Chapter 3

Poem: The sovereign, honoring his charge, led troops to chastise the feudal lords, But shallow wit and feeble schemes bred vain resentment and bitter words. By daylight he deployed his men—but lost the battle’s plan; At dusk he stormed the camp—and failed, his forward moves all banned. Since ages past, fair women oft have brought a kingdom down; And treacherous ministers have never long retained the crown. Yet not because King Zhou sought Daji’s grace did all this fall— One ought to know Heaven’s will had turned to favor Eastern Zhou. Now the tale says that the father and son, Chong Houhu and Chong Yingbiao, wounded as they were, fled through the night, weary beyond measure. Hastily they gathered the remnants of their routed troops—of every ten men, barely one remained, and all bore grievous wounds. When Houhu saw his soldiers, he could not suppress his grief. Huang Yuanji stepped forward and said, “My lord, why do you sigh? ‘Victory and defeat are common to the warrior.’ Last night we were caught off guard and fell into their cunning trap. My lord, you might for now camp these battered troops here, and dispatch a dispatch urging troops to Xiqil, pressing the Earl of the West to speedily mobilize his forces for a joint counterattack. This would add reinforcements on one hand, and on the other allow us to avenge today’s disgrace. What does my lord think of this plan?” Hearing this, Houhu pondered for a while and replied, “The Earl of Ji keeps his troops idle and sits watching success or failure. If I now press him further, I only give him an excuse—he will claim I have violated the sacred decree and charge me with a crime.” While he hesitated, he heard the sound of a great host advancing from the front. Chong Houhu, not knowing whose troops they were, was struck with terror—his soul fled his body and hovered in the air. He hurriedly mounted his horse and rode forward to look. There he saw, as two banners parted, a general with a face black as a cauldron’s bottom, crimson whiskers beneath his chin, two white eyebrows, and eyes gleaming as if gilded with gold. He wore a cap adorned with nine-cloud blazing flame and flying beast designs, donned a suit of linked-ring chainmail, a crimson robe, and a white-jade belt at his waist. He rode a beast with fiery eyes and golden pupils, and wielded a pair of bright-gold battle-axes. This man was Chong Heihu, younger brother of Chong Houhu, who held the title of Marquis of Caozhou. The moment Houhu saw it was his own brother Heihu, his heart settled. Heihu said, “Hearing that elder brother had suffered defeat, I have come specially to lend aid. To meet here unexpectedly is indeed a great fortune.” Chong Yingbiao also bowed from his horse and thanked him: “Uncle, we are grateful for your long journey.” Heihu replied, “My coming here is to join forces with elder brother and march again on Jizhou; I have my own plans.” Thereupon they combined their forces. Chong Heihu had first led three thousand Flying Tiger soldiers, followed by more than twenty thousand additional troops, and they again set up camp outside the city of Jizhou. The Caozhou troops took the lead, shouting challenges for battle. The scouts of Jizhou flew back to report to Su Hu: “Now Chong Heihu of Caozhou has arrived with his troops at the city walls. We await your lordship’s orders for a decision.” Upon hearing the report, Su Hu lowered his head in silent thought. After a long while he said, “Heihu is a master of martial arts, well versed in the profound mysteries. None of the generals in this entire city are his match. What can be done?” The officers around him heard these words but did not know the full details. Just then his eldest son, Su Quanzhong, stepped forward and said, “When troops come, we send a general to meet them; when water comes, we block it with earth. What fear is there of a mere Chong Heihu?” Su Hu replied, “You are young and do not understand affairs, relying only on your own valor. You do not know that Heihu once met a master of extraordinary arts who transmitted daoist skills to him. Amid a million troops, taking the head of an enemy general is as easy as reaching into a bag for something. Do not take him lightly.” Quanzhong cried out, “Father, you inflate his courage and deflate our own! If I go now and do not take Heihu alive, I swear I shall never return to face you!” Su Hu said, “You will bring defeat upon yourself—do not regret it later.” But Quanzhong would not listen. He swung onto his