CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX
Qin Mi Engages Zhang Wen in a Philosophical Debate
Xu Sheng Uses Fire to Destroy Cao Pi’s Army
After his recent victory over Wei, Lu Xun became the leading hero of Wu. He was given the titles of General–Pillar of the State, Marquis of Jiangling, and Governor of Jingzhou. He was also given command of all the military forces.
Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong, who thought the moment opportune for enhancing their lord’s dignity, sent in a memorial proposing that he assume a distinctive reign title.* Sun Quan agreed and adopted Huang Wu as his reign title.
Then a messenger arrived from Wei. He was duly received by Sun Quan, who asked him to state his business. The messenger said, “Recently Shu turned to us for help and due to a misunderstanding of the situation, we dispatched three forces to aid Shu against you. Now our lord deeply regrets this action and he desires to set four armies in motion against Shu to wipe that kingdom out. He earnestly hopes that you will assist us. If successful, Wei and Wu will share the conquered territory.”
Unable to decide what to do Sun Quan turned to his chief counselors, who suggested that Lu Xun should be consulted. So he was called to offer his superior view on this.
Lu Xun said, “Cao Pi is too firmly established in the capital to be toppled now, and if we refuse this request of his we will provoke his enmity. However, neither Wei nor Wu, so far as I see, has any man capable of opposing Zhuge Liang. We can pretend consent and prepare our army, but make no move till we see how the war goes with the other four armies. If Shu seems likely to fall and Zhuge Liang is outmaneuvered, then our army can be dispatched to capture their capital Chengdu. If the four armies fail we will reconsider our policy.”
Sun Quan was pleased with this advice, so he said to the envoy of Wei, “We are not ready at the moment but we will choose a day to start later.”
And with this answer the envoy left. After he was gone Sun Quan sent out scouts to find out how things went with the other four armies against Shu. They returned with the news that the Qiang tribesmen had turned back when they saw Ma Chao in command at Xiping Pass. The Mans of the deep south had been perplexed by the tactics of Wei Yan and had marched back to their own land. The Shangyong army led by Meng Da had set out, but he had suddenly fallen ill halfway and also withdrawn. And Cao Zhen’s army had been brought to a halt by the defensive strategy of Zhao Yun, who had garrisoned every vantage point. This force had eventually withdrawn after waiting in vain at Ye Valley.”
Hearing all this, Sun Quan said to his officials, “How accurate Lu Xun’s prediction was! If I’d took any rash action I would have made myself an enemy of Shu again.”
Just then it was announced an envoy had come from Shu.
Zhang Zhao said, “This is also part of Zhuge Liang’s scheme to divert danger from Shu. He must have come with the intention of talking you round.”
“How should I reply, then?” asked Sun Quan.
“Well, you can set up a large caldron filled with several hundred catties of oil. Light a fire beneath. When the oil boils, choose a goodly company of tall and sturdy soldiers armed with swords to line up along the entrance from the palace gate to this hall. Then summon the envoy, but before he can say a word upbraid him for trying to imitate Li Shi-ji of old, and say he will suffer the same punishment—that is, dying in boiling oil. See what he replies.”
Sun Quan followed this advice and prepared the caldron of boiling oil and placed the armed guards all along the entrance. Then he summoned the envoy.
Deng Zhi tidied his robe and advanced to the palace gate. Seeing the grim array of fighting men armed with gleaming swords, great axes, and long spears, he understood at once what was meant, but he never faltered. He proceeded steadily and bravely to the hall, where he also saw the caldron of boiling oil and the hostile eyes of savage executioners. In the face of this gruesome display of terror Deng Zhi only smiled.
He was led before a curtain, behind which sat the prince. Deng Zhi bowed but did not kneel down to pay his obeisance.
The prince, after ordering his attendants to roll up the curtain, said sternly, “Why did you not kneel down?”
Deng Zhi boldly replied, “The envoy of a superior state does not kneel down before the ruler of a smaller country.”
