Chapter 21

Cao Cao Warms Wine and Discusses Heroes; Guan Yu Takes a City by Guile and Slays Che Zhou

Now Dong Cheng and the others asked Ma Teng, “Whom, then, would you employ?” Ma Teng replied, “Liu Xuande, Governor of Yuzhou, is here at present. Why not seek his aid?” Dong Cheng said, “Though this man is the Emperor’s uncle, he is now dependent upon Cao Cao. How could he be willing to undertake such a deed?” Ma Teng replied, “At the hunting ground the other day, when Cao Cao was receiving the congratulations of the assembled officers, I saw Guan Yu behind Xuande, raising his sword to kill Cao Cao. Xuande checked him with a glance. It is not that Xuande has no wish to move against Cao Cao; he merely resents that Cao has so many claws and fangs and fears his own strength may not suffice. Try approaching him, and he will surely consent.” Wu Shuo said, “This matter must not be rushed. We should deliberate calmly.” Then they all dispersed.

The following night, Dong Cheng concealed the edict upon his person and went straight to Xuande’s lodging. The gatekeeper entered to announce him, and Xuande came out to welcome him, then invited him into a small chamber and seated him. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood in attendance at his side. Xuande said, “For the Imperial Brother-in-law to come here in the dead of night, there must be some urgent cause.” Dong Cheng replied, “Had I ridden here to visit you by daylight, I feared Cao Cao might grow suspicious; therefore I came to see you at night.” Xuande ordered wine brought for his guest. Dong Cheng said, “At the hunting ground the other day, Guan Yu wished to kill Cao Cao, but you moved your eyes and shook your head, causing him to desist. Why was that?” Xuande started in alarm. “How did you know?” Dong Cheng replied, “No one else saw it; I alone did.”

Unable to conceal the truth, Xuande said, “My younger brother saw Cao Cao arrogating powers beyond his station and could not help becoming angry.” Dong Cheng covered his face and wept. “If all the ministers of the court were like Guan Yu, why should we fear that peace could not be restored?” Xuande suspected that Cao Cao had sent Dong Cheng to test him, so he feigned innocence and said, “Prime Minister Cao governs the realm. Why should anyone fear that peace will not prevail?” Dong Cheng’s countenance changed, and he rose to his feet. “Because you are an imperial uncle of the Han, I laid bare my heart and told you everything. Why do you deceive me?” Xuande replied, “I feared there might be deceit on your part, and so I was testing you.”

Dong Cheng then took out the girdle edict and gave it to Xuande to read. Xuande was overwhelmed with grief and indignation. Dong Cheng also showed him the covenant of loyalty. Only six names were written upon it: first, Dong Cheng, General of Chariots and Cavalry; second, Wang Zifu, Assistant Minister of Works; third, Zhong Ji, Colonel of Changshui; fourth, Wu Shuo, Court Consultant; fifth, Wu Zilan, General Who Manifests Trust; and sixth, Ma Teng, Administrator of Xiliang. Xuande said, “Since you have received an imperial edict to destroy the traitor, how could I, Liu Bei, refuse to render such service as a dog or horse may give?” Dong Cheng bowed his thanks and asked him to add his name. Xuande wrote, “Liu Bei, General of the Left,” affixed his mark, and returned the document to Dong Cheng, who put it away. Dong Cheng said, “Permit me to invite three more men, so that ten loyalists may unite to plot against the traitor to the state.” Xuande replied, “You must proceed slowly and with the utmost care. Nothing must be lightly divulged.”

They deliberated together until the fifth watch, then parted. Xuande, meanwhile, guarded against any attempt by Cao Cao to harm him. In the rear garden of his lodging he planted vegetables and watered them with his own hands, as a means of concealing his ambitions. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, “Brother, why do you neglect the great affairs of the realm and take up the work of petty men?” Xuande replied, “This is something you two do not understand.” Thereafter they said no more.

One day, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were absent, Xuande was watering his vegetables in the rear garden when Xu Chu and Zhang Liao entered with several dozen men. “The Prime Minister has issued an order,” they said. “We ask Your Excellency to come with us at once.” Xuande asked in alarm, “What urgent matter has arisen?” Xu Chu replied, “I do not know. I was merely ordered to come and invite you.” Xuande had no choice but to follow the two men to Cao Cao’s residence. Cao Cao laughed and said, “What great affairs you have been attending to at home!” Xuande was so frightened that his face turned the color of earth. Cao Cao took him by the hand and led him straight to the rear garden. “Xuande, it is no easy matter to cultivate a garden.” Only then did Xuande’s heart ease. He answered, “It is merely a pastime.” Cao Cao said, “Just now I saw the green plums upon the branches, and suddenly I remembered last year’s campaign against Zhang Xiu. We ran short of water on the road, and all the officers and soldiers were parched with thirst. A scheme occurred to me, and, pointing ahead with my whip though nothing was there, I cried, ‘There is a grove of plum trees ahead!’ When the soldiers heard this, saliva filled their mouths, and their thirst was relieved. Now that I have seen these plums, they must not go untasted. As it happens, the heated wine is also ready, so I invited Your Excellency to join me for a while in the little pavilion.” Xuande’s composure was now fully restored, and he followed Cao Cao to the pavilion. Cups and dishes had already been laid out: green plums stood upon a platter, and a jar of wine was warming. The two men sat facing each other and drank freely.

When they were half drunk, dark clouds suddenly spread across the sky, and a driving rain threatened. One of the attendants pointed toward a dragon-shaped waterspout on the distant horizon, and Cao Cao and Xuande leaned upon the railing to observe it. Cao Cao said, “Does Your Excellency understand the transformations of the dragon?” Xuande replied, “I do not know them in detail.” Cao Cao said, “The dragon can become great or small; it can ascend or conceal itself. When great, it raises clouds and exhales mist; when small, it hides its scales and conceals its form. When it ascends, it soars through the universe; when it conceals itself, it lurks within the surging waves. Now that spring is deep, the dragon takes advantage of the season to transform itself, just as a man who attains his ambition ranges freely over all within the four seas. The dragon, as a creature, may be compared to the heroes of the age. Xuande, you have long traveled throughout the realm and must surely know its present heroes. Please name them for me.”

