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Post by chefying on Jan 28, 2015 15:13:55 GMT
Chapter 16 - 17 At the last Chapter, the Emperor had sought the protection of CaoCao. CaoCao had the capital and the Emperor moved to the city of XuDu. Lv Bu captured XuZhou from Liu Bei’s hands, but granted Liu Bei the resting place in the form of Xiaopei. Sun Jian’s son, Sun Ce, was initially in the service of Yuan Shu after the death of Sun Jian. In exchange for the Imperial Seal, Sun Ce borrowed some troops from Yuan Shu, and together with Zhou Yu, managed to pacify the Southlands and increase his influence and power. Yuan Shu now decided to attack Liu Bei in revenge for his unwarranted attack on Yuan Shu. Moreover, Liu Bei was camped in XiaoPei, and could be easily taken. Yuan Shu sent Ji Ling to launch an attack on Liu Bei, who in turn went to Lv Bu for help. Lv invited both sides to talk peace over a drink. Both Ji and Liu agreed that they would consent to a cease fire if Lv’s arrow could hit the little side prong of the halberd. The arrow hit right on target, thus resolving the crisis. This episode had been described here. Yuan Shu 袁术, now in possession of the Imperial Seal, had designs of making himself Emperor. He started to attacking nearby cities to expand his empire. CaoCao gathered Lv Bu, Liu Bei these three parties launched an attack on Yuan Shu. Having lost this battle, Yuan Shu retreated to the city of Shou Chun 寿春. In Shou Chun city, Yuan Shu did not offer battle. He figured that CaoCao’s large army would require much food, and once supplies dwindled, CaoCao’s army would lose morale. Indeed, this was what happened. The surrounding area had faced famine for the past few years and there was no ready food supply available. After a month of siege, food was running out. Soon CaoCao instructed the Controller of Granaries to cut rations. The soldiers were not happy. Next, CaoCao summoned the Controller of Granaries. “I need to borrow something from you to pacify the soldiers - it is your head,” said CaoCao. “But I did nothing wrong,” protested the Controller of Granaries. “I know,” consoled CaoCao, “but if I do not put you to death there will be a mutiny. After you are gone, your wife and children shall be in my care.”* At this the head of the unfortunate Controller of Granaries was chopped off**. CaoCao then had the poor man’s head displayed on a tall pole, blaming him for the short measures of food etc. CaoCao then ordered the city of Shou Chun to be taken in three days, at the pain of death to the various commanders. Indeed, CaoCao’s army, together with Liu Bei and Lv Bu’s army, managed to take Shou Chun but Yuan Shu escaped. At this time CaoCao got news that Zhang Xiu 张绣 was camped in Nanyang 南阳 City. With the support of Liu Biao 刘表 (Governor of JingZhou 荆州), Zhang Xiu was preparing to head to XuDu 许都 to try to capture the Emperor. With that, CaoCao disbanded his alliance with Lv Bu and Liu Bei, to return to his stronghold of XuDu. Lv Bu returned to XuZhou, while Liu Bei returned to XiaoPei. On his way to attack Zhang Xiu in Nanyang City, CaoCao had made clear to his soldiers that it was harvest season, everyone must take care not to harm the crops. The penalty for this is death. Suddenly, CaoCao’s horse was startled by a dove, and in the end, a large tract of the crops was trampled down. CaoCao had to enforce his own rule, so he drew his sword to cut off his own head. His advisors bade him not to do so, thereby CaoCao cut off his hair, for his hair was as close to his head as possible. Then CaoCao had his hair exhibited throughout his army, saying that even CaoCao had to be punished for violating his rule. At the end of the Chapter, Yuan Shu’s dreams of becoming an Emperor had been dashed (Imperial Seal notwithstanding) and had fled. The Emperor was under CaoCao’s protection in XuDu. Zhang Xiu 张绣 with the support of Liu Biao 刘表 had plotted to attack XuDu to capture the Emperor. CaoCao was on his way to stop Zhang Xiu. Having successfully help CaoCao defeat Yuan Shu, Lv Bu and Liu Bei had returned to XuZhou and XiaoPei respectively. Meanwhile Sun Ce remained in Southland. * I copied this translation from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" translated by C.H. Brewitt-Taylor published by Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc., 1959 ** This episode is often referred to as CaoCao borrowing a head 曹操借人头, to mean seeking a scapegoat.
