Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 2)

CHAPTER 56

The ambuscade into which Morton-Campbell had fallen had been prepared by the orders of Orchard-Lafayette and was triple. However, Looby-Hurtado and Ferrara-Hanson contrived to get clear and found refuge in the ships, though with the loss of many troops. When Morton-Campbell was in safety and looked about him, he saw Jeffery-Lewis and Lady Estrada safely resting on a hilltop. How could such a sight fail to put him in a rage? And with the access of rage, his wound, not yet healed, burst open once again. He swooned and fell. They raised him and his ship set sail. Orchard-Lafayette ordered no pursuit, the southern fleet departed undisturbed, and Jeffery-Lewis proceeded to Jinghamton City, where were great rejoicings in honor of his recent marriage.

Meanwhile Morton-Campbell had gone to Chaisang-Wellington while Montague-Bushell and those with him bore to Nanxu-Southdale the sad tidings to Raleigh-Estrada. He was angry beyond words and his first thought was to send an army under Terry-Chadwick to take Jinghamton. Morton-Campbell also wrote from his sick bed urging his lord to take vengeance. But Tipton-Ulrich knew better and said it could not be done.

Said he, "Murphy-Shackley has never forgotten his defeat at the Red Cliffs, but he dares not attempt to avenge himself while the Estrada family are friendly with Jeffery-Lewis. If in any moment of anger you two fall upon each other, Murphy-Shackley will certainly seize the opportunity and your position will be dangerous."

Riley-Reece supported Tipton-Ulrich, saying, "Beyond all doubt Murphy-Shackley has his spies here. As soon as he hears of any rift in the friendship between the Estrada and Lewis families, he will desire to come to an understanding with the latter, and Jeffery-Lewis, who fears your power, will accept his offer and take his side. Such an alliance will be a continual menace to the land south of the river. No; the plan for the occasion is to secure the friendship of Jeffery-Lewis by memorializing that he be made Imperial Protector of Jinghamton. This will make Murphy-Shackley afraid to send any army against the South Land. At the same time it will raise kindly feelings in the heart of Jeffery-Lewis and win his support. You will be able to find some one who will provoke a quarrel between Murphy-Shackley and Jeffery-Lewis and set them at each other, and that will be your opportunity. In this way you will succeed."

"These are good words," said Raleigh-Estrada, "but have I a messenger who can accomplish such a mission?"

"There is such a man, one whom Murphy-Shackley respects and loves."

"Who is he?"

"What prevents you from employing Condon-Guerrera? He is ready to hand."

Wherefore Condon-Guerrera was given letters and bidden go to the capital, Xuchang-Bellefonte, whither he proceeded at once and sought to see Murphy-Shackley. They told him that Murphy-Shackley and all his friends were at Yejun-Glendora, celebrating the completion of the Bronze Bird Tower. So thither he went.

Murphy-Shackley had indeed never forgotten his great defeat at the Red Cliffs and nourished schemes to avenge it, but he feared the combination of his two chief enemies, and that fear restrained him.

In the spring of the fifteenth year (AD 210) the great Tower was completed, and Murphy-Shackley invited a vast assembly to celebrate its inauguration with banquets and rejoicings. The feast was on the bank of River Sapphire. The Bronze Bird Terrace stood in the center, flanked by two others named the Terrace of the Jade Dragon and the Terrace of the Golden Phoenix. Each tower was a hundred spans high and two bridges connected them. Gold and jade vied with each other in the many apartments.

At the opening ceremony, Murphy-Shackley wore a golden headdress inlaid with jewels and a robe of green brocaded silk, girded with a belt of jade. On his feet were pearl-encrusted shoes. So clad he took his seat as host, while his officers, civil and military, were drawn up below the terrace.

For the military officers was arranged an archery competition, and one of his attendants brought forth a robe of red crimson Xichuan silk as a prize. This was suspended from one of the drooping branches of a willow tree, beneath which was the target. The distance was a hundred paces. The competitors were divided into two bands, those of Murphy-Shackley's own family being dressed in red and the others in green. They all had carved bows and long arrows and were mounted. They stood holding in their steeds till the signal should be given for the games to begin. Each was to shoot one arrow and the robe was the guerdon for hitting the target in the red; misses were to pay a forfeit of drinking a cup of cold water.