Xuande replied, “How could Liu Bei, with his mortal eyes, recognize a hero?” Cao Cao said, “You need not be so modest.” Xuande said, “Through the favor of your protection, I have obtained office at court. Yet I truly do not know who the heroes of the realm may be.” Cao Cao said, “Even if you do not know their faces, you must at least have heard their names.” Xuande replied, “Yuan Shu of Huainan has ample soldiers and provisions. He may be called a hero.” Cao Cao laughed. “A withered skeleton in a tomb! Sooner or later I shall capture him.” Xuande said, “Yuan Shao of Hebei comes from a family that for four generations produced three ducal ministers, and his household has many former officials in its service. Now he crouches like a tiger over the lands of Jizhou, and there are exceedingly many capable men under his command. He may be called a hero.” Cao Cao laughed. “Yuan Shao is stern in appearance but faint of heart; fond of schemes but incapable of decision. When undertaking great affairs, he cherishes his own life; when he sees some petty gain, he risks it recklessly. He is no hero.” Xuande said, “There is one man whose name ranks among the Eight Paragons and whose might overawes the Nine Provinces: Liu Jingsheng may be called a hero.” Cao Cao said, “Liu Biao has an empty reputation and no true substance. He is no hero.” Xuande said, “There is one man in the vigor of his youth, the leader of the lands east of the Yangtze: Sun Bofu is surely a hero.” Cao Cao said, “Sun Ce relies upon his father’s fame. He is no hero.” Xuande said, “What of Liu Jiyu of Yizhou? May he be called a hero?” Cao Cao replied, “Though Liu Zhang is of the imperial clan, he is merely a watchdog guarding his own gate. How could he be worthy of the name of hero?” Xuande said, “Then what of men such as Zhang Xiu, Zhang Lu, and Han Sui?” Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed loudly. “Such mediocre little men are not even worth mentioning!” Xuande said, “Apart from these, I truly know of no others.” Cao Cao said, “A hero is one who harbors great ambitions in his breast and excellent plans in his belly; who possesses the subtle ability to encompass the universe and the aspiration to swallow and disgorge Heaven and Earth.” Xuande asked, “Who is worthy of such a description?” Cao Cao pointed first at Xuande and then at himself. “The only heroes in the realm today are Your Excellency and Cao Cao.”

At these words Xuande received a great shock, and the spoon and chopsticks he held fell unnoticed to the ground. At that very moment the rain was about to break, and a tremendous peal of thunder shook the sky. Xuande calmly bent down, picked up his chopsticks, and said, “Such was the might of that thunderclap that it startled me to this degree.” Cao Cao laughed. “Can a true man also fear thunder?” Xuande replied, “Even the Sage changed countenance at sudden thunder and violent wind. How could one not fear them?” Thus he lightly covered up the true reason he had dropped his chopsticks upon hearing Cao Cao’s words. Cao Cao consequently ceased to suspect him. A later poet praised Xuande:

Compelled to shelter for a time within the tiger’s lair,He heard the heroes named and nearly perished from the scare.He cleverly invoked the thunder to conceal his fear;His gift for meeting sudden change was godlike, bright, and clear.

The rain had just ceased when two men suddenly burst into the rear garden, precious swords in hand, and rushed straight toward the pavilion, though the attendants on either side tried in vain to stop them. Cao Cao looked and saw that they were Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. The two had just returned from practicing archery outside the city when they heard that Xuande had been summoned away by Xu Chu and Zhang Liao. In alarm, they hurried to the Prime Minister’s residence to inquire. When told that he was in the rear garden, they feared some harm had befallen him and therefore forced their way inside. There they saw Xuande and Cao Cao seated opposite each other, drinking wine. The two stood with hands upon their swords. Cao Cao asked why they had come. Guan Yu replied, “We heard that the Prime Minister was drinking with our elder brother, so we came especially to perform a sword dance and add to your amusement.” Cao Cao laughed. “This is no Feast at Hong Gate. What need have we of Xiang Zhuang and Xiang Bo?” Xuande also laughed. Cao Cao ordered, “Bring wine for these two Fan Kuais to settle their nerves.” Guan Yu and Zhang Fei bowed their thanks.

Before long the banquet ended, and Xuande took leave of Cao Cao and returned home. Guan Yu said, “You nearly frightened the two of us to death!” Xuande told Guan Yu and Zhang Fei how he had dropped his chopsticks. Zhang Fei asked what it had meant. Xuande replied, “I took up gardening precisely to make Cao Cao believe I had no great ambitions. I never expected him suddenly to point to me as a hero, so I was startled and dropped my chopsticks. Fearing he would grow suspicious, I used my fear of thunder to conceal the truth.” Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, “Brother, your foresight is truly profound!”

The next day Cao Cao again invited Xuande to drink. In the midst of their drinking, a man reported that Man Chong had returned from gathering intelligence about Yuan Shao. Cao Cao summoned him and questioned him. Man Chong said, “Gongsun Zan has been defeated by Yuan Shao.” Xuande hastily asked, “I should like to hear the details.”

Man Chong said, “Gongsun Zan’s battles with Yuan Shao went against him, so he built a ring of fortifications and erected within it a tower a hundred feet high, called the Yijing Tower. There he stored three hundred thousand measures of grain for his defense, while his warriors went out and returned without cease. When some of his men were surrounded by Yuan Shao, the others asked permission to rescue them. Gongsun Zan said, ‘If we save one man, those who fight hereafter will merely hope to be rescued and will refuse to fight to the death.’ He therefore would not save them. Consequently, when Yuan Shao’s troops attacked, many of Gongsun Zan’s men surrendered. Isolated and weakened, Gongsun Zan sent a messenger with a letter to Xudu to request aid, but unexpectedly Yuan Shao’s troops captured him on the way. Gongsun Zan also sent a secret letter to Zhang Yan, arranging for a fire to be raised as a signal so that they might attack from within and without. The bearer of this letter was likewise seized by Yuan Shao, whose men then lit a fire outside the city to lure Gongsun Zan forth. Gongsun Zan came out in person to fight, whereupon ambushing troops rose on every side, destroying more than half his army. He retreated into the city, but Yuan Shao’s men tunneled underground until they reached the base of the tower where Gongsun Zan lived, and there they set a fire. With no road of escape, Gongsun Zan first killed his wife and children, then hanged himself. His entire household was consumed by the flames. Yuan Shao has now absorbed Gongsun Zan’s army, and his power and prestige are very great. Yuan Shao’s younger brother, Yuan Shu, has indulged in such extravagant luxury in Huainan and shown so little concern for soldiers or people that they have all turned against him. Yuan Shu has sent a man to yield his imperial title to Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao wishes to obtain the Imperial Seal, and Yuan Shu has agreed to deliver it in person. He is now abandoning Huainan and intends to return to Hebei. If the two unite their strength, it will be exceedingly difficult to overcome them. I beg the Prime Minister to act against them with all speed.”