horse, threw open the city gates, and rode out alone at the forefront, shouting in a stern voice: “You scouts! Report to your central camp and tell Chong Heihu to come out and speak with me!” The blue-flag sentinel hurried to inform the two commanders: “Outside, Su Quanzhong challenges you to battle.” Heihu secretly rejoiced and thought, “My coming here is, first, on account of my elder brother’s defeat, and second, to relieve the siege of Su Hu, thus preserving our friendship and fellowship.” He ordered his attendants to saddle his mount and rode out to the front. There he saw Quanzhong prancing on his horse, displaying his might. Heihu said, “Quanzhong, worthy nephew, you may go back and ask your father to come out; I have words to speak with him.” But Quanzhong, being young and inexperienced, and having heard his father speak of Heihu’s fearsome prowess, would not turn back meekly. Instead he boasted, “Chong Heihu, you and I are in hostile camps. What friendship does my father have with you? Quickly lay down your axe and withdraw your troops, and I shall spare your life; otherwise, you will regret it too late!” Heihu flew into a rage and cried, “You little beast—how dare you be so insolent!” He raised his bright-gold battle-axe and slashed straight at Quanzhong’s face. Quanzhong parried with his halberd. Beast and horse clashed, and a fierce battle ensued. How was it? The two generals sought a duel before the ranks, Their crossed weapons dared none to stay. One was like a roaring lion descending the hill; The other, a tail-lashing suanni hunting a tiger. One set his mind to secure the brocade cosmos; The other truly wished to mend the realm’s foundation. Though countless savage battles have been fought through the ages, None matched these generals in martial valor. The two generals engaged in fierce battle beneath the city walls of Ji Prefecture. Su Quanzhong did not know that Chong Heihu, in his youth, had been instructed by a true master of the Jie Sect, who had secretly given him a gourd which he carried slung across his back, possessing boundless divine powers. Quanzhong relied solely upon his usual ferocity and valor, and seeing that Heihu wielded but short axes, he took him lightly, with utter disdain, boasting of his own abilities and determined to capture Heihu alive. Thus he brought into full play all the martial skills he had practiced over the years. His halberd had both point and crescent blade, with the eighty-one advancing steps and seventy-two opening stances—leaping, shifting, dodging, feinting, delaying, speeding, withdrawing, and releasing. How fine was that halberd: Skilled craftsmen and cunning artisans labored with care, In Old Lord's furnace it was forged into a weapon fair, Producing a single silver-tipped halberd, To secure the state and settle the realm, both earth and air. When yellow banners unfurl, the three armies are struck with dread, When leopard-tail streamers move, the warriors' hearts fill with dread, Charging through camps like a mighty python, Trampling great strongholds as a tiger among sheep. Speak not of ghosts weeping nor of gods howling, How many young lads have met their early doom! All under heaven depends upon this treasured blade, This halberd by day and long streamers by night bring peace and gloom. Su Quanzhong exhausted all the strength of his life, making Chong Heihu break out in a cold sweat of fear. Heihu sighed and said, "Su Hu has a son such as this—truly a worthy child. Indeed, the general's house has its seed!" Heihu then shook his axe once, wheeled his horse, and fled. At this, Su Quanzhong on his horse laughed until his waist went soft and his bones melted: "Had I listened to my father's words, I would have been utterly misled. I swear I shall capture this man and silence my father's mouth." He spurred his horse in pursuit, unwilling to let go. When Heihu went faster, Quanzhong went faster; when Heihu slowed, Quanzhong slowed. Quanzhong was determined to succeed, and after chasing for some time, Heihu heard the golden bells behind his head ringing and turned to see Quanzhong still pursuing relentlessly. Quickly, he uncorked the red gourd upon his back and began muttering incantations. Then, a stream of black smoke issued from within the gourd, spreading out like a net. Amid the black smoke, both large and small, came a rasping, cawing sound, and a swarm flew forth, blotting out the sky and shading the sun—these were the Iron-Beaked Divine Eagles. They opened their beaks