Chapter 20

Cao Cao Hunts at Xutian; Lord Dong Receives a Secret Edict

Now Cao Cao raised his sword to kill Zhang Liao, but Xuande seized him by the arm, while Lord Guan knelt before him. Xuande said, “A man of such wholehearted loyalty ought surely to be spared and employed.” Lord Guan said, “I have long known Wenyuan to be a loyal and righteous man. I am willing to answer for him with my life.” Cao Cao flung down his sword and laughed. “I too know Wenyuan to be loyal and righteous. I was only testing him.” He personally loosed Zhang Liao’s bonds, took off his own robe and clothed him in it, then invited him to the seat of honor. Moved by this treatment, Zhang Liao submitted. Cao Cao appointed him General of the Household and granted him the rank of Marquis Within the Passes, then sent him to secure Zang Ba’s surrender. When Zang Ba heard that Lü Bu was dead and Zhang Liao had submitted, he too led his own troops over to Cao Cao, who rewarded him richly. Zang Ba in turn induced Sun Guan, Wu Dun, and Yin Li to surrender; only Chang Xi still refused allegiance. Cao Cao appointed Zang Ba Chancellor of Langya. Sun Guan and the others were likewise promoted and ordered to guard the coastal regions of Qingzhou and Xuzhou. Lü Bu’s wife and daughter were conveyed back to the capital at Xu. Cao Cao lavishly feasted the three armies, struck camp, and began the return march. Passing through Xuzhou, he found the people burning incense and blocking the road, begging that Imperial Inspector Liu be left there as governor. Cao Cao said, “Imperial Inspector Liu has rendered great service. Let him first appear before the Emperor to receive title and rank; it will not be too late for him to return afterward.” The people bowed their thanks. Cao Cao summoned General of Chariots and Cavalry Che Zhou and placed him temporarily in charge of Xuzhou. His army then returned to Xuchang, where he rewarded all who had taken part in the campaign and lodged Xuande in a residence near the Chancellor’s palace.

The next day, Emperor Xian held court. Cao Cao submitted a memorial recounting Xuande’s military merits and brought him before the Emperor. Xuande, fully robed for court, bowed below the vermilion steps. The Emperor summoned him into the hall and asked, “Who were your ancestors?” Xuande replied, “Your servant is a descendant of Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan, and a great-great-grandson in the line of Emperor Xiaojing: the grandson of Liu Xiong and the son of Liu Hong.” The Emperor ordered the imperial genealogy brought out for examination and commanded the Minister of the Imperial Clan to read aloud:

“Emperor Xiaojing had fourteen sons. His seventh son was Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan. Sheng begot Liu Zhen, Marquis of Lucheng Village. Zhen begot Liu Ang, Marquis of Pei. Ang begot Liu Lu, Marquis of Zhang. Lu begot Liu Lian, Marquis of Yishui. Lian begot Liu Ying, Marquis of Qinyang. Ying begot Liu Jian, Marquis of Anguo. Jian begot Liu Ai, Marquis of Guangling. Ai begot Liu Xian, Marquis of Jiaoshui. Xian begot Liu Shu, Marquis of Zuyi. Shu begot Liu Yi, Marquis of Qiyang. Yi begot Liu Bi, Marquis of Yuanze. Bi begot Liu Da, Marquis of Yingchuan. Da begot Liu Buyi, Marquis of Fengling. Buyi begot Liu Hui, Marquis of Jichuan. Hui begot Liu Xiong, Magistrate of Fan in Dongjun. Xiong begot Liu Hong. Hong held no office. Liu Bei is the son of Liu Hong.”

When the Emperor reckoned the generations in the genealogy, Xuande proved to be his imperial uncle. Overjoyed, the Emperor invited him into a side hall, where they observed the rites proper between uncle and nephew. Inwardly the Emperor thought, “Cao Cao usurps authority, and no affair of state is decided by me. Now that I have gained such a heroic uncle, I have an ally!” He therefore appointed Xuande General of the Left and Marquis of Yicheng Village. After entertaining him at a banquet, the Emperor dismissed him, and Xuande left the court after giving thanks for the imperial favor. From that time on, everyone called him the Imperial Uncle Liu.

When Cao Cao returned to his residence, Xun Yu and the other advisers came to see him and said, “The Son of Heaven has acknowledged Liu Bei as his uncle. We fear this will bring Your Excellency no advantage.” Cao Cao replied, “Since he has been acknowledged as the Imperial Uncle, I can command him by the Son of Heaven’s decrees, and he will be still less able to disobey. Besides, I am keeping him here in the capital at Xu. Though in name he stands near the sovereign, in truth he remains within my grasp. What have I to fear? The man who concerns me is Grand Commandant Yang Biao, a kinsman of Yuan Shu. If he should act within the court in concert with the two Yuans, the harm would be grave. He must be removed at once.” Cao Cao secretly had Yang Biao accused of communicating with Yuan Shu, then cast him into prison and ordered Man Chong to prosecute the case.

At that time Kong Rong, Governor of Beihai, was in the capital at Xu. He remonstrated with Cao Cao, saying, “Lord Yang’s family has been renowned for unsullied virtue through four generations. How can he be condemned merely because of the Yuan clan?” Cao Cao said, “It is the will of the court.” Kong Rong replied, “If King Cheng had ordered Duke Zhao put to death, could the Duke of Zhou have claimed to know nothing of it?” Left with no choice, Cao Cao dismissed Yang Biao from office and released him to return to his fields. Zhao Yan, a Consultant, was incensed by Cao Cao’s tyranny and submitted a memorial impeaching him for acting without the Emperor’s command and arbitrarily arresting a high minister. Cao Cao was enraged and immediately had Zhao Yan seized and put to death. Thereafter, every civil and military official trembled with fear. The adviser Cheng Yu said to Cao Cao, “Your Excellency’s power and renown increase with each passing day. Why not seize this moment to pursue the designs of a king and hegemon?” Cao Cao replied, “The court still has many loyal pillars and limbs. I must not move rashly. I shall ask the Son of Heaven to hold a hunt and thus observe how matters stand.”

