Gan Ning's Hundred Horsemen Raid The Northern Camp;
Zuo Ci's Flung-Down Cup Fools Cao Cao.
Sun Quan was occupied in ordering his army at Ruxu when he heard of the coming of Cao Cao from Hanzhong with four hundred thousand troops to the relief of Hefei. He told off a fleet of fifty large ships to lie in the port, while Chen Wu went up and down the river banks on the look-out.
"It would be well to inflict2 a defeat upon Cao Cao's army before they recover from the long march. It would dishearten them," said Zhang Zhao.
Looking around at the officers in his tent, Sun Quan said, "Who is bold enough to go forth3 and fight this Cao Cao and so take the keen edge off the spirit of his army?"
And Ling Tong offered himself, saying, "I will go!"
"How many soldiers do you require?"
"Three thousand troops will suffice," replied Ling Tong.
But Gan Ning struck in, saying, "Only a hundred horse would be needed. Why send three thousand?"
Ling Tong was angry, and he and Gan Ning began to wrangle4 even in the presence of their chief.
"Cao Cao's army is too strong to be attacked recklessly," said Sun Quan.
Finally he gave the commission to Ling Tong with his three thousand, bidding him reconnoiter just outside Ruxu, and fight the enemy if he met him.
Marching out, Ling Tong very soon saw a great cloud of dust, which marked the approach of an army. As soon as they came near enough, Zhang Liao, who led the van, engaged with Ling Tong, and they fought half a hundred bouts5 without sign of victory for either. Then Sun Quan began to fear for his champion, so he sent Lu Meng to extricate6 Ling Tong from the battle and escort him home.
When Ling Tong had come back, his rival Gan Ning went to Sun Quan and said, "Now let me have the hundred horsemen, and I will raid the enemy's camp this night. If I lose a soldier or a mount, I will claim no merit."
Sun Quan commended his courage and chose a hundred of his best veterans, whom he placed under Gan Ning's command for the raid. Sun Quan also gave him as a feast for the soldiers fifty flasks7 of wine and seventy five pounds of mutton.
Returning to the tents, Gan Ning drew up his little force and made them sit down in rows. Then he filled two silver goblets9 with wine and solemnly drank to them.
Next he said, "Comrades, tonight our orders are to raid the camp of the enemy. Wherefore fill your goblets and call up all your strength for the task."
But the men did not welcome his words. Instead they looked one at another uncertain.
Seeing them in this mood, Gan Ning adopted a fierce tone, drew his sword and cried, "What are you waiting for? If I, a leader of rank, can risk my life, cannot you?"
Moved by the angry face of the leader, the men rose, bowed their heads and said, "We will fight to the last!"
Then the wine and meat were distributed to them and each one ate his fill. The second watch was chosen as the hour to start, and each man stuck a white goose plume10 in his cap whereby they could recognize each other in the darkness.
At the time appointed they buckled12 on their armor, mounted and, galloping13 away, quickly came to Cao Cao's camp. Hastily throwing aside the thorny14 barriers, they burst in with a yell that rose to the very heavens. They made straight for the center, hoping to slay15 Cao Cao himself. But the troops of the leader's brigade had made a rampart of their carts within which they were sheltered as if in an iron tun, so that the raiders failed to find a way in.
However, Gan Ning and his small force dashed hither and thither16, cutting and slashing17, till Cao Cao's men were quite bewildered and frightened. They had no notion of the number of their assailants. All their efforts only increased the confusion. Wherefore the hundred men had it all their own way and rushed from point to point slaying19 whomever they met. But soon the drums beat in every camp and torches were lit and shouts arose, and it was time for the raiders to get away.
Gan Ning led his little body of troops out through the south gate with never a soldier trying to stop him, and rode for his own camp. He met Zhou Tai, who had been sent to help him in case of need; but the need had not arisen, and the hundred heroes with their leader rode back in triumph. There was no pursuit.
A poem was written praising this exploit:
[hip1, hip, hip]
The drums of war make earth to shake
When the South Land comes near even devils quake.
People long will tell of that night raid,
That Gan Ning's goose-plumed warriors21 made.
[yip, yip, yip]
On his return, Gan Ning took the tale of his men at the camp gate, not a man nor a horse was missing. He entered to the sound of drum and fife and the shouting of his men.
"Long life!" shouted they, as Sun Quan came to welcome them.
Gan Ning dismounted and prostrated22 himself.
His lord raised him, and took him by the hand, saying, "This expedition of yours must have given those rebels a shaking. I had yielded to your desire only I wished to give you the opportunity to manifest your valor23. I did not wish to let you be sacrificed."