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Post by chefying on Jan 28, 2015 15:20:26 GMT
In the 2010 ROTK, CaoCao borrowing of the head of the Controller of Graneries, and siege of Shou Cun was portrayed in this manner...
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Post by chefying on Jan 29, 2015 10:27:33 GMT
This is a clip from the 2010 ROTK depicting Cao Cao's startled horse trampling the wheat fields.
In this clip, the directors changed this event to happen during the march to attack Yuan Shu instead of it happening while on his way to attack Zhang Xiu.
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Post by chefying on Feb 1, 2015 11:38:51 GMT
Chapter 18
At the end of the last chapter, Yuan Shu, in posession of the imperial seal, declared himself Emperor. I n the city of ShouChun 寿春, Yuan Shu was defeated by the combined forces of CaoCao, Liu Bei and Lu Bu. Yuan Shu fled.
Having successfully help CaoCao defeat Yuan Shu, Lv Bu and Liu Bei had returned to XuZhou and XiaoPie respectively. Meanwhile Sun Ce remained in Southland.
While CaoCao was away fighting Yuan Shu, one Zhang Xiu 张绣 with the support of Liu Biao 刘表, was in the city of NanYang 南阳, and was plotting to attack XuDu to capture the Emperor. CaoCao immediately started towards NanYang to stop Zhang Xiu*.
CaoCao laid siege on the city of NanYang, with the rebel Zhang Xiu inside. Zhang Xiu immediately wrote to his co-conspirator, Liu Biao of JingZhou, for help.
The defenses of NanYang City was strong, with deep, wide moats and high walls. CaoCao ordered his men to make a mound of earth at the weaker North West corner of the city will, from which he will ostensibly mount the city wall for an attack. CaoCao plan was spotted from within the city, and reports were made to Zhang Xiu.
At this, Zhang Xiu launched his counter defense. His military advisor had guessed that CaoCao’s move on the North West corner was a fake. Instead, CaoCao would send a major force to scale the South East corner and attack the city.
So, Zhang Xiu made it look as though the South East corner was deserted an that he had sent reinforcements to the North West corner – and this “activity” was reported to CaoCao. CaoCao gleefully thought his planned actual attack on the South East would now be a total success.
Since Zhang Xiu had seen through CaoCao’s plot, he had set an ambush in the South East corner of the city. So, at night, when CaoCao’s forces attacked the South East corner, they were caught in an ambush and were routed.
Defeated, CaoCao’s army had to retreated back to XuDu – but his spies informed CaCao that Zhang Xiu’s co-conspirator, Liu Biao, had marched his army to cut off CaoCao’s retreat. Meanwhile, Zhang Xiu’s army arrived to join Liu Biao.
CaoCao had his men cut a secret passage through a pass, where he laid his ambush. The next morning, Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu arrived to face CaoCao. CaoCao had a small force – which was credible since CaoCao lost the battle at NanYang City. After a short battle, CaoCao’s forces posted a retreat to the pass. As Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao’s army pursued CaoCao’s forces into the pass, CaoCao’s sprung his ambush, and thus the pursuers were badly beaten.
At this point, CaoCao received news that Yuan Shao had now made preparations to attack XuDu, where the Imperial Family lived. CaoCao now had to make haste back to XuDu.
Against the counsel of their advisor, Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao once again to pursue CaoCao, but they were beaten off by CaoCao’s rear-guard. After regrouping, their advisor counseled a second attack.
Curious about the inconsistency, Liu Biao asked, “Why do you counsel an attack now when you advised us not to attack the previous time?”
“CaoCao was prepared for an attack on his rear the first time around,” explained his advisor. “However, CaoCao now has to rush to the capital, and he would not be as well prepared as he was previously. Hence I advise an attack this time.”