Accordingly, he selected fine horses, celebrated hawks, and fleet hounds, and made ready bows and arrows. First he assembled troops outside the city; then he entered the palace and requested that the Son of Heaven hold a hunt. The Emperor said, “I fear hunting is not the proper way.” Cao Cao replied, “The emperors and kings of old hunted in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, going out beyond the capital in all four seasons to display their martial prowess to the realm. Now, when all within the four seas is in turmoil, it is fitting that we use the hunt to practice the arts of war.” The Emperor dared not refuse. He immediately mounted his horse Carefree, took his jeweled bow carved with eagles and his gold-notched arrows, and rode out of the city in the imperial procession. Xuande, Lord Guan, and Zhang Fei each carried a strung bow and arrows, wore a breastplate beneath his robe, and bore a weapon in hand. Leading several dozen horsemen, they followed the imperial carriage out of Xuchang. Cao Cao rode his horse Yellow Hoof, Flying Lightning and led one hundred thousand men to hunt with the Son of Heaven at the fields of Xu. The soldiers spread out to form a hunting enclosure more than two hundred li in circumference. Cao Cao rode abreast of the Son of Heaven, with no more than a horse’s head between them. Behind him came only officers and commanders from his innermost circle. The civil and military officials followed at a great distance; none dared approach.

That day Emperor Xian galloped into the fields of Xu, where Liu Xuande greeted him from the roadside. The Emperor said, “Today I wish to see my Imperial Uncle shoot in the hunt.” Obeying the command, Xuande mounted his horse. Suddenly a rabbit was flushed from the grass. Xuande shot, and his arrow struck it squarely. The Emperor applauded. As they rounded an earthen slope, a great stag was suddenly driven from a thicket. The Emperor loosed three arrows in succession but missed each time. Turning to Cao Cao, he said, “You shoot it.” Cao Cao asked for the Son of Heaven’s jeweled eagle-carved bow and gold-notched arrows. Drawing the bow to the full, he loosed one shaft and struck the stag squarely in the back, bringing it down in the grass. When the assembled ministers and officers saw the gold-notched arrow, they assumed the Son of Heaven had made the shot and surged forward, crying, “Long live the Emperor!” Cao Cao spurred his horse straight out and placed himself before the Son of Heaven to receive their acclamation. Everyone turned pale.

Behind Xuande, Lord Guan flew into a rage. His silkworm brows bristled, his phoenix eyes opened wide, and, raising his blade, he lashed his horse forward to cut down Cao Cao. Xuande saw him and hurriedly shook his hand while signaling with his eyes. Seeing his elder brother’s warning, Lord Guan dared not move. Xuande leaned toward Cao Cao and offered congratulations. “The Chancellor’s divine archery is rarely equaled in this world!” Cao Cao laughed. “It was only the Son of Heaven’s great good fortune.” He then turned his horse toward the Emperor and offered congratulations, but did not return the jeweled eagle-carved bow; instead, he hung it upon his own person.

When the hunt was over, a banquet was held in the fields of Xu. Afterward, the imperial carriage returned to the capital, and everyone went separately to rest. Lord Guan asked Xuande, “That traitor Cao insulted the sovereign and deceived his lord. I meant to kill him and rid the state of this scourge. Why did you stop me, brother?” Xuande replied, “‘One hesitates to strike a rat for fear of smashing the vessel beside it.’ Cao Cao rode no more than a horse’s head from the Emperor, surrounded on all sides by his trusted men. If you had indulged a moment’s fury and acted rashly, and the attempt had failed or harmed the Son of Heaven, the guilt would instead have fallen upon us.” Lord Guan said, “Because we did not kill this traitor today, he is certain to bring calamity hereafter.” Xuande replied, “For now, keep this secret. Do not speak of it lightly.”

Now Emperor Xian returned to the palace and said to Empress Fu through his tears, “Ever since I ascended the throne, treacherous heroes have risen on every side. First I suffered the calamity of Dong Zhuo, and afterward the disorders of Li Jue and Guo Si. You and I have endured hardships beyond those borne by ordinary people. Later, when Cao Cao came, I took him for a minister who would uphold the altars of state. I never imagined that he would monopolize the government, usurp authority, and wield rewards and punishments at his pleasure. Whenever I see him, my back feels as though it were pressed against thorns. Today, at the hunting ground, he placed himself before me and received the acclamations of the crowd. His insolence has reached its height! Sooner or later he is certain to conceive some monstrous design, and neither of us knows where we shall die!” Empress Fu said, “The whole court is filled with dukes and ministers who live on the stipends of the Han. Can there truly be not one man among them able to save the state from disaster?”

Before she had finished, a man suddenly entered from outside and said, “Your Majesties, do not grieve. I can recommend one man who may rid the state of this scourge.” The Emperor looked and saw that it was Fu Wan, father of Empress Fu. Wiping away his tears, the Emperor asked, “Does my imperial father-in-law also know of the traitor Cao’s tyranny?” Fu Wan replied, “Who did not witness the shooting of the stag in the fields of Xu? Yet throughout the court, all are either members of Cao Cao’s clan or followers from his household. Unless a man is kin to the imperial house, who will willingly give his utmost loyalty to destroy the traitor? This old minister has no power and cannot undertake the matter. But General of Chariots and Cavalry Dong Cheng, the Imperial Consort, may be entrusted with it.” The Emperor said, “The Imperial Consort Dong has often hastened to the aid of the state in its perils. I know his loyalty well. He may be summoned within, so that we can deliberate on this great matter together.” Fu Wan said, “All those around Your Majesty are the traitor Cao’s trusted agents. If the design should leak out, the disaster would be grave.” The Emperor asked, “Then what can be done?” Fu Wan replied, “Your servant has a plan. Your Majesty may have a robe made and select a jade girdle, then secretly bestow them upon Dong Cheng. Sew a secret edict inside the lining of the girdle and give it to him with the rest. When he reaches home and finds the edict, he can devise a plan day and night, with neither gods nor ghosts the wiser.”

