Chapter 16

Lü Bu Shoots the Halberd at the Camp Gate; Cao Cao Suffers Defeat at Yu River

Now Yang Dajiang offered a plan to attack Liu Bei. Yuan Shu asked, “What plan do you propose?” Dajiang said, “Liu Bei’s army is stationed at Xiaopei. Though he may be easily taken, Lü Bu sits like a tiger in Xuzhou. We previously promised him money, silk, grain, and horses, but have yet to deliver them, and I fear he may aid Liu Bei. We should now send him grain to secure his goodwill and induce him to keep his troops at rest. Liu Bei can then be captured. Once Liu Bei has been taken, we may turn against Lü Bu, and Xuzhou will be ours.” Yuan Shu was delighted. He prepared two hundred thousand hu of grain and ordered Han Yin to carry a secret letter to Lü Bu. Lü Bu was greatly pleased and treated Han Yin with exceptional honor. Han Yin returned and reported to Yuan Shu, who thereupon appointed Ji Ling his chief general, with Lei Bo and Chen Lan as his deputies, and sent them at the head of tens of thousands of troops to attack Xiaopei.

When Xuande learned of this, he gathered his men to deliberate. Zhang Fei wanted to go out and fight. Sun Qian said, “Xiaopei now has little grain and few troops. How can we withstand the enemy? We should write to Lü Bu and appeal for urgent aid.” Zhang Fei said, “Why would that wretch ever come?” Xuande said, “Sun Qian’s advice is sound.” He had a letter written and sent to Lü Bu. It read in substance:

Ever since the general deigned to show me consideration, I, Bei, have been able to find shelter in Xiaopei, truly through a favor as vast as the clouds and sky. Yuan Shu now seeks to avenge a private grievance and has sent Ji Ling with an army against this county. My destruction may come at any hour, and none but the general can save me. I pray you will hasten here with a single force and rescue me from this extremity, as one hanging upside down. I shall be fortunate indeed, fortunate indeed!

After reading the letter, Lü Bu consulted Chen Gong. “When Yuan Shu sent me grain and a letter before,” he said, “his purpose was plainly to keep me from saving Xuande. Now Xuande has come to me asking for help. As I see it, while Xuande remains with his army at Xiaopei, he may not necessarily do me harm. But if Yuan Shu annexes his forces, he will then join with the commanders of Mount Tai to the north and plot against me. I shall no longer be able to sleep soundly. Better to save Xuande.” He therefore mustered his troops and set out.

Meanwhile, Ji Ling drove his army rapidly onward until he reached the southeast of Pei County, where he established his camp. By day, his banners stood in ranks, screening mountains and rivers; by night, his signal fires blazed and his drums thundered, shaking heaven and earth. Xuande had no more than five thousand men in the county town, yet he had no choice but to lead them out, draw up his formation, and establish a camp.

Suddenly it was reported that Lü Bu had brought an army to within one li of the town and pitched camp to the southwest. When Ji Ling learned that Lü Bu had come with troops to rescue Liu Bei, he hurriedly sent him a letter reproaching him for breaking faith. Lü Bu laughed and said, “I have a plan that will leave neither Yuan Shu’s house nor Liu Bei’s with cause to resent me.” He then sent messengers to the camps of Ji Ling and Liu Bei, inviting both men to a banquet.

When Xuande heard of Lü Bu’s invitation, he at once wished to go. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, “Elder Brother, you must not. Lü Bu is sure to harbor some treacherous intent.”

“I have never treated him poorly,” Xuande said. “He will surely do me no harm.”

He mounted and set off, accompanied by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. On reaching Lü Bu’s camp, he entered to see him.

“I have come expressly to relieve you from danger,” Lü Bu said. “When your ambitions are fulfilled one day, you must not forget me.”

Xuande thanked him, and Lü Bu invited him to sit. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood behind him with their hands upon their swords. Then someone reported that Ji Ling had arrived. Xuande was greatly alarmed and made to withdraw.

“I invited the two of you here expressly to confer together,” Lü Bu said. “You must not give way to suspicion.”

Xuande did not know his purpose and felt uneasy. Ji Ling dismounted and entered the camp, but when he saw Xuande seated in the tent, he was greatly startled, wheeled around, and tried to leave. Though the attendants sought to detain him, they could not. Lü Bu strode forward, seized him with one hand, and dragged him back as easily as if he were lifting a child.

“Does the general mean to kill Ji Ling?” Ji Ling asked.

“No,” said Lü Bu.

“Then can it be that you mean to kill the Big-Eared One?”

“No again.”

“Then why have you done this?”

“Xuande and I are brothers. The general has now placed him in peril, and so I have come to save him.”

“Then you mean to kill me?”

“There is no such principle. All my life I have disliked fighting; what I like is putting an end to fights. Today I shall settle this dispute between your two houses.”

“May I ask how you intend to settle it?”

“I have a method whose outcome Heaven itself will decide.”

He pulled Ji Ling into the tent and brought him face-to-face with Xuande. Each regarded the other with suspicion and distrust. Lü Bu took the central seat, placing Ji Ling on his left and Liu Bei on his right, then ordered a banquet served and the wine passed around.

After several rounds of wine, Lü Bu said, “For my sake, both your houses must withdraw your troops.”

Xuande said nothing. Ji Ling replied, “By my lord’s command, I have brought one hundred thousand troops for the express purpose of capturing Liu Bei. How can I withdraw?”

Zhang Fei flew into a rage, drew his sword, and shouted, “Though I have few soldiers, I regard the likes of you as child’s play! How do you compare with the Yellow Turbans in their millions? And you dare harm my elder brother!”

Lord Guan quickly restrained him. “Let us first see what General Lü intends. It will not be too late to return to our camps and fight afterward.”

“I invited both your houses here to end your quarrel,” Lü Bu said. “I will not have you fighting.”

On one side Ji Ling seethed with resentment; on the other Zhang Fei wanted only to fight. Lü Bu became furious and shouted, “Attendants! Bring me my halberd!”

He took his painted halberd in hand. Ji Ling and Xuande both turned pale.

“I have urged your two houses not to fight,” Lü Bu said. “The whole matter now rests with Heaven’s decree.”

He ordered his attendants to take the painted halberd outside the camp gate and plant it upright far in the distance. Then he turned to Ji Ling and Xuande.

“The camp gate is one hundred and fifty paces from the central tent. If, with a single arrow, I strike the small side-blade of the halberd, your two houses will withdraw your troops. If I miss, each of you will return to camp and make ready to fight. If either refuses to obey me, I will join forces with the other against him.”

Ji Ling thought privately, “The halberd stands one hundred and fifty paces away. How can he possibly hit it? I may as well agree. Once he misses, I can fight as I please.” He therefore gave his ready assent. Xuande naturally had no objection. Lü Bu asked them both to sit again and drink another cup of wine.

When they had finished drinking, Lü Bu ordered his bow and arrows brought. Xuande prayed inwardly, “If only he can hit it!”

Lü Bu drew back his robe sleeves, set an arrow to the string, pulled the bow to its full curve, and cried, “Strike!”

It was indeed:

The drawn bow hung in heaven like the autumn moon;The arrow fell to earth like a shooting star.

The single arrow struck squarely upon the painted halberd’s small side-blade. Officers and soldiers inside and outside the tent roared their acclaim in one voice. A later poet praised the feat:

Rare in the world was Marquis Wen’s divine bow,Which alone at the camp gate once dispelled a deadly peril.At sunset he truly put Hou Yi to shame;At the ape’s cry he would have surpassed Yang Youji.Tiger sinew rang as the bow sprang open;Eagle-feathered shaft flew when the arrow sped.Its leopard-tail trembled as it pierced the painted halberd,And a hundred thousand warriors put off their battle dress.

Having struck the side-blade of the painted halberd, Lü Bu threw back his head and laughed, cast his bow upon the ground, and took Ji Ling and Xuande by the hands.

“This is Heaven’s command that your two houses withdraw their troops!”

He shouted for the soldiers to pour wine, and each man drank a great goblet. Xuande privately acknowledged how deeply ashamed and indebted he was. Ji Ling remained silent for a long while, then said to Lü Bu, “I dare not disobey the general’s words. But when I return, how will my lord be willing to believe me?”

“I shall write him a reply myself,” said Lü Bu.

After several more rounds of wine, Ji Ling asked for the letter and departed first. Lü Bu then said to Xuande, “Had it not been for me, you would have been in grave danger.”

Xuande bowed his thanks and returned with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. The next day, the troops of all three parties dispersed.

There is no need to relate how Xuande reentered Xiaopei or Lü Bu returned to Xuzhou.

Ji Ling went back to Huainan and saw Yuan Shu. He recounted how Lü Bu had ended the conflict by shooting the halberd at the camp gate and presented Lü Bu’s letter. Yuan Shu was furious.

