Chapter 12

Tao Qian Thrice Offers Xuzhou; Cao Cao Battles Lü Bu

As Cao Cao fled in panic, a body of troops came up from due south. It was Xiahou Dun, leading soldiers to the rescue. He intercepted Lü Bu and fought a great battle with him. They fought until dusk, when rain poured down in torrents, and each side withdrew and dispersed its troops. Cao Cao returned to camp, richly rewarded Dian Wei, and promoted him to Commandant of the Army.

Meanwhile, Lü Bu returned to camp and consulted with Chen Gong. Chen Gong said, “Within Puyang lives a wealthy family named Tian, with hundreds upon hundreds of household retainers, one of the great houses of the commandery. Have them secretly send a man to Cao Cao’s camp with a letter saying that Marquis Wen Lü is cruel and inhumane, that the people bitterly resent him, and that he now intends to move his army to Liyang, leaving only Gao Shun within the city. The letter should urge Cao Cao to advance through the night, while the Tian family serves as his support from within. If Cao Cao comes, lure him into the city, set fire to all four gates, and station ambushes outside. Though Cao Cao may possess the genius to order Heaven and shape the earth, once he is caught there, how can he escape?”

Lü Bu followed his plan and secretly instructed the Tian family to send a man directly to Cao Cao’s camp. Cao Cao, having just suffered defeat, was still hesitating over what to do when it was suddenly reported that a man from the Tian family had arrived. The man presented a secret letter, which read: “Lü Bu has already gone to Liyang, leaving the city empty and unguarded. We earnestly beg you to come at once, and we shall answer from within. A white banner bearing the large character ‘Righteousness’ will be raised on the wall as our secret signal.”

Cao Cao was overjoyed. “Heaven has delivered Puyang into my hands!” he cried. He richly rewarded the messenger and at once prepared his army to march. Liu Ye said, “Though Lü Bu lacks cunning, Chen Gong has many schemes. I fear there may be deceit in this, and we must guard against it. If my lord means to go, divide the army into three forces. Let two lie in ambush outside the city to provide support, and only then let the third enter.”

Cao Cao followed his advice, divided the army into three forces, and came beneath the walls of Puyang. Cao Cao first rode forward to inspect the city. He saw banners and pennons standing thick along the walls, and at the corner of the western gate a white banner bearing the character “Righteousness.” Secretly, he rejoiced.

At noon that day, the city gate opened and two officers led troops out to battle: Hou Cheng commanded the vanguard, and Gao Shun the force behind. Cao Cao immediately sent Dian Wei out against Hou Cheng. Unable to withstand him, Hou Cheng turned his horse and fled toward the city. Dian Wei pursued him to the drawbridge. Gao Shun could not stop him either, and both men retreated into the city.

Amid the fighting, a soldier took advantage of the confusion to slip through the lines and approach Cao Cao. He said that he was an envoy of the Tian family and presented another secret letter. It read: “At the beginning of the first watch tonight, a gong will sound from the city wall as the signal. You may then advance. I shall deliver the gate into your hands.”

Cao Cao assigned Xiahou Dun to lead a force on the left and Cao Hong another on the right. He himself took Xiahou Yuan, Li Dian, Yue Jin, and Dian Wei, and prepared to lead troops into the city. Li Dian said, “My lord should remain outside the walls. Allow us to enter first.”

Cao Cao shouted, “If I do not go myself, who will be willing to advance?” He therefore took the lead and marched straight in.

At the appointed hour, the first watch had just begun and the moon had not yet risen. Suddenly, the blast of a conch shell sounded from the western gate. Shouts erupted, torches flared wildly upon the walls, the city gate swung open, and the drawbridge dropped. Cao Cao spurred ahead of the rest and galloped in.

He rode straight to the provincial offices without seeing a single person along the way. Cao Cao knew then that it was a trap. He hurriedly wheeled his horse and cried, “Retreat!”

A signal cannon boomed from within the offices. Flames sprang up at all four gates, roaring into the sky. Gongs and drums thundered together, while the shouting surged like rivers overturning and seas boiling. Zhang Liao swept out from an eastern lane and Zang Ba from a western one, attacking from both sides and cutting into Cao Cao’s men.

Cao Cao made for the northern gate, but Hao Meng and Cao Xing emerged beside the road and fought him through another fierce engagement. He hurried toward the southern gate, only to find Gao Shun and Hou Cheng barring the way. Dian Wei glared in fury, ground his teeth, and hacked a path out. Gao Shun and Hou Cheng turned and fled from the city.

Dian Wei fought his way to the drawbridge, then looked back and saw that Cao Cao was gone. He wheeled around and charged back into the city, where he encountered Li Dian beneath the gate.

“Where is our lord?” Dian Wei asked.

“I cannot find him either,” Li Dian replied.

“You stay outside the city and urge the relief force forward,” said Dian Wei. “I will go back in and look for our lord.”

Li Dian departed. Dian Wei fought his way into the city and searched everywhere, but could not find Cao Cao. He then fought his way out again as far as the moat, where he encountered Yue Jin.

“Where is our lord?” Yue Jin asked.

“I have gone in and out twice,” said Dian Wei, “but nowhere can I find him.”

“Then let us fight our way in together and rescue him!”

The two men reached the gate, but flaming missiles came rolling down from the walls. Yue Jin’s horse could not enter. Dian Wei plunged through smoke and bursting flame, fought his way inside yet again, and searched everywhere.

Meanwhile, after Cao Cao saw Dian Wei fight his way out, men and horses closed in from every direction, preventing him from escaping through the southern gate. He turned again toward the northern gate and, amid the firelight, ran straight into Lü Bu, who came leaping forward on horseback with his halberd leveled.

Cao Cao covered his face with one hand, lashed his horse, and galloped past. Lü Bu spurred after him from behind, struck Cao Cao’s helmet with his halberd, and demanded, “Where is Cao Cao?”

Cao Cao pointed back the other way. “He is the man ahead on the yellow horse.”

Hearing this, Lü Bu abandoned Cao Cao and galloped forward in pursuit. Cao Cao wheeled his horse and fled toward the eastern gate, where he met Dian Wei. Guarding Cao Cao, Dian Wei hewed open a path of blood and brought him to the city gate.

