««« Chapter 2 »»» Zhang Fei Whips The Government Officer; He Jin Plots To Kill The Eunuchs.

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1 Dong Zhuo was born in the far northwest at Lintao in the West Valley Land. As the Governor of Hedong, Dong Zhuo himself was arrogant and overbearing. But the day he had treated Liu Bei with contumely had been his last, had not Liu Bei and Guan Yu restrained their wrathful brother Zhang Fei.	» Khaid -- It would be cool to see Zhang Fei kill that fool, Dong Zhuo. » LiquidCourage -- yes it would... in the game DW3 you can » YoungZhugeLiang -- Ya but that would cause a lot of political problems!!! » PsyAlucardV -- Zhang Fei is as foolishly headstrong as heroic... -- It would be a poor move to kill Dong Zhuo. » guanping -- poor move -- Yeah Fei would have been excuted and the brothers maybe as family but I so wish he had » Pang Tong -- Missed Oppurtunity -- But what can you do? There are so many of these. But yes Dong Zhuo was still in favour with the Han at this point, ergo killing him would place you out of favour. Liu Bei had little clout with the imperial court at this time » YinWei -- I would think that Liu Bei would be able to run off somewhere and his brothers would protect him. -- And yes, I'm new here. Hi everyone! » crimsonbutterfly -- Smart choice -- Even though Dong Zhuo was arrogant in his ways and did infact deserve to die, it was smart to let him live. He holds power. And that power may be just what the three brothers need in future political situations. » teddy -- yeah but -- yeah but he deserved it I mean that what I would have don without second thought. even though dong zhuo had a lot of power I would rather die than get help from him. » guanping -- really? He was known and respected as a border general -- he had done more then the 3 officers combined at 27. He had every right to look down on them from the Han standards. You not getting help from him might cost you and your men their lives, is there lost lives worth it just becuase a good general is a jerk?
2 "Remember he has the government commission," said Liu Bei. "Who are we to judge and slay?"	» theonlyone -- Government office -- So is that why Dong Zhuo asked what office they had, so that he could see if he could mistreat them? Man, what a loser. So if the three brothers did have government offices, he would have been much kinder to them. » drunkmastrZhangFei -- History Lesson -- If you were raised as a noble, saw only nobles as humans, and taught commoners were ignoble knaives, would you be disappointed if commoners saved your life? Sure he is an asshole but you also have to understand his raising. » Shokyo -- Dong Zhuo -- Is there any incident in the book where he isn't being mean? JiaGai? Anyone? » JiaGai -- Dong Zhuo -- At this point, Dong Zhuo is a fairly high ranking Han officer and is probably accustomed to the privilege that goes along with it. However, it goes without saying that Dong Zhuo is a sociopath. He has no concience whatsoever, as will be evident soon enough. He simply doesn't care that what he says or does angers or harms others. Liu Bei shows tolerance of his attitude simply because in his opinion, it's not his place to do something about it. You must remember Liu Bei is a loyal servant of the Han. For someone of his low rank to do something about Dong Zhuo is tantamount to rebellion. As of yet, Dong Zhuo's only crime is his arrogant disdain of the three brothers. » Explainer -- Aristocracy and Meritocracy in Old China -- Aristocracy and meritocracy coexist in ancient China. In government, however, meritocracy traditionally has an upper hand, since constant political struggle often leads to the wholesale downfalls of powerful families. Because the people distrust aristocracy, the government system is set up to favor meritocracy at the village level and up. Every school child can become a powerful official one day, if he is filial, talented, and can pass the government exams. Hence, among the lords and the rulers, there are many who had humble beginnings. (Of course, the aristocrats always have a better chance to high offices, for they have the money and connection to get education and recommendations). In this dual systems of aristocracy and meritocracy, birth and office are the measure of a person's worth. Hence, the elite may look down on those without offices. It's like today a Ph.D. looks at a high school dropout and shakes head. Liu Bei, a straw shoe seller, certainly does not score high in Dong Zhuo's mind. If Liu Bei revealed his birth, Dong Zhuo might have treated him a little nicer (but not much, since Shokyo's question makes us feel like Dong Zhuo would be mean to everyone regardless...).
3 "It is bitter to take orders from such a wretch. I would rather slay him! You may stay here if you wish to, but I will seek some other place," said Zhang Fei.
4 "We three are one in life and in death; there is no parting for us. We will all go hence."	» Miliardo -- Background Music -- I think this moment requires a couple notes from a samisen.
5 So spoke Liu Bei, and his brother was satisfied. Wherefore all three set out and lost no time in traveling until they came to Zhu Jun, who received them well and accepted their aid in attacking Zhang Ba. At this time Cao Cao had joined himself to Huangfu Song, and they were trying to destroy Zhang Lian, and there was a great battle at Quyang.
6 Zhang Ba was commanding some eighty thousand troops. The rebel had led his army to a strong position in the rear of the hills. An attack being decided upon, Liu Bei was the van leader. On the rebel side a general of Zhang Ba, Gao Sheng, came out to offer battle. Liu Bei sent Zhang Fei to smite Gao Sheng. Out rode Zhang Fei at full speed, his spear ready set. After a few bouts Zhang Fei wounded Gao Sheng, who was unhorsed. At this Liu Bei signaled the main army to advance.	» heartofbattle -- The good old days -- These are the good old days when the three brothers were always together and worked as a team. » Patricoo -- It was also before they had land to defend.
7 Then Zhang Ba, while still mounted, loosened his hair, grasped his sword, and uttered his incantations. Thereupon began the wind to howl and the thunder to roll, while a dense black cloud from the heavens settled upon the field. And therein seemed to be horsemen and footmen innumerable, who swept to attack the imperial troops. Fear came upon them, and Liu Bei led off his troops, but they were in disorder and returned defeated.	» laughlin -- Supernatural -- I think this makes it clear that in the world of ROTK, supernatural powers are supposed to be plausible, and there is no need for us to come up with scientific explanations to justify supernatural phenomena. On the other hand, this does not mean the author(s) knew he/they were narrating something that could not have happened, as there are supernatural events in the official histories as well. » WUuuu -- agreed. this was a far more superstitious and less scientific time. -- The supernatural is accepted as existing, and even were it not, this would be where the word Romance in the title comes into play. » Heika -- Magic -- This was indeed cited in the official histories; such occurances were seen as perfectly plausible until much later in China's history. One could say, in this instance, that Zhang Ba called down Heavenly soldiers to aid him.
8 Zhu Jun and Liu Bei considered the matter.
9 "Zhang Ba uses magic," said Zhu Jun. "Tomorrow, then, will I prepare counter magic in the shape of the blood of slaughtered swine and goats. This blood shall be sprinkled upon their hosts from the precipices above by soldiers in ambush. Thus shall we be able to break the power of their shamanic art."	» _YaLecSa -- Zhang Ba? I thought his name was Zhang Bao... » _T-Bone -- This topic was covered earlier. -- The names of the Yellow Turban leaders were tweaked a bit because there are some officers of Cao Cao and Liu Bei that share the same names. The names were changed a little to avoid confusion. » Pang Tong -- Magic -- interesting that we get this reference here the supernatural seems to play a big part in the novel as well as in Chinese history » Heika -- Explanation of Magic -- In this instance, since Zhang Ba's magic is "shamanistic" or "pure," the counter would be to desecrate his spells. To put it another way, Zhu Jun countered his Heavenly power with quite "earthy" elements. In the official histories, excrement was also added to the blood, apparently for the same reason.
10 So it was done. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei took each a thousand troops and hid them on the high cliffs behind the hills, and they had a plentiful supply of the blood of swine and goats and all manners of filthy things. And so next day, when the rebels with fluttering banners and rolling drums came out to challenge, Liu Bei rode forth to meet them. At the same moment that the armies met, again Zhang Ba began his magic and again the elements began to struggle together. Sand flew in clouds, pebbles were swept along the ground, black masses of vapor filled the sky, and rolling masses of foot and horse descended from on high. Liu Bei turned, as before, to flee and the rebels rushed on. But as they pressed through the hills, the trumpets blared, and the hidden soldiers exploded bombs, threw down filth and spattered blood. The masses of soldiers and horses in the air fluttered to the earth as fragments of torn paper, the wind ceased to blow, the thunder subsided, the sand sank, and the pebbles lay still upon the ground.	» _Sam B. -- Confused -- Why would you need all matters of filthy things to counter the kind of magic being used? That idea sounds disgusting rather than a brilliant strategy. » _ZhouYu -- Don't forget this is set in Ancient China, around 180 AD. » Joe_Long -- In the first couple of paragraphs of this story it mentions that Zhang Jue was not a bad guy. -- I don't believe that his or Zhang Ba's magic were evil either, in fact I think it was quite the opposite. And since Zhang Ba was the Lord of Earth, and when you think about it the best way to counter the Lord of the Earth's magic is to desecrate his troops and the ground he was fighting on with dead, "filthy," things. » _anonymous -- OK, its Taoism here ... » SkyAnimal -- Magic -- The idea of magic in the ancient world might was likely a "real" thing. Really, when you "magic" just think "trick." How do we cure modern diseases? Medicine which you can't see makes someone feel better. How do magnets work? Unseen forces, or sleight of hand tricks, which one cannot understand a connection. In this case, maybe "paper" mache soldiers puppeteered, with sound effects, etc, to create the illusion of an army. And the effect is it scares the crap out of the common soldiers, but the leader realizes it is a trick. How do you convince your men to fight? Use a trick of your own. » Tempest -- Re: SkyAnimal's post -- I can see what you're saying, and to me it sounds intelligent. This would be using deception according to the Art of War. It all depends on psychology of your troops. » Gan Ning supporter -- Master Strategist? -- Liu Bei is sounding a bit like a one hit wonder in the strategy department here with his pretend retreat. No wonder he enlisted the help of Zhuge Liang. :-) » _DW maniac -- blood of swine and goat -- the use of animal offal and excrement to defeat supernatural agents is discussed in Donald harper,"the wu shih er ping fang." it is part of the shamanic ritual to stop certain forms of magic » theonlyone -- illusion -- if anyone has played DW4, Yellow Turban Rebellion, then they will understand what the illusions are all about, a transparent army appears that can harm you, but u cant hit them. U destroy 2 giant glowing rocks for this to stop. This is also relevant to when an officer summons the wind, well, if u keep traveling against the wind, u will come to some windmill-type things. As Sun Jian said:"behind every spell, there is some sort of gimmick" » Yorak -- On magic -- Keep in mind that this novel, while based in history, takes huge liberties with the actual events, and is largely both fictional and fantastical (hence the "Romance" title). We really don't need to try to figure out scientific explanations for all of the spells, omens, and supernatural events that take place in the novel any more than we need to try to scientifically determine how the One Ring or Harry Potter's magic wand work. » Solace -- Thank you Yorak -- that's one of the most sensible notes that anyone, including myself, has posted in the book. Although I think that a better comparison would be the tales of King Arthur. We know that Excalibur was not really a magical sword, nor could Merlin command the elements, but to the people of the middle ages it was all quite believable. For today, the addition of such devices as the supernatural simply makes for a more enjoyable story. » Flying Flash Swallow -- Amen to that -- The only way to make this more interesting than Guan Yu killing everyone in one bout is to add in magic, strategy and trickery. » TomMurch -- Actually, I'm interested in this 'Guan Yu Killing Spree' idea. Hmm...slaughter.
