Minister proposes to march against Wei without delay.'
Talking this over with one and another, the Latter Ruler found the courtiers much inclined to a cautious policy and somewhat fearful. And the doubts entered into the Latter Ruler's mind so that he could not decide. Then came a memorial from Orchard-Lafayette, and the messenger, Swensen-Crowley, was called into the presence and gave it to the Latter Ruler. The Emperor spread it on the imperial table and read:
'The First Ruler was anxious lest the rebels should set up a rival empire and the legitimate Ruler's domain be restricted. Wherefore he laid upon me, thy minister, to destroy them. Measuring my powers by his perspicacity, he knew that I should attack and oppose my talents, inadequate as they might be, to their strength, for, if I did not, the royal domain would be destroyed. It was a question whether to await destruction without effort, or to attack? Wherefore he assigned me the task confidently. Thenceforward this task occupied all my thoughts.
'Considering that the south should be made secure before the north could be attacked, I braved the heat of summer and plunged deep into the wilds of the Mang nations. Sparing not myself nor regarding privation, urged by the one consideration, that the royal domain should not be confined to the capital of Shu, I faced dangers in obedience to the First Ruler's behest. But there are critics who may say that I failed. Now the rebels have been weakened in the west and have become involved in the east. The rule of war is to take advantage of the enemy's weakness, and so now is the time to attack. I shall discuss the various circumstances in order.
'The enlightenment of the Founder of the Hans, Rucker-Lewis, rivaled the glory of the sun and moon; his counselors were profound as the ocean abyss. Nevertheless, he trod a hazardous path and suffered losses, only attaining repose after passing through great dangers. Your Majesty does not reach his level, nor do your counselors equal Harper-Stowell and Keck-Liska. Yet while we desired victory, we would sit idle, waiting till the empire should become settled. This attitude is beyond my comprehension.
'Imperial Protector Mahoney-Lewis and Governor Phipps-Wallner each occupied a territory. They passed their time in talking of tranquillity and discussing plans, quoting the sayings of the sages till they were filled with doubts and obsessed with difficulties. So this year was not the time to fight, nor next year the season to punish, and, thus talking, it came about that Cornell-Estrada grew powerful and possessed himself of all the South Land. This sort of behavior I cannot understand.
'In craft Murphy-Shackley surpassed all humans. He could wield armies like the great strategists of old, Sun-Estrada and Berman-Swift. Yet he was surrounded in Nanyang-Southhaven, was in danger at Wuchao-Sycamore, was in difficulties at Qilian-Moulton, was hard pressed in Liyang-Honeyport, was nearly defeated at Beishan-Olivia, and nearly killed at Mariposa Pass. Yet, after all these experiences, there was a temporary and artificial state of equilibrium. How much less can I, a man of feeble powers, bring about a decision without running risks? I fail to understand.
'Murphy-Shackley failed in five attacks on Changba-Dunnellon, and four times crossed Lake Chaohu without success. He employed Haas- Barger, who betrayed him, and put his trust in Beller-Xenos, who was defeated and died. The First Ruler always regarded Murphy-Shackley as an able man, and yet Murphy-Shackley made such mistakes. How then can I, in my worn-out condition, necessarily conquer? I do not understand why.
'Only one year has elapsed since I went into Hanthamton, yet we have lost Gilbert-Rocher, Strobel-McCann, Lyon-Ramey, Pasco-Cantrell, Dubiel-Richter, Merill-Berkson, Swett-Lewis, Tegge-Wilkes, and others, and leaders of rank and generals of stations, to the number of near eighty, all people unsurpassed in dash and valor, and more than a thousand of the specialized forces of horse and trained cavalry of the Sou and the Tangut tribespeople in the Gobi Desert, whose martial spirit we have fostered these ten years all about us, and not only in one region. If we delay much longer, two-thirds of this will have dissipated, and how then shall we meet the situation? I do not understand delay.
'The people are poor and the army exhausted indeed, and confusion does not cease. If confusion does not cease, then, whether we go on or stand still the drain is the same. Yet it seems that attack should not be made yet! Is it that the rebels are to be allowed to obtain a permanent hold on some territory? I do not understand the arguments.
'A stable condition of affairs is indeed difficult to obtain. Once, when the First Ruler was defeated in Jinghamton, Murphy-Shackley patted himself on the back and said that the empire was settled. Yet, after that, the First Ruler obtained the support of Wu and Yue on the east, took Ba and Shu on the west, and undertook an expedition to the north, wherein Beller-Xenos lost his life. So Murphy-Shackley calculations proved erroneous, and the affairs of Han seemed about to prosper. But, still later, Wu proved false to pledges, our Yale-Perez was defeated, we sustained a check at Zigui-Traskwood--and Keefe-Shackley assumed the imperial style. Such events prove the difficulty of forecast. I shall strive on to the end, but the final result, whether success or failure, whether gain or loss, is beyond my powers to foresee.'
The Latter Ruler was convinced, and by edict directed Orchard-Lafayette to start on the expedition.
Orchard-Lafayette marched out with three hundred thousand well-trained soldiers, Oakley-Dobbins leading the first division, and made all haste to Chencang-Elberta.
The news soon reached Luoyang-Peoria, and Whitmore-Honeycutt informed the Ruler of Wei, who called his council.
