Chapter 23

Mi Heng Strips and Reviles the Traitor; Physician Ji Is Tortured for Attempted Poisoning

Now Cao Cao intended to execute Liu Dai and Wang Zhong. Kong Rong remonstrated: “Those two were never a match for Liu Bei. If you behead them, I fear you will lose the hearts of your officers and men.” Cao Cao therefore spared their lives but stripped them of rank and emolument, and prepared to lead an army in person against Xuande. Kong Rong said, “It is now the depth of winter and bitterly cold; the army should not yet be moved. It will not be too late to wait until next spring. You may first send men to secure the submission of Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao, and afterward make further plans against Xuzhou.” Cao Cao approved his counsel and first dispatched Liu Ye to persuade Zhang Xiu. When Liu Ye reached Xiangcheng, he called first upon Jia Xu and discoursed on Lord Cao’s abundant virtue. Jia Xu then kept Liu Ye as a guest in his home.

The next day Jia Xu went to see Zhang Xiu and told him that Lord Cao had sent Liu Ye to invite his submission. While they were discussing the matter, word suddenly came that an envoy from Yuan Shao had arrived. Zhang Xiu ordered him admitted. The envoy presented a letter, and when Zhang Xiu read it, he found that it likewise invited him to submit. Jia Xu asked the envoy, “You recently raised an army to defeat Cao Cao. How went the victory or defeat?” The envoy replied, “In these cold winter months we have suspended operations for the time being. Now, because the general and Liu Biao of Jingzhou both possess the bearing of distinguished men of the realm, I have come to invite you to join us.” Jia Xu laughed aloud. “You may return to Benchu and tell him: ‘You cannot even tolerate your own brother—how can you tolerate the distinguished men of the realm?’” Before the envoy’s face he tore the letter to pieces and angrily drove him out. Zhang Xiu said, “At present Yuan Shao is strong and Cao Cao weak. Now that you have torn up his letter and reviled his envoy, what shall we do if Yuan Shao comes against us?” Jia Xu replied, “Nothing would be better than to go over to Cao Cao.” Zhang Xiu said, “I have an old feud with Cao Cao. How could he ever tolerate me?” Jia Xu replied, “There are three advantages in following Cao Cao. Lord Cao obeys the Son of Heaven’s explicit decrees and wages campaigns throughout the empire: this is the first reason to follow him. Yuan Shao is powerful and flourishing; if our small force joined him, he would certainly attach no importance to us. Cao Cao, though weak, would certainly rejoice to gain us: this is the second reason to follow him. Lord Cao possesses the ambition of a king and hegemon; he will surely set aside private resentment to display his virtue throughout the four seas: this is the third reason to follow him. I beg you, General, to harbor no doubts.”

Zhang Xiu followed his counsel and invited Liu Ye to meet him. Liu Ye lavishly praised Cao Cao’s virtue, adding, “If the Prime Minister remembered former grudges, how could he have been willing to send me here to establish friendship with you, General?” Zhang Xiu was overjoyed and at once went with Jia Xu and the others to the capital, Xudu, to surrender. When Zhang Xiu saw Cao Cao, he bowed at the foot of the steps. Cao Cao hastened to raise him and, taking his hand, said, “There was a trifling misunderstanding; do not keep it in your heart.” He then enfeoffed Zhang Xiu as General Who Exalts Martial Might and appointed Jia Xu Bearer of the Gilded Mace. Cao Cao immediately ordered Zhang Xiu to write a letter inviting Liu Biao to submit. Jia Xu advised, “Liu Jingsheng delights in forming ties with celebrated men. We must send a scholar of literary renown to persuade him before he can be induced to submit.” Cao Cao asked Xun You, “Who can go?” Xun You replied, “Kong Wenju is equal to the task.”

Cao Cao agreed. Xun You went out and said to Kong Rong, “The Prime Minister wishes to find a man of literary renown to serve as his emissary. Can you undertake this mission?” Kong Rong replied, “My friend Mi Heng, whose style is Zhengping, is ten times as talented as I. Such a man should remain at the Emperor’s side, not merely serve as an emissary. I shall recommend him to the Son of Heaven.” Thereupon he submitted a memorial to the Emperor. It read:

Your servant has heard that when the deluge spread unchecked, the sovereign sought men to bring it under control; he searched far and wide throughout the four quarters to summon the worthy and gifted. In former times, when Emperor Shizong inherited the imperial succession and sought to enlarge the foundations of his enterprise, he consulted all concerning those who might gloriously discharge the work, and throngs of worthy men came in answer. Your Majesty, sagacious and holy, has inherited the imperial foundations, but has encountered a calamitous destiny. Laboring humbly until the sun declines, you have caused the sacred mountains to send down their spirits, and extraordinary men have arisen together. Your servant has observed the private scholar Mi Heng of Pingyuan, aged twenty-four, whose style is Zhengping. His nature is gentle, upright, and brilliant, and his outstanding talent towers above the common run. He has but newly entered the realm of letters, yet already has ascended the hall and glimpsed its inner mysteries. Whatever his eyes see but once, his mouth can recite; whatever his ears hear but briefly, his heart never forgets. His nature accords with the Way, and his thoughts seem divinely inspired. Sang Hongyang’s secret calculations and Zhang Anshi’s silent memory, if measured against Mi Heng, are truly nothing remarkable. Loyal, resolute, upright, and honest, he cherishes aspirations pure as frost and snow. He starts with delight at the sight of goodness and hates evil as he would a mortal enemy. Ren Zuo’s lofty conduct and Shi Yu’s stern integrity could scarcely surpass his own. A hundred birds of prey are not worth a single osprey. If Mi Heng were established at court, there would assuredly be much in him worthy of admiration. His soaring argument and coursing eloquence overflow in a surging torrent; he can resolve doubts and untie perplexities, and before any adversary his powers are more than sufficient.

In former times Jia Yi sought to be tested in the vassal states and planned the capture of the Shanyu; Zhong Jun wished to use a long cord to bind the mighty Yue. Their ardor before reaching manhood was praised by earlier ages. More recently, Lu Cui and Yan Xiang, likewise men of uncommon talent, were promoted and appointed gentlemen of the imperial secretariat. Mi Heng deserves to be ranked beside them. Like a dragon leaping upon the thoroughfare of heaven, he would beat his wings amid the River of Clouds, make his voice heard within the Purple Tenuity, and shed a radiance like the rainbow. He would suffice to display the multitude of worthy men in the inner offices and enhance the august dignity of the four gates. Amid the vast music of the Celestial Court there must be spectacles of rare magnificence; within the imperial house and royal abode there must be treasured objects of extraordinary worth. Men of Mi Heng’s kind cannot often be found. The songs “Stirring Chu” and “Yang’e,” in their consummate beauty, are coveted by masters of music; Flying Hare and Yaoniao, fleet-footed and unbridled, are urgently sought by Wang Liang and Bo Le. How could your humble servants dare not make this known? Your Majesty is earnest and circumspect in selecting men, and surely requires a trial of their abilities. I beg that Mi Heng be summoned in his plain cloth robe and granted an audience. If nothing admirable is found in him, then let your servants incur the guilt of having deceived Your Majesty to your face.

