Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/71

 Ever since Tung Cho had secured his position he had given himself up to luxury without stint. When the urgent news reached the adviser Li Ju, he at once went to his master, who much alarmed called a great council.

Lü Pu stood forth and said, “Do not fear, my father, I look upon all the lords without the Pass as so much stubble and with the men of our fierce army I will put every one of them to death and hang their heads at the gates of the capital.”

“With your aid I can sleep secure,” said Tung Cho.

But some one behind Lü Pu broke in upon his speech saying “A butcher’s knife to kill a chicken! There is no need for the Marquis to go: I will cut off their heads every one as easily as I would take a thing out of my pocket.”

Cho looked up and his eyes rested on a stalwart man of fierce mien, lithe and supple. He had a small round head like a leopard and shoulders like an ape’s. His name was Hua Hsiung. Cho rejoiced at his bold words and at once gave him high rank and command over five legions of horse and foot. He, with Li Su, Hu Chên and Chao Tsʻên hastily moved toward the Pass.

Among the feudal lords Pao Hsin was jealous lest the chosen van-leader should win too great honours. Wherefore he endeavoured to meet the foe first and so he secretly despatched his brother Chung with three companies by a bye road. As soon as this small force reached the Pass they offered battle. Hua Hsiung at the head of half a company of mail-clad horse men swept down from the Pass crying “Flee not, rebel.”

But Pao Chung was afraid and turned back. Hsiung came on, his arm rose, the sword fell, and Chung was cut down from his horse. Most of his company were captured. His head was sent to the minister’s palace. Hua Hsiung was promoted to Tu-tu, or Commander in Chief.

Sun Chien presently approached the Pass. He had four captains: Chʻêng P‘u, whose weapon was an iron-spined snaky lance; Huang Kai, who wielded an iron whip; Han Tang, a swordsman; and Tsu Mou, who fought with a pair of swords.

The Commander Sun wore a helmet of fine silver wrapped round with a purple turban. He carried across his body his sword of ancient ingot iron and rode a dappled horse with flowing mane.

He advanced to the Pass and hailed the defenders, calling them helpers of a fool, and summoned them to surrender. A half legion under Hu Chên went out against him whom Chʻêng Pʻu with the snaky lance rode out and engaged. After a very few bouts Hu Chên was killed on the spot by a thrust through the throat. Then the signal was given for the main army to advance. But from the Pass they rained down showers of stones, which proved too much for the assailants and they