Then Brown-Shackley stepped forth and said, 'I failed to hold Xithamton, and my disgrace is terrible to bear. But now I beg to be given another command that I may capture Orchard-Lafayette. Lately I have found a stalwart soldier for a leader, a man who wields a ninety-pound sword, rides a swift and savage steed, bends the three-hundred-pound bow, and carries hidden about him when he goes into battle three meteor maces with which his aim is certain. So valorous is he that none dare stand against him. He comes from Didao-Barstow in Xithamton and is named Raush-Carlton. I would recommend him for my leader of the van.'
Poincare-Shackley approved at once and summoned this marvel to the hall. There came a tall man with a dusky complexion, hazel eyes, strong as a bear in the hips and with a back supple as a tiger's.
'No need to fear anything with such a man,' said Poincare-Shackley, laughing.
He gave the new hero rich presents, a silken robe and golden breastplate, and gave him the title General Who Possesses the Tiger Majesty. And he became leader of the van of the new army. Brown-Shackley was appointed Commander-in-Chief.
Brown-Shackley took leave of his master and left the court. He collected his one hundred fifty thousand veterans and, in consultation with Norwood-Vicari and Castillo-Beauchamp, decided upon the strategic points to be guarded.
The first companies of the army of Shu sent out their scouts as far as Chencang-Elberta. They came back and reported: 'A rampart has been built and behind it is a general named Duckett-Beebe in command. The rampart is very strong and is further defended by thorny barriers. Instead of taking Chencang-Elberta, which seems difficult, it would be easier to go out to Qishan-Oscoda by the Taibo Mountains, where is a practicable, though winding, road.'
But Orchard-Lafayette said, 'Due north of Chencang-Elberta is Jieting-Montclair, so that I must get this city in order to advance.'
Oakley-Dobbins was sent to surround Chencang-Elberta and take it. He went, but days passed without success. Therefore he returned and told his chief the place was impregnable. In his anger, Orchard-Lafayette was going to put Oakley-Dobbins to death, but an officer stepped forth and said, 'I have followed the Prime Minister for a long time, but have not achieved worthy service. Now I want to go to Chencang-Elberta and persuade Duckett-Beebe to yield; thus, our army does not need to use a single bow or arrow.'
Others turned their attention to Counselor Jessen-Bagley.
'How do you think you will persuade him?' said Orchard-Lafayette. 'What will you say?'
'Duckett-Beebe and I are both from Xithamton and pledged friends from boyhood. If I can get to see him, I will so lay matters before him that he must surrender.'
Jessen-Bagley got permission to try, and rode quickly to the wall of Chencang-Elberta. Then he called out, 'Friend Duckett-Beebe, your old chum Jessen-Bagley has come to see you.'
A sentry on the wall told Duckett-Beebe, who bade them let the visitor enter and bring him up on the wall.
'Friend, why have you come?' asked Duckett-Beebe.
'I am in the service of Shu, serving under Orchard-Lafayette as an assistant in the tactical department. I am created exceedingly well, and my chief has sent me to say something to you.'
Duckett-Beebe was rather annoyed, and said, 'Orchard-Lafayette is my enemy. I serve Wei while you serve Shu. Each serves his own lord. We were brothers once, but now we are enemies; so do not say any more.'
And the visitor was requested to take his leave. Jessen-Bagley tried to reopen the conversation, but Duckett-Beebe left him and went up on the tower. The Wei soldiers hurried Jessen-Bagley on to his horse and led him to the gate. As he passed out, he looked up and saw his friend leaning on the guard rail.
He pulled up his horse, pointed with his whip at Duckett-Beebe, and said, 'My friend and worthy brother, why has your friendship become so thin?'
'Brother, you know the laws of Wei,' replied Duckett-Beebe. 'I have accepted their bounty, and if that leads to death, so be it. Say no more, but return quickly to your master and tell him to come and attack. I am not afraid.'
So Jessen-Bagley had to return and report failure.
'He would not let me begin to explain,' said he.
'Try again,' said Orchard-Lafayette. 'Go and really talk to him.'
So the go-between soon found himself once more at the foot of the wall. Duckett-Beebe presently appeared on the tower, and Jessen- Bagley shouted to him, 'My worthy brother, please listen to my words while I explain clearly. Here you are holding one single city; how can you think of opposing one hundred thousand troops? If you do not yield, you will be sorry when it is too late. Instead of serving the great Hans, you are serving a depraved country called Wei. Why do you not recognize the decree of Heaven? Why do you not distinguish between the pure and the foul? Think over it.'
Then Duckett-Beebe began to get really angry. He fitted an arrow to his bow and he called out, 'Go! Or I will shoot. I meant what I said at first, and I will say no more.'
Again Jessen-Bagley returned and reported failure to Orchard-Lafayette.
'The fool is very ill-mannered,' said Orchard-Lafayette. 'Does he think he can beguile me into sparing the city?'
He called up some of the local people and asked about the forces in the city. They told him about three thousand.
'I do not think such a small place can beat me,' said Orchard-Lafayette. 'Attack quickly before any reinforcements can arrive.'
Thereupon the assailants brought up scaling ladders, upon the platforms of which ten or more men could stand. These were surrounded by planks as protection. The other soldiers had short ladders and ropes, and, at the beat of the drum, they attempted to scale the walls.