The Emperor read the memorial and handed it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao accordingly sent a man to summon Mi Heng. When the formal courtesies were concluded, Cao Cao did not invite him to sit. Mi Heng looked up to heaven and sighed, “Though heaven and earth are vast, how is it that they contain not a single man?” Cao Cao said, “I have several dozen men under my command, all heroes of the present age. How can you say there is no one?” Mi Heng said, “I should like to hear of them.” Cao Cao replied, “Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, and Cheng Yu possess subtle stratagems and far-reaching wisdom; even Xiao He and Chen Ping could not surpass them. Zhang Liao, Xu Chu, Yue Jin, and Li Dian possess irresistible valor; even Cen Peng and Ma Wu could not surpass them. Lü Qian and Man Chong serve as my administrative officers; Yu Jin and Xu Huang are my vanguard. Xiahou Dun is a prodigious talent under heaven, and Cao Zixiao a fortunate general without equal in the world. How can you say there is no one?” Mi Heng laughed. “Your words are mistaken, sir. I know all these persons thoroughly. Xun Yu may be sent to condole with the bereaved and inquire after the sick; Xun You may be sent to inspect graves and guard tombs; Cheng Yu may be set to closing gates and barring doors; Guo Jia may be employed to read declarations and recite rhapsodies; Zhang Liao may be set to beating drums and sounding gongs; Xu Chu may be employed to herd cattle and graze horses; Yue Jin may fetch legal depositions and read edicts; Li Dian may carry letters and deliver proclamations; Lü Qian may sharpen knives and cast swords; Man Chong may drink wine and eat the lees; Yu Jin may carry planks and build walls; Xu Huang may slaughter pigs and butcher dogs. Xiahou Dun may be styled the ‘Whole-Bodied General,’ and Cao Zixiao the ‘Money-Grubbing Governor.’ All the rest are nothing but clothes racks and rice sacks, wine vats and meat bags!” Cao Cao angrily demanded, “And what abilities have you?” Mi Heng replied, “There is nothing in astronomy or geography I do not comprehend, nothing in the Three Teachings or Nine Schools I do not understand. Above, I can enable my sovereign to become a Yao or a Shun; below, my virtue may be matched with that of Confucius and Yan Hui. How could I discuss such matters with vulgar fellows?” At that time only Zhang Liao stood beside Cao Cao, and he drew his sword, intending to kill Mi Heng. Cao Cao said, “I happen to lack a drummer. At morning and evening court ceremonies, felicitations, banquets, and feasts, Mi Heng may fill that post.” Mi Heng did not decline, but assented at once and departed. Zhang Liao said, “This man speaks with outrageous insolence. Why not kill him?” Cao Cao replied, “This man has long possessed an empty reputation known both near and far. If I killed him today, the world would certainly say that I cannot tolerate men of talent. He imagines himself capable, so I have made him a drummer to humiliate him.”

The next day Cao Cao held a great banquet for his guests in the government hall and ordered the drummer to beat the drum. An old functionary said, “To beat the drum, you must change into fresh garments.” Mi Heng entered in his old clothes and performed “The Three Beats of Yuyang.” The phrasing and rhythm were wondrously fine, and the deep, resonant notes rang like metal and stone. All the seated guests who heard it were stirred to passionate emotion and shed tears. Cao Cao’s attendants shouted, “Why do you not change your clothes?” Before them all, Mi Heng stripped off his old, tattered garments and stood naked, his whole body exposed. All the guests covered their faces. Mi Heng then slowly put on his trousers, his expression unchanged.

Cao Cao rebuked him: “In this hall of state, how dare you behave with such gross discourtesy?” Mi Heng replied, “To deceive the sovereign and defy one’s superiors—that is what may be called discourtesy. I have merely exposed the form given me by my father and mother, thereby revealing the purity of my body!” Cao Cao said, “If you are pure, then who is foul?” Mi Heng replied, “You cannot distinguish the worthy from the foolish: your eyes are foul. You do not read the Odes and Documents: your mouth is foul. You refuse loyal remonstrance: your ears are foul. You comprehend neither antiquity nor the present: your body is foul. You cannot tolerate the feudal lords: your belly is foul. You constantly harbor usurpation and treason: your heart is foul! I am a renowned scholar of the empire, yet you employ me as a drummer. It is as though Yang Huo slighted Confucius or Zang Cang slandered Mencius! You aspire to the enterprise of a king and hegemon, yet treat men with such contempt?”

Kong Rong was then among the company. Fearing Cao Cao would kill Mi Heng, he calmly advanced and said, “Mi Heng’s offense is like that of the fettered criminal; it is not enough to mar the dream of an enlightened king.” Pointing at Mi Heng, Cao Cao said, “I order you to go as envoy to Jingzhou. If Liu Biao comes and submits, I shall appoint you one of the highest ministers.” Mi Heng refused to go. Cao Cao provided three horses and ordered two men to support and escort him on his way. He then instructed all the civil and military officers under him to prepare wine outside the eastern gate and see Mi Heng off. Xun Yu said, “When Mi Heng arrives, no one is to rise.” Mi Heng came, dismounted, and entered to meet them, but all remained sitting upright. Mi Heng burst into loud weeping. Xun Yu asked, “Why are you crying?” Mi Heng replied, “How could I not weep while walking among coffins filled with the dead?” They all said, “If we are corpses, then you are a mad ghost without a head!” Mi Heng replied, “I am a minister of the Han dynasty and will not join the faction of Cao the Deceiver. How could I be without a head?” The company wished to kill him, but Xun Yu hastily stopped them, saying, “Why stain a blade with such a petty rat or sparrow?” Mi Heng said, “Though I am a rat or sparrow, I still possess human nature. You men can only be called dung beetles!” The company dispersed in hatred.

Mi Heng reached Jingzhou and was received by Liu Biao. Though his words ostensibly praised Liu Biao’s virtue, they were in truth all mockery and satire. Liu Biao was displeased and ordered him to go to Jiangxia to see Huang Zu. Someone asked Liu Biao, “Mi Heng mocked you, my lord. Why did you not kill him?” Liu Biao replied, “Mi Heng repeatedly insulted Cao Cao. Cao Cao did not kill him because he feared losing public esteem. Therefore, he sent Mi Heng to me as an envoy, hoping to borrow my hand to kill him and make me bear the infamy of harming a worthy man. I have now sent him to see Huang Zu, so that Cao Cao may know I possess discernment.” Everyone applauded his decision.

At this time an envoy from Yuan Shao also arrived. Liu Biao asked his advisers, “Yuan Benchu has sent another envoy, while Cao Mengde has dispatched Mi Heng here. Which side would it be more advantageous to follow?” Han Song, an Attendant Officer and General of the Household, stepped forward and said, “The two heroes are now locked in strife. If you wish to accomplish great things, General, you may take advantage of this moment to defeat the enemy. If not, then you should choose the better of the two and follow him. Cao Cao is now highly skilled in the use of arms, and worthy and gifted men flock to him. By the force of events, he will surely defeat Yuan Shao first and then turn his army toward the lands east of the river. I fear you will be unable to resist him, General. It would be better to offer Jingzhou and attach yourself to Cao Cao; he will certainly treat you with great honor.” Liu Biao said, “Go first to Xudu and observe the situation there. We shall deliberate again afterward.” Han Song said, “Sovereign and minister each has his fixed allegiance. I now serve you, General, and though ordered to plunge into boiling water or tread upon fire, I would obey your every command. If you can show obedience above to the Son of Heaven and below follow Lord Cao, then you may send me. But if you remain hesitant and undecided, and after I reach the capital the Son of Heaven grants me an office, then I shall become the Son of Heaven’s minister and will no longer be able to die for you, General.” Liu Biao said, “Go first and observe matters. I have another purpose in mind.”

Han Song took leave of Liu Biao and went to Xudu to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao appointed him Palace Attendant, concurrently Governor of Lingling. Xun Yu said, “Han Song came merely to observe the situation and has yet to render the slightest service, but you have conferred this important office upon him. Meanwhile there has been no word of Mi Heng; though the Prime Minister sent him, you make no inquiry. Why is this?” Cao Cao replied, “Mi Heng insulted me beyond endurance, so I borrowed Liu Biao’s hand to kill him. Why should I inquire further?” He then sent Han Song back to Jingzhou to persuade Liu Biao. On his return, Han Song praised the court’s abundant virtue and urged Liu Biao to send his son to serve at court. Liu Biao was furious. “Do you harbor divided loyalties?” he cried, and intended to behead him. Han Song shouted, “You have betrayed me, General; I have not betrayed you!” Kuai Liang said, “Before Han Song departed, he clearly gave warning of this.” Liu Biao thereupon pardoned him.