And indeed, CaoCao’s rear guard was indeed routed and had to leave behind their wagons and baggage. Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu continued their pursuit until they faced some of CaoCao’s troops who emerged from the nearby woods. Fearing another ambush, Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu ceased their pursuit and retired.
With this, CaoCao managed to return to XuDu and detailed the events to the Emperor. CaoCao also told the Emperor of Sun Ce’s help in the defeat of Yuan Shu in ShouChun, and the Emperor conferred upon Sun Ce the title of Marquis of Wu.** With this award, the Sun family had official recognition of their control of the Southlands.
Meanwhile, with CaoCao still in XuDu, news came from Yuan Shao for a loan of grains and troops for an attack against Gungsun Zan. CaoCao initially rushed back to XuDu after hearing that Yuan Shao had designs XuDu and the Imperial Family. Now that CaoCao is back in XuDu, Yuan Shao had decided to attack Gongsun Zan instead.
Yuan Shao’s letter was more a rude demand than a request, but CaoCao, having lost many men in the last battle with Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao, was militarily weak and could not attack Yuan Shao for the arrogance shown in his letter for grains and troops.
CaoCao gathered his advisors and debated the next course of action. One of his advisors, Xun Yu 荀彧 detailed CaoCao’s ten superior points against Yuan Shao’s ten weak points. As such, CaoCao’ victory against Yuan Shao is certain.
This bit I adapted from C.H. Brewitt-Taylor translation of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
YS: over-much devoted to ceremony and deportment, CC: sympathetic and natural This is an excellence in conduct.
YS: antagonistic and drives CC: conciliatory and leads This is an advantage of popular approval
YS: for many years the government had been lax and YS made it more so CC: strive vigorously after efficiency This is the excellence of able administration
YS: Outwardly liberal but grudging at heart, and too given to nepotism CC: appear exacting, but understand and use men after their ability This is the advantage of correct appreciation.
YS: a visionary and lacking in decision CC: a man of prompt decision and direct action. This is an advantage in policy
YS: loves to gather about hi men of renown CC: treat a man as you find him regardless of his reputation This is where CC excel in moral virtue
YS: compassionate to those at hand, but careless about those out of sight CC: all-embracing care, This is where CC excel in humanity
YS: lends a ready ear to calumny and is mislead CC: may be flooded with evil counsel, but CC preserves independence This is where CC excel in perspicacity
YS: sense of right and wrong is confused CC: appreciation is accurate and clear This is where CC excel in administrative capacity
YS: loves make-believe force, but is ignorant of military essentials CC: would overcome with far inferior numbers as you possess military genius This is where CC excels in war
Another of CaoCao’s advisor commented that the real danger is not from Yuan Shao, but from Lv Bu. With that CaoCao began planning Lv Bu’s defeat while Yuan Shao was busy attacking Gongsun Zan.
At the end of this chapter, Yuan Shu’s dreams of making himself Emperor had been dashed by an alliance of CaoCao, Lui Bei, Lv Bu and Sun Ce. Subsequently, CaoCao’s forces had been defeated by the joint forces of Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao. Defeated though he may be, but CaoCao managed to stop Zhang Xiu from attacking the capital XuDu and the Imperial family.
Lv Bu and Liu Bei remained in XuZhou and XiaoPie respectively. Meanwhile Sun Ce was still in Southland. For his efforts in the defeat of Yuan Shu, the Emperor bestowed Sun CE with the title Marquis of Wu.
Yuan Shao decided to attack Gongsun Zan, so CaoCao commence planning the downfall of Lv Bu while Yuan Shao was preoccupied.
* After the Yellow Turban rebels were defeated, and the evil Prime Minister Dong Zhuo was killed, the Emperor was in the “protection” of four generals loyal to Dong Zhuo. One of these four generals were Zhang Ji, 张济. The four generals were defeated by CaoCao (Chapter 14) and CaoCao had the Court and the Emperor moved XuDu. By now, Zhang Ji had died, and it was his nephew, Zhang Xiu, that had plotted to capture and control the Emperor as his uncle did.
