Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/378

 that drove them forward. The road became precipitous and progress difficult. Tsʻao began to think of returning and spoke thereof to Kuo Chia, who had advised the journey. Kuo had speedily fallen victim to the effects of the climate, and at this time he lay in his cart very ill.

Tsʻao’s tears fell as he said, “My friend, you are suffering for my ambition to subdue the Shamo. I cannot bear to think you should be ill.”

“You have always been very good to me,” said the sick man, “and I can never repay what I owe you.”

“The country is exceedingly precipitous and I am thinking of going back; what think you?”

Chia replied, “The success of an expedition of this kind depends upon celerity. To strike a sudden blow on a distant spot with a heavy baggage train is difficult. To ensure success the need is light troops and a good road to strike quickly before an enemy has time to prepare. Now you must find guides who know the road well.”

Then the sick adviser was left at Ichou for treatment and they sought among the natives for some persons to serve as guides. One of Yüan Shao’s old captains knew those parts well and Tsʻao called him and questioned him. He said, “Between autumn and summer this route is under water, the shallow places too heavy for wheeled traffic, the deep parts insufficient for boats. It is always difficult. Therefore you would do better to return and at Lulungkʻou cross the Paitʻan Pass into the desert. Then advance to Liuchʻêng (Willow City) and smite before there is time to prepare. One sudden rush will settle Mao Tun.”

For this valuable information and plan Tʻien Chʻou was made a “Pacificator of the North” General, and went in advance as leader and guide. Next after him came Chang Liao and Tsʻao brought up the rear. They advanced by double marches.

Tʻien Chʻou led Chang Liao to White Wolf Hill, where they came upon the two Yüans with Mao Tun and a large force of cavalry. Chang Liao galloped to inform his chief and Tsʻao rode up to the top of an eminence to survey the foe. He saw a large mass of cavalry without any military formation advancing in a disorderly crowd.

Said he, “They have no formation, we can easily rout them.”

Then he handed over his ensign of command to Chang Liao who, with Hsü Ch‘u, Yu Chin and Hsü Huang, made a vigorous attack from four different points, with the result that the enemy was thrown into confusion. Chang Liao rode forward and slew Mao Tun and the other captains gave in. The brothers Yüan with a few companies of horse got away into Liaotung.

Tsʻao Tsʻao then led his army into Liuchʻêng. For his services he conferred upon T‘ien Ch‘ou the rank of marquis of Liutʻing and put him over the city. But T‘ien Chʻou declined