“Lü Bu accepted so much grain from me, yet he has used this childish trick to favor Liu Bei. I shall personally lead a great army against Liu Bei and punish Lü Bu as well!”

“My lord must not act rashly,” Ji Ling said. “Lü Bu’s courage and strength surpass those of ordinary men, and he also possesses the territory of Xuzhou. If he and Liu Bei support each other from head to tail, they will not be easy to overcome. I have heard that Lü Bu’s wife, Lady Yan, has a daughter who has reached marriageable age. My lord has a son. You might send someone to seek a marriage alliance with Lü Bu. If Lü Bu gives his daughter in marriage to my lord’s house, he will certainly kill Liu Bei. This is the stratagem by which a distant relation cannot come between close kin.”

Yuan Shu followed his advice. That very day he sent Han Yin as matchmaker, bearing gifts to Xuzhou to propose the marriage. Han Yin met Lü Bu and said, “My lord has long admired the general and wishes to ask for your honored daughter as his son’s wife, so that the friendship of Qin and Jin may be bound between your houses forever.”

Lü Bu went inside to consult his wife, Lady Yan. Lü Bu had, in fact, two wives and one concubine. He had first married Lady Yan as his principal wife and later taken Diaochan as a concubine. While residing at Xiaopei, he had also married Cao Bao’s daughter as his second wife. Lady Cao had died before him without bearing children, and Diaochan likewise had none. Only Lady Yan had given birth to a daughter, whom Lü Bu cherished above all.

Lady Yan now said to Lü Bu, “I have heard that Yuan Gonglu has long held Huainan, with abundant troops and ample grain, and that sooner or later he will become Son of Heaven. If he accomplishes his great enterprise, our daughter may hope to become empress or imperial consort. I only do not know how many sons he has.”

“Only one,” Lü Bu said.

“Then, if that is so, we should accept at once. Even if she does not become empress, Xuzhou will have nothing to fear.”

Lü Bu’s mind was settled. He entertained Han Yin lavishly and agreed to the marriage. Han Yin returned and reported to Yuan Shu, who immediately prepared the betrothal gifts and again ordered Han Yin to deliver them to Xuzhou. Lü Bu accepted them, gave a banquet in Han Yin’s honor, and lodged him at the official posthouse.

The next day, Chen Gong went directly to the posthouse to pay a visit to Han Yin. After the formal courtesies had been exchanged, they sat down. Chen Gong dismissed the attendants, then said to Han Yin, “Who offered this plan? In arranging a marriage between Lord Yuan and Fengxian, is the true intention to obtain Liu Xuande’s head?”

Han Yin started in alarm, rose, and bowed. “I beg you, Gongtai, not to reveal it!”

“Naturally I shall not reveal it,” Chen Gong said. “I fear only that if the matter is delayed, someone else will see through it and the affair will meet some unexpected reversal.”

“What, then, can be done? I pray you instruct me.”

“I shall see Fengxian and have him send his daughter to complete the marriage this very day. What do you think?”

Han Yin was overjoyed and bowed his thanks. “If you do this, Lord Yuan will be deeply grateful for your enlightened virtue!”

Chen Gong took leave of Han Yin and went in to see Lü Bu.

“I hear that your daughter has been promised to Yuan Gonglu,” he said. “I am greatly pleased. But on what day will the marriage be concluded?”

“That remains to be discussed at leisure,” Lü Bu replied.

“In ancient times there were fixed intervals between acceptance of the betrothal gifts and completion of the marriage: one year for the Son of Heaven, half a year for a feudal lord, one season for a grand officer, and one month for a commoner.”

“Yuan Gonglu has received the imperial treasure bestowed by Heaven and will sooner or later become emperor. Should we follow the rule for the Son of Heaven?”

“No.”

“Then should we follow the rule for a feudal lord?”

“No again.”

“Then we must follow the rule for ministers and grand officers?”

“No again.”

Lü Bu laughed. “Can you mean that I should follow the rule for commoners?”

“No.”

“Then what do you intend?”

Chen Gong said, “The lords of the realm are now contending with one another for supremacy. If you form a marriage alliance with Yuan Gonglu, can you be certain that none of the other lords will become jealous? If you choose some distant auspicious date, one of them may take advantage of our happy occasion, set an ambush along the road, and seize your daughter. What could be done then? As matters stand, if you do not wish to consent, let the affair end. But since you have consented, you should send your daughter to Shouchun at once, before the other lords learn of it. Let her reside separately in a guest palace, and afterward choose an auspicious day for the wedding. In that way nothing can go wrong.”

Lü Bu was delighted. “Gongtai’s words are entirely right.”

He went in and told Lady Yan. That very night they prepared the dowry, made ready fine horses and a perfumed carriage, and ordered Song Xian and Wei Xu to escort the daughter together with Han Yin. Drums and music clamored to the sky as the procession passed beyond the city walls.

At this time Chen Yuanlong’s father, Chen Gui, had retired to spend his old age at home. Hearing the sound of drums and music, he questioned those around him, who told him the reason.

“This is the stratagem by which a distant relation cannot come between close kin,” Chen Gui said. “Xuande is in danger.”

Though ill, he had himself supported into Lü Bu’s presence.

“What brings you here, venerable sir?” Lü Bu asked.

“I heard that the general had died,” Chen Gui replied, “and therefore came expressly to offer my condolences.”

Lü Bu was startled. “Why do you say such a thing?”

Chen Gui said, “Previously Yuan Gonglu sent you gold and silk because he wanted Liu Xuande killed, but you resolved the affair by shooting the halberd. Now he has suddenly proposed a marriage. His intention is plainly to take your daughter as a hostage and then attack Xuande and seize Xiaopei. Once Xiaopei falls, Xuzhou will be imperiled.

“Moreover, he may come to borrow grain or troops. If you grant his requests, you will exhaust yourself running at his command and will incur the resentment of others. If you refuse, you will be abandoning your kinship and opening hostilities. Besides, I have heard that Yuan Shu already intends to proclaim himself emperor. That is rebellion. If he rebels, you will be a relative of a traitor. How then can you escape rejection by all the realm?”

Lü Bu was greatly alarmed. “Chen Gong has misled me!”

He urgently ordered Zhang Liao to take troops in pursuit. More than thirty li away, they seized the daughter and brought her back. Han Yin too was arrested and imprisoned, with no permission to return. Lü Bu sent a messenger to answer Yuan Shu, saying only that his daughter’s dowry was not yet ready and that when the preparations were complete, he would escort her there himself.

Chen Gui further urged Lü Bu to have Han Yin sent under guard to the imperial capital, Xu. Lü Bu hesitated, unable to decide.

Suddenly someone reported, “Xuande is recruiting soldiers and buying horses at Xiaopei. His purpose is unknown.”

“That is no more than the proper business of a commander,” said Lü Bu. “Why should anyone find it strange?”

While they were still speaking, Song Xian and Wei Xu arrived and reported to Lü Bu: “By your command, illustrious lord, the two of us went into Shandong to purchase horses. We obtained more than three hundred fine animals. But as we returned through the border of Pei County, brigands robbed us of half. Our inquiries revealed that it was Liu Bei’s brother Zhang Fei, who had disguised himself as a mountain bandit and carried off the horses.”

Lü Bu flew into a rage. He immediately mustered his troops, marched to Xiaopei, and attacked Zhang Fei. Xuande was greatly alarmed when he heard and hastily led his army out to meet him.

When the two formations had been drawn up, Xuande rode forward and called, “Elder Brother, why have you brought an army here?”

Pointing at him, Lü Bu cursed, “At the camp gate I shot the halberd and saved you from mortal peril. Why have you stolen my horses?”

“Because I lacked horses, I sent men in every direction to purchase them,” Xuande replied. “How would I dare steal Elder Brother’s horses?”

“You ordered Zhang Fei to seize one hundred and fifty of my fine horses, and still you deny it!”

Zhang Fei leveled his spear and rode out. “I am the one who took your fine horses! What do you mean to do about it?”

“Round-eyed thief!” Lü Bu shouted. “Time after time you have treated me with contempt!”

“I take your horses and you become enraged,” Zhang Fei retorted. “But when you took my brother’s Xuzhou, you said nothing about that!”

Lü Bu leveled his halberd and rode out to fight Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei came against him with his spear. The two battled furiously for more than a hundred bouts without either gaining the advantage. Fearing some mishap, Xuande urgently sounded the gong, withdrew his army, and entered the city. Lü Bu divided his troops and encircled it on all four sides.

Xuande summoned Zhang Fei and rebuked him. “It was all because you seized his horses that this trouble began! Where are they now?”

“They have all been left in the various monasteries.”

Xuande at once sent a man out of the city to Lü Bu’s camp to plead for peace, offering to return the horses if both sides would withdraw. Lü Bu was inclined to agree.