Provoked to anger, Sun Quan cried, “Are you trying to imitate Li Shi-ji and wag your tongue? You will soon find yourself in that caldron of oil.”
Deng Zhi laughed aloud. “People say there are many wise men in Wu. Who would have believed that they would be frightened of a mere scholar?”
This reply only increased Sun Quan’s anger. “Who says I am afraid of a simpleton like you?”
“If you are not afraid of me, why are you so worried about what I may say to you?”
“I know what you want to say. Zhuge Liang has sent you to try to persuade me to sever relations with Wei and combine with your country. Is that right?”
“I am but a scholar of Shu and I have come to explain matters of vital interest to your country. But to intimidate me you have prepared armed men and a caldron of boiling oil. How narrow-minded you are that you will not even tolerate an envoy?”
Sun Quan was embarrassed at his own behavior. He sent away the soldiers and called the envoy to ascend the hall. There he invited him to sit and said, “Please instruct me about the crucial issues between Wu and Wei.”
Deng Zhi replied, “Sir, do you desire to seek peace with Wei or with Shu?”
“I really desire to seek peace with the lord of Shu. But he is young and inexperienced and I am afraid he will be unable to carry such an alliance through.”
“Sir, you are a valiant ruler, just as Zhuge Liang is a great minister. Now Shu has the advantage of its precipitous mountains and streams, just as Wu has the protection of its three rivers. If our two countries are at peace we are mutually protective. If things go well, we may swallow between us the rest of the empire; if not, we are still able to maintain the present situation of a three-way standoff. If you yield to Wei and acknowledge yourself one of its ministers, you will be expected to attend at his court from time to time, and your heir-apparent will be reduced to an attendant in that court; and if you disobey, an army will be sent to punish you. If that happens, Shu also will seize the opportunity to come down the river and invade your country. Then this land will no longer be yours. If you find my words unworthy to consider, I will die here in your presence and so terminate the post I have as an envoy.”
As he spoke these last words he gathered up his robe and strode down the hall as though he was going to jump into the caldron.
“Stop him!” cried Sun Quan, and the attendants did so. Then he requested Deng Zhi to go into an inner hall, where he treated the envoy as a guest of the highest honor.
Sun Quan said, “You have spoken my thoughts, and I desire to make a league of peace with your state. Are you willing to be the intermediary?”
“Just now it was you, sir, who wished to boil my poor self—now it is also you who wish to employ me to mediate peace. You are still hesitating. How can I have faith in you?”
“My mind is made up,” replied Sun Quan. “Have no more doubts, sir.”
So he kept Deng Zhi as his guest. In the meantime, he gathered together his officials and addressed the assembly: “Under my hand are all the four score and one districts of the south and I have the land of Jing zhou to boot; yet I am not so well off as that remote country of Shu, for Shu has Deng Zhi as an envoy to glorify his lord’s mission. I have no one to send to declare my intentions to Shu.”
At his words a man stepped forth and volunteered to go. He was Zhang Wen.
“Sir, I fear that when you see Zhuge Liang in Shu you will not explain my real sentiments,” said Sun Quan dubiously.
Zhang Wen replied, “He is also human. Why should I be afraid of him?”
Pleased with his reply, Sun Quan rewarded Zhang Wen handsomely and sent him with Deng Zhi to Shu to negotiate the peace agreement.
While Deng Zhi was absent, Zhuge Liang said to his lord, “This mission to Wu will succeed, and of the many wise men in Wu, one will come as a returned envoy. Your Majesty should treat him with courtesy so that he will go back to Wu to complete the league of peace. If we have an alliance with Wu, Wei will not dare to send an army upon us. And if we are safe from both Wu and Wei, I will lead an expedition to subdue the Mans in the deep south. After that we can deal with Wei. If Wei is reduced, Wu will not last long, and the whole empire will again be under one ruler.”