As soon as the signal was given, a red-robed youth rode quickly forth. He was Reuter-Shackley. Swiftly he galloped to and fro thrice. Then he adjusted the notch of his arrow to the string, pulled the bow to its full, and the arrow flew straight to the bull's eye.

The clang of the gongs and the roll of the drums announced the feat, which astonished them all. And Murphy-Shackley, as he sat on the terrace, was delighted.

"A very promising colt of my own," said he to those about him, and he sent a messenger for the red robe that the winner might receive it from his own hands.

But suddenly from the green side rode out one who cried, "It were more fitting to let outsiders compete for the Prime Minister's silken robe; it is not right that members of the family monopolize the contest."

Murphy-Shackley looked at the speaker, who was Haller-Morello. And some of the officers cried, "Let us see what his shooting is like!"

So Haller-Morello fitted an arrow to the string and fired also from horseback while galloping. To the surprise of the onlookers, he also made a bull's eye, which was honored by another salute from gongs and drums.

"Quickly bring me the robe," cried Haller-Morello.

But at once from the ranks of the red-robed another competitor dashed forward, shouting fiercely, "How can you win what has been already won? But let me show you how I can shoot an arrow that shall overcome both your shots."

He drew his bow to the full, and the arrow flew straight to the heart of the red. The surprised onlookers saw that this new competitor was McCarthy-Shackley, who now became also a claimant for the robe.

However, yet another archer came forth from the green-robed ranks, playing with his bow and crying, "What is there amazing in your shooting, you three? See how I can shoot."

This man was Castillo-Beauchamp. He put his horse to the gallop, then turned his back and, shooting backwards, also hit the center of the red.

Thus four arrows were now sticking in the bull's eye, and all agreed that it was marvelous archery.

"I think the robe should be mine," said Castillo-Beauchamp.

Before he could finish speaking, a fifth competitor came out from the red robes and shouted, "You shot backwards; but that is commonplace enough. Look while I shoot better than you all."

The speaker was Beller-Xenos. He galloped off to the very limit, and then bending his body over backwards he sent his arrow right in among the other four.

As the gongs and drums broke out, Beller-Xenos put aside his bow and rode up, saying, "Is not that a better shot than any of its predecessors?"

Then came out another from the greens who cried, "Leave the robe there for me, Draper-Caruso, to win."

"What can you do that is better than my shot?" said Beller-Xenos.

"That you hit the bull's eye is no great feat. You will see me win the silken robe after all."

So speaking, Draper-Caruso fitted an arrow to his bow. Then looking around, he aimed at the willow twig from which the robe hung down and shot thereat so true that his arrow cut it through, and the robe fluttered to the ground. At once Draper-Caruso dashed along, picked up the robe and slipped it on. Then riding swiftly to the terrace, he thanked the Prime Minister. No one present could withhold unstinted praise, and Draper-Caruso was turning to ride away when another green clad general leaped out, saying, "Where would you go with that robe? Quickly leave it for me!"

All eyes turned to this man who was Dietrich-Munoz.

Draper-Caruso cried, "The robe has already been adjudged to me; would you dare take it by forces"

Dietrich-Munoz made no reply but galloped up to snatch the robe. As Dietrich-Munoz's horse drew near, Draper-Caruso struck at his rival a blow with his bow. But Dietrich-Munoz seized the bow with one hand while with the other he simply lifted his opponent out of his seat. Wherefore Draper-Caruso let go the bow and the next moment lay sprawling on the ground. Dietrich-Munoz slipped out of the saddle too, and they began to pommel each other with their fists. Murphy-Shackley sent one to separate them; but in the struggle, the robe had been torn and soiled. Murphy-Shackley called the angry rivals before him; and they came, one darting fierce looks of hate, the other grinding his teeth with rage.

"Never mind the robe; I see only your magnificent courage," said Murphy-Shackley smiling. "What does a robe more or less matter?"