Chen Gong said, “If you do not kill Liu Bei now, in time to come you will certainly be harmed by him.”

Lü Bu listened to Chen Gong and rejected the request. His assault upon the city grew fiercer. Xuande consulted Mi Zhu and Sun Qian.

“The man Cao Cao hates is Lü Bu,” Sun Qian said. “Our best plan is to abandon the city, flee to the imperial capital, Xu, and seek refuge with Cao Cao. We can borrow troops from him and destroy Lü Bu.”

“Who can lead the way and break out of the encirclement?” Xuande asked.

“Your younger brother is willing to fight to the death,” Zhang Fei replied.

Xuande ordered Zhang Fei to take the lead and Yunzhang to guard the rear, while he remained in the center to protect the old and the young. At the third watch that night, taking advantage of the bright moon, they went out through the north gate. They encountered Song Xian and Wei Xu, but Yide drove them back in a single onslaught and broke through the heavy encirclement. Zhang Liao came in pursuit from behind, and Lord Guan held him off.

When Lü Bu saw that Xuande had escaped, he did not pursue him. Instead, he entered the city, reassured the people, appointed Gao Shun to defend Xiaopei, and returned to Xuzhou.

Xuande hastened toward the imperial capital, Xu. On arriving outside the walls, he established camp and first sent Sun Qian to see Cao Cao and explain that Lü Bu had driven him out and that he had come expressly to seek refuge.

“Xuande and I are brothers,” Cao Cao said, and invited him into the city for an audience.

The next day, Xuande left Guan Yu and Zhang Fei outside the city and went in with Sun Qian and Mi Zhu to see Cao Cao, who received him with the honors due an exalted guest. Xuande gave a full account of Lü Bu’s actions.

“Lü Bu belongs to a faithless breed,” Cao Cao said. “I shall join forces with my worthy younger brother and destroy him.”

Xuande thanked him. Cao Cao entertained him at a banquet and saw him out that evening.

Xun Yu then entered and said, “Liu Bei is a hero. If you do not deal with him early, he will surely become a source of trouble later.”

Cao Cao gave no answer. Xun Yu withdrew, and Guo Jia entered.

“Xun Yu advises me to kill Xuande,” Cao Cao said. “What should I do?”

“You must not,” Guo Jia replied. “My lord raised a righteous army to deliver the common people from violence and relies upon good faith and justice to attract men of outstanding ability, yet you must still fear that they will not come. Xuande has long possessed the reputation of a hero and now, in poverty and distress, has come to seek your protection. If you kill him, you will have harmed a worthy man. When the wise and resourceful men of the realm hear of it, they will become suspicious and halt their steps. With whom, then, will my lord pacify the realm? To remove the danger posed by one man, yet frustrate the hopes of all within the four seas—here lies the pivot between security and peril, and it must be carefully weighed.”

Cao Cao was delighted. “Your words accord exactly with my own mind.”

The next day he submitted a memorial recommending Liu Bei as Governor of Yuzhou. Cheng Yu remonstrated: “Liu Bei will never remain beneath another man. Better to deal with him early.”

“This is precisely the time to employ heroes,” Cao Cao said. “I cannot kill one man and lose the allegiance of the realm. Guo Fengxiao and I are of one mind in this.”

He therefore rejected Cheng Yu’s advice. He gave Xuande three thousand troops and ten thousand hu of grain and sent him to assume office in Yuzhou. Xuande was to advance and station his army at Xiaopei, gather his former scattered troops, and attack Lü Bu. On reaching Yuzhou, Xuande sent someone to arrange a rendezvous with Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was preparing to raise an army and march in person against Lü Bu when an express courier arrived with news that Zhang Ji had led troops from within the passes to attack Nanyang, but had been struck by a stray arrow and killed. Zhang Ji’s nephew Zhang Xiu had taken command of his followers, employed Jia Xu as his adviser, formed an alliance with Liu Biao, and stationed his army at Wancheng, intending to raise troops, violate the imperial precincts, and seize the emperor.

Cao Cao was furious and wished to march against him, but feared that Lü Bu might attack the imperial capital, Xu. He therefore asked Xun Yu for a plan.

“This is easily managed,” Xun Yu said. “Lü Bu is a man without strategy who always rejoices at the sight of profit. Your illustrious lordship may send an envoy to Xuzhou to confer office and rewards upon him and order him to make peace with Xuande. Once delighted, Lü Bu will think no further afield.”

“Excellent,” said Cao Cao.

He appointed Wang Ze, Colonel Who Upholds the Army, to carry an official patent of office and a letter commanding reconciliation to Xuzhou. At the same time, Cao Cao raised an army of five hundred thousand and personally marched against Zhang Xiu. He divided the army into three columns, with Xiahou Dun as vanguard. The troops reached the Yu River and established camp.

Jia Xu advised Zhang Xiu, “Cao Cao’s army is overwhelmingly strong. We cannot oppose it. Better to surrender the city.”

Zhang Xiu followed his advice and sent Jia Xu to Cao Cao’s camp to declare his submission. Cao Cao found Jia Xu fluent and assured in all his answers and greatly admired him, wishing to employ him as an adviser.

“I formerly served Li Jue and thereby incurred the condemnation of the realm,” Jia Xu said. “I now serve Zhang Xiu, who accepts my words and follows my plans. I cannot yet bear to abandon him.”

He took his leave and departed. The next day, he brought Zhang Xiu to see Cao Cao, who treated Zhang Xiu with great generosity. Cao Cao led his troops into Wancheng and stationed them there, while the rest of the army camped outside. The stockades stretched in an unbroken chain for more than ten li.

Several days passed, and Zhang Xiu gave a banquet for Cao Cao each day. One day, after Cao Cao had become drunk and retired to his sleeping quarters, he privately asked his attendants, “Are there any courtesans in this city?”

Cao Cao’s nephew Cao Anmin understood his meaning and answered in secret, “Last night your young nephew caught sight of a woman beside the guesthouse. She is exceedingly beautiful. On inquiry, I learned that she is the wife of Zhang Xiu’s uncle, Zhang Ji.”

On hearing this, Cao Cao ordered Cao Anmin to take fifty armored soldiers and bring her to him. Before long she was brought into the camp. Cao Cao saw that she was indeed beautiful.

“What is your name?” he asked.

“I am Lady Zou, the wife of Zhang Ji.”

“Does my lady know who I am?”

“I have long heard of the Chancellor’s awe-inspiring renown. Tonight I am fortunate to be admitted to your presence.”

“It was for my lady’s sake that I expressly accepted Zhang Xiu’s surrender. Otherwise I would have exterminated his clan.”

Lady Zou bowed. “I am truly grateful for the grace that has given me life anew.”

“That I have met my lady today is Heaven’s good fortune,” Cao Cao said. “Tonight I wish to share pillow and mat with you. Then you may return to the capital with me and enjoy wealth and honor in peace. What do you say?”

Lady Zou bowed her thanks. That night they slept together in the tent.

“If we remain long within the city,” Lady Zou said, “Zhang Xiu will certainly become suspicious, and I also fear what outsiders may say.”

“Tomorrow I shall take my lady to reside in the camp.”

The next day, Cao Cao moved outside the city and lodged there. He summoned Dian Wei to stand guard outside the central command tent. No one else was permitted to enter without being expressly called, and thus all communication between inside and outside was severed. Cao Cao took his pleasure with Lady Zou each day and gave no thought to the date of his return.

A member of Zhang Xiu’s household secretly reported the affair to him. Zhang Xiu was enraged.

“The villain Cao has humiliated me beyond endurance!”

He summoned Jia Xu to deliberate.

“This matter must not be allowed to leak out,” Jia Xu said. “Tomorrow, wait until Cao Cao leaves his tent to conduct business, and then do thus and thus.”

The next day, while Cao Cao was in his tent, Zhang Xiu entered and reported, “Many of the newly surrendered soldiers have deserted. I beg leave to move my troops closer to the central army.”

Cao Cao consented. Zhang Xiu moved his army and divided it among four camps, fixing a date to act. Because he feared Dian Wei’s ferocity and knew he could not easily approach him, he consulted the auxiliary general Hu Che’er.

Hu Che’er could carry five hundred jin and travel seven hundred li in a day. He too was an extraordinary man. He now offered Zhang Xiu a plan.

“What makes Dian Wei fearsome is nothing but his pair of iron halberds. Tomorrow, my lord may invite him here to drink and send him back thoroughly drunk. I shall mingle among the soldiers accompanying him, slip into his quarters, and steal his halberds. Then there will be nothing to fear from him.”

Zhang Xiu was delighted. He prepared bows, arrows, armor, and weapons in advance and issued orders throughout his camps.