11 Zhang Ba quickly saw his magic had been countered and turned to retire. Then he was attacked on the flanks by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and in rear by Liu Bei and Zhu Jun. The rebels were routed. Liu Bei, seeing from afar the banner of Zhang Ba The Lord of Earth, galloped toward it but only succeeded in wounding Zhang Ba with an arrow in the left arm. Wounded though he was, Zhang Ba got away into the city of Yangcheng, where he fortified himself and was besieged by Zhu Jun.	» Miliardo -- "Cheng" means "city" or "town" or something of the like.
12 Scouts, sent out to get news of Huangfu Song, reported: "Commander Huangfu Song had been very successful, and Dong Zhuo had suffered many reverses. Therefore the court put Huangfu Song in the latter's place. Zhang Jue had died before Huangfu Song's arrival. Zhang Lian had added his brother's army to his own, but no headway could be made against Huangfu Song, whose army gained seven successive victories. And Zhang Lian was slain at Quyang. Beside this, Zhang Jue's coffin was exhumed, the corpse beheaded, and the head, after exposure, was sent to Capital Luoyang. The common crowd had surrendered. For these services Huangfu Song was promoted to General of the Flying Chariots and the Imperial Protector of Jizhou.	» Explainer -- General of the Flying Chariots was the second highest military office, just below Regent Marshal. -- Imperial Protector was the highest office in an administrative region or zhou. Ancient China was divided into nine regions. Each region had a capital city, often of the same name. The nine regions were Bingzhou, Jingzhou, Jizhou, Liangzhou, Qingzhou, Xuzhou, Yizhou, Youzhou, and Yuzhou. Over the time more regions were created. During the Three Kingdoms period, there were already more than nine regions. A few of the new regions were Xizhou, Yangzhou, and Yongzhou. » _anonymous -- post -- I've studied some Chinese history in College back in Beijing, China and I thought that there were Three Grand Dukes that were in charge. Zhou in Chinese means state or province. » Explainer -- Zhou -- Ancient administration models changed with time. During this period, an administrative region, or zhou, was headed by a Imperial Protector, who is a representative from the emperor. Many say zhou can also be translated as state or province. And I think province is closer. Before Han and Qin dynasties was the Warring States Period, when each state was headed by a king, who is a vassal to the (weak) emperor. Since Qin Dynasty, the empire's regions were ruled by emperor's representatives, hence they were less independent than the previous states. » darkknight -- rank -- i thought Imperial Guardian was higher than imperial protector. i love these titles, there so original, they have stuff like General whose nose hair bends at a 90 degree angle. COOL!!! » Shokyo -- Is that even possible? » Reboot -- Keep note of details -- As per explainer's notes, Imperial Guardian is the highest civil position in the empire. The Imperial Protector is the highest post within an administered region (zhou) in the empire. I would assume that Imperial Guardian still outranks Imperial Protector in court.
13 "Huangfu Song did not forget his friends. His first act after he had attained to power was to memorialize the Throne concerning the case of Lu Zhi, who was then restored to his former rank for his meritorious conduct. Cao Cao also received advancement for his services and is preparing to go to Jinan to his new post."
14 Hearing these things Zhu Jun pressed harder yet upon Yangcheng, and the approaching break-up of the rebellion became evident. Then one of Zhang Ba's officers, Yan Zheng, killed his leader and brought the head in token of submission. Thus rebellion in that part of the country was stamped out, and Zhu Jun made his report to the government.	» theonlyone -- Zhang Ba's death -- So, did Zhang Ba tell one of his officers to kill him? Wouldn't it be easier to just give up and be beheaded later? » JiaGai -- Uh, no -- Zhang Ba's own men rebelled against him and killed him, figuring it was better to throw themselves at the mercy of the Han instead of continuing to fight them.
15 However, the embers of the Yellow Scarves still smoldered. Three other rebels, Zhao Hong, Han Zhong, and Sun Zhong, gathered some thirty thousand rebels and began to murder and rob and burn, calling themselves the avengers of Master Zhang Jue.	» _Sam B. -- lol -- So much for the way of peace. It's as the old saying goes,"When it comes to peace, resort to violence." » _Toastah -- or "if you can't beat 'em shoot 'em" » _Wu Han Tian -- Age Old Tale... -- An age old tale. Without a leader everyone loses sight of the goal. How sad -_- » Melchiot -- Reply -- That statement applies here greatly. Zhao Hong and the others were clearly doing the opposite of what Zhang Jiao set out to do. In other words, 'that didn't go well'. » _Xiahou Dun -- Viewpoint -- I personally see the title "Avengers of Master Zhang Jiang" as being an excuse for some power hungry rebels to do basically what they please, but seemingly have a good 'vengeance' cause for doing so. » theonlyone -- U know, Wu Han Tian is right... -- "Without a leader, everyone loses sight of the goal." This applies to many people in our age. Darwin, Confucius, etc. » guanping -- The rebels -- They most likly joined to pillage and stuff. Losing sight of the goal hapened when the Scarves made war with Han » Heika -- Avengers of Zhang Jue -- One might also surmise that these malcontents were restrained by Zhang Jue's influence: had he survived, then this particular episode would not have happened. However, without someone restraining them, these individuals could indulge their appetite for violence (especially against those who could not fight back.) » MaTseng -- very very true here -- These men were always violent at heart nothing more than babarians and nothing more than that being held at bay by a common vision of peace by a man who thought by spreading his teachings of peace through violence he would bring about a greater good. He wanted to heal people; but instead of healing people through his teachings, he used violence. And the violence is now being spread by his followers who are more vicious and cruel than he was, because unlike him they care little for the villagers and use the "vision" of zhang jue as an excuse to hurt the innocent...
16 The court commanded the successful Zhu Jun to lead his veteran and successful troops to destroy the rebels. He at once marched toward the city of Wancheng which the rebels were holding. When Zhu Jun arrived, Han Zhong went to oppose him. Zhu Jun sent Liu Bei and his brothers to attack the southwest corner of the city. Han Zhong at once led the best of his troops to defend the city. Meanwhile Zhu Jun himself led two thousand of armored horsemen to attack the opposite corner. The rebels, thinking the city being lost, abandoned the southwest and turned back into the city to help the defenders. Liu Bei pressed hotly in their rear, and they were utterly routed. They took refuge in the city which was then invested. When famine pressed upon the besieged, they sent a messenger to offer to surrender, but Zhu Jun refused the offer.	» theonlyone -- DW4 -- Has anyone playe DW4? if you have, remember when u play on the Wei side, and they show rebels burning the city, and slaughtering everyone, even the children!!!! Then, one Yellow Turban excalim, manically, because his eyes were like, crazy - "the Han is crumbling, and the time has come for the Way of Peace." Well, killing innocents doesnt make any peace dont u think? » Arrakis -- DW4 -- I think that Koei did that to try to get you to agree with the fact the rebels were evil and had to be stopped, They want to get you to think you are doing the right thing by crushing them. Like other parts of the DW games it isnt accurate but is there to make the game more fun rather than staying 100% true to the story. » Shokyo -- Not even the book's 100% true, it's only about 60-70%.
17 Said Liu Bei to Zhu Jun, "Seeing that the founder of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang the Supreme Ancestor, could welcome the submissive and receive the favorable, why reject these?"	» Pang Tong -- I love the constant refernces to people from the past. -- It seems as though the characters take great pride in knowing history. It is good because as they saying goes History often repeats itself... » JiaGai -- That was a philosophy intricately woven into Chinese society. -- History is a cycle, it is not linear. Events will inevitably repeat themselves when the time is right. The past is just as important as the future and the deeds of the past can be revived in the present when the needs arise. » guanping -- I agree with the philosophy -- Everything happens again. History repeats itself mainly due to we don't learn from our mistakes. » PesssimstByNature -- Cycles -- To be more accurate, they thought that everything occurs in cycles. It's like in the beginning of Chapter 1. "The world under heaven, after a long period of division, tends to unite; after a long period of union, tends to divide." To the Chinese (especially the Taoists) everything happens in cycles such as these. They were very smart ^_^ » zhenluo -- 0 -- Wonder if there's some intended irony here, since most of the Han dynasty emperors (including Liu Bang) were known for employing great indivuals, but then offing them when they weren't needed. Remembering how quickly Liu Bang executed Han Xin, we wonder if this is, *dun, dun, dun*...foreshadowing?
18 "The conditions are different," replied Zhu Jun. "In those old days disorder was universal and the people had no fixed lord. Wherefore submission was welcomed and support rewarded to encourage people to come over. Now the empire is united, and the Yellow Scarves are the only malcontents. To receive their surrender is not to encourage the good. To allow brigands, when successful, is to give way to every license, and to let them surrender when they fail is to encourage brigandage. Your plan is not a good one."	» Explainer -- Liu Bang -- At the end of Qin Dynasty, anarchy ruled the empire. Uprisings were everywhere, and Liu Bang was one of the rebel leaders. » Pang Tong -- Irony -- So I guess it is with a sense of irony that he mentions a rebel as inspiration for fighting rebels.