and struck straight at his face. Quanzhong knew only how to be a hero on horseback—how could he have known of Heihu's strange arts? He hastily raised his halberd to shield his face and body. But the horse beneath him was pecked in the eye by a divine eagle. The horse reared up and threw Su Quanzhong headlong, his golden helmet dangling upside down, his armor leaving the saddle, as he crashed to the ground. Heihu gave the order: "Seize him!" The soldiers surged forward and bound Su Quanzhong's arms behind his back. Heihu then led the victory drums back to camp and dismounted at the main gate. A scout reported to Chong Houhu: "The Second Master has won victory and captured the rebel minister Su Quanzhong alive; he awaits your command at the main gate." Houhu gave the order: "Invite him in!" Heihu entered the tent, addressed his elder brother, saying, "Elder Brother, I have captured Su Quanzhong and brought him to the main gate." Houhu was overjoyed and ordered, "Bring him forth!" Before long, Quanzhong was brought before the tent. Su Quanzhong stood upright and refused to kneel. Houhu cursed loudly, "Villain! Now that you are captured, what have you to say for yourself? You dare still defy propriety with stubborn resistance! The night before last, at Wugang Town, you were so valiant, but now your cup of iniquity is full. Drag him out and behead him as a warning to all!" Quanzhong shouted back in a stern voice, "If you want to kill me, then kill me—why put on such airs of power! I, Su Quanzhong, regard death as lighter than a wild goose's feather. I only cannot bear to see a pack of treacherous villains like you bewitch the sage emperor's ears, bringing calamity upon the common people, until the very foundations of Cheng Tang's dynasty are ruined by your kind. My only regret is that I cannot devour your flesh alive!" Houhu flew into a rage and cried, "You beardless brat! Captured as you are, you still dare to wag your tongue!" He quickly ordered: "Drag him out and behead him!" Just as the execution was about to be carried out, Chong Heihu stepped forward and said, "Elder Brother, stay your thunderous wrath for a moment. Though Su Quanzhong has been captured and deserves execution, nevertheless, he and his father are both criminal officials of the court. Earlier, we received the imperial decree to take them to the capital for trial in accordance with the laws of the state. Moreover, Su Hu has a daughter, Daji, of exceedingly beautiful appearance. Should the Son of Heaven perhaps take pity on her and one day pardon their crime of disloyalty, would we not then be blamed for it? Our merit would turn to fault. Besides, the Earl of Qi has not yet arrived—why should we brothers bear the blame? It would be better to imprison Quanzhong in the rear camp, take Ji Prefecture, capture Su Hu and his entire household, escort them to the capital, and await the imperial decree for judgment. That is the wisest course." Houhu said, "My worthy younger brother's words are most excellent. It is only letting this rebel off too easily." He then gave the order: "Prepare a feast to celebrate the Second Master's victory." But we shall not dwell on this for now. Now let it be told that the scouts of Jizhou brought word to Su Hu: "Your eldest young lord went forth to battle and was taken captive." Hu said: "Say no more. That son of mine would not heed his father's words, trusting in his own prowess; that he is captured today is but just and fitting. Yet I have lived a hero's life, and now my own son lies captive, a mighty foe presses upon our borders, and Jizhou shall ere long pass into the hands of others—whence has all this come! It is solely because I begot Daji: the benighted sovereign, lending ear to slanderous and flattering men, has brought ruin upon my whole household and woe upon the common folk. All this is because I fathered this unworthy daughter, and so incurred calamity without end. Should this city be broken in the days to come, and my wife and daughters be carried captive to Zhaoge—their faces bared to public gaze, their remains given over to outrage—I would draw the mockery of all the feudal lords under heaven, who would count me a man devoid of counsel. Better far to slay first my wife and daughters, then cut my own throat; thereby might I still not fail in the conduct befitting a true man." Su Hu, his heart laden with tenfold vexation, strode into the rear hall with sword in hand, and there beheld the young lady Daji, her countenance brimming