Gan Ning's exploit was rewarded with gifts, a thousand rolls of silk and a hundred keen swords, all of which he distributed among his soldiers.
Sun Quan was very proud of his subordinate's doughty24 deed, and said, "Cao Cao may have his Zhang Liao, but I can match him with my friend Gan Ning."
Soon Zhang Liao came to proffer25 another challenge, and Ling Tong, impatient at being excelled by his rival and enemy, begged that he might go out to fight. His request was granted, and he marched out a short distance from Ruxu with five thousand troops. Sun Quan, with Gan Ning in his train, went out to look on at the encounter.
When both armies had come out on the plain and were arrayed, Zhang Liao, with Li Dian and Yue Jing, one on either side, advanced to the front. Ling Tong, sword in hand, galloped26 out towards him and, at Zhang Liao's command, Yue Jing took the challenge and went to open the combat. They fought half a hundred bouts, and neither seemed to have the better of the other.
Then Cao Cao, hearing of the great contest going on, rode up to the battlefield and took position under the great standard, whence he could see the fighting. Seeing both combatants were waxing desperate, he thought to decide the struggle by an unfair blow. He bade Cao Xiu let fly a secret arrow, which Cao Xiu did by creeping up under cover of Zhang Liao. It struck Ling Tong's steed, which reared and threw its rider. Yue Jing dashed forward to thrust at the fallen warrior20 with his spear, but before the blow could be given, the twang of another bow was heard and an arrow speeding by hit Yue Jing full in the face. He fell from his horse. Then both sides rushed forward to rescue their champions. The gongs clanged, and the combat ceased. Ling Tong returned to his camp and reported himself to his master.
"The arrow that saved you was shot by Gan Ning," said Sun Quan.
Ling Tong turned to his rival and bowed low.
"I could not have supposed you would have rendered me such a service, Sir," said he to Gan Ning.
This episode ended the strife27 and enmity between the two leaders, who thereafter swore perpetual friendship.
On the other side Cao Cao saw to it that Yue Jing's wound was dressed. Next day he launched an attack against Ruxu along five different lines. He himself led one army in the center; on the left Zhang Liao and Li Dian led two armies; on the right Xu Huang and Pang28 De commanded the other two. Each army was ten thousand strong, and they marched to give battle on the river bank. The crews and fighting troops of the South Land's naval29 squadron were greatly frightened by the approach of these armies.
"You have eaten the bread of your prince, and you must give loyal service. Why fear?" said Xu Sheng.
Thereupon he put some hundreds of his best men into small boats, went along the bank, and broke into the legion under Li Dian. Meanwhile Dong Xi on the ships beat drums and cheered them on. But a great storm came on, lashing18 the river to fury, and the waves rolled mountains high. The larger ships rolled as if they would overturn, and the soldiers of Wu were frightened. They started to get down into the bulkier cargo-boats to save their lives. But Dong Xi threatened them with his sword, cutting down some half score of the mutineers.
"My orders are to hold this point against the enemy," shouted he. "We dare not abandon the ships!"
However, the wind increased, and presently the bold Dong Xi was thrown into the river by the rolling of his ship and was drowned, together with his men.
Xu Sheng dashed hither and thither among Li Dian's army, slaying right and left. Chen Wu, hearing the noise of battle, set out for the river bank. On his way Chen Wu met Pang De and the legion under him. A melee30 ensued. Then Sun Quan with Zhou Tai and his troops joined in.
The small force from the ships that had attacked Li Dian was now surrounded. So Sun Quan gave the signal for an onslaught that should rescue them. This failed, and Sun Quan was himself surrounded in turn and soon in desperate straits. From a height, Cao Cao saw his difficulties and sent in Xu Chu to cut Sun Quan's column in halves so that neither half could aid the other.
When Zhou Tai had cut an alley31 out of the press and reached the riverside, he looked for his master. But Sun Quan was nowhere visible, so Zhou Tai dashed once again into the battle.
Coming to his own troops, he cried, "Where is our lord?"
They pointed11 to where the press was most dense32. Zhou Tai stiffened33 and dashed in.
Presently he reached his lord's side and cried out, "My lord, follow me, and I will hack34 a way out!"
Zhou Tai fought his way out to the river bank. Then he turned to look, and Sun Quan was not behind him. So he turned back, forced his way in, and once again found his way to his master's side.
"I cannot get out. The arrows are too thick!" said Sun Quan.