When the appointed day came, he had Jia Xu convey his compliments and invite Dian Wei to the camp, where wine was pressed upon him with great attentiveness. In the evening Dian Wei returned drunk. Hu Che’er mingled among the other men and passed directly into the main camp.

That night Cao Cao was drinking with Lady Zou in his tent. Suddenly he heard men speaking and horses neighing outside and sent someone to investigate. The man returned and reported that Zhang Xiu’s troops were making their night patrol. Cao Cao therefore suspected nothing.

Near the second watch, shouting suddenly arose behind the camp. A report came that a fodder wagon had caught fire.

“There is a fire in the army,” Cao Cao said. “Do not be alarmed.”

Before long, fires sprang up on every side. Only then did Cao Cao become anxious and urgently summon Dian Wei.

Dian Wei lay asleep in a drunken stupor. In his dreams he heard the clash of gongs and drums and cries of battle. He leapt to his feet but could not find his pair of halberds. The enemy had already reached the camp gate. Dian Wei hastily snatched a foot soldier’s saber and took it in hand.

Countless cavalry and infantry appeared at the gate, all leveling long spears as they surged into the camp. Dian Wei charged forward with all his strength and cut down more than twenty men. The cavalry had only just fallen back when the infantry arrived, their spears ranked on either side like reeds. Dian Wei wore not a scrap of armor and was struck from head to foot by dozens of spears, yet still he fought to the death.

When the saber’s edge was hacked into notches and could no longer be used, Dian Wei cast it aside, seized two soldiers in his hands, and wielded them against the enemy, killing another eight or nine men. The mass of rebels dared not approach him and shot at him only from afar. Arrows fell like a sudden storm, yet Dian Wei still defended the camp gate to the death.

But the rebel troops had already entered from behind the camp, and Dian Wei was struck in the back by another spear. He gave several tremendous cries, and with blood flowing all over the ground, he died. Even after he had been dead for some time, not one man dared enter through the front gate.

Meanwhile, because Dian Wei held the camp gate, Cao Cao was able to mount a horse behind the camp and escape. Only Cao Anmin followed him on foot. Cao Cao had been struck by an arrow in the right arm, and his horse by three arrows. Fortunately, it was a fine horse from Dayuan, able to endure pain and run swiftly.

They had just reached the bank of the Yu River when the rebel troops overtook them. Cao Anmin was hacked into bloody pulp. Cao Cao spurred his horse and charged through the waves. Just as he reached the opposite bank, an enemy arrow struck the horse squarely in the eye, and it collapsed upon the ground.

Cao Cao’s eldest son, Cao Ang, at once gave his own mount to his father. Cao Cao mounted and fled at full speed. Cao Ang was killed by a disorderly volley of arrows. Cao Cao escaped, encountered his generals on the road, and gathered the remnant of his army.

At this time the Qingzhou troops under Xiahou Dun took advantage of the confusion to descend upon the countryside and plunder the homes of the people. Yu Jin, Commandant Who Pacifies the Caitiffs, sent his own troops to intercept and kill the marauders and reassured the villagers.

The Qingzhou soldiers fled back. Meeting Cao Cao, they threw themselves upon the ground, wept, and accused Yu Jin of rebellion, saying that he had pursued and slaughtered the Qingzhou troops. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed.

Before long, Xiahou Dun, Xu Chu, Li Dian, and Yue Jin all arrived. Cao Cao told them that Yu Jin had rebelled and ordered them to marshal their troops against him.

Yu Jin, learning that Cao Cao and the other commanders had all arrived, led his troops into position to secure the corner of the formation, dug a trench, and established a fortified camp.

Someone said to him, “The Qingzhou troops accuse the general of rebellion. Now that the Chancellor has arrived, why do you not defend yourself? Why establish a camp first?”

“The rebel pursuers are behind us and may arrive at any moment,” Yu Jin replied. “If we do not prepare first, how can we withstand the enemy? Defending myself is a minor matter; repelling the enemy is the great one.”

He had only just completed the camp when Zhang Xiu’s army attacked in two columns. Yu Jin personally led the charge from the camp and met the enemy. Zhang Xiu hastily withdrew. When the other commanders saw Yu Jin advance, each led his troops into the attack. Zhang Xiu’s army was utterly defeated and pursued for more than a hundred li.

With his strength exhausted and his forces isolated, Zhang Xiu led his defeated troops away and sought refuge with Liu Biao.

Cao Cao recalled the army and reviewed his commanders. Yu Jin entered to see him and gave a full account of how the Qingzhou troops had plundered without restraint, gravely forfeiting the goodwill of the people, and how he had therefore killed them.

“Why did you establish camp before reporting to me?” Cao Cao asked.

Yu Jin answered as he had before.

“In the midst of confusion,” Cao Cao said, “the general was able to order his troops and fortify his position. You accepted slander and endured hardship, turning defeat into victory. Even the famous generals of antiquity could not have surpassed this!”

He presented Yu Jin with a set of gold vessels and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Yishou Village. He reprimanded Xiahou Dun for failing to maintain discipline among his troops, then established an altar and offered sacrifice to Dian Wei.

Cao Cao wept in person as he poured the libation. Turning to his commanders, he said, “I lost my eldest son and my beloved nephew, yet neither loss grieves me so deeply. For Dian Wei alone do I wail and weep.”

All who heard him sighed with emotion. The next day, he gave the order to withdraw.

There is no need to relate how Cao Cao led his army back to the imperial capital, Xu.

Wang Ze carried the imperial edict to Xuzhou. Lü Bu welcomed him into his residence, and the edict was opened and read aloud: Lü Bu was appointed General Who Pacifies the East and specially granted the seal and ribbon of office. Wang Ze then produced Cao Cao’s private letter and spoke at length before Lü Bu of Lord Cao’s esteem for him. Lü Bu was delighted.

Suddenly it was reported that Yuan Shu had sent a messenger. Lü Bu summoned the man and questioned him.

“Lord Yuan will soon ascend the imperial throne and establish the Eastern Palace. He urges that the imperial bride be sent to Huainan without delay.”

Lü Bu flew into a rage. “How dare a traitor speak in this way!”

He had the messenger executed, placed Han Yin in a cangue secured with spikes, and sent Chen Deng to carry a memorial of thanks. Chen Deng was to escort Han Yin to the imperial capital, Xu, together with Wang Ze, and express gratitude for the imperial favor. Lü Bu also sent Cao Cao a letter asking to be formally confirmed as Governor of Xuzhou.

When Cao Cao learned that Lü Bu had broken off the marriage with Yuan Shu, he was delighted and had Han Yin beheaded in the public marketplace.

Chen Deng secretly advised Cao Cao, “Lü Bu is a jackal and wolf. He is brave but without strategy and changes allegiance lightly. He should be dealt with early.”

“I have always known that Lü Bu is a wolf cub with a savage ambition,” Cao Cao said. “He truly cannot be kept long. None but you and your father can fathom his disposition. You must work with me in plotting against him.”

“If the Chancellor takes action,” Chen Deng replied, “I shall serve as your ally within.”

Cao Cao was overjoyed. In a memorial, he secured for Chen Gui an honorary appointment as Administrative Officer with a stipend of two thousand shi and appointed Chen Deng Administrator of Guangling.

As Chen Deng took his leave to return, Cao Cao grasped his hand and said, “I entrust the affairs of the east to you.”

Chen Deng nodded his assent and returned to Xuzhou to see Lü Bu. When Lü Bu questioned him, Chen Deng told him that his father had been granted rank and stipend and that he himself had been made an administrator.

Lü Bu flew into a rage. “You did not seek the governorship of Xuzhou for me, but instead sought rank and emolument for yourself! Your father persuaded me to join with Lord Cao and break off the marriage with Gonglu. Now I have obtained nothing I asked for, while you and your father have both risen to honor. Your father and son have sold me!”

He drew his sword and made to cut Chen Deng down.

Chen Deng laughed loudly. “How can the general be so utterly blind?”

“How am I blind?” Lü Bu demanded.

“When I saw Lord Cao, I told him, ‘Keeping the general is like keeping a tiger: its fill of meat must be given it. If it is not fed, it will devour men.’ Lord Cao laughed and said, ‘That is not so. I treat Marquis Wen as one keeps a hawk. While foxes and hares remain abroad, the hawk must not first be fed its fill. When hungry, it serves its master; when full, it spreads its wings and flies away.’

“I asked, ‘Who are the foxes and hares?’

“Lord Cao replied, ‘Yuan Shu in Huainan, Sun Ce east of the Yangzi, Yuan Shao in Jizhou, Liu Biao in Jingzhou, Liu Zhang in Yizhou, and Zhang Lu in Hanzhong—all are foxes and hares.’”

Lü Bu threw down his sword and laughed. “Lord Cao understands me!”

While they were still speaking, it was suddenly reported that Yuan Shu’s army was advancing to seize Xuzhou. Lü Bu was startled at the news.