with smiles, her carmine lips parting softly, as she said: "Father, why do you enter bearing a sword?" When Su Hu looked upon Daji—his own begotten daughter, no foe nor enemy—how could that blade be lifted? Tears welling unbidden, Su Hu nodded his head and said: "O child of calamity! For your sake, your brother has been taken captive by others; the city is besieged by others; your father and mother shall be slain by others; and the ancestral temple shall pass into the keeping of others. That you alone were born has doomed the entire house of Su!" Even as he sighed in lamentation, the attendants struck the cloud-board, announcing: "The master is besought to ascend the hall. Chong Heihu demands battle." Hu issued orders: "Let every city gate be defended with the strictest vigilance; make ready against assault." Chong Heihu possessed uncanny arts—who would dare withstand him? He hastily commanded the generals to mount the walls, set up bows and crossbows, and lay out signal-cannon, ash-bottles, rolling logs, and the like, until every requisite stood prepared in full. Beneath the walls, Heihu pondered darkly: "Brother Su, were you but to come forth and take counsel with me, the troops might yet be withdrawn. Why do you stand in fear of me, and instead refuse to give battle? What is the meaning of this?" Having no other recourse, he fell back with his forces for the time being. The scout brought word to Huhu. Huhu said: "Show him in." Heihu entered the tent and took his seat, and related that Su Hu had barred his gates and would not come forth. Huhu said: "Then raise cloud-ladders and storm the city." Heihu said: "There is no need to storm it—that would merely squander strength and spirit. For the present let us only straiten their grain-routes, so that the people within the city may receive no succor; then this city shall be broken without a single assault. Elder brother may sit at ease and await the wearied foe, and when the army of the Earl of the West arrives, we shall then determine our dispositions." Here we set the matter aside and say no more of it. And now to speak of Su Hu within the city: he had no strategy he could unfold, no place he could turn for aid—truly he sat with hands bound, awaiting death. As he sat in worried dejection, suddenly a report came: "My Lord, the grain transport officer Zheng Lun awaits your command." Su Hu sighed and said, "Though this grain has come, it is of no real use." He urgently called, "Bid him enter." Zheng Lun came to the eaves of the dripping-water porch, bowed with a bent back and completed the ritual, then said, "This general heard on the road that my Lord had rebelled against Shang, and that Lord Chong had received the imperial decree to come punish you. Therefore my heart was pulled in two directions, and I raced back by night. But I do not know how the fortunes of battle have gone for my Lord." Su Hu said, "Yesterday, because I was at court in Shang, the benighted ruler heeded slanderous talk and wished to take my daughter as his consort. I remonstrated with upright words, and thereby offended that benighted ruler, who then wished to call me to account. Unexpectedly, Fei and You turned his scheme back upon themselves and pardoned me to return to my state, making me present my own daughter to him. In a moment of hot temper, I inscribed a poem and rebelled against Shang. Now the Son of Heaven has commanded Chong Huohu to attack me. I defeated him in two or three engagements, destroyed his troops and slew his generals, and won a great victory. But unexpectedly, Chong Heihu of Caozhou has taken my son Quanzhong captive. I think that Heihu possesses strange arts and valor that shakes the three armies—I am no match for him. Now there are eight hundred lords under Heaven—to whom should I, Su Hu, turn for refuge? I reflect that my closest kin number but four. My eldest son has now been captured; I might as well first kill my wife and daughter, then end my own life, so that generations to come will not mock me. You generals may pack your belongings and go elsewhere, each to build your own fortune." When Su Hu finished speaking, he could not contain his sorrowful weeping. When Zheng Lun heard these words, he cried out loudly, "Is my Lord drunk today? Bewildered? Mad? Why do you speak such intolerable words! Among the famous lords under Heaven—Xi Bo Jichang, Dong Bo Jiang Huanchu, Nan Bo E Chongyu—even if all eight hundred lords of the various garrisons gathered together at Jizhou, they would