The flames there were raging fiercely. Bundles of brushwood had been thrown down from the walls, and fire covered the ground. Dian Wei swept the burning debris aside with his halberds, then sent his horse flying through smoke and flame and emerged first. Cao Cao followed him out.

Just as Cao Cao reached the passage beneath the gate, a blazing beam crashed down from above and struck his warhorse across the hindquarters. The horse pitched to the ground. Cao Cao braced the beam with his hands, shoved it aside, and cast it down, but his arms, beard, and hair were all scorched.

Dian Wei turned his horse back to rescue him, and at that moment Xiahou Yuan also arrived. Together they raised Cao Cao and brought him through the flames. Cao Cao mounted Xiahou Yuan’s horse, while Dian Wei cut open a broad road and led him away.

The confused battle continued until dawn before Cao Cao finally returned to camp. His officers bowed before him and asked after his safety. Cao Cao threw back his head and laughed.

“I blundered into a common fool’s scheme. I shall certainly repay him for it!”

Guo Jia said, “Then the plan should be put into effect at once.”

Cao Cao said, “We shall now turn his own stratagem against him. Spread the false report that I was burned in the fire, that the fire’s poison entered my body, and that I died during the fifth watch. Lü Bu will certainly lead his troops to attack. I shall hide soldiers in the Maling Hills and strike when half his army has passed. Then Lü Bu can be captured.”

“A truly excellent plan!” said Guo Jia.

The soldiers were therefore ordered to put on mourning dress and announce a death, falsely proclaiming that Cao Cao had died. Before long, someone reached Puyang and reported to Lü Bu that Cao Cao’s limbs had been burned in the fire and that he had died on returning to camp.

Lü Bu immediately mustered his cavalry and infantry and drove toward the Maling Hills. As he approached Cao Cao’s camp, a drum thundered and ambushing troops rose on every side. Lü Bu fought desperately and escaped, but lost a great many men and horses. He returned defeated to Puyang, shut himself securely within the city, and would not come out.

That year, swarms of locusts suddenly arose and devoured all the grain and rice. Throughout the lands east of the passes, one peck of grain cost fifty strings of cash, and the people ate one another. Because his army’s provisions were exhausted, Cao Cao withdrew to Juancheng for the time being. Lü Bu likewise led his troops out to encamp at Shanyang, where they could forage for food. Thus, for the present, both sides suspended hostilities.

Meanwhile, Tao Qian was in Xuzhou. He was then sixty-three years old. Suddenly he fell ill, and as his condition steadily worsened, he summoned Mi Zhu and Chen Deng to discuss affairs.

Mi Zhu said, “Cao Cao’s army withdrew only because Lü Bu attacked Yanzhou. Now the famine has forced him to cease fighting, but next spring he will certainly come again. Twice, my lord, you wished to yield your position to Liu Xuande. At the time, you were still strong and healthy, and therefore Xuande refused to accept it. Now that your illness has become grave, you can give it to him face to face. Xuande will surely refuse no longer.”

Tao Qian was delighted and sent a man to Xiaopei to invite Liu Xuande to discuss military affairs. Xuande brought Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, together with several dozen horsemen, to Xuzhou. Tao Qian had him shown into his private chamber.

After Xuande had inquired about his health, Tao Qian said, “I have not invited Lord Xuande here for any other reason. My illness has become critical, and from one hour to the next my life cannot be assured. I earnestly beg you to place the cities of the Han above all else and accept the seals and tallies of Xuzhou. Then, even in death, my eyes will close in peace.”

Xuande said, “You have two sons. Why not pass the office to them?”

“My elder son is Shang and my younger son Ying,” Tao Qian replied. “Neither has the ability to bear such a charge. After my death, I still hope that you, my lord, will instruct them. By no means allow them to take command of provincial affairs.”

“How can I, Liu Bei, bear so great a responsibility alone?” said Xuande.

“I shall recommend one man who can assist you,” Tao Qian said. “He is a native of Beihai, surnamed Sun, named Qian, with the courtesy name Gongyou. You may appoint him as an administrative aide.”

He then said to Mi Zhu, “Lord Liu is an outstanding hero of our age. You must serve him well.”

Still Xuande continued to decline. Tao Qian pointed to his heart with his hand and died.

When the whole army had finished lamenting him, they brought the seals and tallies and presented them to Xuande. Xuande firmly refused. The next day, the people of Xuzhou crowded before the government offices, weeping and bowing.

“If Governor Liu will not take charge of this commandery, none of us will be able to live in peace!”

Lords Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also urged him again and again. Xuande then agreed to take temporary charge of Xuzhou. He appointed Sun Qian and Mi Zhu as his assistants and Chen Deng as an officer of his secretariat. He brought all the soldiers and horses from Xiaopei into the city and issued proclamations to reassure the people, while also making arrangements for the funeral.

Xuande and all the officers and soldiers, great and small, put on mourning dress and held a magnificent sacrificial ceremony. When the rites were complete, Tao Qian was buried upon the plain of the Yellow River. Xuande then forwarded Tao Qian’s final memorial to the imperial court.

At Juancheng, Cao Cao learned that Tao Qian was dead and Liu Xuande had assumed the governorship of Xuzhou. He was furious.

“My vengeance remains unfulfilled, yet without expending the effort of half an arrow, you have gained Xuzhou by merely sitting still! I shall first kill Liu Bei, then mutilate Tao Qian’s corpse, and so wash away my honored father’s wrongs!”

He immediately issued orders and fixed a day to raise the army and attack Xuzhou. Xun Yu entered and remonstrated with him.

“In former times, Gaozu secured the region within the passes, and Emperor Guangwu occupied Henei. Both sank deep roots and made firm their foundations, and thereby brought order to the realm. They could advance and defeat their enemies or retreat and hold fast. Thus, though they suffered adversity, in the end they accomplished their great enterprises.