19 Liu Bei replied, "Not to let brigands surrender is well. But the city is surrounded as by an iron barrel. If the rebels' request be refused, they will be desperate and fight to the death, and we can hardly withstand a myriad of such men. Moreover, in the city there are many times that number, all doomed to death. Let us withdraw from one corner and only attack the opposite. They will all assuredly flee and have no desire to fight. We shall take them."	» theonlyone -- A wise man Liu Bei -- You know, Liu Bei is a really intelligent man. When someone fights to the death, it is a mark of dishonor, and would be shameful if you were the general that let that happen, in this case at least. I'm not saying that fighting to the death is dishonorable, because it can be a most great honor, it's just that in the Yellow Turban case, it's just disgusting to see dead bodies, that you could have saved. » JiaGai -- Dude -- You made about as much sense as a drunk man reading a Greek book upside down. All this shows is Liu Bei's ability to plan battle strategy. He realizes if they lay seige they will suffer heavy losses because the rebels will be convinced they're going to die and will fight to the death. So instead, he's going to try a different tactic, which will have the same results and cause fewer casualties. » Rahonavis -- Liu Bei's Ability -- Liu Bei shows of his tact in every way. Not only did he demonstrate he was good with strategy, but it also show the humane side of Liu Bei. » heartofbattle -- Liu Bei -- Liu Bei is not a completely stupid man. When I first read this, I was pretty impressed at the strategy Liu Bei used. But as I read on, I realized that it wasn't that great of a strategy that I thought it was. Liu Bei is mostly known for his virtue and great leadership abilities. His military tactics aren't top notch, though. » ManicManchu -- about fighting to the death -- It is my opinion that Liu Bei didn't want the rebels to fight to the death becuase they would put up more of a fight. Think about it. If you knew you were gonna die, wouldn't you want to die knowing that you gave it your all? » WUuuu -- Of course -- The idea is if you're going to die then you fight as bravely as possible since you have nothing to lose. » guanping -- dead men -- Liu Bei wasn't being kind: All animals will fight hard when they can't escape, like cornered rats. He wasn't that humane and his stratagies weren't world class; but he wasn't an idiot. » DongDal -- Actually this is Sun Tzu's teachings -- This idea was presented by Sun Tzu. He said that you should always offer the enemy a way out as to "Not give them the strength of desperation." » Hammerhead -- It could be... -- Ofcourse this was one of Sun Tzu's strategies, but Liu Bei could have thought of it himself. What I have read about in the commentary of the Art of War... is that the book wasn't actually found until 1000 AD. Many people still knew of this, but I think Liu Bei did this on his own. » TomMurch -- Yorak mentioned this in Chapter 1. -- Encircled Ground is good, as the enemy can run away. Death Ground forces the enemy to fight to the end, inflicting as many casualties as possible, so it is less preferable unless you REALLY want to wipe them all out. » Tiamatty -- Art of War -- Where did you read the Sun Tzu wasn't found until 1000 AD? I have a copy of it, with notes, commentary and essays, and it was always popular in China. Perhaps it wasn't discovered by the West until 1000 CE, but it was never lost in China. » cFodder -- Sun Tzu's the art of war is probably one of the most read books through all of chinese history: -- I recall reading a treatise on the history of military thought that referred to The Art of War by Sun Tzu as the forbidden text every farmer had a copy of. It wasn't well known in the west until very recently. It's rumored that Napoleon and the Nazi high command made use of it - but it wasn't really until the last forty to sixty years that it recieved great exposure in the west. Another Sun Tzu quote that further illustrates the case is the fact that The Art of War actually recommends placing one's army in desperate situations in order to maintain maximum fighting effectiveness (the specific reference being with placing the army with its back to a river such that they cannot retreat). » Yunsung -- The tactic is referred to as Deadly Ground. -- And the so-called "Tomb Writings" state that its only to be used in the most dire of circumstances. Deadly Ground is most often used to allow your troops to escape, crazy at that may sound. Once encircled, the troops become frenzied. (Basic psychology, adding on to the fight or flight reflex. No chance for flight, fight becomes unavoidable, and you adrenaline sets in) The most famous example is one I've cited before, being Antony vs. Octavian at the battle of Thebes. Octavian's troops were encircled, and he had them direct their attack at Antony's flanking force. The fervor of the attack cause the flanking force to retreat, thus allowing Octavian to escape. » guanping -- The problem is if you try and put your troops on Death Ground -- Well they won't be very pleased if they found out what you had done, and they probably would find out. » Heika -- The Beauty of Death Ground -- The most important thing to keep in mind is that, if the army is in Death Ground, they don't have the time or energy to second-guess their general. Very much the case of, "Sure, I got you into this mess: but I can get you out." What can one do in such a case? Sun Tzu also mentions the importance of keeping one's army in ignorance of the greater plan: both for this purpose, and to make sure that enemy spies can not guess one's motives. If this is done, then the army truly can not find out what one has planned. How, then, can they complain? In this instance, Liu Bei took the tactically correct course of action, which allowed the battle to be concluded that much more easily and quickly.
20 Zhu Jun saw that the advice was good and followed it. As predicted the rebels ran out, led by Han Zhong. The besiegers fell upon them as they fled, and Han Zhong was slain. The rebels scattered in all directions. But the other two rebel chieftains, Zhao Hong and Sun Zhong, came with large reinforcements, and as they appeared very strong, the imperial soldiers retired, and the new body of rebels reentered Wancheng.	» Pang Tong -- Seems we have a strategist here -- Liu Bei was quite the strategist in these days. Maybe he just looks good because the rebels where so unorginized » JiaGai -- Liu Bei, historically, was quite a military commander and warrior. -- Unfortunately, because Luo Guanzhong wanted to portray him as a Confucian ideal, we rarely get to see this. His martial and strategic deeds are often passed on to other figures, like Zhuge Liang or his oath brothers. Note, for those who harp on Liu Bei's supposed contradictory/hypocritical nature, this is where a lot of the problem stems from. It's hard to seamlessly match Liu Bei's historical deeds and his personality as the pinacle of virtue. By personality and virtue, Liu Bei is supposed to be humble and respectful of propriety. Unfortunately, Liu Bei was also a warlord seeking to reunite China under his banner and, like Cao Cao, sometimes did what he had to in order to fulfill that goal. Luo Guanzhong did his best to make Liu Bei virtuously untouchable, but there were things he did that contradicted that ideal. [Hence, he is a perfect hero of the San Guo Yan Yi, who is not really perfect.] » WUuuu -- LoL, since that was a shot at me, I'll answer -- That makes sense, but I think that Luo did this on purpose to an extent. All three of the first leaders have leadership styles with obvious strengths and weaknesses (see my post under ROTK links). But I don't think this idealistic, sympathetic Liu Bei is meant to be always good. Just like Cao Cao's pragmatism and Sun Jian's heroism on the front lines. It is merely another style of leadership, and when employed exclusively, like any of the others, will expose weakness. » JiaGai -- I agree with your point about ruler styles. » cFodder -- I think the most telling statement in the novel regarding Liu Bei's generalship... -- Is the fact that people keep seeking out his aid - Liu Biao using him as the vanguard against Cao Cao comes immediately to mind. Liu Bei and his followers travel China, serving various lords and are always portrayed as a kind of ultra-elite band of mercenaries. And so while we don't often see illustrated any great examples of Liu Bei as an ingenius commander, we do see that - although he commands no massive armies, nor rules any states - his reputation as a general is one that gains him much infamy (and a field command position is one of the rare instances where it is almost impossible to gain favourable reputation without some semblance of corresponding skill). The perspicacious reader can thus discern that Liu Bei, was in fact, a military leader of great merit for within the context of Luo Guanzhong's writing alone. If he was indeed trying to disguise Liu Bei's martial prowess - he did not do a good enough job. » WUuuu -- that's not necessarily true -- were I to need a general for my vanguard the guy who comes with Zhang Fei, Guan Yu and Zhao Zilong is a fine choice. It is not like he is at the Van alone. » LittleFool -- Consider this however... -- In the context of the novel, would the Zhang Fei and Guan Yu we come to know hang around with and swear an oath to die alongside some nancy boy? Would someone with no martial prowess at all swear such an oath? Even the thought of Liu Bei without either Guan Yu, Zhang Fei or Zhao Zilong at his side was enough to terrify Sun Quan later on. Liu Bei spends most of his life hanging around great warriors and generals. What's more, they willingly follow him. As a rule of thumb warriors do not generally follow blindly weaklings. It's circumstantial evidence to be certain but enough so to warrant the following consideration; the novelized Liu Bei was in fact an unusually competent battlefield commander.
21 Zhu Jun encamped three miles from the city and prepared to attack. Just then there arrived a body of horse and foot from the east. At the lead was one general with a broad open face, a body as an alert tiger's, and a torso as a lofty bear's. His name was Sun Jian. He was a native of Fuchun in the old state of Wu, a descendant of the famous Sun Zi the Strategist.	» Explainer -- Sun Zi -- Sun Zi (aka Sun Wu, Suntzu, Sun-tzu, Sun tzu) the author of the famed treatise "The Art of War". A general of Wu in the Spring and Autumn period, Sun Zi made her the mightiest state during his lifetime by defeating Chu and conquering Yue. His treatise "The Art of War" is still avidly read today by many. » Tyler -- Sun Tzu -- i thought Sun Jian's ancestor's name was Sun Tzu not Sun Zi. » Shokyo -- Just different ways of translating the name -- Or spelling it or whatever. » Jiankang -- Sun Tzu -- Actually, I've got to reread the intro to my copy of the "Art of War" again. But in the book that I read, Sun Tzu was never a general himself. What he did do was travel around the Middle Kingdom looking for a lord who would employ him. In fact, since he wasn't ever a general himself, the US military (according to a friend of mine who is a Captain in the US army) uses that fact to say: "If Sun Tzu's Art of War was that great, he would have been a warlord himself instead of trying to sell his ideas to other warlords." He came from Chi, might have gotten successful audience with the King of Wu, but history doesn't really credit him with any victories directly. Basically, I agree with the theories of the Art of War. However, the general who employs these concepts have to be nimble and change his/her tactics to fit the situation. This is shown in the later chapter why camping on the main road, at times, may be better than camping on a hill. -Jian Kang » JiaGai -- Sun Tzu and Sun Zi -- Sun Tzu is the older Wade-Giles translation of the name while Sun Zi is the more modern Hanyu Pinyin version. However, Sun Tzu is SUCH an incredibly well known and famous icon worldwide, that just about everyone recognizes (and uses) the older translation over the newer one. » Rahonavis -- Sun Tzu one of the world's finest -- Sun Tzu was a tactician, strategist and a scholar, and like many intellectuals their art and wisdom is usually not recognized until long after they die. I.e. Da Vinci, Copernecius etc. The armed services of US does not make reading Sun Tzu's Art of War a pre-requisite but every officer and soldier would've at one time or another read it. I was a Army Captain with the 101st and it was one of the books I made sure I read over and over. Many of its techniques, methods can be successfully employed in modern day warfare and many are still used in our military today. Sun Tzu was a strategist, not a warrior, and hence he could be the armchair general and see with a different set of eyes to those actively engaged in warfare. He was a genius; and although he never became a warlord, his theories was second to none. » Jiankang -- Rohanavis - Sun Tzu Comment -- Rohanavis, good point. I do not doubt that Sun Tzu's theories were excellent. What I'm disputing is some accounts where it says that under Sun Tzu, Wu went on to conquer Chu, Chi, etc. This may have been true, but from what I have read, there's no basis for this. If anything, he might have been an advisor to the generals who went on to conquer. As for the theories, they're