"Then go first, my lord, and I will follow!"
Sun Quan then urged his steed as fast as he could go, and Zhou Tai kept off all pursuit. Zhou Tai sustained many wounds and the arrows rattled35 on his helmet, but he got clear at last and Sun Quan was safe. As they neared the river bank, Lu Meng came up with some of the naval force and escorted Sun Quan down to the ships.
"I owe my safety to Zhou Tai, who thrice came to my aid," said Sun Quan. "But Xu Sheng is still in the thick of the fight, and how can we save him?"
"I will go to his rescue," cried Zhou Tai.
Whirling his spear, Zhou Tai again plunged36 into the battle and presently brought his colleague safely out of the press. Both were severely37 wounded.
Lu Meng ordered his troops to keep up a rapid flight of arrows so as to command the bank, and in this way the two leaders were enabled to get on board the ships.
Now Chen Wu had engaged the legion under Pang De. Being inferior in force and no aid being forthcoming, Chen Wu was forced into a valley where the trees and undergrowth were very dense. He tried to turn, but was caught by the branches, and while so entangled38 he was killed by Pang De.
When Cao Cao saw that Sun Quan had escaped from the battle to the river bank, he urged his steed forward in pursuit. He sent flights of arrows toward the fugitives39. By this time Lu Meng's troops had emptied their quivers, and he began to be very anxious. But just then a fleet of ships sailed up led by Lu Xun, the son-in-law of Sun Ce, who came with one hundred thousand marines and drove back Cao Cao's army. Then he landed to pursue. He captured many thousands of horses and slew40 many men, so that Cao Cao was quite defeated and retired41. Then they sought and found the body of Chen Wu among the slain42.
Sun Quan was much grieved when he came to know that Chen Wu had been slain and Dong Xi drowned, and wept sore. Men were sent to seek for Dong Xi's body, which at last was found. Both generals were buried with great honors.
As a recompense for Zhou Tai's services in Sun Quan's rescue, Sun Quan prepared in his honor a great banquet, where Sun Quan himself offered Zhou Tai a goblet8 of wine and complimented and embraced him while the tears coursed down his cheeks.
"Twice you saved my life, careless of your own," cried Sun Quan, "and you have received many wounds. It is as if your skin had been engraved43 and painted. What sort of a man should I be if I did not treat you as one of my own flesh and blood? Can I regard you, Noble Sir, merely as a unit in my army? You are my meritorious45 minister. I share the glory you have won and mine are your joys and sorrows."
Then Sun Quan bade Zhou Tai open his dress and exhibit his wounds for all the assembly to see. The skin was gashed46 all over as if his body had been scored with a knife. Sun Quan pointed to the wounds, one after another, and asked how each one had been received. And, as Zhou Tai told him, for every wound Sun Quan made him drink off a goblet of wine till he became thoroughly47 intoxicated48. Sun Quan then presented him with a green silk parasol and bade him use it on all occasions as a sign of the glory that was his.
But Sun Quan found his opponents too stable. At the end of a month the two armies were both at Ruxu and neither had won a victory.
Then said Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong, "Cao Cao is too strong, and we cannot overcome him by mere44 force. If the struggle continues longer, you will only lose more soldiers. You had better seek to make peace."
Sun Quan followed this advice and dispatched Bu Zhi on a peace mission to Cao Cao's camp. Sun Quan offered a yearly tribute. Cao Cao also saw that the South Land was too strong to be overcome, and consented.
Cao Cao insisted, "The Marquis should first send away his army, and then I would retire."
Bu Zhi returned with this message, and Sun Quan sent away the greater part, leaving only Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin to hold Ruxu. The army returned to Capital Jianye.
Cao Cao left Cao Ren and Zhang Liao in charge of Hefei, and he marched the army back to Capital Xuchang.
On arrival, all Cao Cao's officers, military and civil, persuaded him to become Prince of Wei. Only the Chair of the Secretariat, Cui Yan, spoke49 strongly against the scheme.
"You are, then, the only man who knows not the fate of Xun Yu," said his colleagues.
"Such times! Such deeds!" cried Cui Yan. "You are guilty of rebellion, but you may commit it yourselves. I will bear no part in it."
Certain enemies told Cao Cao, and Cui Yan was thrown into prison. At his trial he glared like a tiger, and his very beard curled with contempt. He raged and cursed at Cao Cao for a betrayer of his prince, and a rebel. The interrogating50 magistrate51 reported his conduct to Cao Cao, who ordered Cui Yan to be beaten to death in prison.