“My lord first established his cause in Yanzhou. Moreover, the regions of the Yellow River and the Ji River are strategic lands beneath Heaven. They are to you what the region within the passes and Henei were in former times. If you now go to seize Xuzhou and leave many troops behind, you will not have enough for your campaign; if you leave few, Lü Bu will exploit the emptiness and invade. Then Yanzhou will be lost. If you also fail to gain Xuzhou, where will you return?

“Though Tao Qian is dead, Liu Bei already holds the province. The people of Xuzhou have submitted to Bei, and they will certainly aid him in fighting to the death. For my lord to abandon Yanzhou and seize Xuzhou would be to forsake the great for the small, leave the root in pursuit of the branch, and exchange security for danger. I beg you to consider it carefully.”

Cao Cao said, “The harvest has failed this year and provisions are scarce. For the soldiers merely to sit here on guard is no sound policy.”

Xun Yu said, “Better to move east and secure the territory of Chen, allowing the army to live off the land. In Runan and Yingchuan, He Yi, Huang Shao, and other remnants of the Yellow Turbans plunder the commanderies and provinces and possess great stores of gold, silk, grain, and provisions. Such bands of rebels will also be easy to defeat. Break them and seize their grain to sustain the whole army. The imperial court will rejoice, the people will be pleased, and you will act in accord with Heaven.”

Cao Cao was delighted and followed his advice. He left Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren to defend Juancheng and the surrounding districts, while he led the army to secure the territory of Chen and then advanced into Runan and Yingchuan.

When the Yellow Turbans He Yi and Huang Shao learned that Cao Cao’s army had arrived, they led their followers out to meet him, and the forces encountered one another at Mount Yang. Though the rebel troops were numerous, they were no more than a rabble of foxes and dogs, without ranks or formation.

Cao Cao ordered his powerful bows and heavy crossbows to pin them down, then sent Dian Wei out to fight. He Yi ordered his deputy commander to give battle. In fewer than three bouts, Dian Wei thrust him from his horse with a single stroke of his halberd. Taking advantage of the moment, Cao Cao led his men in pursuit beyond Mount Yang and established camp.

The next day, Huang Shao personally led his army against Cao Cao. Once the ranks were drawn up, an officer came out on foot to offer battle. A yellow scarf was wrapped around his head, a green jacket covered his body, and an iron cudgel was in his hand.

“I am He Man, the Sky-Severing Yaksha!” he cried. “Who dares fight me?”

At the sight of him, Cao Hong gave a great shout, sprang from his horse, took up his saber, and strode forward on foot. The two fought before the lines for forty or fifty bouts, with neither gaining the advantage.

Cao Hong feigned defeat and fled. He Man pursued him. Cao Hong then used the ruse of trailing his saber for a backward stroke: turning, he sprang up and slashed He Man, then struck once more and killed him.

Seizing the advantage, Li Dian galloped straight into the rebel formation. Huang Shao was caught unprepared and captured alive by Li Dian. Cao Cao’s troops fell upon the rebels and seized countless quantities of their gold, silk, grain, and provisions.

Left isolated, He Yi led several hundred horsemen in flight toward Gebei. As they went, a body of men emerged from behind a hill. At their head was a mighty warrior, eight feet tall and ten spans around the waist, carrying a great saber. He barred their way.

He Yi leveled his spear and rode out to meet him, but in a single bout the warrior seized him alive beneath one arm and carried him away. His remaining followers panicked, dismounted, and submitted to being bound. The warrior drove them all into the fortified settlement at Gebei.

Meanwhile, Dian Wei pursued He Yi as far as Gebei, where the mighty warrior led out his men to confront him.

“Are you also a Yellow Turban rebel?” Dian Wei demanded.

“The several hundred Yellow Turban horsemen have all been captured by me and are held within the settlement!” the warrior replied.

“Why do you not hand them over?”

“If you can defeat the precious saber in my hand, I shall hand them over!”

Dian Wei flew into a rage and advanced with both halberds raised. The two fought from the hour of the dragon until noon without either gaining the advantage, and each withdrew for a brief rest. Before long, the warrior came out again and challenged him, and Dian Wei likewise emerged. They fought straight through until dusk, when the weariness of their horses forced them to stop.

Soldiers under Dian Wei’s command raced to report the matter to Cao Cao. Greatly astonished, Cao Cao hurriedly brought his officers to watch.

The next day, the mighty warrior again came out to issue his challenge. Seeing the man’s stern and awe-inspiring bearing, Cao Cao secretly rejoiced and instructed Dian Wei to feign defeat that day.

Dian Wei received the order and went out to fight. After thirty bouts, he fled in defeat toward his formation. The warrior pursued him as far as the entrance to the lines, where volleys from bows and crossbows drove him back.

Cao Cao swiftly withdrew his army five li, secretly ordered a pitfall dug, and concealed men with hooks nearby. The next day, he again sent Dian Wei out with more than a hundred horsemen.

The warrior laughed. “How dare a defeated officer come back again!”

He urged his horse forward and engaged him. Dian Wei fought only a few bouts before turning his horse and fleeing. Intent only on the pursuit, the warrior failed to guard against the trap. Horse and rider both plunged into the pit, and the hidden hook-men seized and bound him, then brought him before Cao Cao.

Cao Cao descended from his command tent and ordered the soldiers away. With his own hands he untied the warrior, quickly brought him clothing and had him dressed, then bade him sit and asked his native place, surname, and name.

The warrior said, “I am a native of Qiao County in the state of Qiao. My surname is Xu, my given name Chu, and my courtesy name Zhongkang. When brigands brought disorder to the region, I gathered several hundred members of my clan and built strong defenses within a fortified settlement to resist them.

“One day, when the brigands arrived, I had everyone prepare a great quantity of stones. I myself hurled the stones at them, and not one failed to strike its mark. The brigands then withdrew.

“Another day, they came again. There was no grain left within the settlement, so we made peace with the rebels and agreed to exchange plow oxen for rice. Once the rice had been delivered, the rebels drove the oxen outside the settlement, but all the beasts broke loose and ran back. With both hands I seized the tails of two oxen and walked backward for more than a hundred paces. The rebels were so astonished that they did not dare take the oxen, but fled. In this way, I kept this place safe from harm.”

