Chapter 22

Yuan Shao and Cao Cao Each Muster Three Armies; Guan Yu and Zhang Fei Capture Two Generals

Now Chen Deng offered Liu Bei a plan. “The man Cao Cao fears is Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao crouches like a tiger over the commanderies of Ji, Qing, You, and Bing, with a million men under arms and a host of civil and military officers. Why not write him a letter and send someone to ask his aid?” Liu Bei said, “Yuan Shao and I have never maintained relations, and now I have newly defeated his brother. How could he be willing to help me?” Chen Deng replied, “There is a man here whose family has been on intimate terms with Yuan Shao’s for three generations. If we can obtain a letter from him to Yuan Shao, Yuan Shao will certainly come to your aid.” Liu Bei asked who the man was. Chen Deng said, “He is one whom you have always humbled yourself to honor and treat with reverence. How can you have forgotten him?” Liu Bei suddenly remembered. “Can you mean Master Zheng Kangcheng?” Chen Deng laughed. “The very man.”

Zheng Kangcheng’s personal name was Xuan. He was a diligent scholar of wide learning and had once studied under Ma Rong. Whenever Ma Rong lectured, he would set up a crimson curtain, with his pupils gathered before it, musicians and singing girls arrayed behind, and maidservants standing all around. Zheng Xuan attended his lectures for three years without once letting his eyes stray, and Ma Rong marveled greatly at him. When his studies were complete and he departed for home, Ma Rong sighed and said, “Only Zheng Xuan has mastered the innermost secrets of my learning!” Even the serving maids in Zheng Xuan’s household were versed in the Mao recension of the Book of Songs. Once, when a maid had offended him, Zheng Xuan ordered her to kneel for a long while before the steps. Another maid teasingly quoted, “Why is she there in the mire?” The kneeling maid immediately answered, “I went only to make my complaint, but met with his anger.” Such was the refinement of his household. During the reign of Emperor Huan, Zheng Xuan rose to the office of Imperial Secretary. Later, because of the disorder caused by the Ten Regular Attendants, he resigned his post and returned to private life, settling in Xu Province. While Liu Bei had lived in Zhuo Commandery, he had studied under Zheng Xuan; after becoming Governor of Xu Province, he often visited the scholar’s cottage to seek instruction and treated him with exceptional reverence.

Now that Liu Bei had remembered this man, he was overjoyed. He and Chen Deng went in person to Zheng Xuan’s home and asked him to write a letter. Zheng Xuan readily consented, wrote one, and gave it to Liu Bei. Liu Bei immediately dispatched Sun Qian to carry it day and night to Yuan Shao. After reading it, Yuan Shao reflected, “Liu Bei has destroyed my brother’s forces, so by rights I should not help him. But out of respect for Imperial Secretary Zheng’s request, I cannot refuse to go to his aid.” He therefore assembled his civil and military officers to discuss raising an army against Cao Cao.

The adviser Tian Feng said, “Years of warfare have exhausted the people, and our granaries contain no reserves. We must not raise another great army. First we should send a man to report our victories to the Son of Heaven. If he is denied passage, then we may submit a memorial declaring that Cao Cao has blocked our royal road. Afterward we should bring our forces to Liyang, increase our boats and oars in Henei, repair and prepare our weapons, and detach picked troops to garrison the frontiers. Within three years, the great enterprise may be decided.” The adviser Shen Pei said, “Not so. With Your Excellency’s divine prowess and the strength you command north of the Yellow River, raising an army to punish the traitor Cao will be as easy as turning over your hand. Why must we delay for months and years?” The adviser Ju Shou said, “The means of securing victory do not lie in strength alone. Cao Cao’s laws and commands are enforced, and his soldiers are highly trained. He is not like Gongsun Zan, who sat passively and allowed himself to be besieged. If we now abandon the excellent plan of reporting our victories and instead raise an army without lawful cause, I humbly believe Your Excellency should reject the course.” The adviser Guo Tu said, “That is wrong. If we send our army against Cao Cao, how can anyone say we lack lawful cause? Your Excellency should seize the moment and swiftly establish the great enterprise. I pray you follow Imperial Secretary Zheng’s counsel, join Liu Bei in upholding righteousness, and destroy the traitor Cao. This would accord above with Heaven’s will and below with the people’s desire. It would truly be a blessing beyond measure!”

The four men argued without reaching a decision, and Yuan Shao hesitated, unable to make up his mind. Suddenly Xu You and Xun Chen entered from outside. Yuan Shao said, “These two possess considerable insight. Let us hear what course they favor.” When they had paid their respects, Yuan Shao said, “Imperial Secretary Zheng has sent a letter asking me to raise troops, aid Liu Bei, and attack Cao Cao. Should I raise an army, or should I not?” The two answered with one voice, “Your Excellency will use the many to overcome the few and the strong to attack the weak, punishing the traitor to Han and supporting the imperial house. You should raise the army.” Yuan Shao said, “Your judgment accords exactly with my own heart.” He then discussed the mobilization. First he ordered Sun Qian to return with a reply to Zheng Xuan and to arrange for Liu Bei to prepare a supporting movement. At the same time, he appointed Shen Pei and Feng Ji to command the army, Tian Feng, Xun Chen, and Xu You as strategists, and Yan Liang and Wen Chou as generals. He raised one hundred fifty thousand cavalry and one hundred fifty thousand infantry, a total of three hundred thousand picked troops, and advanced toward Liyang.

When the assignments had been settled, Guo Tu came forward and said, “Since Your Excellency is launching a great campaign against Cao Cao, you must enumerate his crimes and send a proclamation racing throughout the commanderies, declaring his guilt and announcing his punishment. Only then will our cause be just and our words carry authority.” Yuan Shao agreed and ordered his secretary Chen Lin to draft the proclamation. Chen Lin, whose style name was Kongzhang, had long been renowned for his literary gifts. During Emperor Ling’s reign he had served as a secretary. After He Jin refused to heed his remonstrance, Chen Lin encountered the disorders of Dong Zhuo and fled for refuge to Ji Province, where Yuan Shao employed him in his secretariat. Now ordered to compose the proclamation, he took up his brush and completed it at once. It read:It is said that an enlightened ruler anticipates danger so that he may master change, while a loyal minister considers adversity so that he may establish decisive authority. Thus only when there are extraordinary men can there be extraordinary deeds, and only when there are extraordinary deeds can extraordinary achievements be established. What is extraordinary can never be conceived by ordinary men.

In former times, when violent Qin had a feeble ruler, Zhao Gao seized the reins of power, monopolized authority at court, and bestowed favor or inflicted punishment at his own pleasure. The men of that age were cowed and coerced, and none dared speak uprightly. In the end came the disaster at Wangyi Palace: the ancestral line was burned away and extinguished, and its disgrace has endured to this day as an eternal warning to all ages. Again, in the final years of Empress Lü, Lü Chan and Lü Lu monopolized the government, commanding the two armies within the capital and controlling the kingdoms of Liang and Zhao beyond it. They arrogated judgment over the myriad affairs of state and decided matters within the forbidden precincts. Inferiors oppressed their superiors, established order was overturned, and all within the seas trembled with dread. Then the Marquis of Jiang and the Prince of Zhuxu displayed their might and roused their wrath, exterminated the violent rebels, and raised Emperor Taizong to the throne. Thus the kingly way flourished anew and its radiance shone gloriously. This is the clearest example of great ministers establishing decisive authority.

