Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/210

 The two leaders on the other side restored order among their beaten men and then held a conference.

“How could we have foreseen such a wicked ruse?” said Liu Piao.

“Let us try again,” said his colleague.

Wherefore they joined forces at Anchung.

But Hsün Yü discovered through his spies that Yüan Shao was preparing an attack on Hsütu, the then capital, so he at once wrote to Ts‘ao Ts‘ao who, much disturbed by this news, set out homeward at once. When Chang Hsiu heard this through his scouts he wished to follow the retreating army. Chia Hsü opposed it and said it would lead to a defeat. However Liu Piao was also of opinion that it was wrong to lose such a chance and so finally pursuit was decided upon.

They had not marched very far before they came upon Ts‘ao’s rear-guard, who fought with great vigour and bravery, so that the pursuers were beaten off and went home discomfited.

Chang Hsiu said to Chia, “This defeat comes from my not following your advice.”

“Now set your army in order and pursue,” said Chia.

“But we have just suffered defeat!” cried both leaders. “Do you now counsel pursuit?”

“Yes, and the result will be a great victory if you go now. I will venture my head on that,” said Chia.

Chang Hsiu had confidence, but his colleague was afraid and would not accompany him. So one army only started in pursuit.

However, this was enough. Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s rear-guard was thoroughly routed and abandoned their waggons and their baggage in their hasty flight. Chang Hsiu pursued, but suddenly a troop came out from the shelter of some hills and checked him. Fearful to try further he hastened back to Anchung.

The other general, Liu Piao, asked the adviser to explain his apparent inconsistency. “When our veteran and brave soldiers were going to pursue those who retreated you said our men would lose the day; and when defeated men pursued the victors you foretold victory. You were right in both cases, but we wish you would enlighten us.”

“It is easy to explain. You, Generals, although skilled leaders, are not a match for our enemy. Though the enemy had lost a battle he had able captains to keep the rear and guard against pursuit. Our men are good, but not a match for them. That is how I knew. Forasmuch as Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s hurried retreat was due to trouble in the capital and he had beaten off our men, I knew he would retire at his utmost speed and not take his usual precautions. I ventured to take advantage of his laxity.”