excellent, but keep in mind, they're only theories. If someone were to burn their boats, destroy their own grain, and dump their cooking pots... this may make the soldiers fight to the death. But then, this could be countered by someone who comes along and tells the soldiers that their leader is a fool and wants to lead them on a suicide mission. The opposing general could then say, "Slay your leader and you will be treated with mercy and rice." Theories. Even Sun Tzu cautions that the best plans change once battle is engaged. I don't doubt these are good theories and need to be understood by any strategist who wants to do well. But I do doubt that Sun Tzu actually was a good executioner. Otherwise, he would have been a general of reknown himself. -Jian kang » ClarenceK -- Sun Tzu to become a warlord? -- I think it is a bit naive (no offence) to think that Sun Tzu was capable of doing everything. True, the Chinese history tends to repeat itself, the Empire fallen apart, then reunited, the states and provinces became powerful again, and wages war between themselves once the central government weakened, then it fell apart. However, each era had its own characteristics as the society progressed. In Sun Tzu's era, all lands were carved up by the feudal lords mandated by the Zhou's king, and this lords passed on the power to their next generation. The only possible course for a man to rise to the top is to obtain an office in the state. Peasant rebellion was non-existent as well. There was no armed forces except the armies of the lords. Therefore it is impossible for Sun Tzu, however great he was, to get an army and establish an independent state. In Three Kingdoms era, the lords were gone, and replaced by the governors, who were selected by the emperor (not inherited). There were also great uprisings across the land. It provides opportunities for men like Cao Cao, Sun Jian, Liu Bei to rise and gather forces of their own to fulfill their ambitions. Finally, from what I read, the stories of Sun Tzu's helping Wu to defeat Qi & Chu were credible, though I am not prepared to debate over the matter at the moment. However it must be noted, that in the Chinese history, good strategists need not become generals themselves. As Liu Bang praised Zhang Liang, his best advisor in front of his generals, "Generals you are like hounds, in seeking enemies in the fields and destroy them using your great powers none is surpasses you, but in plotting in a little tent and deciding the outcome of the battles waging miles away, none of you is better than him. He therefore is the best." » Jiankang -- ClarenceK: Sun Tzu -- You're right. I guess I was just used to seeing things in current perspectives -- where basically a genius could thrive 'almost' regardless of rank, station, or wealth. Sun Tzu probably had a lot of restrictions/limitations. Yeah, who would have given him an army to command? In many ways, Liu Bei would probably have just been relegated to a footnote (similar to the other spiritual sect rebels) if he wasn't able to make a blood connection to the imperial throne. My initial problem with Sun Tzu not being a general himself was similar to say... calling Michael Porter (Harvard Professor who wrote about Competitive Advantage in Business) one of the best businessmen of his time. Sure Michael Porter's theories were excellent and were applied by almost all business students around the world... and I'm sure he was probably asked to consult some of the fortune 500. But it would be wrong to say that Michael Porter helped GE, Citigroup, or GM (not sure if he actually was employed by them, just as an example) to become the dominating presence economically in the world. But you're right, Clarence. In the US now it is difficult, but not impossible for anyone to raise money and do something with an idea (if they so choose). Back then, it probably would have been near impossible. By the time Sun Tzu would have had a fledgling army, the lord of the area would probably have spiked his head to hang on the city walls. -jian kang » Reboot -- Sun Tzu -- Sun Tzu is not only a strategist, but also a philosopher (and among many other things besides, I am sure). Being good at war doesn't mean Sun Tzu wants to be a warlord. Confucius has excellent ideas about ruling an empire, but he does not have aspirations to rule one. His service is offered to various princes/warlords at that time, which is what thinkers and talented persons are to do in his time. » Tiamatty -- Sun Tzu -- Sun Tzu was actually the patriarch of a lineage of military leaders, all of whom contributed to the Art of War (the literal translation from Chinese is actually Military Methods). He was not the sole author of the book. It was a work spanning several centuries. Several different versions of the book came to be extant, some with contradictory tactics for a situation. I'd recommend the translation by the Denma Translation Group, as they compare the different versions out there, explain why they went with the lines they did, and offer in-depth commentary and essays. » TsaoWei -- Enter Sun Jian -- The heavenly triangle is complete. There is nothing more to create. Now all there's left to do is to destroy until only the Three Kingdoms remain.
22 When he was seventeen, Sun Jian was with his father on the River Qiantang and saw a party of pirates, who had been plundering a merchant, dividing their booty on the river bank.	» guanping -- why were they sharing loot in public? -- surely it would have been better in a more remote spot » Pang Tong -- Lawless Times -- There is little law and order. People dont seem to mind doing whatever. During the French Revolution women were raped in the street with little or no consequence » Heika -- Convenience -- Splitting the money on the river's bank, so close to where the 'action' was, would have been easier than dragging the entire treasure hoard to their own base. As well, the chances of the loot being stolen would have been greater, due to the nature of those involved. "Honor among thieves," indeed.
23 "We can capture these!" said he to his father.
24 So, gripping his sword, he ran boldly up the bank and cried out to this side and that as if he was calling his men to come on. This made the pirates believe the soldiers were on them and they fled, leaving their booty behind them. He actually killed one of the pirates. In this way be became known and was recommended for office.	» IloveNDfootball -- Enter -- Someone used to Enter Now post. I guess I'll do 'em. Enter Now Sun Jian, the Tiger of Jiang Dong. » Diabolos -- So what -- So he killed one pirate. What's so great about that? » IloveNDfootball -- It was a brave thing -- Usually, you don't simply run up at a band of armed pirates with one sword and try and strike them down. I think they were more impressed by his effort than who he killed. » Shokyo -- It's just confidence really -- He yelled over as if to an army, and against a group of armed pirates, that would take a lot of guts. And like you say IloveNDfootball, to run up and kill one of them... pfft! » Tiamatty -- Nice move -- It was a brilliant strategy on the part of Sun Jian. He didn't need to kill the pirates, he just made them run away, leaving behind what they'd stolen earlier. As for killing one, hey, he was only 17. He was barely old enough to grow a beard, and he was killing pirates. It just shows that he was a brave and talented man, even from his youth.
25 Then, in collaboration with the local officials, he raised a band of one thousand and helped to quell the rebellion of one Xu Chang, who called himself the Sun Emperor and had ten thousand supporters. The rebel's son Xu Hao was also slain with his father. For this Sun Jian was commended by Imperial Protector Zang Min in a memorial to the Throne, and he received further promotion to the post of magistrate of Yandu, then of Xuyi, and then of Xiapi.
26 When the Yellow Scarves rebellion began, Sun Jian gathered together the youths of his village, some of the merchant class, got a troop of one thousand five hundred of veteran soldiers and took the field. Now he had reached the fighting area.
27 Zhu Jun welcomed Sun Jian gladly and ordered him to attack the south gate of Wancheng. The north and the west gates were simultaneously attacked by Liu Bei and Zhu Jun, but the east gate was left free to give the rebels a chance of exit. Sun Jian was the first to mount the wall and cut down more than twenty rebels with his own sword. The rebels ran, but the leader Zhao Hong rode directly at Sun Jian with his spear ready to thrust. Sun Jian leaped down from the wall, snatched away the spear and with it knocked Zhao Hong from the horse. Then Sun Jian, mounting Zhao Hong's horse, rode hither and thither, slaying as he went.	» heartofbattle -- Skill -- In my eyes, as of these days, that is an incredible stunt Sun Jian just performed. Taking Zhao Hong's spear and knocking him off his horse, then taking Zhao Hong's horse and was slaying while he went along. That's one thing about Sun Jian and Sun Ce. They were the best fighters between them, Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan.
28 The rebels fled north. Meeting Liu Bei, they declined to fight and scattered. But Liu Bei drew his bow, fitted an arrow, and shot their leader Sun Zhong, who fell to the ground. The main army of Zhu Jun came up, and after tremendous slaughter, the rebels surrendered. Thus was peace brought to the ten counties about the Nanyang area.	» theonlyone -- Bowman -- Wow, this isnt the first time Liu Bei shot with his bow. » heartofbattle -- Liu Bei -- Liu Bei had a little talent in physical combat. Afterall, even though it was 3 against 1, he fought against the might Lu Bu and lived!:) » heartofbattle -- hmmmm -- And to add to that, I dont ever remember Zhuge Liang getting physically involved in a battle. Has that ever happened? » WuTugu -- nope, he fought battles with the mind
29 Zhu Jun returned to Capital Luoyang, was promoted to the General of the Flying Cavalry, and received the governorship of Henan. He did not forget those who had helped him to win victory. Thus he reported the merits of Liu Bei and Sun Jian to the Throne.	» Explainer -- post -- General of the Flying Cavalry was the second highest military office, just below Regent Marshal, and of the same rank as General of the Flying Chariots. » Heika -- Zhu Jun's Virtue -- Confucius said: "The superior man remembers those who rendered him aid, and repays them as best he can." Here, we see that Zhu Jun was still, to a certain extent, righteous. The fact that men such as he could still reach high military and civilian posts would be heartening, if it were not for the fact that he had to slaughter quite a few individuals in order to do so.
30 Sun Jian, having influential friends and connections to support him, quickly got an appointment to a post of Commander of Changsha and went to assume the new office. But Liu Bei, in spite of Zhu Jun's memorial, waited in vain for preferment, and the three brothers became very sad.	» guanping -- It is always the way money and power gets you far » Heika -- Connections -- This was a standard flaw of Chinese bureaucracy for many years, and is still true to a lesser extent. If one does not have connections, then who can argue one's case? » guanping -- Even here Liu Bei had enough connections in Lu Zhi and Zhu Jun -- seems they are the wrong people to gain favour with
31 Walking along one day in the capital, Liu Bei met a court official, Zhang Jun, to whom he related his services and told his sorrows. Zhang Jun was much surprised at this neglect and one day at court spoke to the Emperor about it.
32 Said he, "The Yellow Scarves rebelled because the eunuchs sold offices and bartered ranks. There was employment only for their friends, punishment only for their enemies. This led to rebellion. Wherefore it would be well to slay the Ten Eunuchs and expose their heads and proclaim what had been done throughout the whole empire. Then reward the worthy. Thereby the land would be wholly tranquil."	» guanping -- Death wish -- Oh yes insult the guys with the real power who can get you killed. Brilliant career move as well » Reboot -- Loyalty & Brains -- Well many officials in this story seem to be loyal if not all the wise. :) » PesssimstByNature -- Upbringing -- That's the way they were brought up. The good of the empire is more important than yourself. These people weren't stupid. They were trying to tell the problem to the Emperor. Unfortunately, he wouldn't listen. But that's a different lecture ^_^ » Heika -- Duty -- It was the obligation of every servant of the Son of Heaven to expose corruption and suggest means of improving the government. Zhang Jun was only trying his best to save the Middle Kingdom from those who would (possibly unwittingly) bring about its downfall. Unfortunately, his cries fell upon deaf [evil] ears.
33 But the eunuchs fiercely opposed this and said Zhang Jun was insulting the Emperor, and the Emperor bade the guards thrust Zhang Jun out.	» Yorak -- Eunuch's reaction -- Wow, what a surprise! I thought they'd be keen on being decapitated! » Solace -- heh -- considering the eunuch's obvious sway with the emperor it would have been a little more prudent of Zhang Jun to simply recommend Liu Bei to the emperor as someone worthy of promotion and leave the eunuchs out of it. It's not a wise thing to ask anyone for a favor and insult that person's friends all in the same breath.
