Chapter 1

Heroes Swear Brotherhood in the Peach Garden; Their First Victory Is Won Against the Yellow Turbans

The lyric runs:

On and on, the Yangtze rolls eastward,Its waves washing away all heroes.Right and wrong, success and failure—all vanish in an instant:The green hills remain as before,How many times has the sunset reddened?

White-haired fishermen and woodcutters on the river isletsHave grown accustomed to autumn moons and spring winds.Gladly they meet over a jar of unstrained wine:How many affairs, ancient and modern,Are all surrendered to laughter and talk.

It is said that the great course of the realm is this: after long division, it must unite; after long union, it must divide. At the end of the Zhou dynasty, seven states contended with one another until they were absorbed by Qin. After Qin was destroyed, Chu and Han fought for supremacy until they too were united under Han. The Han dynasty arose when Gaozu slew the white serpent and raised the standard of revolt, and it brought the whole realm under one rule. Later, Emperor Guangwu restored the dynasty; but by the time the succession reached Emperor Xian, the realm divided into Three Kingdoms. If we trace the causes of the disorder, they seem to have begun under Emperors Huan and Ling. Emperor Huan proscribed worthy men and placed his trust in the eunuchs. When Emperor Huan died and Emperor Ling ascended the throne, Grand General Dou Wu and Grand Tutor Chen Fan served together as his chief supporters. At that time the eunuchs Cao Jie and others were manipulating power. Dou Wu and Chen Fan plotted to execute them, but the affair was not kept secret, and they themselves were killed instead. From then on, the palace eunuchs grew still more arrogant.

On the fifteenth day of the fourth month in the second year of Jianning, the Emperor entered the Hall of Warm Virtue. He had just ascended his throne when a violent wind suddenly rose at one corner of the hall. A huge green serpent came flying down from the rafters and coiled itself upon the imperial seat. The Emperor collapsed in terror. His attendants hurriedly carried him into the inner palace, while all the officials fled. A moment later, the serpent disappeared. Suddenly there came tremendous thunder and rain, together with hailstones, which did not cease until midnight and destroyed countless houses. In the second month of the fourth year of Jianning, an earthquake struck Luoyang. The sea also overflowed, and all along the coast, residents were swept into the waters by enormous waves. In the first year of Guanghe, a hen changed into a cock. On the first day of the sixth month, a mass of black vapor more than ten zhang long flew into the Hall of Warm Virtue. In the autumn, during the seventh month, a rainbow appeared in the Hall of Jade, and the mountain cliffs at Wuyuan all split and collapsed. Portents of ill omen appeared in many forms, not merely one. The Emperor issued an edict asking his ministers the cause of these calamities and anomalies. Counselor Cai Yong submitted a memorial arguing that the fallen rainbow and transformed hen had been caused by women and eunuchs meddling in government. His words were exceedingly blunt and forthright. The Emperor read the memorial and sighed, then rose to change his robes. Cao Jie, standing behind him, secretly read it and disclosed its contents to his associates. They then implicated Cai Yong in another affair, had him convicted, and sent him back to his native district. Later, Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, Feng Xu, Duan Gui, Cao Jie, Hou Lan, Jian Shuo, Cheng Kuang, Xia Yun, and Guo Sheng banded together in villainy and became known as the “Ten Regular Attendants.” The Emperor honored and trusted Zhang Rang, calling him his “foster father.” The government deteriorated day by day, until the people throughout the realm yearned for upheaval and bandits rose everywhere like swarming bees.

At that time there were three brothers in Julu Commandery. One was named Zhang Jue, another Zhang Bao, and the third Zhang Liang. Zhang Jue had originally been an unsuccessful scholar. One day, while gathering medicinal herbs in the mountains, he met an old man with green eyes and the face of a youth, carrying a staff of goosefoot wood. The old man summoned Zhang Jue into a cave and gave him three volumes of a heavenly book, saying, “This is called The Essential Arts of Great Peace. Once you possess it, you must proclaim the transforming Way on Heaven’s behalf and bring universal salvation to humankind. If any disloyal thought arises in you, you will surely suffer a terrible retribution.” Zhang Jue bowed and asked his name. The old man said, “I am the Old Immortal of Nanhua.” When he had finished speaking, he transformed into a gust of pure wind and vanished. Having received the book, Zhang Jue studied and practiced its teachings night and day. He became able to summon wind and call down rain, and styled himself the “Daoist of Great Peace.” In the first month of the first year of Zhongping, an epidemic spread through the land. Zhang Jue distributed talismanic water and treated the sick, calling himself the “Great and Worthy Teacher.” He had more than five hundred disciples, who wandered throughout the four quarters and could all draw talismans and recite incantations. Thereafter, the number of his followers increased daily. Zhang Jue organized them into thirty-six divisions. The larger divisions contained more than ten thousand men, the smaller six or seven thousand. Each was given a commander, who was styled a general. They spread the saying:

“The Blue Heaven is dead;The Yellow Heaven shall rise.The year is jiazi;Great fortune under Heaven.”

They ordered people to write the two characters “jiazi” in white clay upon the main gates of their homes. Throughout the eight provinces of Qing, You, Xu, Ji, Jing, Yang, Yan, and Yu, household after household revered the name of Zhang Jue, the Great and Worthy Teacher. Zhang Jue sent his partisan Ma Yuanyi to carry gold and silks in secret and establish contact with the palace eunuch Feng Xu, who was to act as their agent within. Zhang Jue discussed matters with his two younger brothers, saying, “Of all things, the hardest to gain is the people’s allegiance. Now that the people have submitted their hearts to us, it would truly be a pity if we failed to seize the momentum and take the realm.” On the one hand, he secretly made yellow banners and fixed a date for the uprising; on the other, he sent his disciple Tang Zhou with a letter to inform Feng Xu. Tang Zhou went straight to the government offices and reported the plot. The Emperor summoned Grand General He Jin and ordered him to deploy troops and arrest Ma Yuanyi, who was beheaded. Feng Xu and all the others involved were then seized and imprisoned. When Zhang Jue learned that the affair had been exposed, he raised his forces overnight. He styled himself the “General-Lord of Heaven,” Zhang Bao the “General-Lord of Earth,” and Zhang Liang the “General-Lord of Humankind.” He proclaimed to the multitude: “The destiny of Han is now nearing its end, and a great sage has appeared. You must all obey Heaven and follow the righteous cause, so that you may rejoice in Great Peace.” Throughout the four quarters, four or five hundred thousand common people bound yellow scarves around their heads and joined Zhang Jue’s rebellion. The rebels’ power was immense, and government armies collapsed at the mere rumor of their approach. He Jin memorialized the Emperor, urging him to issue an edict with all speed commanding every district to prepare its defenses, suppress the rebels, and win merit. At the same time, the Court sent Generals of the Household Lu Zhi, Huangfu Song, and Zhu Jun, each with an elite force, to advance against them by three separate routes.