** I did not detail Sun Ce’s help in the defeat of Yuan Shu at ShouChun City. Sun Ce helped attack the city from the West, while CaoCao, Liu Bei and Lv Bu attacked from the North, South and East.
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Post by chefying on Feb 1, 2015 12:52:21 GMT
In the 2010 Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this was how Xun Yu expounded CaoCao's 10 advantages over Yuan Shao. However, in this adaptation, the event was moved to the latter part when CaoCao decides to attack Yuan Shao.
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Post by yenchin on Feb 2, 2015 22:49:15 GMT
The first two lines of the poem closely resemble Zhou Yu's speech. I am not too sure if these words were in the book itself, or if the writers applied poetic license, spanning a few dynasties. It was not in the book. A search on Google shows that this scene was "wrong" enough for someone to parody it in a web novel. To be fair + hindsight the use of the terms 人杰 and 鬼雄 were before the Three Kingdom era so it might be possible that someone like Zhou Yu would say it.
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Post by chefying on Feb 3, 2015 8:28:32 GMT
The first two lines of the poem closely resemble Zhou Yu's speech. I am not too sure if these words were in the book itself, or if the writers applied poetic license, spanning a few dynasties. It was not in the book. A search on Google shows that this scene was "wrong" enough for someone to parody it in a web novel. To be fair + hindsight the use of the terms 人杰 and 鬼雄 were before the Three Kingdom era so it might be possible that someone like Zhou Yu would say it. Thanks for the input yenchin. I do not have the Chinese version of Three Kingdoms, (cant' read Chinese that well) so you input is very much valued. And I agree with you, it is highly probable that the phrases 人杰 and 鬼雄 were in existence before the Three Kingdoms period.
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Post by chefying on Feb 7, 2015 16:10:02 GMT
Chapter 19
At the end of the previous chapter, Yuan Shu’s dreams of making himself Emperor had been dashed by an alliance of CaoCao, Lui Bei, Lv Bu and Sun Ce.
The joint forces of Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao threatened to attack the capital XuDu and the Imperial family, who were under CaoCao’s protection. While CaoCao lost the battle against the joint forces of Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao, he managed prevent Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao from attacking the capital Xudu.
Lv Bu and Liu Bei remained in XuZhou and XiaoPei respectively. Meanwhile Sun Ce was still in Southland. For his efforts in the defeat of Yuan Shu, the Emperor bestowed Sun Ce with the title Marquis of Wu.
Yuan Shao decided to attack Gongsun Zan, so, while Yuan Shao was thus preoccupied, CaoCao commence planning the downfall of Lv Bu.
CaoCao had a few concerns. If Lv Bu were to join forces with the defeated Yuan Shu, they would be a formidable force. Meanwhile, CaoCao still has to worry about the joint forces of Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao attacking his rear, or attacking XuDu in CaoCao’s absence.
CaoCao’s plan was to encourage Yuan Shao to fight with Gongsun Zan, while at the same time, enlist Liu Bei’s help to attack Lv Bu. A letter to this intent was sent to Liu Bei, and Liu Bei wrote a letter to CaoCao agreeing to attack Lv Bu. However, Liu Bei’s reply to CaoCao was intercepted by Lv Bu’s spies and the plan was exposed.
Lv Bu was furious, and sent an army to attack Liu Bei in XiaoPei. Lv Bu’s army arrived at Xiaopei to attack Liu Bei, but Liu Bei refused an encounter, and kept to city gates firmly shut. At the same time, Liu Bei sent a message to CaoCao of his situation.
CaoCao sent out his troops attack Lv Bu in XuZhou. Lv Bu thus withdrew his forces from harassing Liu Bei, and had them return to XuZhou to counter CaoCao. Lv Bu also enlisted the TaiShan bandits to help fight CaoCao.
Seeing Lv Bu’s army withdraw from XiaoPei, Liu Bei knew that CaoCao’s army had arrived to fight Lv Bu. So, Liu Bei and his sworn brothers headed towards Xuzhou to assist CaoCao. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei took the front guard, while Liu Bei brought up the rear.