Cao Cao said, “I have long heard your great name. Are you willing to submit to me?”

“That is precisely what I desire,” Xu Chu replied.

He then summoned several hundred members of his clan, and all submitted. Cao Cao appointed Xu Chu a commandant and rewarded him most generously. He Yi and Huang Shao were then beheaded. Runan and Yingchuan were completely pacified.

When Cao Cao returned in triumph, Cao Ren and Xiahou Dun came to receive him. They reported, “Scouts have lately brought word that the troops of Xue Lan and Li Feng in Yanzhou have all gone out to plunder, leaving the cities empty. If we lead our victorious army against them, the cities can be taken at the first beat of the drum.”

Cao Cao therefore led his army directly toward Yanzhou. Xue Lan and Li Feng were taken by surprise and had no choice but to lead their troops out of the city to meet him.

Xu Chu said, “I wish to take these two men as my introductory gift.”

Cao Cao was delighted and ordered him into battle. Li Feng came forward to meet him, wielding a painted halberd. They had crossed horses for only two bouts when Xu Chu cut Li Feng down beneath his horse.

Xue Lan hurriedly fled toward his formation, but Li Dian barred his way beside the drawbridge. Not daring to return to the city, Xue Lan led his army toward Juye. Lü Qian galloped after him and shot him from his horse with a single arrow. His troops all scattered in rout.

Cao Cao recovered Yanzhou, and Cheng Yu immediately urged him to advance on Puyang. Cao Cao appointed Xu Chu and Dian Wei as the vanguard, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan as the left wing, and Li Dian and Yue Jin as the right. Cao Cao himself commanded the central army, while Yu Jin and Lü Qian brought up the rear.

When the army reached Puyang, Lü Bu wished to lead his men out in person to meet them. Chen Gong remonstrated with him: “You must not give battle. Wait until all our officers have assembled.”

“Whom have I to fear?” Lü Bu replied.

Refusing to heed Chen Gong’s words, he led his troops out, drew up his formation, leveled his halberd, and shouted abuse. Xu Chu immediately rode forth. They fought for twenty bouts without either gaining the advantage.

“Lü Bu cannot be overcome by one man alone,” Cao Cao said.

He then sent Dian Wei to assist, and the two officers attacked Lü Bu from both sides. Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan arrived from the left, and Li Dian and Yue Jin from the right. Six officers now attacked Lü Bu together.

Unable to hold them off, Lü Bu turned his horse and fled toward the city. When the Tian family upon the walls saw him returning in defeat, they hurriedly ordered the drawbridge raised.

“Open the gate!” Lü Bu shouted.

The Tian family answered, “We have already surrendered to General Cao.”

Lü Bu cursed them bitterly, then led his army away toward Dingtao. Chen Gong hurriedly opened the eastern gate and escorted Lü Bu’s family out of the city.

Cao Cao thus gained Puyang and pardoned the Tian family for their former offense. Liu Ye said, “Lü Bu is a ferocious tiger. Now that he is exhausted and hard-pressed, we must not allow him the least respite.”

Cao Cao ordered Liu Ye and others to guard Puyang, while he himself led the army in pursuit as far as Dingtao. Lü Bu, Zhang Miao, and Zhang Chao were all within the city, but Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, Zang Ba, and Hou Cheng had gone toward the coast to gather grain and had not yet returned.

When Cao Cao’s army reached Dingtao, he refused battle for several days, then withdrew forty li and encamped. The wheat in Jiyin Commandery had just ripened, so Cao Cao immediately ordered his soldiers to reap it for food.

Scouts reported this to Lü Bu, who led his army in pursuit. As he approached Cao Cao’s camp, he saw a dense expanse of woodland stretching away on the left. Fearing that ambushing troops were hidden there, he turned back.

When Cao Cao learned that Lü Bu’s army had withdrawn, he said to his officers, “Lü Bu merely suspects that troops are hidden in the woods. Plant many banners among the trees to deepen his suspicions. West of the camp runs a long, dry embankment. We can conceal all our best troops there. Tomorrow Lü Bu will certainly come to burn the woods. The soldiers in the embankment will cut off his rear, and he can be captured.”

Accordingly, Cao Cao left only fifty drummers in the camp to beat the drums, together with men and women seized from the neighboring villages to raise a great clamor. Most of his finest troops were hidden within the embankment.

Meanwhile, Lü Bu returned and reported what he had seen to Chen Gong.

“Cao Cao has many treacherous schemes,” Chen Gong said. “We must not underestimate him.”

“I shall attack with fire,” Lü Bu replied. “Then I can break his ambush.”

He left Chen Gong and Gao Shun to guard the city. The next day, Lü Bu led his great army out. From afar, he saw banners in the woods. He drove his troops rapidly forward and set fires on every side, yet not a single man appeared.

He was about to advance into the camp when suddenly the drums thundered. While he hesitated in uncertainty, a body of troops emerged behind the camp. Lü Bu spurred forward in pursuit.

A signal cannon sounded, and all the troops hidden within the embankment poured out. Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Xu Chu, Dian Wei, Li Dian, and Yue Jin came charging down upon him.

Lü Bu saw that he could not overcome them and fled across the open country. His subordinate officer Cheng Lian was shot dead by a single arrow from Yue Jin. Of Lü Bu’s army, two parts out of three were lost.

The defeated soldiers returned and reported to Chen Gong.

“An empty city will be difficult to defend,” Chen Gong said. “Better to leave at once.”

Together with Gao Shun, he escorted Lü Bu’s family away, abandoned Dingtao, and fled. Cao Cao brought his victorious troops storming into the city with all the force of splitting bamboo. Zhang Chao burned himself to death, while Zhang Miao fled to join Yuan Shu.

The whole region of Shandong fell into Cao Cao’s hands. He reassured the people and repaired the cities, but these matters need not be recounted.

Meanwhile, as Lü Bu fled, he encountered his officers, all of whom had now returned. Chen Gong also found him.

“Though my army is small,” Lü Bu said, “we can still defeat Cao Cao.”

He therefore led his troops back once more. As the verse says:

Victory and defeat are common truths in war;Who knows what may come when furled armor returns?

