Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/200

 wedding of Lü Pu’s daughter with his son that the palace entourage might be complete.

But when he heard of the fate of his marriage ambassador he was very angry and began at once to plan for revenge. Chang Hsün was made Generalissimo having under his command more than twenty legions, in seven divisions under so many commanders, and each of these was instructed to make a certain town his objective. The Governor of Yenchou, Chin Shang, was ordered to superintend the commissariat, but he declined the office and so was put to death. Chi Ling was in command of the reserves to help wherever he was required. Yüan Shu led three legions and he appointed three tried officers to go up and down and see that the various armies did not lag behind.

Lü Pu found out from his scouts that his own city was Chang Hsün’s objective; the other towns to be first attacked being Hsiaop‘ei, Itu, Langya, Chiehshih, Hsiap‘ei and Chünshan. The armies were marching fifty li a day, and plundering the countryside as they advanced.

He summoned his advisers to a council to which came Ch‘ên Kung, Ch‘ên Têng and his father. When all had assembled Ch‘ên Kung said, “This misfortune that has come to us is due to the two Ch‘êns, who fawned upon the central government in order to obtain rank and appointments. Now remove the evil by putting these two to death and sending their heads to our enemy. Then he will retire and leave us in peace.”

Lü Pu acquiesced and had the two arrested. But the son, Ch‘ên Têng, only laughed. “What is this anxiety about?” said he. “These seven armies are no more to me than so many heaps of rotting straw. They are not worth thinking about.”

“If you can show us how to overcome them I will spare your life,” said Lü.

“General, if you will listen to a poor stupid fool the city will be perfectly safe.”

“Let us hear what you have to say.”

“Yüan Shu’s men are numerous but they are only a flock of crows; they are not an army under a leader. There is no mutual confidence. I can keep them at bay with the ordinary guards of the place and could overcome them by some unsuspected stratagem. If I should fail I have another plan by which I can not only protect the city but capture our enemy.”

“Let us have it.”

“Han Hsien and Yang Fêng, two of the leaders of our enemies, are old servants of the Han dynasty who fled from fear of Ts‘ao Ts‘ao and, being homeless, sought refuge with Yüan Shu. He despises them and they are dissatisfied with his service. A little letter will secure their help as our allies, and with Liu Pei to help us on the outside we can certainly overcome Yüan.”