not be within the corner of my eye. Why do you think so lowly of yourself? This general has followed my Lord since youth, and has been graced by your raising and promotion, with a jade belt at my waist. This general is willing to serve as a worn-out nag, to exhaust himself like a dog or horse for you." When Su Hu heard Zheng Lun's words, he said to the assembled generals, "This man, while hastening grain, has encountered some evil influence on the road and is raving wildly. Not to mention the eight hundred lords of the garrisons—even this Chong Heihu once worshipped a transcendent being who transmitted to him Daoist arts that startle both gods and spirits; he harbors strategems in his breast and is unmatched by ten thousand men. How can you lightly regard this man?" Just as he finished, Zheng Lun, pressing his sword, cried aloud, "With my Lord above, if this general does not capture Heihu alive and bring him before you, may my head be laid before the assembled generals!" Having spoken thus, without awaiting military orders, he turned and left the prefectural compound, mounted his Fire-Eyed Golden-Eyed Beast, took up his twin Demon-Subduing Pestles, gave spurs and galloped out of the city, arraying his three thousand Crow Soldiers, which rolled across the earth like a mass of black clouds. When he reached the enemy camp, he shouted in a stern voice, "Let Chong Heihu come forth to meet me!" The scouts of Chong's camp reported to the central command: "Report to my lords: a general from Jizhou requests that the Second Master come out for a parley." Black Tiger rose and said, "This younger brother will go at once." He mustered his three thousand Flying Tiger Soldiers of his personal command, and as the paired banners parted, Black Tiger rode forth alone. Before the walls of Jizhou he saw a body of troops arranged according to the Northern Water trigram, like a patch of black clouds. That general had a face like a purple date, whiskers like golden needles, wore a Nine-Cloud Blazing Flame Crown, a great crimson robe, a golden-linked coat of mail, a jade girdle, rode a Fire-Eyed Golden-Eyed Beast, and bore two Demon-Subduing Pestles. Zheng Lun observed that Chong Heihu's attire was extraordinary: he wore a Nine-Cloud Four-Beast Crown, a great crimson robe, interlocked chain armor, a jade girdle, also rode a Golden-Eyed Beast, and bore two gleaming golden battle-axes. Black Tiger did not recognize Zheng Lun and called out, "You general of Jizhou, state your name!" Zheng Lun said, "I am Zheng Lun, chief grain transport general of Jizhou. Are you not Chong Heihu of Caozhou, who seized my commander's son and presumes upon your violence? Quickly produce my commander's son, dismount, and bind yourself. If you utter half a word, you shall be ground to powder!" Chong Heihu flew into a rage and cursed, "You base fellow! Su Hu has violated the heavenly statutes and invites the calamity of shattered bones and pulverized flesh. You are all rebels and traitors, yet you dare to be so bold as to spew such wanton words!" He spurred his mount, and his axes flew forth, striking straight at Zheng Lun. Zheng Lun parried with his pestles in rapid response. The two beasts charged each other, and a great battle commenced. Thus it was: As when two mountains topple and crash together, Or when dragons and tigers contend for the pass. Their beasts' four hoofs stir up dust that veils the sun, Their weapons' flashing edges startle the heavens. Here, a pestle thrusts straight for the heart's gate; There, an axe cleaves down upon the crown. One defends the rebel lord with utter loyalty; The other supports the court with pure devotion. Both are fierce as thunderbolts roaring in mid-air, Each valiant as a god of war born on this day. The outcome of this battle—who will win, who lose? Surely the heroes' names shall echo through all time. The two formations beat the war drums with a rolling *dong-dong*, While five-colored banners and pennants danced in mid-air. The three armies raised a shout to aid the divine might, And the seasoned warriors gripped their bows and crossbows. The two generals spurred their golden-eyed beasts together, Four arms raised their axes and mallets high. One blazed with rage like living flame from thunder; The other had been headstrong and hot-blooded from birth. One had a face like the bottom of a pot, with long ruddy whiskers; The other’s cheeks were like purple jujubes, belching rosy mist. One had slain flood-dragons off the isles of Penglai; The