While on their way, Lv Bu himself appeared at the rear and attacked Liu Bei, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were attacked in the front by other generals from Lv Bu’s camp. Liu Bei was no match for Lv Bu, and he had to flee. XiaoPei city was thus lost to Lv Bu, with Liu Bei’s wives and children still living in there.
Liu Bei and the remnants of his followers had no where to go but to join CaoCao in XuDu.
While Lv Bu was away fighting with Liu Bei in XiaoPei, the people in XuZhou rebelled. The people were discontented that Lv Bu stole XuZhou city from Liu Bei, and would not let Lv Bu back into XuZhou. So Lv Bu and his family settled in XiaoPei.
CaoCao continued his plan to eliminate Lv Bu. It so happened that when CaoCao’s army reached XiaoPei it was winter. Lv Bu’s military advisor, Chen Gong 陈宫* advised Lv Bu to launch an immediate attack while CaoCao’s army was still tired from the long march. A backup army in the city will emerge when CaoCao’s army engages Lv Bu, after which Lv Bu and army will retreat into the city walls.
The continued harrasing CaoCao’s army by Lv Bu will sap the morale of CaoCao’s army, and before long, CaoCao will not have enough provisions for his army, and will have to retreat.
Lv Bu was preparing to attack CaoCao when his wife (not Diao Chan) lamented that Lv Bu is on the riskier offensive instead of the safer defensive, and so Lv Bu wavered. This delay gave CaoCao an opportunity to reinforce his supplies, and CaoCao laid siege on the city for two months.
CaoCao then sent messages into the city offering reward for Lv Bu’s head. Some of the Taishan bandits recruited by Lv Bu to help fight CaoCao decided to turn against Lv Bu. While Lv Bu was sleeping, they tied him up, and opened the city gates for CaoCao to enter.
And thus Lv Bu was captured and delivered to CaoCao. The Lv Bu’s advisor, Chen Kung was also captured. Lv Bu was sentenced to be strangled and exposed**’
Chen Gong once saved CaoCao’s life. So CaoCao asked Chen Gong what was to be done with Chen Gong, to which Chen Gong replied, “It will be death for me today.”
(This bit I adapted from C.H. Brewitt-Taylor translation of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.)
CaoCao said, “Very well for you, but what about your mother and your wife?”
Chen Gong replied, “It is said that he who rules with due regards to filial piety does not harm a man’s family, he who would show benevolence does not cut off the sacrifices at a man’s tomb. My mother and my wife are in your hands. But since I am your prisoner, I pray you slay me quickly and not to try to harrow my feelings.” And so CaoCao said to his men, “Let his mother and family be taken to XuDu and looked after. This insolent fellow must die.”
And thus died Chen Gong and Lv Bu.
At the end of this chapter, Yuan Shu’s dreams of making himself Emperor had been dashed by an alliance of CaoCao, Lui Bei, Lv Bu and Sun Ce. For his efforts in the defeat of Yuan Shu, the Emperor bestowed Sun Ce with the title Marquis of Wu ahnd Sun Ce retired back to the Southland.
CaoCao managed prevent Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao from attacking the capital Xudu and the Imperial family and the two went back to their respective strongholds.
Yuan Shao decided to attack Gongsun Zan, so, while Yuan Shao was thus preoccupied, CaoCao with the help of Liu Bei, attacked, captured and executed Lv Bu.
* In Chapter 4, when CaoCao failed in his attempt to assassinate Dong Zhuo, he fled. Dong Zhuo put CaoCao on the Wanted list. CaoCao was captured in a city and was brought to face the city Magistrate, one Chen Gong. When CaoCao justified his deeds during the interrogation, Chen Gong agreed with CaoCao’s motives, and engineered CaoCao’s escape. So CaoCao actually owed his life to Chen Gong.
** The exposure of the body is considered an insult and a disgrace to the deceased.
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Post by chefying on Feb 7, 2015 16:15:05 GMT
This clip from the 2010 Romance of the Three Kingdoms depicted the betrayal of Lv Bu by the TaiShan bandits.
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Post by chefying on Feb 7, 2015 16:18:25 GMT
This clip from the 2010 Romance of the Three Kingdoms depicted the death of Chen Gong, who once spared CaoCao's life.
