San kuo; or, Romance of the three kingdoms (volume 1 of 2)Luo, Guanzhong
History
San kuo; or, Romance of the three kingdoms (volume 1 of 2)
Luo, Guanzhong
China -- History -- Three kingdoms, 220-265 -- Fiction
Chou Hsin said, “He has gone and this is only a stratagem. Let us go
out and smite them.”
The White Tiger said, “If he has gone, it is to attack Chʻatu. Let us
pursue.”
“The place is our base of supply,” said Wang Lang, “and must be
defended. You lead the way and I will follow with reserves.”
So the White Tiger and Chou Hsin went forth with five companies and
drew near their enemy about the first watch, at twenty li from the
city. The road led through dense forest. Then suddenly the drums beat
and lighted torches sprang up on all sides. The White Tiger was
frightened, turned his horse and started to retreat. At once a leader
appeared in front in whom, by the glare of the torches, he recognised
Sun Tsʻê. Chou Hsin made a rush at him but fell under Sun Tsʻê’s spear.
The men surrendered. However, the White Tiger managed to cut his way
out.
Wang Lang soon heard of the loss and not daring to return to the city
retreated in all haste to Haiyü. And so Sun Tsʻê got possession of the
city.
Having restored order, a few days later a man came bringing the head of
the White Tiger as an offering to Sun Tsʻê. This man was a native of
the district. He was of medium height, with a square face and wide
mouth. He was named Tung Hsi, and was given an office. After this peace
reigned in all the east and, having placed his uncle in command of the
city and made Chu Chih Prefect, Sun Tsʻê returned to his own place.
While Sun Tsʻê was absent a band of brigands suddenly attacked
Hsüanchʻêng, left in the care of his brother Chʻüan and the leader Chou
Tʻai. As the onslaught was made on all sides at once, and in the night,
the brigands got the upper hand. Chou Tʻai took the youth in his arms
and mounted a horse, but as the robbers came on with swords to attack
him he dismounted, and though without mail, met the robbers on foot and
slew them as they came up. Then came a horseman armed with a spear, but
Chou Tʻai laid hold of his spear and pulled him to the earth. Then he
mounted the robber’s horse and thrusting this way and that with the
spear fought his way out. So Sun Chʻüan was preserved, but his saviour
had received more than a dozen wounds.
These wounds being due to metal would not heal but swelled enormously,
and the brave soldier’s life hung in the balance. Sun Tsʻê was deeply
grieved. Then Tung Hsi said, “Once in an engagement with some pirates I
received many spear wounds, but a certain wise man named Yü Fan
recommended a surgeon who cured me in half a month.”
“Surely this must be Yü Chung-hsiang,” replied Sun Tsʻê.
“That is he; he is so called.”
“Yes, truly a wise man; I will employ him.”
So Sun Tsʻê sent two officers to invite him and he came at once. He was
treated in most friendly fashion and appointed an official forthwith.
Then the question of treating the wounded man was brought up.
“The surgeon is one Hua Tʻo, who has perfectly marvellous skill in the
leech’s art. I will get him to come,” said Yü Fan.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account