Chapter 19

Cao Cao Fights Fiercely at Xiapi; Lü Bu Meets His End at White Gate Tower

Now Gao Shun led Zhang Liao in an attack on Guan Yu’s camp, while Lü Bu himself attacked Zhang Fei’s. Guan and Zhang each came out to meet the enemy, and Xuande led troops to support them on both fronts. Lü Bu divided his forces and struck from the rear. The armies of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei both collapsed, and Xuande fled back to Pei City with several dozen horsemen. Lü Bu pursued him. Xuande urgently called to the soldiers on the walls to lower the drawbridge, and Lü Bu arrived close behind. The men on the walls wished to loose their arrows, but feared they might hit Xuande. Seizing the opportunity, Lü Bu charged through the city gate. The soldiers guarding it could not withstand him and scattered in every direction. Lü Bu summoned his army into the city. Seeing the danger upon him, Xuande had no time to reach his home. He had no choice but to abandon his wife and children, ride straight through the city, escape by the west gate, and flee alone on horseback.

Lü Bu hastened to Xuande’s residence, where Mi Zhu came out to meet him and said, “I have heard that a true man does not harm another man’s wife and children. The one contending with you for the realm is Cao Cao, not Xuande. Xuande has always remembered your kindness in shooting the halberd at the camp gate and has never dared betray you. Only under compulsion did he seek refuge with Cao Cao. I pray you have mercy upon him.” Lü Bu said, “Xuande and I are old friends. How could I bear to harm his wife and children?” He therefore ordered Mi Zhu to escort Xuande’s family to Xuzhou and settle them there. Lü Bu himself led his army toward the borders of Yanzhou in Shandong, leaving Gao Shun and Zhang Liao to hold Xiaopei. By this time Sun Qian had escaped from the city. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had each gathered some troops and established themselves in the hills.

Meanwhile Xuande was fleeing alone on horseback when a man overtook him from behind. Looking back, he saw that it was Sun Qian. Xuande said, “I do not know whether my two brothers live or die, and my wife and children are lost. What am I to do?” Sun Qian replied, “For the present, we had best seek refuge with Cao Cao and afterward devise some further plan.” Xuande followed his advice and took bypaths toward the capital, Xudu. On the journey their provisions ran out, and they often went into villages to ask for food. Wherever the people heard that the Governor of Yuzhou had come, they vied with one another to offer him food and drink. One day they sought lodging at a certain house. A young man of the household came out and bowed before them. Asked his name, he proved to be a hunter named Liu An.

When Liu An learned that the Governor of Yuzhou had arrived, he wished to find some game to serve him, but could obtain none at such short notice. He therefore killed his wife and served her flesh as food. Xuande asked, “What meat is this?” Liu An replied, “It is wolf meat.” Suspecting nothing, Xuande ate his fill and lodged there for the night. At dawn, as he was about to depart, he went into the rear courtyard to fetch his horse and suddenly saw a woman lying slain beside the kitchen, all the flesh cut from her arms. Xuande asked in horror what had happened and only then learned that the meat he had eaten the night before was the flesh of Liu An’s wife. He was overcome with grief. Shedding tears, he mounted his horse. Liu An said to him, “I wished to follow Your Excellency, but my aged mother is still at home, and so I dare not travel far.”

Xuande thanked him and took his leave, following the road out of Liangcheng. Suddenly he saw dust blotting out the sun as a mighty army approached. Knowing it to be Cao Cao’s army, Xuande and Sun Qian went straight to the commander’s standard and met Cao Cao. Xuande told him in full how he had lost Pei City, been separated from his two brothers, and left his wife and children in the enemy’s hands. Cao Cao also shed tears at his tale. When Xuande related how Liu An had killed his wife to feed him, Cao Cao ordered Sun Qian to take Liu An a gift of one hundred taels of gold.

When the army reached Jibei, Xiahou Yuan and the others received Cao Cao into camp and reported in detail that Xiahou Dun had lost an eye and still lay ill, not yet recovered. Cao Cao visited him where he lay and ordered him to return to Xudu to recuperate. At the same time he sent scouts to discover Lü Bu’s whereabouts. The mounted scouts returned and reported, “Lü Bu has joined Chen Gong and Zang Ba with the bandits of Mount Tai, and together they are attacking the commanderies of Yanzhou.” Cao Cao at once ordered Cao Ren to take three thousand troops and attack Pei City. He himself led the main army, accompanied by Xuande, to fight Lü Bu. Advancing into Shandong and nearing Xiao Pass, they encountered the Mount Tai bandit chiefs Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and Chang Xi, who blocked the road with more than thirty thousand men. Cao Cao ordered Xu Chu to engage them. All four chiefs rode out together. Xu Chu fought with desperate valor, and the four could not withstand him; each turned and fled. Cao Cao pressed the advantage and charged, pursuing them as far as Xiao Pass. A mounted scout hastened to report the news to Lü Bu.

By then Lü Bu had returned to Xuzhou and intended to take Chen Deng with him to relieve Xiaopei, leaving Chen Gui to defend Xuzhou. Before Chen Deng departed, Chen Gui said to him, “Cao Cao once told you that all affairs in the east were entrusted to you. Lü Bu is now on the verge of defeat; this is your opportunity to act against him.” Chen Deng replied, “I shall manage affairs outside. If Lü Bu returns defeated, Father must ask Mi Zhu to help defend the city and refuse him entry. I have my own plan for escaping.” Chen Gui said, “But Lü Bu’s wife and children are here, and many within the city are devoted to him. What can be done about them?” Chen Deng replied, “I have a plan for that as well.” He then went in to see Lü Bu and said, “Xuzhou is beset on every side. Cao Cao will surely attack with all his strength, and we must first prepare a place of retreat. The money and grain should be moved to Xiapi. If Xuzhou is besieged, the provisions in Xiapi can be used for its relief. Why does my lord not make arrangements without delay?” Lü Bu said, “Yuanlong’s advice is excellent. I shall move my wife and children there as well.” He therefore ordered Song Xian and Wei Xu to escort his family, together with the money and grain, to Xiapi. Lü Bu himself then led an army with Chen Deng to relieve Xiao Pass. Halfway there, Chen Deng said, “Allow me to go ahead and learn the true strength of Cao Cao’s troops at the pass. My lord may advance afterward.”

Lü Bu gave his consent, and Chen Deng went ahead to the pass. Chen Gong and the others received him. Chen Deng said, “The Marquis of Wen is deeply angered that you refuse to advance. He is coming to punish you.” Chen Gong replied, “Cao Cao’s forces are now too powerful to be treated lightly. We must hold the pass securely. You should urge our lord to defend Pei City with all his strength; that is the best course.” Chen Deng repeatedly assented. That evening he climbed the pass and looked out. Seeing Cao Cao’s troops pressing close beneath it, he wrote three letters under cover of darkness, fastened them to arrows, and shot them down beyond the pass. The next day he took leave of Chen Gong and galloped back to Lü Bu. “Sun Guan and the others at the pass all mean to surrender it,” he reported. “I have left Chen Gong there to hold them in check. General, you should attack at dusk and go to his aid.”

Lü Bu said, “But for you, this pass would be lost.” He ordered Chen Deng to ride ahead to the pass and arrange for Chen Gong to act from within, with fire as the signal. Chen Deng went straight to Chen Gong and reported, “Cao Cao’s troops have taken a bypath and reached the inner side of the pass. I fear Xuzhou may be lost. You must return there at once.” Chen Gong accordingly led his men away, abandoning the pass. Chen Deng then kindled the signal fire upon it. Lü Bu charged forward in the darkness, and Chen Gong’s troops and Lü Bu’s army fell upon one another in the night.

When Cao Cao’s soldiers saw the signal fire, they charged together and pressed the attack. Sun Guan and the others scattered and fled in every direction. Lü Bu fought on until daybreak before realizing that he had fallen into a trap. He hastened back to Xuzhou with Chen Gong. But when they reached the city and called for the gates to be opened, a shower of arrows came down from the walls. Mi Zhu shouted from the gate tower, “You seized my lord’s city, and now it has been restored to him. You shall never enter it again!” Lü Bu cried furiously, “Where is Chen Gui?” Mi Zhu replied, “I have already killed him!” Lü Bu turned to Chen Gong and asked, “Where is Chen Deng?” Chen Gong answered, “Do you still persist in your delusion and ask after that treacherous villain?”