Then a man reported that Huang Zu had beheaded Mi Heng, and Liu Biao asked the reason. The man replied, “Huang Zu and Mi Heng were drinking together, and both became drunk. Huang Zu asked Mi Heng, ‘What men of distinction are there in Xudu?’ Mi Heng replied, ‘The elder is Kong Wenju, and the younger Yang Dezu. Apart from those two, there is no one of distinction.’ Huang Zu asked, ‘How do I compare with them?’ Mi Heng replied, ‘You resemble a god in a temple: though you receive sacrifices, regrettably you display no miraculous power!’ Huang Zu flew into a rage. ‘Do you take me for an idol of clay and wood?’ he cried, and beheaded him. Mi Heng continued reviling him without cease until the moment of death.” When Liu Biao heard that Mi Heng was dead, he too sighed and lamented without end, and ordered him buried beside Parrot Islet. A later poet lamented:

Huang Zu had no worthy elder’s grace;Mi Heng lost his head beside this stream.Today, when travelers pass by Parrot Islet,Only the heartless azure waters flow.

Now when Cao Cao learned that Mi Heng had been killed, he laughed and said, “The pedant’s tongue was a sword, yet in the end it killed its owner!” When Liu Biao failed to come and submit, Cao Cao wished to raise an army to call him to account. Xun Yu remonstrated: “Yuan Shao has not yet been pacified, nor Liu Bei destroyed, yet you wish to wage war along the Yangzi and Han. This is like neglecting the heart and belly to attend to the hands and feet. First destroy Yuan Shao, and afterward destroy Liu Bei; then the Yangzi and Han regions may be swept clean and pacified in a single stroke.” Cao Cao followed his counsel.

Now since Liu Xuande’s departure, Dong Cheng had deliberated day and night with Wang Zifu and the others, but could devise no plan. On New Year’s Day in the fifth year of Jian’an, when he attended the court felicitations, he saw that Cao Cao had grown still more arrogant and overbearing. Indignation and grief made him ill. When the Emperor learned that his imperial kinsman was sick, he ordered a court physician to go and treat him. This physician was a native of Luoyang, surnamed Ji, personal name Tai, and style Chengping. Everyone called him Ji Ping, and he was a celebrated physician of the time. Ji Ping went to Dong Cheng’s residence and treated him with medicines, remaining at his side morning and evening. He often saw Dong Cheng heaving long and troubled sighs but did not dare question him.

When the Lantern Festival arrived, Ji Ping took his leave, but Dong Cheng detained him, and the two drank together. After the first night watch, Dong Cheng grew weary and fell asleep in his clothes. Suddenly it was announced that Wang Zifu and three others had arrived. Dong Cheng went out to welcome them and led them inside. Wang Zifu said, “The great affair may now succeed!” Dong Cheng said, “I should like to hear your plan.” Wang Zifu replied, “Liu Biao has allied himself with Yuan Shao. Together they have raised five hundred thousand troops, divided them into ten columns, and are coming to attack. Ma Teng has joined with Han Sui and raised seven hundred and twenty thousand troops from Xiliang, who are advancing from the north. Cao Cao has mobilized every soldier in Xuchang and sent them by separate routes to meet the enemy, leaving the city empty. If our five households gather their servants, we can muster more than a thousand men. Tonight a great banquet is being held in his residence to celebrate the Lantern Festival. We should surround the mansion, burst in, and kill him. We must not let this opportunity escape!”

Dong Cheng was overjoyed. He immediately summoned his household slaves and ordered each to prepare weapons. He himself donned armor, seized his spear, and mounted his horse, arranging for them all to assemble before the inner gate and advance together. At the second watch, all the troops arrived. Sword in hand, Dong Cheng went straight in on foot and saw Cao Cao holding a banquet in the rear hall. He shouted, “Cao Cao, traitor, do not flee!” He hewed at him with his sword, and Cao Cao fell beneath the stroke. In an instant Dong Cheng awoke and discovered that it had been nothing but a dream of Nanke; yet he was still cursing the traitor Cao Cao without cease. Ji Ping stepped forward and cried, “Do you wish to harm Lord Cao?” Dong Cheng was so frightened he could not answer. Ji Ping said, “Do not be alarmed, Imperial Kinsman. Though I am a physician, I have never forgotten the Han. For days I have seen you sighing in sorrow, but dared not question you. The words you spoke just now in your dream have revealed your true feelings. I beg you not to conceal them from me. If there is any use to which I may be put, I shall feel no regret even if all nine degrees of my kin are exterminated.” Dong Cheng covered his face and wept. “I fear only that your heart is not sincere!”

Ji Ping thereupon bit off one of his fingers as a pledge. Dong Cheng then brought out the Girdle Edict and had Ji Ping read it. He said, “The reason our present design has failed is that Liu Xuande and Ma Teng have each departed, leaving us no means to act. My anguish over this has made me ill.” Ji Ping said, “You gentlemen need trouble yourselves no further. The traitor Cao Cao’s life lies wholly in my hands.” Dong Cheng asked him why. Ji Ping replied, “Cao Cao often suffers from pains in the head that pierce to the very marrow. Whenever an attack comes upon him, he summons me to treat him. If he calls me at any time, morning or evening, a single dose of poison will certainly kill him. What need is there to raise sword or spear?” Dong Cheng said, “If this can be done, then the salvation of the Han dynasty and its sacred altars will rest wholly upon you!”

Ji Ping then took his leave and returned home. Dong Cheng, secretly delighted, walked into the rear hall and suddenly saw his household slave Qin Qingtong speaking privately in a dark corner with Yunying, one of Dong Cheng’s concubines. Dong Cheng flew into a rage and ordered his attendants to seize them, intending to put them to death. His wife persuaded him to spare their lives. Each was given forty strokes across the back, and Qingtong was chained in a cold room. Nursing his hatred, Qingtong twisted apart his iron fetters in the dead of night, leaped over the wall, and went straight to Cao Cao’s residence, saying that he had a secret matter to report. Cao Cao summoned him into a private chamber and questioned him. Qingtong said, “Wang Zifu, Wu Zilan, Zhong Ji, Wu Shuo, and Ma Teng met in my master’s residence to discuss a secret affair. They must certainly be plotting against the Prime Minister. My master brought out a strip of white silk, but I do not know what was written upon it. Recently I also saw Ji Ping bite his finger as a pledge.”

Cao Cao concealed Qingtong in his residence. Dong Cheng merely supposed the slave had fled elsewhere and made no effort to pursue him. The next day Cao Cao feigned an attack of head pain and summoned Ji Ping to administer medicine. Ji Ping thought to himself, “The villain’s doom has come!” Concealing poison upon his person, he entered the residence. Cao Cao lay upon a couch and ordered Ji Ping to prepare the medicine. Ji Ping said, “A single dose will cure this illness.” He had a medicine pot brought and decocted the drug before Cao Cao’s eyes. When half the liquid had boiled away, Ji Ping secretly added the poison and personally presented the potion. Cao Cao knew that it was poisoned and deliberately delayed drinking it. Ji Ping said, “Drink it while it is hot. Once you have sweated a little, you will be cured.” Cao Cao sat up and said, “Since you have studied the Confucian books, you must understand rites and righteousness. ‘When a sovereign is ill and takes medicine, his minister tastes it first; when a father is ill and takes medicine, his son tastes it first.’ You are one of my trusted intimates. Why do you not taste it before offering it to me?” Ji Ping replied, “Medicine is used to cure disease. Why should another person taste it?”