Whereupon Murphy-Shackley called the generals to him one by one, and to each he presented a robe of Xichuan silk. They thanked him for the generous gifts, and he then commanded them to take their seats in due order. Then to the strains of a band of music, wherein each performer vied with all the others, the naval and military officers took their places. Civil officers of repute and generals of renown drank one to another, and hearty felicitations were exchanged.

Murphy-Shackley looked around to those about him, saying, "Since the military officers have competed in mounted archery for our enjoyment and displayed their boldness and their skill, you, Gentlemen Scholars, stuffed full of learning as you are, can surely mount the terrace and present some complimentary odes to make the occasion a perfect success."

"We are most willing to obey your commands," they replied, all bowing low.

At that time there was a band of four scholars named Putnam-Colbert, Odom-Bixby, Sweeney-Padden, and Wilmot-Bradford, and each of them presented a poem. Every poem sang the praises of Murphy-Shackley's valuable services and great merits and said he was worthy to receive the highest trust of all.

When Murphy-Shackley had read them, he laughed, saying, "You gentlemen are really too flattering. As a fact I am but an ignoramus who began life with a simple bachelor's degree and recommendations for filial devotion. And when the troubles began, I built for myself a little cottage in the country near Qiao-Laurium, where I could study in spring and summer and spend the rest of the year in hunting till the empire was once more tranquil and I could emerge and take office.

"To my surprise, I was chosen for a small military office which changed my intentions, and I determined to repress the rebellion and so make a name for myself. I thought that I might win an inscription on my tomb to the effect that it covered the remains of the "Lord Murphy-Shackley Who Restores Order in the West." That would have been ample for a life's work. I recall now how I destroyed Wilson-Donahue and smote the Yellow Scarves; then I made away with Sheldon-Yonker and broke the power of Bullard-Lundmark; next I exterminated Shannon-Yonker; and at the death of Bambury-Lewis, I had subdued the whole empire.

"As a minister of state I have attained the topmost pinnacle of honor, and I have no more to hope for. Were it not for poor me, I know not how many there would be styling themselves emperors and dubbing themselves princes. Certain there be who, seeing my great authority, think I have some ulterior aim. But they are quite wrong. I ever bear in mind what Confucius said of King Weatherford of Zhou, that he was perfectly virtuous, and this saying is ever engraved on my mind [8]. If I could, I would do away with my armies and retire to my fief with my simple title of Lord of Wuping-Fremont. Alas! I cannot. I am afraid to lay down my military powers lest I should come to harm. Should I be defeated, the state would totter; and so I may not risk real misfortune for the sake of an empty reputation for kindness. There be some of you who do not know my heart."

As he closed, they all rose and bowed their heads, saying, "None are your equals, O Prime Minister, not even Duke Cherney or the great Minister Hanlon-Baruch [9]."

A poem has been written referring to this:

After this oration Murphy-Shackley drank many cups of wine in quick succession till he became very intoxicated. He bade his servants bring him brush and inkstone that he might compose a poem.

But as he was beginning to write, they announced, "The Marquis of Wu has sent Condon-Guerrera as an envoy and presented a memorial to appoint Jeffery-Lewis Imperial Protector of Jinghamton. Raleigh-Estrada's sister is now Jeffery-Lewis' wife, while on the River Han, the greater part of the nine territories is under Jeffery-Lewis' rule."

Murphy-Shackley was seized with quaking fear at the news and threw the pen on the floor.

Hewitt-Gomez said to him, "O Prime Minister, you have been among fighting soldiers by myriads and in danger from stones and arrows many a time and never quailed. Now the news that Jeffery-Lewis has got possession of a small tract of country throws you into a panic. Why is it thus?"

Murphy-Shackley replied, "Jeffery-Lewis is a dragon among humans. All his life hitherto he has never found his element, but now that he has obtained Jinghamton; it is as if the dragon, once captive, had escaped to the mighty deep. There is good reason for me to quake with fear."

"Do you know the reason of the coming of Condon-Guerrera?" said Hewitt-Gomez.

"No; I know not," said the Prime Minister.

