan Gui, Feng Xu, Guo Sheng, Hou Lan, Jian Shuo, Cao Jie, and Xia Yun. One of them, Zhang Rang, won such influence that he became the Emperor's most honored and trusted adviser. The Emperor even called him “Foster Father.” So the corrupt state administration went quickly from bad to worse, till the country was ripe for rebellion and buzzed with brigandage. At this time in the county of Julu was a certain Zhang family, of whom three brothers bore the name of 7 Three Kingdoms Romance Zhang Jue, Zhang Bao, and Zhang Liang, respectively. The eldest Zhang Jue was an unclassed graduate, who devoted himself to medicine. One day, while culling simples in the woods, Zhang Jue met a venerable old gentleman with very bright, emerald eyes and fresh complexion, who walked with an oak−wood staff. The old man beckoned Zhang Jue into a cave and there gave him three volumes of the “Book of Heaven.” “This book,” said the old gentleman, “is the Way of Peace. With the aid of these volumes, you can convert the world and rescue humankind. But you must be single−minded, or, rest assured, you will greatly suffer.” With a humble obeisance, Zhang Jue took the book and asked the name of his benefactor. “I am Saint Hermit of the Southern Land,” was the reply, as the old gentleman disappeared in thin air. Zhang Jue studied the wonderful book eagerly and strove day and night to reduce its precepts to practice. Before long, he could summon the winds and command the rain, and he became known as the Mystic of the Way of Peace. In the first month of the first year of Central Stability (AD 184), there was a terrible pestilence that ran throughout the land, whereupon Zhang Jue distributed charmed remedies to the afflicted. The godly medicines brought big successes, and soon he gained the tittle of the Wise and Worthy Master. He began to have a following of disciples whom he initiated into the mysteries and sent abroad throughout all the land. They, like their master, could write charms and recite formulas, and their fame increased his following. Zhang Jue began to organize his disciples. He established thirty−six circuits, the larger with ten thousand or more members, the smaller with about half that number. Each circuit had its chief who took the military title of General. They talked wildly of the death of the blue heaven and the setting up of the golden one; they said a new cycle was beginning and would bring universal good fortune to all members; and they persuaded people to chalk the symbols for the first year of the new cycle on the main door of their dwellings. With the growth of the number of his supporters grew also the ambition of Zhang Jue. The Wise and Worthy Master dreamed of empire. One of his partisans, Ma Yuanyi, was sent bearing gifts to gain the support of the eunuchs within the Palace. To his brothers Zhang Jue said, “For schemes like ours always the most difficult part is to gain the popular favor. But that is already ours. Such an opportunity must not pass.” And they began to prepare. Many yellow flags and banners were made, and a day was chosen for the uprising. Then Zhang Jue wrote letters to Eunuch Feng Xu and sent them by one of his followers, Tang Zhou, who alas! betrayed his trust and reported the plot to the court. The Emperor summoned the trusty Regent Marshal He Jin and bade him look to the issue. Ma Yuanyi was at once taken and beheaded. Feng Xu and many others were cast into prison. The plot having thus become known, the Zhang brothers were forced at once to take the field. They took up grandiose titles: Zhang Jue the Lord of Heaven, Zhang Bao the Lord of Earth, and Zhang Liang the Lord of Human. And in these names they put forth this manifesto: “The good fortune of the Han is exhausted, and the Wise and Worthy Man has appeared. Discern the will of Heaven, O ye people, and walk in the way of righteousness, whereby alone ye may attain to peace.” Support was not lacking. On every side people bound their heads with yellow scarves and joined the army of the rebel Zhang Jue, so that soon his strength was nearly half a million strong, and the official troops melted away at a whisper of his coming. Regent Marshal and Guardian of the Throne, He Jin, memorialized for general preparations against the Yellow Scarves, and an edict called upon every one to fight against the rebels. In the meantime, three Imperial Commanders—Lu Zhi, Huangfu Song, and Zhu Jun—marched against them in three directions with veteran soldiers. Meanwhile Zhang Jue led his army into Youzhou, the northeastern region of the empire. The Imperial Protector of Youzhou was Liu Yan, a scion of the Imperial House. Learning of the approach of the rebels, Liu Yan called in Commander Zhou Jing to consult over the position. Zhou Jing said, “They are many and we few. We must enlist more troops to oppose them.” Liu Yan agreed and he put out notices calling for volunteers to serve against the rebels. One of these notices was posted up in the county of Zhuo, where lived one man of high spirit. This man was no mere bookish scholar, nor found he any pleasure in study. But he was liberal and amiable, albeit a man of few words, hiding all feeling under a calm exterior. He had always cherished a 8 Three Kingdoms Romance yearning for high enterprise and had cultivated the friendship of humans of mark. He was tall of stature. His ears were long, the lobes touching his shoulders, and his hands hung down below his knees. His eyes were very big and prominent so that he could see backward past his ears. His complexion was as clear as jade, and he had rich red lips. He was a descendant of Prince Faubus of Zhongshan whose father was the Emperor Myers, the occupant of the Dragon Throne a century and a half BC. His name was Liu Bei. Many years before, one of his forbears had been the governor of that very county, but had lost his rank for remissness in ceremonial offerings. However, that branch of the family had remained on in the place, gradually becoming poorer and poorer as the years rolled on. His father Liu Hong had been a scholar and a virtuous official but died young. The widow and orphan were left alone, and Liu Bei as a lad won a reputation for filial piety. At this time the family had sunk deep in poverty, and Liu Bei gained his living by selling straw sandals and weaving grass mats. The family home was in a village near the chief city of Zhuo. Near the house stood a huge mulberry tree, and seen from afar its curved profile resembled the canopy of a wagon. Noting the luxuriance of its foliage, a soothsayer had predicted that one day a man of distinction would come forth from the family. As a child, Liu Bei played with the other village children beneath this tree, and he would climb up into it, saying, “I am the Son of Heaven, and this is my chariot .” His uncle, Liu Yuanqi, recognized that Liu Bei was no ordinary boy and saw to it that the family did not come to actual want. When Liu Bei was fifteen, his mother sent him traveling for his education. For a time he served Zheng Xuan and Lu Zhi as masters. And he became great friends with Gongsun Zan. Liu Bei was twenty−eight when the outbreak of the Yellow Scarves called for