When Xuande heard that Gongsun Zan was dead, he remembered with deep sorrow how Gongsun Zan had once recommended him for office. He was also anxious because he did not know what had become of Zhao Zilong. Privately he thought, “If I do not seize this moment to devise a means of escape, what better time can I await?” He rose and said to Cao Cao, “If Yuan Shu goes to join Yuan Shao, he must pass through Xuzhou. Grant me an army to intercept him halfway, and Yuan Shu may be captured.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “Tomorrow we shall report the matter to the Emperor, and you may raise troops at once.”

The next day Xuande presented the matter in person to Emperor Xian. Cao Cao placed fifty thousand troops under Xuande’s supreme command and also assigned Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao to accompany him. Xuande took leave of the Emperor, who saw him off in tears. Upon returning to his lodging, Xuande spent the night preparing weapons, saddles, and horses. He hung up his general’s seal and pressed for an immediate departure. Dong Cheng hurried out ten li to the Long Pavilion to bid him farewell. Xuande said, “Imperial Brother-in-law, endure patiently. On this expedition I shall surely find some means of fulfilling the imperial command.” Dong Cheng replied, “You must take care and not betray His Majesty’s trust.” The two then parted. From horseback Guan Yu and Zhang Fei asked, “Brother, why are you departing upon this campaign in such haste?” Xuande replied, “I was a bird in a cage, a fish in a net. This journey is like a fish entering the great sea or a bird ascending the blue heavens, no longer constrained by cage or net.” He then ordered Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to urge Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao’s troops onward with all speed. At this time Guo Jia and Cheng Yu had just returned from inspecting the money and provisions. Learning that Cao Cao had already sent Xuande with an army toward Xuzhou, they rushed in to remonstrate. “Prime Minister, why did you place Liu Bei in command of an army?” Cao Cao replied, “Only to intercept Yuan Shu.” Cheng Yu said, “When Liu Bei was Governor of Yuzhou, we urged you to kill him, but you would not listen. Now you have given him troops as well. This is to release a dragon into the sea and set a tiger loose upon the mountains. If you later wish to subdue him, how will you ever succeed?” Guo Jia said, “Even if the Prime Minister would not kill Liu Bei, you still should not have allowed him to leave. The ancients said, ‘Release an enemy for one day, and he becomes a scourge for ten thousand generations.’ We beg you to consider this.” Cao Cao judged their words correct and ordered Xu Chu to take five hundred troops in pursuit and make certain that Xuande returned. Xu Chu accepted the order and departed.

Meanwhile, as Xuande marched onward, he suddenly saw a cloud of dust rising swiftly behind them. He said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, “These must be Cao Cao’s troops coming in pursuit.” He therefore pitched camp and ordered Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to stand on either side with their weapons in hand. When Xu Chu arrived and saw the troops in strict formation and their armor in perfect order, he dismounted and entered the camp to see Xuande. Xuande asked, “What brings you here?” Xu Chu replied, “By the Prime Minister’s command, I have come especially to ask the General to return. There are other matters to discuss.” Xuande said, “‘A general in the field need not obey every command of his sovereign.’ I received my charge in the Emperor’s presence and also heard the Prime Minister’s honored instructions. There is nothing further to discuss. You may return at once and report my words to the Prime Minister.” Xu Chu reflected, “The Prime Minister has always been on good terms with him, and this time he did not order me to fight. I can only return with Liu Bei’s answer and await a further decision.” He therefore took leave of Xuande and led his troops back. Upon seeing Cao Cao, he repeated Xuande’s words in full. Cao Cao hesitated, unable to decide. Cheng Yu and Guo Jia said, “Since Liu Bei refuses to bring the army back, it is clear his heart has changed.” Cao Cao replied, “Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao are with him, and I doubt Xuande will dare turn against me. Besides, since I have already dispatched him, how can I now reverse myself?” He therefore made no further attempt to pursue Xuande. A later poet praised Xuande:

His troops assembled, horses fed, he hastened on his way,The girdle’s heavenly words remained his constant thought by day.The tiger, bursting from the iron cage, escaped its chain;The flood-dragon, freed from golden locks, sought open seas again.

Now when Ma Teng saw that Xuande had departed, and urgent reports arrived from the frontier, he too returned to Xiliang. Xuande’s army reached Xuzhou, where Inspector Che Zhou came out to welcome him. After the public banquet had ended, Sun Qian, Mi Zhu, and the others all came to pay their respects. Xuande returned home to visit his family, while also sending men to gather news of Yuan Shu. The scouts returned and reported, “Yuan Shu’s extravagance has become excessive, and both Lei Bo and Chen Lan have gone over to Mount Song. Yuan Shu’s power has greatly declined, so he wrote a letter yielding the imperial title to Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao sent a man to summon him, and Yuan Shu gathered his troops, together with the palace regalia and articles reserved for imperial use, and set out first for Xuzhou.”