As for Cao Cao, Minister of Works: his grandfather, the Regular Palace Attendant Cao Teng, joined with Zuo Guan and Xu Huang in working evil. Ravenous and unrestrained, they corrupted public morals and cruelly oppressed the people. His father, Cao Song, was a foundling taken in and reared by another; through bribery he purchased a fraudulent station, carting gold and conveying jade to feed the powerful households, until he stole his way into one of the highest offices and endangered the great vessel of state. Cao Cao, the vile remnant of a eunuch’s line, has never possessed any noble virtue. Flighty, cunning, fierce, and lawless, he delights in disorder and rejoices in calamity.

When this headquarters assumed command of the valiant forces and swept away the vicious rebels, Dong Zhuo next arose to usurp offices and brutalize the realm. Thereupon we raised the sword, beat the drum, and issued our summons throughout the eastern lands, gathering heroes from every quarter, overlooking their faults, and employing their talents. Thus we consulted and planned together with Cao Cao and entrusted him with a supporting force, believing that he possessed the talents of a hawk or hound and might serve as a useful claw and fang. Yet he proved foolish and frivolous, shallow in strategy, quick to advance, and quick to retreat. He suffered wounds and defeats and repeatedly lost his troops. Each time, this headquarters detached more soldiers and assigned picked men to him, repaired his losses and restored his ranks, memorialized the throne to appoint him Administrator of Dong Commandery and acting Inspector of Yan Province, clothed him in the tiger’s authority, and helped establish his might and power, hoping to receive in return a victory like that once won by Qin’s army. Instead, Cao Cao relied upon these resources to grow insolent and overbearing, indulging in wicked perversity, fleecing the common people, and destroying the worthy and good.

The late Bian Rang, Administrator of Jiujiang, was a man of outstanding and heroic talent, renowned throughout the realm. He spoke directly with a stern countenance, and his arguments never stooped to flattery. Yet his severed head and body were exposed to public view, while his wife and children suffered utter extermination. From that time onward, the learned were bitterly outraged and popular resentment grew ever deeper. One man raised his arm, and the entire province answered with a single voice. Thus Cao Cao was personally defeated in Xu Province, and Lü Bu seized his territory. He wandered about the eastern marches with nowhere to set foot or hold ground. This headquarters, mindful of the principle of strengthening the trunk while weakening the branches, and unwilling to join the faction of rebels, once more raised its banners, donned armor, and swept forth on campaign. When our gongs and drums resounded, Lü Bu’s multitudes fled in dismay. We rescued Cao Cao from mortal peril and restored him to his rank as provincial governor. Thus, though this headquarters bestowed no particular favor upon the people of Yan Province, it conferred an immense benefit upon Cao Cao.

Later, when the imperial carriage turned back toward the capital, a host of rebels threw the government into disorder. At that time, Ji Province was facing an emergency on its northern frontier, and we had no leisure to abandon our post. We therefore sent Xu Xun, Attendant Officer of the Household, to dispatch Cao Cao, directing him to repair the suburban and ancestral temples and support and guard the youthful sovereign. But Cao Cao immediately gave free rein to his ambitions. He arbitrarily coerced the emperor into moving the capital and installed himself over the forbidden precincts. He demeaned and insulted the imperial house, ruined the laws, and confounded the statutes. Seated at the head of the Three Offices, he monopolized the government at court. Titles and rewards were granted according to his whim, while punishments and executions issued from his mouth. Those he loved brought glory to five degrees of kin; those he hated saw three clans exterminated. Those who spoke openly suffered public execution, and those who silently criticized him were secretly slain. The hundred officials have sealed their mouths, and men on the road communicate only with their eyes. The Imperial Secretariat merely records court assemblies, while dukes and ministers serve only to fill the prescribed ranks.

The late Grand Commandant Yang Biao successively administered two of the highest ministries and occupied one of the supreme offices of state. Because of a petty grudge, Cao Cao falsely charged him with crimes. Rod and cudgel were applied together, and all five tortures were inflicted upon him. Cao Cao followed his own vicious impulses without the least regard for the laws and statutes. Again, the Consultant Zhao Yan offered loyal remonstrance and spoke forthrightly, presenting righteous counsel worthy of acceptance. The sacred court therefore received his words with tolerance, changed countenance, and bestowed favor upon him. But Cao Cao, wishing to delude and rob the wisdom of the age and to close every avenue of speech, arbitrarily seized Zhao Yan and executed him on the spot, without awaiting imperial authorization. Moreover, Prince Xiao of Liang was the full brother of the august emperor’s mother, and his tomb was exalted and illustrious. Even the mulberries and catalpas, the pines and cypresses of that resting place, should have been treated with solemn reverence. Yet Cao Cao led his commanders, officers, clerks, and soldiers there in person to excavate the tomb. They broke open the coffin, exposed the corpse, and plundered the gold and treasure. To this day the sacred court sheds tears, and officials and commoners alike grieve at heart!

Cao Cao has even established the special offices of Household General Who Opens Mounds and Commandant Who Seizes Gold. Wherever they pass, they smash through graves until no bones remain unexposed. He occupies the rank of one of the Three Excellencies, yet behaves like a common brigand, defiling the state, injuring the people, and spreading poison among both the living and the dead! Moreover, his petty ordinances are cruel and harsh, with prohibitions imposed one upon another. Snares and cords fill every path; pits and traps block every road. Raise a hand, and it catches in a net; move a foot, and it springs a hidden engine. Thus the people of Yan and Yu provinces have no means of sustaining life, while the imperial capital resounds with bitter sighs. Search through all the records of history: among lawless ministers, none has surpassed Cao Cao in greed, savagery, cruelty, and violence!

This headquarters was then engaged in punishing traitors beyond the realm and had not yet had time to discipline him. We continued to show forbearance, hoping matters might yet be patched and repaired. But Cao Cao harbors the savage heart of a jackal and wolf and secretly embraces calamitous designs. He seeks to break the pillars and beams of state and isolate and enfeeble the house of Han. He would exterminate the loyal and upright and make himself sole tyrant. Formerly, when we beat the drums and marched north against Gongsun Zan, that fierce and rebellious foe withstood our siege for a year. Because we had not yet destroyed him, Cao Cao secretly exchanged letters and commands with him, outwardly claiming to aid the royal army while inwardly planning a surprise attack upon us. But his messenger was discovered, and Gongsun Zan was likewise beheaded and exterminated. Cao Cao’s blade was therefore blunted and withdrawn, and his scheme came to nothing.

Now he has occupied the granaries at Ao and relies upon the Yellow River as his defense, hoping to oppose the advance of a mighty chariot with the ax of a mantis. This headquarters reverently bears the awe and divine power of Han and strikes with irresistible force throughout the realm. We have a million long halberds and a thousand squadrons of fierce horsemen. We unleash warriors with the strength of Zhonghuang, Meng Ben, Xia Yu, and Wuhuo, and deploy the power of fine bows and mighty crossbows. The army of Bing Province will cross the Taihang Mountains; that of Qing Province will ford the Ji and Ta rivers. Our great host will sweep over the Yellow River and confront him in front, while the army of Jing Province will descend through Wan and Ye to strike his rear. Thundering and advancing like tigers, all will race upon the enemy’s court. It will be as easy as applying raging flame to drifting mugwort or pouring the blue sea over glowing coals. What could fail to be destroyed? Moreover, all among Cao Cao’s officers and soldiers who are fit to fight come from You and Ji, or from our former camps and units. They resent their long absence, yearn to return home, and gaze northward with streaming tears. The rest are men of Yan and Yu, remnants of Lü Bu’s and Zhang Yang’s forces. Defeated, ruined, and coerced, they submit only as a temporary expedient. Each has suffered wounds and injury; every man regards Cao Cao as an enemy. If we turn our banners and march back against him, ascend the high ridges, beat drums and sound pipes, and raise white streamers to open a path for surrender, his forces will assuredly collapse like earth and shatter like tiles, without waiting for our blades to taste blood. At present the house of Han is in decline, and the bonds of government have slackened and broken. The sacred court lacks even one humble champion, and its chief ministers possess no strength to ward off attack. Within the imperial domain, all the capable and well-trained ministers hang their heads and fold their wings, with nothing upon which to rely. Though loyal and righteous men remain, they are intimidated by brutal and tyrannical officials; how can they display their integrity? Cao Cao has also stationed seven hundred picked soldiers of his own command around the palace gates, outwardly claiming that they form the imperial guard but in truth holding the sovereign captive within. We fear that from this may arise the first stirrings of his usurpation. This is the hour when loyal ministers must spill their brains upon the ground, the moment when men of valor may establish immortal merit. Can we fail to exert ourselves?