soldiers. The sight of the notice saddened him, and he sighed as he read it. Suddenly a rasping voice behind him cried, “Sir, why sigh if you do nothing to help your country?” Turning quickly he saw standing there a man about his own height, with a bullet head like a leopard's, large eyes, a swallow pointed chin, and whiskers like a tiger's. He spoke in a loud bass voice and looked as irresistible as a dashing horse. At once Liu Bei saw he was no ordinary man and asked who he was. “Zhang Fei is my name,” replied the stranger. “I live near here where I have a farm; and I am a wine seller and a butcher as well; and I like to become acquainted with worthy humans. Your sighs as you read the notice drew me toward you.” Liu Bei replied, “I am of the Imperial Family, Liu Bei is my name. And I wish I could destroy these Yellow Scarves and restore peace to the land, but alas! I am helpless.” “I have the means,” said Zhang Fei. “Suppose you and I raised some troops and tried what we could do.” This was happy news for Liu Bei, and the two betook themselves to the village inn to talk over the project. As they were drinking, a huge, tall fellow appeared pushing a hand−cart along the road. At the threshold he halted and entered the inn to rest awhile and he called for wine. “And be quick,” added he, “for I am in haste to get into the town and offer myself for the army.” Liu Bei looked over the newcomer, item by item, and he noted the man had a huge frame, a long beard, a vivid face like an apple, and deep red lips. He had eyes like a phoenix's and fine bushy eyebrows like silkworms. His whole appearance was dignified and awe−inspiring. Presently, Liu Bei crossed over, sat down beside him and asked his name. “I am Guan Yu,” replied he. “I am a native of the east side of the river, but I have been a fugitive on the waters for some five years, because I slew a ruffian who, since he was powerful, was a bully. I have come to join the army here.” Then Liu Bei told Guan Yu his own intentions, and all three went away to Zhang Fei's farm where they could talk over the grand project. Said Zhang Fei, “The peach trees in the orchard behind the house are just in full flower. Tomorrow we will institute a sacrifice there and solemnly declare our intention before Heaven and Earth. And we three will swear brotherhood and unity of aims and sentiments; thus will we enter upon our great task.” Both Liu Bei and Guan Yu gladly agreed. All three being of one mind, next day they prepared the sacrifices, a black ox, a white horse, and wine for libation. Beneath the smoke of the incense burning on the altar, they bowed their heads and recited this oath: “We three—Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei—though of different families, swear brotherhood, and promise mutual help to one end. We will rescue each other in difficulty; we will aid each other in danger. We 9 Three Kingdoms Romance swear to serve the state and save the people. We ask not the same day of birth, but we seek to die together. May Heaven, the all−ruling, and Earth, the all−producing, read our hearts; and if we turn aside from righteousness or forget kindliness, may Heaven and Human smite us!” They rose from their knees. The two others bowed before Liu Bei as their elder brother, and Zhang Fei was to be the youngest of the trio. This solemn ceremony performed, they slew other oxen and made a feast to which they invited the villagers. Three hundred joined them, and all feasted and drank deep in the Peach Garden. The next day weapons were mustered. But there were no horses to ride. This was a real grief, but soon they were cheered by the arrival of two horse dealers with a drove of horses. “Thus does Heaven help us,” said Liu Bei. And the three brothers went forth to welcome the merchants. They were Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang from Zhongshan. They went northwards every year to buy horses. They were now on their way home because of the Yellow Scarves. The brothers invited them to the farm, where wine was served before them. Then Liu Bei told them of the plan to strive for tranquillity. Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang were glad and at once gave the brothers fifty good steeds, and beside, five hundred ounces of gold and silver and one thousand five hundred pounds of steel fit for the forging of weapons. The brothers expressed their gratitude, and the merchants took their leave. Then blacksmiths were summoned to forge weapons. For Liu Bei they made a pair of ancient swords; for Guan Yu they fashioned a long−handled, curve blade called Green−Dragon Saber, which weighed a full one hundred twenty pounds; and for Zhang Fei they created a ten−foot spear called Octane−Serpent Halberd. Each too had a helmet and full armor. When weapons were ready, the troop, now five hundred strong, marched to Commander Zhou Jing, who presented them to Imperial Protector Liu Yan. When the ceremony of introduction was over, Liu Bei declared his ancestry, and Liu Yan at once accorded him the esteem due to a relation. Before many days it was announced that the rebellion had actually broken out, and a Yellow Scarves chieftain, Cheng Yuanzhi, had invaded the region with a body of fifty thousand rebels. Liu Yan bade Zhou Jing and the three brothers to go out to oppose them with the five hundred troops. Liu Bei joyfully undertook to lead the van and marched to the foot of the Daxing Hills where they saw the rebels. The rebels wore their hair flying about their shoulders, and their foreheads were bound with yellow scarves. When the two armies had been drawn up opposite each other, Liu Bei rode to the front, Guan Yu to his left, Zhang Fei to his right. Flourishing his whip, Liu Bei began to hurl reproaches at the rebels, crying, “O malcontents! Why not dismount and be bound?” Their leader Cheng Yuanzhi, full of rage, sent out one general, Deng Mao, to begin the battle. At once rode forward Zhang Fei, his octane−serpent halberd poised to strike. One thrust and Deng Mao rolled off his horse, pierced through the heart. At this Cheng Yuanzhi himself whipped up his steed and rode forth with sword raised ready to slay Zhang Fei. But Guan Yu swung up his ponderous green−dragon saber and rode at Cheng Yuanzhi. At the sight fear seized upon Cheng Yuanzhi, and before he could defend himself, the great saber fell, cutting him in halves. Two heroes new to war's alarms, Ride boldly forth to try their arms. Their doughty deeds three kingdoms tell, And poets sing how these befell. Their leader fallen, the rebels threw away their weapons and fled. The official soldiers dashed in among them. Many thousands surrendered and the victory was complete. Thus this part of the rebellion was broken up. On their return, Liu Yan personally met them and distributed rewards. But the next day, letters came from Imperial Protector Gong Jing of Qingzhou saying that the rebels were laying siege to the chief city and it was near falling. Help was needed quickly. “I will go,” said Liu Bei as soon as he heard the news. And he set out at once with his own soldiers, reinforced by a body of five thousand under Zhou Jing. The rebels, seeing help coming, at once attacked most fiercely. The relieving force being comparatively small 10 Three Kingdoms Romance could not prevail and retired some ten miles, where they made a camp. “They are many and we but few,” said Liu Bei to his brothers. “We can only beat them by superior strategy.” So they prepared an ambush. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, each with a goodly party, went behind the hills, right and left, and there hid. When the gongs beat they were to move out to support the main army. These preparations made, the drums rolled noisily for Liu Bei to advance. The rebels also came forward. But Liu Bei suddenly retired. Thinking this was their chance, the rebels pressed forward and were led over the hills. Then suddenly the gongs sounded for the ambush. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei poured out from right and left as Liu Bei faced around to meet the rebels. Under three−side attack, the rebels lost heavily and fled to the walls of Qingzhou City. But Imperial Protector Gong Jing led out an armed body to attack them, and the rebels were entirely defeated and many slain. Qingzhou was no longer in danger. Though fierce as tigers soldiers be, Battle are won by strategy. A hero comes; he gains renown, Already destined for a crown. After the celebrations in honor of victory were over, Commander Zhou Jing proposed to return to Youzhou. But Liu Bei said, “We are informed that Imperial Commander Lu Zhi has been struggling with a horde of rebels led by Zhang Jue at Guangzong. Lu Zhi was once my teacher, and I want to go to help him.” So Liu Bei and Zhou Jing separated, and the three brothers with their troops made their way of Guangzong. They found Lu Zhi's camp, were admitted to his presence, and declared the reason of their coming. The Commander received them with great joy, and they remained with him while he made his plans. At that time Zhang Jue's one hundred fifty thousand troops and Lu Zhi's fifty thousand troops were facing each other. Neither had had any success. Lu Zhi said to Liu Bei, “I am able to surround these rebels here. But the other two brothers, Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang, are strongly entrenched opposite Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun at Yingchuan. I will give you a thousand more troops, and with these you can go to find out what is happening, and we can then settle the moment for concerted attack.” So Liu Bei set off and marched as quickly as possible to Yingchuan. At that time the imperial troops were attacking with success, and the rebels had retired upon Changshe. They had encamped among the thick grass. Seeing this, Huangfu Song said to Zhu Jun, “The rebels are camping in the field. We can attack them by fire.” So the Imperial Commanders bade every man cut a bundle of dry grass and laid an ambush. That night the wind blew a gale, and at the second watch they started a blaze. At the same time Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun's troops attacked the rebels and set their camp on fire. The flames rose to the very heaven. The rebels were thrown into great confusion. There was no time to saddle horses or don armor; they fled in all directions. The battle continued until dawn. Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao, with a group of flying rebels, found a way of escape. But suddenly a troop of soldiers with crimson banners appeared to oppose them. Their leader was a man of medium stature with small eyes and a long beard. He was Cao Cao, a Beijuo man, holding the rank of General of the Flying Cavalry. His father was Cao Song, but he was not really a Cao. Cao Song had been born to the Xiahou family, but he had been brought up by Eunuch Cao Teng and had taken this family name. As a young man Cao Cao had been fond of hunting and delighted in songs and dancing. He was resourceful and full of guile. An uncle, seeing the young fellow so unsteady, used to get angry with him and told his father of his misdeeds. His father remonstrated with him. But Cao Cao made equal to the occasion. One day, seeing his uncle coming, he fell to the ground in a pretended fit. The uncle alarmed ran to tell his father, who came, and there was the youth in most perfect health. “But your uncle said you were in a fit; are you better?” said his father. “I have never suffered from fits or any such illness,” said Cao Cao. “But I have lost my uncle's affection, and he has deceived you.” Thereafter, whatever the uncle might say of his faults, his father paid no heed. So the young man grew up licentious and uncontrolled. A man of the time named Qiao Xuan said to Cao Cao, “Rebellion is at hand, and only a man of the greatest 11 Three Kingdoms Romance ability can succeed in restoring tranquillity. That man is yourself.” And Ho Yo of Nanyang said of him, “The dynasty of Han is about to fall. He who can restore peace is this man and only he.” Cao Cao went to inquire his future of a wise man of Runan named Xu Shao. “What manner of man am I?” asked Cao Cao. The seer made no reply, and again and again Cao Cao pressed the question. Then Xu Shao replied, “In peace you are an able subject; in chaos you are a crafty hero!” Cao Cao greatly rejoiced to hear this. Cao Cao graduated at twenty and earned a reputation of piety and integrity. He began his career in a county near Capital Luoyang. In the four gates of the city he ruled, he hung up clubs of various sorts, and he would punish any breach of the law whatever the rank of the offender. Now an uncle of Eunuch Jian Shuo was found one night in the streets with a sword and was arrested. In due course he was beaten. Thereafter no one dared to offend again, and Cao Cao's name became heard. Soon he became a magistrate of Dunqiu. At the outbreak of the Yellow Scarves, Cao Cao held the rank of General and was given command of five thousand horse and foot to help fight at Yingchuan. He just happened to fall in with the newly defeated rebels whom he cut to pieces. Thousands were slain and endless banners and drums and horses were captured, together with huge sums of money. However Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang got away; and after an interview with Huangfu Song, Cao Cao went in pursuit of them. Meanwhile Liu Bei and his brothers were hastening toward Yingchuan, when they heard the din of battle and saw flames rising high toward the sky. However, they arrived too late for the fighting. They saw Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun to whom they told the intentions of Lu Zhi. “The rebel power is quite broken here,” said the commanders, “but they will surely make for Guangzong to join Zhang Jue. You can do nothing better than hasten back.” The three brothers thus retraced their steps. Half way along the road they met a party of soldiers escorting a prisoner in a cage−cart. When they drew near, they saw the prisoner was no other than the man they were going to help. Hastily dismounting, Liu Bei asked what had happened. Lu Zhi explained, “I had surrounded the rebels and was on the point of smashing them, when Zhang Jue employed some of his supernatural powers and prevented my victory. The