Learning that Yuan Shu was approaching, Xuande led Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhu Ling, and Lu Zhao out with fifty thousand troops. They met Yuan Shu’s vanguard under Ji Ling head-on. Zhang Fei wasted no words but charged straight at Ji Ling. Before ten bouts had passed, Zhang Fei gave a mighty shout and thrust Ji Ling from his horse with his spear. The defeated troops fled, and Yuan Shu himself led his army forward to battle. Xuande divided his forces into three columns: Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao on the left, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei on the right, while Xuande himself commanded the center. When he met Yuan Shu, Xuande reviled him beneath the commander’s banner, saying, “You are a lawless rebel and traitor. I have come under a clear imperial edict to punish you. You should bind your hands and surrender, that your crimes may be pardoned.” Yuan Shu cursed him. “You petty mat-weaver and sandal-maker! How dare you treat me with contempt?” He waved his troops forward. Xuande withdrew for a time, allowing the armies on his left and right to surge out. They slaughtered Yuan Shu’s forces until corpses covered the fields and blood ran in channels; the soldiers who deserted and fled were beyond counting. Then Lei Bo and Chen Lan from Mount Song seized his money, grain, fodder, and supplies. Yuan Shu tried to return to Shouchun, but bands of outlaws attacked him on the way, and he was forced to take shelter at Jiangting. Only a little more than a thousand followers remained to him, all old or infirm. It was the height of summer, and their food was utterly exhausted. Only thirty hu of wheat remained, which was distributed among the soldiers. The members of Yuan Shu’s household had nothing to eat, and many starved to death.

Yuan Shu found his coarse rice too unpalatable to swallow, so he ordered his cook to bring honeyed water to quench his thirst. The cook said, “There is only bloody water. Where could honeyed water be found?” Sitting upon his couch, Yuan Shu gave one great cry, fell to the ground, vomited more than a dou of blood, and died. It was the sixth month of the fourth year of Jian’an. A later poet wrote:

As war at Han’s last hour arose throughout the realm’s expanse,For no cause Yuan Shu ran unchecked in arrogance.He thought not how his noble line had served through ages long,But sought, alone, to make himself an emperor through wrong.By violence he boasted of the Seal the realm had known;In pride and lavishness, claimed Heaven’s signs confirmed his throne.For honeyed water, parched, he yearned, but none could he obtain;Alone upon an empty couch, he coughed his blood and died in vain.

After Yuan Shu’s death, his nephew Yuan Yin took the coffin, together with Yuan Shu’s wife and children, and fled toward Lujiang. Xu Qiu intercepted and killed them all. Xu Qiu seized the Imperial Seal and went to Xudu to present it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was overjoyed and appointed Xu Qiu Administrator of Gaoling. Thus the Imperial Seal passed into Cao Cao’s hands.

When Xuande learned that Yuan Shu was dead, he wrote a memorial reporting the matter to the imperial court and sent a letter to Cao Cao. He ordered Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao to return to Xudu, but retained the army to defend Xuzhou. Meanwhile, he personally went outside the city to summon and reassure the scattered people, encouraging them to return to their occupations.

Now Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao returned to Xudu and saw Cao Cao, informing him that Xuande had retained the army. Cao Cao was enraged and wished to behead them both. Xun Yu said, “Authority had passed into Liu Bei’s hands; there was nothing these two could do.” Cao Cao therefore pardoned them. Xun Yu added, “You may write secretly to Che Zhou and have him plot against Liu Bei from within.”

Cao Cao followed his advice and secretly sent a man to see Che Zhou and convey his honored command. Che Zhou immediately summoned Chen Deng to discuss the matter. Chen Deng said, “This is exceedingly easy. Liu Bei has now gone outside the city to summon the people back, and he will return within a few days. General, station troops in ambush beside the inner gate of the barbican and pretend they are there to welcome him. When his horse arrives, cut him down with a single stroke. I shall remain upon the wall and hold his rear troops at bay with arrows. Then the great affair will be accomplished.” Che Zhou followed his advice. Chen Deng returned to see his father, Chen Gui, and told him everything. Chen Gui ordered him to go first and warn Xuande. Obeying his father’s command, Chen Deng galloped away to report the plot and met Guan Yu and Zhang Fei coming toward him. He told them all that had occurred. As it happened, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had returned ahead of Xuande, who was still behind them.

When Zhang Fei heard the news, he wanted to go at once and fight. Guan Yu said, “He has laid an ambush beside the barbican to await us. If we go in, we shall surely meet with disaster. I have a plan by which we can kill Che Zhou. Under cover of night we shall disguise ourselves as Cao Cao’s troops and approach Xuzhou. We shall lure Che Zhou out to welcome us, then strike and kill him.” Zhang Fei approved his plan. The troops under their command already carried Cao Cao’s banners, and their clothing and armor were all alike. At the third watch that night, they reached the city and called for the gate to be opened. The men upon the wall asked who they were, and they answered that they were troops sent by Prime Minister Cao under Zhang Wenyuan. Che Zhou was informed and hastily summoned Chen Deng to discuss the matter. “If I do not go out to welcome them, they will certainly become suspicious; but if I do go out, I fear there may be treachery.” Che Zhou therefore ascended the wall and called down, “It is difficult to distinguish friend from foe in the darkness. We shall meet tomorrow morning.” Those below answered, “We fear only that Liu Bei may learn of our coming. Open the gate at once!”

Che Zhou remained irresolute, while outside the city a great clamor arose demanding that the gate be opened. At last Che Zhou had no choice but to don his armor, mount his horse, and lead a thousand troops out of the city. After galloping across the drawbridge, he shouted, “Where is Wenyuan?” In the firelight he suddenly saw Guan Yu, broadsword in hand, spurring his horse straight toward him. Guan Yu shouted, “How dare you, wretch, harbor treachery and seek to kill my elder brother!” Che Zhou was greatly alarmed. After only a few bouts he could no longer withstand Guan Yu, so he wheeled his horse and fled. When he reached the drawbridge, Chen Deng loosed a storm of arrows from the wall, forcing Che Zhou to ride around the city. Guan Yu overtook him, raised his blade, and with a single stroke cut him down from his horse. He severed Che Zhou’s head, carried it back, and called toward the wall, “I have slain the rebel Che Zhou! The rest of you are guiltless. Surrender, and your lives will be spared.” The soldiers reversed their weapons and surrendered, and both army and people were pacified.

Guan Yu took Che Zhou’s head to meet Xuande and told him in detail how Che Zhou had plotted to kill him and had now been beheaded. Xuande was greatly alarmed. “If Cao Cao comes against us, what are we to do?” Guan Yu replied, “Zhang Fei and I will meet him.” Xuande bitterly regretted what had happened and entered Xuzhou. The elders and people knelt along the road to welcome him. When Xuande reached the government residence, he looked for Zhang Fei, only to learn that Zhang Fei had already slaughtered Che Zhou’s entire family. Xuande said, “We have killed one of Cao Cao’s trusted men. How can he possibly let the matter rest?” Chen Deng said, “I have a plan by which Cao Cao may be driven back.” Thus it was said:

Though he had brought himself alone from out the tiger’s den,He now must use a subtle plan to still the wolf-smoke again.