Cao Cao also forges imperial commands, assumes sovereign authority, dispatches envoys, and levies troops. We fear that distant provinces and commanderies, misled by what they hear, may supply him with men; but to defy the general will, join a rebel, and thereby lose one’s good name and become the laughingstock of the realm is a course no wise or enlightened man will choose. On this very day, the four provinces of You, Bing, Qing, and Ji advance together. When this proclamation reaches Jing Province, let its present troops be mustered at once and combine their strength and prestige with the Army That Establishes Loyalty. Let every province and commandery marshal its righteous troops, spread them along the borders, raise its martial power, display its might, and join in restoring the Altars of Soil and Grain. Thus shall extraordinary achievement be made manifest.

Whoever takes Cao Cao’s head shall be enfeoffed as marquis over five thousand households and rewarded with fifty million cash. No inquiries shall be made into the past of any subordinate commander, lieutenant, officer, or clerk who surrenders. Let grace and good faith be proclaimed abroad; let tallies of reward be distributed and displayed; and let all beneath Heaven be informed that the sacred court suffers the hardship of coercion and captivity. Obey this as law and command!

Yuan Shao was delighted when he read the proclamation. He immediately ordered messengers to circulate it throughout the provinces and commanderies and to post copies at every pass, ferry, and strategic defile. The proclamation eventually reached the imperial capital of Xu. At the time, Cao Cao was suffering from a violent headache and lay ill in bed. His attendants brought the proclamation in and handed it to him. When Cao Cao read it, his hair stood on end, and a cold sweat broke over his entire body. Before he knew it, his headache had completely vanished. He sprang up from the bed and turned to Cao Hong. “Who wrote this proclamation?” Cao Hong replied, “I hear it came from Chen Lin’s brush.” Cao Cao laughed. “Those skilled in letters must also have military strategy to support them. Chen Lin’s literary talent may be excellent, but what can it avail against Yuan Shao’s lack of military judgment?” He then assembled his advisers to discuss how to meet the enemy.

When Kong Rong heard of this, he came to see Cao Cao and said, “Yuan Shao’s power is great. You must not fight him; you can only make peace.” Xun Yu said, “Yuan Shao is a useless man. Why should we even discuss peace?” Kong Rong replied, “Yuan Shao’s territory is extensive and his people strong. Among his subordinates, Xu You, Guo Tu, Shen Pei, and Feng Ji are all men of wisdom and strategy; Tian Feng and Ju Shou are both loyal ministers; Yan Liang and Wen Chou are the bravest men in the entire army; and the others, such as Gao Lan, Zhang He, and Chunyu Qiong, are all celebrated generals of the age. How can you call Yuan Shao useless?” Xun Yu laughed. “Yuan Shao has many soldiers, but they lack order. Tian Feng is inflexible and offends his superiors; Xu You is greedy and unwise; Shen Pei is domineering and without foresight; Feng Ji is impetuous and incapable. These men cannot tolerate one another and will certainly provoke internal disorder. Yan Liang and Wen Chou possess only the courage of common fighting men and may be captured in a single battle. The rest are a mediocre rabble. Even if Yuan Shao had a million of them, what would they be worth mentioning?”

Kong Rong fell silent. Cao Cao laughed heartily. “None of them lies beyond Xun Wenruo’s calculations.” He summoned Liu Dai of the vanguard and Wang Zhong of the rear army, gave them fifty thousand troops, and ordered them to display the Chancellor’s banners and march against Liu Bei in Xu Province. Liu Dai had formerly been Inspector of Yan Province. When Cao Cao took Yan Province, Liu Dai submitted to him, and Cao Cao employed him as a subordinate general. For this reason he now ordered Liu Dai and Wang Zhong to lead the army together. Cao Cao himself led a great army of two hundred thousand toward Liyang to resist Yuan Shao. Cheng Yu said, “I fear Liu Dai and Wang Zhong are not equal to the task.” Cao Cao replied, “I too know they are no match for Liu Bei. For now, they need only make an empty show of power.” He instructed them, “Do not advance recklessly. Wait until I have defeated Yuan Shao; then I shall marshal the army and destroy Liu Bei.” Liu Dai and Wang Zhong departed with their troops. Cao Cao personally led his army to Liyang. The two armies, eighty li apart, each dug deep ditches and raised high ramparts, facing one another without battle. They remained so from the eighth month until the tenth. Xu You disliked Shen Pei’s command of the army, while Ju Shou resented Yuan Shao for rejecting his advice. The officers were at odds and made no plans to advance. Yuan Shao was beset with suspicions and had no thought of marching forward. Cao Cao therefore summoned Zang Ba, one of Lü Bu’s surrendered generals, and ordered him to guard Qing and Xu provinces. Yu Jin and Li Dian were stationed with troops along the river, while Cao Ren was placed in overall command of the great army encamped at Guandu. Cao Cao himself took one force and returned directly to the capital of Xu.

Meanwhile, Liu Dai and Wang Zhong led their fifty thousand troops to a point one hundred li from Xu Province and established a camp. In the center of the army they displayed Cao Cao’s banners as a bluff, but dared not advance, merely awaiting news from north of the Yellow River. Liu Bei, for his part, did not know whether Cao Cao’s show of strength was real or false and dared not move rashly; he too only sought news from the north. Suddenly Cao Cao sent a messenger urging Liu Dai and Wang Zhong to engage in battle. The two conferred in their camp. Liu Dai said, “The Chancellor is pressing us to attack the city. You go first.” Wang Zhong replied, “The Chancellor appointed you before me.” Liu Dai said, “I am the chief commander. How can I go first?” Wang Zhong said, “Then you and I will lead the army together.” Liu Dai replied, “Let us draw lots. Whoever draws the marked lot must go.” Wang Zhong drew the character “first” and had no choice but to take half the troops and march against Xu Province.

When Liu Bei learned that the army was approaching, he summoned Chen Deng and consulted him. “Though Yuan Benchu has encamped at Liyang, his advisers are at odds, and he has not yet advanced. No one knows where Cao Cao is. We hear that no banners bearing Cao Cao’s name appear in the army at Liyang; why, then, are his banners displayed here?” Chen Deng replied, “Cao Cao has endless cunning schemes. He must consider the lands north of the Yellow River his chief concern and be supervising operations there in person. He has deliberately refrained from displaying his banners there while making an empty show of force here. In my judgment, Cao Cao is certainly not with this army.” Liu Bei asked, “Which of my two brothers can discover the truth?” Zhang Fei said, “I am willing to go.” Liu Bei replied, “You are too hot-tempered and violent. You may not go.” Zhang Fei said, “Even if Cao Cao is there, I’ll bring him back alive!” Guan Yu said, “Let me go and observe their movements.” Liu Bei replied, “If Yunzhang goes, I shall have no anxiety.”