Now Zhang Jue’s army advanced into the territory of You Province. The Administrator of You Province, Liu Yan, was a native of Jingling in Jiangxia and a descendant of Prince Gong of Lu of the Han dynasty. When he learned that the rebel army was approaching, he summoned Colonel Zou Jing to deliberate. Zou Jing said, “The rebel army is large and ours is small. My lord should quickly recruit troops to meet the enemy.” Liu Yan approved his proposal and immediately posted notices calling for volunteers. When one such notice reached Zhuo County, it brought forth a hero from among its people. This man had little fondness for reading. His nature was generous and mild; he spoke little and never showed joy or anger on his face. He had always cherished great ambitions and delighted above all in befriending the heroes of the realm. He stood seven chi and five cun tall; his earlobes hung to his shoulders, his hands reached below his knees, and his eyes could look back upon his own ears. His face was like finest jade, and his lips seemed painted with vermilion. He was a descendant of Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan, and belonged to the imperial line of Emperor Jing of Han. His surname was Liu, his personal name Bei, and his courtesy name Xuande. In former times, Liu Sheng’s son Liu Zhen had been enfeoffed during Emperor Wu’s reign as Marquis of Zhuolu Village, but he later lost his title for failing to contribute the proper ceremonial gold. This branch of the family therefore remained in Zhuo County. Xuande’s grandfather was Liu Xiong, and his father Liu Hong. Liu Hong had been recommended as Filial and Incorrupt and had also served as an official, but he died young. Orphaned in childhood, Xuande served his mother with utmost devotion. His family was poor, and they made their living by selling sandals and weaving mats. They lived in Lousang Village within the county. Southeast of their house stood a great mulberry tree more than five zhang high. Seen from a distance, its dense crown resembled the canopy of a carriage. A physiognomist said, “A man of great rank will surely emerge from this household.” When Xuande was a child, he played beneath the tree with the other village boys and said, “When I become Son of Heaven, I shall ride beneath a canopy like this.” His uncle Liu Yuanqi marveled at his words and said, “This child is no ordinary person!” Seeing that Xuande’s household was poor, he often provided for them. At the age of fifteen, Xuande’s mother sent him away to study. He became a pupil of Zheng Xuan and Lu Zhi and formed friendships with Gongsun Zan and others. By the time Liu Yan posted his notices recruiting troops, Xuande was already twenty-eight years old.

That day, after reading the notice, Xuande gave a deep and impassioned sigh. A man behind him said in a stern voice, “A true man should devote his strength to the country. Why do you merely stand here sighing?” Xuande turned to look at him. The man stood eight chi tall, with a leopard’s head, huge round eyes, a swallow’s jaw, and a tiger’s beard. His voice was like mighty thunder, and his bearing like a charging horse. Seeing his extraordinary appearance, Xuande asked his name. The man replied, “My surname is Zhang, my personal name Fei, and my courtesy name Yide. My family has lived in Zhuo Commandery for generations. We own a fair amount of farmland, sell wine, and butcher pigs, but my greatest delight is befriending the heroes of the realm. Just now I saw you sigh as you read the notice, so I asked you why.” Xuande said, “I am a kinsman of the imperial house. My surname is Liu and my personal name Bei. Now I hear that the Yellow Scarves have raised a rebellion. I aspire to destroy the rebels and bring peace to the people, but I regret that I lack the power to do so. That is why I sighed.” Zhang Fei said, “I possess a fair amount of wealth. We can recruit brave men from the countryside, and together with you I will undertake this great cause. What do you say?” Xuande was overjoyed and went with him into a village tavern to drink. While they were drinking, they saw a tall man pushing a cart. He stopped outside the tavern, entered, sat down, and immediately called to the server: “Bring me wine, quickly! I must hurry into the city to enlist.” Xuande studied him. He stood nine chi tall, with a beard two chi long. His face was the color of a ripe jujube, and his lips seemed painted with vermilion. His eyes were like those of a crimson phoenix, and his brows like reclining silkworms. His appearance was imposing, and his bearing inspired awe. Xuande invited him to share their table and asked his name. The man said, “My surname is Guan, my personal name Yu, and my courtesy name was originally Changsheng, though I later changed it to Yunchang. I am from Xieliang in Hedong. A local tyrant relied on his power to oppress others, and I killed him. I have been a fugitive, wandering the rivers and lakes, for five or six years. Now I hear that troops are being recruited here to destroy the rebels, so I have come expressly to enlist.” Xuande then told him of his own ambition. Yunchang was delighted. Together they went to Zhang Fei’s estate to discuss their great undertaking.