court sent down Eunuch Zhuo Feng to inquire into my failure, and that official demanded a bribe. I told him how hard pressed we were and asked him where, in the circumstances, I could find a gift for him. He went away in wrath and reported that I was hiding behind my ramparts and would not give battle and that I disheartened my army. So I was superseded by Dong Zhuo, and I have to go to the capital to answer the charge.” This story put Zhang Fei into a rage. He was for slaying the escort and setting free Lu Zhi. But Liu Bei checked him. “The government will take the proper course,” said Liu Bei. “You must not act hastily!” And the escort and the three brothers went two ways. It was useless to continue on that road to Guangzong, so Guan Yu proposed to go back to Zhuo, and they retook the road. Two days later they heard the thunder of battle behind some hills. Hastening to the top, they beheld the government soldiers suffering great loss, and they saw the countryside was full of Yellow Scarves. On the rebels' banners were the words “Zhang Jue the Lord of Heaven” written large. “We will attack this Zhang Jue!” said Liu Bei to his brothers, and they galloped out to join in the battle. Zhang Jue had worsted Dong Zhuo and was following up his advantage. He was in hot pursuit when the three brothers dashed into his army, threw his ranks into confusion, and drove him back fifteen miles. Then the brothers returned with the rescued general to his camp. “What offices have you?” asked Dong Zhuo, when he had leisure to speak to the brothers. “None,” replied they. And Dong Zhuo treated them with disrespect. Liu Bei retired calmly, but Zhang Fei was furious. “We have just rescued this menial in a bloody fight,” cried Zhang Fei, “and now he is rude to us! Nothing but his death can slake my anger.” Zhang Fei stamped toward Dong Zhuo's tent, holding firmly a sharp sword. As it was in olden time so it is today, 12 Three Kingdoms Romance The simple wight may merit well, Officialdom holds sway; Zhang Fei, the blunt and hasty, Where can you find his peer? But slaying the ungrateful would Mean many deaths a year. Dong Zhuo's fate will be unrolled in later chapters. 13 Three Kingdoms Romance CHAPTER 2. Zhang Fei Whips The Government Officer; He Jin Plots To Kill The Eunuchs. Dong Zhuo was born in the far northwest at Lintao in Longxi. As the governor of Hedong, Dong Zhuo himself was arrogant and overbearing. But the day he had treated Liu Bei with contumely had been his last, had not Liu Bei and Guan Yu restrained their wrathful brother Zhang Fei. “Remember he has the government commission;” said Liu Bei, “who are we to judge and slay?” “It is bitter to take orders from such a wretch; I would rather slay him! You may stay here if you wish to, but I will seek some other place,” said Zhang Fei. “We three are one in life and in death; there is no parting for us. We will all go hence.” So spoke Liu Bei, and his brother was satisfied. Wherefore all three set out and lost no time in traveling until they came to Zhu Jun, who received them well and accepted their aid in attacking Zhang Bao. At this time Cao Cao had joined himself to Huangfu Song, and they were trying to destroy Zhang Liang, and there was a great battle at Quyang. Zhang Bao was commanding some eighty thousand troops. The rebel had led his army to a strong position in the rear of the hills. An attack being decided upon, Liu Bei was the van leader. On the rebel side a general of Zhang Bao, Gao Sheng, came out to offer battle. Liu Bei sent Zhang Fei to smite Gao Sheng. Out rode Zhang Fei at full speed, his spear ready set. After a few bouts Zhang Fei wounded Gao Sheng, who was unhorsed. At this Liu Bei signaled the main army to advance. Then Zhang Bao, while still mounted, loosened his hair, grasped his sword, and uttered his incantations. Thereupon began the wind to howl and the thunder to roll, while a dense black cloud from the heavens settled upon the field. And therein seemed to be horsemen and footmen innumerable, who swept to attack the imperial troops. Fear came upon them, and Liu Bei led off his troops, but they were in disorder and returned defeated. Zhu Jun and Liu Bei considered the matter. “Zhang Bao uses magic,” said Zhu Jun. “Tomorrow, then, will I prepare counter magic in the shape of the blood of slaughtered swine and goats and dogs. This blood shall be sprinkled upon their hosts from the precipices above by soldiers in ambush. Thus shall we be able to break the power of their shamanic art.” So it was done. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei took each a thousand troops and hid them on the high cliffs behind the hills, and they had a plentiful supply of the blood of swine and goats and dogs and all manners of filthy things. And so next day, when the rebels with fluttering banners and rolling drums came out to challenge, Liu Bei rode forth to meet them. At the same moment that the armies met, again Zhang Bao began his magic and again the elements began to struggle together. Sand flew in clouds, pebbles were swept along the ground, black masses of vapor filled the sky, and rolling masses of foot and horse descended from on high. Liu Bei turned, as before, to flee and the rebels rushed on. But as they pressed through the hills, the trumpets blared, and the hidden soldiers exploded bombs, threw down filth and spattered blood. The masses of soldiers and horses in the air fluttered to the earth as fragments of torn paper, the wind ceased to blow, the thunder subsided, the sand sank, and the pebbles lay still upon the ground. Zhang Bao quickly saw his magic had been countered and turned to retire. Then he was attacked on the flanks by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and in rear by Liu Bei and Zhu Jun. The rebels were routed. Liu Bei, seeing from afar the banner of “Zhang Bao The Lord of Earth,” galloped toward it but only succeeded in wounding Zhang Bao with an arrow in the left arm. Wounded though he was, Zhang Bao got away into the city of Yangcheng, where he fortified himself and was besieged by Zhu Jun. Scouts, sent out to get news of Huangfu Song, reported: “Commander Huangfu Song had been very successful, and Dong Zhuo had suffered many reverses. Therefore the court put Huangfu Song in the latter's place. Zhang Jue had died before Huangfu Song's arrival. Zhang Liang had added his brother's army to his own, but no headway could be made against Huangfu Song, whose army gained seven successive victories. And Zhang Liang was slain at Quyang. Beside this, Zhang Jue's coffin was exhumed, the corpse beheaded, and the head, after exposure, was sent to Capital Luoyang. The common crowd had surrendered. For these services Huangfu Song was promoted to General of the Flying Cavalry and the Imperial Protector of Jizhou. 