other had felled fierce tigers before the ten-thousand-ren peaks. One had bowed to a wise master on Mount Kunlun; The other had attended the Ancient Ancestor by the Eight-Trigram furnace. One had mastered martial arts to set the rivers and mountains in order; The other had been secretly taught Daoist arts to mend Heaven and Earth. Never before had I seen generals do battle— Not like this contest of mallet against axe. The two beasts clashed, and the fight threw up crimson clouds thick and dreary, white mists swirling. The two sides were evenly matched—a worthy opponent meeting a worthy adversary—and they exchanged some twenty-four or twenty-five rounds. Zheng Lun saw that on Chong Heihu’s back hung a red gourd, and he thought to himself: “Our commander said that this man had received secret arts from an extraordinary master; this must be his magic. As the saying goes: ‘When striking a man, strike first.’” —Now Zheng Lun had once studied under the True Man Du’e of Western Kunlun. The True Man knew that Zheng Lun was one of those whose names were listed on the Investiture of the Gods, and he had specially taught him the two breaths within his apertures, which could suck away a man’s soul and spirit. Whenever he faced an enemy general, whoever encountered him was sure to be captured. For that reason, he had been sent down the mountain to Jizhou, to win a jade belt and enjoy earthly rank and fortune. —Today, as the battle joined, Zheng Lun raised his mallet in the air and shook it once. Behind him, the three thousand Crow Soldiers gave a great shout, advanced in a formation like a long serpent, each man gripping a grappling hook in hand and dragging iron chains across their bodies, coming on like flying clouds and flashing lightning. Heihu watched them—they seemed about to seize a man. Heihu did not know the reason. Then Zheng Lun’s nasal cavities emitted a sound like a great bell, and from the apertures two streaks of white light shot forth, drawing out a man’s soul and spirit. Chong Heihu heard the sound, and before he knew it, his eyes grew dim and his vision blurred; he toppled over, his golden crown tumbling and his armor leaving the saddle, his pair of battle boots flailing wildly in the air. The Crow Soldiers took him alive, binding his arms with ropes. It was a long while before Heihu revived. When he opened his eyes and looked, he had already been bound. Heihu said angrily: “This knave has tricked my eyes! How could I be captured without knowing clearly what happened?” On both sides they beat the drums of victory as they entered the city. A poem says: *On island shores a famous master taught a wondrous secret—* *A hero fierce and bold, rare in this world.* *Ten thousand spirit eagles prove utterly useless—* *Only then is it shown that a true man’s words do not change.* Now Su Hu was in the main hall when he heard the war drums outside the city. He sighed and said, “Zheng Lun is done for!” His heart was full of doubt. Just then a scout galloped in to report: “My lord, Zheng Lun has taken Chong Heihu alive and awaits your order for disposition.” Su Hu did not know how this had come about, thinking to himself: “Lun is no match for Heihu; how could he have captured him instead?” He hurriedly sent an order: “Have him brought in.” Zheng Lun came before the hall and recounted how Heihu had been captured. Then the soldiers escorted Heihu to the steps. Su Hu hurried down from the hall, waved off his attendants, and personally untied Heihu’s bonds. He knelt and said: “I, Su Hu, have now offended all under Heaven—a criminal minister with no place to hide. Zheng Lun, ignorant of the proper way, has offended Your Awesome Presence; I deserve death for it!” Chong Heihu replied: “Elder Brother and I are bound by a single bowing acquaintance; I dare not forget our bond of righteousness. Now that I have been captured by your subordinate, I am ashamed beyond measure! And moreover, you have treated me with such generous courtesy—Heihu feels gratitude more than I can say!” Su Hu gave Heihu the seat of honor and ordered Zheng Lun and all the other generals to come and pay their respects. Heihu said: “General Zheng’s Daoist arts are truly exquisite; having been captured by him today, I yield in admiration for life.” Su Hu ordered a feast, and he and Heihu drank happily together. Su Hu recounted to Heihu in full the matter of the Son of Heaven demanding his daughter. Heihu said: “Little Brother has come, first, because Elder Brother had suffered