It was presently reported that Deng Zhi had returned, together with Zhang Wen. The Second Ruler and his court assembled to receive them. The envoy of Wu carried himself as one who had attained his desires and advanced proudly. Having made his salute, he was asked to sit on a brocaded stool on the left side of the Second Ruler. A banquet followed, at which Zhang Wen was treated with appropriate honor. At the end of the banquet the whole court escorted the envoy to the guesthouse where he was to lodge.
On the second day he was entertained by Zhuge Liang, who broached the real business at the feast: “Our late ruler was not on friendly terms with Wu but he is no more. Our present Emperor admires your prince and is prepared to forget the former enmity and swear eternal friendship with your country to the complete destruction of Wei. I look to you, sir, to speak in favor of this league.”
Zhang Wen agreed. Then wine went merrily around and, as the envoy became mellow, he began to feel very much at home, laughing and swaggering in a conceited manner.
The next day, as his mission ended, Zhang Wen was given rich presents of gold and valuables and a parting banquet was administered in a guest chamber on the southern outskirts of the city, at which all the court assembled to see him off. The prime minister paid him assiduous attention and urged him to drink. While this banquet was in progress, there suddenly came in a man, who seemed to be already quite drunk. This person made a proud sort of salutation to the assembly and at once took a seat. His conduct seemed strange to Zhang Wen, who asked his host about the newcomer.
“He is Qin Mi, a scribe from Yizhou,” replied Zhuge Liang.
“He may be that,” said Zhang Wen with a laugh, “but I wonder if he has any learning at all inside him.”
Qin Mi said seriously, “Even our children are all learned, let alone myself.”
“What is your special learning, sir?” asked Zhang Wen.
“Everything—from astronomy to geography, from the three religious teachings* to the nine schools of philosophy, as well as all books on history and the saints. There is nothing I have not read.”
“Since you talk so big,” said Zhang Wen, “I should like to ask you a few questions on celestial matters. Now does the sky have a head?”
“Yes, it does.”
“Where is it?”
“In the west. As the Odes say, ‘God turned his head kindly toward the west,’ so from this we can infer that his head is in the west.’’
“Well, does the sky have ears?”
“Oh yes. The sky is above and listens to all things below. The Odes say, ‘The crane calls from the midst of the marsh and his cry is heard by the sky.’ How could the sky hear without ears?”
“Does the sky have feet?”
“Sure it does. To quote the Odes again: ‘Heaven walks strenuously.’ If there were no feet how could it walk?”
“Does it have a name?”
“Why not?”
“Then what is it?”
“Liu.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because the Emperor’s family name is Liu, and he is the Son of Heaven. That is how I know.”
“Does the sun spring from the east?”
“Though it does so, yet it sets in the west.”
All this time Qin Mi’s repartees had flashed back clear and quick. All those present were amazed. Zhang Wen had nothing to say. Then it became Qin Mi’s turn to question his rival.
“You are a famous scholar in your land, sir, and since you have asked so many questions about the sky I take it that you are well versed in all celestial matters. When original chaos resolved into its two elements, yin and yang, the lighter portion, or ether, rose and became the sky, and the grosser sank and solidified into the earth. When Gong Gong’s* rebellion was crushed, he struck his head against the Buzhou Mountains, breaking one of the supporting props of Heaven and damaging a portion of the earth. Consequently Heaven leaned over toward the northwest and earth sank to the southeast. But, since Heaven was ethereal and had floated to the top, how could it lean over toward the northwest? Another thing I do not know is what lies beyond the ether. I should be glad if you would explain these to me, sir.”
Zhang Wen was entirely at a loss how to reply. He rose from his place and bowed to his rival, saying, “I did not expect to find so many talents in this land. Your discourse has enlightened me tremendously and I can see clearly all of a sudden.”
But Zhuge Liang, fearing lest the guest should feel mortified, soothed him with fair words. “This is all but a play on words, the sort of game one encourages at a merry feast. You, honored sir, know how to bring peace and safety to a state. What will you care for these games of words?”
The envoy bowed. Then Deng Zhi was ordered to accompany the envoy back to Wu for courtesy’s sake. So both took leave of the prime minister and set out on their journey to the east.