The Emperor approved the plan, and Fu Wan took his leave. The Emperor then composed a secret edict himself, bit open the tip of his finger, and wrote it in blood. In secret, he ordered Empress Fu to sew it inside the purple brocade lining of a jade girdle. He then put on a brocade robe, fastened the girdle about himself, and ordered an inner secretary to summon Dong Cheng. After Dong Cheng had entered and performed the proper courtesies, the Emperor said, “Last night, the Empress and I spoke of the hardships at the Ba River and remembered the great service rendered by the Imperial Consort. For that reason, I specially summoned you here to offer my consolation.” Dong Cheng bowed his head to the ground in thanks. The Emperor led him from the hall to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, then turned aside and ascended the Gallery of Meritorious Ministers. After burning incense and performing the rites, the Emperor showed Dong Cheng the portraits. In the center hung the likeness of Gaozu, founder of the Han. The Emperor asked, “From what station did my ancestor Gaozu rise, and how did he found his enterprise?” Dong Cheng was greatly startled. “Your Majesty must be jesting with your servant. How could I not know the deeds of the Sacred Ancestor? Emperor Gao began as headman of a post station on the Si River. Taking up a three-foot sword, he slew the serpent and raised the standard of righteousness. He swept across the four seas, overthrew Qin in three years and destroyed Chu in five, thereby winning the realm and establishing a foundation to endure for ten thousand generations.” The Emperor said, “The ancestor was so heroic, yet his descendant is so feeble. Is that not lamentable?” Then, pointing to the portraits of the two chief assistants on either side, he asked, “Are these not Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liu, and Xiao He, Marquis of Zan?” Dong Cheng replied, “They are. Gaozu founded his dynasty and established his great enterprise through the aid of these two men.” The Emperor looked back and saw that his attendants were at some distance. He then said privately to Dong Cheng, “You too should stand beside me as these two men stood beside Gaozu.” Dong Cheng replied, “Your servant has not an inch of merit. How could I deserve such honor?” The Emperor said, “I have never for a moment forgotten your service in rescuing me at the western capital, yet I have nothing suitable to bestow upon you.” Pointing to the robe and girdle he wore, he continued, “You shall wear this robe of mine and fasten this girdle of mine, so that you may always seem to stand by my side.” Dong Cheng bowed his head to the ground in gratitude. The Emperor removed the robe and girdle and bestowed them on him, saying in a low voice, “When you return home, examine them closely. Do not betray my intent.”

Dong Cheng understood. He put on the robe and girdle, took leave of the Emperor, and descended from the gallery. Someone had already reported to Cao Cao, “The Emperor and Dong Cheng have gone up to the Gallery of Meritorious Ministers to speak together.” Cao Cao immediately entered the palace to investigate. Dong Cheng had just left the gallery and passed through the palace gate when he encountered Cao Cao approaching. With no time or place to avoid him, he could only stand beside the road and salute. Cao Cao asked, “Where have you been, Imperial Consort?” Dong Cheng replied, “The Son of Heaven summoned me and bestowed upon me this brocade robe and jade girdle.” Cao Cao asked, “Why were they bestowed upon you?” Dong Cheng replied, “His Majesty remembered my former service in rescuing the imperial carriage at the western capital, and so granted me these gifts.” Cao Cao said, “Take off the girdle and let me see it.” Dong Cheng knew there must be a secret edict within the garments. Afraid Cao Cao would discover it, he hesitated and did not remove the girdle. Cao Cao shouted to his attendants, “Take it off him at once!” He examined it for a long while, then laughed. “It is indeed a fine jade girdle. Now take off the brocade robe and lend that to me for inspection.” Dong Cheng was terrified and dared not refuse. He removed the robe and presented it. Cao Cao lifted it in his own hands and scrutinized it minutely against the sunlight. When he had finished, he put it on himself, fastened the jade girdle, and turned to those around him. “How is the length?” The attendants praised its appearance. Cao Cao said to Dong Cheng, “What if the Imperial Consort were to present this robe and girdle to me instead?” Dong Cheng replied, “They were bestowed by imperial grace. I dare not give them to another. Permit me to have others made and present those to Your Excellency.” Cao Cao said, “Could it be that the Imperial Consort received these garments because some design lies hidden within them?” Dong Cheng started in alarm. “How would I dare? If the Chancellor desires them, then by all means keep them.” Cao Cao said, “These were bestowed upon you by the sovereign. How could I take them from you? I was only jesting.” He then removed the robe and girdle and returned them to Dong Cheng.

Dong Cheng took leave of Cao Cao and returned home. That night, sitting alone in his study, he turned the robe over and over and examined it closely, but found nothing. He thought, “The Son of Heaven gave me this robe and girdle and told me to inspect them carefully. His words cannot have been without purpose. Yet why can I find no trace of anything?” He then took up the jade girdle and examined it. It was fashioned of exquisite white jade, carved into little dragons winding among flowers. Its back was lined with purple silk, neatly and evenly stitched, but again he found nothing. Filled with doubt, he laid it on the table and searched it repeatedly. After a long while, he grew exceedingly weary. Just as he was about to rest his head on the desk and sleep, the flowering wick of the lamp suddenly fell upon the girdle and set fire to its lining. Dong Cheng started and beat out the flame, but one place had already burned through, revealing a glimpse of plain silk beneath, upon which faint traces of blood could be seen. He hurriedly took a knife, cut open the seam, and examined it. It was a secret edict written in the Son of Heaven’s own hand and blood. The edict read:

“We have heard that among the great bonds of human society, that between father and son stands foremost; and among distinctions of rank, that between sovereign and minister is of greatest weight. Of late, the traitor Cao has usurped authority and oppressed his sovereign and father. He has banded together a faction, corrupted the order of the court, and issued commands, rewards, enfeoffments, and punishments without Our sanction. Day and night We brood in distress, fearing that the realm is about to fall into peril. You are a great minister of the state and Our closest kinsman. You must remember the hardships by which Emperor Gao founded his enterprise. Gather men of valor who are perfect in loyalty and righteousness, annihilate the treacherous faction, and restore peace to the altars of state. What great fortune that would be for Our ancestors! We have pierced Our finger and shed Our blood to write this edict and entrust it to you. Be cautious again and again, and do not betray Our intent! Edict issued in the third month of spring, the fourth year of Jian’an.”