It was indeed:

Qin and Jin failed to unite; Wu and Yue went to war;A marriage alliance brought armored hosts afield.

What happened afterward will be revealed in what follows.

Lü Bu Shoots the Halberd at the Camp Gate; Cao Cao Suffers Defeat at Yu River

Now Grand General Yang proposed a plan to attack Liu Bei. Yuan Shu said, “What is your plan?” The general said, “Liu Bei’s army is stationed at Xiaopei. Though it would be easy to take, Lü Bu sits like a tiger in Xuzhou. Last time we promised him gold, silk, grain, and horses, but have not yet given them to him. I fear he may help Liu Bei. We should now send him grain to win his goodwill and make him keep his troops still. Then Liu Bei can be captured. First capture Liu Bei, and afterward deal with Lü Bu. Then Xuzhou can be obtained.” Yuan Shu was delighted. He prepared two hundred thousand hu of grain and ordered Han Yin to carry a secret letter to Lü Bu. Lü Bu was very pleased and treated Han Yin with great honor. Han Yin returned and reported to Yuan Shu, who then appointed Ji Ling chief general, with Lei Bo and Chen Lan as deputy generals, and sent them at the head of tens of thousands of troops to attack Xiaopei.

When Xuande heard the news, he gathered his men to discuss it. Zhang Fei wanted to go out and fight. Sun Qian said, “Xiaopei now has little grain and few troops. How can we resist the enemy? We should write to Lü Bu and appeal for urgent help.” Zhang Fei said, “How would that scoundrel ever agree to come?” Xuande said, “Sun Qian’s advice is good.” He had a letter written and sent to Lü Bu. It said in brief:

Since the general graciously took thought for me and allowed me, Liu Bei, to find shelter in Xiaopei, I have truly been indebted to a kindness as high as the clouds and sky. Yuan Shu now seeks to avenge a private grudge and has sent Ji Ling with troops against the county. My destruction may come at any moment, and no one but the general can save me. I hope you will bring even one division of troops to rescue me from this desperate danger. I shall be deeply grateful!

After Lü Bu read the letter, he discussed it with Chen Gong, saying, “Earlier Yuan Shu sent grain and a letter because he wanted me not to rescue Xuande. Now Xuande has come asking for help. I think that while Xuande’s army is stationed at Xiaopei, he may not necessarily be able to harm me. But if Yuan Shu annexes Xuande’s forces, he will then join with the generals of Mount Tai in the north and plot against me, and I will no longer be able to sleep in peace. It would be better to rescue Xuande.” He therefore called out his troops and set off.

Meanwhile, Ji Ling’s army drove rapidly forward and reached the southeast of Pei County, where it made camp. By day its banners and standards spread across the land, hiding the hills and rivers; by night its signal fires and drums made heaven and earth seem to shake and collapse. Xuande had only a little more than five thousand men in the county, but he had no choice except to lead them outside and form a battle line and camp. Suddenly a report came that Lü Bu had led his army to a point one li from the county and had set up camp to the southwest. When Ji Ling learned that Lü Bu had brought troops to rescue Liu Bei, he hurriedly sent Lü Bu a letter accusing him of breaking faith. Lü Bu laughed and said, “I have a plan that will keep both Yuan Shu and Liu Bei from resenting me.” He then sent messengers to the camps of Ji Ling and Liu Bei, inviting both men to a banquet.

When Xuande heard Lü Bu’s invitation, he at once wished to go. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, “Elder brother, you must not go. Lü Bu is certain to have some hidden purpose.” Xuande said, “I have not treated him poorly. He will certainly not harm me.” He mounted his horse and set out, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei following him. They reached Lü Bu’s camp and entered to see him. Lü Bu said, “Today I have come especially to relieve your danger. If you achieve your ambitions in the future, you must not forget me.” Xuande thanked him. Lü Bu invited Xuande to sit, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood behind him with their hands on their swords. Someone reported that Ji Ling had arrived. Xuande was greatly alarmed and wished to withdraw. Lü Bu said, “I invited the two of you here especially to confer together. Do not become suspicious.”

Xuande still did not know what Lü Bu intended and felt uneasy. Ji Ling dismounted and entered the camp, but when he saw Xuande sitting in the command tent, he was greatly startled and immediately turned to leave. The men around him tried but failed to hold him. Lü Bu stepped forward and pulled him back with one hand as easily as if lifting a child. Ji Ling said, “Does the general mean to kill me?” Lü Bu said, “No.” Ji Ling said, “Then do you mean to kill the big-eared fellow?” Lü Bu said, “No, not that either.” Ji Ling said, “Then what is this about?” Lü Bu said, “Xuande and I are brothers. He is now hard-pressed by you, General, and so I have come to save him.” Ji Ling said, “If that is so, then you mean to kill me?” Lü Bu said, “Nothing of the kind. All my life I have disliked fighting and liked only to settle fights. Today I will settle the dispute between your two houses.” Ji Ling said, “May I ask how you intend to settle it today?” Lü Bu said, “I have one method, and Heaven will decide the outcome.” He pulled Ji Ling into the tent to meet Xuande. Both men harbored doubt and suspicion. Lü Bu seated himself in the middle, placed Ji Ling on his left and Liu Bei on his right, and ordered a banquet prepared and wine served.

After several rounds of wine, Lü Bu said, “For my sake, both your houses must withdraw your troops.” Xuande said nothing. Ji Ling said, “By my lord’s command, I have brought one hundred thousand troops expressly to capture Liu Bei. How can I withdraw?” Zhang Fei flew into a rage, drew his sword, and shouted, “Though I have few troops, I regard men like you as mere children’s play! How do you compare with the million Yellow Turbans? You dare harm my elder brother!” Lord Guan quickly stopped him and said, “Let us first see what General Lü decides. It will not be too late afterward for each side to return to its camp and fight.” Lü Bu said, “I invited your two houses here to end your conflict. I will not allow you to fight.”

On one side Ji Ling was indignant, and on the other Zhang Fei wanted only to fight. Lü Bu became furious and ordered, “Attendants! Bring me my halberd!” Lü Bu took his painted halberd in hand. Ji Ling and Xuande both turned pale. Lü Bu said, “Whether my advice that your two houses cease fighting is followed depends entirely upon Heaven’s will.” He ordered his attendants to take the painted halberd far outside the camp gate and plant it firmly in the ground. Then he looked back at Ji Ling and Xuande and said, “The camp gate is one hundred and fifty paces from the central command tent. If I hit the small side branch of the halberd with one arrow, your two houses must withdraw your troops. If I miss, each of you may return to your camp and prepare to fight. If either refuses to obey me, I will join forces with the other against him.” Ji Ling thought privately, “The halberd is more than one hundred and fifty paces away. How could he possibly hit it? I may as well agree. When he misses, I can fight as I please.” He immediately accepted. Xuande naturally had no objection. Lü Bu told them both to sit and had each drink another cup of wine.

When the wine was finished, Lü Bu ordered that his bow and arrows be brought. Xuande prayed silently, “I only hope he can hit it!” Lü Bu rolled up his robe sleeves, set an arrow to the string, drew the bow to its full extent, and cried, “Hit!”

It was truly this:

The drawn bow was like the autumn moon crossing heaven;The flying arrow was like a meteor falling to earth.

The single arrow struck precisely the small branch of the painted halberd. Officers and soldiers, inside and outside the tent, all cheered together. A later poet praised the deed:

Marquis Wen’s divine archery was rare beneath the sky;Alone beside the camp gate, once he ended danger.At sunset he could truly have outdone Hou Yi;Hearing the apes cry, he would surpass Yang Youji.Tiger-sinew string resounded as the bow bent wide;Carved-feather fletching flew when the arrow sped.Past the leopard-tail tuft it pierced the painted halberd;A hundred thousand mighty troops took off their battle dress.

When Lü Bu struck the small branch of the painted halberd, he laughed loudly, threw his bow to the ground, and took Ji Ling and Xuande by the hands, saying, “Heaven commands your two houses to withdraw their troops!” He called for the soldiers to pour wine, and each man drank a great goblet. Xuande privately counted himself fortunate, though ashamed. Ji Ling remained silent for a long while, then told Lü Bu, “I dare not disobey the general’s words. But when I return, how will my lord be willing to believe me?” Lü Bu said, “I will write him a reply myself.” After several more rounds of wine, Ji Ling asked for the letter and departed first. Lü Bu said to Xuande, “Without me, you would have been in danger.” Xuande bowed his thanks and returned with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. The next day, the troops of all three sides dispersed.