Ji Ping knew that the matter had been betrayed. He sprang forward, seized Cao Cao by the ear, and tried to pour the potion down his throat. Cao Cao knocked it aside, spilling it upon the floor, where the bricks cracked and split. Before Cao Cao could speak, his attendants had already seized Ji Ping. Cao Cao said, “How could I be ill? I was only testing you! You do indeed intend to harm me!” He summoned twenty strong and sturdy jailers and had Ji Ping taken to the rear garden for interrogation. Cao Cao sat in a pavilion while Ji Ping was bound and thrown to the ground. Ji Ping’s expression remained unchanged, and he showed not the slightest fear. Cao Cao laughed and said, “You are only a physician. How would you dare poison me? Someone must have instigated you. Name that person, and I shall spare you.” Ji Ping reviled him: “You are a traitor who deceives the sovereign and defies his superiors. All beneath heaven desire to kill you. How could I alone wish it?” Cao Cao questioned and tormented him again and again. Ji Ping angrily replied, “I myself wished to kill you. Who could have sent me? Now that the deed has failed, there is nothing but death!” Cao Cao became enraged and ordered the jailers to beat him savagely. They beat him for four hours, until his skin split and his flesh tore, and blood flowed all over the steps. Cao Cao feared he might be beaten to death, leaving no one to confront the other conspirators. He ordered the jailers to drag him to a secluded place and let him recover for the time being. Then he commanded that a banquet be prepared the next day and all the chief ministers invited to drink. Dong Cheng alone pleaded illness and did not come. Wang Zifu and the others feared that Cao Cao would become suspicious, so they had no choice but to attend. Cao Cao had a feast laid in the rear hall. After several rounds of wine, he said, “There is nothing here to enliven our banquet. I have a man who can sober all you gentlemen.” He ordered the twenty jailers, “Drag him in!”

Presently Ji Ping appeared, fastened in a long cangue and dragged to the foot of the steps. Cao Cao said, “You gentlemen do not know that this man has allied himself with a wicked faction, intending to rebel against the court and murder me, Cao Cao. Today Heaven has defeated him; pray listen to his confession.” Cao Cao first ordered him beaten until he fainted upon the ground, then had water sprayed upon his face. Ji Ping revived, opened his eyes, gnashed his teeth, and cursed: “Cao Cao, traitor! If you do not kill me now, what are you waiting for?” Cao Cao said, “There were six conspirators before. With you, does that make seven?” Ji Ping merely continued his furious abuse. Wang Zifu and the other three exchanged glances, sitting as though upon mats of needles. Cao Cao ordered the jailers to beat Ji Ping and spray him with water by turns, but Ji Ping showed no desire to beg for mercy. Seeing that he would not confess, Cao Cao ordered him dragged away for the time being.

When the other officials dispersed, Cao Cao detained Wang Zifu and the other three for a night banquet. The four were frightened out of their wits but had no choice save to remain. Cao Cao said, “I had not intended to detain you, but there is a matter I must ask about. What business did you four discuss with Dong Cheng?” Wang Zifu replied, “We discussed no business.” Cao Cao asked, “What was written on the white silk?” Zifu and the others all sought to conceal the truth, whereupon Cao Cao summoned Qingtong to confront them. Zifu asked, “Where did you see any such thing?” Qingtong replied, “You dismissed everyone else and the six of you wrote together in one place. How can you deny it?” Zifu said, “This villain committed adultery with the imperial kinsman’s concubine. He was punished and now falsely accuses his master. His words must not be believed.” Cao Cao said, “If Dong Cheng did not send Ji Ping to poison me, then who did?” Zifu and the others all said they did not know. Cao Cao said, “If you confess tonight, you may yet be pardoned. But if you wait until the affair is exposed, you will truly be beyond forgiveness!”

Zifu and the others all declared that there had been no such affair. Cao Cao shouted for his attendants to seize the four and confine them. The next day he led a company straight to Dong Cheng’s residence, ostensibly to inquire after his illness. Dong Cheng had no choice but to come out and receive him. Cao Cao asked, “Why did you not attend last night’s banquet?” Dong Cheng replied, “My slight illness has not yet passed, and I dared not venture out.” Cao Cao said, “This is an illness born of anxiety for the state.” Dong Cheng stared at him in astonishment. Cao Cao asked, “Does the Imperial Kinsman know of Ji Ping’s affair?” Dong Cheng said, “I do not.” Cao Cao gave a cold laugh. “How could the Imperial Kinsman not know?” Then he called to his attendants, “Drag him in to cure the Imperial Kinsman’s illness.” Dong Cheng was left utterly at a loss.

Presently the twenty jailers thrust Ji Ping forward to the foot of the steps. Ji Ping loudly cursed, “Cao Cao, traitorous villain!” Pointing at him, Cao Cao said to Dong Cheng, “This man has implicated Wang Zifu and the other three. I have already had them arrested and delivered to the Commandant of Justice. There remains one other man who has not yet been taken.” Then he asked Ji Ping, “Who sent you to poison me? Confess at once!” Ji Ping replied, “Heaven sent me to kill a traitor!” Cao Cao furiously ordered him beaten. There was nowhere left on his body that could bear further torture. As Dong Cheng sat watching, his heart felt cut by knives. Cao Cao again asked Ji Ping, “You originally had ten fingers. Why do you now have only nine?” Ji Ping replied, “I bit one off as a pledge—a pledge to kill the traitor to the state!” Cao Cao ordered a knife brought and had the remaining nine fingers cut off there at the foot of the steps. “Now they are all cut off,” he said, “so you may make your pledge!” Ji Ping replied, “I still have a mouth with which to swallow the traitor and a tongue with which to curse him!” Cao Cao ordered that his tongue be cut out. Ji Ping said, “Stay your hands a moment. I can endure the torture no longer and must confess. Release my bonds.” Cao Cao said, “What harm can there be in releasing him?” He therefore ordered Ji Ping untied. Ji Ping rose, turned toward the imperial palace, and bowed, saying, “Your servant has failed to rid the state of its traitor. Such is Heaven’s decree!” When he had finished bowing, he dashed his head against the steps and died. Cao Cao ordered his body dismembered and the parts exposed as a warning. It was then the first month of the fifth year of Jian’an. A historian wrote:

No hope of revival stirred the Han;Yet Ji Chengping would heal the state.He swore to purge the traitorous faction,And gave his life to serve his sovereign.Under extreme torment, fiercer grew his words;In a cruel death, his spirit seemed still living.Where ten fingers streamed with blood,A thousand autumns revere his wondrous name.

When Cao Cao saw that Ji Ping was dead, he ordered his attendants to bring Qin Qingtong before him. Cao Cao said, “Does the Imperial Kinsman recognize this man?” Dong Cheng flew into a rage. “The runaway slave is here! He should be executed at once!” Cao Cao replied, “He has denounced a plot of rebellion and has come to confront you with his testimony. Who dares execute him?” Dong Cheng said, “Why does the Prime Minister heed only the one-sided testimony of a runaway slave?” Cao Cao replied, “I have already seized Wang Zifu and the others, and all have confessed and given clear evidence. Do you still deny it?” He immediately ordered his attendants to arrest Dong Cheng, then commanded his followers to go straight into Dong Cheng’s bedchamber. There they searched out the Girdle Edict and the covenant of allegiance. Cao Cao read them and laughed. “How dare these rats do such a thing!” He then commanded, “Imprison Dong Cheng’s entire household, high and low, free and bond. Do not allow a single one to escape.” Cao Cao returned to his residence and showed the edict and covenant to his advisers for deliberation, proposing to depose Emperor Xian and establish a new sovereign. Truly:

A few lines of vermilion edict turned vain hope to dust;A single covenant on paper brought calamity untold.