When Dong Cheng had finished reading, tears streamed down his face, and all that night he could not sleep. At dawn he returned to the study and read the edict again and again, but could devise no means of acting upon it. He laid it on the desk and pondered how Cao Cao might be destroyed. Still unable to settle on a plan, he leaned against the desk and fell asleep. Just then, Palace Attendant Wang Zifu arrived. The gatekeeper knew that Wang Zifu and Dong Cheng were close friends and dared not bar his way, so Wang Zifu went straight into the study. He found Dong Cheng slumped there, fast asleep, with a strip of plain silk beneath his sleeve and the character “We” faintly visible upon it. Suspicious, Wang Zifu silently drew it out, read it through, hid it in his sleeve, and called to Dong Cheng, “The Imperial Consort takes his ease! What a wonder you can sleep at all!”

Dong Cheng woke with a start. Seeing that the edict was gone, he felt his soul leave his body, and his hands and feet shook in confusion. Wang Zifu said, “You intend to kill Lord Cao! I shall report you.” Dong Cheng pleaded through his tears, “If you do that, brother, the house of Han is finished!” Wang Zifu said, “I was only jesting. My ancestors have received the stipends of Han for generations; how could I be devoid of loyalty? I am willing to lend you my strength and join you in putting the traitor to death.” Dong Cheng said, “If you truly possess such a heart, it is a great blessing to the state.” Wang Zifu said, “We must draw up a covenant of righteousness in a secret chamber, each pledging the lives of all three branches of his clan in recompense to the sovereign of Han.” Dong Cheng was overjoyed. He took a length of white silk and was the first to write his name and affix his mark. Wang Zifu likewise signed and marked it. When they had finished, Wang Zifu said, “General Wu Zilan is a close friend of mine. He may be brought into our design.” Dong Cheng replied, “Among all the ministers at court, only Colonel of the Changshui Camp Zhong Ji and Consultant Wu Shuo are my trusted intimates. They will certainly join us in this undertaking.”

While they were still conferring, a household servant entered to report that Zhong Ji and Wu Shuo had come to visit. Dong Cheng said, “Heaven is aiding me!” He told Wang Zifu to hide for the moment behind a screen, then received the two men in the study. When they had taken their seats and finished their tea, Zhong Ji asked, “Do you too harbor resentment over the hunt in the fields of Xu?” Dong Cheng replied, “Though I harbor resentment, nothing can be done.” Wu Shuo said, “I swear to kill this traitor! I regret only that there is no one to aid me.” Zhong Ji said, “If I can rid the state of this scourge, I shall die without regret.” Wang Zifu stepped out from behind the screen and said, “You two intend to kill Chancellor Cao! I shall report you, and the Imperial Consort Dong here will serve as my witness.” Zhong Ji said angrily, “A loyal minister does not fear death. Better that we die as ghosts of Han than that you fawn upon a traitor to the state!” Dong Cheng laughed. “We were discussing this very matter and wished to see you both. Palace Attendant Wang was only jesting.” He then drew the edict from his sleeve and gave it to the two men to read. As they read, their tears fell without cease. Dong Cheng then asked them to sign their names. Wang Zifu said, “Wait here a little while, gentlemen. I shall go and bring Wu Zilan.”

Wang Zifu had not been gone long when he returned with Wu Zilan. After Wu Zilan had met the others, he too signed his name. Dong Cheng invited them all into the rear hall to drink. Suddenly, a servant reported that Ma Teng, Governor of Xiliang, had come to visit. Dong Cheng said, “Tell him only that I am ill and cannot receive him.” The gatekeeper went out with the reply. Ma Teng flew into a rage. “Last night, outside the Donghua Gate, I saw him with my own eyes coming out in a brocade robe and jade girdle. Why does he now pretend to be ill? I have not come here on some idle errand. Why does he refuse to see me?” The gatekeeper returned and reported Ma Teng’s anger, repeating all he had said. Dong Cheng rose. “Gentlemen, wait here a moment while I go out.” He entered the main hall and invited Ma Teng inside. After exchanging courtesies, they sat down. Ma Teng said, “I have had my audience at court and am about to return west, so I came to take my leave. Why did you refuse to see me?” Dong Cheng replied, “A sudden illness has afflicted this unworthy body, and I failed to come out and receive you. My offense is grave.” Ma Teng said, “Your face wears the color of spring. I see no sign of illness.”

Dong Cheng had no answer. Ma Teng rose with a sweep of his sleeves and, sighing as he descended the steps, said, “None of them are men who will save the state!” Stung by his words, Dong Cheng detained him and asked, “Whom do you mean by men who will not save the state?” Ma Teng replied, “The events of the hunt in the fields of Xu still fill my breast with fury. You are among the closest kin of the imperial house, yet you remain sunk in wine and women and give no thought to destroying the traitor. How can you be called a man who will rescue the imperial house from peril and uphold it in calamity?” Dong Cheng feared this might be a ruse and feigned astonishment. “Chancellor Cao is a great minister of the state, upon whom the court relies. Why do you speak this way?” Ma Teng flew into a rage. “Do you still take that traitor Cao for a good man?” Dong Cheng said, “Eyes and ears are very near us. Please lower your voice.” Ma Teng replied, “A man who clings to life and fears death is unworthy to discuss great affairs!” With that, he again made as if to rise. Dong Cheng now knew him to be loyal and righteous, and said, “Please calm your anger. Allow me to show you something.” He invited Ma Teng into the study, brought out the edict, and showed it to him.

When Ma Teng had finished reading, his hair stood on end. He ground his teeth and bit his lips until blood filled his mouth. He said to Dong Cheng, “If you take action, I shall command the troops of Xiliang and support you from without.” Dong Cheng invited him to meet the others, brought out the covenant of righteousness, and asked him to sign his name. Ma Teng took wine, mingled his blood with it, and swore an oath: “We pledge to die rather than betray our compact!” Pointing to the five men seated there, he said, “If we could gain ten men in all, the great undertaking would succeed.” Dong Cheng replied, “Men of loyalty and righteousness are not easily found. If we entrust the design to the wrong man, he will only bring ruin upon us.” Ma Teng ordered them to bring the register of officials in their mandarin-duck files and egret ranks and began to examine it. When he came to the members of the imperial Liu clan, he clapped his hands and said, “Why not consult with this man?” They all asked whom he meant. Calmly and deliberately, Ma Teng spoke the man’s name. Just as the verse says:

The Imperial Consort received the sovereign’s clear decree;Then from the imperial line came aid for Han’s dynasty.