14 Three Kingdoms Romance “Huangfu Song did not forgotten his friends. His first act after he had attained to power was to memorialize the Throne concerning the case of Lu Zhi, who was then restored to his former rank for his meritorious conducts. Cao Cao also received advancement for his services and was preparing to go to Jinan to his new post.” Hearing these things Zhu Jun pressed harder yet upon Yangcheng, and the approaching break−up of the rebellion became evident. Then one of Zhang Bao's officers, Yan Zheng, killed his leader and brought the head in token of submission. Thus rebellion in that part of the country was stamped out, and Zhu Jun made his report to the government. However, the embers of the Yellow Scarves still smoldered. Three other rebels, Zhao Hong, Han Zhong, and Sun Zhong, gathered some thirty thousand rebels and began to murder and rob and burn, calling themselves the avengers of Master Zhang Jue. The court commanded the successful Zhu Jun to lead his veteran and successful troops to destroy the rebels. He at once marched toward the city of Wancheng which the rebels were holding. When Zhu Jun arrived, Han Zhong went to oppose him. Zhu Jun sent Liu Bei and his brothers to attack the southwest corner of the city. Han Zhong at once led the best of his troops to defend the city. Meanwhile Zhu Jun himself led two thousand of armored horsemen to attack the opposite corner. The rebels, thinking the city being lost, abandoned the southwest and turned back into the city to help the defenders. Liu Bei pressed hotly in their rear, and they were utterly routed. They took refuge in the city which was then invested. When famine pressed upon the besieged, they sent a messenger to offer to surrender, but Zhu Jun refused the offer. Said Liu Bei to Zhu Jun, “Seeing that the founder of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang the Supreme Ancestor, could welcome the submissive and receive the favorable, why reject these?” “The conditions are different,” replied Zhu Jun. “In those old days disorder was universal and the people had no fixed lord. Wherefore submission was welcomed and support rewarded to encourage people to come over. Now the empire is united, and the Yellow Scarves are the only malcontents. To receive their surrender is not to encourage the good. To allow brigands, when successful, is to give way to every license, and to let them surrender when they fail is to encourage brigandage. Your plan is not a good one.” Liu Bei replied, “Not to let brigands surrender is well. But the city is surrounded as by an iron barrel. If the rebels' request be refused, they will be desperate and fight to the death, and we can hardly withstood a myriad of such men. Moreover, in the city there are many times that number, all doomed to death. Let us withdraw from one corner and only attack the opposite. They will all assuredly flee and have no desire to fight. We shall take them.” Zhu Jun saw that the advice was good and followed it. As predicted the rebels ran out, led by Han Zhong. The besiegers fell upon them as they fled, and Han Zhong was slain. The rebels scattered in all directions. But the other two rebel chieftains, Zhao Hong and Sun Zhong, came with large reinforcements, and as they appeared very strong, the imperial soldiers retired, and the new body of rebels reentered Wancheng. Zhu Jun encamped three miles from the city and prepared to attack. Just then there arrived a body of horse and foot from the east. At the lead was one general with a broad open face, a body as an alert tiger's, and a torso as a lofty bear's. His name was Sun Jian. He was a native of Fuchun in the old state of Wu, a descendant of the famous Sun Zi the Strategist. When he was seventeen, Sun Jian was with his father on the River Qiantang and saw a party of pirates, who had been plundering a merchant, dividing their booty on the river bank. “We can capture these,” said he to his father. So, gripping his sword, he ran boldly up the bank and cried out to this side and that as if he was calling his men to come on. This made the pirates believe the soldiers were on them and they fled, leaving their booty behind them. He actually killed one of the pirates. In this way be became known and was recommended for office. Then, in collaboration with the local officials, he raised a band of one thousand and helped to quell the rebellion of one Xu Chang who called himself the Sun Emperor and had ten thousand supporters. The rebel's son Xu Shao was also slain with his father. For this Sun Jian was commended by Imperial Protector Zang Min in a memorial to the Throne, and he received further promotion to the post of magistrate of Yandu, then of Xuyi, and then of Xiapi. 15 Three Kingdoms Romance When the Yellow Scarves rebellion began, Sun Jian gathered together the youths of his village, some of the merchant class, got a troop of one thousand five hundred of veteran soldiers and took the field. Now he had reached the fighting area. Zhu Jun welcomed Sun Jian gladly and ordered him to attack the south gate of Wancheng. The north and the west gates were simultaneously attacked by Liu Bei and Zhu Jun, but the east gate was left free to give the rebels a chance of exit. Sun Jian was the first to mount the wall and cut down more than twenty rebels with his own sword. The rebels ran, but the leader Zhao Hong rode directly at Sun Jian with his spear ready to thrust. Sun Jian leaped down from the wall, snatched away the spear and with it knocked Zhao Hong from the horse. Then Sun Jian, mounting Zhao Hong's horse, rode hither and thither, slaying as he went. The rebels fled north. Meeting Liu Bei, they declined to fight and scattered. But Liu Bei drew his bow, fitted an arrow, and shot their leader Sun Zhong, who fell to the ground. The main army of Zhu Jun came up, and after tremendous slaughter, the rebels surrendered. Thus was peace brought to the ten counties about the Nanyang area. Zhu Jun returned to Capital Luoyang, was promoted to the General of the Flying Cavalry, and received the governorship of Henan. He did not forget those who had helped him to win victory. Thus he reported the merits of Liu Bei and Sun Jian to the Throne. Sun Jian, having influential friends and connections to support him, quickly got an appointment to a post of Commander of Changsha and went to assume the new office. But Liu Bei, in spite of Zhu Jun's memorial, waited in vain for preferment, and the three brothers became very sad. Walking along one day in the capital, Liu Bei met a court official, Zhang Jun, to whom he related his services and told his sorrows. Zhang Jun was much surprised at this neglect and one day at court spoke to the Emperor about it. Said he, “The Yellow Scarves rebelled because the eunuchs sold offices and bartered ranks. There was employment only for their friends, punishment only for their enemies. This led to rebellion. Wherefore it would be well to slay the Ten Eunuchs and expose their heads and proclaim what had been done throughout the whole empire. Then reward the worthy. Thereby the land would be wholly tranquil.” But the eunuchs fiercely opposed this and said Zhang Jun was insulting the Emperor, and the Emperor bade the guards thrust Zhang Jun out. However, the eunuchs took counsel together and one said, “Surely some one who rendered some service against rebels resents being passed over.” So they caused a list of unimportant people to be prepared for preferment by and by. Among them was Liu Bei, who received the post of magistrate of the