Zhang Fei said, “Behind my estate is a peach garden, and the flowers are now in full bloom. Tomorrow we should offer sacrifice there to Heaven and Earth. The three of us will become brothers, unite our hearts and strength, and then set about our great undertaking.” Xuande and Yunchang answered together, “That would be excellent.” The next day, in the peach garden, they prepared a black ox, a white horse, and the other sacrificial offerings. The three men burned incense, bowed twice, and swore this oath: “We, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, though born of different surnames, now bind ourselves as brothers. We shall unite our hearts and strength, rescue those in distress, and support those in peril. Above, we shall repay the country; below, we shall bring peace to the common people. We ask not to be born in the same year, the same month, and the same day; we ask only to die in the same year, the same month, and the same day. Sovereign Heaven and sustaining Earth, bear true witness to our hearts. Should any of us betray righteousness or forget this grace, may Heaven and humankind strike him down together!” When they had finished the oath, they honored Xuande as eldest brother, Guan Yu as second, and Zhang Fei as youngest. After completing the sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, they slaughtered the ox, set out wine, and assembled the brave men of the countryside. More than three hundred came, and all drank themselves into joyous intoxication in the peach garden. The following day, they began preparing weapons, but regretted that they had no horses to ride. While they were considering the matter, someone reported that two travelers were approaching the estate with a band of attendants and a herd of horses. Xuande said, “Heaven is aiding us!” The three went out from the estate to welcome them. The two travelers proved to be wealthy merchants from Zhongshan, one named Zhang Shiping and the other Su Shuang. Every year they traveled north to trade in horses, but had lately turned back because bandits had risen. Xuande invited them into the estate, laid out wine to entertain them, and explained his intention to suppress the rebels and bring peace to the people. The two merchants were delighted and offered them fifty fine horses, as well as five hundred taels of gold and silver and one thousand jin of refined iron for making weapons and equipment. After thanking the two merchants and bidding them farewell, Xuande ordered skilled smiths to forge him a pair of double-edged swords. Yunchang had made a Green Dragon Crescent Blade, also called the “Cold Beauty Saw,” weighing eighty-two jin. Zhang Fei had made a one-zhang-eight pointed-steel spear. Each man obtained a complete suit of armor. Altogether they assembled more than five hundred local volunteers and went to see Zou Jing. Zou Jing presented them to Administrator Liu Yan. After the three had paid their respects, each gave his name. Xuande recounted his lineage, and Liu Yan was delighted. He thereupon acknowledged Xuande as his nephew.

Within a few days, a messenger reported that the Yellow Scarves’ general Cheng Yuanzhi was leading fifty thousand troops against Zhuo Commandery. Liu Yan ordered Zou Jing to take Xuande and the other two, commanding five hundred troops, to meet and destroy the enemy. Xuande and his companions gladly led their force forward until, at the foot of Daxing Mountain, they encountered the rebels. All the rebels wore their hair loose, with yellow scarves bound around their foreheads. The two armies drew up opposite each other. Xuande rode forward, with Yunchang on his left and Yide on his right. Raising his whip, he shouted abuse: “Traitors who rebel against the country, why do you not surrender at once?” Cheng Yuanzhi flew into a rage and sent his deputy Deng Mao out to fight. Zhang Fei leveled his one-zhang-eight serpent spear and charged straight forward. With a single thrust, he pierced Deng Mao through the heart and sent him tumbling from his horse. Seeing Deng Mao fall, Cheng Yuanzhi spurred his horse, brandished his blade, and made straight for Zhang Fei. Yunchang swung his great blade and galloped to meet him. At the sight of Yunchang, Cheng Yuanzhi was already startled; before he could defend himself, Yunchang’s blade rose and cut him into two pieces. A later poet praised the two men:

This day the heroes first revealed their edge:One tested his spear, the other tested his blade.At their first emergence they displayed their might,And marked their names upon the realm’s threefold divide.

When the rebels saw Cheng Yuanzhi beheaded, they threw down their weapons and fled. Xuande waved his troops forward in pursuit, and more surrendered than could be counted. He returned in great victory. Liu Yan came out in person to welcome them and rewarded the soldiers for their service. The following day, a dispatch arrived from Gong Jing, Administrator of Qing Province, reporting that Yellow Scarf rebels had surrounded his city and were on the verge of taking it, and begging that reinforcements be sent. Liu Yan consulted Xuande. Xuande said, “I am willing to go to his rescue.” Liu Yan ordered Zou Jing to take five thousand troops and proceed with Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei to Qing Province. When the rebels saw the relief force arrive, they divided their troops and plunged into a confused battle. Xuande’s force was too small to prevail, and he withdrew thirty li to make camp. Xuande said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, “The rebels are many and we are few. Only an unexpected maneuver can bring us victory.” He therefore sent Lord Guan with one thousand troops to lie in ambush to the left of the hills, and Zhang Fei with another thousand to lie in ambush to the right. At the signal of the gong, both forces were to emerge and support the attack. The next day, Xuande and Zou Jing led their army forward with drums and battle cries. The rebels came out to meet them, and Xuande immediately led his troops in retreat. The rebels seized the advantage and pursued. Just as they passed over the ridge, gongs sounded throughout Xuande’s army. The forces on the left and right emerged together, while Xuande wheeled his army around and attacked again. Assailed from three directions, the rebels collapsed. They were pursued all the way to the walls of Qingzhou, where Administrator Gong Jing also led the local militia out of the city to join the battle. The rebels suffered a crushing defeat and were slaughtered in great numbers. Thus the siege of Qingzhou was lifted. A later poet praised Xuande:

His plans and calculations held a power divine;Two tigers still must yield before one dragon.At his first emergence he achieved great deeds:From humble straits, he would one day divide the tripod.

When Gong Jing had finished rewarding the troops, Zou Jing wished to return. Xuande said, “I recently heard that General of the Household Lu Zhi is fighting the rebel leader Zhang Jue at Guangzong. I once studied under Lu Zhi and wish to go and assist him.” Zou Jing therefore led his army back, while Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei took their own five hundred men and marched toward Guangzong. On reaching Lu Zhi’s army, they entered his command tent, paid their respects, and fully explained their purpose in coming. Lu Zhi was delighted and kept them before his tent to await his orders.

At that time Zhang Jue had one hundred and fifty thousand rebels, while Lu Zhi had fifty thousand troops. The two armies stood opposed at Guangzong, with victory yet undecided. Lu Zhi said to Xuande, “I am holding the rebels under siege here. Zhang Jue’s brothers Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao are in Yingchuan, confronting Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun. Take your own men, and I will give you another thousand government troops. Go to Yingchuan, learn the situation there, and arrange a date for our combined suppression of the rebels.” Xuande accepted the order and led his army through the night toward Yingchuan. At that time Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun were leading their forces against the rebels. After suffering a reverse in battle, the rebels withdrew into Changshe and made camp among the grass. Huangfu Song said to Zhu Jun, “The rebels have made camp amid the grass. We should attack them with fire.” They ordered every soldier to bind together a bundle of dry grass and then took up concealed positions. That night, a strong wind suddenly rose. After the second watch, they set fire everywhere at once. Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun each led troops against the rebel encampment. Flames spread across the sky. The rebels panicked: the horses could not be saddled, nor could the men put on their armor. They scattered and fled in every direction.