Whom did Ma Teng name? Listen to the explanation in the chapter that follows.

Cao Cao Hunts at Xutian; Lord Dong Receives a Secret Edict

It is told that Cao Cao raised his sword to kill Zhang Liao, but Xuande seized his arm while Lord Guan knelt before him. Xuande said, “A man so utterly loyal should be kept and put to use.” Lord Guan said, “I have long known Wenyuan to be a man of loyalty and honor. I am willing to guarantee him with my life.” Cao Cao tossed aside his sword and laughed. “I too know that Wenyuan is loyal and honorable. I was only testing him.” He personally untied Zhang Liao, took off his own robe and put it on him, and invited him to take the seat of honor. Moved by this treatment, Zhang Liao surrendered. Cao Cao appointed him General of the Household and granted him the title of Marquis Within the Passes, then sent him to persuade Zang Ba to submit. When Zang Ba heard that Lü Bu was dead and Zhang Liao had surrendered, he too led his troops over to Cao Cao, who rewarded him generously. Zang Ba then persuaded Sun Guan, Wu Dun, and Yin Li to surrender as well; only Chang Xi still refused to submit. Cao Cao appointed Zang Ba Chancellor of Langya. Sun Guan and the others also received promotions and were ordered to guard the coastal regions of Qingzhou and Xuzhou. Cao Cao sent Lü Bu’s wife and daughter back to the capital, Xudu, richly rewarded the entire army, struck camp, and began the return march. As he passed through Xuzhou, the people burned incense and blocked the road, begging him to leave Imperial Protector Liu there as governor. Cao Cao said, “Imperial Protector Liu has rendered great service. Let him first have an audience with His Majesty and receive his title; it will not be too late for him to return afterward.” The people kowtowed in thanks. Cao Cao summoned General of Chariots and Cavalry Che Zhou and appointed him acting governor of Xuzhou. Cao Cao’s army returned to Xuchang, where he bestowed rewards and honors upon those who had taken part in the campaign, while Xuande was given quarters near the Chancellor’s residence in which to rest.

The next day, Emperor Xian held court. Cao Cao submitted a memorial reporting Xuande’s military achievements and brought Xuande before the emperor. Dressed in full court robes, Xuande bowed at the vermilion steps. The emperor summoned him into the hall and asked, “Who was your ancestor?” Xuande replied, “I am a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, a great-great-grandson in the line of Emperor Xiaojing, the grandson of Liu Xiong, and the son of Liu Hong.” The emperor ordered the imperial clan genealogy brought out for examination, then commanded the Minister of the Imperial Clan to read it aloud:Emperor Xiaojing had fourteen sons. His seventh son was Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan. Sheng fathered Liu Zhen, Marquis of Lucheng Village. Zhen fathered Liu Ang, Marquis of Pei. Ang fathered Liu Lu, Marquis of Zhang. Lu fathered Liu Lian, Marquis of Yishui. Lian fathered Liu Ying, Marquis of Qinyang. Ying fathered Liu Jian, Marquis of Anguo. Jian fathered Liu Ai, Marquis of Guangling. Ai fathered Liu Xian, Marquis of Jiaoshui. Xian fathered Liu Shu, Marquis of Zuyi. Shu fathered Liu Yi, Marquis of Qiyang. Yi fathered Liu Bi, Marquis of Yuanze. Bi fathered Liu Da, Marquis of Yingchuan. Da fathered Liu Buyi, Marquis of Fengling. Buyi fathered Liu Hui, Marquis of Jichuan. Hui fathered Liu Xiong, Magistrate of Fan in Dong Commandery. Xiong fathered Liu Hong. Hong held no official post. Liu Bei is the son of Liu Hong.

When the emperor worked out the generations in the genealogy, Xuande proved to be his imperial uncle. Overjoyed, the emperor invited him into a side hall, where they observed the formal rites between uncle and nephew. The emperor privately thought, “Cao Cao has usurped authority, and none of the affairs of state are under my control. Now that I have gained such a heroic uncle, I have someone to help me!” He accordingly appointed Xuande General of the Left and Marquis of Yicheng Village. After the emperor had honored him with a banquet, Xuande thanked him for his favor and withdrew from court. From that time on, everyone called him the Imperial Uncle Liu.

When Cao Cao returned to his residence, Xun Yu and the other advisers came to see him and said, “The Son of Heaven has recognized Liu Bei as his uncle. We fear this will not benefit you, my lord.” Cao Cao replied, “Now that he has been recognized as the Imperial Uncle, I can command him by decree of the Son of Heaven, and he will be even less able to disobey me. Besides, I am keeping him here in Xudu. Though in name he is close to the sovereign, in reality he is in my grasp. What have I to fear? The man who concerns me is Grand Commandant Yang Biao, who is related to Yuan Shu. If he acts as an inside agent for the two Yuans, he could do great harm. He must be eliminated at once.” Cao Cao secretly had someone falsely accuse Yang Biao of conspiring with Yuan Shu. Yang Biao was arrested and imprisoned, and Man Chong was ordered to interrogate and prosecute him.

At that time Kong Rong, Governor of Beihai, was in Xudu. He remonstrated with Cao Cao, saying, “Lord Yang’s family has been renowned for integrity for four generations. How can he be condemned merely because of his connection to the Yuan clan?” Cao Cao said, “This is the will of the imperial court.” Kong Rong replied, “If King Cheng had ordered the Duke of Shao killed, could the Duke of Zhou have claimed that he knew nothing of it?” Cao Cao had no choice but to dismiss Yang Biao from office and release him to return to his home in the countryside. Zhao Yan, a court counselor, was outraged by Cao Cao’s tyranny and submitted a memorial impeaching him for disregarding the emperor’s will and arbitrarily arresting a high minister. Cao Cao flew into a rage and immediately had Zhao Yan arrested and killed. Thereafter, every official at court trembled in fear. The adviser Cheng Yu said to Cao Cao, “My lord, your power and renown grow greater by the day. Why not seize this opportunity to pursue the enterprise of a king or hegemon?” Cao Cao replied, “There are still many pillars of the imperial court. We must not act rashly. I will ask the Son of Heaven to go hunting, so that I may observe how everyone reacts.”