Lü Bu ordered a search throughout the army, but Chen Deng was nowhere to be found. Chen Gong urged Lü Bu to make haste for Xiaopei, and Lü Bu followed his advice. Halfway there, a strong body of troops came racing toward them. They proved to be Gao Shun and Zhang Liao. Lü Bu questioned them, and they answered, “Chen Deng came and reported that our lord was surrounded, so we hurried to your rescue.” Chen Gong said, “This too was that villain’s scheme.” Lü Bu cried in fury, “I shall certainly kill the traitor!” He spurred swiftly toward Xiaopei, only to see Cao Cao’s banners planted all over the walls. Cao Cao had already ordered Cao Ren to take the city by surprise and hold it with his troops. From below the walls Lü Bu reviled Chen Deng. Pointing down at him, Chen Deng cursed, “I am a servant of the Han! How could I ever serve a rebel like you?” Lü Bu flew into a rage. Just as he was about to attack the city, great shouts suddenly arose behind him and a body of troops approached. The leading general was Zhang Fei. Gao Shun rode out to meet him but could not prevail. Lü Bu then engaged Zhang Fei himself. While they were fighting, another roar rose beyond the lines: Cao Cao was leading his main army in a headlong assault.

Realizing that he could not withstand them, Lü Bu led his army eastward, with Cao Cao’s troops in pursuit. Before long Lü Bu’s men were weary and their horses spent. Suddenly a body of troops swept out to bar his road. At their head sat a general with his horse drawn across the way and his saber leveled. He shouted, “Lü Bu, do not flee! Guan Yunchang is here!” Lü Bu hastily engaged him. Zhang Fei came pressing from behind. With no will to prolong the battle, Lü Bu and Chen Gong fought open a path and fled straight for Xiapi, where Hou Cheng led troops out to receive them. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei met and shed tears as each recounted what had happened since their separation. Yunchang said, “I had established myself on the road to Haizhou. When I learned the news, I came here.” Zhang Fei said, “I have been staying at Mount Mangdang all this while. By good fortune we have met today.”

When the two had finished their account, they led their troops together to Xuande, bowed weeping to the ground, and were reunited with him. Mingled grief and joy filled Xuande’s heart. He presented them to Cao Cao and then accompanied Cao Cao into Xuzhou. Mi Zhu came to receive him and reported fully that his family was unharmed, at which Xuande rejoiced greatly. Chen Gui and his son also came to pay homage to Cao Cao. Cao Cao held a great banquet to reward the generals. He himself occupied the central seat, with Chen Gui on his left and Xuande on his right. All the other officers and soldiers sat according to rank. After the feast, Cao Cao commended Chen Gui and his son for their service, increased their fief by the revenues of ten counties, and appointed Chen Deng General Who Subdues the Waves.

Having gained Xuzhou, Cao Cao was greatly pleased and began discussing an expedition against Xiapi. Cheng Yu said, “Lü Bu now possesses only the single city of Xiapi. If we press him too hard, he will fight to the death and seek refuge with Yuan Shu. Should Lü Bu and Yuan Shu unite, they will be difficult to attack. We should now appoint a capable man to guard the main road into Huainan, containing Lü Bu within and opposing Yuan Shu without. Moreover, Zang Ba, Sun Guan, and their kind in Shandong have not yet submitted, and we must not neglect precautions against them.”

Cao Cao said, “I shall attend to all the roads through Shandong myself. I ask Xuande to take charge of the main road into Huainan.” Xuande replied, “How could I dare disobey the Chancellor’s command?” The next day Xuande left Mi Zhu and Jian Yong in Xuzhou, and, taking Sun Qian, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, led his army to guard the main road into Huainan. Cao Cao personally led his forces against Xiapi.

Meanwhile Lü Bu, secure in Xiapi, relied upon his ample stores of grain and the natural barrier of the Si River. He therefore settled down to hold the city, confident that no danger threatened him. Chen Gong said, “Cao Cao’s army has only just arrived. Before its camps and palisades are established, we should strike his weary men with our rested troops. Victory will be certain.” Lü Bu replied, “I have suffered defeat after defeat and must not venture out lightly. Let them attack first; then, when we strike, they will all be driven into the Si River.” Thus he refused to heed Chen Gong’s advice.

Several days later, when Cao Cao’s camps had been firmly established, he led his generals beneath the city walls and called loudly for Lü Bu to speak with him. Lü Bu mounted the wall and stood there. Cao Cao said to him, “I hear that you, Fengxian, again desire a marriage alliance with Yuan Shu. That is why I have led my army here. Yuan Shu has committed the monstrous crime of rebellion, while you rendered meritorious service by destroying Dong Zhuo. Why cast away your former achievement and follow a rebel? Once the city falls, repentance will come too late. If you surrender promptly and join me in upholding the imperial house, you need not lose your rank as a marquis.” Lü Bu replied, “Withdraw for the present, Chancellor, and allow me time to consider.”

Standing beside Lü Bu, Chen Gong loudly reviled Cao Cao as a treacherous villain and shot an arrow that struck the canopy over Cao Cao’s standard. Pointing at Chen Gong in hatred, Cao Cao cried, “I swear I shall kill you!” He then led his troops in an assault upon the city. Chen Gong said to Lü Bu, “Cao Cao has come from afar and cannot maintain his position for long. General, you should lead the infantry and cavalry out to encamp beyond the city, while I close the gates and defend within with the remaining troops. If Cao Cao attacks you, I shall strike his rear; if he attacks the city, you shall come to its relief from behind. In no more than ten days, Cao Cao’s provisions will be exhausted, and we may crush him with a single attack. This is the strategy of mutually supporting horns.” Lü Bu said, “Your advice is entirely sound.” He returned to his residence to prepare his armor and equipment. As it was the winter season, he instructed his attendants to carry plenty of quilted clothing.

When Lü Bu’s wife, Lady Yan, heard of this, she came out and asked, “Where do you intend to go?” Lü Bu told her of Chen Gong’s plan. Lady Yan said, “You mean to entrust the entire city to another, abandon your wife and children, and lead a solitary army far away. If some sudden change should occur, how could I remain the general’s wife?” Lü Bu hesitated, unable to decide, and for three days did not set out. Chen Gong came to see him and said, “Cao Cao’s army surrounds the city on every side. Unless you go out soon, you will surely be trapped.” Lü Bu replied, “I think it better to defend firmly than to venture far afield.” Chen Gong said, “I have lately heard that Cao Cao’s army is short of grain. He has sent men to Xudu to fetch supplies, which are expected at any moment. General, you should lead picked troops out to sever his supply route. This is an excellent plan.”

Lü Bu agreed, but went inside once more and told Lady Yan of the plan. Weeping, she said, “If the general goes out, how can Chen Gong and Gao Shun hold the city securely? Should anything go wrong, regret will come too late! Once before, in Chang’an, the general abandoned me. Only through Pang Shu’s secretly concealing me was I fortunate enough to be reunited with you. Who would have thought you would now abandon me again? A boundless future lies before you, General; pray do not let concern for me trouble you!” With that, she wept bitterly.

Hearing her words, Lü Bu became sorrowful and could reach no decision. He went to tell Diaochan. Diaochan said, “General, decide for my sake and do not ride lightly out alone.” Lü Bu replied, “Have no fear. I possess my painted halberd and the Red Hare. Who would dare approach me?” He then went out and said to Chen Gong, “The report that Cao Cao’s provisions are coming is a deception. Cao Cao has many crafty schemes, and I dare not move.” Chen Gong went out sighing. “We shall die without even a place to bury our bodies!”