34 However, the eunuchs took counsel together and one said, "Surely someone who rendered some service against rebels resents being passed over."
35 So they caused a list of unimportant people to be prepared for preferment by and by. Among them was Liu Bei, who received the post of magistrate of the county of Anxi, to which he proceeded without delay after disbanding his army and sending them home to their villages. He retained two dozens or so as escort.
36 The three brothers reached Anxi, and soon the administration of the county was so reformed and the rule so wise that in a month there was no law-breaking. The three brothers lived in harmony, eating at the same table and sleeping on the same couch. But when Liu Bei was in public sessions or in company of others, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei would stand in attendance, were it even a whole day.	» darkknight -- He must be a bloody good official to stop ALL crimes in Anxi » Holocat -- Hey, the long arms of the law just got a whole lot longer; Fear his mutant power. ;) » Reboot -- Heh. -- I can just imagine Liu Bei decree that law-breakers are to face off Zhang Fei... :) » Kumashiru -- Hopefully in ancient china a couch was much larger than it is today. » Yunsung -- Time to repeat an extremely old note. -- "Most couches, at least the ones that I'm thinking of, were large padded beds, basically, but with a headrest on each end. Not really the couch we think of today. A better translation might be "cot"."- Me. » mattamatics -- Cots -- I thought that these couches were about 7 ft. by 10 ft., I have seen an old one off a website. » Heika -- Good Government -- Confucius said: "When the leadership is enlightened and benevolent, the common people shall follow." In this instance, Liu Bei and his brothers would be able to completely reform a country by enforcing the laws (which, due to the rebellion, may have become lax,) and by providing exemplary leadership. Even still, it is doubtful that all of this could be accomplished in the span of one month. » TsaoWei -- I can only imagine Guan Yu sleeping on a western couch -- Not to mention the other two with him. Yes, couches were definately larger. I have a futon at my house, that can be folded into either definition of couch.
37 Four months after their arrival, there came out a general order for the reduction of the number of military officers holding civil posts, and Liu Bei began to fear that he would be among those thrown out. In due course the inspecting official, Du Biao by name, arrived and was met at the boundary. But to the polite obeisance of Liu Bei, he made no return, save a wave of his whip as he sat on his horse. This made Guan Yu and Zhang Fei furious. But worse was to follow.	» AryanFox -- one thing..... -- never make those two mad, it never turns out good, not even if you have like 50,000 troops, he proved that lol » Heika -- Official Inspector -- Du Biao's influence would have been incredible: his word alone would be the ruin of any number of individuals. In such a capacity, it would be easy to become prideful and corrupt. Especially in such troubled times...
38 When the inspector had arrived at his lodging, he took his seat on the dais, leaving Liu Bei standing below. After a long time he addressed Liu Bei.
39 "Magistrate, what was your origin?"
40 Liu Bei replied, "I am descended from Prince Sheng of Zhongshan. Since my first fight with the Yellow Scarves rebels at Zhuo County, I have been in some thirty battles, wherein I gained some trifling merit. My reward was this office."
41 "You lie about your descent, and your statement of services is false!" roared the inspector. "Now the court has ordered the reduction of your sort of low class and corrupt officials."	» guanping -- Magistrate claim -- He could be right for all they knew, it's easy if risky to claim you're a relative of the emp. » Kumashiru -- Even so, his claims of services were correct. -- Even if the number were slightly exagerated. » Seraph -- Ironic -- the corrupt court orders the "reduction" of corrupt officials. Liu Bei should have just laughed at this guy. » DongDal -- And then been in deep poo. -- Which would have been the same end result, but less entertaining for all concerned.
42 Liu Bei muttered to himself and withdrew. On his return to the magistracy, he took council with his secretaries.
43 "This pompous attitude only means the inspector wants a bribe," said they.	» Kumashiru -- Things never change do they. :)
44 "I have never wronged the people to the value of a single coin: Then where is a bribe to come from?"	» cFodder -- Fundraiser? -- I mean geez... he got his own army together somehow - how much more difficult can it be to put together a bribe? » Tiamatty -- Heh. Maybe he could hold a bake sale? » Heika -- Liu Bei's Morality -- In this instance, asking any of his subjects would be a fault on his part: bribery is an inherently wrong act, and asking others to assist him in this would sully their hands as well. That, and it would lessen the authority and righteousness of the government, which he and his brothers had just spent a few months instilling.
45 Next day the inspector had the minor officials before him and forced them to bear witness that their master had oppressed the people. Liu Bei time after time went to rebut this charge, but the doorkeepers drove him away and he could not enter.	» guanping -- where the doorkeepers in the Inspector's employ or Liu Bei's?
46 Now Zhang Fei had been all day drowning his sorrow in wine and had drunk far too much. Calling for his horse he rode out past the lodging of the inspector, and at the gate saw a small crowd of white-haired people weeping bitterly. He asked why.	» _zhou yu dude -- why is there so much weeping in this book? » _Cao Cao -- Basically this book was compiled from theater pieces... -- which preceded the novel several hundred years. Voila so many "theatrical" scenes and motifs. » zubasa2001 -- Tears -- Many oriental cultures considered tears a clear sign of culture and sensitivity, especially when from heroes or cultured people » _Wei Yan Yan -- Greek mythology -- Don't forget, in ancient cultures such as the Greek, heroes like Ulysse cried when it was sad. They would cry all the time if it was necessary Of course, today it changed, if you see a strong man crying in a Hollywood movie, he's a sissie... Times changes... » darkknight -- weeping -- weeping is a sign of sadness but as they have white hair. this shows they're and when old people cry it's amusing to us. » ManicManchu -- about the weeping -- they cried becuase they were sad. not heart broke. it's just like you would frown :( if you were sad. » Doozer -- It was socially acceptable to openly weep at this time period, I guess. -- And it makes sense, if you think about it. » IloveNDfootball -- Musicals -- It's almost like a musical. In real life, would Tony suddenly burst into a song about Maria, or would the Jets dance and sing about how they will crush the Sharks? It's for dramatic emphasis.
47 They said, "The inspector has compelled the underlings to bear false witness against our magistrate, with the desire to injure the virtuous Liu Bei. We came to beg mercy for him but are not permitted to enter. Moreover, we have been beaten by the doorkeepers."
48 This provoked the irascible and half intoxicated Zhang Fei to fury. His eyes opened wide until they became circles; he ground his teeth; in a moment he was off his steed, had forced his way past the scared doorkeepers into the building, and was in the rear apartments. There he saw Imperial Inspector Du Biao sitting on high with the official underlings in bonds at his feet.	» Tiamatty -- HALF-intoxicated? -- This is what he does when he's only half-intoxicated? Hm...
49 "Oppressor of the people, robber!" cried Zhang Fei. "Do you know me?"
50 But before the inspector could reply, Zhang Fei had had him by the hair and had dragged him down. Another moment he was outside and firmly lashed to the hitching post in front of the building. Then breaking off a switch from a willow tree, Zhang Fei gave his victim a severe thrashing, only staying his hand when the tenth switch was too short to strike with.	» Khaid -- Go Zhang Fei, beat him up WHAM!! » _Tsunetomo -- lol sic 'em boy » _Vyse -- Zhang Fei needs anger management » _Wu Han Tian -- Gotta love him tho ^_^ » Melchiot -- Reply -- Somehow, I think he'd do well as a bouncer. Hmmm, Zhang Fei in a suit and shades.... » ZhangFeiYide -- Historical Event -- One major change that's made between the novel (SGYY) and the history (SGZ) is that instead of Zhang Fei beating the inspector, Liu Bei does. Obviously it was changed because the act really didn't fit the Shu bias that Luo Guanzhong was going for and he wanted Liu Bei to look like some saintly god. » iluvNDfootball -- Mao Zonggong -- Actually, it was Mao Zonggong who changed hat. Luo Guanzhong wanted you to sympathize with Liu Bei, but not as much as Mao did. He greatly revised the book. It's in the afterword and appendix of my copy. » ManicManchu -- about iluvNDfootball's post -- whoa! how many people wrote this book?! » guanping -- Well there were Luo and Mao, possibly another -- however there were several other tales going around that are included in Luo's version » DongDal -- So... Who actually beat the official? Fei or Bei? » IloveNDfootball -- Liu Bei. Luo Guanzhong changed it in the novel.
51 Liu Bei was sitting alone, communing with his sorrow, when he heard a shouting before his door. He asked what the matter was.
52 They told him, "General Zhang Fei had bound somebody to a post and was thrashing him!"	» guanping -- The crowd were probably chanting "FEI FEI FEI" » DongDal -- I wonder if Zhang Fei also let the people take turns :)
53 Hastily going outside, Liu Bei saw who the unhappy victim was and asked Zhang Fei the reason.	» _TheNovak -- I think "unhappy" is a bit of an understatement. » theonlyone -- yea your right, more like "crying like a baby" or "beet red" » ZhangFeiYide -- better description -- one word "pulpy" » LuBuFan -- lol mangly » JohnnyBlood -- Hastily going outside, Liu Bei saw who the Red stains on the pavement were -- and asked Zhang Fei the reason.
54 "If we do not beat this sort of wretch to death, what may we expect?" said Zhang Fei.
55 "Noble Sir, save me!" cried the inspector.	» IloveNDfootball -- Changed his tune » guanping -- How quick do you think he will change it again?
56 Now Liu Bei had always been kindly and gracious, wherefore he bade his brother release the officer and go his way.
57 Then Guan Yu came up, saying, "Brother, after your magnificent services you only got this petty post, and even here you have been insulted by this fellow. A thorn bush is no place for a phoenix. Let us slay this fellow, leave here, and go home till we can evolve a bigger scheme."	» _Cao Cao -- That's the great virtuous Guan Yu speaking. -- Reminds me that he was a murderer and fugitive even before he met his brothers. Among the three, only Zhang Fei could be considered a nice guy (though he is a drunkard.) » SkyAnimal -- The Brothers -- In a way, the three brothers almost represent society in a way. Liu Bei is the intellectual, heavenly side. Zhang Fei is the industrious, base, earthly side of the trio. Guan Yu is the human, malicious side. This triad is the idealogy of the time, so it fits for these three. » dgr81 -- representation -- im more inclined to think zhang fei represents human weakness, liu bei noble spirit, and guan yu godlike greatness. » Tempest -- Re: Cao Cao's comment -- You have to remember the novel states the guy he killed earlier on was a ruffian abusing his position of power and wealth. Had not he been killed, more people would probably have suffered at his hands. Likewise, this eunuch is doing the same thing, abusing his power for his own benefit. Leave such people around and more misery will be brought to others. It's all good and well to say "murderers" are "bad people" but that's a generalisation that can be misleading at times. » darkknight -- Cao Cao's post -- How can you say Zhang Fei is the only nice guy out of the 3 brothers. Guan yu is effectively the chinese symbol of honour and Liu Bei is the kindest in the whole damn book. » Altaris -- darkknight's post -- guan yu was the symbol for honor? i thought he symbolized a sense of protection, for those who were superstitious. he being faithful to liu bei convinced people that worshipping guan yu would result in protection... but i'm not quite sure about this... heh » ManicManchu -- Guan Yu sybolizes -- Guan Yu must symbolize something great for him to be worshiped in China » ClarenceK -- He does mean alot. -- Merchants: a man of virtue and justice. protection from deception, frauds, thieves, robberies and other evils. Police (especially in the Cantonese culture): Courage and Bravery in fight against evil. protection for warriors of a just course. Gangsters: Brotherhood, a man who never betrays his followers and comrades. » Laguna Cottage -- It is always interesting to see Hong Kong police and gangsters burn incense on Guan Yu's altar -- Guan Yu must have one of the biggest conflicts of interest. His presence give the officers and gangsters peace of mind. About the merchants, many small shops have Guan Yu's altar right at the entrance. » Heika -- Chivalry -- I have heard it said that Guan Yu was the embodiment of chivalry. That would seem to be the case here: Guan Yu was insulted by his brother's poor fortune, and the correct thing to do (in the purely chivalrous sense,) would be to find a place worthy of Liu Bei's talents. Anxi, quite obviously, was not this place. Sadly, one could easily make the case that the Han court would also have not been the place.