Cao Cao accordingly selected fine horses, famous hawks, and excellent hounds, and prepared bows and arrows. After first assembling his troops outside the city, he entered the palace and asked the Son of Heaven to go hunting. The emperor said, “I fear hunting is not the proper course.” Cao Cao replied, “The emperors and kings of ancient times held the spring hunt, the summer hunt, the autumn hunt, and the winter hunt. In every season they went beyond the capital to display their military strength to the world. Now, when the whole realm is in turmoil, it is only right to use the hunt as an occasion for military exercises.” The emperor did not dare refuse. He mounted his horse, Carefree, took his jeweled carved bow and gold-tipped arrows, and set out from the city in his imperial carriage procession. Xuande, Lord Guan, and Zhang Fei each carried a strung bow and arrows, wore a breastplate beneath his robe, and held a weapon in hand. Leading several dozen horsemen, they followed the imperial procession out of Xuchang. Cao Cao rode his Yellow-Hoofed Flying Lightning and led a force of one hundred thousand men to hunt with the Son of Heaven at the fields of Xu. The soldiers spread out to form a hunting enclosure more than two hundred li around. Cao Cao rode abreast of the Son of Heaven, scarcely a horse’s head behind him. All the officers following them were Cao Cao’s own trusted men. The civil and military officials attended from far behind; none dared approach.

That day, Emperor Xian galloped to the fields of Xu, where Liu Xuande greeted him at the roadside. The emperor said, “Today I wish to see my imperial uncle shoot game.” Obeying the command, Xuande mounted his horse. Suddenly a rabbit was flushed from the grass. Xuande shot, and his arrow struck it squarely. The emperor applauded. As they rounded an earthen slope, a great stag suddenly burst from a thicket. The emperor shot three arrows in succession but missed each time. Turning to Cao Cao, he said, “You shoot it.” Cao Cao asked for the Son of Heaven’s jeweled carved bow and gold-tipped arrows. Drawing the bow to its full extent, he released an arrow that struck the stag squarely in the back, bringing it down in the grass. When the assembled ministers and officers saw the gold-tipped arrow, they assumed the Son of Heaven had made the shot. They all leaped with joy and faced the emperor, crying, “Long live His Majesty!” Cao Cao spurred his horse straight forward and blocked the emperor from view as he accepted their cheers. Everyone turned pale.

Behind Xuande, Lord Guan flew into a rage. His silkworm brows bristled, his phoenix eyes opened wide, and, raising his saber, he urged his horse forward to kill Cao Cao. Seeing this, Xuande hurriedly gestured with his hand and warned him with a look. When Lord Guan saw his brother’s signal, he did not dare move. Xuande leaned forward and congratulated Cao Cao, saying, “Your Excellency’s divine marksmanship is rarely equaled in this world!” Cao Cao laughed. “It was only the Son of Heaven’s boundless good fortune.” He then turned his horse and rode back to congratulate the emperor, but he never returned the jeweled carved bow. Instead, he personally hung it from his own saddle.

When the hunt was over, a banquet was held at the fields of Xu. After the banquet, the imperial procession returned to Xudu, and everyone went home to rest. Lord Guan asked Xuande, “That villain Cao deceives the sovereign and insults his superiors. I meant to kill him and rid the state of this scourge. Why did you stop me, brother?” Xuande replied, “When throwing at a rat, one must take care not to smash the vessel beside it. Cao Cao was only a horse’s head away from the emperor, and his trusted men surrounded and attended him on every side. If you had given way to a moment’s anger and acted rashly, and the attempt had failed, the Son of Heaven might have been harmed, and the blame would instead have fallen upon us.” Lord Guan said, “Because we did not kill this villain today, he is certain to bring disaster later.” Xuande said, “For now, this must be kept secret. Do not speak of it lightly.”

Now Emperor Xian returned to the palace and said tearfully to Empress Fu, “Ever since I ascended the throne, treacherous strongmen have risen on every side. First I suffered the calamity brought by Dong Zhuo, and afterward the turmoil caused by Li Jue and Guo Si. You and I have endured hardships that ordinary people have never known. Later I gained Cao Cao and believed him to be a loyal minister who would uphold the dynasty. I never imagined he would monopolize the government, usurp authority, and take it upon himself to dispense rewards and punishments. Whenever I see him, I feel as though thorns are pricking my back. Today at the hunting ground, he put himself forward to receive the cheers meant for me. His insolence could go no further! Sooner or later he is certain to plot some treasonous act, and neither of us knows where we will meet our death!” Empress Fu said, “The entire court is filled with dukes and ministers who live on the stipends of the Han. Can it be that not one of them is capable of saving the state from this disaster?”

Before she finished speaking, a man suddenly entered from outside and said, “Your Majesties, do not worry. I can recommend a man capable of eliminating this scourge of the state.” The emperor looked and saw that it was Fu Wan, Empress Fu’s father. Wiping away his tears, the emperor asked, “Does my imperial father-in-law also know of that villain Cao’s tyranny?” Fu Wan replied, “Who did not witness the stag hunt at the fields of Xu? But everyone at court is either a member of Cao Cao’s clan or one of his followers. Other than an imperial relative, who would be willing to show complete loyalty and strike down the traitor? This old minister has no power and cannot carry out such a task. But General of Chariots and Cavalry Dong Cheng, the imperial uncle, may be entrusted with it.” The emperor said, “Uncle Dong has often come to the aid of the state in times of peril. I know his record well. He can be summoned inside so that we may discuss this great affair together.” Fu Wan replied, “All those around Your Majesty are trusted agents of the villain Cao. If the plan should leak out, the consequences would be disastrous.” The emperor asked, “Then what can be done?” Fu Wan replied, “I have a plan. Your Majesty can have a robe made and take a jade girdle, then secretly bestow them upon Dong Cheng. Sew a secret edict inside the girdle’s lining and give it to him. When he returns home and discovers the edict, he can work out a plan day and night, without gods or ghosts ever knowing.”