From then on Lü Bu never left the city, but spent every day drinking with Lady Yan and Diaochan to dispel his gloom. His advisers Xu Si and Wang Kai came to see him and proposed a plan: “Yuan Shu is now in Huainan, and his power and reputation are greatly increased. General, you once arranged a marriage alliance with him. Why not seek his aid again? If his troops arrive, we can attack Cao Cao from within and without, and he will not be difficult to defeat.” Lü Bu accepted their plan, wrote a letter that very day, and ordered the two men to deliver it. Xu Si said, “We must have troops to lead us through the enemy lines.” Lü Bu ordered Zhang Liao and Hao Meng to lead one thousand soldiers and escort them through the pass.

At the second watch that night, Zhang Liao led the way and Hao Meng brought up the rear, protecting Xu Si and Wang Kai as they fought their way out of the city. They swept past Xuande’s camp, and before his generals could overtake them, they had cleared the pass. Hao Meng took five hundred men and continued with Xu Si and Wang Kai, while Zhang Liao led the other half back. At the pass Yunchang barred his way. Before they could engage, Gao Shun led troops out of the city to his aid and escorted him safely inside.

Xu Si and Wang Kai reached Shouchun, bowed before Yuan Shu, and presented Lü Bu’s letter. Yuan Shu said, “Formerly he killed my envoy, then relied upon our marriage agreement; now he comes to ask my aid again. What does this mean?” Xu Si replied, “That was the result of Cao Cao’s treacherous scheme. I pray Your Illustrious Lordship examine the matter.” Yuan Shu said, “If your master were not hard pressed by Cao Cao’s army, would he truly consent to give me his daughter?” Wang Kai said, “If Your Illustrious Lordship refuses to help him now, I fear that when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold. That would bring no good fortune to Your Illustrious Lordship either.” Yuan Shu replied, “Fengxian is fickle and faithless. Let him send the girl first, and then I shall dispatch troops.” Xu Si and Wang Kai had no choice but to take their leave and return with Hao Meng. When they came near Xuande’s camp, Xu Si said, “We cannot pass by daylight. At midnight we two shall go ahead, while General Hao guards the rear.”

Having settled their plan, they passed Xuande’s camp by night. Xu Si and Wang Kai got through first. As Hao Meng was following, Zhang Fei came out of camp and blocked his road. They had exchanged only one bout when Zhang Fei captured Hao Meng alive. His five hundred troops were all slain or scattered. Zhang Fei bound Hao Meng and brought him before Xuande, who sent him under guard to Cao Cao’s main camp. Hao Meng gave a full account of the appeal for aid and the promised marriage. Cao Cao was furious. He had Hao Meng beheaded at the camp gate and sent orders throughout every camp that the guards must remain vigilant. If Lü Bu or any of his soldiers slipped through, those responsible would be punished according to military law. Every camp was struck with dread.

Xuande returned to his camp and instructed Guan Yu and Zhang Fei: “We hold a vital point on the road to Huainan. My two brothers must be exceedingly vigilant and take care not to violate Lord Cao’s military orders.” Zhang Fei said, “I captured an enemy general, yet Cao Cao gave no notable reward. Instead he issues threats. Why is that?” Xuande replied, “You are mistaken. Cao Cao commands a great multitude. Without military law, how could he keep them obedient? Brother, do not transgress it.” Guan Yu and Zhang Fei assented and withdrew.

Xu Si and Wang Kai returned to Lü Bu and reported in full that Yuan Shu demanded the girl first and would send troops only afterward. Lü Bu asked, “How are we to deliver her?” Xu Si replied, “Now that Hao Meng has been captured, Cao Cao surely knows our purpose and will have made preparations. Unless the general escorts her in person, who can break through the encirclement?” Lü Bu said, “What if I take her today?” Xu Si replied, “An evil star presides over today, and you must not go. Tomorrow is most auspicious; you should depart during the hours of the Dog or the Boar.” Lü Bu ordered Zhang Liao and Gao Shun to muster three thousand troops and prepare a small carriage. “I shall escort her for two hundred li,” he said, “and then you two shall take her onward.”

At the second watch the following night, Lü Bu wrapped his daughter in quilted cloth, enclosed her in armor, and bound her upon his back. Taking his halberd, he mounted his horse. The city gate was thrown open, and Lü Bu rode out first, followed by Zhang Liao and Gao Shun. As they drew near Xuande’s camp, a drum sounded and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei barred their way, shouting, “Do not flee!” Lü Bu had no mind to prolong the fight and thought only of forcing a passage. Xuande himself led a force against him, and the two armies became locked in a confused battle. Brave though Lü Bu was, he had a girl bound upon his back and feared she might be injured, so he dared not charge through the encircling ranks. Then Xu Huang and Xu Chu came attacking from the rear, while all the soldiers shouted, “Do not let Lü Bu escape!”

Seeing the enemy press upon him too fiercely, Lü Bu had no choice but to retreat into the city. Xuande recalled his troops, and Xu Huang and the others returned to their respective camps. Not a single enemy had broken through. Back within the city, Lü Bu was oppressed with anxiety and did nothing but drink.

Cao Cao had been attacking the city for two months without taking it when a sudden report came: “Zhang Yang, Governor of Henei, raised troops at Dongshi with the intention of rescuing Lü Bu. His subordinate Yang Chou killed him and meant to present his head to the Chancellor, but Yang Chou was then slain by Zhang Yang’s devoted officer Sui Gu, who has gone over to Quancheng.” On hearing this, Cao Cao immediately dispatched Shi Huan to pursue and kill Sui Gu. He then assembled his generals and said, “Though Zhang Yang has fortunately destroyed himself, Yuan Shao threatens us in the north, while Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu trouble us in the east. Xiapi has long been besieged but has not fallen. I wish to abandon the campaign against Lü Bu, return to the capital, and suspend the fighting for a time. What do you say?” Xun You urgently opposed him: “You must not. Lü Bu has suffered repeated defeats, and his fierce spirit has declined. An army depends upon its commander; when the commander weakens, the soldiers lose the will to fight. Chen Gong may possess schemes, but he is slow to act. Lü Bu has not yet recovered his spirit, and Chen Gong has not yet settled upon a plan. Attack swiftly, and Lü Bu can be captured.” Guo Jia said, “I have a plan by which Xiapi may be taken at once, a plan more effective than an army of two hundred thousand.” Xun Yu said, “Can it be anything other than releasing the waters of the Yi and Si rivers?” Guo Jia laughed. “That is precisely my thought.”

Cao Cao was overjoyed. He immediately ordered his soldiers to breach the banks of both rivers. Cao Cao’s troops occupied the high ground and sat watching as the waters flooded Xiapi. Of all the city, only the east gate remained above water; every other gate was submerged. The soldiers hastened to report this to Lü Bu. He said, “I have the Red Hare, which crosses water as though it were level ground. What is there to fear?” Day after day he drank fine wine to excess with his wives and concubines. Injured by too much wine and sensual indulgence, he grew thin and haggard. One day he looked at himself in a mirror and exclaimed in alarm, “Wine and women have harmed me! From this day forward I shall abstain.” He then issued an order that anyone in the city who drank wine would be beheaded.

Now Hou Cheng had fifteen horses that were stolen by a stable hand who intended to present them to Xuande. Hou Cheng discovered the theft, pursued and killed the stable hand, and recovered the horses. The other generals came to congratulate him. Hou Cheng brewed five or six hu of wine and wished to drink with them, but fearing that Lü Bu might find fault, he first took five jars to Lü Bu’s residence and reported, “Through the awe inspired by the general’s tigerlike might, I recovered my stolen horses. The generals have all come to congratulate me, and I brewed a little wine. I dared not drink without permission, so I have brought this small token to offer you first.”

Lü Bu flew into a rage. “I have only just forbidden wine, yet you brew it and gather men to drink! Are you plotting together to attack me?” He ordered Hou Cheng dragged out and beheaded. Song Xian, Wei Xu, and the other generals all came in to plead for mercy. Lü Bu said, “He knowingly violated my command and by rights should lose his head. Out of regard for the generals, however, I shall merely have him beaten one hundred strokes!” The generals pleaded again, and after Hou Cheng’s back had been laid open with fifty blows, he was released and sent home. All the generals were utterly disheartened.

