Romance of the Three Kingdoms

This series has five easy 5-minute installments. This first installment: On the Brink of Rebellion Against the Han.

Introduction
In the late second century AD, the Han Dynasty of China came apart. Warring factions conquered each other’s lands until there were only three left. This Warring States Period lasted until 208. In the fourteenth century one of the greatest historical works of literature told the story of this time. Since it goes into so much detail, it must be considered a novel instead of a work of non-fiction. The details could only rest on imagination, even if backed by educated guesses. This magnificent novel is the best introduction to this period in Chinese history.

This selection is Chapter 1.

This selection is from Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong and is translated into English by Charles Henry Brewitt-Taylor (1857–1938). For works benefiting from the latest research see the “More information” section at the bottom of these pages.

Luo Guanzhong (1330-c 1400) was a writer. Read the entire novel here.

Time: 184 AD
Place: Northern China along the Yellow River

Domains under heaven, after a long period of division, tends to unite; after a long period of union, tends to divide. This has been so since antiquity. When the rule of the Zhou Dynasty weakened, seven contending kingdoms sprang up [1], warring one with another until the kingdom of Qin prevailed and possessed the empire [2]. But when Qin’s destiny had been fulfilled, arose two opposing kingdoms, Chu and Han, to fight for the mastery. And Han was the victor [3].

[1: Up to this time AD 168, China had had five dynasties: Mythology (BC 5000-2200), Xia Dynasty (BC 2200-1700), Shang Dynasty (BC 1700-1050), Zhou Dynasty (BC 1050- 221), Qin Dynasty (BC 221-206), and Han Dynasty (BC 206-AD 220). The Age of Seven States was BC 475-221, which was also known as the Warring States Period. The seven main states were Qin, Chu, Yan, Qi, Wei, Zhao, and Han.]

[2: At the end of the Warring States Period, Qin conquered other states, and consolidated the empire. The first emperor of Qin is credited with the building of the Great Wall in large scale.]

[3: Qin ruled for only one and a half generations, then the old states emerged again.]

The rise of the fortunes of Han began when Liu Bang the Supreme Ancestor [4] slew a white serpent to raise the banners of uprising, which only ended when the whole empire belonged to Han (BC 202). This magnificent heritage was handed down in successive Han emperors for two hundred years, till the rebellion of Wang Mang caused a disruption [5]. But soon Liu Xiu the Latter Han Founder restored the empire [6], and Han emperors continued their rule for another two hundred years till the days of Emperor Xian, which were doomed to see the beginning of the empire’s division into three parts, known to history as The Three Kingdoms.

[4: Liu Bang (or Gao Zu) (BC 256-195) was the founder of Han Dynasty, aka Western Han (capital in Changan). From a farmer family. His first office was assistant to a magistrate in Pei. Joined peasant rebellions against Qin Dynasty. Fought under Chu banner. Became a general, then ennobled as King of Han. In BC 206 Liu Bang defeated Xiang Yu and won the empire.]

[5: Wang Mang (BC 45-AD 23) was regent and a nephew of the empress dowager Wang. He assumed the throne from AD 9 to 23.]

[6: Liu Xiu (or Guang Wu) (BC 5-AD 57) (reigned AD 25-57) restored Han after Wang Mang’s usurpation. The dynasty Liu Xiu restored is also known as Eastern Han (capital in Luoyang) or Latter Han.]

But the descent into misrule hastened in the reigns of the two predecessors of Emperor Xian—Emperors Huan and Ling—who sat in the Dragon Throne about the middle of the second century.

Emperor Huan paid no heed to the good people of his court but gave his confidence to the Palace eunuchs [7]. He lived and died, leaving the scepter to Emperor Ling, whose advisers were Regent Marshal Dou Wu and Imperial Guardian Chen Fan [8]. Dou Wu and Chen Fan, disgusted with the abuses of the eunuchs in the affairs of the state, plotted the destruction for the power-abusing eunuchs. But Chief Eunuch Cao Jie was not to be disposed of easily. The plot leaked out, and the honest Dou Wu and Chen Fan were put to death, leaving the eunuchs stronger than before.

[7: From remote antiquity, eunuchs were employed in China in two main functions: As guards and servants in harems or other women’s quarters, and as chamberlains to kings. The eunuchs’ confidential position frequently enabled them to exercise an important influence over their royal masters and even to raise themselves to stations of great trust and power.]

[8: Regent Marshal was the highest military office, while Imperial Guardian highest civilian office.]

It fell upon the day of full moon of the fourth month, the second year, in the era of Established Calm (AD 168), that Emperor Ling went in state to the Hall of Virtue. As he drew near the throne, a rushing whirlwind arose in the corner of the hall and, lo! from the roof beams floated down a monstrous black serpent that coiled itself up on the very seat of majesty. The Emperor fell in a swoon. Those nearest him hastily raised and bore him to his palace, while the courtiers scattered and fled. The serpent disappeared.

But there followed a terrific tempest, thunder, hail, and torrents of rain, lasting till midnight and working havoc on all sides. Two years later the earth quaked in Capital Luoyang, while along the coast a huge tidal wave rushed in which, in its recoil, swept away all the dwellers by the sea. Another evil omen was recorded ten years later, when the reign title was changed to Radiant Harmony (AD 178): Certain hens suddenly crowed. At the new moon of the sixth month, a long wreath of murky cloud wound its way into the Hall of Virtue, while in the following month a rainbow was seen in the Dragon Chamber. Away from the capital, a part of the Yuan Mountains collapsed, leaving a mighty rift in the flank.

Such were some of various omens. Emperor Ling, greatly moved by these signs of the displeasure of Heaven, issued an edict asking his ministers for an explanation of the calamities and marvels.

Court Counselor Cai Yong replied bluntly: “Falling rainbows and changes of fowls’ sexes are brought about by the interference of empresses and eunuchs in state affairs.”

The Emperor read this memorial with deep sighs, and Chief Eunuch Cao Jie, from his place behind the throne, anxiously noted these signs of grief. An opportunity offering, Cao Jie informed his fellows, and a charge was trumped up against Cai Yong, who was driven from the court and forced to retire to his country house.

With this victory the eunuchs grew bolder. Ten of them, rivals in wickedness and associates in evil deeds, formed a powerful party known as the Ten Regular Attendants— Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, Cheng Kuang, Duan Gui, Feng Xu, Guo Sheng, Hou Lan, Jian Shuo, Cao Jie, and Xia Yun. One of them, Zhang Rang, won such influence that he became the Emperor’s most honored and trusted adviser. The Emperor even called him “Foster Father”. So, the corrupt state administration went quickly from bad to worse, till the country was ripe for rebellion and buzzed with brigandage.

More information here and here and below.