county of Anxi, to which he proceeded without delay after disbanding his army and sending them home to their villages. He retained two dozens or so as escort. The three brothers reached Anxi, and soon the administration of the county was so reformed and the rule so wise that in a month there was no law−breaking. The three brothers lived in harmony, eating at the same table and sleeping on the same couch. But when Liu Bei was in public sessions or in company of others, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei would stand in attendance, were it even a whole day. Four months after their arrival, there came out a general order for the reduction of the number of military officers holding civil posts, and Liu Bei began to fear that he would be among those thrown out. In due course the inspecting official, Du Biao by name, arrived and was met at the boundary; but to the polite obeisance of Liu Bei, he made no return, save a wave of his whip as he sat on his horse. This made Guan Yu and Zhang Fei furious; but worse was to follow. When the inspector had arrived at his lodging, he took his seat on the dais, leaving Liu Bei standing below. After a long time he addressed Liu Bei. “Magistrate, what was your origin?” Liu Bei replied, “I am descended from Prince Faubus of Zhongshan. Since my first fight with the Yellow Scarves rebels at Zhuo County, I have been in some thirty battles, wherein I gained some trifling merit. My reward was this office.” “You lie about your descent, and your statement of services is false,” roared the inspector. “Now the court has ordered the reduction of your sort of low class and corrupt officials.” Liu Bei muttered to himself and withdrew. On his return to the magistracy, he took council with his 16 Three Kingdoms Romance secretaries. “This pompous attitude only means the inspector wants a bribe,” said they. “I have never wronged the people to the value of a single coin; then where is a bribe to come from?” Next day the inspector had the minor officials before him and forced them to bear witness that their master had oppressed the people. Liu Bei time after time went to rebut this charge, but the doorkeepers drove him away and he could not enter. Now Zhang Fei had been all day drowning his sorrow in wine and had drunk far too much. Calling for his horse he rode out past the lodging of the inspector, and at the gate saw a small crowd of white−haired people weeping bitterly. He asked why. They said, “The inspector has compelled the underlings to bear false witness against our magistrate, with the desire to injure the virtuous Liu Bei. We came to beg mercy for him but are not permitted to enter. Moreover, we have been beaten by the doorkeepers.” This provoked the irascible and half intoxicated Zhang Fei to fury. His eyes opened wide until they became circles; he ground his teeth; in a moment he was off his steed, had forced his way past the scared doorkeepers into the building, and was in the rear apartments. There he saw Imperial Inspector Du Biao sitting on high with the official underlings in bonds at his feet. “Oppressor of the people, robber!” cried Zhang Fei. “Do you know me?” But before the inspector could reply, Zhang Fei had had him by the hair and had dragged him down. Another moment he was outside and firmly lashed to the hitching post in front of the building. Then breaking off a switch from a willow tree, Zhang Fei gave his victim a severe thrashing, only staying his hand when the tenth switch was too short to strike with. Liu Bei was sitting alone, communing with his sorrow, when he heard a shouting before his door. He asked what the matter was. They told him, “General Zhang Fei had bound somebody to a post and was thrashing him.” Hastily going outside, Liu Bei saw who the unhappy victim was and asked Zhang Fei the reason. “If we do not beat this sort of wretch to death, what may we expect?” said Zhang Fei. “Noble Sir, save me,” cried the inspector. Now Liu Bei had always been kindly and gracious, wherefore he bade his brother release the officer and go his way. Then Guan Yu came up saying, “Brother, after your magnificent services you only got this petty post, and even here you have been insulted by this fellow. A thorn bush is no place for a phoenix. Let us slay this fellow, leave here, and go home till we can evolve a bigger scheme.” Liu Bei contented himself with hanging the official seal about the inspector's neck, saying, “If I hear that you injure the people, I will assuredly kill you. I now spare your life, and I return to you the seal. We are going.” The inspector went to the governor of Dingzhou and complained, and orders were issued for the arrest of the brothers, but they got away to Daizhou and sought refuge with Liu Hui, who sheltered them because of Liu Bei's noble birth. By this time the Ten Regular Attendants had everything in their hands, and they put to death all who did not stand in with them. From every officer who had helped to put down the rebels they demanded presents; and if these were not forthcoming, he was removed from office. Imperial Commanders Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun both fell victims to these intrigues and were deprived from offices, while on the other hand the eunuchs received the highest honors. Thirteen eunuchs were ennobled, including Zhao Zhong who was added to the rank of General of the Flying Cavalry. The government grew worse and worse, and every one was irritated. Rebellions broke out in Changsha led by Ou Xing, and in Yuyang led by Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun . Memorials were sent up in number as snow flakes in winter, but the Ten suppressed them all. One day the Emperor was at a feast in one of the gardens with the Ten, when High Counselor Liu Tao suddenly appeared showing very great distress. The Emperor asked what the matter was. “Sire, how can you be feasting with these when the empire is at the last gasp?” said Liu Tao. “All is well,” said the Emperor. “Where is anything wrong?” 17 Three Kingdoms Romance Said Liu Tao, “Robbers swarm on all sides and plunder the cities. And all is the fault of the Ten Eunuchs who sell offices and injure the people, oppress loyal officials and deceive their superiors. All virtuous ones have left the services, and misfortune is before our very eyes.” At this the eunuchs pulled off their hats and threw themselves at their master's feet. “If Minister Liu Tao disapproves of us,” they said, “we are in danger. We pray that our lives be spared and we may go to our farms. We yield our property to help defray military expenses.” And they wept bitterly. The Emperor turned angrily to Liu Tao, saying, “You also have servants; why can't you bear with mine?” And thereupon the Emperor called to the guards to eject Liu Tao and put him to death. Liu Tao cried aloud, “My death matters nothing. The pity is that Han Dynasty, after four centuries of reign, is falling fast.” The guards hustled him away and were just about to carry out the Emperor's order when a minister stopped them, shouting, “Strike not! Wait till I have spoken with His Majesty.” It was the Minister of the Interior, Chen Dan. He went in to