Song Xian and Wei Xu went to Hou Cheng’s house to visit him. Hou Cheng wept and said, “But for you gentlemen, I would be dead!” Song Xian said, “Lü Bu thinks only of his wife and children and regards us as no more than grass and straw.” Wei Xu said, “The enemy encircles the city, and the floodwaters surround the moat. The day of our death cannot be far off!” Song Xian said, “Lü Bu has neither benevolence nor righteousness. What if we abandon him and flee?” Wei Xu replied, “That would not be the act of true men. Better to seize Lü Bu and present him to Lord Cao.” Hou Cheng said, “I was punished for recovering my horses, yet the one thing Lü Bu relies upon is the Red Hare. If you two can deliver the gate and capture Lü Bu, I shall first steal the horse and go to Lord Cao.”

The three settled their plan. That night Hou Cheng secretly went to the stables, stole the Red Hare, and galloped to the east gate. Wei Xu opened the gate and let him out, then pretended to give chase. Hou Cheng reached Cao Cao’s camp and presented the horse, explaining in full that Song Xian and Wei Xu would raise a white flag as their signal and were preparing to surrender the gate. On receiving this news, Cao Cao had several dozen proclamations fastened to arrows and shot into the city. They read:Cao, General-in-Chief, acting under a special and enlightened imperial decree, has come to punish Lü Bu. When the city falls, the entire households of all who resist the imperial army shall be put to death. From generals and officers above to common people below, whoever captures Lü Bu and presents him, or brings his severed head, shall be heavily rewarded with office and honors. This proclamation is issued so that all may be duly informed.

At daybreak the next morning, shouts outside the city shook the earth. Lü Bu was greatly alarmed. Taking his halberd, he mounted the walls and inspected each gate in turn. He berated Wei Xu for allowing Hou Cheng to escape and for losing his warhorse, and meant to punish him. Seeing the white flag upon the wall, Cao Cao’s troops below attacked the city with all their might, and Lü Bu had no choice but to fight them in person. The battle raged from daybreak until noon, when Cao Cao’s troops drew back a little. Lü Bu rested briefly in the gate tower and, before he knew it, fell asleep in a chair. Song Xian sent away the attendants, first stole Lü Bu’s painted halberd, and then, together with Wei Xu, fell upon him. They wound him round with ropes and cords and bound him fast.

Lü Bu awoke with a start and urgently called for his attendants, but the two men had already killed or driven them all away. They waved the white flag, and Cao Cao’s troops surged to the foot of the walls. Wei Xu shouted, “Lü Bu has been taken alive!” Xiahou Yuan still did not believe him. Song Xian threw Lü Bu’s painted halberd down from the wall and opened the city gate wide. Cao Cao’s soldiers poured in. Gao Shun and Zhang Liao were at the west gate, but the floodwaters prevented their escape, and they were captured by Cao Cao’s troops. Chen Gong fled to the south gate, where Xu Huang seized him.

Cao Cao entered the city and immediately ordered the breached waters to be released and proclamations issued to reassure the people. He then sat with Xuande in the White Gate Tower, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood in attendance at either side, and all the prisoners were brought before them. Though Lü Bu was tall and powerful, he had been trussed into a bundle with ropes. He cried, “I am bound too tightly! I beg you to loosen the cords!” Cao Cao replied, “When one binds a tiger, the cords cannot be tight enough.” Seeing Hou Cheng, Wei Xu, and Song Xian standing nearby, Lü Bu said to them, “I did not treat my generals badly. How could you bear to betray me?” Song Xian replied, “You listened to your wives and concubines but not to the plans of your generals. How can you say you did not treat us badly?”

Lü Bu fell silent. Presently Gao Shun was brought forward. Cao Cao asked, “What have you to say?” Gao Shun made no answer. In anger, Cao Cao ordered him beheaded. Xu Huang then escorted Chen Gong forward. Cao Cao said, “Gongtai, have you been well since we parted?” Chen Gong replied, “Your heart was crooked, and therefore I abandoned you!” Cao Cao said, “If my heart was crooked, why did you choose to serve Lü Bu alone?” Chen Gong replied, “Lü Bu may have lacked judgment, but he was not crafty, treacherous, and vicious like you.” Cao Cao said, “You considered yourself resourceful and full of strategy. What has come of it now?” Chen Gong glanced at Lü Bu and said, “I regret only that this man would not follow my advice! Had he done so, he might not have been captured.” Cao Cao asked, “What is to be done about today’s affair?” Chen Gong cried loudly, “Today there is nothing but death!” Cao Cao said, “If that is your choice, what of your aged mother, your wife, and your children?” Chen Gong replied, “I have heard that one who rules the realm through filial piety does not harm another man’s parents, and that one who extends benevolent government throughout the realm does not extinguish another man’s line. Whether my aged mother, wife, and children live or die rests with Your Illustrious Lordship. I myself am already a prisoner. I ask only that I be put to death at once. I have no other concern.”

Cao Cao wished to spare him, but Chen Gong strode straight down from the tower, and the attendants could not hold him back. Cao Cao rose and followed him in tears. Chen Gong did not once look back. Cao Cao said to his attendants, “Escort Gongtai’s aged mother, wife, and children to Xudu and provide for them there. Whoever treats them negligently shall be beheaded.” Chen Gong heard him but said nothing. He stretched out his neck and submitted to execution. Everyone wept. Cao Cao placed his body in an inner and outer coffin and buried him at Xudu. A later poet lamented him:

In life and death his purpose never swerved—How stalwart was this true and valiant man!He scorned all counsel firm as bronze and stone,And squandered gifts fit for a kingdom’s beam.His loyal aid commands enduring honor;His parting from his kin compels our grief.The day he died beneath the White Gate Tower,Who else would dare to equal noble Gongtai?

While Cao Cao was escorting Chen Gong down from the tower, Lü Bu said to Xuande, “You are an honored guest in the seat above, while I am a prisoner beneath the stair. Why not say a word to secure me some mercy?” Xuande nodded. When Cao Cao returned to the tower, Lü Bu called out, “Your Illustrious Lordship has had no greater concern than Lü Bu. Now Lü Bu has submitted. Let Your Lordship command as chief general and Lü Bu serve as your deputy; then the realm will not be difficult to pacify.” Cao Cao turned to Xuande and asked, “What do you think?” Xuande replied, “Has Your Lordship not seen what happened to Ding Jianyang and Dong Zhuo?” Lü Bu glared at Xuande and cried, “This fellow is the most faithless man alive!” Cao Cao ordered that Lü Bu be taken below the tower and strangled. Turning back toward Xuande, Lü Bu cried, “Long-Ears! Have you forgotten when I shot the halberd at the camp gate?” Suddenly a man shouted, “Lü Bu, you miserable wretch! Death is only death—what is there to fear?” Everyone looked and saw the executioners bringing Zhang Liao forward. Cao Cao ordered Lü Bu strangled to death and then beheaded, his head to be displayed. A later poet lamented:

The surging flood engulfed all XiapiIn that far year when Lü Bu was made captive.In vain remained the thousand-li Red Hare;In vain remained the single sky-square halberd.Bound like a tiger, begging ease—how craven!He once knew well that hawks must not be sated.Besotted with his wife, he spurned Chen Gong,Then cursed Long-Ears for lacking gratitude.

Another poem judges Xuande:

When a starving tiger maims, do not loose its bonds;The blood of Dong Zhuo and Ding Yuan was scarcely dry.Since Xuande knew this beast could devour its fathers,Why not preserve him to destroy Cao Cao?

The guards brought Zhang Liao forward. Pointing at him, Cao Cao said, “This man’s face is very familiar.” Zhang Liao replied, “We met within Puyang. How can you have forgotten?” Cao Cao laughed. “So you remember it too!” Zhang Liao said, “I only regret one thing.” Cao Cao asked, “What do you regret?” Zhang Liao replied, “I regret that the fire that day was not great enough and failed to burn you to death, you traitor to the state!” Cao Cao flew into a rage. “How dare a defeated general insult me!” Drawing his sword, he moved to kill Zhang Liao with his own hand. Zhang Liao showed not the least fear but stretched out his neck and awaited the stroke. Then one man behind Cao Cao seized his arm, while another knelt before him and said, “Chancellor, stay your hand!”

Thus it was:

Lü Bu begged mercy, yet no man would save him;Zhang Liao cursed the traitor—and thereby lived.

