Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong (Moss Roberts trans.)

Author:Luo Guanzhong (Moss Roberts trans.) [Guanzhong, Luo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-06-19T05:00:00+00:00

Before the Southland got the chance the strike,

The northerners were adding to their strength.

Who was the volunteer?

Read on.

74

Pang De Carries His Coffin to His Final Battle;

Lord Guan Floods the Enemy's Seven Armies

Pang De was the man who promptly answered Cao Cao's call for a volunteer to take the vanguard of Yu Jin's rescue force. Elated, Cao Cao said, "That fellow Guan has terrified the entire north; he has yet to meet his match. But Pang De will be a formidable opponent." He promoted Yu Jin to General Who Conquers the South, and Pang De to Vanguard Leader Who Conquers the West. They brought seven armies into the field and headed for Fan.

The seven armies were formed of the northerners' toughest fighters. That day the two subcommanders, Dong Heng and Dong Chao, brought the various captains before Yu Jin to offer their respects. Dong Heng said, "General, today you have called up seven strong units to break the siege at Fan. This is a battle we must win. Yet you have placed in the van a man sure to ruin our campaign." Yu Jin was startled and asked Dong Heng to explain himself. "Pang De once served Ma Chao as deputy commander," Dong Heng replied. "He surrendered to Lord Cao by force of circumstance. Now his former lord is in the Riverlands, holding the position of 'Five Tiger General. ' In addition, his brother Pang Rou is an official in the Riverlands. To make him vanguard leader is like pouring oil on a fire. General, why don't you and the king of Wei find another leader?"

Yu Jin went to speak to Cao Cao that same night. Cao Cao understood the problem; he summoned Pang De and ordered him to hand over his seal of vanguard leader. Astonished, Pang De said, "This is the day before I will show Your Highness what I can do. Why are you unwilling to use me now?" "I myself have no reservations," Cao Cao replied, "but Ma Chao is in the Riverlands, as is your brother Rou. And both serve Liu Bei. Even if you have my confidence, what about the troops'?" At these words Pang De removed his cap and knocked his head on the ground until blood covered his face. "I surrendered to Your Highness in Hanzhong; and I have never forgotten your generous favor, which my very life's blood could not repay. Why does Your Highness doubt me? Long ago in my home village when I was living with my elder brother, his wife did not behave as a virtuous sister-in-law; while I was drunk I killed her. My brother has hated me ever since, swearing never to see me again. We have severed all relations. My former lord, Ma Chao, was brave but foolish. His army defeated, his territory lost, he went alone to the side of the Riverlands. Now he and I serve different masters, and our bonds too are broken. After all your kind treatment, how could a disloyal thought sprout in me? If only Your Highness would consider this.

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