How Emperor Xian’s life fared will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Mi Heng Strips and Reviles the Traitor; Physician Ji Is Tortured for Attempted Poisoning

Now Cao Cao intended to execute Liu Dai and Wang Zhong. Kong Rong remonstrated, “Those two were never a match for Liu Bei. If you execute them, I fear you will lose the loyalty of your officers and soldiers.” Cao Cao therefore spared their lives, but stripped them of their ranks and stipends. He then planned to lead an army in person against Xuande. Kong Rong said, “It is now the depths of winter and bitterly cold, so the army should not yet be mobilized. It will not be too late to wait until next spring. You can first send someone to win over Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao, then make further plans against Xuzhou.” Cao Cao agreed and first sent Liu Ye to persuade Zhang Xiu. Liu Ye reached Xiangcheng and called first on Jia Xu, to whom he described Lord Cao’s great virtue. Jia Xu then kept Liu Ye as a guest in his home.

The next day, Jia Xu went to see Zhang Xiu and told him that Lord Cao had sent Liu Ye to win him over. While they were discussing the matter, a sudden report came that an envoy from Yuan Shao had arrived. Zhang Xiu ordered him admitted. The envoy presented a letter. Zhang Xiu read it and found that it, too, was intended to win him over. Jia Xu asked the envoy, “You recently raised an army to attack Cao Cao. How did the battle turn out?” The envoy replied, “Because it is the coldest part of winter, we have suspended hostilities for the time being. My lord believes that both you, General, and Liu Biao of Jingzhou possess the character of distinguished men of the realm, and so he has sent me to invite you to join him.” Jia Xu laughed loudly. “You may return to Benchu and tell him, ‘You cannot even tolerate your own brother, so how could you tolerate the distinguished men of the realm?’” Before the envoy’s face, he tore the letter to pieces and angrily dismissed him. Zhang Xiu said, “At present Yuan Shao is strong and Cao Cao is weak. Now that you have torn up his letter and berated his envoy, what are we to do if Yuan Shao comes against us?” Jia Xu said, “It would be better to join Cao Cao.” Zhang Xiu said, “I have an old feud with Cao Cao. How could he tolerate me?” Jia Xu said, “There are three advantages to joining Cao Cao. First, Lord Cao acts under the Son of Heaven’s explicit commands when he campaigns throughout the realm, so it is right to join him. Second, Yuan Shao is powerful. If we join him with our small force, he will certainly not consider us important. Though Cao Cao is weak, he will certainly be delighted to gain us, so it is right to join him. Third, Lord Cao aspires to the way of kings and hegemons. He will certainly set aside private grievances to display his virtue to all within the Four Seas, so it is right to join him. I beg you, General, to have no doubts.”

Zhang Xiu followed his advice and asked to meet Liu Ye. Liu Ye warmly praised Cao Cao’s virtue and added, “If the Prime Minister still bore a grudge over the past, how could he have been willing to send me to establish friendly relations with you, General?” Zhang Xiu was overjoyed and immediately went with Jia Xu and the others to the capital, Xu, to surrender. When Zhang Xiu met Cao Cao, he bowed below the steps. Cao Cao hurriedly helped him up, took him by the hand, and said, “Do not keep a minor past offense in your heart.” He then enfeoffed Zhang Xiu as General Who Exalts Martial Might and appointed Jia Xu Commandant of the Bearers of the Gilded Mace. Cao Cao immediately ordered Zhang Xiu to write a letter to win over Liu Biao. Jia Xu advised, “Liu Jingsheng likes to associate with famous men. We must send a man of literary reputation to persuade him before he can be induced to submit.” Cao Cao asked Xun You, “Who can go?” Xun You replied, “Kong Wenju is equal to the task.”

Cao Cao agreed. Xun You went out and said to Kong Rong, “The Prime Minister wishes to find a man of literary reputation to serve as his envoy. Can you undertake this assignment?” Kong Rong said, “My friend Mi Heng, whose courtesy name is Zhengping, is ten times as talented as I am. This man deserves to stand at the Emperor’s side; he is capable of far more than merely serving as an envoy. I shall recommend him to the Son of Heaven.” He thereupon submitted a memorial to the Emperor. It read:

Your servant has heard that when the floodwaters spread unchecked, the emperor sought men to restore order; he searched throughout the four quarters to summon the worthy and gifted. In former times, when Emperor Shizong inherited the succession and sought to enlarge the foundations of his dynasty, he consulted widely on who could gloriously discharge the affairs of government, and worthy men came flocking in response. Your Majesty, wise and sagely, has inherited the imperial foundations. Though beset by harsh fortune, you labor humbly until the sun declines. The great mountains send down divine spirits, and extraordinary men emerge together. Your servant has taken note of the independent scholar Mi Heng of Pingyuan, aged twenty-four, courtesy name Zhengping. His natural character is admirable, steadfast, and clear; his outstanding talent rises above all others. From the moment he first entered the realm of arts and letters, he ascended the hall and beheld their innermost mysteries. Whatever his eyes see once, his mouth can immediately recite; whatever his ears hear but briefly, his heart never forgets. His nature accords with the Way, and his thoughts seem divinely inspired. Sang Hongyang made calculations in secret, and Zhang Anshi remembered things without speaking, but measured against Mi Heng, there is truly nothing remarkable in them. Loyal, resolute, upright, and just, his aspirations are pure as frost and snow. When he sees goodness, he responds with awe; he hates evil as he would a mortal enemy. The lofty conduct of Ren Zuo and the stern integrity of Shi Yu could scarcely surpass his. A hundred birds of prey are not worth one osprey. If Mi Heng is given a place at court, he will certainly prove worthy of notice. His swift arguments and soaring language overflow with a surging force; when resolving doubts, untying difficulties, or facing an opponent, he has ability to spare.

In former times, Jia Yi requested a trial assignment among the dependent states so that he might devise a way to bind the Chanyu; Zhong Jun wished to use a long cord to bring mighty Yue under control. Their fervor while still in their youth was praised by former generations. More recently, Lu Cui and Yan Xiang were also promoted and appointed as court gentlemen on account of their extraordinary talents. Mi Heng deserves to be ranked with them. Like a dragon leaping along the road of heaven, spreading its wings through the River of Clouds, he would raise his voice in the Purple Tenuity and cast down a radiance like a rainbow. He would be sufficient to display the abundance of talented men in the offices nearest the throne and increase the majesty of the four gates. The grand music of the highest heaven must present marvelous splendors; the imperial house and royal residence must treasure extraordinary jewels. Men like Mi Heng cannot often be found. The songs “Stirring Chu” and “Yang’e,” supremely wondrous in form, are coveted by masters of music; Flying Hare and Yaoniao, fleet-footed steeds that race unchecked, are urgently sought by Wang Liang and Bole. How could insignificant servants such as ourselves dare not report him? Your Majesty is earnest and cautious in selecting men, and requires that they be tested. We therefore beg that Mi Heng be summoned for an audience in his commoner’s robes. If nothing worthy is found in him, then let us receive punishment for having deceived Your Majesty to your face.