[hip, hip, hip]
Cui Yan of Qinghe,
Firm and unyielding was he,
With beard crisp curling and gleaming eyes,
Which showed the man of stone and iron within.
He drove the evil from his presence,
And his glory is fair and high.
For loyalty52 to his lord of Han,
His fame shall increase as the ages roll.
[yip, yip, yip]
In the twenty-first year of Rebuilt Tranquillity53 (216), in the fifth month of that year, a great memorial signed by many officers went up to Emperor Xian, praying:
[e] Yi Yin was was helper and prime minister of King Tang, the founder54 of Shang Dynasty. After King Tang's death, Yi Yin served his sons and grandson. Soon after Tai Jia, King Tang's grandson, ascended56 the throne, he committed many faults, and Yi Yin, acting57 as regent, exiled Tai Jia to Tong Palace---the burial place of King Tang. After three years Yi Yin returned him the throne. Tai Jia eventually became an enlightened emperor. Shang Dynasty lasted for 650 years (BC 1700-1050). It was this act of Yi Yin rather than his services in building up an empire that has made him immortal58. Whether he did right in temporarily dethroning the king was open to question, until a final verdict was rendered by Mencius who thought that his ends amply justified59 his means. This historical event attests60 the extent of the power exercised by a prime minister in those days. .....
[e] Duke of Zhou was brother of King Wu, who was the founder of Zhou Dynasty. After King Wu's death, the Duke of Zhou served his young son as regent. The Duke of Zhou completely ended the Shang domination, and he helped establish the Zhou administrative61 framework, which served as a model for future Chinese dynasties. Zhou Dynasty lasted for 800 years (BC 1050-221). .....
"The Duke of Wei has rendered so great services that no minister before him, in Heaven as well as on Earth, not even Yi Yin* and the Duke of Zhou*, could match his manifest merits to the state. Thus, the title of kingship should be granted to him."
The memorial was approved, and a draft edict was prepared by the famous Zhong Yao to make Cao Cao Prince of Wei. Thrice Cao Cao with seeming modesty62 pretended to decline the honor, but thrice was his refusal rejected. Finally he made his obeisance63 and was enrolled64 as Prince of Wei with the usual insignia and privileges, a coronet with twelve strings65 of beads66 and a chariot with gilt67 shafts68, drawn69 by six steeds. Using the formalities of the Son of God, he decorated his imperial chariot with bells and had the roads cleared when he passed along. He built himself a Palace at Yejun.
Then he began to discuss the appointment of an heir-apparent. His principal wife, Lady Ding, was without issue; but a concubine, Lady Liu, had borne him a son, Cao Ang, who had been killed in battle at the siege of Wancheng when Cao Cao fought against Zhang Xiu. A second concubine, Lady Bian, had borne him four sons: Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, Cao Zhi, and Cao Xiong. Wherefore he elevated Lady Bian to the rank of Queen of Wei in place of Lady Ding.
The third son, Cao Zhi, was very clever and a ready master of composition. Cao Cao wished him to be named the heir.
Then the eldest70 son, Cao Pi sought from the High Adviser71 Jia Xu a plan to secure his rights of primogeniture, and Jia Xu told him to do so and so. Thereafter, whenever the father went out on any military expedition, Cao Zhi wrote fulsome72 panegyrics73, but Cao Pi wept so copiously74 at bidding his father farewell that the courtiers were deeply affected75 and remarked that though Cao Zhi was crafty76 and clever, he was not so sincerely filial as Cao Pi. Cao Pi also bought over his father's immediate77 attendants, who then rang the praises of his virtues78 so loud that Cao Cao was strongly disposed to name him as the heir after all.
After hesitating a long time, the matter was referred to Jia Xu.
"I wish to name my heir. Who shall it be?" said Cao Cao.
Jia Xu would not say, and Cao Cao asked why.
"I was just recalling the past in my mind and could not reply at once," said Jia Xu.
"What were you recalling?"
"I was thinking of two fathers, Yuan Shao and Liu Biao, and their sons."
Cao Cao laughed. Soon after this he declared his eldest son his heir.
In the winter of that year, in the tenth month, the building of the Palace of the new Prince of Wei was completed, and the furnishing begun. From all parts were collected rare flowers and uncommon79 trees to beautify the gardens. One agent went into the South Land and saw Sun Quan, to whom he presented a letter from Cao Cao asking that he might be allowed to proceed to Wenzhou to get some oranges. At that period Sun Quan was in a most complaisant80 mood toward Cao Cao, so from the orange trees in his own city, he picked forty loads of very fine fruits and sent them immediately to Yejun.
