Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/182

 Sun Ts‘ê came up. When both sides were arrayed Sun Ts‘ê rode out and addressed Wang Lang, saying, “Mine is an army of good men and my aim is to restore peace to Chekiang, but you give your support to a rebel!”

Wang Lang replied, “Your greed is insatiable. Having got possession of Wu you want also my district, and so as an excuse you have vengeance to wreak on the Yens.”

This response greatly angered Sun Ts‘ê. Just as battle was to be joined T‘aishih Tzŭ advanced and Wang Lang came toward him waving his sword. Before they had exchanged many passes Chou Hsin dashed out to help Wang. Thereupon Huang Kai rode out to make the sides more equal. These latter two were just engaging when the drums rolled on both sides and a general battle began.

Suddenly confusion was caused in the rear of Wang’s army by the sudden onslaught of a small troop. Wang Lang galloped off to see to it. Then an attack was made on his flank, so that he was in a hopeless position, and he and the White Tiger, fighting desperately, only just managed to reach the shelter of the city. The drawbridges were raised, the gates closed and preparations made to sustain a siege.

Sun Ts‘ê followed right up to the walls and then divided his men so as to attack all four gates. Seeing that the city was being fiercely attacked Wang Lang was for making a sortie, but the White Tiger opposed this as hopeless against so strong a force outside. They could only strengthen their position and remain behind the shelter of the ramparts until hunger forced the besiegers to retire. Wang Lang agreed and the siege went on.

For several days a vigorous attack was maintained, but with little success. Taking counsel with his officers Sun Ching, who was the uncle of Sun Ts‘ê, said, “Since they are holding the city with such resolution it will be difficult to dislodge them. But the bulk of their supplies is stored at Ch‘atu, distant only some score li. Our best plan is to seize this place, thus attacking where the enemy is unprepared, and doing what they do not expect.”

Sun Ts‘ê approved saying, “My uncle’s plan is admirable and will crush the rebels.” So he issued orders to kindle watch fires at all the gates, and leave the flags standing to maintain the appearance of soldiers in position while the expedition went south.

Chou Yü came to utter a warning, “When you, my lord, go away the besieged will surely come out and follow you. We might prepare a surprise for them.”

Sun Ts‘ê replied, “My preparations are complete and the city will be captured to-night.”

So the army set out.

Wang Lang heard that the besiegers had gone and he went up to the tower to reconnoitre. He saw the fires blazing, the