There is no need to relate how Xuande entered Xiaopei and Lü Bu returned to Xuzhou. Ji Ling returned to Huainan to see Yuan Shu and told him how Lü Bu had shot the halberd at the camp gate and settled the conflict. He also presented Lü Bu’s letter. Yuan Shu became furious and said, “Lü Bu accepted so much grain from me, yet he has used this childish game to favor Liu Bei. I will personally lead a great army to campaign against Liu Bei and punish Lü Bu as well!” Ji Ling said, “My lord must not act rashly. Lü Bu’s courage and strength surpass those of ordinary men, and he also possesses the territory of Xuzhou. If Lü Bu and Liu Bei support each other from front and rear, they will not be easy to defeat. I have heard that Lü Bu’s wife, Lady Yan, has a daughter who has reached marriageable age. My lord has a son. You could send someone to ask Lü Bu for a marriage alliance. If Lü Bu gives his daughter in marriage to my lord’s son, he will certainly kill Liu Bei. This is the plan of preventing distant relations from coming between close kin.”

Yuan Shu followed his advice. That same day he sent Han Yin as matchmaker, carrying gifts to Xuzhou to propose the marriage. Han Yin reached Xuzhou, met Lü Bu, and said, “My lord greatly admires the general and wishes to ask for your honored daughter as his son’s wife, so that the friendship between Qin and Jin may be joined forever.” Lü Bu went inside to consult his wife, Lady Yan. Lü Bu had two wives and one concubine. He had first married Lady Yan as his principal wife and later taken Diaochan as a concubine. While living in Xiaopei, he had also married Cao Bao’s daughter as his second wife. Lady Cao had died earlier without children, and Diaochan had borne none either. Only Lady Yan had given birth to a daughter, whom Lü Bu loved above all.

Lady Yan now said to Lü Bu, “I have heard that Yuan Gonglu has long held Huainan, with many troops and abundant grain, and sooner or later he will become Son of Heaven. If he succeeds in his great undertaking, our daughter may hope to become an empress or imperial consort. I only do not know how many sons he has.” Lü Bu said, “Only one.” His wife said, “If that is so, you should agree at once. Even if our daughter does not become empress, our position in Xuzhou will still be secure.” Lü Bu made up his mind, treated Han Yin generously, and accepted the marriage proposal. Han Yin returned and reported to Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu immediately prepared the betrothal gifts and again ordered Han Yin to take them to Xuzhou. Lü Bu accepted them, gave a banquet for Han Yin, and lodged him at the official guesthouse.

The next day, Chen Gong went directly to the official guesthouse to pay a visit to Han Yin. After exchanging courtesies, they sat down. Chen Gong dismissed the attendants and said to Han Yin, “Who proposed this plan? Is the purpose of arranging a marriage between Lord Yuan and Fengxian to obtain Liu Xuande’s head?” Han Yin was startled, rose, and bowed, saying, “I beg Gongtai not to reveal it!” Chen Gong said, “I will not reveal it. I only fear that if the matter is delayed, someone else will see through it and events will change halfway through.” Han Yin said, “Then what can be done? I beg you to teach me.” Chen Gong said, “I will see Fengxian and have him send his daughter to her marriage at once. What do you think?” Han Yin was delighted and thanked him, saying, “If you do this, Lord Yuan will feel no small gratitude for your shining virtue!”

Chen Gong then took his leave of Han Yin and went in to see Lü Bu. He said, “I have heard that your daughter has been promised in marriage to Yuan Gonglu, and I am very pleased. But I do not know on what day the marriage is to take place.” Lü Bu said, “That remains to be discussed.” Chen Gong said, “In ancient times, there were fixed rules for the period between accepting the betrothal gifts and completing the marriage: one year for a Son of Heaven, half a year for a feudal lord, one season for a grand officer, and one month for a commoner.” Lü Bu said, “Yuan Gonglu received a national treasure bestowed by Heaven and will sooner or later become emperor. Could we follow the rule for a Son of Heaven?” Chen Gong said, “No.” Lü Bu said, “Then should we follow the rule for a feudal lord?” Chen Gong said, “No.” Lü Bu said, “Then we must follow the rule for ministers and grand officers?” Chen Gong said, “No.” Lü Bu laughed and said, “Can you mean that I should follow the rule for commoners?” Chen Gong said, “No.” Lü Bu said, “Then what do you want me to do?”

Chen Gong said, “The feudal lords of the empire are now struggling against one another for supremacy. If you form a marriage alliance with Yuan Gonglu, can you guarantee that none of the other lords will be jealous? If you choose a fortunate date far in the future, one of them may take advantage of the wedding day and set an ambush on the road to seize your daughter. What could you do then? Under present circumstances, if you did not intend to consent, that would be the end of it. But since you have already consented, you should send your daughter immediately to Shouchun, before the other lords learn of it. She can live separately in another residence, and afterward you may choose a fortunate day for the wedding. Then nothing at all can go wrong.” Lü Bu was pleased and said, “Gongtai’s words are entirely right.” He went inside and told Lady Yan. That very night they prepared the dowry, fine horses, and perfumed carriage, and ordered Song Xian and Wei Xu to escort the daughter together with Han Yin. Drums and music thundered to heaven as they escorted her outside the city.

At this time Chen Yuanlong’s father, Chen Gui, was living quietly at home in old age. When he heard the sound of drums and music, he questioned his attendants. They told him what had happened. Chen Gui said, “This is the plan of preventing distant relations from coming between close kin. Xuande is in danger.” Though ill, he went to see Lü Bu. Lü Bu said, “What brings you here, venerable sir?” Chen Gui said, “I heard that the general had died, so I came especially to offer condolences.” Lü Bu was startled and said, “Why do you say this?”

Chen Gui said, “Previously, Yuan Gonglu sent you gold and silk because he wanted Liu Xuande killed, but you settled the conflict by shooting the halberd. Now he has suddenly proposed a marriage. His intention must be to take your daughter as a hostage, after which he will attack Xuande and seize Xiaopei. Once Xiaopei is lost, Xuzhou will be in danger. Moreover, he may come to borrow grain or troops. If you agree, you will be worn out running at his command and will also make enemies of others. If you refuse, you will be abandoning your marriage kin and opening hostilities. Besides, I hear that Yuan Shu already intends to proclaim himself emperor. That is rebellion. If he rebels, you will be related to a traitor. How could you avoid being rejected by the whole empire?”

Lü Bu was greatly alarmed and said, “Chen Gong has misled me!” He hurriedly ordered Zhang Liao to lead troops in pursuit. More than thirty li away, they seized Lü Bu’s daughter and brought her back. They also arrested and imprisoned Han Yin and refused to let him return. Lü Bu sent someone to answer Yuan Shu, saying only that his daughter’s dowry was not yet ready and that he would personally send her once everything had been prepared. Chen Gui further urged Lü Bu to send Han Yin under guard to the imperial capital at Xu. Lü Bu hesitated and had not yet decided when someone suddenly reported, “Xuande is recruiting troops and buying horses in Xiaopei. We do not know what he intends.” Lü Bu said, “Those are ordinary duties for a commander. Why should anyone find them strange?”

While they were speaking, Song Xian and Wei Xu arrived and told Lü Bu, “By your command, illustrious lord, we went to Shandong to buy horses and obtained more than three hundred fine animals. On our return, when we reached the border of Pei County, violent bandits robbed us of half of them. We have learned that it was Liu Bei’s brother Zhang Fei, disguised as a mountain bandit, who seized the horses.” When Lü Bu heard this, he flew into a rage, immediately called out his troops, and marched to Xiaopei to attack Zhang Fei. When Xuande heard of it, he was greatly alarmed and hurriedly led his army out to meet him.

When the two armies had formed their lines, Xuande rode out and said, “Elder brother, why have you brought troops here?” Lü Bu pointed at him and cursed, “I shot the halberd at the camp gate and saved you from great danger. Why did you steal my horses?” Xuande said, “Because I lacked horses, I sent men in every direction to buy them. How would I dare steal your horses, elder brother?” Lü Bu said, “You had Zhang Fei steal one hundred and fifty of my fine horses, yet you still deny it!” Zhang Fei leveled his spear, rode out, and said, “I stole your fine horses! What do you intend to do about it now?” Lü Bu cursed him, saying, “Round-eyed bandit! Time after time you have shown contempt for me!” Zhang Fei said, “When I take your horses, you become angry, but when you took my elder brother’s Xuzhou, you say nothing about it!”

Lü Bu leveled his halberd and rode out to fight Zhang Fei, who also raised his spear and met him. The two fought fiercely for more than one hundred bouts without either gaining the advantage. Xuande feared some mishap and hurriedly sounded the gong, withdrew his army, and entered the city. Lü Bu divided his forces and surrounded it on all four sides. Xuande summoned Zhang Fei and rebuked him, saying, “It was all because you stole his horses that this trouble began! Where are the horses now?” Zhang Fei said, “They have all been lodged in various temples.” Xuande immediately sent a man out of the city to Lü Bu’s camp to plead for peace, offering to return the horses if both sides would withdraw. Lü Bu wished to agree. Chen Gong said, “If you do not kill Liu Bei now, he will certainly harm you in time.”

