Shi Le stood upon Ge Slope. He looked around, inclined to mope. How far he'd come, this onetime slave, this rustic man, unlettered knave. He'd made his move when chaos came, and for himself had made a name. Now he held his head with pride, for men had flocked to join his side, until, with army now in hand, he marched across a shattered land. No city could his will resist! But how had things all come to this? With broken foes as weak as these, to take the south had seemed a breeze. And once the south was made secure, dominion would be his for sure. Yet now the plan had gone awry; he could fight man, but not the sky. The rains had struck a heavy blow; a whole month now, yet would not slow. His soldiers suffered from the damp, and plague now stalked throughout his camp. Half his men already dead, the rest too weak to raise their heads. To leave this place was what seemed wise, but soon, right before his eyes, across the river he could see the banners of the enemy. They'd seen his plight, and taking heart, they'd hurried forward to do their part by threatening, if he should leave, to harry him without reprieve. He could not go, nor could he stay: he'd either die or waste away. What now, he thought, what can I do? What policy should I pursue? He thought, but thinking made things worse; he sighed, and swore a bitter curse. A council now was what seemed best; put those advisors to the test! And soon they came into his tent, with haggard eyes and spirits spent. "My lord," said one among his clerks, "I have a plan I think may work. A sword is best to make one bleed, but words are best when you deceive. Tell our foes you shall submit, and when they ask for proof ot it, you offer them servility by crushing all their enemies. Your reputation serves you well, so put them now under your spell. Promise them what they require, offer them what they desire. They will believe the things you say, for easily are they led astray. And once they leave and go back home, we shall be free to likewise roam. Our course from there, I leave to you; we'll have bought time to think it through." Such was the plan that he laid out; now others came to join the bout. "Let's fight!" cried one, a hero bold. "No need have we for stories told to put the enemy at bay. We're here to fight, to kill and slay! What use is there in such a scheme? Just send us out by roads unseen, and meet our foes upon the field. We win or die; we do not yield!" "Bravo, brave men!" their leader cried. "Your valor they shall not abide!" And yet, in council here today, one man had yet to have his say. This was Zhang Bin, a curious sort, but often quick to the retort. What were this thoughts about such things? What counsel had he for his king? "Sir Zhang," Shi asked, "lend me your voice. Among these plans, what is your choice?" "The first of them is just a joke," his most trusted advisor spoke. "How could you submit to our foes when your soul is burdened by such sins? You sacked their capital, claimed their lord, put their nobles to the sword, put their city to the flame, heaped upon their women shame? If for each crime you plucked a hair, until your scalp you had laid bare, that still could not ennumerate all the reasons for their hate. All lies must have some seed of truth, some reed to which you cling as proof. Yet even this you still would lack, for in their eyes your soul is black. Nor can we fight them, though I approve of that fellow's attitude. To fight them now would mean defeat. I hate to say, we must retreat. But though we flee, we need not die. Just listen as I tell you why. Although a villain, you are no lout; your skills at war remove all doubt. Our foes may hate you, but their fear is what has brought them quite so near. If you should turn and march back north, they shall not think to venture forth. To save themselves is what they seek; beyond that, they are rather meek. Our carts of grain must go north first; it is for them I fear the worst. Meanwhile, lead your soldiers south, bare your fangs and raise your shouts. Make our foes think death has come, all while you plan to turn and run. A day or two is all we need to give our carts a burst of speed. Then double back with all the men, and bring north to home again. Our foes will know not what to do; advantage then shall be with you. Such is the plan I have devised; tell me if you think it wise." "I do," Shi said, "so shall it be! For by your words I am set free." Then turned he to the man who'd said the thing to do was bow their heads. "You cur! You worm! Do you not occupy a lofty spot? Your counsel ought to bring success. Instead of more, you offer less! For that, I ought to see you dead, and turn my sword upon your head! But coward you have always been, and coward you will be again. This I've known, so I shall show some sympathy, and let you go. But never more to speak to me of those things you call strategy." And so, by way of cut and thrust, Zhang Bin gained his ruler's trust. Shi Le found in him delight, and called him Marquis of the Right.