On the way, the bearers of the oranges fell tired, and they had to stop at the foot of a certain hill. There came along an elderly man, blind of one eye and lame81 of one leg, who wore a white rattan82 headdress and a black loose robe. He saluted83 the bearers and stayed to talk.
Presently he said, "Your burdens are heavy, O Porters. May this old Taoist lend you a shoulder? What do you say?"
Naturally they were pleased enough, and the amiable84 wayfarer85 bore each load for two miles. When they resumed their burdens, they noticed that the loads seemed lighter86 than before, and they felt rather suspicious.
When the Taoist was taking his leave of the officer in charge of the party, he said, "I am an old friend from the same village as the Prince of Wei. My name is Zuo Ci. Among Taoists I bear the appellation87 of 'Black Horn'. When you get to the end of your journey, you may say that I was inquiring after your lord."
Zuo Ci shook down his sleeves and left. In due course the orange bearers reached the new Palace, and the oranges were presented. But when Cao Cao cut one open, it was but an empty shell of a thing: There was no pulp88 beneath the rind. Cao Cao was rather puzzled and called in the porters, who told him of their falling in with the mysterious Taoist on the way. But Cao Cao scouted89 the idea of that being the reason.
But just then the warden90 of the gate sent to say that a certain Taoist named Zuo Ci was at the gate and wished to see the king.
"Send him in," said Cao Cao.
"He is the man we met on the way," said the porters when he appeared.
Cao Cao said curtly91, "What sorcery have you been exercising on my beautiful fruit?"
"How could such a thing happen?" said the Taoist.
Thereupon he cut open an orange and showed it full of pulp, most delicious to the taste. But when Cao Cao cut open another, that again was empty, nothing but rind.
Cao Cao was more than ever perplexed92. He bade his visitor be seated, and, as Zuo Ci asked for refreshment93, wine and food were brought in. The Taoist ate ravenously94, consuming a whole sheep, and drank in proportion. Yet he showed no sign of intoxication95 or repletion96.
"By what magic are you here?" said Cao Cao.
[e] Emei Mountain one of the most renowned97 Buddhist98 and Daoist (Taoist) sanctuaries99 in China. The mountain is located in the basin of Sichuan Province. The beautiful majesty100 of this mountain has caused it to be named Emei, "the most beautiful mountain under heaven". Visitors of this mountain are treated to several peaks, bubbling springs, cascading101 waterfalls, tall ancient trees and abundant flowers along the many mountain paths leading to the many scenic102 spots and temples that dot the mountain side from the base to the summit. .....
"I am but a poor Taoist. I went into Jialing in Shu, and on Emei Mountain*, I studied the way for thirty long years. One day I heard my name called from out the rocky wall of my cell. I looked, but could see nothing. The same thing happened next day, and so on for many days. Then suddenly, with a roar like thunder, the rock split asunder103, and I saw a sacred book in three volumes called 'The Book of Concealing105 Method'---the first volume was named 'Concealing Heaven', the second 'Concealing Earth', and the third 'Concealing Human'. From the first volume I learned to ascend55 to the clouds astride the wind, to sail up into the great void itself; from the second to pass through mountains and penetrate106 rocks; from the third, to float light as vapor107, over the seas, to become invisible at will or change my shape, to fling swords and project daggers108 so as to decapitate a man from a distance. You, O Prince, have reached the acme109 of glory. Why not now withdraw and, like me, become a disciple110 of the Taoists? Why not travel to Emei Mountain and there mend your ways so that I may bequeath my three volumes to you ?"
"Oft have I reflected upon this course and struggled against my fate, but what can I do? There is no one to maintain the government," replied Cao Cao.
"There is Liu Bei of Yizhou, a scion111 of the dynastic family. Could you not make way for him? If you do not, I may have to send one of my flying swords after your head one day."
"You are one of his secret agents," said Cao Cao, suddenly enraged112. "Seize him!" cried he to his lictors.
They did so, while the Taoist laughed. And Zuo Ci continued to laugh as they dragged him down to the dungeons113, where they beat him cruelly. And when they had finished, the Taoist lay there gently respiring in a sound sleep, just as if he felt nothing whatever.
This enraged Cao Cao still more, and he bade them put the priest into the large wooden collar and nail it securely and then chain him in a cell. And Cao Cao set guards over him, and the guards saw the collar and chains just fall off while the victim lay fast asleep not injured in the least.
The Taoist lay in prison seven days without food or water. But when they went to look at him, he was sitting upright on the ground, quite well and rosy114 looking.