The Emperor read the memorial and handed it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao then sent someone to summon Mi Heng. After the formal courtesies were completed, Cao Cao did not invite him to sit. Mi Heng looked up to heaven and sighed, “Though heaven and earth are vast, how is it that there is not a single man in them?” Cao Cao said, “I have scores of men under me, all heroes of the present age. How can you say there is no one?” Mi Heng said, “I should like to hear of them.” Cao Cao said, “Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, and Cheng Yu are profound in strategy and far-reaching in wisdom. Even Xiao He and Chen Ping could not equal them. Zhang Liao, Xu Chu, Yue Jin, and Li Dian possess irresistible courage. Even Cen Peng and Ma Wu could not equal them. Lü Qian and Man Chong serve as my administrative officers; Yu Jin and Xu Huang serve as my vanguard. Xiahou Dun is an extraordinary talent under heaven, and Cao Zixiao is a commander blessed by fortune. How can you say there is no one?” Mi Heng laughed and said, “Your words are mistaken. I know all these men thoroughly. Xun Yu could be sent to offer condolences at funerals and inquire after the sick. Xun You could be sent to tend graves and guard tombs. Cheng Yu could be sent to shut gates and lock doors. Guo Jia could be sent to recite memorials and declaim rhapsodies. Zhang Liao could be sent to beat drums and strike gongs. Xu Chu could be sent to herd cattle and pasture horses. Yue Jin could be sent to collect petitions and read edicts. Li Dian could be sent to carry letters and deliver proclamations. Lü Qian could be sent to sharpen knives and forge swords. Man Chong could be sent to drink wine and eat its dregs. Yu Jin could be sent to carry boards and build walls. Xu Huang could be sent to butcher pigs and slaughter dogs. Xiahou Dun may be called the ‘General with the Whole Body,’ and Cao Zixiao the ‘Money-Grubbing Governor.’ All the rest are nothing but clothes racks and grain sacks, wine barrels and bags of meat!” Cao Cao angrily said, “And what abilities do you possess?” Mi Heng replied, “There is nothing in astronomy or geography that I do not understand, and nothing in the Three Teachings or Nine Schools that I do not know. Above, I could help make my sovereign a Yao or Shun; below, my virtue could stand beside that of Confucius and Yan Hui. How could I discuss such matters with common fools?” At the time, only Zhang Liao was standing nearby. He drew his sword and made to kill Mi Heng. Cao Cao said, “I happen to be short of a drummer. At morning and evening court ceremonies and at banquets, Mi Heng may fill that post.” Without refusing, Mi Heng immediately answered and departed. Zhang Liao said, “This man spoke with such insolence. Why did you not kill him?” Cao Cao said, “This man has long enjoyed a hollow reputation and is known far and wide. If I killed him today, the whole world would certainly say I could not tolerate men of talent. Since he considers himself so capable, I have made him a drummer to humiliate him.”

The next day, Cao Cao held a great banquet for his guests in the government hall and ordered the drummers to play. The veteran drummers said, “Anyone who plays the drum must change into fresh clothes.” Mi Heng entered wearing his old clothes and proceeded to perform “The Three Beats of Yuyang.” The rhythm was exceptionally fine, deep and resonant with the ring of bronze and stone. None of the seated guests could listen without being deeply moved and shedding tears. The attendants shouted, “Why have you not changed your clothes?” Before everyone’s eyes, Mi Heng stripped off his old, tattered clothes and stood naked, exposing his entire body. All the seated guests covered their faces. Mi Heng then slowly put on his trousers, without the slightest change of expression.

Cao Cao rebuked him, “How can you behave so rudely in a hall of state?” Mi Heng said, “To deceive the sovereign and defy one’s superiors is what it means to be rude. I merely exposed the form given me by my parents to display the purity of my body!” Cao Cao said, “If you are pure, then who is filthy?” Mi Heng replied, “You cannot distinguish the worthy from the foolish, so your eyes are filthy. You do not read the Odes and Documents, so your mouth is filthy. You will not accept loyal advice, so your ears are filthy. You do not understand past or present, so your body is filthy. You cannot tolerate the feudal lords, so your belly is filthy. You constantly harbor thoughts of usurpation and rebellion, so your heart is filthy! I am a renowned scholar of the realm, yet you employ me as a drummer. This is like Yang Huo belittling Confucius or Zang Cang slandering Mencius! You wish to achieve the enterprise of a king and hegemon, yet you treat men with such contempt?”

Kong Rong was present and, fearing Cao Cao would kill Mi Heng, calmly stepped forward and said, “Mi Heng’s offense is like that of the convict Xu Mi and is not enough to fulfill an enlightened king’s dream.” Cao Cao pointed at Mi Heng and said, “I order you to go to Jingzhou as my envoy. If Liu Biao comes to submit, I will appoint you one of the highest ministers.” Mi Heng refused to go. Cao Cao prepared three horses and ordered two men to support and escort him on his way. He also instructed the civil and military officers under him to prepare wine outside the eastern gate and see Mi Heng off. Xun Yu said, “When Mi Heng arrives, no one is to rise.” Mi Heng came, dismounted, and entered to see them, but all remained seated upright. Mi Heng burst into loud weeping. Xun Yu asked, “Why are you crying?” Mi Heng replied, “How could I not weep when walking among coffins filled with the dead?” They all said, “We may be corpses, but you are a headless mad ghost!” Mi Heng said, “I am a minister of the Han court and will not join the faction of Cao the Deceiver. How could I be headless?” They wanted to kill him, but Xun Yu quickly stopped them, saying, “Why soil your blades with such a petty creature, no better than a mouse or sparrow?” Mi Heng said, “Though I am a mouse or sparrow, I still possess human nature. You people can only be called dung beetles!” They dispersed in anger.

Mi Heng reached Jingzhou and was received by Liu Biao. Although he praised Liu Biao’s virtue, his words were actually satirical. Liu Biao was displeased and ordered him to go to Jiangxia to see Huang Zu. Someone asked Liu Biao, “Mi Heng mocked you, my lord. Why did you not kill him?” Liu Biao said, “Mi Heng repeatedly humiliated Cao Cao, but Cao Cao did not kill him because he feared losing public esteem. He therefore sent Mi Heng to me as an envoy, hoping to borrow my hand to kill him and make me bear the reputation of one who harms the worthy. I am now sending him to see Huang Zu so that Cao Cao will know I possess discernment.” Everyone praised this as wise.

At that time an envoy from Yuan Shao also arrived. Liu Biao asked his advisers, “Yuan Benchu has sent another envoy, while Cao Mengde has dispatched Mi Heng here. Which side would it be more advantageous to follow?” Han Song, an Administrative Gentleman-General, stepped forward and said, “The two heroes are now locked in contention. If you wish to accomplish something, General, you can take this opportunity to defeat the enemy. If not, you must choose the better man and follow him. Cao Cao is skilled in the use of troops, and many worthy and talented men have joined him. He is certain first to defeat Yuan Shao and then turn his army toward the lands east of the Yangtze. I fear you will be unable to resist him. It would be better to offer Jingzhou to Cao Cao and join him. Cao Cao will certainly treat you with great honor.” Liu Biao said, “Go to the capital, Xu, observe the situation there, and then we will discuss the matter further.” Han Song said, “The roles of ruler and subject must be clearly settled. I now serve you, General, and would pass through boiling water or tread upon fire entirely at your command. If you can obey the Son of Heaven above and follow Lord Cao below, then you may send me. But if you remain undecided and uncertain, once I reach the capital and the Son of Heaven grants me an official post, I will become a minister of the Son of Heaven and will no longer be able to die for you, General.” Liu Biao said, “Go there first and observe. I have another plan of my own.”

Han Song took leave of Liu Biao and went to the capital, Xu, to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao immediately appointed him Palace Attendant with the additional post of Governor of Lingling. Xun Yu said, “Han Song came merely to observe the situation and has not yet rendered the slightest service, yet you have bestowed such important offices upon him. Meanwhile, there has been no news at all from Mi Heng. Why have you sent him away without making any inquiries?” Cao Cao said, “Mi Heng insulted me too severely, so I intended to borrow Liu Biao’s hand to kill him. Why should I make further inquiries?” Cao Cao then sent Han Song back to Jingzhou to persuade Liu Biao. When Han Song returned and met Liu Biao, he praised the court’s abundant virtue and urged Liu Biao to send his son to attend the Emperor. Liu Biao became furious. “Do you harbor divided loyalties?” He intended to execute Han Song. Han Song cried loudly, “You have betrayed me, General; I have not betrayed you!” Kuai Liang said, “Before Han Song left, he warned you of this very thing.” Liu Biao therefore pardoned him.