58 Liu Bei contented himself with hanging the official seal about the inspector's neck, saying, "If I hear that you injure the people, I will assuredly kill you. I now spare your life, and I return to you the seal. We are going."	» theonlyone -- boo hoo -- I can just imagine this inspector running into the middle of a meeting and crying-"mommy, a boy beat me and then threatened me, and then... and then... and, then...
59 The inspector went to the Governor of Dingzhou and complained, and orders were issued for the arrest of the brothers, but they got away to Daizhou and sought refuge with Liu Hu, who sheltered them because of Liu Bei's noble birth.
60 By this time the Ten Regular Attendants had everything in their hands, and they put to death all who did not stand in with them. From every officer who had helped to put down the rebels they demanded presents; and if these were not forthcoming, he was removed from office. Imperial Commanders Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun both fell victims to these intrigues and were deprived from offices, while on the other hand the eunuchs received the highest honors and rewards. Thirteen eunuchs were ennobled, including Zhao Zhong who was added to the rank of General of the Flying Cavalry. The government grew worse and worse, and everyone was irritated.	» _Anthropologul -- The "Great Learning" -- This paragraph and the one directly above it illustrate the confucian ideal that the country is at peace when the leaders are virtuous. The ideal is often given a mystic interpretation but here it is very obvious: since the people at the top (the eunuchs) are demanding bribes, only people who are taking bribes themsleves are able to pay them. For this reason it is impossible to be an uncorrupt official in a state led by corrupt men. » Tempest -- Re: Anthropologul's comment -- Interesting point, thanks for pointing it out. My understanding just went up a bit. » theonlyone -- Emperors -- You would think that the emperor or someone could see what these guys were doing and put a stop to them. » Banedon -- Emperors -- Remember, the eunuches is the emperor's ears and advisors... nothing they don't want the emperor to hear or know about would not get past them » Reboot -- We must assume that Cao Cao and Sun Jian have also bribed the eunuchs, where Liu Bei could not. » cFodder -- Although the Caos and Suns were both prominent families of great wealth... -- they were among the few that remained powerful regardless of corruption, as they were independently wealthy and hence could maintain effective office while affording bribes. One of the theorems behind the feudal system and problems in modern developing nations is that officials who are not independently wealthy are open to corruption. » Heika -- Another Cunning Scheme -- The generals who had fought against the Yellow Turbans would have been a threat to the eunuchs' control of the government: the vast majority of them were likely loyal subjects of the Emperor, and if they had banded together, they might have been able to eventually throw off their stranglehold. However, when the eunuchs enacted their scheme, they could prevent the generals with any amount of integrity from gaining power. By doing so, they also created quite a few dispossessed individuals; not, perhaps, the wisest move.
61 Rebellions broke out in Changsha led by Ou Xing, and in Yuyang led by Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun. Memorials were sent up in number as snow flakes in winter, but the Ten suppressed them all. One day the Emperor was at a feast in one of the gardens with the Ten, when Court Counselor Liu Tao suddenly appeared showing very great distress. The Emperor asked what the matter was.
62 "Sire, how can you be feasting with these when the empire is at the last gasp?" said Liu Tao.
63 "All is well," said the Emperor. "Where is anything wrong?"	» guanping -- oh nothing -- just 5 rebllions so far and mass corruption. Nothing to be worried about
64 Said Liu Tao, "Robbers swarm on all sides and plunder the cities. And all is the fault of the Ten Eunuchs who sell offices and injure the people, oppress loyal officials and deceive their superiors. All virtuous ones have left the services and returned to their places. Misfortune is before our very eyes!"	» _LUDW4 -- Ten eunuechs -- From what I see these people need new police!! They are so so so smart.
65 At this the eunuchs pulled off their hats and threw themselves at their master's feet.	» Miliardo -- What's the signifigance of them self-dehatting? -- I can bet on what it is, sure, but I still want to know exactly what it means. » Explainer -- The hat shows their offices... -- In modern time, our ranks are shown in collar pins, stripes on shoulder broads and sleeves. In ancient China, offials wore the rank devices in their hats and gowns. If they pull off their hats or strip their gowns, that means they want to resign.
66 "If Minister Liu Tao disapproves of us," they said, "we are in danger. We pray that our lives be spared and we may go to our farms. We yield our property to help defray military expenses."
67 And they wept bitterly.
68 The Emperor turned angrily to Liu Tao, saying, "You also have servants: Why can't you bear with mine?"	» Miliardo -- Is this guy listening? -- I don't think he's the sharpest knife in the drawer. He may not be picknicking with all his sandwiches in the basket. Lights are on, but nobody's home. » Heika -- He was listening, but to the wrong side of the argument.
69 And thereupon the Emperor called to the guards to eject Liu Tao and put him to death.	» ChaosKnight -- That would have to be the all time most suckiest moment of his life.
70 Liu Tao cried aloud, "My death matters nothing. The pity is that Han Dynasty, after four centuries of reign, is falling fast!"	» _Wu Han Tian -- Foreshadowing -- Ah, the lovely final line from person of little significance. Pretty easy to see that all heck's about to break loose here.
71 The guards hustled him away and were just about to carry out the Emperor's order when a minister stopped them, shouting, "Strike not! Wait till I have spoken with His Majesty."
72 It was the Minister of the Interior, Chen Dan. He went in to the Emperor, to whom he said, "For what fault is Counselor Liu Tao to be put to death?"
73 "He has vilified my servants and has insulted me," said the Emperor.
74 "All the empire would eat the flesh of the eunuchs if they could, and yet, Sire, you respect them as if they were your parents. They have no merit, but they are created nobles. Moreover, Feng Xu was in league with the Yellow Scarves. Unless Your Majesty looks to it, the state will crumble!"
75 "There was no proof against Feng Xu," replied the Emperor. "About the Ten Eunuchs, are there none faithful among them?"
76 Chen Dan beat his forehead on the steps of the throne and did not desist from remonstrance. Then the Emperor grew angry and commanded his removal and imprisonment with Liu Tao. That night Liu Tao and Chen Dan were murdered.	» MaxBrains -- Ouch? -- So he beat his head upon the throne steps. Does this mean he bowed profusely, or is it some kind of display of desperation? » Melchiot -- It's a display of desperation; the Emperor isn't listening to his protests, so he gets desperate. » Miliardo -- Maybe he's a masochist. -- Although, I used to do that, bang my head on the desk, that is, because my teacher's skull is harder than a reinforceed diamond. » chrisdalby -- Somebody please kill the eunuchs. -- Another one bites the dust. How many guys are the eunuchs gonna take out? Huangfu song, Zhu Jun, He Jin, now Liu Tao and Chen Dan. Somebody stop them.
77 Then the eunuchs sent a forged edict to Sun Jian making him Governor of Changsha, with orders to suppress the rebellion of Ou Xing. In less than two months Sun Jian reported the county all tranquil. For this he was created Lord of Wucheng.
78 Further, Liu Yu was made Imperial Protector of Youzhou to move against Yuyang and suppress Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun. Liu Hu of Daizhou recommended Liu Bei to Liu Yu. Liu Yu welcomed Liu Bei and gave him rank of Commander and sent him against the rebels. He fought with and worsted them and entirely broke their spirit. Zhang Chun was cruel, and his leaders turned against him. One of his officers then slew him and brought in his head, after which the others submitted. The other leader Zhang Ju saw that all was lost and killed himself.	» Miliardo -- Were these two bandits, or dissenters?
79 Yuyang being now tranquil, Liu Bei's services were reported to the Throne, and he received full pardon for the insult to the imperial inspector. He was made Deputy Magistrate of Xiami, then Commanding Officer of Gaotang. Then Gongsun Zan praised Liu Bei's former services, and he was promoted to Magistrate of Pingyuan. This place was very prosperous, and Liu Bei recovered something of his old manner before the days of adversity. Liu Yu also received preferment and was promoted to Grand Commander.	» chrisdalby -- What is it with the system? -- My dislike of Liu Bei is known, but what the hell? He alone blasts the rebels in Changsha, and he is still not preferred to Liu Yu. Looking forward to Ling dying.
80 In the summer of the six year of Central Stability (AD 189), Emperor Ling became seriously ill and summoned He Jin into the Palace to arrange for the future. He Jin had sprung from a humble family of butchers, but his sister had become a concubine of rank and borne a son to the Emperor, named Liu Bian. After this she became Empress He, and He Jin became the powerful Regent Marshal.	» Explainer -- post -- Regent Marshal was the highest military office, while Imperial Guardian highest civilian office.
81 The Emperor had also greatly loved a beautiful girl, Lady Wang, who had borne him a son named Liu Xian. Empress He had poisoned Lady Wang from jealousy, and the baby had been given into the care of Empress Dong, who was the mother of Emperor Ling. Lady Dong was the wife of Liu Chang, Lord of Jiedu. As time went on and the Emperor Huan had no son of his own, he adopted the son of Liu Chang, who succeeded as the Emperor Ling. After his accession, Emperor Ling had taken his own mother into the Palace to live and had conferred upon her the title of Empress Dowager.	» iamnick -- succession -- so, emperor huan adopted Liu Chang as his son, and he became Emperor Ling? why did he change his name? Also, according to this passage, Empress Dong and Empress Dowager are the same person. Is there any difference between the two titles? » JiaGai -- The Empress. -- Dong is her name. Dowager is a title meaning she was a former Empress who is no longer in a position of imperial authority as her husband, the former Emperor, is dead. » kaolin -- Emperor's name -- An emperor's name is never mentioned directly as long as the dynasty still reigns. Instead, the emperor gives himself a name when he take the throne. In Liu Chang's case, Emperor Ling.