Lü Bu listened to Chen Gong, refused the request, and pressed the attack more fiercely. Xuande consulted Mi Zhu and Sun Qian. Sun Qian said, “The man Cao Cao hates is Lü Bu. It would be best to abandon the city, go to the imperial capital at Xu, and place yourself under Cao Cao. Then you can borrow troops to defeat Lü Bu. This is the best plan.” Xuande said, “Who can lead the way and break through the siege?” Zhang Fei said, “Your younger brother is willing to fight to the death.” Xuande placed Zhang Fei in front and Yunzhang in the rear, while he stayed in the center to protect the old and young. During the third watch that night, they took advantage of the bright moon and left through the north gate. They met Song Xian and Wei Xu, but Yide drove them back with one fierce attack and broke through the heavy encirclement. Zhang Liao came in pursuit from behind, but Lord Guan held him off. When Lü Bu saw that Xuande had escaped, he did not pursue him. He immediately entered the city, reassured the people, ordered Gao Shun to guard Xiaopei, and returned to Xuzhou himself.

Xuande hurried on toward the imperial capital at Xu. When he reached the outskirts, he made camp and first sent Sun Qian to see Cao Cao and explain that Lü Bu had driven him out and he had come especially to seek Cao Cao’s protection. Cao Cao said, “Xuande and I are brothers.” He invited him into the city for an audience. The next day, Xuande left Guan Yu and Zhang Fei outside the city and entered with Sun Qian and Mi Zhu to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao treated him with the honors due a distinguished guest. Xuande fully related what Lü Bu had done. Cao Cao said, “Lü Bu belongs to a faithless breed. My worthy younger brother and I will join forces and destroy him.” Xuande thanked him. Cao Cao gave a banquet in his honor and escorted him out in the evening. Xun Yu then came in and said, “Liu Bei is a hero. If you do not deal with him early, he will certainly become a danger later.”

Cao Cao did not answer. Xun Yu departed, and Guo Jia entered. Cao Cao said, “Xun Yu advises me to kill Xuande. What should I do?” Guo Jia said, “You must not. My lord raised a righteous army to rid the people of cruelty. You rely entirely on trust and justice to attract outstanding men, and even then you fear they may not come. Xuande has long possessed the reputation of a hero, and now in distress and poverty he has come to place himself under your protection. If you kill him, you will be harming a worthy man. When the wise strategists of the empire hear of it, they will become suspicious and hold back from coming. With whom, then, will my lord bring peace to the empire? To remove the danger of one man while destroying the hopes of all within the four seas is a turning point between safety and peril. You must consider it carefully.”

Cao Cao was delighted and said, “Your words agree exactly with my own thoughts.” The next day, he submitted a memorial recommending Liu Bei as Governor of Yuzhou. Cheng Yu objected, saying, “Liu Bei will never remain beneath another man. It would be better to deal with him early.” Cao Cao said, “At present this is precisely the time to employ heroes. I cannot kill one man and lose the allegiance of the empire. Guo Fengxiao and I share the same opinion on this.” He therefore rejected Cheng Yu’s advice. He gave Xuande three thousand troops and ten thousand hu of grain and sent him to take office in Yuzhou. Xuande was to advance and station his army at Xiaopei, gather his former scattered troops, and attack Lü Bu. When Xuande reached Yuzhou, he sent a man to arrange a joint campaign with Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was preparing to raise an army and personally campaign against Lü Bu when a mounted express messenger suddenly reported that Zhang Ji had led troops out from within the passes and attacked Nanyang, but had been struck by a stray arrow and killed. Zhang Ji’s nephew Zhang Xiu had taken command of his men, employed Jia Xu as his strategist, formed an alliance with Liu Biao, and stationed his army at Wancheng, intending to raise troops, invade the imperial capital, and seize the emperor. Cao Cao was furious and wished to raise an army against him, but he feared Lü Bu might attack the imperial capital at Xu. He therefore asked Xun Yu for a plan. Xun Yu said, “This is easy. Lü Bu has no strategy and always delights at the sight of profit. Your illustrious lordship can send an envoy to Xuzhou to grant him a higher office and rewards, and order him to make peace with Xuande. Once Lü Bu is pleased, he will not think of any distant plan.” Cao Cao said, “Good.” He appointed Wang Ze, Commandant Who Upholds the Army, to carry the official warrant and a letter arranging peace to Xuzhou. At the same time, Cao Cao raised five hundred thousand troops and personally marched against Zhang Xiu. He divided the army into three routes and made Xiahou Dun the vanguard. The army reached the Yu River and made camp.

Jia Xu advised Zhang Xiu, “Cao Cao’s military strength is great. You cannot oppose him. It would be better to surrender the city.” Zhang Xiu followed his advice and sent Jia Xu to Cao Cao’s camp to offer submission. Cao Cao found that Jia Xu answered every question fluently and admired him greatly. He wished to employ him as a strategist. Jia Xu said, “I formerly served Li Jue and thereby offended the whole empire. I now serve Zhang Xiu, who listens to my words and follows my plans. I cannot yet bear to abandon him.” He then took his leave. The next day, he brought Zhang Xiu to meet Cao Cao, who treated Zhang Xiu very generously. Cao Cao led his troops into Wancheng and stationed them there, while the rest of the army camped outside the city, its linked stockades stretching for more than ten li. Several days passed. Zhang Xiu gave a banquet for Cao Cao every day. One day Cao Cao became drunk and withdrew to his sleeping quarters. He privately asked his attendants, “Are there any courtesans in this city?” Cao Cao’s nephew Cao Anmin understood what he wanted and secretly answered, “Last night, your young nephew happened to see a woman beside the guesthouse who was exceedingly beautiful. When I asked about her, I learned that she was the wife of Zhang Xiu’s uncle Zhang Ji.”

When Cao Cao heard this, he ordered Cao Anmin to take fifty armored soldiers and bring her to him. Before long, she was brought into the army camp. Cao Cao saw that she was indeed beautiful. He asked her name, and the woman answered, “I am Lady Zou, the wife of Zhang Ji.” Cao Cao said, “Do you know who I am, madam?” Lady Zou said, “I have long heard of the chancellor’s mighty fame. Tonight I have the good fortune to look upon you and pay my respects.” Cao Cao said, “It was for your sake, madam, that I specially accepted Zhang Xiu’s surrender. Otherwise, I would have exterminated his entire clan.” Lady Zou bowed and said, “I am truly grateful for the kindness that has given me a second life.” Cao Cao said, “That I have met you today is a blessing from Heaven. Tonight I wish to share your bed, and then have you return with me to the capital to enjoy wealth and honor in peace. What do you say?”

Lady Zou bowed her thanks. That night, they slept together in the tent. Lady Zou said, “If we remain within the city for long, Zhang Xiu will certainly grow suspicious, and I also fear what outsiders may say.” Cao Cao said, “Tomorrow I will take you to live in the camp.” The next day, they moved outside the city, and Cao Cao called Dian Wei to stand guard and sleep outside the central command tent. No one else was allowed to enter without being summoned, so communication between inside and outside was cut off. Every day Cao Cao amused himself with Lady Zou and gave no thought to the date of his return. A member of Zhang Xiu’s household secretly reported the matter to him. Zhang Xiu became furious and said, “That villain Cao Cao has humiliated me beyond endurance!” He called Jia Xu and consulted him. Jia Xu said, “This matter must not be revealed. Tomorrow, wait until Cao Cao leaves his tent to discuss affairs, and then do this and this.”

The next day, while Cao Cao was in his tent, Zhang Xiu entered and reported, “Many of the newly surrendered soldiers are deserting. I ask permission to move my forces closer to the central army.” Cao Cao gave permission. Zhang Xiu then moved his army and divided it among four camps, setting a date to take action. Because he feared Dian Wei’s fierce courage and knew he would be hard to approach quickly, he consulted his deputy general Hu Che’er. Hu Che’er had the strength to carry five hundred jin and could travel seven hundred li in a day. He too was an extraordinary man. He now proposed a plan to Zhang Xiu, saying, “What makes Dian Wei fearsome is only his pair of iron halberds. Tomorrow, my lord can invite him to drink and make him return completely drunk. I will then mix among the soldiers accompanying him, slip into his tent, and steal his halberds. After that, there will be nothing to fear from him.”