A messenger reported that Huang Zu had executed Mi Heng, and Liu Biao asked why. The messenger replied, “Huang Zu and Mi Heng were drinking together, and both became drunk. Huang Zu asked Mi Heng, ‘What notable men are there in the capital, Xu?’ Mi Heng replied, ‘The elder one is Kong Wenju, and the younger one is Yang Dezu. Apart from those two, there are no notable men.’ Huang Zu said, ‘What do you think of someone like me?’ Mi Heng replied, ‘You are like a god in a temple. Though you receive sacrifices, unfortunately you never produce a miracle!’ Huang Zu became furious and said, ‘Do you take me for an idol of clay and wood?’ He then had Mi Heng executed. Mi Heng continued cursing without pause until the moment of his death.” When Liu Biao heard that Mi Heng was dead, he too sighed and lamented without end, and ordered that Mi Heng be buried beside Parrot Isle. A later poet mourned him:

Huang Zu lacked the worth of honored men;Mi Heng lost his head beside this stream.Today, when travelers pass by Parrot Isle,Only the heartless azure waters flow.

Now when Cao Cao learned that Mi Heng had been killed, he laughed and said, “That pedant’s sword-like tongue has killed him instead!” When Liu Biao did not come to submit, Cao Cao wanted to raise an army and punish him. Xun Yu remonstrated, “Yuan Shao has not yet been pacified, and Liu Bei has not yet been destroyed. To use troops against the Jiang and Han Rivers now would be like neglecting the heart and belly to attend to the hands and feet. First destroy Yuan Shao, then destroy Liu Bei, and the Jiang and Han regions can be swept clean and pacified in a single stroke.” Cao Cao followed his advice.

After Liu Xuande’s departure, Dong Cheng spent day and night discussing matters with Wang Zifu and the others, but they could devise no plan. In the fifth year of Jian’an, during the New Year’s Day court audience, he saw Cao Cao behaving with even greater arrogance and tyranny, and his outraged grief made him ill. When the Emperor learned that his imperial uncle had fallen sick, he ordered a court physician to go treat him. This physician was a native of Luoyang. His surname was Ji, his personal name Tai, and his courtesy name Chengping, though everyone called him Ji Ping. He was a renowned physician of the time. Ji Ping went to Dong Cheng’s residence and treated him with medicine, remaining with him from dawn until dusk. He often saw Dong Cheng heaving long and short sighs, but did not dare ask him why.

At the time of the Lantern Festival, Ji Ping prepared to leave, but Dong Cheng asked him to remain, and the two drank together. After they had drunk beyond the first night watch, Dong Cheng grew drowsy and fell asleep fully dressed. Suddenly, someone reported that Wang Zifu and three others had arrived. Dong Cheng went out to welcome them in. Wang Zifu said, “The great affair can now succeed!” Dong Cheng said, “I should like to hear how.” Wang Zifu said, “Liu Biao has allied himself with Yuan Shao and raised an army of five hundred thousand men, which is advancing in ten separate columns. Ma Teng has allied himself with Han Sui and raised seven hundred twenty thousand troops from Xiliang, who are attacking from the north. Cao Cao has mobilized all the troops of Xuchang and sent them in different directions to meet the enemy, leaving the city empty. If our five households assemble their servants, we can muster more than a thousand men. Tonight his residence is holding a great banquet to celebrate the Lantern Festival. We can surround it, storm inside, and kill him. We must not lose this opportunity!”

Dong Cheng was overjoyed. He immediately called his household servants and told each of them to prepare weapons. He himself donned armor, took up his spear, and mounted his horse. They arranged for everyone to meet before the inner gate and advance together. By the second watch of the night, all the troops had arrived. Carrying a precious sword in his hand, Dong Cheng went straight in on foot and saw Cao Cao holding a banquet in the rear hall. He shouted, “Cao Cao, traitor, do not run!” He struck with his sword, and Cao Cao fell beneath his hand. In an instant Dong Cheng awoke and realized it had been only a dream of Nanke, but he was still cursing the traitor Cao Cao. Ji Ping stepped forward and cried, “Do you wish to harm Lord Cao?” Dong Cheng was so frightened that he could not answer. Ji Ping said, “Do not panic, Imperial Uncle. Though I am a physician, I have never forgotten the Han. For days I have seen you sighing, but I did not dare ask why. What you said in your dream just now has revealed your true feelings. Please do not conceal anything from me. If there is any use you can make of me, I would have no regrets even if all nine branches of my clan were exterminated.” Dong Cheng covered his face and wept. “I only fear that you are not sincere!”

Ji Ping immediately bit off one of his fingers as an oath. Dong Cheng then brought out the girdle edict and showed it to him, saying, “Our present hopes have come to nothing because Liu Xuande and Ma Teng have both left, and we can devise no plan. My grief over this has made me ill.” Ji Ping said, “There is no need for you gentlemen to trouble yourselves. The traitor Cao Cao’s life lies entirely in my hands.” Dong Cheng asked how. Ji Ping said, “Cao Cao frequently suffers from attacks of wind in the head, with pain penetrating to the marrow of his bones. Whenever an attack occurs, he summons me to treat him. If he summons me sooner or later, I need only give him a single dose of poison, and he will certainly die. Why is there any need to raise armed men?” Dong Cheng said, “If this can be done, the salvation of the Han dynasty and its altars of soil and grain will depend entirely upon you!”

Ji Ping then took his leave and returned home. Secretly delighted, Dong Cheng walked into the rear hall and suddenly saw his household slave Qin Qingtong privately talking with his concubine Yunying in a dark corner. Dong Cheng flew into a rage and ordered his attendants to seize them, intending to kill them. His wife persuaded him to spare their lives. Each was beaten forty strokes across the back, and Qingtong was chained in a cold room. Nursing a grudge, Qingtong twisted the iron chain apart late that night, climbed over the wall, and went directly to Cao Cao’s residence, saying that he had secret information to report. Cao Cao summoned him into a private chamber and questioned him. Qingtong said, “Wang Zifu, Wu Zilan, Zhong Ji, Wu Shuo, and Ma Teng met in my master’s residence to discuss a secret affair. They must be plotting against you, Prime Minister. My master brought out a strip of white silk, but I do not know what was written on it. Recently, I also saw Ji Ping bite off his finger to swear an oath.”

Cao Cao concealed Qingtong in his residence. Dong Cheng assumed the slave had fled elsewhere and did not pursue him. The next day, Cao Cao pretended to be suffering from wind in the head and summoned Ji Ping to administer medicine. Ji Ping thought to himself, “This traitor is destined to die!” He secretly took poison with him into the residence. Cao Cao lay upon a couch and ordered Ji Ping to prepare the medicine. Ji Ping said, “One dose will cure this illness.” He called for a medicine pot and decocted the medicine before Cao Cao’s eyes. When half the liquid had boiled away, Ji Ping secretly added the poison and personally offered it to him. Cao Cao knew it was poisoned and deliberately delayed drinking it. Ji Ping said, “Drink it while it is hot. Once you perspire a little, you will recover.” Cao Cao sat up and said, “Since you have read the Confucian classics, you must understand ritual and righteousness. ‘When the ruler is ill and takes medicine, his minister first tastes it; when the father is ill and takes medicine, his son first tastes it.’ You are one of my most trusted men. Why do you not taste it first and then offer it to me?” Ji Ping said, “Medicine is used to cure illness. Why should anyone taste it?”