The killing continued until dawn. Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao gathered their defeated and surviving troops and fought their way toward escape. Suddenly they saw a powerful body of soldiers approaching directly ahead, all carrying red banners, blocking the road. A general rode out at their head. He stood seven chi tall, with narrow eyes and a long beard. He held the office of Cavalry Commandant and was a native of Qiao County in the state of Pei. His surname was Cao, his personal name Cao, and his courtesy name Mengde. Cao Cao’s father, Cao Song, had originally borne the surname Xiahou. Because he had become the adopted son of the Regular Palace Attendant Cao Teng, he had assumed the surname Cao. Cao Song fathered Cao Cao, whose childhood name was A-Man and who was also called Jili. In his youth, Cao Cao loved hunting excursions and delighted in music and dancing. He had a talent for strategy and was full of resource and cunning. Cao Cao had an uncle who saw that his conduct was recklessly unrestrained and often grew angry with him, reporting his behavior to Cao Song. Cao Song rebuked Cao Cao. Cao Cao suddenly devised a scheme. When he saw his uncle approaching, he pretended to collapse on the ground and acted as though stricken by a seizure. His uncle was alarmed and reported it to Cao Song, who hurried over to examine his son. Cao Cao, however, was perfectly well. Cao Song said, “Your uncle told me you had suffered a seizure. Have you recovered already?” Cao Cao replied, “Your son has never had such an illness. My uncle no longer cares for me, and that is why he deceived you.” Cao Song believed him. Thereafter, whenever the uncle spoke of Cao Cao’s misconduct, Cao Song refused to listen. Cao Cao was thus free to indulge himself without restraint. At that time a man named Qiao Xuan said to Cao Cao, “The realm is about to fall into disorder, and none but a talent destined to shape his age can save it. If anyone can restore peace, could it be you?” He Yong of Nanyang saw Cao Cao and said, “The house of Han is about to perish. The man who brings peace to the realm will surely be this one.” Xu Shao of Runan was renowned for his ability to judge character. Cao Cao went to see him and asked, “What sort of man am I?” Xu Shao did not answer. Cao Cao asked again, and Xu Shao said, “In an age of order, you would be a capable minister; in an age of disorder, a treacherous hero.” Cao Cao was delighted when he heard this. At the age of twenty, he was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, appointed a Gentleman of the Household, and later made Commandant of the Northern District of Luoyang. Upon first taking office, he set up more than ten cudgels painted in five colors at the city’s four gates. Anyone who violated the prohibitions was beaten, with no exception made for the rich and powerful. An uncle of Jian Shuo, a Regular Palace Attendant, went abroad at night carrying a blade. Cao Cao caught him during his night patrol and had him beaten with the cudgels. From then on, no one inside or outside the court dared break the law, and Cao Cao’s formidable reputation spread widely. He was later appointed Magistrate of Dunqiu. When the Yellow Scarves rose, he was commissioned as Cavalry Commandant and led five thousand cavalry and infantry to Yingchuan to join the fighting. He arrived just as Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao were fleeing in defeat. Cao Cao blocked their path and inflicted a great slaughter, taking more than ten thousand heads and capturing vast numbers of banners, signal flags, gongs, drums, and horses. Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao fought desperately and escaped. After meeting Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, Cao Cao immediately led his army away in pursuit of them.

Meanwhile, Xuande led Guan Yu and Zhang Fei toward Yingchuan. Hearing the roar of battle and seeing firelight blaze against the sky, he hurried forward with his troops, but by the time he arrived the rebels had already been routed and scattered. Xuande met Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun and fully explained Lu Zhi’s intentions. Huangfu Song said, “Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao are at the end of their strength. They will surely go to Guangzong and seek refuge with Zhang Jue. Xuande, you should return at once and travel through the night to assist there.” Xuande accepted the order and led his troops back. Halfway there, they saw a cluster of soldiers escorting a barred prison cart. The prisoner inside was Lu Zhi. Xuande was horrified. He threw himself from the saddle and asked what had happened. Lu Zhi said, “I had Zhang Jue surrounded and was on the verge of defeating him, but because he used sorcery, I could not win at once. The Court sent the palace attendant Zuo Feng to inspect the situation, and he demanded a bribe from me. I answered, ‘Even our army provisions are in short supply. How could I have spare money to curry favor with an imperial envoy?’ Zuo Feng nursed a grudge. When he returned to Court, he reported that I had built high fortifications but refused to fight, and that I was allowing the army’s spirit to grow indolent. The Court was therefore enraged. It sent General of the Household Dong Zhuo to replace me in command and ordered that I be taken back to the capital to answer charges.” When Zhang Fei heard this, he flew into a rage and wanted to kill the escorting soldiers and rescue Lu Zhi. Xuande hastily stopped him, saying, “The Court will reach its own just judgment. How can you act so rashly?” The soldiers crowded around Lu Zhi and escorted him away.

Lord Guan said, “General Lu has been arrested, and another man now commands his army. If we go there, we will have no one to rely upon. We would do better to return to Zhuo Commandery for the time being.” Xuande followed his advice and led the army north. Before they had traveled two days, they suddenly heard a tremendous roar of battle behind the hills. Xuande led Guan Yu and Zhang Fei at a gallop to the top of a high ridge and looked out. The Han army was in utter defeat. Behind it, covering the mountains and choking the fields, Yellow Scarves advanced over the whole land. Upon their banners were written in large characters: “General-Lord of Heaven.” Xuande said, “That is Zhang Jue! We must attack at once.” The three spurred forward and led their troops into battle. Zhang Jue had just defeated Dong Zhuo and was pressing his advantage in pursuit when the three men suddenly charged into his forces. Zhang Jue’s army fell into confusion and fled more than fifty li. The three rescued Dong Zhuo and returned with him to camp. Dong Zhuo asked what offices they currently held. Xuande replied, “We are private citizens.” Dong Zhuo despised them and showed them no courtesy. When Xuande came out, Zhang Fei said in fury, “We went into bloody battle ourselves and saved that wretch, yet he treats us with such contempt! Unless I kill him, nothing will appease my anger!” He seized his blade and was about to enter the tent and kill Dong Zhuo. Truly:

Human hearts bow to rank and power, now as in ancient days;Who recognizes a hero when he holds no office?Where can we find more forthright men like Yide,To kill every faithless soul beneath the sky?

What became of Dong Zhuo’s life will be revealed in what follows.