The gaolers reported these things to Cao Cao, who had the prisoner brought in.
"I do not mind going without food for years," said the victim, when Cao Cao questioned him, "yet I could eat a thousand sheep in a day."
Cao Cao was at the end of his resources. He could prevail nothing against such a man.
That day there was to be a great banquet at the new Palace, and guests came in crowds. When the banquet was in progress and the wine cup passing freely, suddenly the same Taoist appeared. He had wooden clogs115 on his feet. All faces turned in his direction and not a few were afraid; others wondered.
Standing116 there in front of the great assembly, the Taoist said, "O Powerful Prince, here today you have every delicacy117 on the table and a glorious company of guests. You have rare and beautiful objects from all parts of the world. Is there anything lacking? If there be anything you would like, name it and I will get it for you."
Cao Cao replied, "Then I want a dragon's liver to make soup: Can you get that?"
"Where's the difficulty?" replied Zuo Ci.
With a pencil the Taoist immediately sketched118 a dragon on the whitewashed119 wall of the banquet hall. Then he flicked121 his sleeve over it, the dragon's belly122 opened of itself, and therefrom Zuo Ci took the liver all fresh and bloody123.
"You had the liver hidden in your sleeve," said Cao Cao, incredulous.
"Then there shall be another test," said the Taoist. "It is winter and every plant outside is dead. What flower would you like, O Prince. Name any one you will."
"I want a peony," said Cao Cao.
"Easy," said the Taoist.
At this request they brought out a flower-pot, which was placed in full view of the guests. Then he spurted124 some water over it, and in a very short time up came a peony with two fully125 expanded flowers.
The guests were astonished, and they asked the Taoist to be seated and gave him wine and food. The cook sent in some minced126 fish.
"The best mince127 is made from the perch128 of River Song," said the Taoist.
"How can you get fish five hundred miles away?" said Cao Cao.
"Not at all difficult. Tell someone to get a rod and hook, and fish in the pond just below this banquet hall."
They did so, and very soon several beautiful perches129 lay on the steps.
"I have always kept some of these in my ponds, of course," said Cao Cao.
"O Prince, do you think to deceive me? All perches have two gills except the River Song perch, which has two pairs. That is the distinguishing feature."
The guests crowded round to look, and, surely enough, the fish had four gills.
"To cook this perch one needs purple sprout130 ginger131 though," said the Taoist.
"Can you also produce that?" asked Cao Cao.
"Easily."
Zuo Ci told them to bring in a silver bowl, which the magician filled with water. Very soon the ginger filled the bowl, and he presented it to the host. Cao Cao put out his hand to pick some, when suddenly a book appeared in the bowl and the title was Cao Cao's New Treatise132 on the Art of War. He took it out and read it over. Not a word of his treatise was missing.
Cao Cao became more mystified. Zuo Ci took up a jade133 cup that stood on the table, filled it with fine wine, and presented it to Cao Cao.
"Drink this, O Prince, and you will live a thousand years."
"Drink of it first yourself," said Cao Cao.
The Taoist took the jade pin from his headdress and drew it across the cup as if dividing the wine into two portions.
Then he drank one half and handed the cup with the other half to Cao Cao. But Cao Cao angrily refused it. The Taoist then threw the cup into the air, where it was transformed into a white dove which circled round the banquet hall and then flew away.
All faces were turned upward following the flight of the dove, and so no one had noticed the going of the Taoist. But he was gone; and soon the gate warden reported that he had left the Palace.
Said Cao Cao, "A magician like this ought to be put to death, or he will do some mischief134."
The redoubtable135 Xu Chu and a company of three hundred armed men were sent to arrest the Taoist. They saw the Taoist, still wearing his wooden clogs, not far ahead but striding along quickly. Xu Chu rode after Zuo Ci, but in spite of all his horse could do, he could not come up with Zuo Ci. Xu Chu kept up the chase right to the hills, when he met a shepherd lad with a flock of sheep. And there walked the Taoist among the sheep. The Taoist disappeared. The angry warrior slew the whole flock of sheep, while the shepherd lad looked on weeping.
Suddenly the boy heard a voice from one of the severed136 heads, telling him to replace the heads on the bodies of his sheep. Instead of doing so, he fled in terror, covering his face.
Then he heard a voice calling to him, "Do not run away. You shall have your sheep again."
He turned, and lo! the sheep were all alive again, and Zuo Ci was driving them along. The boy began to question him, but the Taoist made no reply. With a flick120 of his sleeves, he was gone.