Guan Yu accordingly led three thousand men and horses out of Xu Province. It was early winter; dark clouds had massed across the sky, and snowflakes whirled in confusion. The troops drew up their battle formation beneath the falling snow. Guan Yu galloped out with his sword in hand and loudly called for Wang Zhong to parley. Wang Zhong rode out and said, “The Chancellor has come in person. Why have you not surrendered?” Guan Yu replied, “Ask the Chancellor to come out before the lines. I have something to say to him.” Wang Zhong said, “Would the Chancellor deign to meet you so lightly?” Guan Yu flew into a rage and spurred forward. Wang Zhong leveled his spear and came to meet him. As their horses crossed, Guan Yu wheeled his mount and fled. Wang Zhong pursued him around the slope of a hill. Guan Yu suddenly turned his horse, gave a great shout, and swung his sword straight at him. Wang Zhong could not ward off the blow and just managed to spur away in flight. Guan Yu shifted his precious sword, holding it reversed in his left hand, and with his right seized Wang Zhong by the cord fastening his armor. He dragged him from the saddle, laid him crosswise over his own horse, and returned to his lines. Wang Zhong’s soldiers scattered in every direction.

Guan Yu escorted Wang Zhong back to Xu Province and brought him before Liu Bei. Liu Bei demanded, “Who are you, and what office do you presently hold? How dare you falsely claim that Chancellor Cao is here?” Wang Zhong replied, “How would I dare practice such deceit? I was ordered to make an empty show of power and act as a decoy force. The Chancellor is not actually here.” Liu Bei ordered that he be given clothing, wine, and food, then temporarily placed under guard. “Wait until we have captured Liu Dai; then we shall consider what to do.” Guan Yu said, “I knew that Elder Brother intended to seek a reconciliation, and so I captured him alive and brought him back.” Liu Bei replied, “I feared Yide would be too hot-tempered and violent and kill Wang Zhong, which is why I would not let him go. Nothing is gained by killing men of this sort. If we spare him, he may serve as a means of reconciliation.”

Zhang Fei said, “Second Brother captured Wang Zhong. I’ll go and bring Liu Dai back alive!” Liu Bei replied, “Liu Dai was formerly Inspector of Yan Province and, during the campaign against Dong Zhuo at Hulao Pass, was one of the feudal lords commanding an independent force. Today he commands the vanguard. You must not take him lightly.” Zhang Fei said, “What are men like him worth mentioning? I’ll simply capture him alive, just as Second Brother did!” Liu Bei replied, “I fear only that you will take his life and ruin my greater purpose.” Zhang Fei said, “If I kill him, I’ll repay you with my own life!” Liu Bei therefore gave him three thousand troops, and Zhang Fei led them forward.

Now when Liu Dai learned that Wang Zhong had been captured, he held his camp firmly and refused to come out. Every day Zhang Fei rode before the stockade and shouted abuse. When Liu Dai learned that it was Zhang Fei, he grew still more afraid to emerge. After waiting several days and seeing that Liu Dai would not come out, Zhang Fei devised a plan. He issued orders to raid the enemy camp at the second watch that night. During the day, however, he sat drinking in his tent and pretended to be drunk. Finding fault with one of his soldiers, he had the man soundly beaten and bound in the camp, saying, “When I send out the troops tonight, bring him forward as a sacrifice to the banner!” Secretly, however, he ordered his attendants to let the man escape. Once free, the soldier slipped out of camp and went straight to Liu Dai’s lines, where he reported the plan to raid the stockade. Seeing that the deserter had suffered serious wounds, Liu Dai believed his story. He left his camp empty as a decoy and concealed troops outside it.

That night Zhang Fei divided his soldiers into three bodies. He ordered more than thirty men in the center to raid the camp and set it on fire, while the two other forces were to circle behind the enemy stockade and, when they saw the flames rise, attack from both sides. At the second watch, Zhang Fei personally led his picked troops forward and first cut off Liu Dai’s line of retreat. The thirty-odd men in the center rushed into the camp and started fires. Just as Liu Dai’s concealed troops were about to charge in, Zhang Fei’s two flanking forces emerged together. Liu Dai’s army fell into confusion. Not knowing how many troops Zhang Fei had, the men broke ranks and scattered. Liu Dai led a remnant of his force away in desperate flight, only to run straight into Zhang Fei. Meeting on a narrow road, he had no time to avoid him. Their horses had crossed only once when Zhang Fei captured Liu Dai alive. All the remaining troops surrendered.

Zhang Fei sent a man ahead to report the victory in Xu Province. When Liu Bei heard the news, he said to Guan Yu, “Yide has always been rough and impetuous, yet now he too has used strategy. I need worry no longer.” He then went outside the city walls in person to welcome him. Zhang Fei said, “Elder Brother called me hot-tempered and violent. What do you say today?” Liu Bei replied, “If I had not provoked you with those words, how would you have been willing to employ a stratagem?” Zhang Fei laughed heartily. When Liu Bei saw Liu Dai being led forward in bonds, he hurriedly dismounted and untied him, saying, “My younger brother Zhang Fei has rashly offended you. I beg you to forgive him.” He then escorted Liu Dai into Xu Province, released Wang Zhong, and entertained them both with courtesy. Liu Bei said, “Previously, Che Zhou sought to kill me, and so I had no choice but to put him to death. The Chancellor mistakenly suspected me of rebellion and sent you two generals to call me to account. I have received great favor from the Chancellor and have been thinking only of how to repay his kindness. How would I dare rebel? When you return to the capital of Xu, I hope you will speak kindly and explain my case on my behalf. I would count it a great blessing.” Liu Dai and Wang Zhong replied, “We are deeply grateful that you have spared our lives. We shall do all we can for you before the Chancellor, and we pledge the lives of both our families as a guarantee for you.”

Liu Bei thanked them. The next day he restored all their original troops and horses and escorted them beyond the city walls. Liu Dai and Wang Zhong had gone little more than ten li when a drum suddenly sounded and Zhang Fei barred their way, roaring, “My elder brother has no sense at all! Once he had captured these enemy generals, why did he let them go again?” Liu Dai and Wang Zhong trembled in their saddles. Eyes glaring, Zhang Fei leveled his spear and galloped toward them. Behind him, another man came racing on horseback and cried, “Do not be rude!” They looked and saw it was Guan Yu; only then did Liu Dai and Wang Zhong breathe easily. Guan Yu said, “Since Elder Brother has released them, how can you refuse to obey his command?” Zhang Fei replied, “If we let them go this time, they’ll only come back again.” Guan Yu said, “If they come again, it will not be too late to kill them then.” Liu Dai and Wang Zhong repeatedly begged leave to depart, saying, “Even if the Chancellor exterminates our three clans, we will never come back. We beg the general’s mercy.” Zhang Fei said, “Even if Cao Cao himself came, I would slaughter his army until not one scrap of armor returned! For this time, I’ll merely keep those two heads on account!” Clutching their heads, Liu Dai and Wang Zhong scurried away like frightened rats. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei returned to Liu Bei and said, “Cao Cao is certain to come again.” Sun Qian said to Liu Bei, “Xu Province lies open to enemy attack and cannot be occupied for long. It would be better to divide the army, station forces at Xiaopei, and guard the city of Xiapi, forming mutually supporting horns against Cao Cao.” Liu Bei followed his advice. He ordered Guan Yu to guard Xiapi, where Ladies Gan and Mi were also lodged. Lady Gan was a native of Xiaopei, while Lady Mi was Mi Zhu’s younger sister. Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, and Mi Fang were left to defend Xu Province, while Liu Bei and Zhang Fei took station at Xiaopei.