Heroes Swear Brotherhood in the Peach Garden; Their First Victory Is Won Against the Yellow Turbans

The lyric says:

The rolling Yangzi flows east, its waters sweeping on;Its waves have washed away all heroes.Right and wrong, success and failure—all vanish in a turn of the head:The green mountains still remain,And how many times has the setting sun glowed red?

White-haired fishermen and woodcutters stand on the river islets,Accustomed to watching autumn moons and spring winds.Over a jug of rough wine, they gladly meet:All the many affairs of past and presentAre handed over to laughter and conversation.

It is said that the general course of the world is this: after long division, it must unite; after long union, it must divide. At the end of the Zhou dynasty, seven states fought among themselves until they were united under Qin. After Qin was destroyed, Chu and Han fought each other until they were united under Han. The Han dynasty began when Gaozu killed the white serpent and rose in revolt, and he brought the whole realm under one rule. Later, Emperor Guangwu restored the dynasty. The succession continued down to Emperor Xian, when the realm divided into the Three Kingdoms. If we trace the cause of the disorder, it probably began with Emperors Huan and Ling. Emperor Huan proscribed worthy men and placed great trust in the eunuchs. After Emperor Huan died, Emperor Ling took the throne, and General-in-Chief Dou Wu and Grand Tutor Chen Fan assisted him together. At that time, the eunuchs Cao Jie and others manipulated power. Dou Wu and Chen Fan plotted to kill them, but they failed to keep the matter secret and were themselves put to death. From then on, the palace eunuchs grew even more overbearing.

On the full-moon day of the fourth month in the second year of Jianning, the Emperor entered Wende Hall. Just as he ascended the throne, a violent wind suddenly rose from a corner of the hall. A huge green snake was seen flying down from a roof beam and coiling itself on the imperial seat. The Emperor fainted in fright. His attendants hurriedly carried him into the inner palace, while all the officials fled. After a short while, the snake disappeared. Suddenly there came tremendous thunder and rain, together with hail. It did not stop until midnight and destroyed countless houses. In the second month of the fourth year of Jianning, there was an earthquake at Luoyang. The sea also overflowed, and all the people living along the coast were swept into the sea by great waves. In the first year of Guanghe, hens changed into roosters. On the first day of the sixth month, a mass of black vapor more than ten zhang long flew into Wende Hall. In the autumn, during the seventh month, a rainbow appeared in the Jade Hall, and the mountain slopes in Wuyuan all split and collapsed. There were many kinds of ill omens, not merely one.

The Emperor issued an edict asking his ministers the cause of these disasters and strange signs. Cai Yong, a Consultant, submitted a memorial arguing that the falling rainbow and the transformation of the hens had been caused by women and eunuchs interfering in government. His words were very direct and severe. The Emperor read the memorial and sighed, then rose to change his clothes. Cao Jie secretly looked at it from behind and told all his associates what it said. He then used another matter to frame Cai Yong for a crime, and Cai Yong was dismissed and sent back to his home in the countryside.

Later, ten men—Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, Feng Xu, Duan Gui, Cao Jie, Hou Lan, Jian Shuo, Cheng Kuang, Xia Yun, and Guo Sheng—joined together in wrongdoing and were known as the “Ten Regular Attendants.” The Emperor honored and trusted Zhang Rang, calling him “Foster Father.” The government grew worse by the day, until the hearts of the people throughout the realm turned toward disorder and bandits rose everywhere like swarming bees.

At that time, there were three brothers in Julu Commandery. One was named Zhang Jiao, one Zhang Bao, and one Zhang Liang. Zhang Jiao had originally been an unsuccessful scholar. One day, while gathering medicinal herbs in the mountains, he met an old man with green eyes and a youthful face, carrying a staff of goosefoot wood. The old man called Zhang Jiao into a cave and gave him three volumes of a heavenly book, saying, “This is called The Essential Arts of Great Peace. Once you receive it, you must proclaim the transforming Way on Heaven’s behalf and bring universal salvation to the people of the world. If you develop any disloyal intention, you will certainly suffer a terrible punishment.”

Zhang Jiao bowed and asked his name. The old man said, “I am the Old Immortal of Nanhua.” When he had finished speaking, he changed into a gust of pure wind and vanished.

After receiving the book, Zhang Jiao studied and practiced it day and night. He became able to summon wind and call down rain and styled himself the “Daoist of Great Peace.” In the first month of the first year of Zhongping, an epidemic spread. Zhang Jiao distributed charm-water and used it to cure people, calling himself the “Great Worthy and Good Teacher.” He had more than 500 disciples who traveled throughout the land, and all of them could write charms and recite spells. Afterward, the number of his followers increased daily. Zhang Jiao therefore established 36 districts. The larger districts had more than 10,000 members, while the smaller had 6,000 or 7,000. Each had a leader, who was called a general. They spread the saying:

“The Blue Heaven is dead; the Yellow Heaven shall rise.The year is Jiazi; all beneath Heaven shall know great good fortune.”

They told everyone to use white clay to write the two characters “Jiazi” on the main gate of the house. In the eight provinces of Qing, You, Xu, Ji, Jing, Yang, Yan, and Yu, household after household revered the name of Zhang Jiao, the Great Worthy and Good Teacher.

Zhang Jiao sent his follower Ma Yuanyi secretly carrying gold and silk to make contact with the palace eunuch Feng Xu, who was to serve as their ally inside the court. Zhang Jiao discussed matters with his two younger brothers and said, “The hardest thing to gain is the people’s support. Now that the people’s hearts have turned to us, it would truly be a pity if we did not seize this opportunity to take the realm.”

On one hand, he secretly had yellow banners made and fixed a date for the uprising. On the other, he sent his disciple Tang Zhou with a letter to inform Feng Xu. Tang Zhou instead went directly to the government offices and reported the plot. The Emperor summoned General-in-Chief He Jin and ordered him to mobilize troops and arrest Ma Yuanyi, who was beheaded. Feng Xu and all the others involved were then seized and imprisoned.

When Zhang Jiao learned that the affair had been exposed, he raised his forces that very night. He called himself the “General of Heaven,” Zhang Bao called himself the “General of Earth,” and Zhang Liang called himself the “General of Mankind.” They proclaimed to the people, “The destiny of Han is now coming to an end, and a great sage has appeared. All of you should obey Heaven and follow the righteous cause, so that you may enjoy Great Peace.”