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Post by chefying on Feb 7, 2015 16:21:16 GMT
This clip from the 2010 Romance of the Three Kingdoms depicted the execution of Lv Bu, which was quite different from the book.
Meanwhile, this clip from the 2010 Romance of the Three Kingdoms detailed what happened to the beautiful Diao Chan. My book did not have this part at all.
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Post by yenchin on Feb 8, 2015 13:19:28 GMT
The death of Lv Bu is sometimes used to show how a person Liu Bei is. In the novel it goes like this:
When Cao Cao sent Chen Gong downstairs to his death, Lv Bu asked Liu Bei to speak for him. Liu agreed. And so when Cao Cao returned, Lv Bu said, "You only worry about me, now I've surrendered. If you lead and I be your second-in command, we will easily conquer the world!" Cao Cao turned his head to Liu Bei, and asked "What do you think?"
And Liu Bei replied, "Sir, didn't you see what happened to Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo?" Lv Bu stared at Liu Bei angrily, "This punk is untrustworthy!" While Cao's men were sending Lv Bu downstairs to strangle him, Lv Bu turned back to Liu and asked him "Big Ears(Liu Bei), don't you remember the 轅門射戟*?" And of course Liu didn't say anything else and Lv was executed.
*轅門射戟 is one of the great deeds of Lv Bu (historical and in the novel) where he shoots an arrow at the small tip of the 戟 as a show of skill to save Liu Bei's life.
This scene is a good character study on Liu Bei. Besides raising a morality vs. cunning move argument, it is also interesting to ask that if Lv Bu really had a bad habit of going against his leaders, perhaps Liu should've let Lv Bu become Cao Cao's problem in the long run. Probably at this time Liu Bei still didn't have the guts to think of taking down Cao, so he didn't consider this option, or maybe it was a rash decision due to his inexperience.
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Post by chefying on Feb 9, 2015 10:48:27 GMT
This scene is a good character study on Liu Bei. Besides raising a morality vs. cunning move argument, it is also interesting to ask that if Lv Bu really had a bad habit of going against his leaders, perhaps Liu should've let Lv Bu become Cao Cao's problem in the long run. Probably at this time Liu Bei still didn't have the guts to think of taking down Cao, so he didn't consider this option, or maybe it was a rash decision due to his inexperience. I grant that if Lv Bu were to join forces with CaoCao, CaoCao's power would be greatly enhanced. But I doubt if CaoCao would ever take in Lv Bu - Lv Bu is too conceited for CaoCao's liking, I feel. As for Liu Bei, I feel his suggestion that CaoCao take on Lv Bu as godson was more to mock Lv Bu than thing else.
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Post by Admin on Feb 25, 2015 2:49:38 GMT
The death of Lv Bu is sometimes used to show how a person Liu Bei is. In the novel it goes like this: When Cao Cao sent Chen Gong downstairs to his death, Lv Bu asked Liu Bei to speak for him. Liu agreed. And so when Cao Cao returned, Lv Bu said, "You only worry about me, now I've surrendered. If you lead and I be your second-in command, we will easily conquer the world!" Cao Cao turned his head to Liu Bei, and asked "What do you think?" And Liu Bei replied, "Sir, didn't you see what happened to Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo?" Lv Bu stared at Liu Bei angrily, "This punk is untrustworthy!" While Cao's men were sending Lv Bu downstairs to strangle him, Lv Bu turned back to Liu and asked him "Big Ears(Liu Bei), don't you remember the 轅門射戟*?" And of course Liu didn't say anything else and Lv was executed. *轅門射戟 is one of the great deeds of Lv Bu (historical and in the novel) where he shoots an arrow at the small tip of the 戟 as a show of skill to save Liu Bei's life. This scene is a good character study on Liu Bei. Besides raising a morality vs. cunning move argument, it is also interesting to ask that if Lv Bu really had a bad habit of going against his leaders, perhaps Liu should've let Lv Bu become Cao Cao's problem in the long run. Probably at this time Liu Bei still didn't have the guts to think of taking down Cao, so he didn't consider this option, or maybe it was a rash decision due to his inexperience. I would say that Liu Bei is just a politician. He's not a righteous person like what some people always think he is. He's an opportunist and cunning to a certain degree. Although he kinda betrayed Lv Bu, but personally I'm glad that he didn't save Lv Bu. Lv Bu is such a 小人. He deserved to be executed.