Liu Dai and Wang Zhong returned to Cao Cao and gave him a full account, declaring that Liu Bei had not rebelled. Cao Cao cursed them in anger: “You have disgraced the state! What use is there in keeping you?” He shouted for his attendants to drag them out and behead them. Thus it was:How can dogs and swine contend with tigers?Fish and shrimp strive vainly against dragons.Whether the two men lived or died will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Yuan Shao and Cao Cao Each Muster Three Armies; Guan Yu and Zhang Fei Capture Two Generals

Now Chen Deng offered Liu Bei a plan: “The man Cao Cao fears is Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao sits like a tiger over the commanderies of Ji, Qing, You, and Bing, with a million armored troops and a great many civil and military officers. Why not write him a letter and send someone to ask for help?” Liu Bei said, “Yuan Shao and I have never had dealings, and I have just defeated his younger brother. How could he be willing to help me?” Chen Deng said, “There is a man here whose family has been friendly with Yuan Shao’s for three generations. If we can get a letter from him delivered to Yuan Shao, Yuan Shao will certainly come to our aid.” Liu Bei asked who it was. Chen Deng said, “This is someone to whom you have always humbled yourself and shown the utmost respect. How could you have forgotten him?” Liu Bei suddenly realized and said, “Can you mean Master Zheng Kangcheng?” Chen Deng laughed. “Exactly.”

Zheng Kangcheng’s given name was Xuan. He was devoted to learning and possessed many talents, and had once studied under Ma Rong. Whenever Ma Rong lectured, he would set up a crimson curtain, gather his students in front of it, and place singers and courtesans behind it, with maidservants arrayed on either side. Zheng Xuan listened to his lectures for three years without once glancing aside, and Ma Rong considered him extraordinary. When Zheng Xuan completed his studies and returned home, Ma Rong sighed and said, “The only man who has grasped the secrets of my learning is Zheng Xuan!” All the maidservants in Zheng Xuan’s household understood the Mao Commentary on the Book of Songs. Once, a maid offended Zheng Xuan, and he ordered her to kneel for a long time before the steps. Another maid teasingly quoted to her, “What are you doing there in the mud?” The kneeling maid at once replied, “I merely went to make complaint, and met with his anger.” Such was the cultivated elegance of his household. During Emperor Huan’s reign, Zheng Xuan rose to the office of Imperial Secretary. Later, because of the disorder caused by the Ten Regular Attendants, he resigned his office and returned to the countryside, settling in Xu Province. When Liu Bei had lived in Zhuo Commandery, he had already studied under Zheng Xuan. After becoming Governor of Xu Province, he often visited Zheng Xuan’s home to seek instruction and treated him with exceptional respect.

Now that Liu Bei had thought of this man, he was overjoyed. He went in person with Chen Deng to Zheng Xuan’s home and asked him to write the letter. Zheng Xuan readily agreed, wrote a letter, and gave it to Liu Bei. Liu Bei then sent Sun Qian to carry it through the night and deliver it to Yuan Shao. After reading it, Yuan Shao thought to himself, “Liu Bei attacked and destroyed my younger brother, so I should not help him. But out of respect for Imperial Secretary Zheng’s request, I cannot refuse to go to his aid.” He therefore assembled his civil and military officers to discuss raising an army against Cao Cao.

The adviser Tian Feng said, “Armies have been raised year after year. The people are exhausted, and the granaries hold no reserves. We must not raise another great army. We should first send someone to report our victories to the Son of Heaven. If the messenger is denied passage, we can then submit a memorial declaring that Cao Cao has blocked our road to the Emperor. After that, we may bring up our troops and station them at Liyang, increase the number of boats and oars in Henei, repair and prepare our weapons, and send elite forces in separate detachments to garrison the frontier. Within three years, the great enterprise can be settled.” The adviser Shen Pei said, “Not so. With my lord’s divine martial prowess and the power of all the lands north of the Yellow River under your control, raising an army against the traitor Cao would be as easy as turning over your hand. Why delay for months and years?” The adviser Ju Shou said, “The means of securing victory do not depend on raw strength. Cao Cao’s laws and commands are firmly enforced, and his soldiers are highly trained. He is not like Gongsun Zan, who sat passively and let himself be trapped. If we abandon this excellent plan of reporting our victories and instead raise an army without just cause, I humbly believe my lord should reject such a course.” The adviser Guo Tu said, “That is wrong. If we send troops against Cao Cao, how can it be said that we lack just cause? My lord should seize the opportunity and settle the great enterprise quickly. I urge you to follow Imperial Secretary Zheng’s advice, join Liu Bei in upholding righteousness, and exterminate the traitor Cao. Above, this will accord with Heaven’s will; below, it will accord with the people’s wishes. It would truly be a great blessing!”

The four men argued without reaching a decision, and Yuan Shao hesitated, unable to decide. Suddenly, Xu You and Xun Chen entered from outside. Yuan Shao said, “These two men possess considerable insight. Let us hear what they recommend.” After the two had saluted, Yuan Shao said, “Imperial Secretary Zheng has sent a letter asking me to raise troops, assist Liu Bei, and attack Cao Cao. Should I raise the army, or should I not?” The two replied in unison, “My lord can use superior numbers to overcome the few and strength to attack weakness. You will punish a traitor to the Han and support the imperial house. You should raise the army.” Yuan Shao said, “Your opinion agrees perfectly with my own.” He then discussed the mobilization of his forces. First, he ordered Sun Qian to return and report to Zheng Xuan, while arranging for Liu Bei to prepare to support him. At the same time, he appointed Shen Pei and Feng Ji to command the army, Tian Feng, Xun Chen, and Xu You as advisers, and Yan Liang and Wen Chou as generals. He raised 150,000 cavalry and 150,000 infantry—a total of 300,000 elite troops—and advanced toward Liyang.

When all assignments had been made, Guo Tu stepped forward and said, “Since my lord is launching a great campaign against Cao Cao, we must enumerate Cao Cao’s crimes and circulate a proclamation through every commandery, formally declaring his guilt and calling for his punishment. Only then will our cause be just and our words proper.” Yuan Shao agreed and ordered his secretary, Chen Lin, to draft the proclamation. Chen Lin’s style name was Kongzhang, and he had long been renowned for his literary talent. During Emperor Ling’s reign, he had served as a registrar. When He Jin refused to heed his remonstrance, and Dong Zhuo’s subsequent rebellion threw the realm into disorder, Chen Lin fled to Ji Province, where Yuan Shao employed him as a secretary. He was now ordered to draft the proclamation, and as soon as he took up his brush, he completed it. It read:It is said that an enlightened ruler anticipates danger in order to control change, while a loyal minister considers adversity in order to establish the proper course. Thus, only when there are extraordinary men can there be extraordinary deeds, and only when there are extraordinary deeds can extraordinary achievements be established. What is extraordinary is certainly not something ordinary men can conceive.

In former times, when the mighty Qin had a weak ruler, Zhao Gao seized power, monopolized authority at court, and dispensed both favor and punishment according to his own will. Men of the time were coerced and intimidated, and none dared speak frankly. In the end came the disaster at Wangyi Palace: the imperial ancestral line was burned away and destroyed, leaving a disgrace that endures to this day as an eternal warning to the world. Later, in Empress Lü’s final years, Lü Chan and Lü Lu monopolized the government. Within the capital they controlled the Northern and Southern Armies, while outside it they held command in Liang and Zhao. They arbitrarily decided all affairs of state and settled matters within the palace precincts. Inferiors oppressed their superiors, proper order was overturned, and all within the seas were appalled. Then the Marquis of Jiang and the Prince of Zhuxu displayed their might and righteous anger, annihilated the violent rebels, and placed Emperor Taizong upon the throne. Thus the kingly way flourished, and its radiance shone gloriously. This is a clear example of how great ministers establish proper authority.