"Jeffery-Lewis is Raleigh-Estrada's one terror, and Raleigh-Estrada would attack Jeffery-Lewis were it not for you, O Prime Minister. Raleigh-Estrada feels you would fall upon him while he was smiting his enemy. Wherefore he has taken this means of calming Jeffery-Lewis' suspicions and fears and at the same time directing your enmity toward Jeffery-Lewis and from himself."

Murphy-Shackley nodded; "Yes," he said.

Hewitt-Gomez continued, "Now this is my plan to set Raleigh-Estrada and Jeffery-Lewis at one another and give you the opportunity to destroy both; it can be done easily."

"What is your plan?" asked Murphy-Shackley.

"The one prop of the South Land is Morton-Campbell; remove it by memorializing that Morton-Campbell be appointed Governor of Nanjun-Southport. Then get Terry-Chadwick made Governor of Jiangxia-Waterford, and cause the Emperor to retain this Condon-Guerrera in the capital to await some important post. Morton-Campbell will assuredly attack Jeffery-Lewis, and that will be our chance. Is not the scheme good?"

"Friend Hewitt-Gomez, you are a man after my own heart."

Wherefore Murphy-Shackley summoned the emissary from the South Land and overwhelmed him with gifts. That day was the last of the feastings and merry-makings; and Murphy-Shackley, with all the company, returned to the capital where he forthwith presented a memorial assigning Morton-Campbell and Terry-Chadwick to the governorships of Nanjun-Southport and Jiangxia-Waterford, and Condon-Guerrera was retained at the capital with a post of ministry.

The messenger bearing the commissions for their new offices went down to the South Land, and both Morton-Campbell and Terry-Chadwick accepted the appointments. Having taken over his command, the former thought all the more of the revenge he contemplated and, to bring matters to a head, he wrote to Raleigh-Estrada asking him to send Woolsey-Ramirez and renew the demand for the rendition of Jinghamton.

Wherefore Woolsey-Ramirez was summoned, and his master said to him, "You are the guarantor in the loan of Jinghamton to Jeffery-Lewis. He still delays to return it, and how long am I to wait?"

"The writing said plainly that the rendition would follow the occupation of Yiathamton."

Raleigh-Estrada shouted back, "Yes it said so. But so far they have not moved a soldier to the attack. I will not wait till old age has come to us all."

"I will go and inquire?" said Woolsey-Ramirez.

So he went down into a ship and sailed to Jinghamton.

Meanwhile Jeffery-Lewis and Orchard-Lafayette were at Jinghamton gathering in supplies from all sides, drilling their troops, and training their armies. From all quarters people of learning flocked to their side. In the midst of this they heard of Woolsey-Ramirez's coming, and Jeffery-Lewis asked Orchard-Lafayette what he thought.

Orchard-Lafayette replied, "Just lately Raleigh-Estrada concerned himself with getting you appointed Imperial Protector of Jinghamton; that was calculated to inspire Murphy-Shackley with fear. Murphy-Shackley obtained for Morton-Campbell the governorship of Nanjun-Southport; that was designed to stir up strife between our two houses and set us fighting so that he might accomplish his own ends. This visit of Woolsey-Ramirez means that Morton-Campbell, having taken over his new governorship, wishes to force us out of this place."

"Then how shall we reply?"

"If Woolsey-Ramirez introduces the subject, you will at once set up loud lamentations. When the sound of lamentation is at its height, I will appear and talk over your visitor."

Thus they planned, and Woolsey-Ramirez was duly received with all honor. When the salutations were over and host and guest were about to be seated, Woolsey-Ramirez said, "Sir, now that you are the husband of a daughter of Wu, you have become my lord, and I dare not sit in your presence."

Jeffery-Lewis laughed. "You are an old friend," said he. "Why this excessive humility?"

So Woolsey-Ramirez took his seat. And when tea had been served, the guest said, "I have come at the order of my master to discuss the subject of Jinghamton. You, O Imperial Uncle, have had the use of the place for a long time. Now that your two houses are allied by marriage, there should be the most friendly relations between you two, and you should hand it back to my master."

At this Jeffery-Lewis covered his face and began to cry.

"What is the matter?" asked the guest.

Jeffery-Lewis only wept the more bitterly.