People from every region wrapped yellow scarves around their heads and joined Zhang Jiao’s rebellion, numbering 400,000 to 500,000. The rebels were immensely powerful, and government troops collapsed at the mere report of their approach. He Jin petitioned the Emperor to issue an urgent edict commanding every district to prepare its defenses, defeat the rebels, and win merit. At the same time, he sent the Generals of the Household Lu Zhi, Huangfu Song, and Zhu Jun, each leading elite troops, to attack along three separate routes.

Now Zhang Jiao’s army advanced into the territory of You Province. The Governor of You Province, Liu Yan, was a native of Jingling in Jiangxia and a descendant of Prince Gong of Lu of the Han dynasty. When he heard that the rebel army was approaching, he summoned Commandant Zou Jing to discuss the matter.

Zou Jing said, “The rebel army is large, while ours is small. Your Excellency should quickly recruit troops to meet the enemy.”

Liu Yan approved his proposal and at once issued a proclamation recruiting volunteer soldiers. When the proclamation reached Zhuo County, it brought forth a hero from that county.

This man was not especially fond of reading. He had a generous and gentle nature, spoke little, and did not show joy or anger on his face. He had always possessed great ambitions and particularly enjoyed befriending heroes throughout the realm. He stood seven chi and five cun tall. His earlobes reached his shoulders, his hands hung below his knees, and his eyes could look back toward his own ears. His face was like fine jade used in a ceremonial cap, and his lips looked painted with red pigment. He was a descendant of Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan, and a great-great-grandson in the line of Emperor Jing of Han. His surname was Liu, his personal name Bei, and his courtesy name Xuande.

Long before, Liu Sheng’s son Liu Zhen had been enfeoffed as Marquis of Zhuolu Village during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. Later, he lost his title because of an offense involving the contribution of sacrificial gold, and this branch of the family consequently remained in Zhuo County. Xuande’s grandfather was Liu Xiong, and his father was Liu Hong. Liu Hong had once been recommended as Filial and Incorrupt and had also served as an official, but he died young. Xuande lost his father when he was a child and served his mother with the utmost devotion. His family was poor, so he made his living by selling straw sandals and weaving mats.

His family lived in Lousang Village in his native county. Southeast of their house stood a great mulberry tree more than five zhang high. Seen from a distance, its thick foliage resembled the canopy of a carriage. A physiognomist said, “This household will certainly produce a man of high rank.”

When Xuande was young, he played beneath the tree with other village children and said, “When I become Son of Heaven, I will ride beneath a canopy like this.”

His uncle Liu Yuanqi thought these words extraordinary and said, “This child is no ordinary person!” Because he saw that Xuande’s family was poor, he often gave them financial support.

At the age of 15, Xuande was sent by his mother to travel and study. He studied under Zheng Xuan and Lu Zhi and became a friend of Gongsun Zan and others. By the time Liu Yan issued the proclamation recruiting soldiers, Xuande was already 28 years old.

That day, after reading the proclamation, Xuande gave a long, passionate sigh. A man behind him cried out sternly, “A true man should give his strength to the country. Why are you sighing?”

Xuande turned and looked at him. The man stood eight chi tall. He had a leopard’s head, huge round eyes, a swallow’s chin, and a tiger’s beard. His voice was like mighty thunder, and his bearing like a galloping horse. Seeing his extraordinary appearance, Xuande asked his name.

The man said, “My surname is Zhang, my personal name Fei, and my courtesy name Yide. My family has lived in Zhuo Commandery for generations. I own a fair amount of farmland, sell wine, and butcher pigs, and I particularly enjoy befriending heroes throughout the realm. I just saw you reading the proclamation and sighing, so I asked you about it.”

Xuande said, “I am a member of the Han imperial clan. My surname is Liu, and my personal name is Bei. Now I hear that the Yellow Scarves have begun a rebellion. I have the ambition to destroy the rebels and bring peace to the people, but I regret that I lack the power to do so. That is why I sighed.”

Zhang Fei said, “I have a fair amount of wealth. We should recruit brave men from the countryside and undertake this great cause together. What do you think?”

Xuande was delighted, and the two went together to drink in a village tavern. While they were drinking, they saw a large man pushing a cart. He stopped outside the tavern, entered, sat down, and called to the server, “Quickly pour me some wine. I must hurry into the city to enlist.”

Xuande looked at the man. He stood nine chi tall, and his beard was two chi long. His face was the color of a dark-red date, and his lips looked painted with red pigment. He had phoenix eyes and brows like reclining silkworms. His appearance was noble and imposing, and he carried an awe-inspiring air.

Xuande invited him to sit with them and asked his name.

The man said, “My surname is Guan, my personal name is Yu, and my courtesy name was originally Changsheng, though I later changed it to Yunchang. I am from Xieliang in Hedong. A powerful local bully relied on his position to oppress others, so I killed him. I have been wandering as a fugitive for five or six years. Now I have heard that troops are being recruited here to destroy the rebels, so I have come especially to enlist.”

Xuande then told him of his own ambition. Yunchang was overjoyed. Together they went to Zhang Fei’s estate to discuss the great undertaking.

Zhang Fei said, “Behind my estate is a peach garden, and the flowers are now in full bloom. Tomorrow we should offer sacrifice there to Heaven and Earth. The three of us will become brothers and join our strength and hearts as one. Then we may pursue our great undertaking.”

Xuande and Yunchang answered together, “That would be excellent.”

The next day, in the peach garden, they prepared a black ox, a white horse, and the other sacrificial offerings. The three burned incense, bowed twice, and swore this oath:

“We, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, though born to different families, now bind ourselves as brothers. We shall unite our hearts and strength, rescue those in hardship, and aid those in danger. Above, we shall repay the country; below, we shall bring peace to the common people. We do not ask to have been born in the same year, the same month, and the same day; we ask only to die in the same year, the same month, and the same day. August Heaven and sovereign Earth, truly witness our hearts. If any of us betrays righteousness or forgets this kindness, may Heaven and mankind strike him dead together!”

When the oath was finished, they honored Xuande as the eldest brother, Guan Yu as the second, and Zhang Fei as the youngest. After completing their sacrifice to Heaven and Earth, they slaughtered the ox, set out wine, and gathered more than 300 brave men from the countryside. There in the peach garden, they drank their fill until they were all thoroughly drunk.