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Post by chefying on Mar 6, 2015 9:32:27 GMT
I have been made aware that I have been distracted from posting by the Chinese New Year celebrations. So this is Chapter 20.
Chapter 20
At the end of the last chapter, Yuan Shu’s dreams of making himself Emperor had been dashed by an alliance of CaoCao, Lui Bei, Lv Bu and Sun Ce. For his efforts in the defeat of Yuan Shu, the Emperor bestowed Sun Ce with the title Marquis of Wu ahnd Sun Ce retired back to the Southland.
CaoCao managed prevent Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao from attacking the capital Xudu and the Imperial family and the two went back to their respective strongholds.
Yuan Shao decided to attack Gongsun Zan, so, while Yuan Shao was thus preoccupied, CaoCao with the help of Liu Bei, attacked, captured and executed Lv Bu.
A while back, when Lui Bei ruled XuZhou, he was fair and considerate. Lv Bu, who stole XuZhou from Liu Bei, had been executed, the people of XuZhou petitioned CaoCao to reinstate Liu Bei as the governor of XuZhou. CaoCao retained Liu Bei in the capital city of Xudu, saying that Liu Bei’s help in the last battle has to be reported to the Emperor, and Liu Bei has to be accordingly rewarded by the Emperor himself.*
Liu Bei resided in the annex of CaoCao’s home while in Xudu. Before long, Liu Bei was summoned for an audience with the Emperor. On questioning, Liu Bei disclosed his ancestry, and after checking, it was discovered Liu Bei was a generation above the Emperor himself. At this, the Emperor exclaimed, “In this case, you would be my Uncle”**
With this remark, the Emperor had bestowed upon Liu Bei the title Imperial Uncle.
This is how this event was depicted in the 2010 Romance of the Three Kingdoms series.
CaoCao’s advisors told CaoCao that having Liu Bei as Imperial Uncle weakens CaoCao’s power. At this CaoCao stated that the Imperial Decrees were still issued under CaoCao’s orders, so this would not be a problem. His bigger problem is actually a man working in the government by the surname Yang, who was related to both Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao. He ordered the death of Yang.
At this point in time, the Prefect of BoHai, Kong Yung, arrived and protested that Yang is innocent, and should not be executed. At this CaoCao could not disagree, but removed Yang from his office, and banished Yang to Yang’s family estate in the countryside.***
After this part, the story arch gets a bit boring.
The Emperor now has an Imperial Uncle on his side. The State Uncle**** General Tung Cheng was enlisted to organize a coup to rid the Throne of CaoCao, but the plot was discovered by CaoCao. The five conspirators, with every single member of their family, totaling at least 700, were executed (Chapter 24). CaoCao had the Tung Cheng’s daughter, Honourable Concubine, strangled as well despite her being 5 months pregnant with the Emperor’s baby. And thus the coup failed, and CaoCao became more vary of the Emperor - and of course, the Imperial Uncle.
* I think CaoCao, being as suspicious a person as he is, would be vary of returning Liu Bei to XuZhou where he is so loved by the populace. The petition for Liu Bei to be governor of XuZhou probably did more harm than good to Liu Bei.
** In the Chinese society, if there are two persons from the same branch of the family, and one is a generation above the other, the one from the older generation would be greeted as “Uncle” – in the Western world, these two persons would probably by third cousins or fourth cousins (or whatever generation) once removed.
*** This episode showed that while CaoCao controlled the Emperor, he still did not control the whole of China. If the other Dukes were to come together to attack CaoCao, CaoCao could be removed the same way Dong Zhuo was removed. Hence CaoCao had to be careful with his political and military manoeuvres.
**** State Uncle – brother to the Emperor’s mother.
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