the Emperor, to whom he said, “For what fault is Counselor Liu Tao to be put to death?” “He has vilified my servants; and has insulted me,” said the Emperor. “All the empire would eat the flesh of the eunuchs if they could, and yet, Sire, you respect them as if they were your parents. They have no merit, but they are created nobles. Moreover, Feng Xu was in league with the Yellow Scarves. Unless Your Majesty looks to it, the state will crumble!” “There was no proof against Feng Xu,” replied the Emperor. “About the Ten Eunuchs, are there none faithful among them?” Chen Dan beat his forehead on the steps of the throne and did not desist from remonstrance. Then the Emperor grew angry and commanded his removal and imprisonment with Liu Tao. That night Liu Tao and Chen Dan were murdered. Then the eunuchs sent a forged edict to Sun Jian making him Governor of Changsha, with orders to suppress the rebellion of Ou Xing. In less than two months Sun Jian reported the county all tranquil. For this he was created Lord of Wucheng. Further, Liu Yu was made Imperial Protector of Youzhou to move against Yuyang and suppress Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun. Liu Hui of Daizhou recommended Liu Bei to Liu Yu. Liu Yu welcomed Liu Bei and gave him rank of commander and sent him against the rebels. He fought with and worsted them and entirely broke their spirit. Zhang Chun was cruel, and his leaders turned against him. One of his officers then slew him and brought in his head, after which the others submitted. The other leader Zhang Ju saw that all was lost and killed himself. Yuyang being now tranquil, Liu Bei's services were reported to the Throne, and he received full pardon for the insult to the imperial inspector. He also became Magistrate Deputy of Micheng. Then Gongsun Zan praised Liu Bei's former services, and he was promoted to Magistrate of Pingyuan. This place was very prosperous, and Liu Bei recovered something of his old manner before the days of adversity. Liu Yu also received preferment and was promoted to Grand Commander. In the summer of the six year of Central Stability (AD 189), Emperor Ling became seriously ill and summoned He Jin into the palace to arrange for the future. He Jin had sprung from a humble family of butchers, but his sister had become a concubine of rank and borne a son to the Emperor, named Bian Liu. After this she became Empress He, and He Jin became the powerful Imperial Guardian and Regent Marshal. The Emperor had also greatly loved a beautiful girl, Lady Wang, who had borne him a son named Liu Xian. Empress He had poisoned Lady Wang from jealousy, and the baby had been given into the care of Empress Dong, who was the mother of Emperor Ling. Lady Dong was the wife of Liu Chang, Lord of Jiedu. As time went on and the Emperor Huan had no son of his own, he adopted the son of Liu Chang, who succeeded as the Emperor Ling. After his accession, Emperor Ling had taken his own mother into the palace to live and had conferred upon her the title of Empress Dowager. Empress Dong had always tried to persuade her son to name Liu Xian as the Heir Apparent, and in fact the Emperor greatly loved the boy and was disposed to do as his mother desired. When he fell ill, one of the eunuchs, Jian Shuo, said, “If Liu Xian is to succeed, He Jin must be killed to prevent countermoves.” 18 Three Kingdoms Romance The Emperor saw this too and commanded Imperial Guardian He Jin to come to him. But at the very gates of the palace, He Jin was warned of his danger by Commander Pan Yin who said, “This must be a trap of Jian Shuo to destroy you.” He Jin rushed back to his quarters and called many of the ministers to his side, and they met to consider how to put the eunuchs to death. At this assembly a man spoke against the plot, “The influence of the eunuchs dates back half a century and has spread like a noxious weed in all directions. How can we hope to destroy it? Above all keep this plot secret or you will be exterminated.” He Jin eyed down and saw General of Military Standards Cao Cao. He Jin was very angry at this speech and cried, “What do inferiors like you know of the ways of government?” And in the midst of the confusion Pan Yin came to say: “The Emperor is no more. The eunuchs have decided to keep the death a secret and forge a command to the Imperial Guardian to come into the palace to settle the succession. Meanwhile to prevent trouble they have inscribed the name of Liu Xian on the roll.” And as Pan Yin finished speaking, the edict arrived. “The matter for the moment is to set up the rightful heir,” said Cao Cao. “The other affairs can wait.” “Who dares to join me in supporting the rightful heir—Prince Bian Liu?” asked He Jin, the Imperial Guardian. At once one stood forward saying, “Give me five thousand veterans, and we will break into the palace, set up the true heir, slay the eunuchs, and sweep clean the government. Then peace will come to the empire.” The energetic speaker was Yuan Shao, son of the former Minister of the Interior Yuan Feng and nephew of Minister Yuan Wei. Yuan Shao then held the rank of Imperial Commander. He Jin mustered five thousand royal guards. Yuan Shao put on complete armor and took command. He Jin, supported by He Yu, Xun You, Zheng Tai, and more than thirty other ministers and high−rank officials, went into the palace; and in the hall where lay the coffin of the late Emperor they placed Bian Liu on the throne. After the ceremony was over and all had bowed before the new Emperor, Yuan Shao went in to arrest Eunuch Jian Shuo. Jian Shuo in terror fled into the palace garden and hid among the shrubs, where he was discovered and murdered by Guo Sheng, one of the Ten Eunuchs. The guards under Jian Shuo's command all surrendered. Yuan Shao said, “Their gangs have broken; the most opportune moment is now to slay all the eunuchs.” But Zhang Rang and the eunuchs of the Ten scented the danger and rushed to see Empress He. They said, “The originator of the plan to injure your brother was Jian Shuo; only he was concerned and no other. Now the Imperial Guardian, on Yuan Shao's advice, wishes to slay every one of us. We implore your pity, O Your Majesty.” “Fear not,” said Empress He, whose son had just become Emperor, “I will protect you.” She sent for her brother, and said, “You and I are of lowly origin, and we owe our good fortune to the eunuchs. The misguided Jian Shuo is now dead, and need you really put all the others to death as Yuan Shao advises?” And He Jin obeyed her wish. He explained to his party, saying, “The real offender, Jian Shuo, has met his fate, and his clan will be punished. But we need not exterminate the whole party nor injure his colleagues.” “Slay them, root and branch,” cried Yuan Shao, “or they will ruin you!” “I have decided;” said He Jin, coldly, “say no more.” Within a few days He Jin became Chair of the Secretariat, and his associates received high offices. Now Empress Dong summoned the eunuch Zhang Rang and his party to a council. Said she, “It was I who first brought forward the sister of He Jin. Today her son is on the throne, and all the officials are her friends, and her influence is enormous. What can we do?” Zhang Rang replied, “Your Highness should administer the state from 'behind the veil.' create the late Emperor's son Liu Xian a prince; give your brother, the Imperial Uncle Dong Chong, a high rank, and place him over the army; and use us. That will do it.” Empress Dong approved. Next day she held a court and issued an edict in the sense proposed. She made Liu Xian Prince of Chenliu and Dong Chong General of the Flying Cavalry, and she allowed the eunuchs again to participate state affairs. 