The next day, they began preparing weapons, but regretted that they had no horses to ride. While they were considering the problem, someone reported that two travelers were approaching the estate with a party of companions and a herd of horses.

Xuande said, “This is Heaven’s help!”

The three went outside the estate to welcome them. The two travelers were great merchants from Zhongshan. One was named Zhang Shiping and the other Su Shuang. Every year they went north to trade in horses, but they were now returning because bandits had risen there.

Xuande invited the two men into the estate, gave them wine and hospitality, and explained his intention to destroy the rebels and bring peace to the people. The two merchants were delighted and offered them 50 fine horses, 500 liang of gold and silver, and 1,000 jin of refined iron to provide for their equipment.

After thanking the two merchants and bidding them farewell, Xuande ordered skilled smiths to forge him a pair of double-edged swords. Yunchang had a Green Dragon Crescent Blade made, also called the “Cold Beauty Saw,” weighing 82 jin. Zhang Fei had a one-zhang-eight-chi spear of pointed steel made. Each man also obtained a complete suit of armor.

They gathered more than 500 local volunteers and went to see Zou Jing. Zou Jing presented them to Governor Liu Yan. After the three had paid their respects, each gave his name. Xuande explained his family lineage. Liu Yan was delighted and acknowledged Xuande as his nephew.

Within a few days, a report came that the Yellow Scarf rebel general Cheng Yuanzhi was leading 50,000 troops to attack Zhuo Commandery. Liu Yan ordered Zou Jing to take Xuande and the other two men, together with 500 soldiers, and go out to defeat the enemy.

Xuande and his companions gladly led the troops forward. At the foot of Daxing Mountain, they encountered the rebels. All the rebels wore their hair loose and had yellow scarves tied around their foreheads.

The two armies faced each other. Xuande rode out, with Yunchang on his left and Yide on his right. Raising his whip, he shouted abuse at the enemy: “Traitors who rebel against the country! Why do you not surrender at once?”

Cheng Yuanzhi was furious and sent his deputy general Deng Mao out to fight. Zhang Fei leveled his one-zhang-eight-chi serpent spear and charged straight forward. With a single thrust, he pierced Deng Mao through the heart, and Deng Mao toppled from his horse.

Seeing Deng Mao fall, Cheng Yuanzhi spurred his horse, brandished his saber, and charged directly at Zhang Fei. Yunchang swung his great blade and urged his horse forward to meet him. Cheng Yuanzhi was startled at the sight and, before he could defend himself, Yunchang’s blade rose and cut him into two pieces.

A later poet praised the two men:

Today the heroes first reveal their edge,One testing his spear, the other his blade.At their first appearance they display their might,And mark their names upon the realm divided in three.

When the rebels saw that Cheng Yuanzhi had been beheaded, they turned their weapons aside and fled. Xuande waved his army forward in pursuit. Countless rebels surrendered, and he returned after a great victory. Liu Yan came out in person to welcome him and rewarded the soldiers for their service.

The next day, a dispatch arrived from Gong Jing, Governor of Qing Province, saying that the Yellow Scarf rebels had surrounded his city and were about to capture it. He begged for reinforcements. Liu Yan discussed the matter with Xuande.

Xuande said, “I am willing to go and rescue him.”

Liu Yan ordered Zou Jing to lead 5,000 soldiers, together with Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, to Qing Province. When the rebels saw the relief force arrive, they divided their troops and met it in a confused battle. Xuande’s troops were too few to win, so he withdrew 30 li and established a camp.

Xuande said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, “The rebels are many, and we are few. We can win only by using an unexpected strategy.”

He assigned Lord Guan 1,000 men to hide on the left side of the mountain and Zhang Fei 1,000 men to hide on the right. The sounding of the gong was to be the signal for both forces to emerge and support the attack.

The next day, Xuande and Zou Jing led their army forward with drums beating and men shouting. The rebels came out to fight, and Xuande immediately led his troops in retreat. The rebels took advantage of the apparent victory and pursued them. Just as they crossed the mountain ridge, the gong sounded throughout Xuande’s army. The two forces on the left and right emerged together, while Xuande wheeled his troops around and attacked again.

Assaulted from three directions, the rebels collapsed. They were pursued all the way to the walls of the city in Qing Province, where Governor Gong Jing also led the local militia out to join the fighting. The rebel army suffered a crushing defeat, and great numbers were killed. Thus the siege of Qing Province was lifted.

A later poet praised Xuande:

His plans and calculations show divine skill;Even two tigers must yield before one dragon.At his first appearance he achieves great deeds;Though poor and alone, he is destined to divide the realm.

After Gong Jing had rewarded the army, Zou Jing wished to return. Xuande said, “I recently heard that General of the Household Lu Zhi is fighting the rebel leader Zhang Jiao at Guangzong. I once studied under Lu Zhi, and I wish to go and assist him.”

Zou Jing therefore led his army back, while Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei took the 500 men under their own command and went to Guangzong. When they reached Lu Zhi’s army, they entered his tent, paid their respects, and fully explained why they had come. Lu Zhi was delighted and kept them before his tent to await orders.

At that time, Zhang Jiao had 150,000 rebels, while Lu Zhi had 50,000 troops. The two armies faced each other at Guangzong, and neither had yet gained victory.

Lu Zhi said to Xuande, “I am now keeping the rebels surrounded here. Zhang Jiao’s brothers, Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao, are at Yingchuan, facing the armies of Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun. Take the men and horses under your command, and I will give you another 1,000 government troops. Go to Yingchuan to learn the situation and arrange a time for a joint attack.”

Xuande accepted the order and led his army through the night toward Yingchuan. At that time, Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun were leading their armies against the rebels. The rebels had fared badly in battle and had withdrawn to Changshe, where they camped among the grass.

Huangfu Song said to Zhu Jun, “The rebels have camped among dry grass. We should attack them with fire.”

They ordered every soldier to prepare a bundle of grass and then secretly lay in ambush. That night, a strong wind suddenly rose. After the second watch, all the soldiers set fire at once. Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun each led troops against the rebel camp. The flames spread across the sky. The rebels panicked; they had no time to saddle their horses, and the men had no time to put on their armor. They scattered and fled in every direction.

The killing continued until dawn. Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao led the remains of their defeated army in a desperate flight. Suddenly they saw a powerful force approaching head-on, all carrying red banners, blocking their road.