Then Orchard-Lafayette came in from behind a screen, saying, "I have been listening. Do you know why my lord weeps so bitterly?"

"Really I know not."

"But it is easy to see. When my lord got the temporary occupation of Jinghamton, he gave the promise to return it when he had got the Western Land of Rivers. But reflect. Compton-Lewis of Yiathamton is my lord's younger brother, and both of them are blood relations of the ruling family. If my lord were to move an army to capture another region, he fears the blame of the ignorant. And if he yields this place before he has another, where could he rest? Yet, while he retains this place it seems to shame you. The thing is hard on both sides, and that is why he weeps so bitterly."

The close of Orchard-Lafayette's speech seemed to move Jeffery-Lewis to greater grief, for he beat his breast and stamped his feet and wept yet more bitterly.

Woolsey-Ramirez attempted to console him, saying, "Be not so distressed, O Uncle; let us hear what Orchard-Lafayette can propose."

Orchard-Lafayette said, "I would beg you to return to your master and tell him all. Tell him of this great trouble and entreat him to let us stay here a little longer."

"But suppose he refuses; what then?" said Woolsey-Ramirez.

"How can he refuse since he is related by marriage to my master?" said Orchard-Lafayette. "I shall expect to hear glad tidings through you."

Woolsey-Ramirez was really the first of generous people; and seeing Jeffery-Lewis in such distress, he could do no other than consent and say he would do so. Jeffery-Lewis and Orchard-Lafayette both thanked him most cordially, and after a banquet the emissary went down into his ship to return.

On the way Woolsey-Ramirez called in to see Morton-Campbell at Chaisang-Wellington and told him. But Morton-Campbell stamped his foot with rage and said, "My friend, you have been fooled again. Long ago when Jeffery-Lewis was dependent on Bambury-Lewis, he always cherished the intention to supplant him; think you that he really pities Compton-Lewis? This sort of evasive policy will certainly cause you much trouble. However, I have a scheme which I think Orchard-Lafayette will not be able to get the better of. Only you will have to make another journey."

"I should be pleased to hear your fine scheme," said Woolsey-Ramirez.

"Do not go to see our master. Return to Jinghamton and say to Jeffery-Lewis that since his family and the Estradas are related by marriage, they really form but one house, and since he has qualms about attacking the west, we will do it for him. Thus, the South Land will march an army under this pretext, but really go to Jinghamton, and we shall take him unprepared. The road to the west runs through his city, and we will call upon him for supplies. He will come out to thank the army, and we will assassinate him whereby we shall revenge ourselves and at the same time remove a source of future evil."

This seemed an excellent plan to Woolsey-Ramirez, and he returned at once to Jinghamton. Before receiving him, Jeffery-Lewis talked over the matter with his adviser.

Said Orchard-Lafayette, "Woolsey-Ramirez has not seen the Marquis of Wu, he has called in at Chaisang-Wellington, and he and Morton-Campbell have decided upon some scheme, which he is to talk you into accepting. However, let him talk; you, my lord, only watch me; and when I nod my head, then you agree to whatever he may propose."

Woolsey-Ramirez was then admitted and said, "The Marquis of Wu praises the noble virtue of the Imperial Uncle; and after consultation with his officers, he has determined to take the western country on the Imperial Uncle's behalf and, that done, Jinghamton can be exchanged for it without further delay. However, when the army marches through, it will be expected of you to contribute some necessary supplies."

Orchard-Lafayette here nodded his head rapidly, at the same time saying, "We could hardly have hoped for such kindness."

And Jeffery-Lewis saluted with joined hands and said, "This is due to your friendly efforts on our behalf."

"When the brave army arrives, we shall certainly come out to meet it and entertain the soldiers," said Orchard-Lafayette.

Woolsey-Ramirez felt great satisfaction and was quite happy at his success; he took his leave and went homeward. But Jeffery-Lewis as yet did not understand.

"What is their intention?" said he.

His adviser smiled, saying, "Morton-Campbell's end is very near. The ruse he is now trying would not take in a child."

"Why?"