In the meantime, Sun Quan was getting uneasy at the delay of his envoy. He was holding a council to discuss this question when a report came that Zhang Wen had returned with Deng Zhi. They were immediately called in and Zhang Wen, having made his obeisance, spoke of the virtue of the new emperor of Shu and Zhuge Liang and their desire for a league of peace.
Turning to Deng Zhi, Sun Quan said, “Would it not be perfect if tranquillity should be restored to the empire by the destruction of Wei through our joint efforts, and Wu and Shu should share its administration?”
“The sky does not have two suns,” replied Deng Zhi, “nor can the people recognize two kings. If Wei is destroyed, no one can predict upon whom the divine command will devolve. All I know is that a ruler must perfect his virtue while officials must be wholly loyal. In this way strife will cease.”
Sun Quan laughed and said, “So you are as honest as that!”
Deng Zhi was given rich gifts and allowed to return. After this Wu and Shu were friendly again.
The alliance between his two rivals was reported without loss of time to Cao Pi, who became very angry. “This alliance can only mean that they intend to invade my country. My best move is to strike first.”
He called a great council. At that time two influential figures, Cao Ren and Jia Xu, had both died. An official called Xin Pi stepped forward and said, “Our country is extensive but the population is sparse. Hence, no successful army can be raised just now. My advice is to wait for ten years, during which time we build an army and cultivate the land till we have an ample store of grain and a powerful military force. Then both our rivals can be destroyed.”
“This is the view of a pedant! Now that our enemies have made this league they may fall upon us at any moment. How can it be postponed for ten years?” cried Cao Pi furiously.
So he gave orders for an immediate expedition to attack Wu. Sima Yi then pointed out that ships were necessary as Wu was protected by the Yangtze.
“Your Majesty must lead the expedition,” said Sima Yi. “The navy can advance by way of the Cai and Yun Waters to take Shouchun first. And when you reach Guangling, cross the river to seize Nanxu.”
His plan was accepted and the construction of dragon ships began. Ten of these were built, each two hundred feet long to accommodate more than 2,000 men. Another 3,000 fighting ships were also gathered for the military action.
In the autumn of the fifth year of Cao Pi’s rule, the officers were all assembled and Cao Zhen was appointed leader of the first corps with four major generals, including Zhang Liao and Zhang He. Xu Zhu and another officer were guards of the center, while Cao Xiu commanded the rearguard. Two strategists were also appointed to accompany the army. In all, land and marine forces numbered over 300,000. When the departure day was decided upon, Sima Yi was left in the capital with the power of a regent.
While the Wei army set forth, spies of Wu were vigilant and soon Sun Quan was alerted of the grave danger.
A general council was again convened, at which Gu Yong said: “My lord, you can ask Shu to help according to the peace agreement. Write to Zhuge Liang and get him to send a troop so as to divert part of Wei’s army. At the same time dispatch an army to Nanxu to oppose the invaders there.”
“I will have to recall Lu Xun,” said the prince. “He is the only man to undertake this great task.”
“But he is necessary for the protection of Jingzhou.”
“Yes, I know—but there is no other person to replace him.”
At these words Xu Sheng advanced and said, “Incapable as I am, I would like to be given an army to avert this danger. If Cao Pi crosses the river in person I will capture him and present him to you. If he does not, I will slay so many of his men that his army will not dare even to look this way.”
Sun Quan, pleased to find a willing volunteer, replied, “Noble sir, I will have no more anxiety with you in charge of defense.”
Xu Sheng was given the title of General–Protector of the East and made commander-in-chief of all the forces in Nanxu. He thanked his lord and retired to the camp, where he ordered his men to gather large quantities of weapons and banners for the protection of the riverbanks.
But an impetuous young officer, anxious to take more vigorous measures, stood forth, crying, “Sir, our lord has laid upon you a heavy responsibility, but if you really desire to capture the ruler of Wei you should cross the river and meet him in Huainan rather than wait till the northern men come here. It will be too late, I fear.”