Who rescued Zhang Liao will be revealed in the next chapter.

Cao Cao Fights Fiercely at Xiapi; Lü Bu Meets His End at White Gate Tower

Meanwhile, Gao Shun led Zhang Liao in an attack on Guan Yu’s camp, while Lü Bu personally attacked Zhang Fei’s. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei each came out to meet the enemy, and Xuande led troops along two routes to support them. Lü Bu divided his forces and struck from behind. Both Guan Yu’s and Zhang Fei’s armies collapsed, and Xuande fled back to Xiaopei with several dozen horsemen. Lü Bu pursued him. Xuande urgently called for the soldiers on the walls to lower the drawbridge, but Lü Bu arrived close behind him. The men on the walls wanted to shoot, but feared they might hit Xuande. Seizing the opportunity, Lü Bu charged through the city gate. The troops guarding it could not resist him and scattered in every direction. Lü Bu summoned his army into the city. Seeing how desperate the situation was, Xuande had no time to return home. He had no choice but to abandon his wife and children, ride straight through the city, escape by the west gate, and flee alone on horseback.

Lü Bu pursued him as far as Xuande’s residence, where Mi Zhu came out to meet him and said, “I have heard that a true man does not destroy another man’s wife and children. The man now contending with you for the empire is Lord Cao, not Xuande. Xuande has always remembered your kindness in shooting the halberd at the camp gate and never dared betray you. He went over to Lord Cao only because he had no alternative. I beg you, General, to show him mercy.” Lü Bu said, “Xuande and I are old friends. How could I bear to harm his wife and children?” He then ordered Mi Zhu to escort Xuande’s family to Xuzhou and settle them there. Lü Bu himself led his army toward the borders of Yanzhou in Shandong, leaving Gao Shun and Zhang Liao to guard Xiaopei. By this time Sun Qian had escaped from the city. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had also each gathered some men and horses and established camps in the mountains.

Now Xuande was fleeing alone on horseback when a man caught up from behind. He looked and saw that it was Sun Qian. Xuande said, “I do not know whether my two brothers are alive or dead, and my wife and children have been lost. What am I to do?” Sun Qian said, “For now, you had better go to Cao Cao and plan your next move later.” Xuande followed his advice and took byroads toward the capital, Xudu. On the journey they ran out of provisions and often went into villages to ask for food. Wherever people heard that the Governor of Yuzhou had come, they eagerly offered him food and drink. One day they sought lodging at a certain house. A young man of the household came out and bowed to them. When asked his name, he proved to be a hunter named Liu An.

When Liu An learned that the Governor of Yuzhou had arrived, he wanted to find some game to serve him, but could not obtain any at such short notice. He therefore killed his wife and served her flesh as food. Xuande asked, “What kind of meat is this?” Liu An replied, “It is wolf meat.” Xuande suspected nothing and ate a full meal, then stayed there for the night. At daybreak, as he was about to leave, he went to the rear courtyard to get his horse and suddenly saw a woman lying dead in the kitchen, all the flesh cut from her arms. Xuande asked in horror what had happened, and only then learned that the meat he had eaten the night before was the flesh of Liu An’s wife. Overcome with grief, Xuande mounted his horse in tears. Liu An told him, “I wished to follow you, Imperial Inspector, but my aged mother is still at home, so I dare not travel far.”

Xuande thanked him and took his leave, setting out from Liangcheng. Suddenly he saw dust blotting out the sun as a large body of troops approached. Xuande knew it was Cao Cao’s army. He and Sun Qian went straight to the commander’s banner and met Cao Cao, telling him in full how Xiaopei had been lost, how his two brothers had been scattered, and how his wife and children had fallen into enemy hands. Cao Cao also shed tears over his misfortune. When Xuande told him how Liu An had killed his wife to feed him, Cao Cao ordered Sun Qian to take Liu An a reward of one hundred ounces of gold.

When the army reached Jibei, Xiahou Yuan and the others welcomed Cao Cao into camp and told him in detail how Xiahou Yuan’s elder brother, Xiahou Dun, had lost an eye and was still bedridden and not yet recovered. Cao Cao visited him where he lay and ordered him to return to Xudu ahead of the army to recuperate. At the same time, he sent scouts to discover Lü Bu’s present whereabouts. A mounted scout returned and reported, “Lü Bu has joined Chen Gong and Zang Ba, along with the bandits of Mount Tai, and together they are attacking the various commanderies of Yanzhou.” Cao Cao immediately ordered Cao Ren to lead three thousand troops against Xiaopei. Cao Cao himself took command of the main army and, accompanied by Xuande, went to fight Lü Bu. Advancing into Shandong and approaching Xiao Pass, he encountered the Mount Tai bandits Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and Chang Xi, who blocked the road with more than thirty thousand troops. Cao Cao ordered Xu Chu to engage them. All four commanders rode out together. Xu Chu fought with desperate strength, and the four could not withstand him; each was defeated and fled. Cao Cao pressed the advantage and attacked, pursuing them as far as Xiao Pass. A mounted scout raced to report the news to Lü Bu.

By then Lü Bu had returned to Xuzhou and was preparing to go with Chen Deng to relieve Xiaopei. He ordered Chen Gui to guard Xuzhou. Before Chen Deng departed, Chen Gui said to him, “Lord Cao once told you that all affairs in the east were entrusted to you. Lü Bu is now about to be defeated, so this is your chance to act against him.” Chen Deng replied, “I will handle matters outside. If Lü Bu returns in defeat, Father, please ask Mi Zhu to help you defend the city and do not allow Lü Bu inside. I have my own plan for escaping.” Chen Gui said, “Lü Bu’s wife and children are here, and he has many trusted followers in the city. What can we do about them?” Chen Deng said, “I have a plan for that as well.” He then went in to see Lü Bu and said, “Xuzhou faces enemies on every side, and Cao Cao is certain to attack with all his strength. We must prepare a fallback position. We should move our money and provisions to Xiapi. If Xuzhou is besieged, the supplies at Xiapi can come to its relief. Why not make arrangements early, my lord?” Lü Bu said, “Yuanlong’s advice is excellent. I will move my wife and children there as well.” He accordingly ordered Song Xian and Wei Xu to escort his family, money, and provisions to Xiapi. Meanwhile, he led an army with Chen Deng to relieve Xiao Pass. Halfway there, Chen Deng said, “Allow me to go ahead to the pass and determine the true strength of Cao Cao’s forces. Then, my lord, you may proceed.”

Lü Bu agreed, and Chen Deng went ahead to the pass, where Chen Gong and the others received him. Chen Deng said, “The Marquis of Wen is deeply angry that you refuse to advance and is coming to punish you.” Chen Gong said, “Cao Cao’s forces are now powerful and must not be treated lightly. Our best strategy is to hold the pass securely and advise our lord to defend Xiaopei with all his strength.” Chen Deng murmured agreement. That evening he went up onto the pass and looked out. Seeing Cao Cao’s army pressing directly beneath it, he wrote three letters during the night, tied them to arrows, and shot them down outside the pass. The next day he took leave of Chen Gong and galloped back to Lü Bu, saying, “Sun Guan and the others at the pass all wish to surrender it. I have left Chen Gong there to hold it. General, you should attack at dusk and support them.”

Lü Bu said, “Without you, the pass would be lost.” He ordered Chen Deng to ride ahead at once, arrange for Chen Gong to act from within, and use a fire as the signal. Chen Deng went straight to Chen Gong and reported, “Cao Cao’s troops have taken a byroad into the territory behind the pass. I fear Xuzhou may be lost. You must all return at once.” Chen Gong therefore led his men in abandoning the pass and withdrawing. Chen Deng then lit fires on the pass. Lü Bu attacked under cover of darkness, and in the confusion Chen Gong’s troops and Lü Bu’s troops fell upon each other.