As for Excellency of Works Cao Cao: his grandfather was Cao Teng, a Regular Palace Attendant, who joined Zuo Guan and Xu Huang in acting like evil monsters. Gluttonous, rapacious, and lawless, they corrupted public morality and oppressed the people. His father, Cao Song, was a beggar’s foster child who purchased false rank with bribes. He carried gold and transported jade to the doors of the powerful, stole his way into one of the highest offices of state, and endangered the weighty institutions of the realm. Cao Cao, the vile descendant of a eunuch, has never possessed any noble virtue. Frivolous, cunning, fierce, and overbearing, he delights in disorder and takes pleasure in calamity.

This headquarters once commanded its soaring armies and swept away vicious rebels. Then Dong Zhuo appeared, usurping office and ravaging the state. Thereupon I raised my sword, beat the war drums, issued commands throughout the eastern lands, gathered heroes from everywhere, overlooked their past faults, and employed them according to their abilities. Thus I consulted and planned together with Cao Cao and granted him a subordinate command, believing that his talents were those of a hunting hawk or hound and that he could be trusted as a claw and fang. But he proved foolish and frivolous, with limited strategy, quick to advance and quick to retreat. He suffered wounds, defeats, and humiliations, and repeatedly lost his troops. Each time, this headquarters divided off more troops, assigned him elite soldiers, repaired his losses, and restored his formations. I memorialized the court to appoint him Administrator of Dong Commandery and acting Inspector of Yan Province. I clothed him in the tiger-patterned insignia of military authority and helped establish his prestige and power, hoping to receive in return such service as the army of Qin once rendered with a single victory. Yet Cao Cao used these resources to become arrogant and defiant. He gave free rein to wickedness and treachery, fleeced the common people, and slaughtered the worthy and harmed the good.

The late Bian Rang, Administrator of Jiujiang, was an outstanding and heroic talent renowned throughout the realm. He spoke frankly with a righteous bearing and never stooped to flattery in debate. Yet Cao Cao had his severed head exposed in public, while his wife and children were exterminated and reduced to ashes. From that time onward, the community of scholars was filled with grief and indignation, and the people’s resentment grew ever deeper. When one man raised his arm, the whole province answered with a single voice. Thus Cao Cao was personally defeated in Xu Province, and Lü Bu seized his territory. He wandered helplessly along the eastern frontier, with nowhere to set foot or establish himself. This headquarters, mindful of the principle of strengthening the trunk while weakening the branches, and unwilling to join the faction of rebels, once again raised its banners, donned armor, and launched a sweeping campaign. When our gongs and drums thundered, Lü Bu’s forces fled in defeat. We rescued Cao Cao from mortal danger and restored him to his position as a regional governor. Thus this headquarters may have bestowed no particular favor upon the people of Yan Province, but it rendered Cao Cao an immense service.

Later, when the imperial carriage turned back toward the capital, bands of traitors threw the government into disorder. At the time, Ji Province faced an emergency on its northern frontier, and I had no leisure to leave my post. I therefore sent Xu Xun, a Gentleman of the Household attached to my staff, to dispatch Cao Cao with orders to repair the suburban altars and ancestral temples and assist in guarding the young sovereign. Cao Cao then gave free rein to his ambitions. He arbitrarily coerced the Emperor into moving the capital and placed himself in control of the palace precincts. He demeaned and insulted the imperial house, ruined the laws, and threw discipline into confusion. Seated above the Three Offices, he monopolized the court government. Noble titles and rewards were granted at his whim, while punishments and executions followed a word from his mouth. Those he favored brought glory to five branches of their clans; those he hated saw three generations of their families exterminated. Those who spoke openly were publicly executed, and those who criticized him in private suffered secret murder. The hundred officials keep their mouths shut, and people on the roads communicate only with their eyes. The Imperial Secretaries merely record the court assemblies, while the dukes and ministers do nothing but fill the ranks of office.

The late Grand Commandant Yang Biao successively administered two of the Three Excellencies’ offices and attained the highest rank in the state. Because of a petty personal grudge, Cao Cao falsely accused him of crimes. He had him beaten with rods and subjected to every form of torture; all five poisons were inflicted upon him. Cao Cao followed his own vicious impulses without regard for the laws of the realm. Zhao Yan, a Gentleman Consultant, was another loyal remonstrant who spoke frankly. His arguments were righteous and worthy of acceptance, so the sacred court listened patiently, altered its expression, and bestowed honors upon him. Yet Cao Cao, wishing to obscure the wisdom of the age and block the road of honest speech, arrested Zhao Yan on his own authority and immediately put him to death without awaiting a report or imperial response. Moreover, Emperor Xiao of Liang was the full brother of an earlier emperor’s mother, and his tomb was honored and illustrious. Even the mulberry and catalpa trees of his native land, and the pines and cypresses around his grave, deserved reverence. Yet Cao Cao led his officers, officials, and soldiers there in person to excavate the tomb. They broke open the coffin, exposed the corpse, and plundered its gold and treasures. To this day the sacred court sheds tears, while scholars and commoners grieve!

Cao Cao has even established the special offices of General of the Household Who Opens Graves and Commandant Who Searches for Gold. Wherever they pass, they break into tombs and leave no bones unexposed. Though he himself occupies the rank of one of the Three Excellencies, he behaves like a common thief, defiling the state, harming the people, and spreading poison among both the living and the dead! In addition, his petty administration is cruel and harsh, with prohibitions and restrictions imposed one upon another. Nets and snares fill every path, while pits and traps block every road. Raise a hand and it catches in a net; move a foot and it triggers a trap. Thus the people of Yan and Yu Provinces have no means of livelihood, while sighs of resentment fill the imperial capital. Search through all the written records of history: among lawless ministers, none has surpassed Cao Cao in greed, cruelty, savagery, and violence!

This headquarters was occupied with investigating traitors abroad and had not yet had time to discipline its own forces. I continued to tolerate Cao Cao, hoping matters might still be repaired. But Cao Cao possesses the wild heart of a jackal and wolf and secretly harbors calamitous schemes. He seeks to break the pillars of state and leave the Han imperial house isolated and weak. He would exterminate the loyal and upright and make himself sole master as a ruthless warlord. In the past, when I beat the drums and marched north against Gongsun Zan, that fierce and rebellious enemy resisted our siege for a year. Seeing that he had not yet been defeated, Cao Cao secretly exchanged letters and messages with him, outwardly claiming to support the imperial army while inwardly planning to take us by surprise. His messenger was exposed, however, and Gongsun Zan was also beheaded and exterminated. Cao Cao was therefore forced to draw in his claws, and his scheme failed.

Now Cao Cao has occupied the granaries at Ao and relies upon the Yellow River as a barrier, hoping to use a mantis’s ax to resist the path of a mighty chariot. This headquarters reverently bears the majestic power of the Han and can break enemy assaults throughout the realm. We have a million long halberds and a thousand squadrons of valiant cavalry. We will unleash warriors as mighty as Zhonghuang, Xia Yu, and Wu Huo and display the power of our fine bows and strong crossbows. The forces of Bing Province will cross the Taihang Mountains; those of Qing Province will cross the Ji and Ta Rivers. The main army will sail across the Yellow River to confront him from the front, while the forces of Jing Province will descend through Wan and Ye to strike him from the rear. Advancing with the crash of thunder and the stride of tigers, all will rush upon the enemy’s court at once. It will be like applying blazing fire to drifting tumbleweed or overturning the vast sea upon glowing charcoal. What could possibly escape destruction? Moreover, among Cao Cao’s officers and soldiers, all those capable of fighting come from You and Ji Provinces or belonged to my former camps and units. They all resent their long absence, yearn to return home, and gaze northward with tears streaming down their faces. The remaining men of Yan and Yu Provinces are survivors of Lü Bu’s and Zhang Yang’s forces. Defeated, coerced, and threatened, they have merely submitted for the moment. Each has suffered wounds and losses, and every man regards Cao Cao as his enemy. If we turn our banners and march back south, climb a high ridge, beat the drums, sound the pipes, and wave a white standard to open a road for surrender, his forces will certainly collapse like earth and shatter like tiles, without waiting for our blades to draw blood. At present, the Han imperial house is declining, and the bonds of government have slackened and broken. The sacred court lacks even a single man to support it, and its chief ministers possess no power to resist aggression. Within the imperial domain, all trained and capable ministers hang their heads and fold their wings, with no one upon whom they can rely. Even if there are loyal and righteous officials, they are threatened by cruel and violent ministers; how can they display their integrity? Cao Cao also keeps seven hundred elite soldiers from his personal command surrounding and guarding the imperial palace. Outwardly, he claims they are the palace guard; in truth, they hold the Emperor captive. I fear that the first signs of his usurpation and rebellion will arise from this. This is the hour when loyal ministers must spill their brains upon the ground, and the opportunity for men of valor to establish merit. How can you fail to exert yourselves?