Whether Lü Bu was victorious or defeated will be told in the chapter that follows.

Tao Qian Thrice Offers Xuzhou; Cao Cao Battles Lü Bu

As Cao Cao fled in panic, a body of troops came from directly south. It was Xiahou Dun, leading soldiers to the rescue. He intercepted Lü Bu and fought a great battle with him. They fought until dusk, when rain poured down in torrents, and each side withdrew and dispersed its forces. Cao Cao returned to camp, richly rewarded Dian Wei, and promoted him to Commandant Who Leads the Army.

Meanwhile, Lü Bu returned to camp and discussed matters with Chen Gong. Chen Gong said, “In Puyang there is a wealthy household, the Tian family, with hundreds upon hundreds of servants. It is one of the great families of the commandery. We can have them secretly send someone to Cao Cao’s camp with a letter saying that Marquis Lü Wen is cruel and inhumane and has bitterly angered the people; that he now intends to move his army to Liyang, leaving only Gao Shun in the city; and that Cao Cao may advance through the night, while they act in support from within. If Cao Cao comes, we shall lure him into the city, set fire at all four gates, and place ambushes outside. Though Cao Cao has the talent to order Heaven and govern Earth, how could he escape from this?”

Lü Bu followed his plan and secretly instructed the Tian family to send someone straight to Cao Cao’s camp. Cao Cao, having just been defeated, was still hesitating over what to do when he was suddenly told that a man from the Tian family had arrived. The man presented a secret letter, which said, “Lü Bu has already gone to Liyang, and the city is empty. We earnestly hope you will come quickly, and we shall support you from within. A white flag bearing the large character ‘Righteousness’ will be raised on the wall as the secret signal.”

Cao Cao was delighted and said, “Heaven is giving me Puyang!” He richly rewarded the messenger and at once prepared his army to march. Liu Ye said, “Though Lü Bu has no strategy, Chen Gong has many schemes. I fear there may be deception in this, and we must be on our guard. If my lord wishes to go, the army should be divided into three forces: two should lie in wait outside the city to provide support, and only one should enter.”

Cao Cao followed his advice, divided the army into three forces, and came beneath the walls of Puyang. Cao Cao first went forward to inspect the city. He saw flags and banners raised all along the walls, and at the corner of the western gate was a white flag bearing the character “Righteousness.” He was secretly delighted.

At noon that day, the city gate opened and two generals led troops out to fight: Hou Cheng commanded the front force and Gao Shun the rear. Cao Cao immediately sent Dian Wei forward to attack Hou Cheng. Hou Cheng could not withstand him, so he turned his horse and fled toward the city. Dian Wei pursued him to the drawbridge. Gao Shun also failed to stop Dian Wei, and both men retreated into the city.

Amid the troops, a soldier took advantage of the confusion to slip through the lines and meet Cao Cao. He said he was a messenger from the Tian family and presented a secret letter. It said, “At the beginning of the first watch tonight, a gong will sound from the wall as the signal. You may then send in your troops. I shall offer up the gate.”

Cao Cao assigned Xiahou Dun to lead troops on the left and Cao Hong to lead troops on the right. He himself took the four generals Xiahou Yuan, Li Dian, Yue Jin, and Dian Wei and prepared to lead troops into the city. Li Dian said, “My lord, remain outside the city for now and allow us to enter first.”

Cao Cao shouted, “If I do not go in person, who will be willing to advance?” He therefore took the lead and went straight in with his troops.

At the appointed beginning of the first watch, the moon had not yet risen. Suddenly, the sound of a conch shell was heard from the western gate, and shouts rose without warning. Torches flared wildly above the gate, the city gate opened wide, and the drawbridge was lowered. Cao Cao spurred his horse forward ahead of the rest and entered. He rode all the way to the provincial offices without seeing a single person on the road.

Cao Cao realized that it was a trap. He hurriedly turned his horse and shouted, “Retreat!”

A signal cannon sounded from within the provincial offices. Fierce fires rose at all four gates, roaring up to the sky. Gongs and drums sounded together, and the shouting was like rivers overturning and seas boiling. Zhang Liao emerged from the eastern alley and Zang Ba from the western alley, attacking from both sides and slaughtering Cao Cao’s troops.

Cao Cao headed for the northern gate, but Hao Meng and Cao Xing emerged beside the road and attacked him again. Cao Cao hurried toward the southern gate, where Gao Shun and Hou Cheng blocked his way. Dian Wei glared in fury and gritted his teeth, then charged and fought his way out. Gao Shun and Hou Cheng turned and fled out of the city.

Dian Wei fought his way to the drawbridge, but when he looked back, Cao Cao was nowhere to be seen. He wheeled around and fought his way back into the city, where he ran into Li Dian beneath the gate.

Dian Wei asked, “Where is our lord?”

Li Dian said, “I cannot find him either.”

Dian Wei said, “Stay outside the city and hurry the relief force forward. I shall go back in and look for our lord.”

Li Dian departed. Dian Wei fought his way into the city but could not find Cao Cao. He fought his way out again as far as the moat, where he met Yue Jin.

Yue Jin said, “Where is our lord?”

Dian Wei said, “I have gone in and out twice, but I cannot find him.”

Yue Jin said, “Let us fight our way in together and rescue our lord!”

The two reached the gate, but firebombs rolled down from the wall. Yue Jin’s horse could not enter. Dian Wei braved the smoke and burst through the flames, fought his way inside once more, and searched everywhere.

Meanwhile, after Cao Cao saw Dian Wei fight his way out, soldiers and horsemen closed in on him from every side, preventing him from leaving by the southern gate. He turned back toward the northern gate and, in the light of the flames, ran straight into Lü Bu, who came leaping forward on horseback with his halberd leveled.

Cao Cao covered his face with one hand, lashed his horse, and galloped straight past. Lü Bu spurred his horse after him and struck Cao Cao’s helmet with his halberd, asking, “Where is Cao Cao?”

Cao Cao pointed back the other way and said, “He is the man ahead riding the yellow horse.”