a defeat, and second, to relieve the siege for you. But unexpectedly your young son, being still young and relying on his own stubborn strength, refused to enter the city to call you out for a parley, and therefore I captured him and brought him back to my rear camp—all of this, little brother has truly done for your sake, Elder Brother.” Su Hu thanked him: “For such virtue and such feeling, how could I ever dare to forget?” While we leave aside talk of the two marquises drinking within the city, let us turn to the scout who rode into the camp gate to report: “Your Excellency, the Second Master has been taken captive by Zheng Lun; his fate is unknown. We await your order for decision.” Hou Hu thought to himself: “My younger brother has his own Daoist arts—how could he be captured?” At that moment, the battle‑observer officer said: “While the Second Master was in combat with Zheng Lun, Zheng Lun brandished his Demon‑Subduing Pestle, and three thousand Crow Soldiers charged forward together; then two streaks of white light shot forth from Zheng Lun’s nose, ringing loud as a bell, and the Second Master tumbled from his horse—thus he was taken.” Hearing this, Hou Hu was startled and said: “How can there be such strange arts in this world? Send another scout to ascertain the truth.” Before he had finished speaking, a report came: “The Earl of the West has dispatched an officer who has dismounted at the camp gate.” Hou Hu was displeased and ordered: “Bid him enter.” Then San Yisheng, dressed in plain mourning‑style robes and wearing a ceremonial belt, came to the tent and performed the formal bow, saying: “Your humble servant San Yisheng pays respects to the Marquess.” Hou Hu said: “Councillor, why does your lord idly remain at ease, refusing to serve the state, holding his troops motionless, and disobeying the imperial command? His conduct is hardly that of a proper subject. Now that you have come, what have you to say?” Yisheng replied: “My lord says: ‘Military arms are inauspicious instruments; a ruler employs them only when he cannot avoid it.’ Now, over a trivial matter, the people are wearied and the treasury depleted, ten thousand households thrown into panic; all prefectures, counties, and districts through which the army passes are requisitioned for grain and funds, the roads are hard to travel, the common folk suffer the harassment of taxes and levies, and the soldiers endure the hardship of donning armor and bearing weapons. Therefore my lord has sent me, a humble officer, with a written message, hoping to quell the flames of war and allow Su Hu to present his daughter to the royal court, so that both sides may cease hostilities, without losing the bond between sovereign and vassal. Should Su Hu refuse, then once the great army arrives to suppress rebellion and root out treachery, his crime will merit the extinction of his clan. At that time Su Hu will die without regret.” Hearing this, Hou Hu laughed heartily and said: “The Earl of Ji knows well that he has incurred the crime of disobeying the court, and so he uses these evasive words to excuse himself. I arrived here first, lost generals and soldiers, and fought several bitter battles. How could that traitor be willing to present his daughter just because of a single letter? Let me see how you fare when you go to Jizhou to speak with Su Hu. If he does not comply, then see how your lord will answer the imperial decree! Go on!” Yisheng left the camp, mounted his horse, and rode straight to the city wall to call out: “You on the wall, report to your lord that an envoy from the Earl of the West has come with a letter.” The soldiers on the wall hurried to report in the hall: “My lord, an envoy from the Earl of the West is at the city gate, saying he bears a letter.” Su Hu and Chong Heihu were still drinking and had not yet dispersed. Su Hu said: “The Earl of Ji is a worthy man of Xiqi. Order the gates opened at once and invite him in for an audience.” After a short while, Yisheng came to the hall and performed the rites. Su Hu said: “Councillor, what instructions do you bring to my humble commandery?” Yisheng said: “Your humble servant has been ordered by the Earl of the West: last month, my lord, you angrily composed a defiant poem, offending the Son of Heaven, who immediately issued a decree to raise troops and call you to account. My lord has always known of your loyalty and righteousness, and therefore he has held back his army and dared not invade. Now he has a letter to present to you, hoping you will examine it carefully and act accordingly.” Yisheng took the letter from his embroidered pouch and presented it to Su Hu. Su Hu received it, opened the seal, and read. The letter said: “Ji Chang, Earl of the West, bows a hundred times and addresses the Marquess of Jizhou, Lord Su, beneath his banner: Chang has heard: ‘All within the four seas—are they not the king’s subjects?’ Now the Son of Heaven wishes to select a consort of rare beauty; among the families of dukes, ministers, scholars, and commoners, none may conceal a daughter. Now you, my lord, have a daughter of virtuous grace, and the Son of Heaven desires to choose her for the palace—this is naturally a fine matter. Yet you have actually opposed the Son of Heaven—this is to defy your sovereign. Moreover, you inscribed a poem at the Meridian Gate—what did you intend by that? Your crime, my lord, is already beyond pardon. You cling only to petty considerations, loving one daughter, and thereby lose the great righteousness between sovereign and subject. Chang has long heard of your loyalty and righteousness, and cannot bear to sit idly by; therefore I venture to offer these words, that you may turn misfortune into blessing. May you deign to listen. If you, my lord, present your daughter to the royal court, you will indeed gain three advantages: first, your daughter will enjoy the favor of the palace, and you, her father, will share in the honor of the imperial bed‑chamber, holding rank as a kinsman of the emperor and enjoying a stipend of a thousand bushels. Second, Jizhou will be forever secure, and your whole household free from alarm. Third, the common people will escape the misery of burning and slaughter, and the three armies will be spared the horror of death and carnage. But if you remain obstinate, three calamities will soon be upon you: first, Jizhou will fall, and your ancestral temples will be no more. Second, your flesh and blood will suffer the disaster of clan extermination. Third, the soldiers and people will endure the scourge of war and fire. A true man should set aside small scruples and preserve great righteousness; how can you imitate the ignorant and foolish, bringing about your own destruction? Chang, being a minister of Shang like yourself, cannot refrain from speaking bluntly and presumptuously; I pray that you, wise marquess, will give this your attention. I hastily send these words and await your decision. Respectfully submitted.” 　　Su Hu finished reading, and for a good while said nothing, only nodding his head. Yisheng, seeing that Hu remained silent, said: "My lord need not hesitate. If you consent, a single letter shall put an end to arms; if you refuse, this humble officer will return and report to my lord, who will muster troops once more. In all this there is nothing but obedience to the Mandate of Heaven above, harmony with the feudal lords in the middle, and deliverance of the three armies from their suffering below. This is but a token of my lord's good intent—why then does my lord the marquis keep his lips sealed in silence? I beg you to swiftly issue your command, that it may be carried out." 　　Su Hu, hearing these words, said to Chong Heihu: "Worthy younger brother, come and look at this. Duke Ji's letter is truly sound in reason; his is indeed a sincere heart for the state and for the people—a gentleman of benevolence and righteousness. How could I dare not obey?" Thereupon he ordered wine set out and entertained San Yisheng in the guest lodge. The next day he composed a reply and presented gold and silks, bidding him return first to Xiqi: "I shall follow presently, presenting my daughter at the court of Shang to atone for my offense." Yisheng bowed in farewell and departed. Truly, one letter was worth a host of a hundred thousand. There is a poem in proof, which reads: 　　　　With eloquence a cascading river gathering a hundred streams, 　　　　One knew at last the lord's righteousness, the minister's worth. 　　　　A few lines of writing turned the heart of Marquis Su— 　　　　Why should the three armies pillow on halberds in their sleep? 　　Su Hu, having seen San Yisheng off on his way back to Xiqi, took counsel with Chong Heihu: "Duke Ji's words are most admirable. Let us make haste and ready our baggage, that we may proceed to the court of Shang; let there be no lingering delay, lest other disputes spring up." The two were overjoyed. As for what became of his daughter, pray listen to the next chapter's explanation.