Cao Cao also falsifies imperial orders, assumes sovereign authority, and sends envoys to levy troops. I fear that distant provinces and commanderies may mistakenly heed him and supply those troops. To go against the people, join a rebellion, ruin one’s reputation, and become the laughingstock of the realm is not a course that wise and discerning men will choose. As of this day, You, Bing, Qing, and Ji Provinces are all advancing together. When this proclamation reaches Jing Province, it must immediately mobilize its present troops and coordinate its operations with the Jianzhong Army. Let every province and commandery marshal its righteous soldiers, spread them in a net across its borders, raise its weapons, and display its might. If all join in restoring the altars of the state, extraordinary achievement will thereby be made manifest.

Whoever takes Cao Cao’s head will be enfeoffed as a marquis over five thousand households and rewarded with fifty million coins. Subordinate commanders, officers, and officials of Cao Cao’s forces who surrender will not be questioned about their past conduct. Proclaim our grace and good faith widely, publish and circulate the warrants of reward, and announce throughout the realm that all may know the sacred court is suffering coercion and confinement. Obey this as law and command!

Yuan Shao was delighted when he read the proclamation. He immediately ordered messengers to circulate it throughout every province and commandery and post it at all passes, ferries, and strategic defiles. When the proclamation reached the capital at Xu, Cao Cao was suffering from a severe headache and lay ill in bed. His attendants brought the proclamation in to him. When Cao Cao read it, his hair stood on end, and a cold sweat broke out all over his body. His headache suddenly vanished, and he sprang out of bed. Turning to Cao Hong, he asked, “Who wrote this proclamation?” Cao Hong replied, “I have heard it came from Chen Lin’s brush.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “Literary ability must be supported by military strategy. Chen Lin’s literary work may be excellent, but what can it do about Yuan Shao’s lack of military skill?” He then assembled his advisers to discuss how to meet the enemy.

When Kong Rong heard about this, he came to see Cao Cao and said, “Yuan Shao’s power is great. You must not fight him; you can only make peace.” Xun Yu said, “Yuan Shao is a useless man. Why even discuss peace?” Kong Rong said, “Yuan Shao’s territory is extensive and his people are strong. Among his subordinates, Xu You, Guo Tu, Shen Pei, and Feng Ji are all men of intelligence and strategy; Tian Feng and Ju Shou are both loyal ministers; Yan Liang and Wen Chou are braver than anyone in his entire army; and the others, including Gao Lan, Zhang He, and Chunyu Qiong, are all famous generals of the age. How can you call Yuan Shao a useless man?” Xun Yu laughed and said, “Yuan Shao has many soldiers, but they lack discipline. Tian Feng is rigid and offends his superiors; Xu You is greedy and unwise; Shen Pei is opinionated and lacks strategy; Feng Ji is decisive but useless. These men cannot tolerate one another and will inevitably cause internal disorder. Yan Liang and Wen Chou possess only the courage of common fighting men and can be captured in a single battle. The rest are a mediocre rabble. Even if there were a million of them, why would they be worth mentioning?”

Kong Rong fell silent. Cao Cao laughed loudly and said, “None of them lie beyond Xun Wenruo’s calculations.” He summoned Liu Dai, commander of the vanguard, and Wang Zhong, commander of the rear, and ordered them to lead fifty thousand troops under the Prime Minister’s banners to Xu Province and attack Liu Bei. Liu Dai had formerly been Inspector of Yan Province. When Cao Cao took Yan Province, Liu Dai surrendered to him, and Cao Cao employed him as a subordinate general. That was why he was now assigned to command troops together with Wang Zhong. Cao Cao himself led a great army of two hundred thousand toward Liyang to resist Yuan Shao. Cheng Yu said, “I fear Liu Dai and Wang Zhong are not equal to the task.” Cao Cao said, “I also know they are no match for Liu Bei. For the moment, they are only to make an empty show of force.” He gave them orders: “Do not advance rashly. Wait until I have defeated Yuan Shao; then I will bring the army against Liu Bei.” Liu Dai and Wang Zhong departed with their forces. Cao Cao personally led his army to Liyang. The two armies were eighty li apart, each digging deep moats and raising high ramparts, and they faced one another without fighting. They remained there from the eighth month until the tenth. As it happened, Xu You resented Shen Pei’s command of the army, while Ju Shou hated Yuan Shao for rejecting his advice. The officers were at odds with one another and made no effort to advance. Yuan Shao was filled with doubts and did not consider moving forward. Cao Cao therefore ordered Zang Ba, a surrendered general formerly under Lü Bu, to guard Qing and Xu Provinces; Yu Jin and Li Dian to station troops along the Yellow River; and Cao Ren to command the main army and encamp at Guandu. Cao Cao himself led one force straight back to the capital at Xu.

Meanwhile, Liu Dai and Wang Zhong led their fifty thousand troops to a point one hundred li from Xu Province and made camp. They displayed Prime Minister Cao’s banners at the center of the army as an empty show but did not dare advance, merely waiting for news from north of the Yellow River. Liu Bei, for his part, did not know whether Cao Cao’s strength was real or feigned, so he also dared not move without due consideration and merely awaited news from the north. Suddenly, Cao Cao sent a messenger ordering Liu Dai and Wang Zhong to engage the enemy. The two discussed matters in their camp. Liu Dai said, “The Prime Minister is pressing us to attack the city. You can go first.” Wang Zhong said, “The Prime Minister assigned you first.” Liu Dai said, “I am the chief commander. How can I go first?” Wang Zhong said, “Then you and I will lead the troops together.” Liu Dai said, “You and I will draw lots. Whoever draws the marked lot will go.” Wang Zhong drew the character “first” and had no choice but to divide off half the army and march to attack Xu Province.

When Liu Bei learned that troops were approaching, he called Chen Deng to consult with him. “Although Yuan Benchu has stationed his forces at Liyang,” he said, “his advisers are at odds, and he has not yet advanced. We do not know where Cao Cao is. I have heard there are no banners bearing Cao Cao’s name in the army at Liyang, so why are his banners here instead?” Chen Deng said, “Cao Cao has endless cunning schemes. He must consider the lands north of the Yellow River his highest priority and be supervising operations there in person, but has deliberately refrained from displaying his banners there while making an empty show of force here. In my opinion, Cao Cao is certainly not here.” Liu Bei said, “Which of my two brothers can investigate whether their strength is real or feigned?” Zhang Fei said, “I am willing to go.” Liu Bei said, “You are impatient and violent. You must not go.” Zhang Fei said, “Even if Cao Cao is there, I will capture him and bring him back!” Guan Yu said, “Let me go and observe their movements.” Liu Bei said, “If Guan Yu goes, I will have no concerns.”