What plan Chen Deng proposed will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Cao Cao Warms Wine and Discusses Heroes; Guan Yu Takes a City by Guile and Slays Che Zhou

Meanwhile, Dong Cheng and the others asked Ma Teng, “Whom would you employ?” Ma Teng said, “Liu Xuande, the Governor of Yuzhou, is here now. Why not seek his help?” Dong Cheng said, “Though he is the imperial uncle, he is now dependent on Cao Cao. How could he be willing to undertake this?” Ma Teng said, “The other day at the hunting ground, when Cao Cao stepped forward to receive everyone’s congratulations, I saw Guan Yunchang behind Xuande raise his sword to kill Cao Cao, but Xuande stopped him with a look. It is not that Xuande has no wish to move against Cao Cao. He merely resents that Cao Cao has so many claws and fangs and fears his own strength is unequal to the task. Try approaching him; he will surely agree.” Wu Shuo said, “This matter must not be rushed. We should discuss it calmly and at leisure.” Then they all dispersed.

The next night, Dong Cheng concealed the edict against his breast and went straight to Xuande’s lodging. The gatekeeper went in to report him, and Xuande came out to welcome him, then invited him into a small chamber and had him sit down. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood in attendance at his side. Xuande said, “For the Imperial Consort’s Father to come here so late at night, there must be some important reason.” Dong Cheng said, “Had I ridden here to visit you in daylight, I feared Cao Cao would become suspicious, so I came to see you at night.” Xuande ordered wine brought for him. Dong Cheng said, “The other day at the hunting ground, Guan Yunchang wanted to kill Cao Cao, but you signaled him with your eyes and shook your head, making him withdraw. Why?” Xuande was startled and said, “How did you know?” Dong Cheng said, “No one else saw it, but I alone did.”

Unable to conceal the truth, Xuande said, “My brother saw Cao Cao overstepping his authority and could not help becoming angry.” Covering his face, Dong Cheng wept and said, “If all the court’s ministers were like Guan Yunchang, why should we fear that peace could not be restored?” Xuande suspected Cao Cao might have sent Dong Cheng to test him, so he deliberately said, “With Chancellor Cao governing the country, why should anyone fear that peace cannot be restored?” Dong Cheng’s expression changed, and he rose to his feet. “Because you are an imperial uncle of the Han,” he said, “I opened my heart and laid bare my innermost thoughts to you. Why do you deceive me?” Xuande said, “I feared that you might be deceiving me, so I was only testing you.”

Dong Cheng then took out the girdle edict and showed it to him. Xuande was overcome with grief and indignation. Dong Cheng also showed him the covenant, on which there were so far only six names: first, Dong Cheng, General of Chariots and Cavalry; second, Wang Zifu, Assistant Minister of Works; third, Zhong Ji, Colonel of Changshui; fourth, Wu Shuo, Court Consultant; fifth, Wu Zilan, General Who Proclaims Trust; and sixth, Ma Teng, Administrator of Xiliang. Xuande said, “Since you have received an imperial edict to punish the traitor, how could I, Liu Bei, refuse to render whatever humble service I can?” Dong Cheng bowed his thanks and at once asked him to add his name. Xuande wrote, “Liu Bei, General of the Left,” signed beneath it, and returned it to Dong Cheng for safekeeping. Dong Cheng said, “Allow me to invite three more men, so that ten righteous men may unite to plot against the traitor to the state.” Xuande said, “You must proceed slowly and cautiously. Nothing must be carelessly revealed.”

They discussed the matter until the fifth watch, then parted. To guard against Cao Cao plotting to harm him, Xuande began growing vegetables in the rear garden of his lodging and personally watered them as a means of hiding his true intentions. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, “Brother, why do you ignore the great affairs of the realm and imitate the work of common men?” Xuande said, “This is something neither of you understands.” The two said no more.

One day, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were away, Xuande was watering vegetables in the rear garden when Xu Chu and Zhang Liao entered with several dozen men and said, “The Chancellor has given orders. We ask that you come at once, Governor.” Xuande asked in alarm, “What urgent matter is there?” Xu Chu said, “I do not know. I was merely told to come and invite you.” Xuande had no choice but to accompany them to Cao Cao’s residence. When he saw him, Cao Cao laughed and said, “You have been doing great things at home!” Xuande was so frightened that his face turned ashen. Cao Cao took him by the hand and led him straight to the rear garden, saying, “Xuande, it is no easy matter to learn gardening.” Only then did Xuande relax. He replied, “It is merely a pastime when I have nothing else to do.” Cao Cao said, “Just now I saw the green plums on the branches, and I suddenly remembered last year’s campaign against Zhang Xiu. We ran short of water on the road, and all the officers and soldiers were thirsty. I thought of a scheme and pointed ahead with my whip, though there was nothing there, saying, ‘There is a grove of plum trees ahead.’ When the soldiers heard this, their mouths filled with saliva, and so they were no longer thirsty. Now that I have seen these plums, I cannot let them go unappreciated. The heated wine also happens to be ready, so I invited you to join me for a while in the little pavilion.” Xuande’s mind was now at ease, and he followed Cao Cao to the pavilion, where wine and food had already been set out: a platter of green plums and a jar of heated wine. The two sat facing each other and drank freely.

When they were half drunk, dark clouds suddenly spread across the sky, and a violent rainstorm threatened. An attendant pointed into the distance at a waterspout hanging from the sky like a dragon. Cao Cao and Xuande leaned on the railing to watch it. Cao Cao said, “Governor, do you understand the dragon’s transformations?” Xuande said, “I do not know them in detail.” Cao Cao said, “The dragon can become large or small, can rise or hide. When large, it raises clouds and exhales mist; when small, it conceals its scales and hides its form. When it rises, it soars through the universe; when it hides, it lurks within the waves. Now, in the depths of spring, the dragon takes advantage of the season to transform itself, just as a man who gains his ambition may range freely throughout the world. The dragon, as a creature, may be compared to the heroes of the age. Xuande, you have long traveled throughout the land and must know the heroes of our time. Please name them.”

