Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/185



hat is your plan of attack on Liu Pei?” said Shu.

Yang Ta-chiang replied, “Though Liu Pei, now camped at Hsiaop‘ei, could easily be taken, yet Lü Pu is strongly posted at the chief city near, and I think he would help Pei if it was only for the grudge he bears against you for not having given him the gold and stuffs, grain and horses you promised. First of all you should send Lü Pu a present whereby to engage his affections and keep him quiet while you deal with Liu Pei. You can see to Lü Pu after this is done.”

Thereupon a large quantity of millet was sent, with letters, by the hand of Han Yin. The gift pleased Lü Pu greatly; and he treated the messenger with great cordiality. Feeling sure of no trouble from that quarter Yüan Shu told off the leaders of the expedition against Hsiaop‘ei.

When Liu Pei heard these things he called his officers to take counsel. Chang Fei was for open war forthwith. Sun Ch‘ien said their resources were too small: they must lay the position before Lü Pu and ask help.

“Do you think that fellow will do anything?” said Chang Fei cynically.

Liu Pei decided in favour of Sun’s proposal and wrote as follows:—

“Humbly I venture to remind you that I am here by your orders and enjoy repose as the result of your kindness, extensive as the heavens. Now Yüan Shu, moved by a desire for revenge, is sending a force against this place and its destruction is imminent unless you intervene to save it. I trust you will send an army quickly to protect the town, and our happiness will be inexpressible.”

Receiving this Lü Pu called in Ch‘ên Kung to whom he said, “I have just received gifts from Yüan Shu and a letter, with the intent of restraining me from helping Liu Pei. Now comes a letter from him asking help. It seems to me that Yüan-tê where he is can do me no harm, but if Yüan Shu overcomes Liu Pei then the power of the north is so much nearer and I should be unable to resist the attacks of so many leaders and should never sleep secure. I will aid Liu Pei; that is the better course for me.”