When Cao Cao’s soldiers saw the signal fires, they charged forward together and took advantage of the confusion to attack. Sun Guan and the others scattered and fled in every direction. Lü Bu fought until daybreak before realizing that he had been tricked. He hurried back toward Xuzhou with Chen Gong. But when they reached the city and called for the gates to be opened, a storm of arrows came down from the walls. Mi Zhu stood on the gate tower and shouted, “You seized my lord’s city, and now it has been restored to him. You will never enter it again!” Lü Bu angrily cried, “Where is Chen Gui?” Mi Zhu replied, “I have already killed him!” Lü Bu turned to Chen Gong and asked, “Where is Chen Deng?” Chen Gong said, “General, are you still so deluded that you ask after that treacherous villain?”

Lü Bu ordered his entire army searched, but Chen Deng was nowhere to be found. Chen Gong urged Lü Bu to hurry to Xiaopei, and Lü Bu followed his advice. Halfway there, they saw a body of troops racing toward them. It was Gao Shun and Zhang Liao. Lü Bu questioned them, and they replied, “Chen Deng came and reported that our lord was surrounded, so we rushed out to rescue you.” Chen Gong said, “This is another of that traitor’s schemes.” Lü Bu angrily declared, “I will kill the villain!” He spurred his horse urgently toward Xiaopei, only to see Cao Cao’s banners covering the city walls. Cao Cao had already ordered Cao Ren to seize the city and lead troops in its defense. Beneath the walls Lü Bu loudly cursed Chen Deng. Pointing at him from the battlements, Chen Deng shouted, “I am a servant of the Han! How could I serve a rebel like you?” Lü Bu flew into a rage. He was about to attack the city when suddenly great shouting arose behind him and a force of soldiers approached. The commander at its head was Zhang Fei. Gao Shun rode out to meet him but could not gain the advantage. Lü Bu then engaged Zhang Fei himself. While they were fighting, more cries arose beyond the battle lines as Cao Cao personally led his main army charging forward.

Lü Bu judged that he could not hold out and led his army eastward. Cao Cao’s troops pursued him. Lü Bu’s men and horses were soon exhausted when suddenly another body of troops swept out and blocked his road. At their head was a general sitting his horse with his saber held crosswise. He shouted, “Lü Bu, do not run! Guan Yunchang is here!” Lü Bu hastily engaged him, but Zhang Fei was catching up from behind. With no desire to prolong the fight, Lü Bu, Chen Gong, and the others cut open a path and fled straight to Xiapi, where Hou Cheng led troops out to receive them. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei met each other and, both shedding tears, told how they had been separated. Yunchang said, “I was camped along the road to Haizhou. When I learned what had happened, I came here.” Zhang Fei said, “I have been staying at Mount Mangdang all this time. Fortunately, we have met again today.”

After the two had finished talking, they led their troops together to meet Xuande, before whom they knelt and wept. Torn between grief and joy, Xuande brought them to meet Cao Cao and then followed Cao Cao into Xuzhou. Mi Zhu received them and gave a full report that Xuande’s family was safe, which greatly delighted Xuande. Chen Gui and his son also came to pay their respects to Cao Cao. Cao Cao held a great banquet to reward his commanders. He sat in the center, with Chen Gui on his left and Xuande on his right. All the other officers and soldiers were seated according to rank. After the banquet, Cao Cao praised the services of Chen Gui and his son, increased their fief by the revenues of ten counties, and appointed Chen Deng General Who Calms the Waves.

Cao Cao was overjoyed to have gained Xuzhou and began discussing an attack on Xiapi. Cheng Yu said, “Lü Bu now has only the single city of Xiapi. If we press him too hard, he will fight desperately and go over to Yuan Shu. If Lü Bu and Yuan Shu unite, their combined power will be difficult to attack. We should send a capable man to hold the main roads into Huainan, guarding against Lü Bu within and Yuan Shu without. Moreover, Zang Ba, Sun Guan, and their followers in Shandong have not yet submitted. We must not neglect to guard against them either.”

Cao Cao said, “I will take responsibility for all the routes through Shandong. I ask Xuande to take charge of the main roads into Huainan.” Xuande said, “How could I dare disobey the Prime Minister’s military command?” The next day Xuande left Mi Zhu and Jian Yong in Xuzhou, then took Sun Qian, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei and led an army to guard the main roads into Huainan. Cao Cao personally led his forces against Xiapi.

At Xiapi, Lü Bu relied on his ample provisions and the natural barrier of the Si River. He felt secure in holding the city and believed there was nothing to fear. Chen Gong said, “Cao Cao’s troops have just arrived. Before their camp defenses are established, we should strike their weary forces with our rested troops. We cannot fail to win.” Lü Bu said, “I have recently suffered repeated defeats and must not venture out lightly. Let them attack us first, and then we will strike. They will all fall into the Si River.” Thus he refused to follow Chen Gong’s advice.

Several days later, Cao Cao’s camp was fully established. He led his commanders beneath the city walls and loudly called for Lü Bu to speak with him. Lü Bu appeared on the wall. Cao Cao said to him, “I hear, Fengxian, that you again intend to arrange a marriage alliance with Yuan Shu, and that is why I have led my army here. Yuan Shu is guilty of the gravest rebellion, while you have the merit of helping destroy Dong Zhuo. Why cast away your former achievement and follow a traitor? Once the city falls, it will be too late for regret. If you surrender promptly and join me in supporting the imperial house, you will surely retain the rank of marquis.” Lü Bu said, “Prime Minister, withdraw for now and allow me time to consider the matter.”

Standing beside Lü Bu, Chen Gong loudly cursed Cao Cao as a treacherous villain and shot an arrow that struck the canopy over Cao Cao’s standard. Pointing at Chen Gong, Cao Cao said bitterly, “I swear I will kill you!” He then led his troops in an attack on the city. Chen Gong said to Lü Bu, “Cao Cao has come from far away and cannot maintain his position for long. General, you should lead the infantry and cavalry out and establish a camp outside, while I keep the remaining troops within the closed city. If Cao Cao attacks you, I will lead troops against his rear. If he attacks the city, you can come to our aid from behind. Within ten days Cao Cao’s army will exhaust its provisions, and we can destroy it with a single assault. This is a strategy of mutually supporting horns.” Lü Bu said, “Your words are entirely correct.” He returned to his residence to prepare his military equipment. It was winter, so he ordered his attendants to take plenty of padded clothing.

When Lü Bu’s wife, Lady Yan, heard of this, she came out and asked, “Where do you intend to go?” Lü Bu told her Chen Gong’s plan. Lady Yan said, “You intend to entrust the entire city to others, abandon your wife and children, and lead a lone army far away. If some sudden change occurs, how can I remain your wife?” Lü Bu hesitated, unable to decide, and did not leave for three days. Chen Gong came to see him and said, “Cao Cao’s army has surrounded the city on all sides. If you do not go out soon, you will certainly be trapped.” Lü Bu said, “I think it is better to defend the city firmly than to go far afield.” Chen Gong said, “I recently heard that Cao Cao’s army is short of provisions and has sent men to Xudu to obtain more. The supplies will arrive at any time. General, you should lead your best troops to cut their supply route. This is an excellent plan.”

Lü Bu agreed and went back inside to tell Lady Yan about it. Lady Yan wept and said, “If you leave, how can Chen Gong and Gao Shun hold the city securely? If anything goes wrong, it will be too late for regret! Once before, in Chang’an, you abandoned me. Fortunately, Pang Shu hid me in secret, and I was able to reunite with you. Who would have thought that you would now abandon me again? A boundless future lies before you, General. Please do not concern yourself with me!” When she finished speaking, she wept bitterly.

Troubled and unable to decide after hearing her words, Lü Bu went to tell Diaochan. Diaochan said, “General, you must decide for me. Do not ride out lightly.” Lü Bu said, “Do not worry. I have my painted halberd and Red Hare. Who would dare come near me?” He then went out and told Chen Gong, “The report that Cao Cao’s supplies are coming is a deception. Cao Cao has many cunning schemes, and I dare not move.” Chen Gong went out sighing and said, “We will die without even a place to bury our bodies!”