The emperor approved the plan, and Fu Wan took his leave. The emperor personally composed a secret edict, bit open the tip of his finger, and wrote it in blood. He secretly ordered Empress Fu to sew it inside the purple brocade lining of a jade girdle. Then he put on a brocade robe, fastened this girdle around his waist, and ordered the palace secretary to summon Dong Cheng. After Dong Cheng had performed the proper courtesies, the emperor said, “Last night the empress and I spoke of the hardships we suffered at the Ba River. Remembering the great service you rendered then, Imperial Uncle, I especially summoned you so that I might reward your labors.” Dong Cheng bowed his head to the floor in thanks. The emperor led him out of the hall and into the imperial ancestral temple, then went up to the Gallery of Meritorious Ministers. After burning incense and performing the rites, the emperor showed Dong Cheng the portraits. In the center was a portrait of Gaozu, founder of the Han. The emperor asked, “Where did our great founder first rise, and how did he establish his enterprise?” Dong Cheng was greatly startled. “Your Majesty must be teasing me. How could I not know the deeds of our sacred ancestor? Emperor Gao began as a village constable on the Si River. Taking up a three-foot sword, he slew the serpent and raised the banner of righteousness. He campaigned across the realm, destroyed Qin in three years and Chu in five, then won all under heaven and laid the foundations of an empire to endure for ten thousand generations.” The emperor said, “Our ancestor was such a hero, yet his descendants are so weak. Is that not lamentable?” He then pointed to the portraits of the two chief ministers on either side and said, “Are these two not Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liu, and Xiao He, Marquis of Zan?” Dong Cheng replied, “They are. Gaozu truly relied on the strength of these two men to found his imperial enterprise.” The emperor glanced behind him and saw that his attendants were some distance away. He then whispered to Dong Cheng, “You too should stand beside me as these two men did.” Dong Cheng replied, “I have not an inch of merit. How could I deserve such a place?” The emperor said, “I have never for a moment forgotten your service in rescuing me in the western capital, but I have nothing with which to reward you.” Pointing to the robe and girdle he wore, he continued, “You should wear this robe of mine and fasten this girdle of mine around your waist, so that you may always seem to be at my side.” Dong Cheng bowed his head to the floor in thanks. The emperor removed the robe and girdle and bestowed them upon him, whispering, “When you return home, examine them carefully. Do not disappoint me.”

Dong Cheng understood. He put on the robe and girdle, took leave of the emperor, and descended from the gallery. Someone had already reported to Cao Cao, “The emperor and Dong Cheng have gone up to the Gallery of Meritorious Ministers to talk.” Cao Cao immediately entered the palace to investigate. Dong Cheng had just left the gallery and passed through the palace gate when he happened to meet Cao Cao approaching. With nowhere to hide, he could only stand at the side of the road and offer his respects. Cao Cao asked, “Where have you been, Imperial Uncle?” Dong Cheng replied, “The Son of Heaven summoned me and bestowed upon me this brocade robe and jade girdle.” Cao Cao asked, “Why did he give them to you?” Dong Cheng replied, “He remembered my former service in rescuing him in the western capital and therefore granted me these gifts.” Cao Cao said, “Take off the girdle and let me see it.” Dong Cheng knew there must be a secret edict inside it. Afraid that Cao Cao would discover it, he hesitated and did not remove it. Cao Cao shouted to his attendants, “Take it off him at once!” He examined it for a long while, then laughed. “It truly is a fine jade girdle. Now take off the brocade robe and lend it to me for a look.” Dong Cheng was terrified and did not dare refuse, so he removed the robe and presented it. Cao Cao lifted it with his own hands and held it against the sunlight, examining it minutely. When he had finished, he put it on himself and fastened the jade girdle around his waist. Turning to his attendants, he asked, “How does it fit?” They all praised its appearance. Cao Cao said to Dong Cheng, “What if the Imperial Uncle were to pass this robe and girdle on to me as a gift?” Dong Cheng replied, “They were bestowed on me by imperial grace. I would not dare give them to another. Allow me to have others made and present them to you.” Cao Cao said, “Could it be that there is some plot hidden in this robe and girdle?” Dong Cheng was alarmed. “How would I dare? If Your Excellency wants them, then you should keep them.” Cao Cao replied, “They were bestowed upon you by the sovereign. How could I take them from you? I was only joking.” He removed the robe and girdle and returned them to Dong Cheng.

Dong Cheng took leave of Cao Cao and returned home. That night, he sat alone in his study and examined the robe carefully, turning it over and over, but found nothing. He thought, “The Son of Heaven gave me this robe and girdle and told me to examine them closely. He must have intended something by it. Why can I find no trace of anything?” He then took up the jade girdle and inspected it. It was made of exquisite white jade, carved into tiny dragons winding through flowers. Its back was lined with purple silk, neatly and evenly stitched, but again there was nothing to be found. Dong Cheng was puzzled. He placed it on the table and searched it repeatedly. After a long while, he became extremely weary. Just as he was about to lay his head on the desk and sleep, the charred wick of the lamp suddenly fell onto the girdle and set fire to its lining. Dong Cheng hurriedly brushed it away, but a spot had already burned through, faintly revealing a piece of plain silk on which traces of blood could be seen. He quickly took a knife and cut open the lining. Inside was a secret edict written in the Son of Heaven’s own hand and blood. It read:I have heard that among the great bonds of human society, that between father and son comes first; and among the distinctions between the honored and the humble, that between sovereign and minister is paramount. Of late, the villain Cao has usurped authority and oppressed his sovereign and father. He has gathered a faction around himself and brought disorder to the institutions of the court. Decrees, rewards, appointments, and punishments are no longer decided by Us. Day and night We brood in anxiety, fearing that the realm is about to fall into peril. You are a great minister of the state and Our closest relative. You must remember how difficult it was for Emperor Gao to found this dynasty. Gather together heroic men who possess both loyalty and righteousness, exterminate the treacherous faction, and restore peace and security to the altars of state. Our ancestors will rejoice! We have cut Our finger, shed Our blood, and written this edict to entrust it to you. Be cautious again and again, and do not disappoint Us! Proclaimed in the third month of spring, the fourth year of Jian’an.