The shepherd lad went home and told all these marvels137 to his master, who could not conceal104 such a story, and it reached Cao Cao. Then sketches138 of the Taoist were sent everywhere with orders to arrest him. Within three days were arrested in the city and outside three or four hundred persons all blind of one eye, lame of one leg, and wearing a rattan headdress, a black loose robe and wooden clogs. They were all alike and all answered to the description of the missing Taoist.
There was a great hubbub139 in the street. Cao Cao ordered his officer to sprinkle the crowd of Taoists with the blood of pigs and goats in order to exorcise the witchcraft140 and take them away to the drill ground on the south of the city. Thither he followed them with his guards, who surrounded the crowd of arrested persons and slew everyone. But from the neck of each one, after the head was severed, there floated up into the air a wreath of black vapor, and all these wreaths drifted toward a center where they joined up into the image of another Zuo Ci, who presently beckoned141 to him a white crane out of the sky, mounted it and sat as on a horse.
Clapping his hands, the Taoist cried merrily, "The rats of the earth follow the golden tiger, and one morning the doer of evil shall be no more."
The soldiers shot arrows at both bird and man. At this a tremendous storm burst over the city. Stones were driven along, sand was whirled about, and all the corpses142 arose from the ground, each holding his own head in his hands. They rushed toward Cao Cao as if to strike him. The officials covered their eyes, and none dared to look another in the face.
[hip, hip, hip]
The power of a bold man will overturn a state,
The art of a necromancer143 also produces wonders.
[yip, yip, yip]
Read the next chapter and you will know the fate of Cao Cao.
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inflict
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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4
wrangle
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| vi.争吵 | |
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5
bouts
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| n.拳击（或摔跤）比赛( bout的名词复数 )；一段（工作）；（尤指坏事的）一通；（疾病的）发作 | |
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6
extricate
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| v.拯救，救出；解脱 | |
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7
flasks
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| n.瓶，长颈瓶， 烧瓶( flask的名词复数 ) | |
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8
goblet
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| n.高脚酒杯 | |
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9
goblets
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| n.高脚酒杯( goblet的名词复数 ) | |
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10
plume
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| n.羽毛；v.整理羽毛，骚首弄姿，用羽毛装饰 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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12
buckled
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| a. 有带扣的 | |
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13
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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14
thorny
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| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
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15
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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16
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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17
slashing
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| adj.尖锐的；苛刻的；鲜明的；乱砍的v.挥砍( slash的现在分词 )；鞭打；割破；削减 | |
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18
lashing
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| n.鞭打；痛斥；大量；许多v.鞭打( lash的现在分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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19
slaying
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| 杀戮。 | |
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20
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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21
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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22
prostrated
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| v.使俯伏，使拜倒( prostrate的过去式和过去分词 )；（指疾病、天气等）使某人无能为力 | |
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23
valor
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| n.勇气，英勇 | |
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24
doughty
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| adj.勇猛的，坚强的 | |
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25
proffer
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| v.献出，赠送；n.提议，建议 | |
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26
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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27
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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28
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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29
naval
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| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
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30
melee
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| n.混战；混战的人群 | |
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31
alley
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| n.小巷，胡同；小径，小路 | |
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32
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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33
stiffened
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| 加强的 | |
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34
hack
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| n.劈，砍，出租马车；v.劈，砍，干咳 | |
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35
rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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36
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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37
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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38
entangled
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| adj.卷入的；陷入的；被缠住的；缠在一起的v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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39
fugitives
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| n.亡命者，逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
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40
slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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41
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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42
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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43
engraved
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| v.在（硬物）上雕刻（字，画等）( engrave的过去式和过去分词 )；将某事物深深印在（记忆或头脑中） | |
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44
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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45
meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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46
gashed
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| v.划伤，割破( gash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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47
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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48
intoxicated
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| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
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49
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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50
interrogating
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| n.询问技术v.询问( interrogate的现在分词 )；审问；（在计算机或其他机器上）查询 | |
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51
magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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52
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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53
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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54
Founder
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| n.创始者，缔造者 | |
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55
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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56
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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57
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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58
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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59
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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60
attests
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| v.证明( attest的第三人称单数 )；证实；声称…属实；使宣誓 | |
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61
administrative
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| adj.行政的，管理的 | |
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62
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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63
obeisance
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| n.鞠躬，敬礼 | |
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64
enrolled
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| adj.入学登记了的v.[亦作enrol]( enroll的过去式和过去分词 )；登记，招收，使入伍（或入会、入学等），参加，成为成员；记入名册；卷起，包起 | |
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65
strings
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| n.弦 | |
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66
beads
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| n.（空心）小珠子( bead的名词复数 )；水珠；珠子项链 | |
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67
gilt
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| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