A general rode out at its head. He stood seven chi tall, with narrow eyes and a long beard. His office was Cavalry Commandant. He came from Qiao County in the state of Pei. His surname was Cao, his personal name Cao, and his courtesy name Mengde.

Cao Cao’s father, Cao Song, had originally borne the surname Xiahou. Because he became the adopted son of Cao Teng, a Regular Palace Attendant, he took the surname Cao. Cao Song fathered Cao Cao, whose childhood name was Aman and whose other name was Jili.

In his youth, Cao Cao loved hunting and roaming about and delighted in songs and dances. He was skilled in strategy and full of clever schemes and sudden changes. Cao Cao had an uncle who saw that his behavior was unrestrained and often became angry with him, reporting his conduct to Cao Song. Cao Song rebuked Cao Cao.

Cao Cao suddenly devised a plan. When he saw his uncle approaching, he pretended to collapse on the ground and acted as though he had suffered a seizure. His uncle was alarmed and reported it to Cao Song. Cao Song hurried to see his son, but Cao Cao appeared perfectly well.

Cao Song said, “Your uncle said you had suffered a seizure. Have you already recovered?”

Cao Cao said, “Your son has never had such an illness. My uncle no longer cares for me, so he deceived you.”

Cao Song believed him. After that, whenever the uncle spoke of Cao Cao’s misconduct, Cao Song would not listen. Cao Cao was therefore able to behave as wildly as he pleased.

There was a man of the time named Qiao Xuan, who said to Cao Cao, “The realm is about to fall into disorder. No one without talent granted to him for such an age can save it. Could you be the man who will bring it peace?”

When He Yong of Nanyang saw Cao Cao, he said, “The house of Han is about to perish. The man who brings peace to the realm will certainly be this one.”

Xu Shao of Runan was famous for his ability to judge men. Cao Cao went to see him and asked, “What kind of man am I?”

Xu Shao did not answer. Cao Cao asked again.

Xu Shao said, “You are a capable minister in an age of order and a treacherous hero in an age of disorder.”

Cao Cao was delighted when he heard this.

At the age of 20, he was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, became a Gentleman of the Court, and was appointed Northern District Commandant of Luoyang. As soon as he took office, he placed more than ten clubs painted in five colors at the four gates of the city. Anyone who violated the prohibitions was beaten with them, and not even the rich and powerful were spared.

The uncle of Jian Shuo, a Regular Palace Attendant, carried a saber while walking at night. Cao Cao caught him during a night patrol and had him beaten with the clubs. From then on, no one inside or outside the court dared violate the law, and Cao Cao’s fearsome reputation spread widely.

He was later made Magistrate of Dunqiu. When the Yellow Scarves rose in rebellion, he was appointed Cavalry Commandant and led 5,000 cavalry and infantry to Yingchuan to assist in the fighting.

He arrived just as Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao were fleeing in defeat. Cao Cao blocked their path and launched a fierce attack. He took more than 10,000 heads and captured a very great number of banners, standards, gongs, drums, and horses. Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao fought desperately and escaped.

After Cao Cao met with Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, he immediately led his troops away in pursuit of Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao.

Now Xuande was leading Guan Yu and Zhang Fei toward Yingchuan when he heard the cries of battle and saw the glow of fire lighting the sky. He hurried his troops forward, but by the time he arrived, the rebels had already been defeated and scattered.

Xuande met Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun and fully explained Lu Zhi’s intention.

Huangfu Song said, “Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao have exhausted their strength and reached the end of their resources. They will certainly go to Guangzong and seek refuge with Zhang Jiao. Xuande, you should travel there at once, marching through the night, and give assistance.”

Xuande accepted the order and led his troops back. Halfway there, he saw a body of soldiers escorting a prison cart. The prisoner inside was Lu Zhi.

Xuande was greatly shocked. He rolled from his saddle, dismounted, and asked what had happened.

Lu Zhi said, “I had Zhang Jiao surrounded and was close to defeating him, but because he used sorcery, I could not win at once. The court sent the Yellow Gate Attendant Zuo Feng to inspect the situation. He demanded a bribe from me. I replied, ‘Even the army’s provisions are insufficient. How could I have extra money with which to flatter an imperial envoy?’

“Zuo Feng bore a grudge against me. When he returned to court, he reported that I had raised strong defenses but refused to fight and that my laziness was weakening the army’s morale. The court was therefore enraged. It sent General of the Household Dong Zhuo to replace me as commander and ordered that I be taken back to the capital to answer charges.”

When Zhang Fei heard this, he became furious and wanted to kill the escorting soldiers and rescue Lu Zhi.

Xuande hurriedly stopped him, saying, “The court has its own public judgment. How can you act recklessly?”

The soldiers crowded around Lu Zhi and escorted him away.

Lord Guan said, “General of the Household Lu has already been arrested, and another man now commands his troops. If we go there, we will have no one to rely on. It would be better to return to Zhuo Commandery for the present.”

Xuande followed his advice and led the army north. Before they had traveled for two days, they suddenly heard tremendous battle cries behind a mountain.

Xuande led Guan Yu and Zhang Fei at a gallop to the top of a high ridge and looked out. They saw the Han army suffering a great defeat. Behind it, covering the mountains and filling the countryside, the Yellow Scarves came on like a blanket over the earth. Large characters on their banners read “General of Heaven.”

Xuande said, “That is Zhang Jiao! We must attack at once.”

The three galloped out at the head of their troops. Zhang Jiao had just defeated Dong Zhuo and was pursuing him when the three suddenly charged into his forces. Zhang Jiao’s army fell into confusion and fled for more than 50 li.

The three rescued Dong Zhuo and returned with him to camp. Dong Zhuo asked what offices they currently held.

Xuande said, “We are private citizens.”

Dong Zhuo treated them with great contempt and showed them no courtesy.

After Xuande came out, Zhang Fei said furiously, “We personally fought a bloody battle and saved this wretch, yet he treats us with such disrespect! Unless I kill him, I cannot calm my anger!”

He seized his saber and was about to enter the tent and kill Dong Zhuo.

Indeed:

Human feelings bow to rank and power, now as in ancient days;Who recognizes a hero when he holds no office?Where can we find a forthright man like Yide,To kill every thankless wretch beneath the sky?

As for whether Dong Zhuo lived or died, listen to the explanation in the next chapter.