When Dong Cheng finished reading, tears streamed down his face. He could not sleep all night. The next morning, he returned to his study and read the edict over and over, but could think of no way to act. He placed the edict on the desk and pondered a plan for destroying Cao Cao. Before he could reach a decision, he leaned against the desk and fell asleep. Just then, Palace Attendant Wang Zifu arrived. The gatekeeper knew that Wang Zifu and Dong Cheng were close friends and did not dare stop him, so he went straight into the study. He saw Dong Cheng slumped over, fast asleep, with a piece of plain silk partly covered by his sleeve. The character “We” was faintly visible. Suspicious, Wang Zifu silently took it, read it through, and hid it in his sleeve. Then he called out, “How carefree you are, Imperial Uncle! I am amazed you can sleep!”

Dong Cheng awoke with a start. When he saw that the edict was gone, his soul nearly left his body, and he flailed about in panic. Wang Zifu said, “You mean to kill Lord Cao! I shall report you.” Dong Cheng pleaded tearfully, “If you do that, brother, the House of Han is finished!” Wang Zifu replied, “I was only joking. My ancestors have lived on Han stipends for generations. How could I lack a loyal heart? I am willing to lend you my strength so that together we may destroy this traitor to the state.” Dong Cheng said, “If you truly have such a heart, it is a great blessing for the nation.” Wang Zifu said, “We should go into a secret chamber and sign a covenant of righteousness together, each pledging the lives of our three clans to repay our Han sovereign.” Dong Cheng was delighted. He took a length of white silk and was the first to write and sign his name. Wang Zifu also wrote and signed his name. When they had finished, Wang Zifu said, “General Wu Zilan is a very close friend of mine. He can join our plot.” Dong Cheng said, “Of all the ministers at court, Colonel of the Changshui Battalion Zhong Ji and Court Counselor Wu Shuo are my closest confidants. They will certainly join us in this enterprise.”

While they were still discussing the matter, a household servant came in to report that Zhong Ji and Wu Shuo had arrived to pay a visit. Dong Cheng said, “Heaven is helping us!” He told Wang Zifu to hide behind a screen for the time being, then welcomed the two men into the study. When they were seated and had finished their tea, Zhong Ji said, “Do you too harbor resentment over what happened during the hunt at the fields of Xu?” Dong Cheng replied, “I do resent it, but there is nothing I can do.” Wu Shuo said, “I have sworn to kill this villain. My only regret is that I have no one to help me!” Zhong Ji said, “To rid the state of this scourge, I would die without regret.” Wang Zifu stepped out from behind the screen and said, “You two mean to kill Chancellor Cao! I shall report you, and Imperial Uncle Dong can serve as my witness.” Zhong Ji said angrily, “A loyal minister does not fear death. We would rather die and become ghosts of the Han than imitate you by fawning on a traitor to the state!” Dong Cheng laughed. “This is the very matter we are working on, and we wanted to see you both. Palace Attendant Wang was only joking.” He drew the edict from his sleeve and gave it to them to read. After reading it, they could not stop their tears. Dong Cheng then asked them to sign their names. Wang Zifu said, “Wait here a moment, gentlemen. I will go and invite Wu Zilan.”

Wang Zifu soon returned with Wu Zilan. After Wu Zilan had met the others, he too signed his name. Dong Cheng invited them all to drink together in the rear hall. Suddenly a servant reported that Ma Teng, Governor of Xiliang, had come to visit. Dong Cheng said, “Just tell him I am ill and cannot receive him.” The gatekeeper went back and delivered the message. Ma Teng flew into a rage. “Last night outside the Donghua Gate, I saw him with my own eyes coming out in a brocade robe and jade girdle. Why does he now pretend to be ill? I have not come here without a reason. How dare he refuse to see me!” The gatekeeper returned and reported Ma Teng’s anger in full. Dong Cheng rose and said, “Wait here a moment, gentlemen, while I go out.” He immediately went into the reception hall and invited Ma Teng inside. After they had exchanged courtesies and taken their seats, Ma Teng said, “I have had my audience at court and will soon be returning home, so I came to bid you farewell. Why did you refuse to see me?” Dong Cheng replied, “I was suddenly taken ill and failed to come out to welcome you. I have greatly offended you.” Ma Teng said, “Your face glows with the colors of spring. I see no sign of illness.”

Dong Cheng had no answer. Ma Teng swept his sleeves aside, rose, and descended the steps with a sigh. “None of them are men who can save the state!” Struck by his words, Dong Cheng held him back and asked, “Whom do you mean when you say they are not men who can save the state?” Ma Teng replied, “Even now, anger over the hunt at the fields of Xu fills my breast. You are one of the closest relatives of the imperial house, yet you remain lost in wine and women and give no thought to destroying the traitor. How can you be considered a man who will rescue the imperial house from calamity and support it in disaster?” Fearing that Ma Teng might be trying to deceive him, Dong Cheng feigned alarm and said, “Chancellor Cao is a great minister of the state upon whom the imperial court relies. Why do you say such a thing?” Ma Teng flew into a rage. “Do you still consider that villain Cao a good man?” Dong Cheng said, “Eyes and ears are very near us. Please lower your voice.” Ma Teng replied, “A man who clings to life and fears death is not worth discussing great affairs with!” Having said this, he again started to rise. Realizing that Ma Teng was loyal and righteous, Dong Cheng said, “Please calm your anger. Let me show you something.” He invited Ma Teng into the study and showed him the edict.

When Ma Teng finished reading, every hair on his body stood on end. He clenched his teeth and bit his lips until blood filled his mouth. He said to Dong Cheng, “If you take action, I will immediately lead the troops of Xiliang and support you from outside.” Dong Cheng invited Ma Teng to meet the others, brought out the covenant, and asked him to sign his name. Ma Teng took wine, mixed it with blood, and swore an oath: “We swear to die rather than betray our agreement!” Pointing to the five men seated there, he said, “If we could find ten men, our great enterprise would succeed.” Dong Cheng replied, “Men of loyalty and honor are not easily found. If we chose the wrong people, they would bring harm upon us instead.” Ma Teng asked for the register of court officials, listed in their ranks like mandarin ducks and egrets, and examined it. When he reached the members of the Liu imperial clan, he clapped his hands and said, “Why not discuss the matter with this man?” Everyone asked whom he meant. Ma Teng, perfectly composed, spoke that man’s name. Indeed:

Because the Imperial Uncle received the clear edict,He found a scion of the house to aid the Han court.

What Ma Teng said will be revealed in the next chapter.