82 Empress Dong had always tried to persuade her son to name Liu Xian as the Heir Apparent, and in fact the Emperor greatly loved the boy and was disposed to do as his mother desired.	» laughlin -- Liu Xian -- I'm confused at the use of "Liu Xian" for the son of Emperor Ling and Lady Wang; he should be Liu Xie, though as Emperor he will be called Emperor Xian.
83 When his end was near, one of the eunuchs, Jian Shuo, said, "If Liu Xian is to succeed, He Jin must be killed to prevent any countermeasure."
84 The Emperor saw this too. And he summoned He Jin to come to him.	» guanping -- How loyal is this Emperor towards He Jin. I thought they where related by marrige? » Michael M. Pettit -- Emperor Ling ... -- He Jin's sister was a concubine, and the mother of Liu Bian. She became Empress He (not sure if that was through marriage or simply an honorific for being the mother of Liu Bian), and later went on to kill Lady Wang, the mother of Liu Xian. As far as loyalty, Emperor Ling wanted Xian to succeed, but He Jin backed Bian as the rightful heir. Emperor Ling must have known this somehow, so knowing that He Jin would need to be killed to prevent the proverbial stuff from hitting the fan isn't much of a stretch.
85 But at the very gate of the Forbidden City, He Jin was warned of his danger by Commander Pan Yin who said, "This must be a trap of Jian Shuo to destroy you!"	» _Fengxiao -- i didnt know that the forbidden city was in the TK -- wow i never heard that it was in the threekingdoms i wonder why they didnt put it on any other of there games like dynasty warriors of romance of the three kingdoms etc kool... » Arrakis -- Forbidden Kingdom -- It propbably wasn't in any of the games because no one but the high of the high were allowed in there. So it'd be a bit had to have a battle there without any soldiers eh? » Shokyo -- What is so forbidden about the forbidden city? (Sounds very impressive) » JiaGai -- The forbidden city -- I may be wrong, but I believe the forbidden city was the palace where the emperor got business done (maybe lived in too). Only the emperor and his men could enter. No one else was allowed inside, thus the "forbidden" part. Anyone else know more about this? » Super Dian Wei -- It's the emperors pad. -- JiaGai is right about how no body without an appointment got in. However, I am pretty sure that the emperor never left the forbiddon city. The only time he would leave would be during a hunting trip, or if a fat tyrant kidnapped him. » jimmyli -- different forbidden cities -- This "forbidden city" is just referring to the emperor's palace. The modern day Forbidden City was built during the Ming Dynasty. » Reboot -- Agree with jimmyli -- Indeed. The Latter Han capital was in Loyang, not Beijing; ergo the Forbidden City mentioned here cannot be the same one as the one in Beijing. Using the name "Forbidden City" is more to borrow the concept than to refer to the actual thing.
86 He Jin rushed back to his quarters and called many of the ministers to his side, and they met to consider how to put the eunuchs to death.
87 At this assembly a man spoke against the plot, "The influence of the eunuchs dates back a century and a half, during the reigns of Emperors Chong and Zhi. It has spread like a noxious weed in all directions. How can we hope to destroy it? Above all keep this plot secret, or our whole clans will be exterminated."	» Heika -- The Sad Truth -- By setting themselves against the eunuchs, all of these officers were playing a game of life and death against an extremely skilled set of opponents. One must wonder if He Jin really comprehended the scope of what he was attempting to do. » MaTseng -- The not so bright truth? -- the fact was, the eununchs have been a disease to kingdoms and dynastys forever and have takin modern day versions within governments as we still have corruption and brown nosers. Most of these eunuchs had the power to order the royal bodyguards around and even had a merc army loyal to them to protect their lifes. Even if the eunuchs were killed, someone would take their place.
88 He Jin eyed down and saw General of Military Standards Cao Cao.
89 He Jin was very angry at this speech and cried, "What do inferiors like you know of the ways of government?"	» Yorak -- He Jin's statement -- Interesting statement, seeing as how He Jin came from lowly beginnings himself. I guess his title went to his head... » guanping -- Cao Cao worked himself up and his father had been in goverment -- whereas He Jin was in goverment because his sis married the emporer. Yes Cao Cao is so inferior (sarcasm) Maybe He Jin doesn't like what he hears? Who wants to hear that the eunuchs can not be killed?
90 And in the midst of the confusion Pan Yin came to say: "The Emperor is no more. The eunuchs have decided to keep the death a secret and forge a command to the Regent Marshal to come into the Palace to settle the succession. Meanwhile to prevent trouble they have inscribed the name of Prince Xian on the roll."
91 And as Pan Yin finished speaking, the edict arrived summoning He Jin.
92 "The matter for the moment is to set up the rightful heir," said Cao Cao. "We can deal with the traitors later."
93 "Who dare to join me in supporting the rightful heir---Prince Bian?" asked He Jin, the Regent Marshal.	» guanping -- Why is Prince Bian the rightful heir? » DongDal -- Because He Jin wants him on the throne -- And He Jin has the backing of the army. So that makes Xian the rightful heir. » ZhaoZilongfan -- Why is Bian the Heir -- Bian was the first son, so naturally, he would be the heir » Ledrug -- More importantly -- Go back and read paragraph 80: Bian is the son of He Jin's sister! » guanping -- So politics plain and simple?
94 At once one stood forward, crying, "Give me five thousand veterans, and we will break into the Palace, set up the true heir, slay the eunuchs, and sweep clean the government! Then peace will come to the empire."
95 The energetic speaker was Yuan Shao, son of the former Minister of the Interior Yuan Feng and nephew of Imperial Guardian Yuan Wei. Yuan Shao then held the rank of Imperial Commander.	» XiaoQaio -- Yuan Shao?!! -- How could some one pick Yuan Shao as Imperial Commander? He sucks! » JiaGai -- Yuan Shao is a highly respected figure from a highly respected family. » LordYuanShao -- The good and only side of Yuan Shao -- I don´t think so, XiaoQiao. Of course JiaGai, Yuan Shao is one of the great heroes of Chinese History and a firm fighter against the corruption that prevailed on the Court of the Han Dynasty. If China have had 4 Kingdoms, that could be Yuan Empire.I have no doubts about Yuan Shao´s righteousness. » zhenluo -- 0 -- The guy has his talents, but as later events will prove, I still think he's indecisive and a hypocrite. » guanping -- Um he was more indescive as he got older -- lacked the ruthless edge Cao Cao had but a clever man and a man anyone would want as an ally. As to hypocrite... he was used to playing a political game, he used his skills on that front well. He may have lied but name one warlord who didn't?
96 He Jin mustered five thousand royal guards. Yuan Shao put on complete armor and took command. He Jin, supported by He Yong, Xun You, Zheng Tai, and more than thirty other ministers and high-rank officials, went into the Palace. In the hall where lay the coffin of the late Emperor, they placed Liu Bian on the throne. After the ceremony was over and all had bowed before the new Emperor, Yuan Shao went in to arrest Eunuch Jian Shuo. Jian Shuo in terror fled into the Palace garden and hid among the shrubs, where he was discovered and murdered by Guo Sheng, one of the Ten Eunuchs. The guards under Jian Shuo's command all surrendered.	» darkknight -- Xun You? Is that Cao Cao's Xun You? » Explainer -- Most likely... Xun Yu and Xun You are both high officials in Han court. -- In fact, many characters here are all courtiers at some time in their lives. They know each other, if not by face, at least by name. The higher their offices, the more people they know, because they got transfered to different places a lot. We get this info from reading their biographies. » iamnick -- biographies -- Where can i read these biographies? I know that dw 4 has small bios in it, but is there somewhere i can get better ones? » JianDun -- go to......... -- www.kongming.net there are alot there 3kingdoms.net has a bunch too » chrisdalby -- Xun Yu and Xun You -- They appear not to be related. Cao Cao's Xun Yu appears later in Chapter 10 and is the Military Instructional Supervisor, not a position from which he could have truly helped raise Liu Bian to the throne.
97 Yuan Shao said, "Their gangs have broken. The most opportune moment is now to slay all the eunuchs!"
98 But Zhang Rang and the eunuchs of the Ten scented the danger and rushed to see Empress He.	» SkyAnimal -- Empress -- It seems that women, while inferior and looked down upon in society, the oldest females of a family held a special status. In "The Emperor and the Assassin," the old empress apparently had an aloof status, and were almost untouchable. » dgr81 -- if you read Dream of Red Chamber, another chinese classic... -- you will notice that it was the women in the family who held the real power. » _Shige -- Women -- No no no no no - the ELDEST of the women held most power...the rest of the female household being generally considered little more than servants in many cases. Even so, it was rare (if at all possible) to see a woman openly wield her power. Wizard of Oz. ;O) » DongDal -- Reminds me of the White House during the Reagan administration. -- The first lady making all the desicions :p » Tiamatty -- Power of Women -- Women hold a subtle sway over man. This is true in all times and all places. This was the basis of "Lysistrata" by Aristophanes, where all the women of Athens rebelled against the men by denying them sex, trying to force an end to their conflict with other places. I know it seems sexist, but it's more sexist towards men than women. It's saying guys are desperate for sex. Women are also usually in charge of the cooking; even in royal households, they could decide what would be served to their husband. It's hard to rule a kingdom on a diet of boiled hay. » LittleFool -- From my reading of the novel... -- The Empress Dowager acted much as a vice-emperor, taking control of civil affairs whenever the Emperor was away, and handling interim affairs between Emperors or while her son was too young to assume the throne. This seems to be accepted and codified into chinese law. I doubt, however, an empress that served her husband hay would remain empress long after that incident... and would be lucky to have her body remain attached to her head. The entire 'harem' system serves to remind an empress against taking such an action - its like living and breathing an ever present reminder: "You. Are. Replaceable." In that situation I'd probably be really, really nice to my emperor. In matters of politics however, it seemed that if everything went all right while a woman was calling the shots, no one complained; but praises weren't exactly heaped upon her. If for any reason something went wrong however, officials lost no time in pointing out the cause. Woman and politics! Bad! Bad! People are silly sometimes.
99 They said, "The originator of the plan to injure your brother was Jian Shuo: Only he was concerned and no other. Now the Regent Marshal, on Yuan Shao's advice, wishes to slay everyone of us. We implore your pity, O Your Majesty!"	» guanping -- Eunuchs stick together...
100 "Fear not!" said Empress He, whose son had just become Emperor, "I will protect you."
101 She sent for her brother, and said, "You and I are of lowly origin, and we owe our good fortune to the eunuchs. The misguided Jian Shuo is now dead, and need you really put all the others to death as Yuan Shao advises?"
102 And He Jin obeyed her wish. He explained to his party, saying, "The real offender, Jian Shuo, has met his fate, and his clan will be punished. But we need not exterminate the whole party nor injure his colleagues."	» _anonymous -- hog!