Xuande said, “How could my ordinary eyes recognize heroes?” Cao Cao said, “Do not be overly modest.” Xuande said, “Through the favor of your protection, I have obtained office at court. As for the heroes of the realm, I truly do not know them.” Cao Cao said, “Even if you do not know them by sight, you must have heard their names.” Xuande said, “Yuan Shu of Huainan has ample soldiers and provisions. He may be called a hero.” Cao Cao laughed. “A withered skeleton in a tomb! Sooner or later, I will capture him.” Xuande said, “Yuan Shao of Hebei comes from a family that has produced Three Excellencies for four generations, and his household has many former officials. Now he crouches like a tiger over the lands of Jizhou, and there are many capable men under his command. He may be called a hero.” Cao Cao laughed. “Yuan Shao is fierce in appearance but timid at heart. He delights in schemes but cannot make decisions. When undertaking great affairs, he cherishes his own life, yet at the sight of some small advantage, he forgets all danger. He is no hero.” Xuande said, “There is one man renowned as one of the Eight Steeds, whose power overawes the Nine Provinces: Liu Jingsheng may be called a hero.” Cao Cao said, “Liu Biao has an empty reputation but no substance. He is no hero.” Xuande said, “There is one man in the vigor of youth, the leader of Jiangdong: Sun Bofu is a hero.” Cao Cao said, “Sun Ce relies on his father’s reputation. He is no hero.” Xuande said, “What of Liu Jiyu of Yizhou? May he be called a hero?” Cao Cao said, “Though Liu Zhang belongs to the imperial clan, he is merely a watchdog guarding the house. How is he worthy to be called a hero?” Xuande said, “Then what of men such as Zhang Xiu, Zhang Lu, and Han Sui?” Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed loudly. “Such mediocre little men are not worth mentioning!” Xuande said, “Apart from these, I truly know of no others.” Cao Cao said, “A hero is one who cherishes great ambitions in his heart and holds excellent plans in his mind; one who possesses the subtle power to encompass the universe and the aspiration to swallow and spit forth Heaven and Earth.” Xuande said, “Who is worthy of that description?” Cao Cao pointed first at Xuande and then at himself. “The only heroes in the world today are you, Governor, and Cao Cao.”

At these words, Xuande was startled, and the spoon and chopsticks he held involuntarily fell to the ground. Just then, as the rain was about to break, there came a tremendous peal of thunder. Xuande calmly bent down to pick up his chopsticks and said, “A single thunderclap has such power that it brought me to this.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “Is a great man also afraid of thunder?” Xuande said, “Even the Sage changed countenance at sudden thunder and violent wind. How could I not be afraid?” In this way, he lightly covered up the reason the words had made him drop his chopsticks. Cao Cao therefore ceased to suspect Xuande. A later poet praised him:

Reluctantly he sheltered for a time inside the tiger’s lair;The naming of the heroes nearly frightened him to death.He cleverly used the thunderclap to hide his startled fear;His skill in meeting sudden change was truly godlike.

The rain had just stopped when two men burst into the rear garden, precious swords in hand, and rushed straight to the pavilion despite the attendants’ attempts to stop them. Cao Cao looked and saw that they were Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. It turned out that the two had just returned from practicing archery outside the city when they heard that Xu Chu and Zhang Liao had taken Xuande away. They hurried to the Chancellor’s residence to inquire and, upon hearing he was in the rear garden, feared some mishap had befallen him and therefore forced their way in. There they saw Xuande and Cao Cao seated opposite each other, drinking wine. The two stood with their hands on their swords. Cao Cao asked why they had come. Guan Yunchang said, “We heard that the Chancellor was drinking with our brother, so we came especially to perform a sword dance for your amusement.” Cao Cao laughed. “This is not the Feast at Hong Gate. What need is there for Xiang Zhuang or Xiang Bo?” Xuande laughed as well. Cao Cao ordered, “Bring wine for these two Fan Kuais to settle their nerves.” Guan Yu and Zhang Fei bowed their thanks.

Before long, the banquet ended, and Xuande took his leave of Cao Cao and returned home. Guan Yunchang said, “You nearly frightened the two of us to death!” Xuande told Guan Yu and Zhang Fei how he had dropped his chopsticks. Zhang Fei asked what Cao Cao’s words had meant. Xuande said, “I took up gardening precisely because I wanted Cao Cao to think I had no great ambitions. I never expected him to point to me as a hero, so I was startled and dropped my chopsticks. Fearing he would become suspicious, I used my fear of the thunder to cover it up.” Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, “Brother, your insight is truly profound!”

The next day, Cao Cao again invited Xuande to join him. While they were drinking, a man reported that Man Chong had returned from gathering information about Yuan Shao. Cao Cao summoned him and questioned him. Man Chong said, “Gongsun Zan has been defeated by Yuan Shao.” Xuande quickly asked, “I would like to hear the details.”

Man Chong said, “Gongsun Zan fared badly in battle against Yuan Shao, so he built a circular walled stronghold, and within it erected a tower a hundred feet high called the Tower of Yijing. He accumulated three hundred thousand measures of grain for his defense, while his warriors continued to go out and return without pause. Whenever some of his men were surrounded by Yuan Shao, the others asked him to rescue them. Gongsun Zan said, ‘If I rescue one man, those who fight afterward will only expect others to save them and will refuse to fight to the death.’ He therefore refused to rescue them. Because of this, whenever Yuan Shao’s troops came, many surrendered to him. Gongsun Zan became isolated and sent a messenger with a letter to Xudu seeking aid, but unexpectedly the messenger was captured on the way by Yuan Shao’s troops. Gongsun Zan also sent a letter to Zhang Yan, secretly arranging to light a fire as a signal so they could attack together from within and without. The messenger carrying that letter was also captured by Yuan Shao, who then had a fire lit outside the city to lure Gongsun Zan out. Gongsun Zan personally led his troops into battle, but ambush forces rose on every side, and more than half his soldiers and horses were lost. He withdrew into the city, but Yuan Shao’s men tunneled underground until they reached directly beneath the tower where Gongsun Zan lived, then set it on fire. With no way to escape, Gongsun Zan first killed his wife and children and then hanged himself. His entire household was burned in the fire. Yuan Shao has now absorbed Gongsun Zan’s army, and his power and prestige are very great. Yuan Shao’s younger brother, Yuan Shu, has indulged in excessive arrogance and luxury in Huainan and shown no concern for his soldiers or the people, so they have all turned against him. Yuan Shu has sent a man to yield his imperial title to Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao wishes to obtain the Imperial Seal, and Yuan Shu has agreed to deliver it in person. At present, Yuan Shu is abandoning Huainan and intends to return to Hebei. If the two join forces, it will be extremely difficult to overcome them. I beg the Chancellor to devise an urgent plan against them.”

