Three Kingdoms Romance полностью

“I suppose you wish me to present your surrender letter to Cao Cao; is that it?”

“Just that; will you do it?” said Huang Gai.

Kan Ze consented joyfully.

Even the warrior's body is but a stake in the game,

The friend so ready to help him proves that their hearts are the same.

Kan Ze's reply will be read in the next chapter.

Kan Ze was from Shanyin, a son of a humble family. He loved books, but as he was too poor to buy, he used to borrow. He had a wonderfully tenacious memory, was very eloquent and no coward. Sun Quan had employed him among his advisers, and he and Huang Gai were excellent friends.

Now Huang Gai had thought of Kan Ze to present the treacherous letter to Cao Cao, as Kan Ze's gifts made him most suitable. Kan Ze accepted with enthusiasm, saying, “When you, my friend, have suffered so much for our lord, could I spare myself? No; while a person lives, he must go on fulfilling his mission, or he is no better than the herbs that rot in the field.”

Huang Gai slipped off the couch and came over to salute him.

“However, this matter must speed;” continued Kan Ze, “there is no time to lose.”

“The letter is already written,” said Huang Gai.

Kan Ze received it and left. That night he disguised himself as an old fisherman and started in a small punt for the north shore, under the cold, glittering light of the stars.

Soon he drew near the enemy's camp and was captured by the patrol. Without waiting for day, they informed Cao Cao, who said at once, “Is he not just a spy?”

“No,” said they, “he is alone, just an old fisherman; and he says he is an adviser in the service of the South Land named Kan Ze, and he has come on secret business.”

“Bring him,” said Cao Cao, and Kan Ze was led in.

Cao Cao was seated in a brilliantly lighted tent. He was leaning on a small table, and as soon as he saw the prisoner, he said harshly, “You are an adviser of East Wu; what then are you doing here?”

“People say that you greedily welcome people of ability; I do not think your question a very proper one. O Friend Huang Gai, you made a mistake,” said Kan Ze.

“You know I am fighting against East Wu and you come here privately. Why should I not question you?”

“Huang Gai is an old servant of Wu, one who has served three successive rulers. Now he has been cruelly beaten, for no fault, before the face of all the officers in Zhou Yu's camp. He is grievously angry about this and wishes to desert to your side that he may be revenged. He discussed it with me, and as we are inseparable, I have come to give you his letter asking whether you would receive him.”

“Where is the letter? said Cao Cao.

The missive was produced and presented. Cao Cao opened it and read:

“I, Huang Gai, have been generously treated by the Sun family and have served them single-heartedly. Lately they

have been discussing an attack with our forces on the enormous army of the central government. Every one knows our few are no match for such a multitude, and every officer of the South Land, wise or foolish, recognizes that quite well. However, Zhou Yu who, after all, is but a youth and a shallow minded simpleton, maintains that success is possible and rashly desires to smash stones with an egg. Beside, he is arbitrary and tyrannical, punishing for no crime, and leaving meritorious service unrewarded. I am an old servant and for no reason have been shamed in the sight of humans. Wherefore I hate him in my heart.

“You, O Prime Minister, treat people with sincerity and are ready to welcome ability and so I, and those under my leadership, desire to enter your service whereby to acquire reputation and remove the shameful stigma. The commissariat, weapons, and the supply ships that I am commanding will also come over to you. In perfect sincerity I state these matters; I pray you not to doubt me.”

Leaning there on the low table by his side, Cao Cao turned this letter over and over and read it again and again.