19 Three Kingdoms Romance When Empress He saw this, she prepared a banquet to which she invited her rival Empress Dong. In the middle of the feast, when all were well warmed with wine, Empress He rose and offered a cup to her guest saying, “It is not fitting that we two should meddle in state affairs. In the beginning of the Han Dynasty, when Empress Lu laid hands upon the government, all her clans were put to death. We ought to remain content, immured in our palaces, and leave state affairs to the state officials. That would be well for the country, and I trust you will act thus.” But Empress Dong only got angry, saying, “You poisoned Lady Wang out of jealousy. Now, relying upon the fact that your son sits on the throne and that your brother is powerful, you speak these wild words. I will command that your brother be beheaded, and that can be done as easily as I turn my hand.” Empress He in her turn waxed wroth and said, “I tried to persuade you with fair words; why get so angry?” “You low born daughter of a butcher, what do you know of offices?” cried Empress Dong. And the quarrel waxed hot. The eunuchs persuaded the ladies to retire. But in the night Empress He summoned her brother into the palace and told him what had occurred. He went out and took counsel with the principal officers of state. Next morning a court was held and a memorial was presented, saying: “Empress Dong, being the foster mother of Liu Xian, Prince of Chenliu, a regional prince—only a collateral—cannot properly occupy any part of the Palace. She is to be removed into her original fief of Hejian and is to depart immediately.” And while they sent an escort to remove Empress Dong, a strong guard was placed about the Imperial Uncle Dong Chong's dwelling. They took away his seal of office and he, knowing this was the end, killed himself in his private apartments. His dependents, who wailed his death, were driven off by the guards. The eunuchs Zhang Rang and Duan Gui, having lost their patroness, sent large gifts to He Jin's younger brother, He Miao, and his mother, Lady Wuyang, and thus got them to put in a good word to Empress He so as to gain her protection. And so they gained favor once more at court. In the sixth month of that year, the secret emissaries of He Jin poisoned Empress Dong in her residence in the country. Her remains were brought to the capital and buried in Wen Tombs. He Jin feigned illness and did not attend the funeral. Commander Yuan Shao went one day to see He Jin, saying, “The two eunuchs, Zhang Rang and Duan Gui, are spreading the report outside that you has caused the death of the late empress and is aiming at the throne. This is an excuse for you to destroy them. Do not spare them this time, or you will pay like Dou Wu and Chen Fan, who in the previous reign missed their chance because the secret had not been kept, and they paid by their own deaths. Now you and your brother have many commanders and officers behind, so that the destruction of the eunuchs can be but an ease. It is a heaven−sent opportunity. Delay no further!” But He Jin replied, “Let me think it over.” He Jin's servants overheard the discussion and secretly informed the intended victims, who sent further gifts to the younger brother He Miao. Corrupted by these, he went in to speak with his sister Empress He and said, “The General is the chief support of the new Emperor, yet he is not gracious and merciful but thinks wholly of slaughter. If he slays the eunuchs without cause, it may bring about revolution.” Soon after He Jin entered and told her of his design to put the eunuchs to death. She argued with him, “Those officials look after palace affairs and are old servants. To kill the old servants just after the death of their master would appear disrespectful to the dynasty's ancestral temple.” And as He Jin was of a vacillating mind, he murmured assent and left her. “What about it?” said Yuan Shao on meeting him. “She will not consent; what can be done?” “Call up an army and slay them; it is imperative. Never mind her consent.” “That is an excellent plan,” said He Jin. And he sent orders all round to march soldiers to the capital. But Counselor Chen Lin objected, “Nay; do not act blindly. The proverb says 'To cover the eyes and snatch at swallows is to fool oneself.' If in so small a matter you cannot attain your wish with covered eyes, what of great affairs? Now by virtue of the imperial prestige and with the army under your hand you may do as you please. To use such enormous powers against the eunuchs would resemble lighting up a furnace to burn a hair. But act promptly; use your powers and smite at once, and all the empire will be with you. But to summon 20 Three Kingdoms Romance forces to the capital, to gather many bold persons into one spot, each with one's own schemes, is to turn our weapons against our own person, to place ourselves in the power of another. Nothing but failure can come of it, nothing but confusion.” “The view of a mere book−worm,” said He Jin with a smile. Then one of those about He Jin suddenly clapped his hands, laughing, “Solving this issue is as easy as turning over one's hand! Why so much talk?” The speaker was Cao Cao. Wouldst thou withdraw wicked people from thy prince's side Then seek counsel of the wise people of the state. What Cao Cao said will be disclosed in later chapters. 21 Three Kingdoms Romance CHAPTER 3. In Wenming Garden, Dong Zhuo Denounces Ding Yuan; With Red−Hare, Li Su Bribes Lu Bu. What Cao Cao said was this: “The eunuch evil is of very old standing, but the real cause of the present trouble is in the improper influence allowed them by the emperors and the misplaced favoritism they have enjoyed. But a gaoler would be ample force to employ against this kind of evil, and getting rid of the main culprits is quite enough. Why increase confusion by summoning troops from the regions? Any desire to slay all of them will speedily become known, and the plan will fail.” “Then, Cao Cao, you have some scheme of your own to further,” said He Jin with a sneer. Cao Cao left the meeting, proclaiming, “The one throwing the world into chaos is He Jin!” Then He Jin sent swift, secret letters far and wide to several bases. It must be recalled that Dong Zhuo had failed in his attempt to destroy the Yellow Scarves rebellion. He would have been punished if he had not bribed the Ten Eunuchs heavily for their protection. Later, he obtained the rank of Imperial Protector in the westernmost region of Xizhou and an army of two hundred thousand troops. But Dong Zhuo was treacherous and disloyal at heart. So when he received the summons to the capital, he rejoiced great...