The young man was Sun Shao, nephew of the Prince of Wu. He had already earned himself the rank of a general, and was once in command at Guangling. Young and impetuous, he was a valiant soldier.
“Cao Pi’s army is strong and its generals famous,” replied Xu Sheng. “I don’t think we should cross the river to meet him. We will wait until all his ships are on the other side—I have a plan ready to destroy them.”
“I have 3,000 men of my own and I know the country about Guangling up to my fingertips. Let me go across the river and fight a battle. I will willingly suffer the penalty if I fail.”
However, Xu Sheng refused, but his impetuous officer pleaded again and again. Finally, the commander-in-chief grew angry and said, “What control will I have if you are allowed to disobey orders?” He told the guards to take him out and put him to death.
They hustled him out and at once the black flag of death was hoisted. But one of Sun Shao’s men went off in hot haste to tell Sun Quan, who came immediately to save his favorite nephew.
Happily the execution had not been exercised when the prince appeared on the scene, dismissed the executioners, and rescued the youth. Tearfully he began to press his claim to the prince. “I have been at Guang ling and I know the region like the palm of my hand. If we do not attack Cao Pi there, but let him cross the river, that will be the end of Wu.”
Sun Quan walked into the camp and Xu Sheng came to welcome him. When the prince was seated, Xu Sheng said: “My lord, you placed me in command of the force to repulse Wei. Now this officer of mine, Sun Shao, is disobedient and should be put to death. May I ask why he should be pardoned?”
“He is hot and impetuous so he has unwittingly offended the military law. I do hope you will pardon him this time.”
“The law is not of my making nor is it yours, my lord—it is a state penalty. If family connections are enough to evade it, where is discipline?”
“He has offended the law and you certainly have the right to punish him. But although his real name was Yu, yet my brother loved him and gave him our family name. He has rendered me good services, and if he should be put to death I should fail in my duty to my late brother.”
“Well, since you have intervened, I will postpone the death penalty for the time being.”
Sun Quan told his nephew to thank his chief, but the youth refused to bow. On the contrary, he loudly protested, “I insist we should lead our men to fight Cao Pi,” he cried. “I will never accept your view, not even at my death.”
Xu Sheng’s countenance changed for the worst.
Sun Quan, after ordering the unruly young man to leave the tent, said to the commander, “He will not be any loss to the army. Just do not employ him any more.”
Then the prince left and returned to his own palace. That night sentinels reported to Xu Sheng that Sun Shao had secretly crossed the river with his own force, and the commander, who did not wish the young man to come to harm, as evidently that would displease the prince, sent a force to support him. Ding Feng was chosen to lead the reinforcements and was told what to do.
The Ruler of Wei, in his dragon ships, reached Guangling, where his vanguard corps had already encamped by the riverbank. He came to survey the position.
“How many soldiers are there on the other bank?” asked Cao Pi.
Cao Zhen replied, “I have not seen a single one—nor are there any flags or signs of encampment.”
“That must be a ruse—I will go and find out.”
So he sailed out in one of the dragon ships into the Yangtze. The ship anchored by the bank. Displayed on his ship were emblems proper to an imperial status, which shone out brilliantly in the sunlight. Seated in the ship, Cao Pi surveyed the south bank, but not a man was visible.
“Do you think we should cross?” he asked of his strategists.
“The rules of war allow for deceits and falsities. Knowing the approach of our army they ought to be prepared. We think Your Majesty should exercise caution. Wait for a few days and watch what happens. Then perhaps the van might be sent to make a reconnaissance.”
“Exactly,” said Cao Pi.
That night he stayed on his ship in the river. It was a moonless night. But the ship was brilliantly lit up by torches so it was bright as day on board. However, all along the south bank there appeared not a glimmer of light.
“What do you think it means?” asked Cao Pi.
The courtiers replied, “Obviously they must have heard of the approach of Your Majesty’s heavenly army and so have run away like rats.”