From then on Lü Bu never went out, but spent each day drinking with Lady Yan and Diaochan to relieve his gloom. His advisers Xu Si and Wang Kai came to see him and proposed, “Yuan Shu is now in Huainan, and his power and prestige have greatly increased. General, you once arranged a marriage alliance with him. Why not renew your request? If his army comes, we can attack Cao Cao from within and without, and he will not be difficult to defeat.” Lü Bu followed their plan. That very day he wrote a letter and ordered the two men to take it. Xu Si said, “We will need a force to lead the way and break through the enemy lines.” Lü Bu ordered Zhang Liao and Hao Meng to lead one thousand troops and escort them through the pass.

That night, during the second watch, Zhang Liao went in front and Hao Meng behind, escorting Xu Si and Wang Kai as they fought their way out of the city. They swept past Xuande’s camp. His commanders pursued but could not catch them, and they escaped through the pass. Hao Meng took five hundred men and continued on with Xu Si and Wang Kai. Zhang Liao led the other half of the troops back. When he reached the pass, Yunchang blocked his way. Before they could engage, Gao Shun led troops out of the city to support Zhang Liao and brought him safely back inside.

Xu Si and Wang Kai reached Shouchun, paid their respects to Yuan Shu, and presented Lü Bu’s letter. Yuan Shu said, “Previously he killed my envoy and repudiated our marriage alliance. Why does he now come seeking me again?” Xu Si said, “That was because he was misled by one of Cao Cao’s treacherous schemes. I beg you, illustrious lord, to examine the matter closely.” Yuan Shu said, “If your master were not in desperate straits because of Cao Cao’s army, would he truly be willing to give me his daughter?” Wang Kai said, “If you do not save him now, illustrious lord, I fear that when the lips are gone, the teeth will feel the cold. That would not be to your benefit either.” Yuan Shu said, “Fengxian is fickle and untrustworthy. He may send the girl first, and then I will send troops.” Xu Si and Wang Kai had no choice but to take their leave and return with Hao Meng. When they reached the vicinity of Xuande’s camp, Xu Si said, “We cannot pass during the day. At midnight, the two of us will go first, and General Hao will cover our rear.”

Having settled their plan, they passed Xuande’s camp that night. Xu Si and Wang Kai went through first. As Hao Meng was following, Zhang Fei came out of camp and blocked his road. Hao Meng exchanged only one pass with him before Zhang Fei captured him alive. All five hundred of his troops were killed or scattered. Zhang Fei bound Hao Meng and brought him to Xuande, who sent him under guard to Cao Cao’s main camp. Hao Meng gave a full account of their request for aid and the proposed marriage. Cao Cao was furious. He had Hao Meng beheaded at the camp gate and sent orders to every camp to guard carefully. Anyone who allowed Lü Bu or any of his soldiers to slip through would be punished under military law. Every camp was filled with apprehension.

Xuande returned to his camp and instructed Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, “We are stationed at the key point on the road to Huainan. You two must be extremely careful and must not violate Lord Cao’s military orders.” Zhang Fei said, “I captured one of the enemy’s generals, yet Cao Cao gave me no real reward. Instead, he turns around and threatens us. Why?” Xuande said, “You are mistaken. Cao Cao commands a large army. If he did not enforce military discipline, how could he make his men obey? You must not violate his orders.” Guan Yu and Zhang Fei agreed and withdrew.

Xu Si and Wang Kai returned to Lü Bu and reported in full that Yuan Shu wanted the girl first and would send an army to their aid afterward. Lü Bu said, “How can we send her?” Xu Si replied, “Now that Hao Meng has been captured, Cao Cao is certain to know our intentions and will make preparations. Unless you personally escort her, General, who can break through the encirclement?” Lü Bu said, “What if we send her today?” Xu Si replied, “Today is governed by an evil spirit and is inauspicious for travel. Tomorrow will be highly favorable. We should leave during the hours of the Dog or the Boar.” Lü Bu ordered Zhang Liao and Gao Shun to prepare three thousand troops and a small carriage, saying, “I will personally escort her for two hundred li. Then you two will take her the rest of the way.”

During the second watch the next night, Lü Bu wrapped his daughter’s body in padded cloth, enclosed her in armor, and strapped her to his back. Taking up his halberd, he mounted his horse. The city gate was opened. Lü Bu rode out first, with Zhang Liao and Gao Shun following. Just as they approached Xuande’s camp, a drum sounded and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei blocked the road, shouting, “Do not run!” Lü Bu had no desire to fight and thought only of forcing his way through. Xuande personally led a force against him, and the two armies became entangled in battle. Brave though Lü Bu was, he had a girl strapped to his body and feared she might be injured, so he did not dare charge through the surrounding forces. Xu Huang and Xu Chu also attacked from behind, while all their troops shouted, “Do not let Lü Bu escape!”

Seeing the enemy pressing too fiercely, Lü Bu had no choice but to retreat into the city again. Xuande recalled his troops, and Xu Huang and the others returned to their camps. Not a single man had managed to get through. Back inside the city, Lü Bu was deeply troubled and did nothing but drink.

Cao Cao had attacked the city for two months without taking it when a sudden report arrived: “The Governor of Henei, Zhang Yang, sent troops eastward in an attempt to rescue Lü Bu. His subordinate Yang Chou killed him and intended to present his head to the Prime Minister, but Yang Chou was killed in turn by Sui Gu, one of Zhang Yang’s trusted commanders, who has now gone over to Quancheng.” On hearing this, Cao Cao immediately sent Shi Huan to pursue and kill Sui Gu. Then he gathered his commanders and said, “Though Zhang Yang has fortunately destroyed himself, Yuan Shao remains a threat in the north, while Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu threaten us in the south. We have besieged Xiapi for a long time without taking it. I wish to leave Lü Bu and return to the capital, suspending the campaign for now. What do you think?” Xun You urgently objected, “You must not. Lü Bu has suffered repeated defeats, and his fighting spirit has collapsed. An army depends on its commander; when the commander is weakened, the army loses the will to fight. Chen Gong may be resourceful, but he is slow to act. Lü Bu’s spirit has not yet recovered, and Chen Gong’s plans are not yet settled. If we attack quickly, Lü Bu can be captured.” Guo Jia said, “I have a plan that will make Xiapi fall at once. It will be more effective than an army of two hundred thousand.” Xun Yu said, “Can you mean breaching the banks of the Yi and Si rivers?” Guo Jia smiled and said, “That is precisely what I mean.”

Cao Cao was delighted and immediately ordered his soldiers to breach the banks of both rivers. Cao Cao’s troops occupied the high ground and watched as the waters flooded Xiapi. Of the entire city, only the east gate remained above water; all the other gates were inundated. The troops hurried to report this to Lü Bu. Lü Bu said, “I have Red Hare, which crosses water as though traveling over level ground. What is there to fear?” He spent every day drinking heavily with his wives and concubines. Excessive wine and sensual pleasure injured his health, and his appearance became gaunt. One day he looked at himself in a mirror and exclaimed in alarm, “Wine and women have harmed me! From this day onward, I must abstain.” He then issued an order that anyone in the city who drank wine would be beheaded.

Now Hou Cheng owned fifteen horses, which a stablehand stole with the intention of presenting them to Xuande. Hou Cheng discovered the theft, pursued and killed the stablehand, and recovered the horses. The other commanders came to congratulate him. Hou Cheng brewed five or six hu of wine and wanted to drink with them, but feared that Lü Bu might punish him. He therefore first took five jars of wine to Lü Bu’s residence and reported, “Thanks to the General’s tigerlike prestige, I recovered my stolen horses. The commanders have all come to congratulate me, and I have brewed a little wine. I did not dare drink it without permission, so I have brought you this small token first.”

Lü Bu flew into a rage and said, “I have just forbidden wine, yet you brew it and gather men to drink. Are you plotting together to attack me?” He ordered Hou Cheng dragged out and beheaded. Song Xian, Wei Xu, and the other commanders all came in to beg for mercy. Lü Bu said, “He deliberately violated my order and deserves to be beheaded. Out of consideration for the commanders, I will merely have him beaten one hundred strokes!” The commanders pleaded again, so after Hou Cheng’s back had been torn open by fifty strokes, he was released and sent home. All the commanders were utterly dispirited.