On hearing this, Lü Bu abandoned Cao Cao and galloped ahead in pursuit. Cao Cao turned his horse and fled toward the eastern gate, where he met Dian Wei. Dian Wei protected Cao Cao and cut a bloody path to the city gate.

The flames there were fierce. Firewood had been pushed down from the wall, and fire covered the ground everywhere. Dian Wei used his halberds to clear it aside, then urged his horse through the smoke and flames and emerged first. Cao Cao followed him out.

Just as Cao Cao reached the gateway, a burning beam collapsed from above the gate and struck his warhorse on the hindquarters. The horse fell flat on the ground. Cao Cao held up the beam with his hands and pushed it to the ground, but his arms, beard, and hair were all burned.

Dian Wei turned his horse back to rescue him, and just then Xiahou Yuan also arrived. Together they raised Cao Cao and escaped through the flames. Cao Cao mounted Xiahou Yuan’s horse, while Dian Wei cut open a broad road for their retreat.

The confused fighting continued until dawn, when Cao Cao finally returned to camp. All the generals bowed low and asked after his health. Cao Cao threw back his head and laughed, saying, “I mistakenly fell into a common fellow’s scheme, but I shall certainly repay him for it!”

Guo Jia said, “A plan should be put into effect at once.”

Cao Cao said, “Now we shall turn his own scheme against him. We shall falsely report that I was burned, that the fire’s poison spread through my body, and that I died at the fifth watch. Lü Bu will certainly lead troops to attack. I shall place an ambush in the Maling Hills and strike when half his army has passed through. Then Lü Bu can be captured.”

Guo Jia said, “That is truly an excellent plan!”

The soldiers were therefore ordered to put on mourning clothes and announce a death, falsely claiming that Cao Cao was dead. Before long, someone went to Puyang and reported to Lü Bu that Cao Cao’s limbs had been burned by fire and that he had died upon returning to camp.

Lü Bu immediately called out his troops and rushed to attack at the Maling Hills. As he approached Cao Cao’s camp, a drum sounded and ambushing troops rose on every side. Lü Bu fought desperately and escaped, but lost a great many soldiers and horses. He returned in defeat to Puyang, where he held the city firmly and would not come out.

That year, swarms of locusts suddenly appeared and ate all the grain and rice. Throughout the region east of the passes, one hu of grain cost fifty strings of cash, and the people ate one another.

Because the army’s provisions were exhausted, Cao Cao led his forces back to Juancheng for a temporary stay. Lü Bu also led his troops out to Shanyang to find food. Thus, for the time being, both sides ceased fighting.

Meanwhile, Tao Qian was in Xuzhou. He was then sixty-three years old. He suddenly fell ill, and as his condition steadily grew more serious, he summoned Mi Zhu and Chen Deng to discuss affairs.

Mi Zhu said, “Cao Cao’s army withdrew only because Lü Bu attacked Yanzhou. Now the armies have stopped fighting because of the poor harvest, but Cao Cao will certainly come again next spring. Twice, Governor Tao wished to yield his position to Liu Xuande. At those times, however, you were still strong and healthy, so Xuande refused to accept it. Now that your illness has become grave, you may give it to him face to face. Xuande will surely not refuse.”

Tao Qian was delighted and sent a man to Xiaopei to invite Liu Xuande to discuss military affairs. Xuande brought Guan Yu and Zhang Fei with several dozen horsemen to Xuzhou. Tao Qian had him invited into his private chamber.

After Xuande had asked after his health, Tao Qian said, “I have invited Lord Xuande here for no other reason. My illness has become critical, and I may not live from morning to evening. I earnestly hope, my lord, that you will place the cities of the House of Han above all else and accept the official seal and tablet of Xuzhou. Then even if this old man dies, I shall close my eyes in peace!”

Xuande said, “You have two sons. Why do you not pass it on to them?”

Tao Qian said, “My elder son is Shang and my younger son is Ying. Neither has the ability for this responsibility. After I die, I still hope that my lord will instruct them. By no means allow them to take charge of the province’s affairs.”

Xuande said, “How could I alone bear such a great responsibility?”

Tao Qian said, “I recommend one man who can assist you. He is from Beihai. His surname is Sun, his given name is Qian, and his style name is Gongyou. You may appoint this man as an Aide Officer.”

He then said to Mi Zhu, “Lord Liu is an outstanding man of this age. You must serve him well.”

Xuande continued to make excuses and refuse. Tao Qian pointed to his heart with his hand and died.

After the whole army had finished mourning, they immediately presented the official seal and tablet to Xuande. Xuande firmly refused them.

The next day, the people of Xuzhou crowded before the government offices, weeping and bowing as they said, “If Governor Liu will not take charge of this commandery, none of us will be able to live in peace!”

Lords Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also urged him repeatedly. Xuande then agreed to take temporary charge of Xuzhou’s affairs. He appointed Sun Qian and Mi Zhu as his assistants and Chen Deng as an officer of his staff. He brought all the troops and horses from Xiaopei into the city and posted proclamations to reassure the people, while also arranging the funeral.

Xuande and all the soldiers and officers, high and low, put on mourning clothes, and a grand sacrifice was held. When the sacrifice was over, Tao Qian was buried on the plain of the Yellow River. Tao Qian’s last memorial was then submitted to the imperial court.

Cao Cao was in Juancheng when he learned that Tao Qian had died and that Liu Xuande had become Governor of Xuzhou. He was furious and said, “I have not yet avenged my enemy, yet without spending the effort of half an arrow, you sit there and possess Xuzhou! I shall first kill Liu Bei and then mutilate Tao Qian’s corpse, to wash away my late father’s grievance!”

He immediately issued orders and fixed a date to raise the army and attack Xuzhou.

Xun Yu entered and advised him, saying, “In the past, Gaozu secured Guanzhong, while Emperor Guangwu occupied Henei. Both sank deep roots and made their foundations firm, and in this way brought order to the empire. They could advance and defeat the enemy or retreat and defend securely. Therefore, though they met with hardships, in the end they accomplished their great enterprises.