When Xuande heard that Gongsun Zan was dead, he remembered how Gongsun Zan had once recommended him and was overcome with sorrow. He also did not know what had become of Zhao Zilong and could not put his mind at ease. He secretly thought, “If I do not find a way to escape now, what better time will there be?” He rose and said to Cao Cao, “If Yuan Shu goes to join Yuan Shao, he must pass through Xuzhou. Give me an army to intercept him along the way, and Yuan Shu can be captured.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “Tomorrow we will report the matter to the Emperor, and you may set out at once.”

The next day, Xuande reported the matter in person to Emperor Xian. Cao Cao placed him in overall command of fifty thousand troops and also assigned Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao to accompany him. Xuande took leave of the Emperor, who saw him off in tears. Returning to his lodging, Xuande spent the night preparing weapons, saddles, and horses. He hung the general’s seal at his belt and urged everyone to depart at once. Dong Cheng hurried out to the travelers’ pavilion ten li from the city to see him off. Xuande said, “Imperial Consort’s Father, be patient. On this expedition I will surely find a way to fulfill the imperial command.” Dong Cheng said, “You must take care not to betray His Majesty’s hopes.” The two then parted. From horseback, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei asked, “Brother, why are you in such a hurry to set out on this campaign?” Xuande said, “I was a bird in a cage, a fish in a net. This departure is like a fish entering the great sea or a bird rising into the blue sky, no longer restrained by cage or net.” He then ordered Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to urge Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao’s troops onward as quickly as possible. At this time, Guo Jia and Cheng Yu had just returned from inspecting funds and grain. When they learned that Cao Cao had already sent Xuande to lead an army toward Xuzhou, they hurried in to remonstrate. “Why has the Chancellor placed Liu Bei in command of an army?” they asked. Cao Cao said, “He is going to intercept Yuan Shu.” Cheng Yu said, “When Liu Bei was Governor of Yuzhou, we urged the Chancellor to kill him, but you would not listen. Now you have given him troops as well. This is releasing a dragon into the sea and letting a tiger return to the mountains. If you wish to deal with him later, how will you ever be able to seize him?” Guo Jia said, “Even if the Chancellor would not kill Liu Bei, you still should not have allowed him to leave. The ancients said, ‘Release an enemy for one day, and he will bring ten thousand generations of trouble.’ I beg the Chancellor to consider this.” Cao Cao agreed with them and sent Xu Chu with five hundred troops, ordering him to overtake Xuande and bring him back without fail. Xu Chu accepted the order and departed.

Meanwhile, as Xuande’s army was marching, he suddenly saw clouds of dust rising swiftly behind them. He said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, “These must be Cao Cao’s troops coming after us.” He therefore ordered camp to be made and had Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stand on either side with weapons in hand. When Xu Chu arrived and saw the troops arrayed in full armor, he dismounted and entered the camp to see Xuande. Xuande asked, “What brings you here?” Xu Chu said, “By the Chancellor’s order, I have come especially to ask the General to return. There are other matters to discuss.” Xuande said, “‘A general in the field need not obey every command of his sovereign.’ I took leave of His Majesty in person and also received the Chancellor’s own instructions. There is now nothing further to discuss. You may return at once and report my answer to the Chancellor.” Xu Chu thought, “The Chancellor has always been on good terms with him, and this time he did not order me to fight. I can only return with his answer and await a further decision.” He therefore took leave of Xuande and led his troops back. When he saw Cao Cao, he gave a full account of Xuande’s words. Cao Cao hesitated, unable to decide. Cheng Yu and Guo Jia said, “Liu Bei’s refusal to return with his army proves that his heart has changed.” Cao Cao said, “Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao are there with him. Liu Bei surely will not dare change his allegiance. Besides, since I have already sent him, how can I now regret it?” He therefore made no further attempt to pursue Xuande. A later poet praised Xuande:

He mustered troops and fed the horses, hurrying away,His heart intent upon the words sewn in the girdle.He broke the iron cage and fled like tiger or leopard;The golden lock flew open, and the flood dragon escaped.

Meanwhile, when Ma Teng saw that Xuande had already left and that urgent reports were again arriving from the frontier, he too returned to Xiliang. When Xuande’s army reached Xuzhou, the Inspector, Che Zhou, came out to welcome him. After the public banquet, Sun Qian, Mi Zhu, and the others all came to pay their respects. Xuande returned home to visit the elders and children of his household, while also sending men to gather information about Yuan Shu. The scouts returned and reported, “Yuan Shu’s extravagance has gone too far, and Lei Bo and Chen Lan have both gone over to Mount Song. Yuan Shu’s power and prestige have greatly declined, so he wrote to yield the imperial title to Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao sent a man to summon him, and Yuan Shu gathered his troops, along with the palace furnishings and imperial articles, and is coming first toward Xuzhou.”

When Xuande learned that Yuan Shu was approaching, he led out Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhu Ling, and Lu Zhao with fifty thousand troops and met Yuan Shu’s vanguard under Ji Ling. Without exchanging a word, Zhang Fei charged straight at Ji Ling. Before they had fought ten bouts, Zhang Fei gave a mighty shout and speared Ji Ling from his horse. The defeated troops fled, and Yuan Shu personally led his army forward to fight. Xuande divided his forces into three columns: Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao on the left, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei on the right, and Xuande himself commanding the center. When he met Yuan Shu, he denounced him beneath the command banner, saying, “You are a rebellious traitor who has abandoned the Way. I have now come under a clear imperial edict to punish you. You should submit and surrender at once, and you may be spared punishment for your crimes.” Yuan Shu cursed him. “You lowly mat-weaver and sandal-maker! How dare you show contempt for me?” He waved his troops forward. Xuande withdrew a short distance, allowing the armies on his left and right to charge out. They slaughtered Yuan Shu’s army until corpses covered the fields and blood flowed in channels. Countless soldiers deserted and fled. Lei Bo and Chen Lan from Mount Song then seized Yuan Shu’s money, grain, fodder, and supplies. He tried to return to Shouchun but was attacked by bands of brigands and had no choice but to take shelter at Jiangting. Only a little over a thousand followers remained, all of them old or weak. It was the height of summer, and their food was completely exhausted. Only thirty hu of wheat remained, which was distributed among the soldiers. There was no food for the members of his household, and many starved to death.