Song Xian and Wei Xu went to Hou Cheng’s home to visit him. Hou Cheng wept and said, “If not for you, I would be dead!” Song Xian said, “Lü Bu cares only for his wife and children and regards us as worthless weeds.” Wei Xu said, “An army surrounds the city, and water circles the moat. Our deaths cannot be far off!” Song Xian said, “Lü Bu has neither benevolence nor righteousness. What if we abandon him and flee?” Wei Xu said, “That would not be the act of true men. We should capture Lü Bu and present him to Lord Cao.” Hou Cheng said, “I was punished because I recovered my horses, while the thing Lü Bu relies on most is Red Hare. If you two can truly surrender the gate and capture Lü Bu, I will first steal the horse and go to Lord Cao.”

The three settled their plan. That night Hou Cheng secretly went to the stables, stole Red Hare, and galloped toward the east gate. Wei Xu opened the gate and let him out, then pretended to pursue him. Hou Cheng reached Cao Cao’s camp, presented the horse, and gave a full account of how Song Xian and Wei Xu would display a white flag as their signal and prepare to surrender the gate. On hearing this, Cao Cao had several dozen proclamations shot into the city. They read:Cao, General-in-Chief, has received a special imperial edict to campaign against Lü Bu. When the city falls, the entire families of all who resist the imperial army will be put to death. From generals and officers down to common people, anyone who captures Lü Bu and presents him, or presents his head, will be heavily rewarded with rank and honors. This proclamation is issued so that everyone may be fully informed.

At daybreak the next morning, shouts outside the city shook the earth. Lü Bu was greatly alarmed. He took his halberd and went up onto the walls, inspecting every gate. He cursed Wei Xu for allowing Hou Cheng to escape and for losing his warhorse and intended to punish him. When Cao Cao’s troops below saw the white flag on the wall, they attacked the city with all their strength, and Lü Bu had no choice but to resist them in person. The fighting continued from daybreak until noon, when Cao Cao’s troops withdrew a short distance. Lü Bu rested for a moment in the gate tower and unwittingly fell asleep in a chair. Song Xian drove away the attendants, first stole Lü Bu’s painted halberd, then joined Wei Xu in seizing him. They wound ropes and cords around him and bound him tightly.

Lü Bu woke in alarm and urgently called for his attendants, but the two men had already killed or driven them away. They waved the white flag, and Cao Cao’s troops surged beneath the walls. Wei Xu shouted, “Lü Bu has been captured alive!” Xiahou Yuan still did not believe him. Song Xian threw Lü Bu’s painted halberd down from the wall and opened the city gate wide. Cao Cao’s troops poured inside. Gao Shun and Zhang Liao were at the west gate, but the surrounding floodwater made escape impossible, and Cao Cao’s soldiers captured them. Chen Gong fled to the south gate, where Xu Huang seized him.

After entering the city, Cao Cao immediately ordered the floodwaters released and issued proclamations reassuring the people. He then sat with Xuande on the White Gate Tower, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood in attendance at their side. All the captured men were brought before them. Though Lü Bu was tall and powerfully built, the ropes had bound him into a tight bundle. He cried, “The ropes are too tight! Please loosen them!” Cao Cao said, “When binding a tiger, one cannot tie it too tightly.” Lü Bu saw Hou Cheng, Wei Xu, and Song Xian all standing nearby and said to them, “I never treated my commanders poorly. How could you bear to betray me?” Song Xian replied, “You listened to your wives and concubines but ignored your commanders’ plans. How can you call that treating us well?”

Lü Bu fell silent. A moment later Gao Shun was brought forward. Cao Cao asked him, “What have you to say?” Gao Shun gave no answer. Cao Cao angrily ordered him beheaded. Xu Huang then brought Chen Gong forward under guard. Cao Cao said, “Gongtai, have you been well since we parted?” Chen Gong replied, “Your heart and conduct were corrupt, and that is why I abandoned you!” Cao Cao said, “If my heart was corrupt, why did you choose to serve Lü Bu?” Chen Gong replied, “Though Lü Bu lacked judgment, he was not deceitful, treacherous, and vicious like you.” Cao Cao said, “You considered yourself full of wisdom and strategy. What has become of you now?” Chen Gong looked back at Lü Bu and said, “I regret that this man would not follow my advice! Had he followed it, we might not have been captured.” Cao Cao asked, “What is to be done about today’s situation?” Chen Gong said loudly, “Today there is nothing but death!” Cao Cao said, “If that is your choice, what will become of your aged mother, your wife, and your children?” Chen Gong replied, “I have heard that one who rules the empire through filial piety does not harm another man’s parents, and one who practices benevolent government throughout the empire does not extinguish another man’s line. Whether my aged mother, wife, and children live or die rests with you, illustrious lord. Since I have been captured, I ask to be executed at once. I have no other concern.”

Cao Cao wished to keep him alive, but Chen Gong walked straight down from the tower, and the attendants could not hold him back. Cao Cao rose and followed him in tears. Chen Gong never looked back. Cao Cao told the attendants, “Send Gongtai’s aged mother, wife, and children to Xudu at once and support them there. Anyone who neglects them will be beheaded.” Chen Gong heard him but said nothing. He stretched out his neck and submitted to execution. Everyone shed tears. Cao Cao placed his body in an inner and outer coffin and buried him at Xudu. A later poet lamented him:In life and death, his purpose never changed—How brave and great a true man was he!Rejecting counsel firm as metal and stone,He wasted talents fit to uphold the realm.His loyal service merits deepest honor;His parting from his mother grieves the heart.The day he died at White Gate Tower,Who else would act as Gongtai did?

While Cao Cao was escorting Chen Gong down from the tower, Lü Bu said to Xuande, “You are now an honored guest, while I am a prisoner beneath the stairs. Why not say a word to spare me?” Xuande nodded. When Cao Cao returned to the tower, Lü Bu called out, “The greatest threat to you, illustrious lord, was none other than Lü Bu. Now Lü Bu has submitted. If you command as chief general and Lü Bu serves as your deputy, the empire will not be difficult to pacify.” Cao Cao turned to Xuande and asked, “What do you think?” Xuande replied, “Have you not seen what happened to Ding Jianyang and Dong Zhuo?” Lü Bu glared at Xuande and said, “This fellow is the most untrustworthy man of all!” Cao Cao ordered Lü Bu taken down from the tower and strangled. Looking back at Xuande, Lü Bu shouted, “You long-eared wretch! Have you forgotten when I shot the halberd at the camp gate?” Suddenly a man shouted, “Lü Bu, you common brute! Death is only death—what is there to fear?” Everyone looked and saw executioners bringing Zhang Liao forward. Cao Cao ordered Lü Bu strangled to death and then beheaded, his head displayed publicly. A later poet lamented:The surging floodwaters drowned XiapiWhen Lü Bu was captured in those distant days.In vain remained Red Hare, swift for a thousand miles;In vain remained the single Sky-Piercing Halberd.Bound like a tiger, he begged for ease—how weak!He once knew well not to feed a hawk its fill.Besotted with his wife, he spurned Chen Gong’s advice,Then vainly cursed the long-eared man as faithless.

Another poem comments on Xuande:When a ravening tiger is bound, do not loosen its ropes;Dong Zhuo’s and Ding Yuan’s blood was scarcely dry.Since Xuande knew this beast could devour his fathers,Why not preserve him to bring harm to Cao Cao?

The guards brought Zhang Liao forward. Pointing at him, Cao Cao said, “This man looks very familiar.” Zhang Liao replied, “We met inside Puyang. How can you have forgotten?” Cao Cao laughed and said, “So you remember too!” Zhang Liao said, “I only regret one thing.” Cao Cao asked, “What do you regret?” Zhang Liao replied, “I regret that the fire that day was not fierce enough and failed to burn you, traitor to the state, to death!” Cao Cao flew into a rage. “How dare a defeated general insult me!” Drawing his sword, he went to kill Zhang Liao with his own hand. Zhang Liao showed no fear at all but stretched out his neck and waited to die. One man behind Cao Cao seized his arm, while another knelt before him and said, “Prime Minister, do not strike!” As the verse says:Lü Bu begged for mercy, but no one saved him;Zhang Liao cursed the traitor, yet instead survived.Who was it that saved Zhang Liao? Read on to find out.