“My lord first established his cause in Yanzhou. Moreover, the Yellow River and the Ji River make this a vital region of the empire. It is like the Guanzhong and Henei of former times. If you now go to take Xuzhou, leaving many troops behind will leave too few for your use, while leaving only a few will allow Lü Bu to take advantage of the weakness and invade. Then Yanzhou will be lost. If Xuzhou cannot be won, where will my lord return?

“Though Tao Qian is dead, Liu Bei is already defending Xuzhou. The people of Xuzhou have submitted to Liu Bei and will certainly help him fight to the death. If my lord abandons Yanzhou to take Xuzhou, it is abandoning the great for the small, leaving the root to seek the branches, and exchanging safety for danger. I hope you will think carefully about it.”

Cao Cao said, “The harvest has failed this year, and provisions are scarce. Having the soldiers sit here on guard is not a good plan in the end.”

Xun Yu said, “It would be better to advance east and take the territory of Chen, allowing the army to feed itself there. In Runan and Yingchuan, the remnants of the Yellow Turbans, He Yi, Huang Shao, and the others, have plundered the provinces and commanderies and possess large amounts of gold, silk, and grain. These bands of rebels will also be easy to defeat. If we defeat them and take their provisions to support the whole army, the court will rejoice and the people will be pleased. This is an undertaking that follows Heaven’s will.”

Cao Cao was pleased and followed his advice. He left Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren to defend Juancheng and the surrounding places, while he personally led troops to take the territory of Chen and then advance into Runan and Yingchuan.

The Yellow Turbans He Yi and Huang Shao learned that Cao Cao’s army was coming and led their followers out to meet it. The armies came together at Yangshan. Although the rebel army was numerous, it was only a rabble of foxes and dogs, with no proper units or ranks.

Cao Cao ordered his powerful bows and heavy crossbows to hold them in check, then ordered Dian Wei to ride out. He Yi sent his deputy commander-in-chief to fight. In fewer than three bouts, Dian Wei struck him beneath his horse with one thrust of his halberd.

Cao Cao led his forces forward to pursue the advantage and set up camp below Yangshan.

The next day, Huang Shao personally led his army forward. When the formation was complete, a general came out on foot to fight. He wore a yellow turban on his head and a green coat over his body, and carried an iron staff in his hand. He shouted, “I am He Man, the Heaven-Cutting Yaksha! Who dares fight me?”

When Cao Hong saw him, he gave a great shout, sprang from his horse, and went forward on foot carrying his saber. The two fought before the battle lines for forty or fifty bouts, with neither gaining the advantage.

Cao Hong pretended defeat and fled, and He Man pursued him. Cao Hong used the backward saber stroke: he turned, leaped, and struck He Man, then killed him with another blow.

Li Dian seized the opportunity and galloped straight into the rebel formation. Huang Shao had no time to guard against him and was captured alive by Li Dian. Cao Cao’s troops charged among the rebels and slaughtered them, seizing countless amounts of their gold, silk, and grain.

Left isolated, He Yi led several hundred horsemen away toward Gebei. As they traveled, an army suddenly emerged from behind a hill. At its head was a strong man eight chi tall and ten spans around the waist, carrying a great saber. He blocked the road.

He Yi leveled his spear and rode forward to meet him, but in only one bout the strong man seized him alive and carried him away. The rest of He Yi’s followers panicked, dismounted, and submitted to being bound. The strong man drove them all into the stockade at Gebei.

Meanwhile, Dian Wei pursued He Yi as far as Gebei, where the strong man led troops out to meet him.

Dian Wei said, “Are you also a Yellow Turban rebel?”

The strong man said, “Several hundred Yellow Turban horsemen have all been captured by me and are inside the stockade!”

Dian Wei said, “Why do you not hand them over?”

The strong man said, “If you can defeat the precious saber in my hand, I shall hand them over!”

Dian Wei was furious and advanced to fight with his twin halberds leveled. The two fought from the hour of the dragon until noon without deciding the victor, and then each withdrew for a short rest.

Before long, the strong man came out again and challenged him. Dian Wei also rode out. They fought until dusk and stopped only because both their horses were exhausted.

The soldiers under Dian Wei hurried to report the matter to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was greatly astonished and quickly led his generals there to watch.

The next day, the strong man again came out and challenged them. Cao Cao saw that the man’s martial bearing was stern and imposing, and he was secretly delighted. He instructed Dian Wei to pretend defeat that day.

Dian Wei accepted the order and went out to fight. After thirty bouts, he fled in defeat back toward the formation. The strong man pursued him as far as the entrance to the camp, where bows and crossbows forced him back.

Cao Cao immediately withdrew his army five li. He secretly had a pit dug and concealed men with hooks nearby.

The next day, he again ordered Dian Wei to ride out with more than a hundred horsemen. The strong man laughed and said, “How dare a defeated general come back again!” He urged his horse forward and joined battle.

After fighting only a few bouts, Dian Wei turned his horse and fled. Thinking only of the pursuit, the strong man galloped straight ahead. He failed to notice the trap, and both man and horse fell into the pit. The men with hooks bound him and brought him before Cao Cao.

Cao Cao came down from his command tent and angrily ordered the soldiers to stand back. He personally untied the strong man, quickly took a robe and clothed him in it, ordered him to sit, and asked his name and native place.

The strong man said, “I am from Qiao County in Qiao Commandery. My surname is Xu, my given name is Chu, and my style name is Zhongkang. Some time ago, when we suffered from the disorder caused by bandits, I gathered several hundred members of my clan and built strong defenses inside a stockade to resist them.

“One day the bandits came. I ordered everyone to gather large numbers of stones in preparation, and I personally hurled stones at the enemy. Not one missed, and the bandits withdrew.

“On another day the bandits came, and there was no grain left in the stockade. We therefore made peace with the rebels and agreed to exchange plow oxen for rice. The rice had already been delivered, and the rebels drove the oxen outside the stockade, but all the oxen broke away and ran back. I seized the tails of two oxen with both hands and walked backward for more than a hundred paces. The rebels were greatly frightened. They did not dare take the oxen and fled. Because of this, we have kept this place safe and free from trouble.”

Cao Cao said, “I have long heard your great name. Are you willing to submit to me?”