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68
shafts
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| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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69
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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70
eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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71
adviser
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| n.劝告者，顾问 | |
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72
fulsome
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| adj.可恶的，虚伪的，过分恭维的 | |
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73
panegyrics
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| n.赞美( panegyric的名词复数 )；称颂；颂词；颂扬的演讲或文章 | |
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74
copiously
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| adv.丰富地，充裕地 | |
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75
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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76
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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77
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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78
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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79
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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80
complaisant
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| adj.顺从的，讨好的 | |
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81
lame
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| adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的 | |
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82
rattan
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| n.藤条，藤杖 | |
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83
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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84
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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85
wayfarer
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| n.旅人 | |
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86
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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87
appellation
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| n.名称，称呼 | |
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88
pulp
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| n.果肉，纸浆；v.化成纸浆，除去...果肉，制成纸浆 | |
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89
scouted
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| 寻找，侦察( scout的过去式和过去分词 )； 物色（优秀运动员、演员、音乐家等） | |
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90
warden
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| n.监察员，监狱长，看守人，监护人 | |
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91
curtly
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| adv.简短地 | |
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92
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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93
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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94
ravenously
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| adv.大嚼地，饥饿地 | |
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95
intoxication
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| n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning | |
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96
repletion
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| n.充满，吃饱 | |
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97
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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98
Buddhist
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| adj./n.佛教的，佛教徒 | |
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99
sanctuaries
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| n.避难所( sanctuary的名词复数 )；庇护；圣所；庇护所 | |
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100
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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101
cascading
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| 流注( cascade的现在分词 )； 大量落下； 大量垂悬； 梯流 | |
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102
scenic
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| adj.自然景色的，景色优美的 | |
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103
asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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104
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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105
concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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106
penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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107
vapor
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| n.蒸汽，雾气 | |
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108
daggers
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| 匕首，短剑( dagger的名词复数 ) | |
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109
acme
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| n.顶点，极点 | |
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110
disciple
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| n.信徒，门徒，追随者 | |
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111
scion
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| n.嫩芽，子孙 | |
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112
enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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113
dungeons
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| n.地牢( dungeon的名词复数 ) | |
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114
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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115
clogs
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| 木屐； 木底鞋，木屐( clog的名词复数 ) | |
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116
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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117
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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118
sketched
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| v.草拟（sketch的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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119
whitewashed
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| 粉饰，美化，掩饰( whitewash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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120
flick
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| n.快速的轻打，轻打声，弹开；v.轻弹，轻轻拂去，忽然摇动 | |
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121
flicked
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| （尤指用手指或手快速地）轻击( flick的过去式和过去分词 )； （用…）轻挥； （快速地）按开关； 向…笑了一下（或瞥了一眼等） | |
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122
belly
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| n.肚子，腹部；(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分，膛 | |
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123
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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124
spurted
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| （液体，火焰等）喷出，（使）涌出( spurt的过去式和过去分词 )； （短暂地）加速前进，冲刺 | |
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125
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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126
minced
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| v.切碎( mince的过去式和过去分词 )；剁碎；绞碎；用绞肉机绞（食物，尤指肉） | |
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127
mince
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| n.切碎物；v.切碎，矫揉做作地说 | |
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128
perch
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| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
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129
perches
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| 栖息处( perch的名词复数 )； 栖枝； 高处； 鲈鱼 | |
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130
sprout
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| n.芽，萌芽；vt.使发芽，摘去芽；vi.长芽，抽条 | |
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131
ginger
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| n.姜，精力，淡赤黄色；adj.淡赤黄色的；vt.使活泼，使有生气 | |
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132
treatise
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| n.专著；(专题)论文 | |
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133
jade
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| n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠 | |
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134
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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135
redoubtable
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| adj.可敬的；可怕的 | |
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136
severed
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| v.切断，断绝( sever的过去式和过去分词 )；断，裂 | |
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137
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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138
sketches
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| n.草图( sketch的名词复数 )；素描；速写；梗概 | |
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139
hubbub
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| n.嘈杂；骚乱 | |
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140
witchcraft
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| n.魔法，巫术 | |
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141
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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142
corpses
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| n.死尸，尸体( corpse的名词复数 ) | |
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143
necromancer
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| n. 巫师 | |
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