Ji Ping knew that the plot had been exposed. He strode forward, seized Cao Cao by the ear, and tried to pour the medicine down his throat. Cao Cao knocked it away, spilling it onto the floor, where the bricks split apart. Before Cao Cao could speak, his attendants had already seized Ji Ping. Cao Cao said, “Do you think I am truly ill? I was only testing you! You do indeed intend to harm me!” He summoned twenty strong, sturdy jailers and ordered them to take Ji Ping to the rear garden for interrogation. Cao Cao seated himself in a pavilion and had Ji Ping bound and thrown to the ground. Ji Ping’s expression did not change, and he showed not the slightest fear. Cao Cao laughed and said, “You are merely a physician. How would you dare poison me? Someone must have instigated you. Name that person, and I will spare you.” Ji Ping rebuked him: “You are a traitor who deceives the sovereign and defies his superiors. Everyone under heaven wishes to kill you. How could I be the only one?” Cao Cao questioned and tormented him repeatedly. Ji Ping angrily said, “I myself wanted to kill you. Why must someone have sent me? Now that the deed has failed, there is nothing left but death!” Cao Cao was enraged and ordered the jailers to beat him savagely. They beat him for four hours, splitting his skin and tearing his flesh until blood flowed all over the steps. Cao Cao feared that Ji Ping would be beaten to death, leaving no witness to confront the conspirators, so he ordered the jailers to drag him to a quiet place and let him recover for the time being. He then issued orders to hold a banquet the following day and invite all the high officials to drink. Only Dong Cheng stayed away on the pretext of illness. Wang Zifu and the others feared that Cao Cao would become suspicious, so they all had no choice but to attend. Cao Cao set out the banquet in the rear hall. After several rounds of wine, he said, “There is nothing here to entertain us, but I have a man who can sober all you officials.” He ordered the twenty jailers, “Drag him in!”

Before long, Ji Ping appeared, fastened in a long cangue and dragged below the steps. Cao Cao said, “You officials do not know this, but this man joined with a wicked faction, intending to rebel against the court and plot my murder. Today Heaven has defeated them. Please listen to his confession.” Cao Cao ordered the jailers to beat him first. Ji Ping fell unconscious on the ground, and they sprayed water over his face. When he revived, he opened his eyes, gnashed his teeth, and cursed, “Cao Cao, traitor! If you will not kill me, what are you waiting for?” Cao Cao said, “There were already six conspirators. Does that make seven with you?” Ji Ping merely continued cursing him. Wang Zifu and the other three exchanged glances, feeling as though they were sitting on beds of needles. Cao Cao ordered the jailers to keep beating and spraying him, but Ji Ping showed no intention of begging for mercy. When Cao Cao saw that he would not confess, he ordered him dragged away for the time being.

When the other officials left the banquet, Cao Cao detained Wang Zifu and the other three for an evening feast. The four were nearly frightened out of their wits, but had no choice except to remain. Cao Cao said, “I had not intended to detain you, but unfortunately there is something I must ask. What matter did you four discuss with Dong Cheng?” Wang Zifu said, “We did not discuss anything.” Cao Cao said, “What was written upon the white silk?” Wang Zifu and the others all tried to conceal the truth. Cao Cao summoned Qingtong to confront them. Wang Zifu asked him, “Where did you see such a thing?” Qingtong replied, “You sent everyone else away, and the six of you signed your names together. How can you deny it?” Wang Zifu said, “This scoundrel committed adultery with the imperial uncle’s concubine and was punished for it. Now he is falsely accusing his master. He must not be believed.” Cao Cao said, “If Dong Cheng did not send Ji Ping to poison me, then who did?” Wang Zifu and the others all said they did not know. Cao Cao said, “If you confess tonight, you can still be pardoned. If you wait until the affair is fully exposed, it will truly be impossible to spare you!”

Wang Zifu and the others all insisted that there was no such plot. Cao Cao angrily ordered his attendants to seize and imprison the four. The next day, he led a group of men straight to Dong Cheng’s residence on the pretext of visiting him in his illness. Dong Cheng had no choice but to come out and welcome him. Cao Cao said, “Why did you not attend last night’s banquet?” Dong Cheng said, “My slight illness has not yet passed, and I did not dare go out carelessly.” Cao Cao said, “It is merely an illness brought on by anxiety over the affairs of state.” Dong Cheng was stunned. Cao Cao said, “Do you know about Ji Ping’s affair, Imperial Uncle?” Dong Cheng said, “I do not.” Cao Cao laughed coldly. “How could you not know, Imperial Uncle?” He called to his attendants, “Bring him here to cure the imperial uncle’s illness.” Dong Cheng was utterly at a loss.

Before long, twenty jailers pushed Ji Ping below the steps. Ji Ping loudly cursed, “Cao Cao, treacherous rebel!” Pointing at him, Cao Cao said to Dong Cheng, “This man has implicated Wang Zifu and three others. I have already arrested and delivered them to the Commandant of Justice. There is still one man who has not yet been captured.” He then asked Ji Ping, “Who sent you to poison me? Confess at once!” Ji Ping said, “Heaven sent me to kill the treacherous rebel!” Cao Cao angrily ordered the jailers to beat him. There was no place left on his body that could endure further torture. Seated there and watching, Dong Cheng felt as if his heart were being cut with a knife. Cao Cao again asked Ji Ping, “You originally had ten fingers. Why do you now have only nine?” Ji Ping replied, “I bit one off to swear an oath—an oath to kill the traitor to the state!” Cao Cao ordered a knife brought and had his remaining nine fingers cut off there below the steps. “Now they are all cut off, so you can swear more oaths!” Ji Ping said, “I still have a mouth with which to devour the traitor and a tongue with which to curse him!” Cao Cao ordered his tongue cut out. Ji Ping said, “Wait. Do not act yet. I can no longer endure the torture and must confess. Untie me.” Cao Cao said, “What harm could there be in untying you?” He ordered Ji Ping’s bonds removed. Ji Ping rose, faced the imperial palace, and bowed. “Your servant has been unable to rid the state of this traitor. Such is Heaven’s decree!” When he had finished bowing, he smashed his head against the steps and died. Cao Cao ordered his limbs cut apart and publicly displayed as a warning. This was in the first month of the fifth year of Jian’an. A court historian wrote a poem:

No hope remained to raise the house of Han,Yet Chengping came to heal the stricken state.He swore an oath to purge the traitorous band,And gave his life to serve his sacred lord.The harsher the torment, the fiercer his words;Though cruelly slain, his spirit seemed alive.Where blood streamed down from all his severed fingers,Through a thousand autumns men revere his name.

When Cao Cao saw that Ji Ping was dead, he ordered his attendants to bring Qin Qingtong before him. Cao Cao said, “Do you recognize this man, Imperial Uncle?” Dong Cheng angrily said, “The runaway slave is here! He must be put to death at once!” Cao Cao said, “He reported a conspiracy to rebel and has now come to give evidence. Who dares put him to death?” Dong Cheng said, “Why does the Prime Minister listen only to the one-sided story of a runaway slave?” Cao Cao said, “I have already arrested Wang Zifu and the others. They have all confessed and provided clear evidence. Do you still deny it?” He immediately ordered his attendants to seize Dong Cheng, then commanded his followers to go straight into Dong Cheng’s bedchamber, where they searched and found the girdle edict and the written pledge of loyalty. Cao Cao read them and laughed. “How dare these rats do such a thing!” He then commanded, “Imprison Dong Cheng’s entire household, high and low, free and enslaved. Do not let a single one escape.” Cao Cao returned to his residence and showed the edict and pledge to his advisers. He then discussed deposing Emperor Xian and enthroning a new sovereign. Truly:

A few lines of vermilion edict turned all hopes to dust;One page of sworn allegiance brought calamity upon them.

What became of Emperor Xian’s life will be revealed in the next chapter.