Xu Chu said, “That is exactly what I desire.”

He then summoned several hundred members of his clan, and they all surrendered. Cao Cao appointed Xu Chu as Commandant and rewarded him very generously. He then had He Yi and Huang Shao beheaded. Runan and Yingchuan were completely pacified.

Cao Cao returned with his army. Cao Ren and Xiahou Dun came to meet him and said that scouts had recently reported that the troops of Xue Lan and Li Feng in Yanzhou had all gone out to plunder, leaving the cities empty. If Cao Cao led his victorious army against them, the cities could be taken with a single beating of the drum.

Cao Cao therefore led the army straight toward Yanzhou. Xue Lan and Li Feng were taken by surprise and could only lead their soldiers out of the city to meet him in battle.

Xu Chu said, “I wish to take these two men as my introductory gift.”

Cao Cao was delighted and ordered him to fight. Li Feng, who wielded a painted halberd, came forward to meet him. After their horses had crossed only twice, Xu Chu cut Li Feng down beneath his horse.

Xue Lan hurriedly fled back toward his formation, but Li Dian blocked him beside the drawbridge. Xue Lan did not dare return to the city and led his army away toward Juye. Lü Qian galloped after him and shot him beneath his horse with one arrow. His whole army scattered.

Cao Cao recovered Yanzhou. Cheng Yu immediately urged him to advance and take Puyang.

Cao Cao appointed Xu Chu and Dian Wei as the vanguard, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan as the left wing, and Li Dian and Yue Jin as the right wing. Cao Cao personally commanded the center, while Yu Jin and Lü Qian brought up the rear.

When the army reached Puyang, Lü Bu wished to lead his men out in person to meet it. Chen Gong advised him, “You must not go out to fight. Wait until all the generals have gathered.”

Lü Bu said, “Whom should I fear?” He refused to listen to Chen Gong, led his army out into formation, held his halberd crosswise, and shouted abuse at the enemy.

Xu Chu immediately rode out. They fought for twenty bouts without deciding the victor.

Cao Cao said, “Lü Bu cannot be defeated by one man.”

He therefore sent Dian Wei to help, and the two generals attacked Lü Bu from both sides. Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan arrived from the left, while Li Dian and Yue Jin came from the right. All six generals attacked Lü Bu together.

Lü Bu could not hold them off, so he turned his horse and fled back toward the city. When the Tian family on the wall saw Lü Bu returning in defeat, they hurriedly ordered the drawbridge raised.

Lü Bu shouted, “Open the gate!”

The Tian family replied, “We have already surrendered to General Cao.”

Lü Bu cursed them loudly, then led his army away toward Dingtao. Chen Gong hurriedly opened the eastern gate and escorted Lü Bu’s family out of the city.

Cao Cao thus obtained Puyang and pardoned the Tian family for their former offense.

Liu Ye said, “Lü Bu is a fierce tiger. Today he is hard pressed and exhausted. We must not give him the slightest respite.”

Cao Cao ordered Liu Ye and the others to defend Puyang, while he personally led troops in pursuit as far as Dingtao. At that time, Lü Bu, Zhang Miao, and Zhang Chao were all inside the city. Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, Zang Ba, and Hou Cheng had gone to gather grain along the coast and had not yet returned.

When Cao Cao’s army reached Dingtao, it did not fight for several days, but withdrew forty li and established a camp. The wheat in Ji Commandery was just ripe, so Cao Cao immediately ordered his troops to cut it for food.

Scouts reported this to Lü Bu, who led his army in pursuit. As he approached Cao Cao’s camp, he saw thick and flourishing woods stretching away on the left. Fearing an ambush there, he turned back.

When Cao Cao learned that Lü Bu’s army had withdrawn, he said to his generals, “Lü Bu merely suspects that troops are hidden in the woods. We can plant many flags and banners among the trees to deepen his suspicions. West of the camp there is a long, dry embankment where we can conceal all our best troops. Tomorrow Lü Bu will certainly come to burn the woods. The troops inside the embankment will cut off his retreat, and Lü Bu can be captured.”

He therefore left only fifty drummers in the camp to beat the drums. He also placed men and women seized from the villages inside the camp and had them shout. Most of the elite troops were hidden in the embankment.

Meanwhile, Lü Bu returned and reported to Chen Gong.

Chen Gong said, “Cao Cao has many deceitful schemes. You must not take the enemy lightly.”

Lü Bu said, “I shall attack with fire and destroy the ambushing troops.”

He therefore left Chen Gong and Gao Shun to defend the city.

The next day, Lü Bu led his great army forward. From a distance he saw flags among the trees, so he drove his troops forward and set fire on all four sides, but there was not a single person there.

He was about to attack the camp when he heard a tremendous beating of drums. While he was still uncertain and suspicious, a body of troops suddenly emerged behind the camp. Lü Bu urged his horse forward to attack.

At the sound of a signal cannon, all the ambushing troops came out of the embankment. Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Xu Chu, Dian Wei, Li Dian, and Yue Jin charged forward on horseback.

Lü Bu realized that he could not withstand them and fled across the open country. Cheng Lian, one of his accompanying generals, was shot dead by Yue Jin with a single arrow.

Two-thirds of Lü Bu’s army were lost. The defeated soldiers returned and reported to Chen Gong.

Chen Gong said, “An empty city is difficult to defend. We had better leave quickly.”

Together with Gao Shun, he protected Lü Bu’s family, abandoned Dingtao, and fled.

Cao Cao led his victorious troops into the city, sweeping forward like a blade splitting bamboo. Zhang Chao burned himself to death, while Zhang Miao fled to join Yuan Shu. The whole region of Shandong fell into Cao Cao’s hands. His reassurance of the people and repair of the cities need not be related here.

Meanwhile, as Lü Bu fled, he met all the generals returning. Chen Gong also found him.

Lü Bu said, “Though my army is small, we can still defeat Cao Cao.”

He therefore led his army back once more. Indeed:

Victory and defeat are common things in war;Who knows what may happen when armor is rolled up and the army returns?

It is not known whether Lü Bu won or lost. Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.