Zhang Xiu was delighted. He prepared bows, arrows, armor, and armed men in advance and notified every camp. On the appointed day, he had Jia Xu convey his compliments and invite Dian Wei to the camp, where they pressed wine on him with great courtesy. In the evening, Dian Wei returned drunk. Hu Che’er mingled among the other men and entered the main camp with them. That night, Cao Cao was drinking with Lady Zou in his tent. Suddenly he heard men talking and horses neighing outside and sent someone to investigate. The man returned and reported that Zhang Xiu’s troops were making their night patrol. Cao Cao therefore suspected nothing. Near the second watch, shouts suddenly arose behind the camp. Someone reported that the carts of straw had caught fire. Cao Cao said, “There is a fire in the army. Do not be alarmed.”

Before long, fires sprang up on every side. Only then did Cao Cao become anxious, and he urgently called for Dian Wei. Dian Wei had been lying asleep in a drunken stupor. When he heard the sounds of gongs, drums, battle cries, and killing in his dreams, he jumped to his feet, but could not find his pair of halberds. The enemy troops had already reached the camp gate. Dian Wei hurriedly snatched a waist saber from a foot soldier. He saw countless enemy soldiers and horsemen at the gate, all leveling long spears as they forced their way into the camp. Dian Wei charged forward with all his strength and cut down more than twenty men. The horsemen had only just withdrawn when the infantry arrived, their spears ranked on both sides like reeds. Dian Wei wore not a scrap of armor and was struck from head to foot by scores of spears, yet he still fought desperately. When the blade of his saber became too badly notched to use, he threw it away, seized two soldiers in his hands, and used them to fight the enemy, killing eight or nine more men. The mass of rebels did not dare come near him and only shot arrows from a distance. The arrows fell like a sudden rain, but Dian Wei still defended the camp gate to the death. Yet the rebel troops had already entered from behind the camp. Another spear struck Dian Wei in the back. He gave several great cries, and blood poured across the ground as he died. Even after he had been dead for some time, not one man dared enter through the front gate.

Because Dian Wei held the camp gate, Cao Cao was able to mount a horse and flee through the rear of the camp. Only Cao Anmin followed on foot. Cao Cao had been struck by an arrow in the right arm, and his horse had also been struck by three arrows. Fortunately, it was a fine horse from Dayuan, able to bear the pain and run swiftly. Just as they reached the bank of the Yu River, the rebel troops caught up. Cao Anmin was hacked into a mass of flesh. Cao Cao urgently spurred his horse through the waves and crossed the river. He had only just reached the opposite bank when a rebel arrow struck the horse directly in the eye, and it fell to the ground. Cao Cao’s eldest son, Cao Ang, immediately gave Cao Cao his own horse. Cao Cao mounted it and fled at once. Cao Ang was then killed by a storm of arrows. Cao Cao escaped and met his generals on the road, where they gathered the surviving troops.

At that time, the Qingzhou troops under Xiahou Dun took advantage of the disorder to enter the countryside and plunder the homes of the people. Yu Jin, Colonel Who Pacifies the Caitiffs, led the troops under his own command against them, killing the marauders and reassuring the villagers. The Qingzhou soldiers fled back, met Cao Cao, knelt weeping on the ground, and claimed that Yu Jin had rebelled and was pursuing and killing the Qingzhou troops. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed. Before long, Xiahou Dun, Xu Chu, Li Dian, and Yue Jin all arrived. Cao Cao told them that Yu Jin had rebelled and ordered them to prepare their troops to meet him.

Meanwhile, when Yu Jin saw that Cao Cao and the others had all arrived, he led his army to secure the corner of the battle line with archers, dug a trench, and established a camp.

Someone said to him, “The Qingzhou troops say that you have rebelled. Now the chancellor has arrived. Why do you not explain yourself instead of first building a camp?” Yu Jin said, “The enemy’s pursuing troops are behind us and may arrive at any moment. If we do not prepare first, how can we resist them? Explaining myself is a small matter; driving back the enemy is a great one.” Just as the camp was completed, Zhang Xiu’s army attacked by two routes. Yu Jin personally led the way out of the camp to meet the enemy. Zhang Xiu hurriedly withdrew. When the other generals saw Yu Jin advancing, each led his troops into the attack. Zhang Xiu’s army suffered a great defeat and was pursued and slaughtered for more than one hundred li. His strength exhausted and his forces isolated, Zhang Xiu led his defeated troops away to join Liu Biao.

Cao Cao recalled the army and counted his generals. Yu Jin came in to see him and fully explained that the Qingzhou troops had plundered without restraint, greatly alienating the people, and that this was why he had killed them. Cao Cao said, “Why did you establish a camp before reporting to me?” Yu Jin answered with what he had said earlier. Cao Cao said, “Amid urgent confusion, General, you were able to put the troops in order and fortify the camp, bearing both slander and hardship, and turning defeat into victory. Even the famous generals of antiquity could not have surpassed this!” He gave Yu Jin a set of gold vessels and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Yishou Village. He reprimanded Xiahou Dun for failing to maintain strict discipline among his troops. He also arranged sacrifices for Dian Wei. Cao Cao personally wept and poured an offering for him, then looked around at the generals and said, “I lost my eldest son and my beloved nephew, yet neither loss gives me such deep grief. For Dian Wei alone do I wail and weep.” Everyone was moved and sighed. The next day, Cao Cao ordered the army to return.

There is no need to relate how Cao Cao brought his army back to the imperial capital at Xu. Wang Ze carried the imperial decree to Xuzhou, where Lü Bu welcomed him into the government residence and opened and read the decree. It appointed Lü Bu General Who Pacifies the East and specially granted him the official seal and cord of office. Wang Ze then brought out Cao Cao’s private letter and, in Lü Bu’s presence, spoke at length of Lord Cao’s respect for him. Lü Bu was delighted. Suddenly it was reported that Yuan Shu had sent an envoy. Lü Bu summoned the man and questioned him. The envoy said, “Lord Yuan will ascend the imperial throne very soon and establish the Eastern Palace for his heir. He urgently requests that the imperial bride come to Huainan as soon as possible.” Lü Bu flew into a rage and said, “How dare that rebel act like this!” He killed the envoy, fastened Han Yin in a nailed wooden cangue, and sent Chen Deng to carry a memorial of thanks and escort Han Yin to the imperial capital at Xu together with Wang Ze, there to express his gratitude for the imperial favor. He also sent a letter in reply to Cao Cao, asking for a confirmed appointment as Governor of Xuzhou.

When Cao Cao learned that Lü Bu had broken off the marriage with Yuan Shu, he was delighted and had Han Yin beheaded in the public marketplace. Chen Deng secretly advised Cao Cao, “Lü Bu is a jackal and wolf. He is brave but has no strategy, and he changes his allegiance lightly. You should deal with him early.” Cao Cao said, “I have always known that Lü Bu has the wild ambition of a wolf cub and truly cannot be kept for long. No one but you and your father can fully understand his circumstances. You must plan with me against him.” Chen Deng said, “If the chancellor takes action, I will respond from within.” Cao Cao was delighted. He submitted a memorial granting Chen Gui the rank and salary of a Palace Administration Officer at two thousand shi, and appointed Chen Deng Administrator of Guangling. When Chen Deng took his leave to return, Cao Cao held his hand and said, “I entrust the affairs of the east to you.”

Chen Deng nodded and agreed, then returned to Xuzhou and met Lü Bu. Lü Bu questioned him, and Chen Deng said that his father had been granted rank and salary and that he himself had been appointed an administrator. Lü Bu flew into a rage and said, “You did not seek the governorship of Xuzhou for me, but instead sought rank and salary for yourself! Your father told me to cooperate with Lord Cao and break off the marriage with Gonglu. Yet in the end I have gained nothing I asked for, while you and your father have both risen to honor. I have been sold out by you and your father!” He drew his sword and was about to kill Chen Deng. Chen Deng laughed loudly and said, “How utterly lacking in understanding you are, General!” Lü Bu said, “What do I fail to understand?” Chen Deng said, “When I met Lord Cao, I said that keeping you, General, was like keeping a tiger: it must be given its fill of meat, for if it is not filled, it will devour men. Lord Cao laughed and said, ‘That is not how I see it. I treat Marquis Wen as one treats a hawk. While the foxes and hares remain, I dare not feed it fully. When hungry, it serves my purpose; when full, it flies away.’ I asked, ‘Who are the foxes and hares?’ Lord Cao said, ‘Yuan Shu in Huainan, Sun Ce east of the Yangzi, Yuan Shao in Jizhou, Liu Biao in Jingzhou, Liu Zhang in Yizhou, and Zhang Lu in Hanzhong—they are all foxes and hares.’” Lü Bu threw down his sword and laughed, saying, “Lord Cao understands me!” While they were still speaking, a sudden report came that Yuan Shu’s army was advancing to seize Xuzhou. When Lü Bu heard it, he was greatly startled. It was truly this:

Before Qin and Jin could unite, Wu and Yue began to fight;A marriage alliance brought armored armies in its wake.

What happened afterward will be explained in the next chapter.