Читаем Three Kingdoms Romance полностью

It was still burning for no one had extinguished the flames. Soon from behind them came out Zhang Fei. Liu Xian called out to his companion, saying, “Do not enter the burning camp, but to go to attack Zhuge Liang's stockade.”

Thereupon they turned again, but at a distance of three miles Zhao Yun and an army suddenly debouched upon their road. Zhao Yun attacked and slew Xing Darong by a spear thrust. Liu Xian turned to flee, but Zhang Fei was close upon him and made him prisoner. He was thrown across a horse, bound, and taken to camp. When he saw Zhuge Liang, Liu Xian said, “The ruse was Xing Darong's evil counsel; I was forced to follow.”

Zhuge Liang ordered them to loose his bonds, had him properly dressed, and gave him wine to cheer him and help him forget his troubles. When he was recovered, he was told to go to his father and persuade him to yield.

“And if he does not, the city shall be destroyed and every one put to death,” said Zhuge Liang as Liu Xian left.

The son returned to the city and told his father these things. Liu Du at once decided to yield and forthwith hoisted the flag of surrender, opened the gates, and went out taking his seal of office with him. He was reappointed to his governorship, but his son was sent to Jingzhou for service with the army.

The people of Lingling all rejoiced greatly at the change of rulers. Liu Bei entered the city, calmed and reassured the people and rewarded his army.

But he at once began to think of the next move and asked for an officer to volunteer to take Guiyang. Zhao Yun offered, but Zhang Fei vehemently proposed himself for the command of the expedition. So they wrangled and contended.

Then said Zhuge Liang, “Undoubtedly Zhao Yun was first to volunteer, wherefore he is to go.”

Still Zhang Fei opposed and insisted on going. They were told to decide the dispute by drawing lots, and Zhao Yun drew the winning lot.

Zhang Fei was still very angry and grumbled, “I would not have wanted any helpers: just three thousand soldiers and I would have done it.”

“I also only want three thousand soldiers,” said Zhao Yun. “And if I fail, I am willing to suffer the penalties.”

Zhuge Liang was pleased that Zhao Yun recognized his responsibility so fully, and with the commission gave Zhao Yun three thousand of veterans.

Though the matter was thus settled, Zhang Fei was discontented and pressed his claim till Liu Bei bade him desist and retire.

With his three thousand troops, Zhao Yun took the road to Guiyang. The Governor, Zhao Fan, soon heard of his approach and hastily called his officers to take counsel. Two of them, Chen Ying and Bao Long, offered to meet the invaders and turn them back.

These two warriors belonged to Guiyang and had made themselves famous as hunters. Chen Ying used a “Flying Fork,” and Bao Long could draw a bow with such force that he had been known to send an arrow through two tigers. So strong were they, as well as bold.

They stood before Zhao Fan and said, “We will lead the way against Liu Bei.”

The Governor replied, “I know that Liu Bei is of the imperial family, and Zhuge Liang is exceedingly resourceful. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are very bold. But the commander of this force is Zhao Yun who, on one occasion, faced a hundred legions of Cao Cao and never blenched. Our small force here cannot stand against such people. We shall have to yield.”

“Let me go out to fight,” said Chen Ying. “If I cannot capture Zhao Yun, then you can yield.”

The Governor could not resist him and gave his consent. Then Chen Ying, with three thousand troops, went forth; and soon the two armies came within sight of each other. When Chen Ying's army was drawn up, he girded on his flying fork and rode to the front. Zhao Yun gripped his spear and rode to meet him.

Zhao Yun began to rail at Chen Ying, saying, “My master is the brother of Liu Biao to whom belonged this land. Now he is supporting his nephew, the heir and son of Liu Biao. Having taken Jingzhou, I am come to soothe and comfort the people here. Why then do you oppose me?”

“We are supporters of the Prime Minister Cao Cao and are no followers of your master,” was the reply.

Zhao Yun, waxing angry, firmly grasped his spear and rode forward. His opponent twirled the flying fork and advanced. The horses met, but after four or five encounters Chen Ying, realizing that there was no hope of victory, turned and fled. Zhao Yun followed. Suddenly turning, Chen Ying got close to Zhao Yun and flung the fork. Zhao Yun deftly caught it and threw it back. Chen Ying dodged away, but Zhao Yun soon caught him up, seized, dragged him out of the saddle, and threw him to the ground. Then Zhao Yun called up his soldiers and they bound the prisoner. Chen Ying was taken to the camp, while his troops scattered and fled.

“I thought you would not dare a combat with me,” said Zhao Yun to the prisoner when they had returned to camp. “However, I am not going to put you to death. You are free. But persuade your master to yield.”