Cao Pi smiled smugly to himself. When daylight came there appeared a thick fog, and nothing on the opposite bank could be seen. After a time the wind rose, which dispersed the fog and blew off the clouds, and then, to their immense astonishment, they found that the whole length of the south bank as far as they could see was one extended battlement, with spears and swords glittering in the sun and flags and pennants fluttering in the breeze. Almost immediately scouts began sending in reports that from Nanxu to the Stone City (modern Nanjing), stretching hundreds of li, was an unending line of wall towers, boats, and carriages, which had been placed there overnight. Cao Pi was greatly alarmed.
In fact this was a ruse of Xu Sheng’s. The walls were imitation and the warriors that manned them were bundles of reeds dressed in soldiers’ uniforms. But the sight chilled the courage of the invaders.
“My multitudes of men are of no use against such warriors of the south,” sighed Cao Pi. “Wu is not to be conquered yet.”
Just as he was lamenting over this, the wind gathered force and surging white waves began to heave in the river, sending seas high up into the air and dampening his dragon robe. The ship lurched helplessly as if she would roll right over. Cao Zhen hastened to send Wen Ping out with some small boats to rescue his master. Now the lurches of the ship were appalling and the men on it could hardly maintain their balance. Therefore Wen Ping, who was a good swimmer, leaped on board the ship and helped Cao Pi down into one of the smaller craft, which then flew away before the wind and got safely into a bay.
Soon came a hasty messenger from the west to say that Zhao Yun had marched out of Yangping Pass to seize Chang’an. This frightened Cao Pi so much that he decided to withdraw. The various divisions of the army turned back to run their separate ways to the north, pursued by the men of Wu. To hasten the retreat, Cao Pi ordered his men to abandon all the imperial paraphernalia. However, as the dragon ships were about to withdraw into the Huai River, there suddenly arose the sounds of an approaching enemy force, with shouts of men, rolling of drums and the blaring of trumpets, and a troop came upon them from the side. At the head was the impetuous youth Sun Shao.
The men of Wei could make no effective stand and many were slain, while large numbers were driven into the river and drowned. By dint of the great efforts of his officers, Cao Pi was saved and got away up the Huai River. But when they had sailed about thirty li, they saw ahead some blazing reeds. The enemy had poured fish oil over the dry reeds and set them alight. The wind was spreading the flames downstream toward the men of Wei, and the heat was intense. The dragon ships had to stop.
Cao Pi was at once helped into a small boat and taken on shore; his larger ships soon caught fire and were destroyed. Hurriedly he mounted a horse and dashed down the bank, but presently another body of men blocked the way. This time it was the supporting force under Ding Feng.
Zhang Liao rode ahead to engage Ding Feng, who shot an arrow and wounded his opponent in the loins. However, the wounded man was rescued by Xu Huang. In the end the ruler of Wei escaped the turmoil but the loss of men was heavy, and a huge booty of horses, wagons, ships, and weapons fell to the victors.
So the Wei army retreated northward, thoroughly beaten. Xu Sheng scored a great success, for which he was richly rewarded.
Zhang Liao got to Xuchang, where he died from his wounds. He was honorably buried by his master, but the story of his funeral will not be told here.
It has been mentioned above that Zhao Yun had led an army out of Yangping Pass to take Chang’an. But soon after that he received a dispatch from Zhuge Liang, calling him to return, because an aged general in Yizhou, named Yong Kai, had joined himself with the Mans and invaded four of the Shu districts. So Zhao Yun was recalled and Ma Chao was put in charge of the Yangping Pass. Zhuge Liang then prepared an army at Chengdu for an expedition to pacify the southern border.
First Wu met Wei and drove them north,
Then Shu against the Mans went forth.
The result of this expedition will be related in the next chapter.
* In ancient China, it was the practice of a new ruler to adopt a new reign title. Here it means Sun Quan was establishing himself as an independent ruler.
* Referring to Buddhism, Confuciunism, and Taoism.
* A mythical figure with the face of a human and the body of a snake.