Yuan Shu found the rice too coarse and could not swallow it, so he ordered his cook to bring him honey water to quench his thirst. The cook said, “There is only bloody water. Where could I get honey water?” Sitting on his bed, Yuan Shu gave a great cry, fell to the floor, and vomited more than a dou of blood before dying. It was the sixth month of the fourth year of Jian’an. A later poet wrote:

At the Han’s end, blades and armies rose on every side;Without cause, Yuan Shu grew insolent and wild.He forgot his house had served for ages as high ministersAnd wished, all by himself, to make himself an emperor.By violence he boasted vainly of the Imperial Seal;In pride and luxury, he falsely claimed Heaven’s signs.Thirsting for honey water, he could find none;Alone beside an empty bed, he vomited blood and died.

After Yuan Shu’s death, his nephew Yuan Yin took his coffin, wife, and children and fled toward Lujiang, but Xu Qiu killed them all. Xu Qiu seized the Imperial Seal and went to Xudu to present it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was delighted and appointed Xu Qiu Administrator of Gaoling. Thus, at this time, the Imperial Seal came into Cao Cao’s possession.

Meanwhile, when Xuande learned that Yuan Shu was dead, he wrote a memorial reporting the matter to the imperial court and sent a letter to Cao Cao. He ordered Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao to return to Xudu but retained their troops to defend Xuzhou. At the same time, he personally left the city to summon the scattered people and persuade them to return to their former occupations.

When Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao returned to Xudu and saw Cao Cao, they told him that Xuande had kept their troops. Cao Cao was furious and wanted to execute them both. Xun Yu said, “The authority was in Liu Bei’s hands. There was nothing these two could do.” Cao Cao therefore pardoned them. Xun Yu then said, “You can write to Che Zhou and have him plot against Liu Bei from within.”

Cao Cao followed his plan and secretly sent a man to see Che Zhou and convey the Chancellor’s command. Che Zhou immediately summoned Chen Deng to discuss the matter. Chen Deng said, “This is extremely easy. Liu Bei is now outside the city calling the people back and will return within a few days. General, you can order troops to lie in ambush beside the barbican, pretending they have come to welcome him. When his horse arrives, cut him down with a single stroke. I will remain on the city wall and hold back his rear troops with arrows. Then the great affair will be accomplished.” Che Zhou agreed. Chen Deng returned to see his father, Chen Gui, and gave him a full account of the matter. Chen Gui ordered him to go at once and inform Xuande. Obeying his father, Chen Deng galloped away to deliver the warning and met Guan Yu and Zhang Fei coming toward him. He told them exactly what had happened. As it turned out, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were returning ahead of Xuande, who was still behind them.

When Zhang Fei heard the news, he wanted to go and fight at once. Guan Yunchang said, “He has men lying in ambush beside the barbican waiting for us. If we go, we are sure to suffer a defeat. I have a plan to kill Che Zhou: tonight we will disguise ourselves as Cao Cao’s troops and go to Xuzhou. We will lure Che Zhou out to welcome us, then attack and kill him.” Zhang Fei approved his plan. Their troops already carried Cao Cao’s banners, and their clothing and armor were all the same as his army’s. At the third watch that night, they reached the city and called for the gate to be opened. The men on the wall asked who they were, and the troops replied that they were men under Zhang Wenyuan, sent by Chancellor Cao. When this was reported to Che Zhou, he hurriedly consulted Chen Deng. “If we do not welcome them,” he said, “they will certainly become suspicious. But if we go out to meet them, I fear it may be a trick.” Che Zhou therefore climbed the wall and called down, “It is difficult to distinguish friend from foe in the darkness. We will meet in the morning.” A voice below answered, “We are only afraid Liu Bei will learn of this! Hurry and open the gate!”

While Che Zhou still hesitated, a great chorus of voices outside shouted for the gate to be opened. Che Zhou had no choice but to put on his armor, mount his horse, and lead a thousand troops out of the city. After crossing the drawbridge, he shouted, “Where is Wenyuan?” In the firelight, he saw Guan Yunchang charging straight toward him on horseback with his sword in hand. Guan Yu shouted, “How dare you, scoundrel, harbor treacherous designs and seek to kill my brother!” Che Zhou was greatly alarmed. They had fought only a few bouts when he found himself unable to withstand Guan Yu, so he wheeled his horse and fled. When he reached the drawbridge, Chen Deng’s men on the wall shot down a storm of arrows, forcing Che Zhou to flee around the city. Guan Yunchang caught up with him, raised his sword, and cut him from his horse with a single stroke. He severed Che Zhou’s head, carried it back, and called up toward the city wall, “I have killed the traitor Che Zhou! The rest of you are guiltless. Surrender and your lives will be spared.” The soldiers reversed their weapons and surrendered, and both the army and the people were pacified.

Guan Yunchang carried Che Zhou’s head to meet Xuande and gave him a full account of how Che Zhou had intended to harm him and had now been beheaded. Xuande was greatly alarmed. “What are we to do if Cao Cao comes?” he asked. Guan Yunchang said, “Zhang Fei and I will meet him in battle.” Xuande was filled with regret but entered Xuzhou. The elders and common people bowed beside the road to welcome him. When Xuande reached the government residence, he looked for Zhang Fei and learned that Zhang Fei had already killed Che Zhou’s entire family. Xuande said, “We have killed one of Cao Cao’s closest men. How could he possibly let the matter rest?” Chen Deng said, “I have a plan that can drive Cao Cao back.” Thus:

Having escaped alone from the tiger’s lair,He now would use a subtle plan to quell the flames of war.

What plan did Chen Deng propose? Read the next chapter to find out.