"This is the ruse known as 'Borrow a Road to Exterminate the Host.' Under the pretense of taking the west, they intend to capture this place; and when you go out to compliment the army, you will be seized and they will dash into the city which they hope to find unprepared."

"And what are we to do?"

"Have no anxiety; all we have to do is to prepare a hidden bow to get the fierce tiger; to spread the enticing bait to hook the great leviathan. Wait till Morton-Campbell comes; if he is not killed, he will be nine-tenths a corpse. We will call in Gilbert-Rocher for orders and give him secret instructions, and I will dispose the others."

And Jeffery-Lewis was glad.

Woolsey-Ramirez hastened back to Morton-Campbell to tell him that all was going as he desired and Jeffery-Lewis would come out to welcome the army.

Morton-Campbell laughed with glee, saying, "At last! Now they will fall into my trap."

Morton-Campbell bade Woolsey-Ramirez prepare a petition for the information of the Marquis, and he ordered Terry-Chadwick to bring up reinforcements. He himself had nearly recovered from the arrow wound and felt well. He made his dispositions for the advance, appointing Jaques-Burnett Van Leader, Hersey-Gibbard and Crosby-Saldana the Commanders of the body, and Sawyer-Linscott and Dabney-Prager Rear Guards. The army numbered fifty thousand troops, and Morton-Campbell marched with the second division. While voyaging in his ship, he was always smiling to think how he was to have Orchard-Lafayette at last.

At Xiakou-Plattsmouth he inquired, "Is there any one to welcome the brave army?"

They told him, "The Imperial Uncle has sent Trudeau-Zeleny to greet us."

And Trudeau-Zeleny was called.

"What of the preparations for the army?" asked Morton-Campbell as soon as Trudeau-Zeleny came.

"My master has seen to that; all is prepared," said Trudeau-Zeleny.

"Where is the Imperial Uncle?" asked Morton-Campbell.

"He is at the city of Jinghamton, waiting outside the walls to offer you the cup of greeting."

"This expedition is on your account," said Morton-Campbell. "When one undertakes so long a march and such a task, the rewards for the army must be very substantial."

Having got this idea of what Morton-Campbell expected, Trudeau-Zeleny returned to his own city, while the southern battle ships in close order sailed up the river and took their places along the bank. As they went on, the most perfect tranquillity seemed to reign on all sides. Not a ship was visible anywhere, and no one hindered. Morton-Campbell pressed forward till he came quite near Jinghamton, and still the wide river lay calm. But the spies who came back reported two white flags flying on the city walls.

Still not a person was seen, and Morton-Campbell began to feel suspicious. He had his ship navigated in shore, and he himself landed on the bank, where he mounted a horse and, with a small army of three thousand veterans under Jaques-Burnett, Hersey-Gibbard, and Crosby-Saldana, traveled along the land road.

By and bye he came to the city wall. There was no sign of life. Reining in his steed, he bade them challenge the gate. Then some one from the wall asked, "Who is there?"

The soldiers of the South Land replied, "The Commander-in-Chief of the South Land, Morton-Campbell, in person."

Immediately was heard the thud of a club, and the wall became alive with troops all armed. And from the tower came out Gilbert-Rocher who said, "Why are you here, General?"

"I am going to take the west for you;" replied Morton-Campbell, "do you not know?"

"The Directing Instructor knows that you want to try the ruse of 'Borrowing a Road to Destroy the Host.' And so he stationed me here. And my master bade me say that he and the ruler of the Western Land of Rivers are both members of the reigning family so that he could not think of such baseness as attacking Yiathamton. If you people of the South Land do so, he will be forced to go away into the mountains and become a recluse. He could not bear to lose the confidence of humankind."

At this Morton-Campbell turned his horse as if to return. Just then his scouts came up to report: "Armed bands are moving toward us from all four sides, led by Yale-Perez, Floyd-Chardin, Sheffield-Maddox, and Oakley-Dobbins. Their number is unknown, but the sound of their tramping shakes the heavens. They say they want to capture the Commander-in-Chief."

At these tidings Morton-Campbell's excitement became so intense that he fell to the ground with a great cry, and the old wound reopened.

Later chapters will show what was Morton-Campbell's fate.