103 "Slay them, root and branch," cried Yuan Shao, "or they will ruin you!"	» chrisdalby -- Yuan Shao said this??? Good Lord, one moment of clarity in a lifetime of fog.
104 "I have decided," said He Jin, coldly. "Say no more."	» Solace -- it is ironic that Yuan Shao's good advice goes unheeded by his commander -- Yuan Shao really should have learned a lesson from that. » Melchiot -- Reply -- Well, He Jin can only see the present, he possesses little or no foresight, which is what Yuan Shao had in this case. He Jin saw that his nephew was Emperor, the rebel eunuch was slain, and everyone was on one side; so he thought he'd be alright. More fool him.
105 Within a few days He Jin became Chair of the Secretariat, and his associates received high offices.
106 Now Empress Dong summoned the eunuch Zhang Rang and his party to a council.
107 Said she, "It was I who first brought forward the sister of He Jin. Today her son is on the throne, and all the officials are her friends, and her influence is enormous. What can we do?"
108 Zhang Rang replied, "Your Highness should administer the state from 'behind the veil'; create the late Emperor's son Liu Xian a prince; give your brother, the Imperial Uncle Dong Chong, a high rank, and place him over the army; and use us. That will do it."	» Heika -- A New Record? -- It took the eunuchs only a few days to begin plotting against the one who had saved their lives. Truly a double-edged sword.
109 Empress Dong approved. Next day she held a court and issued an edict in the sense proposed. She made Liu Xian Prince of Chenliu and Dong Chong General of the Flying Cavalry, and she allowed the eunuchs again to participate state affairs.	» Explainer -- post -- General of the Flying Cavalry was the second highest military office, just below Regent Marshal, and of the same rank as General of the Flying Chariots. He Jin was currently the Regent Marshal.
110 When Empress He saw this, she prepared a banquet to which she invited her rival Empress Dong.
111 In the middle of the feast, when all were well warmed with wine, Empress He rose and offered a cup to her guest, saying, "It is not fitting that we two should meddle in state affairs. In the beginning of the Han Dynasty, when Empress Lu laid hands upon the government, all her clans were put to death. We ought to remain content, immured in our palaces, and leave state affairs to the state officials. That would be well for the country, and I trust you will act thus."	» Explainer -- Empress Lu -- Empress Lu was wife of Liu Bang, the Han Founder. After Liu Bang's death, she held imperial authority. She appointed members of her own family to highly important positions of state and clearly hoped to substitute her own family for the reigning Liu family. But these plans were frustrated on her death (BC 180). » guanping -- Nice way of saying "Back off old cow " (being polite) -- Still hadn't He been playing with state affairs?
112 But Empress Dong only got angry, saying, "You poisoned Lady Wang out of jealousy. Now, relying upon the fact that your son sits on the throne and that your brother is powerful, you speak these wild words. I will command that your brother be beheaded, and that can be done as easily as I turn my hand!"	» chrisdalby -- Hmm. Does Empress Dong's words here remind you of a Bond villain's last words? -- I'M INVINCIBLE. MWAHAHAHAAHA... URK » Tiamatty -- Heh. -- "And now, Mr. Bond, knowing full well that there's nothing you can do to stop me, I shall lay out the full cleverness of my clever plot, which is so clever my cleverness worries even me! Mwah-hahahahaaa!"
113 Empress He in her turn became wroth and said, "I tried to persuade you with fair words. Why get so angry?"
114 "You low born daughter of a butcher, what do you know of offices?" cried Empress Dong.
115 And the quarrel waxed hot.
116 The eunuchs persuaded the ladies to retire. But in the night Empress He summoned her brother into the Palace and told him what had occurred. He went out and took counsel with the principal officers of state. Next morning a court was held and a memorial was presented, saying:
117 "Empress Dong, being the foster mother of Liu Xian, Prince of Chenliu, a regional prince---only a collateral---cannot properly occupy any part of the Palace. She is to be removed into her original fief of Hejian and is to depart immediately."	» drunkmastrZhangFei -- Kicked off her high horse -- That must suck o.o but I think she got what she deserved ^.^ » guanping -- How big would her fief be? -- How much poorer would she be? » chrisdalby -- Well, Hejian sounds like a town, not a province. -- So she would be relegated to her hometown presumably under the control of a local governor, much like Liu Bei was in Pingyuan. A big downfall for someone like Empress Dong.
118 And while they sent an escort to remove Empress Dong, a strong guard was placed about the Imperial Uncle Dong Chong's dwelling. They took away his seal of office and he, knowing this was the end, killed himself in his private apartments. His dependents, who wailed his death, were driven off by the guards.	» chrisdalby -- Eunuchs slipping -- Dong Chong is raised to Commander of the Army and kills himself, all within a day.
119 The eunuchs Zhang Rang and Duan Gui, having lost their patroness, sent large gifts to He Jin's younger brother, He Miao, and his mother, Lady Wuyang, and thus got them to put in a good word to Empress He so as to gain her protection. And so they gained favor once more at court.	» Heika -- Slippery as Eels -- Gentle reader, take these events as a warning. If you must remove a set of corrupt officials, wait until a favorable moment, and remove them forcibly. Trying to defeat them with intrigue is like trying to hold a moonbeam in one's hands. » MaTseng -- it's almost impossible to kill eununchs once they've taken root within the court... -- because even if you kill them, either the emp himself will be pissed -most eunuchs were close friends even if they were corrupt- or would be attacked by soldiers or vassals who were given ranks and so forth by them.
120 In the sixth month of that year, the secret emissaries of He Jin poisoned Empress Dong in her residence in the country. Her remains were brought to the capital and buried in Wen Tombs. He Jin feigned illness and did not attend the funeral.	» Explainer -- Wen Tombs -- A burial place of court officials and royal families.
121 Commander Yuan Shao went one day to see He Jin, saying, "The two eunuchs, Zhang Rang and Duan Gui, are spreading the report outside that you have caused the death of the late empress and is aiming at the throne. This is an excuse for you to destroy them. Do not spare them this time, or you will pay like Dou Wu and Chen Fan, who in the previous reign missed their chance because the secret had not been kept, and they paid by their own deaths. Now you and your brother have many commanders and officers behind, so that the destruction of the eunuchs can be but an ease. It is a heaven-sent opportunity. Delay no further!"	» LordYuanShao -- Much people think that Yuan Shao doesn´t know do nothing by himself... -- I think that this is a perfect example of the good reasoning of Yuan Shao while he continually convinced He Jin to put and end to the tyrant Eunuchs.
122 But He Jin replied, "Let me think it over."	» weaponsmaster -- He Jin is starting to sound like a snob. » Shokyo -- His sister is an empress, and the seat of power is practically for the taking -- Maybe he was practicing? =3 » DongDal -- Sorry. What do you mean by starting? :p » superbus -- Can't decide -- He Jin's error wasn't really snobishness, but indecisiveness. He was always thinking on things, and taking bad advice, when he should have been able to make decisions without so many people in his ear.
123 He Jin's servants overheard the discussion and secretly informed the intended victims, who sent further gifts to the younger brother He Miao.
124 Corrupted by these, He Miao went in to speak with his sister Empress He and said, "The General is the chief support of the new Emperor, yet he is not gracious and merciful but thinks wholly of slaughter. If he slays the eunuchs without cause, it may bring about revolution."	» laughlin -- A better translation by laughlin.
125 Soon after He Jin entered and told her of his design to put the eunuchs to death.
126 She argued with him, "Those officials look after palace affairs and are old servants. To kill the old servants just after the death of their master would appear disrespectful to the dynasty's ancestral temple."
127 And as He Jin was of a vacillating mind, he murmured assent and left her.
128 "What about it?" said Yuan Shao on meeting him.
129 "She will not consent. What can be done?"
130 "Call up an army and slay them. It is imperative. Never mind her consent!"
131 "That is an excellent plan," said He Jin. And he sent orders all round to march soldiers to the capital.
132 But Secretary Chen Lin objected, "Nay! Do not act without due consideration. The proverb says 'To cover the eyes and snatch at swallows is to fool oneself.' If in so small a matter you cannot attain your wish, what of great affairs? Now by virtue of the emperor and with the army under your hand, you are like prancing tiger and soaring dragon: You may do as you please. To use such enormous powers against the eunuchs would bring victory as easily as lighting up a furnace to burn a hair. You only need to act promptly: Use your powers and smite at once, and all the empire will be with you. But to summon forces to the capital, to gather many bold warlords into one spot, each with different schemes, is to turn our weapons against our own person, to place ourselves in the power of another. Nothing but failure can come of it, and havoc will ensue."	» Yorak -- Prophetic words » guanping -- great words » Diabolos -- Superb words » heffalump -- Indeed » Heika -- A Scheme too Grand -- Yuan Shao saw the entirety of the Middle Kingdom uniting together to smite the incredibly corrupt eunuchs. This illustrated another (perhaps the greatest) personality flaw of Yuan Shao: he was an idealist. He wanted to believe the best about those around him, even to the point where he could no longer objectively judge those around him. » guanping -- He had vision and was an idealist, if only he was Regent Marshall » MaTseng -- fools, like leaving a wounded calf for the wolves. -- He Jin had no idea what he was doing. they had the backing of the imperial guards possible the only soldiers in Luo Yang, so they wouldn't have to worry about the eununchs having men to protect them. asking for warlords to come to the capital was overkill and stupid. he had no reason to ask for the warlords help, and i can see no reason why he would need their help? wouldn't he realize they might have their own intentions since they would have a larger army? He obviously had no idea what he was getting into and his head was wayyy too big -full of himself- oh and this is my 99th post yay! » cFodder -- I suspect He Jin may have wanted them there... -- So that he could deal with everyone at once - either through diplomacy and bestowing of favours and courtly positions to secure the support of the powerful (most of whom already supported him) and use the chaos as a pretext to dispose of the rest. It may not have been that He Jin was at all foolish in that particular decision and it most likely would have worked out splendidly if he hadn't have made a poor decision later. The capital most likely would not have fallen to Dong Zhuo's forces had it been united firmly under He Jin's rule when they arrived. Such was not the case however... still, it is an interesting possibility.
133 "The view of a mere book-worm," said He Jin with a smile.	» _Moridin -- The whole point of being a bookworm is that you Know things like that...
134 Then one of those about He Jin suddenly clapped his hands, laughing, "Solving this issue is as easy as turning over one's hand! Why so much talk?"
135 The speaker was Cao Cao.
136 Wouldst thou withdraw wicked people from thy prince's side, Then seek counsel of the wise people of the state.	» GanNingRocksMySocks -- waht the heck does that even mean? » JoeYun -- it meams that to get rid of the evil people at the princes side... -- you need to find the most intelligent people of the state
137 What Cao Cao said will be disclosed in later chapters.	» Joe_Long -- Ooooh the suspense...

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