Guan Yu therefore led three thousand troops out of Xu Province. It was early winter. Dark clouds covered the sky, and snowflakes whirled through the air as both armies formed their lines beneath the falling snow. Guan Yu galloped out with his saber in hand and loudly challenged Wang Zhong to speak with him. Wang Zhong rode out and said, “The Prime Minister has come here. Why have you not surrendered?” Guan Yu said, “Ask the Prime Minister to come before the lines. I have something to say to him.” Wang Zhong said, “How could the Prime Minister agree to meet you so lightly?” Guan Yu flew into a rage and charged forward. Wang Zhong raised his spear to meet him. As their horses crossed, Guan Yu wheeled his horse and fled. Wang Zhong pursued him around a hillside. Guan Yu turned his horse, gave a great shout, and swung his saber straight at him. Wang Zhong could not stop the blow and barely managed to spur his horse away. Guan Yu held his precious saber backward in his left hand, seized Wang Zhong by the cord fastening his armor with his right, and dragged him out of the saddle. He laid Wang Zhong crosswise over his horse and returned to his own lines. Wang Zhong’s troops scattered and fled in all directions.

Guan Yu escorted Wang Zhong back to Xu Province to see Liu Bei. Liu Bei asked, “Who are you, and what position do you currently hold? How dare you falsely claim that Prime Minister Cao is here?” Wang Zhong said, “How would I dare make such a false claim? I was ordered to make an empty show of force and serve as a decoy. The Prime Minister is not actually here.” Liu Bei ordered that he be given clothing, wine, and food and held temporarily under guard. They would discuss matters further after Liu Dai had also been captured. Guan Yu said, “I knew that Elder Brother wished to leave room for reconciliation, so I captured him alive and brought him back.” Liu Bei said, “I feared that Zhang Fei would act violently and kill Wang Zhong, which is why I did not let him go. There is no benefit in killing men like this. Keeping him alive may provide a basis for reconciliation.”

Zhang Fei said, “Second Brother captured Wang Zhong. I will go and capture Liu Dai alive!” Liu Bei said, “Liu Dai was formerly Inspector of Yan Province, and when the lords campaigned against Dong Zhuo at Hulao Pass, he was himself one of the regional lords. Today he commands the vanguard. You must not underestimate him.” Zhang Fei said, “What are men like him worth mentioning? I will do as Second Brother did and capture him alive!” Liu Bei said, “I only fear you will take his life and ruin my larger plans.” Zhang Fei said, “If I kill him, I will repay him with my own life!” Liu Bei then gave him three thousand troops, and Zhang Fei led them forward.

When Liu Dai learned that Wang Zhong had been captured, he held his camp firmly and refused to come out. Every day Zhang Fei hurled abuse before the camp. When Liu Dai learned it was Zhang Fei, he became even less willing to emerge. After waiting several days without seeing Liu Dai come out, Zhang Fei devised a plan. He passed down orders to raid the camp at the second watch that night. During the day, however, he sat drinking in his tent and pretended to be drunk. He found fault with a soldier, had him severely beaten, then bound him inside the camp and said, “When I send out the troops tonight, I will bring you along as a sacrifice to the banner!” He then secretly ordered his attendants to let the man escape. Once free, the soldier slipped out of the camp, went straight to Liu Dai’s camp, and reported the planned raid. Seeing that the deserter had suffered serious wounds, Liu Dai believed his story. He left behind an empty camp as a decoy and concealed his troops outside it.

That night, however, Zhang Fei divided his forces into three columns. He ordered just over thirty men in the center to raid the camp and set it on fire, while the two other columns were to circle around behind the enemy camp and attack from both sides when they saw the flames rise as the signal. At the second watch, Zhang Fei personally led his elite troops to cut off Liu Dai’s retreat. The thirty-odd men in the center charged into the camp and set it ablaze. Just as Liu Dai’s concealed troops were preparing to rush in, Zhang Fei’s two columns attacked together. Liu Dai’s army fell into confusion. Not knowing how many troops Zhang Fei had, the soldiers broke and scattered in all directions. Liu Dai led a band of surviving troops in a desperate flight, only to run directly into Zhang Fei. Meeting on a narrow road, he had no time to avoid him. Their horses crossed only once before Zhang Fei captured him alive. All the remaining troops surrendered.

Zhang Fei sent a man ahead to report the news in Xu Province. When Liu Bei heard it, he said to Guan Yu, “Zhang Fei has always been rough and reckless, but now he can use strategy as well. I need no longer worry.” He then personally went outside the city to welcome him. Zhang Fei said, “Elder Brother called me impatient and violent. What do you say now?” Liu Bei said, “If I had not provoked you with those words, how could I have made you employ a stratagem?” Zhang Fei laughed loudly. When Liu Bei saw Liu Dai being brought forward in bonds, he hurriedly dismounted and untied him, saying, “My younger brother Zhang Fei has mistakenly treated you with disrespect. I beg your forgiveness.” He then welcomed Liu Dai into Xu Province, released Wang Zhong, and entertained them together. Liu Bei said, “Previously, Che Zhou intended to kill me, so I had no choice but to kill him. The Prime Minister has wrongly suspected me of rebellion and sent you two generals here to call me to account. I have received great favor from the Prime Minister and have been thinking only of how to repay him through loyal service. How would I dare rebel? When you two generals reach the capital at Xu, I hope you will speak well of me and explain my case. I would be most grateful.” Liu Dai and Wang Zhong said, “We are deeply indebted to you, Governor, for sparing our lives. We will do what we can for you before the Prime Minister and will pledge the lives of both our families as assurance for you.”

Liu Bei thanked them. The next day, he returned all the troops they had originally commanded and escorted them outside the city. Liu Dai and Wang Zhong had traveled no more than ten li when a drum sounded and Zhang Fei blocked their road, shouting, “My elder brother has no sense at all! After capturing enemy generals, why did he release them again?” Liu Dai and Wang Zhong trembled on their horses with fright. Zhang Fei glared, leveled his spear, and charged toward them. A man behind him came galloping up and shouted, “Do not be rude!” They looked and saw it was Guan Yu. Only then did Liu Dai and Wang Zhong feel relieved. Guan Yu said, “Since Elder Brother released them, how can you disobey his orders?” Zhang Fei said, “We may release them this time, but they will only come back again.” Guan Yu said, “If they come again, it will not be too late to kill them then.” Liu Dai and Wang Zhong repeatedly begged leave, saying, “Even if the Prime Minister exterminates all three generations of our clans, we will never come back. We beg the general’s mercy.” Zhang Fei said, “Even if Cao Cao himself came, I would slaughter his forces until not one piece of armor returned! For now, I will leave your two heads on account!” Liu Dai and Wang Zhong clutched their heads and scurried away like frightened rats. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei returned to Liu Bei and said, “Cao Cao will certainly come again.” Sun Qian said to Liu Bei, “Xu Province is exposed to enemy attack and cannot be occupied for long. It would be better to divide the troops, station forces at Xiaopei, and guard the city of Xiapi, forming a mutually supporting position against Cao Cao.” Liu Bei followed his advice. He ordered Guan Yu to guard Xiapi, and Lady Gan and Lady Mi were also settled there. Lady Gan was a native of Xiaopei, while Lady Mi was Mi Zhu’s younger sister. Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, and Mi Fang guarded Xu Province. Liu Bei and Zhang Fei stationed themselves at Xiaopei.

Liu Dai and Wang Zhong returned to Cao Cao and gave him a full account of how Liu Bei had not rebelled. Cao Cao angrily cursed them: “You wretches who have disgraced the state! What use is there in keeping you alive?” He shouted for his attendants to drag them out and behead them. Truly:How can dogs and swine contend with tigers?Fish and shrimp struggle vainly against dragons.What became of the two men’s lives will be explained in the following chapter.